February 6, 201511 yr MLB Network says Brandon Phillips isn't a top 10 2B Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is just the sixth-best reliever in baseball and Brandon Phillips isn't one of the top 10 second basemen in the game — at least according to MLB Network. The network debuted the latest of its "Top 10 Right Now" series on Thursday, highlighting the best players at each position in baseball. The show uses what it calls "the Shredder" as a statistical formula. Chapman finished sixth by the "Shredder," but was ranked No. 2 by analyst Dan Plesac and No. 3 by host Brian Kenny. Both human analysts had Braves closer Craig Kimbrel ranked No. 1, while the Shredder had Royals set-up man Wade Davis as No. 1. Last season, Chapman was also ranked sixth. Phillips was out of the top 10 at second base for the second straight year, as his numbers continue a downward trajectory, in part due to injuries each of the last two seasons. MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds had Phillips ranked No. 6, while Kenny didn't have him ranked. In their discussion, the two had the most spirited debate about Phillips, as Reynolds noted Phillips' RBI as the primary reason for him being in the top 10. Relief pitchers 1. Wade Davis, Royals 2. Greg Holland, Royals 3. Craig Kimbrel, Braves 4. Dellin Betances, Yankees 5. Joaquin Benoit, Padres 6. Aroldis Chapman, Reds 7. Mark Melancon, Pirates 8. Koji Uehara, Red Sox 9. Zach Britton, Orioles 10. Tony Watson, Pirates Second basemen 1. Robinson Cano, Mariners 2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 3. Ben Zobrist, A's 4. Neil Walker, Pirates 5. Ian Kinsler, Tigers 6. Jose Altuve, Astros 7. Howie Kendrick, Dodgers 8. Chase Utley, Phillies 9. Brian Dozier, Twins 10. Scooter Gennett, Brewers Last week MLB Network had Joey Votto as the No. 4 first baseman in the game and Johnny Cueto the No. 6 starting pitcher. The series wraps up next Thursday with catchers and third basemen.
February 6, 201511 yr I think Phillips will have a bounce back year... His defense is still among the best IMO...
February 6, 201511 yr Zobrist at #3 is laughable, so is Altuve at #6. No way Pedroia is #2, that ranking is all because of the name.
February 6, 201511 yr Zobrist at #3 is laughable, so is Altuve at #6. No way Pedroia is #2, that ranking is all because of the name. I assume you're saying that because Altuve should be higher? Pedroia is absolutely one of the top 2-3 2B in the game without question.
February 6, 201511 yr Just in... MLB Network's "Shredder" declares that Manny Mota was never a good pinch hitter.
February 7, 201511 yr Zobrist at #3 is laughable, so is Altuve at #6. No way Pedroia is #2, that ranking is all because of the name. I hope that is because you think Altuve should be higher. The guy hit .341 with 56 steals last season. Pedroia was injured last season but still was elite defensively and his offense at the position was still well above average. Zobrist is probably too high.
February 7, 201511 yr Just in... MLB Network's "Shredder" declares that Manny Mota was never a good pinch hitter. Punch hitting for the Mets, Manny Mota. Mota.
February 7, 201511 yr Punch hitting for the Mets, 87 year old......Manny Mota. Mota. Fixed that for you!
February 7, 201511 yr These things are pointless and stupid, but it's right. BP still can flash the leather, but he doesn't have the range anymore or pop which is what made him great. He's just average now
February 7, 201511 yr Hope BP was watching. He's the kind of guy that needs a chip on his shoulder to motivate him.
February 8, 201511 yr Zobrist at #3 is laughable, so is Altuve at #6. No way Pedroia is #2, that ranking is all because of the name. IMO, Pedroia and Altuve are easily top 3 with Cano being the clear number 1. I like Zobrist, as well. While he wasn't able to replicate 2009 last season, he was solid.
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