In this new series I am taking a look at different states around the country and putting together the best MLB-lineup of players from those states to ultimately determine which state could put up the BEST lineup. All the players I am using are ACTIVE players, so I am not considering anyone retired. I am also not selecting a bullpen, just the starting lineup. It’s time to look at the state of California, which I figured would be really good, but “WOW” is about all I can say after selecting their team.

Taking a Look Back

North Carolina

Georgia

Pennsylvania

Starting Pitcher

Trevor Bauer (North Hollywood, CA)

One of the better starting pitchers in the game, Bauer is a good bet to win a lot of games for Team CA. He’s got really good stuff, proved by the fact he’s currently third in MLB in strikeouts this season. Just like he gives the Indians the chance to win a lot of games when he’s on the mound, he would do the same for this team, however now with a star-studded lineup that should give him plenty of runs every single game.

Catcher

James McCann (Santa Barbara, CA)

The casual baseball fan might ask, “who?” but McCann is a really solid player that should be more known. He was an all-star this year, with a .316 batting average, 9 home runs, and 30 RBI so far on the season for the White Sox. In a position that’s the toughest to fill for these all-state teams, it won’t be a weak spot for California.

First Base

Freddie Freeman (Fountain Valley, CA)

One of my favorite players and perhaps the best first baseman in the game, Freddie Freeman is a very strong point for this team. He simply does it all: he puts up very good numbers at the plate every season, hitting north of .300 and drives in a lot of runs, plus is a gold glover. And as far as good clubhouse guys go, you won’t find a better one than Freddie.

Second Base

DJ LeMahieu (Visalia, CA)

I heavily considered Jeff McNeil here because he’s tearing it up this year in his first full season, hitting an astonishing .350 and getting an all-star nod. But LeMahieu has been doing it longer and is hitting an exceptional .330 this season with the Yankees and was also an all-star. The last five seasons (including this one) LeMahieu has hit .330, .276, .310, .348, and .301. So yeah, DJ deserves this spot and would be another strong asset for this team.

Third Base

Nolan Arenado (Newport Beach, CA)

This was an easy selection, even though I had to leave out Justin Turner and Matt Chapman. That’s because Arenado is the best third baseman in the game. Every single year he puts up astronomical numbers, hitting more than 40 home runs twice and at least 130 RBIs three times. He’s easily one of the best hitters in the game and is a 6-time gold glover.

Shortstop

Brandon Crawford (Mountain View, CA)

Brandon Crawford gets the nod here and even though he’s on the backside of his career, is still a very solid guy to have in the middle of the infield. He’s a three-time gold glover and has had some good offensive years. Most importantly with Crawford is that he’s a winner. Playing with the Giants for the last nine years has provided him rings and a lot of postseason success.

Left Field

Giancarlo Stanton (Panorama, CA)

Though it feels like it’s been forever since Stanton has been healthy enough to play, he’s still the best guy for the left field job. When healthy, he’s just as capable as anyone to put up major home run and RBI totals. Just two years ago he hit 59 home runs and collected 132 RBI with the Marlins, and just at 29 years old, has a lot left to contribute.

Center Field

Christian Yelich (Thousand Oaks, CA)

And here we go again with one of the best players in the game. Yelich plays right field for the Brewers, but will have to slide into the center field spot on this team, which shouldn’t be much of a problem, especially given his offensive contributions. He hit .326 last year with 36 home runs and 110 RBIs which was good enough to win the NL MVP award, but the crazy thing is he’s on track to do even better this year with 31 home runs and 67 RBI already while hitting .328.

Right Field

Aaron Judge (Linden, CA)

Capping off an incredible outfield is Aaron Judge. He was the rookie of the year two years ago and is capable of hitting as many home runs as anyone in the league. He hit 52 of them two years ago in that rookie season and had 114 RBI. He also hits for good averages too. Yet another dangerous bat to add to this lineup.

Overall

It’s safe to say that out of the four states I’ve looked at so far, California would be able to put up the best lineup. Trevor Bauer is rock solid on the mound and this lineup would give him so many runs to work with. I couldn’t imagine having to face a lineup with Yelich, Freeman, Arenado, Judge, and Stanton back-to-back-to-back. Simply put, this team is equal to an all-star team.

Garett

The MLB All-California Team