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. In this feature I take a look at a state that hosts two MLB teams, Ohio:

Taking a Look Back

Starting Pitcher

Derek Holland (Newark, OH)

This is a guy who has quite a bit of MLB experience, currently in his 11th season. He’s on the downside of his career with a less-than-glamorous 5.65 ERA so far this season, but the Giants still roll him out there so he’s good enough for Team OH. While he doesn’t have quite as much to offer anymore like he did about 6 years ago, his biggest strength is his experience in the league.

Catcher

Kyle Schwarber (Middletown, OH)

I know Kyle Schwarber isn’t a catcher anymore and has settled into a LF role with the Cubs, but for Team OH’s sake, he is the best option for this slim position. He was drafted as a catcher and has caught 25 games in his MLB career with the Cubs so at the very least he is capable. While his defense won’t be a strong point, his bat is capable of big things.

First Base

Derek Dietrich (Cleveland, OH)

Dietrich is a utility guy who can play pretty much anywhere. So while first base isn’t his primary position, he is more than capable of handling it. He’s actually played 15 games there this year. It’s always nice to have a utility guy on your team and Dietrich can certainly be that guy. His bat isn’t too bad either. His average is on the low side this year, but he does have 19 home runs and 43 RBI.

Second Base

Scooter Gennett (Cincinnati, OH)

The hometown kid for the Cincinnati Reds is a pretty good guy to have on this OH team. Since entering the league in 2013 he’s had a nice career with the Brewers and the Reds with a career .287 average. In the last two years he’s really went off averaging a .303 avg., 25 home runs, and 95 RBI per year. A pretty reliable guy to have on your team.

Third Base

Travis Shaw (Washington Court House, OH)

Here’s a guy that’s played four different position throughout his career (1B, 2B, 3B, and LF), but currently plays third base right now for the Brewers and that’s where this team will need him to play. Really struggling this year, Shaw has the potential to do big things at the plate. In 2017 and 2018 he hit 31 and 32 home runs, with 101 RBI in 2017. He’s only 29, so he’s got plenty of time to turn things around after a slow first half this season.

Shortstop

Josh Harrison (Cincinnati, OH)

In a wacky defensive lineup that has several guys playing out of position, here’s one more. Now, Harrison is a utility guy who can basically play anywhere (he even pitched an inning in 2013), but is best suited for 2B, 3B, or a corner outfield spot. He does have 37 games of experience at shortstop in his career and that’s enough to make him the best fit there for this team. He’s also not a bad bat to have in the lineup either when he gets to play consistently.

Left Field

Andrew Benintendi (Cincinnati, OH)

The biggest name in this lineup, Benintendi has made his name in Boston so far in his career. At just 25, he’s one of the game’s promising young talents. He’s been good for a .270-.290 avg., about 90 RBI, and 18-20 home runs each season, but he should continue to get better. Benintendi is a strong point for Team OH.

Center Field

Adam Engel (Cincinnati, OH)

Not counting Holland, Engel would be the weakest spot on this team. He hasn’t done much in three seasons with the White Sox and besides last year, isn’t an every day player. Last season playing 143 games, he hit .235 with 6 home runs and 29 RBI. His defense won’t hurt you, but his offensive production won’t be a bright spot for this team.

Right Field

Adam Eaton (Springfield, OH)

Eaton is a pretty strong option to feature for Ohio’s all-state team. He’s an eight-year veteran with a compiled .286 career batting average. He doesn’t hit for a whole lot of power, but is a reliable bat to have and has high on-base percentages. He’s also got good speed as well, which makes him a plus-defender in the outfield.

Overall

The lineup won’t blow you away by any means, but it’s definitely respectable. They have several guys that can do some damage. But “can they do enough damage?” is the question, because Derek Holland is going to give up plenty of runs, especially at this point in his career. Also the defense is questionable because several guys are playing positions they don’t play much, but had to for the sake of creating the best lineup for this team. It would be very interesting to watch this team play, to say the least.

Garett

The MLB All-Ohio Team