The MLB All-Florida Team

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. I have already previewed five teams (seen below), so let’s continue and see the kind of talent the sunshine state gives us.

Taking a Look Back

Starting Pitcher

Jacob deGrom (DeLand, FL)

The starting pitching spot was between deGrom and Chris Sale, and could have went either way, but I’m going with deGrom. Along with Sale, he’s one of the top three or four pitchers in the game. Last season he posted an INCREDIBLE 1.70 ERA over 212 innings on his way to the Cy Young. With Florida fortunate enough to roll out deGrom on the hill, they wouldn’t lose very many games based on that alone. But lucky for him, he’s got a lot of offense to back him up on this team.

Catcher

Jonathan Lucroy (Eustis, FL)

Lucroy doesn’t make quite the same impact as he used to, but he’s still a respectable guy to have behind the plate, especially for this all-state series where the catching position can be hard to fill. Still the Angels everyday backstop, he’s just hitting .237 with 7 home runs and 30 RBI so far this season. But he’s just three years removed from his best season where he posted a .292/24/81 line. Not bad at all.

First Base

Anthony Rizzo (Fort Lauderdale, FL)

Rizzo is a big part of the Chicago Cubs and he would be a really big part of this team as well. He’s one of the better first basemen in the game, who puts up big time numbers at the plate. He hasn’t missed out on a 100-RBI season since 2014 and is well on his way to doing it again this season. And he’s also a 2-time gold glover.

Second Base

Daniel Murphy (Jacksonville, FL)

One of the most consistent hitters in the game, Daniel Murphy can simply roll out of bed and hit. Although he’s 34 now and past his peak, he still puts up very solid numbers. He’s also transitioned to playing first base in the Rockies’ lineup, but is most experienced at second base where he played for years. Just another experienced hitter in this very good FL lineup.

Third Base

Manny Machado (Miami, FL)

This guy doesn’t need an introduction since he’s one of the premier third basemen in the game. He’s put up great numbers his entire career. You would think he’s older than he is because he’s been in the league since 2012, but he’s only 27. Don’t forget he’s already got two gold gloves under his belt too.

Shortstop

Trea Turner (Boynton Beach, FL)

Another young talent here, Turner came out of NC State several years back and has been a very good shortstop for the Nationals. He’s got so many tools that the general feeling is that he has yet to reach his potential. But at only 26 years old, he’s still getting better. Perhaps his most valuable tool is his blinding speed. One of the fastest guys in the game, Turner is likely on his way to his third consecutive season with 40+ steals.

Left Field

J.D. Martinez (Miami, FL)

Here we go again with another big-time bat. One of the best hitters in the game, Martinez puts up monster numbers at the plate. Last year’s 43 home run, 130 RBI season while batting .330 is a perfect example. While he’s been primarily a DH in Boston the last few years, he’ll have to play left field for Team FL. But he’s got plenty of experience in LF and RF over the course of his big-league career.

Center Field

Mallex Smith (Tallahassee, FL)

This isn’t the biggest name on this roster, but Smith is slowly starting to make a bigger name for himself, beginning with a very solid year last year with the Rays. He has great speed and is 2nd in the majors in stolen bases this season. He had 40 last year as well. Could you imagine the havoc that he and Turner would create on the basepaths? He can cover a lot of ground in center field as well, so for several reasons, he would be an important part to this team.

Right Field

Trey Mancini (Winter Haven, FL)

Mancini is a guy that I think is a little underappreciated. This is only his third full year in the league, but in each of those seasons he’s hit at least 24 home runs and already has 21 this season. That’s not bad at all in a less-than-stellar Orioles lineup. He’s got a career average of .272 and hit .293 two years ago. Like I said, he produces pretty well with a bad lineup around him, so in this lineup his numbers would surely go up.

Overall

This is a great team. They don’t have any weaknesses, have an exceptional lineup, and feature a top three pitcher in the game. Going back to the lineup, they have a great combination of speed and power, and will no doubt score a lot of runs. Then they have the luxury of having deGrom, who usually only needs just a run or two before he can take care of the rest. I would love to see a game between Team Florida and Team California. Easily the best two teams so far.

Garett

Garett, MLB, SportsGarettJuly 23, 2019mlb, baseball, major league baseball, all-state, team, florida, FL, state, states, united states, review, preview, debate, pitcher, jacob degrom, jonathan lucroy, anthony rizzo, daniel murphy, trea turner, Manny Machado, j.d. martinez, mallex smith, trey mancini, sportsComment