Who was the best player of the 2000s? For position players, it was a tight battle at the top, and quite a few of the players are tainted by performance-enhancing drugs. Judging that factor will take place down the road when Cooperstown comes calling. (This list does not factor in steroid use.)
To qualify, a player must have played in five seasons. On with the countdown:
1. Alex Rodriguez
Teams: Seattle Mariners (2000), Texas Rangers (2001-03), New York Yankees (2004-2009)
Position: Shortstop/third base
2000s stats: 10 seasons, .303, 435 HR, 1,243 RBI, 179 SB, .586 slugging percentage
Major awards: MVP (2003, 2005, 2007); Silver Slugger (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008); Hank Aaron Award (2001, 2002, 2003, 2007); Gold Glove (2002, 2003)
Team accomplishments: 8 playoffs, 1 pennant, 1 championship
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: Yes
Notable: Playing a premium position puts him over the top. More »
2. Albert Pujols
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (2001-09)
Position: First base
2000s stats: 9 seasons, .334, 366 HR, 1,112 RBI, .628 slugging percentage
Major awards: MVP (2005, 2008, 2009); Rookie of the Year (2001); NLCS MVP (2004); Hank Aaron Award (2003); Gold Glove (2006); Silver Slugger (2001, 2004, 2008); Roberto Clemente Award (2008).
Team accomplishments: 6 playoffs, 2 pennants, 1 championship
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: In top 10 of MVP voting in every single season of his career. More »
3. Barry Bonds
Teams: San Francisco Giants (2000-07)
Position: Outfield
2000s stats: 7 seasons, .322, 317 HR, 697 RBI, 54 SB, .724 slugging percentage
Major awards: MVP (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004); Hank Aaron Award (2001, 2002, 2004); Silver Slugger (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)
Team accomplishments:3 playoffs, 1 pennant
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: Yes
Notable: The most dominant player of the first half of the decade, but stats have tainted feel. More »
4. Vladimir Guerrero
Teams: Montreal Expos (2000-03), Anaheim/Los Angeles Angels (2004-09)
Position: Outfield
2000s stats:.323, 315 HR, 1,037 RBI, 147 SB, .569 slugging percentage
Major awards: MVP (2004), Silver Slugger (2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007)
Team accomplishments: 5 playoffs
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: Once a five-tool player, he slowed down late in the decade, but remains a feared hitter. More »
5. Ichiro Suzuki
Teams: Seattle Mariners (2001-2009)
Position: Outfield
2000s stats: 9 seasons,.333, 84 HR, 515 RBI, 341 SB
Major awards: MVP (2001); Rookie of the Year (2001); Gold Glove (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009); All-Star Game MVP (2007); Silver Slugger (2001, 2007)
Team accomplishments: 1 playoffs
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: Lack of team success is only hole in Hall of Fame resume. More »
6. Manny Ramirez
Teams: Cleveland Indians (2000), Boston Red Sox (2001-2008); Los Angeles Dodgers (2008-09)
Position: Outfield
2000s stats:10 seasons, .317, 348 HR, 1,106 RBI, 10 SB, .599 slugging percentage
Major awards: Hank Aaron Award (2004); World Series MVP (2004); Silver Slugger (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)
Team accomplishments: 6 playoffs, 2 pennants, 2 championships
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: Yes
Notable: Maybe the greatest hitter to never win an MVP award. More »
7. Todd Helton
Teams: Colorado Rockies (2000-09)
Position: First base
2000s stats:10 seasons, .331, 260 HR, 981 RBI, 26 SB, .569 slugging percentage
Major awards:Hank Aaron Award (2000); Gold Glove (2001, 2002, 2004); Silver Slugger(2000, 2001, 2002, 2003)
Team accomplishments: 2 playoffs, 1 pennant
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: The Rockies' greatest player has made the most of playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field. More »
8. Chipper Jones
Teams: Atlanta Braves (2000-09)
Position: Third base
2000s stats: 10 seasons, .311, 273 HR, 921 RBI, 59 SB, .545 slugging percentage
Major awards:Silver Slugger (2000)
Team accomplishments: 6 playoffs
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: Consistent force and solid all-around for a perennial winner. More »
9. Derek Jeter
Teams: New York Yankees (2000-09)
Position: Shortstop
2000s stats: 10 seasons, .302, 161 HR, 727 RBI, 219 SB, .456 slugging percentage
Major awards: Hank Aaron Awward (2006) World Series MVP (2000); All-Star Game MVP (2000); Gold Glove (2004, 2005, 2009), Silver Slugger (2006, 2007, 2008)
Team accomplishments: 9 playoffs, 3 pennants, 2 championship
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: Better than the sum of his parts and his stats. More »
10. Ryan Howard
Teams: Philadelphia Phillies (2004-09)
Position: First base
2000s stats: 6 seasons, .279, 222 HR, 640 RBI, 10 SB, .586 slugging percentage, .961 OPS
Major awards: MVP (2006); Rookie of the Year (2005); Hank Aaron Award (2006); Silver Slugger (2006)
Team accomplishments: 3 playoffs, 2 pennants, 1 championship
Linked to performance-enhancing drugs: No
Notable: On home run pace that rivals the game's all-time greats. More »
