All underappreciated team

Every year there are a number of players who play crucial roles in their team success or have a big year, yet somehow are overlooked by the media and/or the public at large.

To ensure that these players get proper recognition, I've drawn up an All Underappreciated Team for the 2004 season.

These players are the types who play pivotal roles on their teams yet never get the publicity. Many of them might not even be recognized outside of their home city. No 2004 All Star is eligible for this team, although a few of these players are obviously All Star caliber.

Catcher: Michael Barrett After years of disappointment in Montreal, is finally living up to his potential in Chicago. Barrett is currently batting almost .290, which is over thirty points higher then his career average. He also has already matched his season high in home runs, and let's not forget that his role as battery mate for one of the best pitching staffs in the game.

First Base: Travis Hafner For those who have not noticed, Hafner is in the midst of a monster season. Just another promising bat coming into the year, Hafner has been one of the best hitters in the major leagues. Hafner's OPS (the statistic that stat heads feel is most revealing of a player's greatness) currently ranks third in the American league at 1.027. Can someone please explain how Hafner was passed over for the All Star game?

Second Base: Tony Womack Many thought that Womack was nearing the end after a fairly forgettable 2003, instead he has been the sparkplug at the top of baseball's most potent lineup. Womack's speed has always been his best asset, but this year he has added a dangerous bat. He is on pace to hit .300 (almost thirty points higher then his career average) as well as set new career highs in OBP and slugging.

Shortstop: Cezar Izturis Izturis was thought of as a only a glove man coming into this season. His defense is still top notch, but he has become a solid weapon at the plate as well. Izturis is currently hitting over .300 and his new found ability to get on base is letting him take advantage of his speed and as a result he has swiped 17 bases.

Third Base: Adrian Beltre Somewhat overshadowed by Scott Rolen's MVP type season is the fact that Beltre is having an MVP caliber season of his own. Beltre has finally shed the dreaded p word (potential) and has started living up to, if not exceeding, the hype that has always surrounded him in baseball circles. Like Rolen, Beltre is putting up huge numbers across the board, as well as playing gold glove caliber defense for a team that is running away with its division. That he wasn't an All Star was a travesty.

Right Field: Danny Bautista Lost in the horror that has been the Diamondbacks season, are the solid contributions of Danny Bautista. Bautista ranks first on the Diamondbacks in batting average, hits, and RBI. He is also among team leaders in runs scored and homeruns. Ranking first on the Diamondbacks in so many offensive categories might seem like faint praise, but just imagine where they would be without their only healthy, consistent bat.

Center Field: Mark Kotsay Coming off a fairly disappointing season in San Diego, Kotsay has been just what Billy Bean ordered. Kotsay has been solid at the plate hitting over .300 and getting on base at a clip that makes the front office smile. Kotsay's solid bat and good glove work in center have been pivotal to a team that is in the midst of its annual second half surge towards the playoffs.

Left Field: Matt Lawton A long shot to contribute due to a particularly gruesome shoulder injury and perceived erosion to his skills, Lawton has proved that he has a lot left in his tank. Lawton is on pace to be a 20/20 player and score well over one hundred runs. With his batting average hovering around .290 and his veteran clubhouse presence, Lawton has been an invaluable contributor to the Tribe this season.