Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

MLB: Oakland A's vs. Tampa Bay Rays May 8
Part 4 of 10

No. 7 Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays


Another third baseman plays a similar role in Tampa Bay. Evan Longoria burst onto the scene after one minor league season to play a starring role in the Rays leap from last place to a World Series appearance in 2008.


Longoria earned A.L. Rookie of the Year honors with his stellar play that season, then took his place amongst baseball's brightest stars in his first full year. In 2009, he smacked 33 HR's, scored 100 runs, drove in 113 RBI's, hit .281 and won a Gold Glove for his work in the field.


His upward ascension has continued in 2010 as the Rays have jumped out to a baseball best 22-9 record. The 24-year old third baseman leads the team in almost every offensive category, including a .325 batting average, 7 HR's, 23 RBI's and a .396 OBP.


It is not a coincidence that Longoria's major league tenure has aligned with the Ray's sudden emergence as one of baseball's top teams. His personality and superior talent provide the rock solid foundation for the rest of the organization.


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