Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

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.

Hottest of the Hot Corner: Ranking MLB's Top 16 Third Basemen—No. 2

Part 15 of 16

No. 2 Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays Evan Longoria burst onto the scene in 2008 and helped lead the team to a last place to World Series run. His remarkable talents allowed him to quickly overcome the relentless "Desperate Housewives" jokes and become known as one of baseball's top young stars.

After starting the year in the minors, Longoria clubbed 27 homers and drove in 85 runs in just 122 games. The effort earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors.

In 2009, he added to his hardware collection with Gold Glove and Silver Slugger trophies. In his first full season, Longoria hit .281 with 33 HR's and 113 RBI's.

The Rays and their slick fielding third baseman are off to a blistering start. Longoria has led them to an 18-7 record by hitting .347 with 6 HR's and 19 RBI's.