MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 11 of 13

3  Pete Rose's Bookie Records

Although his bat is currently on the auction block and could command a price in the seven figures, another piece of Pete Rose memorabilia might be the most interesting. 

Baseball's all-time leader in hits finds himself remaining on the outside looking in at the famous Cooperstown, New York shrine. Although he spent five months in prison for tax evasion, the reason that Rose has been banned from the game was accusations that he gambled on both his own sport and team.

More recently, the exiled former player and manager finally admitted to betting for his Reds team— but never against them. 

Of course, either breaks the sanctity of the sport; however, the actual gambling records would provide a highly enlightening account of the depth and breadth of the transgressions that separate the most prolific hitter from baseball's highest honor. 

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 8 of 13

6 Jason Grimsley's Grease Stained Uniform

Throughout the 10-year period from 1991 to 2000, Albert Belle was one of the most feared sluggers in the big leagues. His injury shortened career was also tainted by controversy, including an infamous incident in 1994.

After growing suspicion led the White Sox to request that Belle's bat be examined, umpires confiscated it. Although the actual blackened lumber is a desired artifact, the sequence of events that transpired afterward made for an even better memento.

With the rest of his Cleveland Indians teammates knowing that all of Belle's bats were corked, Jason Grimsley snaked through a ceiling crawl space into the umpires' locker room to swap out a replacement bat for the one originally confiscated.

Both players were busted when umpires found a "Paul Sorrento" model bat where they had left the "Albert Belle" model. Although Grimsley was spared suspension, his soiled uniform would make for the more interesting symbol of the "Batgate" caper.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 7 of 13

7 Sammy Sosa's Corked Bat

The Chicago Cubs former star helped re-invigorate interest in the National Pastime after Major League Baseball's strike in the mid-90's with his prolific power display. During that period, Sammy Sosa was both the toast of Chi-Town and a league-wide fan favorite.

Unfortunately, the slugger began a fall from grace when he was caught using a corked bat in 2004 and then later when his name was linked to performance enhancing drugs.

On an innocent ground out against the Tampa Bay Rays, Slammin' Sammy's bat shattered. When umpires gathered the broken pieces they discovered exposed cork and immediately ejected Sosa.

The broken pieces somehow disappeared and the Cubs slugger explained that he mistakingly used the bat which was altered for batting practice displays to entertain fans. The shattered bat of baseball's sixth leading home run hitter of all-time would surely be a treasured artifact if it somehow turned up.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 6 of 13

8 Graig Nettles Superballs

Graig Nettles enjoyed a long, accomplished career for six different teams, but gained most fame during his 11-seasons with the New York Yankees. Besides playing on four pennant winning Bronx Bomber clubs, the six-time All-Star third baseman also gained notoriety for an infamous incident in 1974.

After hitting a home run in his first appearance to provide the Yankees 1-0 margin of victory that day, Nettles shattered his bat the next time up. Interestingly, six superballs shot out of the barrel onto the field that were quickly gathered up by Tigers' catcher Bill Freehan.

Afterwards, the Yankees slugger claimed that he had no idea the bat was doctored and that it had been given to him by a fan. Apparently his proclaimed innocence influenced baseball executives as Nettles was never suspended for using an illegal bat.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 5 of 13

9 A-Rod's Little Black Book

New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez has reportedly had— shall we say— an active social life. The multimillionaire heart throb has parlayed his "GQ" looks, record contract, "Big Apple" headliner status and inclusion on "People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful" list into an abundance of admiring women.

A-Rod has been linked to well known stars such as Madonna and Kate Hudson. The Yankee "third sacker" has also been rumored to be involved with "B and C-List" celebrities such as fashion, fitness and bikini models. And, to his chagrin, New York Post's Page Six has reported involvement with more discreetly famous women such as Eliott Spitzer's madam and night club "dancers."

Should it exist or be made available, Rodriguez's "Little Black Book" would surely command a great deal of interest. Besides providing confirmation on previously rumored relationships, some other very interesting names could very well pop up.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 4 of 13

10 Catcher's Reflective Tape Used in Dock Ellis' 1970 No-Hitter

The late Pittsburgh Pirates hurler joined baseball immortality by tossing a no-hitter in 1970. Later, Dock Ellis admitted to being high on LSD during the game and battled in his mind everything from distorted vision to the baseball changing in size.

Ellis was particularly wild that day, walking eight and hitting a batter during the "masterpiece." Due to his pitcher's altered consciousness, Pirates catcher Jerry May wrapped his fingers with reflective tape to help Ellis determine the pitch call.

Animator James Blagden created the following short video to tell the amazing, infamous story.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 2 of 13

12 Mike Scott's Emery Board

Mike Scott was one of the best pitchers in baseball over the second half of the 80's. The Houston Astros right-hander went 86-49 during that period and won the NL Cy Young in 1986 when he went 18-10 while leading the league with a 2.22 ERA and 306 strikeouts.

That same season he was reportedly involved in a now infamous incident. Spurred by growing suspicion from opponents about his on field mastery and an inordinate number of scuffed up baseballs, umpires confronted him on the mound to search for the baseball doctoring source.

Demonstrating quick thinking or a well thought out plan, Scott reached into his back pockets and animatedly pulled the insides out while throwing his hands into the air as if to say "who me?" Somehow umpires missed what cameras and fans picked up— Scott had also tossed a small, white emery board behind him in the process.

MLB Inside Edition: Ranking the Most Desirable Dirty Dozen Artifacts

Part 1 of 13

Last week, a historic piece of baseball memorabilia officially was put up for auction to the highest bidder. The 34-inch Mizuno bat was used by banished former star Pete Rose in 1986 when he recorded his final and major league record 4,256th hit of his career.

The auctioneer, Lelands.com, expects that the collector's item could potentially fetch the highest price ever obtained for a baseball bat, perhaps exceeding the $1.3 million paid for the one Babe Ruth used to hit his first home run at Yankee Stadium.

It is interesting that the fallen star's bat could command a greater price than that of the universally acknowledged greatest player in baseball history.

Although Rose broke another legend's all-time record when he passed Ty Cobb on his way to establishing his hit mark, the former Reds and Phillies player quickly fell from grace after his playing career ended. The gritty, gamer led a checkered existence and, of course, was ultimately banned from the National Pastime for betting on his own team's games.

Many baseball artifacts have commanded large prices through the years— from Lou Gehrig's $451,000 uniform to Honus Wagner's $2.35 million baseball card to Mark McGwire's $3 million record 70th home run ball. Other more unusual items such as Babe Ruth's Sale Contract garnered almost $1 million and Joe DiMaggio's personal journal was listed with a $1.5 million starting bid.

But, seeing the Mizuno bat used by the controversial Rose listed for sale evoked thoughts of what other— shall we say, less conventional— artifacts might be in great demand?

Although these baseball memorabilia items may not commemorate a historic milestone, they surely would draw a great deal of interest due to the controversy surrounding them.

Here is a countdown of the 12 most desirable, off-beat baseball memorabilia should they be made available. Think of it as the list of items that would provide countless content for an MLB show produced by "TMZ" or "Inside Edition."

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 10 of 10

No. 1 Mariano Rivera, New York Yankees

For all the big names and big salaries scattered across the New York Yankees roster, Mariano Rivera is the one player that it makes it all work.

Rivera is a true game changer who imposes a subtle sense of urgency in the opposite dugout. He essentially gives opponents one less inning to outscore the Bronx Bombers in the regular season— and often times two less innings in the post season.

The 40-year old right-hander has amassed 533 saves since stepping into the closer role in 1997. The man with the devastating cutter and pinpoint control has compiled a microscopic 2.24 ERA over his long career.

And, even as his age advances, Rivera continues to be "money in the bank." Since 2008, he has converted 90 out of 93 save opportunities.

So, when Joe Girardi makes the call to the 'pen to summon Rivera, confidence soars throughout his teammates and Yankees Nation that it is "game over." Without him, the entire game sets up differently.

The Honorable Mention Pack

11. Zack Greinke, Royals

12. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox

13. Derek Jeter, Yankees

14. Chase Utley, Phillies

15. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers

16. Prince Fielder, Brewers

17. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres

18. Pablo Sandoval, Giants

19. Ryan Howard, Phillies

20. Brian McCann, Braves

21. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox

22. Ryan Braun, Brewers

23. Johan Santana, Mets

24. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

25. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays

26. Michael Young, Rangers

27. Andre Ethier, Dodgers

28. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners

29. Jason Heyward, Braves

30. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 9 of 10

No. 2 Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies made a return trip to the World Series last season. If GM Ruben Amaro had not landed pitcher Cliff Lee at the trade deadline though, they may not have even advanced past the first round of the playoffs or made the postseason tournament.

Lee gave them the much needed bona fide No. 1 starter that was otherwise missing when Cole Hamels lost his command, stuff and/or mojo during the post championship P.R. tour.

Fast forward to December, 2009. A couple offseason winter deals later— exit Lee, enter Roy Halladay. The latter now holds down the "top of the rotation stud" role in Philly.

Halladay is arguably the best starting pitcher in baseball. And, make no mistake about it— he is critically important to the Phillies lofty aspirations in 2010.

With Hamels continuing to look a lot like last year's edition, rookie phenom J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton logging lots of time on the D.L., and a 47-year old pitcher completing the rotation— handing the ball to a classic stopper like Halladay every fifth day has kept them in first place.

The lanky right-hander has started with a flourish, going 6-1 with a 1.45 ERA. No real surprise for a perennial top-five Cy Young finisher with a 154-77 career record and 2.78 ERA over the past two years.

With him, the Phillies are a legitimate championship contender. Without him, not so much.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 8 of 10

No. 3 Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins weathered the storm pretty well when Joe Mauer's bruised heel landed him on the bench for eight days. The team currently sits atop the AL Central with a 21-11 record.

Appearances can be deceiving. Any sustained loss of the Twins' 184 million dollar man would be devastating to the team.

Like Hanley Ramirez, Mauer plays a premium position where team's value defense over offense. To the Twins great pleasure and advantage, Mauer is the total package.

Last year's AL MVP led the league in hitting with a .365 average— as a catcher. And, it was his third batting title in his first five full seasons. Are you kidding me?

Mauer rounded out his game in 2009 by amping up his power totals, finishing the year with 28 HR's and 96 RBI's in just 523 AB's. His .444 OBP, .587 SLG, and 1.031 OPS also topped the junior circuit.

Throw in back-to-back Gold Gloves and you have a truly indispensable player. At 27 years of age and locked up through 2018, the Twins organization believes Mauer will keep them in the hunt for many years to come.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 7 of 10

No. 4 Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

The other worldly numbers pretty much speak for themselves. The only surprise in seeing Albert Pujols on the list might be that there are three players ahead of him.

Pujols is universally recognized as the game's best player, with an ever expanding resume that is borderline ridiculous— NL Rookie of the Year, eight All-Star squads and three MVP's.

In his 10th season, Pujols' numbers continue to pile up— .333 lifetime batting average, 373 HR's, 1,137 RBI's, 1,089 runs, .427 OBP, .626 SLG, and 1.053 OPS.

Doing the math, Pujols averaged 41 HR's, 119 runs, and 124 RBI's per year over his first full nine seasons.

The only thing that separates him from sitting atop the list is the position he plays. First base is home to many sluggers around the league, which means that the production drop off of a replacement would likely be less than others ahead of him.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 6 of 10

No. 5 Hanley Ramirez

The 26-year old Hanley Ramirez has already established himself as one of the best offensive players in baseball. What makes him especially valuable and the fifth most indispensable player is that he plays a position that has long been valued as a defense-first position.

The Florida Marlins shortstop is a true five-tool player with the stats to match. With his improvement in the field over the past couple years, Ramirez has no weakness.

The 6' 3", 230 pound player has accumulated a .316 lifetime average, including an NL leading .342 in 2009. In his first four full seasons, Ramirez has averaged 118 runs, 26 home runs and 41 stolen bases.

Losing Ramirez would rob the club of its best player in four categories— batting, power hitting, base running, and fielding. The notoriously frugal Marlins recognized his tremendous value to the team by signing him to a six-year, $70 million contract extension in 2008.

Note: This was written prior to Ramirez's benching for lack of hustle. I would anticipate that the matter will be quickly worked out and Ramirez will have additional motivation to excel.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 5 of 10

No. 6 Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

Tim Lincecum has led the resurgence of the San Francisco Giants from bottom feeder to contender over the past few seasons. "The Freak"— as he is affectionately known by his teammates and throughout baseball— tends to define the team's personality and makeup.

The Giants are built around pitchers with dominating stuff— and look for their offense to scratch out enough runs to win. Of course, the two-time defending Cy Young Award winner Lincecum places one of the games most dominant starters at the top of the rotation.

The 26-year old right-hander with the glare and rock star hair has amassed a 44-17 record in his short tenure thanks to a blazing fastball, sharp slider and tantalizing change-up. His career 2.82 ERA and 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings further validate his brilliance.

When teams visit AT&T Park or host the Giants, they know that runs will be at a premium. And, hitters know they will be seeing some nasty stuff thrown by hurlers with a little bit of a attitude.

Who better to serve as the poster boy than "The Freak?"

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.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 3 of 10

No. 8 Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals appear to be a team on the rise. The club's surprising 17-14 start has gathered attention around the baseball world— and the team just may hang around in the forefront all season with the emergence of its young talent.

Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman is central to the team's fortunes. The 2009 Gold Glove winner anchors the hot corner and the middle of the Nat's lineup.

Despite being limited with a strained hamstring, Zimmerman has banged out 5 HR's, driven in 15 runs and hit .325 in just 23 games. This comes on the heels of a 33 HR, 106 RBI, .292 season a year ago.

Importantly, Zimmerman's maturity and lead-by-example style provides a tremendous role model for the young players around him. He competes hard, exhibits class in all he does, and exudes a humble demeanor despite an ever expanding resume.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 2 of 10

No. 9 David Wright, New York Mets

Last season was a train wreck for the New York Mets. After collapsing down the stretch the previous two seasons, the Mets totally pancaked under the weight of bodies thrown on the disabled list.

The team has returned to contender status in 2010, led by third baseman David Wright.

Struggling to adjust to the expansive dimensions of new Citi Field and suffering a serious beaning late in the season, Wright's drop off in production coincided with the team's diminished success. His .307 batting average mirrored his career number, but the drop in HR's and RBI's were dramatic.

This season, Wright is on a pace that matches up to the 30 HR and 110 RBI campaigns to which he was accustomed. Although his supporting cast is improved over the injury depleted cast of a year ago, the Mets large leap in winning percentage and Wright's resurgence are not coincidental.

The two-time Gold Glove winner is also the type of team leader that is capable of keeping his teammates grounded. The classy, articulate third baseman serves as a role model on and off the field.

Major League Baseball's 10 Most Indispensable Players in 2010

Part 1 of 10

A review of each season's Most Valuable Player voting typically reveals the best players in the game at that particular time. Although each player's team's regular season success is a factor, the vote tally usually has a strong correlation to statistical leader boards.

Those players have almost always earned this recognition through quantifiable performance from RBI's to HR's to batting average to wins to saves. And, individual team MVP selections often mirror the same approach.

However, determining which players are most indispensable can often entail a much more complex equation. In fact, it usually involves a subjective consideration of many different variables such as the team's makeup, style, flexibility, and depth— along with the player's individual performance, position and role.

Simply put, it's a matter of assessing which players have the greatest impact on and would be missed the most by their team?

All the players that follow surely have impressive measurable results, but their value to their team includes much more. Here are Major League Baseball's 10 most indispensable players:

No. 10 Jayson Werth, Philadelphia Phillies

Over the past four seasons, Jayson Werth went from being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers to developing into one of baseball's best all-around players. Along the way, he has become an indispensable piece on a team loaded with stars.

Werth's value to the Philadelphia Phillies relates to the many ways he helps them win games and the much needed balance that he provides. His presence as the sole right-handed slugger in the middle of the team's left-handed power trio of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez provides critical equilibrium.

The athletic right fielder's emergence as a bona fide threat also forces opposing pitchers to challenge Howard rather than feed him a constant diet of breaking balls off the plate. Of course, a simple scan of the 2010 stat sheets clearly reinforces Werth's value.

After 31 games, he is third in the National League with a .349 average, tied for seventh with 7 HR's, and sixth with 26 RBI's. Werth also is second with a .688 SLG and a 1.105 OPS.

The 30-year old player's value goes way beyond the batter's box.

Werth has established himself as an outstanding fielder worthy of Gold Glove consideration with his great range and powerful throwing arm. He takes away hits, limits base runners from moving up and racks up assists against those that dare to challenge him. He can capably fill in for center fielder Shane Victorino, but the team has no one near his ability to cover him in right.

Werth's own smart, aggressive base running manufactures runs and puts pressure on opposing teams. Additionally, the past two seasons he has stolen 20 bases and rarely ever gets caught.

Hottest of the Hot Corner: Ranking MLB's Top 16 Third Basemen—No. 1

Part 16 of 16

No. 1 Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Baseball's highest paid player continues to accumulate numbers and attention. The 12-time All-Star and 3-time MVP is not universally embraced around the baseball world, but Alex Rodriguez keeps turning in eye popping performances.

"A-Rod" missed substantial time the previous two seasons, but still reached the 30-HR and 100 RBI thresholds. In 2007, he amassed other worldly numbers— 54 HR's, 156 RBI's and a .314 batting average.

2,554 hits, 585 HR's, 1,721 RBI's, .304 BA, . 389 OBP, .574 SLG— the numbers border on ridiculous.

Of course, the slugger's statistics are a bit tainted due to his admission of performance enhancing drugs. Clearly, he has Hall of Fame numbers— but that's another debate for another time.

As long as every player he drives home or every time he crosses the dish himself counts as one run, past "PED" use has little bearing on his current ranking amongst his peers at the hot corner. A-Rod is still hanging onto the top spot, but Longoria and Wright are closing in fast.

The Final Word

As you can see, Major League Baseball boasts a fine array of talent at the hot corner. Some have been long recognized stars, while others are still in the process of establishing themselves as household names.

Although the biggest names such as Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones and Scott Rolen are advancing in age, the position will remain in good hands for many years to come. A highly talented cast of young players have a chance at gaining similar stature— led by David Wright, Evan Longoria, Ryan Zimmerman, Pablo Sandoval, Mark Reynolds, and Casey McGehee.

And, how long will it be before David Freese pushes his name into the new wave of stars?

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.