Saw a top 5 favorite player thread on Minor League Ball, and thought it would be a fun thread to start here. I am leaving out Giants players since I think it's a given that guys like Timmy and Panda and Cain etc would be on all of our lists....so here is mine, feel free to list yours and explain why!

1. Joe Mauer - One of the best pure hitters in the game, probably one of the best defensive catchers in the game.

2. Evan Longoria - Picking up right where he left off last year into becoming one of the best young players in the game. Fantastic 3b defense combined with middle of the order power. Also very hard working and should only get better.

3. Chase Utley - As consistent as they come over the past few years....great with the bat and glove. One of the best all-around players in the majors today. Hard not to like the guy, just goes about his business and plays great ball every day.

4. Matt Kemp - I'm sure I'll get tons of flack for this, but I can't help it. Kemp is a raw player who has oozed talent for since he first ditched basketball for baseball full-time. 5 tool player, who continues to improve each year into one of the games better young outfielders. I just find him fun to watch (even if he's a Bum) and it's nice to see players with tons of potential turn their tools into skills.

5. (a.) Roy Halladay - Have been a big fan of his for a long time. He's very efficient, kind of an old school pitcher who is able to go 9 innings every time out. And he's a Yankee killer, so he naturally is a favorite of mine for that.

5. (b.) Dan Haren - Another guy who I can't help but like since he first broke in with the Cardinals. Noah Lowry's old college teammate has done quite well for himself and turned into one of the top pitchers in the game. Good stuff + fantastic command makes for a fun pitcher to watch every 5th day.