There was a major sympathy-telethon on Neyer's behalf (as well as for Keith Law) on many websites this Winter over the BBWAA's refusal to admit them into their ranks. I was actually shocked that they were not members, but there writing on the web is discounted over writers who work for established print vehicles.

The irony here is the "HIGH ROAD" that stat-minded websites CLAIM to take - dismissing so many mainstream reporters for being uninformed, biased hacks. Wait a minute - that sounds like every SABRbator on the net to me.

While Neyer crunches his numbers well and provides the occasional insight available nowhere else, to imply he is not a biased fanboy with an emotional attachment to some players and teams and an irrational distaste for others - the SABR community's denial at the role emotion plays in their analysis is laughable.

And this one is all time.

because "they've not played an inning in the majors, and even once they reach the majors they might need a year or two or three to become great major leaguers. Which disqualifies them from making our five-year list.".

And then he lists Eva Longoria at #22 and says "this might be too high, as Longoria hasn't played a single inning in the majors.".

What a turd.

................nope, I've got nothing.

Just a total messed up list. No Lackey or Weaver? And really Howie is better than those other 2nd baseman.

Another great article from the Eastern Seaboard Programing Network

Bill James does a similar list, does a top fifty and rates young talent on an A, B,C system. KROD and Weaver are mentioned as "A's", w/ KROD falling in the 26-30 category. Weaver is in the 50-75 range

Howie and Kotch are "B" grades, outside of the top 75.

I agree with most of you that Howie should be up there, and is better than three or so of the other 2b's (maybe more).

Kotchman needs to play a healthy season before he makes any such list.

As far as Neyer's, there are only 7 pitchers on the list, and Weaver is hardly a top ten. There are several better young pitchers that were left off (cain, hamels, felix, fausto carmona, Lincecum. . . and a lot of young closers too)

this isn't a matter of "yeah, he's a good player, but maybe not this good."

No. Melky Cabrera SUCKS. He's never been good. He never will be. He's nothing better than a 4th outfielder on a good day. You're still waiting for the .400 SLG because it's not coming. He includes Melky and then says "he can't hit for power or average, but he's young."

Guess what, Neyer. I can't hit for power or average, either. And I'm even YOUNGER. Where's my inclusion?

One player from the AL West. ONE. And it's somehow Ian Kinsler? East coast bias like mad.

What a load of shit. This entire list couldn't be a bigger abortion.

Justin (Redlands, CA): Speaking of your list, I noticed you left off Howie Kendrick? Care to explain why?

SportsNation Rob Neyer: (2:23 PM ET ) Wouldn't you like to know! Actually, I'd like to know, too. I started with WARP -- from Baseball Prospectus -- and unless I missed something, Kendrick just doesn't do too well. Perhaps because of his defense, perhaps because he doesn't walk much, and probably both. I think he might have been the least defensible omission.