My 2009 Baseball Bucket List

Every year I make a mental note of the players I want to see play in person. Sometimes I try to catch a veteran towards the end of their career. This was the case with Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and Roger Clemens a few years ago. Sometimes I try to catch a pitcher or batter having an unreal season (last year it was Brandon Webb). With Spring Training just a few short weeks away, I thought I would make my 2009 Baseball Bucket List: Players to see during the 2009 season.

If there is anyone I have forgotten leave them in the comments.

1. Tim Lincecum - This guy is the reigning Cy Young, he's young, he has a funky delivery, and he strikes out a whole bunch of people. What's not to love.

2. David Price - Watching Price throw in the playoffs last year reminded me a lot of K-rod or Joel Zumaya. A little known rookie making a big name for himself on the national stage. It will be interesting to see if Price (and for that matter the Rays in general) are for real.

3. Hanley Ramirez - No one goes to games in Florida. The Marlins are rarely on national TV. This is tragic, because they have one of the most exciting lead off men in the game. Ramirez is better than Jose Reyes, he just doesn't play in NY. Ramirez has power and he can run, what's not to love.

4. Ichiro - Since arriving in America 8 years ago Ichiro has an MVP, a ROY, the most hits in a single season, 1805 hits, 315 SBs, and a cannon in the outfield. I have never seen him play, and I figure I have 3-4 more years when I can see him in his prime.

5. The Big Unit - Randy is chasing 300 wins late in his career. Naturally, he signed with the baseball equivalent of a retirement community - San Francisco. However, if he has anything left in the tank it will be a treat to watch potentially the last 300 game winner reach his milestone.