If you were...

[iliveinahouseyay]

A friend of mine and I were talking today during the Twins win over the Rays (cheap shot, sorry TB fans. Don't bring up Friday, please.) We were exchanging our favorite baseball stories in our young lives, our first time at a ball park, our favorite games, moments, and players.

Then, we started talking about what type of player we would want if given the opportunity to start a team. Of course, we both wanted Pujols. But my mind got to thinking of who I would want next. I know I would want a player to build my franchise around: young, good player with awesome potential, nice contract, and a perfect face for the franchise.

Some players I thought of were Miguel Cabrera, Joe Mauer, Carl Crawford, Grady Sizemore, David Wright...etc.

Then I thought about all the players in the history of the game, and I didn't know where to start.

So my question to you all is which player in the history of baseball would you want to start a franchise around? Pitcher? Hitter? Power? Speed?

Please, explain your reasoning when naming your player.

[thedude]

My top 5 off the my top of my head:

1. Babe Ruth-obvious reasons
2. Ted Williams-best hitter since ruth
3. Pedro Martinez (assuming that i don't know he will have arm problems) he was the most domiant pitcher ever
4. Lefty Grove- Maybe the best starting pitcher ever, but played in an offesive era similar so doesn't get the recognition
5. Willie Mays-Power, Speed, Glove, a five tool player

[J35J]

I'll take a pitcher....

Pedro
Clemens
Lefty
Unit
Matthewson
Maddux

....doesn't really matter just give me an ace and I'll go from there.

[sportsaddict]

Assuming we're excluding Cole Hamels and Tim Lincecum...

Give me Bob Gibson. Guy was as dominant as anyone there ever was. If you want a pitcher who will win big games, win lots of games in general, eat up innings... Gibson is your guy. And he was athletic and could hit a little bit too.

[bigh0rt]

'The Dominican Torpedo And Most Exciting Player In Baseball History' Jose Reyes

[Stejay]

Bob Feller