Star Tribune five-tool poll: AL

The Star Tribune sent ballots to two baseball writers from each MLB team asking them to rank, in order, the three best all-around players in their league based on baseball's five-tool scouting report: hitting for power, hitting for average, speed, arm and fielding. Points were tabulated using three for first-place votes, two for second and one for third. The results:

1.Mike Trout, LAA27

2.Adam Jones, BAL10

3.Manny Machado, BAL5

4.Robinson Cano, SEA4

5t.Miguel Cabrera, DET2

5t.Josh Donaldson, OAK2

5t.Jacoby Ellsbury, NYY2

"Mike Trout is the best player in baseball, and it's not even close, even if his arm is average at best. The scary part: He keeps getting better. … Adam Jones exemplifies all the five tools. Plate discipline isn't a tool, unfortunately, and if it were included, Jones wouldn't be on the list. NL has a much better group of five-tool guys."

Jeff Passan, yahoo.com

"Leaving Miguel Cabrera off any best-of list in the American League seems criminal. Cabrera is currently the best and most feared hitter in either league and, despite some criticism, I think he is a perfectly fine defensive first baseman. But if this is about all-around ability, and defense and speed/baserunning play a factor, then I went with three guys (Mike Trout, Adam Jones, Dustin Pedroia) that can do everything to win you a ballgame: Hit a homer, drop a bunt, steal a base, make a game-saving catch. Plus, none of the three takes a day or play off. Robinson Cano could be on this list, too."

Dan Connolly, Baltimore Sun

"It's not even close: The distance between Trout, a true five-tool player, and everyone else is immense. [Jacoby] Ellsbury really is just four tools — his arm is on the weak side — but those tools are so strong he sneaks in."

Larry Stone, Seattle Times

"Trout is the most complete player in the AL. … Cabrera's bat overrides lack of speed … Ditto Cano, who is also Gold Glover."

George King, New York Post

"Mike Trout, Angels: The only possible knock against [Trout] is that his arm could be stronger. … Adam Jones doesn't draw many walks, but he still hits for average and power, and he's a premium defender. … The stolen bases aren't there [for Robinson Cano], but he runs well in addition to doing everything else at a high level."

Jeff Wilson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram