"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."
"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
