Our top ranking 1B, DH or OF, and the only type A in that bunch, is Mr Nick Swisher, who I'd suggest had a pretty ordinary season if you count out his explosive first month.

On middle infielders and 3Bs, Chavez and Ellis get A rankings, again, despite average to below average years. Kendall gets one at catcher, though I'd take B-rated Johjima in a swap any time.

Zito, Haren, Loaiza and Blanton(!) get it as starters (Loaiza ranks just below the way more expensive AJ Burnett and the way more recognized as a good pitcher Kenny Rogers), while Street, Duke and Kiko (!) get it in relief.

That's a hefty helping of A-grade talent that we've got, but Thomas, Bradley, and Kotsay miss out.

I mean, look at it. I wouldn't say we were even a decent offensive team the last 3 years, but look at this:

C1: Jason Kendall 70.476 A
1B: Nick Swisher 69.167 A
2B: Mark Ellis 69.925 A
3B: Eric Chavez 75.974 A
SS: Bobby Crosby 59.740 B
LF: Jay Payton 52.083 B
RF: Milton Bradley 63.333 B
CF: Mark Kotsay 53.333 B
DH: Frank Thomas 63.333 B

Basically, if you lose a starter, you get a draft pick or two.

Now if you asked me who I thought would deserve an A, B or C from this lineup, I'd have probaly said:

C1: Jason Kendall C
1B: Nick Swisher A
2B: Mark Ellis C
3B: Eric Chavez B
SS: Bobby Crosby C
LF: Jay Payton C
RF: Milton Bradley B
CF: Mark Kotsay C
DH: Frank Thomas A

I demand a recount!!!!