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Published April 5, 2009 Who Do You Love? - The Top Talent in my Sports WorldIt's time I honored some of my current favorites -- you know, the guys that make your teams go. Or at least the hard working, inspiring ones, if not the outright superstars. There's so many athletes we can love to hate these days, and some are on your favorite squads. Ocho Cinco anyone? Man I used to love that guy. But how about we celebrate the real winners, the guys who constantly perform without all the extra baggage. Here's some examples from my world, and I invite readers to respond with some of theirs. 
Volquez is the voltage in the Queen City
Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati Reds -- This guy's a stud, a starting pitcher the likes the Reds have not seen in many years. No offense, Aaron Harang -- I love having you in the rotation and think you're poised for a good season, but Volquez is the real deal. And I list him here because when he came over from Texas in the deal for reborn and rejuvenated Josh Hamilton, Volquez did not have the best reputation for work and the word was that he likes the nights out on the town a lot. Well, so far there have been no complaints at all in any of those departments, and he is the brute force of the staff. His first year as a Red gave us a 17-6 record in 32 starts with a 3.21 ERA, all built around some 96 mph fire from a young arm (with a great change-up too) and an All-Star appearance. God, I hope he can stay healthy! 
Vermette is jumping just as high for the CBJ
Antoine Vermette, Columbus Blue Jackets -- This new addition has made the team more complete for me. I only wanted to pick one player on a team, so it was a close call with rookie goalie sensation Steve Mason. But when I thought about the spark Vermette gave the CBJ right in time for the playoff rush, my decision was made. Vermette centers the second line usually, which frankly is just as important as the first one with Nash, Malhotra and Huselius. He's got 15 goals and 23 assists on the NHL season, but has 6 scores and 5 assists since joining Columbus recently. What a spark he is, and all in exchange for forgotten goaltender Pascal Leclaire and a future second round pick. No offense to Leclaire or some future unknown talent, but I say great deal by Scott Howsam and the front office. 
Palmer will keep passing
Carson Palmer, Cincinnati Bengals -- The Cincinnati savior appears to be in good shape for 2009 after missing much of 2008 with a non-surgical elbow condition that mystified most of us. Palmer, to me, is the inspiration and glue for a struggling team, whether it's on the field or off. He has not been afraid to stand up to Ocho Cinco, but does so in a positive, team-building way. Plus, he's the next entry on the short list of great Bengal QB's, right behind Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason. Palmer did not miss a start in 61 games since he became the top man in 2004, despite the Pittsburgh playoff disaster, so I'm hopeful for no ill injury results. Carson is sure to be dedicated this year, and we're all watching for a return to form, such as the 2005 season. Orange and black faithful know that campaign as the only playoff appearance in recent memory, which led to the horrific leg crush we'll never forget. In 2005, Palmer led the Bengals to 11-5 and had a 101 QB rating with 32 TD passes and 3826 yards. Coming back from unwatchable injury against the Steelers (which play actually went for a long TD strike) Palmer had a 94 rating in 2006 and 28 TDs, with even more yards. More to come I'm sure, Bengal fans. 
Hesmer is the steady stopper
Will Hesmer, Columbus Crew -- Not as flashy as Argentine Guillermo Barros Schelotto or Alejandro Moreno (Venezuela), or as young and promising as Nigerian Emmanuel Ekpo. However, Hesmer has provided so many great saves and wins, and so much emotional support for the Massive that he's earned his position on this list. I didn't even delete him after the 4-1 disaster at Real Salt Lake last Thursday, which left the Crew at 0-1-2 to begin their repeat attempt after last year's MLS Cup championship. Hesmer had 10 shutouts and 17 wins in the 2008 regular season, giving up on average only just about 1 goal a game with 97 total saves. He was the defensive glue for the Crew and should be again this year. So get out to the Nordecke and get Massive, my friends! Those are my top ones right now, maybe I'll add more. I'd love to hear your top guys in the coming days.
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Nice list. I know you're not a Cleveland fan, but Grady Sizemore should be on any list like this. He's a good guy and he plays the game the right way all the time. Also, for Cleveland fans, LeBron James would be at the top of the list too. Wish I could add Brady Quinn to the list, but not yet.
I'm not a Cincy fan, but I agree with you on Volquez. Watch out for the Reds this year if their bullpen can surprise.
I root for the Crew and I'd have to say Hesmer is my favorite player as well. GBS would get the nod, but he dives too much and I can't stand that. Other then that he is a quality leader, he plays smart and plays well. And he is #7 like me which doesn't hurt. :)
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