In a random, unscientific survey that included several scouts, executives, players and other observers, none said Alex Rodriguez was still the best player in baseball. Rodriguez was believed to be the best all-around player in the game for much of the present decade. ?When I think of the best player, (Albert) Pujols? name stands out,? one scout said, a sentiment echoed by many. Others suggested Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer or Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria. But no one said Rodriguez was out of the conversation, either. While a few predicted his production would decline, they also said he would remain among the top run producers in baseball. One major-league scout who has watched Rodriguez extensively this season replied, ?Probably so,? when asked if A-Rod?s best days were behind him. ?You find that most of the (drug) users once they get off it when they are in their early 30s, they tend to start the diminishment process,? the scout added. ?(Jason) Giambi?s a model. They start to lose stuff. Power is one, though the ballpark may save A-Rod because Yankee Stadium is so ridiculous.? ?Is A-Rod the best? I don?t think so right now,? added another major-league scout. ?He?s certainly amongst the very best and he might be back into being the best when it?s all over, because it looks like he?s hitting his stride again."