By Vilan Trub 10. Kris Benson: Although he?s still really early into his career, especially for a pitcher, Kris Benson is already on his was to all-star ability. He has a decent 4.27 career ERA and a career of 14 Runs Batted In, which for a pitcher is only a plus. If with the Mets this year he can bring down that ERA a little and have a winning record, he will definitely live to his potential. 9. Andy Benes: With a respectable 3.97 ERA and 59th all time strike out leader, Andy Benes is a great second level pitcher. If you have a Pedro Martinez starting on a Tuesday, it?s best to have an Andy Benes start on the following Wednesday. The only thing holding him back is not having a World Series caliber team. Curt Schilling is definitely in more people?s minds than he would if he hadn?t played in the American League pennant, granted he did play with a bloody foot. 8. Phil Nevin: In seven consecutive seasons with the Padre?s, Nevin has had numerous opportunities to make a bigger name for himself. Peaking in 2001, he has been on the decline ever since. He is now beginning to raise his batting average and hits column. He is basicly a great player to have batting 8th, right before the pitcher, but he so far is not making it as a solo star. 7. Shawn Dunston: A full rounded player, showing talent in both hitting and stealing Shawn Dunston was a valuable addition to the San Francisco Giants in 2001. He also had an incredible run with the Cubs, especially during their run in the playoffs. The only thing keeping him from being an all star player is the fact that he has a career of a 1000 strike outs and is 177th in all time for being caught stealing. If it weren?t for that he would have been tossed around less in the late 90?s. 6. B.J. Surhoff: After spending nine successful years with the Milwaukee Brewers, Surhoff then left for the Orioles. Surhoff, along with the Orioles, is now at the top of the eastern division in the American League. He has 429 career doubles and an outstanding 2248 career hits to go along with his .283 career batting average. Surhoff might not be an all star but he is definitely a better than average player. 5. Pat Burrell: Pat Burrell is the embodiment of a star rising. Taking the Phillies out of last place and into the running this year, Burrell has used his talent behind the plate to show the NL why he is a force to be reckoned with. Although he?s only been playing for five years he has already compiled 127 home runs, 481st all time. He does not yet have the stats nor the awards to back up his ability but with time this player will definitely be taking smiles off of pitcher?s faces. 4. Chipper Jones: Chipper Jones, the long time Atlanta Braves star, has had a lucrative and world series worthy career. It was in 1995 that the Braves took the series in six from the once contenders Cleveland Indians. He hit six home runs and three doubles, in just the World Series, this of course being only his second year playing in the major leagues. It was only his first full year, playing only 8 games in the 1993 season. In those first eight games of his however, he had a batting average of .667. With a career like that, and still going, a team could do worse with a first draft pick. 3. Darryl Strawberry: After being awarded the Rookie of the Year title in 1983 and winning only his first world series ring just three years later, Darryl Strawberry justified his role as a first draft pick. Having a total of 191 out of his career 221stolen bases in just his first seven years with the New York Mets. Strawberry was a power hitter as well being 79th all time home run hitter in major league history. With a total of four World Series rings, three of which with the Yankees, Darryl Strawberry proved to be a smart investment. The only thing that held him back was of course his friendship with Mr. Cocaine, and logically, Mr. Rehabilitation Clinic. 2. Ken Griffey Jr.: Aside from having numerous video games centering him in the 90?s, Griffey Jr. has the stat?s to back up his phenomenon as well. Being 20th all time in Home Runs and 50th in Runs Batted In, Ken Griffey Jr. well deservedly received nine gold glove awards, of which an unheard of six were awarded in consecutive years. In 1999 he was even named to the all-century team. Although he?s still playing for the Cincinnati Reds, he has already acquired 501 career Home Runs. Unfortunately it seems that his career is heading towards a hill and not one heading up. 1. Alex Rodriguez: He led his league six times in just a ten year career, several times in more than one area. In 1996, just his third year, he led in both doubles and batting average, in 2002 he promoted himself to leading in the coveted Home Run spot, which he led again the very next year, and Run?s batted in category. Winning the gold glove for two consecutive years and winning the Most Valuable Player award, Alex Rodriguez now hopes to help the Yankees win a 27th world series. Whether he was worth being a first draft pick, he?s apparently worth twenty some odd million to Joe Torre.