OT: Verlander #4 in ESPN 500, Cabby #3

I agree with your point, but really wanna address the every 5th day comment. A good pitcher does so much for a team: by going deep into games they keep the bp fresh, stop slides and start streaks, can minimize a weak defensive player/unit, can put pressure on the other pitcher (causing them to overthrow and be more eradic). Furthermore, an offensive player is so dependent on the players around them. A pitcher on the opposite team can pitch around them if there is no protection within the lineup, as well as the hitter can't get RBIs without guys on base.

I am not saying that pitchers are so far and away better than hitters, but the argument that both can't equally contribute to the success of a team bc one pitches every fifth day is wrong in my opinion

The 1/5 argument is pretty poor for a lot of reasons, but on a basic level his workload usually has him facing more batters in a year than the number of at bats a position player typically gets.  And while pitcher isn't a high spectrum defensive position once the ball it hit, his high strikeout numbers provide many opportunities when the team doesn't even have to play defense.

There's a good argument to be made that he was so dominant that it'd be difficult to repeat last year. But looking at the list, Halliday is older, and as just as much a chance of regressing as JV, possibly more. Verlander was also dominant in the AL which is a superior hitting environment.

He's a ways away but you'll start finding hope once you see Francisco Lindor playing shortstop for your guys.

The Pujols and Miggy comparison is pretty interesting because if you put me in that situation now I'd take Cabrera to the bank over Pujols just about any day of the week. Pujols numbers (Avg. OBP. & SLG) have declined across the board since 2008, whereas Cabrera's have increased in that same timeframe. Since Miguel is 3 years younger than Albert's reported age that to me looks like a guy who's pretty clearly in the middle of his prime maybe even still getting better (Cabrera) vs. a guys who's starting to leave his prime (Pujols). Albert Pujols is still a top 10 player but he looks to be on the decline. As a Mariner's fan I can only say I hope I am right and that the Pujols contract is an albatross around the Angel's neck for years to come.