The criteria for making baseball's all-time greatest team is not scientific. It comes from a mixture of reading about baseball, watching baseball, talking baseball and following baseball. It is and always will be a matter of opinion. That said, here's my opinion of the best to ever grace a big-league diamond. (I'll give one starter and one alternate for each position.)

Starting 1st Baseman:

Lou Gehrig - The "Iron Horse" is the starter at first for multiple reasons. He was the most durable first baseman to ever play the game. His long-standing record of 2,130 games played is a monument to his work ethic. Gehrig was a six-time all-star, six-time World Champion and two-time A.L. MVP. Over seventeen seasons, Gehrig swatted 494 homers, while batting .340. He also had the best "second" nickname: "Biscuit Pants."

Alternate 1st Baseman:

Jimmie Foxx - He was the youngest player to reach 500 homers in the majors. Over twenty seasons, Foxx batted .325, with 534 four-baggers.

Starting 2nd Baseman:

Rogers Hornsby - Over 23 seasons, Rogers batted a hefty .358. In 1924 he had his best year at the plate, hitting .424 while swatting 24 homers. The only thing he didn't excel in that year was stealing bases (he took 5 while being caught 12 times.) He won both the NL MVP and the NL Triple Crown twice in his career. (In 1924 he was second in the NL MVP vote.)

Alternate 2nd Baseman:

Jackie Robinson - Although Jackie only played 10 seasons in the major leagues, they were a spectacular 10 seasons. Of course, we all know that Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and his number 42 is retired for all MLB teams. Jackie had a great mix of power, speed and consistent hitting. His lifetime MLB average is .311. He averaged 16 homers and 23 stolen bases per season over his 10 seasons in the majors.

Starting Shortstop:

Alex Rodriguez - Alex could be considered for third, but since he played his first several seasons at short we'll consider him for this position. Alex was the best defensive shortstop in the league during his tenure. He was also the best offensive shortstop. Over thirteen seasons, here are Alex's gaudy season-average statistics: .305 batting average, 43 homers, 125 RBI, 126 runs, 22 stolen bases, 192 hits.

Alternate Shortstop:

Derek Jeter - Derek is not only the captain of the Yankees, and Mr. "November," he is the second best shortstop ever. Derek's season-average statistics over his 12 seasons are impressive:

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