Most underrated player? Best pitcher? Most surprising team? Players cast their votes

During Spring Training, MLB.com beat writers surveyed their clubhouses, asking players for their opinions on a range of topics. Well over 100 players participated, in exchange for anonymity. As Opening Day approaches, here's a look at the results:

Player who would excel most in another sport: Mookie Betts, Dodgers

Betts is one of the best players in baseball, so it stands to reason that his athleticism would translate to other sports fields. Or courts. Or ... lanes. It's well-documented that Betts is also an accomplished bowler. And though that was the most common sport mentioned by his peers, they weren't ready to limit him.

"I feel like he's good at all of them," a National League reliever said. "I've seen his bowling highlights. I've seen him in the gym shooting basketballs. I saw his golf swing -- his golf swing's elite. I'm going to let him pick whatever sport he wants." More >

Most surprising team: Athletics

The A's were the clear favorite on this question, and their peers believe they definitely have the ingredients to buck expectations. Led most notably by the newly extended standout duo of Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler, the A's could very well turn heads as the season progresses.

"They've got a really good group of young guys and they all seemed to enjoy each other," one player said. "They also have guys who are fighting for good deals, or they're rookies trying to prove themselves. That's a good mix." More >

Best pitcher to close out Game 7: Emmanuel Clase, Guardians

This is another one that wasn't close. Clase received four times the votes of anyone else, and it's easy to see why.

"0.61 ERA," an American League first baseman said. "That's all that needs to be said.¡±

It's not just that Cleveland's closer doesn't allow runs -- it's HOW he doesn't allow runs. Basically, he just doesn't let hitters reach base. Clase pitched to a 0.66 WHIP last season and held hitters to a .392 OPS as he blew past 40 saves for the third straight season. More >

Player who should host a podcast or talk show after he retires: Mookie Betts, Dodgers

It's not totally accurate to say that baseball players are naturally gregarious, but they definitely spend a lot of time talking -- which gives them unique insight into which of their peers are conversational enough to have a future hosting a podcast or talk show.

Betts was once again the runaway winner. It certainly helps that he already has an Emmy-nominated podcast.

"He's really good at it," an NL outfielder said. More >

Most underrated player: Jos¨¦ Ram¨ªrez, Guardians

Ram¨ªrez is a potential (and oh-so-close) 40-40 talent and six-time AL All-Star, but seems to get little love in discussions about the game's top players. But other players most definitely recognize his talent.

"He's not underrated, but he still doesn't get talked about enough," an AL starting pitcher said. "Shoo-in Hall of Famer. The year he had last year was nuts, and nobody talked about it." More >

Player you¡¯d most want as a teammate: (tie) Mookie Betts, Dodgers; Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

As the results of these survey questions show, Betts is quite popular among his peers. His talent and personality create just about the perfect combination for an athlete, which is why so many players wish he was on their team.

"That guy is like the freakin' mayor," one NL outfielder said.

Meanwhile, Ohtani generates just as much awe among players as he does among fans. The talent is obviously a big part of his popularity among players, but don't underestimate the desire to just watch and learn up close.

¡°I would love to play with him, just to see what he does every day,¡± an AL first baseman said. More >

The best defensive player in baseball: (tie) Andr¨¦s Gim¨¦nez, 2B, Blue Jays; Francisco Lindor, SS, Mets

Gim¨¦nez will flash the leather this season for the Blue Jays, but it was his time with the Guardians that earned him such a stellar defensive reputation. In fact, the second baseman led all MLB players with +21 Outs Above Average last season.

"He could be at any infield position and be elite," an NL starting pitcher said.

Meanwhile, Lindor is literally the GOAT when it comes to OAA, a stat tracked since 2016, his first full season in the league. No other player has come close to his +137 OAA during that time.

"He gets to a lot of balls that guys don't get to," an NL first baseman said. More >

The best pitcher in baseball: Tarik Skubal, Tigers

When a pitcher throws nasty stuff, wins the AL pitching Triple Crown, then wins a unanimous Cy Young Award, it kinda goes without saying that his victims will shower him with best-pitcher-in-the-game praise. So it was -- so it is -- for Tigers lefty Skubal.

"It's hard not to go with Skubal after he was the best pitcher in the game last year. He was awesome," an AL first baseman said. More >

The best player in baseball: Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers

Are you really surprised? Can it really be argued? The players certainly don't think so -- a dominant two-way talent, the 50-50 club founder, 411 total bases and yet another unanimous MVP award last season? Come on. Ohtani was the dominant answer to this question.

"I know we rave about him -- and we should continue to do so -- but it¡¯s truly remarkable," an AL relief pitcher said. More >