{"id":2769,"date":"2016-12-23T06:30:06","date_gmt":"2016-12-23T11:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonbaseball.com\/?p=2769"},"modified":"2016-12-23T11:45:22","modified_gmt":"2016-12-23T16:45:22","slug":"most-captivating-mlb-players-2016-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2016\/12\/23\/most-captivating-mlb-players-2016-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Most Captivating MLB Players of 2016: Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the 2016 calendar year comes to an end, the LWOS MC50 series captures the 50 most captivating athletes from 2016 in each sport. LWOB takes a look at the 50 MLB players who drew headlines this past year, whether it be for on-field accomplishments, off-season drama, or happenings away from the ballpark.<\/em><\/p>\n

Most Captivating MLB Players of 2016: Part 1<\/strong><\/h2>\n

50. Julio Teheran<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

As one of the arms that will turn around the Atlanta Braves<\/strong>, the 25-year-old Colombian-born starter continued to show he has some nasty stuff. Teheran finished the year\u00a0with a K:BB ratio of 4.07 and a top-ten rank in WAR for pitchers in the National League<\/strong>. Teheran saved his very best for his last start of the season.<\/p>\n

In front of Tom Glavine<\/a><\/strong>, John Smoltz<\/a><\/strong>, Greg Maddux<\/a><\/strong>, and 51,220 Braves fans that came to see the closing of Turner Field<\/strong>, Teheran tossed a game that confirmed to the fan base that this team is on the way. Matched up with\u00a0CY Young Award\u00a0<\/strong>contender\u00a0Justin Verlander<\/a><\/strong>, Teheran threw a masterful seven innings.<\/p>\n

With 100 pitches, he struck out 12, walked just one batter, and surrendered three hits. He out-dueled Verlander, who also threw seven strong and gave up one run on a sac fly. The game ended 1-0. Teheran has the chance to be a pivotal piece in the success of this Braves franchise long term.<\/p>\n