How to Construct a Championship Caliber Core

   Some teams are undoubtably under a lot of pressure to win, and whether the pressure comes from a new owner, a TV deal, or simply need more money, a good way to get started is to build up your core (group of four or five players that are the force behind your team). Here are the essentials to build a great start for any team.
 
1. The Outfielder(s):
   The Outfielder(s) are going to be your main offensive catalysts. While normally there is only one, some teams, like the Giants, have two (Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence). These will either hit third or fourth in your lineup, and will knock in most of your runs (ex. Mike Trout and Bryce Harper). The Outfielder often be your "franchise player" have the most merchandise in his name, as he will be the most recognizable.

2. The Pitcher:
    The Pitcher is your ace, your bulldog, and will be the one you most want with the ball in their hands when the game is on the line. Everyone knows that good starting pitching is the foundation for success, but an ace is the foundation for good starting pitching.

3. The Infielder(s):
    There can be two kinds of infielders, and most teams do have both. A leadoff hitter who does whatever he can to get on base, and then steals the next one will often play in the middle infield. Players like Jose Altuve, Xander Bogarts, and Accedes Escobar are all great examples of this piece of a teams core, and are all leadoff hitters. The other aspect of the infielder part of the core is the corner infield. Essentially acting as a slower version of an outfielder, corner infielders include Paul Goldschmidt, Corey Seager, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Eric Hosmer, Joey Votto, and Matt Duffy.

4. The Catcher:
    Every team has a catcher, some are even pretty good, but very few have the essential skills to be part of a teams core. They need to be a leader, and a great team player. They need to know how to work with and mentor pitchers. Some catchers that are a core part of their team are Yadier Molina, Buster Posey, and.... I honestly can't think of anymore. Core catchers are so rare.

5. The Closer:
    While the closer is not essential, it helps to have someone you trust out there at the back of the bullpen. You can have a good closer, but one who is part of your core is someone who is consistent for a couple of years at a time, and is young. Old relievers burn out after a couple of months.