Kirby Puckett?

The MLB Network is doing a series called "Prime Nine", spotlighting the best nine players -- who played after 1901 -- at each position.

The first position was center field, with the countdown going like this: 9. Kirby Puckett. 8. Jim Edmonds. 7. Duke Snider. 6. Ken Griffey Jr., 5. Joe DiMaggio. 4. Tris Speaker. 3. Mickey Mantle. 2. Ty Cobb. 1. Willie Mays.

As the countdown progressed, I kept wondering to myself how Puckett got on the list. Being in my 50s and being able to remember the pre-expansion days, I thought, surely, there must be a more deserving center fielder out there than Puckett. So, I started looking at stats to find a better choice for No. 9.

I'm still looking.

Dale Murphy was excellent for the Braves for a few seasons, but had an average career overall. Andruw Jones seemed destined to crack the list, but his offensive falloff of late has darkened his star.

Curt Flood? Max Carey? Brett Butler? Eric Davis? Nope.

With all due respect to the Negro League players, their statistics for the most part are so spotty that it's unfair to all parties to include them. In the minds of admirers, the reputations of heroes generally grow beyond their exploits on the field. I grew up thinking the Reds' Vada Pinson was one of the best. His statistics, while very good, don't back up my memories.

So, can you find a more deserving No. 9 than Puckett?

Let me know in the comments section.