There is an elite few who can survive at the hot corner. While defense is at a premium, often playing less than 90 feet from home plate only complicates things. Alex Rodriguez, David Wright, Miguel Cabrerra, Chipper Jones, and Garrett Atkins are arguably the best third baseman in baseball. Before Miguel Cabrerra was moved to Detroit (and moved to first), 3 of the best 5 third baseman called the NL East home. Let's compare the best NL third basemen.

David Wright:
5 Year Career Stats: Runs: 363, HR: 101, RBI: 388, AVG: .310, OBP: .389, SLG: .531, SB: 81

2008 Stats: Runs: 14, HR: 4, RBI: 23, AVG: .281, OBP: .417, SLG: .533, SB: 4

David Wright is by all accounts is still rising as a star in New York. He seems to be fluid at third, comfortable at the dish, and a complete doofus in front of the camera. Fortunately, Mets fans eat doofy athletes for breakfast and love his silliness both on and off the field. It's exciting to see Jose Reyes' high fives in the dugout and David Wright on the other end. Even more exciting then that is the fact that David Wright is a monster talent at the plate, and he's only 25 years old.

Last season also marked Wright's first gold glove. While he has shown outstanding ability to field his position, occasionally he looks like Chuck Knoblauch on the routine plays. Despite his shortcomings on occasion, he's more prone to make the outstanding play with a strong throw, or incredible range to go and get the ball. I often think that he suffers from too much range, and because he gets to a lot more balls, has to make a lot more plays.

David Wright has been strong this season, but recently he's struggled a bit. While his OBP has remained strong, his power and average numbers have taken a bit of a hit with this early season mini-slump. One player who hasn't yet slowed down from his hot start is that damn 3b from Atlanta.

Chipper Jones:
13 Year Career Stats: Runs: 1315, HR: 394, RBI: 1320, AVG: .308, OBP: .404, SLG: .548, SB: 134

2008 Stats: Runs: 19, HR: 8, RBI: 21, AVG: .410, OBP: .455, SLG: .690, SB: 0

It's difficult to argue that Larry Wayne (Chipper) Jones Jr. has been by far the best third baseman in this young 2008 season. Despite the fact that he's a total douche bag, he's managed an incredible .410 average through 25 games. Luckily he has seen limited time against the Mets due to the fact that he's a wuss and likes to cry like a little girl about every hang nail he gets.

This redneck has always been a complete menace against Mets pitching. He's in the top 5 of all major offensive categories for his career against the Mets. Throw in the fact that he's best friends with John Rocker, and this guy is pretty much the most hated man in NY. Unfortunately, that hasn't stopped him from completely owning the NY Mets, dominating everyone in his path, and generally carrying the braves to victory in Shea for the past 10 seasons.

Garrett Atkins:
5 Year Career Stats: Runs: 286, HR: 74, RBI: 353, AVG: .303, OBP: .369, SLG: .485, SB: 7

2008 Stats: Runs: 15, HR: 6, RBI: 21, AVG: .319, OBP: .336, SLG: .529, SB: 0

Garrett Atkins really emerged as an elite 3B in 2006 when he hit 29 dingers and drove in 120 runs. Since that time he has produced solid numbers consistently and was a big factor for the Rockies on their recent world series run. While his offensive production seems solid at his young age, its notable to point out that his OBP is not as strong as Wright's or Chipper's. For Atkins to make the leap into the upper echelon, he'll really need to work at taking some pitches, working the count, and taking the walks when they present themselves.

Atkins has been generally an above average third baseman, and in the major leagues, could easily be considered top 5. Despite his elite status, he is still not in the same league as David Wright and Chipper sucks ass Jones.

Overall Chipper has produced at a high level for many years, and unfortunately has the upper hand on David Wright. Larry's dominated the Mets, and been a straight up MVP. Despite all his accolades, he's still a tool, and I wouldn't want him on my team even if he paid me.

So far this season Chipper is the best 3b in baseball. But when its all said and done, I want David Wright on my team as my starting third baseman every day of the week and twice on Sunday.