No, it’s not Papi. Ortiz is the most beloved player on the team because we’re cheering for Papi even though he sucks right now. 5 home runs on the season and every time he knocks one out of the park, he gets a standing ovation. Bill Simmons had it right, Papi has transcended the sport.

But that’s not who we’re talking about. Our best pitcher just notched his ninth win. That’s better than Greinke and Santana. The only guy better is probably the best pitcher in MLB: Roy Halladay.

Tim Wakefield has had 187 career wins and helped the Sox to an MLB best 22-8 record at home this season. What makes this story insane is the guy is about to turn 43 and makes $4M a year.

This is like buying a Ferrari for a couple hundred bucks. Over 82 IP he has a 4.39 ERA. Compare that to Beckett, who is at 82.1 IP with a 4.16 ERA but he’s 7-3, to Wake’s 9-3.

Wake is pitching out of his mind this season and he’s been the bedrock in a pitching rotation that started out very shaky at the beginning of the season. And he’s quiet, professional, and just pitches.

So far this season, Wake has been my favorite player, and yet remains unsung despite the rumors of the All-Star nomination.

What do you think?