I present an argument.

Who, in your learned opinion, is the greatest to ever play the game - taking offense and defence into consideration - at their positions? I start with my American League Fourteen, with honourable mentions ... Your Humble Narrator would love to know the consensus ...

The High Prince of Horsehide's American League Elite

Catcher:

Mickey Cochrane, Philadelphia Athletics and Josh Gibson, Homestead Grays (Tie)

Honourable Mentions:

Ivan Rodriquez, Thurman Munson, Lance Parrish , Yogi Berra, Ray Schalk,

First Base:

Buck Leonard, Kansas City Monarchs and Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees (Tie)

Honourable Mentions:

George Sisler, Harmon Killebrew, Eddie Murray, John Olerud, Kent Hrbek

Second Base:

Nellie Fox, Chicago White Sox

Honourable Mentions:

Eddie Collins, Rod Carew, Napolean Lajoie, Tony Lazzeri, Roberto Alomar

Shortstop:

Cal Ripken, Baltimore Orioles

Honourable Mentions:

Luis Aparacio,  Robin Yount,  Lou Boudreau, Luke Appling, Joe Cronin

Third Base:

George Kell, Detroit Tigers and George Brett, Kansas City Royals (Tie)

Honourable Mentions:

Wade Boggs, Jimmy Collins, Brooks Robinson, Jud Wilson, George Weaver

Left Field:

Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox

Honourable Mentions:

Carl Yastrzemski, Al Simmons, Heinie Manush, Goose Goslin, Monte Irvin

Center Field: (Toughest of all position players to rate!)

Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees

Honourable Mentions:

Cool Pappa Bell, Joe DiMaggio, Ty Cobb, Larry Doby, Tris Speaker, Kirby Puckett 

Right Field:

Shoeless Joe Jackson, Chicago White Sox (Is there really any doubt?)

Honourable Mentions:

Reggie Jackson, Al Kaline, Wee Willie Keeler, Mike "King" Kelly ... and some guy named George Herman Ruth

Designated Hitter: 

Paul Molitor (By default, I think)

Starting Pitchers:

Walter Johnson, Washington Senators

Bob Feller, Cleveland Indians

Satchel Paige, Kansas City Monarchs

Honourable Mentions:

Jack Morris, Chief Bender, Catfish Hunter, Jack Chesbro, Jim Bunning 

Relievers: 

Dennis Eckersley, Oakland Athletics

Rich Gossage, New York Yankees

Honourable Mentions:

Mariano Rivera, Rollie Fingers, Dan Quisenberry, Hoyt Wilhelm, John Hiller

Those are my top American Leaguesters ..... who are yours??