[Archive]

Posted By: Kevin Cummings

SABR member James Vail did an analysis much like Bill James proposing a method to make the selection process more objective and less subjective. He published it in a book called Outrageous Fortune.

The fourth and fifth highest rated position players not yet in the Hall of Fame are Keith Hernandez (#46 overall) and Paul Molitor (#47 overall). Only Pete Rose, Rickey Henderson and Darrell Evans rate higher. Cal Ripken rates the same as Molitor.

As for pitchers, Blyleven (#18 overall) and Eckersley (#19 overall) are #1 and #2.

If you can stand the read (it's a little dry), it makes a pretty compelling argument.