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Marc S.The larger question with Sutton, Neikro and others isn't more like this: If someone has above-average years for twenty plus seasons, does that consistent longevity add something to their careers that otherwise would not have been there? It seems like the answer is yes -- but not a resounding yes.
Even some of the True HOF-calibre players with longevity -- think of your Hank Aarons, Nolan Ryans, Pete Roses and even Cal Ripkens. Had it not been for their longevity, would history look so kindly upon them? Perhaps not. Aaron, though an amazing home run hitter, was known more for his consistent years of 35 home runs than being a powerhouse in any one of his years. Ryan, though remembered for his strikeouts and unprecedented seven no-hitters, played for marginal teams and had a marginal winning percentage (he is nearly in a very exclusive club -- the 300 loss club). Longevity shows an endurance that many other players either do not strive for, or whose health or luck does not permit. But there have been a significant number of players who perhaps made the All-Star team four or five times over a 20 - 25 year career, and really were never considered among the most dominant players of their season, decade or generation.