Adam
Just browse what interests you. There are a number of threads with numerous examples of good and bad Mantles, Willams, DiMaggios, Jeters, Rivera, Puhols, etc. For the most part, it is newbie friendly. I agree that the format can be confusing. I prefer the linear format, but it is what it is.
A number of people here are also members there. There is more discussion there on contemporary players and other areas like entertainment, etc.
