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Originally Posted by the 'stache
Consider where they played. Brett played third base, a position that places a premium on offense. Yount was a shortstop, a position that placed a premium on defense. Though Ernie Banks, Vern Stephens and a few other shortstops in the live ball era showed a shortstop could play great defense, and hit for power, it was really the trio of Yount, Ripken Jr and Trammell that changed the perception of the position.
JAWS has George Brett ranked as the fourth best third baseman of all-time, Yount the fifth best shortstop of all-time. Brett's 7 year WAR peak was 53.2. Yount's was 47.2, and would have been higher had he not blown out his shoulder in 1984.
All things considered, they're pretty close.
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Brett was also better in the postseason. He has a championship and he has memorable big hits.3 run HR in game 5 76 ALCS. 3 HRs off Catfish Hunter in 78 ALCS. HR off Goose Gossage in game 3 80 ALCS. Hitting .390 in 1980. 2 HRs off Doyle Alexander in 85 ALCS. 4 Hits in game 7 of 1985 World Series. He was clutch, one of the best postseason players of all time.
People remember Reggie Jackson for his HRs in 1977, not his regular season stats, Mantle for his 18 WS HR, etc. Postseason matters. Brett has that reputation and that makes him the choice. It doesn't hurt that he also has the better regular season numbers, even if they are close.