OT - Best 3B ever?

[Mark70Z]

Originally Posted by almostdone

It seems to me there are two different questions here trying yo be answered at the same time.
1. Who was the greatest 3rd baseman of all time? Or,
2. Who was the greatest hitter who played 3rd base?

Two very different categories IMO.
Drew

I agree totally with Drew; what question are you asking? Most of you guys are giving all types of stats for hitting...why don't you just compare these players with the best offensive players to ever play.

If you're talking 3rd baseman...then Brooks Robinson is the best ever. All around I think it would be Brooks or Schmidt (in my view). Brett and/or Chipper were not the best defensive players, even in their prime. Brooks changed the way teams played against them. As an example view the '66 WS where the Dodgers liked to bunt, but rarely went Brooks' way in the series.

My question would be how can the best defensive third baseman of all time, not be #1 or #2?

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mark70Z

I agree totally with Drew; what question are you asking? Most of you guys are giving all types of stats for hitting...why don't you just compare these players with the best offensive players to ever play.

If you're talking 3rd baseman...then Brooks Robinson is the best ever. All around I think it would be Brooks or Schmidt (in my view). Brett and/or Chipper were not the best defensive players, even in their prime. Brooks changed the way teams played against them. As an example view the '66 WS where the Dodgers liked to bunt, but rarely went Brooks' way in the series.

My question would be how can the best defensive third baseman of all time, not be #1 or #2?

Because as Bill James has explained offense makes much more difference to winning games than defense.

[Orioles1954]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Because as Bill James has explained offense makes much more difference to winning games than defense.

Tell that to the 1970s Reds. Since was are talking about POSITION which is defensive in nature....have to go with Brooks Robinson. You can pitch around sluggers.