OT: Hall of Fame - Edgar Martinez?

[rats60]

Originally Posted by packs

I think Walker is a HOFer too. But I don't see what defense has to do with anything. Pitchers don't get overlooked for being terrible hitters so I really don't understand this stance where Edgar is less deserving for not playing the field. He was there to hit and no one was better than he was.

Also all this talk about defense has me wondering why none of you guys are out on a limb for Vizquel. He was one of the greatest fielding shortstops of all time and only got a little more than a third of the vote.

Vizquel had a high fielding percentage, but he was average defensively. Vizquel averaged 4.62 plays per game. The league average was 4.61. Because of his average range, he is 18th in TZR.

[packs]

That would be a fine analysis unless you saw the guy play. You're going to tell me that anyone watching Vizquel play thought he was anything other than the best fielder in the game? There are two shortstops all time who have won at least 10 gold gloves. Those shortstops Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by packs

That would be a fine analysis unless you saw the guy play. You're going to tell me that anyone watching Vizquel play thought he was anything other than the best fielder in the game? There are two shortstops all time who have won at least 10 gold gloves. Those shortstops Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel.

Fielding stats are all misleading IMO. From all the Indians Red Sox games I saw, Vizquel was sensational.

[mr2686]

On baseballs, I only collect hall of famers. With that said, I'm so sure that Visquel is Hall worth and will make it to the Hall, that I'll be getting a signed ball long before he's elected.

[mr2686]

Originally Posted by rats60

Vizquel had a high fielding percentage, but he was average defensively. Vizquel averaged 4.62 plays per game. The league average was 4.61. Because of his average range, he is 18th in TZR.

Not sure if we're looking at different stats, but I see that Vizquel was 5th career in TZR at SS. Only Ozzie, Ripken, Aparicio, and Belanger are ahead...all in the HOF except Belanger who was a poor hitter. I saw Vizquel play several games, and I definitely wouldn't say he had average range.

As for Martinez (mentioned a few posts previously), I don't buy that he wouldn't have hit as well if he had to play defense. Some players don't hit as well if they're sitting on the bench, but they do hit if they're more "in" the game by playing the field. On the other side of the coin, are we assuming that Aaron would have hit 900 homeruns if he could have DH'd his whole career?
Guys, DH is part of the game...has been for many years. Why not put the very best in the Hall?

[packs]

Originally Posted by mr2686

Not sure if we're looking at different stats, but I see that Vizquel was 5th career in TZR at SS. Only Ozzie, Ripken, Aparicio, and Belanger are ahead...all in the HOF except Belanger who was a poor hitter. I saw Vizquel play several games, and I definitely wouldn't say he had average range.

As for Martinez (mentioned a few posts previously), I don't buy that he wouldn't have hit as well if he had to play defense. Some players don't hit as well if they're sitting on the bench, but they do hit if they're more "in" the game by playing the field. On the other side of the coin, are we assuming that Aaron would have hit 900 homeruns if he could have DH'd his whole career?
Guys, DH is part of the game...has been for many years. Why not put the very best in the Hall?

It's just an insane way to view Vizquel. He played during the peak of ESPN and Sportscenter. I saw him daily. No one who ever watched him play thought he was just an average guy. That viewpoint makes no sense to me.

[btcarfagno]

Originally Posted by mr2686

Not sure if we're looking at different stats, but I see that Vizquel was 5th career in TZR at SS. Only Ozzie, Ripken, Aparicio, and Belanger are ahead...all in the HOF except Belanger who was a poor hitter. I saw Vizquel play several games, and I definitely wouldn't say he had average range.

As for Martinez (mentioned a few posts previously), I don't buy that he wouldn't have hit as well if he had to play defense. Some players don't hit as well if they're sitting on the bench, but they do hit if they're more "in" the game by playing the field. On the other side of the coin, are we assuming that Aaron would have hit 900 homeruns if he could have DH'd his whole career?
Guys, DH is part of the game...has been for many years. Why not put the very best in the Hall?

Far more chance of him getting hurt if he plays the field as well. That by itself would dampen his offensive stats. And if the injury was career threatening...

And anyone who thinks Omar Vizquel had bad range is off his rocker. Vizquel got to balls 99% of shortstops wouldn't even try to get to.