Alex Rodriguez is one of the most impressive statistical players in baseball history. He absolutely has the most impressive statistics for someone who didn't play outfield or first base consistently. 2002 is not his most impressive season statistically. What was impressive was his 57 homers, 2 triples and 27 doubles. If only he hit 61 homers so he would have 600 on his career.
This card is only good for burning points. Take the same chart with McGwire 1999* for 140 points less. Sure the SS+5 is great and the extra speed looks nice but lets be honest. You don't have points to have someone drive him in. Your line-up needs at worst a 9 and 10 OB in front of A-rod and bat him third.
Nomar Garciaparra in 2002 was another shortstop who would have a great statistical year. Nomar Garciaparra was beloved by Ted Williams to the point where Ted thought Nomar might bat .400 one season. Nomar would bat .310 this year with 24 homers, 5 triples and 56 doubles. Nomar was aided greatly by having a high average, patient and powerful threat in Manny Ramirez batting behind him.
This is a much more interesting chart to play with. You can bat him second with a great base stealer in front of him. He can drive base stealers in. He can also get himself into scoring position without being cost prohibitive. I also don't feel bad putting Nomar 6th in a line up and get some cheap runs lower in the order. SS+0 is a tough pill to swallow... I guess it keeps the points down.
Miguel Tejada won the AL MVP as a shortstop during the heights of the big threes powers. He would helps his A's win over 100 games. He had 34 homers, 30 doubles and whopping 38 doubles. I bet Billy Beane was thrilled with that ratio... That being said old "baseball people" would say those stats were worthy of the MVP. The card tells an interesting story.
Derek Jeter had a serviceable 2002 season but not really of noteworthy one. 2006 Jeter would get second the in MVP voting. He had over 200 hits and batted .343 while winning the Gold Glove. Jeter is so consistently great it is hard to find a specific memorable statistical feat. I think the Jeter 2000* card is the most Jeter-ish card but this one is a good representation (though the fielding is higher than I would remember).
This chart is for a number 2 hitter who can score and drive in runs. SS+5 is obviously awesome and A(20) lets him score. Having a 9 or higher single is good not great. This is just a solid card that checks a lot of boxes and has a clear role.
Miguel Tejada won the AL MVP as a shortstop during the heights of the big threes powers. He would helps his A's win over 100 games. He had 34 homers, 30 doubles and whopping 38 doubles. I bet Billy Beane was thrilled with that ratio... That being said old "baseball people" would say those stats were worthy of the MVP. The card tells an interesting story.
This card is 90 points more is hard to justify. Sure he scores himself more with home runs than Garciaparra. Drives in runs just as well as Garciaparra from a singles perspective. I can bat a 310 pointer 6th. I can't bat a 400 pointer much lower than 5th. This chart is awkward if your team cannot run.
Derek Jeter had a serviceable 2002 season but not really of noteworthy one. 2006 Jeter would get second the in MVP voting. He had over 200 hits and batted .343 while winning the Gold Glove. Jeter is so consistently great it is hard to find a specific memorable statistical feat. I think the Jeter 2000* card is the most Jeter-ish card but this one is a good representation (though the fielding is higher than I would remember).
This chart is for a number 2 hitter who can score and drive in runs. SS+5 is obviously awesome and A(20) lets him score. Having a 9 or higher single is good not great. This is just a solid card that checks a lot of boxes and has a clear role.
It’s a shame you seemed to have lost steam with your posts. I was enjoying the flashbacks and the shots Friday’s. Hope all is well
ReplyDeleteHaving only recently found this blog, I've enjoyed reading your content and catching up with your work. I hope to see more new content in the future
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