Your most underrated player of the last 20 years

[MattyFos.]

Tejada won the MVP in 2002.

Arod, then with the Rangers, finished 2nd.

Now, forget the fact that Arod's bWAR was 8.8 and his fWAR was 10 (both easily lead the AL), while Tejada was not even in the top 10. This was 2002, and WAR wasn't really a thing.

Both Arod and Tejada were shortstops. Arod won the Silver Slugger Award (best offensive SS) and the Gold Glove (best defensive SS). So the voters said Arod was better offensively and defensively, but Tejada was better overall.

If anything, Tejada was overrated.

That sounds a lot like basic journalism/ writer logic.

 

[The Oi]

Where is this coming from?

The proper angle to sail it right over your head.

 

[Randolphkeys]

When do you hear future first ballot HOF Yadi Molina talked about?

Guy has 9 Gold Gloves and 9 AS appearances and won two WS. One of the best hitting catchers of all time. And @Randolphkeys , @Huber. , @Deezus , @Lee and @bushwick_bill all have no idea who he is.

Criminal.

Yadi, Yadi, Yadi Jigo. Hey, selecting a first ballot HOF catcher for this thread is my thing.

How Posey, Molina Are Hitting Better Than Ever in ‘21

The two NL catchers are both having resurgent starts to the 2021 season. But is it sustainable?

www.google.com

Love that these old dudes are off to a great start so far.

 

[WhoAzcue]

Since @Cassity14 laughed at me

Career numbers:
Giles - .291/.400/.502 136 wRC+ 54.8 fWAR
Vlad - .318/.379/.553 136 wRC+ 54.5 fWAR

Peak season:
Giles - .298/.450/.622 174 wRC+ 6.9 fWAR (2002)
Vlad - .336/.417/.593 155 wRC+ 7.1 fWAR (2002)

Peak 6-year stretch:
Giles - .303/.418/.554 150 wRC+ 40.9 fWAR (1999-2005)
Vlad - .328/.395/.600 148 wRC+ 38.2 fWAR (1998-2004)

Well, based on this, the Rincon-Giles trade is even worse than Larry Andersen for Jeff Bagwell.

So, no thanks for the memories. I had almost gotten over them.

 

[Out of the Rafters at the Q]

Moises Alou

 

[Derek]

Moises Alou

Peed on his hands

 

[Urban]

Been going through old baseball cards and one name that stuck out was Lance Berkman. I see Derek mentioned him about a month ago. Berkman was booted off the ballot on his first year of eligibility. Ultimately he's not a Hall of Famer since he really didn't have the sustained longevity of others, but like Lofton, getting less than 5% seemed insulting.

Below are the wRC+ leaders from Berkman's peak, which was 2001-2008. 6 of 8 seasons he had a 6.0+ WAR and ranked #5 in WAR over that span




Also, I don't think anyone really underrates either of these 2 guys (especially Bonds) but Barry Bonds and Tony Gwynn have about the most ridiculous stat lines to look at.