Thomas was probably the worst defensive first baseman for a while in the 90's, and probably one of the worst defensive regulars, period. However, I think his lack of recognition goes back to the counting stats you were talking about; you always heard more about Juan Gone during that time period because of the home runs and RBIs (even though he didn't do anything else).

I think Hafner could end up like a Manny case - one day someone will figure out how good he is, and you'll have 1000 columnists taking the credit for "discovering" his talent.

ETA: I think I found the next topic for my blog. Thank you, Mr. Hafner.

Word - Big Hurt's Rate2s in the 90s:

94
99 (56 games, clearly an abberation)
91
91
93
89
93
91
85(!)
92

FRAA:
-3
-1
-16
-14
-7
-10
-10
-9
-2
-4

Because 10 runs ~= 1 win . . . that means all those White Sox teams lost about one game per YEAR because of Big Frank's D - that's insane. Totally insane. Luckily, he was having overall WARPs of 8-10(!!!) in that time, clearly a Hall of Fame peak . . . but yeah, SHITTY fielding. While Hafner definitely sucks, he's never had a RATE2 below 94 (just for completeness).

-RC
--Is a nerd.

[QUOTE=KSig RC]Agreed about Hafner - he's the classic example: his rate stats (which are way more important to, y'know, SCORING RUNS) are off the freaking charts, making him easily the best hitter in the AL. However, no one cares (at least, none of the asshole writers who vote) because other guys have better counting stats . . . like RBIs are 100% the hitter? C'mon.[QUOTE]

Yes, but guess who checked out his rates prior to posting before that?

This guy.

Also, I got excited about having a new blog topic. Weird.

KSigKid
- Also a nerd

How did Mike Lowell get left off for comeback player of the year? I would have picked him before Schilling.

Went to Detroit to take in all four vs the white sox. Sooner or later, folks will have to start recognizing how good Dye has been this year in terms of the MVP race.

Yo yo yo yo yo wassup?

Who's gonna win it all this year?


Tiguh Tiguh Tiguh Woods yall!!!

4 games. 34 hours. What a weekend this is going to be for NY/Boston Baseball fans...

Add in two good football match-ups on Sunday (even though I can't stand football, it's Jets-Pats & Giants-Eagles) and it's an all sport weekend for NYers!:D :D

I'm looking for my Mets to secure the NL East title tonight... and I am hoping for a Subway Series this year!

WTF! The Mets just can't do $#!T against left-handed pitchers! Looks like they'll have to clinch it another day...

I wish I could see the games here in DC. mlb.com is simply not enough. :(

Let's Go YANKEES! :D

I'm with you there (except for the "Let's go Yankees" part ;) )! Last night I was so mad that I couldn't even go to a sports bar to watch baseball because of college football. Sometimes it sucks living in NC State/UNC/Duke country, and not giving a damn about any of the schools! Won't be able to watch it today either, because of NFL football (but at least I'll watch that).

Jeezuz H. Christ.

WTF happened to my Dodgers? Last night, they completely imploded. Ugh! :mad: