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Originally Posted by KSig RC
It's probably similar, where people don't realize that hitting .300, walking 100 times, and smashing 40 doubles is actually better than hitting 50 home runs (and since he'll probably hit 45-50 HRs this year too, I mean . . . SICK) . . . Thomas eventually got his recognition, but only after years - plus his counting stats are nuts too. Part of it might be because Frank played in the field, too - but seriously, he barely played in the field . . . Hafner is a total freak, though, and in that regard they're totally similar.
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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.
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