Rex Hudler

I have a problem with this theory. I know my thoughts go against every Bill Jamesian theory out there, but defense does matter. I used to be a pitcher and I know that I was a better pitcher when I had good defensive teams behind me. I was more confident, challenged hitters more and pitched differently. I can honestly say that I felt I was a run or two a game better when I had good defense behind me. That does not mean I crumbled after an error by any means. It's just a mental edge a pitcher has when he knows a good defense can save him 2-4 hits per game. Those hits can be huge. So while stats may not reflect it, there is no way you can measure what goes on in a pitcher's head. And what goes on in his head, definitely reflects how he will throw to each hitter.

Willing to bet on it? I'll put up $100 and give you 10:1 odds. ;-)

Sorry, you are too late...... Gammons mentions Reed in his current column on ESPN.com right now.

Well don't expect him to hit .425 in AAA!!!

Damn, i'm good! ;-) Webster misssed the Rangers list and Rupe was indeed #10. Sorry for gloating..... I'll go stand in the corner now. LOL

I concur........... I used to play a little game with some of my regulars many years ago when I used to tend bar. I would have them pick an all-time team, one player at each position, three outfielders and one RH and one LH pitcher. I would usually have them pick an all-time team and a "B" team. It is amazing how many great players get left of such lists and how fun the discussions were...... If anyone is motivated to do so by this post, I would sugget starting another thread, but that is just my thought.

Past, you are drunk if you think the talent is watered down now compared to the 1920's? And the pitching better? Puhlease... Get out of the fantasy world of days gone by and realize today's athlete's are far superior. You think Ruth could step in against today's pitchers with that 60-something ounce bat and face sliders and split-fingers? Not a chance. The players are bigger, stronger, faster than ever. It is nice to be romanced by eras past, but let's not lose our grip on reality here.

Where did you find that, Jim?

Here is an email Neyer received after the article and his response. I think there is definite merit it to it, as today's players are better than ever. Neyer's response does surprise me a bit, especially the first line. Question Rob, I just wanted to give you my two cents on the best players of all time. I know this takes a lot of the fun out of it but ... The best players are all the guys playing today. If you had your choice of being operated on for an unspecified malady by the best doctor from 50 years ago or the best doctor today, which is it gonna be? Look, you have Classic Sports, right? Do you ever watch those old tapes of the Bill Russell/Bob Cousy Celtics? The idea that Cousy could guard Allen Iverson, or that Russell could hang with Shaquille O'Neal is laughable. Have you ever seen Wiillie Mays? The guy is 5-foot-10 and 190 pounds -- he just can't be the best player ever. It's the way the world is: bigger, better, stronger, faster. Indeed, technology is part of the reason today's players are better. However, by my way of thinking, the question should be, "How would the Babe do against the Unit swinging his 69oz bat?" Not well, would be my best guess. Anyway, just my thoughts ... Jon Answer You're right, Jon. I believe that if the '03 Devil Rays played the '27 Yankees in a best-of-seven Time Machine Series, the Rays would sweep the Bombers, and the scores would be lopsided. If Babe Ruth had to face, say, Victor Zambrano, he would swing at three of Zambrano's low-90s sinkers and trudge back the bench, muttering to himself about pitches he couldn't even see, let alone hit. You're right about something else: this does take a lot of the fun out of it. Because it's fun, we do pretend that comparing players from different eras has something more than theoretical relevance, and it's not just baseball. Aren't there people who still argue that Johnny Unitas was the greatest quarterback, and that Bill Russell was the greatest center? So when we talk about "greatest," I think it's appropriate to compare a player to his peers, while recognizing that it's easier in some eras than others to stand out.

Greg Maddux is the exception to the rule. Jamie Moyer wasn't a good pitcher until he was 28 years old. Speaking generally, a lack of velocity can be overcome but the pitcher who does so is the exception rather than the rule.

So I assume then that you plan not to enjoy any of the park's new features??? Comiskey Park was gone when they opened the new stadium.

Man I really suck!!! I only got 4 and gave up after about 15 minutes..... Where can I find the damn answers? lol

A handful from Fletch........ 1. Does this proposition entail my dressing up as Little Bo Peep? 2. Can I borrow your towel? My car just got hit by a water buffalo. 3. Ya using the whole fist doc? 4. If you shoot me, you'll lose a lot of those humanitarian awards. 5. Do you own rubber gloves? I rent em. I have a lease with an option to buy. 6. C'mon guys! It's so simple, maybe you need a refresher course. It's all ball bearings these days. 7. ... and a damn fine answer if I do say so my damn self. 8. I'll have a Bloody Mary, a steak sandwich and a....... steak sandwich. 9. Ever seen a spleen that large? Nooo, no, not since breakfast. 10. Do you have the Beatles White Album? Nevermind, just get me a cup of hot fat..... and while you're out there, bring me the head of Alfredo Garcia.

Hands down, the best quote from a sports movie..... Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hangin curveball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, softcore pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, wet kisses that last three days. Crash Davis to Annie Savoy - Bull Durham Oh My....... Annie Savoy's response

Man I am disappointed........ No Fletch? No Caddyshack?

Why not US Cellular?? Support those who support the Sox? Just a thought......

Juice or no juice, I will still bet he hits at least 40 HR.

You could have said the same thing with Rauch, Diaz, Malone, etc.

What profit sharing?

Most situations get settled without ever going to arbitration. Boras more than likely submitted a high figure with the intent of getting the Dodgers to settle for somewhere in between, like that $6.5 million figure. Many times teams and players split the difference. The Dodgers called his bluff and went to arbitration, a process teams generally like to avoid.

And still hitting freakin homers left and right.

Didn't I just say that 7 posts back? You skimming again irish?

After 9/11 not only baseball, but the US, the Dominican and other like countries tightened up pretty good. I am not saying it won't ever happen again, but it won't be nearly as common as it once was. That is what happened to Delvis (now Eddy) Lantigua last year after we traded him to the Yankees. He ended up being denied entry into the US for at least 2 months until they investigated who he was.

Steff, that article is two years old..... Old news babe, time to move on.

It's not a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But it is something that baseball is trying to clean up and prevent from happening. He is just one of many that have misreported their ages. I don't see any reason why he should be singled out.