Post by Captain America on Mar 6, 2015 18:35:34 GMT -5
It's been a while since I've done this, but with only 20 total Hall of Fame players in our first 18 seasons (13 of which were inducted after the voting process was restarted back in 2007), only a select number of hitters have played well enough to be enshrined into the BBSBL Hall of Fame.
And it's not an easy process to get in, with some of the voters being relatively tough critics. BBSBL greats like Gary Sheffield, Jim Thome, Jason Giambi, and Carlos Delgado, among others have all fallen short of induction. However, there is a lot of potential for the BBSBL Hall of Fame to get a lot larger in the coming seasons. For one, Nomar Garciaparra and Mike Lincoln will both be among the new additions this season.
But what could future classes look like? Of course, we can't predict exactly when each player will retire, but we can definitely see which of the active veterans have the best shots of getting in, including the top 10 hitters with the best shots.
First though, here are some honorable mentions that should most certainly be included (apologies in advance if I forget anyone):
- 2B/3B Jose Bautista
- C Edwin Bellorin
- 2B Robinson Cano
- CF Endy A. Chavez
- 3B Eric Chavez
- 1B Jack Cust
- RF Eugene Delrio
- RF Kosuke Fukudome
- SS Ruben Gotay
- 1B/LF Ryan Howard
- C Victor Martinez
- 2B Drew Meyer
- SS Hanley Ramirez
- CF Grady Sizemore
- SS Luis Rivas
- SS David Wright
There is no guarantee that all these players will get inducted, but the majority more than likely will at some point.
And now, the top 15!
15. 1B Justin Morneau
Career Stats: .281/.338/.494/.832, 1945 H, 542 2B, 282 HR, 1067 RBI, 598 BB, 1067 R
Quite a few hitters on the honorable mention list could have slid into the [HASH]15 spot to start this off, but I really like Morneau's well balanced stats throughout his career. There is just no weak spot in his offensive game, aside from base stealing. He hits, he gets a lot of doubles, hits for power, takes walks, scores runs, and drives in runs. He had some great years with the now-defunct Astros and Diamondbacks and is fresh off a championship last season with his current team, the Giants.
Morneau should have a very good shot in getting inducted. He's not a guaranteed shoe-in, but should definitely have the numbers to make it.
14. C Corey Hart
Career Stats: .280/.329/.510/.838, 1587 H, 351 2B, 265 HR, 895 RBI, 412 BB, 956 R, 447 SB
There is no question that Mike Piazza is still the best catcher we've ever seen in this league, and the only catcher in the BBSBL Hall of Fame so far. And he probably will continue to be [HASH]1 for quite some time. However, the next 2 guys on this list are both catchers should be able to find their ways into the Hall of Fame.
The first is Corey Hart, who still has years ahead of him. Granted, he did spend the majority of his career in hitter-friendly Colorado, but despite that, some of the numbers he has put up have been one of a kind for a catcher.
At the end of the 2013 season, Hart ranked 5th among all catchers in career average, 2nd in slugging percentage, 3rd in OPS, 6th in home runs, 1st in stolen bases, and 5th in total bases. Those are solid numbers in themselves and the 40/40 season he had in 2009 was just something you don't see too often from a catcher.
Some may take issue with the Coors Field effect on Hart's career, but nonetheless, Hart should hopefully get enough votes when the time comes to become a member of the Hall of Fame.
13. C David Ross
Career Stats: .305/.366/.471/.837, 2006 H, 284 2B, 266 HR, 1085 RBI, 640 BB, 1030 R
The elder statesman David Ross is the other catcher that is more than deserving of becoming a Hall of Famer. His career average is over .300, which is very rare for a catcher over 12 plus seasons. He won the 2004 AL MVP and was a huge part of the 2007 Mariners championship.
Ross should be a sure to be in the Hall of Fame and time will tell whether one of the younger catchers end up having better careers than him.
12. 2B Chase Utley
Career Stats: .313/.359/..483/.841, 2361 H, 514 2B, 209 HR, 1077 RBI, 535 BB, 1267 R, 429 SB
Chase Utley has been one of BBSBL's best at second base. He's been in the top 5 in batting 4 times and top 3 in hits 3 times. At 35, he's currently hitting pretty well and hasn't slowed down just yet. A career .313 average is awesome and despite never being a real slugger, Utley has been a great pure hitter for many seasons. He shouldn't have too much trouble in becoming a Hall of Famer.
11. CF Andruw Jones
Career Stats: .264/.326/.451/.777, 2522 H, 501 2B, 370 HR, 1382 RBI, 866 BB, 1531 R, 699 SB
Andruw Jones has put up some great numbers over 18 plus seasons and is showing no signs of slowing down. He is among the top 15 in career home runs, RBI and stolen bases. He has also been among the elite defensive outfielders over time. The puzzling thing with Jones is his OPS being below .800 despite all the great numbers he has put up. I think that may put a dent on Jones' chances in becoming a Hall of Famer, but all of his other numbers should make him quite deserving.
10. CF Carlos Beltran
Career Stats: .295/.359/.488/.847, 2409 H, 578 2B, 303 HR, 1337 RBI, 810 BB, 1294 R
Carlos Beltran has been one of the most consistent hitters in BBSBL history. However, he didn't always put up numbers that were really elite in single seasons and because of that, I've always looked at him as one of the best "very good" players, as opposed to an elite superstar. But this is not to say he isn't a Hall of Famer, which he most certainly is. Again, his numbers are great generally speaking, but he never really separated himself that much from the most notable superstars.
Age though has not been a factor for Beltran in his career. Last season, his .918 OPS was the highest its been since 2007. He should definitely be able to play into his early 40s at this rate. Beltran has also been one of the best defensive center fielders in league history with 3 Gold Glove Awards in 2002, 2006 and 2008.
Beltran should definitely become a member of the Hall of Fame, but there will probably be some who will feel that he is more of a borderline candidate.
9. 1B Joey Votto
Career Stats: .320/.371/.486/.857, 1945 H, 466 2B, 157 HR, 925 RBI, 496 BB, 925 R
For over a decade now, Joey Votto has been one of the best pure hitters in BBSBL history. He also was one of the main leaders behind the Mariners' championship in 2007 by hitting .335 that season. Despite never having won a batting title yet, Votto has a career average of .320, which is remarkable. He hasn't been too much of a slugger, but makes up for it by hitting a lot of doubles and drawing a good number of walks. From 2008-2011, Votto won 4 consecutive Gold Glove Awards at first base, further showing how great of an overall player he is.
I can't imagine Votto having much trouble getting Hall of Fame votes and at 30, he still has almost half of his career ahead of him. 7-8+ seasons from now, Votto should be an easy call.
8. OF/DH Jason Kubel
Career Stats: .292/.366/.505/.870, 1604 H, 347 2B, 262 HR, 1018 RBI, 640 BB, 910 R
For the past 9 plus seasons, Jason Kubel has been one of the most consistent hitters in all of BBSBL. He has hit for average, for power and has drawn a good number of walks as well. At 32, he has good number of seasons left in him and those career numbers should go continue to go up quite a bit. Kubel's career .870 OPS is magnificent and shows how much of a great all-around hitter he really is.
Again, Kubel's numbers by the time he retires should be a lot higher than they are right now, but I'd imagine he won't have much trouble getting Hall of Fame votes.
7. LF/DH Adam Dunn
Career Stats: .282/.366/.494/.861, 2017 H, 330 2B, 390 HR, 1244 RBI, 955 BB, 1154 R
One of the most feared sluggers around, Adam Dunn has put up quite a career by smashing home runs, and drawing tons of walks, en route to a .366 OBP. He is already in the top 10 in both career home runs and walks and those ranks should continue to go up with time.
Dunn has an MVP Award under his belt from 2008, when he had a career year that featured a .334 average, a 1.037 OPS, 31 doubles, 44 home runs, 123 RBI, 81 walks and 108 runs. The average, OPS, home runs, RBI and runs were all career highs. Dunn has also spent his entire career thus far with the Indians, which is rare and unique in such an active league like BBSBL. He helped lead his team to 4 consecutive AL Central titles from 2008-2011 and two AL pennants in 2008 and 2010.
Dunn should be an easy submission for the Hall of Fame...as should everyone else above him on this list.
6. 1B Albert Pujols
Career Stats: .324/.370/.490/.869, 2650 H, 663 2B, 221 HR, 1337 RBI, 738 BB, 1281 R
Despite never being a big time slugger, Albert Pujols has long been one of the most consistent BBSBL hitters around. He also recorded the first and only season in league history with a batting average over .400, when he hit .404 in 2005. Pujols has been a slightly better version of Votto generally speaking throughout his career. He has been a part of two championship teams with the Blue Jays in 2003 and the Marlins in 2010. He has also won 4 Gold Glove Awards at first base.
Pujols will be a Hall of Famer and it will shocking if it takes him multiple ballots to get in.
5. LF Carlos Lee
Career Stats: .307/.342/.509/.851, 2847 H, 591 2B, 413 HR, 1575 RBI, 498 BB, 1304 R
For over 16 years, Carlos Lee has put up good enough numbers to make him an all-time elite BBSBL slugger. At 38, he may still have a few years left in him with the way he's still hitting now. He was one of the leaders for the 2006 A's championship run and won the in-game AL MVP Award that year as well. He hit .342 that season and set a career high of 39 home runs to go along with 134 RBI and 41 doubles. He has also won three straight Gold Glove Awards in the outfield from 2005-2007.
Lee is an easy call for the Hall of Fame. Anyone with over 400 home runs in sim seasons should be a shoe-in.
4. 1B/DH David Ortiz
Career Stats: .311/.374/.517/.890, 2665 H, 621 2B, 368 HR, 1501 RBI, 853 BB, 1384 R
David Ortiz has been one of the best. There is no question about it. He's been a part of three championship teams, including the 2000 A's, the 2004 Expos and the 2010 Marlins. He has the career .311 average and the .890 OPS that are both simply great. He's among the top 15 already in career average, OBP, slugging percentage, OPS, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, and runs. Those ranks will very likely go up a bit more in another season or so, assuming this won't be his final season.
Ortiz is a shoe-in and it's very likely he'll be a unanimous selection.
3. CF Corey Patterson
Career Stats: .280/.316/.550/.865, 2248 H, 500 2B, 491 HR, 1463 RBI, 418 BB, 1347 R, 435 SB
In just a matter of time, Corey Patterson will become the first hitter in BBSBL history to hit 500 career home runs while playing his entire career after our sim league began. In other words, it won't include any stats from before the start of our league, unlike the careers of Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Juan Gonzalez. Regardless, Patterson has redefined the standard of what it means to be a big time slugger over an entire career. He has hit 40 or more home runs in five different seasons, including a career best 52 in 2010.
Patterson has never been an OBP guy because he rarely walks, but has certainly had his fair share of doubles and stolen bases over the years. In 2008, he had a rare 30/60 season with 31 home runs and 61 steals. Patterson has won a pair of World Series rings with the Expos in 2004 and the Giants in 2013. He also has won 3 MVP Awards in 2002, 2010 and 2011, which ties him with Hall of Famer Todd Helton at 2nd most in BBSBL history.
At 34, Patterson still has at least a few seasons left and is a 1st ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes. Furthermore, with the way things look right now, there is definitely a good chance that no other BBSBL hitter will ever get 500 home runs. That's how special Patterson's career has been.
2. RF Vladimir Guerrero
Career Stats: .316/.360/.531/.890, 3192 H, 686 2B, 420 HR, 1796 RBI, 679 BB, 1763 R, 668 SB
Despite Patterson's power, Vladimir Guerrero over time has been arguably the most complete hitter among all active hitters. Guerrero has the career average, the 400+ home runs, the run production and the steals to make the strongest case. He won the 2005 NL MVP in convincing fashion and is among the leaders in most All-Star Game appearances with 13 in his career.
Guerrero is 9th in career average (at the end of 2013), 5th in slugging percentage, 5th in OPS, 2nd in hits, 5th in doubles, 5th in home runs, 1st in RBI, and 14th in steals. Among active players though, he is in either 1st or 2nd in almost all of those stats.
The 38 year old Guerrero is nearing the end of his career, but when it's all said and done, Guerrero will be one of the easiest Hall of Fame selections ever and is a true living legend.
1. 3B/LF/DH Miguel Cabrera
Career Stats: .343/.413/.588/1.001, 2371 H, 557 2B, 366 HR, 1423 RBI, 826 BB, 1361 R
There are many worthy future members of the Hall of Fame here...and then there's Miguel Cabrera who is on a planet of his own. Those career numbers are just eye-popping. A .343 career average... a .413 OBP...a career OPS above 1.000...over 350 homers at just 31 years of age...the list goes on.
Cabrera is the career leader in average, OBP, slugging percentage and OPS. He is already 16th in home runs and 15th in RBI, with both of those numbers guaranteed to climb quite a bit more in future seasons. He has won MVP Awards in each of the past 5 seasons and has already led the Marlins to 4 straight titles from 2008-2011. Did I mention that he also won 3 Triple Crowns from 2010-2012? How about his historic 2013 season that featured new single season records 75 home runs and 197 RBI? I really can't think of any amazing accomplishment Cabrera hasn't done yet.
When it's all said and done, Cabrera will go down as the greatest hitter in BBSBL history and no one will even come close to doing what he will have done by the end of his career. Forget the Babe Ruth leagues across the country for kids...they'll all be renamed the Miguel Cabrera leagues soon enough without question.
Pitcher ranks coming soon!
And it's not an easy process to get in, with some of the voters being relatively tough critics. BBSBL greats like Gary Sheffield, Jim Thome, Jason Giambi, and Carlos Delgado, among others have all fallen short of induction. However, there is a lot of potential for the BBSBL Hall of Fame to get a lot larger in the coming seasons. For one, Nomar Garciaparra and Mike Lincoln will both be among the new additions this season.
But what could future classes look like? Of course, we can't predict exactly when each player will retire, but we can definitely see which of the active veterans have the best shots of getting in, including the top 10 hitters with the best shots.
First though, here are some honorable mentions that should most certainly be included (apologies in advance if I forget anyone):
- 2B/3B Jose Bautista
- C Edwin Bellorin
- 2B Robinson Cano
- CF Endy A. Chavez
- 3B Eric Chavez
- 1B Jack Cust
- RF Eugene Delrio
- RF Kosuke Fukudome
- SS Ruben Gotay
- 1B/LF Ryan Howard
- C Victor Martinez
- 2B Drew Meyer
- SS Hanley Ramirez
- CF Grady Sizemore
- SS Luis Rivas
- SS David Wright
There is no guarantee that all these players will get inducted, but the majority more than likely will at some point.
And now, the top 15!
15. 1B Justin Morneau
Career Stats: .281/.338/.494/.832, 1945 H, 542 2B, 282 HR, 1067 RBI, 598 BB, 1067 R
Quite a few hitters on the honorable mention list could have slid into the [HASH]15 spot to start this off, but I really like Morneau's well balanced stats throughout his career. There is just no weak spot in his offensive game, aside from base stealing. He hits, he gets a lot of doubles, hits for power, takes walks, scores runs, and drives in runs. He had some great years with the now-defunct Astros and Diamondbacks and is fresh off a championship last season with his current team, the Giants.
Morneau should have a very good shot in getting inducted. He's not a guaranteed shoe-in, but should definitely have the numbers to make it.
14. C Corey Hart
Career Stats: .280/.329/.510/.838, 1587 H, 351 2B, 265 HR, 895 RBI, 412 BB, 956 R, 447 SB
There is no question that Mike Piazza is still the best catcher we've ever seen in this league, and the only catcher in the BBSBL Hall of Fame so far. And he probably will continue to be [HASH]1 for quite some time. However, the next 2 guys on this list are both catchers should be able to find their ways into the Hall of Fame.
The first is Corey Hart, who still has years ahead of him. Granted, he did spend the majority of his career in hitter-friendly Colorado, but despite that, some of the numbers he has put up have been one of a kind for a catcher.
At the end of the 2013 season, Hart ranked 5th among all catchers in career average, 2nd in slugging percentage, 3rd in OPS, 6th in home runs, 1st in stolen bases, and 5th in total bases. Those are solid numbers in themselves and the 40/40 season he had in 2009 was just something you don't see too often from a catcher.
Some may take issue with the Coors Field effect on Hart's career, but nonetheless, Hart should hopefully get enough votes when the time comes to become a member of the Hall of Fame.
13. C David Ross
Career Stats: .305/.366/.471/.837, 2006 H, 284 2B, 266 HR, 1085 RBI, 640 BB, 1030 R
The elder statesman David Ross is the other catcher that is more than deserving of becoming a Hall of Famer. His career average is over .300, which is very rare for a catcher over 12 plus seasons. He won the 2004 AL MVP and was a huge part of the 2007 Mariners championship.
Ross should be a sure to be in the Hall of Fame and time will tell whether one of the younger catchers end up having better careers than him.
12. 2B Chase Utley
Career Stats: .313/.359/..483/.841, 2361 H, 514 2B, 209 HR, 1077 RBI, 535 BB, 1267 R, 429 SB
Chase Utley has been one of BBSBL's best at second base. He's been in the top 5 in batting 4 times and top 3 in hits 3 times. At 35, he's currently hitting pretty well and hasn't slowed down just yet. A career .313 average is awesome and despite never being a real slugger, Utley has been a great pure hitter for many seasons. He shouldn't have too much trouble in becoming a Hall of Famer.
11. CF Andruw Jones
Career Stats: .264/.326/.451/.777, 2522 H, 501 2B, 370 HR, 1382 RBI, 866 BB, 1531 R, 699 SB
Andruw Jones has put up some great numbers over 18 plus seasons and is showing no signs of slowing down. He is among the top 15 in career home runs, RBI and stolen bases. He has also been among the elite defensive outfielders over time. The puzzling thing with Jones is his OPS being below .800 despite all the great numbers he has put up. I think that may put a dent on Jones' chances in becoming a Hall of Famer, but all of his other numbers should make him quite deserving.
10. CF Carlos Beltran
Career Stats: .295/.359/.488/.847, 2409 H, 578 2B, 303 HR, 1337 RBI, 810 BB, 1294 R
Carlos Beltran has been one of the most consistent hitters in BBSBL history. However, he didn't always put up numbers that were really elite in single seasons and because of that, I've always looked at him as one of the best "very good" players, as opposed to an elite superstar. But this is not to say he isn't a Hall of Famer, which he most certainly is. Again, his numbers are great generally speaking, but he never really separated himself that much from the most notable superstars.
Age though has not been a factor for Beltran in his career. Last season, his .918 OPS was the highest its been since 2007. He should definitely be able to play into his early 40s at this rate. Beltran has also been one of the best defensive center fielders in league history with 3 Gold Glove Awards in 2002, 2006 and 2008.
Beltran should definitely become a member of the Hall of Fame, but there will probably be some who will feel that he is more of a borderline candidate.
9. 1B Joey Votto
Career Stats: .320/.371/.486/.857, 1945 H, 466 2B, 157 HR, 925 RBI, 496 BB, 925 R
For over a decade now, Joey Votto has been one of the best pure hitters in BBSBL history. He also was one of the main leaders behind the Mariners' championship in 2007 by hitting .335 that season. Despite never having won a batting title yet, Votto has a career average of .320, which is remarkable. He hasn't been too much of a slugger, but makes up for it by hitting a lot of doubles and drawing a good number of walks. From 2008-2011, Votto won 4 consecutive Gold Glove Awards at first base, further showing how great of an overall player he is.
I can't imagine Votto having much trouble getting Hall of Fame votes and at 30, he still has almost half of his career ahead of him. 7-8+ seasons from now, Votto should be an easy call.
8. OF/DH Jason Kubel
Career Stats: .292/.366/.505/.870, 1604 H, 347 2B, 262 HR, 1018 RBI, 640 BB, 910 R
For the past 9 plus seasons, Jason Kubel has been one of the most consistent hitters in all of BBSBL. He has hit for average, for power and has drawn a good number of walks as well. At 32, he has good number of seasons left in him and those career numbers should go continue to go up quite a bit. Kubel's career .870 OPS is magnificent and shows how much of a great all-around hitter he really is.
Again, Kubel's numbers by the time he retires should be a lot higher than they are right now, but I'd imagine he won't have much trouble getting Hall of Fame votes.
7. LF/DH Adam Dunn
Career Stats: .282/.366/.494/.861, 2017 H, 330 2B, 390 HR, 1244 RBI, 955 BB, 1154 R
One of the most feared sluggers around, Adam Dunn has put up quite a career by smashing home runs, and drawing tons of walks, en route to a .366 OBP. He is already in the top 10 in both career home runs and walks and those ranks should continue to go up with time.
Dunn has an MVP Award under his belt from 2008, when he had a career year that featured a .334 average, a 1.037 OPS, 31 doubles, 44 home runs, 123 RBI, 81 walks and 108 runs. The average, OPS, home runs, RBI and runs were all career highs. Dunn has also spent his entire career thus far with the Indians, which is rare and unique in such an active league like BBSBL. He helped lead his team to 4 consecutive AL Central titles from 2008-2011 and two AL pennants in 2008 and 2010.
Dunn should be an easy submission for the Hall of Fame...as should everyone else above him on this list.
6. 1B Albert Pujols
Career Stats: .324/.370/.490/.869, 2650 H, 663 2B, 221 HR, 1337 RBI, 738 BB, 1281 R
Despite never being a big time slugger, Albert Pujols has long been one of the most consistent BBSBL hitters around. He also recorded the first and only season in league history with a batting average over .400, when he hit .404 in 2005. Pujols has been a slightly better version of Votto generally speaking throughout his career. He has been a part of two championship teams with the Blue Jays in 2003 and the Marlins in 2010. He has also won 4 Gold Glove Awards at first base.
Pujols will be a Hall of Famer and it will shocking if it takes him multiple ballots to get in.
5. LF Carlos Lee
Career Stats: .307/.342/.509/.851, 2847 H, 591 2B, 413 HR, 1575 RBI, 498 BB, 1304 R
For over 16 years, Carlos Lee has put up good enough numbers to make him an all-time elite BBSBL slugger. At 38, he may still have a few years left in him with the way he's still hitting now. He was one of the leaders for the 2006 A's championship run and won the in-game AL MVP Award that year as well. He hit .342 that season and set a career high of 39 home runs to go along with 134 RBI and 41 doubles. He has also won three straight Gold Glove Awards in the outfield from 2005-2007.
Lee is an easy call for the Hall of Fame. Anyone with over 400 home runs in sim seasons should be a shoe-in.
4. 1B/DH David Ortiz
Career Stats: .311/.374/.517/.890, 2665 H, 621 2B, 368 HR, 1501 RBI, 853 BB, 1384 R
David Ortiz has been one of the best. There is no question about it. He's been a part of three championship teams, including the 2000 A's, the 2004 Expos and the 2010 Marlins. He has the career .311 average and the .890 OPS that are both simply great. He's among the top 15 already in career average, OBP, slugging percentage, OPS, hits, doubles, home runs, RBI, and runs. Those ranks will very likely go up a bit more in another season or so, assuming this won't be his final season.
Ortiz is a shoe-in and it's very likely he'll be a unanimous selection.
3. CF Corey Patterson
Career Stats: .280/.316/.550/.865, 2248 H, 500 2B, 491 HR, 1463 RBI, 418 BB, 1347 R, 435 SB
In just a matter of time, Corey Patterson will become the first hitter in BBSBL history to hit 500 career home runs while playing his entire career after our sim league began. In other words, it won't include any stats from before the start of our league, unlike the careers of Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr. and Juan Gonzalez. Regardless, Patterson has redefined the standard of what it means to be a big time slugger over an entire career. He has hit 40 or more home runs in five different seasons, including a career best 52 in 2010.
Patterson has never been an OBP guy because he rarely walks, but has certainly had his fair share of doubles and stolen bases over the years. In 2008, he had a rare 30/60 season with 31 home runs and 61 steals. Patterson has won a pair of World Series rings with the Expos in 2004 and the Giants in 2013. He also has won 3 MVP Awards in 2002, 2010 and 2011, which ties him with Hall of Famer Todd Helton at 2nd most in BBSBL history.
At 34, Patterson still has at least a few seasons left and is a 1st ballot Hall of Famer when the time comes. Furthermore, with the way things look right now, there is definitely a good chance that no other BBSBL hitter will ever get 500 home runs. That's how special Patterson's career has been.
2. RF Vladimir Guerrero
Career Stats: .316/.360/.531/.890, 3192 H, 686 2B, 420 HR, 1796 RBI, 679 BB, 1763 R, 668 SB
Despite Patterson's power, Vladimir Guerrero over time has been arguably the most complete hitter among all active hitters. Guerrero has the career average, the 400+ home runs, the run production and the steals to make the strongest case. He won the 2005 NL MVP in convincing fashion and is among the leaders in most All-Star Game appearances with 13 in his career.
Guerrero is 9th in career average (at the end of 2013), 5th in slugging percentage, 5th in OPS, 2nd in hits, 5th in doubles, 5th in home runs, 1st in RBI, and 14th in steals. Among active players though, he is in either 1st or 2nd in almost all of those stats.
The 38 year old Guerrero is nearing the end of his career, but when it's all said and done, Guerrero will be one of the easiest Hall of Fame selections ever and is a true living legend.
1. 3B/LF/DH Miguel Cabrera
Career Stats: .343/.413/.588/1.001, 2371 H, 557 2B, 366 HR, 1423 RBI, 826 BB, 1361 R
There are many worthy future members of the Hall of Fame here...and then there's Miguel Cabrera who is on a planet of his own. Those career numbers are just eye-popping. A .343 career average... a .413 OBP...a career OPS above 1.000...over 350 homers at just 31 years of age...the list goes on.
Cabrera is the career leader in average, OBP, slugging percentage and OPS. He is already 16th in home runs and 15th in RBI, with both of those numbers guaranteed to climb quite a bit more in future seasons. He has won MVP Awards in each of the past 5 seasons and has already led the Marlins to 4 straight titles from 2008-2011. Did I mention that he also won 3 Triple Crowns from 2010-2012? How about his historic 2013 season that featured new single season records 75 home runs and 197 RBI? I really can't think of any amazing accomplishment Cabrera hasn't done yet.
When it's all said and done, Cabrera will go down as the greatest hitter in BBSBL history and no one will even come close to doing what he will have done by the end of his career. Forget the Babe Ruth leagues across the country for kids...they'll all be renamed the Miguel Cabrera leagues soon enough without question.
Pitcher ranks coming soon!