Greatest 3B rankings
1. Mike Schmidt
No one else was considered for the top spot – no discussion necessary.
2. George Brett
- Some great batting average seasons.
- 13 All-Star Games and the MVP in ’80.
- Led the Royals to seven different playoffs, including one World Series
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great schtick
3. Edie Mathews
Different eras have different offensive norms – I’m putting Matthews here to represent the 50’s/60’s.
4. A-Rod
No, I’m not a Yankee fan. I don’t like A-Rod, either. But look at his numbers…seriously. I realize he’s played in the steroid era – I’m not penalizing him for it. I know one of my criteria were that they had to have spent most of their career at 3B, but he played enough 3B to where I’m not going to penalize him.
5. Wade Boggs
Lifetime 0.328 hitter
6. Pie Traynor
He batted .320 during his 17-year career, hit .300 or better 10 times, and never struck out more than 28 times in a season.
7. Frank "Home Run" Baker
Baker led the American League in homers for four seasons, but with never more than 12 in any one year. Baker was a .307 lifetime hitter, twice led the American League in RBIs and batted .363 in six World Series
8. Chipper Jones
Here seems about right.
9. Brooks Robinson
I think here is still a little high, considering defense wasn’t majorly considered.
10. Ron Santo
Just got in the HOF
11. Scott Rolen
Injuries hurt this guy somewhat, as did the lower BA compared to his contemporaries.
12. Paul Molitor
Great player that I struggled with putting here. Having to weigh the different eras hurt him a little.
13. John McGraw
More known for his coaching, but still deserved to be drafted – right among others not drafted.