Recent Players among the Top 25 – Infielders and Catchers

Here is an interesting question. According to the CAWS Career Gauge, how many of the top 25 players at each position in the 20th century were still playing in the 21st century (2001 or later)? Let’s take a look.

All numbers include the 2008 season.
Bold print = Hall of Famer
Italic = active player in 2008
CWS = Career Win Shares
CV = Core Value (sum of win shares for 10 best seasons)
CAWS = Career Value = CV + .25(CWS – CV)

The First Basemen

Among the top 25 first basemen with the best careers since 1901, there are nine who have played in the 21st century. Here are their numbers (the number in front of the player’s name is his rank among the top first basemen.)

(Note – Frank Thomasis considered to be a designated hitter. His CAWS score is 327.)

Jeff Bagwell, Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro and Jim Thome all have Hall of Fame numbers according to the CAWS Career Gauge.

Jeff Bagwellhas the #6 best career for a first baseman and has the best HOF numbers of this group and should be an early choice for the Hall when he is eligible. Mark McGwirehas been on the BBWAA ballot twice and has not gotten more than 26% of the vote. It appears that the “steroids stain” is a major problem for him. And the same steroids problem should hamper Rafael Palmeiro’sinduction into Cooperstown. For me, it is inconceivable that Palmeiro could be elected to the Hall before McGwire.

Jim Thomehas HOF numbers for a first baseman (CAWS = 280) and should be elected to the Hall some day – especially since he has 541 home runs.

Jason Giambi, Carlos Delgadoand Todd Heltonare still active players and may yet achieve the 280 benchmark. However, Giambi is also an alleged “steroids offender.”

Fred McGriffand John Olerudwere both very good players but neither has serious Hall of Fame credentials.

The Second Basemen

Among the top 25 second basemen with the best careers since 1901, there are four who have played in the 21st century. Here are their numbers (the number in front of the player’s name is his rank among the top second basemen.)

Craig Biggioand Roberto Alomarare the #5 and the #7 ranked second basemen of the century (#3 and 5 of the modern era). Both have obvious Hall of Fame numbers. If each is not elected quickly to the Hall, then something is seriously wrong with the system.

Jeff Kentis near the end of a great career. He does have HOF numbers according to the CAWS Gauge (260 being the benchmark for a second baseman). I do believe he will be elected to the Hall of Fame at some point.

Chuck Knoblauch, of course, did not come close to HOF numbers during his career.

The Third Basemen

Among the top 25 third basemen with the best careers since 1901, there are three who have played in the 21st century. Here are their numbers (the number in front of the player’s name is his rank among the top third basemen.)

Chipper Jonesis the only one of these players to have posted Hall of Fame numbers (a CAWS score of 270 for a third baseman). At the end of the 2008 season, he became the #5 ranked third baseman of the century. He should be an easy choice for the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

Scott Rolenhas been a good, solid player for a number of years. But it appears unlikely that he will be able to reach the 270 CAWS benchmark.

Robin Venturawas another very steady performer for a good many years. But he certainly did not post Hall of Fame credentials.

The Shortstops

Among the top 25 shortstops with the best careers since 1901, there are six who have played in the 21st century. Here are their numbers (the number in front of the player’s name is his rank among the top shortstops).

The first four of these shortstops have Hall of Fame numbers according to the CAWS Career Gauge (a score of 250 for a shortstop).

Alex Rodriguezis the #1 shortstop of the modern era (only Honus Wagner from the deadball era is ahead of him). He is already a lock for the Hall of Fame. And Cal Ripken Jr.is already in Cooperstown.

Barry Larkinwas a great shortstop and I can only hope that his greatness will be recognized when he becomes eligible for the Hall. And, of course, Derek Jeter, is one of the best known players of his time. I have no doubt that he will have no problem getting elected to the Hall.

Tony Fernandezhad a good solid career but did not post HOF credentials. And Miguel Tejadaappears to be well on his way to eventually establishing the appropriate numbers.

The Catchers

Among the top 25 catchers with the best careers since 1901, there are five who have played in the 21st century. Here are their numbers (the number in front of the player’s name is his rank among the top catchers).

Mike Piazzais the only one of these catchers who has obvious Hall of Fame Numbers at this time (CAWS score of 250 for a catcher). With a reputation as the best hitting catcher of all time, he should have no trouble being inducted into the Hall.

Ivan Rodriguezat 249 is one point shy of the CAWS benchmark for catchers. He should go over the standard next year and be in line for election to Cooperstown when he becomes eligible. Given his career, I do not think he will have any real trouble.

Jorge Posadaand Jason Kendallare still active players. Despite solid careers, neither player has established serious HOF credentials. And, of course, Javy Lopezis also not a serious candidate.

Designated Hitter

There is no top 25 list for designated hitters. But if there was, certainly these three recent players would be on it.

Frank Thomasjoins Paul Molitor as the only designated hitters who have posted Hall of Fame numbers according to the CAWS Career Cauge (a score of 280). I think that the Big Hurt will be elected to the Hall at some point.

Edgar Martinezand Harold Bainesboth had good careers. But neither player came close to establishing HOF credentials.

For more information on the CAWS HOF Gauge, see BASEBALL’S BEST: The TRUE Hall of Famers on this site.