16 Team MLB Simulation League Team 5 - 1940s

What This Is+The 19th Century Team

1900-1919 Team

1920s

1930s

Starters
35. C Smoky Burgess (LH) (Platoon)
9. 1B Johnny Mize (LH)
18. 2B Joe Gordon
4. SS Arky Vaughan (LH)
29. 3B Bob Elliott
2. LF Ted Williams (LH)
5. CF Joe DiMaggio
10. RF Paul Waner

Reserves
44. C Sherm Lollar (Platoon)
34. 1B Gil Hodges
19. 2B Bobby Doerr
12. SS Lou Boudreau (DH)
30. 3B Harland Clift
32. LF Augie Galan (Switch)
27. CF Larry Doby (LH)
29. RF Enos Slaughter (LH)

Starting Pitchers
24. Robin Roberts
34. Hal Newhouser
40. Bob Feller
74. Bucky Walters

Bullpen
75. Early Wynn
80. Dizzy Trout
86. Billy Pierce (LH)
105. Tommy Bridges

Closer
Bobby Shantz

Mgr: Leo Durocher
Coaches: Charlie Dressen, Fred Haney

16 Team MLB Simulation League Team 4-1930s

What This Is+The 19th Century Team

1900-1919 Team

1920s

Starters
5. C Gabby Hartnett (Platoon)
2. 1B Jimmie Foxx
9. 2B Charlie Gehringer (LH)
13. SS Joe Cronin
24. 3B Stan Hack
11. LF Ducky Medwick
34. CF Earl Averill (LH) (Platoon)
4. RF Mel Ott

Reserves
10. C Mickey Cochrane (LH) (Platoon)
18. 1B Hank Greenberg (DH)
22. 2B Billy Herman
14. SS Luke Appling
40. 3B Pie Traynor
13. LF Bob Johnson
44. CF Wally Berger (Platoon)
38. RF Kiki Cuyler

Starting Pitchers
11. Lefty Grove (LH)
33. Carl Hubbell (LH)
43. Red Ruffing
66. Wes Ferrell

Bullpen
84. Dutch Leonard
95. Eppa Rixey (LH)
100. Dizzy Dean
111. Lon Warneke

Closer
Syl Johnson

Mgr.: Casey Stengel
Coaches: Steve O'Neill, Bucky Harris

16 Team MLB Simulation League Team 3: 1920s

What This Is+The 19th Century Team

1900-1919 Team

Here's the 1920s team.  

Starters
4. C Bill Dickey (LH)
1. 1B Lou Gehrig (LH)
1. 2B Rogers Hornsby
21. SS Joe Sewell (LH) (Platoon)
30. 3B Heinie Groh (Platoon)
17. LF Al Simmons (Platoon)
3. CF Tris Speaker
1. RF Babe Ruth (LH)

Reserves
24. C Ernie Lombardi
24. 1B Bill Terry (LH) (DH)
16. 2B Frankie Frisch (LH)
24. SS Art Fletcher (Platoon)
33. 3B Larry Gardner (LH) (Platoon)
24. LF Goose Goslin (LH) (Platoon)
43. CF Earle Coombs (LH)
40. RF Harry Hooper

Starting Pitchers
1. Walter Johnson
42. Ted Lyons
51. Dazzy Vance
64. Red Faber

Relief Pitchers
68. Stan Coveleski
79. Urban Shocker
93. Jack Quinn
116. Hippo Vaughan (LH)

Closer
Firpo Marberry

Mgr.: Joe McCarthy
Coaches: Wilbert Robinson, Bill Carrigan

16 Team MLB Simulation League Team 2: 1900-1919

What This Is+The 19th Century Team

Here's the Progressive Era Team, 1900-1919.

Starters
27. C Wally Schang (Switch)
6. 1B Dan Brouthers (LH)
2. 2B Nap Lajoie
1. SS Honus Wagner
19. 3B Home Run Baker (LH)(Platoon)
12. LF Fred Clarke (LH)
2. CF Ty Cobb (LH)
13. RF Harry Heilmann

Reserves
31. C Roger Bresnahan
31. 1B Jake Beckley
3. 2B Eddie Collins (DH) (LH)
11. SS Bill Dahlen
28. 3B Jimmy Collins (Platoon)
20. LF Jesse Burkett (LH)
36. Max Carey (Switch)
27. Wee Willie Keeler (LH)

Starting Pitchers
4. Grover Cleveland Alexander
8. Christy Mathewson
17. Eddie Plank (LH)
30. Ed Walsh

Bullpen
67. Rube Waddell (LH)
69. Three Finger Brown
90. Iron Man Joe McGinnity
98. Jack Powell

Closer
Doc Crandall

Mgr.: Miller Huggins
Coaches: Bill McKechnie, Hughie Jennings

16 Team MLB Simulation League-Team 1: 19th Century

In the early 90s I invented a table top baseball game; I bought some 20 sided dice, put together some playing cards for all time franchise teams based on Total Baseball statistics, appropriated a board.  It was fun; I made it through one season (Orioles/Dodgers made the World Series, I think LA won).  This was all during law school and its fair to question if there was better use to be made of my time.

The internet sort of wiped out all that stuff.

Until now, as I'm putting the band back together. No more dice, a random number generator allows me to create player cards with a range of 1-1000.  And the statistics are better, a combination of baseball-reference and Davenport Translations to produce sixteen all time 25 man rosters.  I broke it down by decade; there's some competitive balance considerations in determining where to roster players, but I think I did a good job (some of the teams are intentionally not as competitive, you'll see that as I unveil the rosters)  My plan is to play a season (ideally several seasons, it's designed with legs; if it works out this is a permanent addition) but it will be awhile before I've finished creating all the playing cards (there's math) so I don't have an ETA.

Every team has 16 position players and 9 pitchers.  All 8 positions have a backup; one of those backups will serve as a DH, as pitchers won't bat in this league.  Every team needs a lefty bench bat and a lefty bullpen arm.  I've also chosen a coaching staff.

Here's the 19th Century team, the numbers are each players position rank (meaning, Ewing is the 9th best catcher of all time)

Starters:
9. C Buck Ewing
4. 1B Cap Anson
24. 2B Hardy Richardson
10. SS George Davis (Switch)
23. 3B John McGraw (LH)
8.   LF Ed Delahanty
10. CF Billy Hamillton (LH)
16. RF Elmer Flick (LH)

Reserves:
14. C King Kelly
7. 1B Roger Connor (LH) (DH)
26. 2B Bid McPhee
17. SS Jack Glasscock
27. 3B Deacon White
22. LF Jim O'Rourke
39. CF Paul Hines
17. RF Sam Crawford (LH)

Starting Pitchers
3. Cy Young
15. Kid Nichols
41. John Clarkson
52. Tim Keefe

Bullpen
53. Amos Rusie
76. Hoss Radbourn
87. Clark Griffith
133. Jesse Tanehill (LH)

Closer
Tony Mullane

Mgr.: John McGraw (Player/Mgr)
Coaches: Harry Wright, Charlie Comiskey

The 100 Greatest Starting Pitchers in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are ERA+, innings pitched, WAR/Innings Pitched, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got starting pitchers carried out to 128 places for a project you probably aren't going to see; I'll limit that to 100 here, but I have 128.

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Walter Johnson (1907-27, Senators) WAR 158.5 ERA+ 147 IP 5914 (WAR/IP .0268) EEEMVPQ: 13, EEMVPQ: 12, 14, EMVPQ:  10, 15, 19, 18, 16, 

2. Roger Clemens (1984-2007, Red Sox) WAR 148.05 ERA+ 143 IP 4916 (.0301) EEMVPQ: 97, EMVPQ: 90 MVPQ: 87, 86, 92, 98, 91, 05, 

3. Cy Young (1890-1911, Spiders) WAR 142.65 ERA+ 138 IP 7356 (.0194) EMVPQ: 92, 01, MVPQ: 95, 93, 96, 94, 02, 08, 04, 

4. Pete Alexander (1911-30, Phillies) WAR 114.65 ERA+ 135 IP 5190 (.0221) EEMVPQ: 20, 16 EMVPQ: 15,  MVPQ: 17, 14,

5. Randy Johnson (1988-2009, Diamondbacks) WAR 106.3 ERA+ 135 IP 4135 (.0257) EMVPQ: 02, MVPQ: 01, 99, 95, 04, 00, 97,

6. Greg Maddux (1986-2008, Braves) WAR 114.3 ERA+ 132 IP 5008 (.0228) EMVPQ: 95, 94 MVPQ: 92

7. Tom Seaver (1967-86, Mets) WAR 109.15 ERA+ 127 IP 4783 (.0228) EMVPQ: 73, 71 MVPQ: 75

8. Christy Mathewson (1900-16, Giants) WAR 99.45 ERA+ 136 IP 4788 (.0208) EMVPQ: 08, 03, 09, MVPQ: 05, 01, 10 

9. Warren Spahn (1942-65, Braves) WAR 107.3 ERA+ 119 IP 5243 (.0205) MVPQ: 47, 53, 51,

10. Pedro Martinez (1992-2009, Red Sox) WAR 86.7 ERA+ 154 IP 2827 (307)  EMVPQ: 00, 99, MVPQ: 97,

11. Lefty Grove (1925-41, Athletics) WAR 92.8 ERA+  148 IP 3940 (236) MVPQ: 36, 31,

12. Mike Mussina (1991-2008, Orioles) WAR 91.05 ERA+ 123 IP 3562 (256) MVPQ: 92,

13. Bob Gibson (1959-75, Cardinals) WAR 87.15 ERA+ 127 IP 3884 (224) EEMVPQ: 68 EMVPQ: 69 MVPQ:

14. Bert Blyleven (1970-92, Twins) WAR 96.8 ERA+ 118 IP 4970 (194) MVPQ: 73,

15. Kid Nichols (1890-06, Beaneaters) WAR 87.6 ERA+ 140 5067 (173) MVPQ: 90, 93, 97, 98,

16. Tom Glavine (1987-2008, Braves) WAR 86.1 ERA+ 118 IP 4413 (195) MVPQ: 91

17. Eddie Plank (1901-1917, Athletics) WAR 84.85 ERA+ 122 IP 4495 (189) MVPQ: 04

18. Gaylord Perry (1962-83, Giants) WAR 91.5 ERA+ 117 IP 5350 (171) EMVPQ: 72, MVPQ: 74

19. Steve Carlton (1968-88, Phillies) WAR 90.9 ERA+115 IP 5217 (174) EEMVPQ: 72, MVPQ: 80

20. Phil Niekro (1964-87, Braves) WAR 92.5 ERA+ 115 IP 5404 (171) MVPQ: 78

21. Curt Schilling (1988-2007, Phillies) WAR 79.3 ERA+127 IP 3261 (243)

22. John Smoltz (1988-2009, Braves) WAR 78.9 ERA+125 IP 3473 (227)

23. Ferguson Jenkins (1965-83, Cubs) WAR 83.25 ERA+ 115 IP 4500 (185) EMVPQ: 71,

24. Robin Roberts (1948-66, Phillies) WAR 86.2 ERA+ 113 IP 4688 (184) MVPQ: 53, 54, 52, 51

25. Nolan Ryan (1976-93, Angels) WAR 87.95 ERA+ 112 IP 5386 (163)

26. Clayton Kershaw (2008 - Dodgers) WAR 67.1 ERA+161 IP 1935 (347) MVPQ: 13, 14, 11, 15,

27. Roy Halladay (1998-2013, Blue Jays) WAR 69.95 ERA+ 131 IP 2749 (254) MVPQ: 11, 10, 03, 09,

28. Kevin Brown (1986-2005, Rangers) WAR 74.35 ERA+ 127 IP 3256 (228) MVPQ: 98, 96,

29. Bret Saberhagen (1984-2001, Royals) WAR 64.5 ERA+ 126 IP 2562 (252) MVPQ: 89,

30. Ed Walsh (1904-17 White Sox) WAR 66.3 ERA+ 145 IP 2964 (224) EMVPQ: 12, 10, 08, MVPQ: 11, 07,

31. Zack Greinke (2004- Royals) WAR 66.85 ERA+ 123 IP 2455 (272) EMVPQ: 09, 15,

32. Justin Verlander (2005-Tigers) WAR 65.2 ERA+124 IP 2545 (256) MVPQ: 11, 12

33. Carl Hubbell (1928-43,Giants) WAR 70.3 ERA+130 IP 3590 (196) EMVPQ:  33 MVPQ: 36,

34. Hal Newhouser (1939-55, Tigers) WAR 64.7 ERA+ 130 IP 2993 (217) EMVPQ: 45, MVPQ: 46, 44,

35. David Cone (1986-2003, Mets) WAR 67.1 ERA+ 121 IP 2898 (232)

36. Don Drysdale (1956-69,Dodgers) WAR 69.5 ERA+ 121 IP 3432 (203)  MVPQ: 64,

37. Jim Palmer (1965-84, Orioles) WAR 70.55 ERA+125 IP 3948 (179) MVPQ: 79,

38. CC Sabathia (2001-, Indians) WAR 71.55 ERA+ 117 IP 3317 (216)

39. Rick Reuschel (1972-91, Cubs) WAR 68.6 ERA+ 114 IP 3548 (193) MVPQ: 77

40. Bob Feller (1936-56, Indians) WAR 66.55 ERA+ 122 IP 3827 (174) EMVPQ: 46, MVPQ: 40, 39, 41,

41. John Clarkson (1882-94, Beaneaters) WAR 65.75 ERA+133 IP 4536 (145)  EEMVPQ: 89, EMVPQ: 87, MVPQ: 85

42. Ted Lyons (1923-46, White Sox) WAR 68.8 ERA+ 118 IP 4161 (165)

43. Red Ruffing (1924-47, Yankees) WAR 68.4 ERA+109 IP 4344 (157)

44. Don Sutton (1966-88,Dodgers) WAR 73.05 ERA+108 IP 5282 (138)

45. Felix Hernandez (2005-Mariners) WAR 60.65 ERA+ 125 IP 2502 (242)

46. Andy Pettitte (1995-2013, Yankees) WAR 67.75 ERA+ 117 IP 3316 (204) MVPQ: 97

47. Johan Santana (2000-12, Twins) WAR 56.8 ERA+136 IP 2025 (280) MVPQ: 04, 06

48. Chuck Finley (1986-2002, Angels) WAR 66.1 ERA+ 115 IP 3197 (207) MVPQ: 90

49. Juan Marichal (1960-75, Giants) WAR 62.7 ERA+ 123 IP 3507 (179) EMVPQ: 65  MVPQ: 66

50. Tim Hudson (1999-2015, A's) WAR 63.5 ERA+ 120 IP 3126 (203)

51. Dazzy Vance (1915-35, Dodgers) WAR 59.45 ERA+ 125 IP 2966 (200) EMVPQ: 24, MVPQ: 28,

52. Tim Keefe (1880-93, Giants) WAR 67.75 ERA+ 126 IP 5049 (134) EEMVPQ: 83,

53. Amos Rusie (1889-1901, Giants) WAR 59.3 ERA+ 129 IP 3778 (157) EMVPQ: 94, MVPQ: 96,

54. Cole Hamels (2006-, Phillies) WAR 56.6 ERA+124 IP 2362 (240)

55. Luis Tiant (1964-82, Red Sox) WAR 65.6 ERA+ 114 IP 3486 (188) MVPQ: 68

56. Kevin Appier (1989-04, Royals) 58.55 ERA+ 121 IP 2595 (226) MVPQ: 92,93

57. Dave Stieb (1979-98, Jays) 59.1 ERA+ 122 IP 2895 (204)

58. Mark Buehrle (2000-15 White Sox) WAR 63.9 ERA+117 IP3283 (195)

59. Orel Hershiser (1983-2000, Dodgers) WAR 60.5 ERA+ 112 IP 3130 (193) MVPQ: 88, 89

60. Whitey Ford  (1950-67, Yankees) WAR 58.7 ERA+ 133 IP 3170 (185)

61. Frank Tanana (1973-93 Angels) WAR 66 ERA+ 106 IP  4188 (158) MVPQ: 76,

62. David Wells (1987-2007, Jays) 60.35  ERA+ 108  IP 3439 (175)

63. Kenny Rogers (1989-08, Rangers) 58.8 ERA+ 107 IP 3302  (178)

64. Red Faber (1914-33, White Sox) 60.6 ERA+ 119 IP 4086 (148) EMVPQ: 21 MVPQ: 22

65. Tommy John (1963-89, White Sox) WAR 65.85 ERA+ 111 IP 4710 (140)

66. Wes Ferrell (1927-41, Indians) 55.95  ERA+ 116 IP 2623 (213)  MVPQ: 35, 30

67. Rube Waddell (1897-10, Athletics) 55.1 ERA+ 135 IP 2961 (186) MVPQ: 05, 04, 02,

68. Stan Coveleski (1912-28, Indians) 56.9 ERA+ 127 IP 3082 (185) MVPQ: 18, 20

69. Three Finger Brown  (1903-16, Cubs) 54.55 ERA+ 139 IP 3172 (172) MVPQ: 08, 09,

70. Sandy Koufax (1955-66, Dodgers) 51.5 ERA+ 131 IP 2324 (222) EMVPQ: 63, 66 MVPQ: 65

71. Roy Oswalt (2001-13, Astros)53.6  ERA+ 127 IP 2245 (239)

72. Ron Guidry  (1975-88, Yankees) 51.45 ERA+ 119 IP 2392 (215) MVPQ: 78

73. Jimmy Key (1984-98, Jays) 54.25 ERA+ 122 IP 2591 (209)

74. Bucky Walters (1934-50, Reds) 56.55 ERA+ 116 IP 3104 (182) MVPQ: 39

75. Early Wynn (1939-63, Indians) 62.3 ERA+ 107 IP 4564 (137)

76. Hoss Radbourn (1881-91, Grays) 60.3  ERA+ 119 IP 4527 (133) EEMVPQ: 84 EMVPQ: 83

77. Max Scherzer (2008 - Tigers) WAR 50.45 ERA+ 127 IP 1897 (266)

78. Dwight Gooden (1984-00, Mets) 57.2 ERA+ 111 IP 2800 (204) EEMVPQ: 85

79. Urban Shocker (1916-28, Browns) 52.75 ERA+ 124 IP 2681 (197)

80. Dizzy Trout (1939-57, Tigers) 50.5 ERA+ 124 IP 2725 (185) EMVPQ: 44

81. Eddie Cicotte (1905-20, White Sox) 55.3 ERA+ 123 IP 3226 (171) EMVPQ: 17, MVPQ: 19

82. Jim Bunning (1955-71, Tigers) 58.95 ERA+ 115 IP 3760 (157) MVPQ: 66, 65, 67

83. Wilbur Wood (1961-78, White Sox) 50.3 ERA+ 114 IP 2684 (187) EMVPQ: 71, MVPQ: 72

84. Dutch Leonard (1933-53, Senators) 54.75  ERA+ 119 IP 3218 (170)

85. Bartolo Colon (1997 - Indians) WAR 55.5 ERA+ 107 IP 3315 (167)

86. Billy Pierce (1945-64, White Sox) 54.3 ERA+ 119 IP 3306 (164)

87. Clark Griffith (1891-14, Cubs) 55.2 ERA+ 121 IP 3385 (163) MVPQ: 98,

88. Jerry Koosman (1967-85, Mets) 55.6 ERA+ 110 IP3839 (145)

89. Mark Langston (1984-99, Angels) 54.85 ERA+ 107 IP 2962 (185)

90. Joe McGinnity (1899-10, Giants) 50.4 ERA+ 120 IP 3441 (146) MVPQ: 03, 04,

91. Jamie Moyer (1986-10, Mariners) 57.6 ERA+ 103 IP 4074 (141)

92. Vic Willis (1898-10, Beaneaters) 55.65 ERA+ 117 IP 3996 (139)

93. Jack Quinn (1909-33, Yankees) 54.25 ERA+ 114 IP 3920 (138)

94. Jim McCormick (1878-87, Blues)55.65  ERA+ 118 IP 4275 (130)

95. Eppa Rixey (1912-33, Reds)  55.75  ERA+ 115 IP 4494  (124)

96. Dennis Martinez (1976-98, Expos) 54.1 ERA+ 106 IP 3999 (135)

97. Pud Galvin (1875-92, Bisons) 59.55 ERA+107 IP 6003 (99) EMVPQ: 84

98. Jack Powell (1897-12, Browns) 54.6 ERA+ 106 IP 4389 (124)

99. Chris Sale (2010- White Sox) WAR 43.2 ERA+ 139 IP 1324 (323)

100. Dizzy Dean (1930-47, Cards) 46.55 ERA+ 131 IP 1967 (237) MVPQ: 39

(last out - Adam Wainwright)

2017-18 NBA All Star Teams - Second Build

Second of 3 builds for the 2018 NBA All Star rosters, at 20, 30, and 40 games in.

Format this year:

12 players/conference
Starters: 3 frontcourt/2 guards per conference
Reserves: 3 frontcourt/2 guard per conference
                2 players any position per conference

No longer east/west, the leading vote getter in each conference will draft teams from that pool. 

As of right now,  30 games through the season, here's how that should go. Based on a combination of Hollinger/RPM/Win Shares

James and Harden are the top players in each conference, James gets first pick, snake draft

Team James
Starters
F L.James MVP East  
F G.Antetokounmpo East  
G K.Irving East 
F D.Cousins West  
G V.Oladipo East

Reserves
G S.Curry West  
G J.Butler West 
F A.Horford East  
F N.Vucevic East  
F C.Capela West  

G K.Walker East  
F K.Love East  

Team Harden
Starters
G J.Harden West 
G D.Lillard West  
F A.Davis West  
F KA Towns West  
F A.Drummond East  

Reserves
F L.Aldridge West  
F K.Durant West  
F O.Porter East  
G D.DeRozan East  
G K.Lowry East  

G R.Westbrook West  
F N.Jokic West  

Alternates

East

Frontcourt
K.Middleton Mil 
J.Tatum Bos 
K.Porzingis NY  
J.Embiid  Phi  

Guards
B.Simmons Phi  
B.Beal Wash 

West

Frontcourt
D.Green GSW  
S.Adams OKC

D.Jordan LAC 

P.George OKC  

Guards
T.Evans Mem 
K.Thompson GSW 
G.Harris Den 

The 25 Greatest Right Fielders in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead).

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.



1. Babe Ruth (1914-35, Yankees) WAR 177.55 OPS+206 ERA+ 122 PA 10623 IP 1221 (WAR/PA .0167) EEMVPQ: 23, EMVPQ: 21, 27, 20, 24, 26, 19, 16 MVPQ 31, 30, 28, 32, 17

2. Hank Aaron (1954-76, Braves) WAR 139.8 OPS+ 155 PA 13941  (.0100) MVPQ: 61, 63, 59, 67, 60,

3. Stan Musial (1941-63, Cardinals) WAR 124.25 OPS+ 159 PA 12718 (.0098) EMVPQ: 48, MVPQ: 43, 49, 51, 44, 46

4. Mel Ott (1926-47, Giants) WAR 106 OPS+ 155 PA 11348 (93) MVPQ: 38, 35, 32,

5. Frank Robinson (1956-76, Reds) WAR 105.3 OPS+ 154 PA 11742  (90) MVPQ: 66, 62,

6. Al Kaline (1953-74, Tigers) WAR 82.5 OPS+ 134 PA 11596 (71)

7. Roberto Clemente (1955-72, Pirates) WAR 80.2 OPS+130 PA 10211 (79)

8. Reggie Jackson (1967-87, A's) WAR 74.4 OPS+ 139 PA 11418 (65) MVPQ: 69,

9. Larry Walker (1989-2005, Rockies) WAR 65.2 OPS+ 141 PA 8030 (81)

10. Paul Waner (1926-45, Pirates) WAR 73.6 OPS+134 PA 10766 (68)

11. Dwight Evans (1972-91, Red Sox) WAR 73.2 OPS+ 127 PA 10569 (69)

12. Gary Sheffield (1988-09, Marlins) WAR 72.25 OPS+ 140 PA 10947 (66)

13. Harry Heilmann (1914-32, Tigers) WAR 63.25 OPS+ 148 PA 8964 (71) MVPQ: 23

14. Tony Gwynn (1982-2001, Padres) WAR 71.3 OPS+ 132 PA 10232 (70) MVPQ: 87

15. Joe Jackson (1908-20, White Sox) WAR 55.9 OPS+ 170 PA 5695 (98) MVPQ: 12, 11

16. Elmer Flick (1898-1910, Naps) WAR 56.35 OPS+ 149 PA 6414 (88)

17. Sam Crawford (1899-1917, Tigers) WAR 63.6 OPS+ 144 PA 10594 (60)

18. Vladimir Guerrero (1996-2011, Expos) WAR 61.05 OPS+ 140 PA 9059 (67)

19. Bobby Abreu (1996-14, Phillies) 64.7 OPS+ 128 PA 10081 (64)

20. Dave Winfield (1973-95, Padres) WAR 63.7 OPS+ 130 PA 12358 (52)

21. Brian Giles (1995-09, Padres) WAR 54.8 OPS+136 PA 7836 (70)

22. Bobby Bonds (1968-81, Giants) WAR 55.55 OPS+ 129 PA 8090 (69)

23. Jack Clark (1975-92, Giants) 54.3 OPS+ 137 PA 8230 (66)

24. Sammy Sosa (1989-07, Cubs) 60.85 OPS+ 128 PA 9896 (61) EMVPQ: 01,

25. Ichiro Suzuki (2001- Mariners) WAR 61.3 OPS+ 107 PA 10681 (57)

(last out - Jose Canseco) 

The 25 Greatest Center Fielders in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead).

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.


1. Willie Mays (1951-73, Giants) WAR 149.55 OPS+156 PA 12496 (WAR/PA .0120) EMVPQ: 64, 65, 63 MVPQ: 54, 62, 58, 60, 55, 66, 61, 57,

2. Ty Cobb (1905-28, Tigers) WAR 135.4 OPS+ 168 PA 13084 (.0103) EMVPQ: 17, MVPQ: 11, 10, 09, 15, 12,

3. Tris Speaker (1907-28, Indians) WAR 119.8 OPS+157 PA 11995 (.0100) MVPQ: 12, 14, 23, 16, 13

4. Mickey Mantle (1951-68, Yankees) WAR 100.15 OPS+172 PA 9907 (101) EMVPQ: 57, 56 MVPQ: 61,

5. Joe DiMaggio (1936-51, Yankees) WAR 76.7 OPS+155 PA 7672 (100) MVPQ: 37, 41, 39,

6. Ken Griffey (1989-2010, Mariners) WAR 87.9 OPS+ 136 PA 11304 (78) MVPQ: 96, 97, 93

7. Jim Edmonds (1993-2010, Cardinals) WAR 64.9 OPS+132 PA 7980 (81)

8. Carlos Beltran (1998-17, Mets) WAR 73.7, OPS+119 PA 11031 (67) MVPQ: 06,

9. Mike Trout (2011- Angels) WAR 55 OPS+ 172 PA 4065 (135) EMVPQ: 12 MVPQ: 16, 13, 15, 14

10. Billy Hamilton (1888-1901, Phillies) WAR 61.65 OPS+ 141 PA 7608 (81) MVPQ: 94

11. Reggie Smith (1966-82, Red Sox) WAR 60.1 OPS+137 PA 8051 (75)

12. Duke Snider (1947-64, Dodgers) WAR 57.55 OPS+140 PA 8237 (70)

13. Jimmy Wynn (1963-77, Astros) WAR 58.15 OPS+129 PA 8011 (73) MVPQ: 65,

14. Chet Lemon (1975-90, Tigers) WAR 57 OPS+121 PA 7874 (72)

15. Richie Ashburn (1948-62, Phillies) WAR 64.65 OPS+ 111 PA 9736 (66) MVPQ: 58,

16. Andre Dawson (1976-96, Expos) WAR 63.75 OPS+119 PA 10769 (59) MVPQ: 81

17. Kirby Puckett (1984-95, Twins) WAR 53.7 OPS+124 PA 7831 (69)

18. Andruw Jones (1996-2012, Braves) WAR 58.7 OPS+111 PA 8664 (68)
.
19. Kenny Lofton (1991-2007, Indians) WAR 61.15 OPS+107 PA 9235 (66)

20. Fred Lynn (1974-90, Red Sox) 51.1 OPS+ 129 PA 7923 (64) MVPQ: 79

21. Bernie Williams (1991-06, Yankees) 58.15 OPS+ 125 9053 (64)

22. Cesar Cedeno (1970-86, Astros) WAR 50.05 OPS+123 PA 8133 (62)

23. Torii Hunter (1997-15, Twins) 53.7 OPS+ 110 PA 9692 (55)

24. Johnny Damon (1995-12, Royals) 54.5 OPS+ 104 PA 10917 (50)

25. Lenny Dykstra (1985-96, Phillies) 43.85 OPS+ 120 PA 5282 (83) MVPQ: 90

(last out - Andrew McCutchen)

2017 Athlete of the Year

December was here.

One last time, here are all the nominees for 2017 Athlete of the Year:

January - Deshaun Watson
February - Tom Brady
March - Russell Westbrook
April - A'ja Wilson
May - Stephen Curry
June- Kevin Durant
July - Roger Federer
August - Giancarlo Stanton
September - Sloane Stephens
October - Justin Verlander
November - George Springer
December - Aaron Donald

And your winner...the 2017 Athlete of the Year...

Tom Brady.  Brady won in 2007; he joins Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods (both of whom won 3 times), Barry Bonds and LeBron James as two time winners.  Coincidentally, his biggest competition this year was Federer - and he last won in 2006.  

I've been doing this my whole life really, maybe starting as long ago as '79; I have the full hard copy contemporaneous records since 1990 (someplace in the blog I posted each athlete of the month+runners-up for the years prior to publication).  Here is each winner of my Athlete of the Year Award since 1990.

1990: Joe Montana
1991: Michael Jordan
1992: Mario Lemieux
1993: Michael Jordan
1994: George Foreman
1995: Hakeem Olajuwon
1996: Michael Jordan
1997: Tiger Woods
1998: Mark McGwire
1999: Tiger Woods
2000: Tiger Woods
2001: Barry Bonds
2002: Barry Bonds
2003: Lance Armstrong
2004: Peyton Manning
2005: Reggie Bush
2006: Roger Federer
2007: Tom Brady
2008: Usain Bolt
2009: Manny Pacquiao
2010: Maya Moore
2011: Aaron Rodgers
2012: LeBron James
2013: LeBron James
2014: Madison Bumgarner
2015: Serena Williams
2016: Michael Phelps
2017: Tom Brady

December, 2017 Athlete of the Month

November was here.

Aaron Donald.  Runners-up:  Baker Mayfield, Antonio Brown, LeBron James

That ends the year.  12 monthts down.  Coming tomorrow - the 2017 Athlete of the Year.  Hear are the nominees.

January - Deshaun Watson
February - Tom Brady
March - Russell Westbrook
April - A'ja Wilson
May - Stephen Curry
June- Kevin Durant
July - Roger Federer
August - Giancarlo Stanton
September - Sloane Stephens
October - Justin Verlander
November - George Springer
December - Aaron Donald

The 25 Greatest Left Fielders in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead).

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Barry Bonds (1986-2007, Giants) WAR 167.8 OPS+ 182 PA 12606 (WAR/PA .0133) EEMVPQ: 01 EMVPQ: 02, 04, 93 MVPQ: 92, 03, 98, 96, 90, 91, 95, 97

2. Ted Williams (1939-60, Red Sox) WAR 117.55 OPS+190 PA 9788 (.0120) EMVPQ: 46, 41, 42, MVPQ: 47, 49, 57,

3. Rickey Henderson (1979-03, A's) WAR 120.8 OPS+127 PA 13346 (.0091) EMVPQ: 90 MVPQ: 85,

4. Manny Ramirez (1993-2011, Red Sox) WAR 78.65 OPS+154 PA 9774 (80)

5. Carl Yastrzemski (1961-83, Red Sox) WAR 86.4 OPS+ 130 PA 13992 (62) EMVPQ: 67, MVPQ: 68, 70,

6. Tim Raines (1979-2002, Expos) WAR 75.05 OPS+123 PA 10359 (72) MVPQ: 85

7. Pete Rose (1963-86, Reds) WAR 78.35 OPS+ 118 PA 15890 (49)

8. Ed Delahanty (1888-1903, Phillies) WAR 69.9 OPS+152 PA 8400 (83) MVPQ: 93,

9. Lance Berkman (1999-2013, Astros) WAR 57.45 OPS+144 PA 7814 (74)

10. Willie Stargell (1962-82, Pirates) WAR 55.6 OPS+147 PA 9027 (62)

11. Ducky Medwick (1932-48, Cardinals) WAR 54.8 OPS+ 134 PA 8143 (67)

12. Fred Clarke (1894-1915, Pirates) WAR 64.15 OPS+ 133 PA 9838 (65)

13. Bob Johnson (1933-45, Athletics) WAR 53.65 OPS+ 139 PA 8050 (67)

14. Billy Williams (1959-76, Cubs) WAR 60.4 OPS+133 PA 10519 (57)

15. Ryan Braun (2007-,Brewers) WAR 50.85 OPS+ 139 PA 6244 (81) MVPQ: 11,

16. Albert Belle (1989-00, Indians) 50.05 OPS+ 144 PA 6676 (75) MVPQ: 95, 98

17. Al Simmons (1924-44, Athletics) WAR 58.95 OPS+ 133 PA 9518 (62)

18. Matt Holliday (2004 - Cardinals) WAR 50.95 OPS+ 132 PA 7916 (64)

19. Jose Cruz (1970-88, Astros) WAR 56.7 OPS+120 PA 8931 (63)

20. Jesse Burkett (1890-1905, Spiders) WAR 55.85 OPS+ 140 PA 9620 (58)

21. Luis Gonzalez  (1990-08, Diamondbacks) WAR 58.5 OPS+ 119 PA 10531 (56) MVPQ: 01

22. Jim O'Rourke (1872-1904, Giants) WAR 54.75 OPS+133 PA 9052 (60)

23. Sherry Magee (1904-19, Phillies) WAR 49.9 OPS+ 137 PA 8541 (58)

24. Goose Goslin(1921-38, Senators) WAR 55.5 OPS+ 128 PA 9829 (56)

25. Zack Wheat (1909-27, Dodgers) 54.5 OPS+ 129 PA 10000 (55)

(last out - Charlie Keller)

The 25 Greatest Third Basemen in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead).

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Mike Schmidt (1972-89, Phillies) WAR 108.4 OPS+ 147 PA 10062 (WAR/PA .0108) MVPQ: 80, 74, 81, 77, 79, 75

2. Eddie Mathews (1952-68, Braves) WAR 91.55 OPS+ 143 PA 10100 (.0091) MVPQ: 53

3. Wade Boggs (1982-99, Red Sox) WAR 92.2 OPS+ 131 PA 10740 (.0086) MVPQ: 85, 88, 83,

4. George Brett (1973-93, Royals) WAR 90.55 OPS+ 135 PA 11625 (78) MVPQ: 80, 79, 85,

5. Miguel Cabrera (2003-, Tigers) WAR 78 OPS+ 151 PA 9530 (82) MVPQ: 13,

6. Edgar Martinez (1987-04, Mariners) WAR 75.85 OPS+147 PA 8674 (87) MVPQ: 95

7. Chipper Jones (1993-12, Braves) WAR 81.9, OPS+141 PA 10614 (77) MVPQ: 08

8. Adrian Beltre (1998-, Rangers) WAR 82.9 OPS+117 PA 11649 (71) MVPQ: 04

9. Paul Molitor (1978-98, Brewers) WAR 79.6 OPS+122 PA 12167 (66)

10. Scott Rolen (1996-2012, Phillies) WAR 71.25 OPS+ 122 PA 8518 (84) MVPQ: 04

11. Ron Santo (1960-74, Cubs) WAR 68.75 OPS+ 125 PA 9397 (73) MVPQ: 67, 64, 66

12. Dick Allen (1963-77, Phillies) WAR 59.55 OPS+ 156 PA 7315 (81) MVPQ: 64

13. Ken Boyer (1955-69, Cardinals) WAR 58.6 OPS+ 116 PA 8272 (71)  MVPQ: 61

14. Graig Nettles (1967-88, Yankees) WAR 63.2 OPS+110 PA 10228 (62) MVPQ: 76

15. Buddy Bell (1972-89, Rangers) WAR 61.45 OPS+ 109 PA 10009 (61)

16. Brooks Robinson (1955-77, Orioles) WAR 66.45 OPS+ 104 PA 11782 (56)

17. David Wright (2004-Mets) WAR 52.8 OPS+ 133 PA 6869 (77)

18. Evan Longoria (2008-, Rays WAR 52.6 OPS+ 125 PA 6151 (86)

19. Home Run Baker (1908-22, Athletics) WAR 51.35 OPS+135 PA 6667 (77)

20. Darrell Evans (1969-89, Giants) WAR 60.75 OPS+119 PA 10737 (57) MVPQ: 73,

21. Robin Ventura (1989-04 White Sox) WAR 57.7 OPS+ 114 PA 8271 (70)

22. Harmon Killebrew (1954-75, Twins) WAR 57.1 OPS+ 143 PA 9833 (58)

23. John McGraw (1891-07, Orioles) WAR 48.35 OPS+ 135 PA 4940 (98) MVPQ: 99, 98

24. Stan Hack (1932-47, Cubs) WAR 53.2 OPS+ 119 PA 8508 (63)

25. Ron Cey (1971-87, Dodgers) WAR 51.6 OPS+ 121 PA 8344 (62)

(last out - Sal Bando)

The 25 Greatest Shortstops in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead).

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Honus Wagner (1897-17, Pirates) WAR 130.95 OPS+151, PA 11749 (WAR/PA .0111) EMVPQ: 08 MVPQ: 05, 06, 09, 07, 12, 

2. Alex Rodriguez (1994-16. Yankees) WAR 123.7 OPS+140 PA 12207 (.0101) EMVPQ: 00, MVPQ: 07, 96, 05, 02, 98, 03, 01,

3. Cal Ripken (1981-01, Orioles) WAR 105.6 OPS+112 PA 12883 (.0082)  EMVPQ: 84, 91 MVPQ: 83,

4. Arky Vaughan (1932-48, Pirates) WAR 76.2, OPS+ 136 PA 7722 (99) MVPQ: 35,

5. Barry Larkin (1986-04, Reds) WAR 76.1, OPS+116 PA 9057 (84)

6. Ozzie Smith (1978-96, Cardinals) WAR 82.3, OPS+ 87 PA 10778 (76)

7. Robin Yount (1974-93, Brewers) WAR 81.8 OPS+ 115 PA 12249 (67) EMVPQ: 82

8. Alan Trammell (1977-96, Tigers) WAR 78.35, OPS+110 PA 9396 (83)  MVPQ: 97,

9. Derek Jeter (1995-2014, Yankees) WAR 74.5 OPS+115 PA 12602 (59)

10. George Davis (1890-09, Giants) WAR 78.5, OPS+ 121 PA 10178 (77)

11. Bill Dahlen (1891-1911, Colts) WAR 78.1 OPS+110 PA 10405 (75)

12. Lou Boudreau (1938-52, Indians) WAR 63.65 OPS+120 PA 7024 (91) EMVPQ: 48,

13. Joe Cronin (1926-45, Red Sox) WAR 67.7 OPS+119 PA 8840 (77) MVPQ: 30,

14. Luke Appling (1930-50, White Sox) WAR 72.3 OPS+ 113 PA 10254 (71)

15. Pee Wee Reese (1940-58, Dodgers) WAR 64.1 OPS+99 PA 9470 (68)

16. Ernie Banks (1953-71, Cubs) WAR 62.75 OPS+ 122 PA 10394 (60) EMVPQ: 59 MVPQ: 58, 55, 60

17. Jack Glasscock (1879-95, Blues) WAR 63.35, OPS+112 PA 7552 (84)

18. Bobby Wallace (1894-1918, Browns) WAR 64.65 OPS+ 105 PA 9612 (67) MVPQ: 01

19. Troy Tulowitzki (2006-, Rockies) WAR 50.75 OPS+118 PA 5402 (94) MVPQ: 07

20. Nomar Garciaparra (1996-09, Red Sox) WAR 49.95 OPS+ 124 PA 6116 (82) MVPQ: 00,

21. Joe Sewell (1920-33, Indians) WAR 53.6 OPS+ 108 PA 8333 (64) MVPQ: 23

22. Tony Fernandez (1983-01, Jays) WAR 56.2 OPS+ 101 PA 8793 (64)

23. Miguel Tejada (1997-13, A’s) 54.85 OPS+ 108 PA 9205 (60) MVPQ: 04

24. Art Fletcher (1909-22, Giants) WAR 46.75 OPS+ 100 PA 6036 (77)

25. Joe Tinker (1902-16, Cubs) WAR 49.75 OPS+ 96 PA 7153 (70)

(last out - Monte Ward)

The 25 Greatest Second Basemen in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead). 

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Rogers Hornsby  (1915-37, Cardinals) WAR 115.8 OPS+ 175 PA 9480 (WAR/PA  .0122) EMVPQ: 24, 21 MVPQ: 29, 25, 27, 22, 17, 20, 28, 

2. Nap Lajoie (1896-16, Naps) WAR 107.8, OPS+ 150 PA 10461 (.0103) MVPQ: 06, 01, 10, 04, 03,

3. Eddie Collins (1906-30, White Sox) WAR 114.6 OPS+ 142 PA 12046 (.095) MVPQ: 10, 09, 15, 13, 12, 20

4. Joe Morgan (1963-84, Reds) WAR 98.25, OPS+ 132 PA 11329 (87) EMVPQ: 75 MVPQ: 76, 72, 73, 74

5. Bobby Grich (1970-86, Angels) WAR 80.5 OPS+ 125 PA 8220  (98) MVPQ: 73, 74, 75,

6. Robinson Cano (2005-, Yankees) WAR 75.95 OPS+ 126 PA 8493 (89) MVPQ: 12, 10,

7. Lou Whitaker (1977-95, Tigers) WAR 80 OPS+ 117 PA 9967 (80)

8. Rod Carew (1967-85, Twins) WAR 77.75 OPS+ 131 PA 10550 (74) MVPQ: 77,

9. Charlie Gehringer (1924-42, Tigers) WAR 76.3 OPS+124 PA 10245 (74) MVPQ: 34, 37, 36,

10. Roberto Alomar (1988-04, Blue Jays) WAR 75.6 OPS+116 PA 10400 (73)

11. Jackie Robinson (1947-56, Dodgers) WAR 61.9 OPS+ 132 PA 5804 (107) MVPQ: 51, 49, 52,

12. Chase Utley (2003-, Phillies) WAR 62.35 OPS+ 118 PA 7676 (81) MVPQ: 08,

13. Ryne Sandberg (1981-97, Cubs) WAR 70.45 OPS+ 114 PA 9282 (76) MVPQ: 84, 92,

14. Willie Randolph (1975-92, Yankees) WAR 70.65 OPS+104 PA 9461 (75)

15. Jeff Kent (1992-2008, Giants) WAR 63.95 OPS+ 123 PA 9537 (67)

16. Frankie Frisch (1919-37, Cardinals) WAR 69.65 OPS+110 PA 10999 (63) MVPQ: 27,

17. Ian Kinsler (2006-, Rangers) WAR 61.45 OPS+ 109 PA 7484 (82) MVPQ:11

18. Joe Gordon (1938-50, Yankees) WAR 57.55 OPS+ 120 PA 6535 (88)

19. Bobby Doerr (1937-51, Red Sox) WAR 60.75 OPS+ 115 PA 8028 (76)

20. Craig Biggio (1988-2007, Astros) WAR 64.05 OPS+ 112 PA 12504 (51) MVPQ: 97

21. Dustin Pedroia (2006-, Red Sox) WAR 53.65 OPS+ 114 PA 6743 (80)

22. Billy Herman (1931-47, Cubs) WAR 59.05 OPS+ 112 PA 8638 (68)

23. Tony Phillips (1982-99, Tigers) WAR 56.6 OPS+ 109 PA 9110 (62)

24. Hardy Richardson (1879-92), Bisons) WAR 47.6 OPS+ 131 PA 6044 (79)

25. Ben Zobrist (2006-, Rays) WAR 46.2 OPS+ 114 PA 6140 (75) MVPQ: 09

(last out - Bid McPhee)

The 25 Greatest First Basemen in MLB History

The WAR number is a combination of B-Ref and Davenport, the best WAR that exists for historical comparison.  Additional numbers are OPS+, plate appearances, WAR/Plate appearance, and the number of Most Valuable Player Quality Seasons (8 WAR seasons - 8 WAR is an MVPQ, 10 WAR is an EMVPQ, 12 WAR an EEMVPQ, 14 WAR an EEEMVPQ)

I've got each position carried out to 32 slots for a project that I don't believe fits this space, so I'll just include the top 25 here.  I'll also include last player out.  For some players, it's hard to slot them at a particular position (where does King Kelly go, for example) so I just chose one (if you don't see a first baseman in the top 25 who you know should be there, maybe he's a third baseman instead). 

Each player is only listed with one team - the team that is most representative of his MLB performance.  This is just merit, that's the only way I rank stuff - it's not social impact or the quality of their character.  It's performance.

1. Lou Gehrig (1923-39, Yankees) WAR 105.25 OPS+179 PA 9663 (WAR/PA .0109) EMVPQ: 27 MVPQ: 28, 35, 34, 30, 36 

2. Albert Pujols (2001-, Cardinals) WAR 107.85 OPS+152 PA 11188 (.0097) EMVPQ: 09
MVPQ: 08, 07, 03, 04, 06, 05, 10, 

3. Jimmie Foxx (1925-45, A's) WAR 88.5 OPS+ 163 PA 9676 (91) EMVPQ: 32 MVPQ: 33, 34,

4. Cap Anson (1871-97, White Stockings) WAR 95.45 OPS+ 142 PA 11331 (84)

5. Frank Thomas (1990-08, White Sox) WAR 84.05 OPS+ 156 PA 10075 (83) MVPQ: 91

6. Dan Brouthers (1879-04, Bisons) WAR 81.3 OPS+ 171 PA 7691 (.0106) MVPQ: 92, 86, 82,

7. Roger Connor (1880-97, Giants) WAR 87 OPS+153 PA 8847 (98) MVPQ: 85, 88,

8. Jim Thome (1991-2012, Indians) WAR 81.6 OPS+ 147 PA 10313 (79) MVPQ: 02,

9. Johnny Mize (1936-53, Cardinals) WAR 71.35 OPS+158 PA 7370 (97) MVPQ: 40,

10. Mark McGwire (1986-01, Athletics) WAR 68.65 OPS+ 163 PA 7660 (90) MVPQ: 98,

11. Jeff Bagwell (1991-05, Astros) WAR 75.55 OPS+149 PA 9431 (80) MVPQ: 94,

12. Todd Helton (1997-2013, Rockies) WAR 66.8 OPS+133 PA 9453 (71) MVPQ: 00, 04,

13. Willie McCovey (1959-80, Giants) WAR 65.9 OPS+147 PA 9692 (68)

14. David Ortiz (1997-16, Red Sox) WAR 66.9 OPS+141 PA 10091 (67)

15. Rafael Palmeiro (1986-05, Rangers) WAR 73 OPS+ 132 PA 12046 (61)

16. Eddie Murray (1977-97, Orioles) WAR 69.95 OPS+ 129 PA 12817 (55)

17. Joey Votto (2007-, Reds) WAR 59.9 OPS+ 158 PA 6141 (98) MVPQ: 17

18. Hank Greenberg (1930-47, Tigers) WAR 54.4 OPS+158 PA 6098 (89) MVPQ: 37

19. Will Clark (1986-00, Giants) WAR 60.1 OPS+ 137 PA 8283 (73) MVPQ: 89

20. John Olerud (1989-05, Blue Jays) WAR 63.85 OPS+ 129 PA 9063 (70) MVPQ: 93,

21. Keith Hernandez (1974-90, Cardinals) WAR 63.25 OPS+ 128 PA 8553 (74)

22. Jason Giambi (1995-14, A’s) WAR 60.7 OPS+ 139 PA 8908 (68) EMVPQ: 01 MVPQ: 00, 02

23. Mark Teixeira (2003-16, Yankees) WAR 58.9 OPS+ 126 PA 8029 (73)

24. Bill Terry (1923-36, Giants) WAR 50.7 OPS+ 136 PA 7108 (71)

25. Fred McGriff (1986-04, Blue Jays) WAR 54.3 OPS+ 134 PA 10174 (53)

(last out - Adrian Gonzalez)

2017-2018 College Bowl Predictions

As one does, I'm picking all the bowl games for the 2017-2018 season, both straight up and against the spread.  I've got Alabama winning the whole thing.

Celebration Bowl NC AT over Grambling  Win 1-0 Money Line
New Orleans Bowl Troy -7 over NTex        Win Money Line 2-0, Win ATS 1-0
Cure Bowl WKY over Georgia St +6          Loss ML 2-1, Win ATS 2-0
Las Vegas Bowl Oregon over Boise +7.5    Loss ML 2-2, Win ATS 3-0
New Mexico Bowl Colorado St over Marshall +5.5 Loss ML 2-3, Win ATS 4-0
Camellia Ark St  over Mid Tenn St +3.5     Loss ML 2-4, Win ATS 5-0
Boca Raton Bowl FAU -22.5 over Akron    Win ML 3-4 Win ATS 6-0
Frisco Bowl SMU -5  over La Tech             Loss ML 3-5, Loss ATS 6-1
Gasparilla Bowl Temple over FIU +7          Win ML 4-5, Loss ATS 6-2
Bahamas Bowl Ohio -7.5 over UAB           Win ML 5-5, Win ATS 7-2
Potato Bowl Wyoming over CMich +1       Win ML 6-5, Loss ATS 7-3
Birmingham TTech +2.5 over SFlorida       Loss ML 6-6, Loss ATS 7-4
Armed Forces SD St -7 over Army             Loss ML 6-7, Loss ATS 7-5
Dollar General  Toledo over App St.  +7.5 Loss ML 6-8, Win ATS 8-5
Hawaii Bowl Fresno +2.5 over Houston    Win ML 7-8, Win ATS 9-5
Heart of Dallas Utah over WVA +7            Win ML 8-8, Loss ATS 9-6
Quick Lane Duke over NIU  +4.5               Win ML 9-8, Loss ATS 9-7
Cactus K St -2  over UCLA                         Win ML 10-8, Win ATS 10-7
Independence FSU -15.5 over SMiss          Win ML 11-8, Win ATS 11-7
Pinstripe Iowa -3 over BC                            Win ML 12-8, Win ATS 12-7
Foster Farms  Arizona over Purdue  +3.5     Loss ML 12-9, Win ATS 13-7
Texas Bowl  Texas +3 over Missouri           Win ML 13-9, Win ATS 14-7
Military Navy +1.5  over Virginia                Win ML 14-9, Win ATS 15-7
Camping World OK St -5.5  over VT           Win ML 15-9, Win ATS 16-7
Alamo TCU  over Stanford +2.5                  Win ML 16-9, Win ATS 17-7
Wash St over Mich St  +3                             Loss ML 16-10, Win ATS 18-7
Belk Wake -3 over A&M                     Win ML 17-10, Push ATS 18-7-1
Sun NC St over Ariz St +6.5                        Win ML 18-10, Loss ATS 18-8-1
Music City Nwestern over UK   +7              Win ML 19-10, Win ATS 19-8-1
Arizona Utah St -4  over NMex St               Loss ML 19-11, Loss ATS 19-9-1
Cotton  Ohio St -7  over USC                      Win ML 20-11, Win ATS 20-9-1
Taxslayer Louisville over Miss St +6.5        Loss ML 20-12, Win ATS 21-9-1
Liberty Memphis  -3.5  over Iowa St           Loss ML 20-13, Loss ATS 21-10-1
Fiesta Penn St over Wash  +2                       Win ML 21-13, Loss ATS 21-11-1
Orange Wisconsin over Miami  +6.5            Win ML 22-13, Loss ATS 21-12-1
Outback  Michigan over S Carolina  +7.5    Loss ML 22-14, Win ATS 22-12-1
Peach  Auburn over UCF  +9.5                    Loss ML 22-15, Win ATS 23-12-1
Citrus ND +3  over LSU                              Win ML 23-15, Win ATS 24-12-1
Rose Georgia over OU +2                            Win ML 24-15, Loss ATS 24-13-1
Sugar Alabama over Clemson +2.5              Win ML 25-15     Loss ATS 24-14-1