ARod or Griffey? Ruth or Gehrig? Each Franchise’s Greatest Players, Part 2

Jeremy Goldson by Correspondent Written on September 05, 2008
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One of the most consistent and dangerous hitters of his era.  He didn’t frighten in any one particular way, but hit for average, for line-drive power (he hit at least 10 triples 4 times), he scored runs and collected a ton of hits (3142).  And he is one of the few HOF players to excel at shortstop, the toughest infield position, and centerfield, the toughest outfield position. 
Pitcher: Teddy Higuera, 1985-1994
This was a really hard one.  The Brewers haven’t had a lot of stud pitchers.  If they play their dollars right, maybe this will be CC Sabathia in a couple of years.  Jim Slaton and Mike Caldwell are the Brewers leaders in most pitching categories, and Ben Sheets has certainly been astounding at times when he was healthy.  Dan Plesac had a great run as the Brewers’ closer.  But Higuera gets the nod, because, honestly, he was the most consistently above-average of all Brewers pitchers. 
   
    New York Mets

Batter: Mike Piazza, 1998-2005
This is a tough pick, because Piazza essentially makes it because he has the best individual seasons in Mets’ history.  There are a handful of great players who have worn the Mets’ uniform – Gary Carter, Darryl Strawberry, David Wright, Keith Hernandez, Carlos Delgado – but often at the end of their career.  The same is true for Piazza, who left the Mets a shadow of his excellent self.  However, the Mets did have him for three years of his prime, and those years get him on the list. 
Pitcher: Tom Seaver, 1967-1977, 1983
This one is much easier.  One of the best pitchers in NL history, Seaver won 3 Cy Young awards, was named Rookie of the Year, pitched in 2 World Series, and averaged 18 wins a year with the Mets. 

    Philadelphia Phillies

Batter: Mike Schmidt, 1972-1989
On the short list of greatest third basemen of all time, Schmidt was voted Player of the Decade for the 1980’s by many publications.  He had great power as a hitter (6 Silver Sluggers) and range as a fielder (10 Gold Gloves).  Also a 3-time MVP, he’s the man.
Pitcher: Steve Carlton, 1972-1986
Carlton’s 1972 season has become the stuff of legend.  His 27 wins were 46% of the teams’.  His 1.97 ERA was a full run lower than any other player’s on the team, and was a run and a half below the team average.  He accounted for a third of the entire team’s strikeouts.  But Carlton was a stud his entire Phillies career.  He won 20 games 5 times and won 4 Cy Young Awards; and he pitched very well in both Phillies’ WS appearances, including their lone 1980 victory. 

    Pittsburgh Pirates

Batter: Roberto Clemente, 1955-1972
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written on September 05, 2008 Rankings/List

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