Whilst masticating on , James Dunlop (1:3641/1.206)
wrote to Alan Hess:
JD> First off, let me agree that Palmeiro's defense is better than 
JD> the others, but so what?  A first baseman's defense doesn't make 
JD> much of a difference overall.  You'd be hard pressed to show a 
JD> significant advantage.
134 rbi isn't an advantage?  Only Vaughn is close among first basemen.  
JD> Vaughn, by far, has done better at home than away (Fenway, in 
JD> spite of whatever wind tests are done, is still a good hitter's 
JD> park).  Possibly enough that Palmeiro's better.  But Thomas and 
JD> McGwire?  I'd be hard pressed to see ANY advantage that Palmeiro 
JD> has over them.  The only advantage would be in durability.
Dependability also helps a team.
JD> My MVP argument is always "who can be more valuable than the best 
JD> player in the league?" so my MVP choice will always be the player 
JD> I feel is the best one in the league that season.  But if you 
JD> include the "best player on a playoff contender", shouldn't a 
JD> candidate be at least the best player on his team?  Palmeiro 
JD> isn't.  I'd be hard pressed to call Palmeiro better than Brady 
JD> Anderson or Roberto Alomar this season.  I think you're thinking 
Brady's hit the long ball, but has been awful with runners in scoring 
position.  Alomar has slumped over the last month.  Palmeiro's been 
consistent.
JD> about Palmeiro a bit too much as a home town fan.  But I doubt 
JD> there are too many people anywhere who would trade Palmeiro for 
JD> Will Clark (Texas's mistake, and Baltimore's good fortune.)
Then there are lots of dumb fans out there.
JD> Rafael Palmeiro is a championship quality player (readers of Bill 
JD> James's work will recognize the phrase), but still is the third 
JD> or fourth best at his position in the league, and third best 
JD> player on his team.  This translates into two "facts":  the first 
JD> basemen in the American League are exceptional, and the Orioles 
JD> have some mighty fine players.
That they do.  *adh*
--- MsgedSQ/2 3.35
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