Written by Adam Adkins (Contact & Archive) on June 12, 2008
But still, with 600 homers and a ticket punched with First-Ballot Hall of Fame, how good was Griffey? And not just, well, he had a pretty swing and made great catches in center, I mean real analysis. Compare him to his contemporaries.
You know what you’ll find, and trust me, I’m not trying to bash the guy, but it’s insanity to say he’s the best player to play Professional Baseball in the last decade, or since 1990, or from 90-95, or from 95-2000, or whenever. The answer to all of those questions is a definite, no buts about it, Barry Bonds.
Want proof? Griffey’s career OPS+ is a very good, no question Hall of Fame-worthy 139. That’s wonderful. Bonds’? 182.
That’s no comparison, and don’t give me the argument that Griffey’s D was so good (it wasn’t, he was very good, never other-worldly and never ‘greatest of all time’) that it makes up for the difference. Bonds was a wonderful left fielder, and he’d have been a centerfielder in Pittsburgh if not for Andy Van Slyke, who was a truly awesome glove in center (better than Junior).
Griffey’s best tool was his bat, and that’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of. The dude hit 600 home runs. But he’s not, in any way, shape, or form as good as Barry Bonds.Â
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I love Tim Lincecum. I mean, come on, he’s 24, and he’s so good he makes professional baseball players look foolish. There’s just something about that... I can’t describe it. It’s hilarity in a moment.
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This is a sort of non-baseball related topic, but I think we all lost a really awesome sports guy this week with the death of legendary sportscaster Jim McKay. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed the little bits of work I saw of him, and I think we all miss him dearly.
His handling of the 1972 Olympics was breakthrough and extremely professional. He handled like a true pro, which he always was.
Rest in peace, Jim.
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