tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132588.post5416432995758960253..comments2023-09-11T10:35:26.165-04:00Comments on The Flagrant Fan: Graig Nettles Worthy of HOF Consideration.William J. Taskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02313204947130235560noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5132588.post-51944049128514618872011-12-07T10:35:38.786-05:002011-12-07T10:35:38.786-05:00Nettles was also an excellent glove man, both by f...Nettles was also an excellent glove man, both by fact and by reputation. Interestingly enough a recent article (don't remember where but you've probably seen it) made a similar case for Scott Rolen (based on Santo's election). I don't know if I agree with Rolen (do need the downtime after his career is over to let the dust settle, so to speak) but do know, despite my affinity for the pinstripers, that I don't agree with Nettles as an HOFer. Some of those homers (even some of that anemic lifetime BA and so-so OBP) are very definitely park effect oriented. Graig was an important part of some very successful Yankee teams (3 All Star selections, 3 times top 16 in MVP voting - a #5 and #6 in there - and a 2 time Gold Glove winner 1975-1979) and was a consistent, everyday performer within the scope of his abilities during what were probably his best years. Ranged from .244 to .276 BA, .322 to .343 OBP, and .401 to .496 SA with an OPS+ from 97 to 134 and games played from 145-159. A good player to have and write into the starting lineup daily.<br /><br />Take a similar slice of Ron Santo (1963-1967 and you'll see, respectively, .285-.313, .339-.412, .481-.564, 128-164, and 155-164 (4 All Star selections, 5 MVP #81 or better and 3 Gold Gloves). No question that Ron was helped tremendously by Wrigley Field (more so than Nettles was by Yankee Stadium) but even on the road his BA was nearly identical with Nettles' home BA (.257 vs .261). And there's no way that the mid-late 1970's were behind the mid 1960's when it comes to league offensive performances. Santo was, overall, a significant above league average offensive performer in his heyday; Nettles was perhaps there only at his position. Can't say I'd be unduly upset if Nettles made it but I would feel as if there would have been a lowering of standards.<br /><br />Apropos of nothing, one of my golf buddies here in NC used to play minor league ball with Nettles. He considers him one of the most significant a--holes he ever played with. Of course, according to a Yankee marketing insider who shall remain unnamed, Alex Rodriguez is the least well-liked player on today's team and his HOF aspirations will be completely unaffected by that.Thomas Slocumnoreply@blogger.com