I think Barry Larkin is a hall of famer. When you say hes no Ripkin....... if Larkin had the steak would that change things??? Barry's numbers match up against Cal's.....and Larkin's defense in his early years was amazing. If you watch some tape of the 1990 season or WS you'll see Larkin make some amazing plays that a lot of the top shortstops of today couldnt make. Hes won a number of gold gloves, an MVP award, and has a ring.
Larkin was also one of the guys that set the standard for SS today. Guys who can hit for average,power,speed, and defense. Hes also had a 51 SB season along with many 30 SB seasons.
Larkin also does many things that other players wouldnt think of doing. He sacrafices his numbers for the better of the team. Every time there is a man on 2B with no outs he will hit a grounder to the right side to get the man over and that doesnt show up in the books.
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