The Franchise Best Men

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by Left-handed Badger

I do have to mention, since it popped in my head. My dad and I one time a long time ago were discussing all-time teams. He being the Yankee expert (fan since a kid listening to the end of career DiMaggio on radio). And he did mention an interesting suggestion. That as loaded as the Yankee lineup would be. Mantle might be the perfect leadoff hitter for such a lineup giving his skill. He had speed, smart baserunner, and could draw oodles of BBs (course that BB drawing isnt exactly unique in this loaded lineup). This was before Brady Anderson's 50 HR season mostly at leadoff, too. Course, this was when Jeter was a rookie if I remember. So, the lineup would be different.

Note: As a sidenote, when talking about the Yank all-time SS. He said "probably Rizzuto now, but ask me again in 10 years".


As far as Fisk is concerned, I was trying to think who would be the C for his teams if he didnt exist. Probably Varitek for the Red Sox. And for the White Sox, Ray Schalk is the best I can think right now.

Sherm Lollar was a very good catcher for the Chisox for quite a few years.

[Nick Soulis]

So where do you guys think Fisk should go? If he goes to the Red Sox yes Lollar or Pryzinski will be the catcher, if he goes to the White Sox then Varitek would likely take the Red Sox position

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

So where do you guys think Fisk should go? If he goes to the Red Sox yes Lollar or Pryzinski will be the catcher, if he goes to the White Sox then Varitek would likely take the Red Sox position

I think Fisk should be on the White Sox.

However, it is your league and you should do what you feel is best.

[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO WHITE SOX





Manager: Tony LaRussa
Park: Comiskey Park
Hall of Famers: 4
3 World Championships, 6 Pennants, and 9 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Sherm Lollar (.265, 14, 75)
1B- Paul Konerko (.277, 31, 100)
2B- Nellie Fox (.288, 2, 54) HOF
3B- Robin Ventura (.267, 23, 92)
SS- Luke Appling (.311, 3, 75) HOF
RF- Shoeless Joe Jackson (.356, 7, 95)
CF- Minnie Minoso (.298, 16, 90)
LF- Harold Baines (.289, 22, 93)
DH- Frank Thomas (.301, 36, 119)

Pitchers
Ed Walsh (18-12, 1.82) HOF
Eddie Cicotte (16-12, 2.38)
Billy Pierce (14-11, 3.27)

Closer
Bobby Jenks (3-4, 3.21, 36 SV)

With the likes of Joe Jackson and Frank Thomas and all the talent on the mound this White Sox team should be just as good as anyone. The pitching staff has incedible numbers as well, the White Sox just might be one of those teams that people may overlook but could make a true run. Nellie Fox and Luke Appling wiht Aparicio off the bench are strong up the middle as well making this team really good all the way around, inlcuding Tony Larussa in the dugout.

PREDICTION: 2nd Place

[Left-handed Badger]

Sherm Lollar? Yeah, I knew it was somebody I was forgetting about. Yeah, I'd say Lollar and Varitek go about even.

You might want to switch Baines and Jackson position wise. Baines in RF, and Jackson in LF, were there predominant positions.

Collins on the Sox? I am interested in who gets the 2B job for the A's now.

[golander40]

You gotta be kidding (With all due respect) Aparicio over Appling--Never.
Gil The Ancient One

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by golander40

You gotta be kidding (With all due respect) Aparicio over Appling--Never.
Gil The Ancient One

Aparicio is a Hall of Famer and by many peoples accounts one of the best fielding short stops to play the game.

I will make a change here however, Eddie Collins will go to the Oakland A's and Nellie Fox will move in at second base. You are right the Athletics have a major whole at 2nd base.

Thanks for the input!

[Nick Soulis]

CLEVELAND INDIANS






Manager: Lou Boudreau
Park: Progressive Field
Hall of Famers: 7
2 World Championships, 5 Pennants, and 10 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Johnny Romano (.255, 23, 75)
1B- Jim Thome (.279, 41, 112)
2B- Nap Lajoie (.339, 5, 104) HOF
3B- Al Rosen (.285, 30, 111)
SS- Lou Boudreau (2.95, 7, 78) HOF
LF- Albert Belle (.295, 40, 130)
CF- Earl Averill (.318, 23, 113) HOF
RF- Rocky Colavito (.266, 33, 102)
DH- Manny Ramirez (.314, 41, 133)

Pitchers
Bob Feller (17-10, 3.25) HOF
CC Sabathia (16-10, 3.62)
Bob Lemon (17-11, 3.23) HOF
Gaylord Perry (15-12, 3.11) HOF
Satchal Paige HOF

Closer
Doug Jones (6-6, 3.30, 24 SV)

With 3 Hall of Famers and one possibly to be in their starting rotation the Indians may have the best rotation in the American League. The hittng is almost just as impressive with a genuine balance of average and power. Looking for a weakness on this team is like finding a flaw in Marylyn Monroe, but if there is any it just may lie in the bullpen. In any case the Indians should be competing for a title.

Prediction: 1st

[Nick Soulis]

DETROIT TIGERS







Manager: Hughie Jennings
Park: Comerica Park
Hall of Famers: 8
4 World Championships, 10 Pennants, and 12 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Lance Parrish (.252, 26, 87)
1B- Hank Greenberg (.313, 38, 148) HOF
2B- Charlie Gehringer (.320, 13, 100) HOF
3B- George Kell (.306, 7, 79)
SS- Allan Trammell (.285, 13, 71)
RF- Harry Heilmann (.342, 14, 116) HOF
CF- Ty Cobb (.367, 6, 103) HOF
LF- Al Kaline (.298, 23, 90) HOF
DH- Sam Crawford (.310, 6, 98) HOF

Pitchers
Jack Morris (16-12, 3.90)
Denny McLain (16-11, 3.39)
Hal Newhouser (16-12, 3.06) HOF
Jim Bunning (14-11, 3.27) HOF

Closer
Willie Hernandez (6-6, 3.38, 13 SV)

An old school bunch with many of their very best playing pre 1950. The team has great balance and the intensity of Ty Cobb to push it ahead. The pitching is also very strong with few places open in the rotation. The Tigers should be right there competing with the Indians and the White Sox, they are too good to finish under .500 and not be a force. Another team here that should be very exciting to watch.

Prediction: 3rd

[golander40]

I'm not trying to be argumentative, However,--Appling was one of the better fielding SS of his era (He'll import as a 20-1-20 many times)He led the league in hitting twice-once .388
Also a Hall Of Famer----at my age I saw them both--I actually changed in Nellie Fox's locker,during one of my workouts with Sox (lots of stories about that time in my life)
Regardless eager to follow your project---Good Luck and enjoy.
Gil The Ancient One
PS-For what its worth--Bill James ranks Appling 11 and Aparicio 13

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by golander40

I'm not trying to be argumentative, However,--Appling was one of the better fielding SS of his era (He'll import as a 20-1-20 many times)He led the league in hitting twice-once .388
Also a Hall Of Famer----at my age I saw them both--I actually changed in Nellie Fox's locker,during one of my workouts with Sox (lots of stories about that time in my life)
Regardless eager to follow your project---Good Luck and enjoy.
Gil The Ancient One
PS-For what its worth--Bill James ranks Appling 11 and Aparicio 13

Please be argumentative! haha ...thats what this is all about and I love to get input from people who saw these guys play, which I wasnt fortunate enough to do. I want to make the best choices within reason.

So I looked at the numbers and your right, Appling was a much better hitter and also a Hall of Famer. So the switch has been made, Appling will get the nod a short for the pale holes.

[Nick Soulis]

MINNESOTA TWINS

Manager: Tom Kelly
Park: Target Field
Hall of Famers: 5
2 World Championships, 3 Pennants, and 10 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Joe Mauer (.318, 13, 87)
1B- Kent Hrbeck (.282, 27, 101)
2B- Chuck Knoblauch (.290, 10, 61)
3B- Harmon Killebrew (.256, 38, 105) HOF
SS- Cecil Travis (.314, 3, 80)
RF- Goose Goslin (.316, 18, 114) HOF
CF- Kirby Puckett (.318, 19, 99) HOF
LF- Heinie Manush (.330, 9, 95) HOF
DH- Tony Oliva (.304, 21, 92)

Pitchers
Walter Johnson (19-13, 2.17) HOF
Bert Blyleven (14-12, 3.31)
Johan Santana (15-8, 3.15)
Jim Kaat (13-11, 3.45)

Closer
Rich Aguilera (7-7, 3.57, 26 SV)

The Twins have incorporated much of the talent of the Washington team that preceded them and have built another strong team for the central to centend with. Walter Johnson anchors a good pitching staff that is complimented by a consistent hitting bunch, although there can be found some slight holes in the lineup. Look for the Twins to be involved in alot of close ballgames.

PREDICTION: 4th

[jayjackson]

I know he still has a lot of games to play, but I think Morneau would be a superior choice to Hrbek at 1B in Minnesota. I loved Hrbek even though I am a lifetime Tigers fan, but I don't think there would be a doubt that Morneau's 162 game averages would beat Kent's... Also, even though I suppose he would qualify for 3B on the Tigers, Darrell Evans played first base the majority of the time for us, and you are forgetting probably the best Tiger 3B of all time, being George Kell, with an average of .321 and an OBP of .386. He is also the only Hall of Famer of all Tigers third sackers.

Just my two cents, love the idea and the time you are putting into it!

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by jayjackson

I know he still has a lot of games to play, but I think Morneau would be a superior choice to Hrbek at 1B in Minnesota. I loved Hrbek even though I am a lifetime Tigers fan, but I don't think there would be a doubt that Morneau's 162 game averages would beat Kent's... Also, even though I suppose he would qualify for 3B on the Tigers, Darrell Evans played first base the majority of the time for us, and you are forgetting probably the best Tiger 3B of all time, being George Kell, with an average of .321 and an OBP of .386. He is also the only Hall of Famer of all Tigers third sackers.

Just my two cents, love the idea and the time you are putting into it!

Once again I appreciate everyone's two cents. Thank you very much for the information on George Kell, i completely missed him and he will go into the Tigers lineup to start. Evans will be a good utility backup.

As for Hrbek and Morneau, Kent will get the starting nod for all his years of service with the Twins but Morneau is on the roster and will play quite a bit. The same case can be said for Aguilera winning the closer job to start over Nathan. Remember just because someone starts doesnt mean they will be playing exclusively, especially if the team starts losing.

[Nick Soulis]

KANSAS CITY ROYALS








Manager: Dick Howser
Park: Royals Stadium
Hall of Famers: 1
1 World Championship, 2 Pennants, and 7 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Darrell Porter (.246, 17, 75)
1B- Mike Sweeney (.298, 24, 104)
2B- Frank White (.255, 11, 55)
3B- George Brett (.305, 19, 95) HOF
SS- UL Washington (.252, 5, 46)
RF- Danny Tartabull (.272, 30, 107)
CF- Willie Wilson (.286, 3, 44)
LF- Bo Jackson (.250, 33, 97)
DH- Hal McRae (.291, 15, 85)

Pitchers
Brett Saberhagen (15-10, 3.34)
Kevin Appier (14-11, 3.74)
Mark Gubicza (13-13, 3.96)
Zack Grienke (10-12, 3.67)

Closer
Dan Quissenberry (6-5, 2.76, 25 SV)

This team has one great star in George Brett but really little else. This team is a ways off the other teams and cant really be expected to contend. The pitching staff is weak with no ERA's under 3.00 and as manetioned before only one hall of famer on the roster.

Prediction: 5th

[jayjackson]

Originally Posted by Nick Soulis

Once again I appreciate everyone's two cents. Thank you very much for the information on George Kell, i completely missed him and he will go into the Tigers lineup to start. Evans will be a good utility backup.

As for Hrbek and Morneau, Kent will get the starting nod for all his years of service with the Twins but Morneau is on the roster and will play quite a bit. The same case can be said for Aguilera winning the closer job to start over Nathan. Remember just because someone starts doesnt mean they will be playing exclusively, especially if the team starts losing.

Good to see. Also good to see I didn't offend ya!

Really curious to see where this goes, and will be following my Tigers. Do you have Mike Henneman as a setup to Guillermo Hernandez?

[Nick Soulis]

Originally Posted by jayjackson

Good to see. Also good to see I didn't offend ya!

Really curious to see where this goes, and will be following my Tigers. Do you have Mike Henneman as a setup to Guillermo Hernandez?

Offend me!? Come on this is all for fun...

Yes I do have Henneman as a setup man. The Tigers bullpen:

Mickey Lolich
Aurelio Lopez
John Hiller
Mike Henneman
Willie Hernandez
and Tommy Bridges in some long relief

[golander40]

Twins/Senators
Rod Carew--2B-1B
I realize Angels in the mix--but I always will think of him as a Twin/Senator
Gil The Ancient One

[Nick Soulis]

LOS ANGELES ANGELS OF ANAHEIM







Manager: Mike Scioiscia
Park: Angel Stadium
Hall of Famers: 1
1 World Championship, 1 Pennant, and 6 Playoff Appearances

Starting Lineup (162 game averages)
C- Brian Downing (.267, 19, 74)
1B- Wally Joyner (.289, 16, 88)
2B- Rod Carew (.327, 6, 67) HOF
3B- Troy Glaus (.256, 35, 102)
SS- Jim Fregosi (.264, 13, 60)
RF- Vladimir Guerrero (.323, 36, 117)
CF- Jim Edmonds (.284, 32, 99)
LF- Bobby Bonds (.267, 29, 90)
DH- Chili Davis (.274, 23, 91)

Pitchers
Dean Chance (12-11, 2.92)
Frank Tanana (13-13, 3.66)
Chuck Finley (14-12, 3.85)
Andy Messersmith (14-11, 2.86)

Closer
Troy Percival (3-4, 3.17, 35 SV)

Not the strongest of teams at this level, Mike Scoicia will have his hands full and the rally monkey will most likely be taking some days off as the rotation and the lineup have true holes in them. Rod Carew and Vald Guerrero are the ones to watch in the lineup and the defense of Jim Edmonds is always a joy. Still if the Angels make a run quite a few people will be suprized. Stay competive should be the goal.

Prediction: 4th

[Jeffy25]

excited to see the Cardinals team you assemble.