MLB is not that easy - For some players it’s all downhill

[Peter_Spaeth]

Ichiro was MVP his rookie year. Never was higher than 7th after that. Never had as many SB or RBI. Only topped his OPS once. Same with WAR.

[sycks22]

Ichiro can't be serious is it? Led the league in hits 7x's, hit .371, .352 and .351 in other seasons. He also had the most hits in a season with 262 in 2004. I wouldn't call that falling off.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by sycks22

Ichiro can't be serious is it? Led the league in hits 7x's, hit .371, .352 and .351 in other seasons. He also had the most hits in a season with 262 in 2004. I wouldn't call that falling off.

The question did not ask about falling off. It asked about which player's first season was his best. I said arguably, Ichiro's rookie MVP year was his best, although one could certainly argue 2004 was better.

[philliesphan]

How do you all feel about Fernando?

It's a bit hard, since 1981 was a strike-shortened season, but Fernando-mania was in full swing. Fernando was an All-Star and had many good years, but I think there's a valid argument to be made that his 1981 season was the best ever. Then six good seasons, and a decade of meh shortly thereafter

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by philliesphan

How do you all feel about Fernando?

It's a bit hard, since 1981 was a strike-shortened season, but Fernando-mania was in full swing. Fernando was an All-Star and had many good years, but I think there's a valid argument to be made that his 1981 season was the best ever. Then six good seasons, and a decade of meh shortly thereafter

I think his 85 season was in the same, pun intended, ballpark, no? 86 was up there too, more wins than 85 (21) but higher ERA.

[hysell]

Also Fernando , did came up in the late tail end of 1980 ? So the strike year of 1981 would be season no #2 by Franks rules !

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by philliesphan

How do you all feel about Fernando?

It's a bit hard, since 1981 was a strike-shortened season, but Fernando-mania was in full swing. Fernando was an All-Star and had many good years, but I think there's a valid argument to be made that his 1981 season was the best ever. Then six good seasons, and a decade of meh shortly thereafter

Fernando was untouchable for the first half of his second season, until he saw teams for a second time.

But Fernando also pitched 17 innings in 1980, whic means 1981 should not be considered.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

The question did not ask about falling off. It asked about which player's first season was his best. I said arguably, Ichiro's rookie MVP year was his best, although one could certainly argue 2004 was better.

Wrong again Peter. The player’s best season has to be his first, which is also implied in the title of the thread.

I agree with the public outcry and disqualify Ichiro from further consideration.

[Peter_Spaeth]

If his rookie year was in fact his best, then he fits your question perfectly, although many of his later years may have been very good.

And I quote. Let’s find the player with the best firstnyear (SIC), who never had another year that was better.

I disqualify you as being qualified to disqualify me. LOL.

And I repeat. MVP his rookie year. Never higher than 7th after that.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

If his rookie year was in fact his best, then he fits your question perfectly, although many of his later years may have been very good.

And I quote. Let’s find the player with the best firstnyear (SIC), who never had another year that was better.

I disqualify you as being qualified to disqualify me. LOL.

And I repeat. MVP his rookie year. Never higher than 7th after that.

“Best first year, who never had another year that was better.”

Clearly stated in the OP.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

“Best first year, who never had another year that was better.”

Clearly stated in the OP.

Right. So if 2001 was in fact his best year, and he never had another year that was better, he's a valid answer. And I say it's arguable that if he won the MVP that year and never finished higher than 7th afterwards, it was his best year.

[Leon]

So I guess if I threw out here, conversely, that Sandy Koufax's best year was arguably his very last one, I would get harshly criticized and possibly exiled?

Originally Posted by frankbmd

“Best first year, who never had another year that was better.”

Clearly stated in the OP.

[philliesphan]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

Ichiro was MVP his rookie year. Never was higher than 7th after that. Never had as many SB or RBI. Only topped his OPS once. Same with WAR.

I would take Ichiro's 2004 over his 2001 any day - the only meaningful stat that was worse was fewer stolen bases.