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John(z28jd)dont think comparing Koufax to Puckett makes much sense except for the way their career ended,because Puckett had 1 average season,and 11 all-star years....koufax was a .500 pitcher for 7 seasons,and great for 5 years,not even half his career.Koufax is closer to Ron Guidry than he is to anyone,only problem was Guidry couldnt leave on top of his game otherwise he wouldve been in the same category.
I agree with Jay in saying Koufax might have been great for 5 years but overall hes overrated as far as careers go.I found it hard to believe Guidry could put up numbers like he did in new york and get little hall of fame support,when he compares so similar to Koufax,which might tell you how being as good as Koufax career-wise helps you(see: deacon phillippe,ed reulbach,joe woods,orval overall,jeff tesreau,mort cooper and about 20 others pitchers who had at least 5 years where they were considered one of if not the best but didnt pitch long enough to be considered hall of famers).Dammit,i wish i could go back in time and tell Larry Corcoran and Tommy Bond to stick around for 2 more seasons so they couldve met the 10 year minimum
Theres just too many pitchers with similar careers as Koufax who are unknown to most people,for him to fall into the elite category and its a shame he lost most of his career because of an arm injury but that was a big occurance early in baseball and none of those guys are considered great. I was actually shocked when i saw his career stats year by year for the first time after i read so much when i was young,about how great he was.I really believe if he had 5 great seasons first hurt his arm,and then 7 years where he was a 500 pitcher he wouldnt be in the same category,isnt that right doc gooden?
Too much short term memory among baseball people and that might cost Raines any chance he has,because he hasnt been good for awhile so everyone forgets how good he really was,when he was baseballs best leadoff man with rickey henderson
Its too late im going to bed