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john/z28jd One player who i think deserves a better look is Lave Cross who started as an 19th century catcher when catchers werent putting up offensive stats and had a tough time catching 100 games a year.He platooned there until age 27 (despite a 293 average over the last 4 years)when he got a spot at 3rdbase. He then put up real good numbers both at the plate and in the field where he put up fielding % from 30-50 points higher than the league average while always making more plays in the field than the average player.
He ended up with a .292 average and over 1300 rbi's and runs and over 2600 hits,400+ doubles and just over 300 stolen bases(which looks even better when you consider he caught his 1st 7 years). He gets no mention here despite these very good numbers. When you realize the only 3rdbaseman that played in the 19th century in the hall is Jimmy Collins who trails him in everything but average(and Collins batted .294 career),and Cross even has a better fielding %,and his range is just behind him. Collins was known for a long time as the best 3rdbaseman in baseball history,yet by fielding and batting stats Cross should have a case.....but then when you figure in 7 years as a platoon catcher to start,that should help Cross's case,not hurt him