OT - Best 3B ever?

[Bored5000]

Originally Posted by z28jd

Brett is another bad example of average over OBP. Schmidt had a .380 OBP and .527 slugging. Brett was .369 and .487, so no, he was not a better hitter. His slugging was worse and he didn't get on base as much as Schmidt. Defensively Schmidt was better, so he was the better hitter and fielder.

That post echoes my thoughts. Schmidt was not just slightly better OPS; he was somewhat better than Brett on base wise and was significantly bettter than Brett in slugging.

I am actually surprised by the case being made for players other than Schmidt. IMO, third base is one of the "settled" positions where there is not much real debate to be had. The baseball-reference.com metrics list (which take emotion out of the equation) on that site show Schmidt as clearly the best of all-time at the position.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/jaws_3B.shtml

[I Only Smoke 4 the Cards]

Originally Posted by Bored5000

I am actually surprised by the case being made for players other than Schmidt. IMO, third base is one of the "settled" positions where there is not much real debate to be had.

I agree. I think the only player who has a stronger hold on a position is Rogers Hornsby.