First $Billion$ Player....Elly de la Cruz?

[packs]

Babe Ruth won one batting title in 22 seasons.

I don't know why you're knocking Soto on his average. He's the active leader among all of baseball in career on base percentage right now. Doesn't that counteract any deficiencies in batting average?

[Seven]

Originally Posted by packs

Babe Ruth won one batting title in 22 seasons.

I don't know why you're knocking Soto on his average. He's the active leader among all of baseball in career on base percentage right now. Doesn't that counteract any deficiencies in batting average?

I can't recall the stat off the top of my head, I believe it was OPS+, but Soto equaled or bettered the likes of Mantle and Williams in it by the same age. Not saying that he will end up with a better career then either of those players but he's certainly off to a promising start. Though numbers aren't everything, but they certainly are a part of the equation.

[packs]

I'm glad you brought up Mantle. He would have also been another faux generational talent with only a single batting title in his first seven seasons.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by packs

I'm glad you brought up Mantle. He would have also been another faux generational talent with only a single batting title in his first seven seasons.

I agree. Given that Mickey Mantle was part of a generation stocked with luminaries such as Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente, Mantle can hardly be considered a generational talent.

[packs]

Originally Posted by Balticfox

I agree. Given that Mickey Mantle was part of a generation stocked with luminaries such as Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente, Mantle can hardly be considered a generational talent.

Ted Williams was 32 years old when Mantle debuted at 19. Stan Musial was 30.

[Balticfox]

Originally Posted by packs

Ted Williams was 32 years old when Mantle debuted at 19. Stan Musial was 30.

All of which fits the "generation" definition:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

In population biology and demography, generation time is the average time between two consecutive generations in the lineages of a population. In human populations, generation time typically has ranged from 20 to 30 years, with wide variation based on gender and society.

Originally Posted by packs

I'm having trouble understanding the dad bod comments at all. Have you seen photos of Babe Ruth? Who would confuse him with Mr. Universe?

First of all, let me dispel the notion that I'm any fan of Babe Ruth.

Secondly I'm arguing that Juan Soto's lack of attention to conditioning indicates that he doesn't much care about being the best that he can be. That should be a concern. Moreover age isn't kind to any athlete, but it's even less kind to those who abuse their bodies, e.g. Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, instead of working to stay in peak physical condition.

Quite simply, I don't think Juan Soto is destined to play well as long as (sticking to Yankees) Derek Jeter or now Aaron Judge.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by packs

I'm glad you brought up Mantle. He would have also been another faux generational talent with only a single batting title in his first seven seasons.

This is where I check out of the thread. Mantle's Weighted Runs Created Plus for his career has only been outdone by Ruth, Williams, Bonds and Gehrig. It's the one stat that is adjusted for park value, and is era adjusted. If you want to go the traditional route he won 3 MVP's, a slew of World Series, and a Triple Crown despite having one functioning knee.

Neither of our opinions will change though. I hope you have a nice day.

[packs]

Wait I was only making a sarcastic comment based on another one made about Juan Soto, who also won a batting title. My opinion is that Soto and Mantle are both generational talents. It's another poster who doesn't.

I would not say that a 32 year old Ted Williams was part of the same generation as 19 year old Mickey Mantle. He was a contemporary of Joe DiMaggio, whose career ended when Mantle's began.

[Seven]

Originally Posted by packs

Wait I was only making a sarcastic comment based on another one made about Juan Soto, who also won a batting title. My opinion is that Soto and Mantle are both generational talents. It's another poster who doesn't.

I would not say that a 32 year old Ted Williams was part of the same generation as 19 year old Mickey Mantle. He was a contemporary of Joe DiMaggio, whose career ended when Mantle's began.

My apologies, I was quick to respond and didn't read through the thread properly. That's what I get, typing from my phone!

[rats60]

Originally Posted by packs

Babe Ruth won one batting title in 22 seasons.

I don't know why you're knocking Soto on his average. He's the active leader among all of baseball in career on base percentage right now. Doesn't that counteract any deficiencies in batting average?

No. Perhaps if he has a SLG of 604 or even 575 it would make up for it. Soto has a good year with Judge hitting behind him. Who from the Mets is going to get Soto pitched to? Drawing walks so the guy behind you can make the last out isn't a recipe for success.

[packs]

Originally Posted by rats60

No. Perhaps if he has a SLG of 604 or even 575 it would make up for it. Soto has a good year with Judge hitting behind him. Who from the Mets is going to get Soto pitched to? Drawing walks so the guy behind you can make the last out isn't a recipe for success.

That's your opinion but in my life I was taught from a very early age that a walk is as good as a hit. His career slugging percentage is 532.

[todeen]

Originally Posted by rats60

Soto has a good year with Judge hitting behind him. Who from the Mets is going to get Soto pitched to? Drawing walks so the guy behind you can make the last out isn't a recipe for success.

Originally Posted by packs

That's your opinion but in my life I was taught from a very early age that a walk is as good as a hit. His career slugging percentage is 532.

These two comments equate to Joey Votto: elite OBP, but didn't drive in runs. He was skewered by fans and analysts. He was the best hitter on the team, got on base, and his team hardly ever made the postseason because no one could drive him in. People debate if Votto is a first ballot HOF'er.

Sent from my SM-S926U using Tapatalk

[packs]

If Votto had retired after the 2021 season he would have retired a career 302 hitter. I think he gets in eventually after Helton did, but is similarly not a first ballot guy.

[Balticfox]

Elly de la Cruz is on the cover of the Sports Illustrated kids this month with "Art of the Steal" being the cover blurb: