Quote:
Originally Posted by slotdirt
That's fine. It's not inaccurate when comparing pitchers, and Catfish Hunter is nestled right in between Doyle Alexander, John Tudor, and Bruce Hurst at 195 all time in WAR for pitchers.
You know who Hunter's career compares favorably to? Vida Blue. Where's his HOF plaque?
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You can't discount Hunters great years pitching for the best team(it helps because the games are perceived as more important), in the biggest spots. He not only was outstanding during the rise of the A's but he was also an accomplished playoff pitcher which somehow counts more to voters. The fact that his high was so high, though brief, gets him in. If his innings had been managed more prudently he almost assuredly would have had a longer and more sucessful career. Compare his usage with Don Sutton's during the same era. he didnt just go from being great (and he was great 71-74) to being not so great for no reason. He probably should have not even been pitching the last 2 years.
The fact that Hunter played under two of the most notorious owners in history shouldnt be lost on anyone either. Again I am not saying that he is one of the top 30 pitchers of all time.
Vida Blue was Gooden before Gooden was Gooden. Another mismanaged career.
07-13-2010, 02:04 PM
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