http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/bp/1371023.html Pretty good article, compares Bagpipes to other great players. It's still a given that he'll make the HOF...but Biggio is the question. Dang, I still can't believe how incredible the 1994 strike-shortened season woulda been if Bags had played the whole thing (but he did break his hand...but you get the idea). And Frank Thomas's season in 1994 was even better!!! .353 avg 40 jacks...with like only 113 games....possible Triple Crown. It's a shame that 1994 season wasn't played out, I think it would have been one of the best ever.
just remember: bagwell did his damage playing half his games at the astrodome. also, re: the '94 season, another tidbit: matt williams was on pace to break maris' record -- a lot of people forget that. i haven't read the article (i will in a sec), but bagwell should go down as the best NL first baseman of all-time; his hall of fame credentials shouldn't even be debated.
Even if he suffers career-ending injury today? I agree, though, that by the time his career is over, Bagwell should be considered the best. A World Series ring would cement that.
probably; off the top of my head, i can't think of a better one. a WS ring would be nice, but as the article states: lack of playoff success has never hurt a player's chances, and nor shouldit.
Ric How about that Gehrig fellow? He was pretty good first baseman. Regardless of the era and where Bagwell has played, he'll be hard pressed to be considered better than Gehrig. If Bagwell continues to produce his current numbers for 5 more seasons, he'll catch up to or pass Gehrig in all hitting stats except lifetime average (Gehrig - .340). Let's hope that this is the season that Bagwell starts catching up to him in World Series appearances.
Bagwell can pass Gherig. Oswalt will give him that chance. We finally have a pitcher that can beat Randy Johnson, that can beat Pedro, that can beat Clemens. He's going to get his chance.
