Paul Konerko: Hall of Famer?

[daman]

I don't think Konerko's THAT good a defender. Certainly not a gold glover. Great career; not a hall of famer.

He's maybe the best pure fastball hitter in the majors, though.

 

[outofplace]

That's what I was wondering about. I know Konerko is a good first baseman, but I got the impression that a few people are over-rating just how good he is with the glove. Does anybody think he is up there with Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez defensively?

 

[YGBFKM]

Within his range, which I'll grant is not the greatest overall, he's very, very good, and he is one of the best I've ever seen at the "scoop" catch on short throws to first. Anyone who has watched the Sox over the years knows he's saved countless runs, potential and otherwise.

 

[Mark McGwire]

If anything, he's underrated as a defender.

As to the HOF, it's premature.

 

[Mizzougrad96]

If he gets over 500, he will have a chance, but I don't know if that would be enough.

I agree he's very underrated.

 

[shockey]

That's what I was wondering about. I know Konerko is a good first baseman, but I got the impression that a few people are over-rating just how good he is with the glove. Does anybody think he is up there with Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez defensively?

he's very good scooping throws. obviously, he's no tex or gonzalez. nor is he pujols. and several others, including the ex-tampa home-run hitter, are markedly better overall. don't see him enough to know little/big things, like throwing to second to start dp's and such.

again, he's hall of very good worthy, both offensively and defensively, w/o a doubt.

 

[YGBFKM]

You're right. He's not Pujols. And it would be easier if you just prefaced posts such as the previous one with, "I don't have anything tangible to back up what I 'm going to say, but I'll throw put some well-known proper nouns and see what sticks." It would save time.

 

[Mark McGwire]

He's sure no Don Mattingly.

 

[shockey]

Within his range, which I'll grant is not the greatest overall, he's very, very good, and he is one of the best I've ever seen at the "scoop" catch on short throws to first. Anyone who has watched the Sox over the years knows he's saved countless runs, potential and otherwise.

What would 'tangible' in this discussion regarding konerko's defense adding to his potential hof resume'? what's the problem, man? his defense is good, but not as good as most of the others named in this discourse. much like he's a very good hitter, but just not as good as many others listed here.

why so serious?

 

[TGO157]

As a Sox fan I have to unfortunately say no. He's been a great player, but he just hasn't been good enough for the Hall.

Which is why you are a Sox fan. You're honest. Some Cubs fans would induct Mark Grudzielanek, you know, just because.

I once knew a Cubs fan who would argue like no other than Mark Grace should be in the HOF.

 

[CarltonBanks]

What about Omar Vizquel? Best defensive shortstop I have ever seen (well, tied for the best with Ozzie) and an underrated offensive player. Over 2,800 career hits, over 400 sb and nearly 1,000 RBI. I think his glove is good enough to get him in. Mazeroski and Ozzie are in...Omar should go in as well.

 

[outofplace]

What about Omar Vizquel? Best defensive shortstop I have ever seen (well, tied for the best with Ozzie) and an underrated offensive player. Over 2,800 career hits, over 400 sb and nearly 1,000 RBI. I think his glove is good enough to get him in. Mazeroski and Ozzie are in...Omar should go in as well.

Mazeroski should not be used as an argument for a player to get in. He doesn't belong. The voters shouldn't compound a veteran's committee mistake with one of their own.