Next, is yet another in a series of undervalued third baseman, Graig Nettles.
Place on the WAR chart: : Below Ryne Sandberg and Yogi Berra and above Harmon Killebrew
Career Overview and Some Numbers:Played for the Twins (67-69), Indians (70-72), Yankees (73-83), Padres (84-86), Braves (87), and Expos (88). Won 2 Gold Gloves in his career, was a 6 time all-star, and finished in the top-10 MVP voting twice. Led the league in HR once. Had one 100 RBI season and 11 20 HR seasons. Had 4 seasons of greater than 120 OPS+. Most similar players numbers-wise were Darrell Evans, Ron Cey, and Ron Santo.
Consistently a good fielder (and sometimes a great one), he profiled as a power hitting 3rd baseman in a pitcher's era. His power numbers were respectable and his fielding numbers were consistently very good.
Best Season:1976: .254/.327/.475 (134 OPS+), with 32 HR, 93 RBI, 88 R and 11 SB.
The Final Numbers: Hit .248/.329/.421 (110 OPS+) with 390 HR,1314 RBI, 1193 R, 1088/1209 BB/K ratio.
Why He Should be Remembered: He was a large hard-fielding, power wielding 3rd baseman who was strong with the glove and bat. Consistently, an above average hitter and good to great fielder, his game was well-rounded and featured many assets. He had some strong playoff performances as well for inclusion in the Yankee playoff pantheon in the 76, 78, and 81 ALCS performances were pretty awesome (especially 81, when he had a >1400 OPS)
HOF Balloting Performance:4 years on the ballot with a peak of 8.3%
Rookie Card:1969 Topps #99
Modern Cards:1999 Sports Illustrated Greats of the Game Auto, 2008 Upper Deck Goudey Auto, and more
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