Fri Jun 13, 2014 11:34 am
Could someone give me some honest arguments about why adding these players is so awful?
All of the following groups represent statistically skewed groups, but they are in the game already
A. Pre 1901 players (The game was way different- side arm pitchers, walks counted as hits, questionable data)
B. Dead ball guys (ball tampering was legal, the fields and fans were atrocious- league ERA's around 2.50)
C. 1920's-30 (League batting averages around .300)
D. Negro leaguers (data and level of competition is questionable)
E. 1960's (league ERA's around 3.00)
F. Steroid guys; insane home run totals
IMO I think all these players stats should be adjusted (assuming that they aren't)
Obviously, there are many Cuban and Japanese ball players who can hang with the ATGreats.
So, what's the argument? Is it because the Cuban records are sketchy?
True they are.
The level of competition sucked?
Maybe.
The Japanese records are great.
So I'm guessing that the level of competition is what's in question.But this argument is true for the Negro Leagues, and Pre 1900 players, and steroid players (and I'd argue also true for the pre 1910 players as well.).
Even if that is true, and it probably is, their great players are still great.
Let 'em play.