Trivia

Excluding players active in the 19th century (and hoping I haven't made a mistake!!), name the 3 players with over 40 Wins Above Replacement in their careers who still don't have a SOM card.

(I followed the WAR stat on baseball-reference...but don't look at the list!! )

Jon Lester would be one

Good call

Actually there are 4 players

Jon Lester
Pitcher
Pitcher
Position player

I recall hearing Bret Gardner's WAR being around 40.
I was stunned.

Is he the positional player?

Geee, you are right about Gardner... okay I think I overlooked too many players. Probably did this too late. Anyway, the 5 we uncovered so far

Jon Lester
Brett Gardner
Ian Kinsler
Javier Vazquez
Brad Radke

Let's get those guys cards, especially Kinsler and Lester.

Looking at the card app.

Kinsler’s best war years are 2011, 2016, 2008, 2014 If you are going to consider him, look at the dramatic defensive fluctuations

2011 2b 212 1L (6.9)
2016 2b110 2L (6.4)
2008 2b324 2R (5.7)
2014 2b110 E (5.2)

Gardner’s best are
2017 lf1(-3)0 cf300 4R (6.2)
2010 lf1(-2)1 cf201 1R (5.4)
2015 lf1(-1)2 cf202 1L (5.2)
2014 lf1(-2)2 cf202 rf202 1R (5.1)

I am a big fan of Javier Vasquez. Very quiet guy, art lover. Wasn't surprised that he couldn't adjust to the New York zoo. He took a year off after finishing a season with 57-ish scoreless innings, and never came back. Was among the top 30 in career strikeouts when he left.

His best card is probably the 2009 season he had with the Braves, but he only pitched one season there, and the Braves are already loaded of stellar pitching. Would love to see one of his Expos season. I am not sure between the 2001 and the 2003 seasons which one was the best.

I like the 2001 card myself.

How did he make the All Star team with the Yankees?

I'm shocked to see Radke on the list. I never thought much of him. I'll have to look up his stats!