jason1919spezza
Registered User
Umm...it's really weird how people are using WAR to argue against Ichiro.
Ichiro was number 2 in WAR for 2000s in the American League, only behind Rodriguez. So this whole "WAR argument" is invalid. He's defense and speed can cover the disadvantage of not hitting for power, and this has been proven as stats. He's also 2nd in UZR for 2000s.
So calling him "overrated" or "laughable" when talking about one of the greatest right fielders is silly. He may not be top 5 (and I did mention that in my previous post), but should be in the top 10 (or very close) when considering all his assets and resume.
I also don't get why people are implying Ichiro should only be recognized for his MLB stats only. I'm not saying his NPB stats should count in his MLB stats (obviously, because those are two different leagues), but the fact that #1 he was already putting "Ichiro"-like stats very early in his NPB career and #2 He adjusted to MLB very easily, has to get credit.
Some people don't like the "what-ifs" and I'm totally fine with that. But than, Hasek/Lindros/Bure/Kariya/Forsberg/Crosby (soon to be) are all being debated in threads with their "what-ifs" as well. And unlike most of these players (except for Hasek), Ichiro had to come later in his professional career. That's not his fault.
Ichiro was number 2 in WAR for 2000s in the American League, only behind Rodriguez. So this whole "WAR argument" is invalid. He's defense and speed can cover the disadvantage of not hitting for power, and this has been proven as stats. He's also 2nd in UZR for 2000s.
So calling him "overrated" or "laughable" when talking about one of the greatest right fielders is silly. He may not be top 5 (and I did mention that in my previous post), but should be in the top 10 (or very close) when considering all his assets and resume.
I also don't get why people are implying Ichiro should only be recognized for his MLB stats only. I'm not saying his NPB stats should count in his MLB stats (obviously, because those are two different leagues), but the fact that #1 he was already putting "Ichiro"-like stats very early in his NPB career and #2 He adjusted to MLB very easily, has to get credit.
Some people don't like the "what-ifs" and I'm totally fine with that. But than, Hasek/Lindros/Bure/Kariya/Forsberg/Crosby (soon to be) are all being debated in threads with their "what-ifs" as well. And unlike most of these players (except for Hasek), Ichiro had to come later in his professional career. That's not his fault.