Itjogsamongus wrote:I love Rice more than anyone. But he was not Manny. Not even close.
In his prime, he had Fred Lynn who was great in 75 and 79. Plus the 77 team had like four guys who had 100 RBI's. He was protected fine. Plus he had Remy and Burleson table setting. Hobson, Yaz, Evans, Lynn, and whoever else I can't remember. He had protection.
Plus, Manny made Ortiz. Ortiz did not make Manny.
He also drove into more double plays than A-Rod.
No one is Manny. There will probably never be another one either. Schilling was talking about that. In regards to losing out on Teix. He was saying Teix is a great player, and would have been a great addition, but to think he could replace Manny. "No one is Manny Ramirez at the plate. That locked in, waiting for the pitch." Hate Manny all you want ( I'm really disappointed in him ), but he is one of the greatest RHH to ever play the game.
A lot of what was discussed about Rice's rally killing hitting into DPs. Is the numbers are pretty inflated, because of his RBI potential from where he batted in the line-up. Near the end of his career he was oft-injured ( hip I believe ) which is where he compiled those stats. Prior to his HOF induction. I read a discussion of "do you think Rice would have benefited
more from retiring a few years earlier?"
Oh well, it's a useless debate now. Jim Rice Hall Of Fame. I can't wait to see his commentary on NESN with "Hall Of Fame Player" next to his name.
*side note: I think RBI is a pretty over-rated stat. The number 3 or 4 hitter's historically have more RBIs. They have a better chance as opposed to the lead-off.
I can't wait for Rickey's induction speech. I bet he has like 4 arms surgically grafted on him so he can have more arms to pat himself on the back.
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Oh, and Itjogs, I won't take your bet. It's his induction in the HOF. I bet that they let Rice slide for being double parked.....well they might tow him.
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