A FEW QUICK
INTRODUCTORY NOTES
The ‘All Century’ Team was a natural
promotional idea for MLB, given that the modern era started at the
beginning of the 20th century. Unfortunately, the process was
badly contaminated
by the need to make this a ‘fan-friendly’ promotional
event. The three primary flaws in the process were:
1. The extreme imbalance in the representation
of
positions. Why include 9 outfielders for 3
positions when all other positions (except pitcher)
each
had two representatives? Why include only six
pitchers?
2. The failure to differentiate among the
three
outfield positions.
3. The over reliance on fan input. How can
anyone justify
leaving STAN MUSIAL and BARRY BONDS off their ballot in
favor
of PETE ROSE? I am a Pete Rose fan (and this has
nothing to do with his gambling problems) but he was not
one
of the greatest nine outfielders of all time! There
are
other examples of the fans’ selectively short
memories as well (Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan, and Brooks
Robinson).
On my list I will include six outfielders, ten
pitchers, and two players from each other position (and no ‘utility
players’).