Baylor Vs. Carew

Welch’s latest ramblings in messages made me re-think this one.

I will take thunder over the rain. Baylor struck fear in pitchers. Carew was a nice player but he was not the guy that could change the game with one swing or should I say bunt. Don’t get me wrong Carew served a purpose but Baylor was the DUDE!

At the cost of Ken Landreaux, Dave Engle, Brad Havens, and Paul Hartzell. Hell, Landreaux alone was arguably equivalent to Carew over Rodney’s 6 years with the Angels, according to Win Shares.

KL: 19/17/16/15/15/13/10
RC: 20/18/17/16/16/12/09

Carew played 120 games a year, fielded an easy position not particularly well (while basically forcing us to trade a better player, Willie Aikens), and ran the bases like crap. He was no team leader, and he saved his best stuff for All-Star games (ok, that’s a bit rough).

Baylor helped will an AL West title in ’79, and almost doubled the flavor in ’78. He cost us nothing but money, at least until 1986. He was the *self-)acknowledged team leader, and he would play all 162 games (as he did unless hurt).

Great players have great seasons, preferably in historic seasons. Rodney never had a great year for us; Baylor had two, one of which was phenomenal. It ain’t close.

…here.

Baylor contributed more to the Angels than Rod Carew.

It’s really is that easy.

for Carew in the original poll, but on further reflection, voted for Groove in this one, as he had the better career as an Angel.

Though Carew does get bonus points for being in Adam Sandler’s “Chanuka Song”.

He was a much better TWIN than ANGEL. Go Baylor!

Shouldn’t even be this close.

Based on career stats as Angels over sentimentality. mattwelch and sothball’s arguments were also informative…

Carew gets additional bonus points for being mentioned in “Shure Shot” by the Beastie Boys, even though he got most of his mad hits as a Twin.

This brings the clarity to the vote I think was lacking the first time.

As I wrote previously, Carew is the only one of the two who deserves the HoF, but Baylor’s contibution to the Angels dwarfs that of Carew.

That said, I did enjoy being at the stadium the day he got #3,000.

I assume Mike Scioscia will make this list, so for Carew-supporters or undecided voters, don’t overlook his contributions as a coach.

Since I never was able to see either player play with the Angels, I am really not qualified to give an opinion on either. Based on their careers with the Angels as well as convincing arguments from Baylor supporters on this site, I have to go with Baylor since Carew’s best seasons were with the Twins and Baylor was THE man back in the day.

I just wonder if younger Halo fans are voting for Carew because of his name and HOF credentials instead of Baylor.

…and yet he still leads the voting!!!!

Many votes must be by those that don’t know much about their relative contributions to the Angels. Not one Carew voter defending their vote. I find that amazing. Oh well…so goes democracy.