Posted by dahsdebater on 12/26/2015 10:58:00 AM (view original):
I think the standards for catchers to get into the HOF are just wrong. Yogi Berra is the 4th most modern catcher in the Hall. That just feels wrong. I think there have been at least 5 guys voted in at every other position in the time 3 catchers have gotten in. It's a position that inherently tends to shorten your career and make it difficult to sustainably produce big offensive numbers. Totally a different animal than any other position on the diamond. The offensive standards are generally lower for middle infielders and center fielders because they are perceived as having greater defensive value and importance, and the concept is that it's harder to find super-elite hitters who can also hold them down defensively. But playing SS or CF doesn't really cut into your offensive production relative to playing 1B or RF in the same way that catching does. Add in the fact that it's easily the most important defensive position on the field, and it becomes clear why the offensive standards shouldn't be anything like what they are at any other position.
The odd thing I've found is that most reasonably knowledgeable baseball fans will, in principle, agree with all of that. They'll say that catchers are intrinsically valuable, that they're arguably the most important players on the field - almost certainly if you don't include the pitcher - and that they should have lower standards for HOF inclusion. And then they go say virtually nobody deserves to get in.
The general qualifications for being a HOFer - really in any sport - is (usually):
Longevity (being very good for a long time)
Dominance (being the best, or 'one of the very best' in the game for a significant part of your career (I usually think 50%). Similar to Longevity, and it usually goes hand in hand, but they are different. Chuck Klein is in because of dominance (first 6-7 years) but had no real Longevity.
Recognition (Think awards)
Big moments (Think being a significant producer during a playoff run. Big moments that last forever.)
Breaking Records
I don't think a player has to hit every one of those, but there has to be some combination. I think for a catcher to hit those benchmarks, its really tough. Hense, there's not many catchers.
Lets look at Posada -
Longevity (being very good for a long time)
Well, having a .475 SLG percentage for your career is certainly pretty good for most players, especially a catcher. If you take out the scabs (Javy Lopez and Mike Napoli - who were DH's at C), he's top 10-12 all time for catchers - and all are HOFers (or will be). Add to that that he was hitting it out and driving in runs at a respectable clip all the way into his late 30s. I think he's a plus here.
Dominance (being the best, or 'one of the very best' in the game for a significant part of your career (I usually think 50%)
He was considered one of the better catchers of his time, But I'm not sure I would consider him 'dominant'. I usually heard 'I-Rod', Piazza, before I heard Posada.
Recognition (Think awards)
From 2000 to 2004, along with 2007 he was an all star, silver slugger, and even got some MVP votes. So I guess that counts for something.
Big moments (Think being a significant producer during a playoff run)
He certainly contributed in the post season throughout his career, but no big, signature moments.
Breaking Records
Nothing to speak of here.
So I think - even if you give catchers a little rope, Posada isn't a slam-dunk HOFer. I kinda lump him with Dale Murphy.