The poll itself describes it as a position by position comparison, which is fine, except, a lot of people are saying how it's not even a comparison, that Hunter is by far better. The people saying that are Angels fans.
Both players are about as equal as you can get as far as ability. The only difference is Hunter is older and more experienced than Kemp is. However, I don't think these fans are judging by player ability, and this is what bothers me. I think they are just loyal to their team and saying that Hunter is simply better because he's an Angel.
Others have also said that Hunter is better because he plays in a harder league. Who's to really say that any league is harder than the other, though? Of course, the National League and American League both have their (obvious) differences, but both center fielders essentially play their positions the same. Stand in the outfield, batter hits the ball in the air, catch the ball.
Remember, the poll doesn't consider leagues, divisions, managers, mascot, or anything else. Position by position. A player's ability to hit, run, and catch.
One person said that Hunter makes dive attempts to catch the ball. My question to them, "Have you seen any Dodger games? Kemp made many dive attempts in 2009 as well."
Their response... "LOL. Why would I watch Dodger games?"
Exactly my point. You really can't "judge" which person is better when you haven't seen the other player perform.
When I told them what their stats for last year were, they mentioned how Hunter missed several games due to injury. Ok... fine.
What about 2008?
Matt Kemp 2008: 155 Games, .290 AVG, 18 HR, 76 RBI, 35 SBIn 2009, he won his first Gold Glove Award the first year he started full time as a center fielder on Opening Day.
Torii Hunter 2008: 146 Games, .278 AVG, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 19 SB.He won the his first Gold Glove Award in 2001, 2 years after he became a regular starter for the Minnesota Twins.
My point is this; Don't be afraid to admit when another player is just as good, if not, better, than your favorite team's player simply because he's not on your team. If you're a fan of the Angels, or any other baseball team, for that matter, then you have to be a BASEBALL fan.
I will tell you this though... neither man is afraid to throw down with an opponent to defend themselves and/or their teammates.
1 comment:
I think you've made some valid points.
Unfortunately, most fans only consider others to be "devoted" if they only say good things about their team. As soon as you criticize players from "your" team, or say favorable things about other teams, you are no longer considered a "devoted" fan.
I'm been told many times that I'm not a devoted Angels fan because I don't hate the Yankees as much as I should. F-that. Most Yankee fans actually respect Angels cause prior to last season, Angels gave them the most trouble. I can't really hate that.
I've been told I'm not a devoted Angels fan because I don't hate the Dodgers enough. F-that. While it bothers me that the Dodgers and most of their fans still look down at the Angels, not really enough for me to hate them. I let the Angels Interleague record against Dodgers speak for itself
Do I hate the Red Sox and their fans. Absolutely. Their fans are the biggest bunch of douchebags assembled on the planet.
I think the Dodgers are better than the Angels at C, 3B and 2B. Angels better at 1B, SS, SP, and OF. Abstain from bullpen evaluation.
Ok, I rambled extensively.
Those are my opinions, and I'm sticking with them. "Fans" of my team can call me whatever they want...
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