who was better, Griffey or The Big Unit?
craig44
Posts: 12,693 ✭✭✭✭✭
I saw a discussion across the street and this question was brought up. I hadnt really given it any thought. It is a difficult question as they play 2 completely different roles in baseball. I think most would automatically give Griffey the nod. He was more "visible" and popular during the 90s for sure. he had all the commercials/fame.
I think if you really look at the numbers, Randy Johnson was a better pitcher than Griffey was a positional player. I think a lot of this is because of his fame, but also he started out so strong. Randy didnt really get heated up until he was 29-30 years old. I wonder if their career arcs were reversed (griffey starting slow and finishing strong and unit the oposite) if it would be viewed differently?
would Griffey be viewed more like edgar martinez? would randy johnson be looked at as if he were Doc Gooden, except with a 12 year prime?
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Comments
I don't know how to answer "who was better", but I absolutely don't understand how unpopular Johnson is in the hobby!
I think a starting pitcher like Johnson is a lot more "valuable" than a guy like Griffey because he could just dominate the opposition and Griffey might also have a great game but not have the same effect as far as winning a game.
Big Unit. Elite prime with five Cy Young awards. Elite longevity.
They may have played different positions, but Unit's value over his position was superior to Griffey over his....though not by a ton.
It's a shame Griffey couldn't stay healthy.
Different career arcs like you said, and different likability scales(far in favor of Griffey) do come into play when people view this question.
Both studs, but I'll say Griffey. Everyday player, massive impact on the Ms.
Dave
Game 7 World Series on the line. Who do you want in there to start?
Griffey had the potential to have an affect on games every day but I think Randy Johnson had a greater affect on the game during his career.
And I don’t think Griffey ever got a hit off Johnson, limited though his chances may have been.
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," --- Benjamin Franklin
Funny side-note:
A few years ago I went to Cooperstown to watch Jim Thome’s induction and at the start of the ceremony the stage was filled with 50+ HOF members. They introduced each of them and Frank Thomas happened to be standing next Randy Johnson.
A guy behind us said “Hey, the Big Hurt and the Big Unit!!” Everyone that heard it started to laugh.
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety," --- Benjamin Franklin
Back in 1992 I saw Frank Thomas at Lord and Taylor in Chicago, they shut the whole mens department down for him.
I saw him from about 30.feet away and he was one of the largest human beings I've ever seen
Unit, in part because he missed a lot less time.
yes, Big Frank is BIG!! I have gotten to stand next to him on a couple of occasions and he is bulky. I am 6'2" 235 and he made me feel teeny tiny!!
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.