Who is a better third baseman, Mike Schmidt or Alex Rodriguez?

Answer 1

If A-Rod shores up his defense and plays the position as well as he used to play SS then he'll end up head and shoulders above Mike Schmidt.

Nothing against Schmidt - he's one of the best 3 baggers ever to play but with A-Rod we could easily be watching the greatest hitting ballplayer to ever live and possible the greatest overall player ever.

As much as I despise the Yankees and I don't particularly care for A-Rod, I love watching him play just for the fact that someday I will be able to tell my kids that I watched the great A-Rod play, just like my Dad told me about watching Mickey Mantle play, and my granddad telling me about listening to Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig play on the radio when he was in the Navy. This is history living in front of us and being written everytime he steps on the field. As great of a player as Mike Schmidt was, he never had the impact on the game the way A-Rod does.

Answer 2

Are you Kidding? Mike Schmidt by far. The only thing that Alex may one day have is better power numbers. Mike was arguablly the best fielding 3rd baseman of all time.

Answer 3

Schmidt is the better third baseman. While Rodriguez is the better player both offensively and defensively. At third base Schmidt would have the advantage, because it is his natural position. Rodriguez was a great defensive Short Stop and is a solid 3B, Schmidt was considered the best defensive 3B since Brooks Robinson. Offensively they were both great players, ARod one of the best ever, but it does not determine who plays a better third base.

Answer 4

Right now, it's Schmidt. Rodriguez has been playing 3B only since 2004.

But if he mans the hot corner for another 8-10 years, even with some typical age-based decline, it'll be a much closer debate.

Answer 5

Mike Schmidt is the better third baseman, but I would rather have A-rod on my team for the following reason. His bat is slightly better and hits for a better average than Schmidt. Plus he is a threat on the bases. Schmidt had the better glove.

Answer 6

Schmidt was a better fielder over there at 3rd, but A-Rod is not a natural 3rd basemen. The only reason A-Rod is playing third is cause the Yankees already have Derek Jeter. I think on most teams that he would sign with, he would play shortstop which is his true position. As a hittter though A-Rod is way better.

Answer 7

If you are talking defense it is Schmidt who is one of the best ever at the hot corner. If you are talking offense it would be A-Rod. Remember, Schmidt was only a 267 life time hitter and A-Rod will hit for a better average with at least Schmidt power and probably more. Nod to A-Rod overall although Schmidt was really something to watch.

Answer 8

Schmidt is a HOF...but there is no question A-Rod is too. Right now, Schmidt has a plaque there, so he is the better guy...but if you look at A-Rod's #'s...there is no question he will retire as one of the 10 best to ever play the game.

A-Rod is not as good fielding as Mike was...so Schmidt has him there. But A-Rod has more power, is about the same hitting...and can run a lot better.

Answer 9

When it's all said and done, Rodriguez will hold almost every record in the book (including the home run record). Schmidt is a fantastic player, But ARod will end up being top 10 of all time.

Answer 10

Schmidt for the moment. He's a Hall of Famer. A-Rod's still in the peak of his career. The best way to judge a player is to see what people say about them after they retire.