Should the Hall of Fame judge a player's numbers on the basis of whether they were a 1B or 2B? Why?

Answer 1

Absolutely! Mark Grace was a good defensive first basemen with very good BA/OBP and moderate power. If he had the same offense and were an equally good defensive 2B, he would be headed for the Hall. But defense at first just doesn't matter as much. So his moderate power is actually a short-coming in comparing him to HOF players.

Mazeroski as a hitter would have never gotten in; he earned his way with his glove.

This is also why outfielders--especially LF and RF--need bigger numbers. They are there mostly to create runs, not for defense.

Answer 2

They already do that, as they should.

Some positions (2B, C, etc.) require a different skill set to be effective. In the case of second baseman, being mobile enough to cover the position requires (generally) being a smaller, quicker player. This takes away a lot of power compared to a 1B or 3B.

You can only judge players how they did compared to their competition - other players at their position.
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Answer 3

One of the criteria for consideration IS whether the player dominated HIS POSITION for a 10-year period during his playing career. Ozzie Smith had ho-hum numbers, but since he revolutionized the shortstop position during his playing career, he was a first-ballot inductee! Ryan Sandberg helped turn the second baseman from a defensive position into an offensive position. Even though Joe Morgan set the standard, Ryno shattered it, THAT is why he inducted.

Answer 4

Position matters. It really does.

As the extreme example of position, a primary DH has no defensive value whatsoever -- so to achieve Hall-class greatness, he'd better be able to REALLY hit. Molitor could (and he did play a lot of D in his career). Edgar Martinez, I think, was enough of a hitter (we'll find out in a few years what the writers think). Ortiz is looking promising but has a long way to go. Baines wasn't a good enough hitter. Etc.

Answer 5

Absolutely! Jeff Kent is a sure-shot HOF 2B, but if he were a 1B, he wouldn't even be considered.

Answer 6

of course they should, a first basemen, by virtue of the need at his position, must be big, tall at least, so he is going to have more power, but probably also a bigger swing, so lower average more home runs, fewer stolen bases
a second basemen is more likely to be small, and quick
so fewer home runs, more stolen bases, possibly more sacrifices as well

Answer 7

yes