Who is the worst "greatest player of all time" for a current MLB team?
Actually, this is a fairly interesting subject. Let's start with position players, and I'll stick to the live-ball period. Based on WAR while participating in the team, this.
You’d think the list would be dominated by expansion teams, and you’re mostly right.
- 35.5: Marlins, Giancarlo Stanton
- 37.5: Blue Jays, Tony Fernandez. I was a bit surprised at this one, but he barely edges out Jose Bautista and Carlos Delgado
- 40.3: Diamondbacks, Paul Goldschmidt
- 49.8: Rays, Evan Longoria
- 50.1: Rangers/Senators, Ivan Rodriguez
- 50.4: Mets, David Wright. Strawberry is the great “what might have been” here.
- 55.8: Nationals/Expos, Gary Carter. The second catcher on the list.
- 61.2: Rockies, Todd Helton
- 61.7: Indians, Lou Boudreau. The first team that’s been around since the beginning.
- 63.8: Twins/Senators, Rod Carew
Now pitchers. This one has some more interesting names and rankings.
- 18.9: Rockies, Ubaldo Jiminez
- 21.3: Rays, David Price
- 25.8: Marlins, Josh Johnson
- 26.0: Padres, Trevor Hoffman. First relief pitcher (Rivera qualifies for the Yankees)
- 30.3: Brewers/Pilots, Teddy Higuera
- 32.6: Rangers/Senators, Charlie Hough
- 40.7: Reds, Eppa Rixey. First team that goes all the way back.
- 45.1: Nationals/Expos, Steve Rogers. Scherzer is about a dozen behind
- 45.8: Astros, Roy Oswalt
- 47.1: Royals, Kevin Appier
Lot of overlap here. Let’s average and see who’s really on the bottom:
- Marlins (#1 hitters, #3 pitchers)
- Rays (#4, #2)
- Rockies (#8, #1)
- Rangers/Senators (#5, #6)
- Blue Jays (#2, —)
- Diamondbacks (#3, —)
- Nationals/Expos (#7, #8)
- Padres (—, #4)
- Brewers/Pilots (—, #5)
- Mets (#6, —)
