New Arrival: Jim Edmonds, cf, St. Louis Cardinals
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Centerfielder Jim Edmonds had a very good career. 17 seasons, four All-Star selections, eight Gold Gloves and a Championship. I don’t think anyone doesn’t think he was a good player. But gosh, his first six years in St. Louis was something else.
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Edmonds signed with St. Louis in 2000 and proceeded to have an insane six year run with the club. During this period, he had a 154 OPS+, to include 210 HR and a .406 OBP. This was while also being a Gold Glove outfielder (winning one each season during this run). How many Gold Glove center fielders have averaged 35 HR a season? He really was special.
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Some more perspective! Edmonds is seventh all-time at homeruns (393) for centerfielders (since 1947). He sits comfortably ahead of the next best player, Fred Lynn (306). Mike Trout precedes him, with 406.
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That said, I kind of agree that he is on the right at the edge of the HOF but probably shouldn’t be in there. Its close! JAWS has him as the 15th best centerfielder in history, with 60.4 career WAR. There are 21 other centerfielders in the hall, and their average WAR is 71.2.