5 in 50- The Seattle Mariners

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Seattle Mariners. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Mariners in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Mariners players in the last 50 years.

5.   Alex Rodriguez (1994-2000)- 1996 AL batting champion. Finished in top 3 MVP voting twice. 

4.   Edgar Martinez (1987-2004)- 2-timed AL batting champion. Twice lead league in doubles.

3.   Ichiro Suzuki (2001-2012)-2001 AL MVP, 2-time AL batting champion. 10-time gold glove winner.

2.   Randy Johnson (1990-1998)- 1995 AL Cy Young award. Finished in top 3 Cy Young voting 3 times.

1.   Ken Griffey Jr (1989-1999)- 1997 AL MVP, 4-time AL Home Run champion. 9-time gold glove      winner.

Honorable mention to Felix Hernandez, Kyle Seager, Jamie Moyer, Jay Buhner, John Olerud

Notes. This was probably the easiest list to put together. The only question was the order. These 5 players are by far the best players in Mariners history. Martinez, Johnson, and Griffey are in the Hall of Fame. Ichiro will be next in a few years. And AROD should get in some day. Only question was the top of the list. If you are looking at full careers, Johnson would most likely be #1, and Griffey 2. But, since this list was based solely on performance as a Mariner, Griffey gets the nod. He is the best player in Mariners history.

Next up is the Texas Rangers.

5 in 50- The Oakland A's

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Oakland A’s. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the A’s in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest A’s players in the last 50 years.

5.   Jose Canseco (1985-1992): 1988 MVP, 2-time AL Home Run leader.  

4.   Dave Stewart (1986-1992): 4-time 20 game winner. 1989 World Series champion. MVP and WS champion. 2-time ALCS MVP.

3.   Dennis Eckersley (1987-1995): 1992 Cy Young award winner and MVP, 1988 ALCS MVP. 1989 World Series champion.

2.   Rollie Fingers (1972-1976): 1974 World Series MVP. 1.35 ERA in 3 World Series (16 games). 3-time World Series champion.

1.   Rickey Henderson (14 seasons with the A’s between 1989-1998): 1989 AL MVP, All time stolen base leader. 1989 ALCS MVP, 1989 World Series champion.

Honorable mention to Vida Blue, Barry Zito, Jason Giambi, Joe Rudi, Miguel Tejada, Sal Bando, Gene Tenace, Bert Campaneris, Bob Welch

Notes. This was one of the most challenging lists to put together. The A’s teams in the last 50 years have been filled with Hall of Famers, Cy Young award winners, MVPs, All Stars. The most difficult part was not including 2 Hall of Fame players, Reggie Jackson, and Catfish Hunter. Both were integral parts of the A’s dynasty that won 3 straight championships from 1972-1974. However, Hunter left for free agency after the 1974 season, and Jackson was traded after the 1975 season. Both did meet the criteria of playing a full 5 seasons with the team since 1972. Tough to leave them off, but I needed to stay consistent. At #5 there were many options. I gave the nod to Canseco. In his MVP season, he was the first player to have at least 40 Home Runs and 40 stolen bases. Stewart was one of the great post season performers. He is 1 of only 3 players to win the LCS MVP award twice. The top 3 players, Eckersley, Fingers, and Henderson are Hall of Famers and all time greats.

Next up is the Seattle Mariners

5 in 50- The Los Angeles Angels

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Los Angeles Angels. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Angels in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Angels players in the last 50 years.

5.  Chuck Finley (1986-1999)- Franchise leader in wins and innings. Finished in top 10 Cy Young voting in 1990

4.  Garret Anderson (1994-2008)- Led AL in doubles twice (including 56 in 2002). 2002 World Series champion.

3.  Vladimir Guerrero (2004-2009)- AL MVP in 2004, finished in top 10 MVP voting 3 other times.

2.  Nolan Ryan (1972-1979)- 7-time AL strikeout leader, finished in top 3 Cy Young voting 3 times.

1.  Mike Trout (2011-2021)- 3-time AL MVP, 6 other times finished in top 5 MVP voting.

Honorable mention to Brian Downing, Bobby Grich, Tim Salmon, Jered Weaver, Troy Glaus.

Notes. The selections for #4 and 5 could have been from several players on the honorable mention list. A lot of very similar type players. I picked Finley since he is the second-best pitcher in the team’s history. He leads the team in many pitching categories. Anderson was very instrumental in the Angels only World Championship and leads the team in many post season categories. Guerrero only played 6 years for the Angels but had immediate impact and solidified his Hall of Fame career. He was MVP in his first year and was an MVP candidate for the next 3 seasons. Hall of Famer Ryan had his greatest seasons with the Angels on his way to being the strikeout king. Finally, Trout is still in his prime, and can continue on his path to Cooperstown. Hopefully appearing in the post season to showcase his brilliant career.

Next up is the Oakland A’s.

 

 

5 in 50- The Houston Astros

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Houston Astros. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Astros in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Astros players in the last 50 years.

5.  Nolan Ryan (1980-1988)- Finished first in NL with lowest ERA twice. Finished twice in top 5 Cy Young voting.

4.  Roy Oswalt (2001-2010)- Finished in top 5 voting for Cy Young award 5 times.  2005 NLCS MVP

3.  Jose Altuve (2011-2021)- 2017 AL MVP, 3 AL batting titles, 2017 World Series Champion

2.  Craig Biggio (1988-2007)- 4-time gold glove winner, led NL in doubles 3 times (twice over 50).

1.  Jeff Bagwell (1991-2005)- 1994 AL MVP, as well as 5 top 10 finishes in MVP voting.

Honorable mention to Lance Berkman, Jose Cruz, Alex Bregman, George Springer, JR Richard, Joe Niekro.

Notes. The top 3 selections were easy. Bagwell and Biggio are in the Hall of Fame. Altuve may end up there some day. The challenge was selecting #4 and 5. There were many similar players (as noted on the honorable mention). I picked Oswalt due to his consistent quality pitching. He won at least 14 games in 7 seasons of his 10 years with the Astros (including winning 20 twice). He was a key contributor to the Astros first World Series team in 2005. And, I had to include Ryan. He didn’t have his best years with the Astros, but he still was a strikeout machine on his way to a Hall of Fame career (and pitched 1 of his 7 no-hitters).

Next up is the Los Angeles Angels.

5 in 50- The Minnesota Twins

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Minnesota Twins. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Twins in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Twins players in the last 50 years.

5. Frank Viola (1982-1989)- 1988 AL Cy Young award winner. 1987 World Series MVP and World Champion.  

4. Johan Santana (2000-2007)- 2-time AL Cy Young award winner. Led AL with lowest ERA 3 times. 

3. Kirby Puckett (1984-1995)- 1989 AL batting champion. 6-time gold glove winner. 1987 ALCS MVP and 87 World Champion

2. Joe Mauer (2004-2018)- 3-time batting champion. 3-time gold glove winner. 2009 AL MVP.

1. Rod Carew (1972-1978)- 6-time batting champion. 1977 MVP.

Honorable mention to Kent Hrbek, Gary Gaetti, Bert Blyleven, Greg Gagne, Brad Radke,

Notes. The top 4 selections were easy. #5 was a little more challenging to select. Viola only pitched 6 full seasons for the Twins before he moved on to the Mets. Other players had longer careers with the Twins (Hrbek in particular), but Viola’s impact was huge. He won the World Series MVP leading the Twins to their first ever championship in 87 and followed that up with the Cy Young in 88. With the top 4 players there was no question. Santana was a great pitcher would be a Hall of Famer if not for injuries. Puckett was vital to the Twins 2 World Championship teams and is a Hall of Famer. Mauer did the unthinkable, winning 3 batting titles while being the teams primary catcher (including 2009 season, when he hit .365!). All 3 seasons he caught over 100 games. Finally, Carew is one of the greatest hitters of all time. I only included his batting titles since 1972, but you can add 1 more to the list (1969). 7 batting titles overall. And all with the Twins.

Next up is the Houston Astros.

5 in 50- The Kansas City Royals

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Kansas City Royals. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Royals in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Royals players in the last 50 years.

5. Frank White (1973-1990)- 8-time gold glove award winner. 1980 ALCS MVP. 1985 World Series Champion.

4. Willie Wilson (1976-1990)- 1982 AL batting champion. AL stolen base leader in 1979. 4-time triples leader. 1985 World Series Champion.

3. Salvador Perez (2011-2021)- 5-time gold glove winner. 2015 World Series Champion (and World Series MVP).       

2. Bret Saberhagen (1994-1991)- 2-time AL Cy Young award winning. 1985 World Series Champion (and World Series MVP).

1. George Brett (1973-1993)- 3-time AL batting champion (including hitting .390 in 1980). MVP in 1980. ALCS MVP and World Series Champion in 1985.

Honorable mention to Hal McRae, Zack Greinke, Dan Quisenberry, Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Carlos Beltran.

Notes. The last 2 (#4, and 5) were very challenging to select. Lots of similar players. Some All-Star players were left off since they did not have enough time as a Royal (i.e., Greinke and Beltran). Others just missed. White and Wilson deserved to be on this list. White was a terrific fielder who was a key member of every Royals playoff team from 1976 through 1985. Wilson dominated on the base paths. Once led the league with 83 stolen base and in another season led the league with 21 triples. The top 3 players on the list are no-brainers. Perez, Saberhagen and Brett are the 3 best players in Royals history. Their numbers speak for themselves.

Next up in the 5 in 50 series is the Minnesota Twins.

5 in 50- The Detroit Tigers

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Detroit Tigers. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Tigers in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Tigers players in the last 50 years.

5. Lou Whitaker (1977-1995)- 3-time gold glove winner.  1984 World Series Champion.

4. Jack Morris (1977-1990)- Finished in top 5 Cy Young voting 3 times. Winningest pitcher in 80s. 1984 World Series champion.

3. Alan Trammell (1977-1996)- 1984 World Series MVP. 4-time gold glove winner. Finished 3 times in top 10 MVP voting.  

2. Justin Verlander (2005-2016)- 2011 AL Cy Young and MVP award winner. Finished in top 5 Cy Young voting 4 other times.

1. Miguel Cabrera (2008-2021)- 4-time AL batting champion, 2-time MVP. Triple crown winner in 2012.

Honorable mention to Max Scherzer, Lance Parrish, Kirk Gibson, Chet Lemon

Notes. It is safe to say these 5 are the best Tigers players in the last 50 years. The challenge was putting them in the correct order. I did consider putting Scherzer over Whitaker. But, although he won the Cy Young with the Tigers, Scherzer only played with the Tigers for 5 years. And his Hall of Fame career really took shape once he went to the Nationals. Whitaker was a terrific fielder and was part of the longest double play combinations in history (with Trammell). Morris is a Hall of Famer who continuously gave the Tigers wins and innings. Trammell is another Hall of Famer who was one of the great shortstops of his generation (should have won the MVP in 87). Verlander is a future Hall of Famer who is 1 of 11 pitchers to win both the Cy Young and MVP awards. And finally, Cabrera was an easy selection at the top of the list. He is another future Hall of Famer who is 1 of 14 players to win at least 4 batting titles.

Next up in the 5 in 50 series is the Kansas City Royals.

5 in 50- The Cleveland Indians

Continuing my 5 in 50 series, today’s team is the Cleveland Indians. This will be a list of the top 5 greatest players for the Indians in the last 50 years. The criteria are as follows: Player must have been part of team for at least 5 full seasons since 1972. Both regular season and post season success will be measured (statistical leaders, awards, et). Players on this list can be from any position. Multiple players at the same position can be included. I’ll list the major accomplishments for each player only for the team they are selected.

Here is my list of the top 5 greatest Indians players in the last 50 years.

5. Kenny Lofton (1992-1996, 1998-2001)- 5 x stolen base leader (including 4 seasons over 50).

4. Corey Kluber (2011-2019)- 2 x AL Cy Young award winner. And finished in top 3 Cy Young voting twice.

3. Manny Ramirez (1993-2000)- 3 top 10 finishes in MVP voting. 1999 AL RBI leader.

2. Albert Belle (1989-1996)- 3 top 5 finishes in MVP voting. 3 x AL RBI leader. 1995 AL Home Run leader.

1. Jim Thome (1991-2002, 2011)- 3 top 10 finishes in MVP voting. Indians all-time home run leader.

Honorable mention to Omar Viszquel, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Carlos Baerga, Charles Nagy.

Notes. This group includes 4 players who were part of the 1995 pennant winning team that lost to the Braves in the World Series. Such a potent lineup. Lofton, Belle and a young Manny Ramirez made up one of the best outfields in baseball. And with Thome being a Hall of Fame first basemen, the 95 Indians were one of the greatest teams that never won it all. The one player on this list that was not on the 95 team is Corey Kluber, one of the best pitchers in their history. He only had 6 full seasons with the Indians but was dominant during his time healthy. He won 2 Cy Young awards but could easily have won 4.

Next up in the 5 in 50 series is the Detroit Tigers.