Gwynn vs Suzuki

[200tang]

I don't think I've seen this asked before but I was wondering today, if you had to choose one of these players (Tony Gwynn ; Ichiro) to be on your team right now and they were both rookies and they would produce the same as they did in their careers already, who would you choose?

Obviously we don't know how long Ichiro will play but my guess is he will play about the same amount.

I really don't remember much about Gwynn but from what I can gather from his stats is that he hit less homeruns than Ichiro has in the same timespan and that he didn't have the same success on the base paths as Ichiro. Also, Gwynn only played 150+ games in 4 years whereas Ichiro has played in at least 157 in every year he's played with the Mariners. On the other hand though Gwynn's career OPS+ avg was higher than Ichiros highest OPS+ in one season.

[Arctic Blast]

I'd take Ichiro. Both are hits machines, but Ichiro's also got serious speed on the basepaths and his defense is fantastic.

[RickD]

Gwynn hands down!

[TheNamelessPoet]

its really a tossup but with my love afair with speed I take Ichiro

[Reade]

It would depend on what I needed in my lineup. Ichiro would be my choice if I needed a leadoff hitter and some speed, I would take Gwynn if I needed a hitter. You couldn't go wrong with either one really.

[200tang]

It would depend on what I needed in my lineup. Ichiro would be my choice if I needed a leadoff hitter and some speed, I would take Gwynn if I needed a hitter. You couldn't go wrong with either one really.

For the question you just have to pretend u need both but could only sign one, and think about the overall package you're getting along with how hard the other would be to replace, sort of like VORP, although obviously both of these guys are better than replacement players :P

[dickay]

not looking at any stats, i have to say this is a great question and difficult choice. I'm going to say Ichiro because of his speed and defense (arm).

[ragecage]

Though ive always liked Tony Gwynns game and character more, I would go with Ichi based on reasons already stated. Not saying Ichi is a bad guy, but its hard to get to know a guy that doesnt seem to speak English, or at least he doesnt talk often.

[HoustonGM]

Gwynn

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Gwynn.

[cartman00000001]

wow...tough choice!! Ichiro only because the arm is better. Even in every other way.

[HoustonGM]

Gwynn hit .338/.388/.459 for a 132 OPS+.
Ichiro has hit .331/.377/.430 for a 117 OPS+.

Ichiro's career high OPS+ was 130, a number Gwynn bested 9 times. Ichiro's baserunning lowers the offensive gap some, but it's not enough to make up a 15 point difference in OPS+, nor is his defense.

[metsguy234]

Ichiro, but not by too much

[200tang]

Gwynn hit .338/.388/.459 for a 132 OPS+.
Ichiro has hit .331/.377/.430 for a 117 OPS+.

Ichiro's career high OPS+ was 130, a number Gwynn bested 9 times. Ichiro's baserunning lowers the offensive gap some, but it's not enough to make up a 15 point difference in OPS+, nor is his defense.

I actually pointed that out already in my first post :P

I think a lot of this question comes down to productivity over playing time and also how much you value speed/defense.

[dickay]

Gwynn hit .338/.388/.459 for a 132 OPS+.
Ichiro has hit .331/.377/.430 for a 117 OPS+.

Ichiro's career high OPS+ was 130, a number Gwynn bested 9 times. Ichiro's baserunning lowers the offensive gap some, but it's not enough to make up a 15 point difference in OPS+, nor is his defense.

in your opinion at least.

ichiro has had over 200 hits in each of his MLB seasons. Many of his top offensive years occurred overseas as well and he's a far superior defensive player. He also bats leadoff, gets on base and scores far more runs. He plays to get singles...which lowers his slugging percentage.

As I said it's very close...but i'll take ichiro.