Mar 09 2009
Keltner List - Pedro Martinez
1. Was he ever regarded as the best player in baseball? Did anybody, while he was active, ever suggest that he was the best player in baseball?
Pedro’s first three years with Boston are among the greatest three year runs of any pitcher in history. Many would select him as the best pitcher in the game for several years of his career.
2. Was he the best player on his team?
Pedro was the bona fide ace for both the Expos and Red Sox.
3. Was he the best player in baseball at his position? Was he the best player in the league at his position?
Yes, yes.
4. Did he have an impact on a number of pennant races?
Pedro was the driving force behind the Red Sox early 2000’s playoff runs and also pitched well in the 2004 championship run.
5. Was he a good enough player that he could continue to play regularly after passing his prime?
Martinez lost velocity after joining the Mets but still pitched effectively when healthy.
6. Is he the very best player in baseball history who is not in the Hall of Fame?
Quite possibly.
7. Are most players who have comparable career statistics in the Hall of Fame?
Yes
8. Do the player’s numbers meet Hall of Fame standards?
Yes.
9. Is there any evidence to suggest that the player was significantly better or worse than is suggested by his statistics?
Pedro’s control and incredible K/BB and WHIP ratios in his prime indicate that he was at one point one of the all time greats.
10. Is he the best player at his position who is eligible for the Hall of Fame but not in?
Yes.
11. How many MVP-type seasons did he have? Did he ever win an MVP award? If not, how many times was he close?
Pedro was a Cy Young type pitcher for several years – including an incredible season considered by many metrics to be the greatest of all time.
12. How many All-Star-type seasons did he have? How many All-Star games did he play in? Did most of the other players who played in this many go to the Hall of Fame?
Martinez was an all star regular.
13. If this man were the best player on his team, would it be likely that the team could win the pennant?
Yes.
14. What impact did the player have on baseball history? Was he responsible for any rule changes? Did he introduce any new equipment? Did he change the game in any way?
Martinez was a member of some of the most memorable teams and rivalries in baseball history.
15. Did the player uphold the standards of sportsmanship and character that the Hall of Fame, in its written guidelines, instructs us to consider?
Pedro was a well documented headhunter on the mound and had no shortage of confidence. He did not have any off field problems other than a chicken fighting. He should be in the hall of fame on the first ballot.
