Reader Challenge Results: The Mister Misters

Friday, November 28 2008 @ 05:30 PM EST

Contributed by: Mick Doherty

So we spent some time this week discussing who should be each team's "Mr. Franchise" (the full discussion is in this thread) and given the results, tried to fill out a full standard-Hall-of-Names 25-man roster.

The lineup and bench were no problem -- four legitimate Hall of Famers didn't even make the roster... but the pitching staff runs short. We have only seven arms available, five more Hall of Famers, one who certainly will be in six years or so, and another -- well, as you'll see, a projection, at best.

So how can we make this team better? Note that four of the six listed as not making the team all played primarily the same position, OF, with three primarily in RF alone..

Can we fill out the pitching staff somehow? Your thoughts ...?

Leadership Team Name Comment
Owner Angels Gene Autry
Only non-player on the list; but really, did Ryan deserve to be "Mr." for two franchises?
Player/Manager Reds Pete Rose
Apologies to Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. But really, could it be anyone else?
Lineup
Team Name Comment
C Expos/Nats Gary Carter
Sincere apologies to Tim Raines!
1B Yankees Lou Gehrig
Apologies to Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra.
2B White Sox
Nellie Fox
Apologies to Luke Appling and Fronk Thomas.
SS Cubs Ernie Banks
That's right, the Iron Man himself, Cal Ripken Jr., is headed to the bench, if he makes the team at all!
3B Phillies
Mike Schmidt
Does he really deserve to beat out Brett? Yes, yes he does.
LF Red Sox
Ted Williams
"Yastrzemski" is too hard to spell!
CF
Giants
WIllie Mays
Apologies to Mel Ott and Carl Hubbell, but Willie was argbuably Mr. Giant on two coasts. (No complaining, Barry Bonds!)
RF Braves
Hank Aaron
Walker has been a great RF. Clemente and Kaline are in the discussion. But Hammerin' Hank deserves the spot.
DH Mariners Edgar Martinez
Apologies to Ken Griffey Jr. (too much time in Cincy!) ... Edgar is the only "natural" DH in the discussion.
Bench
Team Name Comment
C/UTIL Astros Craig Biggio
Apologies to Jeff Bagwell -- and, oh what the hell, for a third franchise, to Nolan Ryan, too.
IF Dodgers Jackie Robinson
Apologies to Sandy Koufax, Pee Wee Reese, Duke Snider, Steve Garvey, many others!
COR IF
Royals George Brett
Easiest "Mr. Franchise" decision in the entire major leagues.
IF Blue Jays
Tony Fernandez
Apologies to Joe Carter and Dave Stieb; Fernandez's versatility nets him bench spot over Ripken.
IF/OF Brewers Robin Yount
Apologies to Paul Molitor.
UTIL Reds Pete Rose
Also manager; All-Star at five different positions.
Pitching Staff
Team Name Comment
RHP
Mets Tom Seaver
193 wins with Mets, 118 elsewhere -- but he IS the Mets.
LHP
DiamonbacksRandy Johnson
Pitched longer in Seattle, but two Cy Young Awards and a World Series ring in Arizona. Apologies to Luis Gonzalez.
RHP Senators/Twins Walter Johnson
Possibly greatest pitcher in history of game; apologies to Harmon Killebrew and, less so, to Kirby Puckett.
RHP Rangers Nolan Ryan
Double-dips as team president, role he holds now for Rangers. Could arguably be Mr. Astro or Mr. Angel as well.
RHP Cardinals Bob Gibson
Apologies to Stan Musial. Dizzy Dean and Lou Brock.
RHP Indians Bob Feller
Apologies to Lou Boudreau.
LHP Devil Rays
David Price
Admittedly, based on projection as much as anything, but kid is already face of the franchise.
Pitcher TBD Vacant
Pitcher TBD Vacant
Pitcher TBD Vacant

Can't believe they didn't even make the team? Maybe we can trade someone to fill out the three vacant spots on the 10-man pitching staff?

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