01-08-2006, 09:20 AM
Okay, atrocious was probably a bit too strong.
However, a career .262/.337 batter is hardly HOF caliber, regardless of his SB total (which I admittedly didn't realize was as great as it was).
Still, Otis Nixon had a higher BA/OBP AND more SB's than Smith. Sure, Smith was "good" offensively, but nowhere near HOF quality. The only reason he is in the Hall is because of his defense.
However, a career .262/.337 batter is hardly HOF caliber, regardless of his SB total (which I admittedly didn't realize was as great as it was).
Still, Otis Nixon had a higher BA/OBP AND more SB's than Smith. Sure, Smith was "good" offensively, but nowhere near HOF quality. The only reason he is in the Hall is because of his defense.