Jeff Bagwell vs. Frank Thomas

[Baller 24]

Who would you take in their prime. These to guys are alike in a lot of ways.

Birthdate: May 27, 1969 for BOTH

Bagwell obviously had to retire early due to his shoulder problems, but Frank Thomas is still playing and has shown he isn't done.

Stats:
Jeff Bagwell
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bagweje01.shtml
Frank Thomas
http://www.baseball-reference.com/t/thomafr04.shtml

Both were MVPs of NL and AL leagues in 1994.

Bagwell had nine seasons with over 30 home runs, eight seasons with 100 or more RBI, and nine seasons with over 100 runs scored. In six consecutive years, from 1996 through 2001, he reached all three marks in every season. He drew at least 100 walks for seven straight seasons, and had six seasons with a .300 batting average.

Bagwell was also the better player defensively, by quite a margin.

So both in their prime, who would you take?

[Bleeding Green]

Jeff Bagwell. He excelled in every area of the game and Thomas was a bit of a liability in the field and on the bases. Bagwell is probably the most complete 1B ever. Not necessarily the best obviously, but his game was so well rounded. No other firstbaseman has ever combined his speed, power, patience, and defense.

Name another 1B who stole thirty bags in a season. Twice.

But really, you can't go wrong. We're talking about two of the ten best 1B to ever play the game. And after Gehrig it's kind of a crapshoot as to who is #2. I think you can make a case for either guy there. They're in the conversation with Killebrew and Foxx, at least.

Larry Andersen.

[A.J.]

Jeff Bagwell

[Jakespeare]

Bags for sure and Bleeding Green stated exactly why.

[a-rod]

Frank Thomas, because his swing is so sweet, but i wouldn't disagree with anyone who picks bagwell.

[studcrackers]

frank thomas, cant go against my favorite player in this one

[Sebastian]

I can't think of a non-juiced hitter who had a better extended stretch during my lifetime than Thomas from 91-97. He was just unreal.