Most overrated?
The folks over at Sports Illustrated have brought us a few polls over the last few months that have been good conversation starters. Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was named MLB’s meanest player. Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison was voted the equivalent for the NFL. In the broadcast booth Cris Collinsworth took the top spot as worst commentator as voted by NFL players. Baseball gets the nod once again with most overrated pitcher being the subject of choice. Here’s how the voting went.
- C.J. Wilson
- A.J. Burnett
- Josh Beckett
- John Lackey
- Jonathan Papelbon
- Tim Lincecum
- Barry Zito
- Ubaldo Jimenez
- Stephen Strasburg
- Joba Chamberlain
- Cliff Lee
- Carlos Zambrano
- Roy Halladay
- Aroldis Chapman
- Cole Hamels
- Zack Greinke
Prior to signing a big money deal with the Angels during the offseason Wilson turned in back-to-back solid seasons with the Rangers, going 31-15. Los Angeles probably overpaid for the 31-year old who’s coming off a career year, which is likely the reason he grabbed the top spot. Few doubt A.J. Burnett’s stuff. Many doubt where it’s actually going to end up when it leaves his hand. Josh Beckett can be as frustrating as he is good. He can win 20 games like he did in 2007 or cause Red Sox fans to scratch their heads.
The San Francisco Giants backed a Brinks truck up to Barry Zito’s front door in 2006. He’s rewarded them by going 48-63 with a 4.43 ERA since then. Ubaldo Jimenez was 15-1 heading into the All-Star break in 2010, including a no-hitter. If you take out that stretch his career record is 51-52. Joba Chamberlain was first on a similar list in 2010. Behind Carlos Zambrano’s antics is a three-time All-Star with a no-hitter to his credit. For all the trouble he’s caused Big Z should probably have a few more of each. Aroldis Chapman’s spot on the list is largely due to the amount of hype surrounding his 100+ mph fastball but the Cincinnati Reds having no idea how to use him didn’t help.
227 players have spoken.
daniel bard to list. matt albers should be number one.