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MLB All-Star Game: All-time team

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Focus on Sport/Getty Images /

Third Base

George Brett, Wade Boggs, Brooks Robinson, and Eddie Matthews should each be celebrated as being amazing players. However, none of them match Mike Schmidt’s combination of offense and defense. He was superior offensively (using wRC+) to Brett, Boggs, and Robinson. His 141 wRC+ ties him with Matthews. Schmidt’s defense puts him above Matthews, Boggs, and Brett, though he admittedly trails Robinson defensively. It was between Robinson and Schmidt, and Schmidt was the better overall player. Schmidt had a career 106.5 WAR while Robinson had a career 80.2 WAR.

Schmidt won 10 Gold Gloves over his career and hit 548 home runs while leading the league in home runs eight times in 18 seasons. He only hit .267 for his career, but his .380 on-base percentage and .527 slugging percentage are quite impressive. During his career, he won three MVP awards while leading the Phillies.

Brett is a fantastic choice as a super utility player, sort of like Ben Zobrist. His defense was above average at multiple positions and his bat is great enough that it would likely find ways to get into even an all-time great lineup. Brett would be the quintessential pinch runner and pinch hitter. Plus, if this team gets into a brawl, Brett’s kicking butt and taking names.

Next: Outfield

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