400 HR, 2000 hits and .285 average

As you know on this blog, I really am a big fan of not just good pitching but great pitching. When it concerns writing about hitters, I enjoy hitters who have longevity and that continue to impress year in and year out. For me one of those players is Chipper Jones.

There are a couple of things I look for when I follow hitters, do they hit for power and average at the same time. I like the guys who will hit 400+ HR's and 2000+ hits. Of course the ultimate would be to have a hitter with 3000 hits, 500 HR, and an average over .285 in their career. Chipper clearly fits the 1st category and is closing in on the second.

Let me share with you the active players with at least 400 HR's and 2000 hitting at least .285:

1. Ken Griffey Jr. 625 HR, 2751 hits, .285 lifetime average
2. Gary Sheffield 509 HR, 2689 hits, .292 average
3. Chipper Jones 424 HR, 2386 hits, .309 average
4. Vlad Guerrero 403 HR, 2218 hits, .322 average

Alex Rodriguez 576 HR, 2497 hits, .304 (I put him here for stats, but I don't consider him a legitimate numbers guy)
Manny Ramirez 541 HR, 2474 hits, .314( Ditto for Manny, same as A Roid)

Let me speculate, who are 4 more legitimate contenders for this rare feat:

1. Albert Pujols 360 HR, 1675 hits, .333 average
2. Mark Texiera 234 HR, 1129 hits, .289 average
3. Miguel Cabrera 202 HR, 1184 hits, .312 average
4. Justin Morneau 162 HR, 888 hits, .283 average

Let me know your thoughts...

Congrats to Mark Reynolds who hit the elusive 40 HR. He now joins big Albert who is sitting on 41 long shots. It does seem that Ryan Howard and Carlos Pena are going to be members of that club in the very near future.

Here is to celebrating some great hitters.