Who had a better career with the mariners?

I have a feeling Griffey will reign in most of the votes based on popularity but curious on how the polls will go.

I feel that if Griffey had never left, he probably would hold the all-time record by now. Something just wasn't right with him in Cinci.

Though great, Johnson had the best years of his career when he was in Arizona.

cowboysrule48 said:

I feel that if Griffey had never left, he probably would hold the all-time record by now. Something just wasn't right with him in Cinci.

Though great, Johnson had the best years of his career when he was in Arizona.

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Yes he did, but he had two CY Youngs i think with the mariners, numerous solid seasons and was a key role for taking them to the playoffs. Not saying he is who I think deserves it, just justifying why I would put him on the list.

Griffey had amazing numbers and MVP, GG, SS etc and lead HR 4 times, but so does Ichiro, who has set a MLB record of 262 hits, has MVP ROY, AS, GG and 200+ .300 avg 30+SB seasons (has almost 400) and lead the league in hits 5+ times.

for me its not even close...its ichiro, but most people will probably vote for griffey

If Griffey never left that is who I would have voted. With that being said I voted Ichiro.

KOBEARODLT said:

for me its not even close...its ichiro, but most people will probably vote for griffey

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Same.

Main Reasons for ichiro.

Second player to win ROY and MVP same season. Soon will be only player to have hit 200+ hits, 300+ AVG 9 straight GG AS. Has MLB record for hits (262).

If griffey's ENTIRE career was there I'd vote griffey as well, but then he'd have way more season's than ichiro

if Ichiro didnt join Seattle when he was at such an advanced age for a rookie, i would have voted for him.

Edgar Martinez - imagine if he wasn't buried in the minor leagues until he was in his mid 20s...guy could be a stronger candidate for the Hall of Fame.

With all due respect, he spent his entire professional career in the Mariners' organization.

Lars said:

Edgar Martinez - imagine if he wasn't buried in the minor leagues until he was in his mid 20s...guy could be a stronger candidate for the Hall of Fame.

With all due respect, he spent his entire professional career in the Mariners' organization.

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I respect your answer, one of the most clutch players in the 90s?

Griffey didn't have as many hits, but when he did they were better than Ichiro. He also almost doubled the RBI output of Ichiro season to season. Ichiro did get more runs though.

Tough call, but in the end...I voted Griffey. It wasn't out of my liking for him, but more my liking of a power hitter who generates more team offense.

You could argue that popularity is also a measure of a successful career, in which case Griffey wins that when going head to head with the other 3 players.

darocker80 said:

cowboysrule48 said:

Though great, Johnson had the best years of his career when he was in Arizona.

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Yes he did, but he had two CY Youngs i think with the mariners,

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Johnson won only one Cy Young with the Mariners. (1995)
He won four with the Diamondbacks.(1999-2002)

Lars said:

Edgar Martinez - imagine if he wasn't buried in the minor leagues until he was in his mid 20s...

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I enjoyed watching him play all those years in AAA Calgary

It's an interesting question in that 1 guy is already done, 1 guy is still active but playing elsewhere, 1 guy went elsewhere, came back, but is doing nothing to really help his legacy, and the other is active, present, and still going strong so it's not really an equal or direct comparison.

I was never a huge fan, but chose Griffey because his numbers during his 11+ years in Seattle were really impressive. Remember he predates a bit the powered-up 90s. In 1992 Gary Sheffield almost won the NL Triple Crown but lost the homer title to Fred McGriff's 35. In his first 4 years, Griffey didn't even crack 30. But starting in 1993, when things really took off and whatever was done with the ball, bats, the strikezone, parks, etc., he was a direct beneficiary and changed from being a solid linedrive hitter to true slugger and the expected heir to Aaron. Altogether, Griffey's first tenure resulted in 398 homers with a .299 BA, .948 OPS, and 1152 RBI. He was an All-Star every single year, won the MVP once and was top-10 6 other times. He even won the Gold Glove every year including when he only played 72 games (which I think shows the silliness of the award but whatever). He led the league in homers 4 times, including back-to-back 56 homer years. And he was no Adam Dunn, either. In those 11 seasons, he only struck out 984 times while walking over 740, so he was making the most of his swings. The other 3 are great ballplayers but I think in terms of years in Seattle, Griffey has the one I'd choose over all others.

Ichiro's on pace for 250+ hits again this year, BTW. He's simply incredible.

1. or 2.

I went with Edgar, so sunderrated.

At this rate, Ichiro will go down as the best Mariners player ever.

Taking the op's question for what it is, and not trying to interject any personal feelings or conjured context, Ichiro clearly has had the best carear out of the lot for the M's.

200lbhockeyplayer said:

At this rate, Ichiro will go down as the best Mariners player ever.

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I agree with you and matfanofold

but the people on FCB think otherwise (unless they just voted Griffey because its Griffey, I want to hear some discussion)
^ And totally respect all opinions