I think RH will gamble a multi-year deal on Rodon as well. Boras aside...players have a right to tell their agent to sign with their home team or whomever. If we make the QO and continue to negotiate something like 3 years at 15-18 millinon per year...we would have a good chance. I believe strongly that this team has a strong chemistry that players won't want to leave if they can avoid it.
Griffey and Clemente are both good comps for Robert IMO...same body types and tools. I'll be satisfied with Robert if he becomes close to comparable to either one of those guys.
Cease and Lopez just need some "eye of the tiger." Trust your stuff and throw the ball. When they start pitching with fear they can't throw strikes. Get the ball and throw the ball like Mark Buehrle. When you pitch slow and scared your fielders go to sleep and the walks bury you.
I agree with your comments. Allen doesn't come to mind for today's fan because he didn't play the majority of his career with the WS. He was a show stopper when it was his turn to bat.
I believe the question as posed means all-around best player. Frank Thomas will be remembered for his hit and power tools for sure. Robert goes off the charts because of his 5 tool capabilities.
Pito made himself into a good defensive 1st baseman and is much better defensively than Frank. IMO Jose is much better than the best Frank was...mainly because of Frank's terrible arm.
I believe 2/3 of this team have or will be on an all-star team during their careers. Talent everywhere I look. I don't like to leave my seat when we are batting because something exciting can happen from everywhere in the lineup. There was a time I would arrange a bathroom break or make some popcorn around when Frank Thomas or Dick Allen would be batting...now the whole team has me leaving my pitcher to fend for himself.