MentalDisabldLst said:I remember reading that Nixon once told an aide, "I take advice unquestioningly from two people: George Washington, who founded this republic, and Lincoln, who saved it. All others had better prove their case."
Yaz is the Lincoln of Mt Soxmore. Sustained and renewed the franchise and propelled them into an era of peace and prosperity.
I voted for Yaz on Mt. Soxmore, for all of the reasons cited in Bergs' post above (and more), but I would argue that it was Pedro who did more than anyone to finally push the Sox over the top into the "era of peace and prosperity." By 1997 they were backsliding-they finished 1997 six games below .500, and had only one (brutally short) playoff appearance in 7 years. They traded for Pedro and made him the highest paid pitcher in baseball history at that time, and he delivered. Under immense pressure, he was arguably the best (certainly the most charismatic) pitcher in baseball. He gave them a player to build around, especially with the attitude he brought to the team. If he had faltered, they never would have chased guys like Manny and Damon, and it is unlikely that we get 2004. His success gave Dan Duquette and Theo the ability to be aggressive and get guys that put them over the top.