Several players in the majors slapped Derek Jeter with the tag: Overrated.
In a Sports Illustrated survey of 495 Major League Baseball players in its June 23 issue, Jeter was voted the most overrated with 10% of the vote. Struggling Giants lefthander Barry Zito was second at 9%, while Alex Rodriguez and Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew were tied for third with 7%. Mets third baseman David Wright and Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis tied for fourth at 4%.
This story got me thinking about who is the most over-rated player in each sport. Would peers of these players agree with me? I may never know, but here's my personal "All Name And No Game" list.
Eli Manning. One SuperBowl does not a legend make. Nor, for that matter, does the name "Manning." Only the media thinks that name means something. I'd bet NFL players would agree when it comes to Eli.
I really can't argue Derek Jeter. Although, I also wouldn't argue Alex Rodriguez. It isn't just hate for the Yankees. It's the lack of production when it makes a difference.
In the NBA, there are so many names to choose from. But in the spirit of trying to think as the players would, I'm going with Kobe Bryant. He may arguably be the best individual talent in the league, but when it comes to getting it done when it counts he continually falls short.
Hockey's a tough call. My first instinct is Sidney Crosby, but that's rather unfair of me seeing as how he's just getting started and was hurt last season. My second instinct is Martin Brodeur. I know. The media loves Brodeur and so do the awards. But for someone who has more Vezina trophies than I have fingers, what else does he have to show for it? Not nearly as much as he should have.
Nascar is simple. They're all over-rated. For crying out loud, the cars go in a circle by themself. They're set up that way. All the driver has to do is come in for tires and occasionally avoid a slowpoke or debris on the track. On large tracks, they don't even have to downshift in the corners.
But who would they pick? Jeff Gordon? Tony Stewart? Dale Jr.? I almost sense a three-way tie here.
Golf? Anyone not nick-named "Tiger" would do. Phil Mickelson, anyone?
Tennis? Can anyone say "Williams Sisters?"
Boxing? Mike Tyson would be the all-timer, but for current pugilists, Oscar De La Hoya sounds like a worthy candidate. Can anyone name three different opponents of his without looking them up?
Remembering this is about who the players in each sport would choose, who is most likely to be voted "All Name And No Game" in each sport?
And, who is the single-most over-rated athelete on the face of the planet?
Michelle Wie? Has she won a women's tournament yet?
