Goose was dominant at times, no doubt.  But then there were other times when he wasn’t dominant in the middle of his dominant run.  1980 ALCS, 1978 ALCS, 1984 World Series are examples. 

Rice is almost similar to Don Mattingly.  In 13 seasons, Mattingly was dominant for 5 years.  Rice, at times, was the most feared hitter in the American League.  He played 16 seasons, but look again at these years: 1974; 1976; 1980; 1981; 1982; 1987; 1988; and 1989.  He’s either nowhere to be found or very, very ordinary.  Some of the seasons, again are in the middle of his “dominant period.”  He’s got 5 or 6 “dominant seasons” and maybe another 2-3 “very good” seasons.  He wasn’t a particularly memorable defensive player which would boost his candidacy.  I’m not even considering the fact that he played in Fenway because one could say Mattingly played in lefty friendly Yankee Stadium although I do not feel Mattingly is a Hall of Famer either.  He’s just a little short.  It’s like Albert Belle, he played 12 seasons, 8 of which were probably dominant – he’s pretty close as well. Â