FanHouse Stan Musial

Over the last few years as blogs have entered the mainstream for people seeking information on the internet, there's been a lot of controversy over what's kosher and what isn't with blogs. Whether people are getting upset about a blog saying they think a player may be using steroids without concrete proof, or posting pictures of athletes out at a bar with a bottle of Jack Daniels in their hand and a bevy of beauties on their arm, there are plenty of examples of blogs dancing back and forth over the line of what's responsible reporting and irresponsible.

But don't worry, this isn't another post about which side is right, and which side is wrong. No, this is just a post being put up on a blog to let the world know that it's not just bloggers who step over the line from time to time.

It's entirely too early to make a final analysis, but it's fun to think about. Where does A-Rod rank on the list of all-time greats? More interestingly, where will he rank when he finishes his already illustrious playing career?

The Baseball Analysts took on exactly this question after Rodriguez's incredible weekend -- which is still in progress, by the way -- and the conclusions were favorable, to say the least.

Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and Lou Gehrig. ARod's name would fit in there just fine. In fact, he happens to sit in 11th place now (with 48 in his MVP season in 2005). How about Joe DiMaggio, you ask? Tied for 14th with 46 in 1937, his second year in the majors. Take a second look at that list and you'll notice that Rodriguez is already number one among all right-handed batters. After DiMaggio, you have to go all the way down to 28th to find the next RHB (Alfonso Soriano, 2002, and the Yankee Clipper, 1948, with 39).

In the meantime, Rodriguez passed Stan Musial and Willie Stargell for 25th on the all-time home run list with 476. He is a shoo-in to become the youngest player to hit 500 (beating out Jimmie Foxx) and could rank among the top 20 before the year is out.

For those of you who get worked up about Barry Bonds passing Hank Aaron, relax. Alex Rodriguez is going to pass them both by the time he hangs 'em up.

That's an incredibly ringing endorsement, and that's just A-Rod's home run numbers. His other numbers, not to mention his ability to transfer positions and still play at a high defensive level, is a whole 'nother story. In any case, we're watching one of the all-time greats (Albert Pujols and Barry Bonds are others) -- and perhaps the best ever -- every day. Enjoy it.