catcher,  catcher catcher

1997 v. 2003: Center Field

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We have already taken a look at the catcherfirst base, and second base, third baseshort stop, and left field positions. Here is a look at how the current team that you guys have voted on looks like:

With just two position players left to name to the team, today we will look at who was the better World Series center fielder. The Marlins center fielder in 1997 was Devon White. White signed with the Marlins prior to the 1996 season. White did not have much success with the Marlins, other then being on a World Series team. White was actually on the decline of his career at that point. White struggled to hit just .215 in the playoffs in 1997.

In 2003, the production from center field was completely different. Juan Pierre was patrolling center for the 2003 squad. Pierre was acquired on November 16, 2002,  with Mike Hampton and cash  for Charles Johnson, Preston Wilson, Vic Darensbourg, and Pablo Ozuna from the Colorado Rockies. Hampton was later traded to the Atlanta Braves, as he never really wanted to play for the Marlins, (THANK GOD!) Pierre went on to have a monster regular season for the Fish. Pierre led the Majors with the lowest strikeout percentage, (5.2%)  in 2003. Pierre went on to hit .333 in the World Series and .311 overall in the playoffs.

PlayerPAAVGOBPSLGwOBAWAR
Devon White
308.245.338.370.3191.4
Juan Pierre
747.305.361.373.3354.7

The Marlins won the World Series in 1997, but they did not receive much contribution from the center field position that season. In 2003, the story was completely different. Without Pierre on that team, it would be hard to imagine the Marlins doing much of anything. It is clear that Pierre was by far the better player. I would definitely expect the poll results to reflect that.

Please vote on the poll below on who you feel is the Marlins best World Series center fielder.