Tino > Bagwell

Take a look at this card from 1998 Pinnacle Plus:

That's Tino Martinez on the front. 

That's Jeff Bagwell on the back. 

According to Pinnacle, Tino was better than Jeff Bagwell in 1997. Why else would Tino be on the front, while Bagwell is stuff on the back with the legal language? Pinnacle wouldn't lie to you.

Let's see how they stacked up in 1997. Coincidentally, it was both of their age 29 seasons.

Tino had the edge in BA (.296 to .286), Hits (176 to 162), HRs (44 to 43), RBI (141 to 135), Less Ks (75 to 122),  TB (342 to 336)

Bagwell was better in Runs (109 to 96), Doubles (40 to 31), SB (31 to 3), BB (127 to 75), OBP (.425 to .371),  SLG (.592 to .577), OPS+ (168 to 143), WAR (7.7 to 5.1)

So I guess Bagwell was a bit better in 1997. But Tino pulls ahead with his 1997 HR Derby win, as well as a post-season homer. Sorry, Jeff.

Oh, and Tino won 4 World Series. Bagwell did not. Sure, Bags is in the HOF...but Tino's rings are shinier.

Anyways, they both had a a great 1997. For Tino, it was a career year. For Bagwell, it was a fairly standard year. Cool to see them on the same card.

But Tino will always be on the front. Just sayin...