The outsiders understand the Mets' reluctance to trade Jefferies because he could still be an outstanding hitter.

An outstanding hitter and fielder, he was one of the most versatile players of his era.

Brooks spent his entire playing career with the Brooklyn Royal Giants and was an outstanding hitter.

When pitchers win, it's usually when there is no outstanding hitter to recognize, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Also an outstanding hitter, he still holds the Texas state record for longest hitting streak (42 games).

That fact goes a long way toward explaining his emergence as one of today's outstanding young hitters.

"We'll pick them up every once in a while but we need them to be the consistent, outstanding hitters that they are."

Puckett, who at 5 feet 9 inches and 223 pounds appeared too roly-poly to be the outstanding hitter he was, was known for his smile.

Though he was an outstanding hitter, he was perhaps best remembered for what were viewed as his misadventures in the field and on the basepaths.

The Rangers will almost certainly try to trade the outstanding hitter rather than lose him as a free agent next November.