I think Larkin was the most complete player of the three but his career and peak values are about equal with Trammell. I think it’s a very close race and not one worth debating…unless Larkin makes it and Trammell doesn’t (or Alomar makes it and the other two don’t). It’s an interesting point on how much Trammell’s defense was helped by Whitaker – just not sure how one could quantify the value of a solid MI partner.

Alomar and Jeter are an interesting comparison. Only difference I’d say is that most sportswriters agree that Jeter’s defense is overrated. Not so with Alomar…

@big o: Yup. Ozzie’s peak-adjusted WAR is #9 all-time amongst retired SS.

really ?

Out of the three candidates, I think that Larkin is the best player, and by a considerable margin. He was a complete player – he hit for average, power, had speed, and played excellent defense. Trammell ranks second, due to his superior defense, but perhaps his defensive edge has a lot to do with Lou Whittaker. I believe that they played more games as a 2nd/SS combo then any two players in history. You can hardly mention one without the other. He likely is a hair better then some other SS in the Hall, including Pee Wee Reese, Luis Aparicion, Lou Boudreau, and certainly Phil Rizzuto.
Roberto Alomar reminds me of Derek Jeter. Both played for outstanding teams, elevating their batting totals, and giving them a bit higher value then they would have had, say, playing on the Montreal Expos. Their lifetime stats are comparable. Jeter’s highest similarity score is Roberto Alomar, at 869; Barry Larkin is second, Trammell is 6th. Jeter’s fielding, like Alomar’s, has been overated. Trust me, I love watching Jeter, but his value is similar to those under discussion. I also observed Alomar when he was traded to the Mets; his slide from excellence to mediocrity was rapid indeed.