It's that time of year. I am keeping the same format I have used the last several years. There are 25 players on the ballot this year, voters are allowed to vote for up to 10 players. If I had a ballot, I would definitely vote for 8 of the players, others I would consider. We are going to start out by getting rid of the players that I would not vote to put into the Hall. Notable players, blog favorites will be given pictures of cards. One stock photo of a clown is included.
Indians fans, just click the back arrow before you read any further.
25. Omar Vizquel
I chose this photo for Omar Vizquel, because I could not find a photo of a clown being questioned by the police while they were investigating a domestic violence call at his house. No, the Hall of Fame is not a Hall of Morals. My morals will let me vote for steroid users, but not someone who beat the crap out of their wife.
24. Curt Schilling
I do not post politics on my blog, so I will leave it at this:
I have friends, co-workers, and former students whose race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, or religious views that have been attacked by Curt Schilling. Similar to what I wrote for Vizquel, the Hall of Fame is not necessarily a the Hall of Morals, but we all have our line. Schilling crosses my line. I will not vote for him.
23. Michael Cuddyer
22. LaTroy Hawkins
LaTroy started playing when he was 22, retired at 42, and pitched in more than 1,000 Major League games. Many of them with the Twins and Rockies. Guy had an ERA+ of 134 (100 is an average Major League pitcher) pitching for the Rockies. That's pretty good in a very tough stadium. He also pitched in Game 6 of the 2011 National League Championship Series and was the only Brewers pitcher who was not completely torched by the Cardinals. LaTroy is worthy of a card.
21. A.J. Burnett
What's the worst no-hitter of all-time? There are actually several articles on the internet making the argument that the answer is A.J. Burnett. In 2001, while pitching for the Marlins, Burnett threw a no-no that included 9 walks and a hit batter. Every position player in the starting line-up reached base at least once. Ryan Klesko walked twice. A.J. Burnett still has more no-hitters than a lot of other really good pitchers. A.J. Burnett gets a card.
20. Nick Swisher
19. Shane Victorino
18. Aramis Ramirez
If you could make the Hall of Fame by repeatedly bludgeoning one team over a 17 year period, than Aramis Ramirez would be in Cooperstown. There is no player that Cardinals fans have feared more during the first two decades of the 200s outside of Aramis Ramirez. Well, maybe Carlos Beltran in the NLCS that one year and David Ortiz in the 2013 World Series. Outside of those two occasions, the answer is Aramis Ramirez. Worst of all, despite being a free agent a few times and being traded, he spent his entire career in the N.L. Central on the Pirates, Brewers, and Cubs. ARam has an .885 career OPS against the Cardinals, or the same as Eddie Matthews over the course of his entire career. I am happy that Aramis is out there somewhere not hitting against the Cardinals. A card.
17. Dan Haren
Former Cardinals pitcher, long career. Not a Hall of Famer, but it pained me for years that the Cardinals traded him to the A's for Mark Mulder. Not so great, Bob. Dan Haren gets a card.
16. Barry Zito
Where is Mark Mulder?
15. Torii Hunter
I would not vote to put Torii Hunter in the Hall of Fame, but he was a fun player to watch. I am not putting videos in this post, but if you've never seen the home run he took away from Bonds in the 2002 All-Star Game, it's worth a minute of your day. Definitely worthy of a card.
14. Billy Wagner
I am not a huge fan of modern closers. One inning, that's it. I'm not sure how to give that value. There are a few exceptions, but I am not going to get into the weeds too much. I will say that if he makes it into the Hall, he is more deserving than Trevor Hoffman.
13. Tim Hudson
Hudson is a Hall of Very Good player. Then again, somebody put Jack Morris in the Hall of Fame. Hudson had some great years with the A's and Braves, also won a World Series with the Giants in 2014. Definitely need a Tim Hudson card.
12. Mark Buehrle
Buerhle is another Hall of Very Good player. He won a World Series with the 2005 White Sox, threw a no-hitter and perfect game, and he's from the St. Louis area. He's got over 200 wins, but less than 2,000 strikeouts. He's not getting in, but then again, somebody put Don Sutton in the Hall of Fame. Maybe he will make it someday. I have seen people making the argument, just not sure I buy it.
11. Andy Pettitte
10. Jeff Kent
I am not a huge fan. At the same time, I will say that I really did not like Jeff Kent as a player. I know that other players, like Dick Allen, have missed out on the Hall for similar reasons. It's not just that I dislike him, but I also feel like his numbers aren't great. If we are going to put a second baseman in the Hall, I would rather it be Lou Whitaker or Bobby Grich. He's the all-time home run leader amongst second baseman, so he's got that going for himself.
Not sure I would complain too much if he got voted in, but I just wouldn't be a supporter. I am always willing to listen though. I will give Jeff Kent a card, but only because I am nice.
9. Bobby Abreu
7. Gary Sheffield
5. Todd Helton
4. Manny Ramirez
Great hitter who helped end the Red Sox World Series drought. I'd vote for him.
3. Scott Rolen
He hit more than 300 home runs, 500 doubles, and won 8 Gold Gloves. One of the best defensive third baseman ever, really good hitter in the prime of his career. I'd vote for him.
2. Roger Clemens
One of the greatest pitchers of all-time. I don't care if he was a jerk. I'd vote for him.
1. Barry Bonds
One of the greatest hitters of all-time. I'd vote for him.
We all have our lines... so I understand your stance a Omar and Curt. I sure hope Roger and Bonds get in this year. They'd get my vote for sure.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Bonds and Clemens are going to get enough votes, but eventually a steroids guy is going to get in. Once one of them is in the Hall, they are all getting in. Hopefully, sooner than later.
DeleteI can't believe that so many of these guys are even up for consideration?
ReplyDeleteThere is some sort of baseline that qualifies players to be on the ballot. It doesn't mean that they will be voted in, or deserve much consideration. I believe it something like 10 years of service time.
DeleteFun post, I like that you have definite values and lines that you use to determine your votes. And I LOVE that Helton card!!
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of numbers. If I had half a day to write this post, it would be all kinds of math and numbers.
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