$\"Photo$ <\/a>
Photo by Keith Allison<\/a> <\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n
Omar Vizquel got off to a good start toward a HOF plaque, grabbing 37 percent support on his first-ballot year, moving up to 42.8 percent in his second year and 52.6 percent last year.\u00a0 Vizquel once again earns BBRT’s vote \u2013 and should make his way into the Hall of Fame over time.\u00a0 When he does, it will be more with his glove (eleven Gold Gloves) than his bat.\u00a0 However, voters should be mindful of the fact that he finished his 24-season MLB career just 123 hits short of that milestone 3,000 safeties.<\/p>\n
Vizquel delivered premier defense to the Mariners (1989-1993), Indians (1994-2004), Giants (2005-2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010-2011) and Blue Jays (2012). He was a three-time All Star \u2013 and put together a string of nine straight Gold Gloves at shortstop (1993-2001).<\/p>\n
Sacrificing for the Team<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Omar Vizquel led his league in sacrifice bunts four times.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In the field, Vizquel has the highest career fielding percentage (.9847) among shortstops with at least 500 games at the position.\u00a0 Vizquel is also the all-time leader among shortstops in double plays (1,734), ranks third at the position for career assists and 11th in putouts. He shares the record (with Cal Ripken, Jr.) for the fewest errors by a shortstop in a season of at least 150 games played (three).\u00a0 For those who are into advance metrics, Vizquel also had the highest career Defensive Wins Above Replacement (War) among shortstops at 44.2.<\/p>\n
On offense, Vizquel put up a serviceable .272 career average, with 80 home runs, 951 RBI and 1,445 runs scored. The 1,445 runs put him in the top 100 players all-time (83rd)<\/span>; while his 2,877 hits put him in the top 50 (43rd and fourth all-time among switch-hitters). He also swiped 404 bases \u2013 topping twenty steals eight times (a high of 42 in 1999) \u2013 putting him at number-72 on the all-time list. Vizquel played in 57 post-season games, hitting .250-0-20.<\/p>\n
Omar Vizquel’s Best Season:<\/strong> In 1999, with the Indians, Vizquel hit a surprising .333, with five home runs, 66 RBI, 112 runs scored and 42 stolen bases – and, of course, won a Gold Glove at shortstop.<\/p>\n
Vizquel would get BBRT\u2019s vote, but the BBWAA voters likely will make him wait a bit longer \u2013 showing a preference for a bit more offense.\u00a0 He does have a chance, however, given that his 2,877 base hits are at the top of this class.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Billy Wagner – (LHP 1995-2010) … Sixth year on the ballot, 31.7 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
$\"Wagner\"$ <\/a>Billy Wagner played for the Astros (1995-2003), Phillies (2004-2005), Mets (2006-2009), Red Sox (2009) and Braves (2010). Wagner was a seven-time All Star, who amassed 422 saves (sixth all-time) in a 16-season MLB career.\u00a0 He had nine seasons of 30 or more saves; a career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; and 47-40 won-lost record.<\/p>\n
Whiff-and-Poof<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
In 1992, playing for Ferrum College, Billy Wagner set an NCAA record for strikeouts per nine innings in a season at 19.3.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Billy Wagner\u2019s Best Season<\/strong>: In 2003, Wagner went 1-4, 1.78 for the Astros, saving 44 games and fanning 105 batters in 86 innings.<\/p>\n
BBWAA voters have been very demanding of relievers (although the recent induction of Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman may be a good sign – but they, of course, both had 600+ saves). It also helps that Lee Smith (478 saves) was elected by the Today’s Game Committee in 2019.\u00a0 BBRT thinks Wagner belongs in the Hall (based on his 400+ saves) \u2013 and hopes that momentum continues to build.\u00a0 Wagner has been gaining more support lately \u2013 31.7 percent last year; 16.7 percent in 2019; 11.1 percent in 2018; 10.2 percent in 2017. He should gain more ground in this year\u2019s ballot, but 75 percent is still a long way off.\u00a0 I’d like to see Wagner at least jump past the 50 percent mark.\u00a0 He gets my vote.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Andy Pettitte – (LHP\/Starter, 1995-2010, 2012-13) … Third year on the ballot,\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>11.3 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
$\"Andy$ <\/a>
Andy Pettitte – 19 career post-season wins.<\/p><\/div>\n
I had to think for a while on this one (and will probably get some push back from readers), largely because a major part of Andy Pettitte\u2019s HOF resume was achieved in the post-season and there was some PED-controversey surrounding Pettitte.\u00a0 (Note: Pettitte admitted to using HGH while recovering from elbow surgery – a couple of years before the substance was banned.\u00a0 He took responsibility and apologized.<\/em>)<\/p>\n
Pettitte holds the MLB post-season marks for most wins (19 \u2026 versus 11 losses), innings pitched (276 2\/3), games started (44) and is fourth in strikeouts (183). His post-season accomplishments include a 3.81 career ERA and the 2001 American League Championship series MVP Award.<\/p>\n
Pettitte, however, was no slouch in the regular season (Yankees \u2013 1995-2003, 2007-2010, 2012-13) and Astros (2004-06).\u00a0 He finished with 256 wins (153 losses) and a 3.85 ERA. Pettitte won 20 games in two seasons and 14 or more games 12 times \u2013 leading the AL with 21 wins in 1996. The three-time All Star struck out 2,448 batters (45th all-time) in 2,316 innings.<\/p>\n
Ready, Willing and Able …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Andy Pettitte started 30 or more games in a season 12 times, leading his league three times (1997, 2006, 2007.)<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Pettitte\u2019s post-season numbers, plus 256 regular-season victories and the fact that he had 100+ more career wins than losses secure BBRT\u2019s vote. He still has a long way to go with the BBWAA voters, however.<\/p>\n
Andy Pettitte\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 1997, following a 21-8 campaign in 1996, Pettitte went 18-7, with a 2.88 ERA (fourth-best in the AL), leading the league in starts with 35, finishing third in innings pitched (240 1\/3) and eighth in strikeouts (166).<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Bobby Abreu \u2013 (OF, 1996-2012, 2014) \u2026 Second Year on the ballot, 5.5 percent one year ago.<\/strong><\/p>\n
$\"Abreu\"$ <\/a>A solid .291 career hitter (2,470 base hits), Abreu hit .300 or better in six seasons. He hit 20 or more round trippers in 10 campaigns, stole 20 or more bases 12 times (a high of 40 in 2004), drove in 100 or more runs eight times and scored at least 100 runs eight times.\u00a0\u00a0 Abreu also walked 1,476 times \u2013 including 100 or more free passes in eight straight seasons (1999-2006).<\/p>\n
In the Top 50 …\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Bobby Abreu\u2019s 1,476 walks are 20th all-time; his 574 doubles are 25th; his putout as a RF are 12th; and his assists as a RF 28th.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Abreu played for the Astros (1996-97, Phillies (1999-2006), Yankees (2006-2008), Angels (2009-1012), Dodgers (2012) and Mets (2014).<\/p>\n
In 20 post-season games, Abreu went 19-for-67 (.284), with one home runs and nine RBI.<\/p>\n
Bobby Abreu\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 2004, as a Phillie, Abreu hit .301, with 30 home runs and 40 steals. An All Star that season, he also drove in 105 runs and scored 118.<\/p>\n
Abreu’s 400 steals are an HOF plus, as his 30-40 season in 2004 and his eight campaigns with 100 or more RBI.\u00a0 Had he reached 300 home runs; it would have really boosted his status with the writers.\u00a0 He\u2019s also hurt by the fact that he only made two All Star teams in his 18 seasons.\u00a0 Still, I have votes left and his body of work earns one of them.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
So, with BBRT’s unofficial ballot covered, let’s look at the remainder of candidates \u2013 in alphabetical order.\u00a0 Note: Here you will find a host of players with solid (but perhaps not HOF-level) career numbers and accomplishments – as well as a few that remain on the sidelines for other reasons.<\/p>\n
\n
—–THE REST OF THE BALLOT—–<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Barry Bonds – (Outfield, 1986-2007) … Ninth year on the ballot, 60.7 percent a year ago.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Barry Bonds played for the Pirates (1986-1992) and the Giants (1993-2007). There is no doubt about Bond\u2019s credentials – .298 average, 2,935 hits, MLB-record 762 home runs, 1,996 RBI, MLB-record 2,558 walks. He was also a 14-time All Star; 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner; his league\u2019s MVP a record seven times; and an eight-time Gold Glove winner.\u00a0 In 2001, Bonds hit .328, with an MLB-record 73 home runs and 177 RBI.\u00a0 He drove in 100 or more runs 12 times and also scored 100 or more runs in a dozen seasons.\u00a0 And, I could go on and on.<\/p>\n
Base Open?\u00a0 Makes Sense to Me …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Barry Bonds drew an MLB-record 688 intentional walks in his career. Second place?\u00a0 Albert Pujols, with 32. In 2004 alone, Bonds drew a record 120 intentional passes. He led his league in IBB 12 times.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Still, there are there is that pesky PED-controversey \u2013 an elephant in the room (and on the ballot) that I think will keep Bonds out of the Hall for at least another year. The dam may very well break and we will see some of the major stars now under a PED cloud take places in the Hall very soon.\u00a0 BBRT is not ready to cast that vote yet \u2013 and I don\u2019t think 75 percent of the BBWAA is either. We can expect Bonds back on the ballot next year.<\/p>\n
Barry Bonds’ Best Season:<\/strong> In 2001, Bonds crushed an all-time record 73 home runs, while hitting .328, driving in 137 runs, scoring 129 – all while drawing 177 walks.<\/p>\n
_________<\/p>\n
Mark Buehrle \u2013 (LHP, 2000-15) …. First year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Mark Buehrle pitched in 15 MLB campaigns – White Sox (2000-11), Marlins (2012), Blue Jays (2013-15) \u2013 and threw 200 or more innings in all but his rookie and final seasons. Buehrle was a five-time All Star and put up a 214-160, 3.81 record, with 1,870 strikeouts in 3,283 1\/3 innings. He twice led his league in starts and twice topped his league in innings pitched. He won ten or more games in 15 consecutive seasons and six times won 15 or more.\u00a0 Buehrle also four Gold Glove Awards.<\/p>\n
Near-Perfect and Perfect<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Mark Buehrle\u2019s HOF resume is bolstered by a no-hitter tossed on April 18, 2007 \u2013 when his White Sox topped the Rangers 7-0 and Buehrle faced the minimum 27 batters.\u00a0 The only Texas’ base runner came on a fifth inning, one-out walk to Sammy Sosa, whom Buehrle then picked off first base.\u00a0 Buehrle notched eight strikeouts in the game, which was so-o-o very close to a “perfecto.”<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Buehrle got his perfect game two years later (July 23, m 2009), when he recorded a clean slate in a 5-0 ChiSox win over the Rays.\u00a0 He fanned six in that one.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Mark Buehrle’s Best Season:<\/strong>\u00a0 In 2005, Buehrle went 16-8, 3.12 for the White Sox.<\/p>\n
If he had 250 wins to go with the no-hitter, perfect game and four Gold Gloves, Buehrle would have had my vote.\u00a0 With just 214 wins, no Cy Young Award and no 20-win season, he’s short of what BBRT looks for in a first-ballot inductee.\u00a0 I fully expect he will be back on the 2022 ballot.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
A.J. Burnett \u2013 (RHP, 1999-2915) … First year on the ballot.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
A.J. Burnett pitched for five teams in his 17 MLB seasons:\u00a0 Marlins (1999-2005); Blue Jays (2006-08); Yankees (2009-11); Pirates (2012-13, 2015); Phillies (2014).\u00a0 He went 165-157, with a 3.99 earned run average. He made one All Star squad, in his final season (at age 38). He finished that campaign at 9-7, 3.18, but was 7-3, 2.11 at the All Star break. Burnett led his league in games started twice and strikeouts once.\u00a0 He won ten or more games in 11 of his 17 seasons.<\/p>\n
One Wild No-No …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
On May 12, 2001, A.J. Burnett pitched one of MLB\u2019s wildest no-hitters.\u00a0 While his Marlins topped the Padres 3-0, Burnett notched no-hit, no-run game that included nine walks, a hit batsman and a wild pitch. Burnett walked one in the first inning; two in the second; two in the third; walked one and hit one in the fourth; walked one in the seventh; and walked two more in the eighth. H fanned seven in the 129-pitch outing<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A.J. Burnett\u2019s Best Season:\u00a0<\/strong> In 2008, Burnett went 18-10, 4.07 for the Blue Jays and lead the AL with 231 strikeouts in 221 1\/3 innings.<\/p>\n
Eight games over .500 is just not enough to get BBRT’s vote – and likely will not keep Burnett on the ballot for 2022.<\/p>\n
_________<\/p>\n
Roger Clemens – (RHP, 1984-2007) … Ninth year on the ballot, 61.0 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Roger Clemens pitched in 24 MLB seasons; for the Red Sox (1984-1996), Blue Jays (1997-1998), Yankees (1999-2003, 2007) and Astros (2004-2006).\u00a0 Clemens has Hall-worthy stats:\u00a0 354 wins (ninth all-time), 4,672 strikeouts (third all-time), an MLB-record seven Cy Young Awards and the 1986 AL MVP Award. The eleven-time All Star was a five-time 20-game winner (led the league in wins four times), seven-time ERA leader, five-time league leader in strikeouts and six-time leader in shutouts.\u00a0 He won the AL pitching Triple Crown (Wins\/ERA\/Strikeouts) three times.\u00a0 Clemens also has 12 post-season wins, with 173 strikeouts in 199 post-season innings.<\/p>\n
Grab Some Bench, Buddy<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Roger Clemens shares the record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game (20) with Kerry Wood and Max Scherzer. Clemens is the only pitcher to achieve 20 whiffs in a nine-inning game twice.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Roger Clemens’ Best Season:<\/strong> Lots to choose from here. Like 21-6, 1.93 in 1990 \u2013 or 1987, with a 20-9 record, 2.97 ERA, 18 complete games and seven shutouts.\u00a0 I take 1986. Clemens went 24-4. 2.48 and won both the Cy Young (his first) and AL MVP Awards for the Red Sox.\u00a0 He led the AL in wins, winning percentage (.857) and earned run average. He was fifth in innings pitched (254) and second in strikeouts (238).<\/p>\n
Yes, he\u2019s got the numbers (those listed and more), but the PED controversy seems to stand between him and the Hall. Don\u2019t think the BBWAA is ready yet, but he’ll continue on the ballot \u2013 and will likely gain a bit of ground toward that 75 percent requirement.\u00a0 This year could be the springboard toward a 2022 trip to the Hall.<\/p>\n
________________<\/p>\n
Michael Cuddyer – (RF\/1B\/3B, 2001-15) \u2026. First Year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Michael Cuddyer spent his 15-season MLB career with the Twins (2001-11), Rockies (2012-14) and Mete (2015).\u00a0 He was a two-time All Star and put up a .277-197-794 line in 1,536 games.\u00a0 Cuddyer hit 20 or more home runs in four seasons (a high of 32 in 2009). He scored 100+ runs in one season and drove in 100+ in one campaign.\u00a0 He won the National League batting title with a .331 average (Rockies) in 2013. Cuddyer hit well in the post season – .306-2-8 in 28 games.\u00a0 (There are those who would like to attribute Cuddyer’s 2013 batting title to Coors Field, but while Cuddyer did hit.356 at home, he also hit a healthy .311 on the road that season.)<\/em><\/p>\n
Two-for-One<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
In 2009, as a Twin, Michael Cuddyer hit for the cycle on May 22, 2009 and then on August 23 of that season hit two home runs in one inning (seventh) against the Royals, He\u2019s the only MLB player to accomplish both feats in the same season.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Michael Cuddyer\u2019s Best Season: <\/strong>In\u00a0<\/strong>2013, Cuddyer went .331-20-84, with ten stolen bases, for the Rockies.<\/p>\n
A solid player and an all-around good guy (and a pretty good magician), but HOF stats are just not quite there.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Dan Haren\u00a0 – (RHP. 2003-15) \u2026 First year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Dan Haren\u2019s 13 MLB seasons saw him pitch for the Cardinals (2003-04), A\u2019s (2005-07), Diamondbacks (2008-10), Angels (2010-12), Nationals (2013), Dodgers (2014), Marlins (2015) and Cubs (2015). Haren went 153-131, 3.75 over his MLB career, fanning 2,013 batters in 2,419 2\/3 innings. He was a three-time All Star and won 15 or more games in three seasons\u00a0 and ten or more in eleven. \u00a0He started 30 or games in 11 seasons and had an ERA under 3.50 in five campaigns. Haren was 2-0, 3.26 in seven post-season appearances (two starts).<\/p>\n
Got \u2018em All …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Dan Haren is one of 19 pitchers to record at least one win versus all 30 major league teams.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Dan Haren’s Best Season:<\/strong>\u00a0Haren’s best season was probably 2008, when he went 16-8, 3.33 for the Diamondbacks.<\/p>\n
____________<\/p>\n
LaTroy Hawkins – (RHP 1995-2015) \u2026 First Year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
LaTroy Hawkins might be the least well-known two-decade major leaguer. Hawkins came up to the big leagues as a 22-year-old and finished his MLB playing career at age 42 \u2013 a pretty nice run. During that time, he pitched for the Twins (1995-2003), Cubs (2004-05), Giants (2005), Orioles (2006), Rockies (2007 & 2014-15), Yankees (2008), Astros (2008-09) Brewers (2010-11), Angels (2012), Mets (2013) and Blue Jays (2015). Hawkins began his MLB tenure as a starting pitcher \u2013 from 1995-99 – going 26-44, 6.16 in 99 games (98 starts). Hawkins moved to the bullpen in 2000 and found his niche. Between 2000 and 2015, he appeared in 943 games \u2013 all in relief \u2013 going 49-50, 3.30 with 127 saves. He had three seasons of 20+ saves.<\/p>\n
Put Me in ,Coach \u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
LaTroy Hawkins in number-ten all time in games pitched (1,042).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
LaTroy Hawkins’ Best Season:<\/strong> From BBRT’s perspective, Hawkins’ best season was either 2004 (Cubs), when he went 5-4, 2.63 with 25 saves or 2003, when he went 9-3, 1.86 with two saves for the Twins.<\/p>\n
BBWAA voters (and BBRT) are hard on relievers – and it’s particularly tough if you’re not a closer.<\/p>\n
_____________________________<\/p>\n
Tim Hudson, – (RHP.\u00a0 1999-2015) \u2026 First year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Tm Hudson pitched in 17 MLB seasons: A; s (1999-2004), Braves (2005-2013); and Giants (2014-15). He was a four-time All Star \u2013 making the All Star squad with the A\u2019s, Braves and Giants.\u00a0 Hudson’s career mark was 222-133, 3.49, with 2,080 strikeouts in 3, 126 2\/3 innings pitched.\u00a0 He won 15 or more games in a season eight times, leading the AL in wins with 20 in 2000, his second MLB season. He led his league in games started twice, nine times starting 30+ games, and in shutouts twice.<\/p>\n
A Two-way Player …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
In 1997, Tim Hudson played in 65 games for Auburn University.\u00a0 As a pitcher he went 15-2, 2.97 and, as a hitter, he went .396-18-95. Appropriately, he was named SEC Player of the Year and was a consensus All American. (He was also named All-SEC at both pitcher and outfield.)<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Tim Hudson’s Best Season:<\/strong>\u00a0 In 2000, with the A’s,\u00a0 Hudson went 20-6, 4.14, leading the AL in wins and winning percentage (.769).\u00a0 Also, in the running is 2001, when he went 18-9, with a 34.37 ERA.<\/p>\n
Nearly 100 more wins than losses and four All Star selections should garner enough support to keep Hudson on the ballot.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Torii Hunter – (OF, 1997-2015) … First year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Torii Hunter played 19 MLB seasons, suiting up for the Twins (1997-2007, 2015), Angels (2008-12) and Tigers 2013-14). He was a five-time All Star, and nine-time Gold Glover. For his career, Hunter hit .277 (2,452 hits), with 353 home runs, 1,391 RBI, 1,296 runs scored and 195 stolen bases. He hit 20+ home runs in 11 seasons, drove in 100+ runs twice and stole 20+ bases in three campaigns. Hunter hit .274-4-20 in 48 post-season games. Hunter led his league in CF assists three times, CF putouts once and double plays turned out of CF four times. He also led his league’s right fielders in putouts, assists and double plays once each.<\/p>\n
Spider-Man<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Torii Hunter earned the nicknamed spider-man for his outstanding outfield play.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Torii Hunter’s Best Season:<\/strong>\u00a0 In 2007 (Twins), Hunter hit .287, with 28 home runs, 107 RBI, 94 runs scored and 18 steals \u2013 although he can look back on at least four seasons with very similar numbers.<\/p>\n
If I was going to add another player to my ballot, it would probably be Hunter. Nine Gold Gloves, five All Star selections and 353 home runs represent some pretty good credentials.\u00a0 What may hurt Hunter is his consistency.\u00a0 He could have used a couple of standout\/spectacular\/memorable seasons mixed in with all those very good campaigns that fans came to expect.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Andruw Jones – (CF 1996-2012 )\u2026. Fourth Year on the ballot, 19.4 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Andruw Jones played for the Braves (1996-2007), Dodgers (2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010) and Yankees (2011-2012). In a 17-season career \u2013 primarily patrolling centerfield \u2013 he won ten Gold Gloves (consecutively, 1998-2007). At the plate, he hit .254, with 434 home runs (47th all time), 1,289 RBI and 1,204 runs scored. He topped 25 home runs in ten seasons (six over thirty and a league-leading and career-high of 51 in 2005). He scored 100 or more runs four times, drove in 100+ five times and stole twenty or more bases in a season four times.\u00a0 Jones appeared in 76 post-season games, hitting .273, with ten home runs and 34 RBI.<\/p>\n
On the Big Stage ,,,<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
In the 1996 World Series, Andruw Jones – just 19-years-old – hit .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs and six RBI, becoming the youngest player to go yard in the Fall Classic.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Andrew Jones\u2019 Best Season:<\/strong> In 2005, Jones hit only .263, but led the NL in home runs (51) and RBI (128) \u2013 finishing second in the MVP voting to Albert Pujols (.330-41-117).<\/p>\n
Jones’ ten Gold Gloves work in his favor, but \u2013 over the long haul \u2013 that .254 average (he only hit .300 or better once and over .270 only four times) dampen his HOF chances.<\/p>\n
____________________________<\/p>\n
Aramis Ramirez – (3B ,1998-2915) \u2026. First year on the ballot<\/strong><\/p>\n
Aramis Ramirez may be the most under-appreciated player joining the ballot this year. Ramirez played 18 major league seasons, hitting .283, with 386 home runs, 1,417 RBI and 1,098 runs scored.\u00a0 He played for the Pirates (1998-2003), Cubs (2003-11) and Brewers (2012-2015). \u00a0The three-time All Star hit 20+ home runs in ten seasons, had 100+ RBI seven times and hit .300 or better six times. \u00a0\u00a0In 2012, he led his league in doubles with 50.<\/p>\n
Ouch.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Aramis Ramirez could have put up even more impressive numbers were it not for numerous injuries: quadriceps (2005), shoulder (2009), thumb (2010), knee (2013).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Aramis Ramirez\u2019 Best Season:<\/strong> In 2004, with the Cubs, he hit .318-36-103, with 99 runs scored.<\/p>\n
Trivia Tidbit …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
In the 2003 National League Championship Series (Game Four), Aramis Ramirez hit the Cubs\u2019 first-ever post-season Grand Slam.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I really wanted to vote for Ramirez. Like Torii Hunter, he needed a couple of spectacular seasons mixed in with all those “really good” campaigns.\u00a0 Still, I think, he will get enough support to stay on the ballot.\u00a0 Ramirez is one of those “bubble” guys.\u00a0 Had he reached 400 homers and 1,500 RBI, I’d probably have checked his unofficial box.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Manny Ramirez – (Outfield, 1993-2011) \u2013 Fifth year on the ballot, 28.2 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Manny Ramirez played 19 MLB seasons, collecting 2,574 hits, a .312 batting average, 555 home runs (15th all-time) and 1,831 RBI (19th all-time). Ramirez was a 12-time All Star and led the AL in average (2002), home runs (2004) and RBI (1999) once each.\u00a0 Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards, including eight consecutive (1999-2006), hit .285 with 29 home runs in 111 post-season games and was the 2004 World Series MVP.\u00a0 He hit 30 or more home runs in twelve seasons (five of 40+), scored 100 or more runs six times, hit .300 or better in 11 seasons and topped 100 RBI 12 times.<\/p>\n
It’s Post Time …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Manny Ramirez\u2019 29 post-season home runs are first all-time, while his 78 post-season RBI rank second. In addition, he is the all-time post-season leader in walks (72, tied with Chipper Jones) and ranks third in post-season hits (117) and runs scored (67).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ramirez clearly put up HOF-caliber numbers, but two PED-related suspensions continue to hurt his chances. Not this year, but he’ll be back for another shot. Still he’s got a long way to do. Ramirez played for the Indians (1993-2000), Red Sox (2001-2008), Dodgers 2009-2010) and Rays (2011).<\/p>\n
Manny Ramirez\u2019 Best Season:<\/strong> In 1999, with Cleveland, Ramirez hit .333, with 44 home runs and 165 RBI (14th most in a season all-time) in 140 games.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Scott Rolen – (Third Base, 1996-2012) … Fourth year on the ballot, 35.3 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Scott Rolen played for the Phillies (1996-2002), Cardinals (2002-2007), Blue Jays (2008-2009) and Reds (2009-2012). The seven-time All Star (including in two of his final three seasons) flashed leather and lumber, collecting eight Gold Gloves and rapping 316 home runs. He finished with a .281 average, 316 home runs, 1,287 RBI, 1,211 runs scored and 188 stolen bases. Rolen hit 25 or more home runs seven times, with a high of 34 in 2005.\u00a0 He also put up five 100+ RBI seasons, scored 100+ runs in two campaigns and reached double digits in steals five times.<\/p>\n
Off to a Good Start …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Scott Rolen was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997 (.283-21-92, with 16 steals).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Scott Rolen\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 2004, with the Cardinals, Rolen hit career highs in average, home runs and RBI (.314-34-124) and won a Gold Glove.<\/p>\n
Those Gold Gloves should keep Rolen on the ballot.\u00a0\u00a0 If only he had reached 200 steals or 400 home runs.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Curt Schilling – (RHP, 1988-2007) … Ninth year on the ballot, 70.0 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Curt Schilling pitched for the Orioles (1988-1990), Astros (1991), Phillies (1992-2000), Diamondbacks (2000-2003) and Red Sox (2004-2007).\u00a0 Schilling was a six-time All Star, with 216 career wins (three seasons of 20 or more wins) over a 20-season MLB career. He recorded the 15th most career MLB strikeouts at 3,116 (three seasons of 300 or more whiffs), led his league in wins twice, complete games four times, innings pitched twice and strikeouts twice. He was also the 2001 World Series co-MVP \u2013 and has an impressive 11-2, 2.23 ERA post-season record (19 starts).<\/p>\n
Putting the “K” in StriKeout … <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Curt Schilling is one-half of one of only two tandems of teammates to strike out 300 batters in the same season. In 2002, Schilling fanned 316 batters for the Diamondbacks, while teammate Randy Johnson whiffed 324.\u00a0 In 2019, Gerrit Cole (326) and Justin Verlander (300 K) joined this club.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Curt Schilling\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 2001, Schilling went 22-6 for the Diamondbacks (with a 2.98 ERA).\u00a0 That year, he led the league in wins, starts (35), complete games (six), innings pitched (256 2\/3).<\/p>\n
It looks like Schilling will get in this year … he just needs a five-percent improvement.\u00a0 For me he is on the cusp for the HOF – reaching 250 wins would help sway me (although Jim Kaat, with 283 wins and 16 Gold Gloves is still not in the HOF – a Minnesota gripe here).\u00a0 However, Schilling’s outspoken views and the lack of a Cy Young Award have been working against his vote-getting capacity. (All these things play a factor in my holding my unofficial vote.)<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Gary Sheffield … (Outfield\/Designated Hitter\/Third Base\/Shortstop, 1988-2009) … Seventh year on the ballot, 30.5 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Gary Sheffield played for the Brewers (1988-1991), Padres (1992-1993), Marlins (1993-19998), Dodgers (1998-2001), Braves (2002-2003), Yankees (2004-2006), Tigers (2008) and Mets (2009).\u00a0 Sheffield was a nine-time All Star (in 22 MLB seasons). He launched 509 career home runs (26th all time) and topped 30 home runs in a season eight times (a high of 43 in 2000). He also maintained a .292 career average (hit .300+ in eight seasons); and collected 1,676 RBI (30th all-time).\u00a0 Sheffield won the 1992 NL batting title (.330); topped 100 RBI eight times; and scored 100 or more runs in a season seven times.<\/p>\n
From the Spring to the Winter of a Baseball Life …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Gary Sheffield is one of only four players to hit MLB home runs as teenagers and in their 40\u2019s. The others are Ty Cobb, Rusty Staub and Alex Rodriguez.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Gary Sheffield\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 1996 (Marlins), Sheffield hit .314, with 42 home runs, 120 RBI, 188 runs scored and 16 steals.<\/p>\n
Sheffield has the offensive numbers, but defensive questions and the shadow of PEDs are likely to keep him on the outside looking in for now.\u00a0 He did jump from 13.6 percent of the vote in two years ago to 30.5 percent last year – so that’s progress.\u00a0 I don’t see as big a gain in this year’s balloting.<\/p>\n
_______________<\/p>\n
Sammy Sosa – (Outfield, 1989-2007) … Ninth year year on the ballot, 13.9 percent last year.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Sammy Sosa played for the Rangers (1989, 2007), White Sox (1989-1991), Cubs (1992-2004) and Orioles (2005).\u00a0 Sosa hit 609 home runs (9th all-time) in 18 MLB seasons \u2013 winning two HR titles, topping sixty three times and also hitting 50 one year.\u00a0 In the four seasons from 1998 to 2001, Sosa averaged 60 home runs and 149 RBI per season. His career numbers include a .273 average, 1,667 RBI (31st all-time), 1,475 runs scored and 234 stolen bases (a high of 36 steals in 1993). Sosa was the 1998 NL MVP (Cubs), led his league in home runs twice, runs scored three times and RBI twice.<\/p>\n
Sixty Home Runs and All I Got was this Lousy T-Shirt …<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Sammy Sosa has the most 60-home run seasons in MLB history with three \u2013 yet he did not lead the league in home runs in any of them. In 1998, he hit 66 home runs (Mark McGwire hit 70); in 1999, Sosa launched 63 (McGwire had 65); and, in 2001, he hit 64 (Barry Bonds hit 73).\u00a0 Talk about unfortunate timing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Sammy Sosa\u2019s Best Season: <\/strong>In 1998 (Cubs), Sosa hit .308, with 66 home runs, a league-leading 158 RBI and a league-leading 134 runs scored \u2013 and even tossed in 18 stolen bases.<\/p>\n
Why is the seven-time All Star not in the Hall?\u00a0 The PED shadow continues to cloud his chances.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Nick Swisher \u2013 (RF\/1B, 2004-15) \u2026 First Year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
I always thought \u201cSwisher\u201d was an unfortunate name for a hitter, but switch-hitter Nick Swisher overcame that moniker to hit .249-245-803, with 895 runs scored over 12 MLB seasons \u2013 A\u2019s (2004-07), White Sox (2008), Yankees (2009-12), Indians (2013-15) and Braves (2015).\u00a0 The one-time All Star hit 20 or more home runs in nine seasons, with a high of 35 in 2006.<\/p>\n
Swisher’s Best Season:<\/strong> BBRT sees a pair of possibilities here.\u00a0 In 2006, Swisher hit .254-35-95 for the A\u2019s and in 2010 (his All Star season), he hit .288-29-89 for the Yankees.<\/p>\n
Just one All Star selection is not enough for Hall voters.<\/p>\n
__________<\/p>\n
Shane Victorino \u2013 (OF, 2003, 2005-15) \u2026 First year on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Known as the Flyin\u2019 Hawaiian, primarily for his speed and defensive skills, Shane Victorino played 12 MLB seasons \u2013 Padres (2003), Phillies (2006-12), Red Sox (2013-15) and Angels (2015). Victorino was a two-time All Star and four-time Gold Glover.\u00a0 During his career he led the NL in triples twice.\u00a0 He scored 100+ runs in two seasons and stole 20+ bases in six (a high of 39 in 2012).\u00a0 He also hit 10 or more home runs in seven seasons, with a high of 18 in 2010.<\/p>\n
Shane Victorino\u2019s Best Season:<\/strong> In 2009 (Phillies), Victorino hit .292, with 10 home runs, a league-leading 13 triples, 102 runs scored, 62 RBI and 25 steals.<\/p>\n
Victorino needed either more offense or more Gold Gloves to gain significant HOF support.<\/p>\n
_____________<\/p>\n
Barry Zito – (LHP, 2000-13, 2015) ….First time on the ballot.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Barry Zito, who won the 2002 AL Cy Young Award, was a true workhorse on the mound \u2013 four times leading his league in games started and starting 30+ games in 11 of his 15 MLB seasons.\u00a0 Zito pitched for the A\u2019s (2000-06, 2015) and Giants (2007-13).\u00a0 Over his career, he went 165-143, 4.04, with 1,885 strikeouts in 2,576 2\/3 innings pitched. He was a three-time All Star and won 14 or more games in six seasons (a league-leading high of 23 in 2002).<\/p>\n
Barry Zito\u2019s Best Season:\u00a0<\/strong> Easy one here.\u00a0 In 2002 (A\u2019s), Zito went 23-5, 2.75 and won the AL Cy Young Award.<\/p>\n
Being just 22 games over .500 with an ERA slightly north of 4.00 is not enough to make the Hall.<\/p>\n
________<\/p>\n
\n
BASEBALL ROUND TABLE EXTRA ….<\/strong><\/p>\n
Here’s a player who didn’t make it past the Hall of Famer Screening Committee, but whom I would like to have seen on the ballot (even if for just one year) – in honor of potential not realized.<\/p>\n
Grady Sizemore – (CF 2004-2011 & 2014-15) …. Not on the ballot.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Surgery-requiring knee and back surgeries took a toll on the career of Grady Sizemore, who played ten MLB seasons \u2013 with the Indians (2005-2011), Red Sox (2014), Pirates (2014), Phillies (2014-15) and Rays 2015.\u00a0 In his first five seasons (four full seasons), Sizemore was an All Star three times and went .279-111-349, with 117 steals in 682 games. Over his final five seasons, he went .238-39-169, with 26 stolen bases in 419 games.<\/p>\n
Sizemore was a three-time Star and led his league in runs scored once and doubles once. He also won a pair of Gold Gloves. In his first five campaigns (and in his career), he hit 20+ home runs four times (30+ once), drove in 100+ run once, scored 100+\u00a0 runs four times and stole 20+ bases in four seasons.\u00a0Sizemore had a 30-30 season in 2008, hitting .268, with 33 home runs and 39 steals for the Indians. He also won his second Gold Glove that season.<\/p>\n
Grady Sizemore’s Best Season:<\/strong>\u00a0In 2006 (Indians), Sizemore hit .290, with 28 home runs, a league-leading 53 doubles, 11 triples, 76 RBI, a league-topping 134 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.<\/p>\n
No, I wouldn’t have given him my vote, but I would like to have seen him on the ballot.<\/p>\n
Again, to vote in Baseball Roundtable’s unofficial Fan Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot, click here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Primary Resources: National Baseball Hall of Fame; Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com<\/em><\/p>\n
$\"100\"$ <\/a>Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.\u00a0 To see the full list, click\u00a0 here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT<\/h3>\n
Follow\/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0 More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BBRT\u2019s Baseball Hall of Fame 2020 Debate Season is officially open!\u00a0 The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) 2021 Hall of Fame ballots were distributed yesterday and the results will be announced in January, with the honorees inducted on July 21. This year\u2019s traditional ballot includes 14 holdovers from last year, along with 11 newcomers. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12529,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[11,9],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n