![\"baseball_hall_of_fame-300x225\"](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/baseball_hall_of_fame-300x225.jpg\")
<\/a>Baseball Hall of Fame Ballots are now in the hands of more than 600 voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. (The results will be announced January 8, 2014.)\u00a0 Let\u2019s hope the writers are less stingy with their support than one year ago, when none of the players on the ballot received the necessary 75 percent support. That seems unlikely this year, with two 300-game-winning hurlers, a member of the 500-homer\/.300 average club and the all-time leading home run hitter among second baseman appearing on the ballot for the first time.<\/p>\nLooking at this year\u2019s ballot \u2013 36 players, 19 first-timers \u2013 the choices may be difficult, with each voter allowed to vote for a maximum of ten players.\u00a0 We can expect some writers to hold back votes from players suspected of PED use (seems like a legitimate reason), others will hold back votes to make a statement on \u201cwhat it takes to be a first-ballot\u201d inductee (less legitimate, but understandable) and still others may send in blank ballots (for no apparent reason). In this column, I will focus on how BBRT would cast its ten votes (if BBRT had a ballot) and BBRT\u2019s predictions for the actual outcome.\u00a0 I\u2019ll start with a \u201cshort\u201d version of BBRT\u2019s selections and predictions – and then go on to a more detailed explanation of the reasons for BBRT’s choices.<\/p>\n
BBRT\u2019s Hall of Fame Selections \u2013 if I had a vote<\/em> \u2013 In Priority Order<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Group One \u2013 Should Be No Doubt<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n1. Greg Maddux<\/strong> \u2013 355 wins, four consecutive Cy Youngs, 18 Gold Gloves<\/p>\n2. Tom Glavine<\/strong> \u2013 304 wins, two Cy Youngs, four Silver Sluggers<\/p>\n3. Frank Thomas<\/strong> \u2013 One of only eight members of 500-HR\/.300 average club, two-time MVP<\/p>\n4. Craig Biggio<\/strong> \u2013 3,060 hits, 1,884 runs scored, 291 HRs, 414 steals<\/p>\nGroup Two \u2013 Debatable, But Clearly Deserve Support<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n5. Lee Smith<\/strong> \u2013 478 saves, third all time<\/p>\n6. Jeff Kent<\/strong> \u2013 Most home runs by any second baseman, nine more RBI than Mickey Mantle, 2000 NL MVP<\/p>\nMore Debatable, But Would Get BBRT\u2019s Vote<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n7. Mike Piazza<\/strong> – .308 career average, most home runs by a catcher, 12-time All Star, benefit of the doubt on PEDs.<\/p>\n8. Jeff Bagwell<\/strong> \u2013 449 HRs, 202 steals, 1,529 RBI, 1991 NL Rookie of the Year, 1994 NL MVP, twice recorded seasons of 40 or more HRs and 30 or more steals<\/p>\n9. Tim Raines<\/strong> \u2013 808 stolen bases (fifth all time), 2,605 hits (.294 career average), 1,571 runs scored.<\/p>\n10. Jack Morris*<\/strong> \u2013 254 wins, most wins in 1980s, \u201cbig game grit\u201d LAST YEAR ON THE BALLOT (and I was at his 1991 World Series Game 7 10-inning shutut).<\/p>\n*If it wasn\u2019t Morris\u2019 last year on the ballot, Mike Mussina and his 270 wins would get this vote.<\/em><\/p>\nBBRT Predictions as to Whom the Baseball Writers Vote In<\/span><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
BBRT projects that the BBWAA, being notoriously stingy with their votes, will elect\u00a0Greg Maddux<\/strong>, Tom Glavine<\/strong>, Frank Thomas<\/strong> and Craig Biggio<\/strong> from this \u201ccrowded with\u00a0talent and newcomers\u201d ballot.\u00a0 Jack Morris<\/strong> has an outside chance of getting a \u201clast year\u00a0on the ballot\u201d bump, but there continues to be enough debate on his \u201cHall-worthiness\u201d to\u00a0keep him on the outside.<\/p>\nBig names strongly connected with the PED issue, like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens,\u00a0Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa are likely to remain on the sidelines, as emotions related to PED-use run high. Even hints of PED\u00a0suspicion could cut into vote totals for other BBRT-supported candidates like Mike\u00a0Piazza. Some analysts even speculate that Frank Thomas is in danger of falling short just\u00a0because he is big and hit a lot of home runs (there isn\u2019t even a hint of PEDs), couple that\u00a0with first-ballot prejudice and he does face a challenge (BBRT thinks he will squeak in).<\/i><\/p>\n
Mike Mussina is likely to denied because of Maddux\u2019 and Glavine\u2019s presence, and the\u00a0view among some voters that first-ballot selection is reserved for the very few.\u00a0 Jeff Kent\u00a0is another likely first-ballot prejudice victim.<\/p>\n
A few players who seem to be heading in the right direction in terms of support include\u00a0Mike Piazza, Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines.\u00a0 Among the bigger names who may see\u00a0support waning \u00a0\u2013 Lee Smith, Alan Trammel, Fred McGriff, Edgar Martinez.<\/p>\n
A More Detailed Look at BBRT\u2019s Selections from This Year\u2019s HOF Ballot<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n <\/p>\n
Should Be Undebatable \u00a0Shoo-Ins<\/b><\/span><\/p>\nBBRT believe this first group of players all have a combination of milestone achievements and character that should<\/em> make their 2014 Hall of Fame induction\u00a0undebatable. (We know that won’t happen.)<\/p>\nGreg Maddux (RHP, 1986-2008 \u2013 first time on ballot)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Maddux\"](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Maddux.jpg\")
<\/a>Nicknamed \u201cThe Professor\u201d for his studious demeanor and ability to take hitters \u201cto school,\u201d Greg Maddux brings to the ballot a 23-year career, 355 wins (#8 all-time) versus 228 losses, a 3.16 lifetime ERA, 3,371 strikeouts, four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards (1992-95) and an MLB-record 18 Gold Gloves.\u00a0 During his four-year run as NL Cy Young Award winner, Maddux went 75-29, with a 1.98 ERA. Twice a 20-game winner, Maddux was an eight-time All Star, led the NL in wins three times, winning percentage twice, ERA four times (with a career best of 1.56 in 1994), complete games three times, shutouts five times and innings pitched five times.\u00a0 He also notched a record 17 consecutive seasons of 15 or more victories.\u00a0 Maddux made 35 post-season appearances (30 starts), going 11-14, with a 3.27 ERA.<\/p>\nClearly, on statistics alone, Maddux crosses every \u201ct\u201d and dots every \u201ci\u201d in milestone <\/i>achievements for Hall of Fame selection.\u00a0 Maddux also played with game with a quiet, but confident, dignity \u2013 which, when coupled with his performance, makes him a deserving player not only for first-ballot selection, but to break the unanimous selection barrier. \u00a0(Although you can bet there will be some unexplainable holdouts.) Maddux pitched for the Chicago Cubs (1986-92; 2004-06), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003); Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008); and San Diego Padres (2007-08.)<\/p>\n
Greg Maddux\u2019 best season:<\/b> 1995 Atlanta Braves \u2026 19-2 (league-leading wins), 1.63 ERA (league low), league-leading ten complete games, league-leading three shutouts, league-leading 209 2\/3 innings pitched, and 23 walks versus 181 strikeouts.\u00a0 Cy Young Award.<\/p>\n
Tom Glavine (LHP, 1987-2008 \u2013 first time on ballot)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Glavione\"](\"https:\/\/baseballroundtable.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/12\/Glavione.jpg\")
<\/a>Like Maddux, Glavine topped the milestone 300-win mark, going 305-203 (#21 all time\u00a0in wins), with a 3.54 ERA in a 22-year MLB career.\u00a0 Glavine was a ten-time All Star,\u00a0two-time Cy Young Award winner (1991 and 1998).\u00a0 He won twenty or more games five\u00a0times, led the NL in victories five times, complete games once, shutouts once and games\u00a0started six times. He also captured four Silver Slugger Awards as the NL\u2019s top hitting\u00a0pitcher.\u00a0 Glavine made 35 post-season appearances, all starts, going 14-16, with a 3.30\u00a0ERA.<\/p>\nIt would be fitting for Glavine and Maddux to go into the Hall together, not only\u00a0did their careers overlap, but from 1993-2002 they were teammates and number-one and number-two starters for the Atlanta Braves.\u00a0 During that time, Maddux went 178-77, while\u00a0Glavine was 169-83. Glavine pitched for the Atlanta Braves (1987-2002, 2008) and New\u00a0York Mets (2003-07).<\/p>\n
Tom Glavine\u2019s best season<\/b>: 1998 Atlanta Braves \u2026. League-leading 20 wins (versus 6\u00a0losses), 2.47 ERA.\u00a0 Cy Young Award.<\/p>\n
1. Greg Maddux<\/strong> \u2013 355 wins, four consecutive Cy Youngs, 18 Gold Gloves<\/p>\n 2. Tom Glavine<\/strong> \u2013 304 wins, two Cy Youngs, four Silver Sluggers<\/p>\n 3. Frank Thomas<\/strong> \u2013 One of only eight members of 500-HR\/.300 average club, two-time MVP<\/p>\n 4. Craig Biggio<\/strong> \u2013 3,060 hits, 1,884 runs scored, 291 HRs, 414 steals<\/p>\n Group Two \u2013 Debatable, But Clearly Deserve Support<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 5. Lee Smith<\/strong> \u2013 478 saves, third all time<\/p>\n 6. Jeff Kent<\/strong> \u2013 Most home runs by any second baseman, nine more RBI than Mickey Mantle, 2000 NL MVP<\/p>\n More Debatable, But Would Get BBRT\u2019s Vote<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 7. Mike Piazza<\/strong> – .308 career average, most home runs by a catcher, 12-time All Star, benefit of the doubt on PEDs.<\/p>\n 8. Jeff Bagwell<\/strong> \u2013 449 HRs, 202 steals, 1,529 RBI, 1991 NL Rookie of the Year, 1994 NL MVP, twice recorded seasons of 40 or more HRs and 30 or more steals<\/p>\n 9. Tim Raines<\/strong> \u2013 808 stolen bases (fifth all time), 2,605 hits (.294 career average), 1,571 runs scored.<\/p>\n 10. Jack Morris*<\/strong> \u2013 254 wins, most wins in 1980s, \u201cbig game grit\u201d LAST YEAR ON THE BALLOT (and I was at his 1991 World Series Game 7 10-inning shutut).<\/p>\n *If it wasn\u2019t Morris\u2019 last year on the ballot, Mike Mussina and his 270 wins would get this vote.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n BBRT projects that the BBWAA, being notoriously stingy with their votes, will elect\u00a0Greg Maddux<\/strong>, Tom Glavine<\/strong>, Frank Thomas<\/strong> and Craig Biggio<\/strong> from this \u201ccrowded with\u00a0talent and newcomers\u201d ballot.\u00a0 Jack Morris<\/strong> has an outside chance of getting a \u201clast year\u00a0on the ballot\u201d bump, but there continues to be enough debate on his \u201cHall-worthiness\u201d to\u00a0keep him on the outside.<\/p>\n Big names strongly connected with the PED issue, like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens,\u00a0Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa are likely to remain on the sidelines, as emotions related to PED-use run high. Even hints of PED\u00a0suspicion could cut into vote totals for other BBRT-supported candidates like Mike\u00a0Piazza. Some analysts even speculate that Frank Thomas is in danger of falling short just\u00a0because he is big and hit a lot of home runs (there isn\u2019t even a hint of PEDs), couple that\u00a0with first-ballot prejudice and he does face a challenge (BBRT thinks he will squeak in).<\/i><\/p>\n Mike Mussina is likely to denied because of Maddux\u2019 and Glavine\u2019s presence, and the\u00a0view among some voters that first-ballot selection is reserved for the very few.\u00a0 Jeff Kent\u00a0is another likely first-ballot prejudice victim.<\/p>\n A few players who seem to be heading in the right direction in terms of support include\u00a0Mike Piazza, Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines.\u00a0 Among the bigger names who may see\u00a0support waning \u00a0\u2013 Lee Smith, Alan Trammel, Fred McGriff, Edgar Martinez.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Should Be Undebatable \u00a0Shoo-Ins<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n BBRT believe this first group of players all have a combination of milestone achievements and character that should<\/em> make their 2014 Hall of Fame induction\u00a0undebatable. (We know that won’t happen.)<\/p>\n Greg Maddux (RHP, 1986-2008 \u2013 first time on ballot)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Clearly, on statistics alone, Maddux crosses every \u201ct\u201d and dots every \u201ci\u201d in milestone <\/i>achievements for Hall of Fame selection.\u00a0 Maddux also played with game with a quiet, but confident, dignity \u2013 which, when coupled with his performance, makes him a deserving player not only for first-ballot selection, but to break the unanimous selection barrier. \u00a0(Although you can bet there will be some unexplainable holdouts.) Maddux pitched for the Chicago Cubs (1986-92; 2004-06), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003); Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008); and San Diego Padres (2007-08.)<\/p>\n Greg Maddux\u2019 best season:<\/b> 1995 Atlanta Braves \u2026 19-2 (league-leading wins), 1.63 ERA (league low), league-leading ten complete games, league-leading three shutouts, league-leading 209 2\/3 innings pitched, and 23 walks versus 181 strikeouts.\u00a0 Cy Young Award.<\/p>\n Tom Glavine (LHP, 1987-2008 \u2013 first time on ballot)<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n It would be fitting for Glavine and Maddux to go into the Hall together, not only\u00a0did their careers overlap, but from 1993-2002 they were teammates and number-one and number-two starters for the Atlanta Braves.\u00a0 During that time, Maddux went 178-77, while\u00a0Glavine was 169-83. Glavine pitched for the Atlanta Braves (1987-2002, 2008) and New\u00a0York Mets (2003-07).<\/p>\n Tom Glavine\u2019s best season<\/b>: 1998 Atlanta Braves \u2026. League-leading 20 wins (versus 6\u00a0losses), 2.47 ERA.\u00a0 Cy Young Award.<\/p>\nBBRT Predictions as to Whom the Baseball Writers Vote In<\/span><\/h3>\n
A More Detailed Look at BBRT\u2019s Selections from This Year\u2019s HOF Ballot<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Nicknamed \u201cThe Professor\u201d for his studious demeanor and ability to take hitters \u201cto school,\u201d Greg Maddux brings to the ballot a 23-year career, 355 wins (#8 all-time) versus 228 losses, a 3.16 lifetime ERA, 3,371 strikeouts, four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards (1992-95) and an MLB-record 18 Gold Gloves.\u00a0 During his four-year run as NL Cy Young Award winner, Maddux went 75-29, with a 1.98 ERA. Twice a 20-game winner, Maddux was an eight-time All Star, led the NL in wins three times, winning percentage twice, ERA four times (with a career best of 1.56 in 1994), complete games three times, shutouts five times and innings pitched five times.\u00a0 He also notched a record 17 consecutive seasons of 15 or more victories.\u00a0 Maddux made 35 post-season appearances (30 starts), going 11-14, with a 3.27 ERA.<\/p>\n<\/a>Like Maddux, Glavine topped the milestone 300-win mark, going 305-203 (#21 all time\u00a0in wins), with a 3.54 ERA in a 22-year MLB career.\u00a0 Glavine was a ten-time All Star,\u00a0two-time Cy Young Award winner (1991 and 1998).\u00a0 He won twenty or more games five\u00a0times, led the NL in victories five times, complete games once, shutouts once and games\u00a0started six times. He also captured four Silver Slugger Awards as the NL\u2019s top hitting\u00a0pitcher.\u00a0 Glavine made 35 post-season appearances, all starts, going 14-16, with a 3.30\u00a0ERA.<\/p>\n