Very interesting vote will be announced. Some guys like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds were at one time sure 1st ballot HOF guys. But I can't imagine either of them getting in on this ballot. Then there is Craig Biggio, who is HOF worthy but maybe not 1st ballot HOF worthy. Mike Piazza another guy who may get into the HOF but certainly isn't 1st ballot worthy Curt Schilling, like Biggio and Piazza maybe HOF eventually but not a 1st ballot guy. Jeff Bagwell...probably won't ever make it. Tim Raines ...probably won't ever make it Jack Morris...I doubt it. Could this be a year where no body makes the HOF?
I do think Craig Biggio is a worthy candidate for the HOF and should be inducted sometime...he just doesn't meet the standard for 1st ballot induction. That should be reserved for true super stars like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, etc.
I agree 100%. He definitely should make it in the very near future. I'm not sure about Piazza and Schilling, but I can see them being inducted eventually. I agree with you re: Bagwell, Raines and Morris. Great players but not HOF-worthy IMO.
I don't think any of those guys are getting in. And they can thank the Players Association for stonewalling MLB on this issue. This seals A-Rods fate as well.
You might be right, Mark McGwire is never getting in and before all of this he was a HOF, maybe not a first ballot but he was going to be in. Clemens and Bonds can join Pete Rose likely. I'd bet that even if they removed the sanctions on Pete Rose that he would not be voted into the HOF.
A little surprised that Jack Morris did not squeek in. I think next year is his last chance and with Glavine, Maddux, and Frank Thomas becoming eligible next year, it looks like Morris will not get in unless voted in down the road by the old timers committee.
Bobda, Morris' career makes a strong case for the HOF. I just wonder if it's strong enough to get him in. He clearly was a great "iron man" type of pitcher.
The 1984 Tigers were one of the most dominant teams in the past half century. They were 30 games over .500 after the first 40 games and coasted the rest of the season. Not one of those players is in the HOF. Morris is the closest that they've come. Trammel should have had more consideration. His stats are comparable with Ozzie Smith. The big difference is that Trammel didn't do back flips.
George, I've always been conflicted about Pete Rose. I vacillate between your feelings and agreeing with MLB. On one hand, your position is valid. On the other hand, he still was in MLB as a manager and was in the dugout, in a position to influence the team's performance. I don't think for a second that his gambling affected his managerial decisions, but no one, not even MLB is a mind reader. As a Reds fan, I would like to see him get in, but I don't believe it will happen.
Was it ever proven that he bet AGAINST his team? Big difference in my mind if he did. It's not "fixing" the game if you influence your team to WIN!
At one time I thought Rose should go into the Hall and that baseball was being overly punishing on him. But over time he's shown me he's a real douche IMHO and whether he gets in or not I no longer care.
Tom, I don't think the issue is whether he bet for or against his team. He knew that betting was strictly prohibited, but he did it anyway. He just plain ignored one of baseball's most sacred rules and willfully broke it. That's the tipping point for me.
You know, if he had admitted it right away and said he had a gambling addiction and was seeking help he probably would be celebrating about 20 years in the Hall about now.