If I Had a Vote: 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame

Baseball has the best offseason.  So many different topics always interest and intrigue me throughout the winter months as we prepare for pitchers and catchers to report in mid-February.  One of the most interesting topics of debate is the Hall of Fame ballot.  More conversation goes into this Hall of Fame process than all other Halls of Fame combined.  This is for several reasons.  First, of all sports Halls of Fame, the Baseball Hall of Fame is by far the most exclusive.  There have been years where no one enters the Hall because no one reached the lofty qualifications.

In recent years, this voting process has been a topic of discussion and debate due to disagreements in what constitutes a Hall of Famer.  Should a designated hitter make the Hall?  Should closers and relief pitchers be considered Hall of Famers?  However, the biggest topic of debate surrounds the players in the so-called "Steroid Era."  Should those that tested positive for PED's make the Hall?  Should those suspected make the Hall?  If someone was a Hall of Famer before any suspected PED use started make the Hall?  These debates have dominated the discussion around the Hall of Fame voting process for a decade.  The most recent addition to this debate is a memo sent out to all voters by Hall of Famer Joe Morgan saying the current Hall of Famers don't want the PED cheaters in the Hall.

The result of all this debate is a stuffed ballot with too many names that deserve consideration.  Players that deserve more consideration and discussion have no chance because voters still have to vote for players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens instead of the ballot starting to clear off some of these players.  This has made filling out a ballot next to impossible.

For those that are not familiar with the voting process, here is how it works.  A player is eligible for Hall of Fame consideration 5 years after retirement.  In order to make the Hall of Fame, a player must receive at least 75% of the votes from the BBWAA (Baseball Writers Association of America).  If a player does not receive at least 5% of the votes, they are not eligible to be considered the next year (which is why a stuffed ballot is hurting the candidacy of some players).  If a player is on the ballot for 10 years without dropping below 5% or getting the required 75%, they are also removed from future consideration.  What makes it even more difficult is each ballot is limited to voting for a maximum of 10 players.  Some vote for less, some vote for none, but 10 is the maximum.

The last few years, I have attempted to figure out what my ballot would look like if I were given a Hall of Fame vote.  It is a fascinating process and worth trying.  This year, I took a different approach to my ballot as I voted for some that I feel deserve more consideration that might end up falling off the ballot before they get their true consideration.  I think there are up to 20 players on this year's ballot that deserve Hall of Fame consideration, but unless they get the 5%, their candidacy is over.

One of the best parts of the Hall of Fame ballot is seeing some of the names that find their way onto the ballot.  So before I say who I would vote for, let's take a walk down memory lane and remember some of the players were the stars of the game over the past decade.

The Rest of the Candidates

* = shot at another ballot

+ = deserves another ballot

Fred McGriff (9th year on ballot, 21.7% last year)*+

The Crime Dog seems to be a forgotten power hitter of his generation.  Next year is his last year on the ballot.  He's not going to make it.

Sammy Sosa (6th, 8.6%)*+

Sosa seems to be in a different category than Bonds and Clemens.  The suspected steroid use made a Hall of Fame player out of a previously average player.

Gary Sheffield (4th, 13.3%)*+

Sheffield looks the part of a Hall of Famer, but won't get the consideration he deserves until some players fall off the ballot.

Aubrey Huff (1st)

There are always the players on the ballot where having a significant enough career to make the ballot is reward enough.  Huff is one of those.

Brad Lidge (1st)

Known as much for his inconsistency as his dominance, Lidge's career proved how hard it is to be a dominant closer over an entire career.

Carlos Lee (1st)

El Caballo, at his best, was one of the top players in the game.  His peak was just way too short.

Carlos Zambrano (1st)

One of the most entertaining and volatile players for a decade, his performance didn't always live up to his reputation.

Chris Carpenter (1st)+

One of the best pitchers on possibly the best pitching staff of the 2000's, he deserves more consideration that he will get.

Hideki Matsui (1st)

The first Japanese position player to make a Hall of Fame ballot, his career being centered in the Bronx gave his career more notoriety than it may have deserved.  Combine his stats with his Japanese stats, and he is a sure-fire Hall of Famer.

Jamie Moyer (1st)+

The longevity alone warrants a longer look.  He played for 25 seasons and almost accumulated 300 wins.  Playing till you are 50 is definitely noteworthy.

Jason Isringhausen (1st)

Going from being a bust to reinventing his career as a top closer, Izzy had one of the more intriguing careers on this list.

Johan Santana (1st)*+

He was the best pitcher in baseball at one point.  Injuries derailed a career that guaranteed Cooperstown.  Now he is on the fringe and probably will only get this one shot at being on the ballot.

Johnny Damon (1st)

A cornerstone in both Boston and New York, Damon was the definition of a "character guy" in the clubhouse.  Unfortunately, that doesn't get honored in Cooperstown.

Kerry Wood (1st)

From striking out 20 in a game and being the next Roger Clemens to salvaging the end of his career as a flame-throwing reliever, Wood shows that a Hall of Fame career is more than just a moment or a season.

Kevin Millwood (1st)

Part of the back end of the touted Braves rotations definitely helps the reputation.  Helping throw a no hitter in his 16th and final season does too.  Not enough though.

Livan Hernandez (1st)+

A phenom that burst onto the scene in the 1997 World Series, Livan had a long career but not as distinguished as some hoped.  Still, he deserves a second look.

Omar Vizquel (1st)*+

Potentially the best defensive player in league history, his career might put him in Cooperstown eventually.  It pains me to not even put him in my Honorable Mention.

Orlando Hudson (1st)

Much like Aubrey Huff, his reward is making the ballot.  A two-time All Star, he was a consistent second baseman for a good portion of a decade.

Honorable Mentions

Jeff Kent (5th, 16.7%)

It is ridiculous how low the numbers are for Jeff Kent.  He is, arguably, the best offensive second baseman of all time.  Among second basemen, he is first in home runs, third in RBI's, fourth in doubles, and fifth in OPS.  How is that not a Hall of Famer?

Andruw Jones (1st)

Andruw Jones was one of the more entertaining players to watch.  A five time All Star and ten time Gold Glove winner, he also led the league in homers and RBI's in 2005.  He was a great combination of hitting and defense with a flair for the dramatic.

Manny Ramirez (2nd, 23.8%)

Last year, I voted for Manny.  Seeing where his numbers came in, it is obvious his multiple PED suspensions will be keeping him from the Hall.  To vote for him again, with so many worthy candidates, would feel like a wasted vote.

Roger Clemens (6th, 54.1%)

I have been a big supporter of all the steroid guys getting into the Hall.  However, I am tired of them clogging up this ballot.  Bonds and Clemens are not falling off the ballot this year.  They have a few more years of eligibility.  If their numbers continue to progress in the right direction, I will vote for them in the future to get them in.  Without the PED suspicions, Clemens may have been the first unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer.

Barry Bonds (6th, 53.8%)

If Clemens wasn't the first unanimous first ballot Hall of Famer, Bonds would have been.  However, Bonds is forever linked to Clemens in this process because of the PED suspicions.  You can even tell that practically the same people are voting for the two of them.  Either you think they should be in or you don't.  My thought is all of these "Steroid Era" players (Bonds, Clemens, Ramirez, Sosa, McGwire, Palmeiro, etc.) will eventually get in through the future veteran committees.  So whether they get the votes now or not is irrelevant.

My Ballot

1.  Chipper Jones (1st)

Let's start with the easy ones.  Larry Wayne Jones (they call him Chipper) was an 8 time All Star, the 1999 MVP, and one of the greatest switch hitters the league has ever seen.  He will be making the Hall of Fame this year, and will join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only top overall draft picks to be in the Hall.

2.  Jim Thome (1st)

I'll be honest, I never thought of Jim Thome as an all-time great, first ballot Hall of Famer when he was playing.  However, when you look at the numbers he accumulated over his 22 year career, his candidacy is undeniable.  He is one of only 9 big leaguers of all time to hit 600 home runs, was a 5 time All Star, and is top 20 in career OPS.  He truly is one of the greatest power hitters of all time and is known as one of the best teammates of all time.  He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

3.  Scott Rolen (1st)

My first "stay on the ballot" vote.  However, at the same time, Scott Rolen should be a Hall of Famer.  He is a 7 time All Star and an 8 time Gold Glove winner at third base.  He is 10th in career WAR among third basemen, placing him right in the middle of all the Hall of Famers at the position.  He was one of the most consistently great players at that position for his 17 year career.  I think Rolen's candidacy is hurt by Chipper entering the ballot at the same time, however he should be considered in the same breath as Chipper.

4.  Vladimir Guerrero (2nd, 71.7%)

I was surprised Vlad didn't make it on the first ballot.  He came so close the first time around, and for good reason.  Vlad is one of the most naturally gifted hitters the game has ever seen.  The dude was a beast!  He almost reached 450 home runs and 1500 RBI's, was a 9 time All Star, 8 time Silver Slugger, and was the 2004 AL MVP.  Also, before his body broke down on the Montreal turf, he was an elite defender with a cannon for an arm.  He has a good shot at making it this year, but he will be in eventually.

5.  Billy Wagner (3rd, 10.2%)

"Keep him on the ballot" vote number two.  Wagner was one of the most dominant left-handed relievers of all time.  He is 6th all time in saves and a 7 time All Star.  Many people struggle voting for relievers which has once again clogged up the ballot.  Maybe some of the votes that used to go to Lee Smith will go to Billy Wagner.  He deserves to have a higher percentage than this.

6.  Trevor Hoffman (3rd, 74%)

If Wagner is ever going to get in, it will start by Trevor Hoffman getting in.  Hoffman is 2nd all time in saves, only behind Mariano Rivera.  Wagner and Hoffman are having trouble getting in simply because they weren't as good as Mo.  Hoffman is one of the best closers of all time and should get in this year.

7.  Mike Mussina (5th, 51.8%)

The longer Mussina is on the ballot, the more convinced I am that he belongs in the Hall of Fame.  His numbers may not be as elite as some, but considering the division he pitched in (AL East) and the small ballparks that are in that division, he had to be an all-timer to have the numbers he did.  He was one of the best pitchers in baseball, especially during his Oriole years.  He remained a top-end starter throughout his 18 year career, racking up 270 wins, 5 All Star Game appearances, and 7 Gold Gloves.

8.  Curt Schilling (6th, 45%)

This one I don't understand.  Many say Schilling is being kept out of the Hall due to his political beliefs and controversial comments made on social media.  Why does that matter?  Over his 20 year career, he was a 5 time All Star, 3 time World Series champ (winning World Series MVP in 2001), and winning 216 games.  He was an elite pitcher during the regular season and even better in the postseason.  The bloody sock.  Need I say more?

9.  Larry Walker (8th, 21.9%)

This is another case I don't get.  Larry Walker was a dominant hitter for quite some time.  He was a 5 time All Star, 7 time Gold Glover, and 3 time Silver Slugger.  He also won the 1997 NL MVP.  The only way to explain his low numbers was the fact that he played in Coors Field most of his career.  However, his OPS+, which takes takes ballpark into account, tells a different story.  He is 5th on the ballot in OPS+, ahead of future Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Vladimir Guerrero.  Walker is a perfect candidate for a Veterans Committee induction because that might be the only way he gets in.

10.  Edgar Martinez (9th, 58.6%)

I ordered my ballot by years on the ballot.  Otherwise, Edgar would be on the top of my list.  He was a 7 time All Star, 5 time Silver Slugger, and a 2 time batting champ.  He is only one of 18 players with a career .300/.400/.500 (batting, on base, slugging) split.  Of the other 17 players on the list, 12 are in the Hall of Fame, three others are currently on the ballot (Ramirez, Walker, Jones), one is not on the ballot yet (Todd Helton), and one is ineligible (Shoeless Joe Jackson).  On top of all that, if you talk to any player that played against him, they will say Edgar was one of the most feared hitters of his generation.  Put Edgar in!


That is who I would vote for.  Try to put together your own ballot.  It is a harder task than you think.  Now to predict who I think will get in.  This year might set a record for how many players get in.  With two sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famers and possibly two or three others working their way over the 75% threshold, it could be an incredible year in Cooperstown.  Add to that the start of the Modern Era Veterans Committee already voting in Alan Trammell and Jack Morris, Cooperstown will be busy.  Here are my predicted entries.

Alan Trammell (already elected)

Jack Morris (already elected)

Chipper Jones

Jim Thome

Trevor Hoffman

Vladimir Guerrero

Edgar Martinez

If I Had a Vote: 2017 Baseball Hall of Fame

In some ways, I find the baseball offseason more intriguing than the grind of the regular season.  It is fascinating to see who goes where, what team is loading up, what team selling off, and who ends up left out.  The other reason the baseball offseason is so entertaining is a good portion is dominated by discussion and debate over the Hall of Fame elections.  On Wednesday, January 18th, the Class of 2017 will be announced, and this year will once again be an interesting election to see.

Due to several factors, the Hall of Fame ballot is over-saturated with players that deserve to be in the Hall but can't seem to get there.  For players like Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner, and Edgar Martinez, it is because of the non-traditional positions they played.  Although they were all-time greats, closer and designated hitter are considered "part-time players" to some and therefore not worthy of such a high honor.  They are all also overshadowed by the best at their positions (Mariano Rivera, David Ortiz) who are still waiting their turn on the ballot.  If those two were already in, these three would have a much easier time getting in.

The more obvious factor keeping players on the ballot is the "Steroid Era."  Should players connected to PED's, either by suspicion or positive test, be inducted in the Hall of Fame?  Players like Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmeiro have already fallen off the ballot, even though their numbers alone are Hall of Fame worthy.  Sammy Sosa, Roger Clemens, and Barry Bonds are still holding on, with some starting to trend up.  Add to that first-timers like Ivan Rodriguez (named in Jose Canseco's whistle-blowing book) and Manny Ramirez (failed two PED tests), and you have controversy flooding this election.  It seems like it is the only way America can have elections anymore: divisive and controversial.

For those unfamiliar with the process, players must receive at least 75% of the votes from the Baseball Writers of America Association to get into the Hall.  Players become eligible after they have been retired for 5 years, and they can stay on the ballot for up to 10 years (recently, this rule changed and there is one player still grandfathered in to the old rule of being eligible for 15 years).  For a player to remain on the ballot for the next year, they must receive at least 5% of the votes.  So there are quite a few players that are on this year's ballot that will not be on next year's.  It's a new definition of a "one-and-done" player.  However, it really is just an honor to have a career strong enough to be placed on the ballot in the first place.  The trickiest part of the election process is that voters are allowed to vote for anywhere from 0-10 players.  In the past, writers have cast a blank ballot in protest of the Steroid Era, and there has already been a blank ballot released this year for a similar reason.  However, for most writers, the opposite problem holds true.  Many wish they could vote for more.  In looking at my ballot, I could easily make an argument for at least 20 players to be in the Hall.  However, I have to narrow it down to the top 10.  This has forced some players to leave the ballot long before they even have a chance to be considered.  A perfect example was last year with Jim Edmonds.  I felt Jim Edmonds deserved, if not a seat in the Hall, at least a few years of consideration.  However, because of the glut of candidates, Edmonds got 2.5% of the vote and is no longer up for consideration.  It is a tough system, but it is for the sport's highest honor as well.  The system should be tough.

So let's take a trip down memory lane and look at the 34 players on this year's ballot.  I will start with the players not making my list, then give my honorable mentions.  Following that will be my ballot ... you know, if I had a vote.

The Rest of the Candidates

* = shot at another ballot

+ = deserves another ballot

Lee Smith (15th year on ballot, 34.1% last year)

Last player to get a 15th year on the ballot.  With that total from last year, it will be a 15th and final year of disappointment.

Fred McGriff (8th, 20.9%)*+

The Crime Dog deserves serious consideration for the Hall.  However, with that total and only a few years left, it's not looking promising.

Jeff Bagwell (7th, 71.6)*+

He almost made it last year.  He has a great shot of making it this year.  I never thought of him as being that elite though.

Arthur Rhodes (1st)

It's impressive for a long reliever / lefty specialist to make the ballot.  That will be his only reward.

Carlos Guillen (1st)+

One of the more consistent, underrated players for over a decade.

Casey Blake (1st)

Names like this make me stop and say, "Oh yeah, that guy!"  It's one of my favorite parts of viewing the first years every year.

Derrek Lee (1st)

When he was healthy, he was a dominant hitter.  Unfortunately, I think that only happened two or three times.

Edgar Renteria (1st)*+

He was a World Series hero for one team and a cornerstone of a World Series run for another.  He was a guy that always made his team better.

Freddy Sanchez (1st)

You might not remember him, but he was a 3-time All Star and won a Batting Title in 2006.  He was just stuck on bad Pittsburgh Pirate teams.

Jason Varitek (1st)*+

He was a cornerstone of one of the best franchises of the 2000's.  Being a catcher for a World Series winner cannot be overstated.

J.D. Drew (1st)

I feel like his career was always overshadowed by never living up to his lofty potential.  However, he did produce a very solid 14 year career.

Jorge Posada (1st)*+

A similar argument could be made here as was made for Varitek, however Posada was also one of the better hitting catchers of his time as well.  It will be interesting where his numbers debut at.

Magglio Ordonez (1st)*+

He quietly was a 6-time All Star and a dominant bat.  If he hadn't had a few seasons in his prime cut short due to injury, we would be talking about his candidacy much more seriously.

Matt Stairs (1st)

The best of his generation at his position.  The only problem is I don't think pinch hitter is an accepted Hall of Fame position.  To have a 19 year baseball career as a part-time player is something to truly celebrate.

Melvin Mora (1st)

He had one or two great seasons in his career that gave him the reputation to have the longevity he achieved.

Mike Cameron (1st)+

Among first-timers, he ranks 4th in career WAR.  His career will always be defined as "the one that replaced Griffey."

Orlando Cabrera (1st)

Cabrera belongs in the same category as Carlos Guillen.  Consistent, solid, quiet.

Pat Burrell (1st)

He defined what it meant to be a "pure power hitter."

Tim Wakefield (1st)+

One of the best knuckleballers the game has seen.

Honorable Mentions

Sammy Sosa (5th, 7%)

I'll give my argument for Steroid Era players later.  The numbers are insane, and he deserves to be in for 1998 alone.  I would like to vote for him, but the vote seems wasted at this point.

Mike Mussina (4th, 43%)

I almost put him in my top 10.  Few would say he was the best of his era, but there is something to be said for being really good for all of an 18 year career.

Jeff Kent (4th, 16.6%)

Always overshadowed by his teammates, he put up some of the best numbers for any 2nd basemen in history.

Gary Sheffield (3rd, 11.6%)

There once was a time where being in the 500 home run club made you a first ballot Hall of Famer.  Now, it leaves you close to falling off the ballot altogether.

Billy Wagner (2nd, 10.5%)

There were few closers more dominant than Billy Wagner.  He may not have the numbers of some other all-timers, but his dominance in undeniable.

My Ballot

1.  Ivan Rodriguez (1st)

We will start with the first year players and work our way up.  I never watched someone more dominant at their position than Pudge Rodriguez was behind the plate.  He won 13 Gold Gloves, including a stretch of 10 in a row.  The only thing keeping him from being an obvious choice is the allegations of PED's.  Nothing was ever proven with Pudge, but Canseco has yet to be wrong about players he accused.  Pudge also donned an inflated body at one point that quickly deflated over one offseason.  None of this changes the fact that he was probably the best defensive catcher the game has ever seen.  Oh yeah, he also almost had 3000 hits too.

2.  Manny Ramirez (1st)

Okay, let's talk about the steroid guys.  I've already mentioned a couple, and there are a few more coming up.  Baseball is a game of bending rules.  Whether it is framing pitches, sliding spikes up, or throwing a spitball, baseball has always been a game where you see how much you can get away with.  Baseball's past is filled with Hall of Famers that praised and lauded for bending the rules.  I remember hearing a story that the final out of Gaylord Perry's 300th win was hard to get because the ball was so wet from the spitter Perry had just thrown.  Moments like this are chalked up to, "Well, that's how the game was played."  Well, for about a 20 year period, steroids were the newest way players were bending the rules.  Until testing started in the mid-2000's, you could debate whether or not it was even against the rules of baseball!  I wish the voters were stop trying to be the morality police and start to look at this era in the same light they look at cheating in other eras.  "Well, that's just how the game was played."  I don't care if you put a disclaimer on their plaque, but let them in if their play warrants it.  Manny Ramirez was the most natural right-handed hitter for a decade.  Even though he might be one of the worst defensive players of all time, his hitting still gave him a higher career WAR than Pudge Rodriguez.  The controversy behind Manny is a little different than those suspected of PED's because Manny had two positive tests and two suspensions.  I understand if you want to keep him out because of the positive tests.  A positive test is different than alleged suspicion.  The way I see it is if you trust the testing process, then the suspensions penalized his numbers.  Are his numbers still Hall of Fame worthy after losing 150 games of his career.  If yes, why not put him in with some fine print on his plaque saying he tested positive.  It doesn't change the fact that he was one of the greats at the plate.

3.  Vladimir Guerrero (1st)

What a freak!  I enjoyed watching Vladimir Guerrero play more than almost anyone else over the last 20 years.  What made him so fun was how unconventional he was.  He was this tall, lanky outfielder with a cannon for an arm and one of the freest swingers in the modern era.  As sabermetrics continued to grow in popularity, with walks and on base percentage meaning more and more, Vlad swung hard every time at any pitch that was close.  He usually hit it a long way too.  He was one of many players, and possibly the last, that was hidden in Montreal for a few years where few seemed to notice him.  Once he made his way to Anaheim, everyone saw how special he was.  You can't help but wonder how much damage playing on the hard surface in Montreal did to his body.  It definitely seemed to lead to his body breaking down a little faster than some others.  However, I think it's safe to say a player of his unique abilities belongs in the Hall.

4.  Trevor Hoffman (2nd, 67.3%)

With Hoffman's numbers debuting as high as they did last year, it is only a matter of time before he enters the Hall of Fame, and it is well deserved.  Hoffman is second only behind the great Mariano in career saves, and he was dominant and intimidating in the 9th inning in a way you don't expect.  Instead of throwing 100 mph like almost every reliever these days, Hoffman sported one of the best change-ups the game has ever seen.  The fact that he wasn't a first ballot Hall of Famer shows the bias some writers have against the position.  First, I think he is punished by playing in San Diego, where few people pay attention.  Second, the shadow of Mariano Rivera looms large, but keeping him out because Mariano was better is like saying Ken Griffey Jr. isn't a Hall of Famer because Willie Mays was better.  Some say he wasn't dominant in the postseason.  Well, it's a pretty small sample size you are dealing with, and also it doesn't take away from all his other accomplishments.  Trevor Hoffman is a Hall of Famer.

5.  Barry Bonds (5th, 44.3%)

Steroids or not, Barry Bonds is one of the greatest hitters the game has ever seen.  He was also one of the most unique talents we have seen.  All anyone remembers is the inflated slugger at the end of his career, but people forget how good he was when he was younger.  He is not only the only member of the 400-400 club (400 homers, 400 steals), but he kept going and joined the 500-500 club.  He was a 7 time MVP, but he was also an 8 time Gold Glover winner.  He has more home runs than anyone the league has ever seen, but he also is the all-time leader in walks, sporting possibly the best batting eye in league history.  We don't know 100% if he took steroids, but we are pretty sure.  However, again, it was a part of the culture of the time, and he was the best long before he ever might have enhanced.

6.  Curt Schilling (5th, 52.3%)

This was the last player that made my ballot.  This spot was a toss-up between Schilling and Mike Mussina.  Last year, I voted for both.  The numbers of both are very similar, however the deciding factor was the eyeball test.  When you think of the best pitchers of the 90's and 2000's, Curt Schilling comes to mind long before Mussina.  Like I said before, Mussina was good for a long time.  Schilling was great, both in the regular season and especially in the postseason.  Many writers have said they will refuse to vote for Schilling due to controversial statements made on Twitter, including a threat to "lynch" some reporters.  Many expect Schilling's numbers to go down from last year, which doesn't happen often for guys that have hit the 50% threshold.  A player's off-the-field comments, especially ones made 10 years after he stopped playing, should have no bearing on whether he is a Hall of Famer.  Ty Cobb was a terrible human being, but he is in the Hall.  The writers need to stop trying to make a statement and vote performance.

7.  Roger Clemens (5th, 45.2%)

Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds seemed linked in the voting process.  Both are considered all-time greats, but both are mired by steroid allegations.  Just like Bonds, we are pretty sure Clemens did it, but there is no "beyond a reasonable doubt" proof.  The two have very similar numbers, and we can expect that to stay the same.  Many are predicting a boost in both their numbers when the numbers are officially released.  This is for several reasons.  First, last year Mike Piazza was voted into the Hall of Fame.  Many suspected he was a steroid user, but nothing was ever proven.  He was the first one of these types of players to get in.  Many feel that since he is in, it is now okay to vote for other players suspected of similar use.  Second, retired commissioner Bud Selig is entering the Hall this year as well.  It was under his reign that steroids reached their height.  Many believe that inducting the commissioner of the Steroid Era allows for induction of Steroid Era players.  No matter how you look at it, Bonds and Clemens are getting closer and closer.

8.  Larry Walker (7th, 15.5%)

This one boggles my mind.  How is Larry Walker not a Hall of Famer?  His WAR is 6th out of players on the ballot, and it is higher than any first-timers.  His career OPS is 3rd on the ballot, only behind Bonds and Manny.  He was a 5 time All Star, 7 time Gold Glove winner, and the NL MVP in 1997.  His candidacy is about as strong as anyone could ask for.  Why isn't he in?  His numbers were inflated by playing in Colorado.  That's the only reason.  Ten of his 17 seasons were played in a city at high elevations which inflated his numbers.  A players no one suspects as being tainted in any way by PED's is being penalized more than those that are because of what team he played for.  With this being his 7th year on the ballot, and his percentage being so low, he probably won't get in.  He is another example of someone who would have a greater chance if some of the steroid guys were off the ballot.

9.  Edgar Martinez (8th, 43.4%)

Time is running out for Edgar, the man who set the standard for what a career DH should look like.  However, with Griffey going in last year, and him helping campaign for Edgar during his acceptance speech, everyone expects his percentage to see a significant jump.  Griffey was the flash in Seattle during the 90's, but Edgar the foundation.  Think about Griffey's most iconic moment in his career.  Some might see one of his spectacular catches, but most probably think of him rounding 3rd and scoring to beat the Yankees in the 1995 playoffs.  Who hit the ball?  Edgar.  In fact, Griffey's most iconic moment is referenced by many as "The Edgar Double."  He is an icon and a symbol in Seattle, and also he was one of the best right-handed hitters of his generation.  He shouldn't be penalized because he did it so quietly, or because so many baseball purists still don't want to consider the DH a real baseball position.

10.  Tim Raines (10th, 69.8%)

Lee Smith and Tim Raines are the only players left on the ballot that I can say were before my time.  I remember watching them play vaguely, but it was at the end of their career after their legacies had already been cemented.  I think, because of this, I have not been voting for Tim Raines.  However, with his number so close and him entering his last year on the ballot, there has been much discussion about how good Raines was.  In some ways, it seems like Tim Raines is suffering from a similar problem Trevor Hoffman is suffering from.  How can your candidacy be taken seriously when your peer was the all-time greatest at what you did?  For Hoffman, it was Mariano Rivera.  For Raines, it was Rickey Henderson.  The reason it has taken Raines so long to get in is he is not Rickey.  Well, no one will ever be Rickey.  That doesn't change the fact that Raines had a Hall of Fame career.  I hope the writers do the right thing and put him in.


So there is my ballot and who I would vote for.  Now all that is left is my prediction on who will actually get in.  This is a strange year.  Usually, no more than a couple guys get in at a time.  Only once has as many as five received the 75%, and that was the first year of Hall of Fame voting.  With that said, I am predicting that the Class of 2017 will have four members:

Tim Raines

Jeff Bagwell

Ivan Rodriguez

Vladimir Guerrero

So what would your ballot be?  Let us know in the comments below...