One week in and I’m already drawing writer’s block as I sit in a cubicle working my 9-5. Today I will be breaking down the MLB Hall of Fame ballots and playing an MLB writer minus the historical curmudgeoness that comes from that responsibility. Is curmudgeoness a word? I don’t know, but you know what I mean, and this is my blog, so shut up and deal with it!
Last year, only three players made the ballot, and I will say that seeing and reflecting on the names has gotten a lot more fun as I’ve grown older and can remember players’ careers damn near start to finish. This shouldn’t be a long-winded piece as I’d like to catch a 3:30 bus home from downtown. Damn, is it rough being a Gen Zer who has to come into the office twice a week.
Bobby Abreu
Seems like La Leche’s time is running out. I don’t see him cracking it this year, but definitely an achievement to be on the ballot all these years. Forever in the Hall of Very Good.
Carlos Beltran
One of the best switch hitters of the 21st century. All-around great player and was just incredible on the Royals and Mets. I feel like he should be on it, but with that 2017 scandal with the Astros and the whole weird coaching thing where he was hired then fired before coaching a game for the sign-stealing scandal, it might be enough to divert old white men from giving him their vote. For me personally, it should be about the career they had. You can punish people for mistakes, but lifetime bans preventing them from the HOF seem drastic if they had long and consistently really good careers. Beltran falls into that category and has my vote.
Mark Buehrle
As a die-hard Cubs fan, I do carry some anti-White Sox biases with me, but Buehrle did have a really good career. I think if he had a year where he posted a sub-3 ERA or won a Cy Young, he would be in, but in my opinion, he falls in the Hall of Very Good next to Mr. Abreu, as previously mentioned. But dude, what about that under-the-leg flip to PAULIEEE!!! I don’t give a fuck.
Carlos Gonzalez
Always enjoyed Cargo, but I’m not going to spend much time with him. He had a good career, bit of a Coors merchant, and honestly will just be a space filler on these ballots moving forward in my opinion.
Curtis Granderson
Chicago native and always one of the better cards in MLB The Show. Man, is that swing sexy in that game. This is a tough one, but ultimately, I don’t think he makes it, at least this year. He falls just short for HOF due to how high of an honor it is to get in this exclusive club. If it was the NBA, where everyone makes the Basketball Hall of Fame, then yeah, a guy like the Grandy Man gets in. Sorry, Curt. Side note: Speaking of Curt, how Curt Schilling isn’t in the HOF is a travesty. Look up the years that guy was having during the steroid era. Just ridiculous. But he’s a piece of shit, and no one likes him, soooo fuck your accolades, I guess!
Felix Hernandez
Man, this guy dominated the MLB for years. It’s a shame he was on the Mariners and people paid little attention because King K during his prime was must-see TV. This one hits home more than others because him and Tim Lincecum were two of my favorite pitchers growing up. I just don’t think he gets in this year but wouldn’t rule him out getting there on a year where there’s a weaker ballot. Still wavering on my decision with him.
Torii Hunter
Talk about a guy who got robbed due to the era he was in. If he took roids, he would be on par with some of the best center fielders in MLB history. Still belongs in that group, but I’m not sure he did enough to crack into the ballot. This is his fifth year, and honestly, if he doesn’t get in now, I don’t know what will change for him to get in later. Nine Gold Glove awards, but only one top-10 MVP finish. All-around great player should be in, but I’m going to say he winds up not getting in again, sadly.
Adam Jones
Dude was a beast and had so much swagger on the field. It’s his first year on the ballot, and I don’t believe he gets in, but like King K, I think his time will come.
Andruw Jones
Honestly, a bit surprised he’s not in already. To be one of the best defensive center fielders in the game (could say best, but Torii Hunter would like a word) and come up with the power numbers he did at that position, I would say he deserves to be in. He has my vote.
Ian Kinsler
Nope. Numbers are impressive for a second baseman, but (shitty) gut tells me he will be on this ballot for years to come.
Russell Martin
He can join Ian on the ballot for the next nine years as I don’t think he gets in. I don’t know why, but I never liked Russell Martin. He didn’t do anything to me, I just don’t like him. Either way, his hitting isn’t good enough for consideration.
Brian McCann
Rolling down the list of catchers I grew up with. McCann makes a compelling case, but to the opposite of Martin, I don’t think where he was defensively will get him into the HOF. Love me a left-handed hitting catcher though. Sorry, Brian, maybe later.
Dustin Pedroia
Petey is a tough call. 5’9″ second baseman with an MVP under his belt and years of producing on a championship-winning and contending team. I really admired Petey growing up because I dabbled at second when I wasn’t pitching. His first year on the ballot, so I don’t think he gets in, but I would say it’s likely he does before his 10 years run out.
Andy Pettitte
I’ll keep this one short. He should, but he won’t. Steroid allegations are tough to hide from in this game. His numbers are for-sure HOF worthy, but ultimately, I think they let him dry out due to him cheating on the game with the juice.
Hanley Ramirez
I fucking loved this guy, and the way that he was able to successfully continue his career as his speed wound down was impressive. I’d say he doesn’t get in the first year but maybe does in a few years. I sound like a broken fucking record. Imagine having to say the same thing for damn near every player. Scavenging the internet to find different ways of saying he won’t get in his first year. Loved Hanley Ramirez but taking my bias out of it.
Manny Ramirez
What a joke. Absolutely deserves to be a HOF. Manny was an absolute monster. It’s weird that David Ortiz (one of my favorite non-Cubs of all time) gets right into the HOF, and Manny gets blacklisted. Both tested positive in 2003, yet you never hear about Ortiz doing it because… he’s a likable guy? Either way, Manny should be in. He has and will always have my vote.
Fernando Rodney
No.
Alex Rodriguez
Yes. I’m getting pretty spent doing this, and Fernando didn’t really deserve that, but also, like, don’t waste my time, bro. A-Rod should be in the HOF; he will always have my vote. I might fly through some of these as I did not look into how long this would take. Can’t believe how long I took on the likes of Curtis Granderson when people here are way more deserving of my thought.
Francisco Rodriguez
Too short of a career for K-Rod. Love him, but nope.
Jimmy Rollins
Tough one, and call me crazy, but yeah, I think he should get in. He was great. Switch hitter, fast, Gold Glove D at short and still could hit for homers and extra-base hits. I have a feeling he won’t, but if he doesn’t, I think he will within the next couple of years.
CC Sabathia
Yes, 100%. Definitely think he deserves it. If you haven’t seen “Under the Grapefruit Tree,” then I definitely recommend it. Super cool CC documentary, and it’s insane some of the things he was going through while simultaneously mowing down batters weighing a cool 300 lbs.
Ichiro Suzuki
Without a doubt, he gets in. Base-hitting machine. MACHINE! An all-time favorite of damn near every kid my age growing up. He would be nuts to cover if he played in this era of social media. Debuted at 27 years old, won Rookie of the Year, MVP, and ended with over 3,000 hits. He started at 27!!!
Troy Tulowitzki
Tulo got plagued by injuries as his career went on, but he dominated Coors for a while. Doesn’t get in but will be on the ballot for a while.
Chase Utley
This is a tough one. I think he gets in. Was a staple on those successful Phillies runs with Rollins and Ryan Howard. Can totally see him just missing this year like I can with Rollins, but I’ll give him my vote.
Omar Vizquel
It’s an honor to be on this list, but if I’m Omar, I almost want to be removed. Year after year getting crossed out, and that doesn’t change this year.
Billy Wagner
I’m surprised it’s his 10th and final year. Not that I don’t think he’s been out of the league that long, but damn, if he’s not deserving, not many closers are. He has my vote as THE BEST left-handed closer of all time. Get Billy the Kid in the HOF this year.
David Wright
His prime didn’t last quite long enough. Doesn’t get in.
Ben Zobrist
A good guy to end the list. Happy to see him on the ballot. True story: In 2009, I was a two-time champ (at 11 years old) in my mom’s side of the family’s fantasy baseball league. I noticed this guy on waivers as the TB shortstop and picked him up. Went on to have a career year with an 8.6(!!!) WAR. Ended up winning that year to reclaim the crown. I love you, Ben Zobrist, and everything you’ve done for Cubs fans everywhere. Your wife sucks.
10 guys on the ballot this year get my vote, and my writer’s block dissipated quickly. Time to catch the bus!
Wydo
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