MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the ballot

There is no greater honor than joining the MLB Hall of Fame. Which players on the ballot will be enshrined this year?

Following the 2017 inductions, there are 317 people that have been inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. For a player, executive, or anyone who has been around the game, it is the highest honor that one can achieve. It is a place where the greatest of the greats are immortalized, remembered for generations to come.

Last year, five new members were enshrined in Cooperstown. Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines received their long overdue recognition as two of the greatest players of their time. Ivan Rodriguez, one of the best catchers in the history of the game, was inducted in his first appearance on the ballot. They were joined by John Schuerholz and Bud Selig, selected by the Veteran’s Committee for their roles as executives.

This season, two players have already been inducted. Jack Morris and Alan Trammell, Detroit Tigers teammates that spent 15 years on the BBWAA ballot, finally earned induction through the Veteran’s Committee. If nothing else, we know there will be two players heading to Cooperstown for July 29, 2018.

Right now, 33 former major leaguers are vying for their chance to join Morris and Trammell in immortality. 19 players, headlined by Chipper Jones and Jim Thome, are making their debut on the ballot. They are joining holdovers like Vladimir Guerrero, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens, each of whom are hoping that this is the year they get that long awaited call.

Which players will become immortal, enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame? Let us break down the ballot and look at each case.

Barry Bonds – Sixth Year (53.8% in 2017)

Very slowly, Barry Bonds is getting closer to being enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Based on his statistics alone, Bonds deserves a place in Cooperstown. He was a 14 time All Star, winning seven MVP awards and eight Gold Gloves. The greatest power and speed threat in baseball history, Bonds is the only player in both the 400 and 500 homer and stolen base clubs. Overall, in his time with the Pirates and Giants, Bonds posted a .298/.444/.607 batting line, hitting a major league record 762 homers and stealing 514 bases. He is also the major league record holder with 2558 walks, as teams refused to pitch to him later in his career.

The problem with Bonds is his place as a potential PED user. He suddenly became a power threat, hitting an otherworldly 73 homers in 2001 to become the single season leader. He was a part of the Balco Scandal, and admitted to using substances known as the “cream” and “clear,” which he thought were flaxseed oil and a pain reliever. Bonds went to trial for perjury and obstruction of justice in 2011 for his part in the Balco hearing, charges that were eventually overturned four years later.

While Bonds may well have been a PED user, there is still no questioning his place in baseball history. It is thought that half the league may have been using PEDs at his peak, yet Bonds was still performing at a rate above everyone. Whether the voters like it or not, the PED Era was a part of the game, and Bonds was the greatest player of that time.

Barry Bonds is getting closer to induction. Even though it may not happen this year, his voting percentage is starting to make him appear to be a future Hall of Famer. Bonds certainly belongs in Cooperstown, and it should have happened years ago.

Chris Carpenter – 1st time on ballot

When he was healthy, Chris Carpenter was a star. The problem was that he was almost never healthy.

Over the course of his 15 years in the majors, Carpenter made 30 or more appearances only seven times. He reached the 200 inning mark five times, although he actually led the league in innings in 2011, firing 237.1 innings that year. However, that season, coupled with his 235 innings the previous year, took a toll on Carpenter, as he had arm and nerve injuries that sidelined him for most of 2012. Those injuries ended his career, as he was unable to return to the mound and no longer wanted to undergo the required surgery to fix the problems.

A three time All Star and the 2005 Cy Young winner, Carpenter showed glimpses of the pitcher he could have been. In his career, he posted a 144-94 record, with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.276 WHiP. In his 2219.1 innings, Carpenter struck out 1697 batters, while issuing only 627 walks. Carpenter was certainly one of the best of his era when he was on the mound.

If healthy, it is possible that Carpenter could have come close to 225 to 250 wins, giving him a stronger Hall of Fame case with the voters. instead, he is a player where one has to wonder what could have been, as he showed flashes of brilliance when he could take the mound.

However, the MLB Hall of Fame is not about what could have been. Chris Carpenter may get a vote of two, but this should be his only appearance on the ballot.

Roger Clemens – Sixth Year (51.7% in 2017)

Just like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens is slowly getting closer to the MLB Hall of Fame.

Also like Bonds, his career numbers are that of an inner circle Hall of Famer. Clemens was an 11 time All Star, and won seven Cy Young awards. He was the 1986 American League MVP in 1986, and twice won the pitching Triple Crown. Clemens had a lifetime 354-184 record, along with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.173 WHiP. He struck out 4672 batters, the third most in baseball history, trailing only Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson.

These statistics would seemingly be those of a first ballot Hall of Famer. However, as with Bonds, those PED rumors have persisted. Former trainer and confidant Brian McNamee claimed to have injected Clemens withhuman growth hormone, and produced syringes as proof. His teammate, Andy Pettitte, stated that he had conversations with Clemens about PED usage.

And yet, even if Clemens used PEDs, he was still one of the greatest pitchers of his time. His resurrection with the Blue Jays, and later with the Yankees, certainly raised eyebrows. However, at a time when it was suspected that a good number of players were using PEDs, Clemens still stood head and shoulders above the rest.

There will come a time when those players either suspected, or proven, to have used PEDs will be in the MLB Hall of Fame. When that day comes, Roger Clemens will be one of the first enshrined.

Johnny Damon – 1st time on ballot

One may not think of Johnny Damon as a viable candidate for the MLB Hall of Fame, but his case is stronger than one would think.

A two time All Star, Damon was never an MVP candidate or earned any accolades over the season. However, during his career, Damon produced a solid .284/.352/.433 batting line, with 235 homers and 522 doubles. He had solid speed, stealing 408 bases and hitting 109 triples. That speed also helped Damon leg out several of his 2769 hits, a total that ranks 54th on the all time list.

In general, those numbers seem decent, but nothing spectacular. Yet, when combined, Damon was actually amongst the greatest players in baseball history. He is one of 11 players to end his career with at least 2500 hits, 500 doubles, 100 triples, and 200 homers. Each of the other ten are in the Hall of Fame, and include such luminaries as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Stan Musial, and Willie Mays.

Even though Damon was not in the same class as those luminaries, he was a good player in his own right. A consistent hitter, Damon’s abilities were often overlooked. He was looked upon as a solid complimentary piece, instead of a true star. However, Damon was a more important piece of the roster than one may have realized.

Johnny Damon may not get a lot of support for the MLB Hall of Fame. However, his case is much better than one may realize.

Vladimir Guerrero – Second Year (71.7% in 2017)

Vladimir Guerrero does not have many votes left to get for induction. He may well be elected into the MLB Hall of Fame this year.

One of the more entertaining players to watch during his career, there was hardly a pitch that Guerrero would not swing at. He would offer at pitches that bounced in front of the plate, were a foot outside, and nearly hit him. Yet, somehow, he was able to make contact more often than not, sending the ball on its way.

During his 16 year career, Vlad the Impaler was one of the more fearsome all around players in the game. A nine time All Star, eight time Silver Slugger, and the 2004 AL MVP, he produced a .318/.379/.553 batting line, hitting 449 homers and stealing 181 bases. He narrowly missed a 40-40 season in 2002, finishing with 39 homers and 40 steals, finishing fourth in the MVP vote that year.

Guerrero was also known for his incredible arm. He led the league in outfield assists twice, and ranks 20th in double plays for a right fielder. These numbers are all the more remarkable as players would rarely run on Guerrero, knowing that he could throw them out with ease. However, that arm led to trouble at times, as he led the league in errors for an outfielder nine times.

Vladimir Guerrero was a special player. In just a few short weeks, he may end up as the last player to represent the Montreal Expos in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Livan Hernandez – 1st time on ballot

Livan Hernandez will always be remembered fondly by Miami Marlins fans, as he essentially pitched them to their first World Series title.

After posting a 9-3 record with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.235 WHiP in 96.1 innings as a rookie in 1997, he appeared to be a future star in the playoffs. He was the NLCS and World Series MVP, posting a 4-0 record with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.165 WHiP during the postseason. He struck out 26 batters in his 28.1 innings, and appeared to be the top of the rotation arm the Marlins could build around.

While he never quite lived up to that potential, Hernandez became a solid innings eater. He led the National League in innings pitched three times, and eclipsed the 200 inning mark ten times in his 17 year career, missing his eleventh season by only one out. A two time All Star, Hernandez posted a lifetime 178-177 record, along with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.440 WHiP. In his 3189 innings, he struck out 1976 batters, while issuing 1066 walks.

Hernandez was a valuable pitcher in his prime, someone capable of taking the ball every fifth day and delivering seven or more solid innings virtually every time out. However, he was essentially a middle to the back of the rotation starter, someone who was not really a game changer. Hernandez was a solid pitcher, but he was not close to being the type of player that belongs in the MLB Hall of Fame.

It is possible that Livan Hernandez gets a vote or two for his incredible durability. However, this is likely to be the only year he appears on the ballot.

Trevor Hoffman – Third Year (74.0% in 2017)

One of the greatest closers in baseball history, this should be the year that Trevor Hoffman joins the MLB Hall of Fame.

Originally a light hitting infielder in the Reds system, he was converted to the mound in 1992 and showed immediate promise. The Florida Marlins selected Hoffman in the 1993 Expansion Draft, putting him on the major league roster that season. After a midseason trade to San Diego, Hoffman became the Padres closer in 1994, setting forth a career where he became one of the top closers in the history of the game.

Although he was not armed with a blazing fastball, Hoffman used his incredible changeup and solid command to rack up save after save. He was the first pitcher in MLB history to reach the 500 and 600 save plateaus, and set the record by pitching 902 games with the Padres, the most ever for a player on one team. The seven time All Star ended his career with 601 saves, along with a 2.87 ERA and a 1.058 WHiP, striking out 1133 batters in 1089.1 innings.

Last year, Hoffman finished five votes short of election, just one percentage point away from induction. Although Hoffman was not an overpowering pitcher capable of lighting up the radar gun, Hoffman was still dominant in his own way. With the MLB Hall of Fame starting to open its doors to relievers, Hoffman deserves to be enshrined.

Trevor Hoffman’s time will come. In fact, that time may well be this year.

Orlando Hudson – 1st time on ballot

At least Orlando Hudson will be able to say he appeared on an MLB Hall of Fame ballot.

That is not to say that Hudson did not have a solid career. He was a useful player at second base, hitting for a bit of pop and possessing decent speed. Hudson was also an excellent second baseman, winning four Gold Glove awards and leading American League second basemen in range factor four times.

Hudson was a two time All Star, producing a solid .273/.341/.412 batting line. He hit 93 homers and 256 doubles, while stealing 85 bases. That speed also manifested as he hit 66 triples in his 12 year career, hitting nine in a season twice. However, despite a decent performance on the diamond, Hudson is best known for an interview he made during Spring Training in 2002, referring to Blue Jays GM J.P. Riccardi as “look(ing) like a pimp back in the day.” In an unrelated move, Hudson was sent to the minors the following day.

As entertaining as that interview may have been, a great soundbite will not get someone into the Hall of Fame. If it could, Bill Lee would be in the inner circle, hanging out with Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, and Dizzy Dean. While excellent defense has gotten players inducted, Hudson was not at the level of a Bill Mazeroski or Ozzie Smith.

Orlando Hudson was a good player who had an excellent soundbite. However, he will be lucky to get a vote for the MLB Hall of Fame.

Jason Isringhausen – 1st Time on Ballot

Once a top prospect for the Mets, Jason Isringhausen overcame injuries and illness to become one of the top closers in the game.

Along the way, Isringhausen had to overcome quite a lot. His career was derailed early due to a bout of tuberculosis, and he would have three Tommy John surgeries during his time in the majors. He was also considered a disappointment early on, part of the Mets ‘Generation K’ that failed to live up to expectations in the 1990s.

However, once Isringhausen became a closer, he blossomed. Despite the injuries, he was a two time All Star, leading the National League with 47 saves in 2004. He had 30 or more saves seven times, earning exactly 300 saves in his career. Isringhausen posted a 3.65 ERA and a 1.328 WHiP, striking out 830 batters in 1007.2 innings.

Isringhausen is certainly an inspirational story, a player who overcame quite a bit to become one of the top closers in the game during the mid 2000s. However, that does not mean that he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. There are quite a few closers that were better than Isringhausen that have yet to be inducted, leaving him quite the longshot to be enshrined in the coming years.

Jason Isringhausen had a fine career. Although he may earn a few votes, and could even get a second year on the ballot, it was not worth of the MLB Hall of Fame.

Andruw Jones – 1st Year on Ballot

For the first decade of his career, Andruw Jones appeared destined for the MLB Hall of Fame. Then, his performance fell off the proverbial cliff.

With the Atlanta Braves, Jones was a star. He was an incredible power and speed threat in his younger days, then, as he aged, become a dangerous power hitter. He hit over 30 homers seven times, leading the league with 51 home runs in 2005. A free agent at 30 years old, he signed a two year contract with the Dodgers, and immediately imploded. Jones still hit for a bit of power, but had ballooned in weight, costing him that incredible skillset.

Even with that collapse after age 30, Jones was still an excellent player. A five time All Star, he produced a solid .254/.337/.486 batting line, those numbers decimated by his final five years in the majors. Jones still hit 434 homers and stole 152 bases, but his numbers could have been much better.

If Jones is to get into the Hall, it may be due to his amazing defense in center. He was a ten time Gold Glove winner, and the all time leader with 220 runs saved in center. His 243 runs saved overall is second all time, trailing only Brooks Robinson. If players can get into the Hall of Fame based primarily on their defense, then Jones could have a chance.

In all likelihood, Andruw Jones will not make the MLB Hall of Fame, although he could remain on the ballot for a few years. Considering where Jones had been in his career arc after 2007, that is certainly a surprise.

Chipper Jones – 1st Year on Ballot

At this point, the only question about whether or not Chipper Jones is enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame is how high his percentage will be this year.

One of the greatest third basemen in the history of the game, Jones spent his entire career with the Atlanta Braves. He was a star almost from the very beginning, a switch hitting power threat with speed. Jones was also a valuable defensive player, capable of playing several positions. In fact, during two seasons in the midst of his prime, Jones transitioned to left before returning to his familiar place at the hot corner.

During his 19 year career, Jones was an eight time All Star, a two time Silver Slugger, and the 1999 National League MVP. Overall, he produced a .303/.401/.529 batting line, hitting 468 homers and driving 1623 runs, a record for major league players whose primary position was third base. Jones also hit 549 doubles and stole 150 bases, stealing 20 or more bases twice in his career.

While the statistics say that Jones is a definite Hall of Famer, there are still questions. Various posts he made on social media, including those attacking immigrants and questioning whether or not eh Sandy Hook elementary school massacre actually happened, could hurt his candidacy. After all, the same situation has occurred with Curt Schilling, who lost votes last year, in part because of his views.

Chipper Jones should be in the MLB Hall of Fame. However, one has to wonder whether or not his thoughts will hamper his candidacy this year.

Jeff Kent – Fifth Year (16.7% in 2017)

The greatest offensive second baseman of all time, Jeff Kent has not received the support he should for the MLB Hall of Fame.

Although his career did not really take off until he signed with the San Francisco Giants at 29 years old, Kent made up for lost time. He became a key contributor in the lineup with Barry Bonds, a power threat who became one of the better run producers of his time.

Overall, Kent posted a .290/.356/.500 batting line, hitting 377 homers and 560 doubles. He drove in over 100 runs eight times, and had 1518 RBI in his career. A five time All Star and four time Silver Slugger, Kent was also the National League MVP in 2000, the last player to win the award before Bonds took home the honors for four consecutive years.

Kent may well be punished for his dour personality and be considered guilty be association when it comes to PEDs. After all, his career blossomed when he joined Bonds and the Giants, and we know that PED allegations have taken their toll on his candidacy. Add in a less than amicable personality, and Kent may find himself stuck on the ballot for quite a while, much like Jim Rice saw his candidacy stalled for years.

Jeff Kent should be in the MLB Hall of Fame. The question is whether or not his candidacy will ever get the support it needs.

Carlos Lee – 1st Year on Ballot

Carlos Lee was a steady player, albeit not a spectacular one.

In his first eight seasons in the majors, Lee was able to keep pushing his home run total higher, going from 16 homers as a rookie, to a career best 37 homers in 2006. He was a solid power threat during his career, hitting 20 or more homers 11 times, and driving in 100 or more runs six times.

Lee was a three time All Star and two time Silver Slugger, a solid player, but one overshadowed by the stars of his day. Overall, he produced a respectable .289/.339/.485 batting line, hitting 358 homers and 469 doubles. Although he was not a speedster, Lee stole 125 bases, hitting double digits seven times.

A respected run producer, and a key part of the White Sox and Astros lineups, Lee was an excellent complimentary piece in the lineup. However, he was never quite a star, having only two seasons when he had a WAR of 4.0 or better. Even during his peak, Lee was a starting caliber player, but was never a superstar.

Carlos Lee would make the Hall of Very Good. He is just not a Hall of Famer.

Brad Lidge – 1st Time on Ballot

When one thinks of Brad Lidge, one typically remembers the ball that Albert Pujols launched into orbit when facing him during the 2005 NLCS.

While it is commonly thought that Pujols’ bomb broke Lidge, that was not the case. He had a down 2006 campaign, but followed that up with dominant performances in 2007 and 2008. In the latter year, he notched 41 saves while helping the Phillies to their second World Series title. Although he would have his struggles from time to time, including whenever he faced Xavier Nady in 2007, Lidge remained a solid closer.

A two time All Star, Lidge had four seasons with over 30 saves, and reached the 40 save plateau twice. He ended his 11 year career with 225 saves, posting a 3.54 ERA and a 1.291 WHiP. Lidge was known for his bouts of wildness, with 287 walks in his 603.1 innings, but he also struck out 799 batters.

Lidge was a good closer, but was prone to the occasional blowup on the mound. His 2006 and 2009 campaigns were essentially napalm, but overall, Lidge was a good closer. He helped the Astros and Phillies to the postseason, and had a 2.18 ERA and 18 saves in his 39 playoff appearances. However, that is not enough to earn a spot in Cooperstown.

Brad Lidge was far more than that one disastrous pitch to Albert Pujols. A solid closer, he was a key piece for Houston and Philadelphia.

Edgar Martinez – Ninth Year (58.6% in 2017)

Time may be running out for Edgar Martinez, but it seems as though the BBWAA is starting to come around to his case.

Even though his career got off to a late start, as he was not an everyday player until he turned 27 years old, Martinez had an excellent career. He also missed two seasons in the midst of his prime, sending him to the designated hitter role as the Mariners looked to keep his bat in the lineup. That change worked, as Martinez became a valued run producer in the dangerous Seattle lineups of the 1990s.

A seven time All Star and five time Silver Slugger, Martinez was truly a professional hitter. He won two batting titles, and although he was not known as a power threat, had eight seasons with 20 or more homers. Overall, Martinez produced a .312/.418/.515 batting line, hitting 514 doubles and 309 homers. He also had an excellent batting eye, drawing 1283 walks against 1201 strikeouts in 8674 plate appearances.

After hovering in the 20% to 30% range for six years, Martinez has seen his numbers steadily increase. There are those who do not consider him a Hall of Famer as he was primarily a designated hitter, but that perception is starting to change. Martinez may well be the greatest DH in the history of the game, and it is time that he gets his due in Cooperstown.

It may not be this year, but Edgar Martinez is getting closer to being inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame. His inclusion is long overdue.

Hideki Matsui – 1st year on Ballot

If we were to add Hideki Matsui’s production in Japan to his major league totals, he would easily be in the Hall of Fame.

That is not to say that his decade in the majors was subpar. “Godzilla,” as he was called, proved to be an excellent power hitter in his career, especially during his time with the Yankees. He was a two time All Star, and had five seasons of 20 or more homers stateside. Matsui even had a final moment of glory before leaving New York after the 2009 season, being named the World Series MVP that year.

During his time stateside, Matsui posted a .282/.360/.462 batting line, hitting 175 homers and 249 doubles. Even though he was not considered a great defensive outfielder, Matsui still notched 41 outfield assists, and had ten career double plays in left. He had a good arm, although it would occasionally lead to trouble.

The problem with Matsui is that he just did not have a long enough career in the States. He dominated in Japan, hitting another 332 homers overseas. If his totals were combined, he would be a certain Hall of Famer. However, as he is only being judged on his time in major league baseball, his career just does not measure up.

Hideki Matsui was one of the greatest power hitters to come from Japan, and he performed well in the majors. He just did not have a strong enough career to make the MLB Hall of Fame.

Fred McGriff – Ninth Year (21.7% in 2017)

A victim of bad timing, one has to wonder how much differently Fred McGriff would be regarded if he hit seven more homers.

McGriff was a solid power hitter, leading the league in home runs twice and hitting 30 or more homers ten times. However, he never reached the 40 home run mark, and his excellent power became overshadowed during the PED era. McGriff never had that late power surge that so many other sluggers did during that time frame, essentially making him an afterthought by the time he got on the ballot.

And yet, he had a solid career. McGriff was a five time All Star and a three time Silver Slugger, finishing in the top ten of the MVP vote six times. Overall, he produced a .284/.377/.509 batting line, hitting 493 homers and driving in 1550 runs. He was a solid run producer, and a key part of the Braves postseason run through the mid 1990s.

For as much as the BBWAA wants to talk about players doing things the “right way” and reaching their numbers without chemical enhancements, McGriff’s candidacy seems to prove otherwise. He has languished in the upper teens and low twenties in terms of a voting percentage in each of his eight years on the ballot. That does not appear to be changing any time soon.

Maybe if Fred McGriff hit seven more homers and reached the 500 home run plateau, his career would be viewed differently. For now, he will be on the outside looking in when it comes to the MLB Hall of Fame.

Kevin Millwood – 1st Year on Ballot

Kevin Millwood is remembered for his excellent performance in the 1999 NLDS against the Astros, when he allowed just a Ken Caminiti homer as the only baserunner.

However, Millwood was more than just that one game. While he was never a star, he settled in as a solid middle of the rotation arm. He won 18 games twice, and in 2005, led the American League with a 2.86 ERA. Millwood was a workhorse when healthy, making 30 or more starts nine times in his career. He threw two no hitters, his first with the Phillies in 2003, and then was part of a combined no hitter in 2012, throwing the first six innings for the Mariners before departing due to injury.

Overall, he posted a respectable 169-152 record, along with a 4.11 ERA and a 1.328 WHiP. Although that ERA may seem high, he pitched the majority of his career during the PED boom, giving him a 106 ERA+. Millwood also struck out 2083 batters with only 843 walks in his 2720.1 innings.

Millwood was a solid pitcher, someone who could take the ball every fifth day and provide a worry free start. He was the type of pitcher teams liked having in the middle of their rotation, a solid option for a contending team. However, he was not anything more than that, and not the type of player that belongs in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Maybe Kevin Millwood gets a vote for the Hall. However, one should not expect a second year on the ballot.

Jamie Moyer – 1st Year on Ballot

Jamie Moyer lasted so long in the majors that he actually put together decent enough stats to make a case for the MLB Hall of Fame.

Just the fact that he pitched as long as he did was a surprise. He was a borderline player into his early 30s, and spent his entire age 29 season in the minors. However, a move to the Mariners at 33 years old set his career in motion, as Moyer become a dependable option in the back of the rotation. He made his only All Star Game at 40 years old in 2003, and pitched for another eight seasons afterwards, becoming one of 29 players to appear in four different decades.

In his 25 year career, Moyer managed to use his low 80s fastball to great effect, given his solid command. He posted a 269-209 record, along with a 4.25 ERA and a 1.322 WHiP. In his 4074 innings, he had 2441 strikeouts, while issuing only 1155 walks. Moyer may not have been a star, but he was a solid piece for the Mariners for over a decade.

For the most part, Moyer’s Hall of Fame case comes down to his wins total. he does have more wins than Bob Gibson or Carl Hubbell, for example, and the 250 win mark does tend to make a pitcher a strong candidate for enshrinement. However, Moyer was someone who managed to stay around for a quarter of a century, and was never really dominant. Most Hall of Fame metrics have him far below the average for induction, and his high ERA shows that he was not a dominant arm.

Jamie Moyer had an impressive career, and may hang around the ballot. However, he is not a Hall of Fame caliber player.

Mike Mussina – Fifth Year on Ballot (51.8% in 2017)

Mike Mussina is another player who is seeing his vote total slowly increase over his time on the ballot.

A remarkably consistent pitcher, Mussina won 15 or more games 11 times in his career, and only had two losing records. However, he reached the 20 win mark only once, doing so in his final major league season. Although he retired afterwards, Mussina appeared to have plenty left in the tank, and could have made a push towards the 300 win plateau.

Instead, he retired after the 2008 campaign, having posted a 270-153 record. The five time All Star had a 270-153 record, posting a 3.68 ERA and a 1.192 WHiP. In his 3562.2 innings, Mussina struck out 2813 batters while issuing only 785 walks. He was also handy on the mound, winning seven Gold Glove awards as he helped his own cause with his glove work.

It seems to be a matter of time until Mussina is elected. He had faced a backlog of worthy candidates over his first couple of years on the ballot, leading to his strong gains over the past two years. Had he pitched for another two or three season and reached the 300 win plateau, he would likely have been inducted in his first year. However, at this point, it is more of a matter of when, not if, he will be enshrined in Cooperstown.

It may not be this season, but Mike Mussina is well on his way towards being inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Manny Ramirez – Second Year on Ballot (23.8% in 2017)

With Manny Ramirez, one had to take the good with the strange. Fortunately, his hitting was strong enough to make the bizarre worthwhile.

Ramirez came to be known for his antics, like cutting off a Johnny Damon throw from the outfield, and his impromptu bathroom break inside the Green Monster. However, he was also known as a fearsome slugger, hitting over 30 homers in a season 12 times. An excellent run producer, Ramirez also had 12 seasons of over 100 RBI, as he became a key part of the Red Sox and Indians lineups.

A 12 time All Star, Ramirez also won nine Silver Slugger awards in his career. Although he never won an MVP award, Ramirez finished in the top ten in the vote nine times, with two third place finishes. He produced a lifetime .312/.411/.585 batting line, hitting 555 homers and driving in 1831 runs. He was one of the great run producers of his time.

The problem is, Ramirez is not just his stats. He was suspended twice for PED usage, his second suspension while a member of the Tampa Bay Rays essentially ending his career. He also had personal issues, getting into a fight with a clubhouse attendant during his time in Boston, and a domestic assault arrest when he hit his wife in the face. Those issues, in addition to his PED usage, led to a low vote total for a player who otherwise would have appeared to be an automatic Hall of Famer.

There is still time for Manny Ramirez to be enshrined. However, he has a long, uphill battle to reach Cooperstown.

Scott Rolen – 1st Year on Ballot

Most years, Scott Rolen would be regarded as a strong candidate for the MLB Hall of Fame. However, he is overshadowed on the 2018 ballot.

An excellent all around player, Rolen excelled for the Phillies and Cardinals. He was a strong power threat in the lineup, hitting 20 or more homers ten times, and driving in over 100 runs in five seasons. Rolen was also an excellent defensive player, winning eight Gold Glove awards. His 150 runs saved at third ranks sixth all time in baseball history, putting him in the company of some of the greatest glovemen at the hot corner.

A seven time All Star, and the 1997 NL Rookie of the Year, Rolen had an excellent career. He posted a lifetime .281/.364/.490 batting line, hitting 316 homers and driving in 1287 runs. Rolen also had a bit of speed earlier in his career, and stole 118 bases in 167 attempts. Add in his stellar defense, and Rolen was far more than a slugger.

However, he may have difficulty in getting votes this year. Rolen had the misfortune of landing on the ballot at the same time as Chipper Jones, one of the best third basemen of all time. Rolen was certainly a great player in his own right, but he was not in the same category as Jones. In this case, having Jones on the ballot with him may lead to Rolen’s accomplishments getting overlooked.

Scott Rolen has a strong case for the MLB Hall of Fame. If he can remain on the ballot after this year, his vote total should improve in the following years.

Johan Santana – 1st Year on Ballot

Johan Santana had a short, but incredible prime. Based on his results in the MLB Hall of Fame vote, we will see how much longevity matters.

Santana had problems with injuries before his final season with the Mets, but had come back strong. However, in throwing the first, and thus far only, no hitter in team history, Santana battled a myriad of injuries. After he tore his shoulder capsule again during Spring Training in 2013, his career essentially came to an end.

Although it was brief, Santana had an excellent career. A four time All Star, Santana won the pitching Triple Crown in 2006. He was a two time Cy Young winner, leading the league in ERA and strikeouts three times each. Santana posted a lifetime 139-78 record, along with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.132 WHiP. In his 2025.2 innings, Santana struck out 1988 batters, issuing only 567 walks.

The biggest strike against Santana’s candidacy is how short of a career he had. He had only twelve seasons in the majors, with a five year run of dominance. While a short run of domination helped Sandy Koufax into the Hall, Santana was not on that same level.

There is no questioning how well Johan Santana performed when healthy. But is that short run of dominance enough to merit induction?

Curt Schilling – Sixth Year on Ballot (45.0% in 2017)

It seemed as though Curt Schilling was on his way to the MLB Hall of Fame. Then, he had to open his mouth.

A late bloomer, Schilling had an excellent second half to his career. However, after his retirement, he has remained in the public eye for less than stellar reasons. His gaming company went bankrupt, costing Rhode Island taxpayers $28.7 Million. Schilling made controversial social media posts that led to his being fired from ESPN, and ultimately cost him 7.3% of the vote from 2016 to 2017.

Based on his statistics, Schilling is a borderline Hall of Famer. A six time All Star and former World Series MVP, he posted a lifetime 216-146 record, along with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.137 WHiP. In his 3261 innings, Schilling struck out 3116 batters against 711 walks. On the diamond, Schilling was as good as any pitcher of his era during his peak.

If the vote only covered his on the field exploits, Schilling would probably be enshrined. His performance during the 2004 postseason, with his bloody sock, would have been enough to push him over the edge. However, for Schilling, his story does not end with his sailing off into the sunset after his career came to a close.

Curt Schilling lost votes last year due to his actions. While he may be a strong candidate, it may take some time before he regains that lost ground.

Gary Sheffield – Fourth Year on Ballot (13.3% in 2017)

A feared slugger during his prime, Gary Sheffield has yet to find traction on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot.

Sheffield was a key part of the early success of the Marlins, a power hitter that helped solidify the middle of the lineup. He hit 30 or more homers eight times, while driving in 100 or more runs eight times as well. Regardless of where he played, Sheffield was an incredible run producer, capable of changing the game with one swing of his bat.

Over the course of his career, Sheffield played for eight different teams, never really having that one defining franchise. However, he was still a stellar player, producing a .292/.393/.514 batting line, slugging 509 homers and driving in 1676 runs. He was a real threat anywhere he played.

While Sheffield was a stellar hitter, his attitude was problematic. He admitted to intentionally making errors to force his way out of Milwaukee, and was considered somewhat temperamental during his career. Those problems, in addition to any potential PED suspicions, have made it difficult for Sheffield to find votes for induction.

Gary Sheffield was a stellar hitter during his career. That will not be enough this year, and it may not be enough going forward as well.

Sammy Sosa – Sixth Year on Ballot (8.6% in 2017)

Once upon a time, Sammy Sosa was credited with being one of the players to help save baseball. These days, he is fighting to remain on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot.

Those days have long since disappeared. Sosa has become a pariah in the game, a player whose accomplishments have been tainted by the brush of PED usage. However, unlike Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, Sosa has not been able to overcome that suspicion to gain traction on the ballot.

Sosa had a strong career. He was the only player to hit 60 or more homers in a season and not lead the league, a feat he accomplished three times in his career. A seven time All Star, Sosa was a six time Silver Slugger and the 1998 NL MVP. He produced a .273/.344/.534 batting line, hitting 609 homers and driving in 1667 runs. Sosa even had some speed in his younger days, stealing 234 bases.

At this point, it seems highly unlikely that Sosa will be voted into the Hall of Fame. Such a statement would have seemed unthinkable in the early 2000s, but a lot has changed regarding how the former Cubs outfielder is viewed. Even though he has officially been guilty only of using a corked bat, that shadow of doubt hovers over his surge as a power hitter.

Sammy Sosa helped save baseball as he and Mark McGwire chased Roger Maris‘ home run record. However, that will not save his candidacy.

Jim Thome – 1st Year on Ballot

Approximately 47.6% of Jim Thome’s plate appearances ended with a walk, a strikeout, or a home run. However, he made enough contact to put together a strong case for the MLB Hall of Fame.

One of the premier sluggers of his day, Thome put together impressive power numbers without the taint of PEDs. He had 12 seasons with at least 30 homers, and drove in 100 or more runs nine times. Thome led the league in walks three times, and his 1727 lifetime bases on balls rank seventh all time. Thome also led the league in strikeouts three times, and is second in baseball history with 2548 whiffs.

Despite his incredible power, Thome was a bit overlooked as a player. Even during his time in Cleveland, he was surrounded by other, flashier stars, getting lost inthe shuffle. Now that his career has come to an end, Thome’s lifetime .276/.402/.554 batting line, along with his 612 homers and 1699 runs batted in, speak for themselves.

At this point, it may be a matter of whether or not Thome is a first ballot Hall of Famer. He certainly has a great deal of support amongst the announced ballots, with a support rate over 95% currently. Barring a surprise on the remaining ballots, Thome should find himself in Cooperstown in late July.

Out of his Cleveland teammates, Jim Thome may end up being the one player from that run in the 1990s in the Hall of Fame. That day may come as soon as this year.

Omar Vizquel – 1st Year on Ballot

If Omar Vizquel is going to be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame, it will be due to his defense.

The American League version of Ozzie Smith, Vizquel was a shortstop without peer during his prime. He won 11 Gold Glove awards, including nine in a row with the Indians. Vizquel ranks fifth all time with 134 runs saved at short, and retired with a .985 fielding percentage, the best of any shortstop in MLB history. He was, without a doubt, one of the greatest defensive players in the history of the game.

And yet, Vizquel was not just a glove. Although he was never a strong hitter, he developed into a useful piece in the lineup, using his speed and contact skills to his advantage. Vizquel posted a decent .272/.336/.352 battng line, with 2877 hits and 404 stolen bases. He had a bit of pop, manifesting itself in 12 seasons with 20 or more doubles.

Should Vizquel find himself in the Hall of Fame, it will not be for his offensive contributions. Players like the aforementioned Smith and Bill Mazeroski have earned induction due to their defensive prowess. Vizquel was a great defensive player, but was he at that same level?

That question will be answered in time. Even if he does not get inducted in his first attempt, a strong showing by Omar Vizquel could pave his path towards eventually being inducted.

Billy Wagner – 3rd Year on Ballot (10.2% in 2017)

Despite being one of the greatest closers in the history of the game, Billy Wagner has not gotten any support for his candidacy.

It is hard to see why that would be the case. Perhaps it is because he never led the league in saves, although he did finish in the top five four times. Or, perhaps it is due to his struggles in the postseason, as Wagner had a 10.03 ERA and a 1.971 WHiP in his 14 postseason appearances. However, those struggles do not tell the story of how good of a pitcher Wagner was during his career.

Wagner was a seven time All Star, and won the 1999 National League Rolaids Relief Pitcher of the Year award. Overall, he posted a 2.31 ERA and a 0.998 WHiP, his 422 saves the sixth highest total in major league history. In his 903 innings, Wagner issued 300 walks and struck out 1196 batters. Armed with a high octane fastball, Wagner was one of the most dominant closers of his time.

However, that performance has been overlooked. He was overshadowed by closers like Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman in his career, leading to his low vote total thus far. As he has struggled to get over the 10.0% mark, his future induction through the BBWAA seems unlikely.

Billy Wagner was one of the better closers in the history of the game. However, he has been lost in the shuffle, and appears destined for the Veteran’s Committee.

Larry Walker – 8th Year on Ballot (21.9% in 2017)

Let’s play a little game when it comes to Larry Walker and his prime.

In a five year span, Player A had a .362/.508/.658 batting line, 168 homers, and 188 doubles. Meanwhile, in his own five year span, Player B had a .357/.445/.658 batting line, 156 homers, and 174 doubles. Player A is Ted Williams. Player B is Larry Walker.

While it is easy to discount Walker’s stats as being the product of Coors Field, that is an oversimplification. Walker produced a .313/.400/.565 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 141, matching Chipper Jones, and better than Vladimir Guerrero. Walker also hit 383 homers and stole 230 bases, while winning three batting titles. He was one of the best all around players in the game.

A five time All Star and seven time Gold Glove winner, Walker was certainly respected during his career. However, the stigma of being on the Rockies for a decade has hampered his candidacy. Walker has not climbed above 22.9% in the vote, despite production that would place him amongst some of the most qualified candidates on the ballot.

Larry Walker was a great player. However, his performance may not lead to the MLB Hall of Fame for some time.

Kerry Wood – 1st Year on Ballot

Once seemingly destined for stardom, Kerry Wood instead made us wonder what could have been.

He exploded on the scene with the Cubs, striking out 20 batters in only his fifth major league start. He won the Rookie of the Year that season, but missed September with arm issues. He appeared in the postseason that year, but missed all of the 1999 campaign with injuries. Those arm woes were a constant problem, as Wood made 16 trips to the disabled list over his career. Yet, that blazing fastball never left, as he began and ended his career with a strikeout.

Wood went from starting to becoming a closer, and dominated in both roles when healthy. However, he was never really healthy consistently, minimizing his accomplishments in the game. Overall, Wood produced a 86-75 record with 63 saves, posting a 3.67 ERA and a 1.267 WHiP. The two time All Star struck out 1582 batters in 1380 innings, the second highest K/9 rate in major league history, trailing only Randy Johnson.

The problem is, Wood just could not remain healthy. He had incredible stuff, but his arm could not withstand the rigors of pitching. Instead of that Hall of Fame trajectory that he appeared to be on, he has instead become a pitcher that makes us wonder what could have been.

Kerry Wood was one of the best of his time when he was on the mound. He just could not pitch enough to earn a spot in the MLB Hall of Fame.

Carlos Zambrano – 1st Year on Ballot

Typically, the first images that come to mind with Carlos Zambrano involve his explosive temper, and the problems he had in controlling it.

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Zambrano got into a fight with catcher Michael Barrett in the dugout in 2007, prompting Barrett to be traded to the Padres. He was suspended in 2008 after an outburst against Derrek Lee, and was suspended in 2011 after walking out on the team. His combative nature spilled over into the Winter Leagues, when he led a charge out of the dugout, throwing punches at anything in his path during a bench clearing brawl.

Throughout it all, Zambrano was a decent pitcher when he was in the right mindset. He posted a 132-91 record with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.331 WHiP, striking out 1637 batters in 1959 innings. Zambrano was also an excellent hitter for a pitcher, slugging 24 homers and producing a .238/.248/.388 batting line.

As strong of a career as Zambrano could have had, his temper and inability to be a team player ruined his career. Zambrano was out of the majors at 31 years old, his time over when even his friend Ozzie Guillen could not turn him around. He had a world of potential, but just did not have the mentality to allow him to become the player he could have been.

Next: Yankees Mount Rushmore

Carlos Zambrano made his way on to the MLB Hall of Fame ballot. That is about as much as he will get.