There are some interesting cases amongst the final five players on the MLB Hall of Fame ballot.
Nick Swisher – first year on ballot
Ozzie Guillen’s favorite player finds himself on the ballot. Nick Swisher was adept at getting on base and had decent pop, but his career is relatively underwhelming for consideration for the Hall. The 2010 All Star produced a .249/.351/.477 batting line with 245 homers and 307 doubles in his dozen years in the majors. While those are solid numbers, he is not likely to receive a vote.
Shane Victorino – first year on ballot
When Shane Victorino was healthy, he was a solid player. The problem was that he could not stay on the diamond. A two time All Star and four time Gold Glove winner, he appeared in more than 100 games only eight times in his dozen years. That hurt his numbers, leading to a .275/.340/.425 batting line with 108 homers and 231 steals. Victorino had a solid career, but not one worthy of a vote on the Hall of Fame ballot.
Omar Vizquel – fourth year on ballot
It seems likely that Omar Vizquel will eventually be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame. A three time All Star, Vizquel was known for his excellent glove, leading to 11 Gold Glove awards. He developed into a respectable hitter as well, producing a .272/.336/.352 batting line with 456 doubles and 404 steals. Interestingly, despite hitting only 80 homers in his career, Vizquel is one of four players in MLB history to hit a homer in four different decades. The other three are in the MLB Hall of Fame; Vizquel may join them in the near future.
Billy Wagner – sixth year on ballot
One of the best relievers in MLB history, Billy Wagner does not get the recognition he deserves. This may be due to his horrendous postseason numbers, but Wagner was one of the best closers in the regular season. A seven time All Star, he never led the league in saves, but his 422 saves are sixth all time. He produced a 2.31 ERA and a 0.998 WHiP, striking out 1196 batters with 300 walks in his 903 innings. Those numbers deserve a longer look.
Barry Zito – first year on ballot
Another pitcher who appeared to be on a Hall of Fame trajectory, Barry Zito saw his career fall off once he left the A’s. He was a three time All Star and the 2002 AL Cy Young winner, but never lived up to the seven year deal he signed with the Giants. Although that contract colors the perception of his career, Zito was a solid pitcher, posting a 165-143 record, along with a 4.04 ERA and a 1.337 WHiP. He struck out 1885 batters with 1064 walks in his 2576.2 innings. Those were respectable numbers, but not enough to be enshrined in the MLB Hall of Fame.