This is Part 1 of 4 as I look at the potential HOF candidates of the next 4 years.
2011 1st time eligible, Jeff Bagwell, Rafael Palmeiro(above), Larry Walker, Juan Gonzalez, John Franco, and John Olerud. To view a brief capsule of these players click here
I think Raffy, Bagwell and Franco probably have the best shot at getting in eventually. None are 1st ballot guys and Palmeiro is going to have to get past the positive PED test after achieving his 3,000th hit and proclaiming in front of congress that he never used. Bagwell has a better shot since it appears that he was never linked to the drug abuse scandal, while Franco was real good for a long time. Longevity shouldn't be a factor for getting into the Hall but consistency should and Franco has that.
The problem these guys are all going to face is being associated with the Steroid Era and the fact that in years to come there are some locks for the Hall that may keep these guys hanging around the 50-60% range in votes. (75% of vote needed to get in)
Still I think the class of 2011 is a 2 man photo, I'll go with Bert Blyleven and Robbie Alomar for Cooperstown, NY in '11.
I'm surprised Alomar didn't get in this year. He was the premier 2b of his era.
ReplyDeletespitting in the face of an umpire has most likely cost him a vote or two. I know it was isolated incident but you have to think like a stubborn old school writer when trying to make sense of some of this
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