Hall of Fame Part 3

This is the final installment of my 3 part series looking at all the players on this year HOF ballot. The first two parts are in the archive. But in case you missed it heres what I got so far
Yes-Rickey Henderson, Mark McGwire(you can read the reason in part 2)
No-Jay Bell, Dale Murphy, Ron Gant, Don Mattingly, Mark Grace, Harold Baines Bert Blyleven,David Cone,Tommy John,Jack Morris, Jesse Orosco and Dan Pleasac
Maybe-Andre Dawson


Todays group has some of the most interesting and most debated nominees.

Dave Parker-The Cobra was a dominating player!! In his prime in Pittsburgh there were few better players in the National League. Defensively he had a absolute gun in Right Field. He garned 3 Gold Gloves. He was on 7 All Star Teams. He won MVP once in 1978 and was third in the voting in 1977. Seven years later in 1985 he was third. So why has he received so little consideration? While some of his career totals are a little on the light side, he has only 339 Hrs and a little less than 1500 RBIs he was a terrific player. I think being involved in the cocaine scandal from the early 80s probably hurt him. If his 1981-82 season weren't almost totally lost and he put up Parker like numbers he probably would have gotten in. But he is just a little short in my book.

Tim Raines-Quite a few people I really like and respect have been canvassing for Raines to get in. First the good. Raines was the best lead off hitter in the NL in the first half of the 80s. He led the league in SBs every year from 1981-84. His 808 career stolen bases is 5th overall in baseball history. He was in the top 2 in runs scored 4 times. And he was always solid in the field Rock was chosen to 7 All Star Games. But the number that convinces me he is not hall worthy is this. In his long career he was only in the top5 in MVP voting 1 time and that was a 5th. He was only in the top 10 three times. A terrific leadoff hitter and a player who I would have liked to have but also no, but close.

Jim Rice-Last year Rice was the closest without getting in. Growing up I always remember Rice as one of the best hitters in the AL. A guy you just don't give a good pitch to hit. Looking at his stats confirmed my memory. 8 All Star appearances. He won MVP in 1978 and finished in the top 3of MVP voting 6 times. His career SLG is over .500. He knock on Rice is twofold. One is he was a below average left fielder. On that count they are correct. But lets look at the guys who have been out there for the BoSox, Ted Williams, Yaz, Mike Greenwell and Manny Ramirez. None of those guys were even average fielders most were way below. So LF has never been a key outfield position for the Sox. The other criticism is his career totals in the glamour categories are a little weak. For me 382 HRs and 1451 RBIs are not awful totals at all. Unlike others Rice really did not hang around long after his prime to pad his career numbers. So Rice gets my vote!!!

Lee Smith-Most of you probably know I'm not happy with the current way bullpens are set up. I remember the good ole days of the firemen. Guys like Goose Gossage who would enter the game in any inning to put out to other teams rally. This occurred usually before the ninth. And then gasp!!! your relieve pitcher would pitch more than one inning. What a concept!!!!! While I won't penalize any of todays closers, they are doing what they are asked to do I don't know yet if you just get 3 outs with a lead you belong in the same place as the All Time Greats. Lee Smith had a very good career. So don't get 476 saves by accident. I give him brownie points for longevity. But I don't think he is Hall Worthy. I think a really good discussion can be had with whick of todays closers we will be talking about in the near future for entrance to Cooperstown

Alan Trammel-Trammel will always be known as the 2nd best SS in the AL during the 80s. With Cal Ripkin being head and shoulders above every one else. Trammel had a very nice career He was on 6 All Star teams and won 4 Gold Gloves. He was even 2nd in MVP voting one year. Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker were terrific together. What I find interesting is the 84 Tigers were one of the best team in baseball in the 80s and they will have 0 HOFs. Not good enough.

Greg Vaughn-This makes me feel very old. I saw Vaughn in the summer of 1989 when he was playing AAA in Denver. He made 4 All Star teams. Not even in the ballpark.

Mo Vaughn- From 1995-98 Vaughn may have been the best hitter in the Al. He won the MVP in 1995. Alas 4 years does not make a career. The better of the Vaughns but also not close.

Matt Williams-I like Matt Williams. He does D-Back games when Gracie is doing network games. And he also is a very good broadcaster. He was a excellent power hitting 3rd basemen. His 378 career HRs are a testament to how good he really was. His career SLG is .489. He was named to5 All Star teams. And finished in the top 3 in MVP voting twice. Should he be in Cooperstown? No But he enjoyed a very underrated career.