The ballot for next year’s Hall of Fame induction was released earlier this week.  Results will be announced on January 9th.  Here’s my thoughts on each candidate.

Jeff Bagwell – I think that the longtime Astros firstbaseman will eventually get in, but he may have to wait for a few years. 

Jeromy Burnitz – Ah, good old Fabe.  He has no chance, but will go down in history as the man who replaced Sammy Sosa in the Cubs lineup.

Vinny Castilla – A decent player who benefited greatly from the thin Colorado air.

Juan Gonzalez – Seemed destined for Cooperstown before injuries and his own self-importance got in the way.

Brian Jordan – A two sport star that had a solid career, but nothing more.

Barry Larkin – The leading vote getter among non-inductees last year, he should make it this year.

Javy Lopez – A solid catcher for the Braves, who fell off far too quickly after moving to the Orioles.

Edgar Martinez – May be the first pure DH to get elected, but I think his time has not come yet.

Don Mattingly – Derailed by back injuries, and retiring just before the Yankees run in the late 90s, should keep him out.  Being the best and most liked Yankee of the 80s seems to get him undue support.

Fred McGriff – Never flashy, but he did go out and hit every year.  Falling just short of 500 home runs will make it easier to exclude him.

Mark McGwire – Has no chance with the current steroids lockout.  It will be interesting to see what happens when more of the confirmed and/or suspected users start to hit the ballot.

Jack Morris – The winningest pitcher of the 80s has started to gain some traction, but, in my mind, he shouldn’t make it.

Bill Mueller – Ummm, no.

Terry Mulholland – Again, no.

Dale Murphy – One of the best players in the league during the early 80s, but fell off quickly and his career sort of petered out.

Phil Nevin – No offense to Mr. Nevin, but anyone casting a vote for him should lose their voting privledges going forward.

Rafael Palmeiro – In the same boat as Mark McGwire. 

Brad Radke – A solid performer for the Twins, but nowhere near HoF material.

Tim Raines – The lack of support he has gotten so far is bewildering.  The second greatest leadoff hitter of his generation whose only shortcomming is that he wasn’t Rickey Henderson.

Tim Salmon – One of the better Angels of the 90s, which doesn’t get one to Cooperstown.

Ruben Sierra – Had a good career, but not close to HOF-worthy. 

Lee Smith – Seemed to gain a little traction the last few years, and did retire as the all time saves leader, but that record has since been shattered not once but twice.  I don’t think he will ever get the support. 

Alan Trammell – A very good shortstop for the 80s Tigers who, in my estimation, falls a little short. 

Larry Walker – Another solid performer who benefitted from being a long-time Rockie.

Bernie Williams – By all accounts, a well liked Yankee who was a major part of their late 90s dynasty.  That should not be enough to make the HoF, but I think he will get a lot of support.

Tony Womack – Should join Phil Nevin in the 0 vote club.

Eric Young – Another solid player, but solid does not get one to Cooperstown.