The BBWAA released their ballot for the Hall of Fame class of 2014. The results of the vote are due to be revealed on January 8th, with induction taking place next July. After nobody was elected in last year’s voting, the new ballot contains 17 holdovers along with 19 newcomers, which may start to cause a bit of a problem. The current BBWAA rules limit the number of votes on one ballot to 10, and there may be more than 10 deserving candidates. As they start to pile up, and even more deserving candidates become eligible, the BBWAA and the Hall may find themselves with a mess on their hands.
Yesterday, we looked at the returning candidates. Now it’s time to move on to the newcomers.
Moises Alou
The 6-time All Star had a very good career, but not one worthy of the Hall of Fame. He might get enough support to stick on the ballot for a few years, but not much beyond that.
Armando Benitez
I can’t imagine Benitez getting any votes, let alone enough to make a second go around on the ballot.
Sean Casey
The long-time Red had a fine career a will likely pick up one or two votes, but I expect this to be his only appearance on the ballot.
Ray Durham
Another one and done situation for the 2-time All Star.
Eric Gagne
Gagne seemed destined for the Hall after he won the 2003 Cy Young award in the midst of his record setting 84 consecutive saves. Arm troubles and inclusion in the Mitchell Report derailed his career, and will likely doom any HOF chances he had.
Tom Glavine
There is no question that Glavine, on the strength of his 305 career wins, will make the Hall. It is just a matter of when, as some voters may want for him to have to wait a year before gaining entry. If he were to make it this year, it would likely be a pretty special summer for Braves fans. On a personal level, Glavine is the only pitcher I’ve seen get his 300th win in person, after Roger Clemens and Greg Maddux faltered when I saw them at 299.
Luis Gonzalez
Over 2500 hits and 350 home runs would seem to make Gonzalez a pretty decent candidate for enshrinement. The hint of PED use, though never proven, will likely hold him back.
Jacque Jones
No.
Todd Jones
NO.
Jeff Kent
The 5-time All Star and 2000 NL MVP will likely become a Hall of Famer, though I expect him to have to wait a few years. He may end up picking up a few extra votes from people trying to stick it to his former teammate Barry Bonds.
Paul LoDuca
4 straight All Star selections speak well of LoDuca’s career, but hardly well enough to merit inclusion in the Hall. Not to mention his relatively short 11 year career.
Greg Maddux
The only question here is whether Maddux becomes the first person to be named on 100% of the ballots. My guess is no, as there is always one stick in the mud who will leave him off because nobody deserves 100% of the vote.
Mike Mussina
The 5 time All Star looks to be another deserving candidate who will likely have to wait for his chance to take the stage alongside baseball’s immortals.
Hideo Nomo
Easily the most successful Japanese pitcher to date, but that is far from enough to make it to the Hall of Fame.
Kenny Rogers
Rogers has 4 All Star games, 5 Gold Glove awards, and a perfect game on his resume. He also has a 4.27 career ERA, and, outside of Jack Morris supporters, that isn’t a number tha is going to garner much in the way of votes.
Richie Sexson
2 All Star game appearances for Richie Sexson can’t overcome his career falling off a cliff and having to retire at age 33.
J.T. Snow
The long time Giant has 6 straight Gold Glove awards to his credit, but just over 1500 hits in 16 seasons. He will not make it to another ballot.
Frank Thomas
2 MVP awards, 5 All Star games, a batting title, and 521 career home runs should garner first ballot status to the Big Hurt. The only question is if playing over half of his career as a DH will come back to haunt him. Similar to Tom Glavine, it will be more a question of when than if for Thomas.
Mike Timlin
141 saves over an 18 year career, plus a paid admission, will get Timlin into the Hall of Fame.