The BBWAA released their ballot for the Hall of Fame class of 2014 on Monday. The results of the vote are due to be revealed on January 8th, with induction taking place next July. After Frank Thomas, Greg Maddux, and Tom Glavine were elected in last year’s voting, the new ballot contains 17 holdovers along with 17 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.
Tuesday, we looked at the returning candidates. Now, on this day of giving thanks, it’s time to look at the newcomers and who will be thankful come January.
Rich Aurilia
He managed to put up a 15 year career, which got him on this list, but it will be a quick one and done for him.
Aaron Boone
While many Yankee fans would like to see him inducted for a certain post-season home run against the Red Sox in 2003, that won’t be enough to get him a second look.
Tony Clark
Again, a perfectly acceptable career, but will be lucky to get a sympathy vote from a hometown writer.
Carlos Delgado
Delgado finished his career a mere 27 home runs away from 500, which will likely get him some support, but, based on Fred McGriff’s experiences, not enough.
Jermaine Dye
The MVP of the 2005 World Series is unlikely to get much in the way of support despite a solid career.
Darin Erstad
The longtime Angel is unlikely to get much support.
Cliff Floyd
Another player with a fine career, but no real question as to his worthiness for the hall.
Nomar Garciaparra
Now here is where things get interesting. From 1997-2003, he was one of the best hitters in the American League. Unfortunately, for the remainder of his career, he had much difficulty in staying on the field due to numerous injuries. I imagine he will garner enough support to stay on the ballot, but will not get serious consideration.
Brian Giles
No.
Tom Gordon
A 21 year career split between being a good to decent starter and a reliable bullpen arm is unlikely to get him more than a few votes.
Eddie Guardado
NO.
Randy Johnson
Pedro Martinez
The 2 locks for election, both of which came up through the Expos organization.
Troy Percival
A successful closer for the 2002 World Series champions ranks 9th all time in saves, which might get him a vote or two.
Jason Schmidt
130 career wins over a 14 year career is not a ticket to the hall.
Gary Sheffield
His 509 home runs should make him a shoe-in for election, but the taint of PEDs may keep him on the outside looking in.
John Smoltz
After last summer’s Brave lovefest in Cooperstown, it was widely assumed that Smoltz would join his former teammates this year. While I agree that he belongs, and that he will get elected eventually, I wonder if he will have to wait a year, as a sort of punishment for moving to the bullpen.