The BBWAA released their ballot for the Hall of Fame class of 2018 on Monday.  The results of the vote are due to be revealed on January 24th, with induction taking place next July.  After Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines, and Ivan Rodriguez were elected in last year’s voting, the new ballot contains 14 holdovers along with 19 newcomers, which may continue the logjam caused by the current BBWAA rules which limit the number of votes on one ballot to 10 and the ongoing refusal by some writers to vote for players tainted by PEDs, leaving too many qualified candidates fighting for limited spots.  Once again, the BBWAA and the Hall may find themselves with a mess on their hands.  And that doesn’t even take in to account Joe Morgan’s letter.

Yesterday, we looked at the returning candidates.  Today, it’s time to look at the newcomers and who may be thankful come January.

Chris Carpenter

He put together some monster seasons, but lost nearly 4 1/2 seasons due to injury, leaving his numbers well short of enshrinement.

Johnny Damon

Probably would not get anywhere near enough support, but he spent many years in a Red Sox or Yankees uniform, so who knows.

Livan Hernandez

The Cuban ex-pat may get a vote or two, but it should be one and done for him.

Orlando Hudson

I can’t imagine a world where Orlando Hudson, who finished out his career with the White Sox in 2012, earns a Hall of Fame vote.

Aubrey Huff

Not that he was going to garner any support anyway, but his recent social media posts, falling for the worst of the right wing conspiracies, certainly aren’t helping.

Jason Isringhausen

This has been a weak batch of newly eligible players. no?

Andruw Jones

Now here is an interesting conundrum.  If we stick to his first 11 seasons, it seemed like he was destined for the Hall.  His last 7 seasons, though, were so bad that it makes it hard to consider him.  This would be a tough choice.

Chipper Jones

Ah, there we go.  A sure-fire, first ballot selection for the long time Brave.

Carlos Lee

The former White Sox outfielder may get a little support, but not enough to keep him on the ballot for a second go-around.

Brad Lidge

Lidge was on the mound when the Phillies won the World Series in 2008, but that won’t erase the memories of the huge home runs he gave up in the 2005 post-season, to Albert Pujols and Scott Podsednik.

Hideki Matsui

A fine player, but nowhere near Hall worthy.

Kevin Millwood

Millwood certainly has nothing to be ashamed of with his 16 year career, but it was nowhere near Hall of Fame worthy.

Jamie Moyer

Moyer’s career started in 1986 and he threw his last pitch at the age of 49.  That in and of itself should earn him some consideration.  But, there are voters who think being simply good for a long (or very long, in Moyer’s case) time isn’t good enough.  I doubt he ever gets in, but should hopefully stick around for a year or two.

Scott Rolen

The 8-time Gold Glover had a sensational career, though not quite a Hall of Fame worthy one.  Given the dearth of third baseman in the Hall, though, he may get some support.

Johan Santana

Were it not for injuries, we may be having a different conversation here.

Jim Thome

Over 600 home runs without a hint of PED usage should be good enough to earn the former White Sox DH a first ballot election to Cooperstown.

Omar Vizquel

I would assume that he will eventually make it in, but may have to wait a while.

Kerry Wood

Imagine, for a moment, what could have been and this would be a no-brainer.  Sadly, Wood’s magical arm could not hold up and numerous injuries limited his effectiveness.  I can’t see him getting any support, outside of a local homer or two.

Carlos Zambrano

And we finish things off with Wood’s former teammate, who should not get any support either.