The BBWAA released their ballot for the Hall of Fame class of 2017 last Monday. The results of the vote are due to be revealed on January 18th, with induction taking place next July. After Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza were elected in last year’s voting, the new ballot contains 15 holdovers along with 19 newcomers, which may start to cause a bit of a problem. The current BBWAA rules continue to limit the number of votes on one ballot to 10, and there may be more than 10 deserving candidates, so there will be too many qualified candidates fighting for limited spots in a shorter amount of time. Once again, the BBWAA and the Hall may find themselves with a mess on their hands.
Yesterday, we looked at the returning candidates. Today, it’s time to look at the newcomers and who may be thankful come January.
Casey Blake
Literally has no chance to stay on the ballot for another year, let alone earn election at some point.
Pat Burrell
It should be a quick one and out for the longtime Phillie.
Orlando Cabrera
The former Angels and White Sox shortstop has, again, put together a perfectly acceptable career, but will be lucky to get a sympathy vote from a hometown writer.
Mike Cameron
Wow, this batch of newcomers is starting to look a little weak. Cameron had a decent career, but will never be confused for a Hall of Famer.
J.D. Drew
Yet another nominee for the hall of the very good, but lacking credentials for the Hall of Fame.
Vladimir Guerrero
Now we’re talking. The former Expo and Angel great should earn enshrinement eventually, though likely not on his first try.
Carlos Guillen
The 3-time All Star will be lucky to make a second appearance on the ballot.
Derrek Lee
The former Cub first baseman was a fan favorite, but is not a Hall of Famer.
Melvin Mora
I can’t imagine anyone voting for Mr. Mora.
Magglio Ordonez
The former White Sox outfielder is likely to get some support, but will fall far short of election.
Jorge Posada
As a former Yankee with 5 World Series rings, Posada is likely to get more support than he probably deserves. Whether that is enough to get him to Cooperstown remains to be seen.
Manny Ramirez
Were it not for a few PED suspensions at the end of his career, Ramirez would have been a shoe-in for induction.
Edgar Renteria
The 5-time All Star had a sensational career, though not Hall of Fame worthy.
Arthur Rhodes
Yeah, no.
Ivan Rodriguez
A one-time surefire HOF candidate, but suspicions of PED use may delay, if not derail, his candidacy.
Freddy Sanchez
Really? Has absolutely no chance.
Matt Stairs
Now I think they’re just messing with us.
Jason Varitek
The long time Red Sox captain is likely to get extra support due to the team he played for, but it will likely not be enough for enshrinement.
Tim Wakefield
The knuckleballer may get some support, but not much.