Baseball Hall of Fame

[dlgood]

Today, MLB announced this year's Hall of Fame class:

1. Andre Dawson

Much like last year (Jim Rice) Dawson was a very good player with a great career, but a player who wouldn't have made my list. Both were sluggers who put up nice first order stats, didn't get on base nearly enough, were overrated because of Home Run totals and favorable park effects - and who were actually less valuable then their less splashy but more well rounded outfield teammates. (Dwight Evans and Tim Raines)

Well, what's done is done. It does show that the revolution in baseball analysis still hasn't quite made it through to the old men who vote on the hall. That said, here's my ballot:

1. Roberto Alomar
2. Bert Blyleven
3. Barry Larkin
4. Edgar Martinez
5. Tim Raines
6. Alan Trammel

Blyleven and Alomar are probably locks to get in next year. Jack Morris and Mark McGwire might have a shot next year. Raines and Trammel continue to be criminally underrated. Of course, if any of these gents really want in, they'd better get cracking for 2011 and 2012 balloting. Because starting with 2013, the really big stars come up (Biggio, Clemens, Piazza) and they all go to the back of the line...

Comments

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

I really loved Andre in the Cubs' 1989 season. He was such a cool steady guy, and they really haven't done much better since then. The crowds used to stand up and bow when he'd come on. I know personality doesn't make a great player, but I think he helped make a team.

[cactuswatcher.livejournal.com]

I'm a little puzzled about Dawson. He seemed like the big bat no one was really afraid of. He ran pretty well, but not so well that it was a giant factor. By far his best year was with the last place Cubs in '87. He wasn't particularly outstanding in 1981 when the Expos made the playoffs or in 1989 when the Cubs made it. As you said good, but I wouldn't call him great...