Comments on: Going Baerga

By: Richcap

Richcap — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:31:28 +0000

Maybe you should open up the HOF discussion. I was looking up what constitutes a HOF’er.
On the Cooperstown website…
The Hall of Fame’s mission is to preserve the sport’s history, honor excellence within the game and make a connection between the generations of people who enjoy baseball. Likewise the institution functions as three entities under one roof with a museum, the actual Hall of Fame and a research library. With these parts working together the Museum is committed to fulfilling its mission by: (and then it lists how it maintains the site).

I also don’t agree with talk,”is he a first ballot HOF?” If he’s a HOF’er, he’s a HOF’er PERIOD. We should be asking… Did he dominate his era? Did he bring baseball to another level? Is he a legend in his time? Numbers get distorted through time. Some players are lucky enough to pad the numbers. Sure longevity is a part of it, like Nolan, but guys get in just because the hit the “magical” numbers.

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 21:01:20 +0000

Maybe we need a HOF post.

Should Howard get in at least 8-10 productive years (like he’s been), he’ll probably get measured against the Kiner, who had a very short career, but got elected in last eligible year by one vote.

Allen, Belle, and Rice get caught up in that “how many dominant years did they really have” measure. Belle (who I don’t think is eligible any longer) had a more consistent string of strong years, but probably lost points because of short career (obviously) but also the era he played and trick-or-treaters he tried to run over. Allen only played 6 yrs >130 games.

IMHo, a HOF’er has to sparkle in light no matter what angle you hold their career. If you have to bend your brain weighing the decision, the candidate probably doesn’t deserve.

By: Scott Unterbrink

Scott Unterbrink — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:21:53 +0000

I agree they are a little low but Blyleven gets penalized for pitching to long and guys like Allen and Albert Belle get penalized for not playing long enough. Allen (12yrs avg 28 HR per year)and Belle (10yrs avg 37 HR per yr) make me wonder if Ryan Howard eventually will make it?

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:23:13 +0000

I think those Allen totals are actually part of the problem for him–little low for immortality. At some point you’ve got to leave the bubble guys on the bubble…not that the BBWAA has been totally adherent to this. If the threshold keeps falling,it’s gonna wind up hitting Mario Mendoza on the head. And we wouldn’t want that.

By: Scott Unterbrink

Scott Unterbrink — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:48:23 +0000

I agree Blyleven and the Hawk make it this year. Blyleven should have been in by now. Why isn’t Richie Allen in? He’s comparable to Hank Greenberg & Chuck Klein. Is it his off filed issues? 1848 hits, 351 Hrs and 1,119 RBI certainly are deserving.

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:36:51 +0000

Yeah, but Bowa could never say “annnnnnnnnnnnd, Mel Haw will be the baddah” like the Scooter.

By: Dave Stefano

Dave Stefano — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:29:34 +0000

Like Scott mentioned, I thought the title was awesome. What was he thinking with that Pinnacle baseball card? That speaks volumes to his career. It’s a disgrace Blyleven isnt in, Robby not in first ballot, why is Rizzuto in and not Bowa? Bowa leads him in every category except RINGS

By: Vince Palladino

Vince Palladino — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:20:28 +0000

Great job John. No doubt he’s better prepared for 2010, he has a new baby, no time to run around with the Baerga types. One question, what is Joe Goetz doing up at 4:14 am?

By: John Cappello

John Cappello — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:12:57 +0000

Thank you Joe and Scott.
Scott, you do have a way of causing the most “damn, I was just gonna pick him” groans in our drafts. I think Robby gets hurt by that expectorating incident, as far as first ballots are concerned. The trends say Bert and the Hawk are due to break through the door this year. Their votes have been creeping up in that direction, and there’s no other sure-fire choice.

By: Scott Unterbrink

Scott Unterbrink — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:34:23 +0000

Great article, I love the title! I think Cole has a bounce back year in 2010. It’s just a question of what round you’re going to pick him in so I can do it 1 round before you!
With the HOF announcements coming up in January who do you think gets in this year? Is Robby Alomar a 1st ballot HOfer? Why can’t a pitcher with the 3rd highers K total and the 21st highest # of wins and a 1.2 WHIP get into the HOF? Where’s the love for Bert Blyleven???
Have a great holiday!