The names on the ballot were no surprise, with 'headliners' being Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Gary Sheffield, Carlos Delgado, and Nomar Garciaparra (among others). None of these guys are unanimous first ballot inductees.
Randy Johnson has great career numbers and had many dominant performances, and should have the 75% to get into the Hall. Maybe a few extra votes for picking a bird off with 97mph fastball and instilling fear in John Kruk. 5 Cy Young Awards.
Pedro Martinez, great career, but not phenomenal numbers. Still not sure who his daddy is, but should have the 75% to get in. Maybe he will let us know who his daddy is at the ceremony. Hope he brings the little guy that used to be in his entourage as one of his guests. 3 Cy Young Awards.
John Smoltz lived in the shadows of greats Greg Maddox and Tom Glavine, but was pivotal in the Braves organization and their dominance during that era. Although he maybe this years Mussina and be over looked.
Sheffield will be on the bottom due to his link with PEDs (see Sosa, Bonds, McGuire).
Delgado and Garciaparra are long shots. Not sure if they will even be considered down the road.
Past list member Craig Biggio may have the 75% to make the Hall this year as he narrowly missed last year. Mike Piazza and Jeff Bagwell will miss again this year.
My vote is for Edgar Martinez, not that I have one, but the man has the numbers, he is the man that set the standard for the DH position.
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