Being a Corridor of Fame voter is without doubt one of the best privileges a baseball author can have. It will also be one of the troublesome duties.
There’s a sure gravity to figuring out who could be known as a Corridor of Famer for the remainder of their lives. And views change over time, permitting a voter to achieve a larger appreciation of a participant the additional away he’s from his profession ending.
This yr’s Corridor of Fame voting outcomes will probably be introduced on Tuesday night time, and candidates should be named on at the very least 75% of the ballots to be elected. Listed below are the ten gamers I voted for and why:
Bobby Abreu
I by no means voted for Abreu earlier than, however the extra I’ve studied his case, the extra I consider he’s Corridor-worthy. Whereas he was chosen to simply two All-Star Video games in his 18-year profession, he had 2,470 hits, 400 stolen bases and a 128 OPS+.
Carlos Beltran
Participating within the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal places some taint on Beltran’s profession. Not sufficient, although, to offset his 435 residence runs, 312 steals and 9 All-Star Recreation appearances.
Ryan Braun
He was suspended for PED use, however Braun was one of many recreation’s premier gamers till again issues curtailed his manufacturing. Sure, I vote for PED customers. I’m a baseball author, not a member of the morality police.
Andruw Jones
His profession went downhill rapidly after leaving the Atlanta Braves, however Jones was as thrilling as any participant within the recreation for some time, profitable 10 Gold Gloves and enjoying in 5 All-Star Video games.
Andy Pettitte
The left-hander gained 256 regular-season video games, and his groups gained 23 of his 32 postseason begins, the time of the yr when the left-hander shone.
Manny Ramirez
He hit 555 profession residence runs and had a 154 OPS+. PED suspensions or not, that can not be erased from historical past.
Alex Rodriguez
He hit 696 profession residence runs and had 3,115 hits. PED suspensions or not, that can not be erased from historical past.
Francisco Rodriguez
Reduction pitchers have been gaining extra acceptance from Corridor voters lately. It’s time Rodriguez will get respect for his 437 profession saves and his MLB-record 62 saves in 2008 for the Los Angeles Angels.
Chase Utley
Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins gained Nationwide League MVP awards throughout Philadelphia’s run of 5 straight division titles from 2007-11, however Utley was the Phillies’ greatest participant. Utley hit .299 and averaged 27 homers a yr in that span, unusual manufacturing for a second baseman.
Omar Vizquel
He had some ugly alleged off-field incidents after retirement, however he was additionally one of the best defensive shortstop I’ve ever watched. And, sure, that features Ozzie Smith.
