Others with legitimate claims that I don't think have been mentioned.
Beltran - Probably the best all around switch-hitter since Mantle Rolen - Modern day Brooks Robinson Abreu - Always went unnoticed Oswalt - Probably doesn't have the hardware to back up a HoF spot, but would take him of Pettitte for sure.
Oswalt had a short and unspectacular career. Nothing to do with hardware, just lack of excellence and duration.
And Abreu is very "meh". Good longevity but not much of a peak. Well below average fielder. Continuing to play at this stage of his career is only hurting his chances.
Beltran and Rolen are solid choices. And Adrian Beltre isn't far off consideration either, especially considering how good he still is.
Modern pitching is going to have to be looked at different by HOF voters. We're at the point with hitting that numbers are starting to look normal again, so it shouldn't be an issue, but with the rules clubs are placing on their pitching staffs, there's got to be some give there. I would hope that isn't an issue, just a change in thought on what an elite pitcher's stats look like at the end of the career. Halladay, Sabathia, Pettite and Verlander are all HOF, I'd put Lee and Oswalt in there as well. That's 6 starters from one era which seems about right, but other than Verlander who will probably finish with stats that put him in easily all of the others are borderline which is why voters need to reassess pitching credentials especially when the new era of micromanaged pitchers see their day. Rivera is obviously in as well.
As for hitters ARod, Jeter, Pujols, Manny, Ichiro, Vlad, Chipper, Thome for those who are easily in already, MCab, Braun, Mauer and Cano for those who are on their way barring injury or complete drop off. With Chipper and Thome in, I can only think of one borderline guy and that's Helton and I'd say no. He was great for awhile, but he needed to do more in his 30's to have a shot and while he still hit for average, he didn't do much else.
I think Ichiro, Chipper, Jeter, Mariano, Pujols and Thome would get my vote. Halladay I'm on the fence, leaning toward yes. Would like to see another good couple years from him. I'd pass on ARod and Manny if people are passing on McGwire and Bonds. Vlad no, not if Larry Walker isn't getting in.
Team Izzy C Mauer 1 E5 2 Altuve 3 ARam S Cabrera CI LaRoche MI Drew O Melky, Cuddyer, Morse, Hunter, McClouth U Ortiz SP Lee, Fister, Miller, Fernandez, Lackey, RP Chapman Frieri Grilli Gregrsn Bnch 1 Hart 3 Mdlbrk 3 Rendon O Eaton P Lohse Nolasco Santana
Izenhart wrote:I think Ichiro, Chipper, Jeter, Mariano, Pujols and Thome would get my vote. Halladay I'm on the fence, leaning toward yes. Would like to see another good couple years from him. I'd pass on ARod and Manny if people are passing on McGwire and Bonds. Vlad no, not if Larry Walker isn't getting in.
Basically this for me too. Miguel Cabrera & CC Sabathia are well on their way as well. Obviously, if guys like Verlander, Kershaw and Felix keep their health I'm sure that they'll be in the conversation at the ends of their careers. Still way too early to declare them though.
Defense is pretty close to being as important as your offensive stats.
Forget about Bobby Abreu, can't believe his name was brought up in this thread. Terrible OF, just a 2 time all star, career .292 hitter with not much power. Very surprised he was mentioned here.
As for Big Daddy Vladdy, he had one of the best OF arms in baseball EVER. He could throw a bullet strike from the warning track to home plate with his eyes closed. He was incredible. Not to mention he was, in my opinion, the most exciting player to watch of all time.
If Vladimir Guerrero is not a HOFer then the Hall is nothing.
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by Tavish » Thu Aug 23, 2012 12:31 am 
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