Which MLB Players are Going to Cooperstown?
Stan McNeal - SportingNews.com
Apr 29, 2010
Coming off an era of inflated power numbers, it has never been tougher to determine Cooperstown credentials. So we asked one of our HOF voters, Stan McNeal, to get an early start on today's stars. Because many were too modest to brag about their qualifications, we found teammates -- and eight players already inducted -- to do it for them.
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THIRD BASEMEN
Lock
Chipper Jones, Braves. One of the game's top switch hitters, Jones was Atlanta's best player during its run of 14 consecutive division titles.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I'm caught somewhere between batting average and on-base percentage (.406 career). Having a .400 on-base percentage and a .300 batting average means you're as tough an out as possible. That's what you strive for as a hitter. When you walk up to the plate at crunch time, you want to look out there and see that pitcher go, Oh (expletive), this is going to be tough" -- Jones
50-50
Alex Rodriguez, Yankees. There's no denying his numbers -- he's closing in on 600 homers -- but voters are as likely to hold A-Rod's steroids admission against him as forgive him.
On his way
David Wright, Mets. His 2009 power drop-off aside, Wright has been an offensive force and defensive stalwart.
Also: Evan Longoria, Rays; Michael Young, Rangers.
A view from the Hall -- 3B Brooks Robinson, class of '83, says: "Chipper Jones is a sure Hall of Famer. With his longevity and performance, he's right at the top. ... It might not be on a first-time vote, but I think Alex Rodriguez will be a Hall of Famer. I think that all these guys who are connected with the steroids issue are getting in sooner or later, but maybe not in my lifetime."
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SHORTSTOPS
Lock
Derek Jeter, Yankees. With five World Series rings, the ultimate Yankee is as deserving as any player in baseball history to be a unanimous first-ballot selection.
The stat I'm most proud of: "We won five times. That's why you play. You play to win, right? That's the whole point of competing. If you don't win, what's the point?" -- Jeter
50-50
Omar Vizquel, White Sox. Vizquel is the best-fielding shortstop since Ozzie Smith, but his 2,705 hits with little power put him on the fence in an offensive era.
On his way
Hanley Ramirez, Marlins. The 2009 N.L. batting champion has improved defensively (26 errors in 2006, 10 in 2009).
Also: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies.
A view from the Hall -- SS Ozzie Smith, class of '02, says: "From a numbers standpoint, if [Jeter] quit today, I don't know if that would do it, but I think that his persona and everything he represents in New York and how he represents the Yankees and the city of New York is something that would be given a lot of consideration. ... The fact that I made it really gives Omar Vizquel a chance if you look at his numbers and the way he worked at becoming a better offensive player. We both were prototypical shortstops when we came in who at the end of our careers were better offensive players than we were going in."
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SECOND BASEMAN
50-50
Chase Utley, Phillies. Since 2005, Utley leads second basemen in runs, homers and RBIs, but he has played only five full seasons.
The stat I'm most proud of: "Just wins. You should be pretty proud of wins." – Utley
On his way
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox. His first four seasons have been more productive than the early years of another vertically challenged second baseman already in Cooperstown, Joe Morgan.
Also: Robinson Cano, Yankees.
A view from the Hall -- 2B Ryne Sandberg, class of '05 says: "Chase Utley comes first to mind, then Dustin Pedroia. I like the way those two guys go about their business. They are no-nonsense players. They play hard up the middle, they set the tone, and they've been on winning teams."
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FIRST BASEMAN
Lock
Albert Pujols, Cardinals. Not Babe Ruth, not Ted Williams, not Stan Musial -- no one accomplished more in the first nine years of his career.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I don't think about the numbers. I am trying to do what I can to help my team win." -- Pujols
50-50
Todd Helton, Rockies. He has been one of the game's best hitters and slickest fielders over the past decade and a half, but 325 career homers might not be enough.
Also: Jim Thome, Twins.
On his way
Prince Fielder, Brewers. Old schoolers might not like his walkoff antics, but they have to like his slugging and durability.
Also: Ryan Howard, Phillies; Mark Teixeira, Yankees; Miguel Cabrera, Tigers; Justin Morneau, Twins.
A view from the Hall -- 1B Harmon Killebrew, class of '84, says: "I don't know if Albert Pujols is there already, but he's certainly got a good shot at it. He's a pretty consistent guy. He's probably the best player in the National League. ... Jim Thome is probably going to pass me up here pretty soon (Killebrew hit 573 career home runs). I'm pulling for Jim Thome. Not only has he been a great player, he's been a good individual as well. ... Ryan Howard is another one who has a chance. He has to hang around for a while, I would think, and put more big numbers up."
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CATCHERS
Lock
Joe Mauer, Twins. He is three seasons from being eligible for election but has been piling up hardware and is making a case to be the best-hitting catcher ever.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I'm sure I'll look back on them someday and enjoy (the numbers) more. But it's about the number of wins for the Minnesota Twins" – Mauer
50-50
Ivan Rodriguez, Nationals.Pudge once was considered a lock but now will have to deal with being part of the steroids era.
Also: Jorge Posada, Yankees.
On his way
Yadier Molina, Cardinals. He can't match Brian McCann's offense, but Molina has established himself as one of the majors' best defensive catchers.
Also: Brian McCann, Braves.
A view from the Hall -- C Gary Carter, class of '03, says: "The guy that stands out from anybody right now is Joe Mauer. With three batting titles already, no question -- providing he stays healthy. ... Pudge Rodriguez, he's nearing the end of his career, and I think he's in, but there have been allegations against him about doing steroids. ... Jorge Posada, I would say that he's right now on the bubble, and a lot of that has to do with his defense."
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OUTFIELDERS
Locks
Ken Griffey, Mariners. He's the greatest player of his era who remained above all suspicions of steroids use and is the active leader in home runs.
The stat I'm most proud of: "Defensively, being called one of the best that ever played. My dad said if you're going to stick around, you're going to have to play defense" -- Griffey
Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners. He has been the A.L.'s best leadoff man and right fielder since arriving in Seattle in 2001.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I'm most proud of the decision I made to come to the major leagues—because it was a difficult decision" – Ichiro
Vladimir Guerrero, Rangers. Vlad has been one of the game's most feared hitters since batting .324 with 38 homers as a 23-year-old in 1998.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I am not worrying about the numbers. I am happy to be healthy and playing" – Guerrero
50-50
Johnny Damon, Tigers. He has won a ring with two teams and ranks first among outfielders in runs and second in hits since 1995, but a lack of power could cost him.
Also: Manny Ramirez, Dodgers.
On his way
Ryan Braun, Brewers. When your first three years match those of Albert Pujols, your career has started on the right path.
Also: Matt Holliday, Cardinals; Carl Crawford, Rays; Matt Kemp, Dodgers.
A view from the Hall -- OF Ralph Kiner, class of '75, says: "Ken Griffey has a 100 percent chance to make the Hall of Fame. He's one of the all-time home run leaders, and I think that's pretty strong to back up your credentials. … It's kind of a farce that Ichiro Suzuki was considered a rookie when he came into major league baseball because he had that immense background in Japan. But what he does, and the amount of hits he's had over the past nine years in the majors, he certainly qualifies for the Hall of Fame. … Vladimir Guerrero is an interesting case. I would have some reservations in regard to his qualification for the Hall of Fame. He's certainly a very strong hitter, but he's tailed off in the later part of his career. That is not that unusual, but I would have to pass on voting for him at the moment."
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STARTING PITCHERS
Lock
Roy Halladay, Phillies. He has been the most dominant starting pitcher of the past decade -- and he dominated in a hitters era.
The stat I'm most proud of: "I look at the innings and the walks. Those are things that you can control the most" – Halladay
50-50
Johan Santana, Mets. He has been among the majors' best pitchers since 2004, but a lack of career wins (123) could cost him.
Also: CC Sabathia, Yankees; Mark Buehrle, White Sox; Andy Pettitte, Yankees.
On his way
Tim Lincecum, Giants. The Freak hasn't been around long but couldn't be off to a more encouraging start to his career.
Also: Felix Hernandez, Mariners; Justin Verlander, Tigers.
A view from the Hall -- SP Gaylord Perry, class of '91, says: "Tim Lincecum has surely got a great start, doesn't he? ... Roy Halladay and Johan Santana and CC Sabathia, they've still got a long future ahead of them, and I'm sure they're going to do well. If they do, their numbers are going to be up there to where there isn't any question whether they're going to be in the Hall of Fame."
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RELIEF PITCHERS
Locks
Mariano Rivera, Yankees. Whether the debate is about the regular season or postseason, there is no debate: Rivera, with his five rings, is the best closer ever.
The stat I'm most proud of: "You're asking the wrong guy. For me, it's not about stats. I'm not about stats. I'm about teamwork. Accomplishment will come along. If you're a player about stats, you'll never accomplish the things you want to accomplish" -- Rivera
Trevor Hoffman, Brewers. The all-time saves leader can't match Rivera's postseason performance but has been just as successful in the regular season.
50-50
Billy Wagner, Braves. With a big 2010, Wagner could become the career saves leader among lefthanders. But he still trails Hoffman by more than 200.
On his way
Francisco Rodriguez, Mets. Just weeks after his major league debut, he was a postseason hero for the 2002 World Series champion Angels. Rodriguez has been dominant since and is only 28.
Also: Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox.
A view from the Hall -- RP Dennis Eckersley, class of '04, says: "Mariano Rivera is a slam dunk. He's as good as any of the old school guys; it doesn't matter if he didn't pitch two innings to get his saves. The postseason thing is the clincher. ... Trevor Hoffman has the numbers and has been great, but he hasn't had many chances in the postseason, so that's the question. Lee Smith has (478) saves, and he's not there, you know? ... Jonathan Papelbon is on the right track -- he's been great in the postseason -- but he still has a long way to go."
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Matt Crossman, Ryan Fagan, Steve Greenberg, Bill Eichenberger, Eric Fisher and Andy Jasner all contributed to this report.
The full version of this story first appeared in the April 26 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
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