Hall of Fame Poll?

Question

Which of the following players, if they retired TODAY, do you think belong in the Hall of Fame? Brief explanations appreciated!

John Smoltz
Ivan Rodriquez
Craig Biggio
Mike Mussina
David Ortiz
Bernie Williams
Chipper Jones

Dhecht....I didn't say these were the best candidates, just a list of candidates. Calm down, my friend.

As an aside, if Albert retired today he wouldn't make it because, as a player, you have to be in the big leagues 10 years to even be eligible.

Answer 1

Ivan and Biggio for certain, they are in the top 10 all-time for their positions.

Smoltz and Mussina are close but I'd say no. Right now Ortiz hasn't done enough for a HOF career. Bernie is close but there are superior outfielders not in the hall. I'd say yes to Chipper, he has done enough career wise and is one of the top players of his generation.


To those posted below, Ortiz has had 3 1/2 season where he has been above average. His entire career in Minnesota was mediocre. He needs at least 4 more top years to even get close to the HOF. BTW, do the Otiz fans know that he leads MLB in runners left on base this season. Not very clutch if you ask me.

Answer 2

If they retired today, I'm not sure that I would vote in any of them.

I believe that Pudge and Chipper Jones will end up in the Hall after their careers, but they don't have ARod-type numbers that would guarantee induction today.

Biggio and Williams are both guys I would consider, too. Biggio was the premier guy at his position for a decade, and Bernie has been good for a long time. However, I'm not sure either quite makes it.

Smoltz and Mussina have both had excellent careers, but I don't think either is Hall-worthy. And while Ortiz is the likely MVP this season, he's a guy who didn't even hit his stride until he was almost 30, and you don't get into the HOF with 1,000 hits!

Answer 3

Smoltz is a maybe... He's got respectable numbers, and he's played on a team that's pretty much always made the playoffs, which will only help his cause, but based on your wording, I'll say "no"...

Rodriguez is the only sure thing on this list. He makes it on the first ballot, no questions asked...

Biggio makes it if he gets to 3,000 hits. If he doesn't make it to 3,000 I think he falls short simply because he's not a "big" name throughout the country, so he's a "no" based on the way you worded the question.

Mussina needs to put together at least five more years of decent numbers to make it. So he's a "no"...

Ortiz is a definite "no" -- his numbers aren't good enough yet. Eventually they might be, but not today.

Williams is a tough call. His numbers aren't great but everything else helps his cause. I'll still say he's a "no," but I wouldn't be surprised if he makes it one day...

Jones is close too, but as of right now, I'd say he's a "no" -- if he gets to 400 homeruns and keeps his career batting average around .300, I'd say he'll get in someday, but not if he retired today.

Answer 4

It would be a toss-up between Smoltz and Biggio.

Smoltz - outstanding career as a starter who has been the only Braves pitcher to do consistently well in the post-season. In addition, he served as their closer for several years and set the National League record for most saves in a season before returning to starting. He's a money pitcher and the guy you wnat in there when its all on the line.

Biggio - closing in on 3,000 hits which he should get next year and that's almost an automatic election. For close to 20 years, he's been a stalwart of the Astros offense and defense and by the time he retires will probably hold the record for most career doubles. He doesn't have a high batting average, but he's been a second baseman for most of his career - and remember, he started out as a catcher!

Answer 5

If i had to pick, i would go with craig biggio and john smoltz. Smoltz went from starter, to closer, and back to starter, and dominated each time. He has a better record and ERA in the playoffs than roger clemens.

Biggio is an all around player and seems like may have played every position in his career. Started off as a catcher, then to 2nd, then to the outfield. I don't recall a lot of people going from catcher to the outfield. Almost has 3,000 hits. If he gets that, he's a lock.

Answer 6

i think smoltz still has to do a little but more still...i-rod is a shoe in right now...biggio i think needs 3000 hits, mussina i dont think will get in...ortiz needs about 10 more seasons of doing what hes doing, williams i dont know for sure, i like him but still the numbers arent really hall of fame material, however all the rings will help out, and chipper jones has a shot if he keeps going...they say the player needs about ten years in the big leauges to be considered and i think its rediculous that you have ortiz on this list and no albert...other guys who would be in if they retired today are clemmens, jeter, a rod. but on your list, id say the only one that could retire right now and be in the hall on this list would be pudge.

Answer 7

It's hard to ever tell with the Hall of Fame. What could expect from a "Hall" who has NEVER had an inductee voted in unanimously? Think of all the great players in there. That's crazy!

Answer 8

I would say that none of these players have actually played long enough to actually get into the hall. Except for Smoltz, Mussina, and Williams they are all in their late twenties to early thirties. Although, if all of them played 5-10 more years, I would say all of them would make it except for Williams.

Answer 9

Ok my answer will be obvious and quick I hope.David Ortiz plain and simple you do not run across players like him often.Hes simply amazing to watch {anyone who disses me because yeah, yeah hes a DH bite me}The best clutch in baseball, this guy is a rocket, you put him any kind of situation you can bet your *** he will get on base.A very humble, relaxed, team player kind of guy with one great smile.And Pudge I like him for some reason, Georgie did it.

Answer 10

None of them. Not one of them were good enough for long enough to merit consideration. The only one who may have a chance is I-Rod - only because he plays the most demanding position in the game.