Eddie Guardado Not On My Hall Of Fame Ballot
Each year, members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America are given the opportunity to vote on ten players the deem worthy of entering the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Votes are compiled across the writers and only those players receiving at least 75% of the vote are granted entrance into the Hall. Many argue ten isn’t enough room to vote in all of the deserving candidates, and this year appears to be no different.
More from Minnesota Twins News
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Christian Vazquez Signing
- Minnesota Twins: Twins jump into Top 5 in first MLB Draft Lottery
- Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton wins 2022 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
- Minnesota Twins: A Twins Homage to the Turkey of the Year Award
Although I don’t have a vote, I have taken it upon myself as co-editor of Puckett’s Pond, to look through the ballot, and in effect, cast my own ballot for ten deserving candidates.
Despite being on the ballot, former Minnesota Twins pitcher and fan favorite Eddie Guardado would not get my vote. Looking at the candidates, this is who I see as being deserving.
MLB.com
Part of an elite duo alongside Craig Biggio, Bagwell posted impressive numbers throughout his career as a member of the Houston Astros. A career .297 hitter with 449 home runs to his credit, he strikes me as a no brainer.
MLB.com
Craig Biggio
Unfortunately, Biggio was not a first ballot Hall of Famer a year ago. I had strong feelings suggesting that he should have been rather than writers voting for less deserving candidates. There is almost no doubt that Biggio will find himself gaining entrance in 2015.
NYDailyNews.com
Is he a steroid user, a liar, and even arrogant to a certain extent? Of course he is. Barry Bond is also one of the best baseball players to ever step foot on a diamond. His 762 career home runs and 2,558 walks are major league records. He combined the rare athletic ability of power and speed, and he deserves to claim his place amongst Cooperstown’s best.
ESPN.com
Much like Bonds, Clemens lied, he cheated, and he was less than respectable to many of his teammates. Also like Bonds, he transcends the realm that many of the great pitchers of today experience. With 4,672 career strikeouts, he posted numbers we may never see again. The seven-time Cy Young winner should be elected to the Hall.
CBSSports.com
Now a photographer, the former hurler still strikes me as one of the most imposing pitchers to step on a mound. The Big Unit blew batters away at an alarming rate. His 10.6 K/9 ratio is a major league record, and he is a member of the 300 win club as well.
CBSSports.com
Martinez is somewhat of a controversial choice as he really has never had a position. A true designated hitter, Martinez perfected his craft. Batting .312 for his career, and hitting 309 home runs and driving in 1,261 runs, he commanded the plate as only so few hitters can do.
ESPN.com
The most alarming statistic for me when looking at Pedro is his career ERA, the number is 2.93. With 3,154 strikeouts across 18 years, Pedro became a staple amongst Boston Red Sox culture. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner, Pedro was one of the best pitchers over the past two decades.
CBSSports.com
When it comes to catchers, there are few who will experience a better career than that of Piazza. Batting .308 from behind the plate, while hitting for power (427 home runs), Mike Piazza found himself winning 10 Silver Slugger awards.
Larry Walker
Everything that Edgar Martinez did from the designated hitter spot, Larry Walker did from the field of play. A .313 batting average along with 383 home runs, Walker was one of the best hitters over the past two decades. An MVP and seven-time Gold Glove winner, Walker got it done in ever facet of the game.
ESPN.com
The Atlanta Braves have had a multitude of great pitchers over the years, but none in recent memory may compare to Smoltz. As one of the smartest pitchers to ever play the game, Smoltz paired 213 wins with 154 saves showing he could get outs at any point in the game. With over 3,000 strikeouts, Smoltz finds himself among rare company.
Although only ten players are allowed to be selected per ballot, the Hall of Fame once again opens itself up to criticism. With more deserving candidates being left out due to lack of room, there is sure to be much debate once again this season. Should the vote be open to all those worthy, I would find myself considering Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield as well.
We aren’t too far away from the official votes being revealed, so the debate is sure to start soon. Who do you think should be in?