re: No MLB players elected to the HOF

quote:

---

Biggio has awesome numbers.

---

Top 5 all time 2nd baseman? And incredibly made the switch after 3 years in the majors as a catcher and goes on to win 5 gold gloves.

No. What I'm saying, as a 32 yr old braves fan, is with this list Biggio should not be on top.

The jock strap portion was an exaggeration to get others going.

Biggio is just the grand champion of all the "little things" people like to rant about. He stole bases at a high percentage. He didn't just draw walks, but he holds the HBP record. He rarely hit into double plays. He was just a guy who just crushed those "hidden" parts of baseball. His later career drove a lot of his ratios down, all in the quest for 3000 hits. Which is just a silly round number, honestly.

quote:

---

Sandberg
Alomar
Kent
Cano
Utley

---

Cano still has an incomplete resume, but I'd take Biggio over all the other four. Maybe Alomar, but I think Biggio is better.

quote:

---

You'd take Biggio in his prime over those guys in their prime?

---

HoF isn't about their prime.

I agree with all of that, but this is the HOF. Not the hall of little things.

I want the best of all time there.

I was a big fan of Biggio. I can't justify him as a HOFer. Like I said all he has to stand on is the 3k hits. Which is a great milestone. But it shouldn't automatically put you in.

I find it very disturbing that the BWAA has decided that they are above the game and can pass judgement on items just based on suspicion.

I see the HOF as a museum, and this museum is dedicated to describing the history of the game and honoring or telling of who were the best players at that time when they played. I can not believe that each writer who did not include Bonds, Clemens, or whomever accused of PED's can look at themselves in mirror and say they had no agenda. These writers applauded the exploits of these players when they played. They also, in my opinion condone the use of amphetamines and other enhancers but have determined "steroids" as the ultimate evil.

Today's action by the writers has made me realize, that they think they are the caretakers of the game, not the public, who truly are, as they are the ones that make baseball the game it is.

The HOF is for the Best of the Best. Being a good player doesn't get you in. Biggio was good. Hell, he was better than good, but doesn't belong in HOF.

quote:

---

HoF isn't about their prime.

---

yes and no - certainly there is a bias against guys who became stat compilers because of longevity. But you are correct in the sense that you can not be elected for a single accomplishment.

The criteria are quoted below:

quote:

---

3. Eligible Candidates --
Candidates to be eligible must meet the following requirements:

A. A baseball player must have been active as a player in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twenty (20) years before and ending five (5) years prior to election.

B. Player must have played in each of ten (10) Major League championship seasons, some part of which must have been within the period described in 3 (A).

C. Player shall have ceased to be an active player in the Major Leagues at least five (5) calendar years preceding the election but may be otherwise connected with baseball.

D. In case of the death of an active player or a player who has been retired for less than five (5) full years, a candidate who is otherwise eligible shall be eligible in the next regular election held at least six (6) months after the date of death or after the end of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs first.

E. Any player on Baseball's ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate.

---

quote:

---

5. Voting:

Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.

6. Automatic Elections:

No automatic elections based on performances such as a batting average of .400 or more for one (1) year, pitching a perfect game or similar outstanding achievement shall be permitted.

---

Well, let's look at the their best five-year stretch:

Biggio 308/404/477 136 OPS+ 17 HR 39 SB
Alomar 316/391/492 127 OPS+ 18 HR 27 SB
Ryno 291/357/494 133 OPS+ 28 HR 21 SB
Kent 307/378/548 142 OPS+ 29 HR 9 SB
Utley 301/388/535 135 OPS+ 29 HR 15 SB

Biggio's got the lowest SLG, but the highest OBP, #2 BA, #2 OPS+, and he stole a lot of bases. He also scored a ton of runs, averaging nearly 120 R a season in his peak, which is well ahead of those peers. Kent was also a butcher with the glove and pretty much despised by every human being who ever he came into contact with.

Yeah, I think Biggio had the best peak of the five. I'd consider Almoar, who I think is close as well. But he's a Hall of Famer, so comparing favorably to a Hall of Famer is a good thing.