2013 HOF What is your ballot?

ihatenames · 01-09-2013, 10:53 AM

This is a last minute thread. I did not want to highjack the thread on who should do the voting.

You're a writer and member of the BBWAA. What does your Ballot look like? You can select up to 10 players you believe are worthy of the hall. You can find a list of the eligible players here: 2013 Official Hall of Fame Ballot - Baseball-Reference.com

My 2013 Ballot:

1. Lee Smith
2. Jeff Bagwell
3. Roger Clemons
4. Barry Bonds
5. Fred McGriff
6. Larry Walker
7. Edgar Martinez
8. Alan Trammell
9. Mike Piazza
10. Tim Raines

LivnLegend · 01-09-2013, 11:00 AM

My anti-NoCal Giants bias is extremely strong but if Barry Bonds would have just continued in San Francisco as the same skinny-but-ultra-talented kid in Pittsburgh, I'd vote for him. My anti-steroid bias is strong but it's not to say I wouldn't be opposed to Clemens and Bonds being in at a later date. However, if I was a writer who had the power to make a statement, no matter how insignificant it would be, I'd do it this year. It's not an easy decision and it probably would be a short protest. It is hard because we all saw how hard a guy like Clemens worked, how dedicated Bonds was to his game. I think those two, along with Palmeiro and Sosa are my only HOF-caliber roid targets. I don't view era-compatible guys like Piazza and Bagwell or the upcoming Griffey the same way. It's the difference between "I wonder?" and "I know". When there's just no doubt - be it failed test, Mitchell report, and/or too many reliable witnesses - they fall in the latter category.

Ballot:
Bagwell
Biggio
Piazza
Raines
Trammell
Walker

I could probably be talked into strongly considering Edgard Martinez, Lofton, and Schilling with this vote.

Wish I could write in Whitaker.

ihatenames · 01-09-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivnLegend

My anti-NoCal Giants bias is extremely strong but if Barry Bonds would have just continued in San Francisco as the same skinny-but-ultra-talented kid in Pittsburgh, I'd vote for him. My anti-steroid bias is strong but it's not to say I wouldn't be opposed to Clemens and Bonds being in at a later date. However, if I was a writer who had the power to make a statement, no matter how insignificant it would be, I'd do it this year. It's not an easy decision and it probably would be a short protest. It is hard because we all saw how hard a guy like Clemens worked, how dedicated Bonds was to his game. I think those two, along with Palmeiro and Sosa are my only HOF-caliber roid targets. I don't view era-compatible guys like Piazza and Bagwell or the upcoming Griffey the same way. It's the difference between "I wonder?" and "I know". When there's just no doubt - be it failed test, Mitchell report, and/or too many reliable witnesses - they fall in the latter category.

I tried to vote with strictly on field performance. Thats why I have Clemens, Bonds and Palmeiro on the list. I can't say for sure some guys did and some guys didn't use. I don't want to reward some guys because they didn't get caught and punish those who did in a "guilty only because they were caught" situation. I also fault mlb for the issuse more than I fault the players for hugging gray areas to get a competitve advantage. The criteria I use is: were they significantly better then their peers? In the case of Bonds, Clemens and Palmeiro I believe the answer to be yes. In the case of Sosa, while he did have some monster years, his average slash line wasn't nearly as impressive. Other than a couple peak years, I don't believe he was significantly better than his counterparts in the outfield so I left him off the ballot. I'm cubs fan and I do have a soft spot for the guy as he made some miserable seasons worth watching, but he's a borderline as they come even with his homerun numbers.

swampdragon · 01-09-2013, 11:55 AM

Bagwell, Biggio, Raines.

Jordan · 01-09-2013, 12:31 PM

I'm one of those losers who would vote for people in later years, for my different reasons. I'll get to that later.

If I had to vote today...

1. Biggio
2. Raines
3. Bagwell
4. Edgar Martinez
5. Piazza
6. Lee Smith
7. Alan Trammell

Now, I'd put the PED guys in (Bonds, Clemens) but not immediately. cuz they deserve it i.m.o., but if any group doesnt deserve to go in as first ballot, its them. My close calls this year, who I would more than likely vote for next year, are Schilling, McGriff and Jack Morris

rpriske · 01-09-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swampdragon

Bagwell, Biggio, Raines.

Because you are opposed to players going in who used illegal drugs, right?

rpriske · 01-09-2013, 01:29 PM

My ballot:

Barry Bonds
Roger Clemens
Jeff Bagwell
Craig Biggio
Mark McGwire
Rafael Palmeiro
Tim Raines
Alan Trammell
Larry Walker
Edgar Martinez

(If I was allowed, I would also vote for Fred McGriff, Dale Murphy & Bernie Williams)

actionjackson · 01-09-2013, 01:41 PM

In no particular order:

1. Jeff Bagwell
2. Tim Raines
3. Alan Trammell
4. Edgar Martinez
5. Larry Walker
6. Rafael Palmeiro
7. Barry Bonds
8. Roger Clemens
9. Mike Piazza
10. Curt Schilling

Thanks to the BBWAA for making this ballot ridiculously crowded, and it's only going to get worse with all the legit HoFers that are coming onto the ballot in the next five years or so.

AnotherAlias · 01-09-2013, 01:50 PM

The obvious ones...Biggio, Bagwell, Raines, Smith, Trammel, Walker.

That covers it.

Wish I could add Pete Rose.

swampdragon · 01-09-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpriske

Because you are opposed to players going in who used illegal drugs, right?

Because I'm opposed to players going in whose statistics are a fraud due to steroid use.

swampdragon · 01-09-2013, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivnLegend

My anti-NoCal Giants bias is extremely strong but if Barry Bonds would have just continued in San Francisco as the same skinny-but-ultra-talented kid in Pittsburgh, I'd vote for him. My anti-steroid bias is strong but it's not to say I wouldn't be opposed to Clemens and Bonds being in at a later date. However, if I was a writer who had the power to make a statement, no matter how insignificant it would be, I'd do it this year. It's not an easy decision and it probably would be a short protest. It is hard because we all saw how hard a guy like Clemens worked, how dedicated Bonds was to his game. I think those two, along with Palmeiro and Sosa are my only HOF-caliber roid targets. I don't view era-compatible guys like Piazza and Bagwell or the upcoming Griffey the same way. It's the difference between "I wonder?" and "I know". When there's just no doubt - be it failed test, Mitchell report, and/or too many reliable witnesses - they fall in the latter category.

Ballot:
Bagwell
Biggio
Piazza
Raines
Trammell
Walker

I could probably be talked into strongly considering Edgard Martinez, Lofton, and Schilling with this vote.

Wish I could write in Whitaker.

We have three of the same guys. I go back and forth on Trammell. That's probably a middle infielder thing. He really didn't pile up Hall of Fame offensive stats, but he wouldn't be the worst shortstop in there, either. Why should a Hall with Pee Wee and Rizzuto leave out Trammell?

abailey3313 · 01-09-2013, 03:10 PM

Bonds, Clemens, Piazza, Bagwell, Biggio, Schilling, Edgar, Raines.

Turns out no one at all got it. Yawn.

Jordan · 01-09-2013, 03:18 PM

someone actually voted for Aaron Sele. Must have been one of the same people who voted for Brad Radke

CONN CHRIS · 01-09-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

someone actually voted for Aaron Sele. Must have been one of the same people who voted for Brad Radke

Todd Jones will be on the ballot next year!

rpriske · 01-09-2013, 03:57 PM

I normally don't mind those 'friend votes' that get people single votes, but this year that means someone isn't voting for a deserving candidate (because there are more than 10).

People voting for less than 10 are showing a strong dereliction of duty and should have their votes taken away.

CONN CHRIS · 01-09-2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpriske

I normally don't mind those 'friend votes' that get people single votes, but this year that means someone isn't voting for a deserving candidate (because there are more than 10).

People voting for less than 10 are showing a strong dereliction of duty and should have their votes taken away.

An ESPN writer turned in a blank ballot.

I still contend that the Jack Billingham voters should have their privileges revoked.

CONN CHRIS · 01-09-2013, 04:13 PM

The average ballot contained 6.6 names. Five of those ballots had the name 'David Wells' on them.

Just another broken thing I guess.

The Game · 01-09-2013, 04:15 PM

Well no more then what 3 will get in right? So my 3. Biggio, Bagwell & Piazza. Raines & Schilling are my other 2 picks. Would like to see Raines over Bagwell.

CONN CHRIS · 01-09-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Game

Well no more then what 3 will get in right? So my 3. Biggio, Bagwell & Piazza. Raines & Schilling are my other 2 picks. Would like to see Raines over Bagwell.

Since when is there a fixed number requirement and if you'd rather see Raines over Bagwell why ... ah, never mind

swampdragon · 01-09-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpriske

I normally don't mind those 'friend votes' that get people single votes, but this year that means someone isn't voting for a deserving candidate (because there are more than 10).

People voting for less than 10 are showing a strong dereliction of duty and should have their votes taken away.

That depends on how big a hall you want and your attitude towards the roids users. A small hall advocate who is opposed to letting in steroids users doesn't have 10 players to vote for.

01-09-2013, 10:53 AM	#1
ihatenames Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rockford Posts: 2,534	2013 HOF What is your ballot? This is a last minute thread. I did not want to highjack the thread on who should do the voting. You're a writer and member of the BBWAA. What does your Ballot look like? You can select up to 10 players you believe are worthy of the hall. You can find a list of the eligible players here: 2013 Official Hall of Fame Ballot - Baseball-Reference.com My 2013 Ballot: 1. Lee Smith 2. Jeff Bagwell 3. Roger Clemons 4. Barry Bonds 5. Fred McGriff 6. Larry Walker 7. Edgar Martinez 8. Alan Trammell 9. Mike Piazza 10. Tim Raines __________________ New Album coming soon! Last edited by ihatenames; 01-09-2013 at 02:26 PM.

01-09-2013, 11:00 AM	#2
LivnLegend Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: 100% pure adrenaline! Posts: 5,624	My anti-NoCal Giants bias is extremely strong but if Barry Bonds would have just continued in San Francisco as the same skinny-but-ultra-talented kid in Pittsburgh, I'd vote for him. My anti-steroid bias is strong but it's not to say I wouldn't be opposed to Clemens and Bonds being in at a later date. However, if I was a writer who had the power to make a statement, no matter how insignificant it would be, I'd do it this year. It's not an easy decision and it probably would be a short protest. It is hard because we all saw how hard a guy like Clemens worked, how dedicated Bonds was to his game. I think those two, along with Palmeiro and Sosa are my only HOF-caliber roid targets. I don't view era-compatible guys like Piazza and Bagwell or the upcoming Griffey the same way. It's the difference between "I wonder?" and "I know". When there's just no doubt - be it failed test, Mitchell report, and/or too many reliable witnesses - they fall in the latter category. Ballot: Bagwell Biggio Piazza Raines Trammell Walker I could probably be talked into strongly considering Edgard Martinez, Lofton, and Schilling with this vote. Wish I could write in Whitaker. __________________ Excess ain't rebellion. You're drinking what they're selling.

01-09-2013, 11:55 AM	#4
swampdragon Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Lonely Mountain Posts: 2,509	Bagwell, Biggio, Raines. __________________ “Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies." -- C.S. Lewis

01-09-2013, 03:18 PM	#13
Jordan All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chi Suburbs now... Posts: 1,991	someone actually voted for Aaron Sele. Must have been one of the same people who voted for Brad Radke Last edited by Jordan; 01-09-2013 at 03:23 PM. Reason: wrong name

01-09-2013, 04:13 PM	#17
CONN CHRIS Global Moderator Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 29,014	The average ballot contained 6.6 names. Five of those ballots had the name 'David Wells' on them. Just another broken thing I guess. __________________ Check Out My Cards!

01-09-2013, 12:31 PM	#5
Jordan All Star Starter Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Chi Suburbs now... Posts: 1,991	I'm one of those losers who would vote for people in later years, for my different reasons. I'll get to that later. If I had to vote today... 1. Biggio 2. Raines 3. Bagwell 4. Edgar Martinez 5. Piazza 6. Lee Smith 7. Alan Trammell Now, I'd put the PED guys in (Bonds, Clemens) but not immediately. cuz they deserve it i.m.o., but if any group doesnt deserve to go in as first ballot, its them. My close calls this year, who I would more than likely vote for next year, are Schilling, McGriff and Jack Morris

01-09-2013, 01:29 PM	#7
rpriske Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Spencerville, ON, Canada Posts: 26,506	My ballot: Barry Bonds Roger Clemens Jeff Bagwell Craig Biggio Mark McGwire Rafael Palmeiro Tim Raines Alan Trammell Larry Walker Edgar Martinez (If I was allowed, I would also vote for Fred McGriff, Dale Murphy & Bernie Williams)

01-09-2013, 01:41 PM	#8
actionjackson Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 6,181	In no particular order: 1. Jeff Bagwell 2. Tim Raines 3. Alan Trammell 4. Edgar Martinez 5. Larry Walker 6. Rafael Palmeiro 7. Barry Bonds 8. Roger Clemens 9. Mike Piazza 10. Curt Schilling Thanks to the BBWAA for making this ballot ridiculously crowded, and it's only going to get worse with all the legit HoFers that are coming onto the ballot in the next five years or so.

01-09-2013, 01:50 PM	#9
AnotherAlias Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: I'm back...for now Posts: 4,190	The obvious ones...Biggio, Bagwell, Raines, Smith, Trammel, Walker. That covers it. Wish I could add Pete Rose.

01-09-2013, 03:10 PM	#12
abailey3313 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 3,718	Bonds, Clemens, Piazza, Bagwell, Biggio, Schilling, Edgar, Raines. Turns out no one at all got it. Yawn.

01-09-2013, 03:57 PM	#15
rpriske Hall Of Famer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Spencerville, ON, Canada Posts: 26,506	I normally don't mind those 'friend votes' that get people single votes, but this year that means someone isn't voting for a deserving candidate (because there are more than 10). People voting for less than 10 are showing a strong dereliction of duty and should have their votes taken away.

01-09-2013, 04:15 PM	#18
The Game Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Inside The Game Posts: 30,937	Well no more then what 3 will get in right? So my 3. Biggio, Bagwell & Piazza. Raines & Schilling are my other 2 picks. Would like to see Raines over Bagwell.