Hall of Fame 2011

Well, the players who got voted in were the only ones expected to gain entry this time round.

Congratulations to Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven.  Alomar, I believe, deserved entry on his first ballot not his second.  Blyleven probably should also have gone in sooner.

The surprising parts to me is the low vote totals for Fred McGriff and Rafael Palmeiro.  I know Palmeiro "juiced" at least once and had that come right after his finger waving.  I was still shocked at his 11% total.  I figured he'd get at least in the 20 to 25% range.  WRONG!

Also McGriff's low totals.  I'm shocked.  He was a difference maker for the Braves and had consistent power.  He reminds me a lot of Eddie Murray.  I know the Crime Dog finished with less than the "magic" 500 HR total, but even that seems to not matter anymore with the steriod players.  Maybe McGriff will end up like Jim Rice and eventually gain entry after years on the ballot.  Yes, I also know that McGriff was as handy on the defensive side as Murray.  Mainly I'm shocked that Larry Walker recieved more votes than McGriff.  Both good players, but McGriff, in my opinion, was just better overall with more impact.

Juan Gone Gonzalez was almost Juan Gone from future ballots as well.  He just survived, and rightfully so.  He deserves a bit more consideration, even if many assume he juiced up with Canseco.

Next year looks to be more about who's on the ballot now, and not who's coming onto the ballot.  Next years influx isn't very impressive and not one really screams to me I'M A FREAKING HALL OF FAMER.