Hall of Fame 2013

     Well, it's that time again.  Time for everyone to debate the PED users chances of induction into the HOF.

     My stance hasn't changed much.  I measure the players against the others in their era.  PEDs or not.  I'm getting tired of all this arguing.  Did they cheat?  I guess so.  But so did so many other already in the Hall.  Gaylord Perry, Don Sutton.....

     Sure, they didn't, as far as we know, take any PEDs, cocaine or amphetamines, but they still altered the friggin' baseball to get an advantage on hitters.  Sounds like cheating in my book.  Anyways, that a whole new argument.  I'm just going to list my 10 for the Hall.  As if anyone actually cares what I think.

1.  Mike Piazza:  No evidence proves he did any PEDs.  You can make assumptions, but I haven't seen any proof.  Definitely THE best power hitting catcher of all time.  His downsides would just be his defense and his ability to throw runners out. 

2.  Jeff Bagwell:  Again, he's like Piazza.  No proof.  The man got the job done.  Period.  I think he belongs in the Hall.

3.  Barry Bonds:  Uh-oh.  Well, he was great before we suspect/know he started using and he was even better afterwards.  His career says it all. 

4.  Roger Clemens:  Same as Bonds.  In 30 years, people aren't going to care as much about IF they used, but they'll look back at their careers and ask why are they not in the HOF? 

5.  Alan Trammell: Should already be in the Hall.  Where's Whitaker?

6.  Fred McGriff:  No link to PEDs, and look at his numbers.  Get back the missed games from 94 and 95 and he has 500 homers easily.

7.  Edgar Martinez:  Arguably the best DH of all time.  If a closer can get inducted, so can a DH.  They're both specialists.  One at getting the last 3 outs and the other at hitting the ball.

8.  Craig Biggio: His last years hurt him some, both offensively and defensively.  Especially being moved to the OF.  But I believe he should still get in based on his years at 2B and his 3,000 hits.

9.  Curt Schilling: Very dominant for a few years.  Great postseason career.  He helped his teams win World Series Championships.  Also, one of the best strikeout pitchers.

10.  Tim Raines:  The second best leadoff hitter of all time.  He definitely deserves enshrinement.

     The ones who almost made my list: Dale Murphy, Jack Morris, Mark McGwire and Lee Smith.  This is Murphy's last year on the ballot, and I'll hate to see him fall off.  Morris will most likely get in soon, unless the new waves knock him down some.  This ballot is going to get overcrowded very soon.  Lee Smith should be in and Mark McGwire could go either way.  Tremendous power, but not much else.  And exactly how much did PEDs help him out? 

     Next year, I believe Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and Frank Thomas hit the ballot.  All 3 are first round inductions in my book. 

   Also, I guess I should get online more often and type stuff up.  I haven't been on here in two years.