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My stance on the PED users is this-IF I believe you were HOF worthy before the PED usage,you get the vote,if not you don't.
Basically I am ignoring the numbers for these guys.
Yes
Barry Bonds-Before PED usage,still the best overall player in the game.
Roger Clemens-The dominant starter of his era
Mike Piazza-A defensive liability,but arguably the best hitting catcher ever.
Craig Biggio-3,000 hits
Likely in the future
Curt Schilling-Top big game pitcher of his time,but overall numbers not quite enough for first ballot
Maybe in the future,but I doubt it
Sammy Sosa-To me,an above average player with big numbers inflated by the era and PED's..
Kenny Lofton-Don't laugh,Check Lofton's numbers and compare them to Tim Raines.
If Lofton can stay on the ballot and Raines eventually gets in,maybe...
Julio Franco-If we were drafting to play a game,I'd take Julio Franco over Craig Biggio,but the stats are not quite there.
No one else has even a small chance of consideration of the first timers to me...
Returning Contenders
Yes
Jeff Bagwell-Great power numbers with some time spent in the worst power park in the game,no proof of PED usage other than big muscles.
Dale Murphy-For a few years the best player in the game,if that standard worked to get Jim Rice in,why not Murph?
Lee Smith-If dominant closers are starting get elected,big Lee needs to be part of the HOF as well..
Likely in the future
Jack Morris-To me,linked to Curt Schilling for the same reasons,only with more wins.
Maybe in the future-Borderline
Alan Trammell-I am ambivalent on Trammell,I might be persuaded eventually.
Maybe in the future,but I doubt it
Tim Raines-A very good player,but I just don't see Raines as Cooperstown level.
Notable No's
Edgar Martinez-Not crazy about a career DH,I could live with a few years at career's end,but not for a full career book of work.
Don Mattingly-If he was not a Yankee,he would have been just another good player.
Fred McGriff-Good for a long period of time,but never great.
Mark McGwire-Without PED's just another good power hitter.
Rafael Palmeiro-Before PED's.he was similar to Mark Grace,who I would not vote for either...
Larry Walker- A good player helped by Coors Field,the Anti-Bagwell.
There's my thoughts,feel free to share yours!!!
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