Disturbing comments from Cooperstown President. Topic

This is what HOF President Jeff Idelson had to say about last year's election results in which the BBWAA elected nobody out of a class that featured: 

Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Mike Piazza, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, Jack Morris, Lee Smith, Curt Schilling, Tim Raines, Mark McGwire, Larry Walker, Fred McGriff, Rafael Palmeiro, Alan Trammell, Edgar Martinez, and Dale Murphy.

Aaron Sele received a vote.  Reggie Sanders received 1 vote.  Kenny Lofton & Bernie Williams are no longer on the ballot.  What the hell could possibly be working about this system???

Commenting on the election, Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson said, “The standards for earning election to the Hall of Fame have been very high ever since the rules were created in 1936. We realize the challenges voters are faced with in this era. The Hall of Fame has always entrusted the exclusive voting privilege to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. We remain pleased with their role in evaluating candidates based on the criteria we provide.”
11/23/2013 3:02 AM
The only one in that group that just doesn't pass the smell test for me is Lee Smith.  Granted he was the all-time saves leader when he retired, but is now 3rd to Rivera & Hoffman (both 1st ballot HOFers BTW), and John Franco is 4th.  That says a lot, although Billy Wagner is 5th on that list, & I feel he's a HOFer.

Discuss...
11/23/2013 3:08 AM
You think McGriff, Morris, and Murphy are all "passing the smell test?"  I don't think any of that trio is even close.  A lot of other guys on that list I'd never want to see go in, but it wouldn't be a travesty...  McGriff?  Really?
11/23/2013 3:16 AM
There have been some pretty strong supporters for McGriff, Morris, and Murphy from reading many online sites.  I'm saying if I had to immediately eliminate somebody from this list, it would be Lee Smith.  The Bruce Sutter election may open the door for closers like Smith, but you're going to have to elect a lot more in years to come, starting first with Hoffman and Wagner.  That's right, I contend Billy Wagner is a 1st ballot HOFer. 

Discuss...
11/23/2013 3:28 AM
You're NUTS. Discussion OVAH!!!
11/23/2013 4:20 AM
Excluding the 'roiders who have the stats to get in, the only person on that list who merits somewhat serious consideration is Biggio.
11/23/2013 8:16 AM
Is it possible too many of the older guys are getting measured by today's standards? Sure, in today's game, McGriff's numbers wouldn't be anything special, but he was a pretty feared hitter in the 80s and early 90s
11/23/2013 9:29 AM
Posted by rsp777 on 11/23/2013 4:20:00 AM (view original):
You're NUTS. Discussion OVAH!!!
Well that wasn't a productive discussion...
11/23/2013 11:58 AM
You actually said that Billy Wagner should be a first ballot HOF'er. What's to discuss. You are clearly insane...LOL!!!
11/23/2013 12:02 PM
Posted by tecwrg on 11/23/2013 8:16:00 AM (view original):
Excluding the 'roiders who have the stats to get in, the only person on that list who merits somewhat serious consideration is Biggio.
How do you know Biggio wasn't on PEDs? Doesn't Bagwell have the stats to get in?
11/23/2013 12:32 PM
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Posted by Got_Worms on 11/23/2013 3:08:00 AM (view original):
The only one in that group that just doesn't pass the smell test for me is Lee Smith.  Granted he was the all-time saves leader when he retired, but is now 3rd to Rivera & Hoffman (both 1st ballot HOFers BTW), and John Franco is 4th.  That says a lot, although Billy Wagner is 5th on that list, & I feel he's a HOFer.

Discuss...
Actually Lee smith belongs in the Hall of Fame,  (if you allow relievers, remember most relievers are failed starters and there are no punters in the football hall of fame)
he was as good as Sutter,Gossage and Eck.  and he wasn't a failed starter like Goose and Eck.

Of the current 1 inning save specialists only Mariano belongs.  
11/23/2013 1:41 PM
I wouldn't consider Eckersley a failed starter. He was quite good with Cleveland & Boston.
11/23/2013 1:47 PM
Eck wasn't even halfway close to being a failed starter. Couple of rough years yes, but way more good years than bad.
11/23/2013 1:48 PM
Posted by mlent on 11/23/2013 1:41:00 PM (view original):
Posted by Got_Worms on 11/23/2013 3:08:00 AM (view original):
The only one in that group that just doesn't pass the smell test for me is Lee Smith.  Granted he was the all-time saves leader when he retired, but is now 3rd to Rivera & Hoffman (both 1st ballot HOFers BTW), and John Franco is 4th.  That says a lot, although Billy Wagner is 5th on that list, & I feel he's a HOFer.

Discuss...
Actually Lee smith belongs in the Hall of Fame,  (if you allow relievers, remember most relievers are failed starters and there are no punters in the football hall of fame)
he was as good as Sutter,Gossage and Eck.  and he wasn't a failed starter like Goose and Eck.

Of the current 1 inning save specialists only Mariano belongs.  
You don't think Trevor Hoffman is a first ballot HOFer???
11/23/2013 1:49 PM
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Disturbing comments from Cooperstown President. Topic

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