Is Sammy a 1st ballot HOFer?

[Mizzou]

To me, it's a no brainer. I think he should get in and he should get in on the first ballot. The guys on Around the Horn were debating it today. What do you think? Will he make it? And if so, will it make it in his first year of eligibility?

[UK1679666180]

If he didn't cork his bat or leave the last game of '04 before it ended, I would say yes. That's before steroid speculations, which will likely be the main reason he might not get in on the 1st ballot.

[Guest]

Statistically I would say yes, he's a first-ballot HOFer. The late stages of his career have tarnished his image, however, with the corking incident, the steroid scandal, and his rapidly declining numbers all serving to cast doubt on his accomplishments. I believe he'll get into the HOF no problem but I doubt it's on his first ballot.

[rocket]

Ehh, I think him leaving the last game in 2004 is now officially insignificant. At least to the point where it won't sway any HOF voter's opinion one way or the other.

 

I say he gets in 1st ballot. Unlike Giambi or Bonds, there is no court testimony or BALCO documents that link him to steroid use, all they have against him is suspicion without any facts.

[rawaction]

Ehh, I think him leaving the last game in 2004 is now officially insignificant. At least to the point where it won't sway any HOF voter's opinion one way or the other.

 

I say he gets in 1st ballot. Unlike Giambi or Bonds, there is no court testimony or BALCO documents that link him to steroid use, all they have against him is suspicion without any facts.

 

Yeah, but I think the majority of people assume Sosa used steroids. The whole Manny Alexander thing is an indirect link to Sosa and steroids. I don't think he will get in as a 1st ballot guy, but he definitely should.

 

For the record, I think this current crop of players will get screwed by any remote suspicion of steroid use. I think players who have no link or suspicion whatsover will get preferential treatment when it comes to Hall voting.

[AlwaysaCub]

To me, it's a no brainer. I think he should get in and he should get in on the first ballot. The guys on Around the Horn were debating it today. What do you think? Will he make it? And if so, will it make it in his first year of eligibility?

 

What did Korheiser and Wilbon think? I'd be curious to know.

 

Personally, I think Sosa's career may look much different in 5 years, as the corked bat fades but revelations about possible steroid use come forth. Only then will a good judgement be possible.

[Mizzou]

To me, it's a no brainer. I think he should get in and he should get in on the first ballot. The guys on Around the Horn were debating it today. What do you think? Will he make it? And if so, will it make it in his first year of eligibility?

 

What did Korheiser and Wilbon think? I'd be curious to know.

 

Personally, I think Sosa's career may look much different in 5 years, as the corked bat fades but revelations about possible steroid use come forth. Only then will a good judgement be possible.

It was Around the Horn actually, and I didn't catch the whole thing, but Woody Page did say that he isn't going to vote for him.

[rocket]

Woody Paige also happens to be an idiot.

[Mark_R]

Woody Paige also happens to be an idiot.

 

He's gonna be one of those idiots keeping Sosa off the first ballot.

 

I don't think he gets in. Too much perceived suspicion about roids and proof of cheating.

[Chief_Cardinal]

To me, it is a no brainer that he should be a 1st time inductee. I think his fate though may depend on things go with McGwire in the years prior to his eligibility. If Mac makes it in on his first or second try, then I think Sosa will be in on his first try. If McGwire's inductions lingers for a few years, it may cost Sosa a year or two as well.

 

I also think that no one outside of the Cubs fanbase will even remember him leaving early from the game.

[rjchapma]

If BIG MAC gets in even though we know about the roids then he does. I hate to say it, but its true.

[Andy]

Sammy is in, and should be for his 2001 season alone, let alone the rest of his legendary career.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Sammy should get in on first ballot, but I'm having doubts that he will make it. McGwire will be a true test for Sammy and those like him that will follow. If McGwire gets in next year, then Sammy is likely safe. If he doesn't then I'd have to say Sammy likely won't get in on the first ballot either.

[Mizzou]

I don't know if I agree with the McGwire references. I know exactly what you guys are saying, but it's not like Sammy and Mark's numbers are real close. Well, their HR and RBI totals aren't far apart, but Sammy has about 250 more runs scored, 700 more hits, 100 more doubles, and 200 more stolen bases. And correct me if I'm wrong, but voters tend to look at stats like these rather than stats like OBP and OPS, don't they? Their situations are similar, but I don't think that McGwire not getting in will automatically mean that Sosa wont get in either.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I don't know if I agree with the McGwire references. I know exactly what you guys are saying, but it's not like Sammy and Mark's numbers are real close. Well, their HR and RBI totals aren't far apart, but Sammy has about 250 more runs scored, 700 more hits, 100 more doubles, and 200 more stolen bases. And correct me if I'm wrong, but voters tend to look at stats like these rather than stats like OBP and OPS, don't they? Their situations are similar, but I don't think that McGwire not getting in will automatically mean that Sosa wont get in either.

 

The only way McGwire doesn't go is if the voters believe the steroid tag dismisses him. If they hold McGwire up to that, there's a strong chance that they will Sosa too. The difference in numbers won't even be considered.

[Houston_Cub_Fan]

I tend to agree that Big Mac will be the test case. Some writers will be out to send a message and not vote him in first try. But it seems like an empty message to me if they then let him in on the second year. Either he's a Hall of Famer or he's not. Either steroids are a deal breaker, or they're not. Making someone wait an extra year or two seems petty. I can respect a writer who decides never to vote for those tainted by the steroids scandal. But those who merely delay their vote are just posturing.

 

I think Sammy, Mac and Bonds are all first ballot HOFers.

[Abe Frohman]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

[Transmogrified Tiger]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

 

The same reason Ryne Sandberg can't get a job.

[rocket]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

 

The same reason Ryne Sandberg can't get a job.

 

Hopefully Sosa can get a job writing really crappy Yahoo! articles.

[NCCubFan]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

His Hall of Fame credentials are based on how good he ONCE was; his lack of a job for 2006 is based on how good he NOW is. Just because a player can't find a job now doesn't mean he isn't a Hall of Famer. Ricky Henderson spent a few years in an independent league because he wasn't good enough to get a major league job anymore, but he's still likely to be a Hall of Famer.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

His Hall of Fame credentials are based on how good he ONCE was; his lack of a job for 2006 is based on how good he NOW is. Just because a player can't find a job now doesn't mean he isn't a Hall of Famer. Ricky Henderson spent a few years in an independent league because he wasn't good enough to get a major league job anymore, but he's still likely to be a Hall of Famer.

 

Rickey says Rickey can still play. Rickey still doesn't know why no one will give Rickey a job. Rickey knows that Rickey is the greatest!

[rawaction]

My question is: if Sosa is a 1st Ballot HOFer, why can't he get a job?

His Hall of Fame credentials are based on how good he ONCE was; his lack of a job for 2006 is based on how good he NOW is. Just because a player can't find a job now doesn't mean he isn't a Hall of Famer. Ricky Henderson spent a few years in an independent league because he wasn't good enough to get a major league job anymore, but he's still likely to be a Hall of Famer.

 

Rickey says Rickey can still play. Rickey still doesn't know why no one will give Rickey a job. Rickey knows that Rickey is the greatest!

 

Rickey has to retire first.

[Backtobanks]

Sosa will get in, but not on the first ballot. Of course, a lot may depend on the other players eligible the same year Sosa comes up.

[Soul]

It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

In my view, it's pretty sad that the two main players from that awesome HR chase in '98 are now mired in disgrace. I guess that's what happens when you cheat your way to success: eventually you have to pay the piper. It's just too bad the rest of America has to pay with them----in terms of losing the lustre off what was indeed a very enjoyable Summer.

[Abe Frohman]

Sammy Sosa can still help a team. He can still play baseball at the ML level. So I ask again, why can't Sammy Sosa get a job?