Looking at the list of Hall of Fame candidates this year it’s an interesting list filled with names that aren’t guaranteed first-ballot locks like Rickey Henderson was last year.  The list is filled with some great players of a generation, but to make the jump to the HOF, there’s a lot of subjectivity involved with the candidates.  It makes for the ultimate water cooler conversation.

I’ve been reading on the blogosphere about Bert Blyleven why he’s not a Hall of Famer, and I’m tired of it. Its way passed time this happens.

It is crazy that is has taken this long to recognize a guy with his accomplishments.
He is number-five all time in strikeouts, pitched for 22 years, won two World Series titles, and has 287 wins.  

I’m tired of reading about why he shouldn’t be in the HOF because he didn’t get 300 wins, or his winning percentage was around .500.  He is a HOF player, and his election is far over due.  Look at some of the winning percentages of pitchers elected to the HOF in the early days: Red Faber, Ted Lyons, Rube Marquard, and Eppa Rixey. These are not household names, but these guys were also around .500.  

I always hear the argument that because he missed the magical number of 300 wins, he’s not worthy.  I’m not convinced by that argument.  He didn’t hang around, like some players do, just to milk another few wins and get to 300 wins.

There are only four other pitchers with more career strikeouts than him.  This is no trivial accomplishment that can be brushed aside with the argument that he didn’t win 300.  There are Hall of Famers all around him on that list, from Nolan Ryan ahead of him to Walter Johnson behind him.  Bottom line is that he deserves to be honored in the HOF.

The merits of a HOF vote is a player’s accomplishment on the field, but for those who have impacted the game after their careers as well need to be honored for their combined accomplishments.

I’m saying this because Ron Santo needs to be recognized in the HOF in some capacity.  Based on his numbers and that he’s been involved in the game ever since he retired, I think he’s worthy of the honor  He embodies the Cubs, and what the Cubs spirit is, being such a part of his team’s local identity.  In some capacity, either as a player or announcer, he needs to be in the HOF.

Personally if I had a vote for the HOF, I would take into account not only stats, wins, and home runs, but I would also consider players make-up, personality and character.

Based on these criteria, I suggest that Alan Trammell is a Hall of Famer.  His stats don’t stack up against Cal Ripken, but then again, whose do?  He is a stand-up guy who played with integrity and heart.  He was a winning player, and now continues to serve the baseball community as a coach, manager and instructor. If my vote counted, he’d be in the HOF.

Make Sure to tune into the MLB Network tomorrow at 1pm ET.  We’ll be airing the Hall of Fame announcement live.  – Matt Vasgersian