Rox Pile’s Hall of Fame Ballot Series: Part Six

DENVER - JULY 7: Larry Walker #33 of the National League bats during the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 7, 1998 in Denver, Colorado. The American League defeated the National League 13-8. (Photo by: Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER - JULY 7: Larry Walker #33 of the National League bats during the MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 7, 1998 in Denver, Colorado. The American League defeated the National League 13-8. (Photo by: Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO – OCTOBER 14: Second baseman Jeff Kent #21 of the San Francisco Giants throws to first base during game five of the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals on October 14, 2002 at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won the game 2-1 and the series 4-1. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO – OCTOBER 14: Second baseman Jeff Kent #21 of the San Francisco Giants throws to first base during game five of the National League Championship Series against the St. Louis Cardinals on October 14, 2002 at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won the game 2-1 and the series 4-1. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Manny Ramirez

Much like Mussina, Manny Ramirez has years that should ensure him in the Hall of Fame. However, he also had a couple years of being just horrible. I would lean towards him making it just for the fact he made 12 All-Star teams in 19 years. However, no MVP awards and a relatively unhealthy career batting average, I can definitely see the argument towards keeping him off the list of inductees. In addition, he was suspended to failed drug tests twice in his career.

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Jeff Kent

From 1997 through 2005, Jeff Kent had 100+ RBI in each season with the exception of 2003, when he had 93 RBI. He even won the 2000 NL MVP award. However, his defensive numbers and late start to his career (he never had more than 500 at bats in a season until he was 29, in 1997) have made his chances drop. Plus with the ten player limit on the ballot, most writers have not included him. But that is why he is on the bubble, because it’s very possible we see him make it down the line.

Billy Wagner

Much like the designated hitter, it is difficult for relief pitchers to be real contestants for the Hall of Fame. Wagner is no exception to this rule, but that is not going to completely rule him out of the Hall of Fame altogether. Wagner never won a major individual trophy in his career, but he played in a number of All-Star games spanning over his 16 year career. He will definitely stay on the ballot this year by getting over five percent but he will not be getting in this season.