Gossage in 2007?

[DoubleX]

Even though there is a terrific incoming class next year with truly great players (Ripken, Gwynn), controversial players that will really be the first clash between the Hall and steroids (McGwire, Canseco, Caminiti), and some good second-tier/grey area candidates that could get some decent support (Baines, Davis, Fernandez, O'Neill, Saberhagen), I think that Gossage has a good chance to make next year's induction class (along with Ripken and Gwynn). Gossage has been inching up and reached 65% last year. I think there was a lot of backlash last year when Sutter got in but Gossage didn't, and I think that backlash, as well as the now-vacated support for Sutter (which should go to Gossage), will be enough to get Gossage over the hump. What do you think?

[KCGHOST]

Well, you never know. I mean it is inexplicable that the voters would elect Sutter and not Gossage to start with. I think that when the voters have "locks" at the top of the ballot they forget to support other candidates so I'd say no he won't get in next year. Some day he will.

[Cougar]

The Sutter election makes Goose inevitable. I think 75% of the electorate will realize that and include him on their ballots next year.

[abacab]

I give Gossage a 50-50 chance of getting elected in '07. If he falls short, I give him a 99% chance of getting elected in '08.

[leecemark]

--Gossage should be elected in 2007, but then he should have been elected last year or several years ago so who knows. He will get elected eventually if not next year.

[Captain Cold Nose]

The writers do not have a history of electing ballot returnees when there are multiple likely first-year candidates. Fair or not, it's been the precedent, which is why having Gwynn and Ripken on the ballot will probably hurt Gossage in 2007, to say nothing about strong third possibility McGwire. 2008 will be his year, with Jim Rice having a good shot in his last year on the ballot.

[Brad Harris]

I second the comments made by Captain Cold Nose and leecemark!