Edgartohof
09-27-2006, 08:08 PM
Watch out 500 HR Club!
Here comes the masses. Next season looks to bring about several new faces to this historic club. What we have been talking about for several years now is soon be be coming to light, in the next couple seasons.
In 2007, we will be looking to see 4 (possibly 5) new faces appearing in the 500 HR club.
These players are:
Frank Thomas - started the year with 448 HR's, hit 38 so far, and 486 career HR's to date, is a mere 14 away from the milestone, look for him to be the next one in - and many said he would never make it. Here's hoping he fairs better than McGriff, so let's hope the Big Hurt doesn't get hurt!
Jim Thome - like Thomas, had another breakout year, hitting 42 HR's, to up his total from 430 to 472 HR's, to make him the second closest to the mark (only 28 away).
Manny Ramirez - We all knew it wouldn't be long before he made it here. He is consistently one of the best HR hitters (and hitters period) in the game. With his solid 34 this year, he is sitting at 469 so far, leaving him at 31 to go. Look for him and Thome to make a race of it to see who'll make it #2 next season.
And all eyes are on this one (or at least mine are)
Alex Rodriguez - seen as many as the one to dethrone Hank (and anyone else who stands in his way...:D ). He is currently sitting at 37 away, which is only a decent season for him, so assuming he rebounds from this "down" year, he'll be there no problem, and at the ripe young age of 32!
And bringing up the rear, the longshot of this group:
Gary Sheffield - he would be in the mix as well if it weren't for injuries ruining most of his season. Even if he had only hit 20 HR's this season, he would have a more than realistic chance of making it, but with only 4 HR's this year, due to limited playing time from injuries, he only has 453 so far, and is 47 away. So theoretically it is a possiblity of him making it next year (his career high is only 43), but more than likely, he will be the sole entrant in the 2008 class.
So now that I have said all of this, tell me your thoughts. The conversations in the past have talked about the watering down of the 500 HR club, the huge influx of newcomers. We have already dealt with the McGwire/Sosa/Bonds side, so here is the next group to come in - how does this affect things? Is the time of 500 HR's being devalued around the corner, or is it already here? are we past the whole thing, and all of these players should be viewed on the same level as current members, or what? Speak you mind (within reason of course ;) ).
Here comes the masses. Next season looks to bring about several new faces to this historic club. What we have been talking about for several years now is soon be be coming to light, in the next couple seasons.
In 2007, we will be looking to see 4 (possibly 5) new faces appearing in the 500 HR club.
These players are:
Frank Thomas - started the year with 448 HR's, hit 38 so far, and 486 career HR's to date, is a mere 14 away from the milestone, look for him to be the next one in - and many said he would never make it. Here's hoping he fairs better than McGriff, so let's hope the Big Hurt doesn't get hurt!
Jim Thome - like Thomas, had another breakout year, hitting 42 HR's, to up his total from 430 to 472 HR's, to make him the second closest to the mark (only 28 away).
Manny Ramirez - We all knew it wouldn't be long before he made it here. He is consistently one of the best HR hitters (and hitters period) in the game. With his solid 34 this year, he is sitting at 469 so far, leaving him at 31 to go. Look for him and Thome to make a race of it to see who'll make it #2 next season.
And all eyes are on this one (or at least mine are)
Alex Rodriguez - seen as many as the one to dethrone Hank (and anyone else who stands in his way...:D ). He is currently sitting at 37 away, which is only a decent season for him, so assuming he rebounds from this "down" year, he'll be there no problem, and at the ripe young age of 32!
And bringing up the rear, the longshot of this group:
Gary Sheffield - he would be in the mix as well if it weren't for injuries ruining most of his season. Even if he had only hit 20 HR's this season, he would have a more than realistic chance of making it, but with only 4 HR's this year, due to limited playing time from injuries, he only has 453 so far, and is 47 away. So theoretically it is a possiblity of him making it next year (his career high is only 43), but more than likely, he will be the sole entrant in the 2008 class.
So now that I have said all of this, tell me your thoughts. The conversations in the past have talked about the watering down of the 500 HR club, the huge influx of newcomers. We have already dealt with the McGwire/Sosa/Bonds side, so here is the next group to come in - how does this affect things? Is the time of 500 HR's being devalued around the corner, or is it already here? are we past the whole thing, and all of these players should be viewed on the same level as current members, or what? Speak you mind (within reason of course ;) ).