BBF Mock HoF Election: 2011

[DoubleX]

Welcome to Baseball Fever's Mock HoF Election for 2011, which will likely be the last election. The goal of this project is to conduct Hall of Fame elections from 1979-2011, as if we were the BBWAA, and then compare our results to the actual BBWAA results (obviously, there will be no comparisons to the BBWAA for elections after 2007). For the most part, we will proceed just like BBWAA does. 1979 was selected as the start year because that is when the BBWAA elections first implemented the 5% rule (though it was not always adhered to).

This post will provide three things:

1) The Format and Rules

2) A Guide for the 2011 Election


Format and Rules
- The BBF ballot will consist of the same players that were on the BBWAA ballot, except for in instances where we have elected, dropped, or sustained on the ballot different players than the BBWAA (which will likely be quite a few).

- Voters may vote for between 0-10 candidates. A "None of the Above" option is available if you believe no one is worthy and you wish to submit a blank ballot.

- Adjusting Ballots: Anyone who votes for more than 10 candidates will have all their votes discounted unless they inform me within 48 hours of submitting their vote (or the close of the election, whichever comes first) of the mistake and which players they wish to discount. In such a situation, if I am not informed of the players to be dropped, I will discount that voter's entire ballot. If a voter habitually submits a ballot with more than 10 players, they risk having their votes discounted in all present and future elections. Otherwise, there will be no adjusting ballots after submitted, even if you forgot to vote for someone you meant to vote for or clicked on the wrong player. So please think carefully about your ballot before voting and make sure you have selected everyone you intend to vote for (up to 10).

- 75% support or greater will elect a player. Players receiving less than 5% will be dropped from all future elections (even if in reality, that player was included in future BBWAA elections). Players receiving 5% or more but less than 75% will stay on the ballot for the next election, unless that player's 15-year eligibility is over.

- The election will close exactly a week after it started. The next election might not commence for another day or two.

- IMPORTANT: There is some concern about voters defrauding this process by voting with multiple screen names. First, please don't as there is really no point and it takes the fun out of this which is to see how we come out, more than it being a heated competition to get your player elected. Nevertheless, to take precaution against the possibility of a voter abusing the process, votes will be made public, so if we see unfamiliar screen names casting similar ballots, we'll see cause for concern, and if the concern proves to be founded, some form of punitive action could follow. So basically, ONE PERSON = ONE BALLOT. Anything else is really just moronic and defeats the purpose.

- Also, in the interest of making this process as genuine as possible, I strongly urge voters to not view the results before they vote, as viewing results before voting could influence a person's votes (perhaps subconsciously).

- This thread is also meant to be a discussion thread, so please feel free to stump for and/or against players, including players that will come up for election in the following year.


2011 Guide
There are 33 candidates on the 2011 BBF ballot. Here's some information regarding the candidates:

First Timers (21)
Wilson Alvarez
Carlos Baerga
Jeff Bagwell
Bret Boone
Kevin Brown
John Franco
Juan Gonzalez
Marquis Grissom
Al Leiter
Tino Martinez
Raul Mondesi
Hideo Nomo
Jose Offerman
John Olerud
Rafael Palmeiro
Paul Quantrill
Benito Santiago
B.J. Surhoff
Ugueth Urbina
Ismael Valdez
Larry Walker

Holdovers (12)
Player Year of Eligibility High BBF Support Previous Year’s BBF Support
Albert Belle 6th 46.51% (2008) 39.47%
Will Clark 6th 34.21% (2010) 34.21%
Andre Dawson 10th 58.33% (2004) 57.89%
Dwight Evans 15th 31.11% (2009) 18.42%
Edgar Martinez 2nd 47.37% (2010) 47.37%
Fred McGriff 2nd 60.53% (2010) 60.53%
Mark McGwire 5th 53.49% (2008) 36.84%
Jack Morris 12th 25.00% (2000) 13.16%
Dale Murphy 13th 58.33% (2000/2004) 52.63%
Dave Parker 15th 40.54% (1997) 26.32%
Lee Smith 9th 21.21% (2003) 21.05%
Lou Whitaker 11th 71.05% (2010) 71.05%

Last Year of Eligibility (2)
Dwight Evans
Dave Parker

Penultimate Year of Eligibility (0)
None

Players on BBF Ballot that Will Not be on BBWAA Ballot (4)
Albert Belle – Dropped by BBWAA (2007)
Will Clark – Dropped by BBWAA (2006)
Dwight Evans – Dropped by BBWAA (1999)
Lou Whitaker – Dropped by BBWAA (2001)

Notable Players that Might Be On BBWAA Ballot but Not On BBF Ballot (7)
Roberto Alomar – Elected by BBF (2010)
Harold Baines – Dropped by BBF (2007)
Bert Blyleven - Elected by BBF (1998)
Goose Gossage – Elected by BBF (2000)
Rickey Henderson – Elected by BBF (2009)
Barry Larkin – Elected by BBF (2010)
Don Mattingly – Dropped by BBF (2002)
Tim Raines – Elected by BBF (2009)
Alan Trammell – Elected by BBF (2008)

Players Elected by BBF between 1979-2010 (58)
Player BBF Election Year BBF Election Percentage Year on Ballot
Hank Aaron 1982 100.00% 1st
Dick Allen 1985 75.00% 3rd
Roberto Alomar 2010 86.84% 1st
Luis Aparicio 1990 76.47% 12th
Richie Ashburn 1979 75.41% 12th (1st for BBF)
Johnny Bench 1989 95.12% 1st
Bert Blyleven 1998 82.35% 1st
Wade Boggs 2005 83.78% 1st
George Brett 1999 96.97% 1st
Lou Brock 1988 76.19% 4th
Rod Carew 1991 86.05% 1st
Gary Carter 1998 82.35% 1st
Steve Carlton 1994 94.12% 1st
Orlando Cepeda 1984 79.03% 5th
Don Drysdale 1983 79.03% 9th (5th for BBF)
Dennis Eckersley 2005 78.38% 2nd
Rollie Fingers 1991 76.47% 4th
Carlton Fisk 1999 93.94% 1st
Bob Gibson 1981 89.83% 1st
Goose Gossage 2000 80.56% 1st
Tony Gwynn 2007 95.00% 1st
Rickey Henderson 2009 91.11% 2st
Reggie Jackson 1993 97.62% 1st
Fergie Jenkins 1989 82.93% 1st
Al Kaline 1980 90.32% 1st
Harmon Killebrew 1981 93.22% 1st
Barry Larkin 2010 81.58% 1st
Juan Marichal 1981 79.66% 1st
Willie Mays 1979 98.36% 1st
Willie McCovey 1986 100.00% 1st
Minnie Minoso 1990 76.47% 5th
Paul Molitor 2004 83.33% 1st
Joe Morgan 1990 88.24% 1st
Eddie Murray 2003 87.88% 1st
Phil Niekro 1993 80.85% 1st
Jim Palmer 1990 80.39% 1st
Gaylord Perry 1989 80.49% 1st
Kirby Puckett 2006 76.19% 6th
Tim Raines 2009 80.00% 2nd
Cal Ripken Jr 2007 90.00% 1st
Brooks Robinson 1983 88.71% 1st
Frank Robinson 1982 100.00% 1st
Nolan Ryan 1999 93.94% 1st
Ryne Sandberg 2003 87.88% 1st
Ron Santo 1980 82.26% 1st
Mike Schmidt 1995 95.35% 1st
Tom Seaver 1992 97.62% 1st
Ted Simmons 2006 77.50% 14th
Ozzie Smith 2002 81.58% 1st
Duke Snider 1979 83.61% 10th (1st for BBF)
Willie Stargell 1988 88.10% 1st
Don Sutton 1996 78.95% 3rd
Alan Trammell 2008 76.74% 7th
Hoyt Wilhelm 1979 77.05% 2nd (1st for BBF)
Billy Williams 1982 80.00% 1st
Dave Winfield 2002 92.59% 2nd
Carl Yastrzemski 1989 92.68% 1st
Robin Yount 1999 93.94% 1st

Players Elected by BBF by Position
Catcher (4): Johnny Bench, Gary Carter, Carlton Fisk, Ted Simmons
First Base (5): Dick Allen, Orlando Cepeda, Harmon Killebrew, Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray
Second Base (4): Roberto Alomar, Rod Carew, Joe Morgan, Ryne Sandberg
Shortstop (6): Luis Aparicio, Barry Larkin, Cal Ripken Jr, Ozzie Smith, Alan Trammell, Robin Yount
Third Base (5): Wade Boggs, George Brett, Brooks Robinson, Ron Santo, Mike Schmidt
Left Field (7): Lou Brock, Rickey Henderson, Minnie Minoso, Tim Raines, Willie Stargell, Billy Williams, Carl Yastrzemski
Center Field (4): Richie Ashburn, Willie Mays, Kirby Puckett, Duke Snider
Right Field (6): Hank Aaron, Tony Gwynn, Reggie Jackson, Al Kaline, Frank Robinson, Dave Winfield
Designated Hitter (1): Paul Molitor

Starting Pitcher (12): Bert Blyleven, Steve Carlton, Don Drysdale, Bob Gibson, Fergie Jenkins, Juan Marichal, Phil Niekro, Jim Palmer, Gaylord Perry, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Don Sutton
Relief Pitcher (4): Dennis Eckersley, Rollie Fingers, Goose Gossage, Hoyt Wilhelm

Players Elected by BBWAA between 1979-2007 (48)
Player BBWAA Election Year BBWAA Election Percentage Year on Ballot
Hank Aaron 1982 97.83% 1st
Luis Aparicio 1984 84.62% 6th
Johnny Bench 1989 96.42% 1st
Wade Boggs 2005 91.90% 1st
George Brett 1999 98.19% 1st
Lou Brock 1985 79.75% 1st
Rod Carew 1991 90.52% 1st
Steve Carlton 1994 95.61% 1st
Gary Carter 2003 78.00% 6th
Don Drysdale 1984 78.41% 10th
Rollie Fingers 1992 81.16% 2nd
Dennis Eckersley 2004 83.20% 1st
Carlton Fisk 2000 79.56% 1st
Bob Gibson 1981 84.04% 1st
Tony Gwynn 2007 97.60% 1st
Catfish Hunter 1987 76.27% 3rd
Reggie Jackson 1993 93.62% 1st
Fergie Jenkins 1991 75.40% 3rd
Al Kaline 1980 88.31% 1st
Harmon Killebrew 1984 83.13% 4th
Juan Marichal 1983 83.69% 3rd
Willie Mays 1979 94.68% 1st
Willie McCovey 1986 81.41% 1st
Paul Molitor 2004 85.20% 1st
Joe Morgan 1990 81.76% 1st
Eddie Murray 2003 85.30% 1st
Phil Niekro 1997 80.34% 5th
Jim Palmer 1990 92.57% 1st
Tony Perez 2000 77.15% 1st
Gaylord Perry 1991 77.20% 3rd
Kirby Puckett 2001 82.10% 1st
Cal Ripken Jr 2007 98.50% 1st
Brooks Robinson 1983 91.98% 1st
Frank Robinson 1982 89.10% 1st
Nolan Ryan 1999 98.79% 1st
Ryne Sandberg 2005 76.20% 3rd
Mike Schmidt 1995 96.52% 1st
Tom Seaver 1992 98.84% 1st
Ozzie Smith 2002 91.70% 1st
Duke Snider 1980 86.49% 11th
Willie Stargell 1988 82.44% 1st
Bruce Sutter 2006 76.90% 13th
Don Sutton 1998 81.61% 5th
Hoyt Wilhelm 1985 83.80% 8th
Billy Williams 1987 85.71% 6th
Dave Winfield 2001 84.50% 1st
Carl Yastrzemski 1989 94.63% 1st
Robin Yount 1999 77.46% 1st

BBF/BBWAA Election Ratio (1979-2007)
53:48

Players Elected by Year between 1979-2010 (BBF and BBWAA)
Year BBF (54) BBWAA (48)
1979 Richie Ashburn Willie Mays
Duke Snider
Hoyt Wilhelm
Willie Mays
1980 Al Kaline Al Kaline
Ron Santo Duke Snider
1981 Bob Gibson Bob Gibson
Harmon Killebrew
Juan Marichal
1982 Hank Aaron Hank Aaron
Frank Robinson Frank Robinson
Billy Williams
1983 Don Drysdale Juan Marichal
Brooks Robinson Brooks Robinson
1984 Orlando Cepeda Luis Aparicio
Don Drysdale
Harmon Killebrew
1985 Dick Allen Lou Brock
Hoyt Wilhelm
1986 Willie McCovey Willie McCovey
1987 None Caftish Hunter
Billy Williams
1988 Lou Brock Willie Stargell
Willie Stargell
1989 Johnny Bench Johnny Bench
Fergie Jenkins Carl Yastrzemski
Gaylord Perry
Carl Yastrzemski
1990 Luis Aparicio Joe Morgan
Minnie Minoso Jim Palmer
Joe Morgan
Jim Palmer
1991 Rod Carew Rod Carew
Fergie Jenkins
Gaylord Perry
1992 Tom Seaver Rollie Fingers
Tom Seaver
1993 Reggie Jackson Reggie Jackson
Phil Niekro
1994 Steve Carlton Steve Carlton
Rollie Fingers
1995 Mike Schmidt Mike Schmidt
1996 Don Sutton None
1997 None Phil Niekro
1998 Bert Blyeven Don Sutton
Gary Carter
1999 George Brett George Brett
Carlton Fisk Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan Robin Yount
Robin Yount
2000 Goose Gossage Carlton Fisk
Tony Perez
2001 None Kirby Puckett
Dave Winfield
2002 Ozzie Smith Ozzie Smith
Dave Winfield
2003 Eddie Murray Eddie Murray
Ryne Sandberg Gary Carter
2004 Paul Molitor Dennis Eckersley
Paul Molitor
2005 Wade Boggs Wade Boggs
Dennis Eckersley Ryne Sandberg
2006 Kirby Puckett Bruce Sutter
2007 Tony Gwynn Ton Gwynn
Cal Ripken Jr Cal Ripken Jr
Ted Simmons
2008 Alan Trammell n/a
2009 Rickey Henderson n/a
Tim Raines
2010 Roberto Alomar n/a
Barry Larkin

Eligible Players Elected by BBF but not BBWAA(9)
Dick Allen (1985)
Richie Ashburn (1979) - Elected by VC (1995)
Bert Blyleven (1998)
Orlando Cepeda (1984) - Elected by VC (1999)
Goose Gossage (2000)
Minnie Minoso (1990)
Ron Santo (1980)
Ted Simmons (2007)
Alan Trammell (2008)

Players Elected by BBWAA but not BBF between 1979-2007 (3)
Catfish Hunter (1987)
Tony Perez (2000)
Bruce Sutter (2006)

Players Dropped by BBF After 15 Years on Ballot (32)
Player Year Dropped High BBF Support
Sal Bando 2001 19.57% (1987)
Bobby Bonds 2001 28.26% (1987)
Ken Boyer 1989 33.33% (1986)
Jim Bunning 1991 69.57% (1987)
Norm Cash 1994 20.95% (1994)
Darrell Evans 2009 35.14% (1997)
Curt Flood 1991 16.28% (1991)
Nellie Fox 1985 67.31% (1985)
Bill Freehan 1996 50.00 (1996)
Steve Garvey 1997 27.32% (1997)
Bobby Grich 2006 55.88% (1998)
Keith Hernandez 2010 47.06% (1998)
Gil Hodges 1983 27.42% (1980/1983)
Frank Howard 1993 30.95% (1993)
Catfish Hunter 1999 39.53% (1991)
Tommy John 2009 30.23% (1995)
Jim Kaat 2003 34.88% (1995)
Ted Kluszewski 1981 9.68% (1980)
Fred Lynn 2010 18.92% (1997)
Bill Mazeroski 1992 50.00% (1992)
Don Newcombe 1980 12.90% (1980)
Tony Oliva 1996 36.96% (1987)
Tony Perez 2006 48.15% (2002)
Dan Quisenberry 2010 37.78% (2009)
Jim Rice 2009 50.00% (1998)
Red Schoendienst 1983 25.81% (1983)
Enos Slaughter 1979 45.90% (1979)
Reggie Smith 2002 27.91% (1991)
Bruce Sutter 2008 46.51% (2008)
Luis Tiant 2002 40.48% (1988)
Joe Torre 1997 62.16% (1997)
Jimmy Wynn 1997 34.62% (1985)

Players Heldover by BBF but Dropped Before Eligibility Ended (29)
Player (Year Dropped) Years on Ballot High BBF Support
Vida Blue (1993) 2 11.90% (1992)
Jay Buhner (2008) 2 5.00% (2007)
Jose Canseco (2008) 2 5.00% (2007)
Joe Carter (2007) 4 10.81% (2005)
Dave Concepcion (1999) 6 17.65% (1994)
Dave Cone (2010) 2 6.67% (2009)
Rick Dempsey (1999) 2 5.88% (1998)
George Foster (2003) 12 14.29% (1992)
Ron Guidry (2000) 7 18.92% (1997)
Orel Hershiser (2007) 2 9.52% (2006)
Willie Horton (1988) 3 6.52% (1987)
Elston Howard (1981) 8 (3 for BBF) 11.29% (1980)
Don Larsen (1980) 7 (2 for BBF) 6.56% (1979)
Sparky Lyle (1989) 2 7.14% (1988)
Roger Maris (1982) 9 (4 for BBF) 16.13% (1979)
Don Mattingly (2002) 2 13.51% (2001)
Thurman Munson (1989) 9 17.39% (1987)
Graig Nettles (2002) 9 27.78% (2000)
Al Oliver (1993) 3 11.63% (1991)
Amos Otis (1991) 2 5.88% (1990)
Lance Parrish (2002) 2 8.11% (2001)
Vada Pinson (1983) 3 13.56% (1981)
Boog Powell (1992) 10 17.74% (1984)
Bret Saberhagen (2008) 2 5.00% (2007)
Rusty Staub (1992) 2 6.98% (1991)
Dave Stieb (2005) 2 5.56% (2004)
Gene Tenace (1992) 4 7.32% (1989)
Mo Vaughn (2010) 2 6.67% (2009)
Maury Wills (1990) 12 (11 for BBF) 16.13% (1984)

Number of Ballots Submitted in Past BBF Elections
1979: 61
1980: 62
1981: 59
1982: 55
1983: 62
1984: 62
1985: 52
1986: 51
1987: 46
1988: 42
1989: 41
1990: 51
1991: 43
1992: 42
1993: 42
1994: 34
1995: 42
1996: 38
1997: 37
1998: 34
1999: 33
2000: 36
2001: 37
2002: 27
2003: 33
2004: 36
2005: 37
2006: 42
2007: 40
2008: 44
2009: 45
2010: 38

Links to Past BBF Elections
1979 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=56114&highlight=Mock+Election)
1980 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=56470&highlight=Mock+Election)
1981 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=56809&highlight=Mock+Election)
1982 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=57089&highlight=Mock+Election)
1983 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=57376)
1984 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=57694)
1985 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=58020)
1986 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=58308)
1987 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=58590)
1988 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=58882)
1989 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=59147)
1990 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=59516)
1991 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=59900)
1992 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=60287)
1993 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=60589)
1994 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=60982)
1995 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=61296)
1996 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=61617)
1997 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=62106)
1998 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=62481)
1999 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=63012)
2000 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=63473)
2001 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=64011)
2002 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?p=952844#post952844)
2003 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=64872)
2004 (http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=65361)
2005 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=65822)
2006 (http://http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?p=985274#post985274)
2007 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=66756)
2008 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=67132)
2009 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=67448)
2010 (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=67715)

[DoubleX]

Quite a number of intriguing candidates this year. Jeff Bagwell seems to be the cream of the crop, but there's also Larry Walker, Kevin Brown, John Franco, Juan Gonzalez, John Olerud, Tino Martinez, Al Leiter, Hideo Nomo, Benito Santiago, and of course, Rafael Palmeiro.

Among holdovers, Lou Whitaker, after being close for a few years, finally crossed the 70% threshold, and as I've noted before, we've eventually elected every player that received at least 70% at least once. It would be nice if we could get Whitaker in this year (being that it's our last), and it seems fitting for both Whitaker and Trammell to be in.

Fred McGriff had a good showing in his first year, receiving over 60%. He's an interesting candidate, and while I think there's a good chance that we would eventually elect him, I think it would take a few years and some campaigning.

Andre Dawson finished with over 57%. He consistently performs well, but like others we've had, such as Joe Torre, just can't seem to mount a real charge. Dale Murphy also finished above 50%, and he's pretty much in the same boat. And Edgar Martinez performed respectably in his first year getting over 47%.

Finally, this is the last year of eligibility for Dwight Evans and Dave Parker.

[PVNICK]

Bagwell
Will Clark
Dawson
Dwight Evans
Jack Morris
Parker
Whitaker

[dgarza]

1. Jeff Bagwell
2. Mark McGwire
3. Rafael Palmeiro
4. Larry Walker
5. Albert Belle
6. Edgar Martinez
7. Dale Murphy
8. Dave Parker
9. Andre Dawson
10. Lee Smith

[Chickazoola]

I hope Ismael Valdez gets some votes.

[2Chance]

I voted for

Bagwell
Belle
Clark
Dawson
Evans
Martinez
Murphy
Parker
Santiago and
Whitaker

I got toward the end of the ballot and had a few guys on the bubble, including Lee Smith and Fred McGriff. But I just kept repeating, McGwire or Palmeiro, McGwire or Palmeiro?

Eventually I felt like washing my mouth out with soap, and that's how Santiago got a vote. I could have been convinced to vote for either of those guys. Or, I could have been convinced to only vote for nine. I realize this might be their last shot, but I don't think the Hall is missing anything without them.

[BoofBonser26]

It looks like everyone is turning it a large-hall crowd. I only had 3 players on my ballot this year.

[Erik Bedard]

I started with the obvious newcomers. That was just Bagwell. Then I added in my ballot staples. That was Belle, Clark, Murphy, and Whitaker. Then came the hard part. I gave Evans and Parker last-chance boosts to start, then looked at John Franco. I wasn't sure about him, but I wound up voting for him for reasons I can't entirely explain. I also voted for Juan Gonzalez, because, well, a guy with his stats deserves it. Then I had one spot left, so I threw it out to B.J. Surhoff, who went to high school with my mom and was drafted ahead of Barry Bonds and was the face of the Orioles when I moved to Baltimore.

[KCGHOST]

Bagwell
Brown
Edgar
McGriff
Walker
whitaker

[Freakshow]

Welcome to Baseball Fever's Mock HoF Election for 2011, which will likely be the last election.
I just wanted to mention this. I've been looking at it, and you could go ahead with the 2012 election.

Yes, those guys have only been inactive for one season at this point and could make a comeback. But...nobody retired after 2006, so you really don't have to worry about a viable candidate returning. Not literally nobody, of course; but no viable HOF candidates that I could find.

The Hall's website lists three guys: Bill Mueller, Tim Salmon and Tim Worrell. Along with these I've also found Bernie Williams, Ruben Sierra, Terry Mulholland and Jeff Fassero, so far. All of the best active HOF candidates stayed active in 2007.

So you could go ahead with 2012, knowing that the top vote-getters will all be holdover candidates. If any of those 2006 "retirees" make a comeback, so what; they aren't going to affect the look of our balloting.

I'll keep looking, but there are only minor candidates to be found; I checked all the big guys.

[Freakshow]

After a more thorough check, here are more newbies for 2012:

Jeff Nelson
Vinny Castilla
Brian Jordan
Eric Young
Scott Erickson
Kent Mercker
JT Snow
Pedro Astacio
Jeromy Burnitz
Jose Hernandez
Joe Randa
Tony Womack
Rick Helling
Javy Lopez
David Bell
Phil Nevin
Matt Lawton
Carl Everett
Brad Radke
Keith Foulke
Edgardo Alfonzo
Alex Gonzalez
Danny Graves

Again, no hall of famers here.

[DoubleX]

Thanks Freakshow. I wouldn't want your efforts to go wasted, so I will consider going ahead with 2012, though I might be selective like I was with Mike Hampton this year and rule out players that I believe had more than 50/50 chance of coming back. The biggest things I will consider are: 1) If the player is still under contract; 2) Has the player been playing in some team's organization this year; 3) Did the player miss 2007 largely due to injury; 4) Age.

As such, it might take me longer than usual to get 2012 going.

[Erik Bedard]

Salmon, Radke and Lopez might draw a few votes. They're the only ones I can see getting more than 5%, though.

[Freakshow]

Salmon, Radke and Lopez might draw a few votes. They're the only ones I can see getting more than 5%, though.
Don't forget the guys listed in post #10; Bernie Williams has his own thread on this forum discussing his case. Ruben Sierra would likely get a few votes, as well.

Also, Mike, if it helps, the list in post #11 is roughly arranged by age. I created it by going to BB-Ref and scanning the birth year pages from 1963-1974, looking at the last year played column.