They at least have arguments. You can debate the relative value of closers, but Hoffman was clearly one of the best for a long time. It wasn't just racking up the counting stat (saves) for him, he was excellent for many years. I don't think Vizquel is a HoFer, but at least he had a defensive reputation at SS second only to Ozzie (deserved or not). The argument for him is that he was "just like Ozzie", but he wasn't even close.jagtrader wrote:BBWAA, who put in Hoffman and gave 37 percent to Vizquel, should probably pipe down about this one.
Baines--I have no idea what they were thinking. Good not great hitter for a long time, and a horrible defensive player. Was never considered among the best players in the game at any point during his career. I don't know what the voters were thinking.
I don't think the bar should be lowered to him. He should stick out like the sore thumb that he is. That said, it should at least open arguments for (IMO) deserving players like Larry Walker and Jim Edmonds when the veterans committee ponders their fate.