Pick My Hat

by colinadam on Jan 10, 2006 2:35 PM EST Comment 44 comments

In honor of the HOF induction today here is an interesting situation that will come up in future years thanks to free agency. Everyone knows that Roger Clemens wants to go into the HOF as a Yankee but he spent the bulk of his years with Boston. What team should he represent when he makes it to Cooperstown?

Here is a list of future HOF players (Assume all the following players make it into the HOF).

Pick the team the player should represent.

Mike Piazza
Dodgers-Mets

Gary Sheffield
Dodgers-Brewers-Marlins-Braves-Yankees

Barry Bonds
Pirates-Giants

Manny Ramirez
Indians-Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
Mariners-Rangers-Yankees

Ricky Henderson
A's-Yankees

Randy Johnson
Mariners-Diamondbacks-Yankees

Roger Clemens
Red Sox-Blue Jays-Yankees-Astros

Rafael Palmerio
Rangers-Cubs-Orioles

Jim Thome
Indians-Phillies

Pedro Martinez
Expos-Red Sox-Mets

Greg Maddux
Braves-Cubs

Robbie Alomar Blue Jays-Indians If you think a player is not worthy of the hall just say Not Worthy.

You can use any criteria you want (Career Stats, Projected Stats since some guys are still active)

Any other future first ballot Hall of Famers that I missed?

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My picks

Mike Piazza
Dodgers

Gary Sheffield
Marlins

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
TBD

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Mariners

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio
Rangers (assuming he gets in)

Jim Thome
Indians (assuming he gets in)

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

by samjjones on Jan 10, 2006 2:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

Mike Piazza
Mets

Gary Sheffield
Marlins

Barry Bonds
Pirates

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio (assuming)
Rangers

Jim Thome (assuming)
Indians

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

Other guys?

Jeff Kent is in with a couple more decent years I think - and he goes in as a Giant.

When Griffey retires, I think he's in, even counting recent health issues, and he's obviously in as a Mariner.

Those are guys who might have controversy over their hats.

Guys like Glavine (if he makes 300), Chipper, Bagwell, and Big Hurt are easy hat-picks. Not saying they'll get in very easily, but nevertheless, the hat is the easy part.

by sasquatch83 on Jan 10, 2006 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

So...

You give Kent the nod to be a Giant, but Bonds goes in as a Pirate? Yeah, ok. And Wade Boggs should go in with the D-Rays...give me a break.

by GiantsMattInPhoenix on Jan 10, 2006 2:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can see his point

Kent pretty much had his best seasons as a Giant.

Bonds had great seasons as a Pirate. Every sportswriter thinks that Bonds had a HOF career before coming over to the Giants. Bonds is 50/50 either way but the BALCO scandal makes me pick him as a Pirate.

by colinadam on Jan 10, 2006 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Guaranteed

That Bonds goes in as a Giant.

Granted all the steroid accusations have come up as he's been a Giant, the guy became a beast and arguably the best player in baseball as a San Francisco Giant.

In the face of adversity, just look to Mr. Johan Santana.

by StatFreakNYM on Jan 10, 2006 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

bonds

was already the best player in baseball even while with the pirates. he did win 3 out of 4 MVPs from '90 to '93 before skipping town. that's what makes it even more ridiculous to consider that he was much, much better as a giant.

by jpahk on Jan 10, 2006 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Never...

Did I say that Bonds became a "much, much" better player when he was with the Giants.

I simply stated that for those 3-4 years of dominance with the Giants, there was no question that he was the best player in baseball. Bonds made his first and only World Series as a Giant, and made more postseason appearances as a Giant(4) than he did as a Pirate(3).

On top of all that, Bonds set record after record with the Giants, which I think adds to him going into the Hall as a Giant. Don't get me wrong, Bonds was a GREAT player with the Pirates, but I just think by Hall of Fame standards, he's a Giant.

In the face of adversity, just look to Mr. Johan Santana.

by StatFreakNYM on Jan 10, 2006 5:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yes

you didn't say that. i did. but perhaps i wasn't clear about it.

bonds as pirate = best player in the league.
bonds as giant = one of 2-3 best players ever.

by jpahk on Jan 10, 2006 11:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Bonds

I try to think of Bonds the Giant as little as possible. Bonds the Pirate was a pleasure to watch, and while I know the bulk of his stats were amassed as a Giant, I just have too much of the musclebound over-sized head Bonds image in a Giants uniform. I actually think the Hall would think about doing something like this to prevent steroids arguments.

By the way, what does Wade Boggs have to do with any of this?

by sasquatch83 on Jan 10, 2006 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

good point...

I think the big-head thing might be a point with Bonds... he wouldn't be able to fit into his Pirates hat any more.

by BobbyMac on Jan 10, 2006 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hats

Mike Piazza - LAD
Gary Sheffield - $$$
Barry Bonds - SFG
Manny Ramirez - BOS
Alex Rodriguez - NYY
Ricky Henderson - OAK
Randy Johnson - ARZ
Roger Clemens - BOS
Jim Thome - CLE
Pedro Martinez - BOS
Greg Maddux - ATL

I'm choosing to leave Raffy out

Mr Pibb + Red Vines = Crazy Delicious

by natsfan2005 on Jan 10, 2006 2:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm...

Mike Piazza
Dodgers

Gary Sheffield
Dodgers (this is a tough one)

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox (though if he DOES get traded, I'd go with the Indians)

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees (assuming he stays with them for the remainder, or at least bulk, of his career)

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Mariners (what, no Expos?)

Roger Clemens
Red Sox (no brainer)

Rafael Palmerio
Rangers (borderline candidate for me)

Jim Thome
Indians

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

I'd also say that Jeter and Rivera get in as a Yankees, Glavine goes in as a Brave, Alomar as a Blue Jay. And I think Edmonds goes in as a Cardinal. And of course you have Bagwell and Thomas.

"People think it must be fun to be a super genious, but they don't know how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world." - Calvin

by RVachon on Jan 10, 2006 2:56 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

Upon further review, I don't think I'd put Thome in. At least not without three or four more good seasons.

"People think it must be fun to be a super genious, but they don't know how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world." - Calvin

by RVachon on Jan 10, 2006 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Hats

Piazza: Mets
Sheffield: not worthy
Bonds: Giants
Manny: Red Sox (simply for getting them to the WS)
ARod: TBD, right now, Mariners
Ricky: A's
Randy: DBacks
Clemens: Red Sox
Palmeiro: not worthy
Thome: Indians
Pedro: Red Sox
Maddux: Braves

Mariano Rivera: Yankees
Alomar: Blue Jays
Biggio & Bagwell: Astros

by lenred on Jan 10, 2006 2:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hats

Mike Piazza: Mets

Gary Sheffield: Not worthy

Barry Bonds: Giants

Manny Ramirez: Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez: Mariners

Ricky Henderson: A's

Randy Johnson: D-Backs

Roger Clemens: Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio: Not worthy, but if he was, Rangers.

Jim Thome: Indians

Pedro Martinez: Red Sox

Greg Maddux: Braves

Robbie Alomar Blue Jays

In the face of adversity, just look to Mr. Johan Santana.

by StatFreakNYM on Jan 10, 2006 3:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well...here it goes

Mike Piazza-Dodgers (sadly to say)
Gary Sheffield- NW (Although I do like the person that put $$$)
Barry Bonds-Giants
Manny Ramirez-Red Sox (he if plays out his contract there)
Alex Rodriguez-Yankees (although if he retired now, it would be with the Mariners)
Ricky Henderson- A's (how many times did he play with the A's)
Randy Johnson-Diamondbacks
Roger Clemens-Red Sox
Rafael Palmerio- NW (although he would go in as an Oriole)
Jim Thome- Indians
PedroMartinez-Red Sox
Greg Maddux-Braves
Robbie Alomar-Blue Jays

Ken Griffey- Mariner (Red days have been very blue)
Biggio- Astro (naturally)
Smoltz- Brave (Tiger farm days may have been god, but not enough)

#269

by mrmetaa on Jan 10, 2006 3:22 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

type

good...not god

sorry

#269

by mrmetaa on Jan 10, 2006 3:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Rickey + A's = 3 times

Rickey's career went something like this:

Broke in with A's in 1979(?)
Left for (traded?) to Yankees in mid 80's
Traded back to A's for 3 WS runs
Traded to Blue Jays for WS run in '93
Re-signed with A's after '93 season
Left in '96 or so for various teams (Mets, Mariners, Padres, Dodgers, etc,)

by ragnarok on Jan 10, 2006 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

and a 4th

he returned to the A's again in 1998...i think

#269

by mrmetaa on Jan 10, 2006 4:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

right you are

from espn.com:

Rickey Henderson's Career:
Athletics 1979-1984
Yankees 1985-1989
Athletics 1989-1993
Blue Jays 1993
Athletics 1994-1995
Padres 1996-1997
Angels 1997 (I totally forgot about this one)
Athletics 1998
Mets 1999-2000
Mariners 2000
Padres 2001
Red Sox 2002
Dodgers 2003

by ragnarok on Jan 10, 2006 7:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

HOF

Mike Piazza
Dodgers (but it's close)

Gary Sheffield
Honestly, I have no idea. Braves?

Barry Bonds
Giants. no question

Manny Ramirez
If his career ended today, Indians, but he wouldn't get in.
Red Sox with a few more productive years, assuming he doesn't get traded.

Alex Rodriguez
Uh, Yankees? Depends on how his career plays out, and if the Yankees can win it all with ARod, but he does have an MVP with them.

Ricky Henderson
A's. He'll always be an Oakand son.

Randy Johnson
What, no choice for Houston or Montreal?
I think I'd have to go with Diamondbacks. WS and Perfect Game.

Roger Clemens
God, he won Cy Youngs with everyone, didn't he? I think he goes in as a Yankee.

Rafael Palmerio
Rangers if he gets in, which he doesn't.

Jim Thome
Indians if he gets in, which he doesn't.

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox, I think. Those were his best, most dominant years.

Greg Maddux
Braves, no question.

by ragnarok on Jan 10, 2006 3:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bonds and Raffy...

wear scarlet letters not hats.

by BoydsOfSummer on Jan 10, 2006 3:31 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hats

Piazza - Dodgers
Sheffield - Dodgers
Bonds - Giants
Ramirez - Red Sox
Rodriguez - Mariners
Clemens - Red Sox
Henderson - Athletics
Johnson - Mariners
Palmeiro - Rangers
Thome - Indians
Martinez - Red Sox
Maddux - Braves

Kevin Brown - Dodgers
Mussina - Orioles
Helton - Rockies, obviously
Giambi - Yankees, but this is a tough one.
Larry Walker - Rockies

by Klostrophobic on Jan 10, 2006 3:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

my hats

Mike Piazza: Rainbow beanie

Gary Sheffield: Balco

Barry Bonds: Balco

Manny Ramirez: Dunce
Indians-Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez: top hat

Ricky Henderson: batting helmet

Randy Johnson: trucker hat

Roger Clemens: cowboy hat

Rafael Palmeiro: ski mask

Jim Thome: not worthy

Pedro Martinez: Zimmer's army helmet

Greg Maddux: a crown

Robbie Alomar: a spittoon

by UCFKnights on Jan 10, 2006 3:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

or how about this...

This was good, but I think I still like Bill Simmons's idea that every player inducted goes in with a big hat with a dollar sign on it.

by martytomlinson on Jan 10, 2006 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Piazza is Ours--Hands off!

Piazza as a Dodger:
2707 ABs, 177 HRs
Piazza as a Met:
3478 ABs, 220 HRs

Plus most of his postseason play, including his only World Series berth, came as a Met, and he became even more visible after the trade. The guy was the face of one of baseball's biggest franchises for nearly a decade, and was the leader of some very, very good teams in the late 90s. Not getting Gary Carter is bad enough, if Mike Piazza doesn't go in as a Met, it's highway robbery. The franchise has been around for 43 years and we only have one hall of famer--it's not like Dodgers really need one more.

by martytomlinson on Jan 10, 2006 3:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but the Dodgers drafted him

In a round that no longer exists. I think they deserve extra points for that. Lots of extra points.

by Klostrophobic on Jan 10, 2006 3:55 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

my picks

Mike Piazza
Dodgers

Gary Sheffield
Not worthy

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
too close to call now. If he finishes his contract with the Sox, then he will go in for the Sox.

Alex Rodriguez
Still has half his career left. Yankees is he finishes his career there.

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Mariners - Diamondbacks also reasonable choice

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio
the scandal may cost him the hall

Jim Thome
Not worthy

Pedro Martinez
Probably Sox, could be Expos

Greg Maddux
Braves

Robbie Alomar
Blue Jays

by cdamon on Jan 10, 2006 4:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

pedro as a spo?

Not only did he spend 3 less years there, but could you imagine the uproar that would cause, putting one of the greatest pitchers ever in as a member of a team that no longer exists?

BTW: Include Clemens in the $$$ hat bunch, its pretty obvious he could care less about the name on the front of the jersey...

by jspearlj1 on Jan 10, 2006 4:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

My Picks

Mike Piazza
Dodgers-Close, very close

Gary Sheffield
Not Worthy

Barry Bonds
Pirates

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox-If he stays

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees-If he finishes career as a Yank

Ricky Henderson
A's-assuming he ever retires :) One of my all time favorites.

Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio
Not Worthy but would have been Rangers

Jim Thome
Indians-might get in on a later ballot, not a first ballot type of guy.

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox-The 99 season alone gives him a free pass

Greg Maddux
Braves

Robbie Alomar
Blue Jays

Just thought of another name.
Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez

Anyone think he gets in? He was an awesome hitter and one of the best defensive catchers of our era.
My guess:He squeaks in on the first ballot.

by colinadam on Jan 10, 2006 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I-Rod

For my money is the greatest catcher ever. Leaving him out of the Hall would be a huge, huge, huge oversight.

Greatest defensive catcher of this era (of regulars at least - Jose Molina is otherworldly), and a career line of .304/.343/.487.

I think he should retire now, though. It doesn't look good when you hold on for two or three extra years of playing crappy baseball. His 2005 season was garbage.

Oh yeah, and why do so many of you not feel Sheffield is worthy of the Hall? If it's because of steroids I understand, but his stats are right there with some great Hall of Famers. Look up his stats in the mid-to-late nineties. You'll be surprised.

by Klostrophobic on Jan 11, 2006 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sheffield

My reason for why he is not worthy is a simple logjam of players will be entering the hall at the same time he tries to get in.

I can't see picking Sheffield over the following players that could retire within the next 2-10 yrs.

Hall Of Fame Locks

Randy Johnson
Roger Clemens
Pedro Martinez
Greg Maddux
Griffey Jr.
Chipper Jones
Jeter
Piazza
Bonds
Rodriguez
Andruw Jones
Ramirez
Bagwell
Biggio
I-Rod
Frank Thomas

Hall Of Fame Maybe's
Todd Helton
Ichiro
Vlad
Scott Rolen
Tom Glavine
Trevor Hoffman

Factor in that the Hall usually lets 2 players in at a time (even though I don't think there is a maximum number) and Shef will have to wait for a down year to get in. It may never happen.

by colinadam on Jan 11, 2006 11:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wha???

Todd Helton Helton is a lock.
Ichiro
Vlad Lock.
Scott Rolen Lock.
Tom Glavine
Trevor Hoffman Lock.

by limozeen on Jan 12, 2006 12:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Andruw not a lock

If the 50 HR's become his norm, yeah. If this year's power was a 1 year fluke, I think he will have a tough time.

by cdamon on Jan 12, 2006 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Andruw

He's 28, already has 301 HR's.
50 hr's per year is a reach but he should hit 35-40 for the next 3 years easily and slowly taper off.
When he finishes he should have close to 500 hr's and more gold gloves than fingers. Combined that is good enough to get in.

by colinadam on Jan 12, 2006 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Jones is a lock, I think

by limozeen on Jan 12, 2006 8:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

LOCK

besides the gold gloves he has many years of domination left. and who on this list avg. 50 HRs. 35 a year from now on + his D gets him in.

Locks-
Vlad
Glavine- people don't win that many games anymore
+ all the others you wrote

not locks-
Ichro
Helton(Coors)
Sheff

by Metty5 on Apr 21, 2006 6:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here goes

Mike Piazza
Mets

Gary Sheffield
Marlins

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio
Orioles

Jim Thome
Indians

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

by TheWhaleLives on Jan 10, 2006 10:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Mine

Mike Piazza
Dodgers

Gary Sheffield
Brewers

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees (assuming he wins a championship eventually)

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Mariners

Roger Clemens
Astros (comes back mid June and leads them to win he W.S. this year)

Rafael Palmerio
Cubs (least scandal here)

Jim Thome
Indians

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

by limozeen on Jan 10, 2006 11:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

my list

I'd go with the team where a guy made his name unless his career comes to be defined by what he did with someone else.

Mike Piazza - Dodgers
Gary Sheffield - Phew. Blank is an option ...
Barry Bonds - Giants
Manny Ramirez - Red Sox
Alex Rodriguez - Mariners ... for now
Rickey Henderson - A's
Randy Johnson - Diamondbacks, regretfully
Roger Clemens - Red Sox
Rafael Palmerio - Rangers
Jim Thome - Indians
Pedro Martinez - Red Sox
Greg Maddux - Braves
Robbie Alomar - Blue Jays

And a few more:

Ken Griffey Jr. - Mariners
Goose Gossage - Yankees
Bert Blyleven - Pirates
Mark McGwire - A's, and it's bittersweet
Tim Raines - Expos
Andre Dawson - Expos

by whichthat on Jan 11, 2006 12:22 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

McGwire

pretty sure he "defined" himself pretty well with the Cards when he hit 70 bombs.

by GiantsMattInPhoenix on Jan 11, 2006 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hat

Mike Piazza
Dodgers

Gary Sheffield
Dodgers

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Indians

Alex Rodriguez
Mariners

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Roger Clemens
Red Sox

Rafael Palmerio
Orioles

Jim Thome
Indians
Pedro Martinez
Sox

Greg Maddux
Cubs

by Ienpw on Jan 11, 2006 12:26 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

My list. Thome as a South Sider?

Mike Piazza
Mets.

Gary Sheffield
dunno. will people actually vote for the SOB?

Barry Bonds
Giants

Manny Ramirez
Red Sox

Alex Rodriguez
Yankees

Ricky Henderson
A's

Randy Johnson
Diamondbacks

Roger Clemens
Red Sox or Yankees

Rafael Palmerio
Rangers

Jim Thome
why not the White Sox? He's only getting in if he has a few more good years anyway.

Pedro Martinez
Red Sox

Greg Maddux
Braves

Robbie Alomar
Blue Jays

Policeman: Sir, are you classified as human? Korben Dallas: Ah, negative. I am a meat popsicle.

by finman on Jan 11, 2006 9:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

hats

Presuming each of them gets in, and I'm sure there are a few on this list who won't -

Piazza - Dodgers
Sheffield - Head in profile (Though they might give Marlins just to be political. For years after he was traded away, Sheff's house in St. Petersburg had two gigantic statues of Marlins that served as a gate into his driveway....I wonder if they're still there, or if he even still owns that house?)
Bonds - Giants
Ramirez - Red Sox
A-Rod - Yanks by the time his career is done
The Rickey - A's
Unit - Slight edge to the D-Backs, for that same political reason
Rocket - Red Sox
Raffy - Rangers, if he gets in
Thome - Indians, though I highly doubt he gets in unless he has a couple more monster seasons left in his tank
Pedro - Red Sox
Maddux - Braves
Alomar - Blue Jays
Griffey - Mariners
McGuire - Cards
Pudge - Rangers
Kent - Giants, without a question, if he gets in