Power Pros Forum

Sosa was entering his prime, which, of course, is when he started to hit more home runs.

There was a sudden increase for about 30 HR. Same thing for Bonds.

Mark Maguire wasn't a good player before he starter hitting 70 homers. He has no chance, I believe. Sosa definetly did. He went from hitting 30 to 60-70. He was called to testify about steroids, and all of a sudden he could no longer speak English and didn't understand the question. Nor could jhe understand the translator in Spanish. Hmm...

McGwire and Sosa's appearances at the hearings really hurt their image. Their actions and words were so ludicrous. If it was fictional TV, it would have been one of the funniest things I'd seen.

Anyway, I mentioned those other guys who are eligible for the HOF for the first time in 2013 as notable names. Lofton may not be a HOFer, but he had himself a respectable career. Franco has 4229 hits in the majors, minors, and foreign leagues combined. That's not HOF worthy, but it's good enough for a modicum of consideration.

I agree with Me_and_Lucy that Schilling's chances increases if the ballot contains less than top-notch candidates. In 2013, Piazza and perhaps Biggio are the best bets. In 2014, there's Maddux, Pedro, and Mussina among pitchers, and Frank Thomas and Jeff Kent among the hitters.

There hasn't been a HOF class with more than two players inducted by the BBWAA since 1999. The last time before that was 1991. The last time before that was 1984. My gut says Schilling might have to wait a while.

In 2014, there will definetly be 3 players elected with a small chance at 4 and a miniscule chance at 5. Frank Thomas, Greg Madduex, and Pedro Martinez are easy hall of famers, the latter two arguably the best 2 of the era (Pedro's sub 2 era years). Frank Thomas is probably the best DH in history and the first full time DH to go to the hall of fame (when he goes). Jeff Kent will probably be a hall-of-famer and has a very outside chance of making it in that year. Mussinia, who I also believe will be a hall-of-famer, has almost no chance, considering it's the first year on his ballot and the fact that some people may want to show how good Madux and Pedro were and show that he is a step down.