Hall of Fame voting

Voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America have until Dec. 31 to mail their Hall of Fame ballots, so I stopped by the post office and sent mine earlier today.

Among the newcomers are Roberto Alomar, Edgar Martinez and Barry Larkin. Still on the ballot are Bert Blyleven, Andre Dawson, Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff, Mark McGwire, Jack Morris, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Tim Raines, Lee Smith and Alan Trammell, among others.

Last year at this time I read some of your opinions, and you've heard the reasoning behind each of my votes, as well. So it should come as no surprise that only four players received my vote: Blyleven, Dawson, Morris and Trammell. I've voted for all four of these guys consistently, which is my policy. Unlike some writers, I do not vote for different players depending on the strength of the ballot. Either I believe they're Hall of Famers or I don't. I've only changed my mind once since I began voting six years ago. I did not vote for Blyleven in year one, but I was convinced by several sources to take a closer look, and I've been voting for him ever since.

So I'm willing to listen. Make your argument... for next year's ballot, anyway.

What are your thoughts about Martinez and Baines, who were one-dimentional designated hitters for much of their careers? What about McGwire and all of the suspected steroid users that will follow? And let's be honest... do you think I'm being a total homer by voting for Morris and Trammell? I have answers for all of these questions, but I thought you'd like to throw out your opinions first.

I look forward to your comments.

Adios Fernando, as the Tigers dump more payroll

Is Dumbrowski just dumping as much talent as he can overboard? Sure, Fernando Rodney, who signed with the Angels yesterday, wasn't a lock on next year's pennant, but he sure was one part of the machine that usually seemed to deliver: saves in 37 of 38 chances, and they let him walk for $11 million over two years. All the Tigers got in exchange was a draft pick. Who's next?

So, who was the Greatest Tiger "Behind the Mask?"

Through the years our boys have been gifted with some outstanding catchers, some who are in the Hall of Fame, some who might be elected there some day.

Remember, we're not voting on an entire career, just one year with the Tigers.

None of us remember Mickey Cochrane but he had a tremendous influence on the game in the 1930's, not just with the Tigers, but with the feared Philadelphia Athletics, one of the greatest teams of all time.

He hit .354 with the A's in 1930. But he led the Tigers to a pennant as player/manager in 1934, with a .320 average, a slugging average of .412, and tremendous fielding skills, tied him for the American league fewest errors for a backstop, with seven for the entire year. He was known for his leadership and his fiery temper, earning him the nickname "Black Mike." (A close personal friend of Ty Cobb.)

Just like "Black Mike" not many of us recall Rudy York, but in in 1937 he had a fine season, hitting .307. He must have been a great asset to the team with 35 HR's, and more than 100 RBI's, but in this league of all-stars, it's tough to stand out.

Bill Freehan turned in a fine .300 average in 1964, one of the hit-starved early 1960's years. He dropped in 18 HRs, and was an outstanding fielder, leading the league in put-outs by a catcher.

A few guys who were fine ball players, but just not of the caliber of some of these others are Matt Nokes (1987)Lance Parrish (1983) and Mickey Tettleton (1991.) I leave it to you to make the argument for them if you'd like.

Without doubt, one of the finest seasons behind the plate Tiger fans have ever seen was Pudge Rodriguez in 2004. Even the casual Tiger fan smiles when we think about that cannon that hangs off his right shoulder. He can throw out any runner, any day, anytime, no matter if the pitch is in the dirt, off speed or hard to handle. Second factor Pudge has going for him is the amazing ability to calm a pitcher and focus him. But just as awesome as his fielding skills is Pudge's work at the plate. In 2004 he hit .334, 19 HR's, 86 RBI's,

In my book, it's a close call; Black Mike in 1934 and Pudge, 70 years later: now you make the call.

How about a New "All Time Great" Poll series?

A few months ago, Brother Peek had an excellent suggestion: let's take a poll of the greatest Tigers by individual seasons rather than careers. (Hence, we'd probably find that fine ball players like Kaline and Freehan, who won our All-time Tiger Team elections, might fade a bit, since they were consistently good, not usually great.) This was initiated by a discussion at http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/fan_forum/all_time_nine/index.jsp?c_id=det

Of course, being the commissioner, I had to tinker with the ground rules. I think we should consider more than just offensive stats. What about his other contributions to the team, like fielding, leadership, etc. In this way, I think you would find Pudge Rodriguez even more valuable than his fine BA.

Also, I challenge you to consider the era these gents played in. Once again, how does Freehan's .300 BA in a "dead ball environment of 1964 compare to Pudge's .334 season four decades later?

In other words, I'm challenging you to defend your position! Go beyond SABRE stats, and think like a manager of the era.

Unlike the groupings at the above site, I'm going to nail down outfielders to the position they are historically known for, although they may have "played around" a bit. Eg. Kaline will be in rightfield, Cobb will be in centerfield, etc. I know some of the old records are a little dicey in this regard, but let's wing it.

Give me some comments on other "ground rules," and let's start the poll in a few days with catchers.

This is gonna be fun, and if anybody would like to take on the duty of writing up a position or two, just let me know. Glad to share the fun. All you need is the above-noted web site, maybe a Baseball Encyclopedia and a good memory.

ramon

It's a win-win (two-year) deal for Tigers, Ramon Santiago | detnews.com | The Detroit News

And now a break in the Trade Talk action...

Hey, Tom. Maybe your Yankees should sign this kid up for your club.

(For those of you who are a little video challenged, just put your cursor over the arrow pointing to the right above, and left click it.)

Who is our New closer?

Well Brandon Lyon is gone -- $15 mill for 3 years from Houston -- are they that desperate? Rodney is good as gone - Orioles are looking at him. Today's Free Press speculated that the job could (stress the could) to Ryan Perry. He is awfully young (23), but it will be interesting to see if the Tigs acquire somebody or see if there is a Closer Derby during Spring Training. And we can't forget Zumaya - geesh I hope nobody gives him the latest version of Guitar Hero for Christmas. Who gets the job??