MLB Hall of Fame 2019

This blog would have been done last week, but a few other topics caught my eye a lot more. Major League Baseball has four players heading into the Hall of Fame in July. Two of which seemed like obvious choices and the other two with question marks.

The biggest is Mariano Rivera, the first unanimous choice. He was a starter for the Yankees back in 1995, became a set up relief pitcher in 96 and became the full time closer in 97. The stats are through the roof. With over 650 saves, just above 2 runs given up a game and a multitude of many stats, he really shined. Obviously, there are some bad moments, but that's a given. He had a very lethal cutter pitch and he was about as lights out in the playoffs as you can get. You can see why he was worthy of unanimous.

Mike Mussina is more stat based and longevity, but it works. A 1991 rookie, he spent 18 years, climbing his way to some pretty good numbers as an Oriole and Yankee. He could get you out in many ways. Consistent, and very reliable, he became crucial to key moments, mainly his time with the Yankees. He put up 270 wins, over 2,800 strike outs, and over 3,500 innings. The 3.68 career earned run average might be a little high, but consider who he had to deal with during the 90s and 2000s. He was in the later years of eligibility, but the timing was right for him to get in.

Roy Halladay is someone I really question. And I hate to disparage the late pitcher, but his stats don't scream Hall of Fame. After a rough four years to begin his career in 1998, he started to show what he was made of 2003. Other than a few years with injury, the next seven years were special for the Toronto Blue Jays. He had a few years in Philadelphia following the 09 season and started off strong and then faded away around 2012 and 13. The Cy Young awards help a bit. His no hitter in the 2010 playoffs gets him a few extra points. One thing you do have to give credit is the 67 complete games. Otherwise his numbers aren't anywhere impressive. He's comparable to Pedro Martinez, but way worse than Martinez. Winning 203 games, over 2,100 strike outs, over 2,700 innings pitched. I think it was a tough sell, but his sudden death over a year ago, could be a bit of a factor. I don't know. I can't judge on what the writers were thinking, but Halladay's numbers are not anywhere impressive.

Designated hitters are something that is questioned on Hall of Fame credibility. Edgar Martinez had to live with that stigma. After a few years of not playing much, he showed up with decent numbers in 1990 and enjoyed the next three years before a bad injury in 93. After the strike year of 94, he would enjoy a good seven year run, crushing the ball and being a big contributor to the Seattle Mariners. He would struggle a little bit in his later years, but showed his worth until finishing in 2004. The numbers don't strike as impressive, but I think his later years are what I see as the reason for the Hall of Fame. Overall, it's over 2,200 hits with just over 300 home runs. He always found ways to get on base and either get RBI's or score himself. He certainly is one of those guys who people will be split on whether he's worthy. However, I think it will pave the way for designated hitters getting a chance. David Ortiz in a few years will make people's heads spin, and he has a lot more better stats than Martinez.

Even with my criticism of Halladay and Martinez, it's still not a bad class. All four had their chances to be in the spotlight for many moments in their careers. No doubt, this will be a big crowd. But I got a feeling next year will bring even more people.

Too Soon: Roy Halladay's Legacy.

I would say the baseball world is still shocked more than 24 hours later of the sudden death of Roy Halladay. The pitcher was flying his own plane when it crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. An outcry of support has been seen by many and a little bit of ridicule by some individuals. (I hope those two guys from the Boston radio station 98,5 get fired. And Boston sports fans wonder why they are hated by most of the country) Nevertheless, he leaves behind a wife and two kids.

Until more details emerge, there isn't much that can be said for Halladay's career. It speaks for itself. One of those September call ups in 1998 for the Toronto Blue Jays, he wasn't anything special from 99 up until 2002. For his '02 campaign, he started lighting it up, becoming an All-Star and leading in innings pitched for the American League. His next season was even better. For 2003, he led the AL with 22 wins, the most out of any year in his career. He led his league again in innings with 266, nearly 30 games worth. Though he gave up a lot of hits, he had nine complete games, which helps to his legacy. All in all, he got a Cy Young for that year.

After a subpar 2004 season, Halladay got back to form. Within a few years, he was back to being dominant. In fact, he seemed stronger than ever. In a seven year span, he would lead in complete games for whatever League he was in for six of those years. He was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in 2010 and still put up stellar numbers. Most will think the highlight of his career would be the no hitter he threw in his first ever playoff appearance. Unfortunately, the Phillies were at the peak of their run as a decent team, so Halladay's playoff runs were only in 2010 and 11. He would wear off a bit in the final two years of his career.

The guy was very lethal. He knew how to play the game, and it certainly got him a bit of respect in the clubhouses of Philadelphia and Toronto. Halladay was probably one of the few bright spots in his time with the Blue Jays. It wasn't that they were playing horribly during his tenure. What doesn't help is the Red Sox and Yankees being more dominant during that period. There would have been benefits if the fifth playoff team was in effect 15 years ago. The stuff he was able to do could have changed outcomes, but that's all hypothetical. Either way, he gave the Blue Jays and Phillies hope.

So where does he stand as far as numbers go? The only guy I can think of for comparison is Pedro Martinez, and Martinez's numbers are obviously much higher. Halladay amassed 203 victories and 105 losses. He had a career 3.38 ERA to go with 2700 plus innings pitched. The two Cy Youngs help along with being an eight time All-Star. He pitched 67 complete games, and led leagues in innings four times. He certainly has stuff to be in the Hall of Fame, but I don't know. Then again, there are some players that get in with numbers you wouldn't think would be good enough.

No doubt, the Blue Jays and Phillies will honor Halladay for the 2018 season. It's always the people you least expect to end up in something tragic. Yankee fans will understand that with what happened to Thurman Munson in 1979 and Cory Lidle in 2006. Baseball will be in huge mourning for a good while.