Tim Raines highlights Hall of Fame Ballot "Rookies"
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by Kelsdad
The Baseball Hall of Fame elections for 2009 will be announced on Jaunary 8th, the ballot this year contains 25 names, fourteen repeaters and eleven first timers, including a special exemption given to the deceased Rod Beck. Tim "Rock" Raines, he of the 23 major league seasons, 2605 lifetime hits and a career total of 808 stolen bases which ranks fifth all-time, is the only newcomer with a remote chance of election.
Raines was a six-time All-Star during his career who led the league four straight seasons in stolen bases (1981-1984). He was the NL batting champ in 1986 (.334), twice led in runs and once in doubles...and that was it. Despite the offensive prowess of the Montreal Expos during the early to mid-80's, Raines was overshadowed by some other teammates, most notably Andre Dawson and Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter.
According to the Hall of Fame Monitor, which only figures offensive production, Raines is not close to Hall of Fame material, and, defensively, Raines was an average at best left-fielder, which should further reduce his chances.
I would not be at all surprised if out of the remaining ten first timers most if not all receive less than five percent of the votes cast, which permanently removes them from future consideration on the Writer's Ballot.
The other first timers:
Tim Raines, Brady Anderson, Rod Beck, Shawon Dunston, Chuck Finley, Travis Fryman, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch, Robb Nen, Jose Rijo, and Todd Stottlemyre.
