Well its going to be pretty boring now that the Sox have pretty much finished their off-season.  There might be a couple of minor moves until March and then we can at least start speculating on where Lowell gets traded to.

So I figured we could discuss next year's HOF ballot.  There are some interesting newcomers coming in.  Noteworthy holdovers are Roberto Alomar (should be in already), Blyleven, Jack Morris, Mark McGwire.  The new additions are Rafael Palmeiro, Juan Gonzalez, Larry Walker, Jeff Bagwell, John Franco and Kevin Brown.

I think Alomar is a lock, Blyleven will probably get enough next year, and maybe Jack Morris as his percentage has gone up every year.

I dont think Palmeiro and Juan Gonzalez have a chance in hell of making it ever.  The ones that interest me the most are Jeff Bagwell and Larry Walker.

Bagwell was a beast for many years but how does the Steroid Era effect his status.  Im pretty sure he never hit more than 15 homers in the minors and then in the majors he is a power threat.  Does speculation keep him out?

His career stats .297 avg, 449 HR's, 1529 RBI's, .408 OBP, and .540 SLG.  He won the ROY in 91,  and a MVP in 94.  He doesnt have a great track record in the playoffs though.  He played in pain and through injuries and was always considered a old-fashioned type of player.

That brings me to Larry Walker.  Man could this guy play, he had a cannon, was a good fielder and what a friggin hitter!!!!  BUT he played 10 years and Colorado, does this get held against him?

His career stats are .313 avg, 383 HR's, 1311 RBI's, .400 OBP, and .565 SLG.  He won the MVP in 97 and 7 Gold Glove awards.  He batted .357 with 2 HR's in the 04 World Series but they didnt win it because of destiny was against the Cards that year LOL. Outside of that 1 World Series his playoff stats are nothing to brag about.

I give my vote for Alomar which shouldnt be surprising considering my previous Fanpost.  I always thought of Bagwell and Walker as HOF's as they were playing but Im not sure they get in.  Walker didnt even get 400 homers (seems to be the line to start with) but has a good career avg and was great defensively.  Bagwell has the career homers but does 400+ homers mean as much anymore?

Hoping for some comments to help me decide.  Who would you vote in next year?