I am not the first Couch Guy Sports writer to talk about this. Pat Shuman wrote about his ballot last week, read it here. There are some players who are closing in on the 10 years on the ballot that need some help and others that are new to the ballot that will make it within a year or two.

The 2021 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, as announced by @baseballhall. pic.twitter.com/gBquMDv2hK

— Ryan Thibodaux (@NotMrTibbs) November 16, 2020

Newbies

Mark Buehrle

Mark Buehrle was an old school pitcher who would go over 200 innings every year. In his 15 year career he had 2 season below the 200 inning mark, the first and last season (last season he got to 198.2). I think with a lot of the old school voters he will get votes. Buehrle had a no-hitter and perfect game during his career. But, none of his numbers jump off the table. I believe he will make it, but it will take a few years for him.

A.J. Burnett

A.J. Burnett was a good pitcher but not great pitcher. I am not getting too deep into him. He was a big part of the 2003 Marlins and the 2009 Yankees who both won the World Series. He went 164-157 (yes I know pitcher wins does not mean a lot), but being that close to 0.500 and having a career 3.99 ERA does not help his case.

Michael Cuddyer

Another one like A.J. Burnett, Michael Cuddyer was a good player but not great. He had 1,522 hits and 197 homeruns. Cuddyer’s WAR is 17.8, the average is around 60.0 for position players. Some players are Hall Of Famers with lower WAR but not that low.

Dan Haren

One of the great former players on Twitter. Haren had a similar career to A.J. Burnett. Just above 0.500 career record and a 3.75 ERA. Another guy who will probably be a one and done or two and done. Dan Haren will be in the Twitter Hall Of Fame, but not the MLB Hall Of Fame.

LaTroy Hawkins

This is a former player I never really heard of. LaTroy Hawkins had the same WAR as Cuddyer so I do not need to go deep into it. In his 21 year career he average 66 appearances out of the pen. With a career 4.31 ERA. He will be a one and done.

Tim Hudson

Here is a guy who has a very interesting case. Tim Hudson was a stud in his day. Like Buehrle he was always around 200 innings pitched. Hudson had over 2,000 strikeouts and a 3.49 ERA. I think it will take a few years, but he will get in. I say about 5 years and we will see Hudson giving his speech.

Torii Hunter

One of the best defensive outfielders of his time. Torii Hunter should get into the Hall Of Fame. I hope he does not get the Andruw Jones treatment. Jones does not get the love he deserves. Hunter had a career WAR of 50.7. So it is a little low, but his numbers will help him. 2,452 hits and 353 homeruns. Those are good numbers for a top defensive centerfielder. I do believe he will make it around his 3rd year.

Aramis Ramirez

Aramis Ramirez has a sneaky case to make it. He is a 3 time All-Star and won a Sliver Slugger. Collecting over 2,300 hits close to 400 homeruns and a WAR of 32.4. It will be tough to get him in but I think he will be there on his 10th year around 65% and needing some help. But he could get into the Hall.

Nick Swisher

Again another player who will be a one and done. Nick Swisher was fun to watch, but was not a Hall Of Fame player. He had a career WAR of 21.5 and had 1,338 hits. Those are not even close to Hall Of Fame numbers.

Shane Victorino

The 2 time All-Star and 2 time World Series champion Shane Victorino is in first year on the ballot. As much as I loved what Victorino did for the city of Boston, he will not make the Hall Of Fame. I called it when he signed in 2013 that he will be a huge factor in the World Series run. 1,274 hits does not help him to get in.

Barry Zito

Barry Zito won both a CY Young and World Series in his career. He has one of the best cases out of all the first year players. When Zito has at his peak no one could touch him. I can see on his 8th or 9th year Zito getting into the Hall Of Fame.

THESE GUYS SHOULD GET IN

Barry Bonds

Okay I will die on his hill with a lot of people. I do not care that he “might” have taken PEDs. The numbers Bonds put up might never be touched. There are already players who took PEDs in the Hall. I do not want to get deep into, but Bonds will get in this year. With not many big names in their first year and some big names coming up this is the year to do it. GET BARRY IN!

Roger Clemens

Another guy who never tested positive for PEDs. Roger Clemens should be in the Hall Of Fame. He was so good when during his whole career. Clemens won 7 CY Young’s during his career. That might never be touched. He is one of the best pitchers in the history of the game PEDs or not.

Curt Schilling

Curt Schilling is one of the best postseason pitchers EVER. When it mattered most Schilling was the guy you wanted the ball in his hand. Schilling won 3 World Series along with a World Series MVP. The only reason he is not in yet is because of his Twitter. Curt cannot keep his mouth shut when it comes to somethings. Voters have not been nice to him Like I said about Bonds this is the year to get Schilling in.

Wrap Up

So there are a could newbies that could get in during their 10 years on the ballot. The 3 guys at the end of their 10 years should get in this year. If you do not agree with me please tweet me. Also listen to the Podcast Legends Lingo.

-Tom “Powder” Cadmus (@powder42308)