[Seven]

I think what it comes down to, as well, is the fact that the Hall of Fame is not the Hall of Stats. If you were a well liked player, that put up numbers, you have a better shot of getting in. I think this is also what hurt the big 3 of the PED era. Clemens, Bonds and ARod, were vilified at one point or another in their careers.

Sabathia hit some of the stat thresholds needed, everyone had positive things to say about him, and he was loved by his teammates. Am I a little surprised he was a first ballot? Yes. But he was going to make it regardless.