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Posted By: Misunderestimated

Gomez does benefit from being on the Yankees but its a 2-way street he helped make the Yankees the dominant team they were during his career. Also, the statistical similarity between Gomez and Warneke omits one of "Goofy's" major selling points -- a 6-0 World Series record and 5 World Series crowns (4 of which he played an integral role in winning).

Anyway:

my choices are:
Only one of the new entrants does it for me:

Raines YES (I am not a big believer in applying a higher standard for first year candidates -- because it is a "greater honor" to get elected on the first go around)

With respect to some of the holdover candidates (Rice and Gossage have the best chance based on their past vote totals)

Gossage YES (all things considered the best reliever/closer of all-time)

Baines: NO (a dependable excellent hitter for a long time; never dominant, not powerful and one dimensional).

Dave Parker: NO

Rice NO -- strong offensive production but at a position that requires it. He benefited from Fenway which is fine but his away numbers are downright bad.

Blyleven : YES : Playing on terrible teams and failing to reach the magic 300 number are the only reasons he isn't in already. These reasons aren't good enough to keep him out.

Trammell: NO (very close)

Morris: YES a tremendous workhorse and big-game pitcher. I'm giving him a lot of credit for his October pitching.

McGwire: YES Simply stated one of the best of his era -- regardless of what you think about steroids etc. BTW how many other players (Pitchers included!!) were also using steroids. It is silly to simply hold Mac (or whomever) responsible for the era he played in.

Mattingly/Murphy: NO: Great seasons but not enough of them -- career numbers are weak too. Both were true "ballplayers"

Lee Smith: No (for now) Big career numbers but I can't even think about him until Goose goes in.

Dawson: YES (barely) An incredible all-around talent who had heart to boot. Played for a long time but never reached magic hitting numbers still I think his total package warrants induction.