Carlos Beltran

[clydepepper]

As of today, he's at 71.7%.

I think he's worthy of election. The only negative on his resume, IMO, is being part of the Astro's sign-stealing...and that was during his final season.

After that, he was named the new manager of the Mets, only to be 'run out of town' when news of the scandal hit.

I admit to having 'flash-painted' him as a cheater for his part - whatever it was-
but, after seeing his votes, I had to double-check and I would vote him in.

Arguably, one of the top 10 switch-hitters of all-time.


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[Mike D.]

I agree that Beltran is deserving, and a lot of why he hasn't been voted in earlier is due to the Astros scandal. I don't think he gets in this year, but expect his vote total to continue to increase.

Next year is a year without any sure-thing first year candidates, which makes me wonder if Jones and Beltran will get in then.

Beltran was a bit of a compiler, with only one top 5 MVP finish, and he did some things that aren't as "sexy" to some voters - good defense in CF, good baserunner, and very good but not great hitter for a long time. So, I get him not being first ballot...but he'll get in eventually, perhaps soon.

When he gets elected, I think he'll be the only Hall of Famer to not appear on his own rookie card?

The Best Rookie Cards Of Hall Of Fame Candidate Carlos Beltran

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

I agree that Beltran is deserving, and a lot of why he hasn't been voted in earlier is due to the Astros scandal. I don't think he gets in this year, but expect his vote total to continue to increase.

Next year is a year without any sure-thing first year candidates, which makes me wonder if Jones and Beltran will get in then.

Beltran was a bit of a compiler, with only one top 5 MVP finish, and he did some things that aren't as "sexy" to some voters - good defense in CF, good baserunner, and very good but not great hitter for a long time. So, I get him not being first ballot...but he'll get in eventually, perhaps soon.

When he gets elected, I think he'll be the only Hall of Famer to not appear on his own rookie card?

The Best Rookie Cards Of Hall Of Fame Candidate Carlos Beltran

The RC thing is NOT good. I have resorted to a minor league card but not thrilled about that either.

[Mike D.]

Yes, the only true RC not actually picturing him is not great. I have that '95 SP as well, plus a '96 Best and some 1997 minor league cards, but the combo of the error and the '95 Topps card coming out three years before his major league debut makes for an odd situation.

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

Yes, the only true RC not actually picturing him is not great. I have that '95 SP as well, plus a '96 Best and some 1997 minor league cards, but the combo of the error and the '95 Topps card coming out three years before his major league debut makes for an odd situation.

Unique. I mean there are a few error cards picturing the wrong player, but just mixing up two different guys is pretty awful. They got them wrong on Bowman's Best too.

[clydepepper]

In a truly bizarro world, they would have the wrong player on his plaque and nobody would catch it until it was handed to him on induction day.

(insert Homer Simpson's reaction here)
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[Aquarian Sports Cards]

If people like Beltran for the hall what about Bobby Abreu?

[packs]

I always liked Abreu but didn’t think he was a HOFer. Beltran would be in no problem if not for the Astros. He’s got over 400 homers as a switch hitting center fielder and more than 2700 hits.

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by Aquarian Sports Cards

If people like Beltran for the hall what about Bobby Abreu?

Personally, I think Beltran is a better candidate than Abreu, but I actually think that Abreu should get more attention than he does. In my book he belongs.

With Jones, Beltran, Lofton, Edmonds, and Abreu, there are a number of centerfielders who are worthy of induction. We observed a mini-golden era of CF's and many didn't notice!

[G1911]

Originally Posted by clydepepper

Arguably, one of the top 10 switch-hitters of all-time.


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This didn't feel right to my gut, but I sure couldn't come up with 10 really better than him. Roger Connor, George Davis, Mickey Mantle, Eddie Murray, Chipper Jones, Pete Rose. Frankie Frisch, Tim Raines, Roberto Alomar were switch hitters but I'd have to really dig in and see if they were truly better at hitting only than Beltran, though probably more valuable overall. He ranks much higher than I would have ever guessed off the top. I would probably vote for Beltran, a low-end HOFer, but I think qualified.

I think Abreu deserves a fair, honest look, as does Edmonds. Lofton I would vote for and am still appalled he got immediately kicked off the ballot without a chance, but that ballot was so crowded.

[KJA]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

Personally, I think Beltran is a better candidate than Abreu, but I actually think that Abreu should get more attention than he does. In my book he belongs.

With Jones, Beltran, Lofton, Edmonds, and Abreu, there are a number of centerfielders who are worthy of induction. We observed a mini-golden era of CF's and many didn't notice!

Torii Hunter as well

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by KJA

Torii Hunter as well

He's managed to hang around the ballot for a few years for sure, and had a very good career!