Class of 2013 -- HOF prospects

[Peter_Spaeth]

Machado and Arenado have had excellent years, IMO both are on track and even likely at this point assuming they continue to accumulate at least good stats. Cole to me had the potential but seems destined for the hall of very good. I don't see much chance for Yelich at this point. I can't think of anyone else in the running.

[Mike D.]

I agree on Machado and Arenado being well on the path. I mention both in my recent article on hitters on the HOF path.

I also agree on Cole...to me he's the poster child for just how hard it will be for a modern starting pitcher to make the Hall of Fame.

[BobbyStrawberry]

Originally Posted by Mike D.

I agree on Machado and Arenado being well on the path. I mention both in my recent article on hitters on the HOF path.

I also agree on Cole...to me he's the poster child for just how hard it will be for a modern starting pitcher to make the Hall of Fame.

Will members of those cheating Astros teams be penalized by voters in the future?

[Mike D.]

Originally Posted by BobbyStrawberry

Will members of those cheating Astros teams be penalized by voters in the future?

My guess is somewhat, but not to the degree that PED users have been.

For example, Beltran will lose some votes when he comes up next year, but I think he eventually makes the hall. How quickly will be interesting to see...if he gets 50% of the vote next year, he'll be on a fast track. Less than that? It'll take a bit longer.

I mean, both fired managers were re-hired right after their suspension was up, so the game can't feel TOO strongly about the scandal. Heck, by losing the Mets managers role and not getting another one yet, you could argue that Beltran has been punished as much as anyone in the whole thing.

Beyond Beltran, Altuve and Correa may be on a Hall of Fame trajectory (if they age well). In the many years between now and when they appear on a HOF ballot, I imagine the outrage will continue to fade.

Of course, if there's one group that will hang onto slights, real or imagined, and who seem to revel in playing "morality police", it's baseball writers.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I'm not seeing Correa being on a HOF trajectory. WAR does like him though.

[G1911]

Machado is on track, but he has to age well. He needs several more high quality seasons to really meet the general thresholds.

Arenado's 3 HR titles and the first half of his career may be viewed with skepticism as a Rockie. How much remains to be seen, it was basically ignored for Larry Walker but has been held against Todd Helton, though his trajectory is improving rapidly now as the ballot shrinks. 3-4 more good years with St. Louis probably gets him queued.

Cole is on track but also has to age well, even with greatly reduced standards to reflect that Pitchers are no longer expected to play much.

None of these guys have accomplished enough to be elected solely for their peak. All need a few more years.