Sodo Mojo’s Hall of Fame Ballot Series, Part 1

Strategy Tragedy

As you might have guessed from my earlier rant, I am no fan of the 10 man limit. I find it idiotic, but I am bound by the current rules. As a result, I am forced to leave 4 deserving candidates off my ballot.

The 2 biggest names are first time candidates Jim Thome and Chipper Jones. Both Thome and Jones are slam dunk candidates, and both are tracking at over 90% (rightfully so). Since neither has a chance at breaking the all-time percentage record, I am leaving them off my ballot. They are getting in with or without my vote, so I’ll be using those 2 spots on other qualified candidates.

Next, the names of Vlad Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman. Both barely missed enshrinement last year. Hoffman managed 74% of the vote, while Guerrero gained 71.4% of the vote. Both are on track to pass the 75% mark, and are basic locks for the Hall of Fame at this point.

While I think all 4 players are Hall of Fame players, by leaving them off my ballot, I now have 4 votes I can give to players I would vote for if not for the 10 man limit. My individual votes would not cost these players their well deserved honor, so I feel okay about doing this.