Opinion: The PNWS 2021 Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot
Chris Phillips
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Omar Vizquel – Fourth
Omar Vizquel is arguably one of the three best defensive shortstops to play the game. A super slick-fielder who came up in the Seattle Mariners organization before making a name for himself in Cleveland. His stay in the Emerald City might have been longer, but the M’s had this young phenom named Alex Rodriguez, a potential franchise player.
His glovework and fast hands paved the way for all the cool glove flips we see players doing today. If you don’t believe me, search YouTube for Omar Vizquel’s quick hands. It’s amazing. Even with his superior fielding, Vizquel would have a harder time becoming a starter in today’s game. Prioritizing defense isn’t in style right now.
A marvel of longevity, Vizquel played in the Majors until age 45. Over 24 MLB seasons, he had 2,877 hits, 404 stolen bases, won 11 Gold Gloves, and finished with a .272 career batting average.
We need to note the recent domestic abuse allegations against Vizquel. At this point, he should be in the hall; however, if these allegations prove to be true, then he shouldn’t be in Cooperstown. Some fans will view him as the terrific ballplayer they remember. Others will view him as a woman abuser. That’s not the kind of look the MLB wants.
Todd Helton – Third
Like Larry Walker before him, a Colorado Rockies player’s production is always dinged because of the altitude. Todd Helton was a legitimate multi-dimensional threat at the plate. Beltin Helton owns a career .316 average while averaging 27 home runs and 101 RBI per season.
Helton was a complete athlete. Before deciding on baseball, he was Peyton Manning’s backup at the University of Tennessee. Even rarer, he played his entire 17-year Major League career in one place. But like Jones, he’s another guy that played during the steroid era. At the peak of his career, from 1998-2004, Helton averaged 36 home runs and 122 RBI. All totaled, he was a five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and three-time Gold Glove winner.
Scott Rolen – Fourth
The 1997 National League Rookie of the Year may be the most divisive candidate on the ballot. Over his 17-year career, he hit .281, averaging 25 home runs and 102 RBI with a .855 OPS. Scott Rolen was also a seven-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove winner. That’s good stuff and obviously worthy of Cooperstown consideration.
Here’s the rub, he was never the best player on his team. Rolen was always the Pippen to someone else’s MJ. When it came to the playoffs, he’s a career .220 hitter. Add in his burning of bridges with the Phillies and Cardinals; it’s not hard to see why he’s not in the Hall…yet. This is my ballot, and I’m voting for him.