POSTED BY Coley Ward ON 4:53 pm, September 11, 2009 - POSTED IN You Make The Call
Today, Buster Olney writes about Chipper Jones’ defensive struggles and says:
Chipper Jones says he might retire if he has another season like this one, writes David O’Brien. Remember, he just signed a three-year, $42 million extension, which runs through 2012. Yes, he is a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
That last line — Yes, he is a first ballot Hall of Famer — jumped out at me. Jones is the man. I’m a huge fan. But I’m curious if everybody else is convinced that Jones is Cooperstown-bound.
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I don’t understand the idea that it takes a years after the first ballot to decide someone is hall of fame worthy. Either they are or they are not. Like Jim Rice, why wait till its someones last year eligible. Unless your first year you are in a huge class where atleast 5 players got the 75%.
Chipper should be first ballot. Up there with Mickey with greatest switch hitter all time. I only hope he gets to go out strong. A comeback and run for batting title again next year and the last year of contract would be terrific. Voters seem to judge on last impressions alot.
All of this could be skewed because I also think Dale Murphy has a place in the hall. He was a top player of his time. But tapered off at the end..