There are 15 prominent names returning to the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot in 2017, including Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines, Trevor Hoffman, Edgar Martinez and Lee Smith – but there are also 19 new names, including former Red Sox Manny Ramirez, Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield.
.@baseballhall releases 2017 ballot, featuring 1st-time candidates @VladGuerrero27, Manny Ramirez, @Pudge_Rodriguez. https://t.co/z9hyJNTO76 pic.twitter.com/MP7hT903SH
— MLB (@MLB) November 21, 2016
Of the new guys available, I think Pudge Rodriguez is a first-ballot guy and I think Vlad Guerrero gets in eventually. Manny Ramirez is the biggest enigma of the group. His numbers are certainly Hall of Fame worthy…
From the Baseball Hall of Fame Press Release:
Manny Ramírez compiled a .312 batting average over 19 seasons as an outfielder with the Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers, White Sox and Rays, totaling 555 home runs, 1,831 RBI and 12 All-Star Game selections. A nine-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Ramírez posted 12 seasons with at least 100 RBI, led his league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage three times apiece and helped the Red Sox win World Series titles in 2004 and 2007 – earning World Series MVP honors in 2004.
But taking away from Ramirez’s candidacy? His suspension in the 2009 season for PED use while playing for the Dodgers. If Barry Bonds can’t get in, why can Manny Ramirez?
