First off, congradualations to Bruce Sutter for making the Hall of Fame.  Anyhow, with my Hall of Fame forecasts now posted, I thought it be great to review who may or may not enter the Hall in the next few years.  The qualifications for this opinionated little column will be players that will be eligible for election within the next five years or players that will be retiring within the next five years.  Due to the length of the list, the article will be split into two parts, for better enjoyment and for a reduced chance of eyes crossing.  With that in mind, here's what I've got.

Cooperstown Bound

Roger Clemens - No question that Clemens will be put in on the first ballot, marking the biggest landslide election since Nolan Ryan.

Cal Ripkin Jr. - First Ballot Hall of Famer.  Next.

Craig Biggio - Biggio is currently in the Hall of Fame as the hit by pitch recordholder.  However, he's also one of the best men to ever play baseball, playing three different positions (catcher, 1^st base and centerfield) been a constant force on the bases, done lots of good work with the Sunshine Kids organization, and will likely end his career with 3000 hits.  The man, along with fellow teammate and good friend Jeff Bagwell, symbolizes the Astros and the day when he retires, a chapter will end for baseball in Texas.  He's a lock.

Jeff Bagwell - The 1991 NL Rookie of the Year has had a quite a career with the Astros ever since coming from the Red Sox in one of the worst trades every made.  He won an MVP award in 1994 with a Gold Glove, has played solid first base, renegotiated his own deal to keep teammate Craig Biggio in Houston, managed to hit for power in the Astrodome, and has hit 449 Home Runs along with 2314 hits.  His career averages are outstanding (.297, .408, .540).  He's also a good man and one of the best teammates ever and he and Biggio have always been the embodiment of classy, which is a category for making the Hall.  Bagwell and Biggio would be best retiring at the same time, allowing them to enter Cooperstown together.  And there wouldn't anything more appropriate than that.

Mariano Rivera - Probably the most dreaded closer in baseball history, even more so than the dreaded Goose Gossage, Rivera has 379 saves and a career ERA of 2.33.  He has saved over 40 games six times and fields his position well.  He's also had incredible success in the post season (8-1, 0.88 ERA, 30 saves), as several teams (Red Sox, Mets, etc.) can attest to.  The only problem is that he may not get a fair shake with the hall due to the lack of standards for closers.  Unlike other closers, this shouldn't be a problem for Rivera.

Curt Schilling  - Schilling may not have the Cooperstown numbers, such as wins or strikeouts (192-131, 2832 btw), but he has won more than 20 games three times and is gutsy in the postseason, the best example of which was The Bloody Sock, though his showing against the Yankees in the 2001 World Series is also worth mentioning.  If he can just get up over 200 wins, he'll be in Don Drysdale territory.  He's in.

Trevor Hoffman - A feared closer, Hoffman is threatening Lee Smith's place on top of the All Time Saves List.  Though he has very few wins (49-53), he's got 436 saves and a career ERA of 2.76.  He's remained effective even at the age of 38 and saved 40 games for the 7^th time in his career.  Again, the only problem is that the Hall doesn't give a fair shake to closers.

Ken Griffey Jr. - When Griffey came to the scene, he was perhaps the one kid phenom that matched his hype.  He was quickly anointed as the heir to Hank Aaron's legacy, which was justified at the time.  Griiffey made contact, hit with power, played Gold Glove winning defense at center, at was on pace to beat Aaron's record.  Since the trade to Cincinnati, that Griffey has had his season cut short by injuries every year since 2001.  He hit his 500^th Home Run in 2004, at the age of 35.  Since then, Griffey has seemed to have rediscovered himself, rejuvenating his career.  Griffey's days as an All-Star position player are far behind him, but he may be able to last another five years if he serves as a Designated Hitter on an AL Club, though his stubborn refusal to be traded blocks this possible career path.

Rickey Henderson - Finally retired, at the ripe old age of 48, Henderson is a lock for a first ballot election.  He's the 1990 MVP, 3055 Hits, 297 HR's, and a career On Base Percentage of .419.

Randy Johnson - Though he was a late bloomer, Johnson will have no problem getting in.  His current record and strikeouts is 263-136 and 4372, and he has won at least 19 games six times.  He is one of the only pitchers ever to have thrown a perfect game.  If his back holds up and he stays relatively healthy, he'll crack the 300 win barrier and be in.

John Smoltz - Smoltz is a sort of a hybrid pitcher, similar to Dennis Eckersley, who can function as a starter and a closer, and succeed at both positions.  He won the 1996 Cy Young and has a record of 177-128 with 154 saves.  Plus, despite the Braves' usual October chokefest, Smoltz usually does well in the post season, with 12 wins so far.  Though he doesn't have 300 wins (though he may get to 200), Smoltz is still a lock. 

Frank Thomas - Thomas has won two MVP awards (1993 and 1994), one batting title and, despite his rash of injuries that have ended his 2004 and 2005 seasons early, he still can hit, as seen in his early performance when he came back.  He currently has a solid set of career averages (.307, .427, and .568) with 447 HR's and 2136 hits.  He also gains credit for staying with the White Sox through all of their losing years.  Thomas is also one of the only sluggers not to have questions about his integrity and without the cloud of steroids hanging over him.  Most likely, Thomas will remain a productive DH and eventually get to 500, though he'll be in even if he doesn't reach 400.

Jeff Kent  - Currently has the record for most Home Runs by a 2^nd Baseman (319) and will possibly hit over 600 doubles by the time he's done.  Though he tends to rub teammates the wrong way some of the time (See Bonds, Barry, Bradley, Milton), Kent is an excellent player who deserves entry.

Greg Maddux - 3 Cy Young's, 13 Pitching Gold Gloves, 318 Wins, and 3052 Strikeouts.  Maddux is a lock for the Hall whenever he decides to retire.

Julio Franco - Speaking of retiring, Franco first began his baseball career in 1978.  Even more unbelievable, Franco still remains productive even at the ripe old age of 47.  Currently, his numbers stand at .299, .366, .419, with 2521 Hits and 1152 RBI's.  Counting the seasons he played in Japan and Mexico, he would have more than 3000 hits.  He's now the oldest position player in baseball history and, most importantly, a good teammate.  He's in.

Barry Bonds - Despite all the allegations of performing enhancing drugs, Bonds was a Hall of Famer before he became the Incredible Hulk.  He could retire now if he wanted to and be a first ballot election.

Mike Piazza  - The 1993 NL Rookie of the Year, Piazza is a first ballot Hall of Fame member, though he was overhyped due to his exposure in two large media markets, Los Angeles and New York.  He hits over .300, and has nearly 400 Home Runs.  He played catcher well in the first and has a great knowledge of pitchers, something that he isn't credited enough for.  His play at catcher has dropped with the beating he has taken over the years, but Piazza deserves a chance to extend his career with another team, as a DH/Part Time Catcher, perhaps with the Twins and their batch of young talented arms.

Ivan Rodriguez - Rodriguez has gotten a lot less press than his contemporary, Mike Piazza, but is probably the better player.  He had a string of consective Gold Gloves that ran from 1992 to 2001, was the 1999 AL MVP, and a World Series Ring.  While he isn't the power hitter than Piazza was, he's averaged .300 per season and a decent .343 On Base Percentage.  He's got a shot to hit 3000 hits, but his skill at catcher is currently declining.  He'll most likely evolve into a DH/Part Time Catcher with a team, most likely the Texas Rangers, whom he's stated that he would like to finish his career with.

Sammy Sosa - Though Sammy has had the cloud of steroids hanging over him since that wonderful summer of 1998, he hasn't tested positive for anything yet.  The hall also has a habit of ignoring some dark moments in a players career, (see - Gaylord Perry's spitball) the corked bat incident probably won't count against him.  With all that said, his nearly 600 HR's will get him in.

Gary Sheffield -Sheffield currently has 449 HR's and 2345 Hits, along with a lifetime average just shy of .300.  He gets on base often and has even won a batting title.  He's also has been branded a clubhouse cancer and has been known to stop performing if he dislikes how things are going.  Still, baring serious injury, Sheffield should break 500 and make the Hall.  .

Jose Canseco - Ho!  What's this?  Jose Canseco?  In the Hall of Fame?  Yes, I do think so.  Here's why:

Ignoring his good, but not Hall worthy numbers (.266-.353-.515, 462 HR's, 1407 RBI's), Jose Canseco's book, Juiced, probably helped save the game of baseball, with his own admission of steroids and the outing of other current and ex-players, such as Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmeiro, and others.  Because of that book, Congress put baseball on the spot and forced them to cleanup their mess, ensuring that the game will be better off long term.  While he may be vilified now, Canseco will be appreciated in the future for what he's done.  He'll be put in.

Alright, part two is coming tomorrow.  Enjoy

The 2006 Hall of Fame Inductees are about to be announced in about 5 days or so.   It's widely regarded that this is probably one of the weaker classes in the history of the hall of fame, with no clear-cut candidates available.  What this will mean is that this years class will feature several candidates that are deserving but either haven't distinguished themselves sufficiently for the finicky voters or don't fit in a clearly defined class.  For many, this may be they're best shot, since in the coming years, high profile candidates, such as Cal Ripkin Jr and Mark McGwire will become eligable.  So, let's get to looking at who will mostly likely be voted in:

Cooperstown Bound

Rich "Goose" Gossage - Until the Hall of Fame comes up with clear-cut standard for relievers, there will always be a debate on whether or not the same standards for starting pitchers will be held to relievers.  Relievers should get their own set of credentials for the Hall, as they are just as important for teams as a good rotation and a hard hitting lineup.  Gossage was regarded for years as the greatest closer of all time, due to the fact that he was dominant for years, pounding hitters from 1975 -1980 much as another great Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera, has for the last 10 or so years.  Gossage gets more credit because of the fact that in his time, the position was not as specialize.  Add in other factors, such as his post-season excellence and the fact that he was durable and he's in.

Jim Rice - Rice does have some numbers that put him in the conversation.  His career averages are pretty good (.298-.352-.502) and has 382 HR's, 1451 RBI's, and 2,452 Hits.  He is also a eight time All-Star, the 1978 AL MVP, and won three home run titles.  However, his numbers were inflated by Fenway Park, which is a haven for right handed hitters.  He also grounded into double plays and really didn't walk all the much.  Still, Rice is highly regarded as one of the most feared hitters in his time and that alone will put him in.

Lee Smith - A good closer, has an the All-Time number of saves (478), and truckload of innings logged in.  His ERA is great (3.03) and was consistent.  He did only play in two playoff teams and was 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA in the postseason.  Still, accumulating 478 saves is amazing (just ask Trevor Hoffman) and was consistent enough in his career that he deserves entry.

Bert Blyleven - A great pitcher, ranks fifth all time in strikeouts (3701), nine all time in shutouts, and 13^th all time in innings.  His career record is great (287-250) his ERA is solid (3.31) and has a career ERA of 2.47 in the post season.   If he had better run support, he'd easily have over 300 wins.  He's in.

Tommy John  - Just as good as Blyleven, in terms of Wins (288-231) and ERA (3.34).  Would have won 300 wins if not for the injury that required the surgical procedure that now bears his name.  He also ranks 18^th on the all time innings list.  He was a great pitcher for quite some time.  He's in.

Screwed

Dave Parker - Park has enough credentials, seven-time All-Star, 1978 MVP, three Gold Gloves, two batting titles, 2,712 hits, top 30 all-time in career doubles, three times led the league in total bases, top 40 all-time in extra-base hits, to put up a strong case for admission.  In fact, Parker might have made it 3000 hits, an automatic admission, had he not had problems with cocaine.  This will be what will keep him out, unfortunately, though his numbers could argue a strong case for him.  Perhaps in another down year, Parker will be bronzed, but not this time.

Dave Concepcion - Nine All-Star Appearances, five Gold Gloves, 2326 hits, and played with one of the greatest teams of all time.  He dominated his position in his time, but had a relatively vanilla set of career averages (.267-.322-.357).  He is very comparable to Ozzie Smith, though Ozzie Smith got in mostly due to the fact that he was the MVP of his team, while Concepcion was surrounded by Joe Morgan and Pete Rose.  If Smith is in, Concepcion should be in.  However, look for him to be left off the podium come induction day. 

Andre Dawson  - Long, steady career.  In 21 seasons, Dawson tallied 438 homers, 2774 hits, 314 steals, the 1987 NL MVP, eight Gold Gloves and an eight time All-Star.  Dawson was a great defender at both right and centerfield and hit with good power.  He didn't walk much, but he did get results.  He probably should be in, but will get lost in the shuffle.  . 

John Wetteland - Ranks number Nine on the All Time Saves list with 330, just behind Rollie Fingers.  Wetteland performed exceptionally for the Yankees before performing well with the Texas Rangers for four years.  However, I doubt that he will ever be elected, due to the lack of a reputation as a feared closer, which Gossage, Fingers, and future HOF Mariano Rivera have.  I think that as far as closers are concerned in terms of Hall of Fame induction, the line should be based of Wetteland, though I think it will be more or less based on Gossage, which is lofty to say the least.

The Hall of Very Good

Jack Morris - Morris is a somewhat lesser version of John.  He has pitched well in the postseason, and averaged at least 14 wins per season.  However, Morris has an ERA of 3.90 and going through some of his career numbers, many of his wins are the result of good run support.  I think he's out.

Bruce Sutter - Slightly better win record and slightly lower ERA than Wetteland and has 300 saves.  However, he pitched for 12 seasons, the last three of which were dreadful, and wasn't really feared.  He also spent most of his career playing for horrible teams.  I wouldn't put him in, but he does have some support.

Orel Hershiser -  The 1988 Cy Young Winner, three time All-Star, 1988 World Series MVP, 1988 NLCS MVP, 1995 ALCS MVP, a gold glove, and a decent hitter.  Still, Hershiser was a good pitcher, not a great one.  His record alone (204-150) keeps him out.  And even when compared to two other sub-300 pitchers, Don Drysdale and Sandy Koufax, Hershiser never really was feared as much as those two were.  His scoreless streak is one of the greatest feats ever accomplished by a pitcher, ranking up with Nolan Ryan's Strikeout and No-Hitter records, but aside from that, the Bulldog's career was actually pretty tame.

Albert Belle - Interesting case.  Has good career averages (.295-.369-.564).  However, the numbers aren't there, with 381 HR's and 1726 Hits and 1239 RBI's.  However, he will get points for the fact that he never was able to enter a decline stage in his career due to the fact that a hip condition would eventually force him to retire, similar to Bo Jackson.  Belle also should get points for intangibles, as he was one of the most feared hitters in the game.  Still, his surly attitude, along with some bat-corking issues, will probably end up keeping him out.

Will Clark - Clark's lifetime averages are there for Cooperstown (.303-.384-.497.) but the sad reality is that his overall numbers (284 HR's, 2176 Hits) aren't enough to encourage voters to put him in.  Clark is often compared in this respect to Jim Rice, though personally I feel that Clark may actually be even better than Rice.  Had Clark been in the game about ten years earlier, he'd be in.  Now, thanks to the injury problems that plagued him in the second half of his career, the only way he'll ever get in Cooperstown is to pay the price of admission.

Don Mattingly - One of the most popular Yankees in history, a nine-time Gold Glover, a six time All-Star, and the 1985 MVP.  A good man and a great leader, who stuck with the Yankees through the lean years and retired just before all the fun started.  Early in his career, Mattingly seemed like a lock, but lingering back problems would eventually claim his career.  Again, as with Clark, good career averages (.307-.358-.471), but the overall numbers (222 HR's, 2153 Hits) aren't enough to get him in.  Again, if he had been in ten years earlier, he'd probably be in.

Dwight Gooden - Rookie of the Year, feared in his first couple of seasons with the Mets, and once seemed as if he would not only win 300 games, but possibly break into the 400's.  However, booze, blow, and broads would destroy his career, leaving him with a final tally of 194-112.  Had Gooden perhaps gotten to the level of a Tommy John, he'd be a strong case to be put in.  Now, he remains the summit of the mountain of wasted talent and promise.

Alan Trammell  - Trammell gets bonus points for playing his whole career with one team, a rarity in this day and age.  Trammell totaled 2,365 hits, 185 homers, 412 doubles, 236 steals, six All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves and a World Series MVP award.   A good resume, but not good enough, particularly when you have Cal Ripkin coming in the next year, and the fact that there are several shortstops that are better in the hall.

Rick Aguilera - one of the famed 86 Mets, Aguilera was a starter turned reliever, the same career path taken by Dennis Ecksersley.  His ERA is pretty good (3.57), but when compared to other closers that are in the hall or currently in the league, Aguilera really is just an average player.  Next.

Doug Jones - Had a great career and more saves than Bruce Sutter.  However, Doug Jones just doesn't have that Hall of Fame luster, despite being a great closer.  I'd leave him out, as per the standard set by my measuring stick, John Wetteland.  This is merely my opinion.  It is entirely possible that Sutter and Jones can make it in on a later date or by the Veteran's Committee.

Dale Murphy  - Murphy had seven All-Star appearances, five Gold Gloves, 398 HR's, two Home Run Titles and two MVP's, back to back.  But he also nosedived off at the end of his career, all but out of baseball in two seasons.  A good player, but not great. 

Willie McGee - Again, a good player, but not a special one.

No Chance In Hell

Ozzie Guillen - Fan Favorite in Chicago and has a lot of momentum following the White Sox's World Series win.  But his numbers, (.264-28-619) as well as his 1764 Hits and 28!!! Home Runs keep him from the hall.  It's also interesting to note that he fell for the Hidden Ball Trick 3 times.

Steve Garvey - Hit for average, played good defense, and had a decent amount of production.  However, he really doesn't compare with other second basemen in the hall, such as Ryne Sandberg, or like other up and coming Hall of Famers, like Jeff Kent.  He was also strongly disliked by his teammates, like Albert Belle.  Most likely, will never be put in.

Hal Morris - Decent player, but not great.  I remember him most from the free card that was given when you bought a new pack of Ultra-Pro Page Holders.  Come to think of it, how many of those players that appeared on the card appear to be heading to the Hall of Fame (Jose Canseco? Bobby Bonilla?)

Alex Fernandez - To quote Drew Rosenhaus, Next Question!

Gary Gaetti - See Fernandez, Alex

Gary DiSarcina - See Gaetti, Gary

Gregg Jeffries- See DiSarcina, Gary

Walt Weiss- Ummmm, no.

 Well, that's all for my first post.  If you all think I'm nuts, post a response.  Have a good one!