Boston Red Sox roster HOF possibilities
By Rick McNair
The HOF Lock
MLB Stats: 2257 G, 9465 PA, 2303 H, 584 2B, 18 3B, 1340 R, 503 HR, 1641 RBI, .284/.378/.547
Best HOF Comp: Wille Stargell.
Is Ortiz one of the best hitters of his generation?
So he’s a DH? What’s the problem? Frank Thomas spent more time as a DH than playing first base. Ortiz is not some bindlestiff with the glove. When he’s been forced into the position Ortiz has held his own. No great range machine, but the ability to corral errant throws and to make the smart play. Toss his career into the National League and his glove would be superior to Ryan Howard.
The HOF is a numbers oriented process and the number’s that Ortiz presents are exceptional. If Ortiz was retiring in 1972 and not 2016 there would be no debate. The post season heroics and a long list of clutch performances need no repeating. In fact, if Ortiz played in the period before the DH in all likelihood he would already have an MVP or two on the mantle. But he didn’t and he will be “punished” on the ballot just as he was for being a one-dimensional player.
The demographics of voters are changing and I suspect most who will now cast a ballot in Ortiz year of eligibility either don’t remember or were born after the implementation of the DH. As the years pass by that will change even greater as the old guard passes into retirement or eternity. So expect Papi to be an eventual entry.
HOF Outlook: A first ballot entry
MLB Stats: 104-56 W/L, 218 G, 1441.2 IP, 1261 H, 371 W, 1372 K, 3.09 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Best HOF Comp: Whitey Ford.
Is Price one of the best pitchers of his generation?
A 20 game winner. Check. A Cy Young Award. Check. A long list on league leading stats. Check. A dismal post season record. Check. Price is on the statistical fast track and only injury will derail his express to the HOF. I seven full season the win total is now 104 games.
Price is now with an organization that will spend to win, has provided a comfortable base of young talent and savvy veterans and has a bullpen that is (hopefully) capable of protecting a lead. Price was placed in a similar situation with Toronto in 2015 and responded with a 9-1 record and 2.30 ERA. Now he is with a lineup that may not have the muscle of the Jays but can produce runs.
Price is in a statistical sweet spot with Boston. The prime years, good bullpen and a stellar Fenway Park history (6-1, 1.96) and that nice long term deal. Price is smart – very smart – and certainly is capable of being a dominant pitcher even when the heat fades a bit. The physical conditioning is there, so not to worry about the perpetual breakdowns of a Clay Buchholz.
Next: Red Sox 25 in 25: Dustin Pedroia
If Price goes the full seven years with quality in Boston his record will warrant induction. If the Red Sox post a few World Series wins and Price naps an ALCS and WS MVP or two then book his reservation for Cooperstown.
HOF Outlook: Another Boston cap at Cooperstown
Sources: baseball-Reference