Crazy Hall of Fame Forecasting
I was talking to a marginal Brewers fan the other day, who refused to get excited by their success and was convinced that they were going to tank this year. I tried to explain the young talent, and said, "Mark my words, these guys may not spend their careers with the Brewers, but some of these guys will be perennial All-stars, maybe even Hall of Famers". I know I'm a homer, but here's my discussion question: 1) How many (if any) current players on the Brewers will end up in the Hall of Fame? and 2) Who would be most likely?
I'm comparing the talent on this team to the 1980s Brewers who had 2 homegrown (Molitor and Yount, I won't count Fingers and Sutton, since they didn't earn their honors in Milwaukee really). I think this team has more talent, but Yount and Molitor were able to have long careers.
None of the older players have any chance. I'm guessing 2, with Fielder, Braun, Gallardo and Weeks (keeping faith in scouting reports) as the most likely -- in that order.
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Im going out on a limb
As for braun and Prince, I wish attanasio would open his wallet now for them. I realize they both are years from being arbitration eligible, but lets sign them both for like 10 years 100 million each, to reward them now. The indians have done this with grady sizemore. They both are making like 500,000 for the year, so raise that to 10 mil and maybe we can lock these guys up for awhile. Its never going to happen but it would be nice to keep those cornerstones.
by Zel123 on Jul 17, 2007 2:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it's too early to call on any of them
Sheets- Very little chance. He needs to produce consistant 17-20 win/200+ K years (despite how silly wins and losses are) this year and through his 30s to even have a shot. He's 71-73, with no post season experience. You could make a better case for Livan Hernandez than you can for Sheets. Them voters love that post season heroics, especially at a young age, which sheets does not have.
Fielder- If he gets 500 homers with the way he produces he could be considered a contender. The issue is that he may (read: Probably will) eat himself out of the league. Now, he could go on to have a 2nd career as a DH and make big numbers that way, but that will not be with the Crew. As BP contends year after year, young guys with old guy skills (power, little speed) don't go on to HOF careers.
Weeks- Bad start, but if he reaches (big if) and maintains (even bigger if) his potential (30/30 for 6-8 years) he also has a shot.
Hardy- Again, needs to maintain this current level. But if he reaches 2500-3000 hits, he's got a shot. The problem is that the Shortstops preceding him are some of the best in baseball history. He won't have the average of Jeter, the Power of A-Rod, the RBI potential of Tejada, or to his contemporaries, the power/speed combo of Reyes and Hanley. With those two in his league, he's unlikely to make a lot of All-Star games from here on out. However, if there is any candidate to be a Brewer for his entire career, it's JJ. I'm afraid that he'll have to reach 3000 hits to get in, and thus have a long, biggio-type career into his 40s.
Braun- Great start. Now can you keep it up for 8 more years. Then you'll be Pujols. And yes, you will be in. Especially since your biggest competition at 3rd is Zimmerman (on a terrible team), Alex Gordon (not a good start), and Garret Atkins (probably not going to maintain levels established last year). This is of course after A-rod and Cabrera move over to 1st due to deteriorating skills. Braun is the one I'd lock up 2nd, behind JJ.
Hart- Man, if Ned only got him in last year... well, lets see, how many non-pitcher HOFers really start their careers at 25? He's gotta maintain this level of play for another 8 years too. Not likely, but a very good player.
by hyattff2003 on Jul 17, 2007 3:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
David Wright
by Achilles17 on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True...
by hyattff2003 on Jul 18, 2007 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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