No surprises.  Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. were the only players to get elected to the Hall of Fame yesterday.  Both have 3,000 hits and both were no brainers.  It was the people who were on the fringe that make the most interesting stories.

Goose Gossage came very close and he lifted his percentage up to 71.2% (75% is required).  Nothing is certain but this should make him a lock next year with no big names coming on the ballot this time next year.  Jim Rice lost a little ground as did Bert Blyleven.  So in just looking at this year’s ballot, you might find Gossage with Jim Rice coming in for 2008.  Blyleven might have to wait a little longer then I thought.

Of course the Wild Card is Mark McGwire, who I felt got the shaft.  He did pick up 128 votes and could make a big jump next year once people realize his numbers warrant admission.

As far as the Tigers, Jack Morris still has a long way to go and Alan Trammell is all but out of the running.  I think Morris is a Hall of Famer but it’s hard to justify his omission as long as Blyleven isn’t in there.

This year, the veterans committee also has a vote although it’s been a while since they’ve voted anyone in.  Ron Santo is the obvious choice out of that group and hopefully he finally gets the recognition he deserves.

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