Ben and Meg discuss their podcast's popularity, recent trade talks for Juan Soto, Reds and Mets moves. They also talk about MLB awards, changing Hall of Fame selection process, and analyze players' HOF chances. BBWA membership and voting process is discussed too.
The decrease in Hall of Fame voting participation may be attributed to the shrinking media landscape and the contraction of coverage on the sport.
Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley are strong newcomers to the Hall of Fame ballot with impressive careers and unique contributions.
Deep dives
Hall of Fame Ballot: Trends, New Entrants, and Returning Favorites
The Hall of Fame ballot for this year features several notable players, both new candidates and those returning. Some of the trends observed last year, such as the decrease in the number of votes cast, remain a concern. However, the availability of tools like JAWS has helped reshape the debate and improve the quality of Hall of Fame voting. Ultimately, the shrinking media landscape and the contraction of coverage on the sport may be contributing to the decline in votes cast. Nonetheless, the ballot still represents an important part of baseball history, and it is essential to evaluate candidates' careers within the appropriate statistical context.
BBWAA Hall of Fame Voting and Attrition
The podcast episode discusses the attrition and changing dynamics within the BBWAA Hall of Fame voting process. It highlights how the purging of votes and lack of transparency has had an impact on the voting numbers, resulting in a decrease in the number of votes and overall participation. The episode also mentions the reluctance of some writers to publish their ballots and the possible reasons behind it, such as the expectation of transparency, PED debates, and the impact of social media. It further mentions that the BBWAA has become more selective in their membership, and the Hall of Fame voting process has become tied to the fate of the organization.
Newcomers to the BBWAA Hall of Fame Ballot
The podcast episode focuses on three strong newcomers to the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot: Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Chase Utley. It highlights Beltre's achievements, including his membership in the 3000-hit club, his defensive prowess at third base, and his popularity as a player. Mauer's career as a catcher is emphasized, including his multiple batting titles and his excellent pitch framing skills. Utley's late start in his career, his contributions on the basepaths and in fielding, and his impact as an advanced stats darling are discussed. While Beltre and Mauer are considered easy selections, Utley faces challenges due to a shorter career and the crowded ballot.
Returning Candidates and Challenges for their Induction
The podcast episode mentions several returning candidates for the BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot and their chances of induction. It highlights Todd Helton's close percentage last year and his likely election this year, along with the strong candidacy of Billy Wagner, who has a good chance of getting in. The episode also discusses the challenges faced by Carlos Beltran and the impact of his involvement in the sign-stealing scandal on his first-year vote total. It points out the ongoing debates and uncertainties surrounding the induction of past and present players connected to PEDs, as well as the future considerations of several notable starters like Andy Pettitte and Bartolo Colon.
Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley banter about listeners’ end-of-year podcast stats, the reported “progress” in Padres-Yankees trade talks concerning Juan Soto, some recent Reds and Mets moves, a possible extension for Brewers prospect Jackson Chourio and the track record of extensions signed before a player’s MLB debut, and several end-of-season MLB awards (past and present) […]
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