Gary Sheffield -- Hall of Famer?

No. Hell no.

 

I think people are hoping he doesn't get to 500 HR so it's never a serious issue a la Fred McGriff.

I agree with the sentiment that Jim Rice was a better player in his era.

 

500 is no longer a magic number in the steroid era.

 

Is there a magic number anymore? And if the steroid era is truly over, in the future is 500 again it?

As to Sheffield. No, and no.

 

It shouldn't be. I wonder if there are a few who will sneak in before the writers realize that in about a decade there are going to be tons and tons of players with 500 HR who don't belong anywhere near Cooperstown.

 

I'll be very curious if Sosa will have any trouble getting in a la McGwire.

 

Sosa will have huge trouble getting in.

 

Not a HoF.

 

I think Sheffield has a legitimate chance...and no, it has nothing to do with him being a Tiger.

He's been a feared hitter for a decade-and-a-half...hits for average...hits for power...has pretty good speed for a hitter of his caliber.

Outside of ARod, Manny and maybe Frank Thomas, I can't think of too many right-handed batters who were better all-around at the plate than Sheffield. Those first three are sure-fire HoFs...and were off the top of my head...maybe there are more, but they're slipping my mind.

EDIT: According to baseballreference.com, these are the players most similar to Sheffield through age 38. A pretty strong list.

Fred McGriff (883)
Reggie Jackson (868) *
Dave Winfield (851) *
Billy Williams (850) *
Mike Schmidt (848) *
Rafael Palmeiro (842)
Al Kaline (836) *
Frank Thomas (833)
Sammy Sosa (831)
Ernie Banks (827) *

 

so was Ty cobb, but this isn't a likeability contest.

 

If Stargell and McCovey are in, shouldn't Sheffield AND Rice be in also.