Picking and predicting who should make the Hall of Fame in 2023, plus discussing some problems facing the Hall today.

The Baseball Writers’ Association of America will announce the players they”ve chosen for Cooperstown on January 24th. The winner will be inducted on July 23rd. This year the ballot has 28 names on it, half of which are first-time nominees. To get elected, a player“s name must appear on at least 75% of the ballots. A voting member can vote for up to 10 players.

Picking and predicting who should make the Hall of Fame in 2023.

Carlos Beltrán is the only player who played for the Royals. He is being voted against because of his involvement in the sign-stealing catastrophe during his season with the Astros. Beltrañ played a career .837 OPS, won two Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, made nine All-Star teams, and won Rookie of the Year.

Todd Helton played for the Rockies for 17 years. Helt posted an even higher OPS than Carlos Beltran. He played half his games every season in hitter-friendly Denver.

Andruw Jones was elected to the Hall of Fame. He was a center fielder for the Braves for 12 seasons. For his career, he won 10 Gold Gloves and went to five All-Star Games.

Jeff Kent won the 2000 MVP as a member of the Giants. He reached five All-Star Games and earned four Silver Sluggers. Kent hit more home runs than any other second baseman.

Andy Pettitte won 256 games over 18 years. He reached three All-Star Games and won five World Series with the Yankees. Pettitt finished in the top five for the Cy Young Award four times and sixth once.

Manny Ramirez is a former baseball player who played for the Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians. He hit 555 home runs in a 15-year career. Ramirez won nine Silver Sluggers and the 2002 AL batting title.

Alex Rodriguez won't get into the Hall of Fame. He would have reached 700 home runs if the Yankees hadn't screwed him over. If Bud Selig is in the hall, so should Alex Rodriguez.

Scott Rolen won Rookie of the Year in 1997 with the Phillies. He made four All-Star Games and won three Gold Gloves during his time in St. Louis. Rolan helped the Cardinals win their first championship in 24 years in 2006. After a trade to Toronto, he made two more All Star teams and one Silver Slugger with Reds.

Gary Sheffield hit over 500 home runs and 2,700 hits in his 22-year career. He was a liability in the field, but he still posted a career 60.5 bWAR. I would have voted for Mark Buehrle, the longtime lefty pitcher for the White Sox, over Billy Wagner, Torii Hunter and Jimmy Rollins.

Scott Rolen is the most likely to be elected to the Hall of Fame this year. A-Rod and Manny have no chance. Beltrán probably won't make it this time, but should eventually. Kent and Sheffield are more deserving.

Hall of Fame problems include picking and predicting who should make the Hall of Hall in 2023 and discussing some problems facing the hall today.

There are 28 players in the Hall of Fame. More than one of them will eventually make it. There is a sanctity associated with making it on the first ballot.

Fred McGriff was elected to the Hall of Fame by the Contemporary Era committee. He received 100% of the votes on his first committee ballot. The BBWAA needs to get it right the first time around. The writers and the members of BBwaa are not on the same page on who should be elected. There are more than nine deserving candidates on current ballot, but the BB wwAA is getting in the way of them.

The Hall of Fame should induct stars who thrived during Bud Selig's time as commissioner. A-Rod and Manny Ramirez can still be inducted. Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Manny and Rafael Palmeiro deserve to be in the Hall.