TDmollusk
@tdmollusk.bsky.social
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Jimmy Rollins. Far below career & peak WAR, with below-average career & peak OPS+, despite some impressive counting stats. After age 30, he hit like a glove first sub, but was actually no longer good in the field. I say no.
Jimmy Rollins. Far below career & peak WAR, with below-average career & peak OPS+, despite some impressive counting stats. After age 30, he hit like a glove first sub, but was actually no longer good in the field. I say no.
November 19, 2025 at 5:04 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Jimmy Rollins. Far below career & peak WAR, with below-average career & peak OPS+, despite some impressive counting stats. After age 30, he hit like a glove first sub, but was actually no longer good in the field. I say no.
Jimmy Rollins. Far below career & peak WAR, with below-average career & peak OPS+, despite some impressive counting stats. After age 30, he hit like a glove first sub, but was actually no longer good in the field. I say no.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Omar Vizquel. Fuck this guy.
Before his abuse was publicized, I was supremely annoyed by how many people went “durr…Gold Gloves” & saw him as HoF material.
Very good fielder that deserved 60% of his GGs and contributed nothing else. And is a piece of shit. So no.
Omar Vizquel. Fuck this guy.
Before his abuse was publicized, I was supremely annoyed by how many people went “durr…Gold Gloves” & saw him as HoF material.
Very good fielder that deserved 60% of his GGs and contributed nothing else. And is a piece of shit. So no.
November 19, 2025 at 4:40 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Omar Vizquel. Fuck this guy.
Before his abuse was publicized, I was supremely annoyed by how many people went “durr…Gold Gloves” & saw him as HoF material.
Very good fielder that deserved 60% of his GGs and contributed nothing else. And is a piece of shit. So no.
Omar Vizquel. Fuck this guy.
Before his abuse was publicized, I was supremely annoyed by how many people went “durr…Gold Gloves” & saw him as HoF material.
Very good fielder that deserved 60% of his GGs and contributed nothing else. And is a piece of shit. So no.
Obviously, CC Sabathia getting inducted on his 1st ballot with a nearly identical statline to Pettitte helps his cause. Having 270+ good (but not great) IP in the playoffs is worth noting, too. Admitting to (but not being suspended for) PEDs adds another wrinkle to his case. I say no, but it’s close
November 19, 2025 at 4:23 AM
Obviously, CC Sabathia getting inducted on his 1st ballot with a nearly identical statline to Pettitte helps his cause. Having 270+ good (but not great) IP in the playoffs is worth noting, too. Admitting to (but not being suspended for) PEDs adds another wrinkle to his case. I say no, but it’s close
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Andy Pettitte was never an ace SP, but he was a good 2-3 SP for a long time. A career compiler who fell short of the big milestones, career & peak WAR standards. I don’t think he should get in. BUT…
Andy Pettitte was never an ace SP, but he was a good 2-3 SP for a long time. A career compiler who fell short of the big milestones, career & peak WAR standards. I don’t think he should get in. BUT…
November 19, 2025 at 4:23 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Andy Pettitte was never an ace SP, but he was a good 2-3 SP for a long time. A career compiler who fell short of the big milestones, career & peak WAR standards. I don’t think he should get in. BUT…
Andy Pettitte was never an ace SP, but he was a good 2-3 SP for a long time. A career compiler who fell short of the big milestones, career & peak WAR standards. I don’t think he should get in. BUT…
I was correct on this. The Cubs declined Imanaga’s option, which then turned into a player option that he declined, and then he signed the qualifying offer.
Not the simplest option, but he returns.
Not the simplest option, but he returns.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I was correct on this. The Cubs declined Imanaga’s option, which then turned into a player option that he declined, and then he signed the qualifying offer.
Not the simplest option, but he returns.
Not the simplest option, but he returns.
Interesting HoF comp for Braun. Interesting that Allen had significantly more WAR despite some very similar stats.
November 18, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Interesting HoF comp for Braun. Interesting that Allen had significantly more WAR despite some very similar stats.
There are some knocks against Abreu, for sure. Surprising few accolades. His best years were with the same Phillies core that would compete for titles, but only after he left. His own teams didn’t seem to value him. But his stat line is fairly unique, so I’d keep him on the ballot.
November 18, 2025 at 12:49 AM
There are some knocks against Abreu, for sure. Surprising few accolades. His best years were with the same Phillies core that would compete for titles, but only after he left. His own teams didn’t seem to value him. But his stat line is fairly unique, so I’d keep him on the ballot.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Bobby Abreu falls short of the career and peak WAR standards, but not by much. He’s had a very good 5-tool peak, and there are few non-HoFers with higher career OBP. I’m leaning no, but on a ballot like this, why not give him a vote and another chance next year?
Bobby Abreu falls short of the career and peak WAR standards, but not by much. He’s had a very good 5-tool peak, and there are few non-HoFers with higher career OBP. I’m leaning no, but on a ballot like this, why not give him a vote and another chance next year?
November 18, 2025 at 12:44 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Bobby Abreu falls short of the career and peak WAR standards, but not by much. He’s had a very good 5-tool peak, and there are few non-HoFers with higher career OBP. I’m leaning no, but on a ballot like this, why not give him a vote and another chance next year?
Bobby Abreu falls short of the career and peak WAR standards, but not by much. He’s had a very good 5-tool peak, and there are few non-HoFers with higher career OBP. I’m leaning no, but on a ballot like this, why not give him a vote and another chance next year?
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Ryan Braun was also suspended for PEDs, but his statistical case is much shakier. He’s pretty far below career WAR standard, and is slightly below 7-year peak WAR. He’s got 350HR, but under 2000H. Really, his peak was only 5 years. Not long enough.
Ryan Braun was also suspended for PEDs, but his statistical case is much shakier. He’s pretty far below career WAR standard, and is slightly below 7-year peak WAR. He’s got 350HR, but under 2000H. Really, his peak was only 5 years. Not long enough.
November 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Ryan Braun was also suspended for PEDs, but his statistical case is much shakier. He’s pretty far below career WAR standard, and is slightly below 7-year peak WAR. He’s got 350HR, but under 2000H. Really, his peak was only 5 years. Not long enough.
Ryan Braun was also suspended for PEDs, but his statistical case is much shakier. He’s pretty far below career WAR standard, and is slightly below 7-year peak WAR. He’s got 350HR, but under 2000H. Really, his peak was only 5 years. Not long enough.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Alex Rodriguez is another case of great stats but a PED suspension, so he’s off my list.
Alex Rodriguez is another case of great stats but a PED suspension, so he’s off my list.
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Alex Rodriguez is another case of great stats but a PED suspension, so he’s off my list.
Alex Rodriguez is another case of great stats but a PED suspension, so he’s off my list.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Manny Ramirez also definitely has the stats to get in. But he was suspended for PEDs. Twice. I might reconsider if the other PED guys that *weren’t* suspended are elected, but I think suspensions are disqualifying right now.
Manny Ramirez also definitely has the stats to get in. But he was suspended for PEDs. Twice. I might reconsider if the other PED guys that *weren’t* suspended are elected, but I think suspensions are disqualifying right now.
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Manny Ramirez also definitely has the stats to get in. But he was suspended for PEDs. Twice. I might reconsider if the other PED guys that *weren’t* suspended are elected, but I think suspensions are disqualifying right now.
Manny Ramirez also definitely has the stats to get in. But he was suspended for PEDs. Twice. I might reconsider if the other PED guys that *weren’t* suspended are elected, but I think suspensions are disqualifying right now.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Carlos Beltran obviously has the stats to get in, but I wouldn’t use my (completely imaginary) vote on any of the 2017 Astros.
Carlos Beltran obviously has the stats to get in, but I wouldn’t use my (completely imaginary) vote on any of the 2017 Astros.
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Carlos Beltran obviously has the stats to get in, but I wouldn’t use my (completely imaginary) vote on any of the 2017 Astros.
Carlos Beltran obviously has the stats to get in, but I wouldn’t use my (completely imaginary) vote on any of the 2017 Astros.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
…and, right now, I think those would be my only two genuine selections. There are some guys I’d vote for to keep them on the ballot, but those are the only two I’d want to put in.
…and, right now, I think those would be my only two genuine selections. There are some guys I’d vote for to keep them on the ballot, but those are the only two I’d want to put in.
November 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
…and, right now, I think those would be my only two genuine selections. There are some guys I’d vote for to keep them on the ballot, but those are the only two I’d want to put in.
…and, right now, I think those would be my only two genuine selections. There are some guys I’d vote for to keep them on the ballot, but those are the only two I’d want to put in.
He also has 434HR, wasn’t suspected of PEDs, and has all the Gold Gloves.
Aside from his general terrible decline after age 30, the big disqualifier for Jones is that he didn’t reach 2000H. I think his fielding and walk totals make up for that.
Aside from his general terrible decline after age 30, the big disqualifier for Jones is that he didn’t reach 2000H. I think his fielding and walk totals make up for that.
November 17, 2025 at 11:37 PM
He also has 434HR, wasn’t suspected of PEDs, and has all the Gold Gloves.
Aside from his general terrible decline after age 30, the big disqualifier for Jones is that he didn’t reach 2000H. I think his fielding and walk totals make up for that.
Aside from his general terrible decline after age 30, the big disqualifier for Jones is that he didn’t reach 2000H. I think his fielding and walk totals make up for that.
The biggest disqualifier for Utley, in my eyes, is that he has less than 2000H. I don’t agree with that as a strict minimum, but there’s no denying his counting stats are a bit low due to injuries. Still, even with limited availability, he was effective when he played.
November 17, 2025 at 10:22 PM
The biggest disqualifier for Utley, in my eyes, is that he has less than 2000H. I don’t agree with that as a strict minimum, but there’s no denying his counting stats are a bit low due to injuries. Still, even with limited availability, he was effective when he played.
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Selection 2: Chase Utley
Another case of peak performance. Slightly below the 2B career WAR standard, but above the 7-yr peak avg. The best player on his team in both seasons his teammates won MVP, he was recognized as a top 2B (ASG x6, SS x4).
Selection 2: Chase Utley
Another case of peak performance. Slightly below the 2B career WAR standard, but above the 7-yr peak avg. The best player on his team in both seasons his teammates won MVP, he was recognized as a top 2B (ASG x6, SS x4).
November 17, 2025 at 10:22 PM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
Selection 2: Chase Utley
Another case of peak performance. Slightly below the 2B career WAR standard, but above the 7-yr peak avg. The best player on his team in both seasons his teammates won MVP, he was recognized as a top 2B (ASG x6, SS x4).
Selection 2: Chase Utley
Another case of peak performance. Slightly below the 2B career WAR standard, but above the 7-yr peak avg. The best player on his team in both seasons his teammates won MVP, he was recognized as a top 2B (ASG x6, SS x4).
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
I don’t have and don’t deserve a vote, but I’d pick a few of these guys.
Selection 1: Andruw Jones
The man may or may not have died at age 30, but he had a great peak, has the hardware, has the rep, & ranks high for CF WAR.
I don’t have and don’t deserve a vote, but I’d pick a few of these guys.
Selection 1: Andruw Jones
The man may or may not have died at age 30, but he had a great peak, has the hardware, has the rep, & ranks high for CF WAR.
November 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
MLB Hall of Fame nerd thoughts:
I don’t have and don’t deserve a vote, but I’d pick a few of these guys.
Selection 1: Andruw Jones
The man may or may not have died at age 30, but he had a great peak, has the hardware, has the rep, & ranks high for CF WAR.
I don’t have and don’t deserve a vote, but I’d pick a few of these guys.
Selection 1: Andruw Jones
The man may or may not have died at age 30, but he had a great peak, has the hardware, has the rep, & ranks high for CF WAR.
Oof. Hamels is closest to the WAR standard for his position, but he’s still definitely below and it’s not very close.
November 17, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Oof. Hamels is closest to the WAR standard for his position, but he’s still definitely below and it’s not very close.
Joe Strummer. He was in the midst of a creative upswing, and it sucks that he didn’t get to follow that more
November 17, 2025 at 6:39 AM
Joe Strummer. He was in the midst of a creative upswing, and it sucks that he didn’t get to follow that more
Welp, reading up on that was awful.
November 16, 2025 at 12:54 AM
Welp, reading up on that was awful.
That’s a bold statement! I know he sucks, but what puts him in an elite tier of shitheads?
(Searching for “clemens allegations” isn’t useful with all the PED think pieces and court case)
(Searching for “clemens allegations” isn’t useful with all the PED think pieces and court case)
November 16, 2025 at 12:19 AM
That’s a bold statement! I know he sucks, but what puts him in an elite tier of shitheads?
(Searching for “clemens allegations” isn’t useful with all the PED think pieces and court case)
(Searching for “clemens allegations” isn’t useful with all the PED think pieces and court case)
Apparently, he’s never watched that episode. Another knock on his resume.
November 15, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Apparently, he’s never watched that episode. Another knock on his resume.
I’d personally prefer if they went with the “lifetime achievement award” route — it sets a nice precedent for baseball lifers who don’t have top-tier elite stats. The Hall of Fame is a museum, and should tell the story of the sport. And Fernando is a huge part of the current demographics.
November 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
I’d personally prefer if they went with the “lifetime achievement award” route — it sets a nice precedent for baseball lifers who don’t have top-tier elite stats. The Hall of Fame is a museum, and should tell the story of the sport. And Fernando is a huge part of the current demographics.
Jay Jaffe’s article on @fangraphs.com has put Fernando’s peak in better perspective for me. That still falls short, numbers-wise, but it feels less egregious. I hadn’t considered inducting Fernando as a baseball pioneer (as Jaffe suggests) — I love that idea!
2026 Contemporary Baseball Era Committee Candidate: Fernando Valenzuela
Beyond his years as a star pitcher, Valenzuela’s cultural impact and role as a global ambassador are worthy of recognition in Cooperstown.
blogs.fangraphs.com
November 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Jay Jaffe’s article on @fangraphs.com has put Fernando’s peak in better perspective for me. That still falls short, numbers-wise, but it feels less egregious. I hadn’t considered inducting Fernando as a baseball pioneer (as Jaffe suggests) — I love that idea!