Hall of Stats

Last year, I wrote an article about Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald submitting a near-perfect ballot (according to Hall Rating). Silverman was actually later surpassed by Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. Davidoff’s ballot differed from the perfect ballot (by Hall Rating) by just one spot. He chose Frank Thomas over Alan Trammell. As big of a Trammell fan as I am, it’s hard to argue with that decision.

Back in November, I posted what this year’s perfect ballot (by Hall Rating) would look like…

A Hall Rating Ballot: Bonds 359 Clemens 291 Johnson 217 Pedro 185 Schilling 170 Bagwell 163 Mussina 162 Walker 150 Piazza 145 Trammell 141

— Adam Darowski (@baseballtwit) November 25, 2014

Today, courtesy of friend of the site Bryan O’Connor (@replevel), I saw this ballot come in…

The Ken Davidoff HOF Ballot (10): P. Martinez, R. Johnson, Clemens, Bonds, Trammell, Schilling, Bagwell, Mussina, Piazza, and L. Walker.

— Darren Viola (@RRepoz) January 3, 2015

That, my friends, is a perfect ballot (by Hall Rating). You can also see Ken’s column that accompanied his choices.

This year’s perfect ballot (by Hall Rating) actually mirrors the ballot I would submit if I had a vote. It doesn’t usually work out that way, but this time it does. Of course, the ten-vote limit is a problem. Here’s how Davidoff addresses that:

If I had more space, however, I would include Craig Biggio (a strong bet to make it after last year’s 74.8 percent showing), Edgar Martinez, Mark McGwire, Tim Raines and first-timers Gary Sheffield and John Smoltz.

I’d also include Sammy Sosa, but totally understand a decision to leave him off. I go back and forth on Jeff Kent and Nomar Garciaparra, too. There are also several more players I wouldn’t mind seeing inducted (like Fred McGriff and Don Mattingly).

The election results will be announced on Tuesday. Here’s hoping for another big class. And here’s hoping the BBWAA gets more voters like Davidoff as soon as possible.