Current Tigers HOF bound?

[RedRamage]

After reading the very interesting "Why isn't Lou in the Hall?" thread, it got me to thinking: Which current Tigers might end up in the hall? I don't think anyone right now has enough to be in the Hall, so we obviously have to project careers out a little bit, but assuming players proceed at reasonable rate (ie, it's of course possible that Inge might hit 40 home runs for 5 more years and be a two-time MVP, and 5-time All-Star, but it isn't even close to likely)... so assuming a reasonable projection, how might end up in the Hall?

I think we have three potential candidates: Verlander, Cabrera, and Prince. Here's how I would rank their likelihood to make it into the HOF:

1. Prince
2. Cabrera
3. Verlander

Here's why I think this: Even though I think Cabrera is a better hitter, I don't think he is as flashy a name as Prince is. Prince played for a long time in the NL and will play a long time in the AL. This gives him more coverage. He was a big name FA... second only (barely) to Pujols this off season. And he was out there as a FA for longer than Pujols. He signed a MAJOR contract. These are all things that people remember. Further, Prince is seen as a pure hitter. No one really worries about his defense as long as he can hit. But because Cabrera looks to get an extended time at third, there will be questions about his defense and it will become part of the conversation. I'm not saying this is right, but I think it will happen. Finally when the Tigers win a WS (fingers crossed) in the next couple of years, some people will think: They only made it because Prince was there. Cabby along wasn't enough, he needed Prince to hit behind him. Again, silly argument because Prince will obviously benefit from Cabby hitting in front of him, but people don't always think logically.

Verlander I put last simply because I think nagging injuries can catch up to a pitcher faster than a position player. If I had put money on one of the three suffering a abbreviated career due to injuries, it would be the pitcher vs. the hitter.

4th on the list, for me would be Boesch. But he's a distant 4th right now. Not really a viable HOF candidate at all.

[tiger337]

Cabrera is easily the most likely Hall of Famer. He's almost a lock already and he won't need any flash or any silly arguments to get there. I think he'll eventually be a first ballot guy. He's that good. Verlander still needs a few more years, but seems to be on his way to that type of career. Fielder is off to a good start, but he has a long way to go. Nobody else can be taken seriously as a candidate at this time. If pushed to choose a fourth most likely player, it would be Avila.

[IdahoBert]

Avila was my first thought of a 4th spot too. Needs to string a lot of great season together, obviously.

[TigerNation]

Listing Fielder ahead of Cabrera is a joke.

Cabrera's a HOF lock.

[Eric Cioe]

Cabrera is easily the most likely Hall of Famer. He's almost a lock already and he won't need any flash or any silly arguments to get there. I think he'll eventually be a first ballot guy. He's that good. Verlander still needs a few more years, but seems to be on his way to that type of career. Fielder is off to a good start, but he has a long way to go. Nobody else can be taken seriously as a candidate at this time. If pushed to choose a fourth most likely player, it would be Avila.

I agree with this. Cabrera's very well on his way. Prince, less so.

I think Verlander has a nice resume: Rookie of the Year, no hitter, led league in several categories for two years, another no hitter, Cy Young, MVP. Other than a perfect game and postseason success he's got pretty much all the achievements a guy his age can have. I think 300 wins is a stretch, but 200 seems almost a lock. If he makes it to 200 wins, he'll be looking at about 2500 Ks, too. And he could do that by 33 or so. Who knows how long he'll want to stick around, but he's shown excellent velocity into his late 20s, with two great and one good secondary pitches. That repertoire plus durability bodes well.

[Oblong]

I think Cabrera is still underrated. I believe Verlander will end up with the easiest case. He will have theaccolades and counting stats to go with them. This is a special time for Tigers fans

[Corky]

Inge.

Sincerely,

Teenaged girls and Soccer Moms

[tiger337]

I think Cabrera is still underrated. I believe Verlander will end up with the easiest case. He will have theaccolades and counting stats to go with them. This is a special time for Tigers fans

Unless he falls off a cliff, I don't think Cabrera will need to make a case. His stats will make him automatic. Verlander seems to be headed there too, but still needs innings.

[Antrat]

Does Miggy or Fielder's chances go down if either ends up a full-time DH in the next year or two?

[cruzer1]

Victor deserves consideration.

[RedRamage]

Listing Fielder ahead of Cabrera is a joke.

Cabrera's a HOF lock.

Please note that I was saying I see Fielder getting in easier than Cabrera, NOT that I think Fielder is, or more correctly: will be, more qualified. I fear that Cabby, while wildly successful, goes about his success in non-flashy ways. He's certainly a guy pitchers fear, but I don't know that he's someone that fans necessarily fear. I just think the greater press doesn't give him all the credit he deserves, and because the HOF is one-part stats, and one-part publicity and fame, I worry that Cabby is going to be lacking on that publicity/fame part.

Again, not what I think SHOULD happen, but what I fear might happen.

[LJK004]

Barring any major injuries, leaving the game at a really early age, major falloff in production, Cabrera will be a Hall of Famer. Even if he sticks around until he's 34 and continues at this rate he'll have 400 HR, 1400+ RBI, 2500 hits. For someone with no steroid allegations, those number right there should get him in. Add a few more decent seasons in his late 30's and 3000 hits is a gimme, 500 HR is a gimme, 1800 RBI is a lock and 2000 isn't much of a stretch. Any one of those numbers gets him in.

As for Fielder, 500 HRs has good odds, 2500 hits would probably be a stretch, and 1500 or so RBI is probable. The problem is, those numbers would be my projections in his late 30's, again assuming the good health, etc..

Verlander is going to have to have a few more monster seasons in my opinion before he's even in consideration. With 2 or 3 more big seasons and about 10 more years of average to above average seasons, I could see it happening. 2500 Ks I can see happening, 200 wins is probably likely, and another no-hitter or two would go a long way to helping his cause. The awards certainly do help out, but I think there is just going to be a lack of gpitchers who hit the marks for "Hall of Fame Lock" numbers, such as 300 wins, 3000 Ks, etc., and I'm of the opinion that the writers are going to punish them for it, with the old thinking, they weren't a Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton, etc. and therefore don't deserve to be enshrined. Long-term, as new younger writers get in, that'll change, but I think its going to hurt some very good pitchers early on in their elegible years.

[tiger337]

Please note that I was saying I see Fielder getting in easier than Cabrera, NOT that I think Fielder is, or more correctly: will be, more qualified. I fear that Cabby, while wildly successful, goes about his success in non-flashy ways. He's certainly a guy pitchers fear, but I don't know that he's someone that fans necessarily fear. I just think the greater press doesn't give him all the credit he deserves, and because the HOF is one-part stats, and one-part publicity and fame, I worry that Cabby is going to be lacking on that publicity/fame part.

Again, now what I think SHOULD happen, but what I fear might happen.

That stuff only matters for borderline guys. If his career continues as expected, Cabrera's stats are going to be so good, he'll get in just based on that. Fielder is not quite at the same level as Cabrera, nor has he put in as many years, so, he's a lot further away.

[irvink]

According to BR, the 10 players, through their age 28 season that most resemble Cabrera. The first 8 guys are HOFers or future locks for the HOF.

1. Frank Robinson (924) *
2. Hank Aaron (910) *
3. Ken Griffey (890)
4. Albert Pujols (881)
5. Mel Ott (862) *
6. Joe Medwick (858) *
7. Al Kaline (858) *
8. Mickey Mantle (856) *
9. Juan Gonzalez (849)
10. Hal Trosky (847)

[LJK004]

According to BR, the 10 players, through their age 28 season that most resemble Cabrera. The first 8 guys are HOFers or future locks for the HOF.

1. Frank Robinson (924) *
2. Hank Aaron (910) *
3. Ken Griffey (890)
4. Albert Pujols (881)
5. Mel Ott (862) *
6. Joe Medwick (858) *
7. Al Kaline (858) *
8. Mickey Mantle (856) *
9. Juan Gonzalez (849)
10. Hal Trosky (847)

Ahhhh! A Juan Gone reference! Run for the hills!

[ROMAD1]

Verlander needs one more no-no and he's in

Porcello has a chance to build on his numbers and have some longevity numbers because he got such an early start on his win totals. I'm more worried about wear and tear on him though...so lets say its possible.

Avila definitely has a chance.

Brennan Boesch could reach a 'next' level but he's basically projecting as a good power hitting outfielder right now. If he suddenly ripped off 30hr .300 BA/100+ RBI seasons we might change that.

[xmartyx]

Brandon Inge is already in the Whitecaps HOF.

[LJK004]

Brandon Inge is already in the Whitecaps HOF.

With credentials like that, Cooperstown is just a mere formality

[xmartyx]

With credentials like that, Cooperstown is just a mere formality

My thoughts exactly.

[alwaysthrowheat]

Verlander needs one more no-no and he's in

Porcello has a chance to build on his numbers and have some longevity numbers because he got such an early start on his win totals. I'm more worried about wear and tear on him though...so lets say its possible.

Avila definitely has a chance.

Brennan Boesch could reach a 'next' level but he's basically projecting as a good power hitting outfielder right now. If he suddenly ripped off 30hr .300 BA/100+ RBI seasons we might change that.

Boesch hasn't even played a good full season yet.

[ROMAD1]

Boesch hasn't even played a good full season yet.

that is a statement of fact...

[The Truman Show]

If we're listing Boesch and Porcello, we might as well just say every player on the team has a chance.

[Vonlenska]

Cabrera is easily the most likely Hall of Famer. He's almost a lock already and he won't need any flash or any silly arguments to get there. I think he'll eventually be a first ballot guy. He's that good. Verlander still needs a few more years, but seems to be on his way to that type of career. Fielder is off to a good start, but he has a long way to go. Nobody else can be taken seriously as a candidate at this time. If pushed to choose a fourth most likely player, it would be Avila.

+1

Also, Miggy played for awhile in the NL too.

[Vonlenska]

Also, to add, I don't think people realize that the Tigers have, in Cabrera, one of the true all time greatest hitters, in his prime.

[TigerNation]

Please note that I was saying I see Fielder getting in easier than Cabrera, NOT that I think Fielder is, or more correctly: will be, more qualified. I fear that Cabby, while wildly successful, goes about his success in non-flashy ways. He's certainly a guy pitchers fear, but I don't know that he's someone that fans necessarily fear. I just think the greater press doesn't give him all the credit he deserves, and because the HOF is one-part stats, and one-part publicity and fame, I worry that Cabby is going to be lacking on that publicity/fame part.

Again, not what I think SHOULD happen, but what I fear might happen.

They do.

Whether in person or on the internet, every fan of other teams I've come across fear Cabrera and recognize him as an elite hitter with a HOF career.

[xmartyx]

Brendan Boesch can't even play a full season. How could he even be considered? I'd consider Inge over Boesch. Atleast he goes out and plays every day.

[TheCouga]

I love Boesch, but he is already basicaly eliminated. Its impossible to make the HOF with such a late start to your career. I could see an All-Star season or two from him over the next 5 years, but he has no chance at the HOF.

If Avila can kep up his production at C though, he has a chance. I am not sure how often catchers have a season like Avila's last year. If he can put up about 6-7 more of those, it's possible.

[Antrat]

Maybe by the time Cabrera makes the HOF, he'll have learned how to speak English.
Otherwise that is going to be one painful speech to listen to.

[cmu97]

I guarentee Brandon Inge will receive more HOF votes than Brennan Boesch. You have to have 10 service years to be eligible for the HOF. Inge is already there, and you know that at least one Detroit voter will give him a vote just to get his name in the paper. Boesch has 2.0 Service years right now, and will be 27 at the start of the season. That means he has to play through age 34 (with no more time in the minors) to even be eligible. I don't see that happening.

If Cabrera contiues to put up his avg season for the next 5-7 years, he is in. That puts him at 32-34, and he will probably still have a few years after that. Prince has a shot, but he will have to continue his average years through age 35-36, which may be a tall order. If Verlander contiues his dominance for another 5 years, he will be in. If he falls back to his avg season, he'll have to maintain that level for another 8-10 seasons to make it. Porcello is the most intriquing. If he has his avg season for the next 15 years (through age 37), he'd finish with 263 victories and get serious consideration. If develops into the ace we all think he can be and throws up some 20 win seasons in there, he may become a lock.

[tiger337]

I guarentee Brandon Inge will receive more HOF votes than Brennan Boesch. You have to have 10 service years to be eligible for the HOF. Inge is already there, and you know that at least one Detroit voter will give me a vote just to get his name in the paper.

I doubt it. The Detroit writers seem to be pretty tough when it comes to the Hall of Fame. They don't always make the right choices, but they don't seem to play favorites. I don't even remember them praising Inge excessively. I think it's mostly the Tigers public relations and rah rah casual fans that love Inge. I see more people hating Inge than loving him.

[John_Brian_K]

Cabrera is the lock IMO.

Verlander will get there most likely.

Prince will most likely get there as well.

Bringing up anyone elses name at this point will be met with hostitity...so I will go ahead and throw a couple out there:

Doug Fister
Brennan Boesch
Victor Martinez
Jose Valverde
Alex Avila

[KKoepp31]

Lets not forget that Cabrera has already won a World Series. That is a big accomplishment he cleared out of the way very quickly and if he were to win another, one in both leagues, then he could retire right then and there and be a lock to make the HOF.

[sabretooth]

Barring injuries, other than Cabrera (lock), Verlander (on course), Fielder (so so chance, I doubt that he'll have the longevity), the only one with even the remotest of chances is Avila, and only b/c the catcher position is so weak.

[apabruce]

Barring injuries, other than Cabrera (lock), Verlander (on course), Fielder (so so chance, I doubt that he'll have the longevity), the only one with even the remotest of chances is Avila, and only b/c the catcher position is so weak.

I agree with this. Most of the other guys mentioned are already too old, with the exception of Porcello.

[Eric Cioe]

Those saying Boesch and Fister don't understand how hard it is to make the Hall when you start at 26.

[Antrat]

Those saying Boesch and Fister don't understand how hard it is to make the Hall when you start at 26.

Are you saying that they should not dream the impossible dream?

[John_Brian_K]

Those saying Boesch and Fister don't understand how hard it is to make the Hall when you start at 26.

Educate us. I was looking around here:

Hall of Famers | Baseball Hall of Fame

And could not find a spot that showed how old they were when they started.

[cmu97]

Those saying Boesch and Fister don't understand how hard it is to make the Hall when you start at 26.

The only one I can remember that is close is Wade Boggs. He didn't become a full time player in MLB until he was 25, and was still effective into his early 40's.

[LJK004]

I'd say its pretty much common knowledge that you have a very steep mountain to climb if you start you ML career at 26. To put up HoF numbers you are going to have to play into your ealry 40's at a very good/elite level and that just doesn't happen very often.

3000 hits over 15 years is an average of 200 a season. 400 HR is a 26/season average over the same 15 years.

Furthermore, there aren't too many "late bloomers" who have the talent to be Hof caliber. Generally, if you have potential Hof ability, you aren't struggling to make a big league roster at 25-26 years old...

[John_Brian_K]

I would contend that you have a steep mountain to climb to make it to the HoF to begin with.