Wood Bat Envy's Mock HOF Ballot

As hall of fame ballots are being released publicly, I figured it was worth laying out my ballot. For the record (which is likely obvious), I do not have a vote, but if I did, I would vote as follows:

1. Carlos Beltran - elite defender, elite in the batters box. Beltran had some iconic moments including his postseason with Houston and some very strong years in Queens. A true five tool centerfielder that racked up 2725 hits, 435 HRs and a career .279 average. His numbers alone should help propel him into HOF status.

2. Adrian Beltre - A 20 year vet with over 3,000 hits, 377 HRs, and a career average of .286 helped Beltre stand out as a generational third basemen. A 5X gold glove winner as well as a 2X platinum glove winner also helped lock down the hot corner and set the stage for the future generation of third basemen. Beltre was the ultimate locker room guy as he was onee of the most beloved players of his time. Beltre is likely a lock to get in to the hall.

3. Joe Mauer - with the catching position carrying such a large load defensively, they rarely produce top of the lineup type numbers. Mauer was the clear exception to that. The 3X gold glove winner hit a career .306 while slugging 143 HRs over his 15 year career . Mauer is head and shoulders above his catching peers outside of Yadier Molina which will be a first ballot HOFer. Other than Yaddy, no other catchers have really compared to his offensive production or defensive prowess.

4. Manny Ramirez - arguably the best right handed hitter of all time, Ramirez should be a lock to make it to the hall. Manny hit .312 while slugging an impressive 555 HRs. The only thing that will keep Manny out is voters holding the positive steroid tests against him.

5. Alex Rodriguez - Arod's numbers are beyond obnoxious. .295 career batting average along with 696 HRs should put him at the top of his class. The 10X silver slugger and 3X MVP was possibly the best short stop of all time and then transitioned into one of the best third basemen of all time. Similar to Manny, the only way to keep him out is to hold his steroid suspensions against him.

6. Gary Sheffield - known for his unique swing, Sheff hit a career .292 while slugging 509 HRs. The 5X silver slugger struggles with the similar issues as Arod and Manny as steroid use has cast a dark cloud over his career. Although Sheffield's accomplishments don't nearly match Manny or Arod, his numbers alone should make him a HOFer.

7. Todd Helton - The 17 year vet amassed 3 Gold Gloves, 4 Silver Sluggers, 5 ASG appearances, and a batting title while playing his entire career in Colorado. Helton was a pure bat to ball hitter compiling a .316 career average with 369 HRs. Helton was the class of the first base position during the late 90s and early 2000s. This should be the year he gets over the threshold.