Potential MLB Hall of Famers

In Major League Baseball, some players stand out more than others. They are the superstars who are candidates for the Hall of Fame. Here are some current players who should be getting ready for the Hall of Fame or might need a little more help.

Players with nothing left to prove

John Smoltz- One of the best postseason pitchers of all time. He has been successful as a starter and out of the bullpen. As a Braves fan, I am disappointed he is with the Boston Red Sox. However, he is a fantastic pitcher who belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Pedro Martinez- Martinez is one of the most dominating pitchers of our time. He has been struggling with injuries and inconsistency lately, but that doesn't diminish his place in baseball history.

Ken Griffey Jr.-Despite his myriad of injuries, Griffey is still considered one of the greatest center fielders of all time. There has never been any suspicion of performance enhancement in his career. That will only make it easier to elect him into the Hall in a few years.

Derek Jeter- The captain of the Yankees has been fantastic for years. He is finally slowing down a bit. Even if he doesn't reach 3,000 hits, he is a definite Hall of Famer.

Alex Rodriguez- No matter what you think of him personally, Alex Rodriguez is great. His postseason stats have not been great, but that won't keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

Chipper Jones- In some eyes, he might still be a borderline candidate for the Hall of Fame. I disagree. He has won a batting title, an MVP, a World Series ring, has driven in 100 RBI nine times, scored 100 runs eight times, and has a good shot at 500 home runs. Sounds pretty good to me.

Tom Glavine- Some people may call him a compiler. I call him a Hall of Famer. He just happened to compile 305 wins, two Cy Young awards and a World Series title.

Randy Johnson- Once he finally retires, he will be going to Cooperstown. At this point in his career, he has 295 wins and over 4,700 strikeouts. Some people don't like his surly attitude. That won't keep him from the Hall of Fame.

Frank Thomas- I struggled with this one. After I looked  at the stats again, it's hard to keep him out. I'm not sure if he will be a first-ballot selection. He will get in soon enough.

Players with a little more to prove

Gary Sheffield- If there wasn't a suspicion of performance enhancing drugs, he would be on the top list. He has phenomenal stats, but a checkered past. Baseball writers look a lot at character.

Ichiro- He is the best of the Japanese players to come and play in Major League Baseball. He has 200 hits, a .300 average, and at least 30 steals every year he has been in the league. I think he needs two or three more great seasons to be considered a definite Hall of Famer.

Curt Schilling-Even with his postseason heroics, I can't say he will definitely get in. I compare him to Bert Blyleven and Jim Rice. He might get in, but it may be a long time down the road.

Albert Pujols- If he stays healthy the next few years and continues to be a superstar, he will be easily be a Hall of Famer.

Roy Halladay- He probably needs to have four or five fantastic seasons to be a Hall of Famer. Halladay is only 31, so he could make it. The baseball writers are tough on pitchers, so it may not happen. Only time will tell.

Johan Santana- I would put him in the same boat as Roy Halladay. Santana will only be 30 years of age at the start of the 2009 season. If he can stay healthy for a few more years, he will get in.