MLB: Future Hall of Famers on New York Yankees Besides Jeter and Rivera

Stop complaining. Stop griping about the quality of today's players. They are as good or better than players from any other era.

We are going to discuss the players on each team in the American League East who have an excellent chance of becoming Hall of Famers if they continue to produce at their current level. Some have already achieved certain Hall of Fame status. Today, it is the New York Yankees.

New York Yankees

1. Mariano Rivera

Mariano Rivera is the greatest closer of all time. Recognizing that saves are often a tenuous statistic, Rivera has had few saves that he didn't deserve.

The man some consider the New York Yankees' best pitcher ever, Rivera has 588 saves and could pass Trevor Hoffman (601) this season for the top spot.
 
Chances of making the Hall of Fame: 100 percent.

2. C.C. Sabathia

C.C. Sabathia joined the Cleveland Indians in 2001 at the age of 20. He started 33 games in each his first two seasons, averaging about 190 innings each year. It hasn't hurt his durability.

Sabathia joined the Yankees in 2009. In his two and two-third seasons with the Yankees, Sabathia has averaged 20 wins, 239 innings pitched, a 3.15 ERA and a 139 ERA+.

The big left-hander was instrumental in helping the Yankees win their first World Championship since 2000. When he is right, Sabathia is dominating.

Some believe he has a chance to be rated as equal to or better than Whitey Ford as the greatest Yankees pitcher.

At the age of 30, Sabathia has a 173-94 record with a 3.51 ERA and a 125 ERA+. If he continues at his current pace until he is 34, he should add another 70 wins.

Chances of making the Hall of Fame: 80 percent.

3. Robinson Cano

Cano has improved his attitude from his first couple of seasons. He joined the Yankees early in 2005 when he batted .297 with 14 home runs.

In 2010, Cano had his best season, batting .319/381/.534 with 29 home runs and 109 RBI's. He is an excellent defensive player who, at the age of 28, has at least six or seven more solid seasons left in him.

Cano's career numbers are .307/.346/.491, but he has slugged over .500 since the 2009 championship season, which compares quite favorably to Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar's .300/.371/.443.

Chances of making the Hall of Fame: 80 percent.

4. Derek Jeter

The Yankees' captain is the only player to achieve at least 3,000 hits playing exclusively for the Yankees.

A tremendous clutch hitter, Jeter is one of baseball's all-time greats. 

He was one of the team leaders during the magnificent streak of three consecutive World Championships from1998-2000 and continues to be the Yankees' leader.

Chances of making the Hall of Fame: 100 percent.

5. Alex Rodriguez

The only thing that could put a crimp in his Hall of Fame election is his admission to using steroids while with the Texas Rangers. That fact puts him in the same category as the actual career home run leader, Barry Bonds.

The feeling is that Rodriguez' steroid transgression will not prevent him from getting into the Hall of Fame, it will instead hinder his election and prevent him from getting in on the first ballot. But America is a forgiving country to those who show remorse.

Since Rodriguez came clean (is he still clean?), he will not be kept out.

Chances of making the Hall of Fame: 95 percent.

 
6. Jorge Posada

Posada has an excellent career .374 on-base average and a solid .474 slugging average. He has averaged about 24 home runs over a 162-game season.

The argument against Posada's inclusion is that he was no better than average defensively, but it is difficult to compare catchers' defensive skills statistically.

One of the best offensive catchers of all time. Posada will make the Hall of Fame.

Chances of Making the Hall of Fame: 100 percent.