Brad

There's nothing that says that a candidate has to get in on his first year of eligibility and I think that is what's happening here. As far as distinguishing between stats put up before and after the steroid era, you can hardly admit people that way or give them half a plaque. As far as removing players who are in, once they're in, they can't be turned out. I don't believe Rose is a good example because as I remember (could be wrong),he's on the inactive list (or something like that) and as such can't be considered for the HOF. As far as Bagwell and Piazza, there's nothing tangible (whispers and suspicions) and based on their vote totals they, unless something comes out in the next year or two, will get in. Getting into the HOF is not just about numbers but about "integrity." Rule 5 of the Baseball Writers Assocation, as it pertains to the HOF, states "Voting: Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played." Bill Madden was on WFAN in NY today stating that he took the "integrity" part seriously. Picking and choosing is what they do. You may not like the result this year but there's no saying that Bonds or Clemens won't get in eventually. It's only when somebody's favorite doesn't get in that we get bent out of shape. As sparse as this year looks, next year may be a plethora of riches with possibly Maddux, Glavine, Thomas and several managers getting in.

Here is the take of the Bill Madden of the NY Daily News, also a member of the BBWA, http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/hall-fame-voters-follow-hearts-minds-stats-trends-article-1.1237163

The Quebec 45 Sessions, probably only the second time I listened to it!

Worse than mainstream

Interesting article, particularly the Ken Burns comment about punishing Bonds and Clemens. It just goes to show that sometimes the way you act towards people will come back and bite you. As with many things that in the overall scheme of things aren't all that important, this too will blow over and I note the writer's last comment: "As bad as this shutout looks right now, it likely won't happen again for a long time. The voting populace will get smarter as new blood filters in and others leave the voting ranks, whether through natural attrition or expulsion for no longer covering the game. It might seem preposterous that Mike Piazza and Jeff Bagwell and Curt Schilling and Tim Raines aren't already in, leaving aside more polarizing candidates like Bonds and Clemens. But in time, I do think the vast majority of worthy candidates will get their due, sooner or later. Even the ones who are keeping voters up at night right now."

One thing to remember is that the Hall of Fame is separate from MLB, different organziations, so it's not as if they're being punished twice by the same organization for the the same infraction. The Hall of Fame is making a statement that these people, at least at this point, because of their ties. alleged or not, are not fit to be in the Hall. We can argue this until the cows come home but that's the position they're taking. I think they made the right decision, you and others may think it's the wrong decision but that's the decision, at least at this time. You can argue that Bonds should get in at some point because his pre-steroid or inflated numbers were HOF caliber so at some point he should get in. However, I don't see the same for Roger or Sosa.

Thanks for this. Like others, lot of people I never heard of. Glad to see you mentioned Johnny Hammond Smith. Only have a couple of his recordings but love 'em.

I expected Goody's response and would have been surprised had it been otherwise. However, they made the right decision on Baroid, Clemens and Sosa and bssed on their low total may never get in. Regarding Bagwell and Piazza there are only whispers and suspicions so I would have put them in. Considering their vote total, they may get admission in a couple of years.

I'm not sure what you mean by shipped "in the middle of Sandy." It passed through that Monday night. It's entirely possible they shipped that day before it hit or the previous Friday. Maybe the distribution center to which the package went got hit hard. That would be outside of their control. There could be many explanations.

As the saying goes, move the merchandise!

Sony, in an effort to take advantage of a new copyright law in Europe, has released a handful of early Dylan recordings. Apparently only 100 were issued and could only be purchased in the UK, France, Germany and Sweden. See article here, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/08/arts/music/sony-issues-bob-dylan-recordings-to-keep-european-copyright.html?hp&_r=0

I'm surprised this set is still in print. After all these years, I thought it would have been sold out. Maybe it's never been popular as others but it's like the little engine that could: it keeps chugging along.

Just saw the following article in the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/nyregion/businessman-trying-to-revive-mintons-playhouse-in-harlem.html?hp&_r=0

There will be no more Selects, the series was axed by Mosaic. From now on they will exclusively release big boxes. This may have been discussed but do you know why no more Selects. I assume existing inventory wasn't moving or not moving fast enough.

Took the words out of my mouth.

I have to start doing this Dan. I have just too much music. Almost 40 years. Kenny was underrate. Ditto on both counts

Got an email about the set yesterday so will order early next year.

Congrats! How are the parents doing?

Just saw that. Looks they've been cleaned out already because there isn't much left although for those who don't have the Charlie Christian box, it's a worthwhile pickup.

From the Mets to Mariners. It's not going to be a happy season for either "M" team but it's so depressing on this end that the one "big pickup" is a 34 year old outfielder that the Mets didn't want anymore. Ugh. Unfortunately, that has become a common refrain. Must be something to any team ending with the letters "ets" as in Jets, Mets and Nets.

The Jets have put out the word that they wish to trade Sanchez. Tebow wants to be traded also. Vick may come to the Jets. The merry go round continues.

As a big Bird fan, I'd vote for the Savoy/Dial, the live Savoy and the Verves. If you have that, you have the essentials.

That's why they traded Josh Thole to the Jays as well. However, R.A. Is not your typical knuckleballer. He has excellent control and also throws a fastball. More than other pitchers, he has mastered the knuckler.

It's hard to say which one is better but standouts for me are Pepper Adams, Social Call and the Philly Joe Jones discs. The new Green one is outstanding.

I read that but that was just plaiin stupid. They parlayed Dickey into one of the best catching prospects and the 11th best prospect over all, plus a prospect who could potentially be a top of the rotation pitcher. So what's wrong with that? They were probably going to finish next to last again. Reminds me of the story Ralph Kiner told when he went to see Branch Rickey about a raise after he had a good year but the Pirates finished last or near the bottom. Rickey said no to a raise and reportedly said "Ralph, we finished last with you and can finish last without you." The trade also brings to mind Graig Nettles' quip about Sparky Lyle the year after Sparky won the Cy Young when the Yankees brought in Goose Gossage: "From Cy Young to Sayonara.". The Pirates may have finished last with Kiner, but at least he gave the fans someone to come out and see. The Mets have no one worth seeing, with the exception of Wright, and other teams will just pitch around him. Wilpon should sell the team to someone who can and will put a decent team on the field. It's not just about giving the fans something to see because let's face it fans come out to see winners and I doubt there will be a lot of fans out there in 2013. Hopefully, they are building for the future. Starting pitching will be good eventually and the infield is not bad. Rest of the team needs major work, especially the outfield.