Relief Coming to the Hall (Part 4)

Here we go again with another five HOF nominees.

Tommy John -- Tommy John had an impressive career, but he will forever be remembered for the surgery that bears his name. I could go into his stats, which are impressive, but instead I'll just cut to the chase and say he doesn't belong in the Hall. He's close, but he's not quite close enough.

Doug Jones -- Jones was a good closer who does not belong in the HOF.

Don Mattingly -- Donny Baseball played all 14 years of his career with the Yankees. He was the 1985 AL MVP and received MVP votes in 1984, 1986, and 1987. He was a good hitter (7 seasons with .300-plus batting average) and a good fielder (nine-time Gold Glove winner). So why isn't he already in the Hall? This is Mattingly's sixth year on the ballot and 2006 may be his lucky year. I've thought a lot about whether Mattingly should be in the Hall or not. I've come to the conclusion that he does belong.

Willie McGee -- McGee was a better ball player than most people remember. He was the NL MVP in 1985 and he won three Gold Gloves during his 18 year career. The greatest baseball game I ever saw was "The Cardinal Game" in 1984 when Ryne Sandberg went 5 for 6 with two home runs. In that same game, McGee hit for the cycle and was named the player of the game before Sandberg hit his first game tying home run. I've always had an affinity for McGee (who Howard Cosell said looked like ET), but I'm afraid his career is not worthy of the Hall.

Hal Morris -- No.

Next time, Jack Morris, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Jim Rice and Lee Smith.