Trevor Hoffman

[The Dude]

I'd like to hear everyones opinions on his chances.
In my opinion he's in. He's the 2nd best closer of the 90's and 00's (Behind Eck and Rivera, two first tier closers).

ERA+ Comparison 10 Best Performances 40+ games
I'll compare Hoffman against Gossage and Sutter because I consider the 3 of them 2nd Tier Closers.
Sutter: 327, 226, 185, 149, 143, 136, 127, 126, 86, 86
Gossage: 246, 212, 193, 180, 180, 173, 173, 127, 119, 84
Hoffman: 258, 205, 178, 174, 161, 146, 143, 140, 117, 105

[The Commissioner]

Right now, he does stand a very legitimate shot. If he can have a few more very good seasons he could very well cement his place.

[chunk&sloth]

my vote would be yes

[J W]

Absolutely. I think when his time comes, he will be as deserving as the other two you list there.

And as I've said, I believe Hoffman will reach the 500-saves mark, and be the first to do so... and for the time being, the talking heads will proclaim 500 the tentative magic number for saves.

[julusnc]

Hoffman will make the Hall of Fame.

[Chadwick]

Hoffman will make the Hall of Fame.

If he can stay healthy and the voters agree that there's a place for more relievers by the time his number is called.

[Bothrops Atrox]

At least until Gossage and Sutter are elected, there is no way Hoffman will or should be elected. Both Gossage and Sutter were far superior to Hoffman during a time closers actually had to pitch to more than three batters. It is wy too easy to accumulate saves now. No closer today will make the Hall of fame, with the possible exception of Rivera, who's induction will be heavily influenced by his postseason dominance. If Gossage, Sutter, and Rivera all get in, than I will concider Hoffman.

Oh yeah, Lee Smith deserves enshrinement before Hoffman too.

[DoubleX]

I think Hoffman will eventually be the line. By the time he's eligible, I believe (and hope) Gossage and Sutter will have made it. I'm on the fence with Lee Smith, I'm not bothered either way, if he makes it or not. So I'm thinking 10-12 years down the road, the list of relievers in the Hall will look like:

Hoyt Wilhelm
Rollie Fingers
Dennis Eckersley
Bruce Sutter
Goose Gossage
Mariano Rivera
Trevor Hoffman

With lots of debate surrounding Lee Smith and John Smoltz perhaps being considered another hybrid depending on how his return to the rotation goes over the next few years.

And it could stay that way for a long, long time.

[J W]

Oh yeah, Lee Smith deserves enshrinement before Hoffman too.

But will that be the case by the time Hoffman passes Smith on the all-time saves list?

[The Dude]

Hoffman will suprass Lee in 2 years probably. IF he has a bad year, then 3 seasons.

[Bothrops Atrox]

If Hoffman passes Smith, he will be more deserving since he was more dominating, but as of now, that hasn't happened. One never knows when a guy's career is over. Who would have predicted that Rob Nenn would retire within two years, two years ago?

[Fuzzy Bear]

I would not support Hoffman until Gossage is selected. I rate Hoffman behind Quisenberry, Rivera, and a few others.

Hoffman is not done, so I'll reconsider once he is done. Right now, it's "no sale" for me.

[Francoeurstein]

At least until Gossage and Sutter are elected, there is no way Hoffman will or should be elected. Both Gossage and Sutter were far superior to Hoffman during a time closers actually had to pitch to more than three batters. It is wy too easy to accumulate saves now. No closer today will make the Hall of fame, with the possible exception of Rivera, who's induction will be heavily influenced by his postseason dominance. If Gossage, Sutter, and Rivera all get in, than I will concider Hoffman.

Oh yeah, Lee Smith deserves enshrinement before Hoffman too.

I thought Sutter got elected, If I'm correct.

[J W]

I think STLCards' post is dated before the election results came out... though it'd be close, I know it was around that time.

With Sutter in, Gossage MUST follow... and then, we have our Fingers-Gossage-Sutter connection complete behind Wilhelm and Eck... and then, it would be a hard argument to leave Hoffman out.

Hoffman BTW is at 447 saves, putting him 31 behind Smith. And incidentally, he's got a 1.41 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP.

Looking forward to #500 Trevor!

[soberdennis]

As a San Diegan, I have had a chance to see Hoffman at his best. he certainly deserves consideration.
Unfortunately, relievers tend to be short shifted when it comes to the HOF. It's hard to say whether Hofy will get in.