Update II

    Do you remember when I published a series of articles on the most likely active players to make the Hall of Fame? Well, that was a few months ago, and a number of those players have retired since then. This post will examine each player's chances to make it to Cooperstown. 

Cole Hamels has a 163-122 career record with a 3.43 ERA. His best shot at Cooperstown was strikeout number 3,000. His 2,560 are impressive, but are not going to get Hamels to Cooperstown on their own. 

Felix Hernandez's all time numbers won't do it. During his brief prime, he was one of the greatest pitchers in history, but it wasn't long enough. His other seasons weren't very good either. I said that he'd need 476 more strikeouts (putting him at 3,000 for his career) to make it, but alas, he hasn't, and I expect that he won't be chosen. 

Brandon Phillips, a very good second baseman, won't make it. He had power and good defense, but his .275 average and .320 OBP are not enough. 

Edwin Encarnacion has good counting statistics, but he wasn't really one of the best players in baseball for more than a couple of years. That, along with his .260 average (earned mostly as a DH), do not make a Hall of Fame career. 

Hanley Ramirez might make it to Cooperstown. The shortstop has a Rookie of the Year Award, a Batting Title, 271 home runs, and 281 stolen bases. He was a pretty bad fielder and did have a relatively short career, which makes his offensive statistics the majority of his case. 

Dustin Pedroia could make it to Cooperstown. He's got a Rookie of the Year Award, an MVP Award, two World Series rings, and four Gold Gloves at second base. Pedroia's led the AL in runs scored in back to back seasons and has a .299 career batting average, so he's a good bet to get in.