Getting Ready to Rant

Well, that's not a very positive title for this posting. It's time now to address the situation of Red Sox outfielder Jim Rice's candidacy for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Voting is announced on Monday at 2 p.m., and this year represents Rice's last shot at entering the Hall through the balloting of the baseball writers.

Rice's candidacy has gained steam over the years, arriving within about three percentage points of enshrinement in 2008.

Some things that help Rice: He played in an era not tainted by steroids. He was, perhaps, the dominant slugger of his era. He had a healthy career and had the chance to participate in a World Series (1986). He won an AL MVP Award in 1978 and was a perennial All-Star. He often played left field in a town known for its star left fielders. He never, ever disgraced himself off the field.

Some things that hurt Rice: He only played in one World Series (which could have been two had the late Vern Ruhle not plunked him in the hand in the last week of the 1975 regular season). He did not get 3,000 hits and fell just short of 400 homeruns. He only won one MVP Award. While he played a decent left field, he was never considered a Gold Glove fielder. He was, perhaps, aided offensively by playing in Fenway Park. He served as a designated hitter too often for his own good (remember when Yaz still played left field before moving to first base as well as Juan Beniquez and the first years of Mike Greenwell). Last, Rice developed a well-deserved reputation for being surly with the media over his career.

I was impressed by a panelist last evening on the new MLB Network who prided himself in not changing his Hall of Fame votes for players over the years. He did admit to rethinking the case of Rice and voting for him. Rice only needs a few writers to take this stance to ensure his 2009 enshrinement.

Without a doubt, Rice belongs in the Hall of Fame. My prediction is that he makes it in 2009, and I for one plan to attend the ceremony in Cooperstown in late July ... to honor Rice (and the great Rickey Henderson).

If Rice is not voted in, prepare for a loud rant.