Carlos

Delgado

Pretty stunning. Needing to be included on 12 to make the Hall of Fame, Kent was named on 14 of the 16 ballots. Carlos Delgado, who was one-and-done on the BBWAA ballot, received nine votes, and both Don Mattingly and Dale Murphy were chosen by six Committee members. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela were listed on fewer than five ballots and thus won’t be eligible to make the 2028 ballot when this committee for post-1980 players is up again. Many suspected that Mattingly was the favorite today, especially given the makeup of the committee as none of the seven players included played beyond the mid-90s. Kent definitely had a better case by the numbers, hitting .290/.356/.500 over 17 big-league seasons. His 377 homers are the most ever from someone whose primary position was second base.

As always, the conversation around this year’s class will be dominated by discussions of Bonds and Clemens, who are both seemingly being kept out due to their past involvement with steroids. Perhaps this year will be different. Any player who gets 75 percent of the vote from a committee of writers, historians, and baseball executives will be selected into the Hall of Fame.

Manager Carlos Tosca said his only concern is that he might have to give Delgado a day off every three to four games for a while.

Delgado, who has had a very disappointing seaon, hit .381 (8-for-21) with three homers and six RBI over the past seven days.

He will be a free agent tomorrow, and although he will not receive contract offers in the $18 million per season range (his current salary), he should get offers beyond $8 million per season, which would make him too expensive for Toronto.

Team president and CEO Paul Godfrey expects negotiations to begin soon. The Jays probably won’t go much beyond $9 million-$10 million per season in a three- or four-year contract, so they won’t be the high bidder.

“Baltimore, we are most significantly interested in,” said agent David Sloane. “It’s a great place to hit. Hitting in that batting order is very interesting to us.” The Orioles are expected to make one of the top bids for Delgado. The Mets also figure to be in the running.

Baltimore and Seattle should be among Delgado’s top suitors. The Mets and perhaps the Angels could also be involved, and the Blue Jays will make some kind of a proposal to keep him.

“We met with the Rangers and had a great meeting,” Sloane said. "[Rangers GM] John Hart ... they don’t come any better. We love the Rangers, they love us. But apparently Carlos is not in their budget.” Delgado is looking for $64 million over four years. He’ll probably get $50 million or so.

Delgado is going to have to get at least the $50 million that Richie Sexson received. It won’t be worth offering him less.