With the contributors and everyday players out-of-the-way, it’s time to look at the pitchers appearing on the ballot.
Tommy John is known more for the surgery named for him than for his pitching. That’s a shame, because he was very good. Primarily a ground ball pitcher he won 288 games, lost 231, had an ERA of 3.34 (ERA+ 111), 2245 strikeouts, a 1.283 WHIP, and 62.3 WAR. He went to three World Series’ (losing all 3), and is perhaps most famous in Series play for being pulled at a critical time in game six of the 1981 Series. His team subsequently lost both the game and the Series.
Jack Morris unlike John, is known primarily for a World Series win–game 7 in 1991. It is frequently considered the second greatest pitching performance in a World Series game (behind Larsen in 1956). But Morris more than a single game. He led all pitchers in wins in the 1980s, had a no-hitter on national television, led his team to the World Series in 1984, 1991, and 1992, begin MVP in the middle one. For a career he went 254-186 with a 3.90 ERA (ERA+ 105), 2478 strikeouts, a 1.296 WHIP. and 43.8 WAR.
Luis Tiant was something of an enigma. He started his career strong, then faltered in the middle before coming back strong and leading the Red Sox to a World Series (which they lost). He won an ERA title in is fifth season, then had four terrible seasons. In 1972 he won another ERA title and pitched effectively through 1980. For his career he was 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA (ERA+ of 114) with 2416 strikeouts, a 1.199 WHIP, and 66.1 WAR.
At this point I have one vote left (of five). Frankly, I’d have little problem with any of these three reaching the Hall of Fame, although if I had my choice, I’d take Dr. Frank Jobe, the man who created Tommy John surgery. His pioneering work has saved a lot of pitching careers. I’m also aware that a high ERA is going to be a problem for Andy Pettitte (as will the steroid allegations) when he becomes eligible. The same problem also plagues Wes Ferrell and Mel Harder, two excellent pitchers of the 1930s. A vote for Morris might cut away some of that stigma and help each of the three. Tiant has the best ERA, WHIP, and WAR.
I think I’ll hold this vote for Dr. Jobe. Maybe he’ll show up soon.
Tags: Andy Pettitte, Frank Jobe, Jack Morris, Luis Tiant, Mel Harder, Tommy John, Wes Ferrell
Verdun2's Blog 
November 28, 2017 at 9:12 am
I think a spot for Jobe as a contributor is a splendid idea–his effects on the game are significant, if not downright staggering. I’ve never bought into the Morris candidacy, and I’m ambivalent at best about Tiant and John.
November 29, 2017 at 4:05 pm
I don’t think any of the 3 should go. They had long careers and padded their numbers but weren’t considered at any time one of the best in the league.
December 2, 2017 at 10:27 am
I think that Tiant and John deserve it. How could there be any doubt? And, of course, Jim Kaat should be in there, too. Again, how could there be any doubt?