Yankee beat writer Joel Sherman at the New York Post questions if Carlos Delgado can get into the Hall of Fame even if he hits 500 home runs.  Sherman's argument is the 500 club isn't as exclusive as it once was, and 500 home runs may not be the automatic invite to Cooperstown. 

"FOUR players have a strong chance of reaching 500 homers this season, and that severely endangers Carlos Delgado's shot at immortality.  Delgado's Hall of Fame candidacy ultimately will be based on the consistency and accumulation of his power numbers, and reaching 500 homers is just about a must for any serious consideration. But what if Delgado (currently with 407 homers) gets there in 2009, as projected, and finds the velvet rope has been torn down and just about everybody is getting into the club?"

Joel Sherman used to be just another "tough guy" Lupica wanna-be on the Yankee beat.  Now he also covers the Mets for Yankee fans.  On one hand, it is a little flattering that the Post had to find a Yankee columnist to take digs at the Mets, just to make Yankee fans feel better about themselves.  The Mets have come a long way.  On the other hand, I wish Sherman would stick to being a Yankee apologizer.  If you are a Met fan and want to give Joel some feedback, you can email him at joel.sherman@nypost.com