Lately, I have been hearing commentators saying that Omar Vizquel is a lock for the Hall Of Fame. A lock?  True, he is the Ozzie Smith of this generation defensively, but how can they be so assuming when someone like Keith Hernandez has never been elected.

It seems that if players stick around long enough, such as Craig Biggio who has announced he is retiring after this season after reaching the 3,000 hit plateau, they become "locks" for the hall. As they say, it's not the Hall Of Very Good. I'm not saying Vizquel absolutely doesn't belong there, but I am on the fence about him despite his wizardry at shortstop.

Other than stolen bases which Omar outnumbers Keith by roughly four times his amount, Keith was clearly better offensively. Keith was clutch. The MVP in 1979, Keith led the Mets in batting average from 1984-1986.  He also led them in on base percentage during that time. From 1983-1986, he led the team in walks as well and was a 5 time All-Star over his career. He finished with a .296 career batting average and 162 home runs.

Vizquel was a 3 time All-Star.  He has belted a meager 75 home runs and is currently batting .274 over his career.

Both have decent offensive numbers, but not great. Therefore, you have to think that either Vizquel or Keith would be elected based on their defensive numbers. Keith was, and Vizquel still is, amazing defensively. Keith won 11 straight Gold Glove Awards. Omar has also won 11, but not consecutively.

Why then is Vizquel a lock and Keith was passed over?  I'm just saying it bothers me is all.  If the San Antonio Coyote is going to beat Mr. Met in Mascot Hall Of Fame voting, then I guess I shouldn't be surprised by this potential injustice as well.