Hall of Fame II

So thinking back to Tuesday's sham of a vote. OK, not as bad as not inducting Buck O'Neill before he died, but it would have been nice to induct Jim Rice and Goose Gossage at the same time. Nice symmetry -- two feared stars of the '70s and '80s who were key parts of the rivalry, especially in 1978.

I like when there's a connection among inductees. Nolan, Yount and Brett in '99. Ripken and Gwynn last year. And Reggie Jackson by himself in '93.

Hopefully, next year we'll see two Red Sox OFers at the podium: Rice and Rickey Henderson.

Other SoxPhils slated to appear on the ballot in coming years (and there's some real immortals here):

2009: Steve Avery, John Burkett, David Cone, Ron Gant, Dan Plesac, Mo Vaughn, Mike Williams.

Mo's been gone that long already? Plesac too? And, Avery, what can I say?

2010: Andy Ashby, Ellis Burks, Mike Jackson, Todd Zeile

Immortals. Real immortals. No disrespect to Burks.

2011: Hideo Nomo, John Olerud, Benito Santiago, Ugueth Urbina

Nomo's comeback might push this class back. And, wouldn't it be great to induct a guy doing time in Venezuela?

2012: Bill Mueller, Tim Worrell

Will there be an '04 bump giving him a few votes?

In other sports: Another big playoff weekend. I went 3-1 last week, and probably will do the same. Go with the Packers over the Seahawks; Patriots to tie the whiny '72 Dolphins; Colts to close the RCA dome with a win; and Cowboys over the Giants. Yes, I know, weak that like most I'm taking all favorites. I think there may be an upset, but when my gut tells me the best chance for an underdog is the Giants, it's time to play it safe.