Cowtipper

Now past 45%, so here are some updated projections: Carlos Beltran: 75-76% Andruw Jones: 71-72% Chase Utley: 48-49% Andy Pettitte: 42-43% Alex Rodriguez: 41-42% Felix Hernandez: 40-41% Manny Ramirez: 37-38% Cole Hamels: 28-29% Bobby Abreu: 25-26% Jimmy Rollins: 23-24% Dustin Pedroia: 20-21% Omar Vizquel: 19-20% Mark Buehrle: 16-17% Francisco Rodriguez: 13-14% David Wright: 13-14% Torii Hunter: 6-7% Ryan Braun: 2-3% Edwin Encarnacion: 1-2% Shin-Soo Choo: 0-1% Gio Gonzalez: 0-1% Alex Gordon: 0-1% Matt Kemp: 0-1% Howie Kendrick: 0-1% Nick Markakis: 0-1% Daniel Murphy: 0-1% Hunter Pence: 0-1% Rick Porcello: 0-1% So, after thinking Beltran was a shoo-in based on how he had been trending and due to the weak ballot, I'd say he's hit a wall with the hold out voters who seem to really hold the cheating stuff against him. So I'm slashing his chances to 55% yes, 45% no. Andruw Jones is looking more and more like a no, too, so I'm putting him at 62% no, 38% yes. I think Torii Hunter will live to see another day, as he's seen a surge in new votes recently. I am really impressed by Andy Pettitte and previously said he might get to 60% by the time he was done on the ballot. In fact, he might even make a push to 65% if he's lucky. Ramirez's Final Year token boost in support is about as large as expected. I know he'd lost a lot of momentum, but I thought it was unusual that Vizquel was gaining absolutely NO new support this time around, especially considering he's on year 9. Well, he's gotten some new votes recently; it'll still be tough for him to make even 25% next year, his final year, based on how things are going. Voters REALLY don't like him now.

That's an old racist joke, "how does a Chinese person name their child?" and what you said is the punchline.

Not hopeful about the new site. Giving off watered-down, 2020s schlock vibes so far.

Great signing. Came up with the same crop as Vlad Jr., Tatis Jr., Soto and Acuna (and Alonso) and was hyped about as much as all of them. Twice a top-10 prospect. Awesome, awesome signing. The Mets now have two of the biggest prospects of the late-2010s.

Suarez would be exciting. Schwarber lite. Lotta power, lotta Ks, low average. Soto+Suarez+Lindor would be sweet. Maybe 25 homers from Baty, Vientos and/or Alvarez. Lots of power potential on this team.

I think there's some unfinished business. I think it would be cool in what looks like will be an underwhelming 2026.

Dave Giusti died. https://www.mlb.com/news/dave-giusti-dies Who was Dave Giusti? Dave Giusti (1939–2026) was an American Major League Baseball pitcher whose career spanned 16 seasons from 1962 to 1977. Born in Seneca Falls, New York, Giusti starred at Syracuse University in both baseball and basketball before signing with the Houston Colt .45s, later the Astros. He initially worked as a starting pitcher, posting his best season in 1966 with 15 wins, before transitioning into a relief role later in his career. Giusti’s legacy was cemented with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he was converted into a full-time reliever in 1970 and quickly emerged as one of the National League’s premier closers. From 1970 to 1975, he led all of Major League Baseball in saves, highlighted by his league-leading 30 saves in 1971. That same year, he played a key role in the Pirates’ World Series championship, earning a save in Game Four and pitching scoreless innings throughout the series. His success earned him the National League saves title, The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award, and later an All-Star selection in 1973. Over his career, Giusti compiled a 100–93 record with a 3.60 ERA, 1,103 strikeouts, and 145 saves while pitching for the Astros, Cardinals, Pirates, Athletics, and Cubs. Known for his effective palmball, he ranks among the top closers in Pirates history in both saves and appearances. After retiring, Giusti built a successful business career and remained active in the Pittsburgh community. He died on January 11, 2026, at age 86, remembered as a key figure in the evolution of modern relief pitching and a cornerstone of the Pirates’ championship era. Other notable non-MLB deaths: Pavel Akishev died. https://www.sovsport.ru/baseball/news/ne-stalo-byvshego-bejsbolista-sbornoj-rossii-pavla-akisheva Who was Pavel Akishev? Pavel Aleksandrovich Akishev (January 30, 1983 – January 2026) was a Russian baseball pitcher who represented Russia internationally during the early 2000s. Born in Moscow, Akishev developed as a pitcher with the Moscow-based club Moskvich before earning selection to the Russian national team. He competed for Russia in multiple major international tournaments, including the European Baseball Championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007, as well as the 2003 Baseball World Cup. While his international career was marked by uneven results and challenging outings—often compounded by limited run support and defensive issues—he remained a regular presence on the national team during a formative period for Russian baseball. Notably, despite an 0–2 record in the 2005 European Championship, he posted a strong 0.66 ERA, with unearned runs playing a decisive role in his losses. Akishev batted left-handed and threw right-handed, standing 6'1" and weighing 180 pounds. He was known primarily for his role as a durable national-team pitcher rather than for standout statistics. Sidney de Jong died. https://www.mlb.com/news/netherlands-star-sidney-de-jong-passes-away-at-46 Who was Sidney de Jong? Sidney de Jong (14 April 1979 – 7 January 2026) was one of the most accomplished and influential figures in Dutch baseball, excelling as a catcher, hitter, and later as a national-team coach. Born in Amsterdam, he became a cornerstone of the Honkbal Hoofdklasse during the early 21st century, playing 15 seasons from 1998 to 2012 with Amsterdam Pirates, Kinheim, and HCAW. Renowned for his consistency at the plate, de Jong batted .300 or better in 14 of his 15 Hoofdklasse seasons and won league championships with the Pirates in 2008 and 2011. He also played and studied in the United States at the College of Southern Idaho. Internationally, de Jong was a long-time fixture of the Netherlands national team, appearing in 203 international games across nearly every major global tournament. He represented the Netherlands in two Olympic Games (2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing), two World Baseball Classics (2006, 2009), five Baseball World Cups, five European Championships, and three Intercontinental Cups. A clutch performer on the world stage, he earned multiple All-Star selections in international tournaments, including All-Star catcher honors at the 2007 and 2009 Baseball World Cups, and was a key contributor to the Netherlands’ historic gold medal at the 2011 Baseball World Cup. His performances helped the Dutch national team establish itself as a global baseball power. Following the 2011 World Cup victory, de Jong was knighted in the Order of Orange-Nassau, reflecting his importance to Dutch sport. After retiring as a player, he managed Amsterdam Pirates in 2013 and went on to serve as a coach for the Dutch national team from 2014 onward, working under multiple managers and acting as national team manager during the 2017 World Port Tournament. Sidney de Jong died unexpectedly in the Netherlands on 7 January 2026 at age 46. He is remembered as one of the greatest hitters and catchers in Hoofdklasse history, a leader in the national team’s golden era, and a lasting figure in the growth and international success of Dutch baseball. He died in January 2026 at the age of 42. Akishev is remembered as part of the generation that carried Russian baseball through sustained international competition in the 2000s. Jerry Thomas died. https://www.startribune.com/jerry-thomas-college-world-series-mvp-gophers-1956-obituary/601559880 Who was Jerry Thomas? Gerald E. “Jerry” Thomas (August 1, 1936 – January 6, 2026) was an American baseball pitcher celebrated for his collegiate achievements at the University of Minnesota. A standout player, Thomas was named College World Series Most Outstanding Player in 1956, one of only three Golden Gophers to earn that honor, alongside John Erickson and Dave Winfield. That same year, he was also recognized as an All-American, cementing his legacy in college baseball history. After college, Thomas pursued a professional career in the minor leagues from 1957 to 1960, appearing in 132 games with a 31–30 record, though he never reached the major leagues. He played alongside his brother, George Thomas, including stints at Minnesota and in the minors with Augusta. In recognition of his contributions to the University of Minnesota’s baseball program, Jerry Thomas was inducted into the University of Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. He passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 89, remembered as one of the university’s most accomplished pitchers of the 20th century.

More notable 2025 deaths. Jumbo Ozaki died. https://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/47403888/golf-hall-famer-jumbo-ozaki-japan-dies-78 Who was Jumbo Ozaki? Masashi Ozaki (1947–2025), widely known as Jumbo Ozaki, was one of the most influential and successful athletes in Japanese sports history, best remembered as the dominant figure of the Japan Golf Tour. Before golf, Ozaki was a professional baseball player with the Nishitetsu Lions from 1965 to 1967, pitching and later converting to the outfield, though with limited success. Turning to golf at age 23, Ozaki rapidly rose to prominence. He became the most accomplished golfer in Japan Golf Tour history, winning a record 94 tour events and leading the tour’s money list 12 times between 1973 and 1998. Known for his power off the tee and imposing physical presence, he earned the nickname “Jumbo.” Internationally, he competed in major championships and PGA Tour events, highlighted by a T8 finish at the 1973 Masters and 6th place at the 1989 U.S. Open, and spent nearly 200 weeks inside the world’s top ten rankings. Ozaki was a central figure in Japanese golf’s golden era, alongside rivals Isao Aoki and Tsuneyuki Nakajima, and represented Japan in global team competitions including the Presidents Cup. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, his legacy extends beyond titles to shaping modern professional golf in Japan. Ozaki died of colorectal cancer in December 2025 at age 78, leaving behind a record-setting career and an enduring impact on Japanese sport. Nobuhiro Takashiro died. https://www.jiji.com/jc/article?k=2025121000999&g=spo Who was Nobuhiro Takashiro? Nobuhiro Takashiro (1954–2025) was a respected Japanese professional baseball infielder and longtime coach in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Born in Nara Prefecture, he starred at Hosei University, winning a Tokyo Big Six University League batting title in 1975, and was selected first overall by the Nippon-Ham Fighters in the 1978 NPB Draft. Takashiro played eleven NPB seasons from 1979 to 1989, primarily with Nippon-Ham before finishing his playing career with the Hiroshima Toyo Carp. A versatile infielder, he earned three All-Star selections (1979, 1980, 1983), the Diamond Glove Award at shortstop in 1979, and the Best Nine Award in 1980. He was known more for steady defense and contact hitting than power, finishing his career with a .256 batting average, 57 home runs, and 772 hits across 917 games. After retiring as a player, Takashiro built an extensive coaching career, serving with multiple NPB clubs including the Carp, Chunichi Dragons, Nippon-Ham Fighters, Chiba Lotte Marines, Orix Buffaloes, and Hanshin Tigers, as well as Korea’s Hanwha Eagles. He also coached Japan’s national team and was part of the 2009 World Baseball Classic championship staff. Takashiro died of esophageal cancer in Osaka on December 9, 2025, at age 71, remembered as a dependable infielder and influential coach who contributed to Japanese baseball for more than four decades.

The following players have officially retired in calendar year 2026. To start us off, we have 2023 Mets minor leaguer Jaylin Davis: Jordyn Adams - 2023-2025 Hanser Alberto - 2015-2016, 2018-2023 Nick Anderson - 2019-2021, 2023-2025 Tim Anderson - 2016-2025; 2x AS, 1x SS Matt Barnes - 2014-2024; 1x AS Tres Barrera - 2019, 2021-2023 Jon Berti - 2018-2025 Nick Burdi - 2018-2020, 2023-2025 Jaylin Davis - 2019-2022 Paolo Espino - 2017, 2020-2024 Avisail Garcia - 2012-2024; 1x AS Dilson Herrera - 2014-2015, 2018, 2020 Jason Heyward - 2010-2025; 1x ASG, 5 GG, 186 HR Juan Lagares - 2013-2022 Dixon Machado - 2015-2018 & 2022 Trey Mancini - 2016-2019, 2021-2023, 2026; 129 HR J.D. Martinez - 2011-2024; 6x ASG, 3x SS, 331 HR T.J. McFarland - 2013-2025 Guillermo Moscoso - 2009-2013 Jacob Nottingham - 2018-2021 David Peralta - 2014-2024; 1x SS, 1x GG, 125 HR Roberto Perez - 2014-2023; 2x GG Riley Pint - 2023-2024 Ryan Pressly - 2013-2025; 2x AS, 667 G David Robertson - 2008-2025; 1x AS, 881 G, 179 SV, 2.93 ERA, 11.8 K/9 Jacob Stallings - 2016-2025; 1x GG Chris Taylor - 2014-2025; 1x AS, 1x NLCS MVP, 110 HR Julio Teheran - 2011-2021, 2023-24; 2x AS Gio Urshela - 2015, 2017-2025 Dayan Viciedo - 2010-2014

Those are projections for where they'll end up, not where they are now. I should have specified. It's my own method and I usually end up within a few points of being right when all is said and done.

35% in now. New projections: Carlos Beltran: 75-76% Andruw Jones: 73-74% Chase Utley: 48-49% Alex Rodriguez: 42-43% Andy Pettitte: 41-42% Felix Hernandez: 39-40% Manny Ramirez: 38-49% Cole Hamels: 28-29% Bobby Abreu: 26-27% Jimmy Rollins: 23-24% Dustin Pedroia: 20-21% Omar Vizquel: 18-19% Mark Buehrle: 15-16% Francisco Rodriguez: 13-14% David Wright: 13-14% Torii Hunter: 5-6% Ryan Braun: 2-3% Edwin Encarnacion: 1-2% Hunter Pence: 1-2% Shin-Soo Choo: 0-1% Gio Gonzalez: 0-1% Alex Gordon: 0-1% Matt Kemp: 0-1% Howie Kendrick: 0-1% Nick Markakis: 0-1% Daniel Murphy: 0-1% Rick Porcello: 0-1%

One of the bigger underutilization travesties of 2025, because he was actually a veteran with a solid background, yet they still almost never used him, despite him posting a 2.16 mark in 13 games. He wasn't a star, but he was better than a 13 appearance season. Reminds me of Hunter Strickland, insofar as he was a solid reliever who the Mets barely used in the one year they had him.

I remember how bad he was, how he looked like he listened to Slipknot, how annoyed I was they kept him over Phil Maton and how each of his appearances almost uniformly resembled a large pile of steaming poop. Finished his Mets career with a 5.47 ERA, but hey at least he threw really really fast.

Mets signed South Korean wunderkind Jun-Seok Shim to a minor league deal.

I hit 100 at 16, too. Well, .100 more specifically.

Like a lot of those 2023 relievers, he started off really well (1.69 ERA through 7 games), then tanked.

Jim Willis died. https://www.kramerfunerals.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=46849117 Who was Jim Willis? James Gladden Willis (1927–2026) was a right-handed Major League Baseball pitcher who appeared briefly with the Chicago Cubs during the 1953 and 1954 seasons. A Louisiana native born in Doyline, Willis enjoyed his greatest success in the minor leagues, particularly with Shreveport, where his strong performances in the early 1950s helped elevate the club from last place to a playoff championship and earned him selection in the 1952 Rule V Draft. In two MLB seasons, he compiled a 2–2 record with a 3.39 ERA across 27 appearances. After returning to the minors and completing an eight-year professional career with 75 wins, Willis transitioned to education, serving as an elementary school teacher and later a principal in Boyce, Louisiana, until his retirement.

Other notable 2025 deaths: Bernardo Calvo died. https://www.milb.com/news/lmb-en-memoria-de-bernardo-calvo Who was Bernardo Calvo? Bernardo Calvo (1945–2025) was a Mexican professional baseball player and manager. Born in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, he played as an infielder and outfielder, batting and throwing right-handed. Calvo began his career in the Houston Astros minor league system (1965–1967) before spending the remainder of his playing career (1968–1979) in the Mexican League, where he compiled a career batting average of .288 with 1,306 hits and 23 home runs. He was known as a reliable contact hitter with solid defensive skills and minimal speed. Calvo represented Mexico internationally, earning a silver medal at the 1965 Amateur World Series. After retiring as a player, he managed several Mexican League teams between 1991 and 2005, including Cafeteros de Córdoba, Pericos de Puebla, and Piratas de Campeche. He passed away on January 2, 2025, in his hometown. Bob Hannah died. https://bluehens.com/news/2025/12/15/university-of-delaware-mourns-the-passing-of-baseball-coaching-icon-bob-hannah Who was Bob Hannah? Bob Hannah (c. 1931 – 2025) was an American college baseball coach best known for leading the University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens from 1965 to 2000. A former multi-sport athlete at Wesley College, Hannah became one of the most successful intercollegiate baseball coaches in the U.S., amassing over 1,000 wins and securing 22 conference titles. His teams included multiple College World Series appearances, and he coached future Major League players such as Steve Taylor, Kevin Mench, and Tommy Herr. Hannah earned five America East Coach of the Year honors, was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1998, and had the Delaware Baseball Stadium renamed Bob Hannah Stadium in his honor. He passed away on December 14, 2025, in Newark, Delaware, at the age of 93. Tom Hicks died. https://apnews.com/article/tom-hicks-17b3260087ced4c710e11697b865544b Who was Tom Hicks? Tom Hicks (1946–2025) was an American businessman, private equity investor, and sports team owner from Dallas, Texas. He co-founded the investment firm Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst, which became one of the largest private equity firms in the U.S., overseeing over $50 billion in acquisitions. Hicks made much of his fortune in media, leveraged buyouts, and later through sports and real estate ventures. Hicks owned the Texas Rangers (1998–2010), signing baseball’s then-largest contract to Alex Rodriguez, though his teams struggled to achieve consistent success. Financial pressures from the 2008 economic crisis led him to sell the Rangers after a complex bankruptcy and auction process. He also owned the Dallas Stars (NHL), who won the 1999 Stanley Cup under his ownership, but the franchise later filed for bankruptcy. In 2007, Hicks entered English soccer, acquiring Liverpool F.C. with George Gillett. His tenure was marked by controversy, fan protests, and heavy debt, and he eventually lost the club in 2010 to New England Sports Ventures, after legal disputes and criticism for failing to deliver promised stadiums and investments. Hicks was involved in politics, philanthropy, and education, donating land for a school in Frisco, Texas, and supporting humanitarian projects in Dallas. He was married to Cinda Cree Hicks and had six children. Hicks passed away in Dallas on December 6, 2025, at age 79. Bob Hiegert died. https://gomatadors.com/news/2025/6/27/baseball-csun-athletics-announces-the-passing-of-bob-hiegert Who was Bob Hiegert? Robert J. Hiegert (1942–2025) was a prominent American college baseball coach and athletics administrator, best known for his long tenure at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). A standout shortstop at San Fernando Valley State College (now CSUN) from 1960–1963, he briefly played professionally in the Los Angeles Angels organization before returning to CSUN as head baseball coach in 1967. Over 18 seasons, Hiegert became CSUN’s winningest coach, leading the Matadors to two NCAA Division II national championships (1970, 1984), 11 NCAA tournament berths, six conference titles, and producing numerous All-Americans and professional players. In 1984, he was named National Coach of the Year. Following his coaching career, Hiegert served as CSUN’s athletic director and later as commissioner of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (1997–2013). In 1992, he faced allegations of racial insensitivity in the athletics department, which were ultimately unsubstantiated by an independent report. Hiegert received numerous honors, including induction into the CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame, the CCAA Hall of Fame, and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In January 2025, CSUN renamed its home baseball facility Robert J. Hiegert Field in his honor. He passed away on June 19, 2025, at age 83. Yoshinori Hirose died. https://www.chugoku-np.co.jp/articles/-/739126 Who was Yoshinori Hirose? Yoshinori Hirose (1936–2025) was a legendary Japanese professional baseball outfielder who spent his entire 22-year playing career with the Nankai Hawks in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Known for his exceptional speed, he ranks second all-time in NPB stolen bases with 596 and was a nine-time All-Star. Hirose won the 1964 NPB batting title, led the league in multiple offensive categories during his prime, and helped the Hawks secure two Japan Series titles. After retiring as a player, Hirose managed the Nankai Hawks (1978–1980), worked as a broadcaster for NHK, and coached the Fukuoka Daiei Hawks (1991–1992). He was elected to the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999 and was a member of the Meikyukai. Over his career, he amassed 2,157 hits, 131 home runs, 705 RBIs, and maintained an impressive 82.9% stolen base success rate. Hirose passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 89. Hiroaki Inoue died. https://www.chunichi.co.jp/article/1176427 Who was Hiroaki Inoue? Hiroaki Inoue (1944–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball outfielder who played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) over three decades. Originally a first-round pick of the Hiroshima Carp in 1967, Inoue struggled early in his career but revived his performance after being traded to the Chunichi Dragons in 1973 under manager Wally Yonamine. He became a Central League All-Star twice and made the Best Nine in 1975 after batting .318 with 18 home runs and leading the league with 149 hits. Inoue later played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (1981–1984), earning the Fighting Spirit Award in the 1981 Japan Series. Over his 1,531-game career, he batted .259/.343/.414 with 155 home runs, 517 RBIs, 522 runs, 74 stolen bases, and was hit by pitches 137 times—ranking fourth all-time in NPB history. After retiring, he served as a coach for the Seibu Lions and became a baseball commentator on TV Aichi. Inoue passed away on December 8, 2025, at the age of 81. Yoshihiro Ito died. https://news.ntv.co.jp/n/fbs/category/society/fsab6801e5d04e47bcbbe5211a07dac20a Who was Yoshihiro Ito? Yoshihiro Ito (1982–2025) was a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Chiba Lotte Marines from 2008 to 2015. A right-handed pitcher, Ito debuted in 2008 after being drafted in the fourth round from Japan Rail Tokai and posted a 3.05 ERA in 51 games as a rookie. Over his career, he recorded a 6–13 win–loss record, a 3.83 ERA, and 249 strikeouts, contributing to the Marines’ 2010 Japan Series championship. Known for a fastball reaching 95 mph, Ito primarily worked out of the bullpen. Ito tragically died on October 6, 2025, at age 43, after a motorcycle accident in Fukuoka, Japan.

He was a big prospect back in the day. Every time I hear his name I'm surprised he's still around. He's the consummate Quadruple-A player now.

30% in now. Carlos Beltran: 75-76% Andruw Jones: 73-74% Chase Utley: 49-50% Alex Rodriguez: 43-44% Felix Hernandez: 42-43% Andy Pettitte: 41-42% Manny Ramirez: 38-39% Cole Hamels: 28-29% Bobby Abreu: 27-28% Jimmy Rollins: 24-25% Dustin Pedroia: 21-22% Omar Vizquel: 18-19% Mark Buehrle: 16-17% Francisco Rodriguez: 14-15% David Wright: 14-15% Torii Hunter: 5-6% Ryan Braun: 3-4% Edwin Encarnacion: 1-2% Hunter Pence: 1-2% Shin-Soo Choo: 0-1% Gio Gonzalez: 0-1% Alex Gordon: 0-1% Matt Kemp: 0-1% Howie Kendrick: 0-1% Nick Markakis: 0-1% Daniel Murphy: 0-1% Rick Porcello: 0-1% I no longer think Carlos Beltran is a lock. I'd say he's 80/20 now. I'm bumping Andruw Jones to 48/52. I don't think Braun will get to 5%.

Bob Heffner died. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/wfmz/name/robert-heffner-obituary?id=58730144 Who was Bob Heffner? Robert Frederic “Butch” Heffner (1938–2025) was an American Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher who played in the American League during the 1960s. Born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Heffner signed with the Boston Red Sox out of high school in 1957 and made his MLB debut in 1963. Over a five-season major league career, he pitched for the Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, and California Angels, serving as both a starter and reliever. His most productive season came in 1964 with Boston, when he set career highs in wins, strikeouts, innings pitched, and saves. Heffner finished his MLB career with an 11–21 record, a 4.51 ERA, and 241 strikeouts across 114 appearances. After retiring from baseball, he returned to Allentown, where he worked for a beverage distributor for more than three decades. Heffner died in his hometown on June 25, 2025, at the age of 86. Andy Kosco died. https://www.foxfuneralhome.org/obituary/Andy-Kosco Who was Andy Kosco? Andy Kosco (1941–2025) was an American professional baseball outfielder who played ten Major League Baseball seasons between 1965 and 1974, appearing with seven teams including the Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cincinnati Reds. Born in Youngstown, Ohio, and a standout multi-sport athlete at Struthers High School, Kosco was signed by the Detroit Tigers before reaching the majors with the Twins during their 1965 pennant-winning season. Though left off the World Series roster, he went on to become a regular player, most notably with the Yankees in 1968 and the Dodgers in 1969, where he led the team in home runs and RBIs. Over his career, Kosco was known as a solid power hitter during the pitching-dominated “second dead-ball era,” compiling 73 home runs and 267 RBIs. He later played for the Brewers, Angels, Red Sox, and Reds, contributing to Cincinnati’s 1973 division title and recording key hits in the National League Championship Series. After retiring, Kosco worked in insurance and remained connected to baseball through his sons, Bryn and Dru, both professional players. He died in December 2025 at age 84.

Right before the year ended, reliever Joe Kelly retired.

At 25% now, so here's another update. Carlos Beltran: 76-77% Andruw Jones: 72-73% Chase Utley: 49-50% Felix Hernandez: 41-42% Alex Rodriguez: 41-42% Andy Pettitte: 40-41% Manny Ramirez: 37-38% Bobby Abreu: 28-29% Cole Hamels: 26-27% Jimmy Rollins: 24-25% Dustin Pedroia: 21-22% Omar Vizquel: 18-19% Mark Buehrle: 16-17% David Wright: 15-16% Francisco Rodriguez: 14-15% Torii Hunter: 6-7% Ryan Braun: 4-5% Edwin Encarnacion: 1-2% Hunter Pence: 1-2% Shin-Soo Choo: 0-1% Gio Gonzalez: 0-1% Alex Gordon: 0-1% Matt Kemp: 0-1% Howie Kendrick: 0-1% Nick Markakis: 0-1% Daniel Murphy: 0-1% Rick Porcello: 0-1% Pettitte has solid momentum and might actually crack 60% by his final year.

Well, we're up to 20% in now, so we can do another update. Carlos Beltran: 77-78% Andruw Jones: 71-72% Chase Utley: 51-52% Felix Hernandez: 43-44% Alex Rodriguez: 42-43% Andy Pettitte: 39-40% Manny Ramirez: 37-38% Bobby Abreu: 28-29% Cole Hamels: 26-27% Jimmy Rollins: 22-23% Dustin Pedroia: 21-22% Omar Vizquel: 18-19% Mark Buehrle: 17-18% Francisco Rodriguez: 14-15% David Wright: 12-13% Torii Hunter: 5-6% Ryan Braun: 4-5% Edwin Encarnacion: 1-2% Hunter Pence: 1-2% Shin-Soo Choo: 0-1% Gio Gonzalez: 0-1% Alex Gordon: 0-1% Matt Kemp: 0-1% Howie Kendrick: 0-1% Nick Markakis: 0-1% Daniel Murphy: 0-1% Rick Porcello: 0-1% My optimism is slipping for Jones. I'm now 47/53 yes/no for him now. Everything else holds.

The rough estimate that guys finish ~5% less than the 'reported' totals is a little off. It is really, really player dependent. My proprietary and one-of-a-kind projection method is usually pretty close, usually falling within a couple/a handful of percentage points of the real number. It seems the old-timey traditional guys publicly report theirs less, so guys like Vizquel, Torii Hunter and Francisco Rodriguez (aka those whose cases rely on more than WAR and sabermetrics) usually do better than reported totals, while guys who are allegedly tainted in some way (Beltran) and those whose cases are largely sabermetric dependent (Utley) do much worse than reported totals. There is also a great financial incentive for the Hall to 'encourage' bigger ballots and getting people in, because if no one is voted in, the big money summer festivities won't get as many visitors and dollars. Which is why, for example, I think the VC has been more liberal in electing folks in recent years. The success of Hamels and Hernandez should really benefit Jon Lester next year, who I actually DO think should be in the Hall, in large part due to his postseason success. It's still a weak ballot next year, as Buster Posey is the only really convincing name, and I don't think it's a guarantee he'll get in first ballot, though with Mauer getting in first ballot, the precedent has been set for Posey.