…and thank god, too, as we’ll probably be spared the semi-annual pronouncements from Gossage that today’s relievers are a bunch of pampered sissies not fit to clean the lint from his ‘stache.

While we can say “better luck next time” for the fourth consecutive year to Jim Ed Rice, there will no additional chance for Todd Stottlemyre, who despite compiling an awe-inspiring 138-121 career record with a 4.28 ERA, was only named on one ballot.

I realize there’s been some debate over Rob Neyer and Keith Law’s exclusion from the BBWA, but until now I had no idea Barbara Manning had a Hall Of Fame vote.