How many players, if their careers ended today, would walk into the Hall of Fame first ballot?

I've got the following numbers:

NL: 8 (though there is a ninth I am absolutely torn on)

AL: 10 (though there is an eleventh who should be but wouldn't be)

There is currenly a free agent who will walk in no questions asked, and two players who would go in no questions asked but they haven't met the minimum years requirement.

Sorry.

Make the NL 9, plus a 10th I'm torn on.

You mean who will go in, not deserve it right?

Right - with the voting system as it is, which players are first ballot automatics.

You think Sosa will go in no questions asked?

Actually, I was referring to Piazza. I forgot about Sosa, and I suppose Bonds as well.

I don't expect Bonds or Sosa to get in first ballot, which in the former case is a travesty, and probably in the latter case as well.

I'm still a little weirded out by those three and Lofton not being able to find work this year.

a) The Giants refusal to re-sign Bonds when they have an absolutely terrible offense is kind of surprising.

b) There have been rumors about the Tigers possibly signing Barry Bonds. Forget Bonds - how about Kenny Lofton. All the guys does is play centerfield and get on-base - to the tune of .367 last season, which on the Tigers would be top four. With Granderson hurt and Jacques JOnes and Brandon Inge of all people playing in the outfield, I think they should look Lofton's way.

c) Do the Rangers really think Marlon Byrd is a better option in right field than Sammy Sosa?

d) I think Piazza's value on both offense and defense is limited at this point, but he would be a good add for some teams.

You know, we could be witnessing (at least regarding Lofton, Sosa, and Piazza) the Clemens effect - maybe these guys are just waiting to see what teams shake out on top, and then will offer their services on pro-rated contracts for half the season.

Sure, we could be witnessing that but what we are really witnessing is an attempt to blackball those players. And I am perfectly fine with that.