Will Larkin save the Hall?

If they don’t elect him next year, it could be a rough summer financially.

However, Larkin will have two things working in his favor next time. He’ll benefit from the paucity of new viable candidates; at least a few voters who didn’t have room on their ballots this time because they voted for Blyleven and/or Alomar will find room for Larkin next time. And as the top non-electee this time, Larkin will receive somewhat more attention from the voters who didn’t vote for him … which can only help, considering just how qualified for the Hall of Fame he actually is.

Just to review: Larkin was an 11-time All-Star, won nine Silver Slugger Awards, three Gold Glove Awards, and one National League Most Valuable Player Award. Shortstops who hit nearly 200 home runs and steal nearly 400 bases don’t exactly grow on trees. Not even in Cooperstown.