Hall of Fame Candidate Tread: Kal El

[RonCo]

Here's the place to talk about the career of: Kal El

Center Field

Active Career: 2013-2030 (17 seasons)
2,520 hits, 357 HR, 1,199 RBI, .296/.357/.476, 348 SB, WAR: 64.7
Landis Champion: 2028
Sawyer Silk: 2016
6-Time All-Star
2-Time Zimmer Diamond Glove Winner

Hall of Fame Metrics: (average HoF)
JAWS: 52.8 (58)
Black Ink: 7 (22)
Gray Ink: 88 (105)
HOF Standards: 52 (53)
HOF Monitor: 93 (123)
[hr]
The Man of Steel spent most of his career with Birmingham and Huntsville, but included brief stints with four other clubs. His sparkling 7.0/8.3 WAR in 2016 and 2017 represent his two peak seasons by far, but clearly at his peak he was a brilliant player. Also had a few season resurgence in his early 30s.

[recte44]

Through age 27, a definite Hall of Famer. His career after that was solid but unspectacular. Still, I think he's more deserving of a look than he's gotten thus far.

[Ted]

Just wasn't good enough long enough. Sad the Superman wasn't as super after his early 20's

[RonCo]

Outstanding platoon player, as I recall, but used as a full-time guy. Might have OPSed .950 as a platoon guy. Again, though, I was just getting into the league when I was looking at him.

[bigmike13]

When he was with us in Birmingham, he was a deadly combination with Dexter Sheehan. Even if he is considered an "Average HOF", that's still HOF material. Let's not use his last few years as a capsule of his entire career. He will be getting his plaque and banner at the Tap Room HOF very shortly.

[scottsdale_joe]

Thinking a definite no.

[bpbrooksy]

I think it's a no for me. Multi-time All-Star, but his Silk year was his only really standout season in my mind. Maybe a bit harsh, but I usually vote with pretty strict standards.

[RonCo]

Bumping these threads because there will be voting again earlier than you think!

[bcslouck]

Leaning no.

[RonCo]

Looking at Kal El more closely, I come down on "no." When I came into the league it felt like he had the aura around him--and I rated him really highly. But he was never as good as I thought he should be. He was getting older then, though. taking a deeper dive lets me see a little of why the aura exists. He was blazingly good in 2015 and 2016 (when he won the silk). I mean, anti-kryptonite good. Startlingly good.

However, take those two years away, or make the just solid 4 WAR years, and there's not even a discussion.

Good player to have around. Not ranked high on my ballot.

[7teen]

Its a hard no for me. Just don't think the counting stats or there were enough seasons strung together to justify him being a HOF. Just a good player.

[RonCo]

Kal El received 21% of last year's ballots.

[JimBob2232]

borderline...im thinking no.

[RonCo]

Kal El received 38% of the votes last year. He has 3 seasons left on the ballot.

[indiansfan]

I don't think so, but need to take another look. One of those guys that has a better shot if we have a weaker class that year.

[niles08]

Had he been better for longer, it would be a yes. But it's a no from me.

[usnspecialist]

Here is the stat breakdown of Kal El compared to all center fielders (both individually and against the total mean). Players are sorted by total JAWS score, and any bolded names are on the HOF ballot this year. The mean listed does NOT include anyone on the ballot, just guys who have actually been elected to the HOF.

[JimBob2232]

I'm hoping he makes it as a hitting coach...

[RonCo]

This is Kal El's last remaining year of eligibility. He received 29% of the vote last year.