HALL OF FAME 2022
MLB insider tries to justify his controversial HOF ballot
Jan 25, 2022, 1:06 pm
Bonds is in and Clemens is out for Jon Heyman. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images.
Monday on MLB Network, Jon Heyman shared his Hall of Fame ballot that had one head-scratching omission, Roger Clemens. While it's not that surprising that Clemens would be left off the ballot due to his alleged use of steroids, it is however curious that Heyman voted for Barry Bonds, who has also been linked to the same PED accusations as Clemens. In the video below, Heyman lays out why he voted for Bonds and not Clemens, and MLB Network's Brian Kenny jumps in to press Heyman on why one alleged "steroid guy" gets in, and the other doesn't.
.@JonHeyman dives into his #HOF2022 ballot selections on #MLBNow. (š½ļø via @MLBNow) https://t.co/bcu84c0xdmĀ pic.twitter.com/fOoikTpxUKĀ
ā MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 24, 2022
Heyman's main reason for voting Bonds in over Clemens stems from his assessment that Bonds was already a Hall of Famer before he started using PEDs, which Heyman believes started in 2001. Clemens on the other hand, had his career rebirth posting Cy Young seasons with the Blue Jays in 1997 and 1998. This is when Heyman believes he started using, and Clemens wasn't Hall of Fame worthy before 1997, according to Heyman. Looking at the numbers, Clemens pitched 11 seasons that Heyman believes were fueled by PEDs. So if Heyman doesn't count those seasons as part of Clemens' HOF resume, an argument could be made.
Personally, I would vote both Clemens and Bonds in the HOF without a second thought. Whichever way this goes, we'll have our answer on Tuesday night. This is the last year both players are eligible to get in, so it's now or never.
The Houston Astros wrapped up yet another series win this week, this time taking two of three from the struggling Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Despite missing several key players and a bullpen that wasnāt fully available, the Astros continued their recent run of success, pushing their record to 52-35.
Manager Joe Espada appeared to be playing the long game in the rubber match on Thursday. After Houston rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning, Espada stuck with reliever Jordan Weems instead of turning to his high-leverage arms. That decision, while frustrating to some fans hoping for the sweep, underscored the teamās cautious approach to workload management as they navigate a long season.
One bright spot continues to be rookie Cam Smith, who delivered again in the clutch with a two-run triple in the seventh inning on Thursday. Smith has been Houstonās most dependable bat with runners on base and is quickly settling into the cleanup roleāa rarity for a first-year player but one heās earned with his poise and production.
Astros cleanup hitter RBIs this season:Ā
Cam Smith: 10 RBIs in 7 games
All others: 28 RBIs in 80 games
ā Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 3, 2025
Off the field, the biggest storyline continues to be Yordan Alvarezās injury. After reports surfaced that the slugger had experienced a setback in his return from a fractured hand, the team clarified that the issue is inflammation, not the fracture itself. Astros general manager Dana Brown said Alvarez received injections to address the irritation and is expected to rest for now. Encouragingly, the Astros say the fracture is no longer a concern, and while thereās still no definitive timeline for his return, the overall tone from the club was optimistic.
The transparency around Alvarezās situation is part of a larger shift. After being criticized in recent seasons for vague injury updates, the Astros have begun issuing daily availability reports. Itās a move that signals the front office is trying to regain some trust with the media and fans after a stretch of frustrating ambiguity around player health.
Now, the Astros head to Los Angeles for a marquee matchup with the defending champion Dodgers. Fridayās opener will feature Lance McCullers Jr. making just his second start since returning from the injured list. McCullers gave up eight runs in his return against the Cubs and will be under the spotlight as he looks to settle back into form. Control will be the key, as walks have long been McCullersā Achillesā heel.
Saturday sets the stage for one of the most anticipated pitching matchups of the season: Framber Valdez versus Shohei Ohtani. With both teams fighting for positioning in their respective divisions, this weekend in LA should serve as a measuring stickāand perhaps a postseason preview.
There's so much more to get to! Don't miss the video below as we examine the topics above and much, much more!
The MLB season is finally upon us! Join Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo for the Stone Cold āStros podcast which drops each Monday afternoon, with an additional episode now on Thursday.
___________________________
*ChatGPT assisted.
Looking to get the word out about your business, products, or services? Consider advertising on SportsMap! It's a great way to get in front of Houston sports fans. Click the link below for more information!