From a Red Sox perspective, this year’s Baseball Hall of Fame election did not figure to be one ending with another ‘B’ cap embossed in Cooperstown’s Plaque Gallery. Although longtime closer Lee Smith will give Boston a sliver or representation, his 18-year career including two and a half seasons with the Red Sox from 1988-90, none of the eight former Sox on the Baseball Writers Association of America ballot made the cut.
Jason Bay, Derek Lowe, Darren Oliver, and Kevin Youkilis didn’t receive a vote and won’t be back next year. Manny Ramirez (22.