Ever since the first players embroiled in the steroid scandal at the start of the millennium began to find their way onto the Hall of Fame ballot, they have dominated any discussion of Cooperstown. Do players like Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa, despite being among the best of their generation, deserve to be honored, or should they be blackballed like Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson?
So far, the answer has been a resounding no from voters, although these players have seen an uptick in support in recent years. This year’s ballot, however, gives us the first true opportunity to try and unravel the logic behind the votes: Jason Giambi.