"I'm excited about the chances of maybe next year [getting in]," Raines said via telephone. "The odds of getting in are much better than any other year. It's not a given. I can't say congratulations or have a party like that. I know that I still have to get those last few votes."
Raines' stats haven't changed since he became eligible for the Hall of Fame nine years ago. Most of the damage Raines inflicted from the top of the batting order was as a member of the Expos and White Sox. During his prime of 1981-92, he scored 90 or more runs eight times, led the league in stolen bases four times, was an All-Star seven times and hit .