Here is my assessment of the Wall of Fame candidates. I note that the selection is supposed to be based on the following: “In addition to a player's statistical record, consideration is given to longevity, ability, contributions to the Phillies and baseball, character, plus special achievements.”
Bedrosian:
Years as a Phillie: 3.5
WAR as a Phillie: 4
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 1
Special achievements: Cy Young Award
Assessment: No. Longevity? If you want to give it to a Cy Young Award winner, give it to John Denny, who at least won it in a year that mattered.
Christensen:
Years as a Phillie: 11
WAR as a Phillie: 11
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 0
Special achievements: Member of several division winners and the 1980 world champs
Assessment: Longevity is the only reason to consider him. The only other player on the ballot with as many as eight years as a Phillie is Reed, who would probably be a better selection, having accumulated the same WAR in les time and also being in the 1983 postseason.
Fregosi:
Years as a Phillie: 6
Special achievements: Manager of 1993 pennant winners
Assessment: No. His other seasons were all losing. One season isn’t enough.
Garber:
Years as a Phillie: 4
WAR as a Phillie: 6
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 0
Special achievements: Member of two division winners
Assessment: I don’t understand why he is on the ballot, and this isn’t the first time.
Polanco:
Years as a Phillie: 6+
WAR as a Phillie: 16
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 1
Special achievements: Won a Gold Glove. Member of a couple of very good teams that didn’t go anywhere.
Assessment: There are other better candidates, both on and off the ballot.
Reed:
Years as a Phillie: 8
WAR as a Phillie: 11
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 0
Special achievements: Member of all of the good 1976-1983 teams.
Assessment: Not a terrible candidate, but less deserving than a few others both on and off the ballot.
Rolen:
Years as a Phillie: 6+
WAR as a Phillie: 29
All-Star selections as a Phillie: Only 1, surprisingly
Special achievements: 1997 NL Rookie of the Year, won four Gold Gloves as a Phil.
Assessment: He’s my #1 choice. A Phillie for several years, probably the best player on the ballot as a Phillie, has a few special achievements.
Rose:
Years as a Phillie: 5
WAR as a Phillie: Only 1, because his dWAR is -9!
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 4
Special achievements: Member of 1980 champs, 1981 Silver Slugger at age 40, caught an important foul pop on the rebound.
Assessment: Certianly has “fame” and special achievements, even as a Phillie. But wasn’t really a great player as a Phillie, except for his first year. On this ballot, I’ll put him #3.
Trillo:
Years as a Phillie: 4
WAR as a Phillie: 7
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 2
Special achievements: Member of 1980 champs, won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers as a Phil.
Assessment: He was a good Phillie, but not for very long. It’s close between him and Rose for my #3.
Wise:
Years as a Phillie: 7
WAR as a Phillie: 15
All-Star selections as a Phillie: 1
Special achievements: Hit two homers while pitching a no-hitter.
Assessment: Suffered from being on mostly bad Phillie teams, but was a good pitcher (though not as good as the guy he was traded for). My #2 choice.
Guys who I think should be on the ballot: Andy Seminick, Tony Gonzalez, Von Hayes. Abreu when he becomes eligible, of course.