Will Roger Clemens make the Hall of Fame?

Writers from around Tribune Co. are discussing whether Roger Clemens will make baseball’s Hall of Fame in light of the recent not guilty verdict against him. Check back throughout the day to see their responses, and leave a comment with your thoughts on the subject.

Juan C. Rodriguez, South Florida Sun Sentinel

If Roger Clemens does make the Hall of Fame, it won’t be any time soon. Clemens’ acquittal probably sways some voters on the fence about his candidacy. It won’t put a big enough dent into the broader cross section of writers that aren’t prepared to induct anyone with strong links, circumstantial or otherwise, to the steroid era. The government did not fail to prove Clemens took steroids or human growth hormone. It failed to prove he perjured himself in front of Congress. That enough evidence existed to prosecute guys like Clemens and Barry Bonds raises character questions, and character is part of the Hall of Fame criteria. Top steroid-era performers may get in eventually as current and future voters gain fresh perspective on the period. For now, the waters remain too murky to punch Clemens’ ticket.

Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times

Hall of Fame voters don’t need to adhere to the federal jury’s standard of beyond a reasonable doubt, and those who’ve observed the lives of enough pitching careers certainly remain skeptical of the dominance Clemens reverted to in his later years.

So my guess is he won’t make it for a few years into his candidacy, but ultimately will as a deeper review of his original dominance and the forgiveness that resides in each of us – even sports writers – shines.

Clemens has come across as a bully and rude, full of ego even when called before Congress, but the big Texan could pitch like few others, accomplishing rare performances and victories that are unmistakably Hall worthy.

And he was found not guilty.

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