Update: Vlad has been struggling so far in 2009, but a chest injury has had something to do with that. He is having a poor season this year at age 34, but that shouldn't taint the amazing years he has had for over a decade. His career numbers are amazing, and he can become a Hall of Fame lock if he can rebound and put up a few more good years at the plate.

2/21/2006 - Vlad is an offensive powerhouse. He has been one of the better players in baseball over the last 5 years, and I see no reason why he won't keep it up in the future. If he does than he will be a likely hall of famer some day.

31 years old, nearly 400 bombs, .323 career average. He is on a great path. He must stay healthy.

I'd say yes, but he's played for lousy teams.

He just needs a little more time to accrue some even bigger totals. The best bad ball hitter I've ever seen, a rocket for an arm, the only thing he doesn't do particularly well is plate discipline. He doesn't really draw walks, though he's not exactly abominable either in that respect. Has already done almost enough to get in. One of the most exciting contemporary players, barring an inexplicable decay or injuries, he should be a lock once he's done.

He's got a shot, and if he can maintain his current level of performance for about five more years, he's got a good shot. Getting out of the black hole called Montreal can do his chances nothing but good.