He will retire as the all-time saves leader. Sure thing first ballot.

I don't think there is enough room in Cooperstown for a lot of closers, and I think Rivera was a better closer over the same time period as Hoffman. However, Hoffman's stats are better than any other closer, and that might be enough to get voters to place him in the Hall.

I've had the privledge of watching Hoffman for many years in the nl west. Shoo in.

I think he has a better chance than every reliever save Rivera. Playing for typically average to weak Padre teams might actually help him. Plus how do you keep out what could be the all-time leader in saves?

Relievers are the hardest to predict. There doesn't seem to be any standard or consensus for getting in, the only three in, off the top of my head, are Fingers, Wilhelm, and Eckersley. Where's the real commonality in those three? There are guys who were clearly better than the first two names in who aren't enshrined ,at least not yet. Hoffman is indeed not in Rivera's league, but he's had a great career. A good example of a "maybe."

Tough call. Relievers have traditionally had trouble getting elected, and Hoffman will be hurt by labouring for second division clubs.