In the mid-2000s, Roy Oswalt was considered one of the top pitchers in the National League. “Os” would have five seasons where he was voted in the top five in National League Cy Young balloting, and it was his arm that won the NLCS MVP in 2005, getting Houston to their lone World Series appearance.

Oswalt was a very good starter for an extended period of time, but was it enough for Cooperstown? It probably isn’t, though it can not be forgotten that in a six-year period, he finished in the top five in Cy Young voting for five of those years.

A dependable Catcher for years, Ramon Hernandez was named an All Star in 2003 with a bit of pop in his bat (169 Home Runs). The Venezuelan would lead the AL in Assists as a Catcher in 2006 and threw out the most baserunners that year too.

While Placido Polanco had a very good career in Major League Baseball and had over 2,000 Hits and a Silver Slugger Award, stats that would surprise many. Polanco was also a two time All Star and a two time Gold Glove recipient and while he was a very good player, he does not have Cooperstown credentials…though was a lot better than most people remember!  

A middle reliever for most of his career, Octavio Dotel spent fifteen years playing for thirteen teams. The Dominican Pitcher would win a World Series Ring with the St. Louis Cardinals and recorded 109 Saves with a 59 and 50 record.