An Ode to Red Zone

 Red Zone may take up one channel, but it's measure of magnitude takes up multiple.  Mellifluously switching between not only games, but plays and time zones, as well as end zones.  Dual box, tri-box and QUAD BOX.  Its entertainment value sees no bounds and its magnificence can barley be expressed in words.  Showcasing Gridiron Glory and all its serendipitous pleasure.  I can only hope, no desire heaven to be this pleasant.

Chipper Jones First Ballot?

Of course Chipper Jones is a Hall of Famer, but the question remains.  Is Chipper a first ballot Hall of Famer?  The answer in my mind is an emphatic, “YES”.  Chipper Jones is not only a very likable character but has bona-fide stats to boot.  Chipper has over 450 home runs while having a batting average over .300.  Willie Stargell (first ballot) can’t make that claim.  Eddie Murray (first ballot) can’t make that claim.  He also comes in at number 50 for all time On Base-Percentage.  Above the legendary Joe DiMaggio, above Rod Carew (first ballot), and above Joe Morgan (first ballot).  Also above the greatest leadoff hitter Rickey Henderson (first ballot).   The Chip also ranks in the top 50 for Wins Above Replacement (WAR).  Chipper Jones has played in not one, but two Fall Classics, winning one.  Chipper accomplished all these statistics while batting a valuable switch.  One knock against Chipper being his fielding ability.  While this is true the same can be said for the big hurt, Frank Thomas, and Derek Jeter.  Both being infallible first ballot Hall of Famers.  Baring his injuries later in his career Chipper would have been assured 3000 hits, which would have made his 1^st ballot status certain.  Chipper, as of this writing, as has not been accused of using the stuff, aka Steroids and Performance Enhancing drugs.  Chipper ranks as one of the top 3 third basemen of all time.  Chipper is also not all washed up before he retired.  Hitting 18 dingers in 2011 and 14 in 2012 (in only 112 games).  So has your belief been swayed on the old Chip (hopefully it didn’t have to be), I think so.