John Franco is in the news this week, having appeared on cable to talk about baseball, hi-jinks and shenanigans. So it seems the perfect time to bring up the idea of John Franco, potential Hall of Famer. Its an important topic, because Franco spent the bulk of his career in New York, his native home, and could potentially become just the second Met in the Hall. Plus, my grandmother bowls with his aunt, so you know, if I don’t support him I probably won’t get dessert after dinner next Thanksgiving.

For those who just started following baseball, John Franco was a lefty reliever, who pitched in 1119 games, 3rd all time in the NL. He recorded 424 saves amongst those appearances, the most of a lefty and still top five all time in the majors. He was a Met from 1990 to 2004, having come from the Reds (for Randy Myers) and leaving as a free agent (and then retiring). He led the Mets in saves eight times, and led the league in it three. Throw into the mix 975 strikeouts, a career 2.89 ERA, and a 1.88 post season ERA, and you have some nice numbers. His ERA+ is 137, making him 18th all time in that category amongst all pitchers. In nine of his fourteen seasons as a Met, he had an ERA below 3. Even towards the end he stayed strong, giving up just ten runs in 38 appearances, at the age of 43.

Then there are the intangibles, one of just four Met team captains (and the last so far, no one has been named since he left the team). While he might not have been one of those hard throwing closers, he was dominant for a long time, and one of those guys who seemed to always give it his all. Few closers have had his longevity. Few players in general have even had his longevity. Plus, as we learned from his interviews earlier in the week, he’s a fun guy. The type of guy who likes to have pizza delivered to the bullpen, and getting into punching games with his set up guys. Plus you know, there’s the classic John Franco Stache (currently on hiatus).

Of course, there is the big case against. He’s a reliever. One of the most looked over spots in the Hall of Fame. Bruce Sutter was the first pure reliever (someone who never started a game) to get elected into the Hall. He wasn’t elected till 2006. Goose Gossage is finally getting inducted this year, having been on the ballot since 2000, and having been given support from other Hall of Famers for years, including Cal Rapkin, Jr. Knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm and Rollie Fingers join starter turned closer Dennis Eckersley (also elected recently, 2004) as the sole relievers in the Hall. Now Franco is often considered up there with these guys, with the numbers to prove it, but those not as familiar with him might not think of him in the same league. Lee Smith holds the career saves record, and has yet to be elected. Unlike starting pitchers or sluggers, there’s really no standard when it comes to relief pitchers. Eckersley was elected on his first ballot. Sutter got in before Gossage, and many would argue that makes no sense. There will be writers that wait on Franco solely because they feel closers shouldn’t be first ballot hall of famers. Those writers: idiots.

Love him or hate him, Franco was a guy who was a Met through and through, and who consistently performed as a closer from the 80s till just six years ago (thats right Astros, I said six). He belongs in the Hall. Now the question is, will he make it there, or be forced to sit on the sidelines with other worthy Met, Keith Hernandez?