Who's deserving? Part three of a four part Hall of Fame Series.

In parts one and two of our series, we covered the everyday players. Today we cover the less stable side of today's game: the pitchers. Now I'm not talking mentally, although some might argue, but pitching in today's world is a very uncertain science. There are theories about arm angles, which pitches to throw, how much to throw, how much to rest, and even how to think. When it comes right down to it, everyday players get to a point where you can count on them to produce in their typical range. With a pitcher, you just never know.

SURE THINGS (The Locks) -- The measure of a pitching lock in the Hall of Fame is largely up for debate in today's game (we will cover that in part four), but there are a few pitchers that seem to transcend the times and capture our imagination regardless.

Randy Johnson -- The Big Unit is a specimen that we have never seen before. A tall gangly lefthander with a cannon for an arm and a wildness that terrified every lefty he ever faced...until that talk with Nolan Ryan. I don't remember exactly if it was well documented about what was said, all I know are the results. Since 1993 he has a winning percentage of .742, he has three Cy Young awards, 124 wins, and the respect as a pitcher, not a thrower. He has nearly 3300 strikeouts and probably will be able to pass everyone but Nolan and possibly some other member of this HOF group. A young 37, he has pitched just 2600 innings and is still the biggest intimidator in the game. He may have another strong three years in him. Who knows what Ryan did, but it was an instant transformation of another wild, hard thrower into a Hall of Fame pitcher.

Tom Glavine -- Tom Glavine? I mean, I knew he was pretty good, but the Hall of Fame? Yep. Listen to these stats: two Cy Young awards, five times a twenty game winner, five times leading the NL in wins, 217 wins, a .625 winning percentage, nine times in the top ten for innings pitched, a World Series MVP, and he is nearing 2000 strikeouts. Tom Glavine? That's Tom Glavine? Yep. He has been steady as a rock for over ten years now, I think Tommy's now on the downside, but he should get at least 235 wins and that, combined with all of the other accomplishments, easily get him in the Hall Of Fame.

Greg Maddux -- If there were any man I would want as a starting pitcher on my team, it would be Greg Maddux. The cool-headed, master of painting the corner, has been the best "pitcher" in baseball for over a decade. Maddux gives the consistency that you don't expect from a pitcher: He is about to have a season with 15 or more wins and being in the top ten of innings pitched, complete games, and shutouts for the 14th straight season. He also has had 11 straight Gold Gloves, led the NL in ERA four times, and, oh yeah, he's won four Cy Young awards. At the age of 35, he could probably pitch another four years and still contribute greatly to a team. That should get him over 300 wins and he will probably be the last to do it for a very long time. First ballot guy if there ever was one.

Pedro Martinez -- Anyone remember the little skinny kid that the Expos got back in 1994? Well he's still skinny, but he's now the best overall pitcher in the game. He only has eight full seasons, but in that time he has won three Cy Young awards, led his league in ERA three times, and been in the top five in strikeouts seven times. He has a .695 winning percentage with over 130 wins. One stat shows his dominance. His slugging percentages allowed during the past three years are: .288, .259, .264. Now that's slugging percentage, not batting average or on-base average. Last year the league hit .167 against Pedro. That's just embarrassing for the rest of the professional hitters in the AL. Pedro hasn't pitched very long, but has dominated like no other in a long time. Right now it's good enough to get him into the Hall. If he pitches another seven years, his numbers could be scary.

Roger Clemens -- Good thing the Red Sox got rid of him just as he was heading into the twilight of his career. In that twilight he has been 82-32, won two Cy Youngs, two World Series championships, and may be headed for another Cy Young. That would give him an astounding number of six. His other stats are too numerous to mention. If you have an argument about the "Rocket" getting in the Hall on the first ballot, then just turn the page, I don't want you reading my column. Go pick up the Variety section.

(On the Edge)

Mariano Rivera -- I may get some flak for this, but in all honesty, this is the one guy responsible for three of the Yankees four championships. He set a record for World Series scoreless innings. He probably needs a couple more years, but with his post-season dominance, he's got to be on the edge already.

John Smoltz -- Good news and bad news here. He probably won't finish his career as a starter, but he may be able to match only Mr. Eckersley as the only 100 win/100 save guy around. If John can pitch a few years, you know he has the stuff (physically and mentally) to handle the job. Please Bobby, let Smoltzie have the closer's job. It may be your way back to the World Series.

David Cone -- 190 wins, two World Series rings, and a Cy Young award. The yearly hired assassin deserves mention in this group. If he gets 200 wins, his 2600+ strikeouts should get him some significant support. I would be one of them voting for him.

Bret Saberhagan -- He's baack!! Sabe's is due to pitch this weekend, I believe. You just can't leave off a guy with two Cy Youngs, a World Series ring and .591 winning percentage over fifteen years. I hope the Red Sox win the World Series and he retires (yeah, right)

David Wells -- What did I say about guys with 15 years, a .600 winning percentage, and some World Series rings. He's got 166 wins and that's nothing to sneeze at. Plus, how bad can a guy be who brings the Babe's hat back where it belongs.

Kevin Brown -- As the broken record starts... 15 years, a .600 winning percentage, World Series ring. Maybe these guys are a dime a dozen. Kevin was once the dominating pitcher. He's still good enough to be on the edge and a few more 15-win seasons could give him 200 wins which would easily put him in the Hall.

Mike Mussina -- At the age of 32 and with 147 wins Mike has the chance to get to 230, which would probably get him in. He's going to have to get the numbers, though, because he has no awards or championships to ride into Cooperstown on just yet.

Rob Nen/Trevor Hoffman -- They have both been incredible over eight or nine year spans. They will probably need to get to 450 saves before they get solid support, but I think their 85-88% save percentage should get them in. 450 saves should take about four or five years for both of them. I would guess at least one of them gets there.

(Too Young)

Mike Hampton was on pace to be a great up and comer on this list, but he took himself to Colorado. I will say it now: a pitcher who stays in Colorado over two years will never be in the Hall of Fame.

Andy Pettite -- Just win baby. That should be Andy's motto also. His stats aren't the prettiest, but he wins. He has 110 wins and he just turned 29. Another seven or eight solid years could get him up to 225 and that's magic in my book. I would guess no, though, because he won't be on a team like the Yankees his whole career. He could still end up with 200 wins which would put him on the list above: just on the edge.

In the final part of the series, on Monday, we will discuss how the look of a Hall of Fame career has changed in the past thirty years.

Later...