QUOTE(Flash Tizzle @ Feb 16, 2007 -> 01:13 PM)
Konerko needs 255 HR's to reach 500. He'll be 31 years old once the season begins. At a realistic rate of 35 HR's a year, it'll take him approximately seven more seasons to reach the milestone -- which by that point shouldn't matter much. We're also assuming his hip condition doesn't worsen through the forthcoming baseball seasons.
You have to put it this way -- was Konerko one of the best 1B during his peak seasons in MLB? Top 10, perhaps, but not enough for entrance into the HOF.
Buehrle may possibly enter, but he'll need to pitch on-par with career numbers for the next 15 years. All the while collecting over 10 victories per season. It's a long shot, but more realistic than Konerko as Buehrle will likely outlast Paul in the majors.
Agreed, Konerko's going to end up with good numbers, but they're not going to be on the level of what a HOFer should have in this era of baseball.