Next year won't be nearly as quiet.
With Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa — each of whom have been connected to performance-enhancing drugs — entering their first year of eligibility on the BBWAA ballot, the Class of 2013 will mark the most controversial voting process to date.
Before speeding toward the debate, it's worth analyzing the credentials of the headlining candidates.
Craig Biggio, second baseman, Astros
• Ranks 21st on the all-time hits list with 3,060
• Seven-time All-Star
• Five-time Silver Slugger winner and four-time Gold Glove winner
• Ranks fifth on the all-time doubles list with 668
• Ranks 13th on the all-time runs scored list with 1,844
Barry Bonds, outfielder, Pirates and Giants
• Holds all-time home run record with 762
• Seven-time National League MVP –– an MLB record
• Holds single-season home run record with 73 (in 2001)
• Ranks fourth on the all-time RBI list with 1,996
• Only player to hit 500 homers and steal 500 bases
• 14-time All-Star
• 12-time Silver Slugger and eight-time Gold Glove winner
• Ranks first all-time with 2,558 walks
*Indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly testifying that he never knowingly took steroids.
*Convicted on one count of obstruction of justice
Roger Clemens, pitcher, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Yankees, Astros
• Seven-time Cy Young Award winner –– an MLB record
• Ranks ninth on the all-time wins list with 354
• Ranks third on the all-time strikeouts list with 4,672
• 11-time All-Star
• Two-time World Series champion
• 1986 American League MVP
• Had six 20-win seasons
*Implicated in the George Mitchell report for taking performance-enhancing drugs
Mike Piazza, catcher, Dodgers, Marlins, Mets, Padres, Athletics
• 12-time All-Star
• Hit 462 homers — most for a catcher in MLB history
• 10-time Silver Slugger winner
• 1993 National League Rookie of the Year
Curt Schilling, pitcher, Orioles, Astros, Phillies, Diamondbacks, Red Sox
• Three-time World Series champion
• 2001 World Series co-MVP
• Ranks 15th on the all-time strikeouts list with 3,116
• Totaled 216 career wins
• Had three 20-win seasons
Sammy Sosa, outfielder, Rangers, White Sox, Cubs, Orioles
• Ranks seventh on the all-time home run list with 609
• Only player to have three 60-plus home run seasons
• Seven-time All-Star
• 1998 National League MVP
• Six-time Silver Slugger winner
• Ranks 27th on the all-time RBI list with 1,667
*Reportedly tested positive for PEDs during anonymous survey testing in 2003
*Was found to be using a corked bat during the 2003 season
