You know my opinion about Ron Guidry's HOF bona fides. How about getting Jim Rice's view?

Rice was asked about Blyleven and Morris on a conference call with the press shortly after his election to the Hall. Rice made the point that it's about more than numbers. For a player, it was about what great competitors these guys were. Rice plainly thinks Blyleven and Morris are HOF quality candidates. What was really interesting, however, is that he goes out of his way to mention two other pitchers he felt epitomized great competitors:

"So when you look at pitchers like [Blyleven and Morris], like a Ron Guidry, you look at a Goose Gossage, that you go out there and you face everyday, and you knew they were going to be the best."

I think Jim Rice knows a thing or two about Hall of Fame pitchers. Thanks, Jim, from the Gator Guy and all the Ron Guidry fans.