To me, the Hall should be for no-doubters. For example, Randy Johnson. He clearly belongs. Greg Maddux clearly belongs. The problem nowadays with hitters of course is the PED issue. Set that aside for the sake of argument, and it's clear who belongs and who doesn't. Dawson? Gimme a break. Why not elect Al Oliver, then? Or Dave Parker? The Hall is supposed to be for the elites. As for Alomar, he's probably the best 2nd baseman since Joe Morgan. He belongs in the Hall.
I agree that Alomar belongs and he will definitely make it easily next year. I’ve never really understood the “he’s a Hall of Famer, but not a first ballot HOF “ thing, but clearly that kept him out this year.
Dawson was one of the very best players of his era and deserves to be in. In his prime, Rice was the one of the top, if not the top hitter in baseball. His prime was a little short, but he did enough to get in.
I don’t agree with the idea that if there is any doubt at all, a player does not belong. You need to closely examine borderline players and decide which side of the border they belong on.
I kind of like Bill Simmons idea of a pyramid shaped HOF, with 5 tiers with bordeline guys on the ground floor, working up to a top floor with only the most elite, all-time greats. (I think he only listed about 14 players in his top tier).
This would allow a few more debatable guys to get in, while not diminshing the accomplishments of the even greater players.