There were a lot of recognizable names on the ballot this year. Some of the first time people: Sammy Sosa, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Mike Piazza, and Craig Biggio. Many of the reporters were making a statement because some of these above players have been accused of doping. (using steroids)
A player has 15 years to get voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. If not then he doesn't make the Hall of Fame. Another interesting fact I learned that if you get less than 5% at any time you are automatically eliminated from the Hall of Fame Ballot.
I'm just shocked that any journalist would leave their ballot empty. There ar so many GREAT players that didn't "cheat" the system and are good, clean players. If you are going to leave it blank then you couldn't get to vote anymore. Also voters also consist of people who haven't covered baseball in a while. Seriously? Why are still voting?
That's the end of my rant!