that weve had in Oklahoma City," Presti said. "Our expectatio

NEW YORK, N. Larry Nance Jr. Jersey .Y. - Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz appear to be shoo-ins for election to the Hall of Fame in what is shaping up as the baseball writers biggest class of inductees in 60 years.When the Hall of Fame reveals the results Tuesday at 2 p.m. on the MLB Network, holdover Craig Biggio and perhaps Mike Piazza could join those three first-ballot pitchers who were utterly dominant in a hitters era of artificially bulging statistics.Here are some things to know about the balloting, conducted again in a period when whos elected is as intriguing as whose names were not checked by Baseball Writers Association of America voters:THE THREE ACESJohnson, Martinez and Smoltz stand out among the 17 newcomers to the ballot.The reed-thin, scraggly-haired Johnson is a five-time Cy Young Award winner — four in a row from 1999-2002 — with 303 wins and 4,875 strikeouts. The Big Unit came up big in the post-season, too, sharing MVP honours in the 2001 World Series with Arizona Diamondbacks teammate Curt Schilling.Martinezs antics off the field were nearly as enthralling as an ever-elusive changeup that helped him to three Cy Youngs — two AL, one NL — and a 2.93 ERA in 18 years. He helped bring the Boston Red Sox their first World Series championship in 86 years.Smoltz was a steady presence on the Atlanta Braves staff for 20 seasons — including 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005 — winning the 1996 NL Cy Young. A career starter, Smoltz smoothly moved into the closer role for three full seasons and earned 154 saves. He should join former teammates Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, last years inductees along with Frank Thomas.The induction ceremony in Cooperstown will take place July 26.BALLOT LOGJAMNot since 1955, when Joe DiMaggio, Gabby Hartnett, Ted Lyons and Dazzy Vance all gained entrance into the Hall, have four players received the necessary 75 per cent of the vote from the BBWAA.Five were elected at the same time on just one occasion, and that was the initial Hall class of 1936.With the ballot jammed by big names from the Steroids Era, the BBWAA has recommended to the Halls board of directors that it increase the number of players each voter can select from 10 to 12. That change could come as soon as 2016.THE PED FACTORSuspected and admitted users of performance-enhancing drugs have been on the ballot since Mark McGwire was a first-timer in 2007. But the real debate over PEDs and players credentials heated up when otherwise certain locks Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens became eligible three years ago. Both glamour stars severely tarnished by steroid use accusations received about 35 per cent of the vote last year, a slight dip from their first ballots.Piazza, who received 62.2 per cent in his second year on the ballot, and Jeff Bagwell (54.3 per cent) are two players who have fallen under suspicion of use but were never caught up in any investigation. Will one more year on the ballot help them get closer to the threshold? Perhaps an enhanced ballot of up to 12 votes per writer next year will give them the nudge they need if they fail this year.CLOSING INBiggio, the Houston Astros second baseman-outfielder with 3,060 hits, fell two votes shy of election last year. Piazza, who has more homers than any other catcher in big league history, went up about 5 per cent from the previous year. According to research by Baseball Think Factory, Biggio was up to 82.9 per cent of the vote on 158 public ballots sourced by the website — thats about 27.7 per cent of the vote, based on last years totals. Piazza was at 76.6 per cent late Monday afternoon.Several others on the ballot of 34 candidates are hoping to get a better look. Tim Raines (46.1 per cent last year), hit .294 with a .385 on-base percentage in a 23-year career for six teams. The prototypical leadoff hitter scored 1,571 runs and stole 808 bases. Career designated hitter Edgar Martinez received 35.9 per cent, Curt Schilling got 29.2 and Mike Mussina 20.3 per cent in 2014.These players get only 10 years on the BBWAA ballot, recently reduced from 15 years maximum.NEXT YEARNext years ballot should open up some after the election of this years expected jumbo class and the amended voting rules. There is one sure thing in the 2016 group: Ken Griffey, Jr. He will be joined by Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner and Jim Edmonds as the chief newcomers. Jordan Clarkson Cavaliers Jersey . scored 18 of his career- high 28 points in the first half, as fifth-ranked Ohio State dominated No. Terrell Brandon Cavaliers Jersey . At this point, even he isnt sure when it is going to stop. The right-hander dropped his fourth straight decision in Los Angeles 6-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night, leaving his status very much in doubt as the Dodgers prepare for the stretch drive. https://www.thecavalierslockerroom.com/Kevin-Porter-City-Edition-Jersey/ . -- Aaron Rodgers looked fine on the practice field Thursday. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City defensive specialist Serge Ibaka is expected to miss the rest of the NBA playoffs because of a left calf injury. The 6-foot-10 forward had an MRI on Friday, a day after the Thunder eliminated the Los Angeles Clippers and advanced to the Western Conference finals against the Spurs. Game 1 is Monday night in San Antonio. Thunder general manager Sam Presti called it a Grade 2 strain of the plantaris, which takes time to heal and strengthen because of a high re-injury rate. Ibaka was injured during the third quarter Thursday night. "I just want to express our disappointment for Serge, who, as we all know, is an elite competitor and someone that has proven to be a tremendous teammate," Presti said. "He was playing great basketball throughout the season. Hes had a huge impact on our season to date." Last year, All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook was knocked out of the playoffs with a torn ACL in the first round against Houston. The Thunder rallied to win that series before losing to Memphis in the next round. Presti believes the Thunder can rally and be ready for the Spurs. "We have had tthis group together for a while, and theyve been through some ups and downs, and this is just another one that hopefully is only going to make us better," Presti said. Shaquille ONeal Cavaliers Jersey. Ibakas athletic ability and mid-range jumper have been keys for the Thunder. He averaged 12.2 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 13 post-season games. During the 2013-14 regular season, he had career highs with averages of 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds while leading the league in total blocks for the fourth consecutive season with 219. During his emotional MVP acceptance speech, Kevin Durant singled out Ibaka for stepping up and erasing many of the teams mistakes while Westbrook recovered from his most recent knee surgery. While Westbrook was out, the Thunder went 20-7, and Ibakas numbers jumped to 15.7 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks with 57 per cent shooting from the field. "For us, we as an organization have been in some situations in the past, and how we respond to those has always been the measure of the teams that weve had in Oklahoma City," Presti said. "Our expectation going forward is that well respond admirably." ' ' '