Blogger's reward: Blyleven elected to Hall of Fame *

Ex-Angels pitcher Bert Blyleven was elected today to the baseball Hall of Fame, and he has Los Angeles blogger Rich Lederer to thank for it. Lederer, whose late father used to cover the Dodgers and work in PR for the Angels, began making a case for Blyleven several years ago and slowly began to convince the baseball writers who vote on members of the hall. Lederer has taken tons of abuse from resentful baseball writers, but Blyleven — who had failed in 13 previous years — finally got the 75% of writers' votes required for election. Blyleven wasn't that remarkable in his short time with the Angels at the end of his career, but by many pitching measures he is in the top 10 or so all-time. Lederer's site is Baseball Analysts.

Roberto Alomar, the great second baseman who spent some time with the San Diego Padres, also was elected today in his second time eligible.

Dodger Thoughts: Blyleven's election caps "what has to be the most effective grassroots campaigns for Cooperstown ever."

* Blyleven cites Lederer: In his conference call with reporters, Blyleven just gave a shout out to Lederer and to Dodgers announcer Vin Scully, who Blyleven listened to while growing up in Orange County.

Edited post