Indians: Former players on the Hall of Fame ballot once again in 2020

Cleveland Indians fans have some more rooting interests this offseason as a few former players show up on the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot.

Let the arguments begin as the 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame is now officially out and filled with plenty of polarizing players.

There are also several former Cleveland Indians on the ballot. That should serve as a bit of a distraction from all the Derek Jeter debates.

The top names for Indians fans are Omar Vizquel, Manny Ramirez, and Cliff Lee. We have seen the first two on the ballot in the past, but Lee is making his first appearance and should at least get a few votes. Right?

Jason Giambi is also making his first appearance, while Jeff Kent is back on the ballot and also qualifies as a former Indians player based on a few months in town back in 1996.

Vizquel and Ramirez are likely Hall of Famers in the eyes of most Indians fans. The problem is that the voting process is sometimes a bit goofy and nonsensical. I doubt either makes it in this year, but both will remain on the ballot for 2021.

Lee is an interesting name because while he qualifies for the ballot, he did not have a legendary career. He took home one Cy Young Award and reached the All-Star Game four times. His career 3.52 ERA and 143 wins don’t exactly scream Hall of Famer either. Say what you want about pitcher wins, but they do count for the voters making the decisions.

Giambi is going to have a tough time receiving too many votes due to the whole steroids thing. Even with that he never reached 500 home runs and has just over 2,000 hits. His longevity was impressive but the taint on his career is too strong to get elected now. It may take a few decades for the infamous steroid guys to all make it in the Hall. Maybe Pete Rose can join them.

Kent was not a key piece in Indians history and I don’t think he is going to get too many votes. His career was long and successful, just not one that stands out in the history of the game. The voting he has received in the past shows that is indeed the case, fair or not.

What are your thoughts on all the candidates? Will Vizquel finally make his way in? Or is it truly Manny time in 2020?