The Hall of Fame ballot has been released, and there’s one question on the mind of pretty much every baseball writer and fan.

Is ANYONE going to get elected this year?

Of the newcomers to the ballot, only Cole Hamels really stands out – and that’s only due to his helping the Phillies win the World Series in 2008. The “crop” is so weak I don’t even feel like doing brief recaps of their careers.

There are quite a few holdovers from last year, but the most likely candidates all have “problems”. Steroids for Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez; the “sign stealing” scandal for Carlos Beltran.

By the way, the sign stealing thing was several years ago. Can we STOP holding it against the current Astros team already?

There are plenty of “Hall of the Very Good” players on the ballot, some of whom should easily make their team’s “Hall of Fame” or even have their number retired – if they haven’t already. But enshrined in Cooperstown? I’ve seen a suggestion that one could approach the nominees by asking “Would it be an outrage or travesty if this person was NOT elected?” I don’t see anyone raising a fuss over any of them. Gossip among the baseball writers hints that it’s going to be hard to use up all ten of the votes that they are allotted.

I suspect Carlos Beltran will make it in; but that’s it.

Next year should be better, when Buster Posey becomes eligible. The year after that will see Albert Pujols (a shoo-in) and Yadier Molina, then Miguel Cabrera, Zack Greinke, and Joey Votto will hit the ballot for 2029.