Hot Stove Lunch: David Ortiz could soon benefit from election of Edgar Martinez

David Ortiz wasn't on the ballot Tuesday, but his Hall of Fame chances might have improved anyway.

The election of Edgar Martinez, in his final year of eligibility, could help boost Ortiz's chances when he becomes eligible in 2022.

Martinez became the first player elected to Cooperstown who spent the vast majority of his career at DH. Others (Harold Baines, Frank Thomas, Paul Molitor) had been used at the position often, but not as much as Martinez.

There was once a stigma attached to being "just'' a DH and some voters refused to vote for players who didn't contribute defensively. And even with Martinez's election, it will require a special career at DH to gain admission. Ortiz qualifies, certainly.

"I think the fact that Harold Baines and me got in this year is going to help the future of the DH for years to come,'' said Martinez.

Of course, Ortiz will still face other obstacles. He reportedly tested positive for an unknown banned substance early in his Red Sox career when MLB introduced provisional testing to see how widespread PED use was. Some voters will undoubtedly hold that against him when he is on the ballot.

But the election of Martinez shows that most voters aren't going to withhold votes from Ortiz just because he spent the majority of his career as a DH.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

Ken Davidoff explains why Mariano Rivera was the perfect player to be the first unanimous selection.

The debate has begun: which hat should be on display in Cooperstown for Mike Mussina?

A look at what made Roy Halladay so special.

A look at five Rays who could surprise in 2019.

AL CENTRAL

Indians coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will receive an award.

The White Sox have issued a lot of spring training invites.

How the Tigers just missed out on two new Hall of Famers.

How much improvement can the Royals expect in 2019?

AL WEST 

Former Astro Lance Berkman didn't remain on the Hall of Fame ballot for long.

The A's claimed a reliever on waivers from the Angels.

Asdrubal Cabrera signed with the Rangers.

Edgar Martinez finally got his due.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Nick Markakis is remaining with the Braves.

HOT TAKE I MIGHT SOON REGRET

Tuesday proved to be a big day for the American League East.

Of the four newly-elected players to the Hall of Fame, three -- Rivera, Mussina and Halladay -- spent either their entire career (Rivera, Mussina) or most of it (Halladay) in the division.

That's remarkable when you think of it. And there are more on the horizon, with Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Curt Schilling and Roger Clemens either guaranteed election or very much in the running in coming years.

It's a reminder that baseball in the Northeast (well, excepting Tampa Bay, I guess) is a special experience and fans have access to great players and great ballparks (Tampa excluded, again).