Manny should absolutely be a HOF for me. During his 14-year peak from 1995-2008, he hit 30+ doubles 12 times, 30+ HRs 12 times, drove in 100+ runs 12 times, hit at least .300 11 times, and had a .400+ OBP 9 times. He never had fewer than 20 HRs, an average below .292, or an OBP below .377 during the entire span. His triple slash line - for 14 years - was .317/.414/.598 with a 157 OPS+. His career OPS+ of 154 is tied with Frank Robinson for 27th all time. He didn't have as extreme a peak as some of the steroid-era bats, but his consistency was amongst the best of any hitter in the history of the sport. Not a likeable guy, which hurt him. Also not a good defender. But in the end, with the exception of a few all-time great defenders, the HOF has always been more about hitting. Not a lot of guys hit like Manny.
Just for reference: Manny's career average was .312. Griffey hit at least .312 twice in his career. Manny's career OBP was .411. Griffey NEVER had a season with a .411 OBP. He did top Manny's career slugging number 5 times, though. Manny was above his own average 10 times. Maybe it was just all that time Manny spent in Fenway. Except, Griffey only topped Manny's career OPS+ of 154 4 times, too (he also equalled it once). I know defense matters. I know playing CF helps. But Manny is just obviously, unquestionably, head and shoulders above Griffey with the bat. If Griffey is a near-unanimous first-ballot HOFer, Manny has to be in.