A look at the 2011 Hall of Fame ballot. Does Morris have a shot?

Hall of Fame ballots are in the mail, so it's time to look at some of the newcomers and figure out which of the holdovers have a chance for induction.

One player already stirring debate is former Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams. I've read columns supporting and rejecting his entrance into The Hall. Williams was a .297 career hitter over a 16-year career with the Yankees, winning one batting title.. He was a member of four World Series Champions and, because his numbers are good but not great, some are using his titles and Yankeeness as reasons why he should be voted in.

I liked him as a player. But he wasn't a great player.

Looking at the rest of the 13 newcomers, the group lacks oomph.

Bill Mueller won a batting title. Vinny Castilla was altitude-enhanced. Tim Salmon? Good but not great and hobbled late in his career. Jazy Lopez, Tony Womack, Jeromy Burnitz, Eric Young and Brian Jordan also are on the ballot for the first time. Jordan, what an athlete. None of these players are Hall worthy.

There are a few players on the ballot for the first time with connections to the local nine, led by Twins Hall of Famer Brad Radke, who won 20 games once, suffered on some awful teams in the mid- to late-90's but was around for the revival in the early 2000's. Terry Mullholland, Ruben Sierra and Phil Nevin also spent some time with the Twins (although Nevin was with them for a sip of coffee).

This should make it easier for returning players to make a move.

Morris, the former Twin, big-game master and winningest pitcher of the 1980's, received 53.5 percent of the votes. But Morris has seen his percentage increase in each of the last 10 years. This is his 13th year on the ballot (you can remain on the ballot for 15 years) and is headed into he same category with Jim Rice and Bert Blyleven. who had to wait until late in their candidacy to gain entrance. Blyleven was elected in his 14th year on the ballot, Rice in his 15th.

Morris' case is an interesting one. He won at least 15 games 12 times and has playoff greatness in his favor. But he never won a Cy Young Award and his 3.90 ERA would be the highest of any pitcher in the Hall. And wins have become less of a determining factor in recent years. See Greinke, Lincecum and the Circle-Me Man.

Still, with the semi-strong field (really can't call a group of good players weak) and continuing confusion over how to handle the steroid era, this might be Morris' best chance to get into the Hall. It will be interesting to watch unfold.