The latest Hall of Fame ballot is out, and Bernie Williams makes it for the first time:

Former AL batting champions Bernie Williams and Bill Mueller are among 13 newcomers on baseball’s 2012 Hall of Fame ballot, joining top holdovers Barry Larkin, Jack Morris, Lee Smith and Jeff Bagwell.

Following the election of Robert Alomar and Bert Blyleven last year, a relatively weak field of first-timers could give renewed hope to Larkin and Morris.

When I looked at the first timers this year, my thought was that there were going to be a lot of players falling off the ballot this year. Never mind Larkin and Morris, however. This is the year to push for Tim Raines!

Bernie Williams is an interesting choice. Bernie had a long peak to his career. From age 26 to age 33, eight seasons, he accumulated 40.6 of his 47.3 bWAR. His falloff, however, was severe and quick, as he only managed a 0.4 WAR during his final four years. If he had a more gradual decline he’d likely be around 60 WAR for his career and a better candidate.

Part of the reason for his low WAR is that Bernie was never that good a defensive centerfielder. Like his teammate, Derek Jeter, he was able to occupy an important defensive position due to his outstanding offense. He wasn’t Joe DiMaggio.

On the other hand, he played 121 post-season games with a .275/.371/.480 slash line, with 51 of his 128 hits going for extra bases, 83 runs scored and 80 RBI. He also owns four World Series rings. His post-season success should help him.

My guess is what will happen is that Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and possibly Jorge Posada will make the hall on the writer’s vote. At some point the in future, the veteran’s committee will bring Pettitte and Williams to complete the core of that great team.