Just completed the 7 1/2 hour drive home from Western New York and logged on to find the Yankee talk going as strong as ever. Good job by all. I return to work Wednesday and I'm looking forward to jumping head first back into the blog with entries every day.
On that note, I'll leave you with this to chew on: A lot of the talk here lately has been surrounding the first base vacancy and potentially available pitchers. But let's turn sentimental for a second. What's everyone think of Bernie Williams? Do you want him back as a fifth outfielder? Or is it time to thank Old Man Bernie for his contributions and start planning a Bernie Williams Day at the Stadium next August?
We caught up with Williams at Joe Torre's charity dinner a few weeks back, and WIlliams sounded as if he wanted to play one more year. But Brian Cashman and Joe Torre both indicated there may not be a place for Bernie on the roster... Thoughts?
Comments (46)
Glad you are back safely, love the blog!
I would like to have Bernie back, but in a very reduced role. One thing would need to happen. Joe Torre would need to be told that in no uncertain terms, Bernie only plays in the field if someone is hurt. Melky plays the field, not Bernie. I think Bernie would be great in what has come to be called the "Ruben Sierra role," switch hitting PH and occasional DH.
I know the long western NY trip well with inlaws near St. Bonaventure Univ. Watch out for the state troopers on Hwy 17. I say bring back Bernie ! Joe will find the right role for him. He helped the team last year in many games. The Sierra role would be perfect.
I know we tried to convert Sheffield and it didn't work, but how about trying Bernie in 1B? Then again, he has no arm....sorry Bernie.
Jim, this is hard to think about. Williams is an icon of the WS winning Yankees. He's such a clutch hitter and a class act on and off the field. He was gracious in accepting a reduced role just so he can continue being a Yankee. He could have probably DH-ed somewhere playing more games to pad his career stats but passed that up to continue his Yankee legacy. If he wants to stay for one more year I think the Yankees owe him that. It’s a shame that there isn’t enough room for him to get significant AB; he’s still a good hitter. It seems as if he’s running out of chances to complete his personal goals.
If he’s not back I’ll miss him. I’ve been a part of the numerous standing Os he received this year. At least he’ll know he was appreciated and loved by the fans in NY.
They say all good things must come to and end.
(Sigh)
BERN BABY BERN!
"A lot of the talk here lately has been surrounding the first base vacancy..." - Jim Baumbach
There's no vacancy there as far as I'm concern.
I love Bernie, but it might be time to move on. Yanks don't really need a pure pinch-hitter, and as a 5th outfielder I'd like to have a better defender like Aaron Guiel.
Is it true? The Cubs going after Igawa and might win bidding for him, They are interested and They still have $20 million despite giving Soriano eight year deal.
Seeing Bernie in any other uniform would be terrible. I'd like to see him come back for one more year and yes, the decision is entirely sentimental. I still have a feeling Melky is going to be packaged for a pitcher so we'll need him.
I hope so, and Bernie can play one more year.
Eric, while I certainly appreciated your passionate defense of Andy Phillips, if they were looking at him to be the everyday 1B Cashman would have said so by now.
As for Bernie, I'd rather they give him another year in pinstripes than see him in another uniform. But I'd REALLY rather see him retire.
A hard choice - I think the kids at columbus need a chance so I think it shold be it - but if the Yanks do decide to bring him back Melky plays before he does - last year Bernie could be awesome in a game and then the next day not play as well - (the Fri and Say games in DC in June come to mind)
Wright, Kennard and Sardihna added to the 40 man.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1744261&vkey=pr_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
Wright and Kennard would have been eligible for this years Rule V
Since Sheff was traded to detroit. Do you think Arod can change his number now from #13 to #11 next year? . I think number thirteen what Arod's has on his back on yankees uniform is unlucky and bad karma. Sheff's use to wear number #11 for Yankees. Sheff changes his number from #11 to #3 playing for tigers.
Alex was Number 3 w/ Texas so knowing how weird ballplayers are about their numbers I don't see what 11 would do for him. Maybe he could try 33 if he's feeling unlucky w/ 13.
Bernie does have a place on this team. Yes, its a reduced role but with some weight in Bernie's favor. His stats for 2006, BA .281, Hits 118, Hrs. 12, 2B 29, RBI's 61 and 53K's in 420 AB's. 35% of his hits were for extra bases. He's as good as most of the FA's except for the age factor plus the chemistry factor without him with some fight still left in him would be shameful not to have him back. There is some heart in this decision but the head does have some weight. It would leave us with 7 releivers. Does Bernie have a case. Give him 2 mil and its a bargain.
Bernie is done. Sometimes, the front office has got to call a veteran in, and just tell him there are players within the organization with superior skills. Somebody had to go when Bernie got his chance. Now it's his turn to step aside.
I don't disagree that there is a place for Bernie's bat (although I doubt it's realistic to expect him to duplicate his 2006 numbers), but he can't field a position anymore.
If Cashman wants to devote a roster spot for someone to solely pinch hit and DH occasionally aganst lefties, I would be thrilled if it were Bernie. But I would think we want more flexibility than that allows.
That's not even considering the fact that if Bernie IS on the team, Torre won't be able to resist the temptation to use him more than he should.
In an age where players are hanging around until their mid forties, I don't see why Bernie couldn't repeat his numbers of last year, even though with Melky as the backup OF he won't get the AB's. Bernie is 38 and in great shape and has not had the wear and tear put on his body. I would go so far as to say he could probably be even better than last year, but none of us wants to see him as an everyday OF anymore.
As much as he represents all that was good, Bernie should not be brought back. He would be a 5th outfielder at best and we'd be much better off trying out random callups throughout the year to gauge their strengths. They should offer him a front office job as a special assistant to mentor the kids, but as far as playing, the most that Bernie can help the kids is by retiring.
I should called The FBI investigated how The Redsox Won Bidding with Matsuzaka. The Owner John Henry and Bud Selig are best friends.The Rivalry between Yankees and Redsox , Mlb wants to signed with boston and goes to Redsox . Redsox Knew the Yankees are interested with Matsuzaka. By Bidding more than $51 million and 1 dollar . Redsox could never lose. Redsox probably change their bid to $50 million. There's consipiracy Theory . How Did the Buster Olney know The redsox won the Bidding especially with The sealed bid. Hmmm interesting?
How many years left on John Henry's life? I swear to god I hope He suffers a concussion and nevers wakes up again....
Roy: I know that you believe Bernie is done but does the signing of Alou (40) for 7.5 mil and the option for 2008 make you reconsider a bit. Alou did have better power numbers with 22 Hrs in 320 AB but Bernie is not worthy of a spot and done? Just a friendly counter not to have pages of quotes as we had on Andy.
Like Jim A, I believe Melky is going to be part of a package for a SP (hopefully Willis). Then, Bernie could become the 4th OF and partime DH and PH. And at $2 mil he is a bargain compared to many of the options out there today.
I have been suggesting for weeks now on this blog that Bernie be given a shot at playing some 1B too. You don't need a STRONG OF arm at 1B, just be able to make the routine accurate throws.
But, even with Melky at #4, in my book, Bernie belongs on this team as much as anyone!! The facts - his numbers last year were very decent and the intangibles -he still has the "heart" many of the imports on this team don't seem to have.
He also is a team leader, a class act, and can handle the pressures of post season baseball in NY.
He is a TRUE Yankee (and future HOF) and deserves to be on this team. He, unlike so many others, has EARNED the right to be here.
Bern Baby Bern !!!
no more bernie, please, get a kevin thompson, or aaron, anyone
Bernie did not have a bad season last year at all. The only liability he brings to the team is his defense, mostly his arm. This guy didn't just forget how to play. Guiel got cut by the Royals...do I need to say more?
Where is team concept of this team? Especially Arod, moving runners onbase on scoring position. He left too many runners stranded.What is the meaning of Pesky? Fouling alot pitches back and don't strike out. I want Arod to get onbase such get a walk or hit by pitch. I think Arod's was so scared at the plate , that He's strikesout to much. Scott Brosius and Paul Oneill are great peksy hitters and clutch in the post season. In the Posteason, I don't know How Arod can't still figured out how to be clutch and get a damn hit? Also, Opposing Pitchers will try to exposed Arod weakness in postseaon such certain type Pitches He can't in regular season such as sliders,splitters, high-fastball. Arod needs to proved himself that He can hit those pitches that opposing throw at him in the postseason.
Where is team concept of this team? Especially Arod, moving runners onbase on scoring position. He left too many runners stranded.What is the meaning of Pesky? Fouling alot pitches back and don't strike out. I want Arod to get onbase such get a walk or hit by pitch. I think Arod's was so scared at the plate , that He's strikesout to much. Scott Brosius and Paul Oneill are great peksy hitters and clutch in the post season. In the Posteason, I don't know How Arod can't still figured out how to be clutch and get a damn hit? Also, Opposing Pitchers will try to exposed Arod weakness in postseaon such certain type Pitches He can't in regular season such as sliders,splitters, high-fastball. Arod needs to proved himself that He can hit those pitches that opposing pitchers throw at him in the postseason.
A-Rod's playoff numbers before let's say game 4 of the 2004 playoffs were actually above average and on par w/ Jeter's. The guy just needs a hit or two to boost his confidence, I wouldn't throw away a HOF player for a slump. Barry Bonds carried the same label and exploded when the Giants made it to the WS against the Angels, ARod's time will come.
I don't believe that Bernie is done just yet. He deserves another year even if it's just a "Thank You" for all of the great accomplishments and clutch play over the years. He was a big reason for our success during "The Run" and he was proud to wear the pinstripes.
For me, it was an honor to watch him play!
I rather Bernie as the 4th OF than Melky, i Think after the disasterous roster moves in the playoffs showed Melky that he will not have a pure STARTING role on this team for some time barring injury. and as a player that kills your spirits deep down he wants to stay but will not jump off a bridge if he's traded. I mena could'nt the yankees convert Matsui to 1B and place Melky out there?? ohh let me guess ?? politics right??
NY Daily News:
ROOM TO SPARE: The Yanks added three players to their 40-man roster yesterday: LHP Chase Wright, RHP Jeff Kennard and OF Bronson Sardinha. The Yanks have 34 players on their 40-man roster.
With that added OF maybe the Yankees won't re-sign Bernie.
I don't hate Arod. Look at Jeter, this year and last year playoffs, He's so calm and relax at plate. Arod's so much power and better player than Jeter, and yet jeter gets it done. What kind of Arod have in past two postseasons?
James and Jim A.:
I’ve thought about what kind of luck # 13 would bring. But ARod chose it because according to him it was his high school football number and Dan Marino’s number who he’s a huge fan of. Changing to 33 seems unlikely since most infielders have low numbers. But Jarred changed numbers after his season of mishaps i.e. getting hit by balls and bats. Maybe #11 or #12 (if Andy doesn't mind) will bring ARod some luck. It wouldn’t hurt and I don’t think anyone could blame him for wanting to shed the number especially if he has a monster year in 07 with the new number. (I know it's silly superstition.)
All the "pro Bernie" posters point to his numbers and say "he's not done". What about his defense? The guy can no longer cover any outfield position in an acceptable manner, and his arm is way below par. The Yanks simply cannot waste a spot on the 25 man roster for a player who will occasionally pinch hit.
Bernie can still play left and center once in awhile he is not slow footed. Liek i said melky is too young and gifted to be a spare when his defense is better than the starters,destiny has a plan he should be shopped for a bonafied YOUNG starter like willis. casue i tell you thgis if melky had this kind of year when he first came up , there may have been no Damon. and that would been a disastor . Damon is that dude
All of us Pro-Bernie posters are making a sentimental vote for him. He's done a lot for the organization and it's hard to say the words "He's done". Honestly Bernie is still a great hitter and could offer a good bat off the bench. So if there is room on the roster he should return. I feel a player of his stature should leave on his own terms. He's been a great contributor for 15 years! When Jeter's time comes (I can’t fathom what we’d do) wouldn’t you want him to leave on his terms? Retire a Yankee and belong only to NY!
I understand the all business opinion of not having enough room on the bench for him and giving the young ones opportunities. But forgive us for still holding on to what Bernie was and how he played for us.
Do not disagree with your opinion on fielding but in a pinch. Bernie is OK. I'm all for a youth movement but do not believe he's a waste of a spot on the roster. I would replace him with a Delucci type. Slightly better than Aaron. I did not see enough from our AAA Of's to warrant not considering Bernie. BC will make the final note in Bernie's story.
Proctor could be headed to rotation
Radio Interview: Scott Proctor on moving to the rotation
http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/scripts/mediaplayer/mp_tpl.jsp?w_id=524271&w=2006/open/teams06/nya/mlbr/112006_proctor_scott.wma&pid=gen_audio&vid=1&mid=200611201744337&cid=mlb&fid=gen_audio12&v=2&mType=w&urlstr=&murl=
NEW YORK -- With a less-than-plentiful crop of pitchers on the free-agent market, the Yankees may look within their own organization to fill some spots on the pitching staff in 2007.
One of those could be the No. 5 spot in the starting rotation. One of the leading internal candidates? Scott Proctor.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061120&content_id=1744247&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy
"I know that you believe Bernie is done but does the signing of Alou (40) for 7.5 mil and the option for 2008 make you reconsider a bit."
Alou:
2004: .293/.361/.557
2005: .321/.400/.518
2006: .301/.352/.571
Bernie:
2004: .262/.360/.435
2005: .249/.321/.367
2006: .281/.332/.463
Alou has simply aged better. And I don't think there would really be a place for HIM on the current Yankees.
"I did not see enough from our AAA Of's to warrant not considering Bernie."
In 30 ABs last season, Kevin Thompson hit .300/.417/.500. Small sample size, sure, but to say the guys we have can't do anything is simply wrong. And if you give them an opportunity and they succeed, their value increases for trades and such (see: Melky). This obviously isn't the case with Bernie, who we would never consider trading (rightfully).
Combine that with the fact that Bernie is no longer even a compentent 5th defensive outfielder, and it just seems to be time. Sure, we could give him another year out of loyalty (although I must say I thought that's what BC did in 2006). But how many years do we say that for?
so now that Sheff's gone, who's going to play first base with Giambi?
Yankees.com mentioned AP saying Yankees are talking with Shea Hillenbrand's agent.
Why would we be interested in him?
Yeah, he can hit - he was tough against us with the Redsox and also when he was at Toronto. But if you think Sheff was an unhappy camper, wait until you see when good ole Shea would do - like scribbling this ship is sinking on the clubhouse billboard ticking off the manager, only to admit it was him later and then getting into amost a fight with Gibbons later too. Imagine that would go well in the Yankee clubhouse. Who'd win - Torre or Hillenbrand if they duked it out.
Seriously, Hillenbrand doesn't have the patience in his at bats to fit the Yankees style. He sulks, didn't want to share time, wouldn't sit with the team, etc.
Sheff could have been worked into firstbase position. Too late now. Sorry to see him go and now we're looking for another power hitter type first baseman. Sheff did have his spats of grousing but Shea? From the frying pan into the fire !!
Hillenbrand would be an everyday player here so that situation would NOT come up.
He complained in Toronto because he wasn't playing everyday.
.280/20/85 out of the 7th/8th spot in the lineup and playing average defense will be fine. I just wonder how much $$ he is asking for.
Ted Lilly also got into it with Gibbons, maybe it wasn't Shea but the managers fault
Simply put You cannot have Melky rotting on the bench waiting for multi year contracts to expire. you have to move the weakest OF to make move for Melky or a better OF , Matsui is the weakest link ,Bobby is a FA after next year but he needs to be signed and sealed. so moving matsui to another position is not a bad idea. or trade Melky for a young pitcher
I tell you tgis if bernie bat was in the lineup against Detroit regularly , he would've done better.
Paul- Please don't start the 1B thing again, go back and look at the "Gone Surfing" discussions that centered around this position for two full days...Don't wake up the sleeping giant (Eric!)
What about Bernie getting a shot at some 1B?
I'm shocked Morneu win the Mvp over Jeter
Shut you mouth Yankees Haters. and bashers. Jeter's deserved The Mvp this year. He's the Mvp. Jeter's has been consistent all season long with Injuries The Yankees have all season long with Matsui and Sheff. Arod's continue to struggles at the plate and not able to hit in the clutch. Robinson Cano was out two months with Hamstring Injuries . Abreu was july 31 trade deadline acquisition.
Morneau who should win, and he''s not even the Mvp of His team..Voters and writers hateThe Yankees especially Jeter, He deserved to win the Mvp.East Coast Bias, especially The Yankees.. , They spend too much money and all stars in every position.
Jeter's was supposed to win mvp this year because Yankees have more injuries in their lineup than twins does. I guess voters did not vote for Jeter, because they think jeter have more supporting cast and more hitters than Morneau Arod was inconsistent and unable to hit clutch situations all year long. Giambi was hurt with wrist.
"Simply put You cannot have Melky rotting on the bench waiting for multi year contracts to expire."
You got that right, Bronx Bomber! They need to find a way to make this kid a regular and to get the overpaid, overswinging aging sluggers out of here.
The Yanks need to sign Lilly, bring up Hughes and keep Proctor has a valuable bull pen asset.It's time for Bernie to move up to the booth with Joey G.Lets sign Hillenbrand and let the team keep him in line....