Yankees in a tough Spot with Bernie Williams

Brian Cashman, the GM of the NY Yankees finds himself in a tough spot these days. His dilemna; what to do with Bernie Williams. As of today, Cashman has not indicated if he is going to bring Bernie back for another season in pinstripes. Williams has been in Bronx since 1991, and is nearing the end of his career and the Yankees organization it seems wants to treat him with the respect he deserves, but unfortunately it does not currently have any room left on their 40 man roster for #51.

Bernie has patrolled centerfield at Yankee Stadium, the same hallowed ground as the legends Mantle and DiMaggio before. He has always conducted himself with honor and class. He has played his entire career in one uniform, very similar to the two men being enshrined in Cooperstown this summer. He was never a clubhouse nuisance, or arrested or accused of illegal behaviour. There was some concern he would flee to Boston a few years back, but the speculation was Bernie never wanted to put on another uniform besides the pinstripes. Williams helped bring the World Series trophy back to New York in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. He is one of the remaining current crop that came up through their own system along with Jeter, Posada, and Rivera who have been here for the entire run.

The Yankees have a long history and tradition. I want to believe that they don't want to unceremoniously dump Bernie. He performed very well (.281/12/61) last season in what was supposed to be a part time role, but became more when Matsui and Sheffield went down with injuries for most of the regular season. But the Yankees are trying to get younger, and faster and need to give some young kids a chance. It is a shame that the idea of Bernie trying 1st base last season, since that might have been incentive to keep him, but after the Mike Piazza 1st base fiasco a few years ago in Shea, there is no reason to believe that this would be any different.

So, it is with great sadness that barring a major injury, the Yankees are going to need to part company with Bernie Williams soon. Then Bernie needs to decide if he is going to retire, or try to catch on with another team and don another uniform. If he does retire, then the Yankees should hire him as a minor league instructor or a Latin American scout, something to keep him in the organization. He is a much better role model than Darryl Strawberry or Dwight Gooden, who have spent time after their playing career in the employ of the Yankees.

However, Joe Torre is not making his bosses job any easier, by saying he wants to give Bernie a chance, here. As the Replacement Level Weblog says:

What are the odds that if Bernie gets a shot at making the team from Joe Torre, he doesn't make it? Please Brian Cashman, hold firm.

He also has done some statistical analysis of the proposed Red Sox trade, which I discussed yesterday here, and says Helton is really only good for 1-1.5 more win shares. That makes me breathe a little easier if this trade actually goes through.