While Bernie Williams, Brian Cashman and Scott Boras haven’t confirmed Williams will be in the Yankees’ camp, speculation was thick in the Tampa air yesterday that the Yankee icon would accept a minor league deal and battle for a roster spot.
The buzz around the Yankees’ minor league camp, where Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada were among those working out, was they would see their long-time pal when position players report on Feb. 18.
At Legends Field, Williams’ locker in the right corner hasn’t been assigned to another name.
Two weeks ago, it didn’t appear the 38-year-old Williams would accept a non-roster invite to spring training. But with pitchers and catchers reporting to Legends Field on Tuesday, time is running out. Other clubs have expressed interest in the switch-hitting outfielder, but it’s believed none has made him a major league offer. Jeter said recently it would be hard to view Williams in a uniform other than the pinstripes he has worn for 16 seasons.
While Williams’ arrival in Tampa will supply a feel-good story for Yankees fans who have come to adore him, the situation could get sticky with Joe Torre in the middle of it.
Knowing how much they have meant to his journey from marginal manager to a Hall of Fame lock, Torre is loyal to Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jeter, Posada and Williams. Yet, Torre could be the voice that tells Williams he won’t make the club. That news would probably lead to Williams retiring.
As currently constructed, there isn’t room for Williams. That’s why Cashman hasn’t offered the career .297 hitter a major league deal. Due to a suspect rotation, it’s likely the Yankees will carry 12 hurlers, seven of whom will be relievers.
With Jason Giambi being shifted to a full-time DH, the Yankees will go with lefty swinger Doug Mientkiewicz and either right-handed hitters Josh Phelps or Andy Phillips at first.
That leaves four outfield spots with Melky Cabrera being the fourth, two second basemen (Robinson Cano and Miguel Cairo), Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Posada’s backup.
Now, for the scenarios in which Williams could muscle his way onto the roster for his 17th big league season.
A spring training injury to Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon, Bobby Abreu or Cabrera would be the most direct, but, of course, nobody is rooting that way.
The Yankees could decide there won’t be enough at-bats to keep Cabrera sharp and send him to Scranton (Triple-A) to start the season.
Noting the four dark dates in April and the chance of opening-month rainouts, the Yankees could delete a starter and make room for another player.
Or they could use Cairo at first against lefties, and thus not need either Phelps or Phillips.
Based on how well Williams did last year (.281, 12 HRs, 61 RBIs in 420 ABs) when he played more than expected due to injuries to Gary Sheffield and Matsui, he would likely be a contributor off the bench if used as the fourth outfielder and occasional DH.
However, Williams’ strengths aren’t as a pinch-runner, defensive replacement or pinch-hitter (3-for-23; .158 a year ago) – skills usually required of extra outfielders. And the Yankees have Kevin Thompson and Kevin Reese who can pinch run and play defense.