Most players, if their career were in doubt, they would be anxious. They would want constant updates. They would be on edge.
Bernie Williams, of course, has never been like most players.
With spring training just one turn of the calendar away, Williams, 38, said last night he doesn’t know if he will be with the Yankees. He hasn’t spoken with his agent, Scott Boras, in a few weeks and last talked with GM Brian Cashman two months ago.
With Melky Cabrera an upgrade as the Yankees’ fourth outfielder, a spot for Williams seems to be more based on sentimentality than need.
Last night, Williams didn’t tip his hand as to how badly he wants to return, but it seems he would prefer to continue. Still, if this is the end for him in The Bronx, he said he is satisfied.
“I’ve had a great run,” said Williams, dressed in a suit and looking as relaxed as ever as he spoke at the Hillside Food Outreach Neighbors Helping Neighbors dinner in New Rochelle.
“As a player you always want to do more. You’ve got the Peter Pan syndrome – you never want to grow up. Who wouldn’t? Playing with a team like this for the past [16 years.] Who would want to give this up? The other side of the coin is that you have to realize that this is not going to last forever.”
When he last spoke with Boras, the outlook for his return did not appear good.
“At that point, they said they may not offer me a contract, but that was three or four weeks ago,” said Williams.
If the Yankees inform Williams they do not want him even for a minor-league contract, he is undecided if he would pursue a deal with another team.
He did say it was his understanding that a couple of teams were interested in him, but he did not disclose which clubs.