DcFishFan Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Five-time All-Star Bernie Williams has rejected the New York Yankees' offer of a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to newspaper reports. Instead, Williams on Friday revealed his preference to stay at home, stay in shape, spend time with his family and wait to see if the Yankees change their minds and offer him a guaranteed roster spot. "I think if they wanted me they would have signed me already," Williams told reporters at a benefit in Connecticut on Friday night. "The option to go to spring training and see what happened -- I don't think at this moment it is something I want to consider." The Daily News quoted Williams as saying, "I'm working out, but I think the way it looks right now, it doesn't seem like I'm going to be playing with that team this year." Williams, who has been with the Yankees since 1991, has made no secret of his desire to remain with them. But with the team's plan to go with 12 pitchers, platoon at first base and move Jason Giambi to designated hitter, there is no spot on a 25-man roster for the 38-year-old Williams at this point, general manager Brian Cashman said. "We love and respect Bernie, but with the dynamic of our roster, there's not a spot," The New York Times quoted Cashman as saying. "We had a lot of conversations with him. I understand that he doesn't want to accept a minor league deal." Johnny Damon took Williams' job as the starter in center last year, and Melky Cabrera is slated to be the fourth outfielder. Yankees manager Joe Torre likes Williams' abilities, which could weigh in his favor if he does come to camp. Williams filled in capably last season when Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield were injured, batting .281 with 12 homers and 61 RBIs. Williams said he's fully aware of the team's plans, but he is not ready to call it a career. "As it is right now, it doesn't seem like I am going to be playing with that team this year," Williams said in the Times story. But "it is just part of the game. It is what makes this interesting." I dunno that Bernie can patrol DS effectively anymore, but I'd offer him a guaranteed spot on the Fish! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marlins2003 Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 I dunno that Bernie can patrol DS effectively anymore, but I'd offer him a guaranteed spot on the Fish! I understand why you like and respect the guy's career, and I agree he's couldn't play everyday in CF at DS but short of major shakeup or injury, all Bernie would be is the baseball equivalent of a trophy wife sitting at the end of the bench so the Marlins could say "look who we picked up". He doesn't want that for himself and I respect him even more for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rferry Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Confirms what many suspected - Bernie will play for no one but the Yankees and only if they make him feel wanted. Therefore Bernie is not on the table and never was, because Bernie wants no one but the Yankees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoveFishToOrlando Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 marlins are in no way shape or form interested in bernie williams. i dont know when people are going to realize that he wont be a marlin this year, or ever, but please start understanding it. he cant cover DS ground, and the ownership has already proven they are going to go with the roster they have already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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