Bernie Williams, Texas Ranger
When I got some lunch today, I noticed a guy wearing a Bernie Williams’ road jersey. It started me thinking about Bernie – when he hits the road. Where will he go?
Since he’ll probably need to play DH and LF, the odds are that it will be an AL team – unless Willie and Omar talk him into coming to Shea to play LF for them. But, Los Mets would have to move Floyd or Cameron first.
When you consider Bernie’s agent (Boras), salary demands come into play as well. He’s going to want at least $6-7 mill a year – and that will scare away some teams.
So, who does that leave? It’s probably the O’s and Rangers – with maybe the White Sox, Mariners and Tigers as long shots.
I could see Texas having the inside track because of Showalter. Buck’s known Bernie for something 20 years and likes him. And, I think Boras is still on good ground with the Rangers owner.
Now, there’s one dark horse here – Boston. If the Red Sox do trade Manny over the winter, they will need a LF. And, playing 81 games in front of the Green Monster would be perfect for Williams’ lack of range and arm.
If Bernie did go to Beantown, I don’t think he would get the Cone/Wells treatment from Yankees fans. It would be more like the Elston Howard move. Once he was done with the Sox, he would be considered just a beloved ex-Yankee and nothing else.
Then again, maybe the Yankees and Bernie will strike a deal and sign for two million to play the role of DH two or three days a week (like Sierra does now)? One more year with New York would give Williams 16 seasons in the pinstripes. Only Gehrig (17), Crosetti (17), Dickey (17), Berra (18) and Mantle (18) have done more.
If I’m Bernie, I would consider that deal. There are a ton of perks for him – if he stays in New York – that Texas will not provide.
If I’m Bernie, I would consider that deal. There are a ton of perks for him – if he stays in New York – that Texas will not provide.
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True, but don’t insult the man.
I think if NY makes a “reasonable offer” (whatever that means), you’ll see Bernie in Pinstripes next year. If not, then he’ll be a Ranger, or where ever he may land.
I can’t see the Boston scenario working out. If Bernie doesn’t want to (or can’t) play LF here, I can’t see him doing it in Boston. Maybe they’ll sign Damon & he’ll move to LF?
Personally, I think he should DH, maybe play CF every so often. Thought he should’ve been the full time DH last year, and thought he would’ve been this year as well.
If Bernie wants the amount that Steve mentions in the article, then objectively there is no reason for the Yanks to even consider resigning Bernie.
That being said, if he concludes that a secondary role is all right (along with the MUCH smaller salary), then he warrants consideration as a significant improvement over the Sierras & Lawtons of the world.
Raf, don’t joke about a Damon signing…I just ate and I want to keep it down.
Nah, I meant Boston dealing Manny, resigning Damon, moving him to LF, and signing Bernie to play CF…
Bernie won’t sign with Boston.
No one, and I mean no one, will sign Bernie to play center. And I don’t know what all this junk about a reasonable offer means. Bernie has no bargaining leverage other than fan sentiment. Frankly, he should retire. If the Yankees do resign him I would hope they would give him a deal like Tino’s, jettison Womack, Sierra and Lawton and use Bernie as the fourth or even fifth “outfielder” with most of his at-bats coming at DH and left being the only field he plays.
What Cliff said.
I sometimes think the answer to the question “Where will Bernie play next year?” is “Puerto Rico – he’ll be playing guitar.” I agree that Bernie has little leverage – if Boras convinces him to hold out for a $6-7M payoff they will both come up empty. If he’s willing to take on a part-time role for $2-3M then some team with a lot of youngsters might court him for his “professionalism” and “veteran presence.” But (at least by reputation) he’s not the most social clubhouse guy ever so that role would not be a great fit. I’d look for him to come back as a role player with the Yankees, or one of the clubs Steve suggested, or just retire gracefully. He won’t be an every day player.
I should add – with apologies to James’ lunch – that I fully expect the Yankees to make a push to sign Damon. I hate the idea just as much – I keep telling myself to look on the the bright side — at the least the filthy little rat will have to shave and wash.
Tino M. Big night tonight.
If Bernie wants the amount that Steve mentions in the article, then objectively there is no reason for the Yanks to even consider resigning Bernie.
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Objectively, there was no reason for Wright, Pavano & Womack…
Or is that logically? lol