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March 01, 2006
Will We See Bernie-shack?
Some Bernie The Sub news from Newsday -
Bernie Williams didn't get too much time yesterday to ease himself into rightfield, a position he hasn't played in the majors since 1992.
With two outs in the second inning, Williams fought off a slicing liner off the bat of Kevin Thompson and caught it on the run. While almost completely facing the outfield wall, the Yankees longtime centerfielder had to reach over his head to make the grab.
As Williams ran back toward the Yankees' dugout, he received a standing ovation from the crowd, and more than his share of good-natured digs from his teammates.
"They were all over me," Williams said. "Not too bad for an old man."
This ties into something that I was wondering about this morning. We know that Torre will play Bernie in LF, RF, and maybe even 1B, this year - and DH Matsui, Sheffield, and Giambi - to give his "regulars" that famous "half-day off."
But, will Torre run Bernie out to the field (for Sheff, Matsui, etc.) in the 7th inning of a game where the score is 10-1?
Will Torre use Bernie Williams as a "caddy" in addition to being a "sub" this year? I have a feeling that he may not be willing to do this - because of Bernie's former star status. But, if Torre doesn't do this, he's going to be hurting his regulars - because they should come out of blow-outs.
It will be interesting to see how this is handled.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at March 1, 2006 10:13 AM
Comments
My question is, sans throwing, will Bernie be a decent corner outfielder? His terrible range in CF could translate to average range in RF, especially RF at Yankee Stadium.
Posted by: DownFromNJ ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at March 1, 2006 10:45 AM
If someone can't cover the ground in RF at Yankee Stadium, they should never be allowed to play the OF at all.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 1, 2006 10:49 AM
To answer your question, it depends if he's the starting DH or not...
Posted by: Raf at March 1, 2006 11:04 AM
True, that would be key - but, when he's not, I hope that he would be caddy consideration. It's his job now.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 1, 2006 11:35 AM
True, that would be key - but, when he's not, I hope that he would be caddy consideration. It's his job now.
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Actually, that would be Bubba's job...
Posted by: Raf at March 1, 2006 12:54 PM
Bubba caddies Damon.
Bernie would have to do Sheff and Godzilla.
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at March 1, 2006 01:10 PM
Bubba caddies Damon.
Bernie would have to do Sheff and Godzilla.
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I wouldn't be suprised to see Bernie play CF more than Bubba. I wouldn't be suprised to see Bubba play more at all 3 OF spots than Bernie.
Posted by: Raf at March 1, 2006 02:44 PM
I would like to see Bubba play more of all 3 OF spots than Bernie, but I would be surprised if Torre let him when he had a proven veteran available.
Posted by: hopbitters at March 1, 2006 04:42 PM