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January 05, 2007
Not Exactly A Good Veteran Presence
From Peter Abraham today -
Bernie [Williams] told us in November that he still enjoyed playing. But I know from being around the team last season that he was usually the last one to arrive at the clubhouse before the game and the first one to leave after. That doesn't necessarily mean anything but he strikes me like a guy who could walk away without looking back.
You ever work with anyone who came into work every morning at 9:20 am and left everyday at 5:05 pm? Usually, that's a person who no longer cares about working there.
If the numbers were not enough, this information clinches it. Bernie Williams should not be on this team in 2007.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at January 5, 2007 04:50 PM
Comments
Usually, that's a person who no longer cares about working there.
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Or it could be a person who has better things to do; they have their reasons. Bernie seemed to be a big family man, from what I can remember. Anyway, he has 16 years in the league, he has nothing to prove to anyone.
He shouldn't be on the team in '07, but not because he's last in, first out.
Posted by: Raf ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 5, 2007 05:33 PM
If the guy showing up at 9:20 and taking off at 5:05 is the longest tenured member at the office, he can do whatever the hell he wants.
Posted by: Mike A. at January 5, 2007 05:48 PM
I don't question Bernie's character or work ethic. He's been an exemplary citizen, always stayed in shape, and someone that I'm proud to have on my team. He's an introvert, and he's never been the Ra Ra type, so hanging around the clubhouse to pump up his teamies is not to be expected. Simply time to hang 'em up because he can't perform at a level that deserves a spot on the roster. He gave us more than anyone thought he could last year. He can still hit a little bit, but not enough all around game to play another year for the Yankees. For all concerned, please don't go play in KC in 2007. Time to think about dignity and legacy, even if he feels he's got a little left in the tank (think Scott Brosius). Ripken held on too long and hurt his team in the process. Favre's probably going to do the same.
Posted by: #15 at January 5, 2007 05:53 PM
It does take a lot of time to polish 4 WS rings.
Jeter has the model-of-the-month do it for him.
Posted by: rbj at January 5, 2007 08:36 PM
LOL rbj!
Posted by: Steve Lombardi at January 5, 2007 08:37 PM
The Yankees should have traded Bernie a couple of years ago when they got Carlos Beltran and mandated that Giambi needed to be the exclusive DH because his exploits in the field were detrimental to his health and production. And it was more than clear back then that Bernie had no business playing CF in the Major Leagues.
Oh wait, none of that happened? Oh. Well, fuck it then, I say keep bringing him back until they build the new stadium. And then when they move, they can just forget to tell him where the new stadium is. He's pretty aloof, he might not notice the new place.
Posted by: SteveB at January 5, 2007 08:48 PM
I don't see anything wrong with having Bernie on the team as 5th OF/ part time DH...he didn't have that bad of a season last year, he's still productive...I can't believe that Bernie doesn't get more respect on this site than he does...Does anyone realize how important he was in the 90's?...Obviously he's not the same player as he was before, but it seems like people are quick to trash him now.
Posted by: antone at January 8, 2007 01:33 PM