Bernie Williams is probably my favorite baseball player ever.

I watched him play quite a few games with the defunct Albany-Colonie Yankees.

I always liked centerfielders, from Paul Blair to Mickey Rivers to Bobby Brown.

He's a cool dude in a loose mood.

He creates relaxing music for doctor's offices in Puerto Rico.

His first name is Bernabe.

He played his entire career with the Yankees.

Guess what?

My favorite baseball player's baseball-playing career is over:

"The buzz around the Yankees' minor league camp, where Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada were among those working out, was they would see their long-time pal when position players report on Feb. 18."

For real?

That's the buzz around the Yankees' minor league camp?

Not the all-you-can-eat buffet at the Country Kitchen?


Let's see how far George King can bend baseball reality in his attempt to make a case for Bernie Williams playing baseball for the New York Yankees in 2007:

"Based on how well Williams did last year (.281, 12 HRs, 61 RBIs in 420 ABs) when he played more than expected due to injuries to Gary Sheffield and Matsui, he would likely be a contributor off the bench if used as the fourth outfielder and occasional DH."

You caught that, didn't you?

Fourth outfielder?

1. Matsui.
2. Damon.
3. Abreu.
4. Cabrera.

Which brings up an interesting point. My hunch is that 99% of the fans who want Bernie back also want Melky to get more playing time.

"However, Williams' strengths aren't as a pinch-runner, defensive replacement or pinch-hitter (3-for-23; .158 a year ago) - skills usually required of extra outfielders. And the Yankees have Kevin Thompson and Kevin Reese who can pinch run and play defense."

5. Thompson.
6. Reese.


I mean, sure, if the Yankees are hit with a lot of injuries, then Bernie would be a great player to have waiting in the wings.

Maybe Bernie would be willing to play in Scranton all year and wait for a September call-up or wait for a few injuries on the 25-man roster.

It's quite a demotion for a player with near-HOF credentials, but it's his life, and playing baseball for a living is better than a fork in the eye.

Who knows? It's not impossible that Bernie will one day play again for the Yankees.

Just please, please, please take a realistic look at the Yankees' 2007 roster and don't create absurd scenarios just to fit Bernie in.

Like this:

"Or they could use Cairo at first against lefties, and thus not need either Phelps or Phillips."

Miguel Cairo at first base against lefties?

Or they could use a 3-man rotation.

Or they could petition the commissioner's office for a 26-man roster.

Or they could play Jorge in CF on Sunday day games, freeing up the catcher position for Bernie.