Torre's Boyz.

"Manager Joe Torre reveal he'd called and urged Bernie Williams to come to camp, where he'd surely find room on a crowded roster, in spite of management's obvious feelings otherwise."

I like Torre's idea of "thinking of" Giambi as first baseman, presumably opening up a spot for Bernie as DH.

Of course, if the Yankees were looking for a right-handed DH, maybe they should have just kept Gary Sheffield. Or signed Frank Thomas. Or signed Shea Hillenbrand.

But since Torre now thinks he's the GM, maybe he should take off the uniform and move into the executive offices. I will gladly help him wordsmith his resume.

A couple more observations:

(1) Torre's comments amount to insubordination. In the division of duties, Cashman provides the players and Torre decides when and where they play. Torre probably has a lot of leeway when it comes to on-field decisions and it's always best if everyone in the enterprise is buying into the same vision. But Cashman is still Torre's boss and Cashman decides which players are on the 2007 Yankees.

(2) Is it more respectful to be honest with Bernie Williams and tell him that there is no room for him on the roster? Or is it more respectful to falsely imply to Bernie Williams that Jason Giambi might play first base and Bernie is going to take the Phillips/Phelps roster spot?

In this example, it's cruel to be kind.


Bernie is absolutely talented enough to play major league baseball in 2007.

If he really wants to, he should simply go play for another team.

It's not disrespectful to honestly explain to a man face to face that you no longer have employment for him.