Yankees decline 2006 option on Bernie Williams

[YankeeDoodle]

Yankees decline 2006 option on Bernie Williams

 

Not surprising, but Bernie seems to be ok with it, and the timing is a bit odd, but he doesn't seem to be deterred at the task at hand - helping the Yanks get #27. Abilities may be diminished, but people will remember him as a one of the quintessential pinstripers of the 90s during that championship run. He can probably serve the organization in another capacity.

 

Thanks for everything Bernie. Hope you can go out with a bang.

[Sizzlin22]

This comes as no surprise, he may still sign a one or two year deal for a lot less money but that's about the only chance he has at playing for the Yankees again.

[Bam-Tino]

Bernie was and is a great asset to the Yanks organization.. I hope he continues to contribute to the well being of the team in the near future.. We love you Bernie..

[MC Hammer]

Whenever I think about the Yankees of the 90's he's the 2nd name that pops into my head. Always seemed like a class act, and is really the definition of a "true Yankee". Not that I'll miss him, but it will certainly be strange looking at the Yankees and not seeing Bernie.

 

I can't imagine they would actually resign him for next year. I figure he'll get some other job with the team.

[elsrbueno]

He'll be back next year, I strongly believe that. I read on ESPN that it's in his contract that they had to make a decision on that option now. (maybe August 1st, I'm not sure of the exact date, but this was the time they were supposed to decide by). They declined the option because it was for $15 million. No freaking way is Bernie Williams worth that much in this market, with his diminished skill set.

 

Bernie Williams has always been a Yankee, and always will be IMO. Bernie is man enough to understand that the Yankees weren't willing to pay him $15 next year, that doesn't mean they don't want him back.

 

I suppose it's possible that he signs elsewhere, but I can't picture him in any other uniform.

[YankeeDoodle]

Hammer: So who's the first?

 

Yeah, I think Bernie knows it, he knew it when his contract was too much, but Boras being his agent and his "negotiating" skills, well, you know how that goes.

 

Yup, can't picture him in another uni. But it's his decision, and if he wants to go somewhere else, then all the best for him. However, he's also pretty realistic about what he can, and at this point, cannot do.

[MC Hammer]

Hammer: So who's the first?

 

Yeah, I think Bernie knows it, he knew it when his contract was too much, but Boras being his agent and his "negotiating" skills, well, you know how that goes.

 

Yup, can't picture him in another uni. But it's his decision, and if he wants to go somewhere else, then all the best for him. However, he's also pretty realistic about what he can, and at this point, cannot do.

Jeter is first. Not because I think he's any good, or the best Yankee, but because the media has been jamming him down everyones throat for the last how many years.

[BigPapiEnFuego]

Bernie was one of the few guys on that team i actually liked. I heard he plans to play elsewhere next season if they don't want him.

[riverside sluggers]

hey yankees will now have some more cap room to sign another big name NL pitcher, who could or couldnt do a good job for them. Matsui's contract is also up at the end of the season

[YankeeDoodle]

AND KEVIN BROWN WILL BE GONE!

 

I'm excited, can't you tell?

 

YUSSSSSSS! FREEDOM!

 

Ahh, just the fact that this torture isn't forever, that's enough.

 

*ahem* They'll prolly extend Matsui's contract, almost sure of that. Who else is left in that OF?

 

I'm going to have to go with Rivera. For the blown 2001 WS save, for last year's collapse (overused BP, that's what you get), he also got the Yankees four WS rings, so before any fan decides to boo him, stop, pause, and count to the four rings. And ppl find excuses to dismiss Jeter's accomplishments, not even the best SS on his own team or whatever, but Mo just might be the best closer there ever was, and he did it in a pressure cooker.

 

Edit: Kevin Brown Contract Countdown: 61 days

[Sizzlin22]

I have the greatest respect for Bernie. I'll never forget the time he stepped out against Pedro one too many times and the just started yelling at each other. Firey competitor, but a great guy. Very few athletes in this day and age have that great balance.

 

I tihnk the Yankees will sign him for anothe ryear or so, he still somewhat usefull as a DH or as a pinch hitter.

[stevece80]

I'll just say Bernie seems like a nice guy, and even nicer that he turned down the huge contract the Red Sox offered him before 1999.

 

And I honestly, right now, see the Yankees winning 27. That should be good for what, 83 wins?

[NoPepper]

hey yankees will now have some more cap room to sign another big name NL pitcher, who could or couldnt do a good job for them. Matsui's contract is also up at the end of the season

 

I expect a full court press for Johnny Damon in the off season. The Yanks will probably give Matsui what he wants too.

[MC Hammer]

The Yankees better give Matsui what he wants our their OF consists of an aging Gary Sheffield and thats it. I think that the Yankees making a run at Damon will either be the best thing for the Sox or the worst, depends how you look at it. If you want the Sox to hold on to Johnny then its likely that the Yankees making a bid on him will make the Sox do whatever they can to keep Johnny from going there.

 

However, I think that there are a few other options out there at CF and Theo might decided to go a different direction if Johnnys asking price is too high. I think Johnny may end up having an asking price that only the Yankees are willing to pay. It's going to come down to Johnnys character. Money, or the team you say you love. If Johnny thinks he's getting a 6 year contract he's out of his mind. The only team in the league that would be dumb enough to give him a 6 year contract would be the Yankees, and that is the length he is looking for.

[yeszir]

The Yankees better give Matsui what he wants our their OF consists of an aging Gary Sheffield and thats it.

If they don't sign Matsui, they're screwed against us. He's a Red Sox killer through and through. I dont understand how this guy does it to us, but he's consistently hitting homeruns and go ahead RBIs. I HATE the guy. Plus he always loses his hat in the outfield. Psh, what s show off.