Bernie Williams Is Too Old

The Yankees invited Bernie Williams to spring training on a non-guaranteed contract. And as of the most recent reports, the dude hasn't shown up yet.

There really isn't a place for him to play. Johnny Damon has center field covered. Hideki Matsui is healthy again and Bobby Abreu was stellar when he came over from Philadelphia. Jason Giambi is looking like he's going to be the full-time DH. Also, Melky Cabrera is set up to get playing time as the fourth outfielder.

So where does that leave Williams? A backup backup outfielder?

It's one of these situations where sure, Williams was as an important part as any to the Yankees' post-season success some years back. But, he's 38. There's plenty of better talent ahead of him on the roster. Do the Yankees really owe him anything for all his years of service?

Maybe, maybe not. It's a tough situation. But it's business and it's life and the Yankees are certainly treating it as such. His older teammates aren't being too supportive, either.

"As a player and a teammate, I want Bernie here," Mariano Rivera said. "But I don't know if that's in the best interest of the team. The Yankees will decide that."

"To be here fighting for a job, it's tough to swallow when it comes to Bernie Williams," said Jorge Posada. "You look at it from a team point of view ... as a team, you want the team to be better."

Translation: Bernie was good. He isn't anymore. I like him as a person and friend, but he's not good enough to play on this team.

I'm thinking if Williams ever decides to show up, it might be a little awkward around the clubhouse, no?