NEW YORK -- Will the Yankees have room for one more year of Bernie Williams? General manager Brian Cashman said Friday that he has had discussions with both the 38-year-old outfielder and his representative, Scott Boras, about the possibility of Williams returning for what would be his 17th season in New York.
"I've had conversations with Bernie directly, as well as with Scott Boras during the winter, about what opportunity may or may not be here in '07," Cashman said. "We've had a very open and honest dialogue with Bernie and Scott Boras throughout the process. That will continue."
The Yankees' numbers situation, as currently comprised, appears to limit Williams' chances. Cashman said that the signing of Doug Mientkiewicz assures the Yankees will carry both a left-handed-hitting and a right-handed-hitting first baseman as part of a platoon, with either Andy Phillips or Rule 5 selection Josh Phelps set to win the latter position.
With Jason Giambi now entrenched as the full-time designated hitter, and Melky Cabrera remaining as a fourth outfielder behind Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu, the Yankees' 25-man roster -- assuming a 12-man pitching staff -- is becoming more set.
The Yankees have room to add a utility infielder -- Cashman said that re-signing Miguel Cairo remains a possibility -- and can select a backup catcher, likely from the tandem of Raul Chavez and Wil Nieves.
But that may leave no room for Williams, a free agent who has not officially decided if he wishes to play in 2007. Williams played more than expected last season when both Gary Sheffield and Matsui went down to injury, responding with a .281 average, 12 home runs and 61 RBIs in 131 games.
Williams is relatively inexperienced as a pinch-hitter, with just seven hits in 33 at-bats over the last three seasons. Plus, after flirting with the idea of dealing Cabrera earlier this winter, the Yankees now appear primed to hold onto the 22-year-old.
Cashman declined to speculate if he would consider inviting Williams to camp as a non-roster invitee who could make the club in the event of injury.
"Obviously, he's meant a lot to this franchise," Cashman said. "He's been a big piece for quite some time. It's been a great marriage."
