Source: Associated Press

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Manager Joe Torre and the core of Yankees players that won four World Series titles with Bernie Williams are resigned to the outfielder's absence.

"It will happen to all of us," catcher Jorge Posada said Wednesday in Tampa, Fla.

Williams rejected the Yankees' offer of a minor-league contract, instead wanting a guarantee of a job when the season starts.

"It's sad," said Torre, who hasn't talked with Williams since late last week, "but not surprising in the fact that I haven't heard back from him."