A SAD THOUGHT

It's not that sad.

What could be really sad is if the Yankees open the 2006 season with Bubba Crosby out there!

It is a dissapointing way to have a career wind down. In a game with some good guys and some not so good, Bernie Williams has always struck me as a class act. An outstanding player who seemed to be, at least from the left coast, a very quality individual. There are more than a few in the game who'd do well to emulate him.

Yeah, I think someone like Bernie deserves the chance to end his career as a Yankee. The team owes him the loyalty he gave them for so long. Williams has been at the core of the team since long before their current success. His career saw the likes of Don Mattingly, Paul O'Neill, Derek Jeter be the face of the team, but he was an amazingly large part of such a great team for so long.

quote:

The team owes him the loyalty he gave them for so long.

They would have also owed him $15,000,000 for exercising his option. That's alot of loyalty. Proball is all bidniss.

bbscout...I agree

I would luv to see him end his playing career with the Yankees.

In regards to loyality I think the Yankees were very loyal to him and him to them.

Steinbrenner IMO is extremely loyal to a number of players/coaches as well as others.

Steinbrenner is a easy target but of course if he was willing to pay Bernie, the critics would be complaining that only the Yankees can afford a 10 million dollar reserve player and whining its not fair.

Ronnie Lott and Joe Montana should buy Bernie a beer and welcome him to the club. It was a different team and sport, but still the same story.

Bernie, Yanks
shake & stir

Buy time on new deal

BY SAM BORDEN
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER


Joe Torre will welcome back Bernie Williams if sides OK deal.


Manager would also like to see Johnny Damon on board, which may happen if price is right.

DALLAS - Bernie Williams has spent 15 years in pinstripes and it appears likely he'll be there for at least one more.

Faced last night with a midnight deadline to reach agreement on a new contract, offer arbitration or lose negotiating rights with the veteran center fielder until May, the Yankees received a handshake deal from Williams' agent, Scott Boras, which buys them more time to work out a new pact and effectively ensures Williams will return to the Bronx.


As part of the deal, the Bombers will offer arbitration to Williams - who made about $12.3 million last season - but have Boras' word that he will decline, meaning the Yanks have until Jan. 8 to get Williams signed as a reserve outfielder/DH. The Bombers are looking to give Williams a one-year deal for around $1.5 million-$2 million with incentives that could push the value up to around $3 million.


By giving the Yankees that guarantee, Boras is virtually ruling out that Williams will sign with another team because doing so would mean the new club would forfeit a draft pick to the Yankees as compensation.


"I think this is a signal that we're both agreeing that at some point we hope to get something done," GM Brian Cashman said. "There's a lot that goes into the decision. Bernie means a lot to the franchise. Someone like him, you make sure to take the extra time and care as you walk through the process."


Cashman, who ran into Williams briefly in an elevator here, said George Steinbrenner was pleased to hear the news.


"He's always had a soft spot in his heart for Bernie Williams as we all have," Cashman said. "As owner of the franchise, he's seen a lot of special moments from Bernie Williams."


Staying in pinstripes has always been Williams' preference and Boras said that while several teams had contacted him, he had no plans to go further with them until all options were exhausted with the Yanks.


Mets manager Willie Randolph said yesterday he wouldn't mind having Williams come across town to provide a veteran presence as a bench player if it hadn't worked out with the Yanks, but Williams will likely fill that role in the Bronx.


Boras said Williams understands the situation, though his description of that didn't necessarily jibe with what the Bombers' sentiment appears to be.


"We've certainly agreed to the fact that we're willing to deal with the uncertainty (of playing time)," Boras said. ". . . He's going there with the understanding that if he does play there, he has a job to win."


Cashman conceded that every player is ostensibly competing for a job, but the Yankees have a set position in mind for Williams. Ruben Sierra won't be back, so the Bombers see Williams filling the role of pinch-hitter/DH/occasional outfielder.


Cashman said he and Boras haven't had much substantive dialogue on a new contract for Williams, which is why extending the deadline made the most sense.


One reason they may not have talked about Williams much, of course, could be that Boras' main goal at the meetings here appears to be getting a blockbuster contract for center fielder Johnny Damon.


The problem is that the Yankees aren't remotely interested in meeting Boras' demands for a seven-year contract. The Yanks have reiterated their earlier statement that they will be more than willing to get into intense negotiations if the price tag drops down to three or four seasons - until then, they're unwilling to get serious.


The Yanks were never really into dealing for Juan Pierre (who was traded from Florida to the Cubs) and haven't found much else on the trade market, either.


When asked if felt he'd made progress in his quest to find a center fielder this week, Cashman shrugged and said, "I'm pretty much where I was when I got here."

When I read that article, all I can think is Scott Boras is the worst thing that has ever happened to baseball.

This "sad" story pales in comparison to the Frank Thomas situation.

T-Bird Dad.....Unless your a player represented by Boras! As the owners and players often say "its just a business"...and Boras is the best in his business.

quote:

Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:
When I read that article, all I can think is Scott Boras is the worst thing that has ever happened to baseball.

T-Bird Dad, if you ever have a chance, try and read Leonard Koppett's "History of Baseball." Don't need to read the entire book but maybe read the sections from 1940 to 1970 and you will see how wrong your observation might be.

The Yankees did an about face--Bernie has been offered arbitration which opens the doors for his return at an amenable dollar figure

Scott Boras is the most talked about agency in baseball. There are many different opinions regarding what he has done for baseball and for his clients. But one should always keep in mind he works for his clients and is not employed by MLB clubs.

Without arguing the many high profile Boras situations of the past (most which worked out very well for all players, his clients and others) there is one simple thing that makes me respect his group and that is HONESTY! Boras’ group is honest! And one major reason they are so honest is because they can afford to be honest! They don’t need a player to sign for less than he is worth in order to make a quick buck and stay in business.

If they advise someone to go to school, it’s because they truly believe it’s in that player’s best interest. Going to college rather than signing a pro contract is not music to every advisors ears. In fact, there are advisors who have no interest in a player unless he wants to get drafted and sign a pro contract. In other words, they want that % of the signing bonus, now rather than 3 years from now when the player might have switched advisors, no matter what is in the player’s best interest.

True example – A High School catcher was drafted and advised to sign for four hundred thousand. If player signed the agent would receive $16,000. Catchers dad said no and catcher went off to college. 3 years later and closer to college degree, the same player with “new” advisor is drafted early in the first round and signs for around $3.5 million. First agent lost out on $16,000. 2nd agent made over $100,000. Player made $3 million more and got 3 years education under his belt. Wise Dad deserves credit!

Some MLB clubs hate to see a prospect become a Boras client. This can cost Boras players a higher draft slot at times. It’s not because they dislike Boras, but because they know he is tough to beat. They would much rather have the same prospect working with the advisor/agent who will get his player signed quickly for the least possible money. That’s business!!!! In these cases it sometimes appears the agent is working for the club more than the player.

The very best advisors/agents would rather have their player not sign and go to college rather than get a quick pay day at the expense of the player. There are several very good honest people in that business. There are even more who play the numbers game… get as many players as you can possibly get, try to hold on to them, and wait to watch the draft… After the draft they can set down and count the money! The best ones don’t operate that way. Scott Boras’ group does not operate that way. Like them or not!

Don’t know if that is the worst thing (honesty) that has ever happened to baseball! It just depends on which side one is pulling for… the MLB baseball clubs or the players. It would be a conflict of interest working for both sides. It’s down right dishonest when an agent favors the clubs side!

Now I know there are many good reasons to sign and start your pro career. There’s also good reasons for some to first go to school. That is not what is being discussed here.

I do wish powerful people like Scott Boras and other top agencies would try to do more to help all minor league players. Maybe that will happen some day.

I really like Bernie... Sure hope people understand just how much Boras has done for him. I bet Bernie understands!

That is a perspective on Boras I had not heard before. Frankly, I would be reluctant to advise someone to go with Boras. The perception I have of him is that he holds out for the last nickel. Yes, that is called business. However, I think there are agents out there who can garner a good contract for their players yet still manage to keep the players image/reputation intact. IMHO, it seems that you can appear greedy by going with him even if that is not actually the case. I would rather try and get off on a good foot with the club and its fans. All of these are merely perceptions I have from what I have read in the newspapers, however.

Cleveland Dad,

I fully understand why you would have that opinion. You're probably not among the minority with your thoughts. It’s all in the perception… Hold out for last nickel is an exaggeration of course. Maybe holding out for the last few million would be closer to the truth. But that is better than signing for the first nickel!

I understand why some would not go with Boras. I also understand why others do. Some would say his track record is the very best in the business. Others would say it’s the worst. Guess it depends on how one looks at it or who you're talking to.

I don’t favor Boras over the others who are honest and care about their players. It’s just that his name was brought up in this discussion and I think he is one of the most honest and caring regarding his players.

Some of the things he has accomplished have helped many players aside from his own.

I think you might be amazed by the number of players he has as clients. We always hear about the A-Rod dealings and other super star types, but there are many others that are not so well known.

PG,
Good for you on your Boras post. I didn't always feel that way about him, but I agree.

In 2003 son as approached by a gentlemen at a PG event who said he wanted to give him some advice. You don't know me son, I've been watching you today, I know that you are a good student as well as a fine pitcher. Go to school first, baseball will be there waiting for you". So many other advisors told him to get drafted, once in a lifetime experience.

Man never identified himself, had no interest in him as a client, just was giving his expert advice. Son found out later it was Boras. I thought that was pretty awesome of him to go out of his way to speak with son.

PG and TPM-thanks for info on Boras. It IS interesting how he is percieved in the
sports management world. I personally hope my sons-if and/or when they may be in need of an agent do not choose his agency. Happen to have some first hand knowledge
that gives me a different perspective. No question he is a tough operator and may be
looking out for his clients'best interests, but we should not forget that he is not
a philanthropist and his company comes first.

Not denying what you both have stated just giving my opinion. Everyone needs to make
up their own minds based upon individual research.