Yankee Takes

I've been a Yankee fan since 1976 (age 2), and the team's late 90s championship run is enough to last me a lifetime. My rooting interest has waned some with the additions of Jason Giambi, Alex Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield, but here are my takes on the three big stories of Spring Training '07:

1) Bernie Williams. Last season's injury to Hideki Matsui was the only reason Bernie played as much as he did. He can still hit, but can't throw or run well. If the Yankees didn't need more defense at first base, moving Giambi to DH, they'd have a spot for Bernie. Even then, though, Bernie thrives on regular work, and the Yankees can't offer that unless another outfielder goes down.

2) Mariano Rivera. He's in the last year of his contract and wants an extension. The Yankees want to wait and see how much is left in his arm. I'm with the team on this. Why extend him when they don't know how much he can deliver? He's already been paid well. If the team likes what they see, a deal will get done.

3) Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Perhaps Jeter could voice more support, but there's no guarantee Alex would play better with Jeter's support. If only he showed he didn't need approval.