Crazy idea I had for the Yankees at first base

[ReginaldVelJohnson]

What do you think of this idea for the Yankees at first base?

Bernie Williams.

He wants to play another season or two, but there's no spot for him in the outfield or as a DH. He's a switch hitter (better from the right), which is what the Yankees want, because they're lefty-heavy. He'd be a better hitter than Mientikiewicz, Phillips, Phelps or Lee.

The question of course, is defense. Bernie still has a good glove and is fairly athletic (former CF), the problem is he is slow and has no arm; but he wouldn't need speed or a great arm as a first baseman. I think if he was approached about this, he'd do it. He wants to play badly, and only for the Yankees. He has said in the past he'd take "whatever role they have for me." The Sheffield experiment was a failure, but he didn't have much time to learn (whereas Bernie would have the offseason and spring training), nor was Sheffield ever the defender that Bernie Williams was. I think he'd be better than Giambi, at least.

[George_Foreman]

I seriously doubt he'll be better defensively than Meinkrezyqaski, and I'm not convinced he'd be better with a bat, either.

I'm sure he'd be willing to try, and it would be cool of the Yankees to give him that chance, but I don't think it would give them the best chance to win this year.

[Denmarch]

I think that might actually work. Plus, it's always refreshing to see somebody with athletic ability play first base. Rather than a house with arms.

[Another Blown Save]

Too bad they just signed Mientkiewicz

[bigwords]

Yeah, but if they wanted to do that, wouldn't it just make as much sense to play Giambi?

[acsguitar]

Mientkakwiawalizizcz is very good at 1B

[Bostonboy]

i don't think it will hapen now. doug mink. is fine defensively and phelps should provide some power in that line-up.

[GoGoGodzilla]

meintk. is gonna be a 8th inning defensive replacement for either giambi or phillips/phelps as the starter. he's a great glove, probably one of the best 1b gloves in the game at the moment.

but if we're gonna talk about bernie starting at first (which would have worked out well imo)... why not melky?

[Minor League Skilz]

I was calling for this at the end of last season. Instead of that Sheff experiment at the end of the year get bernie a few games at first and tell him to train all off season for the position switch.

There must have been a reason they didn't even consider the idea. Maybe Bernie was reluctant? Who knows?

[playap5th]

i love bernie one of my fav yankees ever but at first base? You're right crazy idea. i dont think it would work out, its a nice gesture but at the same time we are trying to win a championship here, its been overdue for a while!