Bernie Williams OUT for opener

[nsulham]

From ESPN.com:

TAMPA, Fla. -- Bernie Williams was scheduled for surgery Thursday to remove his appendix, and Yankees manager Joe Torre said the center fielder most likely will miss Opening Day.


Williams, New York's starter since 1992, began experiencing discomfort Wednesday night, Torre said, and was sent to St. Joseph's Hospital for tests Thursday. Doctors determined the 35-year-old Williams needed an appendectomy.


"It would be a long shot for him to start the season," Torre said. "It will be three weeks before he can get back into the flow of things. It wouldn't be fair to rush him."


Kenny Lofton, signed as a free agent and expected to challenge Williams for the starting job, takes over in center field.

[Mr.Cocky!]

If Williams misses significant time, this drastically improves Travis Lee's value. He will either start at 1B and Giambi will DH, or vice versa.

[bell]

If Williams misses significant time, this drastically improves Travis Lee's value. He will either start at 1B and Giambi will DH, or vice versa.

Schilling only missed like 2 weeks, but this could result in a slower start to the season for Bernie.

[lesgrant]

[quote="Mr.Cocky!"]If Williams misses significant time, this drastically improves Travis Lee's value. He will either start at 1B and Giambi will DH, or vice versa.[/quote}]

Crazy opportunisitc pick up in Lee. I think they should start him and DH Giambi. Lee could bat 9th.