February 23, 2007 -- Bernie Williams is home alone. And now more than ever, it appears that's where he'll stay.
Williams told The Post yesterday afternoon that nothing has changed regarding his status, although he wouldn't address the issue of retirement or say whether he will eventually head to Florida to join the Yankees.
A subdued Williams, who recently spoke with former teammate Derek Jeter but hadn't returned phone calls from GM Brian Cashman, manager Joe Torre or catcher Jorge Posada, made the comment outside his Westchester County mansion.
He pulled into his gated driveway at 2:40 p.m. with what appeared to be his daughter in the passenger seat of his Chevy SUV. Asked if anything had changed, Williams said, "No."
The longtime Yankees center fielder was offered an open invitation to spring training, but only with a non-guaranteed minor-league contract. It is widely believed the 38-year-old finds the offer to be insulting.
As temperatures climbed into the mid-70s in Tampa, rain pelted Williams' SUV and washed away the remainder of a recent February snowfall. It was a dreary, miserable day, and Williams was apparently spending it with family instead of his former Yankees teammates.
The juxtaposition couldn't have been more striking.
When asked if he were retired, Williams said he didn't want to talk. The five-time All-Star refused to answer whether he'd be going down to Florida this spring.
Certain Yankees players and team officials would love to see Williams at Legends Field, but Cashman has been adamant that he cannot guarantee a roster spot, never mind playing time.
Williams would be considered the fifth outfielder, and the onus is on Torre and the Yanks to develop burgeoning youngster Melky Cabrera by giving him playing time as the fourth outfielder. Hideki Matsui, Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu have the starting outfield jobs, barring an injury.
While Cashman all but extinguished Williams' hope of making the team by laying out the numbers game, Torre was more optimistic. Even though Williams is a sort of teacher's pet with the manager, Torre has said that the more time Williams spent in Tampa, the better chance he had of making the club.
Jeter and Posada were under the impression that Williams wouldn't be coming to camp.
"As a 16-year veteran, it is tough to come to camp and fight for a job, especially if you are Bernie Williams," Posada reportedly said a few days ago.
