The New York Yankees loyal fan's love him. He has spent his entire 16 year Major League career in the navy blue pinstripes of the Yankees. He was an indispensible part of the four World Series championships the Yankees won in a five year span from 1996 to 2000. He is, of course; Bernie Williams.

But with the Bronx Bombers expected to only carry four outfielders north from their spring training camp at Tampa's Legend's Field; Bernie Williams looks to be the odd man out. Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, and Bobby Abreu are slated to fill the three starting outfield positions. Spectacular newcomer Melky Cabrera is expected to fill the reserve outfield slot.

Given this set of circumstances, Bernie William's seems to have few options. He could latch on with another team and play out his career elsewhere. He could accept a minor league contract from the Yankees and basically be waiting offstage in case of a roster spot opens later in the season. Or he could retire and pursue his other interests , especially his music career.

Bernie William's future with the New York Yankees has provided much grist for the rumor mill. Jorge Posada, Joe Torre, and Brian Cashman have all expressed their opinion's on this matter during the off season. And the Yankee organization as a whole has tried to treat the situation delicately and with respect for the beloved Yankee veteran.

Jorge Posada recently commented on the future of his friend and teammate. Jorge said that Bernie "definitely" wanted to play another year but that he did not want to play for another major league franchise. Posada speculated that perhaps Williams would stay in shape and be able to help the Yankees out later during the season.

Manager Joe Torre has always shown intense loyalty to Bernie Williams. Again and again the Yankee skipper has penciled No. 51's name onto his lineup card. More often than not the Yankee great has come through with a clutch hit or key play. It is rumored that Torre has talked with New York Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman and again expressed support for Bernie.

Cashman, ever the cold realist, has been less supportive of bringing the aging outfielder back for one more year. In several carefully crafted statements, Cashman has indicated that the chances of the Yankee brass extending a major league contract to Williams are not good. Still Cashman has treated the situation with kid gloves and appeared to leave the door open for the Yankees to extend a minor league contract to Williams if that's acceptable to the veteran outfielder.

So, what about Bernie? What are his views on all these rumors and maneuvers? Recent rumors indicate that he is indeed willing to accept a minor league contract to Yankees spring training camp. He'll take his shot a making the roster. And if he fail to make the team, Bernie Williams will hang up his spikes and retire as a New York Yankee.

It seems a long shot for Williams to defy the odds and make the squad. Bernie knows that. Still, in a strange way; giving it his all one last time will let the Yankee great go out in class. And class has always been what New York Yankee Bernie Williams was about.