Flying the Coop?

Bronx, NY (YB) - Bernie Williams has filed for free agency starting the drama on whether he will return or end up Ruben Sierra-ing it somewhere else until he hangs up his cleats. Williams is the sixth Yankees player to file for free agency this week, joining Tanyon Sturtze, Craig Wilson, Octavio Dotel, Miguel Cairo and Ron Villone. The only one the Yanks would benefit from bringing back would probably be Villone, as he's the one from the free agent bunch who actually got regular onfield airtime.

Yes, Barry Zito has also filed, and would be a great addition to the bomber staff. Don't call Cashman yet, but Jeff Weaver has also filed, and no, it's not worth bringing him back for a second ride on the merry-go-round.

Yes Sheffield is grumbling again, but it's only when his job security has come into question. The past 3 seasons he was uncharacteristically well behaved and no one jumped all over him during his choirboy period. But he erupts once and the monotonous media types are all over his temperment again. Ahh Sheff, we barely knew ya. You know what the perfect place for Sheffield to land would be? Philadelphia. He's perfect for that city which misses T.O. so much. Each Philly team needs a disgruntled star player. It's like cheesesteaks and cream cheese. Cashman has an active history of swindling the Phils in recent years, so keep the ball rolling. Sign and trade, ask questions later.

Mussina is also on the bubble as he's about to get bought out and re-signed at a lower tag. If it weren't for the scarcity of quality pitching in MLB these days, the Yankees could probaly deal with letting go of the one man complaint department that is the Moose.

Off field stuff: Derek Jeter had a mansion built in Remsen, NJ and then sold it just before before the current real estate lull. Smart man, that Jeet, a market analyst in his spare time.

Stay tuned next week for more hot stove action, and keep the faith, pitchers and catchers report in Umpteen weeks!