Bernie's back...

Bernie Williams will be back for the Yankees in 2006, taking on the part-time DH and outfielder role that Rueben Sierra played relatively well for the past two years.

His contract will be for 1.5 million dollars, with incentive clauses that could push the final total up to 3 million.

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In other news, MLB reports that the Yanks' average payroll throughout the 2005 season was 213.1 million dollars, translating to a luxury tax bill of 34 million dollars.

With the expiration of Kevin Brown's contract and the end of Bernie's 87 million dollar deal, it's thought that even with the addition of Johnny Damon and the quality relief pitchers added in the last few weeks, the Yankees will have a 2006 payroll in the range of 175 to 185 million dollars.

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Here's what I think the batting order should look like for 2006:

1. Damon
2. Jeter
3. Matsui
4. Sheffield
5. Giambi
6. A-Rod
7. Posada
8. Bernie
9. Cano

Unfortunately, chances are that Torre will hit A-Rod in the 3-spot because of popular opinion and his salary.

I think that most true Yankees fans feel that Matsui, Sheffield, and Giambi are better hitters than A-Rod.

My dream Christmas present would be for A-Rod to get traded for prospects to another big market team like the Angels, Mets, or Red Sox. If we could get rid of A-Rod, by the time Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina have their contracts expire, the payroll will come down to the 120 million dollar range. And when Giambi leaves, it will be closer to 100 to 105 million dollars.

- Joshua
InsideTheYankees.com