Panic in the Bronx

What the *$&% are the Yankees doing?

The most notable change is that Bernie Williams will vacate center field, tendinitis in his right elbow dampening his already-weak throwing ability. Hideki Matsui, who played center field while starring in Japan, will shift over from left field beginning today. Williams will get some playing time at designated hitter, though there is already a logjam at that spot with Jason Giambi, Tino Martinez, Andy Phillips and Ruben Sierra, when he returns from the disabled list.

But while Williams' departure isn't altogether surprising, the Yanks' newest outfielder is: Tony Womack. The second baseman will start in left field tonight, while Robinson Cano will be recalled from Triple-A Columbus to play second. He'll take reliever Steve Karsay's roster spot, since Karsay will be designated for assignment today, effectively ending his tenure with the Bombers.

Tony Womack in left field? Lots of regular Yankee watchers were appalled when the Yankees signed him, preferring to give Cano a shot at second base. But the Yankees did sign Womack and he's a second baseman, not a left fielder. And yes, Bernie made a pretty feeble throw from center on Sunday, but Williams has never had a good arm. He can still catch. And he will still hit. At least show the man -- the best Yankee center fielder since Mickey Mantle -- some respect and loyalty for the vital role he's played over the past championship years. I can understand taking him out of center, but at least make him the full-time DH. That would leave Jason Giambi the most expensive bench warmer in the history of man, but so be it.

This is a return to the Yankees of old -- the pre-Torre years. The fact that this happened when the Yankees traveled to Tampa, home to the team's owner, is surely a sign that Steinbrenner is behind this insanity. And Yankee fans will return to wandering in the wilderness while Steinbrenner sturms and drangs.

Tony Womack in left field. Phwit.

"I'm not going to make a big deal out of it," he said. "I try not to think of it as being hard."

This is very, very bad.