The beard stands on principle

Relief pitcher Brian Wilson needs a job for next season. But he has told the New York Yankees not to bother making him an offer. He won't shave the beard and turn into another pin-striped drone.

Steve Dilbeck of the LAT's Dodgers blog says "Brian Wilson is my new hero."

Is this great or what? The Yankees need bullpen help, and Wilson came back from elbow surgery to sign with the Dodgers and allow one earned run in 18 appearances.

But the Yankees have a no-beard policy. So when general manager Brian Cashman inquired about Wilson, agent Dan Lozano told him to forget it.

Wilson won’t shave his beard for the Yankees. He won’t even shave his beard within the beard.

“We could use bullpen help, but you can cross him off the list,” Cashman said. “I was told, 'Don't even bother.'”

How can you not love this? A man standing up for his principles, or at least his right to be every bit the individual he chooses to be. Wilson would not shave off his beard as a promotional stunt for a razor company last August and he won’t shave it off now to wear pinstripes.

Understand, this is costing him real, serious dollars...

There is still a chance that Wilson will re-sign with the Dodgers. Though it might help if he could play some infield. Last season's utility infielders, Nick Punto and Skip Schumaker, have apparently taken best offers from other teams for next year. Punto inked with Oakland and Schumaker reportedly has a deal with Cincinnati.