"It's kind of like the logical step. You can't come here and not feel the fire of the competition. It's just bound to happen. If I come here and I don't feel that, then I definitely know I'm in the wrong place," he said.

Except for three games in this season's Puerto Rico winter league, Williams hasn't played since rejecting the Yankees' minor league contract offer before the start of spring training in 2007.

The former All-Star hasn't ruled out playing again in the majors, but it will depend on his WBC performance.

Williams hit in a batting group on Friday with Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Shelley Duncan. Before departing the clubhouse, he chatted with guest spring training instructor and Hall of Famer Yogi Berra.

"There's nothing like coming here and just getting this feeling of nice weather, playing baseball and working out with the guys," Williams said. "Spring training has always been one of my most favorite times of the year. There was a part of me that missed it, definitely."

Williams hasn't experienced any problems with his quadriceps, which he hurt during winter-league play.

"It's fine," Williams said. "I've been running through all the drills. I feel good so far. Trying to stay under control and not trying to over do it. All in all, everything felt good."