New York Post (December 21, 2008)
By Kevin Kernan
NOW that the Red Sox have frozen their Mark Teixeira assets in the high- stakes poker game with super-agent Scott Boras, it creates an opening for the Yankees.
The Yankees are in this game, make no mistake. The Red Sox are not completely out either, despite owner John Henry's e-mail claiming otherwise. The Yankees, according to multiple industry sources, have had serious conversations with Boras about Teixeira and will continue those talks. They have yet to put their best offer on the table.
That offer could come quickly, though.
The Yankees also have an interest in Manny Ramirez, if the price and years are right, but for now the energy and conversation is focused on Teixeira. As well it should be. Getting Manny would mean great ratings for YES, but putting Teixeira in pinstripes would be a devastating blow to Boston. Teixeira would give the Yankees offensive and defensive balance for years to come.
Brian Cashman has been busy, acing up his pitching staff, and now that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are in the rotation, it's full speed ahead in the race for a big-time hitter. Boston has offered an eight-year deal in the $175-180 million range. The Angels' offer to Teixeira stands at eight years, $160 million.
Henry backed away from the negotiations Thursday night, but his baseball people are trying to convince him Teixeira must be signed, that the first baseman is the Red Sox' build-around player.
The Yankees have their opening. Face it, they are not going to commit nearly a quarter of a billion dollars to two pitchers and not try to upgrade their offense. Remember, this is a team that had trouble scoring runs last year.
The Yankees scored only seven more runs than the Orioles in 2008. The Yankees scored 789 runs, 10th best in the majors and 179 runs less than 2007 when they led the majors in that category.
Adding Teixeira would help in so many ways. His on-base percentage was .410. Alex Rodriguez led the Yankees with a .392 mark. Teixeira hit 33 home runs. His presence in the lineup would make A-Rod that much more valuable. This is no different than having David Ortiz and Ramirez. Ortiz has not been the same without Manny.
A-Rod needs another superstar and he has great respect for both Teixeira and Ramirez.
While not as explosive as Manny, who showed last year with the Dodgers that he could single-handedly carry a team to the postseason, Teixeira is younger than Manny and offers two big advantages, his defense at first and he's a power-oriented switch-hitter.
Think of the success the Yankees had when they had Bernie Williams in such a role. Older fans can think back to the success of switch-hitter Mickey Mantle anchoring the lineup. A power switch-hitter gives a manager so many more options. During his prime, Jorge Posada offered much in that department.
Teixeira will be 29 in April; he is in the prime of his career and is a tireless worker. "He's a great employee," points out one friend, saying Teixeira is a superstar with a blue-collar attitude. There never will be any question about Teixeira giving his all. He understands business and baseball
The Yankees are in this game, make no mistake. The Red Sox are not completely out either, despite owner John Henry's e-mail claiming otherwise. The Yankees, according to multiple industry sources, have had serious conversations with Boras about Teixeira and will continue those talks. They have yet to put their best offer on the table.
That offer could come quickly, though.
The Yankees also have an interest in Manny Ramirez, if the price and years are right, but for now the energy and conversation is focused on Teixeira. As well it should be. Getting Manny would mean great ratings for YES, but putting Teixeira in pinstripes would be a devastating blow to Boston. Teixeira would give the Yankees offensive and defensive balance for years to come.
Brian Cashman has been busy, acing up his pitching staff, and now that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett are in the rotation, it's full speed ahead in the race for a big-time hitter. Boston has offered an eight-year deal in the $175-180 million range. The Angels' offer to Teixeira stands at eight years, $160 million.
Henry backed away from the negotiations Thursday night, but his baseball people are trying to convince him Teixeira must be signed, that the first baseman is the Red Sox' build-around player.
The Yankees have their opening. Face it, they are not going to commit nearly a quarter of a billion dollars to two pitchers and not try to upgrade their offense. Remember, this is a team that had trouble scoring runs last year.
The Yankees scored only seven more runs than the Orioles in 2008. The Yankees scored 789 runs, 10th best in the majors and 179 runs less than 2007 when they led the majors in that category.
Adding Teixeira would help in so many ways. His on-base percentage was .410. Alex Rodriguez led the Yankees with a .392 mark. Teixeira hit 33 home runs. His presence in the lineup would make A-Rod that much more valuable. This is no different than having David Ortiz and Ramirez. Ortiz has not been the same without Manny.
A-Rod needs another superstar and he has great respect for both Teixeira and Ramirez.
While not as explosive as Manny, who showed last year with the Dodgers that he could single-handedly carry a team to the postseason, Teixeira is younger than Manny and offers two big advantages, his defense at first and he's a power-oriented switch-hitter.
Think of the success the Yankees had when they had Bernie Williams in such a role. Older fans can think back to the success of switch-hitter Mickey Mantle anchoring the lineup. A power switch-hitter gives a manager so many more options. During his prime, Jorge Posada offered much in that department.
Teixeira will be 29 in April; he is in the prime of his career and is a tireless worker. "He's a great employee," points out one friend, saying Teixeira is a superstar with a blue-collar attitude. There never will be any question about Teixeira giving his all. He understands business and baseball
I would much rather have Manny. I know he is a pain in the ass but he is proven winner in the big spots unlike his polar opposite A-Rod. I would only worry if he stated dating Celia Cruz.
1 comment:
Whatya think Troop, think Eli can bring out a win against the Panthers today?
That's going to be a damn good game.
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