Well it came to a parting of the ways. Today after some consideration and a great deal of deliberating New York pitcher and a stalwart of their four consecutive World Series’ wins Andy Pettite wasn’t picked up by the team. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but it’d appear that the Yankees and the organization are looking to start afresh.
Perhaps this, an indication of what co-team chairman Hal Steinbrenner states that this is a fresh but new start for the organization as a whole. Allow me some latitude here but I’d like to look at this whole situation with a fresh set of eyes. But over the years the organization has never met a high priced free agent that they didn’t like. Let’s look at some of those individuals in particular. Namely Randy Johnson , Carl Pavano, Jason Giambi, Aaron Boone and Hideki Irabu. Now that’s an array of stars who are about as welcoming and cerebral as one could ever wish to come across. About the only thing relevant about these players were the fact that a Brinks’ truck no doubt would have to be backed up in order for them to get paid. And paid they were , vast sums for reasons too numerous to mention. Except to say that the vaults of the Federal Bank of New York would be rendered meaningless.
Hal and Hank Steinbrenner co-chairmen of the New York Yankees. Both are seen here observing members of their farm system. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Schwartzmann………………….
And whilst we know that the Yankees possess a vast array of resources which is unmatched by any other professional sport’s organization in or outside Major League Baseball. The YES Network is the cash cow that keeps on giving, giving and keeps on giving. With the team moving into a spanking new edifice that costs in excess of $1.9bn at last count. Granted Mayor Michael Bloomberg may well have played a part in making that figure so excessive. And for a structure that was originally meant to be a privately financed structure. It goes a long way in stating that Bloomberg was out of line within his inane rant as to the Federal government in bailing out the financial behemoths of Wall Street. Then again it ought to against the grain considering that the Yankees’ new home was publically financed and all of this was at the behest of the incumbent mayor.
Now as much as one ought to appreciate the contributions of Pettite over the years. And considering that he along with Derek Jeter , Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada are the only remnants left from those multi championship winning days. The franchise has fallen somewhat on hard times in terms of their presence in the postseason. Last year for the first time in fourteen years was the very first time that they’d missed the playoffs. And to say that it was viewed as a catastrophe would be an understatement.
Andy Pettite the now former New York Yankee who’s turned down a $10m one year contract offer from the team . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Paul Roberts …………………..
Pettite was offered a one year contract said to be in the region of $10m . Nothing to be sneezed at mind you. But it’d appear that Andy thought it beneath him to accept what he might’ve viewed as a derisory offer. In these tough economic times $10m may well not be viewed as a great deal of money to some. But to those New York Yankees’ fans who are spending thousands of dollars a year to pay for tickets as well as concessions and souvenirs. That’s the sort of money that would take care of several families’ dreams for life and beyond.
And while we ponder this latest of changes within the Yankees’ organization we ought to consider this. In reality is the team any better off now with their newly gleaming additions in the guise of CC Sabbathia, A J Burnett and Mark Teixeira ? Chances are we’re likely to see an improvement of sorts. But that’s not the thing that’s most important to the franchise. It’s about winning and the winning of multiple World Series in particular. That’s what counts to the franchise and the business template that is in place. Losing isn’t meant to be an option for the Steinbrenner family. And when you see Hank Steinbrenner wailing on about the perceived unfairness of the game when his team fails to make the playoffs because they were others who did so with a less than winning record. It oughtn’t not to pain us as to his whining. After all that’s what you tend to get from a whining narcissistic individual with a verbose persona.
Pettite for all of his intentions is now on his way out of New York and whilst there’ll be some heartfelt wishes. There’ll be some who think that the player has done himself and the franchise a great disservice by refusing the team’s offer. But it’s the player’s decision and he can either live with or he cannot. As to the Yankees and their ambitions for the upcoming season. It’s quite clear that they’re back in business and looking to win it all and no expense will be spared. Andy Pettite won’t be a part of the team’s strategy as this season beckons. But that’s not to say that the issue won’t be revisited especially should the team feel that the pitching isn’t up to standard. If there’s a choice to be made between a player of his experience and someone who knows the ins and outs of the franchise. You can rest assured that more likely than not he may well be the player that they’ll choose to turn to. That’s if he’s not signed elsewhere before the season starts.
So say what you will about the franchise they may well be turning their back on the past. But hey they’ve been known to turn back the hands of time if only for a moment and it brings to mind Roger Clemens and Andy Pettite. No chance that they’d have both back within their realm but quite possibly one for sure. Any thoughts on who that might be ?
The upcoming baseball season ought to be one of intrigue and suspense. If nothing else we’ll see whether or not the New York Yankees can get back atop of the pedestal where they and their fans feel they rightfully belong. We’ll also see if the Tampa Bay Rays can remain amongst the contenders. And as one would suppose a newly fledged member of what one would deem to be a contender, though yet to be considered a perennial contender. It will be interesting to see what the year ahead holds for the team and its fans. The New York Yankees will always be considered contenders merely because they are the Yankees. And the fact that everyone wants to see them back at the top. Well those of us who want to see them back there.
tophatal …………………….
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