Yankees: Looking for the Future

Late Monday night, just before the free agent deadline, Jorge Posada agreed to a 4yr/$52.4M contract. This deal could go both ways–either Posada can be at least the hitter he was in 2006, or he could bust out into his 2005 season. He better learn how to play 1B or accept the DH role about roughly in the third year of his contract, just as Johnny Damon was expected to learn LF or DH in the third year of his contract (he did so last year, though). In the end, Jesus Montero, a top prospect who figures to start next season in HiA Tampa, and/or Frankie Cervelli, who figures to start 2008 in Trenton, will split time with Posada in his later years.

A-ROD COMING BACK Alex Rodriguez, everyone’s favorite player (ahem…) is back. How did this happen? He gave agent Scott Boras the go-ahead to opt out, but had no idea that Boras would undermine the World Series and and announce the opt-out during the deciding Game 4, and became furious once he found out the Angels wouldn’t offer the contract he hoped for and his merchandise sails dried up seemingly instantly. More importantly to him, though, he became the most vilified athlete around, and his public image took a huge hit. Rodriguez thus contemplated suing him (Source).

On Tuesday, he professed his love for New York and his desire to stay, which was also influenced by his friend, Warren Buffet. Now the Yankees and Rodriguez are on the verge on agreement on a 10 yr/$275M contract with the incentives of sharing the revenues for breaking the all-time home run record (762*) with the Yankees.

RIVERA WANTS FOUR YEARS? According to several published reports, Mariano Rivera has not accepted the Yankees fairly generous 3 yr/$45M contract because he is holding out for a fourth year, citing Jorge Posada and A-Rod’s contracts. If not, he is willing to follow Joe Torre to the LA Dodgers.

Is this man out of his man? He is acting like complete tool right now in his first free agent experience. He had declined somewhat in his age 38 season, and there are several good and even great relief pitching prospects waiting the wings who will be ready long before the end of a three year deal (Humberto Sanchez, Kevin Whelan, Ross Ohlendorf, Mark Melancon, J. Brent Cox) to take over his job. No one his going to offer him $15M except for the Yankees, and no one, period, will offer him a fourth year. He has reportedly relented somewhat and met with new manager Joe Girardi in the D.R., showing that the two sides are coming closer.