This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Yankees Nab Tex; Try to Buy a World Series Ring
Mark Teixeira during his brief stint with the Angels. AP File Photo/Chris Carlson
The Evil Four-Letter's Buster Olney is reporting that Mark Teixeira has agreed to an eight-year $180 million contract with the New York Yankees. While the Angels, Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles were all in the hunt for Teixeira over the past couple of months, the Yankees hid on the sidelines ready to swoop in if the deal was right.
This caps a free agency period where the Yankees signed left-handed starting pitcher CC Sabathia to a seven-year $161 million contract and right-handed starter AJ Burnett to a five-year $82.5 million contract. Surprisingly enough even with the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett, the Yankees' payroll now as-is is still below their payroll for 2008.
It's very clear that the biggest losers of this deal is Manny Ramirez and the Yankees.
First off, this pretty much eliminates the Yankees from bidding for Manny. With the Angels not interested in Manny, this basically reduces Manny's suitors to the Dodgers and Nationals. Having said that, I won't be surprised if the Yankees make an offer to him just for shits and giggles.
But also the Yankees are a loser because they don't learn their lessons. As often as they have attempted to spend their way to the World Series, they haven't gotten there since 2003 and haven't won it since 2000. And if you remember the Yankees teams that won the World Series were built through their farm system. Look at Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettite, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter if you want any confirmation.
Sponsored message
The Steinbrenners insist on using the antiquated model of building a championship team when it's been more than evident in recent years that winning is built on a strong farm system like the Tampa Bay Rays. Ask the Detroit Tigers if trying to buy a World Series ring worked for them last season.
Having said that, the Yankees just might make it to the postseason. But I still have reservations that the Yankees will be able to win their first postseason series since 2004.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
