Commentary
With America’s economy in shambles, most Major League Baseball teams decided to keep their wallets in their pockets during the offseason. Of course, the New York Yankees had to buck that trend.
The Bronx Bombers shelled out $423.5 million to pitchers C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett and first baseman Mark Teixeira. That’s an entire stimulus package given to three men. Don’t forget about the new $1.3 billion Yankee Stadium that opens up this spring.
The Yankee organization isn’t hiding their desperation. Sabathia has pitched 494 innings during the last two seasons. At that pace, his arm will fall off before President Obama’s first term is up.
The move that continues to make me shake my head is the signing of Burnett. The Yankees committed $82.5 million over five seasons to Burnett. Elbow problems have plagued Burnett’s career. Only twice during his 10-year career has Burnett reached 30 or more starts. Also, Burnett’s issues with his control are memorable. During his no-hitter in 2001, Burnett walked nine batters. Proof that he has stuff, but can his throwing elbow avoid destruction?
The signing of Teixeira made the most sense for New York. He brings a career .290 batting average to the Bronx, driving in 100 or more runs in five consecutive years. Along with gold-glove caliber defense, the switch-hitting Teixeira provides the Yankees with a productive and reliable middle-of-the-order bat. The best part of all this: for the one-time price of only $180 million.
So after spending nearly half of a billion dollars, will the Yankees buy themselves a World Series title? Last I checked, money does buy Carl Pavano but not World Series rings.
The payroll continues to escalate along with the age of the team. Organizations like the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays have decided to field younger and faster players. New York resembles the complete opposite: old and slow.
Don’t get me wrong. The Yankees will contend for their divisional crown and will be favored to win it all.
Since New York’s last title in 2000, seven teams have won the World Series and only one organization had lifted the trophy with a payroll of more than $100 million (Red Sox 2004, 2007).
Listen up, Yanks. When your 2008 opening day payroll of $209,081,577 buys you a third place finish, and the Rays with an opening day payroll of $43,745,597 win your American League East, it’s a bit embarrassing.
Good luck buying your way out of your next mess.