Yankees Free Agent Acquisitions Payoff in 2009
Three free agents cost the Yankees over $440 million this offseason. Money well spent if you ask me. Unlike free agent singings in years past, the signings of CC Sabatha, AJ Burnett and Mark Teixeira proved worthwhile. The three first year Yankees each contributed in their own way throughout the season and postseason, and helped the franchise win its 27th World Series.
Since 2001, the Yankees have spent lavishly on free agents but never reached their ultimate goal. Names like Giambi, Mussina, Contreras, Brown, Pavano, among plenty of others, dawned pinstripes with bulky salaries but didn’t help the Yankees clasp the Wold Series championship they coveted.
The Yankees and their fans owe it all to the boss. George Steinbrenner has never been afraid to open his wallet if it means success since he took over the Yankees organization in 1973. He’s looking to put the best product out on the field every year and to extend the Yankee brand.
After the 2007 season the Yankees could have traded away their young players for Johan Santana or other stars. Instead, the Yankees went into 2008 with a young team, were left on the outside of the playoffs for the first time since 1993 (1994 was a strike-shortened year), and spent money on the top three free agents in the 2008 class. If the Yankees had known that missing the playoffs in 2008 would mean a title their first season at their new stadium in 2009, they would have happily taken that tradeoff. This team has such a great mix of players that it’s not out of the question to think they could win again in the next couple of seasons. With the Steinbrenner family in charge, the window for a championship always remains open for the New York Yankees.
Post By Rich Santonocito
Tags: AJ Burnett, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira
