Jeter, Mariano, and Girardi’s Contracts; Blame the Media if it Becomes a Distraction

I find it funny how media members write and talk about how the contract situations of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Joe Girardi could become distractions. The media is the reason why it could potentially become a distraction! Not only are they going to ask those three guys about their contract situations frequently, but they’re going to ask other players and members of the Yankees organization about it frequently which creates a distraction. It wouldn’t be a big deal or turn into a distraction if the media left it alone. 

All three guys are going to handle their situations with class no matter how they feel. No matter how they feel on the inside, they are not going to let it affect their attitude or on-field capabilities. 

Blame the media for blowing this up. Derek Jeter, who is already in Tampa, said he will wait to address the issue until everyone arrives at Spring Training. He will call a press conference at that time. What is Jeter going to say at the press conference? Nothing. He’s going to ask the media to not ask him about it again and say it will be handled when it’s handled. A ploy to get the media to stop asking him questions about it.

If the media does turn this into a distraction then put some of the blame on the Yankees. They are a veteran team coming off of a World Series title. It’s hard to imagine it affects the team’s play. 

The fan wouldn’t make this a big deal if the media didn’t. We all know how iconic of figures Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are to the Yankees. I really don’t see how the Yankees don’t come to terms with them plus their manager. The Yankees aren’t negotiating contracts with them now because it goes against there policy. If Jeter and Rivera aren’t reasons to break policy, the policy is never going to be broken. 

Joe Girardi led the Yankees to its 27th World Series title in 2009. Even if things don’t go well for the Yankees in 2010, he isn’t deserving of a dismissal. Mariano Rivera is 40 years old. Give him what he wants. He won’t be asking for more than a two-year deal. Derek Jeter is where things get tricky. He supposedly is going to want A-Rod type of money. I honestly think the Yankees are going to do what they need to do to keep Jeter in pinstripes. Is that a hope? Yes, but I don’t see how the Steinbrenners let Derek Jeter, captain of the Yankees, play anywhere else. 

The Yankees have let veteran players walk before. Just look at this off-season. They didn’t re-sign Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon. A few years ago they didn’t want to guarantee Bernie Williams a major league roster spot. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are different. Remember, Bernie had a few down years strung together before the Yankees made that decision. Jeter and Rivera are coming off very good seasons. Poor showings in 2010 doesn’t necessarily change the way the Yankees look at the two icons, but it will have some affect on their next contracts, however, I don’t see a major drop in production from either player.  

The media is going to drill this issue throughout Spring Training. Let’s hope it tapers off during the regular season, but it’s doubtful. Fans, have faith the Yankees will do the right things with Jeter, Rivera and Girardi. No matter how the Yankees have dealt with veterans in the past, not negotiating now doesn’t mean they won’t get something done after 2010.

Let’s worry about it when the time comes because making a big deal of it now won’t change the Yankees’ stance on when to negotiate. They are going to negotiate on their watch. It doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for any of the three, it just means it’s not time to extend the road further right now.