What do all of these pictures have in common? Okay, of course the Yankees jersey. But just look at their smiles! Mark Teixeira has a $180 million-dollar smile. CC Sabathia has a $161 million-dollar smile, and AJ Burnett has a $82.5 million-dollar smile. And why wouldn't you smile when you're making that much money, playing for the most storied franchise in professional sports? I know, I've already heard all about the Yankees spending so much money, nobody else can compete with them, blah, blah, blah. I just can't fault the Yankees for spending money that they have. It's not like they are in violation of the salary cap (there isn't one) or don't have the money to spend (the value of the Yankees is $1.3 billion) or even that they are spending more than they did last year (they're not).
As a matter of fact, their payroll for 2009 is going to be $20 million dollars less than 2008's payroll. By shedding the contracts of Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Mike Mussina, and Carl Pavano (who's that?), the Yankees freed up $80 million dollars in payroll. Of course, that still puts their payroll in the $200 million range, which is much larger than any other team.
But really, is it about money? The Rays made it to the World Series with a low payroll (around $40 million) and the Phillies won the World Series with a much smaller payroll than the Yankees ($105 million). We know that money doesn't buy championships. You can argue that it does buy talent. And talent is exactly what was purchased in the free agent market by the Yankees this off-season.
Teixeira will put up big numbers, Sabathia will put up big numbers, Burnett will be decent and the Yankees darn well better get into the playoffs. My own expectations are that with the offensive talent they have and the solid pitching staff (Sabathia, Wang, Burnett, Chamberlain, and any other 5th guy), the Yankees should have a 100+ win season and get to the World Series.
While I personally get none of the big money shelled out, and in my own way actually contribute to the Yankee Money Machine, the money does make me smile, too. How can it not make any Yankees fan smile?
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4 comments:
Just glad you updated. I still don't like the Yankees though, or the AL. I can't get past the whole DH thing.
To Rachel the Faithful,
I update for you. You guilted me into it. Not even a quote from Mark (who has neglected to even attempt to demonstrate his wit and charm in a blog) could convince me. It was the guilt only a younger sister can bring on big brother. I will try to be more faithful!
Ah my Yankees obsessed brother. We can meet in peace in the off-season. Not that the Giants ever have a chance at anything. Its so hard following those losers.
This a totally unexpected comment, but don't you think those players are just a teeny bit greedy? I sure hope they are sharing all that dough with the less fortunate. I'm glad you updated too!
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