That's one.
Catcher Jorge Posada agreed to a new four-year, $52.4 million contract with the Yankees on Monday. The two sides still have to dot the I's and cross the T's and Jorgie has to pass a physical, but unless something crazy happens (and the way this off-season has been so far, it's not beyond the realm of possibility) it looks like No. 20 will finish his career in pinstripes.
This is a deal the Yanks had to make. Posada is coming off a career year in 2007 (.338, 20 HR, 90 RBI, 42 doubles) and while I would be shocked if he can top or match those numbers again, the Yanks desperately need his bat in the lineup, not to mention his glove behind the plate.
It may be too many years (Jorgie will be 40 at the end of the contract), but I'm a big ol' softy when it comes to certain Yankees. The last remaining Bombers from the glory days -- Jeter, Rivera, Posada and Pettitte (?) -- can write their own deals as far as I'm concerned. I may be the hardest on Posada, but I can't deny what he brings to the table. And it may have been gradual, but Jorge has become the fiery presence on the Yanks since the retirement of Paul O'Neill.
The Yanks were able to wrap up* Posada before he hit the open market, but closer Mariano Rivera decided to dip his toe into the free agency pool. The Bombers offered The Sandman a three-year, $45 million deal to stay in the Bronx and so far the reliever extraordinaire hasn't budged.
Maybe all Rivera needs to hear is a little sweet talk. Enter Hank Steinbrenner:
"He'd be by $4 million a year the highest-paid relief pitcher. To say that's a strong offer would be an understatement.
"The ball's in their court. If they still want to look for more somewhere else, that's up to them."
Guh!
The Posada deal was huge, but the signing of Rivera is crucial. If Mo decides to bolt, the Yanks would be forced to put Joba Chamberlain in the closer's role and that would thin out an already light starting staff.
I think Rivera will sign and he's just trying to squeeze the Yanks for a little more dough, but someone should tell George Jr. to shut his trap. It's been a tough winter so far in Yankee Land with the departure of Torre, A-Rod and possibly Pettitte.
No need to tempt fate.
*CORRECTION: Posada did file for free agency.
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