The New York Yankees hot stove has felt more like an icebox this offseason, and every one wants to know why.
As this winter has been full of mixed messages, causing a wave of emotions amongst Yankee fans—some sad, others angry and the rest in complete denial. While other MLB ball clubs are getting stronger, faster and younger, the Yankees have gotten worse.
And fans have Hal Steinbrenner to thank for that.
So it is about time George’s son gave some answers behind his logic, because what is happening here is unfair, unjust. It is damaging the game of baseball at its core.
Well, here are the five questions I would ask the Yankees inherited owner.
1. Following the announcement on November 20, 2012 of the mega-deal between YGE and News Corp, you stated to the Associated Press:
“The Steinbrenner family expects to have a continuing, long-term ownership stake in the YES Network and we will continue our yearly commitment of fielding a championship caliber team for decades to come.”
Do you feel like the Yankees are putting together a championship caliber team for the 2013 season? And how do you define “championship caliber?”
2. Presuming that you answered ‘yes’ to question No. 1, could you please explain why the Yankees did not even make an offer to starting catcher Russell Martin?
Martin signed a two-year; $17 million deal with the Pirates, leaving the Yankees without a top backstop and his 21 homers and I would like to how that makes the 2013 better?
3. You have been plenty upfront about wanting the Yankees payroll to fall under baseball’s $189 million maximum by the 2014 to avoid paying a 50 percent luxury tax, but is that really fair to fans?
If Yankee fans need a reminder of what Hal stated after getting swept in the 2012 ALCS please click HERE to be directed to the official Yankees Press Release.
4. In the beginning of this offseason, Yankees President Randy Levine claimed that the team had a plan or strategy ready to go. Could you please explain what Levine was taking about in detail?
5. Finally are the Yankees planning to lower regular season ticket prices in 2013? Or God forbid raise them up?
The bottom line here is the Bronx Bombers now have holes at 3B, DH, catcher, right field and the bench.
Add that to a 38-year old shortstop, a 43-year old closer, a 41-year old starter and an ace all coming back from recent surgeries. Oh don’t forget a farm system that is rotten at the top.
Well I don’t know about you, but that does not spell C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S-H-I-P to me.
Look, I get that the Yankees spend a lot more money compared to the other 29 teams, but saving a buck by not filling vital starting positions with legitimate players is extreme. Not to mention it is punishing Yankee fans for the big contracts they had nothing to do with.
Fans better be ready to kiss October baseball in the Bronx goodbye; and Hal Steinbrenner should be ready to see lots of empty seats if something doesn’t give.
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