Mariano Rivera
Late last night news came in that Mariano Rivera and the NY Yankees have allegedly agreed to a 2 year deal for $30 million dollars at $15 million dollars per year. The negotiations between Rivera and the Yankees have been in stark contrast to the soap opera affair that has been going on between Jeter and the Yankees. Unlike Jeter there was an actual market for Rivera; and to Rivera’s credit he also made it known he wanted to remain a Yankee to close out his career.
So I ask what’s Derek Jeter’s problem.
Why can’t he and his agent get it together and hammer out a deal with the Yankees?
I’ll tell you why… Jeter needs to realize as far as the baseball free agent market goes, he is not a wanted commodity like Alex Rodriguez was a couple of years ago and Mariano Rivera is now! Now there are a lot of Yankee fans and Mr. Jeter himself who would never admit it but it is what is.
Nothing has been confirmed but Rivera was offered a deal for $17 million that forced the Yankees to act quickly and lockup the closer. For the Yankee fans who want to criticize the Yanks for supposedly disrespecting Jeter aka “The Captain” check how the Yankees were originally offering Rivera a 1 year deal with an option for a 2nd year. Because of the market for Rivera the 41-year-old closer was able to solidify a guaranteed 2nd year. At $15 million a year Rivera will remain the highest paid reliever in baseball.
With all that said the Yankees as an organization are not completely innocent in the Jeter situation. Brian Cashman is playing tough with Jeter as he seems to be trying to show this is his show to run and he is enjoying the leverage he has over Jeter. Like Jeter Cashman also needs to take a step back and NOT embarrass “The Captain”. From recent reports it sounds like that is exactly what the Yankees are doing. If Jeter does not sign with the Yankees both sides will look bad.
So Jeter when the Yanks increase their initially offer of $15 million a year (total $45 million) to something like $20 million a year (increase in dollar amount not years); TAKE THE OFFER!!!
Jeter will end up being the 2nd highest paid shortstop behind Troy Tulowitzki (who recently inked an extension at $24 mil a year); That is more than a fair enough offer!!
Derek Jeter
As always….
If there is something to be said, “It’s On Broadway” to step up and say it!!!
It's On Broadway 