Joel Sherman writes about the Hardball Times between the Yanks and Derek Jeter:
GM Brian Cashman would not discuss the particulars of that meeting, saying, “In fairness to the process, I am not talking about [the negotiations] it in any way.”
But confidants of Cashman said the GM is determined not to have the team get so lost in the past that it destroys the future by giving Jeter a contract that either lasts way beyond his effectiveness and/or overpays him to such a degree that hurts financial flexibility elsewhere.
That is why, the confidants say, Cashman decided to have a face-to-face, turning-the-page meeting with Jorge Posada in Manhattan to tell the longtime catcher that the plan is to go with youngsters behind the plate and that Posada is now viewed as a DH. And it is why, the confidants say, he essentially played bad cop with Posada’s pal, Jeter, at a meeting that also was attended by Hal Steinbrenner, team president Randy Levine and Jeter’s agent, Casey Close.
Grrrrr.
If Jeter weren't a lifelong Yankee, would you sign him as a free agent this year? How much would you give him?
Jeter obviously brings more to the table since he HAS always been a Yankee and is very important to their brand. But those are loyalty and business factors.
Just based on what he brings to the field and the clubhouse, how much is he worth at this point in his career?
I'd love to see the Yanks and Jeter a deal structure a deal that acknowledges his potential on the field impact and separates out, somehow, all the other stuff he brings to the table and is important to the Yankee brand.
[1] Last year the Yanks offered Johnny Damon 2 years @ 7 per year right?
Comparable offensive players, similar age and durability, I think the SS premium bumps that up to around 2 years @ 9 or 10 per season. That's what I think the Yanks would offer w/o any other considerations.
I really hope they don't go too much overboard. The fans would understand if they make a reasonable offer and Jeter rejects it. I really think for the most part they would. I love Jeter but I think his value on the field must be by far the number one consideration.
I was relieved to hear Cashman say as much on some show last week, that the off-the-field stuff to him is beside the point.
Offer Derek a lifetime "personal services" contract, and a playing contract for, 3-4 years (negotiate to 4-5 years, last year being a team option). Maybe 10-12 million. Derek's going to rake in more money in endorsements, in the biggest market possible.
No one would offer him more than the going rate, and being the Angel's SS just doesn't have the same cache.
Redman... Always makes me laugh.
I'd like to know what the plan is w/o Jeter, I love chaos & anarchy. I don't see it as pretty as anyone else, but what do I know.
Red is the Red Foxx of rap.
Give him whatever Rivera makes on a two year deal with a renewable player option like Tim Wakefield. Then when you announce the contract make a big deal about how much pride Derek Jeter has, how much you trust him, and how you know he wouldn't cheat himself and the fans by going out there and being a singles hitter who hits .270 and lets slow rollers go by for hits.
Jeter has no leverage here. His future endorsement money is tied up a lot in being a Yankee legend throwback, not the Mariners new shortstop.
And Jeter needs to bring an OF glove and a 1B glove to Spring Training without being told. Even Ripken moved to 3B when he got older. How many people have played shortstop at Jeter's age? Omar Vizquel and....?
Alex, what is your take on everyone, Hal and Randy and the back pages and the NYT, sliming Derek Jeter. Hasn't this guy been class since the day he put on pinstripes? For that, they call him greedy, has-been, and talk bad about him in the newspapers. And no one is defending the guy. Do you know why? We need a post.