After the Yankees refuse to budge, the Texas Rangers swoop in and sign Robbie Cano for 10 years at $270 million, seemingly sabotaging New York's chance for a quick 2014 turnaround.
The team, shaken by Cano's exit, adopts a two-year strategy.
For starters, the Yankees refuse to sign free agents with qualifying offers attached to their teams. They bring in 2B Omar Infante, Matt Garza, a stopgap catcher, a backup shortstop, plus the Japanese pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, and the Korean reliever, Oh Seung-Hwan - with the understanding that both will need a half-season to transition to America.
In essence, the Yankees realize that unless Teixiera, Sabathia, Jeter and even A-Rod return at a quality level of play, no free agent signings can lift the team to a championship season. So the franchise keeps its payroll under $189 million, freeing it to bid on free agents in 2015, without facing an oppressive luxury tax.
Thus, they enter the 2014 June draft with three, maybe even four first-round picks - (Granderson and/or Kuroda having moved elsewhere.) That means six or seven first-rounders in two years. Through scrap heap acquisitions, Brian Cashman's strongest point, and their aging stars, they contend for Selig's one-game fake Wild Card slot into September, then finish third.
But come 2015, with high picks rising through the system, plus at least a couple prospects who break out - maybe a Gary Sanchez, or a Slade Heathcott - the Yankees spend big on star free agents and build a long-term powerhouse, launching a string of seasons with teams challenging for first place, not the playoffs residue.
At that point, Hal Steinbrenner does what his father did, instead of what Bud Selig wants him to do: The Yankees keep their foot hard on the gas pedal, signing the best free agent available in each off-season - the equivalents of a Giambi, a Mussina and even a - gulp - Pavano - refusing to let up, simply because they won. (Note: Indications are that is the Redsock strategy this winter; they will not, as the Steinbrenner boys did in 2010, sit back and feel guilty for their spending surge.)
They don't sit back and count their money, because they remember the acidic, bile-laces hell they experienced in 2013 and 2014 from websites, such as IT IS HIGH. Thus, the Yankees win multiple championships, rather than one every 10 years.
Meanwhile, the Jogger is batting .256 with 18 home runs, playing 1B for Texas. And when he looks at New York City from his hurricane-flooded bunker on the Gulf Coast, and he realizes what he left behind, he wants to throw that gold watch Jay-Z gave him into the sea.
I could live with that.
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3 comments:
Your scenario is much better than what we will probably actually see playing out over the next few seasons.
ongbookNot too much love for Robbie coming from your readers. I must admit Robbie going to Jay-z and that watch/party he gave Robbie have soured me.
Bottom line is that, for me, Robbie should make no more than Pedroia. he is no more valuable to us that Pedroia is to the socks. If Robbie and his high-rolling agent want more, let him jog for another team.
Why would anyone jump on the sinking ship that is the Rangers? They had their best years already and Lynn Ryan is gone now. The window has been closing.
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