We are baseball's wealthiest team, and we couldn't afford one free agent?

Today, Forbes published its annual rankings of MLB franchises, according to value. Once again, the Yankees top the list - at an estimated worth of $3.4 billion.

Keep in mind: This does not include the YES Network, which was valued higher than the Yankees, last time Forbes did the math. A few years ago, the Steinbrenner family sold the majority interest in YES to Rupert Murdoch. It still owns a chunk, along with New York's pro soccer team.

The Steinbrenners are billionaires... pretending to be millionaires, so we'll feel sorry for them.

Years ago, I rejoiced over lists like this, because it meant the team would sign more star players and always compete for pennants. Even if we didn't get every free agent, we could always afford the best scouts, coaches, managers, administrators, etc.

What we have assembled, though, is the world's foremost selection of sycophants.

Yankee management is a country club, from which no commodore - regardless of his record - can ever be expelled.

And the team couldn't afford one free agent, not one, because Food Stamps Steinbrenner wanted to squeeze a few more thin dimes from the fan base.

The Yankees this year look like a wild card contender. Add David Price, and they would be clear favorites in the AL East. Add Yoan Moncada, and their farm system would be ranked among the top in baseball.

The owner does not care. He must have been adopted.