Jeter...

Usually don't like to discuss these things.

Didn't they offer $45 million? And there's no reason to offer a declining 6 year deal if it won't be accepted.

Actually I'm for players getting as much as possible. At the same time, I wish there was a cap on an individual player. Say $15 million a year!

This would simplify things and no player would ever turn down the $15 million. It would also be nice if they took any money saved and paid their minor leaguers a bit more.

Cashman already told Jeter to test the market to see if he gets a better deal than 3 yrs for $45M.

Sounds like a good deal for an aging SS who may still bounce back after a bad year.

Jeter wants 5-6 years at $100M. As a GM, I wouldn't do it. A 2 or 3 yr I'd do or give him 1 yr at $20M

If it ain't good enough and can find a better deal (which he won't), then let him walk.

Jeter has no leverage. He had a bad year and he's going on 37.

If he can't make ends meet on $15M, then he got a serious issue with whoever handles his money.

In the end, Jeter will get his loot and the Yankees will continue to price out real fans and cater to stuffed shirts at Yankee Stadium who have no clue what a baseball looks like.

It seems like the Red Sox are always looking for a shortstop.

I have been watching these developments closely because this a different type of free agency than most. First let me say I have been a great fan of Jeter's for his whole career. But let me add, I look at these type things as a general manager would and not some smitten fan. On one hand you have a declining superstar who has been the face of the richest franchise for a long time and was extremely well compensated for that. In the other, you have a team that is trying to avoid setting monetary precedents despite the already overpaying in several instances.

One point: The $15 million per year offer is already vastly overpaying Jeter what he is worth on the open market and has the loyalty factor already factored in. He is worth at most 6 to 7 million a season on the open market and may not be worth that as he is worth far more to the Yankees as a symbol than he would be to anyone else.

A 6 year contract would be a complete waste as Jeter is already one of the poorest defensive shortstops and no longer has the offensive ability to play anywhere but second base and that's already occupied by a superior player. I remember when the Astros moved Biggio to the outfield. He was horrible out there.

Teams that want to win can not be deeply concerned about players personal goals such as 4000 hits and such. After last year, I don't think it's a given that Jeter will approach 4000 hits.

Jeter's agent comparing him to Ruth and stating that he should be treated like Ruth really shows how these agents try to appeal to fans with no regards to the truth. Ruth made the Yankees into what they were while quite truthfully, the Yankees have "made" Jeter. If Jeter was playing for the Royals or Pirates there would not be near the love and adulation for him except by the local fans. If his agent wants the Yankees to treat him like they did Ruth, then he better study up on his baseball history. Starting in 1932, after a year with 46 HRs and 163 RBI's the Yankees cut Ruth's salaries massively each year until they kicked him to the curb after the 1934 season. He was far above Jeter offensively until the end. While it was during the depression, the Yankees were stll making plenty of cash. What players and agents tend to forget is that up until free agency, when you had an off year or started declining you got cut in salary every time. There was no arbitration process which gives the player a raise no matter what virtually every time win or lose. There was no limit on how much a player could be cut. So its pretty asinine to call Jeter the present day Ruth or to want him to be treated the same.

Already there is a fan backlash that the selfless captain may be a little more concerned with dollars than his image led people to believe. The Yankees have payed him 205 million dollars in his career with countless millions more earned off the field. Yes, he gave the Yankees everything he had and earned everything he made. In other words he was worth the money he was paid. But unfortunately, he is not worth even close to 15 million a year now at his level of production. So he is coming across as a little greedy in these hard times when 15 million is an insult to him and his agent.

For those that think it was just an "off" year and he will return to his past performance--he is 37 years old with no performance enhancers hopefully to mar his image. While he could conceivably bounce back somewhat next year, the decline years are here and he would still be vastly overpaid.

What would a player named Fred Fern, 37 years old and with Jeter's stats for the past five years, be worth to the highest bidder?

Okay, now what is the "Jeter" name worth in ticket sales and TV ratings?

Add the two figures together and offer it to the man. If he doesn't think it's enough let him go.

The past, beyond whatever it contributes to ticket sales and TV revenue, is meaningless. He's been paid for the past. A new contract needs to be based on the future.

How many millions will the Yankees make on Jeter jerseys and the like over the next 30 years?

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:
...Okay, now what is the "Jeter" name worth in ticket sales and TV ratings?

Add the two figures together and offer it to the man. If he doesn't think it's enough let him go.

That is exactly what they have done.

quote:

How many millions will the Yankees make on Jeter jerseys and the like over the next 30 years?

I don't think it will be all that much. It's not like you see today's kids wearing Mickey Mantle jerseys. Today's kids don't hold on to baseball's past like our generation or generations earlier.

Now maybe the plan for the Yankees is to parade Jeter out during pomp & circumstance (old-timers day or a player's retirement day or any other function the Yankees put on)which is where you are paying Jeter for the future if the Yankees are looking at it as Jeter getting passed the torch when Yogi Berra is gone (although Berra could live to 100 the way he's going..LOL). Since Jeter does seem to be the one who will one day be the last called out on old-timers day or be the face of the greatest living Yankee or something, maybe that's why in part, the Yankees will or should pay him more than the other teams because he has no history with any other franchise and his only value as a brand name is as a career Yankee player.

With other teams, only his current value as a 36 year old SS on the decline is what he's woth to them.

But at the same time, giving Jeter a 5-6 yr contract is nuts and the sooner Jeter sees that, the sooner they'll get a deal done.

quote:

Originally posted by zombywoof:

quote:

How many millions will the Yankees make on Jeter jerseys and the like over the next 30 years?

I don't think it will be all that much. It's not like you see today's kids wearing Mickey Mantle jerseys. Today's kids don't hold on to baseball's past like our generation or generations earlier.

Top selling MLB jerseys Guess who's #1?

I agree with Zombywoof that the money made on players images is mostly while they are active. My whole point is that the premium for being who he is has already been figured into the 15 million dollar per year offer. He would get no more than 6 or 7 million from anyone else if that. Why just once can't a former star or superstar nowadays just say, " Well I'm not what I used to be but I still enjoy the game so 3 years and 15 million is more than generous considering where I'm at in mu career." Men like Stan Musial actually asked to be cut after a poor year. Bob Feller and his dad would not let him be declared a free agent after he had a chance as a rookie, a decision that would cost him tens of thousands of dollars in the 1930's because they felt Cleveland gave him his first chance and they had a handshake deal as well as he felt that the money would come AFTER he performed. Nowadays, professional athletes and many of us too measure ourselves as persons based on how much money is made. This is kind of sad in a way because Jeter is a fine man and doesn't need to think that way.

quote:

This would simplify things and no player would ever turn down the $15 million. It would also be nice if they took any money saved and paid their minor leaguers a bit more.

This makes far too much sense ... thus will never happen. Players think they are in the entertainment business. You don't see anyone suggesting that Brad Pitt cap his income and share some of that wealth with the poor bit actors in the "Screen Actors Guild."

I blame Agents for much of this "gamemenship" that we see between players and owners during high profile contract negotions that seem often to be played out in the press.

I'm betting Jeter wants to stay in New York and will eventually do so but only after his Agent and he squeeze every last nickle they possibly can out of the Yankees. While, on the other hand, the Yankees want to keep Jeter but not at a Premium and not for a year longer than they feel he will be productive.

It is our Free enterprise system at work and if egos on either side aren't bruised too badly in the process, it will eventually get done.

i'll bring him to work with me for a week, he'd be doing cartwheels to sign for 1 mill.

In other blogs some Yankee fans have stated he should get paid over 20 million and given as many years as he wants due to his "leadership abilities". While being a good leader might be worth some small percentage, it's RBI's, hits, HRs, fielding plays and outs put on the board by pitchers that wins games and championships. His leadership abilities since 2001 has won one less world's championship than the anti-leadership of Manny so I don't think that's too quantifiable in monetary terms.

quote:

Originally posted by SultanofSwat:

quote:

Originally posted by zombywoof:

quote:

How many millions will the Yankees make on Jeter jerseys and the like over the next 30 years?

I don't think it will be all that much. It's not like you see today's kids wearing Mickey Mantle jerseys. Today's kids don't hold on to baseball's past like our generation or generations earlier.

Top selling MLB jerseys Guess who's #1?

The list proves zombie's point. How many names of players who've been retired for 20 years or more did you see on it?

quote:

Originally posted by zombywoof:
Jeter wants 5-6 years at $100M. As a GM, I wouldn't do it. A 2 or 3 yr I'd do or give him 1 yr at $20M

I like Jeter, but have you not made enough money already in the ballpark of $205 million? C'MON MAN

The Yankees deal of 3yrs for $45M is more than fair and very generous.

http://www.baseball-reference....aders_salaries.shtml

.

"In the end, Jeter will get his loot and the Yankees will continue to price out real fans and cater to stuffed shirts at Yankee Stadium who have no clue what a baseball looks like."

Baseball...yes?






.

As one who despises all things Yankees, it just warms my heart to see Jeter and the Yankees having a lovers' quarrel.

Outside of New York, the truth is that nobody much cares, but the NY press makes it sound like the world's #1 issue.

The Yankees, who have paid him well for years, are offering more than he is worth, and if he has turned it down, he's just another greedy player looking to cash out on one last big contract. What-can't Minka make it on $15,000,000.00???

I hope it turns into a cat fight.

Go O's!

Agree with hokieone....I despise all things Yankee, but I do respect Jeter's legacy, work ethic, and leadership. I love the drama distraction going on right now in the Bronx. Very bad timing for Yankee management to all of the sudden become fiscally responsible. 3 years/$45M is a 100% premium over what he is worth. His batting avg is 64 points lower than the previous year, and his SS range has been suspect for the last 5 years. If this was anyone else, he would be walking with his skill set.

Prediction: They will settle on the 3yrs/$45M and maybe add another year. Jeter will blame his agent that his demands/requirements were taken out of context, and all will be good in Yankee land. This will provide the necessary and traditional Yankee overpayment, and protect Jeter's squeeky clean image. Both sides save face.

Jeter wants to stay a Yankee and it's not about the money. He gets more money in endorsements and the Yankees rake it in on royalty sales of Jeter memorabilia. How much is A-Rod getting again?

Someone stated to give more money to minor leaguers I believe. Minor leaguers are paid according to their contract and also what MLB and MiLB has in their player development agreements which are all tied into the CBA. If it was feasible to pay minor leaguers more money it would have been done already.

You have to love free-agency and Marvin Miller.

Yankees still have Pettitte and Mo to sign too.

Just the beginning of a long long winter/off-season!

On Thanksgiving when I am blessed to have my family, who are all in good health celebrating the day together, I consider how lucky I am, despite the fact that I am unemployed due to challenges in the economy.

Then I consider $15,000,000 divided by 162 games is $92,592.59 per game or $18,518.52 per AB based on 5 AB's per game and wish I could pinch hit for Jeter to bring in some money for the family this holiday season.

I promise to pay taxes, agent commission and any other fees that Derek has to pay.

quote:

Originally posted by ken:
How many millions will the Yankees make on Jeter jerseys and the like over the next 30 years?

How is a can of WD-40 similiar to a Derek Jeter jersey. Your good for 20 years after the initial purchase

Another ironic thing is that if Jeter walked he would have to settle for LESS than the Yankees are offering but if Mo Rivera put himself on the open market, even at age 40 he would probably get the highest multiyear contract a reliever has ever gotten. He really did not show much in the way of decline yet.

.

"How is a can of WD-40 similiar to a Derek Jeter jersey. Your good for 20 years after the initial purchase"

I'm pretty sure that this is the same can Ol' Doc Martin grabbed to help loosen things up in the delivery room at Tillamook Co. General Hospital back in '54.


Every birthday, after carefully blowing out the candles, I still get that sweet chemical aftertaste...distinctively WD 40©.


WD 40© was always very poular on the coast since it's boast of "displaces moisture" captured everyone's attention...even young moms. Tillamook gets 100"+ of rain annually and you just know some of those spray tips were replaced with n!pples!

And come to think of it I don't recall any of my classmates being nicknamed Rusty.




.

quote:

Originally posted by Sportsdawgy:
Jeter wants to stay a Yankee and it's not about the money.

So he turns down $15 mil a year and says he is worth at least $20 mil, regardless of the length of a contract and it's not about money?

The Yankees kind of caused this to be worse than it had to be when they overpaid ARod when they had him over a barrel after he opted out of his contract. I'll never figure that one out. It had to be Hank Steinbrenner who made that decision. They would have been in position to cut ARod's salary at that time since no one else was coming forward with any huge offers and Boston was out of the equation. But they gave him extra money they didn't have to and now Derek and his agent feel a precedent has been set. But wanting 23 or 24 million for 4 or 5 years is sheer fantasy.

First I'm all for a player making as much as he can. But the player has to be sensible regarding his worth. The Yankees hold the cards. They will continue to be successful without Jeter. The Yankees have no use for Jeter after this year. A one year contract would be an insult. I don't see the value of a contact any longer than two years. Jeter will be far from the first star at the end of his career who has far less in the tank than he believes. Mays, Aaron and Ruth thought they had more. This is nothing new. Even as a Red Sox fan I would hate to see Jeter finishing his career as a .270 hitter on a pretender. He's a Yankee.

None of us live in the ideal world. But in my ideal world if I was an aging star at the end of a contract and a bank vault full of money, I'd ask for two years then go year to year where the Yankees tell me confidentially when it's over so I can call a press conference announcing my retirement. Each year I would tell the press I'm taking it one year at a time.

RJM,

Totally agree. The player is the last to see that he's losing it because they're just not wired to see themselves that way. What made them great season after season or in the clutch is the very thing that stops them from seeing themselves objectively. In the end it can lead to some sad situations.

From Jeter's point of view he's one year removed from a career of .300 seasons. The Yankees see a 36yo hitting .270 and hope he doesn't hit .250 next year.

The comments about Jeter's worth to the Yankees show less than half the negotiation.

The fact is, any economic commodity, whether it's in goods or in the form of personal services, has its value determined by both supply and demand.

The amount of revenue Jeter generates for the Yankees represents the MAXIMUM that the Yankees should consider paying him.

For most players, the MINIMUM is usually set according to what the player could command out on the open market. Offering less than that normally means you lose the player to free agency. And if your maximum is less than his market value, you should let him go. (Though this is normally more a problem for small market teams than for the Yankees.)

The difference between the max and the min might be looked on as a form of profit. Which side gets how much of that is exactly what the negotiations are all about. At some point they'll come to terms somewhere in the middle. But saying the player shouldn't get it is equivalent to saying the ownership should. I don't see why we need to take sides in all that. And it always mystefies me that fans seem to focus in on what the players make, as if that's somehow bad, even knowing that anything they don't get ends up in the pockets of people like the Steinbrenners.

But Jeter has something unique going on that makes his situation different from pretty much everyone else's. He has to remember that his non-salary income (commercial endorsements, etc.) would fall tremendously if he suddenly donned a non-Yankees uniform. Even more if he went to the only other team that can typically even entertain the thought of paying $20m for one player -- because his legacy with Yankees fans would be forever damaged if he ended his career with the Red Sox.

It seems to me that the Yankees are in a position to drive a hard bargain here, because they have something Jeter has to have, namely, the ability to retire a Yankee and be treated as our generation's Joe Dimaggio for the rest of his life. He can get that only by re-signing with the Yankees.

My guess is that Jeter could probably sign with the Yankees for the MLB minimum and do better, over the rest of his life, than if he took $25 million from some other team for just the few years he has left to be an active player. So, who's kidding whom? He pretty much has to take whatever they're offering, and given that, $15 million seems pretty generous to me. Whatever profit the owners get to keep on Jeter (and I'm sure there'll be plenty) is their way of capitalizing on the value they've built in the Yankees name and franchise.

If Jeter were smart, he'd take the money and spin it as him being a team player, leaving payroll room so the team could continue to pay his teammates fairly. That would just burnish his spotless image even more. So much so he'd probably get all that he gave up back, and more, in non-salary money earned off the field.

P.S.

For those who get all upset about what players make: I'll bet your perspective would change if we were talking about your son as the player under discussion. That would bring out the free market capitalist in you!

quote:

If Jeter were smart, he'd take the money and spin it as him being a team player, leaving payroll room so the team could continue to pay his teammates fairly. That would just burnish his spotless image even more.

This would be a great idea except the Yankees have always spent as much as desired. I don't believe the Red Sox have any interest in Jeter. They have a stud shortstop prospect a year or two away from the majors. Even if they trade Scutaro they have Lowrie to fill in for a season or two. Everything else I agree with. It will be interesting to see how Jeter saves face. He's backed into a corner.

From the Boston Globe ....

"Derek Jeter is much too aware of his legacy to ever join the Yankees' greatest rival, even if he becomes Icing-Ken-Huckaby-Level angry and vengeful at their "baffling" three-year, $45 million contract offer. No matter how much damage Yankees management does to his swollen pride and exposed ego during these negotiations, he will never return to Yankee Stadium in a opposing uniform and subject himself to chants of "JEETAH! TRAITAH!" CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCLAP. He's not going anywhere, and he's especially not going here."

"Sure, we know Rivera, like Jeter, will end up back in pinstripes when all is settled. But if you want to daydream of one legendary Yankee making the traitorous jump to Boston, why not daydream about the one who is still, you know, good?"

Entire article: Derek and the dominoes

Good post Midlo, especially the last paragraph.

I read somewhere that Jeter is worth about 12-13M a year. Wins Above Replacement (War), a new stat in determining a players worth.
As Midlo points out, they both need each other so I expect a compromise, how many years will be the deciding factor on the amount.

JMO.

That's what I've been saying all along--the Red Sox ought to offer Rivera a two year contract and really drive the Yankees nuts. Plus you could use Papelbon as the setup man--abeit an expensive one.

I'm kind of surprised Jeter's WAR is as high as that. I would have guessed lower.

These discussions are always interesting.
From my perspective, I continue to wonder why so many are supportive of ownership especially against a player like Jeter.
One aspect that Cashman has to know is that by telling Jeter to test the market, he may have set up MLB and the teams for a collusion situation.
If Jeter does not get one offer for more than one year at $20,000,000 per year, something is wrong..collusion?
MLB revenues, per Bud, are at an all time high. The Yankees are at an all time high.
The Dodgers gave Manny 2 years at $20,000,000 plus with all his baggage and in a decline, by comparison. If offers for Manny money/years are not forthcoming to someone like Jeter, the players association and others are going to look underneath and want to know why.
One other aspect is what Jeter means to the Yankees.
His teammates describe him as a competitive "inferno" in terms of what he brings to the team.
Do others truly think a professional athlete with the talent and pride of Jeter won't work his tail off to show last year was a one time deal...and still the Yankees win in 2010 with better/deeper pitching and a better year from the $25,000,000 Arod?
Also, who will the Yankees sign to replace him? Nope, no one out there.
Jeter is approaching 3000 hits and other milestones.
I personally think it happens with the Yankees and I don't think they will continue the hard line in the press as time passes...and they don't have Jeter or a substitute, since none exists.
Personally, I do and have traveled to watch Jeter. Been to Seattle to see him and other places. He puts but ts in the seats and makes MLB plenty of $$$$$, far more than he makes.
My view is the Yankees will continue to be public and Jeter will continue to be quiet and express puzzlement and disappointment.
It is much easier for the Yankees to call a mea culpa as time passes and the pressure on them rises.
It might be different if they have the next Jeter in waiting to show as the big "chip."
They do not.
I for one don't see this ending at 3 years and $45,000,000. Can you imagine if the Angels or Cubs or another team steps up and does offer the $$$$. Cashman will be crucified in NYC, in my view.
"Competitive inferno."
How many players have that type of respect in the clubhouse? One!
The $$$$ that gets tossed around in MLB is astounding for most everyone. We just cannot think of it in the way we view those amounts.
Juan Uribe is reportedly getting 3 years and about $22,000,000 from the Dodgers coming off a year when he hit less than .250. The thong guy just received $22,000,000 for 2 years from the Giants.
Build Jeter's value/numbers around the base that is getting established and a situation of no top shortstops for the Yankees to aquire.
I don't think Jeter will be disappointed.
This will work out or a collusion investigation might be the result.

quote:

Plus you could use Papelbon as the setup man--abeit an expensive one.

The Red Sox would trade Papelbon if the right offer came forward. They already have Bard in the setup role waiting to take over as closer. Bard could wait if Rivera could be signed for two years. The Sox don't believe in long term contracts for closers. But, look for both Jeter and Rivera to resign with the Yankees.

quote:

Originally posted by Three Bagger:
I'm kind of surprised Jeter's WAR is as high as that. I would have guessed lower.

I do beleive he was tied for the worst (WAR) within his group (ss) and performed significantly below what he is worth. This is not speaking out against the player, who I feel should be given consideration as to who he is and what he brings as a yankee lifer, experience and still a productive ss.

I am just learning about WAR, think it is an interesting stat placing value upon a player's worth.

Did he just have a bad year or is his age catching up?

Although an allstar, his numbers actually suggest he performed in replacement value that of a reserve?

I a not sure I agree with the dollar amount which is his WAR value as a yankee.

I am not in favor of management, the yankees can well afford to pay Jeter what he wants, I am not sure it's about the money, but more about the time.

I'm certainly not in favor of management against Jeter. But Jeter is not some kind of superman who will buck the odds and all past statistical data from the last 110 years. 37 year old shortstops, especially ones who were NEVER among the top fielding ones even in his prime do not suddenly get better. It is ludicrous to even think any other team would offer him over twenty million a season in a multiyear deal when Marko Scutero is what Jeter is as an offensive player at this point in his career. People don't award multiyear twenty million dollar plus contracts for the respect they bring to the clubhouse. Comparing Uribe or Huff who signed or are signing for a fraction of what Jeter wants actually undermines Jeter's case. Uribe was actually a better offensive player DESPITE his .248 average. That's why I keep stating over and over that if you still think things like batting average tell the story, you are sadly behind the times. Uribe's OPS was .749 to Jeter's .710. Jeter made 484 outs in 157 games. He is at the point where he is a seventh or eight place hitter. he might bounce back somewhat to numbers in between 2009 and 2010 but only one shortstop in history was at 36 through age 38 better than what Jeter did in 2009 and that was the one of the truly greatest players of all time--Honus Wagner.

ThreeBagger,
As always, I really enjoy your thoughts and comments.
I think we come at this with a very different view.
Based on all your posts and knowledge of the game, I don't at all discount your views and thoughts. Yours probably have more merit than mine, because I readily admit my ultimate suspicion of the manner in which MLB teams deal with most players.
Some additional ideas of how I see this:
1.) Does 2010 mean Jeter is washed up, and on the downside as you suggest, or is it one mediocre year following at least 6 terrific years including his amazing 2009 season?
Clearly we are on opposite sides of this. You feel the WAR and age and last season mean Jeter is close to if not done, he is a 7-8 hitter as you suggest. I don't agree. Jeter is not every other player. There are few, if any, like him in the history of baseball. His make up is second to none. His mental make up is second to none. People have argued his defensive shortcomings for years. Nothing new, there. I don't believe Jeter is done and would expect this position taken publicly by Cashman and the Yankees will propel/motivate him.
2.) Why are the Yankees using the press in the way they are with Jeter? I don't for one second think this isn't planned with a purpose in mind.
3.) If the Yankees are so confident in their position and offer vis a vis the reported "outlandish" demands of Jeter, why not offer him arbitration? It is only for a one year contract, they get 2 top draft picks if they end up not signing him, and they have the ability to vilify Jeter in front of an arbitrator and the public. Don't we both know the reason they did not offer is the fear they lose and they want Jeter for more than one year. Plus, if he has another 2009 year, they negotiate in 2011 against that picture.
4.) One place I do question is the Scutaro aspect. Do you truly equate Scutaro with Jeter? How many players sign in NY and go to the dumps? Plenty. Jeter is a guy who thrives in NYC. Torre clearly said Jeter is the guy who makes the difference in the Yankees and I think Torre, along with the teammates who refer to him as the competitive "inferno" understand what Jeter brings in the dugout and his ability to survive, thrive and succeed in NYC.
5.) How many WS Championships did the Yankees win before vs. after Jeter?
6.) I fully recognize some are arguing Jeter has been paid for whatever he did. It is a very fair position and understandable argument. I don't agree. In MLB baseball dollars, with the Yankee/NYC inflation, Jeter has been underpaid for all his contributions and indvidual/team successes over the past 7 years of his contract. The Yankees and MLB have made billions and the game has peaked in popularity during a time Jeter has played at a very high level. Jeter, like Ripken, is one of those players MLB uses and points to as the "face" of the game.
Has Jeter been paid well? Absolutely. Has he been paid his true worth to the Yankees and MLB over the course of his last contract? Not even close, in my view. The Yankees and MLB underpaid Jeter for the value he brought/brings to each.
7.) I fully appreciate the "Billy Ball" and "Moneyball" aspect. It is very legitimate to use in MLB. But, as I think we both agree, "Moneyball" hasn't even proven to be fully successful in Oakland.
8.) What are the Yankees afraid of with Jeter that lead them to go public. Jeter is not going public. He is handling this just as I expected Jeter would do.
The Yankees have a reason for every story they are planting about Jeter. I'm not buying it. My view is the Yankees are trying to use one year, 2010, to get 4 years for a cheaper price with Jeter. Nothing more to this. If they felt Jeter was deteriorating and won't be around long, go to arbitration, pay the one year, and see what happens. I believe the Yankees want the security of more years based on Jeter not being in decline, and they believe that, but they want to pay less $$$ based on one year, 2010, and they went public with this posture.
JMO, but I would leave to see Sabean and the Giants ownership call that bluff and sign Jeter in SF, like they did with Bonds in 1993.

Tom Verducci does a much better job of articulating my views and provides more player references approaching/similar to the Jeter situation. I guess that is why he gets paid.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c...index.html?eref=sihp

Jeter a San Francisco Giant. Boy, I sure like the "ring" of that.

Jeter requested 6 years/$150M.

Yankees requested 3 years/$45M.

The optimist in me would say there is a lot of negotiating room in there to figure this out. The pessimist in me thinks this is not going to end well for either side. The ball is in Jeter's court. If I was Yankee mgt I would stick to my guns because I hold all the cards.