Kuzul

Picture a franchise player who was once considered one of the best players in baseball.  Fans watched him grow from an ambitious kid to a superstar, to now what could be the twilight of his career.  This is the case of Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees.

Ten years ago, Mr. Jeter signed a 10-year deal worth $189 million.  He earned every penny of that contract as he perpetually hit over .300, played stellar (and underrated) defense and won more championships than any other player in baseball except for his other core four teammates.

However, last year was his walk year, and Mr. Jeter had undoubtedly the worst season of his career.  He hit a paltry .270, and despite winning the Gold Glove, seemed a step slower in the field.  2010 was most definitely the worst season of his career.  Also, he turns 37 next June and it could be a recipe for disaster.

Any 36-year-old shortstop would have no business demanding a four-year deal.  Like catchers and pitchers, they have a short shelf life as they rely on their speed and athleticism to thrive in the field.  Couple that with naturally slowing bat speed—and a four-year deal usually does not work well for the team that signs the player.  Only two shortstops in recent memory were still playing at a high level into their 40s: future Hall of Famers Barry Larkin and Omar Vizquel.

That being said, Jeter’s agent, Casey Close, is pushing for a four or five-year deal.  Any other 36-year-old shortstop would never receive a deal of four years, and would likely get two at most.  The Yankees seem to be targeting a three-year deal.

So now, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is now stuck between a rock and a hard place. He must find a way to sign Jeter to a new deal because he is still the best shortstop available, and he is still Derek Jeter.  Jeter’s place in New York is so solidified that a failure to re-sign him would vilify Mr. Cashman for the rest of his tenure in the Bronx.

Both sides should agree to a three-year deal worth $45 million.  Jeter’s production was way down last year, but it could also be an anomaly, where he reverts back to form in 2011.  The deal would also give him a chance to reach 3,000 hits, a feat no Yankee has achieved, as well as the possibility of getting close to Pete Rose’s all-time hits record.   Most importantly, it keeps Derek in the Bronx for the rest of his career—a rarity in this business.

While newspapers, websites and ESPN seem to be making a big deal of the contract negotiations, and Yankees officials calling the negotiations a “messy” process, a deal will most definitely be done.  Expect Jete’ in pinstripes on opening day 2011.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Okay, so the New York Yankees contract negotiations regarding the big three of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Cliff Lee are not going quite as fans had hoped.

All the media hearsay and quotes coming from Yankee Camp has the Universe on edge. Some people, like myself, have turned to inventing conspiracy theories to try and justify what could be going on. The truth is turning into the predicted “messy” situation no one wanted.

The latest is GM Brian Cashman throwing Lee a check worth $115-$120 million for five years of his talents.

Over at Rivera’s camp, rumor has it that the asking price will cost the Yankees $36 million for two years of Mo’s services. Is Mo out of his mind to ask for a raise?

Yes because he is not better.  He’s still great, but showed a little wear and tear the last two seasons. To be asking for $six million more than his 2009 salary of $15 million per season is a little ridiculous.

Then you have to consider the tough position being taken with the ex-Captain. If the latest rumor that the Yankees front office has resorted to “arbitration-ambush” is true, then it’s so degrading considering that they are dealing with a living icon, not only to the Yankees, but what he represents to the city of New York as a hometown hero.

Here is what is so bothersome about this whole process, it seems the Yankees are way undervaluing the Captain’s presence. If Jeter goes elsewhere, the jeopardy it could potentially cause the organization, as a whole, will be worse than people are predicting.

New Yorkers will be pissed off and being well aware that not going to games means less money made, don’t think there won’t be some protesters urging fans to not go.

Also, Jeter and Rivera’s leadership is irreplaceable for the players. My bet is that without both of them, the Yankees will not make the playoffs in 2011. Jeter would be worse considering A-Rod might fall apart now that Jeter and him are friends.

Not to mention how it would affect Robbie Cano, who’s looked up to the Captain since day one. Jorge Posada is a best buddy of Jeter and very close with Mo and he could just not care anymore to win without them.

Everyone is saying it will happen, but with each passing day the media sticks the dagger in further which it is not comforting at all. It’s better for the Yankees to give a little more, as the saying goes it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Lee is getting shown the money to play in the Bronx, but more teams than just the Texas Rangers are rumored to be going after Lee. Hopefully Cashman has made a call to CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett to go do some pinstripe-PR with their friend.

Are the players being too greedy? Or is the organization at fault for showing how loyalty is still meaningless?

As Hal Steinbrenner has made clear that the negotiations are “business decisions”, which I found cold because what’s wrong with treating a loyal employee like family. “The Boss” will roll over in his grave if this gets as “messy” as his son said before it even started.

People are not robots and there’s nothing wrong with communicating to the two veterans more civilly in my opinion.

Why not ask Jeter and Mo what they think they are worth?

That could be a starting point, and Cashman, along with President Randy Levine, already pissed of Jeter’s agent Casey Close into making this statement:

“There’s a reason the Yankees themselves have stated Derek Jeter is their modern-day Babe Ruth. Derek’s significance to the team is much more than just stats. And yet, the Yankees’ negotiating strategy remains baffling. They continue to argue their points in the press and refuse to acknowledge Derek’s total contribution to their franchise.”

Well, Close jammed his foot in his mouth comparing Jeter and the Babe. Ruth went to the Boston Braves instead of resigning with the Bombers at the end of his career.

All I can say as a Jeter and Mo lifelong fan is that I am about to write a letter to Santa asking for the pair for Christmas. I am just not ready to let go yet and will not be a happy fan if this goes sour.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

While 2009 ended with a World Series championship, 2010 ended in disappointment.

While the Texas Rangers celebrated in front of their home crowd and were heading to their first World Series championship in franchise history, the 2010 offseason was beginning for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees and their 200 million dollar payroll, began their offseason earlier than expected.  Now multiple uncertainties surround this team, with some of the greatest players in franchise history becoming free agents.

It’s sad to write, but even the almighty Yankees can’t be the best every year. Only most of the time.

As the Yankees get back to the drawing board, and look to re-tune for 2011, here are the 10 biggest offseason questions facing this team.

Sit back relax and enjoy.

Let’s play ball. 

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Derek Jeter is still a free agent, much to the surprise of the entire baseball community.

Jeter’s agent, Casey Close, has said that he is “baffled” by the way negotiations are proceeding and how little respect the Yankees organization is showing for their most iconic player.

“They continue to argue their points in the press and refuse to acknowledge Derek’s total contribution to their franchise,” said Close, overlooking the fact that the Yankees have already paid Jeter more than $200 million over the course of his career.

Does Close really drink his own Kool-Aid?

The Facts

The Yankees have already offered Jeter a three-year deal worth $45 million. But the 36-year-old Jeter wants at least four years and has indicated he’d like to play until 2017.

If Jeter wants to play until he’s 43 when he’ll be relegated to utility-man duty, then that’s his prerogative. But the Yankees shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.

The $45 million contract that Jeter has already declined is not only fair, it’s about 50 percent more than what he’d receive on the free-agent market. Close is trying to take advantage of Jeter’s historic relationship with the team to inflate his client’s value.

That’s fine, if it wasn’t for one problem: Jeter’s value is already inflated to the point of bursting.

Let’s be perfectly clear here: Jeter is not a $15 million-a-year player. He may not even be a $10 million-a-year player, and the notion that he should be given a nine-figure contract is more asinine than the $19 million Carlos Lee made last season for a .708 OPS.

By the Numbers

 Jeter had a major drop-off in production in 2010, though naturally he was still an All-Star and a Gold Glove winner. His .270 batting average is more than 40 points below his career average of .314. His OPS dropped to .710 after reaching .871 in 2009. He hit eight less home runs (10) and stole 12 fewer bases (18) than he did in 2009, despite playing in four more games.

Jeter’s agent will argue that 2010 was an aberration and that Jeter is still an elite player. Or he may just be a 36-year-old shortstop with more than 2,000 games under his belt who may finally be on the decline.

It would be irresponsible for the Yankees to handcuff themselves to a player whose best years are clearly behind him, and is a defensive liability (despite what voters might tell you).

But they’re the Yankees! Can’t they afford to overpay everyone? Well, yes, they can. But it’s not in their best interest to do so, especially for a player like Jeter.

Cashman’s Dilemma

Yankees GM Brian Cashman is in a difficult position here. He can’t let Jeter sign elsewhere—it would be a PR nightmare. But he also can’t let Jeter dictate what his value to the franchise is.

If Cashman simply hands over a blank check to Jeter, then future aging Yankees stars will be inclined to demand the same. What happens when Alex Rodriguez asks for his third career nine-figure contract at the age of 41? What happens if Mariano Rivera or Jorge Posada decide they never want to retire and keep cashing paychecks into their 50s?

At some point the Yankees have to draw a line and stick to it. It may be the richest franchise in professional sports with bags of money bursting in every corner of Yankees Stadium, but that’s not an excuse to flush it down the drain by over-committing to someone like Jeter.

New York would be well served to make their stand now, rather than later. They could cut ties with Jeter and find a stopgap solution like Jason Bartlett for a few years, and then go hard after Hanley Ramirez when the Marlins superstar becomes a free agent. Or they could fold and give Jeter exactly what he wants.

Both decisions have dire consequences, but only one decision threatens to cripple the Yankees franchise.

Jeter’s accomplished enough in New York. It’s time for him to take his overrated talents elsewhere.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The 2010 season reached its conclusion and that can only mean one thing: The hot stove season is underway!

How will your team upgrade this offseason?

An integral part of any team is its closer. Look no further than the World Series champion Giants, a team that had a lights out postseason from closer Brian Wilson. It was an essential key to their success.

Having a reliable closer makes it so much easier on fans and coaches alike. A shaky closer can raise any manager’s blood pressure.

If you’re a fan of the Mets, Angels, Blue Jays, Rays, White Sox, Nationals, Marlins, Braves or Red Sox, pay attention.

Here are the power rankings for the top 10 free-agent pitchers that have the ability to be solid closers in 2011.

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The silence of free agency is overwhelming New York Yankees fans, as rumors of contract negotiations and who is going where are circling the sports media.

No one really knows much except that Yankees GM Brian Cashman met with ex-captain Derek Jeter in Tampa Bay, FL. Then, Cashman and crew headed to Benton, Arkansas to pay a visit to the home of free agent ace Cliff Lee.

Cashman also made a point to meet with catcher Jorge Posada so there was no confusion to his role for the 2011 season. To no surprise, Posada will primarily be a DH but still catch around 40-50 games. Posada was told to stick to his regular offseason regime and come to spring training ready to catch.

The only other fact confirmed by the Yankees is that a scheduled meeting with closer Mariano Rivera and his agents was up next.

Everyone wants this drama to have an ending ASAP.

What is most bothersome is the media’s new found shredding of Derek Jeter, which is a major embarrassment.

ESPN is turning into TMZ, featuring stories of icons like Jeter, Favre and Bonds, but the difference is Jeter is a gentleman. Jeter is not hopped on ‘roids or sending pornographic pictures to married women.

Jeter only won a Gold Glove, not because he campaigned hard to win nut. The voting for the Gold Glove Awards consists of all MLB managers and coaches, but they cannot vote for anyone on their respective teams. So, if haters need to blame anyone it’s the 29 non-Yankee managers for giving Jeter the award.

Jeter is a true real role model, works hard, and doesn’t cheat on his wife with hookers or harsh any woman he wants. Jeter is a winner, who is deeply respected by his peers and has still remained a humble captain.

That’s all the facts as of today. Plenty of hearsay and diarrhea of the mouth has and will go one, but until it comes out of Cashman’s mouth it is best to ignore it.

Please note: Robinson Cano won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger; Mark Teixeira won a Gold Glove. Congratulations to both of them.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

With Major League Baseball in its free agent infancy, it is time to start figuring out what the Yankees should do to retool for the 2011 season. With the free-agent market fairly weak after Cliff Lee and Carl Crawford, the Yankees will need to spend wisely.

They also enter the offseason with a few big questions. How much will they be willing to overpay for Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera? Will Andy Pettitte come back for one more season? If they do not sign Lee what does the rotation look like?

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The Texas Rangers and the San Francisco Giants have just finished the World Series of the underdogs, and the anticipation for baseball season is already growing. There is a lot of star power on the free agent market this year, and many analysts are already making bold predictions about next season.

Cliff Lee, Carl Crawford, Derek Lee, and Jayson Werth are just a few of the names on the free agent lists. Where will they go? Who will sign them? How much money will they sign for? 

I will be addressing 10 of the biggest offseason rumors for the MLB, and whether they are fact or fiction.

Without any further ado, here we go with Fact Vs. Fiction For 10 Talked About Offseason Rumors.

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New York Yankees stars Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte are all free agents that will most likely stay in New York. 

However, there is always a chance that each of these players could end up in a different uniform next season.  

Hal Steinbrenner was quoted as saying that negotiations with Jeter “could get messy.”  However, most sources are now saying that New York is willing to overpay for the shortstop. 

There is probably less chance of Mariano River changing uniforms.  If Mariano suddenly decides he wants a longer contract than two or three years, though, the Yankees may be willing to let the iconic relief pitcher go. 

Andy Pettitte is in a different situation.  The 38-year-old pitcher is likely to either stay with New York or retire.  On the other hand, there are plenty of teams that need to add a veteran starter to their rotation and may offer Andy an expensive one-year deal. 

If these stars do not play for the New York Yankees next season, here are some possible landing spots Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte.  

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The Yankees have many things on the to-do list this offseason, including re-signing a pair of legends in Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

On top of this, the Yankees need to replenish a roster that came up well short of their championship goals. For now let’s look at 10 players the Yankees should target this offseason.

This list includes players on the team last year that the Yankees need to bring back and free agents or trade possibilities they should take a look at.

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