JG, you really shouldn't hold back your feelings. Share your thoughts with us. It truly is healthy for you to vent now and then.

Please, what do you REALLY feel??

Yanks, Posada agree to $52.4M deal; Rivera gets offer

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees and Jorge Posada agreed Monday night to a $52.4 million, four-year contract that keeps the catcher off the free-agent market.

A five-time All-Star, Posada said Sunday he was "really close" to a deal with the Yankees and his preference was to remain with the only major league team he's played for.

A person familiar with the talks confirmed the deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because the team didn't announce it. The sides were working late Monday on wrapping up details of the agreement, which was first reported by the Daily News on its Web site. Posada must pass a physical before the contract is finalized.

Posada's $13.1 million average salary becomes the highest for a catcher, topping the $10 million Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez and Boston's Jason Varitek currently are guaranteed and the $13 million Mike Piazza averaged under his contract with the New York Mets from 1999-05. Rodriguez will earn $13 million next year, the option season of his contract with the Tigers.

New York also was trying to re-sign Mariano Rivera before Tuesday, when free agents could start talking money with all clubs, but those talks were taking longer to complete.

Posada and his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson, had lunch Monday with Mets general manager Omar Minaya and vice president Tony Bernazard. The Yankees initially offered the 36-year-old Posada a three-year contract but upped their proposal to four years on Monday evening.

Posada hit a team-high .338 this year with 20 homers and 90 RBIs. He set career highs for average, slugging percentage (.543) and on-base percentage (.426).

The Levinsons also represent Boston third baseman Mike Lowell, and the Yankees already have had dialogue with the pair about the World Series MVP, whose preference appears to be to stay with the Red Sox.

Rivera, an eight-time All-Star who turns 38 on Nov. 29, was in the Dominican Republic on Monday, and the closer said if he couldn't reach a deal with New York, he would consider following manager Joe Torre to the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is expected to receive a three-year contract and Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said Rivera already had been given an improved offer.

"The Yankees are my first option," he said in Santo Domingo. "But if that is not possible, there is Joe with the Dodgers."

General manager Brian Cashman said re-signing the pair are his top priorities right now.

"The ball's pretty much in their court now. They've both been made very good offers now, and we'll see where they're at," Steinbrenner said Monday afternoon. "We'll see how committed they are."

Steinbrenner said the Yankees still were trying to gauge what the Florida Marlins might want in a trade for All-Star third baseman Miguel Cabrera, who is being made available.

"We got a couple ideas, what they might be asking for, and it's a lot," Steinbrenner said. "I don't know what's going to happen there, but there's still plenty of time on that."

It's also far too early to determine whether the Minnesota Twins will attempt to trade two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who can become a free agent after next season. Steinbrenner said the Yankees certainly would speak with the Twins if he becomes available.

"I think somebody would be foolish to say they have no interest in Santana," he said, "but it depends. It depends on what they're looking for."

Source: ESPN

That's good news for the Yankees. It's a ton of money.

For the Yankees it isn't a lot of money but it is somewhat of a long-term deal. Posada's 36 right now. Sure he came off the best season of his career but by the time this contract expires he'll be 40 and his skills will be deteriorated by then. Unfortunately for the Yankees, they had no other options. There aren't any other great catches on the market right now and the one in the minors isn't developed yet/too young. Regardless, I'm glad Jorge's staying and hopeful Mo does as well.

Well, I'm happy to see that Georgie will retire in pinstripes. Who knows? A couple of years from now, maybe they'll move him to 1st base.

Btw, I heard that Bernie Williams may be going to LA.

WHAT!? Where did you hear that?

It was in an article I read. He was honored at Torre's fundraiser for the Safe at Home Foundation, and the article was about the dinner. It was in the article that Williams, who never officially retired, might be going out West to play for Torre.

On the one hand I could see it happening but on the other I can't. Sure he could be dying to play for Joe again but he should know he's not going to win a World Series out there. Heck, he probably won't even make the playoffs with the Dodgers.

I don't think he cares. I think perhaps Bernie just wants to play again.

A-Rod confirms interest in Yankees

NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez confirmed his initiation of direct contact with the Yankees on Wednesday afternoon, with the motive of keeping alive the possibility of his future in New York.
In a statement posted on AROD.com, Rodriguez's official Web site, the All-Star third baseman said that he has spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family and is taking part in continuing dialogue with the club.

"After spending time with Cynthia and my family over these last few weeks, it became clear to me that I needed to make an attempt to engage the Yankees regarding my future with the organization," Rodriguez said.

"Prior to entering into serious negotiations with other clubs, I wanted the opportunity to share my thoughts directly with Yankees' ownership. We know there are other opportunities for us, but Cynthia and I have a foundation with the club that has brought us comfort, stability and happiness."

A baseball source at the Owners Meetings in Naples, Fla., with knowledge of the negotiations told MLB.com that the Yankees are proceeding to open a dialogue with Rodriguez.

The Yankees publicly backed away from Rodriguez after Game 4 of the World Series, when Rodriguez's agent, Scott Boras, delivered word that Rodriguez had opted out of his contract and forfeited the remaining three years and $81 million on his deal.

At the time, Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner dismissed talk of pursuing A-Rod, saying, "It's good-bye." Yankees general manager Brian Cashman reiterated numerous times that the Yankees could not fiscally pursue Rodriguez if he opted out, citing the loss of a $21.3 million subsidy obtained when Rodriguez was acquired from the Texas Rangers.

So it was surprising when, citing a source with knowledge of the situation, the New York Daily News first reported on Wednesday that Rodriguez and the Yankees have opened a scenario that would keep the likely 2007 American League Most Valuable Player in pinstripes after all.

But the Yankees, who were rebuffed when they asked repeatedly to meet with Rodriguez after the season, have one request of their own. According to the report originally published on the newspaper's Web site, the Yankees have no plans to negotiate with Boras.

"We will not negotiate with Scott Boras," a club source told the Daily News. "He cannot be in the room."

Yet that insistence may place the Yankees in violation of baseball's Collective Bargaining Agreement, according to Michael Weiner, the general counsel of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

"That clearly is a violation of the Basic Agreement," Weiner told FOXSports.com on Wednesday. "Once a player designates an agent, a club cannot refuse to meet with that agent."

According to that Web site's report, the Yankees would be able to avoid Boras only if Rodriguez fires the agent and chooses either to represent himself or pick another representative. Rodriguez has made no such overtures toward Boras, who has represented the 11-time All-Star since he was 16.

Steinbrenner, Cashman and Boras did not immediately return telephone messages left by MLB.com.

Rodriguez, 32, is the clear-cut favorite to be named as the AL MVP when the award is announced on Monday. It would be Rodriguez's third time bringing home the honors in his career and the second in four seasons as a member of the Yankees.

Rodriguez led the Major Leagues in home runs (54), RBIs (156) and runs scored (143) in 2007, batting .314 with 24 stolen bases while helping the Yankees dig out of an early hole and attain the AL Wild Card before falling to the Cleveland Indians in the AL Division Series. He also clubbed his 500th home run on Aug. 4 against the Kansas City Royals, becoming the youngest player in history to reach that mark.

Citing his comfort in New York, Rodriguez confirmed that he approached the Yankees through a third-party intermediary.

"I reached out to the Yankees through mutual friends and conveyed that message," Rodriguez said. "I also understand that I had to respond to certain Yankees concerns, and I was receptive and understanding of that situation.

"Cynthia and I have since spoken directly with the Steinbrenner family. During these healthy discussions, both sides were able to share honest feelings and hopes with one another, and we expect to continue this dialogue with the Yankees over the next few days."

The Yankees, who had no official comment on the Rodriguez proceedings, are apparently unconcerned that Rodriguez's overture could be a ploy to generate interest in the All-Star. While most clubs would love to add a player of Rodriguez's magnitude, teams with the financial wherewithal to realistically do it this offseason could be scarce.

"We realize it could be a trap to get us back in the negotiations," one Yankees official told the Daily News, "but we don't think that's the case."

Source: Yankees

John Sterling said on the Mike and the Mad Dog Show this afternoon that it was a "101 percent done deal," according to his source. That Hank Steinbrenner finally agreed to meet with A-Rod on the condition that Boras not even be in the room and that Alex indicated he'd admit it was a mistake to be led by Boras in the first place. They're saying the deal is worth $275 million for ten years. I still don't like A-Rod, but if this is all true, it's nice to see Boras finally get his comeuppance.

Oh, another "source" claims Derek Jeter is NOT happy that A-Rod has apparently been let off the hook by Yankee management.

Yeah I heard the deal was for 10 years, $250. I'm happy that he had to take less money and hopefully will deflat his ego and bring him somewhat back to earth seeing as he now looks like a jackass for opting out of the contract, not even listening to the Yankees first offer, and now taking less money. Good for the Yankees, Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman

I didn't hear that. Where did you hear that from?

Mike Francesa's "source."

ARod should go stuff it. I don't want him back. The Yankees held out a hand, and he spit it on it. Screw him.

Now he finally realizes what an a$$ he was and no one was gonna pay him $350 million to choke in October Again, good for the Yankees for sticking to their guns

Well, I can't wait to see how the fans will treat him after this.

Personally, I think 10 years is way too long. How strong is he going to be in his 40s?? How many injuries might he have between now and then? And they couldn't cough up a million or two for Bernie last season?? At least he usually came through in the clutch!

I understand where you're coming from SB. However, in all fairness to A-Rod, he's been healthy throughout his career. He's played a minimum of 129 games every year since 1996. He also has averaged 43 home runs over that period of time. Not many other players in MLB can say the same in terms of games played and home runs hit. The major advantage for A-Rod is he's still young (he's only 32), will be a major draw for the new Yankee Stadium in 2009, and he's currently the most likely candidate to break Barry Bonds home run record in a couple of years.

As for Bernie, as much as I love the guy, there wasn't anywhere for him to go. I don't remember if he would have come off the bench but his outfield skills were too far gone. He could have DHed with Giambi but in all honesty, there wasn't any room for him. I love Bernie and it's nothing personal but how much would he have helped the team really?

You're taking this awfully personal. This is business. You're taking it personal.

Considering that most of the team didn't actually HIT the ball during the playoffs, perhaps he would have been a HUGE help!!

And, yes, SC, as a woman, I take everything personally!!

Even still, the pitching for the Yankees would have soured anything good Bernie could have sparked offensively

Bernie may have gotten the hit they needed in the 8th or 9th in game 2 against the Indians.

It should be interesting to hear what other teams were offering. If it comes out.
I bet A-Rod found out that he wasn't worth as much as Boras made Alex think he was.
There is also the point of going to a team that may get him a ring.

Why did he opt out in the first place if he wants to play for the Yanks?

If he goes back to the Yanks, does Texas still have to pay the 12 mil or whatever the amount is?

It remains to be seen whether A-Rod really wanted to play for the Yankees all along. Boras, his agent, made a calculated risk that other teams were going to throw more money at A-Rod than the Yankees were willing to give him. Apparently, Boras and A-Rod didn't find what they were looking for.



Nope. By opting out of his contract, A-Rod effectively cancelled the Rangers' interest ($20+ million) in the remaining portion of the old contract. This effectively cost the Yankees $20+ million. From what I read, A-Rod will be eating this cost in negotiating the new contract.

Thanks DS. How's the Mrs?

She's doing well, Mig. Thanks for asking.

Correct, that's why the rumored figures are 10 years for $270 and it's not closer to $300 million. Good for the Yankees essentially "getting their money back" from A-Rod for opting out

Sources: Rivera wants 4th year in deal

There is a reason why Mariano Rivera has not accepted the Yankees' offer of a three-year, $45-million contract.

Rivera, according to major-league sources, wants a fourth guaranteed year.
The Yankees remain the overwhelming favorite to retain Rivera. No other club is expected to even approach their proposal, much less top it.

But Rivera, who turns 38 on Nov. 29, has instructed his agents to shop him, in part because he was angered by Hank Steinbrenner referring to his age in recent comments about the Yankees' offer, a source says.

Rivera has specifically mentioned following Joe Torre to the Dodgers, and his agents also are contacting other clubs about his availability.

Rivera, sources say, believes he deserves the same length of contract as Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who is on the verge of re-signing for $52.4 million over four years, and Mets closer Billy Wagner, who received $43 million over four years after the 2005 season.

Posada and Wagner are both 36, nearly two years younger than Rivera — and Wagner was 34 when he signed with the Mets as a free agent.

Rivera also is certain to note that third baseman Alex Rodriguez would be 42 at the end of his proposed 10-year contract with the Yankees — the same age that Rivera would be at the conclusion of a four-year deal.

Rivera's ERA rose to 3.15 last season after four straight years below 2.00, but he went 30-for-34 in save opportunities, regained his dominance in September and worked 4 2/3 scoreless innings against the Indians in the postseason.

Source: FOX Sports