Teixeira: "I Have Yet to Tap My Potential"
Slugger has $180 million reasons to smile
By RONALD BLUM
Updated 5:55 PM EST, Tue, Jan 6, 2009
NEW YORK — Mark Teixeira and the New York Yankees completed their $180 million, eight-year contract Tuesday, announcing the deal in perhaps the final event at the old Yankee Stadium.
The deal was agreed to Dec. 23, but both sides had to settle contract language and the first baseman had to pass a physical.
"I have yet to tap my potential," Teixeira said.
New York has committed $423.5 million on three free-agent additions during the offseason after its streak of 13 consecutive postseason appearances ended. On Dec. 18, the Yankees completed a $161 million, seven-year contract with left-hander CC Sabathia and an $82.5 million, five-year deal with right-hander A.J. Burnett.
At that time, the Yankees thought that would be the final event at the old ballpark, which opened in 1923.
"The old Yankee Stadium doesn't want to die," manager Joe Girardi said. "We have another special day here."
New York moves across 161st Street to a new $1.3 billion ballpark next season.
"I was sad to see this place go," Teixeira said.
The Yankees hold baseball's four largest contracts. Third baseman Alex Rodriguez has the sport's highest deal at $275 million over 10 years, and shortstop Derek Jeter is second at $189 million over 10 years.
Teixeira will wear No. 25, Jason Giambi's old number. Teixeira had worn 23 with his previous teams in honor of his favorite player, Don Mattingly, whose number has been retired by the Yankees.
Copyright Associated Press
First Published: Jan 6, 2009 1:46 PM EST
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