When the news broke yesterday that Hal Steinbrenner would be succeeding his father at the top of the Yankee hierarchy, the move was praised. It wasn't so much about Hal, though he seemed quite competent, as it was about the Yankees not choosing Hank Steinbrenner. Sure, he'll still do and say crazy things when it comes to free agents, but at least it's the sane guy in charge of actually signing them.
Well, maybe. Hal sounded like he was doing an impression of Hank doing his impression of their dad when he spoke to reporters about CC Sabathia yesterday.
"We've made him an offer. It's not going to be there forever,"
Now, it bears mention that Yankee deadlines ("We will never negotiate with A-Rod if he opts out!") are meant to be broken, but someone should remind Hal that the Yankees need CC a lot more than CC needs the Yankees. Everywhere you look you see something saying that Sabathia prefers the NL and the West Coast but can't turn down Yankee money. Why give him the chance to get what he wants without upsetting the union?
There's no pitcher close to Sabathia on the market. Overpaying for A.J. Burnett, Derek Lowe and Andy Pettitte would become a necessity, and you still wouldn't have an ace to head your rotation. You can afford to make any moves you like while Sabathia makes his decision, trying to force the issue can only come back to hurt you.
Hal Steinbrenner's First Act as Yankee Boss: Setting a Deadline on CC Sabathia Offer originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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