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Derek Jeter: $19 Million
Alex Rodriguez: $14 Million.
New York Yankees 2004 player payroll: $190 Million
Ruining the Boston Red Sox with the help of scrap heap bargains: priceless.
Grandiose contracts and a blank-check owner have tagged George Steinbrenner’s Empire with an evil prefix, but a busy bank account isn’t the only reason the Yankees are inevitably heading to the World Series.
While the Visa commercial where Mr. Steinbrenner is worn-out due to incessant check signing does subtly poke a truth at the affluent franchise, there is no disputing their shrewd judgments.
Gary Sheffield’s, Alex Rodriguez’, and Hideki Matsui’s resume precedes them, so adding those cornerstones are effortless decisions for most managers. This year, however, it is the bargain finder that has supplemented a great deal of pinstripe talent.
Starting pitcher Jon Lieber, in the final year of his contract with the Chicago Cubs, was abandoned after the team realized he would require Tommy John surgery. While the Cubs were repelled, the Yanks were Johnny-on-the-spot offering the one-time 20-game winner a two-year, 3.5 Million dollar contract to rehabilitate, and then return in 2004 to contribute.
This outcast won 14 games in the regular season and so far has a sparkling 1-0 record in the playoffs with a 2.63 ERA.
Fellow co-worker Orlando Hernandez was undesired by the pitching poor Montreal Expos, yet the Bronx Bombers had no concern to shell out $500,000 for an 8-2 regular season record. El Duque’s work history includes extensive playoff experience and as evidenced by his ALCS game four performance, he’s still effective.
Across the country an aged veteran by the name of John Olerud was released into the silent summer night as the July was turning to August. While few took notice, one man’s garbage quickly became another man’s gold as the Yankees found themselves hurting at that very position. Less than a million dollars and a two-run game-winning home run later, the Big Apple emboldens “Who’s Your Daddy?” chants thanks to this discarded veteran.
While Miguel Cairo filed for free agency in the fall of 2003 many figured that his contribution would be limited – regardless of the benefactor. Once the trade of Alex Rodriguez was completed, and Alfonso Soriano was sent packing, stepped in as the $900,000 everyday second baseman. As the number nine hitter in a potent lineup, supplied a .292 regular season average, and more importantly, stability – something his Red Sox counterpart, Mark Bellhorn, has failed to do in the post-season.
Ruben Sierra and Tanyon Sturtze could also fall into the category of frugal installments as this Championship-contending squad is laced with unsung givers.
At the end of the day, Jon Lieber, Orlando Hernandez, John Olerud, and Miguel Cairo are not intimidating elements but while Derek Jeter is out partying late with his Visa, the quiet veterans remain a vital component.
Visa and value mix like Mondays and Me.
"Wealth, like happiness, is never attained when sought after directly. It comes as a by-product of providing a useful service." – Henry Ford
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