The Sommer Frieze

When people talk about the Yankees, I hear them say “Steinbrenner.” It’s not plural. Not “The Steinbrenners.” Not which Steinbrenner. Just “Steinbrenner.”

There’s no doubt who they are referring to. Not Hal or Hank. George. For the past few years, I’ve tried to tell people that George is old and not involved anymore. That there may be serious health issues. Most of the time they don’t want to hear it. It’s the effect the Boss had or has on people. They may hate the Yankees. They may hate George because he is an extension of the Yankees. They may hate George for being George. They don’t want to accept that the man has the frailties of age like anyone else. They act as if the Boss is stuck in a 1980 time warp.

Maybe that will change now. Maybe not. I mean, if the non-pursuit of Johan Santana last winter didn’t change minds of who’s in charge, what will? Sure, they may say that “look at what they are offering Sabathia”, but people forget a few things between Santana 2007 and C. C. 2008. They just look at the $$$.

C. C. is a free agent. Meaning he would cost money. Lots of it. Compensation in draft picks, but no players that are real or live, so to speak. Players who are yours and who you know about (as opposed to draft picks who you have know idea who they are or will be). Santana last year would have cost the $$$ and PLAYERS. Those players, for good or bad, are still here. Secondly, the money being paid C. C. is in large part from money coming off the books via Abreu, Pavano, Mussina, Giambi. Meaning a transfer of money and not adding new money to the payroll. Big difference there. But the Yankees being the Yankees, people will look at the amount of the contract and not see (or care about) the fact that it’s a transfer. They’ll see it as a purchase and act accordingly.

It will be Hal and Hank, as MLB rules stipulate only one general partner. As King, George A. III notes in his NY Post column today, Hank himself voted for Hal to officially follow their dad, and why not? Hal, and not Hank, put in the time at the Stadium. Hank has showed up how many times? Hal is the one in meetings and working the finances. Hank remains in charge of baseball operations.

Nothing will change. Hal will be (it seems) the quiet power behind the throne, along with Ca$hman. Hank will be the one reporters go to for a quote. Goodness, Hal at 40 running the Yanks. (Hank is 51). I remember Cashman being a GM at what….31? Look at Theo up in Boston. Talk about youth being served. The younger, quieter one ruling the roost. The older one with the rants. If it isn’t like the Godfather, what is? Cashman is Tom, the consigliore. I just wonder who Fredo is? Randy Levine?

Hank, George, Hal and Randy Levine?

Tell George not to chase his grandkids around any tomato patches (that’s what it was, wasn’t it?)

George passing Yankee ownership to Hal.

As long as the Yanks are as successful in slaying their opposition as the Corleone family was in the movie…

Hal apparently has given C. C. a deadline. We can only hope it’s an offer he can’t refuse.

As for Mussina not winning a CYA, remember what I wrote this week about Marichal.

I don’t understand one thing King wrote…about Catfish Hunter being the “Gold Standard” for Yankee free agent hurlers. Hmmm, no wonder we are in a recession. Thank goodness we went off the Gold Standard in 1933. Catfish was with the Yanks for five seasons. Only one was worth it’s weight in gold.

23-14 in 1975. Over 300 IP. 30 CG.
17-15
9-9
12-6 (after a 3-4 beginning, then the arm/shoulder manipulation).
2-9

Total for five years? 63-53. Average 12.6-10.6. Let’s round up.
Since when is an average of 13-11 over five seasons golden for a high-priced free agent pitcher? Granted the Yanks got 3 AL titles and 2 WS titles in those five years, but ask yourself…

If the Yanks sign A. J. Burnett to a five year deal, and he put up those numbers, what would you be saying at the end of 2013? Would you say those five years was golden? I think not.

King states that there are rumblings that the Giants may have made C. C. an offer. I don’t know how after the Zito signing. After that signing, you would think SF would be gun-shy.

I caught the Steeler game on ESPN radio last night. Listened to it. Not pretty but a win. 8-3. With (not in the order of play) the Browns, Ravens, Pats, Cowboys and Titans on the schedule yet, I’d say 2-3 to finish 10-6. As a Steelers fan, I’m hoping for 11-5. How that will seed them, who knows.

Barring an upset, if the Titans beat the Jets this weekend, the only team left to keep Tennessee from an undefeated season could be Pittsburgh. 16-0 seasons back to back between New England and Tennessee? Can it be?

I’ll be rooting hard for PSU tomorrow vs. Michigan St. Rose Bowl most likely on the line. I’d love for PSU to head out west near where I have family.

Lastly, check out this column by Joel Sherman on the Mets and their closer situation. He adds Raul Ibanez news. Bidding war for Ibanez between the Mets and Phils? Would Ibanez make the Phils too lefty-based? (Utley, Howard, Ibanez)? Victorino and Rollins are switch-hitters. Werth is a righty, as is Feliz. Would there be enough from the right side?

No rain-shortened postseason games. Bud Selig is looking for a new rule. All postseason games or games that could affect the postseason (like Game 163 this year between the White Sox and Twins) must be at least nine innings. No rain-shortened affairs.