BD Hot Stove: Derek And The Dominos

Written by: Drew Sarver on 30th November 2010

BD Hot Stove: Derek And The Dominos | read this item

Well before Derek Jeter declared free agency it was obvious that his free agency would not follow an easy path. The “face of the franchise” had just completed a seven year, $189M contract that was met with criticism by Jeter detractors and even some pro-Jeter fans.

This is the first negotiation with a longtime Yankees star without the presence of George Steinbrenner, who passed away this past summer. During the Boss’ era it was quite common for outside free agents to be paid more than the Yankees own free agents. Longtime players like Graig Nettles and Goose Gossage groused at the owner’s negotiating “techniques” when it came to new contracts.

Anyone who follows the Yankees knows that Jeter is a very private person and no one expected Jeter to negotiate his contract through the media. It’s not his style nor that of his agent Casey Close. (Most people didn’t even know who Jeter’s agent even was.)

Hal Steinbrenner fired the first salvo on the New York radio and TV airwaves in early November. He praised Jeter, but at the same time reminded everyone that baseball is a business and “There’s always the possibility that things could get messy.” Close fired back and publicly reminded everyone (The Yankees) that Jeter’s value cannot be “overstated”, and that he was “baffled” by the Yankees’ early approach.

Things started out well, though, when both sides met in Tampa on November 10. From the NY Daily News, “It was a very good meeting,” a source said. “Everybody heard what everybody had to say. There’s always information exchanged and questions that each side needs asked and answered. It gets the process moving along.”

So it appeared both sides were back on board. Then, the Yankees offered Jeter a three year, $45M contract- a contract they surely knew would not be accepted by Jeter’s camp. That led to last week’s semi-blast from GM Brian Cashman. “He (Jeter) should be nothing but a New York Yankee. He chooses not to be.” “We’re not trying to chase Derek away. We’re trying to get him to sign,” added Cashman. “But at the same time, he’s a free agent. If he doesn’t like what we’re offering him, if he can find a better opportunity with more money, that’s fine. Whatever’s important to him.”

It was uncharacteristically tough talk from Cashman, who normally doesn’t do his negotiating through the media. He also accused Close of using the media to negotiate, when in fact the Yankees did that right from the start.

Then came this from Hank Steinbrenner- “As much as we want to keep everybody, we’ve already made these guys very, very rich, and I don’t feel we owe anybody anything monetarily,” the Yankees co-chairman said Tuesday. “Some of these players are wealthier than their bosses.”

All statements coming from the Yankees gave the feeling of “take it or leave it”.

The Daily News’ Bill Madden reported that Jeter was looking for a six year, $150M contract. The rumor sent shockwaves across the Yankees Universe, talk radio, and probably across Close’s desk. That’s because Close reportedly never submitted a proposal. Later Madden amended his report stating that Jeter was asking for $23M or $24M annually over five years. Again, other sources stated that no formal proposal had been made to the Yankees by Close.

There had been speculation (by SI’s Jon Heyman), that the Yankees would add some money to the years, while other reports (by ESPN’s Wallace Matthews), indicated the Yankees would not move off their current stance. What this translates to is an ugly stalemate, so let’s take a look at the situation from both sides.

Management

Jeter is coming off the worst offensive season of his 15-year career, and even though he won another Gold Glove award, his range isn’t spectacular. He’ll also turn 37 in the middle of the 2011 season and doesn’t respond as well from injuries as a younger man does. His skills have already eroded and will continue to do so as he ages.

Where will Jeter play? At some point, the Yankees will need to make the transition to another full-time shortstop. Do you move Jeter to 3rd base and make Alex Rodriguez a full-time DH in 2012? Move Jeter to left field and deal either Brett Gardner or Curtis Granderson somewhere down the road?

Jeter was already paid a substantial amount of money- $189M over seven years. He’s already been paid for the championships he’s won.

Jeter

The 15-year veteran wants to be shown the respect he’s earned as captain, All-Star, World Series MVP, and team leader. That means a four to five year deal to him.

The Alex Rodriguez factor. No matter what is said or how they interact, there is and always will be friction between Jeter and A-Rod. It all stems from the infamous A-Rod interview with Esquire back in April, 2001. The remarks irreperably damaged their friendship, but to their credit they’ve put that aside on the field and in the clubhouse. But A-Rod is a factor in Jeter’s negotiations.

Jeter is the face of the franchise. The guy who has never embarrassed the franchise. The guy with the five World Series rings. The guy with the Turn 2 Foundation and an ambassador of good will for baseball.

When A-Rod came to the Yankees prior to the 2004 season, he had achieved many individual accomplishments, but had no titles to show for it. He embarrassed the franchise when he opted out of his contract during the 2007 World Series. He was seen cavorting with strippers and other women that were not his wife. And then, of course, there was the steroid admission prior to the 2009 season. While it’s hard to take anything seriously that Hank Steinbrenner says, he did say the Yankees were basically done with A-Rod after he opted out of his original contract. Yet the Yankees turned around and awarded him a new 10 year, $300M deal in 2007.

Now if you are Jeter, how does that make you feel? No, Jeter will never be able to put up the offensive numbers that A-Rod did, but he never cheated the game (as far as we know) or distracted the team with his off the field antics, either. Yet, the Yankees had no problem giving a 10 year contract to a player that will be 42 when the deal ends. Raise your hand if you think A-Rod’s skill level will be anything close to what it was when the contract was signed. His body is already breaking down, whether it’s a result of PED use or just normal wear and tear. So if you are Derek Jeter you say, “Why not me? It’s my last contract, why shouldn’t I be paid respectfully?”

Compromise

The Yankees don’t want Derek Jeter going anywhere. Derek Jeter does not want to go anywhere. Despite the Giants showing some interest, there aren’t many teams that will pay Jeter what he wants or who are likely to even contact Close since they figure Jeter will re-sign with the Yankees at some point.

If the Yankees give a fourth year, the money per year could probably be reduced. And it will probably have to be guaranteed, though Jeter could compromise by making the fourth year a mutual option. So give Jeter a four year deal worth $18-$20 a year and get it done. Neither side stands to win if Jeter goes elsewhere. The fans would come down hard on the Yankees front office and Jeter’s legacy would be tarnished if he signed with another team.

Rumors, News, and Transactions

Jorge De La Rosa, one of the biggest pitching free agents outside of Cliff Lee, has re-upped with the Rockies. The deal is reportedly a two year, $21.5M deal with a player option for 2013 and a team option for 2014.

Jon Heyman says that Orlando Hudson will turn down the Twins’ offer of arbitration. Clearly the O-Dog wants a multi-year deal. Felipe Lopez is expected to take a similar tack with the Red Sox.

The Rangers have signed Yoshinori Tateyama, a veteran pitcher for the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, to a one year deal.

The Orioles are said to be talking to the Diamondbacks about a deal for slugging 3rd baseman Mark Reynolds.

Even though Nolan Ryan contacted Andy Pettitte, he says it was not an attempt to recruit Pettitte at all to pitch in his home state. Yeah, okay, Nolan.

Update 10 p.m.

Free agent shortstop Miguel Tejada has found a new home by the bay. The 14 year veteran signed a one year deal worth $6.5M with the San Francisco Giants. Tejada will essentially be replacing Juan Uribe who left for a new deal with the LA Dodgers.

Speaking of the Dodgers, they are reportedly kicking the tires on free agent catcher Jason Varitek. They also dealt infielder Ryan Theriot to the Cardinals for pitcher Blake Hawksworth. The Cardinals also added to their bullpen by signing lefty Brian Tallet.

Yahoo Sports’ Jeff Passan reported earlier this evening that free agent 1st baseman Adam Dunn is seeking a four year, $60M deal. Quite reasonable if true. Passan also reports that fellow 1st baseman Lance Berkman is seeking a one year, $7M deal.

Troy Tulowitzki’s deal is now official. The Rockies start shortstop will receive $157.75M between now and 2020.

FoxSports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that Blue Jays set up man and one time closer Jason Frasor is drawing interest from three teams.

Beckett Media has drawn up 30 fake baseball cards showing Derek Jeter as a member of every major league team. Check it out here. Jeter and his agent Casey Close are meeting with Yankees officials this evening.

A sextet of Tampa Rays turned down arbitration offers: Brad Hawpe, Rafael Soriano, Chad Qualls, Carl Crawford, Grant Balfour, and Randy Choate. Meanwhile, J.J. Putz turned down arbitration from the Chicago White Sox.

Drew Sarver is the Yankees content editor and a contributor for BaseballDigest.com. You can also read his work at his blog, My Pinstripes. He can be contacted at mypinstripes@gmail.com and can be followed on Twitter at @BD_Sarver and @MyPinstripes.

Share on Tumblr

Topics: Bd, Brian Cashman, Casey, Chase, Derek And The Dominos, Derek Jeter, Detractors, Early November, Easy Path, Face, Franchise, Free Agent, Free Agents, George Steinbrenner, Goose Gossage, Graig Nettles, Hal Steinbrenner, Hot Stove, Longtime Players, Negotation, Negotiating Techniques, Negotiation, New York Radio, New York Yankee, Ny Daily News, Presence, Private Person, Radio And Tv, Tough Talk, Tv Airwaves, Yankees, York Airwaves