I was reluctant to post about this over the weekend just in case Stanton failed the physical or something else went wrong, but….the deal is done! The Yankees announced it this morning! We will now have the pleasure of watching last year’s NL MVP join Judge, Sanchez and the other bombers in what will be a formidable lineup.
Do I mind giving up Castro? I liked him well enough, but he and his salary were expendable with the young, less expensive infielders we have. Do I fear Stanton’s contract? It’s not my money and as long as there’s enough in Hal’s vault for a starting pitcher if we need one (I hear CC’s talking to the Angels) and as long as Stanton doesn’t spend the back end of the contract injured, it is what it is. Superstars have bad contracts. *shrug* And he’s only 28, so it’s not like we’re getting some old war horse.
The only question I have – and it’s been raised by some of the beat writers – is how he’ll handle New York. Not every superstar can. Stanton may love the bright lights of a big market, but, like David Price, he could chafe at having so much media scrutinizing his every move. There were times with the Marlins when he left the clubhouse without talking to the press after a game.
But we’ll find out soon enough. Spring training starts in two months and I’ll be at the first game at Steinbrenner Field….and I will report!
Meanwhile, what a Christmas present!
What an early Christmas present! I didn’t want to celebrate prematurely either, just in case something happened. This is very exciting. Hopefully he learns to handle the media better. Or at least not let it bother him. Remember when Randy Johnson signed with the Yankees and on the way to his press conference he shoved a reporter? As long as that doesn’t happen I think we’ll be fine.
This move also made me feel better about Aaron Boone. I was not really on board with that hiring, but at a certain point I have to trust that Cashman knows what he is doing. So from now on I am just trusting his judgement until he is proven wrong.
Now we just need to sign CC to a one year deal and figure out what to do about second base and we’ll be good!
Glad I wasn’t the only superstitious one, Darren! I watched Stanton’s presser on YES and it was interesting. He didn’t pull any punches about the Marlins or Jeter. He seemed really eager to join the Yankees culture and the young players on the team. He’s not very smiley – kind of on the serious side – but maybe that was just the occasion of his first time in pinstripes. Aaron Boone handled the intro well. He’s very articulate, said all the right things. If only he didn’t have that high squeaky voice, but I’ll get used to it! I agree about CC. Cashman said the team will do what it takes to fill the missing pieces, but I’d love to see CC stay another year. As for second base, there’s always Torreyes and Tyler Wade (is that his name?). We shall see!