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!