Yankees, Cowboys form partnership
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 20, 2008 
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Received this press release today:
NEW YORK YANKEES, DALLAS COWBOYS, GOLDMAN SACHS AND CIC PARTNERS ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF LEGENDS HOSPITALITY
New Company to Become Premier Provider of Hospitality and Merchandising Services and Partner with Teams to Create Unparalleled Stadium Experiences for Fans
______________________________________________
NEW YORK, NY October 20, 2008 – The New York Yankees, the Dallas Cowboys, Goldman Sachs and CIC Partners today announced that they have founded Legends Hospitality Management, LLC), a new company that will offer a broad range of sports business services. Legends’ initial focus will be on operating catering, concessions, retail merchandising and other facility management enterprises for major sports and entertainment facilities.
Led by Michael Rawlings, former President of Pizza Hut, Inc., Legends will offer differentiated solutions to create innovative, high-quality stadium experiences for fans.
Legends has been granted the exclusive right to operate concessions, catering and merchandising services at the new, state-of-the-art Yankees and Cowboys stadiums on a multi-year basis. Legends intends to expand beyond these anchor teams to provide its services to professional and college sports teams and other event facilities worldwide.
George M. Steinbrenner, Chairman of the New York Yankees said, “This partnership brings together two of the finest sports franchises and creates a business that will take advantage of their tremendous insight and expertise. No one knows their fans better and has a greater interest in providing them a great game-day experience. With both the Yankees and the Cowboys moving into new stadiums next season, this is certainly the right time to rethink our approach. Beyond that base, we are confident that other facilities and teams will be interested in what Legends can offer. I look forward to building a business with Jerry.”
Jerry Jones, Owner and General Manager of the Dallas Cowboys, stated, “Fans are increasingly voicing their opinion that they want and deserve more from a stadium experience – they want a winning team, but they also want a venue that truly complements the game and elevates the experience. We couldn’t agree more. Legends was founded on the principle that enhancing the stadium experience will result in a more satisfied fan base. Satisfied fans attend more games and show greater loyalty to their home team, which ultimately benefits franchises, players and their communities.â€
“The old model of stadium concessions is broken,†stated Hal Steinbrenner, Co-Chairman of the New York Yankees. “Fans want and deserve a better experience for their sports entertainment dollar. Working with Legends to leverage the talent and experience resident in the Yankees’ and Cowboys’ organizations will enable us to set a higher bar for sports franchises while delivering greater value to fans. When the new Yankee Stadium opens for the 2009 season, our fans will be able to experience first-hand the enhancements to our menus, concessions, retail operations and fan spaces that Legends has overseen.â€
“Our focus is on the fans,†said Stephen Jones, Chief Operating Officer of the Dallas Cowboys. “From a casual dining experience to feeding large crowds in mass quantities, or from selling the latest fan fashions at our specialty retail shops, our service delivery systems will be engineered to enable us to deliver quality services.â€
Mike Rawlings, Chairman & CEO of Legends, added. “Quality is the hallmark of the Legends brand, and I am confident that the team of experienced professionals we have assembled will set the highest standards of quality and service in the industry. We are thrilled to be partnering with the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys – two teams with reputations for innovation and value creation – as we create a new paradigm in sports concessions that will deliver unparalleled and affordable stadium experiences for fans.â€
Legends, which will be headquartered in Newark, N.J., will be led by a strong and experienced management team. In addition to Mike Rawlings, Marty Greenspun will serve as President of Legends, and Daniel Smith will serve as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Legends, Greenspun has served as the New York Yankees’ Senior Vice President, Strategic Ventures, and prior to that, among his other positions, he was Chief Operating Officer of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Smith was Senior Vice President for Eastern Area Operations for Centerplate. Legends’ Board of Directors will initially be comprised of 10 members, including representatives from the Yankees, the Cowboys, Goldman Sachs and CIC Partners.
————
What this means: Teams have traditionally provided concessions via an independent company such as Aramark or Centerplate. Those companies pay for the rights to operate in the stadiums.
The Yankees and Cowboys borrowed $100 million from Goldman Sachs and will form their own company to handle food, team stores, etc. at their new stadiums. Much of this will be to enhance the atmosphere in the suites. The company hopes to branch out to other teams, arenas and colleges.
By cutting out the middleman, the teams theoretically should make more money. This seems like a smart move by the Steinbrenners. Hal Steinbrenner spoke about a year ago about such ventures and Hank Steinbrenner, you may recall, once predicted the Yankees could work with the Red Sox. This is the kind of thing they were talking about.
In time, I suspect you’ll see teams share a cable network or a radio network. The Yankees and Cowboys reach across a lot boundaries and demographics.
Meanwhile, George Steinbrenner is apparently going for a Weekend At Bernie’s look as he meets Jerry Jones.
Thrilled that this is what the front office is spending its time on.
Just terrific.
Cool.
Excuse me while I vomit….
I want nothing to do with the Cowgirls. I hate that team.
Partnership? Cowboys Yankees? Disgusting!
Cool bean, Pete. Thanks.
Love George’s vision. Guys like him and Jerry Buss think large and think far.
I don’t know if it’s cuz the Sox lost or what, but I’m really pumped about next season.
I think the players will look forward to starting a new era in New Yankee Stadium.
haha i knew this would tick off Giant fans.
*Cool beans.
And, I’m still not going to like the Cowboys.
They’re a little more palatable, but I think that has more to do with Tony Romo being sidelined than Jerry Jones joining the evil empire.
“Hank Steinbrenner, you may recall, once predicted the Yankees could work with the Red Sox. This is the kind of thing they were talking about.”
I can hear Sterling now: Theeeee Red Sox Win…. Theeeee Red Sox Win!
Jerry Jones & Daniel Snyder = Evil Empire of Football
mel- i posted this in the previous thread too.
“Thrilled that this is what the front office is spending its time on.”
The people focussed on this are not the ones you want dealing with player personnel anyhow.
I think I’m going to be sick
Jerry Jones (blarghhhhhh) ewww Dallas Cowboys sad day in Yankee history.
Does this mean we might see Jerry Jones in the Yankees dugout during a game?
jennifer-
??
pat,
How else are we going to pay for those FA? haha
People might throw their 20 dollar hot dogs at him. Along with their 20 beer
About the Yanks/boys partnership.
mel they are trying to pull away from that it never brings consistant success.
George looks very happy in that picture. Someone must’ve painted dollar signs inside his glasses.
lol, jennifer.
Cool beans to you for breaking the story.
Maybe ESPN will replace the Joba story with this one on its front page.
Is that sick or what!! 70 million!!! You’d think for that much the food would taste better!!
Hopefully the food quality is better with the Yankees operating it.
I’m just glad to see George out and about.
did george really make that statement? Live? I’m telling you that picture of him with Jones must have a lot of people cringing.
And this may be bad news for us Stadium goers.
Kate Smith dogs anyone?
Brandon,
C’mon. You can’t be naive about it.
I want to bring payroll down, too. Imagine a world where we don’t have to pay luxury tax? Isn’t it beautiful.
But if we don’t pay good guys to fill positions, we will become the Kansas City Royals.
Develop the pitching from within (which isn’t cheap-signing bonuses will approach $10M soon) and sprinkle in some impact free agents.
Healthy balance is the key.
Cool – if this means we get to watch the Dallas cowboy cheerleaders doing their thing on the Yankees dugout – I’m all for it.
People need to see the postive side of this deal!
Unfortunately the Cowpukes and Yankees have some similarities:
Both teams spend a ton of money
Both love (even though the Yankees are trying retrain themselves) the big name players
Both are called “America’s Team”
Both teams are widely hated
Both wear the same colors
Both teams are talked about on ESPN ad nausium
Both have owners who are not loved by other team fans
Both teams have controversial players
Both are getting new stadiums next year
Sad but true.
Get ready for 20 dollar hot dogs, 20 dollar beers, and 10 dollar waters with lines that it takes 3 innings to order food.
“I can hear Sterling now: Theeeee Red Sox Win…. Theeeee Red Sox Win!”
It does make me wonder under what circumstances would I be happy to see the Sox win… maybe if Tampa had Bin Laden pitching last night… that would be about it.
The cowboys. UGH
vomit
Wow, such negativity out there.
Does this mean Pete will be blogging during Cowboys games?
“Get ready for 20 dollar hot dogs, 20 dollar beers, and 10 dollar waters with lines that it takes 3 innings to order food.”
If you want to believe what they were selling this morning at the press conference on this partnership, all the opposite is what they are promising as well as fresher food and more choices.
Hey – could be worse – we could be partnering up with Al Davis and Raiders!
How bout them Cowboys!
“Meanwhile, George Steinbrenner is apparently going for a Weekend At Bernie’s look as he meets Jerry Jones.”
Peter, You’ve said some funny stuff but this comment tops it for me…still haven’t quite laughing yet!
Are Jerry Jones teeth real?
This is what the Yankees are striving for– to become a global and financial powerhouse. Who better to team up with than Jerry Jones?
I want to bring payroll down, too. Imagine a world where we don’t have to pay luxury tax? Isn’t it beautiful.
No not really because you get athletes that stop playing to thier capability. FA are nice when your after a final piece and then before you know it you start wasting dollars that come back to haunt you.
Well, I think George looks pretty good. I don’t know about anyone else, but I had been thinking the worst about his health. Was this picture taken in NYC or did they meet in Tampa?
at least it wasn’t with the eagles…
I can’t believe Francesa started the show with Football. I’m going to take a wild guess and say if the Red Sox won he would have started with baseball.
Doreen it is my understanding that they met last week in Tampa according to reports and Pete mentioned it in one of the organizational meeting posts
Doreen
Tampa
I’m going to take a wild guess you are right Trevor. IDK why we are talking Jets right now. Seriously not even the biggest Jets fan would contend that.
yeah, i think George looks better than Jerry…
Dollars coming in via the concession business won’t be part of the socialistic revinue sharing. Its a smart move and doing it with the Cowboys is just spreading around the risk factor.
Its not like the Yankees and the Cowboys are rivals either, which to me makes it an even better move. Imagine if the Yankees did this with the Red Sox!
Brandon,
Newsflash. Every contract is worthless at the end.
And if you really want to get into it, we could talk about the indentured servitude of baseball.
How long does a team control a player after they draft them? How long until they sniff free agency and can their own decisions about their careers? You can graduate from medical school in less time. That’s how long it is.
So I refuse to look down upon someone who turn down an extension because they want to play for that team. Or they want to choose where they want to play for the first time in their professional lives. It’s a get out of jail free card.
And guess who else turned down lucrative extensions with their teams before being traded? Santana and Sabathia.
Tex is not the only one.
“Are Jerry Jones teeth real?”
That isn’t even Jones’ real face.
Thanks, pat and gayle. I didn’t think he’d travel to NY.
(Somehow I must have skipped over this bit of news over the last few days.)
The only reason the payroll will be lower next season is because we are not adding $88 million worth of salary, regardless of what we do. Even if we sign Tex ($20 mil), CC ($23 mil), Manny ($25 mil), we’ll still have a payroll of $20 million less than last year.
So when you hear we are ‘lowering payroll’, its because we have so much dead weight coming off and we’re not going to use it all up in one off-season, but we’ll still get the big fish AND have a lower payroll
pete.. i read that you think manny resigns with the dodgers after much drama..
i enjoy your posts..
but… just because the yankees are about drama..
does not mean every other team is..
so.. thanks for trying.
i hope the yanks sign CC. AJ Burnett and Tex
CC chokes every playoff season.
Burnett with get his money and get hurt.
Tex will be solid. but will not bring a ring to NY.
should have went and got johan. cuz hughes, melky,cano, kennedy or anyone else the twins wanted did absolutely nothing for the team.
besides.. tampa bay will be tough for a few season with that rotation and that lineup.
In related news the Cincinnati Bengals are forming a partnership with the Washington Nationals called “Misery Loves Company Hospitality”.
If we were in Teixeria’s situation, we would all do the same thing.
Why should he take less money to stay, especially in Atlanta where he doesn’t even have a good chance to win?
He’s been disrespecting the Rays all year. He seems to have a fascination with the Sox and their fans. Taking suttle shots at your own team, loving every player on the Red Sox, looking giddy when they won game 5 & 6 does not look or sound like someone who’s a Yankee fan.
He rejected 18-20 million per yr. meaning Teix is going to be Arod version 2.0 after this offseason. I still say Baltimore will surprise people w/ a 20 million per yr. offer since he’s the hometown boy.
I heard a rumor that James Dolan, Matt Millen, Al Davis and Peter Angelos are in the process of starting their own alliance together as well.
“CC chokes every playoff season”
I think that’s a bit strong. Take into consideration over the last 2 postseason he’s been overused (by 2 different teams) during the whole season and could be tired out by time October roles around.
I would like to see what he does in October when he pitches a normal 200 innings without an extra 15-30 unnecessary innings added.
A good business decision, but the freakin’ Cowboys! Augh! I hate South America’s team.
Dolan, Millen, Davis = If I Only Had A Brain
The next thing that could be taken in house is ticketing. I am not sure if Ticketmaster’s deal is via MLB or via each individual clubs but the amount of $$ that go to the ticketing agency from the ticket when added up is generates a lot of potential income that is not in the team’s hands.
Francessa is obsessed with Boston in general. I remember last year when Him and Mad Dog were doing a show in Boston, he spent the first 1\2 hour talking about he wished he lived in Boston and its such a great city and much else stressful and less congested than NY and he wants to move there when he retires. It made me vomit.
And during NBA season, he waxes poetic about the Celtics. He was so giddy when they got Garnett and was obsessed with them all season.
He doesn’t like Bellichick so he roots against the Pats but he loves Brady, always talked about him last year.
It really is sickening.
tevor..
thats a fair point.. but he does not have any other playoff experience to look back on..
and.. if i know the yankees.. they will attempt to use CC as often as possible down the stretch and come playoff time..
i guess if they yanks could get a big lead in the division and let cc rest it would help..
but there are no easy games in that division anymore and it would surprise me to see a team run away with it. atleast for the next few seasons.
Brandon,
I know. I understand, but we’ve all got to realize that $20M is the new $13M. It sounds a lot, but Ichiro and Jeter make the same amount. Ichiro’s almost 10 years older!
Toward the middle and end of Tex’s contract, $20M will be a bargain.
And like I said, maybe he turned down the $18-$20M knowing he could get that somewhere else and could actually play on a team he wants to play on?
In all the years, Tex played in Texas how many years did he make the playoffs? None. Atlanta’s not the powerhouse in the NL East anymore.
Yes, players want to make money. But they also want to win. You can’t blame a player for turning down offers by loser teams.
“Francessa is obsessed with Boston in general.”
He also talks a lot about the Kennedy’s and goes on about Bobby Kennedy – maybe it comes from that?
jeter and ichiro are 34
Fatcessa does wax poetic about the Sox and their young players all the time and how gritty and gutty they are and how great Theo is and Beckett is. He also lumps them together– notice he talks about “Pedroia, Youkallis, Papelbon, Lester” and adds Ellsbury and Masterton to the mix? He must mention those set of players atleast once an hour.
He kept talking about how he wanted a Sox-Dodgers WS. Yeah, root for his arch-rival to make the WS, what a great fan he is.
And like I said, maybe he turned down the $18-$20M knowing he could get that somewhere else and could actually play on a team he wants to play on?
Mel he turned down the 20 million on table for extension and the rest of the back of his contract would have been a percentage higher, we’re talking maybe 24 million per yr on the back of his contract. There is no way he even talks to a team for anything less than 20 MIL, expect the back of his contract to be like Arod’s because that’s what Boras wants for him and he does too otherwise he would have taken the Atlanta offer or he would have spoken extension w/ the Angels. You think Teix is coming cheap because he was a Donnie Baseball fan get real mel come on, come back to me here, you know know your smarter than that.
I have a feeling that Brandon is going to be thoroughly disappointed with the results of the off-season. Just like he thought Tabata would never be traded.
Just like has been suggested for CC’s contract – it’s not the money that so much the problem for the Yanks, it’s the length of contract (think Jason Giambi’s 7-year deal and how that was towards the end). So, maybe the way to go for both CC and Tex is to make them relatively short-lived – say 4 years – and blow them away with high average annual value (AAV). That way, these guys can go back out onto the market in a short period and get another deal. And it frees the team up from potential longterm baggage, especially longterm baggage that might be difficult for the teams to insure.
Yes, players want to make money. But they also want to win. You can’t blame a player for turning down offers by loser teams.
Atlanta has the tradition of winning in the NL, there scouts continue to put a team that makes the playoffs, Teix was said to be the future franchise there. He turn down the deal not to be in a winner but to set up his FA. When your leaving money on the table twice and talk glowingly about a town then go to a team like the Angels and not even talk extension there is one thing in your mind and that is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. You know it mel.
Boras won’t allow extensions.
Remember Olney said we were prepared to offer A-Rod a record setting deal after the WS but he opted out anyway without even listening to us?
All Boras clients are held on a leash.
I have a feeling that Brandon is going to be thoroughly disappointed with the results of the off-season. Just like he thought Tabata would never be traded.
We’ve been over that. Over and over again. People here say you can’t get anything for Nady right now so what was the point of the deal ? Just leave it at that.
In related news the Cincinnati Bengals are forming a partnership with the Washington Nationals called “Misery Loves Company Hospitalityâ€.
LOL
Brandon,
I see we’re at an impasse here. The fact of the matter remains that Tex turned down extension offers from Texas and Atlanta. That means he didn’t want to play there for that price.
So we’re both right, okay? I say he didn’t want to play there and you say he wants more money.
So when Tex signs with either of those teams for more money, I will eat humble pie.
So when Tex signs with either of those teams for more money, I will eat humble pie.
What’s your favorite flavor ?
Atlanta is going to be a 3rd place team for a while. If the Marlins don’t have a huge firesale, they will be in the playoffs before the Braves. The Mets have the resources to spend, so they will be good every year. Philly is in the WS. They’ve had a top farm system for years, it has gotten them nowhere. Look at the pitching they were trotting out this year. Their run is over and has been over. They will always be a solid organization like the Twins, but not a playoff lock. Texas has never won anything.
You’d have more of a case Brandon, if he refused to listen to an extension from a winning team. The Angels got him for 2 months, no player will ever sign that close to free agency.
Brandon,
I have lots of favorites, but if I were forced to choose Macadamia Nut Cream Pie.
And have people even given it thought he’s a Donnie Baseball fan, Donnie is in LA, Loney could be dealt and Manny goes somewhere else ? Ever think that, I could see the Dodgers spending big on him and giving up on Manny. So many possibilities and there is still one constant where the biggest longterm money deal is he will land there.
Bern,
The Tabata trade WAS terrible. Brandon was right on that. You don’t sell your #1 position prospect (in a farm devoid of any hitting talent) that low for a role player like Nady who is limited (average fielder, low average, low OBP, strike outs, no speed).
That was a panic move and showed poor judgment— contradicts everything Cashman wanted to stay away from.
Dear Jerry Jones,
Please don’t fire Wade Phillips. I think he is peeeerrrrfect for the Cowboys.
This is interesting… now the Yankees are associated with athletes like Pacman Jones and Terrel Owens. I guess they will probably make a lot of money on this deal though.
The Yankees have a huge advantage in signing Teixeira because he will sign with whatever team offers him the most money. The reason he didn’t sign an extension is because he knew he could create a bidding war this offseason and make the most money possible. Hopefully the Yankees offer him the biggest contract because it is very rare that such a talented position player is a free agent in his prime. People have argued whether or not he is an elite player. I think a guy that is consistently a top 15 OPS player in his prime with gold glove defense is elite and deserves the big contract he is going to get.
Ok mel MNC pie it is. I’m a Cherry fan.
The Yankees have a huge advantage in signing Teixeira because he will sign with whatever team offers him the most money.
Teix is signing w/ the biggest longterm and high price, the Yankees aren’t there w/ him infact it was Ed yesterday that posted the Yankees will not exceed 6 yrs. w/ him and if it goes over 20 million say goodbye to Teix.
It’s been fun people got to get back to work we’ll chat later.
Any of the purists upset with the Yankees crawling into bed with the Cowboys need a reality check.
The Cowboys are the Yankees of the NFL and on top of being hyprocritical it’s probably a bit self loathing to be screaming about this deal.
This is interesting… now the Yankees are associated with athletes like Pacman Jones and Terrel Owens. I guess they will probably make a lot of money on this deal though.
As if being associated with the past likes of Sheffield, Darryl Strawberry, Steve Howe, and now Joba with his DUI are much different?
Please!
As we’ve seen, Hank and Hal can always intervene and overrule Cashman for a player he wants— he did with A-Rod who Cashman wanted no part of.
Hank has already mentioned Texieria by name and called him a great player and said we’ll look at him.
He got Hal to side with him on A-Rod, he could very well do the same for Teix.
trade for prince
or trade for hardy
trade cano for pitching help -twins come to mind.
look into a good set up man that will soon be a closer
wang, petitte, hughes, joba, ??? glen perkins?
isnt all bad.. is it?
maybe we package cano/ ???? for hardy and weeks..
get mike jacobs to play first..
simple fixes, solid players, and not much risk.
>>The next thing that could be taken in house is ticketing. I >>am not sure if Ticketmaster’s deal is via MLB or via each >>individual clubs but the amount of $$ that go to the >>ticketing agency from the ticket when added up is generates >>a lot of potential income that is not in the team’s hands.
EXACTLY. If Live Nation (the world’s largest concert promoter) can terminate their contract with Ticketmaster and handle everything in-house, so can MLB.
The Tabata trade wasn’t necessarily for Nady. It was said in the papers this is likely how the conversation went with the Yankees and Pittsburgh:
Yankees: We hear Marte is available. We would like to acquire him
Pittsburgh: Okay we would like Tabata
Yankees: Umm if you’re going to take Tabata we would like a position player you have available. How about Nady?
Pittsburgh: Sure but we also would like a few pitchers too.
Yankees obviously as we know already gave them different packages to choose from.
The deal was more Tabata for Marte. then Tabata for Nady. Cashman asked for a position player because he was giving one away.
That wasn’t the first time Pittsburgh was asking for Tabata.
The Yankees will see what the Angels do and match that offer. The Angels are not approaching 8 years or $200 million, they will probably offer the same deal we’re looking at 6/$120.
So if the O’s or Seattle or some team offers him a bigger deal, we’ll probably drop out. But they will make him walk away from an offer that is higher than the Angels (dollar wise, not years).
They are not going to go 40% higher for Tex like it’s been reported we’re going to do with CC, but we’ll make a good offer.
“’m just glad to see George out and about.”
Laura, that was the first thing I thought about. I didn’t even bother with the article since whatever it is, is a done deal. So whatever.
i want manny instead of tex.
Wow Pete’s a funny guy making fun of George’s health situation.
Why don’t you go make a DUI joke while you’re at it Pete?
This deal is a non event since according to most people, they can’t even afford to go to the new stadium. So I’m not sure why people are complaining about something that probably won’t affect them.
Given the fact that I’m a Jets fan the Cowboys/Yanks think really doesn’t bother me. If any thing it sounds like a good business move. I have recently been getting this feeling that the Yanks will get Tex, something that I have been opposed to in the past. I basically think Boras is trumpeting up the market as usual and the contract Tex gets will be a more realistic 6-7 years deal in the 140-150 mil range. Also due to the stark price and bad economy I really only see 2 teams in the bidding Yanks and the Angels.
Just to comment on a previous thread…..
BAC of .134 is pretty respectable for a guy Joba’s size. That’s a lot of drinks in a short period of time.
If it was .08 then that’s a little easier to explain away, as you could realistically throw back a few quick shots and be close to that number.
But .134 is a little tougher to explain away. Especially if you’re 240 pounds.
Eeesh.
At least he got his money’s worth.
Who is Ed, and how does he know what the Yankees are planning to offer Teixeira?
Regarding the Tabata trade, I don’t think people realize how great that trade was. The Yankees were still in the playoff race. Damon and Matsui were injured and Joba was leaving the bullpen for the rotation. Tabata’ play and attitude were terrible. This trade gave the Yankees a chance to make a push at the playoffs.
The Yankees didn’t make the playoffs, and Tabata started playing real well for the Pirates. Now the Yankees have Nady so they are able to let Abreu go and get 2 draft picks for him. They can also let Marte go and get 2 draft picks for him. That’s 4 picks in the top 60-80 that the Yankees can use to replace Tabata in the Yankees’ farm system. It waws great because it was a win-now trade that also gives the Yankees the chance to get better for the long-term.
“Wow Pete’s a funny guy making fun of George’s health situation.”
I thought he was just refering to the sunglasses.
Possible evidence in the Nebrasaka Vs. chamberlain case:
http://tinyurl.com/63ojd
“The Yankees didn’t make the playoffs, and Tabata started playing real well for the Pirates. Now the Yankees have Nady so they are able to let Abreu go and get 2 draft picks for him. They can also let Marte go and get 2 draft picks for him. That’s 4 picks in the top 60-80 that the Yankees can use to replace Tabata in the Yankees’ farm system. It waws great because it was a win-now trade that also gives the Yankees the chance to get better for the long-term.”
27- I think you are right many people overlook that trade and get mad that Tabata started to hit a bit in the Pirates minors. However Nady is a fantastic player now and yes I know this was his career year but he is a very good player nonetheless and Marte was alright at times I think the AL thing killed him a bit. Everyone likes to berate the Yanks because they think Tabata will be the next Manny, the truth is none of us know what he will be the guy is 20 years old. I think that Ajax will be the better player long term and that Jose maybe needed a change of scenery to inspire his play just my take on it.
Can someone explain to me why Francesca is congratulating the Sox on a terrific season? His expectations for the Yanks are to get to the WS – anything less is a failure for him and he certainly would never congratulate them for being valiant (what does being valiant get you? A ticket home, that’s what). The Red Sox spend a ton of $$$ and have the highest expectations as well – and yet they get Mike’s heartiest congratulations? Man, he licks the dirt that the Red Sox walk on; it’s pretty pathetic.
Mac Nut-Good pt re: revenue sharing
“Fans are increasingly voicing their opinion that they want and deserve more from a stadium experience – they want a winning team, but they also want a venue that truly complements the game and elevates the experience.”
What Yankees blog is he reading?
High hopes minus the reality of it.
http://www.boston.com/sports/c.....ft_in.html
great Fatcessa and his Job closer talk
Maybe Francesca’s ratings have taken a serious dive and he’s lobbying for a situation with some dumb Boston show.
i truly believe Francessa is not a Yankee fan and never was. it’s something he was willing to pretend to be in order to take that job… either that or they’re making him act like less of a fan now since the crackhead is gone.
as for stadium food, that’s always been a last resort. i’ll only buy/eat food at a stadium if time doesn’t allow me to eat beforehand. i go to the game to watch baseball, and will continue to do so… save the food for the tourists.
“His expectations for the Yanks are to get to the WS – anything less is a failure for him”
The mission statement of anything short of a WS victory belongs to George Steinbrenner. The Yankees are judged by what George laid out so why would you be surprised when they are judged that way? That’s what George has set up.
Betsy,
Kinda funny isnt it how seldom ( if ever) you hear that the Red Sox lost to the Rays despite having $100mil payroll advantage?
The Yankees would have been pumelled in the media.
Not one mention that Tampa Bay had only $7 mil less in total payroll than Boston paid players to watch: Julio Lugo ($9mil), Curt Schilling ($8mil),Mike Lowell ($12.5mil)and Manny Ramirez ($7mil).
“$7 mil less in total payroll” should be “$7 mil more in total payroll”.
its ridiculous
the Jets and the Giants also have a new state of art stadium, why not a paternship with one or both of them?
MY 2 FAVORITE TEAMS. GOOD JOB FELLAS!!!!!!
I don’t get it-George can find the strength to attend this press conference but not to appear at the last game ever at Yankee Stadium? Bizarre.
Ugh.
Nice to see my 2 favorite teams working together.
Cool to see Georgie in action. haha. It’s always nice to see the Boss.
Kevin