1. Sox (or any other MLB team) would not have signed a player from Japan if it meant breaking the “unwritten” agreement. Why would they? They’ve had success with player from Japan under the current rule. Current system worked. Also, team in Japan did not draft him! They knew his intention was to sign with MLB team. Please don’t use this BS with Soriano being a “foreign player. Remember many of you said, “unwritten” rule is a rule. Or is it not when the Yankees do it.

2. CC is just waiting for another offer. At the rate of pay we are talking about, why wouldn’t anyone want to play closer to home? I don’t think 1-2 M a year going make a break this deal. We are talking about 20M+ no matter where he lands. Good for him for waiting to see other offers. There’s nothing wrong with signing with the Yankees either, but it would be stupid to accept the first and only real offer.

3. On Tex. Many of you made comment about Yankees getting in to drive up the prices. Ridiculous comment from a outsider. Why in hell an owner (unless they are complete morons) drive up a price of a player? So that when they need sign some one similar, they can pay “driven up” price since the precedent was set? That would be like digging your own grave. These owners talk and know what the the price range of a player are. If you are talking about driving up a price, 1M or 2M is not going to make a difference to Sox or the Yankees on a 20M/year player. So stop with the non sense.

4. Both team have shed significant amount of cash (75+ for Yankees and 40+ for Sox) this year. They will be able to sign and afford these players. CC and Burnett (who cares, just remeber Pavano, scary and similar) will be a Yankee, Tex and Lowe will be a RedSox. Or an you can have Manny. If you sign resign Enrique Wilson, Manny will be very happy.

The Yankees have a relationship with a Japanese pro team (the Giants). I’d be careful to call this a moral decision (or even a courtesy decision). I think it’s a smart move, but it is, inevitably, just a business decision. The Yankees are better served by protecting their long-term talent pipeline than they are by going after a single, untested pitcher.

Japan just keeps getting more important as a source for major league talent, it’ll be interesting how this plays out, and whether the Japanese leagues can maintain their popularity. Plenty of American teams already have a big Japanese following, including the Sox and Yankees. (the Red Sox had a huge dunkin donuts advertisement in Fenway)

The Yankees are dead. Long Live Tampa Bay RAYS!

*breaths deeply*

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