Even in the best of economic times, a $423M spending spree would get a double take.  Considering the economy in its present state, what the Yankees committed to this off-season is just stunning, and embarassing for baseball.

     Their latest free-agent acquistion, pending a physical, is first baseman Mark Teixeira.  $180M over eight years.  Tack on CC Sabathia's seven-year 161M dollar deal, and A.J. Burnett's five-year 82M dollar contract, your grand total is $423M for THREE PLAYERS.

     What is the real reason why the team is pulling off this insane free-agent power play?  Is it because their playoff streak of 13 consecutive post-season appearances ended?  Partly.  But I think the answer cuts a bit deeper, on a more personal level, especially with son Hal Steinbrenner running the show.  He is a astute businessman, and these moves defy logic, since there are no guarantees of success next season.  Maybe, just maybe, they are making this run for the one man they would love to please the most, their dad.  I would do the same.

      In the same breath, this type of spending spree is a round-about slap in the face to many who have lost their jobs, or will lose their jobs to no fault of their own.  It's an arrogance that has plagued baseball for years. 

     Perhaps baseball should consider a salary cap?  Fat chance.

    Tom Korun