Alex Rodriguez stood alone as baseball’s only $200 million man for a decade, but now he has company. In the last six weeks, the fraternity has tripled with the addition of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. However, Arod still remains firmly planted atop baseball’s all-time salary totem pole.

10 Highest Paid Players in Baseball History, by Total Value and AAV

Note: Roger Clemens signed a pro-rated $28,000,022 deal with the Yankees in 2007, but he was only paid $17,400.000.
Source: Cots Contracts

If anyone was going to top Arod’s $27.5 million average annual salary, it seemed as if Albert Pujols would be the man. However, the new Angels’ first baseman “settled” on a contract that will pay him $24 million over the next 10 years, meaning he not only fell short of Arod’s current deal, but also failed to topple the contract Rodriguez signed with the Rangers in 2001. As a result, the Yankees’ third baseman seems to be a good bet to remain the highest paid player in baseball history for several more years.

Only two other players have had a longer reign as baseball’s all-time highest paid player. Babe Ruth remained atop the financial heap for 29 years, a period that began when he first joined the Yankees in 1920 and continued until 1949, when Ted Williams finally surpassed the $80,000 earned by the Bambino in 1930 and 1931. After the baton passed from the Babe to the Kid, Williams carried it for another 17 years until Willie Mays finally claimed the throne. Between that point and Arod’s mega-$252 million deal in 2001, the title of highest paid player repeatedly changed hands like a hot potato, with some players claiming the distinction for only days.

Yearly Progression of Baseball’s Highest Paid Player (click to enlarge)

Note: Records for the period before Babe Ruth are not as complete. Salaries represent average annual contract values with bonuses included. In some cases, actual contract values may have been higher or lower based on interest/inflation adjustments and performance incentives. The highest paid designation was awarded to the player with the top average annual salary before the start of each season.
Source: archival newspaper accounts

Because of Ruth’s immense talent, his salary almost became a defacto ceiling for future players’ demands.  In addition, the depression and World War II played a role in keeping players’ ambitions in check, as did the imposition of salary limits by the government’s Wage Stabilization Board during the early-1950s. Although players like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio finally surpassed the Babe’s benchmark and broke the $100,000 plateau during this period, it wouldn’t be until the mid-1960s when salaries started rise again.

Red Sox GM Joe Cronin looks on as Ted Williams signs a contract for $125,000 in 1950, making in the highest paid player in baseball history. (Photo: AP)

In 1966, Willie Mays became the highest paid player in baseball history with a salary of $133,000, and then the dominoes started to fall. In the 1970s, a new player became the top man in almost every season, but in 1975, Catfish Hunter put them all to shame. After the 1974 season, Hunter discovered that Athletics’ owner Charley Finley had failed to fund an annuity as stipulated by his contract, so he claimed a breach and was eventually awarded free agency by an arbitrator. Fresh off four consecutive 20-win seasons, Hunter became the subject of a bidding war that was eventually won by George M. Steinbrenner. Hunter’s average contract value of $750,000 (his salary was much lower because of annuity deferments and other consideration) set the stage for the era of free agency that came to a crescendo when Tom Hicks handed out a whopping $252 million contract to Alex Rodriguez 25 years later.

For how much longer will Arod remain baseball’s salary king? This winter, Pujols and Fielder took their best shot at claiming the throne, but came up short. And, with more and more young superstars opting to sign long-term extensions before reaching free agency, it could be awhile before someone surpasses Rodriguez’s average annual salary of $27.5 million (which could wind up being even higher if certain milestone bonuses are achieved). Then again, with baseball enjoying unprecedented economic growth, maybe a $300 million/$30 million man is not that far away?

Prince Fielder followed is following in his father’s footsteps by signing with the Tigers. (Photo: Getty Images)

The free agent process isn’t about determining a player’s long-term fair value. Rather, it is the means by which a player can use leverage to maximize his earnings in an effort to make up for the six years he was underpaid because of the reserve clause. Of course, many will point out that the team that signs the free agent didn’t benefit from those six underpaid seasons, but chances are they did reap similar rewards with another player. So, all free agent contracts should be assessed with an understanding that a premium is built into the total value.

Even though WAR provides a solid framework for determining a player’s value on the field, it is not as useful for determining his worth at the negotiating table. Supply and demand are much better determinants of the latter. Using Prince Fielder’s nine-year, $214 million contract as an example, the Tigers’ need (demand) for a middle of the order bat was increased greatly by the loss of Victor Martinez for the season. So late in the winter, however, there was only one viable option (supply) to meet the need. As a result, and because other teams were also interested in the first baseman’s services, GM David Dombrowski had no choice but to up the ante (unless he was willing to enter the season with a compromised lineup). That’s what free agency is all about, and it is within that framework that contracts need to be evaluated.

If Fielder replicates his recent success over the next few seasons and helps turn the Tigers into the perennial division champion in the A.L. Central (which, considering the weakness of the division, seems likely) does it really matter if he underperforms his salary during the backend of the contract? Does Fielder’s potential to put the Tigers over the top in the short term outweigh the anchor he may become later in his career? How one answers those questions is a matter of perspective, but the opinion that counts most belongs to Tigers’ owner Mike Ilitch, who happens to be an 82-year old man worth almost $2 billion. Considering his age and wealth, it stands to reason that the short-term impact matters more to Ilitch. Along the same lines, it’s also worth noting that Fielder’s other prime suitor was the Washington Nationals, who just so happen to be owned by Ted Lerner, another 80-something billionaire (86 and almost $4 billion to be exact).

Detroit Tigers’ Financials, 2001-2010
Source: Forbes

For the last three seasons, the Tigers have been operating at a substantial loss, according to Forbes’ data, so Ilitch has clearly shown a willingness to come out of pocket to supply the Tigers’ deficiencies. Considering the team had a need for a big bat, an owner willing to pay for him, and a realistic expectation of near-term success, Fielder’s immediate marginal value seems to justify his large contract. So, instead of getting bogged down in WAR projections, Tigers’ fans are better off dreaming about titanic homeruns from Prince Fielder…the kind his daddy Cecil Fielder used to hit many years ago…and leaving concerns about the 2016 payroll to the team’s accountants.

Should the Yankees be considering a DH tandem of Jorge Posada and Andruw Jones?

Considering how many great players have passed through the Bronx, one might think retirement press conferences would be a rite of winter for the Yankees, but when Andy Pettitte decided to walk away last February, it was only the third time the franchise had the opportunity to bid farewell to a former great in such a manner. Almost exactly one year later, that list will now grow to four when long-time Yankees’ catcher and potential Hall of Famer Jorge Posada officially retires from the game during an afternoon press conference at Yankee Stadium.

Although it’s nice that Posada will be given a proper send off, the announcement seems a little premature. Assuming Posada would be willing to accept a part-time role as DH and full-time position as team leader and mentor, bringing the veteran back for one more season seems to make all the sense in the world.

Putting aside his intangible qualities as well as deference to his long and illustrious Yankees career, Posada’s return is also justifiable based on bottom-line performance. Despite struggling as a right-handed hitter, Posada batted .269/.348/.466 in 316 plate appearances as a lefty, which, on an OPS basis, was 18% better than the league average. If Posada was able to replicate that performance, he would provide the perfect complement to Andruw Jones, whose OPS was 44% better than league average when facing left handers.

Jorge Posada/Andruw Jones DH Combo, 2011 Performance vs. League Average

sOPS+ is a comparison of the players split OPS versus the league average in that same split.
Source: baseball-reference.com

If the Yankees really are trying to be cost conscious, then why bother signing a veteran bat to be the DH? If used properly, a tandem of Jones and Posada is more than capable of outperforming the average player at the position. It’s also worth noting that Posada hit much better versus righties than several other options reportedly being considered: Raul Ibanez (OPS of .747), Johnny Damon (.715), and Hideki Matsui (.654). So, unless the Yankees have a DH ace up their sleeve, it’s hard to figure out why they haven’t been more interested in having Posada return for a swan song.

According to most accounts, Posada wanted to play for one more season, so the Yankees’ lack of interest had to hurt. Fortunately, the situation didn’t lead to an acrimonious departure, but it still seems a shame that Brian Cashman couldn’t find room on the roster for Posada. After so many years of service to the organization, his presence will be greatly missed, but ironically, if the Yankees do not find someone who can hit right handed pitchers, what they may initially miss most is his bat.

World Series Rematches

Note: Rematch defined as the same World Series participants within a five-year span.
Source: mlb.com

Not surprisingly, the Yankees have been involved in all but three of the World Series encores, and, in the games that actually constituted the rematch (i.e., not including the initial series in the string), the Bronx Bombers went 11-3. So, from a New York perspective, that could be a good omen for the football Giants (although, the baseball New York Giants were 1-2 in rematch series). Regardless of the implications, the Yankees ability to either avenge a World Series loss or defend a championship is only further evidence of what Giants’ defensive end Justin Tuck stated last month: when it comes to sports in New York, the Yankees are the team that runs the town.

Paige pitched for more than 10 Negro League teams, including the Black Yankees. (Photo: Life)

Understandably lost amid the furor surrounding the Yankees and Mariners decision to swap talented young players was news that 49-year old Jamie Moyer, who is recovering from Tommy John Surgery, signed a minor league contract with the Rockies. So much for out with the old.

Baseball is a young man’s game, but unlike most other sports, there’s still plenty of room for older players. Over the years, the number of 40-year olds in the game has ebbed and flow, but the barrier hasn’t been that difficult to cross, especially during the last 30 years. However, 50 is another story altogether.

Hoyt Wilhelm and Jack Quinn are the only two pitchers since 1901 to be active at the age of 49, so, if Moyer throws a pitch with the Rockies, he’ll join that select company. An appearance would also put him on the precipice of the 50-year old club, which, for pitchers, is the exclusive domain of Satchel Paige, who, at the age of 59 (age-58 season), made an appearance for the Kansas City Athletics in 1965.

Active 40-Somethings by Year

Source: Baseball-reference.com

Thanks to his barnstorming exploits and success in the Negro Leagues, Paige’s legend was born long before he finally debuted with the Cleveland Indians at the age of 41 in 1948. In fact, Paige’s debut in the majors was really just a footnote on his great career. So, when his second team, the St. Louis Browns, uprooted toBaltimoreand decided not take him with them, the veteran righty went right back to doing what he loved most: playing baseball anywhere and for anyone.

Old Satch has a lot of stuff left and we’ll be interested in signing him on for 1966. I don’t have any idea how old he is, but he can still pitch.” - Charles O. Finley, owner KC Athletics, quoted by AP, September 11, 1965

Flanked by a nurse, the 59-year old Paige watched from a rocking chair (Photo: Corbis).

Paige’s encore performance on September 25, 1965 was really nothing more than a publicity stunt concocted by Athletics’ owner Charles O. Finley. After all, the evening was billed “Salute Satchel Paige Night” and the attendance of 9,289 was almost double the combined crowd that witnessed the game before and after the Saturday contest against the Red Sox. Adding to the spectacle, Finley furnished Paige with a rocking chair so he didn’t have to sit in the dugout, and just to be on the safe side, had a nurse in full uniform standing by his side. Everyone seemed to enjoy the obvious exploitation, even Paige himself, but the revival was far from a charity case.

Since his release by the Orioles, Paige not only continued to barnstorm, but he also had several successful seasons in the minor leagues. From 1956-1958, he compiled a 31-22 record with a 2.48 for the Philadelphia Phillies’ Miami affiliate in the International League. Then, in 1961, he started five games for the Cardinals’Portlandteam in the PCL and turned in an impressive 2.88 ERA. However, the now 54-year old still couldn’t get a return ticket back to the majors, at least not until Finley came calling in 1965. It was a long road back to the big leagues, and one that had obvious ulterior motives, but, when Paige did make his triumphant return, it was because he had earned it.

The Baseball Register lists his birth as July 7, 1906. That would make him 59, but some say he’s at least 62.” - UPI, September 11, 1965

As a member of the Miami Marlins, Paige was one of the best pitchers in the International League.

During his career, Paige’s real age was a mystery…one that he enjoyed perpetuating. When he signed with the Athletics, newspaper accounts pegged his age from “somewhere in his 50s” to as old as 62, but the best description was to simply call him ageless. At least that’s probably what the Boston Red Sox were calling him after he shut them down. In three innings, Paige surrendered only one hit, a double to a young Red Sox left fielder named Carl Yastrzemski, before handing over the ball to Diego Segui and exiting the major leagues for good. (Incidentally, Paige’s confrontation with 20-year old Tony Conigliaro holds the record for the greater age disparity in a batter-pitcher confrontation).

In the offseason, Paige expressed an interest in returning to the majors to celebrate his 60th birthday (or was it 70th?), but he was too proud to ask for a job. Because of that pride, some wondered why Paige agreed to be a party to Finley’s gimmick in the first place, but the old veteran’s motives betrayed the less sophisticated image cast by his folksy charm. When he decided to make a token appearance with the Athletics, Paige’s mission was to show the baseball world that he could perform well even at such an advanced age. However, the point wasn’t to have people marvel over his lasting power, but instead force them to consider how good he must have been earlier in his career and confront the reasons why for so many years he was denied the opportunity to show them.

All they ask me is how old I am. But nobody asks me why I stayed out of the major leagues for 15 years. That’s a long time isn’t it? Let me ask another question. When Baltimore bought the St. Louis club, why did they turn me loose? When I was a top pitcher for three years in Miami, how come nobody pick me up? Somebody must know why.” - Satchel Paige, quoted by Lou Hatter, Baltimore Sun, September 28, 1965

Despite denying him the opportunity to ply his trade for so long, major league baseball decided to bestow its highest honor on Paige when he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1971. That didn’t make up for all the years he was shunned by the game, but in reality, the real loser was baseball and all the fans that missed out on the chance to see the legendary hurler in his prime. Nonetheless, Paige still left behind a legacy, not to mention some very sage advice. “Age is a question of mind over matter,” Paige once said. “If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” I am sure Jamie Moyer agrees.

Al Leiter struggled early in his career with the Yankees, but found success years later. (Photo: NY Daily News)

At Bronx Banter, I recently took a look at position players who found success with other teams after making a brief debut with the Yankees. Although Montero is definitely a unique talent, the franchise has established a pretty good record of not trading away its most productive offensive prospects. But, what about the pitchers?

Since 1901, 319 pitchers (including actives) have debuted with the Yankees, but only 32 went on to amass a career WAR of at least 15. Of that subtotal, eight pitchers found success after being traded by the Yankees, a 25% miss rate that exactly matches the team’s result with position players. However, whereas 19 of the top 20 homegrown Yankee hitters blossomed in the Bronx, five of the top 20 pitchers didn’t flower until being uprooted.

Of course, not all young prospects make the major leagues before being traded, and the Yankees have developed a reputation for dealing young pitchers before they even see the bright lights. And yet, even in this regard, the franchise has done a good job scouting its own system. Since the first Rule IV draft in 1965, the Yankees have traded only one drafted-and-signed minor leaguer who went on to have a career WAR greater than 15 (Scott McGregor), which perhaps proves there really is no such thing as a pitching prospect.

The Ones That Got Away – Pitchers

Note: Includes pitchers with a WAR greater than 15 who were traded by the Yankees early in their careers.
Note: Dazzy Vance, who amassed a WAR of 56.4, pitched for the Yankees in his first season, but only after debuting with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Source: Baseball-reference.com

What most jumps out from the list above is that half of it could have wound pitching in the same rotation. Between Al Leiter, Jose Rijo, Doug Drabek, and Bob Tewksbury, the Yankees had the makings of a dominant rotation, but instead, the team’s impatient and disorganized approach during the 1980s resulted in a roster that was perennially short on starting pitching. Making matters worse, only Rijo, who was part of the deal for Rickey Henderson, brought back a valuable return. Unfortunately for the Yankees, Rick Rhoden (Drabek), Steve Trout (Tewksbury) and Jesse Barfield (Al Leiter) didn’t exactly help mitigate the loss of such talented young arms.

Yankees 1992 Rotation vs. “What Might Have Been”

Note: Al Leiter was injured in 1992.Melido Perez led the 1992 Yankees with an ERA+ of 138 in 247 2/3.
Source: Baseball-reference.com

Although Leiter has the highest WAR among all pitchers the Yankees gave away, the one who really came back to haunt them was Lew Burdette. After only one inning in pinstripes, the 24-year old righty was sent to the Boston Braves in exchange for Johnny Sain. The New York Times described the trade as a “startling move”, but Sain was really living off a reputation established earlier in his career. He did have a productive season in 1953, but otherwise was a non-factor on the Yankees’ dynasty teams. Meanwhile, Burdette developed into one of the Braves best pitchers.

Judging by the Yankees’ success in the decade, it’s hard to argue that trading Burdette was a hindrance, at least not until 1957. That year, the Yankees met the now Milwaukee Braves in the World Series, and, much to their chagrin, renewed acquaintances with Burdette, who not only won games 2 and 5, but also slammed the door on the Bronx Bombers by shutting them out in the deciding game 7. In total, Burdette went 3-0 with a 0.67 ERA in 27 innings, but the Yankees got their revenge the following season when they turned the tables on Burdette by beating him twice in the 1958 World Series rematch.

The Yankees paid a steep price for being impatient in 1980s, but otherwise the franchise has done a good job protecting its future by not cutting bait too quickly on pitching prospects. That’s something to keep in mind as the Yankees navigate through a period in which both their major league and minor league rosters boast several impressive young arms. After all, identifying whom not trade can sometimes be the most important decision an organization can make.

Billy Butler's bat would fit nicely into the Yankees' DH slot.

Saying that a player is underrated is perhaps the most overused cliché in baseball, but it really does apply to Butler. Because he debuted at such a young age, it seems as if Butler has been around forever, but this year, the right handed hitter will only be 26. And, although defense has proved challenging, he has had very few difficulties handling the bat since his promotion at the age of 21. In fact, not only has Butler developed into one of the game’s best young hitters, over the last three seasons, there haven’t been many better, regardless of age. Since 2009, Butler’s OPS+ of 128 ranks 22nd among all major leaguers with at least 1,500 plate appearances, placing him on par with the likes of Hanley Ramirez and Mark Teixeira and a notch above Alex Rodriguez and Chase Utley.

If the Yankees were able to acquire Butler, they’d essentially be replacing Jesus Montero with a player who not only fits a very similar profile, but is only four years older. What’s more, Butler is signed to a very reasonable contract that calls for him to make $8 million over the next three seasons. Even though that is out of the Yankees reported $1-2 million price range, Butler’s existing ability and potential for improvement would seem to mitigate the extra expense.

According to the rumor, the cost of obtaining Butler would be Phil Hughes, which seems to make the deal a no-brainer from the Yankees’ perspective. If Brian Cashman could pull off an exchange that boils down to Montero and Hughes for Butler and Michael Pineda, the Sporting News might have to rename the executive of the year award after him. Unfortunately, there’s a reason why the deal seems too good to be true; based on the lack of credible sources, it probably is.

Over the past couple of decades (yes, decades), the Royals have been an attractive starting point for trade rumors. That’s what happens when you spend over 20 years in a rebuilding mode. However, things may be about to change for Kansas City. In addition to an established offensive player like Butler, the Royals’ offense also boasts a resurgent Alex Gordon as well as promising young hitters like Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Mike Moustakas. What’s more, despite the recent promotions of several highly regarded prospects, the Royals’ farm system still has a few more on the way, including outfielders Wil Myers and Bubba Starling.

Because of the organization’s position player depth, it might make sense for the Royals to consider shopping Butler, who, like Montero, seems pigeon-holed into being a DH. Using that logic, Kansas City might be willing to trade his bat for pitching, just like the Yankees did for Pineda. However, Hughes doesn’t seem close to Butler’s value, and might not represent much of an upgrade for the Royals, who have more than their fair share of young pitching prospects, including lefties Mike Montgomery and Dan Duffy and right hander Jake Odorizzi. If anything, the Royals would probably be better off adding a veteran arm (Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson?) than trading from its core of young hitters for another pitching prospect.

Considering the depressed state of the A.L. Central, which finds the White Sox and Twins in a rebuilding mode and the Tigers facing the loss of one of their best hitters, it isn’t a stretch to think the Royals could contend in 2012. Even without a free agent acquisition, Kansas City is on the ascendant, while other teams in the division are taking a step back. That’s not only bad news for the A.L. Central, but it also means the rest of baseball may no longer be able to lean on Kansas City for talent. So, if the Yankees are going to fill their hole at DH via a trade, the Royals are one team Cashman can probably scratch off his list.

Judging by the franchise’s historic reluctance to install a full-time DH, the Yankees could decide to use the DH slot as a merry go-round for the team’s veterans. However, the idea of acquiring a younger bat is one worth investigating further. TYA compiled a list of some interesting alternative targets, but the cost to obtain them would probably be prohibitive. Ultimately, if the Yankees decide to use a rotating DH, a young, versatile player will be more a necessity than a luxury. So, unless Cashman is willing to turn over the DH slot to one of the many veteran bats hanging around the free agent market, he’ll need to find a way to be just a little more creative this offseason.

There have been numerous PitchFX breakdowns of Pineda’s arsenal, but most of the focus has been on the fact that in 2011 he was basically a two-pitch pitcher: a four-seam fastball and slider.  Last season, Pineda threw either of those two pitches just over 90% of time, which was the fifth highest percentage among the 94 pitchers who qualified for the ERA title in 2011 (he ranked eighth for highest rate of four-seamers and fourth for sliders). This limited repertoire has been a source of concern because recent findings have suggested that sliders and fastballs exhibit the most significant platoon splits. In other words, pitchers who feature only the fastball and slider tend to have difficulty with batters who hit from the opposite side of the plate, which normally would be troubling enough, but seems like an even greater concern for the Yankees because of the Stadium’s short porch in right field.

Pitchers with the Highest Four-Seam/Slider Combo

FF= Four-seam fastball; SL = Slider
Source: fangraphs.com

Considering the small sample size involved, it seems futile to make broad assumptions about Pineda’s future effectiveness against lefties. Besides, the young righty handled southpaws just fine in 2011. Even though left handers did fare better than their counterparts from the right side, Pineda’s splits really don’t contain any glaring red flags. What’s more, not all fastballs and sliders are created equal, and Pineda’s are among the best in the league. So, while the young fire baller would certainly benefit from the addition of a third pitch, he has already proven that he can be effective without one.

Michael Pineda’s 2011 Sabermetric Splits

Source: baseball-reference.com fangraphs.com

Obviously, the Yankees are expecting Pineda to be much more than just “effective”. Otherwise, Cashman probably wouldn’t have traded Jesus Montero to obtain him. So, if Pineda is going to develop into an ace, a third pitch would certainly help the cause. But, does it have to be a changeup?

Based on 2011 data, there is no correlation between the percentage of changeups thrown and a variety of performance-based metrics (including ERA, xFIP and SIERA), meaning, at the very least, the pitch isn’t a magic bullet. However, most of the game’s best pitchers do, in fact, throw a changeup, which probably isn’t a coincidence. Because the changeup is particularly effective against batters hitting from the opposite side of the plate, it does seem to be the ideal pitch for Pineda to learn.

How Often the “Best” Pitchers Throw a Changeup

Note: Ranking based on xFIP.
Source: fangraphs.com

The next question becomes how easy will it be for Pineda to develop a changeup? Once again, it’s impossible to answer that question, but one thing Yankees’ fan should know is developing the pitch is not given. For years, there has been talk of Phil Hughes needing to throw the changeup more often, but the right hander still hasn’t been able to master it. Whether or not Pineda can eventually develop the pitch to the point where he can use it effectively will be based on his individual ability, but the process likely won’t take place over night.

Plenty of pitchers have gradually developed a changeup over time, so there is no need to force Pineda’s development. Like any young pitcher, Pineda will need time to refine his arsenal, but unlike most, his blistering fastball and hard breaking slider are potent enough to hold down the fort until the reinforcement arrives. Instead of worrying about how Pineda’s potential might be limited by his lack of a changeup, a better perspective would be to think about how good he’ll be once he develops one. After all, it’s a lot easier to teach a changeup than find an arm as talented as Pineda’s.

In the 111-year history of the Yankees’ franchise, 122 pitchers have taken the mound for the team before their age-24 season, but only 21 threw enough innings to qualify for the ERA title. Adding further perspective, since 1981, only two pitchers from this group, Andy Pettitte and Dave Righetti, have a taken a regular turn in the Yankees’ rotation for an entire season. So, if Pineda is able to accomplish that task, he’ll join a very small fraternity. Considering the relative success enjoyed by each of the most recent qualifiers, the Yankees would probably be very happy if Pineda’s 2012 season resembles the group.

10 Most Recent Seasons by a Yankees Pitcher Age-23 or Younger

Note: Only includes pitchers who qualified for the ERA title.
Source: baseball-reference.com

Entering his age-22 season, Jesus Montero would have also been a novelty for the Yankees. Since 1901, the team has only had 22 hitters age-22 or younger qualify for the batting title. However, these prodigies have been a little more common of late. During the dynasty years, Derek Jeter, Melky Cabrera (twice) and Robinson Cano each compiled at least 524 plate appearances before turning 23, so had the Yankees retained Montero, it’s likely he would have joined that succession.

10 Most Recent Seasons by a Yankees Batter, Age-22 or Younger

Note: Only includes hitters who qualified for the batting title.
Source: baseball-reference.com

No matter how you slice it, Pineda and Montero are rare talents. Because Yankees’ fans have long been awaiting the arrival of Montero, his departure has led to understandable disappointment. However, Pineda has the potential to be just as exciting in pinstripes, and, if he continues his progression, fans in the Bronx should warm up to him very quickly.

Is Brian Cashman using the perception of the Steinbrenners to his advantage in negotiations?

As we now know, history did not repeat itself. Less than 48 hours after meeting with Boras, the Yankees acted quickly and boldly by not only trading for Michael Pineda, but also signing Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year deal. Was the timing a coincidence? Or, did the Yankees use the perception of organizational conflict to their advantage in getting Kuroda and Mariners’ GM Jack Zduriencik to consummate their respective deals?

Based on initial accounts, it seems as if Cashman and Zduriencik had been discussing a possible deal for some time. In fact, the Yankees first target was actually Felix Hernandez. However, when the Mariners’ refused, the Yankees turned their focus to Pineda. According to reports, Zduriencik first demanded that Ivan Nova be a part of the deal, but this time Cashman balked. How long did the standoff last? We may never know, but considering the Mariners accepted Hector Noesi as a substitute, not to mention included one of their own top prospects in the deal, it does seem as if the compromise came from Zduriencik’s side.

What could have caused the Mariners to relent on their demands?  It’s pure speculation, but it’s easy to envision a scenario in which Cashman told Zduriencik, explicitly or implicitly, something along the lines of: if we don’t wrap up this deal now, my owner is going to go over my head and make an offer to Edwin Jackson. Normally, such a tactic would be perceived as an obvious bluff, but after last year’s Soriano signing, Zduriencik may not have been willing to take the chance.

While negotiating with the Mariners, Cashman may have also placed a call to Kuroda’s agent, letting him know that things were moving fast. For months, the right hander seemed to be dragging his feet, but the possibility of losing the Yankees as suitor may have forced his hand. If Kuroda really wanted to wear pinstripes in 2012, he’d have to finally make up his mind.

Is that really how things unfolded? If such a strategy was used, Cashman would obviously never reveal it. Also, it may not have even been a premeditated approach. Maybe the higher-ups in the Yankees’ organization were starting to get an itchy trigger finger, or maybe Zduriencik and Kuroda’s agent took it upon themselves to make that assumption? Then again, the timing may have just been a coincidence. In many ways, the uncertainty works to the Yankees’ advantage. Like a hitter digging in against a pitcher with a reputation for occasionally letting one get away, GMs and agents around the game may be distracted when negotiating with Cashman, which isn’t the best way to approach a ninja.