Any MLB odds fan that has watched or wagered on the New York Yankees over the past two decades has seen a team home grown team dynasty spring up from the disappointment of the 1980’s and honor restored to the winningest franchise in professional sports history.
And through the Yankees run of World Series title in the 90’s and 00’s there has several key figures behind the team’s success. Indeed, when baseball odds fans think of the Yankees there’s three names that come to mind: SS Derek Jeter (Mr. Yankee himself), RP Mariano Rivera (the greatest reliever of all time) and P Andy Pettitte (the winningest post season pitcher in MLB odds history.
As top name free agent assassins were bought and sold throughout the past 16 years the Yankees could always count on these constants to remain the same (with the partial exception of Pettitte who spent some time with the Astros). And as long as Jeter was hitting leadoff, Rivera was in the Bull Pen and Pettitte was starting, the Yankees had a great shot at the World Series title
But all good things must come to an end an in New York it seems as though it will be the end of an era for this trio. All three are free agents. All three are past their prime. And all three are likely to get more money elsewhere to close out their Hall of Fame Careers.
Jeter, the 36-yearold Yankee captain and the face of the franchise is coming career lows in almost every major statistical category (.270 BA, 10 HR, 67 RBIs, 111 Runs, 18 SB). Rivera had 33 saves and a 1.80 ERA but he’s nearly 41-years old and likely looking for a multiple year payday. Pettitte was limited by injuries this season and finished with an 11-3 record and a 3.28 ERA but 38-years old doesn’t appear to have much left in the tank and may retire.
The Yankees are an organization well known for throwing cash at free agents but not over the hill veterans. The best that the franchise will likely offer these greybeards is one year contract and reduced rates.
These players will likely command multiple year deals for more money elsewhere and we could see a radically different Yankee lineup in the 2011 MLB odds season.