Will Yankees Cross the TriBoro?
This whole Joe Torre – leaving thing seems to have a number of Yankees with their panties in a bunch. Two hardcore loyalists — Mariano Rivera and his batterymate Jorge Posada — have suggested that if Torre goes, they’ll go too.
And go where, pray tell?
It just so happens the crosstown New York Mets are in the market — desperately — for both a starting catcher and bullpen help. Wouldn’t it be the best slap in the face to George Steinbrenner — the ultimate demonstration — for these two Yankee icons to play in the Mets’ orange and blue?
OK, maybe it would be a bigger slap to head north to Boston. But the Red Sox aren’t replacing Jason Varitek, and Mo might prefer to stick around NYC to keep an eye on his steakhouse, Mo’s New York Grill. Staying where they’re comfortable, in New York City, with the potential to be on the back pages of the tabloids and a pebble in George’s shoe, would be a fine way to express their displeasure. They’d also be ideal pieces to the New York Mets’ 2008 World Series puzzle.
This is all conjecture, of course. Both Posada and Rivera can say what they will, but the bottom line is, we all know they’re going to return to the Yankee pinstripes in 2008 — and likely retire as career Yanks.
But in the meantime, we can dream, can’t we?
Posada would be the most expensive starting catcher we can find, and probably the one most set up for a down year considering he won’t hit .330 again and he’ll be switching leagues. Rivera is getting closer to retirement, still wants a multi-year deal, and would likely mean the Mets would have to unload an unhappy Wagner if he were signed.
With all that said…I’m still in favor of signing them. Talk about wanting to be successful? Playing in eyeshot of The Boss is all the incentive they would need. Plus, maybe…just maybe…the Mets have some type of inside track because of Willie (who used to be bench coach or 1st base coach or something or other on the Skanks). At worst Posada hits .260 with 20 HR, and Rivera splits closers duty with Wagner.
Still, it’s very hard to see either in a Mets uniform. Also difficult to see either a teammate of Pedro Martinez. But, as Mic has said, stranger things have happened.
*Y-A-N-K-E-E-S….here come the….YANK-EES….dahdah-da-dah*
I’d promptly move to Boston.
I’ll take Torre as bench coach if he promises to bring “Jorgey” and “Mo” with him.