If they can nab the 31 year-old, it would be a real step in the right direction for the Mets. Yet, there’s still a lot of work to do before Figgins hoists his No. 9 jersey at Citi Field.

First they have to figure out where he would play. A third baseman last season, that position is secured by David Wright, so the Mets would have to move Figgins to either second base or left field. Although a huge hole is open in left, the team would prefer to have the free agent play second base, where he would be continue his one-two punch with Jose Reyes out in the field.

Of course, Luis Castillo is still on the team with two years and about $12 million coming to him, so general manager Omar Minaya is shopping his incumbent to open the door for a new, more multi-dimensional player. Already there have been rumors about Chris Snyder and Lyle Overbay, so the feeling is something will happen with the Mets much maligned second baseman.

Yet, more is needed than just Figgins. The Mets also will kick the tires for Matt Holliday and inquire about ace Roy Halladay, but something tells me that the organization will come up short there.

Although COO Jeff Wilpon told fans in a letter and the press a day after the season, the Mets will have a similar payroll as last season, it also means the club will need to make some tough decisions when it comes to filling positions. Make no mistake, the club won’t have a Yankee-like payroll of $200 million, rather, it will come in between $145 – $150 million, so there will be some limitations here.

All of that means the Mets will have between $25 – $30 million to play with coming into this offseason with the expiring contracts coming off the books, and factoring in pay raises for next season. Figgins will cost between $8 – $10 million so right off the bat, you are down to $22 million for a couple of bats and a starter.

If they can dump Castillo, they will probably have to take a similar contract back, which means that will be somewhat of a wash. Yet if it fills a hole, like catcher with Snyder or first base with Overbay, it will mean more money to spend elsewhere.

It also means the high priced free agents will be too rich for the Mets if they get Figgins. Scott Boras wants $18 million a season for Holliday and if they Mets could pull off the trade for Halladay, he will command a Johan Santana kind of contract of $22 million a season.

If Holliday’s price comes down to say between $12-$15 million per season, then the Mets would be able to afford the former Rockies outfielder. It will also allow the club to start the season with Omir Santos behind the plate if Castillo can’t fetch a catcher like Snyder.  It will also allow the team to use Daniel Murphy at first with Ike Davis waiting in the wings down in Buffalo.

The bottom line is this though…the Mets will only have about $15 million to spend on a big bopper in the lineup if they add Figgins.

Then the Mets will have about $7 – $10 million to get another starter, like Jason Marquis or Randy Wolf, and fill in the bullpen.

All of this sounds nice in November and will mean nothing if Reyes, Carlos Beltran, Johan Santana, and David Wright are not healthy next season. But it is a plan and a start, which is all a Met fan can hope for right now.

This is at the beginning of the new book by Gabriel Schechter called “This BAD Day In Yankees History.” As you leaf through this daily “Calendar of Calamities,” you quickly find that, even though the Yankees lead Mother Earth in World Championships, they might also lead in bad luck, bad quotes, and bad players.

January 20, 1999: He Coulda Been A Contender – Brien Taylor’s contract finally runs out, ending the sorriest non-career in Yankees history.  The “can’t-miss” left-handed pitcher was drafted in 1991 and signed for a $1.55 million bonus, but injured his shoulder in a senseless fight in 1993 (see Dec. 18), underwent surgery, struggled in the minors, and never pitched in the majors.

Fans of any other team could probably say they’ve had it the worst.  The Phillies have lost more games than any other franchise in history.  The Expos/Nationals have never made it to the World Series.  The Mets…  Well, does 7 games up with 17 to play ring a bell?  But none of these franchises are the Yankees.  Anybody can shave their head and go clubbing, but when Britney Spears does it, we’ve got real news.  Same with baseball and same with the New York Yankees.

March 7, 1998: Now He’s A Yankee! – Hideki Irabu, a bust as a Yankees pitcher, confronts critical Japanese reporters outside the clubhouse.  Someone is filming them, so Irabu charges at him and wrestles him for the camera.  Then he demands that still photographers hand over their film.  He exposes it to ruin their shots, then throws the videotape on the floor and stomps on it.

Bill Lee, famous as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and infamous for hurting his left (pitching) arm in an on-field brawl with the Yankees (and being interviewed here last summer), wrote a Foreword for “This BAD Day In Yankees History” that is one of the most humorous forewards I have ever read.  Bill Lee on Hank Steinbrenner: “He only opens his mouth to change feet.”

See what I mean?

Arranged like a calendar, “This BAD Day In Yankees History” is not like one of those large wall calendars you see at Barnes & Noble beginning every October.  You know what I’m talking about.  When you start seeing the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit calendar, or the High School Musical XXIII calendar, or a calendar of your favorite baseball team featuring a player on the front who was traded three weeks ago for a pack of gum and salary dump to be named later.  No, “This BAD Day In Yankees History” is a perfect 6″ x 6″ square, not bound, but presented in a ring binder.  And the cover features an illustration of the old Yankee Stadium crumbling as if Armageddon had come about.  Or they just didn’t make the playoffs again.

July 18, 1995: After a nine-run, 13-hit bombing, Jack McDowell finally gets the hook in the fifth inning.  The Yankee Stadium crowd boos him, and he responds by giving them the finger.  The Yankees fine him $5,000.

To say author Gabriel Schechter did quite a bit of research compiling this is more than an understatement.  It’s an absolute truth.  It’s a 365-page book/calendar with multiple entries per day; perfect for your coffee table or bathroom.  Just pick it up, pick a day, and read away.  Got three minutes?  Go to June 5 to read about the latest injury to Mickey Mantle in 1963.  Or check out September 18th for another Quote of the Day, this time by former manager Clyde King in 1982.  You’d be silly not to read June 1, where an entry about that date in 1972 shows just how a team can fall apart when they lose a game by walking in a run.

This I stole from the press release around the book: “A full-time researcher at the National Baseball Hall of Fame library in Cooperstown, Gabriel Schechter has held his dream job since 2002. He has written four baseball history books, including VICTORY FAUST: The Rube Who Saved McGraw’s Giants (2000), UNHITTABLE! Baseball’s Greatest Pitching Seasons (2002), and America’s Pastime: Treasures of the Baseball Hall of Fame (2005). Gabriel grew up a Mets fan in Northern New Jersey (“Yankee Country”), graduated from Colgate, and has been a member of SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) since 1991.”  In other words, Gabriel knows a thing or two about baseball.

July 23, 1978: Quote of the Day – Manager Billy Martin passes judgment on his star, Reggie Jackson, and his boss, George Steinbrenner: “The two of them deserve each other.  One’s a born liar, the other’s convicted.”  With this pronouncement, he takes a giant leap toward being forced to resign.

Ahh, the good old days.  With “This BAD Day In Yankees History,” you’ve got 365 of them.  Enjoy.

Jimmy Scott is probably the greatest pitcher you’ve never heard of.  Visit Jimmy Scott’s High & Tight to read more from Jimmy.  You’ll also hear a new interview every Monday morning with former MLB players, agents, wives and others; giving new outlooks on this great game we call Baseball.  Go there now to hear Jimmy’s latest interviews with Nelson & Alisa Figueroa, Brian Boehringer, and Craig Swan.  You can follow Jimmy on Twitter or Facebook.

With that A-Rod read from a prepared statement and told those present he knows he has a long road ahead to try and regain the trust that had been lost when his use of steroids became public. He told the media he needed to do two things. Tell the truth and tell where, what, and when he used illegal substances.

Rodriguez thanked the Yankees, the fans and his teammates for their support before going into detail about his use of steroids. He said that in 2001, 2002 and 2003 he experimented with a banned substance that triggered a positive reaction to a drug test administered in 2003. He stated that he had a meeting with Gene Orza in September of 2004 and was told he was one of a number of players who may have tested positive for banned substances. A-Rod said, “I think it is important to note that the tests that were taken in 2003 were requested and voted by players to determine the extent of the drug problem in Major League Baseball.”

A-Rod said that starting in 2001 he was introduced to a substance by an unidentified cousin that could be purchased over-the-counter that would give A-Rod an “energy boost, and otherwise harmless.” The substance was called “boli” on the streets.

He said he and his cousin, “one more ignorant than the other,” decided it would be a good idea to take it and it was delivered from the Dominican Republic by Rodriguez’s cousin. Rodriguez said the drug was administered by the cousin, but that neither of them knew how to administer it properly. When asked how the drug was introduced into him A-Rod replied, “It was injected.” A-Rod said they both took the substance twice a month for six months over a 3-year span starting with the 2001 season.

Rodriguez told the media, “We consulted no one. It was pretty evident that we didn’t know what we were doing.”

A-Rod said he and his cousin tried to keep taking the drug between them and that his cousin never offered the substance to any other player. Rodriguez stated he stopped using the substance after the 2003 season for a couple of reasons First, he had sustained a serious neck injury and was afraid for his baseball career and his career after baseball and, secondly, because the players voted for a mandatory drug and, “at this time it became evident to me how serious this all was. And, I decided to stop then.”

Afterwards, Rodriguez told the crowd about how often he has submitted to urine and blood drug testing. He also said he understands that he wouldn’t have any control over the opinions of others regarding his career and any records he may influence. He said what he could control was his God-given ability and that, “spring training represents a new start to me, and a chance to win a championship.”

A-Rod concluded his statement by saying how baseball was bigger than Alex Rodriguez. He looked to his right and said, “To my teammates…..” at which point he became obviously emotional and paused for 37 seconds before finishing, “…..thank you. ” Teammates Derek Jeter, Andy Pettitte, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada were looking at A-Rod when he apologized to them.

After finishing the statement Rodriguez answered 26 questions from various members of the sports media. It was here a contrite and emotional A-Rod began dodging the hard questions.

When asked if he thought he was cheating by taking banned substances A-Rod replied, “I knew I made a mistake.” He was also asked by George King of the New York Post to identify the cousin and he said the identity of the cousin wasn’t relevant. He said anything the cousin did he did under A-Rod’s direction.

Rodriguez kept putting blame on his naivety, stupidity and youth. He kept referring to himself as being a 24-25 year old guy who didn’t know any better. It is interesting to note that from his first full season in 1995 until 2001 he allegedly remained clean, and from 2004 until the present he has remained clean. So, why was Rodriguez only stupid, naïve and young while playing in Texas?

A-Rod was also asked about his stats and which ones he thought were tainted and Rodriguez skirted around answering the question directly, but said it wasn’t up to him to decide what to do with his numbers.

Throughout the question and answer session Rodriguez appeared to be caught off-guard by several of the questions posed to him. He would pause several seconds and collect his thoughts before answering. Often, he would only answer half of a question, ignoring the other part of the inquiry.

When it was all said and done A-Rod left the crowd wanting more. To me he came off looking less than genuine and forthright in his answers. He said he wanted to get this behind him as quickly as possible and devote his focus to baseball. Instead, what he had done is trigger more questions, which will be asked over and over down the road until Rodriguez decides to stop making excuses or giving politically correct answers and be absolutely, no holds barred, truthful.

That said, A-Rod didn’t blame anyone for his problems, but himself. He admitted he took steroids, said where he got them and how often and long he used them. When asked to comment on the statements of others, such as Jaime Moyer and Commissioner Bud Selig on his steroid use, A-Rod never got angry and only said he was sorry they felt like they did, but he wouldn’t comment on the gist of what was in their statements.

Rodriguez has undoubtedly made great strides in, as he termed it, facing the music. Did he do all he could do at the news session today? He probably hasn’t. This situation isn’t going to fade any time soon, and until everyone is 100% satisfied in A-Rod’s answers he can only expect to hear more of same he got today.

Report: Pettitte talks to feds in Clemens investigation

The Associated Press is reporting that New York Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte has been interviewed by federal investigators to determine if Roger Clemens lied before a congressional committee looking into steroid abuse in Major League Baseball.

Pettitte, a long time friend and teammate of Clemens in New York and Houston admitted using Human Growth Hormone in 2007. He told investigators in the past Clemens had told him he had use HGH. Pettitte could be a very important witness if Clemens is brought to trial.

On Tuesday, the day after Rodriguez went on live television and spoke to ESPN’s Peter Gammons and admitted he had taken illegal substances from 2001 to 2003; Jeter was contacted by reporters at the Yankees spring training facility in Tampa, Florida where he was asked about his feelings on A-Rod’s predicament.  Jeter, who along with other Yankees has answered numerous questions about Rodriguez in the past, clammed up this time.

“I’m not addressing Alex’s situation until everybody’s here,” the Yankee captain said to reporters present.  He was referring to the legion of New York scribes who descend on the Yankees’ complex every year looking for stories.

“I’m not going to do it every single day,” Jeter said, clearly upset by the particular line of questioning. “Are things a distraction? It’s a distraction when you talk about it every single day.”

Jeter told reporters if they had baseball questions he would answer them, but any questions about A-Rod and the steroid scandal were off limits…..for now.

By not making any kind of statement Jeter is leaving the door of conjecture wide open at least until the full squad of players arrives in Tampa and spring training officially begins.  Jeter’s silence unfortunately leaves it up to others, such as Brett Gardner, to feel like they have to make statements.

Brett Gardner?

Gardner, who was unfortunate enough to be caught out in the open, was surrounded by reporters and asked to give his worldly view of A-Rod’s circumstances.  Gardner, probably not comfortable by all this sudden attention, issued a sagely edict in saying he didn’t watch A-Rod’s ESPN interview.  He told reporters he didn’t know if everyone on the team would forgive Rodriguez, but said, “I know I already have.

“He’s our teammate and I think anyone with the organization will if they haven’t already and we can all work together and hopefully play for a World Series.”

It’s reassuring to know that young Mr. Gardner forgives A-Rod for his faux pas, but I don’t think the organization wants young players competing for the center field position on the club popping off about distractions affecting the club.  That’s not Gardner’s fault, its Jeter’s.

This isn’t the first time Jeter has played favorites or has been less than 100% convincing in his support for his third base teammate.

In December of 2004, after Jason Giambi’s federal grand jury testimony on the BALCO situation became public Jeter came out in full support for his then first baseman.

“Jason made a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. He’s got to deal with it,” Jeter said. “It’s an unfortunate situation, and you feel for him that he’s going through it. He’s on our team, so I expect him to be back, and we have to support him as a teammate.”

Jeter went a step further.

“I’m sure he’s had a lot of time to think about what he wants to do, but I’m here to support him as a teammate and as a friend,” Jeter said. “Jason Giambi is a great person, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. No one is immune to any problems. This is a rough period for him, but I’m sure everyone will be supportive.”

When the hometown fans booed Giambi in June of 2005 Jeter jumped into the breach again, telling fans to start cheering for Giambi for the good of the team.

When Andy Pettitte went before the microphones and apologized to all of New York, after it had been revealed in George Mitchell’s report to baseball that he had used illegal substances, there was Jeter along with Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada sitting beside him showing their support for their comrade and friend.

Even after Pettitte revised his original statement, a lie, about the number of times he used performance enhancing drugs, Jeter and company were still there to support him.

“Andy knows how I feel about him, and he knows how we feel about him as an organization,” Jeter said. “It took a lot of courage for him to come out and be honest about it. Hopefully he can move on.”

Well, believe me Derek; A-Rod knows exactly how you feel about him too.

It is no secret that Jeter and A-Rod are no playpen pals.  That ended long ago after Rodriguez made some ill advised remarks about Jeter in Esquire magazine.

“He (Jeter) has never had to lead,” A-Rod was quoted as saying in the April 2001 edition. “He can just go and play and have fun. He hits second – that’s totally different than third or fourth in the lineup. You go into New York; you wanna stop Bernie (Williams) and Paul (O’Neill). You never say, ‘Don’t let Derek beat us.’ He’s never your concern.”

A-Rod apologized for those remarks with a weak explanation saying what he said were to praise Jeter, not to knock him.  Even I have a hard time with that one.  Regardless, it cooled off a once valued friendship.

In 2006, when A-Rod was going through a slump and the fans were booing him Jeter received a lot of flak for not standing up for A-Rod the way he had for Giambi.   “From Day One I’ve said I support Alex,” he said.  “The only thing I’m not going to do is tell the fans what to do. … I don’t think it’s my job to tell fans to boo or not to boo.”

The difference with all these scenarios is likability.  Jeter likes Giambi and Pettitte, and Rodriguez he doesn’t.

Clearly, Rodriguez is a sensitive guy.  He’s dumb a lot of the time as to how he conducts himself and in what he says, but he’s not stupid.  He wears his emotions on his sleeve.  All he wants is acceptance.  He needs it from the organization, from the fans, from his teammates, and most assuredly Derek Jeter.  He sees how Jeter is revered in the Big Apple.  He sees Jeter’s success in a town where success is fleeting, and all he wants is to taste some of what Jeter has.

By saying nothing at this point Jeter is letting A-Rod squirm on the proverbial hook until he decides he wants to come before all the microphones and give his public proclamation on Rodriguez’s latest calamity.

If Jeter didn’t want to address anything until the full spring training season got underway he could have very easily remedied that with a call to Yankees’ media relations director, Jason Zillo.  He could have issued a statement telling the world that he won’t answer any questions concerning A-Rod or his confession of using steroids until after the full spring training is underway.  He could’ve thrown A-Rod a bone in the statement advising that as team captain he was throwing his full support behind his embattled teammate.  End of statement.

That small exercise would have placated the reporters on hand who would have had the statement as advanced notice Jeter wasn’t talking and it would possibly have saved junior teammates like Gardner from pontificating on the situation.

As team captain it is Jeter’s responsibility to be a voice for the organization and an advocate for his teammates.  He doesn’t have to love them all, but he has to be the first guy there to lend full support to the guys on his squad when they mess up.  Privately, he can tell whomever ‘you’re an S.O.B., and what you did was wrong,’ but publically he has to support them.

Alex Rodriguez, just like Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi are and were troubled individuals going through rough waters in a scandal forever to be known as the “steroid era.”  As Yankee captain Jeter doesn’t get to pick and choose who he fully supports.  He has to be the bigger man and support all of his teammates equally.

A-Rod shouldn’t be viewed any different.

Sure, many Hall of Fame voters will hold it against him, but without a full admission, A-Rod will have this hang over him for the rest of his career.

Right now, Rodriguez has nine years left on his Yankee contract. An immediate admission will give the slugger enough time to repair his tarnished reputation. Although he could still be on the juice in some undetectable form, nine years of clean pee may be enough to erase the stain of his 2003 mistake.

Rodriguez needs to admit the mistake and move on. (Pete Borriello/NYSD)

In this country, honesty is the best way to go. For some odd reason, cheating is a forgivable sin, but to deny it just insults everyone’s intelligence. Bonds and Clemens decided to go the other route and they will forever be known as not only steroid abusers, but the sneaky kind that have been trying to cover it up. And let’s not mention the legal issues they both face. By lying under oath, both face perjury charges, which could put them in orange jumpsuits, if the government goes through with the trials.

Yet, coming clean does work. Andy Pettitte admitted his use after the Mitchell Report came out last year. He was forgiven and allowed to move on with his career. Jason Giambi also said he was sorry – although never actually said what he was sorry for – and was able to somewhat repair his reputation.

Now, A-Rod needs to do the same.

Sports Illustrated would never have published the story if they didn’t think there was enough credible evidence behind it and A-Rod would have been appalled if he was innocent, rather than telling SI to go “talk to the union.”

A-Rod is now at a crossroads. He needs to come to New York, admit his guilt to the Yankees, and ask for forgiveness. Although the Bombers probably won’t be able to void his contract, which they now think was negotiated in bad faith by Rodriguez, the third baseman has a major bridge to repair with his employer.

Then he needs to admit it to the general public. Call a press conference under the Yankee watch and just tell the world he did test positive in 2003 and he’s sorry. That act of contrition will go a long way with everyone in the baseball world.

Otherwise, this scandal will hang over his head for the rest of his career. Every home run, every RBI, even every hit will be looked at as tarnished. And no matter what he says to the press, he will always be considered a liar.

And then there’s the Yankees themselves. Does Rodriguez want to subject his teammates to question after question on the subject? This is supposed to be a banner year for the Yankees. With a number of new stars and a shiny new building, 2009 is supposed to be the year the Yankees comeback to prominence.

Now it took a turn for the worst. All the goodwill built up this offseason by the Yankees is now gone. They were able to pretty much dodge the Joe Torre bullet, but can’t avoid this.

And there’s only one way to solve this A-Rod conundrum – have Rodriguez come clean and move on.

The Mets were just one of Henderson's many hats. (Jim Leary/NYSD)

Yesterday, the inevitable came for Rickey Henderson as the sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer was elected carrying 511 of 539 ballots (94.8 percent) cast for 94.8% of the vote.

With 1,406 steals on his record and 2285 runs – both all-time records – Henderson redefined the leadoff position, while creating a rather colorful persona by speaking about himself in the third person.

Yet, it was the play on the field that defined the former Met, Yankee and Newark Bear and his teammates marveled in Henderson’s skill and style.

“His election is well-deserved,” said Hall of Famer Dave Winfield. “He was one of the best players I that ever played with and obviously the best leadoff hitter in baseball. We had a lot of fun pushing each other to play at higher levels. I’m very glad to see he got in.”

“Rickey and I have been friends for a long time, and I am ecstatic for him,” said Willie Randolph, who played with Henderson on the Yankees and A’s and had Henderson on staff with the Mets in 2007.  ”I’ve been fortunate and blessed to have played with a great number of phenomenal baseball players but pound-for-pound, Rickey Henderson is the best player I’ve ever played beside.

“No one was able to impact the course of a game in as many ways as Rickey. This is a great day for him, and I can’t wait to hear his acceptance speech.”

Henderson’s induction speech will happen in July, but here is NYSD’s interview with the Hall of Fame outfielder taken when he was a member of the Newark Bears back in July 2004.

NY Sports Day: What is the biggest difference in the way the game today compared to when you started?

Rickey Henderson: Fundamentals. There were probably more fundamentals. There were little things in the game that are missing today. That’s probably the difference (today) compared to when I started.

NYSD: How long do you plan on playing?

RH: I don’t know. I don’t have a timetable for that.

NYSD: In your 25 years in this game you have numerous records and accolades in your Hall of Fame career. What keeps you motivated after all these years?

RH: The gifts that I have. The gifts and desire to play baseball. That is what I set my life around coming out of high school and I still have the love for the game. I just don’t think that is my time to quit. A lot of times players don’t know when their time is up. It seems that it is not my time because I can play the game.

NYSD: Of all your records which one is the most special to you?

RH: The runs scored record is probably the most special.

NYSD: As a base stealer, what is going through you mind when you are on first or second looking to steal a base?

RH: It varies. Different pitchers have different motions and I try to pick out something while they are delivering the ball to the plate. What’s going through my mind is how good of a jump I will get.

NYSD: Has any major league team contacted you to play this year?

RH: We have had some clubs that are interested but are waiting to see what is going on. And to see how I play; what I do and how healthy I will be. Other than that there is nothing really definite right now.

NYSD: You are concentrating on base stealing and utilizing your speed this year. Are you making a concerted effort to drive the ball less and run more?

RH: Power never really was my game. You hear that they may want to see you run more and what you are capable of doing the best. I thought maybe that I was not giving them the stolen bases like they were looking for. I hit .400 here for 2 1/2 months last year and didn’t get the opportunity to get called up until I started going bad and not hitting the ball well. Then somebody got hurt and I got the opportunity. So I think it’s not the average that will get me to the big leagues. I am trying to get on base and create my running game and I will see what happens.

NYSD: Do you view yourself as a mentor to the younger players on the Bears?

RH: I think I am a mentor to some of the younger players on the team. I think they get a lot from me. I am the type of person who is willing to give lessons on what they are doing wrong and maybe I can help them.

NYSD: Of all your managers, which one have you enjoyed playing for the most and why?

RH: Billy Martin. I think he let us go out and play. He got the best out of you and he motivated me more than any other manager. I think he understood me because I went out there and gave him 100 percent each and every day no matter what was wrong with me. I gave him my best.

NYSD: What was your relationship with Bobby Valentine?

RH: We didn’t have a relationship. He was the manager and I was a player. We didn’t build a relationship and really didn’t have the time to have one.

NYSD: Do you have any animosity towards the Mets after they let you go in 2000?

RH: No, I have no animosity. I have no animosity with any team. I was blessed to get the opportunity to play baseball and I feel blessed to get the opportunity. What goes on (with the teams) I have no control of.

MS: Final question. How do you think this game will remember you after you retire?

RH: I don’t really know how the game will remember me after I retire. But I hope they remember me that I love this game and I played the game with my heart.

You’ve already read that Teixeira finalized his decision to sign with Steinbrenner’s Legion of Mega-Rich Ballplayers after a conversation with his wife, Leigh, in mid-December. She first would support her husband by extolling, “I just want you to be happy.” But by the Christmas rush, she admitted on one of the couple’s “date-nights,” “I want you to be a Yankee.” In truth, though, that decision was made some twenty years ago, when a young baseball fan in Maryland would attend Orioles games in Baltimore wearing a Yankees cap in honor of his favorite ballplayer, Don Mattingly.

“Sure, I love Cal (Ripken, Jr.) and Eddie (Murray),” noted Teixeira, “but there was just something about Don Mattingly. Mattingly was my guy.”

The time spent this offseason mulling offers from various teams, reportedly the Red Sox, Orioles, and Nationals, among them, was really just a matter of waiting for any kind of decent offer from New York. Teixeira intimated the Yankees were at the top of his pecking order, but he also stated he wouldn’t sign for the lowest bid either. “I wasn’t going to take half as much money to play in New York.”

His honesty and broad smiles were refreshing as he tried on his Yankee jersey for the first time, No. 25, worn last year by Jason Giambi. Teixeira wore No. 23 at his first major league stop in Texas in honor Donnie Baseball – was bumped to No. 24 in his next station, Atlanta, and upped to No. 25 last year as an Angel. He even wore No. 23 in college with Georgia Tech.

It helped that the Yankees offered another of their quite sizable contracts, an eight-year deal for $180 million, averaging some $22.5 mil per annum. His agent, Scott Boras, proudly stated, “Mark did not take his best financial offer.” Teixeira revealed the Red Sox offer was not as strong as the Yankees package, rumored to be for $170 mil.

That probably left the Nationals as the big ticket presenter. So let’s see, play for the Nationals, a perennial loser, or the Yankees, a perennial playoff contender and occasional World Series winner? Hmmm. Tough choice.

Teixeira was beaming throughout his press conference, his exuberance genuinely directed at not just winning the free agent jackpot, but at the thought of playing for his favorite team.

“This is a great day for me. This is the greatest organization in the history of sports.”

The $180 million dollar first baseman will fit like the proverbial glove in his new Yankee lineup. Some 33 years ago, Jackson arrived in New York with power and bravado; he brought his own star with him as he captivated New York like a rock star.

Teixeira has the power (he’s averaged nearly 34 home runs and 113 RBIs in his six-year career, coupled with a .290 average), and even the bravado: “We’re going to have an incredible lineup. Alex (Rodriguez) is going to get on more. I’m going to drive in runs and I’ll get on base more.”

As for the rock star, A-Rod has that one to his own (Madonna). Teixeira exudes confidence with a touch of humility. “No one’s going to expect more from me than me. I believe I have yet to tap my potential. I’m trying to get better. I haven’t accomplished anything yet. I don’t have a World Series ring on my finger. So I’m going to work hard and do whatever it takes to win.”

“Tex” has already played with several Yankees and is friends with many of them. The 6’ 3” switch-hitter, who was drafted in the first round (5th overall) in 2001 by the Texas Rangers, broke in with Rodriguez in 2003. He’s played with several of his new teammates in the first World Baseball Classic two years ago. And he even was a teammate of Xavier Nady in the Arizona Fall League. He feels the transition to his new digs will be smooth, and expects to become a voice in the clubhouse.

“I look at myself as a leader. First and foremost, I try to do the right things the right way on the field. And I think you can carry that over to the locker room and earn the respect of your teammates.”

Teixeira’s contract includes a $5 millions dollar signing bonus and a full no-trade clause.