LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – Giancarlo Stanton said Monday afternoon that the Yankees were his choice and not the Cardinals or the Giants. He is now a NY Yankee after it was made official on the opening day for business at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings. Added to the equation is Stanton making it known that this juncture of his career was not a time to be with a rebuilding team.
And new Marlins owner Derek Jeter, who no doubt had the proper connections to make this deal with the Yankees, has made it known that down in South Beach the Marlins are shedding salaries and Stanton the reigning NL MVP was available.
Stanton said he had to be prepared about what would be inevitable with the Marlins. They are rebuilding and he wanted no part of that. “It’s in the past,” he said to the surrounding media who met the newest Yankee who will wear number 27.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner said it all, “In this town it is important to have marquee players.” The Yankees always seem to get what they want and this transaction follows their history and may be more significant than bringing Alex Rodriguez to the Bronx. Stanton hits home runs, 59 this past season , and joins Aaron Judge as a new “Murderer’s Row” in the lineup for new Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone.
Jeter is off the hook by trading the remaining 10-years and $295 million of Stanton’s contract. Stanton took shots at his former team about being the last one with knowledge about a trade but that all goes out the window now as he and the Yankees are the talk of the meetings.
These are type of announcements Yankees fans look forward to. And in 64 days the same questions will be asked to Giancarlo Stanton when the Yankees assemble for spring training in Tampa Florida…
Coaching changes for the Yankees: Aaron Boone said Phil Nevins is his third base coach… No word if Tony Pena, long time bench coach to Joe Girardi will return….
Yankees discuss possible trade for Cole: Always on their radar hard throwing right hander Gerrit Cole of the Pittsburgh Pirates is in the discussion. The Pirates are seeking outfielder Clint Frazier and another prospect and with Stanton now in the Bronx it gives the Yankees options to include Frazier in a deal.
CC Sabathia is expected to re-sign for another year. But, Cashman said the Yankees are always looking to improve and another aspect of the roster to attack is finding another starter. This past season, Cole went 12-12 with an ERA of 4.26 and gave up 199 hit in 203 innings and hurled 196 strikeouts…
METS QUIET DAY: The Mets get their chance to address the media Tuesday with new manager Mickey Callaway. GM Sandy Alderson is not expected to make a splash but the Mets are discussing a return of Jay Bruce to the outfield.
Dominic Smith, despite reports last week of not having an opportunity, well that has quickly been changed to Smith having every opportunity. Though the Mets are expected to upgrade in the bullpen and fill gaps in the infield and their outfield.
Matt Harvey on trading block?…. Here we go again with heavy reports that the Mets righthander will be off to Texas for infielder Jurickson Profar… Upgrade for the Mets with Profrar? Perhaps, or does this mean Wilmer Flores is also a part of a deal
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