ESPN's Buster Olney reports that, according to sources, before A-Rod opted out of his deal, the Yankees were told that they would need to make an offer that would bring his total contract (including the three years left on it) up to $350 million total, just to meet with him.

Let's do some math. He had three years and $81 million left on his current deal. That's an average of $27 million a year. The article doesn't say how long the extension would be for. But, we can say it would be for more than 5 years, as that would make the extension pay an average of $53.8 million a year (though, I wouldn't put it past Boras). Peter Abraham said that it was presumably for an eight year extension. OK, so that would make the extension worth an average of $33.625 million a year. That would make the total contract worth $350 million over eleven years. That's $31.818 million a year.

Then, you factor in the $21 million that we had coming from Texas and that makes the contract worth, to us, $329 million over eleven years. That makes the yearly average of the deal $29.909 million a year.

Knowing all of this, it will be interesting to see how it plays out from here.

The official site reports that the Yankees decided to pick up Bobby Abreu's one year option, valued at $16 million dollars. It had a $2 million dollar buyout.

And now, a message from Alex Rodriguez.

Girardi was officially introduced as the new manager yesterday. The coaching staff has been officially announced, as well, and it is the one that was mentioned a few days ago. That is:

Pitching: Dave Eiland
Hitting: Kevin Long
Bench: Rob Thomson
Third Base: Bobby Meacham
First Base/Catching: Tony Pena
Bullpen: Mike Harkey

Cliff Corcoran has a great write up on the group. John Amato says that Girardi told Mike and the Mad Dog that Donnie was asked to return as bench coach, but declined. That's disappointing, but understandable.

Are the Yankees dragging their feet on Posada? From Mark Feinsand and Bill Madden (via Steve):


Let's not do this.

Derek Jeter was on WFAN yesterday and he had this to say on the Yankees stance as far as not persuing A-Rod:


Cashman covered a handful of interesting subjects yesterday with the media. Pulling from reports by Bryan Hoch and Peter Abraham:

He wants Cano to stay at second, but he knows that Cano can play third, so it's a consideration, however small. Cashman told Cano that he should encourage Wilson Betemit to get himself in good shape so that he can win the third base job and keep Cano at second.

Hideki Matsui will have minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Coming into Spring Training, he's expected to be 100%. Derek Jeter will not need surgery on his right knee.

Joba Chamberlain will be a starter... unless we fail to bring back Mo. If we do, then he might stay in the bullpen. If, heaven forbid, we lose Mo, let's just sign Francisco Cordero and put Joba in the rotation. (And sign Scott Linebrink to set up).

The team must decide on Bobby Abreu's option by today.

Forgot to post about this earlier, but I will be on Marist Radio at 8:30 PM ET tonight. You can listen live online.

A few days ago, speaking in reference to A-Rod, Hank Steinbrenner told the press, “Does he want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee or a Toledo Mud Hen?”

Well, the Mud Hens seized the opportunity and plan to offer A-Rod a contract. The Detroit Free Press has more (mock Hall of Fame busy included).

Via Steve.

Not that I think he'll be two faced or anything like that. Honestly, it's the first thing I thought of when I saw the photo.

The AL and NL Elias rankings have been released.

Why is this important? Well, in the rankings, at the end of certain player listings, you'll see an A or a B. This denotes the type of free agent they are - Type A or Type B. If a Type A free agent leaves his old team for a new one, the new team must give their first round pick to the old team. The old team also receives a supplemental first round pick. So, for example, when A-Rod signs with the Red Sox (just kidding), we'll get their first round pick as well as a supplemental pick after the first round. It's important to note that the first 15 picks of the draft are off limits. So, if he's signed by one of those teams, we would get their second round pick and the supplemental pick, instead. Of course, the Type A team pick can also change if a team signs more than one Type A free agent, in which case the highest pick would be given as compensation for the highest ranked player and so on.

Meanwhile, with Type B free agents, the only compensation given is the supplemental pick. Our Type A guys are Posada, Mo, Pettitte and, of course, A-Rod. Luis Vizcaino is a Type B. To receive compensation, the player must be signed by December 1 or be offered arbitration by November 30. As Peter Abraham reported, the Yankees plan to offer A-Rod arbitration, so that we'll be compensated when he leaves.

Via Mike.

Girardi will be officially introduced today at a press conference in the Diamond Club at Yankee Stadium at 1:00 PM ET.

CharityFolks.com has an auction for a Yankees VIP family package. Here's what's included:


The next bid will be for $10,000.00. The proceeds go to the Carol Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund.