The Yankees have four $20 million players, and Squawker Lisa was determined to get one for the thumb. But fortunately for the concept of competitive balance, St. Paul native Joe Mauer has decided to stay with the home team and reject Lisa’s recruiting pitch:
Besides, the thing is about being a Yankee is that it puts you in a whole other level of superstardom. Joe Mauer has arguably been the best all-around player in the league for years, but he will only get the attention he deserves if he puts on the pinstripes. Will Mauer get the ads Derek Jeter does if he stays in Minnesota? No. Will Mauer host SNL or get to introduce artists at the American Music Awards as a Twin? Doubtful.
Lisa, I concede that no megacontract can fill the hole in one’s heart from never having the chance to introduce artists at the American Music Awards.
But if being a Yankee “puts you in a whole other level of superstardom,” then why did Darryl Strawberry, as you point out, wear a Met jersey on “Celebrity Apprentice”? You see, the 1986 Mets also had a whole other level of superstardom.
Lisa, is it a coincidence that just as the Mauer deal was being announced, the Yankees were sending top prospect Jesus Montero to the minors? Now the Yankees actually need Montero to learn how to catch, rather than just hit well enough to be used as trade bait for someone like, say, Joe Mauer.
But don’t panic if Montero isn’t quite ready this year when the aging Posada inevitably breaks down. If Francisco Cervelli can’t handle the job, perhaps the Mets can be of assistance. They may not have enough starting pitching, but Omar Minaya cornered the market on backup catchers. Even Mike Jacobs was told to dig out his old catching gear. Want the guy who hit a game-winning homer off Jonathan Papelbon? Omir Santos is available. Want another cult Philly favorite after Sal Fasano? How about Chris Coste?
And now Brian Cashman can spin platitudes of how he intends to use the farm system to keep the Yankees on top – at least until Carl Crawford becomes a free agent.
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