by Paul Semendinger
November 16, 2022
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Note - I saw a story late yesterday which reminded me of one of my favorite movies. As I considered it all, I couldn't help but make a connection to a famous scene from that great movie... which then, as things do, helped me draw some other thoughts and comparisons. My mind drifted from The Godfather to The Sting to The Beatles.
While I use some humor and fun here... I hope the bigger point is true, that the Yankees are stepping up, big time, and in big ways.
***
Is it possible that Hal Steinbrenner has stepped up to tell baseball that the Yankees are back - and in a big way?
I saw this on Twitter:
Why is it that as I consider this event, Hal Steinbrenner standing among the owners and making it clear what his intentions are, that I picture a very serious dark room with powerful men sitting around a big table discussing the state of the game, their desires, and their wishes?
I can imagine the strongest among them standing up and establishing their influence...
In my mind, Hal Steinbrenner standing up at that meeting evokes a similar scene:
I can imagine Mr. Steinbrenner saying, "And I have selfish reasons for standing here today. My intention is to make sure Aaron Judge remains a Yankee."
It is possible?
Can it be possible?
Can it be true?
In just one day the Yankees seem to have stepped up big... huge. GIGANTIC even!
They jumped the market and signed Anthony Rizzo. As I noted yesterday, this was a big big big move. It was the smart move. It was necessary. It was important. It was essential.
And, on the same day, the boss stands up at the owner's meeting and basically says, "I won't be outbid. Aaron Judge is staying put."
I like that!
An now, I have to wonder, is this the start of a huge off-season with multiple moves that show the world that the Yankees are all-in and going for it, with the full power of their vast resources?
Might there then be another move, or two, or (dare I dream?) three or four before the winter is out?
The New York Post is reporting that the Yankees are actually looking into the market for Trea Turner, Xander Bogaerts, and others including Japanese superstar Masataka Yoshida. OH MY!
Might the Yankees finally be tired of being not quite good enough?
Might the Yankees finally be flexing their muscles? Might the Yankees have all the cards?
Oh, I hope so! This would be such a fun winter if the Yankees were super active in many deals rather than just sitting them out.
***
I have been waiting a long time for the Yankees to once again be THE YANKEES - the organization that is in on all the players they need and the franchise that uses its tremendous financial strength and muscle to assemble a ballclub that will not be denied.
I'm dreaming of a World Series.
The winter just started. I'm getting excited for the 2023 season.
Is a great season on the horizon?
I hope this is real and the Yankees don't, well, you know the rest...
