I've only been following the Yankees closely since '96 so my frame of reference is pretty small, but the news that Mark Teixeira has agreed to an 8 year $180m deal catapults this offseason into a class all of it's own.
The Yankees have now mopped up 3 of the top 4 free agents available, after previously agreeing to deals for CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett to address the urgent need for quality pitching at the top of their rotation.
Now, by signing Teixeira, they have added a quality bat (combined .308 with 33 homers and 121 RBI for the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels last season), ensured there will be protection for A-Rod in the middle of the lineup, and instantly upgraded the defence.
All of this has been achieved without dismantling the farm system that Brian Cashman has worked so hard to rebuild over the last few seasons.
Personally I'm also hoping that this means Brett Gardner will get a chance to start the season as the centre fielder, as there isn't such a pressing need for offensive output from that position now.
I'm in awe of Cashman, the financial might of the Yankees....and I can't wait for Opening Day to come round!
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