MLBPA Also Straining During Recession

December 16, 2008

THE NEW YORK YANKEES SYMPATHIZE OVER THE STRUGGLING ECONOMY

LAS VEGAS -- Coming off Major League Baseball's winter meetings, it is quite apparent that the players of the league will suffer mightily during these trying economic times.

The New York Yankees are living proof that baseball is far from recession-proof.  The once dominant empire has had to settle for C.C. Sabathia, a serviceable pitcher from the National League, and A.J. Burnett, a broken down fire-baller from Toronto.

"It was a tough market out there," Hank Steinbrenner said of the lack of talent in this year's free agent class.  "We settled on these guys, and bargained them down a little."

The price tag on these guys?  Burnett cost $82.5, and Sabathia for $161...million.  

"This isn't $82.5 million a year," Hank explained.  "It is spread out thin over 5 years, so it is more like $16 million.  Over 7 for C.C., so $23ish million a year.  These guys are feeling the pinch as much as anyone, just on a different level.

"Look, this is a different world.  We bring hope to people that only have baseball left.  The price of a smile is justified."

Editor's Note:  With Sabathia's contract, one could salvage the sub-prime market in all of New York--probably.  With Burnett's, perhaps the student loan debt could come next.