This Day in New York Yankees History 12/17: Hip Hip Jorge, Rivera, A Rod and Pettitte

On this day in 2007 the Yankees continued their offseason of resigning their own free agents as they signed 38 year old closer Mariano Rivera to a new three year deal. The deal was worth $45 million and came on the heels of the Yankees resigning Alex Rodriguez to a 10 year deal worth $275 million, Jorge Posada for four years and $52.4 million, and Andy Pettitte for one year and $16 million.


Also on this day in 2004 a three way deal involving the New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Arizona Diamondbacks fell through when the Dodgers backed out at the last second. The deal would have brought Randy Johnson from Arizona and Kaz Ishii from the Dodgers to the Yankees, Shawn Green and Brad Penny being sent to the Diamondbacks from the Dodgers, and Javier Vazquez and prospects going to the Dodgers.


Also on this day in 2003 the Yankees finalized a three year deal with Gary Sheffield worth $39 million. Sheffield was coming off of season where he put up a .330 batting average with 39 home runs and 132 RBI's. There was also a team option for $13 million for the 2007 season that brought Sheffield to New York after he made his name with the Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, and the San Diego Padres.


Finally on this day in 1924 the New York Yankees traded three pitchers to acquire Urban Shocker from the Browns. Shocker is coming off of four consecutive 20 win seasons after the Yankees traded him to St. Louis in 1918.