My Thoughts on the Hal Steinbrenner Interview

I am not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing but it is what it is right now. Hal Steinbrenner is not his father. He doesn’t have to have an interview after every Yankees loss, trade or interview and for the most part he pretty much stays out of the limelight like, in my opinion, an owner should. Just write the checks, pay the bills, bring in the players and shut the hell up. I’m sorry to be so brash but that’s just how I feel although when the owner does talk I do tend to listen. This week Steinbrenner spoke and here are my thoughts on his interview.

The Yankees are in first place in the American League East Division as we speak this morning and the first thing Steinbrenner was asked in his recent interview was whether the Yankees would be buyers, sellers or both at the July 31^st trading deadline. Steinbrenner responded by saying that the Yankees “may” add but they will definitely not be selling this summer meaning New York may add a new starting pitcher in a couple months and we may see a new arm added to the bullpen or two but all signs point to us being stuck with Chris Carter for the remainder of the season. Darn.

Steinbrenner also reiterated his desire to get the team’s luxury tac payroll under $197 million next year, which with the injection of youth in recent years and the massive contracts of CC Sabathia and Alex Rodriguez coming off the books after the season seems to be attainable, so that the Yankees can cut their luxury tax penalty from 50% on every dollar to 20% on every dollar. Just in time to sign Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and possibly Clayton Kershaw thus starting the process all over again. Hey, one can dream can’t we?

I will also say I continue to be impressed with Steinbrenner’s knowledge (or poker face) regarding the Yankees farm system He has proven that he is either in tune with what’s going on down on the farm or is being briefed before every interview because he knows the names, he knows the affiliates and he really seems to know his stuff regarding Yankees prospects. Maybe he reads us and Pinstriped Prospects?

He’s still cheap though. Open up the purse strings brother! Have a great day everyone.