Bronx Bound

Anyone up for “Win George Steinbrenner’s Money”? Yes, it’s a knock-off version of “Win Ben Stein’s Money” on the Game Show Network. Okay, seriously now…
I have already expressed how ecstatic I am Mark Teixeira is going to be donning the pinstripes in 2009 and beyond. I am sure writers and fans will have a tremendous time trying to spell Mark’s surname. I thought the general rule was “i” before “e”, except after “c”? I guess those language laws do not apply to the latest long-baller.
I compare the signing of Mark Teixeira with the exhilaration of acquiring Tino Martinez from Seattle in 1996. The fan reaction is much different, but I believe the impact and fan insanity will be the same. Mark and Tino are likable players with just enough pizzazz to pull off being fan favorites. Tino was the most adored fan favorite during the great Yankees dynasties. Heck, I even named my cat after the man. If I were to adopt another animal, I would consider naming him “Tex” or maybe “Markie”. Ok, now I am getting out of hand...
It is hard to criticize signing Tex, even with the steep price tag tagging along. Good players come at high costs and aren’t easy to find. Teixeira is the only really good free agent first baseman on the market this year and on the near horizon. The Yankees were smart to act this winter instead of holding out for someone better next year. The had a glaring weakness in the infield at first base and Mark is the best is baseball at the position. Yes, Albert Pujols puts up better offensive numbers for the Cardinals, but Tex is so solid and has endless potential.
New York needs Mark for his bat, glove and demeanor. He won’t make headlines the way headcase, Manny Ramirez, would have. Teixeira won’t be targeted for illegal steroid use like former Yankee first bagger, Jason Giambi. Instead, he will simply take the field everyday and flash his two-time Gold Glove winning arm. He will step to the plate three to four times every game and find some way to get on base 1/3 of the time. Mark will likely hit third in front of Alex Rodriguez. He does not have glaring speed, but the Yankees don’t need Mark to steal bases. Fans will appreciate this player’s work ethic and good-guy attitude. He has a Jeter-like character with a little less charm. He has that baby face to go along with the former attributes. Mark Teixeria will be in the Bronx for the next eight seasons and I cannot think of a better way to open the new stadium than seeing him take the field opening day. He has the talent to be mentioned in the same sentences as the great Yankee first basemen—Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez and even Lou Gehrig.

Parting points: “Just keep staring at the sun, pray for summer’s end”- Foo Fighters