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I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

metsguyinmichigan Oct 26 2010 02:36 PM

Like the aforementioned Filip Bondy, you have to wonder if O'Connor types this nonsense with a straight face. Then you read about his Jeter book and the Jeter lust we already know about, and you have to wonder. Here's a little gem from this week about Jeter going for a new contract. [url]http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/columns/story?columnist=oconnor_ian&id=5720651 Here are some highlights: Ian: But I know what you're thinking: All aging icons ultimately fall from grace. Muhammad Ali was beaten by Trevor Berbick. Michael Jordan was fired by Abe Pollin. Babe Ruth was dumped by the Yanks. Me: Derek Jeter is nowhere even close to being in the same category as Ali, Jordan and Ruth. Ian: This truth could color the negotiations between captain and club and potentially blow up what has been a blissful union. Much more likely, Jeter and his agent, Casey Close, and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will agree to agree on the length and value of a new contract. I believe a fair deal would be for four years at $23 million per. Me: This is why Ian is not on our list of GM candidates. $23 million year for a broken-down, range-less, homely cheater is "fair?" Ian: Yes, I understand such a deal would vastly exceed what Jeter would get on the open market. I understand there were times this year when it seemed the leadoff hitter wouldn't have gotten the ball out of the infield if he were swinging an oak tree. I understand that we're likely to see more of the 2010 Jeter than the 2009 Jeter over the course of the next deal. Me: You are correct, Ian. Ian: But I also understand that these will be among the most unique contract talks in the history of American team sports. Jeter is untouched by scandal, beloved by the masses, defined by his intangible grace. His worth is better measured by a quarterly report, not a box score. Me: GAG!!!! Ian: Jeter has used Yankee tradition and mythology to his own financial benefit, and there's nothing wrong with that, either. So at the end of a $189-million deal, how does a team that was just dominated by the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship Series commit four years and $92 million to a declining star who was more problem than solution against Texas? Me: This is a moment of clarity to suggest that there is at least a partial bulb flickering in the O'Connor attic. He knows the truth, but chooses to ignore it. Ian: If A-Rod is signed for seven more years, Jeter has a right to ask for four. Remember, A.J. Burnett is under contract for three more seasons. Doesn't Jeter deserve at least one more year of security than old reliable? On the money front, Rodriguez was given a 10-year, $305-million contract three years back that included a $30 million bonus for breaking the career home-run record. A-Rod's subsequent steroids confession forever tainted his homer-happy pursuit and embarrassed the franchise, but he's still likely to collect the full $200 million and change left on the deal, bonus included. Me: They're both bad contracts over the long haul. But I'm guessing that Arod will be more worth it than Jeter. Ian: Why can't Jeter ask for a figure less than half of A-Rod's guarantee? Some suspect Jeter will need to take a drastic pay cut and settle for, say, a $12-15 million salary, but would he ever accept a lower average wage than Burnett's $16.5 million? Me: By this logic, RA Dickey can ask for $13 million since Ollie is getting $12. Ian: Now on to the cash. Jeter made $22.6 million this year while suffering through his worst statistical season. But the Yankees print money, they're the founding fathers of the outlandish contract and, of greater consequence, they want Jeter to retain his heart-and-soul standing with the team. There's no need to diminish him by demanding that he take a pay cut. If one athlete of this generation deserves to be overpaid, it's Jeter. A token, thanks-for-the-memories bump to $23 million would suffice. Me: Jeter's performance is what diminishes him, not his take home pay. Just had to vent!

Benjamin Grimm Oct 26 2010 02:40 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I don't know what I'd rather see: The Yankees getting burned on a long-term expensive contract to Jeter, or Jeter having to finish out his career in Pittsburgh or Kansas City.

Edgy DC Oct 26 2010 02:47 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

four years at $23 million per I think Jeter could get that much on the open market. (Castillo got more three years ago.) And I think the Yanks will pay him more than that. Wait... I read that as a total. Twenty-three million per?!?!

Ceetar Oct 26 2010 02:49 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I don't know what I'd rather see: The Yankees getting burned on a long-term expensive contract to Jeter, or Jeter having to finish out his career in Pittsburgh or Kansas City. I'm torn as well. Guess it depends if we think they can actually get 'better' at SS without him? Look at the Red Sox troubles finding a good SS. Think of the bidding wars those two will have over prime targets? (err, can we lock up Reyes now please?)

Edgy DC Oct 26 2010 02:52 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Key phrase: But the Yankees print money... Well, um, cool.

Frayed Knot Oct 26 2010 02:52 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

O'Connor's sometimes over-the-top analogies aside, he's right in that this will be one of the more interesting contract discussions in recent memory and he hits on the factors why. Age, ego, the economy, 'branding', good-will and other pr components are all going to play a role above and beyond the usual laws of supply & demand and perhaps the most interesting thing is the question of who gets hurt more if it comes down to either side holding to their particular number and walking away.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 26 2010 02:53 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

That's against the law. I don't know what I'd rather see: The Yankees getting burned on a long-term expensive contract to Jeter, or Jeter having to finish out his career in Pittsburgh or Kansas City. For me, it gots to be the former. The latter is painful, but the former, while also being painful in esse, sets up a potential heapin' helpin' of how-do-we-Old-Yeller-this-guy awkwardness the likes of which you've never seen.[list][/list:u]

Ceetar Oct 26 2010 02:55 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

That's against the law. I don't know what I'd rather see: The Yankees getting burned on a long-term expensive contract to Jeter, or Jeter having to finish out his career in Pittsburgh or Kansas City. For me, it gots to be the former. The latter is painful, but the former, while also being painful in esse, sets up a potential heapin' helpin' of how-do-we-Old-Yeller-this-guy awkwardness the likes of which you've never seen.[list][/list:u] That's fair. Also, him finishing his career poorly with the Yankees will help tarnish his image with the 'fans' more than him sucking elsewhere.

Edgy DC Oct 26 2010 02:58 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

He's going to get his 3,000th hit this season. With a healthy dose of good luck and the DH available to them, he's young enough to make a run at 4,000 and the all-time record. That's too much for a smug publicity machine to give up, and they'll pay through the nose for him.

Centerfield Oct 26 2010 03:01 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Derek Jeter is worth no less than 5 years, $150 million. Can you put a price tag on clutch? The Yanks should sign him and consider themselves lucky.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 26 2010 03:04 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Francessa yesterday in the course of a short conversation with Sweeny declared Jeter was worth $10 million, then $15 million and then $20 million just for being Jeter. So you can see how he worked out the math in his head. The pressure on the MFYs will be enormous. They'd prolly be better off giving him as piece of the team or something.

Frayed Knot Oct 26 2010 03:12 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Edgy DC wrote: He's going to get his 3,000th hit this season. With a healthy dose of good luck and the DH available to them, he's young enough to make a run at 4,000 and the all-time record. That's too much for a smug publicity machine to give up, and they'll pay through the nose for him. For 4,000 he'll need next season (when he turns 37 mid-year) and then five more maintaining his 2010 hit pace. He's then 42 and two full-ish seasons away from catching Rose. I certainly don't think they give him a deal for that many years in one chunk.

metirish Oct 26 2010 03:22 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 26 2010 03:32 PM

The wildcard here is Cashman who doesn't seem the sentimental type when it comes to such nonsense, although this one will test him? I do wonder when the likes of O'Connor reads back over his just submiited work if he feels a little ashamed at how bad it all reads, he should be in PR work.

metsguyinmichigan Oct 26 2010 03:29 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I think the phrase "Jeter is untouched by scandal, beloved by the masses, defined by his intangible grace." should disqualify him from being allowed to write ever again. "Intangible grace?" Is he a ballet dancer?

themetfairy Oct 26 2010 03:34 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

metsguyinmichigan wrote: I think the phrase "Jeter is untouched by scandal, beloved by the masses, defined by his intangible grace." should disqualify him from being allowed to write ever again. "Intangible grace?" Is he a ballet dancer? Now my appetite for dinner is gone....

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 26 2010 03:34 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

It's intangible grace. Which means he's a ghost ballet dancer.

Benjamin Grimm Oct 26 2010 03:43 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Oooh... like Patrick Swayze!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 26 2010 04:11 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

When you also take into account their employ of the stoic, pain-don't-hurt Texan, it seems they're Doubling-Down in the Bronx, Swayze-archetype-wise.

seawolf17 Oct 26 2010 05:00 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Not for nothing, but Jeter DOES print money for the Yanks. They'll pay him $23 million a year and he'll be entirely worth it on the back end, even if he hits .180.

Frayed Knot Oct 26 2010 05:11 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

seawolf17 wrote: Not for nothing, but Jeter DOES print money for the Yanks. They'll pay him $23 million a year and he'll be entirely worth it on the back end, even if he hits .180. It's not like Yanx fans are going to suddenly stop showing up the minute he's gone. Oh a handful will, but if they stay a good team despite - or even because - he's no longer there in his fading years (and, say, Hanley Ramirez is) the fans will still come and they'll still print money. Obviously he is worth something to them over & above market value for what he provides which is the part that makes this so interesting. How much and for how long is that good will worth?

Edgy DC Oct 26 2010 05:20 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Frayed Knot wrote: Edgy DC wrote: He's going to get his 3,000th hit this season. With a healthy dose of good luck and the DH available to them, he's young enough to make a run at 4,000 and the all-time record. That's too much for a smug publicity machine to give up, and they'll pay through the nose for him. For 4,000 he'll need next season (when he turns 37 mid-year) and then five more maintaining his 2010 hit pace. He's then 42 and two full-ish seasons away from catching Rose. I certainly don't think they give him a deal for that many years in one chunk. I agree, but the train starts now. I say he gets four years, $80 milllion, with incentives that could take it to $100 million. Of that $20 million in potential bonuses, he'll hit on $7 million worth. I have foreseen it.

Frayed Knot Oct 26 2010 05:27 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

So that would set the Yanx back approx $50mil for just Jeter & ARod in the season (2014) they turn 40 & 39. COOL !!! Beyond that, [u:1xrn799w]with no decline[/u:1xrn799w] in either effectiveness or playing time, Jeter ends that contract at 40-1/2 y/o and 3,600 hits.

Willets Point Oct 26 2010 05:40 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Maybe the Mets can sign him. If he's willing to move to second.

seawolf17 Oct 26 2010 06:10 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Willets Point wrote: Maybe the Mets can sign him. If he's willing to move to second. In Buffalo. On a split contract at the major league minimum.

Fman99 Oct 26 2010 07:42 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Low end, he gets akin to what Jorge got -- 3 years at 13/14 mil per. High end, 5/75. Mad Dog thinking out loud figured on the open (non-MFY) market he'd get a 1 year, 6-7 million deal with an option. Basically, what Piazza got from SD post-Met.

Rockin' Doc Oct 26 2010 09:31 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I hope the Yankees dig deep and give Jeeter a very lucrative, long term deal. The longer and more more expensive the better in my view. I want the Yankees saddled with a painfully bad contract. To me that would be the perfect gift that just keeps giving. In a few more years, Jeeter will have the range of a lethargic sloth with a valium addiction, so I want him to remain a Yankee fixture at shortstop for many years to come.

G-Fafif Oct 26 2010 10:43 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Rockin' Doc wrote: In a few more years, Jeeter will have the range of a lethargic sloth with a valium addiction. A lethargic sloth with a valium addiction who knows how to win.

Edgy DC Oct 27 2010 07:37 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

G-Fafif wrote: Rockin' Doc wrote: In a few more years, Jeeter will have the range of a lethargic sloth with a valium addiction. A lethargic sloth with a valium addiction who knows how to win. A lethargic sloth with incomparable grace with a valium addiction who knows how to win.

MFS62 Oct 27 2010 08:13 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Fman99 wrote: Mad Dog thinking out loud figured on the open (non-MFY) market he'd get a 1 year, 6-7 million deal with an option. OK, so that was Mad Dog, so we have to consider the source. BUT. Let's say Cashman plays realistic hardball and doesn't make an offer, or Jeter gets pissed off at a lowball try and says he wants to listen to offers from other teams. If you are a GM of another major league team, do you offer Jeter a contract? If yes, how much money per year? How many years? If no, why not? Later

Benjamin Grimm Oct 27 2010 08:22 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

He's a player with talent, and would have value to some teams in the right role. If I was a GM, and I thought he, at his current level, could help the team, I'd offer him a contract that is in line with what kind of production I'd expect. His value to the Yankees is greater than it is to anyone else. I don't expect any other teams to make a competitive offer, unless things really fall apart between Jeter and the Yankees, which seems unlikely.

Edgy DC Oct 27 2010 08:29 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

But most teams would be willing to sign him would understand that they'd be paying for all that incomparable grace cha-cha-cha plus the coming milestones that will allegedly put fannies into the seats. That's worth more to the Yankees, to be sure, but it's worth something to some other team somewhere looking for a hook. Pete Rose as a free agent made no bones about the fact that he was auctioning off his 4000th hit. (Hello, Expos!) It was also a (lesser) part of the appeal of Wade Boggs and the Devil Rays. It's just the tangible value of the intangible --- the marketing value of bullshit on a Jeterian scale. You know, KABOOM!

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 27 2010 08:56 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Even in a down year, he was th fifth-most-valuabl reg'lar shortstop in the AL last year. He could be my Alex Cora for 5-6 million.

batmagadanleadoff Oct 27 2010 09:28 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

The reigning SI Sportsman of the Year is quite the scrub away from the new and friendly confines of MFY Stadium: .246/.317/.317 (3 HR's in 341 AB). He's not going anywhere. Besides, would his new team be willing to pipe in the voice of dead Bob Sheppard to introduce the Captain's AB's? Even Jeter doesn't have that much clout.

Ceetar Oct 27 2010 09:42 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Obviously the captain should go down with the ship.

HahnSolo Oct 27 2010 10:06 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

They gave both Posada and Rivera multi-year deals at around the age Jeter is now. Those deals were quite rich, to the point that no other team would have come close to what the Yankees paid (well, maybe someone would have paid Mariano, but he never had any desire to hit the open market). It would not shock me to see him get a 4 year, 75-80 mill. contract. I expect his next contract negotiation (when he's 40 or 41) will be the one that is problematic to both sides. By then his offense and defense will have worn down to the point that as much as he might be an organizational icon, running him out there every day will harm both the player's legacy and the everyday product.

Frayed Knot Oct 27 2010 10:18 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Even in a down year, he was th fifth-most-valuabl reg'lar shortstop in the AL last year. In part because the good SS were all in the NL this past year. Taking those with 300+ PAs and sorted by OPS, the top Seven were NLers, followed by Alexi Ramirez for the ChiSox and then Alex Gonzalez who split his time in both leagues. Jeter came in 13th behind Jamie Carroll and JJ Hardy and just ahead of Jhonny Peralta.

Vic Sage Oct 27 2010 01:56 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I expect his next contract negotiation (when he's 40 or 41) will be the one that is problematic to both sides. By then his offense and defense will have worn down to the point that as much as he might be an organizational icon, running him out there every day will harm both the player's legacy and the everyday product. newsflash: he's already there.

HahnSolo Oct 27 2010 02:17 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

But by then it will be even apparent to even those looking at it through the darkest Yankee-colored glasses.

bmfc1 Oct 27 2010 07:28 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

With no Jeter to write about, O'Connor goes after the new GM: http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/ ... id=5734751

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 27 2010 07:34 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Anyone who ever hired this pathetic hack owes me an apology.

G-Fafif Oct 27 2010 08:00 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Alderson bad. Jeter good. The rest is window dressing.

Fman99 Oct 27 2010 08:15 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Just wow.

Frayed Knot Oct 27 2010 08:18 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

O'Connor is probably figuring that asking for apologies a decade-and-a-half after the fact worked so well for Ginni Thomas last week that he'd jump on that train too.

Ceetar Oct 27 2010 08:37 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

There are so many bad writers out there..where do I send my resume to replace these people?

G-Fafif Oct 27 2010 08:38 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Frayed Knot wrote: O'Connor is probably figuring that asking for apologies a decade-and-a-half after the fact worked so well for Ginni Thomas last week that he'd jump on that train too. "Good morning Sandy Alderson, it's Ian O'Connor. I just wanted to reach across the airwaves and Derek Jeter's intimate area to ask you to consider something."

Willets Point Oct 27 2010 08:49 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I wonder what O'Connor has to say about the owner of the 'roidiest team ever to win a World Series?

metsguyinmichigan Oct 27 2010 09:36 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Willets Point wrote: I wonder what O'Connor has to say about the owner of the 'roidiest team ever to win a World Series? Ah, excuse me, sir. But those weren't steroids, but Mystique & Aura brand juice to bring out the truest Yankee in players.

G-Fafif Oct 27 2010 09:38 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Alderson needs to show Jetership.

Centerfield Oct 28 2010 08:07 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

About time to say you're sorry, Derek By Ian O'Connor In a lot of ways, Derek Jeter came to the New York Yankees out of central casting. A young, [crossout]dreamy[/crossout], athletic shortstop with movie star good looks and [crossout]an ass that just doesn't quit[/crossout] a perfect physique for a middle infielder. He now looks to re-up with the Yankees with a Hall of Fame resume and five, count them, five championship rings. Who would dare reject that resume? Jeter sounds more like a god than a simple free agent shortstop. In fact, maybe another ring puts him in line to succeed Barack Obama. There is no doubt that the Yankees will do the right thing and bring their shortstop back to the Bronx where he belongs. But when he steps to the microphone on that fateful day, Jeter should take the time of offer an apology. He should say he's sorry for being an enabler at a time when baseball desperately needed a whistle-blower and a leader. He should say he's sorry for allowing the monstrous steroid culture to grow fangs on his watch. Jeter was the leader of the Yankees who slugged their way to three consecutive World Series titles from 1998 to 2000 before ultimately taking their heavy lumber to baseball's good name. Of course, Giambi and Pettite admitted to using steroids, effectively nominating the Bronx as a ground zero for the performance-enhancing plague. Jeter declined to comment Wednesday about the the Yankees’ 2000 team, which was loaded with players who used performance-enhancing drugs before, during or after that season. Between the Mitchell report and unsealed affidavits filed by law enforcement officials, the count has reached 10, including Clemens, Denny Neagle and Jason Grimsley. Others named included Andy Pettitte, Chuck Knoblauch, Mike Stanton and David Justice, but the use for which they are cited occurred after the 2000 World Series. Not included on that list is current teammate Alex Rodriguez, also an admitted abuser of steroids and [crossout]not nearly as good in bed[/crossout] a key member of the 2009 championship team. Asked about the rampant steroid abuse taking place under his watch, Jeter replied, "That's a question, I guess, you'll have to ask those guys." Weak answers from a strong man. Which is not to say there's a not a lot to like about Derek Jeter, starting with the fact he risked his life for his team, diving into the stands four full steps after catching a pop fly. He made himself a wildly successful major league baseball despite a minimal amount of actual accomplishment and, as detailed in several of my previous columns is cooler than Fonzie and is hung like a one of those horses in Central Park. But Jeter has a hole in his game the size of the gap between short and third when he's fielding his position, as do scores of fellow Yankee players and personnel who once looked the other way. Jeter is likely to preach accountability with the sad sack Yankees, and that's fine. He would make that pitch credible if he started with himself, and took a few minutes on introduction to apologize for an opportunity lost. Ian O'Connor is a total fucking douchebag. You can kick him in the nads if you ever see him on the street.

Edgy DC Oct 28 2010 08:15 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Copy. Paste. Send.

Willets Point Oct 28 2010 08:17 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

I bow before the king.

Ceetar Oct 28 2010 08:23 AM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Come now, obviously is was Canseco's time with the Jeter on the Yankees at the end of his career that prompted the change or heart and got him to come clean. Jeter's work with him during that time was the ground-breaking in the whistle-blowing book-releasing exposure era that followed Canseco's retirement. You're just a hater.

Ceetar Oct 29 2010 02:16 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

O'Connor: Alderson did address Oak steroid use w/ the Wilpons, said he almost illegally drug tested some A's, admitted he wished he did more. #Mets

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Oct 29 2010 02:26 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

That's not an apology.

Ceetar Oct 29 2010 02:32 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: That's not an apology. but it's pretty smooth. Alderson as Jack Bauer, locking McGuire in a room "You took those drugs, didn't you! Didn't you! Don't lie to me!"

Ceetar Oct 29 2010 02:32 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

mcgwire. he's not my hitting coach, I don't have to spell it correctly. Ours is so easy. TBD

metsguyinmichigan Oct 29 2010 05:33 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Freaking brilliant!!!

Ashie62 Oct 31 2010 05:42 PM Re: I like to make fun of Ian O'Connor

Frayed Knot wrote: LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr wrote: Even in a down year, he was th fifth-most-valuabl reg'lar shortstop in the AL last year. In part because the good SS were all in the NL this past year. Taking those with 300+ PAs and sorted by OPS, the top Seven were NLers, followed by Alexi Ramirez for the ChiSox and then Alex Gonzalez who split his time in both leagues. Jeter came in 13th behind Jamie Carroll and JJ Hardy and just ahead of Jhonny Peralta. But do any of them know how to win?