As you know, Joe Torre’s rejection of the Yankees’ weak offer may influence the thinking of Mariano Rivera. The Journal News’ Peter Abraham has more on that angle:
Just spoke to somebody I know who is tight with Mariano Rivera. He said that Mo is more determined than ever to test the market after the developments of today. Mo’s comment: “The Yankees are one of 30 teams now.”
Hank Steinbrenner has insisted Joba Chamberlain spend 2008 as a starter, heightening the Yankees’ need to make the best offer to Rivera. Ultimately I think they will. The guess from Jon Heyman was two years, $26MM plus an option year for 2010 for Rivera. He could probably get three years guaranteed on the open market.
Rivera doesn’t think he could bear to put on a Red Sox uniform, so maybe the Yankees are one of 29 teams. The Phillies plan to get in the mix for Rivera for sure.