Heyman's Latest: Colletti, Maddux, Burnett

McCourt's fixation isn't particularly surprising, given that he is by far the cheapest big market owner. That said, what is he going to do about it? I am guessing Colletti is virtually banned from any unilateral decisions on big FA signings and that McCourt himself is going to make the decision on a guy like Sabathia and probably too on extending Furcal and Lowe. I would also venture to say this means the Dodgers will not take any interest in Sheets.

"Though I'm sure nothing would come of it, what can the punishment be for tampering?"

The Yankees can be prevented from signing Burnett or required to compensate other teams for such a signing. Steinbrenner can be suspended/fined. It can get pretty messy.

Just another example of how toothless the Commissioner's office is. It's time the game had a Commissioner who isn't part of the "good old boy's network". The Yankees should be fined, stripped of their 1st round draft pick and forbidden to sign Burnett for 2 years.

personally im alittle ticked the front office still hasnt put much time into investigating the manny issue yet with his "knee problems" and the trade, if they dont go after him, theyll never work up the courage to take on the leader of the most well known franchise in sports

Of course an entire organization can be punished for the wrong actions of a single person within the organization. In this case the damage is very minimal.

I would love to see the Yanks lose a draft pick - even if it's a low level pick that would largely be symbolic. Someone needs to tell Hank that the world does not revolve around the Bronx and that there are rules that everyone needs to live be. Even if your name is Steinbrenner.

I was shocked that I really hadn't heard to many people mentioning tampering earlier. I dont think theres much debate here that this is tampering, the only argument is how the Yankees should be punished. Most likely Selig wont punish the Yankees because he wont want to upset New York fans, but i think stripping New York of 1st round and supplementary picks in the next draft would be fair. It sucks for the franchise, but lets keep in mind that the Steinbrenners own the team so it really is punishg their business.

You can absolutely punish the whole team for the stupidity of one man.... when that one man happens to own the whole team. Its not like it was some random un-named scout who said what Hank said. Not saying there should or will be punishment, but if there is, the whole... " don't punish the team for my mistake" routine will not fly.

nrmax88 is right. The Steinbrenners gain financially from tampering and the only effective way to punish them is to punish the team. It's equivalent to the owner of any other corporation being caught in an illegal activity involving that company. Of course the company has to suffer as a consequence.

When Steinbrenner's comments were first reported on this board, a couple of us identified it as tampering.

The man is a tool, plain and simple.

AJ will most likely opt out. The Jays are still far from being a contender and must build from within, like the Rays and BoSox. The Jays can always work out an extension with AJ if he excercises his option to stay, then deal him off to a contender. But that means the Yanks wont get him, cuz the Yanks are in the same division as Toronto.

Like everyone else I would like to see the Yankees get a true top of the rotation starter and it looks like Sabathia would be the best choice. He’s left handed, young and looks like a real big time pitcher. Yet I am worried that the price may be to high or that he would elect to stay in the National league. Dodgers look like a front runner to land him.
If the Yankees can’t get Sabathia any chance of landing another #1. I don’t really think they should go after Sheets as a result of his frequent stints on the DL. Not much else I out there. I see Burnet as a number 2, 3 who is also often injured and may cost to much. Any way of landing either Peavy or Oswalt via trade? You would have to give away talent but if Sabathia goes to LA maybe worth a mix of Kennedy some other players?

On offense I liked the idea of Texeria at first but now have soured a bit on it. No doubt he’s a big time ball player switch hitter and young but is he worth the money and years? This is especially the case if they get C.C. The Yankees were built in the 1990’s on good teams up the middle. I think they need a better option in center (have no idea who?) and some pop in the outfield. I know its crazy but I would like to Manny in left DH. I think he would play great in his neighborhood in front of his family in the Bronx. Even if signed for four years he would be motivated for at least 2-3. Think of Manny batting 3,4 or 5. Also if they do get C.C. how about a trade for Holiday from Colorado? This guy seems like the real deal and is good defensively and young. Again maybe ship Kennedy and a mix to Colorado. Would cost big time talent for sure but this guy could be in our outfield for years. Then get ride of Abreu and Damon if possible with respect to the latter. Any other options I have missed? Would probably sacrifice anything for a big time center fielder.