Lost Recruiter

Joel Sherman has a rather interesting read out. The articles outlines Joe Torre’s inherent ability to truly connect with someone, something he did often for the Yankees as he helped the organization in recruiting free agents and luring them to NY. It was a job that Torre was very good at, and veteran players loved hearing from him. In the article, Sherman cites Torre’s job recruiting Mike Mussina, noting that he was never really in love with NY until Joe showed him the light. Mussina was the top free agent pitcher at that time and the rest, as they say, is history.

This parallels the Yankees’ situation today. The top free agent pitcher, CC Sabathia, doesn’t really want to play for NY (well, he doesn’t want to play on the east coast). However, this time, Sherman reminds us that Joe Torre is long gone and our current manager, Joe Girardi, isn’t exactly the most articulate or beloved guy in the Yankee clubhouse. Rumors persist in regards to veteran players and their tarnished relationship with Girardi. In fact, Sherman actually wonders if Girardi will be more of a hindrance than a recruiting tool. CC could hear about Girardi’s uptight attitude and may choose to stick it out on the west coast without must hesitation.

Now, while I agree with Sherman that we lost a great asset in Torre, I must disagree with his speculation about Joe Girardi. Sure, he’s not the loosest guy in the clubhouse, but Girardi hasn’t done enough to build such a negative reputation. He’s not scaring away free agents (not yet anyway), and remember, Girardi has this intense heir about him and he’s all about winning. It oozes from his bald forehead, everyday. That is something he definitely can communicate. Also, I guarantee you that Joe Girardi will not be the only recruiter the Yankees utilize when trying to lure CC. Whether it’s Jeter, Posada, Damon or Pettitte (if he returns), the team has the necessary tools to talk up NY and they’ll be effective.

It’s an interesting topic to discuss—you know, the manager’s influence on bringing in free agents. But, of course, there are A LOT of reasons to play for the Bronx. The manager is part of it, yet there are others out there, many of which are greater than a single person, be it Torre or Girardi. This is the New York Yankees. Sherman needs to remember that.