Yankees Will Not Talk Contract Extensions With Jeter or Rivera

Sports News - March 9th, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

New York Yankee general manager Hal Steinbrenner said on Tuesday that the team will not budge on their method of operation regarding contract extensions, even if it is over Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and manager Joe Girardi.

"Everybody does business in a different way," he discussed during the announcement of the Pinstripe Bowl, which will take place in this year's crop of college football bowl games "I just don't believe in contract extensions, and that's throughout the organization, no matter who it is. Hopefully nobody takes that personally. It's just business."

Both Jeter and Rivera are entering into the final year of their respective deals. Jeter signed a 10-year, $189 million a decade ago. Rivera's three-year, $45 million expires after the World Series as well.

"I've got a great relationship with them all," Steinbrenner remarked on the issue. "I've expressed to all of them that, you're part of the Yankee family and you're wanted. It wouldn't be the same without you.' But as far as no extensions, it's a business policy of mine."

The Yankees notched their first World Series title since 2000, and their 27th in the club's history.

It was also the team's first season in their new ball park, which cost $1.5 billion to construct. To date, the organization said that they have sold 3 million tickets thus far for the season, with individual game tickets yet to go on sale.

Last season, the club struggled to sell the higher end tickets in the stadium. Early in the year, the Yankees were forced to cut prices on tickets by more than 40 percent.

They have made several changes regarding ticket prices and issues relating to them this season, which the organization is encouraged about.

"We think we made the right changes," Steinbrenner stated. "I'm glad that we looked into it, and I'm glad we looked into it in a methodical way, didn't rush into anything."

The remnants of the old Yankee Stadium can still be seen across the street, with the upper decks still to be taken away.

"A lot of people come up to me, and they're surprised it's still up," Steinbrenner said. "But it's a big building and it takes a while. I think there's going to be some emotion when it starts coming down."

The defending World Series Champions are the favorites to repeat according to the Major League Baseball betting lines at Bodog sportsbook. Currently, they are installed as an 11/4 to collect their 28th baseball title.