Messin’ with the Yankees

My general approach during the Winter Meetings is to not opine on every rumor or random story out there because, let’s face it, most of what you read about isn’t really going to happen. Still, I have to smile at stuff like this:

Shortly after Theo Epstein met with reporters tonight, an agent walking the hall of the Bellagio resort and casino gave the Red Sox the supreme compliment.

“They explore everything,” said the agent.

Including a name that should be familiar to all Sox fans for obvious reasons.

Andy Pettitte.

Though there is no indication that any deal is imminent or that the Sox have done anything more than kick the tires, the Sox have expressed some interest in the pitcher, according to a source.

I can’t see the Red Sox being truly interested in Pettitte. I can see them doing what people always talk about them doing, however, and that’s messing with the Yankees and trying to make them overpay for someone. Back when George Steinbrenner was in charge you never gave that sort of thing much credence. He was going to do what he was going to do, and he always made it seem like he was driving the bus. Now it’s different, and it seems like the Red Sox are openly and obviously trying to get in the Yankees’ head. If Pettitte signs with the Yankees relatively soon, you’ll know it worked.


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Jason @ IIATMS
15 years ago

Wargames, pure and simple.  Shall we play a game, Joshua?

As for Pavano, Chris, the Sox were hot on his tail too.  Which only proves you can win by losing.

Hey, if Pettitte can get his $16m out of Theo, good for both of them.  I won’t cry in my coffee.

Grant
15 years ago

And yet…the Rays won the division last year. Not to mention the pennant.

Craig Calcaterra
15 years ago

And the countries of Old Europe engaged in a tremendous arms race in the early 1900s despite the rise to prominence of the United States.

pete
15 years ago

If Pettitte is considering playing for the Red Sox, is that enough to strip him of his True Yankee™ status?

Craig Calcaterra
15 years ago

From what some have said, Pettitte will no longer be a True Yankee even if he plays for Yankees unless he agrees to play for the veteran’s minimum.  Because, you know, the Yankees signed him for $16M last year out of pure altruism and it’s now time for him to pay them back.

MooseinOhio
15 years ago

The Red Sox and Yankees constantly have side bets going on in addition to the pot that all other teams can be in on (watched way too much World Series of Poker coverage a few years back).  Both represent the well established and fiscally well off player that can afford to lose the occasional pot as long as they win the majority of the side bets – if only to taunt the other. 

For years, George seemed much better at such games and almost toyed with the Red Sox and their fans (e.g. Bernie Williams) but lately Theo seems to have turned the tables somewhat and while the Yankees may appear to have won the bet (e.g. Pavano, Johnny Damon) the Sox walk away with the bracelet (WS in 2004/2007).

chris simonds
15 years ago

wasn’t it a tactic like this that made Carl Pavano a Yankee four years ago?

go Theo!