MLB Rumors: Possible Landing Spots for 3 New York Yankee Stars
New York Yankees stars Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte are all free agents that will most likely stay in New York.
However, there is always a chance that each of these players could end up in a different uniform next season.
Hal Steinbrenner was quoted as saying that negotiations with Jeter "could get messy." However, most sources are now saying that New York is willing to overpay for the shortstop.
There is probably less chance of Mariano River changing uniforms. If Mariano suddenly decides he wants a longer contract than two or three years, though, the Yankees may be willing to let the iconic relief pitcher go.
Andy Pettitte is in a different situation. The 38-year-old pitcher is likely to either stay with New York or retire. On the other hand, there are plenty of teams that need to add a veteran starter to their rotation and may offer Andy an expensive one-year deal.
If these stars do not play for the New York Yankees next season, here are some possible landing spots Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte.
Derek Jeter: Baltimore Orioles
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The Baltimore Orioles are certainly the least likely out of the three teams that may take a shot at signing Derek Jeter.
It is hard to imagine that Jeter would sign with a team from the AL East and have to play the New York Yankees several times during the season.
However, the Orioles desperately need a shortstop.
The organization needs to make a big splash in order to gain back some popularity. It will be Buck Showalter's first full season at manager, and the signing of Jeter would re-energize the franchise.
Who knows, negotiations could go terribly wrong with New York, and Baltimore is not too far of a move.
Derek Jeter: Cincinnati Reds
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The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a great season where they won the NL Central title. However, the Reds were swept in the first round by the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Reds can certainly improve in several areas and build around some of their young pieces. The team recently declined shortstop Orlando Cabrera's option and they may be looking to make a splash.
Cincinnati is likely to sign a shortstop, and it would be smart for them to watch how Jeter's negotiations with the Yankees go.
Derek Jeter could provide veteran leadership with the Reds, and he would enjoy playing under manager Dusty Baker.
It would also help that the shortstop would not have to play in the American League.
Derek Jeter: San Francisco Giants
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How can the San Francisco Giants help carry over momentum from the 2010 World Series into the 2011 season?
Sign Derek Jeter.
Jeter would provide stability at the shortstop position for San Francisco since Edgar Renteria may not re-sign with the Giants.
Henry Schulman writes that there are some solid reasons why Jeter may want to play in San Francisco.
Giants General Manager Brian Sabean drafted Jeter when he was working as scouting director with the New York Yankees.
San Francisco has a very good shot at returning to the World Series, and it is a great baseball town with a great stadium.
If Jeter is not on the Yankees next season, expect him to be in a Giant uniform.
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Mariano Rivera: Los Angeles Dodgers
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Jonathan Broxton should no longer be the closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. After a few successful years with the team, he seems to be cooked.
If the Dodgers decide that in fact that is the right move, Los Angeles should be looking for a closer to fill the now-open role.
The new manager, Don Mattingly, is familiar with Mariano Rivera from when he was bench coach with the New York Yankees.
Mariano would most likely not mind moving to Los Angeles, especially if a large contract accompanied the move.
Mariano Rivera: Los Angeles Angels
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Closer Brian Fuentes, who was the closer for the Los Angeles Angels last season, is now a free agent.
The Angels have never been afraid of making a big move, and signing Mariano Rivera would make sense for the team.
However, the Angels could decide to make pitcher Fernando Rodney the permanent closer.
The Los Angeles Angels are a good organization that always seems to have a plan.
If Mariano Rivera does leave the New York Yankees, he will be looking for a franchise with stability.
Mariano Rivera: Tampa Bay Rays
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The Tampa Bay Rays are most likely going to lose closer Rafael Soriano to free agency.
Soriano may be the best closer on the market and will be looking for an expensive, long-term deal.
Of course, the Rays never like to make big signings, but what if they could steal Mariano Rivera from the New York Yankees?
It seems like an opportunity too good to pass up. Instead of having to constantly face him during the season, the Rays could have Rivera on their side and improve their chances of winning the AL East.
The reason why the Rays could sign Rivera and not Soriano is because Rivera would be looking for a much shorter deal.
Even though Tampa Bay does not like to (can't) spend money, they are still a serious World Series contender.
Andy Pettitte: Philadelphia Phillies
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In 2009, the Philadelphia Phillies experienced first-hand what Andy Pettitte could do in the postseason.
The Phillies already have their one-two-three starters lined up in their pitching rotation, but the team could certainly add a number four or five.
It looks like Jamie Moyer's career is over, and that leaves the team with Kyle Kendrick as their fifth starter.
Pettitte is a left-handed starter that Philadelphia needs, and he has proved that he can pitch well in October.
Philadelphia would likely be willing to give Pettitte a one-year deal worth a good amount of money, as well as bonuses based on incentives.
This could potentially be a great move by Philadelphia if Pettitte does not re-sign with New York or retire.
Andy Pettitte: Chicago Cubs
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The Chicago Cubs need starting pitching, and Andy Pettitte may be the right guy.
The team may be trying to trade Carlos Zambrano, given his large contract and the controversy associated with the intense pitcher.
Chicago would like to add a fourth or fifth veteran starter. Pettitte will not be looking for too long of a deal, and Chicago is a very appealing baseball city.
The addition of Pettitte will help give the Cubs five solid starters that will keep the team in games, as long as they all stay healthy.
Chicago is the least likely of these three teams to land Pettitte.
Andy Pettitte: Texas Rangers
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The Texas Rangers will go head-to-head with the New York Yankees this offseason in the battle for Cliff Lee's services.
Assuming that New York signs Lee, that means two things. One, the Yankees do not necessarily have to re-sign Andy Pettitte. Two, it means that the Rangers need a starting pitcher.
Even without Cliff Lee, the Rangers have a good enough offense to be a World Series contender next season. Their young starters mostly played well in the playoffs, but the team could use a veteran starting pitcher.
Earlier in his career, Pettitte signed with the Houston Astros so that he could play in his home state.
If Andy does not return to New York or retire, the Texas Rangers seem like the perfect fit for him.
He could end his career in Texas and have another chance of playing in the World Series.
If Andy Pettitte is playing next season and not in New York, expect him to be in a Texas Rangers uniform.
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