Expect One More Big Splash Signing From New York Yankees

Back in the days when George Steinbrenner was around, the New York Yankees did not worry about measly things such as a few million dollars to keep them from signing a top free agent. If he wanted a player, he merely outbid anyone else for him. But that is not the case these days and his son Hal – who is the principal owner and calls the shots – is a bit more conservative, especially with the implementation of paying luxury tax.

But the junior Steinbrenner brought back some good memories for Yankees fans when he spoke to reporters at the Owner’s Meetings last week by saying that any talk of his roster being set are premature and that there is plenty of time to make more improvements before the team opens Sprint Training on February 20.

"We’re always going to continue to improve; I’m not going to put a cap on it. We’ve certainly filled some holes that we had. We’ll keep going for the next few weeks. We’re still the New York Yankees, all you guys know that. We know what the fans expect; we know what the town expects. We’re not going to be afraid to spend money."

Steinbrenner had vowed to get back to the postseason without going way over their current payroll, but things change as the competition begins shaping their rosters.

This is a franchise that prides itself on World Series championships, and anything less is considered a failure. So while Steinbrenner’s earlier plans would have made signing an expensive top-tier starting pitcher such as Max Scherzer unlikely, he may end up pulling the trigger the longer the Detroit Tigers standout remains on the open market.

With CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira both coming off the books after this season, it may be a smart move to lock up a guy like Scherzer and go a little higher in payroll and the luxury tax for one year.