Is The Bronx Zoo Returning?

If you followed the Yankees in the latter half of the 20th century, you know why the team earned the title “The Bronx Zoo.” From fights between Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson, to routine managerial firings, to passenger seat managing from George Steinbrenner, the Yankees were an absolute mess.

As 2010 comes to a close for the New York Yankees, we are beginning to see a new mess emerging. Ambiguous, mixed feelings are being bounced around, and it seems as though everything can go wrong for the Yankees in the upcoming offseason. Sure, they will win, but it may come at a very damaging cost.

Luckily for the Yankees, there is no clear resemblance to what went on in the 70’s and 80’s. There is no fight within the front office, or between the players. However, while there may be no fighting going on, there may be a sense of betrayal.

It all starts with Derek Jeter. While we know he is going to be back, there are no clear answers to what exactly his contract will say. Many will argue that the old “blank check” analogy may come into play here, but that is anything but true.

The Yankees are not happy with the result of 2010, and will likely go after Cliff Lee as a result. They are not going to waste money on Jeter, especially if they feel he isn’t as valuable as he used to be. He will obviously expects a pay-cut, but it may be a cut he wasn’t expecting. And if there is something that can make Jeter’s image turn ugly, it’s money.

Then we move to the Yankees pitching coach, Dave Eiland. Brian Cashman announced today that Eiland will not be returning in 2011. He mentioned that the reason was “private,” but also hinted that it was influenced by a lack of production from the Yankees pitching staff during the postseason.

Again, we are unclear what the feelings are within the clubhouse. The words we are hearing are ambiguous, and that is never a good sign. Eiland will be gone, so his feelings won’t matter, but I can’t imagine that this won’t stir up some harsh feelings within the Yankees’ clubhouse.

A.J. Burnett is next. As he cleared out his locker, he declined to comment to reporters on Sunday. Suddenly, we are beginning to hear about possible trade rumors regarding Burnett. If the Yankees address those rumors, it will have lasting emotional effects on Burnett. With multiple years left on his contract, the last thing the Yankees need is a fight between him and the Yankees front office.

Trade rumors have also begun to surface for Joba Chamberlain. Word is that the Arizona Diamondbacks may have some interest in the right handed relief pitcher. Again, trade rumors will not have positive effects on any player, especially one that is so young as could be around for a very long time. Not to mention the damage the Yankees have done to him already.

Nobody doubts that the Yankees are going to win. No matter what situation they are in, the Yankees are always going to be equipped to bring in the best talent. However, that doesn’t mean things will go as smoothly as they have in the past. Winning does not wash away harsh feelings and anger. For the Yankees, they stare that right in the face. And now is their last chance to avoid it.

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