Submitted by Ted Tesser, May 8, 2007 16:32

Tim,

Good article on Clemens. What you fail to mention, though, in your analysis of Clemem's $28,000 prorated contract is that it is really $39,200 considering the 40% excise tax the Yankees will in actually have to pay him. With regard to this, his salary really comes to significantly more. Also, I would like your opinion on how the "Family Plan" has pulled the Yankees from their tough stance on this matter, and how this is all potentially going to affect A-Rod when the end of year comes. Also - what's up with Rivera? I can see two blown saves in a row - but three? This is something new,as are home runs he is now giving up are like the pieces of canyd in a pinata on Cinco de Mayo. In the last five seasons he has only given up as many as three HRs in only two of those complete seasons. He has already given up two this year annd it is the 8th of May! And although it is too early for the jury to be out, It looks like Cashman might have been rght in waiting him out the full year regarding a contract extension, although - I did not agree with that move at the beginning of the season. Do you not think that Bernie should have been guaranteed a minimum contract with the bench so thin, allowing Melky to be available for potential trade bait for a major league first baseman, or other needs of the team (hey what's another $750,000 to a million dollars for this yankee team anyway). I think that Melky is good, but not offf the bench, and has to play everyday for him to come close to last year's numbers. Williams was not treated right at all by a team that he has been an integral part of through so many championships, but that is another story in and of itself. But he could have certainly filled in the spots that Torre has picked out for Melky? And being a switch hitter, he could be another righty bat that this team badly needs.

Your reader,

Ted Tesser

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