Yanks for sale? Sure, why not.

Via The Daily News:

Rumors are flying in Major League Baseball and New York banking circles that the family that has owned Major League Baseball’s premiere franchise since Cleveland shipbuilder George Steinbrenner purchased the club for $8.8 million in 1973 is exploring the possibility of selling the Yankees.

Multiple baseball and finance sources told the Daily News they are hearing that the team the Steinbrenner family has led to seven World Series titles could be put on the block in the wake of the record sale price of $2.175 billion the Los Angeles Dodgers went for in April.

“There has been chatter all around the banking and financial industries in the city for a couple of weeks now,” one high-level baseball source told The News.

Given the way Hal Steinbrenner is generally framed — a business-first, finance wonk — I’m surprised this narrative hasn’t materialized sooner.

Ben over at River Ave Blues rebuked this one pretty nicely.

Reading the Daily News article closely though, we see the thesis begin to fall apart. The unsourced quotes concern timing. Everyone agrees now would be a great time to sell the Yanks, but “now” is always a great time to sell a baseball team. As baseball is growing with no signs of slowing down, any team — and especially the Yankees — is a valuable commodity. The News’ strongest argument for the sale seemingly is Hal Steinbrenner’s reluctance to hand out large contracts and his hands-off ownership approach. I’m not so sure either of those are negatives.

Of course, the Yankees, as well as Major League Baseball, have adamantly denied the rumors. For the Steinbrenners, let’s be honest, selling the Yankees would surely be a fruitful endeavor, with a possible $3 billion valuation, as reported by the Daily News. However, based off of what we definitively know — via official statements as opposed to unnamed sources — this does not appear to be in the works or remotely upcoming.

We should, though, consider that this may happen one day. Maybe not a year, or 10 years from now, but perhaps one day. If anything, this story allows us to consider that possibility.

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Yanks lose again

CC Sabathia couldn’t hold the lead yesterday and the Yankees fell, 2-5, to the Reds in interleague action.

The Yankees have now lost 6 of their last 8.  Middling is the word to describe the team to date, though inferior pitching, in particular, can be looked at as the primary reason for the recent “streak.” The Yankees have surrendered 39 runs over that stretch.

(Photo by the AP)

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Andruw Jones still likes strippers

This happened in NYC, just hours after the Yankees dropped their second game in Toronto.

He was a very nice guy, I must say. Seemed eager to get in there (even after this).

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What do you think about Kuroda?

Hiroki Kuroda gave up 7 ER (5 IP 8 H 3 HR 2 BB 6 K) in the Yankees’ 8-1 loss to Toronto last night.

With his latest performance, what do you think about Kuroda? I think he was a great signing (maybe a bit pricey) and bad starts happen (he was solid the previous 4 games), though I’m interested in hearing your perspective, given what you’ve seen, thus far. Thoughts?

(Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

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Yanks Test “Depth,” Beat O’s 8-5

Thanks to a Mark Teixeira 2-run homer in the 7th inning, the Yankees beat the Orioles last night, 8-5.

The was no celebration, however, as the Yankees also lost Ivan Nova, David Robertson, Raul Ibanez and Clay Rapada to injuries. Of the 4 beat-up Yankees, most concern is squarely focused on Robertson (rib cage soreness) and Nova (right ankle sprain and bruise), as Ibanez and Rapada appear day-to-day. Hopefully neither are lost for extended periods (Robertson will have an MRI this AM).

This just goes to show how quickly “depth” can be thinned (and in just one game)…

(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

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Pettitte Set to Return Today

At 1:05 PM ET, Andy Pettitte will make his much anticipated return to the mound against the Seattle Mariners. With the M’s relatively punchless lineup, this could be a good start for the 39-year old lefty.

While we all wait to see how he does, chew on this for a bit. What do you think?

(AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)

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Yanks Beat Mariners, 6-2

For more, check out the box. Hughes scattered 6 hits and gave up 1 ER over 7 2/3 (1 BB, 4 K)…

(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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Morning Bits: Recap, A-Rod

Hey, folks! Let’s dive in here:

• Led by CC Sabathia, the Yankees beat the Twins last night, 8-4.
• A-Rod is with the Yankees, but won’t be in the lineup until at least Saturday.

As you know, Alex had surgery on July 11 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee.

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G70: Yankees @ Cubs

Here are the lineups for tonight’s game:

YANKEES
Brett Gardner LF
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Russell Martin C
Eduardo Nunez SS
CC Sabathia LHP

CUBS
Reed Johnson CF
Starlin Castro SS
Jeff Baker 1B
Aramis Ramirez 3B
Alfonso Soriano LF
Geovany Soto C
Lou Montanez RF
D.J. LeMahieu 2B
Randy Wells SP

Hope you’re all having a nice Father’s Day / Sunday. Enjoy!

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OT: Happy Father’s Day!

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