Aging Yankees Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are future Hall of Famers, and according to their teammate, catcher Jorge Posada, keeping the duo in New York this offseason is priority No. 1 for the Bronx Bombers.
Jeter, 36 and Rivera, 40, both officially became free agents on Monday, and even though the Yankees probably should focus on signing Cliff Lee, Posada says resigning his two buddies is the "biggest thing."
"Our biggest thing is Jeter and Mariano and go from there," Posada told the New York Post.
Jeter earned over $22 million in 2010, and could be looking at a multiyear contract worth roughly $15 to $20 million annually. While many believe that is a gross overpayment for an aging shortstop coming off the worst year of his career (his .340 on-base percentage was well below his career .385 mark), one source says the Yankees will indeed spend the money necessary to keep Jeter in the Bronx.
As for Rivera, who is still a dominant major league closer (33 saves, 1.80 ERA in 2010), one would have to assume the Yankees would keep No. 42 in pinstripes until he decides to retire as well.
