For Hank Steinbrenner, the way the Yankees have played is more tolerable because of where they are in the season.
Speaking to the Associated Press yesterday in Tampa, Steinbrenner didn’t issue a warning, a distress signal or an ultimatum. Instead, the Baby Boss indicated that the standings right now are pointless.
“Well, we’re not as far back as we were last year at this time,” Steinbrenner said of his team, which began yesterday in last place in the AL East. “So the place you’re in doesn’t necessarily matter. There’s still time.”
Steinbrenner was more demanding earlier in the week, when he told The Post, “The bottom line is that the team is not playing the way it is capable of playing. These players are being paid a lot of money and they had better decide for themselves to earn that money.”
Steinbrenner also weighed in on the fact his best player (Alex Rodriguez) is slated to appear on a video offering congratulations to the rival Red Sox’s best player (Manny Ramirez) when he hits his 500th homer. Steinbrenner didn’t seem to have any problem with it.
“I can understand the fans’ reaction, and I hope our fans don’t lose that edge, especially against the Red Sox,” Steinbrenner said. “Alex wants to beat the Red Sox more than anybody, and I know that for a fact. On the other hand, it’s classy thing for A-Rod to do. I like Manny, I really do. He’s a machine. He’s a dangerous hitter. You’ve got to respect him.”
Steinbrenner seemed to have a bigger issue with the fairness of having the Yankees and Mets play six times this season. While admitting he was a fan of interleague action, Steinbrenner said, “The only problem with it is, it may be unfair to certain teams. The Mets are a good organization, and we’re a good organization. Is it fair we’re beating up on each other? You’ve got to deal with it anyway the whole season in the American League East.”