If you are angry about this, especially considering our worldwide economic plight, then know you will be joined by 29 other teams and the commissioner's office.

The bus always gets crowded at Yankee-hating time.

But the Yankees had reasons for this decision beyond simply having the money to do it. For them it came down to remembering Carlos Beltran vs. Johnny Damon, and forecasting Teixeira vs. Matt Holliday.

The Yanks essentially learned from history. They were in a very similar situation four offseasons ago. At that time, after the 2004 campaign, they also decided that upgrading their rotation was the top priority. So when the choice came down to whether to add the high-end lefty starter or the switch-hitting defensive stalwart represented by Scott Boras, the Yanks picked Randy Johnson over Beltran.

That proved a mistake, and not just because the Big Unit was such a huge disappointment. But because a year later the Yanks had to address the center-field issue anyway, and they no longer had someone as gifted as Beltran available.

Instead, they had to spend big money on Damon, who quickly proved he was more a left fielder than a center fielder. The repercussions are still being felt, since Brett Gardner currently tops the Yankee depth chart in center.

Oakland Athletics News News » Yankees learned that waiting can be costly 2008-12-24
Yankees learned that waiting can be costly 2008-12-24
The most obvious reason is money. That is why Mark Teixeira is a Yankee today. We are talking about an organization that now has the four largest contracts currently in play in the majors with the outlays this offseason for Teixeira ($180 million) and CC Sabathia ($161 million) falling in behind the 10-year wallet-busters the Yanks already have bestowed Alex Rodriguez ($275 million) and Derek Jeter ($189 million). More from the New York Post Costello: Jets' solution is near by Mangini pal Atlas jabs at Favre Carter's basket lifts Nets in overtime More from The New York Post