CORE TWO: JETER & MARIANO

Technically, Jorge Posada is no longer a New York Yankee, although, we all know he is a Yankee for life. If Posada doesn’t get resigned by the New York Yankees, which it appears he will not, then we’re down to 2. I hate to have some kind of sick, demented countdown as we watch the Core Four slowly vanish, but let’s say what it is, a world of change. Over time, players retire and when contracts are up, players move on. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are still standing though and as long as these icons continue to battle and help win championships. I'm not going to lie though, I can't but think about the future and who will be next to lead the charge.

I’m one of the few that would make an offer to Jorge Posada for 2012, a few bucks for 1 more year on our team to mentor youth, be a bench player to only hit righties and develop into a future coach for the Yankees. It’s a selfish request and I am overwhelmingly overruled by many. I get it. Why waste a roster spot for a 40 year old ballplayer. As a 40 year old myself, I guess that’s my attachment. I can’t let go of this guy because I understand what he’s going through.

There is no question, the Yankees are changing, we all need to accept it. Jorge Posada will need to do what’s best for him, we all understand that, no doubt, the Yankees will move on too and that will leave team leaders Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera to lead the charge as we move on to the Quest for 28...again.

Overtime, once Jeter and Mariano walk into the sunset, new leaders will emerge, homegrown talent that understand the Yankee way will step up and lead our New York Yankees and replace the old timers but, the feeling from the fans will never change, we will always love our home grown heroes, because they grew up the way Derek did, the way Mo did, the way Andy, Bernie and Jorge did.

David Robertson will soon take over the role of Yankee closer no doubt. He has proved he can handle any lineup and he hates to lose. You have to love and respect that. Robinson Cano will eventually get the role as Yankee Captain, and while the Yankees don’t just hand that title to everyone, Cano is worthy and qualified and deserving and even if it’s unspoken, players will subscribe to that once Derek leaves.

Yes, it’s the Core Two in Jeet and Mo, but look for the next generation of homegrown talent to lead the Yankees soon enough, and develop into a new Core Four if you will. A Core Four drawn up with names like David Robertson, Robinson Cano, Ivan Nova, and Brett Gardner. Players who lead the Yankee Way because they learned from the best. These guys understand what it means to put on the pinstripes…the heart, pride and guts...it's the Yankee way and it's always with us… always.

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