Bye Bye to the Bronx

Not quite as headline-worthy as the signing of free agent pitcher Gerrit Cole, were the departure of two longtime Yankees, both fan favorites. After nearly a decade's apprenticeship, backup catcher Austin Romine will finally get the chance to become an everyday player with the Tigers. And shortstop Didi Gregorius, who accomplished the near impossible, capably taking over for the beloved Derek Jeter and winning the hearts of Yankee fans, heads down the Jersey Turnpike to bring his talent and leadership to a Phillies club that teased but never lived up to expectations.

Timing factors in, as well. Romine, at $4 million, and Gregorius at $14mm -- especially with a younger and cheaper replacement in Gleyber Torres -- might have priced themselves out of the Bronx in a winter when signing Cole at all costs was the top priority. Sports talk radio callers can gripe that "this wouldn't have happened if George was still alive." But the current Steinbrenner is Hal, and he looks at budgets and luxury taxes differently than his more bombastic father.

So while the Yankees hope they've landed the ace who can bring them back to the World Series for the first time in 11 years, they, in effect, gift the Tigers and Phillies players who can help move them up in the standings.

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