Teixeira makes Bronx debut after sealing deal with Yankees

"When everyone's kind of around the same contract, there was no rush for me to make a decision," he said.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Teixeira on Dec. 4 at a Washington hotel where the Los Angeles Lakers happened to be staying, noticing coach Phil Jackson in the lobby. Cashman made an initial offer at some point, then withdrew it.

"Without a doubt, this was a deviation from our plan," Cashman said. "We felt he was a rare, exceptional opportunity."

On Dec. 22, Cashman called Teixeira's agent, Scott Boras, and the following day made a $160 million, eight-year proposal. Cashman thought until 11 a.m. on Dec. 23 that Boston was the favorite, then told co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner after hearing Boras' questions that the Yankees were the "lead dog." By 1:30 p.m., he had a deal.

Boras said the Red Sox had no cause to complain.

"I think Boston knows that they got good-faith proposals and they were given proposals, which means if accepted, the player would have signed the proposal," he said. "If teams reject them, they cannot in any way suggest that they were strung along."

New York has committed $423.5 million to three free-agent additions this offseason after its streak of 13 consecutive postseason appearances ended. On Dec. 18, the Yankees completed a $161 million, seven-year contract with left-hander CC Sabathia and an $82.5 million, five-year deal with right-hander A.J. Burnett.

At that time, the Yankees thought that would be the final news conference at the old ballpark, which opened in 1923.

"The old Yankee Stadium doesn't want to die," manager Joe Girardi said.

Some other teams have been angry that the Yankees added three top free agents. The Yankees' payroll currently projects to start about $10 million to $20 million below last year's opening-day figure of $209 million.

"We all feel like we do a lot for this industry, between the revenue-sharing dollars we contribute, the merchandise we sell, the tickets we sell," Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said. "So if you've got some owners that are upset, I'm just not going to let it worry me. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. It's a shame that they feel that way."

With all the new additions, there will be increased pressure on Girardi to win in his second season.

"They give you the resources to win, and you're expected to win," he said.

Notes

• Because Andy Pettitte hasn't accepted the Yankees' proposal of about $10 million for one year, the Yankees aren't sure the offer will still be available to the left-hander. "I think things are more complicated now," Cashman said, adding that he couldn't say he was optimistic.
• Like Sabathia and Burnett, Teixeira won't play in the World Baseball Classic.
• Girardi let slip that the Yankees have agreed to a minor league contract with RHP Jason Johnson. To make room for Teixeira, New York designated 1B-OF Shelley Duncan for assignment.
• Girardi isn't sure whether the switch-hitting Teixeira will bat third ahead of Alex Rodriguez or cleanup behind A-Rod.
• Teixeira will wear No. 25, Jason Giambi's old number. Teixeira had worn 23 with his previous teams whenever it was available to honor Mattingly, whose number has been retired by the Yankees. "Donnie Baseball was my guy," Teixeira said.