New York Yankees News - 2/8/12

by Chris McKeown on Feb 8, 2012 6:00 AM EST in New York Yankees News

Good morning, Pinstripe Alley!

It was announced last night, but just in case you missed it, Bill Hall has agreed to terms with the New York Yankees on a minor league contract that would allow him to enter spring training with the team. According to the Wall Street Journal, if Hall is added to the 40-man roster, he'll earn $600,000 with the opportunity to earn an additional $600,000 in performance bonuses. Best of luck to Hall.
This story wins the "Adorable Story of the Day" award, hands down. It could cost fans $55 to park their car outside Yankee Stadium pretty soon. Yes, $55.

And it's because the Bronx Parking Development Company LLC — a private firm that owns and operates parking lots and garages surrounding the new stadium — is unable to repay the hundreds of millions of dollars that it owes on bonds.

I'm relieved I take the train.

Russell Martin, who recently agreed to a one-year/$7.5 million contract with New York, touts about the addition of Hiroki Kuroda. Who would know him better from the current team? Martin caught Kuroda for three seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In other Yankee-related news on this fine morning, Madonna will be the next artist added to the growing list of singers to perform at Yankee Stadium this September. The Yankees announced yesterday afternoon that she will perform on September 6.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday at 10:00 a.m. ET at Livenation.com. Yankees full- and partial-season ticket licensees, Yankees Universe members, Yankees Group Leaders and Yankees.com subscribers will have the opportunity to take part in a special pre-sale at Yankees.com/madonna.

I'm still unsure of how I feel about this Brian Cashman story of having an alleged stalker. As long as it doesn't interfere with his job of running the show smoothly, that's all that really should matter to Yankee fans.

Tweet Comment 14 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

$55 parking is insane

At some point, it’s gotta be cheaper to park near a train and take that to the stadium. I don’t know what the relationship is between the Yankees and Bronx Parking, but it would generate a lot of goodwill if the Yankees gave away a free soda or water to anyone with a receipt from one of those lots. At with the cost of a soda or water, that would probably make a dent in the cost of attending a game.

by long time listener on Feb 8, 2012 9:32 AM EST reply actions

I just take the subway

Parking there is way too big a hassle even if it were cheap.

"I could never wear another uniform. I will always be a Yankee"- Jorge Posada

Thanks for the memories Jorge

by nyyrocks29 on Feb 8, 2012 12:26 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Let me get this straight

Bronx Parking is losing money because the public is balking at paying $35 for their service, so the answer is to raise the price to $55? That doesn’t seem to be a workable business model to me.

"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel

by tnredneckyankeesfan on Feb 8, 2012 9:55 AM EST reply actions

they're counting on a captive audience

There are few options if you really must drive to the stadium – you either park in their lots or take your chances finding parking around the stadium. Which can be dicey, since (1) it’s a crowded residential area; and (2) it’s not a good neighborhood. So they’re counting on people having no choice but to fork over the extra $20. The problem with that is that people will either find alternatives or not come to the stadium at all. There may be a handful of rich ticketholders that don’t care, or people who don’t know how much it costs to park and are trapped into paying the $55 when they show up in a car, but a lot of people are going to take the train or stay home.

by long time listener on Feb 8, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

I’ve never had a problem finding street parking for games. In terms of the safety of your car…chances are you’re fine, if you end up with awful luck, that’s what insurance is for and if your car is soo nice that you’re just terrified, you can also afford to fork over $55 for parking.

Or, train.

by MichaelGGBGrabow on Feb 8, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

The $35 for parking

is exactly why I took the bus and then the 4 train to the only game I got to attend last year. Coming from Queens where I live, I have two options for getting to the stadium. Pay $4.54 for a Metro Card which will cover the one bus and transfer to 2 subway lines that are needed for a one way trip to YS3 and also my trip back home. Pay $35.00 to park, $13.00 for bridge tolls for the round trip, and an estimated $12.00 for gasoline. Hummmm let’s see <$5 or>$60 per game.

"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel

by tnredneckyankeesfan on Feb 8, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Tough choice

I’ll get back to ya.

Romine!

by david d on Feb 8, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

If

these things are debt-financed that might be exactly how the rate covenants work. Fewer customers mean each one has to pay more. And you’re exactly right that it seems crazy. Part of the las Vegas monorail story.

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Feb 8, 2012 10:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/sports/baseball/jeter-already-training-at-yankees-camp.html?_r=1&ref=baseball

by Scooby Snacks on Feb 8, 2012 12:08 PM EST reply actions

As I understand it, the $55 is not a fait accompli.

It is the recommendation contained in Morgan Stanley report. What makes the recommendation inane is that the garages averaged 3,500 cars per game last season when the charge was $35. (There are 9,000 spaces, so the vacancy rate is already 61%).

As any number of people have pointed out, revenue would probably increase if the parking fee were lowered instead of raised. 3,500 cars @$35 = $122,500 per game. At $20 per car, if 8,000 spots are used, revenue increases to $160,000. I guess if you are Morgan Stanley master of the universe, any fee smaller than $100 is just pocket change.

by designatedquitter on Feb 8, 2012 12:09 PM EST reply actions

Train, Train! Take me on out of this town.

Romine!

by david d on Feb 8, 2012 12:18 PM EST reply actions

Love the 4 Train

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
ImNotAHRHitter

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Feb 8, 2012 1:53 PM EST reply actions

It's

the only way to fly!

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Feb 8, 2012 10:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Bill hall

was too terrible for the Giants last year, if such a thing is possible. They’re better off with one of the younger IF they have.

The above comment is not affiliated with the San Francisco Giants, is not based on a secret source of team information, and may contain personal opinion.

"I'll never forget San Francisco and all those beautiful moments."- Andres Torres

by natteringnabob on Feb 8, 2012 10:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions