Two days after we were expecting him, Punxsutawney Hank showed up, made his presence known, saw his shadow. Of course, this means that there’s only two weeks more until pitchers and catchers report.

“The two trades that Brian did I was really pleased with and very proud of,” Steinbrenner. a team co-chairman, said Thursday. “I think that is going to make a big difference for us.”

He also rumbled his way into dissolving whatever measely leverage the Yanks had regarding paying Jeter by stating:

“We’ll get into all of that eventually, “ Steinbrenner said. “Jeter’s place in Yankee history is obvious, so I think you can pretty much assume from there.”

Somewhere in Arizona, or California, or wherever agent Casey Close resides, a smile creased broad and wide. Last time Hank weighed in on a major contract, he said all the right things about letting ARod leave, then proceeded to give him a 10 year, $275 million contract, a raise from his previous record-breaking deal. Way to hold firm, Hank!

Picture from the always fun TiricoSuave