When George Steinbrenner was alive, the New York Yankees’ mission statement was simple: win, no matter what the cost. World Series or bust. Steinbrenner even apologized to fans when his team failed to capture a championship.
After the Yankees saw their string of 13 straight postseason appearances snapped in 2008, “King George” embarked on a spending spree that immediately resulted in the team’s return to championship glory. Among the moves made that winter was the signing of the top two available free agent starting pitchers, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett.