What's it like to play for the New York Yankees, the most storied team in all of baseball? Why not ask Todd Zeile? He had the following to say during a conference call announcing his return to New York to play for the Mets:
"I have no desire to play again for that organization," Zeile said during a telephone conference call.After signing with the Yankees, his 11th major league team, Zeile hit .210 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 186 at-bats. New York released him on Aug. 17, and Zeile signed with Montreal three days later, going on to bat .257 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 113 at-bats.
"I think some of the things that happen over there are different than any other organization in baseball. I have a pretty good track record to judge that," Zeile said, citing his numerous stops across the majors.
"Every day is potentially the end all," he said. "It's whatever they need that day. It sometimes can be unsettling for people in role positions there. ... I don't really have a desire to get back into that mix."
Some people might say, including George Steinbrenner I imagine, that Zeile just couldn't take the heat that comes along with playing for a team that's always in the spotlight.
I thought it was always what a team needs “that day”. Why does Enrique Wilson spell a 3B when they’re playing Pedro Martinez? Why do guys hit against lefties and not righties, et al.
Perhaps this is just – I didn’t get to play every day like I used to, so I’m bummed that I’m relegated to a bench spot now.