As a huge concession to the players' union, these paragons of pedigree approved... drum roll, please... the universal designated hitter.
Those of us who are not billionaires - you know who you are - can hardly imagine the economic pain to be inflicted upon these barons of culture - each, a veritable Charles Foster Kane, if not a Charles Montgomery Burns - that comes from this move. Approving the DH will cost the owners - GASP! - a fortune because - um, actually, I am incapable of gleaning it, because this almost seems as though it would put more fannies in the seats. But what do I know? I'm not a billionaire.
But enough about labor crapola. The question here remains, as always:
How will this affect the Yankees?
I am delighted to report the answer is, "HUZZAH!"
For starters, baseball's biggest winner might be our own Luke Voit, the linebacker at 1B, who now has twice the number of teams interested in his services.
Last year, at the trade deadline, with Andrew Rizzo arriving, the Yankees offered Luke around like a cold plate of clams. Nobody took a flier. But with a DH rule in the National League, several teams could see renewed interest in the 2020 HR champ. And that's not all.
Suddenly, there are twice the marks - teams, I mean teams - who could find a place for the ultimate fulltime DH solution: Mr. Giancarlo Stanton.
But wait, there's more! If Gary Sanchez ever stops flailing at pitches in the dirt, his career could find an extra three to five years as an everyday DH. Same with Miguel Andujar, who is running out of defensive positions to attempt.
Two days ago, none of these guys were remotely tradeable, aside from throw-ins to NATO if the Russians invade Ukraine. Now, the Yankees have a chance. Their trade market just doubled.
As for all those Tampa-type teams - teams who shuffle young and athletic hitters through the DH slot - hah, suck it, losers! The NL already has its share of defense. It needs more obese, aging, overpriced sluggers approaching their twilight years. Does anything more sum up the modern Yankees?
Onward to spring training! What's the ETA: Sometime in April?