Mark Teixeira - the next Reggie?

Howard Bryant at ESPN drew on his experience in following the Yankees in Spring Training, and considers Mark Teixeira the next in a long line of potential saviors to sit down with Reggie Jackson to have “The Talk.” Every time the Yankees sign a big free agent when they’re on the World Series hunt, Jackson typically takes them out to dinner to give them a rundown on what it’s like to play for New York as a high-dollar acquisition.

Jackson has spoken with Jason Giambi and A-rod in the recent past, and while both of them performed admirably for the Yankees, neither did what Jackson did: win the team a World Series title. Bryant believes much of Jackson’s success was due to his legitimate desire to prove himself in New York: “Reggie came to New York for the most authentic of reasons. Jackson craved New York, wanted it to become a part of him. He left for free agency following the 1981 season; but for the most part, he has been back ever since the day he retired. Wanting to absorb all of New York was real for him.”

There’s no telling on how Tex will shake out, but Bryant’s perspective is an interesting read.

Source.

Joe Blancato a-rod, espn, howard bryant, jason giambi, mark teixeira, reggie jackson, yankees