The Yankees made one of their more significant moves of the new millennium when they signed Mariano Rivera to a four-year deal on February 16, 2001. It was chapter two of an uber Yankee success story.
And Then Came Alex
Pulling off the blockbuster that the Red Sox attempted but failed to complete two months earlier, the Yankees nabbed All Star shortstop Alex Rodriguez on February 16, 2004. The team sent Alfonso Soriano and a player to be named later to Texas. The Rangers also paid part of A-Rod’s mammoth contract, and Alex agreed to slide to third in deference to Yankee Captain and shortstop Derek Jeter.