BRIGHTON, Mich. – Drew Henson went with his first love,
baseball.
The Michigan quarterback, in line to be the top pick in next
year's NFL draft, agreed Saturday to a $17 million, six-year
contract with the New York Yankees.
|  | | With his parents looking on, Drew Henson took $17 million from the Yankees and walked away from his senior season as Michigan's QB. |
"To me, there would be no greater goal than to help win a World
Series for the New York Yankees," Henson said. "I will keep
memories of the University of Michigan close to my heart."
Henson, 21, is to report to the Yankees on Monday and will
likely spent much of the season at Triple-A Columbus, Ohio -- where
Michigan defeated Ohio State 38-26 last November in what Henson
called the highlight of his college career.
Walking away from his senior season as the Wolverines'
quarterback for a chance at becoming the Yankees' starting third
baseman in 2002 was "the biggest sacrifice I will ever make,"
Henson said.
"I wanted to prove I could be a great quarterback, and to this
point I have," he said. By focusing on one sport, Henson said,
"it'll be easier on my body, it'll be a little easier on my mind.
My goal is to get to New York as soon as possible."
The Yankees originally drafted Henson in 1998 and signed him for
a $2 million bonus. Under the new contract, he is forbidden from
playing football.
"We got back at the NFL from taking (John) Elway away from us
years ago," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said, referring
to a former Yankees farmhand who became one of professional
football's greatest players.
Henson played in the Yankees minor league system until he was
dealt to Cincinnati last July as part of the trade that brought
Denny Neagle to New York.
Convinced they couldn't sign him, the Reds traded Henson back to
New York on Wednesday along with outfielder Michael Coleman for
outfield prospect Wily Mo Pena.
Asked if he would have returned to Michigan this fall if he were
still in the Cincinnati organization, Henson said, "I don't know.
But I love baseball because of baseball."
Comparing the Yankees with Michigan's powerful football program,
he said, "Why not go to the team with the most tradition, with the
best chance to win? I couldn't hold out any longer. I was ready to
go."
Henson had a chance to be selected by the expansion Houston
Texans as the top pick in the 2002 NFL draft and would have
received more money up front, probably more than $10 million.
His contract with the Yankees calls for a $1 million signing
bonus, salaries of $1 million in each of the first two seasons, $2
million in 2003, $2.2 million in 2004, $3.8 million in 2005 and $6
million in 2006.
"He obviously has terrific potential and he's a future
superstar, there's no question," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
New York was reluctant to part with Henson last year but made
the trade as part of a midseason roster overhaul. It turned out to
be successful because the Yankees won their third straight World
Series and fourth in five years.
"We were at such a time last year where we needed a starting
pitcher," Torre said. "When you're with the Yankees, the future
is always now, but we were fortunate enough to have the future be
now and then tomorrow again in getting him back."
Henson led Michigan to a 9-3 record and No. 11 ranking last
season after missing the Wolverines' first 3½ games with a broken
foot.
Before Wednesday's trade, Henson had planned to return to
Michigan.
"We wish him well," Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said.
Henson hit .266 with nine homers in 308 at-bats last season,
mostly in Double-A. He struggled after the trade, hitting .172 in
16 games for the Reds' Double-A Chattanooga team.
New York now has two potential replacements at third base for
Scott Brosius, whose contract expires after this season. At the
start of spring training, the Yankees signed Cuban defector Andy
Morales, who probably will be moved to the outfield.
The Yankees pushed for Henson to give up football immediately.
They would not have offered a long-term commitment unless he gave
up his senior season of football.
Cashman said they had an advantage, partially because of all the
concussions and other injuries NFL quarterbacks have sustained in
recent years.
"In the long-term, he will make more money playing baseball,"
Cashman said. "In the short-term, he would have more playing in
the NFL."
At an average annual value of $2.83 million, the Yankees would
wind up with a bargain if Henson turns into a baseball star. If he
starts 2002 with the major league team, he would be eligible for
salary arbitration for only one year, 2007, before becoming
eligible for free agency.
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Henson certainly has a great upside
AUDIO/VIDEO
 Drew Henson turned down all previous offers, but couldn't refuse the latest one from the Yankees.
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