"Everyone and everything has a price in the world of the recession-proof New York Yankees, a land where an aging third baseman will pocket a cool $31 million this season and a cold bottle of water at the Stadium runs the average Joe five bucks.

In the Bronx, even notoriety can be bought if the price is right. David Price won't reveal his financial windfall for playing a crucial role in Yankees history, but the Tampa Bay pitcher says it's fair to call his deal with Steiner Sports lucrative.

"Yeah, I did a signing this morning, so that's good," Price said Saturday. "Signed some balls, some Sports Illustrated covers. And the rubber."

Price was the pitcher last month when Derek Jeter became the first player in the history of the Yankees to amass 3,000 hits. Jeter did it in grand style, hitting a home run to left field and into the friendly hands of Christian Lopez, a man who can learn a lesson or two from Price and Jeter when it comes to shrewd negotiating.

Jeter has Steiner Sports, the memorabilia giant, on his speed dial and is ready, willing and able to sell his name as long as the checks keep rolling in. DJ3K was a once-in-a-lifetime financial opportunity, so much so that Jeter, who values his privacy almost to a fault, allowed his journey to be turned into an HBO documentary."