Open up that wallet again, Yanks

Bronx: The article “Yankees will continue youth movement with eye on lowering bloated payroll” (Oct. 23) was very disappointing. While I am very proud of the fact that the Yankees have been able to orchestrate a tremendous team from within their farm system, I am not proud of the fact that the Yankees are not spending enough money in the off season like in years past when George (The Boss) Steinbrenner was around.

So, the Yankees are trying to do everything but spend money this offseason in order to reach a plateau that has been a symbol of Hal Steinbrenner’s tenure as owner, which is under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. I have an issue with the Yankees approach because their pockets are deep and they won’t spend money. Instead of going after a player from Japan, the Yankees should look at adding a pitcher and a seasoned veteran who can perform in the clutch at the designated hitter spot.

Many would argue that the Yankees success in the 1990s was built because the likes of Gene Michael built the Yankees from the farm system to the majors, but I would argue that having an owner spending money on key veterans in free agency to enhance his chances of reaching the World Series was just as valuable.

It is easy to forget that George attracted free agents like Goose Goosage, Reggie Jackson, Roger Clemens, Dave Winfield, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez and many others throughout the decades with big contracts and they delivered in helping their teams in the 1970s, 1990s and early 2000s to championship appearances and wins.

So, if the formula has worked in the past then why completely change the way things have been operating for years? Of course, not every signing is a homerun — look at Jacoby Ellsbury — but the team must spend to combine youth and talent with experience and successful veterans who can help lead this team to many more championships.

Ariel Gonzalez

Say it ain’t Joe!

Fresh Meadows: The news that Yankee manager Joe Girardi’s contract will not be renewed is very surprising. For 10 seasons, he was the driving force behind the team and was well respected by his players and the fans. He was always professional in his dealings with the media as well. This past season was an amazing one for the Yankees. The fact that they made it to within one game of the World Series was proof enough. They lost that chance. However, the team is a combination of aces and many new young players , including Aaron Judge, who played really well during the season. Girardi will be missed, and we, the fans, wish him all the very best in his future endeavors. As for the Yankees, there is next season to look forward to, and they are a powerhouse team.

John Amato

Accurate reporting

Ventnor, N.J.: Girardi was not fired! The Yankees did not renew his contract! Has fake news crept into your paper? Leslie Josephs

Where’s the gratitude?

Danville, Calif.: I am surprised at how many older players aren’t truly defending Joe Girardi. Brett Gardner avoided a direct answer, which says a lot to me. Derek Jeter spoke well of the man, but avoided comments on his managing ability. Mark Texeira, who in my opinion was an anchor most of his last five years, said he didn’t communicate well. Here is a guy who refused to go to the opposite field to hit more homers. He became easy to pitch to. Now people are saying Joe didn’t buy all the way in to the new stat gathering. What was in his binder? Italian jokes? The most acceptable answer for Girardi leaving is Brian Cashman had all the power, and he just consolidated any power left. He’ll get a manager that will do what he says.

Tony Gigliotti

Big Apple bomb

Medford, L.I.: Thanks, Joe! The Yankees made a big mistake. What were they thinking? Terminating you will come back to bite them! Brian Cashman should resign. Regina Ward

Return engagement

Bronx: Please help me start the Bring Back Willie (Randolph) campaign — one of the classiest guys to ever wear the Yankees uniform. Ed Konchalski

Too-quick a hire

Brooklyn: The New York Mets hired Mickey Callaway as their new manager. I hope that he does well, but wouldn’t it have made more sense to wait out the Yankee managerial situation before making a hire? Right now they could be going after Joe Girardi. Just think about the excitement that would cause among New York baseball fans. Girardi is a proven winner while now Mets fans have to hope Callaway is the right person for the job. As for the New York Yankees, letting Girardi go could prove to be a disaster. We know his numbers — 910 wins, one World Series championship along with 10 winning seasons in 10 years. Brian Cashman made some bold moves as the Yankee general manager but this one is by far the boldest of them all. Time will tell if he will sink or swim as the result.

John DeAngelo

Amazin’ bum

Bronx: Congratulations to new Mets manager Mickey Calloway. Welcome to New York. Now shave off the beard — it makes you look like a bum. John F. Dennehy

Correcting Columbus’ record

Brooklyn: Your article, “City survey monumental,” (Oct. 25) did not explain why Italian-American groups are against any attempt to remove, relocate or otherwise defame the statue of Christopher Columbus in Columbus Circle. It was a gift to the City of New York by hardworking Italian-American immigrants in 1892. The statue by an Italian sculptor, who was commissioned by the immigrants who contributed nickels, dimes and quarters to have the statue made. The city did not pay for it. The Columbus Citizens Foundation paid for its renovation. Columbus is a hero to Italian-Americans, and Columbus Day is a national holiday as declared by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. As far as the slurs against Columbus, the allegations are exaggerated or just plain false. Any man who names his flagship the Santa Maria de Immaculata de Concepcion is not a vicious murderer. Columbus saved Jews from the Inquisition by recruiting them to crew his ships. He stopped brutality against natives and was sent back to Spain as a prisoner for doing so. The Anti-Co movement is based on ignorance and hatred. Mindless automatons follow false statements and have no clue as to why. Mary Leone

Drug store thievery

Jackson Heights: I am concerned about the stealing going on a weekly basis in the Duane Reade store on 37th Ave. and 73rd St. in Jackson Heights. For many weeks I have called the customer service department to tell them about this problem. One night, a woman stole six large bottles of liquid detergent. The store worker took these out of her shopping bag, but the manager came over and told him he couldn’t touch her shopping bag. In the meantime, she was able to walk out with the rest of the stolen items. The store policy is that they can’t jeopardize the safety of their workers. The branch manager said that they are working with the police. Even if they call the cops, by the time they get there, the thief is long gone. The night I saw the altercation, no one called the police. It wasn’t until I told the branch manager that I’d write to the Daily News that she called me back and stated that she was requesting corporate to send in an undercover security guard — or maybe “send in the clowns.” What a shame.

Candace Dittman

Comic genius

GARY J. PUSKAR/AP Metuchen, N.J.: I must say Bramhall outdid himself Friday morning. Still laughing. What I would find really interesting is how many starlets tolerated it to get their name in lights. Can the stars step up please? No response.

Carol Hoousendove

The toll of the tolls

Brooklyn: East River tolling will absolutely hurt average New Yorkers, who are already some of the most highly taxed people on the planet (“The mayor is stuck,” editorial, Oct. 24). The obscene congestion is a direct result of the completely unregulated number of ride services like Uber. Where are the calls for reducing or taxing them? And of course the wealthy will not be impacted by tolls and congestion pricing. They will continue to drive. Essentially, you are telling middle- and lower-income people that the roads are not for their use. They are now designated for the wealthy only. The rest of you can never leave the city, lest you face more extortion anytime you want to cross a bridge. Create a tax on monthly garage parkers, institute a millionaires tax, etc. The MTA certainly needs funding, but there are ways to get it without passing it back to middle-income taxpayers yet again. How about a campaign for debt relief for a start?

Jessica Hallman