New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner revealed Friday his motivation behind changing the team's long-standing policy on facial hair and why it was time to change.

Steinbrenner’s willingness to adapt to the shifting sands is a recognition of reality. Times have changed. The Yankees can no longer rely on their aura, their tradition of excellence and their bottomless caches of cash to nab top free agents. Every advantage — and disadvantage — matters.