Let the A-Rod speculation begin
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 09, 2007 
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ESPN isn’t waiting for the end of the season to start the A-Rod speculation. They’re looking all of his possibilities starting with New York.
SportsCenter asked me to come on and talk about it tonight. I said I thought the Yankees had too much at stake with a new stadium and YES to let him go.
Meanwhile, Brian Cashman said again today that if Alex opts out of his deal, the Yankees wold not pursue him. He was adamant about that. The only way Alex stays is to play under his current deal or accept an extension.
Cashman said the Yankees would consider it a deal-breaker if A-Rod forces them to forfeit the money they would get from Texas. “That would not be prudent of him,” Cashman said.
Peter, please address this question in your next post so everyone knows.
Who are these evil people in Tampa? I always hear about them and I feel like I know an encyclopedia’s worth about the Yankees (lots from this great blog) but who are these Tampa people who are always wrong and hate Cashman and Torre and everyone??
Are they coaches? Scout development? Who?
Just like everybody made a big deal out of the Clemens deal, when in reality it wasn’t at all.
I see the same thing here with A-rod. Yankees aren’t going to let him go. He isn’t going anywhere.
Randy Levine is considered more evil than Dr. Evil himself.
Randy Levine, someone once told me, played the voice of Satan on South Park. But I’m pretty sure they were just lying. Besides, why would Randy Levine want to sleep with Saddam Hussein?
I’m looking forward to the Cashman-Boras back-and-forth in the press in the coming weeks. It’s fun to watch this stuff.
At this point, whatever happens with ARod happens. NY will offer him an insane amount of money, and either he’ll take it or he’ll leave. I seriously doubt somebody else will be able to offer more money, so we’ll see how it all works out if he leaves, and what reason he offers.
Regardless, it’ll be interesting to watch.
Marc makes a good point; it would make for great reading to get inside the “Tampa Tent” of Yankee Brass…sort of like who’s who in the Kremlin!
Btw I think A-Rod will stay but why is Cashman negotiating in the press right now about A-Rod extension. He should cool that talk in my opinion. Why get anyone’s back-up in public?
Cashman also conceded, however, that Steinbrenner would have the final say regarding ARod.
What are we going to do with the Clemens money? Some, I’m assuming, will be needed for Jorge and Mo…
I think that whatever happens, it will be best for the Yankees:
Option 1: They sign him to a fair deal. This is good.
Option 2: He opts out and signs a huge contract with another team that massively overpays him ($35M+ per year), maybe because Boras is secretly talking to other teams and knows he can get it. Oh well, we know our money is better spent elsewhere, and the team he signs with will be killed by the contract (like Texas was).
Option 3: He opts out, Boras misjudges the market, and nobody offers close to what the Yankees offered (with the Texas money). The Yankees subtract the $30M (or whatever) from their offer, and ARod signs with them as a free agent. Good, they have him and don’t spend any more than they would have if he signed an extension.
Option 4: He opts out and Boras misjudged the market, and he signs for less than the Yankees offered (but more than their offer minus the Texas money). The Yankees say “hey, we offered him X, and he got greedy and opted out. He could have had more money if he stayed with us.” A-Rod looks greedy, Boras looks like a guy that misjudged the market and cost his client millions of dollars.
Now of course with option 4, we don’t have him, but we tried our best.
He’s stupid if he goes, if the fans keep booing him this year I would completely understand. I think this is the first time in his entire career that he has enjoyed him teammates and they enjoyed him. Yeah he didn’t hit .400 in the post season but I think the last two games may have given him something to build off for the future. I think if he does opt out I don’t think the Yankees should be bidders like mike and chris said today there is no need for the horse and pony show. Either he wants to stay or he wants to go. And honestly how much more money could he need.
When asked if his comments about not resigning A-Rod were in conflict with Steinbrenners comment that he thinks they will resign A-Rod, Cashman said on WFAN today that it would be his recommendation that the Yanks not sign A-Rod if he opts out. They said to Cashman that George has been known to reach deals with players or agents directly and they used David Wells and Gary Sheffield as examples. The question is will Cashmans recommendation be the final word or would ownership instruct him to do otherwise.
I have no idea why A-Rod would leave. No other team has the money to match the Yankees, especially with the $10 million/year from Texas, and no team other than the Yankees has more trips to the postseason in recent history.
Money? Championship runs? It’s all here.
The fans love him more than rags like the Post think, and he gets along with his teammates pretty well.
I don’t see any reason at all for him to want to opt out.
Alex is going to get his $$$$$$$$$s no matter what. I don’t begrudge him that at all. The question is to what degree he wants to be Boras’s play thing. Does he want to be identified with NY and with the Yankees, or does he want the short-term attention of free agency?
if a rod opts out his reputation will be ruined forever. he would cement all the criticisms about his greed and thin skin. but hey if thats what he wants fine by me, he can just keep on laughing at himself when he keeps hitting .000 with RISP in october and all that other nonsense he spun to the media this season.
I think two teams will sign A-Rod. That way he can play home games for each team and avoid the road games. Maybe the Dodgers and Angels will chip in about $20 million each….
It would turn Yankee Universe on it’s collective ear if a news confernce were held with Cashman, Torre, and A-Rod taking turns at the podium. Cashman leading off by saying Torre has been retained. Joe stepping up to the microphone and saying his managerial style will abruptly change and in particular, his handling of the bullpen.
A-Rod announces that out of disgust, he’s fired Scott Boras as his agent and will represent himself. He goes on to say that his pen is ready for the first reasonable offer that Cashman makes.
He’ll be offered a fat contract extension and take it. Only reason he leaves is if he wants to leave. It won’t be for the money because the money will be here.
If he wants a change, he’ll leave. It’s that simple. I think he’s a guy that finally feels like he fits in and can be himself. That’s got to mean a lot to a guy like Alex and again, if money means more, it would still mean he stays.
Let him go. The Yanks need hungry young players. The real sin was not trading him when his value was through the roof mid season. David Justice said it best last night. He would have extended by now if he was going to extend. Managment needs to build for the next five years, not just next year.
What, are they going to bring them all back again for another year. Yah, that should do the trick.
Lower payroll. Lower expectation. Spare me the whole “yankee fans expect to win every year” garbage. It has been 7 years of the highest payroll in the game and nothing. Realize that the mystique has left. Start over. Rip off the band-aid.
I am a huge yankee fan. But watching lifeless uninspired play kills me.
What Scott Boras needs to realize is that his client (and thus himself) can paid without taking A-Rod to free agency. A bidding war won’t help him drive up the price because ultimately, the Yankees can and will pay what they are looking for. If he wants to stay with the Yankees…genuinely wants to stay…then there should be no reason for opting out. All they need to do is say we want this much because we know we can get this much on the FA market, so extend it to this much or we opt out.
At that point, the Yankees do it or don’t. Don’t pull your hair out over this. If anything, A-Rod is setting himself up to become a great Yankee or a money-hoarding jacka$$. His choice.
how can u trade him? he has a no trade clause!
Bryan, I agree with the start over, don’t expect to win it every year bid. I totally do.
But I don’t agree your comment about “lifeless uninspired play”. These guys grinded it out the second half of a season that I admittedly thought they had no chance of overcoming.
.i.
exactly
Like it matters for next year anyway. With Toranto’s arms and the way we play agianst Tampa and Baltimore this could be a third place finish next year.
Wait Halliday and Burnett pitching all season is as likely as Matsui getting an extra base hit. My bad.
One of these days, I’m going to look back over the comments during the spring, and see what you said about this Pete. You’ve done a complete 180. I’ve felt this way all along – there is too much at stake to let A Rod walk and no one to replace him. He’ll have a mega contract with NY soon enough.
How about there be a clause in the contract for King George to keep his mouth shut until after the baseball season is over or else George forfeits the $21M?
I despise much of the media’s reporting. One of these days I’m going to create a website and paste verbatim all the crap they are responsible for, mock them, and single them out. Each writer would get his/her own record.
Jeff and .i., are you telling me that mid season last year, Cashman couldn’t have sent him to the Cubs, Angels, Mets, or the Dodgers. Off of the sinking ship that was the Yankees mid July. Come on. He would have jumped at the chance. Of course we will never know. But I highly suspect something could have been worked out.
im ok with ending up in 3rd or 4th place for the next two years in order to have utter domination for the following 10. its a sacrifice i am willing to make, i don’t know if old stein can (hes really old) but i am not, so i don’t mind waiting.
Did people complain about Torre’s ability to manage the bullpen when The Yankees were winning 4 WS? Tore’s abilities declined (sarcasm) when the bullpen became very incompetent and the Yankees did not reach the WS.
If all Alex Rodriguez wants is money and he won’t take the cash through an extension, I say “So Long and Good Luck.” He already makes $25 million a year and if wearing the pinstripes is not worth more than another $5 million or whatever and the pride of the Yankees is not worth more than the ego of being the highest paid athlete ever, I say, “So Long and Good Luck” to A-Rod.
And if A-Rod leaves for just more money, he will prove his critics correct that he never was a true Yankee. If the tradition is so important, then stay and help the team win another pennant and world series. It’s simply. For this very rich man, it’s either being a Yankee or being even richer.
A-Rod has said that he had designs on staying here, but he also had designs on staying in Seattle and Texas. I think that it’s best to keep an open mind, and it’s a great idea for Cashman to say that he wouldn’t be pursued by the Yankees if he opts out. If A-Rod wants to stay, that gives him something extra to think about. The ball is in his court though, and whatever happens happens. If he wants to stay, that’s fine. If he wants to leave, that’s fine too. The Yankees won plenty before A-Rod, they can do it after A-Rod as well, no problem!
2009 New York Yankee’s…
Arod,Joba,Phil,IPK…. that is music to my ears. Hopefully, add Johan to that mix with, of course, Wanger.
bryan, no because then boras cant use the yankees as leverage when it came to opting out. plus why would a rod want to mid season have to go to a new city and move everything around? at least in the off season there is enough time to make such a huge move for him and his family (new house, school for kid, friends, blah blah)
Can any one name the last slugging team to win a World Series?
(tappping foot with hands on hips)
Maybe some sportswriter or the players should ask Steinbrenner what will be accomplished by changing managers and not resigning Joe Torre? For 162 games a year over 12 years, Torre-led Yankees won – division titles, pennants and world series. Will a new manager ensure the Yanks hit in the clutch or the pitchers pitch well. Will a new manager move, for example, Jeter’s line drive one hopper a foot or two from the second baseman for a hit, not a double play? Will it mean some of those dunk hits by the Indians will be caught? NO NO NO!!!
Steinbrenner just talked to tell people he’s still in control and the man (as if the Yankees needed reminding). Changing managers accomplishes nothing other than Steinbrenner showing he can do it, if he wants, even if it doesn’t make much sense.
Joe Torre will and should be back..(If he’s not, I betcha we lose Pettitte, possibly Posada and Mariano)
Great job on Sportscenter Peter, you had some great answers. Keep up the great work.
peter sportscenter woo, you’re actually on location there, cool.
There is a reason why Cashman is saying what he is saying.
The Yankees have felt all along that if Arod opts out, it means Boras has a team already in place ready to meet his price. That’s how Boras rolls. He doesn’t do anything without a plan in place. He won’t blindly take Arod onto the open market.
That’s why Cashman and the Yankees feel that if he opts out, he’s gone.
They will offer him a great deal and its up to him if he wants to stay.
If he opts out, the Yankees aren’t going to get into a bidding war because they know its futile. The other team will already be in place.
Boras has been working this all year. He knows the market and has certainly communicated it to Arod.
Its Arod’s call. If he wants to stay, he will have that chance. Conversely, if he wants to go, Scott will have a new home set for him and for big money.
Its what he does. If he can get somebody to pay 128 million bucks for Barry Zito, he can find money for Arod.
As Jerry Riensdorf once said, “All you need is one dumb owner, and you have a blockbuster contract”.
yeh he did good
Terry,
If you hope to trade for Santana, you might as well cross Joba, Kennedy, Melky off the Yankee roster cause that’s the price. Joba and Kennedy are worth more than Santana. Yanks need to get younger in the outfield, first-base and possibly catcher (down the line) for when Posada is done.
Yeah Roundaboout. It would be a damn shame to lose guys who helped win the Series 7 LOOONG years ago. Live in the now. What have you done for me today? Posada, where were you this series? Rivera, blow three less games this year, the one @ oakland and 2 against B-more and the yanks open At home against the weakened angels. Come on, it isn’t 2000 anymore. Paul O’Niel isn’t walking through that door. Nor is Tino, Bernie, Knobby, or Brosius.
Great job Pete. Hope your feelings on A-Rod returning are true.
“Cashman also conceded, however, that Steinbrenner would have the final say regarding ARod.”
True, Doreen.
Cashman also insisted that Hughes, Joba, and Kennedy would not be brought up this year. I brought this up a while back – Cashman may mean these things when he says them, but shifts in the game plan allow him wiggle room to justify things happening that he says won’t. The same thing can happen with ARod negotiations – Cashman could come out in the press in a couple of weeks and say “at the end of the day, it was in our best interests to have Alex’s offensive production in the lineup – he is irreplaceable.”
It’s a chess game. Something that Cashman has learned to utilize the last couple of years.
The Yankees couldn’t have received much if they would have traded A-Rod during the middle of last year. Every other GM would have seen it as an attempt for the Yankees to unload him. A-Rod probably wouldn’t have approved a trade during the middle of the year. The best time would have been during the offseason before this year. Cashman went about it the right way, telling everybody that he wasn’t looking to trade Rodriguez. He may have if an offer would have blown him away, but it didn’t. A-Rod may have approved a trade at that point. He would have had time to stop and examine his situation. The offseason was when his value was at its highest. But now it’s a moot point, as he can opt out, and can’t be traded without permission because he has the no-trade clause.
people should forget about santana, he is 29, am i the only one that feels thats a bit… old? i mean yeh clemens is 45 but still 29 for a 200 million dollar pitcher that goes out there once a week gives me the creeps.
Peter,
you’re so cute, wearing Roger Clemens burnt orange!
I’ll have the video up in 15 minutes.
yes, yes, I have mad skills.
You should see me pull a rabbit outta my hat (picture Bullwinkle)
Bryan,
No one is disputing the fact that A-Rod would have been desireable to those teams. That is like saying that a slice of pizza would be desireable to Fat Albert. “Gee, do you ya think?”
They didn’t trade him because they didn’t want to throw in the towel on the season for which I absolutely love and adore them all even more. They killed it in the second half and could not have done so without Alex.
Yankees don’t need Johann Santana, unless he comes through free agency.They got young pitchers
guys get a clue.. they made the playoffs 12 yrs in a row under Torre.. yeah that is no big deal, really how did the 8 playoff teams from last yr. do??? only 1 made the playoffs this yr..
I think 6 different champs in the last 6 yrs….sounds like parity to me!!!!!!!
Lifeless play, not trying, blah blah blah.
A few stud starting pitchers makes those issues go away…
carmona and sabathia if they do there thing Cleveland will win it all!!!!!!!!!!
2 studs, last yr. bonderman and verlander 2 studs, etc, etc..
wang a good pitcher killed them, pettitte is a good gutsy pitcher but does not have shutout stuff..shutout stuff mens that pitcher anyday he has it the other team is in big trouble…
joba and hughes have that potential for the futrue.. you win hampionships with those type of pitchers.. this team in arizona 7 yrs ago won a series they should have got killed in because of 2 stud pitchers!!!!
not that complicated….
What moves do you honestly see making that make them a LEGIT contender next year. They aren’t out there. This model doesn’t work. Scrap it. Take off the Yankee blue sunglasses. See us for who we are. Old at key positions. To thin at the others(Bullpen, starting rotation.)
Wang haddn’t pitched well in a month and a half and we all know it. He hit a wall. Not his fault. But Andy Pettite and hope for rain is not a good gameplan.
ESPN says MAriano Rivera is set to test the Free Agent Market. So, now it is not a lock that Mo will be back next year. He said something like _”They had a chance to extend me and they di nothing. It’s a business and nothing against Yankees”_
ESPN says MAriano Rivera is set to test the Free Agent Market. So, now it is not a lock that Mo will be back next year. He said something like _“They had a chance to extend me and they di nothing. It’s a business and nothing against Yankees�_
Let ‘em all go. To hell with them. Loust bastards ruined my night and week. Hey Jorge Posada, I am still waiting for that bases loaded hit from you in game one. Top of the fifth. Make sure to show the tape of that at bat to potential teams. Choker.
oh my god!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mariano may look at other team!!!!!!!!!!
OHHHHHHH.
SO.. where is he going? He likes the Yanks, he has played or been in the organization for about 18 yrs…… He lives in NY part of the year. The Yanks will continue to be good and have plenty of $$$$$$$$$$..
He will be back, man people do not know anything about negotiations…………
Then again Mariano can go into the HOF in a Texas Rangers jersey!!!!!!PIcture it, doesn’t feel right.. Mariano is a smart guy and see’s that image also….
ESPN says MAriano Rivera is set to test the Free Agent Market. So, now it is not a lock that Mo will be back next year. He said something like _They had a chance to extend me and they di nothing. It’s a business and nothing against Yankees_
that’s lousy, sorry
Bryan are you 12???
Newsflash question the results but do not question Jorge or others effort. They want to win believe me.. Baseball is a hard game and you cannot win everytime…
GROW UP, child….
alright, i think all reason is flying out the door with everyone.
the plane has not crashed in to the mountain people. its just the ‘day after’ doldrums. next week the sun will shine my yankee brethren.
Huh, Exactly what year did all the “True” yankees start getting the mega deals. Strange, it happens to be around the time they won their last championship. Now that doesn’t seem to make any sense.
I am just saying they are less hungry. That all. And yes Baseball is a hard game. Thanks.
Bryan –
(Can any one name the last slugging team to win a World Series?)
Uhhh, that would be the 2004 Boston Red Sox.
And you saw how well THAT worked out at the end of 05 and 06. They got where they are now only by rebuilding the team.
And there were very quickly only about 6 of them left, most with even- to declining performances. Only Ortiz & Ramirez still qualify as sluggers, Varitek’s there for defense & pitch-calling now. Age is great for wisdom but not for skill, reflexes, or strength.
Bryan,
What indication do you have that says they are “less hungry”?
I thought the same thing in the beginning of the year, but to be honest, they got outplayed by Cleveland, simple as that. They didn’t capitalize when they had teh opportunity.
Exactly Jim.
I want hillman to coach this team next season. No high profile b.s.
Looking at all the mess now I came to the conclusion that It is Brian Cashman that should be fired and not Joe Torre. This mess is all the fault of Brian Cashman.
Alex can do whatever he wants, The Yankees will just move on.Boras can return to being GREEDASS.
Living in Massachusetts all I heard today from Boston fans was how the Red $ox would have no interest in A Rod, he can’t win, blah blah blah
Every team that could afford him….and the Red $ox are certainly in that club, would love to have Alex Rodriguez at either shortstop or third base. They paid over the market prices for Julio Lugo at $36mil, JD Drew at $70mil, and DiceK at $103mil, the sky is the limit for John Henry & Co. The Red $ox print money.
I don’t think the $ox will be anything other than pawns used by Boras to drive up the price.
The Angels on the other hand are a different story. Their interest is legitimate. ARod fills a hole they desperately need filled.
If there were a National League team that was willing to pay in the billions, A Rod could be tempted to go someplace where he wouldn’t have to show his mercenary face in Yankee Stadium but once every 4 or 5 years. Fortunately, the Mets are set at 3rd & short.
It’s in the best interests of both sides that A Rod and the Yankees come to terms on an extension. This Yankee team is not a disaster.It just needs to be tweeked. A Rod’s young enough that he can still win in New York. IMO at the end of the day that would make him a very happy man.
I disagree that Cashman should be fired. He’s certainly made mistakes. If anything there was a better case for firing him two years ago. This year, ya gotta tip your cap. How many teams can rebuild and content at the same time. He’s got a youth movement in place, didn’t make any mistakes at the trading deadline, and they still made the playoffs. The only mistake was Clemens, maybe. But that was all George and gave them a psychological lift. The team is headed in a positive direction structurally and organizationally. And they still gave us a meaningful, i.e. entertaining and dramatic season this year.
Before anyone gets the wrong idea about Mariano, I’d like to give you all the exact quote from Ed Price’s article in this morning’s Star Ledger:
Mariano Rivera: “They had the opportunities and they didn’t do nothing with me, so we’ll see what happens. This is a business. Nothing against the Yankees. They figured it was the best for the team _and I’m okay with that_ (emphasis added). We’ll see what happens. But I would never hold anything against (the Yankees).”
It’s not as negative as the rest of the reports I’ve heard. It’s the same sensible Mariano speaking that we’ve all come to know and love.
MLBTR suggested melky/ipk for santana. i dont think theyd take that, maybe have to throw in a white or olendorf?
Strumerson, did you forget about Kei Igawa?
The “mess” began in Tampa, with the trading of draft picks/prospects for older “name” players. The rebuilding has been in place only since the end of the 2005 season, when Cashman got control of the entire baseball operation. Rebuilding takes time, and he is well aware that pitching at the front end of the rotation is what wins championships.
Face it, the Yankees did not have a 1 or a 2 for most of the season. Wang is a 3, not a 1.
Pettitte pitched like a 2 during the second half, and in game 2 of the ALDS. Until the young guns are allowed to mature into front of the rotation guys, there isn’t much chance of winning a WS, unless a tremendous amount of good luck befalls the Yankees. That didn’t happen this year.
It did happen for Cleveland, though, as Carmona matured into a solid 1 or 2. History repeats itself (see Detroit, 2006).
It will be very interesting to see how the Carmona/Schilling matchup plays out. That is the key to the ALCS.
That said, the Yankees are poised to follow the above pattern in 2008. Hughes grew up a great deal in 2007; Kennedy is interesting as a SP next season. The key will be what happens with Humberto Sanchez. If he and the other young RP can step up by mid-season, and assuming Joba does well at the front of the rotation, all could be well for a few more years in Yankeeland.
Either way, I’m not disapppointed one bit in how the season turned out. I thoroughly enjoyed the summer excitement, but I think we all knew that getting in the dance was huge. Once there, anything could happen, but the Yankees don’t have the front end guys yet.
So many ways to look at this..
On Torre:
He had a great run and has strengths as a leader, but his weaknesses seem to get more exposed every year. See any Steve Goldman article for detailed breakdowns. Let’s face it, 70 is pretty old to be doing this day in and day out and the team could use some fresh and energized ideas of how to manage a game.
We are clearly on a youth movement and he is not the right guy to develop this group of young players.
Arod:
Cash is playing it exactly right, just like the Abreu trade in which he fleeced Philly. The league is starting to get the picture that the Yanks old way of doing business is done and Cash might just be serious when he says the Yanks are not competing on the open market for a player they already have a contract with. Even if he’s full of BS, it definitely hurts Arod’s leverage with other teams. We’ve been burned so many times by helping bid up players value with other teams and I’m glad Cash is taking a stand.
I don’t want to see him go, but if it happens, so be it. The money will be put to good use elsewhere. Personally, I’m getting tired of constantly defending the guy on why he doesn’t suck.
Beloved free agents:
It would be hard to say goodbye, but the team wouldn’t be that worse off if Rivera and/or Posada left. Of the two, I’d rather keep Mariano on a short term deal because I’m sure Posada is going to want huge dollars and long term. A big contract for Jorge will be an albatross in the near future and we have to expunge all of these bloated deals for middle aged former superstars. Posada was great in ’07, but it just so unlikely that a catcher at his age is going to continue at that level for much longer (if at all). Congrats to him for having a big walk year, but take it elsewhere if he wants the world. It also bothers me that he gets a free pass for the inordinate amount of pass balls he allows. Joba’s 2 in cleveland being Exhibit A.
I think 4 years of repeating playoff embarrasements, in the exact same fashion, is enough of a sample set to realize some drastic and tough changes are necessary.
Dr acula,your good with reference material. When Arod came from the texas rangers,there was a sports writer,I think espn. He wrote any team that has Arod will never win the WS. Also ,he said teams do better when he leaves.Do you remember this article? If so will you post it please.
Roundabout- there is no need to trade those guys cause Johan is a free agent of 08 anyways.. Twins may choose to trade him during the season, but..
ok trade melki, who’s going to need to get cut off with their weak throws from center? santana is a no go to me. I am with cashman, the future needs to be all homegrown and since we only draft pitching the only reason we should trade for anyone… its position players for now.
We all know our Peter is a star. So much so, that as I was combing through the ether, I discovered that he made not one but two apperances today on ESPN!!
http://tinyurl.com/2hnjjh
Here’s the first one, it focuses on ARod’s contract.
I post the other one, shortly. I imagine, manana, I’ll catch Peter cutting locker room commericals with Nicollette Sheridan
again I know of all the cashman mistakes such as matsui(oh that is not a mistake, trading wright and johnson(oh not a mistake) drafteing hughes, chamberlain, betances, and others (oh not a mistake), my pointis all GM’s make some mistakes…
the Yanks system is the best it has been in a long long time, THAT IS A GOOD THING.Igawa gets $4 mill a yr.. a blunder but not a huge blunder. Pin Giambi on the boss it was all him on that astute signing….
Ha!! you are some real scholar….
your team would need to be great for about 40 yrs. to even be mentioned in th esame breath as the Yanks.. I don’t pop the echampagne yet, Cleveland will come to play…..
BTW how were the playoffs for the sux last season????????????????
Jim in CT, The 2004 Red Sox also had a pretty good 1-2 pitching tandem of Pedro and Schilling, and a very potent group of set pitchers in the pen who shut down everyone in the play-offs and the WS, and then add a lights-out closer in Keith Foulke who turned out the lights. That answer you gave to the question “Which was the last slugging team to win a world championship”? Was not at all the correct answer. With just hitting and so-so pitching, the answer is absolutely none. Pitching and defense always wins of course with timely hitting.
Strumerson, did you forget about Kei Igawa?
No. I didn’t. But it isn’t the same kind of mistake that Pavano, Weaver, Vasquez, or Giambi were. There were political pressures involved with that one. George wanted a response to the Red Sox going crazy for Matzuzaka. Here is the sketchy thing. It’s a little too easy to lay all the blame for the bad deals at Steinbrenner’s feet. But what is clear is that the handling of the draft, the refusal to cough up the ship for Gagne, getting Robbie and Melky their chances and the clever Alex trade (which brought us 2 MVP seasons) were largely initiated or facilitated by Cashman. He ain’t perfect. But he has shown the ability to stand up to the Tampa Brass, which is crucial for the longterm development of the team.
There’s no reason to burn the house down just yet.
The issues for this offseason (leaving aside management) are whether to extend A-Rod, resign Mo and Jorge, pick up Abreu’s option (or extend him), and what will Andy do on his option. There aren’t any guys in the system ready to take any of those jobs (possibly Andy’s, but it’s his choice), so its them or free agents.
There’s no catcher on the market comparable to Jorge, and I think he’d like to return and open the new Stadium. He is starting to push the age limits of his position, but that can be negotiated into his deal – give him 2 years plus option(s) with declining balances. It’s not like he’s going to get a gigantic raise – only Pudge after his $13 mil ’08 option will make more at the position – Varitek’s at $11 in his last contract year, Kendall’s a free agent coming off a $13.5 he’ll never see anything near again, then next it’s Hernandez in Balt. at $7.5 in ’08, LoDuca a FA off $6.6.
Mo looks like he’s still got something left, but he too is aging and reality has to count for something. Closers can be pricey, but $10 mil + is rarified air. Only Ryan at $12 and Wagner at $10.5 are there, K-Rod at $7 and arb 3 eligible, F. Cordero at $5.45 and a free agent could challenge. Then come Myers (Philly) at $8.6 (signed when starting), Isringhausen with an $8 mil option pickup, and T. Hoffman at $7.5. I’d try for a 2 year declining deal here too. Then why not offer Andy and Abreu similar short offers to extend, but at less then the $16 mil each is scheduled for in ’08. Abreu might not bite, but we shouldn’t go long there – we did have a couple of talented kids at Tampa this season. Rowand could be an interesting and likely cheaper in the short run option, moving Melky to right, then hope the kids are ready to fill in when Damon and Matsui expire after ’09. A big defensive improvement, but he won’t hit like he did in that Philly bandbox.
I just don’t see the need to tear down yet – the rotation can improve with the new kids, bullpen help comes cheaper and we’ve got some internal candidates. Pitching was the problem, but the solutions are largely at hand. I’d be happy going into a 5 game series next year with Andy, Wanger, Hughes, Joba, Kennedy, & Moose to choose from. As always health will be the key. It could be argued that keeping Joba in the pen for another year could be a good thing, since starting depth is the organization’s strength. A reliable setup guy would be nice for a change. Linebrink might be a nice option, but he’ll be pricey. I’m not convinced the Viz is the guy. And Farns expires after next year, opening cash for ’09 and beyond along with the myriad of other departing contracts then (Moose, Pavano, Giambi).
HA, Gee, no one’s ever seen that before. Some unique original humor would go a long way here today, too bad you couldn’t deliver.
Strummerson…it’s good to see some reasonable comments about this season on this blog.
The positives of this season far outweigh the negativity of a couple of days.
The Yankees have to do 4 things IMHO
1) Re-sign their Hall of Fame manager for 2-3 more years, ensuring a stable environment for the young players whose role will be expanded next year.
2) Give Mariano Rivera whatever he wants. Even if it means a guaranteed 4th year.
3) Convince A. Rod it’s not in his best interest to opt out despite what Boras may be telling him.
4) Ensure Andy Pettitte comes back for at least one more season to work with the young pitchers.
To that point, ensure that Andy Pettitte will want to come back by making sure Joe Torre is manager of this team.
One last thing. As an example of all you need to know about Joe Torre and the respect he commands in that clubhouse, this…
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....8;c_id=nyy
Why do you look to replace a leader like that?
I had the same impression of the 2007 Yankees under Torre as I did for the 2006 Team. I really believe a change is needed. Torre is a first rate guy, respected by all. Most of his “regular players” love him. In my opinion, therein lies the problem.
Many of these players have become too comfortable with Torre. Regardless of their on-field performances, they know that Torre will protect them. Its one thing to have faith in a veteran after a bad stretch, but the manager also has to recognize when player’s skills may have slipped and come up with alternative strategies.
The Post Season is won by teams that are hot and highly motivated. Other than a handful of rookies, the Yankees looked bored and uninspired. Myu imjpression is that Joe Torre exudes the image of the lovable grandpa, patting his players on the cheek and imploring them to “give their best” but invoking little confidence and enthusiasm.
A Team as talented as the Yankees, even with marginal starting pitching and a thin 6th-7th inning bullpen, should go farther than the 1st round of the playoffs.
I don’t know if Mattingly can restore that fire – we’ve never seen him manage before. But I believe an attitude change in management style is definitely needed.
Stuart -
The days of George demanding any and every marquee name in sight are finished. The day he saw Cashman’s plea of a new direction may have been his best move. These days he only cringes when he sees the paychecks of Giambi and Mussina and wonders what he was thinking.
Let A-Rod go at all costs and spend the money on PITCHING while getting a good 3B like Lowell or make a trade for Atkins from CO.
As I said this morning, Cash needs to do everything in his power to rip himself of Jason Giambi. He cloggs first base and can’t stay healthy. Pay 75% of his salary if you have to, just get rid of him. Or buy him out, threaten him, blackmail him do what you have to. Just get out from under that contract.
OMG!!!Reading the blogs today you would think the Yankees are in for some lean years of 3rd or 4th place finishes. Has anyone been paying attention to the Farm system? The Yankees are loaded with young arms. Joba,Hughes,Kennedy were only the begining, A huge part of it, yes, but not the end. They have H. Sanchez, Ohlendorf, Horne, Marquez, Betances, Ryan Pope, Brackman, Barreda, Heredia, Dave Robertson, Whelan, McCutchen,Kontos,Brett Smith,Tim Norton,JB Cox,Melancon,C Garcia,Steve White, Ty Clippard, all legit prospects, (Do not give up on Clippard yet). At the very least the Yankees have a lot of chips to deal and at the most have incredible depth. They also have some very interesting position players coming on in the next few years like: Miranda,Tabata,Cervelli,Montero,AJax,Suttle,Corona,Angelini,Romine, just to name a few. This Organization is heading in the right direction and has a very bright future. The days of wasting money on the Pavanos of the world are behind us.
The Yanks will resign Posada and A-rod etc…If not, they have trade chips to fill holes and enough depth to do it with out ruining the farm…They will win a lot of games in the coming years, no-matter who is managing the team. Donnie can manage this team. Who know more about Baseball then him? who is more equipped to deal with NY? Joe Torre is not a Genius, He is a gentleman and a good man yes, however, he is no Billy Martin. I would not be betting against this team for a long time.
Problem with any players you want the Yankees to trade for. The players on the top of *every* single teams list will be Joba and Phil. Both are off limits.
Latham Joe, the PC types love Joe Torre’s “Allan Alda” style. Myself I also think he is too touchy feely and look no further than his loyal to Hideki Matsui who down the stretch never saw the pine despite his immobility in the field or his impotency at the plate. Quite the contrary Joe had him bat 5th.
If A-Rod decides to go, Miguel Cabrera would be worth a look. I AM NOT SAYING TO TRADE FOR HIM. Cabrera does struggle with his weight, his attitude, and a rotten work ethic, but he’s supremely talented and very young. The Marlins have been looking for an opportunity to unload him, and this may be their chance. They could lower their usual high demands, because it sounds like they are getting tired of him. Maybe playing for the Yankees will inspire Cabrera to grow up and get in shape. It could be a wonderful opportunity for him. This is just a possible backup plan if A-Rod leaves.
To the person identifying itself as HA ! …. Many thanks for wearing out your keyboard and yes, it was done in waste.
Please return when your team has (at least) it’s 27th ring.
Ha, I have to admit that was a pretty funny post. It nice to see you RedSox fans haven’t lost your sense of humor, rooting for the team that has defined the word “choke” for 84 years
Jennifer i agree, and maybe Giambi will relax his no trade in light of how he was treated duing the play-offs and before. He would make some team a good DH. The Yankees need to stop signing one dimensional players like Giambi and Matsui who are poor defensive players who clog the DH position.There is a reason why the Yankees won championships with Skowron, Chambliss and Martinez at first, they could play both defense and offense. You cannot slug your way through the WS.
I’m glad to see no one is looking for Wilson Betiment to replace Alex at third anymore.
I wonder if they would look to bring back Doug, and have Andy back him up.
bench of
Jose
Alex gonzaeles (Sp)
Andy
Shelley
Jennifer- Yeah, I think that ship sailed away a while ago!
Thank god!! Is he still signed for next year?
omg- perfect strangers is on!! I haven’t seen that show in YEARS!!
A guy who used to post on Sam Borden’s blog last year, posts here once in a while, and now has his own blog, has a superb article about why the Yankees should and will retain A-Rod. It’s long but it’s the most thorough analysis I’ve read anywhere. And he’s a really impressive writer.
His blog is called the yankees republic (http://theyankeesrepublic.blogspot.com) an the entry is titled “Whither A-Rod, Wither The Yanks”. For anyone with the time and interest, I urge you to read it.
Wow. Digging around I found that Peter actually made THREE apperances on ESPN.
http://tinyurl.com/2kgqej
In this clip, Peter reviews the issues facing the Yankees
Sorry for the delay in posting; it’s overcast today and I’m having alotta problems with my satellite link-up.
I’ll post Peter’s 3rd clip, along with some other interesting interviews, including Cashman, overnite.
That’s an interesting read on the yankeesrepublic blog, but it is over two months old.
Check out this article from 30 minutes ago on the Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10.....8;emc=eta1
We won’t know until we know, and the rest is just speculation.
catya-
I don’t remember that particular article/column, but I imagine its based on the “adding through subtraction” postulate.
Here, statheads focus on Seattle improving to 116 wins from 91 wins the year after Alex left. And how the Rangers improved 18 games, from 73 to 91, after trading Alex.
Baseball is too, too asymmetric for such simple explanations.
Funny how Boras never mentions anything about Alex opting out to win a championship with another team or he would “fit in better” (not the case) somewhere else. This is whats wrong with baseball, it actually is a selfish act. How much $$ Do you really need. There should be limitations against people like boras
Here you go folks, the 2008 Yankees starting nine without A-Rod and $48M ($16M/yr. owed to him through 2010):
Damon LF L
Jeter SS R
Giambi DH L
Andruw Jones RF R (Signed for a year and $16M.*)
Matsui 1B L
Posada C S (Re-signed for 2 years @ $15M/yr. = $30M)
Cano 2B L
M.Cabrera CF S
Mike Lamb 3B L (Signed to a one year $3M contract)
*NO ONE is giving Jones, 30, at least 2 years and $15M/yr. after the 2007 he had. Teams have to be wondering “Why is Atlanta letting go of Andruw Jones?” He’ll have to sing for his supper i.e. play for his last big contract next year.
Here’s the thing with Stienbrenner… one of his biggest regrets as the owner of the Yankees was that he let Reggie leave. While A-rod is no Reggie (and in the playoffs is actually the anti-Reggie) I think George believes that the Yankees should always have “The best player in baseball”
So if it comes down to George than A-Rod stays.
If it were up to me… I agree with who ever posted give me two great pitchers at fifteen million each and we can do with out him.
Here’s a guy who intrigues me as a possible poor man’s version of Andruw Jones: Mike Cameron.
His 2007:
.242 BA/ .328 OBP + .431 SLG = .759 OPS (dismal but…)
21 HR, 78 RBI, 18 SB, 5 CS, 33 doubles, 6 triples
7 assists (usual total)
‘Made only $7M this year. Free agent. Give him a year and $7M.
I think he could post at least .280 BA, .360 + .540 OBP =
.900 OPS, 30 HR, 100 RBI, 30 SB (no > 5-7 CS), 35 doubles,
at least one triple batting cleanup and playing RF for the 2008 Yanks. He’d have Jeter, Damon, and Giambi batting in front of him, Matsui/ Posada protecting him.
Money,
For $16M, why not just sign Abreu, who is a better fit for the Yankees. He walks, can hit with power, run, and knocks in runs. His defense, while not as good as Andruw Jones, is decent enough. A Yankee team with Giambi batting 3rd, injury prone and clogging the basepaths and Matsui at 1B; And Lamb?? UGHHHHHHHHH
Yanks are not going to get Andruw Jone, the guy has no range and has been that way for a few years now, just check his zone ratings. Even though defensive metrics can be subjective, that kind of consistent, precipitous defensive decline cannot be explained by anything other than loss of skill. He’s still getting gold gloves mainly on reputation, and now he has lost his bat too.
Dear Pete,
I have followed your site since its inception but have never posted. I’m prompted to write after seeing you standing outside Yankee Stadium on ESPN yesterday. I want to thank you for being a great source of information about the Yankees. Your “inside the clubhouse”, beat writer perspective is invaluable to this devoted (televised night games start at 2:30am out here) , lifelong Yankee fan who has moved far away to a small Kibbutz in the middle of the Negev desert in Israel. Keep up the great work!
David
Kibbutz Ketura, Israel