Greetings from Orlando
-
- November
- 5
Here we are in the media room of the gigantic Hyatt Hotel, about a half-mile from Disney.
Two good things so far: there is free wireless and free soda.
The GM Meetings aren’t an official media event of Major League Baseball like the much larger Winter Meetings, which will be in Nashville next month. There are no credentials and teams don’t send their PR people to coordinate things. But a lot of reporters do attend and it can be worthwhile.
There’s even a small stage and podium set up in case a team wants to make an announcement.
For the writers, there’s a lot of hanging around the lobby while calling and texting team executives and agents.
I’ll update the blog whenever there’s something worthy to report.
This entry was posted
on Monday, November 5th, 2007 at 1:48 pm by Peter Abraham.
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So can anyone go?
Creepy – Pete’s posting from the future…
maybe he got a hold of doc browns time machine
ESPN is reporting that Bowa will be going to the Dodgers with Torre instead of Seattle. Too bad Girardi couldn’t persuade him to stick around, I love his intensity.
Dr. Emmett Brown: [the DeLorean has just made the first time-jump] Ah! What did I tell you?
[jumping triumphantly]
Dr. Emmett Brown: 88 miles per hour!
[a license plate spins on one corner then collapses, Doc checks his watch]
Dr. Emmett Brown: The temporal displacement occurred at exactly 1:20am and zero seconds!
Marty McFly: [picks up the license plate then drops it awkwardly] Ah, Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ, Doc, you just disintegrated Einstein!
Dr. Emmett Brown: Calm down, Marty, I didn’t disintegrate anything. The molecular structure of both Einstein and the car are completely intact.
Marty McFly: Then where the hell are they?
Dr. Emmett Brown: The appropriate question is, “When the hell are they?” You see, Einstein has just become the world’s first time-traveler! I sent him into the future. One minute into the future to be exact. And at precisely 1:21am and zero seconds, we shall catch up with him and the time machine.
There was no space on the staff for Larry
I also would have liked him to stick around. He was good for Cano.
The Winter Meetings are in Nashville, cool! I’m just two or three hours away so I might drive over there, sneak in and see what’s going on!!
I’m a suprised they are in Nashville. What is there to do there?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/sports/baseball/04score.html?em&ex=1194411600&en=950613ce5e8d54c5&ei=5087%0A
A-Rod will be a Yankee again….bank on it !
Thanks, Pete. Please give us some real news soon. People are getting so cranky here, they’re turning on each other.
The Yankees will look like fools if they bring Alex back.
mel-
Depends on the news. We still might turn on each other.
Hey Pete
What do you think of this article that claims Arod did all of this to pave his way back to the Yankees?
1) Opted out during Game 4 to release a statement before Girardi’s hiring so as not to create the perception that he opted out because Girardi was the new manager?
2) That if some LA team offered Arod $32 mil for 8 years that the Yankees (the richest team in sports) can claim poverty by losing out on Texas’ $30 mil?
3) His stated concern over where Mo, Posada and Pettitte sign will actually strengthen his bonds with those teammates.
Pretty flimsy in my opinion, but you can read it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/04/sports/baseball/04score.html?_r=1&ref=baseball&oref=slogin
Jennifer- The Grand Ole Opry is in Nashville, but mainly I just enjoy the atmosphere. Nashville is a wonderful place to go to. There’s not much crime, a lot of good people, and an outstanding professional football team who is playoff-bound!
I apologize for sounding like a tour guide, I’ll get back to baseball. The Dodgers are currently introducing their new manager. His name sounds familiar.
Sunny- The writer doesn’t realize 30 million is 30 million I don’t care who you are. It was money the Yankees were entitled to when they traded for Alex.
J-Dawg What number is he wearing?
Brandon what is he saying? I’ve always loved the Dodgers, (even though I was a Giant fan and hated them)? They are the greatest franchise? Fill us in!!
enoguh arod talk.. he is gone and I am hapy for it..
why would anybody waste there any on the king narcissist???????
man it’s like he makes these stories at home to present them, Dodgers have always been special, I remember when Willy Davis caught that ball in CF..blah blah blah
Jennifer- I haven’t seen his number yet, he’s currently decked out in a suit talking at the podium. Their news conference is taking place on the field at Dodger Stadium, that seems pretty neat to me for some reason.
drum roll his number is 6
They’re giving Torre Number 6!
he just announced Bowa & Donnie are following him to LA, his number is #6
if I’m Grady Little find a way to get revenge
Just watched the second half of Torre’s press conference.
First of all the man is a magnificent orator. He would win any political race.
Secondly, he looks very happy. I’m happy for him, his family, and his coaches.
Thirdly, the Dodgers have all of a sudden become relevant again. They’re going to win a lot of games and Torre brings star power.
I guess we’ll see how he does without an all star team. And how he will handle being a manager in the nl again. I think it is a bad move on his part.
No credentials? Why didn’t you invite us along then!
Free soda? Oof. Peter you’re gonna dehydrate -water, not caffeine bro
It’s fitting that the g.m. meetings are in Orlando and a stone’s throw from Disneyworld considering some M.L.B. players live in a fantasyworld where $252M guaranteed over 10 years including $92M in the next three (> ANY professional athlete is making) isn’t enough, and where everyone’s guaranteed to have a job regardless of their performance.
I want g.m.s talk about having team opt out clauses for contracts of say 5 or more years where if a team doesn’t want to keep a guy after say 3 years into the 5 or more year contract, they can opt out. It’s only fair. Why should only players be able to ditch a team? I guarantee you $XM over Y years, you want (the option to) to bail on working for me at a certain point, then I want (the option to) bail on employing you at a certain point. Maybe I want a better player than you at your position for less money (or more money if I think he’s worth it) like you want more money and/ or years.
This team opt out clause would’ve been perfect for a contract like Giambi’s. With him, I’d have opted out after his injury-plagued 2004 (third year into the contract) on the instinct that he’ll be a $47M albatross for 2007-08. Sure enough, he is that.
he won’t make the playoffs this yr. not a chance Philly, Mets, Braves, Cubs, Padres, Brewers, Rockies, welcome to your nightmare Joe
two-way street- no player would ever go for that. It only works one way as far as players are concerned. Ask Alex if he’d like for the team to have an opt out clause after the5th year of his 12 year deal. He’d say hell no!
Personally I think it would be great. You’d never have a player being a lazy bum collecting a huge check cause he’d always having it hanging over his head that the team could opt out.
“They’re giving Torre Number 6!”
Take that, Steve Garvey!
Actually, I should say everyone’s guaranteed to be paid from X point to Y point, not the case for most N.F.L. football players.
The Dodgers actually had a good bullpen this last season. Overall their pitching staff wasn’t half bad. They finished with the 6th lowest ERA in the NL and gave up the third fewest HRs in the NL..
So it’ll be interesting to see how he handles that pitching staff and that Bullpen..
Proctor
“Sunny- The writer doesn’t realize 30 million is 30 million I don’t care who you are. It was money the Yankees were entitled to when they traded for Alex.”
well, not really. the yankees are not entitled to the $30M. they were entitled to A-Rod’s services and any Texas money during the 4 years prior to the opt out clause that was written into the contract that they agreed to trade for.
wasnt the headline “clueless joe” one of the biggest mistakes ever. Didnt it say “He has no idea what he is getting himself into”
After all was said and done, joe torre went from an average manager to a hall of famer, he won 4 championships and became a new york icon.
Clueless joe has to be up there with Dewey defeats Truman
What’s the possibility of the Yankees acquriing Tejada from Baltimore? The O’s are rebuilding for the next two seasons so Angelos shouldn’t be oppossed from trading Tejada within the AL East. Young pitching will dominate the trade discussion so what about Alan Horne, Jason Marquez, Reggie Corona and Brett Gardner for Tejada? I’m assuming the O’s will probably want, at the very least, Ian Kennedy (they know we will not move Hughes / Joba) in a deal. So, is it worth moving Kennedy in a deal for Tejada, who will have to adjust to playing 3B? I think it may be worth the move.
Have to admit. I’ll be paying more attention to the Dodger’s box scores in 2008.
I wish Joe all the best.
I’m sick of having just Mo as our sole stopper out of the BP; here’s an idea, sign Mo and the ENTIRE fricking list below. There’s got to be at least 3 solid arms there right?
Jeremy Affeldt COL
Hector Carrasco LAA
Francisco Cordero MIL
Rheal Cormier CIN
Vic Darensbourg DET
Elmer Dessens MIL
Scott Eyre CHC
Jason Isringhausen STL
Todd Jones DET
Jorge Julio COL
Joe Kennedy TOR
Byung-Hyun Kim FLA
Scott Linebrink MIL
Ron Mahay ATL
Trever Miller HOU
Joe Nathan MIN
Chris Reitsma SEA
Rudy Seanez LAD
Mike Timlin BOS
Mike Venafro MIN
Luis Vizcaino NYY
Bob Wickman DFA
Scott Williamson BAL
It’s just going to be such a different animal for him managing in the National League. He hasn’t managed in that league since getting fired during the 1995 season. There is so much more strategy involved in the National League. No DH, the pitchers bat, baserunners steal more often, more hit and run, just so many more different variables than the American League. Our former third baseman called the AL “slow pitch softball,” which is basically what it is.
It’s been said on here before and it’s true, that Joe is best at managing superstars and his in-game management is sometimes iffy. Well, next year his in-game management is going to come to the front. Maybe this next point is just a case of me nitpicking, but during games in NL parks this year, Torre led the Yankees to a 2-7 record. That’s 2-7 while managing under National League rules. The differences between the two leagues are like night and day. And that’s something that he will have to get reaccustomed to. That part may take him a while. In the NL you can’t afford to not keep your baserunners still and wait for the three-run homer. You just can’t do it.
Joe Monte, Tejada is about to be exposed on the Mitchell Report for using enhancers, his numbers have dropped alot and he isn’t a 3B. I wouldn’t trade anything worth while for him at all.
That should be “can’t afford to keep your baserunners still.” I need to go back to school and take more typing classes.
J-Dawg,
And shouldn’t it be NL is slow pitch?
Watching Torre in this press conference has all of a sudden made me glad he’s gone and the yanks have someone new.
This awe shucks homespun schtick is getting old.
Glad to be starting fresh. Anyone feel the same way?
BTW people wanting Miguel Tejada do you guys forget he’s Mr. Blooper Reel in the playoffs , I mean yr. after yr. w/ Oakland he always finds a way to Bill Buckner a series
Joe Monte That is way too much to give up for Tejada. I don’t think Cash would like to see two pitchers who they believe have high ceilings pitching for another team in the al east. And what makes you think he can play third?
Yanks fan in Austin-
I do feel the same way, but not because of something Joe did or didn’t do, or whatever.
I just think eventually things get stale and a change is needed. Thats all that happened with the Yankees. Things weren’t working anymore and a change was needed.
ANd another good point that was made, there have been rumblings that Tejada will be exposed. Another reason to stay away.
Yanks fan in Austin:
Not me.
Mel- I think that when A-Rod said that the AL is like slow pitch was just him saying that not very much basestealing happens compared to the NL. I guess that’s what he meant, who knows with him?
” want g.m.s talk about having team opt out clauses for contracts of say 5 or more years where if a team doesn’t want to keep a guy after say 3 years into the 5 or more year contract, they can opt out. It’s only fair. Why should only players be able to ditch a team?”
well, some players do get this. they are called team options.
it all comes down to market value and what teams are willing to pay. i’m not sure what you are saying.
every part of a contract has a value associated with it: no trade clauses, options, opt out clauses.
it is all well and good to say that your team should write opt out clauses into contracts, but that only works if some other team is not willing to offer them the same contract WITHOUT the opt out. it’s the same as any other bidding situation.
If the Yankees do go trade away the farm for Santana, I think they should throw in a couple extra players to try and get Nathan as well. As glaring a hole as 3B is right now, we shouldn’t forget that our bullpen is garbage.
I agree w/ Jennifer and people also forget he has more playoff miscues than Bill Buckner
Thanks Pat and Dman.
I’ll always be a huge fan of Torre and I was really sad when he didn’t resign. But I guess things did get stale and maybe seeing him makes me think of recent disappointments rather than the bright future.
The Yanks wouldn’t look like fools if A-Rod came back.
Especially if he comes out and says he wants to play here and wants to come back.
As long as they dont chase him they look great.
You know how the Yankees would look great? If all the other teams shy away from A-Rod’s ridiculous contract demands, and the Yankees end up signing him for less than his last contract. Otherwise, the Yankees should stay away.
I’d be hesitant to say on Nov 5 that LA won’t make the playoffs next yr.
They got the best farm system in baseball and Penny is a stud at the front of the rotation and Saito/Broxton are the one of the best 8-9 in the game.
Gee the Yankees need right hand power, a cleanup hitter and a 3b.
What free agent fits those qualities that has proven they can play in NY???
Hmmmm…
Sit down with him after he flirts with the West Coast and make a deal.
Tommy Gun-
Exacttly. The Dodgers have a lot of pieces to work with over the next few years.
Jennifer-I know they wouldn’t haha. They’d actually have to work for their money nonstop like most N.F.L. players do.
I’m not saying all M.L.B. players with contracts of 5 years or more don’t give their 100%, but I find it hypocritical, dishonorable, and shameful that a team can give any player in general X years of guaranteed employment and he can ditch them for more money and/or more years beyond the contract. It’s like “We think you’re so good, we’re giving you 10 years of financial and career security” and that’s not enough for you, you could leave after giving less than what we expected. O.k. then, we gave you 5 years, you’ve underperformed or not peformed to the level we expected you to for the first 3 years, we want you outta here.
That Times article about A-Rod coming back is idiotic and illogical. I read it twice.
I have nothing against academia, but this is typical of the disassociation from reality that some academics have. Then, the spout their views as though they are relevant.
It sounded like Boras paid this guy to plant this piece with an editor at the Times.
Let A-Rod go to Boston. They’ll love him up there.
We can win without him.
Yeah they could bring their blond masks out again. The fans and the players treated him like crap. If he goes there he is an even bigger idiot than I thought.
John Long Island,
Your stated Yankee needs were created by the same player you hope to sign back. I’m not a huge proponent of anyone who is the cause and solution to our problems. He wants more money? He doesn’t care about the team? Let him go.
The best year the Yankees had during the Torre era was 1998. No one hit 30 homeruns, and the top RBI producer knocked in 123 runs. It just shows the value of pitching. Focus on getting the bullpen stronger and get these baby Yanks used to the bigs. Point is, we can build without A-Rod.
A dump IS NOT COMMING BACK. How many times does the front office have to say it. Thats not including him dumping on Rivera. Lets turn the page. Cashman will find someone to fill his spot soon. If not 3rd than I think he will bring in a better bat for first and do with what we have at 3rd.
I like the idea of this trade. Anyone else?
Crede For Damon Picking Up Steam
This thing is gaining traction. Buster Olney comments on the idea of a Joe Crede for Johnny Damon swap this morning:
Makes sense in a lot of ways: The Yankees would get the veteran third baseman they need without committing themselves to big dollars, shed Damon’s salary, and the White Sox would solve their third base logjam while adding a center fielder for much less than what the free agent center fielders will get (Damon is owed about $26 million over the next two seasons, and presumably, the Yankees would eat some of that to make a deal happen).
Mark Feinsand also entertains the notion of this trade in today’s column.
Paul V., that article was written by Jeffrey Gordon a Professor of Law at Columbia University I doubt Bor-RRRRat knows where Columbia University is, Mr. Gordon wrote an article on the other side a what if, a hypothetical article on Alex Rodriguez and the opt out.
Why trade valued chips for a 3b when we can sign our own guy for free????
Also read that the D-Rays may be shopping Scott Kazmir.
Would you give up Hughes for Kazmir?
Fernando,
Please don’t compare any team to the 98 team.
That team had somehting called great starting pitching. And also had a bullpen that was phenomenal.
This team has average SP and a bad bullpen and needs to score runs to win.
Heyman shreds the Damon for Crede stuff saying that you can get Crede for much less and Damon actually has way more value.
Many teams need a CF. And his 2 yr deal for 11 mil a yr is a pittance compared to paying Jones and the rest.
would be incredible if it was a Yankee-Dodger WS…
Pepper Brooks-
I think the biggest issue with that trade for the Yankees, is who leads off?
I guess Melky, but I don’t think hes ready to lead off yet..
J-Dawg,
LOL. If A-rod is as smart like he says he is, then how come no one can understand him? It’s like he’s speaking Alexese.
Thanks Andy… did not see the Heyman piece. Will look for it.
But I am wondering if it is all postering based on the NYTimes article on ARod.
Pete, whats the report on the babes poolside?
Why are people trying to run off our best playoff hitter, Damon?
Did you not watch how well the offense looked when he was hitting and healthy in the 2nd half?
You do not find leadoff hitters everywhere.
And haven’t we learned our lesson yet? You can neve rhave enough good players on the roster. You do not worry about feelings and about guys playing everyday.
Damon for Crede is a horrible trade. Let Betemit play and if it doesn’t work out look to do something at the deadline.
I’d love to see Tejada at 3b.
You think he’d go a playoff series without an RBI?
You don’t give up value like Damon for a guy coming off back surgery and in his FA year.
Thank God Cashman isn’t as dumb as some of the people here.
Brandon, I know full well who the author of Times piece is and I don’t think calling him “an academic” is innacurate. That’s a fairly reasonable description for a law professor.
Among the many things that don’t make sense in that article is this one line: “The lost Rangers money merely puts them on the same ground as other teams.”
Aside from all that, I don’t want his narcissistic, no-clutch hitting back. Let him take his big numbers to SF, where he can continue the legacy of Barry Bighead Bonds.
No Joe Torre day, at least not until his tenure in LA concludes.
The only place where the Damon for Crede trade is picking up steam is in Buster Olney’s mind. Two days ago he said the Yankees were 100% certain to go after Lowell now he’s saying they’re dealing for Crede. He’s just throwing out stuff trying to fill up column and blog space.
Damon has much more value than Crede.
Mitchell NJ, have you seen Tejada in the playoffs ?
Crede is crap and the Yankees would be nuts to deal Damon for him. Damon should be dealt, only, if a pitcher is coming back.
Ship Igawa to the Cards for Rolen!
ARod will never come back to the Yankees, there’s not enough rotten fruit in NYC.
Can you imagine, he would be pelted in the batters box.
Maybe Cashman is thinking if someone takes Damons contract then maybe we can go out and get a Rowand or Hunter with the money saved. Put Rowand in center and Melky in left. Have Matsui and Giambi share the d.h. duties if we cant rid ourselves from Giambi.
Try Abreu leadoff. Patient at the plate and steals bases.
Andy
Not having read the Heyman piece I don’t know what to attribute to him or you but there are 2 problems with someones theory. Damon makes $13M a year not $11M and he’s no longer capable of being a full time CF’er on a MLB team.
People will be throwing 10 dollar bills at him when he returns.
“Why trade valued chips for a 3b when we can sign our own guy for free????”
$300M of “free”.
A healthy Damon is way more valuable to the Yankees than Crede would be. Production wise (RBIs) Crede = Betemit just older with a lower OBP and a bad back. I’d take my chances with Betemit.
Bryant-
Maybe hes not a starting CF anymore, but he is capeable of being a leadoff man.
Who else are the Yankees going to put in the #1 slot?
13, 11, 12. Who cares? It’s a 2 yr deal for Damon.
And yes, he can still play CF.
He is a much better option than signing someone to a 5 yr deal for 15 mil a yr. Like every CF in this class will get.
You think the Braves wouldn’t mind Damon? White Sox? Padres?
I only caught a little bit of Torre’s press conference on the radio. I don’t know, I’m going to miss him here. He’s very comfortable to listen to. I think perhaps it was time for the Yankees and him to part ways, but I wish him all the best in LA. I think he’ll do fine out there.
“Put Rowand in center and Melky in left. Have Matsui and Giambi share the d.h. duties if we cant rid ourselves from Giambi.”
under this scenario, the yankees would be better off with Rowand in CF and Damon in LF with Melky on the bench.
Melky doesn’t have a lot of value in LF or RF.
unless you think the yankees are worried about saving the money from not trading Damon. which could be case, though i doubt it.
Loren
November 5th, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Thank God Cashman isn’t as dumb as some of the people here.
Loren, lighten up pal…. the original question came from articles that exist. In fact, if you read everyone’s response, except for mine saying I like the trade, everyone else is saying they don’t like the trade.
So, I guess I am dumb because I like a trade scenario that may not be the best. Forgive me, I guess I mistook Crede for a QB that the Jets could pick up.. Didn’t realize he was a baseball player.
Hi All,
Last night I had an outer body experience, i met the greatest closer of all time..yes, the sandman himself!! I was at his steak house in New Rochelle and he was there, he came over, took a picture with us and shook all of our hands. When he left his business partner came over and talked with us…from what he said, expect Mo and Jorge back in pinstripes next year. Apparently they are only days away from ironing everything out. Mo also seems to be pretty up beat with Girardi as the new manager!!!
DMan:
Melky is not bad as a leadoff hitter…
Sara – how was the steak?
Damon’s value is as a leadoff hitter and when he’s healthy and gets on base a lot, it opens up the spot on the right side for a hitter like Jeter. This is an important consideration in a leadoff and #2 hitter.
If Damon goes, who fills that need? Not Crede. If they use Damon to get another player, maybe Abreu has to move to the number 1 spot and Cano to number 3. I dont see the Yankees doing that just yet.
Pepper,
I’ll lighten up when dummies like yourself smarten up.
What next, Peps? Going to advocate that trade Pavano for Joe Nathan trade???
I guess the real question is how many of the poor performances by Yankee players last year were anomolies compared to their career stats.
There is always the debate here about a players declining skills and numbers are thrown out as proof. But this is not always the case. There could be other changes to the team structure, injuries, etc that could drive the poor performance.
So back to the original question, how many of the performances from Yankee players that were off mark from their career numbers were hiccups or proof of declining skills?
Really just curiuos to see what the consensus is.
hmmm
November 5th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
“Why trade valued chips for a 3b when we can sign our own guy for free????â€
$300M of “freeâ€.
I think he meant, no dealing of prospects (ie, IPK for Atkins) for a 3Bman and if we sign Arod, we don’t lose draft picks (ie, Lowell).
This is rich
Belicheat is accusing the Colts of jamming their communications Sunday, and has requested a league investigation.
Melky has value ANYWHERE in the field.
He’s making the minimum and his production alone at any position is value.
it is a great place. I have been there a bunch of other times. the resturaunt itself is great. so many great pictures of all those championship teams. food is very good. I highly recomned it. make sure you bring a camera if you go. Damon was there for lunch last week! apparently the guys go often!
Free for the Yanks is money. What is 30 mil a yr to them?
It beats trading Hughes or Kennedy or wasting draft picks.
hmm I wonder if any deals happen on day 1
It’s not just numbers, people, but attitude.
A-Rod would not even talk to Cash or the Steinbrenners when he could have, when the SOUGHT HIM OUT. He acted like a low-life creep and he is still hiding out.
He routinely puts himself before everything. He is NOT a class act.
I used to defend him and I was thrilled that he finally put all his NY demons to rest this season (aside from the postseason SUCKING, that is), but his behavior during the World Series was, and continues to be, disgusting.
We can win without him. In fact, we have not won WITH him and Boston has won WITHOUT him. Oh, but wait, I forgot…it’s all Mo’s fault, isn’t it? So glad that man of integrity, Scott Boras, is there to straighten my sorry ass out.
What next, Peps? Going to advocate that trade Pavano for Joe Nathan trade???
HUH? Sorry, but dumb brain thinks that sentence is missing words so it makes no sense.
Listen, mensa, I did not write the article, merely read the blurb and copied and pasted it here. If you are that adamant about the proposal, email Buster Olney and Mark Feisand about the article. Include John Heyman and you can give him props, since he takes your postion.
DMan
I like Damon batting first and thinks he’s a servicable PT outfielder and PT DH. Andy’s premise that I was disagreeing with is that Damon as a full time CF at $13M a year is a better deal than other CF’ers on the market.
I would also stay away from Tejada. He’s slowed considerably, has never played 3B and Angelos would ask for the moon for him (their “marquee” player).
I’d rather trade IPK for Bedard – apparently (according to rumor), the O’s are listening to offers.
I also would not do a Hughes for Kazmir deal. Kazmir’s delivery is high strain and he’s had arm problems in the past because of it. He’s a year or two away from major surgery IMO. I’m honestly not sure if I’d even offer Hughes up for Bedard… at most IPK and another prospect.
Great story Sara. Lets hope his business partner is right!
Is Drew Henson available?
Drew Henson is garrrrrrrrrbaaaaaaaage
I bet guys like Paul were saying that stuff after all A-Rod’s homers and game winning hits this year.
Pep,
Lay off the caffeine, champ.
It is effecting your minimal amount of brain cells.
Sara, any discussion of A-Rod?
“Melky is not bad as a leadoff hitter…”
His OBP his first season was pretty much same as Johnny’s: .360.
Last season he slumped in september, for the second season in a row. He also had bad numbers while a part time player. In between, his OBP was again comparable with Damon’s. He sees fewer pitches per plate appearance, though.
So, Melky as a leadoff guy wouldn’t be THAT different from Johnny, most likely, except that he’s not as much of a threat to steal. It’d be tolerable.
If the Angels sign ARod, Figgins could be available as he’ll no longer have anywhere to play. I’d love that, personally:-)
Sucy, I am pretty confident he is. This is the guy who used to be the equipment manager for the Yankees. he picked Mo up from the airport when he first arrived in the US…didn’t speak a lick of english and Mo became a part of this guys family. They are very close!!!!
sunny615
I agree. I would not trade for Kazmir. Think the Yankees are better off keeping Hughes and IPK.
Didn’t Bedard get shut down because of arm trouble at the end of the year? Anyone know what the severity of the trouble was?
Brandon, I hope you were able to pick up on my sarcasm. Otherwise….wow.
Pep,
Lay off the caffeine, champ.
It is effecting your minimal amount of brain cells.
See wrong again, it is bong water, not caffeine.
I’d rather have A-Rod and whatever ego than Crede or Betemit or Atkins or Lowell.
If Boras had announced that A-Rod was returning to the Yankees on a $25M/ 5 year extension during the WS game, would you have had a problem with the timing of the announcement? Stop being hypocritical and saying the timing is an issue.
Ok just on the basis of the CF position, Id agree with you Bryant.
Also as far as leadoff goes, Melky has actually been pretty good in his career..
He has played 49 games as the leadoff batter and has 63 hits for a .293BA and a .373 OBP
.293 isn’t a bad leadoff average at all.
Pepper Brooks Bedard had an oblique strain.
There’s no way the Orioles would trade him to the Yankees though.
Bryant make it 20 million and then we can talk
Sunny615- That is a good call on Kazmir. The Devil Rays shut him down in late August or sometime in August of ‘06 due to shoulder soreness. He seems to have lost just a little velocity.
A-Hype- Belichick wouldn’t be the first to accuse the Colts. Ben Roethlisberger has also accused the Colts of piping in crowd noise at the RCA Dome after the Colts beat the Steelers on a Monday night game during the ‘05 season.
raymagnetic
November 5th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Pepper Brooks Bedard had an oblique strain
Thank you.
Brandon and sarcasm obviously do not see eye to eye.
Brandon
You get the point. If we could at least eliminate some of the insane arguments that keep getting repeated, it would be easier to follow along with the baseball discussion.
A-Rod is coming back to the Yanks.
It makes too much sense for each side.
Bryant guess what Boras and the Yankees would not have been allowed to announce it during the world series as the TEAM would have had to ask the commissioner for permission and there is no way he would have said yes.
Boras and Alex being individuals and their announcement had no relation to a team announcement did what they did, when they did and thus they were only concerned about themselves/
geez, how old is Joe’s wife?
how would the Yankees organization explain AROD coming back to us fans? can anyone enlighten me? They have to know that the media and fans are not going to be sending AROD any christmas cards.
“Melky has value ANYWHERE in the field.
He’s making the minimum and his production alone at any position is value.”
i am not sure what you mean.
a LFer who hits .273/.327/.391 is a bad player.
who cares how much money he makes? it doesn’t help to play a bad player even if he makes the minimum.
The Yankees need to do whatever it is it takes to keep all three – Joba, IPK and Hughes. If that means getting a make-do 3d baseman for one season, in the long run they’ll be okay. Scoring 1,000 runs sounds really impressive, but at the end of the day, if you haven’t made it out of the 1st round, and last season, didn’t win your division, it’s one of those things that sounds great but does nothing. Pitching, pitching and more pitching. That’s the big difference maker.
Sara,
I met that guy too. He’s a very nice older man, right?
His son (the chef) came over as well. Good steaks!!
“how would the Yankees organization explain AROD coming back to us fans? ”
dear fans,
we’ve added the best player in baseball to your favorite team.
you’re welcome,
the yankees
I think Mo is one of the few veterans who actually likes A-Rod.
Hmmm—
I’m undecided about Melky. There’s an awful lot I like about him. But two seasons in a row he went from being a 300 hitter to dropping down to 275-280. In 2006, I chalked it up to being taken out of the everyday lineup when Matsui returned from the DL. But in 2007, it happened again. He needs to do something to make his season go all the way to the end. If the Yankees can use him in a trade to get someone that they want to have in pinstripes for a long time, I say, fine, but if they trade him for someone who’s not meant for the long term, I have to ask why?
Jete’s future wifey, my guess it would go like this
Hank Steinbrenner – “I recieved a call from Alex & we sat down and talked it out and resolved our issues, the price at the time wasn’t what both sides wanted, ‘this is my decision to make the best move for the future of this club and I decided as well as Brian and our staff that Alex is the guy we want’, be it we had issues it is now put aside for the best interest of this club moving forward to compete for a world series championship and many to follow”.
Didnt Bedard get shut down with arm problems in sept.? The O’s might know something about him that we dont.
People keep throwing out Kennedy’s name for traid bait and holding on to the other 2 young studs. Why are we all assuming that he will be the worst of the 3. He had better numbers in the minors than Hughes and Chamberlain. He stepped up big for us when he was promoted. He was being compared to a young Moose. Seems to me that the kid might just knows how to pitch. I say hang on to him,because he might have the better year of the 3. And who knows, maybe the better carreer.
Has it occurred to anyone that while his teammates may not like the drama and “ARod-centric” atmosphere, they may not actually dislike ARod the person? What really surprises me is that after all this time ARod has not learned to deal with all the distractions—meaning, he has not learned how to answer questions in such a way as to shut them down. It seems like this year he left earphones in his ears, but that’s just avoidance. And I have no doubt that Alex Rodriguez is an intelligent individual, but it should not surprise anyone that a lot of intelligent people have no common sense or street smarts. Seems to me, that’s what Alex lacks. As far as him being a clubhouse cancer – that terminology is getting way overused. And I really don’t understand how people who are so far removed from the clubhouse can make that statement. Frankly, I think if he (or even Gary Sheffield, for that matter) were as bad an influence or presence in the clubhouse as everyone says, I don’t think even Mr. Joe Torre could have contained it as well as he did, considering the magnitude of the personalities involved. I think it’s a convenient “catch-all” for saying good riddance to players that some fans just don’t like for one reason or another.
hmmm
Thanks for that. I needed the laugh but you forgot the PS.
PS To everyone who didn’t send A-Rod a Christmas card last year; please do the same this year.
Watching ESPN news – Torre was really, really drowsy during his announcement. Heck, I almost fell asleep watching it.
Well said Brandon….You should contact Hank and replace George’s PR guy. Much better than the drival he releases.
only in NY would fans need an apology from their ownership for signing one of the greatest players in history.
IPK is no doubt an excellent pitcher, but both Hughes and Joba have higher ceilings than Kennedy. Hughes at his best is projected to be an ace… Joba can be converted to a shut down closwer (aka – Rivera and Papelbon) or kept as another solid power pitcher (Clemens). IPK is at best a #3 starter. Definitely a keeper, but tradeable.
Kennedy is a high eighties – low ninties fastball pitcher who paints corners and out-thinks hitters – not a blow it by you power pitcher. He’s been labeled a Mussina type pitcher – which is not a bad pitcher, but there are more Kennedy type pitchers than Hughes or Joba type pitchers and therefore easier to replace via draft. I don’t think people are giving Kennedy away, but if you have to make a trade and upgrade your team (for Eric Bedard for example), then I’d rather trade Kennedy than Hughes or Joba.
On a slow news day, here’s a morsel regarding Austin Jackson:
“Yankees outfield prospect Austin Jackson added an RBI double in the fourth.
Honolulu turned the second triple play of the Hawaii Winter Baseball season in the eighth. With runners at first and second, Jackson made a shoestring catch on a fly ball by K.C. Herren (Rangers), then fired to second to double up Chad Tracy (Rangers). Abreu (Orioles) threw to Kobe, trapping Jamie Hoffmann (Dodgers).”
_AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG OPS
.300 29 100 21 30 10 4 3 20 57 13 28 8 0 .393 .570 .963
only in NY would fans need an apology from their ownership for signing one of the greatest players in history.
ARod is now the most hated player in baseball, supplanting Barry Bonds and worse than Albert Bell.
San Diego wanted Igawa this year. Wouldnt it make more sense to trad Igawa for Kouzmanof. If not, Seatle is in need for pitching. Igawa for Beltre straight up. I cant see Igawa being more than a middle relief guy. Why not keep Damon for now and still get what we need.
Maybe even see about Igawa,Karstens(who is supposidly pitching well for the u.s. team) or Clippard for Atkins.
How does trading your leadoff hitter, still a very productive player, for a guy coming off back surgery (who, even when healthy isn’t as good a player as Damon), makes “too much sense not to happen”.
I guess it makes sense if you are Kenny Williams.
It makes no sense if you are Brian Cashman.
here’s the link to the source
http://nyyinsider.com/?p=49
A-Hype—Give me a break.
BobbyNYC
November 5th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
with all due respect and not to be picky… but as an objective journalist are you supposed to accept freebies (even if it’s just soda) when you’re covering an event? seems like an ethical breach. i’m just sayin.
.
you either have to be joking or have some serious issues, dude !
Edwin Encarnacion will not be cheaply had by the Yankees. He’s 24 and he’s cheap and will more than likely get better as he hasn’t hit his prime yet. Cincy will probably want at least an A prospect to even start talking to the Yankees.
Bobcat-
Thanks for that.
I like that 8 SB to 0CS.
killschilling,
And almost every game is on the radio at this station:
http://www.sportsradio1420.com/
Games are at 12 & 6 p.m. hawaii time. So depending on where you live, you might not have to stay up too late.
————————————————————————————J-dawg,
That story about piping in crowd noise has legs now. The NFL is supposedly investigating. Apparently there was skipping where the noise died off and the real crowd could be heard. CBS is trying to take the blame by saying it was the tv signal or something that was the cause.
Ian Kennedy and Melky for Miguel Cabrera. Sign Tori Hunter to play center.
“well, the big factor is how Joba, Hughes and Kennedy fill their roles in the rotation. If they’re everything we hope them to be, the lineup will be good enough.”
i am still not sure what your point is.
that lineup you posted is BETTER than the lineup than the Yankees will have in 2008.
do you think the 2008 Yankees will have a better lineup without A-Rod than the 1998 Yankees?
of course the 1998 Yankees won a lot of games, they had great pitching, great hitting, and great defense. the 2008 Yankees will not.
why do people always want to remember the 1998 Yankees as something less than an offensive powerhouse?
Hey, Ty Cobb was one of the greatest players in history, and
Bobcat…agreed.
Yankees need to get back to improving their pitching. Absolutely. I don’t think that will happen next year.
With such young pitchers, it will be asking a lot to navigate through AL line-ups for a whole season without going through a learning curve.
You are right about what their offensive strategy should be, but right now I don’t think they have those players.
This lineup is a remnant of the Earl Weaver style lineup that the Yankees have used the last few years.
Without a big time run producer in the heart of the order there will be difficulties.
Abreu 101 rbi
Matsui 103 rbi
Posada 90+ rbi
Jeter 73 rbi
Leche 73 rbi
Cano 97 rbi
?
I would try to trade Igawa to San Diego for Kevin Kouzmanoff who is a right handed hitting 3b/1b type who kills lefties. His defense isn’t gold glove, but the guy is young and he rakes and San Diego wanted Igawa as a waiver claim so they have no issue with his salary.
Cashman would have to write off the posting fee money though, but getting a young (26) right handed corner IF power bat would be a good acquisition for a guy who will never crack the rotation for the remainder of his deal.
He hit 18 HR’s and 30 2b’s playing in a pitcher’s park in SD in under 500 at bats. He needs to work on his walks, but I bet Long could help him with better plate discipline.
SD currently has 3 3b on the roster, so someone needs to go.
I would take him over Crede in a heatbeat. He’s healthy and we don’t have to pay him anything since he’s not even arb eligible for another couple years. Platoon him with Betemit at 3b and have him at 3b and Shelley at 1b vs. Lefties and we’ll have some young RH power, something not many teams in the game have right now.
Who would we have to give up for Encarnacion?
Igawa for Kouzmanof (wanted Igawa this year)
Igawa for Beltre (need pitching and a salary dump)
Igawa,Karstens and Clippard for Atkins.(Is expandable with someone in the minors ready to step up)
You keep Damon and dont have to give up our top prospects.
so far Edwin Encarnacion to Yankees seems to be what’s out there
http://nyyinsider.com/?p=49
DMan- I also think that Igawa brings some versatility to the staff. His numbers as a starter were bad, but his strikeout rate isn’t too bad. Most of his troubles last season were due to poor location on his pitches instead of bad stuff. He generates quite a few swings and misses, many more than Ron Villone. Kei’s best outing of the year was that 6 inning relief stint against the Red Sox in April.
A big part of the game is being able to make adjustments. Maybe Igawa can succeed at the chess game and come back next season ready to contribute after a year of seeing what Major League hitters can do. The guy has value as a lefty reliever who can come out of the bullpen and retire a couple of left-handed hitters here and there.
A Hype
If you believe that, you need to expand the circle of people you speak with. Most people I speak with outside of the NY and Boston area, don’t understand why fans here are so stupid and didn’t appreciate what we had. Fans of most teams would welcome him with a parade.
Rebecca, my bet is very little like Clippard, DeSalvo
I doubt very seriously that Cashman believes ‘clutch’ players. And if that is the reason he’d be interested in Joe Crede, Yankees are in trouble.
It’s a ridiculous rumor.
“well, the big factor is how Joba, Hughes and Kennedy fill their roles in the rotation. If they’re everything we hope them to be, the lineup will be good enough.”
I don’t think you can plan that way. First, because they’re all essentially rookies (in spite of our hopes, Joba will not go 20-0), but also because MOST teams figure they can win if everyone performs up to expectations…and they never do. Some people have good years, and some have bad. To expect 3 rookies to carry the weight of a power-starved lineup is a lot to ask.
PETE FIX THIS THING I CAN’T FIND MY POST !!!!!
...testing…
Ok, I work with many Red Sox fans… Any good zingers to send their way. Need to shut them up.
I figured it out. Pete changed the hour thing on the blog and the comments are time stamped. Should be normal after 5.03.
Kill-Schill,
Here’s the link for radio webcast for the games.
http://www.sportsradio1420.com/
When Damon hit the HR in game 3 (his 2nd HR of the ALDS some of you might forget) to put some life in this team in the ALDS it was a huge moment. The crowd went nuts. The entire stadium was chanting his name over and over again and the man was visibly touched.
He led off game one against CC with a HR. If Wang didn’t get scared like a baby on the mound and pitched like a man, Damon would have been one of the main cogs in the Yankees winning the first round. He came to play.
The guy’s a money player. He hits when the pressure is on. He played an excellent defensive LF outside of the throwing power issue and he’s our lead off hitter.
I don’t expect him to come out of the gate slow again. By the end of the season, he was himself again and was a vital cog in the machine.
Crede will never mean more to this offense and team than Damon. Damon has only 2 years left on his deal and it isn’t an albatross contract and the last I’ve heard the Yankees aren’t in salary cutting mode.
You people thinking we should trade him for Crede are just silly. You create more holes on this team by making that deal. If you actually think Melky and Abreu are acceptable replacements at leadoff, you don’t watch many games. Melky is still learning how to hit and take walks. He’s not ready to be our leadoff batter.
I think that’s the deal Kenny Williams wants to make in Chi-town, I doubt it’s the deal Cashman will make.
It makes zero sense.
“Igawa for Kouzmanof (wanted Igawa this year)
Igawa for Beltre (need pitching and a salary dump)
Igawa,Karstens and Clippard for Atkins.(Is expandable with someone in the minors ready to step up)
You keep Damon and dont have to give up our top prospects.”
none of these trades are remotely feasible.
ok can anyone locate anyones post ?
It is either so busy that Pete doesn’t have enough time to fill us in. Or it is so boring he is laying by the pool.
Arod may or may not be the greatest/most hated player – that is opinion –
but he definitely comes with baggage. And whether or not you like arod and his numbers depends on whether or not you care about that baggage. Some do, some don’t.
IMO, I wouldn’t mind having him on the Yanks… but just not for $350 mil.
well said G Love
Brandon,
I posted something after I saw Kill-schill jonesing for baseball. That went into the black hole.
One minute ago, I posted the link for radio webcast and it showed up in the 4:29 post.
Weird, huh?
we can only pray so Rebecca
perhaps we should fill the 3rd base hole. the downside is a less defense, but ther upside is more offense with a leaner 8-man lineup.
Damon v Crede
I wouldn’t mind getting Crede (if Arod is not an option), just not for Damon. Crede can be had for less.
Does anyone think that the Yankees would consider pulling off a trade for Scott Rolen? He has had injury plagued years and has $36 million left on his contract over the next 3 years, so he might not cost the Yanks one of their prized prospects. It was reported today that Rolen might be willing to waive his no trade clause.
Encarnacion might be a good option…especially if the Yankees don’t have to give up much for him.
Cincinnati would most likely be looking for some young pitching and the Yankees have plenty.
As long as they don’t give up A-list pitching prospects, I like it.
Bryant Are you kidding me? Fans everywhere are the same. When Manny was whining that he wanted out of Boston they all booed him. Than he announced he changed his mind and they cheered him again. The fans in Seattle mocked Alex and threw money at him. If he somehow re-signed there all would be forgotten. So get off the horse, everyone in any other city would react the same way to what Alex just pulled.
To save me the trouble of sifting through the previous posts, can someone sum up the general feeling on Edwin Encarnacion? I certainly like his age.
I agree that Damon for Crede seems like a bad move. Unless, of course, it’s just a piece of a larger plan…which seems at least possible…
G. Love
good call. Melky is still learning how to hit and take walks. He’s not ready to be our leadoff batter.
this is the black hole of blogs right now
I’m Jonesing for baseball already. So much so I wish they televised the Hawaiian leagues. I’d love to see Austin Jackson hit and Mark Melancon pitch.
A little more data:
Juan Miranda (AFL): 18-for-64, 14 BB, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .281/.420/.516/.936
Brett Gardner (AFL): 28-for-79, 8 BB, 2 3B, 8 RBI, .354/.416/.405/.821
Ross Ohlendorf (AFL): 4.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 HA, 1 BB, 2 K
George Kontos (HWL): 25 IP, 3.60 ERA, 24 HA, 10 BB 33 K
is this post working? my last 3 posts disappeared…
OMIGOD
Pete has overshot Orlando and the blog is now in the Bermuda Triangle!!!
Doo Do Dooo Do Doo Do Dooo Do..
I just read on mlbtraderumors.com that The Yankees should sign Pedro Feliz, my eyes almost popped out of my head.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
I think the time was fixed, except the posting is messed up. Anything you post will now be mixed in with previous posts.
“geez, how old is Joe’s wife?”
Old enough to be his daughter!
G.Love—
You’re right. That’s the way the story is being written from the Chicago side. They’d LOVE to have Damon for Crede. They make out very well on that deal. The Yankees can’t compound the deficit they already have – no cleanup hitter – by getting rid of the only real leadoff hitter they have.
After 5:16 post will be normal again. SJ44 has the last post before they fixed the time on this blog.
I dont understand why people are soo down on Damon. He was hurt at the beginning of the year and should of been on the DL that is why he was bad not because he is getting old. He is a very good lead off hitter and the Yanks need him at the top. Yanks should be getting rid of Melky not Damon. If the Yanks dont pull off some blockbuster then most likely they are going to have average hitters at 1st and 3rd you absolutely can not carry Melky in CF!!! Why does Cash say he will definitely be the CF next year, why does he get it handed to him. He is a slap hitter with zero power, and nothing more then average in CF. Trade him to the Twins, Nats, Padres, Pirates or Braves teams that need a CF.
I doubt very seriously that Cashman pulls the trigger on the Damon for Crede deal. The Yankees have wanted Betemit for a few years now. I say give him a shot.
Now we really went back to the future.
Really like George Kontos….Didn’t ahve a bad year at Staten Is…
So I just looked at trade rumors and they mentioned Scott Kazmir…could the Yankees get Kazmir for less than Santana?
SJ44-
I hear what you are saying about Damon/Crede, but we are carrying about 4 DH/1Bs and Damon is a liability defensively who showed up fat at spring training last year.
Once A-Rod goes to the BoSox (ok he won’t but wouldn’t that be hilarious) then we can pick up our old farmhand!
Trading Damon for that White Sox third baseman fills the hole at third, but it creates two holes for the Yankees. It creates a hole at the leadoff spot and it creates a hole in left field. Damon’s definitely the truest leadoff hitter that the Yankees have had since Chuck Knoblauch. He’s much better defensively than Matsui, covers more ground, and can make the tough catches. Melky just isn’t ready to be an everyday leadoff hitter yet. There is no comparison between Johnny and Melky at the leadoff spot.
Also any trade with Damon the Yanks would have to eat about $6m that will not happen and is pathetic. I would take a chance on Rolen if the Cardinals ate some of the money which I doubt they would because they are soo cheap. I doubt they would do a Damon for Rolen swap anyway because of the money.
Cashman wanted Betemit to replace Cairo, not Arod. Betemit’s primary role is as a utility player. Unless he loses some serious weight and learns how to be more selective at the plate, I doubt Cashman would put Betemit at 3rd. There are more attractive options to be had via trade.
How about Damon for Santana, Joe Nathan, Scott Kazmir, and Joe Crede? I’m not sure how that trade would work, but it sounds great.
Anyway, everyone take care.
So what’d I muss while I was at class?
If you can’t replace A-Rod’s power with power then you need more speed. Damon for Crede gives you neither and actually takes away speed. Betemit is not the answer for third.
Yeah, but I think if given the chance he will be just as good, or even better than Crede.
Damon moving to first base would certainly help to unclog the log-jam that is the Yankees’ outfield. I, for one, would really like to see Gardner as the Yankees’ fourth OF in 2008. He can do an awful lot of things to help a team win games (run, play the OF, run, steal a base, run, and run).
Damon for Crede just gives them another slow corner IF. His OBP does not fit the Yankees’ m.o.
God, can we stop talking about A-Primadonna? He won’t be gone out of our lives if we keep him alive like this. I said it before: A-Fraud is dead to me. He could get on his hands and knees and beg to come back and I’d still say no. There was absolutely nothing wrong with his contract and there most certainly wasn’t anything wrong with the proposed extension the Yankees made. If he really wanted to be a Yankee – I mean deep down in his soul – he wouldn’t have opted out.
Look at it this way – if instead of A-Phoney, it was Jeter who had the opt out clause and had Boras as his agent, do you think Jeter would have handled it this way?
There. You have your answer. It’s just that simple.
The Era of A-Liar is over. It’s time for us to move on.
Rebecca,
They seem to still be stuck on 3rd base.
You can tell it’s a really s-l-o-w news day.
Damon for Crede makes zero sense. Damon is an above average fielder and is a much better hitter. We’d likely have to eat part of his contract to make any trade work, so getting someone like Crede who has little offensive value really is dumb. I pray we don’t make that deal.
Believe me NO one wants to see Betemit play on an every day basis. He cant hit lefties and he would strike out 200 times. I think a couple of times a week is ok and I think he does have a chance to be a good player but he also has to lose some weight to be better in the field.
Damon-for-Crede does not make a lot of sense – unless the Yankees are pursuing another outfielder option. Using Matsui as the full-time LFer would considerably weaken their outfield defense.
IMO, luring Lowell away from the Sox with a 4-year deal would be a good option.
It’s definitely possible, but Betemit needs to straighten himself out first before Cashman would make that move, and so far, he hasn’t shown it. It would make me nervous and it reminds me a little to much of the Phelps debacle.
Joe Crede is not the answer. These is no answer. You cannot replace A. Rod.
As far as I’m concerned Wilson Betemit is as good as anyone. A switch hitter that can do some things with the bat.
Yankees are going to have to learn how to win diffently. They’ll have to go to more of an NL style to produce runs. Hit and run, sacrifices, productive outs, etc.
Without a run producer in the middle of the line-up, this team could be in trouble next year.
Bryant-
Most people I speak with outside of the NY and Boston area, don’t understand why fans here are so stupid and didn’t appreciate what we had.
sounds like the fans outside of NY and BST are the stupid ones, we didn’t push him out the door, he spit in the face of baseball while