Two out of three Molinas in one place
-
- July
- 10
This San Francisco Chronicle story is primarily about Barry Zito complaining about the tabloid media (good luck with that, Barry). But it also has a note at the end about Bengie Molina coming over to the Stadium to see his brother catch yesterday.
The Giants are in New York to play the Mets.
Lots of people on the blog complain about Brian Cashman and the moves he makes. But RHP Jeff Kennard for Molina proved to be a pretty significant one last July. The Yankees would be in trouble without Molina, who is one of the best receivers in the game.
Kennard, by the way, has a 5.75 ERA for Triple-A Salt Lake City.
The Yankees will probably make some sort of move this month. Damaso Marte or Brian Fuentes, maybe even Randy Wolf. Nothing huge, but something helpful. If the Yanks are in the mix in three weeks, C-Money owes it to the players and Joe Girardi to try and do something to help them.
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on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 1:05 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
pleaseeeeee Marte – trade for him now, he can just walk over to the other clubhouse and pitch tonight
Two out of Three ain’t bad.
Am not too sure about Damaso.
Marte is not going to be easy to get that new GM doesn’t give away talent.
Pete I don’t see anything wrong with what Barry said. He is 100% right.
You’re such a tease, Pete. I thought we had picked up a 4th catcher!
Who the hell is Jeff Kennard?
Also, not seeing real impressive numbers from the Angel catchers.
I don’t see how any of those names mentioned as trade possibilities is “owing it to the players.”
Our bullpen has, frankly, been a strength this year. Bringing in a Brian Fuentes or a Damaso Marte because, well, they’re who they are is not showing faith in the players you have. It’s showing that you only faith in a name. You ask me who I’d rather go into battle with, and I’d say I’d rather go into battle with the guys who have gotten us to where we are: Veras, Ramirez, and even contract-year-Farnsy. Our biggest bullpen acquisition, if any, should be named Melancon.
Last time I saw Randy Wolf, I believe we were wiping the bottom of our shoe with him. Again, is it an improvement because people have heard the name “Randy Wolf” before? Is RANDY WOLF really the missing piece here?
for god’s sake, no middle relievers and back-of-the-rotation guys for prospects. they wind up haunting you more often than they wind up helping you.
to this day, i still wake up in the middle of the night with awful visions of Steve Trout in my head (let’s see who gets that reference.)
My dad (an avid yankee fan) and I went over this the other day:
Between Edwar, Farnsworth, Veras, Robertson, Traber, and Ohlendorf, the Yankees have a ton of options for the 6th, 7th, and 8th innings. Edwar and Veras have been EXCELLENT lately, with Robertson doing well enough to stay in the majors. Traber would probably be a lefty specialist more so than a day-in-and-day-out 7th inning guy, but he’s in the majors, so he gets a look too.
I hold my breath as I write this, but Farnsworth has been great all month (10 days), and it seems as though he has a different look to him–one of confidence.
As someone who lives in San Francisco, Zito gets a free pass. If he was on the East Coast he would have been run out of town by now. The SF media is just so happy they don’t have to deal with Bonds that they won’t say anything bad about him. It’s not like they said anything about Bonds anyway.
I’d say I’d rather go into battle with the guys who have gotten us to where we are”
We’ve been a .500 team for half the year. You want to make sure that continues by not AT LEAST looking outside for other options?
Why couldnt we get Mahay during the off-season
“We’ve been a .500 team for half the year. You want to make sure that continues by not AT LEAST looking outside for other options?”
so you’re saying that a mostly .500 team can win the World Series by acquiring Randy Wolf and Brian Fuentes…
like i’ve always said, the options i want to look for are the ones that will help us win multiple championships, not the ones that will get us to a first round loss in the playoffs again and the same problems next season.
Anyone have a good link to bullpen stats and ranking?
I’m following the other games along with the Yankees and I’m not seeing what we have.
K-rod blew a save yesterday to Texas.
Brent -
The middle relief hasnt been a problem. I agree with the notion we dont need any of the 3 pitchers listed. We arent a .500 team because of the bullpen.
We need some OF pop, and we need a righty 1B option. At this time, unless Colorado is opening up Holiday….I dont see us getting that anytime soon. If anything, we will get stronger by adding….Matsui, Damon, Hughes, and possibly Melancon.
Strength from within.
Get er done C-Money
“Why couldnt we get Mahay during the off-season”
isn’t Mahay 38, or somewhere near that?
The bullpen has been terrific, but replacing Hawkins with Marte or Fuentes would be a tremendous upgrade. Obviously the price has to be reasonable which means no A-list prospects, but I’d welcome either of those guys.
However I’d rather see them add a quality RH hitter with power who can play some 1B or RF in addition to DH. Nady or Bay would make some sense as would Juan Rivera.
Our bullpen has definitely been a strength so far this year, but adding an arm like Marte or Fuentes is ALWAYS a good idea – you can never have enough good arms. Randy Wolf – PLEASE do not sign him… remember that “audition” he had against us – please cash, you can do a lot better then that… no wolf, no byrd… no animals – just pitchers!
Mahay signed quickly with Kansas City and didn’t give many if any other teams a chance… he got $ 4 mill a year and that’s what he was seeking.
4-0
1.91 ERA
47 IP
38 H
18 BB
36 SO
looks good to me
ive read a lot of articles saying that the rockies are interested in melancon in a deal for fuentes….thoughts? who else would be in the package?
The biggest problem with this team is that it lost the philosophy that won it championships. Last i saw, you can’t acquire one of those before July 31st.
Replacing Hawkins with Marte….sure, great idea, but that’s not a one-up trade. you’re trading a piece of value from somewhere in the system for him.
I wonder if Minny fans are blogging this about Delmon Young right now:
What the heck is he doing? Swinging at the first pitch again! Fire the hitting coach. What a horrible trade, Garza’s a stud. DFA this guy right now!
“ive read a lot of articles saying that the rockies are interested in melancon in a deal for fuentes….thoughts? who else would be in the package?”
i’d take the phone off the hook.
I wonder if Bengie got a free ’stache yesterday..
Marte would be FINE so long as we dont have to part with a good arm in the minors. Also, by adding Marte, it HAS to be at the expense of Hawkins. This way, Melancon and/or Cox can come up and replace Traber.
I haven’t seen Melancon, but I’ve heard too many good things about him to trade him for fuentes.
I didn’t mention any names. The bottom line is if bullpen can be upgraded, it should be. You can’t make any negative remarks about Farnsworth and then say we don’t need Brian Fuentes. In the same breath, there was a sizable group who was furious that the Yankees were converting Joba to a starter. If our bullpen was so lights out and amazing, that wouldn’t have been a problem at all.
If David Ortiz was healthy and contributing, people would say that the yankees were in need of a lefty specialist. The Yankees have had their ups and downs in the bullpen..why do you think Edwar/Veras/Robertson/Geise didn’t start the year with us? They were brought up from necessity.
This is the same situation. If you can’t truly depend on anyone in the late innings besides Mo/Veras/Edwar, then the Yankees need to make a trade or call up Melancon.
:: This is the same situation. If you can’t truly depend on anyone in the late innings besides Mo/Veras/Edwar, then the Yankees need to make a trade or call up Melancon. ::
Agreed, Melancon should be here soon. However, I dont like a Marte trade if PIT asks for a young arm. That’s all I am saying. The net effect of Marte for a young arm is less than just calling up someone from our system IMO.
When looking at the Mets score, just remember, their fans voted for Evan Longoria
“The Yankees would be in trouble without Molina, who is one of the best receivers in the game.”
Actually, he’s one of the best throwing catchers in the game, but I get nervous sometimes with his actual receiving ability. It seems he drops or misses too many balls. Glad to have him and all, but still.
Just once I’d like an out of the box approach here, The Giants have a bunch of good LHP Hinshaw and Taschner are examples get them to throw in Threets it’d be a nice haul to tune into what we may need.
The biggest problem with this team is that it lost the philosophy that won it championships. Last i saw, you can’t acquire one of those before July 31st.”
The late-90’s yankees were so good because of their mixture of youth and grizzled veterans. Their superb bullpen and amazing offensive depth (Canseco, Fielder, Tim Raines, etc). A lot of that team was put together through key trades. What do you want the Yankees to do now, if you’re so opposed to trading talent to get talent?
i’d take the phone off the hook.
I’d beat him w/ the phone
“Agreed, Melancon should be here soon.”
I wouldn’t plan on it anytime soon. The Yankees are taking their time with him but he is coming off TJS and already has thrown 64 innings on the season. Melancon has been hit harder as of late. JB Cox has been awful lately and his stuff has been less than mediocre. I don’t think we see either this season. Strickland seems like a safre bet than JB.
However, I dont like a Marte trade if PIT asks for a young arm. That’s all I am saying. The net effect of Marte for a young arm is less than just calling up someone from our system IMO.
Good point. I second that thought. If you’re going to trade Melancon for Fuentes, you might as well have brought Melancon up. He has a huge upside and you could at least see what he’s got. I’m not looking for any blockbuster trades here that sends Pittsburgh Marquez or Horne..but if a deal makes sense for both sides, people should be open to that.
oops, ill post this here:
Craig (PA): I know its not a scouting question, but what is wrong with the Dodgers front office? Is it just the GM that is dysfunctional or does it go all the way up to McCourt?
Keith Law: (1:18 PM ET ) I think there’s a schism there between the scouting group that was there pre-Colletti (and largely pre-Depo) and acquired most of the good young players on the Dodgers now, and Colletti, who favors veterans and has no particular attachment to Kemp, Loney, Billingsley, etc.
***********
if what KLaw is saying is true, the Yankees should knock on Coletti’s door to see what he’d want for Loney.
Threets again? Please Brandon, you’re killin me.
“However, I dont like a Marte trade if PIT asks for a young arm.”
That’s what are system is made of besides Ajax.
“The Yankees have had their ups and downs in the bullpen..why do you think Edwar/Veras/Robertson/Geise didn’t start the year with us? They were brought up from necessity.”
Necessity due to injuries also, not just ineffectiveness. Bruney and Albaledejo pitched well this year.
Fred (CA): Gee where are those guys who thought Joba should be in the bullpen? They have been very quiet lately.
Keith Law: (1:36 PM ET ) Indeed. That includes a lot of writers, analysts, ex-players … none of whom had seen him work as a starter in the minors, obviously.
” The Giants have a bunch of good LHP Hinshaw and Taschner are examples get them to throw in Threets it’d be a nice haul to tune into what we may need.”
Oh boy, the daily Threets conversation is coming.
Hahahah Keith Law calling out the baseball writards
but they’re hurt and if we can land a solid relief pitcher then I think you have to do it.. even if it costs a young arm… if you don’t want to trade the young arms then I agree that we should call them up and see what they have.
I have to think if JB Cox didn’t hit the wall, he would be being shopped around. Even pre injury, he didn’t throw real hard but he still has tremendous offspeed stuff. Robertson was a gamble and his time in the Cape made him major bank.
Do you think the Yankees could get anyone useful for Hawkins?
“if you don’t want to trade the young arms then I agree that we should call them up and see what they have.”
Apparently Joe Torre is in the building. Look at Cox and Melancon’s work coming off TJS.
“Do you think the Yankees could get anyone useful for Hawkins?”
Maybe some non-maple bats. That would show the fan base that the team is willing to deal and at the same time care about their safety.
Necessity due to injuries also, not just ineffectiveness. Bruney and Albaledejo pitched well this year.
Yep. I forgot to add Bruney to the list of late-inning options. He’s already re-habbing..how far away could he be? 2-3 weeks? The same thing applies whether they were called up due to ineffectiveness or injury..either way they aren’t getting the job done..so something has/had to change.
Melancon’s name has been mentioned in various trade stories for Fuentes. http://trades.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/a_high_price_for_fuentes.html
Marte would be nice but his availability (and price) went up when the Pirates closer, Matt Capps, went down.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080710&content_id=3105697&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb
THe Yankees real inconsistency has been not hitting with RISP and the starting pitching. I don’t see NY going out and getting hitting help (Nady), but I think we can use an inhouse upgrade in the rotation over Rasner, such as Jason Jones, Aceves, Karstens or McCutchen. We also have internal upgrades in the BP over Hawkins, such as Cox, Melancon (when ready), Patterson & Strickland.
SoCalYankeeFan8)
BARRY BONDS – Yes or No?
Up here in Boston they are talking Bonds as a possibility if Big PEDi doesn’t come back.
I am thinking that Bonds might be an option for the Yanks if Matsui can’t come back. This would probably also be predicated on Posada being able to catch. The we have a rotating 1b DH of Posada, Giambi and Bonds. It might even allow you to think about trading Damon who must have some value. If Bonds adds a bat to the lineup then you can carry Garnder (in his present hitting form).
Bonds would only cost money and would only be a rental for a few months. As a DH it would take him a couple of weeks to get back into hitting shape, but since he would rarely if ever play the field I would imaging he could be available quickly.
What say all?
The pen hasn’t been the problem. When were LaTroy and Traber last used? We need another bat more than pen help.
No.
I am not a fan of getting Wolf. He could possibly be the worst get for any team thats considered a buyer. Its been proven over and over again this season that he cant pitch outside of PetCo Park.
When I look at the possiblities in the bullpen, I get alitlle worried. Fuentes and Marte are both considered set-up mean/closers. We already have a set-up guy and a closer. Yes, I consider Farnesworth our set-up guy now. Hes been doing very well this year. What we need in the bullpen right now is a starting pitcher. Yes, a starter. Because when considering the bullpen, we have no long man. In the MLB, there is barely any long men. That is because no full-blown reliever has enough stamina and endurance to be a long-man. That is what we need. Since I dont see Geise as a fix the rest of the year. I am hoping that we can call up Karstens to be the long man.
Now, If your going tp say, Aceves can be the long-guy. I feel we are rushing him alittle. There are certain guys who you have to leave alone in A ball or AA ball. I feel Aceves should have been left alone in AA for at least a month or 2. Then he could be promoted to Scranton. We rushed Kennedy, and now we’re paying the price for that. If we see IPK again this year, it will be in August or September. I feel we should keep him in Scranton until the time irs right. Give him 3 or 4 starts in Scranton then call him back up. We should also do the same thing with Phil, if his mechanics are still off.
If we trade Hawkins, I am hopeful it can bring us a short term, good fix, that is going to be an FA this year, so if we lose him, we’ll get a compensationary pick in the draft. Or we can deal Hawkins for 1 or 2 guys in the low minors that have some potential.
Brent—- You are so right. So many people on this blog think you can get Fuentes or Marte or Nady or Bay without giving up “a good arm”.
Well what will you offer? Pizza?
This is a key in player development: Identifying the guys you wont trade and strategically moving the others. I would be opposed to trading Melancon, Veras, Ramirez, Hughes, Aceves and Robertson for example… but I’d be open to moving Kennedy, Ohlendorf, Horne, Karstens, Cox, Guice or Rasner in the right deal(s).
The Giants are not trading young arms, period.
No on Bonds – Baseball is better off w/o him.
BTW: Bruney could be also ready after the break.
SoCalYankeeFan
I’ll take the Joe Torre comment as a compliment.. and I don’t think there’s anyone willing to give anything of any value for hawkins
“Marte would be FINE so long as we dont have to part with a good arm in the minors’
Then he’ll be fine in Pittsburgh or somewhere other than the Bronx. Young arms are all the Yankees have to offer.
yes to Bonds.
no to Randy Wolf.
yes to Derek Lowe.
When were LaTroy and Traber last used? We need another bat more than pen help.
By not using your two worst relievers, it doesn’t automatically make your problems go away. Instead, you’re just wasting two roster spots. Ship them both away along with Rasner and call up Melancon and Aceves. Then go get a bat somewhere to round out the bench. If you can get two bench players, DFA Moeller and hope he makes it back to the minor league system.
Jason-NO! Mixing Bonds with the NY media is a huge NO-NO! Also, I dont see him doing good anywhere he goes.
For bat help, I would look within our system. Jason Lane,I believe hes still in our system, can be a good guy to look for for bat help
Lefties are batting .196 against Veras with a .678 OPS. They’re .194 against Ramirez with a .641 OPS. .167 and .530 against Giese. They’re .132 and .325 vs. Mo. (That’s just sick.)
Why would Cashman give up anything of value to get guys who aren’t going to make a serious improvement in the team, esp. when there are other more important areas to address?
Hmm Rubin why are you discussing the need for a long reliever when clearly this team needs one or two starters? Last I looked the fifth starter is more important than the 12 man in the bullpen. This team needs another starter, Rasner and Ponson are not going to cut it. Think of it like this, if the Yankees do make the playoffs either Rasner or Ponson will have to start a game. I shudder at the thought..
K, guys. Here’s the video.
Caution: do not view while drinking coffee or diet soda. Will not be responsible for damage to computer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ3DaaowVmo
We don’t see Melancon this year. Be interesting to see they move him to SWB. Cox isn’t coming anytime, if at all this year. Talk to people that have seen him pitch this year. His stuff is fair at best now at AAA.
Patrick-Ian Kennedy isnt hurt anymore, we can use Ponson in his spot, until its the right time to bring Kennedy back.
Rasner will be in the rotation until Hughes or Wang returns
Why so fast with a no on Bonds? He had over a 1000 ops last year with an average of 270 – 280. In front of or behind Arod he will do significant damage.
Is the no all about who he is or the media circus? What a tag team he and Arod would be!
Melancon is currently on schedule to remain at AA for the near future.
Aceves is working his way back from a groin injury.
no chance youre seeing these guys before August, at least.
why are people clamoring to fix the bullpen when it really isnt broken?
fix the back of the rotation. get me someone who can take Rasner’s spot, and im a happy camper.
Yes, I consider Farnesworth our set-up guy now. Hes been doing very well this year. What we need in the bullpen right now is a starting pitcher. Yes, a starter. Because when considering the bullpen, we have no long man. In the MLB, there is barely any long men.
First of all, Farnsworth has been spotty at BEST. He has given up way too many home runs and walks for a dependable 8th inning guy. That being said, he has worked relatively well lately.
Secondly, how are you going to disrespect Geise like that? He’s done great as a long man so far. You really couldn’t have asked for anything more out of the guy.
No to Bonds. Only because the DH is how we get Posada, Matsui, and Damon into games. And because he still has legal matters pending.
As far as the other stuff. The past is the past, unless children and laptops are involved.
I’d be surprised if Melancon isn’t a Septmeber call-up. They have been building his innings all year but I don’t think an innings-cap is a problem.
I still don’t trust Edwar in a big spot – and I am afraid that Farnsy is just setting us up for even bigger heart ache in crunch time.
The Rays are apparently actively seeking Fuentes – I’d really like to get him to finally get an effective lefty.
Brent you are going to be wasting your time if you are hitching your wagon to Melancon. They are not calling him up. He hasn’t seen AAA batters. He’s getting outs with his fastball primarily. That is why he’ll stay in AA. He needs to keep developing the offspeed stuff.
Newman did not necessarily commit to keeping Mark Melancon in Trenton all season.
“Yes (the plan is to keep him in Trenton all season), but plans are changeable. Whoever’s the next Joba, I’m not sure. But he certainly has ability, and he’s pitched extraordinarily well here. He’s still essentially in a rehab season. This is his first competition in professional baseball, and he’s doing it coming off Tommy John surgery. We didn’t expect him to do this well.â€
“What a tag team he and Arod would be!”
i cant even imagine what it would be like to see the two of them in the same lineup together. awesome doesnt come near to describing the production you could possibly have.
and people think Manny/Papi is dangerous?
even if you signed Bonds right now, you could have him up here August 1st. no doubt in my mind. you dont think he’s at home keeping himself in game shape just in case?
Melancon’s inning are getting up there because he’s had a lot of low pitch innings with the fb. He’s going longer to work on his pitching arsenal.
Bengie prly wanted to see Gardner, he’s supposed to be the new big thing..lol
TT – I agree. The most appealing part of Bonds is that all he cost is money. No prospects, no lost draft picks etc.
Mel – One of my premises was that Matsui can’t come back and that Posada can play at 1b. If the scenario plays out, then you can actually go about trying to trade Damon (when he comes back healthy). He is playing very well this year and is reasonably affordable with his contract.
If Matsui comes back, and you don’t want to trade him, then he is the DH and not Bonds.
Mark Melancon will not see the big leagues at all this season. Hes not ready, and he wont be ready. If we were to see him this season, he would be in Scranton already. The fact that hes in AA tells me that we are not going to rush him up and that he still needs to work on his stuff before he even sees AAA.
“Patrick-Ian Kennedy isnt hurt anymore, we can use Ponson in his spot, until its the right time to bring Kennedy back.
Rasner will be in the rotation until Hughes or Wang returns”
Kennedy needs to earn a call-up and I think Cash will be very conservative with him. Wang will not be back this year. Hughes isn’t even going to start pitching until September. If he starts a rehab assignment on 9/1, when would he be ready for the majors? Even then, given his struggles, I doubt he would get a call-up.
Like TurnTwo said, the Yankees need to trade for a fourth or fifth starter to replace Rasner. Personally I think Ponson will bomb too.
“Hes not ready, and he wont be ready. If we were to see him this season, he would be in Scranton already.”
You sure about that? When did Joba get called up to AAA last year?
Strickland gets no love. He’s put up good numbers for SWB and look at his career numbers in the minors and majors. They are very good. I would rather see him get a chance rather than rushing a kid coming off TJS.
Richie Sexson has been officially released.
Ponson’s not a lost cause.
He really responded to the adjustments by the coaching staff after his last outing. And at least one of his walks yesterday was “strategic”. Now if he can just stop hitting guys…
Hip Hip Jose!
Patrick –
I had the same thought about that Melancon post – replace the name with Joba’s and you would have seen hundreds of posts like that last year.
(except for those of us who listened to SJ44
)
Wow Richie Sexon? Boston will probably pick him up
They are very good. I would rather see him get a chance rather than rushing a kid coming off TJS.
Ummm god no
I trust Ponson more than Rasner right now
Sexsonvs LHP (61 AB) 5 HR 12 RBI, 1.046 OPS.
Why is Brandon? Have you seen him pitch? Strickland has been lights out lately. No earned runs over his last 10 games. Can’t be said for Cox, Melancon, etc.
Unless Rasner is very good next time out it’ll be Ponson, not him in the # 4 spot. Kennedy’s next Triple-A outing is huge… he could supplant Rasner.
Much as I would like Fuentes or Marte, I agree a fourth starter would be a more important addition… its just not as viable. Also need that RH power bat… Sexson, for the MLB minimum would provide power off the bench at least..
BONDS? Are you people serious? Not content with four DH types making about $ 60 million between them? Did he start hitting RH in the off-season? Bad guy, bad fit, bad image, bad idea!
“One Malooga, four Loogas”
that’s what this post title made me think of…
at the moment i would rather start ponson than rasner
McGowan a torn rotataor cuff. OUCH!!!
Jays have got to be shopping Burnett now.
Here’s a funny take on the ’stache. I don’t know if this guy’s for real, but it was pretty funny.
http://tinyurl.com/62bkvc
Funny, when I saw someone mention Strickland, I thought to myself, “He’s old, why do we want a retread?” But I looked up his numbers, and I was amazed. Other than his first year, he has never had a WHIP over 1.4, and he is just under a strikeout an inning. Wow.
I don’t know that it’s so cut and dried that Wang won’t be back this year.
I agree that we won’t see Hughes until next season though.
“BONDS? Are you people serious? Not content with four DH types making about $ 60 million between them? Did he start hitting RH in the off-season? Bad guy, bad fit, bad image, bad idea!”
one, ill make this clear; i couldnt care less about how much anyone on this team is making.
two, you’ve already got two prominant players on the team who were caught in the Mitchell Investigation and who have used PEDs, so Bonds aint hurting the team’s image.
three, Bonds could immediately help provide consistency to an incredibly inconsistent lineup. he’ll get on base, and he’ll hit HRs.
do i expect them to do it? of course not.
but like it was mentioned, much was made over the Clemens saga last year, and how it was the perfect upgrade because while he got big bucks, all it cost to upgrade the rotation was money, and not prospects.
why not take the same approach with the offense this year?
http://www.prosportsdaily.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243654
All say they voted Longoria/Wright
That sucks for McGowan. He went from scome high inning totals in the minors as a starte, to the pen for several years, and back to the rotation. Even more reason to be glad Joba didn’t stay there more.
Schteeve,
No matter if see Wang again or not, we shouldn’t see Hughes or Kennedy until next season. They were rushed and need to get back on track.
Hughes, maybe. He’s proved that he can come back from adversity late in the season.
Kennedy, I’m sorry to say, needs an attitude adjustment.
“I don’t know that it’s so cut and dried that Wang won’t be back this year.”
Not very, by the sound of it. Shouldn’t be counted on, that’s for sure. If he is back, it’s a bonus.
“All say they voted Longoria/Wright”
Hate to say it, but to me those are the two correct answers.
“Richie Sexson has been officially released.”
Hello Richie Sexson, goodbye Chad Moeller? Sexson could be righty power of the bench.
Someone here was advocating getting him if he cost nothing. Don’t recall exactly who it was.
Why is Brandon? Have you seen him pitch? Strickland has been lights out lately. No earned runs over his last 10 games. Can’t be said for Cox, Melancon, etc.
Billy I hate when I see this type of thing, last year if my mind serves me right I think Jim Brower was doing near the same thing. Usually a vet when they dominate AAA hitters it doesn’t do much for me anymore because they are suppose to. If he comes up and takes a deserving young players spot that type of thing would piss me off.
The money wouldn’t matter with Bodnds. Even if he got $10 million for the season pro-rated (which he wouldn’t), it would only be, what, $3.3 million for August and September? Do you think that the Yanks would avoid a $3.3 million move if it would help? Never.
And as for the DH glut, so long as Matsui is hurt, it’s not really like that. If you figure Damon (when he comes back) in left, Giambi at first, and Posada at DH, it’s easy to see that all those guys will need a day now and again. You could get Bonds five games a week easy.
The reason Bonds won’t be signed by the Yanks is the baggage: Bad publicity, bad attitude in the clubhouse, etc.
It won’t be money or a lack of need.
Someone here was advocating getting him if he cost nothing. Don’t recall exactly who it was.
CB or Whozat I don’t remember which one but he certainly can pick it at 1B
I don’t see Kennedy getting recalled even if he’s light out. What did that get them the last time? I think the Yankees want to knock him down a few pegs.
TT – I again completely agree.
ESPN reports Boras says Bonds can be ready in 10 days and no one wants him. Come on $500,000 for the rest of the season. That is chump change for the Yanks and if they don’t like how he is acting dump him. No risk, barely any money, no lost prospects or draft choices.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3481733
“McGowan a torn rotataor cuff. OUCH!!!
Jays have got to be shopping Burnett now.”
I remember CB being very worried about how many innings those Blue Jay pitchers pitched last year.
CB, I know you don’t wanna be correct about something like this but it looks like you were.
“Hello Richie Sexson, goodbye Chad Moeller? Sexson could be righty power of the bench.”
wouldnt count on it. Posada wont catch more games then he will, and if he’s physically unable to catch, you need a true backup, hence the 3rd catcher on the roster.
Ray, do you think they’ll let Moeller go? I don’t. I think as long as they are leery of using Posada behind the plate, Moeller will be on the roster. You can’t catch Molina and DH Posada if you don’t have Moeller.
ESPN reports Boras says Bonds can be ready in 10 days and no one wants him. Come on $500,000 for the rest of the season. That is chump change for the Yanks and if they don’t like how he is acting dump him. No risk, barely any money, no lost prospects or draft choices.
NO NO NO NO
DID I MENTION NO
“Sexsonvs LHP (61 AB) 5 HR 12 RBI, 1.046 OPS.”
I’m saying…if he doesn’t cost anything but the prorated minimum…give him traber’s roster spot, play him against lefties instead of Betemit and see what happens.
Brandon, how could you be so absolutely against Bonds? you seem like a reasonable fan…
The government wanting to nail Bonds is what scares me the most about him
“Ray, do you think they’ll let Moeller go? I don’t. I think as long as they are leery of using Posada behind the plate, Moeller will be on the roster. You can’t catch Molina and DH Posada if you don’t have Moeller.”
If not Moeller then like Whozat said Traber. It’s worth a shot I think since he’s basically free.
I’m saying…if he doesn’t cost anything but the prorated minimum…give him traber’s roster spot, play him against lefties instead of Betemit and see what happens.
He is top 20 defensively in the majors RFg/innings played at 1B
Well, it looks like Bonds might be playing somewhere. We never thought we’d see the day.
But, rumors have been floated to gauge reaction and surprisingly it hasn’t been too bad. His agent says he can be ready to play in 10 days.
-Papi’s on track, so he probably won’t go there.
-The Rays might do it, if they start slipping.
-The Yanks? I don’t see it. They seem determined to stay the course.
-Minny seems to be getting by with young, unproven guys.
-Detroit? Oi, I think Sheff and Bonds still have restraining orders.
-Oakland? Now there’s a fit.
“I don’t see Kennedy getting recalled even if he’s light out. What did that get them the last time? I think the Yankees want to knock him down a few pegs.”
That’d be a real to-spite-your-face kind of move. I don’t think they’re that stupid. To make him re-prove himself, sure. But to “knock him down a peg”?
Funny thing is, my gut says “no” to Bonds, but when you look at it objectively (no long-term contract commitment, not much money, a legitimate bat in the lineup, a short porch in RF at Yankee Stadium), it’s hard to figure out why the Yanks shouldn’t give him a shot. Except for the bad publicity, or if they honestly think he’ll ruin team chemistry.
It’s not like he’d be taking the roster spot of a young player whose development will be blocked.
Reasonable? Brandon is beloved, but anything but reasonable!
Sexson, Burnett, Dunn, these are all ideas I am more interested in than Fuentes. Girardi has done a great job with the bullpen and that’s not what really needs to be upgraded. Sexson as a righty bat that punishes lefties and can be had for probably nothing but a non-prospect and cash; Burnett will cost a little more, but I think he would make a major turn around on a team he felt had a good shot at winning, as much of a dick as he can be, I like his hotshot attitude; and Dunn gives us some great OBP and power. Slipping Dunn into left and rotating Melky and Gardner in center seems the way to go.
Ray, I agree. I was only talking about the Moeller part of your post. I think Moeller will be up here the rest of the year.
Brandon, how could you be so absolutely against Bonds? you seem like a reasonable fan…
When the San Fransisco locker room is partying on his departure, when Fred Lewis and Rich Aurillia is echoeing Jeff Kent and what Barry Zito now said, plus Bouchy and the GM who reaped Bonds for everything he wanted. That to me is bad signals, he couldn’t even run in LF, Posada or Damon are going to need the DH spot. Bonds in NY is a disaster waiting to happen, he was an all me guy out there in SF, prospects didn’t get along w/ him. It just wouldn’t fit here.
Jim Brower. lol. What young kid deserves the spot more than Strickland? I have seen SWB several times and would like to know who they are. Strickland has closed and pitching late innings throughout his career and started the season at SWB. go figure. He was moved to the late inning guy and has been great. You’re the same one that was hating on Michael Beasley:)
Mitch precisely the point. There is no downside risk. Similar to Randy Moss. He was on an infinitesimally short leash. Cashman to Bonds – Here’s the deal – 500,000 for the next 4 months one word or bad deed and you are gone.
He does not take anyone’s spot or stunt anyones growth or development. Doesn’t cost anything but a very small amount of money. Can probably role out of bed and hit (or at least be intentionally walked. Put up excellent numbers last year. Would allow you to explore a trade of Damon and/or Matsui for another part.
I didn’t realize Sexson was released, so we can have him for nothing, let’s do it!
At this point I think I`m ok with the bullpen, and would prefer two quality starting pitchers. Lowe would be good, but why would LA trade him? They are in a pennant race.
Wolfe? Nah, Byrd? Nah, we got guys like that. Rasner on a good day is as good as those two, and I really think Rasner should go down to AAA
Sexson? He is a poor mans Dave Kingman. We dont need him. I would hard for Bedard and take my chances with a guy who pitched well in the AL east
Wonder if the Angels get in on Sexson to platoon with Kotchman???
Waiver order based on record????
Brandon – Randy Moss and Corey Dillon were all me guys and that turned out OK. Again Bonds would have zero leverage and be forced to tow the line. If Posada can catch and if Matsui cannot come back this has to be considered.
Isn’t Bond to the Mets still talked about? Have him go there..
**Bond=Bonds
You’re the same one that was hating on Michael Beasley
And ? …. what we’re doing SL recaps or something, I also like how Sean Williams abused him in that last game, heck Brook Lopez was closing him off too.
“Would allow you to explore a trade of Damon and/or Matsui for another part.”
We don’t know if Damon and Matsui will play before the deadline. They have NTC’s and don’t bring back much unless the Yanks eat a big chunk of salary.
Jason, I’m not for trading Damon. He’s the only legit leadoff hitter we have.
*Me ducking to avoid the debris thrown at me by the Gardner for President group.*
Damon is the kind of winning, team-concept, situational-hitting, accountable guy the Yanks need. We need more Damons, not fewer.
Carl Pavano is missing from this conversation about back of the rotation people–he’s already throwing off a mound, if I remember correctly. Beyond his obvious punch-line/disgrace/taboo status, realistically isn’t he scheduled to be in minor league rehab games before Hughes and Wang? That is, until he returns to being Carl Pavano and hurts himself.
Along that line, I thought the plan was for Hughes to start rehabbing in August, and potentially be major league-ready by September–also thought the same deal with Wang. In both cases I understand that’s best-case, setback-free scenario, but it seems premature to say they’re both not pitching again this year.
Brandon – Randy Moss and Corey Dillon were all me guys and that turned out OK. Again Bonds would have zero leverage and be forced to tow the line. If Posada can catch and if Matsui cannot come back this has to be considered.
It would not fit, what part of that don’t people get. The organization isn’t going to make some move like that it would not send a good message to your roster guys or the minor league prospects.
Sexson is actually a poor mans Dave Kingman. We dont need him. I would prefer two starting pitchers than bullpen help. I would go hard after Bedard based on the fact that he has proven he could pitch in the AL East
Hahahaha the Giants just tied the Mets. Barry Zito got a hit and scored
“Bonds in NY is a disaster waiting to happen, he was an all me guy out there in SF, prospects didn’t get along w/ him. It just wouldn’t fit here.”
just like Ponson was a disaster in Texas?
i understand where you are coming from, but this is where Cashman holds the power.
you call up Bonds and tell him you’ve got a job for him. but, there are several conditions- no extra trainers, no entourage. travel with the team.
that kind of stuff.
break the rules? guess what, you’re unemployed again.
just as fast as you sign him to league minimum is just as fast as you can release him.
you want to win a world series? keep yourself in check, and just play ball.
you act up? this time, you’re really done.
TurnTwo et al—
The Clemens and Bonds situations have little in common. Clemens had a history with the Yankees, was a known quantity in the dugout / clubhouse and filled a specific immediate need (although the $$ was assinine!). By the way, Bonds aint playing for $ 500K anywhere.
The Yankees do not have a pressing need for a LH hitting DH no matter how you spin it. On baseball grounds alone it makes little sense. Add in the baggage, it makes no sense to me.
Sexson makes a lot more sense because he’s younger (33 to 43), plays a very good first base and fills the need for RH power either off the bench or against LH starters.
Hahahaha the Giants just tied the Mets. Barry Zito got a hit and scored
I think the Maine-Train is pitching hurt, he has the same injury Alan Horne has except he’s not on the DL
Why would Gardner fans yell at you for saying Damon is the only legit leadoff hitter? Its true, Gardner has only been up a week, he isnt ready for that with Damon in the lineup.
But Damon and Matsui could be ready the week after the ASB
A very common topic on a lot of yankee blogs, including this one is how the yankees have been too conservative with the workloads of their young pitchers. How they’ve “babied” them.
They should go back to the way it was in the good old days when pitchers threw more and there weren’t these crazy innings limits and pitch counts.
The franchise that’s taken a very different approach to their pitching development to the yanks is Toronto.
Toronto has had more good young starting pitching than any other franchise in the majors over the past few seasons. Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum, Jesse Litsch, Jeremy Accardo, Casey Jansen, Gustavo Chacin, etc. Great arms.
And in no way did Toronto baby any of their young pitchers. They had them go through the minors quickly and once they got up to the majors they had no particular innings limits on them.
Go back and look at all of those young pitchers on Toronto – nearly all of them other than Marcum had significant increases in their workload from one season to another either in the minors or the majors. Much higher than the 30 innings increase the yankees try to keep their young arms to from one season to the next.
Dustin McGowan was having a tremendous year – he absolutely looked like he was headed towards being a future Ace. He was clocked this year for much of the season with the highest average fastball velocity of any starter in baseball. He refined his change up a lot this year and became a legitimate 4 pitch pitcher. Devastating when you have that fastball.
Last year McGowan threw around 81 more innings than the did the year before. In 2006 he threw 111 innings in the majors and minors mostly as a reliever. In 2007 he manned up and threw 191 innings in only 27 starts. He took a full, veterans workload. This year he’s already thrown 111 innings in 19 games.
4 starts ago a funny thing happenned – he started giving up more runs. He gave up at least 4 runs in each of his last four starts and complained of some shoulder pain.
And now McGowan’s career is ruined. Torn rotator cuff. A power pitcher will never recover from that. Ever. Toronto just lost a pitcher who was becoming a #1 starter.
And how have their other pitchers done? Casey Jansen, who was penciled into their starting rotation this year, has a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Gustavo Chacin has had multiple shoulder injuries and it looks like his career will never be what it once could have been.
Jeremy Accardo was out this year for a month with forearm tightness – a sign of elbow ligament trouble.
Toronto had the best young collection of pitchers in the majors – and they’ve systematically ruined the careers of one after another.
Those injuries to the young Toronot pitchers are nothing like what Hughes and Kennedy have had. All the tornto guys have had serious arm injuries – in particular – shoulder injuries.
All of them were worked very hard and saw their innings jump dramatically.
“The organization isn’t going to make some move like that it would not send a good message to your roster guys or the minor league prospects.”
What message it that??? “We’re interested in winning and this could help us toward that end” would be the message.
“The organization isn’t going to make some move like that it would not send a good message to your roster guys or the minor league prospects.”
theyve already done it, though. Roger Clemens, Summer of 2007.
I think the Maine-Train is pitching hurt, he has the same injury Alan Horne has except he’s not on the DL”
Maine does seem like a scrapper. But who knows how hurt he actually is
Zito runs extremely weird. I know he is a pitcher, but its not like you dont run as a pitcher
“I would go hard after Bedard based on the fact that he has proven he could pitch in the AL East”
Better reserve a bed in the psych ward for Bedard. The guy is an awful team, hates the media, and would rather fish than play ball. Perfect fit. See the cautionary tales of Butch Wynegar and Eddie Whitson.
86, the minute you suggest adding Richie Sexson over Barry Bonds is the minute you completely lose me.
Bonds??
Laughable. Do you think he is in shape? He would need two to three weeks at least to get game ready against real pitching.
He would be a cancer in that clubhouse, and we have enough drama with AROD`s issues.
If we get two quality starters and we stay in more games, the offense wont be under so much pressure. Let the Mets take him, they truly deserve him.
Yankee Lover – That would be the same Bedard that Seattle just placed on the 15 day DL. No thank you.
Mitch – Damon when he comes back and shows he is healthy is probably the most valuable trade piece the Yankees have. I know he is “a winner” but so are Jeter, Mo, Posada et al.”
Gardner can replicate the defense, at this stage in his career is much better on the bases, and his bat can be carried by Bonds and the rest of the lienup.
Bonds would be such a flat out dumb signing.
It’s going to take him a couple of weeks to get ready, at that point Matsui and Damon will be back.
Billy, he only plays once every five days-He was very successful in Baltimore. He would help for sure
One more thing about Bonds. You put him in the same clubhouse with Rodriguez? They’re friends, that’s fine. But the more successful Bonds is with the long ball (the reason why you bring him here), the further away the record is for Alex.
That’s the deal breaker right there. Aint happening.
Great post, CB. Thanks.
And I’m hiding from the Gardner fans because so many people on this board think he’s ready now.
BTW, put me down for no Erik Bedard for the Yanks. No. No. No. He is hurt all the time (on the DL now). He’s never pitched through a whole season. If you’re going to gamble no a guy with a bad reputation, Burnett is a better bet, I think.
86, the minute you suggest adding Richie Sexson over Barry Bonds is the minute you completely lose me.
How so ? Sexson fills a need at 1B and has RH power vs LHP. Bonds again in your world is the answer to everything yet he hasn’t even seen a pitch all season or played a game at all. His final year Bonds was breaking down in health why the hell you know what I’m done w/ this.
“Do you think he is in shape? He would need two to three weeks at least to get game ready against real pitching.”
so you have him August 1. 2 full months of Barry Bonds? ok with me.
“He would be a cancer in that clubhouse, and we have enough drama with AROD`s issues.”
you just said it. there’s so much gong on already, and the clubhouse is just fine. thats what you pay Girardi to handle.
“If we get two quality starters and we stay in more games, the offense wont be under so much pressure.”
has nothing to do with pressure on the offense. if anything, its the offense’s inability to drive in runs consistently that is putting pressure on the pitching to be perfect, especially earlier this season.
oops!
Didnt realize Burnett would be avialable if so its a no brainer, but would Toronto trade him in division?
“What message it that??? “We’re interested in winning and this could help us toward that end†would be the message.”
That’s a very bad message to send to the youth in the minors. He’s Barry Bonds. Why would anyone want to sign a guy who could actually help their club score runs?
My opinion is that the only argument you can make against Bonds is the moral one.
Bonds has ZERO leverage. Cashman says play and shut up or you are out. Read the ESPN link from above – Boras says 10 days. No one has called and he will play for th minimum. Heck give him 1,000,000 give him 2,000,000. This is four months of someones best behavior to try to win. You don’t think the we want to keep Joba in the bullpen because that is where he helps us win this year faction of the clubhouse will get the wrong message in trying to win now.
“But the more successful Bonds is with the long ball (the reason why you bring him here), the further away the record is for Alex.
That’s the deal breaker right there. Aint happening.’
I don’t think they need to bring Bonds in, but if that’s their reason for not doing it, they’re freakin’ morons who don’t get it.
I don’t happen to think the Yankees are morons, so they’d NEVER allow that reason to preclude them from doing this.
Jason, I understand your point. Damon’s trade value means something. But I disagree with you, only because I think you can’t totally give up on 2008, which, in a way, you are doing if you let Damon go.
Really, what he would bring in a stretch drive or the post-season (if they got there) would be irreplacable. What he does at the top of the order, and what he provides in the clubhouse. He has been one of the few guys to rise to the occasion in the post-season since he’s been here.
I guess I just value him more highly than you do. It’s a fair argument.
Bedard was successful in Baltimore when we was flying under the radar. As the ace, he’s a basket of nerves and can’t hack it. The media will eat him alive.
Just ask Bavasi about why Bedard can’t pitch deep into games
“He’ll have a stupid answer for you, you can count on it,” Bavasi said. “He’ll have some dumbass answer. With Erik, sometimes the wheels come off too easy,” he said.
“He would be a cancer in that clubhouse, and we have enough drama with AROD`s issues.”
I don’t recall anyone thinking Bonds was a cancer when he was helping them year in and year out stay in contention.
Richie Sexson fills a need if you want to add underproduction to the bench, which i think we have enough of.
he couldnt hack it in Seattle for years, and he’s going to be an asset to the Yankees? no thanks.
86w183-
Bonds’ agent tells espn that he has offered Bonds at league minimum to all 30 teams and been turned down. It seems to me that he would play for the minimum. Like many others, I see it as a risk worth taking.
Mitch – I value Damon highly. I guess the crux of the matter is Bonds + Gardner + the return from a Damon deal > Damon? I happen to think yes. Obviously depends on what you get for Damon, but because he is valued, the return would probably be more than any other realistically traded Yankee or prospect.
ray –
There were a ton of stories of Bonds being a prima donna/cancer even when he was in his offensive heyday. Remember the fight with Jeff Kent in the dugout, the surly interactions with the media and the tension caused by all of his “people” (i.e. evil chemists and needle pushers)?
It is also a huge leap to think that someone who hasn’t been in competition and is 44 can jump in and contribute.
NO NO NO
Here’s a fair question about Sexson: I know he has decent numbers against lefties, but when was the last time he platooned? Often, guys used to playing every day don’t adapt well to bench roles (we saw that this year with Ensberg).
Clearly, if you took Sexson defense and his numbers this year against lefties, he would be a huge upgrade over Betemit. But would Sexson be able to produce those numbers not playing every day?
I think it’s a fair point to consider.
We need pitching just to be respectable but to be a contender we need a lot more than arms. And we are going to need pitching for next year even if the young guys come back; this has been the biggest problem for the Yankees for years already and while I know Cashman wants to do it all from inside it takes too long for a Yankee team to wait for all of these guys to progress. It’s Cashman and Oppenheimer’s jobs to decide who is untouchable and then use what they have to make some trades. Cash has been hording pitchers (who may or may not work out) and not getting enough position players. How can anyone talk realistically about getting what we need without thinking we are going to have to give up something to get something? Yes, occasionally it happens for all teams but not all that often.
The other “things” missing from this team that the teams of the late 90’s had is heart/grit (Paulie) and a great bench (Strawberry, Fielder, etc). Abreu may be “a professional hitter” but he just doesn’t have the necessary grit – ask anyone from Philly. Oh, I forgot – we need a lefty reliever in a big way.
There are too many injuries that will wait to be addressed in the off-season.
Yes, the bullpen has been acceptable in the past week or so but honestly, in a 1-run game how many of you aren’t holding your breath every time Farnsworth comes out of those doors?
It’s odd, I just recently commented to a friend that Jorge sits next to Girardi a lot and then I read Jack Curry’s piece in The Times. We need a happy, healthy Jorge – not only because of his “play” but because he is one of the guys that has the necessary heart/grit to lead this team. I know Jose has been locked in and clearly is better defensively but there is no way anyone can tell me that Jose works Mo as well or as efficiently as Jorge does.
I have to agree with TurnTwo; while I know a change of scenery helps many players I just don’t see NYC being the place for Sexson but I’ve been wrong before
. Anyway, as long as we need a 3rd catcher there just isn’t going to be much room on that shaky bench when Johnny and Hideki get back. That was written with high hopes for Hideki and Johnny to return soon.
Let’s all hope everyone gets healthy, A-Rod straightens out whatever he went to straighten out (read George King & Cindy Adams on Page Six), and see if Cashman can do his job. Just like players this is a contract year for him – maybe he’ll surprise us all.
Okay, I can still hope-
It has to be assumed that the days of LaTroy Hawkins are numbered. He’s been virtually ignored for the last 10 days.
Whether DFA’d or traded for a farm prospect he’ll be lucky to see August in a Yankee uniform.
He’s a good guy and well liked by teammates but it was a bad signing on Cashman’s part.
“It’s going to take him a couple of weeks to get ready, at that point Matsui and Damon will be back.”
Unless, of course, Matsui needs surgery. Which might happen.
I dunno. I think I see how Matsui looks going into the break and, if things aren’t promising…I call Barry and tell him I might have a job for him.
The issue I have with Barry as of now is that, if Matsui and Damon both come back, there’s no space for him on the roster. If one of those guys can’t come back…well…then there’s a roster slot for him.
pitcher A 72 IP 90H 32ER 6HR 25BB 35K 103ERA+ 1.5 WHIP
pitcher B 118 IP 123H 69ER 10HR 56BB 118K 78ERA+ 1.5WHIP
who is the better pitcher?
Jason, I don’t see Damon/Bonds as an either/or.
Assuming Matsui is not coming back any time soon, I see Damon in left, Molina catching, Giambi at first, and Posada at DH. Strictly in baseball terms, Bonds gives another option to a bunch of guys who should get a day every three or four anyway.
I just think that if we somehow get to October, I want to see Damon batting leadoff.
Where the Yankees are in the standings on the last weekend in July will dictate what moves Cashman will make.
There should be 4 new faces by July 31st, 2 VIA trade and 2 from within the system.
“Clearly, if you took Sexson defense and his numbers this year against lefties, he would be a huge upgrade over Betemit. But would Sexson be able to produce those numbers not playing every day?
I think it’s a fair point to consider.”
Exactly. Dismissing Sexson out of hand seems foolish to me. If he can provide even an .800 OPS slotted strictly against lefties and good D at 1B…that makes the team better than it is right now. Platooning might not be something he can adjust to. Ok. But…are we really worried about stealing right-handed ABs from Betemit? Because that’s who’d be losing playing time.
“The issue I have with Barry as of now is that, if Matsui and Damon both come back, there’s no space for him on the roster. If one of those guys can’t come back…well…then there’s a roster slot for him.”
i completely agree. if Damon and Matsui are both back, healthy, and functional, there is no need for Bonds.
i guess i just dont have the optimism for Matsui that others do.
and even at that, why run him out every day if he’s going to be 85%? you’re still stuck with his contract next season, so why not have him get the surgery now, rehab and be back at complete full strength for the spring of next year?
The Yankees are paying all that money to A-Rod to break the HR record. Why the hell would the Yankees sign on the HR leader to make it harder for A-Rod? They wouldn’t.
“The late-90’s yankees were so good because of their mixture of youth and grizzled veterans. Their superb bullpen and amazing offensive depth (Canseco, Fielder, Tim Raines, etc). A lot of that team was put together through key trades. What do you want the Yankees to do now, if you’re so opposed to trading talent to get talent?”
wait a second…..Canseco?! the guy who sat on the bench for about a month because we blocked a waiver deal and got stuck with him? THAT’S your evidence of why the team was so good?
Fielder and Raines were veterans who contributed as they were on the tail-end of excellent careers. they weren’t the reason either.
those teams were good because they knew how to manufacture a run. they knew that you didn’t have to go up there and in the game with one swing. get the guy over. hit and run. the next guy will get him home. that’s why, back then, people said the Yanks were playing National League baseball and they applauded Torre for bringing that style to the team…
….then we signed Giambi which, while I love him, symbolically represents when the wheels came off the cart.
fast-forward to 2008 and a collection of guys trying to win the game with one swing and walking back to the dugout staring at their bat.
it’s a change in philosophy, my friend, and none of those is available before July 31st.
Hey Francis,
Pitcher A because he’s a brother?
Some of you worry too much about the guys in the clubhouse holding hands and singing Kumbaya rather than what they can contribute on the field.
If Sexson can be had for cheap, he would be a nice righty bat off the bench.
if you can dust Richie Sexson off the scrap heap and replace our third catcher with him for no risk, i think you give it a shot. it’s another low-risk proposition with a potential high upside.
i love Chad Moeller too. he’s Chad Moeller. if we overvalue our prospects sometimes, we overvalue our “great story” grizzled vets even more.
Jorge, you hit the nail on the head. I like Giambi, but his signing was the beginning of the end. He was signed because the Yanks batted under .200 in the 2001 Series, but I like to note that you can make an argument that they lost that series because they were short an arm in the bullpen (they let Nelson go), not the bats. In Game 7, if Mo doesn’t have to pitch the 8th, it all could have been very different.
Russell NY,
Exactly.
did anyone check out the article by jayson stark on espn for new ideas for all star game. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1
Mitch, you got some memory.
pitcher A is Ponson, pitcher B is Burnett….Burnett is a strike out machine, but other than that theyre basically the same….except that Ponson has a much better ERA+. Dont see why the yankees would want to trade for ponson to replace ponson.
Jorge, as for Moeller, I think the point is different from what you think. Nobody is saying Moeller is special. We’re saying that you have to have two major league catchers on a roster, and based on Girardi’s lineups, we have two (Molina and Moeller) because Posada isn’t catching.
Plus, with Damon and Matsui out, the Yanks’ best lineup is Molina catching and Posada at DH, and you can’t do that (or at least most managers won’t do that) without a third catcher.
If the Yanks get Sexson, one of the 13 pitchers would be the one to go.
“The Yankees are paying all that money to A-Rod to break the HR record. Why the hell would the Yankees sign on the HR leader to make it harder for A-Rod? They wouldn’t.”
this is ridiculous. they would sign Bonds to win games. period.
“if you can dust Richie Sexson off the scrap heap and replace our third catcher with him for no risk, i think you give it a shot. it’s another low-risk proposition with a potential high upside.”
again, you cant replace the third catcher (Moeller) when he’s really actually kind of the second catcher, especially if Posada cant throw from behind the plate anymore.
We need a bat, it’s pretty much consensus. There is no bat ready in the minors to step up and we are unwilling to trade the talent it would take to grab an impact one. That trade would also wipe up the thoughbreds in the system. What harm would it cause to go out and get a cheap veteran bat?
I think we have to hold onto Moeller. We have no idea what condition Jorge’s shoulder’s in. But we do know he can’t catch against speedy teams. Cut a pitcher, we don’t use ‘em all anyway. And they can use the shuttle to keep the pen fresh.
I like Barry Bonds…can anyone guess why?
Thanks, Jorge. It’s a curse as much as a gift …
Richie Sexson
va LHP .344/.423/.623
9.18 RFg
.997 FPCT
How much is that RH 1B in the window ?
Nah Johnny, Pitcher A is Sidney Ponson, Pitcher B is AJ Burnett. Burnett is having a bad year but to say Ponson is a better pithcer is kind of silly. At least Burnett has the potential to be lights out the rest of the way whereas Ponson has been lucky to pitch the way he has.
10 more homeruns for Arod to conquer will not hold them back if they decide to go for it. A ring will shut up a lot of poeple about Arod and not being clutch.
My initial post about Bonds was premised on Matsui coming back. If he comes back fully healthy he is the answer not Bonds. But, if not why not replace him with the best no cost lefty available.
Francis,
Sure, if you only go with 2008 numbers, your Burnett v. Ponson comparison works.
But last year, Burnett had a 1.189 WHIP and 3.75 ERA. A change of scenery could wake him up.
he’s your brotha from anotha motha, francis?
“Thanks, Jorge. It’s a curse as much as a gift …”
i guess your wife complains that you forget what night you’re supposed to take the garbage out as well.
point taken on Moeller, but it means we’re working with a 24-man roster to me. not good.
An hour and a half left to vote Giambi to the All Star Game.
Keep pounding the polls guys!
“I like Barry Bonds…can anyone guess why?”
His incredible batting eye and ability to put the ball in the seats?
His shiny noggin?
Yankees nor any other team will sign Bonds. He’ll be going to a minimum security prison.
Yankees needs are greater than a lefty in the bullpen.
We could use a right handed power bat for the outfield.
Matt Holliday is looking for an extension, is as close to a 5 tool player there is, and the Rockies are considering trading him. He would be worth the kind of talent we would need to sacrifice, especially since he’s already signed for next year, and the Yankees might not choose to sign Abreu. Yes Fuentes would be ok as a throw in but with the current bullpen and Bruney coming back, it’ll mean Hawkins will be dumped.
Next need is a starter, preferably left handed. Randy Wolf has pitched poorly lately in a pitcher’s park. Bedard, while a possible head case, and on the DL, has shut down the Red Sox many times, and if he comes fairly cheap, maybe taking on lefty Washburn’s salary also, it might be worth it. Washburn will be a FA at end of the season. Scott Olsen of Florida for a need of theirs a CF’er-Melky????
Anyway, the way this team is playing, even with the 4 game streak, I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs. They will probably need around 90 wins, have a very tough schedule against teams that do well against them. The big factor will be if all those injured can come back in August at 100% to make a run.
Therefore are we major buyers or sellers, or are we minor buyers and major sellers at the trading deadline or end of the season??
“But last year, Burnett had a 1.189 WHIP and 3.75 ERA. A change of scenery could wake him up.”
Or, his poor performance recently could be an indication that he’s hurting…yet again.
Burnett is the worst of all worlds. He does well, he opts out. He does poorly and/or gets hurt, you’re stuck with him.
Even with Matsui back, I’m still worried about when he goes down again. How long before he needs knee replacement? I don’t think we can wait and see with Matsui.
Perhaps I’m having visions of a 2003 Marlin A.J. Burnett dancing in my head, but I’m not about to make comparisons between him and Ponson.
Something to do with melanin. You’re such a pig, Francis!
Obviously AJ has the much better stuff and is the better pitcher, but not this year. I wouldnt trade for him…plus he is very injury prone…almost Rich Harden like….and nobody here wanted to trade for him…who is better than burnett…much better.
Jorge,
Ha ha. Yes, my brain can only hold so much …
You’re right about the roster, but it’s 23 guys, since they also have Hawkins taking up a spot.
“He’ll be going to a minimum security prison.”
Not til next year.
“He would be worth the kind of talent we would need to sacrifice”
Look at his numbers out of Coors. Solid, but not great. And his D is atrocious. His price in trade will be comparable to what the Braves gave up for Teixeira. Do you REALLY want to try to make that deal?
I stopped voting for Giambi when I found out Mets fans and Rays fans had a Wright/Longoria pact
Over the past 4 seasons Burnett has had an ERA+ of 112, 115, 115 and 119. That is solidly above average but nothing special. Over those 4 seasons he threw 120, 209, 135, and 169 innings.
Over the past 4 seasons Ponson has had an ERA+ of 87, 69, 71, 63. Thats just dreadful. Over that time he has thrown 215, 130, 85, and 37 innings.
So Ponson is having a slightly better year so far this year. All the evidence points to Burnett ending up being the better pitcher. I would definitely trade for Burnett. The only problem is I doubt Toronto would trade him to the Yankees.
No, youre all worng…its because I like guys with 480 OBP and a just as ridiculous OPS that can piss over the wall in right field at the stadium….thats why I like Bonds
i think sexson would be a decent upgrade over betemit on the cheap…his defense is better and he can run into one on a good day…it wouldnt be the worse thing the yankees could do..its basically a minor tweak anyways
Ponson is winning the Innings Eating Championship! Livan, Chestnut, and Kobayashi got nothing on him.
“Obviously AJ has the much better stuff and is the better pitcher, but not this year. I wouldnt trade for him…plus he is very injury prone…almost Rich Harden like….and nobody here wanted to trade for him…who is better than burnett…much better.”
Now that I see what the Cubs gave up, I kind of wish the Yanks went after Harden.
Whozat, I don’t want to be forced to defend Burnett! All I was saying is that using this year’s Burnett numbers v. this year’s Ponson numbers doesn’t tell the story.
If you asked the 30 GMs and said, you can have Burnett or Ponson for the rest of the season, pick one (salary for both is $1), 30 would probably take Burnett.
Yankee Trader the M’s gave up a boatload to get Bedard. They would move him but it would not be on the cheap. That said, the Yankees don’t need him or want him.
Oh please, stop with all the scrubs like Bonds, Sexson, etc. If the Yankees want a bat, Cashman should work the same magic he did to get Abreu. Take a great player off a team that wants to unload a contract for a few low-level prospects. Personally, I don’t think they need another bat. Who is this guy going to play for? Matsui will be back soon, and then there’s no other spots in the lineup… The only thing the Yankees need is another starting pitcher.
Not only can Sexson hit against lefties. But you have to consider what a change of scenery can do for him. Not only getting away from the losing and booing but also from Safeco field where his line is 260/363/512. Not too shabby… Add to that his defensive abilities and the fact he’s right handed and its like getting a righty Doug Mienketwiecz with pop for cheap.
Sign me up.
“All the evidence points to Burnett ending up being the better pitcher. I would definitely trade for Burnett.”
Even knowing that he’s likely to spend time on the DL before the year is out? And, if he doesn’t, he’s a three month rental?
“No, youre all worng…its because I like guys with 480 OBP and a just as ridiculous OPS that can piss over the wall in right field at the stadium….thats why I like Bonds”
ha! well done, francis. totally agree. that right field wall would be a complete joke to Bonds.
“its like getting a righty Doug Mienketwiecz with pop for cheap. ”
That is a drastic overstatement of Sexson’s defensive abilities.
“Take a great player off a team that wants to unload a contract for a few low-level prospects.”
unfortunately, in this year’s market, said player does not exist.
AJ Burnett would command more than Rich Harden in a trade and AJ is slightly below Harden on the soft as fur scale. not to mention that Harden is alot better than Burnett. No to Harden,Yes to Burnett…I just dont get it
Matsui may be close to returning but don’t we want insurance if he reinjures it again?
“Now that I see what the Cubs gave up, I kind of wish the Yanks went after Harden.”
Billy would never have made that deal if he wasn’t REALLY worried about Harden going down with injury again. Soon.
I meant that’s his line away from Safeco in 2008. They certainly aren’t bad numbers for a guy who’s having a terrible year.
Burnett’s the better pitcher. He’s also been an injury risk from the time he came out the womb.
“A.J. Burnett is better than Sidney Ponson” doesn’t necessarily mean “Hey! Let’s trade for A.J. Burnett!”
DFox,
If Matsui was coming back soon, we wouldn’t be having this discussion. Matsui’s knee is an awful condition. He’s trying to work his way back, but it’s pretty clear that surgery is in his future, the only question is whether it’s now or after the season. If you are Cashman, you have to operate like Matsui is out for the year.
“Matsui will be back soon,”
If you’re right, they don’t need Bonds. If you’re wrong…
Not only can Sexson hit against lefties. But you have to consider what a change of scenery can do for him. Not only getting away from the losing and booing but also from Safeco field where his line is 260/363/512. Not too shabby… Add to that his defensive abilities and the fact he’s right handed and its like getting a righty Doug Mienketwiecz with pop for cheap.
Yeah because the NY fans and media would be nice to the little snowflake and not boo or get angry in the least bit when he strikes out 50 times a game.
Please. New York would rip him apart. If his problem in Seattle had to do with the booing/negativity, then New York is not the place for him to “find himself”
“just as ridiculous OPS that can piss over the wall in right field at the stadium”
Haven’t steroids been know to limit function in that area? Is that why Barry stocks up on the Viagara?
“If you are Cashman, you have to operate like Matsui is out for the year.”
Well…not really. Not yet. But if he has another setback before the break, then you maybe do. Maybe I call Barry this weekend and tell him it’d be great if he could discreetly start getting revved up. I may have a job for him in a couple days.
Wait, there are two discussions here:
1) Is Burnett better than Ponson (going back to the post with their numbers blind). Clear answer: Burnett is better.
2) Should the Yanks go after Burnett? I wouldn’t give up a Harden-like package for Burnett. I’m guessing most of you wouldn’t, either.
Earlier this year I would have proudly worn a “DON’T SIGN BONDS!” pin, but the more and more I think about it, who really cares at this point? If he can help a team out and they can sign him, good for them..He’ll help them out.
If that team is the Yankees, then so be it.
Matsui’s knees are betraying him. We need insurance. Chances are he doesn’t make it the rest of the year healthy. Wouldn’t it be nice to give him a spell when he’s back with a bat capable of producing something other than zeroes?
TurnTwo, I believe they always exist, Cashman just has to find it and make it enticing to the team. No one thought Abreu was coming here during that summer, but Cashman presented them with a deal they couldn’t resist. There’s big contracts all over the place.
Mitch I understand that, but so far I haven’t seen any good players suggested besides Matt Holliday in which if the Yankees can pull that one off, it would be the greatest team improvement of all time, but I don’t see how they can. But Bonds and Sexson are pretty silly options. Bonds is on his way to jail, and we already have a guy who can hit for power and strike out every other at bat in Betimit. The only difference is Betimit strikes out less.
Before we sign Sexson, i’d rather have a player who can fill in at most infield positions and hit. We have Ben Broussard in the minors. Dump him and sign Sexson to a minor league contract with a possible call up in September when the rosters expand?
Xavier Nady would be nice, but making a deal with the Pirates has been hard.
Would the Braves give up on lefty Mike Gonzalez, if out of the running?
Since we have so many players injured and many due back within 2-4 weeks, and we still haven’t proven to be a force, my guess is we don’t make a major splash that sacrices our best talent.
“Matsui’s knees are betraying him. We need insurance. ”
When we’re talking about Melky, there’s 80,000 guys on here posting that Brett Gardner can walk on water. Where are those guys when the topic isn’t Melky? Just wondering.
Wait, there are two discussions here:
1) Is Burnett better than Ponson (going back to the post with their numbers blind). Clear answer: Burnett is better.
I really hope this is an exaggeration of the topic at hand, and that nobody really claimed that Ponson’s ability was greater than Burnett’s.
2) Should the Yanks go after Burnett? I wouldn’t give up a Harden-like package for Burnett. I’m guessing most of you wouldn’t, either.
If the Yankees had Burnett, then that would be wonderful. But just because the guy is better than Ponson, it doesn’t mean we should trade away the farm for him, or go on an all-out assault for the guy. It isn’t even guaranteed that Ricciardi would trade him to an AL East opponent. Having Ben Sheets, Jake Peavy, Carlos Zambrano, and Derek Lowe would be great too. It doesn’t mean the Yankees should trade for them. (not saying that was your point..I just started rambling)
“Before we sign Sexson, i’d rather have a player who can fill in at most infield positions and hit.”
If we had one of those, we’d just play him at 1B against lefties and not worry about it.
“But Bonds and Sexson are pretty silly options. Bonds is on his way to jail, and we already have a guy who can hit for power and strike out every other at bat in Betimit. The only difference is Betimit strikes out less.”
Bonds isn’t going to jail this season. We already know that. And the difference between Sexson and Betemit is that Sexson has VASTLY superior splits against lefties. And the Yankees NEED someone to balance the lineup against southpaws.
We need to temper our “Sexson hits lefties well” position. Fact is he has not done so historically. His ‘08 numbers appear to be the exception rather than the rule as his career numbers against LHP’s aren’t that different than his RHP numbers. In fact, in ‘06 and ‘07, he was disasterous against lefties.
He doesn’t cost anything which gives him a reasonable shot at being cost effective, but nothing about a move like this would seem difference making.
Every trade for a possible big name player will start with Ajax (and should end there). No team are going to take low-level prospects from our boatload of B-level prospects.
DFox, I understand your point. A lot of us don’t think the Bonds/Sexson ideas are as silly as you think they are. They both have major issues and, ultimately, may not be fits for the Yanks. But I think both are worthy of consideration. Sexson is a MAJOR upgrade over Betemit v. lefties, both on offense and defense.
And Yankee Trader, do you think Sexson won’t get a major league deal? I think he will, so I doubt the Yanks could get him to go to SWB. But you never know, I guess.
Kinda funny. Fans go beserk when Melky strikes out but completely ignore the fact that Sexson is a strikeout machine.
I’m with you Whozat on Rich Harden. The Cubs will be the real deal, because Gaudin is no slouch either, and would have been happy had we gotten Gaudin.
“Bonds isn’t going to jail this season. We already know that. And the difference between Sexson and Betemit is that Sexson has VASTLY superior splits against lefties. And the Yankees NEED someone to balance the lineup against southpaws.”
Sorry, I don’t like it. The Yankees already have too many of other teams scraps. It’s getting sort of pathetic, The Nationals scraps, Dodgers scraps, Texas scraps, Waivers scraps, etc.
I’d much rather see Cashman give up Kennedy or Hughes in a package for Holliday. Holliday can turn this lineup from “very good” to “unarguably best in baseball”.
i still think there would be no chance the Rays would trade Burnett to the Yankees anyway, or that Cashman would want to give that kind of talent necessary to make that deal happen to a team in the division.
Great point Jorge. I’m not busting on Hideki at all. I just think it’s not forward thinking to bet everything that Hideki stays injury free.
The thing I like about Richie Sexon is that his nickname is The Big Sexy….that always makes me smile when I hear people call him that. His game? me no like so much.
“I believe they always exist, Cashman just has to find it and make it enticing to the team. No one thought Abreu was coming here during that summer, but Cashman presented them with a deal they couldn’t resist. There’s big contracts all over the place.”
not for nothing, but i recall sitting at work that entire summer, especially the month of July, in anticipation of when the Yankees and Phillies finally pulled the trigger on that deal.
and when you look around the league, there just arent that many bad teams who have OFs with bad contracts who arent competitive and want to dump salary.
OK I’ll say it.
I don’t like fan voting for the all star game … never did. just the managers & coaches should do the voting. All managers & coaches should get one vote. One rule should be that you can’t vote for a guy on your own team. Another rule should be that all teams get represented.
How they shuffle it so all teams get represented could vary … maybe the guy with the most votes from a team would be the one to go, or aybe there’s a guy playing a key position that might not get the most votes. NOt sure.
The voting was a popularity contest before. Loading the ballots was one thing when it was done with a ballot form. But now with the internet it’s all too easy to cast thousands of votes for a player. It’s just not right.
As far as selecting who coaches & manages, I’m not bothered by the wold series managers being managers for the all-star team the next year. And I’m not bothered by them choosing their coaches for the game.
With the winning league getting home field advantage in the world series, however, it introduces different element into the mix:
Until now, the previous year’s league champ managers have been managing the all star game. But they’re not necessarily going back to the world series for which they’re supposed to be playing for home field advantage in.
Wouldn’t it make the all star game even more competitive and meaningful if the managers of the teams with the best record in each league at the halfway point of the season were to manage the all star team?
While the manager of the previous year’s league champ might or might not be in contention for the pennant again, the current league leader is absolutely certain to have a direct incentive to win the game.
The halfway point is a couple weeks before the game so that gives plenty of time to prepare. Especially if the deal was that the whole coaching staff of the winningest team at halfway were to be in charge of the all-star team. It would give a real incentive to push their own teams through the first half (and then their all star teams) if they could directly gain the advantage in late October.
So, lets skip over to the players now. Selection by all the league’s managers and coaches should be done at the halfway point too. No lobbying, no campaigning, no jumping to conclusions after just 40 games. At the beginning of a pre-selected mid-point day the ballots should open, and at the end of the same day the ballots should close. The coaches and managers should have that much time to cast their votes. This way nobody will be decided on by late May then go into a slump for 6 weeks or go on the DL and not be able to play, and last year’s league MVP or flash-in-the-pan world series MVP won’t get voted in despite hitting .225 with 3HR in the current campaign. And if its done on line, the results could actually be posted for the public to see immediately.
All this would give further incentive some players to push themselves earlier in the year. Robinson Cano, are you listening?
I know the popular vote is popular. But its really become a farce. Make the game count for more … up the ante, raise the stakes, compel the players to play and the coaches to coach more competitively. I, for one, am really not interested in the all-star game or the HR derby, which is another farce in itself.
Holliday would probably require Hughes, Ajax, and a B-level prospect to start. Just look at the trades for Harden and CC.
“Kinda funny. Fans go beserk when Melky strikes out but completely ignore the fact that Sexson is a strikeout machine.”
totally agree… but the player you rarely watch is always better than the one you watch everyday, until you get a chance to watch that player everyday.
“Great point Jorge. I’m not busting on Hideki at all. I just think it’s not forward thinking to bet everything that Hideki stays injury free.”
Matsui can’t possibly be in our plans post-2009 anyway, though. If he doesn’t retire, we unfortunately show him the door, right?
Between now and Opening Day 2010, yes, we have to make sure that we have a solid 4th outfielder at all times and that we begin to look at how we can get some quality outfield propsects into the system.
Matsui’s not in the long term plans for this team. I think “long term” means a diffent thing for me than it does for a lot of the guys on here, though.
Hughes for Holliday? Uh, no.
First of all, as has been pointed out, Holliday’s splits away from home are solid, but not spectacular.
Second, if you’re talking about Hughes’s value on the open market, he is worth more than Holliday. He was the main guy in the Santana deal. You wouldn’t trade Santana for Holliday.
Hughes for Holliday would be a panic move.
Burnett will go to the Phillies, who lives close by in Baltimore, unless the Phillies get Bedard.
St Louis is looking for pitching to stay in the wild card, which looks like it’ll come from the central division.
There are a lot of FA to be starters, but many won’t be traded because they are still in the race-Looper, Sheets, Oliver Perez, even Jamie Moyer.
The only FA’s under 30 are Jon Garland, CC, Perez and Mark Prior and the rest of the list is either hurt or hurting with very little upgrade over what we have now.
Brett Gardner can walk on water
Wait what? Are you kidding? Phil Hughes for Matt Holliday? The Yankees would do that in a SECOND. The only reason that trade wouldn’t be made is because Hughes isn’t enough to get that deal done. The stud, power/average hitting LF for the injured Phil Hughes who has shown little in the major leagues? Yeah, maybe the Rockies will do that if you drug them first. They should throw Ian Kennedy into that deal also, and ask for Taylor Buchholz too. Buchholz is great. Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy for Matt Holliday and Taylor Buchholz.
this sexon talk reminds of my make me some food ho days on Nom@@s where the consensus were big advocates of Craig Wilson
With CC and Harden gone there’s very few guys left who are definitively better than what we have at the back of the rotation. The Dodgers are in the thick of the race and won’t move Lowe. Millwood/Padilla = Ponson/Giese. AJ Burnett? The position for always injured, wildly overpaid former Marlin has been filled, thank you.
I’d kick the tires on Freddy Garcia, who’s had a history of standing up under pressure, and hope for Wang and Hughes to make miraculous recoveries.
What we really need is a deal like the one that brought David Justice in ‘00 (for my money one of Cashman’s few gems). A line-up that includes Gardner, Melky and (most days) Molina is not built for running down a division leader. And the idea that you’re ever going to have a healthy Damon, Matsui and Giambi in the same line-up again this year to me seems far-fetched. Damon’s always nicked up, Matsui’s knee is not going to magically heal, and Giambi is living on borrowed time.
I’d go hard after Bay or Nady (with Marte thrown in if the Bucs are feeling giddy), understanding that combinations of names like Melancon, Kennedy, Tabata, Jackson and McCutcheon are going to have to be on the table.
Both give you some righty balance and are locked up next year for reasonable money, which lets us bid adieu to Bobby Aboo and mitigate our losses with the draft picks we’ll get for him.
Either way, Cash needs to take a page from the Brew Crew handbook and get it done quickly, rather than nickel-and-diming from now until the deadline. Three more weeks of watching Gardner, bat pinned to shoulder, praying for a walk, and Melky swinging from his heels, is not going to get it done.
Jason Bay would be my dream player.
DFox
Let’s make it a bigger blockbuster- We get Matt Holliday Taylor Buchholtz and the injured 15 day DL center fielder, Ryan Spillborghs for Hughes, Kennedy, Melky, and Marquez/Tabata.
Then in the offseason or even in August,if it looks like we’re out of it, when our high priced FA’s will likely clear waivers, we rid ourselves of Abreu, Mussina,Farnsworth, and maybe Giambi as well as Pettitte. The 90M savings will allow us to sign CC and possibly bring back Pettitte and even Giambi at lesser salaries, plus help to restock our farm system with needed position players.
2009 Yankee Roster:
Damon,lefty, LF/DH
Jeter,righty, SS
Holliday,righty, RF
A-Rod, righty, 3B
Matsui,lefty ,DH
Spillborghs, righty or Gardner, lefty, CF
Giambi,lefty 1B
Cano,lefty, 2nd
Posada,S, C/1B
Not in any particular batting order order
Starters:
Sabathia
Chamberlain
Wang
Buchholz
Pettitte, or minor leaguer ? Sanchez
Bullpen:
Rivera
Veras
Bruney
Ramirez
Melancon
Robertson
some lefty
Wishful thinking or possible reality, with the Yankees looking to lob off 35M in salary???????
What’s the collective noun for a group of Molinas?
A Catch of Molinas?
A Crouch of Molinas?
A Stop of Molinas?
Watching the game courtesy of Pittburg station on MLB.tv. Seems like everytime the station shows Molinas sign and they call it, teh Pirates get a hit or steal. Coincidence? They keep zooming in on Molinas crotch. Ridiculous!