Poll: Will the Yanks make the playoffs?
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jul 17, 2008 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Advertisement
Sponsored by:
Search
Advertisement
Follow
Mobile
Read The LoHud Yankees Blog on the go by navigating to the blog on your smartphone or mobile device's browser. No apps or downloads are required.
LoHud TV
More Videos
Advertisement
Place an ad
Call (914) 694-3581
Monthly Archives
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- January 2007 - Part 1
- December 2006
- November 2006
- October 2006
- September 2006
- August 2006
- July 2006
- June 2006
- May 2006
- April 2006
- March 2006
- February 2006
As much as it pains me to say this… this will be a MAJOR uphill battle. And as currently constructed, this team has way too many injuries, ineffective pitchers, lifeless games, and stop gaps to play consistently well throughout the second half. I’m actually more concerned about this team than I was last year at the same time.
i hope they do, but i really dont think they have it in them this year, who knows with Hughes and Kennedy when they come back. Our offense is too lackluster, it comes and goes day by day. But hey everyone wrote them off around the same time last year…
Too many variables. Any trades? Who’s healthy among the walking wounded?
As is, I’d lean a little to no. Aging everyday lineup, weak back end of the rotation, the liklihood that Mussina falls off a litte (his 2nd halves the past 5 years have been considerably weaker than his 1st halves), and a tough schedule make it tough.
Saw Neyer say he felt there was a 25% chance they’d make it. I’d put it at more like 40%, but some things have to go right.
i voted no, but i think they have a realistic chance if Brian Cashman gets up off his arse and makes a move or two to make a push.
Scoring 2 runs or less in 1/3 of the games so far? I don’t see it.
Not this year… It will be a disater that Yankee Stadium will close a week before the season ends and the yanks won’t get a chance to close it in October. Tampa is NOT for real. I don’t buy the line that they are “too young to worry about not knowing how to win” that is just some writer trying to say I told you so if they win. They will fold and are in the midst of folding now. Boston however does know how to win and they are getting Big Sloppy back soon. I hope I am wrong but if I am not everybody including the hot dog vendors better line up interviews somewhere. I love my Yanks but can’t see what else they can do currently aside from a big trade (waste of “inventory”).
i think the yankees will play better baseball and make it to the playoffs, with help from disappointing 2nd halves for both the Red Sox and Rays…
Sorry, no.
I voted no. Pete you should do a poll on the Yankees record over the next 12 games instead as it will determine there fate.
If MYSTIC and AURA don’t show up we are out! No hitting with RISP come on yankees give us something to cheer about, make me believe. Stop hitting into double-plays and going 0-9 with runners in scoring position. Somebody check Jeters status because I thought he was the Captain. They have 67 games left and the Rays aren’t scared. We can beat The Sux! But the Yankees need to come to the ball park the way Tino, Paulie, and Scottie came to the ball park. Knowing they would win. Cano and Melky need to pull their heads out, Bobby needs to make routine plays in right. I hope we have a Miracle come back for the last season, it is possible……but do these yankees have the heart?
Honestly, I don’t know what moves Cash should make. Another bat? With a lineup already consisting of Jeter, Arod, Abreu, Posada, Giambi, (eventually) Damon, and even Cano – what is another bat going to do other than get stranded on base and lower the collective Yankee batting avg with RISP. This line up as is – should be able to score runs aplenty. Getting another arm is going to be marginally better than the plugs in place now (Rasner/Ponson). Millwood? Byrd? Wolfe? No thanks.
I voted Yes because the Yankees ALWAYS make the playoffs, silly rabbit.
The rumors are flying. The rumors are flying. The rumors are flying.
Tampa Bay and/or Minny is going to beat us for the Wild Card?
lol
I can’t even fathom the answer. It hurts too much even to entertain the possibility.
Brian, please make a deal for a starting pitcher, if only because the four cornerstones of your dynasty are all one year older and three of the four are starting to show their age.
If the Yankees can do so without relinquishing Hughes, A-Jax, Montero, Melancon, or Humberto, I’d like to see them acquire either Burnett or Bedard (if his latest injury is indeed a minor one.)
A good second-half and Burnett would opt-out and Bedard is a free-agent after 2009.
“i voted no, but i think they have a realistic chance if Brian Cashman gets up off his arse and makes a move or two to make a push.”
And what would be the long term cost of said “push”?
That’s the real question. Not “could the Yankees make moves that would drastically increase their 2008 playoff chances.” The answer is probably yes. They COULD go out and get Nady and Holliday, pay Abreu to play somewhere else, and import some league-average rotation help. They’d probably win the wild card and not get to the series. It would also take about 5 years for the system to recover from those moves. Kennedy, Hughes, Melancon, Macallister, Montero, Jackson, Tabata, Cox, Ohlendorf, McCutchen…these guys would ALL be gone.
Even with Barry Bonds in the lineup I do not think we make the playoffs this year.
Just sit back, watch the games and take this team for what it is. Maybe next year
Sunny15:
A decent right handed bat would be of some help. This is a very lefthanded lineup. I don’t suggest a big splash, but someone like Kearns from the Nats might be helpful as an occasional LF or bench depth.
It all depends on what moves Cashman makes between now and July 31st.
The team as constructed now will be hard pressed to see the postseason.
Brian Cashman, you’re on the clock !
“Honestly, I don’t know what moves Cash should make. Another bat? With a lineup already consisting of Jeter, Arod, Abreu, Posada, Giambi, (eventually) Damon, and even Cano – what is another bat going to do other than get stranded on base and lower the collective Yankee batting avg with RISP. This line up as is – should be able to score runs aplenty. Getting another arm is going to be marginally better than the plugs in place now (Rasner/Ponson). Millwood? Byrd? Wolfe? No thanks.”
i know im in the minority, but I would be in favor of a big splash, not just a mediocre upgrade like a Wolf or Millwood, or a Richie Sexson.
i’m tired of seeing the organization bring in marginal talent under the “throw sh*t up against the wall and see what sticks” plan.
youve got money, and youve got prospects. there are big names on the market who will help this team. stop with the conservative movement, and show the vets on this team you believe in them.
i’m not saying empty the farm, but lets be creative.
I say no, we pushed it to the brink last year, and got a little lucky. The Yanks played very well in the 2nd half and Detroit fell apart, but you cannot keep tempting fate.
There biggest issue is that to make a reasonable run, they would need to add an impact RH bat and at least one decent starting pitcher. However, they will have to trade good prospects to get these type of players, ie. Montero, Heredia, Jackson.
The question for Yankee fans is the following:
Is it worth it to trade very valuable pieces for the future for a 4th starter and a RH bat? With the injuries we have already suffered, it seems like this is just not meant to be, so I say make no significant deals. Let this team play it out, if they get hot, then great, if not, then you are in a very good position entering the off-season.
Caesar.
The holes on this team are there for all to see. It’s up to the GM to plug them or start the talk about 2009.
No pitching, no run support.
No playoffs.
The team seems worn down and just downright pathetic with risp. however i voted yes. will they lose first round of the playoffs: yes. I just think the young players will realize they owe it to mo, muss, pettite, posada, and jeter will finish above .300. I can’t figure out how they will make the playoffs, the rays collapsing, or them surging. but they will. next year (and 2-3 from now) they will dominate. However this year they will do it for george and the stadium.
I want to watch the next 2 or 3 games. Then I’ll decide. Let’s see if they come out with more fire.
“And what would be the long term cost of said “pushâ€?
It would also take about 5 years for the system to recover from those moves. Kennedy, Hughes, Melancon, Macallister, Montero, Jackson, Tabata, Cox, Ohlendorf, McCutchen…these guys would ALL be gone.”
how do you figure every single one of these prospects are gone? i never said “sell the farm” but youve got depth.
you could prob move a package like Hughes, Tabata, and two other lesser prospects for Holliday.
the Pirates are looking for two solid prospects and one lesser for Jason Bay.
so you make a move for one of these guys, who would also be under control for the next year at least, and you have money to extend them if they work out in NY.
I voted yes. I still believe they can do it.
I would like to applaud all of the brave souls who go out on a limb and say ‘it depends’
We’ll make it. Oh yes, we’ll make it.
Too many variables at stake right now to know for sure.
The first half of this season didn’t at all feel like last year—a few good victories among mostly lifeless baseball–but I have a feeling the all star game may have actually done something for this team…
Turn Two,
The problem I see is that other GM’s have very little time for Yankee creativity. They demand a higher price from the Yankees and though we may not like it, it seems to be reality. Cashman is in a very difficult spot and the lack of progress by many of their top prospects is only adding to the equation. The performance or Kennedy, Hughes, Horne, and others have put Cashman’s back against the wall. I am not blaming these players, they are young and growing, and the injuries are having an impact.
Caesar.
“you could prob move a package like Hughes, Tabata, and two other lesser prospects for Holliday.”
Sure you COULD do this. Colorado would probably jump at this package. But would it be worth the cost? Is trading Hughes, Tabata, and another someone worth paying Holliday 18+mil per year?
As Whozat likes to ask, would you trade Hughes, Tabata and someone else for Matsui?
I don’t think anybody offered Cashman a potential 1B a potential everyday RF plus another piece for Matsui last winter.
“you could prob move a package like Hughes, Tabata, and two other lesser prospects for Holliday”
Doubt it. Tabata stock has fallen. Hughes, Jackson and two lesser guys probably puts them in the neighborhood but otherwise, no way.
“so you make a move for one of these guys”
Because that, to me, is pointless. One of those guys will not be a difference maker. Abreu is drastically underperforming, Damon’s hurt and we all know that he’ll come back too soon and gimp along for the rest of the season with no power. Jeter is underperforming, Cano is underperforming, Molina’s in the lineup a lot more often.
You REALLY want to ensure making the playoffs this year? You need to unload Abreu and replace him with Nady at least, if not Bay. You also need to get Holliday because Matsui’s not coming back and Damon’s going to be hurt. And Posada’s playing time is diminished. You also need a solid starter. Byrd and Wolfe would be pointless.
So…how do you get Holliday, Nady/Bay, and some solid starter? Most of the names I listed are going to be gone if you do those things.
I don’t think that they will, but really, really hope that they do.
Can we hear SJ44′s take on this? Where is he?
It’s easily seen that Cashman can’t possibly keep every prospect in the system.
Space will have to be created on the 40-man roster for those with the highest upside at Tampa, Charlston, and Trenton and he might as well do it sooner than later to use some as trading chips.
He stands a chance of making a mistake by including a prospect in a deal that will mushroom into a real player but the element of chance can’t be held in fear.
Every GM in the history of the game has had a deal backfire and none of them are exempt.
i’d like to see the results of this poll compared to the poll that pete put out last season around this time.
I voted “no”. This team as presently constituted will not make the playoffs.
If Cashman trades or acquires some hitters to replace the abysmal on base percentage hitters populating the lineup, we have a shot.
But I’m not optimistic Cashman will do anything since I think he wrote this season off a long time ago.
yes. the teams ahead of them aren’t that great. but obviously the Yanks’ll have to play much better – it’s best to assume they’ll have to go around 45-22.
to get to that winning percentage, with Matsui likely out and Giambi always a huge injury risk, Barry Bonds seems like a no-brainer. i hope the Yanks don’t get prissy about getting Bonds – it’s not like he threw games a la Hal Chase.
Bonds doesn’t solve everything, but assuming he’s not done, he’ll add a few precious wins. and as a fan, i would love to see Bonds hit with A-Rod or Giambi for protection.
You can’t trade Hughes for Holliday.
Look at Matt Hollliday’s splits away from Coors Field.
Replace Hughes with IPK and perhaps, it’s worth considering, but even still, I’m not sure I’d sanction trading high-end pitching for a bat that’s not yet a proven power hitter outside Coors Field. Remember how Dante Bichette performed elsewhere?
Were it Teixiera, then certainly I’d advocate IPK, Tabata, and two more prospects, but then too, only if the Yankees thought they could sign Tex this off-season. With Boras, who knows?
I wouldn’t trade Hughes for anyone not named Sabathia, Santana, or Haren (not Harden).
“That’s the real question. Not “could the Yankees make moves that would drastically increase their 2008 playoff chances.†The answer is probably yes. They COULD go out and get Nady and Holliday, pay Abreu to play somewhere else, and import some league-average rotation help. They’d probably win the wild card and not get to the series. It would also take about 5 years for the system to recover from those moves. Kennedy, Hughes, Melancon, Macallister, Montero, Jackson, Tabata, Cox, Ohlendorf, McCutchen…these guys would ALL be gone.”
hooray for actual common sense.
great post, whozat.
exactly as it should be said.
I voted no as Ive come to accept the fact that the 2008 Yankees just arent a very good team.
“Can we hear SJ44’s take on this? Where is he?”
SJ has been saying for WEEKS that the Yankees will not make the playoffs. Do you really need to know what his opinion on this matter is again?
Fredo:
I don’t see tha value of adding Kearns into this lineup. The games they played where they scored 2 run or if at all showed no signs of trying to get into it. The Burnett/Toronto game was a farce… and if Jeter, Abreu, Arod, Giambi, Posada, and even Cano (and eventually Damon) can’t get this offense humming, Kearns isn’t going to do it. And adding bench depth isn’t this offense’s problem… showing a pulse is.
Turn Two:
You can’t get something for nothing. A good trade hurts both teams. So which do you let go? The prospects you like the most will probably be on the top of everyone else’s list too. Hughes… Melancon… AJax… Tabata… Montero… Don’t we have enough lifeless aging vets doing nothing??
i believe Hughes will most likely still be on the DL at the trade deadline.
SJ44 is probably somewhere trying to figure out how he could have been so wrong about Clayton Kershaw.
the fact that teams ask for more from the yankees is just a myth that fans like to pass along because we like to think everyone is out to get us.
yes, i personally think Bay or Holliday can be a difference maker. Jeter isnt underperforming, the last month he’s actually hit close to his career numbers. he was injured earlier, even if he didnt want to admit it.
package, say, Holliday with a healthy Jeter and Arod, an improving Cano, and get some production from Giambi, Posada, and Abreu, and this offense will score.
i will say, id prefer to go for a pitcher, but i dont see a difference maker available.
and when you get a Bay or a Holliday, you have them for the next year, at least, and extend if you want. I could care less about salary. the yankees have more than enough money to overpay for a guy, especially when he fills a hole for the near future where the organization is very slim with prospects who will be MLB ready soon.
“You REALLY want to ensure making the playoffs this year?”
To be clear, I think that they _could_ make the playoffs with lesser moves. It’s just that they have to also gamble in that case. Gamble that Abreu and Jeter can get on base near their usual clip for the rest of the season. Gamble that Robbie hits .300 at least from here on out, with at least doubles power. Gamble that Damon comes back with a healthy shoulder and keeps getting on base 38-40 percent of the time. Gamble that Giambi can play 1B a lot and not get hurt. Gamble that Posada can catch more often and hit like he should. Gamble that the team can turn it around with RISP. Gamble that Kennedy, McCutchen, Aceves, Karstens or Horne will be able to slot in for Ponson or Rasner when one becomes obviously incapable of pitching well. Gamble that Moose WON’T come back to earth too much.
In my mind, getting this team close to an assured playoff spot is too expensive in terms of prospects. And, I don’t think this is a world series team unless some of the above gambles pay off — no matter WHAT you do. So, given that the team’s going nowhere unless the boppers we already have hit better with RISP, AND the top of the lineup guys get on base more…I figure replacing Betemit’s righty ABs with Sexson’s and slotting Miranda in for Matsui’s DH ABs could help a lot. Getting Bonds could help more, if he looks like he can still play. Look at Nelson Cruz, see if he can take some righty OF ABs away from other guys.
“you could prob move a package like Hughes, Tabata, and two other lesser prospects for Holliday”
no trading Hughes under any circumstances.
especially for Holliday who, as Pete pointed out, has mediocre hitting stats in games not played at Coors field.
“You can’t get something for nothing. A good trade hurts both teams. So which do you let go? The prospects you like the most will probably be on the top of everyone else’s list too. Hughes… Melancon… AJax… Tabata… Montero… Don’t we have enough lifeless aging vets doing nothing??”
thats fine. i’m ok with trading prospects, as long as you make a move that makes sense. i’m not married to these guys like most people on this blog are.
Were it Teixiera, then certainly I’d advocate IPK, Tabata, and two more prospects, but then too, only if the Yankees thought they could sign Tex this off-season. With Boras, who knows?
For what ? Again your getting stuck in that mindset, they make that move which btw you would need to add more than Tabata we’re talking Jackson, Hughes and Tabata in that type of deal, but even w/ that lets say you get Teixeira he plays 1B, Giambi regresses because he needs to play every other day and the Yankees just committed to Tex, anyway you still don’t get out of the first round. These are the type of moves that don’t make any sense Tex isn’t signing this year go after him or CC next year but not now.
No fan is privvy to the exact thoughts of who the hierarchy of the team believes the untouchables are in the farm system.
People like “Stick” Michael, Mark Newman, and Nadi Contreras can make recommendations but we as fans don’t get to hear what they are. We can only make educated guesses.
They always have a list of who is expendable based on talent and numbers shown but they also see the makeup and mindset of a player on a regular basis. That can be a common denominator to those making decisions.
Making a trade for a guy the Yankees could easily sign in the offseason makes ZERO sense.
“package, say, Holliday with a healthy Jeter and Arod, an improving Cano, and get some production from Giambi, Posada, and Abreu, and this offense will score.”
But this is my point…if all those guys return even to their career norms, the offense will be fine anyway. You could slot Sexson in at 1B against lefties and Miranda or Bonds in at DH a lot of the time and be doing quite well. You don’t need to make a big splash…if those guys all hit like they should. The problem is that they’re NOT hitting up to their career norms. Getting Holliday or Bay doesn’t fix that, much bigger, problem.
I don’t think the pitching is as big a concern as the hitting is. Yes, there are holes in the rotation, Ponson will probably implode and Rasner is not the answer. The other three are fine as they go. They need run support, which they aren’t getting.
Getting a bat in the line up may help at this point. A player like Holliday brings a bit of “hard player” attitude that we have not been seeing as much. Damon is a key piece, bigger with Matsui out, but the Yankees need some batter who can maybe take pressure off so the others can stop pressing and trying to tie games with one swing.
The Yankees can afford to move some players, but it would be stupid to move a lot of them. I view Kennedy as one of the more likely to be moved that could bring a decent return if packaged right.
I just don’t think Cashman will make any moves though, so in that event, there won’t be any playoffs this year.
“thats fine. i’m ok with trading prospects, as long as you make a move that makes sense.”
So am I. I just argue that no one player is a difference maker for the Yanks right now. So a big splashy trade doesn’t make sense.
For those of you who voted yes, what team were you watching in the first half of the season?
I ask, because the Yankee team I watched did not look like a playoff team to me.
If Wang does not come back this year the rotation as configured cannot lead this team to the playoffs.
Some will say Hughes is coming back, IPK is coming back. Remember these guys are what, 0-9 this year?
The offense might come back the second half but there are some issues:
You can’t tell me Po’s shoulder isn’t affecting his swing. Jeter looks like a shell of his old self.
Abreau started hot but has faded.
Melky looks like a career singles hitter.
Matsui is done for the year.
Giambi and Arod are the real lone bright spots in the offense this year.
So as much as I love the team and most of the players, I don’t think this is a playoff year. Sorry but I just don’t see it.
I just think this offense comes down to 4 factors
1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Derek Jeter
3. Robi Cano
4. Kevin Long
Those 4 need to step up.
we reall really should go after CC and tex in the offseason. We would probably be the immediate world series favorite. It would take a lot of money and both will be way overpayed, but hey we are the yanks. and he cant be more overpayed than giambi..hopefully
“but the Yankees need some batter who can maybe take pressure off so the others can stop pressing and trying to tie games with one swing.”
But we had Matsui in the lineup until a couple weeks ago. And Damon too. That’s two good bats. In fact, outside Coors, Holliday’s bat basically IS Matsui. And that didn’t “take the pressure off”. And they were both hitting really well.
So, how can we say that Holliday is the “missing piece” when we HAD more bats in the lineup and it still didn’t help?
I voted no and I’m usually the kind of optimist the SJ and others hate. Don’t see guys like Melky and Abreu getting right and I don’t like 4th or 5th starters.
I really hope Cashman doesn’t due something crazy with an in season trade. Guys I don’t want to see moved: Hughes, AJax, Jesus, Melancon, Brackman.
Guys I think they should use Cox, Horne, McCutchen, Kennedy, Tabata.
and giambi has been not so hot recently or with risp in general
Am I the only one who likes Bay better than Holliday for the Yankees? I wouldnt want to trade the farm for either of them, but if I had my choice of the 2, Id take Bay without thinking twice.
Here’s something I found while putzing around – an interesting read on the 2000 season mid year by Buster Olney of all people…
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/f.....A9669C8B63
“Again your getting stuck in that mindset, they make that move which btw you would need to add more than Tabata we’re talking Jackson, Hughes and Tabata in that type of deal, but even w/ that lets say you get Teixeira he plays 1B, Giambi regresses because he needs to play every other day and the Yankees just committed to Tex, anyway you still don’t get out of the first round.”
There’s no way Texeira would cost Jackson, Hughes, and Tabata in a trade. The Atlanta GM would have to be drunk to make that kind of trade proposal. Texeira will be a free agent in 3 months there’s no way anybody offers that kind of talent for him.
There’s a fine line between dealing to make the playoffs this year and mortgaging the future to do it and still come out of it smelling like a rose.
No easy decisions are involved. Cashman will wear out every high tech gadget he owns before the end of July.
Sunny:
I seriously doubt the Yankees will be adding an impact bat, as they seem committed (perhaps over committed) to their youngsters). Despite the Yankees depth in the system, the number of top flight prospects isn’t more than 5 (Hughes, Jackson, Montero, Melancon….maybe Tabata). Nobody seems inclined to deal any of those guys and without doing so, you don’t get a Holliday. Not even sure you get a Bay.
Knowing this, augmenting your team with some bit players that are better than the bit players they have now makes some sense. I mention Kearns because he won’t be terribly expensive and he fills a need (right handed bat who can play some outfield).
“4. Kevin Long”
Oh, I didn’t realize he swung the bat. What, do you think he DOESN’T tell his players to think small and up the middle with RISP? He DOESN’T tell Abreu that he needs to get on base more regularly? He DOESN’T tell Jeter that he needs to bang out some more doubles? He DOESN’T tell Robbie to wait for his pitch and look to drive it? He DOESN’T tell Melky that you can’t hit pitches that are at eye level?
The only potential organizational problem I see is that they seem to have no clue what to do against pitchers they haven’t seen before. But that pre-dates kevin long. I mean, this SAME team lead the league in OBP last year (or nearly did, I can’t remember). What, do you think Kevin Long decided that didn’t work so he told them to stop doing it?
bay is great, but the pirates would much rather deal nady, so he will cost a lot
“I just think this offense comes down to 4 factors
1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Derek Jeter
3. Robi Cano
4. Kevin Long
Those 4 need to step up.”
Kevin Long? Last I looked he wasn’t batting in the number 2 hole on the Yankees. What could he possibly do that he hasn’t tried already?
It’s up to the players to play not the coaches.
“Am I the only one who likes Bay better than Holliday for the Yankees? I wouldnt want to trade the farm for either of them, but if I had my choice of the 2, Id take Bay without thinking twice.”
I’d like Bay better, probably, but the noise out of Pittsburgh is that they want to keep him, maybe even extend him. He’s a franchise guy and they have other pieces that they can sell high on in order to restock their system somewhat. Holliday, on the other hand, the Rox are open to trading.
I understand your point Fredo, but I don’t think you get mine. If the offense as it stands right now can barely manage 2 runs a game, augmenting hte team with bit players slightly better than betemit doesn’t do anything to it. Their need isn’t a RH bat that can play outfield… their need is some life and some heart.
1. Alex Rodriguez
2. Derek Jeter
3. Robi Cano
4. Kevin Long
How does Abreu escape this list??
Flashback article to the 2000 season (Buster Olney in the NY Times): Justice, not Sosa to the Yankees… – remember that?
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/f.....gewanted=2
my article link to the 2000 season trade (written by Buster Olney in the NY Times) keeps getting caught in the filter… so as much as pete hates it when I do this… here are excerpts to the article…
BASEBALL; Forget Sosa: Yanks Trade for Justice
By BUSTER OLNEY
Published: June 30, 2000
Excerpts:
Refusing to make a high-priced trade for Sammy Sosa, the Yankees instead acquired outfielder David Justice from Cleveland tonight, the first substantial move to bolster their sagging team.
The Yankees swapped outfielder Ricky Ledee and two minor league players to be named in return for the 34-year-old Justice, who has 21 homers and 58 runs batted in this year — more homers than any Yankee. Justice, expected to join the Yankees on Friday, developed into Plan C for the Yankees in the last three days, after they failed to complete a conditional trade for Detroit’s Juan Gonzalez last week and then haggled without success for Sosa.
…
The Yankees and Indians have agreed on a list of about a half-dozen minor leaguers from which the two unnamed players will be selected by Aug. 1. Baseball officials say no one on the list is a front-line prospect, such as Drew Henson or Alfonso Soriano. The Indians are starved for pitching, making it possible that the right-handers Jake Westbrook and Ryan Bradley are among those being considered.
…
The Yankees offered Ledee, Westbrook, outfielder Jackson Melian and a choice of Soriano or D’Angelo Jimenez for Sosa; the Cubs insisted on five players, including Melian, Westbrook, Ledee and two players from a group of three that included Soriano, Jimenez and Alex Graman, a Class A pitcher. The Yankees also knew that if they agreed to a trade for Sosa, they would then have to negotiate a contract extension of almost $100 million with the slugger — an agreement that would revamp their salary structure and change the dynamics of their forthcoming negotiations with Derek Jeter, their 26-year-old shortstop, and Mariano Rivera, their closer.
…
The Cubs and Yankees reached a stalemate on Tuesday, and the Yankees explored other options. They talked with the Baltimore Orioles about B. J. Surhoff, and exchanged proposals for Oakland’s John Jaha (offering Allen Watson) and San Diego’s Ed Sprague. The Yankees still might try to acquire Jaha or Sprague.
Cashman called Mark Shapiro, Cleveland’s assistant general manager, on a matter unrelated to Justice, and in the course of their conversation, Shapiro indicated that Justice was available. The Indians, like the Yankees, are a struggling American League power. Last week Justice infuriated club officials by suggesting the Indians’ best years might be behind them. ”There comes a time when you say, ‘Hey, maybe the window of opportunity is closing for them,’ ” he said.
…
So with the Sosa talks at an impasse, Cashman began bartering with Cleveland General Manager John Hart. There were only three instances of brief contact between the Yankees and Cubs on Wednesday and Thursday, and in all three instances, it was Andy MacPhail, the Cubs’ president, who made the call, reaching out to the Yankees. Each time, MacPhail was told that Yankees officials were having trouble reaching Steinbrenner. The Yankees were stalling, and the Sosa deal was dying.
Hart and Cashman settled on a deal about 5 p.m. today, and Cashman called the Orioles to call off the Surhoff talks, while Yankees President Randy Levine phoned MacPhail to end the Sosa discussions.
About a half-hour before tonight’s game, Torre summoned Ledee into his office and told the outfielder — who signed with the Yankees 10 years ago, when he was 16 — that he was being traded.
Ledee said goodbye to Jeter, Posada and a few others, but could not face the rest of the team, fearing he would be unable to contain his emotions. His eyes were puffy and welled with tears when he spoke to reporters. ”It’s sad,” he said. ”It’s very, very sad. I’m just sad I couldn’t put it together with the Yankees, the team I wanted to be with.”
…
Cashman said: ”We’re getting a professional hitter who has been in every postseason but one since 1991. His makeup is built for New York. No question, it’s an upgrade.”
Jeter said: ”He’s an established star. He’s been around for a while, and he’ll fit right in.”
The Yankees’ next goal will be to improve their pitching staff. Roger Clemens and Orlando Hernandez are expected to return to the rotation sometime in the next week, but Yankees scouts are scouring the majors for possible candidates, such as Pittsburgh’s Francisco Cordova and Philadelphia’s Andy Ashby. A scout from the Minnesota Twins will be following the Yankees for the next few days, and although there were no discussions about the right-hander Brad Radke, the Yankees will pursue him if he becomes available before the July 31 trading deadline.
”I’ve got the impression this is not over,” Williams said. ”We’ve got a couple of more things to do.”
There’s no way Texeira would cost Jackson, Hughes, and Tabata in a trade. The Atlanta GM would have to be drunk to make that kind of trade proposal. Texeira will be a free agent in 3 months there’s no way anybody offers that kind of talent for him.
Dude your not getting him for free, are you kidding me, put yourself in the other GMs shoe for once, ofcourse he’s going to demand a major haul, thendon’t expect him in NY if you think think that.
Kevin Long? Last I looked he wasn’t batting in the number 2 hole on the Yankees. What could he possibly do that he hasn’t tried already?
It’s up to the players to play not the coaches.
His hitting methods and the tendacies of our batters w/ thier inconsistant plate discipline. See it’s easy to take credit for Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi but when the lineup struggles he’s also a guy you have to hold accountable. This team hasn’t hit smartly for some time whether it has to do w/ Long not expanding thier ability at the plate or the mix of players on this roster it needs to be held accountable.
There’s no way Texeira would cost Jackson, Hughes, and Tabata in a trade. The Atlanta GM would have to be drunk to make that kind of trade proposal. Texeira will be a free agent in 3 months there’s no way anybody offers that kind of talent for him.
Dude your not getting him for free, are you kidding me, put yourself in the other GM’s shoe for once, ofcourse he’s going to demand a major haul, then don’t expect him in NY if you think that.
Kevin Long? Last I looked he wasn’t batting in the number 2 hole on the Yankees. What could he possibly do that he hasn’t tried already?
It’s up to the players to play not the coaches.
His hitting methods and the tendacies of our batters w/ thier inconsistant plate discipline. See it’s easy to take credit for Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi but when the lineup struggles he’s also a guy you have to hold accountable. This team hasn’t hit smartly for some time whether it has to do w/ Long not expanding thier ability at the plate or the mix of players on this roster it needs to be held accountable.
I really hope Cashman doesn’t due something crazy with an in season trade. Guys I don’t want to see moved: Hughes, AJax, Jesus, Melancon, Brackman.
Guys I think they should use Cox, Horne, McCutchen, Kennedy, Tabata.
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
I agree with you, Buckner. The players expendable are who you suggest. Others will be arriving from A & AA levels to replace them according to plan.
Nothing for nothing in deals.
How does Abreu escape this list??
He’s replaceable, but hasn’t really been a problem in this lineup, he actually is hitting well and taking his walks, I got more issues w/ Jetes than Bobby right now.
“the mix of players on this roster it needs to be held accountable.”
How could this be Long’s fault?
Brandon…the SAME PLAYERS last year led the league in OBP. What do you think has happened? That Long has somehow caused Abreu to forget how to take a walk? That’s he’s somehow reduced Robbie’s BABiP? That Long is responsible for Melky sucking? For having to play Molina over Posada a lot? For Wilson Betemit needing to be in the lineup regularly?
I’ve been saying this for awhile Jose Tabata is not going anywhere. I don’t know why people insist on dealing this kid in every deal.
There’s a fine line between dealing to make the playoffs this year and mortgaging the future to do it and still come out of it smelling like a rose.
No easy decisions are involved. Cashman will wear out every high tech gadget he owns before the end of July.
In total agreement with Jackie V.
I have to say I’m concerned the team won’t make the layoffs or that it makes the playoffs then makes another exit in the first round.
If the routine becomes the team plays & hits w/o any life for a week then there’s a team meeting, then they bust out for a 7-run game or two then they revert to their lifeless selves, then they have another meeting, play well for a couple more games, etc etc etc … well then it just ain’t gonna happen.
It appears the notion they could mail it in for the first couple months and turn it on at will for the playoff run has gotten a little too deeply rooted. So they’re not playing like they’re hungry for it and the whole machine’s stalling out. That the division’s gotten more competitive in the last few years is making it even harder. This isn’t 1999-2006 anymore. And that stretches wasn’t 1998 anymore.
Instead of saying “We have to find a way … ” to the media every few days during extended slumps, just play ball like you’re horny for it again because that’s the way.
To get to 95 wins, 45-22
To get to 90 wins, 40-27
Odds are a WC will be somewhere in bewteen the two.
I dont see OAK or MIN staying in the WC through Sep, which leaves BOS, TAM and NYY for 2 spots.
The question is whether the Yankees can as of today play 7 games better than Boston or Tampa over their remaining 67 games?
Nothing is working in the Yankees favor over these next 67. Wang and Hughes as possible Sep callups? Not enough. Kennedy? not enough. No young position players to impact the lineup.
Trade not likely.
My answer then is no. Won’t happen this year.
“He’s replaceable, but hasn’t really been a problem in this lineup, he actually is hitting well and taking his walks, I got more issues w/ Jetes than Bobby right now.”
Bull. GO look at their numbers over the last 45 games. Jeter is WAAAAAAAAAY better than Bobby over that time. And, given that Bobby plays RF, his numbers look all the worse. And…in what way is he “replaceable”? By whom?
good stuff sunny, that is cool to read now
whozat, yes they had struggled, but before Matsui and Damon got hurt the offense looked better than it does lately. Damon had fallen off before getting hurt. Matsui isn’t coming back this year.
Abreu isn’t hitting well at all. He has been striking out at a much higher rate than his norm. Ever since his line drive into the pitchers face his bat has gone quiet.
I say trade Matsui and Kennedy for Mark Teixeira.
NYY makes playoffs if:
Cano has big 2nd half.
Damon returns and keeps hitting.
Cash gets a starter slightly better than league avg.
“Dude your not getting him for free, are you kidding me, put yourself in the other GM’s shoe for once, ofcourse he’s going to demand a major haul, then don’t expect him in NY if you think that.”
Never said he would be free. I said he wouldn’t get Hughes, Jackson, and Tabata. He’s not getting a CF, top of the rotation pitcher and a possible RF in 2 years for Texeira.
I actually voted no -I’m generally pretty optimistic about the yanks – but the key injuries (particularly if Matsui can’t come back) really worry me. If TB can fade during the second 1/2 though, wild card remains possible.
It doesn’t look too good for us. I’ll probably me watching more football in October than I have since 1993.
What we have here is the Yankees version of a rebuilding team. Out of spring training, our season was put on the backs of Hughes and Kennedy and if you look at the standings, the difference between us and Boston/Tampa Bay is that we lost the games that they started. Since Hughes and Kennedy are new to the major league level, we asked a lot from them.
But the glaring disappointment is the hitting and that’s what will make or break us this year. Even with injuries to Matsui, Damon, and Posada, I at least expected Robbie Cano and Melky to pull more of their weight. Apparently, we had a stretch where we were scoring runs like the 1992 Yankees. That’s a bad sign. I’m not optimistic that our bats will turn it around soon.
I don’t see the Yankees making the playoffs. Their offense is too inconsistent and I do not see it turning around. They can’t just turn a switch and suddenly develop plate discipline that has escaped them for most of the season.
Plus, as Brandon wrote – THANK YOU
His hitting methods and the tendacies of our batters w/ thier inconsistant plate discipline. See it’s easy to take credit for Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi but when the lineup struggles he’s also a guy you have to hold accountable. This team hasn’t hit smartly for some time whether it has to do w/ Long not expanding thier ability at the plate or the mix of players on this roster it needs to be held accountable.
Brandon…the SAME PLAYERS last year led the league in OBP. What do you think has happened?
Nothing really the mix of players might not be as good collectively. These players have been added since 2004 and have yet to make an impact.
That Long has somehow caused Abreu to forget how to take a walk?
Bobby’s been steady, just look at his numbers w/ men on base and we’ve seen it w/ our own eyes he actually does get the job done (amazing I never thought Bobby would be the bright spot but he is)
That’s he’s somehow reduced Robbie’s BABiP? That Long is responsible for Melky sucking?
Well Robi never progressed under Long that mostly had to do w/ Gary Denbo and Don Mattingly but that’s mute now. Melky had a progression w/ Long in AAA but his problem is more w/ himself Melky thinks he’s a HR hitter.
For having to play Molina over Posada a lot? For Wilson Betemit needing to be in the lineup regularly?
Betemit has disappointed me, LD % are great and then you see him either line out or strike out. (too much) Molina is what he is a defensive upgrade in one spot, Posada well we need his bat to show up (I’m not worried about him)
Henry being Henry?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3493031
I voted yes, in the hopes that the Yankees won’t disappoint me.
““Dude your not getting him for free, are you kidding me, put yourself in the other GM’s shoe for once, ofcourse he’s going to demand a major haul, then don’t expect him in NY if you think that.â€
Never said he would be free. I said he wouldn’t get Hughes, Jackson, and Tabata. He’s not getting a CF, top of the rotation pitcher and a possible RF in 2 years for Texeira.”
Brandon,
To elaborate on my point, the GM is rumored to have offered Texeira for Youkilis and Craig Hansen *best reliever in AL East*.
Do you think Youkilis and Craig Hansen could get you Hughes, Tabata, and Austin Jackson?
“Oh, I didn’t realize he swung the bat.”
whozat-
if the hitting coach has no effect, than why have one at all?
in your mind. what does the dude do when he’s doing a good job?
Bull. GO look at their numbers over the last 45 games. Jeter is WAAAAAAAAAY better than Bobby over that time. And, given that Bobby plays RF, his numbers look all the worse. And…in what way is he “replaceable� By whom?
Remember when we said some numbers lie ? Whozat we’ve seen it, even had posters making excuses about his hand being hurt everytime he hits into DP, you know it ! you’ve even seen it the one solid hitter in this lineup and his numbers don’t show it is Bobby Abreu ! Not Jetes, Bobby Abreu !
“whozat, yes they had struggled, but before Matsui and Damon got hurt the offense looked better than it does lately. Damon had fallen off before getting hurt. Matsui isn’t coming back this year.”
Damon hit .363 in june and .400 in his last four games before hitting the DL. and I know Matsui isn’t coming back. my point was that, even with a couple more quality bats, the lineup was still wildly inconsistent. Thus, making a splashy move for one bat is probably not going to fix anything. The rest of the team needs to come around in order for this to be a championship team. And, if the rest of the team comes around…we don’t need to have made a splashy move.
“Whozat we’ve seen it, even had posters making excuses about his hand being hurt everytime he hits into DP, you know it ! you’ve even seen it the one solid hitter in this lineup and his numbers don’t show it is Bobby Abreu ! Not Jetes, Bobby Abreu !”
Yes, Jeter hits into lots of DPs. Yes, that is a problem. But, if you think Bobby’s not a problem, you are blind. Go look at how hideous he’s been for the last month and a half. It’s shocking. Your selective memory is lying to you. He’s been TERRIBLE for over a month.
“you’ve even seen it the one solid hitter in this lineup and his numbers don’t show it is Bobby Abreu ! Not Jetes, Bobby Abreu !”
It’s funny that you believe this. According to the numbers crunched by the replacement level blog folks Jeter’s been the 3rd best SS in the AL while Abreu has been the worst RF when you account for offense and defense.
50/50
yanks need to make a run at some point…
but if they keep pace with tampa + boston but beat them when they face each other, then it’s all good.
but right now, i have no clue…
I find it interesting that up to now noone was talking about Robertson – who is going to be a real good pro for a number of years in my opinion. His got stuff, an idea on how to pitch and doesn’t get flustered – a poor man’s Jaba if you will maybe knickname him Jabo
I find it even more interesting that noone is talking about Jason Jones who has a great shot to be named Pitcher of the Year for AA Trenton.
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.....pid=459419
Yankees Brass gets too excited about velocity (Farnsworth, Eric Plunk etc don’t always pan out)
They need to move Jones to AAA if not now then for sure next year and if he has as a very good 1st half into the MLB starting lineup. He projects in my opinion a number 3 starter with the potential for 2 – a 5 starter at worst. He is better than Rasner at this point. He has done well the last 3 years .
Keep an eye on this guy………..
To be honest all of them have been pitiful at the plate but in the clutch, I’ll take Jeter anytime…
whozat, with a big assist to Ray, thanks for doing such a great job beating back these unrealistic expectations.
Buckner’s list of who should be available from the Yanks’ farm system is dead-on. And the truth is, none of the top guys (Holliday, Bay, Nady, etc.) can be had without going deeper into the system than that list.
To be honest all of them have been pitiful at the plate but in the clutch, I’ll take Jeter anytime…
Not this year.
Mitch, how do you know what another GM will want in a trade? Are you a GM?
http://www.mlbnewsonline.com/2.....inent.html
Brandon: I guess you didn’t watch the 2 game vs Tampa…
I say pick up Bonds for the league minimum and trade for Burnette or Bedard…
“http://www.mlbnewsonline.com/2008/07/source-bonds-yankees-deal-imminent.html”
Brandon,
If this is true, your reaction please?
To be honest, I think it’s highly likely our second half is worse than the first half. With the injuries, a toothless offense, and the instability of mixing in Hughes/Wang/IPK this might not even be a .500 ballclub.
I know it’s early to think this way, but if we don’t make the playoffs I just hope we land in the bottom 15. That way we won’t lose a 1st round draft pick if we make a big off-season splash on a free-agent class that includes Sabathia, Sheets and Texeira.
The poll lacks a It’s All A-Rod’s Fault option
Pete,
I am going to sit this poll out. I haven’t had the best luck with polls lately.
If I voted my heart, the Yankees would make it, but if I voted my head, I think they wouldn’t. I am not ready to witness the upset yet. I think they had an excellent chance of making it before all the injuries. I think we have a great team for 2009 minus any serious injuries.
That being said, they are the Yankees afterall, and they have a way of beating the odds and surprising us. I’m still holding out hope.
“The poll lacks a It’s All A-Rod’s Fault option”
Blargh,
It’s always A-Rod’s fault. That’s to be considered a given.
ill believe it when i see it. but oh man, if that goes down.
Brandon,
If this is true, your reaction please?
That’s not an official source and Cashman was on ESPN radio saying he wouldn’t sign Bonds so I choose not to believe a blog site I’ve never seen.
If that online report is true I will be VERY VERY disappointed in the Yankees
Great move!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hmm, good point, ray
I understand why people would be hesitant to say the Yankees will make the playoffs, but I still have faith. In what? Nothing in particular. I’ve just been spoiled to this point with the Yankees not missing the playoffs, and my brain can’t fathom October without the Yankees.
The one thing I implore you all to do is be calm for a few more weeks. There’s a LOT of baseball left, and a lot could happen. The one thing that annoys me to no end is at the end of a bad game, the blog is full of “YANKEES SUCK. WE’RE DONE. STICK A FORK IN US!” Bull. You stay with your team and root for your team. You don’t give up midseason when the playoffs clearly haven’t been filled yet. 5.5 out of the wild-card and 6.5 out of the division isn’t impossible. Unlikely with our current lineup/rotation, yes. But not impossible.
“That’s not an official source and Cashman was on ESPN radio saying he wouldn’t sign Bonds so I choose not to believe a blog site I’ve never seen.”
fair point. I did hear Kenney and Kellerman’s snippet from Cash about how Sexson is on the team radar, and Bonds is not.
raymagnetic and whozat
serious question.
do either of you ever disagree with cashman?
you seem to simply endorse 99% of his moves.
do you have any thoughts of your own?
No.
They’ve been playing like a third-place team. Just over .500. Many games when they just don’t seem to be clicking on all cylinders. They’ve been coping with a patched-together rotation and three of their best bats–Damon, Posada, and Matsui–have really been hampered by injuries.
I’d love to be surprised, but it WOULD be a surprise to see the Yanks make the post-season.
They surprised last year, but they didn’t have these kinds of problems last year.
UGH! No Bonds.
Also, never even heard of that site before..
Dis Custard, I’m not an astronomer, but I know that the sun rises in the morning and sets at night.
Holliday is not available for IPK, Melky and McCutcheon.
fair point. I did hear Kenney and Kellerman’s snippet from Cash about how Sexson is on the team radar, and Bonds is not.
TurnTwo it’s amazing to me how people now choose any type of blog site to call a “source”. Bonds to Yankees imminent maybe I should start a rumors blog see how many hits it gets. He was on today w/ Kenney and Kellerman and stated Barry Bonds is not on thier radar, Richie Sexson is IDK how official we need to get here w/ this one BARRY BONDS IS NOT COMING TO NY, it’s that simple.
“do either of you ever disagree with cashman?
you seem to simply endorse 99% of his moves.
do you have any thoughts of your own?”
What moves has he made or not made for me to be disagreeable with? I agreed about not trading for Santana. That’s pretty much the only decision he’s made since I’ve been coming here.
But to answer your question, yes I have thoughts of my own. Do you not notice how often I disagree with you?
It really could go either way. How’s that for a non answer.
On one hand, beating the Twins, A’s, and Rays (even, though the Rays are not a fluke) for the WC does not seem like that much of a stretch. On the other year, this really seems like a transistion year. The Yankees have a lot of pride, though. When all is said and done, I think they’ll make a great run at it, no matter what happens.
I don’t think so. Losing Wang is too big a loss to overcome.
The much improved bullpen will not be enough to overcome the weak starting pitching. I hope I am wrong. LOL
“Do you not notice how often I disagree with you?”
raymagnetic-
yes , i do notice that.
but since i’m so down on cashman, you disagreeing with me could simply be agreeing with cashman.
cashman has only made the santana decision since you’ve been here?
doesn’t that seem to be on the minimalist side for a gm?
other teams are making moves .
what is cashman waiting for?
Somehow, someway……..
“doesn’t that seem to be on the minimalist side for a gm?
other teams are making moves. what is cashman waiting for?”
for better or worse, for all of the great talent in the system to bear its fruit.
Mitch, see, you are wrong, the sun doesn’t rise the earth revolves. Just goes to show that you don’t know anything.
Nice to change a discussion into one small set though.
What a tool.
That MLB Rumors site has got to be BS.
Who’s on first?
Hey Randy,
I am not ashamed to say I nearly always agree with Cashman. In the three years he has been here, he built up an empty farm system, avoided panic Leiter-for-Barfield type deals, and managed to unload malcontents like Sheff, RJ and Wright and still manage to get guys in return for them.
The guy single-handedly reversed the course from the first half of the decade, when the team had run itself into a rut.
Yankee fans should be grateful to have a guy like him.
What move would you make that Cash hasn’t? You see what teams are getting for the Sabathias, Hardens and Harens of the world. What move would you make?
It’s so easy to say, “Cash hasn’t done anything.” It’s harder when you are asked to ID what he should have done that he hasn’t.
The offensive line up is not good enough to make it this year as currently constituted. Cashman needs to find this year’s David Justice. The bullpen appears to be good enough and the starting pitching has been servicable. What kills the Yankees this year is a line up that fails to build off one another. They hit as if no one is on base and without any thought of the situation. If Cashman can make a deal for a bat, they have a chance. If he stands pat, they will fall short and with a $200 million payroll, injuries notwithstanding, that is a major organization-wide failure. The AL is not full of world beaters this year — they should be good enough to get the wild card.
Rocco Mediate pulling moves again.
Dis Custard,
Nice to call people names.
Especially nice when you’re dead wrong about what deals are available. But, I guess when the facts aren’t on your side, all that you can do is name call.
Next call me a jackass because I don’t think that Brett Gardner is the second coming of Ken Grifey Jr.
wow its pretty even with this poll! well i voted yes based on 2 things.
1)they are the yankees
2)when A-rods life goes bad his baseball life goes great!
see you in october!
Next call me a jackass because I don’t think that Brett Gardner is the second coming of Ken Grifey Jr.
Who said he is
I don’t see the Yankees making the playoffs unless some moves are made by Cashman (who, in my opinion, has really underperformed in his tenure as a GM). They don’t have to be big splashes, but they have to address the shortcomings of this team. First, I disagree with the notion that Abreu is underperforming and needs to be traded (with 60 RBIs under his belt, where is the problem? I’ve seen Bobby win more games with his bat than A-ROD this year). First move needs to be Kennedy for Brian Fuentes. I don’t consider Kennedy the future (if anything he has a prima donna complex and frankly I’d be surprised if he amounts to much more than a back-of-the-rotation pitcher over the years). That would strenghten the bullpen and provide help with the times where Mo is unavailable. Second, fix the three-catchers problem: Chad Moeller is underused since he is not a good hitter. (Would Joe Buck’s suggestion of going after Piazza be a good one?) Third, get a PH of value (Sexson?) -Notice that the two last problems are related-
I am not suggesting throwing the future away for Matt Holiday, but I would explore the possibility: certainly involving Melky (let’s face it, he has peaked) and/or Kennedy and a prospect for such a trade.
As much as I hated to do so, and as slowly as I moved my mouse over toward my choice, I had to vote “no.” I hope beyond hope that I am wrong, and if everything goes right from here on out, then I’ll be happy to say “I was so wrong!”
But right now, sadly, no.
That doesn’t meant, however, that I don’t think they’ll be fighting hard all the way to the end, because I do think they will. I don’t think this team is going to disappear and be a non-entity in September baseball. I just think that this season they fall a bit short.
And I don’t mind if they do (fall short, that is). I don’t want Brian Cashman to take a mortgage out on the future to salvage a year where almost everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong. Could you imagine if he decided to make that push and some freak thing happened to whoever the trade du jour guy was? Ouch. And the way things have gone, I wouldn’t discount such superstition. (And I realize it has no basis in logic, reality or anything sane. Just feeling a bit snakebit as a Yankee fan this season.)
Pete,
We need a Cashman poll!
Scranton,
Just noticed he’s the clubhouse leader. Course must be brutal. -1 is low score. Hope the golf gods give it to him.
Brandon, I was making the point that it’s wrong to name call someone for saying something you don’t agree with, especially when the name caller doesn’t have the facts on his side. Gardner is not Griffey, so I should get name called.
I guess I chose that untrue statement because of how so many people who post on this blog love Gardner.
I’ve never liked him, but, for the price, I can’t see how Bonds does not makes sense.
However, what this team has long needed is a couple more hitters from the Johnny Damon school. Put the ball in play and try to get on — no need for a big hit every time. (Jeter, at his best, is this type of hitter.) Sure, most of the lineup consists of guys who *can* (and have) hit. But because of the apparent hitting philosophy of most of them (get the big hit), many of them have to be hot at the same time for the offense to produce.
You keep putting men on base, it puts a lot of pressure on the opposing pitcher. Yeah, the Yankees have sucked with RISP. But keep putting men on (and steal a bag, every now and then), and the runs will come. A few years back, it looked like they were trying to add more OBP guys. But the Yankees (Steinbrenner) always seem to fall into the big bat trap.
I guess that’s one reason why Bonds wouldn’t make sense. But he’s just so damned cheap.
bonds to yanks?
http://www.mlbnewsonline.com/2.....inent.html
Embattled former Giants slugger Barry Bonds has entered into formal contract negotiations with the Yankees, and a consummation of the deal is anticipated forthwith, a confidential clubhouse source told MLBNewsOnline.com.
The incentive-laden deal, being hammered out between Bonds’ agent Jeff Borris and general manager Brian Cashman, will well exceed the major league $200,000 minimum but has a number of protective clauses to isolate the Yankees’ exposure to the possibility of Bonds missing time due to legal distractions or recurring injury, the source said.
Cashman was reported to have arrived at the decision to sign Bonds during the All-Star break when he determined that the all-time home run leader would be needed to replace injured left fielder Hideki Matsui, who is out indefinely with a knee injury. Cashman was persuaded largely because the team will not have to sacrifice any coveted prospects who had been targeted by various other potential trading partners.
Bonds faces a perjury indictment but is not schedule for trial until March and Borris has assured the team that barring other unforeseen entanglements his client is unencumbered and ready to play.
I don’t see it happening. This team is just too average. They win 6 in a row, they’ll lose 4 of 6. As constructed, they are a little above average, with no depth on the bench and a rag-tag starting rotation, except for the top-3 right now (and I’m not ready to jump on Mussina’s bandwagon until the end of the year). I also don’t think Cashman has that much maneuverability. Hughes and Kennedy have hurt their stock (Hughes by being injury prone and Kennedy by not pitching well and not being able to handle the pressure…unless he’s in KC or something). They are too old, too slow, and not too clutch. To make the playoffs, everything has to gel and that means ARod, Jeter, Posada, and Abreu need to hit consistently well for the rest of the year. What are the chances of that?
Bonds is still agreat hitter, and for the league minimum.
I say why not…
db,
The real questions are, would Colorado do those deals. IPK for Fuentes straight up? A lefty reliever with a 1.2 WHIP and a strikeout an inning might go for more. And as a lot of people here have pointed out, you won’t get Holliday for IPK, Melky and a prospect.
As for Moeller, he’s on the roster because most managers (including Girardi) won’t DH a catcher if there are only two on the roster. You can’t start Molina at catcher and Posada at DH without a third catcher. But Posada is not healthy and can’t catch against running teams, but he is a key bat in the lineup. So, you have to keep Moeller. Piazza is a worse defensive catcher than Posada. He’s not the answer.
We all would like to see improvements on the team. The questions are, though, what are the costs of the moves (impacting the future), and what deals are realistically out there.
I guess I chose that untrue statement because of how so many people who post on this blog love Gardner.
In 36 AB he has to GW hits one vs a prominant pitcher (w/ a big mouth in a huge spot, actually both GW RBI vs the best team in the AL
). Anyway he adds a dimension we didn’t have when he gets on base and plays defense. Give it time you’ll love him too.
Wow. In need of a bat, AZ has acquired Tony Clark from the Pads.
See folks, there’s just not much out there. Unless you give up enough (ouch) to pry the fingers off the goods.
And in this year of parity, the Yankees definitely have a chance to make it if they play better than .500 ball.
I call BS on that Bonds thing. The Yanks dont want that circus.
It’s an arms race, Bonds would definately uplift the line-up and add power behind or in front of A-rod.
Brandon,
I don’t dislike him. I just think he’s overvalued here.
And, I stand by the statement that he is not Ken Griffey Jr.
Has anyone seen where Jackson and Tabata ended up in BA’s updated Top 100???? Any other Yankees added?
Bonds is coming to the Yanks the moment after C-Rod and A-Rod decide to hash things out on Dr. Phil.
(NEVER)
Anyone read these rumors about Matt Cain?
They probably have zero substance, but if they are for real, the Yankees should be ALL OVER THAT.
He is still innocent till he has his day in court. that’s not until March 09.
I say sign Bonds and trade for a Arm…
From what I’ve read/heard, Bonds has not been working out or hitting at all. The Yankees would need someone who could step in and be ready, like, tomorrow. Bonds would need some time.
Bonds is strictly a DH. If Damon comes back as early as he hopes, he will be strictly a DH, as well. You’ll still need to put Gardner and whoever else in at LF AND then there’s the Posada situation.
I really hope the rumor is unfounded.
(Plus I really, really don’t want to have to cheer for Barry Bonds because he’s on the Yankees.)
“Anyway he adds a dimension we didn’t have when he gets on base and plays defense. Give it time you’ll love him too.”
Dave Roberts-lite on his best day.
Yes, Gardner is liked here. What’s not to like?
But the backlash against Gardner is almost as ridiculous as the initial hype. It’s gotten stale.
Gardner may not get as many hits as he, the Yankees, and we would like. But he’s done everything else right. He’ll have some time to prove himself as Matsui’s season is a foregone conclusion.
Kind of how Melky (4th OF) was able to prove himself.
“See folks, there’s just not much out there. Unless you give up enough (ouch) to pry the fingers off the goods.”
Tony Clark does have a history with the team and almost signed with them this offseason, and i dont think the Padres were really sad to let him go, so it makes sense.
i doubt the DBacks really think Clark is going to help them much.
“See folks, there’s just not much out there. Unless you give up enough (ouch) to pry the fingers off the goods.”
Tony Clark does have a history with the team and almost signed with them this offseason, and i dont think the Padres were really sad to let him go, so it makes sense.
i doubt the DBacks really think Clark is going to help them much.
Mel, I would love to see him win this one. He seems like a good guy. He deserves it.
yankees classics are just depressing to see what we could once do
“They probably have zero substance, but if they are for real, the Yankees should be ALL OVER THAT.”
Agreed. Zero substance.
“Anyone read these rumors about Matt Cain?
They probably have zero substance, but if they are for real, the Yankees should be ALL OVER THAT.”
there were shot down almost immediately by the SF front office.
please… people would have a heart attack if Cashman decided to trade the prospects it would take for Matt Cain.
Anyone read these rumors about Matt Cain?
Yeh, Philly is going after him, let them Matt Cain has actually been a disppointment this season. And I wouldn’t trade talent for him.
Fredo,
As soon as I read that rumor, I thought to myself: why would the Giants trade their one and only strength right now? Lincecum and Cain are who they should build that rotation around.
Having said that, I believe Brian Sabeaen is the worst GM in baseball, so you never know.
disappointment * (blah..)
I just pray they don’t make the mistake of picking up Barry Bonds. While not every Yankee over the years has been an ideal citizen, Bonds stain on the face of the game. He has no place with the Yankees.
Turn Two,
So they grabbed Clark as a sentimental move in a division where no one is over .500?
I see your point, but if they could’ve done better they would.
If we wait by the time the prospects are good enough, we will need a short-stop, closer, and a catcher..
I hate to say it, but I would take Bonds.
fyi, not sure anyone already referenced this, as it was written a couple days ago, but just saw it on Keith Law’s blog about his impressions from the AS Futures Game:
“Speaking of big boys, Jesus Montero is already listed at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds. Joe Mauer, the biggest catcher in baseball, is listed at 6-foot-5, 230 pounds. Montero is going to have huge power down the line, but it’ll probably come at first base.”
Don’t let Yankee Classics get you down! If you think back, you will realize that every Yankees season included at least a few games that they lost and some where they played very poorly, too. Yankee Classics is propoganda!!!!
Although I’ll continue to root for them, I am willing to forget about making playoffs this year and focus on building team for next run of championships. To get there, I think Cashman should stop bringing in high homerun/strikeout guys and look for team-first, good defense, gritty, high on-base guys that can hit .275-.310, 15-25 hrs, and 90-110 rbis (e.g., O’Neill, Bernie, Martinez).
Brandon,
Cain has been a disappointment because the Giants have zero offense. its a joke.
You have to entertain putting out an offer for that guy if SF puts him on the block. He is young, cheap, durable, and throws some good stuff.
I’d take him over rasner or ponson. Solid 3/4 pitcher in our rotation.
Stop overvaluing our prospects.
Bonds would fit the bill. Except every HR he hits moves the goalpost for Alex.
They just signed some ridiculously stupid contract contingent on all kinds of HR ish.
As good a short-term solution it may be, it’s not conducive to the long-term goals.
I hate to say it, but I would take Bonds.
F…that call John Daniels lets see what it would take for Milton Bradley since his stock is low.
Mel,
Has Melky proven himself?
“So they grabbed Clark as a sentimental move in a division where no one is over .500?
I see your point, but if they could’ve done better they would.”
i really dont think so. i have more respect for what theyve done in Arizona than to think that they think Tony Clark is more than an occasional pinch hitter and a really good clubhouse guy for the young talent they have pushing toward the finish line.
Mitch,
LOL. I’m not opening that can of worms. Let’s just say that Melky has proved he can play in the majors.
Cain has the potential to be a horse. While i see no reason for the Giants to move him, if they floated him out there id absolutely hope Cashman would make an offer.
Brandon –
Did you see the latest post on mlbtraderumors? Teams aren’t offering the Braves much for a certain switch hitting first baseman.
Bonds is a bad decision in every possible way.
Don’t take the bait…Cash is smarter than that.
I think people fail to realize that IPK wont get us much any longer.
We only need Bonds for this 120 days, I don’t want him long term.
Yes he has issues:
Didn’t Babe, Mantle, Clemens, Strawberry, Jackson, A-rod..
There baseball players…sign Bonds and watch…get a Arm..
number 27………
Mel, I know what you mean.
But I don’t think Melky is an every day Major League outfielder.
I believe that we will reach the playoffs. However, I’m not sure that there is the quality of player out there that is going to make us significantly better and make us the favorites to win it all.
yea but bonds is just a doooosh
Hello, you all forget about us?
jon,
I think part of the reason why there aren’t many deals involving the Yankees is because we won’t be had anymore.
Once upon a time a team with a veteran bat or pitcher would look in the window and see Joba, Hughes, and IPK. They know the Yankees were desperate, so they end up leaving the store with a Joba or Hughes.
There are so many other teams with a win-now attitude that they’re willing to give up great talent for rentals.
Tough times for sure, but hopefully it’ll pay off.
“Did you see the latest post on mlbtraderumors? Teams aren’t offering the Braves much for a certain switch hitting first baseman.”
I’d guess Teixera ends the year in Atlanta and the Braves just grab the pix. You can see what they think his value is when they asked Boston for Youkilis. Nobody is going to offer anything close to that, in my opinion. I think the Braves will come the conclusion that 2 of the 1st 40 picks is worth more than the B-listers that will be offered.
Which game are they showing on YC right now?
The Yanks are currently in a “Transition” year which unfortunately 95% of the time means no playoffs. That is my opinion and I am sticking to it.
” In the three years he has been here, he built up an empty farm system, avoided panic Leiter-for-Barfield type deals, and managed to unload malcontents like Sheff, RJ and Wright and still manage to get guys in return for them.
The guy single-handedly reversed the course from the first half of the decade, when the team had run itself into a rut.”
mitch-
you’ve restated the myth of cashman quite well.
it is a baseball wide trend to value younger players more than before. the yankees have money to spend on expensive young draftees. this is not something very original by cashman at all.
what he’s done is create a team that is unlikely to make the playoffs this year or for the next few years. we’ve seen how maybe one in three “can’t misses” make it. cashman was wrong on hughes , joba, and kennedy all making it this year and so were you since you agreed with him .
the deep farm system you see is in reality likely only going to produce 1/3 of what you think it will. hoarding those 2/3′s that won’t make it is what will knock the yankees out of the playoffs for years to come.
if cashman is indeed only responsible for three years then it is safe to say he’s inexperinced at building a team. he is a rookie in effect at creating a young team since by your own admission this is his first time doing it.. like all rookies ,he’s making lots of mistakes.
it’s a shame he’s wasting peak years of hall of fame players. my only consolation is that hank and hal won’t take the blame for failing to make the playoffs.
cashman will be their fall guy.
guaranteed because neither hal or hank has the guts to take the blame for being responsible for the yankees failing to make the playoffs.
cashman and his plan need to go, and the sooner the better.
I bet the people who voted for the Yankees not to go to the playoffs are okay with us giving up the season.
In the last year of Yankee stadium alot of people are so use to losing in the playoffs they turn themselves into Met fans.Thats sad.We don’t even need big players to make a run.
Remember guys this is a Yankees site.Not a Mets site don’t expect to lose.
Get Freddy Garcia and a righty bat thats all.
Were beginning to sound like the Cubs, who waited on Prior and Woods..
I’m sorry Hughes and Kennedy are not the answer.
Our catcher replacement in the minors is 16.
Make a move now…Sign the best player available cheap..
“Bonds”.
If Cashman makes no move, I think he should go, his moves the past 4yrs have sucked anyway.
Fredo –
Agreed on the Braves/Tex situation – although if you could offer the Braves a couple of guys who are more polished (in AA for ex.) that are safer bets than draft picks maybe a deal could get done.
Since Giambi has woken up, there really isn’t any need to make a move on him now because he is definitely going to make himself available on the FA market at the end of the year.
We will absoultely be in the playoffs, crappy first half notwithstanding. But we need a shot in the arm line-up wise, similar to the Justice deal noted above, and we need it now. Two more weeks of Melky, Gardner and Moilna could bury this team.
Keep in mind, a deal for Nady/Bay and Marte, or Holliday and Fuentes, would also net at least two draft picks (assuming we keep the reliever), because it let’s us give Abreu the kiss off this fall, and as many as four draft picks if we let the reliever go too.
For those afraid to deal youth, check out the precious names we agonized over dealing in 2000 (Melian, Jimenez, Graman, Ledee, Westbrook, Soriano, Ryan Bradley, Drew Henson). One (Soriano) became a very good major leaguer, one (Westbrook) became an average back of the rotation guy, and the rest are selling aluminum siding. Meanwhile without Justice, there is no way we win the World Series that year.
If you believe our minor league scouting has been radically improved (and that’s what I keep hearing from Cash’s Army) then the guys we deal now will be replaced by the guys we draft next Spring. Cashman needs to get off his hands before these guys lose value like Marquez, Horne, Kennedy, Tabata, Melky, Cano and even Hughes have over the last twelve months.
randy –
Instead of looking at this year as wasting HOF players time, how about looking at it as an opportunity for HOF players to nut up and lead the team into the playoffs?
btw – it was rich that you got on ray’s case for not ever being critical of cashman when you are 100% negative on our poor, pale and pasty GM.
seeing rumors about yanks signing sexson… pete can you call cash?
I voted yes because I’m an idiot and let myself get too wrapped up into these sport things to just let myself down.
Hey if the GIANTS can win the Super Bowl with a “lame duck” QB and a RB that stole a Playstation 2 we’re not looking half bad.
“Agreed on the Braves/Tex situation – although if you could offer the Braves a couple of guys who are more polished (in AA for ex.) that are safer bets than draft picks maybe a deal could get done.”
Maybe. I’d put it this way. Excluding Tabata, Hughes, Jackson and Melancon, the Yankees do not have a package of AA/AAA guys that gets you within a mile of getting that deal done.
Al from BK,
I totally agree.
if they can make a sound move w/o giving up more than is realistic, then great. if not, let’s see what we can do with what we have.
unless the yankees bring a stud SP on board, they stand no chance in the playoffs regardless of whatever bat they get
.
I voted yes, it’s more fun to watch the games with Hope.
Also, I bought my mom tickets to see Joba pitch on Saturday, I don’t want her to see a non-playoff team!
The old adage of some of the best deals you make are the ones you don’t make doesn’t apply to this year’s Yankees.
A solid RH bat, a LH reliever, and a reliable No. 5 starter are the glaring holes that need to be filled if the Yankees are to make the postseason.
The bat and reliever must come from elsewhere. The starter can come from within the system.
Randy,
I’m not restating any myth. I’m giving my judgment. I watched all through the 2000s, wondering why the Yanks thought they had to sign Giambi and make other deals that made no sense. And I think it’s clear that Cash has totally turned around the organization in a positive way.
Also, don’t presume to know what I think. I do not believe all the young guys will pan out. But, I do think that the young guys are like stocks, and you need to sell high, keep the ones that will perform, etc. I think Cash has done a great job of not selling low.
Finally, I’ve asked Cash bashers again and again and again to name one realistic move that he hasn’t done. Nobody ever gives me one. In the current market, it’s extremely hard to pull off a deal, especially one that doesn’t empty the system.
I think the Santana deal would have been a bad risk and, in a way, selling low (given the amount of talent the Twins wanted v. the huge contract Santana would receive, one that would go beyond his effective years). I wouldn’t have made a similar deal for Harden or CC.
Do I wish the market was different and the Yanks could make a move? Yes. Would I love to trade IPK, Melky and Marquez for Holliday or Bay? Yes. I just don’t believe these magic deals are out there.
Sign Bonds, were looking for a good offensive player, yes he is offensive in many ways.
but he will help the offense. Were not looking for a Sunday school teacher..
CREDIT Buster Olney of ESPN The Magazine —
Richie Sexson, recently released by the Seattle Mariners, has reached a tentative agreement to sign with the Yankees, according to sources. Assuming the deal is completed, he is expected to be used by the Yankees primarily against left-handed pitchers.
Sexson, 33, was hitting .218 with 11 homers and 30 RBI for Seattle, with 76 strikeouts in 252 at-bats. But he has hit .344 with five homers and 61 at-bats against lefties this season.
The Mariners are on the hook for Sexson’s $15.5 million salary this season because the first baseman cleared waivers, so the Yankees will pay him only a prorated minimum for the rest of the season.
Mike: Thank you
There is no possible way that Bonds will ever be in a Yankee uniform to disgrace the pinstripes. Take it to the bank.
link ?
TKinDC… Giambi had been doing well, but not lately. He is looking very similar to pre-moustache Giambi of late.
Its hard to say who would be a good pick up for the team, but its clear something needs to happen. They are playing stale and sometimes just bringing in a good player can change the whole team’s attitude.
I would much rather see Teixeira at first than Giambi, even given Jason’s resurgence. I would rather see Holliday in Center (even though that is definately not his position) over Melky. Or a pitcher coming in who isn’t a knight, or a AAAA pitcher.
If you were on this Yankee team and you saw all these non-moves like picking up Ponson or having Rasner in the rotation, or Melky still covering center while his bat gently sleeps, or Gardner being in left and covering for Damon (granted short term), would you be thinking positively toward your team?
Chasing individual stats aren’t getting anything done now, but with the way the team is playing its clear they need some inspiration. Cashman hasn’t delivered that since Abreu.
Just reported that the Yankees reached a deal with Sexson this will defintly help us for our playoff push. Hahahaha
we will win the wild card
“In the last year of Yankee stadium alot of people are so use to losing in the playoffs they turn themselves into Met fans. Thats sad. We don’t even need big players to make a run.
Remember guys this is a Yankees site. Not a Mets site don’t expect to lose.
Get Freddy Garcia and a righty bat thats all.”
completely argee with teh sentiment. i dont think Freddy Garcia will help all that much this year, but you need one arm for the stretch run, and a bat not named Richie Sexson.
i would reach out to Garcia though if his throwing sessions have gone well. sign him for the rest of this year, and give him an incentive laden deal for 2009. apparently ARod was pushing for Cashman to sign Garcia, thinks he could be of real help.
Tim,
what makes you so sure Bonds is giong to hit when he hasn’t seen ML pitching in 10 mos?
Link to ESPN. richie sexson
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3493648
The Big Sexy is not the answer….at least he gives us a good glove late in the game
The heart says yes but the head says no. It’s not as simple as catching one team; they need to catch three teams ahead of them in the wild card race let alone the division. It’s all about the not-enoughs: not enough pitching, not enough hitting, not enough consistency, and it seems not enough luck.
Sexson link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3493648
I’m OK with Sexson being signed as long as useless Betemit is out the door and Gonzo is recalled by the end of this month.
“Two more weeks of Melky, Gardner and Moilna could bury this team. ”
I can assure you that those three players will not be what makes or breaks the team this season.
I can’t understand why people are convinced that 3 complimentary players are the key to the Yankees making or missing the playoffs.
Sexton is another 218 batter with no on base percentage. Another easy out.
Great…….
Victor: Roger, Darryl, Micky, Gooden, Giambi, Pettit, Sheffield, didn’t hurt the Image of wearing pinstripes..
Bad signing Sexton sucks…….
“The Big Sexy is not the answer….at least he gives us a good glove late in the game”
Sexson doesn’t have a good glove…
WFAN Just reported Richir Sexton signed with the yankees.
yes he does, he is much better than anypne else the yankees have defensively at the posisiton.
Prince in Pinstripes- Thank for the agreeance that is the thing that people dont understand that this year was always going to be a transition year it was just a matter of the transition going smoothly and it hasnt. IPK and Pavano jr. have not been good even when they were healthy and Wangs injury as we all know was basically the death knell of a .500 season. But everythings gonna be alright next year will come and the Yanks will be optimistic again with their new stadium and likely new player/s to fill it.
“Will the Yanks make the playoffs?”
I think they have a chance but they probably won’t make it.
All of our starters average 5-6 innings. We have Sidney Ponson in the rotation and a Rookie on an innings count.
Our Bullpen has been pretty solid. Amazingly. I guess all the work keeps them on their toes.
We have no Bench. For some reason we carry a third catcher whom we rarely use.
Our offense is too aggressive this year. They don’t work counts and take pitches. I see too many guys swinging at the first pitch.
Joe Girardi’s managing style is horrible. He values opponents splits more than his own teams. He makes almost every lefty look like Randy Johnson in his prime. For some reason he likes to play guys through their slumps and rest them when they heat up. He seems to have one guy he never uses on the bench (Moeller) and in the pen (Traber). I don’t understand why.
This team has to make moves.. MAJOR moves to make it this year. Or they can continue their current course and pray that Boston and Tampa continue to play bad too.
Al from BK,
The voice of reason. Well done.
Oh man, its painful to hear Hughes be called Pavano Jr. OUCH!!!! Screw IPK, send him packing.
“btw – it was rich that you got on ray’s case for not ever being critical of cashman when you are 100% negative on our poor, pale and pasty GM.”
tk in dc-
you how i first knew cashman was going to be a bad gm if given full control.
it was when i saw him in photos in spring training florida in old men golf shirts.
the man has no style or creativity. he looks like his grandmother dresses him.
he wears the shirts i get for christmas that i give away to the thrift shop next door.
you ever see billy beane or even theo look like crap ( well there was the gorilla suit)?
just saying.
… but you are right that raymagnetic and i are polar opposites with cashman. i probably go further than i would were it not for the groupspeak that comes out on the blog in
favor of cashman and the status quo.
i have never been big on conformity and that’s what i see with cashman and his supporters. ther is nothing cutting edge about the man. he’s as boring as they come. he’s a good team member, but not a good team leader.
anyone that supports him is just going to look like a fool as time plays out. there is zero chance of cashman succeeding with his plan no matter how many years are sacrificed. there are just too many other gms who will kick his butt as they are this year.
“then the guys we deal now will be replaced by the guys we draft next Spring”
How do you replace AA/AAA players with draftees when you never get to draft above slot 25?
You guys make me laugh…. Why would Bonds be SOOOOO BAD… Becuase he has steriods alligations?… A-rod is probly the biggest cancer/distraction the Yankees have had in years. Give me Bonds over Sexson WOW…. lol… Sexson is DECENT at BEST… DECENT!… You cannot tell me that he would be a bigger factor then Barry Bonds. We got Giambi already he has won NYC over dont think Bonds couldnt, but he wont be a Yankee so no need argueing about it….
“Sexson doesn’t have a good glove…”
Everything’s relative. It’s good compared to Giambi’s. It’s not especially good when compared to real firstbasemen.
“I can’t understand why people are convinced that 3 complimentary players are the key to the Yankees making or missing the playoffs.
hey we agree on something.
they are all fine in the roles they are in.
Eugie,
We use our third catcher four or five times a week. How? Because every day you see Molina as the catcher and Posada as the DH in the same lineup, it is only happening because we have a third catcher. If Moeller was to be DFAed today, that option would cease to exist, and when we played a team that runs, Molina would catch and Jorge would be on the bench keeping the coaches company.
I say YES, but won’t be easy.
Prince in Pinstripes- Me the voice of reason thanks for the kudos. I didnt mean the Pavano jr. thing thats me being a bit harsh but if he gets another setback next season you have to start shaking your head at his overrall conditioning.
we will if we can get a top of the rotation pitcher and Damon and hopefully Matsui get back in lineup.
” How do you replace AA/AAA players with draftees when you never get to draft above slot 25?”
Which of the current “jewels” that Cashman is clinging to was drafted before slot 25?
Again, if you believe like most Cashman apologists that our minor league scouting has been radically improved, then what’s the big fear in dealing from strength? To me it was alot more risky to deal for Justice in ’00 and Knoblauch in ’98 when we had almost nothing on the farm than it is now when we’re (supposedly) drunk with youung arms.
Sell.
“We use our third catcher four or five times a week. How? Because every day you see Molina as the catcher and Posada as the DH in the same lineup, it is only happening because we have a third catcher. If Moeller was to be DFAed today, that option would cease to exist, and when we played a team that runs, Molina would catch and Jorge would be on the bench keeping the coaches company.”
I guess you can look at it like that. It’s still a waste though. If an emergency did pop up you have another catcher in the lineup and the absolute worst case scenario would be Betemit and then you call someone up for the next day.
“I can’t understand why people are convinced that 3 complimentary players are the key to the Yankees making or missing the playoffs?”
Because those three complimentary players are now a third of the every day lineup. I don’t care who the other six guys are, carrying three non-hitters is too much for any team to bear, especially one that doesn’t have drop-dead starting pitching.
Bonds he can still hit……
2007 SF at bats 340 runs 75 hits 94 doubles 14 0 HR 28 66 BB 132 SO 54 5 0 .276 OBP.480 SLG.565 OPS 1.045
Unfotunatley this is Cashman’s answer. This ranks up there with Kevin Brown.
Bonds he can still hit……
2007 SF at bats 340 runs 75 hits 94 doubles 14 0 HR 28 66 BB 132 SO 54 5 0 .276 OBP.480 SLG.565 OPS 1.045
NO MORE STEROID PLAYERS
Better than Sexton.
No he isn’t. He’s a disgrace to the game. That’s why no one wants the bum.
did we just get one of the worst hitters on one of the worst teams in baseball to make our playoff push? well… this should be interesting…
I voted no, but that doesn’t mean the yankees have no chance.
Unless Ortiz can’t make it back at at least 80% it’s going to take a lot of bad breaks to keep the Sox from repeating as AL East champ.
That puts the Yankees in a 6 way race for the wild card with Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, Texas and Detroit. I’d put the Yankees in the middle of that pack and a 6-1 shot.
Most telling is that Cashman is unwilling to pull the trigger that would sacrifice even a decent prospect. Ponson, Milton, Sexton all seem like zero-cost, low-risk, low-expectation moves. Given the financial return on a Yankee playoff appearance, if Cash and or Hank/Hal thought there was a reasonable chance at the playoffs, they’d venture something of value.
Sexson is a minimal risk…we’re paying him next to nothing.
Bonds is not a minimal risk. he is a waste of time and money.
are there any top of the rotation pitchers available?
After the last 13 years, especially the last couple of years, I’ll never rule the Yankees out. But I have to admit, this does feel like a transitional year. This team is too old and too young at the same time, if that makes sense.
yes.
Steve Phillips says the Yanks wont make the playoffs, Now I can officially say that they will make it.
Moeller should be sent to Scranton.
Cashman hasn’t made a prospect trade in 4 years.
What makes anyone think he will change that now?
missile impossible
i strongly dislike steve phiillips….. who knows if the yanks will make it.. all i know is we cant do it every year( jus 13 consecetive) its bee a good run… this are changing…how many years will be out its my question