That’s a wrap … so what now?
-
- September
- 28
The Yankees are finished, their 89-73 record not quite good enough to qualify for the postseason. They finished six games out of the wild card. In the newspaper of March 27, I predicted the Yankee would finish 87-75 and out of the playoffs. Not bad.
Joe Girardi: “It was a tough season for us. We weren’t where we want to be and didn’t reach our goals.”
Derek Jeter wasa touch more harsh: “It was a failure. We did not do what we wanted to do, We did not accomplish any of our goals.”
Many teams fire coaches they don’t want on the last day of the season. Girardi was asked whether the Yankees let anybody go and he seem surprised to get the question. “No,” he said. “But we’ll have discussions about everything.” That’s not a good sign.
It’s always weird on the last day as everybody says good-bye. This could be the last time that Bobby Abreu, Jason Giambi, Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte play for the Yankees. Guys like Robinson Cano, Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera could get traded. While the Yankees won 89 games, clearly they need to make changes.
——————
I would to sincerely thank all of you for reading and contributing since the start of spring training. We’ve had more than 12 million page views since Feb. 1 and nearly 250,000 comments.
Stick around. There will be plenty of blogging to come. Joe Girardi is holding a season-ending press conference tomorrow at the Stadium and there will be audio from that. We’ll be tracking the news on Brian Cashman, Mariano Rivera, the guys in the Arizona Fall League and everything else.
The plan is to hold another live chat this week. There will be some guest posts along the way and hopefully some sort of get together.
So come back tomorrow. The season is over but the hot stove is just getting warmed up.
This entry was posted
on Sunday, September 28th, 2008 at 11:30 pm by Peter Abraham.
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thank you pete and thank you yankees!
Season ended too soon, but never the less Pete great work all year.
Thanks for another great year Pete. I’ve been visiting the site since for a couple of years now, and it’s the first, and usually last place I go for Yankee info. Thanks again.
LoHud get together?, cool I wish I still live in NY for that & some good pizza & bagels.
lived
Thanks, Pete.
Please be the first to break the Cashman news.
And take it easy on Girardi. He’s a good guy.
Thanks Pete for providing the updates through out the season.
The Red Sox missed the playoffs in 2006 and what did they do? No, not sit on their hands and put false faith in prospects, they went out there and improved the team
100 million for Dice-K, JD Drew, Okijima, Lugo, re-upped Ortiz and Beckett etc.
We need to follow the same strategy. Go crazy in the FA market and round out the roster with home grown guys like Hughes, Jackson, Gardner etc. Do not build the team around the kids, let them be the complimentary pieces they should be. As a big market team in a stacked division, the only way to contend is to spend in the market.
The key is right spending. Sabathia and even Burnett and Teixeria to a lesser extent, is smart spending. Whereas Adam Dunn, Sheets, Perez, Dempster, Burrell etc. is not.
For those of you that weren’t around last off season, you really should stick around for the off season.
It’s sometimes more eventful than the season itself, and it’s also when you really get to know everyone that posts here
I can’t believe its over. Even though the games have been meaningless for over a month, I’ve still enjoyed every single game the same.
Pete,
Can you do us all a favor and have your filter block posts with “Johan” and “Santana”?
Thanks!
Thanks for all your hard work this year, Pete
Time to clean house!
A Big Thank You to Pete!
I laughed. I cried. What else can I say?
Today was their high water mark games over .500-wise at 17. Until Veras did his voodoo.
The closest they got to the top was on July 26. That was the day after Joba beat Beckett 1-0. At 58-45, They were 3 games behind Rays and 1 game behind Sox.
Then they went 6-12 culminating with that horrible 10 game trip when Joba went down in Texas and Betemit and Cano watched that dribbler from Figgins win the game.
When that disastrous road trip ended on Aug 13, they were 6 back and never recovered. Over the last 41 games they would go 25-16 but did not gain 1 game on the Sox.
Oh well.
Thanks Pete. Keep on keeping us posted and we’ll be here!
Wow. Did you guys just catch the last 10 seconds of the Chicago/Philly game?
Still plenty to talk about—- playoffs are about to get underway, Cashman’s future will be determined soon, NFL talk, hot stove, etc.
I agree with Rebecca, the blog is still alive in the offseason, and I am sure there will be some good chats about the all the baseball games going on in October, and of course the Yanks off-season. We got Tigers-White Sox tomorrow at 2PM. I am sure the Tigers must be pumped for that.
Isin’t Mike’d up on tonight after the game/news?
Early preview of whats to come tomorrow from the Diet Coke bandit.
R – E – B – U – I – L – D
W – I – T – H
Y – O – U – R
S – Y – S – T – E – M
The real question, Pete, is did you attend any Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, or Dewey Evans Baseball Camps?
Dude. So not cool.
Why is that neccessarily not a good sign? Girardi’s been busy managing the Yankees and finding ways to win every game.
bring back Pettite and Marte and let all the others go.. add betemit to that list of adios along with clutch giambi, moose, carl, and the others…
no to Burnett he is a injury waiting to happen..
CC and maybe Tex and that is it…...
Good for the Bears—Eagles now 2-2.
The NFC East is going to be a dogfight.
Brandon,
Were you watching the Mets game today? In the last inning the broadcasters were saying, “Wouldn’t the Mets like to have Lindstrom back”.
I don’t want that to be us. A depleted farm system where you have to regret every move you make.
I’d attempt to deal Bet to the NL someone will bite, heck if Dusty Baker can start Corey Patterson in CF batting .200 over Griffey and Bruce and Freel then we can find value for Betemit.
In another month, we can use this blog as Knicks game threads
We can have over/unders on Eddy Curry rebounds and Crawford turnovers.
Manningham, Hixon, and Moss will shine next week in Burress’ absence.
Is this the year the Angels finally beat the Sox?
Homefield advantage – better rotation (if Sox are without Beckett), better bullpen; both teams play very good defense, are well coached and can score runs (albeit in different fashions). I’m thinking/hoping for Halos in 4, despite my disdain for Anaheim (don’t give me that LA garbage).
Okay, someone explain the Betemit deal to me. Please. He’s not under contract after this season, but under our control?
I remember when this blog turned into a liveblog of the super bowl.
That was fun.
Onle one NFC East team remains undefeated. Hmmmmmm.
Pete,
Again, thank you for your tireless work keeping this blog ultra-current and alive.
I’m really looking forward to your hot stove coverage.
Have a safe trip back to NY.
Could Kennedy be in the bullpen next year? Possibly as a setup man?
I don’t want that to be us. A depleted farm system where you have to regret every move you make.
Me neither, I remember people wanting Joba to be traded for Teixeira/Salty last yr. remember that ? Tabata didn’t make it, Phil Coke was almost robbed from us, thank god for those false medical records.
Is this the year the Angels finally beat the Sox?
IIRC the Angels beat the Sox in 2005
Could Kennedy be in the bullpen next year? Possibly as a setup man?
I like turtles
tom,
Set-up who? The other team? I kid, I kid.
Bullpen is stacked. No room. Kennedy could use another season at AAA. He needs to learn EFFICIENCY.
Thanks for a great season, Pete!
In another month, we can use this blog as Knicks game threads We can have over/unders on Eddy Curry rebounds and Crawford turnovers.
ME =
How is going out and spending huge money for huge years on AJ Burnett and CC Sabathia intelligent spening. Have we learned nothing the past 5 years? Look at the Pavano, Giambi, Damon and A-Rod signings. All worth tons of money for supposed stars in the primes of their careers. How many World Series rings did that get us? Zero. The team needs a different direction. You need to change the feel of the team. Get rid of Melky, Cano, Giambi, Abreu and Damon. You need to get different kinds of players. Nady is a good start. The whole stars at every position does not work and we have proven this the last few years.
Brandon: Follow the Nets.
At least then you know they’ll suck, but they’ll make it a fun, entertaining suck.
I know it’s a disappointment not making the post season but all-in-all 89 wins when you march El Sid and D-Ras every 4th and 5th day is not bad. These guys started more than 20% of the season. Combine that with the loss of 100+ runs due to injuries to Posada and Matsui and 89 wins does not look so bad.
Kennedy in the bullpen? With his 88 MPH fastball?
So when he gives up a game tying HR he can say he pitched well and had nasty stuff?
Brandon,
Don’t worry, you’re record improves by 15 wins. Philly and Atlanta look better, but you guys will be good. And don’t forget, LeBra is on his way.
Who do the Yankees offer arbitration to? Please make two lists. One with those they want to keep. And the other with those they don’t want back.
“IIRC the Angels beat the Sox in 2005”
No, that was the Chi-Sox.. who then beat the Angels in the ALCS. The Angels have been pathetic against the Sox in the postseason.
Thanks for everything Pete – the postseason blogging may be busier than ever.
vin: My bad.
Nets have some exciting young players—- Sean Williams, CDR, Harris,Lopez, Yi etc. Along with high energy guys like Najera.
They’re going to suck but they’ll be fun to watch and atleast are building something. Wish I could say that about the Knicks.
Don’t worry, you’re record improves by 15 wins. Philly and Atlanta look better, but you guys will be good. And don’t forget, LeBra is on his way.
Atlanta will still kick our ass, Philly just added Elton Brand there is no way they can defend him and Iggy. Lebra ? his sister ? because LeBron is stamped to the Jay-Z Nets.
Whoever is impersonating rebecca-
you’re an idiot. She’s very cool. Don’t knock her.
Brandon,
You’re talking THE New York Knicks. Madison Square Gardens? My guy’s favorite arena. They seem to like him, too.
E-rod: Exactly. I’m not a huge huge basketball fan, but the Nets at least find new ways to entertain you.
yeah give up on Kennedy after all he is 23..
yeah make him a set up man because he has never done it and what the heck, and he has a 96 MPH heater for that 1 inning..
SHUT UP>>>>>>>>>>>
Arbitration cases –
Abreu – likely will decline
Giambi – will accept
Marte – 50/50 accept or not, likely will
Pudge – Will accept, nobody will pay him what he will make in arb.
Pettitte – Will accept or retire
Mussina – Ditto
Abreu is the only one I would offer it to. Too risky for the other guys, they will all likely accept. Unless you have some kind of handshake agreement beforehand.
Mel trust me as soon as they move from NJ and LeBron might even go to NJ and live in NY until they move, he and Devin Harris are like “this” him and Jay-Z are like “family”.
did you guys see this article?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/27/ap/strange/main4482173.shtml
Some guy posed as a playe for the Dodgers and they caught him on the field. He could get up to 4 years in jail.
Thanks for everything Pete. The off-season will be interesting.
BTWm I think it’s time for registration around here.
Gotta watch Mike’d up tonight. Will the big bowl on the coffee table contain chips or cheese doodles tonight?
You’re a rather interesting young lady with several different personalities…Which Rebecca is this ????
stuart,
kennedy has no future here, he is trade bait. hughes atleast has a high upside, kennedy has #5 starter upside. aceves is better than him. coke could probably do better than him as a starter. horne will be back next year. mcallister will move quickly as will garcia and de la rosa.
kennedy’s asset was supposed to be that he was polished and a finished product and didn’t need time to adjust. he could step in right away and be serviceable, he couldnt even do that.
Curiosity had me check the pitching stats of the playoff teams – every team had at least 4 starters make 26 starts, with the exception of the Dodgers – because they were replacing Penny and easing Kerhsaw into the rotation. Here’s the Yanks breakdown:
Mussina – 34 games started
Pettitte – 33
Rasner – 20
Wang – 15
Ponson – 15
Joba – 12
IPK – 9
Hughes – 8
Pavano – 7
Aceves – 4
Geise – 3
Bruney – 1
Igawa – 1
Don’t ever underestimate the value of pitching inventory. Go get CC and a Byrd/Garland type, and don’t let Pettitte and Mussina retire.
As a big yankees fan i have always wanted to say something negative about the yanks and this year has been brutal so here is my chance “YANKEES SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
lol, right. i guess you’re taking the season ending pretty hard.
Mike’d up will start in about 5 minutes on NBC, FYI.
Let’s see what Dr. Francessa has to offer us this evening.
Rebecca did you steal some girl’s guy or something what gives IP frauds ?
Pete…thanks for sticking in there with us during this long season. I admit at times I have been critical on some of your comments and what you chose to cover, but the bottom line is you give the Yankee fans more inside knowledge than any one else out there. And I am sure you’ll continue your great coverage through the postseason. Thank you again and enjoy your time off from traveling.
Rasner started the 3rd most games of anyone on the team?
Ouch. Nothing against the Raz though, he pitched his heart out. He just isin’t very good. He could be a nice long man/spot starter though.
As a big yankees fan i have always wanted to say something negative about the yanks and this year has been brutal so here is my chance “YANKEES SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!â€
They kicked me in the nuts all season so hell why not insult them, it’s not like they read this.
If the Mets don’t sign K-Rod and trade for a couple of SU men, they are out of their minds.
Francessa said he’s been waiting since 5 pm to address the Mets situation. This could either be really good, really painful or more likely both.
Christina, that’s hilarious.
Guys, I know there’s no way I can prove that I’m me and not the troll, but I’ve been posting long enough (I hope) that you know which is me and which is the troll.
That Mr. Met Francesa has is hilarious.
Francesa time
What is that in the bowl? Doritos?
LOL I just noticed Mr. Met
Rebecca, sabemos.
If anyone wants to give up on a young pitcher, just check out the first two seasons on this link:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/stats?playerId=1800
“Some guy posed as a player for the Dodgers and they caught him on the field. He could get up to 4 years in jail.”
And how does Betemit get away with it?
Brandon: No se. Pero, yo se que el troll no puedo hablar en español. No he tenido novio por màs de dos años, y entonces, eso no puede ser.
And for every Maddux, there are 1000s of Desalvos and Clippards.
Mr. Met doll
Does Francessa actually eat the snacks in that bowl every Sunday night? Or are they only for display?
I usually take october off from work to travel with the yanks for postseason but now i guess i will be in mexico drinking mojitos and laying on the beach.
wow, Mike is really giving it to the Mets – I give him credit. He’s not differentiating at all between last year and this…..Love it!
Pete, not sure why you think it’s a bad sign that no coaches have been fired. The season just ended – let things settle first with the GM. Let them have their discussions – I’m sure some guys will be going or reassigned.
We are gonna hear for the next week on breaking up the Mets core
I have lady friends in many cities for when I travel….However after watching your video I suspect the age gap is an issue…..Although I stay in very good condition, my playing days are a thing of past…..You are an interesting case none the less….
AT least the hot stove will be keeping this blog going…..but until then, I’m thrilled that I can at least follow Phil, etc… in the AFL. That will last about a month and a half …........sweet.
Diablo pero esa degracia no para.
What ‘veteran leader’ is available for the Mets to acquire? Sabathia?
When I grow up and am the GM of the best franchise in baseball, I will reserve the right to fire a manager when I see Mo and A-Rod in line to get ice cream at Fenway. Fire Girardi, he is going nowhere!!
No doubt, vtred – that’s why people have got to watch the games and form their opinions – not just look at stats. To me, Hughes can be a top of the rotation starter (1,2 or 3) when he is commanding his curveball. And IPK usually does a good job of spotting his fastball… but he needs to throw more breaking balls and changeups, as he’s done in the past.
The good ones can make the adjustments, the Desalvos and Clippards never do. At least IPK and Hughes have the potential to make the needed adjustments – I think it will come down to coaching of these guys.
Pat, please tell me you’re not confusing me with the troll? I mean I’m sure you’re not, but I’m also sure gullible isn’t in the dictionary
THE BOTTOM LINE.
Yanks gave up 50 less runs exactly then last year and scored 179 less runs..
Yea Rasner stinks, hughes and Kennedy did nothing but the facts are the facts the Yanks offense stunk.. Giambi’s #’s are misleading he cannot drive runners in.. Sound ridiculous when he has 96 RBI’s.. He is terrible with RISP even Arod is better then him.
Adios Abreu, giambi, Mosse(leave on top the guy is basically 40), Pavano , rasner, ponson, good riddance, so many players that I am glad to see go…
Gardner starts the year in CF; Melky 4th OF… Betemit adios also with Irod and others.. Betemit has a under 300 OBP and he cannot run or put the bat on the ball..
My realistic team for next year.
lf damon
cf gardner
RF Nady
3b Afraud
SS Jeter
2b Cano
1B Open(maybe Tex or miranda…
C Posada
Matsui DH
Much less power but more speed and if they get Tex they will have a little less power the groid but a more right oriented lineup, better contact hitting, and of course uch better fielding
backups;; molina, melky, miranda, and the rest TBD.
The staff; CC, wang, Joba, Hughes, and Pettite
Pen; melancon, marte, mo, and the rest from a huge group including; edwar, veras, coke,
robertson, bruney, and many many other + arms..
The pen is not the problem.. Add CC and Tex and this team is more patient, have a much better rotation and then figure the rest out…
Things to discuss and think about moving Cano for a big time CF, but I like Gardner and if they cannot get Tex then they may need to get a CF with some power…I am not opposed to trading Matsui for another piece and Damon but I do prefer to keep Damon….
Time to trade Reyes.
Don’t know what you can get for him though. Beltran is not a winning player, he is a complimentary player like Abreu. But he isin’t the problem.
Wright is the face of the franchise, can’t trade him.
Russo is must listen tomorrow as well.
Francessa doing a good job so far, no sugar coating.
Honestly, do you guys think banning candy and ice cream from the club house contributed to the sluggish play? also injuries aside, was Girardi the right man for the job?
Blank check to CC.
Seriously. As long as its no more than 7 years, I would give him any dollar amount. If he wants $25 mil a year, id give it to him. Whats money to the Yankees? 88 mil coming off the books.
A pitcher like CC will not hit the market for a long time. Their parent organization will either re-sign them (Oswalt, Kazmir, Peavy, Halladay, Carmona etc.) or they will trade them before they hit the market and demand huge prospects (Santana, Sabathia to MIL, Haren, Bedard, Beckett, Harden etc.)
Blank check for Mr. Sabathia.
Aww, I love Mr. Met…...
Does anyone remember that video that was posted on You Tube last year? In it, Mr. Met tried to end it all by sticking his head in the oven, but it wouldn’t fit. Then, he tried to shoot himself, but his hands were too big to hold the bullets steadily enough to put them in the gun; lastly, he was killed by the Phillie Phanatic. It was hilarious!
I wonder how nutty Joe Benigno will be tomorrow.
Though, the Jets game gave him a reason to smile.
Pete, great job this year. You were great on the UConn beat way back when, but the job you do with the normal newspaper stuff, plus the huge volume of blog material, is amazing. You’re one of the best in the business. Now, use the offseason to go into Red Bull detox . . .
Can Mike get to Brett and the Jets haha. Still pumped about that.
Shake up Girardi’s coaching staff. Get him a veteran bench coach who can play the Zimmer role. Get a new 3B coach. Examine the market for a new hitting coach. Keep Eliand and Pena.
If Girardi doesn’t like it, let him take a hike and make Pena the manager.
I wonder how nutty Joe Benigno will be tomorrow.
Did you hear him last yr. after the Mets series in Philly and Pat the bat was playing HR derby vs them ?
Thank you, Pete. As you could see, for those of us that are obsessed with our Yankees, you drink your weight in Red Bulls to make sure that we get timely information and analysis. As you know, following the Yankees doesn’t end when their season ends. We all read and think about every hot stove rumor and scenario. I keep reloading your page to find new stuff. You have a tough beat and an even tougher audience. I link your blog to my own personal blog.
I’ll be here all winter long.
Does anybody think the Yanks could get Matt Kemp for Hughes? I think a move for a young position player makes a ton of sense, and we can afford to deal some young pitching to do it.
I like the other Rebecca more…..Not the Sybil knock off….
Stuart,
Looks like you put a lot of thought into that.
I want Tex. A real 1B, who’s a switch-hitter with power. If it’s ridiculous, though, I’ll pass.
Dude, Melancon just reached AAA. For the playoffs. Why is he guaranteed a spot.
First things first, settle the GM issue.
Second, see if Andy & Mike come back. Would be nice to know BEFORE free agency starts. Although Mike sounds like he’s negotiating. I think Pettitte’s back.
Third, AJ’s an option whether people like it or not.
Last, Ransom’s your utility infielder.
Mark: Great game today, wasn’t it? I mean, except the part where they almost blew it, but man, 56 points!
Can’t remember the last time the Jets put up a score like that!
Naemeth threw for 496 yards on 15 completions?
That’s 33 yards a completion! Wow.
Does anybody think the Yanks could get Matt Kemp for Hughes? I think a move for a young position player makes a ton of sense, and we can afford to deal some young pitching to do it.
We probably could, but I doubt it. Much too soon to give up on Hughes like that.
Did you hear him last yr. after the Mets series in Philly and Pat the bat was playing HR derby vs them ?
I really don’t remember hearing him, but I am gonna assume he was probably screaming “Oh the Pain” a few times.
Who is this Matt Kemp? A superhero? His name pops up over and over again.
“Lilly sucked for so many yrs. after that deal, he never turned into anything until Pinella got him in the NL.”
This is from the previous thread. Lilly didn’t suck and has actually never sucked. His worst year was since he became a regular was 2005 when he only pitched 125 IP’s. In every other year he’s been league average or better.
How bout shoring up the bullpen with a guy like Brian Fuentes? Believe it or not, Mo’s human and won’t be here forever.
I knew Fatcessa couldn’t go long without mentioning Torre
Brandon, I remember that.
“I am sick and tired of this team that has NO GUTS. I want to see this team play with GUTS and PASSION. Where is the fire? When is someone going to knock Burrell on his rear end!? Here pat, why don’t we just put it on a tee for you so he can hit another one out the ballpark? Joba tried to hit Youkallis, it was on purpose OF COURSE IT WAS, OF COURSE!! Why can’t I see that on my team.”
Game 2 of Dodgers/Cubs starts 9:30 here on the east coast. It will take a little bit getting used to these playoff times again.
Red Sosx/Angles game 1 Wednesday at 10PM.
Matt Kemp is a future All-Star CF for the LA Dodgers….You’ll get to see him display is raw but amazing skills in the next week vs. Pinella’s Cubbies….
Pauly: I think the bullpen is last on the things that the Yankees are looking at right now.
That doesn’t mean it’s not important (yeah, I’m thinking about the Mets here), but the Yankees have more pressing concerns—a starter, a 1B, what to do with Joba, do they resign Abreu et al…
The bullpen this year was excellent. Maybe they replace Edwar or Veras, but they’ve got a lot of flexibility in that regard.
If we sign CC and AJ, I would do Kemp for Hughes in a heartbeat. Imagine him and A-Jack patrolling the OF for the next decade? Speed, defense, athletic players.
A trade like that would really set us up well and accelerate the rebuilding of the old lineup. That’s why it’s imperative we sign 2 FA pitchers. Then we can explore trades like that.
The Torre’s vs. The Pinella’s in the 1st round! Ex Yankees represented on both sides.
Matt Kemp is all that, a bag of chips, and an ice-cold Dr. Pepper. On certain days, he also can be a deluxe chocolate chunk cookie.
This is from the previous thread. Lilly didn’t suck and has actually never sucked. His worst year was since he became a regular was 2005 when he only pitched 125 IP’s. In every other year he’s been league average or better.
He couldn’t even get past the 5th inning, how is that not sucking ?
Teixeria is a must, Finally a real 1B. Gold glover, switch hitter, good clubhouse guy.
lol Mr. Met fell
This is the rotation I would most like to see to start the season:
CC
Wang
Moose
Pettitte
Joba
(of semi-realistic rotations, that is)
“I am sick and tired of this team that has NO GUTS. I want to see this team play with GUTS and PASSION. Where is the fire? When is someone going to knock Burrell on his rear end!? Here pat, why don’t we just put it on a tee for you so he can hit another one out the ballpark? Joba tried to hit Youkallis, it was on purpose OF COURSE IT WAS, OF COURSE!! Why can’t I see that on my team.â€
His exact words were “Why don’t you just put in on a freakin’ tee for him , Here Pat !!!!, Why don’t you hit a another freaking HOMERUN !!!”
Nick: CC/Wang/Joba/Moose/Phil, but I think Moose is going to hang them up and Joba will start in the pen.
I would much rather trade Hughes than Cano.
We have no position prospects in the system. We have plenty of pitching
Balance it out. Thats the point of having a good farm system to make trades to help balance out your team. What good is pitching prospects when your lineup is old as dirt? Only other alternative is giving $120 million to the Teixeria and Dunn’s of the world.
CC is going to SoCal, most likely. Burnett is a gamble, but one the Yanks can afford. They just desperately need to get younger and more athletic in the field. I like Hughes, but they need a guy like Kemp. It sounds like McLouth is a guy they are in love with, as well. He’s not coming to the Bronx without Hughes leaving in return. He’s the most attractive trading chip.
Rebecca: I totally agree that the team has more pressing needs like the one’s you mentioned. I’m just thinking that if you get a guy like that, it essentially ends the Joba starter vs. reliever debate since the 8th inning will be locked up and taken care of. Plus, there’s added value in a guy like Fuentes because by securing a solid set-up guy l we’ll fill one of the spots in the rotation for the cost of a reliever. Killing two birds with one stone, you know?
Also, I’m not too sure, but I don’t think any of the elite closers out there will be FA’s by the time Mo’s contract is up.
Since when can Kemp field ? and McClouth is a guy Mike Fatcessa wants, the Yankees haven’t said anything about him. They most likely aren’t doing that, CC has been speculated that he will stay in the West and he has never said that.
Joba, I really like the Matt Kemp idea but I’d much rather trade Cano over Hughes. Then that we can sign Orlando Hudson and you get one of the best defensive second basemen in the game. Kemp & Hudson would easily make the team faster and more athletic.
“He couldn’t even get past the 5th inning, how is that not sucking ?”
Brandon,
In the 6 years since Lilly left the Yankees he’s pitched for Oakland and Toronto before pitching for the Cubs.
2003 – 178 innings
2004 – 197 IP
2005 – 126 IP
2006 – 181 IP
How is that not getting out of the 5th inning? 2005 he only had 25 starts so I suspect he got injured that year which also coincides with being the worst year of his career. Other than that he’s taken the ball and pitched innings and has pitched well.
S.A: Mr. Met falling was my fault. I live right near Shea and let out a huge fart out the window towards Shea. Stinks like s h i t
Not surprising. Your farts are a powerful WMD fake Rebecca.
How is everyone doing I think if Moose leaves we need CC and Burnett.
If Girardi starts off slow next year, what about replacing him with Ned Yoast?
Joba is starting in the pen. Do not trade Hughes. Even if we sign CC and AJ. We’re gonna need all the starting pitching we can get. There’s a little something called injuries. Plus. If Pettitte decides to come back. It will be Wang, CC, AJ and Pettitte to start. Who’s number 5. As I stated earlier Joba is starting in the bullpen. Rather start the season with 6 or 7 good starting pithcers.
Pauly: You have a good point re: Joba, but about Mo—we’re grooming Mark Melancon to take his role, and he seems to be progressing nicely.
Al – decent game from Favre this afternoon.
“Girardi was asked whether the Yankees let anybody go and he seem surprised to get the question. “No,—
Does anyone believe him?
CC
Wang
AJ
Joba/Hughes
Pettitte
or
Wang
AJ
Joba
Moose
Pettitte
or
Wang
Joba
Moose
Pettitte
Hughes
I’ll just list all the permutations, so I’ll be right.
Joba The Great….I live in So.Cal., and I’m not certain whixh of the trhree teams would lay out all that dough for him….Maybe the Angels as they have the bread to make an offer, but there’s no talk of him coming out here…It’s very early of course, but Yankee dollars speak volumns…..
CC’s not an idiot. He’ll keep the Yanks in play as long as possible—that’s smart business. But he’s not coming here. He’s a SoCal guy. Kemp’s pretty good in the field, can rake, and has great speed, three things the Yanks could use in spades
raymagnetic lets be honest he really wasn’t anything until he got to Chicago.
No kidding? I thought Humberto was supposedly the closer of the future.
Let Coke/Aceves/Hughes compete for a spot. Loser goes to the pen or minors.
If Mussina retires, that complicates things.
Pauly: He was, and then Melancon happened.
Just my guess, but, I think that before the end of the playoffs, both Pettitte and Mussina will decide that they’d like to return and, they and NYY will make the deals official after the Rule 5 draft.
raymagnetic,
Not you, too. randy l finally got over his Livan fetish. Brandon hasn’t spoken of Arroyo in months. What gives?
I heard CC was building a mansion in Orange County. Not a good sign. Hopefully that’s his winter home!
I don’t like any of the other guys. AJ & Sheets are WAAAAAAAAAAYYY too injury prone and I’m not even fully recovered from my Carl Pavano / Jarret Wright / Kevin Brown hangover.
The pen competition will be intense and bring out the best in everyone. Assuming Rivera and Marte are locks then you have
Bruney
Veras
Sanchez
Melancon
Edwar
Robertson
Coke
Albaladejo
Cox
Aceves
Competing for 5 spots.
CC’s not an idiot. He’ll keep the Yanks in play as long as possible — that’s smart business.
No he’s not an idiot, and CC rocks a Yankee cap every sports game he goes to. Cleveland fans nearly ripped him because he showed up w/ that hat at a Knicks and Lakers game.
But he’s not coming here. He’s a SoCal guy.
He can have his house in SoCal it doesn’t matter $$$ talks.
Kemp’s pretty good in the field
No he’s not.
can rake, and has great speed
Yes
three things the Yanks could use in spades
And he’s an immature kid in the clubhouse who’s been labeled a club house cancer pre trading deadline.
I thought he stopped building until he gets a new zip code?
Damn, I gotta keep up w/ my prospects better. Well, at least Sanchez v. Melancon is a good problem to have.
What will prove interesting ia whether other teams are going to be tight-fisted with free agent money in general this offseason. The economy will come home to roost at some point in baseball, especially if they are forced to increase their minimum debt payments (notice that the minimums payments have gone up on your credit cards in the last year?) With the new stadiums going up and the break in revenue sharing they get because of it, the Yanks and Mets may not have a lot of competition in bidding.
CC is such a SoCal guy that he comes from Vallejo, north of San Francisco.
“raymagnetic,
Not you, too. randy l finally got over his Livan fetish. Brandon hasn’t spoken of Arroyo in months. What gives?”
Mel,
Lmao I don’t have a fetish for Lilly, but he’s not a bad pitcher,
CC is not coming here. He is a West Coast guy. If not the Dodgers then a team like the Angels or Giants will nab him.
Too much money in baseball these days, one of those teams will make him a competitive offer and he will take it.
Have to move to plan B. If CC changes his mind and is amenable to the East Coast, then great, But don’t count on it. Plan as if its not going to happen. Cashman even alluded to that fact in Kepner’s article today stating he didn’t want to trade for CC at the deadline because of skepticism that he would sign with an East Coast team long term.
The Yankee cap on CC was photo shopped, FYI
Pauly: It is indeed a good problem to have.
Nick,
Can you blame him for running away from Norcal?
Except CC now lives in Orange County, Nick. Good try, though. You might want to sit there and not talk for a while . . .
trading Cano for Kemp? hell no.
ray,
No argument there. But just like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, he’s not coming back.
Francona confirmed that Lester and Dice K will be starting Games 1 and 2 with Beckett pencilled in for Game 3 depending on his oblique.
I think CC now lives in Milwaukee for another week or so and will soon hopefully live in Westchester County from March through October.
“raymagnetic lets be honest he really wasn’t anything until he got to Chicago.”
Brandon that’s you’re opinion, it’s not based on any facts but you’re welcome to it.
We’re going to have to make him an offer he can’t refuse, Godfather style. David Price is here to stay.
“Al – decent game from Favre this afternoon.”
I would gladly take half of what he gave us today every week. I’m proud of how they played and now we have the BYE next week so guys( Jenkins, Favre etc.) can rest up for a big playoff push. Also they have the Bengals at home right after the break possibly without Carson Palmer so I feel pretty good right now.
The one thing that made the Yankees appealing was the fact that we always were in the playoffs and always gave players the best chance to win.
We no longer can provide that. We are the 3rd best team in our own division, with the 3rd best farm, and 4th worst pitching staff. And now that Cashman wants to rebuild and not go all out to win, we lose a lot of our appeal to FAs. Why go East and have all the pressure of winning for a flawed team when you can go to the Angels, Dodgers, Cubs, Chi Sox etc. and have just as good a chance?
Don’t think players realize the transition period we are in. We lost our our one big recruiting advantage of offering players the best chance to win. We no longer do.
Whatever happened to the old school Yanks/Giants/Ranger alliance vs. the Mets/Jets/Islanders??
Al: Our schedule coming off the bye is great—Rams, Bengals, etc.
If we don’t win those games, we don’t deserve to play in January.
Pauly: Cos you got bums like me who are Yankees/Devils/Jets/Nets
“ray,
No argument there. But just like an ice cream cone on a hot summer day, he’s not coming back”
Yeah, we can blame that on Kei Igawa.
Brandon that’s you’re opinion, it’s not based on any facts but you’re welcome to it.
Ray if you were a fan of his I understand, but Ted Lilly was really nothing special until he got to the NL.
CC has a huge estate in NorCal, which is his main home.
I wasn’t around during the day today, but I have to say this has been a great forum to meet, greet, and talk Yankees.
I think it’s safe to say we’re not going anywhere.
by the way Pete, I really hope you do the guest blogger bit again this year. I had a blast last year and would look forward to the opportunity again.
I think players will understand that this year is an aberration. A CC / Wang / Joba / Moose rotation would be just as dominant if not more so than Kazmir / Shields / Price/ Garza.
Remember, the Sox fell off after 2004 and finished behind Toronto. The Yanks are still about as sure as it gets.
Pauly
September 29th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I heard CC was building a mansion in Orange County. Not a good sign. Hopefully that’s his winter home!
I don’t like any of the other guys. AJ & Sheets are WAAAAAAAAAAYYY too injury prone and I’m not even fully recovered from my Carl Pavano / Jarret Wright / Kevin Brown hangover.
__
And the last report was that Sabathia’s house building plans were on hold until any decisions are made.
“Ray if you were a fan of his I understand, but Ted Lilly was really nothing special until he got to the NL.”
I never said I’m a fan of his or he was anything special. But he’s never sucked since becoming a full time starter, like you said he did. His stats, you know the facts of the argument say that he’s been league average or better in every year except one.
It’s okay to admit when you’re wrong. You probably didn’t bother to check out his baseball reference page. It’s okay.
I think LoHud blog poster “Joba the Great” is CC’s Orange County mansion subcontractor, so he has the skinny on CC’s plans.
Wait, did I say “skinny” and “CC” in the same sentence? Sorry.
We should just buy CC a penthouse in Manhattan to go with his mansion in SoCal. Then he could have his own special on MTV Cribs and wouldn’t have to split time with Lil’ Wayne. What 28 year old wouldn’t want that?
“Al: Our schedule coming off the bye is great–Rams, Bengals, etc.
If we don’t win those games, we don’t deserve to play in January.”
Very true Becca. Also did anybody else agree with the article in the post where Kernan said we should trade some prospects to Atlanta for Casey Kotchman? I loved that idea he is a good 1B and a solid bat and we haven’t had a guy like that since Tino.
CC won’t want to come, he’ll go to CA. We would be fools not to sign Tex, he’s everything we need. I’m not sold on burnett, but I suppose he’s better than Sheets. Then try to get a package around IPK & Melky for Kemp. Maybe toss in Betemit & Aceves. They would prolly want more, but at least explore all options (besides Hughes/Joba) I’m not giving up on Cano yet, he’s just too good, I blame Girardi as much as Cano for his season.
Lilly is good, not great, but good.
Penthouse? Build CC an exact replica of his mansion and plop in the old Yankee Stadium.
Pete, thanks for another great season on The Blog. While all Yankee fans are disapointed with the final result, The Blog helped me to deal with it. Here’s hoping that, like last off season, that The Blog will continue to be there daily for all NYY Universe inhabitants. How many days ‘til Pitchers & Catchers report?
Nick,
Check out the freeze frame of the video on espn.com. CC’s got a Pinielly belly. I’m amazed he doesn’t topple over.
Rebecca,
Quick what’t the name of the toy that tips, but doesn’t fall down?
Didn’t Ted Lilly hit something like 10 HR’s this season? Crazy how NL pitchers are learning how to hit. I wonder if that’s going to be the wave of the future.
Al, I saw that. It’s an interesting suggestion, but I’m not familiar enough with Kotchman’s numbers to know if it’s something I’d do or not.
All kidding aside anybody who was against signing CC should have been watching todays Brewers game. This guy is the only pitcher in baseball besides Halladay who can still consistently give 8 innings or better with high K numbers and great command.
If all else fails, the Yankees can offer CC the Clemens plan. Sign him and let him stay in LA between starts or wherever the house is. Have a plane ready to pick him up after he finishes a start at the new stadium and he can head right back to LA without showering or anything. Even though that may be rough for anyone else on the plane. Yes, I am being facetious.
Rebecca: The Jets’ schedule is fairly light the next few games, but the November 23rd game is a definite loss. Mark it down, etch it in stone (fingers crossed)!
The playoff schedule is so weird
Phillies/Brewers at 3 PM
Cubs/Dodgers at 5:30 local time and 2:30 PM on the West Coast
Then the next day they have Phillies at 6 PM and Cubs at 9:30 ET, 1.5 hours later than a normal Chicago game start. I could understand if the host city was oLA in that game, but its not.
The old ESPN format was so much better
1:05, 4:15, and 8:05
mel-
I bet she gets it.
Just give CC a blank check tell him how he will be an immortal NY LEGEND if he signs, he’s the kind of guy that wants to be in that big stage. Teix can go take a flying leap…$ $ $ and too many yrs. for what ? It doesn’t work this way.
Cano is a grown man. He shouldn’t have to be baby-sat by some father figure all the time. I mean c’mon already.
J-Dawg: You only think so
NY Titans >>> Tennessee Titans!
Paul,
I think Philly brought in Hamels in as a pinch hitter a couple times down the stretch.
Thanks Pete.
This has become my one and only source for Yankees news. Looking forward to a interesting and hopefully positive off-season.
Here’s to a big 09 in the new Yankee Stadium
Cheers,
mel, from what I’m reading on here, that belly may have been photoshopped on. He might actually look like Edwar.
If we need pitching why not just sign Clemens?
“Al, I saw that. It’s an interesting suggestion, but I’m not familiar enough with Kotchman’s numbers to know if it’s something I’d do or not.”
Hes good Becca. Obviously not Teixiera with the bat but consistent guy who is a great 1B he is 25 and hits left handed I think he would find more power in Yankee stadium as well he is a very decent ball player and young too.
I’m availible to start.
I will say this though, there are too many slow starters on the team. We def. could use some coaches that can figure out how to get the team off to a fast start. For the past few years we’ve fallen asleep for the first half of the seaon, and then tried to make up for it later in the year. I guess that is a problem w/ Tex and even CC stumbled out the gate this year.
Brian Cashman, if you’re reading (and you’re coming back) it’s something to think about.
Nick,
LOL. So you did notice that the head looked shrunk. Can’t get one past you.
Jorge,
LOL. You want George to be the GM, Clemens in the rotation. Who else? Leyritz? Ruben Rivera? Any other disgraced Yankees. Ah, who could forget Pavano. Pick up his option, no?
Also did anybody else agree with the article in the post where Kernan said we should trade some prospects to Atlanta for Casey Kotchman? I loved that idea he is a good 1B and a solid bat and we haven’t had a guy like that since Tino.
I saw that. Kotchman would be good but I think he can’t really hit lefties.
Why is it so hard to understand why someone may not like the NY area? Obviously, we live in this area so we feel it is the best city in the world but not everyone feels that way.
If you are from the West Coast, it is a HUGE adjustment. I can see why CC may not want to come here regardless of money. If he is signing for 7 years he wants to be happy and a place his family enjoys.
Those saying “give him a blank check”, as if it is that easy are discounting the human element to this. And CC will get $120 million from any team he wants.
Miranda > Kotchman
I’ll be happy if we get CC, I’ll be okay if we don’t.
Not the end of the world.
“Just give CC a blank check tell him how he will be an immortal NY LEGEND if he signs, he’s the kind of guy that wants to be in that big stage.”
I agree 100% Brandon. I would hand him a blank check with Steinbrenner’s signature already on it and say ” Listen CC come here and you will be THE MAN, thats it you are what this organization has been waiting for since Roger Clemens left in 03 a true, clear cut Ace.
Rebecca: We’ll just see about that! LOL!!
It is going to be real fun here in the Hot Stove part of the offseason. It will also be nice not to have to hear the trade proposals for that left-handed Mets pitcher who used to pitch for the Twins whose name I won’t mention. Wow, that guy has a long name.
Atlanta’s not going to give Kotchman away. You can bet on the deal starting with Jackson, Laird, Montero or Romine, along with a pitcher out of Melancon, De La Rosa, Hughes or Coke. I have nothing to base this on except what they need and their usual high asking prices. But, at least two of two of those named will be the price. They’re a long way from being a contender right now, and, they’ll be rebuilding.
First thing Girardi needs to do, eliminate the stupid rules. Let them eat candy, happy meals, taco bell, ben and jerrys, anything they want. stop being such a dictator
J-Dawg,
It’ll be more interesting than last season for sure. While there was disgust (Alex re-up) and angst (Mo & Po) last season, every move we make this winter will be fascinating and up to scrutiny.
Al and if that doesn’t work have a bucket of KFC on the side (j/k)
“I’ll be happy if we get CC, I’ll be okay if we don’t.
Not the end of the world.”
You’re entitled to your opinion Mel. However in light of the Johan debacle last off-season I think CC going else where would be a crushing defeat for this organization. This team needs an Ace. Lets say Moose and Andy both decide to retire then you have Wang followed by 4 question marks and as we all saw this year you just cannot have question marks in your rotation.
J-Dawg: Indeed we will.
I’m off. I’m really sorry about the troll—it’s not fair for any of you to have to read that rubbish. Wish there was something I could do about it.
If there are any Jews in the house, ! ×©× ×” טובה
Um, obviously CC might not choose to come to NY. But do you really think that every team is going to offer him the exact same package? Really?
Well – at least this year we do not have to go through the whole “Will Joe Torre be back as manager of Yanks” soap opera…
Atlanta traded Joey Devine for Matt Kotsay
They traded Saltalmachia, Matt Harrison,
Nefei Feliz, Elvis Andrus for 1 year of Teixeria
“Al and if that doesn’t work have a bucket of KFC on the side (j/k)”
Lol. I could run with these off-color comments but I won’t. CC is a good guy and I hope he comes here.
As a fan, when the 08’ season began I cringed at the thought that they were going to battle with essentially the same team they had when the season ended in 07’.
Not that the everyday lineup is anything to sneeze at but rather that the personality of the team needed a makeover.
An error in the field and a few runners left in scoring position and this team goes into the tank; not to be seen or heard from for days.
I have my doubts that they can retool the team on the fly in this off season. Too many obvious holed to fill and too few obvious solutions either in the FA market or down on the farm.
This could be ugly for another year or two and by then the core players will be in the twilight of their careers. What then?
More holes to plug.
Pitching, defense and timely hitting is the recipe.
Ryan Braun said it best –
Braun, fittingly, wore a black T-shirt with white writing that read, “Living the Dream.â€
“Without CC, there’s no chance we’re at this point,†he said. “That’s the most unselfish thing I’ve ever seen a baseball player do. He should be the highest paid player in the history of baseball. He deserves it.â€
Pauly
September 29th, 2008 at 1:09 am
Didn’t Ted Lilly hit something like 10 HR’s this season? Crazy how NL pitchers are learning how to hit. I wonder if that’s going to be the wave of the future.
__
Great exaggeration, there. Lilly has exactly 0 career home runs and 3 doubles.
Al,
What will you do if we don’t get CC? We have to brace ourselves for the possibility. Easy to say blank check, but there becomes a point where even CC is not worth it. Lots of different directions to go in. Even if we have to struggle to the tune of 89 games again, there’s at least a fraction of the fanbase who would be okay with it, if the club ended up stronger for it in the end.
Like I said, CC’s a good thing, but he’s no guarantee. To be a Yankee or make us a Champion. It takes 25 guys to get the job done.
And not to be combative or anything, but sh*t happens. Just ask the Mets. Because it clearly wasn’t their personnel.
That Ryan Braun isn’t too bad either
Kennedy, Ransom, and Ponson for Ryan Braun?
Hey – how come former Mets manager Joe Torre wasn’t mentioned at the closing ceremony at Shea?!
Hmmmm…
“Um, obviously CC might not choose to come to NY. But do you really think that every team is going to offer him the exact same package? Really?”
The idea that all 30 ML teams will be running at CC with a bucket of money is a bit silly. I say the only real player in the CC sweepstakes are obviously only the teams that can afford a 150 million dollar deal. So that basically leaves the Dodgers, the Angels, the Mets, and the Yankees. The Angels don’t really need an Ace type starter and Moreno is likely to focus his