lohud.com

Sponsored by:

The LoHud Yankees Blog

A Yankees Blog by Journal News beat writer Peter Abraham

Let the Hot Stove insanity begin

October
9

At last count, seven people have e-mailed me about some internet rumor of a possible trade between the Mets and Yankees. Rob Neyer of ESPN.com commented on it today (subscription required) and now it’s going viral.

The deal:

Yankees get: Carlos Beltran.

Mets get: Robinson Cano, Jose Veras (or Brian Bruney), Ian Kennedy, some other prospect and cash.

Presumably, this trade is contingent on Omar Minaya smoking a lot of crystal meth and the Wilpons spending a weekend out of cell phone range. Why the Mets would trade an All-Star caliber switch-hitting 31-year-old center fielder for a second baseman coming off a bad year and assorted spare parts is uncertain.

I briefly thought of calling Omar to ask him about such a deal but figured he would start laughing.

If such a trade is made, I’ll be happy to drive Veras over to Citi Field myself out of the sheer joy of not having to watch him walk somebody with a 5-2 lead ever again.

The other rumor that needs debunking is the idea that Willie Randolph joining the Yankees as a coach. Just what Joe Girardi needs, a popular former Yankee who wants to be a manager again on his coaching staff. The first time the Yankees lost three straight Willie would be putting family photos up in the manager’s office. Also, Willie can sit at home in New Jersey and collect checks from the Mets for another year.

The Yankees and Mets, by the way, haven’t made a deal since 2003 when the Yankees inexplicably acquired Armando Benitez for three low-level prospects.

UPDATE, 8:18 p.m.: Wait a second, the Yankees media guide is wrong (fix that, guys). The Yankees dealt Felix Heredia to the Mets for the ghost of Mike Stanton on Dec. 3, 2004.

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2008 at 8:13 pm by Peter Abraham.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Share and Enjoy: del.icio.us Digg Google Technorati Yahoo! | Print This Post Print This Post | Email This Post Email This Post

Advertisement

348 Responses to “Let the Hot Stove insanity begin”

  1. Adam

    No way I would do that deal if I was the Yankees.

    Also, the last Yankees/ Mets trade was not for Benitez…it was when they swapped Felix Heredia for Mike Stanton back in (I think) 2005.

  2. Jake

    Actually Peter they swapped crappy lefties – Felix Heredia for Mike Stanton – in 2005 or so, if I recall correctly. But I could see how anybody would forget about that one.

  3. Andrew

    This is what Hot Stove is all about! Hilarious trade rumors. It’s fun to imagine Beltran, a switch hitting CF whose idol was Bernie Williams, patroling centerfield.

    Confession… I was one of those emailers.

  4. Nick in SF

    Gary Carter just wants everyone to know that he’s available.

  5. you gotta have faith(MOOSE FOR PRESIDENT!)(hopefully the rays kick red sox butt)

    the mets do need guys for the bullpen desperately and we have some to spare

    if a trade was to happen with the mets who would like to see in pinstripes?

  6. filthy slider

    I almost forgot, that was another brilliant pitching move by Brian (small market) Cashman.

  7. Cashbum

    why would we want beltran isnit he the guy who looked at a strike 3 in game 7 of NLCS?

  8. mel

    Not a bad deal at all for the Mets. They get pitching and an all-star caliber AL second baseman.

    They might laugh at the Live President, but if you threw in 2-3 pitchers they could use immediately in addition to Cano, it could work for them.

    No deal, though. Some people, like the Yankees, still value Cano.

  9. Cashbum

    AJ Is another pavano signing him will be a big mistake you guys will be complaining on this blog about the signing of AJ

  10. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and Go Phillies!!!!

    Bring on the craziness!

  11. mel

    Howard was really smart to get in shape.

  12. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Should we do a blog contest for the best trade rumor?

  13. Jose

    Patrick LOL I read that too

    I’m sure SD is just dying to get Hughes and a bunch of organization fillers/AAAA players for their ace pitcher and all-star 1B, both locked up for dirt cheap contracts.

    10 garbage players doesn’t = one good player.

  14. Patrick Bateman

    “Not a bad deal at all for the Mets. They get pitching and an all-star caliber AL second baseman.”

    Who’s the All Star Caliber second baseman they’d be getting in the trade?

  15. Nick in SF

    Manny really is a good hitter. Though I’m surprised he didn’t style and turn that into a single.

  16. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Ahahaha.

    The Spanish announcers: “We’re in Citizens Bank Park, one of the only banks that has not yet collapsed…”

  17. Nick in SF

    ‘surprised he didn’t style’ MORE that is.

  18. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and Go Phillies!!!!

    Not the best start for the Phillies

  19. you gotta have faith(MOOSE FOR PRESIDENT!)(hopefully the rays kick red sox butt)

    manny being manny

  20. Patrick Bateman

    Why was my post deleted Peter?

    I don’t have any defense you deleting the post about Girardi, but if GI Joe wants to propose a ridiculous post, he deserves to get flamed for it.

  21. TurnTables

    Mets fans HATE the lazy latino players, most of them want to trade them away. Why would they trade for one? Beltran is 10x the player Cano is at a premium position. You can pencil him in for 30/110 with a .370 OBP, GG defense, and 25 steals. You can pencil Cano in for underachieving.

    And you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone outside this blog who thinks Ian Kennedy is any good.

    They would be interested in Bruney/Veras though.

  22. ER (The Final Season)

    Torre Magic!!!!

    1-0

    Go Yanks!!!!

  23. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    These Spanish announcers are harder to understand than the other ones :/

  24. Laura

    “The Spanish announcers: “We’re in Citizens Bank Park, one of the only banks that has not yet collapsed…”

    Yet being the operative word. Citizens is owned by RBS, which was the second largest backer of subprime mortgages. If they’re not in trouble yet, they soon will be.

  25. Peter Abraham

    Patrick:

    Just stop fighting with Green Beret. Nobody needs to read you two guys going at it. I’ll be happy to send you guys each other’s e-mail addresses if you want.

  26. Laura

    Manny strikes again.

    Yeah, that St Joe really turned LAD’s season around.

    :P

  27. Patrick Bateman

    I’m gonna break this trade down:

    GreenBeret7
    October 9th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
    Hughes, Marquez, Curtis, Ramirez, Cox, Miranda, either Pena or Corona, Igawa, Cervelli and cash for Peavy, Gonzales

    Peavy: 8M for 2009, 52M for 2010-2012, 22M for 2013 for an ace caliber pitcher who is 27
    Gonzalez- 3M 2009, 4.75M 2010, 5.5M for 2011 for a 26 year old 1B that hit 36HRs last year

    For Hughes, who has been injured for the past 2 years, and when he wasn’t injured this year, got rocked
    Marquez- who coming off a decent season last year was marked untouchable, but has average stuff and a 4.69 ERA in Scranton this year
    Miranda- probably a platoon player, (no pun intended), with below average 1B stats, probably lied about his age since he came from Cuba.
    Cox- Coming back from Tommy John, throws high 80’s an average bullpen arm at best in the majors.
    Igawa- They put him on waivers this year and nobody touched him, what does that tell you?

    And the rest are a bunch of non-factor toss ins.

  28. Nick in SF

    Torre induces a calming effect. He’s making Manny money!

  29. Patrick Bateman

    Peter,

    I personally don’t care if it was Beret or Colonel Troutman who made the trade proposal. I would have said the same thing to anyone who made it.

    If you’re gonna make an entry about that Cano trade, you gotta laugh at that Peavy/Gonzalez trade.

  30. Patrick Bateman

    And no thanks to the email offer. I get enough ridiculous trade proposals in my fantasy league to keep my delete button occupied.

  31. Chris

    Why is everyone so quick to write off Kennedy? He’s 23 and had a 2.35 ERA in AAA next year. He could easily step in and be a #4 starter for the Mets next year (considering the NL is only marginally better than AAA).

    That would give the Mets salary relief plus 3 major league ready players in exchange for Beltran. They may not want to do it, but I don’t think it’s a laughable trade proposal.

  32. Laura

    “Why is everyone so quick to write off Kennedy? ”

    Because he doesn’t care when he sucks. That’s not a good sign.

  33. jennifer

    What did Manny do?

  34. RalphieD

    brackman starting tonight, sublett playing 2nd in Hawaii…ajax batting 3rd in center and miranda batting 4th at first in Arizona..

  35. pat

    Manny is getting revenge by making McCarver say nice things about him all night.

  36. Chris

    “Because he doesn’t care when he sucks. That’s not a good sign.”

    He does care, he just made a stupid statement. Besides, whether he cares or not isn’t really relevant. It’s his performance that matters.

  37. Reacher

    Gonzalez in pinstripes for a pile of prospects and hasbeens with Peavy thrown in? Petco might as well be closed down…let’s go a bit further…..Beltran for Gardner and a lifetime’s worth of Metro passes for Omar as he will then need them.

  38. geO

    wth is this crap?

    hell no to that trade

  39. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    i second Laura.

    It’s one thing to suck, and quite another to refuse to admit it when you do.

  40. Joey's Poodle

    Jennifer,

    He made a nimble back-handed play in the field to keep what looked like an obvious double to a single, which subsequently got erased in the double play.

  41. Chris

    “i second Laura.

    It’s one thing to suck, and quite another to refuse to admit it when you do.”

    Did you watch that game? He actually didn’t pitch that badly. There were a couple hard hit balls, but mostly bloop base hits. He tries to be honest about it and gets crucified…

  42. Nick in SF

    It’s Springtime for Manny.

  43. GreenBeret7

    RalphieD
    October 9th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
    brackman starting tonight, sublett playing 2nd in Hawaii…ajax batting 3rd in center and miranda batting 4th at first in Arizona..

    __

    Arizona Fall League is set up because of the climate (thin, dry air, smaller parks) to be a hitters league and the Hawaiian Winter League is more of a pitcher’s league.

    I’m more impressed with how Marquez and Hughes pitched than how Jackson and Miranda hit, although it does give them more at bats to work on things before next spring. With the HWL, it’s the bats that I’m more impressed with. So far, Sublett and Romine are hitting well…Sublett especially, since he had an injury shortened year in Tampa. He can hit and he has a pretty solid glove and arm.

  44. Nick in SF

    Tex would have had that!

  45. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption

    “It’s Springtime for Manny.”

    And its November for Ryan Howard.

  46. BandWagon Yankee Fans

    why would we want beltran isnit he the guy who looked at a strike 3 in game 7 of NLCS?

    On that note… why would you want Mo?? He solely lost the Yankees 27th World Series in 2001.

  47. Laura

    “He does care, he just made a stupid statement. Besides, whether he cares or not isn’t really relevant. It’s his performance that matters.”

    I disagree, Chris. I think it speaks to the kind of player he is. Have you ever seen Andy Pettite after he pitches poorly? He looks like he wants to go throw up. He doesn’t get in front of news cameras with a big smile on his face saying that his lousy performance wasn’t a big deal.

    When you pitch like crap, you are not only letting yourself down, but your team as well. That, in my opinion, is a very big deal.

  48. Reacher

    Torre has actively managed this year like it’s 1999. He is always on the top step of the dugout, raptly watching the game and analyzing, making moves as required. Most unlike the previous 4-5 years when he was typically seated and ensconsed in the dugout clutching Jeter’s bat for support in a vain attempt to avoid a sonombulent state. Yes, by his own admission the previous 4 years were not fun but now he is revitalized thanks in large part to Manny. Were he to have stayed, it would have a continuation of 04 to o7 given the makeup of the team.

  49. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    why would we want beltran isnit he the guy who looked at a strike 3 in game 7 of NLCS?

    On that note… why would you want Mo?? He solely lost the Yankees 27th World Series in 2001.

    Well said.

    But I still don’t want Beltran. Call it a gut or whatever.

  50. Catherine

    My offseason crazy wish is Grady Sizemore.

    It will never happen though as the Indians are paying him in loose change for the next 4 years…

  51. 86w183

    I’d give Kennedy a chance to grow up, ditto Cano. There’s a reason IPK moved through so quickly, was effective last September and posted excellent numbers in Triple-A. Yes, he needs an attitude adjustment… lotsa 23 year olds do.

    That Gonzales/Peavey trade only happens if the owner is trying to get even with the soon to be exwife by reducing the value of his assets!

    Comparing AJ Burnett to Carl Pavano is lunacy. Let’s look at how they’ve done in the last four years

    Burnett—- 50 Wins—- 112 Starts—- 731 2/3 IP—- 3.81

    Pavano—- 9 Wins—- 26 Starts—- 145 2/3 IP—- 5.62

    C’Mon Cashbum I know you love to rip just about everything and every idea, but you should have a clue first.

  52. Dandy Dave

    Perhaps Omar will do the Beltran trade, and then sign Booby Abroo as his new centerfielder; just push those walls back baby…..It should only happen said the Anti-Met fan!!!

  53. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption

    Beltran is a beast and if he were still in his 20s i’d make a go at him but I gotta say i’m sick of watching these old men lumber around the ball field when the game has clearly passed them by. This team needs to get young and exciting again, that’s where baseball today is heading. No more juice and no more little pills to keep you awake. Need that youthful exuberance and not only the drive to win you have to refuse to lose.

  54. Tyler

    “Were he to have stayed, it would have a continuation of 04 to o7 given the makeup of the team.”

    Yes, and the 08 makeup was so much better…

  55. Tom

    I want David DeJesus for center and Brad Hawpe for right. Not going to happen but….

  56. Jeff NJ

    I had the idea for the Yankees to trade for Beltran a few weeks ago and posted it here. My idea was Beltran for Melky, Coke, Melancon and I forget the 4th. I could see how they would prefer Cano to Melky though and the Yankees should not trade Melancon. The Mets get much salary relief to go after free agents and a few good bullpen pieces. Makes a lot of sense to me still.

  57. Nick in SF

    Is Victorino playing tackle? I thought the NL was two-hand touch.

  58. ariel

    IPK has always been told that he didn’t have the physical tools to make it…in high school and at USC. He worked hard and proved his detractors wrong at both levels. His current attitude, which seems to be a contradiction, perhaps stems from an “I’ve made it” attitude (after reading all the press clippings at the end of 2007 and the Generation Tre nonsense). Obviously, a bit premature and probably his ticket out of the Bronx to points west.

  59. Patrick Bateman

    “Torre has actively managed this year like it’s 1999. He is always on the top step of the dugout, raptly watching the game and analyzing, making moves as required”

    As much as I like Torre, this is a good observation. He does stand up on the top step and is the first guy to greet the players when they come into the dugout.

    A little extra enthusiasm doesn’t hurt anyone, he should have been doing it in NY too.

  60. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption

    Double for Kemp. Kemp for Cano? And then move him over to right when Action Jackson is ready.

  61. GreenBeret7

    Reacher
    October 9th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
    Torre has actively managed this year like it’s 1999. He is always on the top step of the dugout, raptly watching the game and analyzing, making moves as required. Most unlike the previous 4-5 years when he was typically seated and ensconsed in the dugout clutching Jeter’s bat for support in a vain attempt to avoid a sonombulent state. Yes, by his own admission the previous 4 years were not fun but now he is revitalized thanks in large part to Manny. Were he to have stayed, it would have a continuation of 04 to o7 given the makeup of the team.

    __

    I don’t know for sure, but, perhaps it’s more comfortable standing this year than in past years, since he had knee replacement surgery back in December and has needed it for a few years.

  62. ariel

    Tom, DeJesus might.

  63. Tom

    Shane just thought he was playing the traditional hawaiian sport called ‘enalu , he’ehölua , ’ ulumaika.

  64. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption

    Perhaps; but perhaps it is because you can now find him at the intersection of his new life, and his new life STYLE.

  65. GreenBeret7

    86w183
    October 9th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
    I’d give Kennedy a chance to grow up, ditto Cano. There’s a reason IPK moved through so quickly, was effective last September and posted excellent numbers in Triple-A. Yes, he needs an attitude adjustment… lotsa 23 year olds do.

    That Gonzales/Peavey trade only happens if the owner is trying to get even with the soon to be exwife by reducing the value of his assets!

    Comparing AJ Burnett to Carl Pavano is lunacy. Let’s look at how they’ve done in the last four years

    Burnett— 50 Wins — 112 Starts — 731 2/3 IP — 3.81

    Pavano — 9 Wins — 26 Starts — 145 2/3 IP — 5.62

    C’Mon Cashbum I know you love to rip just about everything and every idea, but you should have a clue first.

    _

    The fact that he needs salary relief and cash is why I added Betances and more cash in a seperate deal for Greene, who they want to unload, but nobody wants the 13 mil (11 mil in salary….2 mil buyout) he’s owed next year. They’re already trying to not pay his salary from the last two months because he broke his hand punching a box over a strikeout.

  66. Nick in SF

    How about we trade Kennedy to UCLA for Gerrit Cole?

    We get the pitcher we wanted, Kennedy gets to go back to the Pac-10 for some more seasoning.

  67. Patrick Bateman

    “The fact that he needs salary relief and cash is why I added Betances and more cash in a seperate deal for Greene, who they want to unload, but nobody wants the 13 mil (11 mil in salary….2 mil buyout) he’s owed next year.”

    That still doesn’t change the trade, no matter how much money you’re giving them or picking up.

  68. Joey's Poodle

    He has commented about his lack of knee pain and what he thinks is his lack of a limp, though some see a remnant of the old impaired gait.

  69. Reacher

    I am not a Torre guy (and was pleased to see the change), but my hat is off to him for his accomplishments this year, particularly his way of handling Manny. Very few managers, certainly not Girardi, would have handled the situation with the maturity and grace of Torre. If Manny decides to stay in LA, the presence of Torre and his staff, in addition to the $$$$$$$ of course (the main factor) will be a consideration.

  70. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and Go Phillies!!!!

    come on Phillies

  71. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Someone forgot to tell the Phillies there was a game today.

  72. Patrick Bateman

    Blake Dewitt looks like Cano out there with that type of all out effort.

  73. Reacher

    Blake DeWitt reminds me of Scott Brosius….a grinder who comes through when it counts.

  74. Tom

    Reacher, well said.

  75. Laura

    “I am not a Torre guy (and was pleased to see the change), but my hat is off to him for his accomplishments this year, particularly his way of handling Manny.”

    I’d praise him too if I actually thought he was handling Manny. He’s not. Manny is on his best behavior for one reason…he wants another big contract. There was no way in hell he was going to go to LAD and act a fool. Torre’s presence has very little to do with Manny’s behavior.

  76. GreenBeret7

    The only way that any team should sign Ramirez would be on a year top year basis (no options) and a personal behavior rider. That’s the only way to end the “I knee hurts but I can’t remember which one” BS.

  77. Bret the Hitman

    I see a Cano trade in the Yankees’ future but not to the Mets for Beltran. The Dodgers seem most likely to offer maximum value for Cano since Torre and Bowa know his capabilities. They’re the one organization willing to mostly overlook his lack of motivation and thus his poor 2008 season.

    Let’s be real here. Beltran costs 18 million dollars and his numbers are pretty similar to Kemp who makes next to nothing. Plus Kemp is a decade younger than Carlos. The Dodgers can afford to downgrade one outfield position for an upgrade at 2b. They’ll have Manny, Pierre and Eithier out there next year and Loney, Furcal, Blake? and Martin in the infield. Cano slides perfectly in there.

    Another trade I want to see is Matsui to the Angels for Chone Figgins. I would start Figgins at 2b and hit him ninth. Between Kemp and Figgins the Yankees could add another 70-80 stolen bases in 2009. Figgins would be a pest at the bottom of the lineup before turning over to Damon leading off. His OBP is always near .370. Despite the lack of power, he’s more versatile than Cano both offensively and defensively.

    Posada needs to dh and the Yankees need to find a good young defensive catcher like Ronnie Paulino. I could see Veras being sent for him or maybe even Edwar Ramirez. Remember we got Molina for an even more inconsequential reliever by the name of Jeff Kennard.

    Damon-lf
    Jeter-ss
    Teixeira-1b
    Rodriguez-3b
    Posada-dh
    Nady-rf
    Kemp-cf
    Paulino-c
    Figgins-2b

    Betemit and Melky/Gardner on the bench.

  78. GreenBeret7

    on a year to year

  79. jennifer

    Can we get Coles a few runs?

  80. Patrick Bateman

    “Another trade I want to see is Matsui to the Angels for Chone Figgins.”

    LOL

    Maybe we could get Lackey for Igawa too? Make it a Japanese package.

  81. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    Another trade I want to see is Matsui to the Angels for Chone Figgins. I would start Figgins at 2b and hit him ninth.

    Never going to happen. Get Real!

  82. Tom

    I would imagine that Damon would have more trade value than Matsui.

  83. GreenBeret7

    Let’s be real here. Beltran costs 18 million dollars and his numbers are pretty similar to Kemp who makes next to nothing. Plus Kemp is a decade younger than Carlos. The Dodgers can afford to downgrade one outfield position for an upgrade at 2b. They’ll have Manny, Pierre and Eithier out there next year and Loney, Furcal, Blake? and Martin in the infield. Cano slides perfectly in there.

    __

    Kemp is going to eat himself into a DH spot within 2 years. He’s already at 240 pounds and only stands 6’2”.

  84. Bret the Hitman

    Matsui to the Angels for Figgins could happen if the Angels can’t re-sign Teixeira or steal Manny from the Dodgers. They really need a big bat and Matsui provides them with lefty protection for Vlad. Also, they’ll get 2 picks for Matsui after 2009 so the trade is Figgins for 1 season of Matsui plus 2 picks.

    I think it’s a fair deal give or minus a throw-in on either side depending on how you value Matsui and Figgins.

  85. GreenBeret7

    jennifer
    October 9th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
    Can we get Coles a few runs?

    __

    So far, it’s going just fine.

  86. GreenBeret7

    It’s doubtful that Matsui will have much value until late in spring training, when teams can see if he can play the outfield and do more than hit.

  87. darkmoonfire

    “He does stand up on the top step and is the first guy to greet the players when they come into the dugout.

    A little extra enthusiasm doesn’t hurt anyone, he should have been doing it in NY too.”

    He did. He started standing on the top step last year when we had such a poor start to the year. Then we had the monster second half, and I guess—since he seems to be superstitious—that’s why he’s still doing it.

    But, yes. He seems happier, and I’m sure he is. It probably was the best thing for him to move to LA. I just wish he could have stayed.

  88. Patrick Bateman

    “Matsui to the Angels for Figgins could happen if the Angels can’t re-sign Teixeira or steal Manny from the Dodgers.”

    Broken down 34 year old outfielder who can’t play the field for one of the best leadoff men in the league at 30 who makes peanuts and can play numerous positions in the field.

    Hillary Clinton has a better shot in this November’s election than this trade going through.

  89. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Yeah, someone definitley forgot to tell the Phillies they have a game today.

  90. ray (sox fan)

    Good evening GB7,

    It sounds like the Yankees are really interested in Derek Lowe.

    Do you think that is a good idea?

    When he was with Boston over time he developed the reputation for being a headcase.

    He would go through several games when he would do very good, and then go into a bad spell for several games.

  91. Bret the Hitman

    I don’t think any team in baseball expects to see Matsui patrolling the outfield on those knees. He’s a big bat, nothing more.

  92. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    come on Carlos Ruiz

  93. Clare

    I’m with Chris (sorry Rebecca). IPK didn’t pitch that badly, and he had horible defense behind him. he knew enough not to blame the defense. he was confronted by a OMG you stank attitude by the media, and instead of agreeing, he made the mistake of trying to defend himself. the smile was clearly a sign of embarrassment, not happiness with his pitching.
    In any event, it was one media session by a 23 year old. let’s not write the kid off yet.

  94. Reacher

    Laura, as to the Torre/Manny situation, it’s the little things that Torre has done with a smile and wisdom…..music in the clubhouse, previously a no-no, the hair situation, the camaraderie, shmoozing, and hitting tips to the juniors. Forget Manny’s motivation and reasons, it’s how Torre reacted to Manny’s idiosyncracies that’s the issue. Were Torre to have taken a “Girardi-like” (i.e., no ice cream, no sweets in the clubhouse…you pubescents must develop healthy eating habits to succeed) it would not have happened and you would now be watching the Phillies and the Cubs for the NLCS.

    Tell it like it is. As I said, I am not a Torre fan, I never was. The time was right for Torre’s philosophy and approach in 96 – 01, but not in the succeeding years. Timing trumps all.

  95. Rob NY -- 2009 The Road to Redemption

    Cole said “I’ll take this one into my own hands thank you very much, Now Jimmy line one in.”

  96. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    After he had the operation on the one knee, it was the other one that gave him problems. Both were bad last year. With this operation, his knees might be fine enough to cover Left Field. Don’t count Matsui done just yet, lets see how he comes back from this. He is tough, going through all that rehab just to try and play this year.

  97. Bret the Hitman

    Patrick,

    Two can play at this game. Powerless 31 year old slap hitter who gets nailed stealing 33% of the time one of the top 10 most consistent hitters in the AL over the last 5 years.

    Dream on Moreno.

  98. Ariel

    Matsui for Figgins? Why on earth would anyone think the Angels would bite? They have their own broken-down outfielders why do they want another? Anderson (whom they probably will not re-sign) is almost as much of a liability in the outfield as Matsui) and Vladdie is well on his way to being the permanent DH.

  99. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    There is no way I’d deal Cano for Beltran, my god that would be idiotic. For us not them.

  100. GreenBeret7

    ray (sox fan)
    October 9th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
    Good evening GB7,

    It sounds like the Yankees are really interested in Derek Lowe.

    Do you think that is a good idea?

    When he was with Boston over time he developed the reputation for being a headcase.

    He would go through several games when he would do very good, and then go into a bad spell for several games.

    _

    Good evening, Ray. I’m less concerned about Lowe’s “mindset” than I am about his ability to pitch well in the AL East.

    People keep quoting his numbers in LA after harping about NL pitchers having an easier go of it. Then, they talk about how well he did in the AL East, but, that was 5 years ago and 6 years since he had a good season. I’m just not that infatuated with him. He may work out, but, he’s wanting big money for big years, and that’s not worth the gamble at his age. I’d prefer Mussina and Pettitte for 2 and 1 year(s), respectively. That’s just my opinion, though.

    Hope the family is fine and you’ve laid in a winter supply of Kleenix for you and your little Red Sox noses. You’ll need it after next week. I already bought mine over this past weekend. I’m on box three now.

  101. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Lets go Chase !

  102. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    YEH !!!!!!!!!!!

  103. Mike

    I just love trade talks about giving away players we don’t like for players we really like.

    there’s a reason we don’t like these players, and there’s a reason we really like those players.

    Cashman is a general manager, not a Jedi, he can’t just use the force mind tricks and get other GMs to sign the paper.

    now, of course, if the force is strong with Cashman, it could be a possibility.

    Kei Igawa for Johan Santana straight up anyone? Omar doesn’t look like he has a strong mind.

    In other news, I hope the Dodgers do go all the way, just so Torre can go up to Hank and Hal and say

    I guess its not the manager after all, you ()<span>&&(&@(

  104. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Someone told Chase Utley they had a game.

  105. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Give me an XBH Ryan..com’on big boy !

  106. Laura

    When do the “Cano for Utley” proposals start? LOL!

  107. PAT M

    Howard is now a big out

  108. gayle

    whole new ballgame whoo hoo

    I know not omportant to most but why doesnt fox ever show player introductions always love that especially when it is a team I like. Would have liked to see how Bowa was received as well as the Philly fans rocking

  109. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    PAT THE BAT !

  110. gayle

    pat the bat!!!!

  111. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    Let’s go Phillies!!

  112. harwood

    Joe Buck needs a red bull

  113. gayle

    derek lowe welcome to the jungl

    Has a look of shock and awe on his face

  114. ray (sox fan)

    A Lowe meltdown.

  115. Patrick Bateman

    “Patrick,
    Two can play at this game. Powerless 31 year old slap hitter who gets nailed stealing 33% of the time one of the top 10 most consistent hitters in the AL over the last 5 years.
    Dream on Moreno.”

    Still doesn’t change the fact that Matsui is 34 and has no knees. Are you doing to trade the Angels a wheelchair for Matsui to get around the bases too?

  116. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    The Spanish Announcers are so monotone that i I didn’t glance up I would have totally missed the home run.

  117. Patrick Bateman

    This is why Lowe should stay in the NL. Anyone who wants this guy facing even tougher lineups in the AL East is nuts.

  118. Reacher

    Most of the speculation on this board focusses “what can we get for Cano?” Fugedddaboudit!!!! It will not happen. He was a different player after Girardi woke up and sat him down…at least that’s the way management will look at it. They believe, and with good reason, (assuming someone stays on him at all times) that the Cano of 06 and the last half of 07 will re-emerge…and he did after the reprimand. If so there is no way he will be traded, and even if Cashman were so inclined, fair value would not be there. Further, he does come with a relatively substantial salary tag for the budget of most clubs.

  119. Nick in SF

    Igawa, Kennedy, Melky, and Shelley Duncan for Pujols.

    You got yours, Cashman, now earn it.

  120. PUDGE TRADE ENDED OUR SEASON

    i do not miss that slug like joe torre walk to the mound…great to see though now that hes no longer here…HAHA GO PHILLS!!!

  121. GreenBeret7

    gayle
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
    whole new ballgame whoo hoo

    I know not omportant to most but why doesnt fox ever show player introductions always love that especially when it is a team I like. Would have liked to see how Bowa was received as well as the Philly fans rocking

    _

    As long as they don’t show the Philly players booing. Philadelphia liked Bowa until he left Philadelphia. He may as well be Santa Claus now.

  122. gayle

    Larry Bowa is thinking to himself why the heck couldnt he do that when I was here

  123. ER (The Final Season)

    Derek Lowe, with those pink cheeks, looks like Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.

  124. gayle

    Green

    Bowa is a beloved Philie the fans wouldnt boo him he didnt leave that much baggage when he was fired in terms of the fans.

    When welast won our World Series he was THE guy in terms f bringing energy and heart to the team (along with Tug)

  125. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Phillies need to tack on a few more runs this game is far from over.

  126. ER (The Final Season)

    Ryan Howard wouldn’t even hit 0.240 in the AL East.

  127. harwood

    “i do not miss that slug like joe torre walk to the mound…great to see though now that hes no longer here…HAHA GO PHILLS!!!”

    That was a painful flashback.

  128. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Ryan Howard wouldn’t even hit 0.240 in the AL East.

    Ok now go read what he hits w/ RISP

  129. Joe I

    “That was a painful flashback.”

    The only thing more painful would’ve been Felix Heredia, Scott Proctor or Tanyon Sturtze coming in.

  130. GreenBeret7

    Reacher
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
    Most of the speculation on this board focusses “what can we get for Cano?” Fugedddaboudit!!!! It will not happen. He was a different player after Girardi woke up and sat him down…at least that’s the way management will look at it. They believe, and with good reason, (assuming someone stays on him at all times) that the Cano of 06 and the last half of 07 will re-emerge…and he did after the reprimand. If so there is no way he will be traded, and even if Cashman were so inclined, fair value would not be there. Further, he does come with a relatively substantial salary tag for the budget of most clubs.

    _

    The issues that Cano had in the field can quite likely be tied to the issues with the bat, although when you throw out April and the three week span around the third week in august when he had the bone bruise at the base of his thumb, he hit about .310. He’s much like a lot of young players (especialy Latin players) whi take fielding to the plate and the bat to the field.

  131. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    I’m going to say this again Robi Cano has had 1 bad season, 1 …the GM in this case Brian Cashman if he deals him deserves to get drop kicked in the nuts.

  132. GreenBeret7

    gayle
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
    Green

    Bowa is a beloved Philie the fans wouldnt boo him he didnt leave that much baggage when he was fired in terms of the fans.

    When welast won our World Series he was THE guy in terms f bringing energy and heart to the team (along with Tug)

    __

    I know most of the players disliked him. As a player, he was Billy Martin with talent. Loved watching him play. As a manager, I heard a lot of boos when he went to take out the pitchers.

  133. Marc W

    Ahh you got to love terrible trade rumors such as this one….. well that’s what the MLB Hot Stove is all about!!!

  134. GreenBeret7

    Gayle, let me clarify…the players didn’t like him as a manager because he rode them. As a team mate, they loved him.

  135. GreenBeret7

    Joe I
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
    “That was a painful flashback.”

    The only thing more painful would’ve been Felix Heredia, Scott Proctor or Tanyon Sturtze coming in.

    who did Cashman provide him with that was better?

  136. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    atta boy Cole

  137. Bronx Jeers

    You can’t beat Ronan Tynan!

  138. Joe I

    Brandon, I see you’re a Ryan Howard fan. Would you (and any other Yankees fan here) take him on the Yanks? I ask because, ESPN’s Jayson Stark was on a Philly radio station tonight before the game and said Howard will not be a Phillie for the rest of his career. According to Stark, the Howard family(it’s family because he’s been through like 3 agents already) wants record money. If not A-Rod money, something close. Stark gave the impression that Howard will have three more one year contracts all through arbitration, then he’ll leave Philly.

  139. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    Cole Hamels to the Yankees. (in my PS3)

  140. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Tell me about it Carlos Beltran ? did people not watch him all season, can he field yes. Can he hit in the clutch ? can he hit consistantly ? both No. Had it not been for Kyle Farnsworth Jr. in FLA no one in NY would call him clutch for the Mets last season. People deserve to get slapped for saying that.

  141. Joe I

    “who did Cashman provide him with that was better?”

    I agree, but was it not painful to watch? Also, painful for Sturtze and Proctor in the end.

  142. Reacher

    Of the position players, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cano is the 3rd or 4th least likely position player to be traded. On second thought, that’s about all we really have, isn’t it? Jeter, A-Rod (and only because nobody would take him with his salary burden), Posada (sadly, likewise for 37yr old with a questionable arm and 3 yrs left).

  143. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Joe I it depends what would Philly want ? Are we talking just Hughes because there are a number of players that would give up for Hughes but they have to be top talent and preferably under 30.

  144. Tom

    “The Spanish Announcers are so monotone that i I didn’t glance up I would have totally missed the home run.”

    Yet they makes soccer seem exciting….

  145. MJR (Shut Up Steve Phillips)

    Beltran :( just another under-performing big name. One playoff series (with Astros) does not make a carreer. :(

    extending the tone of negativity….why even consider Lowe? I thought were trying to get better and younger?

  146. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    need to tack on some more runs Phillies

    Nice start

  147. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    Brandon –
    Ryan Howard = DH in the American League. Him playing 1B would make Giambi look like a HOFer.

  148. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    My god how do you leave Dobbs on the bench you had the matchup there.

  149. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Ryan Howard can pick it, he’s not as bad as people percieve him to be and all you have to do is check his numbers w/ RISP and I doubt you’d put many 1B hitters infront of him when he is hot.

  150. Peter Abraham

    The more I see of Blake DeWitt in the postseason the less chance I think the Dodgers will want Cano.

  151. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    My god how do you leave Dobbs on the bench you had the matchup there.

    saving the best for last?

  152. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    Well that sucked

  153. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    The more I see of Blake DeWitt in the postseason the less chance I think the Dodgers will want Cano.

    Pete –
    Amen. DeWitt started the season as the Dodger’s 3B, then bench, and now their 2B.

  154. TurnTables

    This 8th inning will have some fireworks. Manny due up 2nd.

    Do they mix and match or just use Madsen?

  155. GreenBeret7

    Joe I
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
    “who did Cashman provide him with that was better?”

    I agree, but was it not painful to watch? Also, painful for Sturtze and Proctor in the end.

    I had no problems with Proctor in 2006 and 2007. He had an ERA around 3.60 in those two years as a Yankee. The only two teams that ever hit him were Boston, Detroit and Baltimore. It was much better than the cast of thousands that Torre was stuck with.

  156. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Pete Dewitt doesn’t have Robi’s power or upside.

    Dewitt

  157. Tom

    Blake DeWitt was drafted by the Dodgers with the first rd pick the Yankees gave them for signing Paul Quantrill.

  158. Joe I

    Brandon, it would be more than Hughes. They might even take Cano and move Utley to 1B (an Utley move to 1b has been rumored.) Now, would you do that? The Phils would also want a minor leaguer. To trade Howard, they’d have to get a lot to appease the fans. Everything is good with the Phillies now, but the fans hate the organization especially the owners. They don’t trust them. So, if they decide to trade Howard, they will ask for the world. If you thought the Twins tried to break the Yankees and Red Sox, you haven’t seen anything yet.

  159. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    The Dodgers have some serious young talent. We dismiss them because of the division they were in, but they are going to be good, as long as the young guys get time to play.

  160. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    If you believe that much in Dewitt than the Yankees can swing back w/ Colin Curtis and the Ramiro Penas

  161. GreenBeret7

    Ed – looking forward to 2009
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
    The more I see of Blake DeWitt in the postseason the less chance I think the Dodgers will want Cano.

    Pete –
    Amen. DeWitt started the season as the Dodger’s 3B, then bench, and now their 2B.

    __

    The only reason anybody would take DeWitt over Cano is because of the money.

  162. Bronx Jeers

    Just tuning in. Can somebody please explain Manny’s new hairdo.

  163. Reacher

    Peter,

    From his first game early in the season, DeWitt looked like a real player, a gamer, Scott Brosius-like. It was surprising, and perhaps not a smart move, when he was sent down to make room for Andy LaRoche, and then Nomar (when he got “healthy”..ha-ha). A real player.

  164. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Bronx Jeers: Torre and the no long hair policy.

  165. E-Man

    Honestly, who thinks of these dumb trades?

    Why would we give up more to get less? Why not just bring back Abreu? He’s only 3 years older than Beltran so age shouldn’t be the issue. His D isn’t great but his bat evens that out.

  166. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    The only reason anybody would take DeWitt over Cano is because of the money.

    GB 7-

    true. seriously, I wouldn’t want to give up on/trade Cano no matter what. Just one bad season and people already want to trade him?

  167. Jonathon

    Bronx Jeers….

    It’s Manny being Upstanding Citizen Manny…and trying to get another long term deal in the process.

  168. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Blake Dewitt is a slap hitter who learned to put ball in play, there is no Mike Lowell in him, he is at best a poor version of Marco Scutaro. The Yankee system has alot more Dewitt types in AA and A+.

    Blake DeWitt is not that good, my god some here are hilarious. .334 OBP in the minors what the hell is great about that and a .446 SLG com’on he’s a slap hitter even Brett Gardner can be a DeWitt.

  169. Chris

    “Beltran :( just another under-performing big name. One playoff series (with Astros) does not make a carreer.”

    He was the second best CF in baseball this year. If that’s underperforming, then I’ll take an under performing player at every position.

  170. Reacher

    Bronx Jeers, Braids rather than dreads…it’s the finals, Manny is going formal. “cleaning up” for the bidding war? Did Boros tell him to do it?

  171. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    He was the second best CF in baseball this year. If that’s underperforming, then I’ll take an under performing player at every position.

    He’s injury prone, he’s soft we already know that and disappears in long stretches. He hasn’t been a success in NY don’t even try it.

  172. GreenBeret7

    Reacher
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
    Peter,

    From his first game early in the season, DeWitt looked like a real player, a gamer, Scott Brosius-like. It was surprising, and perhaps not a smart move, when he was sent down to make room for Andy LaRoche, and then Nomar (when he got “healthy”..ha-ha). A real player.

    __

    The reason that DeWitt got sent down, though was to learn to play 2nd base. The injuries with Kent made them move DeWitt to 2nd base. What hurt LA this year was the injuries to Furcal, Kent, the sudden disappearance of Jones and not having but 3 pitchers making 30+ starts and a rookie making 22.

  173. raymagnetic

    “That still doesn’t change the trade, no matter how much money you’re giving them or picking up.”

    Since when does the Yankees picking up money not change anything? Have you forgotten about how the Yankees got Abreu for nothing?

  174. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    Brandon –
    chill out. I’m not praising on DeWitt being the next big thing. don’t get me wrong, Cano is better than DeWitt in every way. I do agree with you DeWitt could be the next Scutaro, give him some time and he will be where Scutaro is at now.

  175. Laura

    “Bronx Jeers, Braids rather than dreads…it’s the finals, Manny is going formal. “cleaning up” for the bidding war?”

    What bidding war? What GM in his right mind would give a 37 yr old headcase 25mil for the next 4 years?

  176. Laura

    “Since when does the Yankees picking up money not change anything? Have you forgotten about how the Yankees got Abreu for nothing?”

    And LAD got Manny for essentially nothing. Those kinds of deals are few and far between.

  177. Jalapeno

    Translation:

    DwWitt is a winning player who does the little things and fits the Dodgers’ lineup perfectly.

    Cano is an underachieving ‘star’ who doesn’t show up until after the ASB (and this year, only late September), is lazy, lacks concentration, and had his own teammates begging Girardi to bench since May(per Kim today)

    Winning teams don’t look at just talent when evaluating trades. Thats why LAD wouldn’t want Cano for their young players.

  178. PAT M

    Just wait until Beltran gets to play 162 games away from Shea….He’s going to eat up Ebbitt’s Field II…..Not signing him in 05 is still haunting the Yanks, and may for several tears to come…..

  179. Bronx Jeers

    Whatever he did it looked better before. He looks like Medusa now.

    I was sort of hoping for a stronger game from Lowe as I have this uneasy feeling that he’s going to end up as our consolation prize.

  180. AP

    I’d do Cano for Beltran. We need a CF anyway and Cano will never hit as many HRs, drive in as many, steal as many, or walk as much as Beltran. Beltran is also a proven playoff performer.

    Move Jeter to 2nd, trade Kennedy and Veras for JJ Hardy. Beltran in center. Jackson takes over for Damon in left.

  181. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Laura: In pete’s words, some GM will get drunk in Vegas and then wake up with a hangover and having to explain how ManRam got on his roster.

  182. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Winning teams don’t look at just talent when evaluating trades. Thats why LAD wouldn’t want Cano for their young players.

    That’s a bunch of BS and you know it. If anyone should be insulted is us at the thought of DeWitt replacing Robi. Really have you not seen what Robi does in pressure spots when he is on, need we talk about the walkoff hits or the big postseason hits, he’s 26 you go through the good and bad and he will have more good than bad in his future.

  183. Laura

    Okay, the off-season has to start right now because I don’t know how much more of these preposterous trades I can take.

  184. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    In pete’s words, some GM will get drunk in Vegas and then wake up with a hangover and having to explain how ManRam got on his roster.

    ...and trading for Victorino and Hamels for some scrap players. 8)

  185. Laura

    “Laura: In pete’s words, some GM will get drunk in Vegas and then wake up with a hangover and having to explain how ManRam got on his roster.”

    I thought he said that about Giambi. LOL!

  186. Jonathon

    Lidge is due to blow a save about this time…although it will probably come later in this series…Game 6-ish, Manny ab as the go-ahead run…

    RE: Victorino…speed kills

  187. Chris

    “He’s injury prone, he’s soft we already know that and disappears in long stretches. He hasn’t been a success in NY don’t even try it.”

    He’s averaged 149 games per season with the Mets. He struggled his first year because of a quad injury that he toughed out and played through it(i.e. he was gritty).

    In his 4 years with the Mets, he’s posted OPS+ of 96 (while injured), 150, 126, and 131. Those last 3 years match the 3 best seasons of Jeter’s career. Each of those 3 years he was one of the 3 best CF in baseball.

    So basically, you’re arguing that one bad year means that he’s horrible?

  188. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    I’d do Cano for Beltran. We need a CF anyway and Cano will never hit as many HRs, drive in as many, steal as many, or walk as much as Beltran. Beltran is also a proven playoff performer.

    Beltran is the same guy that left bat on shoulders in game 7. Disappears in long spans, doesn’t carry a team, can he defend the OF ? Yes, can he run the bases ? Yes, does he have patience ? Yes…Would I deal Cano for him..Absolutely Not !

  189. OldYanksFan

    Carlos Beltran:
    ..2008: OPS/RISP/RunnersOn: .909/.926/.940
    .05-07: OPS/RISP/RunnersOn: .876/.881/.901
    Career: OPS/RISP/RunnersOn: .853/.920/.910

    Brandon… Do you EVER look up stats to (try and) back your ‘opinions’?. Dude… pull your head out off your rear-end.

  190. Nick in SF

    It’s the intersection of his new hair and his new hair style.

  191. Laura

    “So basically, you’re arguing that one bad year means that he’s horrible?”

    Yeah. They call it the “The Cano Principle”.

    :P

  192. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    He’s averaged 149 games per season with the Mets. He struggled his first year because of a quad injury that he toughed out and played through it(i.e. he was gritty).

    He completely stunk it up in the 1st half to the point they would have dealt him for Jacolby Ellsbury. Beltran looks really gritty, looks very solid, but again put him on your team and he frustrates the crap out of you.

  193. jennifer

    Phillies up 1 :D

  194. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    There’s the great DeWitt striking out !

  195. Jonathon

    It all Sound and Fury…the Yankees didn’t want Beltran 3 years ago when he was 28…they aren’t going to trade for him now…they have Johnny Damon for another year and Brett Gardner/Austin Jackson waiting in the wings.

    I hate the hot stove season…

  196. Laura

    And Game 1 goes to the Phillies! 3 more to go!

  197. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    Yay Phillies!

  198. Peter Abraham

    Man, the NL is like watching a different game. Playoff baseball in 2 hours and 36 minutes. That will be the 5th inning tomorrow.

  199. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefully the offense won't be so offensive.

    Good job Phillies! This game did go by pretty fast

  200. E-Rod

    Nice Phillies

    Alright Myers, lets get it done tomorrow.

  201. Laura

    “Man, the NL is like watching a different game. Playoff baseball in 2 hours and 36 minutes. That will be the 5th inning tomorrow.”

    That’s because it doesn’t take the pitchers that long to strike out, Pete. The AL DH’s are in the box forever.

  202. Quilvio Imposter

    NL baseball is fun. So much strategy involved, quick, low scoring games.

  203. Tom

    “Man, the NL is like watching a different game. Playoff baseball in 2 hours and 36 minutes. That will be the 5th inning tomorrow.”

    Plus no obnoxious colum Phil Mushnick complaining about start times and end times.

  204. Ed - looking forward to 2009

    I thought he said that about Giambi. LOL!

    Laura –
    it goes both ways. lol

  205. Chris

    “He completely stunk it up in the 1st half to the point they would have dealt him for Jacolby Ellsbury. Beltran looks really gritty, looks very solid, but again put him on your team and he frustrates the crap out of you.”

    He hit .268/.363/.476 in the first half. That makes him roughly the 5th best CF in baseball.

    Granted, he had a rough April (755 OPS – that’s Melky like). So now, it’s not one bad season that makes him a bust, but one bad month?

    (I guess this is the Cano principle again)

  206. GreenBeret7

    Laura
    October 9th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
    “So basically, you’re arguing that one bad year means that he’s horrible?”

    Yeah. They call it the “The Cano Principle”.

    __

    Or, according to some, the real origin of “The Peter Principle”. Thanks for the blast from the past, Laura. It’s not often that quality reading gets a mention in here.

  207. Jeter God

    Guys, the Mets would never do that deal. They are in win now mode just like we are.

    Beltran is the only one on that team who shows up in the playoffs and in the 2nd half. Don’t give me the childish “he had the bat on his shoulders in game 7”, as another guy said, Mariano lost it in 2001 does that mean he sucks?

    Cano can only dream of reaching Beltran’s numbers. Mets will never make that deal. Adding the young supertar Ian Kennedy doesn’t make the deal any sweeter.

  208. Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Staying to write the story

    The AL still kinda owns the NL though.

  209. Chris

    “Beltran is the same guy that left bat on shoulders in game 7”

    Not one season. Not one month. Not one game. But one at bat?!?!?!?

    One at bat defines what this guy can do in the clutch?

  210. Jose

    I never knew Chan Ho Park was still around

  211. GreenBeret7

    Chris
    October 9th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
    “He completely stunk it up in the 1st half to the point they would have dealt him for Jacolby Ellsbury. Beltran looks really gritty, looks very solid, but again put him on your team and he frustrates the crap out of you.”

    He hit .268/.363/.476 in the first half. That makes him roughly the 5th best CF in baseball.

    Granted, he had a rough April (755 OPS – that’s Melky like). So now, it’s not one bad season that makes him a bust, but one bad month?

    (I guess this is the Cano principle again)

    _

    Isn’t one bad month the same reason everyone wants to unload Cano….. .159 in April and .297 the rest of the way, including 3 weeks of hitting with a bad thumb?

  212. TeKNetiCK

    So if Beltran grounded out to short instead of looking at strike 3 in game 7, that makes him more clutch?

  213. Mike R

    Did Palin throw out the first pitch tonight? Or is that a different game?

  214. Dave

    The mets would do that trade if only to get rid of beltrans salary to acquire a free agent pitcher – that is the ONLY reason I see that happening. Or beltran is asking off the mets and no one else knows it. Either way, two very unlikely scenarios. How do people that get payed to write about baseball, spread these awful trade rumors?

    I have to say why in gods name would the yanks be thinking about trading cano this off season for anyone at all. This is about the tenth time I hear the yanks may be looking to lose cano. What a better time to trade him than at the worstpoint of his career thus far. If Cash deals cano, his contract should be revoked due to mere stupidity and I know cash isnt always the brightest crayon in the box but he isnt that dumb either. Its like the stock market – buy low and sell high. Canos value has never been lower – we could have gotten santana for him and a few prospects last yr. We couldnt even come close to that now. Cano should be off the trading block this entire off season. Hughes and kennedy should also be off the block as their value wont get much lower than it is right now as well.

  215. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    It’s not like Beltran has been clutch for the Mets this season isn’t even close if not for Carlos Delgado, you guys love to overrate players not on your team. He looks like a gamer but he isn’t.

  216. tom

    Anyone else think IPK can develop into a Hamels type pitcher? Both guys have killer changeups and good FB command.

  217. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Anyone else think IPK can develop into a Hamels type pitcher? Both guys have killer changeups and good FB command.

    Nope.

  218. mel

    How was the game? When I came out of the store, it was 3-2 Phillies. Sounded like a terrific game. Heard Victorino made a couple of fantastic plays.

  219. LLIME

    LOL

    Kennedy has a Hamels changeup?

    Wow.

  220. Mike R

    Kennedy tops out at 89. Hamels throws 91-95 and is left-handed.

  221. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    tom but I would keep my eye on Phil Coke if I were you.

  222. NITRO

    mel,

    Victor made a couple of great plays and turned an out into a 2 base error in the 6th (before the Utley HR)

  223. GreenBeret7

    tom
    October 9th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
    Anyone else think IPK can develop into a Hamels type pitcher? Both guys have killer changeups and good FB command.

    __

    Not Hamels but a slightly lesser version of Mussina if he gets it together.
    This is where Jed Mussina must have

    “A long talk with that boy”.

    Ellie Mae: “Why, Pa?”

    Jed Mussina: “Because the short ones are so depressing.”

  224. Mike R

    Who threw out the first pitch tonight?

  225. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    BTW for the Cano haters this is from Joel Sherman

    The more I talk to Yankee officials the more I become convinced that Robinson Cano will not be dealt. That is because the Yanks plan on valuing him as the 2006-7 Cano and not last year’s discouraging version. As I canvas executives from other teams, however, they all say something like this: “Cano still has value, but not the same as last year.”So unless this is a leverage play the Yankees are not going to be able to turn Cano into either the top-end starter or center fielder they crave. Essentially outside teams want to hedge the risk that Cano is not a serious enough person to ever consistently maximize his talent. So what would be most possible would be a risk-for-risk trade, and the Yanks don’t want to take that risk. Enough of their top decision makers continue to believe Cano is going to be a .300-plus hitter who hits between 20-30 HRs and approaches Gold Glove defense to give him up for a project.

    That is the strongest statement made from the FO.

  226. vtred

    Brackman – 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1ER, 4 BB, 4 K

    Had a rough 4th inning with 2 walks and 2 wild pitches.

    Relieved by Papelbon.

  227. Brandon (TEIX IS NOT WORTH IT, GET CC !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    6’11 SP control is going to arrive eventually.

  228. Dave

    “Joel Sherman of the New York Post doesn’t believe Robinson Cano will be traded, because the Yankees are valuing him as if 2008 did not occur. He names Fausto Carmona as an example of a pitcher the Yanks would not accept for Cano.”

    This is why cano will not and should not get traded and the yanks are right – they should over-value cano at this point because everyone else is undervaluing him.

  229. S.A.-Looking forward to 2009 and hopefull