Today in the playoffs
-
-
- October
- 16
-
ALCS Game 5: Rays (Kazmir) at Red Sox (Matsuzaka), 8:07 p.m. (TBS)
From The Journal News: On an unconventional team, no Ray is goes against the grain more than Fernando Perez.
The Rays made a switch and Scott Kazmir will start tonight. This notebook also takes a look at Daisuke Matszuaka and how efficient Tampa Bay’s offense has been.
————
At 1 p.m. today, award-winning Journal News columnists Sam Borden and Rick Carpiniello will take their Face Off Blog live and meet for a live video chat to debate the hot topics in sports.
You can send in your questions and participate, so check that out. Hopefully the police won’t be called.
This entry was posted
on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 at 10:37 am by Peter Abraham.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
I have a feeling that the PHI-TB World Series will get the lowest ratings ever for a World Series.
Laura, probably. Funny thing is, I am much more inclined to watch it then I was in the past several seasons.
“I have a feeling that the PHI-TB World Series will get the lowest ratings ever for a World Series.”
Could be. Phillies actually played in the highest rated World Series ever….against the Royal???
Tigers/Cardinals from ‘06 had the worst ever, followed by last year’s World Series and the White Sox/Houston in ‘05.
Don’t know if this one will be the worst, but it should be low enough to knock the 2000 Mets/Yankees out of the Top 5 worst rated ever World Series.
Fredo-
Are you thinking 1993 against the BlueJays?
Buddy:
Nope. Phillies/Royals in 1980 had the highest rating of any World Series ever, narrowly topping 1978 version of Dodgers/Yankees.
Philly was out of control last night. If you were dumb enough to drive your car down Broad Street, you were likely met with a mob surrounding you and crazy drunks jumping on your hood. Any cars parked on side streets around Temple U have foot prints and dents in the hoods and roofs. I was convinced a riot was about to break out, and in some respects it did.
Crazy night in Philly….can’t wait to see the mayhem if they win the WS.
Ok Fredo, gotcha!
Good morning everyone! Is it E-day? I hope it is.
I’m in a chatty mood this morning.
1. DP has a debate going on. Should the Dodgers pursue CC or Manny?
2. If you bring Andy back, what are the terms?
3. If you’re CC where’s the ideal play to play?
—————————————————
1. I think they should pursue Manny. He’s really revived Dodger baseball. Singlehandedly. They’re a perfect fit. Give him the 4 yr/$100M without a NTC. In that division? With those young players? Perennial playoff team. Postseason is Manny season.
2. I say 1 year/$12M with lots of incentive clauses.
3. Just off the top of my head, I’d say the Dodgers. Left coast, laid back baseball atmosphere, lower expectations, can hit, and they’ll be in the playoffs every year.
Why haven’t the Phillies received any love for being a player developmet power-house? All of the key players on their team are people who came up through their system.
Is it because they don’t have a media savvy GM and owner whom the national media can heap praise on?
If the Yankees, Redsox, Mets, A’s, ect, developed 2 mvps (Rollins and Howard) and a possible 3rd (Utley), pitchers like Hamels and Meyers, and an Allstar like Burrell the national media would be going crazy.
Mel:
Agree with your answers to #2 (though no incentive clauses -$12M straight up for what he gives you is fine) and #3.
Dodgers are crazy not to go after 29 year old Sabathia over a 37 year old Ramirez. Pitching rules. Lowe will be gone. Billingsley and Kershaw are still too young to assume top of the rotation status. Having the ace is where it’s at and you can’t rule out Ramirez going quirky again once he has money locked up.
Good point Tom. Phils did a nice job putting their team together. Have to give them credit for grabbing up Victorino on the Rule 5 as well.
Fredo,
Man you guys are cheap. You want to give CC a blank check, but you can’t give Andy some scraps for doing good? haha.
When Manny leaves, the Dodger town will turn back into Laker Town. Management needs to win, but ownership needs to satiate the fanbase. CC won’t be the face of the franchise.
Any chance the Dodgers re-sign Lowe?
“Fredo Corleone
October 16th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Phillies/Royals in 1980 had the highest rating of any World Series ever, narrowly topping 1978 version of Dodgers/Yankees”
it was a different America, then. Families sat down and had dinner together at 6pm, every night. There was no internet. No cable. And a total of 4 TV channels, to choose from.
The flexability the Rays have on their roster is to die for.
This should be a high priority in Cashman shaping the 2009 Yankee roster.
It goes a long way toward winning seasons. It can start by unraveling the bottleneck at 1st base and DH.
Mike: I know someone that lives walking distance from Citizens Bank Park, she was kind of upset she couldn’t get to sleep because it was so loud (she’s a casual baseball fan at best)
“it was a different America, then. Families sat down and had dinner together at 6pm, every night. There was no internet. No cable. And a total of 4 TV channels, to choose from.”
Absolutely. Cable’s made a huge difference. Furthermore, the switch to Fox has hurt as they have not been able to build the audience the Big 3 was able to before them.
“Man you guys are cheap. You want to give CC a blank check, but you can’t give Andy some scraps for doing good? haha.”
You cant give anyone with 4 rings incentives. Its a slap in the face!
Andy gets 1 year less money then last year. Andy is declining and possibly cant handle his usual seasons workload anymore. But we could use him in the post season and to piece together the regular season rotation. We have alot of people potentially in 2009 rotation who cant get anywhere near 200 innings. Joba, CC (who might need to just get work in this year and kept strong for the post), Hughes (who will be pitching in AAA to start the season probably).
I think if they are healthy the go to guys next year are Wang and Mussina(if he comes back) for the regular season. Alot of the year will have to be pieced together.
honestly, the fans of philly teams that i know have been casual baseball fans at best. until now, i guess. they never give up on the eagles for some silly reason, however.
Yankee org. mtg. is big news?
It’s one of the headlines on the baseball page on espn.com.
They filled out the article with Hanks quotes and this:
The Yankees went 89-73 this past season, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993. New York was hit hard by injuries, losing more than 30 combined starts from Chien-Ming Wang (foot) and Joba Chamberlain (shoulder).
Wang threw off a half-mound this week at the Yankees’ minor league complex.
Whether Chamberlain will start 2009 in the rotation or bullpen will be discussed.
———————————————-
The only news there is that Wang is progressing. Very good news.
mel
do you really think that manny is going to sign a contract for 12 mil/year with incentive clauses and an NTC?
what should the Dodgers do?
- sign Manny
- trade Loney for Hughes, Kennedy, and a B-prospect/relief pitcher
AROD fan,
#1 is for Manny
#2 is for Andy
I thought that *maybe* Manny would sign off on the NTC for a $100M payday. He won’t be able to play 4 more years in the field, so he’ll have to be moved to an AL team. Unless the baseball world decides to do the right thing an make the NL use the DH.
Mel:
I do not want to give Sabathia a blank check. I feel whoever signs him to a 6-7 year deal with end up regetting a good portion of it.
Disagree that Sabathia could not be the face of the Dodgers. He was in Milwaukee for 3 months and was the face of the Brewers. Bottom line is aces are a more difficult find than big bats. 29 year olds are better than 37 year olds. Good attitudes and commitment are better iffy attitude and flakiness. CC brings the former in all cases while Ramirez brings the latter.
As for Pettitte, he already got his lifetime achievment award by being overpaid by a few million bucks the past 2 years. Yankees were under .500 in games he pitched in ‘08, and while hitting was a part of the problem, his performance was a bigger problem…especially in the 2md half. He isn’t giving any money back after failing at his job in ‘08. If I’m the Yankees I don’t want to give him extra for doing his job in ‘09.
every time i think of moose retiring it bums me out. make him a big one year offer. throw in the flag pole if they have to.
Yeah I know they will be retained but it will be awesome if Colletti was dumb enough to let them go. LOL, (just dont mind that my opinon, im not paying attention in class)
“Laura, probably. Funny thing is, I am much more inclined to watch it then I was in the past several seasons.”
Not me. I’ll check MLB.com the next day to find out what happened. I doubt I’ll watch any of the games.
On a side note, MLB has to do something about the schedule. If TB wins tonight, there will be several days before the WS. This matchup is already threatened by low ratings due to the fact that they are small market teams. Now you take baseball off of the air for several days (and out of people’s minds) and you are adding insult to injury. MLB needs to change it back to how it used to be; the WS starts after both teams have been decided (with at least one day in between). This business of picking a starting day may be convenient for network TV, but I think it does the teams and the fans a disservice.
What bottleneck do the Yankees have at 1b and DH? Last I checked first base was vacant and the only DH is Matsui.
Harwood, Torre’s contracts always had incentives for making the playoffs and winning rounds in the playoffs. I believe Murray Chass had an article last year detailing past Torre contracts. Google it.
By the way I wasn’t rooting for or against Torre. My motto is anybody but Boston. The only rooting interest I have is the Yankees. I think it’s silly how many Yankee fans derived joy from the Dodgers losing. Just my opinion.
Fredo,
Everything you say is right on, but Manny is Manny.
But the bottom line is that the bidding will get so ridiculous that CC might be a little too rich for the Dodgers blood.
Half of their 25-man is up for FA? Yikes.
i agree Laura. Phils at Tampa starting Saturday!
“This matchup is already threatened by low ratings due to the fact that they are small market teams.”
Philly is the #4 market in the nation.
“I think it’s silly how many Yankee fans derived joy from the Dodgers losing.”
Why? Is it silly when you derive joy from BOS losing? What’s the difference?
My joy in LAD losing is that it means that Manny isn’t going to the WS.
“This business of picking a starting day may be convenient for network TV, but I think it does the teams and the fans a disservice.”
But you’re 100% right on this.
““This matchup is already threatened by low ratings due to the fact that they are small market teams.â€
“Philly is the #4 market in the nation.”
Okay, they aren’t NY and BOS. Happy?
I think $ 12 M is about right for Pettite. Can’t imagine he would demand $ 16 M again. If Mussina retires they might consider two FA pitchers instead of one. I remain a Hughes believer and would not be at all concerned about an opening day rotation of CC or AJ, Wang, Andy, Hughes, Joba.
Teixiera is still a very important get.
The 1B/DH logjam doesn’t exist except in the mind of people who think Posada is a 1B. Right now the Yankees have Matsui at DH and no one at 1B. Sure a Millar/Miranda or Blake/Miranda combo would be cheaper, but is it good enough? I think not. Blalock might be a possibility, but I don’t like his injury history and not much younger than Tex
“I think it’s silly how many Yankee fans derived joy from the Dodgers losing.”
Unless it improves their team’s fortunes, it’s silly for any fans to derive joy from another team losing.
“I think it’s silly how many Yankee fans derived joy from the Dodgers losing. Just my opinion.”
i agree here. but it really amazed me at the bar last night with met fans who really thought the dodgers success was proof that the yankees made a mistake. i didn’t bring up that the NL was basicaly a tugboat race. they also had no idea that donny was on their coaching staff
it was nice to see them upset at the philly’s success, however
“every time i think of moose retiring it bums me out. make him a big one year offer. throw in the flag pole if they have to.”
Im hoping Mussina is waiting to see/hear what the Yankees are doing with the team this year. I dont think he wants to leave the year before they go back and win it all. If the team looks good he will come back for another run at the WS. I think that has just as much draw as a 300 wins plateau. If he can come back for 1 year and get a ring he can decide next year about pursuing the 300 mark.
“I think it’s silly how many Yankee fans derived joy from the Dodgers losing.”
I didn’t experience joy, just relief that I wouldn’t be subjected to countless pieces about how the Yankees’ failure to offer Torre a lifetime contract was the greatest baseball mistake since the sale of Babe Ruth.
I agree that no one should hate Torre, although I can understand being annoyed with him.
“Harwood, Torre’s contracts always had incentives for making the playoffs and winning rounds in the playoffs. I believe Murray Chass had an article last year detailing past Torre contracts. Google it. ”
I know what kind of contracts he had in the past. I would characterize what were in his previous contracts with the Yanks as bonuses not incentives. What was offered in 08 were incentives.
“Unless it improves their team’s fortunes, it’s silly for any fans to derive joy from another team losing.”
So Fredo, you’re telling me that you don’t get one ounce of pleasure when BOS loses, even if their losing doesn’t affect the Yankees?
Really.
Not sure I believe that.
If BOS loses tonight, I’ll be dancing in the streets.
Folks not only is Philly the # 4 media market in the country, but Tampa Bay is # 13.
The Rays are also a fascinating team of young kids that just might appeal to the casual sports fan.
This is going to be a wild post-season when you consider all the FA talent, the big times players with options, the high number of FA on both LA teams and so on.
Patience in making the best deals will be at a premium. Would love to know which if any young playaers/prospects Cashman considers untouchable.
Don’t know if Kim Jones had conversations with someone who made her think this way but on WFAN last week she tossed out 1 year $8 million as an offer for Andy. Francessa asked if Andy would even consider a contract like that and Jones said she thought so.
WOW this manny quote from MLBTR. Guy’s a real character
“I just want to go home and spend some time with my family. I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I.”
Manny is Pyrite. When he’s happy he’s the best teammate in baseball, when he’s not, he can destroy a team. He’s too selfish for my blood. The Redsox put up with him for as long as they did because they couldn’t move him. They only traded him when they did because he could be a free agent after this year. No team wanted him and his contract before that.
I just don’t think any team should invest big years on him.
Laura,
I’m a Yankee fan so when Boston loses I’m happy. Which part of that don’t you overstand?
What’s the logical reason for Yankee fans to be happy that the Dodgers lost? As far as I remember Joe Torre did far more good than bday for the Yankee organization. People happy that he lost come across as being childish in my opinion.
“Half of their 25-man is up for FA? Yikes.”
Not as bad as it seems, Mel. Lot of retreads and old guys in that group. Blake, Kent, Garciaparra, Lowe, Maddux, CH Park, Jason Johnson, etc. Guys they weren’t likely to keep anyway. Furcal is one too. Plus they have Jones and Schmidt off the books for next year. They’ll be able to go in pretty hard on Sabathia if they so choose.
Peavy prefers the NL. He specifically likes Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and St. Louis. He considers L.A. a particularly good fit and therefore is open to the Angels. Peavy controls his fate, as he has a full no-trade clause.
The week layoff that could come between series will kill the ratings more than the markets involved.
The size of the market is only one aspect of ratings. The appeal to watchers not in the market is the real difference. Will NY, LA, Chicago etc… care enough to tune in?
From a baseball standpoint, Phils-Rays has the makings of a hell of a series.
Having the Red Sox or Yankees don’t guarantee anything.
Red Sox-Rockies last year was the 2nd lowest rated WS of all-time, onlt to STL-DET in 06. Yes, even lower than White Sox-Astros. Yankees-Padres in 98 was extremely low rated at the time.
It’s not about markets as it is about competitiveness. If Phils-Rays goes to 6-7 games, then it would eclipse ratings of Red Sox-Dodgers if it only went 4 games. There needs to be some build up to the series.
“Unless it improves their team’s fortunes, it’s silly for any fans to derive joy from another team losing.”
That’s a rational position, but I find I don’t really agree with it.
It’s fun to have a rooting interest when watching ballgames featuring teams other than your own. I’ve always found the best way to do that is have irrational (or semi-rational) dislikes for other teams.
For instance, I don’t like the Dodgers. Nothing to do with Torre, I’ve disliked them for thirty years. It’s always fun to root for them to lose. I’ve always disliked the Phillies, too, so this year was tough, but I dislike the Phils less than the Dodgers, so I still had a rooting interest. And I think most Yankee fans would agree with me that they root for the Sox to lose.
I’m a college basketball fan. It really helps there to have irrational dislikes. For instance, I don’t like UCLA and I don’t like Duke. Since they are on TV a lot, I can usually find a rooting interest for the other team.
What do other people think?
Boston-Colorado and White Sox-Astros, both had 2 of the top 4 markets in the league in BOS and CHI, yet both of those account for the 2nd and 3rd lowest rated WS of all time. It isin’t about markets as all.
Yankees-Mets did higher than any of the previous 3 world series.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/ws/wstv.shtml
“WOW this manny quote from MLBTR. Guy’s a real character
“I just want to go home and spend some time with my family. I want to see who is the highest bidder. Gas is up and so am I.—
Don’t people see that Manny’s time on the Dodgers was nothing more than a glorified PR stunt?
He’s made a concerted effort to put his best face forward all in an attempt to get 100 million more dollars. His team lost and all he can talk about is his looming FA deal? He’s a Fraud!
“So Fredo, you’re telling me that you don’t get one ounce of pleasure when BOS loses, even if their losing doesn’t affect the Yankees?”
I am telling you that Laura. Doesn’t make a bit of difference to me. I care about one team winning. The rest doesn’t matter. While I have no issue with those who do delight in it, I see it as a loser’s mentality initially made popular by Red Sox fans.
The disdain for the Dodgers is mainly media driven, IMO.
For the past month, people have tried to use Torre’s success as a way to knock down the Yankees and Girardi. They tried to make him bigger than he is and make us look bad.
And you had idiots saying things like “I hope the Dodgers win to stick it to that blowhard Hank” or “I hope Torre wins it in Tampa in George’s backyard”. For no reason, they used Torre winning as a way to spite the Yankees. Not only did the Anti-Yankee contingent play this up, so did a lot of Yankee fans themselves.
So I think people just got fed up and felt compelled to root against the Dodgers.
“That’s a rational position, but I find I don’t really agree with it.”
Why would I answer a question from a person who already said they don’t agree with rational positions?
I want the Redsox to lose so their fans don’t come trolling around here.
other than that it makes no difference to me.
Knowledgeable baseball fans know a good World Series matchup when they see one.
A Rays-Phiilies series has all the makings of a good one. No loudmouthed hoots or attention cravers on either team.
He’s not a fraud, he’s Manny. Its just who he is.
A fraud is a guy who talks a good game and can’t produce.
Manny can produce.
Regardless of whether folks like him or hate him, he may well be the best RH hitter of this generation.
That said, when you commit to more than just a two month rental to Manny, you inherit everything that comes with him.
His boys, his moods, his eccentricities and his game.
I don’t know why folks get in such a lather over what Scott Boras is asking for Manny. What is he supposed to do, short sell him?
Just because he asks for the moon doesn’t mean a team has to give it to him.
Manny’s market is quite small. Even smaller if NY and Boston aren’t involved.
Remember one thing about the Dodgers. Frank McCourt doesn’t like to spend money. He got Manny for FREE. The Red Sox paid the entire tab.
I’ll believe he will go to 20+ million for a player when he actually does it.
So far in his time as owner of the Dodgers, he has shown zero inclination to do so. He turned Torre down flat this off-season when he went to them and asked about getting into the Santana Sweepstakes. This off-season will be the test to see if he is truly interesting in flexing his big market muscles.
the shots that came from torre’s people after we were eliminated from his brother, mattingly, bowa etc. i think is what really made people root against them. they were gleeful and couldn’t wait to stick it to us.
so naturally, people rooted against everyone associated to torre.
The only bad thing about a Rays/Phillies series is…
Those damn cowbells.
logistical way, to add an additional wild-card team, per league ?
one extra wild-card team, per league, would be perfect.
two extra wild-card teams, per league, would be too much. And take away importance of regular season play.
Oh, and no Yankees…
Does anyone think that there will be a $20 million player this offseason? I am having a harder time seeing it. In all fairness, I just looked at my 401k, but other than CC, there might not be any teams willing to shell out. I don’t see Tex getting that much, especially with his reputation. Manny is the definition of a red flag, and big market teams might want to wait it out.
Gary, exactly.
Phillies-Rays has the makings of the most competitive series since 2003. As we saw, the Dodgers are an 84 win team from the NL, they would have been a quick out for BOS or TB. That would have been boring. Outside of Manny, whats the appeal? You don’t watch managers in baseball.
Even Raissmann, who loves to stick it to FOX, said the ratings would be surprisingly good because this series will be competitive and thats more important than big markets. They need to build momentum for the ratings to occur.
Phillies are one of the most fun teams to watch in baseball. Rays are too. Both have power, speed, couple of power arms, gritty teams etc. True baseball fans will enjoy this series.
No more wild cards. Just keep it as it is.
Make the regular season matter.
There is no reason to turn MLB into the NBA or NHL with too many playoff teams.
The only thing wrong with the MLB Post-Season is 3 out of 5 in the opening round. If they go to Best of 7, its perfect.
“logistical way, to add an additional wild-card team, per league ?”
Can’t see it and don’t think I’d want to if I could. I’d guess baseball would go to a Best of 7 1st round before they’d add a 9th and 10th team to the postseason mix.
vinny-b,
You could get really creative with the possibilities.
Top 2 WC teams play a 1 game or 3 game play-in series to play the top seed?
“What’s the logical reason for Yankee fans to be happy that the Dodgers lost?”
Dude, did you not read the rest of my post? My joy comes from Manny being sent home. Now, if you are talking about the people who are happy that Torre didn’t advance, that I don’t get. I don’t see how Torre’s success in LAD is a reflection on us. LAD went to the playoffs because of Manny. It’s the media that wants people to think that it had something to do with Torre. Sorry media, I don’t buy it. LAD was a .500 team before Manny got there and a playoff bound team after he arrived. That says it all IMO.
kd,
The Yankees will have the advantage because they’ll be able to top any offer.
I said yesterday that until a month ago, teams were prepared to keep spending like a bunch of drunken sailors.
Boston is not in the market for Manny.
I heard Larry Luchino inteviewed this morning and, although he didn’t say it outright, I ma sure he is thrilled his friends in LA lost. The castoffs of Lowe, Garciappara and Manny.
I cannot envision any scenario where Larry, Theo and the Sox will welcome Manny back. NONE!
“Wave Your Hat
October 16th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
It’s fun to have a rooting interest when watching ballgames featuring teams other than your own. I’ve always found the best way to do that is have irrational (or semi-rational) dislikes for other teams.
What do other people think?”
I believe you right on target. Sports have to do with passion. And apathy is the #1 enemy, for a sports viewer.
“I am telling you that Laura. Doesn’t make a bit of difference to me. I care about one team winning. The rest doesn’t matter. While I have no issue with those who do delight in it, I see it as a loser’s mentality initially made popular by Red Sox fans.”
What can I tell you, Fredo. Hate makes you do crazy things.
“I said yesterday that until a month ago, teams were prepared to keep spending like a bunch of drunken sailors.”
Not sure about this. Most of what I’ve read from sports economists (for lack of a better term) suggests that the economic downturn will not have much impact on free agency this year. Baseball remains flush with cash.
I really really really REALLY hope nobody in the organization is serious about even talking about pursuing Manny.
To be able to sign CC and Tiexiera would do a lot for helping the team.
I’d be into giving Cano a shot this year. Guys have off years and I’d like to think the odds are against Cano repeating his ‘08 performance.
With CC solving the front line pitcher problem, and Tex solving the 1B problem, then possibly a couple outfielders from somewhere would solve a significant amount of the other problems.
That Posada might or might not catch is a dilemma … hard to count on it. Maybe he can still throw well enough to at least be a backup? Catch 1 or 2 days and DH most of the others? Combine that with Matsui doing some DHing and playing some OF? Occasionally Posada could give Tex a day off at 1B or a rest day as DH?
Pitching would have CC, Wang, Joba, Moose, with Pettitte/Peavy(?)/Hughes/Aceves as possible options. Sheets and Burnett … I’m not as convinced on their durability. Maybe they’re my 3rd & 4th outside options behind CC and Peavy.
INF – Jeter, A-Rod, Cano, Tex. Backup? Who knows. I’ll call him ‘?’.
OF – Nady and 2 of either Gardner, Abreu, Damon, ‘?’ or a different ‘?’.
DH – Matsui (4th OF), Posada (sometimes C?)
C – Milona, with Posada and ‘?’ as backups. And get a catching prospect soon.
Bullpen – Anything can happen … they’ve got lots of arms to choose from.
We’d have to give up something for the ? at C and the two ?’s for OF options. Two of out current OFs are worth considering for the sacrifice. Some pitchers not listed here too. Not too many though.
Mel,
Thanks for the response. I might be cynical here, but I see owners using the economy as an excuse not to spend, saying something like $15 million is their max, when last season 20 might have been.
“The only thing wrong with the MLB Post-Season is 3 out of 5 in the opening round. If they go to Best of 7, its perfect.”
SJ44, I think that this may be the first time that you and I actually agree on something. Has hell frozen over?
Making this change and having the next set of playoff games start as soon as the teams are decided are the only changes need to the playoff system.
I don’t think you will see a flurry of new money being spent in free agency unless the economy shows some signs of recovery.
I can tell you from the teams I do business with that they are VERY worried about the upcoming year. Some markets simply are stretched out when it comes to ticket prices, ad rates and stadium costs.
Its going to be awfully tough for those markets to pony up large guarantees in the free agent market. Especially with the possibility of those deals being uninsured.
If that happens, its going to be tough for some teams to personally guarantee the deals.
Tom Hicks has already told his GM he won’t authorize pursue of the upper tier FA’s.
I heard the other day that Mike Illich, the Tigers owner, wants Dave Dombrowski (his GM) to shave, and not add, payroll.
If those guys hold firm to their current positions, that’s two bigger hitters out of the FA market. That affects everybody.
“mel
October 16th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Top 2 WC teams play a 1 game or 3 game play-in series to play the top seed?”
I like the idea. Similar scenario to Whitesox/Twins, this year. One game playoffs, always equal excitement. And even a 3-game series, IMO would not significantly lessen the regular season.
Ansky brings up a good point about Posada.
What do you do? I say you build your team as if he’s perfectly capable of catching in ‘09.
You get your pitching and 1B in free agency and save your prospects.
If it turns out that Posada can’t catch, we’re screwed. He becomes the DH and you have to do something with Matsui. The best is if he can play LF more often than not. Matsui might have to be the sacrificial lamb. How does Johnny look in RF? haha.
Jose Molina takes over with the third catcher backing him up.
Then you use the bullets you saved to find a more permanent solution.
“I’m looking at a seven-year deal” said a smiling Ramirez, who collected eight hits in this year’s NLCS, which tied a Dodgers record. “I want Alex money.”
Boras has been hinting at 6/$140M but Manny is going for it laying 7/$190M out there.
I guess I have a loser’s mentality and I am silly (I think that’s what it was if I was happy the Dodger’s lost.) But then I think there are people here who have “known” that about me from jump street.
Other than Yankee wins, nothing makes me happier than to see the Sux lose. But since I know that people like Drive and Randy absolutely understand that feeling, I know our geography has more to do with it than anything. I don’t know any Yankee fans from around here who aren’t totally delighted at any Sux loss. I certainly don’t think we need to apologize or be called names because others don’t feel the same way.
About the Dodgers losing, I am thrilled beyond belief because I grew sick to death of the Torre beatification that took place after he left, even though his popularity was at an all-time low. I also got sick to death of hearing about the Torre-Girardi comparisons. Nobody will ever convince me that Torre would have taken this Yankee team to the playoffs this year, especially with the emergence of the Rays. But I do believe that our bullpen would all be in hospitals having surgery right now!
On the other hand, I think Girardi is probably a good enough manager that he could have gotten the Dodgers to the world series. After all, he did manage more wins in the toughest division in the majors than Torre did in the weakest.
And Girardi did that in spite of having a weak rotation and a lot of injuries.
“pat
October 16th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
“I’m looking at a seven-year deal†said a smiling Ramirez, who collected eight hits in this year’s NLCS, which tied a Dodgers record. “I want Alex money.”
Michael Kay will like this quote.
P.S. If Posada hates the Sux, I’d say that puts me in good company.
Do you think teams will add years to overcome lower average annual value contracts? This is where the Yankees could have a huge advantage. A 3 year/ $25 deal for CC might be ideal.
I want some of whatever it is that Manny is smoking.
Alex money? A-Rod was a very young man when got both of his mega contracts. Manny Ramirez is a 37 year old headcase, who on his best day, isn’t as good a fielder as Alex is. He may have a slight edge in the hitting department, but it’s still very close. Any owner that gives Manny A-Rod money should be sent to Bellevue.
Reading Sherman’s blog. Many referred to himself as a “five-tool player”.
Gotta love this guy I bet Alex is praying we pick Manny up to get the spotlight off him
“Laura
October 16th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
I want some of whatever it is that Manny is smoking”
and he prolly is
: )
Well Manny’s power is 2 tools.
Manny’s clowning, and negotiating at the same time. I think it’s hilarious.
Manny in pinstripes? Don’t bet against it!!!! As I write, Tampa is considering this very point. Cash, of course, is against it, Hank is blustering on for it, and Hal is quite pensive!!! How do I know? Reacher knows!!!
Reacher has a point (!). If they’re considering Manny, they’re not going to let it out.
His bat would be a great addition, but we’re over our 30-something-defensive-liability-DH-types.
Manny in pinstripes? Don’t bet against it!!!!
Not a chance in hell.
I have a question for those “let’s get Manny” people. What are we supposed to do with him?
He can’t play LF adequately. You guys complained about Abreu; you’re going to love seeing Manny roll over balls that he can’t find.
He can DH, but then what do you do with Matsui? Before you say “trade him”, is the market high right now for a guy who is coming off of two knee surgeries?
What do we do when Manny gets into one of those “I don’t feel like hustling” modes?
Also, do you really think that Girardi’s personality is a good fit with Manny’s? Come on, people. Use your head. Manny Ramirez is the last player in the world we should be thinking about signing.
*we’re over our quota of 30-something-defensive-liability-DH-types
Laura we know he can help Damon w/ throws to home
Frank Isola on with Francesa today. Maybe we will get some Knicks talk?
lol Who am I kidding. Of course not.
No Manny. Please
Good stuff here today and I agree with building this team and going into this offseason with the assumption that Posada will be the everyday catcher as he swore to Cashman he would be.
In actuality though, not even Posada will know for sure until the Spring if his shoulder is capable of enduring the catching duties every day.
Our offseason plans will be well over by then so the organization cannot hold off and wait for a more definitive answer from Posada other than what he said already.
That being said, Cashman and Co. need to focus on 3 main areas this offseason:
SP: CC, AJ, Lowe, or whoever
1B: Teixeira, Blalock, Garko, or whoever
CF: Cameron, Byrd, Gardner, or whoever
**the above players are examples, not my only suggestions**
If he finds and can reel in an average/above average FA player for each of the 3 postitions above we will be in a great position for next season.
Yes because god knows I want to know how Eddy Curry broke a physio ball.
“Laura we know he can help Damon w/ throws to home”
LOL!! So true.
you forgot Jody Gerut who is a FA JR.
Laura,
The money and age are more of issue than his personality.
The Yankees only care if a player can produce.
Manny’s not as hated in the game as you think he is.
But, I don’t think Yankee fans need to worry.
Brandon,
If the Yankees were going to sign one, who would you choose? Manny or Tex? Which is the lesser of two evils. And neither is not an acceptable answer!
“A-Rod was a very young man when got both of his mega contracts”
Don’t mean to picking on you today Laura, but Arod was 32 when Hankenstein punished him for opting out by extending him 7 years, giving him a deal thru age 42.
That said, I can’t see Ramirez getting more than 4. MOre realistically, three.
“Reacher
October 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Manny in pinstripes? Don’t bet against it!!!! As I write, Tampa is considering this very point. Cash, of course, is against it, Hank is blustering on for it, and Hal is quite pensive!!! How do I know? Reacher knows!!!”
and Matt Millen will be added, as advisor to Cashman. You left out that part.
I just can’t wait to see the discipline training from Manny Ramirez to Robi Cano.
Robi you have to wear a skully
Avoid the media
party at night every night
Washington Heights night clubs a must
Arrive to practice late
Don’t run out anymore balls
The mandatory pose after each swing … etc.
Only way we get Manny is if we can move Matsui and Manny gets totally shut out of what he wants around the league. Money wont be the problem so long as we get rid of everyone we offer arb. Its just the ridiculous time Manny is trying to get. He wont get more then 3 years from anyone. And I feel generous saying that.
“Any owner that gives Manny A-Rod money should be sent to Bellevue.”
I’m not sure the owner who gave Arod A-rod money shouldn’t be in Bellevue.
Brandon, not that I want to get into a p####ing contest with you or Laura, for that matter, but why do you think the “guardians” of integrity” (aka the NY Baseball press) are coming out with guns ablazing and all the “respected” national pundits (e.g., Heyman, Rosenthal, Olney and the like) are listing the Yankees as one of the three teams who are players? Because it is quite probable. Each of Laura’s rather naive questions/comments are rhetorical for one who actually watches all aspects of the game.It may not happen, but, as I have said, don’t bet against it!!
Brandon,
If the Yankees were going to sign one, who would you choose? Manny or Tex? Which is the lesser of two evils. And neither is not an acceptable answer!
Ughh…Tex
At least Frank Isola is a Yankee fans unlike the rest of WFAN.
When was the last time there where two host doing a show that where both Yankee fans on WFAN?
“I’m not sure the owner who gave Arod A-rod money shouldn’t be in Bellevue.”
As I recall Arod didnt even get A-rod money.
Addendum: until Cashman actually says “we are definitely not interested in signing Manny”…and then it becomes a question of low probability.
mel, there was a time that the Yankees would not go near players with known “personality quirks.” You didn’t even have to think twice about it, you just knew it wasn’t going to happen, despite the ofttimes rabid “win now!” fans demanding that the player come aboard at all costs. I’d like to think that the Yankee organization has not moved so far away from that philosophy that they would consider taking on a problem child like Manny.
are coming out with guns ablazing and all the “respected†national pundits (e.g., Heyman, Rosenthal, Olney and the like) are listing the Yankees as one of the three teams who are players? Because it is quite probable.
No it’s so people can read the damn column, do you read that column if the word Yankees is not in it. I think not. Put the word Yankees w/ any player and automatically that post or column or article gets more publicity, it happens every year.
Wow, could Francesa let Frank get a word in.
Opening monologues jesus christ get the show started already.
Mel
IMO Matsui’s comeback will turn out better than Posada’s.
I think Matsui could be able to play OF regularly. A lot of people see his recent injuries as a sign of permanent significant decline. but his age indicates he’s go a few good years left. Yes he’s been slower but he’s had torn cartlidge in both knees over the last 2 years. Usually that’s not major stuff but it does slow you down until you fix it. He’s had it fixed. IMO he should be able to bounce back significantly.
One line of thinking would be to just go with him at one OF position, put Nady in another, maybe give Gardner a shot and trade for the 3rd guy with Damon & Melky. I like Damon a lot but his arm is a huge liability especially, against fast division rivals like Tampa and to some extent Boston.
This would allow for Posada not being able to catch. Matsui can DH when Posada’s not DH. Maybe Posada can be a 3rd C while Molina’s someone else’s backup.
When I think of the net result of what we’d give up to replace Matsui and what we could get in return, most of the scenarios suggest to me that we’re better off keeping him. We can’t take for granted that all the scenarios are going to be sweet deals working mostly in our favor, like the Nady deal.
On a side note, I agree with the thinking that the only tweak to the playoffs should be the first round going to best of 7 instead of best of 5. Its almost perfect the way it is (with 3 division winners plus 1 more team) and the NHL/NBA playoffs are a joke.
“As I recall Arod didnt even get A-rod money.”
How do you figure?? He got a raise over and above what was already the largest contract in the sport and a 7 year extension.
“No it’s so people can read the damn column, do you read that column if the word Yankees is not in it. I think not. Put the word Yankees w/ any player and automatically that post or column or article gets more publicity, it happens every year.”
Im looking forward to reading about how the Yankees are players in the Varitek talks.
update
If Manny was 34, and would agree to cut the dreads off, I think the Yankees would be interested, regardless of how they play it publicly.
At 37, full dreads, no desire to cut them, and with Scott Boras asking for the moon? They will pass.
Maybe they will do a favor to Boras (in return for something they want) by allowing him to float their names as being “involved” with Manny to boost his price.
That’s about as far as I see them go when it comes to being interested in Manny.
John McCain and Barack Obama would be friendlier, and work together better, than Girardi and Manny. That would be a toxic matchup for all concerned.
“there was a time that the Yankees would not go near players with known “personality quirks.â€
The Yankees over the years could fill a Personality Quirk Hall of Fame. Some guys you probably think are the best clubhouse guys in the world just might surprise you and vice versa.
Next pg. —->
I am talking more recent times and since Cashman has been involved. And I am talking problem children like Manny who think nothing of peeing in the outfield, deciding when they won’t play, and whacking out teammates. That kind of problem whild.
* child
SJ44
Great post RE MANNY! Every FA in the game (not to mention every player on contract for a bad team in siberia (see Washburn, Ibanez)) was on a PR stunt the last two months. None of them could even come close to the kind of production that Ramirez put up.
Manny is not an A- player, he is a 1st ballot hall of famer. every player has behavior issues and every player slacks off. none of them are as productive as manny.
But I have to disagree with this MLB owners are suddenly poor thing. Just as it is Manny’s job to do a PR stunt in the last 2 months of the season, so is it MLBs job to cry poor at the beginning of the postseason. Baseball makes money off of poor people. When people don’t want to pay attn to the economy, they write on yankee blogs. They don’t want to watch a bunch of poor scrubs on the field to remind them of how hard they work and how shitty they play. they want to see big sluggers making big money. MLBs definition of not making enough money is not the same as ours. At least its not hte same as mine, but if you do business with them maybe its the same as yours. i don’t know.
Laura
I’ll take manny over girardi
Scott Boras will find out soon enough how the economy will put a crimp in his style.
He needs to tell Manny and his other clients that they’re caught up in the state of the times and that he’ll do his best but not to expect an outrageous deal like in past years.
It’s only what he and other agents are about to hear from GM’s and owners when the free agency filing period begins in November.
Reality begs to differ what Scott Boras thinks.
They think it is World War V up there not game 5. They want the pitchers to throw at the batters etc… Also because they the Red Sox as a organization have come back from a 3-1 they can do it because the Red Sox did it before. We must all remember they are the Red Sox they can do it as we are told. One important thing they refuse to mention they are going back on the road and they loose on the road they win at home. Another important thing the Rays are good at home but they never tell you that. Realists is not what they are about.