Girardi reaches out to Chamberlain
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Oct 20, 2008 
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Here is the first bit of official response from the Yankees regarding Joba Chamberlain’s DUI arrest. It comes from Joe Girardi:
“I have spoken to Joba and he made it very clear to me that he made a mistake. We certainly don’t condone his actions, but he is part of the Yankees family and I believe he learned a valuable lesson which he can grow from.”
I saw that Hal said basically the same thing at the press conference today. He made a BIG mistake. Unfortunately for him his mistakes play out in public and his mistake could not only have hurt him but could have hurt someone else. Luckily on BOTH counts it did not.
Let’s hope he learns from it.
…and slaps him? That’s what any parent would feel like doing.
Nice to see the Yankees rally around Joba. Hope he never does anything so idiotic again and make the Yankees regret supporting him.
No matter what Hank says, you only get so many chances.
Thanks for the update, Pete.
I don’t think Joba is a Sidney Ponson. He just had WAY to much to drink and decided to drive his fast car around obviously a terrible judgement made under the effects of twice the legal BAC. I think this is an isolated incident and I am glad nobody was hurt most importantly.
I’m guessing Harlan’s got this one under control. He seems like the kind of dad that can make all the difference in a young man’s life.
Joba could do a week to 60 days! if convicted of DUI in Nebraska. Imagine the judge is Red Sox fan? or
God forbid a relative/friend of Youklis? Joba better get himself a good attorney.
(from the previous thread)
Who is Ed, and how does he know what the Yankees are planning to offer Teixeira?
no.27 – The Yankees will be seriously engaged in the Mark Teixeira bidding, but with some limits. There has been speculation during the past year that Teixeira might command a 10-year, $200 million package. But the Yankees might be looking to pay him a little more than half of that, or a deal in the range of six years and $18-20 million a year. There is an expectation within the industry that the Orioles also will make a hard run at Teixeira, as well as A.J. Burnett — so it figures that the Yankees and O’s might be going head-to-head for those two players.source
Why have they reached out to him and offered support?
23 yr olds are not allowed to make mistakes. He must be perfect. Joba should be executed!!!!!
As long as he throws 99, he will get unlimited chances.
Most important piece of our franchise moving forward.
imo..girardi seems like the type of guy who would really sincerly reach out to joba and try to help him as much as he could…say what you want about his treatment of the press, but it appears he is a great man.
Hank actually had a much better comment yesterday
This is what happens when there is no leadership on the team.
The only ones Joba has to lean on are Ponson, Giambi, and A-Rod.
don’t make excuses people. don’t assume this was a one time decision either. People usually don’t get caught the first time that they are driving under the influence from what I have observed.
I love the kid….. but he seems like he likes to party. so don’t say ohhh he made a mistake and will learn blah blah blah. I am sure that he is sorry that he got caught, sure.
But I hate people that apologize for athletes, and make them into people that they are not.
The fact is, he drove drunk. If your 50 year old neighbor did that you would want him behind bars and out of the neighborhood that your children play in. Drunk driving is an awful, awful thing. It is a crime that is very preventable. People that commit it often do it repeatedly, and that says terrible things about their character.
“There is an expectation within the industry that the Orioles also will make a hard run at Teixeira, as well as A.J. Burnett — so it figures that the Yankees and O’s might be going head-to-head for those two players.”
Hmmm, so if I’m AJ Burnett or Tex, who do I want to pitch for? The most successful franchise in all of sports or BAL, who hasn’t had a winning season in, I don’t know how many years? That’s a tough one. Let’s hope Tex makes the right decision. BAL can have AJ if they want. I’m not convinced that he will stay injury free. He could turn out to be Pavano – Part 2.
Francessa is really reaching… If the Rays win the WS their players will demand more money? This isin’t football. People under contract don’t demand more money and threaten to hold out or not show up. Most of their core is years away from free agency.
pitch = play
Laura, Burnett lives in Maryland. Teixeria is from there.
So the O’s probably think they can get hometown discounts for both of them. Burnett might, but Tex won’t.
Hank had me going. Until he said third chance. Why quantify it? Second chance is metaphorical, but three strikes and you’re out.
If someone needs a third chance, they need help.
Doesn’t it seem like Giambi’s been keeping the seat warm for Tex? Weird timing.
As long as Joba throws in the high 90s and blows away opponents, he can party as much as he wants. He just shouldn’t be reckless.
I read a story after the Royals series, him and Giambi went to a bar in Manhattan and played drinking games until they basically passed out. That’s fine, just as long as he doesn’t get behind the wheel.
Our ace isin’t a saint, but he is a damn good pitcher!
“no.27 – The Yankees will be seriously engaged in the Mark Teixeira bidding, but with some limits. There has been speculation during the past year that Teixeira might command a 10-year, $200 million package. But the Yankees might be looking to pay him a little more than half of that, or a deal in the range of six years and $18-20 million a year. There is an expectation within the industry that the Orioles also will make a hard run at Teixeira, as well as A.J. Burnett — so it figures that the Yankees and O’s might be going head-to-head for those two players.source”
I don’t think the Orioles will be able to offer as much as the Yanks. Also if Tex was looking at the same money from us or the O’s I’m pretty sure he would like to contend sometime during his contract. The Orioles were a last place team this year and given the status of the division with the Sux, Rays and Jays, Yanks they aren’t really in a good position to do so. Yes I know he is from Baltimore but playing on a perennial last place team isn’t fun.
So the O’s probably think they can get hometown discounts for both of them. Burnett might, but Tex won’t.
if Boras wasn’t greedy.
Someone is going to take the Yankees money. Probably won’t be CC. Let Peavy rot in the south somewhere and never win anything if thats what he wants.
But Tex/Burnett are not bad consolation prizes at all.
Guys we can’t let Joba go to jail in Nebraska.
Joba can sow his oats if he wants to, but this kind of stuff will pop up in arbitration and they’re not going to hand the keys to the family Rolls Royce to a drunkard when free agency rolls around.
I have a feeling that a bunch of teams are going to use the same strategy we are– 6 yrs/$120 mil. Thats not a bad deal at all, you could even said it is under market. Infact, he should find someone to give him an extra year, easily.
I would personally give him the 7th year if he wanted it. I think he is a very important signing. I wouldn’t mind Garko either, but I’d prefer Tex.
*I’m not saying Joba’s a drunkard, but if he wants to be the face of the franchise in the future he needs to start acting like it.
kids with joba’s ability get 3rd chances
he is a special kid, throws 99 mph.
props to hank for giving him a 3rd chance before he even blew his 2nd chance… shows him that we support him.
Mike,
7 years/$150M would still be reasonable.
One lesson he’s going to learn is from Madison Ave……Say bye-bye to endorsementts for awhile….He;ll need to rehab is image…Maybe a few public service spots on TV will do the trick…..This event will humble him somewhat a and get his feet back on the ground…..
Folks taking the moral high road are indeed laughable – Joba made a mistake, and I’m sure he won’t make it again.
He’s from humble enough origins and seems intelligent enough to realize he’s livin’ la vida loca due his talent and could screw it up mightily if he does it again.
His humble origins, I’m sure, included those in his general vicinity who did plenty of drugs and alcohol. It’s hard to escape those kinds of roots, but he’s managed to and is a success story already. He made a mistake – ’nuff said.
Yanks should pursue Tex and CC and leave it at that. Don’t need no Burnett or Lowe.
“Laura, Burnett lives in Maryland. Teixeria is from there.
So the O’s probably think they can get hometown discounts for both of them. Burnett might, but Tex won’t.”
Didn’t know that AJ lived in Maryland. That being said, being close to home won’t mean squat if you are playing for a last place team. I don’t think the fact that those guys have Maryland ties will factor into their decisions. At least, I don’t think that it should.
jack,
Yes, and Vick, Pacman Jones, and Vince Young were all special talents, too. But they were enabled their whole lives because they got chance after chance after chance.
I’m not saying that Joba’s in the same category at all, but teams often regret not putting their foot down until it’s too late.
Second chance is fine. Third chances and beyond is enabling.
Not a problem with Joba, though. I predict he’ll walk the straight and narrow.
Didn’t they have to renew his contract because he refused to sign his contract in ST because he wanted more money?
“Yanks should pursue Tex and CC and leave it at that. Don’t need no Burnett or Lowe.”
I don’t like our chances at getting CC so yes, we might need those other guys.
AJ lives in Baltimore, but he’s from the south. I don’t get the pull? Why would he leave Toronto where he’s wingman to the man to go to Baltimore.
Accept the inevitable, people.
Joba will be fine, he is our ace.
He won’t screw up again.
We’re putting him in the Pacman Jones category already? Seesh, this is worse than when Betsy said she wouldn’t root for him after this lol
“Yanks should pursue Tex and CC and leave it at that. Don’t need no Burnett or Lowe.”
In a perfect world I’d like CC, Tex and Lowe.
None of these guys care about winning, they want dough.
Give them dough, and they will come. If Baltimore outbids us for Tex or Burnett, he will go there. If a crazy team like the Giants wants Tex and gives him an albatross contract, he will go there.
And in CC’s case, give him 40% more dough than the Dodgers, Angels, or Giants.
Want to secure players? Don’t get cute, just be the highest bidder and take it from there. Don’t be passive.
“We’re putting him in the Pacman Jones category already? Seesh, this is worse than when Betsy said she wouldn’t root for him after this lol”
She really said that?! That woman needs psychiatric evaluation her love for Phil is so severe that she resents Joba, unbelievable.
This is what Buster Olney believes the Yankees will offer CC and Tex, right? There aren’t any quotes from anyone in the Yankees’ management. I do think that Teixeira will sign the highest offer and that the Yankees are usually able to make the highest offer on players they want to bring in. The Steinbrenners have specifically mentioned Teixeira’s name and Cashman has said that he wants to put a real first baseman at first base. The bottom line is that if the Yankees are targeting Teixeira, you have to think they have the best chance of getting him.
“We’re putting him in the Pacman Jones category already? Seesh, this is worse than when Betsy said she wouldn’t root for him after this lol”
I agree that people are making too much of this Joba thing. It is a serious issue, but it’s his first issue. To give up on him after his first mistake is ludicrous. Now, if the guy is getting arrested on a regular basis for this sort of thing, well, then it’s time to send him on his way. But since he is young and this is his first misstep, I’m sticking by him until I see that he no longer deserves it.
“he is a special kid, throws 99 mph.”
That makes him a special pitcher not a special kid.
A 40% above-market contract isn’t an albatross contract? Did not know.
From MLBTR yesterday -
Rosenthal says that he was wrong in stating that Derek Lowe would prefer to remain on the West Coast. Lowe has now told him that he’d prefer to go East, with Boston being his top choice. He reiterated this desire to the Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo.
Wow, what a flip flop lol,
Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone.
Joba made a terribly stupid and dangerous mistake. For a man his size, his blood alcohol level means that he did some serious drinking and foolishly drove above the speed limit. This story could have been much worse if he had injured someone.
Joba has had to deal with a lot for a 23 year old kid. But this is the first time ( as far as we know) that the problem was brought on by himself. He’ll have to deal with that.
Given the way he’s handled the other adversities in his life, he’ll grow from it and be a better man. You know that he feels terrible about letting a lot of people down.
But let’s not forget he’s still a 23 year old kid and that we all did things we could have regretted at the same age. I wish him the best.
Sounds like Lowe wants to go home. That’s the kind of deal Boston does. Short & sweet. Innings eater, groundball pitcher. Lower goes full circle.
Giving 40% more than the West Coast teams for CC would be like selling your soul.
They should try and salvage their pride and get Burnett/Tex at market value instead.
Steve Howe got 7 chances and that was cocaine.
“None of these guys care about winning, they want dough.”
Huh? You don’t know that. You don’t know these guys so how could you possibly know what’s important to them? I agree that they want dough, but I’m not prepared to say that they want money above all us.
It is very typical of Americans to assume that people want money above all else. Just once, I’d love for someone to prove that theory wrong. I have a feeling that CC will be that guy. The Yankees will offer him more money than anyone else – and he’ll still say no. Mark my words.
If they sign Lowe, does that take them out of the Burnett sweepstakes? I don’t think they were ever in the CC sweepstakes anyway.
Laura, who is the last player to take a discount to go to a winning team?
Laura– Boras Clients never go to the best situation, they go to the highest dollar. Most FAs do.
I am concerned. Joba has a Ruthian love of play.
Oops. That’s Lowe, not Lower.
Freudian slip.
Soul,
Boston needs only 1 FA pitcher IMO. Either/or. They stay away from CC because that’s the smart thing to do. Ahem.
Drive 4-5
So far I have resisted saying anything about Joba. I will echo your sentiment, and leave it at that.
Why did Derek Lowe leave Boston in the first place, and does anyone thing they’d want him back? Do they need him back?
Soul,
LOL. Pavano was the last one!
Laura,
“It is very typical of Americans to assume that people want money above all else.” WRONG. Not sure what country you’re from, but when you talk about professional athletes, 9 times out of 10, they are going to sign the biggest offer they get. It is very typical of people who know what they are talking about that professional athletes want money above all else.
Al,
I believe she was very irrational that night. But she always put her love for Hughes above everything and clearly had no love lost for Joba. She was ticked off that he eclipsed Hughes as a prospect and rose to fame so quickly while Hughes was ‘forgotten’
Bobcat sightings?
“Laura, who is the last player to take a discount to go to a winning team?”
The only name that comes to mind is Konerko, who gave the White Sox a hometown discount after they won it all in 2005.
mel, and we all know how that worked out LOL
It is very typical of Americans to assume that people want money above all else. Just once, I’d love for someone to prove that theory wrong. I have a feeling that CC will be that guy. The Yankees will offer him more money than anyone else – and he’ll still say no. Mark my words.
_______________
Totally agree….and Tex will be signed by the Angels…
Why would the Angles trade Kotchman if they didn’t intend on keeping Tex? Also, the Angels are a big market team and need someone to complement Vlad…so it only makes sense they go hard after him with money and promise of a tan…
Lowe may want Boston, but does Boston want Lowe? He didnt exactly leave on good terms and the Red Sox used their media grunts to put out the word that Lowe was a heavy partier.
At age 35 Derek Lowe is exactly the kind of pitcher the Yankees should not pursue.
Laura,
They’re not talking about resigning with a hometown discount. They’re talking about signing as a FA.
Some people are making too big a deal about this and others aren’t making a big enough deal.
I don’t know Joba personally so I can’t say with certainty he will never do it again as some of you have. He seemed to be a responsible person so I would like to believe he learned a valuable lesson and this would be a first and only offense.
BUT it is in the Yankees best interest to make sure there is never a second offense by whatever means necessary. Saying it’s no big deal doesn’t do that.
“Laura– Boras Clients never go to the best situation, they go to the highest dollar. Most FAs do.”
I know they do. That’s why in my post, I said that I was hoping that someone would break the mold and turn down the most money.
If Teixeira signs with the Angels it is ONLY because they offered him the most money.
no. 27,
And it’d have to be a lot to lure him out of EST.
Alex Rodriguez $28,000,000
Jason Giambi $23,428,571
Derek Jeter $21,600,000
Bobby Abreu $16,000,000
Andy Pettitte $16,000,000
Mariano Rivera $15,000,000
Jorge Posada $13,100,000
Johnny Damon $13,000,000
Hideki Matsui $13,000,000
Mike Mussina $11,071,029
Carl Pavano $11,000,000
Kyle Farnsworth $5,916,666
Chien-Ming Wang $4,000,000
LaTroy Hawkins $3,750,000
Robinson Cano $3,000,000
Jose Molina $1,875,000
Morgan Ensberg $1,750,000
Andrew Brackman $1,184,788
Wilson Betemit $1,165,000
Brian Bruney $725,000
Billy Traber $500,000
Melky Cabrera $461,200
Phil Hughes $406,350
Shelley Duncan $398,300
Sean Henn $397,448
Ian Kennedy $394,275
Jeffrey Karstens $393,300
Jon Albaladejo $393,225
Ross Ohlendorf $391,425
Joba Chamberlain $390,000
Humberto Sanchez $390,000
Total $209,081,577
Source: USA Today, LoHud.com
If we don’t resign any of our free agents and don’t pick up Marte’s 6M option, [ that's about 88 M ], the payroll goes down to about 121 M. This doesn’t include players due raises and arbitration eligible players like Bruney. Let’s say that brings payroll to around 135 million. If it’ true that the Yankees want to be around 180 million, and that was quoted in the papers before the market turndown, that gives us 45M to spend.
Every dollar in 2009 above 162M will cost the Yankees another 40%!
We need starting pitching first-2 free agent starters would be nice. Don’t get your hopes up on a pricey position player like Manny or Teixeira taking up roster space. I suspect if we get two free agent starters, will be able to explore trading some of our minor league pitching for young athletic position players.
Thoughts??
“They’re not talking about resigning with a hometown discount. They’re talking about signing as a FA.”
Oh, I missed that. I thought we were saying signing in general.
What about Griffey? Didn’t he take less money signing with CIN than he would have gotten elsewhere?
“Al,
I believe she was very irrational that night. But she always put her love for Hughes above everything and clearly had no love lost for Joba. She was ticked off that he eclipsed Hughes as a prospect and rose to fame so quickly while Hughes was ‘forgotten’”
Maybe if Phil was dominant his first 2 years like Joba was they would still belong in the same sentence. As of now Joba>Phil and I expect it to remain that way.
So let’s say the highest offer for CC is $150 million from the Angels.
And 40% of $150 is $60 million right? That means $210 million for CC if they use that model regardless of highest dollar figure.
Wow. What a dumb business decision. I hope Olney was just pulling numbers out of the air. That is an Al Davis/James Dolan type decision
“Laura, who is the last player to take a discount to go to a winning team?”
Mike Lowell
TS, totally agree about Joba.
The Steinbrenners are a family who have always reached out to/supported their players who have had problems. Good for them. Compassion and understanding seem to be at a premium, especially on this forum.
If you don’t like a team supporting a player who has made a mistake and is penitent, find another team.
P.S. Sure hope one of your own don’t ever foul up and ended up treated the way some of you are treating this siutation.
We should make a list of things where we should be absolutely intolerant and then pick off players one by one.
“Wilson Betemit $1,165,000″
We are paying this fool a million dollars? That’s money gone down the drain.
Al,
No doubt. Joba > Phil. But thats like saying the sky is blue. That girl’s crazy though lol
Less than a month left until Hot Stove gets heated up. The Sux are out so we can have a relaxing WS now.
4×4,
Don’t forget to tack on luxury tax dollars for going over the limit.
pat,
Boston players love playing there. They re-sign with hometown discounts.
The Yankees are the only team that offer outrageous hometown premiums.
Throw that bum Chamberlain in jail and throw the key away!!
(just kidding)
Yankee Trader I am right there with you. I wouldn’t mind trading Hughes for a serious position prospect. One of the LA 3 or Votto would be ideal. If I could sign 2 FA’s I’d love CC and Tex however I know we need 2 starters so that takes precedence.
Francessa needs to get a co-host and fast. I can’t listen to him for longer than 15 mins before I get a headache.
Oh, no doubt. There are plenty of guys who re-signed with their current teams for less (Konerko, Lowell etc.)
But I can’t remember a FA who actually did it. It doesn’t really apply to us anyway because we will be the highest bidder for someone we want and we can give them a chance to win.
lol, youk
Didn’t you see the pix from the tank? Joba drew your picture on the wall with chalk. Just like the phiten commercial.
Yankee Trader,
The Yankees could sign Sabathia for $22mil/yr, Teixeira for $20mil/yr, and Pettitte for $10mil/yr and have the pay roll right at $180 million. They would also be able to add 6-8 of the top 80 or so prospects in next year’s draft. That is what the Yankees NEED to do this offseason. The following year, Damon, Matsui, Pettitte, and Nady would be free agents and the pay roll would go down to around $140mil with Jackson ready to start in the OF and Melky/Gardner proven whether or not they are anything more than 4th outfielders.
I think its time to sign Bruney to a long term deal (like 3 yrs or something). He has only 1 yr left right?
If Teixeira signs with the Angels it is ONLY because they offered him the most money.
_______
I disagree…the Angels are a better team than the Yanks right now…and its they play in CA…if the offers are equal (say 7/150), then I believe Tex will sign with the Angles
And I believe CC will sign elsewere
That leaves us with trades, 2nd Tier free agents, and waiting/hoping our youngsters get better
I agree Trader, if we can sign 2 FA pitchers, then we should explore Hughes for a position player.
jackson 0 for 2 with 2 k’s..russo on fire with another hit..6 for his last 6…
Any free agent who thinks the Yankees won’t be competive for years is short-sighted and not very bright.
We need smart guys. Dummies need not apply.
Betemit gets a lot of crap for a backup infielder. The guy plays every IF position, is a switch hitter, and has power. How many games does a backup IF get to play on a team that has A-Rod, Jeter, Cano, and hopefully Teixeira?
“Didn’t you see the pix from the tank? Joba drew your picture on the wall with chalk.”
Darn that guy, he buzzes my head with the baseball then draws my picture and phone number in the clinker saying if you want a good time call this number!!!!!!!!!
Angels have Kendry Morales to play 1B, FYI.
Kotchman was expendable. I don’t think they HAVE to sign Tex. They would be happy to get the 2 picks as well.
I doubt Moreno goes to 7/$150 plateau for an above average player like Tex. They never operate like that and pay one player that much more than the rest of the team. Moreno has to blow up his whole business structure to sign him.
CC, Burnett and Tex will ALL be Yankees very soon
mel
The premium is for puting up with the media and the fans.
haha.
For a good time, call ray (red sox fan) and youkilis. 555-5555
Betemit gets paid $1.3 million?
He must have the best agent in sports.
My point is that after this season it is evident that we need better starting pitching, youth, and hunger
BUT, there is a real possibility two of the best free agents on the market will not sign with us…
Cashman needs to get really creative (throwing money at the problem won’t help) and stay away from risky invesments like Burnett
“I disagree…the Angels are a better team than the Yanks right now…and its they play in CA…if the offers are equal (say 7/150), then I believe Tex will sign with the Angles
And I believe CC will sign elsewere
That leaves us with trades, 2nd Tier free agents, and waiting/hoping our youngsters get better”
Wrong if all things are equal Tex is a Yankee he wants to be on the West coast and he was a Yankee/Mattingly fan growing up.
“I disagree…the Angels are a better team than the Yanks right now…and its they play in CA…if the offers are equal (say 7/150), then I believe Tex will sign with the Angles”
After watching how easily LAA folds to BOS in the playoffs, he should try to come with us. At least we play BOS hard and right down to the wire. That LAA/BOS series was over before it even started. LAA should be embarrassed by their playoff performance.
“And I believe CC will sign elsewhere”
I’ve been saying this since the season ended. We’ll see if I’m right.
Chamberlain is still a baby… everyone makes mistakes. He has a good head on his shoulders and is a humble kid from his background. One bad judgment call shouldn’t skew our image of him.
Just get a cab next time and keep throwing 98 and everyone will be happy.
I love Joba but geez…Jim Leyritz, can that be a lesson or what. These guys make so much money, my cousins who are in there 20′s always cab it on drinking nights. He should have known better. Dumb mistake. Fool me once shame on you Joba…don’t let this happen again. Get a limo!
Laura,
Francessa won’t last long while he is solo.
What a boring listen. And the callers are brutal. But the problem with a partner is that he never lets them talk. He wants them to kind of be a 3rd order subordinate that only speaks when spoken to. Nobody good will agree to that.
I’ve been listening to Kay much more since the split. He actually isin’t 1\2 bad.
After watching how easily LAA folds to BOS in the playoffs, he should try to come with us. At least we play BOS hard and right down to the wire. That LAA/BOS series was over before it even started. LAA should be embarrassed by their playoff performance.
______
The Yankees have fight? Were you watching a different team than me last year…how many comebacks did they have last year?
Luxury Tax
• Thresholds for luxury tax on team payrolls set at $148 million for 2007, $155 million for 2008, $162 million in 2009, $170 million in 2010 and $178 million in 2011. Tax rates on amount over threshold remain at 22.5 percent for first time over threshold, 30 percent for second time over threshold, 40 percent for third or subsequent time over threshold.
Our luxury tax will always be at 40%.
With the S&P down 40%, likely corporations backing out of their skybox renewals, except maybe AIG, which will just have the government/taxpayer pay for their excesses, these free agents and their agents might be in for a surprise. Suspect the top free agents will still be sought after, which amounts to about 20 out of 200 or so 2009 FA’s.
Likely teams owners getting Yankee revenue sharing dollars will pocket most of the money and stay out of the free agent market.
Many FA’s, IMO will only be offered minor league contracts.
Yankees in 2010,
All I’ve read about Teixeira is that he is all about players taking the biggest offer they can get. He criticisises other players for not taking the biggest offer because it hurts the Player’s Association as a whole. He’s also called the typical Boras client. He will sign the biggest offer. Have you read anything that would suggest otherwise?
Regarding who is the better team, the Yankees or the Angels, you have to remember that the Yankees missed Wang, Posada, Matsui, A-Rod, and Joba for large stretches. Also, you’ve seen how Teixeira improved the Angels, he would have that same affect on the Yankees lineup/defense. We’ll see what happens with CC, but if the Yankees take the approach that has been reported, I don’t think he’d turn the Yankees down.
“Betemit gets a lot of crap for a backup infielder. The guy plays every IF position, is a switch hitter, and has power. How many games does a backup IF get to play on a team that has A-Rod, Jeter, Cano, and hopefully Teixeira?”
I’d be impressed with his ability to play several positions if he played any of them well. He is average at 3B, but below average everywhere else. He adds nothing to the team.
Doreen,
According to Yahoo Sports in 2005:
“Lowe is convinced a whisper campaign by Boston Red Sox management cemented his image as a partier and served as a reason for the team to not re-sign him after winning the clinching games of both the ALCS and World Series. And he insists it isn’t based in reality.”
You can read the rest of it here:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne.....;type=lgns
“The Yankees have fight? Were you watching a different team than me last year…how many comebacks did they have last year?”
Dude, read my post. I said that we played BOS hard, which we did. We had a winning record against TB as well. It’s the crappy teams that we struggled against. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
All I’ve read about Teixeira is that he is all about players taking the biggest offer they can get. He criticisises other players for not taking the biggest offer because it hurts the Player’s Association as a whole. He’s also called the typical Boras client. He will sign the biggest offer. Have you read anything that would suggest otherwise?
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And why do you want a guy like that? (I know, all players are in it for the money, blah, blah, blah)
He sounds exactly like A-rod to me…soft
I’d rather have a “grinder” with less talent, than a hired mercenary who has no heart
It’s the crappy teams that we struggled against. I’m still trying to figure that one out.
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And the rookie pitchers too, thats a mystery….
Laura,
How many games do you expect Betemit to play at SS or 2nd base in a normal year? He’s not costing the Yankees anything with his defense at these positions, but is a good bat to have on the bench and allows the Yankees to have some flexibility with their roster.
no.27
October 20th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Yankee Trader,
The Yankees could sign Sabathia for $22mil/yr, Teixeira for $20mil/yr, and Pettitte for $10mil/yr and have the pay roll right at $180 million. They would also be able to add 6-8 of the top 80 or so prospects in next year’s draft. That is what the Yankees NEED to do this offseason. The following year, Damon, Matsui, Pettitte, and Nady would be free agents and the pay roll would go down to around $140mil with Jackson ready to start in the OF and Melky/Gardner proven whether or not they are anything more than 4th outfielders.
27- What’s your Plan B if CC doesn’t come on board and Teixeira stays with LA?
By the way, why don’t the Yankess explore the option of resigning Pettitte for 1/2 year, comes in June to get pitching ready and stays fresh throughout the rest of the season. Pettitte for a whole season worries me, as he clearly faded down the stretch. If Pettitte wants to pitch only for the Yankees and wants a chance to pitch in the new stadium, this might make sense for us. In fact, I don’t know why more teams don’t do it. It beats trading away good prospects at the trading deadline for an older pitcher who already has 125 innings or so thru the first half of the season!
Drive 4-5
If he is telling the truth about himself, why on earth would he want to go back to an organization that smeared not only him, but other players, especially in order to make it easier to part ways? So, I guess I’m saying I don’t believe reports now that say Lowe wants to go back to Boston, because it makes no sense. And if there is a conflict in stories, why would Boston want him back?
I’m not saying I want him as a Yankee; I’m not saying I don’t. He may end up being here because
the list may fall down to him.
i almost expected Girardi to deny the incident ever occurred and that nothing was wrong, just like he’s done with player injuries.
no.27,
Betemit played 3 games a 2nd and made 1 error, He appeared in 14 games at shortstop without making an error but showed no range at all.He played the most games at 3rd. He had a horrific .893 fielding % at 3rd base.
Betemit is not great. He may not even be particulary good, BUT he IS serviceable. He’s had some good days in the field and also made some errors. He’s struck out, but he’s also gotten some big hits. If they can get someone better, they absolutely should. But I wouldn’t call him worthless, useless or a fool.
If CC doesn’t come, I think the Yankees need to look at signing Burnett and convince Mussina to come back. At first base, if Teixeira won’t come, I’d see if the Mets pick up Delgado’s option and if he’s not available look at bringing Giambi back. I don’t agree with trading our young prospects away and I can’t see both those guys turning the Yankees down. I believe the Yankees can and will offer the most for both guys and both will sign.
Doreen,
I think Lowe would play for the Red Sox again for the right price. Personally, I hope the reconcile and sign him. He’s 35 and his best years are behind him.
In a normal season, Betemit plays 5 games at 3rd, 5 games at SS, 5 games at 2nd, and 5 games at 1st. His below average defense is made up for by his above average offense for a backup IFer and flexibility he gives to the roster.
Off the current topic, but nevertheless fun…
BOSTON — In contrast to the raucous celebrations that followed victorious postseasons in 2004 and 2007, it was a quiet homecoming for the Red Sox after their 3-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 7 of the AL Championship Series.
There were TV crews but no fans on hand when buses carrying the team arrived in the early-morning chill outside Fenway Park Monday. The team flew home from Florida immediately after the game.
Most players quickly climbed into cars and drove away, preferring not to reflect any further on the disappointing finish.
So much for the Fenway Faithful and Red Sox Nation.
Yankee fans have always showed up when the Yankees return home!
“He’s not costing the Yankees anything with his defense at these positions, but is a good bat to have on the bench and allows the Yankees to have some flexibility with their roster.”
He is a decent bat from the left. Why he bothers batting from the right side remains a mystery to me.
The Red Sox don’t really need much. They’re pretty well set at starting pitching, need a catcher, maybe a shortstop, and another arm in the bullpen perhaps, plus they probably plan to offer an extension to Bay, but isn’t he a Boras client?
If they got Teixeira, they’d have to eat part of Lowell’s contract to trade him. Don’t see that happening, but they’ll get involved to try and drive the price up.
Isn’t Joba part American Indian? He should know that firewater contains the spirit of the devil.
Does anybody think Abreu would accept arbitration and settle for one year at around 15-16M? If he tests the market he’ll probably get 36-39M/3years.
mel
October 20th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
haha.
For a good time, call ray (red sox fan) and youkilis. 555-5555
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You must have seen that scribbled on a wall at a rest area on I-95.
Teixeira would be another consistent acquisition – yet another superstar that has proven he cannot carry his team past the Sox in the playoffs…
Laura
October 20th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
“None of these guys care about winning, they want dough.â€
Huh? You don’t know that. You don’t know these guys so how could you possibly know what’s important to them? I agree that they want dough, but I’m not prepared to say that they want money above all us.
It is very typical of Americans to assume that people want money above all else. Just once, I’d love for someone to prove that theory wrong. I have a feeling that CC will be that guy. The Yankees will offer him more money than anyone else – and he’ll still say no. Mark my words.
How about, just once, someone proving that theory right? The burden of proof is on the accuser, right? My guess: people who harp on about the money are people who focus on money in general in life: they are always talking about how much so-and-so makes, etc., and not nearly as much about who someone is. It is only consistent that they harp on player salaries as the motivating factor for everything, because it is for them.
Widen your horizons, people. Not everyone is as trite as some of you are: making money is not diametrically opposed to caring about something you make money at. Baseball players make a lot of money, that’s a given. Get over it.