Sweeny says: Spend that money!
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- December
- 22
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WFAN’s Sweeny “It’s Not My Money” Murti has a plan. He wants the Yankees to sign Mark Teixeira then trade for Aaron Rowand to play CF.
Sweeny’s point is that they can swoop in and get Teixeira, which may be right. But you do get the feeling that there is an $180 million deal out there, otherwise Scott Boras would not be igniting so many bridges.
Meanwhile, old friend Andy Phillips has signed with the Pirates. Good luck to him.
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Chad Jennings
Sam Borden
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ugh_t.html
Excellent article from Grazianno talking about how we are still a 3rd place team despite the moves. Can’t say I disagree wit him.
Rowand played CF quite well when he with the Sox. I remember him making a few sparkling plays against us in our own park.
I’m all for Teixeira.. BUT you got to be insane to give him 8 years and 20+ million a piece..
How about 5 years and 12-15 mil a year.
“Excellent article from Grazianno talking about how we are still a 3rd place team despite the moves.”
No way. We replaced Rasner and Ponson with CC and AJ. That bumped us up to 2nd (particularly since I don’t see TB doing as well next year as they did this year). If we want to be a 1st place team, we need another bat.
It drive me nuts how people still see the Rays atop the division next year. They had a good year, everything clicked, good for them, not gonna happen again.
I like this plan. Rowand is the greatest CF ever. A ball has yet to be hit that he cannot catch.
As for the “third place team” thing, that is a joke. The rotation is a full upgrade and Wang will, hopefully, not miss half the season. This is easily a second place team if not better.
hah so that guy just emailed me.
On Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 4:08 PM, FRANKLIN MIRABAL wrote:
>
>
>
> My source: Done deal.
>
> Manny goes to NY.
>
> Checek my new story.
>
That article assumes that the Yankees that had bad years will do that again, while the sox and rays players who had bad/injury years will bounce back.
“How about 5 years and 12-15 mil a year.”
wait, how long was i asleep? is it 1996?
All depends on if Tampa regresses as many expect them to, or if they build on last year.
We’re still not ahead of Boston and that will only be accentuated further if they get Teixeria.
If Tampa doesn’t have the “sophomore” slump and they come out guns blazing from the start, then they will be very tough. An excellent defensive team with a rotation of Price-Kazmir-Shields-Garza. Not many better rotations than that around.
Cashman is really walking a fine line by not getting another bat. If Tampa doesn’t fall back, then we will be in a lot of trouble.
Does anyone think Sweeny’s point is possible… Can we get Tex for 25M+/per year, but for four years, giving him an opportunity to get another HUGE contract while still in his prime and minimizing the long-term risk to the Yankees?
This is Sweeney’s lineup. Not too bad although I’d swap Tex and A-Rod.
Damon LF
Jeter SS
A-Rod 3B
Teixeira 1B
Matsui DH
Posada C
Cano 2B
Rowand CF
Swisher RF
“No way. We replaced Rasner and Ponson with CC and AJ. That bumped us up to 2nd (particularly since I don’t see TB doing as well next year as they did this year). If we want to be a 1st place team, we need another bat.”
You forgot about Mussina. CC replaces Mussina’s spot. AJ? Let’s hope he stays healthy.
“How about 5 years and 12-15 mil a year.”
wait, how long was i asleep? is it 1996?
Nice to negotiate from a time machine,,,hah!
while were at it, sign back bobby A and Big G for 1 yr at 3 million..
Dont sign Andy. don’t trade for Cameron.Give Melky another chance until AJ is ready. Those moves alone cover Tex’s ‘09 salary.
In ‘10, dont re-sign Matsui. There’s another $13 mil.
Hopefully the Yanks would then have the horses to win another World Series or 2.On paper, they would look to be good enough to do exactly that. with the pitching the yanks have they could win at least a 2 couple of titles over the course of Tex’s contract. They’d get their money back eventually.
Sweenys got my vote for GM.
http://www.impactodeportivo.co.....ormat=html
translated:
Although the general manager of the Yankees, Brian Cashman has dismissed a report that first signed for three years and 75 milion dollars to Manny Ramírez, the source of this Impactodeportivo.com.do confirmed Monday afternoon that the business is going.
According to the source of Impactodeportivo.com.do, Ramirez is a need for the team.
The reason?.
Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu, representing nearly 50 home runs and 200 towed between the two, and do not return and Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada had health problems in 2008.
Besides Robinson Canó comes a year below.
That forces the Yankees to look for another bat hard to help Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramírez and that is.
Manny is in Brazil at this time and his return, immediately go to the press conference.
The business is going.
ARod would only bat 3rd if Manny were the cleanup hitter.
“Does anyone think Sweeny’s point is possible… Can we get Tex for 25M+/per year, but for four years, giving him an opportunity to get another HUGE contract while still in his prime and minimizing the long-term risk to the Yankees?”
Possible? Yes. Likely? No. I don’t see Tex wanting to go through this nightmare again in 4 yrs. He probably wants a 10 yr deal so that after it’s up, he can (at 38) retire.
i think if you backload a 180/8 deal with Tex, it makes total sense to go for.
“wait, how long was i asleep? is it 1996?”
Albert Pujols made 13 million last year.. Do you think Teixeira deserves 8-10 million more?
“You forgot about Mussina. CC replaces Mussina’s spot. AJ? Let’s hope he stays healthy.”
You are right. I did forget about Moose. That’s why happens when you retire. Out of sight, out of mind. Here’s hoping Manny keeps his word and retires as well.
Well if the business is going then I guess it’s true.
that’s all guys, the business is going. that’s all i ever needed to know
IMO, the rays are in for a tough year. They have alot of talent, but they also got a lot of breaks last year. They had no pitching injuries last year, outside of Kazmir briefly in April and Percival, who is better off on the bench these days anyway. Particularly after going deep in the playoffs, I think at least two of their starters will battle injuries all year. IMO, they made a big mistake getting rid of Edwin Jackson just as he is starting to figure it out. Price is very good, but how many times have we heard “you can never have enough starting pitching?”
On offense, they had a lot of players with somewhat down years, but they seemed to get the big hit every time they needed it in 1 run and tied games. They could very well have a superior year numbers wise, but have that not translate into wins. Also, they are a very young team, and it remains to be seen how they react to success. Will they prepare as well this offseason? We’ll see.
“Albert Pujols made 13 million last year.. Do you think Teixeira deserves 8-10 million more?”
You can’t compare guy’s contracts, especially when they are signed years apart. The more I hear about Pujol’s contract, the more I believe he needs a better agent. He should be making much more than 13mil.
The important thing is BUSINESS IS GOING today people!! ALL IS WELL.
THE 2009 YANKEES: THE BUSINESS IS GOING
“IMO, the rays are in for a tough year. They have alot of talent, but they also got a lot of breaks last year.”
One of which was us stinking up the joint last season. We didn’t finish that far off from 1st place in the grand scheme of things. If we had just taken care of business and beat the teams we should have beaten……
So let me get this straight. The Yankees won 89 games (EIGHTY NINE GAMES) with a starting rotation that throughout the season consisted of Sidney Ponson, Darel Rasner, Phil Hughes,and Ian Kennedy. We replaced Ponson and Ranser with CC Sabathia AND AJ Burnett to go along with Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, and possibly Andy Pettitte and we are STILL a third place team?
Anthony M.
What you need to get straight is that the business is going
Hey, the Manny rumor may be false but atleast the guy is persistent. Give him credit.
“The more I hear about Pujol’s contract, the more I believe he needs a better agent. He should be making much more than 13mil.”
Pujols is worth $50M per season. That’s not an exaggeration either.
That’s roughly how much his production is worth.
He’s that good.
“THE 2009 YANKEES: THE BUSINESS IS GOING”
I really hope this isn’t the new corporate slogan.
Gotta love the wizards at River Ave Blues. The Einsteins want Gabe Kapler for the Yanks to play center field. The guy is a #4 35 year old outfielder and was built through better chemistry. He took a year off to get the steroids out of his system.
http://riveraveblues.com/2008/.....lder-6372/
Manny should shave his head and wear a three piece suit. Then say, into a mic:
“HEY GUISE, THE BIDNEZ IS GOING.” “GO JANKEES”
I love Sweeney’s take. We need Tex, the Rowand idea, I’m not sure. Also I’m not sure 4 years works but it’s creative.
“I’m all for Teixeira.. BUT you got to be insane to give him 8 years and 20+ million a piece..
How about 5 years and 12-15 mil a year.”
Sign me up! Of course Tex is worth more than what you propose, but to me, a guy making 20 mill/year has to be a face of the franchise type guy. If I’m paying a guy that much, I’d expect him to be someone I can market and sell to the fans. Last I checked, the Yanks already have 5 of those kinds of guys (Jeter, ARod, CC, Mo, Posada). Paying a guy like Tex that kind of scratch to be a quiet guy seems disproportional.
FWIW, in my business, you stand to make quite a bit more if you are willing and able to get out there and market the company and meet with clients & consultants. Quiet, cubicle guys simply aren’t worth as much to companies in my field.
“You can’t compare guy’s contracts, especially when they are signed years apart. The more I hear about Pujol’s contract, the more I believe he needs a better agent. He should be making much more than 13mil.”
You have to compare contracts or you end up spending too much on one player. Last year, only three players made over 20 million.. they were all Yankees.. Arod, Giambi, and Jeter. Ironically, the 1b in that bunch was also a long term/overvalued contract. Do we really want to make the same mistake twice?
“Also I’m not sure 4 years works but it’s creative.”
Jeff, Tex can look at it as if it’s an Opt Out clause. He wants 10 yrs; let him try 4 out for size, see if it works out and then sign back with us for the back 6.
Sweeney is simply blathering.
The Yankees are a much better team than last year; probably better than the Red Sox. How the Rays handle next season will be interesting, although they would have to be considered the favorite in the division.
“Gotta love the wizards at River Ave Blues. The Einsteins want Gabe Kapler for the Yanks to play center field. The guy is a #4 35 year old outfielder and was built through better chemistry. He took a year off to get the steroids out of his system.”
I’d rather see Gabe Kaplan out there.
“Albert Pujols made 13 million last year.. Do you think Teixeira deserves 8-10 million more?”
no. but pujols’ was a pre-emptive move which precluded him from entering arbitration – much less an open free agent market… he also signed said extension in 2004.
hahaha. 5 yrs/ $15 mill!! boras will come a-runnin!
“Do we really want to make the same mistake twice?”
The gamble is that Tex will turn out better than Giambi did. I’d take that bet.
“Jeff, Tex can look at it as if it’s an Opt Out clause. He wants 10 yrs; let him try 4 out for size, see if it works out and then sign back with us for the back 6. ”
It’s all about having the guaranteed bucks there as safety net in case of injury or something. The nature of contracts has changed quite a bit in the past decade. Remember when teams/players would haggle over no-trade clauses? That’s a foregone conclusion now. Players are having their cake and eating it too. Guaranteed money with the ability to opt-out and make more money due to market/improved perfomance/and inflation.
Sweeney apparently listened to our President, Randy Levine at last week’s press conference when he said we have alot to spend and will do it if that’s what it takes to win. He was merely parroting what Hal had said a month or so previous.
I find it most interesting that those who have neither knowledge of the underlying facts as to the totality of the Yankees’ rather complex business plan, and the financial and tax provisions that govern its application can opine as to whether or not the Yankees can or cannot spend, and if so, how much.
“Albert Pujols made 13 million last year.. Do you think Teixeira deserves 8-10 million more?”
You can’t compare guy’s contracts, especially when they are signed years apart. The more I hear about Pujol’s contract, the more I believe he needs a better agent. He should be making much more than 13mil.
—
AGREED. I was looking up Pujols contract the other day too, and I was seriously offended. The Cards obviously give the RS a run for their money when it comes to screwing over players .
“How the Rays handle next season will be interesting, although they would have to be considered the favorite in the division.”
If they can keep their starting pitching as healthy next year as they were this year they should be 90+ win team. It will be interesting to see how they fare having a target on their backs for the entire year. That’s what makes playing for NYY or even the Sox so tough – every team gets up for their series against you.
As for the red sox, does anybody really expect Ortiz to bounce back w/o Manny hitting behind him? If Lowell has trouble in his recovery, they have a hole at third as well, maybe they are more concerned about Lowell, and that is why they were pursuing Tex in the first place. Coco Crisp, much as I can’t stand him, is a surprisingly valuable piece that is gone. Ellsbury should be one year better, but he may not be. Did they suddenly find a shortstop? They still have a hole there. I never did understand why they let Orlando Cabrera go for the buffoons they have run out to short since.
As for pitching, Josh Beckett gets more credit for being a great pitcher than anybody else I have ever seen with just one very good season under his belt. His other two years in Boston have been very mediocre, and his Florida years were injury filled, and, well, in the NL. Their bullpen is porous, aside from Papelbon. Wakefield is done. Matsuzaka lived on the edge all year in ‘08; if he pitches that way this year, he is going to get rocked.
I see, through Yankee colored glasses, the Rays and red sox battling for the wildcard with Minnesota and Chicago.
Laura
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
“Does anyone think Sweeny’s point is possible… Can we get Tex for 25M+/per year, but for four years, giving him an opportunity to get another HUGE contract while still in his prime and minimizing the long-term risk to the Yankees?”
Possible? Yes. Likely? No. I don’t see Tex wanting to go through this nightmare again in 4 yrs. He probably wants a 10 yr deal so that after it’s up, he can (at 38) retire.
————————————————————
Any deal with Boras/Teixeira will come with an OPT-OUT after 4 years. That’s almost a given, and none of Boras’ players that I know of have not exercised that option.
“It’s all about having the guaranteed bucks there as safety net in case of injury or something.”
This may be a very unpopular thing to say, but I’ve always believed that if a guy gets injured and ends up not being able to play for long extended periods of time (say like Carl Pavano), that he shouldn’t get his full salary. In other words, let him go on Disability like us working stiffs do. We don’t get our full salary when we’re out of commission. Why should these guys? This may be a game, but it’s still a job. It should be treated as such.
“The gamble is that Tex will turn out better than Giambi did. I’d take that bet.”
He probably will but that still doesn’t mean that the cost is worth it.
an 8/180 with a 4 year opt out makes perfect sense.
vin
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:28 pm
“Gotta love the wizards at River Ave Blues. The Einsteins want Gabe Kapler for the Yanks to play center field. The guy is a #4 35 year old outfielder and was built through better chemistry. He took a year off to get the steroids out of his system.”
I’d rather see Gabe Kaplan out there.
————————————————————
I’d settle for Arnold Horshack or Vinnie Barbarino.
Juan Epstien looked like the best athlete
Who would want a guy like that….
“On June 23 against the Washington Senators, after walking the leadoff hitter, Ruth erupted in anger, was ejected, and threw a punch at the umpire (he’d be suspended for 10 games). Ernie Shore came into the game as an impromptu replacement, and pitched a perfect game the rest of the way. Ruth’s outburst was an example of self-discipline problems that plagued Ruth throughout his career, and is regarded as the primary reason (other than financial) that then-owner Harry Frazee was willing to sell him to the Yankees two years later.
After the 1919 season, Ruth demanded a raise to $20,000 — double his previous salary. However, Frazee refused, and Ruth responded by letting it be known he wouldn’t play until he got his raise. He’d actually jumped the team several times, including the last game of the 1919 season.
Frazee finally lost patience with Ruth, and decided to trade him. However, he was effectively limited to two trading partners–the Chicago White Sox and the then-moribund Yankees.”
“The Cards obviously give the RS a run for their money when it comes to screwing over players .”
True, but Albert didn’t have to take their deal. He should have used A-Rod’s contract (the first one) as a guide and made STL pony up more cash. My guess is that he’s happy in STL and felt that it was enough $$ in the end. Silly fool.
arial
The Yankees business plan may be complex to you; however it is readily understandable to many people and perfectly well explained in “Forbes” and other business publications. In fact a recent NY Times article analyzing the Yankees finances made the point that they have to spend on big name players to maintain their various streams.
“We don’t get our full salary when we’re out of commission. Why should these guys?”
Because they have guaranteed contracts. Anyone in any profession with a guaranteed services contract would be able to do the same unless specific clauses were inserted otherwise.
In the NFL they’d just cut them which they do all of the time.
That’s why the comparison between Randy Moss and Manny is limited. Moss never had a guaranteed deal.
Players in the NFL are paid well and treated like garbage when their usefulness is over.
That way the billionaires who own the teams can make sure they keep their profit margins nice and fat.
” In other words, let him go on Disability like us working stiffs do. We don’t get our full salary when we’re out of commission. Why should these guys? This may be a game, but it’s still a job. It should be treated as such.”
True, but most working stiffs like us don’t sign contracts. The whole injury thing is why teams insure the contracts. I know last year it was discussed quite a bit here (mostly be SJ44) that teams were shying away from giving pitchers 7 year deals because they couldn’t get insurance for those terms – or something to that effect.
I understand that Rowand is terrific defensive centerfielder, but I would not trade both Nady and Ian Kennedy for him.
I do agree that if the Yankees were to sign Teixeira that moving Nady is smart move to free up a roster spot and sliding Swisher to right field makes a lot of sense … he certainly would have plenty of takers. But I think the Yankees can/should get much more in return for a Nady/Kennedy package
“He probably will but that still doesn’t mean that the cost is worth it.”
I think it’s worth the risk. The Yankees are big on risk taking these days. They signed AJ to a long term contract; the guy can’t stay healthy for 10 days straight (okay, that’s an exaggeration, but you get my point). He may turn out to be Carl Pavano Part 2. Or he may win the Cy Young award. They are gambling that it’s the latter. I hope they are right.
MLBTR just linked to the Impacto Deportivo story that insists the yankees are about to sign Manny.
Unbelievable.
Little did MLBTR know we had the scoop in this follow up story thanks to our intrepid comments reporter jay destro.
Good points, CB… is there a weaker organization in sports than the NFL player’s association? How they don’t have guaranteed contracts is beyond me.
arial
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Who would want a guy like that….
“On June 23 against the Washington Senators, after walking the leadoff hitter, Ruth erupted in anger, was ejected, and threw a punch at the umpire (he’d be suspended for 10 games). Ernie Shore came into the game as an impromptu replacement, and pitched a perfect game the rest of the way. Ruth’s outburst was an example of self-discipline problems that plagued Ruth throughout his career, and is regarded as the primary reason (other than financial) that then-owner Harry Frazee was willing to sell him to the Yankees two years later.
After the 1919 season, Ruth demanded a raise to $20,000—double his previous salary. However, Frazee refused, and Ruth responded by letting it be known he wouldn’t play until he got his raise. He’d actually jumped the team several times, including the last game of the 1919 season.
Frazee finally lost patience with Ruth, and decided to trade him. However, he was effectively limited to two trading partners—the Chicago White Sox and the then-moribund Yankees.”
————————————————————
Why not? He led the league in home runs and won 9 games in 15 starts and 12 complete games as a pitcher.
When Ramirez can do that, then maybe he’d have a reason to ask for more money.
“I’d settle for Arnold Horshack or Vinnie Barbarino.”
how about brett favre? get a real gunslinger out there.. i hear he’ll be available in about 10 days.
“True, but most working stiffs like us don’t sign contracts. The whole injury thing is why teams insure the contracts. ”
Wait, so that 40mil the Yankees essentially threw away on Pavano was paid back to them by an Insurance company? I didn’t know that. Is that why AIG is almost going under?
“I’d settle for Arnold Horshack or Vinnie Barbarino.”
Barbarino has that Pettitte chin – that almost makes him a ballplayer.
We’ll have to agree to disagree on that then.
If it’s all about gambling… Then I’d rather see Manny at 2 with that price than Tex at 8.
as a spanish speaker and someone from that area, this impacto deportivo guy is a joke. He writes that Manny is in Brazil and on his way back to the states he is goin to the press conference:
“Manny está en Brasil en este momento y a su regreso, inmediatamente irá a la conferencia de prensa.”
When have the yankees ever done that? no physical? nothing.
Brian Cashman: Hey manny what are you doing?
Manny: Im in brazil brother, drinking capiroscas
Brain Cashman: Good times, hey, when you are done, fly to new york, the stadium, we are gonna have a press conference.
Manny: ok, i’ll let you know
vin
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Good points, CB… is there a weaker organization in sports than the NFL player’s association? How they don’t have guaranteed contracts is beyond me.
————————————————————
The NHL.
“I understand that Rowand is terrific defensive centerfielder,”
He wasn’t very good at all this year. Much easier to play CF in philly and that ball park than it is in SF.
I’d be very concerned that citizens was hiding some of his deficiencies.
“The NHL.”
The Detroit Lions would also have been an acceptable answer.
David Wright will be the starting third baseman for the USA in the WBC according to NYPost.com. He gets the nod since Alex is playing for the DR.
Any news on whether the business is going or not?
migames-
I wouldnt be surprised if Manny showed up at the stadium on Wednesday thinking a deal was made.
“I’d be very concerned that citizens was hiding some of his deficiencies.”
What people like about Rowand is exactly what they don’t like about Abreu. Rowand is not afraid to go head first into the wall. He goes all out for balls. Some here in Chicago say that he ends up doing that because he doesn’t take the right approach to get the ball and has to overcompensate for his mistake. I haven’t watched him enough to know if that’s true or not. He made some good plays at the stadium several years ago.
Fred Wilpon Madoff
Cruel.
His ideas are good but who he suggests to trade for Rowand isnt. Nady is a excellent addition to the Yankees. Trade Kennedy, Melky, Matsui, Damon…..hell damn near anyone but Nady.
Manny-
Would only offer series of one year contracts, with a “termination for cause” clause, well defined in the contract. Would start with a lower offer, with a list of incentives, to keep him reaching for the carrot.
Only position is DH, especially in Yankee stadium.
Now if he is signed, where, realistically would Matsui approve a trade to,[Japan?] or does he become an expensive utility player?
As for Teixeira, tying him up for 8 years doesn’t make a lot of sense for us at a position where we don’t have our greatest need. In all honesty, with Boston’s lineup, he IMO doesn’t serve a need for them, unless Lowell’s career is over.
Here’s hoping that the Nationals offer him the largest contract and he signs with them. Picking in the top two in the draft the next couple years might make them the Tampa Bay Rays equivalent, at least for the second half of Teixera’s contract.
Of the big hitters left in FA, all but Teixeira are DH’s-Burrell, Abreu, Dunn, Giambi, Bradley, and Manny. If Bradley were healthy, and could stay healthy and “sane” he’s the one player who could possibly play in RF.
I’ll be quite surprised if the Yankees come in at the last minute to get Teixeira, UNLESS, he tells Boras he only wants to be a Yankee and is willing to be creative when it comes to a contract.
Greenberet7- The River Ave guys dont want Kapler to be the starting cf.
The beauty of signing a guy like this is that you could still play Gardner every day while using Kapler against tough lefties and off the bench late in games.
“Manny should shave his head and wear a three piece suit. Then say, into a mic:
“HEY GUISE, THE BIDNEZ IS GOING.” “GO JANKEES”
This is the funniest thing I’ve read in a long time.
Still looking for center fielders? Money no object? Toronto is looking to cut payroll. They’re aware that they are going nowhere anytime soon. Perhaps a deal for Wells, and they only pay 25% of 100 mil owed to him. That may be worth it. That puts Wells at a 15 mil a year player.
Ricciardi Mentions Giambi, Hudson
By Tim Dierkes [December 22 at 12:32pm CST]
Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi tossed out a few names in a conversation with Nick Cafardo:
“Orlando Hudson is out there. Jason Giambi is out there. We’ll have to see who’s out there still when the music stops and see who we might be able to get.”
***MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian says the Blue Jays have a payroll of around $84MM for 2009, meaning they’d have to trade someone before signing a significant free agent.***
Courtsey of MBL Rumors Out-Of-Control.
Who better than Johnny Damon to know what Manny was about as a teammate ? They played side by side from 2002-2005 and at a period of time where anything was tolerated as long as a championship flag could fly for the 1st time in 86 years.
And then the likes of Lowe, Millar, and Johnny were shown the door and Manny could see his fate coming. He changed his agent to Scott Boras and John Henry wasn’t about to pick up his 2 option years. That’s when Manny being Manny went full throttle.
GB7
Are you suggesting that they would trade Wells (while eating part of his salary) in order to sign Giambi.
Have another beer, then maybe they will throw in Halliday.
Mark (Brett is back)
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:57 pm
Greenberet7- The River Ave guys dont want Kapler to be the starting cf.
The beauty of signing a guy like this is that you could still play Gardner every day while using Kapler against tough lefties and off the bench late in games.
————————————————————
Kapler offers nothing of value. He hasn’t had 2 decent years back to back since 2000-2001.
Brad – even if all of that is true (and we don’t know that it is): that’s OK somehow?
From our old pal, Gammons:
“For two years, it has been the Red Sox’s plan to sign Teixeira. That plan remains. ”
Really, is that why they signed Lowell to a 3 year deal despite his age. I’m not buying it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....mons_peter
Vrsce
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
GB7
Are you suggesting that they would trade Wells (while eating part of his salary) in order to sign Giambi.
Have another beer, then maybe they will throw in Halliday.
————————————————————
did I say anything about Giambi? they owe Wells 100 mil over 5 years, their owner just died and knowbody knows who the next owner will be. Wells name has been mentioned in rumors more than once, since Ted Rogers died.
Rowand and his $48 million? No thanks, especially if they’re asking for Kennedy and Nady too. BS.
Teixeira? That ship has sailed and I prefer to leave it lost at sea.
GOOGLE BUTCHERS DOMINICAN SPANISH AGAIN
here’s what the new break saids
Breaking News and Confirmed: Manny Ramirez to sign for 3 yrs. 75 million w/ the Yankees
Although the general manager of the Yankees, Brian Cashman has dismissed a the first report of signing Manny Ramirez for three years and 75 milion dollars the source of Impactodeportivo.com.do confirmed Monday afternoon that the negotiations are a go.
According to the source of Impactodeportivo.com.do, Ramirez is a need for the team.
The reasons ?.
Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu, represented nearly 50 home runs and 200 Runs between the two, and will not return and Hideki Matsui and Jorge Posada had health problems in 2008.
Also Robinson Canó comes off a bad year.
That forces the Yankees to look for another bat to help Alex Rodriguez, and it’s Manny Ramírez.
Manny is in Brazil at this moment and when he returns he immediately will go to a press conference.
The negotiations are a go.
The writer of this article sounds pretty sure about this, especially to write a story the next day confirming it and even siting where Manny is and what he plans to do. We’ll find out as of 12 PM Andrew Marchant on ESPN Radio dubunked Buster Olney’s report of the Yankees not offering Manny an offer, he even said they are negotiating w/ his camp. We’ll see.
Rumor of trading Wells.
Jays Listening On Wells
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 20, 2008 at 8:58am CST]
Jon Heyman has heard that the Blue Jays “have fielded a few trade inquiries” about Vernon Wells, though they are not shopping him. Wells has six years and over $100MM remaining on his contract.
Because of the Jays’ financial constraints, they could consider trading Wells or closer B.J. Ryan for the right package. Trading the center fielder would likely take a lot of creativity on the part of Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi given the amount the club owes Wells.
Re: Andy Phillips
Oh yes, Andy Phillips.
The reason why we cut Carlos Pena.
An obvious win for the Yanks.
GB7- I should have put that line in quotes that was from their aritcle. I agree I don’t want Kapler, just wanted to let you know they didn’t want him to be the starter.
Imagine having to watch that jerk in pinstripes for the next three years, staring proudly at long singles from the batters box and looking for a restroom in the outfield. Oh boy! Can’t wait.
GB7
You did mention Giambi.
It has all been explained previously. Rogers owned a communications empire including a nationwide (Canada) sports channel. They are not trading Wells and eating part of the salary.
I’d settle for Arnold Horshack or Vinnie Barbarino.”
“how about brett favre? get a real gunslinger out there.. i hear he’ll be available in about 10 days.”
I want a guy who will run thru walls and when getting a licking-keeps on ticking. Give me Rocky Balboa!!
Vrsce
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:10 pm
GB7
You did mention Giambi.
It has all been explained previously. Rogers owned a communications empire including a nationwide (Canada) sports channel. They are not trading Wells and eating part of the salary.
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No, I didn’t mention Giambi. That was part of the copy and paste from MLB. If they don’t take part of the contract back, they won’t get anything back. Wells is not a 18-20 mil a year player.
Re: Rowand’s contract
09:$8M, 10:$12M, 11:$12M, 12:$12M
Age 31, 32, 33, 34
Clear upgrade over Melky/Gardner.
Defense and mental makeup are a plus.
Capable of playing CF in 2008 and LF when Jackson is ready.
He’s not exactly young but not too old for a ballplayer.
Cost in a trade? I’m not sure.
Melky Cabrera, Juan Miranda and Jose Veras?
GB7
Wells is overpaid, but he is the Blue Jay star,given the contract by Riccardi. They might as well fold up their sport channel if they trade him.
“I want a guy who will run thru walls and when getting a licking-keeps on ticking. Give me Rocky Balboa!!”
i’ve always thought stretch armstrong would make a good center fielder. i say the yankees take the $20 million and invest in some genetic engineering.
Mark (Brett is back)
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:09 pm
GB7- I should have put that line in quotes that was from their aritcle. I agree I don’t want Kapler, just wanted to let you know they didn’t want him to be the starter.
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I didn’t open all of the links to that article, but, that’s all they talked about was his amazing center field glove. He catches everything he gets to, but, that’s not saying much. He could never cover NYY center field. He tried in Boston and failed. Not a problem, though. He’ll only see Yankee Stadium if he buys a ticket.
“Rogers owned a communications empire including a nationwide (Canada) sports channel. ”
Yeah, but it’s not a very good one… don’t you recall Pete always complaining about the WiFi at the stadium?
“when getting a licking-keeps on ticking”
also, i hear madonna is working with a-rod on this..
Vrsce
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:16 pm
GB7
Wells is overpaid, but he is the Blue Jay star,given the contract by Riccardi. They might as well fold up their sport channel if they trade him.
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To save that kind of money, they’d prefer Rios in center….but, then, so would I.
“Re: Rowand’s contract
09:$8M, 10:$12M, 11:$12M, 12:$12M
Cost in a trade? I’m not sure.
Melky Cabrera, Juan Miranda and Jose Veras?
Giants have only Rowand, with Bengie Molina batting cleanup, plus an aging Randy Winn as their only legitimate hitters. Why would they trade Rowand for that package?
I think the Yankees should get Teixeira. Yes, it would bump payroll up a little bit in the short term, but adding Teixeira will instantly make this team the favorite to the win the World Series and will actually bring in a ton of money to the team. Adding the top two pitchers and the top position player in free agency in a year in which the Yankees are moving into a new stadium will do wonders for the team’s revenue. We’re all happy about the additions of CC and Burnnett, but imagine the added excitement of signing Teixeira especially when it looks like he might go to the Red Sox.
Also while Teixeira will sign a long term deal the financial impact for the Yankees will probably be more short term. Why? Well because next year when Damon, Matsui, and Nady are all free agents our OF will be Austin Jackson. That means we’ll have to sign 2 OFs. One of them in all likelihood would probably be Matt Holliday who looks to get a similar contract to what Teixeira will get this year despite Tex being the better player. Signing Tex will move Swisher to the OF where his bat plays better (offensively his career numbers are well below average at 1B), it will give us a much better team this year, it will put us in a position where we’ll only need 1 OF next year, and it will ensure that we don’t need to get desperate for someone like Holliday next year. Oh and it also keeps one of the best, young, position players to hit free agency in the past few years away from our biggest rival (who seems likely to land him).
As for Rowand that would be a really stupid move. I like Rowand he’s a solid player, but he is not much better than Mike Cameron who we could get for the low cost of Melky Cabrera and would get on a 1 year deal (setting up Jackson for 2010 perectly). Rowand is signed for another 3 or 4 years at a relatively high salary. However if we do get Teixeira, which would be awesome, we’re almost certainly not going to get a CF as well. What will happen is we’ll either trade Matsui, Damon, or Nady to clear a little salary this year to also sign Pettitte and then we’ll go with Gardner/Melky in CF OR we’ll move Damon or Swisher to CF and go with the weaker OF defense but better offense and use Gardner/Melky as defensive replacements (this scenario may involve waiving goodbye to Pettitte whose contract would cause us to jump above 2008 opening day payroll).
Yankee Trader,
Don’t take that trade prop seriously…this is just another example of yankee fans overvaluing their players/prospects.
“Giants have only Rowand, with Bengie Molina batting cleanup, plus an aging Randy Winn as their only legitimate hitters. Why would they trade Rowand for that package?”
What’s interesting about the Giants lineup last year is… not only were they bad, but they were also old. I could see having a bad lineup because you’re playing the kids, but how are they benefitting long-term by giving at-bats to Molina, Durham, Vizquel, Dave Roberts, Rich Aurilia and Winn?
Oh and another thing if you look back a few years the Teixeira situation is very similar to what happened with Carlos Beltran. The Yankees needed pitching that offseason so they got RJ, Pavano, and Wright. While there was also an anticipated need in CF they couldn’t justify the additional spending that offseason to get Carlos Beltran. If they were willing to spend the extra money that offseason for a guy who was one of the elite players at his position and still very young Beltran would be roaming CF for us now and we wouldn’t have needed to sign Damon the next offseason.
Essentially the point I’m trying to make is that while the Yankees have committed a lot of money this offseason the spending is only going to come back hit them full circle later on and it will force them to spend money on lesser players in the future. Guys like Teixeira are not available every offseason. Committing extra now to one of the elite players in the game may save you from bad contracts for lesser players in the long run.
Although in the end its not my money, so if the Steinbrenners don’t want to committ that much in one offseason I understand especially after what they did last year to bring guys like ARod, Posada, and Mo back. However the one thing that irks me about this offseason is that the one person in the front office that is most opposed to spending more money is Cashman. Which is strange because as a GM you would think he would want to do what he can with his resources (money ownership is willing spend) to put the best product on the field. I understand avoiding bad contract, but how can anyone really view a guy like Teixeira as a bad contract? A big contract, yes, but the elite players are worth the money. I just hope its not his ego trying to prove that he can build a winning team while reducing payroll. Their is a time to reduce payroll and that’s when your minor league system allows you to. We’re still probably another year away from that really going into effect.
“Gotta love the wizards at River Ave Blues. The Einsteins want Gabe Kapler for the Yanks to play center field. The guy is a #4 35 year old outfielder and was built through better chemistry. He took a year off to get the steroids out of his system.
…
I didn’t open all of the links to that article, but, that’s all they talked about was his amazing center field glove. He catches everything he gets to, but, that’s not saying much. He could never cover NYY center field. He tried in Boston and failed. Not a problem, though. He’ll only see Yankee Stadium if he buys a ticket.”
Wow, you have yourself up on some kind of pedestal GB7. At no point did we say he should be signed as a starter. And if by “all they talked about was his amazing center field glove” you mean “they mentioned he was great in center last year in one sentence,” then yes, you’re correct.
We’re not advocating him as a starter, we were talking about him as a 4th outfielder/RH pinch hitter. It would be an incredibly easy move to back out of, no risk whatsoever.
Mike A.
December 22nd, 2008 at 5:40 pm
“Gotta love the wizards at River Ave Blues. The Einsteins want Gabe Kapler for the Yanks to play center field. The guy is a #4 35 year old outfielder and was built through better chemistry. He took a year off to get the steroids out of his system.
…
I didn’t open all of the links to that article, but, that’s all they talked about was his amazing center field glove. He catches everything he gets to, but, that’s not saying much. He could never cover NYY center field. He tried in Boston and failed. Not a problem, though. He’ll only see Yankee Stadium if he buys a ticket.”
Wow, you have yourself up on some kind of pedestal GB7. At no point did we say he should be signed as a starter. And if by “all they talked about was his amazing center field glove” you mean “they mentioned he was great in center last year in one sentence,” then yes, you’re correct.
We’re not advocating him as a starter, we were talking about him as a 4th outfielder/RH pinch hitter. It would be an incredibly easy move to back out of, no risk whatsoever.
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The last thing NY needs is a right handed hitting spare outfielder. If you haven’t noticed, NYY is a litle light on left handed hitters.
I don’t set myself up as anything. Then again, I don’t pretend to know everything, either.
Gammons is hilarious. The Yanks had planned to get CC since last year, so he has to say the Red Sox have been planning to get Tex for 2 years. What a clown.
Meanwhile, the Yanks and Boras are sort of at loggerheads. Boras wants the Yanks to take Manny and Boston to take Tex. But the Yanks aren’t ready to give up on Tex. Boras isn’t doing much to facilitate it other than trying to extract a bid he can shop back to the Sox. Tex has to take the lead if he wants to be a Yankee.
You know who I hate? I hate Andy Pettite.
Why wouldn’t we want Pettitte back? He sported a superb 5.35 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, with a .302 batting avg against post all-star break. Who wouldn’t want those marvelous numbers for 10 million. Yet alone 16 million. Hard to imagine Hughes doing any worse than that.
Use the money to sign a hitter for pete’s sake!
Sign Manny, sign Pettite (or a cheaper pitcher would be better) to a one year deal. Get a bench for once.
Make sure CC, AJ, and Joba still have their arms attached for the playoffs.
I think we go deep with that team.
GreenBeret7
How are you doing? Been a while, just checking in to see how you’re doing. Looks like everything is better…good going guy.
Tex is a RedSock? http://sonsofsimmons.com/mlb/s.....eira/2008/
Pete
December 22nd, 2008 at 4:10 pm
“Rowand is the greatest CF ever.”
Honorable Mention: Mays, Mantle, DiMaggio, Griffey Jr., Ty Cobb…
And Sweeney then procedes to lose all credibility by stating the Yankees should trade for Aaron Rowand – AND actually giving up players of value to do so! I do not understand how anyone could think it’s a good idea to not only trade for Rowand but give up Nady and Kennedy to do so… I mean, it’s crazy enough to trade for a 4th OFer that is making $12M a year for the next 4, but give up value for it too?
And there’s not a chance in hell Boras would accept a 4/$102M contract for Tex.