Sitting, waiting, wishing
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 07, 2009 
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I’m posting from the middle if the Yankees clubhouse, where a dozen or so reporters are waiting for news that might or might not come.
Some players are supposed to be clearing out their lockers this morning and afternoon, but we have yet to see anyone.
The name plates are off the lockers, big boxes are scattered here and there and some of the lockers already have nothing in them. It’s looking like a long day of waiting.
UPDATE, 11:30 a.m.: Absolutely nothing has changed except that one writer from an outlet with more than one reporter covering the “event” has agreed to make a McDonalds run. Writers working together. It’s a beautiful thing. We’d attack one another for a Freddy Guzman interview right now.
UPDATE, 11:47 a.m.: The food is here, and this is what the day has become. Blogging about a fast food burger. It has occured to me that I forgot to do a Today in The Journal News post this morning. Feel free to check out my story about yesterday’s parade.
UPDATE, 12:15 p.m.: We weren’t allowed to bring the food into the clubhouse because they just shampooed the carpet. It hadn’t occured to me until hearing those words, but this place is spotless. Three days ago, all sorts of chaos broke out in this place. Today it’s perfect.
By the way, when reporters are in a baseball clubhouse, they never sit down. I did it once or twice in Scranton, only when doing a one-on-one interview during which the player asked me to sit. It seems to be a kind of acknowledgement that this is their space, not ours. Right now, though, everyone of us is sitting. Some are on the couches. Some are sitting in the chairs in front of lockers. I’m one of three or four sitting on the floor. It’s kind of odd to be watching college football while literally lounging in the Yankees clubhouse.
UPDATE, 12:40 p.m.: We’re approaching hour number three, and still not a single player has arrived in the clubhouse. Whenever a reporter leaves the room for a bit, he comes back to a series of jokes about all the great stuff he missed. A Derek Jeter and CC Sabathia brawl. A tearful Jorge Posada interview about his lost hopes of becoming a forest ranger. Robinson Cano’s unexpected retirement. Such is sports reporter humor. It makes us laugh every time.
Here’s a leftover Joe Girardi quote from yesterday. He was asked about the uncertainty of whether Hideki Matsui will be back next year.
“There’s always uncertainty in this game,” Girardi said. ”Even if you’re signed, a lot of times there’s uncertainty in this game and you always want to hold onto the good times as long as you can. What he did in this postseason is truly amazing. What he did in the World Series is truly amazing. He was such an important part to our club. You look at his numbers after had those nine days when we played in the National League cities, which I complained about that I didn’t get to use our DH for nine days, I really think that rest helped him. He was a difference maker for our team.”
He was later asked when he would start planning for next season.
“Probably on Monday,” Girardi said. “I’ll start going in to meet with Cash. Try to put some semblance to my office. It’s out of control right now and I’ll even ask Kim to come in and help me organize it… You start with what you have and what you feel you might need next year. I think you start looking at everything from the rotation to the bullpen to positions, infield, outfield. You look at everything.”
UPDATE, 2:43 p.m.: I’m back at my friend’s place in Harlem, where I’ve been a guest throughout the playoffs. Four hours came and went at Yankee Stadium with not a single Yankee to be found. The clubhouse was open to the media from 10 to 2 — with no guarantee any players would actually show up to clear out there lockers — but we all showed up just in case. Oh well.
Thus concludes the most absurd and unintentional live blog ever.
Two random New Yorkers (husband and wife) gave me a huge bear hug in the middle of Hong Kong airport while I was waiting for a connecting flight. It was very funny. I was wearing my Yankee sweatshirt and they were all decked out in their Yankees stuff.
You can always get a $10 Hot Dog..
Chad, it’s hard for fans to go from the excitement of the World Series into waiting mode … waiting for rumors … waiting for signings … waiting for trades … waiting for spring training, and ultimately … waiting for real baseball to begin again in April. Must be even harder for you guys.
For all the complaints about the money the Yankees spent here is a good article written by a Boston writer no less. I think you’ll enjoy the last part.
http://www.bostonherald.com/sp.....xt_article
Not the most exciting blog posting I have read!
The off season always seems to take too long. I’m hoping that the Yanks can sign or make a deal for an outfielder and a starter (though Nady or A-Jax could be that outfielder I suppose), especially if Pettitte is done. I just hope that the Red Sox and Phillies don’t pick up anyone great (like Halladay) and the Yanks can put themselves in a strong position to repeat.
“For all the complaints about the money the Yankees spent here is a good article written by a Boston writer no less. I think you’ll enjoy the last part.”
He’s right, it’s what Cashman stated years ago when he signed his new deal back in 2005, when he was given full control over the baseball operations. Once the Yankee management operate on the same page with their financial resources, it’s going to be very tough for the rest of MLB to compete with them.
Chad,
I bet some of the big stars had their lockers emptied out during the parade. I’ll be surprise if you see anybody of significance today.
The waiting will be a lot easier this off season than it was last off season.
I guess the players probably said goodbye to each other yesterday……sigh. That’s sort of depressing….
Rose, thanks for the heads up on the Hot Stove show. I’m not sure I’m ready for that, lol – I just want to savor this WS and this team rather than moving on so quickly.
Hey all omw 2 da stadium…hopinq that I won’t be waiting like last nite when I was in the Garden and at JayZs 4040 Club
That was a good article……….let’s hope the Yankees continue to make smart decisions.
Here’s a question. Would the Yankees have won this title if Joe Torre were still managing the current roster instead of girardi?
I was at yesterdays clean out after parade was over. It didn’t seem like anything was cleaned out because once the Yankees and family members arrived at the stadium, they all left quickly.
blake November 7th, 2009 at 11:12 am
Here’s a question. Would the Yankees have won this title if Joe Torre were still managing the current roster instead of girardi?
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No. He can’t handle a pitching staff. He burns out the relievers and he doesn’t stretch out the starters. Plus, he hated ARod, and I’m sure that wore on Alex.
Fantastic photos from the Daily News………
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....3332/show/
http://www.nydailynews.com/blo.....h-for.html
“I talked about it the last couple days how abruptly the season really ends,” Joe Girardi said. “You play every day, you go to work every day, then it just stops. There’s no wind-down period. There’s nothing. Some of the guys, we probably won’t see them next year. In 10 years, we’ll have a reunion and all be back together again – and you don’t realize how quickly that comes until you’ve been through one.
I tend to agree. torre would have never allowed the pie throwing or wwe belt and those things contributed greatly to the chemistry of the team. Torre was the perfect manager for the late 90s teams but he just wouldn’t have fit in with this bunch
Great ARod quote about wishing they could continue to play “for no reason………no umpires………………like a softball game.”
Doesn’t want the sun to go down…
Matsui’s former team, the Yomiuri Giants has just won the Japan Series. What a week Matsui is having!
http://www.northjersey.com/spo....._love.html
They are probably still sleeping!
blake Torre would have hated Nick Swisher.
Torre isn’t the right manager for this team any longer.
A great excerpt from a Buster Olney article:
As the Yankees prepared for the postseason this year, Cashman reached into the organization for help. Josh Paul, a catcher in the big leagues before becoming the Yankees’ manager at Staten Island of the Class A New York-Penn League, joined the team that did the advance scouting in the postseason, as did Gary Denbo, who has served as consultant for the Yankees since being let go as the Jays’ hitting coach last year. “I think our scouting for the postseason was exceptional,” said Cashman.
Oppenheimer and others from the staff went onto the field after the toast, and into the clubhouse, where a champagne soaked Joe Girardi walked over to him. “Make sure you thank all your scouts,” Girardi said.
Oppenheimer spent some time with the Yankees’ coaches, and noted that half of the current coaching staff — pitching coach Dave Eiland, first base coach Mick Kelleher and third base coach Rob Thomson — have been part of the organization for years and were promoted from within. There is a cohesiveness in place, Oppenheimer said.
Someone somewhere was asking who the young man was holding a blow up Yankee baseball bat. I think it was Skippy.
Good article by Joel Sherman:
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....HcnK4RjV1N
Craw, anyway you could post the whole article? Thanks!
Betsy,
I’ve been trying to post the entire article, but something with this screwy site won’t allow me to.
This is the best I can do:
http://forums.nyyfans.com/show.....ount=22355
That is a great excerpt – the scouts are the lifeblood of a team and I’m very happy to see that they are getting the credit they deserve. I posted an article a couple of weeks ago about how the Yankees scouted themselves this year – and I thought (and still do) that it’s a fantastic idea. The Yankees have good people in place in their organization and that should make Yankee fans feel confident about the team’s position going forward.
I bet the Yankees are reading this blog and seeing that the reporters are waiting, and are waiting to go.
“Betsy
November 7th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Fantastic photos from the Daily News………”
I second that Betsy. Great pics from Feinsand.
Hmmm…. who is the guy on the right in this pic?
I think I saw him standing next to the Kei Igawa statue in downtown Scranton this summer – can’t remember the name.;-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/4.....750663332/
I’ll repeat this question to Josh/Chad/Sam that I asked yesterday. Will you guys be covering the Winter Meetings in Indianapolis 7-11 December, complete with rumors and rumors of rumors? Thanks for the outstanding work during the playoffs.
A poster on NYYFans made fun of me for suggesting that Cash’s personal touch played a big part in the signing of the FAs……and that, in general, it helps. However, I firmly believe that that is the case. Cash treats everyone with respect and people respond to that. For instance, he never once gave CC a deadline to make a decision (like the Angels did, apparently), respecting the idea that this was a career-altering decision for the man and he had the right to take his time. Fans sometimes forget, I think, that players are human and they have feelings…….Obviously I am not oblivious to the place that $$$ has in the sport, but I will never become cynical to the point where that is all that matters.
DT, I recognize Feinsand, Carig – Sam? Chad?
All I know is that I finally got some good pics of AJ -he looked way cool in his shades. Unfortunately, there were few (if any) pics of Phil, anywhere.
when the Yankees sign a LF( that can play D with pop there won’t be room for either Damon or Matsui.. If they move both Hughes & Joba back into the rotation they’ll need a bridge to Mo who could be the future closer
UPDATE, 11:30 a.m.: Absolutely nothing has changed except that one writer from an outlet with more than one reporter covering the “event” has agreed to make a McDonalds run. Writers working together. It’s a beautiful thing. We’d attack one another for a Freddy Guzman interview right now.
********
Well… what burger did you get???
Who wants to play a round of WDCJEFL????
(What did Chad Jennings Eat for Lunch)
LOL Chad……I hope you enjoyed the burger. Tonight, I may try 5 Guys, which got rave reviews on this board recently. Going to read your story now………
Since you’re looking for stuff to do/write about, I may as well ask: did you have favorite players to cover? Did any player surprise you based on what you thought they were going to be like? Any personal insights would be great. Thanks!
Erica – always OPPC
November 7th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Erin if you are out there…
Did you see today’s google doodle???? If not, SCRAM over there
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Thanks Erica! Just saw it. I hope they continue this-now I’m getting used to checking Google every morning!
Chad seems like a quarter-pounder type of guy…maybe a 4-piece chicken nugget on the side…and a Dr. Pepper.
Hey Chad and crew, I am standing outside next to the AJ Burnett Banner. You know, the one that helped Phillies Cliff Lee find players’ entrance to stadium. I will keep you posted when Guzman enters the gate so you can be 1st online.
I would have taken Chad for a grilled chicken sandwich kind of guy but since he said burger, I’m guessing Quarter Pounder w/cheese.
did you all see this from Peter Gammons…good stuff:
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Blame the system, not the Yankees
Saturday, November 7, 2009 | Print Entry
The morning after the Yankees won their 27th World Series, one of their scouts sent an e-mail that read: “You cannot believe how Brian Cashman treated all of us scouts and the little people. It was tremendous.”
It was refreshing because the clichéd response to winning the World Series seemed to be a universal “the Yankees bought the series,” as if somehow they went outside the rules of law and bought Cook or Palm Beach County.
Look, there are serious inequities in the system that we will see spelled out in the coming months that are creating a canyon between big and small markets, Coastal and Mid-American economies. In this current system, however, the New York Yankees played by the rules. The Mets outspent the Marlins by $103 million and finished 17 games behind them. The Tigers outspent the Twins by $62 million. No one decried the Blue Jays when they won with the highest payroll in 1993.
They are the Yankees, they hadn’t won a World Series since the Clinton administration, they were opening a ballpark that cost more than GNP of Bolivia, they have a regional television network worth more than $3B. What were Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman supposed to do — concede to the Red Sox, Rays and Blue Jays and say, “we really feel for the economic plight of the Indians and Royals.” Were they supposed to say, “we feel for the Madoff victims and thus will try to create an appropriate level field.”
They played the system. They spent for the winningest pitcher in baseball the last three years, CC Sabathia, and he did what they paid him to do — lead the American League in wins and pitch brilliantly in the playoffs. They paid A.J. Burnett to be a power No. 2 starter, which he was. They paid Mark Teixeira what it took to get him away from the Red Sox, and he ultimately probably was the eight-game difference between the two teams. The Yankees’ payroll actually went down from 2008.
Could a small-market team afford the $16M Nick Swisher is owed the next two years? No. Or Damaso Marte’s $4M. Any more than the Marlins could afford the $2.25M Jeremy Hermida could take to arbitration, hence his trade to Boston. Any more than the Indians can afford a legitimate starting catcher in Kelly Shoppach, which is why he will be moved to some place like Boston, soon.
This is the baseball economic system. Teams like the Yankees and Red Sox can afford to pay lower-round draft choices first-round money if they have first round talent — which is why the two best prospects in the Boston organization are outfielder Ryan Westmoreland and pitcher Casey Kelly — because the commissioner’s office failed to negotiate a slotting system in the last Basic Agreement.
This winter, creative minds need to move beyond the current revenue-sharing system, and with the appreciation that the current economy inflates the banana republic dichotomy between rich and non-rich try to find ways to level the doors to championship opportunity. Whining about the Yankees is as pointless as it is tedious.
The new Yankee Stadium has its flaws and because Wall Street’s economics changed, that moat between the affordable and super-rich paying customers sapped a lot of energy out of the park to the point where Wednesday night had the feel of an April matchup with the Orioles; but it is a tremendous, spectacular stadium.
OK, sometimes the Andrew Brackmans take awhile, but how’d you like to be Drayton McLane, spend $105M on major league payroll and be a second division team because you bowed to the commissioner’s office and refused to sign draft choices. Or Fred Wilpon, who had the second-highest major league payroll in baseball and had a void of high minor league talent because of a refusal to invest in draft choices? The fact is that the Yankees pour millions in luxury tax dollars into a pseudo-socialistic system that may be teetering on David Halberstam’s view of the late days of the Soviet Union.
Sure, Alex Rodriguez, Sabathia, Derek Jeter and Teixeira next season will make more than $100M by themselves, which will likely be more than all but seven teams in 2010. But in a year when A-Rod and the Marlins were on a level playing field, the fact remains that the Yankees played better baseball than the Red Sox and won the AL East, they played much, much better baseball than the “fundamentally sound” Twins, Angels and Phillies. Their Mount Rushmore of Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettite and Jorge Posada produced and carried themselves with dignity. As did Joe Girardi, who on the morning of winning his 114th game and the World Series had to read stories that his job might be in jeopardy if they lost because of the Yankee payroll.
Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman spent what they could afford to assemble the best team in the sport. They also remembered to make area scouts and minor league folks feel part of the 27th world championship.
Yes, it is painful to watch if you watched Sabathia vs. Lee from your home in Cleveland, but your problem isn’t with the Yankees. It is with the system.
GB
If they are sending Chad to cover the GM meetings starting Monday, winter meetings seems like a no brainer.
So last night as I tried to fall asleep after all the excitement, I tried to think of all of the player groupings from the 2009 Yankees and what it most have meant to all of them.
The Core Four: Jeter, Mariano, Pettitte and Posada
The Aging Veterans First Rings: A-Rod, Matsui and Bruney
Veterans with Rings from other Teams: Damon, Molina, Burnett, Marte and Hinske
The New Acquisitions: Sabathia, Teixiera and Swisher
The Young Veteran Homegrowns: Cano, Melky, Hughes and Chamberlain
The Mid Season Veteran Add Ons: Hairston, Gaudin and Guzman
The Young Homegrown Rookies: Gardner, Robertson, Coke, Aceves, Pena, Cervelli
Now they all move up a notch, they are all part of a World Championship. What a great year for all of them and for all Yankee fans! I can’t believe it’s over.
Thank you to all who played the What Did Chad Have For Lunch game. Let’s all hope we never have to play it again.
Haven’t had McDonalds in quite some time, but I went with a quarter pounder. Chicken sandwich is usually the way I go, but I went burger this time. I kind of regret the decision.
As for the winter meetings, yes, I’ll be there. I’m heading to Chicago for the GM meetings tomorrow, then heading to Indy for the winter meetings in December.
I was thinking Chad would go for an Arch Deluxe….
For those of us who still need a baseball fix, the MLB network is showing some Arizonia fall league game tonight at 8.
Thank you Chad for clearing that up!!!!
Looks like our winners were Zach in Port Jeff and pat!
A different view of yesterday’s City Hall ceremony. (5 min. video – link below)
I didn’t realize AJ stole Arod’s hat! (you can see him returning it to Arod)
Check out Jeter’s face after the loud boom of confetti at the end! LOL
http://www.nydailynews.com/blo.....wlers.html
One of things about the Herald artice and the Sherman article is what a complete tool Torre is. He cemented it with the Yankee Years.
There’s going to be a lot of revisionist history in the coming years.
The Young Veteran Homegrowns: Cano, Melky, Hughes and Chamberlain
The Young Homegrown Rookies: Gardner, Robertson, Coke, Aceves, Pena, Cervelli
Now they all move up a notch, they are all part of a World Championship. What a great year for all of them and for all Yankee fans! I can’t believe it’s over.
====
Jeff,
Nice job. One of the short-changed benefits of this whole thing is these kids went through this – kids we will rely on to help us to future championships.
Getting to and winning the World Series is part of their recall forever now, which can only serve them in high stakes games and nail-biting series, going forward.
Cashman’s unorthodox plan to win while building was dismissed as doomed. Well, we won the whole thing doing it.
Maybe next season, people will be a little more relaxed when Joba and Hughes struggle in the rotation from time to time.
DT – OPPC member
November 7th, 2009 at 12:19 pm
A different view of yesterday’s City Hall ceremony. (5 min. video – link below)
I didn’t realize AJ stole Arod’s hat! (you can see him returning it to Arod)
Check out Jeter’s face after the loud boom of confetti at the end! LOL
*******
Nice find DT. Derek Jeter definitely thought he was being shot at. Poor guy.
Also, couldn’t help but notice the ceremony was MUCH better without that cheesy 1998 song overdubbed. Not quite sure what YES was thinking
I WON!
WOOOOOO!
Erica, you mean YES did that song – it wasn’t played at City Hall? LOL…..
I’m not one for dumping all over Torre just because we won with a different manager.
The book diminished him, as did batting Alex eighth vs. Detroit, the management of the 2004 ALCS, the desire to be Baseball’s Global Uncle Joe rather than backing his own players, but that doesn’t make me feel better about Randy Levine snaking around to get rid of Torre.
Nor does it feel right to harp on Torre – who spearheaded 4 World Championships – with the champagne barely dry on this one.
Betsy
November 7th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Erica, you mean YES did that song – it wasn’t played at City Hall? LOL…..
******
I didn’t hear it being played on the raw footage DT just linked. It must have been a stupid YES move.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
November 7th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I’m not one for dumping all over Torre just because we won with a different manager.
The book diminished him, as did batting Alex eighth vs. Detroit, the management of the 2004 ALCS, the desire to be Baseball’s Global Uncle Joe rather than backing his own players, but that doesn’t make me feel better about Randy Levine snaking around to get rid of Torre.
Nor does it feel right to harp on Torre – who spearheaded 4 World Championships – with the champagne barely dry on this one.
*******
I agree with you.
I believed Torre was my manager until that night the bugs came out in Cleveland and he did nothing in the dugout. That was when I knew it was time to move on.
I have read Torre’s book. I happen to think it was a great book about baseball. I begrudge him nothing by writing it. Unlike most people, I don’t think it has anything to do with his character.
Having that been said, I like to look back at the good times with Joe Torre. Comparing them is pointless. Different teams, different styles.
DT, thanks for the video! I saw AJ with Alex’s hat, but I didn’t see him return it until now……everyone got a kick out if it, lol.
Ok, off to buy some more official Yankee gear…………
DT-great find with the video. I loved AJ with the hat. LOL
Ramiro Pena just drove in all!!
anyone else here suffering from a very low level depression from the fact that this season is over? It’s great that they won any everything but I really go addicted to watching this team play day in a day out. I guess I feel like Alex, I just didn’t want this season to end. It would be great if the Yankees game to the stadium today for a pick-up game!
pat
November 7th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
GB
If they are sending Chad to cover the GM meetings starting Monday, winter meetings seems like a no brainer.
————————————————————
Thanks, pat. I enjoy the actual rumors as oppossed to the false rumors. I don’t even care that 75% of the rumors involving the yanks don’t happen. What is the fun part is watching fools like Bill Smith of the Twins asking for Hughes, Chamberlain, Wang and Cabrera for Santana and settling for Carols Gomez. Gone are the days of giving up Jay Buhner for Ken Phelps.
Jump on Pena…….l0ll….hey ask him if there’s any parties that he will be joining this weekend…
Curiously enough many of the same people who bashed Torre for dropping ARod down in the lineup for that game when he was an absolute black hole draining the production from Sheff’s and Sui’s bats as well are probably the same people lambasting Manuel for NOT dropping Ryan Howard down in the order to give McUtley more protection in the lineup…..
can never please everybody huh?
The Ghost
November 7th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
anyone else here suffering from a very low level depression from the fact that this season is over? It’s great that they won any everything but I really go addicted to watching this team play day in a day out. I guess I feel like Alex, I just didn’t want this season to end. It would be great if the Yankees game to the stadium today for a pick-up game!
********************
I know exactly what you mean. The depression has started to sink in. Seriously can’t wait ’til spring training!!
Erica-do you want to play “guess the Sesame Street Google doodle for Sunday”?
I say the Count.
Jeff NJ
November 7th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
So last night as I tried to fall asleep after all the excitement, I tried to think of all of the player groupings from the 2009 Yankees and what it most have meant to all of them.
The Core Four: Jeter, Mariano, Pettitte and Posada
The Aging Veterans First Rings: A-Rod, Matsui and Bruney
————————————————————
Aging vets? Brian Bruney, believe it or not is only 27.
“anyone else here suffering from a very low level depression from the fact that this season is over? It’s great that they won any everything but I really go addicted to watching this team play day in a day out. I guess I feel like Alex, I just didn’t want this season to end. ”
Absolutely. The only bad thing about them winning is that now the season is over. We do have some stress coming our way though. The Damon and Matsui decisions already have me mildly stressed out. I can only imagine how Cashman feels.
The Ghost
November 7th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
anyone else here suffering from a very low level depression from the fact that this season is over? It’s great that they won any everything but I really go addicted to watching this team play day in a day out. I guess I feel like Alex, I just didn’t want this season to end. It would be great if the Yankees game to the stadium today for a pick-up game!
======
The buzz is still with me, but it has no place to go, so in that sense, I hear you.
But I am really getting satisfaction from the fact that I know there is a great degree of pressure removed; the plan to rely more and more on the system increased when Cano tossed the ball to Teix on Wednesday.
I have been in other forums for four years, now, screaming until I am hoarse to not give up the farm and Hughes for Santana, not to give up on Melky and Cano, not to fork over Joba in a Halladay deal. These guys are now part of Yankee championship history.
I can relax – and our bullpen, henceforth, will continue to be built from within. I can’t emphasize enough what a relief this is. I always trusted Cashman to stick to his plan – but now, he has no reason not to.
I always wanted not just to win, but to win with our kids a part of it. It can be done – it HAS been done.
Erin
November 7th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Erica-do you want to play “guess the Sesame Street Google doodle for Sunday”?
I say the Count.
*******
I would LOVE the count, but I think Elmo is due for an appearance. That little red guy hijacks everything
Laura – “You should know I bleed Blue, but I ain’t a Crip though”
November 7th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Absolutely. The only bad thing about them winning is that now the season is over. We do have some stress coming our way though. The Damon and Matsui decisions already have me mildly stressed out. I can only imagine how Cashman feels.
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Laura-tell me about it. I don’t want to lose either one of them. I’m not too stressed out about it at this point, but I know I will be soon.
I agree with you.
I believed Torre was my manager until that night the bugs came out in Cleveland and he did nothing in the dugout. That was when I knew it was time to move on.
=====
That was another example of needing to turn the page, completely agree with you. But now people need to turn the page on Joe – thanks for the memories, you’ll always be an important part of Yankee history, etc.
No need to dance on the grave – let’s do that to ESPN and others now forced to grovel.
But most of all, let’s just enjoy the sweetness of the Yankees’ destiny fulfilled, yet again.
“Laura-tell me about it. I don’t want to lose either one of them. I’m not too stressed out about it at this point, but I know I will be soon.”
When you think about it though, why do we have to lose either of them? What’s that old saying, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I know that they want to get younger and I know that they want Posada to DH more, but they can do that two seasons from now. Sign Matsui and Damon to one year deals with options. Keep the group together.
There were two Joe Torres. One of them will become a hall of fame member by virtue of winning 4 WS in 5 years. The ability to keep George S under reasonable control, handling the media, having good coaches around, and getting the most out of a very sound team cannot be understated. He did a fantastic job through 2002. He ran into the dynamic duo of Schilling and Randy J in 2001 and an absolutely on fire Angel team in 2002 otherwise he might have had more than 4 rings.
It was at this point though a couple things happened and the weaknesses of Joe Torre became problematic. The lack of MiL talent prompted NY to have to go on the market for aging, beat up pitchers at a high price, and at the same time I really believe Joe started mailing it in. He rested on his laurels, seemed to lose all fire and basically showed up at the BP thinking that would be enough to keep the championships rolling in. His teams became nothing more than talented nice guys that became pushovers. Joe Torre became soft and his team’s became soft. This Joe Torre was an absolute failure IMHO because he lost his edge.
Fortunately for Joe Torre he accomplished enough in the first part of his tenure to become a lengend. Fortunately for NYY they parted ways with him and forged out a new identity to better equip them to win against was is semmingly a much tougher road to championships.
Thanks for the Winter Meetings info, Chad. A few well-placed rumors about NY picking up utility infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis and situational righty Jonathan Paplebon plus cash for superstars Freddy Guzman, Cody Ransom, Shelley Duncan and Josh Towers should warm the hearts of our best friends from the north.
Lol, GB7.
Laura-exactly. Who are they going to get to replace their production? These guys obviously love being Yankees, their teammates love them-why mess with it? The thought of either one of them in another uniform is giving me a headache.
It’s just starting to settle in about ARod.
The Yankees were always good enough with him to win the World Series. He was the MVP twice.
But it wasn’t until he changed his direction, not until he embraced the team concept, that he was rewarded with the ultimate prize –
not just the World Series he coveted, but the full acceptance of his teammates and the fans.
Erica-you’re probably right. It’s actually somewhat surprising Elmo hasn’t made an appearance yet. I’m sticking with the Count though.
MLB-TV has been running highlights of all 27 Yankee WS wins, today. Just now finishing the 1962 WS games. Randy would have appreciated the Clete Boyer highlite package. Some great old videos.
“A few well-placed rumors about NY picking up utility infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis and situational righty Jonathan Paplebon plus cash for superstars Freddy Guzman, Cody Ransom, Shelley Duncan and Josh Towers”
————–
if so, Gammons would still find a way to rave about the awesome speed of Guzman, the amazing athletic ability of Ransom, the sheer power of Duncan, and the unparalleled potential of Towers…
calling the trade a steal for Theo and the Sox by dumping large contracts for bargains.
Newark Star Ledger reporting the NYYs will not tender an offer to CMW this off season. Anyone have more about this?
Dave, it was never because of Rodriguez not hitting, it was about NYY never having the pitching to finish it off. Rodriguez got hammered for 2004, but, look at who didn’t hit in that series….more importantly, look at who didn’t pitch. The pressure to hit in subsequent PS would never have happened had the others done their jobs, too. NYY didn’t win this year because of offense….they won because of pitching.
Boston Dave – XXVII
November 7th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
“A few well-placed rumors about NY picking up utility infielders Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis and situational righty Jonathan Paplebon plus cash for superstars Freddy Guzman, Cody Ransom, Shelley Duncan and Josh Towers”
————–
if so, Gammons would still find a way to rave about the awesome speed of Guzman, the amazing athletic ability of Ransom, the sheer power of Duncan, and the unparalleled potential of Towers…
calling the trade a steal for Theo and the Sox by dumping large contracts for bargains.
————————————————————
Yeah, nothing is better than buying titles, huh? Not sure that I like giving up all of that bench depth and starting pitching, though. I suppose the Yanks could use the money they got in that deal to buy, Beckett, though.
I think Chad has a long wait today!
I don’t see any Yankees coming in to clean out their stuff this weekend.
Cleaning out the lockers is an end of season ritual and I don’t think these players are ready for the season to end.
(same as the fans, actually)
I can’t think of one unhappy player who is ready to “move on”.
The players who live outside of NY probably had to make arrangements to lease their residences longer with the season happily going longer.
Over the course of next week, I would imagine players will trickle in….
Hey Yankees, no way you get through the ALDS if Morneau was playing.
Will be very different for you next year. Damon may be sent packing with a mission on his mind. He may pull a Shaquille and rap at you when you’re eliminated next year and say “hey yanks, tell me how my a** taste?”
DT and all:
Ramiro Pena entered Yankee Stadium today 11/7 at 12:40pm. He just left the stadium at 1:12pm.
Ha, hang in there, Chad. Let us know if A-Rod and Swisher start making out or something.
Wow, the quality of troll has hit rock bottom.
I don’t know if you guys noticed, but Pete Abe totally stole your “All you can do is wear it” story…
J-Roll, go back to your MC Hammer videos…
Tom in N.J.
November 7th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Wow, the quality of troll has hit rock bottom.
————————————————————
Well, in fairness, this is their first year of winter trolling, but, clearly not yet ready for a spring training invite.
“Aging vets? Brian Bruney, believe it or not is only 27.”
Good point GB. Bruney doesn’t fit well into the other categories so I had to put him somewhere. You have to admit, he’s an old 27 (3 months from 28).
Chad, I bet the players haven’t even woken up from partying yet.
The Sox will make a big splash this offseason because the pressure is now on them to stay with the Yanks.
I think they’ll trade for Jose Reyes since shortstop is their one glaring weakness and the Mets seem committed long-term to David Wright. Reyes fits the ‘bad boy’ image that Boston seems to exhault.
I see the Angels as our biggest competition. I believe they’ll sign Matt Holliday and let Vlad + Figgins walk. They’ll also sign R. Soriano because their pen is in tatters.
I think the Yankees will want Pettitte back while Hughes and Joba are still deep in development.
If the issue in choosing between Damon and Matsui is one of age and durabilty, I’d rather ask back the guy not expected to play the field at all. If Damon and Matsui are both prone to injury, I don’t want either in the field. Since Matsui is the better hitter, I’d rather have him back as the DH.
I prefer Figgins in LF over Damon because he’s a better table setter and can backup the infield. The Yankees have zero middle infield depth to speak of in the organization.
If Arod, Jeter or Cano should get injured, the last person I want to see fill in on a regular basis is a Cody Ransom type player like Ramiro Pena.
Another aspect of acquiring Figgins is removing him from the Angels so it’s a double kill. They are still our toughest competition next season IMO.
My prediction for this offseason:
Figgins over Damon in LF because of health reasons and to strengthen middle infield depth in the case of emergency.
Pettitte back because of the inexperience of Joba and Hughes.
Matsui back at DH since he’s a better hitter than Damon.
Aroldis Chapman.
“DT – OPPC member
November 7th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I think Chad has a long wait today!
I don’t see any Yankees coming in to clean out their stuff this weekend.”
“J
November 7th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
DT and all:
Ramiro Pena entered Yankee Stadium today 11/7 at 12:40pm. He just left the stadium at 1:12pm.”
Wow. My predicting skills are in mid-season form!
There is no off-season when it comes to lousy fortune telling.
Jeff NJ
November 7th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
“Aging vets? Brian Bruney, believe it or not is only 27.”
Good point GB. Bruney doesn’t fit well into the other categories so I had to put him somewhere. You have to admit, he’s an old 27 (3 months from 28).
————————————————————
If Bruney ever beats the injury jinx on him and stays healthy from ST until the last day, he could be huge in the 7th or 7th innings. For all of the complaints about him, he’s only had one bad season since coming to NYY. His boughts of wildness can serve him well when he learns to become selectively wild. He can’t possibly be a very comfortable at bat. That big fastball and killer slider is too much to give up on. I see a lot of parallels between Bruney and Rich Gossage. Big fastballs and killer sliders….wild, inconsistant. Gossage was about a year younger when he got to NY.
Jeff NJ November 7th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
“Aging vets? Brian Bruney, believe it or not is only 27.”
========================================
that’s the oldest 27 year old I’ve ever seen.
He looks like a Brooklyn wino.
You know,
I’m not ready to think about breaking the team apart.
I will be ready for the moves that are going to be made, just not yet.
The idea of some players out there becoming Yankees, replacing perhaps a favorite, right now is very distasteful to me.
I think a proper time to start the in-depth debates is Monday. It’s a new week, and the GM meets start.
Until then, I just want to dwell on the fantastic season that just culminated in a World Series victory for this particular group of players.
bodhi -
You had a great game to go to on Wednesday night. So happy for you and the others that were able to take it in at the Stadium itself.
I agree about Joe Torre. And Erica, the turning point for me was also the bug game in Cleveland. I, too, read the book. A lot of it I liked, but parts of eat seemed vindictive and perhaps he could have waited to write it, if it had to be written at all. I though some passages were inappropriate and I thought it was kind of a cowardly approach to writing the book, since one was never quite sure what originated with Joe, and where Tom Verducci’s input took over. But, all that being said, to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose. It was time for separation. I wish it had been done better – and I’m sure the Yankees do, too (it was really out of character for them), but perhaps there was no easy way, only the difficult but classier way of not letting him hang on for days and just saying, Joe, we appreciate all you’ve done, but we want to take a different direction. No way was going to be perfect. But honesty is usually the best policy. You may not like it, but you can’t then talk about how you were mislead or mistreated or disrespected.
Chad,
I feel so badly for you guys. I think these days the chances of an ARod or a Jeter or even a Cano coming in to clean out there own lockers is long gone. And you shoulda stuck with the chicken sandwich. I know I’ve occasionally decided to go burger and have always regretted it!
In what world is Figgins a better hitter than Damon? Figgins is not an especially good outfielder. It seems like the only team Figgins hurts is NY. Three years ago, I might like seeing him in NY, but, he strikes out way too much for a singles hitter, and when he starts losing speed, he’s finished. Damon has the ability to pull pitches into the seats.
I rather have Felipe Lopez over Figgins. Lopez is just a better hitter.
In what world is Figgins a better hitter than Damon?
===
Are you dyslexic?
Reyes makes alot of sense for BOS. But Reyes is coming off a year long injury so BOS would have to trick the Mets into selling low. The Mets GM is an idiot but I don’t think he is that stupid to move Reyes at his lowest value.
The Redsox and Rays IMO will be our toughest competition next year. The Rays SP is very, very good. The Redsox of course will be tough and you can expect them to retool over the winter.
The Angels dominance in the west will start to recede, with TEX improving. LAA will likely lose Lackey, and possibly lose him to TEX, a double wammy, so who will replace him on the Angels staff? I agree LAA will likely let Vlad and Figgins go, but I don’t think Figgins comes to NY.
Figgins to me is not a LF, his arm is much of an upgrade over the poor arm of Damon, he hasn’t played there much recently and unlike Damon, he has no power, so NY paying a hefty sum to have him replace Damon would be very odd.
I re-sign Matsui for 10-11 mil, 1 year. I offer Damon arbitration. Damon will likely get 14-15 mil but I can live with that, if he doesn’t accept, then let him walk away as a type A FA thus netting the Yankees two draft picks from whomever signs him.
However the #1 priority for me is coming up with a #2-3 starter as I am not convinced Andy will come back. What more does he have to prove, he is a family guy and like Mussina, just may want to move on at the top.
correction to the above… his arm is not much of an upgrade over Damon’s……
Hey, isn’t Sherman writing a good article breaking news?
Hope everyone is doing well. It’s all kind of surreal. But not really, you know? Deep down inside most of us knew this was the best team in baseball from the very beginning. Even if they didn’t play like it right out the gate. Even if people couldn’t stop the negativity. Or even though you were too superstitious to say it out loud. (Although trisha wasn’t too shy with her prediction).
It’ll be a sad off-season as we say goodbye to some players, but some others will be walking through the same door.
One thing needs to be on Cashman’s checklist, though. Make a gentleman’s agreement with Hinske that we’ll trade for him before the deadline so be ready.
I think the Sox would be willing to pay fair price for Reyes since they really need to fill SS.
If the Yankees don’t want a table setter then Holliday makes the most sense in LF. I’m fine with that but always wonder who hits first or second with Jeter up there.
I don’t want all the same players back because of age and injury.
I’m hardly worried about your apocalyptic premonitions. You have never been right on any predictions anyway.
The Yankees don’t need a table setter-they already have the best leadoff hitter in all of baseball. What they need is power-left handed power-and on-base skills. That’s what made this Yankee team ‘go’ this year-the line-up was relentless.
Thanks, Doreen. Got to admit, I was crying. Because my Dad wasn’t on earth with me for the first time in my life with us winning, because I felt him with me anyway, because I told myself to take a long hard look, some players might not be back, and perish the thought, Rivera, “healthy”, coming out of the bullpen to close out the clinching WS game….would I ever see it again? Because of all the names out there in Monument Park…because the Yankees winning the World Series is just the one of the sweetest, most incomparable things, no matter how many times it happens…:D
I thought about Figgins yesterday. Very briefly. Because what we really need is an OF. And there’s probably a reason why he was playing the infield. And he had a horrible ’08 before his contract year.
The Mets aren’t giving up Reyes for pennies on the dollar. They’ll give him one year to get back to being Reyes and then maybe move him in a trade.
Matsui is the same age as Jeter. He also will have a winter of resting his knees and also a winter not having to undergo off season surgery. He had a real good year at the plate. I make him a fair offer to retain him as protection for Arod.
With Damon, I offer him ARB. If he accepts I do a 1 year deal likely in the 14-15 mil dollar range. I believe Damon is starting to break down so as much I love his game and his attitude, I will not go more than 1 year with him. But I will pay him well for 2010.
Holliday is one hell of a player and he will come at one hell of a pricetag but he is also an OF north of 30. For these two later points I don’t see a fit for NY.
Regarding Reyes, I agree GB, thus my point above
Yeah, I will never understand the fascination with Figgins.
Except to say that it comes from the whole, delirous, misguided fascination with speeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedddd, despite the fact that baseball is not a perpetual motion sport and that speed is probably the least important quality a player can bring, because in and of itself, in baseball, it is pretty much worthless.
Figgins is best as a component, not a feature of a contending team. Good player that is all.
He is not a fit for NY. I would be shocked if the NY braintrust went all Figgins on us.
What other candidates for the outfield are out there?
Someone mentioned that teams are wanting to avoid arbitration so there will be more guys on the market early on.
Dye for a year or two?
yankee21
November 7th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Matsui is the same age as Jeter. He also will have a winter of resting his knees and also a winter not having to undergo off season surgery. He had a real good year at the plate. I make him a fair offer to retain him as protection for Arod.
With Damon, I offer him ARB. If he accepts I do a 1 year deal likely in the 14-15 mil dollar range. I believe Damon is starting to break down so as much I love his game and his attitude, I will not go more than 1 year with him. But I will pay him well for 2010.
Holliday is one hell of a player and he will come at one hell of a pricetag but he is also an OF north of 30. For these two later points I don’t see a fit for NY.
========
Agree on both Matsui and Damon.
Set aside, for the minute, sentiment; Matsui gives you a dangerous, professional left-handed AB when he’s refreshed. Being a DH, he is nearly always refreshed.
Both Damon and Matsui play well to BF – BALLPARK FACTOR.
People seem to really neglect this.
Holliday hits the wrong way for our park, and isn’t even a good defensive player. Ditto Bay.
Still, I don’t want all the same players back because of age and injury.
I think Pettitte and Matsui are the most useful and something needs to be done about LF.
I’m open to Figgins and Holliday or a trade.
m: which outfield slot are you looking to fill? Who are you saying goodbye to?
Nick,
Just looking at a possible vacancy in LF or an upgrade at CF.
Nick in SF,
Congrats on your boy Matsui. He raked and they had better bring him back.
“What other candidates for the outfield are out there?”
Not much:
Mike Cameron
Marlon Byrd
Rick Ankiel
Jermaine Dye
Randy Winn
“What other candidates for the outfield are out there?”
Mike Cameron wouldn’t be a bad move. The Yankees were just about to trade for him last offseason.
Bret, thank you, but how is he my boy? You mean because I argued against trading him early in the season?
bodhi, absolutely. The other point retaining Damon and Matsui for 1 more year allows NY the chance to see if they have anything special in Ajax while he develops his game in the MiL. If Matsui breaks down, and really why would he as a DH??, then you cycle through the aging starters in that slot. Until then keep these two guys around for 1 more year.
If I am NY I make Andy, Johnny and Godzilla fair 2010 offers and then work hard on enticing Aroldis.
Matsui’s Japan revenue also comes off the books.
Nick in SF,
I thought I remember reading you say Matsui is your favorite player on the Yanks…
And yes I remember you arguing against trading him.
You stuck by him.
“Matsui’s Japan revenue also comes off the books.”
I keep reading this. What revenue do the Yankees get from Japan?
Tom in N.J.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
“What other candidates for the outfield are out there?”
Not much:
Mike Cameron
Marlon Byrd
Rick Ankiel
Jermaine Dye
Randy Winn
————————————————————
Of those FA outfielders, the only one that could be the most useful is probably Byrd. The most intriguing one, though might be Ankiel. There are probably a few on the block that might bring some interest. Shumaker, Derosa or Ryan Ludwick from St. Louis, Soriano or even Corey Hart from Milwaukee.
m
November 7th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
What other candidates for the outfield are out there?
Someone mentioned that teams are wanting to avoid arbitration so there will be more guys on the market early on.
Dye for a year or two?
******
Does anyone seriously think Jermaine Dye is a better player than Johnny Damon?
Bret, I don’t think I ever called Matsui my favorite player, but he’s one of many. I did believe in his value to the team and I’m really happy he got the chance to earn a ring. Thanks for the thought.
We certainly would lose the Japanese advertisers w/no Japanese player.
Plus, I’m assuming there are joint deals in Yanks merch in Japan, etc.
Actually, that would be a very good story for one of the Blog Boys here to research – do the Yankees stand to lose more than a clutch, lefty power bat if Matsui walks?
Pat, I was joking. I have no idea what Matsui brings in in terms of revenue from Japan. Last year somebody wanted to trade Matsui to an N.L. team. When it was pointed out that he could not play the OF anymore, it became about trading Matsui’s “Japan Revenue” to a N.L. team.
If Damon’s asking price is too high or too long I would put my money on Mike Cameron starting in CF on opening day.
Just say no to Mike Cameron.
yankee21,
Yes, AJax is much more in the mix if we retain Damon.
Ironically, keeping the older guy helps us “get younger”, because we’re not bound to some free agent for six or seven years.
I don’t see Cashman going that route, any way. George might have fed into the Red Sox paranoia thing and gone after Bay, but Cashman has never been that guy, and since we’re World Champions, I think we’ll see less and less of that kind of thing.
Plus, going after Teix was the exception. We have some outstanding young talent in the OF in our system – go with Damon and weave in AJax under the radar for some OF turns if he’s ready at some point in the season.
Also, Yanks are determined to stop padding other teams’ payrolls.
And yes, Chapman all the way.
yankee21
damon is not getting a raise from 13 million
lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)
November 7th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
If Damon’s asking price is too high or too long I would put my money on Mike Cameron starting in CF on opening day.
=====
Unless AJax blows everyone out of the water in ST, Melky will be in CF in Opening Day.
Nick in SF in Larkspur
November 7th, 2009 at 2:31 pm
Just say no to Mike Cameron.
=====
You mean…we are against adding another player pushing 40? Whatever makes you think so?
My apartment is now once again liveable, two loads of laundry have been completed, the cardboard box jungle in the living room is gone, and most importantly- I fed myself lunch.
Now going food shopping. Does anyone need anything???
If not, catch you all later
Does anyone seriously think Jermaine Dye is a better player than Johnny Damon?
=====
Erica,
He’s a better OF with a much better arm, but even his OF skills have greatly declined. He’s another RH power bat, and he strikes out a lot.
We are not signing an aging RHB. This doesn’t work for our Stadium.
bodhisattva – Destiny Wears Pinstripes
November 7th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Does anyone seriously think Jermaine Dye is a better player than Johnny Damon?
=====
Erica,
He’s a better OF with a much better arm, but even his OF skills have greatly declined. He’s another RH power bat, and he strikes out a lot.
We are not signing an aging RHB. This doesn’t work for our Stadium.
******
Bodhi, he also has less 3 RBIs than Damon, not good considering he batted in the 3-5 spots all season. And his batting average was .32 less…
No worries, Erica.
Damon has a much better chance of being re-signed than Dye does of becoming a Yankee.
Tom
Thanks. The only revenue I can figure they might lose is the ad for the Japanese company on the outfield wall and another company would likely pick up the space quick enough.
Who went to the final game?
Tell us what section you were in and what you had on and we can play Where’s Waldo.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ps/y2009/gigapan.jsp?game=6
Chad, Sam, Josh….keep up the good work.
I just got autographs from Cervelli & Coke.
They’re at Hooters in Wayne, NJ. until 4.
They were both friendly.
pat, it’s much more than the Japanese outfield wall ad. Think licensing/broadcast deals in Japan itself.
Jermaine Dye already looked brittle as an Oakland A in 2001.
Jones
November 7th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Chad, Sam, Josh….keep up the good work.
I just got autographs from Cervelli & Coke.
They’re at Hooters in Wayne, NJ. until 4.
They were both friendly.
*****************
OMG, Unbelievably jealous…I LOVE Cervelli!!!!!! That’s awesome. Sounds like you’ve had a pretty good day
Back! I got the locker room t-shirt and sweatshirt…….I’m now covered for Winter and Summer, lol.
I will treasure this team forever as I honestly think it was a special group. It wasn’t just that they were talented and tough – one of the most resilient teams I’ve ever seen. It was that they were a family and they did love each other……am I a sap? Maybe, but so what. Even though some players will disperse to teams unknown at this point, they will always have the memories to carry them through – those never disappear. They will all return as old-timers one day (my word, I can’t picture these guys in their 50′s and 60′s, lol) to tremendous ovations and they will feel the love again from the fans. Ok, I’m really going sentimental here, but again – so what. I’m in that kind of mood. When I get my WS highlights DVD, I will watch that over and over again (hope they have a segment on pies, lol).
lol Kim Jones asked AJ if he brought a pie with him to the parade and he laughed, saying no – it would have frozen out there.
November 7th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)
November 7th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
If Damon’s asking price is too high or too long I would put my money on Mike Cameron starting in CF on opening day.
=====
Unless AJax blows everyone out of the water in ST, Melky will be in CF in Opening Day.
———————-
I am sorry. Is your name Brian Cashman, because if not I am pretty sure you should not be making definitive statements on roster construction. I said I would put my money on Cameron if Damon walks and if they do sign him then he will be in CF. He is MUCH better CF than Melky, so they would not waste him in LF.
Also the “getting younger for the sake of getting younger” is so incredibly flawed. You do not sign inferior players just because they are younger esp. when you can get these older and better players on 1 year contracts.
Cameron is a good player that plays very good defense and is not really an injury concern. I would rather have Damon, but I would be happy with Cameron
Tonight at 8:00 PM on MLB-TV is the AFL Rising starts game, that need a baseball fix.
Here are the rosters.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/....._stars.jsp
“Jump on Pena…….l0ll….hey ask him if there’s any parties that he will be joining this weekend…”
*** ******** ********* ********** ******************* ****
haha Jump on him? Don’t scare the poor kid. He’s been through enough with that Catwoman costume
Nick
Licensing and TV deals should be MLB revenue money not Yankee revenue money, shouldn’t it?
I understand the Yankees like to upgrade when big salaries come off the books, but this was a very special season. A return to glory. None of these guys require 5 year deals. I would try and re-sign Damon for 2 and Matsui for 1. If they’re hurt, they’ll play less, after the return to glory, they deserve to come back. Besides, I don’t love the free agent OF’ers, best one available seems to be Damon.
Re-signing Pettitte should be a no-brainer, but another good starting pitcher would be nice, not sure it has to be at the John Lackey level. I think Lackey might be a bit more Kevin Brown than AJ Burnett.
“Tell us what section you were in and what you had on and we can play Where’s Waldo.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/ps/y2009/gigapan.jsp?game=6”
Wow, first of all, that’s awesome, thanks for sharing it.
Second, I’m an amateur photographer, and what that guy did is very difficult, and he executed it perfectly. Superb photographer.
pat, just don’t ask so many questions and trust me. We need Mat$ui!
Erin,
“OMG, Unbelievably jealous…I LOVE Cervelli!!!!!! That’s awesome. Sounds like you’ve had a pretty good day ”
__________________________________________________
Yeah, The only thing that I didn’t like was that they Charged $20 for an autograph, but I got it anyway for my nephews birthday, he really wanted an autograph and I couldn’t say no. He is a big Cervelli fan. Coke was pretty friendly too
Love this quote from Cashman about the team:
“They are a band of brothers,” Cashman said. “I hope they cherish it.”
With revenue sharing being what it is, I don’t think Matsui brings in that much money for the Yankees.
Jones-that was really nice of you-I’m sure your nephew will love it. If he doesn’t want Cervelli’s autograph, you can always send it to me
Really funny parade recap
http://bleacherreport.com/arti.....rade-recap
“just don’t ask so many questions and trust me.”
The last time I followed that advice was 30+ years ago and I found myself in police custody waiting for my parents to arrive and bail me out.
People freaked out last off season about how the Yanks were going to replace Giambi and Abreu’s production but it seemed to all work out okay this year, didn’t it?
DFox ,
In that picture, the Yankees are on the field celebrating but not one person in the crowd looks even excited? Is the players’ picture superimposed somehow?
I don’t think the Yankees offense can afford to lose Damon and Matsui’s production. The free agent options available (Holliday, Bay, Figgins, Abreu, Vlad) don’t offer upgrades that are worth the deals they will demand. Sign Damon to a 2 year deal and Matsui to a 1 year deal and keep this team together. That gives Jackson, Melky, and Gardner another year to develop into possible starters and allows the Yankees to wait for a free agent that is worth the long term deal.
One player that has become a free agent that might hurt Matsui’s chances of coming back is Jermain Dye. He’s the same age as Matsui, but he played 133 of his 140 games in the outfield this year. He’s still got power and would allow the Yankees to rotate him, Damon, and Swisher to keep them all as healthy as possible.
As far as pitching goes, I think the Yankees are going to bring back Pettitte, but will wait to see what Lackey gets before they do. If Lackey’s deal isn’t too crazy, I could see him being signed instead of Pettitte. The back of the rotation will be Joba, Hughes, Gaudin, Mitre, and Kennedy.
Think like a GM.
Who are the two best LF hitters out there, and how much will they cost?
Matsui is 30/100 pure DH. He will give a bit of a bargain to play in NY (not a lot, but some) given that he is settled here, and to the Japanese this is the team to play for. He is also a bit of a bargain due to his age and knees. Not sure who else out there is available. Vlad is probably the best comparison. Jim Thome? Matt Stairs? Please.
Damon can’t throw worth a lick, and will go down from time to time, so he is a bit of a bargain. Market is slightly less than Abreu. Who else is out there? Jermaine Dye? Chone Figgins? Johnny, they’re going to make you an offer in the next 10 days, a reasonable one, before open season on FAs. Please tell Scott to accept it. Thank you.
It’s about time that New Era sportwear pulls the Cole Hamels commercial.
Use Hideki Matsui. Picture Matsui at bat and morphing into Godzilla and facing Martinez on the mound and morphing into Mothra. Overdubbed voice says, “Mothra….I stomp on you because I am your daddy.”
Drive 4-5
It says it took 53 minutes to photograph the whole Stadium in sections so some sections were photgraphed starting in 6th or 7th inning.
Thanks ,pat. Now it makes sense.
“Ramiro Pena just drove in all!!”
What kind of cars do the Yankees drive?
I guess it was like waiting for the Great Pumpkin…….sorry, Chad!
The combination of Damon and Dye gives the Yankees a lot more flexibility than Damon and Matsui. Damon and Matsui would be my first choice on 1 and 2 year deals, respectively, but I could see why Cashman would offer Dye a 1 year deal if Matsui turns it down.
Things are moving somewhat quickly this offseason. Cuddyer option picked up. Webb option picked up. Abreu extension. Dye bought out. Teahen traded. All within 72 hours of the last WS out.
I think that everyone has their plans set. This includes the Yankees. I think the Wang, Damon, and Matsui decisions were already made prior to game 6.
Hopefully Andy can decide somewhat quickly.
My guess is that the Yankees have decided to go with Joba and Hughes as the 4 and 5. Andy as the 3 (if he comes back).
I hope the Star Ledger story about the non-tender for Wang is not true, but if it is, I hope they can still come to some deal. It’s a risk worth taking, unless they know something we do not.
“People freaked out last off season about how the Yanks were going to replace Giambi and Abreu’s production but it seemed to all work out okay this year, didn’t it?”
Not everyone freaked out and I don’t see anyone freaking out now.
But there are certain intangibles that Matsui brings beyond his offensive production.
Have you ever read about the special cuts of tuna that are delivered to Cashman? DVD nights at Matsui’s stylish apartment?
I didn’t think so.
Worst Game of Where’s Waldo ever….
I just discovered the picture of the parade on the back of the Daily News is a shot outside the Chase bank where I was standing. I spent 10 minutes staring at it trying to find myself. Finally, I bought the paper so I can continue “Where’s Erica” at home
There was a good article a year or so ago about these “spotters”. They watched the entrance around the (old) stadium with binoculars and yelled out to the autograph seekers which players were rolling in. The article mentioned what kind of cars the different Yankees drove.
RE: Dye. You guys made good points. Seems like we have the same problem as last season when we were looking for a CF and the only viable candidate at the time was mike cameron. Seems like we’ve improved in one area though. That cameron is not a serious option this season.
Last off-season, I had more concerns about letting Abreu walk than I did Giambi. Because of his long offensive droughts, and glove, he probably was responsible for more losses than wins. I didn’t miss Giambi in the least. I assumed that with Swisher replacing Giambi, the Yanks would get about the same offensive production at first base and had to get better defense. I just hated losing Abreu’s bat and base running.
Interesting, GB. At the time we didn’t know that we were getting Tex, but in the end Swisher did end up replacing Giambi’s production and Tex replaced Abreu’s.
Similar problems will need to be addressed this season, too.
There was a big dominoe effect last season as the Yankees were big players with big chips on the table. CC–>AJ–>Tex–>Ramirez–>Lowe
This season the Yankees aren’t big players, so will there be a lot of little moves like we’re seeing with players coming off the board more quickly?
This season’s big chips are Lackey, Holliday, Bay. Angels, Boston figure to be the big players.
It’ll be fun to sit back and enjoy this offseason. There was a lot of angst while we sat and waited for CC to make up his mind
. But it was a very merry christmas!
…..My guess is that the Yankees have decided to go with Joba and Hughes as the 4 and 5. Andy as the 3 (if he comes back)…
Pittsburgh: Hopefully Andy chooses to comes back. Joba needs to come to camp in shape and ready to listen, or he’ll start out in SWB and listen to the locals chanting his name there vs being a NYY #4.
Hughes is the odds on favorite as the #5. I’d really like him to perfect a 3rd pitch. When he does not have his curve ball going, the hitter is just going to sit on his fastball and he will take his lumps. If he develops a legitimate 3rd pitch, maybe the cutter he’s been working on,, his rise up the rotation ladder could be quick.
If there is any truth to teams looking to trade/release arbitration eligible players they can no longer afford, it could be bad news for some of the free agents.
Here’s the arbitration list. See anyone who might get more than their club can afford or be willing to spend for them that Cash may target?
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.c.....ibles.html
This season Mike Cameron had a 4.3 WAR, 10.0 UZR, and was worth $19.4 million. But, yeah it would be smart to completely rule him out as an option…
Also Jermaine Dye is absolutely not an option in the OF. Dude has averaged about a -21.0 UZR the past 4 years.
pat, on that list, the one name that I’ve seen that may not get an offer is Bobby Jenks. Marcus Thames has already been cut loose.
CC Sabathia on Jay Leno
http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/.....a/1173447/
“There was a lot of angst while we sat and waited for CC to make up his mind.”
Those silly, silly people. They didn’t listen.
I dont think they are going to go after another outfielder. I think they will try to resign Damon. And go with Damon/Swisher/Melky/Gardner in the outfield again next year. And give Jackson another year to devolop in scranton.
GB7-
Love the commercial idea, although I was always a fan of Gamma Ray over Mothra.
Buddy, I was torn between Mothra and Rodan as the supporting actor. I think that it might be Oscar worthy.
lets go twins,
Seems I have offended you. Apologies.
Why didn’t Cash pull the trigger in what would’ve been essentially a salary dump for the Brewers? That’s a serious question, I don’t know remember the circumstances. Is it because we got Tex and didn’t have enough money?
Question: Why should we change anything at all? It worked out this year, didn’t it?
In fact Jermaine Dye is SO bad in the OF that he negates any value he brings offensively and then some.
His WAR this year was -0.3 and was worth only $1.2 million.
Unless he is a full time DH (if that is the case I would rather have Matsui) Jermaine Dye is a really bad option.
Anyone wanting Dye over Matsui are as thick as Paris Hilton
“Also Jermaine Dye is absolutely not an option in the OF.”
Exactly. If we are going to sign Dye, we might as well just keep Damon. Dye is oft-injured and on the decline. We already have that in Damon and frankly, I like Damon more than Dye.
Next!!!
“Question: Why should we change anything at all? It worked out this year, didn’t it?”
I asked that earlier in this thread. We don’t think we need a change, but I think Cashman does. For some insane reason, he thinks that this team can better than it is now. Yeah, good luck with that one, Brian.
Actually, I think it’s more about Cash trying to plan for the long future instead of the short present.
Mel, part of the reason for NYY not getting Cameron over the winter was because Milwaukee wanted to dump the contract and wouldn’t pay for part of it, while wanting more than Cabrera.
All right, I’ll answer my own question: We need to get better to keep up with the Red Sox, who will almost certainly improve themselves-if they get a guy to go with Beckett, they could be really, really good.
I’d love for the Yankees to get a really good number two, but I don’t like Lackey and there’s nobody else I could think of.
At some point, Cash has got to reel in the salary.
Hideki’s and Damon’s salaries come off the books. If any incarnation of either one comes back, it’ll be for less.
Does he spend any freed up money on another large contract? Or go for the one year deals as has been suggested by at least one person with press credentials?
m
November 7th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
lets go twins,
Seems I have offended you. Apologies.
Why didn’t Cash pull the trigger in what would’ve been essentially a salary dump for the Brewers? That’s a serious question, I don’t know remember the circumstances. Is it because we got Tex and didn’t have enough money?
———————–
You did not offend me no worries. It was directed more at several people who said Mike Cameron is absolutely not an option and there is no way he will be playing for the Yankees.
Do I want Mike Cameron? No.
I want Damon AND Matsui back.
If one of Damon or Matsui leaves, I think Cameron is a great option. You could even make the argument that Damon + Cameron would be more valuable than Damon + Matsui because with Cameron we would have a really good OF defense and Damon could stay fresh at DH. And when you want a lot of firepower in the lineup or Swish is going through one of his slumps you plug Damon in LF.
Cash did not pull the trigger on Cameron last year because he was too expensive. His salary was $10 million. They simply could not afford that after Tex, CC, AJ, and lets not forget Andy. If they did not sign Andy I think Cash may have pulled the trigger on that deal. 10 mill is still a little too much given his age, but 1 year 5-8 million sounds good to me.
GB7,
Ah. Thanks. You cleared some of the cobwebs up in the attic.
So, in your opinion, do you think that Cameron would be an attractive short term, stop-gap option that would only cost money now that he’s a free-agent?
and more importantly do you think Cashman thinks that Cameron would be an attractive short term, stop-gap option that would only cost money now that he’s a free-agent?
Wait till we do it all Over Again
November 7th, 2009 at 4:09 pm
“All right, I’ll answer my own question: We need to get better to keep up with the Red Sox, who will almost certainly improve themselves-if they get a guy to go with Beckett, they could be really, really good.”
LOL, Redsox are hopeless,there washed up
There’s a lot of chatter coming out of Boston that they and Beckett are not close to getting beyond saying, “Not at that price”. They are making sounds about moving him in a deal
I think the Red Sox need a little more than a guy to go with Beckett.
The big question is what do they do with Pimplebon? He’s a good closer, but there have been whispers.
The Red Sox are good. They’re quite obviously not as good as the Yankees, but they’re good. If they get the type of guy like King Felix to pair up with Beckett it could end up like the sick Pedro-Schilling duo of 04′. The Yankees will need to make sure they don’t let the Red Sox catch up. You can’t expect everything to go right AGAIN; that’s asking almost too much.
Mel, between Cameron and Marlon Byrd, I’d take Byrd every day. He plays all three outfield spots well, defensively, hits for a good average, doesn’t strike out a ton, should be good for 17-20 homers and 15 steals a year, and hitting any place in the order. He’s much younger and won’t be asking for 13-15 mil a year.
If Beckett leaves Boston and the sox don’t replace him with a legitimate Ace, this could end up being a tremendous offseason for the Yanks even if we do nothing significant at all.
I would like to see both Damon and Matsui come back.
We will have youth waiting at AAA to sub if they get hurt.
Ideally I would like Matsui for one year and Damon one year plus 2nd year option.
Unless they agree for one year deals, Yanks will wait it out and let the market set thier prices. Given what happened last year (see Abrue’s case), I doubt either of them will get more than one guaranteed year and no more than $8 mil. Damon may have a chance at 2 years, but the way he was breaking down (how many times he had this pull, that pull
), I doubt any team will go that far.
As much as I like Damon, I think Matsui is more important as he protects A-Rod in the lineup. Posada is not as good as Matsui in that respect. If they do not bring back Matsui, they have to get another big bat (no in-house options) which will cost lot of money. As the playoffs have shown, if there is no protection, A-Rod will be walked a lot next year.
I would not entirely rule out Cameron. If Damon is not coming back because he got longer contract and more dollars from some other team, Cameron will be the next best choice. He is a very good friend of CC and good character guy which will help the clubhouse further.
GB7,
I don’t think you can get Byrd on a one year deal. I think he is going to get at least 2-3 years.
The Red Sox are good. But I prefer not to worry about them right now.
But if you want to get into their business they need a 4th and 5th starter. Wake might be their 4th if he can recover from back surgery and stay healthy. They probably need to work on their bullpen. They need to decide whether or not to pick up Gonzalez’s $6m (or so) option. If they don’t, then they find themselves back to square one on the shortstop problem. Need to find or keep their current LF. Need to find a way to keep JD Drew healthy. Oh, yeah. How about a real catcher?
Seattle has no reason to trade Felix Hernandez. He’s good, cheap, young and Seattle has him for 3 more years. They couldn’t get better than what they’d give up. Hernandez is going nowhere. Besides, Boston’s vaunted farm system isn’t that vaunted right now.
I wonder if Youuuuse is gonna go back to that Athletes Performance Institute this offseason to train.
I hope he does and I hope he brings Jobber with him.
GB7-Interesting you say that. You don’t think they’d give up King Felix for, say, Buccholz and Papelbon? I hear neither are slam dunks to stay in Boston next season.
One thing last year off season proved was, very good players at all positions were left hanging without deals. And teams like Dodgers took advantage of it. This year probably it will be Boston which takes advantage of it to fill their needs.
No problem with taking Byrd on a 2-3 year deal. He’s barely 31 years old. 3 years at 20-25 mil, considering that he’s getting 2 mil right now.
BBFan,
Looks like the owners could be willing to loosen the purse strings a bit now that the world as we know it hasn’t fallen apart. Look at Abreu, he got an 80% raise.
The thing is that Damon and Matsui might demand a bigger contract than Cashman is willing to give them.
Matsui still thinks he’s able to play in the field, but the team obviously doesn’t agree with him. That could make negotiations difficult.
Damon just had a career year and will probably want a pretty big contract. Is it smart to give a 35 year old a 3 year deal based off one of the best seasons he’s ever had?
I think these negotiations could end up being drawn out because, ultimately, these players are worth more to the Yankees than they are to any other team. The New Yankee Stadium is very lefty friendly and the Yankees are one of the few teams that will pay extra for a veteran to win now.
And, I don’t think Dye would be an option over Damon, but an option over Matsui. As bad as his defense has been, at least he is able to play in the field. That allows the Yankees to have more flexibility with the DH spot.
By the way, Matsui and Dye have very similar rate numbers since 2004. I’m not saying he’s a #1 option, but if Matsui and Cashman can’t work a deal out, Dye would be someone he looks at.
If Seattle makes King Felix available, Yanks have to do whatever is needed to get him, even if they have to include Cano and one of the younger pitchers. They can not let him go to Boston.
Imagine the playoff rotaiton with CC, Felix and AJ.
Same could be said for Boston with Beckett, Felix and Lester.
Whover gets Felix will become almost an unbetable team in the playoffs.
Of course, this all assuming Seattle does not lcok up Felix.
“Seattle has no reason to trade Felix Hernandez. He’s good, cheap, young and Seattle has him for 3 more years. They couldn’t get better than what they’d give up. Hernandez is going nowhere. Besides, Boston’s vaunted farm system isn’t that vaunted right now.”
GB7,
I agree with your point about Seattle not having to trade Felix, but they only have him for two more years. This winter will be his second arbitration which means he’ll get a big raise, maybe 8-10M for 2010. He’s a free agent after the 2011 season.
The worst thing to do would be to throw everything and the kitchen sink to get Felix. We should not be the ones panicking; we’re the world champions.
I personally think that offering Cano in a trade would be insane; he’s one of the best second basemen in baseball, he’s young, and we have no good replacement.
No way you can get King Felix for Bucholz and Papelbon. Papelbon does not have a ton of trade value because he makes a lot of money and most teams do not pay big money for a closer.
If any team wants Felix they will have to clean out the farm system. For the Yankees it would just START at Hughes, Montero, Jackson
If you’re Felix or Halladay, your best option is to hit free agency. Two very rare talents hitting FA in back to back years. They’ll both hit pay dirt.
GB7,
Thanks for your thoughts on Byrd. Seems like it was a quick parting of the ways between the Rangers and Byrd. Did they have a replacement in the system for him? Or did Byrd realize early on that they wouldn’t be coming to terms?
My mistake. Byrd got just over 3 mil this year. He’ll still be a better deal than Cameron at 2-3 years.
And, I don’t think Dye would be an option over Damon, but an option over Matsui. As bad as his defense has been, at least he is able to play in the field. That allows the Yankees to have more flexibility with the DH spot.
——————————
Sure he is ABLE to play the field. Every DH in baseball is capable of playing the field. Hell, Ortiz is able to play 1B. However the reason they do not play the field is because they are really bad at it. They are so bad that they hurt their team by playing the field. Sometimes bad enough to negate any offensive contribution they may provide as is Dye’s case.
A -21.0 UZR is atrocious and would make the Yankees a lot worse any time he is standing on the OF grass.
Beckett is not the Ace that you all think he is the guy doesn’t even compare to CC, Santana, Lincecum, Grenkie he is not even top 10 as far as regular season efficiency, the only reason why he is even mentioned with those names is because of his post-season pedigree and over the last 2 years that’s been going down, when it comes to the regular season Beckett is just a little better than A.J, Id pick Lester over Beckett any-day of the week.
GB7,
I agree, but I would only take Cameron on a 1 year deal and would rather have him for a year on the cheap than Byrd for 2-3 years.
a guy to pair up with Beckett?
how about their best pitcher, Jon Lester?
Boston will almost surely add a new arm to the rotation, perhaps a #3 type, but a rotation of:
Lester
Beckett
Daisuke
Buchholz
Wakefield
isn’t exactly terrible.
The Sox need to add offense.
“If you’re Felix or Halladay, your best option is to hit free agency.”
———-
even more reason for their teams to trade them as they get close to free agency.
Mel, Byrd has been with Texas for 3 years, and Texas has a crowded outfield, as long as they are healthy, with Hamilton, Cruz, Murphy and Julio Borbon. Byrd has hit about .295 over the 3 years as a part timer, but still had over 450 plate appearances each year.
The Red Sox right now have holes.
They have no LF and Bay was their power hitting RBI machine part of their lineup.
They still lack a real solution at catcher although Gammons wrote that Cleveland is thinking of sending Shoppach to them (for what?).
They need a SS. I don’t believe they go into next season with Gonzales or Lowrie as the starter and they already missed on Hardy.
I don’t think they need 2 starters though.
Beckett, Lester, Dice K and Bucholtz is a nice foursome. Dice K as a four works in this league. Bucholtz as a 3 doesn’t yet. I think depending on Wakefield at this point is foolish.
They need one starter and I don’t think they’ll be content to get a back end type.
They are going to go for a big gun to take the stink off the season and have Gammons claim it’s the best rotation ever assembled.
I really feel like they are going to get Hallyday.
How they pull that off without trading Buckholtz I have no clue, but I think they will do what it takes to get him and considering everyone in baseball is cutting payroll 10 seconds after the WS ended, I’m not sure they are going to have much competition.
My feeling is if they get him, they get him and we deal with it.
As for our boys, I’m a sentimental Yankee fan and I want both Damon and Matsui on the roster next year. Damon for 2 years and Matsui for 1.
I also want Cashman to find a solid starter in addition to retaining Andy. Depending on Hughes and Joba to be 4 & 5 next year makes me nervous.
And I definitely hope he keeps Hairston. If he doesn’t, he’ll be looking to acquire some exactly like him to fill the same role. It just makes sense to keep him since we know he can perform on this stage and in this city.
Beckett is not the Ace of the Soxs Lester is.
I didn’t say theri rotation was terrible, but Dice-K is overrated and will falter,Wakefiled is old an injury prone, and Buccholz is very young; you have no idea what he’ll give you.
Wile Lester and Beckett are both very good I think they need another pitcher.
Boston needs hitters. With Bay being a FA they need to sign or trade for, at least, 2 of them.
Boston Dave,
LOL. I forgot about Daisuke. Of course that would slide Wake to the #5. They still need another pitcher given that Wake just had back surgery, not exactly a minor injury. I think they’ll be in on Lackey to help stabilize that rotation.
No way do the Soxs get halladay without buchholz and another major league proven talent
Boston Dave,
Good point, but that was really addressed to the “unless Felix extends with Seattle” line of thinking.
But yes, Halladay will be on the move this winter. And Felix next season if the mariners are out of the hunt.
I wonder if there will be an outcry about Red Sox spending if they get Holladay, Lackey, and another big bat.
m November 7th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Boston Dave,
Good point, but that was really addressed to the “unless Felix extends with Seattle” line of thinking.
But yes, Halladay will be on the move this winter. And Felix next season if the mariners are out of the hunt.
_____
No necessarily the Mariners are actually shedding a lot of payroll next year and have been shedding payroll, I think there is big chance they pay him, Seattle does have money, they are a mid-major market, they are no Pitt. Pirates
The Yankees must anticipate Boston will improve themselves this off-season. They have already begun, so there is no resting on ones’s pat accomplishments.
With respect to the starting rotation, so much depends on Pettitte. If he is going to retire, the Yankees must get an experienced quality starter such as Lackkey. Hopefully, Pettitte comes back, and if so, then I do believe the Yankees should get an innings eater, capable fourth starter such as Garland. He’s not exciting, I know, but he pitches a lot of 7 inning, four run type games. That eats innings and the Yankees can win a good number of those games.
The offensive side worries me. They cannot let both Damon and Matsui go in my view. I also believe if they let either go they must go get a power hitting, preferably left handed hitting outfielder. I don’t know if one is available. None to my knowledge. Ultimately, I think they should make efforts to sign them both. I wonder how much competition
their would be for Matsui so I think he could be signed for one year.
Sox should trade for Manny. Put the band back together.
Of course the mariners can afford to offer Felix CC-type of money. But will they? Hmmm….
I wonder if Felix will want to sign with a team that can win?
Didn’t we hear rumblings that Felix wanted to hit free agency?
Did Matsui get a car for being the MVP?
Yikes. Sammy Sosa paying his tribute to MJ
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com.....80167.html
GreenBeret7 November 7th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
There’s a lot of chatter coming out of Boston that they and Beckett are not close to getting beyond saying, “Not at that price”. They are making sounds about moving him in a deal
=========================================
Who’s saying that?
You’d think they’d keep him for the full year, the way they kept Bay.
Carl,
He did. But did you hear about the tragedy? They took the car in to get it retrofitted. But Hideki left his wife in the car, and the service people used her to protect the floorboard!
Wait, I don’t get it. First you say that we have to keep up with the Red Sox in case they get a stud pitcher, then you say that we are the WS champions and we don’t have to make panic moves. Which is it?
The Yankees need to worry about improving their team, not whether or not the Sox do something big. I do think we need to take into account that not everyone is going to stay healthy and some are not going to produce like they did this year. I expect another very good year from Jeter, but Damon struggled mightily the last part of the season, so if he returns, it’s not impossible to think that he struggles next year as well. I do think Po will be fine, but still – at his age, there’s always the chance that he can’t find the fountain of youth anymore. What to expect from Melky? Cano? I’m not sure……..Cano is very talented, but his struggles with RISP and in the post-season are very frustrating. The Yankees could try to fill some holes by trading him, but then they’d have to get a decent 2nd baseman and then worry also about developing one. I assume he’ll be back, though I’m not sure I’m all that confident that he’ll be great next year.
Matsui is not going to take a discount and he wants to play the OF (any team that signs him with the intention of making him their LF is foolish). I just don’t see him coming back. The problem with letting Damon go if he and the Yankees can’t compromise is that there are no good options for LF – I do not want Bay or Holliday. Maybe a trade can be made, but I’m not sure who would be available.
I do hope Hairston and Hinske are brought back, also……I like Pena,though – is there room for both?
I’m not sure I understand the idea of having to leave the DH spot open for Posada on many days. That leaves Molina or Cervelli is replacing Matsui. That seems like a great idea. Plus, aren’t they hesitant to DH Posada unless they have a back-up catcher. Three catchers can’t be done, in my view, for much of a season. Either bring back Matsui or get someone who can hit as well.
Mel, when Hernandez hits Free Agency after 2011, he’ll get more than Sabathia got. He’ll be almost 4 years younger and, only one or two teams will pay that sort of money. There’s almost no chance he doesn’t check out the market. That should be some class of FA pitchers. Verlander should all hit the market the same year. Lester, Josh Johnson of the Marlins and Greinke hit the market the following year.
Edit-That leaves Molina or Cervelli replacing Matsui.
Cano is not a concern. He might not hit with RISP like we want him to, but I think he’ll get better at it.
Hideki would definitely sign for less, but do the Yankees want him? For the right price you’d think they would. Otherwise, they need to replace his 30 homeruns or so.
What a good team we had, huh? Even with injuries to Wang and Nady, we had enough depth to pull it off.
Because posada is what 38. its not easy to catch at 38. If they want him healthy for the entire season and the playoffs then he needs to catch less and dh more every year. Let’s be honest he’s not the greatest defensive catcher anyway..
“The fact is that the Yankees pour millions in luxury tax dollars into a pseudo-socialistic system that may be teetering on David Halberstam’s view of the late days of the Soviet Union.”
a good poker player feeds the pot or there is no game.
k
ps, after that parade these guys are spending some “family time”, not cleaning out their lockers. hope they show up for an Arod style softball game- no umps or even better some stickball in the bronx! no inuendo intended.
The thing about Cano is that he is young and learning all the time.
Year after year he has markedly improved. Hitting with runners on base is the final piece of the puzzle for him.
GB7,
That’s interesting. Doesn’t Felix have better career stats to this point, too? How much does the ballpark factor into his low ERA?
The Mariners are paying Carlos Silva $12 M per year, and Ichiro is almost as highly paid as Jeter. Is it a foregone conclusion that the Mariners won’t be able to afford Felix? They have one of the highest payrolls in the game outside of Boston, NY, and LA.
Also, the pen is a concern. Are we going to assume that the Marte we saw in the WS is the Marte we are going to get? I don’t love Coke at all, nor Bruney. I like Robertson a lot and we won’t have Hughes in the pen (well, maybe early in order to cut down on his innings).
M, I really don’t think Matsui will sign for less; he’s a prideful guy and he also wants to play the OF. I guess we’ll find out as no on really knows for sure – it’s all just speculation.
Cano? I’ve no idea if he will get better with RISP or in the post-season. I know he’s capable of doing it because he was one of the few to hit in 2006 against the Tigers.
In 2006, Cano hit .306 with RISP and .290 the next year. He hit .263 in 2008, so other than his first year and this year, he’s hitting about .285 in his career. This was more of a fluke than his norm.
The bullpen is the easiest to fix. And you can’t fix it until the rotation is set and you see what you have. It’s the most capricious part of a team as you don’t know what you’re going to get, even from the guys that come back.
Don’t we have marte for another year? a month ago people were moaning about giving marte 3 years or whatever it was.
Wow Betsy,
You sure do not have a whole lot of confidence in a team that just won 114 games and the WS.
You brought up basically the entire team but I will just respond to your comment on Marte.
Bad Marte was an aberration in my opinion. Look at his career numbers. He has been one of the best LHR for many years now and absolutely kills lefties in particular. I will take a great track record over 6 months of statistics. Also, even with his terrible ERA in the regular season this year he was still death to lefties (.120 AVG .214 OBP). He just really struggled against RH.
Yeah, Mel, Hernandez and Sabathia are pretty close in the same amount of years in everything except strikeouts, until this year. The big money teams should be able to almost completely rebuild their rotations in those two years.
I have absolutely loved the coverage of the Yankees. I couldn’t make the parade, but the YES coverage that I recorded is pretty good. That and all the coverage in the papers.
Cash doesn’t get a break, now flying to, where, Chicago?, for the GM meetings. He’s got some tough calls to make.
I can see giving Damon a one year deal, with maybe a second year buyout/option. Matsui will be very tough – the guy can clearly still hit, but is one dimensional. Damon at least can play a position and run the bases. And what to do about Nady – his value is pretty low, coming off a second elbow surgery. What’s his medical prognosis going forward?
Another big thing will be deciding whether to go after John Lackey. As we all saw, starting pitching is the key to the kingdom. If we don’t, then you know Boston will. Theo thinks the same way as Cash – why spend twice, with money and young prospects, for a player (Halladay) when you can get someone for only cash? Yes, Halladay is the much better pitcher, but the price is much higher, and Boston isn’t exactly swimming in good young players.
But, man, the past few days have been sweet!
What is Gaudin’s contract situation? I like him as he’s sort of like another Aceves – he can start or relieve. I forgot to mention Ace. He’s fine, but not as good as he showed earlier this season as he had a fairly mediocre 2nd half and bad post-season. Of course, it’s possible that his arm just never did bounce back from his use in the pen – he was used to being a starter. Might the Yankees convert him back to one?
The problem with Marte this year is that he missed too much time and didn’t get enough innings under his belt to be comfortable and effective until the playoffs in which Girardi was smart enough to limit him mostly against lefty bats.
Betsy,
matsui may be full of pride, but he’s also realistic. he can’t play the field, nor will he find a team that will put him in the field. He’s a good DH. If the Yankees don’t want him, another team will pay him to do it if the price is right for them.
Betsy,
Gaudin is ours next year if Cashman doesn’t non-tendered him.
I think Marte’s postseason performance is indicative of what we can expect in 2010 from him. But if we follow the same logic, the rest of the bullpen was unreliable and could be cause for legitimate concern next year. Especially if Hughes and Joba are brought back as starters. Other than Marte, Robertson and Mo who could the Yanks rely on?
I’d love Felix but the mariners aren’t going to give him away. If they’d do a deal centering around ajax the I’d jump on that but I’m pretty certain itd take more than that
We’ve been talking about Damon and Matsui, but what about Molina? Do the Yankees keep him thinking that AJ needs him or do they let him go and promote Cervelli to backup catcher? I think they are going to use Cervelli. AJ will just have to deal with it, if throwing to Posada is really an issue for him (which I don’t think it is).
If Marte and Bruney are healthy next season, the bullpen will be in very good hands. The decision will be keeping Gaudin and figuring out whether to keep one or both of Gaudin and Aceves in the bullpen and Hughes and or Chamberlain in the rotation.
To be concerned about next year’s bullpen is premature right now. Too many decisions have to be made first by Cashman before I start getting worried about bullpen arms. Until I see the smoke clear about the starting staff then I’ll worry about what arms are available for the bullpen.
My bet is Matsui either plays for the Yankees or back to Japan for the Giants.
I can’t see Matsui going anywhere in ML baseball other than back to the Yankees. There is nothing like competing and winning on the biggest stage in sports for the premier franchise.
Matsui may want to play the OF and he actually may believe he can play the OF. However smart baseball minds know he cannot play the OF other than an emergency.
My bet is the Yankees offer him around 10-12m on a 1 year deal and the Yankees secure their protection for Arod.
m November 7th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Carl,
He did. But did you hear about the tragedy? They took the car in to get it retrofitted. But Hideki left his wife in the car, and the service people used her to protect the floorboard!
lol
Burnett isn’t good enough to get his on personal catcher. He’s pitched bad with Molina just the same as anyone else. I like him and I’m not trying to trash burnett but its a crapshoot when he pitches no matter who is catching. They need to make room for the young catchers they have
I don’t see Molina being with NYY next year. Cervelli is almost as good defensively and appears to be a much better hitter. Not only that, but, Cervelli is much cheaper and out of options.
Why do people think Marte is some scrub reliever who just emerged this postseason to be great?
He has had a great career as a LH reliever. He went through a rough patch with some injuries but the vast majority of his career he has been very very good.
Small Sample Sizes do not determine how good a player is. Track records do.
When will the people on here stop judging player based on SSS? Did we not learn from this postseason?
Also, same thing goes with Cano. He is a great young player. To expect him to continue to struggle with RISP is crazy given his career numbers.
“If Marte and Bruney are healthy next season, the bullpen will be in very good hands. The decision will be keeping Gaudin and figuring out whether to keep one or both of Gaudin and Aceves in the bullpen and Hughes and or Chamberlain in the rotation.”
I agree with you. The Yankee organization has to determine their starting rotation and from there you see what arms are available for your bullpen.
Now onto Damon. It is not in the Yankees court I think it is in Johnny’s. If he insists on guaranteed multiple years the Yankees will bid him farewell. However, if he can agree on a nice 1 year deal with a club option on a 2nd year or buy out in the 2nd year,, then I think there’s a deal to be made there.
I think Johnny recognizes there is no place like NY to play.
I think he loves the fans, the franchise and his teammates and he will give a slight home team discount to remain.
GB, I agree on Molina. If Molina were a great defensive catcher I’d keep him, but I think his skills have diminished with age and injury and he is merely a good defensive catcher now. Anyone who hasn’t lived under a rock for the last decade, knows he might be the single worst hitting position player in the game today. So sorry good defense does not offset horrendous offense.
I take my chances with Cervelli but also scour the market for a veteran #2 in the event Cervelli or PO go down.
Isn’t this fun? Angst-free conversation about the Yankees, potential moves, and roster changes for 2010.
Love it. Looks like a championship lifted a burden off our shoulders as well!
I am not so sure Bruney will be back next season. He made $1.25 million this season and that number is going to go up. That is a lot of cash for a reliever who has been ineffective or hurt for most of his career in NY.
“Wait, I don’t get it. First you say that we have to keep up with the Red Sox in case they get a stud pitcher, then you say that we are the WS champions and we don’t have to make panic moves. Which is it?”
There’s a fine line between keeping up with the Sox (used as a general metaphor for the competition as a whole) and making panic moves.
“Sure he is ABLE to play the field. Every DH in baseball is capable of playing the field. Hell, Ortiz is able to play 1B. However the reason they do not play the field is because they are really bad at it. They are so bad that they hurt their team by playing the field. Sometimes bad enough to negate any offensive contribution they may provide as is Dye’s case.
A -21.0 UZR is atrocious and would make the Yankees a lot worse any time he is standing on the OF grass.”
Every DH in baseball is not capable of playing the field. If that was the case, Matsui, who won MVP, would have been on the field for the games in Philadelphia. Jermaine Dye played 95% of his games this year in the outfield.
I’m not saying the Yankees should sign Dye to play in the outfield. What I’m saying is that if Matsui doesn’t take the contract the Yankees offer him, Dye is a guy that should be available at a relatively small contract and would be able to spell Damon in the outfield when the Yankees want to rest him at DH.
I haven’t said that Dye is a good outfielder, but he does give the Yankees flexibility that they didn’t have with Matsui.
GB, I hope so because I like Cano a lot personally……and as a young, homegrown Yankee I would much, much prefer that he remain here and help us win more titles.
Wow, let’s go – you couldn’t be more wrong, but I’m not going to try and convince you otherwise.
I think Molina is brought back – like pitchers, you can never have enough catchers, just ask randy I – and Cisco to AAA to start the season. Then, if Montero and Romine continue to progress and are ready to move up to AAA, trade Molina for a relative king’s ransom mid-season, and promote Cisoo.
I think they got to make Chamberlain and Hughes the 4 and 5 starters. I think Joba will have a big time bounce back year. The yanks have to let them devolop and just cant keep them in the bullpen.
I would try to trade for a big time reliever like Huston Street or Heath Bell. That will really make the bullpen real strong and shorten the game.
m – Right on! And no trolls!
There is very little the Yankees need to do this offseason, despite the worrywarts on this board.
Yes, they need to convince Andy to come back–if you saw Letterman, it looks like he’s coming back for at least one year.
After that, I think they are going to want Matsui and Damon settled one way or the other quickly. This gives the Yankees an idea if they need to go hunting for their production if both sides have decided to part ways. Hopefully Boras does not drag things out. Arn Tellum will not. But my money says we have decisions on both by Thanksgiving, one way or the other. Look to see if they declare free agency. Just a thought, which may be wrong
Every DH in baseball is not capable of playing the field. If that was the case, Matsui, who won MVP, would have been on the field for the games in Philadelphia. Jermaine Dye played 95% of his games this year in the outfield.
I’m not saying the Yankees should sign Dye to play in the outfield. What I’m saying is that if Matsui doesn’t take the contract the Yankees offer him, Dye is a guy that should be available at a relatively small contract and would be able to spell Damon in the outfield when the Yankees want to rest him at DH.
I haven’t said that Dye is a good outfielder, but he does give the Yankees flexibility that they didn’t have with Matsui.
——————————–
Just because he played 95% of his games in the OF does not mean it was smart. I do not know how many times I have to stress -21.0 UZR. That is not a capable OF. That is a DH.
With a -21.0 UZR Jermaine Dye should only be playing the OF in an emergency. He should not be spelling Damon and he does not provide flexibility because with those numbers he is not a real OF. With a UZR that bad he will cost you a lot of runs.
Just because the White Sox were dumb enough to stick him in the OF, does not mean he has any business playing there.
Oops, I didn’t mean to sound so abrupt, Let’s go. I have full confidence in the Yankees, but you can’t assume that everything will fall into place like they did this year. As someone once said (I forget who), if you stand still, you’re falling behind. The Yankees really just need to tweak their team – they don’t need to remake it like last year. Also, my question about Marte was just that – I was not assuming the worst with him. I know that he wasn’t healthy even when he was finally recalled this year (his velocity was very erratic as I remember Pete updating us with his progress in his rehab stints). Craw, good point about his innings situation. He will be healthy now and that’s a great place to start.
Wow, let’s go – you couldn’t be more wrong, but I’m not going to try and convince you otherwise.
———————-
I could not be more wrong about what? Marte, Cano, Dye, everything…?
Not sure how Bruney has been ineffective. In 4 years with NYY, he has a 12-3 record and an ERA of 3.25 in 153 games and 144 innings. He can hardly be blamed for the foot injury last year or the elbow issue early this year. He was outstanding until those two injuries. If you don’t like using those numbers, how about a 134 ERA+ during his time in NY.
lol. what idiots…
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=4632491
Joe From LI, Cervelli can’t be sent back to the minors without exposing him to waivers (and, he’d never get through). He’s out of options.
Craw, thanks for the info about Gaudin. He was a terrific pickup by Cash – he could be very useful for us in 2010.
M, you’re probably right about teams not being willing to use Matsui in the OF. If he’s the perma-DH, though, that means Damon in LF permanently. We did get by with it this year, but remember the period of the season where he was just brutal? He’ll be another year older now…..
I agree, guys, about the SP situation needing to be resolved before we do anything about the pen. So far we have:
CC
AJ
Andy
Joba
Phil
I love the upside of Phil and Joba, but we probably won’t see them hit their strides for another couple of years, so we need another SP. First thing Joba needs to do is rededicate himself and work hard to keep in shape. If he does that, he’ll be fine…..Phil, I would think, will start out in the pen to keep his innings down. As long as he didn’t lose any confidence from his post-season struggles, he’ll be ok. He needs to work on his change. As you all know, I love Phil and think he can be a stud. I don’t expect it this year, but I do think we’ll see good things from him. I’m trying not to drool about Joba and Phil in a couple of years………but it’s hard not too, lol.
Andy may not be as good next year as he was in the 2nd half this year, but man – he can never be counted out; he just has to be solid (I’m assuming he’s not retiring). What do you guys think about Ace in the rotation? I really don’t want to spend $$$ and years on Lackey……..
AJ does not need Molina or any catcher to caddy him and that was Joe’s biggest mistake. He didn’t trust AJ enough in that regard…….If Molina comes back, he can not be AJ’s personal catcher…..Let me be clear that I don’t, in any way, think AJ encouraged this relationship at all. I believe him when he says that he’s fine pitching to either one of them. I like Cervelli as a backup catcher, but I’m not sure he’s ready for the role yet; I’d be fine with Jose back here for one more year.
If the money is close, I’d expect Lackey to end up with one of the Texas teams.
Ineffective was probably the wrong word for Bruney. He has been very erratic, streaky, and injury prone. $1.25 million+ is a lot for a reliever who has 3.0 IP in 3 postseasons. I am just saying I would not be surprised at all if he is not back next year and I will go as far to say I personally do not expect him to be back.
Betsy,
The league would dissolve the Yankees if we got Lackey. I don’t think he’s an option for us. He’d be great, but there’s only so many big pitching contracts a team can expose itself to in such a short period of time. Besides enough people hate us already. CC-Lackey-AJ-Joba-Hughes + Wang?
I think it’s between the Angels and Boston. Someone mentioned the Rangers. But they’re having financial issues, which is puzzling because I heard their owner is richer than ours!
I don’t want Lackey. He’s too old and would command too big a contract. Plus he’s overrated.
For anyone who was worried…. it took a while but I found me in the “Where’s Erica” game on the back of the Daily News
Let’s go, more wrong in the sense that I don’t have confidence in the team.
M, yes – absolutely no angst, and I love it.
GB, not sure Bruney is healthy….at one point, wasn’t it said that his elbow was barely being held together? His ligament didn’t sound like it was in such good shape.
Betsy,
I don’t think you understand the Girardi part of the AJ-Posada-Molina equation (I know, he’s not in there). There was a very real difference in the numbers out there. We also heard Molina talk a little about why he’s able to calm AJ down.
There’s a very good chance that Molina won’t be back. But if he is, it’s not for AJ. It’s because Molina’s the best back-up catcher in the league and they’re not easy to come by.
Betsy,
I def. agree the Yankees can just stand pat and just expect things to fall into place again (in fact I proposed earlier that the combination of Damon and Cameron may be more valuable than Damon and Matsui) but I think there is very little reason for concern.
The Yankees were by far the best team in baseball this year, so even if they regress a little they will be fine. Andy coming back will pretty much set up the rotation except for picking up some depth (for example a guy like Justin Duscherer). Bullpens are so erratic that you just have to go into the season with a strong core, hope it works out, and build around it. DRob, Marte, Ace, and Mo is a really strong core IMO. And with a full year of AROD and Damon or Matsui or both back they will have one of the best offenses in baseball again.
BTW, am I the only one who thinks A-Rod deserves Comeback Player of the Year?
I think actually that this sort of is another transition year because we have 2 young potential studs in the rotation. Joba needs to step it up and Phil needs to show progress as a starter. If they can do that, then 2011 could be the start of something special.
Reading about not being able to sit down when interviewing players reminded me of this post from Carp’s Rangers blog about staying off the logo in the center of the locker room:
http://rangers.lohudblogs.com/2009/02/24/2973/
Chad, I’d be interested to know if the Yankees have any other unwritten rules for players, staff and reporters regarding the clubhouse?
“I would try to trade for a big time reliever like Huston Street or Heath Bell.”
And what players are you going to give up for Street or Bell?
The “very real” difference in the numbers was out of a ridiculously small sample size.
Wait till we do it all Over Again November 7th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
BTW, am I the only one who thinks A-Rod deserves Comeback Player of the Year?
—
can’t see a guy coming off an All-Star/Silver Slugger/top-10-in-MVP-voting season being eligible for that
Ace is a total waste in the bullpen. If Joba and Hughes could hold their own in the rotation, Aceves could be the 5th starter/swing guy. He’s been a starter for years, has no IP issues and is very economical. Exactly what you want in a starter.
2010 is a transition year? SEriously?
It is SO not a transition year it’s amazing.
Do you know we’re already favored to win the WS again? It’s true. Besides, the season hasn’t started yet, so we don’t know if those 2 young guys will be in our rotation.
Anyway, we basically went the whole year with only three truly effective starting pitchers and did fine. Why can’t we do it again? Because unlike this year’s ineffictive fourth and fifth starters next year’s fourth and fifth starters will be young? Not to mention we don’t know if they’ll be ineffective.
Yeah, small sample size, but almost double the ERA.
I’ll leave it be, don’t want to start a full-blown debate.
Just saying that Girardi makes his decisions on what he sees on the field and in his book. Not because he thinks someone needs a “crutch” as our favorite poster likes to put it.
Bruney provides the same thing that Nelson provided for the Yanks and has more potential to be better. He’s young and has that great fastball. Nelson was also not exactly a control pitcher. 2 Mil a year for a bullpenner isn’t as bad as 2 mil for a non-hitting backup catcher. 2 mil a year for bruney is more than half of what they paid Farnsworth and less than Marte or any number of bullpenners NYY has used over the last 7 years, such as Nelson, Stanton, Gordon, Karsay, Hammond or Quantrill.
Gardner in CF-All very true, but it’s more about how this year started then how last year ended.
I think the Yankees will let Molina walk and use Cervelli as the back-up catcher.
Like last year there won’t be a lot of money available for free agents. Abreau recently signed for 2 years 18 million. Yankees may offer Damon a similar deal.
As far as Matsui, I don’t know if the Yankees will sign him.
M, but AJ pitched his best baseball of the season with Jorge behind the plate. AJ had a few terrible starts with Jorge that had nothing to do with Jorge – then we saw him struggle some in a couple of post-season starts with Molina behind the plate (and I don’t think those had anything to do with Molina. IMO, the pitcher, and not just AJ, but all pitchers – gets the credit or blame for his performances)
I do agree that if Molina is back, then it’s not because of AJ – it’s because he’s darn good at what he does. I think AJ will be better this year….and I thought he was good this year (despite what some have said). His early season starts where he prevented losing streaks were forgotten because of his August slump, but they still happened; of course, game 2 was a glorious moment for him.
Wow, talk about completely misreading my post, lol. It’s a transition year in the ROTATION…………see my comments about Phil and Joba again.
Betsy,
And still the ERA was almost double.
But anyway, AJ did the impossible. Stay healthy. We should at least celebrate that.
I didn’t misread your post. You said you thought 2010 was a transition year; you didn’t say a transition year in the rotation. If that’s what you meant, fine, but you didn’t say that and I didn’t misread it.
Wait till we do it all Over Again November 7th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Gardner in CF-All very true, but it’s more about how this year started then how last year ended.
—
valid point, but it looks like it was already awarded -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.....Year_Award
It seems to go to somebody that had a not-so-great previous season. I could see Wang being a contender for next year.
Thanks, Gardner in CF. I didn’t realize that.
M, I never thought AJ wouldn’t stay healthy…….The ERA was double because AJ threw to Posada for most of the year, including his slump. His slump had nothing to do with Posada…..and he continued that slump into Baltimore, with Molina behind the plate. Molina was the beneficiary of AJ emerging out of his slump; in no way do I think he was the cause of this emergence.
Let’s go A- good point about having a full year of Alex…..
Because Burnett didn’t get the wins in his start against the Twins or his first start against the Angels, people assume that he had a bad post season. He allowed one run against the twins and 2 against the Angels. He also had a great start in his first WS game. Very Good vs bad starts in the PS, he was at .600. I’ll take that.
Wait, you’re right – I re-read my post and I didn’t say what I meant. I meant transition year in the rotation….I apologize.
Wait till we do it all Over Again November 7th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Thanks, Gardner in CF. I didn’t realize that.
—
I didn’t either. I was checking to see if any previous winners had similar years as Rodriguez. Hill makes a good case for the award.
Thank you Betsy.
If by “transition year in the rotation” you mean that we’ll be really, really good in 20111, I agree with you, but I think we can do very well with the rotation even as it’s currently constructed.
GB, absolutely. He allowed a lot of baserunners against the Twins, but still just 1 run and that’s what counts. His first start against the Angels was just terrific outside of 1 inning (and that inning wasn’t all that bad). His game 2 WS was by far the biggest start the Yankees had all year and AJ came up aces, to his everlasting credit. Some people have glossed that over because of his poor game 5 start, but that’s just wrong. Without his game 2 performance, we’re probably talking about what went wrong again.
It’s strange. I’m not ready for all these trade and free agent rumors and possible 2010 Yankee moves. I want to savor this longer. I want the clock to crawl toward 2010 not sprint.
But… the GM meetings start Monday. How can that be? Looking at the calendar – baseball ended for most teams, FIVE weeks ago tomorrow. That doesn’t seem possible does it?
Hill, Pettitte, Posada and Matsui should all be in the running for Comeback player of the year.
Wait, yep – I agree, esp. if Joba steps up and becomes a solid pitcher next year (he does not have to be an ace or even close to it yet).
DT, I agree…..and I’m still savoring it. I have my WS magazines, my new Yankee gear and am waiting for the WS highlights DVD to come out. I want to read as much as I can about this team – I’m definitely still on a high. It’s amazing, though – baseball has literally zero off-season.
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
Bruney provides the same thing that Nelson provided for the Yanks and has more potential to be better. He’s young and has that great fastball. Nelson was also not exactly a control pitcher. 2 Mil a year for a bullpenner isn’t as bad as 2 mil for a non-hitting backup catcher. 2 mil a year for bruney is more than half of what they paid Farnsworth and less than Marte or any number of bullpenners NYY has used over the last 7 years, such as Nelson, Stanton, Gordon, Karsay, Hammond or Quantrill.
———————–
Your post is the exact reason I think the Yankees will not bring him back. Cash has learned that it makes no sense to invest a lot of money in the bullpen because they are so volatile from year to year. I do not like to compare Molina’s 2 mill to Bruney’s 2 mill. I believe you judge each individually. IMO neither are worth 2 mill so, neither will be back.
Also, $4 million for Marte is appropriate for a guy with his track record and what he provides. Bruney does not really have a track record and I think the Yankees are tired of him with all the walks and the whole injury thing this year.
Outside of Mo and Marte I do not see anyone in the bullpen to start the season making more than $1 million
Burnett had a year this year that other than win totals and a few less strikeouts (mainly based on innings pitched) was not much different than the season NYY paid him 17 mil a season to begin with. He had 12 games started with at least 6 innings and 3 runs or less and took a loss or no decision.
Alert Brian Cashman
Carl Pavano has filed for free agency
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne.....;type=lgns
If you don’t pay a little for the bullpen, you’ll end up with a bullpen like the Angels, Twins, Baltimore, KC, Cubs, White Sox, Detroit and Texas. Sounds good, huh?
Congratulations to the Phillies or Red Sox for winning the 2010 World Series.
Erica – always OPPC
November 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Alert Brian Cashman
Carl Pavano has filed for free agency
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne…..;type=lgns
————————————————————
Shhhhhh!!!!
(What a little troublemaker).
GB7 – I didn’t know that about Cervelli. If true, then that settles that.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Texas and Nolan Ryan gets the first shot at Lackey. That would really flip the balance of power in that division.
The wife is calling to go to a church fundraiser. (Lucky me.)
Later all.
The Yankees didn’t spend at all for this year’s bullpen and it ended up pretty good.
“Alert Brian Cashman
Carl Pavano has filed for free agency”
if anyone signs Carl for longer than one year, they are crazy.
you know – I finally realized when the World Series high will start to wane- the point in time when reality will slap me in the face:
when Damon, Pettitte, Matsui and the rest file for free agency!
Aside from Rivera’s 15 million.
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
If you don’t pay a little for the bullpen, you’ll end up with a bullpen like the Angels, Twins, Baltimore, KC, Cubs, White Sox, Detroit and Texas. Sounds good, huh?
———————–
What? Your kidding right? The Yankees have the best closer of all time, one of the best LH relievers in baseball, a young and cheap guy who had the highest K/9 rate in all of baseball, and another guy who racked up 10 wins in the bullpen. That is a great foundation. That is nothing at all like those teams you mentioned.
NYY didn’t spend much for the bullpen this year because they had 4 rookies in it and two were starters….3 if you include Chamberlain. Two of those will be in the rotation.
There’s very little out there for help, so why would NYY give up a great arm and no hope of replacing it for cheaper? They would pay more for a Soriano, Street, Wagner, Putz, Jenks or Fernando than they will for a Bruney and not be sure that you’ll have better.
And Marte’s $4M.
We had a good mix, and we were lucky that Hughes stabilized the bullpen in the regular season.
I think that Robertson is a fine candidate for the EIG.
lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)
November 7th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
If you don’t pay a little for the bullpen, you’ll end up with a bullpen like the Angels, Twins, Baltimore, KC, Cubs, White Sox, Detroit and Texas. Sounds good, huh?
———————–
What? Your kidding right? The Yankees have the best closer of all time, one of the best LH relievers in baseball, a young and cheap guy who had the highest K/9 rate in all of baseball, and another guy who racked up 10 wins in the bullpen. That is a great foundation. That is nothing at all like those teams you mentioned.
————————————————————
Is it your plan to run the same 4 out there every day? The reason that Rivera was able to put up Rivera numbers again was because of guys like Bruney. 2 of Hughes/Chamberlain/Aceves will be in the rotation. Would you prefer giving Bruney’s job to Gaudin?
DT – OPPC member
November 7th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
“Alert Brian Cashman
Carl Pavano has filed for free agency”
if anyone signs Carl for longer than one year, they are crazy.
you know – I finally realized when the World Series high will start to wane- the point in time when reality will slap me in the face:
when Damon, Pettitte, Matsui and the rest file for free agency!
************
I have a secret for you DT. Johnny Damon is coming back as a Yankee. SHHHH don’t tell!
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
Erica – always OPPC
November 7th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Alert Brian Cashman
Carl Pavano has filed for free agency
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/ne…..;type=lgns
————————————————————
Shhhhhh!!!!
(What a little troublemaker).
*********
That’s me
Am I insane for proposing the following? We offer Damon 2/24 mill and offer matsui a 1/11 mill contract
How do you guys feel about Marlon Byrd?
“I have a secret for you DT. Johnny Damon is coming back as a Yankee. SHHHH don’t tell!”
He might! But he’ll still do the formality of filing for free agency. Close all your windows that day – don’t jump!
“Just because he played 95% of his games in the OF does not mean it was smart. I do not know how many times I have to stress -21.0 UZR. That is not a capable OF. That is a DH.
With a -21.0 UZR Jermaine Dye should only be playing the OF in an emergency. He should not be spelling Damon and he does not provide flexibility because with those numbers he is not a real OF. With a UZR that bad he will cost you a lot of runs.
Just because the White Sox were dumb enough to stick him in the OF, does not mean he has any business playing there.”
You’re too caught up on these defensive stats. If Dye were signed by the Yankees, he would be the DH, and he would probably play about 20 games in the field when they wanted Damon to be in the lineup, but get some rest. This is not something that Matsui could do.
If you think that Jermaine Dye, who is physically able to play in the field, doesn’t provide more flexibility to a roster than Hideki Matsui, who cannot play in the field without having his knees drained, we can agree to disagree.
Is anyone watching the MLB Network? They are re-running Yankee World Series from past years.
Right now is 2000 World Series against Mets.
They just showed a clip of Kurt Russell wearing…a Mets cap!
DT – OPPC member
November 7th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Is anyone watching the MLB Network? They are re-running Yankee World Series from past years.
Right now is 2000 World Series against Mets.
They just showed a clip of Kurt Russell wearing…a Mets cap!
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Jeez- doesn’t take much to sway Kurt Russell’s love and devotion.
How do you guys feel about Marlon Byrd?
DT – OPPC member
November 7th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
“I have a secret for you DT. Johnny Damon is coming back as a Yankee. SHHHH don’t tell!”
He might! But he’ll still do the formality of filing for free agency. Close all your windows that day – don’t jump!
*******
He is coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Understandable. Russell was an Angel farmhand and raised to dislike the Yankees. All it took was wanting to make his little girl happy. Fathers are pushovers for making their little girls happy.
DT – OPPC member November 7th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Is anyone watching the MLB Network? They are re-running Yankee World Series from past years.
Right now is 2000 World Series against Mets.
They just showed a clip of Kurt Russell wearing…a Mets cap!
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I was just getting on to type that DT… what a trader!
People complain about the Yankees. But as of now the Angels have set the market for outfielders at 9 million a year.
Russell’s nephew was on the Mets in 2000. Family over allegiance.
GB7,
Because bullpens are so volatile you start with a foundation and let it shake out from there as the season goes on. I think Cash has learned you do not just throw money around to build a bullpen. The Yankees have a great foundation right now, and I am sure some others will emerge as the season goes on.
Where did Ace come from? Where did DRob come from? Bruney is not worth $2 million and I do not think Cash wants to build bullpens that way anymore. Just like Veras who had a great arm but could never put it together, I think it is time for Bruney to go and I expect him to as well
“Right now is 2000 World Series against Mets.
They just showed a clip of Kurt Russell wearing…a Mets cap!”
So is Al Leiter!
Matsui needs an incentives-laden contract. I think the Yankees could offer him one year and an option year at a reduced rate, and then have all kinds of incentives for being able to play the field.
I have no doubt that Matsui will be working to rehab his knees this winter. Last winter was just healing. They really took care of him this season, but obviously, rest is probably the best medicine, followed by strengthening.
I just don’t see anyone out there that is as good a hitter, that would offer as much protection for ARod, that is perfectly suited to the Yankees and their stadium.
Looking at the overall picture – what they know about Matsui (and Damon), what is available outside the organization, I think that the Yankees are going to be very willing to talk to both players. And I expect Andy-Pettitte like contracts with both of them.
Erica
While you’re fighting for his return and keeping the home fires burning, Johnny went to Vegas without you last night and was partying it up with Giambi.
Erica – always OPPC
November 7th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Shhhhhh!!!!
(What a little troublemaker).
*********
That’s me
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I answered your post about your Where’s Erica” cotest, but, it didn’t get through the filters.
All I said was, “How hard is it to find a girl at the parade wearing her PJs with feet and long ears, carrying for 5 foot Snoopy and a sign that says, “Johnny…I heart you…woo-hoo…Johnny…over here.” There couldn’t be more than 2 or 3 dressed like that.
The bullpen needs at least 12 people in the system over the year and there is nobody at AAA that’s ready to contribute. Melancon sure didn’t appear to be. Neither Sanchez is showing much. Just who, exactly replaces Bruney that’s cheaper or better?
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I answered your post about your Where’s Erica” cotest, but, it didn’t get through the filters.
All I said was, “How hard is it to find a girl at the parade wearing her PJs with feet and long ears, carrying for 5 foot Snoopy and a sign that says, “Johnny…I heart you…woo-hoo…Johnny…over here.” There couldn’t be more than 2 or 3 dressed like that.
*****
Hahaha. Actually I got out of my pjs for the occasion. I had trouble finding myself but then I remembered I was standing right underneath a red sign and got lots of quality time with a big black pole. Then I found me. The funny part is, I seem to be looking at the camera. Everyone else is looking in the other direction
pat
November 7th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Erica
While you’re fighting for his return and keeping the home fires burning, Johnny went to Vegas without you last night and was partying it up with Giambi.
*******
Funny- I have been sitting here for the last 30 minutes looking into things for my New Years Vegas trip. Johnny and I are so on the same page!
As far as our lovable Matsui goes, his bat is still as valuable as his lack of versitality makes him tough to keep on the roster. The Yankees are caught between their rationale of keeping the DH spot available so that they can “rest” aging players and the enormous popularity of Matsui in Japan. You can’t pay enough for all the free Yankee publicity Matsui brings to them. It would be a public relations nightmare cut ties with him now. But at the end of the day I believe they will do just that. We will all be very sorry when that day comes.
Erica – always OPPC
November 7th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I answered your post about your Where’s Erica” cotest, but, it didn’t get through the filters.
All I said was, “How hard is it to find a girl at the parade wearing her PJs with feet and long ears, carrying for 5 foot Snoopy and a sign that says, “Johnny…I heart you…woo-hoo…Johnny…over here.” There couldn’t be more than 2 or 3 dressed like that.
*****
Hahaha. Actually I got out of my pjs for the occasion. I had trouble finding myself but then I remembered I was standing right underneath a red sign and got lots of quality time with a big black pole. Then I found me. The funny part is, I seem to be looking at the camera. Everyone else is looking in the other direction
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LMAO. It’s always good to find yourself. You have much in common with Alex Rodriguez this year. It will be interesting to see if NYY resigns Damon and whether he returns to his running game or stays with the new power stroke. I think that maybe his legs were bothering him this year and it kept him from running, so he sacrificed some average for the power. As a number two hitter, that’s a great weapon to have. His speed was a little less needed.
One of the reasons Putz left the Mets is because he wants to be a closer, not a set up guy. I think therein lies a big problem with trying to bring in any of the bigger name relief guys – as long as Mariano is still Mariano, they are not going to be all that attracted to NY, no matter what the dollar amount, because they will not get saves, which is their defining stat (gets them money).
At some point the Yankees may need to lighten Mariano’s load and have a second closer, but those guys won’t do it. The best avenue is younger guys, like Robertson and perhaps Melancon.
Matsui has a lot of popularity in the US, too. A lot of Japanese-American fans follow him.
Imagine having him as a Far East scout in a couple of years. THAT is an asset you can’t buy.
But a few lockers contained some more interesting things that were not necessarily standard Yankees issue. Here is a list of some of the choice items that still need to be packed up by players — or more likely by clubhouse attendants:
* C.C. Sabathia: a Sabathia-sized mess that includes at least a dozen pairs of shoes
* Phil Hughes: three empty bottles of Champagne left over from the World Series celebration and two more unopened ones
* Hideki Matsui: a small magazine rack full of Japanese publications
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/.....the-storm/
um what kind of publications??
GreenBeret7
November 7th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
The bullpen needs at least 12 people in the system over the year and there is nobody at AAA that’s ready to contribute. Melancon sure didn’t appear to be. Neither Sanchez is showing much. Just who, exactly replaces Bruney that’s cheaper or better?
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Again, who thought Drob and Aceves would be huge parts of the bullpen this year. It is a crapshoot with bullpen guys. Maybe Melancon steps up. Maybe Dunn. Maybe even Kennedy. Who knows? Look at the bullpen on opening day and at the end of the season this past season. So much can change and 2 million is a lot just because there is no one who is guaranteed to be “cheaper and better”
Also, who knows if the guy is healthy. He can not seem to stay healthy so that is another big risk
GB7,
Great point about Japanese Americans too. His value as a scout could be huge. He would be a great ambassador for Yankee baseball all over the world.
Doreen
November 7th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
One of the reasons Putz left the Mets is because he wants to be a closer, not a set up guy. I think therein lies a big problem with trying to bring in any of the bigger name relief guys – as long as Mariano is still Mariano, they are not going to be all that attracted to NY, no matter what the dollar amount, because they will not get saves, which is their defining stat (gets them money).
At some point the Yankees may need to lighten Mariano’s load and have a second closer, but those guys won’t do it. The best avenue is younger guys, like Robertson and perhaps Melancon.
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NYY will have the same problem bringing in some of the others like Street, Mike Gonzales, Jenks and Fernando. Until Melancon proves more than he did this year, you don’t get rid of the Brian Bruneys. 2 mil a year for 2 years is a cheap price to pay for that sort of arm and still cheap enough that others would want him in a trade.
jennifer
November 7th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
* Hideki Matsui: a small magazine rack full of Japanese publications
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/…..the-storm/
um what kind of publications??
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It’s best you don’t know. This blog is part of a family newspaper.
Drive 4-5
November 7th, 2009 at 7:47 pm
GB7,
Great point about Japanese Americans too. His value as a scout could be huge. He would be a great ambassador for Yankee baseball all over the world.
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Any baseball player that gets his face painted on the side of a 747 jetliner is worth something.
I think Cervelli has one more option year.
Still, I would make him the backup catcher next year.
We need to have veteran fallback in AAA in case Posada or Cervelli get hurt.
GB7 -
Exactly my point. I named Putz, but the same applies for the guys you mentioned (who I called “big name relief guys”). No closer worth his salt is going to want to set up for anyone.
I didn’t have as much a problem with Bruney as many did. And I think Marte may finally be healthy next season and Girardi will use him much better than the first time around. Plus, the bullpen is always a work in progress. And I trust Girardi and his people at this point to find the right mix within the first month of the season.
I also heard on a radio discussion yesterday where they were talking about Lackey and a possible interest in him by the Yankees. They said there could be a problem in that the Yankees need a #2 or #3 and would not only view Lackey as such, but would want to pay him as such, while Lackey thinks he could be the ace of a staff and will be looking for #! money. I though this was interesting and most likely accurate.
BBFan
November 7th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
I think Cervelli has one more option year.
Still, I would make him the backup catcher next year.
We need to have veteran fallback in AAA in case Posada or Cervelli get hurt.
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Next year is Cervelli’s 7th year in organized baseball. He needs to be protected and I can’t see NYY carrying 3 catchers. NYY has some catchers like Kyle Anson, PJ Pilittere and Chris stewart and likely will sign another veteran for Scranton and both Montero and Romine will be at Trenton next year, too.
GreenBeret7
“Next year is Cervelli’s 7th year in organized baseball. He needs to be protected and I can’t see NYY carrying 3 catchers.”
If I remember correctly, Cervelli was added to 40, two years back. Last year, the winter after being added to 40, he was injured.
If my understdaing of the rules is correct, after being added to 40, you have three options. So, he should have one more for next year. Now regarding 7 year orgnized ball, I do not know if it overrides what I wrote above.
BBFan
November 7th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
“Next year is Cervelli’s 7th year in organized baseball. He needs to be protected and I can’t see NYY carrying 3 catchers.”
If I remember correctly, Cervelli was added to 40, two years back. Last year, the winter after being added to 40, he was injured.
If my understdaing of the rules is correct, after being added to 40, you have three options. So, he should have one more for next year. Now regarding 7 year orgnized ball, I do not know if it overrides what I wrote above.
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In order to protect the rights of the young players from being hidden away, they also need to be on the ML roster if they have over 6 years of pro-ball. Also, he has had two of the team options used already.
I don’t think they’re those kinds of publications. They have children running around the clubhouse.
“People freaked out last off season about how the Yanks were going to replace Giambi and Abreu’s production but it seemed to all work out okay this year, didn’t it?”
The freak out was at the idea of Swisher at first and no Tex (or other big bat) added. Which the blog author insisted was the reality. An accurate freak out I would say, although, with the Tex signing, never tested.
If either Damon or Matsui go (let alone both) a bat (or two) needs to be brought in. Unless you want to count on Gardner and/or AJax to pick up the slack.
The Arizona Fall League Rizing Stars game is now on MLB-TV.
m
November 7th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I don’t think they’re those kinds of publications. They have children running around the clubhouse.
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Hopefully, Matsui didn’t put his wife between the pages of a magazine and forget her.
they will need a bridge to Mo if they have thoughts of putting Joba & Phil in the rotation..& if they do that it will have to be a 7th & 8th inning RP’s…good luck finding them
can’t seeing them playing Damon a full year in LF, look for them going after a LF & possible CF …with neither Damon or Matsui coming back…Jorge will need to DH a lot next year his D has gone downhill
A side of Mo not often seen- Bossy Mo. 40 seconds in to the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY6iQdTH8h0
Melky isn’t that good of a CFer( great clubhouse player) & Gardner is a AAA player at best who can’t hit
joeman
November 7th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
they will need a bridge to Mo if they have thoughts of putting Joba & Phil in the rotation..& if they do that it will have to be a 7th & 8th inning RP’s…good luck finding them
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David Robertson says hi.
You’ll have to go back a long way in order to find a better infield in MLB…The OF needs a lot of work.
Erin
November 7th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
joeman
November 7th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
they will need a bridge to Mo if they have thoughts of putting Joba & Phil in the rotation..& if they do that it will have to be a 7th & 8th inning RP’s…good luck finding them
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David Robertson says hi.
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now that would be nice if possible
One thing with Damon is that I think there is at least a possibility that another team offers him a 3 year deal. If that was to happen then the Yankees would have to match it (I don’t think they would) or let him walk. If Damon leaves then they have no LF’er and would be almost forced into going after Holliday or Bay. Matsui can’t play the outfield full-time even if they re-signed him.
Even though Damon wants to come back to NY, I don’t think he’ll turn down a longer deal from another team if its offered and I don’t see the Yankees going past 2.
Hopefully, Matsui didn’t put his wife between the pages of a magazine and forget her.
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Won’t help that she’s flat-chested.
new thread
MLB network tomorrow is going to air replays of game 2 ALDS, game 2 ALCS and game 4 WS…….
I was reading one of my WS recap magazines and in it, they also rehash the season. It seems so long ago that we gave up 20 plus runs in the new YS, that we got clobbered by the Orioles, that our pen was truly a disaster…..Who could have thought in April that things would turn out the way they did? One of the reasons baseball is the best sport (and, to me, it’s perfect) is because it’s both forgiving and harsh at the same time. It’s forgiving of good teams that get off to bad starts and it’s harsh on so/so teams that get off to hot starts. By the latter I mean that so/so teams will generally be found wanting in the end – the cream rises to the top. Hot starts won’t cut it -a team has to prove itself through the ups and downs of a long season. I started thinking about this tonight because the Yankees had so many problems early in the season, yet they weren’t buried because there was time enough to make up the ground (well, that and the fact that the Sox didn’t put us away when they had the chance. When they won 12 in a row and still ended up just a few games ahead of us, I knew that either we would be ok or that the Sox weren’t going to run away and hide. They couldn’t have played better than they were playing and still we lurked).
can they get by another year or so with him in LF ? Who dosen’t hold his or her breath everytime a ball his hit his way. I can see them signing a LF but Damon would have to come back to the Yankees on the cheap to be a part time DH
I’ll tell you Im going to miss Baseball, and it will get even worse if the Giants and Jets both go into the tank, but the one positive thing is at least that silly Jay-Z song is over now. Probably the most overplayed song I can remember in a World Series since “who let the dogs out”. I dont know why it got so much airplay.
“One of the reasons Putz left the Mets is because he wants to be a closer, not a set up guy.”
Putz did not leave the Mets. The Mets declined the 9.1 million dollar option on him.
Rose
November 7th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
“One of the reasons Putz left the Mets is because he wants to be a closer, not a set up guy.”
Putz did not leave the Mets. The Mets declined the 9.1 million dollar option on him.
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Word
CC was watching the World Series… of Poker at The Rio in Vegas
I think there will be at least 5 changes to next years starting 25 man roster.
When you look up class in the dict. you see Jeter and Mo !
Matsui should be there also even though he’s only been here 7 yrs.
Lots of tradable players and possibilities this off season.