White Sox unlikely for Matsui
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- November
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Not sure there were any rumors linking Hideki Matsui to the Chicago White Sox, but White Sox GM Ken Williams was asked about him just the same.
“I would imagine that he’s going to command more in salary than we have to pay,” Williams said.
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on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 6:03 pm by Chad Jennings.
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Sam Borden
Stay in the Bronx Godzilla, its good for baseball
YankeeRay-agreed. I’m really dreading the thought of seeing Matsui play for a team other than the Yankees.
Doreen
November 9th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Why, why, why does everyone want to get rid of Robinson Cano?
If he was on another team, you’d be clamoring for the Yankees to get him!
*****************************
You’re right. I think Cano is a bit of a case of familiarity breeding contempt, maybe?
As an aside.. I removed Pete from my Twitter when he went to the Boston Globe. Nothing personal, I just figured when he moved to the Globe to cover the Red Sox – there would be nothing he’d post anymore that would be of interest to me. I was right about that.
Its somewhat irritating that I have to “follow” him anyway because they get posted on this blog.
Can’t what happens on Twitter, stay on Twitter?
Angel – in an Empire State of mind. #27 has arrived!
November 9th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Doreen
November 9th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Why, why, why does everyone want to get rid of Robinson Cano?
If he was on another team, you’d be clamoring for the Yankees to get him!
*****************************
You’re right. I think Cano is a bit of a case of familiarity breeding contempt, maybe?
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I fear that a lot of this type of thinking is from “family breeding”.
I am hoping that the Yankees will resign Hairston. He is a very good bench player and fit in well with this team.
I know this isn’t a BIG move to make, but having a solid bench player like him gives a lot of options for resting players or covering for injuries.
Hairston gives them versatility because he can play the outfield and most of the infield positions while having a little pop in his bat.
Angel-
Did you happen to notice how Pete “borrowed” Chad’s article the other day??
Remember, how after the Game 5 WS loss, Chad, talked about how the Yanks just had to “wear it”?
Well that article was on Nov. 3.
On Nov. 5, Pete said the same exact stuff, as if he copied the article, changing a few words. He was saying how the Sox fans had to “wear it” about the Yanks winning the title…
He then went on to whine about how the Yanks bought the title, and if you spend a quarter-bil on a championship, blah blah blah.
He sounds like your typical whiny Sox fan. Although I guess I’m not surprised. But I am surprised about possible plagiarism.
This what is generally known as a slow news day…
Now I know this is a bit selfish but…
Can’t Hideki honorably decide that he wants to spend his last 3-4 years in Japan in front of his faithful? He has the ring, the WS MVP, and the respect and love of Yankee fans. Its a win-win for everyone.
Rebecca
Great study.
Funny that you had this great article, because I heard on the local radio, some Bostonian saying how “he could not believe that the Yankees worship MO after 2001, 2004, and 1997.” First of all, 2004 was definitely not his fault. 2001 was definitely not his fault, as we had no other relievers, Mo should have been worn down from the 2 inning appearances, and many do not remember, he came in in the 8th inning in Game 7 and struck out the side. Bloopers and bad luck did him in. 1997 was his fault, but he was the new closer on the scene.
Anybody remember Michael Kay calling in 2004, Quangormo, for Quantrill, Flash, and Mo?
–
I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood. Matsui is unranked, as in not even a Type B.
Also, Hawkins. That’s not Latroy Hawkins, is it? I thought that guy was out of baseball. I do not even have a clue what league has him.
In 04′ the biggest mistake Torre made was not using Mo for two innings in game 5.
Do not know if anyone has mentioned, the Yomiuri Giants WIN the Japan Series.
A double win for the Matsa Ball. MATSUI!!!!!
Abadaba, I love Hairston and I definitely want him back…….Hinske, too. He’s a good guy to have coming off the bench. There’s no need to get rid of certain pieces just because a team may want to make some changes; these guys helped and they can help again.
Did anyone else see this “A Night With Joba” Charity Event-
Camp Acorn needs a home!
Camp Acorn is a non-profit, year-round social and recreational program for individuals with disabilities aged 4-21. Those with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and a host of other physical and/or cognitive impairments participate in various social and physical activities with disabled and nondisabled peers. Camp Acorn has never had a permanent home, having to rely instead on temporary facilities (church fellowship halls, etc.) which limit the services it can provide to the population so desperately in need of its services. Now, Camp Acorn needs your help!
New York Yankees’ star pitcher Joba Chamberlain is a member of Camp Acorn’s Honorary Board of Directors, and is hosting a kickoff dinner to begin the Camp’s capital fundraising effort and raise awareness about the Camp’s programs and the population it serves. Those who attend will have the opportunity to meet Joba and other athletes, learn more about Camp Acorn and the population it serves, and help those who, in many cases, simply cannot help themselves. Seating at this very special event is limited, so buy your tickets
today and enjoy an evening getting to know Joba Chamberlain and Camp Acorn!
Event Details
Date: November 16, 2009
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 PM
Venue: The Venetian
546 River Dr.
Garfield, NJ 07026
Price: $175/ticket or $1,400/table (10 ppl)
Attire: Business Casual
As much as I appreciated Hairston’s contributions, I wouldn’t mind letting him go; as he is a Type B free agent. Between the free agents and non-tenders; there should be someone out there who can fill in for him; at less than the $2M he got last year.
Matsui’s a gotsta go situation, I thought everyone was on the same page on this one..
Abdababdaserser and Betsy, re-upping Hairston would be nice, but he should be able to command more than a bench player’s worth in free agency, both in terms of cash and length of contract.
A couple of threads ago, The Phranchise brought up the one player that I believe the Yanks should target this offseason, Carl Crawford. I just don’t know what kind of package would need to be assembled to appease Tampa.. thoughts, anyone?
I love reading things like this, Erica – especially when it involves players getting involved with charity work that helps children with special needs. Thanks for sharing it with us.
CR: Thanks for the compliment. And I was not wrong.
Matsui is unranked, as is not listed as type A or type B, and LaTroy Hawkins is indeed type A.
Hency my in depth analysis which follows:
Elias is borked.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....-1.1576196
–That said, Cashman did nothing to discourage the conventional wisdom that the Yankees will bid farewell to Hideki Matsui when, as you can see, he said that he doesn’t strongly consider postseason performance, positive or negative, in his evaluations.
–He made an interesting, telling remark when he said, referring to last year’s Mark Teixeira signing, “We looked at the available free-agent market going forward. We felt we were going to need that type of impact bat. And we needed to move on it last year, because this year, those type of bats weren’t going to be as available.” Translation: Matt Holliday, you’re no Teixeira. I really would be surprised if the Yankees went hard after Holliday.
***So, Cash doesn’t consider Holliday an elite bat – which he’s not. This doesn’t surprise me. I do think Davidoff is jumping to conclusions about Matsui because Matsui had a very good year; it’s not like he had a bad year and got hot at the right time
Unless it’s posturing (which is entirely possible) it would seem it’s the Yanks or retirement for Godzilla.
He stated he’s not interested in returning to Japan (which I’m not buying yet) plus he’s pretty much restricted to the AL, and any likely destinations – Seattle (Ichiro) or others ($$$) limit his options.
Just bring him back – 1 yr. at a time – like Andy – give the kids more time to develop or wait until 2011 & rexxamine the FA crop – stay away from Holiday, Bay, Figgins, etc.
Bring Damon back for 2/20 (Abreu money)
“enjoy an evening getting to know Joba Chamberlain and Camp Acorn!”
I hope that includes a designated driver.
Nady is a type “B”?!
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/1.....s-released
Christina: Pictures from the Yankees Parade
November 9th, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I love reading things like this, Erica – especially when it involves players getting involved with charity work that helps children with special needs. Thanks for sharing it with us.
******
You’re welcome! I was just happy to see some positive news about Joba
CR9
November 9th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Rebecca
Great study.
Funny that you had this great article, because I heard on the local radio, some Bostonian saying how “he could not believe that the Yankees worship MO after 2001, 2004, and 1997.” First of all, 2004 was definitely not his fault.
***2001 was definitely not his fault, as we had no other relievers, Mo should have been worn down from the 2 inning appearances, and many do not remember, he came in in the 8th inning in Game 7 and struck out the side.***
Bloopers and bad luck did him in. 1997 was his fault, but he was the new closer on the scene.
————————————————————
It’s rather difficult not to say that the game 7 loss in 2001 wasn’t on Rivera. It was his throwing error on a bad bunt play with a slow runner on first and a slower runner as the hitter. That would be at least one out and probably two outs before the second bunt by a poor hitter.
GB: Dunno if you read the post, but I came to the conclusion that the Yanks won 2 of their last 5 WS because of Rivera. If I’m going to choose years where this seems, to me, to be relevant, it’s 1996 and 2000.
And g-d knows what Rivera would have done in the 2003 World Series had the team around him been a little bit better!
Betsy -
I think you’re exactly right regarding Matsui – one does not need to look at the post-season to come to the conclusion that Matsui was a valuable player for the Yankees this season. And Cashman never gives any information away.
If he hasn’t spoken to Matsui and his “people” yet, he’s certainly not going to be tipping his hand. Why inflate the price, for one thing?
Let him keep talking about “the process.” It’s worked for him for this long.
Rebecca, I am confused. Are you saying the Yankees won 2 WS single-handedly because of Rivera?
That an awful hard assumption to make, especially with a sport that revolves around an entire team.
Rebecca, I was in no way knocking Rivera, because, God knows that without him, the Yanks WS title wins would be about 5 less. I was only referring to the notion that he was blameless in 2001. That’s about as absurd as saying the Yanks didn’t win in 2004 thru 2007 only because of Rodriguez.
Rebecca, it would be interesting if you made the same calculation for the other major players like Pettitte, Jeter et al and see the cumulative WAR approaches 5
“And g-d knows what Rivera would have done in the 2003 World Series had the team around him been a little bit better!”
Or if their manager wasn’t a retard who sent Jeff Weaver out in the 13th
W/o Rivera, there are 2 WS the Yankees are NOT winning.
Do I have that correct, Rebecca?
Those were Winn’s 2008 stats from the last thread.
This year: .262/.318 2 HR 51 RBI .671 OPS
NO THANK YOU
“I am hoping that the Yankees will resign Hairston. He is a very good bench player and fit in well with this team.
I know this isn’t a BIG move to make, but having a solid bench player like him gives a lot of options for resting players or covering for injuries.”
I think the Yankees will have Pena on the bench as the backup infielder. He has a great glove and wasn’t terrible with his bat. The question will be, do the Yankees value Hairston’s versatility in the field and pinch running ability over a guy like Hinske for the 5th outfielder spot.
Christina: Yes and no.
The purpose of my post was more or less to determine Mariano’s postseason WAR (wins above a replacement player) and then convert that to a scale in which the few number of innings pitch do not suppress the value.
The idea here isn’t so much that Mariano won two world series all by his lonesome self, but that the 24 replacement wins (converted and adjusted from 4), which converts to two championships if 1 championship = 11 wins, are something the Yankees may not have had with a closer other than Rivera.
It’s hard to explain it in a short place here, but I certainly direct you to my blog post(s) from today where I explain it more step-by-step.
Of course Mariano didn’t win two would series by himself, but the idea is that is what he could be worth.
“W/o Rivera, there are 2 WS the Yankees are NOT winning.
Do I have that correct, Rebecca?”
Yeah. Exactly.
I still say, and I’m amazed nobody mentions this much, that game 5 almost definitely would have been won by the Yanks in 04′ if Rivera goes 2 innings and not Gordon, who had been pitching awful in that series.
I really like the work Chad is doing with the blog. I was anxious when Pete left, but now I see that change can be good!
However, that doesn’t tell the full story, right? Unless I’m missing something (I probably am) the Yankees almost certainly would have another closer. Let’s say, for comparison’s sake, Papelbon.
Now if we replaced Mariano’s WAR with Papelbon’s WAR, how many WS would we have?
iiicollies: Would, indeed be interesting. At the moment I can only do it for pitchers, I don’t have a spreadsheet for hitters–and I think calculating it for hitters is even more complicated.
However, calculating it for Pettitte would be an interesting exercise.
Harder to do accurately for someone like AJ, though, who’s only pitched in one postseason.
GB: Didn’t think you were knocking Rivera =)
at least the yankees make no bones about buying a title
they go all out within the rules
they dont get caught in between like the rs
the rs blew it buy not buying a few more pieces
they want to spend what is convienent to them & when a team tops their 130-150 million they cry about it
there are only a few teams that out spend the rs
in light of these radical Rivera arguments, it is even more shocking that a choke artist like Wagner is type-A FA.
Doreen, Cash is very stealth, lol………none of these mediots really knows what’s going on. After the Tex affair, that’s even truer.
I’m not ready to trust Pena with the utitility infielder role…….I like him, but I just don’t see the need to make a change. Hairston fit the role like a glove; we don’t even know if Pena can hit enough to stay in the majors even as just a bench player.
“A couple of threads ago, The Phranchise brought up the one player that I believe the Yanks should target this offseason, Carl Crawford. I just don’t know what kind of package would need to be assembled to appease Tampa.. thoughts, anyone”
Based on what the Yankees did with the Santana/CC situation, I think the Yankees have made it pretty clear they aren’t going to go trade for big players that are about to become free agents. The reason teams want to trade players like Crawford is because teams like the Yankees will sign him away in free agency. Why give up the talent for 1 extra year?
Ideally, sign Damon to a 2 year deal and Matsui to a 1 year deal. Next year, when Crawford is a free agent, move Damon to DH and Crawford has a spot in LF or CF.
“However, that doesn’t tell the full story, right? Unless I’m missing something (I probably am) the Yankees almost certainly would have another closer. Let’s say, for comparison’s sake, Papelbon.
Now if we replaced Mariano’s WAR with Papelbon’s WAR, how many WS would we have?”
The plan for the rest of this week is to compare Mariano’s numbers with every other postseason closer from 2009–Papelbon, Fuentes, Nathan, Lidge, Franklin, Broxton and Street
I don’t like when people say “Well if the D-backs don’t get a bloop single the Yankees win”. That is a myth. Rivera did not blow that save because of a hard-luck bloop single. The save had already been bown after a line drive double in the gap. That was not hard lcuck, it was a legitimate line-drive double.
He LOST the game on that bloop hit, but the truth is with the way the Yankees’ offense was hitting, it’s hard for me to see ANY team, let alone a team hitting that badly, winning the WS after blowing game 7.
All right.
I breathlessly await the latest installment.
Wouldn’t it be more useful to use Wetteland as the basis for comparison for the 90’s teams?
Brian NYY
November 9th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Now I know this is a bit selfish but…
Can’t Hideki honorably decide that he wants to spend his last 3-4 years in Japan in front of his faithful? He has the ring, the WS MVP, and the respect and love of Yankee fans. Its a win-win for everyone.
———————————————————–
i thought i read that matsui ruled out a return to japan
Nick-Probably. I just named the first closer that popped into my head.
“And g-d knows what Rivera would have done in the 2003 World Series had the team around him been a little bit better!”
Who knows what Rivera would have been able to do if he’d actually been able to pitch in game 4 of the World Series?
That was arguably the most head shaking move Torre every made in a big spot.
Extra innings and because the conventional wisdom says you don’t bring your closer in to a tie game on the road Mo just rotted in the pen while Jeff Weaver – who had hardly pitched for quite some time – gets the call and gives up that home run to lose the game.
Still just unbelievable.
Thank goodness the Yankees rallied to win the game against Lidge in the 9th in game 4 this year because it appeared that we might be headed to a replay of 2003 for a while.
Phil Coke was the one warming up during the top of the ninth initially. Not Mo (and not even Robertson). Phil Coke. To face the top of the phillies line up.
Girardi was going to have coke come into the game had the score been tied.
We saw the next game what the Phillies were able to do to Coke, a home run prone pitcher who was an awful matchup against that line up and in that park.
That was a huge moment in that series because if that game goes to the bottom of the 9nth, there was a very high probability that the Phils score off of Coke.
Winning cures everything however. And that pivotal decision never had to get made and will be forgotten. Mo got up and loose quickly and shuts the door after Alex and Jorge deliver those hits.
According to Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, free agent Hideki Matsui has ruled out a return to Japan.
Calls for Matui to remain in New York have gotten a whole lot stronger now that he’s the World Series MVP, but it’s unclear if the Yankees plan to make a run at retaining the 35-year-old.
Source: Patrick Newman on Twitter
Nick: For the 90s teams, maybe, but Mariano’s career far and away exceeds the 90s teams. I’m going to use the relievers from this year for the simple reason that they’re still relevant for the current discussion.
At any rate, certain stats, such as FIP, may not go back that far, and while it is possible to calculate them from scratch, it is incredibly time consuming, and I still need to find a job.
After winning World Series MVP, Hideki Matsui now faces an uncertain future writes Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Godzilla said he hopes to keep playing in New York, but he plans on spending the offseason working his knees back into game shape so he can market himself as an outfielder. Yesterday we learned that Matsui ruled out a return to Japan.
CB: All well and good, but what did you think of the post? =D
I don’t see why the Yankees wouldn’t resign Matsui for a year or two.
He’s the same age as Jeter. He’s a helluva hitter and he’s probably the most clutch hitter on the Yankees.
Matsui just wants to get a respectful contract. 10 mil per year for a full time DH is more than respectful.
I think the Yankees would be making a big mistake by letting him walk.
I see what you’re saying, as an academic exercise, but in the real world there’s a good chance the Yanks would have kept Wetteland if they didn’t give the job to Mo (never mind Mo’s importance in 1996 setting up Wetteland). There’s less of a chance that Brian Fuentes would have been the Yanks’ closer in the 90’s without Mo.
Maybe they repeat in 1997 with Wetteland, who knows. Maybe they go for the 5-peat in 2000 with Wetteland.
The Yankees probably aren’t winning any of their World Series without Mariano Rivera.
Wins above replacement player seems like an arbitrary stat to begin with because of the idea of a replacement player.
To get from 4 WAR to 24 WAR seems like a stretch. How many WAR did this year’s leading pitcher get, and how many innings did it take him to get there?
I don’t think Wetteland would have stayed at that elite level. He put too many men on base.
They didn’t win in ‘95 with Wetteland.
we have to bring matsui back
he is the type of person to try everything in his power to live up to his contract
torre said when matsui broke his wrist he appologized
torre said he never heard anything like that
no 27:
To convert from 4 to 24, you change the innings from what Mo pitched in the postseason to 70–which is more or less what a closer pitches over a full season.
Because WAR is so dependent on innings pitched, a reliever’s WAR in the postseason is suppressed even though each inning in the postseason is inherently more valuable because there are so many fewer of them.
So you adjust to a full season scale so that you get an idea that, had Mariano pitched at that level the entire season, this is what the WAR would look like.
I make no claims for alternate-universe outcomes. I just long for honest scholarship.
Ah, but you can have both!
CB, nice to see you again. The Yankees have a very interesting offseason ahead of them.
What do you think the Yanks should do with their rotation? If they sign Andy, do you think they need another pitcher? I think they do, but not Lackey – they just need a solid vet. Then again, who’s going to want to sign to play backup to a couple of kids?
How do you think the Yanks should handle Phil? Start him in AAA, then call him up? Skip some of his starts so he can remain in the rotation all year? I do not want him going to the pen. Phil needs to get used to starting again, to using all his pitches. Also, he needs to develop his change. It’s too bad he’s not going to winter ball….
Thoughts on Hinske/Hairston/Pena?
If the Yankees don’t go after Holliday or Bay (which I hope they don’t), what can they do about getting younger and more athletic? They really could use some good OF prospects…maybe trade one or two of their young catchers?
I remember there were whispers about trading O’Neil for Troy Percival after ‘97.
O’Neil for Percival would have been fascinating.
Mariano pitched 57.2 innings in the playoffs from 96-00. Adding 12.1 innings changes his WAR from 4 to 24?
Or you converted each year in the post season to 70?
pettitte will be back
we will also sign an o.f. & or dh if matsui & or damon are not back
or trade for 1 or both
we have to many prospects building up that dont fit in
it is hard to fathom who the players will be but we will have a lf & a dh next year
trust
we traded for oneil,fielder & so on
Randy I ( The Original Tin Cup )…I’m with you on the foremost important objective for Cashman this winter is to have a solid # 2 starter…A guy that will be 8 games over ( at least ) above .500…..There is no way will we see Hughes & Joba in the rotation together next spring…..This is imperative folks & Lackey will cost World Series profit dough……Bottom line….Pettite is gone after next season, and you hope Joba can be a bona fide starter in 2010 & Hughes in 2011 as they ease him along next season…..Everything else is secondary to solidifying the rotation
Pat M: You know you want to read my blog today =D…
I still like the Yankees first two starters……..and Cash going out and getting a #2 (which I don’t think he thinks he needs…..I agree) is tantamount to him admitting the AJ signing sucked.
How can you say AJ sucked ?? He carried us when CC was struggling . And do you remember game 2 . Get over the fact he lost game 5 . Nobody is perfect .
Bottom line – AJ HELPED US WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP
Betsy,
If he does sign a #2 or #3, I think it has more to do with realizing Wang is not really part of the equation; not a reflection on AJ at all. When they signed AJ, they thought they had Wang.
Translation: Matt Holliday, you’re no Teixeira. I really would be surprised if the Yankees went hard after Holliday.
=====
“I knew Mark Teixeira, I played with Mark Teixeira – Mark Teixeira was a friend of mine. Matt Holliday – you’re no Mark Teixeira”
Rebecca,
I wrote a long post about your article on Mo. Of course it got caught in the filter.
I’ll repost it in the next thread and/or email you.
Betsy: The AJ signing did many things. Suck was not one of them.
“… is tantamount to him admitting the AJ signing sucked.”
No it isn’t, Betsy. The loss of Wang (he was the #2 guy to begin the season) means that the Yankees may need another veteran arm in the rotation. Is doesn’t mean A.J. signing here “sucked”-they won a title last week, right? Let’s hope every move Cashman makes “sucks” like that!
CB: Sure thing. Email is listed under “contact” on the blog, please use that one as the old one does not work.
Doreen, that’s true…….. I told myself I would ignore any discussions about AJ because inevitably they are all about how mediocre he is and how disappointing he was. What can you do? He’s here for the long haul, so I’m keeping the faith…if I’m the only one, so be it. I’m just thrilled he had game 2, which was the biggest game the Yankees played all year.
I spent most of the the season not even thinking about Wang because I felt that it did no good to have regrets….Now, I do really wish Wang had been ok, not so much for this year but because he’d be perfect for our rotation going forward (though I was fine with Cash not extending him). Still, again, there’s no point wishing that things were different because they aren’t…..I don’t think the Yanks will get another star pitcher, but then I admit that Cash has often suprised me before.
Rebecca, I agree…….
Tom, lol – absolutely.
signing a # 2 starter is not admitting aj stinks
it is about building a great team & the rotation is where it all begins & ends
sure we are good with cc,burnett,pettitte but we are much better with cc,lackey,burnett,pettitte
letting the kids fight for 2 spots in the rotation is risky
1 injury & we could be in trouble with 3 out of 5 rotation spots & in the playoffs & ws i read that our 3 starters got most of our outs
Betsy -
LOL. There’s so much here in the hot stove season that I just slide by (scroll past). It’s all hypothetical and basically, it seems like the only acceptable goal is to somehow get the Yankees 173 wins next season. It’s craziness.
I think AJ’s a great addition to this team. I think he will always have some inconsistencies, but overall he’s going to be really good. And while it wasn’t fun watching him have his game 5 experience, game 2 was huge. And he didn’t just do a good job in game 2, he did an excellent job in game 2. He carried the pitching staff early, which is important, because apparently CC is a slow starter.
Hey they say you can never have too much pitching.
Rebecca, You’ve been attending CB’s seminars it appears…..Basically you are saying what I’ve believed to be true, # 42 is the greatest of them all…..Good job..I also like the new graphic, very colorful and not a bad ballpark…..
PAT M, It will be curious how the Yankees handle some of the innings of their youngest and best arms. Manny Baneulos will only be 19 in March and had 109 innings pitched this past year, not counting spring training. I’m hoping that they settle in around 135 innings. Not so much because of age as it is that it’s combined with his size. Very Guidry like in size. 5′9″-5′10″ and 160 pounds. What a talent, though.
Another youngster to watch for is DJ Mitchell. He’s 22 with 140 combined innings in Charleston and Tampa during his first year. Not overly tall at 6 foot but only 170 pounds. Impressive first year.
“and Cash going out and getting a #2 (which I don’t think he thinks he needs…..I agree) is tantamount to him admitting the AJ signing sucked.”
I don’t think that’s true. Why couldn’t Lackey or another solid pitcher be looked at as a replacement for Wang?
People forget that Wang was supposed to be the Yankees’ #2, not AJ. It doesn’t really matter who is ranked where in the rotation, but the fact is the Yankees lost someone who they thought would rack up 19 wins, and they need to replace that production, ESPECIALLY if Pettitte retires.
the same thing happened to the rs that set them in decline
they lost dice,wake & were left with 2 good starters
becket struggled & they were done
injuries will happen to our starters
you want 4 of the best pitchers you can get
If they sign a new baker, AJ needs to worry.
About AJ, I think he was really affected by the “first year with NYY syndrome”. He is being compared to CC who was just fantastic after the break. I think AJ will be fine.
Does anyone know how AJ’s first year performance compares to those of past seasoned pitchers first year with NYY?
I’m watching the City Hall ceremony on my DVR (had to go to work and life has been busy), so I’m finally getting around to it….Seeing Jeter wave the trophy around is a sketch. I read somewhere it costs $15,000. Only Jeter….
Hal opens the Organizational meetings next week with, ”Alright it took us 9 years to get here, what do we need to do in order to stay here” ????? Gene Michaels response, ” We need another solid starter….Choices are, trade and spend for Roy Halladay, or lose 2 draft picks and go after John Lackey, The Angels # 1 starter ???? Think Lackey and move on…….GB, Loved the Jimmy Olsen cub reporter line by the way……
Cash’s only signing in 2007 was Hawkins gearing up for the 2008 free agent market. Cash will not sign anyone major this year, getting ready for the 2010 Beckett, Mauer, Lee, Halladay, Webb, Crawford market.
Chad,
As you have minor league ties, any chance you can get a progress report on Christian Garcia?
For instance, will he be able to come to Spring Training?
If this kid ever gets healthy, the Yankees suddenly have a stud to use in either the rotation or bullpen.
Imagine adding the arms of Garcia & Brackman to the bullpen later in the season. That would be insane.
Any updates on how he’s doing would be greatly appreciated.
JK, i think you’re right. lackey rumors seem to be made up by other gm’s looking for an easy excuse, “only yanks can sign good pitchers. it’s not my fault.”
I think Hal opens the organizational meeting with “Which one of you jokers took the gag off my brother after game six???”
GB, What level did Manny pitch this past season ????
LOL tune in to MLB – they have a show about life on the road and are featuring Bert Blyleven, Adam Jones, a couple of others……and Nick Swisher! I guess each of these subjects is going to talk about life on the road; Nick looks like he belongs in Greenwich Village, with his hair and crazy t-shirt!
“Cash’s only signing in 2007″
Well, he did back-up the brinks truck for Alex, Posada, and Mo in ‘07…He wasn’t exactly “cheap” that offseason.
Nick, are there any good FA bakers out there? I don’t think so – the crop of bakers for the next few years looks terrible. AJ’s job is secure……
The only think John Lackey ever baked was a temper tantrum soufle.
Good points all, guys (and gals!) – thanks !
Maverick, I think what was unusual about these 3 FA signings (and even Swish) is that they all handled NY very well…..Usually, players come and have a hard time getting a grip on the media crush, the media/fan expectations, etc……Not so for AJ, Tex, CC and Swish. I guess their personalities helped. Swish and AJ are free spirts – not uptight at all. CC is just a happy, laid back dude…….and Tex is, just a very well-adjusted person.
Damon – bring back only on our terms
Pettitte – year to year – he has earned another year with more guaranteed $
Lackey or another starter is all we need, no bay or Holliday
Matsui – thanks for the memories
save the $ for this time next year when Mauer, Halladay, Cliff Lee, not mention Derek Jeter and Mo Rivera will all be free agents
betsy was Swish already on?
Joe, I love the WS trophy – I think it’s just beautiful. I’m keeping my parade tape, so when I miss the players, I can just pop it in the VCR and there they all are again.
Pat M, I definitely am not interested in Doc as it will cost way too much in terms of $$ or prospects. Lackey would just cost $$, that’s true, so in that respect, he’s the much better choice.
GB, thanks for the updates. The Yankees have had the injury bug hit their pitchers, so I hope they are very careful with these kids.
Jen, they did complete a fairly big segment on him…..He might be on again after, but I think he’s mostly done. It will be repeated in the wee small hours (like 3 or 4 am, I think) if you want to tape it. He looked ridiculous, but hilarious. They taped this during the Minny series at the Metrodome and even though it was a 6 game road trip, Nick only brought 4 socks…….He said he wears the same socks over again (he’s only got them on for 1/2 hour a day), but the guys bought him another pair.
Orlando is very difficult to understand.
http://www.newsday.com/sports/.....-1.1574847
LOL Davidoff…………..but then, he’s never liked Cash
“Orlando is very difficult to understand.”
Much of Florida is like that. You just have to take into account that Disney put Orlando on the map but now it’s more than just that.
You also have to realize that Florida is IN the South but it’s not OF the South.
How is Billy Beane #1 for this year based on this year? Boy, he’s held to low standards.
Theo’s low cost moves didn’t work and the Sox get swept out of the first round; they weren’t nearly the team the Yankees were. Still, he had a better year than Cashman? Ok……
Hmm, Andrew Friedman is better than Cash because the Rays are talented. Ok.
His comments on Cash are borderline idiotic.
PAT M.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
GB, What level did Manny pitch this past season ????
————————————————————
PAT M, He was a starter at the beginning of the season and then during the last month worked out of the bullpen to cut back the innings. He pitched in Tampa on the last day of the year.
What’s really impressive is the walks and home runs allowed for an 18 year old.
http://www.baseball-reference......nuel001man
93-94 MPH fastball, slider, changeup. all very good. Some debate on it being a slider or cutter, though.
His comments on Cash are borderline idiotic.
Yep. of course AJ and CC will decline. Decline into Awesome 3/4 starters. bY that time their salaries won’t seem that High. Yankee Hate.
Oh I just remembered Joe G gets to manage the ASG.
Where is it next year?
Won’t we all decline?
CC is 29. It is quite possible (probable) he stays a stud for 6 more years.
Many pitchers have their best years in there mid 30s
I’m declining now, lol…….
So, we’ll get to have several Yankees on the team. Too bad it’s in Anaheim – god, the rally monkey for the ASG.
John Lackey and I got into it at the Starbuck across from The Parker Meridian Hotel when they were staying there for the ALCS.
If I remember correctly “”He hates New York and they are full of explanative deleted’s.”
jennifer
November 9th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Oh I just remembered Joe G gets to manage the ASG. Where is it next year?
angels stadium I think…
Writers are just looking for that grey lining in the silver cloud.
Wells won 19 games at 39.
jennifer: It’s in Anaheim
Dr. Cox
November 9th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
John Lackey and I got into it at the Starbuck across from The Parker Meridian Hotel when they were staying there for the ALCS.
Did you go to Burger Joint?
Uncle-Moose?
EWWWW Anaheim. Are they going to bring out that stupid rally monkey? At least it will be for us that one time.
Dr. Are you serious? You got into an argument with John? If so call Cash and share John’s feelings on NY.
Speaking of old and declining:
Jason Varitek has exercised his $3MM player option, according to Adam Hirshfield of NESN.com, and will return to the Red Sox in 2010, shortly after Boston had declined Varitek’s $5MM team option.
Joe Madden is too good to take the bus with the team?
I’ll say it again. Got to get younger, faster, & have more versitility on next yr’s squad.
Damon & Matsui had great yr’s, but its time to move on. They are both in their mid-30’s & breaking down.
Take the $ you will save on them plus Wang’s & Nady’s expiring contracts & get another front-line starter (Lackey) & a younger, faster LF with a better arm who can also spell Alex at 3B (Figgins).
I know its hard to say good-bye, but this team has to mix in additional youth to go with Jeter (35), Alex (34), & Posada (38).
Pitching & defense wins games in the postseason. Lackey will add a dependable #2 starter for the playoffs, plus 15-17 wins during the season.
Figgins will add speed, defense, and a high OBP. Plus his versitility will enable Yanks to rotate DH spot.
Do not make the mistake of standing pact. Let these old guys go & get faster & younger. Team will still have plenty of HR power with Alex, Tex, Swish, Cano, & Posada.
Tom in N.J.
November 9th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Uncle-Moose?
Tru true there are many But Wells is size comparable.
We’re watching CC Sabathia evoloving into a pitcher and not just a thrower….His progress this season was noteworthy
why I have a stinking feeling that the Yanks will look into DeRosa?
He ane Tex were no brainers
Please tell me how many HR Figgins hit in 09? You just don’t get younger for the sake of getting younger.
How much will Lackey cost? How many IP on average has he had for the past 4 seasons? You just don’t go after the biggest piece of pie just because it’s biggest.
Matsui x 1-2
Damon x 2, just like Abreu
Pettitte returns
Maybe a signing out of left field by Cash? Something off the wall.
Joba and Phil are in the rotation for 10, like it or not.
Payroll is around $180-185. Only $15 million above the cap.
“Did you go to Burger Joint?”
I am the manager of the New York Health and Racquet Club on 56th and 6th right across from Le Parker Meridian, ive been to the Burger Joint many times.
And yes Im serious about Lackey. He HATES New York and New Yorkers. It would be a disaster if he was here. Him and I REALLY got into it as did many other Angels and Phillies during the playoffs. I purposely had the Starbuck Crew (many of whom I am friends with) REFUSE to serve the teams as I stood there and laughed.
It really threw them off their game and , even though I know its not true, I like to believe it is a reason why they both lost the clinching games.
Does anyone know the deal with Wang? He can become a free agent if the Yankees don’t offer him arbitration? Or do I have this confused?
“why I have a stinking feeling that the Yanks will look into DeRosa?”
I dont think they would. Unless he fills some utility role of some sort and I think hes past that in his career.
Betsy – the thing with Ken Davidoff’s article is that he does not disclose what his criteria are. Obviously, he values something other than winning. If it were, then it’s no contest for Cash.
Other GMs have the advantage in this, apparently, in that they have the luxury of low expectations. How else can you explain the love for Billy Beane, who, while no doubt a very bright guy with a plan, hasn’t ever won anything other than his division years ago, and excuses the playoffs as a crapshoot. Whereas, Cashman doesn’t get a pass on that.
Seems like a double standard, but we don’t know the criteria and how people are being judged, just the subjective result.
I *almost* feel bad for the Angels.
First they get a harsh reminder of losing the ALCS when they play Opening Day at YS (ring ceremony). Then Girardi gets to manage the ASG in their ballpark.
“Do not make the mistake of standing pact. Let these old guys go & get faster & younger. Team will still have plenty of HR power with Alex, Tex, Swish, Cano, & Posada.”
uncle tito-
old guys that are over the hill are not a good thing, but i i didn’t notice any fast young guys ripping it up in the world series or the playoffs .
veteran bats like matsui and damon are the ones who did the hitting.
young and fast sounds good , but it usually takes a while before a hitter gets seasoned enough to hit under pressure . then they’re not so young anymore.
i like younger and faster during the regular season more than i like younger and faster in the postseason.
Not for nothing but would you trade Cano and Austin Jackson for Halladay if you can resign him for 4-5 years?