Day 2 getting started in Chicago
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- November
- 10
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It’s Day 2 of the General Managers Meetings here in the Chicago airport Hilton. At one point there’s a media session with all of the GMs available at the same time, so something interesting might come out of that room full of people.
For the Yankees, the offseason brings more reason for patience than panic. Brian Cashman arrived yesterday and made it clear that he’s in particular hurry. There are decisions to make, but the Yankees are going to gather all of their people before setting anything in stone. That’s what I wrote for today’s paper.
Like yesterday, I’ll try to shoot up to the hotel room whenever something Yankees related comes out of the lobby. Otherwise, sit back and relax. Your team just won the World Series. There are still a few days to enjoy that glow before worrying about next year.
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on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 10:40 am by Chad Jennings.
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Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
Clearly, you don’t know this crowd, Chad . . .
Any Ditka sightings?
Can someone explain to me the point of these meetings? Its not like they make trades or anything? Do they discuess how much they going to spend? Or limit on spending? New rules? I don’t get it.
I think some of the discussions give the GMs an idea on the types of moves that are available, and the mindset of the other GMs going into the offseason. They always say that little gets done in terms of personnel moves, but the groundwork is often laid for a later deal.
AwaisM November 10th, 2009 at 10:45 am
Can someone explain to me the point of these meetings?
==========================================
It’s a chance to get away from their wives after a long, long season and checkout Big Market Gentleman’s clubs.
The point of the meetings is to for the GMs to review various issues in the baseball industry. One example I read was last year’s decision to award tie-breaking games’ to whichever team had the best head-to-head record. Hence, this year’s one game playoff game between Detroit and Minnesota was played in Minnesota (Twins had an 11-7 vs. Tigers) – which the Twins won.
AwaisM, my impression is that the point of these meetings is for the clubs to feel each other out for off season needs and open doors of communication heading into the big winter meetings in December. It’s like a preliminary “how’s the state of your club” thing before they really get down to business at the winter meetings, which are attended, I believe, by agents as well (or at least the agents are lurking around like dogs under a dinner table).
It should be “your” team just won the World Series, not you’re. Sorry, pet peeve.
Patrick, have you read any of Cashman’s quotes this whole year? He’s consistently made the point that they wanted to bring in quality players who were also quality people….Milton Bradley may be the former, but he is for sure not the latter. With regards to Pavano, it appears that Cash had more sympathy and understanding for him than the fans and players. He was always saying (this was way before his quote about wanting to re-sign him) that Carl was injured, etc…I can’t recall one time he ever disparaged the guy – he just felt like Pavano suffered through a string of bad luck. Therefore, for him, Pavano was not a bad guy…….but, of course, he did have to deal with the players (and fan) reactions. In Bradley’s case, Cash wouldn’t have to do much research to see that the guy is a nut case.
I c. Nice. Umm I would rather c a 163rd game than who had the best “face to face” record. Becuz the team could be struggling when they first played, like the yanks, and could be hot later like the twins.
Judging by the comments from earlier this morning, it seems like some fans can’t even enjoy the WS and are already starting express serious concerns about next year…….
betsy,
lol. Is that you? The champagne hadn’t even been mopped up yet, and you were worried already!
Just kidding.
Joel Sherman’s article today was very interesting.
The yankees do not leak anything to the press that they don’t want out there for public consumption. There is some tactical reason why they leak the information that they do.
There were two main point to that article:
1. The team wanted Damon, Matsui and Pettite back – but only on 1 year deals.
2. The team doesn’t want to sign another large money free agent like lackey.
Now point two very well might be a smoke screen meant to divert attention from their desire to sign a guy like Lackey much like the rhetoric around Tex. Only time will make that clear.
But the past two days have sounded like the yankees opening salvos in negotiations. This leak to sherman may be their way of letting each of the three veterans know they want them back but only on very short term deals.
That essentially puts the ball in their courts, so to speak.
Fans keep talking about who the yankees want to bring back. But the bigger question this off season may turn out to be what the players want and/or are willing to accept from the team rather than what the team wants.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the yanks basically told all three we want you back, we’d love to have you back but all we can do are one year deals.
For Pettitte that will likely work.
For Matsui, given the flood of DH types on the market that might also work.
For Damon – that’s a more complicated question.
So in the end this really might get down much more to the players than the team in many respects.
@Betsy, I’m not sure it’s about not being able to enjoy the WS win…lots of people here (including me who doesn’t post often but reads this blog several times a day) are pretty addicted to baseball so, even when the season is done, your thoughts stay on baseball and you’re now thinking about “well, what can we do next so we can win another WS in 2010?” It’s tough to just sit back and enjoy the WS win without thinking about next season. Lots of us can’t wait for pitchers and catchers to report in February!
CB-loved your analysis of Sherman’s article. I was happy when I saw it this morning, because I want all three players back.
I would think Pettitte and Matsui would readily accept one year deals. I think Boras might be the one to come between Damon and the Yankees. From what I’ve heard, Damon really wants to come back, but I can see Boras making things interesting.
The Daily News has an article on the post-season depression YAnkee fans are experiencing.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....now_w.html
came across this of Damon, The Giambino sent him a congratulatory gift
http://www.tmz.com/2009/11/10/.....ees-shirt/
CD
November 10th, 2009 at 11:10 am
The Daily News has an article on the post-season depression YAnkee fans are experiencing.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo…..now_w.html
____________________________________________________________
Oh good so its not just me….
True on Damon being the least likely to accept a 1year deal as Abreu has already gotten a 2 year deal and has similar production.
Albeit age and Damon’s gimpy calves weigh slightly against that.
Hopefully your assumptions are correct CB. I’d love to have all 3 of those guys back.
Why does everyone assume debate over trades, FA, Joba’s role and the like is stressing or worrying. If you’re a baseball fan that’s what you do.
Nothing is likely to happen today, so either we look back or we look ahead. I’m not a “bask in the glow” guy. I enjoyed the W.S. win as much as anyone could from a distance. I popped my own champagne and such.
But once the parade was over I was ready to look ahead. As long as Milton Bradley isn’t in the Yankees future, that is.
Ok, before everyone goes nuts about the offseason, remember this. We are very lucky to be fans of the Yankees. The Knicks, Giants, Rangers are all stinking it up. Who cares about the Jets, Nets, Mets and Islanders.
Just think 3 weeks ago we were so nervous about the playoffs. And now we are world champions!!
This study shows how much happiness the Yankees give fans in the NYC area:
http://silentarchimedes.wordpr.....t-25-years
I’d like Damon back, but if a deal can’t be worked out, what about Mike Cameron? He’s a free agent, had a good year and an outfield of Melky (or Gardy), Cameron and Swisher would be an excellent defensive outfield.
“But once the parade was over I was ready to look ahead. As long as Milton Bradley isn’t in the Yankees future, that is.”
LOL
In my experience, now I can go back and watch the games. I am watching the Game 1 WS right now, and I can actually watch the pregame stuff. Pregame FOX for Gm 1 was not too bad. I cannot wait to hear Tim and Joe laugh about the ease with which Cliff Lee dominated us (of course with the help of the HP umpire)
Mike Cameron, that brings me back to the winter of 2008. Deja vu all over again.
Hey, I’m new here
this is a great way to keep up with all the Yankee news. I don’t know if you guys have seen MLBtraderumors is predicting the Yankees to sign Lackey. What are your thought on that.
Thanks, CB. Excellent thoughts.
At the risk of offending Damon fans (you know who you are!), a 1 yr. deal (2 years max) is the right thing to do.
I got blasted for saying Damon’s hasn’t been so sturdy. And it got thrown back at me that he’s had so many seasons of this and that. And it’s been true for the most part. He was an iron man his whole career who never hit the DL until 2 years ago. But the truth is that his legs have betrayed him in the past year or so.
Anyway, I love Damon, but am not excited about signing him to a multi-year deal which he clearly deserves.
Pettitte and Matsui would have no problems signing 1 year deals for a reasonable price. And being that they (and Damon of course) were key contributors in the ‘09 WS run, I would hope that the Yankees would be at the very least reasonable (more guaranteed $$ for Pettitte this time around, Cash
)
There’s a significant discussion on acquiring Milton Bradley.
If ya gonna go that route, why not bypass Bradley and go straight for Barry Bonds. He could hit 75 homers with the short left field porch.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/whitesox/BarryBonds.jpg
Bonds would be a superstar in NYC, just check out his photo.
“I’d like Damon back, but if a deal can’t be worked out, what about Mike Cameron? He’s a free agent, had a good year and an outfield of Melky (or Gardy), Cameron and Swisher would be an excellent defensive outfield.”
I’ve been thinking about this same idea. In fact, one could make the argument that the Yankees would be better off with Cameron than Damon. Especially if the choice comes downt to Cameron on a 1-yr deal and Damon on a 2-yr deal. Past rumors about the Yankees’ interest in Cameron give me hope they may finally end up snagging him.
Yanksfansinceyear0 —
Hey, I’m new here
this is a great way to keep up with all the Yankee news. I don’t know if you guys have seen MLBtraderumors is predicting the Yankees to sign Lackey. What are your thought on that.
-its a strong possiblitly.
If all 3 are willing to come back on the Yankees’ terms-perhaps one year deals with options for a 2nd year in the cases of Damon/Matsui, just a straight one year deal for Andy-then I say go for it. If it doesn’t work out again in 2010, the team can re-adjust midseason and/or look to 2011 for the Carl Crawfords of the world (and hopefully Action Jackson is ready to play every day at that point, as well).
Yanksfan,
Welcome!
I think the conscensus is that Lackey would be a great signing. A solid pitcher to bolster an incomplete rotation.
But I think the majority feels that the Yankees won’t commit to another long-term pitching contract at this time.
Patrick-
Obviously you dont just look at RBIs and Runs when you look at stats. I was just using two as an example. Find me one stat of Milton Bradleys that he has excelled in throughout his career. In fact we can argue that his 1 year in Texas actually is the reason why he put up those decent numbers in 2008. Or maybe because he was finally motivated because of a contract year. There is NO WAY Cashman even “kicks the tires” on this guy.
*concensus
“Find me one stat of Milton Bradleys that he has excelled in throughout his career.”
OBP
“There is NO WAY Cashman even “kicks the tires” on this guy.”
There is NO WAY you can know this for sure. Cash goes after talented players and Bradley is talented. We’ll see what happens.
NYY626
I hope you are still around. Apparently Lord & Taylor is doing a charity thing all day. So it might cost $500 to get Tino’s auto. You might want to call before going up there.
The good thing to keep in mind is that there are a number of options for available outfield bats this offseason, all that have been discussed over the last few days. That is at least reassuring because last offseason there was not much in the way of outfield talent flooding the marketplace, hence the ongoing discussions of trades involving Cameron, Matt Kemp, various other OFers.
This year there are a lot of guys available that make more sense for the Yankees, and won’t cost an arm and a leg. I am personally inclined to try to make it work on very short terms with Damon and Matsui, but if it doesn’t work out in either case, go after someone like Dye or Hawpe to split time between DH and LF.
I would give Damon a two year deal with the view that he would be DHing a lot in year two. By the second year Jackson would be ready(if he will ever be) or Crawford and others would likely be free agents.
Cameron in center and Melky in left would certainly improve the defense, but Cameron’s offense is a big drop from Damon’s that can’t be made up defensively. In other words, it is an option, but the team will not be as good if they go that direction. If Damon and Boras require three years then it’s time to move in another direction. But, who would give Damon three years. The Yankees were considered to be foolish with Damon’s last contract length when he was 32.
Chad-
You should see if there is away to post a question with a poll on this site the same way sportsline and espn have.
Ex: Who would you rather have on the Yankess in 2010
A. Johnny Damon
B. Milton Bradley
Talk to your computer tech guy see if its a possibility.
It would be alot of fun.
Thanks and great job!
stop Toying around with the Milton Bradley ideas, will ya?!
M, when I use “B”, that’s my worry mode; lower case “b” is my optimisitic mode, lol. I don’t want to be a pollyanna and make it out like the Yankees don’t have questions – every team does. I don’t know who said this, but I’ve always believed it: If you stand pat, you are losing ground (or something to that effect). I just don’t see a whole lot to get concerned about. Of course, it’s always good to be prepared and as the Yankeees are an older team, they need to be. It’s a tough chore for Cash and I don’t envy him. He needs to (and wants to) get younger and more athletic, but how does he do so? When AJax is ready (hopefully by next year), that will help. Still, even if Damon and Matsui return, it won’t be forever – the OF is probably the biggest issue. Our infield is set, we have Montero and a boatload of promising catchers……Things are looking good.
I am confident, or as confident as one can be with no facts, that Bradley will not be considered. After all the talk about the value of the good clubhouse this year, do you really think they will bring in the guy with the worst reputation in baseball?
$165M is committed to the following players for 2010:
-CC
-AJ
-Mo
-Marte
-Posada
-Tex
-Cano
-Alex
-Jeter
-Swisher
http://spreadsheets.google.com.....utput=html
It’ll be interesting to see where Cashman pinches to get it under control.
CB, I completely agree. I know Damon and Matsui want to come back, but they won’t be able to do so on their terms. The Yankees have to think about life without them (in the future) and are preparing as such. We’ll see how much these guys really want to come back; the Yankees won’t lowball them – they will make them representative offers.
Will, that’s true….and it’s better than sitting around talking football, lol. I can’t stand not reading about baseball in the papers….though I am enjoying the time off. I’ve nothing to worry about now, lol
Erin, Damon is Boras’ boss, so not to worry. If Damon is not back, it’s because he didn’t want to be back at the Yankees price, not because Boras “forced” him into anything.
austinmac,
The only problem with that scenario (one of a couple actually) is how much catching will Jorge be doing in 2011 (last season of contract)? There’s been talk of having him DH more.
I agree that Matsui can be brought back on a 1 year deal and of course Andy can as well.
For Damon I wonder if he would be willing to do a 1 year deal with a team option for a 2nd year at Abreu numbers. I would even consider a 2 year deal for him with a 3rd year team option. Matsui/Damon are no brainers, Andy wants to give it 1 more year, I say bring them all back!
I really think that if the Yankees are going to make any moves it will be for second or third level guys:
Starters:
Kelvim Escobar
Justin Duchscher
Relief Pitchers:
None – I think they’ll be content to use the guys they have and augment from the system. I think Cashman is done shelling out big money for relief pitchers
Position Players:
Marlon Byrd
Aubrey Huff
Maybe, MAYBE Griffey Jr.
If Matsui and Damon both left they could go this route – of the three the most interesting would be Junior who obviously isn’t the player he once was but could play once in a while in the field and mostly at DH and has a swing that is perfect for the stadium. Would he take a 1 year deal with a low base to try and win a title before he retires? Who knows.
Patrick-
Again 2008 ok .448 OBP. Very good but other than 2008 he has been over .400 once in his career. In 2007 .402 and that was in only 209 ABs. Sorry Milton Bradley doesnt EXCEL in OBP. over his career.
I also tend to forget that Cash is allowed to make trades, lol. I always think of FAs, but Cash pulled off the Swish trade in the off-season. That’s when he’s going to have to do his damage – no teams will ever help the Yankees at the trade deadline (no better example than last year).
Forget Griffey. Even if he was good, he hates the Yankees – has hated them since he was a kid.
Chip -
I can’t see the Yanks landing Kelvim Escobar or Justin Duchscher. We have Gaudin and Mitre that can give the same output.
I do like Byrd alot. Can play CF or RF . but thats only if Damon doesn’t sign.
besides which, he’s lost a lot of bat speed.
byrd is interesting. gb is really high on the byrds.
The best solution for a fifth starter is inhouse. I’m telling you, Aceves can do it. And for less than a half million dollars! haha.
This is the last time I will ever type the words Milton Bradley!!! MILTON BRADLEY WILL NOT BE PLAYING FOR THE YANKEES.
Betsy,
I don’t think that last year’s trade deadline says anything other than that the Yankees were looking for minor upgrades. I mean going into the trade deadline they could have stood pat and been fine, a spot starter like Gaudin and a utility guy like Hairston were gravy.
I think this winter if Cashman wants to make trades they’ll be there for him to make. Teams are going to want to move quickly to unload arbitration ready players rather than non-tendering them(Dan Uggla, Jorge Cantu, John Buck, Kelly Shoppach) guys of that ilk. Probably wouldn’t cost the Yankees too much – look what the Red Sox gave up for Jeremy Hermida.
Haha. Griffey now.. Let’s see if Bernie can still play. How bout Sammy or bonds. They aren’t retired are they
From everything I’ve read, Pettitte prefers 1 year deals at this stage, so getting him back shouldn’t be a problem. Matsui probably can’t get more than a 1-year deal from anyone; from a PR standpoint he’s probably worth more to the Yankees than to anyone else. And even in the glut of DH’s this winter I’m not sure I like any of the others better.
The situation with Damon is trickier. I might consider offering him a 2 year deal if I couldn’t get him to accept a 1 year deal — but I also expect Austin Jackson to be in NY in 2011, and where does that leave Johnny?
I expect that the Yankees are aiming for a lot of one-year contracts because the kids who spent 2009 in Trenton and SWB will be making things very crowded at the big league level in spring 2011.
OMG, looking at that picture of Damon, who is positively ripped, and I made the mistake of clicking on the cookie crumb “talk sports” and found a picture of Sharapova and Sasha Vujacic. I guess she didn’t get the memo that he’s a total loser. lol, I’m kind of impressed, Sasha.
Imgaine Byrd in LF.. he be a cult hero.. i could see the Yankee fans flapping there arms like a bird !. Besides he’s got some pop. a dirtdog .and great club house guy.
I can’t see the Yankees not signing Matt Holliday..he’s 30..Cameron much older. forget Bradley. Damon either comes for one year or adios.. same for Matsui..the Yanks have to get younger at some point.I think Pettite is a more of the key signing..takes pressure off not to sign lackey for 14/15million. I think Lackey is going to use the Yankees to bid up the Angels and stay there. Don’t you think?
jennifer
November 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
NYY626
I hope you are still around. Apparently Lord & Taylor is doing a charity thing all day. So it might cost $500 to get Tino’s auto. You might want to call before going up there.
____________________________________________________________
Thanks for the info jennifer! I told my friend about this and she pretty much burst into tears of happiness, so we’re going to go and try and catch a glimpse of him. I don’t care so much about the autograph….
MR.OCTOBER
November 10th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Chad-
You should see if there is away to post a question with a poll on this site the same way sportsline and espn have.
Ex: Who would you rather have on the Yankess in 2010
A. Johnny Damon
B. Milton Bradley
************
You were joking with that poll right???? hahahahaha funny
Mike –
I get the impression after this post-season that the Yankees would prefer to have one more veteran starter on the team. Gaudin is what he is – which is basically a slightly better Aceves. Mitre is garbage. I think Escobar is a low risk, high reward type of player. He doesn’t require draft pick compensation and would probably sign for a low base with incentives to prove that he’s healthy.
As for Byrd – yeah, signing him would be a fall back if Johnny left.
Betsy -
That stuff with Junior hating the Yankees was a long time ago. I’m just wondering out-loud if he would want to come on for a low salary with the idea of getting a ring before he walks away.
As I said, he’s not the player he once was, but he has a swing that would be perfect in this park and certainly if Matsui and Damon left he would bring some left handed pop back to the lineup.
Patrick -
I don’t know why you’ve gotten yourself so invested in a guy who’s maybe got some talent, but’s also got an awful lot of baggage.
Fact is no one KNOWS for sure what Cashman is thinking or would ever think about Bradley.
But, do you really, really think he is a player that deserves the amount of time you’ve spent defending signing? I think this has become more a matter of honor for you.
I don’t think you expected the idea to be shot down quite so hard as it was.
If you want an OF that throws the ball into the crowd with runners on base and only 2 out, then Bradley is your man.
Here’s my fear. The Yankees stand on the sidelines this offseason and let the red sox pass them waiting on next years better free agent class and the kids to develop. This team isn’t getting any younger.
“If you want an OF that throws the ball into the crowd with runners on base and only 2 out, then Bradley is your man.”
Isn’t Johnny Damon also your man, in this instance?
m -
Do you mean “ripped” as in three-sheets to the wind? If so, the Mrs. also looked quite ripped.
There is no such thing as private time anymore.
How did your ciabatta (ciabattina?) come out?
“Here’s my fear. The Yankees stand on the sidelines this offseason and let the red sox pass them waiting on next years better free agent class and the kids to develop. This team isn’t getting any younger.”
What are the Red Sox going to do to pass the Yankees? All their prospects are overhyped, their team is collectively older and has more question marks than the Yankees’, and if they manage to land some big player through a trade they will be fore-fitting a chunk of their supposed invaluable young, cheap “depth”. It is not going to happen over one offseason where the Sox run ahead of the Yankees. Both teams have questions, but the Yankees have fewer and should still be better in 2010.
So, new poll question?
Which OF would you rather throw the ball into the crowd with two outs?
-Johnny Damon
-”I’m not that” Milton Bradley
Does anyone know if Juan Miranda can still play the outfield? I know he has played it in the past. Im just not sure what he is like out there. I have personally only seen him play first. The guy can flat out hit. He has hit a ton at every level so far. Maybe if he can give play rf or lf he can have a chance to produce in the big leagues. Cabrera Swisher Damon DH/LF (1 yr deal) with Miranda getting a handful of starts when Johnny DHs or Swisher rests etc.
What a difference from this year and last year. Last year was panic time, where something had to be done. This year, not so much.
I said it at the time, but Cashman’s spending spree last year made sense on two levels. CC and Tex were one of a kind free agents who only come around every 5 to 10 years at their positions. The fact that they were on the market at the same time meant little b/c of their elite class. The second reason it was great spending is that we only got hit once for a 1st round compensation pick. If we passed on Tex and splurged on Holiday or Bay this year, then we would lose another first rounder. And the cherry on the cake is that we had out own compensation 1st round pick last year allowing to get Slade Heathcott (even though he grew up a Red Sox fan).
Andrew
November 10th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
“If you want an OF that throws the ball into the crowd with runners on base and only 2 out, then Bradley is your man.”
Isn’t Johnny Damon also your man, in this instance?
*****
I do not recall Johnny doing that… at least not recently
Doreen,
Unusual. Several things. First, my daughter made the first batch and it was much more rustic than mine (which were smooth like a true dinner roll).
Second, I was in a rush so I didn’t give it the full two hours to rise.
But the flavor was delicioso!
So, I think I’ll try it again, but maybe rise the individual rolls on the cornmeal-lined parchment and then flip onto the baking stone. I’m convinced that ripping the rolls off the wax paper is partly responsible for the “rustic” crust.
“Here’s my fear. The Yankees stand on the sidelines this offseason and let the red sox pass them waiting on next years better free agent class and the kids to develop. This team isn’t getting any younger.”
You fearing the Red Sox, no way.
Blake -
Top 3 FA pitchers on the market this year: Lackey, Harden, Bedard
Top 3 FA pitchers on the market next year: Halladay, Beckett, Lee
Top 2 position players on the market this year: Holliday, Bay
Top 2 position players on the market next year: Crawford, Mauer
That’s what Cashman is looking at.
Do any of you wonder whether the Yankees will consider trading Melky Cabrera so that they can open up a spot in the OF for Jackson?
I tend to doubt they’ll do this until they know whether Jackson is worth anything at the major league level, but they do need to create an opportunity to show his value, perhaps on a part time basis. 4th outfielder in 2010?
Alternatively, they could always shop Melky in a package to bring back a better CF, but I don’t know who’d fit that bill and who would have to be packaged with the Melkman.
I’ve grown to like Melky and wonder what his ceiling is at this point…
M,
My thought was that if Matsui signs for one year then Posada could be the DH in 2011 or share it with Damon with Damon and Posada playing 1/3 to 1/2 of the games in the field. Somehow, being overly deep never ends up being a problem(Nady/Swisher for example).
Doreen,
You’re pretty sharp.
Erica-
I was serious about the poll but not really serious about Johnny or the other guy.(I already posted that I will never mention his name again so I will just call him the other guy)
The choice for me is OBVIOUS (JD) but for a few in here they seem to disagree. I spent half the morning arguing for JD and now I finally gave up. I guess some people really think “the other guy is a great player that would be a great fit on the Yankees.
austinmac,
Good thoughts. And with a team this old someone will always be nicked up.
I hope, though, that we can get a 40 HR type of DH one day. Is that asking for too much?
Here’s how they pass them. They obtain halladay or lackey and sign Adrian Gonzalez. Then the Yankees let one of damon or matsui go and don’t replace them. They are passed if that happens. Even if pettite comes back you never know when the end comes for older players. It can come quickly. I know that’s a lot of ifs but this isn’t a time to be content especially with the pitching staff
Erica: http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....damon.html
He didn’t actually complete the throw, but I would say he was 3/4ths of the way there.
I don’t think the Yankees are shopping players. They’re not in that position. I think the Yankees are surveying the market, seeing what’s available and THEN they look into what it might take to get a particular player. So, while they may entertain a trade that requires Melky as a part, I don’t think they’re shopping him (looking to trade him).
blake, Adrian Gonazlez is not a free agent and would require a trade. Hernandez is not going to get traded, and I would bet against Jed Hoyer’s first move as GM of the Padres being trading Adrian Gonzalez back to the team he just worked for. The Red Sox getting Hallady requires most likely trading Buccholz, and thus subtracting a starter they need for 2010. And then they would also need to sign Halladay to a big contract. So yeah, I’m sure those scenarios will all take place, and the Yankees won’t improve at all. Keep the optimism coming.
They can’t get Halladay AND Gonzalez. No way, not enough ammo. Don’t believe the hype about the Sox farm system.
They need to upgrade at SS. They need to fill out LF. They need to keep Drew healthy. They need a guy who can actually play catcher. They need to figure out how to keep Ortiz playing well while testing clean.
Granted the Sox made the playoffs with all these issues, and they will be quite formidable with one or any of Halladay, Hernandez (as if), or Gonzalez.
But we’re not going to fall of the face of the earth. This team is pretty much intact.
We all have the worries that the pitching staff won’t hold up or the core guys won’t be healthy, we just don’t express them here.
Chip I understand that. I do. But what happens of by that point jeter and Rivera have declined posada and pettite have retired etc.. Then it won’t matter because new holes have opened up. All I am saying is that this isn’t five years ago where they had time to wait on things. They have a an aging core that has closing window where they will be as effective as they are now
Trust in Cashman.
Gonzalez is not going to the red sox (why do people still talk about this?). He is cost effective for the next 2 season, why would the Padres trade by far their best asset, it make no sense at all, especially considering he is their team and they can still afford him, again for 2 more seasons. Not to mention with their new GM coming from the sox they would have to literally overpay to get him because of the potential scrutiny with a new GM making a deal with his old team. Not happening!
Doreen,
Ya, probably not.
As someone wrote earlier, its not exactly a bad thing to have depth.
I hope Jackson makes the 25 man roster going into 2010 and that we resign Damon on a one or two year contract.
That puts Damon, Melky, and Swisher in the OF with Jackson as the 4th OF and Gardner (if he makes the team) as our speed off the bench.
MikeBoston,
They’d trade Gonzalez to bring in younger talent, especially while AGon’s going into his prime.
In a perfect world they’d hang on to him and build around him, but San Diego is so awful and in rebuilding mode right now that I think they know that when he does become a Free Agent, he’s not going to stick around San Diego nor will they try to convince him.
Maybe he doesn’t get dealt in the offseason, but I bet he’s wearing a new uniform by next July.
Mr October,
Say what you want about Bradley’s emotional problems, injury problems, etc but you cannot tell me he doesn’t excel at getting on base. He has a career OBP of .371 which is really pretty excellent.
Doreen,
I hear what you’re saying and you are kind of right. I did not expect the reaction I got. To be honest, if you look at my original suggestion I didn’t even say the Yankees should sign Bradley. I simply posted it as an idea to think about. People were talking about Soriano and I mentioned Bradley as an alternative.
I don’t mind people shooting my ideas down but as you said we don’t know what’s in Cashman’s head. Many here said flat out that he would never consider Bradley because of the guy is crazy. I find that to be absurd, nobody knows what Cashman is thinking and he’s shown in the past that he will consider anyone if it helps the team win.
I’m cool with someone disagreeing with the trade for Bradley but don’t presume to know with certainty that it would never happen. Tell me about his bad personality, injury history, etc and I’ll tell you about the high level of talent he has. Don’t tell me you know that Cashman will ignore him because he’s a crazy dude.
If Damon and Matsui leave here are some interesting names to consider as potential replacements for LH power:
Hank Blaylock – Mostly a DH he can still slug
Griffey Jr. – As noted above, he can play RF a bit and has a great swing for Yankee Stadium – would probably require a very low base if he wants to come on for a championship ride.
Rick Ankiel – Above average defense – strikes out a lot but hits for plenty of power.
Randy Winn – not a power option, but a good LF who would be a perfect number 2 hitter behind Jeter if Damon goes.
And if you don’t care about left handed:
Do you take a chance on Andruw Jones on a small deal?
For the record. I’m not trying to be pessimistic. I just want to keep the train rolling and don’t want to see championships left on the table when they are in position to win a couple in the next few years
whoa – new post’s been up an HOUR with no comments!! (unless that is Central time)
Once again, CB talks logic. Given the age of the players in question (Damon, Matsui, Pettitte) one year deals, only, is what makes sense from the team’s perspective. Flexibility is the key, not getting locked up in a multi-year deal to an over-the-hill player – and every athlete becomes that at one point, unless you’re Mike Mussina who gets out with something left in the tank.
Just like with the thinking with CC and Tex signings, you look at the big picture, not just what’s the landscape short term.
I don’t think they make a deal for an OF this offseason, unless it’s for a Matt Kemp, for example. I’m not that impressed with either Bay or Holliday to pay what, in terms of dollars and years, they likely will get. Why give up chips for a second tier OF, when you already have that – Melky, Gardner, Damon, Swish, even Nady. And they don’t want to block Austin Jackson.
And I wouldn’t get caught up in what Scott Boras wants for Damon. It’s what Damon wants for Damon. He doesn’t want to be taken, but if it’s a what he feels is fair, then they’ll get it done. And it’s in Cash’s interest to get it done, also, to both lock up the talent, and to show other FAs to be that the Yanks treat players fairly. I’d think that counts for something. That’s the only reason why he spoke the way he did about Pavano.
Soriano? Milton Bradley? Griffey Jr?
Is this LoHud Blog 2002?
Some people just can’t admit when they’re POV in an argument if flawed and probably ill-advised.
Blake –
If Posada and Andy retire after next season you replace them – Mauer and Victor Martinez will both be FA catchers (also Montero and Romaine will likely be ready to contribute) Andy can be replaced too.
If Jeter and Mo falter, they falter – the Yankees aren’t going to sign a FA ss and closer this year anyway.
I would be fine with the team moving on from Damon and Matsui, but I don’t see any reason for Cashman to overpay for a mediocre guy simply because he’s the best of a bad market – I would rather he go after a couple of the second or third level guys who won’t cost a fortune or require a long term deal.
Luxury tax for 2010 is 40% of every dollar above 170M.
According to m, 165M is already committed to 10 players.
Apparently in last nights threads Lackey does not like New York, per poster Dr. Cox.
Attached at the end is a list of potential 2011 FA’s with Carl Crawford and Jason Werth at the top of the outfielder list.
IMHO, the Yankees will not commit $$$$ to another long term contract on a player aged 30 or more, so forget about Holliday, Lackey, Halladay, Bay. Likely to look at players not offered arbitration and therefore nontendered.
Remember, Cameron , Byrd, are righties and if Matsui and Damon are not back, we are losing 50 homers from lefties for 81 games in our short right field porch.
Predict Pettitte will sign 8-9M with incentives to reach 12-13M. If Pettitte retires, IMO we could really use another lefty starter.
Matsui will come back on a one year 8-9M contract, and Damon will be offered some sort of 2 year contract. If Damon doesn’t come back, who hits in the two hole??
Just my humble opinions.
Thoughts??
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.c.....-2011.html
Yes one year deals to Andy matsui and Damon make a lot of sense. The problem with that is that Damon won’t take a one year deaL. Therefore you have no lf and anyone you sign short of holliday or bay is a downgrade offensively from damon.
“Some people just can’t admit when they’re POV in an argument if flawed and probably ill-advised.”
And some people just can’t realize when they are being arrogant and condescending leading to a complete loss of credibility.
“And some people just can’t realize when they are being arrogant and condescending leading to a complete loss of credibility.”
You should know about having a loss of credibility.
“You should know about having a loss of credibility.”
Look craw, I don’t know why you have a bug up your ass when it comes to me but I’ve tried to explain my point of view several times. You are just taking potshots at me rather then offer anything of value to the conversation. As far as I’m concerned you are just a troll and I’m sick of your crap.
“Look craw, I don’t know why you have a bug up your ass when it comes to me but I’ve tried to explain my point of view several times. You are just taking potshots at me rather then offer anything of value to the conversation. As far as I’m concerned you are just a troll and I’m sick of your crap.”
Actually, I’m sick of your crap because you can’t admit when you’re wrong or better yet, when you should probably reevaluate your position without digging yourself a deeper hole.
“Actually, I’m sick of your crap because you can’t admit when you’re wrong or better yet, when you should probably reevaluate your position without digging yourself a deeper hole.”
I would admit I’m wrong and reevaluate my position if you or anyone else had shown some kind of evidence showing that I’m incorrect. Instead you are all simply saying that Cashman would never do it and that Bradley will never be a Yankee. Prove your point, show me why.
Remember, Cameron , Byrd, are righties and if Matsui and Damon are not back, we are losing 50 homers from lefties for 81 games in our short right field porch.
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BALLPARK FACTOR.
Thank you.
Mind the snark, Chad.
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