Chapman won’t come cheap, might not come straight to the big leagues
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The Associated Press talked to Aroldis Chapman on Thursday, and although there are few surprises in the resulting article, a few things did stand out.
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.” His agent called him a “once-every-40-years player.” The article mentions figures between $15 million and $50 million. It’s hard to be shocked by such things these days, but Chapman is going to be really expensive. He might be worth it if that golden left arm finds the strike zone enough, but that’s going to be a high-dollar risk for some team.
The article also once again confirms that Chapman was at Yankee Stadium for Game 6 of the ALCS. It also quotes Chapman saying he doesn’t believe the major leagues will present any significant problems, but Chapman goes on to say, “If a team wants me to go to the minors to get ready and prepare, that’s what I’m going to do and I will show that I should be pitching in the major leagues.”
I can’t imagine the Yankees signing Chapman with plans to put him immediately into the big league rotation — that plan didn’t work so well with Kei Igawa — but for that sort of money, they’re going to expect him to advance to New York very quickly and be very good when he gets there.
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Sam Borden
Josh Thomson
Oy vey…..the guy already thinks he’s a star.
CR9
November 13th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
roger
Because a team cannot and does not rest on its laurels because it won the World Series. They try to make their team better any way they can. If you have to give up something to get something, then so be it.
The best example I can use, the Yankees traded away David Wells prior to 1999 after winning in 1998. Why? They got one of the greatest pitchers in the history of baseball, and nearly won 3 more WS in a row.
Chapman should probably go to a team that can afford to siwng and miss.
Chapman will probably get a deal along the lines of what Jose Contreras got from NY.
If the Yankees give it to him, fine, I think this team is smart enough (and deep enough) to not rush him to the majors just to justify the deal.
pass
Still seeing too many red flags with this guy. “Raw”??
$50 million based on potential? Even Strasburg had college competition to lean on – this guy?
This could be a cross between Jose Contreras, Kei Igawa & Hideki Irabu.
Not good.
Good one Nick-
I wouldnt mind the money spent, especially with Nardi Contreras getting to work with him. Although, i’ve seen quite a few “golden” armed south paws that could throw 100mph but not hit the strikezone to save their life fail miserably in every league they’ve been in, including the Independent ones.
Chapman in pinstripes. Book it!
Or… bank on Chad Gaudin?
http://johnsterling.blogspot.c.....-post.html
I’d definitely send Jackson in a trade for Granderson. Think about it, what is Jackson’s ceiling? Will he ever be as good as Granderson?
I’d actually say that Granderson is a good comp for Jackson (except the severe splits Granderson has). If Jackson plays to his potential he will eventually be as good as Granderson. This is not a guarantee and probably will never happen. I say, trade up and get that guy today, not in 3 years.
————————————————–
post of the day. 100%
personally, my top offer to Detroit would be AJax and Joba. Am biased cuz Curtis Granderson is my fave non-NYY player (Ichiro being the other). However, the main factor is the Yankees have not have a 5-tool outfielder since Bernie Williams in 2000, and would like the Yankees to have one. Curtis Granderson had 22 triples 2 years ago!
Vinny B
All due respect – but based on that post I’m thrilled you’re not the GM of the Yankees.
Nick in SF
November 13th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Chapman in pinstripes. Book it!
Spoken like the riverboat gambler you are.
too big a risk for my blood.
Sign Chapman.
Sign Pettitte.
Trade for Granderson for CF.
Move Melky to LF.
Sign Nady to DH.
I estimate the cost of the above transactions @ 30 mil per season. The Yankees would have some extra room to sign someone like Rafael Soriano for the pen.
Bru
I’m not talking about losing matsui,damon en pettite and not getting someone back.I’m just saying that I don’t think the yankees should give up top prospects for big trades because they already are world champions with this team.
I would always try to keep a championship team together
CR9
This free agent stuff worked pretty good for the yankees last year didn;t it…?why trade top prospects like a-jax then?
Uncle Ellsworth, what is the risk? It’s just money. No draft picks, no players, just money. That’s the one thing they have lots of. If there’s anyplace to take advantage of the Yanks’ financial muscle, isn’t this the place?
Vinny B
All due respect – but based on that post I’m thrilled you’re not the GM of the Yankees
—————————–
it’s all good : )
Erica – always OPPC
November 13th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Nick in SF
November 13th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Sometimes we have to leave pretend behind.
******
Thats very deep Nick. Very deep
Our internet Gestapo just arrived. I told him to please visit me when he had a chance so we could figure out a bribery plan so I can resume my posting activities…..
Nick in SF
November 13th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Uncle Ellsworth, what is the risk? It’s just money. No draft picks, no players, just money. That’s the one thing they have lots of. If there’s anyplace to take advantage of the Yanks’ financial muscle, isn’t this the place?
true true-
Chapman i doubt will get Contraras $ (4yrs/34mil) as the economic climate has changed dramatically…remember Boras 3 months ago saying strasburg should get Dice-K $? Chapman will get slightly more than Strasburg because 3 or 4 teams will be in it..i think it ends up being 5yrs/25mil and the Yanks get him..if you really think about his market right now only 2-3 teams could right a check right now us,Boston and the Angels….
Boston-Beckett’s FA next year and holes in their lineup..plus i think internally they feel that Dice-K hasn’t been a great investment overall and maybe gunshy ofter giving Iglesius $9 mil and realizing that he’s Rey Ordonez..
LA-they don’t seem motivated to write big checks right now…letting Lackey walk, Figgins? need to concentrate on offense not future pitching?
Mets-Bernie “madoff” with all their $…
Yanks-We can right the check and wait up til 2 yrs as we really won’t have the need for him until 2011 at the earliest assuming we bring Andy back. I think we sign him and send him to Trenton to start off and if he’s dominant he moves up with Montero to SWB second half of next season.
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
————————-
Does this bother anyone else or is it just me?
roger
Prospects should be traded if the deal is right, because prospects are just that, prospects. They have never proven anything in the major leagues.
I probably would not want to give up Jackson for CG, a guy who should only face RHP. I would however, give up Jackson in the right deal for Roy Halladay.
I think the CF FA market of 2011 is good. I might be wrong.
Btw still very upset that an article of a Austrian newspaper made this blog and not a Dutch one…I mean come on!
We’re all so stung by the Igawa signing I think a lot of us are automatically skeptical of Chapman.
That said, Igawa was a reflex move to a Dice K signing. He was never touted to be this good and didn’t have every team in the majors trying to meet with him.
I would spend the money on this kind of arm. It’s just money. It’s no players. We don’t lose a draft choice by signing him.
I know the money will bother a lot of people and think it will put pressure on the player, but he’s going to get crazy money no matter what. If it’s not from us, someone is going to give it to him. He’s going to have pressure wherever he lands.
LH power arms like this are rare so you sign him and hope your coaching staff prepares him for the big leagues.
If Chapman thinks he’s getting a personal catcher he can just go back to Cuba.
GGBG (WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!)
November 13th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
————————-
Does this bother anyone else or is it just me?
me.
Save the Money on Chapman and Sign Lackey. At least you know what your getting! . .
could also be a combo of El duque and Randy Johnson and he’s a legit 21yrs old
roger(live from Amsterdam)
November 13th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Btw still very upset that an article of a Austrian newspaper made this blog and not a Dutch one…I mean come on!
Roger send one to Chad – he’ll post it – I think
We would all Love to see it.
“Btw still very upset that an article of a Austrian newspaper made this blog and not a Dutch one…I mean come on!”
Look in the mirror, roger, the problem is you! The link to that Austrian article was sent to Chad — what have you sent????
Have the coffee shops dulled your LoHud contribution ethic??? Don’t be outhustled by an overachiever from Osterreich!
Mike RI:
Save the Money on Chapman and Sign Lackey. At least you know what your getting! . .
—————————————————-
Lackey’s going to get something like 3-4 times what Chapman will. That’s like saying “save the money on a bottled water so you can buy the $1000 bottle of wine instead!”
do we have to pay chapman’s agent just to begin talking to him, like $51.1 mill up front or something ?
Nick
haha I know.But still…Austria..!come on!I still think Arnold scharzenegger is behind this
but he..here it is!
http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1001/AD.....ries.dhtml
GGBG (WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!)
LOL Just sign Lackey. thats who i’d like the Yanks to go after
Granderson and Lackey
Cash has played this right the last 2-3 years as in i hold my prospects for the right deal but AJax for granderson isn’t that deal and i wouldn’t trade for Halladay when i can just sign him if i need him after next season and keep my pieces.
if i’m trading for Prince Fielder or Justin Upton or even Ethier or Kemp or even Grady Sizemore okay but Granderson who i like as a player but not for the packages you guys are talking about when his #’s are trending down and Detroit basically has to move him
I don’t care what people project him to be. I wouldn’t sign him especially for that much money. Look what happened with Jose and Kei, the two turned out to be huge busts in NY.
I like how you take the ‘good cop’ approach, Uncle Ellsworth. Either way, I don’t think roger wants to be shown up by a tricky Tyrolian.
Dutch
http://www.telegraaf.nl/telesp.....ies__.html
Nick in SF
November 13th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I like how you take the ‘good cop’ approach, Uncle Ellsworth. Either way, I don’t think roger wants to be shown up by a tricky Tyrolian.
I thought of going bad cop but I’m not good at it.
NOTE TO ALL
Here is my early prediction for 2010
jeter-ss
damon-lf
tex-1B
Arod-3B
Posada-C
Nady-RF/DH
Cano-2B
Swisher-RF/DH
Granderson-CF
1. CC
2. Lackey
3. AJ
4. Pettite
5. Wang/Hughes
Bullpen
1. Marte-L
2. Coke-L
3. Bruney-R
4. Robertson-R
Set-up
Joba
Closer
Rivera
NOTE TO ALL YANKS fans in Foreign Countries
please post links to papers of when Yanks won the WS with tranlation of course
CR9
Good job!you did your homework!Now try to translate it!haha
Reminds me of Alfonso Soriano!!
STAY AWAY…
Bench
Hairson Jr-UT
Cervilli-C
Austin Jackson-OF
Pena-UT
Gardner-OF
“Nadat Rivera de laatste man van de Phillies had uitgeworpen, barstte de vreugde los bij de Yankees.”
Exactly!
No I don’t!Tirol is a good place to ski.But the people…
GLove, I agree – the $$$ doesn’t bother me at all. The Yankees never get chances to draft arms like this, so you take the risk. If he doesn’t pan out, so be it…..but he might, and would you want to live with the regret? I don’t like that he’s all “blinged” out already, but so be it. The Yankees need to do this.
GGBG (WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!)
November 13th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
==============
It’s typical attire in Andorra.
I wouldn’t sweat it.
Yes the “bling” description bothers me as well. Other reports have described him as immature. Scout evaluations have described his fastball as electric, but secondary pitches as below average control as erratic. He will require headline money, but it also may be a year or 2 before he is MLB ready. We will be involved, but our desire to actually sign him may be influenced by the Red Sox. If it looks like he is heading to Boston, we may be inclined to buy him, if only to block our rival from getting stronger.
hope their international scouts are right on this one, if so go get ‘em. they were wrong on igawa.
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
Nothing wrong with that. No difference between that and Ivanka Trump buying a Ferrari for her 16th birthday.
“De honkballers van de New York Yankees”
I like this. Honkballers…
rl1856
November 13th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
Yes the “bling” description bothers me as well. Other reports have described him as immature. Scout evaluations have described his fastball as electric, but secondary pitches as below average control as erratic. He will require headline money, but it also may be a year or 2 before he is MLB ready. We will be involved, but our desire to actually sign him may be influenced by the Red Sox. If it looks like he is heading to Boston, we may be inclined to buy him, if only to block our rival from getting stronger.
———————————————————
I don’t remember hiring you as the new GM.
Of course Chapman will get what Contreras got – sure, the economy has changed…blah blah blah…but Contreras got that deal what – 6 years ago? Dice got 50 mil so this kid getting 4 years $32 mil is not that out of line.
2010 Roster… IMHO
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B Alex
C Jorge
DH Jermaine Dye — Can actually play the OF if you need it
RF Swish
2B Cano
CF Melk
SP
CC
AJ
Andy
Jobber
P. Hugh
Bench
Cervelli
Pena
Miranda
Gardy
BP
MO
D-ROB
Marte
Coke
Dunn
Melancon
Aceves/Kennedy
Joba lets it fly this year and becomes the Number 2 by seasons end….. my big prediction
It’s tax tree shopping in Andorra..Chapman is just enjoying his time there.Just be happy he’s not in Amsterdam..
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
————————-
Does this bother anyone else or is it just me?
__________________________________
Its written in a manner to bother you. If it was written that he was dressed well with a nice watch and earrings you would say so what. It bothering you was part of the intent of the writer.
Robby -
Austin Jackson will not be on the bench. If he’s on the 25 man roster he’s playing every day. If he’s not playing every day in the majors then he’s going to play every day in Scranton.
Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
——————————————————
And this is different from any other 21 yr old stud athlete from the USA how?
Chip November 13th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Of course Chapman will get what Contreras got – sure, the economy has changed…blah blah blah…but Contreras got that deal what – 6 years ago? Dice got 50 mil so this kid getting 4 years $32 mil is not that out of line.
=============================================
Dice? Andrew Dice Clay got $50 million??? For what??
“It’s tax tree shopping in Andorra”
Does that include Christmas trees???
What’s the tree tax in Holland? Worth the trip?
Good job Stutltus.Baseball is in dutch ‘honkbal’
I don’t like that he’s all “blinged” out already, but so be it.
_______________
So you know exactly what he was “blinged out” with? Was it a rapper type necklace? Or was it a chain?
I’ve hear people use this term bling for a single gold chain to Mr. T type neckwear. This shows the power of words over those so willing to accept one person’s words.
Chip—good point….
jennifer
November 13th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
I don’t care what people project him to be. I wouldn’t sign him especially for that much money. Look what happened with Jose and Kei, the two turned out to be huge busts in NY.
==========================================================
So by that logic we should never sign another international free agent pitcher? Good call!
Jeter leaves Yankees for La La Land
http://dlisted.com/node/34806
cashman will look over everything & make decisions
he will talk to his managers & scouts & go from there
i see a few trades coming or us signing bay or holliday if damon does not come back
damon at 10-13 million a year or bay/holliday 14-16 million with a better defense & younger while trading no prospects
cash will have to decide if he wants to just spend or trade for a player or players maybe both
he also has to decide if he wants to stick with joba,hughes,kennedy,gaudin,mitre
that is a lot of pitchers
we can sign bay or holliday,pettitte,matsui & lower payroll slightly
then trade for a pitcher
i think we trade joba/hughes only if the right younger player comes to ny
i can see some of the lesser prospects being traded for our needs also
i just cant see trading any top prospects unless it is for king felix or kemp type player
it is so much easier to just sign bay,matsui & pettitte & call it a winter
i would however trade joba,cano,ajax for king felix,sign bay,matsui & pettite
payroll under 200 million
cano,joba get about 9 million,king felix less than 4 million
166 million minus cano & joba is about 157 million.
add pettitte,bay,matsui,king felix & we are at 196-200 million
payroll is lower,we fix the o.f. & dh spots & get an ace
the only problem would be 2nd base
with bay,matsui plus arods increased production our rbi increase from damon & matsui & can almost cover the loss of cano
bay,matsui,arod,pena could have 400 rbi easily
damon,matsui,arod & cano had about 370 rbi
so our rbi will be at the minimum the same but almost guarnteed higher even with pena at 2nd base
We can assume that much more homework was done with Chapman opposed to what was done with Kei Igawa or “Fat Toad” Irabu.
Above all, if Chapman is signed, keep him away from the same fate that Brien Taylor had.
Neil
November 13th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
We can assume that much more homework was done with Chapman opposed to what was done with Kei Igawa or “Fat Toad” Irabu.
Above all, if Chapman is signed, keep him away from the same fate that Brien Taylor had.
*************************
Completely agree. If they want him, he’ll be a Yankee.
Aroldis Chapman is a nightmare ready to happen. All of the red flags are present. This is all speculative hype. Make ticket prices cheaper and avoid throwing insane money at someone who’s never pitched in the bigs and already gives all indications of being a handful. Avoid!
how about Ryan Doumit for RF, switching Swish to LF? the Pirates are looking to move him. He does have a nice 23.4 UZR in his 343 career innings in RF.
My thoughts on where the Yankee FA’s wind up:
Damon – SF (3 years 10 mil per with a vesting option for a fourth)
Matsui – Japan
Nady – Atlanta (3 years 21 mil)
Andy – Retires
Hinske – Phi (1 year 2.5 mil)
Hairston – Cubs (2 years 6 mil)
Molina – SF (1 year 2 mil)
“the main factor is the Yankees have not have a 5-tool outfielder since Bernie Williams ”
The only way that Granderson is a 5 tool player is if he brings a rake and works with the ground crew.
actually that Nady number is high – probably closer to 3 years 15 mil.
Chip
November 13th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
My thoughts on where the Yankee FA’s wind up:
Damon – SF (3 years 10 mil per with a vesting option for a fourth)
Matsui – Japan
Nady – Atlanta (3 years 21 mil)
Andy – Retires
Hinske – Phi (1 year 2.5 mil)
Hairston – Cubs (2 years 6 mil)
Molina – SF (1 year 2 mil)
——————————————————
DANG if thats the case cashman better get on his horse and get dejesus and hawpe here pronto!!!
ADam
November 13th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
2010 Roster… IMHO
SS Jeter
LF Damon
1B Tex
3B Alex
C Jorge
DH Jermaine Dye — Can actually play the OF if you need it
RF Swish
2B Cano
CF Melk
SP
CC
AJ
Andy
Jobber
P. Hugh
Bench
Cervelli
Pena
Miranda
Gardy
BP
MO
D-ROB
Marte
Coke
Dunn
Melancon
Aceves/Kennedy
Joba lets it fly this year and becomes the Number 2 by seasons end….. my big prediction
——
Not bad Adam. No room for Gaudin or Bruney though. I’d also rather sign Hairston and leave Gardner out but then we don’t have a true back up CF or pinch runner. Maybe no use for Miranda as we could use Damon or Tex for occasional lefty DH with Swish moving to first. I’d like to see Hairston on the roster.
i dont understand why people get so worked up over chapman…if the yanks sign him, great….if they dont, oh well..some people act like they know this guy and are soooo worried cause he has a shiny watch and wears earrings! Walk down the street and NYC and 90% of the men you see have a shiny watch and/or earrings…this is not a big deal at all…and if your worried about the money, dont be..did the 40 million to igawa stop the yankees from getting CC Tex or AJ????…let this thing ride out…geez
Dead Horse -
I’m not sure if that was intended to be sarcastic or not. But I would make Winn a 2 year 5 mil/year offer and offer Colorado: Kennedy, Kevin Russo, and Melky for Hawpe and Clint Barmes.
And for the rotation offer Ben Sheets a 2 year deal with a decent base (maybe 5.5 mil) with incentives that can take it up to 11 mil per based on IP and a vesting option for a third year at 15 mil.
I’ve got a lineup of:
Jeter
Winn
Tex
Alex
Posada
Hawpe
Swisher
Cano
Gardner/Jackson
Chip
pettitte will not retire
he said he wants to come back
matsui ruled out a return to japan
Yankee U
November 13th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
“the main factor is the Yankees have not have a 5-tool outfielder since Bernie Williams ”
The only way that Granderson is a 5 tool player is if he brings a rake and works with the ground crew.
———————————————————-
lol
nice
Andy – Retires
____________________________________________________________
No.
Can the Yankees offer Damon or Matsui arbitration?
“It’s just money. No draft picks, no players, just money. That’s the one thing they have lots of. If there’s anyplace to take advantage of the Yanks’ financial muscle, isn’t this the place?”
Ding, ding, ding…we have a winner. No point in being worth billions if you can’t gamble a litle of it from time to time.
Worst case scenario; Kei has competition for IL Pitcher of the Year.
Does anyone else appreciate the irony of Erica bemoaning the Gestapo tactics of her corporate paymasters?
I think the Yanks should put a plaque out there now in monument park for #46 even while andy is still playing. He deserves it.
Matsui wasn’t ranked, so no point in offering him arbitration.
Chip – I’m just playing with you..we all have our opinions and you are entitled to yours just as much as everyone else on this blog…
I do however like Ben Sheets – he won’t cost as much as Lackey and is definetely a low risk/high reward type player – except I think you are giving him way too much money that 3rd year….
Yankees could offer Damon arbitration but I doubt they will (see Bobby Abreu last year) and there’s no point in offering Matsui arbitration – he’s not a type a or b free agent.
Chapman sounds like a head case to me, but the Yankees have been able to deal with guys like him in the past.
Kei Igawa does not throw 100 mph, and he never did.
Chapman could be a complete bust, but the Yankees have very little to lose, other than $$, if they go after him and it does not work out.
jennifer
November 13th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Matsui wasn’t ranked, so no point in offering him arbitration.
What about Damon? I’m confused about the process.How can a player like Matsui drive in 90 runs and not be rated?
Dead Horse -
I’m using the Andy contract as a basis for the Sheets deal and the 15 mil in the third year only kicks in if he reaches a set total of IP in the first two (say 400) if he doesn’t hit that – he’s a FA – if he does hit that, then with his stuff he’s a bargain at 15 mil….especially since 3 years from now 15 mil won’t be worth as much as it is now.
I would offer Damon arbitration. If he accepts, the Yankees are not committed beyond next year. If he turns it down and signs elsewhere, the Yankees get a nice draft pick.
Sure, they might overpay relative to the market if he accepts, but I wouldn’t have a problem giving him something along the lines of what he got this year, particularly for a one year deal.
Drive –
Matsui’s not ranked because last year he was hurt basically all season so his combined stats weren’t good enough to give him a ranking.
And yes, the Yankees can offer Damon arbitration but they probably won’t – much like they didn’t offer it to Bobby last year.
Chip
November 13th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Yankees could offer Damon arbitration but I doubt they will (see Bobby Abreu last year) and there’s no point in offering Matsui arbitration – he’s not a type a or b free agent.
——————————————————–
Yankees should absolutely offer Damon arbitration – Boras will not settle for 1 year – even if it is for more than $13 million…he won’t risk Damon aging in 2010 to the point where he won’t be able to get him anything substantial for 2011 and beyond…and if Damon accepts – the yankees will have him for 1 year (which was their plan all along)for about 15 million and then its bye bye Johnny – or if he still puts up good numbers then they offer him arbitration again for 2011..
Chip,
I think the situation this year is very much different than last year with Abreu. The Yanks missed the playoffs and knew they were going hard after 2 or 3 big time free agents last year. This year they have no plans on spending big in the free agent market. They are looking to retain their own players or change the roster via trades.
Drive
It’s a 2 year average and Matsui was hurt/DLed for most of 2008.
sign bay,matsui,pettitte & trade joba,cano,ajax for king felix
payroll at 196-200 million wich is lower
we fix lf,dh & get an ace
rotation of
cc
king felix
burnett
pettitte
hughes
o.f. of
bay
melky
swisher
dh
matsui
way better team with more rbi
pena or another 2b
What’s the latest with Yu Darvish … wasnt he supposed to be eligible to leave Japan this year?
Does anybody know if there will be a posting for him this offseason?
From what I remember, there was a lot of hype surrounding him too.
It sure is a screwy system that lets a player that has driven in 238 runs over the last 3 years, including only 45 in ‘08, be worth no compensation for the team that loses him.
Boras will not settle for 1 year – even if it is for more than $13 million
Why wouldn’t he?
If we assume that Damon’s market value is similar to that of Bobby Abreu’s (2 years 18 mil) then why not take 1 year 13 mil this year? Even if Damon has an average year he can probably score around 5 mil next season as a free agent.
And beyond that – Boras will be willing to bet that the economy improves by next winter and Damon has a good year. IF that’s the case – he could likely find a 1 year 10 mil deal for Damon so instead of getting 2 years at 18 mil he’s looking at 2 years at 23 mil
OFF TOPIC
Doreen/Erin,
I had heard about it (the breakup) yesterday,and then today there were these items:
(from twitter)
TheSportsDiva23 I don’t usually Tweet rumors, however I’ve heard that A-Rod & Kate Hudson are taking “a break.” I heard this from a trusted source this a.m. about 2 hours ago from web
and then there are these pictures and accompanying article:
http://infdaily.com/2009/11/a-.....e-say.html
Also, Doreen: There were extensive tryouts for Nine plus a 6-week boot camp the actors had to go through, so rest assured the singing will be awesome. Rob Marshall is a pefectionist and knows what he is doing and he never would cast anyone other than first rate talent. I’m totally psyched for this. Gives me something to look forward to since baseball is over.
I think the situation this year is very much different than last year with Abreu. The Yanks missed the playoffs and knew they were going hard after 2 or 3 big time free agents last year.
I don’t disagree- but I also don’t think that they want to go into arbitration with Damon and risk having to pay him 15 mil (which he could probably get) when they could spend a third of that for a comperable player in Randy Winn, or send a package of Brian Bruney, Eduardo Nunez, Ivan Nova to Kansas City for a younger David DeJesus.
Michael Kay just made a rare salient point – there’s no point in over-spending on free agents when so many players are available via trade by cost cutting teams.
Looking at the team long term, I don’t think the Yankees are going to take on any significant long term contracts this offseason.
A-Rod, Jeter, Teixeira, CC, AJ, and Cano are going to be costing the Yankees almost $130 million a year through 2013.
If the Yankees plan on keeping their payroll at $200 million, that leaves $70 million to fill out the rest of the team. Say the Yankees plan on spending $20 million on the bullpen, bench, 5th starter, and minor league contracts. That leaves $50 million for the 3rd and 4th starters, catcher, and the entire outfield.
My point is that the Yankees are going to need their young players to step up and produce at important spots on the roster. They need guys like Joba, Hughes, Jackson, and Montero to step in and make big contributions.
The Yankees are going to target short term contracts to help them win now and bridge the gap to the next group of prospects to make an impact.
Chip
Dice-K was the best pitcher in the Japan league who had pitched professionally for 7 years and was a more polished known quantity.He was a major league ready pitcher.
What’s Chapman’s record in Cuba? do you know?
He’ll get something closer to Strasburg $ and that will top out at $25mil.
What’s the latest with Yu Darvish … wasnt he supposed to be eligible to leave Japan this year?
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who cares. Yu Darvish is all hype. And the latest word is he is not willing to leave Japan
No.27
spoken like someone who actually pays attention and knows what the hell they’re talking about!
Chip – Because I don’t think Boras works that way. I think with him its not only that he wants the most for his players but its probabaly an ego thing as well. So if he can get 2 years at 18 million and get an option for the 3rd year (or a 3rd year outright) for 10 million – then he’s done his job. Don’t forget, a player (or agent) HAS to accept arbitration way before FA negotiations start. So if he accepts arbitration then he will admit that he can’t get Damon 2 or 3 (or 4) years. His ego won’t allow him to do that. Hence why the Yankees should offer him arb – its a win win for the Yankees.
marie -
I know…if that clip that pat provided of Kate’s song is an indication, the music should be really good.
(I just have a pet peeve that they’d rather send actors to boot camp to learn to sing and dance rather than try some people who can already do that. But again, I do understand why.)
Because I don’t think Boras works that way
He did it with Greg Maddux
montero for Mauer ! just do it !
I have no comment on Chapman’s accessorizing. I think since the Yankees never get to draft those kinds of arms, they should take advantage when a situation such as this presents itself. But they need to make sure the kid is healthy and coachable.
I wouldn’t expect him to make an immediate impact. I would expect a 2-year wait at least.
I wish they could do these things quietly so that it didn’t feel like 20 years instead of 2 or 3 before a guy like him gets to (much less succeeds) in the majors. I think of Phil Hughes and the reviews this kid got when he was 18, which seems like 10 years ago, and not, what 4?
I don’t get the love for Ben Sheets. I really don’t. In the last 5 years he’s made 30 starts once. And the last thing we heard from him was the tearing sound from inside his elbow.
And then to read that he is a low risk pick. Low risk? Ben Sheets? The only riskier pitcher available is Rich Harden!
Once you commit one of your rotation spots to someone as injury prone as Sheets you’re basically saying “He’s so good that I’m willing live with 10-15 starts from the scrap heap or the minor leagues”.
The same people saying we should get Sheets will be the people complaining about the starting pitching when his replacement gets shelled for 10 weeks from June to August while Sheets recuperates from injury number 4,213.
One of the big reasons we won this year was health. CC, AJ, Andy, Joba all stayed healthy.
What happened when Wang went down? We wound up with 15 starts out of Gaudin and Mitre. You get too many starts from guys like that and all of a sudden the bullpen is burned out instead of well rested. Thats what you get. You invite guys like that into your rotation when you sign injury prone guys.
Please Cash…Pass on Sheets. Pass on Harden.
I would like to see us upgrade in right field. Swish did well, but his dry spells scream that he’s really a part time player.
If signed, Chapman would have to start at Single A Tampa and see how quickly he adapts to U.S. baseball.
If he were to rise to AAA this year, so much the better but nobody should count on even a September callup to the Bronx.
Too much – too soon.
Sab -
Also FA opens up on Nov 20 – players don’t have to accept arbitration until Dec 7 – that’s plenty of time for Damon and Boras to figure out what Damon’s market value is.
As I said, if his market value is 9 mil/year like Abreu – then there’s no chance he doesn’t accept arbitration where he can probably get 15 – 16 mil.
Bru
clearly you’re lost if you think that Bay/Pena equals an offensive upgrade to Damon/Cano…i mean seriously some of you guys would suck at even fantsy baseball…
“Dice-K was the best pitcher in the Japan league who had pitched professionally for 7 years and was a more polished known quantity.He was a major league ready pitcher.
What’s Chapman’s record in Cuba? do you know?
He’ll get something closer to Strasburg $ and that will top out at $25mil.”
It’s a tough comparison because Strasburg wasn’t on the open market. Only the team that could sign him was the Nationals. In the case of Dice-K, they did the silent auction deal where no one knew (or was supposed to know) how much each team was bidding. With Chapman, there’s no silent posting fee and any team can sign him.
~~~~Ed slacking in class November 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
how about Ryan Doumit for RF, switching Swish to LF? the Pirates are looking to move him. He does have a nice 23.4 UZR in his 343 career innings in RF.~~~~
Some discussion on Doumit over where I hang out…
http://www.marinercentral.com/.....entry75409
Abreu last year came off of 18mil in salary the Yanks knew if they offered him arb he’d accept and they would have ended up with Abreu for 20mil which Cash didn’t want… Damon made 13mil last year and would prob be awarded 15mil in an arb case. While the Yanks want him for 1yr I’m not sure they want him at that salary
no.27
in theory any team can sign him but in today’s real world climate only a handful of teams can and as i outlined we are the best positioned at this time to make the investment in him. With lower demand the price comes down similar to how the Mets got K-Rod for half of what evrybody thought would be out there for him
Randy Winn and his OPS+ of 75, gee Chip, just how bad do you want the Yanks to be next year? Here’s a hint they’re going to try to improve this offseason and you don’t improve your club by picking up Randy Winn. And last year wasn’t his first bad year. His career OPS+ is 99 which is 1 tick on the wrong side of average.
And who in their right mind is gonna offer Ben Sheets a multi year deal? He’ll be 1 with a possible option if he ever shows he can pitch again.
1) Abreu didn’t have Boras as his agent
2) Damon at 1 yr for 15 million is better than Holliday at 18 million for 6 years
3) Damon ONLY accepts arbitration if he tells Boras to ST*U and accept it – which he won’t
4) Greg Maddux (and to some extenet AROD) was the only one out of how many Boras clients that didn’t do as he wanted
5) Damon is nearing the end of his career – he will probably be looking for a multi year deal – instead of risking a 1 year deal where he can get hurt (or age ala David Ortiz) and not have any offers next year (if he accepts arbitration)
4) Greg Maddux (and to some extenet AROD) was the only one out of how many Boras clients that didn’t do as he wanted
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Correction – AROD actually did do what Boras wanted – but then smartened up when it looked like he was going to embarass himself with having tio accept a contract lower than whet he gave up….and came begging back to the yankees to save his behind…and reputation..
Phil -
To each their own.
My opinion is that Winn, on a good team, in a condusive stadium (Seattle and San Fran are huge) would be a great fit. He’s a switch hitter (which the Yankees love) he’s got a good eye (3 of the last 5 years OBP over .350) decent speed and behind Jeter and in front of Tex he’s going to see a lot of fastballs to hit.
As for Sheets – I can assure you he’s going to get at least a 2 year deal from someone. Teams are going to look at him and say that he’s had an entire year off, he’s rested, recovered, and for a low base salary with incentives there’s no real risk there
or rather – no greater risk than with the other dregs on the fa pitching market.
21 yr. old LHP that tops 100 mp… sign him, I don’t want to hear anything. Ben Sheets blah w/e 21 LHP/100 MPH that’s all you need to know, sign him.
I would like to see us upgrade in right field. Swish did well, but his dry spells scream that he’s really a part time player.
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Let’s really tick off the media/Red Sox fans about the Yankees “buying” championships by signing BOTH Holliday (LF) and Bay (RF).
It’s only money.
You do know that OPS+ is both league and park adjusted, right, Chip?
As of the other day Sheets and his agent hadn’t contacted any teams or thrown for anyone.
Champ,
I agree that there aren’t going to be too many teams going after chapman, but that’s because his demands are as high as they are. It’s going to be interesting to see what he ends up accepting. If it ends up being a bidding war between the Yankees and Red Sox, it could get higher than you expect.
As far as offering Damon arbitration, I think it could make sense for the Yankees. They really only want to sign him for one year anyway, and they need to realize that they will end up paying more for a one year deal. If he ends up taking it, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.
Based on what Boras is saying, I think they’d turn down arbitration. Then the Yankees are in even better position because, 1, most teams would have to give up a pick to sign him, making him less attractive as a free agent, 2, they’ve got the most money, and 3, he will hit better at Yankee Stadium than pretty much any other park.
marie-interesting. It could be nothing, but who knows. Seems strange since they seemed so close-weren’t they even house shopping at one point? But I know a lot of people thought it was strange that she wasn’t to be found at the parade.
Sab -
That stuff with A-Rod ditching Boras was completely orchestrated. In the end, Alex (and Boras) got exactly what they were looking for. They got the Yankees to give him a substantial raise even though they were the only ones bidding on him.
regarding Damon vs. Holliday – that’s fine but I don’t really want the Yankees to add Matt Holliday at that price either.
You’re right – Abreu didn’t have Boras as his agent, but Abreu did get himself a raise of 4 mil/year over what he made last year. And based on their performances and ages I think that a lot of teams will look at Abreu and Damon in the same light.
Damon saw what players like Abreu and Orlando Hudson and Pat Burrell and others went through on the FA market last year – I would bet that if by Dec 1 he doesn’t have a firm offer on the table that he likes, he’s taking arbitration if it’s offered. And as I said – why pay Damon 15 – 16 mil when you can get a comperable replacement at 1/3 price? That’s just bad business.
As far as offering Damon arbitration, I think it could make sense for the Yankees. They really only want to sign him for one year anyway, and they need to realize that they will end up paying more for a one year deal.
Why would the Yankees end up paying more for a 1 year deal? The Angels got Bobby Abreu for 1 year 5 mil. Why pay Johnny Damon 3 times that amount if you can either sign or trade for a comperable player at 1/3 the cost or wait until after January 15 and if he’s still a FA sign him at a reduced rate more along lines with his market value?
“It’s tax tree shopping in Andorra..Chapman is just enjoying his time there.Just be happy he’s not in Amsterdam..”
Haha Chapman was in Amsterdam right after he defected. He waited until the Cuba team was in Europe then said “see u later!” and went to go chill in Amsterdam.
“21 yr. old LHP that tops 100 mp… sign him, I don’t want to hear anything. Ben Sheets blah w/e 21 LHP/100 MPH that’s all you need to know, sign him.”
Brandon wanting the Yanks to sign a hard-throwing lefty with suspect control… shocking!
Seriously though, I actually agree this time. This is not Eric Threets, Chapman is legit. Sign him up, throw him in the minors for a year or two and let him learn from Nardi. Then in 2011 or 2012 we have (hopefully) another left-handed ace.
Getting Damon back for one year through arbitration would be fine. Yanks will always trade dollars for short term flexibility.
and btw, the Yanks did not invited Chapman to game 6, and cease all other IFA signings because they think he’s no good.
You do know that OPS+ is both league and park adjusted, right, Chip?
In fact I do. Does not take into account who is around you in the lineup though.
Is Winn a great player? Nope. In fact he’s not even my first choice to replace Damon – that would be David DeJesus. But he’s useful and (provided Damon left) would fill a need at a far more reasonable price and on a short term contract.
Hey Patrick while we’re going over should have and should not, how about my boy Carlos Gonzalez in Colorado eh.
Getting Damon back for one year through arbitration would be fine. Yanks will always trade dollars for short term flexibility.
No they don’t/won’t – as evidenced by the fact that they didn’t offer arbitration to Abreu (for one) and also that they opted to sign Damaso Marte to a 3 year deal with a lower AAV than pick up his one year option.
Neither Winn nor DeJesus are particularly good, and I really doubt either would be in the Yankee plans for next year’s starting 9. They’re probably bring back Damon and trade for Granderson.
And also I don’t believe that they have to make that tradeoff – again, we’re not talking about Damon getting 3 or even 4 million more than likely market value – we’re talking about him getting nearly 10 mil over market value.
The Yankees did not become the financial force that they are by being stupid. You don’t just give a guy 15 mil when the market says he’s worth 5-9 mil.
Chip
i agree that cheaper younger upgrades to damon can be had at lower dollars and we won’t have to give up our top talent to get it done.
I think we can do better than Winn not that he’s a bad player but Cash wants to bring youth to this roster and so i think he’s prioritizing younger players as options
Chip,
You saw what the market for Abreu was last year. 1 year 5M. His defense was erasin his offense and the Yanks weren’t gonna risk paying 17M for that. Now, Damon’s D has declined, but not to where he’s giving back 30 runs a year or whatever it was with Abreu last year. There’s a market for Damon, so they can offer him arb, hope to get him for two, or lose him and get 2 picks, or go to arb and give him a small raise for 1 year. It’s a different evaluation. They gave Marte three years, because they were using Coke as rotation insurance as they weren’t sure Andy would come back.
Phil -
I think there is as much a chance of Winn or DeJesus being on this team as there is of Granderson and Damon being on this team together.
By the way – it’s not that Winn or DeJesus are better than Granderson – aside from the fact that they all play the outfield they are completely different players. It’s like (on a much lesser scale) when people would compare Jeter to Alex – Jeter wasn’t a worse player because he didn’t hit for as much power as Alex, just a different style of player.
Chip – if damon accepts arbitration – then if i’m cashman i’d be doing backflips off my office desk..
he’d be getting damon for 1 year instead of having to be held hostage by boras for 2 or even 3 years
he has a better FA pool to play with in 2011 not having to worry about damon’s money
its not even a given that damon makes 15 million – from my understanding of arbitration the team and the player/agent give the arbitrator their salary figures and details on why they think they should be paid that – the yankees have damon’s home/away splits, the fact that he’s getting older and gets hurt more than when he was younger, the fact that he is really bad in the OF and the comparable players and what they make (burrell, abreu, ibanez etc) – boras can counter with johnny damon’s genes and dna
so if the yankees lets say keep the salary at 13 million and boras counters with 15 or 16 million – there is a good chance that the yankees win that case…
and – in all honesty I would rather have a guy in the 2 spot hit 15 – 20 HR with a .350 OBP than a guy hit 25 – 30 HR with a .320 OBP (especially if the latter can’t hit left handed pitching)
“Hey Patrick while we’re going over should have and should not, how about my boy Carlos Gonzalez in Colorado eh.
”
Or Nelson Cruz in Texas. I believe you wanted the Yanks to trade for him while he was still in AAA.
Hey I’m not saying you’re always wrong, it’s just the way you go crazy about some players is funny.
What amazes me is how many of you seem to have no idea of who Damon was before he came to the East Coast…
Phil you say that DeJesus isn’t that good yet his #’s other than the stolen bases are very comparable to Damon’s when he played in KC and Oakland.
Defensively he’s an upgrade to Johnny has an at least league average arm and offensively in the 2 hole he would give you similar production
In the AFL today, Brandon Laird is 1-4 with an RBI double and a run scored. Colin Curtis is 1-2 with an RBI triple and a walk.
Chip
November 13th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
And also I don’t believe that they have to make that tradeoff – again, we’re not talking about Damon getting 3 or even 4 million more than likely market value – we’re talking about him getting nearly 10 mil over market value.
The Yankees did not become the financial force that they are by being stupid. You don’t just give a guy 15 mil when the market says he’s worth 5-9 mil.
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Chip dude, you’re starting to fold under questioning – the reason the yankees payroll is at 200 million (or 60 million more than anyone else) is BECAUSE they overpay for their players ….AROD, Posada, Jeter, heck I’d even put Mariano on that list (although I think he deserves every penny – but there was no one 2 years ago that was going to give Mo 15 million dollars a year for 4 years) and i’m not even talking about FA’s – i’m talking about keeping their own players…
I’m probably in the MINORITY but I hope the Yankees don’t get ANY of the big name free agents or trade for any of the obvious salary “dumps” (ie – Halladay).
I’m not an apologist for the Yankees spending the $$$ they have to win, but it does get to a point of ridiculousness after awhile.
I think we can win with what we have (with some “tweaks”) as we have plenty of young arms that have proven they can get people out.
You never rest on your laurels, but it would be nice to see the Yankees be relatively quiet, shore up the bench, win again and shut up all the whiners who claim #27 was a “store bought championship”.
Sab -
If I’m Hal and I see Cashman is happy about paying more than double market value for an aging OF who can’t throw then I fire him tomorrow.
Phil –
It wasn’t just Abreu’s market value that tanked – unless you were a top player in your prime your value was a lot lower than it was in the past (if you could even find a team willing to make you an offer)
Also if they offer Damon arbitration then no team is going to make an offer for him – he’s not worth the picks. Again, I’m not opposed to bringing Damon back – but offering him arbitration means he’s getting way more than his value. Brian Cashman is far too smart a businessman to do that.
Sab
players almost get a slight bump in salary when they go to arb….Damon would def be due a raise at an arb hearing based off his #’s last year
“Why would the Yankees end up paying more for a 1 year deal? The Angels got Bobby Abreu for 1 year 5 mil. Why pay Johnny Damon 3 times that amount if you can either sign or trade for a comperable player at 1/3 the cost or wait until after January 15 and if he’s still a FA sign him at a reduced rate more along lines with his market value?”
This isn’t the same situation as last year. Abreu signing a 1 year $5 million contract is the exception, not the rule. There’s no question that Damon and will demand more money per year on a 1 year deal compared to a 2, 3, or 4 year deal.
1, What kind of contract do you expect Damon to sign?
2, What comparable player’s are available at $5 million/year via trade (which will also cost prospects) or free agency?
Champ,
I remember Damon when he was on KC and Oakland. I don’t know if you remeber, but back then there were often Damon to the Yankees rumors. In fact, when he was first a free agent, he said he was about to sign with the Yanks, but ended up signing with the Sox. Back then, Damon’s speed was better than DD has shown.
Comparing the Mariano contract to how they would handle Damon is nuts.
They overpaid for Mariano for the same reason that they are going to overpay Derek next year, the same reason Boston overpaid Varitek…they are institutions to their team. Johnny Damon doesn’t get that same treatment.
Damon would only cost another team 1 pick. The sandwich pick comes from the league.
Kevin Page
count me in your camp..i’d be perfectly fine with us standing pat and giving say Miranda the “primary dh” role that Matsui had because based on what he’s shown me he could handle it and may give me similar production for 535k as opposed to the 10-15 million people want to give Damon to DH….
Cash could make a couple of minor moves and go into the season with the core pretty much intact of a 114 win team and see make whatever moves necessary at the break.
who knows maybe AJax and Montero are absolutely raking the first 2months of the season and get the call up if the offense isn’t hitting on all cylinders…
But i do want to get Chapman if i can get him for $30mil or less.
I’m probably in the MINORITY but I hope the Yankees don’t get ANY of the big name free agents or trade for any of the obvious salary “dumps” (ie – Halladay).
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I agree with you, but not because I care what people say about the yankees spending money. I think that we won in the 90’s with a group of core guys, guys who were able to win another ring 13 years after their first one. While Cano, Melky, Joba & Phil will probably not be the next Jeter, Jorge, Andy and Mo, I really like the idea of keeping our homegrown kids and letting them grow with the team.
Kevin Page
November 13th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I’m probably in the MINORITY but I hope the Yankees don’t get ANY of the big name free agents or trade for any of the obvious salary “dumps” (ie – Halladay).
I’m not an apologist for the Yankees spending the $$$ they have to win, but it does get to a point of ridiculousness after awhile.
I think we can win with what we have (with some “tweaks”) as we have plenty of young arms that have proven they can get people out.
You never rest on your laurels, but it would be nice to see the Yankees be relatively quiet, shore up the bench, win again and shut up all the whiners who claim #27 was a “store bought championship”.
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Right….that’ll shut ‘em up. People, including the media are still whining about free agents and picking up salary dumps from 10 years ago.
Chip
November 13th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Comparing the Mariano contract to how they would handle Damon is nuts.
They overpaid for Mariano for the same reason that they are going to overpay Derek next year, the same reason Boston overpaid Varitek…they are institutions to their team. Johnny Damon doesn’t get that same treatment.
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i was just commenting on your comment that “the Yankees did not become the financial force that they are by being stupid. You don’t just give a guy 15 mil when the market says he’s worth 5-9 mil.”
when in actuality thats what they do – it doesn’t matter what the reason is – yankee icons or not – they tend to overpay to keep their icons on the team…the reason they are a financial force is;
1) because they play in NY,
2) they overpay for their stars so fans continue coming to the stadium
3) Yes network
I didn’t see too many fannies in the seats in the 80’s – when Dale Berra and Bobbie Meachum were getting thrown out at home plate on the same play..
ps – boston didn’t overpay for varitek – he got 5 million dollars last year and 3 million this year – the yankees give that to kei igawa as his per diem in scranton..they also nickel and dimed wakefield this year by dropping his already low salary of 4 million a year to 2.5 million… NO ONE overpays their icons like the yankees do…
the Yanks interest in damon then was to leadoff and play left but the point is he was .275-285. 12-15 homer guy
DeJesus is a .290-.300 10-15homer guy who would enjoy the same boost to his power #’s hitting in the Bronx that Damon did. Young Damon had more speed but Johnny doesn’t run anymore and Dejesus has a better glove
Chip November 13th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Comparing the Mariano contract to how they would handle Damon is nuts.
They overpaid for Mariano for the same reason that they are going to overpay Derek next year, the same reason Boston overpaid Varitek…they are institutions to their team. Johnny Damon doesn’t get that same treatment.
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I 100% agree. You overpay for Andy, Derek, Jorge & Mo because:
1 – they produce, first and foremost
2 – you need them (no better alternatives at the time)
3 – they are lifelong Yankees who will almost all be HOF’ers
4 – if you try to get stingy and accidentally lose one of them to another team for 1-2 million, the NY media will crucify you
With Damon, Matsui, etc, I think you have to be ruthless and use the “get rid of 1 year early instead of 1 year late” mentality.
Granted I don’t know how you replace their offensive #’s with less expensive and younger talent without taking a big risk. But there is a risk in staying with too many older players.
NO ONE overpays their icons like the yankees do…
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NO one really has icons that can compare to Jeter and Mo…
“That said, Igawa was a reflex move to a Dice K signing.”
The thing is, even Dice K isn’t really as good as he was supposed to be. It’s such a monumental leap to the major leagues from anywhere else. At this point I don’t trust anything I see unless it happens on a big league ballfield. If this guy’s asking for the moon, I pass.
Kevin Page
November 13th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I’m probably in the MINORITY but I hope the Yankees don’t get ANY of the big name free agents or trade for any of the obvious salary “dumps” (ie – Halladay).
*********************
Kevin-you’re not alone-I’m in the minority too.
No. 27
We don’t know that last year was the exception vs. the rule. There are going to be a ton of players available via trade this year from teams cutting salary (not just the Curtis Granderson’s and David DeJesus’s of the world but many others)
I think Damon’s idea of getting a 3 or 4 year deal is nuts. I’m again going to use Bobby Abreu as a comparable player. Both are about the same age, both produce similar offensive numbers (with Damon generating more power)
Bobby signed a 2 year deal at 9 mil per – by offering him arbitration that almost assures Damon of getting nearly double of what Bobby is making – does that seem like good business to you?
I don’t have a list of players available in front of me but off the top of my head guys who the Yankees could get for less money or via trade or who could offer more production for similar money are:
David DeJesus
Randy Winn
Rick Ankiel
Xavier Nady
Connor Jackson
Josh Willingham
Cody Ross
Dan Uggla (I know he’s a 2b but he can be moved to OF without providing worse D than Damon)
Brad Hawpe
Scott Hairston
Brian Giles
again, that’s without giving it much thought or looking through Cots, or knowing who is going to be non-tendered.
“shut up all the whiners who claim #27 was a “store bought championship”.”
If the Yankees win, whiners will always whine about something whether it’s money or something else. Don’t let it bother you.
boston didn’t overpay for varitek – he got 5 million dollars last year and 3 million this year
Based on his production going into last year – any contract was overpaying.
I think that the Yankees need to (and will) treat Damon and Matsui the same way Boston treated Damon, Pedro, Millar, Mueller, Cabrera after the 04 World Series.
NYY626
November 13th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
NO ONE overpays their icons like the yankees do…
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NO one really has icons that can compare to Jeter and Mo…
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well thats true and not true..
john smoltz i think would be comparable and the braves pretty much said sayonara – they didn’t even try giving him a “low risk/high reward” deal like the redsox did…and from what i saw he could still pitch in the NL..trevor hoffman is another example..
unfortunately with the way money is thrown around nowadays in baseball its hard to become an icon because “small market” teams can’t afford to keep their potential icons. The yankees are the only ones that can afford to do that (the redsox prefer not only to get rid of their icons – but sling mud at them on their way out – stay classy boston)
“If I’m Hal and I see Cashman is happy about paying more than double market value for an aging OF who can’t throw then I fire him tomorrow.”
Even if Damon were to get $15 million in arbitration, it wouldn’t be more than double market value. Making up numbers doesn’t strengthen your argument.
“shut up all the whiners who claim #27 was a “store bought championship”.”
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Another pay to shut them up is to show them the article that said:
Homegrown players: Yankees 58%, Phillies 32%
“NO one really has icons that can compare to Jeter and Mo…”
A nice thought but only partially true.
Jeter and Mo have taken on iconic proportions based on longevity, consistency and championships.
Some of that is based on being able to remain with 1 team for a long time and that is contingent on the Yankees being able to pay them.
Not all teams have that business model.
I think the real change in this team began when the Yankees began relying more on their home grown talent such as Melky and Robbie, and less on aging superstars w/ egos to match.
There is no plan that would have worked with Igawa. It was a really dumb signing.
Chapman probably needs at least half a season in the mLS, maybe a whole season.
Sab
the Yanks don’t OVERPAY to keep their players what they do is they will pay MARKET RATE to keep their players if they deem them worthy of keeping..Mariano signed a 3yr/45 million dollar contract and he would have gotten that somewhere else had we let him go…Jeter was not overpaid when we sign him although he will be his next contract but that’s a legacy deal…Posada’s deal is arguable but he did hit .338 that year and led the league in throwing out runners and the Mets would have definitely given him 42mil for 3yrs…
But let’s see how a team like the Phils deal with these issues because if they want to keep Utley/Howard/Werth/Victorino/Rollins/Lee and Hamels together for a dynastic 4-6 yr run their payroll will approach $200mil also
Erin November 13th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Kevin Page
November 13th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I’m probably in the MINORITY but I hope the Yankees don’t get ANY of the big name free agents or trade for any of the obvious salary “dumps” (ie – Halladay).
*********************
Kevin-you’re not alone-I’m in the minority too.
————————————————————
Good to know I’m not alone. Again, I believe the Yankees do what they need to do to win and others clubs don’t.
Do they have a competitive advantage? YES
Do other teams “internally” like that? YES, because the Yankees draw all the heat and negative press from other fans as the “evil team who steals all the good players”
Where were all the Yankee critics when Toronto, Cleveland and Baltimore opened NEW stadiums and had sellouts every game? Where did that money go?
NY didn’t suddenly increase in population density and granted free $$$ from the heavens. The Yankees marketed their product correctly and made their product sooooo valuable that people will pay thru the nose for it.
I won’t say 100% of the problem of the haves and have nots in baseball is purely “marketing”, but it is a significant “chunk” of the problem that other owners quietly enjoy.
Why spend $$$ when you know you can get away with less and let a few of the big market teams take all the criticism.
Good work Chip.
I’m still so happy about #27. I have a TV at my desk at work (very lucky) and seeing the Yankees Sports Illustrated commercials is fantastic.
pat
November 13th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
“NO one really has icons that can compare to Jeter and Mo…”
A nice thought but only partially true.
Jeter and Mo have taken on iconic proportions based on longevity, consistency and championships.
Some of that is based on being able to remain with 1 team for a long time and that is contingent on the Yankees being able to pay them.
Not all teams have that business model.
____________________________________________________________
I understand what you’re saying. But I guess I meant from a fame standpoint? I mean, even if you know nothing about baseball you know who Derek Jeter is. Not sure the same could be said about John Smoltz.
upstate kate
November 13th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I think the real change in this team began when the Yankees began relying more on their home grown talent such as Melky and Robbie, and less on aging superstars w/ egos to match.
____________________________________________________________
Agreed. Even Jeter said something along the lines of this in an interview…about how theyre starting to let the kids develop again like the did with him in the 90’s.
NYY626
November 13th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
upstate kate
November 13th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I think the real change in this team began when the Yankees began relying more on their home grown talent such as Melky and Robbie, and less on aging superstars w/ egos to match.
____________________________________________________________
Agreed. Even Jeter said something along the lines of this in an interview…about how theyre starting to let the kids develop again like the did with him in the 90’s.
Don’t Hate on Tony Womack!
“We don’t know that last year was the exception vs. the rule. There are going to be a ton of players available via trade this year from teams cutting salary (not just the Curtis Granderson’s and David DeJesus’s of the world but many others)
I think Damon’s idea of getting a 3 or 4 year deal is nuts. I’m again going to use Bobby Abreu as a comparable player. Both are about the same age, both produce similar offensive numbers (with Damon generating more power)
Bobby signed a 2 year deal at 9 mil per – by offering him arbitration that almost assures Damon of getting nearly double of what Bobby is making – does that seem like good business to you?”
Earlier you said that you thought Damon would get $10M per year from the Giants with a vesting option for a 4th year. If Damon were to get $15M in arbitration, it would be 50% higher for 1 year with the advantage of not having him signed past next season. Another advantage is that there’s a good chance that Damon won’t take arbitration, and the Yankees could get the picks or negotiate a 2 year deal.
What happened to more than double market value?
Haha Uncle E
you know I was thinking about Gary Sheffield, Kenny Lofton, Randy Johnson etc
A-LOPE! Kate Hudson is reportedly pushing Yankee boy toy Alex Rodriguez to elope. But the notorious party hound isn’t ready to put a ring on it. As A-Rod and the Bombers celebrated their World Series win at 1OAK in Manhattan last weekend, a spy tells the site Hudson “left in a huff without saying goodbye.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/gos.....eport.html
I do not believe that the guy wins a WS and she gets angry at him less than a couple hours later.
I was SOOOOOO Nervous this would happen during the season, I’m glad this did not happen until after the season, but I really do hope they can work this out so he has her back for next season.
Get Married Arod, if that helps you succeed on the diamond, DO IT!!!!
CR9
November 13th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
A-LOPE! Kate Hudson is reportedly pushing Yankee boy toy Alex Rodriguez to elope. But the notorious party hound isn’t ready to put a ring on it. As A-Rod and the Bombers celebrated their World Series win at 1OAK in Manhattan last weekend, a spy tells the site Hudson “left in a huff without saying goodbye.”
http://www.nydailynews.com/gos…..eport.html
I do not believe that the guy wins a WS and she gets angry at him less than a couple hours later.
I was SOOOOOO Nervous this would happen during the season, I’m glad this did not happen until after the season, but I really do hope they can work this out so he has her back for next season.
Get Married Arod, if that helps you succeed on the diamond, DO IT!!!!
*********************
Hmmmm…a further development. This would seem to support the speculation that they’re “taking a break”. They seemed like a really cute couple-hopefully they can work it out.
David DeJesus – no
Randy Winn – too old, the plan is to get younger and more athletic
Rick Ankiel – the only thing he’s good for is his arm
Xavier Nady – reasonable
Connor Jackson – sure, why not? the Yanks did wanted him during the Randy Johnson trade
Josh Willingham – if he comes cheap
Cody Ross – reasonable
Dan Uggla – he WANTS to stay in 2B
Brad Hawpe – good bat but bad defense
Scott Hairston – why would the A’s give him up?
Brian Giles – again, the plan is to get younger and more athletic
Sorry, but who cares? Alex is a great ballplayer and if he and Kate Hudson break up, he will still be a great ballplayer.
So a player who wears jewelry bothers people?
Or is it the fact that he’s “all blinged out” that bothers you?
Nobody and I mean nobody was more blinged out than Liberace. Did that bother any of you
“Chapman sounds like a head case to me, but the Yankees have been able to deal with guys like him in the past.”
He sounds like a headcase to you? What has he done or said for that matter to make him sound like a head case?
Some of you people are Un-Be-Lieve-A-Ble!
betsy
For a person who is worried about everything, like me, I thought you’d understand.
What’s important is that Alex is human like every other athlete. If he was with somebody, like Kate, that made him happy, he is more likely to succeed than if he was in a miserable relationship with someone he could not stand. Just because these guys are professionals does not mean that their personal lives do not affect them on the field.
Like I said, I am glad this did not happen before or in the middle of the playoffs. It could have had disastrous results.
betsy
November 13th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Sorry, but who cares? Alex is a great ballplayer and if he and Kate Hudson break up, he will still be a great ballplayer.
************************
betsy-of course this has nothing to do with Alex’s career. Some of us are just interested in the gossip. I take it you don’t subscribe to People magazine?
Does anyone know what happens with Wang if the Yankees non-tender him? Does that mean that he’s a goner? I have my doubts as to whether he will return to 2007 form, but it be nice to see him do it with the Yankees.
champ809
November 13th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Bru
clearly you’re lost if you think that Bay/Pena equals an offensive upgrade to Damon/Cano…i mean seriously some of you guys would suck at even fantsy baseball…
————————————————————
i came in 2nd in fantasy baseball in 09
if you read my comment right you would understand what i said
let me explain it for you
i said with about
130 rbi from bay
100 from matsui
40 from pena is 270 combined
i used 40 for pena for the crap of it.
he might give you more
with in 09
100 rbi from matsui(guess)
85 from damon
85 from cano is, need a calculator?
270 for 3 players both ways but
you have to think that arod will give you 20 more rbi in 2010 than in 09 & pena should give you more than 40
either way we lose no rbi
the combined 3 of bay,matsui,pena should give us a similr amount of rbi.maybe more as a total & arod should give us at least 20 more
dont just pull out what you want to.
makes you look like an idiot
champ809
November 13th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
No.27
spoken like someone who actually pays attention and knows what the hell they’re talking about!
————————————————————
only you know what your talking about
Anyone watching MLB Network? 1991 WS Twins/Braves. 10th inning. Unbelievable game.
10th inning, 7th game, scoreless tie.
champ809
November 13th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Abreu last year came off of 18mil in salary the Yanks knew if they offered him arb he’d accept and they would have ended up with Abreu for 20mil which Cash didn’t want… Damon made 13mil last year and would prob be awarded 15mil in an arb case. While the Yanks want him for 1yr I’m not sure they want him at that salary
————————————————————
it was 16 million know it all
CR, of course if someone is happy they are going to do better, but Alex is still a great player and I’m not going to worry about what goes on in his private life. I’m sure Kate Hudson is very nice and I wish them both great happiness, but this whole thing with her being a good luck charm got way out of hand, IMO. Jeter has had a bunch of girl friends and were people worried how that was going to affect him on the field?
Erin, I pay absolutely no attention to celebrity. I’ll check out People for some of their stories, but not the ones that have to do with celebrities – that to me is boring.
So, you decide that Pena’s worth at least but probably more than 40 RBI, but, Cano won’t improve on his RBI (Pena is not the defensive player that Cano is, by the way, nor is he going to get close to 200 hits, 25 homers or 100 runs scored), but Bay’s RBI will magically jump to 130+. Want to figure out how many runs “your stars” will cost on defense? Even at this stage of his career, damon’s better on defense than Bay, but, you want Bay covering the biggest left field in the AL?
Stick to your 2nd place fantasy team. You’re a regular Billy Beane.
I would not give up any young talent for any of these supposed deals that are out there and Cash has gotten away from this.
Is Granderson that valuable to give up Jackson, I doubt it.
Especially when you can get Figgins for free, assuming Damon does not come back.
betsy
November 13th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Erin, I pay absolutely no attention to celebrity. I’ll check out People for some of their stories, but not the ones that have to do with celebrities – that to me is boring.
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I’m with you, Betsy, gossip about peoples’ personal lives are a useless waste of time and energy. You buy/read magazines like people for the same reason I buy, Playboy…for the articles. I hate that PB has so many pictures in it.
j/k. I have no use for gossip columns and even less for the Rona Barrets and Cindy Adams’ of the sports pages like PA, Matthews, Verducci, Sherman and Loopyca.
For anyone interested-here’s an article describing a little bit about Jeter’s upcoming movie
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....p;c_id=nyy
Figgins would be the type of player the Yanks could use.
His versatility, high OBP and ability to walk 100 times would serve them esp. if Matsui does not return.
Someone has to play LF, 3B and SS(can he play SS?) if the DH platoon comes into play.
Geez, now I’m starting to feel like a bad person for enjoying the world of celebrities. I realize you have to take a lot of the gossip with a grain of salt, but I enjoy it. And with that I’m off for the evening. My new People magazine came today.
Granderson is a strikeout machine. I wouldn’t give up Jackson and Kennedy for him. Damon is a much better hitter yanks will probably resign him to a 1 or 2 year deal.
The yanks already have a great team they dont really need to do much this offeason.
Figgins sucks and the Yanks are most certainly not gonna put a power free .700 OPS hitter in one of their corner OF slots. Lose this idea. It’s as stupid as all those Juan Pierre rumors that used to come around when the Tampa faction was in full force.
Figgins is a career 172 hitter with a 223 obp in the postseason. He has 135 plate apperances in the postseason that is a pretty big sample size too.
I wouldn’t want him instead of Damon who is a great clutch hitter.
Enough with the “Figgins is a walk machine” crap. He’s walked more than 65 times exactly one time….this year. I’ve seen the same thing written about Jeter and his highest walk total was 91 and he hasn’t been close any other time.
gb
your credibility is gone when you killed me for wanting to trade cano for kemp
kemp blows him away now
not even close
Chapman is expecting one very big difference in the major leagues — one he’s already noticed while in New York the past few weeks.
“I don’t like the cold,” he said.
As for the fans, he says they’re pretty much the same, except for the language.
“They’re loud. They yell things at you,” he said. “I just don’t know what they’re saying here.”
Cano plays a more valuable position than Kemp and probably will continue to do better in YS than Kemp would.
Whatever you say, Billy Beanstalk.
bru
November 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
gb
your credibility is gone when you killed me for wanting to trade cano for kemp
kemp blows him away now
not even close
——-
Sure, Kemp may be better than Cano. But Cano plays a position in which there are maybe 4 other good 2B in the league. Even though CF is a prime defensive position, and Kemp’s offense is stellar, I’m sure there are other comparable CF that can be had via trade or free agency in 2011. Personally, I’d rather have the current Robinson with his upside and also his GG defense when the replacement is Ramiro Pena. There just are not that many good 2B out there.
Pete has to “volunteer” to work college basketball games now. And not even good ones, Dartmouth vs. BC. LOL
http://twitter.com/PeteAbe
I have nothing against Kemp. Except for the ridiculous strikeout totals, he’s a hell of a player, but, at 240 pounds and 6′2″, how long will he hold up playing center field? Other than stolen bases, Kemp hasn’t done anything offensively that Cano hasn’t.
“Here’s the description of Chapman during the interview: “…all blinged out… wearing a large, shiny watch and gleaming earrings.”
————————-
Does this bother anyone else or is it just me?”
Don’t jump to conclusions. See for yourself. (pic of Chapman at the interview)
http://tinyurl.com/yextj58
Seems strange he signed with Edwin Mejia. Looking at Mejia’s twitter page and website (Athletes Premier International) – I don’t hear about or see other clients mentioned.
at least there’s a Boston team in there for Pete.
Here is Mejia’s twitter page – I think it links to every Aroldis Chapman rumor and newspaper article known to mankind.
http://twitter.com/athletespremier
Geez…. This agent of Chapman might actually be Pete Abe in disguise!
Tweet from Sept 14th –
“looking forward to pats game tonight….nice to have brady back”
Tweet from Nov 1 –
“Gonna try to relax today and watch some football….(already been emailing for hours) also working on Chapman becoming a Patriots fan”
From the agent’s bio –
” (Mejia) is an entrepreneur and passionate about baseball. He is also an experienced agent who is bilingual and a graduate of the Boston Latin School, the University of Massachusetts Amherst (where he played baseball), and the Boston University School of Law”
Amherst…. hmmmmm?
If this agent pounds the Red Bull and has a bumper sticker that says “I love Dunkin Donuts” – the fix is in.
DT -
That picture and those words don’t jive.
You keep telling yourself that you read PB for articles, GB – maybe one day you’ll even believe it, lol.
It made me sick when Alex was splashed all over the papers because he did what thousands of other NYers do……sunbathe in CP. Whatever is going on in his life, it should remain private. The only thing I will say about those rumors is this: Alex is coming off a divorce and it’s natural for him to be worried about getting married again. In any case, I’m sure the tabloids will be jumping all over this story, but I won’t be reading them. Unfortunately as well, this kind of stuff has infected the sportspages. Loopyca, lol – I love that. I call him Pukica myself.
For the people that do not want to give up AJAX for Granderson because Granderson strikes out a lot you are in for a rude awakening when Jackson hits the big leagues. The guy struck out over 123 times this year in freaking AAA. I can only imagine what that number would be against big league pitching.
http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....sox-19930/
Haha wow pete Abe is covering the bc college bball team and even then he takes a shot at a Yankee. I guess his true colors are showing.
I’m talking about his Twitter feed if anyone cares.
Doreen – that’s what I thought also.
AP writer Ron Blum is taking some liberties by saying “Chapman was all blinged out during a 45-minute interview” – unless he took off all the bling for the picture.
These slimy members of the 4th Estate will track and stalk Rodriguez until he’s out of baseball. It’s easier, I suppose than actually writing stories on sports or something with substance. Whatever happened between him and his ex is between them and none of my business. Same thing with his other “friends”, or, the same thing with Jeter and his “friends”. I don’t care what they do as long as nobody gets hurt.
Yanks hired Jalal Leach as a pro scout today. Welcome to the family, Jalal.
Chip
November 13th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
Dead Horse -
I’m not sure if that was intended to be sarcastic or not. But I would make Winn a 2 year 5 mil/year offer and offer Colorado: Kennedy, Kevin Russo, and Melky for Hawpe and Clint Barmes.
And for the rotation offer Ben Sheets a 2 year deal with a decent base (maybe 5.5 mil) with incentives that can take it up to 11 mil per based on IP and a vesting option for a third year at 15 mil.
I’ve got a lineup of:
Jeter
Winn
Tex
Alex
Posada
Hawpe
Swisher
Cano
Gardner/Jackson
———————
I think Chip has officially sealed his fate as who would be the absolute worst GM of the Yankees in the world with these Randy Winn suggestions.
Randy Winn who is 35 years old in 2009: .262 AVG 2 HR 51 RBI .318 OBP 75 OPS+
His value on offense according to fangraphs was -13.4
But apparently according to Chip hitting in between Jeter and Tex is some magic potion that makes you a good baseball player.
Great, Chapman’s agent is a Sox fan? LOL
If Chapman doesn’t like the cold, he should not bother with NY or Boston……….too bad those are the teams with the most $$$.
Granderson and Austin are very similar players. The speed is similar, the defense seems to be similar, as well as the average, walks, and strikesouts.
The two key issues for me is that Austin has yet to show he can hit for power. No doubt he can POTENTIALLY hit 30 homers like Granderson, but he hasn’t even come close thus far. The other issue is that Austin is 6 years YOUNGER. That’s a big leap.
So, do we go for the sure thing with Granderson, and take on his contract, or do we see how Austin pans out without forking over quite a bit of cash?
I’m caught inbetween right now.
GB, yep…..and Erin, I did not intend to make you feel bad – I apologize.
Jalal Leach? I don’t know who he is, but certainly welcome.
Figgins is fantastic as an utility man. He can come in late innings to pinch run, and pinch hit (bunt) but definitely not as an everyday corner outfielder. Again, I’d love him on the team, but not as a starting role. Maybe a start twice a week at most.
bru
November 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
gb
your credibility is gone when you killed me for wanting to trade cano for kemp
kemp blows him away now
not even close
—————————–
2009:
OPS+
Kemp: 125
Cano: 129
Offensive Value (fangraphs)
Kemp: 23.2
Cano: 23.9
OBP
Kemp: .352
Cano: .352
The only thing Kemp has on Cano is defense and Kemp is not some elite defender. He is above average but certainly no where near great.
Actually, Austin has shown power in bursts. What he did two years ago after his call up to Tampa was somewhat insane. The Yankee minor league parks also tend to suppress power, and this year they were working on shortening his swing and that might have effected his results a bit.
Phil
November 13th, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Yanks hired Jalal Leach as a pro scout today. Welcome to the family, Jalal.
————————————————————
Leach was a Yankee minor league prospect back in the early ‘0-s. He was supposed to be a good propect, but, never made it and bounced around the minors for almost 15 years. I think that he played for the Giants for a few games in the early 2000s.
Leach was a Yankee minor league prospect back in the early ***‘90-s.*** He’s no dummy. He did go to Pepperdine.
Maybe I’m wrong but wouldn’t signing holliday and letting matsui and Damon walk cost roughly the same or less for the 2010 payroll than bringing both of them back. If you bring Damon and matsui back for one year that’s fine but then you have this same problem again next year. Now you could sign Crawford next offseason but personally I think holliday is a better player and will perform better over the next five years when crawfords speed starts to diminish. if you sign holliday then you have at least one quality outfielder locked down for the next few years and can concentrate in other things such as pitching.
I would LOVE to see Holliday sign with St Louis and Crawford stay with the Rays.
It gets kinda insane when every player is rumored or ends up signing with the Yankees or Red Sox. The way people talk on this blog is as if they can’t wait to get another teams star player.
Don’t you want to create your own star players? Isn’t that what is extra special about Mo, Jeter, Jorge and Andy? Don’t we hope that is what happens with Phil & Joba?
Yes I’m estatic about getting CC, Tex and AJ. But when is it enough? I’m not suggesting the Yankees stand pat or rest on their laurels. But I would like SOME balance in the league and at least some of the teams being able to lock up their star/homegrown players.
It’s good for the spot in the longturn
Evidently well dressed and blinged out mean the same? I was expecting a gangsta rapper .
The Yankee’s pay their dues with the Luxury Tax.. So i’m all for building this dynasty again.. Who’s to say they can’t go on a run for the next few years!
The comment written by AP tells me one thing. The writer was looking to create a negative impression of Chapman. Bling? He was dressed well, even with the earrings, with an appearance that you would accept in most businesses.
Its why I treat most stories as suspicious. Too much credence is given to the words being used, when more times than not its to create an image that the writer wants to portray. People read bling and they think “punk”. That is the image the writer wanted to project, and it worked when you read the commentary about it.
Some people on here are nuts! We don’t even have a rumor for Yanks yet ! No matter the changes coming, it will be VERY difficult to get back to W.S. next year ! High salaries have never guaranteed anything! True it helps, but with the injuries and just luck here and there anyone can win with a good team. ( Cards in 06′ were hardly the best team, but won ) 2 rounds of playoffs and the Series are hard to accomplish ! Yankees will be good, very good ! There’s always a team that comes on unexpectedly and does well, and then the team that’s hard to beat all year can sure get in the way !
Bring that Cuban missile to NY
The All Mouth Hall of Fame. He hasn’t gotten an out in the Bigs. Risky, very risky.
We don’t need Chapman. Guy is full of hype and probably won’t live up to it.
If he does, we didn’t need him anyways. We have so much pitching talent in DRob Hughes and Chamberlain that it’s a better idea not to waste money on him and save it for future years where we might have to replace an outfielder.
,..] yankees.lhblogs.com is other nice source of tips on this topic,..]