A few winter ball updates
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 24, 2009 
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Before getting into winter ball, you can check Baseball America for some velocity numbers of all the pitchers in the Arizona Fall League. Here are the Yankees:
Mike Dunn — 96.6 max, 93.85 ave.
Grant Duff — 96.3 max, 93.39 ave.
Ian Kennedy – 93.4 max, 90.66 ave.
Zach Kroenke — 93.1 max, 90.62 ave.
As for some of the Yankees in winter ball…
• Juan Miranda has played only eight games in the Dominican Winter League, but he’s hitting .536 with two home runs, four doubles and 10 RBI. He’s faced a left-handed pitcher only eight times, but has four hits against lefties, continuing the improvements he showed during the regular season.
• Ivan Nova has made five appearances in the Dominican League and has a league-best 1.05 ERA with 17 strikeouts and four walks. There’s a very good reason the Yankees added him to the 40-man last week.
• Romulo Sanchez, another of the guys just added to the 40-man, seems to be having a few good outings and then a bad one in Venezuela. He has 23 strikeouts in 17.2 innings, but he’s also walked 10 and has a 5.60 ERA.
• Reegie Corona, one of the new 40-man infielders, has a .353 average with a home run, seven doubles and a .459 on-base percentage in Venezuela. All of his time in the field has come at second base.
• Francisco Cervelli has also started playing in Venezuela. He’s hitting just .214 but has a .389 on-base percentage through six games.
• Josh Schmidt went seven scoreless innings to get a win in Venezuela on Tuesday. It was his first win since his first appearance on October 12. He had some rough outings, but his ERA is back down to 3.57.
Is anyone else scheduled to play winter ball? IPK in Puerto Rico? Melky or Robbie in the DR?
Thanks, Chad!
Phil, if you’re correct, I’ll say this for the Yankees – they don’t mind taking risks.
Bodh, you’re certainly high on Miranda…..I guess we’ll have to wait and see. Cash also said that while the Yankees want to get younger, it’s not at the expense of getting better.
Cervelli doesn’t bother trying as much in the subservient leagues.
pat
Montero is playing winter ball, I think.
I’m encouraged by IPK.
If Frankie starts walking as much as he did in the minors, he will be a terrific back-up/transitional C.
What risk are they taking? If Miranda doesn’t do well, they’ll rotate other guys. It all depends on which LF they get, I think.
You’re going to trust Miranda in the 5 hole behind Alex…..He has a great swing and in time he may morph into being a MLB hitter who deserves 550 ab’s…..However that time is not likely 2010……The only player suggesested that would fill that hole other than Matsui, is Matt Holliday……
Miranda as 2010 DH: An idea whose time has come?
Then again, as the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.
Posada or Cano would probably bat 5th barring another big bat being added.
I think we’ll get one more big bat for either the 2 or the 5 spot in FA.
I seriously doubt that Kennedy will pitch in another league this winter. He got in 7 starts in ‘Zona, so I imagine NYY wants him to rest up for next season. He may go to camp early, though and work out with other players. That should begin in about 80 days.
But IF Miranda could cut it as a DH?
Well then yes they should have some money to sign a big FA or make a big trade & sign.
Great to see that Kennedy’s velocity is back to 90-93. I still think he has the ability to be a Jared Weaver type on the major league level.
Miranda has 700+ ab @ AAA with good numbers and is dominating in a league where AAAA players and major leaguers play. If he’s hitting lefties now its time to see what we have.
“I think we’ll get one more big bat for either the 2 or the 5 spot in FA.”
Either or doesn’t impress me because it can potentially weaken the lineup. You need somebody that can generate enough offense after Jeter and perhaps have some speed and bat control while the guy hitting behind Arod has to be good enough to protect him so teams don’t automatically refuse to pitch to him.
pat
November 24th, 2009 at 10:56 pm
Is anyone else scheduled to play winter ball? IPK in Puerto Rico? Melky or Robbie in the DR?
===
I’d really like to see the Yankees limit the amount these kids play down there. The team went to the World Series, and Cano and Melky played a boatload of games.
Cano rarely had a day off, and once Gardy got hurt, Girardi had no one else to put in CF, so Cabrera got run out there every single day.
Miranda as DH sounds like a risky scheme.
So crazy… it just might work?
Or is Miranda a piece that brings back a bigger prize?
Only time will tell.
craw,
I’m not eliminating picking up a second bat through a trade. But the plan right now is to sign only one big hitter.
How weird that Cervelli has hit way better in the big leagues than nearly any period he spent in the minors this year. Oh well, hope Cervelli continues this trend when he joins the big boys again.
It was just a matter of time before a bat like Miranda’s got to LHP. He hit .291 and slugged over .500 vs. lefties in 2009, after applying himself.
He’s not a typical giddy young player. He’s just born to hit. He’ll adjust to the big leaguers and then he’ll be a LH terror at YS.
Here’s a case where numbers don’t really serve you.
I had huge arguments on another site with people who kept insisting Miranda will amount to nothing because he can’t hit lefties. Had I had never seen him, I might have capitulated, because the numbers were so indecent. But having had seen him, I told people he would eventually hit lefties, and that I wasn’t concerned about it.
Now, people will say it’s a small sample size, but can anyone here who’s actually watched this guy seriously tell me they’re worried about him against LHP?
Erica
Here’s some pics of your guy from today in NYC if you haven’t seen them.
http://www.wireimage.com/ItemL.....038;nbc1=1
Nick in SF in Ocean City, MD
Miranda as DH sounds like a risky scheme.
___
When you have the Yankees’ lineup, it’s really not. They can afford to do that.
GB
I read during the season the plan was for IPK to pitch in PR league but it may have been before they knew he was going to be pitching in AZ.
If I were Cash, I would bring Hideki back on a cheap 1-yr deal. Plan B? Give Miranda a chance. Cost effective and gives the Yankees a chance to see if he can hack it. Well, not hack.
I know people fall on one side or the other, but could Hideki fill his job description better than Damon could fill his? I’m torn, bringing back Damon means that we could possibly upgrade CF.
“I’m not eliminating picking up a second bat through a trade. But the plan right now is to sign only one big hitter.”
I don’t care how many times you say the same thing, it doesn’t make it true until it happens. We hear you, Cashman isn’t spending money on the DH. However, some of us want to see Cashman do such a thing before we stop talking about other alternatives.
Now back to your assertion, Cashman can afford to gamble because he won a WS so trying to save some money by going with an unproven ML player to bat behind Arod is risky, but worth a try. However, Yankee fans and media will be screaming bloody murder by May if it doesn’t work out with Miranda replacing one of the best clutch hitters in the game which was Matsui. Furthermore, if Cashman is going to make this type of gamble then he better have a good bench in which he can slip another veteran bat into the DH spot if Miranda doesn’t work out because you can’t have a potential hole in your lineup. Furthemore, just because Morales worked for the Angels, it doesn’t automatically means Miranda, (who was a less rated player in Cuba than Morales) can do the same type of production.
Anyhow, we’ll see if Cashman makes this gamble and whether Miranda given an opportunity does anything with it.
If depends on what the meaning of cheap is. One year at $7 or 8 mil, the Yankees might do it.
pat
November 24th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
Erica
Here’s some pics of your guy from today in NYC if you haven’t seen them.
http://www.wireimage.com/ItemL…..amp;nbc1=1
***********
I could have raced to the top of the Empire State Building and met MPB Johnny Damon just like in Sleepless in Seatle!!! Sigh……
(Disclaimer- that was a joke for those who are humour impaired)
Oops. To clarify. Upgrading CF does not mean sticking Damon there. Right now, I see two position needs. LF & CF. Bringing back Damon takes care of one. But he’s not without *risk*.
“If depends on what the meaning of cheap is. One year at $7 or 8 mil, the Yankees might do it.”
Like I stated earlier in another thread, how the player market evolves will greatly affect how Cashman puts together his roster this winter. If the dollar value continues to drop like it did last winter for a number of MLB players then who’s to say which player(s) might be able to get that fits his payroll budget.
“Furthemore, just because Morales worked for the Angels, it doesn’t automatically means Miranda, (who was a less rated player in Cuba than Morales) can do the same type of production.”
Morales’ OBP against lefties is .318 even though his avg is .296. just saying.
I’m all for giving Miranda a chance but really, do we know what Cashman and Girardi are thinking right now?
I am not suggesting this in any way, but I was just curious. Has Miranda every played corner OF? Or just 1B?
ever* not every
pat
November 24th, 2009 at 11:47 pm
GB
I read during the season the plan was for IPK to pitch in PR league but it may have been before they knew he was going to be pitching in AZ.
————————————————————
Yeah, I just can’t see Kennedy heating up for the fourth time this year to get ready to pitch in another league. 2010 is the year that he, Hughes and Chamberlain need to make the big step as starters. Either it’s now, or, one by one, they’re gone. Fortunately for Hughes and Chamberlain, they’ve shown a talent for bullpen work. Kennedy has run his course, though. I can’t ever picture him as a bullpenner.
crawdaddy
Just to clarify, I was responding to m’s post about Matsui.
Bo Knows,
It was a matter of things like playing the wrong guy on the off-point, or having two off-points, or having the wrong guy carrying the puck through the neutral zone, and other very specific stuff that was hurting that power play.
The fact was, that unit, because it was so full of talent, needed to be coached more, not less. I have diagrams somewhere buried in this place of just that power play. They could have converted many, many more and it was a point of frustration for the spectator.
You coached Messier? What a great, great hockey player he was. Messier was actually one of the issues on that power play – being an upright skater who was not as effective in a more down-tempo situation, but because of his sheer ability, and the skill around him on that unit, they would redeem themselves. Interesting times.
“Just to clarify, I was responding to m’s post about Matsui.”
I know, I was using your post to make my point that Cashman is going to allow the market price to be set before he makes his most important moves because he might be able to get good players on affordable contracts.
Morales’ OBP against lefties is .318 even though his avg is .296. just saying.
I’m all for giving Miranda a chance but really, do we know what Cashman and Girardi are thinking right now?
====
Miranda’s OBP vs. lefties in 2009 was .367. (batted .291, slugged .508).
A guy on here claims the Yanks are seriously considering a DH mix that includes Miranda. It’s hardly staggering – the guy’s a LH power hitter.
I just like good baseball. Part of that is an OF that can catch run and throw – quality at bats. That’s not asking much. I had to watch Seattle games to see that.
The Yankees had great pitching – SO and GB so the OF wasn’t exposed.
“A guy on here claims the Yanks are seriously considering a DH mix that includes Miranda. It’s hardly staggering – the guy’s a LH power hitter.”
An unproven ML LH power hitter. Is it worth a shot to give him an opportunity? Sure, but you better have a backup plan just in case.
More rumors/possibilities of NYY being interested in a 19 year old Cuban left hander….Noel Arguelles.
“Jeff Passan covers a few items in this piece for Yahoo Sports, headlined by 19-year-old Cuban pitcher Noel Arguelles. The young left-hander impressed a number of agents and representatives from various teams at a workout last month in the Dominican Republic, and the four teams most interested in signing Arguelles are the Athletics, Mariners, Rays, and (who but?) the Yankees. Passan predicted that Argulles’ deal will be worth somewhere around $8.2MM to $10MM, which match the contracts given to Jose Iglesias and Dayan Viciedo last year by the Red Sox and White Sox, respectively.
In other news from Passan’s column…
•Passan says the Yankees are much more interested in Aroldis Chapman than they are in Arguelles, and that Chapman’s recent agent switch to Randy and Alan Hendricks may help New York. Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens are/were both represented by the Hendricks brothers.”
Miranda at DH enables them to save money which is not an unimportant consideration.
Well, there are 162 games to the major league season. If Miranda gets handed the DH role and flops miserably, they’ve got some time and resources to make an adjustment.
I think it’s frugal and brilliant to use their own inventory. The piece they need is already under their hood.
mlb.com has a new yankees 2009 dvd which looks to be a yankeeography on the 2009 season with bonus features…
http://shop.mlb.com/product/in.....83.2498460
I remember before Chapman burst on the scene, we were reportedly very interested in Arguelles and the frontrunners to get him. Let’s sign both.
Goodnight.
As far as minor league players go, NYY has the right handed equivalent of Miranda. He also has the same defensive issues as Miranda. Jorge Vazquez is more of a pure hitter, but, it’s hard to think that NYY will use two roster spots for the DH.
craw,
whatever. We’ll see what happens. Two years ago I told everyone here Phil Hughes was not getting traded for Santana, and we saw how that worked out. And there have been a few other times I’ve told what I knew here.
bodhi:
according to baseball-ref, Morales’ OBP is .319
http://www.baseball-reference......9&t=b
Did anyone saw MLB tv’s AL review? They included every cycle that was accomplished this year, yet they didn’t showed Melky’s. Melky being overlooked.
I’ve been reading Chad for the last year when he was covering SWB, and I really like the insight he adds with regards to the minor league players.
Miranda may not be any riskier than Matsui at DH, and I love the thought of bringing a kid up, but I think it’s a lot easier to bring him up if Matsui gets injured or slumps badly, than to start the season with Miranda and have him struggle (not saying he will) and then have to find a replacement for him.
Guess who beantown is getting(possibly),Miguel Cabrera. The 1st baseman ON THE TIGERSwho got drunkn with the Twins players.Went home to fight with his wife.She had him arrested and the GM picked him up from jail.Cabrera showed up to play hungover,with his team fighting to get to postseason.
Nesn is saying the Tigers want Clay et al,plus this is a salary dump big time.
Tigers extended his contract to 2014.He makes 15mm,and it
goes up yearly to finally 22mm yearly.
Miranda’s OBP was much better this season:
http://www.minorleaguesplits.c.....?pl=506673
ISO D = .081
His learning curve has flattened.
The Mets should make an offer for Cabrera.
Getting Miggy Cabrera is one of the few ways that could be available to the Red Sox to regain any sort of cred before falling off a cliff.
If the Red Sox want to pay 20 million a year for a guy who’s basically a DH then more power to them.
If the Sox get Cabrera, they would have a lineup of Ellsbury, Pedroia, Youkilis, Martinez, Cabrera, and Ortiz for their 1-6 batters. That would force Cashman’s hand at picking up someone like Holliday. We can’t have the second best offense in the AL, let alone the AL East!
I actually thought Miggy played some good first for Detroit. He’s lost weight and he stole some hits from us when we played them.
Phil
Do you know what alcoholdoes to a body when you play sports?
He’s a drunk!! Caveat Emptor(Let the buyer beware!)
Also it looks like mike lowell is out if they go that rout.Yuke moves to 3rd.
Remember, they’d still have to get someone to play LF, too.
I forgot to mention Bay, assuming that the Sox keep him. That’s 1-7 with JD Drew and Mike Lowell rounding out their lineup.
I see Cisco is giving the middle finger to all leagues not named “Major League Baseball”
-raymagnetic
Cabrera gets 20mm in 2010-2011,21mm in 2012-13,22m for 2014!!
And by Lowell, I meant Lowrie, or some other SS.
Cabrera has 6/$126 left on his deal.
Is there a market for Lowell or Ortiz at this point if they get Cabrera? One of them would turn into a $12 million dollar bench player for 1 year.
Miranda at DH doesn’t mean he’d have to bat 5th. I imagine Posada would bat behind ARod. I think Miranda would have to do awfully well to move ahead of Cano and even Swisher in the lineup.
Cisco is a personal favorite. As mentioned on another thread if he remembers his OBP as he did in the minors, he becomes a force. Love his defensive skills.
thread = post – yeesh.
Melky and Gardner are both at least as good as Ellsbury.
The “smartest” move the Sox could make this offseason would be to sign Scutaro.
Compare the Yankees infield to the outfield. Our infield is basically full of All-Stars while nobody on our outfield is near that level anymore (Damon) or yet (Cabrera, Gardner.)
The infield is stacked, not so much the outfield. My concern is that nobody does anything great in the outfield. Nobody hits for a really high average, nobody is a superb defender, nobody has plus speed, etc. Getting a guy with great speed and defense would help eliminate a couple of those holes.
I really do like the Granderson move more and more. He has the speed, the defense, and will add more pop in the outfield. He won’t cost us an unbelievable;e amount either.
Tigers may want Clay and prospects to trade for Halladay later,I’ll bet.
According to UZR/150, Granderson’s defense has declined over the last two seasons. I’m not saying that I wouldn’t want him at the right price, but the slippage has to be considered and should lower the price paid.
Jorge is not the answer for the 5 hole…Plain & simple folks…..And by no means is some rook is going to be the DH stick……Winter meetings can’t start soon enough……..Trade for Granderson, and resign Matsui….
Pat M;
let’s say Matsui isn’t coming back, who would you want to be the #5 hitter?
After the Damon Newsday article I want him gone,if Cashman con upgrade.
No Matsui? I give you Nick Johnson. Ta Da.
No defense or speed in the OF? Gritner says hello.
In 2009, Posada’s OPS+ was 133, Matsui’s was 131. They both have a career OPS+ of 124. I don’t think we can say that one would definitely be better than the other in the 5 hole. Ideally, the #5 hitter isn’t on the team yet.
ED, That type of stick will have to come from outside the Organization…..Maybe in 2 years Montero could be ready…..Baring a trade, it could be Matt Holliday
If NYY can’t or doesn’t resign Matsui, I’d try making a trade to get Luke Scott or sign Aubrey Huff. Both play multiple positions, even if they aren’t great on defense. Huff’s offensive numbers against left handers and as a DH are about the same as when playing a position.
Scott is a somewhat better defender, but, strikes out more. Huff doesn’t strike out that much. They’re both about 32 years old.
The trade might not happen, but, Huff is a .282 career hitter and had a down year, so should be somewhat inexpensive.
GB and Pat M;
how about old Yankee Nick Johnson? His .416 OBP would do wonders in either the #2 or 5 slot, most likely the #2.
Johnson can’t be depended upon staying healthy. He gets hurt running the bases. Not only that, but, he’ll go to a team that he can play 1st base, like San Francisco or the Mets.
Ed, I think the 5 hole is more important and right now the more difficult spot to fill…….Just re-sign Matsui, baring a trade I have to think that Montero is expected to fill that role by 2012…..Rich in NJ, those number are misleading in my opinion….Matsui is a better stick than Jorge…..Two years ago I would have bet money that Robinson Cano would be the bat to hit in the 5 hole by 2010…..
GB,
yeah Johnson can’t stay healthy but 2009 is his only injury free season. if the Yanks does sign him, Miranda could be the backup DH if Johnson found himself on the DL again.
Johnson has become a 230 pound, 31 year old singles hitter with zero speed. Cabrera had a higher slugging average than Johnson this year. He’s less than Cabrera with no speed. They don’t need a hitter as a DH that can only walk
Johnson has become a 230 pound, 31 year old singles hitter with zero speed. Cabrera had a higher slugging average than Johnson this year. He’s less than Cabrera with no speed. They don’t need a hitter as a DH that can only walk
–
He doesn’t just walk, he also hits singles! Also check RAB for a good write up on Johnson. He would be an excellent DH.
I’ve always liked Nick Johnson, however he really doesn’t fit any roles for the Yanks anymore….Certainly not as a # 5 hitter, also he doesn’t have any speed to bat 2nd…..He was a nice player 6 years ago…..
That’s what I said. Johnson’s turned into a 230 pound singles hitter that can walk. He’d clog up the bases. No thanks. I’d prefer somebody that can put the ball in the seats or drive in runs. That isn’t Nick Johnson. Besides, he’s due to make another 4 month trip to the DL.
Rich in NJ
November 25th, 2009 at 12:58 am
Melky and Gardner are both at least as good as Ellsbury.
======================================
I disagree with this. Ellsbury has Gardner speed, and a bat better than both of them.
That’s what I said. Johnson’s turned into a 230 pound singles hitter that can walk. He’d clog up the bases. No thanks. I’d prefer somebody that can put the ball in the seats or drive in runs. That isn’t Nick Johnson. Besides, he’s due to make another 4 month trip to the DL.
–
Career: .279 .457 .470 .927 with RISP. He had a couple of triples last year. He could drive in runs fine
GB, You’re being tough on old St Nick…I mean after all he was family at one time…….But yeah, he’s slow and his body is siuted for a 60 game season….Always had nice cuts though……Clearly there is no role for him in the Bronx at this time…….
PAT, as I said earlier, Aubrey Huff is a better bat for the DH spot, especially at YS. He’s going to be cheap and in a pinch, he can play four positions. Of course, I’d rather see Matsui, but, not looking like that’s going to happen. Huff does allow for that flexibility, though.
I was never all that impressed with Johnson at first base. He always seemed to shortarm the throws to first and too many runners were JUST SAFE because of it. He had basically one good offensive season.
GB, Wasn;t it Aubrey Huff that ragged Joba in a game in Baltimore when he chest bumoed after taking him yard….It shouldn’t maker at this point……Huff has had a rreal good caereer, wonder how he’d perform in The Yankee Uvinverse
Pat M.
November 25th, 2009 at 3:51 am
GB, Wasn;t it Aubrey Huff that ragged Joba in a game in Baltimore when he chest bumoed after taking him yard….It shouldn’t maker at this point……Huff has had a rreal good caereer, wonder how he’d perform in The Yankee Uvinverse
————————————————————
Yeah, that was Huff. Love that bat, though. He’s got power and a run producer. He’s probably Matsui’s equal.
Those who don’t want Halladay:
Would you change your mind if you knew the Sox had a very good chance to get Doc? I know the Sox pursuing Halladay means nothing at this point, but Doc on Sox would not help the Yankee cause.
Just food for thought…
m, If the Hallady to the BoSox was to gain speed, or in fact were to occur…The renders Boston unable to secure a firstbaseman & plus they’d have to commit 80 million or so for Jason Bay…And to complicate things, they’d still need a SS and some bullpen pieces……Especially now that Miguel Cabbera is suddenly on their radar…..Yanks inking Texeria threw their organization into a flux…..
Pat M,
Pitching wins championships. The Sox can’t trade for a Halladay, A-Gonz, AND Miggy Cabrera, and still have chips left over for Felix Hernandez. LOL.
But seriously, the Yankees have committed $160M to 10 players? The Sox have committed just under $100M. They have enough chips to do one BIG deal, despite what Gammons thinks. Adrian G & Felix H aren’t likely going anywhere this off-season. Cabrera would be the 8th DH/1B type they acquired in the last 12 mths?
IF the Jays are open to trading within the division, the Sox could very well be all over that. Halladay’s an ace and possibly more durable than Beckett, who is not signed long-term.
The Sox could do one big deal, and do what the Yankees did last season. Just spend $$. Of course the goods aren’t as desirable this season, but the Sox don’t have enough prospects to fill all their needs.
Anyway, I’ve always thought Doc would be a perfect fit for the us. Just wondering if Doc on Boston’s radar elevated the sense of urgency any in the minds of some of those who poo-poo the idea of Halladay in pinstripes.
I can’t see that Boston has enough in the minors to acquire Halladay and then try picking up Miguel Cabrera or Adrian Gonzales. They’d then still need a shortstop and a R. Soriano/Mike Gonzales relief type. Not sure Boston would be willing to add an additional $40-50 mil to their payroll.
The smarter move would be:
1. Get Halladay
2. Settle the SS position already, grab Scutaro
3. Pass on Bay, or not. Stick to the original deal, if someone wants to give him $80M+, wish him good luck.
4. They have a 1B, his name is Victor Martinez.
5. Get a good defensive catcher.
6. Use the Yankee Method of Building a bullpen. Paps/Bard/+all those Japanese pitchers they have inhouse.
The Sox have $$ to burn. They won’t be shy about spending it after watching the Yankees go wire to wire after the ASB.
The difference is, they won’t have to spend as lavishly as we did because the market is so weak.
Boston has a lot of things need fixing and using blowout patches won’t work. They need to fix the rotation, shortstop, left field, the bullpen and either decide to fix first base or 3rd base. Then, they’ll either have a 10 mil or 13 mil pinch hitter in Ortiz or Lowell, or pay them to play for someone else.
If Sox get Halladay, it makes it more likely that they don’t also keep Beckett (though they could still pay both).
Miguel Cabrera would give Boston the bat they need but there are concerns that his skills are actually declining despite his young age.
My vote, as a NYY fan, would be for the Sox to trade Buchholz and Kelly/Bard for Cabrera.
I just don’t think the Sox are quite that dumb (though desperation could cause them to be at some point).
Matsui will accept a one year deal and it’s not easy replace him.The yankees would want him back.I don’t see why not
Damon could be replaced by Granderson.Damon probably wants to much and the yankees wanne get younger.Granderson seems to be the perfect fit
I don’t think it would take much to get Granderson,does it?
Maybe Kennedy and..Romine??
“My vote, as a NYY fan, would be for the Sox to trade Buchholz and Kelly/Bard for Cabrera.”
Seriously doubt the Tigers get that sort of package, unless they are willing to pay a sizeable chunk of Cabrera’s salary. Six years and $120M left on that contract and the man is really a DH.
Ahhhhhhhh the typical we have nothing else to put on the back pages Yankees story.
I’m waiting to see the Redsox pony up their best prospects and 20M+ per year to a 33 year old pitcher when their offense stinks on the road… It aint happening.
Halladay will be in a Jays uniform heading into the winter meetings.
Whats with all the Doc and Red Sox talk.. did i miss something ?
Miguel is a drunk I hope beantown bites,and lets Lowell go.Miguel will be costly and the Tigers want Clay and prospects.
Beantoen needs a shortstop,and a left fielder,Miguel doesn’t accomplish they’re basic needs.
I would have no problem with acquiring granderson if Detroit is reasonable in what they want in return.
if Kevin long could work with him and at least get him to where he is descent against lefties then he’s a big upgrade defensively and everything I’ve read says he’s a great guy to root for..
To get Halladay, Boston is going to have to give up Buchholz and probably Kelly too. That doesn’t leave them much to trade for a big bat.
“Whats with all the Doc and Red Sox talk.. did i miss something ?”
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....s_sox.html
Read the above link.
GB, I disagree, especially about Phil. Expecting him to take a “big step” as a starter is unfair, when he “wasted” last year in the pen. He didn’t get a chance to develop his other pitches and he didn’t get a chance to learn how to work through a lineup more than once. Now he’s expected to be terrific in 2010? If the Yankees get rid of him due to struggles in the rotation in 2010, then I’ll be very glad that he’s with another team.
Mike RI
Daily News “look at me” “look at me” back page article based on anonymous sources.
“To get Halladay, Boston is going to have to give up Buchholz and probably Kelly too. That doesn’t leave them much to trade for a big bat.”
True story. Though I don’t think Cabrera would be particularly prospect-expensive for Boston or any other team willing to absorb his entire contract.
Rich, that’s fantastic if the Yankees value saving money over winning.
Big Joe, the Yankees don’t need to be reacting to anything the Sox do – yes, believe it or not, we can afford to let them make improvements. The Yankees are the ones who won the WS, not the Red Sox; all the Yankees need to do is be concerned with improving themselves. If they get Cabrera (and I’ve heard nothing about that), so be it.
I’m reading that Damon wants a three year deal,and has at least 3 teams that have interest.I would hope Cashman see’s his opportunity to get younger in the outfield.
“craw,
whatever. We’ll see what happens. Two years ago I told everyone here Phil Hughes was not getting traded for Santana, and we saw how that worked out. And there have been a few other times I’ve told what I knew here.”
Phil,
You’ve been wrong too with your stated comments.
Rich, no they’re not………….and Gardner can’t hit a lick. I don’t like him at all except as an occasional PR or emergency OFer.
“He didn’t get a chance to develop his other pitches and he didn’t get a chance to learn how to work through a lineup more than once. Now he’s expected to be terrific in 2010?”
Is anyone really saying terrific? If he could be a guy who pitches to an ERA at, or even slightly above the league average (say 4.6 or so) and wins 12-13 games as a #4/#5 starter, wouldn’t you view that as an accpetable year and a pretty significant step forward in growing into the #2 type we think he can be in his prime?
“True story. Though I don’t think Cabrera would be particularly prospect-expensive for Boston or any other team willing to absorb his entire contract.”
I live in Michigan, don’t buy that crap about the Tigers doing a firesale.
Pat M, you keep saying that about Jorge, but you’re not explaining why. Again, when did Jorge become such a lousy hitter?
So, what are you going to do? The Sox will get Doc while the Yankees take their sweet time figuring out what they want to do – they are sloooooooooooow, meanwhile every other team has a plan in place already. Hal is a businessman, he’s not going to spend big $$$ on anyone. Yankee fans had better get used to this…….
The Redsox are not trading Bard with Papelbon’s shoulder issues and money demands.
So that leaves the overrated Ellsbury, 25/26 year old Buchholz & high A ball Kelly to work with to pull off a block buster.
Reddick, Kalish, Bowden, Espisito & Tazawa are nice secondary prospects but can’t headline a deal.
Rizzo & Westmorland are really good but way too far from the majors to headline a deal.
Due to Lars Anderson’s disaster season, the Redsox have limited ammo to pull off a major deal. Halladay to the Sox is not a priority in Boston.
Chad – Is there any possibility that Juan Miranda can play either left or right field well enough to not be a defensive liabilty?
Boston knows that if the Yanks get halladay then its game over for at least the next couple years.
I think Boston will try to block the yanks more than the other way around
Squid, what are you talking about ? Did you read what GB wrote ? He said that if Joba and Phil (and Ian, but forget Ian) don’t take big steps forward in 2010 (as starters), they will slowly be traded off. It’s different for Joba, but Phil is still very inexperienced as a starter in the majors. It’s not fair to ask him to be terrific (that’s what “taking a big step forward” means to me) in 2010.
“I live in Michigan, don’t buy that crap about the Tigers doing a firesale.”
As it relates to Granderson and Jackson, I don’t either. I think Cabrera is an entirely different kettle of fish though. I have no idea how much the economics have hurt the Tigers, but that contract can strangle a team. They’ve got $100M committed to 10 guys right now for 2010. Cabrera is 20% of that. Him being gone gives them a lot of flexibility financially.
“So, what are you going to do? The Sox will get Doc while the Yankees take their sweet time figuring out what they want to do – they are sloooooooooooow, meanwhile every other team has a plan in place already. Hal is a businessman, he’s not going to spend big $$$ on anyone. Yankee fans had better get used to this…….”
Betsy,
Don’t overreact to some media report because you know as well as I do that no team is going to make such a major trade without consulting with the Yankees first. Furthermore, don’t believe all the smoke that Cashman is blowing right now to the media. He hasn’t gone over his final plan with ownership yet, but he has a good idea what his payroll budget is and which players he might be targeting. He’ll make his final presentation to ownership next week, but the parameters of his plan is probably set right now.
JK, I disagree – the Sox would love to have Halladay. I think it’s a bit odd how we make our potential packages seem so great while denigrating the Sox – but we’re fans, so I guess that’s to be expected. It doesn’t matter what we think, however – it matters what the Jays think. If the Jays like the Sox players, then that’s all that counts.
Craw, yeah – I do know that, lol. This is exactly why I love and hate the hot stove league……
Blake,
I would never do this and neither would Cash, but the Redsox know & fear that Montero + Hughes or Joba = Halladay in pinstripes and there isn’t a thing they could do to stop it.
That being said, this story is either fabricated by the NY media to get a juicy back page, leaked by the Fenway boys to get the Yankees to show their cards or leaked by the GM in Toronto trying to do his best impersonation of Bill Smith.
Toronto got nothing for AJ,hence that among other things got the GM fired.
If they hold on again too long,and get minimal for Halladay,or worst nothing again,they’re stupid.Now is the time to trade.
Cashman is stealth and all the sports writer gossip is just that speculation.
Cashman isn’t going to tell the media what he’s doing.He drops
the info he wants them to know.When he acts,it’s with dispatch!
I’ll bet there’s a plan in the works,look at what he did last year,landing what the Yankees needed.
Betsy – high on pie
November 25th, 2009 at 8:16 am
GB, I disagree, especially about Phil. Expecting him to take a “big step” as a starter is unfair, when he “wasted” last year in the pen. He didn’t get a chance to develop his other pitches and he didn’t get a chance to learn how to work through a lineup more than once. Now he’s expected to be terrific in 2010? If the Yankees get rid of him due to struggles in the rotation in 2010, then I’ll be very glad that he’s with another team.
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You misread what I said. I didn’t say that Hughes and Chamberlain had to be great. I said they had to take a big step foreward. If they start, they just need to be good. Hughes at 165 innings 10-12 wins and an ERA of 4.00-4.20 is good. Chamberlain at 11-14 wins and an ERA of 3.90-4.10 in 180 innings as a starter is good. Kennedy just needs effective innings somewhere.
If NYY picks up another top starter, them Hughes or Chamberlain will go back to the pen or used in a deal, especially if Pettitte returns. They don’t need to turn in greinke type seasons.
jk. Yea I’d say the sox are pretty terrified at the thought of Halladay in pinstripes. I wouldn’t do Joba/Hughes, montero for Roy but if the Jays would take Joba+ anybody else not named Montero then I’m doing that quick before they change their mind.
Just think, two years from now Joba may not even be starting. I don’t see how you can refuse to trade a guy that may not even stick as a starting pitcher for a yearly cy young candidate.
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Somehow I don’t think the Jays would take Joba in a trade, particularly if he’s viewed as a closer. What’s the good of getting a closer if you’re not going to be contending for a few years.
If the Jays are rebuilding, they’ll want low-cost, high-value prospects, and lots of them. Maybe they’ll want 1 02 2 major league ready starters with upside, so I’d think they’d ask for Hughes and Kennedy, then add on either Jackson or Montero to start the negotiations. Not saying they’d get both or either, but that’s where you start.
Yanks would give up Kennedy, of that I’m sure. Maybe even Montero, if Romine is as complete as advertised.
Interesting thoughts. I believe Boston is in trouble and are searching for answers. Scutaro for SS is a key IMO. I believe they trade Papelbon to Tigers for Cabrera & move Bard to closer. I also think they take a flier on Kelvim Escobar as a #4/5 starter for depth for Wakefield/Dice-K. I think the Sox then try to get a frontline SP with Buckholtz/Bowden/two Single A Prospects/Plus ??. (Halladay or Santana or Josh Johnson) Lastly, I think they sign Chone Figgins to play LF.
C- Martinez
1B- Cabrera
2B- Pedroia
SS- Scutaro
3B- Youkilis
LF- Figgins
CF- Ellsbury
RF- Drew
DH- Ortiz/Lowell
SP1- Beckett
SP2- Lester
SP3- Halladay/Santana/JJohnson
SP4- Matsuzaka
SP5- Wakefield/Escobar
CL- Bard