And so it begins…
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 07, 2009 
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Day One of the Winter Meetings has kicked off with a New York Post report that Andy Pettitte turned down the Yankees initial one-year offer, which Joel Sherman believes was for roughly $10 million. Sherman writes that at least one official remains convinced a deal will get done.
Buster Olney is reporting the Pettitte will definitely pitch next season.
Signing Pettitte would make things a lot easier for the Yankees, who would suddenly be much less desperate for starting pitching during their potential trade talks for Roy Halladay or whoever else.
UPDATE, 9:16 a.m.: The Post has added a report that Brian Bruney is being shopped and could end up in Atlanta. Just a guess, but I can’t help wondering if Rafael Soriano might change those plans. If Soriano accepts arbitration — which seems possible — the Braves will have Soriano, Billy Wagner and Takashi Saito making quite a bit of money in the bullpen.
UPDATE, 9:30 a.m.: Jon Heyman reporting that Pettitte contract talks have begun between Brian Cashman and Randy Hendricks.
UPDATE, 10:08 a.m.: The Veterans Committee just announced that umpire Doug Harvey and manager Whitey Herzog have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Here we go again with this BS. I love Andy, but for someone who claims to be a stand-up guy and that “it’s not about the money”…
“Here we go again with this BS. I love Andy, but for someone who claims to be a stand-up guy and that “it’s not about the money”…”
It’s always about the money, Jake. This is especially true whenever one says “It’s not about the money”.
I’m just happy that Andy wants to pitch again.
I don’t believe the report. I think it’s merely a timing issue so that they don’t have to add him to the 40 man before the Rule 5 draft.
Do they have to give Pettitte a little more than $10m? Maybe, but I am skeptical that he really turned it down.
Rich glad to see we agree in something. Signing Damon for one year just means we will have to do this all over again next year. If you can get Holliday for 5/80 then you have fixed the problem and not just out a bandade on it.
As for Andy, 10M is a very fair offer and is more than any other team would do. I would go no higher until another team beats it
Rich in NJ
December 7th, 2009 at 8:45 am
I don’t believe the report. I think it’s merely a timing issue so that they don’t have to add him to the 40 man before the Rule 5 draft.
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I’m skeptical too-you’re probably right that it’s a timing thing.
This implies that Andy is likely to pitch 200+ innings, but how sure is everyone that he can stand up to that much work at his age? Last year he had trouble down the stretch, and so this season seemed to be a blessing that he stayed *mostly* healthy to the end.
blake,
As things stand now, Holliday will probably sign with the RS and they will get the picks when Bay signs elsewhere. The Yankee can stop that and get an upgrade in LF and a guy to hit behind A-Rod.
That’s a win/win.
“I don’t believe the report. I think it’s merely a timing issue so that they don’t have to add him to the 40 man before the Rule 5 draft”
Can’t see that being a worry. No way they get Halladay without tapping into the existing 40 man. Wang is going to be non tendered, though I’m not sure of the timing on that. Mitre and perhaps Gaudin are expendable. They won’t have problems making room when they need too.
squidward
The Rule 5 draft is Dec. 10th. Any Halladay trade may not be completed by then, and they may want to take a player in the Rule 5.
btw, The non-tender date is the 12th.
“This implies that Andy is likely to pitch 200+ innings, but how sure is everyone that he can stand up to that much work at his age?”
He’s got a pretty easy motion that doesn’t seem to lend to as much wear and tear on the arm as some others might. He’s averaged 210 innings per the last 5 seasons and when he’s gotten to October, he’s been effective. He’s always been a workout warrior. I don’t worry about him being in the 190 to 200 inning range.
I think Heyman has it right for once…
SI_JonHeyman
#yankees gm brian cashman and pettitte’s agent randy hendricks are beginning contract talks.
Boston is in a status quo /do it on the cheap mode. Thet’re poised to make a move only after the Yankees do and not until.
Thanks Rich.
Rich, agreed.
“Boston is in a status quo /do it on the cheap mode. Thet’re poised to make a move only after the Yankees do and not until.”
I couldn’t disagree more. They know they have to be bold to remain in contention.
Rich in NJ
December 7th, 2009 at 9:04 am
#yankees gm brian cashman and pettitte’s agent randy hendricks are beginning contract talks.
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Great news on a Monday morning. lol
Awesome.
If bay signs with Seattle and the Yankees get holliday then Boston is screwed
The Sawx will not stand around and wait. They have a passionate fan base that pays big dollars for tickets and they expect and demand aggressive action. Another off season of scrap heap signings won’t get it done.
Pettite probably tops out at $ 12 M I would think. His ERA went down over his last seven starts. How exactly is that having “trouble down the stretch”?
Yanks should still have the $$$ to target a quality starter and a corner OF.
“If bay signs with Seattle and the Yankees get holliday then Boston is screwed”
Not much to suggest the Yankees are in on either LF unless it was at a relative bargain basement price. I think Boston gets one of them for sure.
“His ERA went down over his last seven starts. How exactly is that having “trouble down the stretch”?”
I think whoever posted that blacked out ’09, and was thinking of the struggling down the stretch, injured Andy Pettitte of ’08.
If hollidays price is under 100M then they will become involved quickly I believe
“I think Boston gets one of them for sure”
If Boston gets one of them, which is likely, I would rather they retain Bay. We know what he is, at least, but Holliday could be a monster with the Green Monster.
I had read, however, that Boston was willing to have Bay walk to get the picks for him. But, if he walks, and they sign Holliday, they lose picks. Maybe, just maybe, they are looking for ways to go forward w/o either of them, if they are now so in love with picks and prospects. Or else, like everything else, it is a smokescreen.
Olney reporting Pettitte and Yanks talking today about a deal on espn.com
Andy is worth more than last years contract.He was awesome in postseason,pitching and winning on short rest,he is the leader in postseason wins(his legacy)and he has helped the Yankees win 5 rings,pay him!!
Andy deserves this respect,last year he hated his contract,but still came back and delivered the goods.
Bruney for Hansen, I like it…
I can’t imagine the sox not getting one of bay or holliday, their lineup needs a guy like that badly
Not sure why everyone is assuming that the Red Sox will sign either Holliday or Bay.
Anaheim is losing Vlad , and Figgins. The Mets need a power bat , and the Mariners have a lot of money coming off the books.
Maybe the Sox do get either player. But i expect the bidding to be fierce
Andy loves to dance, as do the Hendrick brothers. I get the feeling that Andy is going to claim that he’s as valuable as AJ, and wants $16 million – after all, he’s the winningest pitcher in post-season history. Yankees are probably willing to go $12 million, maybe $14 with incentives. That’s pricey, but I’d do it.
Doesn’t make sense to trade Bruney and pick up Soriano from the Braves, if they decide to trade him should he accept arbitration. Soriano would be due at least $5 million. I guess sign-and-trade is coming to baseball!
Saint
Let’s remember one thing, the Yankees are known not to officially announce a signing until well afte they come to an agreement. They usually wait until they have a press conference which means any concern about the Rule 5 draft or 40 man roster won’t come into play until the Yankees make an official announcement.
Those who have their hearts set on aigning Matt Holliday are going to be very disappointed.
Cashman’s big splash this offseason is going to be a quality rotation arm.
They don’t need another big bat. They need four starters who can beat another team’s four starters come October.
The Yanks won the WS despite not hitting much. They did it because of their pitching. Three starters probably won’t cut it next October.
Isn’t there a restriction on trading someone if they accept arbitration? I don’t think its the full season, but I thought they couldn’t be traded till June or so if they accept the offered arbitration.
That would put Bruney for Soriano out. Besides, if the Yankees wanted Soriano wouldn’t they be talking to him about a contract?
Yanks should go for pitching, save the big bucks for next year’s free agent class, no holliday or bay, damon and/or matsui Yes !
“Isn’t there a restriction on trading someone if they accept arbitration?”
If he accepts, the Braves can’t move him without his permission before 6/1. That said, if he’s accepting, it’ll be because it’s the best move for him financially and he may not mind being moved.
Actually I think it’s Marte that likes to dance.
GF, while pitching is very important in the post season, you still have to get in runs. Having a potent lineup makes it more likely that you can score runs.
You need the balance, with a lean toward pitching, to win in the post season.
Another factor with having the batting power is what just about everyone had said about the Yankee lineup… it just wears out pitchers.
Losing (so far) Damon and Matsui from the lineup leaves it currently sitting as:
Jeter
Swisher (?)
Teixeira
Alex
Posada
Cano
Melky
Gardner
(?)
Granted they will get a LF player, but if they can’t hit it changes how solid and circular the lineup was. That can and will cost games.
DaSaint007
December 7th, 2009 at 11:00 am
Andy loves to dance, as do the Hendrick brothers. I get the feeling that Andy is going to claim that he’s as valuable as AJ, and wants $16 million – after all, he’s the winningest pitcher in post-season history. Yankees are probably willing to go $12 million, maybe $14 with incentives. That’s pricey, but I’d do it.
Doesn’t make sense to trade Bruney and pick up Soriano from the Braves, if they decide to trade him should he accept arbitration. Soriano would be due at least $5 million. I guess sign-and-trade is coming to baseball!
Saint
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BS. How do you figure that Pettitte and the Hendricks brothers are “dancing” with the Yankees? They’ve let the Yanks know they are ready to talk, and, mostly, did so at least a week ago. Supposedly, they offered 10 mil for a year, and supposedly, Pettitte turned down the first offer. Not a big surprise. Few if any take the first offer.
Pettitte earned his 10.5 mil last year that NYY put restrictions on and Pettitte made all except for the last 5 innings. Yes, he deserves a kick in pay, and, yes, he was NY’s second best starter last season.
I’ll call BS on the Bruney deal, too, since Atlanta has little to offer in trade that the Yanks have need of. They have no use for Kelly Johnson and Atlanta’s not trading Prado or Diaz for Bruney. That’s what they have, except for Omar Infante as a utility player.
Tom, Crawford next year (if he’s even available) will cost more than Holliday this year will. Why not fix the LF problem this year so that they can focus on other needs next year like pitching and mauer if he’s available. They need starting pitching but the second most glaring need is to improve and get younger at a corner outfield spot
Pettitte should decline 10 mil….he’s worth more than that. He’ll end up signing for 12 – 13 mil. Hopefully it gets done soon.
The best move for Soriano would be to accept a trade to the Yankees. He would be pitching for a contract and the Braves already have a logjam in the bullpen with Wagner and Saito. Soriano would be able to showcase himself in the 8th inning here.
Crawford will not get a bigger deal than Holliday.
Squidward, I can understand that financially it may be the right move for Soriano to accept arbitration, but anything can happen between ST and June 1st. The Yankees aren’t going to trade Bruney away and hope Soriano is healthy come June 1 for the trade to be finalized. (That is if there is anything to this rumor about Bruney for Soriano, which I tend to doubt).
Or maybe the Yankees are just dumping Bruney because they do not want to pay him and figure they may as well get something in return as opposed to just letting him walk.
It wasn’t just pitching that won the division or the playoff series. Hitting by Matsui and Damon was certainly critical. If these players leave, their bats must be replaced.
No one knows what the Tigers want for Granderson, and if they did, I expect the board would be up in arms. Either bring back last years DH and LF or replace them with Holliday and have Miranda DH against RHPs and rotate the regulars against LHPs.
Just to repost from the last thread:
1. I think Bruney goes to Atlanta for Ryan Church. Church will serve as insurance in case the Yankees don’t get another LF or DH in here. He can play RF and Swisher can move to either LF or DH.
2. If you’re the Yankee brain trust and Andy wants 12-15 mil do you start thinking, “well if we’re going to give him that kind of money why don’t we just sign John Lackey instead?”
The Yanks could be trading Bruney for Soriano. Or they could be trading him for a prospect or two. If they didnt plan on bringing him back anyway (and we dont know what they’re thinking) then it makes sense to get something in return instead of just letting him walk.
“Crawford will not get a bigger deal than Holliday.”
I don’t think so either.
Actually the Yankees do need another bat or two. Think about it, we are losing Damon and Matsui and Posada/Jeter are on the wrong side of 30 and somewhat likely to decline next year. You can’t assume that both of them continue to play at the same level, at some point they will begin to decline at the plate.
Two above average hitters are needed on this team. Whether those guys are Damon and Matsui or someone else remains to be seen but make no mistake, we need more hitters.
If Soriano accepts arbitration, I can’t see him letting Atlanta send him anywhere that he can’t close, unless he gets more money out of it. It’s the only advantage that he’d have.
I don’t think Soriano takes his arbitration offer from the Braves. I think someone will offer him closer money (and the opportunity) elsewhere.
Ryan Church sucks, why would the Yankees want him?
lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)
December 7th, 2009 at 11:16 am
The best move for Soriano would be to accept a trade to the Yankees. He would be pitching for a contract and the Braves already have a logjam in the bullpen with Wagner and Saito. Soriano would be able to showcase himself in the 8th inning here.
__________
He couldn’t be traded till June 1. Too many things can happen between now and then that it would become unlikely that the trade would even happen.
Andy deserves more than 10mil. I’m glad he’s holding out for more. He came up big for us in Game 6. Somewhere between 12mil and 15mil is adequate.
Countryclub, I don’t know about that. You never know what the economy will be like next offseason.
Just call me Mr. Clutch December 7th, 2009 at 11:14 am
GF, while pitching is very important in the post season, you still have to get in runs. Having a potent lineup makes it more likely that you can score runs.
——————–
This team does not need Matt Holliday to score runs. They will probably bring back one of Damon or Matsui and they still have Jeter, Teixeira, A-Rod, Posada, and Cano.
Stellar starting pitching will help them win just as many games as their offense. Can’t always bludgeon teams to death.
The Yanks could be trading Bruney for Soriano.
Soriano’s not under contract. The Braves offered him arbitration as a Free Agent to make sure they get a pick for him when he signs somewhere else. Braves can’t trade him.
“Stellar starting pitching will help them win just as many games as their offense. Can’t always bludgeon teams to death.”
Yeah, but those are the types of wins I enjoy the most. There’s nothing better than a good beat down, especially if it’s done against BOS.
Blake,
I agree with your economy comment (although it’s been moving in the right direction for some time now). But Crawford is just an inferior player to Holliday. Crawford will get a deal similar to what Figgins gets this year…maybe a little more per year.
Ryan Church sucks, why would the Yankees want him?
Same reason they wanted Nick Swisher last year. Swisher was brought in as insurance in case the Yankees couldn’t find a better option to play 1b.
Bring in Church now in case the Yankees don’t find a better option to play LF or DH.
Again, you’re not really giving up anything to get him. Bruney’s probably the 11th or 12th man on the pitching staff right now and the system is flooded with RH pitchers who could replace him.
Just call me Mr. Clutch
December 7th, 2009 at 11:21 am
lets go yankees (formerly lets go twins)
December 7th, 2009 at 11:16 am
The best move for Soriano would be to accept a trade to the Yankees. He would be pitching for a contract and the Braves already have a logjam in the bullpen with Wagner and Saito. Soriano would be able to showcase himself in the 8th inning here.
__________
He couldn’t be traded till June 1. Too many things can happen between now and then that it would become unlikely that the trade would even happen.
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If Soriano accepts arbitration, he can’t be traded until June 1st, untless Soriano agrees to a trade.
“Andy deserves more than 10mil. I’m glad he’s holding out for more. He came up big for us in Game 6. Somewhere between 12mil and 15mil is adequate.”
I’d be surprised if it got as high as $15M. I don’t think any real hard feelings exist between the parties, but the Yankees did take a pretty hard line with him in last year’s negotiations. Not saying it was unfair or anything, but it was a hard line stance. On the strength of a solid season and an excpetional postseason, I think maybe Pettitte’s going to push back a little. I think it ends up around $12M, maybe $12.5M.
Chip, the Yankees going to Lackey over Pettitte doesn’t make sense for them. Pettitte may get 12 million or more, but even if it is 15 million, it is a one year deal. That is far better than 17 or 18 million over 5 years or so that Lackey is wanting.
Lackey wants more than AJ got. Its a longer commitment than Pettitte.
I could see Halladay longer term, not Lackey.
Tweet(s) of intrest:
nyp_joelsherman
Club official from team interested in #Tigers Granderson said thinks #Yankees really want the CF.
“Bring in Church now in case the Yankees don’t find a better option to play LF or DH. ”
for the 1000000th time, Church CANNOT hit lefties!! He’s more of a platoon player.
We have to remain focused on pitching!.
“I think it ends up around $12M, maybe $12.5M.”
Again, that’s reasonable. I’d like to see them get this deal done this week.
Soriano can be traded if he accepts arbitration. He just has to approve it. To be honest, I’d rather the Yanks not make a deal for him (I know it’s all hypothetical right now). I dont like paying middle relievers 8 mil per yr.
Andy is still a good deal ove 10m, he’s proven, and has been in pretty good health, and he only wants a 1 year deal. Would you rather pay lackey 16m for 5 years or andy 12 for 1 year? Lackey hasn’t been healthy in 3 years.
The Yankees should sign Andy and one of Duscherer, Harden, or Sheets on a 1 year deal with a vesting option. If they trade for Granderson, I wouldn’t complain.
Countryclub, if Holliday is a better than crawford (I also think he is) them why not go after him if the pricetag is lower than normally it would be. In another offseason he probably would cost too much but in this one I’m not sure he will. He fills several needs they have
I know Chip is constantly looking for reasons why Cashman shouldn’t sign Pettitte but the comparison to Lackey doesn’t jive at all.
Lackey is going to get a 4 or 5 year deal @ $16-18M per season.
Pettitte is only signing a one year deal.
Apples and hand grenades. One negotiation has zip to do with the other.
Laura – Bring back Matsui in 2010!
December 7th, 2009 at 11:31 am
I’d like to see them get this deal done this week.
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You and me both!!
Chip the difference being, Nick Swisher is a good player and Ryan Church is not. Nick Swisher was good as a fall-back plan for 1B and RF because he is an above average hitter and fielder. Ryan Church is average at best.
Bringing back Damon, but not Matsui substatially weakens the team from last year. Does anyone want someone like Hinske, Church, Pena, Cervelli or the like coming to bat in key situations? We act as if the playoffs were easy, and losing a key hitter is not a worry. As I recall, most of the games came down to a few key at bats. Either improve at LF or bring bck Damon and Matsui.
“for the 1000000th time, Church CANNOT hit lefties!!”
Neither can Granderson, but apparently the Yankees are interested.
About time the White Rat was elected. That guy made our lives miserable for a long time; he could manage for me anytime.
Andy has every right to ask for AJ type money this year. He was better than AJ last year and been been better than AJ most every year.
Andy is not going to get AJ money though because the market for him is not what it was for AJ last year. Andy is 38 and can not be expected to pich 200+ innings anymore; 180 probably, 200 not likely.
Andy will probably get 10mil plus insentives to make up to 13.
I’d say the odds Damon comes back are less than 50/50. He’s going to have to take a 2 year deal at less than 10mil each.
Left field is not the place the Yankee are going to spend big $$ so Halliday or Bay are not options.
If the Yankees make a big splash it will be for Roy Halladay. He is the only guy out there that I see getting 100mil+.
I also would put the odds against a deal for Halladay.
Bruney isn’t in Yankees plans and was given every chance. Deal him and Gardner to Atlanta for Soriano. Throw in Edwar Ramirez if necessary. That opens up 2 spots on the 40-man roster
Blake,
I just dont think the yanks want to be on the hook for another long term contract for a guy that they probably dont think of as a superstar. I think they’ll look at his as a last resort.
Buster_ESPN Also: Halladay is said to be open to listen to all possibilities, including the Angels, despite where they hold spring training
Assuming Andy is back in the fold the Yanks need two major additions. They could add a bat and a top starting pitcher or they add two bats.
Personally I’d spend money on Halladay or Lackey before I’d spend it on Holliday or Bay. Bring back Damon and add a versatile fourth OF like Winn to add some pop/flexibility.
The Yanks should keep Gardner. he’s very valuable right now because he’s so cheap.
I’ve got no love for Bruney. Deal him to ATL, SEA, I don’t care who. Thank him for his services, mail him his ring and be done with it.
Be careful reading too much into all the tweets we’re going to see this week. There’s going to be a ton of misinformation.
Matt
December 7th, 2009 at 11:37 am
Bruney isn’t in Yankees plans and was given every chance.
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I think he sealed his fate when he sprayed Hal with champagne.
“Neither can Granderson, but apparently the Yankees are interested.”
Exactly. His splits indicate that he is a platoon player, a damn good one, but a platoon player.
It looks like the Veteran’s Committee blew it again. No way does Whitey Herzog belong in the HOF. He was barely over a .500 manager in 18 years, just over 125 more wins than losses. Ralph Houk had managerial numbers as good, as did Billy Martin.
Again…no Ron Santo, no Jim Kaat, no Tommy John, no Gil Hodges. Again, no Marvin Miller. Pathetic.
I heard that Bruney was TICKED off that Girardi left him off the postseason roster for the first 2 rounds.
None of Damon, Bay, or Holliday will patrol LF in 2010 for the Yankees. It’s either a deal with K.C. for DeJesus or a deal with Detroit for Granderson with Melky moving to LF.
Soriano is not a middle reliever. He is a setup man with closer stuff, hitting his prime.
If he accepts arbitration, I hope the Braves deal him to the Yankees for Bruney. If the Yankees can cut ties with Bruney in a Soriano trade, they’re only taking on 6 million for 1 year of Soriano. If he performs in NY, they can decide at the end of the year if they want to lock him up on a multiyear deal and make him the next closer.
As for Granderson, I hope the Yankees trade for him and sign Holliday.
Bring back Pettitte and call it an offseason.
I really want the OF to be Holliday, Granderson, Melky and Swisher the versatile DH who takes Melky’s place in RF when Posada needs to DH.
I also wouldn’t mind Granderson in CF, Melky in LF, Swisher in RF and Matsui back on a 1 year deal with vesting option for 2.
Then the Yankees can sign Pettitte and have plenty of money for a pricey starting pitcher.
Whitey Herzog revolutioned the stolen base… he taught people how to assemble the balanced lineups that are conducive to scoring a lot of runs. He also was the manager over the great Royals/Cards teams in the 80s…
Chip
December 7th, 2009 at 11:26 am
Ryan Church sucks, why would the Yankees want him?
Same reason they wanted Nick Swisher last year. Swisher was brought in as insurance in case the Yankees couldn’t find a better option to play 1b.
Bring in Church now in case the Yankees don’t find a better option to play LF or DH.
Again, you’re not really giving up anything to get him. Bruney’s probably the 11th or 12th man on the pitching staff right now and the system is flooded with RH pitchers who could replace him.
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Erin’s a better option in left field/DH than Church is.
Melky hits from both sides and gives us good D. I have no problem with Melky, plus the veterans love him.
Winn adds no pop and little else at this point in his career. If he is the answer then it is a very wrong question to bew asking.
I’m confused about the Soriano trade talk. He is a free agent. He wouldn’t sign with the Braves, and if he did, why would the Yankees trade for him when they could sign him. If he accepts arbitration, they can’t trade him until June.
I still say Holliday for 5 years would be cheaper annually than Damon and Matsui combined and five years younger than either. Of course it does depend on the price which is unknown at this point.
Signing a free agent outfielder allows the trade chips to be used for pitching. Trading for Granderson would cost too much to then trade for a top flight pitching.
Everyone wants the injury prone(or still injured)pitchers. Didn’t we learn from seeing how that worked for Boston?
“Again…no Ron Santo, no Jim Kaat, no Tommy John, no Gil Hodges. Again, no Marvin Miller. Pathetic.”
Not sure what the threshold for getting in via the VC is, but Miller did get 7 votes from the 12 person committee.
The Cubs like Melky!
If you find a taker you move him. On the Yankees he’s really a 4th OF (even though he played a good CF and had an okay bat). But he’s going to get more and more expensive.
But the problem is that the Cubs and the Yankees both like Granderson.
Actually, I see no reason for Jeter to begin to decline. He may not hit .334 again, but he keeps himself in terrific shape.
Green Beret–I am a bit offended. I think I can outhit Erin. Well, maybe.
Chip the difference being, Nick Swisher is a good player and Ryan Church is not. Nick Swisher was good as a fall-back plan for 1B and RF because he is an above average hitter and fielder. Ryan Church is average at best.
Yes, he’s average at best, but right now, the Yankees are looking at an OF of Swisher, Melky and Gardner with Juan Miranda at DH. Now odds are they’re going to sign someone else, but if I can subtract the last reliever out of the pen and get Church I see nothing wrong with that.
Again, I’m not saying deal Austin Jackson for him but right now, in the pen the Yankees have Mariano, Robertson, Marte, Gaudin, Coke, Aceves all ahead of Bruney. Don’t you think they could just take Brian out of the pen and get as much production from Mark Melancon or Romulo Sanchez?
for the 1000000th time, Church CANNOT hit lefties!!
Neither can Granderson, but apparently the Yankees are interested.
Agreed
I know Chip is constantly looking for reasons why Cashman shouldn’t sign Pettitte but the comparison to Lackey doesn’t jive at all.
It absolutely jives. Again, if you’re the Yankees – do you pay Andy 12-15 mil this year or do you pay Lackey a little more this year and have the front three of the rotation locked down for the next 4 years? It’s a question of short term vs. long term.
For a little more money in the short term the Yankees solidify their rotation for the long term…that’s the decision that Andy turning down their initial offer brings up.
prediction:
1. yankees get granderson, move melky to lf
2. matsui one year deal
3. pettite 1 year/12.5 m
4. trading for halladay (joba, jackson/montero, prospect), any more than that should be shunned immediately.
this means saving 5 mil or so to bring matsui back on a new deal, no 13 m for damon, increase for pettitte, and halladay?
will that trim payroll at all?
GB, a co-worker of mine is complaining that Ted Simmons gets little attention from anybody regarding the HoF.
Admittedly, I know little about him, other than what his BR page says. What say you, is Ted Simmons HoF worthy?
Also-Ran
December 7th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Whitey Herzog revolutioned the stolen base… he taught people how to assemble the balanced lineups that are conducive to scoring a lot of runs. He also was the manager over the great Royals/Cards teams in the 80s…
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He didn’t revolutionize crap. He had a couple of jack rabbits and they played in huge parks with Astro-turf. He also inherited those Cardinal teams. He also lost 3 straight AL championships to the late 70s yankee teams.
He won one WS title in 18 years. If those teams were so great, why were they only 150 wins over .500 in 18 years?
GreenBeret7
December 7th, 2009 at 11:46 am
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Erin’s a better option in left field/DH than Church is.
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Thanks GB. I think… lol
That jibes with what Buster already said a week or so ago, but not what Will Carroll or Heyman said. I guess we’ll see….
10:47am: Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News has a source saying no official offer has been made to Pettitte, but a contract north of $10MM will be proposed today.
Per Mlbtraderumors
GB7 is correct, Soriano can be traded, with his permission, before June 1st. But it wouldn’t make sense to have him for 1 year at $5+ million, though he wouldn’t cost a draft pick since it would be a trade. Still, I’d much prefer lefty Mike Gonzalez. If he were to accept arbitration, I’d consider that, but not Soriano.
Andy dances every year at this time. But I love the guy. He’s a warrior and he’s the first guy I want on my rotation. Not the best, but the guttiest, win or lose, so he’s worth it. They’ll probably agree on somewhere between 12 and 14 million. Just hope he doesn’t ask for 2 years.
Tom in NJ
December 7th, 2009 at 11:50 am
GB, a co-worker of mine is complaining that Ted Simmons gets little attention from anybody regarding the HoF.
Admittedly, I know little about him, other than what his BR page says. What say you, is Ted Simmons HoF worthy?
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I don’t think so. He was a below average catcher, but, spent a lot of his later career as a DH and other positions….none of them well. There were better hitters than him during that time, including Al Oliver and Dave Parker.
I wonder if Melky would be included in a trade for Granderson.
Obviously the Tigers will try to get one or two of our young, talented prospects, but I would be hard pressed to believe that the Yankees would deal any of Joba, Hughes, Montero, or Jackson for him simply because this is obviously a salary dump and the Tigers acknowledging that they are making some significant changes to their franchise. Otherwise, why trade a guy like Curtis?
I guess I’m not sure whether or not the Tigers would actually WANT Melky…
Erin
December 7th, 2009 at 11:51 am
GreenBeret7
December 7th, 2009 at 11:46 am
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Erin’s a better option in left field/DH than Church is.
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Thanks GB. I think… lol
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Even if you couldn’t catch a fly ball any better than Damon or hit any better than Molina…..you’d look great in those tight pinstripes.
Heyman said he would prefer to go to a team that trains near his Florida home… I don’t think he ever said Roy would absolutely not want to go to a team that trains in AZ.
Unless we get a direct quote from Roy or his agent, always take these rumors with a grain of salt, as a far as where he does or doesn’t want to play.
There is no way, as has been suggested,the Yankees trade for Granderson and Halladay. There would be no minor league system left. Granderson would not come cheaply as he is not too overpriced, and there wilol be a lot of competition for him.
Why would Soriano only be making 6 mil next season if he accepts arbitration. He made more than that last year and he had a great season. He’s certainly not getting a paycut.
Last time I checked, Yanks were taking a conservative approach to this offseason. Try and resign the same guys on short term deals and right at market value. Maybe do a trade for a bat and if they make a big deal it’s going to be for a bona fide superstar.
I don’t see them spending 7-8 mil on a set up guy.
Let Andy get the money he deserves. He had a great season, a dominating postseason, and should be appropriately rewarded.
If this were any other guy besides Andy I might not feel this way, but I’m confident he’s coming back.
Assuming Pettitte is back, ff Joba, Montero or Jackson, and someone else can get a deal done for Halladay, hallelujah. If not, sign Lackey. We need someone who keeps the ball down in the bandbox.
Granderson solves about a million problems. The question is how do you do that deal if you’ve already traded for Halladay? I don’t think the Yankees have any intention of parting with both Montero and Jackson, if either at any point.
So, in that scenario, I say use one of them to get Granderson and sign Lackey.
I just don’t think signing a Lackey will be enough.
And keep Holliday the hell away from my outfield.
Olney now saying Pettitte will get at least $11 million for 1 year …
Signing Pettitte would make us less desperate why? Three starters do not a regular-season rotation make. Joba and Phil belong in the pen, as does Aceves. So getting Lackey or Halladay or whoever is still the #1 priority.