Red Sox might be close to deal with Lackey
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 14, 2009 
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First Ed Price heard the rumor. Then Ken Rosenthal reported the same thing.
It seems John Lackey will undergo a physical for the Boston Red Sox, a move that suggests he’s close to a deal with the team. It’s a bit surprising considering the Red Sox seem set with a quality five-man rotation even without Lackey, but their pitching depth doesn’t go much beyond those five. And, as Yankees fans know all too well, it’s pretty easy to move one of those starters into the bullpen.
Put Lackey in a rotation with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and two of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz, and the Red Sox have an awfully good group with an extra arm in case of injury.
Wonder how Cash, counters this move….Doc, Sheets, Duke or some surprising like Johnson, Verlander or King Felix….going to be interesting
From the link posted by Nick on the last thread: DeJesus, 30, had the fourth highest OPS in the American League out of the leadoff spot last season, trailing only the Yankees’ Derek Jeter, Rays’ Jason Bartlett and Mariners’ Ichiro Suzuki.
Can someone please tell me how DeJesus is a spare part?
Would I deal Joba and Melancon for him and Meche as the rest of that post suggested? Not on your life. But I would make a deal for him and Meche (or just him). In fact I would rather have Meche than Sheets for the simple fact that Meche stays healthy more often than Sheets does.
Well that’s interesting. How should we follow suit?
“Put Lackey in a rotation with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and two of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz, and the Red Sox have an awfully good group with an extra arm in case of injury.”
Everyone said that BOS had a good rotation this past season. How did that turn out for them?
Wonder how Cash, counters this move….Doc, Sheets, Duke or some surprising like Johnson, Verlander or King Felix….going to be interesting
This is them countering the Granderson move. Cashman doesn’t have to throw a counter punch.
Signing Lackey is part of Theo’s 1-2 punch. Then he trades Buchholz and 2 or 3 top prospects for Adrian Gonzalez. Youk moves to third and they hope the Lowell deal goes through, otherwise they dump him somewhere else and eat $10 of Mike’s $12M salary for 2010.
I’d rather they get Lackey than Halladay, but living in L.A. and being so familiar with Lackey, who is everything you want in a baseball player, that would be a scary good addition for the Sox – if he can stay healthy. Hopefully he’s nicking them for a fortune that will restrict their other winter moves.
The Yankees are still better.
“This is them countering the Granderson move. Cashman doesn’t have to throw a counter punch.”
No matter how you characterize it, Cash has said he wants to add a starter.
“Put Lackey in a rotation with Jon Lester, Josh Beckett and two of Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield and Clay Buchholz, and the Red Sox have an awfully good group with an extra arm in case of injury.”
IMO, there isn’t an “in case of injury”, it’s only when that injury happens and if they’re are more of them.
Why is everyone concerned about the Red Sox signing Lackey. Looking at Lackey’s career stats, he has won 19 games just once and, other than that he has never more than 14 games.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/pl.....FuwX2FCLcF
RMEL
You don’t counter a move. That is just silly. You make moves to improve your team, not to try and beat out another.
Sign Sheets/Duke+Holliday
No team can beat us
Wins don’t matter in baseball anymore, it’s WHIP and other sabrmetric numbers. I mean obviously they matter, but they’re not used much to evaluate a pitcher.
The way I see it, is if the Sawx land Lackey good for them. With Lackey in the fold, that would lead one to believe that Bay is out and with the imminent trade of Lowell, does anyone fear that lineup????
One of the biggest problems the Sawx had last year was scoring runs and getting rid of the middle of your lineup isn’t what you would think Theo would do…unless you think Lars Anderson is the next big thing and he will be up next year?
Don’t see Padre’s trading an affordable, productive, home-town player like Adrian Gonzalez. No need to.
But I could see Detroit trading Cabrerra.
The confidence in Joba and Hughes is higher than I estimated.
Cash pretty much has to fill the DH and LF with quality players now. We’re not going to hit that pitching staff with Melky in LF and/or Miranda at DH.
And he absolutely needs another pitcher too. Halladay or Sheets.
We are saving our money for Halladay and Crawford.
DaSaint,
I could see Detroit dealing Cabrera as well. They’re probably more willing than the Pads with Adrian Gonzalez.
Repost:
Wow. Lots of stuff going on.
Lackey on the Sox makes them much better.
Could be the domino that starts the chain reaction.
1. Lackey to Sox
2. Yankees and Angels duking it out for Halladay (and daaaa Yankeeeeess wiiinnnn!!!)
3. Bay to Angels (or mariners)
4. Cabrera (not melky) to the Red Sox (eat up some more salary please), but do they reallly need yet another 1B/DH type?
5. Holliday to St. Louis once Bay settles in someplace
6. Braves will eat salary to move Lowe (Halladay loser from #2 to get Lowe)
7. Hideki signs with Yankees after they get a veteran pitcher.
8. Yankees sign a LF for a 1 yr. deal in anticipation of the Rays falling off the map and trading Carl Crawford to the Yankees for 6 relievers!
You won’t see any situation where the Phillies move Lee. That was a stupid scenario by Rosenthal.
Grande is Granderson’s new nickname.
mick
December 14th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
We are saving our money for Halladay and Crawford.
—
Or Holliday and Webb/Lee/Beckett
Bret,
People are going to be awfully disappointed then when Joba is throwing 100 pitches in 4 innings while shaking off his catcher and throwing 3-2 sliders in the dirt and while
Hughes struggles while trying to develop secondary pitches.
The confidence is unfounded. we need another starter.
Of course I expected the Sox to do something, but that doesn’t mean I want them to be better. Their staff is much better than ours, the pens are probably even and you know they will get a big bat. Is Gonzalez a better hitter than Tex? That’s what people are discussing on NYYFans.
RMEL
You don’t counter a move. That is just silly. You make moves to improve your team, not to try and beat out another.
——-
You have to counter this move….Their pitching just got a lot better and deeper…You have to get other starter…just a bit risky i think with 2 youngsters at the end of the rotation
“I could see Detroit dealing Cabrera as well. They’re probably more willing than the Pads with Adrian Gonzalez.”
After we got Grandy, I saw in a few articles that this meant that DET now could keep Cabrera.
As for Gonzalez, if SD does trade him, I hope they make BOS pay through the nose for him.
Remember when people were saying how the Sox were irrelevant, as recently as yesterday? Talking about how their organization is a mess and they are in transition and are a weak team?
Things can change pretty quickly.
Wins don’t matter in baseball anymore, it’s WHIP and other sabrmetric numbers.
——————————————————–
Huh? OK we’ll forfeit our 27 World Championships because the wins that it took to get them don’t matter.
Wins are definately an indicator with Lackey because he played for a team that made the playoffs every year…they were a helluva team. If he had played for the Pittsburgh Pirates or Kansas City Royals then the fact that he has only one season with more than 14 wins would be understandable.
Lackey in Boston is a ticking time bomb…you think he would be able to handle the criticisms of Sawx Nation…
Rich, I disagree. All I see is people saying that we still have a better rotation….and then they don’t explain why. I’m looking at it objectively and I do not see it at all. I’m serious….please tell me why you think our rotation is better than the Red Sox rotation.
Gonzalez is better than Tex, considering he hits 40 bombs in Pectco. He plays great D too and hits around the same average,. Has more OBP as well.
Gonzo is better than Tex. No one knows it though because he plays in SD.
The fact of the matter is this is a huge admission that the Boston “plan” of all their prospects becoming all stars is falling by the wayside.
Thank God.
I’ve been sick and tired of hearing how their prospects (and prospects in general) all can do the same job as established players for a fraction of the cost and that you are a bad fan if you don’t buy that kool aid.
Boston is going to go out and try to buy a post season berth. Go for it.
You know why? Because they charge their fans an arm and a leg to support that team and they can’t get away with this “bridge” year nonsense.
They have the financial resources to bring in players just like we do. They just like to play “little sisters of the poor” so NESPN and Father Gammons can talk about how plucky they are to stand toe to toe with goliath.
John Lackey doesn’t scare me. Is he a good pitcher? Yes. Does he get hurt a lot? Yes. Can we hit him? Yes.
I would not be stunned to see him get surgery during the terms of this deal.
This isn’t them getting Doc. He’s not that dominant.
And if they trade all the cookies in the cupboard for Adrian Gonzales so be it. We have no room for him anyway.
Their vaunted farm system will be depleted, they will be locked into players and contracts for years and if they make one mistake with one of these guys it can sink them for a long time.
I want to see Boston try to buy their way back to a title. It’s a good thing.
What we’ve learned as fans is that as often as you are right spending money on players, you are more often wrong.
It takes the right mix and Boston better hope they get it perfect.
Dumping Lowell the way are trying tells me this is an organization that has no soul.
When Bernie was making big money and not producing at his previous levels, we never tried to sell him off to get him off the team.
The one thing you can never forget is Boston is a very tough place to play. They torture their own like no other city.
You better hope you get the right kind of guy who can deal with that and can deal with facing the Yanks 19 times a season.
Very smart move for the Sox. They now have 6 starters and can dangle Buchholz for a bat no problem.
Ugh. This sucks.
“Of course I expected the Sox to do something, but that doesn’t mean I want them to be better. Their staff is much better than ours, the pens are probably even and you know they will get a big bat. Is Gonzalez a better hitter than Tex? That’s what people are discussing on NYYFans.”
Betsy,
What can I say, all is lost, Cashman might as well fold up the tent.
Boy, the Boston Globe sure got scooped. So did Gammons.
jennifer – I agree completely. The focus has to be on making your own team and program better, and if you focus on someone else, instead, you’re getting distracted.
No move is made in isolation. If they sign Lackey (so much for the “bridge to 2010″ bs that Theo was selling). If they do sign Lackey, that potentially takes $$$ away from their other holes, like LF. And that might end up loweing the price of Holliday (Bay’s agent already announcing that they were moving on from the Red Sox).
If you make your team as strong as it can be, it doesn’t matter what the competition does.
And, just now, MLB is announcing not only the Lackey physical exam, but the the NY Daily News is reporting that Cash is involved with Duscherer and Sheets. So, we’ll see what happens.
On a totally different note….MLB is showing the 1978 Bucky Dent playoff game. Immediatley after Frank White does his HR call about Yaz looking up, it’s a home run!, he goes into a spot about Miller Beer is for celebrating, and it’s now time for a Miller. So, the next time someone complains about John Sterling pitching products during a game, remember, it’s been going on for a very long time.
Sox keep their prospects AND get an excellent pitcher. Not good news for us.
Lackey doesn’t scare me, neither does BOS. Bring ‘em on!!! I believe in my team no matter what.
Time to throw Joba in a Halladay deal. Cash cannot just sit back and not respond to the Sox getting Lackey. Joba is better than anything LAA can offer them.
But I could see Detroit trading Cabrera.
I disagree completely – the Tigers have pared off all the salary that they need to with the Granderson/Jackson deals.
Carlos
December 14th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Bret,
People are going to be awfully disappointed then when Joba is throwing 100 pitches in 4 innings while shaking off his catcher and throwing 3-2 sliders in the dirt and while
Hughes struggles while trying to develop secondary pitches.
The confidence is unfounded. we need another starter.
—
Agreed.
I thought Lackey.
Now I’m thinking…
HALLADAY
oye vay
but the the NY Daily News is reporting that Cash is involved with Duscherer and Sheets
Dear Cashman. Please sign Sheets !
Well Craw, I don’t think I’m reactionary and I still haven’t seen an explanation as to how our rotation is better. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. It just boggles my mind how people think our rotation stacks up to the Sox given that 99% of the people on this board think AJ is at best a mediocre pitcher. Actually, I find it ironic.
The bottom line is that the Sox rotation just got way better and we’re still looking at Joba and Phil as No.s 4-5, which would be a disaster. As good as we are, and we are defending WS champs, we only have 3/5ths of a rotation and no, repeat, no internal candidates that will rival the Sox’s Nos. 4-5.
AJ better find some consistency next season and pitch like he is capable of. Otherwise, we are screwed. 2 kids in the rotation, Andy a year older.
Even if AJ pitches like he is capable of for a full season, it still might not be enough.
“Is Gonzalez a better hitter than Tex?”
Certainly comparable. Not sure about better.
Laura, you’re obviously not reading what I’m saying so I’m not going to get into a debate. If you want to think our rotation is better than the Red Sox, then go right ahead; we’ll just have to agree to disagree.
This has got to be a tough day for Bret the Hitman. Sorry, Bret. Hang in there.
“Well Craw, I don’t think I’m reactionary and I still haven’t seen an explanation as to how our rotation is better. I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. It just boggles my mind how people think our rotation stacks up to the Sox given that 99% of the people on this board think AJ is at best a mediocre pitcher. Actually, I find it ironic.”
Betsy,
We’ll see as the game is played on the field not on paper.
“It just boggles my mind how people think our rotation stacks up to the Sox given that 99% of the people on this board think AJ is at best a mediocre pitcher. ”
Not exactly. Most probably think that AJ is a great pitcher who is mediocre at times. No one doubts the stuff that AJ has. The kick is getting him to use it successfully on a regular basis. A mediocre pitcher doesn’t even possess the talent that AJ has. There’s a difference.
“People are going to be awfully disappointed then when Joba is throwing 100 pitches in 4 innings while shaking off his catcher and throwing 3-2 sliders in the dirt and while
Hughes struggles while trying to develop secondary pitches.”
People are delusional if they think our rotation is better than Boston’s with Lackey.
Heck, even without Lackey, it may not be better than them if Hughes/Joba don’t step up.
Their staff is much better than ours, the pens are probably even and you know they will get a big bat.
————————————————-
Betsy, Beckett is no longer a given. Dice-K had nothing last yr. Wake/Buchholz no big deal. Lester is their ace, overrated.
Lackey would not have put them over the top last year.
They have no catcher. Our pen was better last year, as was our team.
Sheets and Holliday?
Just a few things from the last thread I’d like to comment on.
“That said, I’m surprised so many of you cheerleaders are so quick to downplay the addition of Lackey. If Boston adds him they have a better, more reliable top three than the Yankees do. Sure there’s a risk there, but life is risky. Lackey is a horse and a competitor and while I don’t think he’s worth $ 16 Million a year he is a major addition.”
——
I don’t think Lackey is That much better than Andy. I’d match up CC, AJ and Andy with Beckett, Lester and Lackey any day.
Also, whoever posted:
“I don’t see Sheets signing for 7.5. Penny got 7.5…”
Exactly. Sheets won’t get less than 10 on a 1 year deal. Maybe he can be had for 2/18, but the Penny and Harden signings have helped him out big time.
——
Don’t agree there. Brad Penny pitched all last season. Ben Sheets didn’t pick up a baseball.
Also Chip, in case you didn’t see it, this is for you from me from the last thread:
“Chip,
I just want to clarify that I don’t think Dejesus is a bad option for the Yanks. I quite agree with you that, especially with the Royals checking in on Gardner, Dejesus could be a good piece for the Yanks.
I just don’t see anyone mentioning him as an option for the Yanks and therefore until I start seeing some legit rumors pop up, Dejesus might as well be Pujols in terms of relation to the Yanks.”
If Lackey does sign with the Sox, their is really no question their rotation is deeper and likely better than the Yanks. Even my Yankee bias sees that. Two of our teams starters have never won ten games in a season. Right now the Sox line-up is not nearly as good. I don’t think either team is finished.
I don’t see Halladay coming. A healthy Sheets would be wonderful, but does anyone have any information saying he really can pitch in April,or next year at all for that matter, other than his agent?
Hughes and Joba cannot have any growing pains next year. Andy better not regress. AJ better finally pitch up to his capabilities.
Oh, and they better stay healthy or we throw the immortal Chad Gaudin into the mix.
Phil,
Hoping for your Halladay scenario to come true now.
Instead of worrying about how the Yankees are going to compete with a Boston team featuring Adrian Gonzalez let’s slow down. Let Boston first sign Lackey and then get a deal with San Diego before we start penning Adrian into the Boston lineup.
If the Lackey thing happens and if they get Gonzalez, it doesn’t alter what Cashman has to do. Bring in one more bat for either the OF or DH and add to the rotation.
Boy, it’s still 2009, and 2010 is already being written off.
Brett,
If Cash is serious about having a better rotation than Boston, he has no choice but to get one of Sheets/Halladay. Both would be great.
Right now, our rotation is considerably worse than Boston’s.
“Wins don’t matter in baseball anymore, it’s WHIP and other sabrmetric numbers.”
Those other numbers are a very good indicator of the skilla and abilities of a particular pitcher.
But when a pitcher consistently has good WHIP, etc, but doesn’t win a lot of games, I think you have to look a little further into why. Is it because his bullpen gives up lots of runs after he leaves? OK, not his fault. But, does he consistently leave games after just 5-6 innings. If a pitcher constantly leaves his bullpen exposed, he may not be as valuable as a pitcher who goes deeper in games. Then, the bullpen giving up runs can be at least partially his responsibility.
Does the pitcher have a very good ERA, but has relatively few shutdown innings after his team has scored? That is huge in whether a pitcher, or a team wins games.
Wins are certainly overrated in being the sole determining factor in the worth of a pitcher, but they do tend to get overlooked a bit in this era of overuse of metrics and rate stats.
“Gonzalez is better than Tex, considering he hits 40 bombs in Pectco”
Actually, Gonzalez hits 12 bombs in Petco, 28 on the road.
I doubt the Sox will get Gonzalez or Cabrera. I guess it’s possible, I just doubt they will want to give up the amount of prospects it will take to make either of those deals happen.
Lackey helps them but not as much as Bay or Holliday would have.
34 Score
December 14th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Brett,
If Cash is serious about having a better rotation than Boston, he has no choice but to get one of Sheets/Halladay. Both would be great.
Right now, our rotation is considerably worse than Boston’s.
—
No disagreement.
Cash pretty much has to fill the DH and LF with quality players now. We’re not going to hit that pitching staff with Melky in LF and/or Miranda at DH.
And he absolutely needs another pitcher too. Halladay or Sheets.
—–
My nomination for ridiculous alarmist Yankee fan comment of the day.
The bottom line is that the Sox rotation just got way better and we’re still looking at Joba and Phil as No.s 4-5, which would be a disaster. As good as we are, and we are defending WS champs, we only have 3/5ths of a rotation and no, repeat, no internal candidates that will rival the Sox’s Nos. 4-5.
____
the sox had all of these people minus lackey last year. how did that work? dice-k and wake wont even make it half the season, buchholz still only beats baltimore and toronto.
Anyone still want Melky/Gardner in LF and Miranda at DH, or Trevor Hoffmann playing 100 games?
LOL!!!
Good luck hitting the Sox revamped rotation with that lineup.
Cash has to react NOW.
Cash pretty much has to fill the DH and LF with quality players now. We’re not going to hit that pitching staff with Melky in LF and/or Miranda at DH.
And he absolutely needs another pitcher too. Halladay or Sheets.
—–
My nomination for ridiculous alarmist Yankee fan comment of the day
___
Amazing the reaction to one signing. the reason the yankees dont hit lackey much is because they dont see him much. wait til he has to face them 4-5 times a year.
Lackey is pretty high strung. he could end up being another Jimmy Piersall
if the sox sign Lackey and still spend the money to fill their other needs then it was a good move for them but if they don’t its for nothing. Lackey is a good pitcher, he’s not an ace but he would be one of the best #3 starters in baseball.. If the deal goes through I’m curious to what that does to the market for holliday if the sox aren’t players.
“Dear Cashman. Please sign Sheets !”
Lot of love for Sheets. Not sure I’m totally understanding it. Injury prone. Only a couple really good years. Diminishing K totals and a 3.7+ career ERA in the NL. He can probably help…maybe, but he’s no ace. Aside from one year, he never really has been. Not a young guy either. He’s older than Lackey.
Dumping Lowell the way are trying tells me this is an organization that has no soul.
————————————
G’Love
We have all known this for a long time. Let’s count the ways: Ruth, Clemens, Boggs, Damon…many more .
Fine, let’s do a comparison.
CC vs Lester – I’ll take CC.
AJ vs Beckett – I think this is a tie.
Lackey vs Pettite – I’ll go with Lackey only because Andy is practically a member of AARP.
Dice K vs Hughes – Dice K is a walking machine so I’m going with Hughes.
Wakefield vs Joba – Wakefield is 60 years old and couldn’t stay healthy last year so Joba is my man.
Okay, so tell me again how their rotation is better than ours?
Cashman better not rest on his World Series laurels and think that our rotation is OK with the 2 kids and our lineup is OK with no DH/LF. We won the WS in 09, great. The goal is to win in 2010 as well. Right now, Boston is closer to doing that than we are.
“Chip,
I just want to clarify that I don’t think Dejesus is a bad option for the Yanks. I quite agree with you that, especially with the Royals checking in on Gardner, Dejesus could be a good piece for the Yanks.
I just don’t see anyone mentioning him as an option for the Yanks and therefore until I start seeing some legit rumors pop up, Dejesus might as well be Pujols in terms of relation to the Yanks.”
———————————-
Nick – that’s fair. I just enjoy throwing out some of my own speculation instead of just going with what’s being reported or rumored.
For example, I think the Yankees could use Adam Dunn. There’s nothing out there that says Dunn’s on the block much less linking him to the Yankees, but it doesn’t stop me from considering what the middle of the lineup would look like with Granderson, Tex, Alex and Dunn and wondering what it would take to get him here.
was a good move for them but if they don’t its for nothing. Lackey is a good pitcher, he’s not an ace but he would be one of the best #3 starters in baseball..
—————————————-
Not an ace but one of the 3 best pitchers in baseball?
Please explain.
While being based here in Anaheim, I’ve watched Lackey for a number of seasons. Injuries are certainly a concern with him, but I’ll be more interested to see how he adapts to the colder weather during the start and latter part of the season. I recall during the ALCS he had issues with control of his curve ball because of the colder temps.
Good move by the Sox, considering he’s a gamer and will take the ball every fifth day with no excuses.
“Aside from one year, he never really has been. Not a young guy either. He’s older than Lackey.”
Give me a break by about three months.
Dumping Lowell the way are trying tells me this is an organization that has no soul.
I hate Boston as much as anyone but come on – we all know this is the business side of things and that every team, including the Yankees does it too (Bernie Williams)
Cash has bigger fish to fry. Remember Santana!
Time to ship Joba to Toronto!!
Hughes has a 5.45 ERA as a starter last year.
Joba had a 7+ ERA in the 2nd half and regressed considerably.
In no Universe are those guys more reliable than Wakefield or DiceK. If you assume they will be on the DL, we can assume the same with AJ. Hughes had 2 seasons wiped out with injury as well.
DiceK was lights out when he came back from his injury in September. Wakefield made the All-Star team and can be penciled in for wins and innings. He is like their version of Andy. No way you can see Hughes is better than him.
its a good move for the Sox. the price may be steep but they’re getting a good starter.
Did we honestly think the sox weren’t going to sign anyone ??
The bottom line is that the Sox rotation just got way better and we’re still looking at Joba and Phil as No.s 4-5, which would be a disaster. As good as we are, and we are defending WS champs, we only have 3/5ths of a rotation and no, repeat, no internal candidates that will rival the Sox’s Nos. 4-5.
——
Really? For real? You don’t think Joba and Hughes, both better then way over half the league as is right now could not match up with some hodge podge of Bucholz who is jsut as unproven as them, old man wakefield and Dice K “the enigma” matsuzaka?
Really?
Why are people surprised? Boston has holes to fill and money to burn.
Getting burned by Penny and Smoltz probably soured them on guys like Sheets and Duch.
Right now, the Red Sox have $108m committed for next year (nearly $11m is committed to 3 players not on the team and if they trade Lowell that’ll be $20m!).
Anyway, they could go 1 big pitcher and 1 OF with a stick (Bay or Holliday), and they wouldn’t even feel it.
http://spreadsheets.google.com.....utput=html
Mick, if lackey signs with the six he will be their 3rd starter. That’s a pretty good #3
What a bunch of worry warts. Chill out.
So Boston signs Lackey. He never was going to sign with NY anyway. This is not Theo talking, it’s Henry. A thinner, wimpier version of George Steinbrenner.
Does it really improve their team? Maybe. Now they’ll try to package Bucholtz plus to get a bat. Let’s see what that brings them.
Let them try to extend Beckett now. He’ll want $18-20 million per year x 4-5.
And they still are missing a LF and a bat.
You make deals to make your team better, not “counter” the other team. Where did that ridiculous notion get started?
The good news is that the Angels may be screwed.
Not an ace but one of the 3 best pitchers in baseball?
The best #3 pitcher (as compared to the guy who pitches third for other teams) not one of the three best pitchers.
I’m of the mind that you take into account boston’s improved pitching depth – cause that’s what it appears to be for now.
That said, improving on CC+AJ+Andy+Hughes+Joba would be advisable (understatement). While Sheets is a good option, unless and until Halladay is off the table, he’s still an option, and with fewer landing spots for him, the asking price in talent should decrease. It’s Economics 101: Supply and Demand.
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
The worst thing Cashman and the Yankees can do is react to this.
He needs to stick with the Yankees’ plan and not worry about reacting to what the Red Sox do.
Geez one rumor that the soxs are giving Lackey a physical and this blog goes to heck. Chill out. Take a look at John’s numbers at Fenway they aren’t great.
The red sox have no one behind Buchholz that is going to give them quality major league innings. If they get Lackey their rotation is going to be middle heavy with 3 guys that are huge injury risks: Beckett, Lackey, Dice-K. The last of which looks like his nippon innings have finally caught up to him.
If they trade for adrian gonzalez, which I guarantee they won’t because Jed Hoyer knows their system isn’t as good as the media portrays it, they will merely have matched the Yankees.
Right now their left fielder is Jeremy Hermida. He sucks. Their third baseman is Mike Lowell, who is now old and sucks. Their centerfielder is jacoby ellsbury, who sucks.
Their SS is marco scutaro, who will suck.
Cry me a river, the Sox got lackey, poooooor you.
The Sox have helped themselves but this reeks of a panic move to me. They have been loathe to give out big contracts to pitchers and they finally break down for John Lackey? Really?
Additionally, they really haven’t helped fill any of their needs by signing Lackey. They still have gaping holes at 3B and LF. Not to mention Ortiz is not looking like a legit DH right now, he has zero batspeed left.
I don’t think the Sox will hand out more big contracts after signing Lackey. I just don’t see them signing Holliday AND Lackey. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t see it happening. And the fact is, Holliday or Bay would help their team more than Lackey will.
Even with the Lackey signing I think the Yankees rotation matches up favorably to Boston’s. There are pluses and minuses to both groups.
This is the most panic I’ve ever seen over a player taking a physical. I must have missed the part where the physical decided the 2010 AL East race.
Sheets is overrated. He had a couple good years, but mostly, he has been like Wang-like (performance, not stuff)… except in the NL Central.
I wouldn’t be so sure he will come to the AL East and dominate the way he did the NL Central. Especially coming off an injury that wiped out all of last year.
And if he gets injured (likely) and we move one of the kids to the pen (likely), as soon as Sheets go on the DL, here comes Chad Gaudin.
Sheets is a risky signing. And he is no guarentee to perform well in the AL East. He is no answer to Lackey.
Tell me one thing, if Lackey is so great why hasn’t his former team made a play for him? I haven’t heard anything about an offer. Anyone think maybe they know something we don’t?
I’ll take two guys in their early 20s over a guy pushing 50 and another guy with control problems any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
“Give me a break by about three months.”
Whatever. His resume and health history don’t suggest he’d come to the AL and succeed. People seem to be falling for the name and ignoring the reality. Has anyone seen him throw? What makes him a more reasonable gamble than Wang, who has actually enjoyed success in the AL East?
“Tell me one thing, if Lackey is so great why hasn’t his former team made a play for him? I haven’t heard anything about an offer. Anyone think maybe they know something we don’t?”
With money to spend, you have to wonder about it.
In fact AJ and Beckett had nearly identical seasons in ’09. The biggest difference, of course, was in walks. Beckett also had quite a few performance meltdowns reminiscent of AJ.
Pittsburgh Yankee Fan,
Exactly.
And your comment about Beckett underlines what I believe to be an indication of them moving on when his contract is up.
If Beckett leaves, they have Lackey as a quasi-insurance policy.
I am personally not all that concerned by this move.
Oh, and does anyone know Lackey’s splits in Fenway? I thought he was awful there. Probably doesn’t matter, but the point is we’ve beaten Lackey before, he is not an Ace, and we have our own concerns to worry about.
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
Makes a ton of sense for both them and Matsui. I hope it works out for him out there.
i love it when the panickers say something has to be done NOW!!! even if you buy that they might want to add a bat or an arm, its early december and there are over 200 FA’s and very few seem to be about to sign anywhere today or even this week.
chill guy…
Why do people assume that Beckett will make the Sox break the bank for him?
He will probably sign for AJ money, not demand CC money.
“What makes him a more reasonable gamble than Wang, who has actually enjoyed success in the AL East?”
He didn’t have his second major shoulder injury after hurting it for a third time.
What the hell is going on here? I think the Yanks should not sign any other free agent and close shop for the 2010 season. Being that Lackey will FOR SURE be the next Cy Young and get yet another championship for the sox. Folks im sure Cashman has already come up with a counter move(even though he was sitting in a much more relaxed position this offseason vs. last). The winter is not over and as long as there is days left. You can count on stealth landing us the best possible team to compete. Left/dh and a starting pitcher will be signed.
What do you guys think about trading for Cabrera for dh?
Cash needs to move on from Damon and sign Matsui for 1 year before he goes to the Angels. I would much rather have Matsui for 1 year than Damon for 2. Damon’s legs will never last for the 2nd year of the deal.
You don’t take a physical with a team if you are not in serious discussions.
While being based here in Anaheim, I’ve watched Lackey for a number of seasons. Injuries are certainly a concern with him, but I’ll be more interested to see how he adapts to the colder weather during the start and latter part of the season. I recall during the ALCS he had issues with control of his curve ball because of the colder temps.
Good move by the Sox, considering he’s a gamer and will take the ball every fifth day with no excuses.
—–
Except for when he gets hurt.
Second major shoulder surgery.
rosenthall also reported that they socks were talking to beckett about an extension…
Phil December 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
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Juan Miranda as DH!! Yay!!!!!
Lackey’s numbers at Fenway stink (though they’re pretty good at the Stadium.) Not sure why they’d want a guy whose ERA is over 5 at their home park. Not to mention the Yanks have done well against him in the past. Add to that he’ll be leaving a weak AL West to pitch in the toughest division in baseball.
you dont need an ‘answer’ to lackey. boston needs the answers. we are the top. they are number 2. it’s how it is. they need to build to be better than us. cashman will get what they need. just chill out.
i am sad about matsui and possible job with anaheim.
I don’t want to see Hit-Deki in one of those clown suits.
I still haven’t gotten over the Giants game from yesterday and now I come home to this news about the Sox?
Wow, what a brutal last 14 hours. This sucks.
In no Universe are those guys more reliable than Wakefield or DiceK. If you assume they will be on the DL, we can assume the same with AJ. Hughes had 2 seasons wiped out with injury as well.
DiceK was lights out when he came back from his injury in September. Wakefield made the All-Star team and can be penciled in for wins and innings. He is like their version of Andy. No way you can see Hughes is better than him.
—–
I’m sorry, I must be forgetting that Red So world series they won last year with those guys or that world series the Angels made with Lackey.
oh and there is no guarantee lackey holds up in the al east either. even the orioles have offense. it isnt seattle and oakland here.
“In fact AJ and Beckett had nearly identical seasons in ‘09. The biggest difference, of course, was in walks. Beckett also had quite a few performance meltdowns reminiscent of AJ.”
Which is why in my comparison, I said that they were a tie. Beckett did not have a great season last year. Towards the end, he was giving up HRs like they were candy on Halloween night. He wasn’t that great the year before either. Maybe his best years are behind him. I don’t know. What I do know is that this notion that the Yankee rotation is full of bums compared to BOS is a bunch of bull. I like our guys and our chances for a repeat.
Phil
December 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
———————————————————–
Angels have possibly lost Lackey and Figgins, two key players for the past several years. And they may lose Darren Oliver when all is said and done. They don’t seem willing to re-sign Vlad, so Matsui’s a nice DH option. Otherwise if they sign both, they’ll need wheelchairs for them.
Cashman better wake the heck up.
He’s going to let the Angels sign Matsui to a 1 yr deal and then give Damon a 2-3 yr deal? Or if not, he’s going to replace those 2 with Cameron and Juan Miranda?
Cash has to start doing something.
What makes him a more reasonable gamble than Wang, who has actually enjoyed success in the AL East?”
He didn’t have his second major shoulder injury after hurting it for a third time
__
also sheets will be ready for april.
Phil
December 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
*************************
If we lose Matsui to LAA, Cashman has virtually no choice but to sign Damon. and Boras knows this and will make his demands even more unreasonable.
Cashman is falling asleep at the wheel. These other teams arei nvolved in Halladay, Sheets, Lackey, Magtsui etc. all while Cashman is just waiting around as if this team is complete.
Only point where I may disagree with you Laura is choosing Lackey over gritty, gutty, gamer Pettitte. Series cliching Pettitte. Post-season winningest pitcher Pettitte.
People seem to be falling for the name and ignoring the reality. Has anyone seen him throw? What makes him a more reasonable gamble than Wang, who has actually enjoyed success in the AL East?
I would consider it reasonable to assume that the Yankees wouldn’t entertain signing Sheets until they see him throw.
As for why he would be a better gamble than Wang:
1. Wang probably isn’t going to pitch this year (despite claims from his agent). His surgery takes 12 to 18 mos to recover from and Wang’s supposed to make it back in 9? Not renting that much less buying it.
2. Sheets has swing and miss stuff which translates regardless of league
“He will probably sign for AJ money, not demand CC money.”
I agree with this. Becektt simply is not the Halladay/CC 240 or so inning per season horse. He’s a 200 inning guy. 40 innings is huge. Those 40 innings are innings that have to be asorbed by the bullpen or a lesser starter. Further, his numbers don’t match up to those guys. He falls more in the Burnett, Lackey class.
Sheets is from the South…. how do we even know he wants to come to NY? He is apparently very interested in the Cubs and they have been engaged with his agent last week.
If Cash wants Sheets, he needs to act now and start showing some legit interest before another team snatches him up.
Yes, Cashman has waited around for Granderson.
Please. Have some patience and faith folks.
Lackey vs Pettite – I’ll go with Lackey only because Andy is practically a member of AARP.
____________________________________________________________
Laura – I dislike this comment
Seriously, thanks everyone for being so entertaining today. Let Lackey go to Boston, he definitly fits the red sox mold.
“Only point where I may disagree with you Laura is choosing Lackey over gritty, gutty, gamer Pettitte. Series cliching Pettitte. Post-season winningest pitcher Pettitte.”
I only gave Lackey the nod because he’s younger. At some point, Andy’s age is supposed to catch up with him. I pray it’s not next season.
I’m going to put this out there.
Lets say the in a horrible world where all things go wrong (according to the alarmists) the Sox sign Lackey and then trade for Gonzalez (losing Bucholz in the deal) and the Yanks do do a damned thing to rest of the off season (unlikely)
I still like our chances.
I really do.
Any team with Arod, Mark Teixera and CC Sabathia on it (not to mention Jeter, Posada, Gradnerson, Burnett, Cano, etc.) will be a contender in this league. There is absolutely no getting around that or denying that ridiculously simple and basic fact.
Sure things might be more interesting and tight in the AL East but I still think we stack up.
Why do people assume that Beckett will make the Sox break the bank for him?
He will probably sign for AJ money, not demand CC money.
——————————————————–
Yeah and Jason Bay is going to agree to PAY THE RED SOX for the honor of playing for them.
The reality is major league naseball players only have 10-15 years to make their money. If they know that someone who isn’t as good as them, is making more $$$ than them then they are going to ask for more.
“Cash has to start doing something.”
Seriously??? Curtis Granderson says yo!
Remember… Sheets may not want to come to the AL East.
He may want to sign a 1 yr deal, probably with an NL team, so he can market himself to go on the market next year and score a multiyear deal.
From a marketing standpoint, why would Sheets want to risk going to NY and getting lit up in a tougher league, if his goal is to go out on the market again next year?
Cash has to start doing something
He just traded for an All-Star CF and re-signed Andy. I know we’re a “what have you done for me lately” fanbase but this is a little nuts.
Cashman isn’t just going to open up the bank for Matsui to keep him from going to the Angels or start making hasty moves because the Sox may get Lackey. Last time he made a move in reaction to a move Boston made the Yankees wound up with Kei Igawa – you want a repeat?
Ham Fighters December 14th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
rosenthall also reported that they socks were talking to beckett about an extension…
****
Wait what? I thought they had NO money to compete with the Yankees!
i love how people think cashman is sleeping. granderson, pettitte, talking to halladay.
its funny that people want youth until boston goes for lackey, then look out. get over it. when march comes around, the yankees will be a complete team and ready to repeat.
god if boston signs beltre, this place may be unbearable.
Heard this: Hideki Matsui’s one-year deal with the Angels is for about $6.5 million.
oh buster.
Do people seriously think Cash is sitting on a beach somewhere doing nothing? He is working with his baseball people planning who they are going after and what to offer. Not sitting and worrying what moves the soxs make.
Hopefully Matsui’s agent gives the Yankees a chance to beat the Angels offer.
Yes, Damon would be a better bet with the field, but Matsui’s power and consistency are better.
Unfortunately, it may be put up or shut up with Johnny. I’d send Boras a take it or leave it offer with 24 hours to reply, and if he leaves it (like Alan Nero and Wang did Friday night), I’d beat the Angels offer and take Matsui.
Buster_ESPN Heard this: Hideki Matsui’s one-year deal with the Angels is for about $6.5 million.
I’d be surprised if Cashman were to let Matsui get away for a one year deal elsewhere. I valued him at between $5-7 million on a one year deal. No, don’t see it happening.
Granderson was a fine move, if it is in conjunction with signing a LF and DH. Then we upgrade ourselves considerably because we replace a nelow average bat (Melky) with an above average one.
If we go with Miranda at DH or Melky in LF, we are worse than we were last year. If we let both Damon and Matsui walk and replace them with Cameron, we are worse.
With our competition acquiring a bulldog #2 starter, it is in our best interests to upgrade the offense, not downgrade it. Granderson’s value is only if he replaces melky, not one of the other big bats.
If Cash lets Matsui walk for 6.5 million and 1 year that will be madness. Unless we got Nick Johnson or someone to replace him.
Perhaps the only thing more irritating than people overreacting to Sox moves is for people to act as if this doesn’t help them. Of course it does. Lackey, in essence, replaces Wakefield and moves him, health permitting, to the pen. To act as if that isn’t a significant improvement may show what a Yankee fan you are, but doesn’t say much for being a student of the game.
If Olney’s stroy is straight. Vlad Guerrero would likely be available. Not sure I’d want him anymore, but he’s probably available.
“Heard this: Hideki Matsui’s one-year deal with the Angels is for about $6.5 million.”
If we offered him 7m, he’d take our offer over theirs. He wants to be a Yankee. If Cash lets Matsui go to LAA, he will officially be crossed off of my Christmas list.
I can’t believe we’re gonna let Matsui walk for a 1 year 6.5 million dollar deal.
That actually makes me kind of sad. 6.5 million is chump change for LH bat that can hit 30 HR’s and knock in 100 rbi in NY.
I hope that’s not true.
A lot of posters here are embarrassing themselves today. All of the “sky is falling posts” are quite comedic to read.
stroy = story
me = pudgy fingered stooge
Cashman better wake the heck up.
He’s going to let the Angels sign Matsui to a 1 yr deal and then give Damon a 2-3 yr deal? Or if not, he’s going to replace those 2 with Cameron and Juan Miranda?
Cash has to start doing something.
———————————————————
Why? The season doesn’t start until April. The Yankees have already filled a void in centerfield and brought back their #2 starter. They are ahead of averyone else.
Relax…there’s plenty of time to make moves. Let the market prices come down a bit.
Angels got Matsui for 1yr/$6.5 mil?
What a steal. Where the hell was Cashman?
Chip December 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Cash has to start doing something
He just traded for an All-Star CF and re-signed Andy. I know we’re a “what have you done for me lately” fanbase but this is a little nuts.
Cashman isn’t just going to open up the bank for Matsui to keep him from going to the Angels or start making hasty moves because the Sox may get Lackey. Last time he made a move in reaction to a move Boston made the Yankees wound up with Kei Igawa – you want a repeat?
Very Very Good point
i sure hope when lackey signs with boston that people jump all over their backs about taking all the free agents like they do to the yankee fans.
Guys, who needs Matsui?
We have the immortal Juan Miranda to DH for us! He is our Kendry Morales!
# Phil December 14th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Angels are apparently in serious talks with Hit-deki Matsui.
============================================
Where does that leave Vlad?
i really hope cash counters that Matsui offer.
“To act as if that isn’t a significant improvement may show what a Yankee fan you are, but doesn’t say much for being a student of the game.”
I haven’t read too many posts that say that it doesn’t help them at all. Of course it does. My problem is with the people who make the blanket statement that the Yankee rotation is now crap because BOS got Lackey. I did my comparison several “page ups” above. As far as I can see, we still can go toe to toe with them w/o a problem.
Lackey looks more like a Red Sox(sock?) than a Yankee, no?
A team never has too much pitching and this would be a good addition for the Red Sox.
calm down, if matsui wants to come back to ny, the first thing he has to do is get an offer from someone else so he can put pressure on the yankees. and we dont know how many years they are talking about. if its more than one, the yankees probably arent interested, if its for one year, then that begins to set the market for the yankees to work out a deal.
these guys are free agents, negotiating is what they are supposed to be doing, not waiting in cashman’s outter office hoping thier name gets called.
I hope Matsui’s agent gives Cash a chance to top that offer. Really don’t want to lose Sui to the Angels.
squidward
Have you seen the garbage that Vlad swings at now? before he used to swing at a pitch at his shoulders and get a hit. Now he either misses or grounds out meekly. I don’t want him anywhere near the Yankees.
If the Angels get Matsui for that contract that is a great deal.
I want no part of Vlad Guerrero. What is this, a trade with the Angels?
I wonder if Matsui’s agent even let the Yanks match that offer. Or maybe Matsui didn’t feel wanted since it seems like Damon is Cashman’s priority not him. Losing Matsui is tough but especially to those Angels.
Repko
December 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Guys, who needs Matsui?
We have the immortal Juan Miranda to DH for us! He is our Kendry Morales!
**********************
I’m hoping this is a joke.
Well, now Boras has Cashman eating out of his hands. Suddenly, we have no leverage with Damon. We NEED him now.
What a turn of events from this morning.
Where does that leave Vlad?
Playing left field and stop gap for a year for the Red Sox.
“Where does that leave Vlad?”
Out in the cold. I think that Vlad is going to be too much of a free swinger for most club’s tastes. I know he is for mine.
“A lot of posters here are embarrassing themselves today. All of the “sky is falling posts” are quite comedic to read.”
Yes, they are….
I’m waiting for the final rosters to be set before I start worrying and even then, they still have to play the games.
Matsui wants to stay with the Yankees so I think cashman will have the final say over where he ends up.
I’d like to see Cashman get us another starter, but if we went into spring training with what we have now I think we’d be ok.
CC, AJ, and Andy are frontline guys.
Phil Hughes, IMHO will have the breakout year. He has more tools than Joba to succeed and his time in the pen last year will be invaluable (he even started developing a cutter).
Joba will have to impress in spring training, because Aceves/Gaudin/Mitre did their jobs well last year & have earned a chance to compete.
I used to be an advocate for Joba starting, but he seems much more dominant from the pen. His velocity has dropped and is very average as a starter. IMHO I would give him a shot to prove himself in ST before returning to the pen.
This reminds me of when Cash didnt panic on the trading deadline and everyone was ripping into him for SLEEPING AT THE WHEEL. Everyone knows how the story ended. #27 with what he had. Again, have some faith in him. He hasnt done a panic/bad move in quite some time. You can rest assure we will be the favorites yet again once spring trainings here.
That’s why the Angels are a model franchise. Deals like that. Is there any wonder why Halladay wants to go there?
Angels always find a way to find good deals.
I don’t like the idea of Matsui going to the Angels… In fact, I don’t like the idea of him being anywhere in the AL if not on the Yankees.
The Sox may have just uped the Ante.
Do we pass, match, or raise.
IMO we need to at least match if not raise them.
They bet us a Lackey. I say we at least call them with a Sheets, or raise them with a Halladay.
I would not let them get Chapman w/o a fight either.
We should also continue to raise them on Offense/Defense otherwise we risk falling behind in the overall balance of power.
JMTC.
Holliday, not Damon please.
Cashman seems enamored with the “rotating DH” idea. No surprise he let Matsui walk.
He better be damn sure it is going to work, because right out, our lineup is considerably weaker on paper than it was last year.
Laura, if you’ve read the boards all these past months, you know that that’s not true. AJ has been knocked left and right for being overrated and mediocre. Let’s go with my more positive evaluation of AJ. We have a great pitcher in CC, a good/sometimes very good pitcher in AJ, Andy…who we’re not sure what we will get out of him in 2010 and two total ? in Joba and Phil (talented ?, but ? nonetheless).
I never said the Sox were better than the Yankees, but their rotation is much better and they have closed the gap. I really do not see how anyone can think the Yankee rotation is better, but different strokes for different folks.
Lets bring back this David Dejesus discussion for a minute.
I probably wouldn’t be against getting him for LF but I think he’s overrated. For the last 3 years he’s had a 91, 118, 106 OPS+. That’s decidedly average. He doesn’t really steal bases. While his defense in LF is spectacular, he simply can’t play CF any longer. In 2008 he was -9.0 UZR in CF.
If he were acquired by the Yanks he’d basically be replacing Melky Cabrera. Melky doesn’t have a huge sample in LF but his defense in CF has been a bit above average which is more than we can say for Dejesus (1.4 UZR last year). He too is pretty average with the bat, 99 OPS+ last year. There are also some signs that he could be progressing at the plate and might be even better in the future.
I just don’t see a whole ton of difference between the two guys. Melky will be cheaper, probably a comparable fielder and most likely a slightly worse hitter.
I don’t see the incentive to get Dejesus over a guy like Damon who excels at the plate for a LF. I also don’t see Dejesus’ value over Cameron which would allow us to move Granderson over to LF thus greatly improving the offense and defense of the club.
I’m convinced the rotating DH stuff is just leverage talk. No way an organization as smart as the Yankees can’t see the trouble in it.
Jim December 14th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Well, now Boras has Cashman eating out of his hands. Suddenly, we have no leverage with Damon. We NEED him now.
What a turn of events from this morning.
===================================
yes we do, we can always sign vlad to DH
This may force Cashman to go in on Matt Holliday.
He just lost his DH, Damon’s demands are ridiculous. Mike Cameron isn’t the answer.
He might just say screw it and see if we can get Holliday for under $100 million.
\
No one is writing 2010 off Joe, but to suggest this doesn’t help the Sox enormously is very silly
A lot of posters here are embarrassing themselves today. All of the “sky is falling posts” are quite comedic to read.
======
Funny you mention that raymagnetic. Its like we have become the red sox fans. I can recall when we traded for Alex and they went to Beniffer affleck for a comment. He looked like he saw a ghost and handed the Yanks the championship. If only paper won titles.
Cash, please swoop in and bring back Matsui. For that money, he is totally worth it! When Hideki is up in a big spot, I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t think he’ll come up big.
This is more important than the Sox potentially getting Lackey. For this price, you don’t quibble with Matsui, you do the deal.
Steal of the offseason… Matsui for 1/$6.5 mil.
Where was Cashman in this? Looking at Juan Miranda’s facebook page?
I think Lackey’s a very good pitcher, but doesn’t swing the balance of power.
I would not be happy if Matsui agrees to a 1 year deal and we don’t get him back.
A one year deal is perfect…
We can begin to work in other players and see what opens up on the market next year.
But for now Hideki is one of the best DH’s out there…he loves NY…and he thrives here.
He would be a big loss…and substituting Miranda doesn’t make it.
And if Damon goes…somehow we need another big 20HR+ bat. Holliday?
Everybody take a deep breath.
Cashman has a plan. Matsui signing with Los Angeles of Aneheim in California Angels isn’t the end of the world. But I’m not going to believe it until I hear it confirmed.
Same with Lackey
If Matsui signs a 1 year deal for $6.5 million, it would appear that Cash valued him at no more than $5-6 million. So be it. He’s probably got other things planned for the $$.
But it’s certainly not going to increase the price for Damon, as I’m sure Damon does not get more than 2/$20MM.
No, I see something else brewing, but have no idea what it is.
Ahhhh … it’d be funny if Cashman’s camped outside the door of the examination room with a better contract that’s ready to sign.
6.5 million for a one year deal is a good deal for Matsui. I don’t know why the Yankees wouldn’t have matched that. That is way cheaper than Damon will be. Maybe Cashman has a Holliday or Halladay up his sleeve?
If the Angels really are getting Matsui for that amount it’s worse news than Lackey going to the Red Sox. That’s a freaking steal for Matsui and if Cashman lets him go without offering him that deal or better it will be a gigantic mistake.
Vlad has a big fork sticking out of his back.
I actually think Miranda will rake at NYS.
“I never said the Sox were better than the Yankees, but their rotation is much better and they have closed the gap. I really do not see how anyone can think the Yankee rotation is better, but different strokes for different folks.”
Betsy, did you see my comparison chart? BOS has question marks in Wakefield and Dice K. We have question marks with Hughes and Joba. We have an advantage with CC, a tie with AJ and probably a wash with Andy. Maybe our rotation isn’t better than theirs, but it most certainly isn’t worse. I know you don’t agree and that’s fine. That’s what this blog is for; people with differing opinions to meet, discuss and call each other names. Okay, maybe not that last part, but you know what I mean.
Laura, I’ll tell you how their rotation is better than ours.
I disagree about AJ being better than Beckett and I couldn’t possibly disagree more about Joba and Hughes being better than Matsuzaka and Wakefield.
Laura, I’ll tell you how their rotation is better than ours.
I disagree about AJ being better than Beckett and I couldn’t possibly disagree more about Joba and Hughes being better than Matsuzaka and Wakefield.
This is fine, it will force the Angels to land Halladay. Take Halladay out of the AL East and add Lackey, that’s fine. Just fine for the NYY.
Now Boras will hold this over Cashman and try to get every last dollar and years from him. Getting Granderson was only a positive if he was replacing Melky in CF. Not replacing Damon and or Matsui.
The Angels signed Matsui??
Vlad can’t hold Matsui’s jockstrap.
He is in even worse physical shape, streakier, and will drive us crazy with his swinging at balls at his neck and in the dirt. His bat speed as severely diminished too,
Matsui would have been a much smarter signing than Vlad, at the same price too.
Chip
December 14th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
Dumping Lowell the way are trying tells me this is an organization that has no soul.
I hate Boston as much as anyone but come on – we all know this is the business side of things and that every team, including the Yankees does it too (Bernie Williams)
—————————
Lowell turned down 14 million to return to the Sox
I look forward to seeing more evidence of Lackey’s intense competitive fire when Franconer is taking the ball from him in the 6th inning.
S.o.S.,
It’s really an embarrassment how certain posters overreact to every move the Sox make. Last I checked the Yankees won a WS last year. Boston might add Lackey but they’ve done nothing else to close the gap on the Yankees.
Yet judging by some posters here you would think the Sox have just punched their tickets to the World Series.
“A lot of posters here are embarrassing themselves today. All of the “sky is falling posts” are quite comedic to read.”
Yes, they are….
I’m waiting for the final rosters to be set before I start worrying and even then, they still have to play the games.
——————————————————-
Yeah and don’t forget the odds are high that the Yankees, after the season has begun and weaknesses identified, will make an inseason trade.
“rotating DH” is code for Damon as the DH. If Damon isn’t going to be the primary LF, then I would signed Hideki for a year than Damon for 2.
I hope that’s not a done deal with the Angels.
“I actually think Miranda will rake at NYS.”
Yeah, I can’t wait until September!
He’s a quality hitter, but I just can’t see Cashman going that route when there is such a glut of DH options on the market.
just remember all. cash said he wants to improve on pitching, so at some point he will find a good pitcher that fits his image, or he will trade for halladay. if he said he will get more pitching, he will. faith in cash.
The Yankees probably assume that Matsui will be there whenever they want him, but if they do that, that’s a mistake…..and then Boras has the screws to them again.
“If Matsui signs a 1 year deal for $6.5 million, it would appear that Cash valued him at no more than $5-6 million”
Cash did say “DH’s are begging for jobs”.
100 pitches of fun… December 14th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Now Boras will hold this over Cashman and try to get every last dollar and years from him. Getting Granderson was only a positive if he was replacing Melky in CF. Not replacing Damon and or Matsui.
—————————
This is what people don’t understand. Replacing Damon and Matsui with Juan Miranda and Granderson actually makes us considerably worse than last year.
Granderson is only an upgrade if he is replacing Melky. Otherwise, we are worse than we were last year. The rotating DH idea is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard.
Matsui at DH is better than Damon at DH.
Losing Matsui to the freaking Angels @ only 6.5 mill is a huge blow
Now MLBTR says that the Phillies are talking to Halladay’s agent about an extension. Wouldn’t the Jays and Phillies have to agree to a deal before that would happen? The gm’s and agents are busy today…
Hideki for one year for 6.5 mill is really low.
Maybe Cashman isnt too convinced about Matsuis knees holding up? He seemed to need his knees drained weekly. Name one player Cash let walk that has come to haunt him? Im not sold on Damon either. DH maybe.
Ortiz did have 20 something HRs last year, did he not? He did much better after a terrible start…..
MLBONFOX RT @jonmorosi @ken_rosenthal & I reporting Jays, Phils talking Halladay blockbuster. Two-three-team scenarios possible http://bit.ly/6V7z5E
____
Ok, now there are multiple reports that halladay is in philly in person. So…. sheets/duscherer? no bedard. options are still there.
Apparently, Halladay and his agent are in Philly.
Wakefield could not move at the end of last season. He will probably be bed ridden by mid-season next year. Gaudin is better to have around than Wakefield at this point.
Matsuzaka made 12 starts last season so who knows what is going to happen with him.
Joba and Hughes will outperform Wakefield and Dice K next season.
Dice K and Wakefield threw 190 innings COMBINED last year. Wakefield will be 43. He can barely move.
Dice K has been injured the past two seasons. But yes, they’re reliable.
DHs are begging for jobs, but none are better than Matsui.
Vlad is more injury prone and can run even less than Matsui.
Replacing Vlad with Matsui makes us worse. If that was Cashman’s plan, he should have just signed Matsui.
Looks like Halladay to the Phillies and then the Phillies will trade Lee.
Laura – Bring back Matsui in 2010!
December 14th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Fine, let’s do a comparison.
CC vs Lester – I’ll take CC.
AJ vs Beckett – I think this is a tie.
Lackey vs Pettite – I’ll go with Lackey only because Andy is practically a member of AARP.
Dice K vs Hughes – Dice K is a walking machine so I’m going with Hughes.
Wakefield vs Joba – Wakefield is 60 years old and couldn’t stay healthy last year so Joba is my man.
Okay, so tell me again how their rotation is better than ours?
***********************************************************
Thank you Laura finally some sense…
Look people Joba’s era as a starter before the innings limit phase of the Joba rules last year was a 3.13 over 35 starts going back to July ’08 including dominating the RedSox lineup a couple of times. Being that he’d be our #4 in this scenario he’d matchup against Dice-K and I’m sorry Joba already is a better pitcher than Dice K to me…
and at the #5′s we have Hughes vs. Wake and being that most of you are the same peoplewho think that phil will be better than Joba you have to think that he’s better than Wakefield….
Joba and Hughes need to be turned loose!
Even if the Sux sign Lackey we are still better than them 1-25 so STOP PANICING!
Woland,
Rumor is Doc and his agent have checked into a Philly hotel.
Does that mean they’ve already agreed to a window to negotiate?
And yet anothe writer saying they’ll trade Lee. Why? Wouldn’t Halladay-Lee-Hamels give you a really, really good chance to win?
David Ortiz was league average last year and he’s a DH. A 101 OPS+ is terrible for a DH.
This news made me happy.
Lackey =K. Brown
You will remember me in June.
Wow… apparently, Halladay is in Philly with his agents.
So much movement in the last hour, wow. All of our options could be going bye-bye.
And then add to that That Hallady to the Phillies is almost a done deal and now Matsui to the Angels…. Im starting to freak out bigggg time.
Lets sign Adam Dunn for dh and watch him hit 75 bombs in Yankee Stadium next year. I can forgive the K’S with all those suveneirs he’ll be launching those fans in left field.
Whoa, nelly!
I just came in from (more) holiday shopping, saw the Lackey post, didn’t read anything, put in my comment, refreshed a few minutes later and all of a sudden Cashman’s lost leverage with Damon, okay what’s that all about, and Matsui has signed with the Angels? I knew he was of interest to them, but signed?
So, what all did I miss?
We all knew Cashman wasn’t done doing whatever it was he was going to do; we all figured Matsui was not his first choice (though we could have been wrong); we knew Lackey was probably not going to sign here because of his cost. So, what’s happened that’s really changed the mood around here?
S.o.S. December 14th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Maybe Cashman isnt too convinced about Matsuis knees holding up? He seemed to need his knees drained weekly. Name one player Cash let walk that has come to haunt him? Im not sold on Damon either. DH maybe.
****
Agreed, Cash knows a lot more about how Matsui did or didn’t deal with his knees last year. Cash has a lot more information than we do. If he is going to let Matsui walk over 6.5 million than he knows something we don’t.
“Ortiz did have 20 something HRs last year, did he not? He did much better after a terrible start…..”
From June 1 on he had more homers and rbi than Teixeira did, but Teixeira had a slightly better OPS (.920 to .904 or somewhere thereabouts). As it stands now, he has to sing for supper. ’10 is his last guaranteed season. If he has any heart, he’s coming in shape this year. You always have to worry a little but about guys in walk years.
So, by the end of the day, Lackey, Halladay, and Matsui could all be gone.
That sound you just heard was “ching-ching” in the head of Boras and Casey Close (Sheets’ agent).
Wow, so Matsui is gone?
This may force Cashman to go in on Matt Holliday.
He just lost his DH, Damon’s demands are ridiculous. Mike Cameron isn’t the answer.
He might just say screw it and see if we can get Holliday for under $100 million.
——————————————————
Duh, this exactly what Boras wants…he is the agent for both Holliday and Damon. So he’s holding Damon hostage until Holliday gets a deal. Then he’ll let Damon sign with the Yankees.
The best thing that the Yankees can do is to sit back and let this whole thing play out. Damon has nowhere else to go than with the Yankees.
Sure Lackey improves the RS (assuming they get him & these reports are true).
They still have the small issue of offense to deal with – they are staring at signing neither Bay nor Holliday, and dumping Lowell on TEX.
Maybe the plan is to win a bunch of 2-1, 3-2 games?
Please, beware the Stealth Cash.
I would be much more upset if the NYY low-balled on Matsui & allowed him to go to LAA than the RS getting Lackey.
Betsy how can you still doubt what the Yankees will get from Andy Pettitte? The guy is old but he was old last year and still won double digits and absolutely did his job. You need to put the Andy P. Haterade down.
Looks like the Phillies are the NL Yankees. Good for them. I remember another team spending like this once. Detroit. Doesn’t last long.
Great,
Lackey to the Sawx
Matsui to the Angels
Halladay to the Phillies.
Guess Cash forgot to set his alarm last night
Doc out of the AL East, isn’t that a good thing?
What a terrible day…… Cash just assumed he could get Matsui whenever he wanted. Doc is practically gone…..Now Boras has the hammer with the Yankees.
Up & down our lineup we are OK with what we have. The DH and Bench bat role will be ironed out by ST.
I’m confidant that Mr. Cashman will deliver a nice Holliday (or Halliday)present. We need another solid starter & I’m sure Cash has that as a priority.
If we start the season with Miranda atDH it wouldn’t be a horrible thing.
“I disagree about AJ being better than Beckett and I couldn’t possibly disagree more about Joba and Hughes being better than Matsuzaka and Wakefield.”
I’m having my lawyer draw up a contract for us to sign that says that we have agreed to disagree. Once you sign it and get it notarized, we’ll be all set.
Wow I made a post this morning that there was nothing to talk about… Spoke too soon I guess.
Ortiz stepped up in a big way in the 2nd half of the season. He is not done.
The Sox lineup is not nearly as dire as people are making it out to be. It is still going to be a top 5 in baseball. And as it stands now, they need a LF and 3B. Just like we need a LF and DH. So in reality, both teams have unfinished business.
I don’t think the Mariners are out of the Lackey race yet. The would outbid the sox if the really wanted Lackey..
Im still waiting for that unhittable GYRO CRAP pitch boston over paid to get.
Changing the subject for a second. Has anyone seen District 9? Great alien movie. Nothing like youv seen before. Must see.
While I don’t think it likely that Holliday signs with St. Louis, Cashman doesn’t want to overpay Damon in dollars or years. If Bay signs with the Metsies or Mariners, I could see a situation where Damon re-signs with boston. Ouch.
“Cash just assumed he could get Matsui whenever he wanted.”
And you know this how?
If the Phillies trade Lee to get Halladay, they will not have improved much.
Yanks need another starter..can’t have both Hughes and Joba as 4th and 5th. I like Jason Marquis..His 15 wins for the Rockies might translate to 1-12..good enough as it gets Joba back to the Pen. Hughes gets a shot as 5th.
We should pull that trigger and then finalize with Damon.
We have to be competitie with the Bosox rotation. as it appeasr right now with Lackey going over to Boston..we’re not competitive. I’d even rethink Halliday into the mix.
If PHI is trading Lee just to get Halladay, they are idiots. Has it not occurred to them that if they had both Halladay and Lee, they could pretty much consider the NL theirs? If there is any truth to this deal, it’s a dumb one. Not as dumb as Cash letting Matsui go to LAA for 6.5m. Man, I hope that’s a false rumor!
Wow, so 3 of the top FA dogs… 2 of which were serious interest of the Yankees (Doc, Matsui) could be gone.
$6.5m is a steal for the Angels. The Yanks might not even get a chance to match the Angels offer. Everyone knows that “respect” is very big to Matsui. Maybe he didn’t feel wanted. Who knows…
Doc out of the AL East, isn’t that a good thing?
=========
Whats even better than that Jennifer is that hes out of the A.L.. How can anyone not be happy about it when most agreed they would have been good with him going anywhere but boston.
Must be a good day to be a Philadelphia sports fan. They demolish the Giants defense last night and today, they might be getting Halladay.
Couldn’t have worked out any worse for an NY sports fan, however.
I’d be surprised if Cashman were to let Matsui get away for a one year deal elsewhere. I valued him at between $5-7 million on a one year deal. No, don’t see it happening.
Wouldn’t shock me in the least. Cashman has said he wants the team to be younger. He wants the roster to be more flexible. He wasn’t going to allow the post season to weigh heavily on his decision making.
Cashman has done everything short of hire a skywriter to say that he is prepared to let Matsui leave.
Then I typed another comment and came back within SECONDS to find out Halladay is in Philly?
What’s going on? A fire sale of sorts?
Anyway if they’re talking about trading Lee, isn’t this the scenario Ken Rosenthal wrote about the other day that everyone thought was just searching for something to put into a column? m – I tend to agree with you – if they can sign Halladay to an extension, why trade Lee? Replacing Lee with Halladay only makes them marginally better, if at all. Must be something about Lee they don’t like (injuries?).
Well, what’s left for the Yankees?
The thing here is I don’t think Cashman was seriously in on any of the above for various reasons.
I sure hope they don’t sign Vlad though, because that ship has sailed, if you’re going to sign an aging, ailing, player, I’d rather that player be Hideki Matsui for many reasons.
I’d love to post something but I’m simply too busy jumping off my roof over this rumored Lackey deal.
S.o.S. District 9 was great. Great storyline with a different perspective.
S.o.S. District 9 was great. Great storyline with a different perspective.
“If Bay signs with the Metsies or Mariners, I could see a situation where Damon re-signs with boston. Ouch.”
Mark this down as something that will NEVER happen. Damon is not going back to BOS.
“What a terrible day”, Cashman asleep at the wheel even though he’s been more active than pretty much every other GM so far…this thread is breaking the record for unintentional comedy.
Get used to Juan Miranda at DH and/or Melky in LF
And get used to the 2 kids with growing pains in the rotation.
We took a step backwards today, no question at all.
Did it ever seem like Cashman didn’t prefer signing Damon to Matsui?
“Couldn’t have worked out any worse for an NY sports fan, however.”
Can’t imagine how sad you must be after the Yankees DESTROYED your beloved baseball team and are now the World Series champions.
Halladay going to the NL East gives us two or three more wins next year.
I do not understand why today is so different than yesterday:
The Yankees were never going to give up what was necessary to get Halladay
The Yankees were never going to sign Lackey
While some fans refused to believe it the Yankees were most likely not going to bring Matsui back
Today just makes everything official what we all already knew
100 pitches of fun…
December 14th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
$6.5m is a steal for the Angels. The Yanks might not even get a chance to match the Angels offer. Everyone knows that “respect” is very big to Matsui. Maybe he didn’t feel wanted. Who knows…
———————————————————-
Very important point there. The Japanese are very big on respect and honor. If they perceive that they are no longer wanted, they will not beg nor seem beholden.
The Yankees are the third team and would aquire cliff lee in the deal for halladay.
And remember… Boston is supposedly very interested in Cameron if they don’t re-sign Bay.
So if Cashman wants him, he might need to outbid Boston.
Either way, it is looking more and more like we need to cave in for Damon for 2-3 years.
There is absolutely no way that the Phillies can afford Lee, Halladay and they also have to give a big contract to Howard. That would be like $60 between the 3 players, add Utley to that and about $75m for 4 players. They can’t afford that.
Get younger at the DH? Putting Damon in the field? That’s getting younger and more athletic?
Hideki DH >>> Damon DH
Maybe Philli had no choice but to unload Lee(missing piece) to land Halliday? Who gets Lee?
Fascinating to watch the Dominoes fall.
Who would Lee be traded to and for whom ?
Are we that hung up on Damon ? If not, Cameron for a Year. Melky in Left ?
Personally, and i admit it is my bias, I am more concerned about maintaining or increasing the balance of power on the Pitching side of things.
Who is Cashman targeting on the pitching side if anyone.
Gotta know when to hold em, know when to ….. Tick Tock Cash
Tick Tock.
Gotta beleive Cash will not stand pat. When does he make his move(s), and for whom ?
Must be a good day to be a Philadelphia sports fan. They demolish the Giants defense last night and today, they might be getting Halladay.
Couldn’t have worked out any worse for an NY sports fan, however.
———————–
Could be worse – could be a Met fan.
If you read Cashman’s quotes all off-season, it should have been pretty clear that Matsui was not a serious candidate to come back next year. In fact, in one of his interviews he said “pitching and LF” are on his agenda and didn’t even mention DH.
It seems that Cashman’s plan was always to rotate the DH.
SI_JonHeyman lackey a great move for #redsox. sources say it’s about $85 mil for 5. good job by @ed_price at AOL Fanhouse
____
Cue the country complaining about the big bad sox paying 17 m/ year for lackey. thats more than we paid burnett. i doubt anyone will complain because it is just the sox.
Think for a minute. Where is Cliff Lee going?
What do the Yankees have that the Phillies want? And just scouted in the WS?
Or, what do the Red Sox have that the Phillies want?
lets go yankees -
Exactly.
100 pitches, the talk all day has been that they move lee to a 3rd team and get halladay and extend him. they are not going to get halladay and keep lee.
“Halladay and his agent have checked into a Philadelphia-area hotel.” Maybe they’re hooking up with one of Tiger’s mistresses.
Y not Jim thome at dh and let him
bat 5 to protect arod
“Mark this down as something that will NEVER happen. Damon is not going back to BOS.”
Just like Damon, by his own words, said he would NEVER play in New York?
Anything can happen.
sox are looking at mike cameron too. cameron AND beltre? did they decide this was the year they finally added an african american player to their team?
Y not Jim thome at dh and let him
bat 5 to protect arod
–
Matsui is better than Jim Thome. If you want Jim Thome, you get Matsui.
Giants and Yankees both have won championships more recently than the Phillies or Eagles have in their respective sports..
Eagles trophy case is still empty, as a matter of fact.
guys, go read rosenthal this morning, the third team is possibley seattle and the phillies are basically sending lee to someone for prospects that they then send to toronto for halladay. lee has rejected the phil’s bid for an extension so the phils want a longer term #1 and the jay’s are apparently going to pay off some of haladay’s salary for next season.
F7,
Some people feel that letting Hideki is part of the solution. I think it creates more problems. Way too many moving parts and it’s a big mystery how we’re going to get the 30-35 HR out of the DH spot and 20-25 HR out of the spot that’s abandoned to cover the DH.
Buster_ESPN
Heard this: The Red Sox are one of the teams pursuing Mike Cameron.
Cashman, WAKE UP!
What a terrible day…… Cash just assumed he could get Matsui whenever he wanted. Doc is practically gone…..Now Boras has the hammer with the Yankees.
I think it was more that Cash didn’t really want Matsui. He wants to have a roster that’s younger and more flexible – Matsui doesn’t fit.
And what hammer exactly is Boras holding? Damon? I’m sure Cashman would be fine moving on there too.
The Yankees are the third team and would aquire cliff lee in the deal for halladay.
===========
Are you serious or were you joking?
Mel,
So im driving to work this moring and i here that the Colts management wants to rest up their players for the post season. What kind of crap is that? How often do you have a chance for greatness and perfection? They tried that crap a couple years ago and ended up being ousted in the first round due to rustyness. This sucks. While Saints are going for it.
there’s a rumor that Lee would go to the Angels in the Halladay deal.
the talk all day has been that they move lee to a 3rd team and get halladay and extend him.
—-
I know. Someone wrote that the Phillies will keep Lee and Halladay. That is why I said it won’t happen they can’t afford them both.
Oh man, the Sox might steal Cameron from us too.
This is turning into a disaster.
Mark my word, gentlemen. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will be legendary pitchers.
why must it be a negative that we didn’t do these deals?
Maybe I’m drinking the kool-aid but I trust in the organization to get us a pitcher. Cashman is NOT done.
Miranda will surprise you detractors and hit with power to all fields.
Besides he’s younger and that is very important with Mariano, Posada, Petitte, Jeter, & Alex getting up in age. We have to have an ongoing youth movement or we will suffer much more later.
More than anything, Matsui is best if you’re going for a strict DH simply because he has played successfully in NY for a few years now. The known is better than the unknown, I would think.
But much as I always wanted the Yankees to re-sign Matsui, I was never very optimistic there.
rotating the DH is a strategic plan to keep the Yankee seniors (Jeter, ARod, Posada, Damon?) fresh through the season.
It’s a balance move. Yes you lose matsui’s bat, but the trade off is to keep everyone else’s bat fresh and healthy.
Signing a guy who’s pitched 160 and 170 innings the past 2 years to a 5 year deal is not a shrewd business deal in my opinion.
Bottom line, without Damon and Matsui, we are a worse team.
Good luck to Miranda or Melky trying to hit John Lackey’s knee-buckling curveball…
Having a younger, more flexible roster only makes sense if your younger, more limber players are also good at baseball.
Which, right now, is not the case.
What a terrible day for Cashman. Lackey goes for $17 million, a pretty good price; Matsui is almost gone to the Angels (the man has pride – he figured out that he was the Yankees’ 2nd choice and didn’t want to be left without a team in case the Yanks signed Damon) and Doc is practically gone. I know he did a great job getting Granderson, but …..ok, was his job done?
Buster_ESPN Heard this: The Red Sox are one of the teams pursuing Mike Cameron.
Cool – let them add another old player to go with Nancy Drew, Papi, Tek, Lowell, and Scutaro.
I’ll say it again.
The confidence in Joba and Hughes is much higher than I estimated.
# Phil December 14th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
there’s a rumor that Lee would go to the Angels in the Halladay deal.
———————-
Good for us, that means the Angels would not need to go after Halladay then and he will fall into our laps. Actually, this could turn out to be very good for us.
Lee to the Angels? LOL….Cash just sat around monitoring Halladay, great….just like he left Matsui there to be had.
Sheets at $10m or whatever sounds like a stupid investment in light of the fact that they could have had Wang for 1 year at ca. $4m. Yes, Sheets can be very good, but so can Wang, and that price difference is huge, especially when comparing two guys coming off lost seasons and major surgeries.
Seth
December 14th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Oh man, the Sox might steal Cameron from us too.
This is turning into a disaster.
—————————————————
Unbelievable… Just like they stole Ramiro Menodza and Mike stantan from us right?? Lay off ppl.. Other teams need to make trades and sign free agents to make up their roster.. Mike cameron is no difference maker..
ok before anyone jumps, lets be clear here:
lackey is still a fa
matsui is still a fa
cameraon is still a fa
lee is s still a phillie
halladay is still a jay.
“Heard this: The Red Sox are one of the teams pursuing Mike Cameron.”
If true, that means Boston’s LF is a Hermida/Cameron platoon. That could probably scratch out an .850 or so OPS. That’s less than Bay gave them.
Dave December 14th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
# Phil December 14th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
there’s a rumor that Lee would go to the Angels in the Halladay deal.
———————-
Good for us, that means the Angels would not need to go after Halladay then and he will fall into our laps. Actually, this could turn out to be very good for us
What??? Halladay would go to the Phillies in the deal.
I wonder why Lee turned down PHI’s contract extension deal? Perhaps he wants to test the FA market.
From Sherman:
Heard #Yankees told Matsui couldn’t do anything til exhausted SP/Damon issues, but Matsui wanted quicker resolution
Heard #Yankees were told by Matsui’s people that #Angels would give chance to play some LF.
—————–
Basically Yanks told him he is not a priority and that will not sit well with him. Really stupid from Cashman.
the dh is the whole advantage of the AL. I dont get why the yankees feel that they are better off without matsui.
you want to give arod, tex, and co a rest, give them a day off now and then. of sit matsui. the rest will help him.
i trust cash, but i still think matsui makes this team better.
Good for us, that means the Angels would not need to go after Halladay then and he will fall into our laps. Actually, this could turn out to be very good for us…
Except Halladay is part of the deal. Or do you mean Matt Holliday?
blake
Are you serious? For what? Makes sense, however, for all three teams.
What about Bucholtz plus to Phillies for Lee? We have to give them Joba or Hughes, perhaps? Cliff Lee, as we just saw in the WS, is a good match for YS.
“What a terrible day for Cashman. Lackey goes for $17 million, a pretty good price; Matsui is almost gone to the Angels (the man has pride – he figured out that he was the Yankees’ 2nd choice and didn’t want to be left without a team in case the Yanks signed Damon) and Doc is practically gone. I know he did a great job getting Granderson, but …..ok, was his job done?”
Last year Teixeira didn’t sign until December 23rd and Pettitte signed after him.
It’s DECEMBER 15TH, the season doesn’t start until APRIL.
Something tells me Cashman may very well have a PLAN in place that he’s working on.
Also, neither Matsui or Halladay have gone ANYWHERE. You are panicking as usual over nothing.
LET’S GO YANKEES
nyp_joelsherman Heard #Yankees were told by Matsui’s people that #Angels would give chance to play some LF.
nyp_joelsherman Heard Cliff Lee was being offered around for #Phillies to get prospects for Halladay with execs thinking #Angels natural landing spot
less than 20 seconds ago from web
“The confidence in Joba and Hughes is much higher than I estimated.”
Hope people don’t complain when we are sputtering in June because Hughes/Joba have growing pains and they kill the pen, and our lineup struggles with Miranda and Melky.
Right now, we have a lot of questions as presently constituted. No LF/DH, and only 3 starters. And if Robertson ever get hurt or is ineffective, god help us.
Rumored Bay to the Mets, Holliday to stay in STL, all non-tendered FA’s to be signed by combination of mariners/royals/pirates/orioles
NOW THERES NO ONE LEFT TO SIGN!!! YOU REALLY F’D UP CASHMAN!!
What a terrible day for Cashman. Lackey goes for $17 million, a pretty good price; Matsui is almost gone to the Angels (the man has pride – he figured out that he was the Yankees’ 2nd choice and didn’t want to be left without a team in case the Yanks signed Damon) and Doc is practically gone. I know he did a great job getting Granderson, but …..ok, was his job done?
His job isn’t done but I don’t think the players who are moving around today were guys that he was ever really focused on anyway.
He clearly wasn’t going to give up the prospects for Halladay (and not for nothing, but this convoluted deal has a long way to go before it happens)
Was never in on Lackey because of the money
And did everything short of coming out and saying that he had no intention of bringing Matsui back.
Cashman’s not sleeping at the wheel but these moves aren’t going to keep him up nights.
I think his plan is still the same as it was yesterday – add another bat to the OF/DH mix and bring in a pitcher for the back end of the rotation.
Dave, Doc is going to Philly…..I need an aspirin.
Lots of “hearing” going on but not a lot of confirming what they are hearing.
Looks like Cashman is resting on his world series laurels.
We are a significantly weaker team in 2010 than 2009.
No LF/DH. 3 starters. Andy a year older. No Hughes in the pen as a safety net this year. Worse bench.
Looks like Cash doesn’t want to repeat.
The Angels playing Matsui in LF once in a while will do wonders for his knees and their team defense. Remember, they are the team that values speed, defense and fundamentals, after all.
Boston can have Cameron’s 150 strike outs.
What a terrible day for Cashman. Lackey goes for $17 million, a pretty good price; Matsui is almost gone to the Angels (the man has pride – he figured out that he was the Yankees’ 2nd choice and didn’t want to be left without a team in case the Yanks signed Damon) and Doc is practically gone. I know he did a great job getting Granderson, but …..ok, was his job done?
___
if cash wanted any of those players he would have them. get over it people. who cares about john lackey and his 17m/year?
matsui stings a little but that doesnt mean cash has to get a new player / deal every day.
To let a hitter of Matsui’s caliber go for 1 year and 6.5 leads me to believe that the Yankees are gonna go BIG on offense with their next move.
Gotta be Matt Holliday.
Damn, now my roof fell in on me and I find I have nothing to jump off of. What to do?
The Sawx have “stolen” Cameron. Perfidious nation! At long last have they no decency? Oh black day of days.
Buster_ESPN
Heard this: The Red Sox are one of the teams pursuing Mike Cameron.
Cashman, WAKE UP!
———————————————————
If waking up means pursuing Mike Cameron then I hope Cashman takes a long winter’s nap.
The red sox are gonna steal Cameron from us? They can have him for all I care.
Cash Money has something up his sleeve. just wait
We’ve already made up for a lot of the offense lost by Matsui/Damon. Granderson will hit 30+ HR
Lee to the Angels? LOL….Cash just sat around monitoring Halladay, great….just like he left Matsui there to be had.
———————————————————–
You are what we used to call a rabble-rouser.
Just waiting to pounce on anything you perceive to be negative-worthy.
I know you don’t care what others think, but just thought I’d throw my 2 cents in.
This rotating DH idea is a bad one and the more I think about it, the angrier I get. Cash wants to leave the DH spot open for guys who HATE to DH. Jeter, Posada, Alex, Tex – those guys want to be playing every day. Leaving a position open for them to get some rest is stupid. They don’t want it. Not sure they need it either.
Well, that’s it then. The Yankees are not going to play Matsui in LF…..
nyp_joelsherman
Heard Halladay willing to take extension at less than CC/Santana to be on winner/be near Fla home, and #Phillies train nearby in Clearwater
ooks like Cashman is resting on his world series laurels.
We are a significantly weaker team in 2010 than 2009.
No LF/DH. 3 starters. Andy a year older. No Hughes in the pen as a safety net this year. Worse bench.
Looks like Cash doesn’t want to repeat.
———————————————
Bridgejumper.
nyp_joelsherman Heard #Yankees were told by Matsui’s people that #Angels would give chance to play some LF.
If that’s the case the Angels better have a solid backup plan because Matsui can’t leg out a double without limping, putting him in the field is a really bad idea.
The red sox are gonna steal Cameron from us?
==
Thats racist
It would be very surprising if Matsui is out of the Yankees price range at $6.5M for 1 year.
If Matsui leaves to LA then the the Yankees must sign Damon right?
# Phil December 14th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
there’s a rumor that Lee would go to the Angels in the Halladay deal.
———————-
Good for us, that means the Angels would not need to go after Halladay then and he will fall into our laps. Actually, this could turn out to be very good for us.
==============
Huh? He’s going to Phili. How does he fall into our laps?
How is an injury prone pitcher with attitude worth 17 mil? Pavano was at 10 and we wanted to hang him. What is Boston fans going to do with 3 of their 5 starters Pavanoed monthly?
nyp_joelsherman
Heard #Yankees told Matsui couldn’t do anything til exhausted SP/Damon issues, but Matsui wanted quicker resolution
That is sort of old time Yankee arrogance…..
There’s a lotta junk flying around today – wild trades & signings.
By tomorrow, none of this may have panned out. I’ll believe it when it’s official.
Phils trade Lee for Halladay? Huh? Wish these reporters would think before they tweet.
I remember Tex “on the verge” of signing with BOS too.
How did that work out?
Cash is on top of all this stuff. Quit flipping out and thinking he’s asleep. He’s cooking things up.
I guess out stay on top won’t last very long
Boston is locked and loaded. 3 #1 starters in their rotation now.
So tell me, where is Cliff Lee going? It really depends on the needs of the Phillies. They likely are losing quite a bit of the farm on this one.
Very interesting next few hours.
“The Angels playing Matsui in LF once in a while will do wonders for his knees and their team defense. ”
That is what they are telling him NOW. Once they see how he walks on those knees, he’ll be DHing full time.
GOT THAT RIGHT
“The confidence in Joba and Hughes is much higher than I estimated.” Hope people don’t complain when we are sputtering in June because Hughes/Joba have growing pains and they kill the pen, and our lineup struggles with Miranda and Melky.
Right now, we have a lot of questions as presently constituted. No LF/DH, and only 3 starters. And if Robertson ever get hurt or is ineffective, god help us.
We have a lot of depth for potential 4 & 5 starters and relief corps. Joba/Hughes/Aceves/Gaudin/Mitre/Melancon/Albaladejo
And you’ll very see another starter from Cashman. If they stumble we’ll have a deal midyear.
nyp_joelshermanHeard #Yankees talked to #Phillies about Lee, found price similar to what #Indians wanted on 7/31 so backed away
nyp_joelsherman#Yankees never really felt close to Halladay, price too similar to 7/31 and same vibe that #Blue Jays preferred to keep him out of AL East
“Boston can have Cameron’s 150 strike outs”
Probably hit against lefties for the most part.
Good news: Free Agent Dante Girardi (younger and more athletic) has NOT been signed by the Phillies/Angels/Red Sox, as previously reported by numerous Twitter sources.
Yankees put Matsui on the backburner, and got burned.
Now they basically have no choice but to give in to Damon’s demands.
Cashman tried to outsmart himself and ended up putting himself in more of a pickle than he was in before.
Cash wants to leave the DH spot open for guys who HATE to DH. Jeter, Posada, Alex, Tex – those guys want to be playing every day.
It’s not a question of what the players want as much as it is a question of what the players need.
Derek, Jorge, Alex – they’re all going to, at one time or another, suffer from the typical tweaks and soreness that hamper players, much less players of their ages. So rather than taking them out of the lineup or trying to have them play through it while doing more damage, you DH them from time to time.
It won’t be a question of Alex DHing every Monday, Derek every Tuesday, Jorge on Wednesdays – but what Cashman wants (and I agree) is a DH who is capable of playing the field on a more regular basis than Matsui.
Betsy-
With all due respect. I can’t figure Cashman is done. In fact, I predict most us will be happy with what he comes up with in the end. He told us that he tries to do things at the right time and for the right price. I’m hopeful he will do just that. And happily for me, he is going to FOCUS on more pitching.
Tampa is near Doc’s home, but my word – did the Yankees even TRY to talk Anthopolous down? Apparently not……….
Joba + Hughes it is.
I’m glad all of the bridge jumpers have something to panic over. After all, its been almost a year since Mark Teixeira signed with the Red Sox and ruined our offseason.
“Looks like Cashman is resting on his world series laurels.
We are a significantly weaker team in 2010 than 2009.
No LF/DH. 3 starters. Andy a year older. No Hughes in the pen as a safety net this year. Worse bench.
Looks like Cash doesn’t want to repeat.”
Are you serious? The Yankees rotation is just as strong if not stronger with CC/AJ/Andy/Joba/Hughes. Cashman is still going to get another bat, either at LF or DH, and maybe both. And, we’ll have A-Rod for a full season.
These guys are all vying for Upper Class Twit of the Year
The Yanks weren’t particularly interested in bringing back Matsui, otherwise they would have.
Yankees were arrogant, now they will pay for it by giving Damon and Boras a 3 yr deal.
Good job Cashman.
I love the children in full panic mode now.
The same folks who called last season “over” in April.
Betsy,
Really, chill out. It’s not a terrible day for Cashman.
Don’t lose your mind over every rumor. Why not wait until things actually take place.
Lackey to the Red Sox is a panic move. He can’t throw his curveball in cold weather, doesn’t pitch well in Boston, and is on the DL every year.
You spent all of last season worrying about everything and how did it turn out?
Don’t be like the children on here who panic over every move the Red Sox make.
John Lackey in the AL East is a good thing…..for the Yankees.
“Heard this: Yankee fans lining Brooklyn Bridge.”
I like how there is all this panic in spite of the fact that Cashman publicly said that starting pitching was one of his major priorities for the rest of the offseason. So what, because John Lackey, a guy that nobody ever believed/reported the Yankees were totally interested in, and Roy Halladay a guy that nobody thought the Yankees would ultimately trade for, are now (possibly, rumored to be) unavailable, Cashman has blown it and the Yankees’ pitching (and team) stinks?!
If Matsui leaves to LA then the the Yankees must sign Damon right?
Nope. If the price is too high on Damon then Cashman will move on to other options. There are still a lot of available players out there.
on second though, go ahead and panic, in fact this IS the time to really go out on that ledge and jump! there is no future boyond red socks dominance and constant humiliation, just do it JUMP ALREADY!
…i think a culling of some yankees fans is in order…
dont get why matsui is so insistant on playing the field? if someone told me i could make 7 mil to just hit, i’d be thrilled.
hitting is the fun part of the game .
It think the Yankees shouldn’t even bother playing games next year seeing as it is predetermined to be the soxs and Phillies in the WS. Why even bother playing the games.
From the looks of it… the Yankees didn’t even try to negotiate with A.A. about Halladay.
They just said “oh well, the price is too high, moving on…”
Kay reports possible deal would be Doc to Philly, Lee to Seattle and prospects from Seattle to Toronto.
Only way Cashman can rationalize any of this is to sign Holliday. Only way.
The only way I forgive Cashman for letting Matsui go is if he signs Nick Johnson
“Now they basically have no choice but to give in to Damon’s demands.”
H to the OGWASH!!!
Cash needs to do no such thing. If anything, Matsui’s signing, should it happen, further defines Damon’s market.
The Yanks weren’t particularly interested in bringing back Matsui, otherwise they would have.
BINGO
Matsui was a very good Yankee,he did right by us. Unfortunately he came to NY after a long career in Japan. He just does not have enough left for a big contract. Let the Angels enjoy his last hurrah. What is this going to do to their baserunning losing Figgins & adding Matsui?
Thanks, SJ – spent the last 10 mins or so reading through this thread trying to find a response to all the melodrama.
Not to mention the fact that you really can’t expect the Yankees to collect free agents like postage stamps and really get “younger, faster and cheaper”
Yankees were arrogant, now they will pay for it by giving Damon and Boras a 3 yr deal.
Good job Cashman.
___
doubt it. i believe cashman when he says he knows what he is doing. it’s real sad that we get so many bridge jumpers everytime a team other than the yankees sign a big market player.
teams win all the time without 9 allstars and 5 aces.
Hopefully it is Seattle getting Lee and not LAA.
What would it take to get Crawford from TB instead of using the stop gap approach with Damon (or Matsui)? Defensive upgrade, offensively a wash I’d say given Crawford’s speed. I’m sure he’s motivated ot win and a good lcub house guy… Thoughts?
“Lackey to the Red Sox is a panic move. He can’t throw his curveball in cold weather, doesn’t pitch well in Boston, and is on the DL every year”
Lackey’s had no problem pitching in Boston over the last couple seasons.
nyp_joelsherman
#Yankees never really felt close to Halladay, price too similar to 7/31 and same vibe that #Blue Jays preferred to keep him out of AL East
If Cashman doesn’t give into Boras’ demands, he goes into next season with Melky and Miranda.
Either way, the leverage we once had is no longer there. Boras holds the cards now.
Seattle is looking very active this winter; I wonder how comfortable the genius Mike Scioscia is feeling out west these days. The Angels signing Matsui could end up being a major so-what move if they end up losing out on Lackey and watching Halladay and Cliff Lee go to other clubs, as well. Say hello to your #1 pitcher being Jered Weaver.
Looks like the same idiots are coming out of the woodwork today.
Damon isn’t getting a 3 yr deal from the Yankees and Cashman isn’t finished yet.
Take a deep breath and eat some holliday cookies.
Usually you clowns wait until April to pronounce the season over.
December is early, even for the children, to drive a stake into the 2010 season.
Cliff lee really thinks a lot of himself. For one good year in the AL and one in the NL. Note to Cliff: You are not better than Halladay, CC, Santana, etc….
This is like a game-thread during a loss
LOL! Almost forgot what that looked like.
The only way I forgive Cashman for letting Matsui go is if he signs Nick Johnson
Yes because what you want if you’re Brian Cashman is to replace a 37 year old injury prone DH with a 31 year old injury prone DH.
“Heard this: The Red Sox are one of the teams pursuing Mike Cameron.”
Situations are aligning where the Yankees may start looking seriously into Matt Holliday and will be able to do so at a reasonable price.
Holliday’s market is completely non-defined right now because Boras is being silly and hoping that “one team” will go crazy on a Zito like deal.
But that’s unlikely.
And when reality sets back in there are going to be very few suitors who can even sign Holliday to a a 6yr/100M deal.
Toronto clearly wasn’t going to trade Halladay in the AL East. That’s their perogative. We weren’t gonna give up Montero or Hughes or Joba.
I couldn’t care less about John flipping Lackey. He’s good but doesn’t make a huge difference on the Sox. He’s basically replacing Bucholz in the rotation, really how much different are those two players at this point in their careers? Lackey is better but not by much.
I’m angry that it appears Matsui is gone to the hated Angels and they are only paying him 6.5 mil. Unless Cashman gets Nick Johnson, Matsui was the best option at DH. And don’t give me this crap about a rotation DH, it’s a terrible idea and not something a championship team should be doing if they expect to repeat.
Holliday gets an offer from Cardinals at $18mm.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....liday.html
EA
December 14th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
This is like a game-thread during a loss
LOL! Almost forgot what that looked like.
=============
true that
Yankees were arrogant, now they will pay for it by giving Damon and Boras a 3 yr deal.
——————————————————-
Thats simply not going to happen. Damon has nowhere else to go…no one else is pursuing him…what makes you think that the Yankees would feel compelled to offer Damon a three year deal if no one is pursuing him?
If Cashman doesn’t give into Boras’ demands, he goes into next season with Melky and Miranda.
Either way, the leverage we once had is no longer there. Boras holds the cards now.
___
really? holliday is still there, plus the yankees dont necessarily need to get a left fielder when they still have melky (cue the haters).
they can also make a trade. dont need to cave to damon.
New Panic Room!!!
SJ44
December 14th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Looks like the same idiots are coming out of the woodwork today.
Damon isn’t getting a 3 yr deal from the Yankees and Cashman isn’t finished yet.
Take a deep breath and eat some holliday cookies.
Usually you clowns wait until April to pronounce the season over.
December is early, even for the children, to drive a stake into the 2010 season.
—————————
Finally we agree on something – though I would have been more polite about it.
CB,
I’m starting to think we’re gonna backload a Holliday deal, signing bonus him, etc. to maintain the payroll cut illusion.
Cashman better be on the phone with Sheets’ agent, or we’ll lose him too while Cashman is snoozing.
What players/prospects do the Mariners have that the jays might want ???? Do they have a great SS prospect ? Catcher like a Montero/Romine ? enough pitching to trade (Morrow) ? Sure isn’t going to be King felix ! An outfield stud ?
Apparently the Phils wanted Hughes for Lee……same as last July. I’m glad they didn’t do it today, but this is a hard day.
I have no problem not guaranteeing Matsui playing time in LF- his knees are shot.
Yes because what you want if you’re Brian Cashman is to replace a 37 year old injury prone DH with a 31 year old injury prone DH.
–
he isn’t injury prone, he just doesn’t return from injury very well. His complete fluke broken leg took a lot out of him.
he also hits .300, onbases .400, and replacing a 36 year old with a 31 year old is the very definition of ‘becoming younger, more athletic’ (NJ can run the bases)
Also he could spell Tex at 1st for all the ‘rotating DH’ morons.
So – Red sox are about to sign Lackey. That means Cashman will come in at last min and sign him – no worries here.
MLB just announced the Lackey signing. They had a graphic up showing Lackey’s record in Fenway as being, best I can remember, as 2-5, with ERA of 5 and a half, or so. Didn’t strike me as dominant. Obviously, that was compiled facing the Red Sox, but, still, it’s not impressive.
Phil, I wouldn’t be surprised if cash is planning a happy holliday
Lackey to the Sawx
Matsui to the Angels
Halladay to the Phillies.
———————————————–
So!
If I had my druthers I’d rather have lefty Cliff Lee on the Yankees, as he would be more valuable.
Lackey for 85 million, and hurt the beginning of the last two seasons. No thanks.
Cashman’s #1 priority right now is another starter, and Philly will not keep Halladay, sign him to an extension, knowing they can’t also afford Lee, without an extension. Lee will get traded in that scenario for prospects that Toronto and Philly will want in this 3 team deal. I think the Yankees could be talking to the parties involved on this one.
They can afford to wait on Damon and Matsui, both aging, non defensive stars.
“Apparently the Phils wanted Hughes for Lee……same as last July. I’m glad they didn’t do it today, but this is a hard day.”
Why are you glad Betsy? Today is a TERRIBLE day for the Yankees remember?
Is there a game on today? Are the Yanks losing in one of the Yankees Classics games?
That’s what it sounds like in here.
None of these scenarios – real or imagined – bother me in the least.
Halladay to PHI? Fine. Lee to SEA? OK.
Lackey to BOS? Sure. Matsui to LAA – now that would bother me a little.
So Cash is just taking the rest of the Winter off, then?
Come on guys.
If Cashman doesn’t give into Boras’ demands, he goes into next season with Melky and Miranda.
Either way, the leverage we once had is no longer there. Boras holds the cards now.
———————————————————-
Ralph, explain to me what cards Boras holds? Johnny Damon is being pursued by NO ONE ELSE.
“Yes because what you want if you’re Brian Cashman is to replace a 37 year old injury prone DH with a 31 year old injury prone DH.”
Oh sorry should I be pining after mediocre 4th outfielders instead?
And don’t give me this crap that Matsui is injury prone. He’s one of the most durable players in the history of baseball. He’s as healthy as he’s going to get right now and just proved to everyone that he can get through a full season at DH.
Johnson, I’ll give that one to you, he is injury prone. But look at his stats. I don’t care if he gets injured, he’s still a much better hitter than Ryan Church, David Dejesus and all the rest of the slop you’ve been talking about for the past month.
I agree the panic is not necessary. Cashman has said all along his priority is pitching. Part 1 was getting Andy back and he did that. He will get another SP to strenghten the rotation. Lackey’s good, he makes Boston better, but last time I checked the NY beat Lackey in the playoffs. The lack of confidence in Joba and Hughes is disappointing. They are 24. They will get better. They are better than Boston’s 4 & 5, Dice K and Wakefield. Don’t think so? Offer Joba and PH to Boston for Dice K and Wakefield and see what happens. Doc to Philly and Lee to Seattle? Good for the NYY. Won’t see Doc anymore and Lee to Seattle doesn’t exactly make them a powerhouse, they have a lot of holes. 66 days until pitchers and catchers. Go Yankees!!! In Cashman we trust!
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....liday.html
L: Actually the Yanks just won the one game 1978 playoff again!
Betsy -
As I’ve said before – Anthoupolous did not want Doc halladay to be a Yankee – all lip service. Cashman was not going to talk him down; no team gives the Yankees a sweetheart deal. None. Ever. Especially not coming on the heels of a 103 victory season followed by a World Series victory (and this without a bona fide #3 starter).
And for everyone saying the Yankees were “arrogant” because they didn’t make Matsui or Damon comfortable – that’s just not right. Were they supposed to pay more than anyone else would offer so as not to “insult” them? Please. As much as I hate it, it IS a business. And lest we forget, in early September, people couldn’t wait for Damon to be gone (not all, but many). He had a good post-season and a great inning in one of the games, but overall, Damon tired at the end of the season – his power was either gone or neutralized by opposing pitchers.
Matsui is an interesting conundrum, because as a pure DH I don’t believe there is anyone better. But it if you can find a way to replace him with someone who can take a turn in the field, you would be a better team for it.
At any rate, I hardly think the Yankees are being arrogant. They met with both players’ agents, they layed their cards on the table. They were not dishonest in what they would be willing to pay. They did not “assume” these players would be there waiting for them. They fully knew that these guys would go out and see what deal they could get on the open market.
I believe internally the Yankees were ready to lose both Damon and Matsui. So, there must be a plan. If not, then I’ll be stupefied for sure.
Also, the Yankees can’t and shouldn’t get every available player just because they’re the Yankees.
“Among the nine catchers with at least 4,000 plate appearances during the 0′s, Posada is No. 1 in on-base percentage and slugging percentage and also tops in homers (by a lot) and walks (ditto).”
How does this affect Posada’s chances for the hall of fame? People usually say he doesn’t have much of a chance, but those numbers show he’s clearly the premier hitting catcher of the last decade. Add in the rings and I think he’s got a good chance.
If we lose Hideki, I’d rather sign Holliday to 5 than Damon to 2, but I want a LF GDI!
Holliday + miranda. Oi.
Too bad the rest of baseball decided to jump in the fray, too.
Dammit Cashman!! Trade Kei for Bettimet and flip him to Seattle for Ichiro already. Remember Bettitmet is Kei to any big trade.
Wow – 2.5 months removed from winning the World Series and Betsy and Co. are out on the ledge again.
Can we give Cashman some more credit, here? Everyone’s assuming he’s done. Why would you assume that?
You’re concerned he didn’t land Lackey, or “block” him from Boston? That strategy worked out well with Canseco in 2000.
You’re concerned we didn’t hemorrhage the system for Halladay?
We’re World Champions. Sit back and enjoy while other teams overpay (Red Sox) and overtrade (Hallday suitors) to knock us from our perch.
You should all be enjoying this, not flipping out.
The “poor” Red Sox have $85 million out to Lackey, $16 million out to Chapman, and are still likely to sign a corner outfielder and a third baseman.
I hear people talk about Miranda playing DH but is he really that good?I mean…he didn’t play much last year
Chapman hasn’t signed with the Red Skx.
Offers aren’t signed contracts.
Once you figure that out, you will panic less.
You could have Matsui at DH, Granderson in CF, and Cameron in LF and it would only cost about $16 million. That would give the Yankees incredible outfield defense to go with the great infield defense and a lineup where every guy is more than capable of hitting 25 home runs except for the captain.
Looks like the same idiots are coming out of the woodwork today.
Damon isn’t getting a 3 yr deal from the Yankees and Cashman isn’t finished yet.
Take a deep breath and eat some holliday cookies.
___________________________________________________________
Not from MLBTraderumors:
“Holliday” Cookies?
Has esteemed Lohud poster SJ44 given the rabble in the crowd an early holiday hint on the Yankees plans or has Dr. Freud just reared his coke-filled head into the blogosphere?
And what bettter to wash down those cookies with some spiked Halladay Punch.
The Yanks don’t have to give in to anybody’s demands much less Damon’s and Boras’…If the Yanks don’t make another move this is a 95 win team….wh have theoretically 2 spots to fill and there are still 260 free agents…260 some good guys are still out there….
Guaranteed that if the Sox sign Cameron he’ll play in CF as Ellsbury is bad in CF and much better in LF…
We have already replaced Damon and Matsui’s bats if we make no other moves as Grandy will more than make up for Damon’s production and the combination of Miranda as the primary dh plus the production of the guys who replace the resting players one game every two weeks will imo equal to the production that Sui gave us last year
Cash is on top of this and the only ones sleeping are you guys who want to win with no competition.
if Boston gets Lackey good for them they’ve improved 1 area of their team but they still got a long way to go to pass us
“Chapman hasn’t signed with the Red Skx.
Offers aren’t signed contracts.
Once you figure that out, you will panic less.”
I haven’t read that Lackey signed either. My point was that the Red Sox have $100M in offers out there right now and still plan on signing a third baseman and a corner outfielder. They are spending a lot of money for a team that likes to cry poor every offseason.
I REFUSE to panic. Cashman has a plan. While I’m not naiive enough to think that Cashman can not make an error in judgement and occassionally get burned in a decision, I believe he is working on, and executing his plan to get younger and more versitile. Purging the team of 36+ year old players may have been a key component of that, and frankly, that’s not a bad idea, if replaced with players entering their prime.
Cash is building for the next 5 years, not just 2010. In fact, I’d rather win 3 or 4 out of the next 5 WS as opposed to just 2 in a row.
Right on the $$$ Champ809
All I want for Christmas is another Starter and a 3B/PH for the bench.
Santa Cashman will deliver.
ESPN says Halladay and agent have checked into a Philly hotel. Maybe they want to see a 76ers game.
Lackey will have at least one stint on the DL in 2010. Also, great lifetime numbers at the Sardine Can. 3-7 with a 5.25 ERA in 14 starts.
Thanks, but no thanks.
1. Becket
2. Lester
3. Lackey
Mutha####!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!