A few late night notes
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Dec 23, 2009 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Just a few PM nuggets for those of you still surfing on this Christmas Eve eve (or, as some of us call it, The-Night-Before-the Night-Before-the-Day-We-Eat-Chinese-and-Go-to-the-Movies):
• Interesting article here where Jayson Stark argues that Albert Pujols is the runaway Player of the Decade. To be honest, I hadn’t even thought about who should get that title but my first thought was that he’s absolutely right. I think my biggest quibble with his list was having Mariano Rivera too low (Ichiro, too).
• The Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America voted Brian Cashman as its MLB Executive of the Year. One would imagine Cash will be wearing his Kryptonite suit when he goes up to receive his gold-plated pot o’ chowdah.
• Speaking of Boston-New York news: Um … really? How sad is this?
• In reliever news, Matt Capps is going to Washington and Fernando Rodney looks like he’ll be the new closer in Anaheim. How about the decline of the Angels relievers over the past few years? K-Rod to Brian Fuentes and now Fernando Rodney? Ugh. At this point, you kind of have to like the Mariners in the West, no?
That’s it for us tonight. If you’re traveling tomorrow, be safe.
That last thread was a doozy.
Mick: I hadn’t looked through the comments on that one. What kind of craziness was going on?
Sam:
There was an intervention of sorts.
Yankees decal in the rear window of Hernandez’s Dodge Intrepid and started to taunt her about the major league baseball team.
When Hernandez started to drive away, Beaudoin briefly followed the car on foot.”
While I feel bad that sports and a rivalry ended in the death of someone, I feel very bad for Hernandez. Like the article states, she was probably stunned that some guy was taunting and harassing her. Who knows if she feared for her life. What guy follows a woman to taunt her because of a decal on the window.
I’m not sure how she could have gotten a fair trial when the story was publicized by everyone, including ESPN, and the trial took place in New Hampshire (Red Sox territory).
Sam and Chad,
You guys are doing a terrific job. Really good stuff. Hope you have had and will continue to have a happy hollidays.
“Speaking of Boston-New York news: Um … really? How sad is this?”
I remember when that happened. What a psycho.
I was like “Great. Now one them has to mow down one of us.”
Like in “Boys in the Hood”
Intervention??? Who was intervened?
I second CB’s post. Sam and Chad are awesome.
About the Sherman article I posted earlier…..
Since the Yanks are concerned about the workload shouldered by CC, AJ and Andy – so much so that they called them and asked them to delay their off-season throwing regimine for a few weeks – how about we have Phil or Joba ready and able to take a few starts from them at the beginning of the season? Maybe they can do this (well, whomever is the “loser”, anyway) during the year occasionally? Of course, that would require that the “loser” not be a set-up man, that he go to AAA or stay up here as a long man (either of which I like).
Previous Thread
A surprising collection of rational posters. Humor, wit, knowledge leavened with smarts. A great thread, a teaser of what could be. The acme of threads. A loving group hug. A pinnacle…. Okay I’ll stop now. Emotion’s overcoming me. (Trumpets in hanky)
Indian food for me, Chad, lol. If Sherlock Holmes is out, I may see that. Otherwise, I will enjoy catching up on some DVDs……
Decisions…decisions…..
Chicken and cashew nuts followed by ‘Avatar’?
or
Beef and green peppers with black bean sauce followed by ‘Sherlock Holmes’?
Have fun Sam!
Don’t ask, Sam…….I think I had a therapy session. Maybe we all did, lol.
You guys are the best – you have fostered a wonderful atmosphere (and THANK YOU for being professional and not making snarky comments about players) and have done an amazing job replacing Pete. It was the smoothest transition I’ve ever seen….and to think we were worried, lol
That Boston leak about them possibly getting back into business with Bay is curious.
First off, I hope it happens. If Bay resigns, their payroll jumps to 185 million or so.
If that happens Cash and Hal have no reason not to sign Holliday.
Although, the first thing I thought when I heard it was it was a Boston or Boras attempt to see if they are really in on Holliday or not.
Maybe Boston is still considering Holliday and want to know if the Yankees are really out.
Betsy,
I think Sherlock Holmes will be out. I hope it’s as good as the previews make it look.
Ross, Avatar looks weird – go with the Beef and Sherlock Holmes.
Clare, my only real issue will be if they make Holmes look like he’s actually romantically interested in Irene Adler. I am a huge Conan Doyle fan (read the Lost World if you love dinosaurs or adventure – it’s a classic) and I can tell you that there is no chance in you know what that Holmes would ever be romantically infatuated with any woman. On the plus side, it appears that they have got the Holmes/Watson relationship right.
A frabjous thread
Bathos and Pathos interweaved…. Here’s to..Urk
(Too big a gulp of porch climber red)
I third Cb’s post!
Hey CB, do you think Joba needs to change his windup motion? I remember watching some of old footage of clemens and hallady; it appears as though both of them had very diffently deliveries at the very beginning of their careers then made adjustments to their wind up as they got older.
What about you betsy?? Do you think joba should change? I’m just curious what your feed back is.
I’m definitely thinking Sherlock Holmes. And I’m more of a sesame chicken or lo mein kind of guy.
“Of course, that would require that the “loser” not be a set-up man, that he go to AAA or stay up here as a long man (either of which I like).”
I think Phil would be at AA. I don’t think Joba would.
Betsy,
I don’t know much about Doyle, and what I know of Sherlock Holmes comes mostly from Laurie R. King’s books – which you would probably hate. In her books Holmes marries a much younger woman who’s just as smart is he is.
Benny, I’m no expert on mechanics, but wasn’t the issue that that Joba didn’t use his legs enough (too much arm) and that’s why they changed his delivery? If that’s the case, I’ve no problem with the changes because he’ll never last pitching with only his arm (and not his leg). However, if Joba isn’t comfortable with his new delivery, maybe the Yankees need to modify it again. I do remember “experts” saying in ST that Joba looked stiff and unnatural……
G. Love,
Agree. Just hope Holliday doesn’t sign before Bay does. Then if Boston brings back Bay… we have nothing to answer them with.
Joba’s issue was that he had a hitch in his delivery.
“i think it’s possible they’ve plateaued as an organization because john henry isn’t the financial power he once was. his personal net worth may be down by as much as two thirds. he was in trouble even before the financial crap hit the fan last fall.”
randy,
They seem very uncertain. I think the yankees are taking the initiative and the Sox are unclear strategically where they should go.
The sox entire philosophy these past two off seasons has been similar. Plan A was to sign a big bat – last year Tex, this year Bay.
When that failed, they went to bolster their run prevention. Last year’s strategy was a very mixed because Smoltz and Penny stunk as did Dice-K. On top of that their defense was awful.
But all of those moves were nullified because the yankees markedly improved their run prevention last year while also improving their offense (which boston couldn’t do).
This year they don’t sign Bay and again move to run prevention. But they’re banking on Lackey – who is a very good pitcher – but is a huge injury risk. And they are also banking on Cameron who is a nice player but is older and really not a good fit for what they need offensively (especially on the road which is where they struggle – cameron’s pull swing will play in fenway but the sox already can do that…).
For this “run prevention” strategy to work however the Sox pitching and defense must be much better than the yankees – not eve a little better – much better.
But now the yankees have traded for Vazquez so there goes that potential edge barring an injury. The yanks also upgraded their defense by getting Granderson. If Damon’s not back I’d think LF defense will be better also.
Finally, there was this whole notion that the Sox were the masters of developing young talent that would sign for below market deals. But that was never as true as it was made out to be. And the well really has run dry – their system is very empty at the upper minors. And I don’t think this next cohort of Sox – Papelbon, Ellsbury, etc. is going to be as eager to sign contracts favorable to the team.
I’m no expert either, but I thought Joba’s delivery looked unnatural for most of the year. Pat M was saying that his release point was all over the place due to his lack of conditioning, IIRC.
The Dingbats and Wombats almost came to an accomodation.
Aside: Running out of material here, will have to restock.
Okay, Last One – The Jetsam and Flotsam of the night before, the night before, met and rejoiced and all was well in the world of Cash.
“I think Phil would be at AA. I don’t think Joba would.”
That is my thought as well. Do not think Hughes is a serious candidate for the pen at all (Unless the other relievers look god awful in ST and Joba beats him out for the #5 spot by a wide margin).
Don’t think there is a scenario where Joba is the one going to AAA.
One thing that I’ve noticed since Chad, Josh & Sam arrived to the LoHud, is the advertising seems to have picked up….Not crazy about the popups, but this has to impress the circulation & advertising Departments…..Also they have made the transition a very smooth one and between the trio we’re treated to a deversified trio of view points……The LoHud is the place to be…..Question, will you be offering the January guest writers as in the past…..It really is great and it serves as a bridge to Spring Training
CB,
Much as I dislike Papelbon and Ellsbury, I don’t think you can blame any player for not giving the Red Sox any breaks after what they tried to do to Lowell after he gave them a BIG hometown discount.
speaking for the Loyal Lurkers, Sam and Chad,
you guys have been nothing short of spectacular. now i will return to my ( quiet ) seat.
Clare, I know of Laurie King and I detest what she’s done. Her female charachter (forget her name) is what they call a “Mary Sue ” – a young girl who attracts Holmes (for whatever reason). Fans of the Canon (which is what all the Holmes/Watson stories written by Sir Arthur are called) hate Mary Sues because the are completely against the character that Doyle created. Laurie King writes pastiches – so do other authors, authors who write about Holmes and Jack the Ripper, Holmes and Dracula, etc…… I am one of those who hates the idea of destroying the Canon and so I can’t stand Laurie King, lol
“….Not crazy about the popups, but this has to impress the circulation & advertising Departments…..”
I don’t get popups…
Sam, if you see it, I would love to know what you think.
“Ross, Avatar looks weird – go with the Beef and Sherlock Holmes.”
Looks like it’s the beef and ‘Olde England’, then. (Quite appropriate) Thanks, Betsy!
Sesame chicken for Sam – plus a decent orange sauce, of course.
It would be cool if Sam/Chad/Josh did a few player Q and A’s as well……
Betsy,
I guess she only appeals to people like me, who don’t know much about the canon.
Not to return us to the 07-08 off-season “book club” that offended some here, but her other books are much better. She has a series about police detectives in San Francisco and some stand alones which I really like.
You’re welcome, Ross!
Happy Holidays everybody!
Lackey’s got to pitch for league min. salary in 2015 if he misses “significant time” over the course of the contract?
That’s an new one.
How does the union allow that language in the contract?
“do you think Joba needs to change his windup motion?”
No I don’t think they should change Joba’s delivery.
One of Joba’s problems last year was that he wasn’t repeating his delivery well. That in turn was altering his release point. He was also having trouble keeping his front shoulder closed.
He needs to get back to repeating his delivery consistently. He also needs to be in better shape to use his legs more.
In order to throw a 98 mph fastball a pitcher needs to generate around three horse power of energy.
That is a significant amount of energy and you can only do that by efficiently using the large muscles of your legs and trunk. That energy then needs to be efficiently transferred to the ball through the arm. Joba wasn’t generating energy efficieciently this past year and I believe that’s why he wasn’t throwing as hard.
There are two things I don’t like too much about joba’s delivery (and take these for what they are worth – I’m no expert on mechanics…).
First, he doesn’t use his legs that much to drive through the ball – even when he was throwing 98 I thought he could save effort in his arm by using his legs more (compare him to CC or Hughes…). one thing I don’t like about Joba’s delivery
Second, is how he lands on a very stiff front leg. That’s really not ideal because it can put a lot of stress on the arm.
But those two things are secondary. Pitchers in many senses are what they are and there’s only so much you can change mechanics.
Joba was lights out in 2007 and 2008 with the mechanics he has now – he was just in better shape and more consistent with them. He need to get back to that.
You too, Tarheel!
Interesting that Mo was the only pitcher on the decade’s MVP list. It goes to show that pitchers aren’t as consistent as hitters. There’s more turnover amoung top pitchers from year to year.
Can anyone believe that Lackey is their highest paid player, based only on total contract $$$.
Betsy,
Somehow, I feel Robert Downey will not do the Sherlock Holmes canon justice – I was forever spoilt by watching the wholw saga unfold in the hands of the incomparable Jeremy Brett (now THERE was a tragic end of a life!)
Clare, there are lots of Laurie King fans out there – I’m just very particular and protective of Holmes/Watson. However, you like her and that’s what counts. I didn’t know she wrote books outside of the Holmes realm.
error – wholw = whole
Ross, OMG – you are a Jeremy Brett fan? Me, too. I loved that man – now, I admit that I’ve seen few other Holmes, but as soon as I saw him, that was it for me. He was so wonderful, so handsome, so quirky – he WAS Holmes. Yes, his life was really tragic……he was a wonderfully gregarious personality, but his bipolar disorder affected him a great deal. He died young……..and I can’t watch the last episodes of the Granada series when he was so sick.
Let me ask – which Watson did you prefer? Burke or Hardwicke?
“The-Night-Before-the Night-Before-the-Day-We-Eat-Chinese-and-Go-to-the-Movies”
lol. 6 years ago we planned to fly to FL on Christmas Day and our flight was cancelled. We went back home and of course had no food in the house because we planned to be away.
We got dressed up trying to make the best of the day and headed out to find a restaurant to have a nice dinner and discovered something my Jewish friends tell me they had known for years but never told the Catholic girl.
On Christmas Day, in Westchester County, the only thing open are Chinese restaurants and movie theaters.
I’m a big Robert Downey Jr. fan but do you really think Sherlocke Holmes used this many hair products?
Talk about a metrosexual!
http://www.torrentfive.com/por.....holmes.jpg
I admired Brett so much that I wrote to Linda Pritchard (his close friend, who subsquently published a book about his life)…….At the end of that book, letters about JB were published and mine was among them. I keep telling my father to check JB out (I have most of the series on tape), but he jokes and says that Basil Rathbone is the man.
CB, There’s another area of concern for Boston, their pitching depth, in starters as well as in the pen…..Yanks are going to camp with 9 starters in which all 9 made starts last season……Boston is still a playoff caiber team for 2010, it’s just this season they’ll be fighting for their playoff lives……Rotation is their strength, but it thins out fast…..
I believe Rodney is going to set up for Fuentes…not become the new Angels closer.. Is it Joba or Phil who will wind up in the 8th setting up for Mo ?
“Can anyone believe that Lackey is their highest paid player, based only on total contract $$$.”
That is only because he was a FA from the outside. We all know Sox players sign team friendly deals and help their organization. Youkallis and Lester’s contracts are jokes. As was Pedroia’s coming off an MVP.
Sadly, I’m expecting Beckett to take less than Burnett to stay in Boston next year. He already took less back in 06.
Only Boras clients won’t take hometown discounts with the Sox. Would be nice if our FAs don’t try and take us to the cleaners once in a while…
Jeers, lol……….yeah, I don’t think Holmes cared much about his hair. It reminds me of Little House on the Prairie, which I loved so much. All the characters on the show wore 1970s/1980s haircuts even though they shows took place in the mid to late 1800’s……..
It’s interesting that neither the Angels nor the Yanks were terribly interested in Lackey.
Sadly, I’m expecting Beckett to take less than Burnett to stay in Boston next year. He already took less back in 06.
If Beckett has a good year, no way. He’ll want $20m per.
One thing about Phil is that he has repeatable mechanics and a great delivery. Back in 2008 (or was it 2007, after his return from the injuries), there was talk that the Yankees changed his delivery from a 3/4 slot to an over the top slot. LOL I know squat about mechanics, but I think I understand what they were talking about. Now, I think Phil didn’t regain trust in his legs until maybe September and that would account for his struggles in August of that year. This year, people noticed that Phil looked closer to the Phil of 2006 than he has in a while – and I’m glad. I’m glad because I think a delivery that is most natural to a pitcher is the one that should be encouraged. Whatever it is, his stuff returned with a vengeance, even as a starter. Phil is a big guy, but he’s not bulky – he’s really got a great pitcher’s body.
Stark has Bonds over ARod? Really? Bonds’ stats over the first few years of the decade triumph over ARod’s contributions throughout the decade? I don’t think so.
Can’t really quibble with the rest of it, except for Mariano. He should at least be above Ichiro.
Nah, I don’t see Beckett giving them a discount. Not when they just gave Lackey what they did, he’s gonna want more than that.
Lackey seemed like a real stretch. They can put that clause in there on his elbow – it still doesn’t protect them from the in season financial cost or the opportunity cost of having a key starter go down.
Not a good sign that the angels – the team that knows him best simply passed on him.
Very curious move for the sox – they completely passed on CC last year. This year they give out a contract at a length that is longer than their purported organizational philosophy would allow. Is Lackey really that kind of arm?
I just cant believe that their other players will be okay with bringing in a guy like Lackey for significantly more money than most of them make.
It was Pedroia, Ortiz (with needles), Youkilis, Beckett who helped bring them the WS in 2007, not Lackey.
No reason to go after Lackey when Lee is a FA next year and his agent is pretty adamant about going to FA. There is a reason the Phillies traded him, coming off the remarkable postseason he had…. he made it clear he wants to get paid.
And Beckett is better than Lackey anyway, and he is hitting FA too.
We’re going to have options next winter, much better ones than the ones available this year.
Sox were desperate.
Does anyone think the AJ Burnett contract was a good one? No, but we needed to do it.
Just curious they decided to turn to a pitcher, rather than Holliday.
Joe,
Please, no Beckett on the Yanks. I generally root for the laundry, and I became a Damon fan after his first game as a Yank when he could barely contain a grin all game, but I’d have a really, really hard time ever rooting for Beckett.
We had to outbid the Braves for Burnett, so we got him at market, though it was an inflated market.
Phil,
I think Arodys is going to make BA’s top 50 prospects.
“We had to outbid the Braves for Burnett, so we got him at market, though it was an inflated market.”
Phil,
Some fans tend to forget that the Braves offered Burnett five years too.
“Phil,
I think Arodys is going to make BA’s top 50 prospects.”
He will now he’s a Brave not a Yankee.
“I know I don’t fit their payroll,” Damon said. “We’ve had a little bit of communication with them, but my price is too high right now. I don’t think I’m their solution.”
The “right now” part of that quote seems to imply he plans on lowering his price at some point or thinks the Yanks plan on raising theirs?
“Is Lackey really that kind of arm?”
IMO, no. He has to be tickled pink with the contract he got. I didn’t think he would get anywhere near that in this market. He’s a good pitcher but you’re looking at a guy whose innings pitched and K’s have dropped off significantly since 2007 and there are injury concerns. Lackey has had a better career than Burnett thus far but going forward I would rather have AJ I believe.
CB, I’ve been watching Lackey since he popped on the scene in 2002, and he’s a hellava pitcher…..His issue will be the physical requirements to keep snapping his biting breaking ball, as it’s been an issue as of late…..He has a bulldog mentality with a huge heart….Boston got themselves a very gifted pitcher, the problem will be his odometer
“I know I don’t fit their payroll,” Damon said. “We’ve had a little bit of communication with them, but my price is too high right now. I don’t think I’m their solution.”
——————————
Well… if you don’t lower your price, you will be no team’s solution.
I think the Yankees will wait out Holliday and see if Boras comes back down to earth with the price. If he doesn’t or if Holliday signs elsewhere then hopefully Damon will be resigned to his one year fate by that time and they can sign him to a deal that makes sense.
I like Damon better than the other guys floating around if they choose against Holliday. He fits the clubhouse and he can still hit, they could bring in GGBG for defense when needed.
Pat M.,
I really like Lackey. He’s a better pitcher than AJ. So I’m on the same page as you in terms of talent evaluation.
But I really don’t like his elbow – especially on a five year deal.
His fastball is fine – not great. It’s his power curve ball that is so good (I’d like hughes to work on that kind of curve to add to the big breaker…). Same thing for his slider – though his curve ball is a better pitch.
I agree with what you said the angels evaluation was – I think that elbow is just a big risk.
Boston has made it a point to not give pitchers deals longer than 4 years – Dice K was the only exception.
Is Lackey really the guy an organization with that kind of philosophy wants to bend its own rules for given his elbow?
I love the old Sherlock Holmes movies on tv.
And the best Disney movie was “Great Mouse Detective”.
Lackey is a TJ surgery candidate-in-waiting.
OOOh- I am goign to see “Its Complicated” and Chicken and Brocolli is my chinese cuisine of choice!!!
pat,
That’s Johnny waving the white flag. He knows there’s no chance for his return. Saving face comment.
=========================
I like AJ just fine!
Avatar is amazing. Go see the 3D version. It’s not gimmicky 3D with stuff flying at you. It just enhances the depth of the scenery. Really incredible.
CB, I thought Phil did add a power curve – we saw it this spring, didn’t we?
Betsy,
He didn’t use it enough. I’d like to see more of it.
One of the things he just didn’t need out of the pen.
pat
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:35 pm
“The-Night-Before-the Night-Before-the-Day-We-Eat-Chinese-and-Go-to-the-Movies”
lol. 6 years ago we planned to fly to FL on Christmas Day and our flight was cancelled. We went back home and of course had no food in the house because we planned to be away.
We got dressed up trying to make the best of the day and headed out to find a restaurant to have a nice dinner and discovered something my Jewish friends tell me they had known for years but never told the Catholic girl.
On Christmas Day, in Westchester County, the only thing open are Chinese restaurants and movie theaters.
**********
Those are the only things open ANYWHERE on Christmas Day. Except for Casinos
In fact, isn’t that the curve he used as a starter? Once he was shifted to the pen, he didn’t use it as much. I still remember that curve he threw to Zimmerman (Ryan?) – it just buckled his knees.
CB, that’s why I don’t think Phil should be in the pen at all……..I’m hoping that Cash’s comments about Robertson potentially being a set-up man or that one of Joba/Phil may go to AAA comes to fruition.
Enjoy SF or Seattle, Johnny!
Hope you like being away from your family for 6 more weeks (training in ARZ rather than Florida), and being so far away from your your Orlando home (no more short trips down south on off-days… now it is 7 hour flights).
Is it really worth it, for a couple extra million?
M, on Friday, AMC is having (I think it’s AMC) a Sherlock Holmes marathon – they are showing 2 versions of Hound of the Baskerville among others. I never saw the Great Mouse Detective, lol
CB, The way Richie made it sound about him making the 150 starts, is as if he could breakdown during those 150 starts….The question is, will it be a minor trip to the shop or will it be a major overhaul ???? Boston inked for protection for this year ( if they move Bucholtz ) or for the long term in the event Josh splits for the dough in 2011…..
We saw the curve a little in the playoffs from Hughes mainly because he was struggling and wasn’t able to get by just throwing fastballs like he did in the reg. season. I love the downward movement on Phil’s curveball but he needs better command of it and I’d like to see him throw it a little harder (its kinda lollypoppy right now). Phil has all the tools to be really good, he just needs time to figure it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46WcFObgYhI
Betsy,
You need to see it. It’s very saucY.
There’s a cute little girl named Olivia, and her father is kidnapped. So she goes to Basil of Baker Street. Who has a great dog named Toby.
Blake – time and the opportunity. He’s young now, but the years slip away – they already have, as a matter of fact. He’s not 20 anymore…….
“Boston inked for protection for this year ( if they move Bucholtz ) or for the long term in the event Josh splits for the dough in 2011…..”
But how much protection is he with a bad wing moving forward?
That’s the thing – they got him for protection and depth but with his bad elbow he’s much more suited as an upside play than as a means for dealing with risk.
Oops forgot to tell you that it’s animated. lol. I forgot that Disney actually made movies that aren’t animated.
M, it sounds adorable – I love cartoons.
I just ordered the YES Yankeeography on DVD. I know it’s going to air at midnight on 12/25, but I wanted the extras on the DVD. I heard it’s fantastic.
CB, Desperation and the entire City of Boston will say alot of Novena’s
“The “right now” part of that quote seems to imply he plans on lowering his price at some point or thinks the Yanks plan on raising theirs?”
Actually, he’s already lowered his price.
There’s few things sadder than an out of touch MLB player.
Speaking of kidnapped, I saw the movie “Taken” on HBO. It was decent.
Betsy, as you know I am against putting Hughes in the pen or sending him back down to the minors. I think he’s a starter and he needs to figure out starting at the big league level and the only way to do that is to pitch every fifth day. I don’t really know what to do about the Joba/Hughes situation this Spring, I guess it will just have to work itself out.
I’m a big fan of the movie, Rich. One of my favorites.
Rich,
Taken rocks! I love the Luc Besson action sub-genre.
Yeah, Taken rocks – except for that whole racist stereotype thing at the end, and the whole girls who have sex die, while the virgin lives thing.
Merry Christmas Eve, gnight all.
Rich
Great Movie. Liam is sort of like Jack Bauer in it.
The Red Sox might also be looking into extending an offer to free agent Matt Holliday, reports Mike Silverman of the Boston Herald. However, Silverman notes that signing Bay, let alone the more expensive Holliday, would be difficult.
- MLBTRR
Speaking of Kidnapped, anybody remember when Marcus Camby, when on the Knicks, had his family members kidnapped prior to the beginning of the playoffs one year.
Wow Clare… are you a boxer? Because that’s one hell of a reach…
I’d put giambi over helton on that stark list, at least even. Giambi had more power, an MVP, equal all star appearances. He’s got bonds at 2 so steroids isn’t the problem.
MLB Trade Rumors is reporting the Red Sox may get back into Matt Holliday negotiations.
The Yankees are being dared to sign him people. This is a leak by someone trying to flush the Yankees out.
I think the Red Sox will probably resign Bay and trade Ellsbury who is a Boras client and about to get expensive.
That’s actually one of the chief reasons that Ellsbury may not appeal to the Padres for Gonzales. He has a few years of arb where he’ll get as expensive as Gonzales is now and then he’ll be a free agent and gone.
That said, other teams may value Ellsbury a lot more in a package for a big hitter.
I think the Yankees and Boston have some punch/counter punch still to be played.
I think the Javy trade really ticked off the Red Sox.
G. Love,
I don’t understand. Are you saying that somebody like Boras leaked the Red Sox are back in Holliday negotiations to bring the Yankees to the table, or the Red Sox did because they’re ticked off about Javy?
I agree with you on Ellsbury. And, as many were saying here earlier, in addition to getting expensive, he’s just not that good.
G. Love…Prior to the Vasquez trade, Theo had to feel as though his Club at least had an edge in the rotation…He has to realize that they lag way behind offensively, and with the holes in the pen they trail slightly…However then there’s the Rivera factor which gives the Yanks a slight edge on closing out the game……As for their interest in Bay / Holliday, I think I’ll believe when and if they move Ellsbury
Hey, Sam and Chad.
I don’t comment often but I read this site more than any other when I’m on the computer and have for years. You guys are doing such an amazing job and you both are what I think the best example of a Yankees blog should be. Outstanding.
Clare,
I’m not sure. Boras would leak that kind of info clearly to bring the Yankees back to the table.
Boston would leak that kind of info to get the Yankees to spend more money on Holliday if Boston thought the Yankees were serious about signing him.
For instance, let’s say the Yankees are going to get Holliday for 5 year and 85 million dollars.
Boston doesn’t want to see the Yankees get him at those prices, so by leaking the word that they are back in on Holliday, it gives leverage to Boras to make the Yankees pay a lot more money to hypothetically keep him out of Boston.
The other side of that is that Boston knows if the price gets too high the Yankees might just balk at paying Holliday and then by leaking this info they have effectively kept Holliday off the Yankees.
I tend to think that Boston is trying to drive up the price just in case the Yankees are serious about Holliday. I have a feeling something happened in the past 24 hours that made Boston think Holliday in LF in Yankee Stadium is very possible.
I don’t think Boston would sign him, but their only way of keeping from NY outisde of signing him is to raise his price tag past the point the Yankees would be comfy with.
Something is up.
For Boston to leak in the past 6-8 hours they are back in on Bay and Holliday is very suspicious.
G. Love,
Thanks for explaining. It will definitely be interesting to see how this turns out. The good thing is that the Yankees are so strong at this point (barring major injuries in the infield) that I don’t think it really matters whatever happens – even if the Red Sox sign Halliday.
nfl jerseys wholesale NFL announces 2009 AFL ‘Legacy Games’The NFL has announced the 16 AFL Legacy Games that will be played during the 2009 NFL season.Eleven Legacy Games will be match-ups between the eight original AFL teams. The other five Legacy Games include the Dallas Cowboys playing the “Dallas Texans” in Kansas City (Oct. 11, 1 p.m. ET) and the Oakland Raiders visiting the Dallas Cowboys in the Raiders’ first Thanksgiving game since 1970 (Nov. 26, 4:15 p.m. ET). In addition, three of the Legacy Games feature the Miami Dolphins who joined the AFL in 1966
Living in the Boston media market, it is possible to detect a small amount of panic setting in among the ‘faithful’, despite commentators such as Tony Massarotti (WBZ-FM and the Boston Globe) declaring that Javy is ‘nothing more than a .500 pitcher’.
The natives are getting restless….
****************
‘Betsy – Let me ask – which Watson did you prefer? Burke or Hardwicke?’
David Burke had a wonderful saturnine snarl, but, sadly, couldn’t quite rid himself of traces of a Scouse accent (which was VERY wrong for Watson). Hardwicke was gentler, and a more believable Dr Watson, by far.
Have a lovely day, everyone….now, time to drag myself into the Hospital (work calls).
OK . so just checking out a few headlines this morning.
Sox may offer up more money to Bay and Holliday.- Honestly is Omar alive ?????
Damon said he priced himself out of the Yankees range.
and the SF Giants offered 2 years to Mark Derosa
-Im telling you guys ! Jermaine Dye will be on this team after Christmas
“Yankees decal in the rear window of Hernandez’s Dodge Intrepid and started to taunt her about the major league baseball team.
When Hernandez started to drive away, Beaudoin briefly followed the car on foot.”
While I feel bad that sports and a rivalry ended in the death of someone, I feel very bad for Hernandez. Like the article states, she was probably stunned that some guy was taunting and harassing her. Who knows if she feared for her life. What guy follows a woman to taunt her because of a decal on the window.
I’m not sure how she could have gotten a fair trial when the story was publicized by everyone, including ESPN, and the trial took place in New Hampshire (Red Sox territory).”
I live an hour from this area in NH.. It’s difficult being a Yankee fan here, but RS fans have quieted down quite a bit since the Yanks won #27..
G.love is right, either Boras or the Sox has leaked this to attempt to flush the Yankees out on Holliday. The last thing the Sox want is for the Yankees to lay in the weeds and end up getting Holliday for less than 100 million. The possibility of a Red Sox offer gives Boras leverage whether it be against the Yankees, Cardinals, or whoever.
As of now: Damon, Vlad, Nady, Derosa, Dye, and Byrd still remain as LF options for the Yankees. As long as this many options are still around I don’t see why the Yankees should do anything. Boras will crack on both Holliday and Damon at some point and the Yankees can pick which fits their “budget” when he does.
Terry from NH
The talk here is back to the big spending now.
Eric kuselias (red sox fan) was just talking about the Bloody sock as the greatest individual sports performance of the decade….vomit
I found this very interesting and amusing:
“some details of John Lackey’s contract with Boston, including an interesting conditional option: If an old elbow injury forces Lackey to miss significant time over the course of his contract, he’d have to play for the league minimum in 2015.”
Just like red sox management to give out a huge contract and then insert a nice screw job at the end of it. I’m sure Mike Lowell would not be at all surprised to see this clause in Lackey’s contract.
Mark, yea I found that interesting as well. Too bad it won’t help them if his elbow blows out anytime between now and then.
The RS also put a clause in Drews contract to protect them if his shoulder didn’t hold up.
“The RS also put a clause in Drews contract to protect them if his shoulder didn’t hold up.”
I wonder if they have a clause in Youkilis’ deal in case his ugly melon gets split by a Joba fastball.
I am pretty sure he signed his current deal back when Joba actually had a fastball.
Boston thinks they are slick. And I totally believe that for nothing else, its to flush the yankees out of bidding for holliday.
Yankees will always have last licks. There are plenty options on the table. I’m not concerned at all. It would be very bold of the RS to try and nab both Bay and Holliday.
2010 version of GTLU
Vs. Becket
Jeter
Granderson
Cano
Arod
Tex
Posada
Swisher
Johnson
Gardner
Vs.lester
Jeter
Johnson
Tex
Arod
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Hoffman
Granderson
No one can beat these hitters!!!
“It would be very bold of the RS to try and nab both Bay and Holliday.”
Just signing one of them would send their payroll well into luxury tax land. I’m not sure they will even sign Bay, much less both of them. They are just trying to make sure the Yankees don’t get Holliday on the cheap. If the Mets would do their job (agreeing to bad contracts) then they would go ahead and sign Bay so the market could start moving.
Looks like Damon will have to use those ‘legs of a 30 year old’ (S. Boras), to walk off into the sunset. Another terrible example of Kool-Aid drinking by a Boras client.
The Boston Globe is reporting that Jason Bay may be offered a heavily back-loaded contract by the Saux in order for the team to regain his services AND avoid the ‘luxury tax’ bracket.
**************************************************
‘On Christmas Day, in Westchester County, the only thing open are Chinese restaurants and movie theaters.
**********
Those are the only things open ANYWHERE on Christmas Day. Except for Casinos’
Pat & Erica…
Hospitals! Don’t forget the HOSPITALS!! *grin*
#1 player of the 2000s?
Dr. James Andrews
Putting Bonds second is absurd. He did virtually nothing (59 HR) in the final five years. Yes, his first half of the decade was off the charts in terms of productivity and pharmacology, but from 2005-09 he was far below the productivty of an average middle infielder
(or, as some of us call it, The-Night-Before-the Night-Before-the-Day-We-Eat-Chinese-and-Go-to-the-Movies):
That is the rudest thing I have ever read and will file a complaint with the journal news. You have lost a reader. So disrespectful!