Back to business
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 02, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Actually, the headline might be a bit of a lie. It might take another two days for the baseball trade and free agent markets to heat up again (even baseball executives enjoy a relaxing, post-new-years weekend), but we’re clearly past the holiday season. News will start flowing again fairly soon.
MLBTradeRumors has an interesting post looking back at the first week of 2009. If last year is any indication, the next few days might get interesting, but they might not have much of a lasting impact.
It was at this time last year that…
• Milton Bradley signed a three-year deal with the Cubs (he’s since been traded to the Mariners).
• Pat Burrell signed a two-year deal with the Rays (is anyone willing to take him off Tampa Bay’s hands?).
• John Smoltz signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox (he was released before the end of the season).
• Jason Giambi signed a one-year deal with the Athletics (also released by the end of the season).
• Jerry Hairston Jr. signed a one-year deal with the Reds (you know how that story ended).
It might be time for the hot stove to heat up again, but let’s see if teams can make some moves that last this time around.
Today’s Daily NEws reports why ARod broke up with Kate Hudson:
Starlet Kate Hudson dumped Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez after eight months because his heart still belongs to Madonna, OK! Magazine reported.
Hudson warned A-Rod that if he continued talking to the Material Girl she would leave. She kept her promise when A-Rod kept calling and texting the singer.
“Kate was mad with jealousy,” said a source. “She gave A-Rod three chances to stop contacting Madonna. How would you feel if your new boyfriend kept calling his ex?”
The source said it broke Hudson’s heart but she didn’t want to be “the other woman.” “She said that if Madonna is what A-Rod wants then she can have him.”
For the life of me, I can’t understand why Alex is soooo attracted ancient Madonna. I mean, she’s a broken hip, waiting to happen.
dropping Kate Hudson for Madonna, is like dumping Kate Hudson for her mother….ACK !
Anonymous sources aren’t very credible.
Who cares? It’s Alex’s business and the Daily News is sleazy anyway……..
Like we’re supposed to believe the News?
Lenny / Squiggy January 2nd, 2010 at 9:40 am
dropping Kate Hudson for Madonna, is like dumping Kate Hudson for her mother….ACK !
=============================
you got a point there. I wouldn’t be surprised if Alex wasn’t fantasizing about doing Goldie when he was in bed with hudson.
# Rich in NJ January 2nd, 2010 at 9:45 am
Anonymous sources aren’t very credible.
=========================================
yeah, but everyone said that about Tiger, and they all turned out to be correct.
You seem to be rellying on MLBtraderumors a lot for a lot of the content lately….How about we create something up ourselves????????
You seem to be rellying on MLBtraderumors a lot for a lot of the content lately….How about we create something up ourselves????????
_____________________________________
I sometimes get the impression that Buster Olney works for LoHud.
Mlbtraderumors uses stuff off of this blog quite often as well…there’s not much to talk about this time of year.
You seem to be rellying on MLBtraderumors a lot for a lot of the content lately….How about we create something up ourselves????????
_____________________________________
I sometimes get the impression that Buster Olney works for LoHud.
_____________________________________
Good glad to see I’m not the only one.
Yes but that is what MLBtraderumors is. It goes around and puts together all of the news from random sites. That is what I expect when I go there. Thats not the point of this site and when I come here I expect new content. If I wanted reviews of what other sites have I would just go to MLBTraderumors
Who cares as long as I don’t need to wake up to Madonna. Over the last years anonymous sources have been doing the job of the Main Stream. Wondering why they can’t sell their product anymore. Maybe they should try reporting facts as opposed to spewing their rediculous uneeded and unwanted opinions.
Sorry I apologize. I just have learned to dislike the MS media. Don’t investigate anymore just sell is the concern.
Not a fan of Madonna, but the woman is is better shape than Hudson. She’s is in phenomenal physical shape,practices Yoga. Madonnas` probably the only one wild enough to keep his big ego interested and in check!
Warnning: proceed with caution DEDUCING any TRUTH from the Gossip Tabloids. When they only “quote a NAMELESS source.” It’s EMBELLISHED conjecture and fodder to keep gossip crazed PEOPLE fed their daily dose of SENSATIONAL GARBAGE
Chris, Chad has written some really great pieces on prospects and various other things over the last few weeks. There really isn’t much going on to write about right now.
get it right please!!! January 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
Not a fan of Madonna, but the woman is is better shape than Hudson. She’s is in phenomenal physical shape
============================================
Are you kidding me, I saw Madonna running in central park in November and she was passed by turtle wearing ankle weights.
If the Yankees don’t sign Holliday, they’ll have some spare $$ for the nuts and bolt transactions that will round out this off-season.
1) Trade for Heath Bell.
2) Sign Chapman.
3) Sign Xavier Nady. Give Gardner/Hoffman a shot in LF with Nady off the bench and part-time starter against lefties. Crawford in 2011.
I usually don’t comment on things like this but if Arod broke up with Kate to go back out with Madonna then he seriously needs to get his head examined.
The guys need to keep feeding our craven appetite for new posts. When there isn’t much Yankees news you’ve got to go to the minor league players and to info about other teams, which is where MLBTR comes in. No harm, no foul.
BTW, how much did you say that your subscription to this site cost you?
now all the primadonna’s here can resume their whining about how the Yankees need to sign Matt Holliday (overrated)
Brett, you still think there’s a chance for Holliday? I think its unlikely but the Holliday rumors have been a bit strange and nothing concrete has been reported. Probably just Boras trying to suck a few more dollars out of the Cards but you never know..
At least Chad is posting. There is not a lot to talk about now concerning the Yankees. Perhaps Chris and ditmars1929 can suggest some topics. At least Chad is keeping the focus on baseball and not Hollywood.
The Damon-Ator–I would have liked to have Holliday. But, that shows I have a brain. Have you ever actually ever looked at statistics?
CD
“yeah, but everyone said that about Tiger, and they all turned out to be correct.”
Except Tiger’s “story” about the accident was absurd from the beginning.
As a general point, do you think more media leaks from anonymous sources have been true or false? I think it’s the later.
All these rumors about Madonna are a load of crap…….now Madonna’s mother on the other hand……
I will bring a topic to the table. Who would you like to see the Yankees sign to minor league deals and invite to Spring Training?
blake
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 am
Brett, you still think there’s a chance for Holliday? I think its unlikely but the Holliday rumors have been a bit strange and nothing concrete has been reported. Probably just Boras trying to suck a few more dollars out of the Cards but you never know..
—
There is still a chance for Holliday indeed. But perhaps the Yankees interest in Chapman is causing them to keep a tight reign on the budget in the event of a bidding war for the Cuban. They want to free up dollars and ensure that they can outbid everyone for Aroldis.
If Joba + Phil are both fully prepared to start in 2011, that will free up money to sign Crawford, whose speed maybe compliments an aging core better than Holliday’s power. Also, when speed is concerned, none of the Yankees younger core or minor leaguers coming up project to be very fleet of foot. Jesus Montero is a good example.
So maybe the Yankees are thinking Crawford, though not the better player than Holliday, fits this current collection of aging veterans and major league hopefuls.
Fran, I understand it’s a slow time of year for baseball news, but a little more original reporting isn’t asking a lot from three reporters, is it?
Overall, I think the blog is great and the tone of it has improved too. It’s just that since it’s written by Yankee beat writers who presumably have better access to the Yankees, there should be more unique content.
As for suggesting topics, I’d be interested in how each Yankee trains during the off season to be ready for Spring Training.
The tone is better in here because WE WON.
It’s that simple.
As long as Chapman signs a mL contract, the money spent can be viewed as separate from the ML budget.
Rich in NJ,
Is there some kind of guarantee Chapman won’t sign a major league contract?
Actually, Bret, I think the tone is better because Chad and Sam aren’t as …how shall I describe it…snippy? Or sarcastic in a smug way? I think you know what I’m getting at.
Brett, what you said about Joba and Hughes being ready to start in 2011 will likely be a big factor in their plans. I don’t see how they could pursue Cliff lee and Crawford without negating the payroll reduction they did this year. The Yankees may have dedcided that they have longterm protection for Arod on the way with Montero and as you said may be targeting a younger top of the order guy in Crawford. I do hope they get in on Chapman because they rarely get the chance at a young arm like that through the draft.
Pete’s personality was a blend of sarcasm and passion for the Yankees. These two guys are more even-keel. I’ll give them that.
But all NYY message boards have improved in tone since we won. People are happy. When people are happy, they tend to treat others more friendly.
No, Bret, but as CB posted a few days ago, it is in Chapman’s interests to sign a mL contract. He’ll get his money, and he will be able to take the time he needs to develop.
Oh, Fran, another topic suggestion for you – player Q&As. That should be pretty simple, assuming players will spare an hour of their offseason for us fans.
ditmars1929, your topic idea is a good one. I do appreciate your opinion but I just think that we should cut the new guy some slack. He did have some great posts last week re: the minors. I personally believe that Chad will be all over the stories once ST happens and the regular season begins. At least we are not reading about the Patriots today and whether or not they will be resting their starters. Perhaps if we give Chad a series of topics, he and his co writers can research and post.
blake
January 2nd, 2010 at 10:47 am
Brett, what you said about Joba and Hughes being ready to start in 2011 will likely be a big factor in their plans. I don’t see how they could pursue Cliff lee and Crawford without negating the payroll reduction they did this year.
—
That’s right. With Joba + Phil in the rotation, the Yankees can cut bait with both Andy and Javy. That will free up the lion’s share of the money earmarked for Lee and Crawford. One of them will need to remain in AAA as a starter because the Yankees really need both in 2011 in order to solidify an optimum opportunity to hit their free agent targets.
Jesus Montero and Cano are slow but both have middle order potential.
Arod and Jeter will slow down.
Posada is slow and will retire.
Even the Yanks in their prime like Teixeira are slow.
Swisher is slow.
Fran, I appreciate your opinion too, thanks. And I have no doubt that Chad and Sam and Josh will be all over the place this spring.
One guy who might be worth signing to strengthen LF is Marcus Thames. He’s only 33 (in March) and is very good against LHP (.845 career OPS).
He’s not a great defender, but he could be an affordable addition to share LF with Gardner and maybe PH/DH from time to time.
86,
I like that idea.
Thames is healthier than Nady and probably a bit better at fielding given Nady’s elbow limitations.
86, didn’t Thames spend a little time in the Yankee system, even at the big league level? I’m thinking maybe 10 years ago??
People keep insisting that the Yankees will go Lee, Crawford. Somehow I think disappointment will out. Okay, you drop Andy and Vazquez at 23 mil and that lets you sign the first two at 35 mil and keep the budget at 200. Ahem.
ditmars
Thames signed with the Yankees after being drafted out of high school in 1996. He homered off Randy Johnson in his first at bat in 2002 but was traded to Texas — I think for Ruben Sierra in the off season.
He’s played a little more than 50 % of the time for Detroit in the last four years averaging 20 HR and 51 RBI.
I can’t figure the fixation of some with Nady. If medicals can show he’s able to throw at full throttle from day 1 of spring training …… then maybe.
Otherwise he’s no more than a cheaper version of Damon and 5 years younger. The team needs an outfielder that can hit a little AND throw.
Waiting until June or so is not the answer.
Thames really can’t play the OF anymore, so he’s really not a worthwhile option.
Bo Knows, that’s what I’ve been thinking all along. People have kept saying save the money and spend it next year but if this budget is for real then they won’t be able to sign but one major player next year either. If they are gonna stay below 200M then I can’t see how they can sign L
Ah, thank you 86. It’s all coming back to me now.
Who will be the outfielder we sign next:
1.) Johnny Damon
2.) Reed Johnson
3.) Marcus Thames
4.) Jerry Hairston (don’t forget about him)
5.) Other
Next year’s budget space may depend on what Jeter and Mo get. Do they have similar years, and may even get small raises, or do they have lesser years and maybe get small paycuts. After all, it is a business first and foremost.
“4.) Jerry Hairston (don’t forget about him)”
As an OF, I’d like to forget. He is worse at tracking flyballs than Damon and he can’t hit nearly as well.
Bo Knows
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:02 am
People keep insisting that the Yankees will go Lee, Crawford. Somehow I think disappointment will out. Okay, you drop Andy and Vazquez at 23 mil and that lets you sign the first two at 35 mil and keep the budget at 200. Ahem.
—
The payroll will exceed 200 mil in 2011 but not by as much if they wait 1 year to solve LF. Adding Holliday now would push payroll higher in 2010 than their projection for 2011. That’s my guess.
1) Vazquez + Andy is 11.5 + 11.75
2) Montero replaces Nick Johnson, another 5.5
3) Igawa is 4
4) A place-holder in LF will be 5-10
5) Gaudin + Mitre is another 3
6) Crawford won’t cost as much as Holliday, maybe a couple million less AAV
Thee will be the following salary changes from 2010 to 2011:
Swisher’s goes up by $2.25m
Teix’s goes up by $2.5m
Cano’s goes up by $1m
but Alex’s goes down by $1m
Granderson’s goes up as well.
Sometime soon the Yankees will have to go over 200 mil. Good luck with Jeter and Mo taking cuts in salary or Posada going away quietly. Thanks to Hank, A Rod hangs around forever. There is a horror show coming with Jeter and A Rod manning the infield at age 40 or the fans storming the Yankee offices in protest. Joba and Phil will hit arbitration and Swish goes over 10 mil. If I was Cashman I’d leave after my contract was up.
Bo Knows
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:27 am
Sometime soon the Yankees will have to go over 200 mil. Good luck with Jeter and Mo taking cuts in salary
—
I’m not getting into this again.
Chad,
Just what are the “expectations” for Posada? When does his current contract expire? Has he alluded to any direction he may want to take when it does end- backup catcher, retire, full-time DH, coach/manage, etc.? Has Cashman ever mentioned any thoughts about Jorge’s future?
“Thee will be the following salary changes from 2010 to 2011:
Swisher’s goes up by $2.25m
Teix’s goes up by $2.5m
Cano’s goes up by $1m
but Alex’s goes down by $1m”
That’s the thing, we don’t know what payroll-related number the Yankee Brass is marching to. Are they using the luxury tax figure which is the AAV figure which means the contract hikes you noted means nothing.
Or is the Yankee Brass talking about the actual payroll number for 2010 and plan do the same for 2011, next offseason?
Baseball Prospectus was projecting Crawford at 5/75 which seems reasonable, going by the Bay signing. And Lee/Webb would be 15/75 at minimum. The Yankees need a lot of cheap kids to offset the monster salaries. The only place to do it is the OF and at catcher. They’re in the same boat as the poor teams.
If and when Burnett gets hurt there’s a hit coming. Cashman must be planning for this already with a six man rotation (Hughes in reserve). The Big Three pitched a lot of high pressure innings.
The Yankees need a lot of cheap kids to offset the monster salaries. The only place to do it is the OF and at catcher.
—
And the rotation, bullpen and bench
Tex proved himself in the AL and NL, Holliday didn’t he belongs in the NL. The Cardinals and their fans will expect perfection from him, because of his price tag. Boras wants Tex money for someone proven in the NL only, THANKS BUT NO THANKS.
86w183
January 2nd, 2010 at 11:03 am
ditmars
Thames signed with the Yankees after being drafted out of high school in 1996. He homered off Randy Johnson in his first at bat in 2002 but was traded to Texas — I think for Ruben Sierra in the off season.
It wasn’t just Thames first at bat, he hammered the very first PITCH he saw off of Johnson deep into the left field seats. Stunned silence, followed by a wall of sound that made Phil Spector look like a rank amateur!
Matt January 2nd, 2010 at 11:07 am
I can’t figure the fixation of some with Nady. If medicals can show he’s able to throw at full throttle from day 1 of spring training …… then maybe.
Otherwise he’s no more than a cheaper version of Damon and 5 years younger
——————————————————–
A cheaper and younger version of Damon sounds amazing. Find out his medical info and if it works, why wouldnt anyone in their right mind not take a chance?
“Just what are the “expectations” for Posada? When does his current contract expire? Has he alluded to any direction he may want to take when it does end- backup catcher, retire, full-time DH, coach/manage, etc.?”
Jorge’s got 2 hrs left.
I bet he’ll retire.
Jeers, Jorge’s only got 2 HOURS left on his contract??? Wow, I guess Cervelli is now the man!
I bet he retires too, spends some time with his family, and when his son is completely cured of his ails, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Jorge back as a coach/manager trainee.
I don’t see Reed Johnson really improving the team much. If they are going to sign or trade for another LFer then I’d rather it be someone who at least has a chance to make an impact.
Can’t wait to see Holliday vs Halladay should let the Cardinals know what they bought for years and years to come.
Pujols vs Halladay, the only thing that can stop a good batter, as thhey say is a great pitcher. This is a matchup to see.
The only thing better is Pujols, and Hollliday vs Mariano!!
According to espn Pujols is
0-4 vs Halladay
1-9 .111 vs Sabathia
0-1 Mariano
I can’t wait!
If we think the Yankees have problems in the OF. Check out Fangraphs take on the Angel OF. Abreu, Hunter and Mathews. Phew. They are bad.
Marcus Thames ……..
Possibly Granderson can shed some light on him seeing as they played together in recent seasons.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com....._id=407801
I think the Luxury Tax has a lot to do with tamping down the salary structure. The Yankees were the only team to pay it this year, and it was something like $25-30M. That money just goes into the pockets of the owners of teams like the Pirates, and they don’t even spend it on players. I think the Yankees are tired of seeing that money flushed down the toilet….
Reed Johnson’s bio :
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/te....._id=407862
Matt Holliday has gone from 366k in 2005 with the Rockies
to 13.5 mm with the A’s in 2009, to wanting Tex money now.
I’ve always liked kids coming up. So who could the Yankees trade with. Cincinnati comes to mind with Heisey and Frazier blocked at the Major level. Gillespie with Arizona. Oakland has a mess of league average OFs that play good defense. (Beane would want a pound of flesh)
With Wang gone and one replacement Johnson already, we don’t need another Johnson, Reed or otherwise.
Pretty interesting writeup in dejesus at Pinstripe alley..that would be a descent option if they could get him without giving up too much..
David DeJesus (kc) or Josh Willingham (Nats) would be younger and cheaper options for the Yankees.
“As for suggesting topics, I’d be interested in how each Yankee trains during the off season to be ready for Spring Training.”
i’ve seen many mlb players climbing over fences at locked fields in sarasota when i lived there so they could throw off a mound or work out.
and when a field is made available to players to work out. sarasota high school or riverview high school in sarasota used to allow it, you would see players from ten different teams out there.
on field pre spring training is very disorganized for most players from what i’ve seen.