AL East: Tampa Bay Rays
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 24, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Tampa Bay Rays
2009: Third place, 84-78
Key additions: RHP Rafael Soriano, C Kelly Shoppach
Key losses: 2B Akinori Iwamura, RF Gabe Gross, RHP Chad Bradford, RHP Troy Percival, C Gregg Zaun
• It’s actually a stretch to consider Bradford and Percival key losses after they combined to pitch 21.2 innings last season. Iwamura became expendable after Ben Zobrist’s breakout 2009 season. The Rays traded Iwamura for Jesse Chavez, then used Chavez to land Soriano, who could be a vital piece of the bullpen.
Youth on the way: Isn’t there always youth on the way to Tampa? Right now, the big name is Desmond Jennings, one of the top outfield prospects in baseball. He has speed, some power and he hit well over .300 in both Double-A and Triple-A last season. The Rays also have Jeremy Hellickson and Wade Davis ready to step into a rotation that’s already very young. Jake McGee is another starter full of potential, but he’s working his way back from Tommy John.
Experience on the slide: The obvious name here is Pat Burrell, who hit just .221 with 14 homers and 119 strikeouts last season in his first year as the Rays designated hitter. Otherwise, most of the Rays are in their 20s, with he exception of Carlos Pena — who had 100 RBI last season — and a few members of the bullpen, who are in their early 30s.
Possible upgrades: There aren’t a lot of Tampa Bay rumors out there. A bounce-back year out of Andy Sonnanstine would help, as would some improvement from David Price after his solid but not quite overwhelming rookie year. Right now Gabe Kapler is listed as their starting right fielder, so there’s soome room to improve there, and the free agent market includes multiple options.
• Last year’s Burrell signing seems to have been an awful decision, but the rest of the young lineup is pretty good. Jennings seems like the real deal — he’s a personal favorite, for obvious reasons — and the Rays have a lot of good young pitching, both on the big league staff and knocking on the door from the minors.
Better than the Yankees: If Jennings gets to Tampa this season, the Rays will have an outfield of over-the-top toolsy players in Jennings, Carl Crawford and B.J. Upton (of course, it might not last long if Crawford hits the free agent market). Evan Longoria might be one of the best young players in baseball, but the Yankees have a pretty good third basemen too. Tampa clearly has more speed than the Yankees.
Worse than the Yankees: There’s a lot to like about the youth in the Rays rotation, but it certainly doesn’t seem as strong as the Yankees’ right now. That pretty much goes for the whole pitching staff.
Yankee connections: C Dioner Navarro came up through the Yankees system, and Carlos Pena was once in the organization before he established himself. Crawford has been linked to the Yankees in speculation of 2010 offseason moves.
• Tampa Bay is young and there is very real talent in the organization. That youth could play up and make the Rays contenders, or that youth could go through ups and downs that once again leave Tampa Bay in the middle of the pack.
Prediction: Third place, but a team that could make things interesting. The Rays don’t really have a true ace, and the bulk of the rotation is too young to be counted on as sure-things. Can’t discount them, but they’re not as polished as the Yankees and Red Sox.
TD BRET! 14-7
I agree, they’ll make things interesting. But not in a fun way!
Just as long as they continue to own (relatively) the Sox, that’s fine. The Rays will run and run and run on the Sox. Speaking of, is Varitek still on the Sox?
m
Grrl I thought on the last thread you were talking about a baseball cap. You were talking NFL, they need to remove the cap! imo
From MLB-Rumors-R-Us.
•Besides sifting through the remaining free agents, the Yankees are exploring the trade market for left field, writes Frankie Piliere of Fanhouse (via Twitter).
Not quite sure that this is so much of a breaking news thing, since NYYs are always looking for ways to improve.
m
Varitek is the back up and Martinez is the everyday catcher.
“Besides sifting through the remaining free agents, the Yankees are exploring the trade market for left field, writes Frankie Piliere of Fanhouse”
———————————————–
David DeJesus?
Damon,
Thanks for that.
As for the NFL, I don’t understand fully the intricacies and implications. But I do know that the owners are lying when they plead poverty.
“Yankees have been exploring trade market for LF. Their efforts have gone well beyond just FAs. Seeing what else I can find out”
https://twitter.com/FrankiePiliere/status/8166343747
vinny-b (NJ and Granderson – thank you Cashman!)
January 24th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
“Besides sifting through the remaining free agents, the Yankees are exploring the trade market for left field, writes Frankie Piliere of Fanhouse”
———————————————–
David DeJesus?
————————————————————
Thanks. Now my pizza and beer is all over my computer screen.
“Unfortunately I do have at least 1 name but I don’t have the solid info to confirm yet. Could amount to nothing but there are talks
about 1 hour ago from web in reply to JCinMD”
https://twitter.com/FrankiePiliere/status/8167987885
m
I see a strike coming in the NFL within 2 or 3 yrs. I’ll bet the salary cap and no guaranteed contracts will be an issue.
GB, you stole my Idea.
:Shakesfist:
“Thanks. Now my pizza and beer is all over my computer screen”
——————————————
decided might as well beat Chip to the punch
vinny-b (NJ and Granderson – thank you Cashman!)
January 24th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
“Thanks. Now my pizza and beer is all over my computer screen”
——————————————
decided might as well beat Chip to the punch
————————————————————
I just spit everything out laughing when I read his crap. This one came up in chunks. No laughing….just tears.
Vinny,
you are late to the party. Now that Ruan Church is off the market, it’s all about Fernando Tatis for Chip now.
Last year the Rays pitchers looked to be suffering from the extra innings caused by their 2008 postseason run.
I actually think they can pass Boston and give the Yanks a scare next year. Some observations/predictions:
They won’t have Jennings start the year with them as they are careful about service time accruals.
I thought they might also try to trade BJ Upton as he was quite a disappointment to them last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did trade him before the season starts.
I like Ben Zobrist as a player, he and Bartlett were the best players on the team in 2009. The ball really jumps off his bat. I think he will bat close to .300 with around 30 hr’s in 2010.
Look for them to start Matt Joyce in right field. He was the guy they got in the Edwin Jackson trade with Detroit.
I agree that the Rays will finish in third this year.
They’re pitching could become really, really good when Price and Wade Davis come into their own.
I’m not surprised that the Yanks are looking in the trade market, as well as FA market. Nor am I surprised to read this, as this story may be part of the plan to influence Johnny Damon to make a decision favorable to the Yankees.
Cashman always says it only takes one phone call to make something happen. Dayton Moore in KC and Andy MacPhail in Baltimore are professional baseball men, and they each have a surplus of OFs.
It only takes one phone call.
“vinny, you are late to the party. Now that Ruan Church is off the market, it’s all about Fernando Tatis for Chip now”
————————————————
lol
The Rays had World Series hangover from ’08. I expect them to have their heads on straight with a strong possibility of 2nd place. There’s bad blood with them and Boston.
Crawford in a contract year bodes well. Good young pitching with bouncebacks by Shields and Garza plus finally a closer in their bullpen.
Every chance Desmond Jennings gets, he’ll want to prove that he can succeed Crawford when he’s gone.
I see the Rays as a perennial wildcard (in the traditional sense – i.e., unpredictable). They could hit the jackpot with their young pitchers performing at a high level and their young and speedy offense hitting on all cylinders, or their could crash and burn and finish well out of contention. Though I find it hard to believe that they will finish lower than 3rd or higher than third!
Tom in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
GB, you stole my Idea.
:Shakesfist:
————————————————————
If you weren’t so old and feeble-minded, you would have.
Looking at the Cincinnati roster, I think that you can eliminate Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs. That would leave Chris Dickerson, Laynce Nix and Willy Taveras. No way the Yanks take Taveras’ contract. My pick would be Dickerson because he plays solid defense at three outfield spots, has speed and a bit of power. Trouble is that both Dickerson and Nix hit left handed, and Taveras hits right handed.
Just trade for Ryan braun cash…problem solved
The only reasonable explaination for the ball suddenly jumping off of the bats of Jason Bartlett’s and Ben Zobrist’s bats after 5-6 years in the Majors is using loaded bats.
Had no idea Tom Hicks (Borass’s biggest sucker) agreed to sell the Rangers to Nolan Ryan group!
GB7 – it does make you wonder. It made me wonder.
Maybe they’ve been adhering to the Mark McGwire school of thought, you know, about staying healthy.
OOOOPs. I misread Piliere’s post, thinking that the origon was fron Cincinnati. It was out of Maryland. That would possibly be Wigginton, Scott or Pie. I doubt that Cashman would trade for a guy who’s basically a rookie like Montanez.
If the ball is jumping off the bats , it’s steroids
***origin***
“OOOOPs. I misread Piliere’s post, thinking that the origon was fron Cincinnati. It was out of Maryland. That would possibly be Wigginton, Scott or Pie. I doubt that Cashman would trade for a guy who’s basically a rookie like Montanez.”
I’d guess it’s Wigginton from those three.
I think the Rays are the real deal. James Shields and Matt Garza are excellent pitchers. David Price showed flashes of improvement in the last month of 2009, and Wade Davis was great (in limited time) as well.
Burrell probably won’t be what he was in Philly, but a bounceback season, where he hits ~20 homeruns and puts up an OBP of ~.360 isn’t out of the realm of possibility. A 3-6 of Longo, Pena, Zobrist, and Burrell can do some real damage. Upton is also due for some progression, question being will Bartlett regression cancel a good deal of that out.
The starting right fielder will be Matt Joyce.
I think the Rays make the playoffs in 2010. The team that gets knocked because of that is up for debate. But the Rays are a tremendous ballclub.
Any team that gives out cowbells is an awful team. Just awful.
Joe from Long Island
January 24th, 2010 at 7:59 pm
GB7 – it does make you wonder. It made me wonder.
Maybe they’ve been adhering to the Mark McGwire school of thought, you know, about staying healthy.
————————————————————
I don’t think that there are many major leaguers still that stupid. I was thinking about the bats early last year when Bartlett and Zobrist were banging line drives off of the left center and center field walls in Miami when the Rays played there and again when they were hitting balls into the left center bleachers at YS. Bartlett tripled his career homer total and Zobrist was close and they played in small parks their entire careers.
I still don’t think that steroids improve players that much.
Cliff Lee told the press that have been hounding him about what he wants in FA. He said a 10 yr 200 billion, that should keeping gossiping for awhile. 200 billion!!!
The Rays aren’t a tremendous club.
They are a team full of question marks.
fumbles are just plain stupid
And cowbells.
(Sorry)
lol @ Cliff Lee. Who knew the zombie had a sense of humor.
Middle of the Rays infield is due for some reversion to the mean.
Hey GB how you doing?
So I was at my aunts house all day today-
Some point in the middle of the day I started getting really restless cause I hadn’t checked MLBTR all day. Is that normal???
Bronx Born
January 24th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Hey GB how you doing?
————————————————————
Crusty, happy and back to almost normal (for me).
Doing fine, Bronx. Thannk you for asking. Had a good day. Got to see the twins on camera. Lucky kids. They look just like me. (No, not just because they are bald and toothless). Hope all is well in you and your family.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
So I was at my aunts house all day today-
Some point in the middle of the day I started getting really restless cause I hadn’t checked MLBTR all day. Is that normal???
————————————————————
Is your aunt UnYankee and UnAmerican? She doesn’t check the rumors all day long? I’ve never heard of such a thing.
I wonder if The Rays are a possible destination for Damon?
SJ any chance of that happening?
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
So I was at my aunts house all day today-
Some point in the middle of the day I started getting really restless cause I hadn’t checked MLBTR all day. Is that normal???
————————————————————
Is your aunt UnYankee and UnAmerican? She doesn’t check the rumors all day long? I’ve never heard of such a thing.
*********************
Thats what I thought. Glad to know its not just me.
There wasn’t even anyone there discussing Johnny Damon. I just don’t get it.
The Rays sound very good from this description. I think they will be exciting to watch and could cause some problems to the Yanks in the coming year.
Doing great GB. It really warmed up down here in prep for spring training. Was about 75 or so. Should be beautiful for when you come back down here. Glad to hear you saw the twins.
Erica -
Isn’t JD’s website gorgeous????
Doreen
January 24th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Erica -
Isn’t JD’s website gorgeous????
***********
YES!!!!!! Really… how did I not know about it sooner? My priorities are so out of whack!
““Yankees have been exploring trade market for LF. Their efforts have gone well beyond just FAs. Seeing what else I can find out”
Josh Willingham?
I’m thinking – can we get it as a screensaver or something? I really can’t believe you especially, but none of us, knew about it. Nick Swisher was a Yankees for 3 seconds and people had his website up!
Well of course the Yankees are EXPLORING the trade market. They’d be stupid not to.
The only thing Peterson does “all day” anymore is fumble the football.
MLB Network is showing the 2003 World Series game 6 right now against the Marlins.. and WHAT DO YOU KNOW… the lineup is 1- JETER 2- NICK JOHNSON.. and what did the Yankees do in this game? THEY GOT SHUT OUT BY BECKETT… you are seeing a preview of the 2010 YANKEES if they don’t get DAMON.
One way or another,wether it’s Yankees or some other team. I will be glad when the Damon signing happens, so it becomes a dead issue. Yankees have never depended on one player to win.
Hurry up Cashman please decide!
whatever-Your logic is infallible.
So, you’re saying the 2010 Yankees will get to the WS without Damon?
I think the Rays will finish 2nd in the AL East.
IF IM JETER RIGHT NOW IM TELLING CASHMAN AND HAL WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING!!!!!!!! NICK JOHNSON IS A JOKE HITTING BEHIND ME, IM NOT GOING TO SEE ANY GOOD PITCHES!
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
So I was at my aunts house all day today-
Some point in the middle of the day I started getting really restless cause I hadn’t checked MLBTR all day. Is that normal???
————————————————————
Is your aunt UnYankee and UnAmerican? She doesn’t check the rumors all day long? I’ve never heard of such a thing.
*********************
Thats what I thought. Glad to know its not just me.
There wasn’t even anyone there discussing Johnny Damon. I just don’t get it.
————————————————————
Evidently, your aunt isn’t aware of your all consuming pretend love. Maybe you should drop hints. after all, Christmas is just around the corner.
Whatever,
Whatever…
Jeter is too cool to use all caps.
Tarheel,
I don’t see Tampa as a destination for Damon. Not with Burrell still on the books.
Nice to see more panic from our resident panic child thirsting for attention again.
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Evidently, your aunt isn’t aware of your all consuming pretend love. Maybe you should drop hints. after all, Christmas is just around the corner.
*************
Actually, I am trying to convince everyone I know to order me the Sesame Street cake that was featured on Cake Boss last week for my next birthday. It was without a doubt the most amazing thing I have ever seen. And probably a $5,000 cake.
To see what I am talking about watch TLC tomorrow night at 9:30
Favre hurt!
Doreen
January 24th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I’m thinking – can we get it as a screensaver or something? I really can’t believe you especially, but none of us, knew about it. Nick Swisher was a Yankees for 3 seconds and people had his website up!
*************
I am obviously just not spending enough time on the internet on Yankee related sites………….
Favre is like Rasputin.
Erica -
LOL!
He limps around there like he’s just a rookie!
Erica
Is this it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzDxEw3owz4
The Saints defense stinks so apparently their gameplan is to try to kill opposing quarterbacks.
To see what I am talking about watch TLC tomorrow night at 9:30
————————————————————
I’m not allowed to watch any TV channels where I might learn something.
Rasputin.
classic…
Maybe the Yanks can make a trade with Michelle Damon?
I can’t recall seeing so many fumbles…indoors.
Good lord did the run the football in butter of something.
“vinny, you are late to the party. Now that Ruan Church is off the market, it’s all about Fernando Tatis for Chip now
I see GB hasn’t managed to find someone to help him with his Depends yet. Seriously, at some point it would be just swell if you could stop obsessing over me and, oh I don’t know, try to come up with an original thought of your own. Provided you are capable of one. At your age, I’m sure you’re having trouble coming UP with more than original thoughts….
Actually if you read a couple of Pilerre’s earlier tweets from the day he says that the Yankees have inquired about Nelson Cruz.
Not that it has any legs, he points out that it hasn’t gone beyond the inquiring stage – and I highly doubt that Texas has any interest or reason to trade Cruz, but it’s a nice thought.
For the sake of fun and games, if the Rangers were willing to move Cruz what do you figure the cost would be? Hughes or Joba straight up? Cruz is 29 and was certainly a late bloomer, but can’t argue with the power in that bat.
Oh and Vinny – I would take David DeJesus over Gardner or Damon and certainly over the the mediocre crop of outfielders left on the FA market.
IF I had to guess, I would suppose that the guys the Yankees are looking at would be:
Cruz
DeJesus
Quentin
Connor Jackson
BJ Upton
Josh Willingham
Not that any of those players are going to be Yankees any time soon, but those would be some pretty good options and all might be available to one degree or another.
Tom in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Rasputin.
classic…
————————————————————
He’s come back from the dead so many times, I was thinking Lazzerus.
Rich in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Erica
Is this it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzDxEw3owz4
*********************
YES!!!!!!!!!
My birthday is in December. Please plan accordingly when you order that cake for me
Okay, seriously…. isn’t that the most amazing cake you have ever seen???
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
To see what I am talking about watch TLC tomorrow night at 9:30
————————————————————
I’m not allowed to watch any TV channels where I might learn something.
*******************
Understood. Just click on the link Rich posted above to see the cake. It still amazes me and I keep watching the episode over and over
Erica, when they can make a cake that looks like this, they’ll have something.
http://www.google.com/imgres?i.....CAoQ9QEwAQ
Lighten up chip, it’s a joke.
Fernando Tatis is an original thought. It’s a bad thought.
It’s not about being “original”. You have a funny fixation to have the Yankees add as many journeyman players as possible to it’s roster.
It’s original. I’ll give you that.
GB, why would they make a cake of you and Randy?
Isn’t the point to interfere with a pass?
This game is kind of exciting.
Would Houston consider trading Carlos Lee? How many yrs are left on his contract?
The Yankees have no interest inheriting a contract like for a glorified DH.
Sj,
I know he has a big contract but I couldn’t remember how many yrs were left. He lumbers in the outfield but he can still hit.. I’m just bored and was throwing it out there.
SJ
Thanks. Burrell is a nice little anchor around thier necks
blake
3 yrs left @18.5 mil.
Tarheel,
Yikes, no thanks
that might have been the worst pass of favre’s career
Farve reverted to his earlier self.
Tom in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
GB, why would they make a cake of you and Randy?
————————————————————
Yeah, you’re right. Randy )on the left) is pretty ugly to have to look at, much less, have to eat a cake that looks like that. Just cut his half off.
gunslinger!
i am surprised the refs didnt find a way to overturn that INT…
Ha Ha Favre.
I swear it’s like watching Randy Johnson give up a game tying blast.
blake
How about Lowell and 9 mill from the Sox for Igawa. Come on Theo just do it.
Favre oops. OT
Overtime is fitting for this game.
Actually, a coin flip is an extremely stupid way to decide the NFC championship.
Favre runs a few yards and slides there and the game is over.
nfl overtime needs to be like college.
they argue it isnt an advantage to win the coin toss, then why does no one choose to kick?
The NFL overtime is about as stupid as the BCS is..why is it always football with these ridiculous systems.
the coin flip would only be ok if they had to play an entire 5th quarter.
The NFL’s overtime is equivalent to if a team scored a run in the top of the 10th inning and won the game automatically, without having a bottom of the 10th.
I’m surprised at their cautious playcalling.
The College system is much better..they should at least come up with something better for playoff games.
I liked his pass to Corey Webster best.
Cody Ransom would be a good choice for that play.
Does anyone want to win this game?
That was NOT pass interference. And that was not a catch before the TO.
that ball wasn’t catchable
This whole Overtime is BS. The interference call wasn’t catchable and that pass was imcomplete.
if he misses this, he better have a cop escort him to the airport so he can safely get out of the country.
Thought that last play was a catch. Never saw where it hit the ground. Interference was iffy.
So basically the game is decided by a coin flip, referees, and a field goal kicker…awesome
Good for the Saints…
Favre could’ve won it in regulation, but that pass interefence call was bogus. I’ve never seen such an obvious flop in football. Vlade Divac would be proud!
“So basically the game is decided by a coin flip, referees, and a field goal kicker…awesome”
Those are the rules.
Vikings have no beef. You don’t get to turn it over 5 times and complain about a bad result.
This is why I love baseball so much. There are no clocks, no coin flips, not pass interference penalties…you play until somebody wins.
Norwood he is not.
Colts 34- Saints 20
Indy vs. NO
Archie Manning is going to be the most popular media figure for the next 2 weeks.
Pats fan complains about ref call — film at 11!
Frank,
Yea those are the rules but they still played to a tie in regulation and don’t get a chance because of a coin flip. Its a stupid way to decide a game of this magnitude.
Nick,
A bogus call kept the drive alive so that Tired could be the hero!
Blake:
I don’t disagree with the rule being bad. I’m a little surprised it hasn’t changed over the years.
Still, the Vikes were their own worst enemy.
It was a semi-bogus call, but not the most bogus call of the game, so it’s ok.
Let’s all look on the bright side: we probably won’t have to see Favre sing “Pants on the Ground” again.
ESPN Insider has the latest update on Johnny Damon possibly getting another offer from the Yankees.
Damon BEST option for LF
January 24th, 2010 at 10:39 pm
ESPN Insider has the latest update on Johnny Damon possibly getting another offer from the Yankees.
**************
Details…. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is nothing new on ESPN Insider.
Rich in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
There is nothing new on ESPN Insider.
****************
I can’t stand this emotional torture
This is all I found – it’s from earlier today:
One last Yankee offer to Damon?
2:58
PM ETJohnny Damon | Yankees Top Email If Johnny Damon was on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” it would be time to ask him if he was prepared to give his final answer.
Damon already is a millionaire many times over, but the Yankees apparently are still willing to give the veteran outfielder one last opportunity to return to the Bronx, but only at a deep discount.
Jon Heyman of SI.com reports the Yankees have given Damon the weekend to accept a one-year deal at perhaps no more than $5 million in guaranteed money. Heyman adds that the odds of Damon accepting such a deal would be slim.
In response, general manager Brian Cashman sent an email to ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney on Saturday evening saying that the Yankees have not set any kind of deadline on Damon’s negotiations. “The fact that there are reports circulating to that end is being read by some in the industry that a deadline is being set on Damon’s side of the talks,” Buster writes in today’s blog.
Damon was looking for more earlier in the offseason and reportedly turned down a two-year offer for about $14 million from the Yankees a month ago.
Could Damon be considering retirement, even after his strong World Series for the Yankees? Last week, Bob Klapisch of the Record cites a friend of the outfielder who says Damon has considered calling it quits.
Erica
I’m becoming more pessimistic. I think Boras/Damon have misread the Yankees’ position, and Damon doesn’t want to eat crow.
Rich in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Erica
I’m becoming more pessimistic. I think Boras/Damon have misread the Yankees’ position, and Damon doesn’t want to eat crow.
**************
Don’t give up. There’s always hope.
I am highly encouraged by the fact that there is definitely an offer on the table. But the longer that offer lingers, is a sign of trouble.
Unfortunately, in baseball it always seems like the deals that get made are the ones that come out of nowhere.
If the Yankees offered a low guarantee deal, with incentives Johnny would be crazy not to take it. I really just don’t see anything better opening up for him.
Give 2 years 6 mil guaranteed with incentives up taking it up to 10 mil or something. He cant argue with that and Damon deserves a bit more than 5 mil…DOUBLE STEAL!
Erica
I agree that the Yankees are his best option, if only because he can uniquely benefit from the park effects, but the lingering is what concerns me.
If that is indeed a true offer, it will be the last offer over $3 mil that Damon gets, because few if any teams are in the market for corner outfielders with somewhat limited defensive skills.
Damon isn’t get two years.
Rich in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
Erica
I agree that the Yankees are his best option, if only because he can uniquely benefit from the park effects, but the lingering is what concerns me.
************
Hmmmm. I am going to have to give him a very stern pretend talking to
The clock is ticking, Johnny.
Nick in SF on Highway 29
January 24th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
The clock is ticking, Johnny.
*************
Nick- what have I told you about LoHud commenting while driving?? FOCUS!
Erica-
Just settle for pretend Johnny outfielder.;)
Oops. I hope I didn’t confuse Johnny.
If Cashman wants Damon back, he must do so in a way to have him return without any hard feelings on Damon’s part. Cashman clearly knows that issue is a concern. They need to give him a $4-5M base with an option to significantly increase it. A Pettitte(but much cheaper) type deal could be acceptable concept for him.
In the words of one guy from Florida to another guy from Florida…..
The waiting is the hardest part
Everyday you see one more card
You take in faith, you take it to the heart
The waaaaaaaaaiting is the hardest part.
SIGN THE DEAL JOHNNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Nick in SF on Highway 29
January 24th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
The clock is ticking, Johnny.
*************
Nick- what have I told you about LoHud commenting while driving?? FOCUS!
————————————————————
You misunderstand, Erica. He’s not actually driving on Highway 29. He’s laying down in the middle of Highway 29, in protest, until Johnny Damon signs with NYYs.
Nick’s banking on Damon not returning. If he’s protesting, it’s a feigned protest.
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
You misunderstand, Erica. He’s not actually driving on Highway 29. He’s laying down in the middle of Highway 29, in protest, until Johnny Damon signs with NYYs.
*****************
You misunderstand, GB7. Nick is on the other side of that debate because if Johnny Damon reappears in pinstripes, Mr. Nick loses our bet. And for some reason Nick doesn’t want to give me his money. I don’t understand why!
Erica-
I hope you have better luck with Johnny than I did with Holliday, Chapman, or Wang.
MTU
January 24th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Erica-
I hope you have better luck with Johnny than I did with Holliday, Chapman, or Wang.
************
My magic worked in 2005. I fail to see why I can’t somehow do it again
Erica,
Are you telling me that you were praying for Damon to sign with the Yankees in 2005? And it, like, actually happened?
By most accounts, the Damon deal came out of, pardon the pun, left field.
m
January 24th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Erica,
Are you telling me that you were praying for Damon to sign with the Yankees in 2005? And it, like, actually happened?
By most accounts, the Damon deal came out of, pardon the pun, left field.
************
Not quite, but sort of. I told my entire family in 2003 that Johnny Damon would be a Yankee one day and they were ready to commit me.
The Yankees announced their Johnny Damon deal the day after my 25th birthday. He was the Steinbrenner gift to me.
If Brian Cashman said to me, “Nick, it’s up to you: give me $25 and Johnny Damon will be a Yankee again” — I would do it. I like Johnny.
However, I wagered on what I think will happen.
So sad.
Erica-
May your magic be more powerful than mine!
Nick in SF in Larkspur
January 24th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
If Brian Cashman said to me, “Nick, it’s up to you: give me $25 and Johnny Damon will be a Yankee again” — I would do it. I like Johnny.
However, I wagered on what I think will happen.
So sad.
*********************
I would give you $25 if i thought it would make Johnny a renewed Yankee
Nick-
Looks like we spit the bit on Wang as well.
Guys. Be sensitive to those who don’t have jobs. Throwing around $25 when guys like Damon don’t have a job.
I have always thought that signing Damon in 2005 was one of George’s last moves. He has talked about the importance of what he called “an igniter” since the days of Dave Collins. Of course, Damon isn’t really an igniter anymore.
Going back to last post, I cannot stand Mo….
Lewis, for injuring Drew Bledsoe and giving Tom Brady his videotape aided start in the NFL.
Sry, just trying to laugh off the pain of the Jets loss.
Rich-
Not unless he pours gasoline all over himself and lights a match.
Boras is playing the “other teams are hotly involved” regarding Damon.
Who knew Ice Capades and Holiday On Ice counted as teams?
http://www.tmz.com/2010/01/23/.....ll-panama/
For the viewing pleasure of Mariano fans, which should be everybody on here.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
You misunderstand, Erica. He’s not actually driving on Highway 29. He’s laying down in the middle of Highway 29, in protest, until Johnny Damon signs with NYYs.
*****************
You misunderstand, GB7. Nick is on the other side of that debate because if Johnny Damon reappears in pinstripes, Mr. Nick loses our bet. And for some reason Nick doesn’t want to give me his money. I don’t understand why!
————————————————————
I think that Nick is secretly going door to door and soliciting nickles and dimes in his “Help Feed Johnny Damon’s Kids” fund. His goal is $4 mil. He really wants Johnny D.
Damn how about we trade some prospects and Nick Johnson to the Rangers for nelson cruz..take on the negative difference of the contracts and then go sign damon! hahaha.
Jeter SS
Damon DH
Tex 1B
Arod 3B
Cruz LF
Posada C
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Granderson CF
**Not going to happen!! But according to Mlbtraderumors.com, yankees have had some rumors of asking? Cruz would be awesome!
Rich in NJ
January 24th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
I have always thought that signing Damon in 2005 was one of George’s last moves. He has talked about the importance of what he called “an igniter” since the days of Dave Collins. Of course, Damon isn’t really an igniter anymore.
**************
Not according to the Newsday backpage I saved from May 9, 2008 which I keep hanging on my mini-Johnny shrine at my desk. Which features a lovely picture of Johnny with the headline “The Igniter”.
MTU: no resolution on CMW yet. Never give up!
DT – OPPC member
January 24th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Boras is playing the “other teams are hotly involved” regarding Damon.
Who knew Ice Capades and Holiday On Ice counted as teams?
******************
HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
However, Disney on Ice is out of the bidding so one less competitor
Kinda funny, the Steelers have won 2 and the Colts could have won 2 SBs (in 2 weeks) since the Patriots last won a SB, and yet the Pats are still considered NFLs model franchise.
Why wouldn’t Damon be considered an ignitor? He still gets on base at his normal pace.
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I think that Nick is secretly going door to door and soliciting nickles and dimes in his “Help Feed Johnny Damon’s Kids” fund. His goal is $4 mil. He really wants Johnny D.
******************
If this is true…. Nick, I would like to offer my services. You’d be amazed at how convincing I can be with such an important cause that I really believe in!
Nick-
Easy for you to say.
You didn’t have your heart ripped out and stopped on over MH.
A real shipwreck.
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Why wouldn’t Damon be considered an ignitor? He still gets on base at his normal pace.
**************
He certainly ignited the 9th inning of World Series Game 4…
“stomped” not “stopped”.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
I think that Nick is secretly going door to door and soliciting nickles and dimes in his “Help Feed Johnny Damon’s Kids” fund. His goal is $4 mil. He really wants Johnny D.
******************
If this is true…. Nick, I would like to offer my services. You’d be amazed at how convincing I can be with such an important cause that I really believe in!
————————————————————
You could always start an East Coast chapter. Go to companies and corporations and get donations by promising to juggle….errrr….balance their books.
Eh, Holliday would’ve been a sweet pickup, but Chien-ming Wang is a Yankee!
A whole nation (or renegade province, if you prefer) is waiting to find out what happens…
Erica – I think I hear a slow leak. Get that tire checked…
Nick-
As in “as the Wang turns”.
Yes I get it now.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Johnny Back!!!
January 24th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
GreenBeret7
January 24th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Why wouldn’t Damon be considered an ignitor? He still gets on base at his normal pace.
**************
He certainly ignited the 9th inning of World Series Game 4…
————————————————————
I think that a few people think that way because he only stole 12 bases in 2009 after stealing 29 the year before. Nobody thought Jeter had lost his ignitor role when his steals went from 34 to 15 to 11. Last year back up to 30. I think the only thing wrong with Damon was that his legs ached and he changed his swing to make up for the leg issues.
Does Damon’s offer turn into a pumpkin in 23 minutes?
I think that Wang ends up with St. Louis or the Dodgers. The Dodgers play a couple of exhibition games this coming spring in Taiwan.
Its so past my new self-imposed bed time…..
Tune in tomorrow for another thrilling day of MPB Johnny Damon conversation. Or maybe it will be the day something finally happens.
Good night Yankee people!!!!!
Perhaps “X” will mark a spot instead of “Johnny Damon” ?
Nick in SF in Larkspur
January 24th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Does Damon’s offer turn into a pumpkin in 23 minutes?
*****************
I hope not. But I won’t be awake to find out!
Damon’s departure
apres-midnight fait accompli
Erica’s nightmare
Perhaps tomorrow we will see a Damonstration of Erica’s magic.
Nite All !
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.....id=7150427
BBWAA Award highlights.
So, the Rangers are being sold for less than three times the Yankees Payroll.
I think the Steinbrenners should buy the Florida Marlins and use it to feed talent to the New York Yankees.
If Damon is considering retirement I’d be hesitant in even wanting him back considering other ball clubs obviously have looked into the ‘ballpark factor’ and his offers have been slim.
About the Rays, I watch more of their games living in Tampa and I think they’re key is how their Starting Rotation rebounds. Maybe Garza and Shields rebound after a long and emotional 08, Wade Davis may be a stud and Price is Price. I love the year AROD had last year and he has consistently been the arguably the best player the last decade but for the next 3-5 years I would take Evan Longoria at 3rd base. He has incredible instincts and just has ‘It’(also is 24 years old?). He will be the face of Baseball soon. I also think Upton rebounds offensively which will really help out their offense, defensively he is amazing. Overall they are a very athletic team and Jennings could be a younger Carl Crawford. I think the Rays finish 2nd in the AL East and win the Wild Card while giving the Yanks fits for the AL East crown but the Yanks win the East again. Boston is old and taking spare parts again. If Big Papi doesn’t ‘refuel in the Dominican’ I see him regressing even more if possible leaving Boston’s offense w/ issues again leading to a 2010 w/ no Playoff baseball for the Sox.
“This is why I love baseball so much. There are no clocks, no coin flips, not pass interference penalties…you play until somebody wins.”
Baseball, however, is the only sport that can be decided in LESS than the standard time. You’d never see a football called early in the 3rd quarter due to bad weather.
And just FYI, I believe the team that wins the overtime toss wins the game like 51-52% of the time.
I personally love that baseball has no clock. No clock means no clock management. I find that football games more often than not end up being more about who can control the clock better, and less about who’s actually a more talented team.
Stuckey,
I think both teams should get s chance to have the ball in a game of that magnitude.
Frank Piliere AOL,from web, Yankees looking into Nelson Cruz TX Rangers, 29, was an All Star 2009 his first full season in the majors. He has power 33 HR, and 19.6 UZR, vs LHP.752 vs LHP .898.
OK, the weekend is over…so where’s Johnny?
upstate kate
January 25th, 2010 at 8:15 am
OK, the weekend is over…so where’s Johnny?
*******************
I am going to choose to pretend that no news is good news.
I heard “Johnny B Goode” on the radio this morning. Again- feels like some sort of sign
no news means at least he hasn’t signed somewhere else
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:22 am
I am going to choose to pretend that no news is good news.
I heard “Johnny B Goode” on the radio this morning. Again- feels like some sort of sign
***************************
I was sure I would wake up to news about Damon this morning, but once again, there was nothing.
LOL-I agree, it is a sign
BTW, I have my DVR set to record TLC tonight so I can finally see the Sesame Street cake!!! I can’t wait.
Erin
January 25th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:22 am
LOL-I agree, it is a sign I was sure I would wake up to news about Damon this morning, but once again, there was nothing.
BTW, I have my DVR set to record TLC tonight so I can finally see the Sesame Street cake!!! I can’t wait.
**************
If you want a sneak preview scroll up to 9:01pm. Rich sent a link to the cake presentation from youtube. But I HIGHLY recommend still watching the whole episode for even more Sesame Street fun!
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:22 am
upstate kate
January 25th, 2010 at 8:15 am
OK, the weekend is over…so where’s Johnny?
*******************
I am going to choose to pretend that no news is good news.
I heard “Johnny B Goode” on the radio this morning. Again- feels like some sort of sign
————————————————————
When you hear “Oh, Johnny, Oh” by Sue Thompson and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Again” by Peter, Paul And Mary. then, you’ll know for sure.
If you hear, “Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye” by Chad Mitchell Trio, you’ll know it’s not happening.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 8:43 am
If you want a sneak preview scroll up to 9:01pm. Rich sent a link to the cake presentation from youtube. But I HIGHLY recommend still watching the whole episode for even more Sesame Street fun!
*************************
Since I’m at work I’ll restrain myself from watching now-I’ll just eagerly await tonight!!
I’ll bet that right now, Scott Boras is hearing “Johnny Get Angry” on his answering machine.
GreenBeret7
January 25th, 2010 at 8:44 am
When you hear “Oh, Johnny, Oh” by Sue Thompson and “When Johnny Comes Marching Home, Again” by Peter, Paul And Mary. then, you’ll know for sure.
If you hear, “Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye” by Chad Mitchell Trio, you’ll know it’s not happening.
**************************
LOL
But don’t forget “New Kid in Town” by The Eagles, which offers this :
Johnny come lately, the new kid in town
Everybody loves you, so don’t let them down
I know the “new kid” doesn’t make much sense, but the rest does
GB
are you allowed out yet? did you get your dog back yet?
Erin
January 25th, 2010 at 8:50 am
But don’t forget “New Kid in Town” by The Eagles, which offers this :
Johnny come lately, the new kid in town
Everybody loves you, so don’t let them down
I know the “new kid” doesn’t make much sense, but the rest does
************
Thats one of my favorite songs!!!!!!! I hear it all the time. LOL
upstate kate
January 25th, 2010 at 8:53 am
GB
are you allowed out yet? did you get your dog back yet?
————————————————————
Not without my keeper.
No, I still don’t get out and no dog, yet. I’ll find out when in a few weeks.
Nelson Cruz would be awesome.
“Nelson Cruz would be awesome.”
Don’t imagine he’s come very cheaply.
So let’s say Johnny does sign with the Yankees, does that put Johnson in the 5 slot and Cano 7th and Granderson 9th?
Jeter (R)
Damon (L)
Tex (S)
Arod (R)
Johnson (L)
Posada (S)
Cano (L)
Swisher (S)
Granderson (L)
That would be a sick lineup!
So GB, what type of dog do you have? I’m thinking it is not a poodle!
You can forget Cruz. Texas has no reason to trade him. Even if they did, the starting price would be Hughes or Chamberlain plus Romine or Montero and more pitching.
Damon should sue Boras for malpractice!
Piliere’s tweets. Lot of speculation. Little substance.
FrankiePiliere And please no one get too excited, lol. Just a rumor that’s floating. Even if it’s true, it may never have gotten beyond the Yankees asking
about 13 hours ago from web
Reply Retweet FrankiePiliere Some things are logical about Cruz and some aren’t. He’d be low cost but Texas would be asking a lot for him. I think it’s a tough match
about 13 hours ago from web
Reply Retweet FrankiePiliere Heard whispers that Nelson Cruz is a name the Yanks inquired on. Not confirmed and no word if talks even got off the ground or not
about 13 hours ago from web
Reply Retweet
Noreaster
January 25th, 2010 at 9:05 am
So GB, what type of dog do you have? I’m thinking it is not a poodle!
————————————————————
He’s a German Shepherd, Nor. Only Boston fans consider poodles as a dog.
“So GB, what type of dog do you have? I’m thinking it is not a poodle!”
Silly question.
No doubt it’s a retriever so that GB doesn’t have to get up to get his beer and pizza !
Four players for a first year full season players no way. Cruz on base is lacking. He can play both corners, and not great batting LHP. He’s not a type A.
Any package for Cruz starts with Hughes or Chamberlain. Not bad considering one is being penciled in by many fans as a reliever in 2010.
Even with Nelson Cruz, they can still sign Carl Crawford next offseason if they trade Swisher.
MTU
January 25th, 2010 at 9:12 am
“So GB, what type of dog do you have? I’m thinking it is not a poodle!”
Silly question.
No doubt it’s a retriever so that GB doesn’t have to get up to get his beer and pizza !
————————————————————
Certainly couldn’t trust a St. Bernard with such important items like that.
GB-
And St. Bernard’s only carry either hard stuff or Heineken Kegs.
Probably not your cup of tea.
The lack of track record on cruz scares me a little and I doubt they would give up a lot when they could sign Damon, give up no prospects, and go after Crawford next year.
But hey any rumor perks my interest at this point..just ready for spring to get here.
Boras sold Damon out for leverage for Holliday.
If was against Boras’ interest to seal a deal btwn Damon and the Yanks.
The minute the Yanks signed Johnny, then they would be out of the running for Holliday. While the Yanks were likely never in the running, you couldn’t entirely rule out the possibility as long as the Yanks has a hole in left field. Boras played the Cards with his “mystery team” crap, using the Yanks boogie-man as leverage.
What about ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home’?
Texas also has absolutely no reason to want to trade offense and defense along with stolen bases and at zero cost. They aren’t giving him away. It’s NYY that’s doing the asking.
Blake,
I agree though I’d insert Nady’s name in place of Damon. I don’t think the Yankees need a big producer in LF bad enough to trade Hughes or Chamberlain for 1 year of production.
The Yankees have 1 weakspot in the lineup for 1 year only.
They can still win.
Of course if the Yankees forecast a strong possibility of Crawford signing an extension with the Rays then inquiring about Nelson Cruz makes sense.
Evan, while there’s no evidence to support that and Boras would deny it to the highest degree, that’s exactly what he did and Damon is paying for the conflict of interest that was there right from the start.
Tom in NJ
January 25th, 2010 at 9:24 am
What about ‘When Johnny Comes Marching Home’?
***********************
Good one!
Tom-
Erica likes “Johnny Angel”.
MTU
January 25th, 2010 at 9:29 am
Tom-
Erica likes “Johnny Angel”.
*******************
Hmm- good choice!
Brett,
Of course they can win without Damon but I think he increases there chances of winning. If its a one year deal for around 5 million then I don’t see much risk involved. Nady is much more of a risk at 2 million than Damon is at 5 IMO.
If it’s
‘Bye Bye Johnny’ by Chuck Berry
or
‘Johnny Bye Bye’ by Springsteen
Erica’s going to be signing ‘Johnny Remember Me’ by John Leyton
Oh, this is priceless! :lol
According to ESPN, Brett Favre is ALREADY pulling his Hamlet-Retirement routine.
New Year’s gifts, to find, ——www. sbbshoe .com——
Welcome you to rush to buy Best quality, Best reputation , Best services Service is our Lift. Nike shox $35Handbags(Coach lv fendi d&g) $35Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) $16
www. sbbshoe .com
i think sox finish 3rd this season, behind the rays…
I think the Rays will have a legitimate shot at winning the AL East. Remember, the Rays had no closer, their first basemen out for the last 30 games, they had a 11 game losing streak and STILL managed to finish 2 games above .500 and and were with in four games of the AL East as late as the end of July. The Rays haven’t added anyone of significance because they really don’t NEED to add anyone. Where as you take a team like the Yankees you had a, just about, injury free season from CC, AJ, and Andy Petite. Do you really think that Javier Vasquez, CC, AJ, and Andy will all the same luck this year? How is your bullpen looking? Not so sharp. The Rays have the youth, the talent and the speed. Anyone who is looking above their New York Post will realize that last year’s Yankee season was very “lucky.” Luck can only hold back true talent for so long. Good luck with your season. I see this season as a 162 game playoff, may best team win.