Talkin’ trades and prospects
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 25, 2010 
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As of 3:40, Frankie Piliere is chatting about his Top 100 Prospects list. Check that out if you can. More on the list itself in a moment, but first some Yankees related rumors coming from Piliere…
Rumblings of the Yankees talking trades
Two interesting tweets from Piliere last night. One suggested the Yankees are “exploring (the) trade market” for an outfielder, and the other mentioned Nelson Cruz as a possible target, but said there was “no word if talks even got off the ground.”
Given the wealth of outfielders on the free agent market, most of the recent Yankees chatter has centered on the team signing one last bench player. When Brian Cashman has talked about his plans for the rest of winter, he’s talked about spending money when he’s ready to spend it, and he’s talked about adding a small piece instead of a big piece. Those things suggest free agency, but the trade market could be in play if there’s a match to be made.
That said, Cruz seems to be a tough target. The Rangers could trade him and use David Murphy as an everyday outfielder, but Cruz is coming off a 33-homer season and he’s not even eligible for arbitration yet. It would take some very real talent to get him, and it’s a bit difficult to see the two sides matching up. It would require Cashman to thoroughly pick apart the minor league system — except for Jesus Montero — in one winter, and that doesn’t seem to fit his recent actions.
Top 100 prospects list
This afternoon, Piliere released his Top 100 prospects list, with Montero ranking fifth behind Stephen Strasburg and the outfield trio of Michael Stanton, Desmond Jennings and Jason Heyward. ”(Montero) has a potential 40-homer bat with the offensive upside of Miguel Cabrera,” Piliere wrote.
Manny Banuelos ranked 41st — “upside of a No. 2 starter” – with Austin Romine ranked 45th — “nearly as interesting a prospect (as Montero) — and Zach McAllister ranked 76th. Former Yankees center fielder Austin Jackson ranked 25th.
I talked to Piliere a few times throughout the ranking process, and I know he had Jeremy Bleich in the Top 100 before Aroldis Chapman signed.
“Bleich’s stuff was better this year,” Piliere wrote in an email. “The velocity was up, which of course is excellent. Command doesn’t just go away, but I think there was an adjustment period to his increased velocity. I just think we’re going to see the whole thing come together this year.”
go bleich!
If you guys would like to drop by and drill me I’m live chatting about the list right now – http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/0.....s-edition/
Is there still concerns about Bleich’s elbow? Last I heard, they were thinking that like Betances, it would be within the first couple of full seasons.
Chad Jennings
January 25th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
Just to chime in on the “why didn’t Montero play much in winter ball” discussion.
I don’t know that there is an absolute answer here in the states. The Yankees have absolutely no power over the VWL team that Montero plays for. He’s on that team’s roster to use him, or not use him, as they see fit. Montero hadn’t played in months and the guy who got most of the time at catcher for that winter league team hit .366 with 10 homers. Hard to blame them for sticking with him.
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If there are any real scandals in the way winter leagues are run, it’s the way that the AFL is run. Why NYY doesn’t allow any of their coaching staffs go there is beyond me. Not sure who selectsed the All star teams, but, that was a joke. To leave off the hitter with the 2nd highest BA (Curtis @ .397), highest SLG and 4th in homers or 3rd baseman (Laird), 2nd in doubles and homers, 4th in RBI, .334 BA is ridiculous. In Laird’s case, Moustakis wasn’t even close. It’s a good league, but, the running of operations are pathetic.
Cruz would be worth trading minor leaguers for because he’s cost-controlled for so long. I wouldn’t hesitate to trade multiple minor leaguers not named Montero for him.
I’m pretty sure the Yankees have sent their coaches down there. Wasn’t Aldred a pitching coach in the Fall League a few years ago? I could be wrong, but I certainly thought that was true.
Glad to hear it Pat sounds like you are truly into your PT.
Seriously, glad you are doing well.
Cruz is a guy I suggested on this blog about a month before the Nady trade and was shot down because he’s a “typical 4-A player”.
Not so much.
He’d be a great fit, but the cost would be pretty high.. something like McAllister, Robertson and Romine might not be enough, but it’s a lot.
Cruz in RF, Swisher in LF and Garner as the fourth OF would be ridiculous. Maybe Texas really likes Hoffman
What was the prize??? I didn’t know about this contest!!!
This working hard crap is ruining my life!!!!
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LOL. He didnt announce the prize yet. Its the writer from the NJ ledger. We’ll have to check the site for the prize info once Damon signs!
“Frankie Piliere
January 25th, 2010 at 3:36 pm
If you guys would like to drop by and drill me I’m live chatting about the list right now”
I’d have to make it look like an accident.
Otherwise, I’d get an immediate blog ejection and a 7-gamer – plus Chad would get run too.
NYY626
January 25th, 2010 at 3:51 pm
LOL. He didnt announce the prize yet. Its the writer from the NJ ledger. We’ll have to check the site for the prize info once Damon signs!
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If the prize is money, I’m going to be mad I missed out on it.
For Cruz, I’d consider Chamberlain or Hughes, whoever the Yanks think will end up in the pen. Whoever goes to the pen won’t give us much cost-controlled time as a starter down the road.
I know Cruz has some negatives like his home-road split, but according to RAB all of his HRs last year would have been out at the Stadium. He’s good defensively, and cheap.
I am not sold that Cruz is the real deal. He has had only one solid season. He was highly regarded in the minors, so maybe he has found himself. I see him as too big a risk to give up what the Rangers would likely demand.
Chad Jennings
January 25th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
I’m pretty sure the Yankees have sent their coaches down there. Wasn’t Aldred a pitching coach in the Fall League a few years ago? I could be wrong, but I certainly thought that was true.
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They had one, maybe two down there a couple of years ago, but, none this past year. There was a problem, just like in the old Hawaiian Winter League with managers sitting NYY players out for a week at a stretch. Last year they sat Romine out and played Posy for more than a week straight. It just seems all pretty haphazard. Having 3 organizations on one time and two of those organizations running the show means their players will get the time.
Johnny Damon or BUST!
From MLBTR-
Previous reports have connected the Cubs to outfielders Xavier Nady, Jonny Gomes, Rocco Baldelli, and Reed Johnson. The FOX writers say Nady is the Cubs’ top choice unless Dye’s contract demands come down.
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I hope the Cubs sign all of them!!!!!!!!!!
Mac, like you, if NYY was dealing for a Texas outfielder, it’s Murphy that I’d go after.
Bust is an option for a Yankee fan?
Really?
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
I hope the Cubs sign all of them!!!!!!!!!!
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LOL They’ll have a pretty crowded OF
I actually remember posters in here clamoring for Nelson Cruz before he did anything in the big leagues. I think Brandon was heavy into him although he was also heavy into Eric Threets and Jody Gerut at that time.
Nice to see some Yankees ranked high on the prospect list.
Bust is an option for a Yankee fan?
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If your looking to fill the 2010 a.l. all star roster with a Yankee at every position.
Nick in SF
January 25th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Bust is an option for a Yankee fan?
Really?
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Don’t you roll your eyes at me!!!!!
Not sure exactly what you would like to do about teams sitting certain players in AFL games. The coaches there want to make an impression so that they get a more high profile position than AFL manager/minor league coach. That being said, while it’s a developmental league, they want to win.
If I had a choice between playing Buster Posey or Austin Romaine I would likely start Posey too.
As for Montero not playing much – I don’t think it would be too much of a stretch to consider that maybe, after being shut down to close out the season, Montero wasn’t at his best going into winter ball. In the end, I don’t think that playing or not playing in Arizona or in the winter league is going to hinder his development.
Just read a post on another blog that i thought we can use this line on someone when its the right time.
“you’re more ticked off than a midget with a yoyo”
Instant classic!!
Cant wait to use it!
If Damon doesnt sign. Erica is going to be more pi$$ed than a midget with a yoyo. There it is.
Cruz is 29 year old. There is no chance the Yankees give up top prospects to get him let along a Hughes or Chamberlain.
S.o.S.”We just kept our mouth shut and went to work this week”
January 25th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Bust is an option for a Yankee fan?
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If your looking to fill the 2010 a.l. all star roster with a Yankee at every position
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my dad was telling me the other day that he heard somebody on XM radio saying that he wanted an all Yankee all star roster, and he and the host were trying to figure out if it was possible. LOL
BTW, I love Peyton’s quote in your handle!!
Interesting to see A-Jax at 25. I couldn’t remember the name of the guy sent to Atlanta in the Johnson trade, but I didn’t see him listed (thought I would recognize him if I saw him).
Is IPK still considered a prospect with his service time? I didn’t see him (didn’t look too carefully).
This reminds me that A-Jax is only 4 years younger than Granderson, so that negates a bit of the cost of trading away young talent.
S.o.S.”We just kept our mouth shut and went to work this week”
January 25th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Just read a post on another blog that i thought we can use this line on someone when its the right time.
“you’re more ticked off than a midget with a yoyo”
Instant classic!!
Cant wait to use it!
If Damon doesnt sign. Erica is going to be more pi$$ed than a midget with a yoyo. There it is.
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Hahahaha… well, it certainly applies
Win? I guess that explains why Daryl Jones played more in left field that Curtis while hitting 192 points lower. Or why Laird blew Moustakis away, but, was sat down for most of the last 10 days and not put on the All Star team. Yeah, that makes sense.
Paco,
Do you mean THE VIZ? Absolutely shocking to not see his name as most have him pencilled in as the #1 starter in 2018.
Erin,
The wrench is in left field. If Cash fixes that leak, we can finally get a full squad to the all star game. If so, maybe they could just have the Yankee uniform be the a.l. uni’s for that day.
I know this is off topic but it looks like the discussion has migrated from the previous post…so I’ll post here so people will see it:
Molitor is a good comparison for Jeter…who should easily end up top 5 or 6 all time in hits. But when it comes to the player with the best chance to reach 4000 hits, I think A-Rod has a better shot than anyone else. He’s only 34 and has 2500 hits. Plus, he’s the type of power bat that can survive on a team as the DH for many years…well, into his 40’s. Plus, he seems like the type who will tirelessly work to stay in tip top shape which will also enable him to remain effective, and therefore continue to get AB’s and produce, well into his 40’s. His 162 game average for hits is 189. 10 more seasons at even a 170 hit-per-year average will get him to Pete Rose…when he’ll be 44.
That being said, I also expect him to blow past Bonds and Aaron and surpass 800 HRs…barring injuries of course.
Ralow
January 25th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Molitor is a good comparison for Jeter…who should easily end up top 5 or 6 all time in hits. But when it comes to the player with the best chance to reach 4000 hits, I think A-Rod has a better shot than anyone else. He’s only 34 and has 2500 hits. Plus, he’s the type of power bat that can survive on a team as the DH for many years…well, into his 40’s. Plus, he seems like the type who will tirelessly work to stay in tip top shape which will also enable him to remain effective, and therefore continue to get AB’s and produce, well into his 40’s. His 162 game average for hits is 189. 10 more seasons at even a 170 hit-per-year average will get him to Pete Rose…when he’ll be 44.
That being said, I also expect him to blow past Bonds and Aaron and surpass 800 HRs…barring injuries of course.
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Rodriguez bats to low in the order and draws to many walks to be considered. Additionally, he may be looking at a future of DJD in that hip which may chip away at his durability.
For the sake of speculation, I have always wondered whether or not Rodriguez’s career would have looked more like Jeter’s if he had not used PED’s.
Couldn’t the midget just have a yo-yo that had a shorter string?
Little kids play with yo-yo’s. Why not a midget?
Has Pedroia commented on this?
Has Pedroia commented on this?
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He claims to be a TALL midget so it wouldnt apply to him. He also learned at a young age to do those yo yo tricks like the walking elf where the string isnt being extended.
Nick-whos your super bowl pick?
Erin,
I loved that line. I wonder if the Jets players picked up on it?
Hey! Little people can so yo-yo.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFv_HFrltEE
S.o.S.”We just kept our mouth shut and went to work this week”
January 25th, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Erin,
I loved that line. I wonder if the Jets players picked up on it?
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LOL…who knows. That was classic Peyton though-I loved it!!
Chien-Ming Wang, coming off shoulder surgery on July 29, is expected to throw off a mound in the next week or two, according to one of his agents, Alan Nero.
Six teams are evaluating Wang’s medical records, Nero said. Wang, who turns 30 on March 31, is training at Fischer Sports in Phoenix.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/s.....uzz-012010
Joe Vogel January 25th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Rodriguez bats to low in the order and draws to many walks to be considered. Additionally, he may be looking at a future of DJD in that hip which may chip away at his durability.
For the sake of speculation, I have always wondered whether or not Rodriguez’s career would have looked more like Jeter’s if he had not used PED’s.
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I’m not saying he’s gonna break Rose’s record…I’m just saying he has a better shot than Jeter at this point. If he stays healthy and plays into his 40′s, A-Rod could easily approach 4000 hits. Even if you have A-Rod play 10 more years at 150 hits per season, he will approach 4000 hits…and that is 40 hits less than his 162 game avg.
I don’t understand the PED comment. A-Rod hit 36 HRs and 54 2Bs his “rookie” season as a skinny 20 year old SS. He’s always had more power than Jeter.
The Colts are my pick. Sorry, NoLa.
If the Yankees want Cruz it would probably take Joba plus some prospects to get him. I would probably be ok with that trade. Cruz has big power and he’s actually a good fielder in RF and probably LF as well.
““We’re anticipating a major-league offer with a substantial guarantee and substantial upside,” Nero said.
“We’re so confident with what is going to happen, if we don’t do it until May, we’re OK. Whoever shows the initiative to take a little bit of risk is going to win.”
Could just be over-confident agent talk, but that doesn’t sound good for Wang coming back to the Yankees.
Erin,
You sound like a Colts fan. If not, i have an application for you to join the best team on the planet. If you act now, you will get a second application for a freind of your choice for absolutely free. Might want to hand that one to mel.
Watching that 3 year old i learned 2 things. The kid is very gifted and Pedroia isnt a tall midget.
I don’t think Cashman would be ok with that trade, Patrick.
I can’t see Cashman trading Joba and/or Hughes.
Speaking of the Dynamic Duo, the battle for the 5th spot’s just around the corner.
S.o.S.”We just kept our mouth shut and went to work this week”
January 25th, 2010 at 4:56 pm
Erin,
You sound like a Colts fan.
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probably because I am.
Nick,
Its funny how when the playoffs started everyone was picking the hot teams like the Chargers, Cowboys, Cheese people and even the Ravens. Now all the talk is about how the Colts will win #44. Hope it doesnt jinx them. I was sort of enjoying the un noticed role ala 2006.
What do you think will be the key matchup?
I’m not saying he’s gonna break Rose’s record…I’m just saying he has a better shot than Jeter at this point. If he stays healthy and plays into his 40’s, A-Rod could easily approach 4000 hits. Even if you have A-Rod play 10 more years at 150 hits per season, he will approach 4000 hits…and that is 40 hits less than his 162 game avg.
I don’t understand the PED comment. A-Rod hit 36 HRs and 54 2Bs his “rookie” season as a skinny 20 year old SS. He’s always had more power than Jeter.
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Raylow:
With a 200+ hit lead, hitting higher in the order, walking less, and possessing a body that may be more durable over time, I belive a one year older Jeter still has a higher probability of achieving 4,000 hits.
In regards to confusion over PED’s, let me ask you this. When did Alex Rodriguez begin using PED’s? With the Mariners of the mid to late ’90′s (my best guess)? High school?
I’m guessing that he probably would have been a bit bigger with a bit more power than Jeter, but not nearly to the degree that he ultimately turned out.
“I can’t see Cashman trading Joba and/or Hughes.”
I can. Cashman’s already decided to put one of them in the pen – it doesn’t take too much imagination to envision Cashman putting one of them in a trade.
Top 5 Yankee-Johnny Damon break up songs.
1.Empty Garden(Hey,Hey Johnny)- Elton John
“And I’ve been knocking but no one answers
And I’ve been knocking most all the day
Oh and I’ve been calling oh HEY HEY JOHNNY
Can’t you come out to play”
2. New Kid In Town- The Eagles
” You’re walking away and they’re talking behind you.
They will never forget you till somebody new comes along.
Johnny come lately? There’s a new kid in town.
Everybody loves him, don’t they? ”
3. Mysterious Ways – U2
“Johnny take a dive
With your sister in the rain
To touch is to heal
To hurt is to steal
If you want to play leftfield
Better learn how to kneel
On your knees boy!”
OK I embellished that one a bit.
4. Johnny come Home- The Fine young Cannibals
“Nobody knows the trouble you feel
Nobody cares, the feeling is real
Johnny, we’re sorry, won’t you come on home
We worry, won’t you come on
What is wrong in my life
That I must get drunk every night
Johnny, we’re sorry”
5. Johnny Get Angry – Joanie Sommers
“Johnny, I said we were through
Just to see what you would do
You stood there and hung your head
Made me wish that I were dead
Oh, Johnny get angry, Johnny get mad
Give me the biggest lecture I ever had
I want a brave man, I want a cave man
Johnny, show me that you care, really care for me”
I swear I did not make up the “cave man” lyric
Cash mentioned a few weeks ago that he could make another trade for a LF.
I can. Cashman’s already decided to put one of them in the pen – it doesn’t take too much imagination to envision Cashman putting one of them in a trade.
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I approve this message.
B-b-but! Joba’s the closer of the FUTURE!!!!!!!!!!
Johnny Damon’s offer:
1 year, 5 million offer with incentives to get to 7 million and mutual option for 2011.
Then, trade Gaudin and add his salary to the 2 million you have for left field.
Yanks in under budget, Damon is here 1 more year (possibly 2 if DH Johnson leaves)
Best case scenario for all parties.
Bench- Gardner, Hoffman/Miranda, Cervelli, Pena
Nick in SF
January 25th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
““We’re anticipating a major-league offer with a substantial guarantee and substantial upside,” Nero said.
“We’re so confident with what is going to happen, if we don’t do it until May, we’re OK. Whoever shows the initiative to take a little bit of risk is going to win.”
Could just be over-confident agent talk, but that doesn’t sound good for Wang coming back to the Yankees.
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Cha-ching!
probably because I am.
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Erin,
I knew there was a good reason why i liked you. I couldnt put my finger on it until now. Welcome to the soon to be dynasty.
Based on a 162 game schedule Rodriguez walked 9 more times than Jeter and averaged 35 fewer at bats. Not a lot of difference.
Bronx Jeers
January 25th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Top 5 Yankee-Johnny Damon break up songs.
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Nice list but…….
Johnny Angel
How I love him…….
“Cashman’s already decided to put one of them in the pen…”
Link???
S.o.S. Key matchup? Um, I think it will be the Colts’ offense scoring in bunches vs. the Saints’ defense. Will Peyton and his pals turn the ball over 5 times? I don’t think so.
I have some Jets fans in my family… I didn’t have the heart to tell them how I was wagering yesterday.
Erica – always OPPC – Bring Back Johnny!!!!
January 25th, 2010 at 5:07 pm
Bronx Jeers
January 25th, 2010 at 5:02 pm
Top 5 Yankee-Johnny Damon break up songs.
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Nice list but…….
Johnny Angel
How I love him…….
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how did “Hit The Road, Jack” miss the list?
J/K, Erica
Nick,
I think its the Saints offense vs. the Colts d. Can the Colts stop Brees and his efficient passing attack?
I was seriously thinking of putting 10 to 20 g’s on this last game. But i wouldnt be able to live with myself if i blew all that money in 3 hours. Bad enough my team would have lost. But losing some quann to go along with it would have been a double whammy.
Whats the most youv laid out on the line?
“Link???”
He was the cool one in “The Mod Squad”.
I get the feeling the Yanks maybe ready to make a move in the next week or two. My belief is that Damon has til the end of this week. Then they will either sign him or look elsewhere. Interesting that Johnson still has not signed anywhere. I am still not convinced they are not going to add another utility veteran. We will see.
I have some Jets fans in my family… I didn’t have the heart to tell them how I was wagering yesterday.
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I think you should have used some of the earning to get them Manning Jersey’s. That would have done wonders to your conscience.
Nice list but…….
Johnny Angel
How I love him…….
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Obsess much?
J/K Erica!
“Whats the most youv laid out on the line?”
I owe three kidneys to various gangtsters. That’s why I have to stay on the move.
I don’t really make HUGE bets. The only time a bet I made ever reached four figures was on the 2004 election.
Nick in SF…I already booked the Colts – 5 before the line starts creeping upward….Also took the overs at 56, regardless of the weather in 2 weeks……I hit the Jets in the first 1/2, lost the game…Very smallplay….And taking a hit on the Lakers as of late…UCLA very kind to me….
If we don’t sign Damon, maybe we are better off just waiting and seeing how Gardner does in LF… and then if the Yanks feel like they can improve, pull off a trade for an outfielder at the deadline. The lineup is loaded as it is, why should cashman be content picking from the extremely limited pool we have now?
“He was the cool one in “The Mod Squad”.”
And by “cool one” he means the black one.
The only time a bet I made ever reached four figures was on the 2004 election.
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I guess you took the slogan CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN to another level.
My bad that was 2008.
GreenBeret7
January 25th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
Based on a 162 game schedule Rodriguez walked 9 more times than Jeter and averaged 35 fewer at bats. Not a lot of difference.
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The numbers that you’re referencing include Rodriguez’s early years in Seattle (’96-’99) when he was still walking about 45 times per year. Additionally, his AB’s averages are also skewed by his early seasons when he hit higher in the lineup (I was looking frantically but I can’t remember/find how many PA’s/year each lineup slot is worth).
In more recent years, Rodriguez has settled in as a consistent 90 BB hitter per full season where Jeter is typically around 65-70.
Even at 35 AB’s per season, this would equate to 700 AB’s over a 20 year career and at a .317 average would equal 222 hits. Of course, the .317 average will drop a bit with the decline years but the greater number of AB difference that I alluded to will more than make up for the difference.
No, Link was cooler than the other two.
“Johnny Angel, how I love him.
He’s got something I can’t resist,
but he doesn’t even know that I exist. ”
Yep.
That’s the one.
Obsess much?
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Just dont use the word that rhymes with talk and ends with er.
Pat M, it’s already -6 at my book.
Hey, if the Oakland A’s can consider Johnny Damon as a plan B if they don’t get Ben Sheets, why can’t the Yankees consider Chien-ming Wang as a plan A if THEY don’t get Damon?
Don’t try to make sense of it.
News. I need some Yankee news!
S.o.S.”We just kept our mouth shut and went to work this week”
January 25th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Obsess much?
======
Just dont use the word that rhymes with talk and ends with er.
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Ah yes, thats one mistake you won’t make again
Honestly, as much as I do love Johnny- I sort of play up my “obsession” for LoHud entertainment purposes
“#yankees dont seem too optimistic damon will come back for low base ($5 mil tops). and hal’s sticking to budget, they say ”
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman
Joe Vogel,
A-rod used PEDs with the Mariners and maybe in HS?? There is nothing anywhere that confirms this. I bet he started using when he got to Texas (most PED users have some connection to Texas or Nor Cal). I think he would always have been a 30+ HR guy regardless of PEDs. But that is another discussion. We are talking about who has a better shot at 4000 hits.
And I still think A-Rod has a better shot just because he is more likely to continue to see consistent AB’s while playing DH late in his career. I don’t think Jeter will offer much as a DH for the Yankees or any other team. That position has become a power position essentially and Jeter is not a power hitter. Sure there are some weaker hitting DH’s but they are few and far between and don’t last very long. Plus, by being DH, A-Rod will save some wear and tear on his body which will net him more ABs in the end. Unless Jeter moves to LF and can stay healthy/consistent well into his late 40′s I don’t see him having a realistic shot at 4000 hits. The stat guy (Bill James?) only gave him a 5% shot. I just think A-Rod’s percentage chance to get to 4000 will be higher than that based on the factors we have talked about already (position, age, work out routine, etc).
We’ll see though. A-Rod will always get pitched to (unlike Bonds, Pujols, etc) because he still K’s 120 times a year…so I think the fact that he will get 90+ walks a year doesn’t mean as much because teams won’t pitch around him (as much) and push his walk totals up to 120+ like Bonds and others who didn’t even get to 3000 hits but were great hitters.
Erica, we like you playing up your “obsession” for our entertainment. You also have my authorization to transfer it to another Yankee player if Damon moves on. You may not ever transfer allegiance for a team however. We must have our rules.:)
mel,
Cant give you any Yankee news. But i can say this. The Colts are just keeping their mouth shut and putting their hard hats on for another 2 weeks.
Tom,
Thanks. Asked and I shall receive!
Too bad that’s not what some want to hear.
So now that Heyman’s got the word out, I fully expect Damon to be back with the Yankees by next week.
austinmac
January 25th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Erica, we like you playing up your “obsession” for our entertainment. You also have my authorization to transfer it to another Yankee player if Damon moves on. You may not ever transfer allegiance for a team however. We must have our rules.:)
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I would have to think about that. Pretend relationships are not something I enter into very lightly. They require a lot of pretend committment and time to nurture properly. But I still think Johnny is coming back
wow the filter hates me right now
Seems like the Damon-Yankees negotiations are one heck of a a game of chicken.
For all Johnny talked about wanting to come back to the Yanks, I would have thought this would have been settled back in November, after the Granderson trade.
But who knows. Anytime you try to meld the combination of money, location, and pride, (especially pride), anything’s possible, I guess.
Joba or Hughes for Cruz? What are you people smoking? Give me some.
Cruz is 29 years old, with bad home/road splits. His home ballpark is a joke. He also can’t hit lefties. They want a righty to take the heat off the lefties in the lineup, not add to it.
Plus, he costs Texas nothing. Why would the trade him, unless they can somehow convince the Yankees to read this blog and surrender top talent for him.
I’m trying to interpret Heymen’s tweet. Is he suggesting the Yankees are willing to do that sum or is he suggesting even if Hal authorized it that they don’t think it would be accepted. Frankly, I’m trying to see how this helps Boras position.
Erica–just pretend that you would think about it.
my first thought reading it was that Boras may be trying to tell the other team (indirectly), that Damon wants more than the Yankees can/are willing to offer.
Raylow:
No actual smoking gun (although there’s probably a Brian McNamee out there somewhere with a Shasta can, some bloody, dripping gauze, and a syringe all neatly stored in a Ziploc in his mother’s basement with A-Rod’s DNA all over it from his Seattle days). Anecdotally, OF Shane Monohan claims that there was a culture of steroids in that clubhouse, a number of there players improved significantly in the power departments (Edgar Martinez, Ken Griffey, Jay Buhner), and of course…Bret Boone.
Of course, it’s all speculation until Brian gets the Ziploc from mom’s basement.
austinmac
January 25th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I’m trying to interpret Heymen’s tweet. Is he suggesting the Yankees are willing to do that sum or is he suggesting even if Hal authorized it that they don’t think it would be accepted. Frankly, I’m trying to see how this helps Boras position.
Erica–just pretend that you would think about it.
**************
The fact they specify low base, makes me think there are incentives. I think Johnny would and should accept such deal.
But I am only pretending to think about it
*teams
I swear that was not a Fredian, errr GB7, slip
Honestly Erica,
I would start considering another MPB.
I know. It’s really difficult.
Valentines day is around the corner…
4 year anniversary just passed…
And Johnny was an amazing guy and you guys looked great together and I really thought it was gonna work but sometimes…you know.. just because you have this amazing pretend relationship, it doesn’t always mean wedding bells.
Besides, there’s always lots of pretend fish in the pretend sea.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was LOST but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see”
Johnny will come to terms with the Yankees on February 2nd.
“Joba or Hughes for Cruz? What are you people smoking? Give me some.”
Think it exemplifies the mentality of some fans – they dig the long-ball.
Doesn’t matter he has a career .321 OBP, doesn’t matter he’d cost them a Chamberlain or Hughes, he hits homers, so he MUST be much better than the in-house option.
Enough with the trade. The Yankees traded enough prospects this off-season. In fact they should stack up their farm system.
Bronx Jeers
January 25th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Honestly Erica,
I would start considering another MPB.
I know. It’s really difficult.
Valentines day is around the corner…
4 year anniversary just passed…
And Johnny was an amazing guy and you guys looked great together and I really thought it was gonna work but sometimes…you know.. just because you have this amazing pretend relationship, it doesn’t always mean wedding bells.
Besides, there’s always lots of pretend fish in the pretend sea.
***************
I’ll never let go!
Cruz would be a great addition for the offense as he has legit 30+ homer power and as a rh hitter would balance out all the lefties. He’s a good defensive outfielder and he can run-20 sbs- for a big man.
Having said that there is no way Texas could expect a Hughes or a Joba back in a trade for him and Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan know that.
Bronx Jeers, and Nick – very nice.
I just wrote some nice-ish things about the Red Sox. Don’t attack me too much!
It seems to me Damon should be able to agree to an incentive laden deal along the lines of, but at a lower cost than, Pettitte’s deal last year. In this way, he could see it as a typical deal for an older player rather than disrespect.
Mo is from another planet
I saw this in an article tonight but check out the link below that shows active pitchers HR/9IP…obviously crucial for a relief pitcher….Mo is basically from another planet at .49 home runs per every 9 ip…the next best is Brandon Webb at .62 …still a huge difference….then the rest of the mortals begin to weigh in at .71….Any decent pitcher for the most part is below 1 HR/ 9 ip…..the bad news: Vasquez is 82nd at 1.16 HRS per game sure to rise even higher at the new YS…>EWS
http://www.baseball-reference......tive.shtml
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