Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 23, 2010 
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While most of the Yankees were asleep, Chan Ho Park announced that he would be joining their bullpen. The Yankees already have multiple long relief options, but the Yankees have been impressed by Park’s work as a reliever and saw him first hand in the World Series.
Long after Park’s South Korea press conference, A.J. Burnett threw his first bullpen session of the spring, and he threw it with Jorge Posada behind the plate. The two are committed to working together this season. The notebook also has items on Dave Robertson, Jesus Montero and Andy Pettitte.
Position player physicals begin at 7:30 this morning.
Also, if you’re interested in a nicely written, non-baseball story, check out Sam’s column on Frankie Scarfone.
It didn’t help that Jorge had to take it easy in ST and didn’t get a chance to work with AJ……That said, AJ still had his best performances during the regular season with Po behind the plate and still struggled at times with Molina. If Molina had returned, I’d like to think AJ and Po would still catch, but that’s neither here nor there now. They’re going to be fine.
Joelsherman1 A.Pettitte has a new partner in his 8am run (2 hours before actual workouts): Javier Vazquez #Yankees 22 minutes ago
So in looking at the Tigers signing of Damon you have to hand it to Dombrowski, he had a very good offseason.
What did he lose:
Granderson – tremendous player in the prime of his career with a reasonable contract
Ed Jackson – enigma. He had a very good first half of the season after having an average to subpar career
Polanco – a good veteran leader/clubhouse guy who has lost a step in the field and is probably on the tail end of his career.
What did he bring in:
Damon – Solid veteran leader who, offensively, will exceed the production of Polanco. May be a liability defensively in that big outfield.
Jackson – Good prospect who if nothing else should be able to roam CF
Scherzer – tremendous upside pitcher who is a very good replacement option for Edwin Jackson
Phil Coke and Dan Shlereth – Two live arms from the left side. One will probably make the rotation and the other will be a set up reliever for…
Jose Valverde – tremendous steal at the closer spot.
For a team that many experts thought would have to tear it down this winter due to the economy they did extremely well, possibly the third best off season of any AL team.
upstate kate
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:06 am
they were discussing the Tigers line up on the mlb channel. The expectation is that AJax will bat 1st and Damon will bat 2nd. They were saying it might be easier for AJax if he batted 9th and had JD bat lead off. Why? After the 1st time thru the line up, it would be the same, wouldn’t it?
———————–
Kate –
I think it’s a mental thing. There’s a lot more pressure associated with batting leadoff than batting in the 9 spot.
Yes, in practical terms it’s a minor issue but I can see where they’re coming from.
“OTOH, Cash said he wasn’t going to be a player with this year’s FAs because he wanted to be one in 2011, so he must see a way to make a splash even with their pre-existing contractual commitments.”
Rich, I honestly believe that when Cash talks about next year he includes Jeter, Rivera, and Pettitte as “FA.” Also, I think it is in his best interest to say that to (1) put it in guys like Crawford’s head to not sign long-term because the Yankees will be there to pay out the big bucks (so Cash keeps all his options open) and (2) drive the price up on Boston who figures to be big players next year with all the money coming off the books
I was just sitting here wondering how many games the 2010 Yankees could win if the “perfect storm” of events fell in to place.
Meaning: AJ finally puts it all together, Vazquez repeats 2009, Arod stays healthy, Tex is himself, Jeter repeats 2009, Granderson improves against lefties, CC is himself, Hughes/Joba take steps forward, Pettite is himself, Posada hangs in there another year, Cano turns into the beast he could be, Gardner opens eyes, Rivera is himself, etc etc.
Highly unlikely all that happens but the upside of this team is really fun to think about.
Chad-just wanted to let you know, you’re doing a great job with this blog! Thanks again for all the great information you’ve been posting.
As for the Khalil Greene stuff from the last thread:
1. I don’t feel sorry for Greene. I hope he can rebound from his illness and return to MLB, but that’s different than feeling sorry for him. There are many people who suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder who do not have the financial resources that Greene has to fall back on.
2. As for foolish comment that the Rangers aren’t upset by Greene’s decision to not report to spring training, well if they were unable to void his contract I’m sure they would be quite upset. As it is Greene was not slated to play a major role on the Rangers and so if they’re able to recoup the money they promised him and spend it elsewhere, well that’s the nature of the beast.
3. It’s easy for us to sit here and wonder how someone making millions of dollars to play baseball could have any issues. I mean we look at the lives pro athletes live and I don’t think that there’s anyone who isn’t a little jealous, but what we fail to remember is that for ball players they aren’t playing baseball, they are working. And unlike most of us their successes and failures are subject to public scrutiny. Imagine what it would be like if the media and public blogged about how you were doing at your job all the time…
“1. There will be a FA starting pitcher signed to a multi-year contract of over $15MM year next offseason. That pitcher could be your #2 or #3 starter.”
DaSaint,
I guess this is where you and I disagree on the issue. I think the Yankees really do not want to get locked into that much money for their front 3. Especially since Lee will be 32, Beckett 30 (and injury prone), and Webb 31 (also injury issues). Given how fragile pitchers can be having 3 starters making that much money is not the road I think the Yankees want to go down.
Blake -
I would say 90-95 wins would be about right.
That said, doesn’t matter how many wins they get in the regular season so long as they get 11 in the post season.
Chip, you think that if all that happens they are only winning 90-95 games? You’re right the only 11 that matter are in October but to me several of those things will have to fail to happen for them to win in that range.
The perfect storm for this team is well over 100 wins IMO.
Regarding the 2010 – 2011 FA class:
Here’s the problem with the Yankees sitting out the free agent pitchers – Javy and Andy are both free agents and if Joba isn’t the fifth starter this year then odds are he’s in the pen for good.
I can’t see the Yankees going with a rotation of CC, AJ, Hughes, and then two rookies. Also don’t forget, CC has the option of opting out of his contract the following winter.
Most likely scenario (IMO) as for next winter – and of course this is barring major injury or players signing contracts in season:
Yankees retain Jeter and Mo and add Lee and Crawford. Posada shifts to DH and Montero is the starting catcher.
At this point I think the Yankees are hoping that Montero’s bat will make up for any shortcomings he has behind the dish, along the same lines of a Mike Piazza.
Chip,
Once again you show yourself to be clueless.
Its not a foolish comment to say the Rangers aren’t upset. They aren’t.
You know why?
They knew the situation prior to signing him.
They knew his the state of his condition, talked to his doctors prior signing him, and knew there was a chance he would relapse.
In other words, they knew the risk and decided to take it to fill a need on the bench.
That’s why they are more saddened by the turn of events than upset.
Chip:
Dombrowski did okay. I liked his return for Granderson/E. Jackson. 4 guys who should all be contributors pretty quickly and who are cost controlled for awhile. Probably no stars in that bunch, though Scherzer has the goods to be an outstanding pitcher, but they’ll all be solid contributors, IMO.
Wouldn’t go so far as to call Valverde a steal, but if healthy, that’s a pretty decent bullpen. Damon’s a good add because they needed that top of the order guy. Also takes a lot of pressure off Jackson, who can now hit at the bottom of the order, which at the beginning of his career makes more sense.
All that said, there’s a lot of bad contracts on that team and Dombrowski’s the guy responsible for them. He’s got himself a pretty brutal defensive outfield. How about strength up the middle? How’s Laird, Everett and two rookies sound? Ain’t exactly Posada, Cano, Jeter, Granderson, is it? Speaking of the two rookies, Dombrowski has really left himself no outs if Jackson and Sizemore prove not ready for prime time. One or both of those guys don’t workout, they’re looking at Clete Thomas or Ramon Santiago. Guess $140M doesn’t buy what it used to.
Be interestig to see what Dombrowski does with next year. That’ll be the measure. With $50M-$60M in garbage coming off the books, he may have an opportunity to do some really good things.
Any word on the Cuban SS Prospect the Yanks are interested in? Or Rafael DePaula, the pitcher who the Yanks are supposedly interested in signing?
“Chip,
Once again you show yourself to be clueless.”
However, he sure does post alot.;)
Blake -
I have too much respect for the Red Sox, Orioles, Rays, Tigers, Mariners, Twins and Angels to pencil any American League team in for 100 wins. There’s just too much competition at the top.
And if you’re wondering why I put the O’s in there – it’s because I really like the revamp work they’ve done in Baltimore and I think they are going to be a pretty surprising team. Wouldn’t shock me if they finish third in the division.
Chip,
I am on the side of fully expecting Joba to be the #5 starter. I do hope the Yankees re-sign Javy though if he has a good year and can be had for a reasonable contract. I just do not want another AJ Burnett/John Lackey contract.
Signing both Lee AND Crawford adds a TON of money to the payroll. With those 2 guys and raises your looking at roughly 240 million if not more.
Also, I think it is much more likely Montero and Posada split C/DH. Expecting him to handle C full time in 2011 is really optimistic.
Montero is not going to be the starting catcher next year.
He isn’t going to be the starting catcher as long as Posada is catching.
Go back and see how the Yankees break in catchers.
They have a veteran guy starting with the younger player backing him up.
Much like it was with Girardi and Posada.
Jesus Montero is not going to be ready to catch 120 games next year as a rookie on a veteran team.
Its not the way the Yankees break in catchers and with Girardi as the manager, its not changing now.
The Yankees are waiting for the State Department to clear the Cuban SS so he can begin to receive bids.
Last week, they thought he would be cleared sometime this week.
It is even a tad optimistic to project Montero full time on the big league club in 2011. I love the guy as much as anyone else one here but the kid is 20 years old.
He may need more than 1 year at AAA especially if the Yankees want to make sure he can be a C.
And, even if he does take a step back in 2010, Montero is still an incredible prospect. He is 20 in AAA. That is crazy.
crazy in a good way of course
SJ – I know you can read and so it confuses me how you just completely fail to comprehend any posts other than those that agree with you.
Read my post again you twit. ” 2. As for foolish comment that the Rangers aren’t upset by Greene’s decision to not report to spring training, well if they were unable to void his contract I’m sure they would be quite upset. As it is Greene was not slated to play a major role on the Rangers and so if they’re able to recoup the money they promised him and spend it elsewhere, well that’s the nature of the beast.”
I did not say that the Rangers were angry at Greene, I said that IF the Rangers were unable to void Greene’s contract and pay 750k to a player who is not showing up then I’m sure they would be upset.
SJ,
I hope the Yankees sign that SS. People talk up Iglesias like he is the next great SS, but he Hechevverria bumped him Iglesias off SS in 2007 on the Cuban junior national team.
Also, I think it is much more likely Montero and Posada split C/DH. Expecting him to handle C full time in 2011 is really optimistic.
Oh, I’m sure Jorge will get at least 30 games behind the dish. It will be a three way split with Jorge, Montero and Cervelli…I just anticipate Montero (especially towards the end of the season) getting the lion’s share of the time behind the dish.
They don’t care about the money Chip. They went into it with both eyes open.
They knew it was a real possibility it wouldn’t work out.
The money is a tax write off. Inconsequential to the real issue at hand. Which is his illness.
Its the cost of doing business. The Rangers know that and that’s why they are very sympathetic to the situation.
Its not the way the Yankees break in catchers and with Girardi as the manager, its not changing now.
Darn, I knew I forgot to ask your permission before I posted my opinion. I’m so so sorry.
How about this; why don’t you go ahead and pretend that you’re some wired in expert and try desperately to convince a bunch of people you will never know outside of cyberworld how smart you are (as I’m sure the people who do actually know you have grown tired of your act) and I’ll continue to post my opinions as I see fit.
You think the Yankees are going to limit Posada to 30 games behind the plate and carry 3 catchers?
Are you serious? What evidence is there they are even contemplating such a foolish move?
How exactly do you expect this to happen since Posada has shown no signs of decline, Montero has yet to catch a single game in AAA, we don’t have any clue if Cervelli can handle the backup role this year, let alone next year?
Its not a beer league. They aren’t carrying 3 catchers and Posada, barring injury, is going to catch a lot more than 30 games next year.
LGY,
I too hope they sign him. I saw him play as a junior and he is a stud. He isn’t as good defensively as Iglesias.
However, he isn’t a bad defensive SS and a better all around player, IMO.
That would be an important signing for the Yankees. That’s one I hope they get done.
I am not crazy about the pitching market for next year. Lee is great, but at 33 I don’t want him signed to a long term deal. If he has a solid year, he’ll get his 4 years, but some team will go for the 5th or 6th year, and we can’t do that. Forget Webb & Beckett. With Burnett in the rotation you can’t have another highly paid injury risk. The best hope is that Joba or Hughes steps up this year, and can take over for Andy next year, if he chooses to retire. If Vasquez has a good year, maybe he comes back. Other than that, maybe a trade.
SJ44
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:11 am
They don’t care about the money Chip. They went into it with both eyes open.
They knew it was a real possibility it wouldn’t work out.
The money is a tax write off. Inconsequential to the real issue at hand. Which is his illness.
Its the cost of doing business. The Rangers know that and that’s why they are very sympathetic to the situation.
————————
You can’t be this dumb…you just can’t.
If the money was inconsequential to the Rangers then why would they bother to try and void the contract?
Of course they’re sympathetic to Greene’s situation – everyone is – however, baseball is a business and as such the Rangers will pat Greene on the shoulder with one hand and with the other they’ll tear up the check they wrote him.
There’s nothing wrong with that by the way.
SJ44,
I agree. And who would even think that Jorge would take that kind of benching in stride. He will always catch at least 100+ games, until his knees give out.
You can post whatever opinions you want. I’ve never said you can’t.
Just don’t get your panties in a wad when they are challenged.
You post that you believe Montero will the starting catcher next year and Posada will only catch 30 games and you expect that opinion to go unchallenged on a Yankees blog?
Nobody is telling you to not post opinions Chip. However, if you expect them to go unchallenged, you are in the wrong place.
You don’t have to be “wired into” the Yankees to see how they break in catchers. All you need are two eyes and the ability to go back and see how they have done it in the past.
That’s not hard to do. Try it sometime.
Give Montero a year in AAA, and then we’ll talk.
Are you serious? What evidence is there they are even contemplating such a foolish move?
1. Yankees have not tried Montero at any position other than catcher
2. Posada’s under contract for another season
3. The Yankees (as of this moment) will have an opening at DH next year.
4. Jorge will be what, 40 next year? You think it’s unreasonable to suspect that a 40 year old might need a little more time at DH than at the most taxing position on the field?
In any case, I really don’t care. There’s a lot that can happen between now and the start of the 2011 season…like the 2010 season.
BloggingBombers Teixeira, on whether NYY are the favorites: “We have to think that every year. … We’re the Yankees.” about 1 minute ago
You don’t have to be “wired into” the Yankees to see how they break in catchers. All you need are two eyes and the ability to go back and see how they have done it in the past.
Last time the Yankees had to break in a catcher was over a decade ago…and, if you remember, when the Yankees were breaking in Posada they had a catcher who was younger and far less injury prone than they will should they attempt to break in Montero at catcher next year.
The bottom line is that what they do with Montero next season will be determined by Jorge’s health and production this season as well as Montero’s progression this season.
If Montero lights up AAA while Jorge suffers another injury then the Yankees may opt to do one thing whereas if Jorge is healthy and productive and Montero stalls at AAA they may go a different way.
In any case, saying you “know” what the Yankees will do is not only arrogant, it’s ignorant.
1. Montero has been taking ground balls at first base everyday this spring. They would like him to stay at catcher but are hedging their bets. Meaning, they don’t see him as a 120 game catcher in the majors next year or he wouldn’t be taking ground balls at first base this spring.
2. Correct, Posada is under contract for another season. Meaning, he is the starting catcher. They aren’t paying him 13 million bucks to catch 30 games in 2011.
3. Nick Johnson has an option for next year. They may exercise it or go into the marketplace for another DH, depending on what happens this season.
4. No, its not unreasonable to expect him to catch less. To go from 100-110 games to 30 in one year? Not only unreasonable, its not happening, barring injury.
What’s more realistic is that Jorge catches 90+ games again next year and they hope Montero can catch 50+ games.
Jorge may be 40 but, he hasn’t been catching his entire life. That plays into the equation.
He also got to the majors later in his career and his body isn’t as beaten up as a lot of catchers nearing 40.
To expect him to only catch 30 games next year, unless he is hurt this season, is not only not reasonable, its not going to happen.
I’m thinking Jorge will break down big time this year. I think his shoulder is going to pop and his plate skills will go in steep decline.
Sam, beautiful story, beautifully written.
Ok Chip, whatever you say. Nice backtrack on the “Montero will be the starting catcher in 2011″. Well played.
This Jeter press conference about his contract is going to be the ultimate waste of airtime.
Can anyone remember a time Jeter hasn’t said the right thing to the media? Why would they expect him to give them a juicy quote now?
He’s going to say that he’s not worried about his contract status, not thinking about negotiations or what it would mean if the Yankees opt to go in a different direction next winter, and that his entire focus is on winning the world series and he’ll let the business side take care of itself.
I have to jump into the Posada/Montero debate, if you don’t mind, as both are amongst my spring favorite topics.
No way Posada isn’t catching majority of games in 2011 barring injury.
Look at all young stud catchers, most recently Posey and Wieters. They’re is alway a vet there at minimum to split time with.
Yankees will not be an exception to that.
IMO, I think Montero’s bat is going to get him up in 2010, to DH and C. I agree with the point made, that it may stunt his growth, but so did Joba in the pen in 2007 and Phil coming up at 20 yrs old.
May be crazy, but when/if a guy can hit/pitch at an MLB level, they almost alway get that opportunity, even if it mean hurting development to other parts of their game.
Is Arod in camp yet ???
One thing people seem to forget is that this is a blog, and none of us are GM or Manager of the Yankees. Therefor, before you read any post, understand that EVERYTHING is in the writers opinion. Anyone who makes a “guarantee” is either using the phrase for effect, or seriously deluded. One of the great things about this blog is that no one lets really any opinion go unchallenged, no matter how cogent or ridiculous.
On a side note, in my opinion, i get a sense that Chip and Omar Minaya would probably make many of the same calls, were they GM of the yanks.
As I read the piece on Greene, it sounded like the Rangers were first going to try to put him on some kind of inactive list that is not the DL. It didn’t exactly say they would void his contract, or try to, just that that is an option open to them.
And “upsetedness” has really nothing to do with any of this. They are probably concerned for Greene, but then they have to TCB in whatever way is best for their team going forward.
I read that all Yankee catchers take ground balls at first base early in ST…
Mike RI
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:39 am
Is Arod in camp yet ???
*************************
I’m sure he is, because I think they had to report pretty early this morning for their physicals.
I have to agree with Trisha, Sam. What a fantastic story about a truly special individual! Chip, thanks for pointing us over.
Is Arod in camp yet ???
**************
Mike,
I read that Alex is there and will address the media on Thursday.
1. Montero has been taking ground balls at first base everyday this spring. They would like him to stay at catcher but are hedging their bets. Meaning, they don’t see him as a 120 game catcher in the majors next year or he wouldn’t be taking ground balls at first base this spring.
Yes, it’s far more likely that the Yankees will move an all world defensive first baseman in his prime to DH to play Montero rather than a 40-year old catcher with a bum shoulder. That’s quite logical.
2. Correct, Posada is under contract for another season. Meaning, he is the starting catcher. They aren’t paying him 13 million bucks to catch 30 games in 2011.
The Yankees will do whatever they think is best to get the most production out of Jorge. If that means reducing his time behind the dish to keep his bat fresh then that’s what they’ll do.
3. Nick Johnson has an option for next year. They may exercise it or go into the marketplace for another DH, depending on what happens this season.
Yankees are likely going to spend big money on four players this winter: Jeter, Mo, and two from the group of Javy/Lee/Webb/Beckett/Crawford/Werth. That’s not to say they “won’t” sign other players, but the odds are strong that if Montero’s bat plays at AAA they are going to go that route instead of signing a DH.
He also got to the majors later in his career and his body isn’t as beaten up as a lot of catchers nearing 40
Did you sleep through the 2008 season?
I’m not sending Jorge off to the retirement village, but he’s an old guy with a lot of recent injuries – to assume he’s not going to decline as a result is silly.
Fran (the original) and OPPC member -
Cool . .Thanks Fran.
Arod is the man !!!
Joelsherman1 Best free-agt sign of offseason: YES Network hires Jack Curry as analyst/columnist
1 minutes ago via mobile web
I think it’s highly optimistic to think that Montero will catch 120+ games next year or even 100+. He would have to make huge leaps and bounds on defense for the Yankees to even consider it.
Posada is signed through 2011 right? Yeah he’s going to be the starter in 2011 again with 80-100 games caught (if healthy). I expect Montero to be the fulltime DH and occasional catcher and Cervelli to be the backup C.
So I’d say the breakdown would go like this:
Posada – starts at C 90 games, DH’s 60 games
Cervelli – starts at C 35 games
Montero – starts at C 35 games, DH’s 100 games
Right now I think that could be the plan but who knows what happens in 2010 to change that.
thanks Erin as well !!
thanks Erin as well !!
Buckner -
I never said Jorge was going anywhere – I anticipate that in 2011 Jorge, Cervelli, and Montero will all get time behind the dish.
My point is that given his age and the wear on his body, Jorge may remain most productive if he’s given more time at DH than at catcher – especially towards the second half of the season where it’s a lot hotter and there aren’t as many off days.
I also agree with you that Montero may see time in the majors this year.
If there’s an injury to Johnson and Montero is playing well in Scranton then it’s an obvious move for the Yankees to call him up and let him get some hacks.
I like Nick Johnson but it wouldn’t shock me for him to get Wally Pipped like that for Montero.
Mike RI
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:48 am
thanks Erin as well !!
********************
No problem, but my answer was just an assumption-Fran provided the real scoop
You are getting way ahead of yourself projecting Montero to catch any games for the Yanks in 2011.
The whole point of 2010 will be to see if he can do it.
Pat -
Is Curry replacing Kim Jones in the pre and post game?
If not, (I’m sure YES wouldn’t go this route) but I would be good with them using a three headed booth of Kay, Singleton and Curry for the majority of the games.
Kay can give the play-by-play, Singleton the player’s perspective and Curry a little behind the scenes look about what’s going on…sort of like when CBS has Mark Fiensand in during the 5th on radio broadcasts.
“Posada – starts at C 90 games, DH’s 60 games
Cervelli – starts at C 35 games
Montero – starts at C 35 games, DH’s 100 games”
Seems reasonable, Patrick.
Pat, that’s good news as Curry is a knowledgable baseball guy. However, I wonder how they plan to use him? As a guess on YES broadcasts of Yankee games
No problem, but my answer was just an assumption-Fran provided the real scoop
**************
Erin,
Actually Mark Feinsand did!
WYH stop ruining my dreams. Jesus Montero is going to be a better catcher than Joe Mauer
pat -
Is Curry going to be on-air? He made a good impression, I thought, when he did Hot Stove. Very camera-friendly.
I am glad he’s going to be around. Like his take on things.
Chip,
I’m assuming you are only playing ignorant on the internet. You can’t be this baseball ignorant.
You do know the Yankees offered Jesus Montero straight up for Roy Halladay in the off-season, don’t you?
Meaning, they will do whatever they see fit to make the parent team better.
They aren’t having Montero take ground balls at first base to unseat Texieira. They are doing it for FLEXIBILITY reasons.
If the kid can’t catch (I think he will be good enough to catch), he has value to other teams at other positions, IF the Yankees ever decided to move him.
Posada was hurt for ONE season. That’s not a trend. That’s ONE season.
You keep muddying your own argument. I never said Posada wouldn’t decline.
YOU said Montero will start 120 games next year and Posada will start 30. I disagreed with that and cited numerous reasons why its a silly notion to believe that.
You, as is your wont when your opinions are challenged, got upset and began changing the argument.
Just to be clear once and for all….
I agree Posada will decline at some point.
I agree he isn’t the catcher of the future.
I don’t agree he will only catch 30 games next year.
I don’t agree Jesus Montero will catch 120 games for the Yankees next year.
“I like Nick Johnson but it wouldn’t shock me for him to get Wally Pipped like that for Montero.”
It would all depend on an injury or total lack of production from NJ.
I couldn’t imagine the latter, but the former is possible. Short term injury, IDK if they’d make the roster move. Long term???
“You are getting way ahead of yourself projecting Montero to catch any games for the Yanks in 2011.
The whole point of 2010 will be to see if he can do it.”
Agree 100%, but the whole point of spring training blogging is making predictions, some a bit crazy.
Don’t read much into Jesus taking grounders. The Yanks have all their minor league catchers do this. The only reason it’s being reported about Jesus is because it’s Jesus.
Chip,
Thank you. I’m glad I’m not the only person willing to stand up to the PC crowd.
He signed a contract, he should honor it. Period.
I think best case scenerio we see Posada and Montero sharing the DH and C duties in 2011. Best case because thay will mean Montero progressed as a Catcher in 2010. They will give him every opportunity to stay there but its not a forgone conclusion. Hopefully he will end this debate with his play this year.
Don’t have any Curry info, just what the tweet said. I always read his NYT stuff because he usually wasn’t an over-reactor.
I would imagine a blog/column on the website would be a no- brainer.
He did on camera work on HotStove so maybe that role will be expanded.
Today is his first day so I’m sure it will work itself out.
BryanHoch Tex, Cano, Granderson, Swisher & N. Johnson among position players in yanks clubhouse 23 seconds ago reply
Cano sighting!!! I’m a happy girl
Irabu’s Son -
Do you not understand that Social Anxiety Disorder makes it impossible for him to do his job, i.e., honor his contract? What if they said he had cancer and had to have treatments for that and they had no idea when he could come back? Would you insist he play through chemo and radiation to honor his contract?
Would you feel differently if he wasn’t a baseball player?
Would you feel differently if he didn’t make so much money to begin with?
pat -
I went to the YES Network website – there was nothing up yet to announce this.
I’m going to check periodically.
Jack is going to be on the Pre and Post-Game shows offering insights and observations.
I believe he will also be doing some writing for YESNetwork.com at some point.
I don’t think he is replacing Kim Jones. He is just another voice added to the mix.
From Buster:
===============================
“. David Ortiz showed up in shape this year, as Dan Shaughnessy writes, and now the question is whether he can still hit for power. Ortiz is a really good guy, but for him to say that fans gave up on him too quickly. … Well, the questions about his production might not have come up if he had been in better physical condition at the outset of the season.
Ortiz has chosen to be selective about which pages he is turning, writes Steve Buckley.
2. Johnny Damon is moving on, writes Tyler Kepner. He took some swings at the Yankees, writes John Harper. What is always glossed over now by the Damon camp about the negotiations with the Yankees is that if Damon and Scott Boras had seriously engaged the team in talks right after the winter meetings, they probably could have negotiated a deal in the Bobby Abreu range of two years and $19 million. But for days Damon wouldn’t even take offers from the Yankees if they intended to cut his pay, which he finally admitted to reporters, as mentioned within the Harper piece. The revisionist history, that the Yankees were not interested in keeping him — published on behalf of the Boras camp — is simply untrue.
Damon and Boras blew this one, writes Bob Klapisch. Damon praised Mike Ilitch, writes John Lowe.
Today, Jim Leyland will talk with Carlos Guillen about his role with the team.
3. Manny says this is his last year with the Dodgers, as Dylan Hernandez writes. We’ll soon find out if this is just Manny being Manny, or merely the first act in Ramirez’s efforts to get a contract extension, something the Red Sox went through in 2008. Just a guess on the odds that Ramirez is in a Dodgers uniform on the last day of this season: 40-60.
4. Jorge Posada and A.J. Burnett are back working together.
5. The Yankees signed Chan Ho Park. This is a good case of bottom-feeding; earlier in the offseason, the Phillies offered Park a one-year, $3.25 million deal, and Park waited and waited for better deals to materialize. But that didn’t happen, and the Yankees have signed him for a base salary of $1.2 million, coming off a season in which he pitched pretty well. Park could be a fit for Yankee Stadium, says Katie Sharp of ESPN Stats & Information. She sent this along:
Chan Ho Park was excellent out of the bullpen last season with a 2.52 ERA, while holding batters to a .231 batting average. The key for Park last year was his ability to keep the ball in the park: He allowed zero home runs in 50 innings pitched as a reliever. His 50 IP were the second-most pitched by a reliever without giving up a homer last year.
Here are the others:
Peter Moylan: 73.0 IP
Chan Ho Park: 50.0 IP
Lance Broadway: 30.2 IP
So how will Park fare next year in the homer-friendly Yankee Stadium? According to ESPN.com’s Park Factors, the new Yankee Stadium had a park factor of 1.26 for home runs — which means it was 26 percent easier to hit homers at Yankee Stadium than at the other MLB ballparks — and it was the highest in the majors last year. Citizens Bank Park was essentially neutral for homers, with a home run-park factor of 1.00, which ranked 16th among MLB ballparks. Here are the highest park-factor stadiums for home runs:
Yankee Stadium: 1.26
Angel Stadium: 1.22
Rangers Ballpark: 1.19
U.S. Cellular Field: 1.19
Citizens Bank Park: 1.00 (ranked 16th)
http://insider.espn.go.com/esp.....ney_buster
please, lots of ST pix!
we have had snow for 4 out of the last 5 days, thats a SNOW rating of 80% for you saber guys.
At 5’2″ the snow banks at the end of the driveway are over my head, a SB rating of 1.10.
I have had to shovel paths for my dogs, they are tough little terriers, but the snow is way over their heads, a snow/dog rating of 2.5
news/pix of ST will help!!!
SJ, thanks for the info. I like that – I was sorry when he left the Times.
Doreen
I just looked there too.
It’s possible like most signings, the media scooped the official announcement.
Doreen,
Don’t bother. Sometimes, folks are just too ignorant to see reality.
Some people act as if Greene is trying to con somebody and this is all a big game. It isn’t.
They have no idea what Social Anxiety Disorder is and aren’t interesting in learning about it.
Its much easier to spout off on a blog and be ignorant than it is to do a little homework and see that its a very real and very traumatizing illness.
If Jesus tears up AAA like he tore it up last year in Tampa and Trenton then He will see a Sept. callup and catch a few games this year.
Best case scenario next season is;
Jesus catches about 50 games and DH’s about 90 games
Jorge catches about 80-85 games and DH’s about 50 games
‘Velli if he hits some this year and shows he can handle the bat some will catch 30-35 games
The other 20 games the DH is covered by one of the other guys ARod,Jeter,Tex,Grandy,Swish,Cano getting a half day off to rest some.
Of course Ortiz is a really good guy (cue eye rolling)……As long as the Yankees are moving on, it doesn’t matter what Damon says or does anymore. We have too good a team to think about what a player on another team thinks of us. Plus, there are interesting storylines in our camp that I would rather hear about than what Damon is doing in Tigerland.
i agree Kate. .i’d liked to see some more spring training pics myself
Frank
February 23rd, 2010 at 9:54 am
“Posada – starts at C 90 games, DH’s 60 games
Cervelli – starts at C 35 games
Montero – starts at C 35 games, DH’s 100 games”
Seems reasonable, Patrick.
****************************
Those 2 other games that the Yankees wouldn’t have a catcher playing will be WILD games…If i don’t watch any other games those 2 will be enough for the year!!
(joking)
upstate kate
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:19 am
please, lots of ST pix!
we have had snow for 4 out of the last 5 days, thats a SNOW rating of 80% for you saber guys.
At 5?2? the snow banks at the end of the driveway are over my head, a SB rating of 1.10.
I have had to shovel paths for my dogs, they are tough little terriers, but the snow is way over their heads, a snow/dog rating of 2.5
*******************
I blame the Groundhog for this sudden turn in snowy weather. Everything was fine this winter until the little creature saw its shadow. Now it snows.
Its pouring here and there is flooding everywhere. Its a little too warm for it to turn to snow, but thats supposed to change Thursday
Betsy,
Jack took a buyout from the Times. He kind of saw the handwriting on the wall and decided it was time to move on.
He will do well on YES. He’s very sourced in MLB and his observations are usually very solid.
He’s a good addition to the network.
“Don’t bother. Sometimes, folks are just too ignorant to see reality.”
SJ,
I think some of these anonymous jokers are just trying to jerk some chains around here with some of their silly comments.
“Jack took a buyout from the Times. He kind of saw the handwriting on the wall and decided it was time to move on.
He will do well on YES. He’s very sourced in MLB and his observations are usually very solid.
He’s a good addition to the network.”
I think he’s a good addition too without being too controversial with his opinions like Sherman or King.
Does that mean no more of Kim Jones? Or just less?
SJ, you mean that the Times was cutting back on its baseball coverage?
I definitely agree that he’ll do a good job. I’m sorry they lost Coney, but when someone wants to spend more time with their family, you can’t argue with that.
Irabu’s Son
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:05 am
Chip,
Thank you. I’m glad I’m not the only person willing to stand up to the PC crowd.
He signed a contract, he should honor it. Period.
———————–
Um, I wasn’t really agreeing with you either.
I do feel sympathy for Greene, not really pity since, as I said, I’m sure there are others out there dealing with similar problems who don’t have his financial resources.
That said I think that there were some here who thought that the Rangers were fine with Greene not showing up and that’s not true either.
The point I was making is that they are fine with Greene not showing up provided they are not obligated to pay him for this season.
It’s not like Texas is out their starting SS here – they are losing a guy who was slated to be a bench player, that’s easy enough to replace. But to think that the Rangers would have said, “You know what Khalil, don’t worry about the money, we’ll continue to pay you even if you don’t show up” is silly talk.
Of course the Rangers are going to support him, it’s the right thing to do. But if Greene or the union were to fight them in trying to void Greene’s contract I’m sure that support would fade rather quickly.
Betsy -
Agree. Gotta turn the page on Damon. I only wish players could find a way to make a smoother transition from team to team. You’d think since free agency has been around a long time that it could be handled without disparaging the team not chosen (or who didn’t choose you).
SJ44 -
Yeah, guess I’ll give up the ghost on this one.
Damon took the stance that the Yankees are the richest team in baseball and he just helped them win a WS so why should they cut his pay. That’s a reasonable way to think if you are an employee. If you work for a wealthy corporation and you know they can pay you and you do a good job then why should you expect a paycut. The difference is that in most jobs performance isn’t so tied to age and the Yankees didn’t want to be held up for more money than market value just because they can afford it.
Damon played hardball and lost..best of wishes to him but when some of those YS homers turn into long flyouts next year in Detroit he may wish he would have made a different decision.
Betsy,
No. The Times, like all newspapers, go to their veteran writers and suggest they “move on” for financial reasons.
Its not a good time to over 45 and be a sportswriter, or writer of any kind, in the newspaper business.
Those guys are prime candidates for buyouts.
Its the belt tightening times of the industry.
Erica,
I believe Jack’s role is separate from Kim’s. From what I understand, Kim will still be doing what she’s been doing for YES the past several years.
Craw,
Agreed.
I agree with Chip. The rangers could be the nicest guys in the world but they are not counting on Greene to even play this season, which means there is going to be a certain element of “Damn, that move didnt work out did it?” Its just human nature. Some of them are probably miffed.
“SJ, you mean that the Times was cutting back on its baseball coverage?”
Betsy,
Jack got too expensive for the Times with his 25 or so years of service so they replaced him with a younger writer.
“Do you feel bad for Tiger Woods? Of course not. But perhaps he has a true addiction and we don’t know what it’s like.”
While you make an excellent point with the above comment, you fail to realize that no matter how much money a person’s got, that does not stop them from having problems (i.e. mental).
Sure, he is in a better position to treat the illness, but why should he have that held against him?
As for the Rangers being upset with him, I am sure there is at least one member of the organization that is unfortunately like Irabu’s son, but organizations generally realize that the health and well-being of people is more important.
New Post: Looking for more of the same
New post
Doreen
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:13 am
Irabu’s Son -
Do you not understand that Social Anxiety Disorder makes it impossible for him to do his job, i.e., honor his contract? What if they said he had cancer and had to have treatments for that and they had no idea when he could come back? Would you insist he play through chemo and radiation to honor his contract?
Would you feel differently if he wasn’t a baseball player?
Would you feel differently if he didn’t make so much money to begin with?
———————-
I think we have to draw a clear line between feeling sympathy and feeling pity.
I sympathize with what Greene is going through, much as I sympathized with what Tiger’s wife is going through – I don’t know that I pity either one of them.
I also completely disagree with the notion that the Rangers are unconditionally behind Greene.
They support him, they hope he makes it back, but they are sure as heck going to do whatever they can to ensure that they don’t have to pay him this year. And that’s the right move for them to make. SJ was right when he said that the Rangers went into this with their eyes wide open knowing that Greene may not play for them, but he’s off what’s left of his rocker if he thinks that Texas is just going to hand him his money and call it a day.
ann curry is going to YES?
Well well, so Damon’s true colors come out now. He goes from saying the Yankees were the best franchise he ever worked for, to they wouldn’t pay me what I wanted, so I took a lesser offer and they did me wrong.
Damon when you were a Yankee, you were paid in full for what you did. You were brought here as an CF, for premium pay. You were moved to LF because of your declining defense, and yet still paid at premium pay. A mercenary (hired gun) is what you don’t want to be called (as per NY Daily News) but admit in the article, at the end of every one of your contracts, you’re on another team, and money is the reason, you wanted more.
Damon, Cashman never trashed talk you. You played for a classy organization, act like you learned something while with the team!
I personally don’t wish you any ill will, but you made a stupid move leaving a stadium, this late in your career, that was made for your swing.
~All the best to you Damon .
Chip, what other provisions are in Greene’s contract? You appear to have read it…
Chip–Not to be sympathetic to Greene, who suffers from an emotional disorder, is rather hard hearted. Did you skip the line for empathy? Your attidude towards others on this board is consistent with lack of feelings for others.
I am Taiwaness, I care the yankey news every day in last 2 years ,the yankee is my nation team, evan thouth Wang not in now , the nyy is my lover, but I hear about the park in , I hate it ,I don’t like korean, I will leave nyy forever, this is csshman dicision and this is my dicision