Postgame notes: The little things
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Jul 09, 2010 
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Alex Rodriguez did a lot of things right in tonight’s game. He had only one hit, and that was nothing more than a ground ball through the right side, but it drove in the game-winning runs. He scored only once, but that was the tying run setup by heads-up base running.
“Obviously great players do great things in big situations to win games,” Andy Pettitte said.
Taking third
In the eighth, Rodriguez drew a walk while the Seattle crowd literally dropped dollar bills from the second deck. They booed him throughout the game, but Rodriguez kept his head. With runners at first and second, Rodriguez alertly took third on a pitch in the dirt. It’s the only way Jorge Posada was able to drive in the tying run by grounding into a double play.
“It’s a big ballpark and runs are at a premium in this park,” Rodriguez said. “I knew that Sweeney was a changeup master. I was just looking for a ball in the dirt and somehow get to third base.”
Game-winning single
Rodriguez’s ninth-inning at-bat started with Mariners reliever David Aardsma throwing a fastball right by him. Rodriguez stepped back and made an instant adjustment, shortening his stroke to catch up to the ball.
“Self awareness is huge in this game and Alex understands himself as a hitter as well as anyone I’ve ever seen,” Joe Girardi said. “… He’s a complete player and he’s always been a complete player. He’s not just a hitter. He’s a complete player and he’s very smart, knows what he needs to do in given situations.”
• What more can you say about Andy Pettitte? Even he’s surprised by 11 wins at the all-star break. “It’s hard to think that you can do that, only because I’ve never had that great of a first half,” he said. “Everybody always talks about my second half and that’s in my head that you’re a second-half pitcher. I’m just thankful that I put together a good first half and I just want to keep going. Obviously the ultimate goal is winning another championship. That’s all I care about.”
• What happened on the throwing error in the sixth? “To tell you the truth I just panicked,” Pettitte said. “I know (Ichiro) is running. I know I’m slow. I just panicked. It’s terrible. I just grabbed it, turned and looked over there. I’m not even focusing on where I need to throw. I just kind of threw it over there into a group of people. I’m so thankful I was able to hold them to one run.”
• Pettitte said this was one of the few weeks when he worked on specific things in the bullpen. He wanted to iron out some mechanical things out of the windup and work on spotting his two-seamer down in the zone. He was happy with the progress of both.
• Great throw by Brett Gardner to get Ichiro at third base in the first inning. Might have completely changed the course of the game. “That’s a huge play, it’s an outstanding play for Gardy,” Girardi said. “For a guy that’s played mostly center in his career, he comes up and makes an extremely accurate throw on a great base runner.”
• A six-game winning streak ties a season-high for the Yankees.
• This was the fourth time Pettitte pitched at least eight innings this season. He’s thrown at least seven innings in seven of his past nine starts.
• Nick Swisher played like he still needed all-star votes. He was 4-for-4 with a walk and two doubles, including a huge two-base hit in the ninth. “This has never happened to me before,” he said after the game. “I’m just soaking it up. I’ve been all smiles all game long.”
• Mark Teixeira has now reached base safely in 29 straight games, the longest such streak by a Yankee this season, topping Derek Jeter’s 28-game streak.
• Swisher’s an all-star, and this was his 26th multi-hit game. How good has Robinson Cano been? Tonight was his 34th multi-hit game. That’s the third most in the majors behind Ichiro — of course — and the surprising National League all-star Martin Prado.
Associated Press photos of Rodriguez taking third base and Pettitte taking a throw from home plate.
Clutch-Rod. Great job all around tonight, runs were hard to come by.
Vblade,
Glad to see I’ve got another Nets fan in the house.
The way I see things right now is that we have 3 players on the roster with tremendous upside- Lopez, Williams, and Favors.
If two of those three become stars, which I think is possible considering Lopez is already really, really, really good, I think rebuilding this way rather than going the FA route is going to be a lot of fun.
Plus, we’ll have the perk of not having to deal with wild bandwagoners. That was the best thing about the Kidd trade. He was so unpopular at that point that when the Nets started winning even the converted Knick fans (and I knew plenty of them) were a little slow to catch on. You knew you were sitting next to people who were sitting through 26 win seasons right along with you.
# G-C July 9th, 2010 at 2:50 am
Vblade,
Glad to see I’ve got another Nets fan in the house.
The way I see things right now is that we have 3 players on the roster with tremendous upside- Lopez, Williams, and Favors.
If two of those three become stars, which I think is possible considering Lopez is already really, really, really good, I think rebuilding this way rather than going the FA route is going to be a lot of fun.
Plus, we’ll have the perk of not having to deal with wild bandwagoners. That was the best thing about the Kidd trade. He was so unpopular at that point that when the Nets started winning even the converted Knick fans (and I knew plenty of them) were a little slow to catch on. You knew you were sitting next to people who were sitting through 26 win seasons right along with you.
——————-
I think sitting through a 12 win season has gotta count for something lol.
Rebuilding is exasperating, but it’s sweeter when you didn’t have to hire mercenaries and take shortcuts to try and win a title. It’s teamwork first and individual talent second.
I think Lopez is legit, Harris is a serviceable, if unspectacular PG. Outlaw is a head scratcher to me really, but we’ll see how it goes.
Nets should keep wiggle room for one max contract in case an opportunity to acquire a CP3 or a Melo comes up.
Prokhorov released a statement of having multiple plans of attack to make the Nets relevant again. Considering he is a pro at business dealings, he’s got the cred to back it up.
12 win teams don’t become playoff teams overnight.
“Harris is a serviceable, if unspectacular PG”
Remember when he single handedly carried them to respectability and playoff contention in the first half of the season before last?
He was averaging 25 ppg into December. Insane.
I wonder if there’s any chance we can find that guy again under Avery.
# G-C July 9th, 2010 at 2:57 am
“Harris is a serviceable, if unspectacular PG”
Remember when he single handedly carried them to respectability and playoff contention in the first half of the season before last?
He was averaging 25 ppg into December. Insane.
I wonder if there’s any chance we can find that guy again under Avery.
———————–
It’s curious – he just doesn’t seem consistent enough. Like Cano, I hope a switch flicks on and he becomes the player that he can be – a 22-24 ppg speed PG in the Gilbert Arenas-type cloth.
We can hope.
Knicks will make the playoffs & not as a weak # 8 seed……..If Curry could ever get his act together ( drop 35 pounds ) The Knickerbockers could surprise many next season……..
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....Vdd02uuU1I
Yankees are about to get CLiff Lee
Carl,
LeWho?
Maybe Cash is in a big rush…deadline June 9, 10:00 pm EST.
Interesting how Montero is the expendable one. The talk about Romine must be real.
If we can sign Lee, and if we don’t have to face him tomorrow, then I like the deal.
m
Hell yeah I agree lol. Maybe we can face a bullpen by committee and have Lee start for us
How did you find the article? I just chkd traderumors and they don’t have it up yet. Please don’t tell me you chk Sherman first thing in the morning.
What do you think about Hughes to the bullpen? I’m okay with it, but I’d like to see him rack up some innings first. Get as close to his limit as possible so it’s not an issue next year.
# m July 9th, 2010 at 5:10 am
How did you find the article? I just chkd traderumors and they don’t have it up yet. Please don’t tell me you chk Sherman first thing in the morning.
What do you think about Hughes to the bullpen? I’m okay with it, but I’d like to see him rack up some innings first. Get as close to his limit as possible so it’s not an issue next year.
lol no. I heard it on wfan. I checked Joel Sherman’s twitter account and he had a link.
Carl, if the rumors are true. the Mariners can’t face Lee until next season since this is the last time the Yanks will face Seattle. hmm, I wonder if Hughes is really going to the pen.
http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/.....BcuIwvVUXN
Here is Joel’s take on the situation.
# Ed – July 9th, 2010 at 5:12 am
Carl, if the rumors are true. the Mariners can’t face Lee until next season since this is the last time the Yanks will face Seattle. hmm, I wonder if Hughes is really going to the pen.
If they could get it done before today’s start could he possibly put on a Yankee uniform and pitch for us? I don’t know If it’s possible.
Carl; I remember reading something about if a player is traded to an opposing team then he can’t pitch during the series. I remember last year when Garland was traded to the Dodgers during the D-Backs series, he can’t pitch in that series until the next series.
# Ed – July 9th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Carl; I remember reading something about if a player is traded to an opposing team then he can’t pitch during the series. I remember last year when Garland was traded to the Dodgers during the D-Backs series, he can’t pitch in that series until the next series.
Thanks.
CC Lee AJ Andy Javy and maybe the use Hughes like Mo in 96. Or Maybe they trade Javy. Wow.
today will be interesting from now to tonights game. lol.
Thanks for both links, Carl. Looks like another crazy day. And it’s not even Friday where I’m at!
Is that long lost Ed?
Anyone hear about Jayson Werth sleeping with Chase Utleys wife?
Mel, yep it’s me.
I don’t believe that trade for 1 sec
Cashman doesn’t operate like that. That is a leak from Seattle who desperately want to get the Yankees involved to start a bidding war.
honestly Cashman shouldn’t fix what’s not broken. the rotation had been awesome.
Good to see you, Ed. Were you busy with school?
This is the third time C-Money has tried to trade for Lee.
# Carl July 9th, 2010 at 5:26 am
Anyone hear about Jayson Werth sleeping with Chase Utleys wife?
===================================
Where digya hear that?
And it wouldn’t be unprecedented – see: http://www.slate.com/id/2111295
ok i change my mind…….
With 13 passballs maybe the Yankees don’t think Montero can stick at the position & if they can swing another deal with Vazquez to Philly to stick it to the Mets all the better
scroll down: here’s a sweet photo of the UTleys and Werths
http://www.phillychitchat.com/.....utley.html
LOL!
Evan I read it on a Phil’s blog. They claim a source is saying it is killing the clubhouse but who knows. I want a better source.
Jayson Werth is getting ripped for this though.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com.....89264.html
Why would the Yanks want to trade Javy?
Carl.
LOL!
Werth is a good looking guy, and baseball has a ton of groupies, yet he doesn’t have enough sense/discipline not to crap where he works.
Evan,
CC
Lee
Pettitte
Hughes
Burnett
Vazquez
Someone has to go…. and Vazquez is it
If the Yankees make this move I also think they know Pettitte is done after this year
Everyone, brace yourselves.
When we land Lee, every nerdy sportswriter in America will be SCREAMING.
JK:
Not at all.
Lee would simply replace Javy, who will become a free agent at the end of the season.
That’s the genius of Cash. Everyone will be busy ripping LeBron. And talking about how the T-wolves took Beastly off the heats hands.
If we land CLee by the weekend, then we’ll have NINE Yankees at the All-Star Game – hehe!
# JK July 9th, 2010 at 5:29 am
I don’t believe that trade for 1 sec
Cashman doesn’t operate like that. That is a leak from Seattle who desperately want to get the Yankees involved to start a bidding war.
========================================
The leak is probably coming from the Mets, who have been trying to land CLee. You know who the rest of the league loves to cry “we waz wobbed” to the press every time the Yanks add a star.
jayson werth = wwe wrestler Edge
Yankees could actually Flip Javy for Werth.
http://twitter.com/Buster_ESPN
Evan,
The only reason I changed my tune is because it’s supposedly almost done, which means Cash was working in secret on the deal with no leaks like he usually does.
Lets go Yanks . .lets show the Knicks how its done ! . . . Bang get Lee . .flip Vasquez for Werth ! . .
I wouldn’t want Werth for Javy, I want an athletic OF in the upper minors
Has Lee said he wants to hit free agency, or is he willing to negotiate this season for a contract.
If we give up one of Romine or Montero for a 3-4 month rental, that will be incredibly dumb.
Come on guys, this is in no, way, shape or form a rental. They’ll re-sign Cliff Lee, there’s not a prayer another team outbids us.
I am ESTATIC that Cliff Lee is nearly a Yankee.
Your going to see the Yankees making more of these type of deals….. They are going to have solid but not potential star players all over the league. Once their prospects reach the upper levels and show flaws or don’t have high ceilings they will get shipped out.
Yesterday there was a post on ESPN that said Lee and his agent tried to get an extension with the Mariners and were turned down. While that was in the beginning of the season, it seems like Lee would at least talk about a contract.
I could see this trade as happening, and I think it makes some sense.
Hughes is already getting a bit high in his innings and I don’t think the Yankees want to go down the same road with him as they did with Joba. The BP is a weakness now, Hughes could become a long man/spot starter, Lee and CC both go deep in a lot of games, as does Andy. AJ is a wildcard, and could get things going back on track. Javy has been pitching well of late, but I think the Yankees know that Lee is a stud.
Having 3 lefty starters in the rotation would be very good, and I also think Andy has let out some hints that this is it for him. The Yankees probably know more.
Trading for Lee means giving up a couple of players they know about, but next year’s draft is supposed to be pretty deep. Trading now means not having to give up draft picks, and they might just value that.
mlbnetwork radio is saying a third team may be involved. Maybe the original article had that in their…I’m so sleepy.
Carl,
Interesting stuff. If the Yankees did get Lee, they could either flip Javy or put Hughes in the bullpen where he excelled. That would make the Yankees almost unbeatable.
“Yesterday there was a post on ESPN that said Lee and his agent tried to get an extension with the Mariners and were turned down. While that was in the beginning of the season, it seems like Lee would at least talk about a contract.”
Which may be a reason the Yankees might be willing to act on this now. Seems to me Lee doesn’t care who pays him, so long as he’s getting paid. If he’s willing to discuss an extension with Seattle, it’s probably not a stretch to think he would be willing to discuss an extension with which ever team trades for his services. Certainly any team that ponies up high end prospects is going to make a run at him over the course of their 90 days or so of exclusive negotiating rights.
Good for LeBron going to Miami.
It seems all the criticisms about him being too egotistical or too selfish were off base.
It seems all the talk about LeBron wanting to create this transcendent basketball legacy was not correct.
LeBron James by deciding to go to Miami made sure the basketball part of his life remained what it really is about at its core.
A fun game.
He now gets to play with 2 of his best friends in the world on a nightly basis.
This decision was not about doing what was best for the NBA by reviving rivalries all over the East.
It wasn’t about becoming the King of a city.
It wasn’t about becoming an NBA legend.
It was about winning championships and playing a GAME with 2 of his best friends.
It was about what we all lived for on the playground as kids.
Winning and playing with our friends.
It was about, as he said repeatedly, HIM, not the city of Cleveland or the NBA or Nike, but HIM being happy.
Can you blame him?
Quite the development overnight….don’t know if I believe the Yankees would give Montero for Lee if so I think it means 2 things:
1. they are very confident that they can sign Lee in the offseason and have been assured of this.
2. They are really questioning whether Montero can stay behind the plate and see Romine as their replacement for Posada.
Will be interesting…I’m not sure how I feel about this one if its true.
Good morning all.
Again, I decided to sleep instead of watch the game from Seattle. Again, they were able to win without me!
(I did peek in and saw that Andy was doing a great job apparently, since it was scoreless in the 6th.)
ARod comes through and helps Andy get #11. Nice night for them both. Seems like an awful lot of guys got hits, but they had to pull this one out. Must have been a tough night on the Lohud.
I’m reading about this Lee trade rumor. My tummy is doing flip-flops about it. I’m surprised no one has a concern about Lee’s injury at the beginning of the year, though he’s certainly shown no problems over the course of the season. I’m not keen on “flipping” Javy Vazquez. I think dealing Montero is premature, but if they’re going to deal one of either him or Romine, for some reason, my gut tells me Montero is the one to let go.
In the end, I’m not sure I believe this rumor. Every year, these kinds of rumors pop up, and no deal comes to fruition. So, I’m a skeptic, I guess. But I can see, with Aceves pretty much lost on the season, and Hughes having innings limits and showing he may need them, and Mo feeling “cranky,” there is room for improvement to the pitching staff – a reordering, if you will, of their strength.
But I’d be just as okay if no deal happened. I think.
LGY:
Agree 100%
Blake:
I think #2 is true for sure. As for #1, I think they are concerned he might be willing to sign with anyone willing to pay him now rather than wait for free agency and don’t want to take the chance he’s not there this winter. If they make this deal, they’ll sign him.
2. They are really questioning whether Montero can stay behind the plate and see Romine as their replacement for Posada.
_______________________________________________________
I thought Montero has showed great improvement behind the plate?
The statement by the Cavs owner, while self serving for his fan base, kills his franchise.
No top end FA will go to Cleveland to play for that guy.
LeBron is very popular among his peers. Like Jeter in that way. Trashing him publicly isn’t smart.
I love how columnists now call LeBron “gutless”. All because he didn’t choose the team in his own city.
The guy left millions on the table and wants to play with his friends and gets killed for it.
Sometimes, logic and common sense escapes people when discussing sports.
LGY -
I’m not a basketball fan, and if not for this blog would not have really dealt with the LeBron situation at all (though my husband did put on the “show” last night, so I would have been exposed in that regard).
So, as an outsider looking in, I have two impressions. One, he had the right to do whatever he wanted for his career – he had no obligation to stay in Cleveland. Two, if I had the opportunity to play with people I liked and whose talent I respected and thought complemented my own, I’d take that opportunity.
However, the idea of the “show” was ridiculous and put undue extra attention on a situation that was already way overhyped. I mean, for 2 years people in NY were talking about “when LeBron joins the Knicks.” I think he should have simply issued a statement, cleanly written, that said he enjoyed his time in Cleveland, but given the opportunity to play in Miami with 2 of his best friends, he had to take that once-in-a-lifetime oportunity. Short and sweet and and simple. LeBron forgot, “KISS.”
Doreen,
I feel the same way. I do think Lee significantly increases the Yankees chances of both winning the divsion and the WS but I also think the Yankees have a very good chance at doing those things as currently constructed.
Montero is still just a prospect at this point but if that Miguel Cabrera type bat really is in there and he has that kind of upside then I would have reservations on parting with that to improve upon an already good chance of winning the title in 2010.
If they make the trade then either Hughes has to go to the bullpen at some point or they will need to move Javy (who is really pitching well now). Obviously the Yankees are much better informed on all of this than I am, we can only hope they make the right decision.
I do remember Sherman being pretty accurate in his information during the hot stove so we’ll see.
I’m all for this. Nobody knows what Jesus Montero will do for us years from now…but we KNOW what Cliff Lee can do. We’ve seen it first hand.
Lee/Sabathia/Burnett/Pettitte/Hughes…I’m all for that, even if that means giving up Montero. Hell, I’ll drive him to the airport
Doreen,
I seem to be in the minority with SJ and idk who else, but I LOVED ‘The Decision”
People take this sports at times way too seriously.
At the end of the day, all it is, is just entertainment.
And last night was the single most entertaining Free Agent announcement in history.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....e.yankees/
SI is in on it now. Not saying it’s a done deal but the trade could happen.
Lee had commented that he was wanting an extension with the Phillies but they never really engaged in talks. Couple that with him being open to extending with the Mariners and it sure seems like he wants to find a more permanent team to call home. I don’t think there would be a question of the Yankees giving him a contract that he would sign.
I also think it could hinge on Montero not being viewed quite the same as he had been. The Yankees might be focused on someone in the next draft that has them willing to trade now, and probably win a championship again, while keeping the draft picks.
I also think they know if Pettitte is ending his career this season’s end. This could all tie together toward going after Lee now rather than risk it.
SJ-
The ONLY thing I think LeBron was gutless about was not calling Gilbert personally BEFORE announcing his decison. Gilbert tried to do everything for this guy for 7 years and yes LeBron made Gilbert lots of money as a Cav he at least deserved to hear about this from LBJ rather than on national TV.
SJ44 -
Absolutely – what a really dumb thing for the Cavs owner to do. Short term relief in exchange for what?
But I think in the end, he did it to save face: make sure the fan anger was directed toward LeBron (though I’m not sure that was necessary, the fans are pretty upset) and perhaps avoid the questions of what he could have done differently to ensure LeBron stayed.
If the Lee trade goes thru, it tells us 3 things:
1. CC was doing recon work when he had dinner with Lee in NY. Once Cash knew Lee would be interested long term in NY, he got involved.
2. Gary Sanchez is for real. So much so, they feel comfortable dealing Montero. They know Romine is going to be a player. Feeling comfortable Sanchez can be special makes it easier to deal Montero.
3. He probably has another deal in place for a bat. If the reports are true about Werth’s extracurricular activities, it’s probably a good idea he gets out of Philly. Perhaps Javy for Werth can happen.
It also tells us one more thing. Don’t fall in love with prospects.
When the team mission statement is to win the World Series “every year”, every prospect is in play to achieve that quest.
Just the way it is with a big market club.
Acquiring Cliff Lee would be a wonderful acquisition. If one acquires one of the best pitchers in baseball, a spot will be found for him. I said a couple weeks ago, this can send Hughes back to the pen to keep his innings under control. I prefer trading Vazquez under these circumstances, but the Yankees may see Hughes as a fatigue candidate if he pitches many more innings.
It is also a strong possibility this is nothing more than an unfounded rumor.
I also noted yesterday Lee’s interview about being willing to discuss an extension after a trade to the Mariners. That seems to me to be Lee’s effort to tell teams, like the Yankees or the Yankees specifically, that if you trade for me we can cut a long term deal.
LGY, sorry, but LeBron came off as narcissistic by the show. If it was really about the “team and not him” then he would have announced it at the same time the other two did.
It was anti-climatic as everyone in the media knew already where he was going.
I was up early this AM when Evan Roberts bounded into WFAN where Mark Malusis was doing his show and I couldn’t believe it – I still don’t.
This makes absolutely no sense. The Yankees do not need Lee – though I admit I don’t love their rotation. I can only assume that Cash is worried about Phil’s performance and his innings limits; if he weren’t and this is true, then again – it makes no sense.
From this perspective, I absolutely hate the idea of a trade: obviously Phil would move back to the pen and that would be just a terrible move, for so many reasons. He’s a starter now – not a reliever; enough with the back and forth. Are the Yankees EVER going to want to develop him into the top of the rotation starter they think he can be? If so, then putting him in the pen is beyond stupid. He won’t use his secondary pitches, he will not learn how to get through lineups more than once (which he’s having a hard time doing now – after 3 innings, hes got an over 5 ERA) and he will never develop any stamina. In short, he’d be in the same position next year that he is now. At what point is Phil just going to be left alone to start? Ugh.
I didn’t like giving up Montero for Halladay and I don’t like it for Lee. Why? They can get Lee next year, though I admit it’s no guarantee. Does this mean they think Romine is the real deal?
I will say that I think Malusis went overboard when he said this trade would mean the Yankees are greedy as pigs…………
Its not obvious Phil would go back to the pen.
LGY,
I thought it was great television. I watched it and I didn’t care where he went. I also think it was probably one of these situations were a lot of people sat there disgusted but still were glued to their TVs.
That said, I don’t think Lebron comes off good from all of this. Despite the proceeds going to charity, the whole thing did seem very egotistical and self serving. Lebron isn’t a great speaker and isn’t very eloquent in an interview….he tends to talk about himself a lot (“I’ve done a lot for Cleveland”, “I’ve had a great career”, etc etc). I don’t know if thats ego or just poor wording on his part but it isnt very endearing to the listener.
Maybe I’m wrong but I think there will be backlash from “The Decision” and think it will hurt his brand more than helping it.
If the rumor is more than that, does this deal happen before the game tonight?
Gayle,
Completely agree LeBron definitely should have called Gilbert prior to the show.
I think people sometimes forget, LeBron is only 25. He’s been the man of his house since he was 12. In many ways, he’s just a kid.
In many ways, he reminds me of Arod at that age.
Not as fully formed yet as to handling situations like this?
The show? Probably over the top. However, in today’s social media, reality show world, this was the ultimate summer show. It had everything you want in a drama.
It is after all, entertainment. It’s not like we are looking to cure cancer here.
Its sports, its entertainment and if you take it for more than that then that’s your problem.
Maybe Dan Gilbert should have directed his “energy, focus, capital, knowledge and experience” towards winning a championship a little more when LeBron was actually there.
What a loser.
Trading Montero for Lee makes absolute sense. Top flight pitchers are extremely difficult to come by. Prospects who have questionable defensive skills behind the plate can be traded. This may well be there only chance to sign Lee as he could well sign with whomever he is traded to. For this deal, I too will drive Montero to the airport.
This makes absolutely no sense. The Yankees do not need Lee – though I admit I don’t love their rotation. I can only assume that Cash is worried about Phil’s performance and his innings limits; if he weren’t and this is true, then again – it makes no sense.
______________________________________________________________
Probably worried about not just Hughes innings but the Rays or Twins getting him.
Judging from Gilbert’s immature statement last night, I can see why LeBron didn’t call him.
He would have ruined to entire show with a temper tantrum contacting everyone in the media.
Maybe LeBron knows that loser Gilbert well.
I guess a way to look at the decision to air “The Decision,” is to say, well, the interest is there, why not capitalize on it? What charity are the proceeds going to, by the way? I didn’t hear much on that.
I think if the Yankees trade for Lee then it would be more likely that they move Javy than send Hughes back to the bullpen. That would allow them to possibly add the other pieces that they need and maybe do it without adding more payroll.
The Cavs owner was beyond insane yesterday – he’s just giving his fans what they want to hear instead of being the voice of reason. Would you want that guy running a franchise? No way………… His letter sounded like the ramblings of an out of control 5 year old. I don’t like how Lebron went about breaking up with Cleveland or playing the other teams for foools, but I don’t HATE him and he doesn’t deserve this stuff. He didn’t owe Cleveland anything……he EARNED the right to go through FA.
Everybody can use a Cliff Lee.
One injury, or a slump in your rotation at the wrong time, changes everything.
Makes it easier to manage Hughes’ innings and if they spin Javy off for a hitter, makes the Yankees a better team.
SJ —
No top end free agent has EVER chosen Cleveland and Gilbert’s rant won’t change that either way. I agree it was a childish unprofessional thing to do, however.
I think LeBron should have told Cleveland sooner in the process that he was leaving. Kind of classless to leave your hometown fans on the edge of their seats til the very last minute. They deserved better.
The Heat have the most talent of any team in the NBA, but they sorta remind me of the Philadelphia 76ers with George McGinnis, Dawkins, Lloyd Free, Doug Collins and Dr. J…. ton’s of talent but not a great mix. they had to dump some of that scoring and bring in role guys like Bobby Jones to become a great team.
If the three guys the Knicks got for Lee are healthy they will be a MUCH better team next year. And they still have a ton of money for Felton or Ridnour and/or some front court depth.
As for the Yanks and Cliff Lee. The guy is outstanding, but I’d be wary of giving up a bat with the potential of Montero’s. I assume they would move Hughes to the pen and that would make the Yanks overwhelming favorites to repeat.
Having three starting pitchers that are impending free agents would be a first
Trevor, if Cash is making the move out of fear of another team getting Lee, then he’s 1/2 the GM I thought he was.
Just make Phil a permanent reliever for pete’s sake……….the Yankees are always worried about something with him. He’s not even at 100 innings; skip him a few time and he’ll be fine. Then he can pitch in the playoffs with no restrictions because post-season innings don’t count.
Off to Cailfornia to see Pat M and take in the Futures Game.
Enjoy the weekend everybody.
“If the reports are true about Werth’s extracurricular activities, it’s probably a good idea he gets out of Philly.”
================================
Not to be ironic, but he’s got a scarlett letter on his chest, now.
the yanks may not warm to him in the locker room.
“They deserved better.”
———————————-
Why did they deserve better?
This is the same group of people who booed him off the court just a few months ago.
It is amazing how people treat athletes and then what they expect in return.
SJ have a great trip… hope Tony goes yard!
Cashman has always said that for special players you do things differently. Lee certainly falls into that category, I’d think. Another ace lefty in Yankee Stadium, how do you not try to get that?
I think the problem a lot of people have with this is the idea that they’d be giving up prospects when they could have Lee for money only in the off-season. I’m beginning to think that this is not a “written in stone” policy for the Yankees. The Santana situation throws people off. Perhaps the Yankees didn’t really want Santana all that badly and it wasn’t really about giving up prospects and money per se, but prospects and money for Johan specifically.
Carl, I can’t see them trading Javy……and a SJ has mentioned, Javy has a NTC.
I shouldn’t have to clarify this, but my rant on Phil has nothing to do with how I feel about him personally. I really think putting him in the pen would be a lousy idea.
I trust Cash – if he makes this move, it’s not out of panic – he doesn’t make panic moves.
I doubt they move Hughes back to the pen before he gets his innings in. Vazquez will go.
Betsy,
Javy has only a limited NTC. Can’t be traded out West.
SJ44 -
Enjoy your trip. Is Tony going to the festivities, even though he can’t play?
Getting Lee for Montero doesn’t bother me enough to say that it’s the wrong call.
You’ve got to look at all facts.
Pitchers control the game. Lee is one of the best in the game today. Montero is a prospect with a huge ceiling.
Would I do this trade with the facts I know? No.
But, getting Lee for Montero and Adams makes sense, if you’re afraid you won’t be able to land him next year.
If that is the case I’d do it.
I thought the Decision idea was horrible, but it doesn’t mean Lebron is a bad guy. He’s already taking a ton of grief in the media – I hope he doesn’t care about that. It’s annoying that he would talk about playing in MSG as if it was something he’d always wanted and then goes and does this……..it’s annoying that he planned this for years and made the other teams waste their time. It’s more than annoying, actually, but the overreaction is too much. I do think he didn’t the pressure of being “the man” in NY; if he did, he would have signed. However, he has the absolute right to do as he wished.
LGY, thanks for clarifying! I don’t know what Eastern teams would need Javy – the Yanks would never trade him to the Mets. The Phillies? I don’t see it.
with the advent of this report, one has to wonder which player is rated higher by the Yankees. Montero or Romine?
I don’t necessarily mean as a catcher, but rather the overall player.
additionally, would the Yankees actually prefer to move Montero instead of Romine, in a deal for Cliff Lee?
SJ44:
have fun. Be safe
I never understood why knicks fans thought LeBron was destined to choose new york. It’s been 10 years since the knicks had a winning season.
FWIW, Buster thinks Lee gets traded today.
If so, I think Javy gets traded to an NL team on the east coast thats in playoff contention….(Phillies, Mets, Reds?). That would allow Cashman to add the other pieces that he needs such as a bat and or bullpen arm and keep Hughes in the rotation.
SJ,
Enjoy the festivities!
Joelsherman1 Was able to confirm #Mariners would get at least 3 prospects and besides Montero, 2B David Adams is definitely in it for Lee #Yankees
You all know what’s going to happen, right? We’re going to get ourselves all worked up over this, those of us who are unsure are going to convince ourselves it’s a good move; we’re going to get all excited that the Yankees won’t have to face Lee tonight,b ecause Lee is going to be a Yankee, and then —-
The big announcement!
Lee is traded to the (Rangers, Twins, Mets, Rays)!!!!!
The Yanks may be concerned that another team like the Twins will get Lee and be able to lock him up long-term. I wouldn’t think the Twins would have the cash and we know Texas (another rumored trade partner) doesn’t as apparently they can’t even pay the bill for their caps and uniforms because of the financial situation down there…It would really hurt to give up Montero but Lee is a special pitcher and a lefty. Hard to pass that up if you have a shot….
Cash may feel that Lee will not be available in the off-season if he does not move now.
If Cliff Lee is available, the Yankees have to make that deal.
The dust will settle and they’ll be a better team.
Isn’t Adams the guy who is injured right now?
3 prospects for 1/2 a year? Montero? The prize of their farm? I don’t get it…………although it does speak volumes about their faith in Romine
Doreen-exactly. LOL
I’m not quite buying it yet.
Getting Lee for Montero doesn’t bother me enough to say that it’s the wrong call.
You’ve got to look at all facts.
Pitchers control the game. Lee is one of the best in the game today. Montero is a prospect with a huge ceiling.
Would I do this trade with the facts I know? No.
But, getting Lee for Montero and Adams makes sense, if you’re afraid you won’t be able to land him next year.
If that is the case I’d do it.
It’s a mathematical equation.
Montero 6 year of 30+ Homeruns, 30+ Doubles. 0.300+ avg. (all this speculation/unproved) prospect.
Lee (if signed to a 5 year contract) less than 3.50 ERA, 200+ innings 12+(yes, I said 12 not an automatic 15) wins a year and playoff experience (speculation but has a track record).
Both or none can get injured, but that’s the equation.
What do you think?
Could this mean the Yankees think very highly of…
Cervelli
Was able to confirm #Mariners would get at least 3 prospects and besides Montero, 2B David Adams is definitely in it for Lee #Yankees
Joel Sherman
So who is the other guy Nunez? I heard his name earlier in the week.
Or maybe Lebron Wade and Bosh will be the big 3?
Doreen, yes………….
Adams would be blocked by Cano anyway.
Lee is being traded to the Miami Heat…….
Who would the Yankees get back for Javy – say from the Phils? I don’t want to deal him for mediocre prospects.
blake July 9th, 2010 at 8:33 am
FWIW, Buster thinks Lee gets traded today
=================================
Where digya see that?
Betsy,
It’s not a half season. They will sign Lee to a long term deal eventually.
Doreen,
Still waiting to hear from MLB in that.
Joelsherman1 Buzz of 3d team for Lee, but that not what I’m here. But if #Yankees finalize this might have to do antoher trade of starter such as Vazquez
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....Vdd02uuU1I
Yankees on the verge of acquiring Cliff Lee
Why the heck are New Yorkers mad at LeBron? If your emotions and hopes were out of whack that is YOUR problem. I can see Cleveland, but NY and anyone else? Please, sit down.
Erin -
That’s a cryptic tweet if ever there was one.
After this I won’t post about LeBron again (or talk about him ever until he becomes a free agent again..) but I think the reason the owner and fans out there are so upset is really just because it seems as though LeBron, Wade, and Bosh have planned this for a long time and he still led them to believe it was possible he’d re-sign with the Cavs.
The guy has a right to play for who he wants, where he wants, and for however much money he wants.. but the fact that these guys have known their plan since the Olympics is probably what stings. That’s gotta be a big blow to the fanbase.
Do we have to trade Javy if we get Lee?? I’m always a fan of more pitching than less..
Betsy -
I have seen a rumor that Javy could go to Philly for Werth. I think Buster actually said that one.
I would hate to lose Montero but how can you pass up Lee? The dude is dominant and goes deep into games. With the way he, Andy and CC pitch, our bullpen weakness isn’t as glaring. Like you said, Romine must really be impressing them and they must not think Montero can stick at C.
Hughes will stay in the 5 spot and go to the pen for the playoffs.
LOL!
This attractive Yankee fan is having an orgasm over CLee
http://twitter.com/beeeebzy/status/18115198076
Could all be a ploy to have Lee held back from pitching tonight. LOL
Maybe if Brandon League is included and a window for an extension the trade of Montero would be more palatable to some. Excited but cautious! Certainly would not like to see the Rays or Sox strengthened for the 2nd half push.
I sort of enjoyed the show last night as the commentators asked Lebron all the right question. The East will be stronger, but I don’t think it guarentees multiple championships for Miami, especially now that they have to fill the roster with short term contracts with an impending lockout looming.
SJ44- Have a great time. Know it’s an exciting time for you and your family. Always enjoy the “inside” information that makes for good discussion on the blog.
Heard if trade is finalized today #Yankees will not start Lee tonight vs. #Mariners for sure, and may have gentlemen’s agreement not to start Lee against #Mariners all weekend to avoid embarrassing them
Well, it certainly sounds serious this time…
CLee is now one of the top 10 trending topics on Twitter, right behind LeBron and Lady GaGa
http://twitter.com/search?q=%23Yankees
Heyman is in on the Lee rumors now:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....?eref=sihp
If the Lee to NYY is true, IMO this would mean that the Yankees FO doesn’t really think that Jesus can stick behind the plate, as well as the fact that Fransico seems to be able to hold his own at this level and Romine should be ready when Jorge’s contract is up…never mind Sanchez coming down the road in the next few years.
It may not even mean they don’t think he can stick behind the plate as much as they believe they have better options deeper in the system..
The narrow mindedness of Cleveland owner/fans speaks volumes, about the franchise and fan base, toward Lebron.
Look at how Yankees fan reacted to Andy leaving and Roger’s retirement not happening. Yankees fan were saddened, but did the Yankees fans or Steinbrenner curse Andy/Roger? Did they burn jerseys in effigy, or wish he would get hurt?
After reading the letter in full on the huffingtonpost from the owner, I see ingratitude by ownership and the fan base. The guy just wants a ring, and did what was best in his eyes for himself.
Also St Louis sports host/writers are all of a sudden behind trading Pujols for a boatload of prospects, becase of fear of over paying him after 2012, at 32. They even mention bringing in Zambrano if you can imagine. Zambrano the hothead who fight with fellow teammates in the dugout duting games.
True…but one thing that the Yankees have done over the years is place a premium on getting offensive production from traditionally defensive positions.
This just may be one of the times that they really don’t think he can stay behind the plate and with Tex in the fold for the next half decade, getting Lee for Montero makes a ton of sense…
I can see why they would trade Montero. He has a huge bat but if they really think he cant stick at catcher they have no way to play him for the immediate future. He obviously cant play 1st for thenext 5 years. And he cant really be a full time DH because they’ll need that for Posada, Arod and jeter over the next couple of years. I would be OK with them trading him for Lee (as long as they lock Lee up). I just wish he was a couple of years younger. BTW, over the past few years, Joel Sherman has gotten the best info of any of the other NY writers. So this has some legs.
The Werth deal I’m not as high on. Again, he’s 31 and will be looking for a new deal. Cash has done a good job at getting younger at most positions. I’d rather not see another aging contract come on board.
You can’t compare baseball related things to this Lebron stuff.
Basketball is a different sport entirely. Lebron WAS the city. Pretty much everything revolved around him since the Indians and the Browns are horrendous teams. Lebron turned the Cavs from a last place team into a championship contender. And now he just sent them back into the dark ages.
“never mind Sanchez coming down the road in the next few years.”
If it’s as a catcher, it’s at least a few years. Right now he is a hitter learning to play catcher and he’s a got a ton of learning to do. He’s a man among boys with the bat down in the GCL, but he’s caught just 10 games, making 3 errors and allowing 9 passed balls. He’s thrown out only 5 of 25 basestealers, but that could be as much on the pitching as it is on him.
Moving Montero is an endorsement of Romine rather than Sanchez. They know Romine can be a big league catcher. They have no idea whether that’s true of Sanchez at this point.
Betsy how would you like it if they didn’t make this trade and Lee wound up on the mound against us in the playoffs? Do you like that scenario?
And stop talking about it being a half-season rental – you’ve got to believe Cash only makes this deal if Lee either signs an extension now or a behind-the-scenes agreement is in place that he’ll sign when the year is up.
Stop whining, it’s so irritating.
If anyone wants to see all twitters mlb/sports live as they pop up, go here. Yes Bryan Hoch has tweeted about the Yankees/Mariners rumor already.
http://www.mlb.com/hotstove
I’m not hot on the Montero for Lee deal. I love Lee, but Montero’s bat might be too huge to give up for an 31 year old pitcher. Here’s hoping he goes to another team.
Good morning.
“Derek Jeter said he knew James’ choice, but he wouldn’t reveal it.”
So Derek can be counted on LBJ’s fingers as one of the number of people who knew before the show?
Are the Mariners trying to light a fire under someones butt by selling the Yankees as being all in on Lee or is Cash really all in?
This has the feel to me of trying to get someone to hit the “buy now” button on e-bay rather than waiting for the auction to end.
CountryClub – Werth for Javy you do if they get Lee. Either they decide to keep him or it’s a rental and they get the draft picks they would have gotten for Javy. But they probably know all they need to know about Werth, since he is so close to Reggie. if it happens, you have to trust that they know what they are getting into.
The Cav fans and the owner were defintely over the top about it, but isn’t a part of that LeBron’s fault? The fans of the Cavs were classless, but then they booed him off the floor during the playoffs, so it not like that is anything new.
I couldn’t wait to turn off the “show”, and did so right after he announced what everyone expected, that he was going to the Heat. It was narcissistic of him to do that show, and it was very anti-climatic as the news was pretty much out there all day.
The talk about it taking till that morning to make up his mind was phony as it comes, and LeBron lost a lot of casual fans with the manner in which he did it last night.
I don’t blame him for wanting to play with his buddies, but please no “he took less to play there” garbage. The taxes and one single endorsement deal more than makes up for any lost income, plus the next contract he gets will give him that “lost income” anyway.
Time to spend our prospects for Cliff Lee. Having ANOTHER good lefy in Yankee Stadium for years to come (and after Andy retires) is very important. I hope this gets done. We have Romine & Sanchez, and the Yankees international scouts will go find another Montero. Thats their job. Montero may end up an all star but Lee can pitch for another 8 years in pinstripes.
Billy D…you may be right, but it just goes to show how much depth that Yankees have in the sytem at the catching position. In which there are a few more guys not even being talked about.
My only real problem with this move is if Jesus turns into the next Albert Puljos…now that is a big IF…
rj,
I know Werth is a good player. So I’m not against him being on the team. I just don’t want to see them give him a 5 yr / 65 mil deal. But you bring up a good point about them letting him walk. Is Werth definitely a Type A? If so, and the centerpiece of the deal really is Javy, I guess it would make more sense.
New Post- Report: Yankees close to trading for Cliff Lee
Personally, i think getting Lee now is a little overkill. I’d rather wait till 2011. I mean 3/5 starters are on the all star team.
In other news, Andy’s Dove Ads are out
There really are no words….
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play......d=10906542
Evan,
Buster was on mike and mike and said it.
Betsy,
I don’t think there is any way the yanks make this trade unless they are positive Lee would be a Yankee next year and beyond…in that way it wouldn’t be for 1/2 a season.
Again, is it totally necessary, or even a good idea, to get rid of Javy if we acquire Lee? Personally, I like the flexibility we have with CC, AJ, Andy, Lee, Javy, and Phil.
If we could get Werth straight up for Javy knowing we’re just renting him, I’d have to think it over, but I’m not even sure the Phillies make that deal. I feel like we could pick up a bat elsewhere, I’d rather have the pitching.
One person is not a team, ownership should have brought in help for Lebron to induce him to stay.
If Lebron WAS the only real player, he is within his rights to leave for a championship.
I saw Lebron on tv last night say, since he was 9 yrs old, he has won championships at every level, and he wants the championship at the NBA level. Shame on the ignorant ownership.
Good morning!
I wake up to this???
The Yankees must really be bearish on Montero sticking as a catcher, far more than I thought. Either that or they’re much higher on Romine’s all-around game than any of us thought. Cashman could easily acquire Lee using Romine in Montero’s place in the proposal.
It’s telling that Montero’s in the trade rather than Romine.
The front office certainly picked the right guy to keep out of Melky, Tabata, Jackson and Gardner.
They seem to know what they’re doing.
I do think Andy is retiring. Even without him, the budget shoots up with Lee according to RAB. If the Yankees want to add Werth or Crawford, the money isn’t there.
With CC, Lee, AJ and Hughes in next year’s rotation, Joba Chamberlain still has a shot to become a starter.
If the rumors are to be believed, and I hope they are, Lee as a Yankee is great news. I think Romaine is the Yankees catcher of the future, not Montero. Flip Javy to the Phillies for Werth, who’s worn out his welcome, and will be an FA. DH Swish, and have Werth as the LF. A stronger OF defense, more power in the line-up. Werth’s bat could help PU the Posada #’s, and extend the line-up. I’m a bit concerned about putting Hughes in the bullpen, how it would affect him as a starter. We don’t need another Joba situation happening with Phil. Next weekend against the Rays; CC, Lee & Andy, that starting 3 should make any team nervous.
Posada comes off the payroll after next season, which should be his last, unless he’s smart and retires after this year. I’m not sure Jorge wants to be a full time DH, PT catcher. That could, along with health issues, be the deciding factures for Jorge. The Yankees could trade Granderson during the off season, opening some money for Crawford. An OF of Crawford RF, Gardner CF and Werth LF would be assume!