Yankees reportedly close to acquiring Berkman
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jul 30, 2010 
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It was pretty much during Joe Girardi’s pregame media session that reports started buzzing that the Yankees might be close to trading for Lance Berkman to fill the wide open designated hitter position.
“We’ve used it to rotate our guys and try to keep our guys fresh, but if we have an everyday guy, we have an everyday guy,” Girardi said. “I can’t tell you what’s going to happen, but it has helped giving Alex a half day, and Jeet a half day, and Tex, and Swish. But if you get an everyday guy that can swing it, that could help our club.”
Multiple outlets are reporting that the Yankees are working to trade for Berkman. It would essentially be a salary dump for the Astros, with Ken Davidoff reporting that Houston will be getting “non-prospect minor leaguers.” What that means, I’m not sure. It obviously means no Jesus Montero or Austin Romine, but I’m not sure how far down the list you have to go before reaching non-prospect territory.
“I probably wouldn’t share with you my wish list because then other team’s demands would probably go up,” Girardi said. “But however we can improve our club, I’m all for it.”
very nice move !
Retweeted.
RT
He seems to be a pretty good hitter. Sounds like a good move for the Yanks.
SJ,
Sorry, I hope I didn’t mess up the equilibrium on the blog
Laura,
You can’t completely tap out your budget before the season starts. You need to leave money there for the deadline to make changes if necessary and in case of injuries. Also, you can’t continually play Boras’ games or you will get fleeced on much more money in the future.
Bret,
NYYrumors sending out real info?
You’re coming perilously close to losing me as a follower.
Is anyone else tired of Joe Maddon? First he’s got scrubs taking out Yankees during spring games; intentionally walks Tex so Carlos Pena can get the hr crown and now he’s saying Alex’s HRs are tainted by steroids…hey Joe, before talking about roids on other teams maybe ask Pena how he went from scrub to allstar overnight.
If a Berkman deal is done, he won’t get to Tampa until tomorrow. Houston is playing at home vs. Milwaukee.
If they’re really giving up a couple of non prospects, there’s no downside to this.
Im confused!?? I thought Mr. “Craig Hansen is the best closer ever” said that we were getting Dunn? He’s never wrong. All I can think of is that we will have 3(4 with swisher) and 2 dh’s come tomorrow.
I’ll wait until it’s done before I react; I learned the hard way with the Lee deal never to count your chickies before they hatch.
Someone mentioned that Phil did not fly to Tampa ahead of the team – this is probably my last post on the guy tonight, so I will just say that that makes no sense.
As to why a bat and not an arm? Well you can’t force teams to trade with you and obviously the Yankees believe teams’ asking prices are way too high; in that case, I’d much rather Cash do nothing than make a dumb trade. Why they don’t trust Robertson, but they trusted Joba, is beyond me. I don’t think he’s bulletproof to be sure, but at least give him a try. Maybe Alby can help us as well…….
Bronx Jeers,
I have to blur the lines!
I’ve retweeted every Yankee rumor from Rosenthal, Heyman
Damon had his chance in the off season, so lets move on please.
Enough already with these few questions survey. I registered, doesn’t that give me a pass on getting to my favorite website———————————-
Oh and here come the Rangers once again to swoop in and beat us to it, spending other people’s money!
Side note…I guess with the Wilson Ramos addition Bryce Harper will be moving to the OF.
“Also, you can’t continually play Boras’ games or you will get fleeced on much more money in the future.”
And they didn’t play Boras’ game. That’s why Damon had to go to them personally asking for a deal. Don’t get me wrong, LGY. Damon’s original demands were ridiculous and sad. Cash was right not to play into that. However, after Damon found absolutely no takers and came back begging (much like Alex did), he should have found the money. I know, I know – Nick Johnson was already signed. But really, did they think NJ was going to stay healthy all season long? He didn’t even stay healthy for 2 months.
Johnson/Berkman give the Yanks what Damon would not have, flexibility beyond one year, and less risk of being saddled with an aging/underperforming player in years 2/3.
# luis July 30th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Damon had his chance in the off season, so lets move on please.
——————————————————-
OK
So what does this mean for Nick Johnson when he comes back?
Do they release him? Do they try and turn him into a OF? Does he become a pinch hitter in the WS?
Boramir… Faramir… jackamir?
Lance Berkman
Positions: 1B-637, LF-533, OF-266, RF-264, CF-166, DH-11
-baseballcube
i would welcome this move.
berkman is a vet. can hit from both sides, play 1st base if needed and has some power.
despite his horrible numbers vs lefties, who cares.
we have Thames to play vs lefty starters.
Johnson………..lets not bring him into this,that was a waste move period.
Miranda not in the lineup must be in the trade.
Melk Man July 30th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I think the move to get berkman means that johnson is done for the season
“Why they don’t trust Robertson, but they trusted Joba, is beyond me.”
They keep bringing in Robertson with men on base in close games.
You’re misinterpreting the 8th inning thing and creating a strawman from the “trust” factor.
Besides Rivera, Robertson has been the reliever they’ve most leaned on the last month.
This should be clear.
NJ won’t be back until September when the rosters expand if he comes back then.
Chip-
I don’t like Maddon either. I love to watch him squirm.
The Berkman deal looks good as long as we didn’t have to give up much in the way of prospects.
Looks more a salary dump.
Maybe he will find new life coming to NY and with a chance for a ring.
Will that loser Maddon who thinks he’s a genius allow his pitchers to pitch to Arod? Or will they hit/walk him.
“So what does this mean for Nick Johnson when he comes back?”
News flash – Johnson isn’t coming back. Every time Girardi is asked about NJ, he says that he doesn’t know when or if he’s coming back. They wouldn’t be doing this Berkman deal if they thought that NJ was coming back.
No. 17 is an available uniform number.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/....._id=204020
Bryce Harper was always going to be an OF.
The Nats told him that when they drafted him.
Crawdaddy July 30th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Miranda not in the lineup must be in the trade.
—
Possible, but Joe may have just preferred Curtis. Miranda doesn’t really have a place and he’s not a big chip so it wouldn’t bother me.
So what does this mean for Nick Johnson when he comes back?
Do they release him? Do they try and turn him into a OF? Does he become a pinch hitter in the WS?
========================================================
Nick Johnson in the outfield?????? Are you kidding????? He’d get hurt jogging out to the outfield in the first inning.
“However, after Damon found absolutely no takers and came back begging (much like Alex did), he should have found the money.”
I think Brian Cashman was smart enough to know they didn’t need Damon, even given Johnson’s history, and being the Yankees are currently 65-36, Brian Cashman was has been proven right.
I hope that rumor about Hoffman is just that – a rumor. He was never good in a big spot in his salad days and now that his salad is wilted, I sure don’t want him.
NJ will never stay off the DL
I’d be more excited about this deal if it was 5 years ago. lol
He’s a shell of his former self.
Still, not a bad move I guess if you’re not giving up anyone of any real worth.
Lance Berkman? Ugh. I want no part of this.
I was on radio silence on the Matsui/Damon thing for a long time. This Berkman thing just got me riled up again. I’m going back on radio silence effectively immediately. Please hold your applause.
Bryce Harper…..he’s years away from the majors, no?
“I think Brian Cashman was smart enough to know they didn’t need Damon, even given Johnson’s history, and being the Yankees are currently 65-36, Brian Cashman was has been proven right.”
Last comment – I promise. stuckey, it doesn’t matter that we are in 1st place. Cash knows we’re in first place, yet he feels the need to make this deal. What does that tell you?
berkman would be an upgrade over Miranda at this point.
a proven veteran and another switch hitter.
The reason Robertson is not the designated “EIG” is probably because Girardi doesn’t want to limit himself to that, when he sees his best use of Robertson as a “fireman” to come in and get out of jams, which most times, are higher leverage than pitching an 8th inning with no one on base.
I’m sure Robertson will pitch in the 8th, but Joe probably wants the option of using him when he feels the situation calls for it (i.e runners on base in the 7th), which is not always the 8th inning.
will he be a type a free agent?
Game starts in an hour. Goin to chic fil a for a spicy chicken sandwhich eat that on the way to checkers for a big spicy triple bacon burger. Can’t take it any more.
ed_price As others have said, #Yankees trade for Lance Berkman is “moving pretty rapidly” and “on its way.”
whats Berkman’s (Big Poodle) HR call going to be
It tells you that we lost our regular DH. That’s why you save some money for the rtrade line
Just read Sherman’s piece………….he sure is down on Berkman. On the other hand, I love what the Yankees are doing here (if he’s correct)
LGY
I think the chances that the void in the estate tax law saves them zero money are rather remote.
Robertson has pitched in more high leverage situations than any relief pitcher on the team, including Mo, so far this year.
If that doesn’t show confidence in him, I don’t know what does.
They can’t announce the Berkman deal now because of the 24 hour rule for 10 and 5 players, of which Berkman is.
He’s not changing his mind and it will be announced tomorrow.
joeman July 30th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
whats Berkman’s (Big Poodle) HR call going to be
—
Elvis has left the building!
OK Phil. It’s the usual deal again tonite.
You do your part and I’ll do mine.
Gimme a shutout or something extraordinary and I’ll do the same.
Bryce Harper might go back to college
“Last comment – I promise. stuckey, it doesn’t matter that we are in 1st place. Cash knows we’re in first place, yet he feels the need to make this deal. What does that tell you?”
Let’s find out what the deal is before we judge it.
But to answer your question proactively. Smart GM’s tool for the season in Nov-Feb and then tool for the postseason in July/Aug.
And I genuinely think you fail to consider Damon might have simply displeased the team with his stance, which factored in in addition to concerns about this production, which have been justified
You’re argument about the Yanks letting bygones be bygones and allowing him to comeback in dependent on the premise he was/is indispensible, which I think anyone would have a very difficult time making.
Berkman is only 34 years old. It’s not like he is 39 and an old man. Since it’s only $ it’s a deal worth doing. He can’t be worse than Miranda or Thames at DH. Also those 2 would never hit post season pitching.
BloggingBombers Berkman deal isn’t done yet, as Yankees & Astros are still working out who will pay what of the $7M he’s owed. But it’s close, source said.
eh don’t want to get too involved in this debacle again but I have to drop one comment.
Given the fact that NJ went 167 388 2 8 and is essentially gone for the year I’d say that Cashman has been proven wrong, especially considering that he is now in the hunt for a bat.
This is the one I was calling for a couple months. Hope it works out, especially without giving up good prospects. Another switch-hitter for Yanks. Could work out pretty decent and even beyond this year. Let’s hope for the best. With him, we won’t need NJ or Thames. Looks like Colin can handle Thames spot. Just have to write of NJ.
Poor guy, always pulled for him, just injury prone to the max. Now, maybe a reliever if possible. If not, Robertson and Albie( call up ) might do the job, along with Logan, Marte. * If healthy.
Maybe even Joba get’s it a little right down the stretch.
http://twitter.com/alysonfooter
Quote:
Berkman said no matter what happens, he wants the option to come back to Astros next year. So a requirement if he was traded would be for the new team to NOT pick up his option. He’s the anti-Oswalt.
Berkman: “No matter what happens Houston is my home first and foremost.”
SJ,
which prospects or non prospects do you think we are giving up? Miranda?? I think he deserves a shot somewhere else. I wouldn’t like Nova or adams to be traded though
# jacksquat July 30th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
joeman July 30th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
whats Berkman’s (Big Poodle) HR call going to be
—
Elvis has left the building!
———
Don’t worry about it, he won’t hit any while here.
Inserting Berkman in the DH spot gives the Yankee lineup some serious spiritual depth.
Luckily the Yanks have Arod and Jeter to even things out a bit.
SJ, I made that comment because if they trusted Robertson, why are they out there looking for an EIG?
MTU
I think he finds himself thanks to the short porch
Berkman is not a “shell” of his former self. He’s still a very good hitter, whose been red hot as of late.
A .372 OBP in a lineup with no protection is not someone who is a “shell” of himself.
good trade. 2 month rental for a aging former stud who can still play. he is also a switch hitter.
do not give up any of the upside youngsters and move on.
good move cash…
I’m impressed with Cashman.
His goal seems to be to add a bat and a bullpen arm.
If Berkman’s quality as a hitter is any indication, I’m excited about Cash’s plan for a reliever.
Could be Marshall, Marmol, Nunez or dare i say…
https://twitter.com/FrankiePiliere
Quote:
Hearing similar names that have been floated in previous Yankee trade talks – Nova, David Adams mentioned to Houston. Nothing solid yet
**
This would be beyond dumb
“And I genuinely think you fail to consider Damon might have simply displeased the team with his stance, which factored in in addition to concerns about this production, which have been justified ”
I’m on radio silence so I can’t write my response to this, which would have been that Damon’s numbers in DET are not what they would have been if he were still playing with us.
But I’m on radio silence, so I can’t really say that.
If Berkman can’t leave the Astros for 24 hours then he won’t be in the lineup until Sunday.
Bronx,
Arod is into Kabbalah, no?
“I’d say that Cashman has been proven wrong”
So “167 388 2 8″ trumps 65-36?
I guess I fail to understand TEAM sports. I though team achievement was key.
Back to school for me I guess.
THE TRUTH July 30th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Injuries are hard to predict at the get go, it could have been someone else, so the move was bad but the way they handle both matsui and damon was right on the money
Chip-
They are working out the prospects vs. amount of money angle as we speak.
I also like the fact that he is a switch hitter. More options for Joe.
I agree with you about the value of the short porch but Berkman is really more of a line drive gap type hitter.
He will put up a quality at bats.
Might even surprise some people.
BloggingBombers Berkman would be owed roughly $5M for the rest of 2010. He has a team option for $15M next year with a $2M buyout, so it’s $7M guaranteed.
Joelsherman1 Deal is completed, Berkman consented to waive no-trade rights, just have to wait 24 hrs for the technicality #Yankees, #Astros
Rconn23-
The thing that stands out to me about Berkman is his .obp percentage as well. It can’t hurt to drop a .372 obp into this line up.
That said, I would still prefer a bat.
http://twitter.com/Joelsherman1
Quote:
Deal is completed, Berkman consented to waive no-trade rights, just have to wait 24 hrs for the technicality.
I really like the move .. Berkman can rake . I know the numbers are down .. but i truley believe a change of scenery will do him good !. Plus by all acounts we aren’t giving up much.
Done deal. I wonder if Berkman plays tonight?
” I made that comment because if they trusted Robertson, why are they out there looking for an EIG?”
Who says they are? They are looking (like they do EVERY year) for a bullpen arm.
The “EIG” thing is entirely fan speculation.
# Bret The Hitman July 30th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Bronx,
Arod is into Kabbalah, no?
—————————————–
I’m not sure. How old is she?
I thought Berkman retired last year. I must be getting my Killer B’s mixed up.
Seems like an expensive addition with remaining salary + $2m buyout, but otherwise looks like a solid move.
Another trade deadline has almost come to pass, and another move to bring in help for his guys. Nice.
If they couldn’t get Dunn, I’d rather they didn’t take Bergman. Was not impressed with him in games I watched him play in. I’d rather see the DH spot open for guys to get a 1/2 day off. We may wind up needing that spot for Posada if his knee keeps acting up. Oh well, what do we know – Cash is the GM, we’re just fans with wish lists.
I’m looking forward to the complaints on here when Berkman stinks against lefties like he’s been doing all year. And those were NL lefties.
How do we know whether or not it’s a good trade until we know what they gave up?
Berkman is a tough out with playoff experience. He’ll make the lineup more circular. The Yankees offense has always been most consistent when there’s steady pressure 1-9.
Onto the bullpen!
# SJ44 July 30th, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Bryce Harper was always going to be an OF.
The Nats told him that when they drafted him.
—————————————————————————–
You’re probably right, although he can play several places with very good speed, arm, and of course power. This kid wants to play pro as soon as possible. I know he has Boras as agent.
I know him well here in Nv. He hit 31 hr’s and had 98 rbi’s in juco this year. 17 yrs. old. Bit of an ego. ( who wouldn’t have, I guess ) Wooden bat was used during season.
As long as Montero, Romine, and Nova aren’t included (and they wont be), I love this deal.
A Dunn trade would be costly beyond the dollars owed him.
Maybe the just send pitcher Lance Pendleton and Carmen Angelini to Houston.
How would you like to be the guy traded? Yikes. Walking around with the “Non-Prospect” label on your back.
Woops I mean Nunez not Nova. Thought I would like to keep Nova as well.
Bret-
Are we going to pull the trigger on that Igawa for Soria trade ?
Or are we giving away too much for him ?
“As long as Montero, Romine, and Nova aren’t included (and they wont be), I love this deal.”
So trading Betances or Brackman for a three month rental of a DH makes sense to you? Really?
Fortunately, Cash wouldn’t make that trade.
I wouldn’t be surprised if his numbers go up based on getting better pitches by being in a better lineup. Does anyone care to guess where he bats in the lineup?
This gives the Yankees 4 switch hitters in the lineup.
I’m still annoyed that Matsui/Damon aren’t here, but I truly hope that Berkman does well while in pinstripes.
“I’m on radio silence so I can’t write my response to this, which would have been that Damon’s numbers in DET are not what they would have been if he were still playing with us. ”
What you SHOULD say if you weren’t on radio silence is it’s purely fan speculation and hope that Damon’s numbers would have been better with the Yanks, because we know a few things.
1.) Despite perception, players do manage to have good offensive numbers in Detroit, left-handed hitters even.
2.) Yankee stadium is not the homer-haven (even to lefties) it was made out to be last year.
Damon having better numbers in NY is wishful thinking rather than objective analysis.
Rich in NJ,
I wouldn’t cry about losing a prospect who probably won’t ever make the rotation, but there are a couple other guys that I would like to hold onto as well.
really lets take care of the bullpen
Bret-
Berkman hasn’t played in the outfield since 2007. I wonder if any of the 7M [5M remaining this year + 2M to decline 2011 club option] is being picked up by the Astros. Where will he bat in the lineup when facing a righty?
My wish list for versatile swingman is lefty Sean Marshall of the Cubs! Although Moseley pitched very well, I’m tempering my enthusiasm, since he was facing the 3rd worse AL offense in terms of BA.
Berkman probably hits 7th in this lineup in front of Granderson.
Stuckey-
We are talking about individual performance here and the merits of a single contract. Specifically, Nick Johnson’s contract. Obviously team performance trumps player performance but what is being debated here is the merits of the individual contract.
I am saying Nick Johnson’s contract was bad. That is my stance and always has been before he was hurt. What is your stance, that it was good?
I am not saying team performance does not matter, because it clearly does, but when debating the performance and signing of a single player it is almost irrelevant. The best example I can give is that the Yankees won the World Series last year, but does that make the Igawa signing good? No of course not.
berkman would be an upgrade over Miranda at this point.
a proven veteran and another switch hitter.
—————————————————————————————-
I’m not excited about this deal but if they don’t have to give up anything then it is indeed an improvement over Miranda. I just hope that they don’t have to keep him on the 40 man roster during the offseason…Yanks have to many prospects that need protection from the Rule 5 draft.
ooops. They’ve released angelini.
So tomorrow Berkman will travel from Minute Maid to Tropicana.
That’s an upgrade any way you look at it.
Stuckey, that’s fair.
How is the trade “beyond dumb”?
If David Adams is in the trade (no idea if he is), where does he fit in NY?
He’s out for the season right now with a broken ankle. Robinson Cano is 27 years old and isn’t going anywhere at second base.
He has no future in NY. That makes expendable in a trade.
You don’t just hold onto prospects forever. You deal them to upgrade your roster at the big league level when available.
Nova? Again, no idea if he is in the deal or not.
But, if he is, where does he fit here long term?
You have CC and AJ here for the long term. They are going to sign Cliff Lee and you have Hughes. That’s 4 guys who will be here for awhile.
If Andy wants to come back, that’s your fifth starter. You have guys like Brackman, Phelps, Betances and Warren on the rise.
Folks fall too in love with prospects they have never seen and just read about on the internet.
The bottom line is, you balance your needs but, always err on the side of helping the parent club with a championship.
Seems to me, the Yankees have been doing that in recent years and I don’t see the Berkman deal changing that.
If the Berkman deal goes through – where will he bat in the lineup?
I’d rather give up virtually nothing (if that’s indeed the case) for Berkman than something for Dunn.
Berkman can still hit when he’s healthy and he seems to be getting there.
“So trading Betances or Brackman for a three month rental of a DH makes sense to you? Really?”
I did a doubletake when I first read this because I didn’t remember writing it but it sounds exactly like me…
Big Poodle
Anyone else think it’s kinda cool that Gardner has essentially morphed into Damon?
“I wouldn’t cry about losing a prospect who probably won’t ever make the rotation, but there are a couple other guys that I would like to hold onto as well.”
Both Betances and Berkman will either be in the rotation or have key roles in the pen.
Non-prospect types would mean that Brackman, Betances are not in the deal. Also isn’t Nova making his start in Scranton tonight? Unless they pull him after 1 inning, it would seem even he isn’t in the deal. If they are giving up any of the other pitchers in Scranton, or anyone besides the big prospects in Trenton, then it’s a good deal to me. Berkman is a good hitter who I think will benefit greatly from not being in the Astros’ putrid lineup anymore.
The prospects involved will be in direct relation to the amount of Money Houston is willing to absorb.
The more money they eat the higher the quantity/quality of the prospects involved.
Rich is right. we really can’t judge this until everything is out in the open.
Me. I think it is primarily a salary dump so I think the prospect quality should be less. We’ll see.
Bronx Jeers July 30th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
So tomorrow Berkman will travel from Minute Maid to Tropicana.
That’s an upgrade any way you look at it.
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Definately a juicer.
Damon is hitting .202 with RISP this year and Matsui has been awful against lefties this year.
Sometimes, you have to look beyond nostalgia. Both guys haven’t played all that well this year.
Its time to move on.
Yankee Trader,
I’m hoping for Marshall, Marmol, Nunez or Soria.
Depends on price so we’ll see.
I guarantee the difference in prospects going for Berkman vs. Dunn is worth the difference in offense between the two.
Of course, Soria is my first choice but it’s likely the better deal is for one of the other guys.
Never know…
“Anyone else think it’s kinda cool that Gardner has essentially morphed into Damon?”
m
He’s better than Damon right now (at least the Damon who doesn’t play half his games in NYS).
Berkman is a slightly older version of Nick Johnson at this stage of his career. I’m not thrilled at the prospect of him in pinstripes. Let him keep his strikeout-heavy, power-depleted self in Houston.
“Damon having better numbers in NY is wishful thinking rather than objective analysis.”
Breaking radio silence….
I have no hard core proof that Damon’s numbers would have been better this year if he were a Yankee. All I can go on is what he did last year and my gut, which is rarely wrong.
Initiating radio silence….
# Richie Rich July 30th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
If the Berkman deal goes through – where will he bat in the lineup?
***********************************
Yes, I want to know too. Very important for GTLU purposes.
m-
Everything but the power.
Does anyone know if it’s technically possible for Berkman to be in the lineup tomorrow for the Yanks? The 24 hours ends right around when the game starts or just after.
“All I can go on is what he did last year and my gut, which is rarely wrong. ”
————————
What did you eat today?
SJ44,
Agreed, but both Nova and adams could bring a better return than a two month rental
New Post w/pregame notes
The bullpen will be bolstered when Hughes gets transitioned to the pen due to his innings limits.
Assuming that the deal is as described and the yanks are only giving up a “non-prospect” this is a very good deal.
Berkman is at the tail end of his career but he’s still a very patient hitter. He is going to fit into the line up very well. He’s a pain to pitch to. He’s going to see a ton of pitches and he’s going to get on base.
I also think DH’ing may help him. He’s had a number of physical problems and not having to play the field could help that. He doesn’t have experience DH’ing but he’s a very experienced guy.
This move adds another dimension to the yankees line up. It’s going to help relengthen the line up, especially on days when Posada is not playing.
don’t know what he would cost in terms of players but I would really like Marmol in NY
Berkman would be a good addition. He has always been a better hitter from the left side as well as more power from the left side. He will get some off days allowing others to DH when a lefty is pitching.
I will wait to believe it until it is announced as I felt like I was left at the alter with the Lee fiasco.
I understand as a 10 and 5 guy he has a 24 hour window to accept or reject. Why would that require waiting 24 hours if he has already approved it? Are there contract issues yet to be resolved such as the option, buyout etc.?
“I am saying Nick Johnson’s contract was bad. That is my stance and always has been before he was hurt. What is your stance, that it was good?”
My stance is now what is was then, and I’m allowed to say it because I’m on record saying it before the season start.
His contract was irrelevant, if the final criteria was effect on the Yankees chances of making the postseason.
That said, on an individual basis and in hindsight, given he got hurt, it wasn’t a good signing.
I think my point is the outright obviousness of this leaves me asking why it gets brought up so often?
Is there some great debate with people here advocating the merits of Nick Johnson and I missed it?
GB-
“Definately a juicer”
lol. good one.
Maybe whichever team has David Adams’ control can send him to the AFL to get some of his lost time back…..at least see where he’s at physically.
Rich,
One’s taller, the other has a better arm. One has more power, the other has better calves.
Just thinking about the good things Damon did at the plate, how he was a tough out. I think Gardner’s on his way.
I mean even though they can’t announce it until tomorrow, if Berkman waived his 10-and-5 and the two teams agreed there’s no reason why he couldn’t fly to Tampa tonight to meet the team. They may, however, elect to ask him to report for Sunday’s game. But it’s possible he could be in the lineup tomorrow, especially if the trade was agreed to prior to 7 PM tonight, which it seems to have been.
Erin July 30th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
# Richie Rich July 30th, 2010 at 6:19 pm
If the Berkman deal goes through – where will he bat in the lineup?
***********************************
Yes, I want to know too. Very important for GTLU purposes.
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Likely 6-8.
Marmol…..91 K’s in 48 innings
Rich in NJ,
Sorry, but I’m not going to be too upset about giving up a future relief pitcher. Average pitching prospects aren’t all that rare. The Yankees have a ton of future relievers in their system.
Gardner is having a great season. He doesn’t have the power that Damon did last year, but he’s getting on base more often than not. I’d really like to see him as the lead off guy.
SJ, I’m fine with trading prospects, but I would never trade these guys for an old rental when they can probably bring back better at another time.
Dylan
They are both top tier prospects.
new post
Stuckey-
Wow. I never saw it that way, you are right and thank you for changing my opinion.
Haha seriously though I am done debating this forever. Just want to put my viewpoint, which has been consistent from day 1, on the record one last time and that is that:
Yankees should have bought back at least one of Damon OR Matsui and not signed Nick Johnson.
Let’s see… hmmm I presume the lineup looks something like this
R SS Derek Jeter
S RF Nick Swisher
S 1B Mark Texeira
R 3B Alex Rodriguez
L 2B Robinson Cano
S C Jorge Posada
S DH Lance Berkamn
L CF Curtis Granderson
L LF Brett Gardner
CB July 30th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Assuming that the deal is as described and the yanks are only giving up a “non-prospect” this is a very good deal.
Berkman is at the tail end of his career but he’s still a very patient hitter. He is going to fit into the line up very well. He’s a pain to pitch to. He’s going to see a ton of pitches and he’s going to get on base.
I also think DH’ing may help him. He’s had a number of physical problems and not having to play the field could help that. He doesn’t have experience DH’ing but he’s a very experienced guy.
This move adds another dimension to the yankees line up. It’s going to help relengthen the line up, especially on days when Posada is not playing.
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That would be a Lance Pendleton and a Miranda or Justin Snyder type of players.
man July 30th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Marmol…..91 K’s in 48 innings
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Also 34 walks, but you are NOT gettin’ him cheap ! So…….. fugett about it.
Richie Rich,
Great lineup. I could see Joe switching Berkman and Granderson though, in order to break up the two lefties.
# Rich in NJ July 30th, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Dylan
They are both top tier prospects.
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I guess we disagree on the definition of a top tier prospect. Maybe towards the top of the Yankees organization. But definitely not top prospects when you include the rest of the league. This discussion is pointless though, because the Yankees probably didn’t give either of those guys up.