Yankees reportedly interested in Feliciano
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 16, 2010 
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This is coming from Ken Davidoff.
Apparently the Yankees have “expressed interest” in lefty reliever Pedro Feliciano. It makes sense given the fact Brian Cashman has openly admitted that he’s looking for a left-hander to join Boone Logan in the bullpen. Feliciano had some success with the Mets, and his splits against lefties are pretty impressive with a lot of strikeouts.
My guess would be that this depends entirely on the contract. Felciano clearly fits what the Yankees are trying to do, but he’s already 34 years old. Damaso Marte turned 34 in 2009, just after he signed his three-year contract, and that deal hasn’t worked out at all.*
* I feel like every mention of the Marte contract has to include a note that he was outstanding in last year’s postseason. Teams sign players in hopes that those players will help them win a World Series, and Marte did that, despite his regular season injuries and struggles.
West Coast Yankee Fan November 16th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
YankeeBlue222 November 16th, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Did you watch any games this past year? The Yankees were prone to some pretty ugly offensive slumps. Given the age of Jeter, Posada, ARod and Tex’s sporadic output, it’s not a given that this team is going to have an explosive offense next season.
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I watched every single game this year. Did you?
Runs scored – First
RBI’S – First
Home Runs – Third
OBP – First
OPS – Second
SLG – Third
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I never said the offense isn’t good, but to say that it “doesn’t have any weaknesses” is far from the truth.
I missed a few games, but for the most part saw every game too. A lot of those stats came against poor teams or when they were already ahead by a lot of runs….tack on runs.
A deeper look into their offense showed that they were terrible against pitchers they hadn’t seen before and some players were very inadequate against lefties/righties. ARod had horrible #’s against LHP and Jeter against RHP. The ALCS loss to the Rangers was as much of a blame towards the offense as it was to Phil Hughes’ crappy pitching.
To say that they lineup has no weaknesses would be assuming that Jeter, ARod, Posada and Tex will put up on par #’s, Gardner will play like the 1st half (or somewhere in between) of last year, Swisher will have another career year, Grandy will hit like he did in Sept., and Montero will immediately hit in the majors.
All of this happening is quite unlikely.
To add:
I’m not saying that the team needs to acquire Crawford, Werth or trade for a big bat, but only that I’d be cautious to label this team in the same offensive category of past years.
GreenBeret7 November 16th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
NYY isn’t giving up Hughes in any deal for an outfielder….especially one that includes both Swisher AND Banuelos.
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In that case, if I’m Kevin Towers, I walk away.
Swisher is meaningless in the deal – he’s actually a detriment to it since the D’Backs would be bringing in a player they’re not likely to keep beyond this year.
Towers is going to want one front-line young player and one top prospect at least for Upton.
The number of front-line young players on the Yankees is not big…Hughes and Cano are it. Maybe Jesus Montero too. But as I mentioned, Montero doesn’t make sense for Arizona, Cano doesn’t make sense to trade for the Yankees and so that leaves Hughes. Then there is still the question of a top prospect – I used Manny B as a place holder but you could replace him with Andrew Brackman or Dellin Betances if you like – one of those three would have to go as well.
A great viewing coming on CNN. The awarding of the Medal Of Honor to the first living recipient since Vietnam. Well worth watching a great ceremony.
Here’s a little background on SSG Sal Giunta from Iowa. Huge salute and many thanks, Sal.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/m…..nner_N.htm
repost:
# Shame Spencer November 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Ok just asking because I think I lost the thread of this conversation…
People would rather trade for Justin Upton than buy Carl Crawford (in both instances assuming that Swisher is the one that is on the move)?
Chip,
Hughes is worth more than Justin Upton.
Cano is worth more than Justin Upton.
Justin Upton had a .799 OPS.
Cano is an MVP candidate.
I like Upton but if you were GM the Yanks would get raped repeatedly.
Keep in mind also that Towers is familiar with the Yankee farm system and roster. He knows what players are good and what players are overly-hyped for the purpose of trade.
In other words – you’re not getting Justin Upton for Joba Chamberlain, Brandon Laird and Ivan Nova.
Shame Spencer November 16th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
repost:
# Shame Spencer November 16th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Ok just asking because I think I lost the thread of this conversation…
People would rather trade for Justin Upton than buy Carl Crawford (in both instances assuming that Swisher is the one that is on the move)?
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I would want to sign Crawford AND trade for Upton.
I would want Gardner and Swisher sold high somewhere.
Just because teams are interested in Swish doesn’t mean he’s being traded, but per Cash, everyone is touchable – it’s just a matter of how.
Joe, have a great time. Paris is my favorite place in the whole world. Some tips: enjoy the parks – Paris is known for them. Hang out at a cafe for as long as you want- you own that table for as long as you are there. Do not eat dinner at 7pm or 7:30 – when most Americans do. Eat later – like the Parisians. Do not go with any misconceptions of the French. They aren’t exactly like us (a bit more formal), but that’s ok. My experiences with them were wonderful – just try and speak a little French (even if it’s just “parlez -vous francais” or “je ne parle francais”). Always say “bonjour” when entering a shop -it’s considered rude not too. Go to Berthillon’s ice cream shop on Ile St. Louis
If they sign him I got dibs on the “Feliz Navidad” references if/when he gives up a bomb.
“Granderson had the same numbers as swisher had in his first NY season, huge upgrade in speed and defense, same power numbers, strikeouts similar”
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Swisher had an .869 OPS in his first year. Grandy had a .792 OPS.
That is a whopping 77 point difference.
and walk around Ile St. Louis – it’s the “other island” in the middle of the Seine (the one NOT with Notre Dame). It’s a beautiful, residential neighborhood. Go to a market- that’s a must. Do you research on restaurants ……….
Bret -
I’m not advocating a trade for Justin Upton.
I’m just saying that if the Yankees want Upton this is what it would take.
Personally – I think the asking price would be too high and I wouldn’t get into it unless you can engage a third team so that the Yankees wouldn’t have to give up quite so much of their own talent – (as in the Curtis Granderson deal) but in a straight up – two team deal…this is the price I think Towers would want.
Chip November 16th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
In other words – you’re not getting Justin Upton for Joba Chamberlain, Brandon Laird and Ivan Nova.
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Of course not.
Bret – if you had to do either or, what do you do?
Chip November 16th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Bret -
I’m not advocating a trade for Justin Upton.
I’m just saying that if the Yankees want Upton this is what it would take.
*******
And I’m saying Hughes is more valuable than Upton and Cano is more valuable than Upton and AZ is insane to think otherwise.
Granderson won’t have as many RBIs as Swisher because he’ll probably bat leadoff or at the bottom of the order, but that wastes his power; he’s a very dynamic player as we saw in the playoffs and in the 2nd half- he’s the guy I’m most interested in this year.
I’m just not sure how likely it is that we have two new outfielders next season. I think getting Crawford and moving Swisher is the most likely move (on a long list of unlikely moves, mind you). Cash seems to prefer to buy talent with dollars rather than prospects.
YankeeBlue222 – Your points are not without merit but right now we have three starters and you win with pitching. With Hal’s budget controls in place I just don’t see position upgrades as a priority.
That having been said, if you can get younger and improve and it doesn’t cost you your best prospects then ok. That’s an unlikely scenario.
Bret, just a few weeks ago you said that Phil wasn’t very good……so how is it that he’s worth more than Justin Upton?
….I’d rather see a major bullpen addition.
If Hughes isn’t traded in a package for a better pitcher under 28, I’m not into trading him.
Shame Spencer November 16th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
Bret – if you had to do either or, what do you do?
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Sign Crawford and sell high on Gardner.
Keep in mind though Cash has good relations with AZ dating back to the Granderson deal. He needed them to take Kennedy. Cash talked to them about Haren and they seem to like Banuelos, Joba and Nova. Also Cash is friends with Towers.
Upton is far from a slam dunk but it’s not like this is Seattle Cash is dealing with here.
A good working relationship with potential trade partners is necessary and the Yanks/Diamondbacks have been engaged recently and productive together.
Shame, I guess that would depend on the talent moving in both directions. The crop of pitchers coming out of Tampa and Charleston almost rivals the Trenton and Scranton crop. It’s the offense at the lower levels that is impressive.
“Justin Upton had a .799 OPS.
Cano is an MVP candidate”
That’s a snapshot, Brett. This is Cano’s 1st time as a legit MVP candidate and Upton had a down year. Cano’s 5 years older too. Thru their 1st three full seasons, their respective numbers are pretty consistent (Upton .841 OPS, Cano .835). There’s reason to expect Upton, who doesn’t turn 24 til next August, will meet with plenty of improvement. He’s no more a .799 OPS guy than Cano was a .715 OPS guy in 2008. Guys will have off years from time to time.
Betsy November 16th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Bret, just a few weeks ago you said that Phil wasn’t very good……so how is it that he’s worth more than Justin Upton?
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I don’t feel he’s an ace…but I bet there are GM’s who think differently.
“just try and speak a little French (even if it’s just “parlez -vous francais” …..”
If one was in Paris and didn’t speak French isn’t it a bit silly to ask a Parisian if they speak French?
“Parlez vous Francais?”
“Oui”
crickets…..
Swisher is a switch hitting OF with no platoon split that has out OPS’d Granderson by 167 points the past two seasons or an average of 83.5 points per season.
If you move an OF to get better in the long term and increase payroll flexibility it has to be Grandy.
“I’m just not sure how likely it is that we have two new outfielders next season”
Probably a lot less likely than it is that there are zero new outfielders next season.
A few random thoughts:
1. If anyone saw Yankee Hot Stove last night and the interview with Butch you will agree with this statement: The Yankees need to find a place for this guy on the major league coaching staff if Montero is up here. The two of them have a really good relationship and I think having him up here would help Montero deal with two things: The pressure of playing in NY at such a young age; and the temptations that are going to be all around a 21-year old kid with lots of money in his pockets.
2. I have no issue with the Yankees going after Feliciano so long as the contract makes sense.
3. The Yankees’ first choice for the 8th inning is to bring back Kerry Wood – and I have no problem with that so long as it isn’t an insane contract – I don’t think it’s likely to happen though. Someone will want Wood as their closer and at this stage in his career he would be nuts to turn it down. The problem though is the regression of Joba – I still think the two best solutions are to either send him to the minors, let him start, let him get himself back together and hopefully become the pitcher he was hyped to be or deal him now before his value is zilch.
If Phil is traded at all, it won’t be this year- or probably even next – so it’s really moot.
I meant Parlez Vous Anglais, obviously
Joe from LI -
Everything Betsy said about Paris! When my husband and I went, I was determined to learn enough French to get around. I found that if I made an effort, inevitably, people were extremely gracious and spoke pretty good English, as well (I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to use my French as much I was wanted to.) One of our favorite things we did was find a park to just walk around in and watch families enjoying the day.
One day we were lost, and a older (than me) frenchwoman noticed our predicament and came up to us and helped us – she didn’t speak English, but our little bit of French and lots of hand gestures, she was able to help us out. I’ll never forget her kindness and patience.
I also loved the Metro (once I got up the courage to actually use it – after I got blisters on my feet from walking because I was afraid to use the Metro!).
Just a wonderful city. And we weren’t even there long enough for me to shop.
Amazing that after one whole season as a starter that Hughes isn’t an ACE, yet. What a flop.
The great thing about this off season is the Yankees have the horses to trade for any player that is out there.
With the way the Yankees farm system is stacked at catcher and pitcher, they can pull off any deal.
I like Swisher, but I wouldn’t go insane if they traded him to improve the OF further. Swisher has one more year left on his deal, I think, and the Yankees know he’s going to want to cash in with a long term deal that the team may not be thrilled about giving him into his 30′s.
I could see AZ wanting Swisher so they still compete next year in a deal for Upton that is laced with prospects like Nova, Romine, Brackman, possibly Joba….the other benefit to trading for Swisher is you can spin him off for more prospects to another team at a later date.
Maybe the Yankees don’t want to get into another sentimental free agent situation with Swisher down the road when the price for the Yankees to keep him doesn’t match up with his actual value in the game.
I think Swisher makes 10 million or so in his final year on his current deal. I can only imagine he’ll be looking for 15 million a season over a long term deal. Not sure I’d give it to him if I were GM.
Bret, if the Yankees are among the teams that feel that way, he’s not going anywhere……..and since they need pitching even with Phil around, I just don’t see it.
West Coast Yankee Fan November 16th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
YankeeBlue222 – Your points are not without merit but right now we have three starters and you win with pitching. With Hal’s budget controls in place I just don’t see position upgrades as a priority.
That having been said, if you can get younger and improve and it doesn’t cost you your best prospects then ok. That’s an unlikely scenario.
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Totally agree. I would rather have strong pitching (that should be the #1 priority) and do without the offensive upgrade.
I was just stating that I’m having a hard time assuming that the offense is going to continue to be dominant. There are warning signs that it’s trending backwards.
Let’s hope I’m wrong!
Chip-
FYI. can’t send Joba to the Minors w/o passing him thru waivers first.
He’s out of options and someone would surely claim him.
That’s a no go. If they wanted to go that route it should have happened last season.
Wynegar is better off in Scranton than in NY. He has work and a lot of it coming his way, and fast. He has Romine, Gil, Murphy, Higashioka and Sanchez setting their sights on Pinstripes.
Morning Person, I lost a metro ticket and a woman actually bought one for me ……..and helped me with my luggage. I went to a bistro once and was writing in my food journal (I wanted to remember what I ate, lol). This couple next to me thought I was a restaurant critic, lol. I speak very minimal French and they didn’t speak much, if any English, but we were able to make ourselves understood; it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.
“2. I have no issue with the Yankees going after Feliciano so long as the contract makes sense.”
Makes all the sense in the world. Guy has been death on lefties for 5 years running. That’s consistency. Was paid $2.9M last year. 2 yrs, $5M?
“If you move an OF to get better in the long term and increase payroll flexibility it has to be Grandy.”
Agree. People are basing too much around his postseason.
Swisher is a considerably better player than Granderson and the numbers prove that.
I’m just curious -
If you’re not willing to part with Hughes in a trade for Upton, what do you think is a viable trade package that Cashman should offer to Towers?
There was a great restaurant on Ile St. Louis called L’Ilot Vache – it was wonderful, PLUS the source of a fun memory. We got there ahead of our reservation so we walked arund the block a bit and there was a Canadian tavern around the corner so we went inside. They had a large screen TV and on it was Bernie Williams up at bat for the NY Yankees!! It was the 4th of July, so I was especially happy. It was at 35 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile. As the name implies, lots of cow decor, but not in a bad way.
– really rustic.
LOL The last time I was there, the Metro and buses were on strike. I enjoy the coolness of walking on cobblestones, but without public transportation (forget getting a cab – those were impossible to get), I could barely get around after a few days. I had shin splints that were like murder – I had to cancel a restaurant reservation and go to some place VERY close to my hotel. Ouch………LOL The museums were on strike as well….but I still had a great time. I love the bookinistes on the the left bank – they are booksellers who sell post-cards, posters, old books, new books. The first time I went to Paris, I was on a tour – I ditched the others (who wanted to go to a bar) and just walked around by myself. It’s the most beautiful city and I continue to dream about it.. very detailed dreams. I need to go back one day.
GB, When I was in High School, a Veteren of WWII came to talk about his experiences in that war. When the talk was over he passed around the medals he had earned as a soldier the kids were just taking them and passing them to the next kid in the row without paying them much mind. Until I was passed one, which made me yell “holy f@%k is this the Medal of Honor!?”. It turns out that the WWII vet was a Medal of Honor recipient.
This ceremony is impressive. Nothing could be better than having generals and presidents salute you as you pass by them. No better honor can be bestowed on a soldier.
Betsy -
That does sound like a great moment. Good idea, a food journal.
GB-
Thanks for the info. on the MOH winner. I read his bio.
Like they used to say, “Where do we get such Men ?”.
And like so many Men of great courage he is extremely modest about what he did.
Halladay wins the NL Cy Young. Shocking.
“Parlez-vous Francais?”
“Oui.”
“Je ne parle pas Francais.”
“Sacre bleu! Un Americain inbecile!”
“Gracias.”
Glove,
Nice post.
I especially agree about the sentimentality part. Just because Swish is popular, doesn’t mean he’s the best fit for the long term plan.
It’s interesting the Cashman picked up Swish coming off a down year just before his contract escalated. He took the same approach with Granderson. Down year. Backloaded contract. Upton profiles similar to those targets and that approach.
MTU -
Thanks – wasn’t aware of the option status.
GB7 -
Of the guys you listed only one of them (Romine) is going to be anywhere near Scranton next year.
The fact is that there are very few people who can speak to a 21-year old kid from experience about what it’s like to be that young and catching a veteran staff in the majors. Butch is one of them. The two of them have a relationship going. Scranton can get another hitting coach – I think this is more of a question of ensuring that Montero has a life coach to work with.
MP, I think that means “cow” something or other, lol. That’s hilarious!
My parents are going to Paris and Brittany and I’m so jealous! Next time I go to Paris, I’m going to make a point to go to Giverny and also Normandy…….The best food I’ve ever had in my life was in Provence. I took a horse back riding trip through there……unbelievably gorgeous.
The Red Sox have already spoken with the Diamondbacks about Upton, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
MTU -
And given that option status – my suggestion is to trade Chamberlain. I don’t know where, I don’t know for what – but there are enough players out there in similar situations (lots of talent; wrong situation) that the Yankees should be able to find the right deal.
WCYF -
Boston certainly has the prospects to get a deal for him done.
Red Sox . .UGHHHH . . go worry about Beltre and V-mart !
We just didn’t have enough time in Paris. I want to go back desperately. But I would also love to go to the countryside and also the ocean. One day…..
Roy Halliday unanimous Cy Young winner per MLBTradeRumors…
West Coast Yankee Fan November 16th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
The Red Sox have already spoken with the Diamondbacks about Upton, tweets Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports.
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That’s definitely interesting…
“Just because Swish is popular, doesn’t mean he’s the best fit for the long term plan.”
LOL, the only reason Swish is the LoHud comment section’s top trade choice is because he had a bad ALCS. People even forget he played well in the ALDS.
Betsy – Once in your life you should treat yourself to dinner at Alain Ducasse in Paris at the Hotel Plaza Athénée. I had the great fortune to dine there New Year’s Eve 2000, a reservation I had made a year in advance. It was three hours of indescribable pleasure.
Tom, these ceremonies are always special. The only one that matches that is honoring a new hero to the Tomb Of The Unknown soldier. Some people don’t realize that the President becomes that soldiers next of kin and a CMOH goes with it. After the President, he/she becomes the NOK to the people of the US. Incredible scene to watch.
Chip – That’s the nature of fans. Yankees fans think Hughes is too much for Upton, yet objectively speaking, Hughes wouldn’t be enough for AZ.
When a cost-controlled 5-tool player with superstar potential becomes available… you have to do better than Phil Hughes to get him, especially with 29 other teams after him. Hughes+ could get him, not Hughes straight up.
Chip November 16th, 2010 at 2:09 pm
WCYF -
Boston certainly has the prospects to get a deal for him done.
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AZ will want Pedroia + a top prospect or Buchholtz + a top prospect.
Do you see how ridiculous the Hughes/Cano crap is now?
Chip-
If I were trading for Upton I would start of with being realistic about it.
This means giving value for value, and knowing that Towers knows our farm system thoroughly.
It would depend on what Towers is looking for. We have pitching and catching to offer.
I do not think they need a catcher so I would try to center my offer around Pitching and helping to fill their other needs.
Perhaps they would be interested in GGBG as part of it ? He’s cheap and good.
I’d offer him a list of names of our pitchers from which to choose.
The only name I might try to leave off would be ManBan but even he should not be untouchable IMO.
that’s my take. In theory only of course.
What prospects? Casey Kelly and who? NO way they trade Buchholz.
The Sux have money and young talent and the bad taste of not making it to the post-season in their mouth – I expect them to go huge this winter.
Lol, I love when Boston is involved. At least it makes life more entertaining when we sign whoever they’re trying to target.
This could very well be like the Sox speaking to the Marlins about Ramirez – the Marlins basically hung up on them.
Chip-
I’m not opposed to moving Joba.
# West Coast Yankee Fan November 16th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The Sux have money and young talent and the bad taste of not making it to the post-season in their mouth – I expect them to go huge this winter.
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The upside for us is that this is a pretty poor off season as far as talent goes.. So if they make big moves, they have to give up big names.
If I’m Dombrowski I’m looking for a way to bring him to Detroit – a young outfield of Boesch, Jackson and Upton would be in place out there for a long time.
I don’t know enough about Detroit’s system to know if they have the horses to get a deal like that done though – maybe Porcello for Upton straight up.
WC, the biggest splurge I ever had was in Chicago -at Alinea. A truly remarkable experience……..I’d like to try a Ducasse place, and I’m all for splurging, but even without drinks, it’s probably $300.00. If I get to Paris again, I will consider it – but I’d be more likely to do it for lunch (if it’s open)
Looking at Swisher’s contract he has 9 million coming to him next year and in 2012 he is on the books for 10.25 million with a 1 million option that the Yankees could buy him out for.
Swisher turns 30 on November 25th.
He’ll be 32 in 2013 looking for a long term extension. Basically, he’ll be Jason Werth.
The attractive thing about him is his salary is not high enough that a small market team would balk at paying him 20 million for the next 2 years.
Stack that up against what the Diamondbacks owe Upton guaranteed right now and you could see where the makings of a deal could be generated here.
Do I think the Yankees love Swisher? Yes.
Do I think they see him as part of their core for the future? No.
If you were to offer Upton to Cashman for Swisher today I think he’d make the trade. It all depends on the prospects that would have to go along to make that kind of deal with Arizona.
It’s all speculation at this point, but I do see the Yankees as having a legit shot to acquire a guy like Upton. If the Yankees weren’t committed to resigning Jeter I imagine they’d use some of the prospects to go after Drew for SS as well but that won’t happen.
What young talent do they have, WC? Does AZ want major league ready talent? That would be Buchholz and Kalish……..who else do they have that’s close? I don’t really care at this point – I can’t worry about the Sox improving because I know they are going to.
Heard somone suggest Billy Butler and and high end prospect (say Mike Montgomery) for Upton.
West Coast Yankee Fan November 16th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The Sux have money and young talent and the bad taste of not making it to the post-season in their mouth – I expect them to go huge this winter.
————-
So do I, unfortunately.
MTU November 16th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
GB-
Thanks for the info. on the MOH winner. I read his bio.
Like they used to say, “Where do we get such Men ?”.
And like so many Men of great courage he is extremely modest about what he did.
———————————————————————————————————————-
MTU, you get them from everywhere…San Antonio, Texas, Pall Mall, Tn, Kingston, Texas, Chicago, Iowa, California, Poland, Hungary, Russia….they’re just guys that did a job.
“They are incredibles situations by everyday soldiers, made even more incredible by the fact that they were everyday occurrences.” – General Walter Bedell Smith
Also, potential is a dangerous word. Not everyone lives up to it – the lure is there, to be sure, but trading your entire farm ? No thanks.
I don’t know why the Red Sox would trade Buchholz when all the work finally paid off last season. Even if he doesn’t have as good a year in 2011, he’s still going to be good. And I don’t think Beckett or Lackey or Dice-K are as solid as once would like them to be. Lester and Buchholz could conceivably be their top two guys, and then Beckett as the third would be a nice front of the rotation for them.
But, that’s enough about the Red Sox!
The Sox did not like being on the outside looking in this past season any more than we did in 2008.
That is very strong motivation to improve. I expect it. Even though I do not fear it.
Shame Spencer – Do you really think it’s a poor year for talent? I don’t see it that way at all.
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Lee, Crawford, Werth, Beltre, Dunn, Martinez, Soriano, Konerko, Huff, Peña, Thome, Ordonez, Wood, Buck, Downs, Fuentes, Benoit.
G. Love,
I agree that the Yankees have a legit shot to land any player available via trade. With our depth and quality, there’s no question Hughes and Cano being off limits does not prevent Cashman from getting something done.
Betsy November 16th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
WC, the biggest splurge I ever had was in Chicago -at Alinea. A truly remarkable experience……..I’d like to try a Ducasse place, and I’m all for splurging, but even without drinks, it’s probably $300.00. If I get to Paris again, I will consider it – but I’d be more likely to do it for lunch (if it’s open)
****************
Ducasse is much more obscene than that.
“LOL The last time I was there, the Metro and buses were on strike”
That happened to me as well. They were sort of running but not really. And I almost got assaulted by some hooligans taking the train down from CDG. They were smoking pot on the train and I was observing them. Not in a scornful way but rather in an envious way. But they took offense and started screaming at me and pointing to the doors as if to say “Lets fight at the next stop!” There were a bunch of Americans sitting near me and everybody was terrified. But then I just calmly spoke to them in English and they immediately lost interest in me.
the sox are also fighting themselves. they don’t want to overspend on quality players, but need to fill a lot of holes. the bullpen is a huge problem for them
also, don’t forget that the right side of their infield missed considerable time. they might not come back to what they were. a decrease in production from youk or pedrioa would really hurt them, especially if vmart and beltre sign elsewhere
From Blogging the Bombers. Significant, imo, considering the discussions surrounding the age issue with the Yankees.
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Yanks’ executive Mark Newman won the Sheldon “Chief” Bender award, given out by Minor League Baseball. Here’s part of the release:
The Bender Award is presented to someone with distinguished service who has been instrumental in player development. Newman recently completed his 11th season of overseeing the drafting and acquisition of prospects for the Yankees. Entering the 2010 season, more than half of the players on the club’s 40-man roster were either drafted or signed as non-drafted free agents.
“There are some exceptional people that are in this industry that do great work,” Newman remarked. “I always assume some other people deserve recognition. I am certainly honored by it, but surprised.”
“Mark Newman’s résumé is virtually unparalleled in player development,” Minor League Baseball President Pat O’Conner said. “The success of the Yankees farm system is often overshadowed by their storied success at the Major League level. You cannot overlook the long list of league championships and Major League players produced under Mark Newman’s watch with the Yankees. Mark epitomizes the characteristics of Chief Bender in producing players and a winning atmosphere for the organization.”
Newman has been with the Yankees for 22 years. He joined the organization in 1989 as Coordinator of Instruction, responsible for supervising all Minor League managers and coaches and planning Major and Minor League spring training.
He was promoted to Director of Player Development and Scouting in 1996 and then to Vice President of Player Development and Scouting a year later.
Every team trades for “potential”. All teams trade for the potential of young players that they will grow into what their talents say and teams trade for veterans on the potential that they will continue to be what their ballball cards say they will be.
WCYF – I should have amended that statement. I was really thinking about pitching talent (since IMO that is a big issue for the Sox). But yes, while this free agent market does have talented players, a lot of them are going to command big (and I mean BIG) contracts. Who on that list are you going to get for a bargain? When I think about free agent markets, there has to be some consideration given to dollars for value.. I just feel like a lot of these players are going to get long term, big money deals without returning the value they are being awarded.
MP, I don’t think they would……..either way, I’m not going to get into a tizzy with every Sox rumor. Whatever they do, they do.
WC, then forget it, lol. I’m not made of $$……..I’m not about to spend $500 or $600 on dinner.
Halladay wins the Cy Young and colorado releases Manny corpas. He’s at least worth a peek.
Shame Spencer November 16th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
WCYF – I should have amended that statement. I was really thinking about pitching talent (since IMO that is a big issue for the Sox). But yes, while this free agent market does have talented players, a lot of them are going to command big (and I mean BIG) contracts. Who on that list are you going to get for a bargain? When I think about free agent markets, there has to be some consideration given to dollars for value.. I just feel like a lot of these players are going to get long term, big money deals without returning the value they are being awarded.
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Good take. I think the Sux needs pitching wise are primarily in the bullpen thoughand there is lots of help out there. I think any rotation with Lester and Buchholz is pretty set, Beckett is supposed to be healthy and Lackey is pretty good, etc.
I like Nick Swisher – think he’s a nice guy, good for the clubhouse all that sorta stuff – but I think that a lot of you here are grossly overvaluing him.
He’s a 30-year old RF who, with the exception of last year, doesn’t hit for a particularly high average, strikes out a lot, takes a lot of walks and hits with some power. He’s alright in the outfield and gets paid a lot of money.
So when people say “oh no, you can’t include this AND Nick Swisher” it makes me chuckle a little.
GreenBeret7 November 16th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Halladay wins the Cy Young and colorado releases Manny corpas. He’s at least worth a peek.
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You and I finally agree on something – I would definately take a long hard look at Manny Corpas
when it comes to the bullpen, I’d go with the “trust no one” mentality.
unless he’s a sure thing who has pitched in the AL recently, just move along.
Lackey did not have a good year last year; he’s ok
Betsy I understand it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
The really nice thing is that the Yankees have all kinds of options open to them.
They have a really good OF and a strong farm system flush with pitchers and catchers. Platinum and Gold for trading. they can but do not have to try to upgrade.
All they really need do is sign Cliff Lee, and tinker around the edges.
If they get Lee they are definitely in the driver’s seat.
(I’m also assuming AP returns).
Corpas was a good pitcher in a difficult place to pitch. His problems came from bone chips in his elbow in 2009. He had surgery on his UCL in September and is a Dotel/Lieber type of gamble.
Many writers now saying there is nothing to the Boston – Upton rumor. Shocking! lol
Chip, Swisher is an excellent offensive player, whether he hits for average or not. He is better offensively than Granderson, and is not a bad defensive player, though obviously not as good defensively as Granderson. Nick is worth his paycheck.
That said, if the Yanks could get Upton for a trade which included either Swisher or Granderson, I wouldn’t quibble. I’d just prefer to move Granderson first.
GB-
I watch a lot of Rockies games because I get the feed out here.
I have seen Corpas in the past and when he was healthy he was very good.
“He’s a 30-year old RF who, with the exception of last year, doesn’t hit for a particularly high average, strikes out a lot, takes a lot of walks and hits with some power. He’s alright in the outfield and gets paid a lot of money.”
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So you mean he is an OF who is still in his prime years, that was an All Star last year, and has been probably one of the 10 best offensive outfielders in all of baseball his two season in Pinstripes?
WCYF – Thats the thing though about the Sox… their starters are pretty much in place, as you said. So they need help somewhere (we agree on the bullpen) and its going to have to be out in the field to compensate for a shaky rotation. Becket and Lackey are shaky in my opinion because the chances they both pitch a full season next year are.. what? 40%? Maybe? Being generous?
So I think the Sox are going to try to get some bats which is why I don’t like a lot of their options this off season. Hopefully, it works out for us and they do something very foolish and sign a guy like Werth or Crawford to an insane deal they end up paying for.
Thames may be headed to Japan.
Mell -
Problem with Billy Butler going to Arizona is that he’s primarily a DH and you can’t DH in the national league – I mean I know Butler has played first – but he plays first like Manny plays the OF.
One other thing…NYYs could sign Corpas for the minimum this year and add a year at something less than the $4.5 mil that Colorado owes him for 2011.
GB-
What is your opinion of Gavin Floyd ?
Yeah, Lackey could go either way, I think. But he’s not invincible.
Swisher, Holliday, Braun Werth, Choo, and Ethier are the only qualified OF to have an OPS greater than .850 in both of the past 2 seasons.
Pretty good company for Swish, huh?
Shame – The Sux should be around $170 million in payroll including existing contracts, money coming off the books and arbitration awards. After picking up Big Papi’s option they have $125 million accounted for right now.
MTU, I like Floyd, but, not as well as I do Danks. Floyd’s fly ball tendencies would be a concern, though.
How’s Swisher’s defense and base running compared to Granderson?
Nick Swisher has hit more HR than any OF in all of MLB the past two seasons except for Bautista and Werth.
GB-
If we get Lee and AP retires (I hope not) we will need a middle to back end type.
We talked about Billingsley and I mention Floyd in that regard.
I do not think Danks will be available. Floyd might.
Net. Net. All else equal. Who do you like better ? Billingsley or Floyd ? Please tell me why.
“How’s Swisher’s defense and base running compared to Granderson?”
When they start having run, catch and throw contests let me know. Although Nick might at least win the throw piece.
MTU November 16th, 2010 at 2:34 pm
GB-
I watch a lot of Rockies games because I get the feed out here.
I have seen Corpas in the past and when he was healthy he was very good.
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Yep, before the bone chips, he was hitting a pretty steady 95 MPH. he’s also still really young at 28 next year.
Swisher is meaningless in the deal – he’s actually a detriment to it since the D’Backs would be bringing in a player they’re not likely to keep beyond this year.
He’s a 30-year old RF who, with the exception of last year, doesn’t hit for a particularly high average, strikes out a lot, takes a lot of walks and hits with some power. He’s alright in the outfield and gets paid a lot of money.
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You have no idea who Nick Swisher is. Some power? He is one of the most powerful OFers in the league. His power component is routinely in the top 20 for players. ALL HE DOES IS HIT FOR POWER.
He will on base better than average and slug better than average and play average to above average defense at a position where you normally find bad defenders. He switch hits well from both sides.
I have no stance on this upton thing but if the Diamondbacks traded for Swisher it would not be meaningless. They would have him for atleast a year and could always pick up his option and trade him.
Granderson’s OPS is 100 points lower than Swisher.
People are overvaluing Granderson’s final 6 weeks and postseason.
MTU November 16th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
GB-
If we get Lee and AP retires (I hope not) we will need a middle to back end type.
We talked about Billingsley and I mention Floyd in that regard.
I do not think Danks will be available. Floyd might.
Net. Net. All else equal. Who do you like better ? Billingsley or Floyd ? Please tell me why.
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Maybe Hal can get Danks anyway. I think George has some pics of Eddie Einhorn and Hawk Harrelson stashed in the wall safe.
Granderson only stole 12 bags, its not like he is carl crawford out there. Why don’t they hire someone to help HIM steal bases, instead of our top 3 in the league base stealer?
When did Grandy become a better player than Swisher?
“When did Grandy become a better player than Swisher?”
Don’t you know? Since Nick didn’t hit in the ALCS.
When did Grandy become a better player than Swisher?
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2005 maybe? But not any time recently. Swisher is arguably better and arguably blacker!
“Granderson only stole 12 bags, its not like he is carl crawford out there. Why don’t they hire someone to help HIM steal bases, instead of our top 3 in the league base stealer?”
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Heh.
Gardner in limited time in 2009 (only 108 games) matched Curtis Granderson’s career single season high for SB (26)
“When did Grandy become a better player than Swisher?”
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Since GB started making up stats this morning.
BX33 November 16th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Granderson’s OPS is 100 points lower than Swisher. People are overvaluing Granderson’s final 6 weeks and postseason.
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Thank you!
LGY November 16th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
“When did Grandy become a better player than Swisher?”
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Since GB started making up stats this morning.
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Still being a jackass, are you? I don’t make up stats. I just don’t swallow the crap that you do.
Marlins about to lock up Buck for three years, per Rosenthal.
Ken_Rosenthal
#Marlins close to signing free-agent catcher John Buck to three-year deal. #BlueJays #MLB
If you remove 1B, I believe* that Reynolds, Lind, Hill, Tulo, Uggla, Alex, Ortiz, Bautista, and Werth are the only players to hit more HR that Swish has the past 2 seasons.
He is tied with Zimmerman and Longo.
*may have missed someone trying to sort through it all
Swisher offers position versatility as well. He can play every OF position (CF in a pinch) and 1B.
“Still being a jackass, are you? I don’t make up stats. I just don’t swallow the crap that you do.”
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Lighten up. You sure can dish it, but the slightest jab really gets you going.
You said Granderson had the same numbers as Swisher his first year in NY. Which was made up.
Swisher to me is a good player at his current contract (which runs out soon); but what he is not is a player that you invest a 4 year $48 mil contract in which would probably be his asking point in his next contract.
He’s a lot like Melky Cabrera in this regard – when Melky was a minimum player what you were getting for him was good enough – the more money Melky made the less his overall value was because he wasn’t living up to those numbers.
Swisher is at the peak of his value now because he’s still in a reasonable contract; fairly productive and in the middle of his prime.
Also don’t forget that on this team he’s not being asked to carry a lineup, not being asked to be a key player. He’s a role player – and that’s great, teams need role players – but don’t overstate his value to other teams based on the fact that he’s a good role player for this team.
No GM out there is saying “guys – we’ve got to go and get Nick Swisher!”
lets not forget that Swish has a 0.00 ERA…he can also pitch
You said Granderson had the same numbers as Swisher his first year in NY. Which was made up.
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They were the same. If you give granderson 5 HRs, 18 doubles, 20 RBI, 50 hits, and 40 walks.
Chip, I don’t see anyone arguing about Swisher’s next contract. But he’s under team control through 2012 at a good price – what’s the objection?
New Post- Rosenthal: Buck close to Marlins deal