Thames could end up in Japan
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 17, 2010 
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According to Patrick Newman over at NPB Tracker, there’s a chance Marcus Thames could sign with the Softbank Hawks in Japan.
At the very least, Softbank seems to be pursuing Thames.
It seems to me that Thames could make more money in Japan than in the states, but he’s also coming off a strong enough season that I think he would generate considerable major league interest. Probably as a platoon player, but even so, I’m not sure he’d have to settle for a minor league deal this time.
Of course, it was a minor league deal that brought Thames to the Yankees this offseason, a signing that might have been Brian Cashman’s best deal of the winter. The signing happened late, and Thames wasn’t even on the 40-man roster until the very end of spring training.
Thames said several times that he was surprised to receive such little interest last winter, and I can’t help wondering if that process might have spooked him, leaving him to consider a quick jump to Japan if the opportunity feels like a good one. Hard to know for sure, though. This could be nothing more than one-sided interest.
Associated Press photo
Is he definitely done as a Yankee then?
Here’s a Upton deal I thought of while in the john:
St. Louis gets: Upton, Alex Gordon and Mark Reynolds
KC gets: Jamie Garcia, David Freese and Joe Saunders
Arizona gets: Colby Rasmus and Zach Greinke
Nick in SF November 17th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
I wish I was in business school so I could drop out after learning all I?ll ever need to know in this thread.
Take that you crusty old Dean!
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TMI Chip!
WHAT????!!!!!???????
Ok, that’s crazy. I don’t even want to know why you would think any of those teams would do this. KC gets Sauders? KC????
Zona gets Rasmus?
Crazy.
I don’t know why the Yanks wouldn’t be interested. His signing, as you say, might have been Cashman’s best. In fact, it was probably his only good off-season signing. So why dump him now?
I’m not ruling Thames out of the Yankee’s 2011 plans just yet. He is abysmal in the OF, but he’s a bench bat pure and simple.
Does anyone here understand Japanese?
What does ‘Softbank’ mean in English???
They must be involved. Their input and views are critical. It’s their business.
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This is not a small business.
The owner does not have to be involved and the input of the owner is not critical.
Chip-TMI.
The problem the Yanks & RSox have with trying to get someone like Upton or AGone is the MLB ready players are not proven ready so therefore they have to do a 3-way type deal. Usually that would entail one or more team’s bad contracts and a player to be used in a trade. The key is trying to make it work.
Last year when Yanks & RSox were trying to get Roy Halladay it was going to cost them big time or at least it would entail swallowing a contract like Wells. That was too much! But if either team wanted a player bad enough there is a way to engineer a deal somewhere but it most likely will be expensive!
“The owner does not have to be involved and the input of the owner is not critical.”
The more diversified ownership is, the less input it has into the running of the business it owns. The less diversified ownership is, the more input it has into its business.
Now, class, applying this rule to the Yankees…
I’m wondering if the Yanks are pursuing him with Jorge being the prime DH. No offense meant to Posada, but I doubt he will stay healthy this year even as the DH. IMO it would be smart to have Thames back because he proved he can hit, and hit for power, even after long stretches on the bench. The Yanks may want an reserve OF that can play better defense though. Really enjoyed seeing his great intensity and his clutch hitting, so I hope he’s back.
RespectTheGame November 17th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
No offense meant to Posada, but I doubt he will stay healthy this year even as the DH.
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I think you’re confusing him with Nick Johnson
The Yankees principal owners are the Steinbrenner family. I believe they have the largest stake in this primary venture (The New York Yankees Baseball Club). If anyone here has any verifyiable infomation to indicate that they do NOT have the larges percentage of ownership in the TEAM, please let me know.
If they in fact do, then their input is warranted.
LGY?
Wave, there were instances of times after battles, that games of baseball would break out between the Yanks and Confederates. some got a little heated.
Here’s a Upton deal I thought of while in the john:
St. Louis gets: Upton, Alex Gordon and Mark Reynolds
KC gets: Jamie Garcia, David Freese and Joe Saunders
Arizona gets: Colby Rasmus and Zach Greinke
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That would be a tough trade to pull off because there are a large number of very high value assets but that’s not a bad exchange. Nice thought.
I think a lot of people around here are vastly undervaluing Upton. I think the D-Backs WOULD hang up the phone if Cash offered Banuelos, Laird, Granderson, Noesi. I see that as 2 mediocre prospects, 1 great prospect and 1 good everyday major leaguer. I think the D-backs would want 3 very good or great prospects and some filler.
Montero, Banuleos, Adams, Noesi probably gets it done. Two great prospects, 1 good, 1 mediocre. Not sure I’d want the Yankees to do that trade though… And don’t kid yourself, any team would be happy to have Montero. He could easily be converted to 1B.
Thames was one of the best bench players I’ve ever seen. Is he not even being considered a Yankee next season?!?!
Why do folks think it’s ‘easy’ to convert to a 1B?
Montero’s issue is supposedly poor footwork. Last I check, you need a degree of agility and good footwork overat 1B.
GB, here’s a good novel about baseball and the Civil War:
http://search.barnesandnoble.c.....0156006293
MP, Hilton Head is nice in the day time, but, not so great in the evenings. Strictly tourist bars and local trouble makers. I’d base out of Charleston, as just a suggestion. Nothng beats an open carriage ride at night through the city. Charleston nightlife, if that’s what you like is great and the food is so much better. If you get to Savannah, Paula Deens, 1790, The Olde Pink house and The Chart house are fantastic. Spanky’s for afternoon sandwiches and snacks and great seafood out on Tybee Island.
Here’s a restaurant guide. I’ll add the hotels to both Savannah and Charleston in a bit.
http://www.savannahbest.com/Dining.htm
just saw that you mentioned a side trip to Atlanta. You must make a stop and see Al Capone’s and Denny McLain’s former home…The Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. There may be some people living in their old cells, though.
Anderville Prison is in Perry, about 100 miles south on I75. “Tara isn’t far from Atlanta, in Forsythe County.
Patrick, if it takes Montero, then the Yanks won’t get Upton. But I don’t think it would take Montero. But then I’d be willing to put Hughes into the deal if I had to, if I had alreadt signed Lee and Pettitte.
Which is the fly in the ointment of course.
tom, thanks for the tip on the book. I’ll order it tomorrow. sounds like a great read.
Montero, Banuleos, Adams, Noesi probably gets it done. Two great prospects, 1 good, 1 mediocre
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Which one do you consider “mediocre”? Nobody on that list.
Tom & GB, let’s just say that as a ‘student’ of modern conflict, the Civil War is probably my weakest campaign studied. Wasn’t so keen on the land campaigns, but was totally enamored with the naval developments and applications.
What does ‘Softbank’ mean in English???
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muddy side of the river. Where the carp live.
Which one do you consider “mediocre”? Nobody on that list.
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Noesi
OF is not a priority. Let’s not get distracted, and certainly let’s not be subtracting our limited starting pitching depth for a need that does not exist.
Softbank is the name of a telecommunications company in Japanese. They have various holding including baseball.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SoftBank
How does every fan out there lusting for Upton forget that it’s pitching that wins championships?
Include Hughes in any deal and you still have to replace his spot in the rotation in 2011.
Betances, Banuelos, Brackman, and Phelps aren’t likely going to be ready for a rotation spot this season (and at least one of the ‘Killer Bs’ would also be headed to ARI).
It took a few years to develop Hughes and he’s still progressing. He just had a very good season by all accounts (except Betsy) in his first full year starting.
Now people are rushing to trade him for an outfielder they don’t need?
Maybe I don’t have the baseball common sense than I once thought.
When a guy like Justin Upton is available you have to take notice. He’s an extremely talented player.
Simon. That war should be right up your alley…lots of spying and detective work.
Speaking of spying. a movie suggestion: “Cloak And Dagger” from about 1946 with Gary Cooper. Based on some of the exploits of Michael Burke, former CEO and President of the Yankees. He was a spy during WWII working with Wild Bill Donavon and a little bit with Moe Berg, catcher and spy with the OSS..
# DaSaint007 November 17th, 2010 at 5:11 pm
Why do folks think it’s ‘easy’ to convert to a 1B?
Montero’s issue is supposedly poor footwork. Last I check, you need a degree of agility and good footwork overat 1B.
Didn’t Montero play some third base in the winter league? Not sure. He could be alright over at first.
Patrick November 17th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Which one do you consider “mediocre”? Nobody on that list.
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Noesi
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Noesi is a better pitcher than Nova.
I wouldn’t trade Hughes for Upton but I’d be willing to trade 1 or 2 of the “Killer B’s”
Saint
I never said they weren’t warranted. The Brothers Stein can do whatever they want.
I’m saying I would personally prefer if they let their business to be run by a small team of baseball and financial experts without interferring.
Anyway this discussion has gone on too long for something that has less of a chance of happening than Chips trade proposals.
“OF is not a priority. Let’s not get distracted, and certainly let’s not be subtracting our limited starting pitching depth for a need that does not exist.”
If the Yanks were to sign Lee and Pettitte, they would be far from having limited starting pitching depth. It would in fact be coming out their ears.
While having a potential Cano in the outfield would be a very fine thing indeed.
If IF was a fifth, we’d all be drunk.
WYH, sure. If this could be held off until after Lee and Pettitte are signed. Let’s ask Zona to do so.
Noesi is a better pitcher than Nova.
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Nova was a mediocre prospect as well. He’s going to be a 5th starter or reliever.
“WYH, sure. If this could be held off until after Lee and Pettitte are signed. Let’s ask Zona to do so.”
To be fair, DaSaint007, I did say that was the fly in the ointment.
Cashan: Hey Kevin, we haven’t signed Lee and Pettitte as yet. Can you hold off on trading Upton until after we’re done with our business here?
Kevin: Sure Cash. I at least owe you that much. You did give me a summer job. No prob. I’ll tell the other teams to wait till December then.
Just busting your chops WYH. All in fun.
I don’t think AZ is trading Upton anytime soon anyway.
Jonmorosi
Randy Levine on Jeter talks: “This isn’t a licensing deal. He’s a baseball player.” #NY #Yankees
# Patrick November 17th, 2010 at 5:24 pm
When a guy like Justin Upton is available you have to take notice. He’s an extremely talented player.
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I get that. The problem is the cost is way too high for a position that’s no higher than seventh on their priority list this offseason:
1.) Rotation slot x 2
3.) Jeter
4.) Mo
5.) Reliever
6.) Backup catcher/4th outfielder
The 2011 team will have a somewhat different look than the 2010 team did. Thames would be hard pressed to make the 2011 team out of spring training.
It will be players like Montero, Nunez, and Laird that can nudge Thames into thinking Japan as his best move to continue playing.
Thanks, GB7.
With my brood, no nightlife is not a problem. But I’ll consider what you said about basing in Charleston.
Thanks a bunch. Lots to plan around.
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I sure wish something “real” would happen Yankee-wise. The conversation today has me dizzy.
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I thought the AL CYA was today. Guess not.
Listening to XM a little bit right before the announced MOY. Kevin Kennedy actually thought Charlie Manuel should win because the Phillies won the most games in MLB. I had to laugh a little (okay, a lot), because he then went on to say, more or less, yeah, I know the Phillies were expected to win a lot of games, it’s about expectations, performance, blah, blah, blah. And I thought, well, if Manuel’s team was expected to win a lot of games, then he merely MET expectations, while the Reds and the Padres and to some extend teh Giants managers certainly exceeded expectations, so how do you even put Manuel in the same conversation????
Plus, of course, I thought of Girardi last year and the Yankees having the most wins in MLB and how it was written off as, “well, that’s what we expected them to do.”
Sheesh.
GF,
I agree with you which is why I would never offer Hughes for Upton. But the thing is, if you have a chance at getting a special player like Upton it doesn’t matter what position he plays. And it costs nothing in prospects to sign Lee, Jeter, Mo, a reliever and a backup catcher / 4th outfielder. Upton costs prospects, not money.
In importance for me, not necessarily in the order they will be accomplished:
1. Rotation slot #2
2. Mariano
3. Pettitte
4. Jeter
5. Rotation slot #5
6. Backup Catcher
There’s a difference to overpaying a bit for a player and allowing a GM to sodomize you while you pay for the “honor”. Cashman’s not going to allow that for Upton, who falls into the “nice to have” area. Outfield/offense is not yet a need.
Someone needs to track down John Mozeliak and find out what the deal with Colby Rasmus is.
That or the ladies of lohud who are gracious enough to post all these tweets need to start following some St Louis Cardinals beat writers please
I saw Noesi pitch at Trenton. He was pretty good. Better than mediocre for sure. I’ve seen a few guys there. The good ones stand out. (Also the really, really bad ones.) Noesi was good.
Jonmorosi
Randy Levine on Jeter talks: “This isn’t a licensing deal. He’s a baseball player.” #NY #Yankees
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Randy Levine dropping the truthbomb!
Now translate those words into action Randy
My pleasure, MP. when you want the hotels and other stuff, just let me know.
I see that you failed to be impressed by my Atlanta Federal Pen recommendation for some reason.
I’m not sure why Thames would want to go to Japan, unless he doesn’t think he’s going to get any decent offer from a MLB team? I find that hard to believe.
I don’t particularly care about Justin Upton one way or the other – I don’t want him at all for the price he’d require (Montero is untouchable and I would not give up Betances or Banuelos for him). Cash drafted 95% pitchers after he regained control because he realizes that most of them won’t turn out and the more you have, the better off you are. Trading the best of the Killer B’s doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like Upton is proven either. He’s enormously talented, but the move would be made based on potential. If so, then you might as well keep your potential stud pitchers.
yeah, I am with you MP…I would like to hear about a real signing…even if it is just the little one Cash mentioned earlier as a tease.
GF-
If Upton were available, I would slot him between 4) Mo and 5) Reliever, and then point out that items 3) and 4) have nothing to do with signing Upton, and that item 1) may or may not have anything to do with signing Upton, and finally I’d ask what does one thing have to do with the other? Can’t walk and chew gum at the same time?
Oh don’t get me wrong, I’m not sure I would want the Yankees to offer the package I proposed. I’m simply throwing out there a deal I think could get done.
Frank Wren is another one NY beat writers need to be stalking out.
If Andy retires, Jar Jurrjens is my backup plan.
I’d love to be a Civil War buff. What do you have to do to be a buff? Would sleeping less than 18 hours a day be a good start?
sounds like Thames just wants to be sure he has something…after all there are former players out there who still wanted to play
Ooh, a jibe from GF…………real mature. How old are you exactly? So what? I stand by what I said and if you think I’m the only Yankee fan or even baseball fan that thinks Phil had less than an outstanding year, well you’re even (fill in the blank) than I thought.
GB7 -
You’re talking to someone who was content to take pictures of Alcatraz from a ferry going from Vallejo to SF.
Trading 3 of your best young pitchers plus more for an outfielder, even with Upton’s considerale talents is careless, wreckless and beyond stupid.
Here Here GB! Well said! I couldn’t agree more.
MP, in that case, you’ve seen the best there is in prisons. No place to go but down.
My offer was Montero, Banuleos, Noesi, Adams. THat’s what it would take to get him. Not sure if I would want the Yankees to do it though…
While I can understand how it would be fun to try and figure out what kind of package it would take to get J Upton, I have absolutely no interest in it being an actuality.
Why would you create more holes in an area you’re trying to shore (sure?) up?? Why devastate your farm system on ONE player?? And then you still need pitching????? And what if Cliff Lee doesn’t sign here????
AAAAAgggggghhhhh!!!!
Nick in SF November 17th, 2010 at 5:45 pm
I’d love to be a Civil War buff. What do you have to do to be a buff? Would sleeping less than 18 hours a day be a good start?
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the additional sleep is optional. Real buffs run through the Civil War sites naked.
One thing to remember, is that you do it “naked” and not “nekid”. “Nekid” is being naked but you’re up to something.
Anyway folks. Have to run to an event this eve. Hopefully there will be some news on Yankee front. Have a good evening all.
They are asking for 4-5 players with at least 3 ML ready and 3 of them pitchers, according to ‘Zona reports.
it sounds to me like AZ doesn’t really want to trade Upton…they are just seeing if anyone will come up w/ a crazy deal
I went to Gettysburg last year and took a picture of one of the Confederate cannons with a Yankee cap on it.
I hope that was a good start.
an upton trade simply will not happen. he’s still very unreliable at this point and you’d have to trade away the farm
somebody is selling tickets in the 3rd level for 4 seats to the Knicks/heats game. Price – $44,000. LMAO. $44.00 maybe.
“Phil had less than an outstanding year, well you’re even (fill in the blank) than I thought.”
I love mad libs.
Nick
were you in the buff when you took the pix?
“(Fill In The Blank)”
Intelligent?
If you’re gonna trade for Upton, the price probably starts with Hughes, Montero, and Banuelos and then go from there.
Now how many of you would be willing to do that?
If the Yanks had one giant hole in the outfield that would be one thing. But, they don’t, and the odds are pretty good that the starting outfield won’t change.
I’ve never visited any Civil War sites per se but I have spent a good deal of time in Central Park which we all know was discovered by Joe Pepitone in the 1850′s and was used during the Civil War so the Union armies could practice fighting on grass.
I was fully clothed at the time.
“They are asking for 4-5 players with at least 3 ML ready and 3 of them pitchers, according to ‘Zona reports.”
What they ask for and what they get are two different things.
Betsy,
That wasn’t some kind of unfair and immature jab at you.
You might be the only person on earth who jumped off a bandwagon after her/his favorite player completed a season that far exceeded any of our expectations.
Every one of us would have ecstatically taken those numbers from him one year ago today.
Nick
then I guess you don’t qualify as a Civil War buff
Well, since they don’t have to move Upton, then they have no reason to accept less.
upstate kate November 17th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
Nick
then I guess you don’t qualify as a Civil War buff
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Not unless he’s a very old Chippendale dancer.
# Nick in SF November 17th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I was fully clothed at the time.
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I wasn’t. Oh wait, you’re talking about something else. Carry on.
Marcus-san would be a hit in Japan.
average MLB hitters are stars there, and he could put up huge power #s.
good luck wherever you go, Marcus.
Welcome to the world of the demented, GF.
“Speaking of spying. a movie suggestion: “Cloak And Dagger” from about 1946 with Gary Cooper. Based on some of the exploits of Michael Burke, former CEO and President of the Yankees.”
gb7-
i spent an evening sitting right beside michael burke at my high school baseball banquet in 1967. he grew up in my high school town of enfield, ct . i remember he was late because he drove from new york in a snowstorm.
i remember a classy guy with grey hair who went out of his way to be a regular guy with us high school players.
you never know sometimes who it is you’re meeting.
H-Wired, Thames as a full time DH there could challenge the Home Run record of Tuffy Rhodes and Randy Bass. One season high is 55, I believe.
LOL. I crossed that bridge a long time ago.
randy l. November 17th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
“Speaking of spying. a movie suggestion: “Cloak And Dagger” from about 1946 with Gary Cooper. Based on some of the exploits of Michael Burke, former CEO and President of the Yankees.”
gb7-
i spent an evening sitting right beside michael burke at my high school baseball banquet in 1967. he grew up in my high school town of enfield, ct . i remember he was late because he drove from new york in a snowstorm.
i remember a classy guy with grey hair who went out of his way to be a regular guy with us high school players.
you never know sometimes who it is you’re meeting.
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Thanks, Randy. Great story. Burke was quite a charactor. He was one of those did everything, been everywhere guys. I believe he was All-Americam or 2nd team at Brown University in the ’30s, worked with Donavon and the OSS behind German and Russian lines in Eastern Europe. After that, be was President of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. I guess that gave him great experience for running the CBS Yankees.
***character***