Didn’t expect much, didn’t get much
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 19, 2010 
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On the day he arrived in Orlando, Brian Cashman said not to expect much. The Yankees have big things to do this winter, but they weren’t going to get them done during the general managers’ meetings, and they weren’t going to get them done during the owners’ meetings. One small move. That’s all Cashman suggested, and that’s all that happened.
At least, that’s all that happened for the Yankees. Some other teams were busy, and some of the moves were interesting from the Yankees point of view.
John Buck’s three-year deal
Nine months ago he was non-tendered by the Royals. This week he signed a three-year, $18-million deal with the Marlins. The catcher position is a tricky one. Florida saw enough in Buck’s breakout season to commit to him. The Yankees catching position is in transition, but they have internal options coming in waves and don’t have to make a risky signing in the name of replacing Jorge Posada. By the way, if you don’t already, this might be a good time to appreciate just how long Posada has been one of the best catchers in the game.
Joaquin Benoit also got three years
Last year, the Tigers paid big money for Jose Valverde. This year, they gave $16.5 million to Benoit, who signed a minor league deal heading into the 2010 season. The Benoit contract speaks to the value of setup relievers. The eighth is a big-money inning, and if one of the Yankees young guys — Joba Chamberlain or Dave Robertson or any number of upper-level pitching prospects — could take that job and hold onto it, that would be a huge plus. Let’s not forget, not so long ago the Tigers seemed fairly set with Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney.
Jake Westbrook re-signed in St. Louis
And my friends back home were happy. As for the Yankees, I’m sure it was little more that white noise, some background move while they stay focused on the big Cliff Lee-shaped prize. The strange thing about the Yankees the pitching market is that it’s basically all or nothing. If they sign Lee, and Andy Pettitte comes back, then the Yankees rotation decisions are easy as could be. If not … well then this winter could get really interesting. The Yankees are hoping things like the Westbrook signing remain perfectly meaningless. If Lee goes else where, Ken Davidoff reports that Plan B involves signing Carl Crawford, then trading for pitching. Plan A is much less complicated.
“By the way, if you don’t already, this might be a good time to appreciate just how long Posada has been one of the best catchers in the game.”
absolutely.,….actually SS is similar in that regards with the Yankees.
Best core four in the game would be my statement.
# GreenBeret7 November 19th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Morning, GF. That TV money may as well be non-existant for now. That money is earmarked to pay off part of the purchase debts and not payroll and not even available for a couple of years. They have a lot of arbitration cases due and it only starts with Hamilton and Cruz.
————
Morning, GB.
Yeah, I’m not going to count my chickens but I’d be really surprised if Lee ends up staying in Texas.
The disparity in offers will probably be pretty significant and Texas has other worries as you said.
If Martinez is a guy they are truly interested in signing, plus the arbitration cases, there’s no way they’ll be able to add that kind of payroll and keep Lee as well.
I think Posada has a good shot at the Hall of Fame.
Jorge Posada = Hall of Fame’er
Posada should already be a HOFer but another solid season could solidify it.
Looks like starting in 2012 that winning your division will mean getting a first round buy in the playoffs…..they are going to add another WC team in each league.
Blake-
Guess they can play into Dec., eh ?
Crock of you know what.
No move is better than a bad move.
Posada and Jeter are both HoFers and have been truly great Yankees. The open question is what they have left in terms of playing at a near HoF level. The signs aren’t promising.
Looks like starting in 2012 that winning your division will mean getting a first round buy in the playoffs?..they are going to add another WC team in each league.
-
I have no problem with that .. It’ll make winning the Divison worth something again ..
Hey. I got an idea.
If MLB is gonna copy the NFL why not institute the “challenge” system for baseball.
At least that way some of the terrible calls by Umps would get reversed.
MTU,
I really don’t like it. It will keep more teams in it longer which will sustain interest and I guess that probably the goal…..but that time off for the division winners could really be a negative for them. If they do it then they have to make the WC series 3 games and they have to be 3 straight games with no travel days IMO. Make the lack of rest for the WC teams cancel out the rust that the division winners will have. I don’t know….we’ll just have to see how it works, looks like its coming though.
I have to say I am surprised that they want to expand the WC. 3 teams from the AL east now?
First round byes = a greater chance of a winning team losing their edge (e.g., starting pitchers losing command because of too much rest)
This isn’t football where almost everyone is injured or hurting late in the season.
I think it’s a dumb idea because it will have unintended consequences.
Two thoughts:
On Benoit – the last two non-closers to sign for that kind of money were Brandon Lyon and Scott Linebrink – how did those deals work out?
On Posada – spot in monument park? Absolutely. Number retired? Absolutely. Hall of Famer? Absolutely not.
He’ll finish his career with about 1,700 hits, 280 HR, 1,100 RBI and a batting average somewhere between .270 – .275. All very nice numbers but not Hall worthy, not from a catcher who was only alright defensively. By comparison, another poor defensive catcher who will make the Hall of Fame (Mike Piazza) had more than 300 more hits, nearly 100 more home runs and 200 more RBI, and 3 times as many All Star appearences than Jorge.
Blake-
Yeah. So are death and taxes. You’re right though. Some things are inevitable and seem to develop a life of their own.
I wonder what would happen if they actually polled the fans ?
Rich,
I agree, which is why if they do this then the season should end on Sunday….the WC series should start on Monday and end on Wednesday….then the division series should start at the latest on Friday…..That way the division winners only have 4 days off.
I should point out on my Posada thing – I’m a very very tough judge for who is and who is not Hall worthy.
I think too many borderline players are in there because they were nice to certain reporters or have friends who are legitimate Hall of Famers.
Casey Close now looking for 100 billion dollars:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTmXHvGZiSY
Texas is looking over their shoulders to see what the Angels make for moves in order to regain the top of the AL West. Texas could find themselves as one year wonders if L.A. and Oakland come out of the gate determined to be 1-2 in the race for the division.
Texas is finding out the realities of being a pennant winner. They have signings and arbitration cases coming up which in past years was just so-so business. This offseason is a different sense of urgency.
GF, I had forgotten about Texas’ interest in getting Martinez on the team. He’s certainly not going to be cheap. I’m guessing Posada money for at least 4 years.
The Yanks have a long history of keeping team mates together for 10-15 years or more, going back to the 20s and 30s, beginning with Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and Bill Dic key along with that killer pitching staff. Take it into the 30s, the 40s were a little less so, mostly because of the war years. The 50s and 60s with Mantle, Ford, Berra, Howard, Richardson, Kubek. The 70s and 80s sort to changed with the underwear, but the mid 90s thru today.
Maybe Chad and the boys can use the cold winter days after the Winter Meetings and put together some history lessons on some of the lesser known players that new fans or fans who have forgotten about. Guys like Casey Stengel, Ralph Houk, Hank Bauer, Ellie Howard, Tonk Kubek, Bobby Richardson, Ralph Terry, Bill Stafford, Jim Bouton and the unforgettable Joe Pepitone. All great and interesting characters.
Rather have Werth than Crawford under plan B. I don’t see any marquee names in the pitching market asides from Lee. (surprised that kuroda sign one year deal so quickly)
Chip,
check on Jorge’s numbers vs some of the catchers that are in the HOF….Carter, Fisk, etc…they compare pretty favorably. And he will have at least 5 WS rings.
Chip:
I think “absolutely not” is a little too harsh as it relates to Posada’s HOF chances. I think he’s squarely on the fence with plenty of arguments both for and against. He’s far from a lock, be he will, and should, get a good look.
GB-
That should be your job.
Volunteer to be a guest poster, and get someone to type for you.
Previous Thread
upstate kate
November 19th, 2010 at 8:29 am
I hear ya, last time that happened all I heard was ‘Bob dear’ about six times in a row little did I know that the meaning was Bob, deer ! as I was about to hit it on the side of the road. It was just standing there as I veered towards it. Thank goodness I missed it at 4 AM.
Can you older guys imagine a live internet interview between Chad and the boys and Joe Pepitone, Phil Linz or Jim Bouton. Definately something worth a listen.
1 game do or die would be very exciting for the WC teams.
I like the idea of adding a Wild Card team and making the 2 play each other. IMO it should be a one game playoff so that the division winning teams, as rich mentioned, don’t get rusty waiting. I’ve liked this idea for two years because as of right now there is no punishment for the Wild Card. Now (likely), you’ll have an additional hurdle to the WS. There has to be a reason to play for the division IMO otherwise you end up with what the Yankees had this year, a half-way approach.
VY-
Those puns can kill ya !
MTU November 19th, 2010 at 9:35 am
GB-
That should be your job.
Volunteer to be a guest poster, and get someone to type for you.
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LMAO. Do the letters FO mean anything to you?
VY
fortunately no one in my family has had a deer/vehicle encounter, altho we all have had close calls…I did however have a bear run into me many years ago…let’s just say it didn’t end well for either the bear or the car
Carter career OPS: .773
Posada career OPS: .856
Carter only had 2 seasons where his OPS was higher than Posada’s career number and he never had a .900 season…..Posada has had 3 of them. The real thing hurting Posada is that he got such a late start…he’s only been a full time player for 13 seasons. It hurts his cumulative numbers but when you look at seasonal averages he has been very good.
“The open question is what they have left in terms of playing at a near HoF level. The signs aren’t promising.”
rich in nj-
the problem is the baseball schedule. it’s everyday for 162 games. the schedule is for fans and for business. it’s not what produces the best athletic results. even young players get beat up from overuse with playing this much.
with older player like jeter and posada they would be much better if they played less. jeter would be much better if he played about 120-130 games. posada would be much better if he caught 50 games or so and dh’d the rest with a similar total of games as jeter.
there’s an art to aging well as an athlete and it doesn’t involve playing everyday. players like jeter and posada would be invaluable if they could go into the playoffs in peak athletic condition.
mariano is in the same position. it’s really a no brainer to cut down on playing time for all these players so that they peak at the right time.
of course this would take some creative roster creation by cashman and some creative day to day managing by girardi, but these guys are so good it would be worth doing.
Previous Thread
Mike Ri
November 19th, 2010 at 8:26 am
Problem is when I get up the dogs come first before coffee, me and anyone else who is sleeping or waht have you. Going out the door half awake is tough enough without my trying to film something. I probably would end up dropping the camera and breaking it.
“1 game do or die would be very exciting for the WC teams.”
I wish they would do this but I don’t think they will. They will probably do a 3 game series and lets just hope they don’t put travel days in it.
“I like the idea of adding a Wild Card team and making the 2 play each other. IMO it should be a one game playoff so that the division winning teams, as rich mentioned, don’t get rusty waiting”
Agree, but I’d like to see it be a best of 3 beginning the Monday after the season’s last day.
You can’t name 10 catchers in baseball history better than Posada that are eligible for or in the HOF. At least 3 in the HOF don’t belong there.
MTU
November 19th, 2010 at 8:38 am
VY-
Glad you enjoyed them.
I wouldn’t even give him water. He’s so smart he ought to be to locate some.
P.S. FYI, it’s a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon).
==============
Thanks, my bad thought it was ‘Personal Locator Device’
VY-
I don’t want you buyin’ the wrong piece of equipment.
Blake
Maybe the WC team with the best record should get all 3 games on their turf?
Kate:
Poor bear, was his name Yogi ?
“Cy Young played 20 seasons where he didn’t lead the league in ERA. If he was playing today, Cy Young probably wouldn’t win the Cy Young Award.”
LGY-
And maybe they should start handing out snow shoes to the players ?
LGY,
I like it….or they just just home field in the 3 game series. I don’t care how they do it so long as they get it over with as quickly as possible. If the season ends on Sunday then round 2 should start no later than the following Friday.
I think Posada makes it. As blake and GB have pointed out, he has better numbers than some others who are already in the hall. He is certainly not a first ballot HOF-er, but I think he gets in there eventually.
And I really hate the idea of expanding the playoffs, but I guess the almighty $ rules.
“Maybe the WC team with the best record should get all 3 games on their turf?”
Nah. Best record gets 2 home games, just don’t give ‘em a travel day. Wasn’t that long ago the Yankees and Athletics had to cross the country after Game 4 of the ALDS to play Game 5 the next day. If they could do then, they can do it now.
MTU November 19th, 2010 at 9:44 am
VY-
I don’t want you buyin’ the wrong piece of equipment.
===============
Not to worry I don’t need one of those, I use a white cane………tap, tap, tap.
Pat-
Lot’s of people get things named after them when they don’t necessarily deserve to be honored.
Take Emmy Lou Harris. She’s a singer not an actress.
Or the Grammy’s. Not even named after a person.
And who was “Ficklefinger” ? Goldfinger’ cousin ?
Had the rule been in effect this season then the Yankees and Red Sox would have faced off in the WC series…..
For whatever reason, guys like Posada and Simba (Ted simmons) will be overlooked for years whil Ray Schalk, Rick Ferrell and Al Lopez waltz in. Lopez should be in as a manager, not a catcher.
Mell
How would you set that up though? Opening at the team with the lesser record seems weird.
Mell November 19th, 2010 at 9:35 am
Chip:
I think “absolutely not” is a little too harsh as it relates to Posada’s HOF chances. I think he’s squarely on the fence with plenty of arguments both for and against. He’s far from a lock, be he will, and should, get a good look
—————–
Well that goes back to me being a tough critic.
I believe that when you say a player’s name – if you don’t automatically think “hall of fame” then he’s not a hall of famer. A guy who at the end of his career is a “Maybe” isn’t good enough for me.
On this team, to me, there are four Hall of Famers: Mo, Derek, Alex, Andy and Andy is a rough case who gets in only when you look at his Post Season credentials combined with his regular season ones and the fact that if he pitches one more year he’ll likely have over 250 wins.
CC and Tex are far too early in their careers to judge.
Blake-
Talk about the Play offs being a “crapshoot”. A sudden death playoff, or a 3 game series.
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19 at 8:52am CST]
Put an affordable 23-year-old with superstar potential on the trade market and you’re going to hear some juicy rumors. We found out yesterday that the Diamondbacks are prepared to deal Justin Upton even if the move isn’t popular with the team’s fan base. The Blue Jays are showing strong interest in the right fielder and the Mariners, Marlins, Orioles and Red Sox are among the other interested teams. Here are today’s rumors, with more to come throughout the day:
* At least 15 teams approached the D’Backs about Upton at the GM Meetings and five of those clubs wanted to push talks further along, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, who notes that the Yankees were not one of the five clubs in hot pursuit of the outfielder.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Or the Grammy’s. Not even named after a person
———————————————————————————————————————-
yes it was, but, can’t remember if it was Graham Lloyd, Graham Nash or Graham Cracker.
Now that’s something lgy. Gives everybody an incentive to keep playing through day 162. If it is 3 game series played 2-1 at both team’s stadium do you think they get a travel day? Making a 3 day set turn into 4 days? The longer the layover gets the less I like three games. I really think having a do or die game for both leagues every year would really get everyone excited for the start of the playoffs. Suck in some casual fans.
MTU
Did Tommy John not really have Tommy John surgery? Did a guy name Smith and not Heimlich have a maneuver?
It’s all a lie.
GB-
Knowing Hollywood it’s probably named after a “unit of measure”.
GreenBeret7 November 19th, 2010 at 9:43 am
You can’t name 10 catchers in baseball history better than Posada that are eligible for or in the HOF. At least 3 in the HOF don’t belong there.
——————
Given that there are only 13 catchers in the Hall of Fame I would wager you are correct.
Having said that though – Jorge is going to be measured against 2 catchers who played in the same era as him (Piazza and I-Rod) and will come up on the short end of that particular stick.
What Posada has working for him though is that his numbers are presumed clean whereas both Piazza and Pudge have been reportedly linked to artificial enhancers.
Pat-
Let’s not even get into “street names” after our storied Politicians.
You’re right. Lies and damnable lies.
Looks like Shoo may catch a break in South Korea…nothing definate, yet, though. Compliments of MLB-Rumors-R-Us. Lets the trade talks run wild.
“Shin-Soo Choo will likely be exempt from military service since he helped South Korea beat Taiwan for gold at the Asian games yesterday, according to MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian (on Twitter). As Bastian explained yesterday, able-bodied South Korean men must spend two years in the military by the end of their 30th year. There’s a way out, though; athletes receive an exemption if they win gold at the Asian games.
The 28-year-old Scott Boras client would have lost some prime seasons if he had been required to serve. Choo has been remarkably consistent for the past two campaigns, following up a .300/.394/.489 line with a .300/.401/.484 line. His well-balanced play makes him an offseason extension candidate.”
And finally. How about Thomas Crapper ?
He really got “cheated”.
Speaking of which. catch you in a while.
“For whatever reason, guys like Posada and Simba (Ted simmons)”
Always wondered whether Simmons saw his case hurt by hanging on 4-5 more years than he should of. I see him and Posada as somewhat similar. Not necessarily outstanding behind the plate, but truly outstanding standing next to it with a bat in their hands. Posada probably had a little more power than Simmons, but Simmons was a good average/OBP guy who you just coudln’t strike out. Simmons is on the list of candidates with Marvin Miller, Steinbrenner, Martin , et al, who are being considered for the HOF. Hope he gets a good hard look.
Schalk, eh? Beyond not being a particpating Black Sock, what about him was noteworthy?
You’ve been reading my book, “The History Of Snarkology”, MTU. Well done.
Blake -
I was thinking about it last night – the only way the Yankees can legitimately get in on Upton is by including a third team.
New York just doesn’t have the young, established, major leaguer that Arizona would want (well they do but they aren’t parting with Hughes or Cano)
My best case scenario would be to work with a rebuilding team that has such a player. For example, could the Yankees work something out like this: and this is just an example so don’t get hung up on names
Indians get: Brett Gardner, Dellin Betances, Ivan Nova
D’Backs get: Nick Swisher, Fausto Carmona and David Robertson
Yankees get: Justin Upton and Trevor Crowe
…hanging on 4-5 more years than he should HAVE (rather than “of”).
More coffee!!!!!
GB-
Yes. A real “treatise”.
I plan on walking the dogs too. Later.
MTU November 19th, 2010 at 10:02 am
And finally. How about Thomas Crapper ?
He really got “cheated”.
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according to Mel Brooks, Prince John gave his name to a rather stinky object.
Chip,
either way, it will have to be a clear win for the D’backs for them to do it. So basically you’ll have to find a way for a lot of cheap talented players to wind up in Arizona.
LGY:
In a best of 3 that’s got to get done in three days, I’d say the 2nd seed gets Game 1 at home and the 1st gets Games 2 and 3 at their place. I think that’s the way some of the minor leagues deal with the 1st round of their playoffs.
GB-
Yes. that’s true but here in the good ole’ US of A we call it a toilet, or the like.
The Man is being cheated out of a ton of non-Royal royalties.
Get the flow, so to speak.
Tood da’ LOO.
GB-
Yes. that’s true but here in the good ole’ US of A we call it a toilet, or the like.
The Man is being cheated out of a ton of non-Royal royalties.
Get the flow, so to speak.
Tood da’ LOO.
Sorry. I went twice.
“Indians get: Brett Gardner, Dellin Betances, Ivan Nova
D’Backs get: Nick Swisher, Fausto Carmona and David Robertson
Yankees get: Justin Upton and Trevor Crowe”
Snakes aren’t getting near enough, Chip
MTU are you trying to tell me that Prince Albert didn’t have a ‘prince albert’?
Mell November 19th, 2010 at 10:12 am
“Indians get: Brett Gardner, Dellin Betances, Ivan Nova
D’Backs get: Nick Swisher, Fausto Carmona and David Robertson
Yankees get: Justin Upton and Trevor Crowe”
Snakes aren’t getting near enough, Chip
——————————–
What if Crowe went to Arizona as well and instead the Yankees took back a Blaine Boyer type of pitcher along with Upton.
So Arizona gets a frontline starter under control (Carmona) a young back of the bullpen guy (Robertson – or Joba) a young upside OF (Crowe) and a young/veteran slugger (Swisher)
NY would probably have to kick them a little cash too or take back a guy slated to get some money in arbitration like Boyer.
Chip
Why are the Indians getting arguably a better package than the Dbacks?
Mell -
Or you kick them an additional high ceiling prospect – a Romine or Warren or someone of that ilk.
From the Dbacks perspective the only reason to trade Upton would be to acquire several prospects that will clearly give them a chance to be a better team in the future and to lower their payroll in the process. I don’t see them making a deal that both trades away their best player and raises their payroll.
One definition of “snarky” is ill-tempered, irritable”.
How did Al Capone ever get the nickname of “Snarky”?
LGY -
Because I wasn’t thinking and forgot to include a high ceiling prospect going to Arizona. Simple mistake.
the high ceiling prospects going to Arizona is the whole point of them making a deal….that’s all they really want.
Blake -
According to Towers (or reports attributed to comments from Towers) he’s not looking for prospects – he wants players who will immediately make Arizona a better team.
I figure Carmona would be a big add to their rotation, Crowe becomes their starting RF and Swisher their starting 1b and Robertson sets up in their pen.
That’s four key spots filled – 3 of which would be a significant upgrade from what they currently have (only downgrade would be going from Upton to Crowe in RF)
Though frankly if the Yankees have enough to get Carmona and Crowe I say do that and forget about Upton…but that’s another story entirely.
Chip:
A year or two of Swisher, a dime a dozen reliever and a #3 starter probably doesn’t do it.
I don’t think Upton will be moved, but if he is it’ll be because somebody offered a package that included 2 Montero/Bettances/Banuelos-level prospects and then some.
If NYY is trading 6 players and Swisher and Romine are 2 of them, Betances won’t be. Warren or Mitchell would be.
Crowe is already 27 and was awful last year.
His SLG was 2 points lower than Cervelli.
Just looking at numbers….if the Dbacks acquired Ellsbury from the Red Sox as a replacement for Upton, they would really probably only save a couple million on their payroll with that swap in 2011…..They really probably wouldn’t save any money at all with Ellsbury until 2014 when Upton’s salary jumps to 14+ million. Just makes no sense for them unless they include Buchholtz and probably Iglesias as well.
Betances, if he is what the Yanks and others think is no #3 pitcher, regardless of who he’s pitching for or the spot in the rotation. he’s that good.
Chip -
If all of your proposals were to become reality, half of spring training would become meet & greet sessions.
Shudder to think the Yankees would need to resort to names on the back of their uniforms.
“According to Towers (or reports attributed to comments from Towers) he’s not looking for prospects – he wants players who will immediately make Arizona a better team.”
but he’s not looking to get older and more expensive in return for trading his franchise player away. Replacing Upton with Swisher and Carmona would add 11+ million dollars to their payroll.
I’ve come to the conclusion that an Upton trade would create more holes than it is worth.
“Betances, if he is what the Yanks and others think is no #3 pitcher, regardless of who he’s pitching for or the spot in the rotation. he’s that good”
Yeah, I was referring to Carmona in that case.
And trading two starting outfielders to get one? Not happening, even if they include the legendary Trevor Crowe. Talk about net losses for the Yanks.
Playoffs: 3 division winners, 2 WC’s.
WC’s play each other best of three over three days, starting with the day after the regular season ends. DS starts the day after game 3 of the wild card series… Make it hurt to be the wild card – at most 1 day off for them, no days off if the WC series goes 3 games, and only 3 days off for the division winners, so they can get their rotations in order, rest a bit, but shouldn’t be too rusty.
PS to above – ties for WC berths are settled like they are in football. No 1-game playoffs to decide, so you can keep to the above schedule.
At midnight tonight, the Rule 5 lists will be submitted. should be an interesting list for the Yanks to work out.
who’s going to overpay for Kaz Matsui-Lite?
Orioles To Bid On Nishioka
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [November 19 at 9:22am CST]
The Orioles’ search for a shortstop has led them to Japan and to the trade market. They are going to bid on Japanese infielder Tsuyoshi Nishioka according to a Sports Hochi report relayed by Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker. The Mariners and Padres also seem likely to bid, but the Giants will not bid and the D’Backs probably won’t either.
The Dodgers and Cardinals have some interest in Nishioka and we should know the high bidder by early next week. The 26-year-old switch hitter batted .346 with 22 steals and 206 hits last year. ESPN.com’s Keith Law and Newman recently offered more analysis of his game.
The Orioles have also discussed deals for J.J. Hardy and Jason Bartlett and have dangled David Hernandez. Dan Connolly of the Sun says he’s not sure he would give up Hernandez for either shortstop, since he’s a big believer in the right-hander’s upside, particularly as a reliever.
GreenBeret7 November 19th, 2010 at 10:24 am
If NYY is trading 6 players and Swisher and Romine are 2 of them, Betances won’t be. Warren or Mitchell would be.
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Well like I said, don’t get hung up on names. I readily admit I don’t know enough about the nuances of the Yankee minor league system to say that Betances is that much better than Warren or Mitchell – just that Betances and Warren are both pitchers projected to make the majors. If you want to swap in Warren for Betances going to the Indians, I don’t mind one bit…but you get where I’m going.
On another note, I saw two conflicting reports on Romine yesterday – was hoping you could clarify.
Keith Law says Romine can throw, hit a little, but can’t catch
Mattingly doesn’t really praise him, but does say he can be a good player
As part of his Phoenix Desert Dogs team in the Arizona Fall League, Don Mattingly’s roster includes several Yankees prospects, notably Austin Romine, Brandon Laird and Manuel Banuelos. Romine is in the spring competition mix to replace Posada behind the plate and Mattingly said of him, “The kid is just a good player.”
Laird, a third baseman, used the AFL to play the outfield. The Yankees like his right-handed pop, but his value to the big league team is only if he can play first, third and outfield.
“Early on he was a little rough,” Mattingly said of Laird’s transition. “But as it has gone on, he has gotten a lot better. He has good hands. If he gets to it, he catches it. And his arm is getting better, too. Plus, he has some real pop in his bat.”
Banuelos and Dellin Betances are the Yankees’ best pitching prospects. Banuelos, a little lefty, is just 19, but he is expected to begin next year at Double-A with Betances.
“He’s going to be good,” Mattingly said of Banuelos. “He’s got a good arm. It is not going to take him long to get to the majors. He throws hard, sneaky hard. It just jumps out of his hand. For a 19-year-old kid, I will tell you, he really held his own out there.”
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/sports.....z15kAcXR6Z
GreenBeret7 November 19th, 2010 at 10:35 am
At midnight tonight, the Rule 5 lists will be submitted. should be an interesting list for the Yanks to work out.
—————-
Someone’s always on the lookout for the next Johan Santana, Dan Uggla, Josh Hamilton…
Back to Upton for a second.
Rumors are that Towers wants Bard and Elsbury and 1 prospect from Boston for J-Ups…you have to make that deal if you’re Theo right?
I mean I know he would like to hold his chips for Adrian; but Upton is younger, actually on the market and they have a pretty good 1b in Youk.
Two of the tougher choices the Yanks have to make on the Rule 5 could be a couple of pitchers in Ryan Pope and Craig Heyer. Pope is a converted starter and Heyer has become more or less a swing man. Good in the rotation and in the pen. Keeping Jairo Heredia would be a no brainer at age 20 except for the long list of injuries….much like Christian Garcia has had.
NYYs can blow that out of the water with Chamberlain, Gardner, Romine and Mitchell. Allowing ‘Zona to deal Romine for two others from a catching poor system.
Theo makes that move in a second but I believe it will take much more than that…that deal makes no.sense for Arizona unless Buchholtz is included.
If that is what Towers wants for Upton, the deal would have been made already.
GB-
Here is a current and accurate list of who is eligible for the Rule 5.
It’s taken from RAB and confirmed by Newman.
Sorry for the length.
“The official Yankees Rule 5 list
November 1st, 2010
Goto comments Leave a comment
OK…so I did something smart.
I had Mark Newman — the Yankees’ senior vice president of baseball operations — scour the list of Rule 5-eligible players I came up with last week for mistakes. Thankfully, he took a few minutes to do that.
I was off on three, he said: Jesus Montero is not eligible, which we figured out after a few minutes. Neither are P.J. Pilittere and Marcos Vecchionacci, because they are six-year free agents. Rest of the list, he said, is good.
So, here is the rest of the list:
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre roster: LHP Kei Igawa, RHP George Kontos, RHP Lance Pendleton, RHP Kevin Whelan, RHP Eric Wordekemper, 3B Brandon Laird, OF Edwar Gonzalez.
Trenton roster: LHP Wilkins Arias, RHP Dellin Betances, RHP J.B. Cox, LHP Wilkin De La Rosa, RHP Grant Duff, RHP Alan Horne, RHP Tim Norton, RHP Adam Olbrychowski, RHP Ryan Pope, RHP Josh Schmidt, SS Luis Nunez, INF/OF Justin Snyder, OF Austin Krum, OF Damon Sublett.”
Tampa roster: RHP Philip Bartleski, RHP Noel Castillo, RHP Craig Heyer, RHP Ronny Marte, RHP Jonathan Ortiz, RHP Michael Solbach, C Jose Gil, SS Walter Ibarra, SS Jose Pirela, 3B Bradley Suttle, OF Abraham Almonte, OF Zoilo Almonte, OF Melky Mesa, OF Francisco Santana.
Charleston roster: RHP Francisco Gil, RHP Jairo Heredia, RHP Richard Martinez, RHP Kelvin Perez, LHP Francisco Rondon, RHP Gabriel Tatis, SS Kelvin Castro, INF Emerson Landoni, SS Jose Toussen.
GreenBeret7 November 19th, 2010 at 11:03 am
NYYs can blow that out of the water with Chamberlain, Gardner, Romine and Mitchell. Allowing ‘Zona to deal Romine for two others from a catching poor system.
——————————
I’m not sure about that…Yes, Gardner is right now a lot better (and healthier) than Ellsbury but Joba’s stock is flatlining while Daniel Bard is making Jonathan Papelbon expendable. I suspect it would come down to what prospects Boston offered in conjunction. If it was a Michael Bowden or even Lars Anderson – I don’t think the Yankees can compete because, as good as Romine and Mitchell may be – Bowden and Anderson are likely comperable and they’re more advanced (as in more ready to pay dividends at the ML level).
What the Yankees could do is package Romine and Mitchell themselves in a Milb for Milb trade to get a more advanced prospect and then include him in a package to Arizona.
That’s why it may take a 3 team deal to get that done. Tom.
Arizona wouldn’t save any significant money by replacing Upton with Ellsbury until 2014.
MTU/GB –
How many open spots do the Yankees have on the 40 man roster at this point?
I’d keep Heredia… always go with the higher upside on late rule 5 decisions
Upton is a helluva talent, but you’re talking about a King’s ransom for him and I just don’t see it. Three elite prospects for a guy with a .799 ops last year, whiffs too much and makes a lot of errors in the OF? I’d pass on that.
Now if Carmona can be got I’m interested.
As for the second wild card I’m completely in favor of it and it does NOT cheapen the regular season it enhances it — if they do it right.
By making two wild card teams go head to head for the 4th spot in the LDS it increases the value of winning the division in the regular season and makes it tougher for a wild card team to go all the way. That’s a good thing.
It is critical that they eliminate playoff games in the event of ties and go with a system of tie breakers. That way the season wont be extended
Also, the wild card winner should face the team with the best record regardless of the division they’re in. That way the # 2 and # 3 teams among the division winners can start their series on Tuesday or Wednesday without waiting.
Here is the Yanks 40 man
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....p?c_id=nyy
Mitchell’s already in AAA and doing well. Chamberlain’s only “flatlining” with Yankee fans…they don’t count. Romine will be in AAA, and his defense will improve with Wynager. Gardner is Ellsbury’s equal on offense and superior on defense, especially in that airport in ‘Zona.
Look ,, i’m not sticking up for the Sox . But some on here are being a little close minded.
If i’m Towers . .and the Sox are offering Ellsbury ,( a young , good hitting , heck of a base stealer, with a decent glove centerfielder) , AND Bard ( an up and coming stud closer ). I’m saying to myself . . Add another prospect or two and you can have Upton
Sorry. . But i’d take Ellsbury and Bard in a split second for Upton !
Chip-
Here’s a link to the 40 Man.
Not sure if it’s totally up to date.
If Corona is still on he should be removed, and so should Russo. Not sure I would worry about fat Sanchez either.
Gb knows more.
I
Here’s what the winter kids have done, so far. The AFL season is over expect for tomorrow’s title game on MLB-TV.
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=nyy
***except***
Chip-
It would help if I put in the link
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....p?c_id=nyy
Corona had a pretty ugly season ending injury this year, so protecting him is a no go, I’d think. He was returned last year and the Yanks got $25,000 back or the trouble. He more than earned his paycheck.
Mike,
Upton has top 5 player ability. Ellsbury is a limited player and will be nearly as expensive over the next few years because he is.entering his arb years. So you would trade that talent for a relief pitcher and some over hyped prospects….the Arizona fan base would have Towers head…..or should anyway.
GB-
Who is Garrison and why is he on the 40 Man ?
Also, I lose Babbladejo (sorry LGY).
Kevin Towers is dangling Justin Upton to see what he might entertain for offers and gauge his worth.
Boston can’t get Upton unless they start with Daniel Bard which they’re not interested in doing given the uncertain status of what becomes of Papelbon. They otherwise don’t have farm products that turn heads of any GM’s otherwise it would be seen in MLBTR.
Brian Cashman is doing his buddy Towers a favor by allowing the Yankees to be named in the Upton mix. In reality, Cashman sees the outfield at present as ready to challenge in 2011.
Jeter, Rivera, and Lee remain as the Yankee priorities with hopes that Andy returns.
Cashman is not likely to make a big splash at the December meetings other than landing another LH for the bullpen and something else considered minor.
Posada deserves to be in the HoF, but I don’t think he’ll get there. The problem, as I see it, is that the HoF voters look more at batting average than OBA. Posada and Mike Piazza have identical lifetime OBAs of .377. But, Posada’s lifetime batting average is 33 points lower.
Garrison Lassiter was a top rated shortstop when he was drafted a couple of years ago, but shifted to third. He kind of stalled though with the bat and the glove work isn’t good. Also, injuries haven’t helped. Still way too early to quit on him, though. he’ll only be 21 in December.
http://www.baseball-reference......ssit001gar
Lassiter, as far as I know isn’t on the 40 man roster and doesn’t need to be. when I say he was highly rated, he was a later round pick because of signabulity issues.
EricFisherSBJ McLane, #Astros call presser for this afternoon, likely to announce plans to sell franchise.
***signability***
GB-
Thanks.
Pat-
Another chance for Mark Cuban ?
pat, that’s a bit of a shocker, isn’t it? I guess that Mac’s trucking and grocery business isn’t doing too well.
Catch U later.
Blake– I disagree respectfully
I don’t think Ellsbury is limited at all. You getting a FAST lead off hitter and one of .. . if not the best base-stealers in the league. Plus the kid can hit and has some pop. I think he’s only going to get better…. Is he going to hit more home-runs or drive in more RBI”s than Upton .. nobody knows. thats the risk of any trade …. I HATE the Red Sox .. but Ellsbury is weapon . . An absolute walking double.
Your also getting Bard. . Who I think will be a stud!. Arizona NEEDS a closer . Any fanbase knows you need a stud closer in order to win. Bard will be that answer. He has top notch stuff.
I think the D-Back fanbase would be understanding !
Banuelos, Brackman (substitute Noesi or Nova if AZ prefers), Phelps, Laird and either Gardner, or Granderson + salary relief, for Upton.
GB
Might explain willingness to move Oswalt and cutting ties with Berkman when all presumed he would boomerang back there in the off season when the Yankees passed on picking up the option.
Cleaner books and lower payrolls expedite sales.
What “pop”? He’s not going to turn into a homer hitter. He played in a band box for his swing.
There is no way Upton is traded for Ellsbury, Bard, and 1 prospect.
Not even Ellsbury, Bard, and 2 prospects.
pat, it could be his age, too I suppose. I wonder if Tal Smith will get involved in a new ownership? it doesn’t appear that his sons have anything to do with the team.
Wave — you love overpaying?
Five players AND money for whatever upgrade Upton is over Gardner/Granderson?
extremely excessive