Cashman notes from Winter Meetings Day 1
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Notes on Dec 06, 2010 
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When the Yankees beat writers walked into Brian Cashman’s suite early this evening, the Yankees general manager was sitting in a chair in the corner, spinning a football in his hands and occasionally tossing it into the air. He was wearing jeans, flip-flops, a faded Yankees t-shirt and a dark, zip-up hoodie.
Cashman had been meeting with teams and agents all day, and said he never changed out of that outfit. This is going to be a long week in Orlanda, and Cashman plans to be comfortable.
“My whole day has been on a number of different players,” he said. “Some you probably wouldn’t think would be on our radar. We covered a lot of ground today to try to assess expected value and see if it matches up with something we’re trying to do.”
Obviously, Cashman met with Cliff Lee’s representation. “While we’re in the same area, I’m going to try to meet with him as much as I possibly can,” Cashman said.
Cashman wouldn’t go into detail about those Lee conversations — and he wouldn’t say exactly which other teams and agents stopped by his suite today — but it’s clear that Lee is a primary target. When Jayson Werth signed a massive contract yesterday, it might very well have affected Lee’s asking price, but it hasn’t affected the Yankees offer.
“I know what and where we’re willing to go,” Cashman said. “It’s not going to impact us, but it may impact them.”
• The only other free agent camp Cashman acknowledged talking to today was Kerry Wood’s. The Yankees have interest in bringing Wood back for the eighth inning, but Cashman realizes Wood could get a closer opportunity elsewhere. “If he does he won’t pitch here,” Cashman said. “I won’t compete with closer money.”
• Cashman on Jorge Posada: “He’s our DH. That’s what he is, unless he plays himself off of it.”
• With that in mind, Cashman mentioned Francisco Cervelli, Jesus Montero and Austin Romine as internal options at catcher. “I think we have the catching answers from within,” he said. “But it doesn’t mean that you don’t make sure that you explore additional opportunities at the same time.”
• When the Yankees non-tendered Alfredo Aceves, they made sure to let Aceves know that they’d like to have him back on a minor league deal. Cashman called that “less risky” than keeping Aceves on the 40-man.
• Before non-tendering Dustin Moseley, the Yankees offered Moseley a Major League contract that would keep Moseley out of arbitration. “They wanted to pursue something greater,” Cashman said. “I wasn’t going to tender it if I was going to be put in arbitration. I need to control our costs.”
• The three key players who had, or will have, surgery this winter — CC Sabathia, Jorge Posada and Brett Gardner — remain on track for spring training. Mark Teixeira has also progressed to the point he’s back on his normal winter routine.
• Cashman on the Yankees outfield depth: “That’s an area that we could upgrade on. Our backup situations aren’t as strong as our everyday situations.”
• There will probably be more discussion about this in the coming days, but Cashman said he doesn’t believe there are any lingering issues because of the occasionally tense Derek Jeter negotiations.
• Cashman on George Steinbrenner: “He’s a Hall of Famer. They just haven’t made it official yet.”
Associated Press photos of Cashman and Wood
•” Cashman on Jorge Posada: “He’s our DH. That’s what he is, unless he plays himself off of it.”
interesting.
Upgrade the OF and the automatic outs in the playoffs (Gardner and Swisher).
Boston with renewed interest in Beltre…
They gotta be thinking of shipping Youk out of beantown…
His trade value is at a peak.
Youk, Bard and Ellbury to Atlanta for All-Star Catcher…
Brian McCann…
Makes sense for Braves and Boston
Don’t look so excited Brian.
It’s not good for ya’.
“Boston with renewed interest in Beltre…”
link?
Don’t see them trading Youkalis and the Braves aren’t interested in trading McCann….he’s a cornerstone of their team and one of the best catchers in baseball.
jorgearangure Agent Scott Shapiro says OF Leonis Martin,22,considered best position prospect out of Cuba in years,in Mexico and should be declared FA soon
I’d hate to see Boston trade Youkilis out of the league. He’s the only target that Chamberlain can hit consistantly.
“Some you probably wouldn’t think would be on our radar. We covered a lot of ground today to try to assess expected value and see if it matches up with something we’re trying to do.”
…….I wonder what players that pertains too. Who knows. Cashman has always been stealth like in his negotiations.
blake,
It’s a great trade for both teams.
Brave get a 3rd baseman to replace Chipper
Bullpen help in Bard
and a decent OF in Ellsbury/
RedSox get All Star Catcher Brian McCann and an upgrade at 3rd by resigning Beltre.
Not thrilled about the Jorge/DH thing; I think it’s a mistake to have Montero catch as many games as it’s apparent he will.
I’d love to have Kerry back…………but I can’t root against him getting closer money. I want him to do well wherever he goes.
There’s no fooling around with the budget – Cash has to cut costs where he can. Man, so different from when George was around.
Theo isn’t going to give up Bard who essentially is ticketed to close for them this year.
Plus good ole Theo just got spoiled by Jed and won’t want to make a deal that is actually going to cause the Sux some pain.
McCann to Boston? It would be just as easy to get Mauer from the Twins.
Is there anybody on the Yankees that you do like?
The usual stealth Cashman. Never tipping his hand.
I would think the BOS fans would not be happy if they trade Pukelis. It would thrill me to no end as it would mean that I wouldn’t have to look at his ugly mug for 19 games a season.
Southie Boston would love McCann…
An All Star Catcher with an Irish last name….
Reverses the curse of lousy local TV ratings for the Red Sox…
Yeah… Youk, Bard and Ellsbury for McCann
makes sense people…if Boston resigns Beltre.
They’ve had, roughly, the same payroll for the last 6-7 years…
“Adrian Beltre’s asking price is $85MM over five years, Rosenthal reports. Boston would be interested in re-signing the third baseman if “the market for Beltre collasped,” but the plan is to play Kevin Youkilis at third with Gonzalez taking over at first. Rosenthal says the Red Sox aren’t considering moving Youkilis to left field to make room for Beltre.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
The Angels are probably going to sign Beltre, the Sox aren’t going near that number and they aren’t going to trade Youkalis. Bard is their closer in waiting after they finally rid themselves of Papelbon.
A couple of interesting things.
1. Cash is still interested in Wood, though not at closer money. That makes sense. If Wood can’t land a closer’s gig, at money that he likes (not a lot of openings there, though Kerry did spectacular work second half of the year, and that will attract people), then the door is open. Come on back.
2. Interesting that Cash met on players that discussed players that one wouldn’t think of being available. As many have posted here, the Yanks have a lot of young pitchers and a few position players (David Adams, for one), all dressed up nowhere to go. Cash has to keep the minor league pipeline moving for the guys in A and AA, or lose people to Rule V eventually.
GMAN-
I can tell you for certain that trade is not happening. Would be a steal for the Braves however.
• Cashman on Jorge Posada: “He’s our DH. That’s what he is, unless he plays himself off of it.”
__
I thought perhaps that Posada could work is way back into the mix for catcher, but this sounds like he may not even stick as the primary DH.
“Felix Doubront, Jed Lowrie, and Jacoby Ellsbury’s names were all discussed in the Boston/San Diego trade talks, says John Tomase of the Boston Herald. Ellsbury was the only one that drew much interest from the Padres, but they decided against him since Ellsbury’s forthcoming arbitration raise would make him too expensive and a trade candidate himself in the near future.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
They didn’t want Ellsbury
I like the “fill-in” information on the Aceves and Moseley non-tenders. Reminder that it’s not a one-way street; the players have interests, as well.
Chad – Love the description of Cash’s appearance at his meeting, but it would be nicer if you’d replace the file photo that is used in every post that references Cashman. Heck, an elf picture would be better!
Cash is right about the back-up outfield situation.
Yeah, Ellsbury has a lot to prove to even show that he is comparable to Gardner.
Yankee Trader –
Seriously, what is wrong with that trade…
If Beltre re-ups…
Youkalis is an unnecessary piece in Boston.
They need a catcher – who can play and bring TV ratings back…
They couldn’t produce enough McCann jerseys in Boston if this happens.
On Yankee catchers. Just a thought, but, Posada as the main DH will help his hitting. The hands, shoulders and legs will stay fresher and less nicked up. That really hurt his bat in 2010.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....;topic_id=
Joe-
Cash’s radar has a dish the size of the one at Arecibo Peurto Rico.
Time to go and watch the Jets open up a can of whoop a-s on the Patriots.
later.
Cash should be asked about acquiring a quality backup SS/3B who can hit as well as field. It’s the best way to extend Jeter and A-Rod’s careers and keep them healthy.
Carlos Beltran in last year of contract. Cash included to Yanks for Posada. Nah, that won’t happen!
“Southie Boston would love McCann…”
—————————–
You could say the same thing about basically every team in baseball.
Rich-
Houston shopping Jeff Keppinger-good fit to play all infield positions.
If the Yanks can’t work something out for bringing Upton to the Bronx from Arizona…
I’d like to see the Yanks make a play for Jason Hayward of the Braves.
Doreen, Laird impressed more than Mattingly with his outfield play and his bat in the AFL. I think that he’ll be fine out there. a 4 position bat is always good. Not sure that he starts the season in NY, but, he’s got a shot. golson is another one. he could be at least as good as any other #4-#5 outfielder around. His hitting improved last year, so, maybe he’s starting to show why he was a first round pick for Philly.
I’m convinced that Chamberlain will be shopped beginning Tuesday. If Kerry Wood agrees to a reasonable deal as a set-up man Brackman is in and Chamberlain is out.
Add a lefthander and the fixing off the bullpen is complete.
Talks with Darek Braunecker will step up tomorrow or Wednesday.
Yankee Trader
I have never seen him play. His UZR/150 is basically negative at SS/3B. Is that representative of his ability or do you think it understates it?
LGY,
True but Boston has what Atlanta needs…
a replacement for Chipper, bullpen help and Ellsbury as a 4th OF.
McCann for Youk, Bard and Ellbury…
It makes sense as long as Beltre re-ups and Boras said the BoSox expressed interest again yeaterday.
Hope they do bring back Wood. Maybe it happens, as there are probably 6-8 closers looking for jobs-Wood, Putz, Jenks, Gregg, Capps, Rauch. Who did I miss?
GB7-
Is Keppinger a possibility or is he going to be an everyday player somewhere?
You get the feeling Cash can’t wait for Jorge’s contract to expire.
Sure I guess it makes his job harder but I think he’d better serve the team by keeping his mouth shut about current players.
Putz went to D-Bax earlier today… no?
Soriano also.
Keppinger has been good offensively. Not sure of his best defensive position. However probably wants to play everyday.
Bring back Marcus Thames.
GB7 -
That’s great about Laird. I’m always hoping the homegrowns have the upper hand. But I guess on the face of it, they have 3 OFs that they’re sure of.
I don’t know about you guys but I find Youkilis very sexy.
Trader
, Keppinger would be fine, though not real happy about the limited play. Really doesn’t have much of a say in a trade though. seems like he;d be better of in St. Louis or maybe baltimore. I like him better than Bartlett.
Red Sox need to do more than bring Gonzalez…
NESN ratings are critical to the value of Red Sox franchise.
Gonzalez is an awesome get but he doesn’t replace all that they let walk out.
“Yankee Trader –
Seriously, what is wrong with that trade…
If Beltre re-ups…
Youkalis is an unnecessary piece in Boston.
They need a catcher – who can play and bring TV ratings back…
They couldn’t produce enough McCann jerseys in Boston if this happens.”
It makes no sense for the Braves. That is what’s wrong with the trade.
What young NL outfielder has a bigger upside?
Upton (D-Bax) or Jason Hayward (Braves)?
Yankee Trader December 6th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Hope they do bring back Wood. Maybe it happens, as there are probably 6-8 closers looking for jobs-Wood, Putz, Jenks, Gregg, Capps, Rauch. Who did I miss?
———————————————————————————————————————
add soriano and fuentes and Nathan should be back. Thornton closing for the white Sox.
Interesting.
I took it that Jorge had an opportunity to play into being the FT catcher, NOT that he wouldn’t EVEN be able to hold on to the DH job.
In other words, a positive statement by Cashman about Posada.
Wrong raymagneeto….
it’s a great haul for Atlanta… talent that’s cost controlled.
Doreen December 6th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
GB7 -
That’s great about Laird. I’m always hoping the homegrowns have the upper hand. But I guess on the face of it, they have 3 OFs that they’re sure of.
———————————————————————————————————————-
I’m really anxious to see Brewer’s improvement at Scranton when they play on MiLB-TV. Good 3 position outfield defender and really nice bat with speed and some power.
McCann is a common “Scots-Irish” name.
Not sure ‘southies’ up there would warm up to somebody from Ulster..
McCann is cost controlled for 3 more season and is one of the 3 best catchers in baseball.
A 32 year old Kevin Youkilis, Bard, and Ellsbury who has a ton to prove before having any significant trade value is not netting you McCann.
Atlanta can do much better.
Youk would cost the Braves $10 million over the next 3 years
I like Cashman but im not loving some of his comments this off season. Why say that about Jorge :/
“I don’t know about you guys but I find Youkilis very sexy.”
Get ye to a mental hospital.
Plus Ellsbury is arbitration eligible this season adding in even more cost over the next 3 years.
That deal doesn’t make any sense from the Braves perspective.
Who’s catching for atlanta if they trade McCann? some washed up dog? They have nothing in the system to replace him any time soon.
Yeah, what LGY said GMan.
Yankees Notes: Feliciano, Wood, Pettitte
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [December 6 at 7:06pm CST]
The Yankees met with Cliff Lee’s agent today. Here are the rest of the updates on the team’s quest for pitching:
•The Yankees will meet with Pedro Feliciano’s representatives this week, according to Newsday’s Ken Davidoff. The Rockies have also expressed interest in the lefty, according to Troy Renck of the Denver Post (Twitter link).
•The Yankees are interested in re-signing Kerry Wood, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch (Twitter link). GM Brian Cashman says he isn’t interested in paying Wood “closer money.”
•When Cashman checked in with Andy Pettitte recently, he heard that the lefty was still leaning toward retirement, according to Marc Carig of the Star-Ledger
If Ellsbury didn’t have that great 130 at bats to start his career, would people still think that highly of him? The past 3 seasons his OPS+ has been the same as Scott Podsednik’s career number.
You hate to overstate the importance of one player, but I honestly believe No Lee = No Chance for the Yanks in 2011. Additional mediocre pitching will not get it done. I really wish this weren’t so, but this one man has become absolutely vital to the team’s chances next year.
GMAN,
Why are you so concerned about proposing the same trade for the Red Sox in here?
GreenBeret7 says:
December 6, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Is there anybody on the Yankees that you do like?
—-
Don’t know who you’re referring to here but I have to say, it seems like a lot of people would rather have the roster for the all star game than the Yankees everyday roster. I’m all for improving in areas but it makes no sense when people put up hopeful lineups and the only current yankee in it is Cano.
And as a side note, Me and Cashman were wearing the same thing today. I too wore jeans, flip flops and an old Yankee shirt under my jacket. Gotta love FL weather.
Vmart + Beltre: 11.1 WAR in 2010
Gonzalez : 5.9 WAR in 2010.
Clearly AGon is the best of those 3 players but if the Sox make no other moves then I’m not sure he alone makes up for what the Sox are losing….Salty isn’t closing that gap.
Currently they have replaced Vmart and Beltre with Gonzalez and Salt……is that a net gain if the season started today?
“You hate to overstate the importance of one player, but I honestly believe No Lee = No Chance for the Yanks in 2011.”
Did you say that about the SFG before the 2010 season?
You get the feeling Cash can’t wait for Jorge’s contract to expire.
Sure I guess it makes his job harder but I think he’d better serve the team by keeping his mouth shut about current players.
Indeed.
Cashman challenging Posada with his words.
Cashman on Jorge Posada: “He’s our DH. That’s what he is, unless he plays himself off of it.”
Don’t worry Cash. Nick Johnson is always available as a back-up plan.
“The Royals appear to be tiring of the Rangers’ offers, according to Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star. Discussions with Toronto appear to hinge on the Blue Jays’ willingness to include Kyle Drabek and Travis Snider in a potential deal. Royals officials say a deal could come together in a hurry if the Blue Jays decide they’re willing to part with those two players.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Man I would hate to part with Drabek and Snider there.
I think Cashman’s quotes about Jorge are more to him playing his way to starting catcher and not DHing – would like to see the quotes live – things always get distorted by the NY media
A tough deal for Toronto to turn down. A good trade because both teams win and it’s still painful. The perfect deal.
“Boston with renewed interest in Beltre…
They gotta be thinking of shipping Youk out of beantown…
His trade value is at a peak.”
———————
Youk’s value is at it’s peak because he’s been a perennial MVP candidate.
There is just no way the Sox are trading him.
Robinson Cano’s value is at it’s peak too. Trading him isn’t an option. Neither is trading Youk for Boston.
just my opinion – but I do think he’s as likely to be traded as Cano is.
With Jorge as the full-time DH looks like Montero will be our starting catcher. That opens up a nice spot for Russell Martin. I’d definitely sign him to a one year deal.
I think Posada could catch 2/5 of the games, two of the five starters. Catching Andy (if he plays), baserunners would not be much of a problem. And probably the other would be CC. Cervelli was just as bad defensively last season so I don’t really see the point of having him in the lineup so much again. I doubt they’d have Montero catch 130+ games in 2011. Hopefully they are thinking of some other options.
What young NL outfielder has a bigger upside?
Upton (D-Bax) or Jason Hayward (Braves)?
—
Upton.
GB,
Yea probably do it if you’re the Jays but it would hurt to lose those guys. Greinke would make their rotation very good and the AL east just ridiculous.
Yanks should be meeting with George Sherrill, in addition to Feliciano.
“With Jorge as the full-time DH looks like Montero will be our starting catcher. That opens up a nice spot for Russell Martin. I’d definitely sign him to a one year deal.”
—————-
I like Martin on a 1yr deal.
I’m not at all ready to just throw Montero in as a starting catcher at this level. I’m a little surprised so many people are suggesting it (though maybe that’s what is going to happen.)
Doesn’t it make sense to ease him in a little bit as a backup, with some pinch hitting/DH duty, to learn from a veteran catcher???
Nothing better than watching a catcher limping to his position and can’t squat down because of a broken hip and torn labrum. One collision or one foul tip on the hip and Martin’s finished.
I like Martin on a 1yr deal.
I’m not at all ready to just throw Montero in as a starting catcher at this level. I’m a little surprised so many people are suggesting it (though maybe that’s what is going to happen.)
Doesn’t it make sense to ease him in a little bit as a backup, with some pinch hitting/DH duty, to learn from a veteran catcher???
—
What’s the alternative to Montero starting at C? Cervelli? Terrible. Romine? Not even close to ready.
Even if the Yanks sign Martin (or a comparable veteran), Montero is going to catch the majority of the games.
GB7,
I didn’t realize Martin’s hip was that bad… but that changes things.
“Nothing better than watching a catcher limping to his position and can’t squat down because of a broken hip and torn labrum. One collision or one foul tip on the hip and Martin’s finished.”
———————–
Apparently Martin actually never tore his labrum:
Matt Colleran, Martin’s agent, clarified the extent of the injury to MLBTR and provided an update on his status. “[The misstep] resulted in a hairline fracture in his hip, and there was absolutely no damage, tear or injury to his labrum,” said Colleran. “In his last medical visit on November 4th, his medical reports confirmed that the fracture was healing quickly, there were no complications to the healing since the injury, no surgery was ever performed or needed, and again, there is, and never was, any damage sustained to his labrum whatsoever.”
Rake, Jorge!
Kerry Wood, yes!
Don’t trade Betances!
How do we know Beltre repeats that WAR.
Go Jets!
blake December 6th, 2010 at 8:42 pm
GB,
Yea probably do it if you’re the Jays but it would hurt to lose those guys. Greinke would make their rotation very good and the AL east just ridiculous
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Yeah, but it has to hurt both teams somehow. If it’s a money thing, that’s tougher because KC won’t pick that up. KC is the one taking the real gamble, though.
I didn’t realize Martin’s hip was that bad… but that changes things.
—
Pretty sure GB7 is exaggerating…
Jets + 4 , I’m heavily invested on this game……Nick in SF, do you have a play tonight ???? Does anyone remember the movie that had a Doomsday Machine as the central topic ???
“What’s the alternative to Montero starting at C? Cervelli? Terrible. Romine? Not even close to ready.
Even if the Yanks sign Martin (or a comparable veteran), Montero is going to catch the majority of the games.”
——————
I don’t know – I guess that’s what Cashman will be working on?
I just don’t see how Montero would be a better option full-time than just keeping Posada back there for 1 more season.
I don’t think we’re looking at a Buster Posey situation. I’d imagine it’s much better to ease a guy into the catching position.
I’m not saying Montero will fail, but it just doesn’t seem like Catcher is the position to throw a 21yr old rookie, with limited? time behind the plate, into.
We’ll see – I’ll be rooting for him 100% whatever happens.
Pat m.,
Dr. Strangelove?
I don’t usually trust anything an agent says (Wang’s agent said he’s be ready in May), but if Martin’s hip checks out and he’s willing to split time, sign him.
If there was nothing wrong on the medicals, NYY would have already made the deal and moved Cervelli out.
“Pretty sure GB7 is exaggerating…”
————
yes, but is there any truth behind the exaggeration?
I know his hip was a big issue the past several years but I was assuming it was better. But I could be wrong… as GB7 suggested.
There’s a lefthand starter creeping into The AL East…..
GB7,
From what I’ve read, the Dodgers refused to give out Martin’s medical records.
“If there was nothing wrong on the medicals, NYY would have already made the deal and moved Cervelli out.”
————————–
That would have required them to pay Martin much more than I expect they want to.
Martin made $5.05 in 2010. If they traded for him, they may have had to pay him at little more than that. That’s probably why the trade didn’t go down.
Rosenthal has the Yankees and Red Sox as the early favorites to “land” Russel Martin.
“The Red Sox have expressed interest in trading for Josh Willingham, according to the Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore. The Sox are looking for outfield options with Jayson Werth now off the table. “
So Martin isn’t signing with the RS or the Yankees…
Hardly makes sense to keep the medicals a secret if you’re trying to trade him. There’s only one reason for that. Sounds like a Red Sox type move with Lowell.
Russel Martin was a very good up and coming backstop who can stick, but he’s taken a beatin the past season and a half……….All I know is that I’m surprised he’s back so soon….
LGY December 6th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
“If there was nothing wrong on the medicals, NYY would have already made the deal and moved Cervelli out.”
————————–
That would have required them to pay Martin much more than I expect they want to.
———————————————————————————————————————-
There doesn’t seem to be much action from anybody on Martin. I suppose they’re afraid to kick his tires. He’d collapse in a heap.
Pat, the only way that I’d sign him on is with a minor league deal for next to no money and a ST invite. If he’s healthy, then an ML deal with incentives. Right now, I’d sign Gerald Laird as a back-up.
We’re just speculating without real facts. Teams will do a physical on Martin and that will help set his market.
If Russell Martin’s hip is so bad that he had to cart himself onto the field in a wheelchair, he would be a better option than Gerald Laird.
If NYYs had outfield concerns as a back-up, I wonder why they had no interest in Fred Lewis? He can do a lot of little things to help out.
“There doesn’t seem to be much action from anybody on Martin”
———————
Olney
# Heard this: Russell Martin will be a catcher next year, and he’s getting interest from teams who would fit his preference to be (more) about 5 hours ago via web
# closer to his home on the East Coast: Jays, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox. All teams examining medical information over the last day. about 5 hours ago via web
Per Mlbtraderumors
•ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark suggests Werth’s contract may give Crawford fewer options, since few teams will be able to meet his demands. Stark suggests the Yankees are the lone team that can afford to offer the left fielder $180MM.
The Yankees aren’t giving Crawford anything close to $180m under any circumstances.
I think Crawford will be lucky to get 140m….if GM’s are smart they will totally ignore the Werth contract as it really has nothing to do with the actual market. The Nationals grossly overpaid and bid against themselves to get someone to come to their franchise.
I don’t put anything past the Yankees Rich
New Thread—-
If Martin is OK. I like the idea of not forcing Montero right out of the box.
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Pat M.
I don’t like how this Jets game is beginning at all