Swisher honored with Thurman Munson Award
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 04, 2011 
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Congratulations to Nick Swisher, who was chosen as a winner of the Thurman Munson Award and will be honored on February 1. Here’s the announcement, including Diana Munson calling Swisher “cute.” You don’t see that in every press release.
A trio of popular New York baseball stars will receive the prestigious Thurman Munson Award at the 31st annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, February 1, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, it was announced today. New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Nick Swisher, New York Mets outstanding outfielder Angel Pagan, and former Mets All-Star catcher Mike Piazza will be honored by the AHRC-New York City Foundation in memory of late, great Yankees catcher and captain.
The formidable baseball threesome will be joined by the Nets all-star guard Devin Harris and Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Evan Lysacek as the “Class of 2011.” For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner contact 212-249-6188.
Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, will attend the gala, and has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $10 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“I love the way he plays, I love his enthusiasm,” said Diana Munson of Swisher. “Most importantly, he respects the history of baseball and the Yankees. On Old Timers Day, he was out there getting autographs and taking pictures. He’s not embarrassed by his love of the game, and respects the players. Plus, he’s cute.”
The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.
Swisher, 30, who helped lead the Yankees to the 2009 World Series title, enjoyed his first All-Star season in 2010, hitting .288 with 29 home runs and 89 RBI as the club’s primary right fielder. Among his many charitable endeavors, he established the Nick Swisher Foundation “Swish’s Wishes” in 2007 to assist children with life-threatening illnesses and to help lift the spirits of kids going through difficult times. In 2009, Swisher provided Christmas dinner for the families of children battling cancer at the Ronald McDonald House in New York and was the co-Ambassador to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Lee Denim Day to help raise money for breast cancer research.
Piazza, 42, may have been the top offensive catcher of all time. A .308 career hitter with 427 home runs and 1,335 RBIs, Piazza played for 16 seasons, including an eight-year stretch with the New York Mets following a three-team trade from the Dodgers via the Marlins. The 1993 Rookie of the Year, and a 12-time National League All Star selection, Piazza was peerless amongst catchers with the bat during his career, and the Norristown, Pennsylvania native is the all-time leader in homers for a backstop. In a career filled with big home runs, Piazza’s most memorable long-ball was a go-ahead two-run shot off of Atlanta Braves’ reliever Steve Karsay in the first game back in New York following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The popular Met also contributed to the team’s 2000 World Series appearance by hitting 2 key homers in wins over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS. Piazza participates in Michael Jordan’s Make-A-Wish charity golf and softball events, and has worked closely with Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)
Pagan, 29, is a rising star with the New York Mets, with the 2010 season rating as his strongest to date during a five-year career. An outstanding fielder, Pagan made strides with the bat last season, setting career highs in hits (168), runs scored (80), home runs (11), RBI (69),and stolen bases (37). The native of Puerto Rico was originally drafted by the Mets in 1999, but reached the majors for the first time in 2006 with the Chicago Cubs. Pagan made an impact off the field for the Mets in 2010, and was the Mets nominee for the 2010 Roberto Clemente Award. He was one of the first Mets to participate in the June “Teammates in the Community Week,” planting new trees in community gardens in Spanish Harlem. Pagan also proudly supports City Harvest, food and rescue organization dedicated to feeding New York City’s hungry men, women and children. He hit the streets of Manhattan this year to raise awareness for City Harvest’s Skip Lunch Fight Hunger campaign and has visited Hour Children Food Pantry in Long Island City to help distribute more than 1,000 pounds of food to needy families during the busy holiday season.
The list of notable athletes to previously receive the Munson Award reads like a sports “Who’s Who,” and includes: Yankees – Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly, Mariano Rivera, Willie Randolph, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Robby Cano, Bernie Williams, Bobby Murcer, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi; Mets – Tom Seaver, John Franco, Darryl Strawberry, Ron Darling, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Keith Hernandez, Rusty Staub and Gary Carter; Basketball – Willis Reed, Oscar Robertson, Jason Kidd, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Mark Jackson, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston and John Starks; Olympians – Donna de Varona (swimming), Dorothy Hamill (figure-skating), Paul Hamm (gymnast), Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating), Nancy Kerrigan (figure skating), Carl Lewis (track and field), Carly Patterson (gymnast), and Dwight Stones (men’s high jump).
Associated Press photo
Congrats to him.
Congrats, Swish!
They spelled Robbie’s name wrong…
Nothing like awards to produce news! But seriously, good for him. I like Swish a lot.
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Seems to me Damon’s lefthandedness would preclude him coming back to the Yankees.
——————
Well yes, but if the move that preceeds bringing Damon back is a deal involving Brett Gardner then Damon’s lefthandedness is no longer an issue
If you think Swish is cute, you should take a look at his newlywed bride. She is truly a dish.
Good for Swish.
If the Angels are not negotiating with Beltre, Soriano, and other players because of Scott Boras, that’s not smart. It’s shutting them off from some of the better players in the game. Seems like a bit of cutting off your nose to spite your face.
In the world, including the business world like baseball, you have to work and do deals with all sorts of people. Can’t let personal issues distract from the organizational goals.
“Well yes, but if the move that preceeds bringing Damon back is a deal involving Brett Gardner then Damon’s lefthandedness is no longer an issue”
The dream Gardner for Jurrgens scenario? Could get D-Lowe for him, but do you really want that?
Yay Swish!
Repost:
blake –
# Shame Spencer January 4th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
“….the Angels had 2 players that made perfect sense for them and they cheaped out in both cases.”
Yes, but will they regret it? Or is it more likely Boston/Texas will? Not making a judgment call here either way, but sometimes the Angels being cheap in a division that isn’t that great has worked out for them…
Boras is just good at his job. GMs need to just accept that.
He comes off like an A-Hole, but if i was a player in the prime of my career, i would want him working for me.
Mell says:
January 4, 2011 at 12:25 pm
“That’s how I feel about Gardner. Everyone want to include him in a trade when I think he would be worth it as the centerpiece in a trade”
He’s not the centerpiece if you’re targeting good young pitching. He just isn’t. Doesn’t make him a bad ballplayer. He’s been pretty good. But he doesn’t get you a 25 year old pitcher, who when healthy, can give you 200 productive innings.
—-
I’m not talking for trading him for starting pitching. I’m saying the people who want to include him in a trade for other outfielders. Its like trading Jackson for Granderson again except we know what Gardner can do at the ML level. What’s hard to believe is people not thinking our guys can actually be better, a lot just expect a dropoff in his production. But why can’t he be good for years?
Congratulations to Nick Swisher!
And ya gotta love Diana Munson – I think she speaks for many of us.
Swisher owns, enough said
Shame,
To a point. If they finish 3rd again then that’s going to cost them money as well (in attendance).
Mell,
I think the Braves would consider that deal personally. Mclouth is awful and they need a CFer badly. Gardner grew up in Braves country and would look nice leading off and playing CF for them. The Braves also have more young pitching on the way in Tenheran and Minor so I think they might be willing to part with Jair who is entering arbitration for a chance to improve their outfield…..I don’t know of it makes sense on the Yankees side though unless they have a suitable LF replacement lined up.
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
“Well yes, but if the move that preceeds bringing Damon back is a deal involving Brett Gardner then Damon’s lefthandedness is no longer an issue”
The dream Gardner for Jurrgens scenario? Could get D-Lowe for him, but do you really want that?
————–
Doesn’t have to be that specific – any scenario where the Yankees use Gardner as part of a deal for a pitcher that doesn’t bring them back a LF works.
Congrats to Swish
I would not trade Gardner for Jurrjens after the season Jair just had and how much his GB% has dropped the past 3 years.
“I’m not talking for trading him for starting pitching. I’m saying the people who want to include him in a trade for other outfielders. Its like trading Jackson for Granderson again except we know what Gardner can do at the ML level. What’s hard to believe is people not thinking our guys can actually be better, a lot just expect a dropoff in his production. But why can’t he be good for years?”
In fairness, the centerpiece in the Granderson deal came from the D’backs, not the Yankees. Probably doesn’t get done if they don’t get Max Scherzer. But I see what you’re saying. As for his future, I don’t really see any power coming from him, but I don’t see why he can’t improve in some areas. I think some may have been a little turned off by his 2nd half (.232, .694 OPS), but much of that may have been tied to his bad wrist and he was able to maintain a pretty good OBP despite the struggles.
My friend(rays fan) said she hated Swisher because of his attitude. It didn’t take much convincing that he is really just a happy guy. You can tell he loves playing baseball and loves New York. Now she is a Swisher fan. Now she has issues with Robbie because he is so awesome and cause he spits sunflower seeds the whole game, by then end you can def tell where he was playing by all the shells. I told her she’s just jealous he isn’t on her team.
I love the line in the Beltre post on MLB TradeRumors about how Michael Young has said he would be willing to change positions. I like Young, but what else is he going to say?
Daniels, “Michael, we’re signing Adrian Beltre to play 3b so we need to move you off of there.”
Young, “No, I won’t move.”
Daniels, “well okay, but we’re signing Beltre anyway, he’s better than you at 3b so he’s going to play there everyday – your choices are to move, or retire.”
Young, “Trade me.”
Daniels, “Tried already, you’re getting older, you have a ton of money left on your contract, no one wants to trade for you.”
Young, “Well I’m not changing positions.”
Daniels, “Sure you are.”
So ?
LGY January 4th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I would not trade Gardner for Jurrjens after the season Jair just had and how much his GB% has dropped the past 3 years.
—————–
Could it be that the GB% is a product of the environment?
The Braves had a horrible defensive infield and a huge park – wouldn’t it make more sense given those conditions to get fly ball outs rather than have Chipper Jones, Yunel Escobar and Troy Glaus butchering grounders?
LGY January 4th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
I would not trade Gardner for Jurrjens after the season Jair just had and how much his GB% has dropped the past 3 years.
—————-
And as a “stat guy” I’m surprised that you would give so much gravitas to the relatively small sample size of one shortened season as compared to a three year overall body of work.
How bout a three team deal where:
Yankees get: Jurrjins and Sizemore
Braves get : Gardner and prospects
Indians get: salary relief and prospects..
I know I know…..it all depends on who the prospects are.
Congrats Swish!!!
I love Diana Munson’s quote.
blake January 4th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
How bout a three team deal where:
Yankees get: Jurrjins and Sizemore
Braves get : Gardner and prospects
Indians get: salary relief and prospects..
I know I know…..it all depends on who the prospects are.
———————
In theory I’m all for it – as you say though….
Chip:
Daniels/Young convo may well have gone quite a bit like that, but those who say Young has been treated unfairly should take a look at the history. They never took him to arbitration, instead agreeing to sign him to a 5 year deal in 2004 to buyout the arb years and a little free agency, then before the 2007 season, two years before his existing deal was to expire, they agreed to extend him for another 5 years and $80M. They’ve been more than fair with the guy and are simply trying to make their team better by minimizing his time on the field. He’ll still get his $16M per season and be put in position to make a significant contribution to the team’s success.
Sure are a lot of ongoing trade proposals including Brett Gardner.
To me, that indicates the proposer does not feel that BG will rebound from injury,
and will not sustain or improve upon his 2010 performance.
Now, I may be wrong, but I feel that Gardy will equal or improve upon last year’s
performance, this upcoming season. I would not trade him, if it were up to me.
Erin – right on!
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Chip:
Daniels/Young convo may well have gone quite a bit like that, but those who say Young has been treated unfairly should take a look at the history. They never took him to arbitration, instead agreeing to sign him to a 5 year deal in 2004 to buyout the arb years and a little free agency, then before the 2007 season, two years before his existing deal was to expire, they agreed to extend him for another 5 years and $80M. They’ve been more than fair with the guy and are simply trying to make their team better by minimizing his time on the field. He’ll still get his $16M per season and be put in position to make a significant contribution to the team’s success.
———————–
In general I find it laughable to pity the man making $16 mil a year for playing baseball and cry for the “unfair way he’s been treated.”
That said, it only furthers the point that those knuckleheads who think the Yankees have disrespected Jeter are knuckleheads.
“Yankees get: Jurrjins and Sizemore
Braves get : Gardner and prospects
Indians get: salary relief and prospects”
I’m pretty sure the Braves expect to compete this year, and right now are probably the favorite for the NL Wild Card. Having Gardner rather than Jurrjens doesn’t help them in that quest.
Chuck,
Doesn’t mean that at all. Means he has value whether its with the Yankees or in a trade.
Mell,
I think that’s debatable.
Blake:
Which part?
Hi Chuck! I haven’t seen you around for a while-good to see you.
I like Swisher. It’s too bad the Yankees are misusing him. He has a career 0.00 ERA!
Congrats to Swish!
From the previous thread:
Chip,
Gardner’s not getting traded. The Yankees passed up on Matt Holliday last season arguably to focus on Carl Crawford. Yet because Gardner excelled so well in 2010, they passed up on him also.
And now he’s to be traded for Sizemore? Are you kidding me? Not happening. Had either of those moves taken place, either Gardner or Granderson may have been expendable. Neither happened, so neither will a trade of Gardner unless it brings back a major piece – and Sizemore is no longer major, due to his limited playing time the last two seasons and injury history.
Jacksquat
the Yankees do need bull pen help
and he knows how to pitch in the AL east!
“That said, it only furthers the point that those knuckleheads who think the Yankees have disrespected Jeter are knuckleheads”
It does. Didn’t like the public nature of the negotiations myself, but had absolutely zero problem with the Yankees’ position.
jacksquat January 4th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
I like Swisher. It?s too bad the Yankees are misusing him. He has a career 0.00 ERA!
***************************
LOL I don’ think I’ll ever forget that game. Actually, the game itself was pretty bad-I should say I’ll never forget that inning.
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
“Yankees get: Jurrjins and Sizemore
Braves get : Gardner and prospects
Indians get: salary relief and prospects”
I’m pretty sure the Braves expect to compete this year, and right now are probably the favorite for the NL Wild Card. Having Gardner rather than Jurrjens doesn’t help them in that quest.
——————-
Oh I don’t know about that Mell.
Without Jurrjens the Braves still have three pretty solid guys at the top of their rotation with Hudson, Lowe and Hanson. But right now their OF is Jason Heyward, Jordan Sheafer and Nate McLouth.
I would say Gardner is more important to Atlanta than a 3/4 starter.
But on the flip side – a 3/4 starter is more important to the Yankees than is Brett Gardner.
Mell,
The Braves pitching staff is their strength and they have more on the way in the minors…..they need a CFer pretty badly. I watch nearly as many Braves games as I do Yankee games and I think Gardner would really be great in their lineup.
DaSaint -
It’s again a matter of perspective. I’m not trading Gardner for Sizemore. I’m trading Gardner for Chris Perez or Fausto Carmona or Justin Masterson and taking back Sizemore to make it more palatable for the Indians to deal those other guys in the first place.
Erin – Howdy and Happy New Year! Good to see you as well
Blake, I see your point. To me, what that indicates is the need to trade Gardy NOW, while he still has some trade value [which, I guess, could mean before his salary goes up as opposed to before his production goes down.] Still, I’d keep him.
Chuck,
yea I think you consider it if something makes sense …otherwise just keep him.and let him play every day.
“I would say Gardner is more important to Atlanta than a 3/4 starter.”
Well, we’ll have to agree to disagree. FWIW, Prado will start the year in leftfield, but will likely go to 3rd once one of Larry Jones thigh muscles spontaneously combusts. In the end though, an outfielder who can hit a little is a lot easier to find than a guy who can go 190-200 with a 3.7 ERA, as Jurrjens did before an injury riddled ’10 season. IMO, the Braves say NO to Jurrjens for Gardner, and emphatically so.
The Braves can find pitchers in their farm system…..cheap CFers that can steal 40+ bases don’t grow on trees either.
blake January 4th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Chuck,
yea I think you consider it if something makes sense …otherwise just keep him.and let him play every day.
——————–
As is, I believe, the rule with almost every ball player.
We tend to classify far too many players as “untouchable” when in truth there are scenarios out there in which I would trade just about anyone. There are just some players with fewer plausible scenarios than others.
Example: If I can get Josh Johnson and Hanley Ramirez I would drive Cano to Miami myself.
The only reason I ever question Michael Young’s situation is because it seems we’re always being told what an elite player he is, or maybe it’s just what a nice guy he is? If it’s the latter, well, whatever. But if it’s the former, it seems odd that an elite player is always being replaced and repositioned. I don’t “feel sorry” for any MLB player overall, per se, but taking money out of it, it is something I wonder about.
“The Braves can find pitchers in their farm system”
So can the Yankees.
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
“I would say Gardner is more important to Atlanta than a 3/4 starter.”
Well, we’ll have to agree to disagree. FWIW, Prado will start the year in leftfield, but will likely go to 3rd once one of Larry Jones thigh muscles spontaneously combusts. In the end though, an outfielder who can hit a little is a lot easier to find than a guy who can go 190-200 with a 3.7 ERA, as Jurrjens did before an injury riddled ’10 season. IMO, the Braves say NO to Jurrjens for Gardner, and emphatically so.
———————-
I agree with you on the Prado point if nothing else – which is why I didn’t pen him down as part of their OF mix in Atlanta.
Doreen
I think it is also that Young, while maybe not the face of the franchise, has played for the Rangers his entire career. And, he was already forced to switch positions when Elvis came up. And, he does appear to be a nice guy.
Doreen January 4th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
The only reason I ever question Michael Young’s situation is because it seems we’re always being told what an elite player he is, or maybe it’s just what a nice guy he is? If it’s the latter, well, whatever. But if it’s the former, it seems odd that an elite player is always being replaced and repositioned. I don’t “feel sorry” for any MLB player overall, per se, but taking money out of it, it is something I wonder about.
———————-
Young was a top flight SS at one point but as has happened with so many other players, age has made him less proficient there.
Essentially Texas is treating him the way many believe the Yankees should have treated Jeter. Moving him around the diamond when better defensive players emerge at the positions he plays.
They bounced him from SS to 2b for Alex, from 2b to SS for Soriano (which wasn’t because Sori was better defensively but because Sori was worse than Young at SS) and from SS to 3b for Andrus – now they’re moving him again for a better 3b in Beltre…
Chip, Blake, exactly! No one is untouchable [only, circumstances make some players untouchable]. We just differ as to value, most likely. No worry
Mell,
Yes but I think can agree they need it sooner than they can get the kind of help it can provide this year. No reason to think that trade is happening anyway so we’ll just agree to disagree on this one
Chip,
Gardner’s not getting traded. The Yankees passed up on Matt Holliday last season arguably to focus on Carl Crawford. Yet because Gardner excelled so well in 2010, they passed up on him also.
////Gardner probably won’t be traded because the Yanks would have to fill a hole in LF.But I don’t think this cause-and-effect chronology you charted is necessarily accurate,either.
My guess is the Yanks fully expected to sign Cliff Lee and had they done so,they would have been less concerned on iffy offense from LF because the SP would have been so strong and pitching and defense would have carried the day,along with an already strong lineup.Crawford,I believe,would have been well in the mix had the Lee thing not been so drawn out.I doubt the Yanks would have paid the crazy price for Crawford Boston did,because the Yanks were frankly less desperate than the Sox,but I do think Crawford was a firm Plan B for the Yanks.The Lee thing dragged on to the extent that Crawford ended up getting a sweetheart deal with Boston that wouldn’t have floated in New York.But he surely was very much the fallback plan,IMO.
So, Has SJ left for good? I enjoyed his insights. Hope he comes back
If an OF that can hit is easy to find then the Braves wouldn’t have Nate Mclouth in CF.
OF are easy to find on the FA market if you have money to spend, but the Braves don’t.
Gardner is a lot cheaper than Jurrjens because he is still a year away from Arb.
And I should amend that, corner OF that can hit are easy to find on the FA market if you have money to spend.
CF are much more difficult to come by.
J. Alfred Prufrock January 4th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
And as I said earlier – what looked unnecessary before the winter meetings (dealing Gardner) may not look the same way now.
People have to be willing to adjust their POV as the situations continue to change.
When Holliday was a FA the Yankees passed because they thought they could get Crawford for less.
When Crawford signed the Yankees were ok with that because they had Gardner and Cliff Lee was still available and Andy looked like he might return.
Now that Cliff Lee is off the board and Andy’s leaning towards retirment – dealing Gardner may not be so taboo in Yankeeland.
LGY January 4th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
And I should amend that, corner OF that can hit are easy to find on the FA market if you have money to spend.
CF are much more difficult to come by
—————
You’re right – and since the Yankees have two CF’s and not enough pitching logic dictates that you deal from that surplus to fill the SP void and use your resources (money) to fill the gap that the trade leaves by signing one of those corner OF’s you mentioned.
Of the two CFs on the roster – I am more likely to keep Granderson because he’s a better player than Gardner is and Gardner’s low salary makes him a more viable trade chip.
The Yanks aren’t going to trade one of their three OFs for a middle of the rotation starter. Isn’t going to happen.
They might trade one of those OFs as a piece of a larger deal to land a #1 or #2 type starter, although unlikely at this point IMO.
The ship almost certainly sailed on the OF trade idea when they didn’t get Lee and passed on Greinke.
Dealing Gardner requires other pieces if the Yanks want top quality in return.You would have a problem in LF though,since no one is ready from the farm to slide into the spot and Golson,though the best for outfield defense,can’t hit a lick.You would have to get back not just pitching but a competent LF.Since Gardner isn’t a star,any deal requiring other pieces for a hefty return would necessitate a blue chipper like Betances or Banuelos or Montero.Gardner they can have,but they can’t have either B boy or Montero.So Gardner alone doesn’t really get much done,so it’s best to leave well enough alone.
J. Alfred Prufrock January 4th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Dealing Gardner requires other pieces if the Yanks want top quality in return.You would have a problem in LF though,since no one is ready from the farm to slide into the spot and Golson,though the best for outfield defense,can’t hit a lick.You would have to get back not just pitching but a competent LF.Since Gardner isn’t a star,any deal requiring other pieces for a hefty return would necessitate a blue chipper like Betances or Banuelos or Montero.Gardner they can have,but they can’t have either B boy or Montero.So Gardner alone doesn’t really get much done,so it’s best to leave well enough alone.
———————-
If I dealt Gardner and didn’t get a LF back my Plan A would be:
Sign Johnny Damon and use Golson as a defensive replacement late in games.
We all know Damon is what he is defensively, but he would certainly fit the offense well and can still track a ball down in LF.
They might trade one of those OFs as a piece of a larger deal to land a #1 or #2 type starter, although unlikely at this point IMO.
///yes,exactly.& that’s undesirable because we get back into Betances/Banuelos & Montero territory.Gardner himself does not get a P of note back & therefore is beside the point,so it really becomes are you willing to trade two of the three prospects mentioned here and my answer is no.
Damon is what he is defensively, but he would certainly fit the offense well and can still track a ball down in LF.
///Chip I would agree with your post except this part because Damon can’t track balls well any more in LF.That is the problem with the idea.It’s too bad Golson can’t hit,but he can’t.If Long could turn him around,then you would really,really have something.
Gardner may be a great trade chip because of his salary, but I hate to see the Yankees get rid of one of their very few cost-effective players. Pretty soon Cano is going to be making $15 mil, and Swisher and Granderson will get to that $12-14 mil range with their salaries as well. Hughes is only 2 years away from free agency. We need some cheap players in the mix. Not to mention Gardner’s the only player in the entire organization who can take over that leadoff spot in the lineup to rival with Ellsbury/Crawford.
I guess I’m forgetting that Michael Young isn’t quite so “young” anymore.
Re: Jeter/ARod. I don’t think Jeter would have been moved anyway; I think Alex makes the better 3B.
damon showed significant offensive decline again last year and doesnt steal anyomre. we saw how bad he was in LF in 2009 and he’ll be 2 years older now. he’d be a significant downgrade from gardner at this point.
“…. it seems odd that an elite player is always being replaced and repositioned. ”
I’m one who feels bad for him.
All the moving him around diminishes his perceived ability because it’s like they think everyone who shows up is better than Michael Young and he’s just a good trooper every time they do it.
Not to mention Gardner’s the only player in the entire organization who can take over that leadoff spot in the lineup to rival with Ellsbury/Crawford.
///Ellsbury doesn’t bother me and Crawford needs to up his BB rates to stick at leadoff.he’s a very aggressive swinger & even the Rays didn’t have him lead off.Gardner isn’t going to supplant DJ as the yanks’ leadoff hitter,and you have to wonder if he continues to take strikes down the middle how long his BB rates are going to remain where they are,and they are the key to his getting on base.I like Gardner as the ninth hitter best.
Thanks, pat.
You know what I’m saying, then.
“All the moving him around diminishes his perceived ability because it’s like they think everyone who shows up is better than Michael Young and he’s just a good trooper every time they do it”
Defensive metrics suggest it’s his actual ability is diminished and the players they’re bringing in are better than him. I’d think that’s why he’s being moved around. Andrus and Beltre are far superior defenders. Rangers still love his bat so far as I can tell, but if they can keep his bat in the lineup and significantly improve their defense, then why not?
I would not be opposed to trading Gardner for a top-rotation pitcher. As long as the Yankees have a backup plan in acquiring an OF’er. I would honestly take Sizemore, who can slide right into the #2 hole in the lineup…supposing he is healthy of course.
and you have to wonder if he continues to take strikes down the middle how long his BB rates are going to remain where they are,and they are the key to his getting on bas
–
His BB rates will remain the same as long as his contact/foul ratio stays up and he retains his ability to lay off of pitches out of the strike zone. He walked the way he did despite having 150+ balls called strikes on him last year. He has been in the league for some part of 3 seasons and has extensive minor league history. He is what he is, if pitchers have not found a way to stop him from walking by now they won’t do it in the future.
if pitchers have not found a way to stop him from walking by now they won’t do it in the future.
///by now???he’s had one full year as a starter.waaayyyy presumptuous.
jonmorosi
#Orioles agree to contract with Kevin Gregg pending physical, source tells FOXSports.com
Dee January 4th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
I would not be opposed to trading Gardner for a top-rotation pitcher. As long as the Yankees have a backup plan in acquiring an OF’er.
///uh yea neither would I be opposed,the problem is he doesn’t get you back a top-rotation pitcher.so then to get such a starter,you get back into talk of Betances &/or Banuelos & Montero.this is where I hang up the phone.
Once Andy lets his intentions be known the picture will come more into focus.
Hi all, and happy new year! I’m hoping 2011 will bring us all a lot of good health and happiness.
I’ve been well out of the loop so am asking a question that may have been answered one hundred times over by now, but since I haven’t been around much I certainly don’t know the answer to it, and I admit it really has me thrown. Why in the name of God didn’t the Yankees bring Kerry Wood back?! Maybe there’s a simple explanation, a perfectly good and reasonable explanation, but I absolutely cannot think of one.
I cut the Yankees more slack than just about anybody I know, and I am always willing to wait and watch. But this one really has me stymied.
Thanks.
trisha-
Kerry Wood actively wanted to go back to the Cubs.
Mell
He’s agreed to move for the overall good of the team even when he was the better defender in the case of Soriano.
Well,I’m not shedding any tears over missing out on Kevin Gregg.Dude wud be useful if he didn’t walk the lefthanded planet.
“He walked the way he did despite having 150+ balls called strikes on him last year”
Interesting stat. Any idea how many balls called strikes the average everyday player (550+ PA’s) saw in 2010?
J. Alfred Prufrock January 4th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Once Andy lets his intentions be known the picture will come more into focus.
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Assuming he lets his intentions be known. Cashman said it himself – Andy may not say anything, he may just retire.
“trisha-
Kerry Wood actively wanted to go back to the Cubs.”
Wave, seriously? Was it to the extent (if you know) that he made that known publicly and that would be what caused the Yankees to not even bother making an offer? I guess asked differently, do you think that’s the only reason the Yankees never made an offer?
SI_JonHeyman: if pettitte retires, #yankees could go for soriano. but if andy returns, sori likely a no-go for them. #decisiontime
Chip,he is not going to not say anything.now if there’s something hidden going on,like he has already privately said he’s a goner but it’s under wraps as an agreement so gms don’t try to take us to the cleaners,that’s somethin else.the yanks will learn of his final intention if they don’t know already.
J. Alfred Prufrock January 4th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Well,I’m not shedding any tears over missing out on Kevin Gregg.Dude wud be useful if he didn’t walk the lefthanded planet.
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Some pretty deep bullpens taking shape in the AL East though.
Yanks may no longer be able to rely on getting a starter out in 5 and working on the soft underbelly of the pitching staff.
“He’s agreed to move for the overall good of the team even when he was the better defender in the case of Soriano.”
He did. I was making reference to Andrus and Beltre, but I had forgotten about Soriano.
I don’t mind batting Gardner 8th or 9th if the lineup is circular, but if Jeter and Granderson can’t hack it at the top of the lineup, you have to move Gardner up there.
We’re talking about a guy who led the team in OBP, walks, pitches per AB (led the league in that category) and SB. These are all attributes that you want in your leadoff hitter. And if you look at his minor league career, the high OBP is his norm and not a fluke.
trisha – true pinstriped blue January 4th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
“trisha-
Kerry Wood actively wanted to go back to the Cubs.”
Wave, seriously? Was it to the extent (if you know) that he made that known publicly and that would be what caused the Yankees to not even bother making an offer? I guess asked differently, do you think that’s the only reason the Yankees never made an offer?
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Trisha -
The Cubs gave him a “lifetime services contract” meaning Kerry Wood will transition at some point from ballplayer to highly paid member of the organization in some capacity, either as a good will ambassador or special assistant like Tino Martinez and Reggie Jackson with the Yankees.
“Wave, seriously? Was it to the extent (if you know) that he made that known publicly and that would be what caused the Yankees to not even bother making an offer?”
Trisha:
A source from the Yankees indicated that Wood’s camp told them it would take significantly more, both in money and years, to stay with the Yankees.
Mell January 4th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
“He’s agreed to move for the overall good of the team even when he was the better defender in the case of Soriano.”
He did. I was making reference to Andrus and Beltre, but I had forgotten about Soriano.
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Well with Soriano it wasn’t a case of him being moved because Sori was better than Young at 2b. Young moved because he was the only option on the team to play SS. Soriano wasn’t passable there and there wasn’t any one else on the roster who could do it if they bumped Sori to the OF.
That makes sense about Soriano. People complain about the Yankees waiting on Pettitte’s decision to make a move, but what Pettitte decides really does affect the way they continue with their business because you’re talking about $15 mil or so that may or may not be available to play with.
If Pettitte comes back I think they’ll go with Rauch for the pen. If Pettitte leaves, I think they go with Soriano and Francis.
We’re talking about a guy who led the team in OBP, walks, pitches per AB (led the league in that category) and SB. These are all attributes that you want in your leadoff hitter. And if you look at his minor league career, the high OBP is his norm and not a fluke.
////If he were a better hitter or at least knew how to bunt I would have a different take.He’s too walk dependent and seems to not react on pitches offered on a silver platter.he also seems to have lingering thumb-wrist probs,that doesn’t bode well for a guy who hasn’t really shown he can hit,meaning you don’t know if it’s his injury probs or that he just isn’t destined to be much of a hitter. Besides,DJ isn’t likely to have the crummy numbers he did last yr.if Jeter is closer to 2009 than 2010 I think we’re fine at leadoff.
Thanks for the answers guys. It actually does make me feel much better to know that. And I am happy for Kerry if he is back where he wants to be. He was certainly good for us.
I’d love to have Rafael Soriano. Talk about an automatic transition if (I can’t even bring myself to say the “w” word) Mo ever goes. And we already know how he handles the AL East.
trisha-
I don’t know all the particulars, but he took an under market deal to return to the Cubs and the story was he never wanted to leave Chicago in the first place. This story has some of the particulars:
http://www.suntimes.com/photos.....money.html
The second to last paragraph talks about the “lifetime” possibilities although it doesn’t appear definite yet.
“A source from the Yankees indicated that Wood’s camp told them it would take significantly more, both in money and years, to stay with the Yankees.”
according to cott’s wood got 1 yr @ 1.5M plus perfomance bonuses. certainly the yankees could have considered 2yr/$5-6 M. Im not saying he’d take it but just because a guy’s agent says he wants more than 1/1.5 shouldnt stop the yankees from making an offer.
welcome back trish
RS-
I wouldn’t mind Francis since he is literally the only LH option on the market (that we know of), but I would still try and trade for a #4, 5 starter if we signed him. I would rather Nova only take over the 5 spot if Pettitte is in the rotation…if not, hopefully they can pickup someone decent. That’s just my take.
Chip January 4th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock January 4th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Well,I’m not shedding any tears over missing out on Kevin Gregg.Dude wud be useful if he didn’t walk the lefthanded planet.
——————-
Some pretty deep bullpens taking shape in the AL East though.
Yanks may no longer be able to rely on getting a starter out in 5 and working on the soft underbelly of the pitching staff.
////Gregg was more worthwhile in 2009.I have no issue letting him sign with Baltimore.
Y’s:
Who knows what “significantly more” means? Certainly when you consider what guys like Downs and Benoit got (3 years, $15M-$16M), Wood probably would not be out of line seeking out the same money.
Thanks Wave. I’ll read the article.
Thank you YsGuy! It is good to be back.
I’m still not sure I would give Tampa a first round pick for Raf Soriano. Would he be a nice addition to the pen? Sure.
But is he a needed addition vs. just a signing for the sake of a signing?
Couldn’t Cash spend as much money signing both Rauch and Fuentes and get better production while keeping the pick?
# YsGuy January 4th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
“A source from the Yankees indicated that Wood’s camp told them it would take significantly more, both in money and years, to stay with the Yankees.”
according to cott’s wood got 1 yr @ 1.5M plus perfomance bonuses. certainly the yankees could have considered 2yr/$5-6 M. Im not saying he’d take it but just because a guy’s agent says he wants more than 1/1.5 shouldnt stop the yankees from making an offer.
welcome back trish
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The Cotts data is somewhat incorrect in that it doesnt reflect an additional lifetime service type structure that sits on top of the one year $1.15 mm deal.
thing is, the yankees keep saying they arent waiting on Lee, they aren’t waiting on Pettitte, but all things point to the contrary.
# RS January 4th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
That makes sense about Soriano. People complain about the Yankees waiting on Pettitte’s decision to make a move, but what Pettitte decides really does affect the way they continue with their business because you’re talking about $15 mil or so that may or may not be available to play with.
If Pettitte comes back I think they’ll go with Rauch for the pen. If Pettitte leaves, I think they go with Soriano and Francis.
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Or those guys sign elsewhere while Cashman waits for Pettitte while pretending to be going about regular business regardless of what Andy decides to do and acting as though waiting for Andy has no impact on his plans.
I think the Beltre deal is dumb for the Rangers, especially for the dollars and years being reported. If they’re so eager to make a big splash with all the Cliff Lee money, they should just resign Vlad for one more year to DH and then go after Fielder next season. Adrien Beltre is not a guy who you make a cornerstone of your franchise.
# ac1 January 4th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
thing is, the yankees keep saying they arent waiting on Lee, they aren’t waiting on Pettitte, but all things point to the contrary.
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One would have to be completely illogical to believe they arent waiting on pettitte. and by completely illogical I mean void of all common sense.
i think wood and crawford would have done themselves alot better had they waited till lee signed with philly before they signed.
Not sure Crawford could have done much better than 7/142 and Wood wanted to go to the Cubs…..
Feliciano walks too many also ! Would rather have had Fuentes. Better avg. against, more k’s, better whip.
But we have Pedro now, so…………
# blake January 4th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Not sure Crawford could have done much better than 7/142 and Wood wanted to go to the Cubs…..
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disagree on crawford….he got 7 and $142 with the yankees viewed as being a limited threat to boston……..if Lee goes to philly first, do you not think boston pays more just by having the yankees look like a much more likely and capable suitor?
I agree, he doesnt make a fortune more, but common sense says he does better than he did.
Carlo,
Doubt it….its already a big overpay. Maybe he gets a couple million more but not a significant amount more IMO. The Yankees likely weren’t going there and neither was anybody else…..
ac1 January 4th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
thing is, the yankees keep saying they arent waiting on Lee, they aren’t waiting on Pettitte, but all things point to the contrary.
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It’s not a question of waiting on them or not waiting on them. It’s more like, “we would make other moves but there’s no one out there who makes sense so why make a dumb move for the sake of making a move…what are we the Omar Minaya Mets?”
# blake January 4th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Carlo,
Doubt it….its already a big overpay. Maybe he gets a couple million more but not a significant amount more IMO. The Yankees likely weren’t going there and neither was anybody else…..
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I think we are essentially on the same page……but after the Tex fallout, i think Boston would have added a few million on if the scenario with lee played out sooner. I dont necessarily believe the yankees would have gone anywhere near $140, but their presence would have forced Boston to go above their comfort level and it seems given the lack of competition, $142 and 7 was within that level.
# Chip January 4th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
ac1 January 4th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
thing is, the yankees keep saying they arent waiting on Lee, they aren’t waiting on Pettitte, but all things point to the contrary.
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It’s not a question of waiting on them or not waiting on them. It’s more like, “we would make other moves but there’s no one out there who makes sense so why make a dumb move for the sake of making a move…what are we the Omar Minaya Mets?”
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This argument only makes sense if Andy retires and our opening day rotation include Nova and Mitre/Noesi/Phelps……..if not, then Cashman is waiting and in doing so, several guys he could have considered adding are off the board.
Carlo January 4th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
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This argument only makes sense if Andy retires and our opening day rotation include Nova and Mitre/Noesi/Phelps……..if not, then Cashman is waiting and in doing so, several guys he could have considered adding are off the board.
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Such as?
Ted Lilly, Roy Halladay and Josh Beckett were all off the board before FA opened.
Jake Westbrook – eh – a couple of years ago sure – but now? Not worth what he signed for.
Harden – would have been nice
Greinke – they had a chance but blanched at the price.
Outside of those guys – the same guys who were on the table a month ago are still there.
Carlo,
Its possible. My guess is that the Yankees probabaly knew what was going on with Crawford as they had dinner with him the night before he signed. At that time they didn’t have a good handle on the Lee situation though and probably still thought they had a good chance at him…..hard to say if they would have jumped in on Crawford had they known Lee was going to Philly…..probably if for no other reason than to drive the price up. I just can’t imagine it would’ve went much higher than it did.
I think it is a matter of waiting by the Yankees and they are unwilling to spend significant money until they know if first Lee and now Pettitte will require it. If my supposition is true(admitting Cashman doesn’t communicate with me), that might suggest Cashman still holds out hope for Pettitte.
I do think the waiting caused potential missed opportunities, but who knows if they would have occurred otherwise. It seems to me they can’t wait any longer. Should they wait until mid-season, just in case?
The question is what are they passing up though by waiting on Pettite? There’s not much out there right now. I think you could argue that they passed on Crawford in favor of waiting on Lee but other than that Im not sure there’s another move they would’ve made had they known what Lee and Pettite were doing on Nov 1.
austinmac January 4th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I think it is a matter of waiting by the Yankees and they are unwilling to spend significant money until they know if first Lee and now Pettitte will require it. If my supposition is true(admitting Cashman doesn’t communicate with me), that might suggest Cashman still holds out hope for Pettitte.
I do think the waiting caused potential missed opportunities, but who knows if they would have occurred otherwise. It seems to me they can’t wait any longer. Should they wait until mid-season, just in case?
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In case of what?
This is what I would do with the rest of the offseason:
Sign:
Fuentes
Rauch
Milledge
Glaus
Freddy Garcia
Jeff Francis
Take the rest of the money and put it in a safe place for next winter and make a major play for Yu Darvish
Chip – i am referring more to smaller deals this offseason that I believe they passed on because they want to see what Andy does. Nothing major, but if they want to take a shot at a low risk high reward guy for the back of the rotation if andy doesnt return, then that pool is shrinking.
Im not saying any of these guys are difference makers, but I do believe they will add another starter if Andy retires and I think they havent done so yet because they are waiting on him.
Garland
Harang
Harden
Padilla
Webb
Westbrook
Capuano
All those guys are gone now…….again, not saying any are difference makers….but neither are the Jeff Francis, Jeremy Bonderman, Freddy Garcia types who remain.
Yu. Darvish? No thanks….by then there will be other actual big league pitchers close to availability and the Yankees may have in house options close to ready as well.
“Yu. Darvish? No thanks….by then there will be other actual big league pitchers close to availability and the Yankees may have in house options close to ready as well.”
The FA cupboard is somewhat bare next year, so depending on what happens this year I wouldn’t rule out Yu Darvish for 2012 yet.
I don’t know why everyone is so worried. Kei Igawa is DUE for a Cy Young season…
Chip,
I was saying they can no longer wait to see if Pettitte, their best option, will have a change of heart.
I agree with Carlo that the players he named were likely not considered becasue of Lee and now Pettitte. Their well may have been trade opportunities not acted upon due to waiting.
At this point I don’t disagree with your proposed moves. They provide needed depth. I still believe they need a better pitcher than you have named to compete. I just don’t know if one is out there.
Wave,
Lot of quality guys contracts are up after 2012 so some could be available and as I said they have in house options that will be getting close by then…..im guessing he’ll cost a lot for the uncertainty.
blake-
2013 is a ways away. If the Yanks do well this year and the kids progress or make a mark in the majors that’s one thing, but if things go south this year IMO no way the Yanks sit on their hands again next off-season. In that case Darvish will be close to the only game in town, another Lee zoo.
hip January 4th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
austinmac January 4th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I think it is a matter of waiting by the Yankees and they are unwilling to spend significant money until they know if first Lee and now Pettitte will require it. If my supposition is true(admitting Cashman doesn’t communicate with me), that might suggest Cashman still holds out hope for Pettitte.
I do think the waiting caused potential missed opportunities, but who knows if they would have occurred otherwise. It seems to me they can’t wait any longer. Should they wait until mid-season, just in case?
——————–
In case of what?
This is what I would do with the rest of the offseason:
Sign:
Fuentes
Rauch
Milledge
Glaus
Freddy Garcia
Jeff Francis
Take the rest of the money and put it in a safe place for next winter and make a major play for Yu Darvish
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Is there even roster space to add 6 major leaguers?
Only one spot in the pen right now.
if you sign both starters, you have to get rid of mitre and send nova back to aa since there is no room in the pen after rauch and fuentes
Glaus has absolutely no role other than backlup at first and 3rd and DH….i would rather sign vlad who can hit and can backup in the outfield if need be
milledge – guy is a mope
Wave,
I mean yea I guess you keep all options open
Carlo
Your comment about you rather signing Vlad cause he can backup the outfield made me laugh. Did you not watch him out there in the WS? It would have been more painful to watch if I wasn’t laughing so hard. He made Thames look good.
CJ wilson will better a free agent next winter and Im guessing there may be a few quality arms available via trade between now and then.
# tyanksfan36 January 4th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Carlo
Your comment about you rather signing Vlad cause he can backup the outfield made me laugh. Did you not watch him out there in the WS? It would have been more painful to watch if I wasn’t laughing so hard. He made Thames look good.
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I’m signing Vlad for his bat…..which, said another way means I dont trust Posada as the everyday DH. I never said he is a great outfielder….I said he can be used out there…..and frankly, there will be more chances to use a 4th outfielder who DH’s then there will be to use a 6th infielder (glaus) who can only play the corners and who isnt a better bat than Posada.
Isolating small parts of text and then isolating one play in a world series is myopic and misleading.
Sign Rauch, Francis and Milledge now, and await Pettitte’s decision.
If he says he’s returning, you’re set:
CC, Hughes, Pettitte, AJ, Francis + Mariano, Rauch, Robertson, Joba, Logan, Feliciano, Mitre. Nova returns to the minors for call up later.
If not, then try to sign Soriano as well:
CC, Hughes, AJ, Francis, Nova + Mariano, Soriano, Rauch, Robertson, Joba, Logan, Feliciano. Mitre gets traded or released.
Milledge becomes your 4th OF, capable of playing the corners, and is under team control for 3 years.
I guess nobody wants to read between the lines as to why Milledge has been with 3 teams going on 4 in a span of 5 years despite making only $1.7 mm during the entirety of that career to date.
blake January 4th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
CJ wilson will better a free agent next winter and Im guessing there may be a few quality arms available via trade between now and then.
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I’m guessing after missing out on Lee this year the Rangers will re-sign Wilson; barring his arm falling off after pitching 200 innings last year (his first as a starter)
Carlo January 4th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I guess nobody wants to read between the lines as to why Milledge has been with 3 teams going on 4 in a span of 5 years despite making only $1.7 mm during the entirety of that career to date.
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He’s a jerk and he’s not the superstar he was predicted to be. Everyone knows that. But find me a more talented option for a 4th OF spot?
The guy can defend both corners well and CF passably and rakes against LHP. For a minimal investment I’ll take a shot and if he acts up…dump him.
Well the daily checkin shows the news of the day is that a current player has won a award named after a former player. January 3rd and counting and is all that can be talked about is hypotetical this and that much of which could never happen. Getting the feeling that the Yanks are just comfortable with the status quo. It must be a NY thing Giants now seem comfortable that thay they got to 10 wins despite collapsing for the third year in a row in the second half and not making the playoff the last two years. Bar seems to be set pretty low now in NY.
Carlo January 4th, 2011 at 3:52 pm
# tyanksfan36 January 4th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Carlo
Your comment about you rather signing Vlad cause he can backup the outfield made me laugh. Did you not watch him out there in the WS? It would have been more painful to watch if I wasn’t laughing so hard. He made Thames look good.
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I’m signing Vlad for his bat…..which, said another way means I dont trust Posada as the everyday DH. I never said he is a great outfielder….I said he can be used out there…..and frankly, there will be more chances to use a 4th outfielder who DH’s then there will be to use a 6th infielder (glaus) who can only play the corners and who isnt a better bat than Posada.
Isolating small parts of text and then isolating one play in a world series is myopic and misleading.
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Carlo – I’m sorry but you’re wrong. Vlad can’t be used in the field at all. If he could then Texas would have played him out there in the World Series – they tried, he was awful, and despite the enormity of the games they prefered his bat be out of the lineup to having his glove in the OF.
Carlo –
If you don’t like Glaus that’s fine.
I would take Andruw Jones, Wily Aybar – any number of other options offer more flexibility than Vlad.
# Chip January 4th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
Carlo January 4th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
I guess nobody wants to read between the lines as to why Milledge has been with 3 teams going on 4 in a span of 5 years despite making only $1.7 mm during the entirety of that career to date.
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He’s a jerk and he’s not the superstar he was predicted to be. Everyone knows that. But find me a more talented option for a 4th OF spot?
The guy can defend both corners well and CF passably and rakes against LHP. For a minimal investment I’ll take a shot and if he acts up…dump him.
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On face value Chip, I agree with that view. The fact that he is one of the youngest free agents in the history of baseball, has talent (the degree of which is questionable), and was once considered a future star not long ago……..and yet no one seems to want him……tells me that the reasons we, as fans, want him, do not outweigh the reasons why major league teams, with knowledge of him as an individual, dont.
# Chip January 4th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
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Carlo – I’m sorry but you’re wrong. Vlad can’t be used in the field at all. If he could then Texas would have played him out there in the World Series – they tried, he was awful, and despite the enormity of the games they prefered his bat be out of the lineup to having his glove in the OF.
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No need to be sorry, Ive been wrong before (1979)……..there is a big difference between putting Vlad in the field in a world series game and putting him in the field in may against cleveland. Pat Burrell isnt the best outfielder either, but SF did ok putting him out there.
# Chip January 4th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Carlo –
If you don’t like Glaus that’s fine.
I would take Andruw Jones, Wily Aybar – any number of other options offer more flexibility than Vlad.
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I can get on board with either of those guys…….I cant get on board with golson, however.
Carlo -
Milledge is a less destructive version of Elijiah Dukes. That said, I think someone will grab him up towards the start of spring training.
My take on Vlad is similar to my take on Thome – you’re investing in a player who will have at most somewhere between 50 – 100 at bats and can’t offer you anything in the field. If the Yankees didn’t have Posada I would be for signing him. But the Yankees do have Posada and so therefore I have to pass.
Carlo says:
January 4, 2011 at 3:52 pm
# tyanksfan36 January 4th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Carlo
Your comment about you rather signing Vlad cause he can backup the outfield made me laugh. Did you not watch him out there in the WS? It would have been more painful to watch if I wasn’t laughing so hard. He made Thames look good.
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I’m signing Vlad for his bat…..which, said another way means I dont trust Posada as the everyday DH. I never said he is a great outfielder….I said he can be used out there…..and frankly, there will be more chances to use a 4th outfielder who DH’s then there will be to use a 6th infielder (glaus) who can only play the corners and who isnt a better bat than Posada.
Isolating small parts of text and then isolating one play in a world series is myopic and misleading.
—
Well the only thing I felt comfortable commenting on was the part about Vlad being used occasionally in the outfield. He isn’t who I want out there late in a game, if you don’t mind him then fine. I think Posada will be fine as the DH.
Carlo January 4th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
# Chip January 4th, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Carlo –
If you don’t like Glaus that’s fine.
I would take Andruw Jones, Wily Aybar – any number of other options offer more flexibility than Vlad.
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I can get on board with either of those guys…….I cant get on board with golson, however.
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Golson’s fine if we’re talking about needing a pinch runner/defensive replacement for the outfield.
If you want someone who can play more regularly, spotting either Granderson or Gardner against a tough LHP – I would prefer Milledge or Reed Johnson.
# tyanksfan36 January 4th, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Well the only thing I felt comfortable commenting on was the part about Vlad being used occasionally in the outfield. He isn’t who I want out there late in a game, if you don’t mind him then fine. I think Posada will be fine as the DH.
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He wouldnt be out there late in games…….nor would i feel good either if he were……he’s a 4th outfielder who can DH 50+ games a year. Regardless of whether Cashman says so or not, I expect posada to catch a handful of games this year.
I’ll throw this out there just for the heck of it:
Dodgers get Romulo Sanchez
Yankees get Casey Blake
Sanchez is out of options and while he may compete for a spot in the pen he’s certainly replaceable – as GB said yesterday – he’s Jose Veras with less fastball control.
Blake would be a nice RHB for the bench – can spot you in all four corners and bring some power.
This would be a pure salary dump for the Dodgers.
SI_JonHeyman: andruw jones in on the #yankees list of righty hitting OFs to consider
By the way – do we believe either of the two Rule 5 guys have a chance to stick with the club or are they just Spring Training Fodder?
Of the two I think Fish might have a shot just based on the fact that he’s left handed and throws the ball very hard. He walks too many people 4/9 IP but strikes out a ton too 11/9 IP
Turpen’s probably the more polished of the two – but in either case – there’s a reason these guys were available.