The pieces that don’t necessarily fit
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 10, 2011 
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This free agent market doesn’t match the Yankees needs. We know that. It’s been discussed time after time, day after day, but this morning the good people at MLBTradeRumors listed the 11 players remaining from their initial list of the top 50 free agents. It paints a pretty convincing picture of just how little is out there. Here’s their list.
1. Rafael Soriano — Significant cost, in dollars and draft picks, for a setup man.
2. Carl Pavano — There was never a real chance of the Yankees bringing him back.
3. Jim Thome – Hasn’t played the field in three years. DH spot isn’t available.
4. Vladimir Guerrero — Another designated hitter, best kept out of the outfield at this point.
5. Manny Ramirez — Probably a better defensive option than Guerrero, but still questionable. Plus, Manny in pinstripes?
6. Andy Pettitte — This one’s not up to the Yankees. It’s all up to Pettitte.
7. Brian Fuentes – If he wants to close, he won’t come to the Yankees.
8. Kevin Millwood — Amazing how quickly the starting pitching market falls into the questionable zone. At least Millwood has been fairly durable.
9. Grant Balfour – Another setup man who would cost a draft pick.
10. Scott Podsednik – Left-handed, speed-oriented left fielder. The Yankees already have one of those.
11. Johnny Damon — Probably a better defensive option than some of the other guys who are primarily DHs. Might prefer an everyday role. A right-handed hitter would be a better fit.
Sign Damon if he’ll accept the role.
Not good news when “Durable” is the best quality you can find.
Rich,
Do you think Crawford and his agent told Cashman at their last meeting that the price was 142 million and that the Red Sox had bid that? In other words, do you think the Yankees knew at the winter meetings that he was going to the Red Sox if they didn’t jump in?..
This off season has been EXACTLY like your fridge being empty. You’re hungry, you open the fridge, nothing is there. You’re still hungry, you open the fridge again, nothing is there. This happens time and time again. I can’t think of a better comparison.
I like Nova a lot on the back end, he should really get a chance. We’ll see if he does. Why not bring back Alfredo Aceves? Outside of injury questions, I think he’s a good pitcher.
Sign Pavano.
There is a difference between what someone reports in a column as news and tweets. Tweets are NOT to be considered substantiated news, everyone in journalism knows this. They are sent with a “take it for what it’s worth caveat”.
–
I guess you missed the rumor mill articles Heyman posts to SI.com with Boras’ tendrils slithering throughout? Or that tweeting has infact become the most prolific and watched source of baseball news as print is no longer fast enough to keep up with the speed of it? And that the writers pat themselves on the back for breaking stories through tweets.
It is virtually impossible for an ESPN writer to break a news story without tweeting it, as their articles have a review process which means from time of completion to publishing can be measured in the hours, where upon the news has already been leaked.
But do continue to white knight Heyman, please, its very amusing.
I would probably offer Millwood a deal.
The guy is a winning pitcher – a veteran who has played on contending teams and in the back of the rotation he’ll probably be able to at least give the club what they got from Javy last year.
If I’m Kevin Millwood though – at this stage – I would probably try to sign on with an NL team though most NL contenders are already set in terms of their rotations.
“There is a difference between what someone reports in a column as news and tweets. Tweets are NOT to be considered substantiated news, everyone in journalism knows this. They are sent with a ?take it for what it?s worth caveat?.”
When tweets are sent by journalists on accounts that tie them to their employers, there is no “take it for what it’s worth” caveat because they are representing the company they work for.
Some have set up personal accounts that they can say what they want on but a corporate affiliated account bears additional responsibility.
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Sign Pavano.
———–
Yes and while you’re at it, coax Roger out of retirement for one more go ’round. The two are probably just as likely.
2. Carl Pavano — There was never a real chance of the Yankees bringing him back.
–
I was thinking Pavano would be a good sign for 1-2 years, but after checking the Elias rankings he is a Type A and f that.
Millwood has no fastball anymore…..he is a tough dude and guts out a lot of starts but I just don’t know what he’s got left. You can eat innings giving up 6 runs in 6 innings for the Orioles but the Yankees wont allow that….he starts getting hit and they’ll pull him to stay in the game and then no innings are eaten……to eat innings for a contender you have to still pitch relatively well.
I can’t remember the last time the Yankees had so many question marks left in the pitching staff this late in the offseason.
Probably in the early 90′s.
Cashman is reduced to dumpster diving based on what he says he won’t do.
Millwood sucks. May as well just go with Mitre or a AAA guy.
Rich,
My guess is that they knew the Sox were making a big push and told Crawford that they couldn’t do anything until Lee made a decision and that if they’d wait until that resolved then they may get involved…..clearly Crawford didn’t want to wait when he had a huge offer already in hand.
Make Pavano say no.
108 stitches January 10th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
I can’t remember the last time the Yankees had so many question marks left in the pitching staff this late in the offseason.
Probably in the early 90?s.
Cashman is reduced to dumpster diving based on what he says he won’t do.
——————–
2008:
Moose
Andy
Wang
Hughes
Kennedy
2004:
Javy
Moose
Lieber
K-Brown
Contreras
SIGN JOHNNY DAMON
If they wont give up a draft pick for Soriano then I don’t see them giving their first rounder to bring Pavano back for 3 years…..which is what it would take if Minnestoa has offered 2.
Cashman will make a move for a SP eventually. If the rest of the league sees him panic, it’s going to cost even more. If the options are indeed so bad, I would give Joba another shot.
blake January 10th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Sign Damon if he’ll accept the role.
*************
Like
5. Manny Ramirez ? Probably a better defensive option than Guerrero, but still questionable. Plus, Manny in pinstripes?
———————
HELL YEAH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bringing back Vazquez and the result of that I would think kills any chance at Pavano. Not that I wanted him. Bah.
Erica,
Im in your corner.
You can’t possibly sign Manny before June/July. He’s not going to give you a damn thing until then.
108 Stitches,
I agree on the rotation. I think the ones Chip listed are better or were potentially better.
This season will, absent additions, will get ugly in a hurry. And believe me, I don’t like having that view.
Although I would def prefer him to Andruw Jones.
I’m confused. I could have sworn that I saw a MLBTraderumors posts a few days ago that said Pavano is going back to the Twins for 2 years. Anyone else see that?
blake January 10th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Erica,
Im in your corner.
***********
Woohoo!!!
If we can get some more people to join the party in our corner, I’ll buy some balloons and bake a beer bread!
Regarding Manny-
If the price of gas is rising again- does that mean that his price is up higher too?
I don’t trust that Posada can be a good DH. I still want Thome for a bench role. The Yankees can find away to get both guys 300 pa.
Heilman is never mentioned but he should be.
Don’t be surprised if Andy retires that Brackman doesn’t win the 5 starter role. In he last 7 AA appearances over 38 innings he only gave up 3 earned runs.
My apologies if this was posted already, but Lupica wrote a really nice article about Dallas Green’s granddaughter, Christina who was killed in the senseless massacre on Saturday.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new.....vasta.html
2008:
Moose
Andy
Wang
Hughes
Kennedy
2004:
Javy
Moose
Lieber
K-Brown
Contreras
-
2007
Pavano
Wang
Pettitte
Mussina
Igawa
2006
Johnson
Mussina
Wang
Chacon
Jaret Wright
I’m confused. I could have sworn that I saw a MLBTraderumors posts a few days ago that said Pavano is going back to the Twins for 2 years. Anyone else see that?
—
Nearing a deal is not the same as done. No numbers were listed for example.
austinmac January 10th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
108 Stitches,
I agree on the rotation. I think the ones Chip listed are better or were potentially better.
This season will, absent additions, will get ugly in a hurry. And believe me, I don’t like having that view.
——————
I’m not saying that the rotations were good or bad – I’m just saying that there were a ton of question markes – especially in 08 where you had two rookies in Hughes and Kennedy
dan l January 10th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
I don’t trust that Posada can be a good DH. I still want Thome for a bench role. The Yankees can find away to get both guys 300 pa.
Heilman is never mentioned but he should be.
Don’t be surprised if Andy retires that Brackman doesn’t win the 5 starter role. In he last 7 AA appearances over 38 innings he only gave up 3 earned runs.
——————
You may not trust Posada to be a good DH but there are 13 million reasons that I can give you for why he’s going to be there every day.
Spotty
Dan – as for Brackman – I think I would like to see him pitch above AA before throwing him into the Yankee rotation.
Erica –
————————–
Regarding Manny-
If the price of gas is rising again- does that mean that his price is up higher too?
———————–
I hope not
I certainly prefer Damon to A. Jones.
Don’t know why my phone posted that…..
this was in response to a discussion doreen and i were having why nardi contreras had said banuelos was “owned ” in the winter by a monterrey , mexico team.
CB January 9th, 2011 at 7:42 pm
What’s complicated Banuelos’s winter ball status for the yankees was the fact that they did not sign Banuelos as an amateur player.
Banuelos, unlike most other young players from outside of the states, was already playing professional baseball at the age of 17. He was playing in the Mexican league for Monterrey. He had a professional contract of some sort.
The Yankees acquired Banuelos in the same transaction through which they purchased the rights to Alfredo Aceves. They also got a couple of other players in that same transaction. In total they go all of those players for 450K. That was quite a move by the yankees and a great job by their scouting department covering mexico.
But in the transaction, Monterrey would not sell the winter ball rights to Banuelos. From their end they probably figured that part of the value of even selling Banuelos to the yankees was that it would potentially make a name for himself and he would be a draw over the winter.
Aceves and Banuelos were largely unknown. At the time Banuelos was much less developed and didn’t throw as hard. They were both fliers the yankees took. Banuelos in particular was probably a kid who looked years away.
In general, the Yankees like their younger international players to return to their home countries over the winter. These are just kids 16, 17, 18 and they really should see their parents. That’s why the international kids go home to play winter ball. Montero did the same thing.
It’s very possible that Monterrey would not sell Banuelos unless they could retain his winter ball rights. It was probably a compromise that worked for both sides.
So technically one can construe Banuelos’s situation as Monterrey “owning” part of him.
This isn’t that unusual an arrangement in international professional sports where players get divided up almost like a series of stocks.
But Monterrey only has his winter ball rights. They have no other claim on him.
And now that Banuelos has moved much faster than anyone could have guessed, it was good to see the yankees come to an agreement with Monterrey that allowed him to play in the AFL.
Jerkface–But you did see the post about Pavano too then? Not just my dementia taking a stroll around?
Jerkface–But you did see the post about Pavano too then? Not just my dementia taking a stroll around?
–
Yes, it was reported. Its just he hasn’t signed yet, so he is technically a free agent.
Banuelos didn’t turn 17 until after he signed with the Yankees.
I’m not saying that the rotations were good or bad – I’m just saying that there were a ton of question markes – especially in 08 where you had two rookies in Hughes and Kennedy
–
The yankees have had very few years where they went into a season without question marks in the rotation. The cost of multiple long term deals and trading for established pitchers who aren’t in their prime have saddled the Yankees with some disastrous pitching staffs.
2004: Pitcher switching leagues, guy off injury, OLD pitcher switching leagues, foreign old pitcher with only 100 pro innings, Mike Mussina.
I guess the NAMES of these players comforted people?
If Pettite retires and they can’t add a real upgrade to the rotation via trade then just say screw it and put a rotation Sabathia, Hughes, AJ, Nova, Noesi/Brackman/Phelps out there. It may be a “bridge year” but it would be more fun to watch and would actually be building towards something rather than treading water with a bargain bin back end of the rotation.
Jerkface January 10th, 2011 at 12:57 pm
I guess the NAMES of these players comforted people?
++++++++++++++++++
Good point…maybe we could get Mitre, Igawa, and Nova to change their names to Cy Yopung, Lefty Grove, and Walter Johnson.
Or maybe Igawa should be Cy Yopung.
Sheesh…typos.
It seems we all are getting antsy for a 4th outfielder/DH and a rotation guy….I know I am.
“do you realize how many icebergs this ship has hit. everything is fine” jerkface’s great great grandfather- captain jerkface, titanic captain)
SAS January 10th, 2011 at 1:02 pm
It seems we all are getting antsy for a 4th outfielder/DH and a rotation guy….I know I am.
+++++++++++++
I wonder if Jose Canseco would be interested in filling all 3 roles.
“do you realize how many icebergs this ship has hit. everything is fine” jerkface’s great great grandfather- captain jerkface, titanic captain)
–
????
“We need the biggest, strongest ship ever so that no ice bergs can hurt it!!” – Yankees fans
“Fetch me the youngest shipwrights in the land, who have spent the last 3 years on their own learning their craft to mixed results and have them build me a titanic that is cost controlled enough that i won’t care if it hits an ice berg!” – Randy
“Lets build a ship which through analysis and scouting has been determined to make it to its destination even with ice berg impact, due to the bilge system and bulk heads containing water spills while the ever powerful engines and outfield defense propel it onward regardless of water intake.” – Jerkface, King of the World
Scratch that, I’m changing Randy’s:
“Our first 3 titanics have hit an ice berg, but thats ok they’re cost-controlled, send in more titanics!” – Randy, when the HMS Perkins, HMS Blackburn, and HMS Slowey all sank
“Lets build a ship which through analysis and scouting has been determined to make it to its destination even with ice berg impact, due to the bilge system and bulk heads containing water spills while the ever powerful engines and outfield defense propel it onward regardless of water intake.” –
jerkface-
i’ve decided you’re the one to come up with a plan for pitching for the 2011 yankees.
i had no idea how experienced you are with sinking ships.
how’s your great uncle jerface doing with that airship, the hindenberg?
In 1931 the Zeppelin Company purchased 5,000 kg of duralumin salvaged from the wreckage of the October 1930 crash of the British airship R101, which might have been re-cast and used in the construction of the Hindenburg
–
Typical Randy, trying to collect the miles-eating carcasses of cast off airships of yore.
I have a small piece of the Hindenburg.
This latest bit of nonsense has grown as uninteresting as an August game between the Mets and the Pirates.
“In 1931 the Zeppelin Company purchased 5,000 kg of duralumin salvaged from the wreckage of the October 1930 crash of the British airship R101, which might have been re-cast and used in the construction of the Hindenburg”
jerkface-
i had no idea you were such an expert on manmade disasters.
where would you rank the new york yankee 2011 pitching staff on your list of manmade disasters?
By the way – according to Buster Olney the Yankees have reached an agreement to sign Andruw Jones.
By the way – according to Buster Olney the Yankees have reached an agreement to sign Andruw Jones.
–
Link??
And seriously people, let’s not behave like panicky Mets fans. We have a good lineup, a good defense, a still effective Mariano, a legit #1 starter, a talented young starter (hughes), and some prospects to either develop or trade.
Oh and it’s only January.
Jerkface January 10th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
By the way – according to Buster Olney the Yankees have reached an agreement to sign Andruw Jones.
–
Link??
———-
Sorry – I pulled a Jon Heyman and reported something as fact without verifying it. A friend was pulling my leg.
where would you rank the new york yankee 2011 pitching staff on your list of manmade disasters?
–
The yankees are going to the playoffs.
just checking in to see if there is any news…apparently not, other than Jerkface is now the King of the World. And if the King says the Yankees are going to make the play offs, that is good enough for me
“Banuelos didn’t turn 17 until after he signed with the Yankees.”
after reading about monterrey where banuelos is from and the history of baseball there, i’m really interested in banuelos even more.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/.....-Game.html
there’s a real history of baseball there. if banuelos becomes a start with the yankees he’ll be adding even more to that history.
# rotologo January 10th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
Cashman will make a move for a SP eventually. If the rest of the league sees him panic, it’s going to cost even more. If the options are indeed so bad, I would give Joba another shot.
——————————————-
Probably not going to happen since ST is next month but hey we can still bang the drum can’t we.
“The yankees are going to the playoffs.”
they might have to buy tickets to get in.
i hope cashman is better at getting tickets for the players than he is at finding starting pitchers.
I would be very disappointed if the prior failure of Pavano with the Yankees are stopping them from pursuing him now.
He was a very good pitcher when healthy.
So your prediction Randy is that the Yankees won’t make the playoffs? Interesting. Lets wager on it. If I win you have to send me Clete Boyer’s jockstrap that you’ve kept under your pillow for all these years, and if you win I’ll send you Bill James pocket protector.
randy l. January 10th, 2011 at 1:04 pm
“do you realize how many icebergs this ship has hit. everything is fine” jerkface’s great great grandfather- captain jerkface, titanic captain)
*************
This is kind of an awesome line
Point Randy
Randy
Are you predicting that the Yankees won’t make the playoffs?
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
I would be very disappointed if the prior failure of Pavano with the Yankees are stopping them from pursuing him now.
He was a very good pitcher when healthy.
——————
It’s not Pavano’s failure that would keep them from signing him. It is the belief within the organization that he was content to milk his injuries and hang out in Tampa rather than earn his paycheck.
“So your prediction Randy is that the Yankees won’t make the playoffs? ”
my prediction is that unless cashman gets lucky and pettitte signs on for another year “might not make the playoffs” is a real possibility.
to make a bet, you’ll have to throw in your brian cashman fanclub pollyanna sunglasses though.
I was going to debate Randy’s point that Cashman can’t find starting pitchers. I had this long post written up about how Cashman signed CC, still has Hughes and AJ and he was planning on having Lee and Andy in there too. How circumstances far beyond Cashman’s control have caused a bit of a problem this winter. How once Lee signed elsewhere there was really nothing to be done since there weren’t any other good FA’s on the market and the market for starting pitchers via trade made no sense for the Yankees.
I had all of this down and then I deleted it.
Why did I delete it you ask? Well because I find that when you argue with a fool the only thing you wind up with is a headache and so I’m just going to let him go do his thing and whine about how the Yankees did this or didn’t do that and know full well that when the Yankees are playing well this season he’ll be back here saying “see, I told you so.”
It is the belief within the organization that he was content to milk his injuries and hang out in Tampa rather than earn his paycheck.
*****
Link?
I don’t think Yanks will make the playoffs, 85 to maybe 90 wins but no playoffs = if if, Andy does not come back. I hope I’m wrong. If he does, then we are a playoff team. If boston has a 2007 type year, it will be brutal up here in the northeast. I’m already seeing new Sox stickers on cars as their fans have been injected with renewed optimism by their good offseason. Ugh.
Why is Pettitte coming back lucky?
If pavano signs with the Twins to shore up their awful rotation is that lucky?
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
It is the belief within the organization that he was content to milk his injuries and hang out in Tampa rather than earn his paycheck.
*****
Link?
————–
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=2767350
Those quotes by Mussina were given before Pavano’s TJ surgery, so I think if given the chance, Mussina would revise his comments.
The fourth year that the Yanks gave to Posada is really killing them now. There are plenty of free agent DH’s out there (Thome, Vlad, even Damon) who would provide better offense than Posada, and could be signed for a fraction of what the Yanks will pay Posada in 2011. Terrible.
“Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly said that all of Pavano’s injuries were legitimate.”
Tom in N.J. January 10th, 2011 at 2:01 pm
“Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly said that all of Pavano’s injuries were legitimate.”
——————-
Because Brian Cashman (or any GM) is going to say publically “yeah the guy’s a dog. a real waste who is just stealing his paycheck week after week.”
That sound like a pretty likely scenario?
Rich in NJ January 10th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
Those quotes by Mussina were given before Pavano’s TJ surgery, so I think if given the chance, Mussina would revise his comments.
——————–
I doubt it.
It’s the boy who cried wolf – eventually there was a wolf but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he was making it up the first dozen times.
Chip,
That article just reinforces my beliefs that Torre really wore out his welcome and how unpleasant Mussina was.
Two grumpy old men are not credible sources on this issue.
In any case – why are we arguing about Pavano. The guy is on the verge of re-signing with the Twins. He was never an option for the Yankees and frankly never should have been.
I don’t think there is any evidence that Pavano’s injuries were not legitimate.
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Chip,
That article just reinforces my beliefs that Torre really wore out his welcome and how unpleasant Mussina was.
Two grumpy old men are not credible sources on this issue.
—————————
Well okay, that’s a new one for me but I’m not going to waste time arguing about it since it’s a moot topic.
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
I don’t think there is any evidence that Pavano’s injuries were not legitimate.
—————-
And I think the point that Mussina, Torre and others were making is that there’s a difference between being hurt and being injured and they believed Pavano was refusing to play hurt or play through injuries that weren’t severe…like a bruised butt.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....on_sa.html
They’re more likely than the assumptions of somebody on blog.
We don’t see things the way they are. We see things the way we are. Be it Pavano’s injuries, Joba’s ‘problems’, Alex’s lack of ‘clutch’ hits, Cano bing lazy, et al.. People try to place ‘blame’ on these things by creating reasons, mostly unprovable, because that’s what they want to believe.
Sorry – this is the quote I posted that link above for: Pavano’s desire and work ethic have been questioned by his teammates both publicly and privately over the past two years, but if the 32-year-old can come back and help them win over the next five weeks, it could help erase the disastrous events of 3-1/2 years.
“It’s the boy who cried wolf – eventually there was a wolf but that doesn’t excuse the fact that he was making it up the first dozen times.”
Chip
There is chronic quality to the type of ligament tear that requires TJ surgery. Consequently, he was pitching with it (or not pitching with it, as the case may be) for years, as it got progressively worse.
No one can get in anyone else’s head and evaluate their pain or pain tolerance.
In any event, he’s the best option out there for the cost, and if he would accept a short-term deal, knowing that he would have a lot to prove, it seems like a very cost-effective option.
I honestly never thought a day would come when supposed Yankee fans were pining for a Carl Pavano return to pinstripes…
This is a sad, sad day.
with Wainwright & Carpenter both FA’s in 12 & Carpenter 36 years old can’t see the Cards signing both, depending on how their season is going Carpenter might be available mid season….
George knew that off-season action created fan enthusiasm and it’s companion money. While not all decisions were good ones, that’s how the team value increased from $10 million to $1.5 billion.
The Yankees are going down a similar failed path the Red Sox took last year. Reportedly, their income took a beating. That is why they spent this winter, and I predict their income will increase more than enough to cover additional costs.
Put me down for one who wishes we had paid big money for Crawford. He would have made the team better and make them far more able to acquire a starter by having a legitmate starting outfielder to put in a package.
Instead, we can now proudly say, we have had worse pitching in the past. How proud we should all be even if this doubtful statement is true.
Rich -
I will say it is far more likely that the Yankees sign you at this point than Carl Pavano.
There is no way, no how, that Cashman is going down that road. He would, I believe, sooner sign Kyle Farnsworth to pitch the 8th inning than give Pavano a contract.
And that’s regardless of the fact that Pavano is likely to re-up with the Twins.
What about bringing Mark Grudzielanek to Spring Training? The Yankees don’t have names on uniforms, so that expense wouldn’t be a concern.
joeman January 10th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
with Wainwright & Carpenter both FA’s in 12 & Carpenter 36 years old can’t see the Cards signing both, depending on how their season is going Carpenter might be available mid season….
—————–
Wainwright has an option that the Cards can (will) pick up.
Chip
I would work cheaper, but just because the Yankees won’t, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t.
austinmac January 10th, 2011 at 2:15 pm
George knew that off-season action created fan enthusiasm and it’s companion money. While not all decisions were good ones, that’s how the team value increased from $10 million to $1.5 billion.
The Yankees are going down a similar failed path the Red Sox took last year. Reportedly, their income took a beating. That is why they spent this winter, and I predict their income will increase more than enough to cover additional costs.
Put me down for one who wishes we had paid big money for Crawford. He would have made the team better and make them far more able to acquire a starter by having a legitmate starting outfielder to put in a package.
Instead, we can now proudly say, we have had worse pitching in the past. How proud we should all be even if this doubtful statement is true.
——————-
I don’t know – I for one would rather the team not spend money than spend it on guys they don’t need or who don’t fit.
The Yankees did shell out nearly 100 mil in contracts this winter – it’s just not sexy because the majority of it went to re-signing their own players.
Chip,
The discussion is not whether they will sign Pavano, but that they should
Chip January 10th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
joeman January 10th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
with Wainwright & Carpenter both FA’s in 12 & Carpenter 36 years old can’t see the Cards signing both, depending on how their season is going Carpenter might be available mid season….
—————–
Wainwright has an option that the Cards can (will) pick up
—————————————
U think Carpenter is a resign then
Rich beat me to it.
Anyway, I don’t have any ill will towards Pavano.
Rich in NJ January 10th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Chip
I would work cheaper, but just because the Yankees won’t, it doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t.
———————-
I’ll put it this way – as bad as Javy Vazquez was in both turns one and two with the Yankees, I would have rather they re-signed him this offseason than turn to Carla Pavano.
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Chip,
The discussion is not whether they will sign Pavano, but that they should
——————
And that’s fine if it’s your opinion – mine is that in no way should Carl Pavano ever get another check with the NY on it.
And I am certain that if he did there are some holdover players who would have a huge problem with it. And when he came up with his first “injury” it would be a madhouse.
I think the Pavano talk is probably moot. He likes the Twins. He wants to re-sign with them. I believe he will, it’s just a matter of working it out. The Twins have stated they like him, like his clubhouse leadership (of all things).
I think Pavano would/should be considered certifiable if he chooses to come back to the Yankees.
As it stands right now, the only proven innings eater in the starting rotation is C.C. and Hughes behind him. No sure thing that Rothschild can fix Burnett.
This puts a strain on a bullpen already lacking an EIG.
Girardi will have to depend on a lot of runs pushed across and a change in philosophy of waiting for the big inning. Possibly a lot of 11-10 games.
joeman January 10th, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Chip January 10th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
joeman January 10th, 2011 at 2:14 pm
with Wainwright & Carpenter both FA’s in 12 & Carpenter 36 years old can’t see the Cards signing both, depending on how their season is going Carpenter might be available mid season….
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Wainwright has an option that the Cards can (will) pick up
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U think Carpenter is a resign then
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I think much like Andy, Carpenter will either re-sign or retire.
And just for the record, I was one who defended Pavano in most instances while he was here. I just think all things considered, this is not the place I’d want to return to if I was him.
Chip,
Even the signings they did make of their own players created more angst than enthusiasm.
I had hoped they would have an improved team. Color me disappointed they are older and lacking the key bullpen addition from last year and the pitcher whose absence last year caused a team pitching meltdown.
Patience. For what? Until when? What makes anyone believe a starter will be more available in a month or two or three than over the winter? Don’t see it.
Doreen January 10th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
And just for the record, I was one who defended Pavano in most instances while he was here. I just think all things considered, this is not the place I’d want to return to if I was him.
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Agreed – as much as I believe there’s no way Cashman wants Pavano here I can’t come up with a single reason why Pavano would want to come here anyway.
Playing devil’s advocate, but Pavano could want to prove his NY detractors wrong. Also he’d probably take any contract he could get at this point.
But that aside, I think it’s 100% not a match for the Yankees or Pavano.
austinmac January 10th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
Patience. For what? Until when? What makes anyone believe a starter will be more available in a month or two or three than over the winter? Don’t see it.
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A lot of teams spent a lot of money this winter – if their moves don’t pan out – they may make players available.
For example: I don’t believe Carlos Zambrano is available today – but if the Cubs struggle and are not in the mix come July then I could see Chicago trying to move their big ticket item.
If Jake Peavy returns healthy for the White Sox then they may look to move a Gavin Floyd or Edwin Jackson to fill other holes come the 31st.
If the Astros are non-competative then Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers may be on the market so that they can stockpile prospects.
The Dodgers may take offers on Garland, the Padres on Harang
Maybe if the wheels really come off in Philly they consider moving Oswalt
“Patience. For what? Until when? What makes anyone believe a starter will be more available in a month or two or three than over the winter? Don’t see it.”
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Exercising patience is not the same as saying we are just waiting to acquire a starter.
Patience allows them to evaluate their internal options to see where they really stand.
In terms of a starter being available later. Starters are always available at the trade deadline when teams know where they are in the standings.
ConcernedCitizen -
Loved your refrigerator analogy earlier, btw.
I guess he could want to do that, but it seems so unnecessary. He has pitched very well for the Twins and they like him. And he’s in the position to be looking for at least a 2-year contract from someone. the Twins have expressed interest in re-signing him.
I just think it would be wasted energy to try and convert detractors. He’d be on the hot seat from the first pitch. Who the heck needs it???
there is NO reason for the Yankees to sign Puh-GUANO. the guy was a dog for four years, stole $ 39.95 Million, lied about an auto accident and the list goes on. I’d rather the Yanks sign Kevin Millwood to a CC Sabathia deal than they bring that sack of crap back
Howz that?
Randy… “The Yankees might not make the playoffs” is not a prediction it’s a statement of fact. Every team in baseball might not make the playoffs. In fact, 22 of 30 won’t. That’s my prediction
I cannot believe that people are actually considering re-signing Pavano after he essentially stole $40 million from the Yankees. At this point I would rather see Curt Schilling in pinstripes. At least he has some guts.
Chambliss January 10th, 2011 at 2:35 pm
I cannot believe that people are actually considering re-signing Pavano after he essentially stole $40 million from the Yankees. At this point I would rather see Curt Schilling in pinstripes. At least he has some guts.
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I concur.
Sign me up for Pedro as well before you start giving Carla any money.
Chip,
I don’t doubt a pitcher could become available by July 31st.
A couple of points on that. One, that is 2/3 of the way into the season. The rotation I see will put the Yankees well back and the bullpen shot. Second, virtually every contender will be looking for pitching. It won’t come cheaply. The Yankees have had success adding small pieces at the deadline. Getting a quality starter is a different degree of difficulty altogether.
I do agree Pavano isn’t nor shouldn’t happen.
austinmac January 10th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Chip,
I don’t doubt a pitcher could become available by July 31st.
A couple of points on that. One, that is 2/3 of the way into the season. The rotation I see will put the Yankees well back and the bullpen shot. Second, virtually every contender will be looking for pitching. It won’t come cheaply. The Yankees have had success adding small pieces at the deadline. Getting a quality starter is a different degree of difficulty altogether.
I do agree Pavano isn’t nor shouldn’t happen.
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Yeah but the problem is that there aren’t quality players available right now and so your only choice is to be patient.
I mean sure, the Yankees could go out and trade for Kyle Davies or probably even Scott Kazmir right now – but what good would that do them?
@Doreen Totally agree. Best to just stop opening the empty refrigerator at this point.
The off-season has reached the point where people are actually arguing over Carl Pavano?
Am I on the right blog? People actually want to re-sign Carl Pavano???
My cat has a better chance of pitching for the Yankees this year than Idle does.
Idle minds and idle hands!!!
Well your cat and Pavano have one thing in common… they’re both……
Erin January 10th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Am I on the right blog? People actually want to re-sign Carl Pavano???
My cat has a better chance of pitching for the Yankees this year than Idle does.
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Probably true…and a smaller chance of getting “injured”
86w183 January 10th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Well your cat and Pavano have one thing in common? they?re both??
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Erin January 10th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Am I on the right blog? People actually want to re-sign Carl Pavano???
My cat has a better chance of pitching for the Yankees this year than Idle does
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Is your cat a southpaw? He could scratch out a few wins.
My cat throws a mean hairball.
Chip,
While doing my due diligence as an unpaid, unknown, ignorant fictitious Yankee GM, I did check out Kazmir the other day recalling how well he pitched in Fenway. What I found is a three mph fastball decline from those days. Next.
As I said earlier today, I had wanted them to aggressively try to trade for a starter. Since that is not happening, I want them to get someone, anyone who can start and pitch 180+ innings. I am beginning to doubt Cashman will even risk some money on Garcia and Millwood. No doubt those are big risks, but with big problems and if big transactions don’t occur risks need to be taken. Standing still should not be an option.
GreenBeret7 January 10th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Is your cat a southpaw? He could scratch out a few wins.
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LOL I’ll have to check. I think she’d look adorable in her little uniform and Yankee hat though.
How are you GB?
Last year, Carl Pavano pitched 221 innings of 3.75 ERA baseball while averaging 6.9 innings per start.
I would love to add that to this pitching staff.
Bronx Jeers January 10th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
My cat throws a mean hairball.
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GB,
I liked the “scratch out” a few wins. Good one.:)
austinmac January 10th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Chip,
While doing my due diligence as an unpaid, unknown, ignorant fictitious Yankee GM, I did check out Kazmir the other day recalling how well he pitched in Fenway. What I found is a three mph fastball decline from those days. Next
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Scott Kazmir – the American League’s answer to Oliver Perez
LGY January 10th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Last year, Carl Pavano pitched 221 innings of 3.75 ERA baseball while averaging 6.9 innings per start.
I would love to add that to this pitching staff
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This is why you have to look at more than stats in life.
Sure I would love to have those statistics in pinstripes – but not that pitcher.
Chip – I think that’s unfair to Kazmir. The guy was legitimately good when he came up. I really think his arm injuries derailed what could have been a pretty good MLB career. Contrast that to Ollie. JMO.
Joe from Long Island January 10th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Chip – I think that’s unfair to Kazmir. The guy was legitimately good when he came up. I really think his arm injuries derailed what could have been a pretty good MLB career. Contrast that to Ollie. JMO.
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I was comparing them in that they’re both highly erratic LHP who came up with a lot of fanfare, they both walk far too many guys and I wouldn’t want either on the Yankees – Ollie’s problems were more from neck up while Kazmir’s were shoulder out.
This is why you have to look at more than stats in life.
*****/
Why? So then you can make unsubstianted claims about a player or carry a grudge that prevents you from improving the team?
Chip – agreed on that.
New Post- Yankees organizational depth: Second base
Just sign Brad Penny, “whipped” into shape by his Dancing with the Stars fiance, Karina Smirnoff! From Penny himself-”Heading to the gym. I’m going to be in the best shape I’ve ever been for the upcoming season.” LOL
If Pettitte comes back, the blog will have virtually nothing to talk about until ST!!
randy l. January 10th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
“The yankees are going to the playoffs.”
they might have to buy tickets to get in.
i hope cashman is better at getting tickets for the players than he is at finding starting pitchers.
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Cashman press release after he also gets shut out of purchasing playoff tickets..
“We looked under every unturned stone and found nothing. We practiced patience but ultimately we couldn’t find anything that made any sense. All of the prices of tickets cost more than we were willing to spend. And we weren’t going to put at risk the shoulders of our 2018 draft picks by having our veterans stand on those shoulders to see a playoff game from the outfield fence. We will regroup in the offseason on concentrate on the playoffs…tickets that is….. since I have been successful in reducing both the teams total salary amount and their chances of ever making the playoffs for the rest of derek’s, arod’s and cano’s careers”
Erin January 10th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
GreenBeret7 January 10th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Is your cat a southpaw? He could scratch out a few wins.
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LOL I’ll have to check. I think she’d look adorable in her little uniform and Yankee hat though.
How are you GB?
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LMAO. Afternoon, Erin. I’m doing fine, thank you for asking. I hope you and your family had a great holiday season.
I don’t care if your cat looks adorable in her little pinstriped uniform and hat. Great for Christmas cards, though. No tail, one eye, one ear would be beautiful if he/she can win some games.
I don’t care for sissy cats. Gotta have a dog named “Killer”. He’s not really a killer, but, he wouldn’t answer to his real name of Jerry Lee Lewis. So, I just called him by JLL’s nickname. That, he’ll answer to.