Eight men out
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 03, 2011 
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Last winter, when Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter became free agents, there never any real doubt they’d end up back with the Yankees. This winter, there’s no guarantee that any of the Yankees free agents will be back. Several would be logical fits, but none is a slam dunk for the Yankees to re-sign.
Today is the first day free agents are allowed to negotiate with every team — not just their previous team — meaning it’s suddenly open season for these eight Yankees.
Luis Ayala
Signed as a minor league free agent late last winter, Ayala landed the last spot on the big league roster out of spring training, then stuck with the team all season. He was surprisingly effective, and for a short time — when Rafael Soriano and Joba Chamberlain were hurt — he settled in as a key late-inning reliever. He may have pitched well enough to earn a big league deal, but should the Yankees be the team to give it to him? Most of their bullpen spots are accounted for as it is.
Eric Chavez
From superstar in Oakland to role player in New York, Chavez is still deciding whether he wants to keep playing. Injuries have taken their toll, and if he’s going to play again, it’s almost certainly going to be in a situation similar to this season. The Yankees have a place for a player like Chavez. Whether that player is Chavez himself may depend on whether Chavez decides to play again.
Bartolo Colon
Maybe the biggest surprise of the season, Colon clearly faded in the second half, and that may be cause for enough concern that the Yankees won’t want to bring him back. It would be impossible to count on Colon to be effective through an entire season, but keeping him in a relief role might keep him fresh and effective. Certainly Colon opened some eyes, but what kind of deal would it take to bring him back, and has all of the lightning escaped the bottle?
Freddy Garcia
The Yankees No. 5 starter out of spring training was their No. 3 starter in the playoffs. Garcia is what he is — he doesn’t throw hard and gets by on guts and savvy — but he’s proven he can be effective in this form. The Yankees have a large batch of young starters climbing through the system, and Garcia might be a perfect short-term commitment for back-of-the-rotation depth. He’s not the only fit, but he could be a good fit.
Andruw Jones
After a slow first half, Jones was exactly what the Yankees hoped for in the second half, and they’re once again going to have a spot for a right-handed outfielder who can be a platoon starter in the corners. Jones is in the same boat as Garcia and Chavez: He’s the type of player the Yankees will want for next season, but he’s not the only one who could fill that role.
Damaso Marte
At this point, I’m not sure anyone knows what Marte could provide. He hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since July of 2010, and he’s coming back from shoulder surgery that limited him to just a few minor league innings this year. The Yankees could use another left-handed reliever, and there’s a chance Marte would accept a minor league deal to prove himself in spring training. If not, it’s hard to see him coming back to the Yankees.
Sergio Mitre
The Yankees didn’t have room for Mitre last spring, and they shipped him to Milwaukee for Chris Dickerson. When he came back to the Yankees mid-season — this year’s version of Chad Gaudin — Mitre lasted all of four outings before he was on the disabled list and lost for the season. Obviously the Yankees like Mitre, but his time might have come and gone with plenty of in-house options to fill a long-relief/spot-starter role.
Jorge Posada
Nothing new to be said. Even before his career-worst season, it was unclear whether the Yankees would have a place for Posada next season. They clearly no longer view Posada as a catcher, and they have need to give DH at-bats to Alex Rodriguez — not to mention Jesus Montero — and if Posada’s no longer a catcher, he’s limited to DH and a few backup appearances in the field. It’s not a comfortable situation for either side, but Posada’s time with the Yankees might have ended.
Wow-I actually forgot about Mitre. Oops.
MTU-
I’m Kenny Williams. Although I’d really like to trade you Alex Rios and/or Adam Dunn I’m not going there. 38M guaranteed left for Rios and 44M guaranteed for Dunn.
So you want my lefty John Danks, due to be a FA 2012. I’ll be willing to deal him, even though I might lose my other lefty,Buehrle to FA after I offer him arbitration. I’ll move Chris Sale a lefty, into the starting rotation, and no Brian you can’t have him.
I need help at 3rd and 2nd as Morel and Beckham had subpar years. Wouldn’t mind a catcher if Tyler Flowers falters. I want a relief pitcher,
So if you want just Danks, I want Noesi, Romine and Nunez. I need major league ready players. If you’re willing to take Thornton and his remaining contract-
12:$5.5M, 13:$5.5M, 14:$6M club option ($1M buyout), you can keep Nunez.
Do we have a deal MTU, oops I meant Brian?
and Marte
I can’t imagine what either side has to lose if the Yankees offer and Marte accepts a minor league deal.
I also can’t imagine Mitre being in the picture again. As Chad said, there are other options available.
Everyone else on that list, I think it would fine if any or all of them were back. But they are all going to be more expensive than they were last off season, even if it’s slightly more.
It is just beyond my belief that the Yankees would consider Mitre again. So many opportunities in the past with him and so many up and coming young pitchers in the system. Please just say no thanks.
YT-
Response at the end of the last thread.
I think of those 8, Colon might be offered a contract, knowing the Yankees can cut him in March for a fraction of the 2012 contract, if they feel he’s washed up.
Garcia will be offered arbitration and if he accepts he’ll probably get around 5M. he’ll be looking for a 2 year deal first.
Ayala had a super year if you look at his stats only. If you watched him pitch, especially the last month, you shuddered-Why did Girardi bring him in? He’s gone.
I think Chavez is gone.
Joba_62 Can’t wait for tomorrow @ndahlberg12. @tmdahlberg has worked so hard and it’s going to pay off! http://t.co/HLTyRnJq
A Yankee player starting a foundation and his sister administering it worked once so why not again.
YT:
I would make that deal today, Danks and Thornton for Noesi and Romine. Wouldn’t even give it a second thought. Done.
Garcia and Chavez -Yes
Bartolo and Ayala- Maybe
Po, marte, mitre, and Jones- No
pat-did you see that picture Joba tweeted last night of him and Karter? Yet another Yankee beard. They just keep coming.
what is Joba’s foundation for?
MTU:
From the last thread, can you imagine if and when Gardner has a full year from start to finish running wild ? Last year he had a slow start in the stolen base dept. and then really picked it up. A fast start out of the gate with another year under his belt, its time to shine and become a true catalyst at the top of the order in 2012. JMO.
I’d consider Noesi and Romine for Danks and Thornton but I’m not lettin’ loose of Nunez.
—————————————
MTU[Brian]
Perhaps you didn’t hear me on your new Apple 4s Iphone Brian, but I did say if you take on all of Matt Thornton’s contract obligations and Danks, I’m willing to let you keep Nova.
But now that you mentioned one of your AAA pitchers, why don’t you throw in Phelps and I’ll grant you a 48 hour extension to sign Danks to an extension.
Deal Vineyard and MTU?
Vineyard-
If Gardner would only get the chance to bat leadoff. If he could just use his speed and bunt better, and stop popping up, any infield hit almost certainly puts him on 2nd.
Forget all of these trades.
Like Joel Sherman says: “other GMs feel like Cashman is like a Lion picking over dead carcasses this offseason.”
Unless you have a dead carcass of a trade from your club that goes in the favor of the Lion, fuggedaboutit.
YT:
I would make that deal today, Danks and Thornton ( and all of his contract) for Noesi and Romine. Wouldn’t even give it a second thought. Done.
===========
I think I heard you correctly the first time Kenny, are you trying to be a jacka** like our cohort Jack in Seattle now ? BTW, I have deleted his lousy a** from my speed dial to avoid future dealing with him. Done deal. I will even spring for pizza the next time you are in NY.
Pittsburgh-
Would Barry Zito be considered a “dead carcass”?
Vineyard-
LMAO. It’s a deal Brian. See you soon!
Trader:
I think his time in the leadoff spot is 2012. Girardi has seen enough of him there now to finally get it……..I think. Never liked his flip flop 9th or 1st thing. I like this as a lineup:
Gardner
Jeter
ARod
Cano
Tex
Grandy
Montero
Swisher
Martin
What does that mean – “A lion picking over dead carcasses?”
No Nunez in any deal. Alex and Derek will be playing a little less in the field in 2012 and in games with a sizeable lead they’ll be replaced defensively. Nunez is working this offseason to improve his defensive work. Ramiro Pena is not the answer.
YT-
I’m on board with Danks and Thornton for Noesi, Romine and Phelps as long as you have included the negtoiating window.
Now let’s have a drink, or two, or …… Kenny.
kate
I don’t know. Sounds like info on the foundation is going to be made public today based on the tweet.
# Villa Nova-Ya November 3rd, 2011 at 9:34 am
What does that mean – “A lion picking over dead carcasses?”
———————————-
Maybe no big acquisitions just a repeat of last yrs rotation.
thanks Pat
Villa
there is another one of those cliches
Do lions understand the posting system? I hope so.
What kind of pizza do you like Kenny ? We can go down to Foley’s Pub after pizza and throw down a few cold ones, they have a room in the back where I hang out sometimes to get away from the office.
Vineyard-
Like your lineup. Gardner will have to work hard this offseason as he batted only .233 against lefties even though his OB% was about the same whether righty or lefty, .345 vs. .344.
Enjoyed all discussions and banter this morning!
have to go. have a great day everyone. Until later.
MTU November 3rd, 2011 at 9:36 am
Hey Jack…myob. The deal is already done, Danks and Thornton (and all of his contract) for Noesi and Romine. No throw in’s or reneging like you did to me on the King Felix deal, now buzz off, ya botha me or I’ll call Bud and filed tampering charges against ya.
Villa
Picking and choosing what works best for him with little stress attached is how I interpreted it.
Me too. Time to go feed my goat and chickens.
Have a great Day Kenny, er YT.
I’m outta here soon too. Big hike today. A real classic.
“The Subway” @ Zion NP.
You too VY.
Danks is the exact type of player Sherman is talking about with that analogy…..a team that wants to trim payroll and a player nearing the end of his contract.
MTU:
Happy hiking, Gio (my goat) would probably like to go with you.
pat -
I like that interpretation.
Wasn’t sure if it meant simply going after the discards.
That’s a steep price to pay for a pitcher with one year left and a 35 year old relief pitcher that’s due $18 mil over 3 years.
The Dodgers signed Juan Rivera for $4.5 million? Is that for real?
I really hope they hang onto Noesi.
I admittedly haven’t seen Betances a ton…..but in the limited amount that I’ve seen them I like the way Noesi throws the ball better than him
Why would anybody…..let alone a team like the Dodgers give him 4+ million bucks?
JohnDennisWEEI Sources tell me #Francona is on his way to St. Louis to interview for the #Cardinals manager’s job tomorrow.
DKnobler Here’s what people in baseball are wondering: how long before Buck just takes O’s GM job himself?
Erin -
I get the feeling that the O’s are going through the motions until that happens.
Rumor is Ethier could be traded and Dodgers OF would be Sands, Kemp and Rivera
Villa Nova-that wouldn’t surprise me
just read that Chad Curtis, Ruben Rivera, Mike Aldrete and Dion James have been invited to offseason workouts to see if they can still displace Swisher in RF
what is going on in LA? i don’t think they signed Rivera at 4.5M to be a bench player, so it looks like someone will be moving on. maybe someone a lot more expensive.
I would not be surprised to see Eithier on the move, the front office was questioning the seriousness of his knee injury last year, and there are some hard feelings on both sides. He would have such a sweet swing for the Stadium
What’s happening VY?
You’d have to have a platoon partner for Ethier as he’s awful vs LHP……they could sign Jones back for that but that would be a lot of moving parts for a marginal upgrade over Swisher. You have to trade for Ethier so id just stick with Swish there
Dodgers offer Kemp for Gardner & Manny Banuelos. Do you do the deal?
Dodgers offer Kemp for Gardner & Manny Banuelos. Do you do the deal?
Nah….I take my chances and try to sign him as a FA.
I think I would do it!
RayVT,
You do that deal then you’ll still need an outfielder after 2012 because Swisher’s deal is up……and also you’ve dealt a Lefty that has a chance to be a #1.
If that deal of Manny & Gardner gave us Kemp for opening day I do it. It would hurt, but I’d do it.
The mere idea you could start next season with Cano, Kemp and Montero in the lineup together is way too delicious for words.
That said, I think whoever buys the Dodgers will give Kemp the moon to stay in LA. The worst thing to happen for the Yankees was McCourt being forced out. The new owner will have deep pockets and will be looking to restore the brand and will overpay Kemp to do that.
Ethier is the guy they’ll deal but he doesn’t really excite me. Besides, Boston has pre-ordained he’ll be their property because him & wittle Pedey are best fwiends!
I want Kemp…..I just don’t want to give my #1 prospect and LFer for him when he’s going to be a FA….and if LA traded him then that means they don’t think they can sign him. I don’t see him being dealt anyway……id trade Manny for Justin Upton because of his contracf.
Steve Garvey and Orel Hersheisher want to buy the Dodgers? My question is how? They’d need some deep pockets behind them no?
blake November 3rd, 2011 at 11:37 am
I agree! It would be painful. But adding Kemp to that Yankee lineup sounds awfully tempting!
Cano, Kemp, Montero & Granderson to go with ARod, Swish, Tex & Jeter is Monstrously good.
“I agree! It would be painful. But adding Kemp to that Yankee lineup sounds awfully tempting!”
True…..but if you wait you can have that plus Gardner and Banuelos possibly.
Yankees representing in Taiwan.
Reds GM Walt Jocketty and Manager Dusty Baker were in attendance during David Phelps’ start in the ARizona Fall League game last week. Probably means nothing because the Reds prospects play for the same AFL team as the Yankees prospects. But what if the Reds are considering moving Votto? He’d be a perfect fit in Yankee Stadium.
Even if they were going to move Votto, it wouldn’t be for David Phelps and we have no where to put him.
I’m not suggesting a one-for-one trade. He could be part of a larger package. If you have a chance at a bat like Votto, you take that chance. Swisher has value as a trade chip. The Yankees have plenty of other pieces on their 40- man and in their system for such q trade.
Pay Marks entire salary and trade him for Votto. Problem solved
Why do the “Yankees like Mitre”? He was really bad last year. I hope we never see him again in a Yankee uniform.
In regards to the DH spot, why don’t we consider moving A-Rod to RF when Swish leaves in 2013? He already has a cannon for an arm and is a good enough athlete to be more than serviceable out there. Seems like it would be less wear and tear on his body and would open up the DH spot for Montero or a rotation of our old guys (Jeter, Tex, A-Rod, etc.). We could then try to acquire David Wright (or some other replacement) in 2013.