Yankees had only preliminary conversations about Buehrle
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 07, 2011 
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Now that Mark Buehrle has reportedly landed with the Marlins, Brian Cashman was willing to admit that he had only very early conversations with Buehrle’s camp, and didn’t talk about the pitcher at all here in Dallas.
“I think he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Cashman said. “But given our current situation, that’s not an area that I can fill.”
It hardly comes as a surprise that Cashman said he’s still nowhere near a deal of any kind. The Yankees will begin trying to work out a contract with Hiroyuki Nakajima — and Cashman said there are opportunities that interest him — but nothing is close to happening.
The Yankees “might be” active in tomorrow’s Rule 5 draft, but it sounds like that’s the extent of their action here in Dallas.
“I’m not in a position right now to tell you I’m optimistic on anything,” Cashman said. “There’s not a person in here that should beat you on something that’s really significant right now. If someone’s got something that’s so dramatic that it’s going to play loudly, I would say it’s most likely inaccurate.”
Buerhle was the best free agent starting pitcher if you account for the contract Wilson is going to get so the fact that Cashman wasn’t all the interested convinces me he will try hard for a trade or Yu Darvish
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
And the twists and turns continue with Pujols talks: source says STL has nine-year offer on table,not 10.
“Montero has a better swing than Justin Upton or Heyward.”
Its somewhat of a Cabrera/Pujols hybrid ……that doesn’t mean he will be those players because there are a lot of other factors involved in hitting……but just based on swing and hitting tools he’s of that caliber
Kind’ve wanted Buehrle. Always liked him for some reason. Maybe cause he is a lefty. Yankees always seemed to crush him though.
Not sure he is worth 4 for 58 though. 4 years seems like 2 to many.
“I think he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Cashman said. “But given our current situation, that’s not an area that I can fill.”
—-
Given the Yankees current situation regarding the rotation, I think that the sentence above confuses me. The starting situation should be the prime area of focus.
Unless NYYs cut some people loose on the 40 man roster, he’s already at 39 and hasn’t inked Garcia, yet. At the most, I’d guess that he goes after a lefty reliever….maybe make a trade with having one of the higher drafting teams to grab a player for them and do a trade.
I think the current situation is that they don’t want to sign anyone for long-term for a few reasons. Budget is one concern, but also, clogging the rotation going forward.
And also, I think this year’s available pitchers are not of the variety that you “do waht you have to do” to get them.
LOL at Cashman assuring the writers that their rivals can’t beat them on a big story, because there isn’t one.
To me, no news is good news
.
Jerry Crasnick @jcrasnick
Agent Dan Lozano has called the #Marlins and told them they are out on Pujols,says source
12 minutes ago via web
Why do the Yankees want the Japanese SS ?
I thought that was Nunez’s job as the SU guy ?
Does that mean they might be willing to trade Nunez ?
Why do the Yankees want the Japanese SS ?
I thought that was Nunez’s job as the SU guy ?
Does that mean they might be willing to trade Nunez ?
—-
The problem is, Nunez is bad.
If Buerhle is worth 15 million, 4 years…what is Cole Hamels worth and how can he not test free agency after 2012?
I have heard that several teams have inquired about Nunez.
particularly the Braves.
Does this mean he is available ?
Is there anyone the Marlins are not in on ?
MTU,
It’s being reported that there’s a great deal of interest in Nunez throughout baseball. Still, with Arod, you never know if Nunez will be needed to play 3b full-time. So maybe this Japanese guy is a hedge against that.
UnKnown December 7th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
“I think he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Cashman said. “But given our current situation, that’s not an area that I can fill.”
—-
Given the Yankees current situation regarding the rotation, I think that the sentence above confuses me. The starting situation should be the prime area of focus.
————————————————————————————————————————-
Just going by most of your posts, ceiling fans going in circles confuse you.
He was pretty clear, if there was a pitcher that made sense and wasn’t a legalized rape job, he’d make a trade. He won’t make one to please the fans and media.
Bret-
I thought Chavez was going to take care of 3rd ?
he wants to come back.
Two points.
1. “I think he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Cashman said. “But given our current situation, that’s not an area that I can fill.”
For all of you who can’t read between the lines…”…given our current situation” means that there are budget limitations as the team is currently constructed. Unless pieces are moved, big ticket pieces can’t be added. Forget CJ, forget Edwin Jackson. No major FA arm will be added unless AJ is moved.
2. I don’t care what Cashman and/or Girardi says. Nunez could be available should they come to terms with Nakajima within the next 30 days. This gives the team flexibility both on the field – for now – but also another valuable trade piece.
Bob Nightengale @BNightengale
Confirmed @jcrasnick: The Pujols’ camp has informed the #Marlins they are out. but Pujols still has 3 offers in excess of $200 million.
16 minutes ago via web
Is there a consensus on what Nakajima will cost ?
AJ will be moved
No way we could have gotten Buerhle on terms that make sense.
4 years at his age? Good for him, he got a heck of a deal, but I’m glad it wasn’t with us.
blake-
Sounds good to me.
m -
I agree with that re: Buerhle.
Are the Marlins acting in a responsible fashion ?
They must be expecting a ton more revenue from their new stadium.
Where are they getting all this payroll from ?
Villa,
Makes you think there’s an 10 year old kid down in Miami proffering contracts like Halloween candy!
MTU,
Good point about Chavez. Maybe there is something lining up where Nunez is moved in a giant package for a top rotation starter.
Shortstop production has hit a low ebb.
N.L. shortstops hit .261/.313/.373/.686
Nunez hit .265/.313/.385/.698
bret-
I don’t know if you consider Jurrjens a top starter but the Braves were very interested in Nunez.
very.
Bob Klapisch
Told C.J. Wilson to #Angels is “very close” to being finalized.
via TweetDeck
********
MTU,
I consider Gio a top starter but we’ll see…
Another thing is, that it’s a good thing Boston wasn’t in on Buerhle. He would have been a nice stabilizing force in that rickety rotation.
Nunez is a great co-headlining piece on front-end starter deal. Just needs to play full-time to realize his potential.
CJ to the Angels huh…..well they still can’t hit so they are Phillies west more or less…..except with worse pitching.
m -
I know! Marlins must be having fun. but if I were the players signing on, I’d take a close look at the history of the Marlins after winning championships….just sayin’ there’s a reason for the no NTC policy.
What kind of boggles the mind, though, is when the Yankees do that kind of spending it is condemned, pretty much. but it seems to be okay to hoard money for years and then spend like a drunken sailor. Mind you, I don’t care – it’s not my money and it makes no difference to my life or my enjoyment of the Yankees. Just never liked the double standard. Everyone else is “allowed” to “buy” a championship, but the Yankees have to do it some other way or it’s “not fair” and the new CBA kind of puts that in writing, doesn’t it? In a way.
Bret-
Don’t the A’s already have a viable SS ?
Would they take him to flip him ?
Nuney is basically an Alexei Ramirez clone with more speed and the ability to be a 30sb guy as an everyday player.
He’s a 24yr old toolshed that played sparingly under the brightest lights in the sport and more than held his own…. It’s not hard to understand what teams are excited about.
He’s still developing and has shown a great work ethic spending the last 2 off seasons training with Jeter and Robbie.
I’d prefer to hold onto him 1 more year and let KLong work with him a lil bit on his selectivity and strike zone control like he did with Robbie and then see what he could do with 400 abs.
However if moving him to a team that sees him as it’s everyday solution @ SS gets me what I need for my 2012 team then he goes and I hope he blossoms with the opportunity. I’m of the feeling that we need more players like him on the roster- young, fearless, athletic and energetic not to mention multi-dimensional- as we go forward with an aging core of ARod,Jeet,Tex etc.
blake-
What if the halos wind up with Albert ?
JackCurryYES Jack Curry
Cashman said Montero could catch 40 or more gms. Compared his development as catcher to Posada’s. Cashman said there will be growing pains
Yankees New York Yankees
Joe Girardi chats with @MLB.com about Jesus Montero’s role in 2012 … http://atmlb.com/swgF9c #WinterMeetings
Here is why I think AJ will be moved.
Right from his first post season presser Cashman used the words “if AJ is with us”…..yesterday he talked about payroll restrictions unless they made trades to clear space……today there is a rumor that the Yanks would eat 8 million to trade him that wasn’t denied by the Yankees.
They are at around 187-189 million in payroll now with the projected arb raises and Cashman talks constantly about budget and limitations……..AJ is one of the only places he can trim. Trading AJ could get it down closer to 180 and it would give Cash a lot more room to maneuver.
MTU,
Oakland’s one untouchable is Jemile Weeks. They’re keeping him out of trade talks. He’s a 2b.
“What if the halos wind up with Albert ?”
Nah…..
GreenBeret7 December 7th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
UnKnown December 7th, 2011 at 6:04 pm
“I think he’s a heck of a pitcher,” Cashman said. “But given our current situation, that’s not an area that I can fill.”
—-
Given the Yankees current situation regarding the rotation, I think that the sentence above confuses me. The starting situation should be the prime area of focus.
————————————————————————————————————————-
Just going by most of your posts, ceiling fans going in circles confuse you.
He was pretty clear, if there was a pitcher that made sense and wasn’t a legalized rape job, he’d make a trade. He won’t make one to please the fans and media.
——–
Stay Classy Stud…
Nuney’s #’s were much better that stretch were he played consistently everyday…
Question:
if Nakajimna was any good why did only 1 team bid on him ?
lot’s of teams could use a good young SS.
The Twins got a “highly touted” japanese SS a few years a go and he has sucked.
i’m puzzled by this move. Why not cespedes instead ? We could use another OF’er more than we need a SS.
Blake,
I think R. Soriano is more movable than AJ. But it would be nice to move both heading into next free agent class which might have Cole Hamels, Matt Cain, Zack Greinke, Ervin Santana, BJ Upton, Melky Cabrera to name a few.
Too bad about Matt Kemp.
champ809 – that stretch where he kicked the ball around the infield for a week? yeah, that was fun.
Warning Track Power December 7th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Odds-You’re right. I remember the other night ESPN went on record as saying Buehrle would be asking for 4 yrs/60 million.
I’m sure everything happens for a reason. I’m sure Buehrle will be having a miserable time watching his team fail to win many games in the next 4 years. Guess his #1 priority was money over being part of a winning team.
————–
In many cases it’s always about the money. This is his last big contract. No way he gets 14.5 mil ever again.
MTU – minor league depth. who knows. and why does the one move preclude the other?
I like Nunez. He holds his own against good pitchers. That is not easy to find. His speed sets him apart from about any other current shortstop, or am I forgetting someone. He has value in a trade and on the team.
Irrev
I was actually talking about the stretch there in June/July when he played almost everyday and hit over .300 and slugged about .400 with 10-12 steals….that stretch
Joe-
he’s kind of expensive for MiLB depth dontcha think ?
I was thinking with a tight budget why spend on a SS you do not need when you could use an OF’er way more.
i tend to agree that aj will be traded. however, few teams will give up anything of consequence. they should take prospects, unless they can get the mets to give up johan santana and some money
If CJ Wilson signs with the Angels they might shop Ervin Santana for a bat.
Wilson 18M and 5 yrs?
I worry that Nunez’s plate discipline and approach would really start to hurt him with extended playing time and after he’s advanced scouting……..and I also worry about his teeth the more he plays in the field……they are in increasing danger the longer he’s out there.
Trader,
I’d trade Gardner or Swisher for E. Santana.
Blake-
Some teams love Nunez. Just to cite 2 examples- The Mariners and the Braves.
Getting this Japanese SS only makes sense to me if they are planning on moving Nunez.
MTU,
I tend to agree with your senses.
Bret-
the Halos already have a GGBG. His name is Peter Bourjos. he’s a gazelle.
MTU,
Are you thinking King Felix? Don’t tempt yourself like that. It’s pure torture.
Blake-
You’re in real trouble now.
So, it looks like Pujols is going to re-up with the Cards.
Wonder how the Marlins feel, being used like that……
Blake-
f he agrees to a contract, Nakajima isn’t expected to command a major deal, which fits well with the Yankees desire to stabilize payroll. The team already has more than $190 million committed for next season. They likely will not stray much past the $200 million mark.
Full short article by Marc Carig:
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ights.html
Could/would the Yankees trade Nunez + pitching prospect to the Braves for Martin Prado, to fill the role of super utility to be corner OF 2b,3b,1b and get lefty reliever O’Flaherty.
Sounds like Jones wants a full time job and Chavez might not be back.
Nunez and Betances form the core of a good trade package for a #2 starter in my book.
Considering that Nunez is blocked for a couple more years by Jeter, it’s conceivable that the Yankees want to get value from him now. As far as Chavez is concerned, they’ll take him back if he wants, and if not, there are other options out there: Wilson Betemit, et al.
The Twins got a “highly touted” japanese SS a few years a go and he has sucked.
–
You mean last year?
austinmac,
I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Too bad there are so few episodes. Looking forward to more of them.
Didn’t Swisher break the Twins japanese SS, Tsuyoshi Nishioka’s, leg?
Trader,
I don’t see a match with the Braves. If someone like Beane is interested in Nunez, it would be wise to save him.
The Angels obvious hole is 3B….If Kendry comes back and he’s the Kendry of ’09-10 pre-injury then that along with 500-600 ABs from Trout the Angels offense should be better depending on what they do for 3B.
If they continue to run Macier Itzuris,Aybar and Alberto Callaspo for 500+ abs each then they’ll be a less than league average scoring team.
A healthy Kendry also limits the ability to get Abreu into the lineup regularly which is a good thing.
Their outfield defense is going to be sick with Bourjos-LF/Trout-CF/Torii-RF….
MTU – heck, they spent how much on Igawa in the minors?
JF-
I guess so. I’m old I forget these things. I do remember he sucked though.
Joe-
The Yankees are not doing that kind of thing anymore IMO.
They generally are not throwing big money around on prospects.
The budget is a lot tighter these days.
If it wasn’t they would be all over guys like Cespedes and Darvish.
I don’t think they will be due to the projected cost.
Nakajima is more of a hitter with more power but its always unknown how a japanese hitter will fair in the majors
champ809-
There’s talk/rumor of moving Mark Trumbo to 3rd, although I think they should just sign Aramis Ramirez.
JF-
Nunez has plenty of power and he is a lot cheaper .
Unless this guy has a terrific glove as well I don’t see any other purpose than to move out Nunez in a trade.
They also have Pena for a glove. They don’t need all 3.
“Didn’t Swisher break the Twins japanese SS, Tsuyoshi Nishioka’s, leg?”
Are you suggesting that Nakajima is on a kakikaze revenge mission to take out Swisher?
Then why would the Yankees bid on him???
mtu – there’s one thing we can be sure of. Cashman has a plan for Nakajima.
Jerkface-
If Nakajima can get on base like his 4 year lifetime OB% .389[.385 this season], he’ll be an asset.
Nunez has plenty of power and he is a lot cheaper .
Unless this guy has a terrific glove as well I don’t see any other purpose than to move out Nunez in a trade.
–
He is a better defender than nunez, has better plate discipline and it allows them to trade Nunez who has a lot of value
YT-
I like your trade. Nunez + for Prado and the lefty reliever. Trouble is the Braves aren’t doing it IMO.
I want Venters instead.
“Are you suggesting that Nakajima is on a kakikaze revenge mission to take Onout Swisher?”
On Pearl Harbor day too!
OK then. Bye bye Nunez.
But to whom ? and for what ?
The Braves love nunez. They have wanted him for years.
Nakajima might not even accept a contract. He is a starter allstar in japan
JF-
He’ll accept if they pay him enough.
“On Pearl Harbor day too!”
OMG, you’re right.
We should have learned a lesson from Port Arthur!
I return to my question.
If Naky is so good why were the Yankees the only ones to bid on him ?
MTU-
All the talk about the Braves wanting Nunez has never come from the Atlanta media. That all was started by John Harper in a November 20th article in the NY Daily news.
Hot Stove has Cashman on next.
YT-
So you think it’s bull ?
How many other Yankee blogs reference the Russo-Japanese War?
The Commissioner is not permitted to acknowledge to the Japanese team or MLB who else bid, only the winner.
MTU-Did someone leak that the NYY were the only bidders?
MTU, dont think the yanks will break bank for him, and he doesnt have to be ‘so good’. just better than pena
Seems like Nakajima will start out in AAA, which makes sense. If Nunez is not on the roster at that time (he most likely will be tho), then Pena is on the Opening Day roster.
Lots of benefits to starting Nakaz out in AAA.
O/T, but here’s a story that will make you appreciate life. Whenever you want to complain about life and how unfair it is, just remember this guy’s story:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn.....07/Slumdog
YT-
I think MLBTR reported that. I could be mistaken
JF-
If he is as good as you say he is gonna cost. I’m puzzled that other teams weren’t in on him.
Many teams have a need for a good young SS.
Jon_Heyman Jon Heyman
#yankees not confident nakajima will sign considering low price he’s likely to get. May stay in japan.
1 minute ago
yea he might not be too excited about coming over and being a backup
Here is wat Nakajima hit in the npb
.300 .361 .439 .801
.331 .410 .527 .937
.309 .398 .493 .891
.314 .385 .511 .896
heybrain just tweeted that nakajima MIGHT not sign
But he might be excited about coming over to play for the Yankees.
Sounds like the Yankees are posturing or that their bid was not a serious one.
blake-
Then why did the Yankees go after him if they did not intend to pay him what he might be worth ?
seems silly. If he’s good they aren’t gonna get him for sushi. no one else wanted him so they weren’t trying to block anyone either.
If NYYs could arrange a trade to the West Coast to move Nakajima to a team that needs a shortstop, they may try that if Makajima agrees to sign and NY can re-sign Chavez.
***Nakajima***
Cashman saying team with strong roster and a lot $$$ already invested in roster.
Proud of system-Nova, Hughes, Robertson, Noesi and the killerB’s. Mentioned warren, Mitchell, phelps.
No worries on hughes.
reminding writers about posada growing pains, and montero at 22 might take a few years like posada.
asked about deals so far-still insulted with offers and insults others.
Rivera is fine post surgery.will show up late as usual and we’ll look the other way.
“How many other Yankee blogs reference the Russo-Japanese War?”
I would hope most of them, when appropriate.
MTU,
You’re looking at this in a very close minded fashion. First of all, it would be impossible for the Yankees to know if anyone else was in on him due to it being a blind bidding system. Secondly, as good as I said? You mean better than Ramiro Pena??? Lots of guys are better defenders than Nunez, and Nakajima has the potential to be good with the bat if he translates, but there is risk. The Yankees do not HAVE to pay him anything because he can just go right back to Japan. He didnt ask to be posted, the Seibu Lions posted him to get money.
“Then why did the Yankees go after him if they did not intend to pay him what he might be worth ?”
They just placed a bid….could have been to block other teams….could have been to just see what happens….he might still sign but the Yanks aren’t going to give him a ton of money I wouldn’t imagine.
GB-
If other teams wanted Mr. N they would have submitted a bid. No one else did.
If other teams wanted Mr. N they would have submitted a bid. No one else did.
–
You keep saying this but there is no evidence that it is true
That batting average is fabulous.
[Wanted: Contact hitters for a premier major league baseball club.]
“If NYYs could arrange a trade to the West Coast to move Nakajima to a team that needs a shortstop, they may try that if Makajima agrees to sign and NY can re-sign Chavez.”
I don’t think they could trade him until July 1.
Ken_Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal
Source: #Marlins “best bet” for Wilson. #Angels close second. #MLB
3 minutes ago
Nakajima sounds interesting to me….I hope they can sign him.
MTU-maybe this is where you heard this rumor-
By Andrew Marchand
The Yankees have won the bidding for Hiroyuki Nakajima.
A source told me that the Yankees may have been the only team to bid for the 27-year-old Japanese player. The bidding price was very low. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported it was just $2 million.
Looks like the same”source” couldn’t even get his age correct, he’s 29.
OK guys. Whatever you say. The Yankees placed a bid on a decent SS just so they could low ball him.
Does that make sense ? If the guy has talent he’s gonna want to be paid.
If the yankees really want him that’s what they’ll have to do.
If they didn’t really want him then why bid on a guy you know you can’t get for the price you might be willing to offer ?
Sounds like when a dog chases his own tail. Whatever.
As someone pointed out, Nunez has never come close to Nakajimas numbers in the minors so the yankees are taking a slight risk that probably wont even happen due to not paying Nakajima enough (he made 3 mil abouts in 2011) on a guy that could be a better hitter than Nunez. Nunez wont play enough to really continue developing for the Yankees, they should prolly trade him while he is in demand
Regardless of what Heyman is saying, I hope the Yankees can come to terms with Nakajima. He’ll provide depth at a weak position. Doesn’t mean you can’t sign Chavez. Nunez and presumably Nakajima can both float between the minors and the Bronx.
OK guys. Whatever you say. The Yankees placed a bid on a decent SS just so they could low ball him.
Does that make sense ? If the guy has talent he’s gonna want to be paid.
If the yankees really want him that’s what they’ll have to do.
If they didn’t really want him then why bid on a guy you know you can’t get for the price you might be willing to offer ?
Sounds like when a dog chases his own tail. Whatever.
–
Lowball him? He isn’t Yu Darvish dude. They bid a tiny amount, basically risk free for the yankees, to have a chance to negotiate with him on being a UTILITY INFIELDER for the Yankees. They aren’t paying him big bucks and he can just go back to Japan if it doesnt work out. You’re being really weird about this.
Not necessarily. Maybe those teams didn’t want to risk an overbid. My guess is that if he agrees to a deal and Yanks can find that team, it might not be more than what teams were paying for utility infielders this year. $3-$3.5 mil a year. Won’t hurt and won’t cost NY anything if he doesn’t sign. Make him part of a deal or make Nunez part of a larger deal and re-sign Chavez.
JF-
Look at what YT posted above by Marchand. I guess you think that’s bull ?
It says the Yanks may have been the only bidder.
If you do not believe it that’s fine with me. I think it’s accurate.
May have been. In a system where no one knows who bids or what the amount is except for the winner. All we know is no one bid more than the Yankees.
Why not, Blake? That’s how they got Irabu and other teams have made the same trades on posted players. Besides, I believe for the normal FA signings, it’s June 1st or 15th.
ESPNNY has never been right on anything.
“Not necessarily. Maybe those teams didn’t want to risk an overbid. My guess is that if he agrees to a deal and Yanks can find that team, it might not be more than what teams were paying for utility infielders this year. $3-$3.5 mil a year.”
No I meant I think he’d be treated as a free agent…..so I believe he couldn’t be traded before July 1 without his consent…..at least that was my understanding….maybe I’m wrong.
Actually it’s June 15th.
JF-
Let’s just drop it. It’s not that important. Whatever happens happens.
unless Japanese players don’t count with that rule..
What is going to happen with Warren,Mitchell and Phelps?? Any guesses?
With the dearth of good offensive SS, I would be shocked if it was true that the Yankees were the only bidders. Although, if that winning bid is correct, it might very well be.
What is going to happen with Warren,Mitchell and Phelps?? Any guesses
————————————
GB- Any thoughts on them and who might be lost in the rule 5 draft?
“A source told me that the Yankees may have been the only team to bid for the 27-year-old Japanese player.”
Even the “source” doesn’t really know, apparently.
Joelsherman1 Joel Sherman
#Yankees not confident Nakajima will come for low $ and has to go from fulltime SS to backup for Jeter, A-Rod, Cano.
Joelsherman1 Joel Sherman
#Yankees not confident Nakajima will come for low $ and has to go from fulltime SS to backup for Jeter, A-Rod, Cano.
2 minutes ago
Carlos Beltran price coming down or is it just Boras strategy to wait?
BTW, if Nakajima is 29 now, he was 27 in 2009, the Year of 27.
We need to sign a 28 year old for 2012. #yankeenumerology
Yankee Trader December 7th, 2011 at 8:01 pm
What is going to happen with Warren,Mitchell and Phelps?? Any guesses
————————————
GB- Any thoughts on them and who might be lost in the rule 5 draft?
————————————————————————————————————————-
Warren still has an option or 2 and Phelps and Mitchell are on the 40 man roster. I’d think they take one of Kontos or Whelan off of the 40 man or trade one before tomorrow. The Yanks have 39 spots covered on the 40 man and haven’t made Garcia finalized, yet. I’m guessing that they use that one spot to sign a lefty reliever from the Rule 5 tomorrow,
Perhaps Cash made the bid as a favor to the Seibu Ham Fighters in order to allow us to acquire Darvish at a cheaper rate (or to get them to nudge Darvish to post).
I really like that Cash won the bidding on Nakajima. Leave it to Cash to come up with a creative, bang-for-the-buck idea that nobody saw coming. This is Cashman at his best. I hope that the Yanks manage to sign him. Nakajima could be a nice upgrade over Pena, and he also could free up Nunez to develop into an outfielder.
Does anyone know how much money Nakajima is making in Japan? That number would help us figure out how much the Yanks would have to offer to persuade him to come to New York.
If the Yankees are going to beat the best in the playoffs, which has to be the design for the highest budget team in baseball, we need stronger starting pitching. Buerhle would have been a good fit. Why is it that Cashman hadn’t really had the conversations? Is he too busy? Poor, poor Cash. He’s a putz. It doesn’t take a genius to make personnel decisions on his budget (regardless of the supposed lack of budget freedom).
I hope Cashman is planning on moving on Darvish. It is the most long-term budget-friendly move he could make, since the posting fee doesn’t count against luxury tax, etc, as far as I understand it.