Pinch hitting: Eli Knoll
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 14, 2012 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Up next in the Pinch Hitters series is Eli Knoll, a 25-year-old health care executive in the Metropolitan area. He said he’s always been passionate about the intellectual side of baseball, “particularly in the juxtaposition of economics, statistics, and performance.” Eli wrote, “I particularly find the works of JC Bradbury to be fascinating in both their content and breadth.” He was at the head of the sports staff at the Brooklyn College newspaper in 2005, and although he had some interest in writing professionally about fantasy baseball, he had to pass on a job opportunity because as an Orthodox Jew, his observation of the Sabbath prevented Eli from covering Friday night and Saturday games.
For his guest post here at LoHud, Eli took a look at the notion that the Yankees buy championships by using their big-market, financial might.
—
A favorite debate between Yankees fans and their counterparts revolves around the payroll advantages that large-market teams like the Yankees use to sway competitive balance. Large-market teams, the other side argues, have the financial resources to support a disparately larger payroll than small-market teams and do not need to have the same fiscal prudence in assembling their roster.
Consequently, “they just buy their championships.”
With many Yankees fans clamoring for an Albert Pujols signing this offseason (as a gold-glove DH!), you can understand where that frustration comes from. However, these disproportionate budgetary concerns are not nearly the advantage they are made out to be.
GM’s of small-market teams are often lauded for “getting the most out of what they have.” In separating that axiom into two parts, we can better digest what they are striving for. By “getting the most” from their team, they are seeking to field a team that will produce the most amount of wins relative to the budget realities that embody “what they have.” To establish the objective of this statement, we need to study the relationship between what a player costs and what his production is worth.
In sabermetrics, WAR is statistic that shows how many more wins a player’s statistical output is worth in comparison to replacement level production. By cross referencing WAR to the earnings value of a win to a team, we monetize WAR and articulate the dollar value that a player’s season is worth. In economics, this output of the player is referred to as his marginal revenue product (MRP), the added dollar value that his statistical input brings to generating revenue.
For low-budget teams to be successful, they must excel in finding players whose MRP’s overachieve their salary, by navigating the nuances of MLB’s rookie scale and free agent structure. Supposedly, large-budget teams like the Yankees are not bound to these restrictive economic principles. They are stocked with players whose salaries are already in concert with their established statistical production, somewhat guaranteeing their parameters of success. This is why large-budget teams are generally competitive on a year-to-year basis. They have no need to set their success on the exponential growth and development of younger players, or on the legs of bounce-back years from market-depressed (thus cheaper) veterans. They can afford to pay for the security of established production.
Interestingly, the players with the best MRP ratio to salary tend to be younger, unestablished prospects, journeymen who unexpectedly thrive in specific and limited roles, veterans who make good on pillow contracts, and players with unexpected break out or career years. Armed with superficially low salaries, these players have a built-in cushion to out-produce their contracts. Additionally, sabermetric-minded teams will search the player pool for underpriced players, identifying specific skill sets that contribute more to wins than the market gives them credit for. This detection and exploitation of market inefficiencies is what the Moneyball philosophy is predicated on.
Upon examination, the financial freedom teams have to throw money at superstars is not necessarily the advantage it’s made to be. These elite players are worthy of large contracts because they have demonstrated a history of valuable statistical performance. Security of production is a very valuable and expensive commodity. However, the large, rabid fan bases of those big-money teams — specifically in conjunction with their multiple media outlets — would be outraged if their teams were stocked with unproven or uninspiring, lower-priced players. They want the sure thing. They want to know that their exorbitantly priced tickets are going to still be worth something in September.
While it is one thing for a team to place responsibility on a touted prospect or to use a fringy player to fill out the roster, it is another to make it the modus operandi. Fans and media would be in an uproar, sports radio lines would be overloaded, and the blogosphere backlash would deafen any real implementation of an economically-sound roster structure. Let’s remember, Tony Fernandez and Tony Womack needed to be signed because it was too scary to let rookies like Derek Jeter or Robinson Cano play roles for a team that had the financial resources to ensure better. It is the nature of the large-market that explains why Jeter and Jorge Posada received higher contracts to re-sign than they could have mustered in free agency.
Lest us forget the sheer panic when Cliff Lee refused to steady the rotation in 2011. Ivan Nova? The Padres didn’t even want him! Freddy Garcia? Is this 1998? Bartolo Colon? Really? Wait, as a mascot?
As you can see, large-market teams rarely have players in crucial roles whose production exceed their contracts, as their hands are tied to exclusively field players that have a more proven track record (and a salary commensurate with that). Thus, while their payroll ceilings are disproportionately higher than others, so too are their responsibilities to reach those ceilings. Ironically, the resources that provide for a larger payroll are exactly what limits the ability to take proper advantage of it. It reduces the opportunities for younger and cheaper players to grab prominent roles, creating a spending cycle that complicates the further integration of younger, cheaper players into the lineup.
With the new 2014 CBA luxury tax and revenue sharing regulations restricting spending to increase competition, Brian Cashman has started to prepare the Yankees for a new challenge. With spending seemingly capped, Cashman has to balance the unchanged expectations of the Yankees fan base against a new system necessitating fiscal balance. Lately, we have seen Cashman more proactive in trying to build a team with better budget balance in an effort to ensure that the team will still be able to utilize its financial advantages.
Once the CBA goes into effect, the Yankees will have found savings in their budget for the continued acquisition of superstars by having cost-controlled players performing in traditionally expensive roles. Cashman has carefully allowed players such as Brett Gardner, David Robertson and Ivan Nova — players whose production far outweighs their cap counts — carve permanent roles in the Yankees future plans. He has also left the opportunity open for Austin Romine (or personal fave JR Murphy) to grab the catching reigns in the not-so-distant future. Perhaps the five cost-controlled years of a front-line starter like Michael Pineda was the impetus to give up an immense talent like Jesus Montero.
As understanding as Yankee fans are, we still want the liberty to sign that marquee free agent that we just must have. Embracing change will ensure that our fiscal advantage will still be there.
Associated Press photo
Great post.
The payroll helps get them intio the playoffs, which is a big advantage, but it doesn’t ensure postseason success.
I think signing international free agents this offseason before the new restrictions went into effect made a ton of sense given their business model and stated goals.
Rich-
It does but I do no think they found anyone they really just had to have.
I assume you refer to Cespedes, Concepcion, and/or Soler ?
What about Darvish?
Him too.
Oops !
“Once the CBA goes into effect, the Yankees will have found savings in their budget for the continued acquisition of superstars by having cost-controlled players performing in traditionally expensive roles.”
——————————————
Cashman will be hard pressed to add any “superstar” to the opening day 2014
team without going over the new LT limitation of 189M. They’ll already owe close to 80M for 6 players, plus extensions for Cano and possibly Granderson will bring them little wiggle room to fill out the 40 man roster and stay within the new threshold and reap the rewards that would be due them by doing so.
MTU
I think position players are their biggest need. It’s going to get a must have player in the future.
Who knows what’s going on? There are now four siblings with an interest in the team. They may have different agendas about what to do with the revenue.
*get a lot harder to get*
Projected 2012 Team Payroll:
Yankees $204 million
Phillies $170 million
Red Sox $167 million
Angels $140 million
Tigers $132 million
Giants $129 million
Rangers $118 million
Cardinals $111 million
Cubs $105 million
Dodgers $103 million
Marlins $100 million
Brewers $98 million
Twins $98 million
White Sox $98 million
Mets $93 million
Braves $90 million
Nationals $89 million
Reds $85 million
Blue Jays $82 million
Rockies $80 million
Mariners $80 million
D-backs $75 million
Orioles $73 million
Indians $67 million
Rays $62 million
Astros $61 million
Royals $58 million
Padres $53 million
A’s $51 million
Pirates $46 million
* Source: Baseball Prospectus
Rich-
You are right we just don’t know the inside dealings. Not likely to ever know.
I do believe getting under the Cap is a pretty serious goal though.
As long as they remain competitive I’m content. The rest doesn’t really concern me.
I only care about the product on the field. When that degrades it’s time to get concerned.
Maybe it’s my inherent optimistimism but I see a bright future for the Yankees.
I like the renewed interest in Pitching and the emphasis on the Farm.
Now all we have to do is develop well what we have and continue to make the ocassional strategic acqusition.
sp: Optimism. Too much in the other spelling.
From Sherman’s “Damon 3000 hits” piece:
“The Yankees’ job opening is mainly to be the DH against righty pitching. Against lefties the Yankees mainly envision putting Andruw Jones in the outfield, using Eduardo Nunez at either short or third, and DHing Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez.”
Interesting given the popular presumption that Jones will DH. Gardner will have to fight not to be platooned.
Also makes me scratch my head why the Yanks will still sign Chavez to guaranteeed money, which Sherman insists is true. Is Alex getting full days off against righties in addition to his half-days off against lefties? Can Yanks tie up a bench spot with an inflexible player (can’t pinch run, can’t be optioned, etc) just planning that Alex might get hurt?
Two things bother me more than they should, but supposedly erudite, precise people keep using sloppy English. I don’t have many problems with the – there, their, they’re crowd. unwashed plebes, lazy scuts and general ne’er do wells. Weak signals produce distorted traffic – (Radio talk)
But, it’s not free reign – That’s an oxymoron, it’s free rein
Apparently it’s an alternative form of “full rein.”
AHD: give free (or full) rein to To release from restraints
M-W: opportunity for unhampered activity or use
Quotes from Google Books:
Metamorphoses – Page 199
by Ovid, Charles Martin – Poetry – 2004
… who, having heard the clattering of arrows in a quiver, at once gave full rein
to his horse, fleeing as when a helmsman sees a distant cloud
The Man in the Iron Mask – Page 321
by Alexandre Dumas, Joachim Neugroschel, Francine Du Plessix Gray – Fiction – 2003
D’Artagnan gave his black horse full rein and it galloped away. Both men were
taking the same route. The quadruple echoes of the hooves mingled together.
The trees and fields went the other way – Page 32
by Evelyn Sybil Mary Eaton – Literary Criticism – 1974
The first time “giving full rein to his passion” appeared in print, it must have
seemed the ultimate image of frenzied urgency.
To be continued
Chavez is a waste of money to me on a guaranteed deal…..honestly I just don’t think they need him anyway……especially if they are pinching pennies on a DH…..Id much rather them use whatever they’d pay him to sign the better DH if it came down to that or save that money to use at the deadline.
Good post…..
I think Sherman is wrong, Jones is going to end up in the OF less than lat year. Gardner needs to get at-bats vs lefties… he’s so close :/
All intensive purposes…
“I think Sherman is wrong, Jones is going to end up in the OF less than lat year. Gardner needs to get at-bats vs lefties… he’s so close :/”
I think 2012 is the year where they begin to decide exactly what Gardner is and if he’s going to be a longterm option for them…..so I do think they need to let him play every day and give him a chance to establish himself as an everyday player and a guy they can comitt to.
Blake-
Important years for both GGBG and Hughes.
Similar boats.
I presume Gardner will get the honor of the Opening Day start against David Price. He’ll be under examination from the get go against LHP. In a way, he’s in competition with Nunez for playing time even though they don’t play the same position. And the Yanks also want to see a lot of Nunez, I believe.
And thanks for comment blake
this idea some reporters have that the pirates would be ripping off the yankees in this current deal they are discussing is funny. They want to pay 13 mil and give eh prospects to us.
They want to pay 13 to take Burnett.
How is that ripping us off?
Burnett has no place on this team!!!!!
6.5 mil freed up each of the next two years?
I am no GM but i would probably ask for 1 AA or AAA OF prospect and them to pay the 13 mil and send him away before they change their mind.
Wondering what the condition of Matsui’s knees are. He did play some LF for the A’s in 2011. For the right price, he’s well liked by teammates and fans alike and a proven clutch hitter. Always did hit LH pitching well.
Something’s gotta give this week with Burnett and a LH / DH to secure the roster.
If Gardner slashes the ball like he did vs. Detroit in RD 1, he will bat over .300 facing both righties and lefties in 2012. If he continues to swing from the heels and attempts to jerk the ball into the porch, he wil reprise his peak-and-valley routine. The Yanks just want this guy to get on base anyway possible, create some mayhem, and give 3-Ring Girardi some options. Gardner appears to be chasing Ellsbury, and at this point that race is a total mismatch and contrary to what the Yanks want outta their LF’er.
“I am no GM but i would probably ask for 1 AA or AAA OF prospect and them to pay the 13 mil and send him away before they change their mind.”
I think the Pirates are at 10 and the Yanks want then to go to 13……the problem is that Cashman really probably doesn’t have the leverage to walk away from the deal if the Pirates simply wont budge and pay more money…….Cash is right to hold out as long as he can…..but realistically he’s going to have to pull the trigger pretty soon and take what he can get and move on…….it wouldn’t be wise or fair to AJ to have him come to camp after how public this has become.
Saw where it looks like Cubs are the likely landing spot for Soler. Wonder why Yanks are shying away from the international FAs while they still have time to flex theri financial muscle before the rules change
If the Cubs are offering a major league deal at 28 then I coukd see shy the Yanks wouldn’t go there.
Tackel-
My thinking is that for the price/reward the Yankees feel they have enough at the level that Soler represents (Around high A ball) in guys like Heathcott, Williams, and Santana.
In other words, they do ot feel like they need him at his price.
Just a guess.
edit: “do not”. sorry.
Jon Heyman @JonHeymanCBS 58m cespedes II: #cubs, many mystery teams (#marlins?) in mix for 5-tool phenom jorge soler
This would suggest that he hasn’t agreed yet
“Wise or fair to AJ”? The Yanks are paying this Nut Case millions of $$$$. The Black Eyed Pie Man’s physical conduct toward Girardi after being pulled, should motivate the Yanks toward dumping this erratic player before he does something that rekindles memories of Norman Bates. Being wise or fair toward this player, should not enter the Yankee thought process after what they have Already tolerated on numerous times.
Erik Boland
Pineda on the mound throwing a bullpen. Biting fastball
There are some things on twitter that say Soler has agreed verbally with Soler but I don’t think that’s been confirmed and there seem to be conflicting reports.
Pineda’s FB bites too.
Wonder who ?
Still find Billy’s signing of Cespedes for 4yrs and dealing Gio nothing more than a 3 Card Monty manuever. A GM should be trying to move his team forward, Not sideways.
Ken Rosenthal
Still an expectation that #Yankees, #Pirates will get A.J. deal done with Pirates assuming $10M to $15M of Burnett’s remaining $33M.
Ken Rosenthal
Interestingly, some #Yankees people oppose trading Burnett, believing team could get more at deadline. #MLB
Kevin Kernan
Pineda done throwing. Electric fastball. Just told Post he will talk to media after he runs
Ken Rosenthal
Interestingly, some #Yankees people oppose trading Burnett, believing team could get more at deadline. #MLB
___
If this is true, someone in the office needs to get thrown out the window.
So these folks plan is to bump garica and hughes, let burnett try to pitch again, and then trade him once you ruin hughes for the year AND still get someone to give two prospects AND 13 mil?
Or put AJ in the pen and ruin any value he has, then try to get good players and 13 mil?
I dont see the logic to that at all.
Just me?
The Black Eyed Pie Man’s physical conduct toward Girardi after being pulled
Donny – Making up more stuff I see?
Pineda:
Electric FB that bites people.
Wicked slider.
Evolving CU.
Soon-to-be Splitter.
hard to imagine the yankees getting more at the trade deadline
if there’s a deal, take it. it clears up issues and i doubt aj wants to be a yankee at this point
why has this deal been so public? contrary to others
“just me ?”
I don’t think so.
Lots of guys down in Tampa early, nice to see.
Ken Rosenthal Interestingly, some #Yankees people oppose trading Burnett, believing team could get more at deadline. #MLB
Problem is what you do with him until then….can’t so that at this point…..time to move on.
“The Yankees’ job opening is mainly to be the DH against righty pitching”
Which is a perfect role for Damon and he could get 450 PA, keeping him sharp.
some #Yankees people oppose trading Burnett, believing team could get more at deadline. #MLB
—————————-
What “contender” would want AJ at the deadline.????…… assuming AJ has a decent first half… . and thats assuming alot.
I think it’s posturing, blake, because they don’t like the current offers.
Nice move Y’s to leak that to Rosenthal. Make the Pirates come up to $15-16 million. I still would take $10 million and Barajas if they gave me Garret Jones in return….
This post is exactly the reason why I disagree with stuckey that the ‘game is changing’ re: spending money.
The only difference is that more teams are willing to part with more of their profit earnings. And that’s only because there is so much more money floating around the game.
Tom
Actually it complementary and complimentary as in complimentary tickets but I’m fighting a losing battle.
But “All intensive purposes” is a gooder. Broke me up when I first saw it.
Another is “the exact same”, first used by Ed McMahon on the tonight show.
No, you nimrods – It’s “Exactly the same” as in
“Fom Pain in the English”
People use that phrase all the time, and seem to think it’s correct, so from a descriptive viewpoint it is correct. “Same” is clearly an adjective, and “exact” modifies “same”, so you would expect it to be an adverb.
So what’s the problem? Well, Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (11th edition) doesn’t list “exact” as an adverb. It can only be an adjective (or a verb, with a different meaning). The adverb form is “exactly”. So if you take Webster as an authority, you should say “She was wearing exactly the same outfit” instead.
Tom in N.J. says:
February 14, 2012 at 9:51 am
All intensive purposes….
—————————
My favorite was when WCYF would “sic” himself.
I miss that guy. No matter what side of a lohud war you were on you could always find common ground with your enemy when he appeared.
- ID -
Try eating some fish. Improves the memory.
Rumor has it that Jack Z has put out a APB on Montero. Wants to know why he aint at voluntary BP.
“The only difference is that more teams are willing to part with more of their profit earnings. And that’s only because there is so much more money floating around the game.”
And we are still in tough (although slowly improving) economic times. There will be even more money when we return to trend growth.
Did AJ actually fight Girardi? If not, why do people on this board claim he was?
- Bo knows -
Routine right outta the Tom Hanks flick “Extremely Loud………”.
donny – Tough to remember things you made up, since they didn’t actually happen and can’t be referenced now… but that’s the crux of your whole schtick here now isn’t it…
Bo, It’s all a mute point…
“This post is exactly the reason why I disagree with stuckey that the ‘game is changing’ re: spending money.
“The only difference is that more teams are willing to part with more of their profit earnings.”
So that’s NOT a change then?
Damon messing with his swing and making “adjustments” to get to 3000 hits doesn’t have me excited at all… :/
“My favorite was when WCYF would “sic” himself.”
Ah, yes. Whatever happened to that guy? Was he banned?
“Damon messing with his swing and making “adjustments” to get to 3000 hits doesn’t have me excited at all…”
There were a million bs explanations for why Jeter struggled as he approached 3000 hits.
If Gardner slashes the ball like he did vs. Detroit in RD 1, he will bat over .300 facing both righties and lefties in 2012. If he continues to swing from the heels and attempts to jerk the ball into the porch, he wil reprise his peak-and-valley routine
———————————————————–
No, it’s if Gardner would unblock his lower half – as in remove the broom from the posterior orifice.
It’s like Hughes pitching – No extension in his stride.
- ID -
You have no recollection as to what Damon’s old swing looked like, so relax and just enjoy whatever time you have left.
Rich in NJ – Damon was just quoted saying he was pressing last year and getting too aggressive.
“I think the OBP (on-base percentage) went down because in 2011 I felt like there were tough calls on me so I was a little more aggressive,”Damon told Sherman via text message. “I liked the results with production better because of it.”
it can at least explain some of his struggles last year. I just don’t like tinkering at this stage in the game when we need the contact hitter he was, not whatever this change might bring.
Donny – Look, I have a quote I can reference and prove something I said! Take notes, child.
Rich,
Yea I agree its posturing…..the Pirates have no real reason to budge though….they don’t have to make this trade and what’s the worst that can happen for them……they don’t get AJ Burnett? The Yanks are trying to create leverage….which is great …..however I think they are playing poker with an empty hand and pretty much everyone knows that.
ID
I actually think his self-awareness is a good sign. He’s still the best LH DH option, by far, given the available candidates.
Jeter tinkered after his injury and it paid off big time.
Damon fighting for 3000 while Ibanez is fighting off the Grim Reaper.
I’ll take Damon.
rich in nj – a good perspective on it, better than the way I took it…
Maybe Ibanez had a full-body blood-spinning?
- ID -
Better read your own quote. Nothing there about “messing with his swing”. Same thing expressed in your Damon quote, that Jeet stressed last season concerning Not altering the “swing”. Of course, we are getting into memory here. Sorry.
Blake-
Playing poker with an empty hand is called bluffing.
When you do that you better hope you don’t get called on it.
“Maybe Ibanez had a full-body blood-spinning?”
Would that help him avoid throwing the ball into the ground as per the gif jf linked to yesterday?
Maybe Ibanez had a full-body blood-spinning?
————
LOL LOL
donny – Here’s the first half of it from Sherman.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post was told by executives of three teams with interest in Johnny Damon that they are concerned his quest for 3,000 hits is affecting his plate discipline.
I honestly don’t know why you bother.
just my gut feeling…. damon has more baseball iq than ibanez. that steal of third in the world series was a pivotal play and i think helped turn the tide in our direction.
they’re not carrying three catchers this season, so why to they care about defense from a dh?
Bo, It’s all a mute point
———————————
Okay, I yield, I yield – Mute point – That’s priceless
Now I’m getting greedy – More please.
I’m a strong believer in proprietary rights so “Tom in NJ” is about to become an authority.
Wouldn’t he “be an authority” in that case?
- BLAKE -
Agree on Yanks having an “empty hand”. Cashman is foolishly trying to emulate Mike The Mouth of High Stakes Poker fame.
MTU,
Everyone knows what cards Cash has though….. has has an AJ Burnett and 33 million dollars……nit exactly a straight flush
- ID -
HUGE difference between “plate discipline” and “messing with his swing”. School is OUT.
If Damon is smart then he will play as well as he can so that he will keep a job long enough to reach 3,000……that’s a much more predictable way to get there than changing your approach at the plate to steal a few extra hits. He’s not a HOFer either way….so go try for another ring Johnny!
“Would that help him avoid throwing the ball into the ground as per the gif jf linked to yesterday?”
I suspect not. As knowledgeable baseball fans I think we should expect Ibanez to throw the ball directly into the ground each and every time should the situation arise.
that Jeet stressed last season concerning Not altering the “swing”.
Except he altered his swing and then that fixed everything. You mock my memory, yet… you seem to be the one that doesn’t remember anything.
HUGE difference between “plate discipline” and “messing with his swing”.
No, not really… obviously you didn’t watch him play at all last year. MOVE ON CHILD.
“Joel Sherman of the New York Post was told by executives of three teams with interest in Johnny Damon that they are concerned his quest for 3,000 hits is affecting his plate discipline”
As i said on the last thread, Olney said something similar to Kay yesterdays. Someone with an anti-Damon agenda may be feeding this stuff to reporters.
Blake-
But what he could use is a Royal Flush so the game can continue in earnest.
If Ibanez is throwin’ the ball into the ground perhaps he’s goin’ for the Timeout.
Oh. That’s Football.
Sorry.
“that steal of third in the world series was a pivotal play and i think helped turn the tide in our direction. ”
It was, and a nice, head’s up play by Damon.
But why are we assuming Damon somehow uniquely made that play?
I think a LOT of MLers would have reacted as Damon did to that circumstance he found himself in.
Someone with an anti-Damon agenda
——-
Raul Ibanez?
“I think we should expect Ibanez to throw the ball directly into the ground each and every time should the situation arise.”
Sadly, the Yankees will probably given him a chance to prove you right.
“Raul Ibanez?”
Diabolical. I was thinking the faction in the Yankees’ FO that wants Ibanez, but…
“Someone with an anti-Damon agenda may be feeding this stuff to reporters.”
Or someone looking to drive his asking price down…
Bwahahahahahahahahaha..!!!
Only the Shadow knows what evil lurks in the heart of Brian Cashman….
- ID -
Jeet did NOT alter his swing, and said so numerous times. This is why people such as yourself rely on spread sheets and numbers supplied to them and Not their memory. Wise move on your part.
Pineda
- Excited to be a Yankee
-Thought it was important to come to camp early
-Has already started working on change-up to make fastball better
-Has gotten friendly with Cano who has said he would watch out for him in NY
-Looks forward to learning from CC
“-Has already started working on change-up to make fastball better”
Oy, here we go…
stuckey – Not when what you’re praising the Yankees for is spending less money as if that is some new form of strategy we’ve recently established because the game is somehow changing in the monetary sense. It isn’t changing. There are MORE resources available, not less, yet you chastise those who encourage the Yankees to continue to spend as if we’re being too demanding or living in a bubble.
IMO, everyone in the league should be spending more money and if that’s the case for the Pirates I think it should be for the Yankees.
MTU February 14th, 2012 at 8:41 am
A Tues. mornin’ brain teaser.
Everyone has a “Walter Mitty” side to them. An alter ego if you will.
If you could be anybody you wanted to be who would it be ?
Doesn’t have to be a Baseball player. They do not have to be living. Anyone. Who ?
Can’t be a ficitional character. Has to be a real person.
Would anyone just choose to be themselves ?
In my case, it might be Ansel Adams, or Sir Edmund Hillary.
What’s yours ?
Hint: You might be required to explain your answer.
————————————————————————————————————————-
I would like to have been Roger Smith for the last 40 years.
Ken Rosenthal@Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: #Angels interested in Burnett, but they are on his no-trade list and he wants to stay east. #Pirates heavy favorite
Angels want AJ? Really? Why?
They have the best starting rotation in the AL if not baseball.
They want to drag it down with AJ in the 5 spot?
“Only the Shadow knows what evil lurks in the heart of Brian Cashman….”
I think Cashman will let Girardi choose.
GB-
That figures.
Can’t say I blame you. Good choice.
Where the heck is Erin?
Joba Chamberlain@Joba_62
TJ update. 20 pitches of half mound. Felt great feeling really strong. Thank u everyone for ur support means so much to me!!
Bo knows February 14th, 2012 at 11:18 am
Bo, It’s all a mute point
———————————
Okay, I yield, I yield – Mute point – That’s priceless
Now I’m getting greedy – More please.
I’m a strong believer in proprietary rights so “Tom in NJ” is about to become an authority.
————————————————————————————————————————-
Irregardless of the reason for this string of posts….
“As i said on the last thread, Olney said something similar to Kay yesterdays. Someone with an anti-Damon agenda may be feeding this stuff to reporters.”
So three different guys/teams have anti-Damon agendas?
GB-
Now that I think about it you might have been better off being Hugh Heffner.
Ken_Rosenthal
Abreu would make sense coming back to #Yankees for Burnett. But such talk is pointless. Burnett will not waive no-trade for #Angels.
Bo Knows should of been an English teacher…
“So three different guys/teams have anti-Damon agendas?”
So they don’t?
Ken Rosenthal@Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: #Angels interested in Burnett, but they are on his no-trade list and he wants to stay east. #Pirates heavy favorite
————————————————————————–
Weaver, Haren, CJ Wilson, Santana and AJ…..Interesting
GB-
That word (irregardless) is one my pet peeves. Must be the most overused non-words in the English language.
Along with “axsk”. As in, “Let me axsk you a question.”
Abreu really declined last season.
“So they don’t?”
I don’t know, you’re the one that said somebody has anti-Damon agenda so I asked you if that means three different sources of those agendas, since Sherman indicated that three executives told him about their Damon theory.
Nick is missing out on the linguistic discussion.
Right up his power alley, so to speak.
So sorry.
Although Cashman and the Yanks would apparently like to move Burnett, it’s not a “have too” move. They don’t have to roll over to the Pirates lowball offers. The 33% standard set by the Indians/Braves is the mark, not the 5 mil. That puts it at $11 mil. Pittsburgh is needing a starter.
donny – Purposely or not, his toe tap, stride and hand position were all different before and after his injury. swing = altered. maybe if you spent less time worrying about how much I watch baseball, and watch some yourself, you’d have a clue what you were talking about.
MTU February 14th, 2012 at 11:40 am
GB-
That word (irregardless) is one my pet peeves. Must be the most overused non-words in the English language.
Along with “axsk”. As in, “Let me axsk you a question.”
————————————————————————————————————————-
Axe away.
“Abreu really declined last season.”
All of those candidates aren’t what they use to be and it’s not 2009 any longer.
I hope Cashman has some other fires burning to acquire somebody not on our radar for DH and some outfield play.
donnybrook – Or you could have watched the Jeter 3k special on HBO and listened to them talked about the work they did on his swing when he was down there.
History lesson over.
“All of those candidates aren’t what they use to be and it’s not 2009 any longer.”
One has a park effects plausible excuse.
But with Abreu, it’s also about AJ, and I think AJ has more value than some others here do.
pat – Good on Robbie taking him under his wing in the big city.
Craw-
Good hope.
Well why not ?
A guy named A-Rod once took Cano under his.
“I don’t know, you’re the one that said somebody has anti-Damon agenda so I asked you if that means three different sources of those agendas, since Sherman indicated that three executives told him about their Damon theory.”
As I have said, we only express opinions here, but Olney and Sherman both have good Yankee sources, so it’s not unreasonable to believe that both have been fed the same line.
Plus, it’s so ridiculous. Newsflash: Players can press on the way to 3000 hits. Jeter may have, yet how many people said the Yankees shouldn’t re-sign because of hit?
Finally they are listing regarding Abreu. i guess if i post it enough people will listen?
Id rather save the money than require Abreu unless the Angels would eat more salary than the Pirates…..doesn’t matter though AJ isn’t going west.
- ID -
When you say there is “not really” a difference between “plate discipline” and a hitters actual “swing”, that’s a “down goes Frazier” moment. Even Blake winced at that comment of yours. Sure you’ll get up, but we all know what’s gonna happen again and again, just like Smokin’ Joe. Try and just keep eatin’ the fish daily, and your memory may return. Good luck.
Pineda will be a beast if he stays healthy.
“As I have said, we only express opinions here, but Olney and Sherman both have good Yankee sources, so it’s not unreasonable to believe that both have been fed the same line.”
Yet, Sherman specifically stated three different teams, therefore, it has to be more than a Yankee source.
“These dogs (mops) are made for walkin’.
And that’s just what we’ll do.
One of these days these dogs are gonna ……..”
BIAW
Bo Knows should of been an English teacher…
—————————————-
“should of”?
Ah, tricky, tricky
A wee pitfall there.
You have to admit that “intensive purposes” and “mute points” are hilarious.
One of my faults is that I love to bring sharp objects to a roomful of pomposity
“Plus, it’s so ridiculous. Newsflash: Players can press on the way to 3000 hits. Jeter may have, yet how many people said the Yankees shouldn’t re-sign because of hit?”
Jeter is a Yankee icon so apples and oranges.
Finally!!!! A Pineda sighting.
“Jeter is a Yankee icon so apples and oranges.”
Yet he got beat up in the press, so it’s really not about whether or not they would re-sign, but the lines of attack in the media.
Jeter struggled for the same reasons he always has…..throughout his career his slumps have coincided with him jumping at the ball and going against his strength which is letting the ball travel deep then driving inside and through the ball.
Whether it was because of anxiety for 3,000 or just because he lost bat speed and had to adjust….he had to make adjustments ….and he finally did in the 2nd half last year…..he’s never going to be 2009 Jeter again….but great players find a way to be productive when they physically still can.
“Yet, Sherman specifically stated three different teams, therefore, it has to be more than a Yankee source.”
I miss that part, but I still think it’s stupid.
New Post: A Brave New World
“Not when what you’re praising the Yankees for is spending less money as if that is some new form of strategy we’ve recently established because the game is somehow changing in the monetary sense.”
That’s neither here nor there. You said you disagree with me that the game in changing, yet immediately cited a reason you think the game is changing.
But that said, I did not praise the Yankees for spending less money, nor did I suggest its some new strategy.
In fact, I’ve made the point numerous times since last week that is is NOT a NEW strategy at all, and it appears to be a strategy in effect roughly since 2005, and that many of my fellow Yankees fans are very slow to pick up on it.
Yes, the Yankees went on a huge spending spree 3 years ago, and it immediately paid-off in the WS, and I think Cash’s “stealth” signing on Tex and the 3 big splashes have messed with the perception of the Yankees spending the last SEVEN season.
While they signed Sabathia, Burnett and Tex to HUGE dollars that offseason, they shed Giambi’s $23m, Abreu’s $16m, Pavano and Mussina’s $11m, Farnsworth and Hawkins combined $9.5m, and I believe Pettitte came back for more the $9m more than he cost the year before.
I don’t know if Cot’s figures are 100% correct and haven’t tried to confirm the math, but they have the Yankees payroll going DOWN nearly $8m between 2008 and 2009, and again, the payroll really hasn’t moved significantly higher since 2005. 2010 was the highwater mark, less than 2.5% higher than the 2005 figure.
The Yankees apparently decided a LONG time ago what luxury tax figure they were willing to spend, and have clearly maintained that level for most of the last decade.
Understand that luxury tax money that they are ALREADY paying annually, goes to other teams.
When I said the game was changing, I meant the game has no established HARSHER luxury tax penalties taking effect in 2014, so therefore I don’t expect the Yankees to NOW change what’s been a 7-year strategy, in defiance of the new penalties.
“yet you chastise those who encourage the Yankees to continue to spend as if we’re being too demanding or living in a bubble. ”
No, I chastise those who think the Yankees payroll has been anything but intentionally static since 2005 as living in a bubble, because if you do and you think anything has changed any time recently that’s pretty much the definition of living in a bubble.
Damon clearly looks the best of all the free agents mentioned. Vlad still hits for average, but only 13 homeruns in 590 PA in a good park for hitters, plus only 17 walks is a bit frightening. Damon hit for more power, factoring in his home park. I wouldn’t worry about Johnny’s chase of 3000, if anything that’s a great motivator.
“Yet he got beat up in the press, so it’s really not about whether or not they would re-sign, but the lines of attack in the media.”
I don’t know what you’re talking about so forget it.
Gossip Break: I haven’t been single in a long time but is going to the same restaurant with a past and current GF a no-no?
http://www.nypost.com/p/pagesi.....9ZY909V6MJ
Even Blake winced at that comment of yours.
donnybrook – That’s it I’d had enough of you making stuff up. I will do my best to not engage you in the future because you are a giant waste of space.