MLB announces details of new playoff format
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 02, 2012 
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Here’s the official announcement of baseball’s new playoff system. It came out during today’s game, so I saved it until now. The change includes a division series scheduling quirk for this season. The top seed in each league will actually open on the road for a five-game division series of two road games followed by three home games.
“I don’t think it really changes the way you look at this season,” Joe Girardi said. “I think you really have to fight to win your division. It is kind of strange to start on the road, though, and that doesn’t quite seem right. But it’s a one-year thing, and I understand why they’re doing it.”
Here’s the announcement from the league.
The 2012 Postseason will feature a 10-team format that includes two additional Wild Card Clubs and an elimination game in each League prior to the Division Series, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig announced today.
Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to the changes to the new Postseason format as a part of last year’s collective bargaining. The new Basic Agreement, announced on November 22nd, provided that MLB and the MLBPA would expand the Postseason no later than 2013; that a second Wild Card would be awarded in both the American League and the National League; and that a single Postseason game would be played between each League’s two Wild Card Clubs, with each winner advancing to compete among the three division champions from each League in the Division Series. Following further discussions to address player concerns, the parties agreed that the new format would be used in 2012.
The change, which was endorsed by the Commissioner’s 14-member Special Committee for On-Field Matters, marks the first amendment to the Postseason since MLB adopted the six-division, eight-team Postseason structure in January of 1994. The first Postseason to be played under that format occurred in 1995.
Commissioner Selig said: “I greatly appreciate the MLBPA’s cooperation in putting the new Postseason format in place this year. The enthusiasm for the 10-team structure among our Clubs, fans and partners has been overwhelming. This change increases the rewards of a division championship and allows two additional markets to experience playoff baseball each year, all while maintaining the most exclusive Postseason in professional sports.”
Michael Weiner, the Executive Director of the MLBPA, said: “The players are eager to begin playing under this new format in 2012 and they look forward to moving to full realignment in 2013. Our negotiating committee and the owners’ representatives worked hard to develop a schedule that should make for fairer competition and provide our fans with a very exciting season.”
For the 2012 Postseason only, the five-game Division Series will begin with two home games for lower seeds, followed by up to three home games for higher seeds. This one-year change will eliminate a travel day prior to a decisive Game Five of the Division Series and was necessary because the 2012 regular season schedule was announced before the agreement on the new Postseason was reached. Next year, the Division Series will return to the 2-2-1 format used in previous years. Details on the scheduling of the new elimination games between each League’s Wild Cards will be announced in the near future.
Prior to 1994, the only changes to the Postseason system in Baseball history were in 1903 and from 1919-1921, when the sport had a nine-game World Series, and in 1969, with the advent of League Championship Series play before the World Series. (Prior to the inaugural World Series in 1903, Baseball experimented with Postseason competition as compact as a best-of-five system in 1884 and as elongated as a best-of-15 series in 1887.)
Boo hiss!
Cashman: “Yes, we have no $16 million offer on the table.”
He was mixed up by what he bid for Yu Darvish.
Stop it – just stop it – this so called tragedy in trading Montero. It was a fair trade – talent for talent. You make that deal everyday if you are the Yanks – you get the young potential impact pitcher – you can find the offense – see Beltre and Napoli for the Rangers going into 2011 – stop it just stop it fan boys – just because you went to a some Charleston, Trenton, and Scranton games and followed him everyday looking up his game stats on milb – stop it just stop. . . .
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?.....id=2378529
You stop.
It was a Friday the 13th trade. No one can deny that.
The nightmare that never ends.
Bwahahahhahahaha!!!!!!
where is this offense that’s so easily found?
Its easy, you just sign 32 year old Adrian Beltre…
For 5 years!
It’s a tragedy when someone dies. Nobody died.
“Its easy, you just sign 32 year old Adrian Beltre…”
we can’t afford him
LOVE the pineda trade! can’t wait to see him pitching in pinstripes!
Cash ought to call the Pirates to see if they need any more pitching now that Burnett might be out for 2-3 months or longer.
When your pitching is good you don’t have to score as many runs and when your pitching is bad you can’t score enough runs.
Still ticked about a 1-game wildcard round.
Can’t imagine playing 162 games, requiring the use of a deep rotation, bullpen, etc… potentially being one of the best teams in the game, and having just one game decide it all… in a game where not having your best pitcher available or facing one hot pitcher can be the difference.
gag
im with the cap’n. if you don’t want to be in the 1 game playoff, win your division.
Ys Guy…..I love the trade as well….Every time Pineda takes the hill The Yanks have a very good chance of winning that day…..NYYanksFan…I agree with you approach to the game…. Personal preference of course…
blake March 2nd, 2012 at 9:19 pm
where is this offense that’s so easily found?
————————
Does Raul Ibanez fit the bill
I don’t love losing Montero….I do love Pineda though and am excited to see him pitch..
“Does Raul Ibanez fit the bill”
see….offense is easy to find
Man, The Rangers have gone to sleep after jumping out to a 2-0 lead….Wonder if Phil Hughes is at the game ???
“win your division”
———-
sure…
and be in a crap division (i.e. not the AL East). Otherwise, you could be the 2nd best team in baseball and be stuck needing to win a 1 game wildcard round.
What will Yankee haters have to cry about when we build our new dynasty under our new budget plan?
Let another team have the highest payroll.
Build from within. I remember the days when fans wished for that.
Now that they are attempting to they complain.
“see….offense is easy to find”
———-
almost as easy as young pitching
I don’t think anyone loves losing Montero. He’s missing a couple of tools but the ones he has look real.
Getting his bell rung today might have cut 5 games off what they were going to let him catch in spring training.
Wilt Chamberlain….50 years ago tonight in hershey, Pa…100 points in a game. What a pity that there is no film of that game. Maybe more remarkable was that he was 28-32 from the foul line to go with his 25 rebounds. 50+ points a game for the year.
mick March 2nd, 2012 at 9:43 pm
What will Yankee haters have to cry about when we build our new dynasty under our new budget plan?
——————————–
Who is apart of the new core on this new dynasty?
“He’s missing a couple of tools but the ones he has look real.”
hit tool is more valuable than the other 4 put together if it’s an elite hit tool.
What other team’s one weak offensive link is a part time DH?
“Can’t imagine playing 162 games, requiring the use of a deep rotation, bullpen, etc… potentially being one of the best teams in the game, and having just one game decide it all…
Dave, REALLY not trying to be snarky, but you can’t imagine baseball history up until 1995?
Before that, the team you describe, like the 1993 103 wins San Francisco Giants, who didn’t make the postseason?
“What other team’s one weak offensive link is a part time DH?”
Another way to ask that question is what team’s is so strong offensively at the 8 fielding positions that the team’s one weak offensive link is a part time DH?
To honor the late Davy Jones, Hal has reiterated the Yankees’ new budgetary philosophy:
“You once thought of me as a white knight on his steed
Now you know how happy I can be
Oh, and our good times start and end without dollar one to spend
But how much baby do we really need?
Cheer up, sleepy Jean, oh what can it mean
To a daydream believer and a homecoming queen?”
stuckey March 2nd, 2012 at 9:58 pm
“What other team’s one weak offensive link is a part time DH?”
Another way to ask that question is what team’s is so strong offensively at the 8 fielding positions that the team’s one weak offensive link is a part time DH?
——————-
True but it’s just not about this yr.
“Who is apart of the new core on this new dynasty?”
Montero is now apart from the new core, but he come back for the tail end.
Nick,
I sure hope so!! not likely though
Nick in SF March 2nd, 2012 at 10:17 pm
“Who is apart of the new core on this new dynasty?”
Montero is now apart from the new core, but he come back for the tail end.
————————
Hard sell for the kid. I know we traded you yrs ago but we would love to have you back.
2012 ZiPS Projected OPS+
Ibanez 95
Martin 92
Gardner 91
Jeter 82
Mick,
I don’t think they are complaining because they are trying to build from within, but the new CBA is very bad news for the Yankees.
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
In a local blog down here, some family members from his family were saying that he was really disapointed about the trade
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
In a local blog down here, some family members from his family were saying that he was really disapointed about the trade
///
luis! Do we hold up a sign when we go in May: “Jesus! NOT our idea!” ? En espanol, claro! Luis, you’re down there, start doing damage control. Tell them we never wanted to give him up, that we are preparing for the Second Coming in six years. He will ride off into his OPS sunset, with Edgar doting on him, and promptly forget his rightful pinstriped inheritance! You must make them remember where he ultimately belongs! Con noestro!
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
In a local blog down here, some family members from his family were saying that he was really disapointed about the trade
————————–
I’m sure he was. He goes from the Yankees to the Ms. He bought into the whole Yankee way. He probably envisioned himself one day batting behind Cano and hitting bombs out of YS. Once the trade deadline came and past I’m sure he thought I’m going to be a Yankee from here on out.
Now it is a business and maybe he’ll get over it but boy it’s easier said than done.
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 10:58 pm
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
In a local blog down here, some family members from his family were saying that he was really disapointed about the trade
///
luis! Do we hold up a sign when we go in May: “Jesus! NOT our idea!” ? En espanol, claro! Luis, you’re down there, start doing damage control. Tell them we never wanted to give him up, that we are preparing for the Second Coming in six years. He will ride off into his OPS sunset, with Edgar doting on him, and promptly forget his rightful pinstriped inheritance! You must make them remember where he ultimately belongs! Con noestro!
===========================
You bet!!!… Remember that i told that he was probably disapointed…His father said that he was heartbroken…He really wanted to succed Posada
Succeed Posada
Best, I’m not sure he envisioned it, but we sure did
. He’ll get over us quickly.
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:05 pm
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 10:58 pm
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 10:39 pm
In a local blog down here, some family members from his family were saying that he was really disapointed about the trade
///
luis! Do we hold up a sign when we go in May: “Jesus! NOT our idea!” ? En espanol, claro! Luis, you’re down there, start doing damage control. Tell them we never wanted to give him up, that we are preparing for the Second Coming in six years. He will ride off into his OPS sunset, with Edgar doting on him, and promptly forget his rightful pinstriped inheritance! You must make them remember where he ultimately belongs! Con noestro!
===========================
You bet!!!… Remember that i told that he was probably disapointed…His father said that he was heartbroken…He really wanted to succed Posada
—————————
Posada is his idol and now Jesus is in Seattle for the next what 6-7 yrs. He probably couldn’t believe it when the news broke.
Please excuse my spelling is getting worse by the minute
I’m sure Jesus was devastated. But I truly believe that he’ll get over it soon, if he hasn’t already. He can be the man over there and become a leader now. He was sure to be overshadowed by other players being with the Yankees. There’s always a silver lining.
Not sure he would re-sign with the Yankees given the chance. Who’s the last really good player to resign with the team that drafted (signed as a IFA) in their prime after being dealt away?
You get over it, but you never forget it.
You bet!!!… Remember that i told that he was probably disapointed…His father said that he was heartbroken…He really wanted to succed Posada
///
this, this…. As down as I was about Jorge’s last season, I thought that Jesus is just about the only successor I could accept…. Well, as things stand, there will be no true successor to Posada here. Manquinito has to jump eras to follow him…
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 11:06 pm
Best, I’m not sure he envisioned it, but we sure did
. He’ll get over us quickly.
—————————————
No he won’t in his brief time here the fans embraced him. It’s going to be a shock playing in a ball park like Seattle. But maybe the Ms can generate a buzz and bring more fans out to see the team.
Best,
No, he was told to get ready for the season and keep in shape, because they were not going to allow him to play in winter ball.
He’ll probably end up signing with the Sox
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Best,
No, he was told to get ready for the season and keep in shape, because they were not going to allow him to play in winter ball.
————————-
And now we know why
I don’t think he will ever come back…..King Felix had the chance to sign with the yankees and he chose the M’s….Felix is going to take him under his wing and make sure that he stays an M.
DON’T……………….even suggest it.
luis will see to it that he understands we held a six-year vigil waiting for him to be a Yankee, that pinstripes are his destiny.
It is written….
Edward Albee once said, sometimes you have to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly….
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 11:14 pm
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Best,
No, he was told to get ready for the season and keep in shape, because they were not going to allow him to play in winter ball.
————————-
And now we know why
============
Yes, when i broke the news that he wasn’t playing here, i thought it was because they were protecting him, but JAP told me that there was probably a trade in the works…i still can’t believe it.
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 11:16 pm
DON’T……………….even suggest it.
luis will see to it that he understands we held a six-year vigil waiting for him to be a Yankee, that pinstripes are his destiny.
It is written….
Edward Albee once said, sometimes you have to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly….
=========================
AMEN!!!
My one and only word ( so far ) on THE TRADE is that I really don’t mind it at all.
As to whether it’s a good trade, we’ll have to wait and see. it’s that simple.
luis, he might if his agent explains to him how much more prolific he could be in Yankee Stadium. He can OPS 1. here. In six years, he’ll be in his prime. Alex will be gone…Cano will be 35….He can own this town.
luis, when you reported that I immediately felt sick to my stomach, like when an elevator drops….
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Best To Ever Do It March 2nd, 2012 at 11:14 pm
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
Best,
No, he was told to get ready for the season and keep in shape, because they were not going to allow him to play in winter ball.
————————-
And now we know why
============
Yes, when i broke the news that he wasn’t playing here, i thought it was because they were protecting him, but JAP told me that there was probably a trade in the works…i still can’t believe it.
———————–
Many still can’t believe it. It’s not hate for Pineda but many fans were excited to see him. Many prospects come up but few guys excite fans even if it’s for a brief moment.
4 NYY March 2nd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
My one and only word ( so far ) on THE TRADE is that I really don’t mind it at all.
As to whether it’s a good trade, we’ll have to wait and see. it’s that simple.
=============
True, only time will tell……But to some of us it hurts, some because they got the chance to see how especial he is, in my case because it was the first time ever that i was going to be able to root for a fellow countryman, not because he was signed as a hired gun or a trade ( Garcia or Abreu ), but because he came from the farms…..A true Yankee!!.
But even if you discount the feelings involved around the player it self, and think only in logical terms, this trade doesn’t make sense in many aspects, that i’m not going to enumerate, because they have been discussed “ad nausum”.
I do hope that Pineda becomes the ace he is supposed to become……And Campos to be even better.
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
luis, he might if his agent explains to him how much more prolific he could be in Yankee Stadium. He can OPS 1. here. In six years, he’ll be in his prime. Alex will be gone…Cano will be 35….He can own this town.
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 11:23 pm
luis, when you reported that I immediately felt sick to my stomach, like when an elevator drops….
====================
I hope you are right, for my part i will try to do anything in my power to sway him when the moment comes…..In any case, by them probably El Maquinito will be manning the backstop position.
Yes, i remember…..You were right all along
luis March 2nd, 2012 at 11:30 pm
4 NYY March 2nd, 2012 at 11:20 pm
My one and only word ( so far ) on THE TRADE is that I really don’t mind it at all.
As to whether it’s a good trade, we’ll have to wait and see. it’s that simple.
=============
True, only time will tell……But to some of us it hurts, some because they got the chance to see how especial he is, in my case because it was the first time ever that i was going to be able to root for a fellow countryman, not because he was signed as a hired gun or a trade ( Garcia or Abreu ), but because he came from the farms…..A true Yankee!!.
But even if you discount the feelings involved around the player it self, and think only in logical terms, this trade doesn’t make sense in many aspects, that i’m not going to enumerate, because they have been discussed “ad nausum”.
I do hope that Pineda becomes the ace he is supposed to become……And Campos to be even better.
————————————–
I can understand your feelings completely.
luis and best, my brother rarely goes to the Stadium any more, even though he loves the new park (it brings back memories of Old Yankee Stadium, before the renovations).
We went as kids with my dad in the 60s and 70s all the time. In the eighties, Mattingly and Winfield and Guidry were worth going out to see, even though there was a sea of blue uninterrupted by bodies in the upper deck. After the ’96-2003 years, my brother stopped attending much. He and his wife moved up to Edgewater about six years ago, so they’re only a few miles from the GWB. You still couldn’t get him to go to the Stadium, even though we would drive by and collect him, drop him off.
He started to get interested again when it became clear that Cano was special. He’d go to the odd game, just to watch Cano. When it looked like Joba was going to entrench himself as a front-end arm, he was buzzed about Chamberlain and went to a few starts with us in 2008, and a couple in 2009. He’s a bit older than me, and he really recalls the prime Mantle years, and is a Maris freak to this day. Well, I started to tell him about this kid Jesus, but I couldn’t get him to come down for a Trenton game to see this next great hitter (his wife does not like baseball, and although a brilliant woman, she does not understand OPS, even though we’ve explained it several times, most recently last fall, when discussing Montero over dinner; t’s just a willful forgetfulness on her part). He said ‘if he’s as good as you say he is, I’ll see him when he gets here.’
Well, seeing is always believing. He became a little obsessed with Jesus. He’d call me from the road if his wife had dragged him shopping and ask if Montero had been up yet, stuff like that. He was planning on coming to games this season, just to watch that kid swing a bat.
I hope you are right, for my part i will try to do anything in my power to sway him when the moment comes
///
I know we can count on you to carry out your mission
!
Tabata was Venezuelan, too, wasn’t he? I believe Jose Campos is also, so maybe he’ll actually stick.
Have a good night, gentlemen.
J. Alfred Prufrock March 2nd, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Pruf, that is a very touching story…..You know i trust your jugdement, i think you are one the most intelligent posters around here. But learning that you and your brother had the chance to see the Mick play in his prime, and then you compare The jesus to him it only makes it worse, because i know that you know what you are talking about.
I can only say that what i saw from him was a perfect swing, taylor made for YS with no holes, but more importantly that he could handle the pressure, do you remember his first at bats at fenway??. His composure was beyond his years, he is going to be very especial.
Yes Pruf, Tabata and Campos are Venezuelan. I remember they spoke very high about Tabata, at some point they compared him to be a potential Shefield, but he had a lot of personal problems as far as i know.
Good night all, have a good one
JAP…..Don’t forget Rickey Henderson….The Yankees of the 80′s had the best record in baseball , a ton of offense just weak pitching…Had there been the wild card back then they would have played October baseball often……NO Pitching and a ton of offense won zip
Is Group over?
stuckey March 3rd, 2012 at 12:05 am
Is Group over?
—————
Just caught the tail end.
Yankee business plan going forward. Continue your complaining.
http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....witterfeed
It’s all noise. Either they get better at developing players, or they will be tasked with some very tough decisions about what cost winning-now is worth, especially since they may be paying tens millions for players who are no longer worth their contracts. That’s not complaining. It’s just the challenge they could face. Hal needs to demand better results with development if he is serious about the new way of doing things.
Good morning-
Rich-
It might also prompt the Yankees to push some minor league position players thru the pipeline a little faster as possible alternatives to players who are looking at FA in 2014[Cano and Granderson] and/or Jeter, if he decides to not tame the player option and retire.
While the Yankees usually do not look at extensions before a player hits FA, I wouldn’t be surprised if this offseason especially if Cano and Granderson continue to perform well, that they look at extending them-at least extending Cano who will be 31 in 2014. Granderson will be 33 in 2014. Both have club options for 2013.
I think you have to extend Cano, and this is just all hot air. I wouldn’t be surprised if they let Granderson’s contract run up and evaluate the OF market then.
The playoffs for this year really are not fair to the team in each league that finishes with the best record and is the #1 seed.
If the Yankees finish #1, their last game is a 7PM game at home on 10/3/12 against the RS. That might be a pivotal game for the wild card. The season ends and now the Angels end up playing the Rays in a one game playoff10/5/12, in Anaheim. The Yankees are waiting at the airport for a charter. The Angels win in extra innings and now the Yankees who finished their season in NY have to fly cross country on a red-eye to face them for 2 games, starting 10/6/12, and return to NY with no day off, for the possibility of only 1 home game if they return 0-2.
Tickets for the postseason are not sold. The commish should have kept the current playoff format and started the playoffs a few days later.
I think this plan of action gives the the perfect reasoning for breaking with their SOP of no in-season extensions, at least for this short period of time.
I will never argue against fiscal responsibility and being smarter about the players they target and improving the “base” (development, scouting, etc.). But I have to admit that it scares me somewhat that they may lose Robby Cano and/or Curtis Granderson due to this turn of events.
In my heart of hearts, I see this situation as the Yankees taking the opportunity to re-set their luxury tax situation, saving some real money now and in the future, and so I see it as a temporary constraint. I don’t believe they will ever go back to throwing money around haphazardly, but I think that once they pay their penance for two years, they can be more flexible with the budget. I see it also as their taking the opportunity to re-set their image – I cannot blame them for not wanting to be the team that will pay anything to anyone at anytime no matter what. It will help them to negotiate better contracts going forward.
But I really hope they can get creative with at least Cano. He’d be difficult to replace.
I agree that they will extend Cano. However for anyone hoping that Cole Hamels comes on board next year, that is not likely to happen. The Phillies will probably not be able to sign him either, especially if they intend to bring back Shane Victorino.
YT-
I have considered that too.
The idea that they may bring some guys along a little faster.
For example, Mason Williams.
Maybe Heathcott finally stays healthy and puts it together.
There are others who might break out.
I do not see the Yankees bringing back all 4 of Swish, martin, Cano,and Grandy.
I think at least 1 or 2 of them might need to go and be replaced with less expensive options.
That might be accomplished thru trades.
I’m a little surprised that the Yankees haven’t signed any international prospects, especially position players, this offseason. Do the new rules kick in once the season starts or during this coming offseason?
Yankee Trader -
Given the fact that the schedules were already done for 2012, I don’t understand why they couldn’t wait one more year to put the new format in place so that the post-season scheduling could be plotted out rather than slap-dash thrown in.
I don’t get into picking who’s going to be winning what at the end of the season as far as these scenarios go, BUT the scenario you put out there is a very real possibility. A playoff format that was supposed to favor the winners of the divisions may not do that, depending on the exact teams involved.
Talk about your post-season crapshoot!
Yankee Trader,
Why would Shane Victorino be a bigger priority over Cole Hamels?
YT-
I think they have a window this season.
The MiLB money is a separate budget.
If Soler can be had on a MiLB deal, and they think he is the goods, they should sign him while they have the chance.
I see the breakfast club is slowly waking up! Good morning.
MTU-
Williams has added weight this offseason thru training. If the Yankees place him in highA[Tampa] this season, rather than Charleston, GB felt he “might” have a shot at being with the parent club in 2014.
YT-
We’ll have to see how he progresses.
Is very highly rated in our system at the moment.
Each level is another challenge.
Certainly has the right “name” to play OF for the Yankees.
I do not see the Yankees bringing back all 4 of Swish, martin, Cano,and Grandy.
————-
Yeah MTU, I’ve got to agree. I’d say Swisher and Martin wouldn’t be worth the money in this budgeted-Yankee Universe. Cano is an absolute keeper and critical to our offense. Grandy could go either way by the time his contract ends.
Yankee Trader March 3rd, 2012 at 7:15 am
I’m a little surprised that the Yankees haven’t signed any international prospects, especially position players, this offseason. Do the new rules kick in once the season starts or during this coming offseason?
————————————————————————————————————————-
I suppose the ridiculous prices of $16 mil to $36 mil would have something to do with it.
RadioKev-
I said if the Phillies intend to bring back Victorino, they might not bring back Hamels, due to the possibility they’ll be in LT territory for the 2nd straight season. Hamels is a southern California born in San Diego. My prediction is the Dodgers under new ownership, bring him on board to complement Kershaw.
Another guy who could be a fast mover is Ravel Santana.
I’ve heard he has talent out the yin-yang.
People also rave about JR Murphy’s advanced hitting approach.
Yesterday people talked about Almonte being a sleeper.
Like I said earlier. Maybe someone surprises and breaks out.
The next couple of years are a little bit of transition to the next wave.
Hoping the old guard can hold the fort until reinforcements arrive.
Kev-
Cano is an absolute priority.
Would hate to loose him.
The others, as good as they are, may become optional.
Yesterday we looked at Yankee2014 commitments from the spreadsheet[Cots] that MTU linked. If Jeter picks up his player option, A-Rod hits a 6M milestone during the season the 2014 payroll, taxed at the end of 2014, will be based on an AAV of close to 90M for just 4 players-A-Rod, CC, Tex, and Jeter.
Yeah, I followed that part Yankee Trader, I just don’t see why they would want Victorino over Hamels. Victorino is a decent player, but Hamels is an ace. If there’s a guy worth committing money to on the team, it’s Hamels.
And if he walks away, he walks away. I just imagine that he’s probably enjoyed his time in Philly, why wouldn’t he have? Is he a family guy? Do we have evidence he wants to be back in SoCal?
I can see how the Yankees would want to emphasize having a smart Catcher behind the plate with all of this young Pitching coming along.
Along with Rothschild that is part of the development process.
Martin, by all accounts, is excellent at that aspect of the game.
Kev-
I think Pat M. said something about Hamels and the Dodgers ?
Not sure if he was talking from inside info. or just giving his opinion.
He gets a lot of buzz from his scouting buddies, etc. though.
GB-
16M for 26 yo Garcia and 36M for 19 yo Jorge Soler, plus guaranteeing Soler a major league contract-yes, that’s ridiculous. There should be others out there. Probably the agents are using the system in place for this last year to their advantage.
Can the Yankees sign international players during the season, or do the new rules start on opening day?
IMO the guy who is least like to be re-upped, unless he has a fantastic season, is Swisher.
Maybe I’m just been brainwashed by the Phillies ability to sign these pitchers. “Who doesn’t want to play in Philly?!” @_@
The crapshoot of the PS was in full display last season when Carpenter outpitched Halladay.
I always liked Carpenter but if I were a betting man my money would have been on Roy every time.
Offense was completely taken out of it on that ocassion by two great Pitchers.
MTU March 3rd, 2012 at 7:35 am
IMO the guy who is least like to be re-upped, unless he has a fantastic season, is Swisher.
———–
Totally agree. I like Swisher, I’ve defended him quite a bit, but if we’re making cuts we probably don’t hang on to him. There’s rarely a lack of options in the outfield.
We’ve probably seen his best years at this point. He’ll get a four year contract from some team.
Without knowing who will comprise the new ownership of the Dodgers, it’s pure speculation on my part, that the Dodgers will flex their new financial might and be heavy players for Cole Hamels.
The Phillies, even with their pitching might not make the playoffs this year. Their offense, especially now that Howard is likely not available early May, is suspect, and that division is the most improved division in baseball, except for the “hapless’” Mets.
Kev-
I like Swisher too. Of the four he seems the most replaceable.
Unless of course a guy like Miguel Montero could be had for less than Martin which I doubt.
They are just not gonna turn over the pitching staff to Cervelli and Romine w/o Romine having served
an apprenticeship first.
It seems to me some interesting decisions are gonna have to be made.
It probably will all come down to where Hamels wants to be. He’ll have his suitors willing to pay, but I’ll still bet the Phillies will be in on him heavy. If they miss the playoffs maybe it would strengthen their resolve to resign Hamels.
Like the movie said, “There will be blood”.
If Swisher returns to his 2010 form, those numbers would be hard to replace. Always has a good OB%, switch hitter, power,better arm in RF[ 8 assists, I believe, this past year].
Who’s going to replace him cheaper?
Grady Sizemore?
Another interesting issue concerns using some of our excess pitching talent to trade for some of what we might need.
For instance, what happens if everything goes really well in Yankee Pitching land ?
Hughes, Pineda, Nova, Betances, Banuelos, etc. all have great years.
Do they make Hughes or Betances, etc. available or not ?
What if Phelps, Warren, etc. breakout. Would they become good trade bait then ?
Pitching is our strength right now. That is our gold. That is what we can offer in trade.
An excellent commodity. What could it buy ?
Hey GM’s.
I’ve got a lot of Buffalo skin pelts over here in NY.
It gets cold up here.
I’ll trade them to you for some whiskey.
See. It’s simple.
Exactly MTU. When the farm system remake was beginning, Cashman was very focused on developing value. Young, cheap, starting pitching is extremely valuable. We’ve got a crop of it, it just remains to be seen if we have a true surplus.
I know.
I watch too many Westerns.
Time for the breakfast of champions.
A spicy burritto and a cup of black coffee.
Position wise, if Cano is extended, and Granderson is not, and Jeter picks up his player option and is willing to change positions, and Martin is re-upped for 2 years with a club option for 2015, fill in the position players for 2014:Also assuming Swisher is replace either from within or a one year signing of a cheap FA., or a trade for a corner OF’er who hits FA at end of 2013.
C-Martin
1B-Tex
2B-Cano
SS-Nunez?
3B-ARod?
RF-Jeter?
CF-No clue-Mason Williams?Gardner?
LF-No clue Is Gardner still on team?
DH-ARod primarily?
MTU-
Off the top of my head, right now, Gerardo Parra of the Diamondbacs is their 4th OF’er replaced by Deficient defensive OF’er Jason Kubel. While I haven’t seen him play, he’s a lefty with speed, a good BA and supposedly good defensively. He might be had, since Towers owes Cashman a favor.
YT-
If the Yankees happen to loose Swish they will have to make some sort of trade for a corner guy.
What if Gordon repeats and has another good year ?
He plays 3rd and OF. Perhaps he could be had ?
Would the Royals part with him under those circumstances ?
I’ll bet something unforseen happens. This is baseball, afterall.
Breakfast burrito and black coffee?
YT-
Maybe the Yankees would need a stopgap corner guy to fill in until Williams, Santana, Heathcott, etc.
are ready ?
Someone who is decent but a lot cheaper than Swisher.
Kev-
You got it.
Breakfast of champions.
MTU=
If Gordon has another good year, he’ll certainly be getting more than the 4.775M he’s getting this year. The Royals however are one of the teams that could use another starter. Their bullpen is pretty good.
YT-
But that is a lot less than than the 12-15 Mil Swisher is gonna command.
And you get the added versatility of a guy who can play a credible 3b too, and who is quite a bit younger.
Go Gordon. Have a great year so we can get you from the Royals.
The Breakfast of Champions is supposed to be coffee and cigarettes but I guess a burrito will do in a pinch.
Jeers-
That was many Moons ago paleface.
I no longer smoke cigarettes.
I stick to imbibing adult beverages instead.
And to wandering out into the Desert to collect things.
MTU, don’t forget DJ Mitchell in that group of pitchers that will have a great year. Cash omitted him also when he mentioned our AAA pitching riches. He is my dark horse to beast this year, and because he doesn’t have the power stuff, my fear is that he will be the one who got away, similar to IPK.
Unfortunately, I am heading to work and will miss parts of this game. Go Ivan, Go B’s and go Yanks!
Jeers-
As long as stuff comes from one of the five food groups of : Spicy food, Alchohol, Coffee, Pizza, or Chips you’ll have a healthy diet.
If you like you can always confirm this with Bret the Hitman.
I’m sure he will substantiate what I am saying. He is a trained professional.
YF-
I stand corrected and your point is duly noted.
We must not forget DJ.
Hike day for me today so I’ll have have to hear the postgame reports myself.
I gave them up as well in the not too distant past. Now I’m inhaling burritos etc.
Jeers-
That’s good. You’re gonna live to be 100 on that diet.
or at the very least you’ll die happy.
Have a good hike, MTU! I am hoping to be back in time to catch innings 6-9.
At my current rate of consumption if I live to 100 they’ll have to cut me in half to fit me in the crematorium.
I’ve got to pony up for MLB TV again..
YF-
Thanks. I’m looking forward to your MiLB pitching reports this season.
I’ll have to settle for the sausage prepared here on LoHud.
Enjoy.
Jeers-
I’m sure they will find a way to accomodate you. That’s their problem.
In the meantime, enjoy the ride.
MTU,
I am sorry to hear you are wandering in the desert. The home should look after you more closely.
Happy Grapefruit league opener day all!
Mac-
I’m like Nicholson in “One flew….”.
A real escape artist. A Houdini.
They’ll never catch me.
I’m happy.
MTU-
Go tike a hike. See if I care!
Have fun!
YF- Any chance if Tim Norton is healthy that we might see him on the ML team this year?
*take*
blake-
Pay particular attention to SuperNova today.
Bet you like what you see.
New Post——> Chavez at 1st
Thanks YT.
You have a good day as well.
Fill me in when I return.
Or should I say if I return.