Quietly trading for an icon
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jul 24, 2012 
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This is my third year on the Yankees beat, which means my introduction to Brian Cashman at the trade deadline came in 2010, when Lance Berkman, Kerry Wood and Austin Kearns appeared out of nowhere. It was some sort of magic trick. Not because of the impact they had, but because of the quiet way those deals came together. Of course it made sense that all three were available — and I believe all three had their names tossed around in various trade rumors — but the Yankees were never seriously connected to them until just before the deals were finished.
The Yankees have more eyes and ears on them than any team in baseball, but the front office still manages to work quietly. It still surprises everyone with days like yesterday.
“We’ve made a lot of trades throughout the years,” Derek Jeter said. “Start with my first year when we got Cecil Fielder. There have been a lot of guys that came here that were unexpected and out of the blue. That’s what you come to expect around here.”
Cashman never comes across as a desperate man, so when he told reporters earlier this month that he wasn’t desperate to make a move — either to fill the rotation or to replace Brett Gardner — it was believable. I still believe Cashman was willing to wait, but patience doesn’t mean a lack of diligence. Cashman likes to say he casts a wide net. He explores options.
Ichiro Suzuki for two prospects who never really had a spot in the Yankees long-term plans? With the Mariners paying a huge chunk of the bill? Why not?
“We weren’t actively in the marketplace,” Cashman said. “But when we got the word on Gardy (having season-ending surgery), I started making phone calls, started talking to ownership about surveying the landscape about what would be available, what might be available. My discussions left me a lot of different ways, but the price tags in those discussions didn’t match up with us. Randy Levine approached me during the conversations that he had with (Mariners president) Chuck Armstrong that there might be an opportunity here to pursue. We started focusing on that.”
Let’s not pretend this is a landslide, season-saving acquisition. Cashman hasn’t traded two nickles for a dollar bill. It’s been two years since Ichiro was an elite hitter — he has a lower on-base percentage and a lower slugging percentage than Russell Martin this season — but the Yankees don’t need him to be an elite hitter. Not in this lineup.
If things go well, Ichiro might experience a resurgence that helps him put up Gardner-type numbers. He might get on base a little more often, hit one out now and then, add a real speed element on the bases and improve the defense in the outfield – but there’s little reason to think Ichiro is going to find his prime in the Bronx. He’s a role player on this team, with the added benefit that he happens to be one of the best players of the past decade.
“I laugh when people talk about an off season,” Alex Rodriguez said. “You can either play or you can’t play. Ichiro can flat-out play baseball. We know that. Any time you have a guy with such great fundamentals, we welcome him to this winning culture. When it comes to fundamentals, he’s a master.”
There’s something to be said for that. And there’s a lot to be said for the fact the Yankees aren’t taking on a ton of risk. They traded for the most iconic player in Seattle, and did so without losing a top prospect, paying top dollar or making any sort of noise.
“I didn’t really (expect the trade),” Joe Girardi said. “He’s been such a staple here. I never thought he would be traded. We thought we would get Gardy back, and everything changed. It happened pretty quick, and it’s nice. It’s a nice move for our club.”
Associated Press photo
Cashman would get major props from me if he could spin Nick Swisher into a long-term OF. There must be some team who needs a bat and has an OF to deal.
Starling Marte?
PS
The two teams Cashman dealt with in the offseason were SEA and PITT
“It’s been two years since Ichiro was an elite hitter — he has a lower on-base percentage and a lower slugging percentage than Russell Martin this season ”
======================
thank you chad for injecting some realism into the discussion. 8th is just fine for right now.
PITT would push hard for the playoffs with Swisher in their lineup and they wouldn’t lose anyone off their major league roster to acquire him – just Starling Marte who is in AAA. PITT has a golden opportunity here. The Yankees could add a prospect to the deal to make it work.
If Ichiro can bounce back a bit then he provides something the Yankees need in their lineup…….an ability to get base hits off RHP……in addition to his defense and speed.
I hope this move doesnt stop Cashman from exploring other option to address the outfiekd long term…..but I like the move for what it is.
I dont think the Yanks woukd trade Swisher in season and I also dont think the Pirates would trade Marte to rent Swisher…..theyll try to make the playoffs but at the end of the day they know this isnt their time yet….
i like the ichiro move, too, but i dont get people saying he’s being wasted in the 8 hole. his #’s indicate that’s where he should be hitting.
will there be a revival? let’s hope so but lets see some signs first before we put a .288 obp guy into the 2 hole or lead off.
so far ichiro’s obp as a yankee is .250.
Blake,
Maybe the Yankees could sweeten the pot. Trade Swisher and Betances for Starling Marte.
Saw a few funny posts on mlbtraderumors… Along the lines of
“Dear Yankees,
Sorry for trading you an Injured Pineda. Here’s Ichiro as compensation. Have a great day!”
Haha
Rosenthal On Marlins, Ichiro, Rangers, Pence
By Ben Nicholson-Smith [July 24 at 8:03am CST]
The Marlins aren’t thinking about firing manager Ozzie Guillen, but are expected to continue discussing potential trades in the week leading up to the MLB trade deadline, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports. The 45-51 Marlins sent Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to Detroit yesterday, signaling that they don’t expect to contend in 2012. Here are more of Rosenthal’s notes…
Hanley Ramirez could be the next player traded, Rosenthal reports. The Marlins tried to send the third baseman to Boston last week and they’re still open to moving him. The Marlins figure to shop Heath Bell aggressively, even though he’s just four months into a three-year contract. Teams covet Josh Johnson, who’s under contract for 2013. Ichiro Suzuki is “a lot better than you think” once you take defense and baserunning into consideration, one executive tells Rosenthal. The Yankees acquired the veteran outfielder from Seattle yesterday. The Rangers would love to obtain a top-of-the-rotation starter, but they believe they could address their rotation issues internally if necessary. Cole Hamels will be atop the Rangers’ list of potential targets if the Phillies don’t re-sign him. The Phillies are indicating to other teams that they’re eager to move Hunter Pence. The right fielder will remain under team control through 2013, when he’s expected to obtain a raise and earn $13-14MM. Rosenthal mentioned this yesterday, but it’s worth repeating: the Nationals are among the teams interested in Zack Greinke.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com
Wonder what they want for Pence? I hope Cash is in on Josh Johnson if hes available…..
Luds July 24th, 2012 at 9:17 am
Saw a few funny posts on mlbtraderumors… Along the lines of
“Dear Yankees,
Sorry for trading you an Injured Pineda. Here’s Ichiro as compensation. Have a great day!”
Haha
==============================
we feel equally bad about sending you that dh that doesnt hit.
None of us can know how depressing it must be for a stud player like Ichiro to play for a team without a hope of being a winner. The trade to the NYY for Ichiro must be a dream come true considering he is near the end of his career. His new attitude should bring back the .300 plus avg.
“Maybe the Yankees could sweeten the pot. Trade Swisher and Betances for Starling Marte.”
I dunno….I would think the Pirates would want more long term options. If the Yanks suddenly had extra pitching to deal I would look at the Cards who need it and might over pay to go for a repeat. (Oscar Taveras)
Austinmac-
I’d like to see the Yankees add another reliever now to replace Qualls, while waiting for Joba to return. In one week the Orioles lobbed off 4 of the 10 game lead.
Joba might be hitting 99-100 on his fastball, but his other out pitch, the slider-do we know if he’s throwing it after having had the TJ?
Wasn’t Pence supposed to be a budding star? Why do Phillies want to trade him? Or rather, why would they be open to trading him?
Tigers made a nice deal getting Sanchez and Infante, who can still hit. Paid a hefty price though surrendering Turner and Brantly. Sanchez could be good offseason target for Yanks, since Tigers will not be able to get draft pick compensation for him
“Wasn’t Pence supposed to be a budding star? Why do Phillies want to trade him? Or rather, why would they be open to trading him?”
Cause hes a FA after next year and they need to reload if not rebuild all together.
I’m sure this has been mentioned in other threads, but it’s worth repeating:
Ichiro’s numbers away from Safeco, while not great, are far better than his overall numbers. I wouldnt be shocked to see him OPS around .750 for the rest of the yr (with a few dingers in YS3). With his D and speed on the bases, that’ll be more than worth the 2.2 mil they’re paying him.
Ichiro making his Stadium debut against Red Sox. What could be better?
Stealth Cashman strikes again. It’s always the trades that never make it to rumor that seem to get done.
I shall now stop advocating a trade for David DeJesus.
Ichiro’s obviously not the player he once was – but if a pennant race can re-ignite him (as well as a better offensive club around him) this could be fun to watch.
In your spare time all of you will enjoy this article.
This Day in Yankees History: Mickey Mantle Cycles, Destroys a Baseball- July 23, 1957
by Andrew Mearns on Jul 24, 2012 9:00 AM EDT in New York Yankees History
http://www.pinstripealley.com/.....ly-23-1957
I am glad we have Sat’s tickets vs. Sux.
Pence is a good player whom I would prefer over Swisher. He is not, however, anywhere near a star–just a solid, if a bit unorthodox, player.
The Yankees, in my opinion, need to replace Qualls and Eppley. Neither can be counted on in any important situation. Hopefully, Joba will replace one, but they should add another arm.
That would allow them not to waste Phelps in one inning roles. He is there now because they have a shortage of guys who can get outs.
blake July 24th, 2012 at 9:26 am
“Wasn’t Pence supposed to be a budding star? Why do Phillies want to trade him? Or rather, why would they be open to trading him?”
Cause hes a FA after next year and they need to reload if not rebuild all together.
———–
They’re about to give Cole Hamels a 6 year deal north of $130M…that doesn’t seem like a team rebuilding to me.
as bad as Ichiro was hitting he still has put up a 1.8 WAR so far this season….now I kinda think WAR can mislead because of how much stock it puts into flawed defensive metrics….but that’s what he’s done….for comparision….Swisher is at a 1.7 WAR so far.
“They’re about to give Cole Hamels a 6 year deal north of $130M…that doesn’t seem like a team rebuilding to me”
they’d build around him…..and he hasn’t said yes yet….starting to think he’s not going to.
I am doubting Hamels re-signs with the Phils. He may be seeing the impending long term issues with the team. I hope he stays since he will likely be a Ranger if he doesn’t.
With regard to Hamilton, I have seen a couple negative stories about him in the local Dallas paper. Ryan has indicated disappointment with his hitting approach. That could be said either to send Hamilton a message or to send the fans a message he may not be back.
Mac,
If Hamels goes to Texas we can only hope he takes a nice chunk if their farm to get him…..at least Olt and Perez.
They’ll have to give Hamels more than 6/130 if they want to keep him. probably more like 6/145 or 7/165
I dont think Hamilton will be back with Texas……the Rangers will spend money but they also seem to be fairly smart about how to spend it…..I dont see them giving Hamilton 100 million for his mid 30s …..
YT,
I enjoyed the Mantle article. Thanks. While you didn’t get Victorino, he did get Ichiro. Thanks for that too.:)
If you’re looking for another OF option going forward – I would look at Travis Snider up in Toronto – he could probably be had on the cheap.
Also, if the Yankees are so inclined, they could probably bring back Jose Tabata for not much – though I do wonder if Tabata will ever produce the power he was supposed to grow into – but he is still very young at 23.
tabata flunked out of the yankees organization. his issues have seemed to continue in pitt. cant see the yankees choosing to take that problem back.
Maybe the Rangers will go after righty change-up pitcher, James Shields, if the price becomes too high for Hamels.
You know the Rangers and Angels are looking for that one piece to enable them to get to the WS
“If you’re looking for another OF option going forward – I would look at Travis Snider up in Toronto –he could probably be had on the cheap.”
I dont know how cheap hed be……youre dealing in division and the Jays just called him back up…..still upside there.
the same case can be made for Grandersomn,, Yank need to stop giving lucrative contract thatn contend well beyond a player’s perceive peak years. Its a huge gamble to do so and normally dont pay off for the duration of the contract. Let’s Hamilton work will be a huge blow to texas. Number alone wont tell you the tremendous impact a franchise bat can do for a lineup, baseball dont work that way.
…and then there’s this: (from wiki) “In 2010, the Pirates organization acknowledged that Tábata may be older than originally thought, perhaps in his mid 20s.”
Yanks window for travis snyder may have pass, the time to inquire was when he was struggling and block by few options ahead of him. now that toronto made trades to clear spot for him there is little way i see them letting a cheap bat go anywhere else witout asking for the moon.
MTU,
I do think it would take at least one of those guys plus another couple of good prospects. Still, Philly is a good place for him. The Rangers did get a good performance out of Lewis’ replacement so that might make them hesitate to empty the farm. But, I still think they’ll get Hamels, Greinke or Garza.
Ys Guy July 24th, 2012 at 9:52 am
tabata flunked out of the yankees organization. his issues have seemed to continue in pitt. cant see the yankees choosing to take that problem back.
—————
Tabata’s issues in NY were lack of maturity and questionable work ethic. Has that changed? I don’t know. He was 19 when the Yankees traded him, I don’t know that I was terribly mature at that age either. But he’s still very young (23) signed to a long term reasonable contract ($8M through 2016 with three very reasonable club options after that). If the Yankees could get him, for Corban Joseph and another lower level guy (for example) then that’s a pretty solid low risk high reward move wouldn’t you agree?
The Rangers and Angels will compete at the deadline for pitching.
It looks as if the RF replacement for next year will not be decided now until the off season.
philly wants to keep filling their stadium, they rely on a huge gate. while they may need to rebuild, hamels would be the big draw, a home grown player and WS hero. he’s worth alot of bucks to philly.
i think he’s going to take the extension even though he really wanted to stick it to philly for re-upping him back in the day. but given the choices, i think he’d rather stay.
If you’re looking for another OF option going forward – I would look at Travis Snider up in Toronto – he could probably be had on the cheap.
—————————————
Chip-
Maybe Adam Lind, but not Travis Snider. Why would they trade Snider? Toronto payroll:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tlGuOwsSqqOBS4H6hAg-Q_Q&output=html
if the pirates conceded that tabata was in his mid 20′s in 2010 that puts him somewhere in his late 20′s for next season. how much more development baseball wise and maturity wise can be expected of him?
I hope Girardi wasn’t serious about playing Ichiro every day. I know he’s a Hall of Famer, but limiting his exposure against LHP would be prudent. At least until he proves otherwise.
Victorino left last night’s game with an elbow injury. How ironic was that?
Kev-
Take away the last series in Boston where Jones got a lot of playing time vs 3 lefty starters and looked rejuvenated for those 4 days, he hasn’t been smoking lefties either. Nix and Ibanez haven’t hit lefties.
I’d rather take my chances with Ichiro, who can actually make contact and leg out an infield hit.
I like how one of the naysayers of this trade just called Danny Farquhar a good Yankee prospect on the radio and equated this trade with the Yankees dealing guys like Jose Rijo and Doug Drabek.
Detroit aquires two major league players to fill a much needed position and a back of the rotation pitcher with good potential,thereby assuring themselves of a playoff appearance. Smart GM? The Ynks aquire anothe fading vet with distinguished creds albeit for peanuts,but another lH bat which is not the priority. Not so smart GM? Compounding this move is our less than tactical Mgr. unequivocally states that his “plan” is to play the superior defensive old guy in a position he’s never played and bat him lower in the lineup! Smart Mgr.? Finally,has anyone noticed that Jeter wants to hit not walk whenever possible,and would ideally fit as a #2 hitter since his natural swing is to the opposite field? What ever value Ichiro has left,likely for just two months is to maximize his speed at the top of the lineup and superior defense. Swisher should be included in a deal with some legitimate prospects for Justin Upton,since the team’s real need is a RH hitter with punch! How about Swish,Betances and Nunez for Upton and Stephen Drew who is mired in a woeful slump but still young?
TUESDAY, 9:05am: Dempster has given preliminary indications that he’d accept a trade to the Braves, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick reports (Twitter links). However, Dempster felt blindsided when news of the proposed deal leaked before the Cubs reached him.
Jerry Crasnick
?@jcrasnick
Follow
Sources say Ryan Dempster had given preliminary indications that he would accept a trade to the #braves from #cubs
The most interesting part of the Ichiro deal, was the Fact that The Suits initiated it, and simply allowed Cashman to do the grunt work. This talk of Cashman casting a “wide net” and the “due diligence” stuff may be true part of the time, but with Ichiro, all Cashman did was follow his marching orders. Cashman has gone from being The Wheel, to a Small cog inna wheel. He negotiates, and reports back.
I would have liked to of known whether Ichiro named the Yankees as a team he wanted to be traded to, when he notified the Mariners of his desire to play elsewhere.
comnsnse July 24th, 2012 at 10:10 am
Detroit aquires two major league players to fill a much needed position and a back of the rotation pitcher with good potential,thereby assuring themselves of a playoff appearance. Smart GM? The Ynks aquire anothe fading vet with distinguished creds albeit for peanuts,but another lH bat which is not the priority. Not so smart GM?
——————
Detroit had to give up one of the best prospects in all of baseball for two impending free agents.
The Yankees gave up next to nothing for Ichiro to fill a needed role and got Seattle to pick up most of his contract. And no, LH bat wasn’t a priority but speed and defensive ability is and Ichiro fills both those needs.
Chip
Farquhar pitched last Saturday vs the AAA Braves and outpitched Ramon Ortiz and Cory Wade that night. Watch-he’ll end up being a better acquisition than Mitchell. Or not.
Buster_ESPN
Dewayne Wise had a .778 OPS for the NYY before being designated for assignment — better than each of Ichiro’s last three full seasons
Donny –
It’s not that interesting. Ichiro approached the team President in Seattle about a deal (you’ll notice Jack Z was not the one who spoke at the presser) and so the team Prez made a couple of phone calls to other team presidents.
They need to suicide squeeze with Ichiro a lot and have him bunt for hits
Actually I think the trade that the Tigers made helps secure them the AL Central.
BTW Chip, Infante is signed this year and next at 4M per.
- CHIP -
Point is, Cashman initiated Nothing, and merely carried the water. His powers under George were well established back in the day. Obviously a New day in Yankee Land.
Kinda a small sample with Wise dont ya think Buster…..
Dempster felt blindsided when news of the proposed deal leaked before the Cubs reached him.
——
blindsided by what? Naivete?
The use of Ichiro and the bunt, means having someone batting behind him that can knock in runs. That is Not Martin.
RMike July 24th, 2012 at 10:15 am
Buster_ESPN
Dewayne Wise had a .778 OPS for the NYY before being designated for assignment — better than each of Ichiro’s last three full seasons
——————-
Buster’s never been one to let something like small sample size get in the way of a good narrative.
I mentioned this earlier this morning. Why bat Ichiro 8th in front of Martin or Stewart?
If you want to energize the lower portion of the line-up bat him 6th, with a chance if he gets on he steals and gets into scoring position. Martin or Stewart are unlikely to drive him in.
Does batting him 8th make any sense to you?
Granderson is easily the most overrated OF in the AL. He is the same player he was in Detroit,an above average defensive player albeit with no arm a good baserunner,and a HR threat. In NY his HR totals are up because he swings for RF on every pitch. Despite his decent on base % which is deceiving,he will never hit for average. And,when you srtike out 175-185 times a year do not belong at the top of the lineup. That the Yankees would even contemplate giving him a multi year extension is irrational but typical of this GM. Would a straight up deal of Granderson for Upton work? Ichiro could fill in in center until 2013 when Gardner who is a better defensive CF would return. Re; Granderson,26 hrs and only 53rbis is not clutch hitting!
lol, when is the last time Wise played a full season.
Yankee Trader July 24th, 2012 at 10:17 am
Actually I think the trade that the Tigers made helps secure them the AL Central.
BTW Chip, Infante is signed this year and next at 4M per.
————–
My bad on Infante…
Levine asked Cashman if he was interested in Ichiro after the idea was floated by the Seattle pres. From there Cashman handled everything. The seattle pres asking Levine if the yanks were interested is no different than any GM calling cash and asking him the same question. The Mariners were doing this as a favor to Ichiro. The less people who knew he was being shopped, the better.
“Does batting him 8th make any sense to you?”
Eh….hes really not hit well enough to warrant being any higher…..if he starts hitting like Ichiro I would guess theyll move him to the top.
Aside from Ichiro and Kuroda yesterday it was really nice to see Alex drive a couple of balls…..the double he hit off the Right center wall was a great sign…..getting him going would be a huge life…..season OPS over .800 now….
DONNYBROOK July 24th, 2012 at 10:20 am
- CHIP -
Point is, Cashman initiated Nothing, and merely carried the water. His powers under George were well established back in the day. Obviously a New day in Yankee Land.
———————
You don’t know that. Yes, Randy Levine is the one who told Cashman that Ichiro’s available but knowing someone is available and working out a trade for that player are two very different things.
Would a straight up deal of Granderson for Upton work?
———————————-
For all the reasons you mentioned,why Granderson does not warrant an extension, why would Kevin Towers do that deal, and straight up?
“Would a straight up deal of Granderson for Upton work? ”
Would work for Cashman but if you ask Towers he may die laughing at you.
The fire sale in Miami gives credence to the Hanley Ramirez back to the R\Sox rumors. This is Exactly what Kuhn prevented Finley from doing.
Chip-
Too bad the Yankees couldn’t work a deal yesterday for Omar Infante, replacing Nix on the roster. He’s Martin Prado lite![that is lite, not like]
YT I also enjoyed the article you posted. Always enjoy reading about Mickey Mantles feats!
With respect to Ichiro and for the benefit of most who may not understand the dynamics in Seattle. Seattle’s majority ownership is Japanese and Ichiro is revered by ownership more so than ANY exec of the team. When Ichiro speaks he speaks to ownership. Call it cultural or respect for his baseball acumen,but Ichiro will be a major player in some role with Seattle when he retires if he chooses. The man would hold the all time hit record had he played in the U.S at a younger age. Wade Boggs with superior defense and baserunning skill.
Towers would want more than Upton and trading Granderson for Upton straight up could actually make the Yankees worse for this year….especially since they have no other CFer now.
For future reference, I would still like to know how the AAV is calculated for a traded player.
Marlins rumored talk with the Sox would make the Marlins even worse than they are.
Trade Hanley and Bell (both having off years but still) for Crawford and his 7/142, injuries and weak throwing arm? Good deal for Boston no doubt want to get out of that miniCC contract.
“For future reference, I would still like to know how the AAV is calculated for a traded player.”
I would as well….nobody seems to know for sure.
If Ichiro plays well down the stretch – do you keep him on a one year deal as a Swisher replacement?
With Dempster probably off the board to the Braves, once the monies exchanging hands is worked out, where will these starting pitchers be by July 31st?
Hamels
Greinke
Shields
Garza
Rodriguez
Liriano
Maholm
Vargas
Any others?
Does Lester get traded? Valentine doesn’t seem to like him, by letting him take a beating before removing him in the 2nd inning after giving up 3 more homers and 11 runs!!
For future reference, I would still like to know how the AAV is calculated for a traded player.
—————–
I’ve seen in numerous places that it’s calculated off of what’s left of the deal.
Baseball decisions are oft times predicated on more than obvious perceived value. Give some thought that that Upton may not be the solid citizen as is Granderson. Give some further thought that in the desert,Granderson might hit 50 hrs. Give even further thought that Granderson plays CF and perhaps AZ. has Eaton an excellent minor league prospect major league ready according to the rumors. Would you throw in Betances in that deal. Towers knows Yankee prospects having spent time in the org. recently. PS,we do not have a ML outfield prospect single A………………….unless you’d like to call up Jack Cust! Smile!
There are two guys i lust on the marlins… Josh Johnson and Stanton.
Levine does have a lot of power. He did force Soriano on Cashmsn as well.
Wasn’t he also responsible for bringing Alex back after Cashman said if Alex opts out it’s goodbye?
Don’t sleep on Randy Levine’s power in the org.
“I’ve seen in numerous places that it’s calculated off of what’s left of the deal.”
that’s what I thought….but Sherman keeps suggesting otherwise in his columns so either he’s wrong or it’s off the entire contract…..in which case Justin Upton becomes even more desirable.
Hamels Philly
Greinke Milwaukee
Shields Tampa
Garza Los Angeles Dodgers
Rodriguez Seattle
Liriano Pirates
Maholm Cubs
Vargas Texas Rangers
I don’t think Lester or Beckett get traded though they should probably move Lester.
I think Josh Johnson could be shipped to Boston.
Any others?
Does Lester get traded? Valentine doesn’t seem to like him, by letting him take a beating before removing him in the 2nd inning after giving up 3 more homers and 11 runs!!
“There are two guys i lust on the marlins… Josh Johnson and Stanton.”
yea…..I like Johnson a lot and hope Cashman checks on him….I highly doubt they’d trade Giancarlo…..but like I said yesterday if they’d trade him I would trade all the prospects for him
“Above high A ball”! In any case if the Yanks do extend Granderson he should realistically bat around sixth in the lineup.
raymagnetic July 24th, 2012 at 10:43 am
Levine does have a lot of power. He did force Soriano on Cashmsn as well.
Wasn’t he also responsible for bringing Alex back after Cashman said if Alex opts out it’s goodbye?
Don’t sleep on Randy Levine’s power in the org.
——————
Hank was responsible for the A-Rod deal.
Team presidents do have power – see Theo Epstein in Chicago and Larry Luccino in Boston.
Chip-
Yes for these reasons. Ichiro puts fans in the seats. If he’s willing to take a lower base with incentives totalling less than 9M and returns to the Ichiro of old, then yes Id want him back for one year. Then you might look to trade Gardner , once teams feel confident that he can play again at 100%.
Otherwise I’d look for an OF’er who is a FA at end of 2013 to hold the fort until one of the minor leguers hopefully might be ready to step in.
And I still want Upton, but I think he’s going to be gone in the next week.
Boston is watching the bottom line just as closely as the Yanks. They can Not just go out and acquire Any player(s) they want.
raymagnetic, Hank Steinbrenner was responsible for the worst contract in Yankee history! He now spends his time in local bars pondering his inheritance! “Four more years” is no longer a political chant! IMO the Steinbrenner boys and girls are contemplatin a 3-4 billion dollar sale of the team,and trying to figure out how to screw the IRS!
- CHIP -
Come on. Cashman used to be the Ring Master. He’s quickly becoming the guy sweeping up after the Elephants. The Elephants being The Suits.
“Otherwise I’d look for an OF’er who is a FA at end of 2013 to hold the fort until one of the minor leguers hopefully might be ready to step in.”
CHOO!
Donny
Why can’t Boston do Whatever they Want?
blake July 24th, 2012 at 10:53 am
“Otherwise I’d look for an OF’er who is a FA at end of 2013 to hold the fort until one of the minor leguers hopefully might be ready to step in.”
CHOO!
————-
He’s been terrible
I have to go soon. I hope Cashman is still making calls to better the team if the right player to trade for becomes available. I have no doubt that we’ll soon hear that both the Angels and Rangers have added a significant player to their rosters.
They as well as the Tigers would be very difficult opponents for the Yankees to face in a 5 game series.
Have a great day everyone.
“RMike July 24th, 2012 at 10:15 am
Buster_ESPN
Dewayne Wise had a .778 OPS for the NYY before being designated for assignment — better than each of Ichiro’s last three full seasons”
=============================
yeah, ignore wise’s 10 mlb seasons 882 at bats with a .639 ops and concentrate on his 61 at bats at age 34 this season.
wise defines a 4 a player. 4x as many minor league at bats as mlb at bats, 880 games played in 10 seasons and averaging only 2 at bats per game played.
Chip
You must be thinking of a different CHOO.
Anyway until later.
I’m so happy we got Ichiro, he’s been my favorite non-Yankee for awhile now. It’s true his skills at the plate have declined over the years but I think it’s highly likely that he puts up better numbers as a Yankee considering Yankee stadium and the lineup he’ll be in. He’s also still a fantastic fielder which will be a MASSIVE upgrade over Ibanez.
There is really no downside to this trade unless you think D.J. Mitchell was going to be something more than a long reliever / spot starter.
.296 .378 .493 .871.. Chip, this is Choo’s numbers this year.
sorry wise only got in 501 games in his 10 year career, only once did he crack 69 games in a season.
“He’s been terrible”
he has?
.296 .378 .493 .871 overall 30 doubles already
.346 .412 .583 .995 vs RHP
he would immediately be the Yankees 2nd best player if they traded for him…..
DONNYBROOK July 24th, 2012 at 10:52 am
- CHIP -
Come on. Cashman used to be the Ring Master. He’s quickly becoming the guy sweeping up after the Elephants. The Elephants being The Suits.
—————-
If you think Cashman has made every deal you don’t know your Yankee history very well. Also I think you’re way off base to say that Cashman doesn’t make any of the moves now.
Yes, some moves are mandated from above (the Alex signing or the Soriano signing) but there are other trades that Cashman works out on his own (Granderson) though even with those deals he still needs authorization from upper management.
blake July 24th, 2012 at 10:59 am
“He’s been terrible”
he has?
.296 .378 .493 .871 overall 30 doubles already
.346 .412 .583 .995 vs RHP
he would immediately be the Yankees 2nd best player if they traded for him…..
—————
My mistake – I haven’t been paying any attention to the Indians at all lately and didn’t realize how much he improved from earlier this season.
Choo had a bad April…starting coming on in May….and has killed the ball since. Hes pretty much back to the player he was before he got hurt last year….which is pretty close to a .900 OPS outfielder with great defense that can steal 20+ bases
- CHIP -
I’m not saying Cashing does not make Any moves, just that his power is Far less, (and continually shrinking), than when George was around.
The R\Sox payroll is around $150 Mill. They cannot just acquire any players they want, unless they dump Crawford etc. I am anxious to see how they handle the Ortiz negotiations during the offseason.
I enjoyed Ichiro telling Harold Reynolds that he doesn’t have time for silly questions when Reynolds asked if Ichiro thought he would be able to deal with the media scrutiny in NY
- CHIP -
I’m not saying Cashing does not make Any moves, just that his power is Far less, (and continually shrinking), than when George was around.
The R\Sox payroll is around $150 Mill. They cannot just acquire any players they want, unless they dump Crawford etc. I am anxious to see how they handle the Ortiz negotiations during the offseason.
___________________
Sox payroll is over 170 i think, not 150…
don’t see indian’s actively shopping choo, but you never know i suppose. that team is not that far away from contention with another bat, dont see them subtracting their best bat.
DONNYBROOK July 24th, 2012 at 11:03 am
- CHIP -
I’m not saying Cashing does not make Any moves, just that his power is Far less, (and continually shrinking), than when George was around.
The R\Sox payroll is around $150 Mill. They cannot just acquire any players they want, unless they dump Crawford etc. I am anxious to see how they handle the Ortiz negotiations during the offseason.
———————–
Um…what?
George ran the show until he got sick. Then Cashman basically ran it until Hal and Hank settled on who was going to be the principal owner and learned the business. Cash still makes the majority of player personnel decisions, but of course Levine and ownership are going to have their input as well.
question: player signs 5/75 deal. 2 yrs later traded w/ 3/60 left. Player count 15 mil or 20 mil to luxury tax calc for new tm?
Ken Rosenthal ?@Ken_Rosenthal
I believe 15.
“I enjoyed Ichiro telling Harold Reynolds that he doesn’t have time for silly questions when Reynolds asked if Ichiro thought he would be able to deal with the media scrutiny in NY”
================================
is that really a silly question when merideth morocovits is asking questions in the clubhouse every night?
I asked Buster the same question. We’ll see if he responds.
Hamels merits the same kinda deal CC got including the extension. The Philly team is an absolute Mess.
I wish Ken or Buster would actually ask someone that works for MLB.
So far I haven’t seen any hatred of this trade – even the prospect huggers seem to be on board.
jaso
AndrewMarchand
I still think the Yanks very well could let Swisher flee in offseason, but one exec just said he thinks market could be down so we’ll see.
G and Cashman can co author an eighty pages thesis on the irreplaceable value of a sound defensive catcher and trade stewie for Montero and Jaso.
One thing I don’t get is the plan to have Swisher, an inferior defensive player who has played over 100 games in LF play RF while Ichiro, still an outstanding defensive OF learn a position he has never played.
The market is gonna have to go Way down for the Yanks to be able to afford Swish. The only posssibility would be a 1 yr deal, and Swish would be Nuts to take that gamble. Players are still getting all kinds of Jack.
86w183 July 24th, 2012 at 11:22 am
One thing I don’t get is the plan to have Swisher, an inferior defensive player who has played over 100 games in LF play RF while Ichiro, still an outstanding defensive OF learn a position he has never played.
——————–
LF is the harder field in NY and Ichiro is the superior defensive player – I think Girardi probably believes that Ichiro learning how to play LF will be better than Swisher there.
Also, this disrupts only one player – if you put Swisher in LF you have him adjusting there and Ichiro adjusting to Yankee Stadium RF.
Cashman “officially”assumed the reins of the organization in 2005. He gets props for opposing Aroid’s extension and some minor reclamation projects. The Swisher deal has been his best,but imo is more than offset by the Granderson and Pineda deals which to put it kindly,the jury is still out on! The bigger problem imo is the minor league org. /Tampa cabal of Newman,Oppenheimer et al. Where are these vaunted Yankee prospects? As noted earlier,the best seem to be below the 2A level. A check of their drafts including international would garner an average rating at best,with as many losers as winners. Compare it with the Ranger drafts and minor league system for one. Finally,to be brutally honest,without the Yankee dollar they don’t win in 09 or in the 21st.century. Cashman should be on the hot seat!
Swisher is a .260 hitter with 20-25 HR power and average defense to my eyes. If someone gives him a ton of money, they are foolish. He’s a good player but not one who I see deserving of $50 million or more.
The owner of the D-Backs said they would not be making any big deals at the TD. Upton appears to be staying for now.
RF in NYS is very important, because good timing, athleticism, and speed in RF will save a lot of cheap HRs that inferior RFs won’t get to in time or be able to jump high enough to save.
“question: player signs 5/75 deal. 2 yrs later traded w/ 3/60 left. Player count 15 mil or 20 mil to luxury tax calc for new tm?
Ken Rosenthal ?@Ken_Rosenthal
I believe 15.”
I think it’s funny that nobody seems to really know the answer to this…..if it’s really that though and Upton’s AAV would be like 8.5 million dollars through 2015…..then the Yankees need to be aggressive and get him.
“don’t see indian’s actively shopping choo, but you never know i suppose. that team is not that far away from contention with another bat, dont see them subtracting their best bat.”
I don’t think they’ll move his before the deadline as they are still hovering around the WC….but I do think they’ll probably trade him this winter as he’s a Boras client and to my knowledge hasn’t given much indication he’ll stay in Cleveland
Bob Nightengale
?@BNightengale
Follow
The Oakland #Athletics,desperate for infield help,have jumped into trade talks for #Marlins Hanley Ramirez, joining #BlueJays and #RedSox.
Should the Yankees look at Hanley?
Choo would be instant upgrade over Swisher. def worth of an inquiry blake.
perhaps, billy can play winning ball instead of moneyball.
Yanks need to look at any talented player they can buy low. They missed their shot at Haren, let’s hope they don’t let Johnson, Hanley, Upton, etc. go buy just because there might not be an immediate “need”. They have to look at the long term and try and accumulate assets cheaply, even if we have to do some maneuvering. Take advantage of turmoil and firesales. The timing isn’t always going to be perfect, so you have to jump into the frey when the oppurtunity is available.
Hanley has been down for 2 years now. Kind of scary for a player his age.
Blake,
Maybe they should drive up the price by getting involved in the Hanley sweepstakes the way teams do to them. At least there are other teams involved beside the sux.
There woukd certainly be risk with Hanley …..but the talent is still there….could arod and Jeter reach him? Show him what it takes to be great? Who knows…..the truth is Arod is a better player than Hanley right now…
Yanks need to look at any talented player they can buy low. They missed their shot at Haren, let’s hope they don’t let Johnson, Hanley, Upton, etc. go buy just because there might not be an immediate “need”. They have to look at the long term and try and accumulate assets cheaply, even if we have to do some maneuvering. Take advantage of turmoil and firesales. The timing isn’t always going to be perfect, so you have to jump into the frey when the oppurtunity is available.
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I’m not saying you’re wrong. but there is risk involved with all 3 players you’ve mentioned. Johnson has had injury issues for a couple years. hanley’s production has tanked and he has a rep as being a malcontent. Upton has been up and down and has loud whispers about a shoulder issue.
No risk with a guy like Ichiro (for example). They gave up nothing and they’re paying him nothing. Make a trade for 1 of the guys you mentioned and you’re mortgaging the future. It’s a big risk.
if the sox get hanley and bell and unload crawfords contract I will be convinced that there is a conspiricy in baseball to help the sox
I dont rhink Boston can afford to take on Hanley AND pay a big chunk of Crawfords contract…..they are already up against luxury tax land going forward
I like the move but I have a question/concern:
Who else can play center-field? Granderson has had SO few days off – he’s young but they can’t expect him to play every inning of every game.
blake July 24th, 2012 at 11:35 am
Should the Yankees look at Hanley?
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No. He’s a bad defensive SS who doesn’t want to play any other position and has a poor attitude to boot.
Tiki July 24th, 2012 at 11:45 am
I like the move but I have a question/concern:
Who else can play center-field? Granderson has had SO few days off – he’s young but they can’t expect him to play every inning of every game.
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Ichiro has played some CF over the last couple of years.
Ichiro can play a decent CF
game 7 of the world series… who would you rather start? Jeff Weaver or Javier Vazquez, it’s a tough one.
if the sox get hanley and bell and unload crawfords contract I will be convinced that there is a conspiricy in baseball to help the sox
________________
Between this and the scam that got them Adrian Gonzalez (Theo and Jed Hoyer in particular) (i wouldn’t be too far behind you)..
How about this playoff lineup
Jeter SS
Arod 3B
Cano 2B
Granderson CF
Tex 1B
J. Upton LF
Swisher DH
Ichiro RF
Martin C
Bring it on Rangers/Angels/Tigers
Although Hanley Ramirez hasn’t been making much of an impact for the Marlins this season, the team still wants the three-time All Star in its lineup. But that won’t happen for a while because of Ramirez’s failure to take care of an injured right hand.
Ramirez missed a third straight start Sunday because of an infection in a cut on his knuckles. It’s bad enough that Ramirez suffered the cut, which required stitches, because he punched a cooling fan after a frustrating at-bat July 8.
His latest issue arose because he forgot to take medication for the cut. He said he didn’t take his antibiotics on Thursday. He woke up Friday with bad swelling.
Something is not right with him,no thanx.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/r.....YtmeOFCLcF
blake July 24th, 2012 at 11:51 am
How about this playoff lineup
Jeter SS
Arod 3B
Cano 2B
Granderson CF
Tex 1B
J. Upton LF
Swisher DH
Ichiro RF
Martin C
Bring it on Rangers/Angels/Tigers
——————-
It’s lovely – I’ll watch those games in my palatial mansion while Scarlett Johanson massages my feet.
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 3B
It wasn’t so much the way he played, but the reason he didn’t play. Ramirez had to sit out after his hand became infected apparently after he failed to take his medication following an incident in which he injured himself while punching a fan (the mechanical kind) in anger. There is little doubt some Marlins people are equally as frustrated by his overall act.
While there are some detractors out there -– “He’s not a third baseman, he’s not a shortstop anymore. I wouldn’t know where to hide him,” one GM said — there are very likely folks that believe he is young and talented enough that they could get the best out of him. Or at least much better than this. His contract once looked like a great deal for the team, but it still certainly isn’t so bad that they’d have to take that terrible Carl Crawford contract to send Ramirez away, as was rumored. Ramirez is still young, and still has huge tools, so he may look OK to some. From a distance, anyway.
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/s.....t-on-trade
ac1 July 24th, 2012 at 11:51 am
if the sox get hanley and bell and unload crawfords contract I will be convinced that there is a conspiricy in baseball to help the sox
________________
Between this and the scam that got them Adrian Gonzalez (Theo and Jed Hoyer in particular) (i wouldn’t be too far behind you)..
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oh ya, thats another one, plus the over hyped prospects they seem to have
- CHIP AND BLAKE -
Martin batting behind Ichiro??? NIX
“It’s lovely – I’ll watch those games in my palatial mansion while Scarlett Johanson massages my feet.”
Lol…..dreaming is good for you
not happening this year, blake
BTW, let’s recognize that Teix has been murdering the ball since mid May.
“Martin batting behind Ichiro??? NIX”
Who.cares in that lineup
Chip, though for an all Upton fantasy…..you could trade for Justin and have Kate massaging your feet in the mansion
BTW, let’s recognize that Teix has been murdering the ball since mid May.
–
He hit .220 for June. He is having a really, really strong July so far, and he had a good may.
May: .269 .349 .548 .897
June: .219 .319 .406 .725
July: .349 .447 .746 1.193
If he could hit like 09 Tex for the rest of the year and going forward that’d be great.
Nick Swisher. Do the Yankees really need his bat in the playoffs? He’s not known for hitting good pitching nor is he capable of the type of situational hitting crucial to deep advancement in the playoffs. So if he is not needed on the playoff roster, why not cash in on him now?
Hanley hit 21 hr 2 years ago,10 last year.
No way you rip appart the farm for him,and he’s not good defensively.
Also,i’d much rather have austin jackson,over granderson,so be carefull who you wan’t to trade away.
Ajax might not hit the hr than granderson hits,but has only 9 less rbi,and is beating granderson in every other category.
Having ajax would also put us in better shape with payroll.
We should of kept ajax,lets not make the same mistake.
if the sox get hanley and bell and unload crawfords contract I will be convinced that there is a conspiricy in baseball to help the sox
———-
Eh, Crawford is a solid ballplayer and Hanley hasn’t been the same for 2 years and is a headache for them to deal with – he is the face of the Marlins’ continual underachieving. They also get to unload Bell’s contract. I’m sure they’ll get some good young players like Melancon, Kalish, and Iglasius too.
Not a terrible trade at all, you could do a lot worse.
Trade Swish.
“Trade Swish.”
For who? Its unlikely youd get enough back
Josh Norris ?@jnorris427
Gary Sanchez (12) and Mason Williams (15) rank on Klaw’s list of prospects with the most trade value: #Yankees
Josh Norris ?@jnorris427 Gary Sanchez (12) and Mason Williams (15) rank on Klaw’s list of prospects with the most trade value: #Yankees
Thats pretty darn good for 2 A ballers
Recalculating AAV due to a trade makes no sense. AAV goes with the player wherever he happens to go.
I get it that LF in Yankee Stadium is big, but RF is still more important. Ichiro is one of the best RF in the game. Why not take advantage of that?
game 7 of the world series… who would you rather start? Jeff Weaver or Javier Vazquez, it’s a tough one.
——————————
game 7 of 2004 ALCS… Kevin Brown or Javy Vazquez?
I’ll never forget that feeling of hopelessness.
I’m afraid Hanley has too much dog in him…..
But I would do Hanley for ARod straight up. The $$$$saving$ would be worth it, but I realize it aint happening.
Somehow Russell Martin‘s second half BABIP (.143) is lower than his first half BABIP (.193). Yes, I know it’s only been eight games, but the point is that the Yankees can’t turn a blind eye to their catching situation forever. Martin has been awful (79 wRC+), Chris Stewart has been even worse (45 wRC+), and we aren’t talking about a pair of Yadier Molina-level defenders either. They’re below league average in throwing out base-stealers (24.1%), have allowed the sixth most passed pitches (wild pitches plus passed balls) in baseball (37), and rank 24th in Total Zone (-4). It’s ugly.
“I enjoyed Ichiro telling Harold Reynolds that he doesn’t have time for silly questions when Reynolds asked if Ichiro thought he would be able to deal with the media scrutiny in NY”
===============================
you’re right and if i was martin i’d be mad too…higher opb and ops.
We should of kept ajax,lets not make the same mistake.
—————-
Revisionary history. Curtis Granderson has outperformed Jackson the past two seasons.
Slash lines since the trade:
Jackson: .280/.344/.412
Granderson: .253/.347/.512
252 R, 24 HR, 130 RBI, 58 SB
vs
279 R, 91 HR, 239 RBI, 43 SB
Get over yourself.
Ichiro may not be hitting 9th simply out of respect.
86w183 July 24th, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Recalculating AAV due to a trade makes no sense. AAV goes with the player wherever he happens to go.
I get it that LF in Yankee Stadium is big, but RF is still more important. Ichiro is one of the best RF in the game. Why not take advantage of that?
————–
Would you say Ichiro is a significant upgrade over Swisher in RF, or Swisher in LF?
I’d wholeheartedly say LF.
jacksquat July 24th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Ichiro may not be hitting 9th simply out of respect.
———–
Hey man, you can just give away Russ’ spot to the new guy!
Recalculating AAV due to a trade makes no sense. AAV goes with the player wherever he happens to go.
–
It makes sense because payroll is calculated from the time of the trade. The problem is that the only team that cares about AAV is the Yankees. No one else has to give 1 flip about it. Most teams care about the actual money owed.
If a player is on a 1 year deal, the luxury tax calc for the Yankees if they traded for him would be the remaining amount on the deal.
i think moving swisher to LF would be a disaster. i think ichiro will have little or no problem making the switch.
Don’t know if any of you guys heard this, but early this morning around 7:30am the hosts on Sirius/XM baseball talk show said they’ve heard through the grapevine that the Ichiro deal was made not between NY & Seattle’s GM’s, but through the owners/team presidents. There was also some mention that the deal was a small payback from Seattle for the Pineda/Campos deal now that both are injured and not pitching.
Thought it was very interesting to hear the hosts (don’t know who hosts that early) say this wasn’t a trade between Cashman & Jack Z and that the people above them made it happen.
Cashmoney July 24th, 2012 at 11:20 am
G and Cashman can co author an eighty pages thesis on the irreplaceable value of a sound defensive catcher and trade stewie for Montero and Jaso.
///
LOL +1.
If only they didn’t believe the BS in their manifesto
How very magnanimous of Seattle. (cough)
I do think Ichiro is going to enjoy a little renaissance, and it’s cool to have him in pinstripes. Sorry, though, to see sinkerballer DJ Mitchell leave the organization. He has really good breaking stuff, too, and is an excellent fielding pitcher to boot. Kinda reminds me of Melancon for Fat Elvis. Too bad we didn’t get 2011 Elvis instead of 2010 – that would have made it worthwhile.
Chip July 24th, 2012 at 10:45 am
Hamels Philly- Texas
Greinke Milwaukee- Nats
Shields Tampa- Angels
Garza Los Angeles Dodgers
Rodriguez Seattle- why would Seattle want Wandy they promote Paxson first
Liriano Pirates- Twins
Maholm Cubs- Pirates
Vargas Texas Rangers- Texas is not interested in back of ‘ro types
I don’t think Lester or Beckett get traded though they should probably move Lester.
I think Josh Johnson could be shipped to Boston.
Any others?
Does Lester get traded? Valentine doesn’t seem to like him, by letting him take a beating before removing him in the 2nd inning after giving up 3 more homers and 11 runs!!
I think there is a feeling that Lester has kind of quit on the Red Sox and doesn’t want to be there anymore
I meant you *can’t give Russ’ spot to the new guy….
I’m also skeptical about the emphasis on the Ichiro trade going over Cashman’s head. While it may be true the two President’s started talks, I think that’s more because Ichiro want past Jack Z and to the owner/President. Instead of those guys calling Cashman directly, they called their equivalent. Makes sense, no?
Not buying the speculation that this is a “make up” for the Montero trade. Please.
Before completing a trade to acquire the Japanese star, the Yankees spelled out a list of conditions to Ichiro, a former American League MVP and two-time batting champion.
Ichiro would be asked to switch positions, hit at the bottom of the lineup and possibly sit against left-handed pitching.
“He was fully educated on all our requirements,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com. “One by one, every box got ticked off.”
http://m.espn.go.com/mlb/story.....38;w=1bzar
I think there is a feeling that Lester has kind of quit on the Red Sox and doesn’t want to be there anymore
——————
The Boston media tie Beckett & Lester together. I’d quit on that organization too. It’s a joke. Hiring Valentine, moving Youkilis, the memo to the fans, it’s a circus.
They want to make up for the trade, they can just ship Jesus back to NY, thanks.
Don’t confuse payroll and contracts.
The CASH goes at the time of the trade, but the AAV does not change over the course of the contract. In a front loaded contract — like A-Rod’s — you pay more in cash than the contract’s AAV during the early years, less in the later years.
In a back loaded contract — like Upton’s — it’s the other way around.
We know Ichiro is an outstanding RF. We know that Swisher is a below average RF. What more is there to discuss?
We know Ichiro is an outstanding RF. We know that Swisher is a below average RF. What more is there to discuss?
—-
the discussion would be, can Swisher handle LF adequately. would the Yankees benefit ,as very much in the case of garder, having Ichiro patrol a spacious LF as oppose to swisher. in short, what configuration benefits the Yankee more. S in RF or S in LF.
Gardner should be back next year, Granderson isn’t going anywhere though I believe they’ll switch positions and as much as I like Choo as a player don’t you think they need a right-hander or switch-hitter to replace Swish? A little more youthful – unless Swish gives them a discount…I know he hired Boras but Swisher likes it here and so does his wife but it would have to be really short-term – maybe 2 years max.
Who is going to pickup Lester with the way he’s pitching? Believe me, his only good outing will come against the Yanks-
Who is going to pickup Lester with the way he’s pitching? Believe me, his only good outing will come against the Yanks
—
plenty of teams.
Yeah there will be a pretty long line if Lester goes on the market
gotta run for now… have a day!
be hard to replace swisher’s numbers tiki, if we go dumpster diving. in a perfect world, i like upton or someone of that ilk to replace S. But I think Choo is more than adequate option. RH power bat depends on team configuration. DH?
but I think Swisher is a complementary player who struggles against good pitching. no big bucks for him if I was the Yanks, but I am not.
I think Granderson has 3 good years left in him. I would either try to sign him for that duration, let him play his final year here and walk, or trade him in the OS. Yanks need to learn when to let their aging stars go…