Tigers reported to be Hunter front-runners
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Nov 12, 2012 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
The Tigers are reportedly the front-runners to sign free agent outfielder Torii Hunter.
A name regularly linked to the Yankees since the end of the season, Hunter is considered one of the better short-term outfielders on the market. It was reported during last week’s GM Meetings that the Yankees are hesitant to offer Hunter a two-year deal, and that might knock them out of the running.
Hunter has told the MLB Network that he wants to make a decision quickly, and a report out of Los Angeles puts that timeframe within two weeks. That’s not a lot of time for the Yankees, who have a more pressing need in their rotation now that Hiroki Kuroda is an uncertainty. Hunter reportedly wants to stay in the American League, but if the Yankees can’t offer a market-value contract and can’t commit quickly, Hunter could be off the market before the end of the month.
Good – sign him Detroit.
Is there anyone who would rather sign Martin than Napoli?
Maybe trade Granderson+ for that Zuchini guy in Seattle?
Give him a 2 year deal, i dont see what the fuss is about. He can still field his possition, not an all or nothing HR hitter, and hits in the playoffs. If anything make the contract frontloaded if you’re thinking about ’14.
Problem with Napoli is that he can probably only catch max 50% of the games. The Red Sox seem to be hot on Napoli, he could do some damage there and they have 1b open for him too. If the Rangers then signed Martin, and Pierzynski went somewhere else, what could the Yankees do?
The Rangers may want Martin. Before anyone cheers, please tell me someone who is as remotely good as him that will be his replacement. Remember, they have to be cheap and on a one year deal.
By the way, Romine can’t hit. He makes Martin look like Bench.
not a 3 year extension, a re-negotiated contract.
They aren’t getting credits for the first 3 years so you can’t count them, as they have already been paid.
–
What are you re-negotiating? If Jeter opts out, he will count as 9 million for 2014 in addition to any new contract he signs. If you, in the 2013 offseason, re-negotiate the contract, it will modify the AAV of the contract from year 1, so the first 3 years WILL count. This is to stop teams from messing about with their contracts to avoid the luxury tax.
So either you’re dealing with 9 million for a player that hasnt even signed yet, or you’re negotiating an extension. You cannot do whatever it is you think they’re going to do.
Chad asked the other day if he should make things up. Yes, please. Reality is depresssing.
Luis:
Keep in mind that Brian doesn’t tip his hand in the media, hardly ever. He feels he has been burned too many times and if you notice in the last few years he has few qualms lying to the media if it keeps them off his coat tails and other teams guessing.
The Yanks FO is well aware of the decline the last few years, even Cashman. Cash does have to stop saying ’95 Wins” as if that is all that matters. There are far too many obvious pain points to dismiss everything else that easily and it just makes him look out of touch with reality.
Unfortunately, the money is the most important these days and getting below the luxury tax is virtually an absolute, that coupled with the availability of players doesn’t make for a very flexible approach in regards to landing the desired outcome of fielding a WS caliber team. You have to wonder if their willing to take the hit next year. I don’t know, but I do know that everybody is in “action” mode and I don’t think they will leave any stone unturned. We’ll all just have to wait and see what results prevail.
2:38pm: The Yankees are also interested in Napoli, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports (on Twitter). The Yankees have a need at catcher, since Russell Martin has also hit free agency. Both Napoli and Martin have strong career numbers against left-handed pitching.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#4H5M5k4SBBbkEAi0.99
Oh God…I said it before, if we sign Napoli someone better be close to J.AP with a horse tranquilizer.
For the record, I think Martin’s camp is leaking Rangers to get the Yankees to pony up and Napoli’s camp is leaking Yankees to get Boston/Texas to pony up.
That said, I would be very happy with a Napoli signing. He’s clearly Italian, so that means he’s clearly awesome. Anything that returns the tarantella to Yankee Stadium I can get behind.
@fangraphs: RotoGraphs: Jesus Montero Needs To Solve His Righty Problem http://t.co/Slx0LZ5c
Lost,
I’m not sure Hal truly understands what it takes to keep the fans interested. Randy Levine does. As crazy as he is, he is the last spark of George that we have. Cashman should have been gone a couple of years ago. You can only last in one position for so long and 14 years is a longggg time to stay in any one job with the same company.
@BNightengale: Mike Napoli, the Texas #Rangers free-agent catcher, is drawing interest from the New York #Yankees
So Napoli will take a one year cheap deal?
Swisher is going to be a daddy in spring 2013!
“Unfortunately, the money is the most important these days and getting below the luxury tax is virtually an absolute, that coupled with the availability of players doesn’t make for a very flexible approach in regards to landing the desired outcome of fielding a WS caliber team”
They so understand that alienating the fans and damaging the brand would cost them a lot more money than they save right?
Nothing to see here people..
@BloggingBombers
Source on the chances of Torii Hunter winding up with Yankees: “I’d say there is little shot.”
austinmac November 12th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Chad asked the other day if he should make things up. Yes, please. Reality is depresssing.
———————
I really think Chad is having a good laugh at us lol… we’ll find out during the next live chat, I’ll be all over it.
“For the record, I think Martin’s camp is leaking Rangers to get the Yankees to pony up and Napoli’s camp is leaking Yankees to get Boston/Texas to pony up. ”
Yeeeeep.. pretty sure you’re right.
But I agree on the fact that we could use a macaroni rascal on our team… a lil’ spicy Italian over Canadian bacon would be a nice change of pace.
Jim Bowden, on MLB radio, agrees the Yankees are “in a box”, “in trouble” and other similar comments if they can’t spend. He further said he noticed the empty seats and the fans in NY demand a good team. He says sign Hamilton.
Hal mentioned the cap and excitement. Of all the potential players mentioned, Hamilton would, by far, create the most excitement. It could be exciting off field as well, of course. Unfortunately, Hal said the limit trumps everything.
austinmac November 12th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Jim Bowden, on MLB radio, agrees the Yankees are “in a box”, “in trouble” and other similar comments if they can’t spend. He further said he noticed the empty seats and the fans in NY demand a good team. He says sign Hamilton.
——————-
And when he took off his Jim Bowden mask, blake looked at us and winked!
Cervelli!
Shame,
Chad can rightfully laugh at we rapid fans because he is not a fan, but a writer. I’m sure he recognizes without such fans, their is no market for his product. It seems to me Chad does see our concerns and many of his posts( articles, blogs or whatever they are) directly touch upon them. He is giving us topic to which we can relate.
Now, I again ask him to make stuff up. I need it.
jacksquat November 12th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Cervelli!
—————-
Impostore!!
G. Love November 12th, 2012 at 3:53 pm
Oh God…I said it before, if we sign Napoli someone better be close to J.AP with a horse tranquilizer.
For the record, I think Martin’s camp is leaking Rangers to get the Yankees to pony up and Napoli’s camp is leaking Yankees to get Boston/Texas to pony up.
G. Love:
Hah. A lot of posturing going on but I think the Yanks do have general interest in Napoli. I know one thing is for certain, the Yankees aren’t interested in giving Martin another shot at a 3yr deal, he had that change and amazingly declined. It was more than a fair offer but here’s a case where greed lost.
austinmac November 12th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Shame,
Chad can rightfully laugh at we rapid fans because he is not a fan, but a writer. I’m sure he recognizes without such fans, their is no market for his product. It seems to me Chad does see our concerns and many of his posts( articles, blogs or whatever they are) directly touch upon them. He is giving us topic to which we can relate.
Now, I again ask him to make stuff up. I need it.
————————————-
Hehehehehehehehehe…. yeah, I could go for some off-the-cuff, no insider info, Chad speculation about now.
I’m actually just biding my time here until the moment Swish signs with another club and it’s our fault for not wanting him back enough!! That will spew the most creative writing this blog as seen since a loogy may or may not have hit Mrs. Lee.
“And when he took off his Jim Bowden mask, blake looked at us and winked!”
Bowden just refuses to acknowledge that the Yankees won’t spend money…..he’s always talking about them signing this guy or that guy…..he’s right about Hamilton though….they should sign him if they can get him for 5 years and if they don’t want to give Cano 200 million……I used to think they might could get cano for like a 6/120 deal…..that’s over….he’s going to free agency and barring injury he going to at least get Prince Fielder money …..they should be making plans to move on without him
*has seen
I did think of Blake. Bowden is channelling his inner Blake. Too bad the management isn’t.
The media is finally recognizing the Yankees mean it on frugality. If we will recall, last year, while the Yankees considered no high price talent, the media had them on everyone. This year, maybe an old Montero type, in Napoli. But, I would be surprised. Maybe he would take ahead to build value again.
Now, that would be excitement. He can share RHDH with Alex while catching fifty games.
Wanna know the REAL reason why Hal will not spend ?
He’s afraid of the “Fiscal Cliff”.
Now if he climbed Mountains like me he wouldn’t be.
Hey, Cervelli’s father is 100% Italiano!
Cano and Hamilton together would be dangerous….you could sandwich Tex between them and he’d get lots of fastballs…..then you can let Cano walk after 2013 and at least you have a middle of the order bat still in place to try and bridge to the future…..
Lost-
Martin was doing his best Johnny Damon imitation.
I like Napoli….Id rather have him than Martin for the same money ….let Romine And him share the catching duties…..but I have to believe he’s gonna want a 3 or 4 year deal for more money than Martin….and I’m not sure that’s a great idea
Lost,
Good stuff. Keep up the posting. Those of us who’ve been around know you’ve broken news here in the past.
Blake-
I’d rather have good moonshine than michelob too.
Doesn’t mean I get it.
Forget Napoli….is Jeff Mathis available?
The Yankees must know Cano will demand and get Fielder money but not from them. How can they not seek to trade him? It is lunacy not to.
I think they are trying for one more season ticket buying year with Cano anticipating the crash when he, Granderson, Hughes, Joba and I don’t know who else, depart.
The problem is the fans will, at least in part, see the decline this year. Kuroda and Pettitte leaving would really bust the one more competitive team effort.
“I’d rather have good moonshine than michelob too.”
Just go out back to your steel
“Still” I should say
MTU,
Hal climbing a mountain with cliffs and Yankee fans nearby. Not happening.
,
Blake-
How can I when it’s in YOUR backyard.
coney1 November 12th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Lost,
I’m not sure Hal truly understands what it takes to keep the fans interested. Randy Levine does. As crazy as he is, he is the last spark of George that we have. Cashman should have been gone a couple of years ago. You can only last in one position for so long and 14 years is a longggg time to stay in any one job with the same company.
coney1:
I don’t think it’s fair to judge any man by media snippets or personification. Cashman does have a target on him clear as day but be careful what you wish for. Randy has done a lot for this team and quietly follows George not only in baseball but in his philanthropic pursuits. People all to often forget about what Lonnie has done for us as well but hey, out of sight out of mind, right ?
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post wonders which top free agent will sign next. Zack Greinke and Hiroki Kuroda seem like candidates to sign in the relatively near future, according to Davidoff, who believes that the Dodgers will bring Kuroda back to Los Angeles.
Read more at http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/#iWKwgb1YZ3mBXgLs.99
Hey guys. I was apart of my cousin’s wedding over the weekend and have been out of the loop since like Friday. Anything new with the Yankees?
blake November 12th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
@fangraphs: RotoGraphs: Jesus Montero Needs To Solve His Righty Problem http://t.co/Slx0LZ5c
******
Maybe Montero can work out with ARod again in Florida like last offseason and they can work on their righty problems together – - – -And if Montero has such problems – he would have fit in perfectly with this lineup – -especially against the Tigers in the ALCS – - – -
“Anything new with the Yankees?”
Have you heard they have a budget ?
The Yankees should be trying to build a team around Cano; not trade him.
AAO-
Very funny.
“…..they should be making plans to move on without him”
Or break his leg….
Mac-
Hal may not be climbing any cliffs soon but I betcha he’s lookin’ over his shoulder, like most are, in this economy.
He needs to make sure that his golden parachute still works.
Lost,
I’m one of the few Yankee fans who actually likes Levine. He certainly comes across as pompous publicly but there is no doubt that he wants to please Yankee fans. He’s always looking to make a splash. He is very much like George in that sense.
Hal gets the golden parachute.
Most of us get the golden arches.
AAO,
A resounding no for Yankee news. Not one hopeful clue. Now, it’s sounding like Kuroda is leaving. Re-signing him was what I had said the most critical thing they had to do.
In the off season, no news is bad news.
Mac-
Cashman said he didn’t think anyone was going to steal Kuroda away.
Keep that in mind.
blake November 12th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
“Anything new with the Yankees?”
Have you heard they have a budget ?
——————————————-
http://bearsharkaxe.com/wp-con.....nt-say.jpg
Laura,
Cano at $23+ M a year doesn’t fit Hal’s pocketbook. He should do a lot of things. Instead, he said today, the budget is the number one issue.
squat – OMG! I thought he was Venezuelan!! But now come to find his dad is in fact Italian and moved to Venezuela when he was 5, so Cervelli is a full blown wop. Hmm… maybe he could break Cano’s leg next year….
What’s the downside of signing hunter for two years? Someone mentioned earlier that he can sill defend and hits in the postseason.
Benny-
The downside is that he wants more than 1 yr. and the Yankees aren’t doing long contracts like that anymore.
Benny Blanco November 12th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
What’s the downside of signing hunter for two years? Someone mentioned earlier that he can sill defend and hits in the postseason.
——————–
He’s out of our price range.
I repeat: Torii Hunter is out of our price range.
Watch! Tori will hit if detroit signs him..
Laura – I Bleed Blue November 12th, 2012 at 4:25 pm
The Yankees should be trying to build a team around Cano; not trade him.
——————————
The Yankees lacked foresight in this situation. Cano should have been extended a couple of seasons ago before Boras came into the picture.
Benny Blanco says:
November 12, 2012 at 4:35 pm
What’s the downside of signing hunter for two years? Someone mentioned earlier that he can sill defend and hits in the postseason.
Puts him on the 2014 payroll and he’s old ….the budget is gonna be so tight in 2014 that they can’t afford to put potential dead money on there….
MTU,
We shall see. Money always talks even to Kuroda. Plus, the Dodgers look like a good team to play for. And lastly, he just might want two years. Aaargh!
Truly, Pavano’s is available. Liriano? Who would sign for one year.
I am getting more skeptical on Andy returning. Doesn’t look to be fun place to play or one likely to entice him away from his family. But, despite living within a couple hundred of miles from him he never shares his thoughts with me. Imagine.
Benny-
Except maybe for Martin who we all know is superstud and deserves it.
It’s early yet. It’s early yet. It’s early yet. Nope, didn’t help.
Blake-
Exactly how tight will the buget be next year ?
MTU says:
November 12, 2012 at 4:41 pm
Blake-
Exactly how tight will the buget be next year ?
Tighter than CC in a tube top
MTU,
Who could they get as “good” as Martin for what they would pay? I saw all his shortcomings, but he will look like an allstar(again)compared to Romine, Cervelli etc. if they were to sign Napoli, Stewart or Romine for half the games? Romine really is not much of a hitter, maybe better than Stewart.
Tighter than the gaps between the stones on an Inca temple ?
Tighter than that ?
Mac – Let’s not forget that they were willing to give Martin $10 million per, over 3 years.
Maybe they’ll give that money to Napoli…. or not.
Instead, he said today, the budget is the number one issue.
——————–
WTF go to the wedding and I miss everything.
Mac-
You ought to know better than to take me seriously.
MTU November 12th, 2012 at 4:26 pm
AAO-
Very funny.
———————
lol I was being dead serios
Tighter than the gaps between Claudia Scheiffer’s teeth ?
That tight ?
Hmmmm. I think we’re in trouble.
Heathcott is not playing today, Adams is 2-4 with a double and Romine was 0-2 with two Ks before being replace by a PH.
If Martin gets a 3 year pact… I will be forced to agree with the haunted toaster of ’84: http://hypervocal.com/wp-conte.....satan1.jpg
serious
Romine is perfect for this club.. and Adams should obviously just be trade bait.
Mac-
That kid Adams can hit and I really like his beer too.
He’s multi-talented.
Mac-
Did Heathcott find another wall to love ?
I believe half of Adams’ hits in AZFL have been for extra-bases – - – -
MTU,
I better lay off the jokes you and Blake are making. How is Bret, I wonder?
No to two years to Hunter who is a fool if he thinks the Tigers are reaching back to back World Series when history doesn’t show it (so what they reached the 2006 and 2012 WS when the last one before the ’06 WS they appeared in was ’84?)
Who’s the Tigers’ closer? Setup man? The Yanks will bring back Mo (it’s just a matter of time) and may sign Soria. Even if the Yanks don’t sign Soria, they have D-Rob who the Tigers wished was their closer right now.
The Tigers have a better rotation than the Yanks but the Yanks have the better bullpen, offense, and I think when things shake out, bench.
If Adams has a good spring there, I’d give him a try at 3rd in the bigs. Is his defense average enough there to do that?
MTU,
They seem to give guys a bunch of time off. I think they should play the Yankee guys. Who cares about the others?
Mac-
Bret has been banished to the Gulag.
No further communication is possible.
Tighter than CC in skinny jeans?
Forget about Torii Hunter. The guy is well passed his prime.
Let him hit long fly balls for outs in the very, very spacious Tigers ball park.
There are better options compared to a former all-star like Hunter.
Next year, Victor Martinez should be back. Without Swisher and Martin, with Jeter on the mend, AROD on the decline etc., let them add Hunter and we will see who has the better offense.
There are better options compared to a former all-star like Hunter.
——————–
Who are they and can we afford them?
Warning Track,
Who are the better, realistic options who fit in the Yankee parameters?
Mac-
Luis says that’s what they do in Venezuela.
The best guys play. The others sit.
Shame,
May I say that was an inciteful question.
Mac-
yeah but was there any insight to it ?
Mac – I agree and feel the same about your similarly structured response!!
And neither of us are attacking.. we both really want to know!! If Torii Hunter is out of our price range, TORII HUNTER, than who the hell can can we actually afford?
MLB has a good page which lists all the Yankee stats in winter ball. If I had half a brain, I would give it to you all. Unfortunately, my mother must have dropped me on that part of my brain.
One thing I really miss about GB are his terrible puns.
He made mine look good and that ain’t easy.
Shame,
I agree. Please tell me someone decent I can hope for. Looking for a big hairy beast who can actually hit.
Melky they can afford.
Shame-
I hear the ballboy is available.
MTU,
You are being spiteful or is it spightful?
Melky is a very good answer. I wish the Yankees thought so.
MLB has a good page which lists all the Yankee stats in winter ball. If I had half a brain, I would give it to you all. Unfortunately, my mother must have dropped me on that part of my brain.
–
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=nyy
Pretty hard to get blood out of a rock, or milk out of the hind teat on a wild boar.
Thanks JF. Your mother must have well nourished that part of your brain.
Mac-
I’m just givin’ ya whatever comes out of the spigot.
Mac-
Obviously it was the numerical side.
MTU,
I had to get in my profession with my deficiencies. But, I can, when necessary, tell you the result of multiplying any sum by 1/3rd or 40%.
Cashman thinks Melky is a 4th outfielder
JF is lucky. Unlike me at least part of his brain is still working.
I have sacrificed far too many cells in the name of revery and frivolity.
Cashman thinks Melky is a pariah. If he hadn’t been on the Yankees a few years ago Cano would now run hard to first.
It’s all Melky’s fault
And the rest of your brain cells were wasted with thought.
Mac-
Who needs truth when a good fantasy will do better.
What’s the expression ?
I think it goes something like, “The worst fantasy is better than the best truth.”
Maybe I have it wrong. I’m old.
Mac and Shame
I think there are some minor league players that can fill the RF role better than Torii
and cheaper.
Torii Hunter is overrated.
Why some fans think he’s a fit in The Bronx are the same fans that feel like
it’s the year 2002, not 2013.
I agree Hunter’s year will not be repeated. However, the Yankees have no RH hitting outfielder prospect for next year. Dickerson is decent, but their are reasons at 30 years old he has never been a regular. Right field will suffer a dramatic decline in production.
By the way,Napoli hit a rousing .179 against lefties last year.
No Blake.
It’s ALL A-Rod’s fault. Everything is.
Melky is an amateur compared to Alex. He’s no Centaur after all.
Just a mortal.
Instead, he said today, the budget is the number one issue.
———————-
Was this an interview or in the paper? And where can I find it?
AAO-
Hal wrote it in blood on parchment and stapled to all the bathroom walls in Yankee stadium so no one would miss it.
Odds, it is written in blood on Hal’s forehead.
MTU, lol.
YF-
Close.
YF-
He’s got a copy pinned to his bearskin rug too !
And under the front seat of his Bentley.
Scratch that.
Hal probably drives around in a Tata, or is driven to work in a rickshaw.
What am I thinking ?
Hal got rid of all his cars; he’s taking the subway to save money.
@ MTU and YF great minds think alike
AAO-
YF definitely is.
MTU, I defer to you.
@DKnobler: Rangers wanted Upton enough that they tried to trade Olt for ATL’s Simmons (who AZ wants). Braves wouldn’t do it, tho.
Odds, you must mean: Jobber is a stahtin’ pitchah.
They are trying to trade Olt to everybody…..
YF-
You can’t. I’m too far gone.
I’m not approaching the bend I’m already around it.
Blake-
How much is “everbody’ willing to pay ?
Blake-
If they really want JU it sounds like they might need to surrender Andrus.
We can give ‘em Eduardo. He’s “toolsy”.
yankeefeminista November 12th, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Odds, you must mean: Jobber is a stahtin’ pitchah.
———————–
That phrase will live forever lol
Id give Uhm Eduardo plus even Cervelli
AAO-
In infamy.
Blake-
Maybe they would prefer Pena ?
We can do that !
Pena, Eduardo and Frankie? I am in!!!
I’d even throw in Warren.
Throw in Russo just for good measure.
To make it truly fair.
That isn’t TOO much is it ???
The problem isn’t the budget of $189 million. The problem is that the Yankees have already spent about $90 million dollars of that money on four players. Jeter, Sabathia, Tiexera and ARod. With ARod having the worst contract of the four. At least we go downhill from here on ARod. Now fit Cano, Granderson and the rest in and you know there have be trades to exchange win now for win later.
I predict if given another opportunity, Warren would lower his MLB ERA.
YF-
Can’t throw in Warren.
He’s Blake’s homie.
Blake wants Upton bad; Blake will get over losing a Tarheel.
YF-
You’ve got a point.
He’s like a two-peckered billygoat in heat when it comes to JU.
He’s not cool, calm,and collected like myself.
It’s hurt to lose the Carolina boy but for J-ups is have to
I really just want anybody good
See Blake when it comes to making trades I’m like the Iceman.
Cooler than an iceberg floating in the North Atlantic.
I never show my hand. A blank slate tells more, or a face in a high stakes poker game.
Oops ! I’m not Brian Cashman. What am I saying ?
Just a quick drive-by to say WEST is thinking of EAST and, at least in my town, planning a pretty cool event (that I’m hoping to attend) to benefit Sandy Relief…
http://tinyurl.com/as9lz3k
Hope all is better/getting better for those impacted.
~Rosy
Blake-
Don’t you think it’s time we come clean and tell the good LoHud folks who we really are and what we really do ?
No more aliases or false cover stories about being a Dentist.
You go first. If you do I will.
Lost, do you think the yanks are going to make any kinda splash anywhere this year or are we stuck waiting for them to plug holes with worthless old players like the last few years?
Blake-
It’s like an AAA meeting.
OK. I’ll go first.
My real name is “Bobcat”. And I’m confidant of people in the know.
But we only tell you what we want you to hear.
OK blake. Come clean.
New thread —->
Don’t you think it’s time we come clean and tell the good LoHud folks who we really are and what we really do ?
I think we should keep out cover for now
Blake-
Too late for me.
You’re safe.