The right fit; the awkward fit
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 11, 2012 
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Let’s face it, this is awkward.
The Red Sox are never popular at Yankee Stadium, and Kevin Youkilis has always been among the least popular of the bunch. That bald head and goofy batting stance were easy to boo, especially when he was hitting .300/.432/.483 with a .915 OPS (his career numbers against the Yankees). Youkilis has a higher career OPS against just three American League teams. Four if you count his 12 at-bats against Boston.
Youkilis was the enemy. He was good, and he was awkward, and Joba Chamberlain kept coming thisclose to hitting him in the head with a fastball.
Now Kevin Youkilis — Kevin (freakin’) Youkilis! — is about to wear Yankees pinstripes.
Yep, it’s awkward.
“Everything stays on the field,” Robinson Cano told the Boston Globe this weekend. “I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him and he’s a nice guy. I’ve had a chance to meet him at the All-Star Game, and he always seemed cool in talking with everybody. There’s some guys that, the way they play the game, you say this guy is not a nice person. But he’s a great person.”
Most importantly, Youkilis is what the Yankees needed. Obviously he’s is declining, but I’ve had a handful of conversations tonight, and it’s clear that the Yankees think Youkilis can still hit. He fits their mold as a guy who grinds at-bats, and he fits their need for a right-handed hitter with power. Youkilis won’t be a Gold Glove winner at third base, but the Yankees feel he can still handle the position.
Given their situation, and given the market, that’s about the best the Yankees could ask for.
“Youk has always been a tough out,” Alex Rodriguez told The Associated Press this weekend. “He’s a tough player, a winning player. Whatever the franchise wants to do, I think that’ll be a good move for us.”
But still. It’s awkward. Really, really awkward.
“I don’t think (Chamberlain) ever hit him on purpose,” Cano told the Globe. “I would tell you that he would be the first guy who would be happy to see him on our team because we know he’s the kind of guy who would help us a lot because he’s been in a situation like that before. He can hit and he plays the game the right way.”
Next year, believe it or not, he’s going to play the game for the Yankees.
Association Press photo
If he’s good enough for Cano , he should be good enough for y’all…
“I’ve gotten a chance to talk to him and he’s a nice guy. I’ve had a chance to meet him at the All-Star Game, and he always seemed cool in talking with everybody. There’s some guys that, the way they play the game, you say this guy is not a nice person. But he’s a great person.”
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Well there goes my whole Youk is an a-hole spiel, haha.
Looks like David Wells on boomerang.
People are really gonna keep pretending fans are complaining about this signing just because he was a Red Sox… sort of unbelievable…
All this does is show how much more hatred we as fans have certain guys than the people playing the games. We all hate Youk, Cano loves him. Sports today.
Happy Hanukkah, YS Guy, austinmac, and anyone else I missed from the last thread…
Happy Hanukkah to all who rock it!
@jcrasnick: No Greinke, no Shields and no Upton match for #rangers. What impact addition is left for Texas besides Josh Hamilton?
Please steal Hamilton and leave Texas with nothing
=========
i concur
Shame Spencer December 11th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
People are really gonna keep pretending fans are complaining about this signing just because he was a Red Sox… sort of unbelievable…
——————
Shame, it’s Lohud tradition to complain about everything…
awesome move – $12MM for this has-been. what’s next? $8MM for varitek to come out of retirement and catch for them?
mg thanks but i’m a catholic school kid.
I don’t care that he played for the Sox. Having to watch the bat waggling and the whining is what makes me wish he wasn’t coming to NY
DanGrazianoESPN
Rare to make a move that rubs Yankees fans AND Red Sox fans the wrong way, but I think the Yankees have pulled it off.
The only thing awkward is Chad thinking it’s awkward.
Was it awkward when Boggs, Clemens, Damon came over?. How about the Babe? If they perform and help us we will embrace them.
Give us a break!!!
i am one who always felt (and said it on here several times) that had youkilis come up through the yankees system he would have been a huge fan favorite.
just wait till he hits a game-winner in beantown, you’ll come around.
…or he’ll suck and the yankees will give nunez a shot at third!
im against signing hamiliton to anything more than a 4 year deal. im quite sure he’s gonna get at least 5.
Melo has been just unbelievable this year…
I would have maybe preferred a cheaper bandaid, but the move does save prospects without blocking anyone.
Doug Gilmour is a dick, but he was still, ” killer,” in Toronto. From a distance, we don’t have to know any of these people.
Could Granderson fetch Delgado/Teheran and Ahmed in light of today’s trade speculation involving Cincy/Clev/Arz?
I’d do 5 yrs for hamilton,then trade cano,and granderson for prospects.
Ichiro can’t hit lefties,and youk can’t hit righties.
That’s a problem.
yanks need a guy that will get dirty and shows he cares out there like Oneill did…
with gardy out last year they had few that epitomized that.
I’m not sure what Ichiro is asking for. But if I was him, my price just went up.
there is really no way to gauge how a team will hit in the playoffs-this Yankees team will hit enough win lots of games in the regular season because of the pitching strength, after that who knows.
I rubbed it in Sox fans’ faces when Youkilis hit on the White Sox and Middlebrooks went down… but I’m not enjoying this as much.
Not a bad move, it’s just hard to love. It’s the mirror of the Ichiro signing.
Happy hanukkah Geddy Lee ( Gary Lee Weinrib ), and Bob Thomas Dylan.
Hairston will DH vs Leftys.
If he’s good enough for Cano , he should be good enough for y’all…
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What do you think Cano would say if a reporter asked him? I hate him?
I was against the signing because Youk hit .235 last year, was hurt and I think he is declining. I don’t care if he was a RS or not.
I wonder what the trades are.
I co-opted latkes tonight and made my own. Now I feel like we’re co-opting Youk. (Happy Hanukkah Yankee fans)
I think you have to throw out Youk’s batting avg. last year. He had that whole nonsense with Bobby V in the spring. He had the media clamoring for Middlebrooks to replace him. He had to deal with trade rumors from the team he thought he’d retire with.
I think with a full spring to acclimate himself to the team he could bounce back pretty nicely.
Am I thrilled he’s a Yankee? No. I honestly never thought the day would come. He’s one of the guys I loathed on the Red Sox.
That being said, he was wronged by them. They showed zero patience for him while a buffoon manager questioned his passion for baseball in spring training.
I think there’s a chance this can work out well if he plays with the same intensity and chip on his shoulder he was known for. He has something to prove now. I think he’ll try his hardest to outhit whoever the Red Sox have at 1b/3b next season.
Happy Han-youk-kah!
Radio – hopefully ( for you ) he demonstrates more common sense than my present third keeper.
Mick, you ancient rhymer!
It’s Robert Zimmerman to you Mills.
Jeter
Ichiro
Tex
Cano
Youk
Pierzinski
Hairston/Ibanez
Granderson
Gardner
My best hope is we don’t trade prospects for a stop gap. It doesn’t look like they will.
They can’t afford AJP now that they signed Youk
http://www.youtube.com/embed/P.....#038;rel=0
Something smart and frivolous to cheer u up!
@BNightengale: The biggest gamble in the proposed #Reds-#Indians-#Dbacks trade, according to scouts, is the skepticism whether Choo can actually play CF.
Jerkface says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:29 pm
They can’t afford AJP now that they signed Youk
Sure they can….question is will they
I agree that this move ends any chance of Pierzynski. They do care what they spend this year too.
The Return of Stoneburner says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Could Granderson fetch Delgado/Teheran and Ahmed in light of today’s trade speculation involving Cincy/Clev/Arz?
Not Teheran but maybe Delgado and Ahmed as I’ve been saying for weeks
Here goes the Nets doing what they do best. Playing like the thugs that they are
Could Granderson fetch Delgado/Teheran and Ahmed in light of today’s trade speculation involving Cincy/Clev/Arz?
—————————————–
Stone-
From what I’m reading the Braves would rather have a leadoff hitter than use Simmons or Prado as leadoff. They already have power lefties in McCann, Freeman, and Heyward.
Personally I believe they would be more interested in Brett Gardner than Granderson.
“I think there’s a chance this can work out well if he plays with the same intensity and chip on his shoulder he was known for. He has something to prove now. I think he’ll try his hardest to outhit whoever the Red Sox have at 1b/3b next season.”
Yea….he should be super motivated not only to prove he can still play….but to get a new contract next winter
Do you deal Granderson for Saunders and Paxton/Mauer in light of the trade speuclation today involving Cincy/Cleve/Arz?
JF, I know I shouldn’t be so glad about the Shields trade, but he burned me so many times, I’m glad he’s gone.
“From what I’m reading the Braves would rather have a leadoff hitter than use Simmons or Prado as leadoff. They already have power lefties in McCann, Freeman, and Heyward.
Personally I believe they would be more interested in Brett Gardner than Granderson.”
I think they would be interested in both….they have Simmons, Uggla, Prado, and Upton as RH bats as well as Reed Johnson now….Simmons can lead off….I do think the Yanks may have to kick in some money for the Braves though to make it work
Granderson, Upton, Heyward would be a pretty darn good outfield
PhiltheThrill says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:19 pm
I wonder what the trades are.
Sanchez, Heathcott , and Williams for RA Dickey
blake,
that would be suboptimal.
Would you guys trade one of Sanchez, Heathcott or Williams for Dickey? I probably would.
“PhiltheThrill says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:39 pm
blake,
that would be suboptimal.”
Matt Garza might be available as well….
“I think you have to throw out Youk’s batting avg. last year.”
Pretty sure Cashman did just that. 12 mil…. sheesh
Blake and Stone-
Baseball America’s recent ranking of Braves Top 10 Prospects and more:
http://www.baseballamerica.com.....14449.html
1.Julio Teheran, rhp
2.J.R. Graham, rhp
3Christian Bethancourt, c
4.Sean Gilmartin, lhp
5.Lucas Sims, rhp
6.Mauricio Cabrera, rhp
7.Alex Wood, lhp
8.Evan Gattis, of/c
9.Zeke Spruill, rhp
10.Jose Peraza, ss
RadioKev says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:42 pm
Would you guys trade one of Sanchez, Heathcott or Williams for Dickey? I probably would.
Uhm…. I def wouldn’t Sanchez ….and I really wouldn’t like to but the issue is that they virtually have no pitchers signed for 2014…. So if he’d sign that cheapie 3 year deal floating around afterwards then Id have to think about it cause they are gonna need innings if nothing else after this year….
Tough call….
Baseball America’s recent ranking of Braves Top 10 Prospects and more:
http://www.baseballamerica.com…..14449.html
Teheran is really throwing well in winter ball….you’re not getting him….but I think Delgado and Amhed might be possible as Delgado is sorta the odd man out and Ahmed is blocked…..hard to say
@JonHeymanCBS: choo goes to #reds. done deal.
I wouldn’t throw out Youk’s AVG. He hit .234 .349 .415 .764 vs RHP in 2011 as well. Its just part of a decline. He went from .275 vs RHP to .234 to .220, because his bat speed is declining and he cannot handle them.
He went from .400 vs LHP in 2010, to .300, to .275. He still hits well vs them but not as much as he used to.
His peek was 2009. Over .300 vs both sides, over .400 OBP vs both sides. Now he is very much in decline physically. It will be a miracle if he hits over .230 vs RHP next year.
@Ken_Rosenthal: Source: Napoli began taking his physical yesterday morning. Deal with #RedSox still not official. Story: http://t.co/byTbl2qB
That’s my thinking too. If he signs that deal then he’s very appealing. He’s been a seriously good pitcher the past three years…
Blake, indeed a tough call as one has to hope Dickey conveys the spirit of Wilhelm and the Niekros upon his chosen shoulder.
Personally, I’d prefer the Jays just go out and sign Marcum.
But isn’t a possible comparable trade with the Mariners (if they miss out on Hamilton):
Michael Saunders is the mlb outfielder
Nick Franklin is the no. 5 prospect and also happens to be a SS
I would not want to be around Jon Daniels and his crew right now – - – -
The Yankees should put a Viagra sign in right field. Median age is 35? 36?
The mariners aren’t a contender so I would think they’d be less inclined to pay for a year of Grandy….don’t think they’d do franklin
@JonHeymanCBS: #reds also get jason donald in choo deal. working on rest. theres a lot more.
i disagree with those who think the youkilis signing means they wont go after ajp. i think they will.
The Return of Stoneburner says:
December 11, 2012 at 8:50 pm
I would not want to be around Jon Daniels and his crew right now – – – -
They can still get Upton…but I don’t think they ever were without including Andrus
Not sure why the Mariners are entertaining Hamilton, he belongs in Cleveland.
The mariners aren’t a contender so I would think they’d be less inclined to pay for a year of Grandy….don’t think they’d do franklin
*****
True – just wondering that if they are pursuing Hamilton as hard as reports indicate and they miss and they have hard time attracting FAs – just wondering if they would take a risk with a power lefty bat they are looking for in Granderson.
I think they will either sign AJP or make a trade for a catcher because they almost have to if they want to win next year
Three way trade today – I wonder what other trade will pop up either tomorrow or by the end of the week – - – -
i disagree with those who think the youkilis signing means they wont go after ajp. i think they will.
–
How can they afford him? Afford in the sense of their budget. Signing Ichiro+AJP+RH Platoon for OF+DH & they will either set a new high in payroll or have zero room left for trades
“I wonder what the trades are.”
I’d guess they’re pretty bad. Or rather, the range at the bottom end of is abysmal with a mean of very suboptimal.
One of the primary routes the yanks could in theory salvage this is via a trade where they extract much more value than they give up. One of the “gifts” that’s a complete outlier of probabilities.
Those often require a creative general manager and an ace scouting organization lining up with a GM who is a poor talent evaluator or is under pressure to produce short term. Those are harder to find these days and Dayton Moore has already spoken.
The Yankees basically have very little leverage. And all of baseball knows it. And the assets that they could trade without it really being a poor move aren’t ones that have a great deal of value in this market – Granderson, Hughes, etc.
What they’re left with and picking through right now is probably ugly.
Blake, I traded a catcher to you prior ( under the most horrible circumstances ) – give me something great for this year, and you can have D’Arnaud or Arencibia or John Buck for that matter – if we do this, I have to take your word on it as I have no idea what you’ve really got; that’s why AA is AA
agreed blake. they have obviously made the call to stick with the plan to go under $189 next year and have once again not done anything that threatens that goal. im sure hal is going to want to be talked into signing ajp but i think across the board they are going to push for him.
one other thing, im not sure how close to last year’s payroll signing ajp would put them, but as far as PR goes it wouldnt hurt them at all to go over last year’s payroll while still lining up to get under the LT next season.
I’m looking forward to rebuilding.
there is no budget for 2013…just one year deals.
Been wanting the Yankees to go after Choo for a while now. Oh well. I guess if the Reds plan on using him in CF, they don’t think Billy Hamilton will be ready this season. They’re probably right. Although it should be interesting to see exactly how much ground Choo can cover in CF.
signing youkilis and ajp could potentially be great for romine adams and others. these guys aren’t going to play 7 days a week and are likely to miss a few games here and there even when mostly ‘healthy’ thus leaving playing time for some of these guys to step up and grab.
Jmills,
Who you want for JP?
I thought Choo was a deal they might try to make give he’s a rental and a pretty darn good player….but they didn’t have a SS that could be flipped to towers anyway….
Getting Youk is not any more awkward for me than seeing Boggs, Clemens or Damon as Yankees. Makes me feel a little dirty, that’s for sure. I just hope he comes in and produces.
Looks like GMs are trying to get all their early Christmas shopping out of the way – Choo is off to the Reds for what sounds like Drew Stubbs and one of Arizona’s top pitching prospects – nice deal that I’m sure will have Blake enraged. The Reds are going to use Choo in CF and at leadoff – I’m sure that he and Boras are “thrilled” by this.
The Phillies talked to the Cubs about Soriano for Dom Brown – Granderson’s better than Sori and owed a lot less money – may be time to engage them for Grandy. Get Brown, play him in LF, Ichiro in RF and Gardner in CF with either Ross or Hairston as a RH platoon option.
The Yankees are already going to be around 200 mil committed right now if you include arbitration that is not yet settled & people making around the minimum.
The Yankees highest ever opening day is 213 mil.
The Youkilis news is pretty disgusting. Besides the fact I can’t stand him, it’s an overpay, he’s in decline and injury prone. Now they have less flexibility for an additional signing or potential trade. I wish they would have tried David Adams or Corban Joseph if one of them has the arm for 3rd base (admittedly not all that familiar with them, just know they’re infielders that are on the brink potentially).
Jmills
just for you
http://www.rollingstone.com/mu.....n-20121211
Blake-
Does Upton now stay with the DBacks who have pretty much filled their needs after the 3 way trade goes thru?
What catchers are potentially available that are an upgrade over Stewart if Pierzynski signs elsewhere. Catchers who won’t cost an arm and a leg in prospects?
The Cubs are rumored to be willing to cover 26M of the remaining 36M on Soriano’s 2 yr contract for a better prospect. Any interest in having him at 5M/year?
Blake, give me one of your starters, Kuroda or something-someone who is dependable.
@Buster_ESPN
The Indians are going to get Bauer in the deal with the Diamondbacks.
Pretty good trade for the Reds/Indians
Trader – every catcher is an upgrade over Stewart. I don’t see the Yankees signing AJP; not unless he takes a very small contract. They really do not like his work behind the plate.
I would rather have the guy the Phillies were considering trading for Soriano than Sori himself.
Very awkward and not at all right.
Arizona seemed pretty motivated to unload Bauer this off season
Wait who do the Dbacks get?
Current Opening Day Payrol, per Cotsl. It’s already at almost 183M for 12 players and AJ Burnett.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tpQLwiiQL4kzEzLhsUqVjLQ&output=html
Thanks Tar! They should have gone in the first time like Thurman.
Wait who do the Dbacks get?
***
Reds SS prospect Gregorous – or however you spell his last name – - – -
Jerkface December 11th, 2012 at 9:10 pm
Pretty good trade for the Reds/Indians
—————-
If Choo can play CF sure.
Stubbs stinks but getting Bauer for Choo is pretty good for Cleveland.
What I don’t get is if you’re Cleveland and you’re trading (or willing to trade) your vets then why do you go and sign Reynolds? If you’re going to rebuild just go all the way with it.
theREALkevin December 11th, 2012 at 9:11 pm
Arizona seemed pretty motivated to unload Bauer this off season
————
Maybe they know something we don’t.
@Ken_Rosenthal: Source: #Diamondbacks’ Shaw, Albers among those going to #Indians. A. Cabrera COULD go to #Diamondbacks, with Gregorius staying in Cleveland
Man, I can’t believe the Dbacks pulled off getting an SS without giving Upton up… Should be interesting for the Rangers.
GET ON THE HORN CASH!!
They got a young SS Didi Gregorius
Hmm..
@JonHeymanCBS
gregorius goes to #dbacks, as @DKnobler said
Could see Arizona moving Kubel before Upton as mentioned earlier in offseason – - – -
Sounds like some wires are crossed… did the Dbacks get Cabrera?? I sorta lean towards believing Rosenthal..
Shame-
Guess I’m wrong on Gregorius going to DBacks.
@Buster_ESPN: The Indians are going to get Bauer in the deal with the Diamondbacks.
They are dumb for trading him
@Dbacks
OFFICIAL: #Dbacks acquire SS Didi Gregorius, LHP Tony Sipp & 1B Lars Anderson from CLE for RHPs Trevor Bauer, Matt Albers and Bryan Shaw
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:14 pm
@Ken_Rosenthal: Source: #Diamondbacks’ Shaw, Albers among those going to #Indians. A. Cabrera COULD go to #Diamondbacks, with Gregorius staying in Cleveland
—————
That would be quite interesting.
Wonder if Eduardo Nunez, Gary Sanchez, Joba Chamberlain and Tyler Austin gets the Yankees Carlos Santana and Chris Perez
@Buster_ESPN
High-ranking D-Backs’ exec told friends over the weekend he didn’t want team to trade Justin Upton. Now a deal looks much less likely.
not a particularly well-played game between the knicks and nets so far but its shaping up to be a good finish!
Chip,
I feel like I recall reading something saying that the D-Backs weren’t happy with Bauer for some reason. Can’t remember for sure.
Shame-
Now I guess I’m right.
@Buster_ESPN: Another ripple: Texas didn’t get Greinke or Shields, and may not get Justin Upton, it appears.
Steal Hamilton!
The Indians got Bauer for a year of Choo….nice
@Indians
…new #Indians include (from ARI) RHP Trevor Bauer, RHP Matt Albers, RHP Bryan Shaw & (from CIN) OF Drew Stubbs…
If Choo can play CF sure.
–
No its a great trade for the Reds regardless, they didn’t give up a lot and got 2 major league players 1 of whom is very, very good. If Choo can’t play CF they can just play him in RF. Ludwick or Bruce can play CF in that situation.
Getting a player of Choo’s caliber is never a bad move when you give up a guy like Gregorious & Drew Stubbs who stinks
Maybe they’ll use Youk for a trade and get a catcher and 3rd basemen.
The Indians got Bauer for a year of Choo….nice
—————–
Man… they gotta be working on something with Grandy…
I love it for the Indians
Great job by the Indians getting Bauer. Not bad since the Indians knew that Choo was going to leave after next year and the Reds only have him for 1 year. Too bad Cashman can’t pull off something like that for Granderson without getting robbed.
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
@Buster_ESPN: Another ripple: Texas didn’t get Greinke or Shields, and may not get Justin Upton, it appears.
Steal Hamilton!
———————-
My guess is Hamilton’s price just went up
Trader –
We should either steal Hamilton (though I’m sure we’re not the only ones thinking that..) or see if we can get Upton..
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I love it for the Indians
———————
Granderson to the Phillies for Dom Brown?
I guess Towers is thinking ….he didn’t get Andrus or Simmons but he did get a controllable SS an he still has Upton….
I still think their is a chance Upton gets moved cause reports are he’s not happy ….and now KT can shop him for other stuff
Bauer is overrated. His control is embarrassing and he is stubborn beyond belief.
Maybe they could give AZ something they could flip… or work another one of these multi-team trades.
You know, with the FA situation being what it is, I think multi-team trades are going to be a much more common occurrence.
Bauer is on the outs with ownership just like Upton.
Somehow both of those got crosswise.
“Granderson to the Phillies for Dom Brown?”
Can’t trade Grandy without replacing him first….but if they signed Hamiltonfirst then sure….
Changing sports for a second how long before D’antoni gets fired
At this point I’m fine with Youkilis – or at least indifferent. It’s fine. He fits the role scoped by the diminished baseball expectations the organization now holds. In many ways he’s the perfect new model Yankee.
The handwriting was clearly on the wall once Keppinger and Chavez came off the board. It was going to be Youk. Once they went to that ludicrous 12M mark (a figure which will clearly limit other moves they can make in ’13) it was going to get done.
My main concern with Youkilis is his bat speed. His hands haven’t looked particularly good the last two seasons or so. And he has significant movement in his set up. That’s not a good combination.
We’ll have to hope that’s temporary-related to injury or the weird situation in Boston. But it’s a real concern. Significant down side risk on his performance.
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
I guess Towers is thinking ….he didn’t get Andrus or Simmons but he did get a controllable SS an he still has Upton….
I still think their is a chance Upton gets moved cause reports are he’s not happy ….and now KT can shop him for other stuff
——————
If he got the prospect along with Asdrubal and the most significant chip he gave up was a pitcher he didn’t want – yeah I would say that’s a good day’s work.
Chip December 11th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
I love it for the Indians
———————
Granderson to the Phillies for Dom Brown?
———-
It’s worth a shot.. another option is to give up peanuts for Soriano if the Cubs take on some of his salary. In that scenario we can still get our $$ worth from Grandy this year.
@JeffPassan: If this trade shows anything, it’s how badly the D-backs had soured on Trevor Bauer. Scouts still think he’s got star written all over him.
The Dbacks seem to sour on super talented guys rather easily
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:22 pm
“Granderson to the Phillies for Dom Brown?”
Can’t trade Grandy without replacing him first….but if they signed Hamiltonfirst then sure….
—————
They’re not going to replace Granderson before they let him walk as a FA next offseason anyway – so what’s the difference?
People need to realize that Pukelis putting on the stripes is different from Damon or Boggs or Clemens. The fan base hated Damon and Boggs and Clemens purely because they were Red Sox players. The fan base hates Pukelis because he is a whiny, ugly, annoying, stupid batting stance jerk. I won’t boo him; I’m just going to act like he doesn’t exist. Call it a coping mechanism.
@Buster_ESPN
Winter winner in the AL West so far (with more moves to come): The Oakland Athletics.
You know, I was thinking there was an outside shot the A’s might make some crazy surprising move for Hamilton… They very likely will do no such thing but I still think he might end up with an unexpected club like the Phillies, A’s or Brewers.
Laura – I Bleed Blue December 11th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
People need to realize that Pukelis putting on the stripes is different from Damon or Boggs or Clemens. The fan base hated Damon and Boggs and Clemens purely because they were Red Sox players. The fan base hates Pukelis because he is a whiny, ugly, annoying, stupid batting stance jerk. I won’t boo him; I’m just going to act like he doesn’t exist. Call it a coping mechanism.
—————-
“The Dbacks seem to sour on super talented guys rather easily”
Makes you wonder about the owner.
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
@JeffPassan: If this trade shows anything, it’s how badly the D-backs had soured on Trevor Bauer. Scouts still think he’s got star written all over him.
The Dbacks seem to sour on super talented guys rather easily
—————
We don’t know what these guys are like – could be that guys like Drew, Upton, even Bauer have a makeup that the D’backs just don’t want around their club.
Chip-
According to Crasnick the Diamondbacks “will also listen” to offers on Bauer because the 2011 third overall pick “has fallen out of favor with some people in the organization.”
Bauer made his big-league debut in June, struggled in four starts, and was sent back to Triple-A … where he remained for the remainder of the season. And then last month owner Ken Kendrick made comments during a radio interview about how the team was unhappy with Bauer, refusing to answer a simple “yes” when asked if he was a big part of the long-term plans
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports......mondbacks/
Chip-
I’ll take ‘em.
They’re not going to replace Granderson before they let him walk as a FA next offseason anyway – so what’s the difference?
—————-
It really just keeps getting more and more absurd
YT-
This Kendricks guy sounds like a loose canon.
Trader -
Yeah, like I said, Bauer could have just been a guy whose attitude made him unattractive to what Towers is trying to build in Arizona.
I’m fine with that – talent’s important but it’s not the only factor.
Another exciting trade and the Yankees are not even sniffing around. Cmon Brian.
“They’re not going to replace Granderson before they let him walk as a FA next offseason anyway – so what’s the difference?”
Because 2013 matters…..otherwise they wouldn’t even bother will all these big money one year deals
If Cashman can get a good prospect for Granderson he better pull the trigger. If the Yanks want to lower the pay roll they will need some cheaper guys on the roster. They have to start building for the future since everyone knows that Granderson won’t be back after next year.
“We don’t know what these guys are like – could be that guys like Drew, Upton, even Bauer have a makeup that the D’backs just don’t want around their club.”
Not unusual for guys in their early 20s to have maturity issues….I’ll take the talent
Trisha, please visit your Lohud family before doing anything rash.
Shame Spencer December 11th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
They’re not going to replace Granderson before they let him walk as a FA next offseason anyway – so what’s the difference?
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It really just keeps getting more and more absurd
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I just mean that Dom Brown may not be as good as Granderson, but he’s probably better than whomever the Yankees would take with the compensatory pick they will get for Granderson in the 2014 draft
They cannot let Granderson go w/o an adequate replacement.
Say what you want about his K’s and BA. The guy has a lot of power which would need to be replaced.
And he still plays a decent CF.
If the Indians are open for business now then id love to see what Santana would cost
Hamilton to the Braves, Shame?
Maybe Towers is saving Justin Upton for his pal who hired him when no-one else would-Brian Cashman.
@JeffPassan: Like the glove and the pedigree. Worry about the bat. Though if he can field, that’s mostly what they want. RT @AAustinC: Your take on DiDi?
Nunez not being able to field sucks
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:30 pm
“We don’t know what these guys are like – could be that guys like Drew, Upton, even Bauer have a makeup that the D’backs just don’t want around their club.”
Not unusual for guys in their early 20s to have maturity issues….I’ll take the talent
————
Eh – you send a message to your organization that you’re going to do things a certain way and if you’re not on board then you can be replaced. If you can get someone like Cabrera in a deal for him…even better.
Blake-
You are wasting your time.
I wish the Yanks could pull off a J Upton deal now that Towers has his SS…..I don’t see it though
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:32 pm
If the Indians are open for business now then id love to see what Santana would cost
————
Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin, Eduardo Nunez
Melo wants this game bad.
BTW-Youkilis still has to pass a physical.
“Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin, Eduardo Nunez”
Don’t think Id do that
Chip – No, I know what you mean lol, I’m actually with you on this.. We need someone controlled beyond this year at an affordable cost because even though they’ll have a bunch of contracts (Andy, Kuroda, Mo) coming off the books I’m not convinced they might not need to reup at least one of those guys.. Also all the other holes (3B, 2B, RF/LF, and maybe C, DH) that will/might open up.
They need someone else in the field controlled besides Tex, Gardner, Arod and Jeter.
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:35 pm
“Gary Sanchez, Tyler Austin, Eduardo Nunez”
Don’t think Id do that
—————
Why not? I know they have upside but there’s not a sure thing in the bunch. I was actually thinking that it wouldn’t be enough for the Indians.
Cashman scares me when it comes to making a trade
Sanchez is a tough piece to give up..
“Why not? I know they have upside but there’s not a sure thing in the bunch. I was actually thinking that it wouldn’t be enough for the Indians.”
Id think about it but I don’t want to trade Sanchez….Santana is controlled and a pretty good hitter though….not a great defender.
Sanchez may never be as good as Santana though so you’d have to consider it….Cleveland may need more
Shame Spencer December 11th, 2012 at 9:38 pm
Sanchez is a tough piece to give up..
—————–
If you’re getting Carlos Santana you’re pretty well set at catcher for the next 6 years. Sanchez becomes redundant.
The Kidd from Cal!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rU2D.....d-kidd.jpg
The Yankees are going to be real fun and exciting to watch- in 2015/16.
manhattan reigns supreme tonight! great finish!
Take that Nets!!!!!!!!
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
“Why not? I know they have upside but there’s not a sure thing in the bunch. I was actually thinking that it wouldn’t be enough for the Indians.”
Id think about it but I don’t want to trade Sanchez….Santana is controlled and a pretty good hitter though….not a great defender.
Sanchez may never be as good as Santana though so you’d have to consider it….Cleveland may need more
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Well my guess is that the Royals wish they could have gotten James Shields without giving up Wil Myers – but if you want talent you generally have to give back something in return.
Like I said, this would be a no brainer for the Yankees – Cleveland would probably ask for more – like Nova – to be included.
MTU December 11th, 2012 at 9:39 pm
The Yankees are going to be real fun and exciting to watch- in 2015/16.
————————
Never know. Could end up being fun.
I was thinking there wasn’t enough big league talent in that deal to get us Santana..
Chip,
Maybe….I doubt Girardi would accept Santana’s defense anyway
But yes I could see how Sanchez and Santana could be redundant.. the Yanks would probably decide they like Murphy’s defense better
If Youkilis doesn’t perform just have him stand in the corner and let his teammates throw empty beer bottles and chicken wings at him.
That should motivate him.
I remember having arguments here about Melo…..one of the top 3 scores in the league
By the way – over/under on combined strikeouts by Reynolds and Stubbs next year: 300
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:43 pm
Chip,
Maybe….I doubt Girardi would accept Santana’s defense anyway
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If that’s the case then Sanchez won’t play for the Yankees either.
Chip says:
December 11, 2012 at 9:45 pm
By the way – over/under on combined strikeouts by Reynolds and Stubbs next year: 300
If they both get a full. Season of ABs….over
“If that’s the case then Sanchez won’t play for the Yankees either”
Probably not…..
Seeing Youkilis come over to the Yankees evokes three feelings :
1) Like someone just stuck their finger down my throat
2) Has me checking the bottom of my shoes to see what I just stepped in
3) Makes me want to take a shower
JR Smith played some game tonight when he couldnt even stand up straight the whole game.
knicks playing some inspired basketball.
It should get easier against the Nets once Stat comes back
MTU December 11th, 2012 at 9:47 pm
Seeing Youkilis come over to the Yankees evokes three feelings :
1) Like someone just stuck their finger down my throat
2) Has me checking the bottom of my shoes to see what I just stepped in
3) Makes me want to take a shower
————-
Eh, we survived Boggs, Clemens and Damon we’ll survive this too
Chip-
Don’t think so.
But I will enjoy the excellent Pitching regardless.
@Gambo620: Justin Upton will not be traded. Arizona will not be entertaining any more offers for Upton’s services. He is staying a Dback.
Wow if true…. If that’s true then I hope they stop screwing with the kid every winter and trade deadline
Triple short of cycle,
Don’t forget Shumpert….his addition will be huge
Youk is described as “Some kind of fired up” to sign with the Yankees.
Chip-
It’s gonna take a Whiiiiiiiiiiiile on Youkilis.
Might never happen for me.
We’ll see.
P.S. I actually always liked Johnny D. Never liked KY. Him, Ramirez, and Pedro always rubbed me the wrong way. Lot’s of water under that bridge.
“Youk is described as “Some kind of fired up” to sign with the Yankees.”
That seems kind of funny. I thought he waited a week with an offer in hand.
But I do agree he will be highly motivated to stick it to the Sox.
@BNightengale: Kevin Towers says it’s now unlikely they will trade Justin Upton, but will still listen to all offers. #Dbacks
Granderson could be flipped for an arm, and then Hughes plus a young catcher could be flipped for Upton. I see a Kennedy Hughes reunion coming….Yankees not paying for a Hughes extension…
MTU December 11th, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Chip-
It’s gonna take a Whiiiiiiiiiiiile on Youkilis.
Might never happen for me.
We’ll see.
P.S. I actually always liked Johnny D. Never liked KY. Him, Ramirez, and Pedro always rubbed me the wrong way. Lot’s of water under that bridge.
————-
My bet is that we’ll see a game where Youk will be cheered and Alex will be booed at home.
Blake-
I don’t believe it.
If I were JU I’d request a trade.
blake December 11th, 2012 at 9:50 pm
@Gambo620: Justin Upton will not be traded. Arizona will not be entertaining any more offers for Upton’s services. He is staying a Dback.
Wow if true…. If that’s true then I hope they stop screwing with the kid every winter and trade deadline
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His name isn’t gonna go away… there’s definitely still going to be speculation on them moving him. We’ll hear his name again by the deadline if they don’t move him before the season starts.
It could be worse, Varitek could be coming out of retirement to catch for us.
They’ve been talking about ‘not being happy with’ Upton for a while now… I just don’t see anyway he finishes out that deal… maybe he’ll suck to start off the season because he’s so discontent that we can snap him up on the cheap
Reports are that Upton isn’t happy….. So yea he may still get dealt…hope Cash is talking to KT
Youkilis is all fired up ?
Help him out and burn him at the stake.
Knicks beat Reggie Evans Rebound Machine and the Nets – Mike ‘Atoni loses again with his Lakers – Rangers may not get Upton – pretty good night – - – -
@jcrasnick: If Justin Upton is staying put, as Towers says, how do #Rangers not sign Josh Hamilton? #optionsdwindling
Maybe JH doesn’t want to be second fiddle
Chip December 11th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Youk is described as “Some kind of fired up” to sign with the Yankees.
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I hope he and Ichiro have some sort of resurgence.. and I do sort of love that the pinstripes are believed to have special powers like Batman’s suit or something.
Maybe we can just make a move to add Sori so you have Soriano/Ichi/Gardner/Granderson and sign AJP…keeps all our prospects mostly and would certainly be competitive with our staff.
@Evan_P_Grant: If Rangers don’t go get Hamilton, I think they withdraw from the market and look at the kids all year long (Martin, Perez, Profar, etc.)
Texas will not be the greatest fan environment for Josh Hamilton – still some very bitter feelings regarding how he played down the stretch from the fans – fueled by the radio personalities – many wanted Greinke or Shields plus Upton – should be interesting – - – -
blake December 11th, 2012 at 10:00 pm
@jcrasnick: If Justin Upton is staying put, as Towers says, how do #Rangers not sign Josh Hamilton? #optionsdwindling
Maybe JH doesn’t want to be second fiddle
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Texas could surprise us and just make a move for Swish and hold off until things play out in the first half.. add a pitcher like Sanchez or something and all it a day.
@Buster_ESPN: Question about Arizona part of the deal: Is the upgrade that Didi Gregorius represents over Cliff Pennington worth Trevor Bauer?
Yea I’m not so sure
@Buster_ESPN: Question about Arizona part of the deal: Is the upgrade that Didi Gregorius represents over Cliff Pennington worth Trevor Bauer?
***
Yes Buster – the name Didi Gregorius is awesome – - – -
Shame-
Are you purposely trying to make me sick, or is it just accidental ?
“They’ve been talking about ‘not being happy with’ Upton for a while now…”
I think we talk about it more than they ever did. But I agree that they should trade Upton; they can’t compete with the Dodger$™ anyway. Similarly, the Giants should let us have Buster Posey.
@BNightengale: The #Rangers, part of the original proposed blockbuster in Nashville, now likely will be left without Upton, with #Dbacks getting a SS.
you people have it all wrong. he’s not PLAYING third base.
youkillis is literally going to be third base.
it’s just weird yankee humor.
yankee runners get to kick him when they run by.
Just amazed Jon Daniels could not get the Upton deal done – - – -as of now – - – -
@Evan_P_Grant: Also think that if Hamilton lands elsewhere, it does give Rangers ability to make a long-term offer to Elvis.
and did Kevin Towers drop the ball by focusing too much on position of need rather trying to get the best player available with his assets – dunno – - – -
This year’s Yankee team is, in a word, “sexy” in an old John Deere tractor sort of way.
New post ->
But I’m happy because I have exclusive rights to sell Geritol to the Yankees.
So why should I worry ?
Have a good evening.
Nick in SF December 11th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
“They’ve been talking about ‘not being happy with’ Upton for a while now…”
I think we talk about it more than they ever did. But I agree that they should trade Upton; they can’t compete with the Dodger$™ anyway. Similarly, the Giants should let us have Buster Posey.
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Via Ken Rosenthal: In other news, Jerry Crasnick says the D’Backs will also listen to offers for 21-year-old right-hander Trevor Bauer, who has fallen out of favor with some in the organization. Same thing as Upton here, if he’s truly available, the Yankees need to at least make the call.
Arizona Diamondbacks have to end song and dance with Justin Upton: http://arizonasports.com/166/1.....l-Colliano
Although he is generally regarded as a fine corner outfielder, advanced statistics suggest that his fielding has been less than stellar this year. He has been publicly called out by the team’s owner, and benched for a few games in a row at one point in an effort to “clear his head.” – From NESN
Blake-
Elvis?
Andrus or Fat Elvis-Berkman?
Yes, and I still think we talk about it here more then they ever did. See: ten million links.
I don’t have a problem with Youkilis the player and I could care less about him as the person moreover however he acts on the field is nothing personal save to a thinskinned player who needs to get thick skin if he wants to survive as a big league baseball player, I just don’t like that the Yanks paid him double what the Indians paid Reynolds and an amount equal to the cost of Melky ($8M) and Soria ($4M.) The Yanks should’ve used the $12M they signed Youkilis for to sign Melky and Soria then signed Hannahan, RF and 3B solved, the bullpen strengthened, and the DH less of a priority to fill as you can see who’s left to get cheap.
The Yanks couldn’t wait and see what Reynolds got then make an offer to Youkilis? Had they done that and Reynolds still got $6M, I’d have offered Youkilis a year and $4M take it or leave it because he’s not the power threat Reynolds is, a savings of $8M. If Youkilis rejected it, I’d offer Jack Hannahan the same contract, again, take it or leave it, and I bet he’d have taken it vuz that’s over triple his 2012 salary of $1.14M.
Watch Hannahan post .273/.340/.400 with 13 HR and 65 RBI for someone which ain’t very good but it’s better than what A-Rod will post in 2013 or 2014 the way he’s going and pretty good for the no more than $4M I expect him to get.
You kill us is now one of us. Hopefully the fans don’t use that mantra during one of his slumps.
John may be singing “New Youk, New Youk” when he hits one out.
I was never a Youkilis fan, but admired his skills, as far as a Yankeee fan could admit, and he IS a gamer. I used to delight in calling him ‘Puke’ when he played, and probably still will, even if he excels! You see, I did not like Wade Boggs or Johhny Damon either, with Boston, but let’s give the Puke a chance.
“All we are saying, is give Puke a chance’. [a song]
Seriously, for better or worse, the Yankess got a third baseman, a back-up first baseman [which they can use since Swish left], and a part-time DH, and even pinch hitter with power potential. Not bad, theoretically….
And if Puke mashes, and returns to top form, could be stay a few years, and Tex go? [considering the austerity drive, and saved millions from Tex's salary]? Unlike O-Roids, Tex is still tradeable/desireable to some contending team[s], in my opinion.
Personally, I’d hate to see Tex go, but I am disappointed in his decline in batting average, and reluctance to go to left against a shift [or any time for that matter!], or lay down a bunt toward the semi-empty left side of the infield [in situations, not always, just like swinging for the fence should be situational, not virtually every at bat]. More doubles, please, Tex, and singles to left.
A home run is nice, and I love them, and one swing/one [home] run is a good inning, right? Well, I’d rather see a single or a walk, a double mixed together for one run than homer. Because the pitcher has to burn more pitches, and maybe even make him MORE suseptable to tiring and leaving the ball up for, guess what? A potential blow out causing home run with one or two men still on base, one run already in.