Does it get any easier now?
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Dec 20, 2012 
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It should get easier at this point, right?
With Mariano Rivera re-signed, the Yankees have a complete set of relievers. With Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte, they have a full rotation. With Ichiro Suzuki and Kevin Youkilis — and their defensive in-house options at catcher — the Yankees have a regular at every position.
All that’s left is to find a designated hitter, fill the bench and find some relatively cheap options to compete for spots on the pitching staff.
That should be the easy stuff. But it might not be so simple.
Designated hitter
Here’s what we know: The Yankees have talked to Raul Ibanez about returning to the Bronx. Here’s what he provides: Left-handed power and outfield depth should someone get hurt. Here’s the problem: Ibanez clearly needs a platoon partner and doesn’t do anything to balance the left-leaning outfield options that already exist.
Ibanez isn’t a bad fit if you count on Youkilis and/or Alex Rodriguez to regularly DH against lefties, but that won’t happen until the summer. Until then, Ibanez only solves half of the DH problem. And he solves it while providing only defensive depth that already exists. Another problem: There aren’t many better options out there. Luke Scott brings the same limitations. Delmon Young is a right-handed version. Lance Berkman might be a nice fit if he can still handle the outfield corners.
The bench
Most pressing need on the bench is a right-handed outfielder, but the best free agent options — Cody Ross and Scott Hairston — seem to be in the market for multi-year deals. Young might sign for one year, but he brings his own sort of issues. One name we’ve heard floated in trade rumors (Vernon Wells) is hardly an appealing option at this stage of his career. There are plenty of right-handed outfielders in baseball. Finding one that fits, though, might be a challenge.
Second need for the bench is a legitimate utility infielder. Eduardo Nunez is available to play shortstop, and Jayson Nix could be a fallback option, but the Yankees are going to need someone to get at-bats at third base, shortstop and occasionally second base. The infield free agent market dried up quickly. Can Kelly Johnson play short?
Pitching staff
The pitching market has developed fairly slowly. Do we have any idea yet where guys like Kyle Lohse or Shaun Marcum might end up? Nope. And without those sort of starters finding a home, it’s hard to know who might slip into one-year-deal territory. In recent years, the Yankees have been pretty good at finding valuable pitchers who have been discarded or dismissed. They struck gold with Bartolo Colon a couple of years ago, and last year they got valuable innings out of Cody Eppley and Clay Rapada. You can bet they’ll find some similar options before spring training, but the market hasn’t given us a clear glimpse of who those options might be.
Associated Press photos
Cashmoney December 20th, 2012 at 9:02 am
you are essentially getting a 230-240 avg with 760ish OPS from the left side in Tex. I think that is maintainable for the duration of his remaining contract years but with possibility of tread downward. He is dangerously close to becoming a platoon player if wasn’t for his contract and his D. I sit his butt 2/3 of time if we had an young and viable option.
the two thoughts immediately pop into my head when i saw the picture above are Legend and AARP.
Chad-
It’s pretty clear the Yankees need a OF’er ffrom the right side.
Ross would be great but too many years.
I do not think we need any more SP although you have a point if one happened to drop into our lap looking for a pillow deal.
The O still needs attention IMO.
Hope Cashman is focused on it and surprises us with something worthwhile.
blake says:
December 20, 2012 at 9:00 am
“Then I don’t want to hear any of the usual complaining when he comes up to bat with RISP next season and “Oh gosh rolls over on that one and GIDP, or crap he hits another weak pop-up. ”
I’ve accepted what he is….Yankee fans need to as well….he’s never going to be able to hit a line drive over the SSs head from the left side….his swing mechanics make that nearly impossible for him to do
@WheresKernan: Now that #Mets catching is fixed, Alderson needs to push for #DBacks Upton for OF: http://t.co/C3A8dtBk
I think that’d be counterproductive for the mets given what they’d have to give and how far away from competing they are
definitely think Raul has great chance of returning to this team in 13, well… well because of everything.
MTU-
I’m not endorsing this, but here goes a trade to get Josh Willlingham.
Granderson [15M] and Hughes[arb eligible then FA] for Josh Willingham[7M each of next 2 seasons] and Justin Morneau[14M then FA]
The Yankees would need to sign another starter-Liriano, Marcum.
I don’t know if that works for me? You?
I don’t think they’ll go to the years to sign Ross…
If the Nats sign Laroche then the Yanks should try to trade for Morse
Blake-
How the hell could the Mutts get Upton. With what ?
I agree. Does not make sense even IF it were possible which it is not.
Too funny.
Shame Spencer December 20th, 2012 at 9:17 am
@JonHeymanCBS
Carlos Vlllanueva agreement with cubs is $10M for 2 yrs. nice add for chicago.
“How the hell could the Mutts get Upton. With what ?”
They have the prospects now….but wouldn’t it be somewhat counterproductive for them to trade prospects for a guy that’ll be a FA in 3 years? I don’t see that making much sense for them
YT-
Nope. Don’t like it from our end.
No interest in Morneau. Injury risk.
Think we would have to try to get Willingham differently.
Would they like Heathcott, or perhaps Warren ? Maybe both ?
Why waste time though. We both know they are not likely to want to move Willingham.
I definitely wouldn’t overpay for him.
Granderson [15M] and Hughes[arb eligible then FA] for Josh Willingham[7M each of next 2 seasons] and Justin Morneau[14M then FA]
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Twins say NO in my opinion. Willingham’s contract makes him more valuable than what’s being offered here. Further, the Twins, knowing they are not contenders would probably want prospects.
I think they go for cody Ross or even give Dickerson a shot . I like the kid he has some real potential and if the market for a 34 year old kyle lohse falls to 10 mil a year you gotta go for it maybe 3 years 30 mil he is 34 so he can’t expect a long contract. I think also the resigning of cano has to get done. Things are changing so get over that stupid yankee rule of not negotiating during the season and resign Robby. There is gonna be a steep price but there is absolutely no one that is going to be able to replace him and his production. Hopefully a couple years you’ll get Tyler austin slade heathcott and mason williams to be what they are thought to be and Adams will help too I never thought I’d say this but 2015 yanks can be a young good team if all works out.
Trade for Justin Maxwell use him and Dickerson as DH 4th and 5th OF’ers, with Adams or Mustelier and Nunez on the bench, after you get AJ Pierzynski to catch with Romine.
It doesn’t look like there has been significant interest in Granderson who has been quietly and not so quietly shopped since early November.
Blake-
I don’t want to hear any complaining then when Tex GIDP or pops up from the left side and kills a potential rally or fails to drive in that runner on 3rd with one out! Capish?
The Mets are in a full rebuild.. don’t see how Upton helps at all. If I were Sandy I’d be trading ALL the players, get the payroll down to Oakland-like levels and go from there.. but they did keep Wright apparently under the guise that they plan to try to win things in his remaining years as a Met.
Wright is a fool.
Blake-
Yup. They’d be robbing from Peter to pay Paul.
Would make no sense at all.
They just traded to get those guys.
Alderson isn’t Billy Beane.
If the Nats sign Laroche then the Yanks should try to trade for Morse
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Yep. LaRoche signing is the one that bears watching. If he does not sign with the Nats, then obviously Morse is going nowhere, but if he does???? Teams are going to be all over Morse. Yankees, Texas, Seattle, etc.
Yankee Trader December 20th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Trade for Justin Maxwell
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They won’t do it because 1) it’d be admitting they made an error and 2) they’d have to then give something up to correct that error.
Mop walk time.
Later.
“Yep. LaRoche signing is the one that bears watching. If he does not sign with the Nats, then obviously Morse is going nowhere, but if he does???? Teams are going to be all over Morse. Yankees, Texas, Seattle, etc.”
Morse isn’t perfect but he fits well for the Yanks needs ImO….he hits RHP well enough to be a full time DH and he can fake RF well enough to platoon with Ichiro…..would give the Yanks a much needed power RH bat.
Don’t know what they’d have to give….maybe Nova and another prospect
If they trade someone like nova and a legitimate prospect for morse they better resign him because he’s only got 1 year left on his contract and I don’t like the idea of giving up nova and a prospect for a one year rental
I just don’t know if trading for one year of Morse is worth it at this point.. if you’re gonna trade for someone you gotta get something controlled back in the deal. Otherwise it could end up being completely counterproductive. You’ll end up with an extra hole to fill in 2014, one to replace Morse and the other to replace whatever you gave up to get him.
Don’t know what they’d have to give….maybe Nova and another prospect
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They’ll be in great position though, because there will likely be competition for Morse’s services. A team will end up having to overpay to get him.
when I was a kid I thought Mets player Howard Johnson actually owned the chain of hotels by the same name.
matthew friedberg December 20th, 2012 at 9:28 am
If they trade someone like nova and a legitimate prospect for morse they better resign him because he’s only got 1 year left on his contract and I don’t like the idea of giving up nova and a prospect for a one year rental
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Beat me to it.. exactly.
Now, if you can get Morse for a few piece you have no place for like Adams, Mustillsomethingorother, Warren, Mitchell, Nunez.. fine. But anyone on the MLB roster I’d have to think long and hard about.
Morse is not a guy i would overpay for it. I do it for a warren, ppl are too quick to give up Nova with 4 years of control left and upsides.
If I’m throwing nova and a top prospect for mike morse then I’m throwing the whole damn kitchen sink in and going for Carlos Gonzalez that’s the only player I’m willing to give up top prospects for to help fix that outfield. With the yankees it has to be a permanent fix not a rental fix
matthew friedberg December 20th, 2012 at 9:35 am
If I’m throwing nova and a top prospect for mike morse then I’m throwing the whole damn kitchen sink in and going for Carlos Gonzalez that’s the only player I’m willing to give up top prospects for to help fix that outfield. With the yankees it has to be a permanent fix not a rental fix
Carlos has terrible away splits.Risky to say the least
I understand but Carlos Gonzalez and of course Giancarlo Stanton are the kind of players the yankees haven’t had a while and that’s what would help rebuild this team a top notch young outfielder. I’m not saying I’m a fan of giving up nova phelps warren austin Williams any of those kids but if I have to one of those two better be what I’m getting in return
Have to go also.
Will today be the day that Cashman generates some excitement for us?
I’d say stay tuned, but you might be on hold for weeks.
Have a great day. If in the midwest of northeast hope the blizzard isn’t too bad. If in the southeast, like me, might be dodging tornadoes.
Until later.
Shame Spencer December 20th, 2012 at 9:23 am
Yankee Trader December 20th, 2012 at 9:21 am
Trade for Justin Maxwell
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They won’t do it because 1) it’d be admitting they made an error and 2) they’d have to then give something up to correct that error.
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Why would they do that when they have a similar player in Melky Mesa?
Cashman should give Barry Bond a call why stop at raul. The king of the hairy beast will reign terrors over AL East.
matthew friedberg December 20th, 2012 at 9:42 am
I understand but Carlos Gonzalez and of course Giancarlo Stanton are the kind of players the yankees haven’t had a while and that’s what would help rebuild this team a top notch young outfielder. I’m not saying I’m a fan of giving up nova phelps warren austin Williams any of those kids but if I have to one of those two better be what I’m getting in return
_____________________________________________
I just as soon wait to see how Heathcott, Austin and Williams and Adams do this year and then give them a shot rather than empty the farm for one of those 2. If you have to sacrifice this year, then so be it. Everyone is crying that the Yanks never gave Montero and Austin Jackson an opportunity that the Yanks didn’t have patience, and now those same fans are showing the same impatience and clamoring for the Yanks to do the same thing all over again.
With Ichiro Suzuki and Kevin Youkilis — and their defensive in-house options at catcher — the Yankees have a regular at every position.
—
Seriously? I guess we should define “regular” but I don’t see Cervelli/Stewart as major league starting players. And Romine is definitely not ready. The Yankees have an enormous hole at catcher right now, it’s the biggest hole on the team.
Cashmoney says:
December 20, 2012 at 9:33 am
Morse is not a guy i would overpay for it. I do it for a warren, ppl are too quick to give up Nova with 4 years of control left and upsides.
I like nova but think folks overrate his upside….JMO
for those who now hate youkilis but will grow to love him:
http://www.myyesnetwork.com/16197/blog/
consider it a culture change…1st it was AJ, now Swisher …
If the Yankees give up some prospects for a young player with a high upside, that is one thing. They simply cannot give up good prospect(s)for a short term solution.
Mesa looked like he has some potential in my limited view of him. He strikes out a ton, but his swing actually looked okay to my eyes.
even hal knows not to go into a season w/out a marquee name at C.
even if it is rod barajas…
I agree the catching situation is a problem. There is no offense, and other than Wilson who I don’t know much about, none seem all that great defensively either. Stewart had a ton of passed balls, and Cervelli’s defense has been questioned for some time.
I do think that will be the group come spring training.
Look at Barajas stats for last year. I think the group we have now is as good. As I recall, he threw out 10% of baserunners last year.
Barajas is terrible
The Yanks have to get a catcher if they want to win next year…. It makes no sense to spend over 200 million on a bunch of stop gaps if you’re going to go into the season with two bad back ups and a rookie with back trouble
They at least need to get a better back up to pair with Romine
Patrick December 20th, 2012 at 9:57 am
With Ichiro Suzuki and Kevin Youkilis — and their defensive in-house options at catcher — the Yankees have a regular at every position.
—
Seriously? I guess we should define “regular” but I don’t see Cervelli/Stewart as major league starting players. And Romine is definitely not ready. The Yankees have an enormous hole at catcher right now, it’s the biggest hole on the team.
—————-
I have a theory going that Chad has legitimately been f*cking with us over the past month..
I like nova but think folks overrate his upside….JMO
—————-
He’s at least been durable which is a lot more than you can say of a lot of other young controlled pitchers that have come through our system.
maybe gollum, gandolf or bilbo baggins are available.
It’s really just a matter of the 2014 rotation. Talent wise, yes I think you can afford to part with Nova.. but this team is worrying me with how they’re approaching ’14 right now so I want them to keep as much as possible.
I have a theory going that Chad has legitimately been f*cking with us over the past month..
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I’m kind of perplexed why it’s just accepted that Romine/Cervelli/Stewart are going to be the catchers and that’s it. Stewart is servicable as a defender but can’t hit a lick. Cervelli is a downright bad defensive catcher and Romine we don’t really know. If there was Jose Molina or someone like that on the roster maybe I could buy that the Yankees are prioritizing defense at the catcher position. Right now it’s blatantly obvious they are prioritizing “guys that are cheap” at the catcher position.
AJP !
Oh just sign AJ Pierzynski already. A year and $9M ($3M/50% raise and only $1.5M > 2012 Martin) or $10M would do it.
The Yanks won three of World Series and a pair of AL pennants with a lousy defensive catcher (Posada.)
DH Ronnier Mustelier and here you go:
Ichiro RF
Jeter SS
Cano 2B
Teixiera 1B
Granderson LF
Youkilis 3B
Mustelier DH
Pierzynski C
Gardner CF
Mustelier bats righthanded, is 28, and has teared it up with the bat since he’s been in America. He’d make the rookie minimum, right? Total low-risk high-reward. If he sucks the Yanks could always get another bat in June or July or go in-house with Nunez or someone else.
Good morning,
So they finally signed Ichiro… I guess those facilities in Tampa will eventually be turned in to a nursing home… For those that think that we only have the C position to worry about, wait until the regular season starts and some, if not all of those 40 year olds start to break down. Next season could be a real pain to watch, I certainly hope it doesn’t.
Because Cervelli and Stewart are two of the top 60 catchers in the league…?
I dunno if the writers just look at baseball as a story and aren’t really fans of the game, but it does seem like they just rehash Cashman’s view on most things. They leave the outrage to us lol. It’s probably likely they’re still expecting the Yanks to make a move at C, but we shall see.
nursing home… For those that think that we only have the C position to worry about, wait until the regular season starts and some, if not all of those 40 year olds start to break down. Next season could be a real pain to watch, I certainly hope it doesn’t.
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nothing like original thought…you must have said this over a thousand times
cash will make a deal for a catcher.
“Because Cervelli and Stewart are two of the top 60 catchers in the league…?”
Which league?
About the nursing home thing…Not a thousand, but a dozen times you might have a case…. I believe this is the first time I say that they will be breaking down though…But feel free to scroll past it
Which league?
=========
middle earth
Pierzynkski makes alot of sense, even on a 2 year deal. Could have Romine spend more time in AAA since last year was alost year for him and Cervelli or Stewart backing him up. Then later this season and next season Romine would be elevated to backup and be ready to take over in 2015 unless Sanchez is ready.
blake December 20th, 2012 at 10:42 am
“Because Cervelli and Stewart are two of the top 60 catchers in the league…?”
Which league?
=========================
Bush whacker league
no you keep adding your unoriginal thought and i will feel free to comment.
“Pierzynkski makes alot of sense, even on a 2 year deal.”
It’s almost a no brainer…..I think Cashman is just posturing trying to get him to take 1 year
I don’t get how Cashman hasn’t signed AJP yet ? If you have to go 2 years on him ! …..big deal .. do it …
Romine cleary isn’t ready …..Give him another year to mature . .and Then let him split time with AJP in year 2 .
Sick of hearing about the need for a defensive catcher . . .Like a poster above said .. .We won 3 World Series with Posada.
Tackle,
That would be adding another late 30′s guys to the roster… But I would have signed AJ instead of Youkilis
if we dfa dickerson will he stop the incessant tweeting?
Sign AJP…platoon him with Romine and hope Romine is ready in 2014.
The Yanks could use a little edge….and AJP brings a real big league catcher and some intangibles that the Yanks be lacking…..everyone talks about that he’s a jerk…..he’s only a jerk to other teams
Mike…. I think we won four with Posada… 98,99,00 and 09
why doesn’t ajp realize that one great year here will propel him to a more lucrative contract next year?
… thanks Luis .. correct 4 .
@BNightengale: Another reason why Derek Jeter is sports’ greatest role model. Calls mother of slain teacher #yankees http://t.co/5zHDaZ4p
blake December 20th, 2012 at 10:42 am
“Because Cervelli and Stewart are two of the top 60 catchers in the league…?”
Which league?
——————
Lol, that’s why I think Chad is f*cking with us.
..he’s only a jerk to other teams
======================
has there ever been a report that he had trouble with teammates?
mick December 20th, 2012 at 10:45 am
if we dfa dickerson will he stop the incessant tweeting?
————-
How do you know how much he tweets?
Because it won’t…He will be a year older… He either gets two years now, or he won’t get it next OS, especially if he doesn’t have a year like the one he had last season, which I think is likely…He had an unreal BABIP… He is bound to come down to earth, still I think he will be solid both at the plate and behind it. But this happening will impact what he gets next season and being a year older.
So a good majority complain about aging 30 year old players, it is getting older as a team, and the Yanks start to ponder about going with a 20ish year old at catcher in Romine – but now everyone wants the 36 year old veteran – - – - if you are going to talk the talk, you better be ready to walk the walk – - -
Mike,
Still, you are on point with the defensive sh*t…. I was just trying to reinforce your point
“has there ever been a report that he had trouble with teammates?”
Not really….I think he got in a fight one time with somebody but who cares….I like fiery players
Sad when a team worth billions has to shop for players at the dollar store…..at his point give some of the Minor leaguers a shot….
Stoneburner,
I am on record saying that I would have gone young ( Adams at 3B, Mustelier/Dickerson/Mesa/Almonte in the OF, Nunez at SS until jeter is ready and Romine at C)… But signing AJP made more sense than Youkilis .
How do you know how much he tweets?
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almost caught me ? ever look at the side of this page?
yanks need more intangible guys like youkilis…yank fans will change their tune
jl101010 December 20th, 2012 at 10:57 am
Sad when a team worth billions has to shop for players at the dollar store…..at his point give some of the Minor leaguers a shot….
===============================
This….
“So a good majority complain about aging 30 year old players, it is getting older as a team, and the Yanks start to ponder about going with a 20ish year old at catcher in Romine – but now everyone wants the 36 year old veteran – – – – if you are going to talk the talk, you better be ready to walk the walk – – -”
Rookie catchers are kinda different than rookie other players….plus Romine has back problems.
ajp makes sense for 2 years… gary sanchez should be ready then . austin is not the answer but could be our back up catcher for years for aj now then gary
No doubt that Youkilis is a great ball player with a lot of intangibles…But he is also breaking down, and putting him to play a very demanding position when he clearly can’t anymore is asking a lot from him… Let’s hope he stays healthy
So a good majority complain about aging 30 year old players, it is getting older as a team, and the Yanks start to ponder about going with a 20ish year old at catcher in Romine – but now everyone wants the 36 year old veteran – – – – if you are going to talk the talk, you better be ready to walk the walk – –
—
You realize Romine hit .213/.296/.393 in AAA last season right?
Age doesn’t matter, I want good players.
…But he is also breaking down, and putting him to play a very demanding position when he clearly can’t anymore
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they think he can. he will bounce back and girardi will rest him…
yankee fans will slobber over youk like they did with oneill…just wait till he beats the sox opening day with a basehit in the 9th.
Edwin Jackson 4 years $52 Million. As George once said, It’s not the cost of the superstar that will ruin the game it’s the price of the mediocre player.
Later folks
An AJP/Romine platoon would be good…..it would give AJP enough rest and Romine enough playing time to learn the craft in the bigs
AndrewMarchand profile
AndrewMarchand Jeter called mother of slain Newtown teacher espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/s…
blake December 20th, 2012 at 10:56 am
“has there ever been a report that he had trouble with teammates?”
Not really….I think he got in a fight one time with somebody but who cares….I like fiery players
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Remember when Jorgie got into it with El Duque?? LMAO
I don’t think they are bluffing about catching. They don’t want to add another $10M to this year’s payroll. I think that would put it above last year. AROD’s injury totally screwed up the budget. I would have rather use the money for Pierzynski.
Patrick, Romine didn’t hit any better in the AFL either. He looked acceptable defensively in my limited exposure to him, but I very much question whther he will hit much at all.
mick December 20th, 2012 at 10:58 am
How do you know how much he tweets?
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almost caught me ? ever look at the side of this page?
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Lol, you like twitter you just won’t admit it
why would i like twitter?
Pville says:
December 20, 2012 at 11:09 am
Edwin Jackson 4 years $52 Million. As George once said, It’s not the cost of the superstar that will ruin the game it’s the price of the mediocre player.
In the Yankees case its the cost of the ex superstar that ruining them….
Blake,
The Pierzynski/Romine platoon would work well as a lefty righty platoon and allow Romine to get some MLB experience. I think they are about tapped out on money and will spend what they have left on a right handed platoon outfielder.
mac – I don’t even get how Arod’s injury could have messed with the budget though.. unless they thought Arod would catch more than 100 games this year? There’s no way they could have penciled him in for more than that so they had to know they’d need someone to man that post for more than 1/3 of the season already….
I don’t think they are bluffing about catching. They don’t want to add another $10M to this year’s payroll. I think that would put it above last year. AROD’s injury totally screwed up the budget. I would have rather use the money for Pierzynski.”
They have to be….they can’t spend over 60 million on all these one year deals and have no catcher….it just makes no sense…..you could be right but I certainly hope not
In the Yankees case its the cost of the ex superstar that ruining them….
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don’t worry , there will come a day when we have no big contracts.
and long term ex superstars
the catching issue is huge.
to further improve our farm system i see grandy traded for prospects
@AndrewMarchand: Jeter once told me how awkward it is to try to console someone dealing with such grief http://t.co/fmNNVGhw
mick – Because everyone loves something to complain about on a regular basis
Really awesome that Jeter reached out to her family… always been a class act. Even non-Yanks fans have to respect the guy. We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team. Because lord knows who will play shortstop after that, haha.
mick says:
December 20, 2012 at 11:17 am
to further improve our farm system i see grandy traded for prospects
I think they’ll have to get a bat to replace him first….they’ve spent too much money in one year deals to trade away 40 homers for the 2013 lineup without replacement
mick December 20th, 2012 at 11:17 am
to further improve our farm system i see grandy traded for prospects
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A lot of us think this makes sense but who will they replace Grandy with (assuming Gardner is moved to center)? I just don’t see them making a huge splash at this point plus there really isn’t anybody out on the FA market besides Swish. Maybe they can get Morse…
“Really awesome that Jeter reached out to her family… always been a class act. Even non-Yanks fans have to respect the guy. We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team. Because lord knows who will play shortstop after that, haha.”
Probably the same guy that’s played catcher since Jorge retired…..ghost man
I have one question. If the Yanks let Martin (Munson like) go then who is safe? And who could replace a legend like that?
Actually almost anyone. I think Romine will do fine. I too think the Yanks need to use the youngsters more.
Shame,
I think they had AROD penciled in as regular 3B–120 games–and then some DH. They were going to try to squeeze value from him.
My disappointment is, simply from viewing statistics, Adams looks far more ready to contribute than any other minor leaguer next year. They push him out and look to Romine whom they don’t think is ready. Confusing.
The cost of free agents will likely be higher in 2014 than this year as inflation always seems the case. That doesn’t appear to be a practical way to fill out the roster then. I don’t know where the roster will come from if not the minors. This better be the most successful minor league developmental year they have ever had.
Delmon Young is the guy who has been consistent for the role we are looking to be filled. Right handed outfield bat against left handed pitchers.
I don’t trust Scott Hairston coming off of one big season with the Mets.
Young vs lefties the past few seasons are.
.308 AVG, .333 OBP, .500 SLG, .833 OPS in 2012
.301 AVG, .338 OBP, .421 SLG, .759 OPS in 2011
.312 AVG, .366 OBP, .561 SLG, .927 OPS in 2010
.310 AVG, .321 OBP, .512 SLG, .833 OPS in 2009
That is consistency and shows what to expect.
We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team.
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What!!??!! He’s asking for another 5 year deal…
mick December 20th, 2012 at 11:22 am
We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team.
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What!!??!! He’s asking for another 5 year deal…
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Ha! Give him whatever he wants.
I just don’t see them making a huge splash at this point plus there really isn’t anybody out on the FA market besides Swish. Maybe they can get Morse…
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It’s still early, whatever is left teams are letting their prices drop, not just cashman….there can still be trades
Tyler December 20th, 2012 at 11:19 am
Really awesome that Jeter reached out to her family… always been a class act. Even non-Yanks fans have to respect the guy. We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team. Because lord knows who will play shortstop after that, haha.
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I think the most interesting thing GLove posted yesterday was regarding talk of ‘the next Jeter contract.’
blake December 20th, 2012 at 11:21 am
“Really awesome that Jeter reached out to her family… always been a class act. Even non-Yanks fans have to respect the guy. We need to all just cherish the few years he has left on the team. Because lord knows who will play shortstop after that, haha.”
Probably the same guy that’s played catcher since Jorge retired…..ghost man
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Maybe by that time the system will have some batting talent in the upper levels, haha.
austinmac December 20th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Shame,
I think they had AROD penciled in as regular 3B–120 games–and then some DH. They were going to try to squeeze value from him.
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If that is true… then they are even more inept at evaluating their own players than a bunch of no-nothing LoHud posters, because that is insane. They only had him on pace to play 100 last year before the injury…. they are dumb dumbs.
Future SS ?
Just clone Jeter.
Simple.
jeter should retire someday then become yankee mgr.
Who are these no-nothing LoHud posters I keep reading so much about?
Maybe by that time the system will have some batting talent in the upper levels, haha.
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I like that you add ‘haha’ because this really is a joke
I hate when the Yankees give me the sads
Jeter should retire in a few more years and buy the Yankees.
Ray,
You and others act as if some board members overvalue Martin. I think we see him as an average major league catcher, with some power. It is not we believe him to be Munsonesque, It is we see the career major and minor league reocrds of the other options and they cannot be expected to be an adequate MLB catcher.
We all hope Romind is the answer, but since his back issues his bat has been extremely weak. His bat was less productive in AAA and the AFL than Martin was in the majors. I don’t know how it is not a very likely significant drop off in catcher performance unless Romine has a big turnaround.
Shame-
This year is going to be really interesting in regards to Jeter’s next contract. I believe he has a player option for ’14 which is about 8 mil. But I’m pretty sure I remember reading that he could get a hefty pay raise if he finishes at a certain number in the AL MVP race or wins a Gold Glove etc. If he has close to the same year he did last year it will definitely make an interesting (and another potentially awkward) negotiation. 2 years in a row at .300 + is going to make it tough for the Yanks especially for a 40 year old SS who we expect to fall off at some point (although he is Derek Jeter).
Hassey December 20th, 2012 at 11:28 am
Who are these no-nothing LoHud posters I keep reading so much about?
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The six of us that keep complaining on here!!
RayVT December 20th, 2012 at 11:21 am
I have one question. If the Yanks let Martin (Munson like) go then who is safe? And who could replace a legend like that?
Actually almost anyone.
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Tyler – According to GLove the FO isn’t going to ‘trust Cash’ with the next Jeter negotiations since he botched it last time. I dunno if by botched it they mean that he gave him too much money or that he let it go public/get a bit ugly or whatever… I assume it’s the latter.
Either way, I didn’t imagine them thinking they would have him beyond the 2014 season… so I guess it’s good to know they’re thinking ahead on some level lol.
@YankeeSource
Goosebumps. RT @Lrs145 Casey McGehee possibly to the NPB. Excited?
Shame-
Yeah can’t argue with any of that.. I have no idea how those negotiations would play out since I think it would be almost unprecedented to have a guy who can still play SS and hit .300 at the age of 40. Just can’t imagine (and don’t want to imagine) him playing for any other team. Just look at how the air got taken out of the Stadium at game 1 ALCS this year… he’s the heart and soul!
Pretty amazing to see three guys like Jeter, Mo, and Ichiro on the same team.
Like a Mt. Rushmore of baseball.
Might even say “Monumental”.
Anyway you look at it, the Yankee management has made conscious decisions to field a mediocre team. I don’t know if it will be worth watching. I attended one game this year in Chicago when the Yankees were in a stretch of particularly bad baseball–it wasn’t pleasant at all.
The days of arod playing 3b are over.
This is why they are considering moving austin to 3b.
We could of traded granderson for a 3b prospect,signed hamilton, not needed youk,if that 3b prospect is ready now,so we lose youk’s,and grandersons 25 million,replace it with hamiltons 25 million,but we solved the 3b problem.and we have hamilton for 5 years,wich is a relatively safe contract.
2014 is going to be ugly.
Trading cano,even though it is very hard,would solve a few other problems,because we might not need to sign ichiro,a catcher,etc…
Simply put,i would of traded granderson,and cano for a 3b prospect,at least 1,or 2 high end pitching prospects,and maybe one,or 2 position prospects,figure 3 top prospect,minimum for the two of them.
Hamilton would of covered a lot of the lost offense alone,but we are in much better shape going forward.
Don’t forget the tax for the yankees,i believe goes to 50% in 2013,but the lt threshhold stays at 178,before climbing to 189 in 2014.
If our prospects can’t cover a lot of positions in 2014,we are in trouble filling all the roster spots with less than 115 million.
We might need 4 pitchers alone,depending on how nova,and phelps do.
A ss,3b,4 pitchers,dh,1 outfielder,c,bench,etc.,now add cano,and his 25 million.
Down to 95 million,probably a lot less.
Signing hamilton after trading cano,and granderson would of allowed us to pull off trading cano.
I am excited about heathcott,williams,austin,adams,etc..,and hope they make it in time.
@JonHeymanCBS: Polanco heading to #marlins. Makes sense. Need a 3b.
I hope we get to see a little of Austin, Heathcott, Williams, Flores and Sanchez in the spring. I would like to see them in a few games.
blake December 20th, 2012 at 11:48 am
@JonHeymanCBS: Polanco heading to #marlins. Makes sense. Need a 3b.
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Trade them A-Rod! Oh wait….
Nice to see williams starting to hit now.
Should be ready.
We need a nice year from our farm system.
Sanchez,austin,williams,heathcott,adams,joseph,etc…
Don’t forget our pitching prospects also.
I predict Ramon Flores, who has a pretty sophisticated approach at the plate from all reports, will be the first of the Class A guys to make the Yankees. His stats compared pretty favorably with Abreau in th minors.
Of course, now that I have said that he will probably be traded today.
http://mlb.mlb.com/nyy/fan_for.....-492722150
Austinmac, Flores is a very advanced hitter. FTR, he joined AA at the end of the season and did not look overmatched. Also showed some nice pop.
New post ->
Yes, we still need a righty swinging outfielder, and a catcher. As for DH, Ibanez was very good in ’12 and had a postseason for the ages in pinstripes. They need to resign him, platoon him with Nunez at DH until ARod gets back. By then Gardner will probably be injured again, so he can platoon in left.