Hairston signed, Upton traded: Right-handed outfield market looking thin
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 24, 2013 
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You know who’s having a great winter? Ken Rosenthal. He and his teammate, Jon Paul Morosi, over at FOX Sports have been on top of everything this offseason. But, assuming you don’t care much about the media scorecard, here’s why it crossed my mind today: It was Rosenthal who reported last night that Scott Hairston was off the market, and it was Rosenthal who reported this morning that the Braves were close to a trade for Justin Upton.
With that, a thin right-handed outfield market is looking even thinner.
Upton and Mike Morse have been traded — not to the Yankees, obviously — and Giancarlo Stanton has always appeared to be more of a pipe dream than a realistic target. Brian Cashman might have a surprise up his sleeve, but right now the trade market doesn’t have any obvious targets left.
A little less than three weeks ago, Hairston headlined a group of 10 free agent outfielders who I singled out as potential right-handed options for the Yankees. Now that Hairston has signed, only three of those original 10 remain:
Jeff Baker
Coming off a bad year, but he’s hit .296/.344/.498 against lefties in his career. If you can overlook his 2012 struggles, he was still awfully good against lefties in 2011 and 2010. Can play second and third if necessary.
Carlos Lee
Might be overly generous to say he’s still an outfielder. Slugged just .298 against lefties last year, but as recently as 2011 he hit .348/.413/.615 against lefties.
Juan Rivera
Power numbers have been slipping in recent years, but Rivera still hit .260/.312/.433 against lefties last season. He’s a career .285/.332/.488 hitter against them. The Dodgers primarily used him at first base last year.
If the Yankees can’t find a more proven solution, it seems that at least one of Matt Diaz (veteran signed to a minor league deal), Russ Canzler (claimed off waivers) or Thomas Neal (young guy on a minor league deal) will have to win a roster spot this spring. In-house minor leaguers Melky Mesa, Zoilo Almonte and Ronnier Mustelier could also get a long look, despite the fact none of those three has a full year of Triple-A experience (Mustelier came close last year).
Mac -
I agree with your assessment which is why I would have spent this winter dealing Cano, Granderson and Hughes to get young players under contract.
Yes, the Yankees likely would have taken a step back in 2013 in doing so, but not nearly as large as a step back as the one they’ll take in 2014 when they lose these guys anyway and only get marginal draft picks in return.
As for the RH OF market – my guess is that they’ll hold with where they’re at – the options who are available now will likely be available once camp opens. I think the same holds true with the catching market.
There are also probably guys on other teams who are out of options and will be made available.
Know who would have been a good fit – Justin Maxwell.
I’m just saying.
Where did Hairston sign?
Did i miss that?
@DKnobler: Justin Upton says he’ll be happy to play LF, with Heyward staying in RF
Ken Tremendous ?@KenTremendous
“Are you gay?” “Far from it!” (audience laughs) “I’m CRAZY straight!” (audience cheers.) “Gay people are TERRIBLE!” (standing ovation)
jacksquat January 24th, 2013 at 3:09 pm
Tyler January 24th, 2013 at 2:50 pm
Shame-
I agree. I think Towers is a good GM. This stuff seems a little out of character for him.. has to have been heavily influenced by the AZ owner. Gibson’s managerial style (if the reports are true) could lead to his demise however.
—
Why does Cashman almost never get this benefit of the doubt here?
How about Youkilis and Ichiro were signed because Hal/Hank/Levine saw big names and Cashman didn’t have anything to do with those signings?
——————————————————————–
Where did I mention Cashman in what I said? I think that Cashman has been handicapped this offseason by the budget limitations. It’s all speculation.. My one major complaint about Cashman has been the state of the minor league system since he got full control… Is it better? Yes. Has it made a major impact on the big league club? Not really…. all the top guys are still at least a year away or hurt.
ac1 says:
January 24, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Where did Hairston sign?
Did i miss that?
Cubs
@Buster_ESPN: W/Upton trade, Accuscore calculations has ATL’s chances of winning its division climbing from 24.2% to 37%. AZ sinks from 23.8% to 15.8%.
“I agree with your assessment which is why I would have spent this winter dealing Cano, Granderson and Hughes to get young players under contract.”
This is a decision that was likely out of Cashman’s hand, but that’s understandable give the stakes.
On the flip side, I don’t trust Cashman to make the right deals. Maybe Hal doesn’t either.
Cubs? Whoa he got his two years…. How did i miss that?
Maxwell, Soriano… Manny…
Patrick January 24th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Ken Tremendous ?@KenTremendous
“Are you gay?” “Far from it!” (audience laughs) “I’m CRAZY straight!” (audience cheers.) “Gay people are TERRIBLE!” (standing ovation)
—————–
It’s like an episode of South Park featuring Tom Cruise….
@Ken_Rosenthal: Why did the #Diamondbacks trade Justin Upton? We have our answer. Column: http://t.co/EoKh0NBP #Braves
Shame-
If you call a crooked judge fleecing the Blues than yes. Blues fans are still bitter and in search of that 1st Cup. Only hurts more that Stevens himself won 3
If you want a certain type of player, it’s probably long past time to look in the mirror in order to question whether or not the problem is looking back at you.
Cash got cut down by new ownership.. after the last two off seasons I can’t imagine him staying with the team for much longer.
I dunno what info Levine has on the Steins, but they love the guy.
I wish Levine would put his grubby paws to work on increasing the working budget, rather than at spending what budget they have on whatever he fancies
“I dunno what info Levine has on the Steins, but they love the guy.”
He makes them money. At least that’s probably how they view it. He used to work for Guiliani and was instrumental in getting the NYS built on favorable terms.
“I can’t imagine him staying with the team for much longer.”
…
Soriano\Cubs is a RH option.
JF,
Great wish on Levine. Time for him to take out the photos of Hal, or more likely, Hank.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
@Ken_Rosenthal: Why did the #Diamondbacks trade Justin Upton? We have our answer. Column: http://t.co/EoKh0NBP #Braves
———-
I don’t really disagree, but I think this is a lame article. The Giants have just won 2 World Series (on the back of incredible pitching), with gritty-type lineups (but, they do have Posey). It’s an article without analysis, just pushing the “common sense.”
It will be interesting to see how the Dbacks play out. Towers does seem to have a specific, untraditional, vision. He’ll either be proven right or wrong.
Its clear Levine has considerable power in the Yankee hierarchy, but he is using it for evil instead of good
DONNYBROOK says:
January 24, 2013 at 3:49 pm
Soriano\Cubs is a RH option.
Sadly
Something I was thinking about when looking back as more and more guys get signed or acquired by Not The Yankees.
Early in the offseason, I was against signing guys like Scott Hairston. At the time I was under the delusion that the Yankees could fill the roster with players better than him. Instead we are going into the season where Chris Stewart, Russ Canzler, Dan Johnson, and whoever else could receive considerable playing time.
Its a nightmare scenario. If they are not going to get someone better, why NOT sign Scott Hairston?
Not overly impressed with what the D-Backs got for Upton. We’ll see how it plays out but it seems like the Yankees could have matched that offer. I guess they don’t really have a Prado type they could have included, but I’m underwhelmed by that package overall. Especially if Prado ends up not signing an extension with AZ.
Dan Johnson’s nickname “The Great Pumpkin” is actually kind of awesome. Well done, Rays fans.
Tyler January 24th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Shame-
If you call a crooked judge fleecing the Blues than yes. Blues fans are still bitter and in search of that 1st Cup. Only hurts more that Stevens himself won 3
——————-
Lol, he was pretty pissed about it at first but I think the Cups eased the blow.
Shame Spencer January 24th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
How about Youkilis and Ichiro were signed because Hal/Hank/Levine saw big names and Cashman didn’t have anything to do with those signings?
—————-
We do talk about that. We’ve been talking about the factions in the FO all off season and not one of them is innocent or guilty as they’re all contributing to some portion of the problem.
And I’ve never seen people get more offended by stuff than white people when discussing racism which is the ultimate irony. I was in North Carolina with my friend because she was playing basketball in a tourney down there.. we went into a KFC and the girl behind the counter asked me for my order and without even missing a beat said ‘and I’m sure your n*gger friend wants an order fried chicken’ (my friend is black, obviously). I have an appreciation for the fact that I have never and will never be treated that way based on an inherent advantage.
—
Well, that’s terrible (and I can’t believe that employee was not fired on the spot), but it’s not my intent to compare levels of offense. I don’t think that takes away my right to be offended if the “racist” word is unfairly being thrown around.
People should be able to say that they think Cano should run to first base harder without the conversation suddenly turning to latino’s and laziness.
I think Soriano would be a huge threat in our lineup….
I know it seems like he is declining, but he is a huge threat behind cano.
“Its a nightmare scenario. If they are not going to get someone better, why NOT sign Scott Hairston?”
It’s really curious….either they really do have something better in mind for there and catcher or they simply have just left the table as mentioned this morning…..I don’t know what they are doing to be honest
Its a nightmare scenario. If they are not going to get someone better, why NOT sign Scott Hairston?
—————
Too much money, too many years.
I don’t think they’re going to add anyone that won’t be playing in SWB.
If you call someone the “n” word to their face, your penalty shouldn’t stop at being fired.
Soriano would go on the 2014 payroll though….Theo woukd need to eat most of the contract
@WhitlockJason
I’m back to feeling sorry for Manti… Whatever the truth is, this is sad. A young man is getting destroyed right before our eyes.
————–
Me too
According to Mel Kiper’s current draft board his ranking hasn’t dropped.
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 3:41 pm
“I agree with your assessment which is why I would have spent this winter dealing Cano, Granderson and Hughes to get young players under contract.”
This is a decision that was likely out of Cashman’s hand, but that’s understandable give the stakes.
On the flip side, I don’t trust Cashman to make the right deals. Maybe Hal doesn’t either.
————-
I think you’re giving Hal more credit than he deserves. I don’t think he really cares all that much about how the Yankees reach the $189.
I think the hangup comes from Randy Levine who, like George, doesn’t believe that the New York fan base would support a Yankee team that’s comprised of young players – it’s the big city and he wants the big names. I think if Levine had his choice he would have signed Hamilton (remember the Soriano deal was his brain child because he felt the Yankees needed to do “something”). So you have a team president who doesn’t want prospects but doesn’t have the money to acquire big name talent.
My issue with Cashman is that he’s always felt slighted; that he doesn’t get credit for the fact that the Yankees have been a dynasty under his stewardship – that their successes are thanks to George’s wallet being able to cover for his failures (Igawa, Contreras, Mondesi). So he wanted to prove he could run a team on a budget. He wanted total farm oversight and the problem is that he is bad at that.
He handed over control of the organization’s pitching (what he calls “the keys to the kingdom”) to a colossal incompetent in Nardi Contreras, a decision that may have ruined Joba Chamberlain and Dellin Betances and potentially Manny Banuelos and probably cost them Jesus Montero as well (if Joba’s the front end starter he’s supposed to have been then the Yankees don’t trade Montero for Pineda).
He’s got one of the most passive farm systems I’ve ever seen – seeming to prefer washed up ML fringe players in AAA rather than promoting prospects (Why were guys like Fukudome and Kevin Russo playing the second half for Scranton rather than promoting kids like Adams and Almonte?)
He did not take advantage of the organization’s ability to spend by loading up on international free agents or high end players who slipped due to signability in the draft (and now he can’t). His last few first round picks have all been reaches.
So you have a guy who doesn’t know baseball trying to run baseball operations (Levine) a guy who doesn’t know how to run a farm system, trying to build from within (Cashman) and an organization that doesn’t know which way to go.
Essentially what Hal needs to do is fire both Levine and Cashman and find great baseball people who have worked on a team with a budget to come in and run the organization. If you don’t want to spend more money on the field, spend it in the front office and in the scouting department to get the very best to come in, with unbiased eyes, to see who are the keepers and who are not.
Well, that’s terrible (and I can’t believe that employee was not fired on the spot), but it’s not my intent to compare levels of offense. I don’t think that takes away my right to be offended if the “racist” word is unfairly being thrown around.
People should be able to say that they think Cano should run to first base harder without the conversation suddenly turning to latino’s and laziness.
——————–
Well yeah.. you used a personal example of why you’re not racist (you voted for Obama) and I’m just using one that illustrates that racism is still a really big issue and people are only ‘sensitive’ about it because they deal with crap like that on the regular.
Cano is NOT the only player to loaf to first base (I’ve seen every player on our team do it)… but he’s the one that gets singled out very often.
No one is saying you’re a racist for calling him out on it. Again, we’re all commenting about a much higher level of racism, not that which exists at an individual level. It is very common for players that are minorities to be referred to as having attitude or work ethic issues, that’s all we’re saying.
Jerkface January 24th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Its a nightmare scenario. If they are not going to get someone better, why NOT sign Scott Hairston?
—————
The only thing I can say is – if you’re going to have bad players; better to have cheap bad players than expensive ones.
I thought that there was no way that Te’o wasn’t in on this when the story first broke but it’s looking more and more like a catfish situation to me. I don’t think it’s going to hurt his position on a Kiper Board but there could be a few teams that question him continuing to lie about this even when he found out (although it was a difficult situation). I read one GM that said he’d have no problem picking a criminal but a person that lies is a different story. Still, the Bama game is what will cost him millions. Not this hoax.
He’s got one of the most passive farm systems I’ve ever seen – seeming to prefer washed up ML fringe players in AAA rather than promoting prospects (Why were guys like Fukudome and Kevin Russo playing the second half for Scranton rather than promoting kids like Adams and Almonte?)
—————–
This is the stuff I really don’t get… how many players that we’ve acquired are going to be in Scranton this year??!
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
If you call someone the “n” word to their face, your penalty shouldn’t stop at being fired.
——-
Around here, only blacks are allowed to do that. A black friend and I were discussing what to do with a shed in my back yard, and his comment was: “Tear that n-rigged thing down and start over!” He knew who built it in the first place.
As long as Te’o doesn’t face players as good as Alabamas in the NFL he will be fine.
The only thing I can say is – if you’re going to have bad players; better to have cheap bad players than expensive ones.
–
The problem is that their cheap bad players are much WORSE!
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
As long as Te’o doesn’t face players as good as Alabamas in the NFL he will be fine.
————————————————————————————-
Yeah unfortunately Eddie Lacy is a real person and not a hoax.
Cano is not the only one, no one said he was, but people are going to expect more from him because he is one of the best all around players on the team, he gets paid a lot now (and a lot more if they keep him), and he tends to trot to 1B seemingly more than some others.
And I don’t even think he is “lazy”, I think he just gives up too easily and doesn’t consider that he could get a few more hits a year if he ran faster.
I hope Upton shoves it right back in Tower’s and Gibson’s faces with an all-star type season.
What a crock of sh*t. Just because the guy doesn’t crash into walls they think he isn’t playing hard, or effectively.
Reminds me of the Cano is “lazy” talk, or Girardi’s apparent obsession with light-hitting good D catchers.
What a bunch of fools.
Their RH options right now are Matt Diaz & Russ Canzler. You wouldn’t pay 2 million dollars to have a player that actually played, and well, last year?
“Yeah unfortunately Eddie Lacy is a real person and not a hoax.”
Adrian Peterson is real!
Cano is not the only one, no one said he was,
–
Well actually yes, a lot of people do say that he is, or he is simply part of a group of lazy players that also happen to share similar skin tones
That is the issue.
Chip
It’s not about credit or blame; it’s about ownership’s responsibility to determine the future of their best player.
If you’re right about Levine’s attitude, and you may be, that issue will be resolved shortly as the budget either is or isn’t implemented.
The Yankees were a dynasty because of what Stick did, not Cashman, and that was cemented by George’s ability to keep and add to the core by increasingly spending more.
If Cashman can’t accept that reality, then he shouldn’t have been cashing all those big checks. But every time his contract has been up, his acolytes in the media, like Olney, report leaks about Cashman’s friends saying that he has finally had enough, and voila a new contract at more money.
Yes, that he stayed with Contreras so long is a huge indictment of his judgment.
“He did not take advantage of the organization’s ability to spend by loading up on international free agents or high end players who slipped due to signability in the draft (and now he can’t). His last few first round picks have all been reaches.”
So you have a guy who doesn’t know baseball trying to run baseball operations (Levine) a guy who doesn’t know how to run a farm system, trying to build from within (Cashman) and an organization that doesn’t know which way to go.”
True.
Levine is staying, imo. Cashman will go at some point. The problem, as I see it, is that they will hire an even worse GM, like Eppler, who will work cheap.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
“Yeah unfortunately Eddie Lacy is a real person and not a hoax.”
Adrian Peterson is real!
———————————————————–
So we think… I think he’s not human after last season.
So we think… I think he’s not human after last season.”
He may not be….
“Around here, only blacks are allowed to do that. A black friend and I were discussing what to do with a shed in my back yard, and his comment was: “Tear that n-rigged thing down and start over!” He knew who built it in the first place.”
I have heard people of every ethnic group say things about their own that would trigger a fight if said by someone from another group.
There is an issue with the “n” world that is subcultural, for example, its usage in hip hop music, but I don’t know enough about that to comment intelligently.
Rich,
The problem is, I built it!
The Yankees are very close to last year’s payroll. I would not be surprised if ownership has a strict payroll limit in place and even a guy like Hairston for 2/6 is not allowed.
They have spent money, but not in a wise manner at all. They apparently “ran out of money” without having a 4th OF, any DH at all, and have a few backup catchers and a questionable prospect for catchers. I have to think this bad allocation of funds has something to do with ownership meddling, because I think Cashman is a little smarter than that, at least.
And I don’t even think he is “lazy”, I think he just gives up too easily and doesn’t consider that he could get a few more hits a year if he ran faster.
——————————————————————-
Cano is not fast. He can put his head down and pump his arms all he wants, he’s still slow.
And for those of you who are still hanging to the slender thread that says Cashman has something still up his sleeve.
I wish you luck with that.
Because there is nothing up there but his arm and his empty hand.
Cano was an 8 WAR player last year…..if he does that again I don’t care if he cartwheels to 1B
tom
Damn. I know the feeling. I had to get a mason a few months ago to fix my lame attempt.
Jack-
A lot of the Yankees allocations this OS were strange to say the least.
I’m feeling a rudderless ship moving thru the water, or too many Captains as you say.
Whatever the cause that part sucks.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
Cano was an 8 WAR player last year…..if he does that again I don’t care if he cartwheels to 1B
—
Yeah, that’s why I also don’t make a big deal about the running/diving stuff.
No Upton?
Look on the bright side, at least our team is not being renamed as the “Pelicans”
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/20.....ogo-leaked
But Tex loafs to first all the time and gets paid more than Cano and we don’t hear about it as much. Not from you, specifically, squat, but just in general.
And of course black people can say the n-word lol. That white people invented it to demean and now get mad/offended when it’s used by black people is the ultimate of ironies. My uncle is that way.. he thinks no one should say it lol. I’m like ‘I use the word b*tch on the regular, but ask any of my ex-boyfriends what happened when THEY called me one!’ (spoiler alert: they became my ex. Shame don’t play.)
Tyler January 24th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
And I don’t even think he is “lazy”, I think he just gives up too easily and doesn’t consider that he could get a few more hits a year if he ran faster.
——————————————————————-
Cano is not fast. He can put his head down and pump his arms all he wants, he’s still slow.
—————
Sometimes he reminds me of….Jorge on the bases
I’m always like, ‘how is this guy such a good athlete?!’ His legs look like tree trunks.
Before you hate on the Pelicans, watch the Youtube video of a Pelican eating a pigeon…. those things are vicious.
So now that we are not getting any young, dynamic upgrades to our team can we just start the season.
Why care anyway ? Guys like JU come along all the time. They’re a dime a dozen.
Shame-
My favorite thing was when announcers would call Cano fast or that he has good speed during the first 3-4 years of his career. I don’t know how they could say that unless they just anticipated he would be like Jose Reyes lol.
Rich -
The disaster scenario is that Cashman gets fired and Levine stays. Look no further than Boston to find what happens to an organization when the GM leaves and ownership is disinterested.
Levine would almost certainly install a puppet GM like Luccino did with Cherrington and then make even worse decisions.
Cano doesn’t have to be fast. He does just about everything else in a superior fashion.
What if the Braves now went and offered Teheran for Olt
Shame Spencer January 24th, 2013 at 4:05 pm
He’s got one of the most passive farm systems I’ve ever seen – seeming to prefer washed up ML fringe players in AAA rather than promoting prospects (Why were guys like Fukudome and Kevin Russo playing the second half for Scranton rather than promoting kids like Adams and Almonte?)
—————–
This is the stuff I really don’t get… how many players that we’ve acquired are going to be in Scranton this year??!
—————–
That’s right – assuming they don’t make the team out of spring training what is the point in having Matt Diaz or Jayson Nix or Dan Johnson in Scranton? So that they can sit there all year like Russ Branyan and Jack Cust did last year? Wouldn’t Johnson’s at bats be better going to Luke Murton or giving Nix’s to Mazurak and seeing if maybe he could be a major league utility player?
Chip
That’s possible, maybe even probable, but Levine, for all his faults, has to have some clue about something, right? He’s a self-made guy has far as I know. So maybe he looks to hire an experienced GM who has had success building from within, but would now be able to supplement that with increasing purchasing power?
I want to be optimistic…
Cano is not fast, but he’s not as slow as Posada.
And Tyler, by “try to run faster”, I meant within his ability. Also, my reply to you earlier was more of a question to the board in general.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:28 pm
What if the Braves now went and offered Teheran for Olt
—————
Why? Chris Johnson will be fine for them over there.
jack-
I hear what you’re saying. But I think I just tend to look at the broader picture and if it keeps him healthier and fresher, it’s fine with me. I do love players that bust it up the line at all times though. One of the many reasons I really like Jeter.
I figured it was a broader question earlier since it didn’t really fully address my post, lol.
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Chip
That’s possible, maybe even probable, but Levine, for all his faults, has to have some clue about something, right? He’s a self-made guy has far as I know. So maybe he looks to hire an experienced GM who has had success building from within, but would now be able to supplement that with increasing purchasing power?
I want to be optimistic…
————–
He’s a business guy – not a baseball guy.
Worst thing that happened to Yankee fans is the marriage between Steve Swindal and Jennifer Steinbrenner fell apart. He was the guy who was supposed to take over for George. He was invested in the team – far more than either of the brothers were and, by all accounts, was a baseball guy.
Mr. MTU,
I was never fast as a player, but, man, every coach I ever had would chew me out for not legging it out on a ground ball, and yes, I did get some extra, even if cheap, hits by doing it. Of course, I wasn’t playing 159 games a season.
“He’s a business guy – not a baseball guy.”
Sure, but he doesn’t do his own tax returns, I would think. So he must know something about delegating.
Sell to Cuban.
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
“He’s a business guy – not a baseball guy.”
Sure, but he doesn’t do his own tax returns, I would think. So he must know something about delegating.
Sell to Cuban.
———————
Yeah but there’s an ego thing to it too…he wants to run the show now that George is gone. Take Cashman out of the picture and you’ll have him writing out contracts on a napkin at Malio’s in Tampa like the Boss used to do.
@DKnobler
Towers on Justin Upton: “He played hard. No negatives.”
I wish Hal would consider selling, but it makes no sense for him to do so – the Yankees are a gold mine; he can sit back, focus on the hotels and collect the checks.
@JeffPassan: Towers on Upton: “He’s got potential to be a superstar. … Here in Arizona was probably going to become difficult bc of all the pressure.”
Lol
Chip,
You are on your game today. Your 4:02 was spot on. Would it be too much to ask to have some real planning by people good at what they do? I keep coming back to the word, foresight. I see none.
Free Hank!!!!!!!
Blake -
There’s pressure in Arizona?
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
“He’s a business guy – not a baseball guy.”
Sure, but he doesn’t do his own tax returns, I would think. So he must know something about delegating.
Sell to Cuban
———————————————————————-
I like Cuban’s passion but his Mavs team has sure gone down quickly since that Championship. I just want a super rich guy who’s willing to spend money but designate the real baseball decisions to solid baseball people. Then I’m happy. Not a huge fan of owners interfering… usually turns out badly.
“Why? Chris Johnson will be fine for them over there.”
He’s ok at best….not really a long term fix
If their was pressure it was ownership created
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on Upton: “He’s got potential to be a superstar. … Here in Arizona was probably going to become difficult bc of all the pressure.”
Lol
—————
Yes that was obviously the problem.. all that ‘pressure’ on the Diamondbacks to win.
I wish we were the real Yankees right now. If we were the real Yankees right now I’d mock this.
@JeffPassan: Towers on perception of him and Kirk Gibson wanting a grinding-type team: “I think that’s accurate. That’s the way Gibby played the game.”
Mac -
To get that requires that you have engaged and knowledgeable ownership – The Yankees have neither right now.
Levine and Brian aren’t going to fire themselves and Hal doesn’t know enough to know what’s wrong.
This is where you actually miss the “Tampa Mafia” that George used to have. His cabal of advisers who would whisper in his ear about who was doing a good job and who wasn’t. Now, those guys weren’t exactly savants – but the only people Hal talks to about the Yankees are Levine and Cashman.
I think in all jobs people have shelf lives, where they can’t be objective because of the relationships they’ve built. We reached that point with Torre and we’re there with Brian and Levine.
The only thing this offseason that shocked me was that Brian removed Nardi. The problem is that he stopped there. I know he likes Newman and Oppenheimer and Eppler – and to some extent all of those guys have done a good job – but they’ve also failed in self scouting and haven’t developed a standout player for this team in 8 years.
Rich, I believe you are a lawyer. You’re approach, as a fellow lawyer, makes me chuckle as I appreciate it. Plus, you are on the proper side of thought.
No pressure in Atlanta? They are contenders…
Towers is probably just trying to not say anything negative and just get it over with (and then leave for Africa).
@ajcbraves: Upton on moving to LF so Heyward can play RF “He’s a Gold Glover. He’s got hardware. He can stay in right field. I’ll make the adjustment. ”
So selfish….
MLB won’t let Cuban into the ownership fraternity.
@JeffPassan: Towers on Upton: “Sometimes people’s mannerisms and the way they carry themselves — they might not perceive him as the grinder-type.”
Wow
Still can’t believe Justin Upton and Heyward are in the same outfield. Can we just magically throw in Mike Trout and call it a day?
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on Upton: “Sometimes people’s mannerisms and the way they carry themselves — they might not perceive him as the grinder-type.”
Wow
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Maybe Towers isn’t as good as I thought, lol. This seriously reeks of him just serving as the mouthpiece of ownership. Something is wrong here. Seriously wrong.
“Maybe Towers isn’t as good as I thought, lol. This seriously reeks of him just serving as the mouthpiece of ownership. Something is wrong here. Seriously wrong.”
Has to be….
Towers is good with pitching….. His track record with bats is less stellar
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on perception of him and Kirk Gibson wanting a grinding-type team: “I think that’s accurate. That’s the way Gibby played the game.”
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GIBBY?!
Is this an epidemic?
Tyler
Dirk got hurt and he made a mistake with Chandler. But he seems to hire good basketball people to make basketball decisions.
Wouldn’t it have been nice for the Yankees to get involved when they have a strong motivation to move him? Does Cashman have authority to even initiate discussions about Upton? He surely does not have authority to make such a deal without Hal’s blessing.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on Upton: “Sometimes people’s mannerisms and the way they carry themselves — they might not perceive him as the grinder-type.”
Wow
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That’s the type of crap that we’ve been talking about all day, btw.
“To be honest with you, I don’t care anything what the fans think of me,” Upton said. “My teammates, my coaches, they know I come here and I bust it every single day. I try to do everything I can to help this team. My teammates have my back and whatever the fans want to think, they can think. They can call me lazy. I have heard that in the outfield. They can call me washed up. Whatever they want to call me but at the end of the day I am thankful for every opportunity to come out on a baseball field and I will try my hardest every day.”
Rich in NJ January 24th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Tyler
Dirk got hurt and he made a mistake with Chandler. But he seems to hire good basketball people to make basketball decisions.
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The smartest thing anyone can do in a business is stand on the shoulders of people that know said business. Cuban understands that.
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on perception of him and Kirk Gibson wanting a grinding-type team: “I think that’s accurate. That’s the way Gibby played the game.”
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I understand as a manger or coach you want guys that fit your team and system but you can’t have an entire “grinding type team” How far do you think you’re going to get with all those players. Nothing wrong with having a balance or both and of course you get the best gift of all which is a couple of grinders with tremendous talent.
“Wouldn’t it have been nice for the Yankees to get involved when they have a strong motivation to move him? Does Cashman have authority to even initiate discussions about Upton? He surely does not have authority to make such a deal without Hal’s blessing.”
It’d make me feel better if I at least knew they tried
Rich-
I think he understands his role now more than when earlier with the Mavs. Dirk getting hurt was terrible for them but he also whiffed on Deron Williams which didn’t help. I like Cuban a lot but I can’t see Selig letting him into MLB. The Steinbrenners would still be perfect owners if they just spent the money that the team needed to be most competitive. 189 mil is still a ton of money but not when tied up primarily in 5-6 guys.
In making my Ruthian prediction, I point to Abreu as the left handed DH. If true, it’s not my fault.
Shame Spencer January 24th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
blake January 24th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@JeffPassan: Towers on perception of him and Kirk Gibson wanting a grinding-type team: “I think that’s accurate. That’s the way Gibby played the game.”
——————-
GIBBY?!
Is this an epidemic?
————————
Ppl get so stubborn when it comes to their philosophy. Don’t get me wrong some ppl are bad apples and they can spoil everything but there are others who have flaws that can be worked out. Vernon Davis for the 49ers didn’t get along with Singletary and was seen as a headache but instead of getting ride of him Davis was kept on the team and he credits Singletary for helping him become who he is today.
If I can recollect, Stanton never played a game in AAA and Bryce Harper played only 21 games in AAA. I think AA is now the launch pad for rookies while AAA is used for older players.
Now if only we could get ultra elite talent like Mike Stanton & Bryce Harper
BS.. Martin Prado should have been a nyy….
No way Juan Rivera will ever be a Yankee again. Remember Derek Jeter’s glove?
joeman says:
January 24, 2013 at 5:32 pm
BS.. Martin Prado should have been a nyy….
If we only had a Justin Upton to trade for him
Alvaro Espinosa January 24th, 2013 at 5:47 pm
No way Juan Rivera will ever be a Yankee again. Remember Derek Jeter’s glove?
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just for reference: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....rivera_ap/
I’ve saying we should see what kind of deal we can make with the Cubs for Sori. He’d bring a badly needed right handed power bat and can play the corner outfield spots as well as DH. The question is what do the Cubs want for him and what will they pay of his salary?
Hey everyone good to see some good debate without the nastiness!
That was Ruben Rivera, not Juan.
Id be ok with Soriano so long as the Yanks don’t have to give up anybody much and Theo will eat enough of the contract that it doesn’t affect 2014 too much……I don’t really think they should put more than 3 or 4 million AAV into him for 2014
Funny that the Dbacks wanted Upton to be all gritty with a thumb and Shoulder injury history …..sounds smart
Wonder if MLB is thinking about moving the Rays….Heymans tweet today said that they no longer see Tampa as a baseball area
@BNightengale: The #Braves said they were prepared to turn their attention to re-signing Michael Bourn if they couldn’t pull off a trade for Upton. #Dbacks
Comet -
I think the only way that Soriano comes to the Yankees is if the deal costs New York next to nothing in future dollars and prospects.
Even then it might be a dicey proposition. Soriano’s really just a DH but later this year and especially next year – the Yankees will have Alex at DH so where do you play Soriano at that point?
I think what the Yankees are going to do is go with the presumption that Alex is coming back and that he or Youk will be the primary DH in the second half of the season. That means that they are going to look for someone who won’t mind riding pine. Optimally, the best guy for that role would have been Eric Chavez but with him gone you have to find the next Eric Chavez. A guy who, because of injury or age, has accepted that he’s not an every day player any more. Maybe that means Travis Hafner, Jason Giambi or Jim Thome. Kelly Johnson, Casey Kotchman and Adam Kennedy could also fit the mold – and Grady Sizemore on a minor league deal wouldn’t be an awful investment.
That is actually what the owner of the Rays said to the city to try and get permission to make a new stadium on the other side of the Bay. Right now they would only consider it if it stayed in St Pete. MLB didnt actually say anything.
@CHConfidential: The Giambi brothers hold the record for most HRs in a single season by two brothers with 61 in 2002 (Jason, 41) (Jeremy, 20). #ThinkBaseball
That could be in jeapordy
“That is actually what the owner of the Rays said to the city to try and get permission to make a new stadium on the other side of the Bay. Right now they would only consider it if it stayed in St Pete. MLB didnt actually say anything.”
Oh….the tweet suggested MLB did….
Jerkface January 24th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
That is actually what the owner of the Rays said to the city to try and get permission to make a new stadium on the other side of the Bay. Right now they would only consider it if it stayed in St Pete. MLB didnt actually say anything.
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Rays and Dolphins can both thank Jeff Loria for the fact that they won’t be getting new stadiums any time soon.
I think Juan Rivera would be a good pick up as well. He can hit and although slow he can play the field. He was a Yankee once and would be a good one again. Might even get him on a minor league contract at this point.
comet January 24th, 2013 at 6:03 pm
I think Juan Rivera would be a good pick up as well. He can hit and although slow he can play the field. He was a Yankee once and would be a good one again. Might even get him on a minor league contract at this point.
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Juan’s probably the best of what’s left – but I’m not entirely sure that at his age and with his inability to play the field that he’s any better than Canzler or Mustellier.
Sternberg blamed it on mlb, but JF is right, mlb didn’t actually say anything: http://www.tampabay.com/news/l.....ea/1272064
JF,
Wanna clarify something with you. So with the new CBA the only way the Yankees will actually get revenue sharing money is if they get under 189 and also if some of the teams in the largest 15 markets actually have revenues low enough so that they would receive it? Then those teams refund the money to the payors……but if none of the biggest market teams actually get revenue sharing then the Yanks would get nothing correct?