Yankees 2006-07 offseason thread

[BIG COUNTRY]

Im pissed, anyways here's our needs:

Starting pitching
3rd baseman
Bullpen pitching
New Manager
Pitching
Balls
Pitching
Heart
I might have forgot to mention pitching

Anyways we need heart and balls the most. Im furious about that, at least go out fighting.

[AMJets]

A-Rod to the Angels for Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood
A-Rod to the Dodgers for Chad Billingsley and Andy LaRoche

Either one works for me.

[BIG COUNTRY]

A-Rod to the Angels for Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood
A-Rod to the Dodgers for Chad Billingsley and Andy LaRoche

Either one works for me.
Me too although wed need to find a real sucker to get rid off our hands. i know the Angels said in the past theyd take him, but now I doubt it.

[AMJets]

Well Moreno has promised to bring in one big time hitter, and I'm sure A-Rod out there in laid back California will go back to being the old A-Rod. Of course, in that scenario, he'll win the MVP, and single handedly beat us in the ALDS.

[Learn To Swim]

Nobody is going to give up talent for A-Rod after this.
The Yankees are going to come off as desperate if they try to trade them, and the only way they'll move him is if they bend over and take it hard.

[GreyhoundJet]

We need to get rid of Randy, Sheff, and most of our bullpen... get another new setup guy that doesn't suck.. I'm still not sold on getting rid of A-rod and I know I'll probably get smashed for that.. i just don't think anyone is going to give us anybody of his value.. im just as disgusted as you are but I would hate to give him up and get terrible value while eat most of his contract

[KurtTheJetsFan]

-A rod to the angels for Chaun Figgins and Jared Weaver.

-Decide between Cabrera and Matsui and trade the excess

- I'm not a huge Barry Zito fan. But at least he is consistent and if we can prevent him from going to the Mets or Sox..all the better.

[kinghenry89]

A-Rod to the Angels for Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood
A-Rod to the Dodgers for Chad Billingsley and Andy LaRoche

Either one works for me.
In our wildest dreams.

All I can say is that I hope the Yankees trade for a starter instead of being lured into the trap of Zito (overrated) or Matsuzaka (too big a risk for my money.)

[AMJets]

In our wildest dreams.

All I can say is that I hope the Yankees trade for a starter instead of being lured into the trap of Zito (overrated) or Matsuzaka (too big a risk for my money.)

I wouldn't say it is so far-fetched a package like that comes back for A-Rod. Cashman won't trade him if he doesn't receive a good package back. He'll be selling the fact that, outside of NY, A-Rod might be the best player of our generation. If others don't want to buy that line, then so be it.

[dwalsh]

WHO I WANT BACK NEXT YEAR:

C: Jorge Posada
1B:
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Derek Jeter
3B:
LF: Melky Cabrera
CF: Johnny Damon
RF: Bobby Abreu

DH: Hideki Matsui & Bernie Williams

SP: Chien-Ming Wang, i wouldn't mind Mussina (as a #3 pitcher), wouldn't mind Wright as a #5 starter

RP: Mariano River, Scott Proctor, Ron Villone (maybe), Kyle Farnsworth (maybe), Mike Myers (why not)

[dwalsh]

As I posted in the ALDS thread:

OVER/UNDER, 9.5 days until Torre is gone (fired, retired, etc)

[Learn To Swim]

Walsh, I think the Yankees would be better off with Giambi instead of Matsui, and Matsui would probably be easier to move.

(Giambi is still under contract, right? If not, neglect what I just said)

[AMJets]

Giambi's under contract thru 2008. He'll be back.

[FITM]

They should just cut A-Rod, since no one would pick up that big salary.

...or just get a 3rd baseman specialist for the postseason.

[GreyhoundJet]

why do people want to get rid of Matsui?.. he has been a great performer for this team

[Dierking]

Suzyn Waldman's head on a plate. I honestly cannot take 1 more game with her. If I ever go to prison, I expect to get credit for time served for all the games I've had to listen to her. Sterling is bad enough, but she's toxic. How can the Yankees put such shit on the air? There cannot possibly be any professional consensus that she's even passable, she has to go.

And, um, Sheffield too.:drunk: :drunk:

[AMJets]

A-Rod's postgame comments were interesting. "I am 100% committed to being a Yankee... unless they're dying to get rid of me." Pretty PR move. He's a goner.

[deviljets7]

Honestly at this point I think it's a game of chicken between ARod and the Yanks. ARod seems open to leaving and at this poin there is no shortage of reasons for the Yankees to want to move on.

[kinghenry89]

I wouldn't say it is so far-fetched a package like that comes back for A-Rod. Cashman won't trade him if he doesn't receive a good package back. He'll be selling the fact that, outside of NY, A-Rod might be the best player of our generation. If others don't want to buy that line, then so be it.

I agree with you there, and I do think that we could get Billingsley/LaRoche in return for A-Rod. But considering how Bill Stoneman holds his prospects, the idea of getting both Weaver and Wood in one deal is a wet dream. Maybe something centered around Ervin Santana is more realistic.

[17a_tailgater]

i hope the mets pursue mussina he would be great in the nl
mussina
zito
maine
glavine
pelfrey

and have pedro do the clemens thing.dont pitch until july

[AlioTheFool]

Okay, people. I just want to apologize for being so out of control yesterday. After a night to sleep on it, I know I acted like the clown I was calling others.

That said, I want to be serious about the Yankees again.

The first thing to be changed is Torre. The number one thing all along with him has been his supposed ability to motivate this team. Well, over the past three post-seasons, he has proven he cannot do that. Something interesting I noticed yesterday, I think it was in the 7th or 8th, he was standing with the coaches and he walked over and grabbed Jeter's bat. Traditionally, he holds that bat all game long. It really looked like he was just desperate to make some "magic" happen at that point. Sorry, but what he should have done was say something to the team. Tell them to leave it all on the field or something, anything. This era is over.

We do need to let Cashman do this his way now. He has proven he can bring in the talent, let him do so, and let a good coach mold that talent into a champion. My choice is still Girardi.

Trading ARod is a forgone conclusion at this point. Yeah Alex, they are DYING to get rid of you, face it. It think Florida is where he winds up. I was a big fan of the idea of getting Willis for him, but I'm not so sure anymore. Really, at this point, I'm willing to take anything for him, since he is just draining the cash, and giving us no value in return.

I want to keep Giambi. Let him have his surgery, and let's see what happens.

Sheffield is done here. He had some really great moments here, but age has caught up to him, and the lack of steroid use is starting to show.

Matsui can stay, but only as a DH. Cabrera has earned the job in left. Back to the basics that earned us titles in the late 90s. Defense, and players who get on base.

Pitching. I know people are very against Zito, but I am in favor of picking him up. There are only two teams in the AL that own Zito. One of them is us, and the other is Boston. Sure, it would be scary when he pitches against them for us, but he would still pull off 15-20 wins here. Unfortunately, Randy will be probably be back. How long is he under contract for? I still want Moose here. He didn't pitch terribly game 2, we just didn't score. Obviously, Wang is our new Pettite. The young guy to build the staff around.

So right now, this is how I see our staff:
Wang
(Who we should get in a trade involving ARod)
Zito
Moose
Randy
Lidle

I know, that's six. Something has to fall into place. I wouldn't mind dumping RJ, but I just don't know how feasable that would be. Besides, with all of our injury problems in our rotation every year, we need a backup. Wright either needs to learn to be a middle reliever, or he needs to go. We can't use the bullpen for 4 inning every 5 days.

Otherwise, everyone else stays.
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Giambi 1B
Posada C
Cano 2B
Matsui/Williams DH
To replace Arod at 3rd
Cabrera LF

[nyjunc]

I can't even begin to care about next year right now other than the fact I want the following off the team:

ARod
Johnson
Mussina
Sheff
Matsui
Giambi

and I love Joe but it's time for a change at Manager.

[Jetsetter]

They should just cut A-Rod, since no one would pick up that big salary.

...or just get a 3rd baseman specialist for the postseason.

But the Yankees would still have to pay him for doing nothing. Hey, I want to move him too, but who would pick up his salary, especially now? He has been toxic for this team. In 20/20 hindsight, I wish we had passed on him and kept Soriano.

Is it football season yet?

[nyjunc]

But the Yankees would still have to pay him for doing nothing. Hey, I want to move him too, but who would pick up his salary, especially now? He has been toxic for this team. In 20/20 hindsight, I wish we had passed on him and kept Soriano.

Is it football season yet?

Soriano sucked in the playoffs too but he cost alot less. That move paved the way for cano and while Cano wasn't good he is a much better defensive 2B than Soriano was.

[AlioTheFool]

Soriano sucked in the playoffs too but he cost alot less. That move paved the way for cano and while Cano wasn't good he is a much better defensive 2B than Soriano was.

Cano >>> Soriano.

Cano is a kid who continues to improve every game. Soriano is good, but Cano still has yet to come near his full potential. And yeah, Cano is a far superior 2B.

[Jetsetter]

Soriano sucked in the playoffs too but he cost alot less. That move paved the way for cano and while Cano wasn't good he is a much better defensive 2B than Soriano was.

Soriano could have moved to the outfield for the Yankees, too. And instead of Lou, what about Joe Girardi? He's much younger, a peer of some of these players and a very smart baseball guy. The Yankees need to go young. We may miss the playoffs for a couple of years, but we'll be better off in the long run. With any luck, George will drop dead by then.

[DROB63Cmart28]

Im pissed, anyways here's our needs:

Starting pitching
3rd baseman
Bullpen pitching
New Manager
Pitching
Balls
Pitching
Heart
I might have forgot to mention pitching

Anyways we need heart and balls the most. Im furious about that, at least go out fighting.

I agree we need more Starting Pitching. We should call up Phillip Hughes if hes ready and sign a big free agent pitcher or trade for one.
As much as I have loved A-Rod New York is just isnt for him.
Our bullpen is fine I think I didnt see much wrong with it this year.

[AlioTheFool]

Soriano could have moved to the outfield for the Yankees, too. And instead of Lou, what about Joe Girardi? He's much younger, a peer of some of these players and a very smart baseball guy. The Yankees need to go young. We may miss the playoffs for a couple of years, but we'll be better off in the long run. With any luck, George will drop dead by then.

I think with the current team, Girardi would have us in the playoffs once again next year. Lou will force us into rebuilding mode.

I still love George. As much as people want to hate him, he has delivered champions to us many times. He doesn't even care if he loses money, as long as he gets players that should contribute to titles.

[nyjunc]

Soriano could have moved to the outfield for the Yankees, too. And instead of Lou, what about Joe Girardi? He's much younger, a peer of some of these players and a very smart baseball guy. The Yankees need to go young. We may miss the playoffs for a couple of years, but we'll be better off in the long run. With any luck, George will drop dead by then.

girardi is my first choice but I'd be ok w/ lou and it sounds like george prefers Lou.

[Mickey Shuler 82]

This team needs players who give a s**t about winning. We need the Paul O'Neills, Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius types of players who refused to lose. David Cone in game 3 of the '96 world series. That's the type of winners we need. Not this duck and cover bunch we've got going now.

If Sheffield is on this team next year, I'm giving up my allegiance. Randy Johnson -- get the f' off the team, you overpaid piece of s**t.

[nyjunc]

This team needs players who give a s**t about winning. We need the Paul O'Neills, Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius types of players who refused to lose. David Cone in game 3 of the '96 world series. That's the type of winners we need. Not this duck and cover bunch we've got going now.

If Sheffield is on this team next year, I'm giving up my allegiance. Randy Johnson -- get the f' off the team, you overpaid piece of s**t.

We don't have that hunger anymore, we have a bunch of check collectors(outside of guys like jeter, mariano, bernie, Posada, etc...). We need some hungry veterans not guys who just want that long term security.

[winstonbiggs]

Im pissed, anyways here's our needs:

Starting pitching
3rd baseman
Bullpen pitching
New Manager
Pitching
Balls
Pitching
Heart
I might have forgot to mention pitching

Anyways we need heart and balls the most. Im furious about that, at least go out fighting.


To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[MisterMoss]

Besides the pitching, we need a more balanced everyday lineup which has a history of coming through in the postseason.

[Jonathan_Vilma]

I don't like Girardi in the situation with all these veterans. He was a good manager when he was with a bunch of kids, but other than that I'd be wary.

[KurtTheJetsFan]

We need to make starting pitching a strength again. RJ needs to go...and weneed to take a shot at Zito.

Zito maybe overrated..but he'd bring stability and consistency to our line-up and signing him would keep him out of Boston and Queens...which look like attractive destinations for him.

I'd also like to see Phil Hughes get a shot as a #5 starter next year.

[dwalsh]

Kurt, i don't want to rush Hughes up and possibly destory his confidence.

I would LOVE to see him and Tyler Clippard come up around the All-Star Break, but not at the beginning of the season.

However, if he has an amazing Spring Training, and the coaching staff thinks he's ready; then let him be part of the rotation

[devilonthetownhallroof]

We need to make starting pitching a strength again. RJ needs to go...and weneed to take a shot at Zito.

Zito maybe overrated..but he'd bring stability and consistency to our line-up and signing him would keep him out of Boston and Queens...which look like attractive destinations for him.

I'd also like to see Phil Hughes get a shot as a #5 starter next year.

Zito is a bad idea for Boston AND New York. I think he's better off on the west coast where no one cares. Also, he's been horrible against both teams in his career, and at both Fenway and Yankee Stadium. This isn't a shot at your idea really, more at Zito who is one of the more overrated players in a long time.

[nyjunc]

Zito is a bad idea for Boston AND New York. I think he's better off on the west coast where no one cares. Also, he's been horrible against both teams in his career, and at both Fenway and Yankee Stadium. This isn't a shot at your idea really, more at Zito who is one of the more overrated players in a long time.

I am not a Zito lover but while he has had trouble w/ us in the reg season in 2 postseason starts against us he's given up just 2 ER in almsot 14 IP.

[kinghenry89]

Zito is a bad idea for Boston AND New York. I think he's better off on the west coast where no one cares. Also, he's been horrible against both teams in his career, and at both Fenway and Yankee Stadium. This isn't a shot at your idea really, more at Zito who is one of the more overrated players in a long time.
I agree 100%. For anybody keeping score at home, Zito's ERA against the Yankees since 2003 is something around 7.60--in other words, Barry in Boston would be my dream come true. I suspect that the Sox are thinking the same thing about Zito in the Bronx.

[AMJets]

If the Sox sign Zito, I'm throwing a party, and every Yankee fan is invited.

Bring me Matsuzaka, and either Billingsley or Ervin Santana in a trade for A-Rod.

Imagine the 2008 rotation:

Hughes
Matsuzaka
Wang
Billingsley/Santana
Clippard

Disgustingly beautiful.

[devilonthetownhallroof]

If the Sox sign Zito, I'm throwing a party, and every Yankee fan is invited.

Bring me Matsuzaka, and either Billingsley or Ervin Santana in a trade for A-Rod.

Imagine the 2008 rotation:

Hughes
Matsuzaka
Wang
Billingsley/Santana
Clippard

Disgustingly beautiful.

I'd like this one better...

Beckett
Papelbon
Matsuzaka
Lester
Wakefield

With Buchholz, Bard, and /or Bowden ready for '09 when Wake retires.

[jonnyd]

WHO I WANT BACK NEXT YEAR:

C: Jorge Posada
1B:
2B: Robinson Cano
SS: Derek Jeter
3B:
LF: Melky Cabrera
CF: Johnny Damon
RF: Bobby Abreu

DH: Hideki Matsui & Bernie Williams

SP: Chien-Ming Wang, i wouldn't mind Mussina (as a #3 pitcher), wouldn't mind Wright as a #5 starter

RP: Mariano River, Scott Proctor, Ron Villone (maybe), Kyle Farnsworth (maybe), Mike Myers (why not)



couple bones to pick here.....Bernie? love the guy, but get the fuck outta here already....mussina? fuck him!! the man is without a single shred of balls...he is exactly whats wrong with this team......wright? wright? jarret wright? what in god's name would ever lead you to want this cocksucker back?

[MisterMoss]

couple bones to pick here.....Bernie? love the guy, but get the fuck outta here already....mussina? fuck him!! the man is without a single shred of balls...he is exactly whats wrong with this team......wright? wright? jarret wright? what in god's name would ever lead you to want this cocksucker back?
Chill out!

[BIG COUNTRY]

Chill out!
Seriously I mean shit. He said he wouldnt mind if Wright was a 5th starter and hes acting like he called for a contract extension.

[daking231]

Yanks will buy out Jaret Wright.... spent 2 much time on the dl.

Mussina might come back but a a lower rate.

Johnson will be on the team next year he is under contract.

If you want 2 trade arod you are really on drugs this guy is still a great talent u dont trade that away unless u get stud SP.

Pavano will be throwing for us next year as a starter.

Wang, Pavano ,Johnson, will all start for us next year with 2 spots open depending on what we do with mussina, Hughes will start at some time next year either at the all star break or he will just win a job in the spring.

[SonofDinger]

If the Sox sign Zito, I'm throwing a party, and every Yankee fan is invited.

Bring me Matsuzaka, and either Billingsley or Ervin Santana in a trade for A-Rod.

Imagine the 2008 rotation:

Hughes
Matsuzaka
Wang
Billingsley/Santana
Clippard

Disgustingly beautiful.

If we trade A-Rod to LAA, then F Santana, we must get Weaver!

[AMJets]

If we trade A-Rod to LAA, then F Santana, we must get Weaver!

I would hope so, it all depends on how desperate Moreno truly is for a big bat.

[devilonthetownhallroof]

If we trade A-Rod to LAA, then F Santana, we must get Weaver!

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!




AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH A!!!!!!!


Ok, I'm done now.




Wait...






AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SonofDinger]

Hey, it's not like we're trading Miguel Cairo. This is guy who will hit his 500th HR next year at the age of 32.

Why don't you go start a Red Sox offseason thread or something?

[GreyhoundJet]

What does everyone have against Matsui? He has been a great player for us ever since he came here. So, he got injured this season... there is really nothing he could do to stop that. When he came back he had a good postseason compared to the rest of our lineup

[AlioTheFool]

I don't know if we get Weaver straight up for ARod. Devil is being a bit overboard on his reaction, but not by much.

However, we could probably put a package together and have something like a 5 player exchange.

Will Hughes be ready next year? From the things I have heard, he is still another full season in the minors before the Yankees want him to appear in the bigs. Does anyone remember Dave Eiland? Brought up too early, he shook so hard on the mound in Yankee Stadium in his first game that he pulled his groin, and ruined his career.

[SonofDinger]

What does everyone have against Matsui? He has been a great player for us ever since he came here. So, he got injured this season... there is really nothing he could do to stop that. When he came back he had a good postseason compared to the rest of our lineup

I think it has more to do with getting the homegrown Melky more playing time than just wanting Hideki off the team.

If I could do what I wanted, I'd keep both Matsui and Melky and ship Damon out, then move Melky to CF, his natural position.

[AlioTheFool]

What does everyone have against Matsui? He has been a great player for us ever since he came here. So, he got injured this season... there is really nothing he could do to stop that. When he came back he had a good postseason compared to the rest of our lineup

How about his total lack of range in left field, coupled with a weaker arm than Bernie Williams?

F the big bats. We need guys who are ready to game.

[AlioTheFool]

I think it has more to do with getting the homegrown Melky more playing time than just wanting Hideki off the team.

If I could do what I wanted, I'd keep both Matsui and Melky and ship Damon out, then move Melky to CF, his natural position.

Honestly, I would keep Matsui as the DH. Melky in left. Keep Damon, who was one of the best leadoff guys in baseball this year.

[AMJets]

I don't know if we get Weaver straight up for ARod. Devil is being a bit overboard on his reaction, but not by much.

However, we could probably put a package together and have something like a 5 player exchange.

Will Hughes be ready next year? From the things I have heard, he is still another full season in the minors before the Yankees want him to appear in the bigs. Does anyone remember Dave Eiland? Brought up too early, he shook so hard on the mound in Yankee Stadium in his first game that he pulled his groin, and ruined his career.

Hughes will start the year in Scranton. If he can dominate AAA like he has the rest of the minors (which is likely), I'm sure he would be called up if there's an injury or someone just flat out sucks.

[GreyhoundJet]

Honestly, I would keep Matsui as the DH. Melky in left. Keep Damon, who was one of the best leadoff guys in baseball this year.

I would keep Matsui and DH him. And I agree that you have to keep Damon.

[AlioTheFool]

Hughes will start the year in Scranton. If he can dominate AAA like he has the rest of the minors (which is likely), I'm sure he would be called up if there's an injury or someone just flat out sucks.

So then we should expect to see Hughes by what? July? Maybe June?

[AMJets]

I really have no idea what kind of package Matsui would bring in a trade. He makes $36M over the next 3 years, which is a little more than what he's worth, but the revenue he brings from Japan makes him almost a bargain. I wouldn't be against trading him for the right package, but I expect him to be back. He should be the DH, or atleast try and play some 1B so Giambi can get some half-days off.

[AMJets]

So then we should expect to see Hughes by what? July? Maybe June?

It's hard to say. He could be up by May, or he may not be up until September. Too much can happen. I would say however there's a better than 50/50 chance he's up pre-AS break, because he's so dominating, and there's bound to be an injury or two in the rotation.

[AlioTheFool]

It's hard to say. He could be up by May, or he may not be up until September. Too much can happen. I would say however there's a better than 50/50 chance he's up pre-AS break, because he's so dominating, and there's bound to be an injury or two in the rotation.

Yeah, that's what I meant. Our staff is bound to have injuries.

Have the Yankees said anything about Pavano yet? He's a guy I want out of here in the worst way. He is just sucking on salary, and providing zip in return.

[devilonthetownhallroof]

Hey, it's not like we're trading Miguel Cairo. This is guy who will hit his 500th HR next year at the age of 32.

Why don't you go start a Red Sox offseason thread or something?

There is a less than zero percent chance that Jared Weaver will be in a Yankee uniform in the near future, or any other uniform but the Angels. What reason would they possibly have to trade him? He's under control cheaply and already a dominating #1 pitcher. He's not going anywhere for Arod or anyone else.

[GreyhoundJet]

I really have no idea what kind of package Matsui would bring in a trade. He makes $36M over the next 3 years, which is a little more than what he's worth, but the revenue he brings from Japan makes him almost a bargain. I wouldn't be against trading him for the right package, but I expect him to be back. He should be the DH, or atleast try and play some 1B so Giambi can get some half-days off.


Wait, I have an idea... Lets get a 1B to play 1st

[SonofDinger]

Any chance we can ship Giambi out of here? He only has 2 years left on the contract and he did have a .970 OPS this year, so it's not like he doesn't have any value.

If you can do that, then DHing Matsui is a pretty solid idea.

[AlioTheFool]

Wait, I have an idea... Lets get a 1B to play 1st

Anyone particular in mind?

[GreyhoundJet]

Anyone particular in mind?

Not yet, As the offseason comes and I see the people available we will see. My remark was more to say that we need to get people who play their natural position. With all the talk about building team chemistry and improving fielding it might help to have people playing the positions they know how to play.

[AMJets]

Not yet, As the offseason comes and I see the people available we will see. My remark was more to say that we need to get people who play their natural position. With all the talk about building team chemistry and improving fielding it might help to have people playing the positions they know how to play.

That's why he doesn't necessarily fit in anymore. Melky should be the everyday LFer. Giambi should play the majority of the time at 1B, but he's going to need a good amount of time at DH. You can't have Matsui playing only 110-120 games.

I don't want to trade Matsui, I like him and he's a good hitter. But unless Giambi can play 135+ at 1B, it's hard to fit all the pieces together. In the end it will probably be Melky who loses time, and that sucks.

[GreyhoundJet]

That's why he doesn't necessarily fit in anymore. Melky should be the everyday LFer. Giambi should play the majority of the time at 1B, but he's going to need a good amount of time at DH. You can't have Matsui playing only 110-120 games.

I don't want to trade Matsui, I like him and he's a good hitter. But unless Giambi can play 135+ at 1B, it's hard to fit all the pieces together. In the end it will probably be Melky who loses time, and that sucks.

Sure, it does suck but Melky will have plenty of time in his career to show us his talents. In my opinion, right now, Matsui is the better hitter. However, I don't know what to think about this and I hope it all gets smoothed out in the offseason.

[MisterMoss]

Sure, it does suck but Melky will have plenty of time in his career to show us his talents. In my opinion, right now, Matsui is the better hitter. However, I don't know what to think about this and I hope it all gets smoothed out in the offseason.
But Sheffield is a better hitter than Bernie, and certainly Matsui is a better hitter than Cabrera, etc.

But the reason we are in this outrage in the first place is because we have too many of those sort of hitters in the lineup. That is at the root of this problem and has been a HUGE reason for our failures the last few years. I want to go away from that and put Melky in left, who gives you 5 times the defense of Matsui, and can do things offensively that Matsui can't. It's about balance.

[AMJets]

Sure, it does suck but Melky will have plenty of time in his career to show us his talents. In my opinion, right now, Matsui is the better hitter. However, I don't know what to think about this and I hope it all gets smoothed out in the offseason.

Melky: .290 / .360 / .430 - great defense
Matsui: .300 / .370 / .485 - awful defense

I'd like to have both in the lineup, but if that cannot happen, I'd prefer to move Matsui. Melky's peak is Matsui offensively with much better defense.

[jetsaholic1094]

Melky: .290 / .360 / .430 - great defense
Matsui: .300 / .370 / .485 - awful defense

I'd like to have both in the lineup, but if that cannot happen, I'd prefer to move Matsui. Melky's peak is Matsui offensively with much better defense.

Why get rid of either of them? I'm sure the team wouldn't mind having a starter-caliber player as backup in case of injury (like what happened this season). Besides, it's not like money is an issue.

[AMJets]

Why get rid of either of them? I'm sure the team wouldn't mind having a starter-caliber player as backup in case of injury (like what happened this season). Besides, it's not like money is an issue.

They don't have to get rid of either of them, and I doubt they will, they'll probably just make Melky the 4th OFer. That's a shame. Melky deserves to start. Matsui might bring back a solid package, as well.

[GreyhoundJet]

Why get rid of either of them? I'm sure the team wouldn't mind having a starter-caliber player as backup in case of injury (like what happened this season). Besides, it's not like money is an issue.

That starter calibar player would have to be Melky because of the money that Matsui is making and the talents he has shown in his career here. It's gonna be a tough thing to figure out this lineup next year

[deviljets7]

I really have no idea what kind of package Matsui would bring in a trade. He makes $36M over the next 3 years, which is a little more than what he's worth, but the revenue he brings from Japan makes him almost a bargain. I wouldn't be against trading him for the right package, but I expect him to be back. He should be the DH, or atleast try and play some 1B so Giambi can get some half-days off.

IMO, with what Matsui provides the Yanks (both on the field and revenue wise), I don't think you could get enough for him to justify trading him. He's a damn good player, but he's making superstar money.

[deviljets7]

After looking at Jaret Wright's contract, I think it would be a mistake to decline his option. On the surface paying him $7 million is a ridiculous idea. The buyout though is $4 million. Considering the Yanks are paying $4 million whether Wright is or isn't on the team, the question really is do you want Wright for $3 million. Unless you really think Rasner or Henn can match his production, it will cost more to replace Wright. At worst I think he's expensive insurance for a team with the resources to do it.

[dwalsh]

Lineup:
1. Damon*, CF
2. Jeter, SS
3. Abreu*, RF
4. Giambi*, 1B
5. Matsui*, DH
6. Cano*, 2B
7. Posada**, C
8. Cabrera**, LF

throw in a 3B somewhere in there

* = lefty
** = switch

the only thing i dont like is the back to back to back lefties

[devilonthetownhallroof]

Lineup:
1. Damon*, CF
2. Jeter, SS
3. Abreu*, RF
4. Giambi*, 1B
5. Matsui*, DH
6. Cano*, 2B
7. Posada**, C
8. Cabrera**, LF

throw in a 3B somewhere in there

* = lefty
** = switch

the only thing i dont like is the back to back to back lefties

The third baseman will be Arod, and he'll be hitting 4th or 5th, so that will solve your too many lefties in a row problem.

[Pennythetowelboy]

A-Rod to the Angels for Jered Weaver and Brandon Wood
A-Rod to the Dodgers for Chad Billingsley and Andy LaRoche

Either one works for me.

Arod for Jered Weaver in your dreams. LA would be stupid if they did that trade.

[The Future]

Someone over at NYYFans said something about signing Seung-Yeop-Lee to play 1st Base next season.

I had no clue who he was, and looked him up.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

I know anyone can edit Wikipedia, but I found this. To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.(baseball_player) (To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.)

And this article is from July... To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[MisterMoss]

I am going to ask that everyone keep all Yankees offseason material here. That includes, signings, trades, rumors, firings, etc. I don't want to clutter the forum with all baseball all the time in 4 separate threads.

[The Future]

I am going to ask that everyone keep all Yankees offseason material here. That includes, signings, trades, rumors, firings, etc. I don't want to clutter the forum with all baseball all the time in 4 separate threads.

I didn't even realize there was a thread already.

Sorry about that.

[GreyhoundJet]

I didn't even realize there was a thread already.

Sorry about that.

Yea, this thread started in about the 6th inning of Saturday's game

[SonofDinger]

Arod for Jered Weaver in your dreams. LA would be stupid if they did that trade.

If we can't get fair value for A-Rod, then it's not worth trading him.

[dwalsh]

about Seung-Yeop Lee, does anyone know what kind of player he is?

Is he purely a power hitter; or does he hit for high average?

does he have speed?

I would love it if the yankees signed him IF he hits fot average, has decent speed, and can hit around 20-30 HRs

[dBLitzer28]

Arod to the nationals for Alfonzo soriano LMAO

[dBLitzer28]

at least soriano doesnt choke in the playoffs

[MisterMoss]

at least soriano doesnt choke in the playoffs
Did you miss the 2003 World Series?

[boomer]

at least soriano doesnt choke in the playoffs
I believe that was the main reason we got rid of him.

[eyedea]

Some one on the radio the other day said A-rod was like the peyton manning of base ball. Great in the reg season and chokes in the playoffs. They could not be more rite.

[Barry the Baptist]

As an outsider this is what I see the problem with the Yanks.... NO HEART. As somebody said before they were just a bunch of check cashers that wanted security, while guys like Jeter, Mariano, Jorge and Bernie are getting up there they still play every game like they are fighting for that 1st WS ring. Perfect example, Jeter goes 5-5 in game one, game 2 A Rod comes up with the bases loaded and Ks. These non Yankees have no heart. That is a huge problem for you guys. You need the dirty grungy lunchpail no glory guys like Brosius, Leyritz and Paul O'Neil not All stars who only care about their image at every position.

As every Yankee fan learned this weekend good pitching beats good hitting. I called it way back that this Tigers team reminded me alot of the Marlins of a few years ago. Good young pitching with a vet. Good young position players mixed in with an old school manager. The final ingredient was Pudge, he is amazing with those young pitchers and I'm sure has had alot more to do with the play of Bonderman and Verlander than he is given credt for. Detroit let many of these kids take their lumps in 2003 and now look at them. The scary thing is their minor league system is pretty solid as well so they will get better. Bonderman lost what 20 games in 03 and this year he takes a no hitter into the 6th inning in the single biggest baseball game in Detroit in over 20 years. Get some good young pitchers that have the confidence and the heart to take the lumps. The reason Bonderman has matured so much in 3 years is he was able to develop into a good pitcher because the FO and Alan Trammel allowed him to take his lumps.

The final thing that needs to change is YOU the Yankee fan. It is unrealistic to think that the Yankees can win WS after WS. Good teams get beat in the playoffs by upstarts all the time. Look at he history of baseball the 88 Dodgers, the 91 Twins both Marlins WS, the Angels of a few years ago. Once you accept the fact that the Yankees can not and will not win every year you'll be better off. As a fan of a team that has made the playoffs for the 1st time since 2000 I can tell you that winning is so much sweeter when it doesn't happen all the time. Repitition is boring and I'll take one playoff appearance every 5 years to know that my team will make it count and isn't just happy to be there.

[SonofDinger]

Did you miss the 2003 World Series?

He wasn't always bad in October. He would have been a hero in 2001 when he hit an 8th inning HR off of Schilling giving the Yanks the lead in game 7.

[Barry the Baptist]

He wasn't always bad in October. He would have been a hero in 2001 when he hit an 8th inning HR off of Schilling giving the Yanks the lead in game 7.

He also had a walkoff against Kim if I'm not mistaking. Please correct me if I'm wromg.

[HackettStillSux]

Please get rid of Giambi. I am so sick and tired of his sweaty, bloated, Sterioid abused ass.

[SonofDinger]

He also had a walkoff against Kim if I'm not mistaking. Please correct me if I'm wromg.

Yeah, it was a walk-off single against Albie Lopez in the bottom of the 12th in game 5. Good call.

[ButtleMan]

As an outsider this is what I see the problem with the Yanks.... NO HEART. As somebody said before they were just a bunch of check cashers that wanted security, while guys like Jeter, Mariano, Jorge and Bernie are getting up there they still play every game like they are fighting for that 1st WS ring. Perfect example, Jeter goes 5-5 in game one, game 2 A Rod comes up with the bases loaded and Ks. These non Yankees have no heart. That is a huge problem for you guys. You need the dirty grungy lunchpail no glory guys like Brosius, Leyritz and Paul O'Neil not All stars who only care about their image at every position.

As every Yankee fan learned this weekend good pitching beats good hitting. I called it way back that this Tigers team reminded me alot of the Marlins of a few years ago. Good young pitching with a vet. Good young position players mixed in with an old school manager. The final ingredient was Pudge, he is amazing with those young pitchers and I'm sure has had alot more to do with the play of Bonderman and Verlander than he is given credt for. Detroit let many of these kids take their lumps in 2003 and now look at them. The scary thing is their minor league system is pretty solid as well so they will get better. Bonderman lost what 20 games in 03 and this year he takes a no hitter into the 6th inning in the single biggest baseball game in Detroit in over 20 years. Get some good young pitchers that have the confidence and the heart to take the lumps. The reason Bonderman has matured so much in 3 years is he was able to develop into a good pitcher because the FO and Alan Trammel allowed him to take his lumps.

The final thing that needs to change is YOU the Yankee fan. It is unrealistic to think that the Yankees can win WS after WS. Good teams get beat in the playoffs by upstarts all the time. Look at he history of baseball the 88 Dodgers, the 91 Twins both Marlins WS, the Angels of a few years ago. Once you accept the fact that the Yankees can not and will not win every year you'll be better off. As a fan of a team that has made the playoffs for the 1st time since 2000 I can tell you that winning is so much sweeter when it doesn't happen all the time. Repitition is boring and I'll take one playoff appearance every 5 years to know that my team will make it count and isn't just happy to be there.


I think that the thing that is wrong with Yankees (besides pitching) is that since it is a veteran "superstar" team, most of the team believes that they can just turn it on whenever they feel like it.
Down 6-0 in the 7th with only 1 hit....No prob, Damon and Jeter will get on, Giambi will hit a HR and now its 6-3. etc.....
The complacency was so evident in games 2-4 and in the previous years playoffs that it disgusts me.
Never, ever give an at bat away.

[wildthing2022000]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Dont Rip Arod, Really

By DJ Gallo
Special to Page 2


One hit. Zero RBI. Another postseason elimination.
Alex Rodriguez's latest playoff performance has made it tougher than ever for A-Rod fans and apologists to defend their man.
But it's still possible to do so. You just have to search a little bit to find the silver linings in A-Rod's showing against the Tigers.
And so you don't have to do that searching yourself -- because it's really a ridiculous amount of searching -- here are 10 arguments you can use to shoot down even the most ardent A-Rod hater:
1. A-Rod only struck out four times in the series. That may not be great, but do you want to know who struck out four times in the 1977 World Series? Reggie Jackson. Yet Jackson was hailed as a hero and named series MVP, while A-Rod gets dumped on. That's a double standard and it's simply not fair. (Sure, Jackson had five home runs in the 1977 World Series, including three in the clincher, but that's just semantics.)
2. I can't believe people are ripping on A-Rod when baseball is full of steroids abusers. Just think what kind of series he would have had if he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs. We're talking .150 or .200, and maybe even an RBI or two.
3. A-Rod was just pacing himself to turn it on in the ALCS and World Series. I mean, why waste hits against the Tigers? Everyone knows they stink and were overmatched by the Yankees.
4. If the Yankees had big leads in all the games, A-Rod would have produced. It's not his fault his teammates didn't set him up for success.
5. So A-Rod isn't a true Yankee? Well, then neither is Mariano Rivera. New York's "Hall of Fame" closer did absolutely nothing in the final three games. And that's a fact.
6. A-Rod would have had a great series if it wasn't for Joe Torre. A-Rod started the series 1-for-2, and if Torre had pulled him then he would have finished the series batting .500 -- and a .500 batting average in the playoffs is something only an ultra-clutch, all-time great can accomplish.
7. Lay off him. He's only a No. 8 hitter. Guys at the bottom of the order are usually in the lineup for their defense, not their bat. OK, so maybe not defense in certain cases either. But it's a rule that you have to fill a lineup with nine guys, and Rodriguez allowed the Yankees to do that.
8. He'd play better if he didn't have to stand beside Derek Jeter in the field. You try hitting when your eyes are stinging and watery due to having to breath in that skanky cologne all day. The guy pours that nasty stuff on like he's a 14-year-old boy on a date at the mall.
9. Everyone wants to talk about Detroit's starting pitchers. But look at A-Rod's ERA in the series. It was 0.00. No one on the Tigers did any better than that.
10. I think A-Rod is awesome. But, granted, I'm not as bright as he is.

[wildthing2022000]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Enough is enough. Just reaching the postseason might qualify as success in smaller markets such as Minnesota or Los Angeles, but not in New York. The world's greatest team has such lofty standards that even winning the World Series is a disappointment if it takes more than five games.

Derek Jeter
Jay Gula/WireImage
Jeter's great, but the Yanks might be better off without him.

So, after two consecutive embarrassing first-round knockouts, three consecutive autumns without a World Series and six without a world championship, it's time for a major change. The Yankees are old. Each year, they get knocked out earlier (World Series in 2003, ALCS in 2004, fifth game of AL Division Series in 2005, fourth game of division series in 2006). A losing culture is slowly taking root in the clubhouse. If New York is to win another World Series before Yankee Stadium is torn down, owner George Steinbrenner and general manager Brian Cashman must take a bold step that will return the team to glory. Firing Joe Torre isn't the answer. They need to end the clubhouse soap opera that is ripping the team apart.

They need to address their glaring problem at third base.

And the best way to do that is by trading Derek Jeter and moving A-Rod back to short.

Oh, I know, I know. Conventional wisdom is that Jeter is a proven winner while Alex Rodriguez is the cause of every problem up to and including the North Korea nuclear test.

"What did A-Rod do about Korea? Nothing. Now Jeets is going to have fly around the world backward until he reverses the world's orbit and turns back time to prevent it.''

It's all nonsense. If one of these guys has to go, here are six reasons it makes more sense for the Yankees to trade Jeter instead of A-Rod.

1. A-Rod is the better player.
As good as Jeter is, he has hit even half as many home runs as A-Rod only twice. He never has driven in as many runs. True, that's partially a function of where each bats in the lineup, but there's also this: Only four times has Jeter scored more runs, had a higher on-base percentage or stolen more bases than A-Rod. He never has had a higher slugging percentage. He only once has had a higher OPS. Even this year, in what was supposedly a terrible season for A-Rod and an MVP season for Jeter, Rodriguez scored just five fewer runs, hit 21 more home runs, drove in 24 more runs, had a higher slugging percentage and had a higher OPS.

He's also the better fielder at shortstop.

Right, right. Jeter is a better clutch hitter. No argument there. He's Mr. October and Mr. November, and A-Rod was awful in the division series the past two years. But Rodriguez hit .421 in the 2004 AL Division Series. And in that infamous 2004 ALCS, A-Rod had a higher batting average, a higher on-base percentage, a higher slugging percentage, a higher OPS, more runs and more home runs than Jeter, and as many RBI. Hell, A-Rod might have wound up as Mr. October 2004 if Mariano Rivera could have held a lead.

Alex Rodriguez
Jim Rogash/WireImage
Wouldn't it be strange to see A-Rod playing short for the Yanks?

2. Jeter has more trade value.
The Yankees can't make the necessary trades for pitching without giving up something of value. That's why trading Jeter makes more sense.

As great a player as he is, A-Rod clearly has an image problem right now. Too many teams will be scared off by his reputation to offer New York full value in a trade. Jeter, on the other hand, carries no such baggage. He is considered the consummate professional, a true team player, the sort of leader who could take a team to the next level. Teams will overpay to get him.

Just as importantly, this is the time to make the trade. Coming off what might be his first MVP season, Jeter never again will command as much in a trade. He'll be 33 next year. Sure, he has plenty of good seasons left, but as Branch Rickey said, it's better to trade a player too early than too late.

3. Jeter is a year older.
Not only is A-Rod better, he's a year younger. A one-year difference might not sound like much, but it can be huge in sports. For athletes, a year difference in your 30s is as significant as when you're a sophomore boy in high school and you want to ask out a junior. The older players get, the worse they get. All things being equal (and they aren't in this case), always go with the younger player.

4. Jeter is more expensive.
Yes, Rodriguez is the highest-paid player in baseball, but don't forget that Rangers owner Tom Hicks, in all his wisdom, agreed to pay $67 million of A-Rod's contract as part of the 2004 trade. That means the Yankees are paying A-Rod less than Jeter. In fact, if the Yankees hold on to both players until their contracts expire after the 2010 season, they actually will pay A-Rod $14 million less than Jeter.

Sure, it might seem as though the Yankees have unlimited resources, but even Microsoft occasionally lays off employees. And $14 million could pay for a pretty good middle reliever.

5. Jeter doesn't provide the leadership needed.
Jeter gets a lot of credit for his leadership, but where was he when the A-Rod soap opera was plaguing the Yankees this season? As the team leader, Jeter could have -- and more importantly, should have -- put an end to the fans booing and the media carping by walking up to A-Rod in the clubhouse after a tough game, putting his arm around his shoulder and simply reciting his stats until every reporter and fan got the message.

Derek Jeter
Geoff Burke/WireImage
Picture him in another uniform ...

"He's already hit more home runs than Joe DiMaggio. He has a higher batting average than Mickey Mantle. A higher slugging percentage than Reggie Jackson. He has almost 250 stolen bases. He has two MVPs, 10 All-Star appearances, two Gold Gloves and a batting title. And you think having him on our team is more of a problem than our pitching?"

Instead, Jeter did nothing. He supported Jason Giambi during the BALCO mess, but he let A-Rod twist in the wind. Wouldn't A-Rod and the Yankees have been better if Jeter had helped lessen the pressure on his teammate? "My job as a player is not to tell the fans what to do," Jeter replied when Tom Verducci asked why he didn't stand up for his teammate. "My job is not to tell the media what to write about."

This is leadership?

No one is saying Jeter has to like A-Rod, but geez, even Tanner came to Timmy Lupus' defense in "The Bad News Bears."

6. It's only fair.
Three cities have seen A-Rod play for their team, but New York has been hogging Jeter. In the best interests of baseball, send Jeter to another city. Money is fine, but a future Hall of Famer? Now that's true revenue sharing.

More importantly, though, if Yankees fans are right (and aren't they always?), Jeter would make such a difference on a struggling team and lead the Padres, Brewers, Mariners, Royals, Pirates, Rangers, Rockies, Devil Rays, Giants, Cubs or Astros to the World Series championship that has so long escaped them. That's good for baseball, too.

And just think how fun it would be to hear fans argue whether Jeter should go into the Hall of Fame wearing a Yankees cap or a Nationals cap.

Considering everything, trading Jeter is a win-win for everybody. For the Yankees, who will add several good players and still have a great shortstop. And for whichever team gets Jeter.

In fact, the only possible losers might be New York's single women.

[dwalsh]

Seung-Yeop Lee

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[AMJets]

The push for Matsuzaka will soon begin.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Japanese star free to pursue MLB contract
Oct. 10, 2006. 09:00 AM

TOKYO (AP) — Highly regarded pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka was given permission by the Seibu Lions on Tuesday to pursue a career in the major leagues. Matsuzaka, who has drawn interest from several major league teams including the New York Yankees, finished the 2006 regular season with a career-high 17 wins against five losses. The 26-year-old right-hander posted a 2.13 earned-run average and 200 strikeouts. Matsuzaka has long been considered one of the brightest prospects in Japanese professional baseball. Seibu is expected to use the posting system in which major league teams present bids for Japanese players and the highest bidder wins the negotiating rights. Ichiro Suzuki signed with the Seattle Mariners under the same system. Matsuzaka is still one year away from becoming a free agent. In his eight-year career in Japan, Matsuzaka has led the Pacific League in wins three times and in strikeouts four times while winning the ERA title twice and the Sawamura Award, Japan's version of the Cy Young Award, once. Matsuzaka impressed major league scouts when he helped Japan win the inaugural World Baseball Classic title last March and was named MVP of the tournament.

[MisterMoss]

Torre just announced that he and George agreed that he will be back next season.

[AlioTheFool]

Torre just announced that he and George agreed that he will be back next season.

Well, we saw this coming hours ago. :wink:

Anyway, I am okay with this decision. As long as George made it abundantly clear that Joe has a very short leash this season. Either figure out how to fix things, or he won't be around in October to fire.

That means fix the pen usage. Fix the lineup and play the young guys. Be consistent with players who perform, and those that don't (ARod) SIT. Not for a day or two while they nurse "the flu," but for a week. This is baseball. Fundamentals first. That's how the 90s were dominated by pinstripes. It's time to return to basics.

Besides, Girardi is almost guaranteed the Cubs job, and I don't want Pinella. This gives Donnie another year to learn the job.

[davecrazy]

yet another yankee mistake.

[dwalsh]

YANKEES NOTES:

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.
Yanks notes: Surgery likely for Unit
Japanese hurler could become target; new program for Pavano

NEW YORK -- Randy Johnson pitched through the final three weeks of the season and into the postseason with a herniated disk in his lower back, but the Big Unit will likely undergo surgery this offseason to correct the problem.

Johnson will visit Dr. Robert Watkins, the Los Angeles-based back specialist who performed the same surgery on Johnson in 1996, to get a final opinion on the injury.

"Obviously, he has the issue," GM Brian Cashman said. "I believe he'll probably have surgery, but we need to hear it from Dr. Watkins."

A source with knowledge of the situation said that Johnson will almost certainly undergo the surgery and may not be ready for the start of Spring Training, though he should be ready for Opening Day.

Johnson went 17-11 this season with a 5.00 ERA, but he was hit for five runs in 5 2/3 innings in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the Tigers.

The 43-year-old left-hander, who is 20 victories shy of 300 for his career, has one year and $16 million remaining on his contract.

Top target? Daisuke Matsuzaka, one of Japan's top pitchers, was given permission by the Seibu Lions on Tuesday to pursue a career in the Major Leagues.

Matsuzaka, who could be one of the Yankees' primary free agent targets this winter, went 17-5 with a 2.13 ERA and 200 strikeouts.

Because Matsuzaka is still a year away from becoming a free agent, Seibu is expected to use the posting system in which Major League teams present bids for Japanese players and the highest bidder wins the negotiating rights. The Mariners signed Ichiro Suzuki under the same system.

In his eight-year career in Japan, Matsuzaka led the Pacific League in wins three times and in strikeouts four times while winning the ERA title twice and the Sawamura Award, Japan's version of the Cy Young Award, once. He also won MVP honors last March at the inaugural World Baseball Classic.

Hideki Matsui didn't see much of Matsuzaka during his years in Japan, as he played with Yomiuri in the Central League, but he said he faced the right-hander a few times during the Japan All-Star series.

"I didn't hit him," Matsui said.

Pavano's program: Cashman said that Carl Pavano would take part in a new offseason throwing program this winter, as the team tries to get the pitcher in shape for the 2007 season.

Pavano missed the entire 2006 season with a variety of injuries, and has made just 17 starts in his first two years of a four-year, $39.95 million contract.

"Both of us agreed that there's something we have to try different in our winter program to make sure we have a healthy, productive Carl Pavano for '07," Cashman said. "Those discussions are going on."

Cashman also plans on meeting with Pavano and the MLB Players Association this offseason to discuss possible discipline for the pitcher, who didn't inform the team of his involvement in an automobile accident in August or the two broken ribs that resulted from the incident.

Yankee doodles: Andy Phillips will undergo arthroscopic surgery in the coming weeks to repair some torn cartilage in his knee, though Cashman didn't specify which knee it was. ... First-base coach Tony Pena will interview for the vacant Nationals managerial position as the Yankees granted permission for Washington to meet with the former Royals manager. ... Cashman confirmed that Jason Giambi will undergo surgery to repair the torn ligament in his left wrist.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.
Yankees expect A-Rod back
Third baseman in Bombers' 2007 plans despite rollercoaster '06

NEW YORK -- With Joe Torre set to return as the manager in 2007, the big question in the Bronx is whether Alex Rodriguez will be his third baseman.

Both Torre and general manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday they expect A-Rod to return for his fourth year in pinstripes, despite the rollercoaster year he had in 2006, and the way it ended -- a 1-for-14 performance in the American League Division Series loss to Detroit.

"As far as I'm concerned," Torre said, "Alex Rodriguez is one of the important pieces to this puzzle."

"He wants to stay here, and while he is here -- and I fully expect him to be here -- we're going to figure this thing out together," Cashman said. "Part of that is Joe's responsibility, part of that is my responsibility and part of it is Alex's responsibility."

Rodriguez hit .290 with 35 home runs and 121 RBIs this season, but he endured a couple of prolonged slumps that garnered a lot of attention and earned him more than his share of boos at Yankee Stadium.

A-Rod went on to go 1-for-14 with an error in the postseason, as the Yankees were eliminated in four games by the Tigers. Rodriguez is 4-for-41 (.097) with no RBIs in his last 12 playoff games, while the Yankees are 3-9 in those games.

In the final game of the series against the Tigers, Torre dropped Rodriguez down to the No. 8 spot in the lineup, the lowest the slugger had hit in a batting order since 1996. Torre drew some criticism for the move, but the manager stood by his decision on Tuesday.

"I talked to Alex at the end of the season and told him that, with [Gary Sheffield] included, I didn't know if he was going to hit fourth, fifth or sixth, and he said, 'It doesn't matter to me,'" Torre said. "Batting eighth the last day, I'm trying to win a game. I'd hate to think that if I had just batted Alex fourth, we would have won. If you think that's the case, then I screwed up. But I don't think that's the case."

"I don't know if there is an issue from Alex's perspective about batting eighth; I haven't talked to him about it," Cashman said. "I know one thing that we try to do is check all egos at the door when it comes to who should play, when they should play, who should bat, who should pitch. That's part of the team concept."

Cashman said he has received trade offers for A-Rod since May, when the rumors of Rodriguez's availability began to circulate through baseball circles. Cashman turned down all offers then, and he plans to do the same now.

"I know there will be interest in him. There's no denying that he's a very talented player," Cashman said. "I'll give them the same answers I've given before. But people will call, because that's the nature of the beast and what goes on in my job."

Cashman even received an e-mail from a rival GM after the Yankees' loss in Detroit last weekend. After telling Cashman what a tough series and great season the Yankees had, the GM threw out a trade proposal for the two-time American League MVP.

"I almost responded back by writing the word, 'Buzzard,' but I didn't do it," said a smiling Cashman. "That's the nature of our job; that's what we do. When you want something, you come after it."

Rodriguez stressed several times that he wants to remain with the Yankees next season and beyond, and with a full no-trade clause, he has the power to make that happen. A-Rod has four years and $64 million remaining on his deal (not including the $9 million per season being paid by the Rangers), so he would be very tradable if the Yankees decided to move him.

For now, however, that doesn't appear to be the case.

"You always reserve the right to change your mind over time, but I fully expect to have him at third base for us next year," Cashman said. "I know he's motivated to get this job done."

[Cman55]

Although they won 97 games, I really didn't see any spark in this team during the Tiger series. No emotion, nothing. This is a collection of stars but that doesn't make a "team"..

If this team doesn't get younger in a hurry, you're gonna see the Yankees turn slowly but surely into the Braves..

[EcKo151]

Say NO to Zito.

[AMJets]

Torre and A-Rod BOTH can't be back next year. Changes are needed, and both represent something within the organization that needs to be changed. Torre will be back, so I hope (and in the end expect) the team does everything in its power to convince A-Rod to waive his no-trade.

[MisterMoss]

It's pretty clear that A-Rod and Torre aren't on the same page. If there is one positive about Torre over Lou, it's that there is a much greater chance that Alex gets driven out of town.

[AlioTheFool]

I really hope this is just posturing by Cashman to try to inflate ARod's trade value a little bit. No way he can return with Torre here at this point. Not that I'd want him to stay even if Torre wasn't here. He can't handle this city.

[dwalsh]

Just a little something i whipped up (quality sucks, but its Matsuzaka)

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[Poeman]

well thts minus one pitcher, we have to trade arod.. for a stud young pitcher

[nyjunc]

Although they won 97 games, I really didn't see any spark in this team during the Tiger series. No emotion, nothing. This is a collection of stars but that doesn't make a "team"..

If this team doesn't get younger in a hurry, you're gonna see the Yankees turn slowly but surely into the Braves..

The saprk left when Matsui and Sheff came back and it sent some young guys who earned their playing time back to the bench.



It sounds like Lidle wasn't coming back but I would have been fine w/ him as a 5 starter.

will huges be ready? At some point next year we'll see him(barring injury) but how soon into the year? jeter wasn't supposed to come up until later in 1996 but started the year after tony Fernandez got hurt, maybe Hughes starts the year at the back enbd of the rotation. I also like what i saw of Karstens and rasner so I think the back end of the rotation is set. it would be nice to get a front of the rotation guy to go w/ Wang and that should be the main goal.

[SonofDinger]

Mike Francesa said there's been a lot of murmuring among baseball people that the Yankee organization have been babying Hughes and that he should have already been pitching in the big leagues. I guess you have to take that with a grain of salt, but hopefully we do get to see him next year.

If they can somehow get rid of Wright, maybe our rotation can look something like this

Matsuzaka
Wang
Johnson
Mussina
Hughes

[AMJets]

I'd love to hear these "baseball people" saying that Hughes should've been in the majors already. He turned 20 only a couple of months ago for christ's sake. In reality, he probably shouldn't pitch until 2008, but he's so good he'll probably get called up sometime this season.

[AlioTheFool]

I'd love to hear these "baseball people" saying that Hughes should've been in the majors already. He turned 20 only a couple of months ago for christ's sake. In reality, he probably shouldn't pitch until 2008, but he's so good he'll probably get called up sometime this season.

Yeah, you really have to wonder about the sense of people who would suggest this. Then, if the kid gets hurt, they can all turn around and browbeat the Yankees for "rushing him along."

[SonofDinger]

Hmmm...A-Rod to Chicago?

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

How Sox could land A-Rod
With Torre staying, door opens for Williams to deal

By Dave van Dyck
Tribune staff reporter

October 12, 2006


As the Cubs' search for a manager Thursday pointed west, a captivating scenario of off-season events that may involve the White Sox was pointed east.

Amid a whirlwind of complicated Chicago/New York connections, the Cubs could wind up with Lou Piniella as manager because of Alex Rodriguez, and Rodriguez could wind up as a White Sox partly because of Piniella.



It could be just the beginning of what promises to be a rip-roaring off-season in baseball's two major cities involving names such as Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Joe Crede, Josh Fields, Freddy Garcia and agent Scott Boras.

The scenario?

Sources in New York insist Piniella did not replace Joe Torre because of his previous close connection with Rodriguez when he managed him in Seattle, a move that would have driven a further rift between Rodriguez and the Jeter forces in the Yankees clubhouse.

How does that involve the White Sox and Cubs?

Because Piniella will not become Yankees manager, he is available to the Cubs, making him a strong co-favorite for the job with Joe Girardi. And because George Steinbrenner was talked into letting the Torre/Jeter faction win out in New York, Rodriguez may be available for trade, despite denials.

And that brings in the White Sox.

General manager Kenny Williams, according to those in the know, long has had a "thing" for Rodriguez, much like he has had for Carl Everett (acquired twice), Sandy Alomar Jr. (acquired for a third time) and Ken Griffey Jr. (whom he tried to acquire two years ago).

In fact, insist sources very close to the situation at the time, first-year GM Williams tried to get a one-on-one interview with Rodriguez to induce him to join the White Sox before he signed with Texas in the winter of 2000.

Boras rejected that request, but Williams remains convinced--to this day--Rodriguez not only would have come to the White Sox but he would have made the Sox into instant and constant contenders.

Williams still believes Rodriguez, only 31 years old, would be a hero in Chicago, and never has been afraid of criticism for making a big splash for a big name.

The White Sox would have much more than most teams to offer the Yankees--certainly more than the talent-starved Cubs--in return, including fellow third baseman Crede. Coincidence or not, Crede also is represented by Boras, not a friendly face among Sox executives.

But Boras could do both of his clients a favor getting Rodriguez to a less-pressurized situation in Chicago. Here Rodriguez could move back to shortstop and get away from a sour situation in New York, where he and Jeter are seen as opposite forces.

As for Crede, he could get a long-term contract with the Yankees, something the Sox may not be willing to do with Fields on the horizon. The Sox also might be willing to part with a Yankee trade necessity, a starting pitcher in Garcia.

With the Rangers still paying a huge chunk of Rodriguez's salary, the Sox would be looking at a $66.6 million commitment for four years. Could they handle that? Yes, especially if they shuffle off Crede's potential contract and Garcia's $10 million for 2007.

[SonofDinger]

Bill Madden's take on A-Rod/White Sox


To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

White Sox still eyeing Rodriguez


Alex Rodriguez is now Yanks' best chip to attract a quality arm for a struggling rotation.

Now that Joe Torre has come full circle with George Steinbrenner - facing the same "show me what you're made of" edict in the potential final year of his Yankee managerial tenure as he did in his first - his main mission must be to re-establish the "team first" culture in the clubhouse that has gradually eroded with the importing of so many high-salaried mercenaries in recent years.
But as Torre would surely concur, it would also help if his boss Brian Cashman is able to execute a near-total overhaul of the starting rotation around younger power arms.

In some respect those two goals are linked in that the team chemistry problem can only be resolved with the trading of Alex Rodriguez and A-Rod represents the Yankees' best chip for acquiring a young power arm for the top of the rotation. That's why the Angels, who were willing to deal Ervin Santana last July as part of a package for the Orioles' Miguel Tejada, remain the Yankees' best trading option for A-Rod. White Sox GM Kenny Williams has long lusted for A-Rod and was the first to come calling last week, letting it be known he'd be willing to give up any one of his three established starters, Freddy Garcia, Javier Vazquez or Mark Buerhle. The Yankees weren't interested. On the other hand, Brandon McCarthy, the White Sox's 6-7 righty with top-of-the-rotation potential, might get their attention. Conceivably, Williams would be willing to include third baseman Joe Crede in any deal in that because, in Josh Fields, he has a blue chip replacement ready for the hot corner. A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras, would probably be interested in that scenario since he also represents Crede, who is up for free agency after next year. The White Sox have told Crede they won't offer him an extension unless he gets a minor operation for his periodically ailing back - which he has so far refused to do.

[MisterMoss]

Sign me up!!

[BIG COUNTRY]

Lets get a-fraud out now.

[AlioTheFool]

I'm not so sure I want to bring a guy in to play third who may need surgery. I'd like to grab a guy like Buerhle, but I don't want a gaping hole at third if the guy we rely on to fill the spot goes down.

Do we have anyone in the minors who is approaching readiness on the left side? If there is someone who we could call up to fill in if Crede was to go down, then I'd pull the trigger. Otherwise, we could still make a very nice deal with A-Rod elsewhere.

Amazingly, teams are salivating over the opportunity to get him. We all thought that the problems in October were going to hurt us trying to trade him, but now we are seeing that we are still in the driver's seat. Very nice.

I'm looking forward to a very nice offseason.

[MisterMoss]

I wouldn't touch Buerhle. That guy is dreadful. He continued to let his team down in the second half of the season. We could do much better than him.

[3rdAnd15Draw]

I'm not so sure I want to bring a guy in to play third who may need surgery. I'd like to grab a guy like Buerhle, but I don't want a gaping hole at third if the guy we rely on to fill the spot goes down.

Do we have anyone in the minors who is approaching readiness on the left side? If there is someone who we could call up to fill in if Crede was to go down, then I'd pull the trigger. Otherwise, we could still make a very nice deal with A-Rod elsewhere.

Amazingly, teams are salivating over the opportunity to get him. We all thought that the problems in October were going to hurt us trying to trade him, but now we are seeing that we are still in the driver's seat. Very nice.

I'm looking forward to a very nice offseason.

Do you really think Buerhle and Crede for A-Rod is teams salivating over him? Unless Crede hits .280+ again(.020 points over his career average) he's going to put up and OBP of around .300. And Buerhle was about as bad as you can be last season. The guy walked 48 in 204 innings and he had a WHIP of 1.45. He had an ERA of 6.44 and a BAA of .343 in the 2nd half, including 2 seperate months where batters hit almost .400 against him. Even scarier over that time period his BABIP was only .318 which means that he was just getting tatooed all over the place.

[AlioTheFool]

I didn't realize Buerhle was that bad in the second half. I saw him pitch a couple times last year and he looked good. My bad.

As far as teams salivating, there are whispers about Florida, the Angels, now the ChiSox, there could be a chance with a Cubs trade with Pinella there.

I'm not saying the market is jumping, so maybe salivating was the wrong term to use, but it is significantly better than we thought it would be two weeks ago.

Like I said, Crede is not exactly on my wishlist. Unless there is someone in the minors we are grooming, then I don't particularly want a stop-gap third baseman.

What it comes down to is that there is interest in A-Rod. We want him gone. It's a win-win situation.

[Drew]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

CHICAGO -- Lou Piniella, who will be formally introduced as the new Chicago Cubs manager Tuesday afternoon, wants to acquire embattled -- and possibly available -- New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.com that Piniella, who is extremely close to Rodriguez, expects the Cubs to aggressively pursue the 10-time All-Star. The 63-year-old manager and the 31-year-old Rodriguez have what amounts to a quasi-father/son relationship; Rodriguez was managed in Seattle by Piniella from 1994-2000. It is that relationship -- and the tantalizing talent of Rodriguez -- that has prompted Piniella to want to explore a trade with the Yankees.

Despite the Yankees' insistence that they have no intention of trading Rodriguez, the former two-time American League MVP seems to have alienated fans and perhaps even teammates with his postseason failures. For the second consecutive year, Rodriguez failed to drive in a run and helped contribute to an early exit by the Yankees, most recently a 3-1 Division Series loss to the Detroit Tigers. In the final game of that series, Rodriguez was dropped to an unheard-of eighth in the batting order. He finished the series 1-for-14 with no extra-base hits and is 4-for-41 (.098) with no RBI in his last 12 postseason games

Rodriguez has a no-trade clause and could veto any proposed deal. But the idea of playing for Piniella, in the slightly less-pressurized Chicago market, and for a franchise that loves star power could appeal to Rodriguez. So could a chance for a fresh start after a .290-35-121 regular season that wasn't good enough for Yankees fans.

For the Cubs, whose management experienced the rare and unnerving sight of empty seats at Wrigley Field this past season, the attraction of Rodriguez is obvious. He would immediately strengthen a lineup in dire need of power. He is normally an accomplished defensive player. And despite his postseason difficulties, he has a career .305 batting average and 464 career home runs in 13 major league seasons.

With the hiring of Piniella, it is understood that the Cubs will expand their payroll, which was close to $100 million in 2006. Depending on how much they want to spend, the Cubs are one of the few teams capable of taking on Rodriguez's salary. He is owed $95 million for the remaining four years of the landmark 10-year, $252 million deal, he signed with Texas. The Yankees are responsible for paying $66.6 million; the Rangers are paying the other $28.4 million.

A Cubs deal with the Yankees potentially could include third baseman Aramis Ramirez, who posted career highs of 38 home runs and 119 RBI in the regular season. It is thought the Yankees would also want a quality starting pitcher in any deal involving Rodriguez.

Piniella, who replaces Dusty Baker after the latter's four-season tenure in Chicago, agreed to a three-year deal, with a club option for a fourth, earlier Monday. He has hired most of his coaching staff and has decided, sources say, to retain Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

[MisterMoss]

So now both the Cubs and the White Sox are going to fight for Arod. Terrific!

[Poeman]

id send him there... but along with ramirez what stud pitcher do we get that they have? prior?

[MisterMoss]

Prior and Pavano would make a fantastic couple. Same but different. Like salt and pepper. Ketchup and mustard. If this was make believe, that would be fun to see

[The Dark Knight]

The Cubs would put A-Rod at SS.

Probably would not want to give up Ramirez.

[MisterMoss]

The Cubs would put A-Rod at SS.

Probably would not want to give up Ramirez.
Cubs will not let Aramis Ramirez get in the way of acquiring Arod.

[SonofDinger]

If he is sent to the ChiSox, McCarthy better be in the deal. As far as Crede goes, if he gets the surgery he needs, I'll take him.

We're talking 4 HRs, 11 RBIs, .622 SLG% last October.

[AlioTheFool]

And the salivating truly begins. Thanks Lou!

[AMJets]

Any deal involving A-Rod with the Cubs starts with Zambrano. No deal if they won't give him up.

[GreyhoundJet]

Any deal involving A-Rod with the Cubs starts with Zambrano. No deal if they won't give him up.


That would be pretty amazing but I don't think its going to happen.

[AMJets]

That would be pretty amazing but I don't think its going to happen.

Then A-Rod's not going to the Cubs.

[GreyhoundJet]

Then A-Rod's not going to the Cubs.


I agree. We can't give him up for less than his value and we better not even think of taking players like Prior and Wood.q

[kinghenry89]

Any deal involving A-Rod with the Cubs starts with Zambrano. No deal if they won't give him up.
Exactly right. If they aren't willing to give up Zambrano then they aren't getting Rodriguez, because Cashman knows that he can flip him to Anaheim for Ervin Santana +. He holds all the cards right now.

[The Future]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Sal Fasano and Nick Green both become Free Agents.

That's weird to see. Fasano seemed like he was getting comfortable and Green was hitting around .300 for the time he was here.

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Sal Fasano and Nick Green both become Free Agents.

That's weird to see. Fasano seemed like he was getting comfortable and Green was hitting around .300 for the time he was here.

The link is broken. This was also expected. Green wasn't going to come back no matter what, so instead of going to Scranton he'll try to catch on as a utility guy somewhere. Fasano is just going to test the free agent market, like 98% of the players who have expiring contracts.

[SonofDinger]

That's a shame. I was hoping to get Sal back next year.

[lightning]

After all the talk i would definately prefer a deal with the Angels

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Proctor heard a clicking sound in his elbow. Luckily, no damage. I wonder if Torre gets some sort of perverse pleasure out of trying to ruin relievers.

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Little preview of the guys in the AFL this year. Gardner off to a hot start, he is going to be a very good leadoff hitter someday. Also good to see Kennedy and Chamberlain making a great transition to pro ball. The pitching talent in the Yankee system is so strong, and these two are near the top of that list.

[nyjunc]

Was it last year the Eric duncan was the MVP of the AFL? I know he struggled this season and they moved him to 1B but is it possible he could play Third again of we deal ARod?

[BIG COUNTRY]

Id love to have Duncan at third but only if hes ready and able.

[AMJets]

Was it last year the Eric duncan was the MVP of the AFL? I know he struggled this season and they moved him to 1B but is it possible he could play Third again of we deal ARod?

His back issues, plus the fact that he just hasn't been able to consistently hit professional pitching make it unlikely he'll become a starter for the Yankees. Every time he gets hot and shows the power potential that made him a 1st round pick, his back either flares up, or he just shuts down offensively. This is his make or break year.

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Changes for Yanks' coaching staff?

BY JIM BAUMBACH
Newsday Staff Writer

October 24, 2006

Putting together the Yankees' 2007 coaching staff is on general manager Brian Cashman's agenda for this week, and there is an expectation within the organization that there will be some change.

Each coach has an expiring contract. Hitting coach Don Mattingly, third-base coach Larry Bowa and first-base coach Tony Peña all appear to be secure, but bench coach Lee Mazzilli appears less so.

Mazzilli and manager Joe Torre are close, but with Torre barely escaping his own dismissal, he likely does not have as much clout in determining his own coaching staff as he did a year ago. Cashman did not return messages yesterday.

Joe Girardi's availability could be a factor. Girardi, Torre's bench coach in 2005, is up for the job of Nationals manager. But the lure of getting in line to be considered one of Torre's potential successors could prove to be too attractive. Steve Mandell, Girardi's agent, refused to comment.

Peña also is a candidate for the Nationals' job.

Meanwhile, pitching coach Ron Guidry wants to return for a second year and bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan has the backing of Cashman, who initially hired him as a video scout during the 2005 season.

Thank God. Mazzilli couldn't be more like Torre if he tried.

[dwalsh]

Joe Girardi just pulled out of the Nationals coaching race, so it seems possible

[AlioTheFool]

I can all but guarantee Girardi is the bench coach this year. That's why Lou didn't get the job. This gives Girardi a chance to reacclimate into the coaching staff, and earn some respect to take the reigns from Torre next year. Plus, if Girardi shows he doesn't have the right stuff, Donnie will be in line for the job.

Personally, I would like to see Girardi get the manager position next year, and Donnie stay as the hitting coach. My son was at a hitting camp over the summer that Mattingly was conducting. The guy is an outright hitting genius. He can make the most minute tweak to a swing and vastly improve it.

[nyjunc]

The Daily News is repoting Girardi will rejoin the YES booth as a game analyst.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Bill Madden of the DN says we will pick up Sheff's option and trade him:

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

and the on article from the News I hope is incorrect is the one about ARod.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[MisterMoss]

Boras: Cashman says Yankees won't trade A-Rod
ESPN.com news services

Alex Rodriguez
Rodriguez

A-Rod isn't going anywhere.

That's the message agent Scott Boras said he received from New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman in a phone conversation about Alex Rodriguez recently, according to a report on the New York Daily News' Web site.

"Brian Cashman and I had a discussion and he made it clear that he has no intention of trading Alex," Boras told the Daily News, "and I told him that Alex Rodriguez has a no-trade clause.

"There will be no movement of Alex Rodriguez this offseason," Boras said.

However, baseball executives are unsure whether Boras' statements are believable, particularly given Rodriguez's postseason struggles and the media scrutiny in New York.

"There's nothing about playing in New York City that he finds as a negative," Boras told the Daily News.

Rodriguez's relationship with manager Joe Torre, who dropped A-Rod to eighth in the lineup during Game 4 of the division series, could be another factor in any decision to trade the third baseman.

"When there was talk about Joe's situation [as manager], Alex was very supportive," Boras told the Daily News. "That's not an issue. I never heard anything from him about [being offended by the lineups]. I think Alex's position is that when you're a player of his stature, you don't really care where you hit. You want to win."

Cashman has said he hasn't received any formal offers for Rodriguez, but executives told the Daily News that several teams have had internal discussions about what they'd be willing to offer in a trade.

However, Boras said he's certain Rodriguez isn't leaving the Big Apple.

"Alex came to New York and has averaged about 40 home runs a year," Boras told the Daily News. "Last time I checked, there aren't a lot of guys doing that. He came here because he wanted to be in a winning situation and the team has been close but hasn't done it yet. He wants to stay and be a part of doing it."

[EcKo151]

Here junc...An avatar just for you.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[Drew]

Here junc...An avatar just for you.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

UGH.

:shit:

[AlioTheFool]

Great. Yet another season of chokedom. You know, I would love to see Alex turn it all around, and become the player he has the talent to be. I just can't see him ever actually doing it.

[3rdAnd15Draw]

I think A-Rod will turn a corner now that he's got Boras defending him. I mean now everyone will respect what he's done since Boras laid it all out, right?

[AlioTheFool]

I think A-Rod will turn a corner now that he's got Boras defending him. I mean now everyone will respect what he's done since Boras laid it all out, right?

:rofl: :rofl2: :breakdance: :beer: :up:

[BIG COUNTRY]

Great, another playoff choke job here we come.

[SonofDinger]

I'll believe it when I see him on the field in pinstripes Opening Day next April

[AMJets]

It doesn't matter whether A-Rod's back or not. Bringing back Torre already confirmed another year without a championship.

[EcKo151]

It doesn't matter whether A-Rod's back or not. Bringing back Torre already confirmed another year without a championship.
That burns.

But so true:sad:

[lightning]

It doesn't matter whether A-Rod's back or not. Bringing back Torre already confirmed another year without a championship.
OUCH......

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

New York Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield, informed Wednesday that the Yankees will pick up his $13 million option in 2007, was angry by the decision, hoping instead the Yankees would let him go.
""This will not work, this will not work at all," Sheffield told USA TODAY. "I don't want to play first base a year for them. I will not do that."
Sheffield, who heard that the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Angels were interested him, said he was hoping to test the free-agent market and receive another three-year contract.
"I don't know what they're [Yankees] going to do," Sheffield said. "Maybe they picked it up just to trade me. If they do that, if I just to a team for one year, there's going to be a problem.
"A big problem.
"I will not do this."

I was so annoyed the day we signed this scumbag, and I cannot wait until he is gone. I hope he's traded to the Devil Rays or Royals, that's what an asshole like him deserves. Too bad Cashman didn't have control of the team back then, we'd have Vlad and not this douche.

[MisterMoss]

Hah. At least we'll get something for him.

Would we have gotton a draft pick if we just declined his option? I wonder what the market is for him now.

[AMJets]

Hah. At least we'll get something for him.

Would we have gotton a draft pick if we just declined his option? I wonder what the market is for him now.

We would've had to offer him arbitration, and he would have to decline it. Considering all he cares about is money, he likely would have declined, but we can probably get a decent package for him.

[AlioTheFool]

Well, Sheff made these same comments a couple months ago, so we should have seen them coming.

This is a good strategical move by Cashman though. If the Sox were eyeing him, it makes sense for us to do this. I'd hate to see him in that lineup. He could cause us some serious damage.

I don't blame him for not being happy about playing first. He is obviously not even close to a decent 1B. However, he does need to realize, he is property of the NY Yankees, thanks to a contract he signed, and we can do with him as we please.

Sorry Gary. Had you actually hit in the playoffs maybe things would be a little different for you right now. But all you are to us now is another bargaining chip.

It's been fun, but SEE YA!

[nyjunc]

It doesn't matter whether A-Rod's back or not. Bringing back Torre already confirmed another year without a championship.

Torre has won ALOT, ARod has never won. Torre wasn't the one not hitting against Detroit. he made a couple of bad decisions but if our overpaid bats are just average instead of dreadful then we are probably still playing right now.

[SonofDinger]

I agree. Albeit Torre has been on autopilot for the better part of the last few years, the main problem of this team is underachieving crusty veterans that I'm hoping we start to see less and less of in the next couple seasons.

[AMJets]

Oh great. Someone please wake me up when the Torre fellatio ends. Thanks.

[SonofDinger]

How was I giving fellatio? I just said he's been on autopilot for the past few years.

Are you really serious that Torre is the sole problem of this team?

Wake me when you come to your senses.

[AlioTheFool]

How was I giving fellatio? I just said he's been on autopilot for the past few years.

Are you really serious that Torre is the sole problem of this team?

Wake me when you come to your senses.

I don't think 10P10 was tossing that ball in your particular direction. :wink:

That said, Torre is a big problem. He makes very poor decisions. He pushes bullpens way too far, and lets his starters sit around collecting checks. The auto-pilot thing is a very real problem. Every team needs coaching, that's why every team has a manager.

Some of these guys need to be told what to do, like ARod. He isn't breaking out of his own slumps. He needs a severe ass-whipping. He should be put in the nine hole until next June. Maybe that will teach him.

Sadly, Cashman is the one who is going to have to put his foot down with Sheff. And it's only to trade his bitchy ass.

The big key is going to be getting some good arms for the rotation. The bats should recover when the lineup has time to play together for a few weeks straight. I still think Torre's biggest mistake was not sticking with the lineup and guys that got him there. We have the offense. It will all even out in the end. It's the lack of any quality pitching after Wang that scares me.

[BIG COUNTRY]

Next year should be another Al East championship year with a 1st round exit.

[dwalsh]

Rivera is DHL Delivery Man of the Year

NEW YORK -- At the current pace, the DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award may eventually be renamed after Mariano Rivera.

That's because the Yankees closer picked up the honor for the second time in the award's two-year history, beating out nine of the best relievers in baseball.

The Delivery Man of the Year Award is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball, recognizing the most outstanding relief pitcher of the season as voted on by the fans. From Sept. 25 through Oct. 9, fans cast nearly 90,000 votes for the award on MLB.com.

Rivera, who garnered 18,559 votes, helped the Yankees win their ninth consecutive American League East Division title by saving 34 games in 37 opportunities. He finished the year with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 55 batters and allowing 61 hits over 75 innings pitched.

In recognition of this honor, DHL will donate $15,000 in Rivera's name to the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Program, an MLB youth-outreach initiative designed to increase participation and interest in baseball, encourage academic participation and achievement and promote greater inclusion of minorities into the mainstream of the game of baseball.

The eight-time All-Star also earned the save in the American League's 3-2 win in the 77th All-Star Game. The save was Rivera's third in the Midsummer Classic, tying him with Dennis Eckersley for the most in Major League history.

Rivera posted solid numbers both on the road and at Yankee Stadium, where he converted all 20 of his save chances with a minuscule 1.51 ERA in 32 games. In 31 games away from the Bronx, Rivera struck out 31 batters while walking just four.

If there were any question as to how important Rivera is to the Yankees, it was answered during the first three weeks of September, when Rivera sat out with a mild muscle strain in his right forearm. The Yankees mixed and matched out of the bullpen, using Kyle Farnsworth as the primary closer -- and causing many stressful moments for manager Joe Torre.

"I think we all take 'Mo' for granted," Torre said. "When he's not available to you, if we didn't have the sizeable lead we had, there would have been a lot more uncomfortable nights in that dugout."

This season, Rivera became just the fourth reliever in history to compile 400 saves, reaching the milestone on July 16 against the White Sox. Rivera is the only one of the four 400-save members (Trevor Hoffman, Lee Smith and John Franco are the others) to record all of his saves with one franchise.

"Personally, I think it's a great number for a reliever," Rivera said. "I never thought I would be talking about getting close to 400 saves, especially with one team. It's amazing. Without my teammates, I couldn't have accomplished anything."

Rivera's 413 career saves are the most ever in the AL, ranking him fourth on the all-time list. He also holds the records for most postseason saves (34) and appearances (73), posting a minuscule 0.80 ERA in the playoffs over his career.

"Mo has done things that nobody else in the history of the game has done," said Derek Jeter. "We wouldn't have the success we've had without him. Only a few teams in history have had the luxury of having someone they can count on every single day. He's been pretty much automatic."

Rivera beat out San Diego's Hoffman, Chicago's Bobby Jenks, Minnesota's Joe Nathan, Boston's Jonathan Papelbon, the Angels' Francisco Rodriguez, Toronto's B.J. Ryan, the Mets' Billy Wagner, Seattle's J.J. Putz and Detroit's Joel Zumaya for the award.

To create the ballot, an initial list of 15 relievers was compiled by the editorial board of MLB.com. The 10 finalists were chosen from this list of nominees by a special "yellow-ribbon" panel consisting of newly inducted Hall of Fame pitcher Bruce Sutter; former manager/player Lou Piniella, Mike Bauman, national columnist for MLB.com; Jerome Holtzman, the official MLB historian and a member of the writer's wing of the Hall of Fame; and Bob Watson, MLB's vice president, on-field operations.

Throughout the season, the panel also selected the monthly Delivery Man of the Month Award, which went to Papelbon (April), Jason Isringhausen (May), Jenks (June), Nathan (July), Rodriguez (August) and Hoffman (September).

[dwalsh]

Jeter expects change, stands by A-Rod
Yankees captain says entire team to blame for falling short

ST. LOUIS -- Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter -- on hand at Busch Stadium on Wednesday to accept the Hank Aaron Award along with Philadelphia's Ryan Howard as the outstanding offensive players in their respective leagues -- said he anticipates changes on the Yankees' roster for 2007 and believes he has done all he can to show personal support for frequently embattled teammate Alex Rodriguez.

"It's easier to keep the team together when you're winning," said Jeter, mobbed by reporters after he stepped away from the presentation table. "It's been five years since we've won. I would expect we'll probably make some changes.

"I always said, you don't play the games on paper. It doesn't matter how one game goes, how a team looks -- you have to play the games. You don't get a trophy for saying, 'I think we had the best team.'"

Jeter led the Yankees to their ninth consecutive American League East title, but once again they fell short of a World Series championship to which he had grown so accustomed during the first half of his career.

New York won its American League Division Series opener at home against Detroit, but the Yanks didn't win again during the series and the immediate focus of the press and public centered on Rodriguez's ongoing postseason struggles while with the Yankees.

"In New York, it doesn't matter if you have a contract [for the next season] or not -- you have to win," Jeter said. "But I don't think the focus is going to be on him more than others on the team."

Jeter said he had been "out of the country, to get away from things." He said he hasn't seen a single World Series play to this point, so he had nothing to add when asked his thoughts about the Tigers and Cardinals. He was mostly asked about what went wrong with a Yankees team widely expected to get back to the World Series.

When asked about clubhouse tension toward the end, Jeter responded, "What tension?"

Then he was asked if he believes there is anything more he can do to show support for Rodriguez, referring to some degree of public perception that he had not been vocal enough in support of the superstar third baseman.

"What would you like me to do?" Jeter asked. "You're there, everyone supports all your teammates all the time. I don't know if there's anything else I can do. I'm not that smart."

Jeter also said that the media is not around the clubhouse long enough to be privy to conversations among players that are meant to be private, intimating that he has made efforts to reach out to Rodriguez.

Regarding the immediate post-elimination buzz about Joe Torre's managerial status -- and then Torre's announcement that he was returning -- Jeter said, "I was surprised how quickly it happened. We had just gotten home.

"He's the best. The best manager in baseball. Pretty much the only one I know, anyway."

The last time Jeter was in the public spotlight, it also was before the Oct. 11 plane crash in Manhattan that claimed the life of Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle.

"Unfortunately, there was the Cory Lidle situation," Jeter said. "It certainly took the focus off what happened in the playoffs."

When asked what makes it so difficult for a team that regularly won it all to finally record that elusive 27th World Series championship, Jeter said:

"A lot of series. A lot of games.

"People say, 'We'll get 'em next year.' But that's a long way."

[AMJets]

How was I giving fellatio? I just said he's been on autopilot for the past few years.

Are you really serious that Torre is the sole problem of this team?

Wake me when you come to your senses.

I wouldn't say he's the sole problem, but he is a huge problem. The good thing is that this will be his final year, so maybe we'll return to championship form in 2008.

(awaits bashing from nyjunc for not calling Torre, "God".)

[dwalsh]

Johnson undergoes back surgery
Agent says Yankees hurler is fine, everything went as expected

NEW YORK -- Randy Johnson underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back on Thursday, fixing a problem that plagued him over the season's final month and into the playoffs.

The operation was performed in Los Angeles by back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, who did the same surgery on Johnson in September 1996.

Barry Meister, Johnson's agent, said that Johnson is expected to be ready to pitch by Spring Training and should be fine by Opening Day.

"Everything went fine," Meister said. "The doctor was pleased. It went just as expected."

General manager Brian Cashman recently said that Johnson, 43, could be ready for Opening Day 2007, but added that it wasn't a sure thing.

"He's going to be behind in Spring Training," Cashman said last week. "The time frame would permit him to be ready by Opening Day, but because of his age, I don't think it would be a fair assessment to guarantee it."

Johnson is expected to return to his home in Phoenix on Friday, according to Meister.

Johnson went 17-11 this season with a 5.00 ERA, but he was hit for five runs in 5 2/3 innings in his Game 3 start of the American League Division Series against the Tigers.

The 43-year-old left-hander, who is 20 victories shy of 300 for his career, has one year and $16 million remaining on his contract.


I would love for him to get his 300th win this year... that would be amazing

[AMJets]

Just retire already, Small Unit. No one cares about you or your 300 wins.

[AMJets]

No doubt now that Mattingly will be the next manager.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Mattingly the new bench coach... Mazz out
By Jim Baumbach & Ken Davidoff

Don Mattingly will replace Lee Mazzilli as Yankees bench coach, people with knowledge of the situation told Newsday today.

The promotion brings Mattingly one important step closer to the manager’s seat and solidifies him as the favorite to be Joe Torre’s successor. Torre’s contract expires after next season.

Mazzilli’s run as Yankees bench coach ends after only one season. He was the Yankees first-base coach from 2000-03 before spending a season and a half as the Baltimore Orioles manager.

General manager Brian Cashman, who spent a second consecutive day in meetings with his professional scouts at Yankee Stadium, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

Mattingly joined the Yankees coaching staff in 2004 as their hitting coach, a job he’s held for three straight seasons, after spending the previous eight years with his family in Indiana.

[MisterMoss]

Yup. Just got here to see if it was posted. He'll be the manager next year.

[dwalsh]

Just retire already, Small Unit. No one cares about you or your 300 wins.

the only reason i said it would be great for him to get his 300th win this season is because it would mean he would have a 20-win season for the Yankees, and that would be great

[AlioTheFool]

Well, I have to say, I am a bit surprised about the Mattingly news. Honestly, I wanted him to continue to be the hitting coach. I guess he can continue to instruct as a bench coach, and even on into managing.

It will be great when he takes over though. Can you imagine the roar he will hear the first time he is introduced as the Yankee skipper? I need to get tickets to the first home game of 2008!

[EcKo151]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[typeOnegative13NY]

Just retire already, Small Unit. No one cares about you or your 300 wins.
I second that

[AlioTheFool]

They just reported on the news that Sheff tried calling George yesterday, but The Boss was "not at home." (He has Steinbrenner's home phone number?)

They also said Sheff lawyer had spoken with Cashman yesterday, but nothing was resolved. (Lawyer? What about his agent?)

Finally, they reported that he is refusing to play anywhere but right field, and would rather retire than play for another team.

Sorry Sheff. Abreu is our right fielder. I understand not wanting to play first, but you're forcing yourself into retirement. You'd be a helluva DH if we trade Matsui, but if that's not good enough, then it's been nice knowin' ya!

[nyjunc]

I wouldn't say he's the sole problem, but he is a huge problem. The good thing is that this will be his final year, so maybe we'll return to championship form in 2008.

(awaits bashing from nyjunc for not calling Torre, "God".)

Yes b/c I think he's a God:rolleyes: if you recall I said although I didn't think it was his fault I thought it was time for a change after the Det series. Joe isn't responsible fopr his overpaid lineup not coming through in the clutch.

I back Joe but at least he has a Championship track record, you defend ARod to the death but he has done NOTHING for us other than cost us playoff series.

[SonofDinger]

It will be great when he takes over though. Can you imagine the roar he will hear the first time he is introduced as the Yankee skipper? I need to get tickets to the first home game of 2008!

This is exactly what I thought of when I heard the news. The roar will be twice as loud as the one he received at the home opener in 2004.

[SonofDinger]

Just retire already, Small Unit. No one cares about you or your 300 wins.

And we care even less for the Big Eunuch's 5.00 ERA

[AlioTheFool]

Yes b/c I think he's a God:rolleyes: if you recall I said although I didn't think it was his fault I thought it was time for a change after the Det series. Joe isn't responsible fopr his overpaid lineup not coming through in the clutch.

I back Joe but at least he has a Championship track record, you defend ARod to the death but he has done NOTHING for us other than cost us playoff series.

If Joe isn't responsible for these guys not being prepared for a playoff series, yet again, who exactly is?

Why do people have such a problem understanding the meaning of the term "manager?"

[AlioTheFool]

This is exactly what I thought of when I heard the news. The roar will be twice as loud as the one he received at the home opener in 2004.

I told my wife this morning that I was buying home opener tix for 2008 this morning. I was answered with a "Fine, honey, whatever you want" coupled with a sigh.

Then I told her it was because it was almost a sure thing that Donnie would be the manager for the first time that day. I was answered with "Really? That place is going to LOUD! We're going!"

That's right honey, we're going. :grin:

[AMJets]

Yes b/c I think he's a God:rolleyes: if you recall I said although I didn't think it was his fault I thought it was time for a change after the Det series. Joe isn't responsible fopr his overpaid lineup not coming through in the clutch.

I back Joe but at least he has a Championship track record, you defend ARod to the death but he has done NOTHING for us other than cost us playoff series.

I love how I defend A-Rod to the death, yet I've said a number of times that I hope the Yankees trade him. But whatever. :rofl:

[AMJets]

Phil's website is up.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[MisterMoss]

How adorable

[nyjunc]

If Joe isn't responsible for these guys not being prepared for a playoff series, yet again, who exactly is?

Why do people have such a problem understanding the meaning of the term "manager?"

It's Joe's fault ARod is a choker? Does he get credit for Jeter's great series? We got enough pitching in the series to win, our bats didn't show up AGAIN. It's a bad mix of guys. I do blame Joe for inserting Sheff and Matsui back into the lineup but that alone was not why they lost.

[EcKo151]

Enough pitching? Ehh, I'd say decent, and that's nice...

Wang was good, then Mussina BLEW a 3-1 lead. Johnson was bad, Wright was worse...They didn't do enough to win the series. I do agree that the bats went silent, most notably ARod and Cano, the bats were atrocious. But the pitching was not good.

[AlioTheFool]

It's Joe's fault ARod is a choker? Does he get credit for Jeter's great series? We got enough pitching in the series to win, our bats didn't show up AGAIN. It's a bad mix of guys. I do blame Joe for inserting Sheff and Matsui back into the lineup but that alone was not why they lost.

NO. It is NOT Joe's fault ARod is a choker. I didn't say it was. I never have.

HOWEVER, it is Joe's fault what lineup was fielded during the series. Throughout history, in all sports, there are countless stories of managers/coaches who decided to leave the girl that went to the dance with them hanging while they pursued the pretty one. Joe did that this year.

Inserting Matsui and Sheffield was the wrong move. Giambi has proven time and again he is a much better hitter when playing first base. Cabrera was an absolute sparkplug for this team all year long, not to mention his defensive ability, which is worlds better than Matsui.

Yes, our pitching was more than adequate to get us through the playoffs. However, the mixed up lineup was too different than the one that developed chemistry all year long. I'm not going to argue the point of chemistry yet again. Those who played organized sports in their lifetime know the value. Those that haven't just don't seem to be able to grasp the significance. (I don't know if you have or haven't, I'm just speaking generally.)

Joe could easily have had Giambi at first, and Cabrera in left. Giambi probably hits better, and that is a big spark in the lineup, and along with Jeter's performance, generates more runs, throwing off Detroit's pitching, allowing more guys to get the job done. Cabrera probably gets on base more often than Sheff is ever going to, and that results in more baserunners making Detroit's pitching nervous. Insert Matsui as the DH, and he gets hits in the middle of the lineup, generating more nerves. (I would rather have Matsui than Bernie at this point, but at the same time, Bernie's postseason performance is undeniable.)

The only way to win baseball games is to get to the opposing pitcher. The lineup we were playing with couldn't do that. Sure, it's 20/20 hindsight, but Joe should know better. If you don't blame Joe for sucking the chemistry out of the lineup at the worst possible time, who do you blame? It's not like he didn't have a week to see that Matsui and Sheff weren't making as big a splash as he'd hoped.

As if that all weren't enough, we can talk about motivation. Supposedly, that is Joe's strongest managerial trait. I would argue that in his entire time here, it has been his ONLY managerial trait. It was his job to wake these guys up. Why were there no closed-door meetings during the series? Every time he pulls one of those, the team comes out and responds. What happened here? Did he think this team should just be able to fix itself? Sorry Joe, wrong move. Ever see Pat Riley or Phil Jackson just throw their hands in the air and say, "whatever guys, just do what you're supposed to?"

Basically, my question to you then junc, is what exactly is a manager responsible for, if not to field the lineup that wins and motivate guys when they obviously need it? Justify to me how Joe is NOT responsible for this mess. You can't do it by saying that the bats just went cold, because as I have illustrated, that can be directly pointed back at Torre on multiple levels.

So sorry. I will continue to blame Joe Torre for this year's collapse for the rest of my life. The only way that changes is if news breaks that either George or Cashman demanded the lineup that we saw, and Joe simply complied. Otherwise, this loss is solely on the shoulders of Torre.

[nyjunc]

Enough pitching? Ehh, I'd say decent, and that's nice...

Wang was good, then Mussina BLEW a 3-1 lead. Johnson was bad, Wright was worse...They didn't do enough to win the series. I do agree that the bats went silent, most notably ARod and Cano, the bats were atrocious. But the pitching was not good.

I didn't say the pitching was good, it WAS good enough. Mussina ble a 3-1 lead BUT the bats had Det on the ropes all game and couldn't put them away and RJ wasn't terrible for 6 Innings in game 3. If we could have gotten some hits and given him some runs things could have been different. we lost b/c of the bats just like '03, '04 and '05.

[MisterMoss]

Sheffield deal in place
BY JIM BAUMBACH AND KEN DAVIDOFF
Newsday Staff Writers

October 30, 2006

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday.

But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Those players will land long-term, multimillion-dollar deals, but all Sheffield costs is $13 million for one season, with at least $4.5 million deferred.

The Yankees have until Sunday night to officially pick up Sheffield's option, and they are expected to do so shortly after agreeing to a trade, which now seems inevitable.

The Yankees are open to all types of packages, an AL team official said. Cashman, who was unavailable for comment yesterday, is willing to accept a package of prospects, bullpen help or a starting pitcher, the official said.

Sheffield has made his feelings known that he is not happy with the Yankees' plans to pick up the option and trade him because he would prefer to seek a new three-year contract on the free-agent market. And he has publicly warned any team that trades for him that he will want an extension.

But his very public demands do not appear to have scared off too many teams. Multiple teams have expressed interest, according to a person familiar with the situation, and the Yankees seem as if they will have their pick of where to send him.

Although the Rangers and Indians are among the AL teams believed to be interested, the Yankees could decide to trade him to a National League team to avoid facing him next year. In addition to the Phillies and Cubs, the Padres, Giants, Braves and Astros are among potential NL landing spots for Sheffield, who wishes to play rightfield.

A Sheffield trade seems likely to happen before Sunday's option deadline for a handful of reasons, including the desire of team officials to move on to other business on their offseason agenda.

They have two other player option deadlines. The Yankees have to decide by Nov. 12 whether to buy out Jaret Wright for $4 million or pay him $7 million next season, and they have until Nov. 15 to decline Mike Mussina's $17-million option.

Copyright 2006 Newsday Inc.

Fantastic!

[AlioTheFool]

Sweet! Sheff is a hot commodity! I liked him when he was playing well here, but it's time to cut ties. Looks like we actually get something nice for him too. Good work Cashman.

Time to guy out Wright. I'd rather blow $4M than $7M. He has been too disappoing.

I think we should pick Moose's option. Unless he would be willing to renegotiate. I doubt that though. He had a pretty good year this year, arguably his best in pinstripes. If we can fix up this rotation, he would be a very attractive option as the number 4 or 5.

[Jake]

I loved Sheffield I will miss him.

[kinghenry89]

Ideally I'd like to see the Yankees move Sheffield for a starting pitcher and then try to solve the bullpen through free agency (again.) I just worry about Matsuzaka or Zito in the AL East, especially with their hugely inflated price tags. I think that all we really need is one more good arm in the bullpen to keep Villone/Proctor/Farnsworth's innings down and all 3 could be very effective.

Maybe David Riske or Scott Shoeneweis--a big name is not necessary. Just an adequate pitcher.

[AlioTheFool]

I heard from someone at work that the deal now is that Sheff is going to Philly for some guy named Floyd I think. I have no idea who that is. From what this guy told me, he's like 26, with a live fastball. Like I said, I have no clue though.

[kinghenry89]

I heard from someone at work that the deal now is that Sheff is going to Philly for some guy named Floyd I think. I have no idea who that is. From what this guy told me, he's like 26, with a live fastball. Like I said, I have no clue though.
Maybe Gavin Floyd, who's bounced up and down from the bottom of Philadelphia's rotation for the last 2 seasons.

I'd certainly hope that Cashman could get more than Gavin Floyd in exchange for Sheffield (though I'm not certain we're talking about the same player here.) If we're trading Sheffield to the Phillies, let's talk Ryan Madson for starters.

[nyjunc]

On SportsCenter this morning they said the yanks are interested in Suppan.

[dwalsh]

Yankees | Suppan interests Steinbrenner
Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:56:46 -0800

ESPNews reports the New York Yankees may be interested in talking with free-agent SP Jeff Suppan (Cardinals) once the negotiating period with teams begins.

[AMJets]

FYI, Matsuzaka will be posted tomorrow.

[silent scream]

FYI, Matsuzaka will be posted tomorrow.

How long do teams have to bid on the posting? I guess what I'm really asking is how long until we know who wins the rights to negoatiate with him?

[kinghenry89]

Yankees | Suppan interests Steinbrenner
Tue, 31 Oct 2006 23:56:46 -0800

ESPNews reports the New York Yankees may be interested in talking with free-agent SP Jeff Suppan (Cardinals) once the negotiating period with teams begins.
At some point you'd think that Cashman would learn his lesson about bringing mediocre NL starters into the AL East.

[AlioTheFool]

At some point you'd think that Cashman would learn his lesson about bringing mediocre NL starters into the AL East.

I was thinking the same exact thing, but I didn't really feel like getting into yet another argument today.

Now, what dwalsh posted said it is Steinbrenner who is interested in Suppan. If that is the case, then Brian better get smart quick, and talk George out of it. Otherwise, this is the same old crap we've been doing for years, and next October will end the same way.

The Boss probably saw that one Mets game, and decided that Suppan was his answer.

[Rextasy]

Suppan would come in and immediately be the #2 starter on the Yanks.. Hey isn't Maddux available, he seems to be more the Yanks style being the over the hill one time stud pitcher that he is..

[dwalsh]

Yankees | Team has not ruled out trading A-Rod
Wed, 1 Nov 2006 09:44:57 -0800

Ken Rosenthal, of FOXSports.com, reports the New York Yankees are not ruling out trading 3B Alex Rodriguez, according to major league sources. However, the Yankees will not approach Rodriguez or his agent, Scott Boras, about a trade and will instead wait and see if Rodriguez will come to them about waiving his no-trade clause.

[AMJets]

Suppan would come in and immediately be the #2 starter on the Yanks..

No, he wouldn't.

[AMJets]

How long do teams have to bid on the posting? I guess what I'm really asking is how long until we know who wins the rights to negoatiate with him?

Teams have four days from the day Seibu officially posts him to submit their bids to MLB. MLB will look over the bids, and send the highest one to Seibu. Matsuzaka and the team that won the bidding then have 30 days to negotiate the contract. If they don't reach an agreement on a contract within the 30 days, the team gets the bid money back.

[kinghenry89]

Suppan would come in and immediately be the #2 starter on the Yanks.. Hey isn't Maddux available, he seems to be more the Yanks style being the over the hill one time stud pitcher that he is..
Does anybody else remember the last time somebody tried bringing Suppan into the AL East? Boston picked him up in '03 at the trade deadline and he pretty much bombed there. I don't think he's gotten significantly better from that point.

We're talking about a guy who has had an ERA under 4.00 once in a 12 year career. He did pitch outstanding baseball in the postseason last year, but I can't caution the Yankees against aquiring him and expecting him to carry the load in strong enough terms.

BTW, the idea that he would be our #2 starter over Wang and Mussina (who I assume will be brought back) is laughable.

[AMJets]

RJ would be ahead of Suppan, too.

[AMJets]

Jim Callis in his chat today on ESPN said he would take Hughes over Liriano. He said mainly because of Liriano's elbow, but it's still surprising he said that.

[Rextasy]

Does anybody else remember the last time somebody tried bringing Suppan into the AL East? Boston picked him up in '03 at the trade deadline and he pretty much bombed there. I don't think he's gotten significantly better from that point.

We're talking about a guy who has had an ERA under 4.00 once in a 12 year career. He did pitch outstanding baseball in the postseason last year, but I can't caution the Yankees against aquiring him and expecting him to carry the load in strong enough terms.

BTW, the idea that he would be our #2 starter over Wang and Mussina (who I assume will be brought back) is laughable.
As of right now the Yanks have one quality starter. RJ is not considered a quality starter anymore at his age. Mussina will probably come back and that will make 2 quality starters. Suppan while not great would be an upgrade over anyone else in the Yanks rotation and has proven to be able to pitch in big spots.

[AMJets]

As of right now the Yanks have one quality starter. RJ is not considered a quality starter anymore at his age. Mussina will probably come back and that will make 2 quality starters. Suppan while not great would be an upgrade over anyone else in the Yanks rotation and has proven to be able to pitch in big spots.

Suppan in the AL is the exact opposite of "quality". Other than pitching a few more innings, I doubt he would be any better than Wright.

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Scroll to the bottom, Reds interested in mid-level Yankee prospects for Dunn.

[MisterMoss]

No reason to believe the Yankees having any interest in Dunn.

[dwalsh]

Yankees | Interest in Helms
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 02:01:49 -0800

The Newark Star-Ledger reports the New York Yankees have an interest in free-agent 1B Wes Helms (Marlins) to fill the right-handed first-base duty for the ballclub.

[dwalsh]

Yankees | Jeter wins Gold Glove
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 14:24:43 -0800

MLB.com reports New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter won an American League Gold Glove Award for the third time in his career.

[nyjunc]

Yankees | Jeter wins Gold Glove
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 14:24:43 -0800

MLB.com reports New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter won an American League Gold Glove Award for the third time in his career.

There is a report out of Minny that jeter has won the AL MVP Award as well.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

[AlioTheFool]

Yankees | Interest in Helms
Thu, 2 Nov 2006 02:01:49 -0800

The Newark Star-Ledger reports the New York Yankees have an interest in free-agent 1B Wes Helms (Marlins) to fill the right-handed first-base duty for the ballclub.

I realize there has been a trend in baseball over the past few years to have right-handed first basemen, but they are usually extreme power hitters, who are terrible on defense.

It's not like this guy is freaking Pujols. When are we going to get a star defensive 1B, or just decide to leave Giambi where he is?

I admit I don't know a lot about this guy, but looking at his stats on MLB.com, he doesn't particularly impress me. Don't we have bigger worries than first base anyway?

[lightning]

I realize there has been a trend in baseball over the past few years to have right-handed first basemen, but they are usually extreme power hitters, who are terrible on defense.

It's not like this guy is freaking Pujols. When are we going to get a star defensive 1B, or just decide to leave Giambi where he is?

I admit I don't know a lot about this guy, but looking at his stats on MLB.com, he doesn't particularly impress me. Don't we have bigger worries than first base anyway?
Obviously we do, but whats wrong with bringing in another 1B when you don't have stability there?

[AlioTheFool]

Obviously we do, but whats wrong with bringing in another 1B when you don't have stability there?

How about getting one who is left-handed, at the very least? Even better if he is a good defensive player. If neither of those, a 40HR guy. Otherwise, we may as well stick with Giambi.

[lightning]

How about getting one who is left-handed, at the very least? Even better if he is a good defensive player. If neither of those, a 40HR guy. Otherwise, we may as well stick with Giambi.
I'm almost sure this guy would come in be a better defensive player than Giambi. It's not too hard.

I was never a cashman fan, and this eally isn't changing my opinion.

[AMJets]

Mussina likely to return, Wright not likely to return.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Good news about Wright (and expected,) but it looks like we'll overpay for Mussina.

[Jake]

Unreal that we're even considering Suppan. He's probably the worst out of the rest of the NL trash we had recently brought in (Brown, Vazquez, Unit, Pavano, Wright).

I don't want anything to do with that plug.

[AlioTheFool]

I'm almost sure this guy would come in be a better defensive player than Giambi. It's not too hard.

I was never a cashman fan, and this eally isn't changing my opinion.

Well my point with Giambi is the same one I made the whole end of the season this year. Unless you are getting someone who is a very good defensive 1B, there is no reason not to let Giambi play first. The reason being, he is a much better offensive player when he gets to play defense. He's just one of those players that doesn't take well to the long periods of inactivity on the bench.

The only way I say to get someone who isn't a Gold Glove 1B is if it is someone who hits like Pujols. (To be honest, I don't know how Pujols is defensively, so he may even be okay. The point is, unless they are a vastly better hitter than Giambi at his best, or a huge defensive upgrade, not just marginal, there's no reason to worry about the position right now.)


I do want Moose back. He pitched much better this year than in the past. He only started failing when the weight of the rotation fell on him late in the year. If we can manage to get him in the 4 or 5 slot, he can be a 15 game winner, and probably be a good pitcher in the playoffs for once. If we are going to force him into one of the first two slots again, he is going to fall flat on his face, as is his career specialty.

Suppan is a mistake. No question. The only NL pitchers I can think of off the top of my head I would want to see in pinstripes are Pettite and Clemens. Maybe I would chance Willis, if he came cheaply enough for us. We need a real #1 though, to go along with Wang. I'd rather just concentrate on getting a very good starter than try grabbing as much fluff as possible and letting it settle in the spring.

[lightning]

I'd chance willis as well. But at this point i'm still on the Zito bandwagon.

[AlioTheFool]

I'd chance willis as well. But at this point i'm still on the Zito bandwagon.

Me too, but most people aren't. He is not a popular choice, though I think he would make a great #3 starter for us.

My rotation, if I had it my way:
1) Wang
2) Matsuzaka
3) Zito
4) Randy (I think the surgery is going to help him a lot. He's been off, but his fastball is still high-speed, and when his slider is on, it breaks hard.)
5) Moose

I'd be willing to dump RJ if we found someone of quality, like a Willis to put in his spot. I don't want to offer a king's ransom to Florida for him though, especially when there is a good enough chance he could fall flat on his face.

[lightning]

Me too, but most people aren't. He is not a popular choice, though I think he would make a great #3 starter for us.

My rotation, if I had it my way:
1) Wang
2) Matsuzaka
3) Zito
4) Randy (I think the surgery is going to help him a lot. He's been off, but his fastball is still high-speed, and when his slider is on, it breaks hard.)
5) Moose

I'd be willing to dump RJ if we found someone of quality, like a Willis to put in his spot. I don't want to offer a king's ransom to Florida for him though, especially when there is a good enough chance he could fall flat on his face.
Well i guess because most want a young arm. And if i didn't think we could win a WS next year i wouldn't want zito either. But i think we can and we will if we get him.

[MisterMoss]

Getting the Japanese pitcher AND Zito would be too much. I don't even want Zito. He's gonna blow here. I hope the Red Sox get him.

[lightning]

Getting the Japanese pitcher AND Zito would be too much. I don't even want Zito. He's gonna blow here. I hope the Red Sox get him.
Well sure, if RJ is kept which is more than likely. Would you take Barry over RJ?

[MisterMoss]

Well sure, if RJ is kept which is more than likely. Would you take Barry over RJ?
Assuming that Barry would be here for 5 more years, and Randy would be gone after this season, no.

[AMJets]

Me too, but most people aren't. He is not a popular choice, though I think he would make a great #3 starter for us.

My rotation, if I had it my way:
1) Wang
2) Matsuzaka
3) Zito
4) Randy (I think the surgery is going to help him a lot. He's been off, but his fastball is still high-speed, and when his slider is on, it breaks hard.)
5) Moose

I'd be willing to dump RJ if we found someone of quality, like a Willis to put in his spot. I don't want to offer a king's ransom to Florida for him though, especially when there is a good enough chance he could fall flat on his face.

So you think they'll pay $70M+ for Matsuzaka, $70-90M for Zito, and re-sign Moose for near $25M? Come on now. And how are we just going to dump RJ? Who in their right mind would be interested in a 43 year old coming off a bad year and back surgery, who has no knee cartilage and a $16M salary?

If so many people are interested in Zito, why not give Ted Lilly a similar deal? Lilly's numbers aren't as good, but they're not that far off from Zito's. The only difference is Lilly has done it in the AL East (and has been very good against Boston) while Zito has done it in the AL West, and has struggled against the East (Boston especially).

[BIG COUNTRY]

I want no part of Zito and we definitely shouldnt be breaking the bank for Moose. hes a 4th starter in the league now, nothing more.

[AlioTheFool]

Actually I had forgotten about Lily. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him return to pinstripes on a two year deal.

I'm not advocating dumping RJ. I'm just saying I would be willing to do it, if it meant an overall improvement in the rotation. Besides, I said I think he will come back from the surgery improved. Unless his legs are worse than we thought, the lessened back pain should be a positive for him next year.

Yes, the total amounts for the starting rotation would be astronomical, but in case you haven't noticed, the Yankees, even while losing money, are more than happy to throw money at the roster. We may as well spend it on pitching, which wins ballgames, rather than more bats that refuse to ignite when the air chills a bit.

As for Zito, so what he has struggled against the AL East. In all reality, he hasn't sucked so much against the East as he has us and Boston. There's no reason to believe he wouldn't be just fine here. With our lineup, we should be able to provide him ample run support to be just fine.

Now even if we assume he is dismal against the AL East, all of it, how many games will he pitch in the division? Let's take Wang for an example, since he pitched the most innings of all our starters.

He pitched in 34 games total. Of those 34, he faced an AL East team 14 times. That left 20 games for him to pitch against other teams. Don't you have to figure Zito could win 15 of 20 outside the divison, and at least 5 within it? That's 20 wins. Are you willing to say you wouldn't take 20 wins from a pitcher, regardless of who he gets them from? Sure divisional losses hurt a little more since you lose more ground, but 20 wins is still a lot of wins.

The bigger question is, would you be comfortable handing over those 20 wins to Boston, simply for the chance to beat up on him 2 or 3 times a year?

[MisterMoss]

I would take Lilly in a heartbeat. He was very good last year.

[AMJets]

Actually I had forgotten about Lily. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing him return to pinstripes on a two year deal.

I wouldn't either, 2 years at $7M per would be good for a guy like Lilly. Just like 3-4 years at $8-10M per would be good for a guy like Zito. But in the end, Lilly will get a little more than that (which is fine), and Zito will get 5-6 years at $13-15M per, which is WAY more than he is worth.

Yes, the total amounts for the starting rotation would be astronomical, but in case you haven't noticed, the Yankees, even while losing money, are more than happy to throw money at the roster. We may as well spend it on pitching, which wins ballgames, rather than more bats that refuse to ignite when the air chills a bit.

Even the Yankees have a limit, as we saw (unfortunately) with Beltran. And with all of the talented pitching prospects in the system, they aren't going to overpay for a guy like Zito.

As for Zito, so what he has struggled against the AL East. In all reality, he hasn't sucked so much against the East as he has us and Boston. There's no reason to believe he wouldn't be just fine here. With our lineup, we should be able to provide him ample run support to be just fine.

He's been awful against Boston, and average at best against Baltimore and Tampa. When you give a pitcher a $15M a year commitment over 5 or 6 years, you expect him to be able to shut down any lineup, and you don't even worry about run support. If we signed him to a Pavano-type contract, then it would be different. But he's going to get an extra year or two, and almost double the money of the Pavano contract.

Now even if we assume he is dismal against the AL East, all of it, how many games will he pitch in the division? Let's take Wang for an example, since he pitched the most innings of all our starters.

He pitched in 34 games total. Of those 34, he faced an AL East team 14 times. That left 20 games for him to pitch against other teams. Don't you have to figure Zito could win 15 of 20 outside the divison, and at least 5 within it? That's 20 wins. Are you willing to say you wouldn't take 20 wins from a pitcher, regardless of who he gets them from? Sure divisional losses hurt a little more since you lose more ground, but 20 wins is still a lot of wins.

After you factor in a few no decisions, no, I could never in a million years see Zito winning 15 of 20 starts outside of the division. Given the run support he'll get, probably 10-12, and then 4-5 within the division. If the Yankees have to pay Zito $90M over 6 years, I'm expecting him to be the 2002 Barry Zito every year. That's not what they will be getting. They'll be getting around 15 wins, and an ERA in the 3.80-4.00 range. Good, but not worth the money. Ted Lilly can give me 12-14 wins and an ERA around 4.00-4.20 for 1/3 of the price.

The bigger question is, would you be comfortable handing over those 20 wins to Boston, simply for the chance to beat up on him 2 or 3 times a year?

Even if by some miracle from the Gods he does go to Boston and becomes a 20 game winner, then sure, what do I care? It's not like that will keep the Yankees out of the AL East mix (Matsuzaka-Wang-Mussina-Lilly-RJ with Hughes waiting in the wings will keep them head to head with the Sox at the very least). And if they're in the mix, I can be confident that one of their big time starters will be rocked when we face them.

But this is a moot point, because Zito's not all of a sudden going to go from a 15 game winner in the AL West to a 20 game winner in the AL East. Whether it's with the Sox or the Yankees, he'll be paid #1 money and deliver #3 results. Not worth it.

[AMJets]

Free agent compensation ratings were released today. Here are the Yankees:

Sheffield A
Mussina A
Villone B
Bernie C
Wilson C

FYI, Lidle would've been a B-level FA.

Under the new agreement, teams do not receive compensation for C-level FA's (would've been Bernie and Craig Wilson). Teams get a sandwich pick for B-level FAs from now on (formerly received direct compensation). A-level FAs remain the same this year.

An interesting thing about the ratings is Garciaparra and Lilly are both B-level. As we know, we could be in the market for a strong righty hitting 1B (and we had a lot of interest in Nomar last off-season) and we could also be in the market for a starter like Lilly. In the past, we would've given up our 2nd round pick by signing one of these guys, but now, we don't lose a draft pick, the compensated team gets a sandwich pick from MLB.

[AMJets]

MLB.com speculates Sheffield possibly to Cleveland:

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

I'm sure Cashman will pay a little bit of the salary if he can get a pitcher like Sowers. That would be tremendous, Sowers is almost like getting a slightly better, left-handed version of Wang.

[MisterMoss]

Sowers is almost like getting a slightly better, left-handed version of Wang.
I don't know much about Sowers, but you can't be serious!!

That would be tremendous returns just by picking up an option on a retarded personality. Wow

[dwalsh]

MLB.com speculates Sheffield possibly to Cleveland:

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

I'm sure Cashman will pay a little bit of the salary if he can get a pitcher like Sowers. That would be tremendous, Sowers is almost like getting a slightly better, left-handed version of Wang.

I would absolutely love Sowers. I wouldn't say he is better then Wang quite yet though. But he is only 23-24 (i think) and will only get better.

Imagine rotation being: Wang (R) - Matsuzaka (R) - Johnson (L) - Mussina (R) - Sowers (L)

and the injury replacements being any one of these: Rasner/Kartsens/Hughes/Clippard/Pavano (if ever healthy)



Here is a little something i just whipped up in photoshop:

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.
- SOWERS -

[AlioTheFool]

101P10, I didn't want to make a huge post, but very good response back a couple of posts (#236.) You made a lot of good points.

You know, honestly, with Zito, I think I may just be too enamored with his ridiculous curve to think intelligently about him. The biggest reason I want Zito is to be able to watch him pitch. He is one of the few guys in baseball that I truly enjoy watching pitch. He brings a certain "art" back to the position, but I guess that's really not a reason to want him. I'd rather have titles than just get to see a pitcher with a wicked off-speed pitch, especially when you factor in what you said about a #3 getting #1 money.

The one thing about Zito that does make him truly attractive is if you have a lot of power in your rotation around him. His "stuff" is augmented when he has fastballers pitching around him. You get a guy who throws mid-to-high 90s the day before him, and suddenly that curve ball is diving on the best hitters in the league. He's not a great pitcher on his own, anchoring a rotation, but give opponents hurlers around him, and suddenly, that curve is like Wakefield's knuckle on a good day.

In all honesty, we don't have the the right guys in the rotation right now to properly augment him, so I guess we are actually better off without him. (I'd still like to bid on him, and force his price up to hurt Boston though.)

As far as the Sheff to Cleveland deal, I know nothing about this guy Sowers. Is he really good? If he is like Wang, then I'd take the trade in a heartbeat. Add the (L) to that, and he sounds like a great addition to the club.

Then if we got Lily or Matsuzaka? Hmm, very interesting...

So then our rotation would look like:
Wang
Matsuzaka
Lily/Sowers
RJ
Moose

If we somehow got Lily and Matsuzaka, what about converting Johnson to a set up man? I know it sounds unorthodox, but he could make for a very interesting option along with Farnsworth to set up for Mo. Then neither of them has to pitch as many innings, and preserves some of their fragile health.

I know, now I'm starting to think in terms of MLB 2k7, but it's an interesting thought.

[kinghenry89]

Alio, my problem with Zito is this: he's just not that good against great offenses. His curveball does make him fun to watch on the one hand, but on the other hand he very rarely throws it for strikes. If you wanna know how to beat Zito, just do what the Tigers did in the ALCS (and the Yankees/Red Sox do to him routinely): Don't swing at his curveball unless you're in a 2 strike count and he'll be constantly down in the count 2-0 or 3-1.

[AMJets]

101P10, I didn't want to make a huge post, but very good response back a couple of posts (#236.) You made a lot of good points.

You know, honestly, with Zito, I think I may just be too enamored with his ridiculous curve to think intelligently about him. The biggest reason I want Zito is to be able to watch him pitch. He is one of the few guys in baseball that I truly enjoy watching pitch. He brings a certain "art" back to the position, but I guess that's really not a reason to want him. I'd rather have titles than just get to see a pitcher with a wicked off-speed pitch, especially when you factor in what you said about a #3 getting #1 money.

The one thing about Zito that does make him truly attractive is if you have a lot of power in your rotation around him. His "stuff" is augmented when he has fastballers pitching around him. You get a guy who throws mid-to-high 90s the day before him, and suddenly that curve ball is diving on the best hitters in the league. He's not a great pitcher on his own, anchoring a rotation, but give opponents hurlers around him, and suddenly, that curve is like Wakefield's knuckle on a good day.

In all honesty, we don't have the the right guys in the rotation right now to properly augment him, so I guess we are actually better off without him. (I'd still like to bid on him, and force his price up to hurt Boston though.)

As far as the Sheff to Cleveland deal, I know nothing about this guy Sowers. Is he really good? If he is like Wang, then I'd take the trade in a heartbeat. Add the (L) to that, and he sounds like a great addition to the club.

Then if we got Lily or Matsuzaka? Hmm, very interesting...

So then our rotation would look like:
Wang
Matsuzaka
Lily/Sowers
RJ
Moose

If we somehow got Lily and Matsuzaka, what about converting Johnson to a set up man? I know it sounds unorthodox, but he could make for a very interesting option along with Farnsworth to set up for Mo. Then neither of them has to pitch as many innings, and preserves some of their fragile health.

I know, now I'm starting to think in terms of MLB 2k7, but it's an interesting thought.

I actually like Zito, but because he's a young lefty with a track record, he's going to be overpaid. Plus, if I remember correctly, Boras is his agent. If this turns into a situation like Damon, where he's expected to be pursued by a number of teams for a very large sum, but the reality is no team seems willing to show even a small commitment, then I could see the Yankees jumping in and overpaying a little to get him. But I doubt that happens here, for the reasons that I said in the first sentence.

As far as Sowers go, I was just throwing his name out there as a possibility. I really can't see Cleveland trading him for Sheff, but I know that they want an upgrade on offense, and they have a lot of young players. Sowers was the #6 overall pick in the 2004 draft, and has pitched very well on every level he's been at, including a little time he spent with the Indians this past year. Like Wang, his stuff can be hittable, and he doesn't have very good strikeout rates. He's a 23 year old lefty who I would project to be a guy like Wang, which is like a 3.70-4.00 ERA. If he can develop and improve his strikeout numbers, he could turn into a very good #2 starter. We can't get married to the idea of getting Sowers, we'll probably be let down.

Converting RJ to a set-up man is an idea I like, but I can't see it happening. It would be interesting, though. If we were to get a Sowers, then I'm fairly certain we wouldn't be looking at a guy like Lilly, because like I said, I can't see them moving RJ to the bullpen. But it would be cool:

Wang
Matsuzaka
Mussina
Lilly
Sowers

Back of the bullpen:

Bruney
Proctor
Farnsworth
RJ
Rivera

I like that.

[AMJets]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Gary Sheffield reportedly has put both Chicago teams on the list of clubs to which he would accept a trade without a fight.

The Phillies are shopping right-hander Jon Lieber, who was 9-11 with a 4.93 earned-run average this season and is due $7.5 million next year. Lieber and young pitchers Gavin Floyd and Ryan Madson could go to the Yankees in a package for Sheffield.

[AlioTheFool]

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

Gary Sheffield reportedly has put both Chicago teams on the list of clubs to which he would accept a trade without a fight.

The Phillies are shopping right-hander Jon Lieber, who was 9-11 with a 4.93 earned-run average this season and is due $7.5 million next year. Lieber and young pitchers Gavin Floyd and Ryan Madson could go to the Yankees in a package for Sheffield.

Gavin Floyd is the guy I was talking about the other day. Is he any good? I'm not sure how I feel about bringing back Lieber at this point. He was great the last few months with us, then for a year down in Philly, but he fell off after that. I have no idea who Madson is.

I guess it really doesn't make that big a difference. Sheff is gone no matter what, so as long as we get something, it's better than the nothing we'd get if we just let him walk.

I wonder if we could package Sheff and ARod for Howard. :wink:

[AMJets]

I would say Madson and Floyd are both back of the rotation guys. Floyd is 23 and was a high draft pick, he could still develop into something a little more. Basically though, if we ended up with them for Sheff, I'd be disappointed.

[AMJets]

Sounds like the Yankees and Mussina are close.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.

The New York Daily News reported that the division champions are close to finalizing a two-year contract with right-hander Mike Mussina for around $22 million. The Yanks held a $17 million option on Mussina for next season, which they avoided by paying a $1.5 million buyout.

As long as we get Matsuzaka, making sure Mussina is the #3, I'm not that upset with this.

[nyjunc]

Sounds like the Yankees and Mussina are close.

To view links in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. Your post count is 0 momentarily.



As long as we get Matsuzaka, making sure Mussina is the #3, I'm not that upset with this.

That's assuming Matsuzaka makes a smooth transition. It doesn't always happen in year 1 but either way I am ok w/ Mussina coming back and I do agree I'd prefer he was our 3rd starter rather than 2nd.

[kinghenry89]

I would say Madson and Floyd are both back of the rotation guys. Floyd is 23 and was a high draft pick, he could still develop into something a little more. Basically though, if we ended up with them for Sheff, I'd be disappointed.
Madson would be a back of the rotation guy, but he's also proven that he can be a more effective setup man than he is a starter. If the Yankees traded for him I'd like to imagine that they'd stick him in the bullpen.

Supposedly Andy Pettitte is interested in returning to New York. I'd certainly take him over a Gil Meche or Ted Lilly (though I am quite fond of Lilly) and I could see Pettitte having an El Duque-like rennaissance in a return to Yankee Stadium.

[AlioTheFool]

Wow, 11 million is still a lot to pay Moose. Granted, he's coming cheaper than at 17, but that's still a big chunk of change for a guy who is at best a #3 at this point.

Then again, bringing Matsuzaka, and taking junc's point into account, maybe Moose will continue his newfound demeanor of mentoring the younger pitchers.

Wow, I can't believe I'm actually saying this during football season, but for the first time in ages, I am actually anxiously awaiting the start of the next baseball season. It's going to be interesting.