Off Topic · Yankees Talk thread (page 49)
BigSm00th @ 12/6/2007 12:49 PM
i'd rather have damon in there every day over matsui at this point, if i had to pick one of them. i'm perplexed as to what we'd get from SF, i bet something similar to the sheffield package of a few prospects.
that opens up putting damon in LF and giving us more options with the 1B platoon (GIVE ME MORE SHELLEY DUNCAN!! esp. against lefties!!)
that opens up putting damon in LF and giving us more options with the 1B platoon (GIVE ME MORE SHELLEY DUNCAN!! esp. against lefties!!)
TMS @ 12/6/2007 12:57 PM
if we end up trading Matsui that just means Giambi becomes the DH & Duncan & Betemit likely platoon at 1st... they better get back some good prospects for him then... dude's as consistent as they come... every year he's over 100 RBI's & they don't come any more professional & classy than Godzilla.
[Edited by - TMS on 12-06-2007 09:58 AM]
[Edited by - TMS on 12-06-2007 09:58 AM]
VDesai @ 12/6/2007 1:47 PM
Shelly just had blood clots removed from his shoulder. Scary stuff.
Daily News is saying we might be offering a contract to Ron Mahay. 3 yrs / 12 mil is what he is likely asking for. I think we might be competing with the Royals, who are suddently spending a lot of money on mediocre players. Mahay is an older lefty who has had spotty performance (but he was good last year). I'd rather get Marte if he doesn't cost a lot in terms of prospects.
Daily News is saying we might be offering a contract to Ron Mahay. 3 yrs / 12 mil is what he is likely asking for. I think we might be competing with the Royals, who are suddently spending a lot of money on mediocre players. Mahay is an older lefty who has had spotty performance (but he was good last year). I'd rather get Marte if he doesn't cost a lot in terms of prospects.
BigSm00th @ 12/6/2007 6:04 PM
the royals are spending the yankees money (revenue sharing). boras has ruined the MLB.
BigSm00th @ 12/6/2007 6:16 PM
"3:45 p.m., from Jayson Stark
• A source says the Giants did call the Yankees about Hideki Matsui. They're offering their starting pitchers (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain or Noah Lowry) for bats, but they are just exploring to see if there is a match. Matsui has a full no-trade clause, and it isn't known whether he would waive it to go to San Francisco or anywhere else."
TMS, i agree with you about matsui, dude is steady as hell and he plays hard every day, but if the yanks can get lincecum OR cain, this is a no-brainer. i don't know much about lowry and haven't seen him pitch, but cain and lincecum both have NASTY stuff, i'd love to get either of them.
the yanks search for another starter, to me, indicates they want to keep joba in the pen. if they get lincecum or cain, you're looking at pettitte, chien-ming, hughes, kennedy, mussina, and whoever they pick up as options, in addition to all those other guys in the minors (brackman, sanchez, ohlendorf, etc etc).
vdesai, tms, what do you guys think? keep joba in the pen (my choice) or move him into the rotation? i think its much more valuable to have a lights out bullpen and groom joba to replace mo given the yanks have so many guys who could be a #1 starter.
• A source says the Giants did call the Yankees about Hideki Matsui. They're offering their starting pitchers (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain or Noah Lowry) for bats, but they are just exploring to see if there is a match. Matsui has a full no-trade clause, and it isn't known whether he would waive it to go to San Francisco or anywhere else."
TMS, i agree with you about matsui, dude is steady as hell and he plays hard every day, but if the yanks can get lincecum OR cain, this is a no-brainer. i don't know much about lowry and haven't seen him pitch, but cain and lincecum both have NASTY stuff, i'd love to get either of them.
the yanks search for another starter, to me, indicates they want to keep joba in the pen. if they get lincecum or cain, you're looking at pettitte, chien-ming, hughes, kennedy, mussina, and whoever they pick up as options, in addition to all those other guys in the minors (brackman, sanchez, ohlendorf, etc etc).
vdesai, tms, what do you guys think? keep joba in the pen (my choice) or move him into the rotation? i think its much more valuable to have a lights out bullpen and groom joba to replace mo given the yanks have so many guys who could be a #1 starter.
VDesai @ 12/6/2007 6:33 PM
If you can get Lincecum or Cain- then just do it. Those guys are flat studs- Hughes/Joba/Kennedy level.
I think Joba is definitely a rotation guy. That's what the company line has been. I think starters are always more valuable than relievers- especially someone with ace potential. Joba is a 4 pitch guy. My friend lives down near Trenton and watched him a bunch of times and kept raving about his changeup- which we didn't even see when he was in the pen last year. I think you absolutely have to try him in the rotation and don't even think about moving him back in the pen untill you can determine that's he's struggling and may not be a fit.
I think the Yanks feel that getting one of these guys from the Giants gives them some more flexibility to make other moves- i.e. Put together 2 guys to get Santana, trade a vet etc.
Still I'm not sure if its just San Fran asking and the Giants listening. Moreso than just being a very good hitter, Hideki Matsui is an absolute cash cow who brings in millions from the Japanese market. He's like Lebron James over there. San Fran is also a BIG Japanese market and they probably see the revenue potential in having him, as well as the fact that he can help out with the bat.
What the Yankees are doing is probably just listening and doing their due diligence. They don't want to trade that revenue stream either, but if SF comes in and knock their socks off with a Cain or Lincecum, how can they turn that down?
I think Joba is definitely a rotation guy. That's what the company line has been. I think starters are always more valuable than relievers- especially someone with ace potential. Joba is a 4 pitch guy. My friend lives down near Trenton and watched him a bunch of times and kept raving about his changeup- which we didn't even see when he was in the pen last year. I think you absolutely have to try him in the rotation and don't even think about moving him back in the pen untill you can determine that's he's struggling and may not be a fit.
I think the Yanks feel that getting one of these guys from the Giants gives them some more flexibility to make other moves- i.e. Put together 2 guys to get Santana, trade a vet etc.
Still I'm not sure if its just San Fran asking and the Giants listening. Moreso than just being a very good hitter, Hideki Matsui is an absolute cash cow who brings in millions from the Japanese market. He's like Lebron James over there. San Fran is also a BIG Japanese market and they probably see the revenue potential in having him, as well as the fact that he can help out with the bat.
What the Yankees are doing is probably just listening and doing their due diligence. They don't want to trade that revenue stream either, but if SF comes in and knock their socks off with a Cain or Lincecum, how can they turn that down?
jaydh @ 12/6/2007 6:44 PM
I would think there would have to be more to it since the Giants turned down Rios for Cain or Lincecum.
BigSm00th @ 12/6/2007 7:14 PM
good points w/ regards to the revenue stream. i'm very interested to see what cashman does in the next 3 months, i think he has some tricks up his sleeve.
SF is desperate for position players and putting ppl in the seats with bonds gone, being able to get lincecum or cain for matsui, as good as he is and as much $ as he makes the yanks from japan, its a no brainer.
SF is desperate for position players and putting ppl in the seats with bonds gone, being able to get lincecum or cain for matsui, as good as he is and as much $ as he makes the yanks from japan, its a no brainer.
TMS @ 12/6/2007 8:07 PM
Posted by BigSm00th:
the royals are spending the yankees money (revenue sharing). boras has ruined the MLB.
at least they're spending it, which is more than i can say for teams like the Rays & Pirates... i can't stand those welfare collecting billionaire owners who keep crying foul about the big market teams stealing away all their players when they're making a profit on revenue dollars they're given from those very same teams... makes me sick.
[Edited by - TMS on 12-06-2007 5:12 PM]
TMS @ 12/6/2007 8:11 PM
Posted by BigSm00th:
"3:45 p.m., from Jayson Stark
• A source says the Giants did call the Yankees about Hideki Matsui. They're offering their starting pitchers (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain or Noah Lowry) for bats, but they are just exploring to see if there is a match. Matsui has a full no-trade clause, and it isn't known whether he would waive it to go to San Francisco or anywhere else."
TMS, i agree with you about matsui, dude is steady as hell and he plays hard every day, but if the yanks can get lincecum OR cain, this is a no-brainer. i don't know much about lowry and haven't seen him pitch, but cain and lincecum both have NASTY stuff, i'd love to get either of them.
the yanks search for another starter, to me, indicates they want to keep joba in the pen. if they get lincecum or cain, you're looking at pettitte, chien-ming, hughes, kennedy, mussina, and whoever they pick up as options, in addition to all those other guys in the minors (brackman, sanchez, ohlendorf, etc etc).
vdesai, tms, what do you guys think? keep joba in the pen (my choice) or move him into the rotation? i think its much more valuable to have a lights out bullpen and groom joba to replace mo given the yanks have so many guys who could be a #1 starter.
hell yeah, if u can get Lincecum or Cain, they have to go for it... i don't see why SF would give those kids up for a guy who likely has 2-3 more years left in him tho.
i like the idea of keeping Joba in the pen cuz there's no way i trust Farnsworth to setup for Mo... add to that the fact that Joba didn't even throw that many innings since leaving NCAA ball & i think another year of setup duty would do him well... i think the kid's gonna be an ace starter but i think it's unfair to expect him to throw a full innings load next year... the kid's still young & raw in terms of the amount of innings in that young arm of his... i feel much safer going w/a rotation of Wang, Andy, Hughes, Kennedy & Moose next year & slowly easing Joba into that starter's role after this season.
TMS @ 12/6/2007 8:58 PM
i think Marte's our best bet to acquire an effective lefty reliever... i don't like signing a 36 yo Ron Mahay to a 3 year deal... i think we should have learned our lesson with Mike Myers.
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMTMmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcyMzAzMjEmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMTMmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTcyMzAzMjEmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2
In stockpiling relievers, Cashman is also guarding against losing the 77 games pitched by Luis Vizcaino last season. The GM met with Vizcaino's agent Wednesday, but the right-hander appears to be seeking a deal similar to the four-year, $19 million contract that Scott Linebrink signed with the White Sox.
Mahay, 36, is also an expensive option, though he limited lefties to a .189 batting average last year, and had a combined 2.55 ERA in 67 innings with Texas and Atlanta.
That's why a trade for Marte is much more appealing.
"I have a few things that might happen," said Cashman of potential deals, though he was not overly optimistic about pulling one off before the winter meetings conclude today.
Cashman and the Yankees' contingent are scheduled to fly home following this morning's Rule 5 draft.
Once a property of the Yankees, Marte, 32, limited left-handed hitters to a .094 batting average (6-for-64) last year. In 65 games, Marte had a 2.38 ERA, with 51 strikeouts, 18 walks and 32 hits allowed in 451/3 innings.
A lot of clubs are sniffing around Marte, and the Yanks seem prepared to promote from within if the cost is prohibitive.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 8:50 AM
Yankees might be ready to shop Matsui
BY KAT O'BRIEN AND KEN DAVIDOFF | kat.obrien@newsday.com
kat.obrien@newsday.com
10:12 PM EST, December 6, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Brian Cashman left the winter meetings "not optimistic" about ongoing trade talks. He had, however, delved into new possibilities, namely one involving Hideki Matsui and the Giants.
Cashman would not acknowledge any names, including Matsui's. But when asked about such trade talks, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said: "We're having general conversations."
The biggest name the Yankees sought at the meetings, Johan Santana, remained a Twin. In a phone conversation Thursday night, though, senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner did not rule out revisiting trade talks on Santana, saying, "You never close the door completely."
Steinbrenner placed a Monday deadline on Santana trade talks, which he extended until midday Tuesday. But he said Thursday night, "The reason for my deadline is I didn't want to get caught up in the bidding circus at the winter meetings."
For now, though, the Yankees' focus is not on Santana. A more viable option might be trading Matsui to the Giants.
In an e-mail, Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, refused to say whether Matsui would be willing to waive his full no-trade clause, which would be necessary even if the teams could agree upon the parameters of a deal.
The Giants desperately need offense and may have pitching to spare. Potential matches for Matsui in a trade would be lefthanders Noah Lowry and Jonathan Sanchez. Lowry, 27, went 14-8 with a 3.92 ERA this season. In his career, he's 40-31 with a 4.03 ERA. Sanchez, a 25-year-old reliever, was 1-5, 5.88 in 33 games.
A source familiar with the early discussions said Matsui and a prospect might be enough to net Lowry or Sanchez. Giants righthander Tim Lincecum is considered untouchable.
Matsui, 33, has two years and $26 million left on the four-year extension he signed in November 2005.
He had an uneven season, performing very well in May, July and August, but not so well in April, June and September. Matsui hit .285 with 25 homers, 103 RBIs and 100 runs.
The Yankees discussed trading centerfielder Melky Cabrera to the Twins in a blockbuster deal for Santana, but those talks flamed out this week. If that had happened, the initial plan would have been to return Johnny Damon to being a fulltime centerfielder. Damon and Matsui are available to play leftfield, and to DH along with Jason Giambi and Shelley Duncan.
Cashman acknowledged he is engaged in trade talks on several fronts, but would not discuss Matsui. In general, Cashman said, "I'm always skeptical, so I assume [trades] won't play out."
The Yankees would prefer trading Matsui over Damon, whom they like in leftfield, and would rather keep Cabrera, who is only 23. But besides the Giants, teams have greater interest in Damon and even more in Cabrera.
Although the Yankees were unable to get Santana, the Athletics' Dan Haren or the Orioles' Erik Bedard, they still want to improve their rotation, but only if the price is right.
They would like to add depth, however, because Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain have minimal major-league experience.
"These guys are high-end players," Cashman said of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, "and they're ready to transfer from prospects to contributing major-league players that are helping us compete for a championship."
The Giants also reportedly have interest in 26-year-old Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios, who batted .297 with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and 114 runs in 2007.
BY KAT O'BRIEN AND KEN DAVIDOFF | kat.obrien@newsday.com
kat.obrien@newsday.com
10:12 PM EST, December 6, 2007
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Brian Cashman left the winter meetings "not optimistic" about ongoing trade talks. He had, however, delved into new possibilities, namely one involving Hideki Matsui and the Giants.
Cashman would not acknowledge any names, including Matsui's. But when asked about such trade talks, Giants general manager Brian Sabean said: "We're having general conversations."
The biggest name the Yankees sought at the meetings, Johan Santana, remained a Twin. In a phone conversation Thursday night, though, senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner did not rule out revisiting trade talks on Santana, saying, "You never close the door completely."
Steinbrenner placed a Monday deadline on Santana trade talks, which he extended until midday Tuesday. But he said Thursday night, "The reason for my deadline is I didn't want to get caught up in the bidding circus at the winter meetings."
For now, though, the Yankees' focus is not on Santana. A more viable option might be trading Matsui to the Giants.
In an e-mail, Matsui's agent, Arn Tellem, refused to say whether Matsui would be willing to waive his full no-trade clause, which would be necessary even if the teams could agree upon the parameters of a deal.
The Giants desperately need offense and may have pitching to spare. Potential matches for Matsui in a trade would be lefthanders Noah Lowry and Jonathan Sanchez. Lowry, 27, went 14-8 with a 3.92 ERA this season. In his career, he's 40-31 with a 4.03 ERA. Sanchez, a 25-year-old reliever, was 1-5, 5.88 in 33 games.
A source familiar with the early discussions said Matsui and a prospect might be enough to net Lowry or Sanchez. Giants righthander Tim Lincecum is considered untouchable.
Matsui, 33, has two years and $26 million left on the four-year extension he signed in November 2005.
He had an uneven season, performing very well in May, July and August, but not so well in April, June and September. Matsui hit .285 with 25 homers, 103 RBIs and 100 runs.
The Yankees discussed trading centerfielder Melky Cabrera to the Twins in a blockbuster deal for Santana, but those talks flamed out this week. If that had happened, the initial plan would have been to return Johnny Damon to being a fulltime centerfielder. Damon and Matsui are available to play leftfield, and to DH along with Jason Giambi and Shelley Duncan.
Cashman acknowledged he is engaged in trade talks on several fronts, but would not discuss Matsui. In general, Cashman said, "I'm always skeptical, so I assume [trades] won't play out."
The Yankees would prefer trading Matsui over Damon, whom they like in leftfield, and would rather keep Cabrera, who is only 23. But besides the Giants, teams have greater interest in Damon and even more in Cabrera.
Although the Yankees were unable to get Santana, the Athletics' Dan Haren or the Orioles' Erik Bedard, they still want to improve their rotation, but only if the price is right.
They would like to add depth, however, because Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy and Joba Chamberlain have minimal major-league experience.
"These guys are high-end players," Cashman said of the Yankees' top pitching prospects, "and they're ready to transfer from prospects to contributing major-league players that are helping us compete for a championship."
The Giants also reportedly have interest in 26-year-old Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios, who batted .297 with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and 114 runs in 2007.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 8:52 AM
Jonathan Sanchez' numbers don't look that good, but he has brilliant stuff for a lefty. He has a mid-high 90's fastball. But still, I don't know if that is the best trade for Matsui.
Bonn1997 @ 12/7/2007 9:21 AM
Posted by VDesai:
Jonathan Sanchez' numbers don't look that good, but he has brilliant stuff for a lefty. He has a mid-high 90's fastball. But still, I don't know if that is the best trade for Matsui.
That was my reaction too. A 3.92 NL ERA is probably like a 4.40 ERA in the AL. We'd need more than that for Matsui IMO.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 9:35 AM
Posted by Bonn1997:Posted by VDesai:
Jonathan Sanchez' numbers don't look that good, but he has brilliant stuff for a lefty. He has a mid-high 90's fastball. But still, I don't know if that is the best trade for Matsui.
That was my reaction too. A 3.92 NL ERA is probably like a 4.40 ERA in the AL. We'd need more than that for Matsui IMO.
The only benefit of the doubt is that they are both lefties with great stuff. The Yanks scouts/coaches may have noted a mechanical flaw or something that they believe they can fix and feel they can get more upside. Sort of similar to the Mets and what htey did with Oliver Perez.
Still I think the Yankees are just listening.
jaydh @ 12/7/2007 11:44 AM
Posted by Bonn1997:Posted by VDesai:
Jonathan Sanchez' numbers don't look that good, but he has brilliant stuff for a lefty. He has a mid-high 90's fastball. But still, I don't know if that is the best trade for Matsui.
That was my reaction too. A 3.92 NL ERA is probably like a 4.40 ERA in the AL. We'd need more than that for Matsui IMO.
Sanchez had a 5.88 ERA, I think you are talking about Lowry with the 3.92. Obviously both are still expected to get better. Matsui is expensive and getting to that mid-30s range which is why i can see why the yanks would shop him. That and they don't know what they are getting from Kennedy, Joba, or Mussina yet.
Allanfan20 @ 12/7/2007 11:55 AM
Wow, supposedly the Yankees offered LaTroy Hawkins a 1 year deal:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseba...
Yankees talking to LaTroy Hawkins
BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Friday, December 7th 2007, 4:00 AM
NASHVILLE - Brian Cashman left the Opryland Hotel without Johan Santana, but he did head back to New York with his three prized young pitchers still in pinstripes.
The Yankees made just one official move during the winter meetings, acquiring reliever Jonathan Albaladejo for starter Tyler Clippard, but there could be some more movement in the coming days that would further bolster the bullpen.
According to sources, the Yankee GM was in talks with the agent for free-agent righthander LaTroy Hawkins, one of the few relievers on the market who isn't necessarily seeking a multiyear deal. The two sides have discussed a one-year pact in the range of $3.25 million-$3.5 million.
Hawkins, who turns 35 on Dec. 21, posted a 3.42 ERA in 62 appearances with the NL champion Rockies last season. Hawkins has drawn interest from other teams, including the Tigers, Orioles and Rangers.
Several setup men have signed multiyear deals this winter, including Scott Linebrink (four years, $19 million with the White Sox), David Riske (three years, $13 million with Brewers), J.C. Romero (three years, $12 million with the Phillies) and Troy Percival (two years, $8 million with the Rays), making a one-year deal for a pitcher like Hawkins attractive to the Yankees.
"We have some things that might have some legs to them, but whether they ever get completed or not, I can't predict," Cashman said. "There's some limited choices in the relief market, trades and free agency, and almost no choices in the starting market."
The Yankees have a couple of holes in their bullpen to fill, as Joba Chamberlain is being moved into the starting rotation and Luis Vizcaino is a free agent. Mariano Rivera and Kyle Farnsworth will bolster the late-inning relief, but aside from them, the Yankees are looking at an inexperienced group that includes Brian Bruney, Chris Britton, Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez.
"It's a work in progress right now," Cashman said. "It's an area of weakness that we need to focus on, and no matter how we address it, we'll have to see how it plays out when we get the collection of guys together starting in February."
The Yankees have some internal candidates in their system that could be given a chance to convert from starters into relievers, though Cashman isn't planning on that right now. One scout said that Alan Horne and Daniel McCutchen would be the two minor-league starters best suited to such a move.
"I haven't gotten to the period where I'm willing to test that theory or try that avenue yet," Cashman said. "I'm certainly not afraid to if we have to, but if I can get a few more people that we can rely on, there will still be spots left over to experiment with."
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseba...
Yankees talking to LaTroy Hawkins
BY MARK FEINSAND
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Friday, December 7th 2007, 4:00 AM
NASHVILLE - Brian Cashman left the Opryland Hotel without Johan Santana, but he did head back to New York with his three prized young pitchers still in pinstripes.
The Yankees made just one official move during the winter meetings, acquiring reliever Jonathan Albaladejo for starter Tyler Clippard, but there could be some more movement in the coming days that would further bolster the bullpen.
According to sources, the Yankee GM was in talks with the agent for free-agent righthander LaTroy Hawkins, one of the few relievers on the market who isn't necessarily seeking a multiyear deal. The two sides have discussed a one-year pact in the range of $3.25 million-$3.5 million.
Hawkins, who turns 35 on Dec. 21, posted a 3.42 ERA in 62 appearances with the NL champion Rockies last season. Hawkins has drawn interest from other teams, including the Tigers, Orioles and Rangers.
Several setup men have signed multiyear deals this winter, including Scott Linebrink (four years, $19 million with the White Sox), David Riske (three years, $13 million with Brewers), J.C. Romero (three years, $12 million with the Phillies) and Troy Percival (two years, $8 million with the Rays), making a one-year deal for a pitcher like Hawkins attractive to the Yankees.
"We have some things that might have some legs to them, but whether they ever get completed or not, I can't predict," Cashman said. "There's some limited choices in the relief market, trades and free agency, and almost no choices in the starting market."
The Yankees have a couple of holes in their bullpen to fill, as Joba Chamberlain is being moved into the starting rotation and Luis Vizcaino is a free agent. Mariano Rivera and Kyle Farnsworth will bolster the late-inning relief, but aside from them, the Yankees are looking at an inexperienced group that includes Brian Bruney, Chris Britton, Ross Ohlendorf, Jose Veras and Edwar Ramirez.
"It's a work in progress right now," Cashman said. "It's an area of weakness that we need to focus on, and no matter how we address it, we'll have to see how it plays out when we get the collection of guys together starting in February."
The Yankees have some internal candidates in their system that could be given a chance to convert from starters into relievers, though Cashman isn't planning on that right now. One scout said that Alan Horne and Daniel McCutchen would be the two minor-league starters best suited to such a move.
"I haven't gotten to the period where I'm willing to test that theory or try that avenue yet," Cashman said. "I'm certainly not afraid to if we have to, but if I can get a few more people that we can rely on, there will still be spots left over to experiment with."
Allanfan20 @ 12/7/2007 12:02 PM
See, what the hell? Cashman has been bringing in all these bullpen players who turn out to be unreliable, like Farnsworth, or Viscaino in the playoffs, yet he's still bringing these guys in. Not that I don't like Hawkins. I wanted to get him like 5 years ago, when he was a free agent and went to the Cubs, but that's a long time ago. It seems like nothing goes right when it comes to our bullpen. To top it off, we can't keep assuming Mariano is gonna be superdominant and that he'll be lights out. He's 85 years old.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 12:06 PM
1 yr deal isn't bad at all. Low risk, and he was actually very, very good in Colorado last year when you park adjust his numbers. If he craps out they'll just let him go midseason or trade him.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 12:07 PM
Also, some people are advancing the theory that the Twins want a lefthander and Lowry might be bait to get back in the Santana talks without giving up Hughes, which is interesting. Just speculation though.
VDesai @ 12/7/2007 2:35 PM
Maybe this article sheds some more light on the Joba situation and Mussina's role. I guess Kennedy would be a swing man or start the year in AAA? Or perhaps Kennedy splits a spot with Joba/Phil/Moose as those guys all will be limited innings wise. It'll be interesting to see how it shakes out. Honestly, I'd consider moving Moose to the pen.:
Yanks bank on Mussina
Friday, December 7, 2007
By PETE CALDERA
STAFF WRITER
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When the subject is Joba Chamberlain, general manager Brian Cashman doesn't stray from his script.
"The plan is for Joba to go in the rotation," the Yankees' GM said. "We believe he has high-end capability as a starter."
When asked what factors might change that plan, Cashman said: "What's best for the team."
Cashman did not elaborate, but Chamberlain's fate could be tied to the performance of Mike Mussina, and possibly to Kyle Farnsworth. If Mussina is shaky as a fifth starter, and if Farnsworth fails in his setup role, Chamberlain might be asked to reprise his eighth-inning role to balance the staff.
"Moose is the X-factor," said one person familiar with the Yankees' thinking.
According to the source, Mussina -- who turns 39 on Saturday -- has been participating in a new weight-training and arm-strengthening program. The club also emphasized that Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu should arrive at camp in better shape than they did last spring.
Abreu, who turns 34 in March, has hired a personal trainer. Damon turned 34 last month.
"We're going to do a better job this winter with all of our players, so we can hit the ground running in spring training," Cashman said, without delving into specifics of individual conditioning programs.
Cashman departed the Opryland Hotel having made only one minor deal at the winter meetings, which began amid expectation that the Yankees would land Johan Santana.
The Yankees might get back into the Santana discussion, but they'd probably also have to move a big-ticket contract (such as Damon's) in order to facilitate a deal.
"You find out what you can't do, essentially," Cashman said, speaking generally about his week.
In a swap of right-handers, Cashman received reliever Jonathan Albaladejo from Washington for Tyler Clippard. The groundwork has been set on other non-blockbuster deals, but "whether they ever get completed, I can't predict."
Cashman mentioned there were "limited choices in the relief market and almost no choices in the starter's market."
With Chamberlain in the starting rotation and Luis Vizcaino still on the open market, Cashman called his bullpen "an area of weakness right now" and "a work in progress.
"It's certainly an area we have to address," Cashman said, though the prices are steep.
Vizcaino wants Scott Linebrink money (four years, $19 million). The Pirates are seeking two blue chip prospects for lefty specialist Damaso Marte, and free agent left-handed reliever Ron Mahay is said to be looking for at least a three-year, $12 million deal.
Japanese left-hander Katsuhiko Maekawa, 29, might become of interest to the Yankees, though he is heavily on the Nationals' radar according to the Washington Post.
But in the absence of a reliable, veteran setup man, the Yankees are reserving the right to tell Chamberlain, at some point, "our club is better with you as a setup man."
For now, Chamberlain slots in as the No. 4 starter, behind Andy Pettitte, Chien-Ming Wang and Phil Hughes. Mussina projects as the No. 5 starter, with Ian Kennedy in the wings.
"Mike Mussina has been a very big part of our plans over the years, and he's someone obviously that we're really counting on," Cashman said.
As a fifth starter, Mussina could potentially get one start off per month due to breaks in the schedule. Though he's been known to grumble at being taken out of his every-fifth-day routine, Mussina has acknowledged to associates that occasional rest could help his stamina in 2008.
Last year, Mussina went through a brutal August stretch and temporarily was knocked from the rotation. He did not start during the four-game AL Division Series loss to Cleveland.
But heading into this spring, "You would think that he would be one of [our] starters," manager Joe Girardi said. "And obviously ... you have to perform."
Based on his full 2007 season, "I don't think Mike Mussina has forgotten how to pitch," Girardi said. "I still think he can be successful."
Yanks bank on Mussina
Friday, December 7, 2007
By PETE CALDERA
STAFF WRITER
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- When the subject is Joba Chamberlain, general manager Brian Cashman doesn't stray from his script.
"The plan is for Joba to go in the rotation," the Yankees' GM said. "We believe he has high-end capability as a starter."
When asked what factors might change that plan, Cashman said: "What's best for the team."
Cashman did not elaborate, but Chamberlain's fate could be tied to the performance of Mike Mussina, and possibly to Kyle Farnsworth. If Mussina is shaky as a fifth starter, and if Farnsworth fails in his setup role, Chamberlain might be asked to reprise his eighth-inning role to balance the staff.
"Moose is the X-factor," said one person familiar with the Yankees' thinking.
According to the source, Mussina -- who turns 39 on Saturday -- has been participating in a new weight-training and arm-strengthening program. The club also emphasized that Johnny Damon and Bobby Abreu should arrive at camp in better shape than they did last spring.
Abreu, who turns 34 in March, has hired a personal trainer. Damon turned 34 last month.
"We're going to do a better job this winter with all of our players, so we can hit the ground running in spring training," Cashman said, without delving into specifics of individual conditioning programs.
Cashman departed the Opryland Hotel having made only one minor deal at the winter meetings, which began amid expectation that the Yankees would land Johan Santana.
The Yankees might get back into the Santana discussion, but they'd probably also have to move a big-ticket contract (such as Damon's) in order to facilitate a deal.
"You find out what you can't do, essentially," Cashman said, speaking generally about his week.
In a swap of right-handers, Cashman received reliever Jonathan Albaladejo from Washington for Tyler Clippard. The groundwork has been set on other non-blockbuster deals, but "whether they ever get completed, I can't predict."
Cashman mentioned there were "limited choices in the relief market and almost no choices in the starter's market."
With Chamberlain in the starting rotation and Luis Vizcaino still on the open market, Cashman called his bullpen "an area of weakness right now" and "a work in progress.
"It's certainly an area we have to address," Cashman said, though the prices are steep.
Vizcaino wants Scott Linebrink money (four years, $19 million). The Pirates are seeking two blue chip prospects for lefty specialist Damaso Marte, and free agent left-handed reliever Ron Mahay is said to be looking for at least a three-year, $12 million deal.
Japanese left-hander Katsuhiko Maekawa, 29, might become of interest to the Yankees, though he is heavily on the Nationals' radar according to the Washington Post.
But in the absence of a reliable, veteran setup man, the Yankees are reserving the right to tell Chamberlain, at some point, "our club is better with you as a setup man."
For now, Chamberlain slots in as the No. 4 starter, behind Andy Pettitte, Chien-Ming Wang and Phil Hughes. Mussina projects as the No. 5 starter, with Ian Kennedy in the wings.
"Mike Mussina has been a very big part of our plans over the years, and he's someone obviously that we're really counting on," Cashman said.
As a fifth starter, Mussina could potentially get one start off per month due to breaks in the schedule. Though he's been known to grumble at being taken out of his every-fifth-day routine, Mussina has acknowledged to associates that occasional rest could help his stamina in 2008.
Last year, Mussina went through a brutal August stretch and temporarily was knocked from the rotation. He did not start during the four-game AL Division Series loss to Cleveland.
But heading into this spring, "You would think that he would be one of [our] starters," manager Joe Girardi said. "And obviously ... you have to perform."
Based on his full 2007 season, "I don't think Mike Mussina has forgotten how to pitch," Girardi said. "I still think he can be successful."
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