Tuesday, October 11, 2011

ALCS is Hard to Watch

While I would have preferred to see the Brewers vs. Phils - I am more than OK with the NLCS matchup having the Cardinals in there. Both teams have some of the games best players, one franchise has a solid tradition, the other showing the enthusiasm of being in the hunt - provides for good energy, and so far, pretty good games.

On the flipside is the ALCS. I am very underwelmed with both teams. Watching them play is tough to do - they have a couple of the games best as well in Cabrera, John Hamilton, and Justin Verlander - however, I do see a high quality level of game from them and I just have this sense that both of these teams are inferrior to the top three teams that finished in the East that are no longer playing.

The more I think about it - the more I am realizing that this first round exit by the Bombers was truly a blown opportunity to add to its championship legacy.

51 comments:

old professor said...

It may be tough to watch, but regardless of the outcome of either series it will mean a new world champion. It would be nice to see the Brewers and Rangers go to the series- that would guarantee that whoever won it would be their first world championship.

To be honest, I have not watched either series and really don't care to. The networks have to be cringing regarding the possible ratings for the World Series.

St. Louis played it what became one of the lowest rated world series ever when they played KC. Brewers vs. Detroit would not generate much interest except for the middle of the country. Same with St. Louis vs Texas. Texas vs. Milwaukee would probably have awful ratings as well.

Crash said...

TV is praying for St Louis to make it. They are the only team that could carry a half way decent rating.

Their are some sources claiming the CJ Wilson wants to pitch for NY. That means 1 of 2 things. 1. He wants to pitch for NY, or 2. He's already trying to increase his perceived market value to the Rangers. Bottom line is the Yankees don't need 2 or 3 true #1 stud pitchers. If CC comes back and he continues to get 19-20+ wins, then your #2 guy is there to eat innings. Your top 3 guys need to be inning eaters and with the Yankee offense (at least during the regular season) the W's will come. Having the top 3 guys consistently go 7+ will save the bullpen. And you already know you're not getting that with AJ or Hughes next season, probably not Nova either. And if Betances and/or Banuelos make the club next season neither will come close to 200IP next season. Both Buehrle and Wilson have consistently been over 200 innings (though Wilson has only started for 2 seasons), and both are lefties, something the Yankees also need.

CC has to submit his decision to opt out within 3 days of the completion of the World Series. To avoid this the Yankees could just give him an extension at the current rate for another 3-4 years. He has the Yankees in a tough spot right now and he should leverage it in every way. Old Prof if you don't think other team would pay CC you're crazy. I can think of one team directly to the east that would pay it. Remember it was their pitching that failed in the end. With JD Drew coming off the books the Red Sox have the $$. If CC wants to go to the National League, I believe the Phillies have Oswalt, Ibanez, Rollins, Hamels, Madson, and Lidge that could come off the books. So they have a ton of $$ available. But I think CC would have to take less $$ because his contract would have to be in line with Doc and Lee's deal.

Crash said...

I thought Cashman's contract was done when the Yankees season ended. His deal actually goes through the end of October. That could be tricky because the World Series ends on the 27th (if it goes all 7 games). CC could opt out prior to the Yankees having a GM if they drag their feet on a Cashman deal. So there could be a window of opportunity for other teams.

old professor said...

Yankees have already cleared room on the 40 man roster: Laffey has been claimed from waivers by another team, Valdez opted for free agency as has one other individual.

old professor said...

The third individual was scott proctor. None of the three were impressive with their time with the team so all that does is open up three roster spots and clears a small amount of cash.

Crash said...

Theo leaves the Sox and goes to the Cubs.

I love that the entire management infrastructure to the Red Sox "dynasty" (and I use that term loosely not sure how 2 Championships in 100 years equates to dynasty...but if listen to the media...)

Personally I think Theo gets way too much credit and not enough of the blame. His big free agent signings have been busts. His teams got lucky in 2004 and 2007. Being down 3-0 and 3-1 to come back says more about the other team than his teams.

And this type of signing is exactly why the Cubs will continue to lose. They sign big names that haven't amounted to anything lately. If Cubs fans think Theo is going to bring them a championship next year they are sadly mistaken. It will take Theo's 5 years there just to straighten out the farm system and jettison all of the bad contracts the previous GM got them into.

old professor said...

Epstein has to shoulder the blame for the sox failure this year and the problems they will face over the next two years. He has been very good at drafting and developing position players through the system, but has not developed the significant arms needed to compete in the long run.

If you look at Tampa and the Yankees, they have stocked their systems with young talented arms. Not all will make it to the show, but there is signficant talent to eventually make a difference.

When you look at the mess the Boston rotation was in this year, there was no help in the system at all.

If Epstein learned from his mistakes, he will rebuild the cubs organization and they will be competitive in four years. He can also trade some of the bigger contracts for younger talent. For example Soriano can hit when he is in the lineup; he can also steal a base. He does not have durability in the outfield and proved with the Yankees he is a liability in the infield - BUT if the Yankees had him at dh versus Posada what kind of difference could he have made?

If the Yankees take the proactive approach and sign CC to an extension, I don't see them going after much in the free agent process other than maybe CJ Wilson.

I can see CC, Burnett, Nova and Wilson in the rotation with Betances filling out the rotation. If they don't go with Wilson I would not be surprised to see Garcia back next season. Hughes will end up in the pen where he has shown the ability to air it out for one or two innings.

Bullpen may be tweaked somewhat - Mo is a definate, as is Robertson, Wade, Hughes and Noesi.

old professor said...

No surprise here - Girardi indicates the rotation needs to be addressed in the off season and wants CC back. After CC and Burnett (because of contract not performance) the rotation has three holes to fill and there is question as to who will fill them. Nova is not guaranteed a spot in the rotation nor is Hughes.

In a somewhat related story, Russell Martin has indicated he wants to come back to NY next season. He made four million this year and is arbitration eligible. I believe he deserves to come back simply because of his defense and ability to handle pitchers. His return would allow Montero to work on his defense and Romine to start as the backup. No place for Cervelli (it would not be a stretch to say that Montero's defense is better than Cervelli).

old professor said...

Rangers appear to be a lock on returning to the world series. Detroit has injuries in the middle of their lineup that turns them in a one person (cabrera) offense.

Crash said...

Nova is certainly guaranteed a spot in the rotation. He was your #2 starter in the playoffs. Hughes probably makes the rotation if the Yankees only sign 1 FA pitcher and Banuelos and/or Betances is not ready yet. CC, AJ, CJ, Nova, and Hughes could be the rotation, that alternates righty-lefty.

CJ Wilson avoided questions about coming to NY yesterday. I don't know how or why these things are brought up during the playoffs.

David Ortiz says he doesn't want to come back to the drama that is the Red Sox, I could certainly see him being the DH for the Yankees. The problem is he would need to hit in front of A-Rod. I think part of the reason Ortiz had such a great year was that he was hitting in front of A-Gon the whole year. Without that protection do you suddenly get the Ortiz from 2010?

Crash said...

All the speculation about Cashman to Boston seems foolish to me.

Non-Yankee post...how about the big game this Sunday as the Bills visit the Giants. Bills are in 1st place in AFC East while the Giants are a game back in the NFC East. I think the Giants pull this one out but just barely, 19-17, with the Bills missing a FG as time expires...oh wait, where have I seen that before?

Crash said...

Arbitration Eligible: Russel Martin, David Robertson, Brett Gardner, and Boone Logan

Yankees have team options on: Cano, Swisher, and Marte.

My gut says Yankees exercise all options, including Marte if he's proven healthy.

Robertson will get a big raise and will Gardner. I would expect Martin to be offered arbitration. Not sure he would take it. I know he liked the Yankees, but not sure he wants to tutor/mentor the kids.

Crash said...

So now there is story out that has the Rangers willing to chase after Sabbathia if/when he opts out. Obviously this is just an effort to jab the Yankees as they have all but publicly announced they will go after CJ Wilson, who by the fell apart last night, after starting the game really well. Some agents were saying if he had a bad outing last night then his FA price would probably top out around $85MM, with good outing he was looking at $100MM. So safe to say the outing last night saved the Yankees $15MM.

I'm shocked Texas hasn't put away the Tigers. Looks like they are on cruise control and were taking things for granted. Maybe this will wake them up a bit.

Glad the Brewers stayed in it with a win last night. They need big starts from Greinke and Marcum, who have not pitched well so far this post-season.

old professor said...

I have to agree with most of your assumptions regarding the arbitration lists: Robertson is a no brainer, Gardner and Martin should be a lock. Logan only because there doesn't appear to be a lefthanded option out there for the Yankees to look at.

The reason Wilson was asked the question is because he made a comment about pitching in NY. I do not see the Rangers coming up with the cash or years to satisfy CC if he opts out - and I am not convinced he opts out. Yankees could actually approach him with an extension and $$ before he has the opportunity to opt out.

Giants will not beat the Bills. They have been unable to prevent any team from passing on them and the Bills have a very good passing corp.

Crash said...

I think an extension for CC is the best way to go. I think he has 4 years $93MM left, that's $23.25MM per. He's not getting that anywhere else. I would give him another 2 years at $20, with a 3rd as a performance vesting option.

old professor said...

Maybe for CC they should have a performance bonus to keep his weight at a certain level. $5K a week that it stays beolow a certain weight.

Don't rule out Texas bidding for CC - they were in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes right up to the end. Though I cannot picture CC pitching in that heat in the summer.

Joba and Maxwell have come off of the 60 day DL and Yankees remove a seven year minor leaguer off of the 40 man and outright to SWB.

old professor said...

Texas amd St. Louis in the World Series - the TV ratings will be slightly above that of the Twilight Zone on The chiller network.

This could be the year that a world series was broadcast and no one watched. Texas stadium will hold everyone that is interested in Texas and St. Louis may sell out now that the Rams are 0 for the season.

old professor said...

Texas amd St. Louis in the World Series - the TV ratings will be slightly above that of the Twilight Zone on The chiller network.

This could be the year that a world series was broadcast and no one watched. Texas stadium will hold everyone that is interested in Texas and St. Louis may sell out now that the Rams are 0 for the season.

Crash said...

St Louis will draw some in. They are the second most successful baseball franchise. And St Louis has always been a baseball town before football. That being said it's 2 teams from the mid-west. It essentially alienates both coasts as far as TV rating goes, this will be very low. I would dare say high school football is more popular than the MLB in Texas.

I'm giving the edge to the Cardinals, simply because Chris Carpenter has shutdown stuff. Rangers do not have that type of pitcher. You'll get 2 quality starts from him, all other games are slugfests and I think the Cardinals can win a couple of those.

For the Yankees I still see it as the season the should of/could of been. The question remains what will happen with CC. He is apparently on vacation so there is no extension talks going on right now. I think it's funny how, when the player is in town, he'll say I let me agent handle all that. But yet nothing can happen in contract talks because the player is out of town. If the Yankees extend or re-sign CC they still need to make a big push for CJ Wilson.

old professor said...

Crash, there are some within the Yankee camp that see Wilson as nothing more than a number 3 starter at best in NY and they are recommending not committing the money (Burnett like contract) for him. In addition his post season numbers are nothing spectacular either (this year).

It is somewhat odd to say, but if they re-sign CC (should he opt out), they may take the plunge and improve from within. Logically speaking they need to concentrate on the rotation. Noesi at one point not to long ago was actually rated ahead of Nova as a starter. He may be the big surprise in the rotation next year. That would give you CC, Burnett, Nova, Noesi and then Hughes or one of the killer B's to fill the rotation out. And except for Burnett, the team controls those arms for a long time. I for one think the team will move Huhges to the bullpen (unless he comes into camp in unbelievable shape).

They will have some minor tinkering to do in the pen: Mo is definate, can you get the same kind of productivity from Robertson for another year?, and Soriano isn't going anywhere. Cory Wade will probably be back in pinstripes as will Logan.

As for the offense: Tex at first, Cano at second, Jeter at SS, A-Rod at 3rd, the outfield will stay the same. So you are talking only about DH and the bench. The 2012 version of this team will look a lot like this years team somewhat older and minus Posada and Jones.

Crash said...

Think it's funny that the NY Post said CC was on vacation and as a result no contract talks had been had, yet he and the Mrs. were in the Lacoste store on 5th Ave today...hmmm.

I for one hope the Yankees look internally for the pitching option. The problem is they need a lefty. That means Banuelos and he may not be ready, he needs to have a superb spring training to give him a spot. I think the Yankees are sticking with Hughes, Nova, and Burnett. Assuming CC returns that leaves 1 spot. But that also means you hope Burnett can figure it out (again), Hughes bounces back, and Nova can repeat or even improve on his breakout season. That's a lot of hoping for your rotation from a team with $200+MM payroll.

Crash said...

World Series starts tonight...not at all interested in it.

I heard something brief on ESPN this morning about CC and the Yankees getting further apart in contract talks? This is complete news to me because everything I've heard is contract talks haven't started yet. I'm wondering if talks of an extension haven't been going on quietly behind the scenes and CC would only elect to opt out if they can't work something out.

old professor said...

Crash, the Yankees will be entering 2012 with the same rotation questions as they had in 2011. Bottom line they did well.

I would project Nova, Burnett, Noesi and Betances in the rotation. If CC comes back great if not, don't be surprised to see Garcia - he was the most consistent pitcher they had.

I would rather have the Yankees questions than the Red Sox problems.

Crash said...

Yankees have declined Marte's option. He was decent in the post-season in 2009. Other than that I would say he, and that trade in general, were a complete bust for the Yankees. I think it was Olhendurf, Karstens, and Tabata for Nady and Marte.

old professor said...

It is no surprise the Yankees have let Marte go. He has not pitched in two years for them. The trade was bad but not a disaster. Olendorf has not been that much for the Pirates though after going 1-9 he won his arbitration case. Nady I believe is with the Cubs and Tabata has been a starter for the Pirates when not on the DL.

Would they have been important pieces for the Yankees to go beyond where they have - I dont't think so. Olendorf would not have been indispenible for the team. Nady would not have been a piece to fit in and Tabata at best would have been their fourth outfielder.

Tabata is younger than Swisher but has not produced the numbers Swisher has. He has speed but would not have stolen more bases than Gardner and as for his arm, he would not have had more assists than either Swisher or Gardner. He does have a better arm than Granderson.

Crash said...

My point was the Yankees got 2 weeks out of Nady and Marte combined. Nady was in April and Marte in October.

While Tabata has had some injury concerns he has given them close to 800 plate appearances with an OBP of .350. Karstens has been decent and for a stretch of month or 2 was the best pitcher in the NL.

Cards take game 1 (who cares), all the media analysts are taking the Rangers to win the series, I just don't see it happening. I'm either real clueless missing the obvious or I am insanely genius in picking the Cardinals to win this series.

old professor said...

Good point about who cares who wins the series. The analysts may be looking at who do the Cardinals have in the rotation other than the pitcher they used last night.

Texas needs to be somewhat concerned in that according to all accounts, none of their starters have gone more than six innings in the playoffs and the rotation has an ERA over 5. That is not a receipt for winning anything.

Crash said...

Love it...even after the Kei Igawa fiasco and Hediki Irabu, Yankees have interest in Yu Darvish. Darvish I think is only 25, but so far Japanese pitchers don;t really cut it in the states. The best pitching import from Japan is Hideo Nomo, he pitched for 7 teams in 12 years. Was slightly better than .500 with an ERA in the mid 4's.

old professor said...

Crash,
If they are expressing interest, it is probably and attempt to force teams to spend more money than they normally would have - Read into this the pitching poor Red Sox.

This particular individual has more upside than Igwa, but will still be a long term project because he is not ready to pitch in the major leagues just yet.

It is somewhat odd when you realize the maount of money the Yankees have freed up for this off season - Posada's contract gone, Igwa's contract gone, Mitre - gone, Marte - gone.

Crash said...

Series tied at 2 games each. I think the Cardinals win tonight. Chris Carpenter will outpitch CJ Wilson again and then win at home. And if that happens CJ Wilson will effectively lose millions this offseason when he signs somewhere as a free agent. He will either confirm if he's an ace or a real good #3 pitcher. We will also know this week if CC opts out. Then within a day or so we should learn if Cashman got his deal done.

old professor said...

A different World Series, a different umpire, and another blown call. Ron Kulpa admits he blew the call in game three that opened the door for the Cardinals to win the game (AND NO I DID NOT WATCH THE GAME). At some point major league baseball has to realize umpires are effecting the outcome of ballgames and institute instant replay.

According to news reports Gm 3 of the World Series had the second worst TV rating in the history of the World Series. (No surprise there!!). The same reports indicate Gm.4 had better ratings than Monday Night Football. Great they out drew the Ravens versus Jags (Ravens did not get a first down in the first half- completely inept).

old professor said...

With all of the free agent talk around CJ Wilson, there is a quality free agent that seems to be under the radar - Mark Buerle. He would be a better alternative than Wilson (though Buerle is older). The Yankees are scouting the Japanese ballplayer but the indications are the cost to any club when you factor in the posting fee will be $100 million - that is way too much for a 25 year old who is not certain to be able to pitch in the US.

I was unaware of other factors that make Japanese pitchers more effective in Japan- while I new about the different ball size, there are differences in the heighth of the mound and the strike zone is larger in Japan all of which could lead to the high strike out totals Darvish is posting. Granted he is a horse - 6'5" and 240 pounds.

Crash said...

Phillies have announced they will not pick up the options on Roy Oswalt or Brad Lidge.

Oswalt is interesting because his numbers would indicate a better option than either Wilson or Buehrle, but he has had back problems recently and last year missed 2 months of the season. Oswalt would be less money and fewer years than Wilson, but would be a lot more than say re-signing Freddy Garcia. Oswalt may be a nice fall back option if the Yankees feel they're losing Sabbathia, but I think if you plan on having Hughes and Nova in the rotation then there may be better options available.

Crash said...

On ESPN Insider, there's indication that the Yankees actually prefer Yu Darvish over CJ Wilson. I just don't think the price can be justified for a import pitchers. Irabu, Dice-K, Igawa, even Contraras should make them "buyer beware" cautious. For the kind of money being spent you expect an ace. And almost certainly they will not get an ace. When I think ace I think CC, Halladay, Lincecum, Beckett (when healthy), Johan Santana (again when healthy). You have yet to see that from any import pitcher. The good ones are just above .500.

old professor said...

Crash, Oswalt will retire. He indicated a long time ago he would retire when his contract expired. The Phillies not picking up the option will allow him to retire. Lidge is pretty much in the same boat. As for Contreras, you may want to look at what he did for the Phillies prior to going on the DL. He did a pretty good job relieving for them.

I would expect teams like Texas and the Red Sox to get into the bidding for CC just to force the price up and to keep the Yankees away from other free agents.

I am not sold on the reliability of Wilson. He has had two good years during the season but has not been effective in the Post Season.

Crash said...

Yes, let's look at Contreras' stats this year prior to going on the DL...17 games and 14 innings pitched. You're right great season. Regardless he was a bust in NY...he's been pitching in the big leagues for 9 seasons, as a starter he only reached 200 IP one time, that was his first full year with the White Sox, 2005 and they went on to win the World Series. He hasn't touched that # again and has only gotten close one other time. And you want to look back on a couple innings and say he pitched well??? Oh man...

I do agree with you the more I see CJ Wilson the more I see a guy that isn't all that. He has pitched well in the world series, but overall post-season numbers are bad. Here's what I do like about him...he's a lefty. He's 4-1 against the Red Sox with an ERA of 1.43, and WHIP of 1.068 over 44 IP. While Buerhle is 6-6 in 16 starts with a 4.49 ERA against the Sox.

Crash said...

Here's the reason John Lackey sucked all year...he's having Tommy John Surgery. Sucks for Lackey because he essentially loses his 2015 option year due to the surgery, think the Red Sox could get him at the league minimum that year now.

Crash said...

Twins will not pick up Joe Nathan's option. That's kind of interesting because he came on late in the year. He struggled early but he was coming off TJS himself the previous season. If he doesn't go back to the Twins that's a big bullpen arm right there.

Crash said...

Good to hear that the Yankees will present an offer to CC prior to his opt out.

Apparently the Yankees top brass are meeting in Tampa and plan to make an offer to CC to avoid the opt out. No word if it's just an extension or a completely new deal. Belief is Yankees would offer up to 6 years, but not 7 or 8. 7 or 8 years puts CC at 38 or 39. I would have no problem giving him those years as vesting options based on performance during years 5 and/or 6. I would also put a physical conditioning clause in there to make sure he comes in at a certain weight. Not sure the union would allow it but I would try. CC has had 2 knee surgeries already and the extra heff can't help that situation.

old professor said...

If they go beyond a six year deal there has to be incentives to reach a maximum salary. I agree that they need to be concerned with his weight. His second half performance was not a good advertisement for Captain Crunch Cereal. Maybe he should go to fruit loops??

Apparently at age 34 Oswalt is not ready to retire after all. Some thinking now he might be a better alternative and cheaper than Wilson. I really don't get all the hype of Wilson!

Crash said...

Wilson is a decent lefty with not a lot of innings on the arm. He's pitching above his rotation spot. He is a decent #2 but probably a true #3 starter.

Truth is, if this was next year's free agent class, he wouldn't be in the top 5 pitchers available. As of now the 2013 class looks like: Matt Cain, Cole Hamels, Dan Haren, Tim Hudson, Zach Greinke, Colby Lewis, Francisco Liriano, Shawn Marcum, Jonathan Sanchez, Jake Peavy, John Danks, and a couple of others. This list may be the other reason the Yankees don't go after Wilson.

Also in 2013 a couple of decent position players available. Josh Hamilton, Matt Kemp, BJ Upton...this would be Swisher's last year if they pick up the option. Yankees could go after Matt Kemp, move Granderson to RF.

old professor said...

The list of free agent pitchers you listed for 2013 looks like a hospital ward for God sake. Jake Peavy has spent more time on the DL since arriving in Chicago than he has pitched. Lariano has already had elbow surgery and tends to be a head case. Grienke has been treated for anxiety and missed a year. Colby Lewis is behind Wilson in the Texas rotation so if Wilson is a legit #3 what does that make Lewis?

Haren and Hudson - both often on the DL. Though when right, Haren is a good pitcher. Don't know a lot about Marcum other than at one point in his career he pitched for the Jays and I have no idea about Sanchez.

Matt Kemp would be a good addition, but would be very expensive. I cannot see Granderson in right field due to his arm. He does not have a strong enough arm to play right field. Hamilton would be a power addition, but with his background could he handle the bright lights of NY??

Crash said...

You are wrong about Haren, hasn't been on the DL ever. Since becoming a primary starter in 2005 he has made a minimum of 33 starts every season. I think Hudson had TJS at the end of 2008, missed most of '09, but other than that he's been real good. All of Peavy's injuries are odd, pitchers don't tear lat muscles, but that's what he did last year. If he's healthy he still a very good pitcher. And you're missing the obvious on Colby Lewis. He may be a #4 in the regular season, but he has been clutch in the post season. He gets the ball tonight and he will put up a great performance. The guy is humble, calm and collected, he may lose mechanics over the season, but when it comes to the post-season he has been clutch.

Expensive doesn't matter to the Yankees. Especially when you have money coming off the books at the end of next season(like Swisher and Rivera) Then the following year you have Granderson, Cano, Soriano, AJ, Feliciano, and possibly Jeter coming off the books. So the Yankees will have plenty of $$ for a guy like Kemp.

But that's done the road...now there's talk that Boras wants Cano's deal re-done. This is completely the wrong time for this. The club needs to focus on locking up Cashman and CC and another arm for the rotation, not a guy who is under contract for 2 more years and guaranteed to make $29M over that time. The Yankees will re-sign Cano to major deal after 2013. But they do not renegotiate during a current contract. They didn't do it for Jeter or Mo, and they won't do it now. It's a dumb move by Boras and Cano.

Crash said...

Quite a game last night. People are calling it the best World Series game ever. I'm partial to a couple of games in 2001, even though the final result wasn't to be. But I could see this as the "greatest" because they were down in the 9th inning to their last strike before they tied it to force extra-innings. They were down in the 10th inning and down to their last strike, only to tie it again, before the walkoff HR in the 11th.

I think the Cardinals win it tonight at home with their ace on the mound. Remember Carpenter out dueled Halladay in the NLDS. He is a true big game pitcher. I think Washington made a major blunder by bringing in Derrek Holland in relief last night when I would have had him available tonight instead. That way you have your starter, Holland and Wilson all available in addition to your regular bullpen.

Crash said...

Also the Yankees caught a significant break the last couple of days as the rain out and then the forcing of a game 7 has given them 2 more days in their pre-opt out window with CC. We should know by Monday evening if he exercised his option or he signed an extension with the Yankees.

old professor said...

Yankees apparently have an offer that either is in the process of going to CC or has already been sent to him. Apparently it increases the number of years to 6 and possibly increases the dollars to somewhere in the neighborhood of 25 million.

The team will also pick up the option of Cano and Swisher- no surprise in either case.

It will be interesting to see who the Yankees actually begin to pursue once free agency opens.

I actually would see them looking for bargains regarding bench roles and possibly some relieve rolls.

Crash said...

A team official says they are interested in Beltran. Some are now speculating that means pick up Swisher's option just to trade him as package with Montero to get a big starting pitcher.

Crash said...

Here's one extension I wish the Yankees didn't make...Yankees extend their agreement with WCBS 880 for the 2012 season...this means at least one more season of Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling.

Crash said...

All options, whether controlled by player like CC, or team, like Cano, Swisher, must be done no later than Mon 11:59 p.m.

Crash said...

Yankees have officially picked up options on Cano and Swisher.

Crash said...

Yankees have presented their offer to CC, and he is still opting out. No word on the offer details but this can't be good for the Yankees.

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