Thursday, November 10, 2011

Hot Stove Set to Heat Up!

Jorge acknowledging his Yankee career is over is kind of tough, but everyone knew it was over. At least he went out knowing he put up great numbers what is likely his final October. I know in his heart he wants to catch but I hope he realizes he's 40+ years old and can't be an effective catcher anymore. We saw that in the 2010 season. Seeing him in another uniform would be wrong. I hope he goes the way Bernie did, just take a step back and realize it's time.

Kind of conflicting reports in Yankee universe regarding the top pitching free agents. Yankees like Wilson, Buehrle, and Oswalt, and even Darvish, for that matter, but don't really like them enough to invest heavily. And I don't blame them with the apparent impending youth movement. The more likely scenario I see is signing the Cuban OF Cespedes, then trading Gardner or Swisher, Montero, and a prospect pitcher for a BIG name pitcher. I just don't know who that would be just yet. I would think that it would someone under contract for at least the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

The Marlins seem to be bringing in every available free agent, flaunting their new stadium and newly available revenue streams. Something tells me they still won't draw the fans and will be bankrupt or looking to unload all of these big offseason signings after 2 years. So go ahead sign Buehrle, Reyes, and Fielder. Bump your payroll from $30MM to $100MM. Maybe you do win a World Series, but if they do they will immediately deconstruct the team, sell off the parts, and be back to $30MM again.

54 comments:

old professor said...

There is no hurry to sign anyone. The Yankees had one big priority and that was to resign CC. That has been accomplished. The Yankees have to decide whether to invest a lot of money in older players or let the farm system play out.

I believe the will make a play for Wilson, but he will probabaly go back to Texas. Buerle could be an option, but most likely I see Garcia coming back for a two year deal.

That would put CC, Burnett, Nova and Garcia in the rotation with the possiblility of Hughes or one of the two remaining B's making the rotation.

I believe they will go after the Cuban outfielder as well as the pitcher that everyone is raving about. I do not expect them to package Montero, Swisher and another prospect for a BIG name. It ain't going to happen.

Crash said...

That Giants game was a killer yesterday. I thought for sure the Giants were going to tie that game up. While the Patriots win was big, I would swap that for a win in the conference any day. The Giants could have really put a big foot down on the division yesterday and probably would have been considered the #2 team in the NFC behind the Packers. SF is going to wrap up the NFC West by the first week in December. The Giants need a win against the Eagles next week. This is brutal 6 weeks for the Giatns: @NE, @SF, PHI, @NO, GB, and @Dal. They would be lucky to come out .500 in this stretch but the must win games are Dallas and Philly. You have to win in the division. Dallas is a game back of the Giants now and have the easy part of the schedule in front of them having the won the first 2 (Sea, Buf, @Wash, Miami, and @AZ). Dallas may do well in this stretch but I fully believe Romo will crap the bed again when the calender turns to December.

Anyone else notice that the Giants have no running game. They're ranked 29th in team rushing this year. Not good. They're totally relying on Eli (Top 5 in passing offense...very good...some would say Elite).

Crash said...

Matt Kemp is on the verge of signing a massive extension with the Dodgers avoiding arbitration this year and keeping him off free agency next season. 8 Years $160MM are the terms. Wonder if that means Andre Ethier becomes expendable. Ethier is real good friends with Dustin Pedroia and has said he wouldn't mind playing for Boston.

old professor said...

Regarding the Giants, they will play themselves out of the playoffs over the next four games. They will beat Philly, but you have to be concerned with Dallas and New Orleans. Green Bay is in a league of its own and should be able to run the table barring any major injuries. It amazes me how quickly Brandon Jacobs has lost his edge and power. He used to be one of the most punishing backs in the NFL, but not now.

I cannot see how the Dodgers can sign Kemp when they have declared bankruptcy and are now up for sale.

Interesting article on line regarding the Phillies and what will happen with their payroll. They have the big contracts of Howard, Lee, and Halliday coming onto the books, they now sign Papelbon to 50m and still need to bring Rollins back and after 2013, Hamels, Utley and Pence all line up for a payday.

Crash said...

Good to see A-Rod is motivated over his poor season. Just read Joel Sherman's piece in the Post on it. I hope he can produce next season. Yankees are counting on it.

Phillies have stepped into the big boy land in terms of contracts. Halladay, Howard, Lee, are at $20, $20, and $21.5, respectivelly. Utley is under contract for 2 more years at $15 each. Papelbon gets $12.5, Hamels is arbitration eligible and probably will get about $15. Pence is arb eligible too. As of now the Phillies are at $123MM (not including Hamels or Pence).

Think the GM meetings are this week, maybe starting tomorrow. Then winter meetings are in just 3 weeks later. Man time is flying by. Only 3 pay periods before Christmas.

Crash said...

Kimbrel and Hellickson win ROY. Nova finishes a distant 4th behind Trumbow, and Hosmer. Nova did receive 1 first place vote.

Crash said...

Jerry Crasnick reporting that Grady Sizemore's market is growing and as of now...Rockies, Phillies, Indians, Rangers, Giants, Cubs Red Sox and Yankees have interest. Ok so it may have been easier to list the teams not interested.

old professor said...

Sizemore would be a good number four outfielder and occassional DH. It seems just a short time ago the guy was touted as one of the best outfielders in the majors. Amazing what can happen when you start injuring your legs/knees.

This is the time of year that is absolutely absurd to get through. No major trades, no meetings, all of the prognosticators pontificating where players may end up or be traded to or from. Winter meetings will not produce a lot - I would guess.

Very surprised by the potential Kemp deal of eight years 160m. That is a lot of money for a team that just declared bankruptcy.

Crash said...

The Kemp deal only increases the value of the franchise, has noting to do with bankruptcy. It's about attracting new buyers with 'star power' on the team.

Jose Reyes was offered 6 years $90MM from the Marlins. While the length is good, I expect someone to give Reyes about $17-18MM per. And Joel Sherman stated on his twitter account that Reyes wants $100MM.

No word on what the Marlins offered Pujols yet. The Cardinals offered 7 years at $210 so it would have to be north of that I would think.

While the Marlins are touting that they will be big spenders this offseason, to me it appears they made offers early knowing these big time players would wait it out and get better offers later. In my opinion, the Marlins have absolutely no desire to add that much payroll. It's a smoke screen to the fans to say look we tried but they went elsewhere. The Marlins, like the Nationals, will have to overpay big stars to some degree to get them to come there. No one likes to play in an empty stadium on a losing club. And that's what it's going to be in Miami, regardless if it's a new stadium or not.

Yankees pull Montero from Winter ball. Wonder if they stopped him from going home too. I think he still lives in Venezuela.

Verlander will win the AL Cy Young today in a landslide. CC may get second, but a very distant 2nd. Kershaw should get the NL CY Young tomorrow.

old professor said...

Montero was planning on playing winter ball in Venzuela. Yankees don't want to take the risk of injury - smoke screen for they don't want him kidnapped. Unfortunately the kid still has indicated a desire to go home.

Regarding the Marlins - they can move into a new stadium, change their name and bring in star power, but still won't draw. Florida (except for spring training) is a football state and will not support baseball. Tampa won the division, league and went to the world series and still couldn't draw. They were in were in the division race and wild card for a large part of the season and averaged under 15,000 per game. The Marlins didn't even draw that.

old professor said...

Cashman seems intent on doing what can be best discribed as bottom feeding. he apparently is very reluctant to go after any of the big name free agents and has indicated what the team did this year seemed successful. Read into that Garcia will probably be back on a two year deal worth a little bit more than what he made last year. In addition, there are some pretty positive points coming out of the Arizona Fall League regarding Phelps. Apparently he has pitched well enough that there is some thought of him competing for the #5 slot.

Crash said...

Things must be getting tough for Roy Oswalt. His agent is meeting with KC today. Oswalt spent the last couple seasons on one of the worst teams in baseball in Houston, got traded to the Phillies and went to the playoffs. At this point in his career, he wants a ring, not to babysit on a non-contending team. I think the level of interest on both sides has to be little to none. Oswalt would surely demand to be paid above market value to go there and lose and mentor their prospects.

The new Miami Marlin uniforms are hideous. They should come with a warning label may cause seizures if you stare too long.

Yankees were big on Phelps last season until he got hurt. I would be hesitant to go 2 years on Garcia...I would do it only if the Yankees could somehow trade AJ. Not to sound like a broken record but it has to do with the FA available next year and the possibility of the young kids coming up. I think Cash will pull of a big trade this offseason. AJ, Montero, an OF, and a prospect will be gone for a BIG name.

Crash said...

Yankees have increased their interest in CJ Wilson. A couple of things I've read indicate an offer could be immanent.

Also I heard a possible rumor of Cash and Theo working out a deal for someone like Matt Garza.

old professor said...

The speculation on Wilson is we wants a six year deal. Most GMs have said there are a large number of teams willing to go four years and a few who may go for five, but it will be the one team that offers six that will sign him. I cannot see the Yankees giving him a six year deal. They have already guaranteed a lot of money to what will be some very old players at the end of their contracts: CC will be 39, A-Rod will be 43 as will Jeter. I cannot see bringing someone in for a lot of money and six years when the guy is 31 now. If you want to gamble - Oswalt for two and Edwin Jackson for three.

Crash said...

Jeter is only 37 now, if his option is exercised for 2014 he will finish that season at 40. I don't want to gamble I want sure things.

No idea why John Danks is drawing interest from Cashman. Yes he's a lefty and he's relatively young (he'll be 27 in April), but he's really kind of mediocre. Looks like he was starting to trend upward until last season. He was once suppose to be a top of the rotation guy but is really a #3 or #4 starter. In the past he walked too many guys, last year that number went down, but so did his starts and innings, not sure if that was injury related. He doesn't give up the long ball. And that's saying something when he plays half his games in US Cellular Field. He only gave up 19, compare that to AJ who gave 31.

Crash said...

Marlins offer to Pujols is 9 years $225.

old professor said...

As for Danks, you hit the nail on the head - 27 so he is young, left handed and projects as a number 3 or 4 starter. Fits the Yankee rotation needs and probably will come relatively cheap.

It also appears as if Cashman has laid down the gauntlet as to what it will take to get Monero in a trade - someone very very good and it would be a one for one trade.

Crash said...

More stories that would indicate CJ Wilson is Bronx bound. Wilson and his agent have a meeting scheduled to meet with Steinbrenner, Cashman, and Yankee another executive in the Bronx.

Little did I know, but CJ Wilson lived in NYC last year too (convenient).

Also new report that Hal is "concerned" about the Yankee rotation. That means while Cash and the baseball operations team would be willing to offer maybe 3 or 4 years at say $15MM-$17, Hal may override Cash and go beyond that by adding a 5th or 6th year to land "the best guy".

Crash said...

I had to laugh at this...Jon Heyman via twitter: "CJ Wilson seeking 6 years $120MM." In my honest opinion, Wilson will come no where near that, I was thinking half of that, around 4 or 5 years at $15MM. I think he would be lucky to get AJ $$ at 5 years $82.5MM. His agent will point to that contract as a benchmark, but everyone else will point to it too, including the Yankees, and say it's a bad deal not worth repeating. If he doesn't come off that number then the Yankees should most certainly look at the trade market.

Saw a funny comment regarding the Dale Sveum news. Theo hires Sveum as manager of the Cubs then trades him to the Red Sox for compensation in the Cubs signing Theo. Obviously a joke Old Prof, not saying it will happen.

old professor said...

Steinbrenner has indeed indicated he is concerned about the rotation, BUT will listen to his scouts and baseball people as to who to sign. Telling statement - he indicated that previous mistakes with Igwa or Contraras will not be brought into consideration when it comes to signing free agents - sounds like he is serious about the Davhis should become available and one or two of the Cuban free agents.

Cannot believe the Marlins offer 9 years and 200 million to Pujols.

Crash said...

On the Pujols offer from the Marlins...I again think the Marlins are trying to show they are making offers that "are in the ballpark" but will not get the job done. While the 9 years is certainly overpaying (and extremely risky) the $$ is not where it would need to be to lure Pujols away from the Cardinals.

If the Yankees are interested in arms, and they should be, I would really rather explore the trade market than overpay a middle of the road free agent starter. I would be on the phone to SF and ask what they want for Lincecum or Cain.

Crash said...

Looks like it's official...The Astro's sale has been approved, they will move to the AL. This makes 15 teams in each league. Inter-league play will now occur from day 1 and not be a 2 week occurrence in June. Also they added another WC team from each league. The 2 wild card teams will face off in a 1 game playoff to advance into the LDS. I think I like this format (until the Yankees lose or have to waste their ace in this start). Should be very exciting/dramatic. Places the importance on winning the division.

Crash said...

The Braves have asked the Yankees about Eduardo Nunez. Braves were shopping Jurjens earlier this offseason but he was not yet discussed in any potential deal to the Yankees.

I think Nunez was a liece NOT included in the Cliff Lee deal a couple seasons ago...so Cash wouldn't trade Nunez then, but he will now for a lesser pitcher?

old professor said...

Crash,
Cashman has answered the queston regarding a trade of Nunez = "don't waste your breath". He isn't about to be traded. In addition there is a question whether Jurjens is damaged goods (serious knee injury??).

I hate this time of year because it is when sports reporters have nothing else to write about and throw everything against the wall and hopes something sticks.

It would be nice if the Yankees do take some steps to wrap up rotation issues before say February 1st.

Crash said...

Cash has been receptacle of trading Nunez, and the Jurjens rumor is gaining steam. Which would indicate there were discussions at some point during the GM meetings. Knee injuries are not serious for pitchers, CC has had 2 since joining the Yankees. The Braves seemed concerned because Jurjens is about to get expensive (and I think he's a Boras client).

Verlander winning the MVP is a joke. It should have gone to anyone other than him. I would have preferred Ellsbury (a Red Sox) to win it over Verlander. Don't care about Granderson not getting much love, he only batted .260, and I would argue Cano was more valuable to the Yankees than Granderson. If you only bat .260, and strike out more than you walk (and in the process set a franchise record for most K's) you should NOT be in that conversation.

old professor said...

I agree that Granderson did not deserve the MVP award. Harder time convinced that Cano finished so low in the voting. Ellsbury should have been given the award.

It now appears the Yankees are leaning toward bringing both Colon and Garcia back. Garcia would seem to be a pretty good bet with Colon being a lesser chance - only because he wore down at the end of the season - which should be taken into context of him not pitching at any level of competition in 2009.

Regarding Jurjens - depending what type of knee injury and the extent will go a long way in determining whether it affects the way someone pitches. Don't take the risk.

Crash said...

Yankees have shown interest in the A's pitcher Gio Gonzelez. The Marlins were working on a trade for him and the A's wanted Logan Morrison or Mike Stanton. Those are BIG time bats, especially Stanton. I think Montero would be a good trade for Gio (one for one, straight up) but it sounds like Billy Beane wants more. I don't think I would pay that price. Montero and another lesser prospect maybe...

Crash said...

Yankees have signed OF Lance Nyx and have offered Freddy Garcia arbitration. I guess that means thy want Freddy back next year. It's hard to figure out his worth. He was 12-8 with an 3.61 ERA. He only made $1MM last year. I would think he could probably get close to $5MM for that performance on the open market, maybe closer to $7MM. Freddy is listed as a Type B free agent so if he rejects arb, Yankees at least get a compensation pick. He says he wants to come back to NY, lets how much he wants to come back to NY.

Also heard Joel Sherman say the Yankees are leery on Jurjens because he had shoulder problems in the past. I wasn't aware of the shoulder problems, last season was knee problems. Some are speculating on a Dan Haren trade with the Angels...who are in need of catching help. I can't see Scioscia wanting Montero, but Romine would be closer to what he would prefer(guessing here strictly off of the catching pedigree). If it's Romine, the Yankees would most certainly have to trade a pitching prospect too to get a Haren type pitcher.

Crash said...

Lance Nix is a minor league deal.

Crash said...

Yankees have agreed to terms with Freddy Garcia, 1 year $5MM.

old professor said...

Crash, the Yankees signed Jayson Nix not Lance Nix. Jayson Nix is aqa utility infielder that played mostly second and third. The guy hit 169 last year. There is some thought that he would replace Chavez if he doesn't return. This could indicate that Pena or Nunez are not in the Yankee plans for next year. I think Nunez is on the fringe of being a solid everyday player. Pena being a switch hitter with speed gives the team a solid backup.

I like the signing of Garcia. That pretty much solidifies the rotation and leaves the door open for one of the younger arms to be brought up.

old professor said...

Completely off of the baseball front - how about the St. John Fisher Cardinals!! They advance to the elite eight in division 3 football with a victory over Delaware Valley.

old professor said...

Time to comment on the new labor deal - while the agreement brings five more years of labor peace, it once again takes from those that are successful and gives to those that cannot compete.

Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies will be penalized once again for being successful. While teams like the Royals, Pirates and Astros will benefit from the new luxury taxes and minimum signing requirements.

It is time for MLB to realize this concept doesn't work. For the past ten years the Yankees paid huge amounts of luxury tax to baseball which is then distributed to the rest of baseball. This distribution of wealth has not brought winners to Baltimore, KC, Houston, or Pittsburgh. Baseball needs to realize success comes from a well run organization and a commitment to excellence. Fans turn out for winners which generates revenue. Television signs contracts with teams that win not lose or in the Yankees case they created their own network. I seriously doubt anyone would turn in to listen to the Pirates television network if it existed.

Apparently, MLB has adopted the concepts expoused by the Obama administration - take from those that have and give to those that don't have - which never encourages those that don't to get better.

Crash said...

On the CBA, I like that the revenue sharing now automatically excludes the top 15 markets. I believe Tampa, Miami,and Houston are all in the top 15. This means the Rays no longer get $$. Also the Rays usually invested heavily in the farm system. With the new draft rules this may hinder their ability to sign players. It may also be MLB's way of ensuring the franchise leaves Tampa.

I do like the new free agent rules, in that the big markets, including the Yankees, will no longer lose a draft pick when signing Type A free agents. Think back to 2009 when the Yankees signed CC, AJ, and Tex, there draft consisted of 1 comp pick and then nothing until like the 5th round.

One week until the Winter Meetings and the Astros are without a GM and soon to be without a manager as Brad Mills appears to be out the door with the ownership change too. Red Sox are without a manager still. Ownership wants Bobby V, while the GM Ben Cherington wants Gene Lamont. And now comes rumors they want to interview Mills. If I'm the Boston owners I fire Cherington now. He cna't find a manager after weeks of interviews and he's already butting heads with ownership in his first major decision.

Not sure if you'll know this Old Prof, but I was looking over the list of free agents being offered arbitration and Jonathon Papelbon was listed. How can the Red Sox offer arbitration to a player who has already signed. Paps signed with Philly before they offered arb and as a result the Sox will now receive draft picks. That makes no sense to me. If you didn't offer arb before the player signed elsewhere you should lose that compensation.

Crash said...

Not to get overly excited about the Winter Meetings yet (still a week away), I have a funny feeling that these meetings are just going to explode with deals, including deals made by the Yankees, most likely for pitching.

I'm reading more and more analysis from "insiders" or "team officials with knowledge" that the Yankees are not really seeing a fit with CJ Wilson, Buehrle, or Oswalt and Darvish may or may not post. Seeing that the rotation is the major concern for Cashman, as Hal is demanding an upgrade over last season, I can't see how bringing back CC and Garcia fix it. This all sets up for a big time blockbuster trade for the Yankees. I fully do not expect Montero to be in pinstripes in spring training.

The winter meetings are going to be hot this year for everyone...already are trade rumors involving: David Wright, James Shields, Gio Gonzalez, Trevor cahill, Grant Balfour, Wandy Rodriguez, Liriano, Jurjens, Matt Garza, Andrew Baily (well just about every Oakland A to be honest), Matt Cain, BJ Upton, etc. Just a ton of names out there. Can't wait.

Oh and rumor is Pujols has no one even close to what the Cardinals offered, so my guess he's staying put in St. Louis.

old professor said...

Okay just a couple of comments regarding your two posts. (1) I agree that the Red Sox should not get a draft pick when they offer arbitration after the player signs. They made no real attempt to show interest in him. I would not be surprised if the Commissioner gets involved in this in some way and over turns the pick.

A lot of the players you list as being available are either (a) damaged goods or (b) will not be available to the Yankees: Shields is currently a Ray and I don't expect him to be traded to the Yankees; Jurjens is damaged goods; Garza had one good year in Tampa and was traded to the Cubs so I don't see that as an upgrade; Lariano is a head case with injury history; Wandy Rodrieguez was a questionable commodity last year when the Yankees were looking and I don't see much as changed to bring a trade; Gio Gonzalez - no way he gets traded; Grant Belfour he is old enough to remember single edged shaving blades.

The Yankees have a wealth of arms within the organziation that will eventually help them. Don't be surprised to see a comeback year for Hughes (if he is not moved to the pen. Noesi has proven himself as has Nova. You also have Phelps, Betances, and Banuelos. (Though Betances was not impressive in his short time up). I think they can fill in nicely with what they have without giving up some serious prospects or spending a ton of money. Don't count out the Cuban connection either.

old professor said...

Yankees look to strengthen their bench and try to find a replacement for Eric Chavez. Odd last spring they had a minor leaguer signed out of Mexico - Jorge Vasquez that challenged Chavez for the backup postion at third and first. I believe he was the last individual cut in the spring. Ended up at SWB and had a very good season: Hit over 250 with 32 homeruns. Still on the SWB roster, why not give the guy a shot at making the big team.

He gives them flexibilty at third and first and proved he can hit. The only down side - he will be thirty this coming March.

Giants defense looked really really weak against the Saints - season gets glum and playoffs look like a long shop.

Crash said...

Giants were never in that game last night. The offensive line is absolutely terrible this year. The defense is banged up but still needs to produce. I think this all goes back to the terrible job the GM did in the offseason. He got rid of 2 O-line man. He let Steve Smith walk away and didn't replace him, essentially leaving Eli without any big threat weapon.

Anyway the Giants have an outside shot at best. They need to beat the Packers, then beat Dallas twice.

Not sure why the Yankees are looking into Kyle Drabek. Might be the ultimate buy low scenario for them. Blue Jays traded Roy Halladay for him I don't think they are letting him go just yet anyway. Yankees don't need another prospect filled with potential, they need a big league arm that will produce in October.

old professor said...

Yankee interest in Drabek could be linked to their past. His father, Doug, pitched for the Yankees did moderately well, but was traded away for veterans in Pitsburgh (the name Doc Ellis comes to mind). Drabek went on to have a stellar career in obscurity so maybe the Yankees are going to try and revisit that. Not sure Blue Jays will trade within the division.

Crash said...

Wow...Royals just signed Jonathan Broxton to be setup man at $4MM.

old professor said...

KC's signing could mean one of two things: (Broxton becomes the setup man or he becomes the closer and the Royals trade Soria or move him to the rotation).

Even though Soria has been a reliable closer for the team, they have not been really high on him and if I am not wrong actually looked to trade him (for a high price) prior to the start of last season. The Braxton deal is also contingent upon him passing a physical. Braxton is another one of those prospects the Yankees traded several years ago for a veteran. Braxton, Kennedy, Karstens, Clippard,etc, etc...Prospects traded for aging veterans. Someday they will actually give the "prospects" a chance in New York.

I would hope they decide to keep Montero, Betances and Banuelos. Too bad Brackman's name is no longer on the list he is now a free agent to go home and maybe pursue basketball.

Crash said...

Was listening to MLB on XM this afternoon and Dayton Moore was on with Jim Bowden and he said Broxton is setup and Soria is closing. Crow may be 7th inning guy or move to rotation.

Cubs had officially checked in on Albert Pujols. Not sure if they made an official offer though.

Crash said...

Bobby V to the Red Sox seems all but done. The Red Sox are a complete mess. Maybe he can retore some of that, but for some reason I think it gets worse before it gets better for Red Sox Nation.

CJ Wilson does NOT seem destined to be in pinstripes...but CJ is meeting with a "mystery team" before he makes his decision. We may know something before the Winter Meetings with him.

Heard the Mariners are in on Prince Fielder. They traded Cliff lee for justin Smoake who was supposed to be their 1B of the future...if they're really going after Fielder, then I guess the Smoake experiment is over and they essentially gave away Cliff Lee. Bad trade by the Mariners(ok...so there's a little resentment there).

old professor said...

Crash, time to put the Lee trade in the rear view mirror. Let's be realistic - Lee would have been a rental who had his heart on going back to Philly. Yankees would have given up a lot to get him and been stuck with an empty uniform.

Bobby V is an egotistical jerk who will fit in well with the people drinking beer in the dugout. If you look at the Red Sox, they need to address a bad rotation, need to find a closer, need to decide what to do with Ortiz and reorganize the bullpen. If they can't get answers to some of those issues they will finish in third well behind the Yankees and Rays.

Crash said...

i agree that Bobby V doesn't shy away from the spotlight. I also agree that the there's a lot of work to be done in Boston, change of culture, address rotation, find closer, possibly re-org the bullpen (but not necessarily) and re-sign Ortiz. They could very well finish 3rd again next season and that could mean 3 consecutive years of missing the playoffs and 4 of the last 5. Not good for the team with the second highest payroll.

The only Yankee rumor, is an apparent interest in a Japanese shortstop. The list of successful Japanese players in the MLB is small, they keep going there in hope of getting that one great player, but they waste millions on all of the duds. I would just let it go until Japan's talent catches up.

Crash said...

Yankees sign Juan Cedeno. He's a lefty bullpen arm that played in the Independent League last season. It's a minor league deal.

old professor said...

The Yankees continue to reach and extend trying to find a left handed relief pitcher - no they sign someone from the independent league!!! If this is the extent of their actions this winter it is going to be disappointing.

The shortstop from Japan is the first japanese player to post. The interest they may have could be lukewarm. They really believe that Nunez is going to be the shortstop of the future.

Crash said...

I hear a lot of people saying the Braves are out of their mind trying to get Nunez because while his bat is decent his defense is 2nd tier. These people obviously don't know what the hell they're looking at. Nunez made the majority of his errors early in the year and while floating between SS, 3B, and LF. His natural position is SS, once he played consistently and at a steady position (mostly 3B filling for a missing A-Rod), his error rate decreased dramatically. If he has a steady position to start a season and gets the starting job he should be toward the top defenders at the position. And it's certainly an upgrade for the Braves both offensively and defensively over Gonzalez.

Crash said...

Joel Sherman tweeted that Jorge Posada checked in with the Mets, but they were looking for a good defensive backup and was told there isn't a fit for him.

That may be the call that sends Jorge into retirement.

Crash said...

I'm really surprised heath Bell signed with Miami. He really liked playing in San Diego and said he was willing to go back on an arbitration offer. I guess he wanted the security of 3 or 4 years. I think he took a very discounted rate too. This may be the leak that breaks the dam so to speak for Miami. This signing could show that they do intend to build a winner this offseason and may convince guys like Wilson, Buehrle, and Reyes to sign.

Nothing to report on the Yankees front as the Winter Meetings are set to begin in just a couple of days. I think it's the calm before the storm. Expecting big action next week by a lot of teams, including the Yankees.

old professor said...

The history of the Yankees and free agency should have taught one very important lesson - you cannot necessarily buy championships. (Look at the money the Nats spent on one outfielder who proved he needs more around him). You can fill important gaps, but the best spent money comes from within. The Marlins are going out and making offers to anyone who will listen in an attempt to draw fans to a new ballpark.

I am not surprised by the Heath Bell signing San Diego has been somewhat lukewarm on him for about two years - why I don't know. He never bloomed when in Texas, but suddenly came of age in San Diego - Miami may find out it could have had something to do with Petco Park.

Bernie Williams on the HOF ballot - looked at his statistics and he shines in the post season ranks first in RBIs second in HR, hits, doubles and average. He is a class act that deserves to be given strong consideration.

Crash said...

This is what the Marlins do...get a bunch of free agents mix with some homegrown talent, make a run, win a championship, blow up the team. That's what's going to happen here. The have great young players like Mike Stanton, Logan Morrison, Gaby Sanchez, Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson, etc. You bring in 2 or 3 good veterans and they will compete for the playoffs next year.

Unfortunately Bernie won't even get close to the HOF. And while his postseason numbers are impressive, being the leader in RBI or hits or HR means nothing because 1. They added the extra round so there are more games, 2. because of the extra round there are less meaningful HR's. Mantle hit all of his HR in the World Series for the championship, not in the LDS or ALCS. And 3. It will be viewed as a "team accomplishment" because the Yankees were always in the playoffs and he had more opportunities.

Keep in mind these are not necessarily how I view his accomplishments but the general argument against post-season stats. I also think the main argument against Bernie will be longevity. He was really a top hitter from '95-'02. They, baseball writers, usually look for a decade of dominance, not 5, 6, or 7 years. That's also been the main case against Mattingly. Everyone acknowledges Donnie was great, maybe the greatest in the game for a little while, but he wasn't great for a long enough period of time. If Bernie played back in the '50's he may have gotten in but not now.

Crash said...

The agent for CJ Wilson reached out to the Yankees to schedule a meeting to discuss his interest in joining the team and the Yankees declined to meet. They told him no.

WOW!

While I'm sure the interest in Wilson is plenty, without the Red Sox, Yankees, or other big markets like both Chicago team bidding, the market price is sure to drop. I think he has the Marlins, and maybe Texas? I can't recall anyone else.

Crash said...

Yankees trying to re-sign Ayala. But there's a half a dozen other teams interested in him including Jays, Mets, Red Sox.

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