2008 could be a real fun year to be a Yankee fan.  I’ll enjoy watching the young talent.

Sorry, I didn’t complete that thought.  And it’ll be interesting to see platoons happen, and mix n match lineups.  And watch Girardi take charge of a “lesser” team.

In a way filling the void at third will be more interesting than if A-Rod had stuck aound.

Put your tail between your legs and go sign ARod.

I agree about the fans and the media especially the awful NY Post being a facet in Arod’s opting out but nevertheless I am annoyed at his incessant insincere rhetoric about how much he loved NY and the Yankees and appreciated their history.  I hope they make good use of the money saved to upgrade 1b or add a top starter or do better then Bettemit at 3b.  A lot of weight is on Cash’s shoulders this off season.

It would be awesome if Cash went to Jeter and asked him to defer some salary so they could afford A-Rod.

SG,

Great and thorough analysis as always. However, I don’t buy that not having A-Rod is a 5-windowngrade. That is taking an independence assumption to the extreme; that Rodriguez had no additional impact on the rest of the team with his presence.

I don’t believe that not having a single RH power hitter in the line-up will be completely irrelevant. Also, this is necessarily an “all-else-equal” analysis. I am not counting on all else being equal. I actually see Toronto Blue Jays to be a better team in 2008, mostly because I expect them to be healthier, and I expect the Yankees young pitching to go through growing pains. I expect Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu to regress a bit, and Melky to hold his 2007 line with superb defensive play. And I certainly expect Posada to regress to his career norms.

I expect the young Tampa Bay team to get better, and perhaps teams like Oakland to be more competitive (Seattle to fall back on earth a bit). None of these were contingent on Rodriguez staying or not, and his true influence could really be five games, but the bottomline is, either way, 2008 was going to be a tough year for the Yankees. Now it is probably a very difficult year with a new manager, a new third baseman and first baseman (I don’t buy into Shelley Duncan) and a promising but inexperienced starting rotation.

Yankees best case: Let’s hope Joba has the same first year as Justin Verlander, and Hughes can at least replicate Jeremy Bonderman’s statistics from 2006. If Wang and Pettitte can replicate their season from this year, Yankees are in business. Yankees also need Humberto Sanchez and J. Brent Cox to amount to something. Else, wait for 2009.

So no Lowell on the Yanks’ radar? I think it’s a good move for them if they’re interested, at a certain price, though I think they have to overpay to get him to move.

As for your closing question, I took Theo & co at their word in 2005 and 2006. They wanted to retool the team, and there’s very little precedent for being able to retool and win at the exact same time. Mission accomplished. I don’t know how long the Yanks’ retooling lasts, maybe just this offseason since the rotation is already being restocked. My guess is that the kids will need a year or so to blossom, but a deal for Santana might speed things up. Anyway, the take-home message for you guys is that retooling is a GOOD thing. Gawd help us if we’d hung on to Millar, Nixon, Pedro, Foulke, etc. all along.

you won the wild card in 2005, you entitled Sox fan!

I think Lowell would be a good pickup, as Lowell is not even all THAT old right now, and I really don’t think a 38-year-old Lowell will be much of an albatross.

And he is also a really nice guy, so the fans would embrace him like crazy.

And then, of course, there’s my Bonds theory which I still love, even though the fans would hate him.

I’ve heard from the fansites about Ensberg. Do we know if Ca$hman is going after him or is this just a fan thing?

Seattle Sox Fan… you prove the notion that the Red Sox fans are more concerned about the Yankees than their own success.

irv, I think it’s a fan thing although there was a rumor that Cash looked into Ensberg and Torre said no.  No idea where it came from or what substance.

A friend from CT told me that the Dodgers have signed Torre for 3/$12M… has anyone else heard this? I cannot find on the net…

Also, nice break down SG…

(Paul O’Neill told 1050 ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand he “wouldn’t rule out” joining Girardi’s coaching staff. O’Neill said he and Girardi are longtime friends and they spoke a lot during the season; both worked for YES, the Yankees’ television network.

“I will probably talk with him at some point [about a coaching position],” O’Neill said.)

I thought this was intresting (From ESPN)

RI Yankee, WTF? Because I like the chatter here? Here’s all the baseball on my TiVo right now: Buchholz no-hits O’s; Manny’s walk-off vs. Anaheim, two ALCS games and the last two WS games.

Don’t worry, SSF, I still love you.

You’re a good egg.

The idea of Paulie O’Neill as a hitting coach is awesome. He’d be hilarious.

“No, no - you’re never gonna put a dent in the wall if you swing like that!”

SSF is ok in my book.

If oneill is an option, how about Leiter as bullpen coach?  he seems to know what he’s talking about. 

Can you imagine a coaching staff that is much better at announcing than the actual announcing team?

SSF is lonely.  It’s hard to find intelligent Sox fans to chat with. 

Or, what about Sterling, Waldman, and Kaye as coaches?

Sterling at third.  “It is high!  It is far!  Head for home!  Whoops.” [as the shortstop catches the popup and guns down the runner at the plate]

Waldman at first.  “Wow, that was a super, just a super at bat.  Absolutely incredible.  Whoops.” [as the runner is thrown out at second because she distracted him from gettting a proper lead]

Kaye on the bench.  “If you don’t bunt here, you’re worse than Hitler!  Whoops.”  [as Giambi’s bunt goes six inches and he is easily thrown out at first]

Aw shucks!

Kaye on the bench.  “If you don’t bunt here, you’re worse than Hitler! 

Sounds like McCarver too.

When Detroit won the pennant in 2006, they had an all righty line-up for most of the season until they added a decidedly mediocre Sean Casey.  The Yanks are indeed very lefty heavy at this point, especially now without A-Rod, but this isn’t necessarily so devastating.  After all, Jorge is a switch hitter with power and if Melky can up his offense a bit and Cano continues his success vs. lefties (.864 OPS in 2007), the Yanks will be fine if the starting pitching holds up.  I just hope the Yanks don’t panic and trade Philip Hughes or Austin Jackson - both of whom will be mainstays in the new stadium.

Yes, but righties hit righties better than lefties hit lefties.

Actually, I’ve heard this said but don’t know how true it is.  Where would you look up league-wide l/r splits?

On the other hand, most major league pitchers are righties.  If I had to guess, I would put the number at between 75 and 80%.  After all, how many teams have more than one lefty in their rotation?  Plenty of teams have no southpaw starters.  Moreover, when a portsider faces the Yanks, the lineup will include Jorge (when he signs), Melky, Jeter, Shelley Duncan and hopefully someone like Ensberg, who is almost certainly on Cashman’s radar since he looked into acquiring him this summer.  That’s certainly not horrible.  Moreover, Damon hits lefties well and so does Cano.

From B-Ref, AL 2007:

LHB v. LHP: .729 OPS
LHB v. RHP: .790

RHB v. RHP: .723
RHB v. LHP: .798

So this is another BS canard.  I feel bad I repeated it.  But the important thing is, I learned a lesson.

By the way, Austin Jackson now has an OPS of 1.016 in 86 at bats in the Hawaii Baseball League.  He has 8 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR and 7 stolen bases without having been caught once.  Moreover, he won’t turn 21 until February.  This is a real prospect, ladies and gentlemen.

George Kontos is also doing well in the HWBL.  His line today was 5.2IP 5H 2ER 1BB 8K.  He will begin the year at Trenton but could very well wind up as a reliever as he’s primarily a fastball/slider pitcher.

Very interesting numbers.  Could those RHP/LHP numbers also be accounted for by the fact that overall, righties are better pitchers, just due to population size for all of baseball?  I wonder if looking at subsets of pitchers is the way to go to determine that.

Crede from Chicago would be another option.

Wow, I’d love to see those guys in a Twins or Marlins uniform in 2009 after having been traded for Miggy or Santana, who are basically older, “can’t-miss” prospects at 24 and 28 years of age, respectively.  Then we can use the ARod draft picks to replace them by grabing the top prospects in the 2008 draft who slip to us because their agents know we are flush with cash, pissed off, and prepared to go way over slot to take their clients.

Crede’s gonna be 30 and has been above average twice.  No thanks.

Also no to Crede and yes to Morgan Ensberg.  Mark Teahan hits Righties well while Ensberg hits Lefties.  Both potential 3B or 1B solutions.  And can we use Abreu money to sign Andruw Jones and put him in CF on 2 conditions: one, he can be had for a short-term, incentive-laden deal or, two, he somehow convinces us that he will keep himself in shape.  An OF of Melky in RF, Andruw in CF, 1 or 2 of: Matsui/Damon/Abreu in LF with the above 1B/3B solution could be very appealing.  Perhaps we can get bullpen help by trading from surplus (using cash).

What happened to Crede? He had a nice thing going for a while. Pags Jones blew dead rats inna walk year. what are we gonna get outta him after ponying up several kings ransoms?  Kronic. it seems you and i disagree onna a lotta issues. I do have a a great respect for you’re NYY passion and knowledge. That said , my feeling on Leiter is that he izza Douche Brag. sic. The mets would still have Kazmir if it wasn’t Al and his cabal of veterans whispering in managements ears back then,and mostly to the Wilpons.  Eiland is my choice for pitching coach.  Someone tell me what happened to crede this past season.

“Someone tell me what happened to crede this past season.”

Secret drinker.

Fgas ..enlighten me .

Just kidding, thurm.

Was he injured ? the Chisox sucked so much I paye scant attention to They Asses.

crede had back surgery.

he’s not a long term option but might be ok as a stopgap and shouldn’t cost much.

paid

Crede stinks Thurm.  Check out Teahan’s splits.  Remember they have Gordon over there now.  Is anyone going to sign Andrwu to a long-term deal given his last year and his weight issues?  It’s possible but it’s also possible that the Yanks could persuade him to take a 1yr deal so that he can get in shape and have a monster year earning him a large LT contract in 2009.

Thanks Yup ... he seemed to be a very good defender circa 05,06, with a nice bat.

PAGS Would anyones agent let a 31 year old sign a incentive laden contract despite coming off a far less than stellar season? specially for one year?

Probably not…but the best I se ehim getting is a 3 year deal given his weight problems and poor 2007.  Perhaps he knows he has a lot left and will get in shape to take a 1yr deal in anticipation of a 5yr, big$ deal in 2009.  Unlikely but possible.

MRS. thurm deeply involved with Dancing WTStars at this time. Riddle me this caped crusaders. What HOF QB. from PA and ND. has an eerie twinner in MR barry Manilow?

What HOF QB. from PA and ND. has an eerie twinner in MR barry Manilow?

Its not Terry Hanratty.  He doesn’t look at all like Barry.  Is there another QB for Western PA who went to Notre Dame.

Was he a teammate of Rudy?

Eb. I havent seen a Hanratty reference since Bobby Douglass was calling plays for Da bearzz.

Pags… I’m the last guy ever ever to be the arbiter of of good taste and PCism. However you being a good guy might want to blast a e- mail to my pal Frog , explaining the Gay rod thing. Frog is a guy a lad I’ve never met but consider a pal like many of youze fellaz. I say this with guilt in my heart about gay references. Mea culpa. I have used gay as a synonym for lame or weak . It’s just stupid . Me and mine call each other Paddys and Micks. Let an orangeman or brit say it , blood flows . Got yer back Froggo.

PAGS Would anyones agent let a 31 year old sign a incentive laden contract despite coming off a far less than stellar season?

Boras has done it before.  a 1 year to try to re-establish market value for one more big contract.  he did it with Millwood. it worked.

i don’t think it’s a likely scenario, but it’s not a bad idea. 

my guess is someone just ignores the risk and still gives jones a big contract.

The nicest thing about Andruw Jones is that he is likely available withOUT giving up a draft pick, as the Braves wouldn’t dare offer him arbitration, would they? Jones would snap it up in an instant, right?

do the twins have anyone in their system to go in CF once Hunter leaves? any chance they could afford jones off his shitty 07?

Um, the Yanks don’t need outfielders right now - especially not ones approaching their years of decline who will block the team’s two best prospects, one or both of whom will be ready in 2009.

Um, the Yanks don’t need outfielders right now - especially not ones approaching their years of decline who will block the team’s two best prospects, one or both of whom will be ready in 2009.

are you talking about the idea of signing Jones to a 1 year deal?  that won’t block any prospects. 

if they did that, they could explore trading Damon.

and i am not really worried about putting melky back in the role he was supposed to have last year.

they need right handed power, and it has to come from somewhere.

that said, i do think Jones is a very unlikley scenario though.

Someone mentioned Tejada in a previous thread.  Intriguing.  He’s a shell of the player he was 3 years ago, and the O’s missed the boat in not trading him at peak value.  But if he could be had cheap—and given $13m owed for the next 2 years, that should be the case—not a bad solution.  Wonder how he’d translate defensively at 3B.

Agree with SicSemper in previous thread that Mattingly handled the snub the way he handles everything—pure class.  Not sure though, Sic, why you’d be rooting for Joe G. to fail though so that Donnie “can come back the conquering hero in 3-5 years.”

I agree with that Ensberg would be a nice fit (though let’s not totally disregard ballpark effects—LF porch in Houston—when looking at the .936 OPS vs. lefties).  I can’t see Padres doing Igawa straight-up, however, unless Yanks throw in money or a prospect. 

SSF, I agree that Lowell has to be considered by the Yanks.  Whoever gets him—except if it’s the incumbent Redsox—will definitely be overpaying.  What’s the buzz about what it’ll take?  My feeling is that as long as it stays at 3 years (maybe 4th year option), we should be willing to go pretty high on the $.

Please stop with the Bonds thing, Brian.  The very thought gives me the hives.

On the whole lefty-heavy problem…it is a concern.  Yanks were 7th in the league in OPS vs. lefties at .789, and that was with ARod’s .961.  Damon hits lefties well?  .706 OPS last season and career only.749.

Crede’s gonna be 30 and has been above average twice.  No thanks.

Ensberg’s 2 and a half years older than Crede and he’s really only been above average once.

Besides, this is a beggars-can’t-be-choosers situation.  Crede’s splits aren’t as conducive to a platoon as Ensberg’s, but he’s likely to come fairly cheap coming off the injury, especially as a non-tender or as a $5m-a year-contract the WS might deal for a B prospect.

I’d much prefer Ensberg, especially if it’s just for Igawa and money, but Crede not a bad 2nd choice.  In both cases to platoon with Betemit.  As I recall Crede was exceptional with the glove before the back injury.  Both have World Series experience (against each other incidentally), which may be a BS intangible but it’s worth noting.

PagsRags, if I’m KC I don’t part with Teahen—26 years old and not a free agent till after 2011 season -– for less than Kennedy or Melky or some rough equivalent.  Now I’m Cashman: I wouldn’t do that, would you?

Re. Andruw Jones: wouldn’t go near him unless it’s one of those 1-year deals wherein a free agent who screwed the pooch in his walk year gets another shot to put up big numbers for the long-term payday.  And even on a 1-year deal, at roughly the same price, I think I’d rather have Abreu.  Less variance and risk with Bobby A. IMO.  He prob. won’t hit below. 285, with fewer than 15 dingers.  A high floor I guess you could say.  With Andruw, you could get the ’05 version but you could also get the ’07 version. 

Isn’t this all moot though – haven’t they picked up Abreu’s option or indicated that they will?  If Damon could be traded for something of value –- to SD with cash for Ensberg if SD loses Cameron seems not inconceivable; Damon’s a socal guy, right? -– maybe Jones makes sense.  But please –- and remember he’s a Boras client -– nothing more than 1 year with a ’09 option.

Sorry for the long post.

I’d see if Morgan Ensberg gets non-tendered by San Diego.

And FA Mike Lamb to platoon with Duncan at 1B.

Ok, so far the candidates for 3B (or 3B platoon) are:

Lowell (FA).  Good fielder, solid hitter, righty, 32.  WS MVP. 

Crede (trade?) - coming off back surgery, never really hit much - career OBP of .305 (!!).  30.

Ensberg (trade) - injuries/bad year in ‘07 with both the bat and glove, was pretty good in ‘06.  31.

Tejada (trade) - Isn’t what he was, but can still hit, generally durable, subject to mental lapses.  31.  I have a hard time thinking the Os would trade him to another AL East team, though.

I dunno if it was here, but I saw somebody bring up Beltre from the Mariners.  If I recall correctly, good glove, spotty bat, overpaid.  Do the Mariners have an in-house replacement such that they would consider trading him to dump the contract?

So what’s the story on Ensberg’s injuries?  I saw this in a Will Carrol article at BP: “it’s the type of thing that often recurs” and that would worry me.  Still, when you’re dumpster diving…

I’m all for keeping Abreu, btw.

Wait… oops.  Lowell is 33.  Details, details…

Lowell was also no great shakes hitting-wise away from Fenway.  To sign him, the Yanks would probably need to offer four years - which they would be rather foolish.  I’d rather go with Betemit and a platoon partner and see what’s available in 2009.  If the team is lucky, 21 year old Marcos Vechionacci will have an Austin Jackson-like breakout year next season at Trenton.  He’s currently doing very well in the Venezuela Winter Baseball League. 

In terms of strengthening the team in other areas, why not offer closer-type money to the Brewers’ Francisco Cordero?  He could help out a great deal in the bullpen.  I don’t know whether he’d be willing to set-up Mariano, but has a nice K-rate and has been successful in the AL for Texas.

Can we project Jeter at 3B?  Would it be easier to get a SS than a third-baseman?  I know, I know, “Jeter will never move to 3rd”.  But, maybe he would.  Who knows?  Would it be better?  I seem to recall when Tangotiger and MGL were here (last year?) they seemed to indicate that Jeter would probably make a good 3rd baseman.  Hitting-wise, I’m guessing he would be about +20, give or take.  And then maybe roughly average defensively.  Maybe the Yankees would first need to have a deal worked out for a SS and then go to Jeter with it…who knows.

As for the bullpen, I agree it makes sense to bring in one veteran arm, and Cordero is a good choice.  I would prefer a lefty, but how many veteran reliever lefties are there really available right now?  At least, that are any good?  I’d also like to re-sign Vizcaino (assuming he wants a 2-year deal for reasonable dollars), and find the rest of the pen from what is currently on the roster/minors.

Much as I would like to see Jeter moved off SS, finding a replacement for him at the position would not be very easy.  Alberto Gonzalez could certainly be tried for a month or two, but if he hits .200, the Yanks would really be in a bind.  The main thing is that the team already has someone, in Betemit, who can be a league average 3B.  Rather than overpay for a Mike Lowell on an over-long contract, I would say the best thing would be to improve the team in other areas - specifically in the bullpen if possible but also in finding a decent lefty platoon partner for Shelley Duncan at 1B now that Betemit will almost certainly be the team’s 3B.  Perhaps the solution is in house, with Johnny Damon - although I’d rather see him in LF over Matsui.

I haven’t seen the studies, but it is unfathomable to me that Jeter would be a solid 3b; after all, his worst attribute as a fielder is his first step to his left. (Kinda important for a 3b.)

I guess the benefit would be simply that he’d be handling fewer plays, period.

But really, he should be tried in the outfield.

IE, if they don’t consider trying Matsui at 1b then I don’t know what’s up with this organization.

Can we project Jeter at 3B?

I guess we could look at people who have played both positions and see how the transition went, but I wouldn’t have much confidence in it.  Jeter’s reaction time seems to be poor, which could be a bigger issue at third than short.  He’d see less chances over there though, so the net result may still be beneficial.

If the Yankees keep Mo, then the Phillies will probably go after Cordero to be their closer.  It’d be tough to get him I think.  I’m also not so sure the Yankees should bring Vizcaino back.  He made $4.5 million this year, and they could probably get some picks for him if he walks.  If Torre was still here the need for a veteran bullpen arm may have been greater, but I’d be interested to see what Girardi and Eiland can do with a bullpen of kids.

It won’t be all kids. I’m sure Farnsworth will provide a steadying, veteran presence.

I wouldn’t be overjoyed if the Yanks offered Vizcaino 2 years and $11 million, but that’s more or less chump change and he’s a guy that can reliably be counted on to throw 80 innings.  All managers need a reliever like that.  He’s also a relatively known quantity, whereas Ohlendorf, Veras and Co. could either be very good or very bad.

I’m also not so sure the Yankees should bring Vizcaino back.  He made $4.5 million this year, and they could probably get some picks for him if he walks.

I’ve been thinking about worst case scenarios a bit lately, and I realized something.  Let’s say hypothetically that Rivera, Posada, Pettitte, Vizcaino, and of course, Rodriguez all sign elsewhere.  Abreu’s option hasn’t officially been picked up yet, AFAIK, so let’s pretend they decline that and offer him arb instead.  The Yankees would be pretty bad in 2008, but the payroll would be under $120M, with an extra dozen early draft picks, and another $50M coming off the books next year (Giambi, Pavano, Mussina, Farnsworth).  As nightmares go, that’s really not too shabby.

Sorry about the GayRod thing but it sounds better than Girl-Rod.  I’m going to really hate this guy when he’s tearing it up AAAA in Queens next yr.  I just hope I don’t see Jorge in an orange and blue clown suit. 

As far as next year I see several possible 3B solutions: (1)Cabrera for prospects, Melky, etc.; (2)(pick 2)Teahan/Ensberg/Betemit platoon with Ensberg coming over for Igawa+cash and maybe a prospect and Teahan for prospects (maybe Gardner, Marquez, and/or some others); (3)Damon and cash to Oakland for Eric Chavez.  If one of these moves results in Melky leaving we target Andruw or Tori Hunter on a ST deal first.  I don’t want Lowell for more than 2-3yrs.

Jeter’s reaction time seems to be poor, which could be a bigger issue at third than short.

I seem to remember me mentioning that to I think Tangotiger, and I don’t think he was concerned.  I’ll agree I don’t know enough about what you really need to be a good 3B as opposed to a good SS.  But I’ve given it some thought over the last year, and I think Jeter may do enough good things to overcome for his main problem - getting to a LOT of balls that are hit up the middle.

He comes in very well on slow grounders (good for a 3B), and may do enough that he can play a step further back than the average 3B, which may allow him to compensate for some of the problems he has going to his left.  He also goes well to his right, which may allow him to play a little more off the line.  And as noted, there are much fewer balls hit there.  I don’t think we need Jeter to be Scott Rolen.  Can he be what ARod was the last few years (roughly average)?  And if he is, and they can get a SS (maybe Alberto), are the Yankees better?  I really don’t know, which is why I’m asking people more well-informed than me.

As IE noted, we already have a potential 3rd-baseman in Betemit, but I really like the idea of him being the super-sub.  Getting the SS may be difficult, especially as Renteria went to the Tigers.  So…I’d just hate to discount the idea entirely.  Though not like I have any say in what the Yankees do.  I DO remember when Boone went down a few years ago, we got our third-baseman in an unlikely place…

Is there any truth to the rumor that Fukodome can play 3B?

By the way, I don’t want the Yanks’ best prospects traded for an ever expanding Miguel Cabrera.  Austin Jackson really looks like superstar material who will probably be ready by Opening Day 2009.  Trading him for a soon-to-be fat guy who has a questionable work ethic and won’t be able to play 3B very far into the future (granted, he’s a fantastic hitter) doesn’t make sense.  I wouldn’t deal Hughes for him either.

According to japanesebaseball.com Fukudome played 51 games at 3B in 2001.  In other words, I doubt he’s an option at the hot corner.  Personally, I believe an Ensberg/Betemit platoon is the way to go along with improvements in other areas.

—-Sorry about the GayRod thing but it sounds better than Girl-Rod.—-

so you were trying to be sexist instead of homophobic.  and in doing so also sound homophobic b/c you’re saying that being gay is being less of a man.

awesome apology.

Good post as usual SG. Have to agree though with sam on most points. I think there is a better chance than not that the rookie pitchers struggle and show inconsistency next year than not. That alone would likely derail a postseason run. Losing Arod is an enormous hole to fill. He’s evidently a jerk, a pure out and out mercenary, but he’s awfully talented. I studied him closely in three games in KC and was mightily impressed. I thought the team was low on right handed bats with him, but they muddled through fairly well. I don’t see a lot of good options now. The team could use a Lowell if his performance level maintains. He looks physically old in appearance now and the Marlins thought him to be done three years ago. I agree that the length of contract would have to be entirely too long to pry him away from Boston. My goodness, he’s got to be feeling good about Boston now anyway.
I agree that Crede is a short term fix if he’s healthy. At least he used to look ok with the glove and had some rh pop. If the back is bad it’s a no go. Betamit should still be a reserve. The Royals Teahan is another lefty bat, could be a pretty good third baseman addition, but it doesn’t balance the lineup. A trade for him would be costly in terms of people. Don’t look for Baltimore and the Yankees to hook up on a deal on Tejada. Have they made a trade since the Dempsey/ McGregor one?
On the whole I think the new manager will have an enormous task in front of him. Paul O. would be a good addition. Let’s hope Cashman has some trade ideas as it seems the FA class continues to get weaker every year. Teams simply lock up their good ones early. All the teams that is except ours.

Perhaps it’s pertinent to quote the wisdom of Jemaine Clement from “Flight of the Conchords,” aka the Hiphopapotamous, who once sang, “Yes some of my lyrics are sexist but you bitches know shit and I’m trying to correct this.”

Please look at Teahan’s splits.  And re: Fukodome- I read somewhere he was a terrible 3B but not sure if that’s true.  Yeah, who wants a 24 year old who is (arguably) the best hitter in baseball? I understand the weight thing but you have to assume any trade is done w/Girardi’s blessing and JoeG managed him in FLA. Besides, how are the palyers in FLA supposed to care when the fans and managemt dont? It may be different here…

If Miguel Cabrera becomes a latter day Tony Gwynn, he won’t be a viable 3B, he’ll be just another DH on a roster full of would be DHs.  I’m not saying he lacks value as a hitter, but I’d rather keep Phil Hughes (a top of the rotation starter who is 21 years old) and Austin Jackson, who is looking very much like a right-handed Curtis Granderson and should hit the majors at 22 years of age.  Also, Jackson and Hughes will be cheap for the near future unlike Cabrera.  If the Yanks can pry him from the Marlins without giving up Hughes, Joba or Austin Jackson - by all means, but those three should be the centerpiece of the new stadium for years to come. 

As for Teahan, KC has absolutely no reason to trade him.

If ARod goes to the Cubs they’ll likely try to unload Aramis Ramirez - unless they plan on moving Arod back to SS, which most people seem to think is a bad idea. Not sure what kind of talent they would want in return, but maybe a heap of cash would help out. Ramirez’ numbers are probably inflated by Wrigley, but if he can be had cheaply enough he’s probably better than most of the other options.

KC does have a reason to unload Teahan- his most value is at a position occupied by Alex Gordon.  Let Girardi be the judge of Cabrera.  I wouldn’t give up Joba or Hughes but, whether it’s for Johan or Miggy, Kennedy, Austin Jackson, and more are certainly available if I’m GM.  I hope Minaya doesn’t feel the same way because if I were him I’d trade Reyes for Johan and sign ARod, handing me the NL East.

Hey, there’s always good ol’ Aaron Boone. He just filed for FA.

The Yankee outfielders aside from Melky are hardly in their first blush of youth.  Trading away near major league ready replacements for Abreu, Damon and Matsui doesn’t make much sense.  Moreover, Melky hasn’t yet proven that he’s anything more than a good-fielding, light-hitting CF at this point.  If the Yanks trade Austin Jackson or even Tabata, they will be robbing Peter to pay Paul.  After all, who will play in the outfield in the next few years after Abreu and Damon are gone?  Should the Yanks sign free agents who are already declining to overpriced long-term contracts to fill the holes?  That doesn’t make sense to me.  Not only is Austin Jackson a future star, there is no replacement for him in the Yankee system aside from Tabata, who will also be needed.

SG, any chance you are going to do starting projections for Joba, Hughes and Kennedy for 2008?

Is it a consensus notion that Cabrera’s days at 3B are numbered?  I don’t see why you wouldn’t move Hughes for Cabrera.  I know you can always have more young pitching, but at some point we need to start trading them, because they’re obviously not all going to pan out.  Seems we’re weak on young position players, and in Cabrera you get a young, blue-chip (albeit more expensive) guy.  Seems to make sense to me.

If the Yanks had to trade Hughes or Jackson, I’d probably choose the former given the Yanks’ organizational depth in that department.  On the other hand, pitchers are far more fragile - making that depth a near necessity.  Humberto Sanchez is probably not that far behind Hughes talent-wise, but he has never proven he can remain healthy for any period of time.  All in all, I’d rather keep the team’s best prospects (i.e. Hughes, Joba and Jackson), go with an Ensberg/Betemit platoon and try to sign a top bullpen guy like Cordero by offering him some of the cash the team is saving on A-Rod.

I understand we want to keep our OF prospects but this is Johan and/or Miggy we are talking about- young HOFers in their prime.  This is not a deadline rent-a-player deal I’m talking about. I think the minors will be well-stocked for years to come with all the free agents coming off in the next 2yrs (if The Yanks refrain from giving away our own draft picks.  I also think the Yanks will continue to be very aggressive in signing draft picks/international players.

How good is Austin Jackson?  If his upside is projected to be Curtis Granderson I have no problem tarding him for a future HOF- you have to give something to get something.

Now you know why Alex deserves the sobriquet: A-Fraud. It wasn’t based on his ability on the diamond, but on just about everything else about him. Had his number when he was still playing fo the Mariners and he (and Griffey, Jr.) were whining about the then new ballpark’s dimensions.

I don’t think I’d want anything to do with Miggy Cabrera.  For a relatively young player, he’s got a weight problem and an attitude problem.  I don’t see age helping him in either of those departments.  While he’s a great player, I don’t see the need to give up top prospects to get him.  In a couple of years, I don’t want the Yankees saddled with an overweight 3B turned DH while Florida enjoys years of Jackson/Tabata/Hughes.

Frankly, I think the Yanks should sit back and wait.  They have a lot of young prospects coming up through the system.  They have a lot of money coming off the books this year and next.  I say use that freed up money to target free agents to fill in the holes that the farm can’t.

And I can guarantee that every player who will be a free agent in the next two years is going to ignore any contract extensions with their current team and play the market.  They know darn well that the Yanks are going to be flush with cash and looking to spend.  I just hope they spend wisely.

Where will Cabrera play? He barely bends now to field groundballs at 3rd. So he’s a what, a very young DH? If he showed some care about his weight and playing solid defense, sure. But I don’t see it. Pass.

Have they made a trade since the Dempsey/ McGregor one?

Jaret Wright + cash for Chris Britton.

I don’t want Lowell for more than 2-3yrs.

Then why would you want the corpse of Eric Chavez for 3/$37M, which is what’s left on his contract?  He’s a slightly above average hitter who’s missed a hundred games the last two years.  He had surgery on his throwing shoulder last month and back surgery a couple of weeks ago.

BTW, Aramis Ramirez has a full no trade clause and an opt-out in his $75M contract.

Miggy is 24- it’s not like he’ll be crippled anytime soon.  Yeah, his weight is an issue but, if they trade for him, I am confident that they feel he will stay in shape playing for an organization and fans that care.  You know who has been overweight for years?  Manny Ramirez.  Perhaps Miggy can play 1B.

Curtis Granderson had an OPS+ of 136 last season in CF.  He’s hardly a wimp and would certainly be an enormous upgrade over Melky circa 2006-2007.

Kulish29, you can get the latest projections here:http://replacementlevel.com/stuff/sg/CAIROv0.2.zip.  I’m still messing around with pitcher projections so these aren’t final.

Where will Cabrera play?

First base.  He’s only two years older than Eric Duncan, for cryin’ out loud.  I wouldn’t trade what it would probably take to get him.  Also, it looks like he’s still two years away from free agency (about 4 1/2 years service time, and you need the full six—no rounding up).

KC does have a reason to unload Teahan- his most value is at a position occupied by Alex Gordon

except he plays the OF now.  and according to ZR, he plays it about average for an AL RFer. 

so, they could trade him, if they are getting something valuable back.  if not, why not keep him while he is cheap?

You know who has been overweight for years?  Manny Ramirez.

Huh???? He wears his uni a bit baggy. Doesn’t equate to overweight. Everybody around the team seems to think Manny takes good care of himself. I don’t know why he inspires so many assumptions about his true nature. If I had a crappier TV, I think I would’ve kicked it over when McCarver and Buck started unleashing their inner racist on him (Hr trots, helmet flips… is this really any different than armed robbery?)

To be clear, I am NOT!!! equating PagsRags with the Fox idiots. The overweight comment is far more tame than the shit people talk about Manny on Teevee.

I hope we don’t make any significant trade. We can be competitive next year if we resign Mariano and Posada and replace Arod with a platoon of Betemit and Ensberg. Then next offseason we’ll get the chance to be active in the FA market, when Sabathia, Sanatana and Peavy are free agents.

If I had a crappier TV, I think I would’ve kicked it over when McCarver and Buck started unleashing their inner racist on him

I always keep a few crappy old TVs around for just such occasions.

Pedro 130 ERA+?  Matsusuka 120 ERA+?

Silly me, Cabrera to 1st base. Where he still won’t bend over for groundballs.

Not the kind of player the Yankees need to bring in.

With A-Freud gone, why add a new head case?

I always keep a few crappy old TVs around for just such occasions.

We have too little storage, but it sure was nice to have a dying set around in October 1986. I can still remember the sound of brick on glass.

I agree with you, Don.  I don’t want a player with an attitude problem and weight issues at the age of 24.  That’s bad news.

Anybody see the Pettitte stuff at LoHud?  He will either retire or play for the Yankees.  Torre leaving won’t be a factor in his decision.  Sounded like he’s leaning to a return.

I DON’T want Cabrera for third-base.  He is a horrible defender there, and the Yankees would have the weakest left-side of the infield (defensively) in the majors. 

IF the Yankees could fleece Florida for him (similar to the Abreu trade), I wouldn’t mind having him to play first.  After all, it sounds like he (essentially) has a two year contract.  I don’t see his weight/attitude problems hurting him much for the next two years, and his bat can’t be ignored.

If he cleans up his attitude/weight problem in the next two years, then give him his huge contract.  If he doesn’t, cut bait.  Again, that’s based on the Yankees stealing him from Florida, which I don’t see happening.