Okay, so my last post about the Yankees manufacturing trade rumors might have been a bit off base. Shortly after that post, the news finally broke that the team was actually talking to the Atlanta Braves. The Yankees reacquired starting pitcher Javier Vazquez in a deal that sent outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Braves. In addition to Cabrera, they sent pitcher Mike Dunn and another minor leaguer to Atlanta for Vazquez and pitcher Boone Logan.
Yankee fans were divided upon hearing of the trade. Many were fond of Melky and thought that he was worth more. Some were perplexed, since Vazquez's first stint with the team was somewhat disappointing. On the other side, fans were ecstatic that the Yankees had greatly improved the back end of their starting rotation. Also, the departure of Cabrera seemed to leave the door open for the possible return of Johnny Damon. Melky became expendable when the Yankees traded for CF Curtis Granderson at the Winter Meetings.
In other news last week, the Yankees finalized their deal with Nick Johnson. The first baseman, who played for the Florida Marlins last season, figures to fill the DH spot most of the time for New York. He can also spell Mark Teixeira occasionally in the field.
Left field is the biggest remaining question for 2010. Will the Yankees give Brett Gardner a chance to win the job? Will they sign Damon? Mark DeRosa, a New Jersey native who reportedly wants the job? Jermaine Dye?
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Did Yankees Leak Trade Rumor?
Several sources seem to be reporting that the New York Yankees are close to making a trade for a starting pitcher, yet none of them seem to have any names. This is a bit unusual isn't it? Usually a trade rumor has at least one name attached to it, no? This leads me to believe that the team might have leaked the trade rumor in order to get a free agent starter to lower their price.
The story had the Yankees making the deal as early as last night, but certainly by the end of the year. Earlier in the day on Monday, there was a rumor of a possible deal with the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano, however, was quick to say that he was not interested in waiving his no trade clause.
GM Brian Cashman is reportedly looking at free agent starting pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer, but one must assume that he does not want to spend a lot on damaged goods. Neither player pitched in 2009, due to injury.
The story had the Yankees making the deal as early as last night, but certainly by the end of the year. Earlier in the day on Monday, there was a rumor of a possible deal with the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano, however, was quick to say that he was not interested in waiving his no trade clause.
GM Brian Cashman is reportedly looking at free agent starting pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer, but one must assume that he does not want to spend a lot on damaged goods. Neither player pitched in 2009, due to injury.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
New Frugal Yankees Are Bargain Hunting This Holiday Season
It looks like economic woes have even caught up with the New York Yankees. Frankly they are looking like real cheapskates compared to last offseason. After balking at the salary demands of fan favorites Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon, they seem content with signing former Yankee first baseman Nick Johnson (late of the Marlins) for the bargain basement price of $5.5 million for one year. Of course there were other reasons for not signing Matsui and Damon, namely Godzilla's trick knees and Johnny's questionable glove in left field.
Matsui took a one year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, so it appears that Johnson would be the heir apparent to the designated hitter spot. Damon could still be an outside possibility for the Yanks if he drops his price. He reportedly wanted to remain in pinstripes, even dropping his demands from three years/$39 million to two years at $20 million - much to the chagrin of agent Scott Boras, no doubt. The Yankees, however, were already closing in on Johnson and said "no thanks".
The question remains whether or not they will be satisfied with Melky Cabrera and/or Brett Gardner in left field. One of these guys could potentially be trade bait for a quality starting pitcher or set up man. The Yankees have not expressed any interest in entering the Matt Holliday sweepstakes, but who knows? Is he the one that they are saving their money for?
Other names that continue to be discussed as possible signings for the Bombers are utility man Mark DeRosa, and pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer. Both Sheets and Duchsherer have been great in the past, but neither pitched last season. What their true market value is still remains to be seen.
New center fielder Curtis Granderson was introduced this week in a press conference at Yankee Stadium. He figures to bring some extra power and defensive range to the position. Curtis also appears to have a great personality, and should fit in well in the Yankees clubhouse. He will be wearing uniform number 14.
Matsui took a one year deal with the Los Angeles Angels, so it appears that Johnson would be the heir apparent to the designated hitter spot. Damon could still be an outside possibility for the Yanks if he drops his price. He reportedly wanted to remain in pinstripes, even dropping his demands from three years/$39 million to two years at $20 million - much to the chagrin of agent Scott Boras, no doubt. The Yankees, however, were already closing in on Johnson and said "no thanks".
The question remains whether or not they will be satisfied with Melky Cabrera and/or Brett Gardner in left field. One of these guys could potentially be trade bait for a quality starting pitcher or set up man. The Yankees have not expressed any interest in entering the Matt Holliday sweepstakes, but who knows? Is he the one that they are saving their money for?
Other names that continue to be discussed as possible signings for the Bombers are utility man Mark DeRosa, and pitchers Ben Sheets and Justin Duchsherer. Both Sheets and Duchsherer have been great in the past, but neither pitched last season. What their true market value is still remains to be seen.
New center fielder Curtis Granderson was introduced this week in a press conference at Yankee Stadium. He figures to bring some extra power and defensive range to the position. Curtis also appears to have a great personality, and should fit in well in the Yankees clubhouse. He will be wearing uniform number 14.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Mo Named Athlete of the Year
Congratulations to Yankees closer Mariano Rivera on being named 2009 Sporting News Pro Athlete of the year. "On a team full of superstars, Yankees closer Mariano Rivera
went about his usual way in 2009, dominating opponents and helping New York claim its 27th World Series."
Mo had this to say when asked what it would be like to pitch for a different team:
"With all the respect that all the organizations deserve, it would be hard for me to consider playing for another team. If the opportunities are there, then you don't know. But I believe the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to play for one team."
Mo had this to say when asked what it would be like to pitch for a different team:
"With all the respect that all the organizations deserve, it would be hard for me to consider playing for another team. If the opportunities are there, then you don't know. But I believe the Lord has blessed me with the opportunity to play for one team."
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ho, Ho, Hot Stove!
Well it looks like there was a grease fire on the old hot stove this week. The Yankees made the first splash towards the end of the Winter Meetings when they acquired CF Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers in a three way trade that also involved the Arizona Diamondbacks. They also brought back Andy Pettitte for another season. This seemed to wake up the Red Sox because they signed free agents John Lackey and Mike Cameron this week. The questionable five year/$85 million deal given to Lackey, 31, clearly shows that the Sox brass would do anything to keep the pitcher out of Yankee pinstripes.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays have completed a trade that lands Cy Young winning pitcher Roy Halladay in the City of Brotherly Love. Phillies fans were generally not enthusiastic when they learned that the deal would require giving up Cliff Lee, who was arguably their most valuable player in this past post season. As if that weren't enough, the Phils also give up three top prospects, Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d'Arnaud. Cliff Lee goes to the Seattle Mariners, who suddenly look like a threat in the AL West.
The Yankees said goodbye to World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, as he signed a one year contract with the LA Angels. Many fans are not happy about the departure, but Matsui's role as a full time designated hitter did not give the Yanks much flexibility in their lineup. Also, his history of knee problems made him a potential liability.
Also on his way out the door is Chien Ming Wang. The Yankees did not tender a contract to Wang, who was never the same after suffering an injury while running the bases in an interleague game.
I believe that the Yankees would not mind bringing back Johnny Damon as a DH and part time outfielder, but only at a reduced salary and not for the three years that he wants. So Johnny Rocket continues to shop himself around – with no apparent interest around MLB.
The pitching well seems to be drying up fast. Will the Bombers get another arm?
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays have completed a trade that lands Cy Young winning pitcher Roy Halladay in the City of Brotherly Love. Phillies fans were generally not enthusiastic when they learned that the deal would require giving up Cliff Lee, who was arguably their most valuable player in this past post season. As if that weren't enough, the Phils also give up three top prospects, Kyle Drabek, Michael Taylor and Travis d'Arnaud. Cliff Lee goes to the Seattle Mariners, who suddenly look like a threat in the AL West.
The Yankees said goodbye to World Series MVP Hideki Matsui, as he signed a one year contract with the LA Angels. Many fans are not happy about the departure, but Matsui's role as a full time designated hitter did not give the Yanks much flexibility in their lineup. Also, his history of knee problems made him a potential liability.
Also on his way out the door is Chien Ming Wang. The Yankees did not tender a contract to Wang, who was never the same after suffering an injury while running the bases in an interleague game.
I believe that the Yankees would not mind bringing back Johnny Damon as a DH and part time outfielder, but only at a reduced salary and not for the three years that he wants. So Johnny Rocket continues to shop himself around – with no apparent interest around MLB.
The pitching well seems to be drying up fast. Will the Bombers get another arm?
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