On the Yankees beat

Wes Helms for 1B?

Why is Brian Cashman not reading our Andy Phillips tribute?

Does anyone know anything about why the team won't/can't resign Craig Wilson?

Wilson didn't do well in limited action with the Yankees, but he'd be better than Helms, Phillips, or Shea Hillenbrand. Yet I can't find any commentary on what his plans are, or why the Yankees don't seem interested.

Thanks!

Because he has something stuck in his craw about Phillips. As we've discussed, I think Phillips will return to the Yanks but as a late inning defensive replacement at best, depending on who they get to play first every day.
I'm glad Wes Helms didn't go for the money and stink it up in NY. We want people who will embrace NY and enjoy themselves in the greatest city on earth.

I think it might be Wilson's decision not to return. He didn't seem to thrilled when he was traded to the Yanks.
I agree with you Reed, I like him better than any of the other alternatives, he's pretty versatile and has decent to good power.

Jim B,

Thank you for your analysis of Andy Phillips. That is exactly what I have been trying to explain to Eric, Larry, Paul and their buddies. I like Andy Phillips attitude, it's nothing personal. Yes, he could possibly rebound into a player, but from what we have seen, we cannot go into 2007 with him penciled in at 1B as the answer. Maybe coming from you Jim, they will get it.

Like I mentioned earlier, Phillips is no Mattingly or Tino. Then Eric comes back with a "why do we need a Mattingly or Tino"? The answer is because that is what the Yankees are accustomed to and expect at 1B.

As far as Helms goes, who cares? He obviously isn't the type that can Git-R-Done under pressure (see A-Rod) but he knows it. So, he opted for the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of the City of Brotherly Love. Which just goes to show that he is stupid as well. Like I said, who cares?

And, I agree with Jim A about why are we talking about 1B and Andy Phillips so much? It's PITCHING, PITCHING, and PITCHING that will determine our fate. Let's get this blog moving on from Andy and start talking about what we REALLY need!

Reed,
Craig Wilson is a RH batter alright. However, against RH pitching, which constitutes 80% of the league, he sucks! He strikes out profusely against RH pitching. That is why I believe we are not hearing about him. Why sign the RH 1B that can only play 20% of the time. It defeats the whole purpose.

Craig Wilson
with the Yankees:
104 AB 22 hits
.212 4 HR 8 RBI
40 games
34 SO, 4 BB,
0 SB 0 CS

You would consideer bringing him back for what reason??

My bad on the above entry. It was Larry M who wanted to switch the topic to pitching and not Jim A.

Bobby Valentine is Liar. He Lied to New York especially Yankees fans . When He was on Michael Kay show He said Matsuzaka will be number #3 starter in the majors and He had straight fastball. He occasionally throws 97 mph once in a season and wasn't enamored with Dmat. I still think He holds a grudge and hate towards The Yankees and it's fans. Bobby applauded The Redsox Front Office. He even said matsuzaka will be pitching version of Ichiro in japan.

http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/hc-redsox1115.artnov15,0,4055442.story?coll=hc-headlines-baseball

"Quote from Bobby Valentine when The Redsox won"

"He's special," Valentine said from Japan late Monday. "He's like a pitching savant over here. Ichiro [Suzuki] was considered a hitting savant that could just go out on any field and be at home. Matsuzaka's at home when he's on the mound.

"When he was 18 years old, he was pitching in front of 55,000 people. He's pitched in the World Baseball Classic and big international competition. I think he would consider the Red Sox stage that next step. I don't think he'll be surprised by anything. I think the Boston fans, because of their love and understanding of the game itself, are going to appreciate this guy."

There has been speculation about the Red Sox's motives in making such an extravagant bid. Some are saying the Red Sox are merely trying to block the Yankees and are content to allow Matsuzaka to return to Japan next season.

But Valentine said he has seen Red Sox assistant GM for international scouting Craig Shipley and coordinator for Pacific rim scouting John Deeble at too many Seibu games to think this pursuit is anything but genuine.

"I think they've done a heck of a job scouting," Valentine said. "I've seen Craig Shipley and John Deeble here for the last three years, where they followed his movement, they've charted his pitches, they've watched his best and worst outings and done a heck of a job of understanding the kind of competitor and pitcher this guy is.

"He disguises his pitches well. He doesn't give his off-speed stuff away. His fastball's good, but he doesn't have to throw it that often. He probably throws it 40 percent of the time."

OK, with the youth movement coming soon, the Yankees need a SHORT TERM solution for their SP. I make the following suggestion. Sign Pettite for a 1 year deal, at the end of which, he can again contemplate retirement or become a FA if he wants to pitch some more. It solves the Yanks short term need and gives Andy the flexibility of a quick out to retirement. And, he could finish his career as a Yankee, where he belongs.

Also, sign Clemens to a half year deal like he had with Houston. That will keep him fresh for the post season, which is where we really need him anyway. And, this plan keeps both Pettite and Clemens together which should be an added attraction to signing each of them. Getting Clemens in July would be like a deadline deal without losing anyone in a trade.

Then, for 2008, we can let the youth movement begin in earnest. Johnson, Pettite, and Clemens would be out. Hughes, Sanchez, and others would be in to go with Wang and Mussina (his last year). Comments please.

I would be very uncomfortable in 2008 with two or three rookies on the rotation. And paying Clemens about 10 to 15 million for four months? That’s too much even for the Yanks, besides, Clemens could get injured and it would come back to hunt them, even more than signing Pavano. And many of the media feel like Clemens wants to end up in Boston.
I say Wang, Zito, Mussina, Johnson and Hughes (NOT Proctor) would be a good rotation for 2007.
Do we really need Phillips? Why not putting him on a deal to get some starting pitching help in case we don’t get Zito or feel like Hughes isn’t ready.

Paul, I'm not going to judge Craig Wilson based on 104 at-bats in a new league, which were spread out over a few months. I judged Melky to be not-major-league-material after his 2005, and I was completely wrong about that.

Look, I'd rather they got someone BETTER than Wilson. That doesn't change that Wilson has a better track record than the other guys the Yankees have been looking at, including Hillenbrand. He hit 29 HRs in his only full season in 2004. Rick is right that his numbers against righties were not great last year. His three year splits weren't too bad, though.

Jim A. might be right, Wilson might not want to return To NY. But I want to know that for sure, since they seem to be looking at guys who are worse than him. Can't figure out why the writers are not telling us what the story is here...

Wilson barley ever makes contact and almost swings at anything. I agree with everyone else we need starting pitching but please stop bringing up a guy who does not wanna pitch here. We need to explore the trade market and we need to stop banking on Pettite waking up and saying I am ready to come back.

Rick Keys: your plan has merit but all indications as of now do not lend themselves in this direction. It would be the last route for me to take. We have Sanchez and two A ball pitchers with some ability for trade or to develope.

If BC cannot get the FA pitcher of choice; my choice (Lilly) then I would be inclined to wait to Spring training see what developes or make a significant trade. As I said before 1. Wang 2. Mussina 3. Johnson ??? 4.Lilly 5. proctor, Pavano Sanchez could do well. I would rather work from within our organization. The positional players are very capable to handle the stress of younger pitchers. Pettite ( love the guy) but his heart is not in NY. Clements wants to be off everyday until he pitches. I find this to be disruptive to the team. BC will have to make at least one trade or FA signing and maybe more if Johnson is not ready.

The SP transition has to start sometime and it will take two years. So, it can start now. We maybe able to improve the bullpen quicker than the starting rotation which would lend itself to the transition. Except for a few teams pitching in the big leagues is razor thin. At least we have a potent lineup.

The more I look at our starting pitchers, the scarier "07" gets. The current crop of free agent starting pitchers is not the solution, as they are mediocre at best. Either we trade for starting pitching, or we stagger through the "07" season and don't make the playoffs. If we trade, the 1 player who will bring us good starting pitching is A-ROD. It all comes down to this. Would you rather keep A-ROD, and not make the playoffs. Or trade him, get starting pitching, and make a run at another championship. It's a very simple choice.

Why Not Get Mark Loretta To Play 1b., I initially wanted Shea. But I'd try him

Loretta killed the Yankees last year. And he may or may not sign with Boston . If we sign him(for say a 1 YEAR), Boston immediately loses out. He's a patient Right handed batter, he hits line drives, and for once he's Healthy!!!!

And we won't have to worry about him adjusting to the AL. Because he gained the experience last year. Especially the Al East!!!

Diamond in the rough!!! And cheaper than Shea!!!

loretta is a great hitter, id love to have him in our lineup.

hes patient as ######, and works the count, perfect for our lineup.

White Sox Trading Garland, affects the Yanks getting Buehrle/Garcia

According to Fox's Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox are close to dealing Jon Garland to the Rangers for John Danks. I would imagine that would take Buehrle and Garcia off the market as Kenny Williams said he wanted to deal ONE starter. It really is beginning to look like the Yanks may end up going with what they have. I hate to say it, but I don't see them competing with LA, Detroit or Boston (if they sign Matsuzaka) if they don't upgrade their rotation. And NO, I don't consider Gil Meche or Randy Wolf as upgrading.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6185140

Does anyone think that The Yankees could have won The series either way against Tigers when Joe let young pitchers pitch? I have problem with Joe and their staff doesn't give young pitchers a chance to pitch in the playoffs such as Rasner, Hughes, Karstens instead old veterans of Big Unit and Jaret "stinking" wright who never gets it done.

I think The Cardinals Win This year because They are consists of Young and veterans on their pitching staff.

Yankees should not Resign Villone
and go lefthaned Hideki Okajima to the bullpen.

http://www.japanball.com/news.phtml?id=8361

Free agent left-hander Hideki Okajima said Saturday he has
received offers from major league teams and is leaning toward
accepting one of them.

Okajima, who helped the Nippon Ham Fighters win the Pacific
League and Japan Series titles as a setup man, revealed that the
30-year-old has drawn interest from both Japanese and major league
clubs and offers from overseas are generally better.

''I just want to play for a team that gives a high rating to
what I've done,'' Okajima said. ''I've got a clear direction
regarding my future. I'm in pretty good shape now and I think this is
a very good opportunity for me (to play in the major leagues).''

Okajima was traded to Nippon Ham in late March after spending 12
seasons with the Yomiuri Giants. He went 2-2 with four saves and a
2.14 ERA this year with Nippon Ham, bringing his career record to
34-32 with 41 saves and a 3.36 ERA.

Karl: I agree there should be a blend of youth and veterans on the staff just as there is with positional players. Unfortunately, this year 2006, our young guys could not get it done. Hughes is too young and does not have arm strength or enough pitching at AAA level. Rasner/karstens might be a number 5 starter. I believe BC is laying low because he is moving in this direction of youth and veterans because of the weak FA market. We have more young arms to consider with the recent trades of Sheffield and Wright. I believe unless we can get a number 2/3 starter via trade. Yankee fans will have to sit on the edge of their seats as thr young guys are given a crack at the rotation. I for one do not believe that we have to have a blue chip at every position but pitching you need as much as you can get. Look at the Cards or Tigers. Two teams on paper were not the best but playing well at the right time with solid pitching. If, Joe Torre is presented with a mixture of vets and young guys than he'll have to make do just like Leyland and any other mgr. in smaller markets. It's all up to BC and what he puts together.

Ohio State Won again!!

I believe that ignorance is the root of all evil. And that no one knows the truth. Ohio State is Evil from Hell and conquers again against good Michigan Wolverin team.

The last word I heard about the White Sox trading starters was that they would probably consider trading two of them. If Garland goes to Texas then they will probably sit back and see what the Mets do because they want to trade Garcia or Vazquez to the Mets for Heilman and Milledge. I know the Chisox pitchers didn't have a great year and they want to get McCarthy in the rotation, but I don't understand trading Garland, he's pretty good.
I don't see the Yanks standing pat with their rotation, I just can't see them being satisfied with a rotation of:
Wang
Moose
Johnson
Karstens
Proctor/Hughes

I've been saying they are planning a blockbuster and I still believe it. If a trade just can't happen then I see them signing either Lilly, Randy Wolf, Gil Meche or Vincente Padilla.Which will buy them time to either trade for someone by July or wait for Sanchez and/or Hughes.
This team is too old to wait for young starters to develop all in one year. It would be different if it were just the fifth spot in the rotation but they really need a number one or two starter or they are in deep trouble.

Looks like the Red Sox lost Alex Gonzalez to the Reds. Regardless of their rotation, they have a ton of holes to fill on that team. Let's hope they have to make some trades like last year when they gave up a lot of their good young talent.

Larry M - I was trying to stimulate some talk about SP's, and thanks for the comments. The problem I see as why we have to win now is that the team is older and built to win NOW. Rivera, Posada, Giambi, Damon, Abreu, and others are not going to be around in a couple of years. Plus George wants another championship before he goes into the sunset.

We need a couple of proven SP's and we need them now. Personally, I look at RJ as being the #5 guy because we don't know if he will be back, how good he will be when he is back, and it will be his last year anyhow. If or until he is back, one or more of the kids can fill in for him. So, the 5 hole is covered.

Then, we have Wang (a #1 or 2) and Mussina (a #3 or 4 guy). So, essentially we need two quality SP's. Cashman needs to pull something off, or we are in trouble.

Jim A - With the Sox losing Gonzalez, maybe we can trade them A-Rod for Matsuzaka once they sign him for $25 mil per year?

God, I so hate the Yankees right now.

Freakin' Wes Helms?

What the hell were they thinking?

I really hope they trade Andy to some other team.

I feel really bad for him.

What the Yankees have done to him is unforgivable.

I just hope he can play full-time on another team and put up spectacular numbers so all of you people can eat your hearts out.

THE NEW WATCH HAS BEGUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.ueharawatch.blogspot.com/

http://www.yudarvish.blogspot.com/

here we go again...........

Mike better be right with one of those guys.

Yankees needs to scout this two guys especially Uehera will be free agent next year and I'm hopeful The Yankees will not lose the bid again by boston redsox.

"Then Eric comes back with a "why do we need a Mattingly or Tino"? The answer is because that is what the Yankees are accustomed to and expect at 1B." - Rick Keyes

Err...so where are you going to get another Mattingly or Tino?

If that person doesn't come along, are you going to wait and how long?

Get a grip.

Mattingly has NO World Series ring.

Tino has but I'm sure the other 23 members of his team had a little something to do with it as well.

Peace,

A Youth movement is not a bad idea who are we here to please ?? Giambi, and the other dust bags ? no!! kartsens and the others SAVED the yankee buts last year, the experience is under their belts , how soon we forget that in 95 that was how pettite and jeter was brought up, give them kids a chance just like they gave cano and wang a chance, remember when Cano was REJECTED in both a trade to ariz. for johnson as well as seattle for moyer, had the yanks included him in the johnson trade , cash would be scouting for little leagues after george got through with him. The worry with the movement is not the players it;s mgmt torre is his last year of his contract and plus he is no buck showalter when it comes to youth movement (jeter and pettite was first exposed by buck, gene michael ) the only youth torre handled was a pretty good one jorge, Mariano was again devleoped by gene michael and buck, torre just inserted him as a closer after it was proven he was a excellent set up man. barry zito is a disaster waiting to happen he is about to follow the steps of mark molder. he needs to pitch in a park that favors him , he is not worth the risk, i would've tried kerry wood before moulder because with wood maybe he could have been converted into mariano's sucessor

"Like I mentioned earlier, Phillips is no Mattingly or Tino. Then Eric comes back with a "why do we need a Mattingly or Tino"? The answer is because that is what the Yankees are accustomed to and expect at 1B."

Unfortunately - this is incorrect. What the Yankee fan has become accustomed to at 1B is the feeling of abject horror as any ball is hit in that general direction with a runner at 1st when The Buffalo Giambi is roaming there...

Ken, I saw your column today:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spkdjeter194982587nov19,0,1224671.column?coll=ny-yankees-print

saying that IF you had a vote for MVP you would've given it to "Morneau. Because power still rules, and because we all know that as much as Jeter did to help the Yankees prevail in 2006, he could have done more."

The "more" refers to Jeter not giving Arod the hugs he needed to be able to hit when it counted.

Boy, do i disagree on both counts. I'm glad you didn't have a vote and I hope the writers who did get to vote esp didn't take in account the ridiculous ARod thing.

YANKS EYE LILLY RETURN
http://www.nypost.com/seven/11192006/sports/yankees/yanks_eye_lilly_return_yankees_george_king.htm

November 19, 2006 -- He is left-handed, a former Yankee and interested in returning to The Bronx.

No, he is not Andy Petttitte, whom the Yankees would like to have back if he doesn't retire. This lefty is Ted Lilly, a free-agent southpaw GM Brian Cashman admitted having an interest in yesterday.

"We have an interest but that is it, it's premature [at this point]," Cashman said of the 30-year-old Lilly, who was a Yankee from 2000-02 (8-12 in 49 games). He was sent away in the trade that brought Jeff Weaver to the Bronx.

Larry O'Brien, Lilly's representative, said his client has been contacted by teams but would like to hear from the Yankees, who have major holes to fill in their rotation, which houses question marks Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano.

"I exchanged calls with Brian Cashman a week ago and we missed each other. The ball is in his court. We are getting some very serious interest from a number of other clubs, but we would be very happy to have serious conversations with the Yankees. They have to make the call," O'Brien said.

According to several reports, Lilly is looking to take advantage of a very thin starting pitching market by seeking a four-year deal in the $36-million range after earning $4 million last season when he was 15-13 with a 4.31 in 32 games for the Blue Jays. His career mark is 59-58 with a 4.60 ERA.

In other developments, Cashman refuted Wes Helms' comments that he turned down more money from the Yankees to sign with the Phillies.

"The bottom line is that we made an offer and it was less than the Phillies'," said Cashman, who refused to divulge his offer to the free-agent infielder. The Yankees wanted Helms to play first base. He will play third for the Phillies, who signed him to a two-year deal worth $5.45 million with a $3.75-million option for 2009 and a $750,000 buyout.

"He took the highest offer," Cashman added.

That's not the way Helms saw it.

"On the guarantee side, [the Yankees] were a little higher in salary," said Helms, who also admitted the idea of living in the New York area wasn't appealing. "But that's just me. I am going to go where I am happy."

With Nomar Garciaparra close to re-signing with the Dodgers, Shea Hillenbrand appears to be the frontrunner to become the Yankees'

I don't understand all this anti-Giambi sentiment ("dust bag Giambi"); Jeff Karstens didn't "save this teams butt's last year" at all. Jeff Karstens had at best a handful of decent starts, Darrell Rasner had even less.
Giambi carried the Yanks for the better part of the summer offensively when A-Rod was slumping and Matsui and Sheff were hurt. Then when he got hurt himself, the offense slowed considerably. I'm not saying he hit for high average but he was the power threat for them.
The person that saved the team last year was Wang, who is a pitcher and the person who will save the team next year will be a pitcher..does anyone sense the pattern here? We need pitching, it's that simple.
We've wasted a ridiculous amount of time and space talking about a part time 1B.
Eric: While we've had our disagreements about Andy Phillips' value to the team, you lose a little credibility when you say Tino didn't have much to do with the WS run for the Yanks. Don't you remember the GS against San Diego in '98 or the home run off B.Y. Kim in '01? I realize he was on a great team but he had some fantastic moments and played stellar defense along the way. Do I think the Yanks need that from their 1B now? No, they need someone who is a good RH bat who is a power threat, whether that is Phillips or not is out of our hands.

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-most-democratic-pitcher/

Very interesting article about Wang

"Wang ended up as the most reliable pitcher on the Yankees staff this year. I guess Mussina had stats that were just as good, but by the end of the season, Wang was clearly the Yankees' number one starter. You will recall it was Wang that started Game 1 of the ALDS against the Tigers (the only game the Yanks won, as it turned out). Chien-Ming ended up the season with a record of 19-6 and an ERA of 3.63 in 218 innings pitched. The ERA was good enough for eighth in the American League and he tied for the lead, with Johan Santana, in wins. However, he struck only 76 batters, or 169 fewer than Santana. He was the only pitcher in the top 10 ERA finishers to strike out fewer than 100 batters. Basically, it's very, very hard to lead the league in wins and strike out so few batters."

"When you look at Wang throw, he doesn't appear to be a very low-strikeout kind of pitcher. He seems to have good "stuff", throws in the low-nineties, but, in fact, he only strikes out a bit over 3 batters per game. That's the lowest K/G rate of any qualifying pitcher in baseball in 2006"

"So, everything seems to make sense: Wang strikes out very few batters, but he compensates for it by being very stingy with the home run. I didn't mention it before, but his control is very good, too: his walk rate was only 2.2 per game. Everything looks pretty good. But some people see the low strikeout rate and worry. They worry because studies have shown that pitchers with low strikeout rates generally have shorter, less successful careers than pitchers with high K-rates."

"I'm not totally convinced that the similarity method actually works. It might work, but then again it might not. But it's a fun analysis, it conjures up players from the past, maybe guys you haven't thought about in a while (like Big Daddy Reuschel). And perhaps it does tell us something about what we can expect from a guy like Wang going forward. No, I can't draw any firm conclusions from the numbers"

I think it's safe to say that Sabr/Basic related stats aside Wang is a Rare pitcher indeed. Will he keep this up for the next 3-4 years or will he have to develop some kind of offspeed pitch with guidry (Curve or Refine his Split-change-up) this offseason to keep hitters honest?

In watching Wang pitch, I've always felt he could get more Ks by simply throwing a high fastball just above the strike zone to occasionally put a guy away. The high heat is still a very effective pitch when you have the speed and velocity to get it done - and Wang does - especially when the hitter is getting a pretty steady diet of two-seemers. But either way, it's all about getting outs - I'll take the ground balls.

I think next year some hitters will adjust. This is the reason why I still feel he is a great #2.
With 1 more pitch I think he will be dominant for a long time. AlsoWang is one of the reasons Jeter won the G.G. this year. Playing behinda ground ball pitcher, Jeters chances were almost 200 greater thananyone else at the poss.

What about Rich Aurilia ? A Brooklyn guy that put up decent numbers last year with the Cincinnati Reds. He had 440 at bats, hit .300, 23HR, 70RBI and plays every infield position.

I received an email from John Manuel from Baseball America.
"Quote from John Manuel"

Koji Uehara is not as good as Matsuzaka, though he's pretty good.
Main difference--he doesn't throw as hard, 88-90 vs. 90-94. He's more
like a good version of Tomo Ohka, who's actually better than he's
given credit for. I don't see Uehara as the difference-maker
Matsuzaka is, but he is a potential No. 3 or No. 4 starter, which is
pretty good.

Ken Davidoff is an idiot!!! Does he know anything about baseball? He is a NY writer and still cannot see why Jeter is the MVP. Maybe he should go write for WWF or something. He seems to be caught up in brute force.

Aside from ALL of his intangibles, Jeter does have the baseball STATS this year. He personally carried the team this year. Take him out of the lineup this year, with everyone else out or struggling, and the Yanks are nowhere.

Since HR's and brute force are all that seem to matter to Davidoff, then give it to Ortiz or whoever else might lead the league in HR. And while were at it, lets rename the award the M.HR.P award.

Thanks for the link to Ken Davidoff's column, Redbug.

I regularly do not read his columns and this most recent one shows me the insight I have been missing.

This sports writer has introduced a whole new spectrum of ideas when analyzing the Most Valuable Player. He feels off-field activity must also be considered.

After all Jeter was disgruntled in 2004 and scowled back in August.

Why stop there?

These are also important MVP characteristics:

Driving record
Voting record
White blood cell count
Grocery shopping choices-paper or plastic
Sexual performance in bed
Religious activity
Fashion sense
Recycling frequency
Dating habits and history
Childhood pet preferences
Position on growth hormones in milk cows
Swimsuit competition
Musical collection
Favorite movies
Fingernail biting and cleanliness

The following factors would be excluded.

Hitting average
Runs batted in
Slugging percentage
On base percentage
Stolen bases
Opportunistic base running
Fielding
Throwing
Range

I think Davidoff has the idea for a much-improved Most Valuable Player determination. I was simply wrong in thinking that MVP had to do solely with how the player plays the game in that given season. Silly me.

Jim A - I'm with you on Giambi. He is certainly no "dust bag". Granted he is not a gold glover, but his defense didn't cost us any championships.

And, his hitting, often times in "clutch" situations has certainly been an asset to this team. One other thing about him is he is a "gamer" who plays hurt and gives you everything he has at all times.

I say let him play 1B half the time and DH the other half. That lets the aging OF's share some DH time and gets Melky in the game more.

P.S. As far as the steroid era goes, he was the ONLY one from dozens who basically stepped forward, took it like a man, apologized, and then worked hard to get back to being a productive player. Name one other steroid era boy who did that.

P.S.S. Hey Davidoff, Giambi had 37 HR, maybe he should be the MVP?

Chris, I'll take Aurilia over Hillenbrand. AND, he gives us the flexibility to cover the other IF spots like Cairo does. Having players that can play multiple positions is a big asset to a team. I say go for Aurilia for 1B and still sign Cairo too.

Wallace Matthews has it nailed quite concisely. JETER is the 2006 AL MVP. He carried the team this year.

Hey Rick: getting back to the pitching angle. I agree with you need two starting pitchers to round out the rotation. It is my believe that RJ canbe our #3-5 pitcher. There very interchangeable.

I firmly believe that BC is not thrilled with the FA market because of talent and cost factor. This is the basis for my explanation of the rotation's future. We really have two pitchers for the rotation with holes in #3-5 slots. I picked Lilly because he knows the lay of the land in NY and can pitch pretty effectively. All the above mentioned factors make me believe BC is waiting for 2008 because of being saddled with 3 and 4 year deals of mediocre talent. 2007 is not a good year to be buying starting pitchers. This team is in a bind. Thus their activity will come more toward the end of spring training. After a through evaluation of Johnson, Pavano yes him,Proctor, Hughes in the future, Sanchez, Karstens and Rasner. It can be patched together but Lilly would add a lefty to the rotation if Johnson can't go. Our great teams always had lefties. Ford, Arroyo, Lyle, Guidry and Pettite.

Larry M,

I agree we need two SP. And, I too like Lilly out of all the FA available because of his NY beginings and he's a lefty, and he is a decent SP. Also, his agent has said that he is waiting on BC to contact him and has indicated that Lilly WANTS to come home again. I would sign him to a 3 year deal.

The reason I LIST Johnson at the #5 hole (in my mind) is because we don't know when he will be back, how effective he will be, and if he doesn't come back, the kids can cover for him. It doesn't mean that if he is healthy, he has to pitch in that spot. It's just listing him there for on paper purposes going into 2007.

Then, we have Wang and Mussina to cover two other spots, whatever they might be. I do not consider Mussina any higher than a #3 anymore. Wang is a #2 at worst and possibly a #1. We really need a #2 type and another #3-4 type like Mussina.

Lilly can certainly be the #3-4 type. He won 15 games last year just like Moose. Then maybe BC can pull of a trade for the #2 type (a Willis perhaps) using some of our numerous young guys as bait.

Imagine if our rotation was Wang, Willis, Mussina, Lilly, and RJ (or a kid filling in).

Then in 2008, we COULD have Wang, Willis, Mussina, Lilly and Hughes.

And in 2009, we COULD have Wang, Willis, Hughes, Lilly, and another younster getting his shot.

Each of these years has a blend of youth and veterans. I know there are other options, but I think this one would work quite well. Just sign Lilly and trade for Willis or someone comparable.

According to ESPN's Peter Gammons, the Angels are set to sign Justin Speier to a four-year contract.
No financial terms yet, but it has to be for at least $4 million and maybe $5 million per year. Could this make Scot Shields available in the Angels' search for a big bat? It's possible, but it's more likely that the Angels just want to get back to having three excellent relievers at the back of their bullpen. Brendan Donnelly no longer qualifies, so he'll be the one available in trade talks.
Source: ESPN.com

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2668298

Spier was a Type A Free Agent

"Eric: While we've had our disagreements about Andy Phillips' value to the team, you lose a little credibility when you say Tino didn't have much to do with the WS run for the Yanks." - Jim A

Of course Tino had something to do with those championships but it's not like he was the only reason.

Sure, he had some big hits but I also remember other times when he couldn't come through during the most crucial times but someone else stepped up to pick the team up.

The Sojos, Williams, O'Neils, Broscius, et al that contributed when he did not.

I can understand how now we look back and only remember the fond memories but you've also got to remember how he sometimes screwed up also.

With that said, I don't ever believe the Yanks or anyone else for that matter need a Tino or Mattingly clone in order to win.

Every team in the past six years have won without a Tino or Mattingly type, why can't the Yanks.

If you're going to wait for that special someone, how long are you going to wait?

And why shoot for a Mattingly or Tino, why not go all out and wait for a Gehrig instead?

:roll eyes:

Rick, you crack me up.

On one hand you are deadset against an Andy Phillips, but now you're all for getting a Ted Lilly.

How funny you short-on-memory Yankee fans are.

It wasn't even that long ago that Ted Lilly was just a nobody, an unproven, insignificant pawn to be used as trade bait to get the experienced stud that was Jeff Weaver.

Now, you would like him back.

Did Lilly take some kind pill and change into to another person?

No.

The only difference between Ted then and Ted now is because someone gave him a chance (a legitimate one, not some fill-in for someone crap).

Of course you shortsighted fans won't remember or even realize that you making the same exact mistakes over and over and over again.

DUMB. I was right all along.

Why spend money on mediocre free agent starting pitchers that we will be stuck with for probably 3 years? The Angels are supposedly discussing trading Santana and a package to the Blue Jays for Vernon Wells. Sounds like the same proposal they made us for A-ROD. The Blue Jays are aggressively becoming the front runner in the AL East. There is no way we can let Toronto add Santana to their starting rotation, without improving our own. We need to either trade A-ROD to the Angels for the Santana package, or trade him to the W\Sox for Crede and McCarthy or Buehrle.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2668465

Report: Cubs agree to $136M deal with Soriano

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs' ownership is showing new manager Lou Piniella that they are serious about winning.

Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 reported Sunday that the Cubs have agreed to an eight-year contract worth approximately $136 million with outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

The move would clearly mark the highlight in an already busy offseason for the Cubs, who have signed free-agent infielder Mark DeRosa and have re-signed third baseman Aramis Ramirez and righthander Kerry Wood.

But the biggest prize is Soriano, who is coming off an outstanding all-around season for the Washington Nationals in which he hit .277 with 46 home runs and 95 RBI. The 30-year-old ranked third in the National League in homers and also stole 41 bases -- the sixth-highest total in the circuit.

After complaining in spring training about having to move from second base to left field, Soriano blossomed in his new surroundings. He led the league with 22 outfield assists, six more than his closest competitor, and displayed respectable range for a converted infielder.

Soriano became the first player in baseball history with 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 20 outfield assists in a single season. He also became the first member of the 40-40-40 club, which encapsulates homers, stolen bases and doubles.

An All-Star in each of the last five years, Soriano owns a .280 average with 208 home runs and 560 RBI in eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and the Nationals.

Soriano finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting with the Yankees in 2001, when he hit .268 with 18 homers and 73 RBI. He finished third in MVP voting the following season, when he increased his average to .300 and collected 39 homers and 102 RBI.

Now the Cubs Fans will not complain about Yankees spending Money this offseason same with The Redsox. The Cubs are Evil Empire 3rd..

Hey Eric

Don't accuse me of flip flopping on Lilly. I was pissed when they traded Lilly. I saw that he could be a 14-16 game winner. Sorry, but I don't see Phillips being a solid .285 hitter driving in 85 RBI every year. I just don't see it.

Also, they traded Lilly when he was like 22 years old. Phillips is almost 30. Very big difference when evaluating whether to give some one a shot.

And, Lilly is a proven SP, not a backup 1B. I don't know if you realize it or not, but SP is our teams big priority at the moment!

DUMBEST, I was right all along.

Roy

Oh come on now, you know we can't trade A-Rod. He's a future HOF just like Winfield. Eric and the boys just wouldn't approve such a thing!

Sarcasm aside, I've said all along to trade him for Santana and Shields. But, were loaded with P, so I guess there's no need to consider such a proposal.

I'm pissed the Angels got Spieir, he's the one reliever I would have liked the Yanks to add.

Eric- I agree about all the little people stepping up to win championships such as Brosius; Vizcaino; Soho etc. but the reason those guys are usually given the chance is because pitchers are afraid of the rest of the lineup so they serve 'em up to these guys.

I agree with you about Lilly...sort of. I'd sign him if there were nothing available in trade and if Jason Schmidt went elsewhere. There are two things I like about Lilly: 1. He takes his turn every time 2. He's left handed.
Other than that, he is destined to be a 11-15 game winner at best. He needs a bit more of his heater to get by in the AL. If they sign him to some Pavano type contract, I won't be happy.

No thanks on Lilly I rather take my chances on Sean Henn. Why do we need to panic and feel the Yanks should throw money at somebody? It seems these days people care more about keep pace with the dead Soxs rather than worrying about our own team. There is NO NEED for the Yanks to panic and sign any of these free agents. There is nothing available worth spending money on. Why waste it? There is only 2 ways the Yanks will get better pitching and that is either waiting and seeing what Henn,Hughes,Clippard,Sanchez,Kartens,and Rasner have to offer or a trade. Trading A-Rod is the best way to get a better staff quicker. Please A-Rod fans try to understand good pitching stops good hitting and unless A-Rod is going on the mound every 5th day we have enough offense without him. I don't recall the 96,98,99,2000 Yanks being the modern day murders row. Or how about the D-Backs,Angels,Marlins,Red Sox,White Sox,and Cardinals? They all had good pitching and solid defense. They played station to station baseball and got timely hits. There pitching kept them in ball games and they did not make many mistakes on the field. Those are why they were champs they did not have sluggers at every position. That's why it drives me nuts to know people entertain the idea of Shea Hillendbrand coming here. Another cancer who has more of a "household" name than Phillips. I have come to a realization that certain fans just wanna see superstars in every slot of the Yankee lineup. This wasn't how our W.S teams were built. Just when I thought Sheff was gone for good there thinking of bringing in a "milder" version of Sheff. One step foward one step back!

AJ, I think the short answer is that the people running the Yankees do not feel that they can wait for young pitchers to develop because the team is pretty old. They won't mind developing one or two young starters but they won't fill their rotation with them. Wang is one young starter and I'm sure Hughes will be there by the middle of the season and I bet that's as far as the Yanks go.

Danny Baez, sign him now.. I hope the Yankees go after this guy especially Justin Speier recently was recently by Angels. Baez will make great addition to the bullpen and make farnsworth to seventh inning guy. thoughts?

Most Excited I Have Ever Been For A Season, We're Becoming a "Team" Again

Cashman not signing every free agent in sight. Developing young players. We must have among the best pitchers in our farm system among all teams. Some are CLOSE to being ready to contribute.

Pay roll is coming down some and will come down bigtime next year. We need a lower payroll so we havew the flexibility to pick our spots and go after the player we really need when the opportunity presents itself.

We need to get hungrier. As a team and as fans. This helps. The noise and atmosphere at Yankee Staduim has not been the same the last few years. Too many premadonnas that are hard to cheer for (Sheff, for instance).

We are entering a new era in Yankee history and I am thrilled to be here to watch.

Cashman is doing a phenominal job.

I got another email from Jim Callis of Baseball America. I ask him some questions.

The first group is pretty even. The second group, Boston. Yankees need to get younger.

Subject: Which rotation would pick and has better upside and higher ceiling in the future?

Comments:

Which rotation would pick and has better upside and higher ceiling in the future

Redsox - Matsuzaka, Bucholtz and Bowden

Yankees - Wang, Hughes, and Sanchez.

Second - Current Starting rotation? Who would you pick ?

The Redsox or Yankees?

Redsox - Schilling, Beckett, Papelbon, Matsuzaka

Yankees - Wang, Mussina, RJ, and Pavano

What do you think the Yankees needs to do to beat the Redsox and make Yankees rotation better?

Jerome: Danny Baez is a great choice for the Yankee bullpen. He has the physical and mental capacity to move Fransworth to 7th inning.

Rick Keyes: Who would you trade for Willis. Remembering that our onfield lineup got us to the playoffs last year.

Andrew: We know the Yanks need pitching but the FA market is so weak and the FA's are looking for big bucks and 3 years. We are going down the same path as before with these signings. The only guy that I feel good about is Lilly. The Red Sox may have the edge with pitching but there are more holes in the lineup than swiss cheese. They want to trade Manny for a shortstop and a bullpen pitcher.

Roy: I know how you feel about A-rod trade but don't you believe it would be available during spring training after a look at the rotation and how it unfolds. The pitching is so weak that the Cy Young in the NL's total record is barely a few games over .500 talk about high end mediocrity.

I don't want to answer for Rick but I would trade Sanchez and Melky for Willis for a couple of reasons:
Sanchez is unproven and has an arm injury in his recent past and while I love Melky, outfielders are just easier to find/acquire than starting pitchers. Dontrelle is young, enthusiastic and would be great for the Yanks clubhouse.
Keeping in mind that the Yanks "onfield lineup got us into the playoffs" I'd also say that our pitching (or lack of) got us bounced in the first round.
I still don't understand some of the posts above that mention "payroll flexibility", we're talking about the Yankees here folks, there is no such thing as financial constraints or restraint. Payroll is not a problem, we're not the Twins.

Yanks Should Take Advantage...

of the Angels desperation for a big bat.

Trade them Giambi. He only has 2 years left on his deal. He's a better option for them than Carlos Lee. He is the perfect left handed compliment to Vlad Guerrero.

They just signed Justin Speier so Scot Shields is expendable.

Giambi for Scot Shields and Chone Figgins.

Figgins can play 2nd and you move Cano to 1st, which takes care of that problem.

Then you can DH Matsui and play Melky in LF.

More defense, more pitching, more speed and more contact.

Lineup:

CF Damon
SS Jeter
RF Abreu
3B Rodriguez
DH Matsui
1B Cano
C Posada
LF Melky
2B Figgins

Bullpen: Rivera, Shields, Farnsworth, Proctor, Myers, Britton

Then you sign Zito and Lilly with the money you save by dealing Giambi and not having to sign a 1st baseman.

Rotation: Wang, Zito, Moose, Lilly, Unit/Pavano/Hughes

Barring injury, this team wins the title. No doubt about it.

All you need is a solid backup C and a decent bat off the bench and this team is complete.

"Move cano to 1st? lets get real...."

I was waiting for that response. I have heard people on this board talk about Matsui at 1st, Bonds at 1st, etc.

Cano at 1st isn't that far fetched.

He's definitely a better option than playing Giambi at 1st and I'd definitely rather have him there than Rich Aurillia or Shea Hillebrand.

hey, if he's the new Rod Carew, let him play 1st.

Honestly, with his skill set, he'd probably be an excellent 1st baseman. Good hands, he'd have phenomenal range at 1st and an accurate arm.

Think about it.

Not to mention, Cano is unselfish and wouldn't be opposed to it.

The guy volunteered to move to CF last year before we signed Damon.

This would be a great move.

The Angels are desperate for a big bat.

Soriano is already off the market.

Right now they are left with signing Carlos Lee (overrated) and trying to trade for Manny (unlikely).

Giambi is a great option in a thin market for power hitters. Plus he's left handed which makes him more attractive than Carlos Lee.

Since the Angels signed Justin Speier (and overpaid), maybe they realize that they might need to move Shields in order to get a big bat.

It's at least worth a call.

"...but would Cano be willing to go to 1B for us?"

Remember, he was willing to move to CF last year.

I think 1B is a much easier transition than CF.

Trade Giambi for Figgins and Shields? You mean the Figgins whose OBP dropped over 100 points last year and who hit .267 w/ a robust 9 HR's?
I think I'd keep the 37 HR's worth of LH power and high OBP Giambi brings and worry about 1B later, and I'd also leave All Star 2B Cano right where he is. Let's worry about starting pitchers who go more than 5 innings first.

Does anyone know how many years left on Derrick Turnbow his contract?

Do you think The Yankees coud get him somehow?

Angels land Speier in $18-million deal.

The Angels swung and missed again in an effort to bolster their offense, but they made solid contact Sunday with what many considered the best reliever on the free-agent market, signing right-hander Justin Speier to a four-year, $18-million deal that is contingent on the 33-year-old's passing a physical.

On a day highly coveted slugger Alfonso Soriano reportedly reached an eight-year, $136-million agreement with the Chicago Cubs, the Angels fortified an already solid bullpen with a veteran who was 2-0 with