On the Yankees beat

Jim,

Good article today, but I think you over estimated the savings on Igawa. Don't the luxury tax payments go away for the Yankees in '09 because of the new Stadium? My understanding is that the cost of a new stadium can be used to offset luxury tax payments, providing that it is financed by the team and not taxpayers. Therefore, the savings should be closer to $8m (2007, 2008) for a 4 year deal vs. the $16m you stated in the article, or am I missing something?

Jim B., you did clear up the basic reasons for the Yankees reaching out to Igawa instead of Lilly and Meche which is not to say they won't.

You have some great blogers on this site. Atticas brought out this point to me last night on the financial side.

It use to be dicussions just on player talent with no considerations for cost. Why should it we're the Yankees. The blog has made us realize at least me to effectively play in this imaginary world of GM the business side of basball is a consideration. Now, I know to consider the 148 million Luxury Tax ceiling.

Well, we're all set at the back of the rotation so now Cash needs to work on the front of the rotation. If the pitching staff is complete as of the eventual Igawa signing, we can expect the same scenario as last year where we will slug our way into the playoffs and lose to a team with superior pitching. It's hard to type w/ my fingers crossed hoping there is a blockbuster trade for a front of the rotation starter. Maybe the back surgery will turn Randy Johnson into....Randy Johnson! Now my toes are crossed too.

Interesting is that why attention is now aimed at Craig wilson who would be under the same FA braquet as bernie? he would be a cheaper alt than a hilabrand

Attention aimed at Craig Wilson? I don't know what you're talking about. I spoke with Wilson's agent a few days ago and I definitely got the impression he was going to sign elsewhere. The Yankees reached out to him after their efforts to sign Wes Helms fell through a few weeks back, but they promised to talk again, and nothing has come of it. It's a very good bet Wilson will be elsewhere in 2007.

Wilson didn't seem to pleased with the trade when he came to the Yanks so I figured him for a goner. It's too bad because he was somebody I always thought would be a decent fit. I guess he is just not in a NY state of mind.

Jim A.

I know the Yankees were beat by the Tigers who had a better pitching staff than the Yankees. But you can't say that the yankees will get beat in the playoffs by a superior pitching team again next year.

This year, above all others, showed that you don't need great pitchers to win in October, they just need to put a string of 3-4 good starts together.

Come on, the Cardinals won with Jeff Weaver pitching 2 games. Weaver was basically dumped by the Angels. Is he better than what the Yankees had on the staff? I think not. Was Kenny Rogers better? John maine? Oliver Perez? Come on, Perez was demoted by the Pirates.

Lets be serious here, we all know the best teams make the playoffs. The one who gets hot, is the one that takes home the crown.

I trust Cashman, it will be ok. Don't worry about the starting rotation for April, its only November.

According to Ny Post The Yankees are Interested with Julio Zuleta.

Julio Zuleta is a right-handed-hitting first baseman with power who, according to Zuleta, hits Daisuke Matsuzaka very well. So do the Yankees, who are looking for a right-handed-hitting first baseman so Jason Giambi can DH, have an interest in the 31-year-old who clubbed 109 homers across the past three years in Japan?

"It's too early to say," Cashman said of the Panama native who becomes a free agent tonight.

source -ny post

When the new stadium opens in 2009 the Yankees stop paying revenue sharing, but I believe they are still on the hook for the Luxury Tax.

Right now the Yankees are looking at their rotation as: Wang, Mussina, Igawa, Proctor, Pavano/Karstens/Rasner until Johnson is healthy and Hughes gets called up (likely around Memorial Day)

Yanks will likely offer Villone arbitration by end of the day - he's a Type A free agent and offering him arbitration will ensure the team gets a draft pick back if someone signs him.

Also, in addition to Craig Wilson, Andy Phillips and Shea Hillenbrand a first baseman being mentioned is Julio Zuleta (NY Post) he's 31, right handed, has played the last three years in Japan where he has hit 109 HR and has especially hit Matsuzaka very well. He becomes a free agent on Dec. 1.

Mike- While I agree that Weaver and Rogers are not great pitchers, they pitched like great pitchers either because they got well coached (Weaver)or possibly/probably cheated (Rogers). The fact remains they outpitched the Tigers in the WS. We can say the Tigers either went cold or got nervous but the team that pitched better won the series as is the case in just about all the series. It's never too early to worry about pitching, that's what the hot stove is all about! I've worried about pitching every hear for the last five years and each year the Yanks seem to think they have enough when most fans don't and I guess you can say that the fans were right.

Jim B

Do you have any update info on Bernie? This guy is a true Yankee who apparently still wants to play. I strongly believe he has earned the right to go out on his own terms and retire a Yankee.

In my opinion, he deserves to be on that 25 man roster. In addition to being a 5th OF, partime DH, and PH, is there any possibility that the Yanks could give him a try at 1B? Not as the answer there, but just as another option on occassion. The more positions a guy can play, the more useful he is to a team. And, Bernie is the ultimate team guy.

If Bernie returns to the Yankees it will be under similar circumstances as last season. A 1 year $1.5 mil contract and he'll serve as a pinch hitter/sometime DH and 5th outfielder.

Buster Olney on ESPN.com has another name to suggest for the Yankees at 1st base; Ray Durham. At 34 he won't command big dollars and he has great numbers versus left handed pitching and the added bonus of being yet another switch hitter for the team.

He would also provide insurance should Cano miss time again this season and can play the outfield as well.

Source: Sox to ink Okajima

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=169775&format=&page=1

picture of Okajima-

http://photos.nikkansports.com/baseball/professional/fighters/photo/061026-5.jpg

Youtube- Here Okajima is dropping his curveball in the dirt,and let in the go-ahead run in the 11th:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryUiJte9ZKg

Why did Cashman didn't pursue Okajima and I don't want villone back. I want this guy instead and he's lefty with good curveball?

Source: Sox to ink Okajima

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=169775&format=&page=1

Youtube- Here Okajima is dropping his curveball in the dirt,and let in the go-ahead run in the 11th:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryUiJte9ZKg

Why did Cashman didn't pursue Okajima and I don't want villone back. I want this guy instead and he's lefty with good curveball?

Chip

That's pretty much what I just said, he'd be the 25th man similar to what he was SUPPOSED to be last year before the injuries. The only additional question I asked is if he might also add SOME 1B to his partime roles. Kinda like a #3 on the depth chart there.

I suggest this because his only real drawback is his weak throwing arm in the OF. Other than that glaring weakness, he is still a fairly productive player.

What did Wilson do in the final 3 months to warrant a look see in 07???

striking out every at bat or playing subpar defense?

Add on to above - basically, I'm saying to keep Bernie in lieu of Guiel or Wilson as the 25th man.

Mike - spot on. The last six years have shown us that the hot hand wins, not necessarily the better one.

On Igawa, the financials aside (and really, do we REALLY care about the money, it's George's), consider this: neither Lilly nor Meche has EVER thrown over 200 innings in a year. Igawa has 4 times. Both Lilly and Meche have a history of arm problems, Igawa doea not. Do we really want another Jared Wright/Carl Pavano walking medical ward? What good is an extra 2-3mph on a fastball if it's sitting on the DL half the year?

Jeff G

On the other hand, what good is a pitcher that throws 100 pitches in 4 innings because of control problems? All that does is tax the overworked bullpen, which has actually been our #1 problem the past few years.

And, we still have Farnsworth, a RP that can only pitch once every 5 or 6 days it seems. And, half of those times he fails to get the job done.

If Igawa can go 7-8 innings per start and keep us in the game, then I'm on board with him. But, I just don't see him doing that with his control issues. Time will tell.

The Redsox fans are blaming The Yankees for creating some kind of inflation and setting the market up.

Don't Blame Yankees for The Inflation and setting the market up. Blame The Redsox for over bidding $50 million for Matsuzaka rights to talk to him and They are planning J.D Drew to sign $14 million per year. That's why Igawa's bid are so high, because of Matsuzaka high price tag.

The Truth is Yankees cut Payroll by trading Sheff and Wright for Prospects. Mike Mussina's contract was reduced and resigned to $11 million per year.

My 1st base choice would be Darin Erstad. Even though he bats lefthanded, this guy is a leader and a "grinder". He's coming off an injury plagued season, which should allow Cashman to get him relatively cheaply. His outfield play is superb, giving us added versatility also.

Well as for WIlson He should,ve been played everyday for the rest of the season and given a look he did win some games with CLUTCH hits and play a good 1b, and did'nt mutter a WORD when he had to sit and watch a bunch of fools play first base, him and Guiel wasted on the bench, i say give him a valuable full time chance, and stop playing politics and let Giambi DH. and the source for the wilson news was the DAILY NEWS, which is cool on yankee news

Jim -

Iwa sshocked too to read it in TODAYS (11/30/06 daily news about cash reaching out to Wilson's agent

Wow, amidst the Balki cut and paste posts, some actual original thoughts!

"I love to sing. I sing for friends, for family, for the occasional sheep." -Balki

I think, as I have stated prior, that Igawa could be a sleeper deal. Other than the posting fee, it is a low risk, low cost move.

Certainly this move is far less risky than trading a potential 5 tool player in Melky and another young player for a National League pitcher who was not even good in the lowly National League last year.

Willis was 12-12 and had a 3.87 ERA. Translate that to the AL East and you have a losing record pitcher with and ERA upwards of a 43 year old pitcher.

Melky is the future of the Yankees. The best players are those developed and brought up through the system.

The old mercenary mentality of George S. and the Tampa cartel is out of favor and had been quite unsuccessful since 2000. If you want to follow that type of team, try the Boston Red Sox. They did manage to win one championship with 24 mercenaries and 1 homegrown player. That all unravelled quite soon after. They have not won a playoff game since.

Melky, Robbie, Chien-Ming, and other call ups are the future of this franchise and the refurbishing of great Yankee tradition.

The best plan is to build a team of farm talent supplemented with veterans like Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius.

Resist the temptation to trade away the youngsters no matter how many enticing rumors the Balkis post in here.

Brian reached out to WIlson agents letting them know he is an options and will speak again at next week winter meetings.

if nothing blows BC away before then he may be an cheaper option meaning he can play the position and if he bombs then you have phillips or just play giambi and put matsui in DH especially if Melky is still in stripes

Paul-

As good as Melky is there is NO ROOM for him to START which he knows he can do on this team unless you play Giambi full time at first and have MAtsui DH. by Melky playing hard and good for most of last season to have him rot on the bench is not good!! this might be the one time a youngster may have to be traded, damm shame is'nt it? unless you let bobby abreau walk and have a OF of Melky, johnny, Hideki, - which would be gross, disgusting ,

Interest in Craig Wilson?

Really? Why?

122 SO in 359 AB in 2006
33.983286908%

Walks? 28 in 359 AB
7.79944289694%

Let's compare...

Andy Phillips
246 AB
56 SO 22.7642276423%
15 walks 6.09756097561% (even worse)

Andy is less likely to strike out and went through some terrible stretches of infrequent play.

I see zero reason to consider Wilson of any value for the Yanks. I would play Andy everyday at 1B unless Mark Teixiera fell into the Yankees' lap. Please do not suggest that Wilson is the backup catcher, though he sure hit like Fasano.

I agree with you Bronx Bomber. I have some questions for Paul? Where do you play Melky's in this? He's fourth outfielder at best. Melky's so young and by sitting in bench will stopped his development process. It's easier to find Outfielder than frontline starter like Willis.

Rick - fair enough, but here are the numbers since 2001 when Igawa became a full time player:

Year----AVG Innings per Start
2001----6 2/3
2002----6 2/3
2003----7 1/3
2004----7
2005----6 1/3
2006----7 1/3

If you want to take a whole inning off for the transition to a tougher league, that's probably fair, but it still has him going into the 6th or 7th most nights. Far better than we were getting from Wright.

Lilly's been a full time starter since 2003, here's his numbers:
Year----AVG Innings per Start
2003----5.56
2004----6.15
2005----5.04
2006----5.66

And Meche
Year----AVG Innings per Start
1999----5.68
2000----5.68
2003----5.81
2004----5.53
2005----5.50
2006----5.81

So, if we knock a full inning off of Igawa, the three compare like this:

YR----Igawa----Lilly----Meche
1999---DNP------DNP-----5.68
2000---DNP------DNP-----5.68
2001---5.62-----DNP-----DNP
2002---5.76-----DNP-----DNP
2003---6.10-----5.56----5.81
2004---5.50-----6.15----5.53
2005---5.37-----5.04----5.50
2006---6.14-----5.66----5.81

So, even adjusting the numbers, Igawa has had better years, worse years, but mostly similar years to Lilly and Meche as far as getting deep into games goes.

Even Cy Young had games he left early. The numbers overall, tell me Igawa is no 4 inning guy.

I can't see why JT could not get Melky 375-400 at bats with a rotation system in the OF and defensive purposes late in the game of Matsui. The task could be made esaier if the firstbase situation is not filled with a superior bat or glove man. Say AP was our suportive answer to 1st base. This would allow some more At Bats for Melky with DH roles filled by Matsui and another OF. JD playing with a broken bone in his toe or foot last year could be rested . Also, the starting OF is 32 yrs of age. There will be some nagging injuries . So, I would not get rid of him to fast.

Bronx Bomber,

Mariano Rivera also will not be starting on the Yankees next season but they seem to have found an important role for him to play.

If a player does not start you do not throw him away. Imagine if the Yanks did not have Melky last year what would have happened?

Players fill roles on a team. At this moment Melky's is as a 4th outfielder. The plans are far from complete and I expect more changes. So to even think of trading him now is really a bad move, if you are a Yankee fan.

If you want to mortgage your future for the present, there might be a role for you in Washington.

Paul-

Yes i'm a fan and hate to lose Melky, but the man is a starter he prooved himself, the contracts out there are locked and common sense says especially if Bobby has a good year he will be signed as well so where is melky playing and how long before he can walk ? in order for melky to play the way he should play somebody has to go. as a former player you have ot look at the logistics melky got comfortable playing often. to sit him down kills his timing just as he was getting used to the leauge , that is bad especially for young players

Vincent, a 4th outfielder at best?

What are you talking about?

At best?

As opposed to popcorn vendor and cheerleader?

It is NOT easier to find a 5-tool outfielder. Name one (1) (fewer than 2) on this year's free agent docket. Just one.

I do not find Willis to be a front-line starter. He was in the National League. You may have heard of it. Only 5 teams finished the 2006 season above .500. In that season Willis was mediocre.

Is 12-12 a front line starter? Is a .387 ERA a front line starter?

Did any of you who claim to be Yankee fans actually see the youthful enthusiasm of Melky's play this year?

How could you not get caught up in some of the most exciting baseball the Yankees have played in years? And you want to trade him for a mediocre declining NL talent?

Are you wearing your Red Sox jersey as you type that or is it in the wash?

A strike out is better than a double play in regards to Wilson vs Phillips, wilson is a power hitter against righties, Andy is average against Both , Wilson plays better d, I do not count his yankee at bats because he was'nt playing like he did in PIT. andy had a very nice strecth to prove himself and he did;nt except for the one stretch where he hit well, he is not a disgusting player i like him . but i would be mad if WIlson goes to boston and does well while we have a 240 -256 hitter in andy with a million double plays and moderate defense, andy is a keeper becasue he can play other positions other than 1b right , can he back up secound as well??

Paul - so you let him rot on the bench?? then trade one of your outfielders . and if you do who would that be?? there is no room for a DEVELOPING Melky , i want to keep him but not on the bench, i felt had he started in the playoff's he would've done well, pinch hitting and subing does not help

There's report in the 11/29 LA times that Hall might be non-tender him if the Dodgers get no deals for him by 12/12. Any chance the Yankees wait and try and get him if he gets non-tendered? If he would take the back up role?

Jeff G

I see your arguement although that is the Japanese League. Matsui has yet to hit 55 HR here, even with the short porch in RF.

Like I stated, IF he can give us 7 innings, I am on board for him as a #4 or 5 SP.

Paul

So you are saying Melky is a 5-Tool player?

Well here is what the post say is a YAnkee desire.

By GEORGE KING
WAITING GAME: Roger Clemens (left) and Andy Pettitte remain unsure if they will pitch next season, and if they do, for whom. The Yanks are watching closely.November 30, 2006 -- The Yankees have talked to the representative for Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens and are in the same holding pattern other teams find themselves in regarding the free-agent hurlers.

Do Pettitte and Clemens want to continue to pitch next year? If so, are they going to stay in Houston? Or, could they return to The Bronx as an entry or solo?

Can the Yankees, with question marks in their rotation, wait until the end of December for Pettitte's decision to hurl or retire? And where does Clemens fit into the equation?

Those are the dilemmas facing Yankee GM Brian Cashman as he prepares for the winter meetings next week in Orlando.

"We have talked to the Yankees about [Pettitte and Clemens]," agent Randy Hendricks told The Post via e-mail yesterday. "We have also talked to other teams as well. No decision has been made, but I expect one to be made before Christmas by Andy. Who knows about Roger?"

At Joe Torre's "Safe At Home Foundation" dinner in November, Pettitte told friends a return to The Bronx was an option. The Yankees would love to add his professionalism and proven success in New York to a rotation that at the moment is fronted by Chien-Ming Wang and soon-to-be 38-year-old Mike Mussina.

It also houses 43-year-old Randy Johnson coming off back surgery; Carl Pavano, who hasn't pitched since June 2005; and likely Kei Igawa, a unproven 27-year-old lefty from Japan, once he signs.

Is the dialogue between teams and Hendricks an indication Pettitte, 34, and Clemens, 44, are going to pitch next year? Or is the agent simply keeping all arteries open?

"I wouldn't say," Cashman said when asked about the nature of his talks with Hendricks.

While the Yankees have serious eyes for Pettitte, a Yankee from 1995 to 2003 when he went 149-78, they are interested in Clemens coming back with Pettitte. It remains to be seen if the Yankees would allow Clemens to come and go as he did with Houston for family activities, and it's not known if Clemens will be ready at the beginning of the season if he decides to pitch.

Pettitte was 14-13 with a 4.20 ERA a year ago. It was the lefty's highest ERA since a 4.35 mark in 2000. Pettitte's career mark is 186-104. Clemens, who didn't start pitching until late June, was 7-6 with a 2.30 ERA. He is 348-178 in his Hall of Fame career.

The Yankees' lukewarm interest in Gil Meche and Ted Lilly, both of whom will command in the $9 million to $10 million per season range, is a reflection of the Yankees' interest in Pettitte. While the feeling is that the Yankees are going to sit out the Barry Zito Derby, they will monitor it closely to see how it shakes out.

Where the Yankees used to set the market for free agents, now they read and react. It's the way they landed Johnny Damon a year ago.

Should Pettitte and Clemens split Houston, the Yankees are waiting with open arms for two pitchers who aren't young and will cost plenty of money but are proven winners in New York and would immediately fill the holes in the rotation. The question is this: how long can the Yankees wait for arms that may never be available?

george.king@nypost.com

Now the beauty of this is do you sign CLemons for a year until Hughes is ready and or do you possibly convert Clemons to the Pen after a year so he move over for hughes

Rick Keyes,

Melky was a rookie. He was not a 5 tool player. But he will be.

Frankly I do not see much future in Giambi on the Yanks. I am hoping they can move him for some prospects. His injuries have hampered him consistently. His 1B play is far below acceptable, and while he appears to be a good team guy, it is time to send him away, if possible with his no trade.

Matsui is a better hitter, to all fields and will replace his bat and frequent the DH position.

Again, that happens if Giambi is traded or on the DL.

I do not see Melky "rotting" on the bench by any stretch. The three outfielders are 32 and Johnny Damon played last year with many injuries. I see Melky garnering substantial playing time.

IF they sign Clemens it will be for one year period. That is how he has been going lately, one year at a time (or a half year at a time).

I think the plan is for Hughes to take over Johnson's spot in 2008.

Giambi is not going anywhere till his contract is up.

That is why you bring in Howard Spira to chat with Giambi.

Rosenthal:Manny to SD imminent

Fox Sports's Ken Rosenthal is reporting the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres are on the verge of completing a blockbuster deal. The two key pieces to this deal are Jake Peavy and Manny Ramirez. It is believed that there are other pieces involved in this deal, but it is uncertain at this time exactly what those pieces are. There is one potentialy stumbling block for this trade to happen, Manny Ramirez has the right to veto any trade out of Boston. It is uncertain at this time if Ramirez will veto this trade. Details to follow....

I know that Theo and Towers are friends and willing to help the each other. Like last year, Towers traded Mirabelli back to Boston for Josh Bard which Redsox got loretta for free. Second, Towers traded Wells for their top catching prospect.

Hahaha

well you judge melky on a ROTATING playlist why should your "supposedly" 5 tool player sit and wait for the others to be hurt. or tired to get an at bat?? and what if all three have excellent steady year? meaning Melky sits while the pitching is letting balls go over the Number 4 train tracks , while we have pitchers throwing Balls sponsored by AARP. and geritol

No It's just a rumor and trade speculation which is not true.

I think Willis will struggle in the AL. It is scary to see he had a horrible time last year against fair NL teams at best. In my eyes D-train would not be a smart move. Anybody that comes off that Florida staff seems to struggle everywhere else. Pavano,Beckett, Burnett. I hope Cashman does not trade Melky and realizes that Matsui is an everyday DH. Melky has helped this team in July and August and he was one of the key reasons why this team moved ahead of the Soxs. Now to dump him off for a guy that will pitch to a 5.00 era in pinstripes would make no sense to me.

You can't call Willis mediocre and say his numbers will not translate to the AL just yet. First of all, this guy had a team of rookies playing behind him and that has to count for something. Second, wouldn't we take a 3.87 ERA on our team right now? Does anyone realistically think we're going to get that from Igawa? I'd guess Willis ERA would stay about the same because the rise in the talent he would face would be offset by the quality of the team behind him. Of course we'd all like to see Johan Santana in pinstripes but he's signed and not going anywhere. Willis just happens to be the best of the pitchers who MIGHT be available.

On Melky: I wouldn't call him a 5 tool player just yet or maybe ever. He has yet to hit for power at any level and he didn't exactly tear up the league last year in any category. We just want to believe he is going to be great because he gave us more than we expected, which after his previous debut, was next to nothing so he was just a pleasant surprise is all. While there may not be any "5 tool" outfielders on the FA market right now, there are some that could be available in trade. Let's face it, there are more outfielders than Starting Pitchers so they are more available. If you call Melky a 5 tool outfielder, than Gary Matthews Jr. was the god of all outfielders and we all know that was probably a one year wonder type of thing. I've said it before and I know my friends Rick K and Larry M. agree, if you have to trade Melky for a front of the rotation starter, who is young, you do it, there is no choice there. This team is built to win NOW, there window of opportunity is a small one with the current group of players.

I hate to see all this Giambi knocking too. Yes, the guy got hurt last year but he was a force when Matsui and Sheff were out last year and I'd think that would be appreciated more. Now that he's accepted being a full time DH, I wouldn't consider trading that kind of power and on base percentage for prospects.

AJ- By naming Pavano, Beckett and Burnett you sort of helped my argument. Those guys ALL had a history of getting hurt and they still do. Willis has been very durable and has more weapons than those guys. Willis has more than two pitches and throws strikes.
Let's say for hot stove's sake the Yankees just announced that they traded Melky and H. Sanchez for Willis- Would we all be very upset by that?

"unless you let bobby abreau walk and have a OF of Melky, johnny, Hideki, - which would be gross, disgusting"

I don’t think an outfield of Melky, Damon, Matsui would be “disgusting” Bronx Bomber. Abreu is 32 going on 33 will be almost 34 at the end of his Yankee tenure. By that time Matsui (34) and Damon (34) will also be older meaning you would have an old OF if you kept Abreu longer than his contract, he’ll probably ask for 3-4 years maybe 5. He’s a great player and picked us up in the second half and I hope he has an even better year this season coming but I think we need to start making room for guys like Melky (21) who is very young and talented with a high ceiling. And reward the prospects that come-up and make impacts, contribute and show they are ready. Why have a development system if when good talent joins the team and produces they become a trading chip? It’s been done a lot over the years and it hasn’t worked to our benefit and in the long run we loose out on young guys that would have been great in pinstripes.

I understand the thought process and I know we need an ace but I don’t think Willis will be and ace in the ALE. I don’t think it’s worth the risk.

if anything Bobby is a keeper more so than Matsui or Damon with his combination plus he can be an eventual DH, removing him and your putting you out field in jeopardy and your offense, yOU see Bobby is a five tool player. so you may have to get rid of the other two or giambi or train on of them to play first. i agree melky needs to stay , but i would not figure out Bobby A , he is a mid 90's type of yankee and only 32 years old that is good he could be with us until he 38-40 Imagine a outfield of Bobby johnny and ichiro with an of like that only then melky is on the bench and the only reason why damon is important because he is an instinctive leader.

Right now melky needs to play everyday, this is not posada and geradi over again this is one who played and HELPED the squad, pitching is a concern and as it looks after next year not counting hughes we will have MANY spots open , that is dangerous seeing how the market is

BOSTON -- The Red Sox agreed to a contract with a Japanese pitcher -- no, not that one.

Lefty has 34-32 career record, 3.36 ERA

In the midst of negotiations with potential ace Daisuke Matsuzaka, the Red Sox agreed Thursday to a two-year contract with left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima.

source -http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2681244

Darn It, I wanted this guy too and Redsox got him. Cashman what are you doing?

Jim A-

I would take a Tori HUnter or Vernon Wells, Ichiro ANYDAY in the OF over melky , matsui ,

The fact that Cano , Damon, and Giambi struggled against Lefties and good breaking balls such curve and sliders.

Bronx Bomber: So would I but the question is would you trade C. Wang for any one of them? I would never give up a young, good starting pitcher for an outfielder unless I had a surplus at pitcher, which just doesn't seem possible for the near future.

Angel: The Red Sox went hard after that guy so they could create a comfort zone for Matsuzaka. They were going to bring on Tomo Ohka for that purpose but it is believed he did not want to go back to Boston.

"Tori Hunter or Vernon Wells, Ichiro ANYDAY"

Only thing you're not considering is if they’ll want to be Yankees. 2 players have turn down deals because they don't want to play in NY. With all the different WS winners in the past 6 years and how the teams are shaping up because of revenue sharing the Yankees aren't always the favorite for the WS. And with the treatment ARod has received they are not exactly tripping over themselves to play here either.

Most teams would love to have our outfield. It's all about assembling a competent pitching staff 1 through 5 and that is where cashman needs to continue focusing. I feel a big trade is on the horizon. Cash has too many young chips at his disposal. I hope Dontrelle can excel in the AL.

Jim A -

NOpe i would not would trade a pavano and duncan

wang is a fixture in our rotation he stays perhaps move him too number 2 on the rotation if a better pitcher comes but as of now he is the leader of the new movement, you see jim Iwas very relieved when Cano who was considered scrap by the M's and D-backs was not included in any trades that the yankees was trying to unload him , he was at first pushed hard by the yanks to be in the original Johnson proposal , he was a sleeper i n the minors, but due to his POSITION he was not as expendable as thought so after the teams rejecting including him in any trades the yankees kept him and the rest is history. I would have kicked BC all over had cano been in the Johnson trade and plays the way he does now

OYF -

Out of those three i would go hard at Ichiro i think he would make our team better by many notches.

and you right the shallow treatment of A-rod is scaring away players also the decline of The Boss, no player wants to talk to a bunch of statements

On The Melky scene, as much as I would like to see young talent pushed onto the the big club. Melky is a very promising player. To call him a 5 tool player is incorrect in my book. He has and arm, good speed, switch hits very good defense. Power will not be here for another 3/4 yrs. In a trade I let him go for a number 2 or better. On the other hand I do not see Dontrelle available even from the Marlins.

Are we built to win, now. Without a doubt look at the lineup. Some excellent players 32 or better. If we rush anything its our pitching.

Overpriced Veterans such Schoenwies and Villone. The fact The Yankees never seen this guy before and He's unknown. Yankees always struggled against rookie pitcher who they never seen.

Did you watch some Yankees games this year? The lefty pitchers who defeated the Yankees in 2006 , How about Jarrod Washburn, Jeremy Sowers, and Adam Loewen - who the beat the Yankees three times in a row and Joe Saunders and Eric Bedard?

Bronx Bomber- By bringing up Cano you sort of back up my argument about trading position players for pitchers. Look at the market right now and you will notice that it contains (some have signed by now) a lot of very decent second basemen (Durham, Loretta, Graffanino, Counsell, Kennedy etc.) and no pitchign to speak of. This is why I say I would trade Melky for pitching. You could trade Melky and next year go hard after Ichiro and you have your replacement. If you noticed a while back, the Padres traded a guy very much like Cano, Josh Barfield, to the Indians because they had to fill a need at 3rd base to fill and third base and pitching have always been the areas that are toughest to fill. Their GM even said that while he hated to give up Barfield, he felt he could replace him easier than replacing a 3B or a pitcher.
I think you did agree earlier that you would not trade Wang for any of those outfielders, but I wasn't sure so maybe I'm beating a dead horse.

Larry M: The only reason I speculate Dontrelle may be available is because he will be eligible for arbitration soon and the Marlins think his salary could go up by 400%, and we know they don't like to pay anybody.

Whatever reception A-Rod gets is justified by what he brings on himself. We Yankee fans are probably the most knowlegable of any, and A-Rod gets what he earns (both pro and con).

The players that don't want to come here are losers anyhow. If you don't believe enough in yourself to be able to handle the pressures of NY, then we don't need you here. It's called mental toughness, some have it and some don't. Those that don't, please stay away.

If Melky was traded, Bernie could be the 4th OF for 2007. Then, in 2008 there are 3 stud CF's available, T. Hunter, Ichiro, and V.Wells. Also, in a couple of years when Giambi is done, Bobby A. could be resigned to be the DH. These are just a few of the possible scenarios to add to the discussions. Happy blogging to all.

Jim A- We are on the same page.

Rick -

Your wrong the Yankees are a polictical structerTO BEGIN with and to see the treatment of A-ROD scares away alot of people good and bad, the ones who come is lookin for the MULAH, the Mets are getting looks becasue it looks like a lOOSE fun atmhosphere, Torre plays that favorites card too much , You have a pitching coach who is not really tested in Reving careers so a Zito steps back.

A-rod is the man of course he is going to try hard and be sensitive .. so what , ya'll acting like he batted 100 for the whole year, when jeter slumped a few years ago to begin the season he was like 0 for 50 had the front page of the paper , there was no boo's players see this . Let arod be arod , he will do well so will carl pavano.

if you can spare Giambi you can CERTAINLY spare AROD

Bronx Bomber: I was with you on your post above until you put A-Rod and Pavano in the same sentence. I think Pavano just does not want to pitch. A-Rod plays every game and I'm with you that I wish fans would take it easier on him. I had this great argument with my brother in law who is a Mets fan. He was raking A-Rod over the coals, telling me he was terrible and acting like the guy played like a little leaguer. All the while he is talking up David Wright so I compare the numbers and he about falls down. I laughed and said Wright hit for a little higher avg. but A-Rod had more HR's; Hits; Runs Scored etc. and made three more errors. The fun part of the argument was that this was the WORST we'll see from A-Rod and probably the BEST they'll see from Wright and the seasons are very similar. I did remind him that Wright disappeared around July and never came back.
As Jeter said, Yankee fans boo because they really want to cheer. A-Rod found that out during a game against the Mets last season. Booed in two at bats, called out for a curtain call the next at bat.
Also agree with Rick- If players hesitate about coming to NY, then they shouldn't. That's why I'm torn about a Pettitte return. I liked him very much, still do, but I'm not sure I want a guy on my team who is not sure if he even wants to play at all.

GoodJob Cashman, I don't want okajima going to boston and at least blocked him from the Redsox acquiring his services.

Do you also remember the performance of Kenny Rogers in the playoffs vs Yanks but He cheated with tar?

Also Rookie Pitcher Lefty Miller from the Tigers.

Pavano is my wildcard ya'll see

I hope so Bronx Bomber, I really do. It would be nice to see him give the Yanks at least some of their money's worth. Keep the faith!

I am not an A-Rod fan. I view him much like Dave Winfield. Yeah, he's going to the HOF and he has all those "stats". And, those stats might help get us to the playoffs.

But, in my opinion, he can't handle the pressure situations and Git-R-Done when the lights are shining the brightest. Some guys just have a knack for rising to the occassion (Jeter, Reggie, Munson, etc.) when it is needed most, and A-Rod isn't one of them. Sorry! Jim A - I guess this is one area we disagree on.

As far as I know, Diana Munson never remarried. I also have many autographs and memorabilia. I have a Martin rookie card he autographed and have Murcer's and R. Henderson's too. Rickey even signed the pics I have of my wife and I with him. I also have a ball from that 1988 night in Cleveland that was signed by Billy M., Guidry, Tommy John, Jack Clark, and Claudell Washington.

It is great blogging with you and the other guys!

In regard to Melky - keep in mind that some 15 years ago there was another switch hitting outfielder in the Yankee system who no one thought deserved a starting spot, he didn't have great power, didn't have the best range or arm in the outfield...I would say hanging on to Bernie worked out pretty well.

As for media members or fans/execs from other teams complaining about the Yankees' payroll this year or the exploding cost of players, I don't want to hear it. Gary Matthews, Juan Pierre, Adam Eaton, Jamie Walker and Soriano (and soon JD Drew and Matsuzaka) will be the ones setting the market. None of which were signed by the Yankees. NY has signed exactly 1 free agent (Mike Mussina) and they are paying him, an established #2 at the least, exactly $1 million more per year than Gary Matthews will make after having only one good season in his career and $3 million more per year than Adam Eaton who has yet to prove he can stay healthy.