Multiple reports today say the Yankees have agreed to a four-year, $2 million deal with Cuban defector Juan Miranda, a lefthanded-hitting first baseman reported to be 23 years old. He'll be in spring training, but don't expect him to contend for a job.
PinstripesPlus.com, which provides expansive coverage of the Yankees' minor-league system, spoke with Miranda in the Dominican Republic, which is where he now has citizenship. "I consider myself a Double-A player right," Miranda told the Web site.
How he got out of Cuba is an interesting story, as is usually the case. Apparently he was caught by Dominican police and was jailed until former big-league pitcher Jose Rijo somehow got them released, according to this Washington Times story.
Comments (168)
Adding to the system. Always nice.
Off topic but Matsuzaka may get cold feet going to Beansville when he finds out there's close to 100 Japanese restaurants in the NY metro area and possibly one take out joint up there in cowtown.
This could be one of the snags in the talks.
Chip,are you with me? the one thing about the 5 lefties the Yanks feature is they hit lefties well,collectively.Besides the state of quality lefty pitchers is pretty bad around MLB.I don't see it as a major concern....
I was thinking if a big trade is going down as Sims claims what would it be ? Starting pitcher,lefty reliever,what else? are the Yanks interested in Teixeira ? or trading A-Rod ? and what would they give and get in such trades? Texas needs starting pitching,the Yanks could give up Pavano & Rasner+ a scrub .A-Rod personally I like A-Rod and I don't see the Yanks trading him ,but if they did to whom would he go? My sense would be the Dodgers for Penny,Betemit,Loney+scrub....These rumours about Jennings are interesting,but I don't see him as a major talent the Yanks would be to jazzed about unless he came in a package w/Fuentes...just some silly thoughts.
There are many Japanese restaurants here in Boston. Here is a brief list and does not include the chain places.
http://www.10best.com/Boston,MA/Restaurants/Japanese/index.html
Boston is a good place to live. The only thing it lacks is the best team in all of sport, the Yankees.
That and the fact that the Red Sox organization is rather cutthroat and slimey.
Building the farm system is so much more financially responsibile than the FA crap shoot and the Japanese bidding system. I would never not use the FA and bidding system but with a stocked minor league system. It could curtail large paydays for average players. Brian Cashman is moving in the right direction. Any player who has played on the Cuban National team should be considered a good fine. 2 million for development seems very reasonable.
Paul-
Why don't you open a Yankee bar up there? Everytime I am up there for a Yankee/Sox series we have to contend with drunk Sox fans pre and post game. It would be nice to hang out at a Yankee bar there instead of Jillians. Hey Sox fans opened Cafe 212 here why don't you start it up for us up there Paul?
No , Paul your a Redsox homer and how wonderful boston is.
Boston is a copycat and trying to be like New York. New york City is where the money is and Jobs oppurtunities. Also Nyc has more immigrants than Boston. New york city will always be #1 and boston comes second.
AJ-
I don't know if any company would insure Paul's Yankee Bar in Boston. I can imagine how many "accidents" would occur, like fires, bombings etc.
Paul- keep you head low my friend and hey, "let's be careful out there".
Rule 5 pick-ups,& bargain basement defector signings, show Cashman is trying to get lucky "on the cheap". I wish he'd stop "playing the slots", and just sign some proven talent to fill the holes on our roster.
Jim A-
Hey it is worth a try. For years I have been hearing about a Yankee bar possibly in the Boston area. Everytime I look for it people tell me the same thing "we heard about it but not sure where it is". It is sort of like Carl Pavano in a sense because we hear about him but never seen him.
He has a Double A skills right now ?? Why Did Yankees signed him when he can't compete at first in spring training.
To Roy: Maybe the yankees are viewing all avenues of talent instead of just the FA route.
To J.F. Its the same as signing Hughes he had A ball skills but we still signed him. You take a chance and hope the talent developes.
Oliver leaves Mets to head to AL, AngelsBy Jerry Crasnick
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2694164
Good pickup for the Angels. He had a .208 BAA vs LH batters. Their bp is loaded. In fact their pitching staff is loaded.
Because The Angels are yankees rivals next to the redsox and lost to them twice in playoffs.
Larry M- "You take a chance" is the equivalent of "playing the slots". We need proven talent "now", not guys that "may" pan out down the road. I'm glad Cashman isn't gambling with my money. As the saying goes, "A million here, a million there. Before you know it, your talking about real money."
Larry M- "You take a chance", is "playing the slots." Long term, that's fine. We have holes to fill immediately. We dallied with Zahn and lost out. Let's not repeat that mistake.
Tonight at 9pm the truth will...
http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/redSox/?p=783
"Scott Boras will be holding a press conference at his Newport Beach, Calif., offices at 9 p.m. EST this evening. The Japanese media, as well as the Associated Press, is expected to be on hand. Boras will be, or he had better be, asked about the state of negotiations between the Red Sox and his client, Daisuke Matsuzaka. Boras has not been heard from recently as talks have essentially broken down between him and the Red Sox about the fate of Matsuzaka."
Mazzili debuts tonight at Mets Hotstove on Sny
I would imagine that it is to announce the signing of Matzazuka. I never believed that the talks had gone south and they have to sign him today so that tomorrow or Wednesday he could take the physical. My guess is four years, about 12 million per year.
Mazzili was suddenly brainswashed by mets and sny offcials. He was saying that mets will still be the team to beat in nl east and world series champs
I doubt it's to announce the signing of Matz ,unless Boras is going to throw a curveball...Red Sox have no interest in paying any pitcher including Cy Young 100 mil for 4 yrs which is what you get when the posting fee+salary is added up.
Roy: The Yanks may have taken their time with Zaun because he wanted to play full time for full time cash. Plus Zaun was dealing with the Jays directly and his agents were feeling the other offers. Unfortunately, I believe zaun has the pen in hand and did not communicate with the agents. Zaun will take full time play over part time. So, we lost out. Catcher and 1st base will be remedied through Cashman 's control instead of multi interference from the different factions of the former system employed by the yanks.
Red Sox lining up minor deal for veteran Kuwata
http://www.japanball.com/news.phtml?id=8479
The Boston Red Sox are lining up a move for veteran former
Yomiuri Giants right-hander Masumi Kuwata, Major League Baseball
sources revealed Monday. Redsox , are
expected to offer Kuwata a minor league contract that will include
bonuses if he is promoted to the majors.
Suddenly Redsox are acquiring japan players and loaded with skilled players from japan
youtube video of kuwata's last pitching in yomiuri giants
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KUWi9EUvt-I
Roy: I don't really think there is any great rush to find a quality backup catcher,although it is a need to be addressed it isn't a pressing one.1st base is not exactly a Rubiks Cube to be figured out...primary concerns for the Yanks is a quality lefty reliever and maybe another veteran starting pitcher...
Bad Bad News
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/news/262991.html
Al:
How many blogs you going to post that on? 8? 10?
This is The police your under arrest Rufrus for complaining...
To Al: are you referring to the Yanks rated 17 and the Red Sox 8 in the farm system ratings. At least we moved up from 27 and 24 the prior 2 years. All those years we won the Division titles. Unfortunately, this or that occurred to make a short run of it. I believe if Cashman has his way we'll be near the top of farm systems in a couple of years. I hope.
Jim A., thanks for the warnings, but really it is pretty safe here in Boston to be a Yankee fan. There are surprisingly a lot of us around.
With so many colleges in the area there are a lot of New Yorkers up here; actually I think Boston University is Long Island North.
All my years of going to Fenway I have had only one particular incident when I wore my Yankee cap. I was able to persuade a drunk and belligerant Sox fan it would be unwise for his continued good health to take a swing at me. He eventually adopted my position.
As for a Boston Yankee bar, I have not found one yet but I spent time this summer in a few different bars during the series between the two, the most interesting of the lot an Irish bar wherein most of the locals were more interested in watching soccer than in the Yankees pummelling the Sox.
Yeah, Rufus, the person(s) post the same stuff to every known blog just to clog it up with trash despite no one wanting to read it.
If this blog and its readers are not worth your time to post something unique and original, then what you post in every freaking place is not worth our time to read.
Go get 'em Paulie Walnuts!
Ruse,
I agree with your earlier comment about backup catcher and 1B. These needs are relatively minor, it's not like we need a 1B to do anything but catch the ball so we can always wait until spring training and make a trade or see who gets cut.
The lefty reliever is going to be a problem if we wait too long. I'm actually for re-signing Villone. I know he sucked the 2nd half of the year but that guy was completely worn out. This season, with a starting staff that will throw a lot more innings, I don't see the relievers getting worn out as they were in the past few seasons so Villone might not be gassed by the end of the year.
I wouldn't have minded Darren Oliver before he went to LAA. Man, they have one helluva a bullpen. They must be prepping for a trade.
To "JF" or "AJ" whatever you are calling yourself today
Get a life and please leave Paul TM alone. Your attacks on him are never funny or clever and now they are just tiresome.
I would like to see Villone return also.
The discussed trade with Pittsburgh was interesting but I would like to see Kevin Thompson as the 5th outfielder next year; I think he has a lot to offer.
Would also like to see Aaron Guiel as the 25th man because I liked the way he played and think he would back up Andy Phillips well at 1B. Not sure if they tendered Aaron a contract today.
Got this from Sosh
"Quote from Rudy Pemberton"
Quote:
I think Boras logic is flawed. The Sox bid $51M with the idea that they would be able to sign Matsuzaka at a below market rate- as has always happened in the past in these situations. Will any team bid $51M next year, knowing how much Boras wants for Matsuzaka? I don't really see it.
Boras logic with Pettitte makes even less sense- because the Yankees are over th tax, Pettite is really on a 2 year, $46M deal? Huh? Does that make A-Rod really a $35M player?
What's next? Is it fair that Johan Santana makes so little? Why can't Jered Weaver declare himself a FA after a great rookie season? What about Chan Ho Park? Is that fair to the Rangers?
Matsuzaka, like Santana and Weaver, cannot expect free agent dollars when he's not a free agent. Why would the Sox pay $51M to gain exclusive rights and then pay him $20M a year? Makes absolutely no sense at all.
Paging Roger Clemens...........
(What's funniest here is Gammons assertion that a difference between an $8M offer an $18M request is largely theoretical. A $10M per year difference in opinion- well, I don't see that gap being bridged in a few days.)
In Other News
From rotoworld.com
[quote]Red Sox GM Theo Epstein and owner John Henry are currently in Los Angeles to negotiate with agent Scott Boras and Daisuke Matsuzaka in anticipation of the Thursday night deadline.
"At a news conference Monday night, Boras said that unless something changes, Matsuzaka will return to Japan. Meanwhile, the Red Sox may not even be sure what Matsuzaka wants, as Boras reportedly hasn't submitted a counterproposal to Boston's offer. If Boras is just going to sit back and wait for the Red Sox to say a number he likes, then nothing will get done."
It seems as if this guy really doesn't want to pitch in Boston. The question is, does he want to be a Yankee? And if so, can Boras use legal pressure to figure out a way to accomplish that goal? We will see...[/quote]
[quote]MLB has no intention of letting agent Scott Boras try to buy Daisuke Matsuzaka's freedom from the Seibu Lions should negotiations with the Red Sox fail.
There's been some speculation that Boras would help Matsuzaka come up with a sufficient total to pay off the Lions. "The Commissioner’s office would not recognize that free agency, and the Japanese commissioner’s office is in agreement with us," said Lou Melendez, the vice president for international operations for MLB. If Matsuzaka declines to take Boston's offer, Boras could attempt to legally challenge the posting system. While he could build quite a case, even a successful challenge might not get Matsuzaka to the majors any sooner.
Source: New York Times [/quote]
No idea who Sosh or Rudy Pemberton are, nor have any idea why Red Sox news and chat is posted to a Yankee blog so it is clear to me we need more recipes.
So here is a recipe for Yankee Pot Roast which is no more stupid to post than Red Sox chat on a Yankee blog.
YANKEE POT ROAST
1 (4 lb.) beef roast
1 (10 1/2 oz.) can beef broth
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed rosemary (opt.)
4 sm. carrots, halved lengthwise
2 med. potatoes, quartered
8 sm. white onions (pearl onions)
1/4 c. flour
Chopped parsley
Brown roast on all sides in fat in large heavy pan. Pour in beef broth. Cover. Cook over low heat for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Add salt, pepper, rosemary, carrots, potatoes and onions. Cook, covered for 1 hour longer or until beef and vegetables are completely done. Remove beef and vegetables to heated platter, garnish with parsley. Blend 1/4 cup water into flour and stir flour mixture slowly in broth left in pan. Cook slow, stirring constantly until gravy is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Last time I made something with rosemary, bad things ensued, Paul. I'll pass on this one.
It's funny how Leeroy and Reick and whatever other name he uses has the time and effort to keep posting.
Get a life fella
Jim A : Villone is an OK choice,he was gassed at the end,but the guy we saw at the beginning of the yr,wasn't the Villone of old,I don't think the Yanks would be getting the lights out pitcher he was the first 2/3 of 2006, it just doesn't fit his resume, he's been around 12 yrs with close to a 5.00 ERA,so to me he's an iffy proposition...a pitcher I really like is Fuentes on Colorado ,though he is probably is out of reach.Marte would definitely be an upgrade over Villone....I predict Darren Oliver will be a major disappointment for the Angels...he seemed to pitch way over his head,never had that kind of success in the AL....Paul what does a 5th outfielder playing for the Yanks have to offer? he might get 50 ABs and be a defensive replacement,swipe 5 bases...yawn
LOL, Atticas, I never made it. I just pulled the recipe off the net to make a point about needless and irrelevant postings.
And it had Yankee in the name so I cut and pasted it.
But since you mentioned rosemary, I do cook and it actually is good in a lot of things but in small amounts.
I make what I call Simon & Garfunkle Chicken.
It marinates in a mixture of lemon juice and parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. Then I roast it in the oven or grill it on the BBQ.
Ruse,ca,
It is a long season and you never know what injury could befall anyone. It is good to have depth and my take is Thompson is a good fielder and pinch hit effectively also.
I would like to see him get a shot.
That sounds good. I tried to make this rosemary tortellini. Let's just say if the recipe calls for a tablespoon of rosemary, put a pinch instead.
Ingredients & Directions
ROAST PIG - Ortiz
The night before have some strong men dig pit 10-15 in" deep Find small (1to2) lb lava (porous) rock and some hard wood. Eucalyptis,Oak,etc. Layer wood and rock to make huge mound in the pit and set on fire about 3AM. Coals and white hot rocks will be ready about 7. check each hour. Salt/Pepper pig inside and out; rub hard. pig should be room temperature. Cover rock/embers with wet banana leaves - 3 to 6 layers. Possible to use seaweed, corn stalk leaves. Cover this with layers of wet burlap sacks. start at outside and layer like shingles on a roof to the middle. Put pit on a small section of small wire fence section like you keep chicks in. With tongs put several hot rocks in pig cavity near thickest part of meat. Spread one layer banana leaves on burlap and place pig in the middle of the pit. (encased in the wire). Banana leaves over the pig and then cover with burlap again starting from outside and like roof shingles to the middle. Shovel the dirt back in the pit completely covering. Don't leave any holes. Sprinkle lightly with garden hose. Steam will escape but keep well covered. About 4 or 5 in the afternoon it will be done. Also fun to put in a few chickens/whole fish/goats all wrapped tightly in foil. Very carefully shovel dirt from top of pit. When the middle burlap is seen start rolling it back toward the sides and ends. Pig will be thoroughly cooked with meat falling off bone. Put on picnic table and let the guests pick their own pieces. Serve with Hawaiian POI and sea salt. Treat POI like bread never eating it alone but with hunks of pork.
Geez, another mass post.
Paul, you really make me laugh.
The other people just get me bored with their endless and tiresome trade proposals.
The longer we wait to fill our holes at 1b and back- up catcher, the thinner and weaker the prospective ranks become. It looks like Phillips may become our 1st baseman by default. If that be the case, we may as well boost his confidence and give him the job now.
Rufus-
I have always posted under "AJ" on here. You got the wrong guy buddy.
Little brother baseball in Boston are being played like a fiddle by Scott Boras. He's got them bidding against themselves for the services of Matsuzaka. Even if they do cave in to Boras' numbers, this pitcher comes with no guarantees. All hitters can be pitched to and all pitchers can be hit. Once the grapevine gets out among the hitters around the league, Matsuzaka will be just an average pitcher. He also has a large adjustment in learning the language and a different culture along with all new teammates. As always, Boston fans can't see the forest through the trees.
Ruse,
I agree about Fuentes, he's nice but I haven't heard that he is remotely available. I also like Marte, who had some success in the AL, but besides a rumor that the Yanks were going to trade Kevin Thompson for him, I've heard mostly that he is going somewhere else so I chose Villone, at least he's had a little success in NY and takes the ball every time.
Matsuzaka deal will be done soon. More posturing taking place but the only possibility I can see of that deal getting spoiled is if Theo lets Luchinno get involved. I just heard him on XM saying that "Boras is not negotiating in good faith". I could almost hear Theo's head turning red and wishing Luchinno would shut up.
But, at the end of the day, I'm certain a deal will be done. I just don't see how Matsuzaka can possibly live up to the contract he'll get. If he is not the second coming of Johan Santana, he will be booed out of Boston. I almost feel sorry for the guy.
Any kind of news of getting Pavano out of town is good news. The Cardinals asking for his physical records may turn out to be favorable. As long as there's no mental records involved because New York got into his head.
Vinny,
I don't see how NY got into Pavano's head, he's spent all his time in Florida "rehabbing".
:)
Morning gentlemen.
Some troubling news on the prospect front. And also some major league tid bits.
First of all I'm sure you've seen the reports that the Yankees are moving away from Hillenbrand and looking at Meintkevic (how ever you spell it). Not a bad move in my opinion if his back is healthy. At 32 he won't cost a lot of money and he gives the team a great defender at 1st (very important considering A-Rod and Jeter have been known to make strange throws from time to time) and with Phelps or Phillips there can be a good lefty righty platoon.
Onto the troubling information. First this Cuban player. It appears as if despite being on the 40 man roster he will open the 2007 season in Double A. This is the take of one scout who saw him (in what the scout admitted was a very small sample size) One international scout contacted late Monday night said Miranda is built like Ray Durham physically and liked his power potential, but cautioned against letting the size of Miranda's contract dictate his prospect status.
"He has strength and he hits the fastball middle-in," said the scout, who'd seen Miranda in an admittedly short look of about five at-bats. "He had trouble with the breaking ball away. From what I saw, that's a pretty large amount of money."
Also on the prospect front, two Yankee pitchers who Baseball America rated in the organization's top ten (before the trade to bring in Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whalen) probably won't pitch at all in 2007. Mark Melancon (rated number 9) and Chris Garcia (rated number 6) according to Mark Newman, Garcia's surgery is similar to one that Mariano Rivera had when he was a Yankee minor leaguer.
Also the Yankees are most displeased with catching prospect Jesus Montero. While Newman (or any other Yankee official) would not be specific, Baseball America reports that the Yankees are having the commissioner's offiice look over the contract which may mean that the team is looking for an out - the report goes on to say that Montero may have fudged his age.
With the signing of the Cuban player, I expect Aaron Guiel to get non-tendered today. The team can't afford to give him a spot on the 40 man roster. At most he might get an invitation to spring training if he doesn't sign before then.
Jesus! That's awful, terrible news! No! No! Chip, noooO!!! What are we gonna do?!?!?!
Atticas:
I'm sensing a bit of sarcasm...you'll make a fine lawyer.
The Montero situation reminds me of the 3B they tried a few years ago. They got out of his contract when he proved to be around 29 or so.
I'm not too worried about all this, if you tell me Hughes or Sanchez got hurt, I'd freak but it's all good right now.
We may just have to go the FA route for a backup/future catcher. Luckily, the Yanks have money.
Chip- You picked up on that sarcasm from Atticas too? I thought it was just me :)
Yeah Jim, but it was very subtle.
I would have no problem going the FA route to find a catcher if that's what it takes. My question though is when you look at the catchers who are out there, when was the last time a real good backstop hit the market? Pudge only became a free agent because Texas was afraid of his back and Florida couldn't afford him. Other than that, teams that have good catchers keep them. The guys who hit the market are past their prime (Piazza) overvalued (Molina/Barajas) or career back-ups (Widger, Greene). Catcher is not a very deep position so it becomes imperative to cultivate your own.
I think it was the Post that reported that the Yankees are trying to figure out a way to work with the Braves and Pirates on a Mike Gonzales deal. With the Yankees possibly sending Proctor to Atlanta for LaRoche and then sending LaRoche to Pitt for the pitcher. I would love to figure out a way for the Yankees to expand that to have the Braves send NY Saltamatchia. He's a very good catcher prospect who is blocked due to the success of Brian McCann.
Well for garcia the Mariano Surgery worked FOR HIS ADVANTAGE (if the proper instructors are around) mariano was regarded as a high prospect and was so so in the bigs as a starter (yeah i'm that old to rememember ) he was in the Dejean era (the highly prized pitcher who was a bust along with brian taylor) mariano got hurt and was left for dead in the minor's he was taught the cutter and being the genius he is STICK Michael followed up on him , and was giving some beautiful news on how his stuff became faster and better this was relayed to Buck , who after using him put him in situations for the remainder of the 95 season and the rest is history. this tale should be relayed to Garcia and may boost up his ego
Chip,
I just don't see Torre letting go of Proctor, you know how he loves him.
I agree, catching is one of the positions in sports that is getting harder and harder to fill. That's why I have my six year old son behind the plate already! He hits lefthanded and throws RH. I'm going to be rich!!!
Anyway, we do have at least two years before there is a real need for an everyday catcher and I hope something turns around in that time. Saltamaccia (sp?) would be nice, I've been hearing about him for a while now. Maybe Atlanta is trying to decide between him and McCann, as McCann will probably want more money in the near future and that might be his ticket out of Atlanta.
Bomber:
Funny you should mention that, I was just thinking along those lines as well. I do remember Stick once being in the booth and someone telling him the story about Rivera's first start in the bigs (against the White Sox) and how the Sox players were all annoyed because their scouting report said Rivera threw mid 80's with a sinker and Stick laughed and said, "funny, that's what our scouting report said about him too."
Incidentally I still remember who Mike DeJean was traded for - former Astro Xavier Hernandez in (I want to say) 1992
Jim, I think Proctor is the real deal too, but the thing to remember is he's 30 and after the workload he got last year he could go the way of Tanyon Sturtze this year with arm problems.
Here are a couple of scouting reports from former Tiger minor league hitting coach (and one time Yankee - for about a week) Pete Incavilia on Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whalen:
"He is the real deal," Incaviglia said of Sanchez, who started for the World team in the 2006 Futures Game. "Stuff-wise he throws 94-95 miles an hour and tops at 97 miles an hour with a good hook he can throw for strikes at any time."
Due to an elbow problem Sanchez pitched just once after July when he finished a combined 10-6, 2.53 for Triple-A Toledo and Double-A Erie.
Incaviglia gushed about Whelan, who was 4-1, 2.67 with 27 saves for high Class A Lakeland and features a fastball that reaches 94 mph. Whelan, a converted catcher selected in the fourth round in 2005, is ticketed for Double-A Trenton.
According to the report that this was taken from, other organizations were so impressed with the haul that they started calling Cashman immediately to see if the Yankees were willing to spin either of those two players in a trade.
It was the fact that the Yankees got so much for Sheffield that made the Red Sox ask for the moon in all Manny talks.
Yes your right about Xaxier, also in the Mix was the Buck tooth young Dominican pitcher Domingo Something who was supposed to be the next big thing.
I have another question cause honestly this japanese crap is getting me mad. if he gets his money then it will cause a problem let me explain.
1. Many americans go over there and their numbers are inflated , this is fact.
2. If your young why go through the minors here and work hard to get to the show when you can just go straight to japan and inflate your numbers and get a 100 million dollar deal from a "bidding System" in other words the message to AMERICAN minor leaguers is Forget You get the Minimum and go through the levels of hard play in the minors and HOPE you get called up while some foreigner your age gets 100 mil while never pitching a single game here. so why go to the minors go straight to Japan jack up your numbers and then be in comp with the stars from their. i remember when the MATSUI sweepstakes was on going there was an AMERICAN who BROKE japan's all time HOMERUN record!! where is he NOW??
Al Leiter article about the Yankee pitching staff
http://www.yesnetwork.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061211&content_id=1415223&vkey=8
Link
Interesting stuff. He thinks the order should be Wang, Pettitte, Mussina, Randy, Igawa. He seems to think Pavano will get traded, perhaps not til after spring though. He also mentions that he likes having Igawa behind Randy, as his fastball/changeup combo is a big change of pace from Randy Johnson's fastball/slider (and both are different from Pettitte), which forces opposing hitters into stepping up to the plate with different game plans each night.
He also thinks they should take it easy with Hughes and only call him up when he's ready. He thinks Sanchez is going to start the year as the AAA closer. Briton has great stuff, Farnsworth is expendable.
That's the rotation I would have went with as well as they do their best to split the RH's and LH's up, except at the back of the rotation.
I'm still not convinced Igawa will even be in the rotation.
I just have a bad feeling about him, it's the only reason I hope that they (don't kill me Rick Keyes) hang on to Pavano until at least spring training when they can see what he looks like and keep Igawa as a fill in for when Pavano gets hurt.
Rick will jump on me and say that Pavano is hated by the team etc. but I'll say this, if he throws well, they'll find their love for him somehow, as will we.
Bomber:
I think it was Domingo Jean.
Incidentally there was at least one player who did really well in the Dominican, went to Japan, increased his value and then signed with an American team...Alfonso Soriano. The reason American players don't do that is because the kids who would be skipping the draft to go play overseas are the ones who would be low round picks anyway and they probably aren't good enough to step right into Japanese pro baseball...plus Japan wouldn't let them all in.
Not only is Farnsworth expendable but with the explosion of contracts for relief pitchers he is down right affordable too. I would be happy to see the Yankees move him (Royals maybe for some combination of John Buck (c), Justin Huber (1b) and Jeff Keppinger (utility player))
Jim A-
SO true if Pavano is dominating in No way you trade him! Igwa and him will battle for rotation loser goes to long relief.
People agree on my theory on the amercian minor leaugers being shafted .
AL leiter sounds as if he should be our future pitching coach
Chip-
there should be some kind of "leverage " america does when our players is wanted. lets say for example a bernie williams or a middle tier player who may not have room on our roster but can be played in JAPAN for a ........FEE
Bernie is a known star lets say we picked up his option and have him on our roster VIA japan .
ALL i see in this japan mess is japan profiting and america getting nothing but a player they overpaid.
as for SORI he was signed and went to the Minors.
Domingo Jean; Mike Buddie; Brandon Claussen; Brad Halsey; Randy Choate; Sterling Hitchcock; Randy Kiesler...I hope I never see Phil Hughes grouped with this list.
Jim,
I agree with you that Igawa is a question mark. But there's no need to hold Pavano as insurance for him. Not when there are young guys that we know are capable of pitching well enough to hold down the fifth starter spot if Igawa struggles. Rasner and Karstens may not be aces, but they will probably give the Yankees at least 80% of what Carl Pavano would.
I also agree about not rushing Hughes. He was on a tight leash last year, don't press him into service at the first sign of struggles by the guys in the rotation. Mets resisted that temptation with Pelfry when guys went down left and right on them and the Yankees should do the same.
Also, to start the season the Yankees won't need a fifth starter for at least the first month so there is plenty of time for that to sort itself out.
Bomber:
If a player is under contract with a major league team the team can "sell" his rights to a Japanese team, but if he is a free agent and chooses to go overseas then he goes of his own free will and therefore no additional fees are paid. That's basically the same way it works for Japanese players coming here except that the team selling the players' rights cannot negotiate a posting fee with the American team.
Jim: Don't forget Brien Taylor, Matt Drews, Rafael Medina, Ed Yarnell, Christian Parker.
For what it is worth though, Hitch had a pretty good career, Choate was never that highly regarded but still could turn into another Mike Myers and Claussen and Halsey are still young enough to turn into something good.
Ahh my man Sterling did wel l for San Diego for a while. this is the best pitching reviews the yankees recieved in a while , the tigers are stacked with major league ready YOUNG pitching so they can afford to let some go especially "injured ones" the teams Boston try to trade Manny too is not STACKED with high regard young arms
Trade Rumor- Pirate saver Gonzalez to Braves for LaRoche, then Gonzalez to Yanks for Melky and Proctor. No way I make that deal. Maybe Proctor and Pavano(we eat some contract) for Gonzalez. It hurts giving up Proctor, but we would get a good younger player and out from under Pavano. Braves do love Proctor, and tried to get him last trade deadline.
CHip,
I see but what i'm saying is this unproven young foreigners should no AUTOMATICALLY be inserted into the major league staff, who's to say we do not have a better young lefthander in our camp who can COMPETE with Igwa , i mean what do you say to that player who did the right thing?? let him rot and chance his career being shot by some Pot belly former loser MLB manager who has a minor league manager job
Bomber: I understand what you're saying completely. There is nothing to say that Igawa has to start in the major leagues. As a player signed to a major league contract he'll have options, meaning the team could, if they wanted to, send him to Triple A or even Double A as they are planning to do with the Cuban player they just signed, as they also did with Irabu and El Duque.
I guess what it boils down to with signing international free agents is that the draft is only open to US players so if you don't explore the international front you are missing out on very good players from other countries and hurting your team in the process.
Jim A
I won't jump on you buddy, but I will agree with Chip and say bye bye to Pavano today for a bag of balls. The Yanks have numerous options to cover for Pavano and the #5 hole. I'll take ANYBODY in the minors over Pavano! It wouldn't bother me a bit to see Sanchez, Karstens, Rasner, or whoever in that spot. Anybody but Pavano is my battle cry.
Roy:
The Braves backed out of the LaRoche for Gonzales deal that they had worked out because, with the trade for Rafael Soriano, they determined that the back end of their pen is set. If they move LaRoche they'll want to do so for either a second baseman or starter. A deal they had on the table would have sent LaRoche and Marcus Giles to Baltimore for Brian Roberts and Hayden Penn.
That's a long way of me saying I don't think the Braves have much interest in Proctor at this time.