Edwar Ramirez
And here's a story on Edwar Ramirez from today's paper, in case you missed it.
What a change for Edwar
Here's the skinny on 6-3, 150-pound Ramirez: After Angels released him twice, his new pitch and huge stats have made him a Yankee
BY KAT O'BRIEN
kat.obrien@newsday.com
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July 8, 2007
Edwar Ramirez was three days past his 23rd birthday in March 2004 when he was released by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He spent that season out of organized baseball, playing only a little bit for a league in Miami.
That isn't the only time the righthander has been released, just the first time. He latched on with Pensacola of the independent Central League, where he spent most of 2005 before the Angels picked him up Sept. 1. They dropped him in March 2006, though, leaving him in search of another team.
Angels righthander Ervin Santana, a good friend of his, remembers the phone calls from Ramirez after each release. "He was doing a great job, and he was released," Santana said. "And he was so sad and crying, and I told him to keep practicing."
Ramirez did. After making his major-league debut for the Yankees last week, he said he never considered quitting. "I never thought this," he said. "I always had confidence. I've always thought - I have a lot of faith in God, and I thought that if God does something, it's for a reason. I always thought that I was going to get to the major leagues."
Said Joe Torre: "He's been released twice by the same club. If that doesn't make you quit, I don't know what the hell does."
But Ramirez kept it going. He signed with Edinburg (Texas) of the independent United League in 2006 and posted a 1.07 ERA in 25 games. That caught the attention of the Yankees, who had scouted him in 2004. They purchased his contract last July 9 and he put up eye-popping numbers at Class A Tampa. The 1.17 ERA in 19 games and 30 2/3 innings was excellent, but the 47 strikeouts and six walks jumped out even more.
Ramirez said the Yankees showed confidence in him that allowed him to pitch without the pressure, partly self-imposed, he felt when with the Angels.
The changeup he had added to his repertoire - which quickly became his best weapon - had something to do with it, too.
"My first impression when I saw him on the mound and he threw his changeup was 'Oh, my God,' " Tampa manager Luis Sojo said. "He can locate that pitch anywhere. There's no doubt in my mind it's the best [changeup] I've ever seen."
Ramirez powered his way through the minors in 2007. In 43 1/3 innings for Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in which he compiled a 0.62 ERA, he allowed 19 hits and 17 walks - and struck out 80.
His strikeout-to-walk ratio was nearly 5-to-1. Even more remarkable, his strikeout-to-innings ratio was nearly 2-to-1. That earned him the call-up to Yankee Stadium - where he exhibited that superb changeup while striking out the Twins' Michael Cuddyer, Justin Morneau and Lew Ford in his first major-league inning.
After exchanging hugs with Jorge Posada following the game-ending strikeout of Ford on Tuesday, the pitcher with the goggle glasses was all smiles as he fielded calls from the Dominican Republic.
According to Ramon Ramirez, the news that his son Edwar had been promoted caught the attention of most of their small town, El Cercado, in the Dominican Republic. "I was so happy, so content," Ramon said by phone. "We went to a neighbor's house to watch the game. I always maintained my confidence in him because I thought some team would keep the door open."
Edwar never had a backup plan. Although his dad, a veterinarian, wouldn't let him sign with any team until he finished high school, the only career on the pitcher's mind was baseball.
In his second outing, Ramirez got the victory in the Yankees' 14-9 win over the Angels on Friday. It's the kind of rise through setbacks that touches even veterans who have seen it all.
"That's being, not stubborn, but persistent," Mariano Rivera said.
Rivera, who had met Ramirez before his debut, reached out to the rookie as he does to many young players. Rivera said his advice to the 6-3, 150-pounder was "to eat a lot." He is so thin that Torre said he looks like a thermometer. And Derek Jeter, who has long been called "flaco" - skinny - by Posada, said he no longer can be called the skinny one.
Now that Ramirez is here, however, it's not about his story of perseverance. Now he has to pitch well enough to stick.
"We'll have to see how hitters are going to adjust to him after he's been here a while," pitching coach Ron Guidry said. "Can he consistently throw well and get outs? Because of his changeup, it's not about how hard he throws. We call it like a Bugs Bunny changeup. It goes in a hole and you don't see it for a while."
The Ramirez file
Edwar Ramirez, righthanded reliever
Born: March 28, 1981 in El Cercado, Dominican Republic
Height: 6-3 Weight: 150
About Ramirez: Was released twice by Los Angeles Angels;
spent 2004 out of baseball; twice played independent
league baseball; youngest of six children; dad is a veterinarian
and mom a former model; Yankees purchased his contract
from independent Edinburg one year ago tomorrow.
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Comments (142)
Kat:
I appreciate a story of this nature about a Yankee player. There is much about the players that we don't hear. I'm not talking about their personal lives such as Arod's dance card but their foundations or charity work and their work with groups in their off time or out of season.
This was Kat's BEST article by far.
The quote about the Bugs Bunny changeup was something Grantland Rice never could have even inserted on his best day.
"Flaco" meaning "skinny." I didn't know that.
Puntaje Kat!
ER's father is a vet, and as an animal lover he must be a very good man. That makes me like him right there.
His son seems to have faith and continued to follow his dreams ... I am so happy for his success.
Kat has proven she belongs now with this article and I don't think anyone should ever question her again.
This was great journalism!
One thing, Lucy I want to send you the draft of my Field of Dreams article. Please send your email addy to anthonypanda17@hotmail.com and then I will send you the article. I hope to publish it next month but I am still having many people review it. Jim A. read it.
Lucy is right, if the team wins 52 in the second half well ... we can only hope.
We should have high hopes, like the ant moving that rubber tree plant.
I think Rick said the Yanks are 8 - 24 in one and two run games. Wow.
And fundamentally they are not very good. A decent bunt would stand out like Lucy wearing a pink burqa to a game with "A-Rod's wife is sometimes profane" written on the back in Farsi.
Go Yankees!
Why the Yanks are so far behind?
American League East
Team W L Pct. GB Home Road East Cent. West L10 Strk
Boston 53 34 .609 - 28-14 25-20 19-9 9-7 13-12 5-5 L -3
N.Y. Yankees 42 43 .494 10 26-18 16-25 8-17 12-5 12-13 6-4 W 1
Against Al East - The Yankees 8-17 and Redsox are 19-9
Yanks being so weak against the AL East - especially since they's almost 500 vs. the Red Sox. They've seriously suffered vs. bad teams in their own division.
Is it just me, or does Steve Phillips
seem to make little jabs about Jeter on a semi-regular basis? It's pretty annoying if you ask me. I don't really know why he seems to dislike Jeter, but I believe he does. Today during the World-USA minor league game he claimed Jeter was a below average power hitter for a shortstop. He clamied that a major leaguer who hits 18 home runs's a year is considered by scouts to be an average power hitter. Jeter's seasonal avaerage of HR's for his career is 17. Seems to me that Jeter is an average power hitter, not a below avaerage one. It's not like Jeter is only a 6 or 7 HR a year guy that Phillips was implying he was. Just thought I'd throw this out there.
It's true, I am below average.
Just a rumor floating around Oakland A's might be shopping lefty hitting 1B Dan Johnson.Good numbers and is an above average fielder.A's are looking to break in Daric Barton at 1B which could make Johnson available.He's 27.
Ruse... be careful... Billy Beane isn't going to deal a guy who has 3 more years before free agency unless he gets something of high value in return.
Beane is all about getting the most out of the player before free agency and then cutting bait.
Johnson would actually fit in well with the Yanks. As a Bay Area resident I see him play often and he's better than his stats.
You guys could do worse
You HAVE done worse
Link to an article in the NYTimes about up-and-coming NYY pitchers at Trenton:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/09/sports/baseball/09pitchers.html?ref=baseball
Good win by the Yankees. I hope Wang gets a manicure or he finds some pickel juice left over from Nolan Ryan to take care of his finger nail and blister problems. The next 27 games after the break is the Yankees season. We can only hope that they have straighten themselves out. I really believe the Indians are going to come back to Earth. The Tigers are for real. I am not worried about the Mariners but i have been wrong before.
Have a great week
dont get me wrong, im all for a yankee playoff apprearence this year. im all for a resurgence and having 9 game win streaks in the 2nd half.
but havent we heard this before? havent we heard that yanks are playing with heart, that abreu, cano, melk and even matsui are finally coming around.
its certainly been great to see...matsui and cano hitting bombs, abreu driving the ball to left field, and melky drving ball up the middle as leadoff or second in order.
yanks have a decent 2nd half scedule, starting right off the bat with tampa 8 out of 1st 12 games. yet, especially in this season, you have to wonder how optimistic one can get that the yanks will win 8-9 of those 12 games with TB, not to mention win series against the royals, white sox, baltimore, etc.
im not going to go out there and say teams like cleveland and seattle will fall off the wildacrd pace. they have some young arms and fresh bats to maintain a 2nd half push. and what scares me the most is teams like Min. and OAK are essentially 2nd half teams, that win 19 out of their last 20 games prior to playoffs.
yanks have some serious work to do. and unlike the 1st half, they can not rely on jetes, sada and arod to carry them, because those guys, in traveling to SF during a break they certainly can use, will get tired come last Aug, early Sept.
if it comes down to a "down" year, i hope Cash can save his job by moving some bad contracts, swallow his pride and get younger for years to come. ceratinly moving big unit and wright paid some divends, but look at the year sheff is having.
in looking back on 2007 1st half, yankee fans have already had what other teams could consider a complete baseball season.
-many hamstring injuries
-snakebitten pitchers
-a-rod 9th inning heroics
-giambi injuries = steriod withdrawl
-the very, very end of the pavano saga
-the very, very beginning of the igawa saga
-booing of torre
-awful relief
-28 mill. on 45 year old rental pitcher
-no vital signs from owner, let alone from manager (and as it looks right now, soon -to-be manager)
-mo has less that 10 saves
what will the 2nd half bring?
SULLY
I live in Oakland,Ca .I've watched Johnson for years.I'm just repeating what I've read in the Chronicle.I'm just passing on a rumor.
Beane has to make room for Daric Barton who will be the next A's 1B either after the Allstar break or next yr.It will happen.
The Yankees have always been a second half of a season team.
I do not see why this year would be any different. Here are a few key factors I believe will give the Yankees a chance to make a push for the playoffs:
1)A Solid 5th Starter
Someone will need to step up and be a viable 5th starter. This will also help out an already overworked bullpen. Since I do not think the Yanks will make a move for a starting pitcher before the deadline. I believe this will have to come from their young talent. Hughes is set to come back at the start of August, and if he does not there are a lot of young talent that will be tried out at the major league level.
2) Bobby Abreu
When Bobby gets on base, the Yankees win. He needs to be in that #3 spot getting on base for Arod, Matsui and Posada to drive him in.
3)1st Base
Since Damon does not seem to be able to start in Center Field Day in and Day out, they need to find a regular option to play 1st and hit the ball well. Andy Phillips has been playing well, but can he really keep it up? This may be the place to make a move for.
4) Stay Healthy
Injuries put us where we are now, injuries will keep us here if we do not stay healthy.
If the Yanks can find a "taker", they need to unload Abreu. Offensively, he is either real hot, or stone cold. This is the major reason this team continues to hover around .500. Damon, Melky, and Matsui in the OF, with Giambi eventually back at DH. This leaves the "black hole" at 1B. TEX is the obvious answer both defensively and the 3 hole in the batting order. Cashman needs to "bite the bullet" and put a package together containing either Chamberlain or Kennedy, and get TEX. This move would also return Jeter to the 2 slot in the batting order. Melky just doesn't "cut it" there, with his "free swinging" approach. I don't consider the 5th starter a problem, as long as it is "not" occupied by Igawa. He is an absolute disaster. Generally, the starting pitching has been very good. Pettitte is going to have to be watched very closely following "the break". Filling the 1B\3 hole is the key to the Yankee season. We get TEX, we will get into the playoffs. It is that simple.
Get it through your head, Roy.
Cashman isn't trading Kennedy or Chamberlain and certainly won't do it for a rental.
It's not that simple. One player isn't going to put this team over the top.
They could clone A-Rod and play him at 1B and that still might not be enough.
I'm with Roy on getting TEX for 1B. But, only if he'll sign an extension. It solves our two biggest concerns - 1B and the 3 hole. Also, anybody but Igawa can fix the 5th spot. Audition some kids until Hughes is back or even throw Chip into the mix, I don't really care, just get Igawa out of NY for good.
Also, if he can get back his consistency, Abreu batting down in the order can add a new threat down there for us.
KAT - Can you get us an update on Giambi's status and when he might be back if at all?
The Yanks are playing extremely well, and just beat 2 playoff contenders 5 of 7. Add TEX for 2 months plus, and we are in the playoffs. I believe that Cashman would trade Chamberlain or Kennedy for TEX. He is totally embarassed by the Igawa fiasco, and getting TEX and making the playoffs would detract attention from this on the field and monetary disaster.
i agree Viper, one player won't push this team into the playoffs.
plus, tex will be a FA after this year, correct? yanks need to make a push for him then, not now and give up prospects.
you'd think that the 200 mill. payroll yanks have now (DL or not) would be enough to make a solid run at Al east / wildcard. why does this team need to make more moves and risk losing prospects to make playoffs? if playoffs are not an option in due time, rebuild for next year...dont rent players and hope for playoffs.
RICK\COMMISH-
The Yanks would have roughly a season and a half, to get TEX signed. Plenty of time. I don't believe an extension prior to the trade is necessary.
RICK
Boras recently told Tex once again not to sign a contract extension.
This could mean 2 things :
1. Texas will hold on to Tex thru 2008 and take the supplemental draft picks
2. It brings Tex' trade value down because teams will not make a deal involving "Blue Chip" prospects.
McCarthy,
To respond to your 4 points...
1) Been there done that with no success. All the "young guns" are smoked out.
2) Abreu will hit when the team is out of it and go in the tank when they start to get back into it. Thats his career path and he has followed it to a tee this year.
3) If your suggesting Damon to first, what for? Remember Sheff to first and how he came up as a shortstop so he can play the infield? Is Damons bat that attractive that you want an amateur first baseman there with this infield? As for Phillips, at 30 he is what he is.
4) Yankee injuries have not been any worse than other teams on average(actually below the league average). Unless you where counting on Rasner, Karstens and Hughes in April, they should never have been a factor. How many starts were you expecting from them on April 1st? Pavano and Giambi are two guys most were happy to see go. So what have you missed there? The few starts that were missed by Pettitte, Mussina and Wang are the only significant ones. Every team has pitchers missing a few starts here and there for minor injuries or stiffness.
In fact it could be argued that the injuries have been your best asset. How else could you rid the team of Pavano and Giambi? How else could you get Damons chicken arm out of centerfield?
Just because your GM put together such a weak organization behind these players doesn't make the injuries to blame.
I dont want to say you shouldn't be optimistic because all fans should, but dont risk any money on it!
Roy
I see your point, but it really depends on just what we have to give up. Giving up too much for a "rental" is not wise. That is why I say to get the extension as part of the deal.
SO roy lets say they don't make the playoff's and Tex does not like it here and bolts and Chamberlain becomes a great pitcher then what , you would have to retire your mouse
Ot:// Hot Rod Movie
http://www.hotrodmovie.com/
ruse
Thanks for the update on Boras/Tex. If he is available though, I say we go after him.
Since Damon has basically become our fulltime DH, I for one would much rather have Giambi back, or if he isn't coming back, then sign Bernie to DH. Damon is a shell of what he was a couple of years ago! He's hitting .245 and not stealing bases. Bernie can do better than that.
Money is not the "issue". It comes down to whether you think a "blue chipper" or 2 are worth (1) TEX for at least a season and a half, and (2) Making the "07" playoffs. We didn't get TINO for nothing either, and he was a key to The Dynasty. Players don't just follow the orders of their agent, or the players union. Look at Buehrle.
Anybody heard from my old buddy Chip? It's sounding like he's morphed his monicker into Viper.
I don't consider having a player for at least a season and a half a "rental". We gotta get TEX, just like we did with TINO.
Roy,
Beating LAA and MIN doesn't mean a lot when this team hasn't been consistent all season.
This is the same team that won 9 straight and then lost 7 of 8 against teams they should have pounded (COL, SF, and BAL).
Secondly, Cashman has already said repeatedly that he's not trading Kennedy or Chamberlain.
Why is that so hard to understand?
Paying for Teixeira twice is STUPID -- especially when you are mortgaging the future of your rotation.
The Yanks can get Teixeira after the 2008 season once he becomes a FA.
Cashman doesn't operate the Yankees like some crooked politician in Washington.
He doesn't get caught in a scandal and then try to deflect from it by wagging the dog.
His experiment and subsequent failure with Igawa will have zero impact on any possible deadline deals.
COMMISH-
I countered a trade proposal CHIPPER made, and got no responce. This is unusual for him, but I thought he might be on vacation.
Tino was a FREE AGENT!!!!!!!!
TEX IS A CORNERSTONE PLAYER/ FRANCHISE they want your best!!!!! there is NO PITCHING OUT THERE but WE do have MINOR LEAGUE rising stars and WE NEED PITCHING Far worse than a 1b. we are making Yankee Haters look brilliant in their take on Yankee fans.
I guess that Chip was one smart chap.
No, Tino was traded to the Yanks from Seattle.
VIPER-
If you don't think GM's "wag the dog", or conduct business like crooked politician's, there's a bridge for sale you might be interested in.
VIPER-
Maybe next season Rick Keyes can get you in our Fantasy League. We will show you how to "wag the dog".
Viper,
Watch out Roy's getting wound up!
Oh no, here comes the Caustic Observer.
Tino was traded along with Jeff Nelson and Mercir to the Yanks for Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock.
Another non-Cashman trade that made the team great that Cashman rode the wave on.
The spring is about to SNAP!
As Pacino would say, "I'm just getting warmed up".
Roy,
You fit well in fantasy baseball because you're living on fantasy island.
Igawa is no more an embarrassment to Cashman than Pavano.
Neither have done anything for this team, but at least Igawa goes out there and tries to pitch.
Nudge,
He can get riled up all he wants. He's harmless, but senile based on some of his proposals.
Anyone anxious to watch this ESPN mini-series starting tonight?
VIPER-
You interested in the League next year, or just "jabbering"? It is fun, and you just might learn something.
Viper,
For future reference, you are not allowed to disagree with certain posters here because they take differing opinions personally. Especially those that are in the Fantasy Leagues. They base everything in the real world on their experiences in the Fantasy world and get angry when normal people try to bring reality to fantasy. So you be on their list of bloggers they will ignore or ... something like that.
Oh yeah, and they will start to fantasize that you are actually other bloggers who also disagree with them even though there is no resemblance in thoughts or writing styles or vocabulary. They just assume that there is only one person out there with 500 different monikers that disagrees with them.
It kind of fun to watch though.
I'm already committed to 3 fantasy baseball leagues every season.
I don't need another one.
Mine are for cash anyways.
I forgot how much I missed you guys while on vacation!
If the Yanks had played w/ any degree of consistency especially from the bats of Damon,Abreu and Cano we wouldn't be having this exchange.
7 game losing streak
5 game losing streak
2-9 streak
the Yanks recently had an opportunity to shave 3-4 games off the standings when the Sawx went 5-8 .So now the scrambling around begins.
Trading Joba and Ian would be a major mistake in my opinion.
RICK
FYI Damon is 15-15 in stolen bases this season.All he needs is a great month.I'm sure he has it in him.
Don't start riffing on BW who is home strumming his guitar.
COMMISH-
Most of us saw it first hand. I think it will be "comic relief" pretty much. The actor playing Reggie looks small, and Billy seems to be a lunatic based on the commercial I've seen. I'll watch tonight with my kids. They are curious about the Yankee dynasty of the 70's, and the 60's and 70's in general.
Thanks for the info, Nudge.
Actually, I am already familiar with several of these guys -- including Roy.
I used to comment on here a lot last season but had a different name.
"Say hello to my little friends" Pacino
BTW I'm not in any fantasy league and am an independent.Take it or leave it.
VIPER-
You'll play for money, but not against a "rube" like myself. Okay.
my apologies.
so who was given up for Tino?? not some top of the line youngster??
Viper,
I like that you will put your money where your mouth is!
Roy
I really think Viper is already in our league. If you check, you'll see he's in 6th place 18.5 games out.
Nudge
I play fantasy league, but my posts on here have nothing to do with "fantasy". If you would like to check, most of my off season comments/predictions have all been born out to be accurate statements. I pride myself on understanding the game and knowing which players can Git-R-Done and which ones can't/don't.
And, I encourage everyone on here to keep a track record on my accuracy. Although not perfect, I think I do prety well in calling them.
Tino was traded along with Jeff Nelson and Mercir to the Yanks for Russ Davis and Sterling Hitchcock.
DeJaVu all over again.
Rick,
Doesn't mean I include all fantasy league guys. I just find some league players are overly sensitive because whats obvious in a fantasy league doesn't work in real baseball.
I dont think Ive had many major differences with your posts. Not too bad considering I am the Devils Advocate!
RUSE-
Giving up either Chamberlain or Kennedy will not kill this organization. I watched Chamberlain yesterday in that "Futures Game". He looked good, but having Hughes and either Chamberlain or Kennedy + TEX next season would be fine. Cashman wouldn't have more than 2 rookies at most in the starting rotation anyway.
Rick -
Your biggest flaw to date is Arod! don't try to escape from that one buddy. we got you on file
Now you see I find myself on Roys side here since I am a beleiver that potential means you haven't done it yet, so if you have the chance to get a known success for potential success, as long as the age of the known isn't to high(32 or older) then you have to consider it!
RICK\COMMISH-
I'll back you up. Your off season predictions were exceptionally good. My guess would be your probably batting .800.
Roy wanted the Yanks to trade A-Rod last season for Ervin Santana and others from LAA.
I know he did because he and I argued about that deal ad nauseum.
He doesn't have much credibility there.
Fair enough Nudge, and you are the master at playing the part of "devil's advocate".
Also, I understand the differences between fantasy league and real life baseball. For an example, in real life, I would rather have a team with several smart "small ball" NL type guys like Eckstein. But, in fantasy ball, I have to go with guys that pile up "numbers".
AROY
I want to see Tex play for the Yanks.To me it would solve the power outage from the right side and left side but not at the expense of Joba or Ian maybe Marquez or Horne.
The Yanks might want to take a look at Dan Johnson of the A's who's a fine player and is rumored to be on the block.He's 27.
Fair enough Nudge, and you are the master at playing the part of "devil's advocate".
Also, I understand the differences between fantasy league and real life baseball. For an example, in real life, I would rather have a team with several smart "small ball" NL type guys like Eckstein. But, in fantasy ball, I have to go with guys that pile up "numbers".
Rick,
That sums it up pretty well.
I think Cashman hasn't gotten that message though.
Sorry for the double post. Something is wacky with this computer.
Bomber
Yes, you have me on AR. And, I have acknowledged that and laid off his case. However, I am still reserving final judgement on how him based on how he does under the pressure of the post season (if we ever see it again). But, on everything else, I think I am on the + side.
Roy
Thank you for getting my back, but I can fend for myself on here. I have the FACTS to back me up.
Nudge
Love your post above about trading and "potential" vs "proven". EXCELLENT!
With the exception of Hughes, I don't think any of our youngsters are "untouchables", especially for a Teixeira (age 27).
Chamberlain and Kennedy have as much upside as Hughes.What has Hughes accomplished ? Kennedy already knows how to pitch and has proven to be polished beyond his years.
Of course all of this remains to be seen.
And at least Hughes has proven a little...at least 7 innings worth. But Jabba the Hut for a 27 YO all star is a no brainer as long as he doesnt walk at the end of the season.
There's the rub.
Boras has told Tex not to agree to a long term extension if traded.
So you trade "potential" for someone who's ultimate destination is unknown after 2008.
First of all that is all heresay. Second, 2008 is an eternity to get things done. Third, what is known about two AA pitchers destination in 2008?
To "not" trade a "maybe", for a proven, switch hitting slugger, that will fill a position that is killing your team, is a "no brainer".
We will all see how it shakes down in the coming weeks.
If the Yanks don't trade for Tex I hope you have the appropriate sedative.
The Yanks are not going to give up a great prospect for a "maybe" who is quoted and on record as saying he still roots for the Orioles and his family lives in the Baltimore Burbs and all are avid Orioles fans.
As stated in recent Baltimore Sun and Washington Post articles and interviews w/Tex.
I have to thank JIM A. for pointing me to these articles which gave me pause....
nope the yankees d onot have to give up promise for a walking player that is the other team raping the GM. Tina was traded for mid level players. I guarantee you if BC was GM jeter and pettite would have been traded and the people on here would have supported it. with such nonsense as Proven vs Quality and accepted a trade of Jeter pettite for Tino and Nelson. Bob watson was,nt hearing that mess, Jeter and Pettite at that time was the best of the litter. other teams Gm's pull the wool over BC's eyes quite often
Yeah and I remember A-Rod was all tlking about his NY roots before he signed with Texas!
Ruse
Roy and Nudge are right on this one.
If we were renting Tex for 60 to 70 games(guaranteed)...Than obviously you don't give up a good prospect like Chamberlain or Kennedy.
But We'd be getting Tex for those 60+ and a full 2008 season!!
I make that trade(Tex for Chamberlain) if it's availible then I sign
Zambrano or Santana in the offseason. If i can't get them I look for another big gun of which there will be many to pair with Hughes/Wang/Pettite/"The Shogun Dishwasher"
I'm with Roy and Nudge on this one. Tex is a young, Allstar, SWH who plays gold glove at a position that has been a sore spot for us. And, these kids might never make it to the big leagues????
ruse
He also wears number 23 because his idol is Mattingly, who could just very well be his next manager. Baltimore doesn't have a lock on this guy.
Rick/Commish
SOrry I forgot to include you in the previous post.
You too are right on this one and I believe if we were to tally it all up you may indeed be batting a formidable 750%
;-)
All of you would have allowed Jeter to be trade for Tino as well if this blog was up in 95, "wow a power hitting 1b great glove wow , the next great thing , yeah the Kid jeter is UNPROVEN trade him" Thank god for good GM's
Anon,
Thats why I dont expect the Yanks to get Tex. Its too obvious. He is claiming to have rebuilt a farm system yet hasnt shown any evidence of it yet. He is claiming not to mortgage the future for the present, but doesn't know when it is the right time to do that. In this case a 27 yo star for a minor leaguer that hasnt pitched a full season yet with a history of arm tendinitis and "good" not Great numbers at AA. I dont think texas would give him up that cheaply. It may take 2 guys. But Cashman is determined to not trade even when he should so the point is moot. 2 years from now you may be saying...what happened to that guy Chamberlain that we heard so much about 2 years ago.
Ever hear of any other teams hyping AA players as much as the Yanks do?
Cashman must "wag the dog", and get TEX. Short of that, he and very possibly the season are gone.
You don't trade pitching for position players, period.
TEX qualifies as more than just a "position player", and the "pitching" is a minor league question mark.
Nudge _
like i Said ONLY if he signs the extension NOW!
Primarly the Yankees Biggest cancers is the OF and Starting pitching we need three arms at least to solidify the rotation in the coming Years . people still factor in Pettite and that is wrong becasue he is only a two year solution or as of now a one year solution and if something is really wrong with him he is retiring after THIS SEASON. My cries to playing the youth is essential especially in a losing season this is perfect time to trial run these players to determine some how what to do with them.
you can give up more players lower than Chamberlain , Texas is a pitching poor team . I bet you if Gene or Bob watson was here Melky , Viz and or FOnz and a Tyler Clippard would be texas bound add in a few more ML's and you have a deal plus an extension. Texas is hard balling becasue of the AROD contract
Seriously, don't put too much importance on Teixeira's comments about Baltimore. Of course he was a fan of his hometown team. It would be strange if he didn't say he would enjoy playing there. Fact is, he's also said he would enjoy playing in New York. His family does not all live in the Baltimore area. His sister lives just outside NYC. His wife's family is from somewhere in the South, I think Georgia. And while Teixeira might think it would be nice to play in Baltimore, he's as obsessed with playing for a winner as any player I've met. In case you haven't noticed, it's been a long time since the Orioles' last playoff run.
You run a guy like Chamberlain out there against big leaguers, and he gets "knocked around", and he has no value. He gave up a run yesterday against minor league all stars. The guy is roughly the same age as TEX. You know what TEX has already accomplished at the major league level. Chamberlain has accomplished nothing at the same level.
KAT-
Thanks for the input. You know a lot about TEX, and his priorities.
again you trade for tex and he does ok but you have NO pitching. Listen man I'm not trying to see the 80's again when we drained our farm. then to sign Tex and still have the SP issue AND the OF issue. At least two OF's is needed.
We are not "gutting" the farm system by trading a 27 yr old, AA pitcher. The OF issue,(if there is one), can be handled thru the farm system, or free agency\Ichiro\Hunter\Jones. Money has never been an "issue" with this organization.
Anon
Rivera is not getting any younger this yr may be his last effective year.
We're all writing this yr off because logic and mathematics dictates that we probably should but what's lost with this years lack of postseason is the fact that when mo is no longer mo we're done for a long time. We'll have to improve to the point where our closer can be as good as everybody elses we've not had to do that in 12 yrs and i don't know how much that's gonna take nomsayin. SO if you can get there this yr without giving up hughes you do it!!
Texas is going to want more than Chamberlain ok so your going to ahve to give that up along with another Pitcher your 3rd best in the org. and a bat. since the team BOASTS about the ML pitching that is what is going to be wanted, right now Wang is the anchor with hughes (???) that is all right now you cannot count in Pettite and others. SO trade away your top two pitching prospects for a 1b then try to search for starters like carlos Z who will command big bucks and HOPE he comes here and if not you have a gaping hole in your rotation forcing you to REPEAT the nonsense and sign aging pitchers add in your closer may be done in two years your left with a situation, if you can hope for two pitchers to come out of the minors that saves you millions to properly fill your rosters all it will take is two trades to wipe the minor league system rankings .
Top prospects for Tex,
and IF Johan was made avail the twins would want the farm.
Michael -
There is no getting there this year this team would be bounced real quick becasue they are not consistant. SO I would not want to waste a pick (draft) on a failed postseason. Now if the team had started fresh talent in rebuild mode and they made it too the Playoff's then that is a different energy. Do not get me wrong I want tex but I'm not giving away my farm one pitcher is not going to satisfy Texas they want more especially after being reminded about AROD's contract
Okay Roy, so you trade Chamberlain and Kennedy for Texiera. Now how do you replace the pitching that we just got rid of?
Why has it been that the Yanks haven't won a series since 2000?
What were all of you screaming about during the off season? No pitching!!!
Now you want to trade 2 good pitching prospects, and yes, they are prospects, for a position player that will walk at the end of 2008.
Texiera's the greatest 1B to come along since Gehrig, Killebrew, Powell, Mattingly and Tino, huh?
Yeah, getting him is going to really ignite this team to play .650 ball or better.
Okay.
Hold on just a minute. I thought after all of Cashman's winter deals that our farm system was stocked to the hilt with pitching prospects??? We were even discussing how there wasn't enough room in the AAA rotation to fit all these guys. Why would it hurt so bad to give up 2 of them for a young proven Allstar 1B? There should be plenty of them left to fill our rotation out in 2009 and beyond. Not to mention that Santana will be on the market in July 2008 because the Twins can't afford him and the Indians Sabathia should be a FA after this season. If we can get Tex, we need to do it!
My guess would be Chamberlain or Kennedy, Tabata, and another lesser prospect would be enough. If we don't acquire TEX, and A-OPT walks at seasons end, we have huge holes at both 1st and 3rd base. Can you imagine trying to resign A-OPT with that scenario? TEX is crtical for this season and "08".
so you give up Chamberlain and Tabata ?? young (19) for Tex? ok. then you sign TWO pitchers and SIGN TWO OF's and have no clue as to who is roaming your field for the 09 and above season. yeah ok. meanwhile tabata at 22 is an allstar in texas and chamberlain is good. while tex is having a tex season but there is no PITCHING to support the team.
Texas will not get both tabata AND Chamberlain.
MICHAEL
It's not a question of being right or wrong.I've been talking up Tex before the season ever began.
I'd be greatly surprised if NY moves Kennedy or Chamberlain in any trade.If Cashman decides to offer one of them in a deal for Tex so be it.
Quote "My family grew up in Severna Park,and they'll probably live there the rest of their lives"Teixiera speaking about his parents. SP is a burb of Baltimore.
Who's right KAT you or Tex?? I wasn't talking about where his sisters live.
The absurdity of discussing trades that we as bloggers have no say in just makes laugh !
In fact NO team is going to give up their best knowing that this man may walk. so that reality may make Texas smell the coffee and deal LOGICALLY with the yankees
Nudge You are correct about Overhyped ML in behalf of the yankees in fact the only one I don;t remember being overhyped is Jeter and Pettite there was no BIG hype machine behind those two that I can remember
All,
Don't know if you saw it but here's an excerpt from an article on ESPN.com (Insider) about the Yanks Chamberlain: Sorry to cut and paste it but you have to have an Insider account to access it so here it is for free, on me!
From Keith Law:
Top Five Pitchers
Just a note: The stadium gun at AT&T Park was high all day -- by as much as 5 mph at times. Nobody hit 100, no matter what that scoreboard said.
1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP, New York Yankees: That's JAH-buh. Get used to it, because as long as he stays healthy he's coming quickly. Big, imposing guy with about as broad a set of shoulders as you'll see on anything smaller than an elephant, and big league stuff -- 92-96 mph fastball with an out-pitch 83-85 mph slider that had good tilt. His fastball command was so-so, but he really nails the slider. The one caveat is that his delivery isn't great, with some length in the back, some effort required, and a weird finish in which he pulls his glove hand in hard, and I wouldn't be shocked if the fastball command never got to the point where he can start in the majors. And I wouldn't be surprised if his stuff is so good that it doesn't matter.
JIM A.
Good article in today's NY TIMES by Tyler Kepner on the Yanks AA Trenton pitchers.It seems Joba throws 95-98 w/ ease.
Command usually comes w/repetition and experience.
If I'm Cashman, and I'm anticipating trying to get A-OPT to resign with the Yanks, I'm not going to go into those negotiations with a hole\no production at 1st base also. Cashman has to "buy" some insurance, and get TEX both for this season and "08". Having to replace A-OPT, and get a productive 1st baseman would be a nightmare.
Cashman did get a lot of pitching in the off season.
I just wouldn't trade the top guys (Chamberlain, Kennedy and Sanchez) for a position player.
Look, I don't know how all of you feel, but I'm getting really tired of trading young talent for rent-a-players.
There's 77 games left. I'd "sacrifice" those 77 games and see what happens in the off s