On the Yankees beat

Brain Transplant Success

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04E4D6173BF93BA25755C0A964948260&sec=&spon=
Came across this interesting article in the NY Times:

Transplant Success Reported With Part Of A Mouse's Brain

Makes you wonder what's actually possible if science were actually allowed to pursue this sort of thing to it's ultimate goal - the transplantation of human consciousness to a donor body, and not necessarily one which is the same gender - or even human!

Maybe Great Ted Williams brain can be in Sully Body ?

I have a question that maybe someone with a legal background can answer:
With Clemens having filed a lawsuit against McNamee last night, did Clemens just give himself an easy way not to answer congress's questions?
What I mean is now that there is a pending lawsuit, can he just sit in front of congress and say "because of pending litigation, I will not be able to talk about that"?

Frankly, I don't know what to believe. A couple of my impressions of the interview were:
* He had to know his name was in the Mitchell report, it was in the news before the report came out.
* I find it hard to believe his best friend didn't tell him he was trying something that their mutual trainer had given him.
* When asked if he knew about Pettitte using HGH, Clemens' eyes shifted and it was the one time it looked to me like he was clearly lying.

* He did make sense when he said 'roids were a quick fix and he would break down. I'm sure he wanted to throw Giambi's name out there as an example.

By filing a lawsuit, he has taken this to a whole new level and I hope he's ready for it. I never liked the guy, but I actually hope he didn't do it, wins the lawsuit and this whole Mitchell sham of a report can just go away.

YAWWWWNNN...sorry guys, wake me up when this is all over.

DRU, Jim A - Regarding your conversation a couple of threads ago about Gene Michael's view of the Hughes/Santana trade, I could be wrong but I think it was REPORTED that Michael was for the trade, I don't think that Michael has ever been directly quoted saying that he supported it, nor had he later confirmed that report.

Jim A, I share with you an enormous respect for Michael. If the trade does come off, I would feel marginally better knowing that he supported it.

Frankly, if Hal, the money man, remains opposed, it won't matter how anyone else in the organization feels (for better or worse.) At the end of the day, it would be really interesting to see how the vote amongst Yankee execs, scouts etc. broke down. That's were Hank's proclivity to talk so much might actually be very interesting.

Yanks61, Dru,
I just remembered where I got the Gene Michael info from. He appeared on Colin Cowherd's show before the winter meetings and said he thought getting Santana was the right thing to do. Then it was noted in the papers that Cashman was against the trade, while Hank and Gene wanted to pull the trigger.

HMMM..interesting. Im with Yanks61 on this one, whatever Stick wants to do, Im on board. I still dont think its a good idea if we have to give up Phil, but I trust Stick more than anyone else on the Yankee staff, including Cashman.

Jim A - Do you recall if he specifically stated he was good with Hughes as part of that deal or simply that he'd pull the trigger on a trade for Santana without specifying who should be in the Yankee part of the deal?

If this happens and the Yanks part with Melky as well (that’s another thing that breaks my heart!), then I suspect the Yanks will go after Cameron or Patterson as a short term solution to CF. But if he does reasonably well in ST, I would be in favor of giving Gardner a good shot at the job. I understand that he’s ML ready defensively and I love the idea of having a Mickey Rivers type (with a far better arm) in the lineup – eventually at the top of the order. Even if his first year is mediocre at bat, I think the offense can (excuse the pun) take the ‘hit.’

What do you guys think?

Yanks61,
No, he knew Hughes would have to be included in the deal. He did say that only one of the "big 3" should be included as giving up more than one of them would be too much, considering the contract that Santana would get.

Maybe we should go see a psychic and ask what type of career Hughes will have. I mean, if four out of five psychics surveyed say he should be traded, then go for it. If the answer is no, then keep him.

There's just no easy answer here.

Yanks, yeah I would hate to see both players go, along with two other Marquez type players.

Jim, you're correct. There is no easy answer to this puzzle. If you could see into the future 5 years from now...what the hell would we talk about on this blog?? lol Honeslty I was trying to figure out ANY other topic that doesnt include HGH or Hughes, nothing can come to mind relating to the Yanks. Lets hope all this non-news is a sign that the players are keeping their heads down and working hard with their trainers. I dont want to hear about any Aaron Boone pick up basketball game stories. ; )

Cant wait till congress asks Pettitte....when you wanted to use HGH, why did you think McNamee was the guy to go too? Was he a widely known distributor or did someone else with shifty eyes and a bulging neck suggest his name?

Ha Ha Ha Ha, 3 ears and pulling trains with your teeth. Great argument huh? After all look at all ,look at all those olympic athletes and WWE wrestlers with 3 ears. Its obvious isn't it? I wonder if Bonds heard his interview. He must have... even if it was on TV within 1/2 mile of his house......since he has 3 ears to hear with and all.

Don't challange the Rocket he is just tooooooo smart for the rest of us.

GOT SOMETHING!!!

Baseball America just came out with a Top Ten Prospects List for the Yanks

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/265405.html

TOP TEN
PROSPECTS
1. Joba Chamberlain, rhp
2. Austin Jackson, of
3. Jose Tabata, of
4. Ian Kennedy, rhp
5. Alan Horne, rhp
6. Jesus Montero, c
7. Jeff Marquez, rhp
8. Brett Gardner, of
9. Ross Ohlendorf, rhp
10. Andrew Brackman, rhp

BEST
TOOLS
Best Hitter for Average Jose Tabata
Best Power Hitter Jesus Montero
Best Strike-Zone Discipline Brett Gardner
Fastest Baserunner Brett Gardner
Best Athlete Austin Jackson
Best Fastball Joba Chamberlain
Best Curveball Joba Chamberlain
Best Slider Joba Chamberlain
Best Changeup Edwar Ramirez
Best Control Ian Kennedy
Best Defensive Catcher Francisco Cervelli
Best Defensive Infielder Alberto Gonzalez
Best Infield Arm Marcos Vechionacci
Best Defensive Outfielder Austin Jackson
Best Outfield Arm Seth Fortenberry

PROJECTED 2011
LINEUP
Catcher Austin Romine
First Base Jesus Montero
Second Base Robinson Cano
Third Base Alex Rodriguez
Shortstop Derek Jeter
Left Field Brett Gardner
Center Field Austin Jackson
Right Field Jose Tabata
Designated Hitter Bob Abreu
No. 1 Starter Joba Chamberlain
No. 2 Starter Phil Hughes
No. 3 Starter Chien-Ming Wang
No. 4 Starter Ian Kennedy
No. 5 Starter Alan Horne
Closer Mark Melancon

"The farm system has made significant strides in the last four years, with improved talent allowing the system's domestic affiliates to combine for four first-place finishes, two league championships and a collective .597 winning percentage, the best mark in baseball"

Yanks61

The Yanks could play any good defensive CF and bat him 9th and still have plenty of offense as far as I'm concerned. Patterson or one of the farm hands would be fine by me if we could get Santana. Like everyone on here keeps reminding me...the post season is all about pitching, pitching, and pitching.

If I had to choose between the two, I would take Corey Patterson. He's younger than Cameron ( 27 vs 34 ), strikes out MUCH less ( 65 vs 160 ), steals more bases ( 37 vs 18 ), has a better fielding % ( .990 vs .987 ), commits less errors ( 3 vs 5 ) had more assists ( 8 vs 7 ) and actually hits for a better average ( .269 vs .242 ). He will most likely be a cheaper option and has two years experience in the AL East. Now thats a NO BRAINER Rick...lol....just bustin chops my friend.

Honestly though, as much as I would LOVE Gardner to take the CF job in Spring Training, we would need to sign someone before we find that out.

I just read that Andy Pettitte hired Sammy Sosa's ex-attorney to accompany him when he testifies before Congress. I don't think Andy is going to be able to pull off the "I Sorry, my Englitch not so good" act that Sammy did.

Andy can't be feeling good about this, his choices could be:

1. Tell the truth and essentially wreck the life of his best buddy.
2. Lie to Congress and possibly end up in jail.
3. Pull a McGwire and don't talk about the past and end up a recluse.

Maybe Knobby can turn Clemens in (if it's true), nobody ever liked him anyway so it's not like he'll lose friends.

I wonder where Indisputable Facts is these days?

Remember that guy who kept saying stuff like "CLEMENS CANNOT SUE" because Mitchell and McNamee were granted immunity.

And he was not exactly pleasant saying stuff like "Why won't this sink into your head Sully" blah blah blah

I wonder if an apology will be forthwith

I'm just glad Indisputable Facts isn't MY legal advisor.

Just remember people, typing things in caps DOESN'T MAKE SOMETHING FALSE TRUE!

WHEN DOES THE MEDIA APOLOGIZE TO ROCKET? WHEN DOES THE WITCH HUNT END? HOW COME NO QUESTIONS TO BONDS, SHEFFIELD, TEJADA?

VERY PATHETIC.

Ace, did you REALLY just say there were no questions to Bonds?

Really?

REALLY?

Did last season happen?
Am I on Earth?

Did any of you listen to the press conference and the phone conversation between Clemens and McNamee?

Clemens is suing the trainer. Might be the funniest thing I have ever heard.

What is next, he will sue Piazza b/c he irked him and made him throw the bat at him in 00?

The guy is a liar and a cheat. Took him two weeks to say he was getting a vitamin B shot? Why not take a lie detecot test?

Him and Leyritz should throw out the first pitch for the bombeers in 08. Classy guys from a class organization!

Where have you gone Joe Dimaggio ?????????????

You have nerve saying anything you traffic grubbing whore! Go back to the Sux forums , thats if they will take your tainted @ss back. What a loser! You are about the equivalent to the drunk chick who has been passed around at a frat party!

Bottom line is this:
If Clemens gave Macnamee the stuff to inject, Macnamee can't prove that the stuff was steroids UNLESS he tested the stuff personally. That is probably why Clemens did not request Macnamee to do anything but inject him and is currently sueing him. Easy case to win, but will never completely clear Roger's name. Main difference between him and Bonds is Bonds said he did not know the stuff he was rubbing on was steroids, thought it was "flax seed" oil, but was steroids. Clemens flat out denies any steroid use.
Since ML baseball did not have these substances on any banned list, both Bonds and Clemens will not be kept out of the Hall of Fame.
Still think Grampa Mitchell's "Yankee Report" was not a report on baseball, which should have mentioned each ML team and all minor league clubs, down to Rookie ball. A report of this nature would have taken 3-5 years and would have been considered complete. Not like the slanted report our Bosox shareholder and employee wrote.
Where are the Red Sox players - Greenwell,Nomor, the "garbage" reserve outfielder who fought Sturtze, Fisk, etc?
Nice job, Grampa!

I watched Clemens' news conference and I don't think he hurt himself or helped himself all that much. McNamee sounds like he is a mess, but I just don't get why Clemens just didn't say "Why would you tell the feds I used steroids when I didn't?"

However, when Clemens kept saying he just wanted McNamee to tell the truth, I kept waiting for "Mac" to say "I did".

I guess Clemens came out of it looking a tiny bit better than he did before.

Clemens had to be very, very careful what he said to McNamee because McNamee is a Federal witness. You can't tamper with a Federal witness and suggest they say something specific. This is according to his attorney who answered that very question as to why Clemens didn't force the issue or try to lead McNamee in a certain direction. McNamee may not be lying but he may be mistaken and now fears making that fact known because of the possible consequences. Clemens asks the most compelling question of all in his interview. He says, If I did steroids, would the supplier please come forward. He's challenging someone to come forward and state that he supplied Clemens with steroids. No one is coming forward and McNamee is sounding more and more incredible while Clemens is sounding more and more believable.

Anon,
I agree, that's why I phrased the question that Clemens should have asked the way I did. A lot of people may have wanted him to say "tell them I didn't do it", which would probably qualify as coercion.

I saw where Clemens demanded that the supplier come forward too, but I dismissed it because he could have easily paid off his supplier to be quiet.

Like I've said, as much as I've always disliked Clemens, I actually hope he is proven innocent so the Mitchell report can be filed where it belongs- in the trash.

Is it me or did the guy asking for the "Sully link" admit he and some of his other insecure friends rapped a drunk girl at a FRAT party. Oh boy is he cool. Was there a kegger tough guy?

Please find out who that guy is and report him to the authorities!

No wonder he finds nothing wrong with Clemens and Leyritz.

Jim:

Even your question as posed would be too risky to ask. It still makes reference to the Feds and what McNamee told them or shouldn't have told them. Too fine a line there. It's not worth the risk.

I wouldn't suggest Clemens is paying anyone off. Again the risk is too high right now. By the same token one might suggest McNamee could have paid off by the Red Sox. After reading their fans comments on blogs all over the Internet, it wouldn't surprise me if that were the case. Suggesting bribes is really pushing it. It's just not something that can be seriously considered without proof.

SOMETHINGS REALLY WRONG HERE.....GIVE 'EM HELL ROGER......DON'T RECALL A LOT OF SPORTWRITERS CARRYING ON AS MUCH ABOUT BARRY BONDS, I FIND THAT FASCINATING. AFTER HEARING THAT TAPE, MY SUPPORT FOR THE ROCKET IS STRONGER THAN EVER

Clemens phone call/news conference helped him more than anything else has so far. Everything else is pretty benign. This at least has some teeth, well, a tooth. Seems to me that everyone and I mean everyone, involved in this is a liar.

ROCKETFAN, you ARE joking, right?

Wasn't the entire 2006 and 2007 season the public, loud and agonizing condemnation of Barry Bonds?

Didn't the press treat home run #756 as if another Kennedy was shot?

I am 98% sure you are joking, but that 2% is lingering.

In case you didn't watch a single sports broadcast or read a single sports section in 2005, 2006 and 2007... yes. There were some bad things written about Barry Bonds.

Next thing ROCKETFAN will write is "Did anyone hear about OJ and his ex wife? Evidently she died in some mysterious circumstances. Why didn't that get any press?"

As a show of unity this evening, let me bring up a topic that is not steroids related:

I am rooting big time for two players to make the Hall tomorrow

One Red Sox
One Yankee

Jim Rice and Goose Gossage

I want Rice in their so badly and I know the arguments against him and I don't care... I still want him in.

Goose belonged in years ago

I'm also rooting for Rock Raines, Jack Morris, Dave Parker and Andre Dawson... but I am not expecting them to get in

But man... Rice and Goose would be great.

A note from a Sox fan...
If Schraldi got that last out in the 10th inning or if Stanley struck Mookie Wilson out and the Red Sox won the 1986 World Series... Rice would have been in 10 years ago.

There would be a retort to the voters who analyzed his stats to death.

Yeah Williams and Yaz put up better numbers.
But the Red Sox won it all with Rice.

Alas an inning that had nothing to do with Rice has kept him out of the hall.

(And notice I don't blame Buckner. As I said before, the Buckner error is the most overrated play in sports history. The game was already tied. The play could not have ended the World Series for the Red Sox and it did not win the World Series for the Mets.)

But GO RICE
GO GOOSE!

It's a 1978 playoff reunion

Too bad the Mets smushed you and ripped your heart out. Go back to Fenway with therest of the garbage!

It's been three months and all we have talked about is Johan and steroids, neither of which has helped the Yankees! It's getting stale.

We might as well talk about the chilling Sibel Edmonds revelations in the London Times which threaten the whole BS 9/11 narrative (see Justin Raimondo on Antiwar.com), we could talk about the Iraqi soldier who just shot and killed a bunch of our guys while on patrol together, we could talk about the 600 Trillion derivative bubble out there in the netherworld of global finance.

All would as equally depressing as steroids and Roger.

Really, after he beaned Pizza, threw the bat at him in the WS, and then was arrested at his son's Little League game in a brawl, was there any question he had turned into MLB's Bill Romanowski? Our whole nation is falling apart, we could lose a city to a nuke (and New York would be first on the crazy people's list) and the Congress with absorbed with Roger Clemens. It's just not that important right now. This is 2008, not 1998, let's wake up from the dream world before we're blown out.

I just want the season to start, so there will be new topics to discuss.

Let's start with the best trade for Johan

Mets Pelfry, Mulvey, Gomez, Heilman, Martinez (*)

Red Sox Coco Puffs, Lester and Lowery

Yankees Hughes, Melky, Horne, Ian (*)

(*) or some combination

Cant wait till congress asks Pettitte....when you wanted to use HGH, why did you think McNamee was the guy to go too? Was he a widely known distributor or did someone else with shifty eyes and a bulging neck suggest his name?

Ha Ha Ha Ha, 3 ears and pulling trains with your teeth. Great argument huh? After all look at all ,look at all those olympic athletes and WWE wrestlers with 3 ears. Its obvious isn't it? I wonder if Bonds heard his interview. He must have... even if it was on TV within 1/2 mile of his house......since he has 3 ears to hear with and all.

Don't challange the Rocket he is just tooooooo smart for the rest of us.

You are all class Dur

Did you know my team has won twice since then?
It was in the papers

Or do you read the same sports section as ROCKETFAN who thinks that Barry Bonds got no bad press?

I hate this thing...haven't posted in two days and it says I posted too much.

ANYWAY for some PED free info

Baseball America released their top ten of Yankee prospects:

Joba
Jackson
Tabata
Kennedy
Horne
Jesus Montero
Jeff Marquez
Brett Gardner
Ross Ohlendorf
Andrew Brackman

a few interesting tidbits: Baseball America was very impressed with a number of prospects and two in particular who didn't make the list Damon Sublett and Abe Almonte were only left off because they played short season baseball.

Ohlendorf makes the list because, while as a starter he is a little shaky as a prospect, as a reliever he's got some top flight stuff.

I'll read more and post more (if the site lets me)

Sully,

I posted the following last week - aiming straight at "indisputable facts" or whatever his/her moniker was. Never heard back!

Just the Facts - if you are still around - you really need to get "YOUR" facts straight. There is a huge difference between being granted immunity from a criminal prosecution, and having immunity from torte or civil liability. The Feds basically told McNamee that in return for his disclosure of information, the Department of Justice agreed not to use that testimony against him in a drug distribution case. That does not, in no way shape or form, give him immunity from a civil law suit, under State or any other jurisdiction..

Asked about Scott Patterson being added to the Yankee 40 Man roster here is the response:

John Manuel: I like the decision and have warmed to Patterson, though I'm still not sure where this notion of 93-94 mph fastballs for Patterson comes from; one Yanks official told me Patterson was 90-92 at his best, 89-90 mph more often, the fastball plays up because he spots it and he has deception and a good angle. His curveball is his better pitch. Honestly he's got a lot of Adam Wainwright the reliever in him; when Wainwright was relieving for St. Louis he was 90-93 with the big, lock-up-the Mets slow curveball. Patterson has a bit less velo, more funk, good slow curve. I think he's going to be a good setup man if he continues to pitch that way, and in fact I ranked him ahead of Edwar Ramirez on the top 30. But he's not a power pitcher, despite his K numbers.

On Jesus Montero:

He has sick power to all fields but will be a below average catcher if he stays at that position. Think Mike Piazza without the .320 batting average.

Here are some Yankee Prospect Sleepers per Baseball America:

They have a lot of sleepers. No one has even mentioned Ivan Nova, I guess because he didn't have great stats last year. He's my pick to click for 2008, we'll see how that prediction goes. Snyder's interesting, so is Damon Sublett and Brandon Laird. Seth Fortenberry is a sleeper to watch as he has tools and some production despite some advanced age, and I'll throw in personal fave David Robertson, who had sick numbers and is another quality setup option who could help in New York as soon as 2008.

Chip, love what I’ve read from BA. The more I read about Cervelli and Romine, the more I think 1B/DH is in the cards for Montero. That’s not a bad thing since some outlets compare his power to Big Papi's. Two other guys that I LOVE! Robertson and Laird.

Laird dominated in his short stint, but will still be 3 years away from the Majors. As BA says, I think Robertson could make a splash later in the season though. He was a great closer for Alabama in the tough SEC. He also went from A, A+, AA in one season, compiling a SICK line.

8-3,,,0.96 ERA...84in...45hits...0 HR...32BB...113K...0.92 WHIP

Maybe a Joba like splash at the end of 08??? If not then he's gonna be in the mix for a top setup spot in 09 once the trash, AKA Farny and Hawkins, is taken out.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but in 09 we should have a strong RP core of young hard throwing studs.

Melancon
Sanchez
Cox
Robertson
Ohlendorf
Whelan

That’s not even including the young guys who are already here that may make an impact in 08: Britton, Edwar, Henn and Bruney ( all are HUGE fan favorites...lol..jk ).

Throw in other guys like Ryan Pope, Steve White, Christian Garcia, George Kontos, McCutchen, McAllister, Patterson....and we should have some SICK competition for the bullpen and the 5th starter next season.

Then FF another year and guys like Brackman, Betances, Heredia should be primed to make a splash.

Again, if we're lucky, half these guys make it to the bigs either due to injuries or ineffectiveness. Maybe 25% are actually studs. Still, there is power in numbers and if we can have 1/4 turn out to be studs, we will be set!!!

The future is bright Yankee fans!!!

So we have all these hotshot prospects and we're afraid to trade a couple of them for the best pitcher in baseball?

According to ESPN.com, Andy Pettitte is "undecided" as to whether he will appear before congress.

Two comments on that story.
1. Why do I have to read news about the Yankees everywhere but the NY papers?
2. How bad will this be for Clemens? It will be speculated that Pettitte does not want to contradict his buddy in front of congress so their could be more trouble on the horizon for Roger.

Yah but deep down 86 hurt you the most. Crushing!

2004 healed all wounds

Don't you remember how good it felt when the Yankees finally won a playoff series after the 2004 ALCS?

Oh wait

CONGRATULATIONS TO HOF PITCHER GOOSE GOSSAGE!!!!!

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rice got hosed again, but he got very close.

or in 2006, when the Red Sox made playoffs.

oh wait

Jim

Again, strength in numbers. I’d reluctantly agree with a deal that sent Ian, Melk, Marquez...whoever. I believe that is more than enough to have the "honor" to pay Johan 25-30M per year over the next 7 years. Phil is the deal breaker for me though. Phil is a guy that has #1 written all over him, even if he doesn’t reach those heights, what’s wrong with him turning into an Andy or Coney @ #2 for the next 15 years? I truly believe two things here.

#1 - Phil is a special player and will develop into an ace by age 24/25.
#2 - Whatever team signs Johan will regret it before the contract expires; there is just no possible way he keeps up this pace.

Some people bring up Pedro Martinez as an example of a deal for an ace that worked out. Let’s examine...

1st Pedro is a much better pitcher than Johan. Pedro was dominate from the get go, he dominated in the minors and carried that over to the Majors. Johan was such a non factor early on that he was picked up by Minny in the rule 5 draft. Pedro was 26 when he joined the Sox, Santana will be 29. Not a big difference you say? Let’s see…

Pedro had dominate numbers right away at age 21; Johan was getting hammered at that age and was sent back down to AAA at age 23. Johan then figured out his changeup, and took off. Only twice did Johan’s' K rate exceed 10 per/9. Pedro did it 6 times by age 30. You will also notice that Pedro logged tons of innings between 24-28

24 - 216
25 - 241
26 - 233
27 - 213
28 - 217

Much like Johan

25 - 228
26 - 231
27 - 233
28 - 219

At age 29, Pedro got hurt and his innings dropped

29 - 116
30 - 199
31 - 186

By 32 Pedro was not the dominate SP he once was. His ERAS climbed to the highest of his career at 3.90, but did get back to 217 in. The Red Sox claimed that Pedro was cooked and opted not to resign him even after winning their 1st WS in 86 years. Bad move by the Sox? Think again.

The Mets got Pedro at age 33 and he was terrific!

2.82 ERA...217in..but a closer look will show you that his K rate was at its lowest level in a decade. This was all while pitching in the junior circuit, AKA NL. That same year Pedro got hurt before the playoffs and was unable to throw a single inning for the team when it mattered the most. The Mets got bounced by the Cards while Pedro watched in street clothes.

Things got worse in 2006 at age 34, hurt for the 1st half of the year. He logged only 132 innings, 4.48 ERA, worst walk rate in over a decade and again didnt throw a single pitch in the playoffs when the Mets needed him most.

At age 35 in 2007, he logged 28 MLB innings, none in the playoffs again.

So what did the Mets get out of singing one of the best SP's on the planet at 33? Nothing.

Johan will be 29 this year, not bad age wise, but let’s remember the innings he's thrown. Pedro got hurt at age 29 and was never the same force, he didn’t log 200 innings for three straight seasons. When he finally did log +200 in, he had his worst ERA of his MLB career up to that point ( 3.90 ). Things only got worse from there.

So what can we expect from Johan who is not as good as Pedro was at the same age?

Pedro @ 28 ( the last year of his string of 5 years @ 200 innings until 32/33 ) had a 1.74 ERA ( best of his career ), struck out 284, walked 32, and had a 0.74 WHIP.

Santana @ 28 ( the 4th year of his string of 4 years @ 200 innings ) had a 3.33 ERA ( worst of his career ), struck out 235 ( lowest K's in 4 years ), walked 52 ( highest in 3 years ) and had a 1.07 WHIP ( highest in 4 years ). Oh and gave up 33 HR's, more than Pedro did his entire career.

What will

29 - @ 25-30Million
30 - @ 25-30Million
31 - @ 25-30Million
32 - @ 25-30Million
33 - @ 25-30Million
34 - @ 25-30Million
35 - @ 25-30Million

Look like for Santana? He might be able to continue his string of 200+ innings for the next two years, Ill give you that much. But there is no way from age 31-35, he will be anything close to what he was from age 24-28, NO WAY!!!!! Would it surprise anyone that when Johan is 31, Phil will be putting up better numbers and logging more innings at age 24? Oh and that would just be the start of his run. Those last 5 years from 31-35 at almost 150 Millions Dollars for a #2/#3 would be organizational suicide.

Please Sully....go back to southie and sip on more suds. It will take a lot more than 2 years to be close to the best team in sports history.!!!!

Just noticed your boy RICE did not get in again...LMAO

Another one of your childhood hero's that gets skunked.

Who is a TRUE RED SOX now??? In other words who out of this team that has won do you identify with? Who will go to the HOF and make you proud???? Manny will, but you guys have tried to dump him 3 times. Big Pappi....Sorry but 0 chance. So who is your guy?

You and your pale friends use to scream NOMAH's BETTER...How did that turn out? Or your famous one of Yankees S^ck. That was a great one. Have you ever heard a Jets fan chant of Pats S^ck ???? No, b/c we actually have an IQ and know our sports. NE is all about their teams ant THAT IS IT!!!

FACT: New England has the worst TV ratings of any other area except ALASKA when their teams are not playing !!!! FACT!!!!!

Dru,
We'll argue this until the cows come home, but I believe it is far more likely that at age 31, Santana will still be the best pitcher in the game and it is far more believable to me that Hughes would be considered a bust within 3 years than Santana suddenly forgetting how to pitch within that amount of time.

I only hope all the hype we've heard about Hughes is true. I've just been burned by the Yankee Hype Machine (YHM) too many times to feel 100% positive about it.

If you wouldn't absolutely jump on a trade for Santana that does not include Hughes, but instead has Kennedy, Melky, Marquez..then you are seriously under the spell of the aforementioned YHM.

One thing I haven't made clear is that I am very excited about the idea of Hughes, Joba and Kennedy actually becoming what we've heard they're supposed to be. I am in no way down on Hughes, I like the kid a lot and I hope he gets to stay, but if he turns out to be an average pitcher then I think the Yanks have blown a big chance to get the best pitcher in the game while in his prime.
Maybe I am just not a gambler type and I'd rather take the sure bet, but I'll be very happy if Hughes stays.
As I've said all along, the best scenario's for me regarding Santana are these, in order of preference:

1. Santana tells the Twins he will reject a trade to anyone but the Yanks so they are forced to trade him to the Yanks for a few lower tier prospects.
2. The Twins hold on to Santana and the Yanks get him as a FA (I absolutely do not care about the money, the Yanks have plenty).
3. Santana gets traded to the NL

Jim Baumbach is getting ready to appear on ch. 175 on XM Radio if anyone is interested.

GOOOOOOOOOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations, well deserved.

I AM UNDER THEIR SPELLLLLLLL.......LOL

Honestly I cant remember another Yankee SP that has been so dominate in the minors and showed flashes of that dominance in the Majors at 21. This is a unique situation, hype or not. Santana is going to break down, I think the Pedro example is key. Look at age 33 - 35, Pedro made 0 playoff starts and didnt pitch a complete season in any of those years. Those are going to be some bad years if Johan follows the same path. I 100% agree that Johan is the best SP in the league today, my worries are about tomorrow...I got 30Million reasons to be scared every year he toes the rubber. One elbow tweak and we are screwed. Again, we can take the hit if Phil gets hurt, we will be F'ed if Johan does. You're right though, we are both dug into our trenched on this issue, I see where you are coming from. Good stuff Jim!

By the way...is DUR my evil twin brother? Kind of like on Knight Rider when K.I.T.T's nemesis K.A.R.R came onto the scene.

DRU and Chip – Thanks for all the news on the prospects. There’s power in numbers!

I agree with DRU and Rick about Patterson as first choice if it’s necessary to replace Melky. I just hope that Gardner is in the mix next year as well. But I know the Yanks would not go into the season without a ‘seasoned’ option for CF.

DRU, great analysis, as usual, of the Santana situation. Jim A. I agree with you about him just telling the Twins “this is where I want to go” and getting him on the cheap (well in players anyway.) Like most fans, I could care less about the money, it’s the talent that has to go with the deal that I don’t like. Signing him in the fall without giving up a single player is the best scenario of all. If he falls apart (or simply starts a sharp downward decline) in year three, only money will have been lost and, as we all know, the Yanks print that in the basement at Yankee Stadium.

The Goose is loose! The best news I’ve heard in a long while. Rice just missed but I expect when you get that close you’re a pretty good bet for the following year. Except next year there’s a sure thing in Ricky – so will that detract from Rice’s vote?

Meanwhile I continue to get denied posting for having posted too much! My first post of the day Kat! Where did your techies get their training? They’d be out on their ear in our company!

Dru,
You can't say Santana is going to get hurt and avoid him because of that feeling. Who's to say Hughes doesn't hurt his arm trying to perfect one of his new pitches in spring training and is never the same again? Hell, any of them can pick up a box, hurt their shoulder and end their careers, but you can't predict it and use it as a reason not to acquire them.
There are plenty of pitchers out there who have remained relatively injury free throughout their careers.

Back to CF for a minute, if Melky is traded: I must admit I am stunned that Rick didn't bring up a name to fill the void in the OF until AJax or Gardner is ready: BER-NIE WILL-IAMS (clap clap clapclapclap). Hahahaha

Yanks61, thanks bud!

Kat, I agree that the system needs a major tweak. Looks like we continue to lose the regulars on this blog. I believe the people have spoken; the system needs to be fixed or nixed! Is the occasional spam worth losing your crowd? If the crowd is crying for you to play ‘Free Bird’ for your encore, lick your fingers and play the damn song!

; )

Jim I agree my friend, there is no way to accurately predict injuries. However what we do have is historical data. The vast majority of players who throw close to 1000 innings in a 4 year span, don’t project to be durable in the next 4 years. If you look at most SP’s over the past 20-25 years, there is a horrible track record. Recent SP’s are Mark Buehrle and Barry Zito. Now I agree Johan is leaps and bounds better than both of those scrubs.

Lets look at some aces who did this feat…

Randy Johnson did 200+ innings 4 years in a row twice in his career, he got hurt after each of those stretches.
Curt Schilling only had one stretch of 3 years at 200+ innings. Every other time he only had two seasons in a row of 200+. I didn’t realize how many times he was hurt in his career, looks like multiple times.
John Smoltz did it from 22 to 26, then got hurt at 27, took until 29 to get back to 200+, did it for another year and got hurt again. He actually kept getting hurt so they made him a closer, he got healthy again and now how gone 3 years of 200+.

From your camp, the best example for continued success is Greg Maddux, he logged 14 straight years at 200+ innings! AMAZING!!! I think we can all agree though that Greg is a 1st ballot hall of famer and one of the best SP’s of our generation, a freak of nature.

Could Johan go the way of the 90% that either gets hurt or has their production drop off? Or is he part of the small 10% that has not experienced a drop off or injury? I don’t know, cant answer that, but you said you’re a gambling man….there’s your bet….10 to 1 odds my friend. You’ll have to front 200M and the vig is your 1st born child ( Phil ) and your nephew ( Melk )…….

Jim A….Deal…or No Deal???

Dru,
I said I was not the gambling type, I think it's more of a gamble to stick with a guy we hope will succeed rather than trade him for a sure thing or as close to a sure thing the Yanks will have had since I don't know when.

I don't buy your odds that 90% get hurt or lose production. I'd say Santana will be very, very productive until he is in his mid to late thirties at which time any contract he signs with the Yanks will be over.
Heck, look at Mussina, who is not anywhere near as good as Santana. If the Yanks had acquired Mussina when he was 28, they would have been thrilled with him for his entire contract.

Howie, I'll take the banker's offer of Santana for Hughes, Melky, Marquez and some other guy.

Dont touch me!!! I love that Howie is a germaphobe and wont shake peoples' hands. I love when a contestant loses their mind and wants to hug him, then Howie puts out his fist for a "pound"..lol. I just want someone crazy to win the Million, jump on Howie and give him wet kisses. Would he cry?

Well Jim, looks like we are dead locked here. Like two old bulls butting bloody heads in a hot Mexican arena. Or like Andy Bowen and Jack Burke. Who are they you say? They have the record for the longest boxing match in history. It began around 9pm and ended the well after 4am, 7 hours and 19 minutes...110 rounds long that ended in a draw.

Good times Jim!

Good times indeed Dru. We may disagree (but not by that much as I waffle on the potential trade worse than Aunt Jemima), but we've always kept it as it should be: A good baseball discussion with good points and counterpoints. All that is missing is a couple of barstools and some frosty mugs!

I'd love to see some 450lb. sweathog in a full lather just jump on Howie and see if he runs off the stage screaming. I told my wife I wondered if they have to stop taping a lot so he can wash his hands. It's great stuff indeed.

This Blog has really gone down hill. I use to enjoy coming here to read a lot of good information. Great conversation. Now, we get a thread every two or three days. I know this is the off season, but damn. Guess I will have to go somewhere else. Peace

Bryn,
It's the damn security codes that are in place, they disrupt any "flow" of conversation so people are leaving.

WE NEED THIS BLOG FIXED!!!!!

Jim A. and DRU , you guys don't quit easy , do ya????? Hell that makes me wanna ride out the storm , so to speak.

To Johan or not to Johan , THAT is the question........???????????

Is Roger guilty or was he shot in the @ss with b12??? Not likely but who cares....

I see my nemesis and former friend Sully has taken a beating...life's tough , be tougher.

Lastly.........GO YANKEES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And DRU, I believe that the rounds were determined in those days, in fights like the one to which you refer, by when a boxer got knocked down (or fell down!) Not for the faint of heart!

As you've undoubtedly seen, Young Stein claims he won't extend Santana beyond five years. A deal breaker, or is Little Stein bluffing?

Boy, I sure hope the posting system gets fixed. Happily you, Jim A. and a few others are keeping it going.

Kat: please start up a new thread and remove this new system of codes. I haven't posted in over 5 days and still it indicated that I have numerous submissions.

DRU - By the way, I meant to ask this before concerning your post of 7 January at 15:06. Isn't BA missing something in their projected lineup for 2011? I mean isn't Posada still around in the last year of his contract? If so, I would have thought he'd be DH (?!)

Yanks, yup Jorge and Melk are MIA on that list. Looks like BA knows something we dont. ; )

SULLY & BOSSTROTS:

To explain the immunity question, many interpreted the report to read that federal government granted both Mitchell & McNamee immunity at the federal level. That means both cannot be sued at the federal level for any matter relating to the Mitchell investigation. Others have interpreted it to read that the immunity only relates to criminal charges and not civil charges. There are two schools of thought on the wording of the immunity and how it can be applied.

However, even if the immunity was granted on a federal level for any type of lawsuit, Clemens can still try to sue and the federal court would have to listen to the case to some extent (for justification). If you notice, Clemens sued McNamee on a State level but the case is being transferred to Federal Court because that's where it belongs. If the Federal judge interprets the immunity clause to read that it applies to any lawsuit, Clemens cannot go further with the lawsuit. That's probably why Clemens preferred to have the case stay in the State court.

To further explain, sometimes defendants are given pleas only on the condition that they can't appeal. They agree and take the plea -- but they appeal anyway. They're not allowed to appeal based on the terms and conditions of the plea bargain, but a court of law must hear the appeal anyway to consider the grounds for their appeal. They can't appeal but they appeal anyway. Roger may not be able to sue federally, but he is pursuing a federal lawsuit. It's all in the interpretation of the immunity clause.

That's a much different stance than your condescending stance you took when I said Clemens should sue.

I guess an apology from you is asking too much

SULLY:

I admit my responses to you could have been more tactful. I was more frustrated by Red Sox fans in general who have been relentlessly tormenting Yankee fans lately than I was with you personally. Now that my eyes are no longer seeing red, I do apologize for being a bit nasty to you merely because you're a Sox fan. I beg your forgiveness as one human being to another.

And I do hope this message gets through this Fort Knox security system.

You are a good man, Fact Man

And THAT is an Indisputable Fact

I wish some of the Red Sox trolls would understand that Yankee fans and Red Sox fans interacting should be FUN!

I will needle and post a snarky comment but being a Yankee fan doesn't make someone a bad person any more than being a Red Sox fan makes someone a bad person

Being a bad person makes them a bad person

Hey, apology accepted. Now let's move on with our lives