E-Boland and the Bombers

Based on Kate's thread, It appears that our Yankees are in constantly throwing names around to improve their team. Now we are tosssing Giambi and Burrell names into the hat. This will bring about a lively conversation. It seems once again that Andy P. is holding up the Yanks. They won't move forward without his decision so not to create a media firestorm if they the Yanks move on without him. Placing either Hughes/Aceves or Kennedy in the 5th spot. Without AP saves 10 million an another 10 or so gives you Teix. If the Yanks want to save some coin they could sign whomever and save money with the younger guys in the 5th spot but with respect more so than should be is being shown to a player who's being given a golden opt. to pitch for the Yanks but doesn't realize it.

Another starting pitcher? Seriously? Heh.

The smart thing for the Yankees to do is to leave the fifth spot open & sign a hitter.

the Yankees signed arbitration-eligible starter Chien-Ming Wang for 2009. Wang is under team control through the 2011 season.

This is an interesting story and I'm not sure Kat has it right. The Yankees are never one to publicly acknowledge these kinds of rumors. My sources are split on this one, but it doesn't seem that far fetched.

Giambi? Really?

That will make Jim A's Christmas for sure. :-)

Just sign Tex. This team has no position players in the system. How many times do legit in their talent players like Tex come around especially ones who are gold glovers?

KO,

The Yanks could always trade off some payroll if they wanted a big bat and,say Andy. If they want to say at last year's number, they probably have room for the bat and Andy already.

Also. Brian Cashman has said many times it is his intention to LOWER the payroll, not "keep payroll about what it was in 2008".
They have really only spent 40 million of the 88 coming off the books. Add 25 for manny and 10 for Andy plus 5 million in other raises and that still leaves 8-10 million lower than last year. This is very doable.

We've already laid out the numbers. They can sign Tex and AP and still be under last year's payroll. Now Git-R-Done!!!!

you have to be kidding burrell and giambi......forget them they will not help at all

With $32m coming off the books in 2010 due to the expiration of Damon and Matsui contracts, why not go $16m for 2009 and $24m for the following 7 years, to get an average of $23m/yr. Throw in $250k extra to make up the lost interest on an after-tax basis. This works and it doesn't take too much creatively to get to $184m over 8 years, likely enough to win the bidding.

With $32m coming off the books in 2010 due to the expiration of Damon and Matsui contracts, why not go $16m for 2009 and $24m for the following 7 years, to get an average of $23m/yr. Throw in $250k extra to make up the lost interest on an after-tax basis. This works and it doesn't take too much creatively to get to $184m over 8 years, likely enough to win the bidding.

Spend $$$$$ on SP, and then denegrade the defense by
signing Burrell and Giambi. Yea, that makes sence. There
are portions of that story that just don't fit.

Somebody help me out....

I keep seeing people on here keep saying that Cashman/ the Yankees have said "repeatedly" that they would like to lower payroll, some even citing that they would like to lower it by 10%.

Does anyone have a link to article stating this?

Not trying to be wise, just haven't actually seen for myself anywhere.

sounds like maybe some truth in the story about Manny oe why would Hal even say anything? Then to throw out 2 names that have no chance on becoming Yanks just to cover up the real story...Manny is already getting in to trouble in Yankee land and he didn't even start yet....Manny being Manny...good luck with him.

Furthermore, Yanks will have to surrender a first-round pick in 2010 if they sign a Type A free agent NEXT winter, upon the expiration of Matsui and Damon contracts. If they sign Tex, they'd only surrender a 3rd round pick in 2009, since they've already forfeited #s 1 and 2 due to Burnett and Sabathia signings. (They do have a #1 and #2 due to failure to sign last year's #1 and #2.)

Phil,

It's not as easy to "trade off payroll" as you may think, especially given this slow market.

Plus, the guys who they'd like to sell to other clubs are older players that don't have much trade value.

Signing Giambi would be stupid and moronic because they already have a DH. The odds are pretty good that he'll end up in Oakland anyways.

And signing Pettitte is the best way to spend that $10M because of the 200 innings he'll eat.

Even a strong rotation can't have enough pitching because someone always goes down. It's inevitable.

liptowi,

That's not correct about surrendering draft picks.

Signing Teixeira would give the Angels a first round pick, the Brewers a second round pick for signing Sabathia, and a third round pick to the Jays for signing Burnett.

There's a rating system and Teixeira is the highest in the class.

MLBTR explained this very issue over the weekend:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/which-free-agen.html

Pls Giambi is history, Burrell is a non-starter.

I believe the major hangup between TEX and the R\Sox was
over deferred money. The Yanks may have to pull another
CC, and defer none of TEX's dough. TEX has been patiently
waiting for his free agency. He aint gonna short himself.

I don't know...

Don't see anything happening with Manny until Tex is signed, and I don't see Hal tipping his hand especially when he has a chance to screw both the Red Sox and the Angels, the Yankees' two biggest rivals.

It's more than possible that they could be close to a deal with Manny, and they've figured out that Tex wants too much, but I don't see it right now.

What the Yankees should do is sign Manny and then trade Matsui but sign Manny first so he has a legite spot. They should trade Matsui for someone like Gary Matthews Jr. to fill that CF spot. They would use Manny as the DH and send either Cabrera or Gardner to the minors and use one of them as a back-up.
This is how their line-up would look:
1.Damon
2.Jeter
3.Manny
4.A-Rod
5.Cano
6.Nady
7.Posada
8.Matthews Jr.
9.Swisher

I don't know about you but i think that is a really dominant line-up

What the Yankees should do is sign Manny and then trade Matsui but sign Manny first so he has a legite spot. They should trade Matsui for someone like Gary Matthews Jr. to fill that CF spot. They would use Manny as the DH and send either Cabrera or Gardner to the minors and use one of them as a back-up.
This is how their line-up would look:
1.Damon
2.Jeter
3.Manny
4.A-Rod
5.Cano
6.Nady
7.Posada
8.Matthews Jr.
9.Swisher

I don't know about you but i think that is a really dominant line-up

What the Yankees should do is sign Manny and then trade Matsui but sign Manny first so he has a legite spot. They should trade Matsui for someone like Gary Matthews Jr. to fill that CF spot. They would use Manny as the DH and send either Cabrera or Gardner to the minors and use one of them as a back-up.
This is how their line-up would look:
1.Damon
2.Jeter
3.Manny
4.A-Rod
5.Cano
6.Nady
7.Posada
8.Matthews Jr.
9.Swisher

I don't know about you but i think that is a really dominant line-up

Giambino!!!! Bring him back!! Hahahaha....

All this fuss about the payroll is killing me. They are the freakin' Yankees and we fans pay ridiculous prices for tickets now go get Teix and be done with it.

Good move getting Wang signed before going to arbitration- get some of the administrative stuff put off for a while while they work to shore up the holes on the team.

Teix and Andy and count the days until pitchers and catchers report. That's all there is to it.
The Yanks obviously adjusted their youth movement plans on the fly, why not adjust the payroll slashing for one more season? :)

2BackStack,

He said it with Francesa.

Scroll down:

http://www.wfan.com/pages/744503.php

Honestly, why would 1 year of Andy P, a 5th starter, be holding up getting a prime time young stud like Teixeria?

Which scenario makes the Yanks a better team in 09 and beyond...

1. Sign Andy and Giambi/Burrell for about 23M. Either of those bats coming to the team means Damon is in CF and either Matsui or Pat the Bat in LF. Pat is 32 and a career .257 hitter. Giambi is older, slower and will hit about .250. This scenario makes us older, slower and worse on D. Andy is a great Yankee legend, but is he a NEED for a 5th starter for 1 season???

2. Sign Teix for about 23M. Stick him at 1st for the next 8 years, improving our infield D and having a true #3 hitter..oops, switch hitter, pace our lineup for years. Leave Damon in LF, he's one of the best defensive LF in the AL, stick the speedy Gardner in CF and have him bat 9th. He will cover ground in CF, improving our D, and give the Yanks a dynamic base stealer in the 9 hole. Then for the rotation have Aceves, Ian and Phil battle it out for PT. Championships arent won with the 5th starter, last I checked, the 5th starter doesnt even pitch in the playoffs. This scenario makes us younger, faster, better hitting and stronger on D in the infield and outfield. Are Gadner or the kids locks? No, but we have to take some chances and Id rather take them on young kids than old broken down vets. I doubt our #5 starter and #9 hitter will make or break the Yanks in 09. To pass up on a young stud like Mark for these retreads is a HUGE mistake.

Sooooooooo, whats the thought process of going after Andy and Burell/Giambi???? I love Andy to death, but its time to cut the cord and look ahead, we've already paid Posada and Mo for services rendered, Andy is a multimillionaire because of the Yanks, we dont owe him a damn thing. I dont think their would be any backlash from the fan base is the Yanks said, thanks for the memories Andy, see you at old timers day.

This is starting to agitate me now, Kat is usually on point with her information, hopefully this rumor stays just that in the end.

hey guys i havent posted in a while because my cpu has been f'd up with this site but ive been reading every single post and following everything. The Yankees really need to sign pettite and heres why:
- they need to take advantage of the depth they have in the rotation and if they are shorted to four starters, that would basically counteract their strategy. In august, when the Yankees are playing the orioles and the mariners and the royals or whatever, and AJ needs a breather because hes out of breath, or he has to go to the bathroom, and the Joba rules come into play, Pettite can make a nice fill-in guy, and an essential "bridge" until the next time our big guns are ready to roll vs. Boston and the Rays.
-WE NEED ABSOLUTELY TEX! He is our #4 guy to protect A-Rod (WHICH IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY! LOOK AT 07 (MVP) HAD POSODA BEHIND HIM WHO BATTED .330) AND LAST YEAR, HE HAD AN ALRIGHT YEAR (FOR AROD) but was very vulnerable in big spots. Most importantly, he is our defensive gold glover. Cashman has said repeatedly Defense and pitching wins championships. We took the first step in eliminating Giambi, now let's go get Tex.
-Payroll is a non-issue. I am gonna play this out on the high side here: Tex ('09) payroll is $26 Mill (again jsut playing it high), and Pettite signs for $12 Mill (again just playing it high!). That is 28 million PLUS Sabathia and Burnett ($40mill). That is 68 million. This still leaves around 13-15 million dollars of payroll to play with. There is absolutely no reason this shouldnt be done, except for signing Manny to a 2-year deal and pettite.

Dru,
I'd be interested to see how much Giambi is asking for. I'd be surprised if he gets close to $10M per season.

DRU-
I agree with your stance on TEX, and your confusion over
the Yankees possible interest in Burrell and Giambi. That part
of the article was worthy of Peter Gammons, not Kat.

Signing Manny doesn't make any financial or baseball sense at all and that doesn't even include the baggage and clubhouse antics that come with him.

Not only would Manny cost close to $25M/yr - but add the cost of trading away Matsui (because they'd have to eat a huge chunk of his $13M contract to deal him) and you've got a helluva expensive player that really doesn't make this team all that much better.

If you've got Manny at DH - you no longer have Matsui - and Matsui is still a pretty damn good offensive player for this team over the years.

Granted, Matsui was injured much of last season - but here's a guy who hit .320 and was arguably the most dependable run producer on the team after A-Rod.

So ask yourself this question.......

Is Manny Ramirez really worth $30M+ more than Matsui next season?

Not a chance. The improvement would be marginal and Matsui has always been a professional and team player in that clubhouse.

Hank may not understand such a simple concept - but I have to assume Hal, Cashman and Girardi know these things.

This is why I don't it happening. Manny can stew and be a problem somewhere else.

Thanks Rich. I'll take a listen.

Somebody needs to keep score on how many players that
Hank wants, actually become members of the Yankees. The
guy says a lot, but very little of what he says, actually transpires

Jim - Id say about 8M for Jason, 10M for Pat. If Andy would sign for 10M, he'd be a Yankee already. He's going to look for 12-14, so combined we're looking at 20M or more.

Doesnt it seem like Mark wants to be part of the Yankees? The Sox brass flies down to his home to seal the deal and comes away empty handed? Every other time they jump on their private plane, they get their guy ( ie Schilling ). That speaks volumes that Mark really doesnt want to play for the Sox. I dont think he wants to play for the Nats or the O's, I have a gut feeling he's waiting for the Yanks to match the highest offer. I could be way off, what the eff do I know, but something doesnt seem right with all this. They let the Angels walk away from the table and shunned the Sox, does Mark really want to go to the Nats or O's after suffering on the Rangers for all those years? Cashman said that past mistakes would not influence his future decisions, that he has to continue "swinging for the fences" when people compared AJ to Pavano, but I think he's gun shy after the Giambi deal. He needs to look back a little further in history, but not that far. The last time the Yanks signed a 28 year old gold glove 1st baseman FA, who hit 30 + HR's and drove in 110+ runs the year before, it was the start of a dynasty. Forget the Giambino and remember the BAMTINO!!!!!!

WAKE UP CASHMAN!!!!

DRU

Only one problem with your post. AP will not be the 5th SP. He will be number 4. Joba will the number 5 due to his IP restrictions.

TEX is another TINO, except better and a switch hitter. Who
wouldn't sign TINO in his prime? Signing TEX is a very. very
easy decision for the Yanks. Hal needs to get his pen out, sign
the check, and give all Yankee fans everywhere a great holiday
gift.

Listen Viper I'm not saying Matsui is a bad player I'm just saying trading him away would give us a much needed CF and his replacement at DH is the best clutch player in the league and would give A-Rod some much needed assistance.Manny would also fill that confusing and undecided #3 spot which at this moment is up in the air and right now would go to Cano who isn't quite ready for that responsibility.

This is a total no brainer:

SIGN TEX and Andy.

Tex makes us younger and better defensively AND offensively for a long long time! Plus he's a quality guy who wouldn't fake an injury when the chips are down. I like how it screws the RedSaux too, 'cause you know they're not resigning Manny. :-) SIGNING TEX SHOULD BE OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY. . . 10yr $200mil !

Might as well bring back Pettite for $10mil + throw in some (face saving) incentives. You know at some time this year there will be an injury to one of our top guns and the added depth will come in handy. Plus, I could see Pettite winning 15 since he'll be facing the oppositions #5 starter every time out.

Then play Swisher in CF with Gardner as the 4th Outfielder/Pinch Runner/Defensive Replacement.

Damon LF
Jeta
Arod
Tex
Posada
Cano
Nady RF
Matsui DH
Swisher CF

CC
Wang
Burnett
Joba
Pettite
(Hughes and Kennedy at AAA for starter insurance).

Miranda
Molina
Gardner
Ransom

MO
Marte
Coke
Veras
Bruney
Albaladejo
Aceves (Swing Man)

(Edwar, Sanchez, Robertson, Geese at AAA for relief insurance),

Looks very solid all around to me! * # 27 *

Viper I agree with you on Manny and Matsui, everyone is writing Matsui off, but that guy is clutch. He's a fierce competitor and will be busting his tail all offseason to get in shape.. He's going to be motivated to go out on a high note the last year of his contract. He's the kind of hitter we need in this lineup, and a great guy in the clubhouse. When the Manny story 1st popped up, I was intrigued to say the least. There is no doubt the man can hit, but there is more to baseball than whats between the lines. The more I think about Manny to the Yanks the less I like it.

Rick...true, even so, we can work around that if we have 2 guys like Wang and CC who can throw 200+ IP. NO team in the entire league had more than 2. in fact, most had one. ( only 33 SP's threw 200+ IP in 08 ). Boston had one, John Lester. TB had one, Shields. LAA had on, Ervin Santana. WS champs, PHI had one, Cole Hamels. Did anyone think Lester or Santana would lead their teams in IP the year before??? Whats to say Ian or Aceves or Phil cant do that this year? Not probable, but possible if needed. We really wouldnt need them to do that with Wang and CC. We dont need sure things at every spot in the rotation.

As far as Joba and the innings restrictions for the #4 spot. Look at the IP for the WS champs

Philly
Hamels - 227
Moyer - 196
Myers - 190
Kendrick - 155
Eaton - 107

The #4 will throw between 150 and max 180. If we want to keep Joba in the 4 hole and protect his innings, it will be a lot easier when you have CC, Wang and AJ all pitching before him. In the beginning of the year we can hold him back to 6 IP max and piggy back him with a long RP like Coke. This will keep Joba healthy and strong for the duration of the year, not a bad plan for 09 and for his long term health. Then for the 5 have the kids battle it out. Did anyone think that #5 SP Adam Eaton would be a WS winner back in the spring? Where did Joe Saunders come from? How about Matt Garza? What about John Lester? What about Gavin Floyd? What about John Danks? Every one of those Sp's did nothing the year before and none had the minor league track record of Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy. Why cant one of those guys break out? Happens every single year, a young SP nobody though about breaks out after taking their lumps the year before. Its WAY too early to write these guys off. Lets give them a shot in the #5 hole. Hell I like what Aceves did last year, he doesnt have much stuff but pitches like he has two beach balls between his legs. Again, if the Yanks season is dependent on the #5 SP and #9 hitter, we have bigger issues.

Dru or anyone else who might know,
Wasn't there some bad blood between Boston and Teixeira from around the time he was drafted? I seem to recall some story about his being drafted by Boston(?) and then not signing with them for some reason.

I could have this all wrong but somethings stirring in my brain about it....could just be the gerbils running around in my head.

Alright so the new thread on the blog cut off my poll from earlier and I wanted to get to 21 responses (we were at 15) so here we are again. If you have not voted in this poll, please do so- here is the question:

Would you rather have Teixeira for 8 years or Manny for 3? You only need to answer either Tex or Manny- no caveats allowed please!

So far, Tex is kicking some booty- 15-0.

Peter,

How does trading Matsui give the Yanks a much needed CF?

You cannot put Manny in LF and move Damon to CF because large chunks of his offensive production would be negated by fielding probably the worst defensive team in the league.

Defense means something in this game.

Remember, last season the Yanks ranked #26 in MLB in turning balls in play into outs. Imagine how much worse it would be if Gardner/Melky/Damon was replaced with Manny/Damon.

Yuck. That's a freaking disaster.

And the whole argument about needing Manny to protect A-Rod is so overblown it's ridiculous.

A-Rod had a season for the ages in 2007 and the guy who batted behind him most of that season was Matsui - who had a relatively down year by his standards.

The fact of the matter is the offensive difference between Matsui and Manny is not significant enough for the organization to spend an additional $30M+ and have to deal with all the other crap that comes with signing Manny.

Teixeria would actually be a much more significant improvement for this team because of his own offensive production, the ability to keep Matsui in the lineup, and his defensive abilities.

However, and I accepted this a long time ago, I don't expect them to sign Teixeira because they already landed their biggest fish this offseason and they want to lower payroll.

I guess I answered my own question here- Mark Teixeira was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1998 (what a great year that was) but did not sign with them. Let's hope he's still pissed at them.

Viper if you read my first comment you would know what i said about trading matsui for gary matthews jr. and maybe some other players bec ause the Angels have a crowded outfield

Viper if you read my first comment you would know what i said about trading matsui for gary matthews jr. and maybe some other players bec ause the Angels have a crowded outfield

The Yankees need to wake up already, have you seen the free agents for the next few years? UGH! sign Tex & offer AP 5 million take it or leave it , AP has more than enuff money & should take one for the team & get a good chance @ another ring . WINNING IS EVERYTHING & SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY!

ONE MORE POINT I'D LIKE TO MAKE, WHY IS CASHMAN WHINING ABOUT KEEPING PAYROLL LESS THAN LAST YEAR? LAST TIME I CHECKED THEY WERN'T OFFERING LAST YEAR PRICES ON TICKETS! SPEND THE MONEY , YOU'LL MORE THAN MAKE UP FOR IT THRU TIX & MERCHANDISE!

Jim A.:
Tex.
At first, i would say Manny just due to his playoff stats and his feared presence in the order, but, he has far more worse things to bring to this team.
- another DH
- another EGO
- another slowpoke
- Will not improve DEFense when he plays Left
- Must be babied by the organization to keep motivated, and 3 years is just way too long.
- Tex has too many positives such as
-- assuming arod or tex dont get traded, they will be the heart and catalysts of the offense for the next 6-8 years.
-- Tex will round off a gold glove infield (assuming Jete dont age too much and Cano has a fire lit in his belly)
-- Tex is a great, great clubhouse player
--28 years old!
-- THE YANKS HAVE THE DAMN MONEY TO DO IT THEY KEEP PREACHING HOW THEY WANT TO PUT THE BEST POSSIBLE CHANCE OF WINNING OUT THERE. HOW MUCH MORE OBVIOUS COULD THIS GET: TEX TURNED DOWN 2 SUREFIRE WINNERS IN THE ANGELS AND BOSTON (1 BEING ON THE EAST COAST) AND THE 2 ONLY REMAINING TEAMS KNOWN ARE LOSERS. I THINK TEX IS CALLING THE YANKEES NUMBER AND BORAS CALLED IT LITERALLY. PLEASE GIVE US A GIFT! GEORGE WOULD HAVE GIVEN US A REST FROM THIS 2 WEEKS AGO!!!

To Pat Ward:

Agreed on signing Tex

With Pettite, they already offered $10mil. Why would he accept $5mil take it or leave it??? Just give him $10mil plus throw in some incentives so Andy can save face and accept. We know there will be injuries to one or more starters sometime this year and I'm not enamored with temporarily having mediocrity pitching in #4 & #5 slots. Been there, done that!

Apparently some folks actually believe that Boston is out of the Tex derby. WAKE UP!

I would say the chances are PROBABLE that he ends up in Boston. Disregard John Henry's posturing. Boston wants and needs this guy. If they miss on him, who are they gonna get; Manny???

yankeebaseball:
of course boston is not completely out of the running, but have made it clear they are not budging past a point and are (as Jim A. Pointed out) playing Scott Boras at his own game. I do think it is very probable he ends up there as Tex i dont think wants to play for a losing team, but i am really hoping the Yanks jump in and sweep him off his feet with a 8 year $185 mill offer

27MM in luxury tax, and these other teams have the nerve to complain when they get some of that money??? Geez.

Question, for whomever is willing/able to answer it for me...
I have little knowledge of this, so I ask, does the luxury tax officially count toward the overall payroll for next season??

Dave,

I have explained this to you fans a million times. Not one penny of the luxury tax money goes to other teams. It goes to the league to build baseball relations in communities inside and outside the country. You are not giving money to other teams so get off the victim horse. If you dont want to spend an extra 27 million.....lower your payroll as almost every other team does. It all within your teams control so if you wish to pay no luxury tax, don't plead for your team to pay whatever it takes to get a player you want. Its not a secret what the threshold is!

Heyman (though not very reliable) expects Tex to sign before Thursday and sees the sox as the favorite and a source that believes the yanks dont want to go above the 161mm they gave CC. ive heard the latter in previous posts as well though.

Jim A,

You are correct abit Tex was drafted out of High School by Boston but chose instead to attend Ga. Tech. But I don't about there being bad blood.

Peter,

Why would the Yanks be remotely interested in Gary Mathews Jr?

He's a 34 yr old enormous underachiever who has 3yrs/$30M left on his contract (signed through 2011).

Here's Mathews' numbers with the Angels the last two seasons:

2007: .252/.323/.419 18 HR, 72 RBI

2008: .242/.319/.357 8 HR, 46 RBI

Hell, the Yanks could save that $30M and get marginally better production out of Melky Cabrera:

2008: .268/.329/.374 8 HR, 37 RBI

Look, I understand the appeal to add a big bat like Manny and the giddiness level of sticking it to the Red Sox - but adding dangerous hitters the last several years haven't produced a single pennant or ring since 2003.

Pitching and defense has always been and always will be the key to winning. The Yanks actually scored more runs last season that the Rays - yet it was the Yanks sitting at home last October while the Rays won the toughest division in MLB.

If the Yanks want to win again - they need to pick up significant improvements like adding Pettitte to the rotation, improving the defense, and finding a solid bat when other teams are dumping salaries.

The solution is definitely not Manny Ramirez.

Viper, i agree it isnt manny IF the yankees do not successfully sign Tex. You say yourself pitching and defense. Pitching, once we get pettite, will be set. Defense, with tex will be dramatically improved and even become slightly above average, DEFINITELY WTHIOUT GARY MATTHEWS. BUT, if we do not sign Tex, then you would have to be an ignorant fool to think we dont need a big bat. We are LOSING Giambi and Abreu (close to 200 RBI and 40 HR and 175 RUNS! + These 2 were the patience and walks and OBP on the yankees lineup!) If you think the return of an old posoda and matsui can compensate for themselves and the loss of those 2 big bats (oo sorry, i forgot swisher), then viper, you are just plain ignorant. The Yankees need a bat, preferably Tex because hes in his prime and right now is an all around better player. But, if we dont get him, Manny is a must. Please reply on my opinion vs. Viper's.

Nudge, Jim A,
Not CERTAIN 100% because it's been quite a long time ago I read about it
but Tex is upset at Boston for something to do with spreading a
rumor (absolutely false) that cost Tex dearly in the draft or shortly
thereafter. Tex was so angry at Boston he refused to sign with
them and instead, continued with his education.

This is starting to get stupid easy ... just sign Tex. he solves TONS of problems. Then go to Andy and tell him we have the makings for a 2009 championship run. You want in AP? If so, sign this contract for $10 mill ... if not, thanks for the memories.

Seth is right , Losing the two bats combined is a drastic hole and trus t me Matsui is no longer the LF we think he will be . The Yankees hopefully can realize that players like posada / Matsui may not eb the same and should not mortgage their future on them. The Boy scout concept again can do more to harm the team, Signing Giambi over Manny makes no f**kin sense . if that is the case then trade Hughes or whomever for an established OF , the Biggest worry is Posada who before his injury was not awful but def not the best defensive catcher and trust me teams liek the rays are going to test his shoulder out

Here is a Job for some of ya'll

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Pat Burrell would be a great signing vs. the Mets in Inter League games ...

I don't know his career stats vs. the Mets but they are amazing!

We could sign Manny as long as he promised not to throw any 64 year old
ticket managers to the ground. (That was odd, even for Manny ...)

If we can get two more hitters we'll probably win the World Series ...

Tex and Manny and Burrell ... Ludwick or Ankiel ... any combo!

According to the 66 WFAN Website ... (2007 Article on line ...)

Burrell has done more damage this season, five homers and 10 rbi's in 14 games vs. the Mets, padding his overall stats to 41 homers and 102 runs batted in against New York.

Seth,

If you bothered to read my comment closely, I said they could use a solid bat and one will probably become available at some point when teams are dumping salaries.

Teixeira and Manny are not the only bats available on the market.

You are the ignorant one if you think signing Manny and trading away Matsui (not an easy thing to do) is going to vastly improve this team's offense.

It's not.

Nobody is arguing that Manny isn't a better hitter than Matsui. But is it worth $30M+ to sign Manny to be the everyday DH and pay at least half of Matsui's contract while he plays for someone else?

No, not by a long shot. It's only a marginal improvement.

Having Manny as the everyday DH might give them 2-3 more wins over a season than Matsui (a very good and underappreciated run producer in his own right), but signing Pettitte for the rotation and implementing a solid bat to play CF would probably give them 5-6 more wins.

And signing Pettitte and adding a midseason bat might cost them anywhere from $15M-20M whereas Manny would cost them over $30M.

This isn't rocket science. There's no question these other moves would prove more effective and would cost much less.

Again, for the third time, adding Teixeira would make the Yanks significantly better because it allows them to keep Matsui, add Teixeira's bat to the lineup, and improve their defense.

However, and I'll say this again too, I don't expect it to happen for financial reasons. They've already spent a ton of dough this offseason and this team does not have an unlimited budget.

Spending over $30M to replace a very good run producer like Matsui with an excellent run producer like Manny isn't the most cost effective way to improve the team.

Here's something you pro-Manny guys really need to understand.

Since Manny is a DH - they wouldn't be adding a bat to the lineup by signing him. They'd be replacing one very good bat with an excellent bat.

And there's no guarantee Matsui could be traded given his age, health, and salary. He sure as hell won't be relegated to the bench making $13M/yr.

But signing someone who can do more than simply DH would be adding a bat to the lineup AND it would allow you to keep Matsui as well.

And don't forget about re-signing Pettitte. His value is also underappreciated because he can deliver much more value to the team right now than the combination of Hughes/Aceves/Kennedy.

Pettitte got smacked around last year ... we can live without him ... but you know, we can't say for sure he won't have a solid year. I would say he's good for 13 wins in the Number 5 spot.

If we'd had Ted Lilly we'd have made the Playoffs last year.

Igawa over Lilly is Cashman's greatest mistake ... among many.

OK guys i know it seems like i prefer manny over tex but i don't. I'm just giving possible outcomes of what would happen if they didn't get him (I think he'll go for the money elsewhere). And I realized what i said about Gary Matthews Jr. was my mistake. I like Matsui the only thing is he went through serious surgery and his knees weren't even close to being in good shape. If you watched the games you would notice him grimacing around the bases and until i see him play again i still am catious and a little worried.

In late breaking news, the Yankees have signed free agent first baseman Mark Teixiera to an 8 year $178 million dollar contract. "Mark was the premier position player available and after acquiring the pitching help we sought, we realised that the opportunity to stabilize the middle order and at the same time improving our defense was too great a temptation to resist." One general manager, commenting on condition of anonimity, believes that the Yankees have now set themselves up as baseball's premier team for the next half decade, at least. "With that revamped rotation, solidified middle order and an already solid pen, they are without doubt the team to beat." The Yankees then completed a momentous day by moving former starting pitcher Kei Igawa to the Brewers in exchange for CF Mike Cameron. Igawa, who never really felt comfortable with the larger ML baseball, has been undergoing an intensive finger strengthening program, under the renowned strength and conditioning coach, Dr. Loti Tiquiri. Dr. Tiquiri stated that Igawa has improved his finger strength by a massive 37% over the past 10 weeks. "We opted against sending Kei to one of the winter leagues and instead decided to tackle the problems that he encountered with the American baseballs at the source. Kei has very short fingers for a man his size and finger strength is vital for ball control." It is believed that part of Igawa's salary for 2009 will be picked up by the Yankees. The Yankees have now concluded their most successful off season in living memory. They have addressed all of their weaknesses and should now contend for years to come. Ahhh, what's that ringing. Oh sh!t, I'm late for work.

Good to get some insight, but please, get an extra set of eyes to copy edit. It's really a mess to read and I'm not picky.

When I was a Yankee fan, the farm system provided the punch.
I saw Mattingly's first hit to Death Valley and Rhigetti's no-no
firsthand. Now you people think you can BUY the championship.
Try earning it !

Things could be worse. Now I'm a Cub fan.

When I was a Yankee fan, the farm system provided the punch.
I saw Mattingly's first hit to Death Valley and Rhigetti's no-no
firsthand. Now you people think you can BUY the championship.
Try earning it !

Things could be worse. Now I'm a Cub fan.

When I was a Yankee fan, the farm system provided the punch.
I saw Mattingly's first hit to Death Valley and Rhigetti's no-no
firsthand. Now you people think you can BUY the championship.
Try earning it !

Things could be worse. Now I'm a Cub fan.

When I was a Yankee fan, the farm system provided the punch.
I saw Mattingly's first hit to Death Valley and Rhigetti's no-no
firsthand. Now you people think you can BUY the championship.
Try earning it !

Things could be worse. Now I'm a Cub fan.

New day...new point of view!!!

Here's Baseball Prospectus' future projections for Teixeria =

2008 ( 28 ) - 102 Runs - 32 HR - 104 RBI - .294 AVG - .940 OPS

Thats not too far off from what Mark did in 08, Prospectus is always on the conservative side. So what do they project over the next 7 years??

2009 - 94 Runs - 31 HR - 101 RBI - 292 AVG - .940 OPS
2010 - 88 Runs - 29 HR - 96 RBI - .293 AVG - .930 OPS
2011 - 95 Runs - 30 HR - 102 RBI - .292 AVG - .921 OPS
2012 - 97 Runs - 31 HR - 101 RBI - .288 AVG - .914 OPS
2013 - 84 Runs - 27 HR - 94 RBI - .282 AVG - .892 OPS
2014 - 78 Runs - 24 HR - 87 RBI - .284 AVG - .886 OPS
2015 - 73 Runs - 22 HR - 84 RBI - .280 AVG - .880 OPS

Not bad numbers at all. Solid OPS through his 35th Bday. Thats a better 7 year run than Tino had with the Yanks, aside from his monster 97 year of course.

Ok so Mark is a very good player, that nobody can argue. So why are the yanks balking? We have to assume they have something else cooking on the back burner. Much like last year with passing up on Santana, they saw that CC would be available for just dollars the following year. Are the Yanks up to something similar?

We went over this a couple weeks ago, I believe Viper pointed out that the Yanks are going to be short handed in the OF next year when Damon, Matsui and Nady are all FA's. We WILL need a solid OF more than we need a 1B this year since we actually have a warm body with Nick Swisher, a guy who could do close to what Giambi did last year ( hit .250, hit around 30 HR ). So who could the Yanks be after? We'll there is a long list of OF's that will hit the market in 2010, here it is =

Rick Ankiel ( a Ant fav )
Jason Bay
Carl Crawford
Damon
Jermaine Dye
Vlad
Matsui
Nady
Magglio Ordonez
Sheff
Randy Winn ( a Chip fav )
and the cream of next years crop....Matt Holliday.

Even with the 30-40 M coming off the books next year, if we sign Mark Tex to a big contract, we will not sign an OF next year for another 180M, its just not going to happen.

So to piggy back Jim's question of Manny for 3 or Tex for 8, I have a question that may be a little more difficult.

Do you sign Mark for 8/180 this year or Matt Holliday for 8/180 next year?

I know that Holliday could be traded before the July deadline and sign a massive extension with his new team, but thats the risk we would take.

If Swisher puts up a decent Giambi 08 type of year, we're set. If not the following 1B would also be available next year =

Aubrey Huff
Nick Johnson
Adam LaRoche

None of those guys are game changers, but none would cost us what Mark would. Maybe next year we have Gardner in CF, move Swisher to LF, sign Huff to man 1st and bring on Holliday to play RF.

Gardner- CF
Jeter - SS
Holliday - RF
Arod - 3B
Huff - 1B
Swisher - LF
Cano - 2B
Posada - C
Miranda - DH

That lineup assumes much such as Gardner being able to lead off, Miranda being able to contribute and us signing Huff and Holliday, but its not too far fetched. Still, thats a very good looking lineup.

Maybe we dont sign Huff and instead go after Crawford and Holliday, leave Swisher at 1st and have Carl lead off with Gardner in the 9 hole?

Let me stop there and not get ahead of myself.

So again, with all things being equal, Mark Teixeria for 8/180 or Matt Holliday for 8/180?

For me....Matt.

Hey, I also was looking at the Tex numbers. Gound that last year while in Anahein he batted .358 but only .283 while at Atlanta. His power number were all UP in Anaheim and he struck out LESS per plate appearance too. All noticable differences too. How can this be? That inferior NL pitching couldn't possibly baffle an AL proven player like Tex. It been established by AL fans that the pitching in the NL stinks, right? So I guess he went the Clemens Bonds route to get those mighty stats against that shutdown AL pitching.

Nudge...I think you have it backwards, its the AL hitting everyone talks up. There is not doubt that the better SP's are in the NL.

Santana
Hamels
Lincecum
Webb
Haren
Oswalt
Big Z
Volquez
Billingsley
Cain
Peavy
Ben Sheets
Aaron Harang
Chris Carpenter
Ted Lilly ( just kidding..lol )

The AL cant touch that list..
Halladay
CC
Beckett
King Felix
Verlander
Ervin Santana
Lackey
Kazmir
Sheilds
AJ

AL hitting and NL pitching.

Aussie Gary! Thanks!! I read your post/dream through twice (very rarely do that) and enjoyed it both times.

DRU,

I don't think there is a big difference on average in either. These players change leagues so often. I mean look at the big hitters that have gone back and forth over the past 8 years or so.

Sheffield
Cabrera
Manny
Tex
Tejada
Lowell
Bay
Thome
Soriano
Guerrero
Beltran

These are All Star players that have changed leagues and sometimes twice. This is just quick off the top of my head so I don't see how you can hit this moving target of talent and say one league has better this or that. I think what gets lost is the ONE thing that doesn't move....the ballparks.

In the AL they are generally smaller and designed for maximum run production. In The NL they are bigger many designed for pitching. Now this is changing a bit (see Philly) but on average the NL parks are much more pitcher friendly than the AL parks are.

MLB is reporting that the Nats are going to up their original offer of 8/160 to somewhere in the $178 million to $184 million range. They also may even go to 10 years!!! WOW, good for them. That should blow everyone out of the water. With Teix and Zimmerman, they may have a decent middle of the order. Now if they could just get some pitching.

Jim A, I think you live in the DC area, any buzz down there?

Nudge, very true, these guys jump back and forth too often. All I know for sure is that the AL has dominated the All-Star game in recent years...go AL!!!!

DRU,

Also for clarity...it has been stated many times by various poster on this blog referring to the NL as AAA+. So what does it say that AAA+ has beaten the big league boys 2 of the last 3 times?

Someone help me out here; how can you project Tex's numbers for the next 7 years when you don't know what team he will be on? What talent will surround him? What park will he hit in, a pitcher's park or a hitters park? You can't tell me his numbers would be the same for the Sux and the lowly Nats. Strikes me as just plain silly.

If we do not add a bat, I have a feeling we'll all be talking in June about how the hitting "will come around." What is the organization's long term answer at first base? Nick Swisher? Is it really converting a catcher in AA ball to play first base? Anyone see Dayn Perry's article today where he chroincles not only are hitting woes from last year, but our poor defense as well?

I hope Cash knows what he's doing. Recent experience tells me that he does not.

Someone help me out here; how can you project Tex's numbers for the next 7 years when you don't know what team he will be on? What talent will surround him? What park will he hit in, a pitcher's park or a hitters park? You can't tell me his numbers would be the same for the Sux and the lowly Nats. Strikes me as just plain silly.

If we do not add a bat, I have a feeling we'll all be talking in June about how the hitting "will come around." What is the organization's long term answer at first base? Nick Swisher? Is it really converting a catcher in AA ball to play first base? Anyone see Dayn Perry's article today where he chroincles not only are hitting woes from last year, but our poor defense as well?

I hope Cash knows what he's doing. Recent experience tells me that he does not.

DRU,

In regards to the All Star game....it is an exhibition first....second there is that little requirement that all teams have a representative. So what you say....well the NL has two more teams that need to be represented....therefore the NL is forced to add two players that would not normally make the team to the roster simple to satisfy that requirement. Third is that when the NL was dominating the all star games....the AL held up just fine in the World Series. Remember those years in the late 70's when your team won? Well the NL was dominating the All Star game at that point.

I dont think that, the NL has some of the best players

Best Hitter in the Majors = Pujols
Best SP in the Majors = Johan Santana
Best Young hitter in the Majors = Hanley Ramirez
Best Young pitcher in the Majors = Tim Lincecum

All NL guys, and yes, two of the last 3 WS winners..

But we win the All-Star game...right guys, right??? ---silence---

; )

Free agency not the only way to acquire OF. The Yankees will have a ton of pitching prospects to trade next year.

michaelz,

The answer is....you can't! But that doesn't stop a publication from trying. It's all an effort to sell copy. If you went back and historically looked at the results versus the predictions on most of these baseball journals you would find an accuracy level about equal to a coin flip.

michaelz..oh you didnt know, they gut a chicken and see what shape the entrails form on the floor.

Geez, do I have to explain everything???

lol

Honestly, its just statistical projections based on past players and the current players performance. Basically, its the same process meteorologists use to predict the weather. And you know those guys are ALWAYS right. Speaking of which, what the hell does a 50/50 chance of rain mean? I could look out my window and say to you, "it may rain today, or it may not" God Im gonna kill my HS guidance counselor!!! WHAT A JOB!!!!

Here's the thing about either Giambi or Pat the Bat - neither one of them are good enough to displace any of the guys currently in a place that they would play.

Giambi's not a better option than Swisher at first or Matsui at DH

Pat's not better than Nady in RF, Damon in LF, or Matsui at DH (the only way signing him makes sense is if you put him in LF and Damon in CF and that is an awful outfield)

Another thing on Burrell - he strikes out a ton and goes on long streaks of ineffectiveness and the Yankees are already pretty right hand heavy. If you're going to sign a poor defensive outfielder who strikes out a lot - sign Adam Dunn.

On another note:

Bernie Williams made his winter league debut in hopes of getting in shape for the World Baseball Classic - who knows, Melky and Gardner struggle this spring - maybe Rick gets his wish and Bernie goes Boom a few more times in the Bronx.

Being a Red Sox fan, I would hate to see Manny go to the Yankees. As much as he hates Boston, I would think he would sign a reasonable deal just to get back at them. Tex would look great in Boston, but I am beginning to doubt he even wants to play for the Red Sox. I think Tex is more interested in money than winning.

DRU,

Whats more important than the quality of either league is the quality of the teams that the league assembles. If the best players are evenly spread out then the league is still even but the teams are weakened. If the best players are collected into 2-4 teams, you have a few really really good teams. The later is more the norm, but occassionally as the power bases are shifting it gets closer to the former.

All of you people are arguing about for nothing...i personally feel that the yankees should try and purse lowe and have a rotation that wont be beatup game in and out. This helps the bullpen out with innings and if you really want to...put Joba in the pen and make him the soon closer after Mariano is done. they would still have Matsui,Damon, Nady, and Gardner for this year and go after an outfielder next year with matsui coming off as well as damon. Pitching killed the Yankees last yearand as a result killed the 'Pen. They have swisher who can hit and play first anyway so what would you do with him if you get a Manny or Texiara? Hes a good enough hitter to hit 3rd and put Nady 5th.

All of you people are arguing about for nothing...i personally feel that the yankees should try and purse lowe and have a rotation that wont be beatup game in and out. This helps the bullpen out with innings and if you really want to...put Joba in the pen and make him the soon closer after Mariano is done. they would still have Matsui,Damon, Nady, and Gardner for this year and go after an outfielder next year with matsui coming off as well as damon. Pitching killed the Yankees last yearand as a result killed the 'Pen. They have swisher who can hit and play first anyway so what would you do with him if you get a Manny or Texiara? Hes a good enough hitter to hit 3rd and put Nady 5th.

Jewltt.....you want to sign lowe to a 3/4 year deal to be the 4th or 5th starter and bat Swisher 3rd???? Killed the pen last year? Our pen was the best part of our team?

Come on over and drink the Kool-Aid, its fun to argue about nothing for an entire day, then take the opposite stance to argue some more the next day! Gotta love the "Hot Stove"!!!

Jewltt.....you want to sign lowe to a 3/4 year deal to be the 4th or 5th starter and bat Swisher 3rd???? Killed the pen last year? Our pen was the best part of our team?

Come on over and drink the Kool-Aid, its fun to argue about nothing for an entire day, then take the opposite stance to argue some more the next day! Gotta love the "Hot Stove"!!!

DRU,

Nice weather analogy.

Chip,

I'll have to agree with you on the assessment of those two guys. But that says a lot about not only those two guys but about the place holders.

Swisher....3rd or 5th? Where? Williamsport?

Ted,
Glad to see you are keeping your head on straight. How exactly are you doing that....duct tape?

Dru- To answer your earlier questions: If I had to pick between Holliday and Teix right now I'd go with Teix-he hasn't been hitting in Colorado the past several years and he is a gold glove defender at a position the Yanks need to fill.

Also, there is essentially no buzz about Teixeira here in the DC area. I've read a short blurb in the paper one time and that's about it. It may have gotten a two second mention on the news one time- nobody cares about that team around here. If Teix goes there I believe he is making a serious mistake unless he is trying to go into the witness protection program.

Nudge,
Nice! I was coming up with something smart about Swisher too but you took care of it for me. The worst hitter in the majors last year and a guy who has played 40 games at first is NOT the answer for the Yanks.

I noticed the White Sox had Swisher at the 7th spot last year and over his career has limited at bats in the #3 hole. Mainly a 6th, 7th or 2nd hitter. Only in 2007 did he get many 3rd hole AB's

Nudge, that made me laugh. Swisher really is a nice fourth OF and occasional spot starter at first base, and nothing more. It's sad, because even just five years ago we would have laughed at the Yanks if they were looking at holding down a regular position with a guy like Swisher.

I really don't understand Cashman at all. It's one thing not to acquire Santana because you don't want to part with picks and sign a player, but Tex will cost us nothing more than a third round pick (the first two are gone anyway) and a bundle of money. I really thought Cash got it and was going to develop from within and sign those key free agents that fit when they become available.

Maybe he stil will. I know none of us will ever know what's rattling around in Boras's rather large dome, but what would you guys guess is going on; is he just holding out for top dollar (likely) or do you think Tex has told him that he really wants to be a Yankee?

Damn, I need to stop using IE, these run on sentences are driving me mad!!! Its making my poor grammar and spelling even worse. Back to Firefox, IE's been getting through on the 1st shot lately, lets see if it stays the same.

Jim, I cant argue with you there. I cant figure out what the Yanks FO is thinking? Its like I saw a bright metallic ball in the sky...was it a weather balloon? A plane? Venus? A UFO? An experimental plane being tested by the government? Im trying to come up with every single scenario possible, the waiting is driving me nuts! I just want him to sign somewhere so we can put this all to bed. If he doesnt come to the Yanks, I want the Nats to scoop him up. I think he a perfect fit for the Sox, great fielder, patient hitter and a team player. With Youk, Dustin, Ellsbury and Teix...thats a GREAT young core for the Sox and will be a hard team to beat year in and year out.

Jim A,

BTW thanks for that win over Philly. Good thing DeSean Jackson can't catch a football thrown right into his hands!!

Nudge,

Who would you rather play: Philly or Dallas?

michaelz,

Yeah Swisher is really not a very good day to day option. In fact I don't think i,ve heard of a young guy who plays 1B AND CF before. Kind of a weird combo.

DRU,

The site is responding pretty good today!
That ball in the sky.......Roger Clemens Butt Cyst!!

John Gmen,

Dallas!
Philly is the Hex team....that's why I'm glad Jim's boys took them out.

According to Tom Loverro of the Washington Times, there will be an annoncement about Teixiera today. He projects the red sox will get him.

My guess is that it's one more blow hard who knows nothing at all. If there is an announcement today, that doesn't bode well for the Yanks getting him. Maybe we can win with a firstbaseman sporting these numbers: .243, 18, 74

I can't decide if I am spot on or just another spoiled Yankees fan.

From ESPN, Buster.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3789581

===================

At a time when Mark Teixeira's decision about where he wants to sign is seemingly imminent, the Baltimore Orioles' negotiations for the free-agent first baseman appear dormant. The Yankees, on the other hand, continue to review their options, preparing for the possibility -- however real it is -- that Teixeira might make them an offer that they couldn't refuse......

The Yankees made an initial offer to Teixeira, a proposal not close to the others, before they withdrew their bid, and they have maintained contact with the agent, Scott Boras. Three years ago, Carlos Beltran was a free agent, and near the end of his negotiations with the Mets, he offered to sign with the Yankees for a six-year, $96 million deal, or more than $20 million less than what the Mets had offered. The Yankees declined the proposal.

With Teixeira's negotiations with the Red Sox last week, in the failed meeting between the team executives and the player, the Yankees are at least preparing for the possibility that they will be presented with a set of parameters by Teixeira that would bring him to New York. If the first baseman gives the Yankees contract figures that absolutely would result in him signing with the Yankees, they want to be ready to respond....

===================

My god, Im going to throw up if something doesnt happen soon.

michaelz,

There is nothing spoiled about being disappointed IF your team didn't get a good player. Spoiled if when you whine and complain and stomp around IF you don't get him.

Follow the Buddhist Principal of "Acceptance". and you will find peace!

Nudge,

I think that the Jints can beat either one of them, but Dallas' pass rush can be a problem. They are one Blitz happy bunch and Phillips is now calling the defensive plays.

Part of me wants another crack at Philly and pound them into the turf.

I hope that I get to see the Philly/Dallas game out here. I know for sure that the Cardinals are going to be on because they're at home this week. When they're home and on TV, they're the only game on. I also want to see the Miami/Jet game.

"Buddhist Principal of Acceptance?".

When did you become "One with the Universe"?

Of course we can win with a first baseman sporting those numbers. Didn't we win a few championships with guys like Scott Brosius, Charlie Hayes, Shane Spencer, Chad Curtis, et al, manning various positions. It was that all star at every position mentality that led us to where we are now. So yes, we could certainly win with Nick Swisher at first base. Heck, we could probably win with Steve Swisher who played in the 70s at first. Pitching and defense and clutch hitting.

Jim A, IRT your post from the prev thread, MANNY!!!!

Of course we can win with a first baseman sporting those numbers. Didn't we win a few championships with guys like Scott Brosius, Charlie Hayes, Shane Spencer, Chad Curtis, et al, manning various positions. It was that all star at every position mentality that led us to where we are now. So yes, we could certainly win with Nick Swisher at first base. Heck, we could probably win with Steve Swisher who played in the 70s at first. Pitching and defense and clutch hitting.

Jim A, IRT your post from the prev thread, MANNY!!!!

Boss, I said that half in jest. I have been on this board for years claiming that you don't need an all-star at every position and chiding others espousing that point of view. The problem is that we have no center fielder, an aging shorstop, a stud third-baseman who can't hit when it matters, two aging left-fielders (one that throws like a girl), a soon to be 40 year old catcher, and a slump-prone hacker at second base, AND statistically the worst offensive firstbaseman in all of baseball (at least judging by last year's numbers). That motley crew only scored 689 runs, and now we know that Giambi and Abreu will not be back.

You are right, we won with brosius. We also had Bernie, Tino, and Pauly in their primes, and that's the difference.

Whoa...I did not post the above comment attributed to me about "my sources" and blah blah blah. Looks like anyone can assume any name in the comments here.

The Yankees owe MLB a $26.9 million in payroll luxury tax by the end of next month according to the Associated Press.

The threshold in 2008 was $155 million. The Yankees had a 40-man roster payroll of $222.2 million and had to pay 40 percent on the $67.2 million they were over. The threshold for 2009 is $162 million. The Yankees are already at roughly $164 million for 15 players, so any dollar they spend from now on is really $1.40.

Andy Pettitte, Xavier Nady and Brian Bruney will cost roughly $16 million. Then the Yankees will have seven 0-3 service time players to sign. That’ll cost another $3-4 million.

So while it’s easy to say, “Go get Manny or Tex,” the reality is that a $150 million deal for Mark Teixeira is really a $210 million deal.

At some point, that’s actual money.

Please, the Yanks can afford to go a little bit up for ONE SEASON to bring Pettitte back AND bring Tex (oh please let it happen!) or Manny in.