Wrote two stories for today's edition.
One story quoted Gregg Zaun's agent saying Zaun would accept a backup job with the Yankees even though a handful of teams want him as a starter. We'll see. Of course money talks, so whoever pays him the most certainly will have the advantage.
My other story dealt with the voting process for awards such as MVP and Cy Young. This is how it currently works: two baseball reporters from every city with a team gets a vote, but more and more newspapers have been pulling out, citing a potential conflict of interest. (Newsday allows its reporters to vote, but sports editor Hank Winnicki is quoted in the story saying, "It's definitely something we're reconsidering.") Click here to see what some Sunday morning readers think about the story.
Comments (6)
I like Zaun as the backup, good quality behind Jorge. He could fill in quite well for a long term injury to Posada. I liked him in our poll along with Hillenbrand and Lilly. The real question is 6 million too much or is Zaun using the Yankees. I find it difficult even for a small market team to pay 6 million over 2 years for a starting catcher at 36 and 37 years of age.
Also, I indicated if there are any stumbling blocks than move. The money for these FA's signings is in the monoply money stage.
zaun would be the perfect backup. at least he can hit and he knows the al east
Even though Piazza has trouble throwing runners out, I would sign him for $1 million+, before giving Zahn $2 million+ to play backup. Now that money seems to be a concern with the Yanks, it would be ridiculous to pay that kind of dough to a part- time player. Piazza would also be a legitimate power threat off the bench, and the Yanks could work with him during Spring Training at 1st base. We basically would get much more for our money with Piazza. We "passed" on him last year, and eventually had to trade for a back-up catcher. I hope we don't repeat that mistake.
Gregg Zaun would be better than what Posada has been getting for backups for the last few years. John Flaherty was a good handler of pitchers but no stick. Kelly Stinnett and Sal Fasano did even less. Right now, there's nobody in the farm system ready to come up. Jesus Montero someday but too far away yet.
We can thank the Cubs (singing Henry Blanco (35) 2Yrs, $5,250,000) for Zaun’s contract price. Zaun obviously thinks he’s better than Blanco so is asking for more. The Cubs have driven the prices for FA out of wack this off-season. Zaun and Molina (wants to be a starter) are the best FA catchers available so if the Yankees want a proven hitter/name brand then they should go after Zaun since he’s said to be OK with backing-up Jorge. I still think it’s a good idea to give Nieves a try though.
I read somewhere that the Cubs owners were selling or planning to sell the team soon. So all the big money - long-term deals they are lining up will eventually be paid by new owners. They are not concerned about the overall price tag they just want to make the ball club look attractive to potential buyers. The only way to do that is to win now and fast.
I hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!
Zaun is starter quality and as a backup with more games played because of his quality. Jorge can get the needed rest. In this situation Zaun at 6 million is not too crazy stupid. In fact Jorge can DH some to keep his bat in good order resting Phillips against tough righties and playing Giambi at first occassionally. Maybe Giambi will be traded for pitching talent. There are so many answers to the puzzle. BC must digest them all. This is another reason for so called inactivity.