On the Yankees beat

ESPN reports that Wright will traded to the O's for reliever Chris Britton w/ cash involved.

What 's the background on Britton?

Britton is a reliever w/ a solid ERA in 50+ appearances w/ the O's last season. That's all I've heard. His ERA was in the mid 3's so that's not too bad.
Well, officially, we're down to Wang and Randy Johnson as far as signed starters goes. What's next? Padilla? I like him as a number 4 or 5 and then I guess they have to think about Zito or Schmidt for the number 2 spot. This is a little troubling since we're in need of at least two starters in a thin market. Wright gave it his best and was a standup guy it appeared so I wish him well. I watched many interviews with him after bad outings and he always admitted fault and took the blame for the loss- a rarity these days. Now he goes back to Mazzone and will probably be better off, as will the Yanks. Funny how Pavano is not even in the discussion.

Cashman is earning his "cash" with this and the Sheff move! I like bringing in the young arms , even if only one pans out , in exchange for an inconsistant(sp?) pitcher and a headache;):)!

I'm sold on Cashman's moves this offseason as well. We actually have 3 sp in Wang, Johnson, and Karstens right now. Dont overlook Karstens. He was solid and only stands to do better with time.

Another good move. Wright was not the answer from day one (not as bad as Pavano though). Any one of the AAA kids (Rasner, etc.) can give us what he did. Now, on to building a real rotation.

I was sure we would get Matsuzaka, but that is not looking well. So, we might have to take another route. We have Wang and Mussina will be back as well. Johnson should be back at some point and Hughes or another younster can fill in until then. You really don't need a #5 early in the year anyway.

So, what we NEED are two front end SP. The only hope I have is that we stay away from the NL pitchers. It is different in the AL. I personally like Lilly, he can handle NY and is a proven commodity, and left handed to boot. But, he is not a #1 or #2 type, so we now need a dominant pitcher.

I would have prefered it be Matsuzaka, but now it is looking like Zito. Forget Clemens and Pettite. I love Pettite, but their best years are waaaay behind them and why OVERPAY big time for a 14-8 record at best. We need to get YOUNGER. Maybe a trade to get Westbrook from the Indians?

And, why is there no talk about trading Pavano? At this point, it is almost impossible for him to rejoin his Yankee teamates. He is a running joke in the clubhouse and with management. The best thing for all concerned would be to send him to another team for a fresh start. You would have to think that some team would have interest since he only has two years left on his contract. And, if he is even thinking of staying in baseball for a career, he better start pitching again and soon. Let's move this guy like we did Sheffield and Wright!

I like all these deals so far with Cash doing a solid job. I agree with "don't forget Karstens..." I like Lilly as well. It is a regular theme with the Yankees, our pitching especially needs to get younger. BTW, this is a great blog! Thanks for keeping it up!!

I think Zito might do well for us, I just don't want to pay him #1 money. How about Gil Meche?

Not a fan of Zito because they'd have to give him a minimum of 5 or 6 years...never a good thing with pitchers. I think Pettitte is the best FA option right now because they could probably get him for 2-3 years. At 34 he isn't ancient and should still have a few good years left. Plus the questions of "Can he pitch in the AL?" and "Can he handle NY?" that follow most NL starters wouldn't apply to him. Not often a proven NY post-season performer is available...let alone a lefty. As for Pavano I don't think they'll trade him yet. His trade value is zero right now. I think they're hoping he comes to ST healthy...that will at least show other teams he will be capable of pitching...and they may be able to get SOMETHING for him then.

you mean we don't get to watch Wright run up 100 pitches thru 5 innings any more burning out the bullpen along the way? Karstens,Hughes,Sanchez are any way you slice it an upgrade over Wright.We need 6+ innings from the 5th starter.Kudos to BC.Yanks need to land 1 other quality starter.Lilly,Meche are not the answer.Lilly is injury prone and Meche is solid mediocrity.You would just be replacing Wright with a similar type pitcher. I believe Westbrook signed a contract extension w/the Indians,also why would the Indians let go of a #2 type pitcher simply because the Yanks come calling ? Mulder ,Zito,maybe Padilla,Schmidt being from the Pacific Northwest has mentioned a desire to pitch for Seattle,of course this remains to be seen.Mulder is a gamer and knows how to pitch and is fun to watch pitch .Sort of reminds me of David Wells in his prime ,works quickly,good control,pitches deep into games.Pettitte may have a bad elbow,and may have lost a desire to pitch.Zito is an innings eater ,has probably the best curveball in the majors,knows how to pitch.

With the current starters we have, "Cash" must have other "shoes" ready to drop. Cashman is shedding payroll, and adding good young arms. Adding any of the big name free agent starting pitchers doesn't fit this pattern. Trading A-ROD for good young pitching does. Matsuzaka is still an option till we officially hear otherwise. His salary per year would be cheaper than Zito et al, and the luxury tax would not be applied. Offering Adam Eaton an incentive laden contract would be cost effective also. Cashman has a plan that we are beginning to see unfold. We will know shortly if Matsuzaka is part of that plan, or leads to a detour.

I'm not sold on Zito. The Yanks must get a lefty in the rotation just in case Randy isn't ready from his back surgery but Ted Lilly or Andy Pettitte (if he wants to come back to NY) would be the better options. Take the money Zito would cost and spread it between either lefty and add RHP Gil Meche. If there's some leftover money, lock up Robby Cano long term.

I would like to promote the idea of trading carl-wreck pavano. it's not impossible. fact 1: he's going to give the yanks zero production anyway, so might as well eat up his contract and basically offer him for free to a team with a deep pitching farm systemon the verge of competing. my plan - the twins. they're amazingly deep and need a starter to contend without liriano next year. even if you get one of their 2nd tier prospects, like gamza, you're just fine. oh, and get rid of the losing mentality - get rid of a-rod!

Trading Pavano is useless right now. He hasnt pitched in two years. One they need him to pitch and second there is no way the twins want Pavano. The twins are looking for an ace not a reclamation project. Third there is no way the twins are going to trade their best young starting prospect for an injury prone. We might just get a bag of balls for Pavano.

The best case scenario is to have Pavano looking great in the spring and fighting for a spot in the rotation. Then, when it comes down to the last week in March, jettison him for whatever the Yankees need most going into the start of the new season. Offer to pay half of his remaining salary. Why take the chance that he becomes a rubber stamp of 2006 ?

Has anyone seen the stats on Rasner from the Arizona Fall League. I think he has a 2.84 ERA. The Yanks need arms who can throw innings i.e. strikes. Forget the broken down arms

Alot of you guys seem to think that Pavano is REALLY going to show up at Spring training AND actually look good competing for a spot in the rotation so the Yanks can trade him then! You guys are ridiculous.

My money says he falls down and sprains his ear drum muscle right before Spring training and is out for the year. Trade him NOW for that bag of balls. He is never going to pitch for the Yanks again and he is nothing but a big sideshow distraction, kinda like Sheffield.

I love Andy Pettite and never wanted to see him leave. He is also "a post season gamer" (unlike A-Rod) who can pitch in the AL and obviously handle NY.

However, he is not young anymore and he is injury prone. He has also logged an extra season's worth of games just in the post season over his career. He is clearly on the down side of his career and it doesn't look like he has the desire to play anymore.

For what it would cost, I just don't think it would be a wise investment. The same goes for Clemens. We have to get YOUNGER.

Rasner couldn't make the Nationals pitching staff so there is some worry with him. Karstens was pretty inconsistent last year as well. I know we all want the Yanks to get younger arms in the rotation but pretty much the whole team is old and built for a short term run at the playoffs so I don't see Cash and friends entrusting the season to a bunch of rookie starters. You can bet they will make a run at as many as two of the following players: Schmidt, Zito, Clemens, Pettitte, Padilla, Meche and maybe Mulder if he's healthy. They could also package some of the players they just got and go for Freddy Garcia. You know the Yanks don't hang on to young players for long.

We need an anchor for the pitching staff. Since Clemens left, we haven't really had one, though Moose and Wang have been great, both are perfect number 2s.

So, its pettite, clemens schmidt, or zito.

Schmidt - NL and injuries. Nope.

Pettite - Post Season Stud, but, injuries and motivation problems. Nope.

Clemens - Well, of course, but it's a short term solution. The guys the greatest pitcher ever. Yes - Sheff's gone, flex the payroll. Get him back

Zito - Lefty. 12 to 6 curve that defies the laws of physics. Though sometimes flirts with mediocrity, he is an innings eater who is NEVER INJURED!!! He's a 28 year old cy young winner. Get him, lock him up long term. He's playoff tested, and got the charisma to handle New York beautifully. He's played with Damon and Giambi before, and is a winner.

Give clemens 20 mill next year to start in April. Give Zito 75 for 5 years and make him the golden boy of the pitching staff.

Get those two and Bonderman will run home crying.

Clemens, Moose, Zito, Johnson, Wang. With Hughes and Karsten on deck.

2 years down the road.

Zito, Wang, Hughes, Moose.

Even without clemens, I think Zito is the mot important acquisition the Yanks can make right now. In addition to youth, they need team chemistry, and Zito is a clubhouse guy.

Do it BC!

I don't know about Mussina two years down the road when he's 40. Plug in Humberto Sanchez in that spot and you've got a good rotation.
While I won't be upset if they land Zito, I don't think he's a stud. He looked mediocre in the playoffs and the Yankees always beat him. His control is an issue and if his curveball isn't working, he has nothing else. He'd be a fine no. 3 on our staff but not the anchor. Clemens won't get through a whole season in one piece. I'd like to see Pettitte get the fire back and come back as a number 4 . Again, there's really no number 1 out there right now. Maybe Cash is brewing up some kind of shocking trade for a no. 1, but I don't see it right now.

Zito is 28,Mulder is 29 provided Mulder is ready to pitch by May 2007 the Yanks could treat him in much the same way they did Jon Lieber a couple of yrs ago.Give him an incentive ladened contract.Adam Eaton has done nothing to speak of in his career and is the same age as Mulder.Pavano is an after thought ,the Yanks will find a way to jettison him by the end of spring training.The Yanks will be rid of the Big Units contract after next year,which clears up 17+million,Mussina has agreed to take less than the 17 million this year with a renegotiated contract,they just unloaded Sheffield with his 13 million dollar contract.Wright is gone.The Yanks are beginning to free up enormous amounts of cash.They're headed in the right direction.

The Yanks have never cared about freeing up cash, there's no salary cap in baseball so I don't see what freeing up cash is going to do for them. When have they ever cared about the money? For example, this past season they could've gotten through September with Melky, Damon and Bernie in the outfield but Abreu was available even though it caused a logjam when Matsui and Sheff came back, plus Abreu had major dollars left on his contract and did that stop the Yanks? Nope. Saving money is not their goal, they just need to spend it more wisely.

Jim A

Very good observations! That is why Matsuzaka WAS soooo important.

This trade was another excellent move by Cashman. He got rid of a player he didn't want and continued to stockpile young pitching in return. I love the change in philosophy this shows.

Zito bested Johan Santana in 2006 playoffs 3 to 2 ,pitching 8 innings of 5 hit ball.Zito has pitched well against NY in the post season.Clemens 0-2 against Oakland in the 2000 playoffs with a 8.18 era.Zito has suffered lack of run support for years,something Pettitte always enjoyed while with the Yanks.Zito with the Yankee offense behind him would win 18-20 .He is one the top 5 best lefties in baseball.

Yep, a lot of hopes may be dashed if the Matsuzaka rumors are true. Rumor has it if Boston didn't win it, the Mets did with the next highest bid.
Not that I''m a sore loser but I hope he's a bust if either of those teams get him. Okay, I'm a sore loser. Like the late, great Billy Martin said: "Losing is a bitter pill and I've never been able to swallow it". RIP Billy!

I like Zito too. He's young, durable, left handed, and pretty darn good. I also like Lilly as a number 4 guy for the same reasons and he'll be alot cheaper than Zito.

For 2008 the rotation would then look like Wang, Zito, Mussina, Lilly, and Hughes replacing Johnson. Much younger except Mussina and balanced with 2 lefties.

Since we need a RH 1B that can hit and handle pressue, what say we consider Nomar?

I forgot about Lilly, I always liked him. If he can get his stuff under control, he'd be okay. I like the idea of balancing the rotation w/ two lefties. You can look at Boston's rotation if they add Matsuzaka and it is all right handed, which may be a problem for them.
I brought up the Nomar thing earlier on this blog. I agree, I like the idea. We'd just need to hold on to Andy Phillips because Nomar will probably do a little DL time.

Andy Phillips is OK in a pinch, but I can't see wasting a roster spot if you have a fulltime 1B and Giambi on the roster. Just keep Andy at Scranton until needed. I don't see him being the long term solution.

Nomar is great if he can stay healthy.His health is the issue given his track record the last few seasons,it would amount to a huge gamble.You could tell the Dodgers were a completely different team with him in the lineup.He is a clutch player. If he ended up on the DL for any length of time you would never hear the end of it in the NY Press and with the fans who tend to be unrelenting when it comes to overpaid under producing players.I think Lilly has been on the disabled list 5-6 times in his career and is a 5-6 inning pitcher at best,throws alot of pitches.Certainly Phillips is not the answer,his offense last year was horrible,and is only an OK fielding 1st baseman.What about Vicente Padilla ? Had 2 fine seasons for Philly in 2002-03,2 injury plagued yrs in 2004-05 ,won 16 games for Texas last year and remained healthy,pitched over 200 innings.

All of you people discrediting Andy Phillips are already falling back into your old ways of lusting for big name established players again.

Oh, how soon they forget...

I thought we were all in agreement that you don't win by stockpiling a bunch of veterans.

You seriously think the Yankees are better off with a strike-out prone, free-swinging, not very clutch, whiney Garciaparra?

Do you guys have amnesia?

Didn't you watch him flop in the final years with the Sox and the Cubs?

He has a good year with the Dodgers and you are ready to buy into it?

Besides, didn't we just finish watching a Cardinals team that won with a bunch of no glam, no-nonsense type players?

Ekstein? Suppan? Yadier Molina? Taguchi? Wainright?

How many of you people would have dismissed all of the above players because you didn't think they were the answer either?

Andy Phillips is exactly the type of player the Yankees need to win it.

He fits in perfectly with the other established big name egos.

He is hard-nosed. He is a blue collar type workman, who does his job with no of the field "drama" and baggage and if given a chance by this inpatient(and sometimes dumb) team and fans, he will be a pleasant surprise.

Last sentence above should read:

He is a blue collar type workman, who does his job with no off-the-field "drama" and baggage and if given a chance by this impatient (and sometimes dumb) team and their fans, he will be a pleasant surprise.

Yes, Eric...Andy used his workman-like blue collarness to compile a stunning .240/.281/.394 line last year. So, when you say "Oh how soon they forget," to what do you refer? People forgetting that Andy got his shot last year and proved that he has the plate discipline of a high-school sophomore?

I'll bet you were one of those guys who loved Bubba Crosby...then again, the Cincinatti Middle Relievers just gave him a contract, so...

Shortly after opening day Andy Phillips will be 30 years old. He's not a young kid and if it hasn't happened for him by now, it ain't happening. The Yanks needed him for his defense last year and he posted a .988 fielding percentage compared to .985 for Giambi, who is killed for his poor defense. By comparison Nomar posted a .996 fielding percentage, that's hard to ignore. As far as the open spots on the roster, I think we need a better backup catcher than we've had the past couple seasons. The dropoff from Posada to the likes of Stinnett and Fasano, at least offensively, has been too much. I'll have to look at the available players and pick somone, any suggestions out there? For the bullpen I like Justin Spieir(sp?) from Toronto. he can pitch more than an inning and handles lefties and righties okay. I like Vincente Padilla as a back of the rotation starter. If he hadn't had a bad car accident a few years ago, he'd probably be at the front of Philly's rotation.
It seems as if we're going to go through the season without a true number 1 starter but a rotation of Wang,Zito, Mussina, Padilla, Lilly doesn't sound awful while we wait for Hughes/Sanchez/Karstens. I'm not so high on Rasner though. For the extra OF spot I have to go w/ my heart on this one: Bern baby Bern.

Vincente Padilla is a head case-he pitched for the Rangers this year,never spoke to the media or his teammates,and hits batters at an alarming rate.He blew up in a big game vs the Angels and was ejected in the 1st inning,which killed the Rangers.Adam Eaton,another Ranger,cannot pitch in the clutch or under pressure.The last thing the Yankees need is Ranger pitching rejects!!!!
(I live in Dallas and followed them all year).
If they can't get Matsuzaka,
it won't be the end of the world-remember Irabu and Contreras.I think the Yanks need to get left handed,either with Pettite,
Lilly or both.Lilly loves the Yankees,his idol is Guidry and the Yanks never should have let him go,especially for Weaver!!
Bautista and Gil Meche are much cheaper and better alternatives to Zito-if you lay off his curve,you can kill his fastball as the Tigers did in the playoffs.
Not worth the money!!!
Mark Mulder had shoulder surgery and will not be ready or effective this year-stay away!!!!
The Yanks will pray Pavano pitches well in spring training then dump him asap.
Cashman is stockpiling hard throwers and doing a great job cleaning out the trash-let the O's have a 5 inning
bullpen killer!!

Believe me when I say I do not lust for a big name player.If Phillips could hit .275 and improve his fielding somewhat I'd say great,let's go with him.He could be a late bloomer,I'd give him the benefit of doubt.Like someone said he's 30 yrs old ,Torre gave him every opportunity to succeed on a regular basis and he failed,accept him for what he is an OK utility player.Giambi creates a dilemma for the Yanks,he's a dreadful 1st baseman,although he's a better hitter when he plays the field then when he is the DH.Check the numbers.Klesko is a free agent is a decent hitter and an above average fielder,Craig Wilson is a good hitter although he strikes out to much ,he's also a competent right fielder which would give the Yanks some flexibility.Watch for Mark Texiera possibly being traded during the winter meetings.The Yanks would be better served if they put Giambi at 1st which would allow Melky Cabrera and possible Bernie if he decides to return ample playing time,and then they'd have 2 very capable outfielders backing up the starting 3.The Yanks will never sign the likes of Meche /and or Bautista.Why are people on this Meche kick ?,he's not much better than Wright.Bautista? Wha? Any of you watch Nomar in the playoffs this past year trying to play on a bad hamstring? He's a great player when healthy ,he failed in Boston and Chicago because of injury ,which has been a problem for him..320 lifetime hitter with 2 batting crowns.

This is not be complicated.

The Yankees NEED pitching, pitching and more pitching.

They cannot depend on RJ or Pavano for 2007, as well as Mussina if he does not have a decent lead.

Bring on pitching , pitching and more pitching. ( OK you add NoMAR to play first just to irritate the RSN ).

Phillips is not the answer and I really don't see where Giambi lost the pennant for us with his defense. I know he is not a gold glover by any stretch, but quite frankly, he is MUCH better than Sheffield was in the playoffs.

I think if he has to play 1B half the time to make some room for Melky then so be it. He's not Mattingly, but I can live with him at 1B. And Melky is a far better player than Phillips, so the net lineup is better off.

I say sign Kevin Millar or Nomar for a couple of years to mirror the rest of Giambi's contract. They can play 60% of the time and Giambi the the other 40%. After two years, Duncan should be ready or the Yanks can sign a true and younger 1B.

Rich,Your right about Giambi,let him play the field allowing Melky 400-500 at bats. Millar? I dunno.Is Duncan having a great season in winterball or something ? Last I heard he was struggling at all levels with both O & D.

Ruse: I agree, let Giambi play 1B and get Melky involved more. Melky is far better than Phillips so it makes better sense for the overall lineup.

Giambi is not going to play 1st base...he is a liability out there. Matsui might be an option but i doubt it. I don't know how Joe is going to use Melky next season, but i hope he does more often than not.

Aaron, Torre will never put Matsui at 1st,it will never happen,I agree Giambi isn't the most graceful 1st baseman around,he has no range and shouldn't be allowed to throw a baseball.He does make all the plays he should make and he's great scooping low throws to first.It makes sense as the lineup stands now to let Melky DH it's the only way he'll get steady playing time.Let's talk after the winter meetings ,things are kinda fluid right now,I'm sure BC will come up with something altogether different.

All these idiotic past few posts since mine have pretty much gone back to the old days of wanting a proven slugger at every position.

Like I said, you people have thick skulls and nothing could ever penetrate, including wisdom.

I've argued all summer long for Phillips to play first base and now I have to go over it all with you folks.

Well, I'm not going to bother to.

Keep looking for the best bats for every position and you guys will find yourself back to this same situation next year: looking at another team winning the WS.

Dumb. There's no cure.

Eric ,Nobody wants an unproven .240 hitter who if he played everyday would strikeout 150+ times.If you look at the 1996 Yankee team they had Tino at 1st Duncan at 2nd who batted .340 Jeter in his rookie year Wade Boggs(Hall of Famer)Outfield of Paul O'Neill ,Bernie and Tim Raines all All-Stars at one time or another.If Torre new Phillips could hit .275 w/ 25 Homers and keep his strikeouts down and improve his so so fielding he would play.He is an over anxious type of hitter who constantly swings at pitches out of the strike zone,the only reason he played as much as he did in 2006 was due to injuries,If Giambi DHs where does that leave Melky? who is a better hitter than Phillips anyway you can cut it.Nobody insists that the Yanks have an All-Star at every position,I think your reading to much into it.Giambi has played 1st his entire career,he's not any less a fielder than Phillips.Check the STATS.Your right and the rest of us are a bunch of idiots.I admit I am an idiot!

I'm only going to go back to this one last time as I've already bored with repeatedly trying to tell you people why Phillips is better for the Yankees than of those scenarios you people come up with including the Garciaparra nonsense.

I'm not going to bother with stats. Good, bad or otherwise, the stats doesn't tell the picture.

I don't have to tell any of you guys that. Stats deceive.

A hard line drive gets caught, a checkswing bloop is a base hit in the boxscore.

Why rely on fielding percentages? Giambi doesn't get to enough balls to make errors.

Now, as for the hitting, Phillips will only improve.

He will not only improve but improve vastly.

You people are just so typical in that you look at someone at the start and you make an immediate assessment on them for the rest of their career.

Many players that have had successful careers had slow starts.

Phillips is not very young but that's because he was unfortunate to have played in their system while they were going through the Tampa era, where youngsters gets ditched for superstars.

That era seems to be ending as the Yankees seems to have learned a lesson.

That said, he is still young enough to give you a good 5-6 solid years (maybe even more) of .280-.300 BA, 20-30 HR, 80-100 RBI's.

How much do you have to pay or trade for to get those numbers?

For the last time, you can't judge someone on 200 or so at bats. Previously he didn't even get that.

If you guys remember, he was hitting pretty well before July.

I believe with the July trading deadline looming and all the trade talk, he pressed and tried to hit at everything.

If you know him in the past, you would know that he is a selective hitter and is going to hit.

All the Yankees need is to give him an entire full season.

And don't even bring up Torre.

This idiot of all idiots wouldn't know someone with good potential if it hit him in the nose. Oh...wait a minute...with that huge nose, maybe he will.

Eric ,the rest of us are wanted back on planet earth.Rumor has it the Yanks are looking to trade Phillips.

Good. I hope that happens for Phillips's sake.

He should go somewhere where he'll be allowed to play fulltime.

Stop the nonse, I really think that we should get Zito, and Lilly as well as Clemens or Pettitte as for 1st base leave Giambi/Melky. Also let Bern Baby Bern share OF with whoever they put out there