On the Yankees beat

Thanks for the info Kat.
Looks like Torre made the right decisions. Although, still not sure about the backup catcher situation. Of course, this could change as the year goes on. Remember, last year they started with Kelly Stinnet and he got run out of town.

Villone to stay with Yankees

QUOTE
http://yankees.lohudblogs.com/

Indications are that the Yankees are trying to find a way to keep LHP Ron Villone. I asked Torre whether he would become a free agent and he said not to assume anything.

The Yankees seem to be trying to convince Villone to pitch for Class AAA Scranton.

He has an out in his contract giving him free agency if he doesn’t make the team. Villone probably needs to see if he has any other options before deciding whether to stick with the Yankees.

Boston Herald Tony Massaroti breaksdown the Redsox payroll for 2007

http://redsox.bostonherald.com/redSox/view.bg?articleid=191789&format=&page=1

[QUOTE]As far as Major League Baseball is concerned, the only number that really matters is the one used to determine the collective bargaining (or luxury) tax, also known as the CBT. That calculation is also of great importance to the Red Sox, who will have to pay a tax of 40 percent on every dollar they spend over this year’s threshold of $148 million.

So what will the final number be? That all depends on whatever changes and acquisitions the Sox make during the season, though in a place like Boston, the number almost never goes down. As things stand, the Sox will open the 2007 season with a payroll of just less than $160 million, roughly $12 million over the threshold. The 40 percent tax on that $12 million will cost them another $4.8 million.

The bottom line? As things stand, the Sox essentially have player costs of $165 million, the largest amount in team history. [/QUOTE]

The Red Sox will end up paying close to $165M after the luxury tax hit. Meanwhile the Yankees payroll going down and The Redsox are payroll going up. It's looks like both teams are in same playing field.. I don't want to hear Redsox Fans complains anymore about the Yankees Payroll and how they spend..

I predicted Nieves would get the back-up catcher spot, and you "know it alls" threw in with Pratt. Pratt lost the job the day he let Karstens stay out there with a "bum wing". Torre expects whoever is catching, to be in charge of the game, and the health of the pitcher. This allows Joe to catch some zzzz's.

Why Nieves?

Wow Gia is one "mouthy" classless young lady.
I don't care if he cheated she doesn't have to embarrass herself and him by blabbing about it.

A note to my 07 Cy Young Winner...

You can't date morons Carl!!! Well you can but you need to be a little less Bill Clinton and a little more JFK with your extra curricular indiscretions.

Rick

It's not just money Rick have you seen this guys pedigee?

Let's just say that if Carl has a Milkshake...

"It brings all the girls to yard"LOL

It's pretty good to be Colin Farell and it ain't bad being Carl Pavano nomsayin?

Phucker

I here ya, but give me the $40 mil and I'll show you the chicks!

Maybe Carl should talk to his shortstop about how to "enjoy" the "perks" and how to keep such activities off the front pages.

Rick

Nice Abreu heist.

I didn't congratulate you while it was still pending cause I was hoping it might get voted down and I could get another stab at Dice-K but now I can say Well Done. :)

Roy: I never felt strongly one way or another re:Pratt/Nieves...the only thing Pratt had going for him was being a career backup /w some pop.Nieves has done absolutely nothing at the ML level...Is this the best the Yanks can do ?...

I think the shortstop could teach Carl alot of things.

I hear the "Casual Observer" likes Pavano too.

Phucker

I wouldn't exactly call it a "heist". I did give up a guy who COULD be a Cy Young candidate PLUS another solid SP. I guess, like all trades, it all depends on each teams needs. It was worth it to me though.

I have a question ! Going into the season is there any 1 regret during this past offseason regarding player transactions...I for one think the Yanks should have gone after Barry Zito,he's only 28 ,is serious about his craft,and would have possible set the Yanks up for the future w/ Wang and the subsequent retiring of Pettitte and Mussina...now the Yanks are relying on "Prospects" and eventually be forced to compete on the FA market for a Ace-type starter.

Rick

Don't get me wrong I don't think it was a heist on paper...However I think it will turn out to be one. According to my projections and I could be wrong I have Abreu doing wonderful things this year. I could see a 110 38 120 30 for him with the porch in right field and a whole season yankee.

RICK-
Think of this trade everytime you look at your team ERA and WHIP. Remember, offense you can "piece meal" together. Pitching you can't.

Phuck

That's what I'm banking on...a full year of batting 3rd for the NY Yankees. And, he's sorta playing for a contract too.

Roy

I realize that, but I have a plan for "piece mealing" the pitching, and all I want to do is win 7 of the 12 categories each week. I am conceding the ERA and WHIP to some extent. This is my first time with this type of league and I'm sure I have alot of learning to do as the weeks go on.

With the continued development of Robinson Cano ,the Yanks might be willing to part company w/ Abreu ,possibly trade him for a 1st or 3rd baseman ,depending on what the future holds for A-ROD and then sign Ichiro

Ruse

I think once we lost Dice-K we had an uphill battle ahead of us but when we lost him to none other than our Division rival we had and still have a potential catastrophe.

Zito for that kinda money is sorta crazy even for the mighty evil empire. I've never liked him personally but youre right he could've been a nice addition.
Like a really good #3 or 4 to pair with as of the signing a healthy Wang, Pettite? (not sure if he was signed yet) Mussina and hopefully Hughes by July.

The problem is Boras wanted and basically got Johan money for a guy who throws 86mph with a totally goofy curveball that I can't understand isn't crushed on much more regular basis.

But yeah knowing what we know now...
1. Lost Dice-K
2. Hughes isn't ready
3. Pavano/Igawa are ?s

Yeah wouldn't mind having a solid American League veteran 220 inning left hander that could go 6+ every fifth day. But that money was retarded and I don't usually care what the yanks spend but
it just feels wrong giving a guy 20 million a year to be essentially a number 3. Can you imagine how bad he's gonna be in 3 yrs?

Should we trade the bounty of young pitchers for Santana? I say NO ! There are some good young live arms down there. Unfortunately we have not seen Sanchez yet.

Besides Zito is yet ANOTHER "Contact" Pitcher...IM SOO SICK OF THAT KIND!!!

LOL Seriously I would give anything to have us a LIGHTS OUT STRIKE YOU OUT YOU CAN'T SEE THIS BALL LET ALONE HIT IT TYPE I know how rare that can be but you know what I mean a guy who can strike out 2 an inning if he has to. Remember what Randy used to do to us? He may not exist but wow that would be nice.

...Nomsayin

Phucker: I've watched Zito pitch for yrs ,he doesn't throw 86mph more like 87-90 w/that great curve and a change-up+ he's in the best shape of his career and has the mindset to succeed.Who knows...the contract he signed w/SF may not have been the same contract w/NY...there is no reason to think Zito still can't be an effective pitcher at the age of 35...Moyer is 45 throws an 83 mph fastball and still can get hitters out.Tommy John.Velocity doesn't determine the success of a pitcher.

I still wish we would have got Lilly in lieu of Igawa. No response needed Chip. Zito would have been great to have, but not at that money and length of contract. And, I still say that if Jorge goes down ala Sheffield & Matsui, we are in deep dodo. I think a young promising C prospect should have been gotten in one of the big trades.

Phucker: I like finesse pitchers.All I see with RJ is a 2-8 division series record and his failure to win game 3 in 05 and 06 for NY.

ruse is right on the velocity thing. Lots of successful pitchers don't have great velocity. The question is, can you win games.

George

YES YES YES!!! ARE YOU AN IDIOT!!!
SANTANA IS HANDS DOWN A PERENNIAL CY YOUNG, MVP, THE BEST PITCHER IN BASEBALL AND IT'S NOT CLOSE.

He's still got atleast 2-4 more years at this level of performance if we have to give them 20 Phil Hughes' we do it.

And I for one am tired about this "Sanchez" guy he looks more like Pavano than Zumaya from what I hear and read.

If you can get a Santana, you trade your "prospects" all day long! A bird in the hand......

Rick: I certainly agree about the catching.If Posada is injured for even a week ,Nieves behind the plate doesn't thrill me...anything long term ,the Yanks will be at the mercy of other teams if they want to trade.

I'm not necessarily talkin Nolan Ryan guys there may never be another one I understand that. I'm just saying a TRUE ACE's ACE And think you'd agree ZITO aint that guy but the money Boras was gonna get for him was said Ace's salary and that's crazy.

Trade "prospects" for a Santana .Santana is 28 ,if healthy could pitch til he's 38 .His next 5 yrs should be prime yrs.

Ruse

I agree but I was being conservative. George is a fool.

Phucker : If you have a staff of 2s and 3s 5 deep it's far better than 1 Santana...Look around the league, there might be 10 pitchers under the age of 30 who could be considered 1s or 2s .That's it.

I think George is really the "Casual Observer". Both suck !

You do what you have to to get Santana!!!

ruse

I'll take my chances with Santana, Wang, and all the 3's you want. Especially in a post season series.

What do you guys think of the Nieves vs. Pratt decision? How much upside does Nieves have? How are they at throwing out base stealers and blocking the plate?

Rick : Santana is 1-3 in postseason.I'll take Clemens ( not in his prime) Pettitte,Mussina,Wells,El Duque over Santana and all the 3's you want

Steve, It seems Nieves is a good defensive catcher w/ a questionable bat and very little experience at the ML level.Fingers crossed.

the new carl pavano will surprise everybody. He's a new man !

Thanks Kat. Hope you don't mind but I cross posted you on Yankee Nation - www.yankeenation.typepad.com. Come check it out I'd love to hear what you think.

No way do you trade good, young, cheap pitchers for Santana. This is the "old" method of doing business. Now, the Yanks can get very good starting pitching at the trade deadline, by using 1 or at most 2 of these "chips". The Yanks also will not be committed "long term", to whoever they acquire. This "flexability" was a huge "key" to the Abreu deal last year. Cashman has a "gold mine" of young talent, and will not "shoot the wad" on Santana. For the price of Santana, Cashman can get 2 or 3 good starting pitchers, if he wants or needs to.

Happy "RAD" Everyone,
I'd trade Hughes for Santana without "batting" an eye because Hughes is a "prospect" who hasn't "proven" anything at the "big leauge" level. Santana is a "Cy Young" winner in his "prime", a "hands down" guarantee that he will "succeed".

Steve: Nieves has more "potential" than Pratt, who at "40" is clearly past his "prime" which wasn't all that good to begin with so you can't "lose" by keeping him.

I hate to say I told you so to some of you but those who got on JT about keeping his favorites should be feeling bad and maybe should send Joe a Hallmark card today as he has cut his beloved Andy Phillips, Pratt is gone and Henn is on the team. All that panic for nothing...

Steve: while it was the best decision at this time. The Yankees must look to acquiring a catcher or a prospect who'll be ready by next spring. Nieves cannot man the fort in a long term absence of Jorge.

I feel bad for the fact that Phillips is a good guy and here I have been rooting for him to get cut - I do not feel bad in that I think if Phillips or Villone had shown anything - one clean inning, one extra base hit - he would have jumped at the chance to keep them over two players who clearly out performed them.

Chip : Chase Wright is looking OK thru 3+ innings of work....I agree w/ Jim ,if you can trade 3 good pitching prospects for Santana you do it in a heartbeat.What are the percentages that a "prospect" pans out ?

JIM A.-
Thanks for the "RAD". I would also trade Hughes "straight up" for Santana, but the price is going to be much steeper than just 1 "top" pitcher. It will probably take 3 "top" minor league pitchers, or 2 top pitchers, and 1 top bat. The long term damage is exactly what Cashman inherited, and has remedied.

Well, if Henn struggles and Villone decides to not go to Trip A, at least there are options - I only saw Wright pitch once buy his delivery reminded me a bit of Billy Wagner - not the 100 mph fastball but just his size and motion I mean.

I think the problem in trading for Johan becomes this, once you trade for him you are obligated to sign him at whatever the cost - I mean if the Yankees sent Hughes, Sanchez, and Olendorf to the Twins for him and then he walked away as a free agent that would be a disaster.

Wright looks OK, but the Tigers are making "solid" contact. Once again we play the Tigers and they field their Opening Day lineup, and one of their top 3 starters. We have 3 regulars in the lineup, and a minor league starting pitcher. The Tigers have fielded their Major League team all 3 times we have played them this Spring. They want to beat us badly.

CHIP-
I agree. The Yanks would have to sign Santana "long term" and give up 3-4 top prospects. Essentially gutting the Farm System pitching, and losing "payroll flexability". This is not Cashman's way of doing business.

Last nights starter Steven Jackson looked excellent.

It makes me feel dirty when "Roy" and I agree.

I'm not too worried about whether or not the Tigers are making contact - Wright has never pitched about A ball and has looked good enough that he might jump up to Triple A by June.

Jackson looked very sharp last night - according to Leiter he is working on his split finger some more - this is both good and bad, good in that it is a devastating pitch when thrown well, but also puts a lot of stress on the elbow

If Santana were available it would be because Minnesota couldn't sign him so they wouldn't exactly have all the leverage so I don't think the price would be Hughes, Ohlendorf and Sanchez, of course that is what the Twins would ask for but it could be narrowed down, especially w/ Hunter leaving soon too maybe it could be Sanchez, Melky, Ohlendorf or something like that.

"ROY" the "reason" the "Tigers" are playing all their starters is they are the "home" team. Keep in mind most "veterans" don't travel during spring training, they would rather play all the "home" games. The "Yanks" do things very similar to this.

Giambi RBI single ties the game 1-1 in the 6th.

Does Leiter talk a little too much on the YES broadcast for you guys? Gosh, I hope Bobby makes it back soon.

Chip

If the Yanks traded for Santana, they would want a "window" to negotiate an extension with him before the deal would go through. This would just be common sense. They aren't going to give 3 kids away for a one year loaner deal.

I agree , trading for Santana is dependent on the players involved and a guaranteed contract...Chase Wright 5 innings .Struck Brandon Inge out on 6 straight changeups.Shows guts.Score 1-1...1 note: Kenny Rogers is on the DL for up to 2 months w/ some form of circulation problem in his shoulder?

Giambi's hit would be classified as a "clutch" hit by me since it tied the game. This is an example of how I will be rating A-Rod as the season progresses.

WHERE DID THE YANKS GET WRIGHT FROM? HE IS SHARP, AS WAS THE KID LAST NITE?

Kenny Rogers out for the first three months of the season with a blood clot.

I think that when or if Santana is put on the trade market there are going to be at least four teams other than the Yankees making offers (Mets, Dodgers, Angels, Red Sox) all of them have money and prospects to offer - plus there is always the chance that with the new stadium opening in 2009 the Twins will have the financial ability to keep Santana - my prediction is that he either winds up with the Mets or the Cubs as a lefty compliment to Zambrano.

Joe : Chase Wright pitched for the Tampa Yanks in the FSL class A league.Was the FSL pitcher of the yr going 12-3 w/ 1.8? ERA.He definitely has an upside,at the age of 24 could be w/ the Yanks by the end of the yr.

You jinxed him Joe. 3-1 Detroit, but he could just be getting tired.

I thought Lilly was the lefty compliment to Zambrano! I couldn't resist.

I think he also led the FSL in K's

Jim A: Wright is tired.

nah Ruse - Lilly is there to compliment Jason Marquis

Chip : correct w/ the K's

Chip : You mean insult !

Ted Lilly = a left handed Jaret Wright.

JIM A.-
I know how Spring Trainging goes, but when we played them at our "home" it was the same thing you see today, and I commented on it at the time. I repeat-- THEY WANT TO BEAT US BADLY.

Roy - The Tigers played in the World Series last year, I don't think Jim Leyland or anyone else on that team gives a rat's scrotum about beating the Yankees in games that don't count.

Watch the game and learn "grasshoppa".

take your meds and watch the pretty colors "psycho"

Roy

It's a pyschological edge that Leyland wants his guys to have entering the season. And, I think it's a good move to have your guys getting accustomed to beating the Yanks if your the other team.

"When all else fails, resort to the personal attack".

Even if you are on the right track you can still get squashed by the train if you stand still - Will Rogers

RICK-
I agree, especially with the Rogers injury. Get the Tiger's to fucus on something positive.

Is it really a psychological edge when you've beaten the Yanks "B" team with a AA pitcher on the mound?

Kenny Rogers out 'til July w/ blood clot- Are they sure it's a clot, he keeps saying it is just a spot of dirt.

Zoinks...Bruney is getting lit up. 6-2 Tigers.

Jim,

At the point as long as they aren't getting hurt, I don't think it really matters what the results are

I recommend an article by Verducci on SI.com. Seems he umpired a spring MLB game and writes some interesting stuff about his experience.

Zander...the question is..was he a "high energy guy" while umpiring?

Someone needs to explain the meaning of the term "platoon" to Mike and the Mad Dog - they are going on about "why do you sign Meint. and not start him on opening day" Well, if you've got Phelps to play at first against lefties, and the other team is starting a lefty makes sense that you would use him doesn't it?

Also according to them it sounds like Torre and Bowa wanted Pratt but got outvoted by Kerrigan, Pena, Guidry, Mattingly and Cashman

Boras released the following statement: Bernie Williams is continuing to work out, stay in shape and hopes to play again this year - but will only play for the Yankees.

I don't think even if Melky, Damon and Abreu all broke their legs Cashman would make that call at this point.

Jim A:
No. Nieves is a high energy guy.
Translation: he can't hit.

Jim A:

Yes, Leiter is a babbler, but we may have to get used to hearing that babble for a while -- since not only is Bobby out for now but Kaat is retired.

I've heard that Kaat couldn't stand Leiter but that Kay loves to work with him.

I have been hoping that Girardi, much improved at the mike, would take up a lot of the slack [until he replaces one of the soo-to-be-ousted mgrs].

Yanks Miss Playoffs

ok i was right once in my life that the Yankees would lose- had the Tigers in 4 last year; the basis for my opinion is 1 fact and 1 fact alone- I luv Dicek and Beckett (IMO i think they both finish top 5 in cy young); I am turned off by Pettite (post roids) & Moose (no longer playing for a contract); 87-75;; Girardi gets job next year, they sign Zambrano, Phil Hughes is the real thing and some other 100 million pitcher and u win the series 2 out of the next 5 years starting in 08. cubbies with arod win it in 09'

I believe Beckett will rebound from last year disaster.

Beckett and Dallas SUCK ! Loser!

ESPN baseball experts say...

Boston wins the AL East and we miss the playoffs. These experts are Gammons, Onley and Jason Stark. They point to our very shakey pitching. I don't understand, because when we signed Pettite, those guys all said or pitching was vastly improved and had depth. Nothing has changed, but now somehow that same pitching is "shakey" I just love how they paint gloom and doom for us, yet a rosey picture for Boston. Somehow Schilling isn't old and morbidly obese, Beckett never had a 5ERA year last year, Wakefield isn't mediocre at best, Tavarez??LOL! Plus their bullpen is absolutely awful except for Paps. Their lineup has plenty of holes with their crappy hitting 2b, crisp, Tek is off the juice hitting low 200s...etc.

Tim Kurjisn said this yesterday. Yankees top 3 can match up with anyone. I suppose they are missing a traditional "ace" but those top 3 are just as good if not better than most's top 3.

Pavano and Igawa although riddled with questionmarks, you would have to figure will be better than Jared Wright and the revolving 5th spot of last year. Pavano certainly could be a pretty good 4th starter if he can keep his sorry self on the field.

Throw in the arms waiting in the farm and to me, the rotation is in much better shape than it has been in years.

The bullpen is easily upgraded over last year.

I think people are just in love with boston's pitcher's "stuff". Beckett, Dice -K Schilling all have ace "potential" but Schilling has become much more hittable, beckett has yet to live up to his stuff and dice-k, who i think will be dominant, still has to prove it.

Boston;s line up has more holes and question marks than the yankees, and even with paplebon, theior bullpen just isnt very good.

Its clear: Boston is over rated and Dallas really blows.

Carl Pavano at least has a sense of humor. When talking to the media about being named opening day starter he said the following, "Everyone here knows Wang is our number 1, but hey injuries happen"

Boston Globe Predictions for Upcoming Baseball Season

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/graphics/03_30_07_predictions/