On the Yankees beat

ESPN reports that the Twins are seriously considering the Red Sox offer of Lester, Crisp and two minor leaguers OR Ellsbury and two minor leaguers after the Yankees pulled the offer.

Something smells fishy.

If Ellsbury and two minor leaguers can get it done, why can't Hughes and Melky and two minor leaguers?

Why would the Twins insist on two of our three best prospects and only settle for the Sox's third best prospect?

I strongly believe that the Sox and Twins are in cohoots in order to drive up the price significantly.

Or maybe that was the Sox's plan all along and if they get him for a riduclously cheap deal (which it looks like they may) then great...

"Cashman confirmed that he has engaged Bean Stringfellow, the agent for free-agent reliever Luis Vizcaino, about retaining the right-hander..."

Bean Stringfellow? Great name. Had a captain while in the military by name of Willow Cliffswallow...

Chuckie - I wouldn't get it in an uproar - who knows what's true and what isn't. My concern is Damon in CF with that great arm...

And if the Yanks back off Santana and "pursue" Haren, Hughes SHOULD NOT be part of that deal.

I hope the Yankees walk away now. They have great young arms. Joba, Hughes and Kennedy have potential to become the next Smoltz, Glavine and Maddox.

The Twins are playing games and I hope Hank follows through on his threat. Let Minnesota, with its chintzy ownership, eat Santana's contract this year and get draft picks at the end of the season.

Plus, I heard reports Dontrelle Willis may be on the market. Santana's not the only game in town.

Yuck. I wouldn't touch Dontrelle Willis with a 10 ft pole.

Cashman will be content to go to war with the arms he has now. He'll kick the tires on Haren and Bedard but I don't see the Yanks aggressively pursuing them.

New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/04/sports/baseball/04yankees.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin

"...The Yankees’ pursuit of Johan Santana showed a flicker of life early Tuesday morning when the Minnesota Twins backed off their demand that the right-hander Ian Kennedy be added to the Yankees’ trade offer.

But with the Yankees’ midnight deadline for a deal come and gone, the teams had still not reached an agreement on the third player to be added to the package of Phil Hughes and Melky Cabrera. If the sides cannot agree by Tuesday morning, the Yankees say they will back out of trade talks.

“If things don’t change drastically, it’ll probably be no,” the senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said...

The Yankees’ sense on Monday was that the Red Sox were not serious about acquiring Santana for themselves, offering just enough to force the Yankees to give more but not enough to truly appeal to the Twins...

The Yankees acquired Jonathan Albaladejo, a right-handed reliever, from the Nationals late Monday night for Tyler Clippard. Albaladejo, 25, worked in 14 games last September with a 1.88 earned run average. Clippard was 3-1 with a 6.33 E.R.A. in six starts for the Yankees. The deal is contingent on the players passing physicals."

Thank God. Once again, another team actually ends up saving the Yankees from themselves.

"The Yankees’ sense on Monday was that the Red Sox were not serious about acquiring Santana for themselves, offering just enough to force the Yankees to give more but not enough to truly appeal to the Twins..."

What did I tell ya yesterday? The dumb Yankees management almost fell for it and would have if it weren't for the Twins. So stupid this organization has become. I just might jump ship and find some other team to root for.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3140668

Thats it folks

From the ESPN article cited above:

"If the Red Sox get Santana," said an executive of one NL team that's grateful to be in the other league, "they might be the best team in the history of the frigging universe."

and the Yankees will overpay or someone else to try to match them.

It's hard to belive that the Yankees are going to lose this deal because they would not throw in a 4th minor leaguer. Who is so untouchable?

Two comments:

1. I agree that Hank's high level of involvement makes it less believable that the Steinbrenner boys are just marking time in Yankeeland until their father dies, waiting to sell. This may remain a family business.

2. Hank and Cashman have this year to figure out whether they can work together. The secretive, disciplined Cashman and the expansive, self-indulgent Hank certainly make an 'odd couple', but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. It could turn into a good-cop/bad-cop routine. In any case, they'll know before this last year of Cashman's contract is over whether they can make it into a good pairing work-wise.

The Twins are getting far less from Boston than the Yankees offered, why couldnt they have just held on to him

Buster Olney remarked that with the return of Pettitte the Yankees are essentially the team that won 70% of its games down the stretch last season.

Forgot to say that Olney remark was last night on Baseball Tonight.

Diane,

Good point about Cash and Stein doing a "good cop bad cop" thing. Might work , hopefully it does.

I hope this finally puts a fork in the Santana talk , I am glad the NYY aren't going to overpay for him. To those who claim if he goes to Boston that NY won't win again for 5 years or so......what has happened the past 7 years using the philosophy of trading youth for expsensive vets? Oh thats right , no rings either???

Olney's point is a great one and hopefully will continue as the youth blends with the veteran presense on the team. I think it will and with excellent results.

Lets not forget that not only is this essentially the team that won 70% of its games down the stretch... but Melky, Cano, Hughes and Kennedy are all more experienced and with Joba in the rotation this team actually could be spectacular. I'd also like to throw gardner out there. Maybe he's not a super coveted guy... but he has good range, sick speed and a patient eye.

I say forget trading for a pitcher, what will Dan Haren get us? Another guy who can throw innings? We already have 6 big league starters (assuming of course that Moose has recovered from a really bad year.. and he looked a lot better down the stretch). Not to mention a bunch of guys who can be #4 or 5 guys just salivating in the wings... Karstens, Horne, Henn, Wright, etc, etc etc. Maybe if Harder or Street can come for a good price you can grab another very high ceiling guy... and/or a future closer but thats really about all i see.

As lots of experts predicted early, the Twins want 4 real prospects including 2 top guys and thats just not realistic for a guy who has 1 year left and wants $20-25/year

Marianne,
Olney is correct, however the team is also the same one that got bounced in the first round by the Indians. Their second half schedule was pretty easy last year as, if I remember correctly, the first 25 games they played after the all-star break were against below .500 teams.

Does anyone else feel like something really shady is going on this deal?

I know I'm a yankees fan and I might be biased but how in the world does Hughes, Kennedy and Melky compare to the Red Sox's offer of either Lester OR only Ellisbury with prospects?

Anyone else feel like this? it just does NOT make any sense to me. We're giving up FAR more talent than the sox to make this deal work and the twins haven't YET forced the issue to include BOTH lester and ellisbury when they have asked us for BOTH kennedy and hughes?

total crap i'd say.

Oh yea let me also add that the top prospects that the Twins are asking for arent the run of the mill kind. Were talking the future Cy Young award winners. Hughes was the #1 pitching prospect in baseball and is still valued over Chamberlin.

I really don't see how the Sox are front runners here with a package that looks marginally better than what the Yankees were initially offering. One guy of caliber around Kennedy maybe a bit higher, someone around the value of melky and 2 grade B prospects. Somehow i dont get the rumors. Unless the sox include 2 of their top 3 plus 1 or 2 other guys i don't see it happening.

I continue to hypothesize, as I did yesterday, that although we heard of Pettitte's return afterwards, it was already known to Hank and influenced the tone and content of his comments.

Realist, I wholeheartedly agree with you.

True, Jim A., there was an easier stretch in July, early August, around there. But no team needs to play 700 ball all season. I'd be fine with 600... ;-)

If Hughes suck BC is fired.

I awake from me sleep to see this mess??

He would be fired.

Boston willing to trade lester, The kid won a WS game for *** sake and they are willing to trade. The worst FA signing I did'nt make is not signing Theo Epstein!!!!!! should have offered the Kid the Bronx!.

We have some good Ponies but in My stable I have no studs , Hank been playing with Horseys since the 4th grade so he knows a stud.

This Phil Hughes I like him but he BETTER perform up to par or ELSE he will be pitching in the new minus A club I purchased in Alaska pitching in shorts in the dead of winter.

What's going on is that the baseball media and a few select ofher teams would love to see the Yankees overpay to make a deal because they are still viewed as the evil empire by many and it would make for a great story. It sounds like sanity has returned to the front office and the Steinbrenner family won't just give away the store anymore. At least, that's what I hope.

Eric,
Sorry about Andy Phillips, I know he's your guy. It looks like this may finally be it for him in pinstripes. He is a great guy and I hope he finds his groove somewhere.

The Yanks continue to stockpile big pitchers as the kid they traded Clippard for is 6'5" and 250 lbs! This kid is a beast, let's hope he's got a decent future.

Realist,

I too am glad that FO is apparently unwilling to significantly up their offer.

Not that I am against acquiring Santana, but I don't think it's a DESPERATE need, and I hope they know and agree on the limits of what he is worth to this team and will stick to it.

Then, if we get him good and if we don't so be it.

SANTANA = BOSTON BOUND

With all indications it seems that the Red Sux will land the Starter.. as for the Yankees I'm hearing there focusing there attention now to Haren. which will be a BIG mistake.

First of all there playing catch-up ONCE again with the Sox, going after Harden will not be the starter there looking for just someone to TRY to compete with them. And with all indications beane is a hard ass and will ask for the WHOLE farm system for that one pitcher. I say if anything go after KAZMIR, I know its a stretch but hey it wouldnt hurt.

Or go after Bedard, maybe we can pick him up without sacrificing Hughes, if they ask for him then move on and use the 3 rookies next year.

Case Closed

Steve O...

Young Man I tell you this , We let our workers dig their own graves now. Better Believe me Brain is a good Kid but he is in Hot water if this does'nt pan out.

In the End I'm still the Man until my last Breath.

I'm more like the Marlon Brando godfather after his return from the Hospital

Nice guy Phillips, but 30 years old and a journeyman. Wish him well, glad he got his chance last year, but not a difference-maker.

Anybody see Dougie coming down the pike?

Jim A., why do you say that? Not that I care which team he plays for, I only want to see him do well. As a matter of fact, I think he would be better off not on the Yankees either. I've always contend that if he had come up with another team, he would have been given more of an opportunity.

Not yet, Grampa, but between the AR contract soon to be signed and Phillips DFA'd, DM's chances look improved...

Did he get released or something?

Good, let Boston continue to be Yankee wannabes and be sure keep squeezing money out of goofy Boston fans to ensure having the higest priced ticket in ALL of baseball.
Good luck trying to sign Santana. The Yankees have nothing to be ashamed of in what they put out on the field in 2008 and beyond.

Never mind. I just see he got Designated for Assignment. Some team will pick him up. The Yankees must think an older and more expensive Doug is better for them.

I don't agree but I think this is really a good thing for Andy anyway to go to another team. Hopefully, he come back and hurt the Yankees.

Oh yea BTW..

Mr. Beane wants 4 freaking players for Haren, including Hughes and Cabrera. Wow this guy is such a hard ass, who else does he want Kennedy and Joba in return as well

I say tell Mr. Bean to F-OFF and move on

Bandwagon action --

Eric at 8:09:

"So stupid this organization has become. I just might jump ship and find some other team to root for."

and then at 9:24:

"...really a good thing for Andy anyway to go to another team. Hopefully, he come back and hurt the Yankees."

Eric's becoming the next Nudge/CasualObserver/Sully?

Or maybe the next Anthony, if instead of switching teams he bounces back and forth continually between, say, some combination (like AC's Mets, Cards, and Yanks), forever indecisive?

Stay tuned...

Minnesota can agree on prospects Boston throws at them but Santana and Peter Greenberg still hold the trump card.
Boston will have to start off by re-working Beckett's contract or else they have an unhappy pitcher on their hands that came in a No. 2 in the Cy Young voting. They also had BETTER pick up Manny's option for 2009 or else no protection for Ortiz in the lineup and the whole world knows that's been the centerpiece of Boston's lineup for several years. Santana and other pitchers could ask the question, " Hey, anybody ever hear of run support around here ? "
They'll also have Papelbon and Youkilis arbitration eligible after '08.
Where is all that money coming from in a town with a tiny ballpark ?

Eric,
Sorry for the late response. Obviously you know he was designated, but I also read that Cash is trying to work out a trade for him. I wish him well.

Folks: The Santana thing is not some media created conspiracy, it's a negotiation and teams will say or do anything to get an edge. The media is worse than we are with all the speculation as their jobs depend on who gets the right tidbit of information.
Hank simply tried the oldest trick in the book by saying "take it or leave it" and it has led to further discussions. He may have had to get talks moving in a more serious direction and now Cashman is in there getting his knuckles bloody. Someone mentioned "Good Cop/ Bad Cop", which is just another negotiating ploy. I'm sure Boston is doing whatever they can as well to either drive up the price or actually land him.

You all better hope these kids are any good or you all will be the dumbest looking fans not saying this to be mean but realistic. You have been deprived of youth talent for so long that anybody who throws 5 innings of good pitching is considered a stud.

When You see Stick saying to trade the kid that says a thousand words.

If you believe the hum coming from Bristol (ESPN) it sounds like Santana is heading to Boston for Lester, Ellsbury and a low level prospect - the Twins have asked for and been given medical records on both Lester and Ellsbury.

NY Daily News reports that the Yankees have shifted focus to Danny Haren.

1 trade that did happen yesterday for the Yankees:
The Yankees and Nationals made a trade of right-handed pitchers last night that sent righty Tyler Clippard to Washington for 25-year-old hard-throwing righty Jonathan Albaledejo, who appeared in 14 games last year, going 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA. In 14 1/3 innings, he fanned 12 and walked two.

Don't worry about me NSH. I doubt I'll be spending much time here from now on anyway. My interest in the Yankees have waned considerably (yes, call me a fairweather fan all you want), so just in case anybody will be wondering. I'm still a fan and wish the best for them.

Well,

It aint a done deal yet...but it sure does look like Boston will have Santana. I have mixed feelings about it. For those who think that Boston cannot afford Santana, or cant afford to re-work Becketts contract...please. Boston has NO money issues...they are filthy rich. The fact is NY holds no superiority over the Sox ...so playing that card aint gonna cut it. I have mixed feelings about this deal for the same reasons some of you have expressed.....the loss of talent. I just question how much any pitcher is worth...even Santana.

Anon,

Stick said he would trade Hughes or Kennedy in a deal - problem is that the Twins want Hughes, Kennedy, and Melky. That's 2/5 of the starting rotation and the starting CF.

Observer - the Yankees do hold 1 edge financially over the Red Sox and that's the new stadium on the horizon - projections have it about tripling Yankee revenue.

But hey, if your boys get Santana, I can't argue with Steve Phillips' call that it will be tough for the Red Sox to not achieve dynasty status.

That said, if Joba turns into Verlander (as projected) and Hughes lives up to his billing and the Yankees next winter turn around and sign CC Sabathia - well that's a threesome I would have no problem going to battle with.

Chip,

Several reports from various media outlets are saying the package is what the Sox originally offered:

Latest On Johan Santana: Tuesday

UPDATE, 12-4-07 at 8:34am: LENIII is hearing the four players are Lester, Crisp, Lowrie, and Masterson - same as Gordon Edes said.

Could be, Casual, but if so why did the Twins ask for and get Ellsbury's medical records as well as Lester's, as also reported?

Chip, I've explained this to you 100 times...Sabathia will NOT be a free agent. The Indians will try to resign him, and if they can't, they will package him at the deadline for a package that's better than two draft picks. As I said a few days ago, when was the last time a stud pitcher hit free agency? Teams aren't stupid enough to let it happen anymore given the demand for arms. Keep posting your fantasy rosters if it's fun for you, but that's all it is....

Chip,

No doubt....I am not saying the Sox make as much money as the Yanks...nfw...no one does. They do, however, make more than enough. The new stadium will be fantastic I'm sure...and I have no allusions that the Yanks are gonna roll over and just let the Sox be the top dog. The Yanks will find a way....they always do. Santana is great, and undoubtedly the Sox will have a rotation that would make any GM drool.....but he is still just one player, who plays every 5th day(or in Bostons case ...maybe every 6th day!! what a moronic idea that is)

Diane,

WHo knows?...perhaps he IS part of the package...or perhaps the Twins are deciding on one of two packages...one that includes Ellsbury, but not Lester, or one that includes Lester, but not Ellsbury. I'm sure we will all find out soon.

Observer - if that gets it done, that's fantastic for you guys. You give up a pitcher who is good, but a little overvalued due to the offense protecting him, a fourth outfielder, and two prospects. Congrats, and may Johan blow out his elbow in March.

I want to give credit to Steve Phillips because he pointed out something last night that I hadn't thought of. I had assumed that Hank gave the deadline because he knew Andy was coming back and didn't really care at that point if they landed Santana or not (remember, the rotation of Andy, Wang, Kennedy, Hughes, Moose won a ton of games and now they are adding Joba to that) but Phillips pointed out that the reason the Yankees may have put a deadline on this is because they don't like the way things are shaking out in the Miguel Cabrera talks. If the Angels and Dodgers get tired of dealing with the Marlins for Cabrera, either or both could turn their attention to Santana and the Yankees can't compete with either in terms of prospects so he wants a deal done before those two teams get into the fray.

Chip,
That's a lot of IF's in the Yankees rotation (IF Joba lives up to the hype, IF Hughes does the same, IF Kennedy is any good at all, IF Mussina is not toast).
I think they should do the deal for Santana, but not for Kennedy AND Hughes, which reports from earlier this morning said Minn. had backed off that request but they were fighting over the mid level prospect(s) the Yanks would have to include in place of Kennedy.

I don't see Santana going to Boston...I think a year of Santana with a healthy Liriano is a good team for them to compete in the Central. Throw in the 2 draft picks they'll get and it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to trade Santana for Lester, a box of cereal, and the great unknown. Besides, Santana is not a Theo type move.

Smart ideas for the Yanks:
-explore Farnsworth trades (don't care what Cash said here) and let some kids try it out in the pen.
-see if there's any interest in Mussina now (if not, try again down the stretch, some team will need an SP and if he pitches with an ERA under 5 the first half of the season, someone will bite)
-do the same damn thing with Abreu as Moose, if we get rid of him, we still have a TON of OF (Melky, Damon, Matsui, Duncan, & bring up Gardner).

That helps the Yanks increase their minor league depth and while getting rid of Moose may mean more starts for Igawa, so be it. Unless all three of the kids come out lights out this year, the Yanks do not have a WS team (I'm sorry, it's true). However, they could have a VERY dominant team in 2009. Next year, if Damon even half performs this year, he'll have trade value, so kick him to the curb and bring up AJax giving us Melky, AJax, & Gardner in the OF. It's young, it's cheap, it's exciting. The 4th OF stays Duncan. Sign Tex for 1b. Boom, best infield in baseball...BY FAR! Sign Nathan & Sign Sabathia. If the big 3 starters pan out, then our 5 is set. If not, there are others to give a try (i.e. Horne, though I see him going to the pen eventually b\c I see the big 3 panning out). Sheets is also a FA next offseason. There is A LOT out there. The year after that, Kazmir is available.

I like the long term plan better than the short-term/expensive fixes.

HUGHES YOUR DAD-DY!

You guys KNOW you want to be in the stands chanting that with me next year...you KNOW IT!

Chip,

My biggest fear is just that....Johan signs a ludicrious contract...like $135mm for 6 yrs and then blows out his elbow in late june.....thanks...now I'm gonna have nightmares.

Michaelz:

2 questions on your post.

1. If the Indians are contending for the playoffs at the trade deadline can you really see them trading the ace of their staff?

2. If they were to offer Sabathia at that time, who is going to pay the price for him? Only contending teams would be in on him, and to get him those contending teams would have to give up significant pieces (multiple) from their roster - so essentially you would be saying to the Yankees (for example) ok, it's July, you're in 2nd place but making a push, we'll give you Sabathia for your starting CF, and two pitchers in your rotation...how do the Yankees make that trade, how does anyone? At that point teams can't replace that many parts.

HYD,

Not a "Theo type move"???....uh...Theo is the guy who wined and dined Schilliong, and more recently finagled Drew into that $70mm albatross of a contract......I'd say that Santana is exactly a "Theo-type move".

Observer,

In my perfect world, Santana gets signed, then to keep Beckett happy Theo gives him a monster deal, Santana blows out his elbow and Beckett reverts to his 2006 form. Papi goes all Mo Vaughn on you, and Manny realizes Pedro Martinez is no longer on the Red Sox and has a breakdown.

Chip,

That is just mean.

Eric,

Hope you find a team you can support wholeheartedly.

You know you're following the wrong one if the way a potential business deal may or may not have been handled, and the departure of a nice but nondescript player, are enough to cause your interest in the team to 'wane considerably'.

The joys of real fanhood are out there, maybe you'll find them.

Course they come with the PAINS of real fanhood, when you want to grab your Yankees cap and flog FO, management, players, whoever is screwing up, while screaming curses.

But you don't let go of that old cap.

My favorite Hank quote of the week:

"Nothing changes - we are always the target,'' Steinbrenner said. "We pay all these teams luxury tax and we are always the target.''

So true, Yankees are evil, and everyone else is just doing buisness. There is always a double standard and I was happy to hear a big wig say it out loud.

The Twins should be happy with Hughes/Melky/Gonzalez, that's the best their going to get and it patches up some of their needs at the same time. WHAT THE HELL!

I'm hoping this is put to bed today, I'm loosing my mind over this trade and I'm starting to flip flop over what would be best deal or no deal...

Just to shift attention away from Santana for a nano second.

I'm sorry to see Andy Phillips getting designated out (again) but we all sorta knew it was coming. With the decision to play Shelley Duncan for his power bat more at 1B there's really no point to having another right handed 1b on the roster.

As for the trade the Yankees pulled off. I will try to find more reports on the kid they got from Washington for Clippard, but I'm pretty impressed by his walk to strike out ratio - I'm assuming he'll be in the bullpen mix. Clippard may do very well for Washington, I think his stuff will play better in the NL (and in that huge park) but the truth is that guys with fringe/average stuff are a dime a dozen really and even if Hughes or Kennedy are traded Clippard is stuck behind at least four or five guys on the depth chart (Karstens, Rasner, Horne, DeSalvo - and you could argue Igawa too)

I hear there is interest in Igawa by several teams as he is quite inexpensive if you take out the posting fee...which of course another team would not have to consider. Yanks may get some value for him.

Cas,

I'm not a nice person - at least I didn't mention how I would also love to see JD Drew tear his rotator cuff on a throw to the plate that hangs Varitek out to dry against an onrushing baserunner who hits Jason awkwardly and causes him to break his elbow when he hits the ground.

Then you get a lineup of
Pedrioa
Lugo
Youk
Hinske
Keilty
Mirabelli
Ellsbury
and someone else dhing.

Cas,

I think the Yankees will probably try to get talks going with the Padres again on Igawa. They were very interested in him at the August 31 trade deadline last year.

LMAO....do you put razor blades in apples at halloween too?

Just kidding....hey, I know how you feel, I have had the same treacherous thoughts about "one of the Sox "biggest" rivals" before.

FARNS WORTH SOMETHING? Cashman said he has received several calls about Kyle Farnsworth, but the Yankees have no plans to trade the erratic reliever. "He's our setup man," Cashman said. "I don't expect us to move him. We're going to need him."

Did Eiland work with Igawa at all when he was sent down?

If Eiland is the miracle worker that some here think he is, and he hasn't had his whacks at the guy, maybe somebody wants to see what he can do with him?

After all if they can have hope about Farnsworth, who's had beaucoup chances ...

It's being reported that the Yanks traded Clippard to the Nats for a 25 yr old "chucker named Albaladejo. Physicals pending. Also rumors that the Twinks "backed off" requiring that Kennedy be included with Hughes and Melky. This could be a reaction to the Yanks getting serious about Haren. Funny how things actually start "happening" when Hank disappears.

Wow Chip, I didn't realize you were so full of hate. I guess my "dream" of a the Red Sox plane crashing into the NY Rangers plane in mid air and falling on Philadelphia's stadium where the Eagles are playing the Cowboys isn't so bad...well, yeah it is. I've stopped having that dream...I was young and angry then. :)

oh yea Casual Ob -- a $24M profit over 7 yrs. is filthy rich? Not in my books for a baseball team.

Roy, sometimes I wonder, do you read the blog? Or just get up late and give us 'news updates' about things that have been under discussion here for several hours...

The "string" is getting pretty long, so pull in your claws. Some people just joining us may appreciate this info. Obviously you do not, so ignore it.

So, here is some stuff on the player the Yankees got for Tyler Clippard:
Jonathan Albaladejo
6'5"
250lb (so figure we're looking at a Jose Veras sized guy there)
power right hander
25 years old

As a September call up for the Nats he pitched 14 innings in 14 games, gave up 7 hits, 3runs (all earned) 2 walks and struck out 12

He started the year in AA where he didn't do particularly well (4.17 ERA in 21 games) but was sent to AAA where he took off

24 innings, 14 hits, 3 walks 21 K's, 1.13 ERA, .165 Batting Average Against

He is playing in the Venezuelan Winter League where he has put together the following:
2 Wins 2 Losses 4 Saves, 21.1 IP in 23 Games, 2.53 ERA, 18 hits (1HR) 8 walks 18 K's opponents batting .231

Just testing, Roy...

...so, once you're up you do read, I guess...

Eric,
Come on dude!!! You can't just decide to give up on your team when things don't go well. Through thick and thin, man! There have been many times I have thought to myself "if they do this, I will root for another team" but just when I try to get out, they pull me back in.

I've HATED them on several occasions like when they got Clemens, traded Nettles, didn't re-sign Reggie etc. but they're in my blood and honestly, they've been good to us fans over the years if you compare them to any other teams in professional sports.

Sometimes I wish I was one of those guys who didn't really care about sports, who didn't get mad when my team lost or get broken hearted over a player transaction but the good times outweighed the bad by far: Hugging everyone in sight during games 3 and 4 at the 2001 WS, the stadium erupting like crazy when Bush threw a strike on the first pitch, driving home the night after game 4 on a total adrenalin high which kept me driving all the way back to Virginia and going to work the next day only to talk about the experience, my dad and I high fiving and exchanging an awkward hug after Chambliss' home run in '76 (awkward man hug you ask? watch Rocky 3 and look at the Rocky-Apollo hug at the beach); sitting in stunned silence and asking "how the hell did he get there?" after Jeter's "flip" to Posada against Oakland; Nettles single handedly carrying the Yanks through the playoffs and WS WITH HIS GLOVE; Righetti's July 4th no hitter against Boston and so many more.
Come back Eric...you may be mad but you don't want to miss out.

To be honest, lately there are things on this Blog not worth reading.

From the NYPost:

Since he has turned down several requests to deal Kyle Farnsworth, Cashman said "The Mop" will be back for the 2008 season. Even after Joba Chamberlain took his setup job a year ago. Chamberlain is being counted on as a starter this coming season.

"Our new manager [Joe Girardi] caught him with the Cubs and he is high on him," Cashman said of Farnsworth, who was 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA in 64 games last year when he ripped Joe Torre, showed up Posada on the mound and continued to have back issues that limited his availability. "I think he is here to stay. I doubt we will move him. We are going to need him."

------------------

Maybe a new skipper will help Fanrsworthless turn into Farnsworth. Fingers crossed (if they are really planning on keeping him)

Regarding Farns, I think it comes down to options. What options do the Yanks currently have? If Vizcaino comes back I believe he will be the "bridge" and Farns drops to the 6th\7th inning Rp like last season. Farns biggest problem is wildness. Maybe Girardi has a cure in mind.

Sadly, I sort of agree with Roy - which makes me feel very dirty I must say - but I think one benefit to a new manager will be that relievers won't be on the same quick hook that they were on with Torre. It seemed to me like Farns was always walking out there on eggshells because 1 hit, 1 walk, whatever - Torre was out like a shot to get him. It can't be easy to operate knowing that your manager is giving you a complete zero margin for error. The question, of course, is did Torre's lack of faith in Farns make him worse than he already was, or was Farns so bad that he created Joe's lack of trust?

Sorry if someone posted this already:

http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Jonathan_Albaladejo

Some DC paper is quoting a Nats' scout calling Alba--(should we start calling him Jessica already? I'm certainly never going to be able to spell it!)--whatever the Nats' #15 prospect. I think that translates to a roster spot in Staten Island. Another scout called him a C+ prospect, which is a great fit for a team like the Nationals.

On the other hand: he was unhittable last year, seems to have great control, is a beast of a dude, and can get his heater up now that he's over some arm troubles. Plus, Tie Clip was fun (in a Turk Wendell kind of way), but he had nowhere to go. One thing someone pointed out somewhere: check out the BA against stats AAA and ML for both Alba and Tie Clip. Mmm. Again, 14 innings do not an All-star make, or something like that, but I'm ready to say it, now: Yanks in 5.

Farnsworth was a problem and just about ever team he played for, let's not get our hopes up.