On the Yankees beat

Here's a link for anyone who may not have seen Selena Roberts's story in the Times on A-Rod as semi-slumlord and charitable tightwad.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/sports/baseball/07roberts.html?ref=baseball

Diane give it a break. Lets talk baseball and stop with the BS.

The Experts on here said ......

"No way would anyone want Damon and Matsui".

Well already two trade proposals were made for these Guys that the Yankees turned down one (damon to the White Sox) and now the Giants made a offer.

Now instead of them saying "wow I'm shocked " they will make a luke warm excuse for the recent actions .

Kat,
Nice work this week, thanks for the updates. It seems as if you usually do not report all the crazy rumors that other reporters do so it's nice to know that things you write are close to being true.

I still think the Yanks aren't done with trying to get Santana and Hank's comments only verified that. I think Cashman has won the battle by convincing the Yanks that they can't trade a bunch of their young pitchers to get him but as I posted yesterday, I think the potential Matsui deal could turn into a pitcher (Lowery) who could replace Hughes in the package offered for Santana or the Yankee rotation.
Just because Chip, the master of the 3 way trade, didn't tell me I was totally crazy yesterday, I'll post what I think the Yanks might be up too:
Matsui to SF for Lowery, or expand the deal by sending Shelley Duncan with Matsui for Lowery and Jonathan Sanchez (good bullpen guy).

Offer the Twins Lowery, Kennedy, Cabrera and two minor leaguers not named Austin Jackson or Jose Tabata or even Alan Horne, who Cashman seems to want to hang on to.

Replace Melky in center with Rowand, who they sign to a 4 year deal and plan for him to move to left when Damon is gone and Jackson is in CF.

Now, if Minny won't go for Lowery, who is a pretty good young lefty, the Yanks could keep him and give up Hughes. Lowery was 14-8 w/ a 3.92 ERA on a horrendous team last season so I can't see SF not taking him.

It's nice to be back to baseball by the way...

Bronx Bomber: What were the trades (players involved)?

A couple of things:

1. The Yankees have approached Brian Cashman about a contract extension. His response was "Now's not the right time to talk about it. My job right now is to worry about the future of the New York Yankees, not myself. I was fine with waiting to discuss contract extensions with our players, it would be hypocritical to think my contract should be handled differently. When we get the roster settled out there will be plenty of time to talk about it. I've been a Yankee my entire professional life, and they want me to stay, that's all I need to know." - Classy

2. Sounds like Vizciano is not in the Yankee plans. His agent said that they have a few offers, none from NY. Makes sense, Viz is looking for a deal similar to what Linebrink got from the White Sox.

3. From the San Jose Mercury News on Matsui to the Giants: The Yankees need relief arms and are one of several clubs interested in left-hander Jonathan Sanchez, whom sources expect the Giants to trade somewhere. While the Giants might agree to throw in right-hander Brad Hennessey, a match would be near to impossible if the Yankees insist on right-hander Brian Wilson, whom the Giants envision as their long-term closer.

The Yankees also need starting pitching and would love Lincecum, but the Giants are considering him only in the Rios deal. Noah Lowry could interest the Yankees. Sources also believe that Matsui's no trade clause would not be a problem as he would likely waive it if the Yankees asked him to out of respect for the organization's wishes.

Jim A.

There's a general consensus that Lowery's stuff probably won't translate in the AL. Andrew Marchant on ESPN radio last night said one scout equated him to Kei Igawa in that they are both easily better fits in the NL than AL, especially the AL East.

Diane, thanks for the link.

I can see why Rodriguez-worshipers might not want this story here.

Chip,
Anyone with eyes can easily see that Lowery's stuff and Igawa's don't even belong in the same conversation.
Night and day if you ask me.

Jim,

Just to follow up on your expanding the trade theory - how about this:

Yankees get Santana, Jonathan Sanchez, Brad Hennessy, Randy Winn

San Fran gets Joe Nathan, Matsui, Igawa, Brett Gardner

Twins get Lowery, Melky, Ray Durham, Ian Kennedy, Ohlendorf

Forget about getting Cain or Tiny Tim in any Matsui deal. As far as Lowry, that guy would get killed in the AL East. He had just as many walks as K's last season. I liked him when he 1st came up, but Im telling you, we would regret putting him in the rotation, experience or not, talent is talent which he is lacking. Ive seen him pitch many time and I wouldnt want him on my fantasy team let alone the Yanks. Now if the Twins agree to take Lowry, Ian, Melk and say McCutchen...then thats something we need to do. There is risk though, say we get the verbal from Minn then after the trade they want more. I would rather give Alan Horne a chance to pitch in the rotation over Lowry.

The other factor in his is signing Aaron Rowand. Who knows if he signs with someone before the two deals are finished. If he's not available when these deals all go through (could be weeks), then what? Then we're screwed because our OF will be Abreu and Damon. There is a kid in AAA Brett Gardner =

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/G/brett-gardner.shtml

Hes a lightning fast OF that can steal 50 bases. He's a slap hitter that would be a demon on the basepaths ( think Juan Pierre ). But he struggled a little when called up to AAA last year. He did however have a great showing in the AFL last month. He would be more of a 4th OF, defensive replacement/pinch runner for the Yanks. Still we would need to get a full time CF and Rowand is the only one left.

This is very risky for the Yanks, they need to tread carefully here. Lets not make a move just to make one.

Bomber's right, there was a lot of talk here about the impossibility of dealing these guys.

See, I said Chip was the master of the 3 way or as some might call it, and I'm not quite sure how it's pronounced, but I think it's "menage a trois".

I can hear your gears turning from here, Chip. Does Minny have a closer in waiting?

Diane, Selena's piece was interesting. Great post.

Johnathan Sanchez

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/S/jonathan-sanchez.shtml

Looks like he got lit up a little when he came to the majors, last year, his 2nd callup. His minor league splits say that he's walking too many guys to be an effective setup man. On the positive side he has an excellent K rate. Those walks scare me to death though.

Also...(from last thread)

Matsui is one of my favorite players. He was recovering from his wrist injury last season and got off to a slow start. Once he got his stroke back he was killing the ball. I would hate to see him leave but I do believe that Damon is a better LFer. I really wish there was a way to dump Giambino a year early. If we dont get anything significant, I say keep him. We need him more next year assuming we dont sign Abreu to a new contract.

I just read the article and I do have to say this: There are times when you simply can't do enough for people. When I was a renter, I always took care of those properties as if they were my own, but others in my neighborhoods would just think the landlord should do everything and they treated the places like garbage.
A-Rod's story is similar to every other landlord out there, but because he owns the company, it becomes immediately a reflection of his greed and whatever else they pin on him.
If I were him I'd sell those properties because I think he got into it hoping that he could make a difference in some lives and give people low cost housing but what he quickly found out is you just cannot help some people enough. They cry about the late fees being doubled, but you know why they are doubled? Because people aren't paying their rent! The man doesn't own these complexes to provide FREE housing, he owns them to make money and if that's too hard and cold of a fact for the NY Times, then they need to get a grip on reality. I bet this business was losing money because people weren't paying, they weren't taking care of their homes and the property values decreased further.
A-Rod found out the hard way that giving back to the community isn't always easy.

A stack of moldy mattresses? People can't take their mattresses to the dump like everyone else does?
That article never makes the paper at all if A-Rod isn't involved and that's a guarantee.

Jim,

According to that same San Jose Mercury article the Giants envision Brian Wilson as their future closer. But he's not ready yet so a year of Joe Nathan (or half a year and then spin him at the deadline for more prospects) might appeal to them.

Drew,

Matsui is a good, tough player, but if you can get a deal like this for him, given his age, contract, and diminishing production in the field - you take it.

This may be trivia, but here's another link to a Joba story with an accompanying picture that shows him looking life a lefty in daily life even though he throws (and bats) righty.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/sports/baseball/07base.html

For those who didn't see it, the picture yesterday from a Nebraska paper showed him signing a baseball with his left.

Hmm... ambidextrous?

The Yankees have to remove 3 players from their 40 man roster to clear space for Andy, Mo, and Alex. It is believed one of these players will be Carl Pavano (who will then be signed to a minor league deal for insurance purposes)

As for the other two - that's a little less clear. Just looking at the Yankees' 40 quickly it wouldn't shock me if Brian Bruney, Darrell Rasner, TJ Beam or Chris Britton lost their spots.

Drew,
The last time I read something about Rowand was that he was actually waiting around and hoping that the Yankees would need him. Supposedly he really wants to play for the Yanks. It's hard to tell if all these players want to play for the Yanks as much as they want to get paid by the Yanks but even if he is gone, there are options out there like Mike Cameron or Gardner, like you said. The Yanks wouldn't need much offense from a CF, and I'm sure there will be a few OF's who will be non-tendered by their current teams. Melky's enthusiasm would be hard to replace, not his production though if you ask me.

NSH -A Rod worshiper?? I'am a baseball fan tired of the soap operas.Diane just got done apologizing for prolonging non-baseball issues on the other thread and turns around and posts this BS. I

DC -A pitiful suck up

Jim A,

I think it is less that he wants to play for the Yankees and more that he wants a 5 year deal which no one in baseball is dumb enough to give him.

Look, Aaron Rowand is a nice, useful player, but off of one good season at 30 he wants to sign a contract that sets him for life - more power to him, but I don't think anyone is dumb enough to do it.

The Tampa papers say Josh Hamilton is available.

BEST ARM

BEST BAT SPEED

Former overall number one pick.

But we signed Abreu ... so we can't get a better version of Paul O'Neil.

Cashman should be let go. His moves are so horrible and I have listed them many times ...

Diane,

Yes we know what A Rod. Whores, Tank Top, cavorting with Warren Buffet who gives millions to Gates for global baby termination. (Almost all of that money would go against NON white babies BTW.) He's a great player but kind of lost. I would appreciate any links you have.

Today's Global Baseball Quiz:

Who or what is sick?

A. The Mainland Chinese government's human rights record?

B. Those who do business with them in spite of that record?
(Yanks, Red Sox)

C. Those who oppose China's record on human rights and those doing business with them in spite of it, this so as to stand up for the persecuted?

D. People who try to steer baseball blogs away from their intention

Ant, you are a good guy... but we are here to talk baseball

Wasn't Josh Hamilton already given up on by the Rays? I thought I saw him on the Reds last year. The Rays ceratinly haven't had a "character test" with their draft picks with Dukes, Young, Hamilton et al. Looks like they might be cleaning up their act down there.

Matsui is only 33? That should be checked into- he sure looks a lot older.

E. gas and oil prices topping $3.00 a gallon.

F. Financial institutes charging interest rates that USED to be usary.

Chip - I head you on trading Matsui, but not for spare parts. He instantly becomes SF's cleanup hitter. They need to pony up for him, Lowry and Sanchez dont cut it. I would only do that deal for Brian Wilson (aside from Cain and Tim)

Jim - Im with Chip, not too high on Rowand making 60 over the next 4 years. I think thats an "old" Yankees move.

Ant - biting my tongue!!! You're not gonna pull me into that one, I have some much to say it hurts my fingers not to type it...oh and by the way I will be gone for the day so my "silence{" should not be taken in any other way.."""keep biting""

From the Guys at Long Island's Sports Talk:

Just want to publicly thank Kat for joining us last night and want to thank all the folks here who have listened/or will listen to the audio of the interview.

Thanks, again.

Sad to see the Yanks are serious about trading Matsui. Very good clutch hitter, hits lefties, and plays hard every day. When I think of him, I see that "ringing" double into the RF corner off Pedro in Game 7, and walking in from LF with his right arm supporting that "noodle" of a left arm. Speculation is that unloading Matsui's contract would clear room on the books for Santana and his $11.5 million dollar due this season. If that be the case, we gotta do it. Trading for Santana, and getting SP Lowry from the Giants, would give the starting rotation a lotta depth, even with the loss of Hughes for Santana. I'd prefer to pry "saver" Wilson away from SF, but I don't know how realistic that is.

Drew;

Giambi has no value. Damon plays a better left field. It makes sense to deal Matsui. He's been a great and productive Yankee but he is clearly on the downside of his career as injuries and age are taking a toll and he should be moved while Cashman can get something for him. Plus it will open a position for one of the outfield prospects on the roster.

Storing - Believe me, signing Santana had nothing to do with the money. Cashman never wanted to trade Hughes, he was against it when they 1st offered him up. This is just a way to save face a little with the average NY fan.

Steve - I agree with trading him, but it has to be a great offer. We have a surplus this year, but next year Giambi, Abreu come off the books.

There are three sides to this story: The Time's, Arod's and the Truth. You should wait until you hearing the Truth before making decisions to condemn a man -- unless you're Ant Colony who thinks he has the right to play God.

Drew,

Where the Giants would bat Matsui is less a reflection of his ability and more an indictment about their offense. I think getting back two young, high ceiling pitchers for a 34 year old player, clearly in decline, making 13 mil a year and starting to break down a bit physically, is a great deal. Especially considering that right now, the choices are to bench Matsui or play Giambi at 1b.

The Yankees, even without Hideki, are pretty good from theleftside.

Ant Hill thinks he is the Almighty. What a Kook!

Matsui is probably the most attractive non-pitcher trading chip we have. He is not over the hill yet, and even though he does not possess a strong arm, he does get rid of it quick. I believe Cashman has a 2-part deal in the works, and if Matsui waves his no trade, we might still be in the Santana hunt. If we replace Melky with Rowand, Rowand would become a Yankee favorite because of his hustle and an outfield with him and Damon would be able to track down a lot of balls hit in the gaps. Even though we lose Melky's arm, we get a better hitter.
After what the Tigers pulled off, we need a little more offense in order to make sure we can hang with them, and Rowand is only 30. Rowand's numbers would offset Matsui's almost and Damon's numbers would surpass Melky's. Whats wrong with a 4 yr deal, then move him over to left/right when Damon and Abreu's contracts expire? We have Tabata and Jackson coming up in about 2 years.

Future outfield could look like this:
Rowand - leftfield
Jackson - centerfield
Tabata - rightfield

Nothing wrong with that.

Pretending To Be Tigers

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../1004&imw=Y

Ht- to Steve Lombardi of Waswatching.com

From Lynn Henning of The Detroit News:
QUOTE
In the span of 45 days this offseason, the Tigers radically depleted their stash of blue-chip prospects by way of trades that cost them these players: OF Cameron Maybin, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Jair Jurrjens, OF Gorkys Hernandez, RHP Dallas Trahern, RHP Eulogio de la Cruz and RHP Burke Badenhop.

QUOTE
Don't panic: Blue-chippers aren't always sure things

Under the direction of Dave Dombrowski, the Marlins and Tigers have had 10 top-10 picks. With the Marlins, Dombrowski took RHP Josh Beckett, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, OF Mark Kotsay, OF Jaime Jones and SS Josh Booty. With the Tigers, he has been at the helm for SS Scott Moore, RHP Kyle Sleeth, RHP Justin Verlander, OF Cameron Maybin and LHP Andrew Miller.

The occasional extraordinary first-round pick carries significant promise from the get-go, as was the case with Beckett, and as is almost certain to be the case with Maybin, Miller and [Rick] Porcello. But the probability any prospect will exceed the production of established big league talent -- particularly when it is as young as Cabrera and Willis -- is why trading minor league stars generally is considered good business.

The Tigers knew the percentages in making this deal.

Trading Maybin, Miller, Jurrjens, and Hernandez this winter would probably be the same as if the Yankees traded Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, Alan Horne and Jose Tabata.

Still, the Tigers did get some interesting talent in return for their prospects.

So, what do you say Yankees fans? What players out there would you be willing to accept in return from a package of Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, and some other young Yankees hurlers? Would you trade that for Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis?

How about Alan Horne and Jose Tabata? If you had a chance to move Derek Jeter to first base (as the Tigers are doing with Carlos Guillen) and then get Edgar Renteria for Horne and Tabata, would you do it?

Seems like a pretty quiet day - so for your reading entertainment and imagination only, here is a trade that would make sense but has too many parts to ever happen.

San Fran gets: Scott Rolen, Hideki Matsui, Joe Nathan, Kei Igawa

St Louis gets: Johnny Damon, Mike Mussina, Wilson Betemit, Scott Baker

Twins get: Noah Lowery, Melky, Ian Kennedy, Al Reyes, Ray Durham

Yankees get Johan Santana, Jonathan Sanchez, Brad Hennessey, Randy Winn, Chris Duncan

Trade serves everyone's needs - the Twins get three solid young pitchers, a starting CF, and Durham; San Fran upgrades their offense and pen, St. Louis gets rid of a headache in Rolen, gets a true leadoff hitter in Damon, Betemit to play 3rd, and two pitchers for their rotation

Yankee Lineup would be:

Winn - CF
Jeter - SS
Abreu - RF
A-Rod - 3B
Cano - 2B
Posada - C
C. Duncan - LF
Giambi - DH
S. Duncan - 1B

Rotation - Santana, Wang, Andy, Joba, Hughes

Chip,
You are a mad scientist!

The Twinkies are getting jobbed in that deal.

Jim,

More like a bored scientist. But hey - the more you look at it the more sense it would make. No one is trading in their own division, the Giants get to keep Cain and Lincecum, the Cards aren't parting with anything too valuable from their thin farm system, the Yankees keep Hughes - and the Twins get three pitchers who would go right into their rotation for Santana, Nathan and Baker. Who walks away from that deal unhappy?

Gitmo, it's better than anything currently on the table. Hell, I would even be willing to send them one of the relievers or Yankee OF prospect Brett Gardner.

Anonymous from 10:50. I know, the Times can be a bitch. Sixth-grade reading level--whew! If there's anything with more than two syllables in my sports section, I move straight to the box scores. Who needs to know about the real world? This is sports, damn it!

DC -Now you are embarasssing yourself.

Guess I gotta hop on that one a little faster.

Don't see the Twinkies taking Durham, and don't like Hennesey (the player, that is) one bit.

To all the anonyomous wastes of water:

You know, there are only two legitimate reasons to blog: entertainment and information. Where the latter is concerned, this is really just a forum for exchange, since no original news originates here (unless Phucker's handle change counts). So, it's pretty much entertainment. And I'd argue that posting ad hominems only qualifies as entertainment for the functionally illiterate. It certainly doesn't make for information. It's more like ill-considered opinion--something closer to abuse. Again, it's amazing how many people confuse opinion for actual thought.

If you don't even have the imagination to come up with a handle, why bother leaving an opinion, much less take a swipe?

Now, if you want to put some weight on that amorphous cowardly entity and stick around a while, so I can identify you and get into it for longer than a guerrila's pot shot--then, in about five minutes, I could properly see to it that you cry yourself to sleep and wet your bed for the rest of your empty little life. If you don't already.

:;

I can't beleive some people on this board would rather have Damon over Matsui! To me Damon has no value on this team other than a nice 4th outfielder. His defense is average and his offense is declining.

Chip,

We agree on many issues in Yankeeland, but I often shake my head when I read your trade proposals.

It's not because they aren't thought out. Those kinds of three-way trades are just so rare because so many variables have to be in place for all parties involved to make it happen.

DC Yank:

You're complaining about Brad Hennessey in a deal where the Yankees would give up:
Mike Mussina
Johnny Damon
Hideki Matsui
Brett Gardner
Melky Cabrera
Ian Kennedy
Wilson Betemit

and wind up with Santana, Jonathan Sanchez, Chris Duncan, and Randy Winn? Spoiled much?

fafa: Defensively Damon is leaps and bounds ahead of Matsui at this point. If Damon is average, Matsui is below average. Offensively, with Giambi, Posada, Abreu, and Cano, Matsui is redundant, Damon as the only true leadoff hitter on the roster right now is not.

Viper -

Like I said in the initial disclaimer - it has way too many moving parts to ever happen. Purely for entertainment value only. And it was a four way deal.

LOL Chip.

The Giants had no player either get 100 RBI, or score 100 runs. Matsui did both. The top overall offensive player they had on a "full time" basis was Molina. Hank better get this done quickly before Toronto reconsiders trading them Rios.

Andy Phillips refused his assignment and became a free agent. Source: WFAN

Thanks for entertaining us Chip. At least it appears all teams would get something out of the deal.
Now, if you would talk to that rookie GM out in the Twin Cities area, this guy needs a little guidance.

DC-The character and content of your blog reveals you hopped on one too many.A witless wannabee with a distorted view of reality.

Anthony-Your comments are unfair since the people you disparage can't defend themselves. You make vague statements accusing people of all sorts of horrors but it's impossible for you to support your statements since this forum can't handle that much information. Many here disagree with you, they find you offensive, they find your comments hurtful and insulting---but they don't have the time to challenge you, they also know this is a baseball blog and so they don't want to turn this into a personal-religious-political-vendetta type of forum to express their gripes. Take a hint from most people here and stop attacking people who can defend themselves and stop insulting innocent people--AND KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOURSELF WHERE IT BELONGS. THANKS.

AND THAT WOULD BE YOUR PERSONAL RELIGIOUS POLITICAL OPINION--NOT BASEBALL OPINION.

I really like Matsui but I agree that at this point Damon is better in left field, plus being our only true leadoff, so his value going forward is almost certainly greater for the Yankees.

I would love to see Matsui go somewhere that he will contribute and be appreciated, and maybe SF is that place.

Plus he is the kind of guy SF may want to look for if they are trying to rehabilitate their image. The modest, cleancut, team oriented Matsui will certainly be the antithesis of Bonds in some important ways.

Diane,
To add to your point, the Yankees would actually be following Boston's model where they might be better off cutting ties with a player a year too early rather than a year too late.

Matsui is a good player, a productive play and one I would call "clutch" as he seems to come through under pressure but above all he is a man of enormous integrity. I will never forget his apologizing to his teammates and NYY fans when he broke his wrist.

Trading him to upgrade pitching is the right thing to do though.

DC,

I saw your strafing of one of the Anonymice.

I don't know what he or she has been up to to annoy you, because I don't read entries without identifying monikers.

But go DC!!

Absolutely, Jim A. -- we can hope that this is not the only effort our FO makes to move in that direction.

Although with some of these guys maybe it's too late to make the trade a year EARLY ... lol

Diane clean up in aisle 5

Welcome to Whack-O-Central Club where emotionally paralyzed door knobs need to have their views reinforced. One size fits all but only nuts with character or personality disorders need apply.

I read the NYT everyday. It's usually a great paper (well, when the alternative is the NY Post ?!), however I can't ever recall an article by Selena Roberts that wasn't slanted toward her own agenda. But what the hell, that's what columnists are all about - today more than ever. How many, after all, are Walter Lippmans or James Restons these days? Yeah, I know, journalism has always been like that, to one degree or another. However, somehow or other I get the feeling that that is what our society is all about today - screaming, yelling, unsubstantiated writing, television and radio. I'm sure we all have our own favorite example of this kind of mindless 'hootin and hollerin' - or maybe it isn't so mindless. In fact, much of this is probably just a pandering to whatever crowd you're aiming for. So much for reasoned, logical discussion. We even see it on this blog from time to time, don't we?

Now, as for other baseball stuff, away from the mudslinging against A-Rod . I'm too far from the scene to know very much about their needs (that's why I come here - for the views of all you very knowledgable people), but does anyone know if Mussina would be of interest to the Pirates? I understand that he wouldn't be happy in Phillie's 'hitter's' park, but what about the Buccos? Do they need starters? Mussina would presumably be happy to be closer to home, especially if the Yanks were to tell him that he's otherwise going to pitch out of the pen. If the Yanks picked up some of his salary, would they then be able to net a Marte?

Sorry to ask a dumb question, if that's what it is.

Watching the Giants closely while living near SF for '05, '06 and '07... I can tell you that Lowry is a nice pitcher who would get HAMMERED in the AL.

Seriously, stay away from him. He's perfect for SF in that big ballpark and playing against NL lineups. Put him in the Bronx and he'll make Carl Pavano look like Walter Johnson.

Matt Cain is a good pitcher who got stung by the Giants lack of hitting/defense/bullpen.

But more than Matsui they need to shed the Bonds era.
They sold out the ballpark for years (and they'd be playing in Tampa Bay if not for current management) but Bochy wouldn't have gone there unless he could build the team the way he did in San Diego

Apparently, grade school truancy has an immediate effect on punctuation.

Good idea, Diane. Funny thing is, it's pretty clear it's been the same punk all week. Haven't seen a single baseball comment from him. Sad.

Bye bye, Andy Phillips. Too bad. Always thought he'd hit for average if they'd let him play regularly. Remember the Italian Stallion? Hit about .180 as a backup with the Jays for several years. Came over and became the starter--sometime after Thurman died (after Wynegar)--and hit over .300 his first year. Again, I'm fudging the numbers, 'cause I don't have Bill James next to me. Some of these guys just need a chance to play and see a live pitch more than once a month.

Hello, Menk? Or is it just too crowded over there?

Bronx Bomber: What were the trades (players involved)?

Larry - Talks were Crede for Damon month ago, then now the Matusi deal.

I remember loud and clear in the summer I stated that those guys

ABREAU, Damon , Matsui could all be traded.

The EXPERTS denounced that by applying every method possible.

People try to apply logic ALL THE TIME , in this business it is about the ability to HUSTLE wether it's corporate or the Streets it's all the same HUSTLING!

In other notes , I was able to view and touch the Concrete gold Lettering that reads YANKEE STADUIM , and Inspected the huge Arches at the Main entrance of the New Staduim.

for those that have my E-mail hit me up

Sorry the above was me

New Mitchell report info: The report will be made public next week, between Tuesday and Thursday and according to WFAN, all MLB teams will be affected in some way by the report.

Anybody think the Giants would take a Kennedy/Matsui or Kennedy/Matsui + Prospect for Cain or Lincecum?

Lincecum is FILTHY it would be crazy to have him Hughes and Joba in the same rotation or Joba kept in the 8th.

I wonder about Lincecums durability-generating that kind of velocity out of such a small frame-But Cain is probably just as good.

One can dream i guess...

Personally I would have Offered Giambi and offered to pay off some of his Pact and make Hideki my DH and if he slumped then Duncan would have been placed.

That SF juice would have made Giambi RECOVER haha

Phucker,
I thought the Giants had pretty much made it clear that Lincecum was off limits, I don't think they'll give that phucker up for anything.

Plus, that would blow up my plan for getting another arm to throw in the Santana deal and I still want the Yanks to get that dude.

Bomber, lucky lucky you to be on the new-Stadium scene!!

As soon as you ID'd yourself I went back to enjoy the first-hand word on what's happening there.

P.S. I remember you saying that deals could be worked out on these players. I hope they actually will happen.

Horne is projected to be a Number 5 man why the Yanks is hesitant on him is confusing. Because unless they see a skill in him most Pitchers who are labled number 5's in the MINORS is usually crap

As soon as you ID'd yourself I went back to enjoy the first-hand word on what's happening there.

Diane you're turning into a freak.

Read somewhere this AM that SF has Lincecum "rated as high as Hughes and Joba", and so do some other teams. Don't know what it means, exactly, I just remember that phrase. I suspect it means he's staying put for anything less than a pitching prospect with #1 or #2 potential AND an ML-ready OF.

Diane -

People need to realize that almost anything can happen in todays market. That is why the likes of theo , sid(rip) , gene , are considered top elite GM's. Because they go against the grain.

I remember the deal that went down when I gave Gene Michael full props.

early 90's
We had Melido Perez and ok Pitcher and he had what was then considered a HIGH contract and Gene was able to trade him to the White Sox for a couple of prospects one of them being Bob Wickman.

Jim, Chip , Rick

Do you two stiill have me email ??

Lincecum is going NOWHERE
They think he is going to be a stud

They need a LF, a RF and a 1B

SF thinks they can get a good one of each for Lowry and Sanchez and still have a starting 3 of Zito, Lincecum and Cain and have Wilson and Messenger in the pen.

Zito is only 30... Linecum is 24. Cain is 23. Wilson and Messenger are both 26. So they would take their chances with young pitchers while Lowry (left handed 27 year old 14 game winner for a last place team) could bring in a solid YOUNG bat.

Matsui is too old... they need a corner outfielder or a firstbaseman for the next 5 years.

Matsui for Sanchez could happen

Jim A.

I'm thinking the Santana thing is done unless two things happen...

1. The Redsox sweeten their deal making a deal to Boston look imminent.
2. The Twins accept a deal without Hughes-I'm pretty sure the Yankees put that deadline down as a way to close the deal and when it didn't work they took him off the table for good. I don't think they thought the Twins would ever consider asking for more after Hughes was included and that was probably the furthest they were gonna ever go.

Unless he's going to the Redsox I keep Hughes but I hear you...

This damn Santana is log-jamming ever other order of significant business!!

33 is young amoung positional players on that team