tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76701936939345078182024-03-13T03:40:48.990-07:00Called Safe at SecondCredit http://www.myspace.com/almightydesigns for the banner.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-5590302782227823602009-01-24T18:01:00.000-08:002009-01-24T18:06:39.991-08:00Yankees interested in Sheets, Pettitte<a href="http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/hot_stove/posts/43861">Jon Heyman comments</a> on the Yankees interest in Andy Pettitte and Ben Sheets. Apparently, new teams are raving over some new Sheets medical info. He is an ACE when he is healthy, but missed the end of the season and the playoffs with an injured elbow. <br /><br />I wouldn't mind signing Sheets instead of Pettitte, but regardless I think we need one more pitcher. Hughes shouldn't be promised a spot. Pettitte is the better bet for 200 innings, while Sheets is the better pitcher when healthy. We will wait and see how this one plays out.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-64597349926100509092009-01-21T18:40:00.002-08:002009-01-22T17:52:01.167-08:00Freddy Garcia choosing between Yanks, Mets?<span style="font-weight:bold;">UPDATE::</span>It will be the Mets who land Garcia. More reason why the Yankees should bring back Pettitte.<br /><br /><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9116232/Source:-Mets,-Yanks-lead-pack-pursuing-P-Garcia">Ken Rosenthal is reporting</a> that free agent pitcher Freddy Garcia is choosing between the Yankees and Mets. It would likely be a one year deal worth around $2-4 million with incentives.<br /><br />I don't really get this. Garcia isn't a good bet to be healthy and give us a lot of innings, if any. I'm guessing he'd be promised that last spot in the rotation, sending Hughes back to AAA. While I do agree with making Hughes earn his spot, I am not sure Garcia is the answer. We need that one other guy who can be a solid veteran and give us 200 innings, and Andy Pettitte is exactly that. Stay tuned.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-2113218355089392242009-01-19T19:23:00.000-08:002009-01-19T19:34:14.235-08:0013 Yankees headed to WBCThe rosters for the 2009 World Baseball Classic have been announced. 13 Yankees will be playing in the tournament. As listed <a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090119&content_id=3749550&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy">here</a> Derek Jeter will represent the USA, while A-Rod, Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera will play for the Dominican Republic along with other Yankees teammates Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras and Damaso Marte. Some other Yankee players who will be in the tournament are Alfredo Aceves and Jorge Vazquez (Mexico), Francisco Cervelli (Italy), Jahdiel Santamaria (Panama) and minor leaguers Kai Liu and Zhenwang Zhang (China).<br /><br />I think it would be best for Cano, Melky and Aceves to stay in camp, but they will take another route. I am glad Sabathia and Teixeira are skipping out, however. Some players who will benefit from these players not being in part of camp are Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Phil Coke, David Robertson and Brett Gardner.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-63238824908030468922009-01-16T20:19:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:34:51.555-08:00Yankees not pursuing Manny<a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090116&content_id=3747271&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy">Bryan Hoch has an interesting</a> article up about the Yankees and Manny Ramirez. He mentions that the Yankees do not appear to be pursuing Manny. It also says that it doesn't appear as if the Yankees plan to do so. This being said, the point is made clear by this article, and by this offseason that the Yankees are unpredictable:<br /><br /><blockquote>But while Hal Steinbrenner said that the Yankees continue to look at all options every day, the club co-chairman also noted recently, "We accomplished a lot in the last month." There's always the possibility of a last-minute Scott Boras swoop-in -- see Johnny Damon, 2005, and Teixeira, 2008 -- but it seems unlikely this time.</blockquote><br /><br /> Similar articles were also popping up about Mark Teixeira and the Yankees, and we all know how that ended. While a 3-4-5 of A-Rod, Teixeira and Manny would be arguably the best ever, it would take a lot. The Yankees would need to trade one of Nady/Swisher as well as move Matsui or Damon. Trading Matsui would be close to impossible and we need Damon. Not to mention the price tag and Manny being Manny. For all it would take, I think the Yankees should pass on Manny.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-9965398868278991372009-01-15T09:53:00.001-08:002009-01-15T10:24:05.845-08:00Predicting the rest of the free agent marketA couple weeks ago, I tried to predict where 5 of the top remaining free agents would land. I was wrong on the 3 that have signed since then, and my other two predictions don't look to strong.<br /><br />My predictions were:<br />Teixeira to the Angels Actual: Yankees<br />Derek Lowe to the Mets Actual: Braves<br />Manny Ramirez to the Yankees Actual: None<br />Adam Dunn to the Dodgers Actual: None<br />Brian Futenes to the Cardinals Actual: Angels<br /><br />Its been a close to impossible predicting where players will land in this tough market, but I will attempt to predict the rest of the top remaining free agents. (No particular order)<br /><br />Manny Ramirez-Prediction: Dodgers, 3 years, $66 million<br />Adam Dunn-Prediction: Braves, 2 years, $24 million<br />Bobby Abreu-Prediction: Reds, 2 years, $22 million<br />Orlando Hudson-Prediction: Royals, 3 years, $30 million<br />Orlando Cabrera-Prediction: Athletics, 2 years, $18 million<br />Ben Sheets-Prediction: Rangers, 1 year, $8 million with $4 million in incentives<br />Andy Pettitte-Prediction: Yankees, 1 year, $10 million<br />Ken Griffey Jr.-Prediction: Mariners, 1 year, $7 million<br />Juan Cruz-Prediction: Tigers, 2 years, $9 million<br />Chad Cordero-Prediction: Brewers, 1 year, $5 million<br />Perdo Martinez-Prediction: Dodgers, 1 year, $6 million<br />Oliver Perez-Prediction: Mets, 4 years, $48 million<br />Randy Wolf-Prediction: Phillies, 2 years, $20 million with $10 million club optionYankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-58298131829784030282009-01-14T14:56:00.001-08:002009-01-14T15:02:29.541-08:00Yankees invite 20 to Spring TrainingThe Yankees have announced a list of 20 players invited to Spring Training.<br /><br />Here is the list:<br />C Kyle Anson<br />IF Doug Bernier<br />IF Angel Berroa<br />C Kevin Cash<br />OF Colin Curtis<br />1B/OF Shelley Duncan<br />P Kei Igawa<br />OF Austin Jackson<br />P Jason Johnson<br />IF Justin Leone<br />OF Todd Linden<br />P Mark Melancon<br />P Sergio Mitre<br />C Jesus Montero<br />IF Eduardo Nunez<br />IF Ramiro Pena<br />C P.J. Pilittere<br />OF John Rodriguez<br />C Austin Romine<br />IF Kevin Russo<br /><br />Out of those players, the ones with any chance of making the club are Berroa, Melancon and possibly Duncan and Jackson. The rest will likely be sent back down to the minors. Linden did tear it up last spring with the Yankees however.<br /><br />The list is from <a href="http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2009/01/14/yankees-invite-20-to-spring-training/">here.</a>YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-39640446244931119102009-01-11T15:14:00.000-08:002009-01-11T15:23:28.553-08:00Cuban defectors open to any team, name YankeesA couple weeks ago, it was reported that Cuban pitcher Yadel Marti and Cuban outfielder Yasser Gomez made it to the US and hope to play for major league teams next year. Marti is one of Cuba's best pitchers and dominated in the World Baseball Classic a few years back. Gomez is a speedy outfielder. Both players are seen as capable of playing in the majors now.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spcuba1112349717jan11,0,4065293.story">Newsday is reporting</a> that both are currently in New York. In an interview with the two players they said they were willing to play for any team, but specifically named the Yankees, White Sox and Red Sox as some teams they may have interest in.<br /><br />The White Sox of course are home to several Cuban defectors such as Jose Contreras, Alexi Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo, so they may have the inside track if they are interested.<br /><br />I wouldn't mind the Yankees signing either player. Marti could be given the chance to be our 5th starter, and if not supposedly has experience as a closer, so he could move to the bullpen. Gomez could compete with Cabrera and Gardner for the center field job. I hope the Yankees go after both of these players, especially Marti.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-66318166546199164542009-01-09T13:23:00.000-08:002009-01-09T13:27:28.230-08:00Pavano bashes YankeesIn an interview today with Carl Pavano, he bashed the Yankees organization. Here were his words:<br /><br /><blockquote>"When you're down, you expect your organization to pick you up, not kick you when you're down," Pavano said. "I've had to pick myself up quite a few times the last four years."</blockquote><br /><br />Well Carl, maybe if you actually tried to pitch once in a while, you'd have more supporters. He literally got hurt everytime he tried to come back, minus the end of the year when he was playing for a contract. We all know it was more than injuries, I mean who misses half a year with a bruised ass?<br /><br />You can get the rest of the article <a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090109&content_id=3738312&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_cle">here.</a>YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-30351247573189183982009-01-08T16:23:00.000-08:002009-01-08T16:28:52.343-08:00Yankees would rather keep Swisher<a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090108&content_id=3737097&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy&partnerId=rss_nyy">According to MLB.com</a> the Yankees would rather trade Xavier Nady than Nick Swisher.<br /><br />To me this makes more sense as well. Nady out-produced Swisher last year by a wide margin. Also, Nady is a free agent after this year and likely wont be returning since he is a Scott Boras client. From what I have heard, Swisher is a great guy in the clubhouse which is exactly what the Yankees need. With Damon, Nady and Matsui all leaving via free agency next year, Swisher would be able to take over one of the spots in the outfield instead of having to dip into the free agent market again.<br /><br />I wonder what we could pick up for him. Some teams that would likely have interest are the Reds, Mets, Braves, Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Angels, Athletics and Indians. I wonder if we could pry a Top 10 prospect for him, likely one from the lower half of rankings.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-71946086297060585702009-01-06T15:21:00.000-08:002009-01-06T15:29:18.681-08:00Yankees introduce TeixeiraToday at the old Yankee Stadium, the Yankees introduced free agent catch Mark Teixeira. All pictures are from <a href="http://www.courant.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-markteixeira-pg,0,7833779.photogallery">here.</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44383752.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 351px;" src="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44383752.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44384056.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 333px;" src="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44384056.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44385601.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 362px; height: 425px;" src="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44385601.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44385600.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 322px;" src="http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2009-01/44385600.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-35275509522578520732009-01-06T15:05:00.000-08:002009-01-06T15:19:16.217-08:00Yankees Notes: Fuentes, Duncan, Mitre...Tons of Yankees notes from today...<br /><br /><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9036288/Manny-in-L.A.-still-makes-sense">Ken Rosenthal has a new article</a> up that has a couple interesting Yankee notes in it. He says the Yankees and Brian Fuentes' agent has serious talks before the lefty signed with LA. Fuentes would have been the set-up man and eventually would have taken over as closer. He also says that a Pettitte return isn't impossible, though from everything I have heard its very unlikely. Lastly, he mentions that the agent for Orlando Cabrera tried to market his client as a second basemen to the Yankees, but was told they are set with Cano. That would be a very idea in my opinion. Just keep Cano.<br /><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=503968">The Sporting News reports</a> that newly signed RHP Sergio Mitre has been suspended 50 games for testing positive for an illegal substance. He will spend it while on the DL, so it doesn't really matter,<br /><a href="http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2009/01/06/duncan-designated-coke-to-start/">The LoHud Yankees Blog</a> reports that to make room for Mark Teixeira, the Yankees have designated for assignment 1B/OF Shelley Duncan. Duncan had a magical run with the Yankees for a couple weeks back during the 2007 season. Best of luck to him. It also mentions in the same post that LHP Phil Coke has been told to come to camp as a starter. <a href="http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2009/01/06/yankees-sign-jason-johnson/">In another post</a> the same site shares that the Yankees have signed right hander Jason Johnson to a minor league deal. The only thing i'll ever remember Johnson by is getting hit hard in game one of the 2006 Boston Massacre.<br /><a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/01/06/indians.pavano.ap/index.html?eref=si_mlb">Carl Pavano"</a> has signed with the Indians. Goodbye Carl, thanks for stealing $40 million.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-13459295314627118722009-01-05T19:56:00.000-08:002009-01-05T20:01:44.528-08:00Pettitte denies Yankees?<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/sports/baseball/06yanks.html?_r=2&ref=sports">The New York Times</a> is reporting that Andy Pettitte has rejected the Yankees 1-year, $10 million dollar offer. He also says that there is no standing offer and it seems unlikely that Pettitte will be returning next year.<br /><br />Unreal. Andy Pettitte used the Yankees for money once before, and all he cares about again is money. I hope he knows he's done as a Yankee forever and that the fans will boo him horribly if he returns. He is no different than almost all other players, money first. He is no more than a #4 starter and $10 million is plenty. If he doesn't want that, I am fine with that. See you later Andy, bring on Phil Hughes. Good luck getting that money elsewhere.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-72968049028009928262009-01-04T19:37:00.000-08:002009-01-04T19:45:58.517-08:00Yankees to introduce Teixeira as soon as Tuesday<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2009/01/03/2009-01-03_yanks_almost_ready_to_unveil_teixeira-1.html">The New York Daily News reports </a> that the Yankees are getting ready to introduce free agent catch Mark Teixeira. It mentions that a press conference could come as early as this Tuesday. Teixeira will have to pass a physical before any deal is announced.<br /><br />The Yankees and Mark Teixeira agreed to an 8-year, $180 million dollar contract two days prior to Christmas. The Yankees front office has been closed this past week.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-6825110825859992612009-01-03T21:28:00.000-08:002009-01-03T22:14:27.290-08:002009 SleepersThere hasn't been any Yankee news at all over the last week, so there hasn't been much to report. So I am going to talk about my sleeper picks for the 2009 Yankees in this post.<br /><br />RHP David Robertson<br />We saw David Robertson sky rocket through the Yankees minor league system last year. After a very good 2007 season, he started the year in AA but he didn't stay there very long. He posted a jaw-dropping 0.96 ERA and struck out 26 batters in just 18 2/3 innings earning him a promotion to AAA. He didn't miss a beat there either, going 4-0 with a 2.06 ERA and striking out 51 batters in 35 innings. The Yankees had seen enough and gave him a shot with the big club. At the time, the Yankees had moved Joba Chamberlain into the rotation and were looking for a set-up man to replace him in the bullpen. GM Brian Cashman said that Robertson 'could be that guy' who replaces Chamberlain at the back of the bullpen. Robertson didn't dominate like he did in the minors, looking completely over matched at times while also showing dominance at other times. The Yankees open 2009 with Mariano Rivera, Jose Veras, Edwar Ramirez, Brian Bruney and Damaso Marte the only locks to get a spot in the bullpen, leaving likely 2 spots to be fought for. Robertson, Phil Coke, Alfredo Aceves, Jonathan Albaladejo, Humberto Sanchez, Mark Melancon and Ian Kennedy all battling it out for the final spots in the bullpen. I see Coke and Robertson being the ones who grab those jobs, and I see Robertson emerging the way Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras did last year.<br />Projected season: 5-2, 3.55 ERA, 52 IP, 62 SO<br /><br />CF Brett Gardner<br />Brett Gardner isn't really a typical sleeper pick since he is the head candidate for the Yankees center field job next year, but I think he is going to have a much better season than people expect. Him and Melky Cabrera will likely battle it out in Spring Training for the chance to start in centerfield for the Yankees on opening day. Since Gardner adds a whole new dimension to the Yankees line-up, I believe he will be the one who claims the job. There will be a very little amount of pressure on Brett in 2009, he will just be looked at to catch the ball in center, play above average defense and lay the bunt down when needed. In my mind, he will greatly defy those expectations. His speed at the bottom of the order is going to install fear into pitchers when he's on base causing pitchers to make more mistakes to the top of the order. He isn't going to hit many home runs, if any, but he will get on base, lay down the bunt for a hit or a sacrifice, steal bases and will play the defense the Yankees need in center. He is the secret weapon for the Yankees heading into 2009 and will be the spark plug all season bringing a whole new type of game to a line-up of sluggers. The Yankees need to play him everyday.<br />Projected season: .272 AVG, 2 HR, 54 RBI, 55 SB<br /><br />RHP Zach McAllister (A)<br />Here is a player who likely isn't going to contribute in 2009, but is definitely a player to keep your eyes this year. Zach McAllister was the Yankees 3rd round pick in 2006 and spent a while changing his arm angle and pitches. He went back to his original set of pitches this past year, and took off. He started the year in Low-A ball and earned a promotion after going 6-3 with a 2.45 ERA. If you think that is good, he did even better at the High-A level. He dominated with the Tampa Yankees tossing a 1.83 ERA and an 8-6 record. Possibly his most impressive stat, in 151 innings pitched this year, he allowed only 21 walks. His great season earned him the #6 ranking among Yankee prospects by Baseball America in the off-season. As BA puts it "McAllister has the body, mechanics and repertoire to be a mid-rotation workhorse. After making terrific progress in 2008, he figures to spend most of 2009 in Double-A." I couldn't agree more and he looks like he could develop into a Nick Blackburn type pitcher, and could arrive in the Bronx in 2010.<br />ETA: 2010<br /><br />These are some players to keep an eye on in 2009.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-7339880299933369032008-12-31T11:24:00.000-08:002008-12-31T11:29:18.121-08:00Return for Pettitte still likely<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2008/12/30/2008-12-30_mets_playing_lowe_ball_with_derek.html">John Harper says</a> that a Andy Pettitte return to the Yankees is still very likely, and a deal could be hammered out next week. It says the Yankees were using the threat to pull the offer off the table as a scare tactic and still want Andy back.<br />Also, <a href="http://www.northjersey.com/sports/yankees/Teixeira_is_ace_in_Yanks_hole.html">there is a</a> very interesting article up talking about Mark Teixeira and how his arrival may affect Derek Jeter's future.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-46885405503332218242008-12-30T12:43:00.000-08:002008-12-30T12:45:31.147-08:00Happy HolidayHey guys, sorry for this past week. I haven't really been around for the Holidays and haven't gotten a chance to update this. I'll get this going again. Not much has happened on the Yankee front, let alone any teams front because of the Holidays.<br /><br />Hope you all had a great Holiday and have a good New Years.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-89405277558444566112008-12-24T18:11:00.000-08:002008-12-24T18:20:26.117-08:00Yankees re-thinking Pettitte<a href="http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/blog/2008/12/teixeira_signing_may_mean_end.html">According to Kat O'Brien</a> the Yankees are satisfied with their roster and may pull their offer from Andy Pettitte.<br /><br />While I understand this, I believe that we should still resign Andy. Hughes and Kennedy would both benefit greatly from a full year at AAA, and entering the year with Hughes as the 6th starter would be great in my opinion. I also believe we need Pettitte to round out our rotation. Without him, the only player who is an almost lock for 200 innings is CC Sabathia. Chien-Ming Wang usually floats around there, but is coming off an injury and may not reach the mark next year. Chamberlain won't be allowed to make it to 200 innings, Burnett is obviously an injury concern, and Hughes missed a large portion of the year last year due to injury. I believe having another virtual lock for 200 innings in our rotation would do wonders.<br /><br />Another route they could take is signing a cheaper option to compete with Hughes and Kennedy. Some names you could hear are Carl Pavano, Paul Byrd, Braden Looper or even Pedro Martinez.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-23840188254765598232008-12-23T18:07:00.000-08:002008-12-23T20:09:43.447-08:00This is why you make your Mark in pencilEven though they may not have realized it until today, the Yankees have got their man. The Yankees came into today having already committed $243 million dollars to 2 pitchers this offseason. They had filled the holes in the rotation that have long haunted them by landing a true ACE in CC Sabathia and a second top of the rotation starter with A.J. Burnett. The question for a while now has not been if they had enough offensive power, but rather if they had the pitching to get to the promise land. Once the Yankees filled out their rotation with their two new Christmas presents, it left the line-up in an unknown position, looking up at the pitching.<br /><br />The Yankees entered this offseason fully aware that they were going to lose big part of their offensive attack in Jason Giambi and Bobby Abreu. Those two players combined drive in close to 200 runs last year. To help fill the void, the Yankees acquired OF/1B Nick Swisher from the White Sox for several spare parts. Swisher, made famous from Billy Beane's 'Moneyball' book, when on top of his game is a very solid hitter. However, last year he failed to live up to expectations, hitting only .219 in a hitters park. He still clubbed 24 homers and kept his patient eye, drawing 82 walks. While Swisher was a very solid pickup, the Yankees were already counting on Robinson Cano, Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui all to have rebound years. There are several interesting names out there, but very few who are the complete package and that fill exactly what the Yankees need. Manny Ramirez is a fantastic hitter, but lacks defensive skills and would create a distraction and a DH/OF logjam. Adam Dunn has light-tower power, but lacks pretty much every other skill. Bobby Abreu did a great job as the hitter in front of A-Rod the last couple years, but isn't the type who can carry a club on his back. So who is the guy who will fit the void at first, provide a bat to protect Rodriguez and is marketable to the fans?<br /><br />Enter Mark Teixeira.<br /><br />The Yankees have lacked a first basemen since the days of Tino Martinez. Tino was the guy who carried the team with his bat in the glory days, while also providing amazing defense at first. The Yankees gave Jason Giambi a huge contract to come replace Tino and hopefully bring along his MVP numbers from Oakland. Giambi didn't do a terrible job, but he wasn't the wizard at first Martinez was. For years, the Yankees have <span style="font-weight:bold;">penciled</span> in many guys at first, trying to find the one who would be 'that guy'. They wrote and erased the name of many players, many who you never heard from again after their time with the Yankees. <br /><br />Over the last several years we've seen Andy Phillips win and lose the starting first basemen's job a couple times. Phillips spent most of last season in the minors with the Reds, batting .315 and smacking .231 with the big club. In 2007, Miguel Cairo started for a long stretch at first base. Miguel spent last year with the Mariners, hitting .249 and failing to a homer for the third straight season. After Cairo was Doug Mientkiewicz. Minky spent last year with the Pirates, hitting a reasonable .277 but going yard only twice. Other guys who have manned first are Wilson Betemit, Josh Phelps, Shelley Duncan, Craig Wilson, Trevor Lee, Tony Clark, John Olerud and they even tried the ghost of Tino Martinez. I am sure I am missing a couple others. All of these guys have been <span style="font-weight:bold;">penciled</span> in at first for the Yankees at one point or another. Not to knock any of the guys I mentioned, I will never have a fraction of the talent they have, but the point is not a single one of them is a face of the franchise type guy who can start at first every day. Brian Cashman was quoted as saying that he was more than OK with opening the season with Nick Swisher at first. Remember when he said this about Bubba Crosby starting in center, and weeks later Johnny Damon was the center fielder. I wasn't buying it for a second.<br /><br />Swisher was simply <span style="font-weight:bold;">penciled</span> in for the start of the '09 season. The Yankees were prepared to go to war with Swish at first, and possibly Jorge Posada splitting time there as well. Going in the offseason the plan was to upgrade the pitching, and rightfully it should have been. Once that was taken care of, all the big bats were still out there. Cashman knew darn well of Teixeira's talents, I mean who doesn't? The guys a fantastic player. Many thought the Yankees couldn't afford another big ticket guy after CC and A.J. They turned out wrong. For weeks, rumors floated of the Red Sox being in the lead for Teix's services, with the Angels in second and the small market Orioles and Nationals trying to convince Teix to be the face of their franchise. Every report warned of the Yankees lurking in the shadows, but they were never taken seriously. <br /><br />Then Red Sox owner said "we won't be a factor" in the Teixeira sweepstakes and the Angles took their offer off the table. It was the Yankees time to pounce. Once the Angles took back their offer, I had a funny feeling that the Yankees were going to push hard. They knew darn well the Red Sox didn't need Teixeira and weren't likely to get into a bidding war for a luxury player. Word came out early Tuesday morning that Teixeira was going to make his decision today and the Red Sox were the odds on favorites to land the slugger. Thats when the Yankees stepped up their efforts. The Yankees had already <span style="font-weight:bold;">penciled</span> in Nick Swisher at first base, so even if they lost the bidding they still had the option of making Swisher's name written in ink. In the end the Yankees out bid the Red Sox by $12 million and shocked the world by landing Mark Teixeira. News quickly spread threw baseball, and the Red Sox were left in defeat. The Yankees had stole their rivals main target.<br /><br />So what does Teixeira bring? Many are going to find ways to criticize the move. They will bring up the money issue, the Posada/Jeter possibly having to move there down the road or some other excuse. When it comes down to it, this is a fantastic move and is exactly what the Yankees need. The Yankees get easily the best first basemen they've had since Tino Martinez. Teixeira bring great defense, which will likely be able to save up to 10 errors at year from the infield that Jason Giambi couldn't last year. They also get the slugger they need to protect Alex Rodriguez, and the 3-4 of Teix and A-Rod is possibly the best in baseball. He also fits the Yankees type of player perfectly. He takes a ton of walks and posts an OBP of close to .400 every year. And more importantly, he will only be 29 in April, meaning the Yankees have a guy who can be one of the faces of the franchise for a long time, and who isn't an aging and declining player. You can find whatever problem you want, but the truth is Teixeira is exactly what the Yankees needed. They have put themselves in a great position for next year with this move as well. If Xavier Nady leaves, Swisher can take over right, Austin Jackson can play center and if Posada can't catch anymore, he can move to the wide-open DH spot.<br /><br />The thing the Yankees don't have to worry about for 8 years is something that has been creeping up on them for a long long time. This is that they don't have to pencil in Teixeira's name at first, this time...they can use pen.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-40552902842800397372008-12-23T12:54:00.000-08:002008-12-23T13:04:00.682-08:00Ladies and Gentlemen, Teix has landed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://blogs.eveningsun.com/latter/Mark%20Teixeira.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 291px;" src="http://blogs.eveningsun.com/latter/Mark%20Teixeira.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3790141">Buster Olney is reporting</a> that the Yankees have agreed with first basemen Mark Teixeira on an 8-year, $180 million dollar contract,<br /><br />If you go back to the second page, I explain why the Yankees need Teixeira. Now they have him. This gives them the huge bat to protect A-Rod, and on paper makes us the favorites to win the World Series. Add this line-up to the newly structured rotation, and barring injury, we look unstoppable. This pushes Nick Swisher back into the outfield, but the question is to what position. In my mind, he should move to center since thats where he played with the White Sox last year, and Damon stays in left. It may end up, however, Damon goes into center and Swisher plays left or right, with Xavier Nady playing the other corner spot. Swish has equal or sightly less range than Damon would in center, a better arm, but isn't built like an outfielder. Regardless of what the outfield positioning looks like, Teixeira improves out defense drastically.<br /><br />The line-up now looks something like this:<br /><br />LF/CF Damon<br />SS Jeter<br />3B Rodriguez<br />1B Teixeira<br />RF Nady<br />DH Matsui<br />C Posada<br />2B Cano<br />LF/CF Swisher<br /><br />The rotation:<br />Sabathia<br />Burnett<br />Wang<br />Pettitte (?)<br />ChamberlainYankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-44059446021499365742008-12-21T17:21:00.000-08:002008-12-21T17:28:00.609-08:00Angels pull out of Teixeira sweepstakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://rongantforever.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/tex.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 325px;" src="http://rongantforever.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/tex.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ti-teixeira122108&prov=yhoo&type=lgns">Tim Brown is reporting</a> that the Angels have pulled their offer for Mark Teixeira off the table. The offer was reported to be 8-years worth $160 million. The offer was supposedly pulled because Teixeira wants to play on the East Coast.<br /><br />Since this report was made, an Angels official has confirmed that the offer has been pulled. If the Red Sox report of "not being a factor" has any truth behind it (which many believe it doesn't), than this is the time for the Yankees to pounce. I still believe ultimately the Red Sox are the front runners. After that, the Nationals and Orioles are the other two East Coast teams with an offer, but he would likely have to lose for several seasons before competing.<br /><br />This is the perfect time for the Yankees to make an offer if they have an intention to.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-38367206358864317852008-12-20T19:26:00.000-08:002008-12-20T19:37:09.847-08:00Yankee notes: Manny, Pettitte, Teixeira<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/12/20/2008-12-20_source_manny_ramirez_expects_at_least_th.html">Mark Feinsand is reporting</a> that Manny Ramirez has been telling his friends that he expects at least a three-year offer from the Yankees. I wonder how much of this is true, or if Manny-being-Manny for the Yankees has already begun.<br /><a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/8966744/Source:-Pettitte-to-Yanks-'virtually-inevitable'">Ken Rosenthal heard from a source</a> that Andy Pettitte returning to the Yankees is 'virtual inevitable".<br /><a href="http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081220&content_id=3724474&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp&partnerId=rss_mlb">Mlb.com says</a> Mark Teixeira will likely choose where he's going to play in the next few days. I'm wondering if the Yankees will or have made an offer. If they have any intention of doing so, they better do it quick. Once Teixeira signs, expect talks for Manny and Dunn to heat up.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-64061871534148767812008-12-19T21:18:00.000-08:002008-12-19T21:22:01.331-08:00Some CC contract details<a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3782753&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines">ESPN has some</a> of CC's contract details. The deal apparently includes a $9 million dollar signing bonus, meaning his salary in 2009 will be $14 million. CC will also be paid over 12 month spans, not only during the season. As you all know, he can void the deal after 3 years.<br /><br />If more details come out I will post them.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-74646125829890263572008-12-19T12:22:00.000-08:002008-12-19T12:29:58.984-08:00Angels sign Juan Rivera for 3 years<a href="http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081219&content_id=3723211&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp">According to mlb.com</a> the Angels have signed outfielder Juan Rivera to a 3 year deal worth $12.75 million. Rivera is a former Yankee and is a potential .280 hitter with 20 homers a year if given a full season of at-bats.<br /><br />This comes as a surprise to me, but he'll likely be the starter in left for the Angels. I doubt he would have came back if he wouldn't be a starter, as he could have earned a full seasons worth of at-bats elsewhere.<br /><br />Does this mean that if they can't get Teixeira, the Angels won't chase Manny?YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-82068175528633882892008-12-19T10:20:00.000-08:002008-12-19T12:17:45.632-08:00Predicted spots for top free agents.This has been a busy and entertaining offseason so far. We've seen the largest contract to a pitcher handed out, Matt Holliday traded to a low budget team and Jake Peavy rumor's galore only to lead to him staying in the fast-falling San Diego (for now). With news likely to be kind of slow until Teixeira signs, I am going to give my best shot at predicting where the top 5 remaining free agents will land.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp9AEDPbqzUX7W1NDp0hekK9ClqbN5yTta4VGhMZn_J65WYuvVhmRb8kkvJNu8_eqhVEkiIPe703EDFuWnBdroDlylHCBJwbHkgdOxERYG2LP3WN00patxJUp3zrS0IipSVslveTVUZA/s1600-h/teix.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMp9AEDPbqzUX7W1NDp0hekK9ClqbN5yTta4VGhMZn_J65WYuvVhmRb8kkvJNu8_eqhVEkiIPe703EDFuWnBdroDlylHCBJwbHkgdOxERYG2LP3WN00patxJUp3zrS0IipSVslveTVUZA/s200/teix.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281568997795065634" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Mark Teixeira<br />News broke last night that the Red Sox will 'not be a factor' in the bidding for Teixeira. The Red Sox reportedly aren't out of the bidding, but won't raise their offer which is rumored to be between 8-years $175-184 million. The largest offer on the table is most likely the Nationals, but Teixeira and Boras may have learned from A-Rod that the top dollar isn't worth rotting away on a bad team. The Orioles have also made a large offer, and have the draw of Mark playing for his hometown team, but he'd likely have to lose there for a good 4 years before finally competing. Also reports say they have fallen behind in the bidding. The Yankees are staying involved, but have not made an offer. In the end, I don't believe the Red Sox are out of it, but I believe the Angels need him most and will do what it takes for him to stay there.<br />Prediction: Angels, 8-years, $179 million<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BJlh-GudO3mpQRbJFtV7wzaery-8PNouEDi-kWwO5nK-C6FQWxcfe1k_F1SdtLW3aumvQPrxMrccv6JQrcC_GWXFRv4kLOYE4MGFu4puSzBvjhFlGKy0HcDKx5aUh-wq7B_OhPJ4VWI/s1600-h/lowe.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 151px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1BJlh-GudO3mpQRbJFtV7wzaery-8PNouEDi-kWwO5nK-C6FQWxcfe1k_F1SdtLW3aumvQPrxMrccv6JQrcC_GWXFRv4kLOYE4MGFu4puSzBvjhFlGKy0HcDKx5aUh-wq7B_OhPJ4VWI/s200/lowe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281571298062476194" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Derek Lowe<br />Many thought that once CC and Burnett signed, all the pieces for Lowe would fall into place. So far, that hasn't been the case. Yankees GM Brian Cashman said yesterday that he doesn't like tying up too many pitchers into long term contracts because that blocks spots in the rotation. It's unlikely that the Yankees will dish out another $60 million+ contract to a pitcher, and it seems that if Andy Pettitte turns them down, they will likely look in house for the fifth starter. The Red Sox are interested, and would probably be glad to sign him if they could get him on a three-year pact. Lowe and Scott Boras are looking for a 4-year dead at least at an annual salary of $14+ million. The Phillies are no longer interested after signing Jamie Moyer and the Mets seem like the only team that could bite on Lowe's demands. They are targeting a corner outfield bat first, but after likely losing Pedro Martinez and Oliver Perez to free agency, they need at least one more starter for their rotation. If he's willing to take a 3 year deal, he'll likely go to Boston, but unless that happens I see him going to New York.<br />Prediction: Mets, 4-years, $58 million<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2008/baseball/mlb/02/22/heyman.manny/MannyKneel2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 311px;" src="http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2008/baseball/mlb/02/22/heyman.manny/MannyKneel2.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Manny Ramirez<br />On paper, the Dodgers look like the best fit for Manny, and are notorious for giving players short term contract for more money such as Jason Schmidt and Rafael Furcal. Though Scott Boras took it as a joke when the Dodgers offered Manny 2-years and upwards of $45 million. They were reportedly willing to add a third year, but not much talking has happened between the two sides since then. Boras' dream scenario would likely be Teixeira landing in Boston and the Yankees/Dodgers/Angels getting into a bidding war for Manny. However, barring a turnaround, the Dodgers seem out of it, leaving the Yankees as the only logical landing spot for the one-man drama series that is Manny.<br />Prediction: Yankees, 3-years, $70 million with a vesting option<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://dailyrant.mlblogs.com/dunn.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 330px;" src="http://dailyrant.mlblogs.com/dunn.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Adam Dunn<br />It comes as a shock that guy who has hit exactly 40 home runs over the last 4 years (46 the year before that) and has drove in over 100 guys in each of those seasons would find such little interest in this market. He doesn't a high average at all, usually floating around .250, and plays below average defense in the outfield or first base, but the bat speaks for itself. He would be a great DH for any team in the AL, or can play left/right or first in the right situations. He'd be a cheaper option for those teams who miss out on Teixeira, likely only command a 4-year deal at $14 million per. His market will likely heat up once Teixeira lands wherever he's going, and teams that will have probably interest include the Nationals, Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, Cubs, Mets, Braves, Giants, Rays, Rangers and Mariners. While the Nationals have been the most rumored landing spot, he has been quoted saying winning is his number one priority, and if the Dodgers can't bring back Manny, Dunn may be able to find a nice home in LA.<br />Prediction: Dodgers, 4-years, $56 million<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hotstovenewyork.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/fuentes.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 363px;" src="http://www.hotstovenewyork.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/fuentes.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><Br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br />Brian Fuentes<br />Once Francisco Rodriguez signed, Fuentes easily became the best closer on the market. Since then, Kerry Wood signed with the Indians, leaving Fuentes as the only elite closer left. He has had a quiet yet effective career in Colorado and has been one of the most consistent closers over that time. He's getting up there in age, but wouldn't require more than a 3 or 4 year contract. He says he loves LA and would love to play for the Angels. The Dodgers are also a possibility here but they seem content with Jonathan Broxton as their closer and seem more focused on other things. Cardinals manager Tony la Russa apparently 'loves' Fuentes as a closer and I believe it will come down to them and the Brewers, who have a ton a money left over after Sabathia turn down their offer.<br />Prediction: Cardinals, 3-years, $36 millionYankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7670193693934507818.post-12468115530763585982008-12-18T20:51:00.000-08:002008-12-18T20:57:37.499-08:00Red Sox out of Teixeira bidding?<a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/12/18/redsox.teixeira.ap/index.html">From SI.com</a>:<br /><blockquote>John Henry: "We met with Mr. Teixeira and were very much impressed with him," Henry said. "After hearing about his other offers, however, it seems clear that we are not going to be a factor."</blockquote><br /><br />This come as a huge shock to me, as well as probably many other people. Its entirely possible he's just calling the bluff of Scott Boras, but its also entirely possible this is true.<br /><br />If this statement holds true, I believe the suitors for Teixeira look like:<br /><br />1.) Angels<br />2.) Orioles<br />3.) Nationals<br /><br />It is believed the Yankees have still yet to make an offer. I hope they do, but it seems unlikely.YankeePride3http://www.blogger.com/profile/07961224659041851362noreply@blogger.com0