12.30.2007 Happy New Year
12.30.2007 Favorites of 2007
Originally posted on 3/24/07: A little insecure, Curt?
For 15 years, I've been wearing labels that people have perceived me to have. I'll give you a great example. One of the nicknames that has always gnawed at me a little bit was the "Red Light" thing. People believe that someone called me Red Light because I like to be in front of the camera, which is not how it happened. (Source)
12.29.2007 Looking back at some of our favorite posts of 2007
Since baseball news has slowed, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of our favorite NoMaas headlines and graphics from 2007. Over the next few days, we'll be posting some of personal favs.
We'll begin with one which we probably received the most feedback on.
Originally posted on 4/19/07: The Demographics of Fenway Park (in %)
GREEN
- White Frat Kids
PURPLE
- People with the last name "Sullivan"
ORANGE
- African-Americans
MAROON
- Pizza throwers
BLUE
- Sober
12.26.2007 Prior
The San Diego native and University of San Diego High graduate has agreed to an incentive-laden, one-year contract with the Padres.
Prior's agent, John Boggs, would not discuss details of the contract, but The San Diego Union-Tribune learned only $1 million is guaranteed. Prior can make an additional $3.5 million through incentives, including $1 million for being on the Padres' 25-man roster throughout the 2008 season and up to another $2.25 million for making 30 starts.
However, Prior doesn't expect to be ready to pitch until mid-May at the earliest, which would limit the right-hander's incentive income to around $2.5 million. (Source)
According
to the article, Mark Prior is getting $1 million guaranteed and a likely
maximum of $2.5 million in incentives. That's essentially pocket
change to the Yankees and we sincerely hope they conducted their due dilligence
on Prior. It is an offer the Yankees could have easily trumped by
a sizable margin. We have seen speculation that Prior wanted to play
in his hometown, which has a pitcher's paradise for a ballpark. Maybe
it was just that simple. Money usually talks though and we hope the
front office took a hard look into this.
12.25.2007 Happy Holidays from NoMaas
12.20.2007 Hank, that's enough
"There's still an outside chance that we get him," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said by phone Wednesday afternoon. "We'll see. We've got to do things based on what we think is best. I think myself and [general manager] Brian are going back and forth. I think we're comfortable staying where we are, and I certainly think we'd be comfortable getting Santana, too."
In another personnel matter, Steinbrenner said he did not expect the Yankees to go after free-agent righthander Mark Prior. The 27-year-old was once one of the top up-and-comers in baseball but has been oft-injured. This season, he was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs before shoulder surgery.
"We kind of looked into it, but at this point, no," Steinbrenner said of the Yankees' interest in Prior. (Source)
At first it was interesting, but now Hank Steinbrenner's constant commentary is growing very tiresome. It's almost embarrassing to hear him continuously airing out Yankees business to the public. It's unprofessional. We get it, Hank. You took over for your dad. You're the man. Now, please be quiet.
12.19.2007 Bud Selig's requirements for an investigation
Evidence:
not required
Multiple
sources: not required
Witnesses:
not required
No
affiliation with a professional baseball team: not required
Speculative
name-dropping: required
12.18.2007 Material girl
A story about a baseball player appropriate enough to be reported by Variety Magazine:
Guy Oseary, the former record company executive whose personal management stable includes Madonna, has signed his first athlete, Alex Rodriguez.
The New York Yankees third baseman, considered by many to be the game's top player, has signed with Oseary, who personally manages Lenny Kravitz and magician David Blaine in addition to Madonna. He is also a partner in Untitled Entertainment, whose clients include Hilary Swank, Penelope Cruz, Naomi Watts and Ashton Kutcher.
"He's focusing on baseball and needs someone whose interests are aligned," Oseary told Daily Variety, explaining the rare move of an athlete signing with a manager whose expertise is music and film. "This is to help him have more control of his image and brand."
12.18.2007 Interesting non-tender
Here's the list and one particular non-tender caught our eye.
Everyone knows about Mark Prior, so we won't repeat.
Morgan
Ensberg: Career 116 OPS+, draws BBs, and sees lots of pitches; averaging
3.92 per plate appearance over his career. That #P/PA rate is better
than the career rates of Johnny Damon, Jorge Posada, and Derek Jeter.
Ensberg had a poor 2007 season, but could be a great addition for the bench.
Buy low.
12.17.2007 It's official: Mariano signs his ridiculous contract
Rivera and the club formally finalized a three-year, $45 million agreement on Monday. (Source)
Apparently the Yankees have the US Mint in the bowels of the Stadium because this contract is simply absurd. No closer, even the greatest reliever in baseball history, is worth this amount of money. Over the last 3 seasons, Mariano has averaged a touch under 75 innings per year. Assuming he's around that total again, he'll be making $200,000 per inning. Add on the fact that he's 38 and this contract becomes even more nutty.
We may not be able to quantify "intimidation" or "knows how to end a game" or "calm", but we could make an argument that there were 100 pitchers last season more valuable than Mariano. According to Baseball Prospectus, Mariano ranked 101st among all pitchers in VORP. Pitchers who ranked above him include such names as Bronson Arroyo, Orlando Hernandez, Noah Lowry, and Jarrod Washburn.
We may never see a reliever as special as Mariano, however it still doesn't change the fact that $15 mil a year for someone who throws 1 inning per game is crazy. To think, he wanted a 4th year?!?
12.17.2007 Human growth hormone
What is it and what does it do?
We did some research and here's what we found on MayoClinic.com:
Synthetic human growth hormone is available only by prescription and is administered through an intramuscular injection. It's currently approved to treat adults with true growth hormone deficiency — not the expected decline in growth hormone due to aging. Growth hormone deficiency can be caused by pituitary tumors and radiation or surgery to the pituitary gland, among other causes.
Human growth hormone is also approved for:
Children
with short stature
Children
with kidney failure
Children
with Prader-Willi syndrome
Children
with Turner's syndrome
Muscle
wasting associated with AIDS and HIV
Studies of adults with growth hormone deficiencies show that injections of human growth hormone can:
Increase
bone density
Increase
muscle mass
Decrease
body fat
Bolster
the heart's ability to contract
Improve
mood and motivation
Increase
exercise capacity
Because of those results, some people believe that synthetic human growth hormone can help healthy older adults who have naturally low levels of growth hormone regain some of their youth and vitality.
What can human growth hormone do for healthy older adults who don't need it?
Studies of healthy older adults taking human growth hormone are limited. Many involve a small number of people followed for a short period of time. The studies that have been conducted have found that human growth hormone injections can increase muscle mass and reduce the amount of body fat in healthy older adults.
That increase in muscle doesn't translate into increased strength. Though the study participants gained muscle, they weren't any stronger. One study compared older men who took human growth hormone with older men who went through strength training programs. The bottom line: Strength training can increase both your muscle mass and your strength, making it cheaper and more effective than taking human growth hormone. (Source)
Human
growth hormone does appear to have a true medical function for those who
suffer from a variety of diseases. Most of the HGH research we read
does state that the drug builds muscle, so it has an anabolic feature to
it. It also seems that healthy adults use it as some sort of anti-aging,
increased stamina mechanism. So, you can see why athletes would use
it, as it apparently may slow down a decline phase and aid in recovery
time. As far as Mayo Clinic concluding that it does not increase
strength, we have no idea. However, most sites we visited seem to
mention this "ageless" theme.
12.16.2007 Andy
It's very disappointing to hear that Andy used HGH. However, it wasn't illegal when he did it, and he supposedly used it while on the disabled list to aid his recovery. Since HGH was banned by baseball in 2005, we don't see why Pettitte would be suspended for using it in 2002. It still makes for a tough read though. An an aside, Clemens is now in some deep sh$#.
It's
a sad time in baseball, both due to a haphazard report and a drug culture
which seems prevalent in the game.
12.15.2007 Yanks choose draft pick over player
Cashman's
emphasis on the amateur draft has once again become readily visible:
:
The
Rockies are close to signing a multiyear contract with right-handed reliever
Luis Vizcaino, who went 8-2 with a 4.30 ERA in 77 relief appearances with
the Yankees last season.
By allowing Vizcaino to walk, the Yankees receive a sandwich pick in next year's amateur draft. Since Vizcaino is a type B free agent, the Bombers will obtain a selection between the 1st and 2nd rounds of the draft, thus the "sandwich." In 2006, Joba Chamberlain was a sandwich pick selection.
The organization's emphasis on the draft cannot be overstated. According to various sources, Vizcaino's contract will be somewhere around 2 years, $7 million total. That is a reasonable contract for a pitcher of Vizcaino's quality. Contrary to what may be popular belief, he has been an effective middle reliever over the past several years. If you look at his last three seasons, including his one year with NY, he has held hitters to a .243 BA / .329 OBP / .398 SLG / .727 OPS. Also, he was lights-out for the Yankees in July & August. You could make an argument that he would have been even more effective for NY if the Bullpen Maestro didn't have a man-crush on him.
The overall point is that the Yankees passed on a reasonable contract for a useful reliever in order to obtain a high selection in the upcoming draft. This further confirms Brian Cashman's control over baseball operations and the importance he has placed on building from within the farm system.
Look back to what Cashman said on June 4, 2007, right before the most recent draft:
There's no doubt, there was a period of time when we disregarded how important the Draft really is," Cashman said. "That's changed. There are players I passed on last year as free agents that had No. 1 picks attached to them. I wasn't giving up our No. 1 pick. We need that for our future.
"[The Draft] is huge. It's vital. One of the reasons we're struggling now is that we're paying for sins of the past." (Source)
And Cashman has everyone else on board with this strategy. On December 5, 2007, Hank Steinbrenner offered the following comments:
“Our goal is to be self-sufficient,” Steinbrenner continued, repeating a theme, “like the Yankees used to be, and do it through the draft and Latin America. Our guys are the best scouts in baseball, and they’ve proven that over the last few years. It’s unbelievable the job Damon Oppenheimer and his scouts have done. That’s what’s got to continue.” (Source)
This
is how the Yankees think now. Player development is front and center.
It also makes you wonder why certain people think Cashman has lost control.
They couldn't be more wrong.
12.13.2007 The Mitchell/Red Sox report
Here are our thoughts on the Mitchell Report:
If certain players cheated by enhancing their peformance with illegal drugs, then they should be called out for it. It's sad that people, who possess incredible abilities we all wish we had, felt the need to be deceitful.
However, after taking a look at the report, it's very obvious that it is severely flawed and thus, its credibility is in question. First of all, the main source of Mitchell's report is a former Mets clubhouse worker Kirk Radomski, who recently took a plea deal in exchange for cooperating with the "investigation." We put quotes around "investigation" because despite what MLB may want us to think, this was not a full investigation. Mitchell's #1 resource was a guy who agreed to provide information only after being faced with charges. Additionally, shouldn't a report of this magnitude have more than one source of information? Mitchell did not gather evidence from a diverse base. Rather, it was generated from one guy who used to work for the Mets. This report is not comprehensive in the least.
And now we have this headline from Boston.com: "No current Red Sox fingered."
Does this surprise you? We have always thought that it was utterly ridiculous that a Board Director and part-owner of the Boston Red Sox was appointed to lead this investigation. Apparently, the Red Sox are pillars of morality because there are no high-profile Boston players named (in fact, barely any players mentioned at all), either presently with the team or in their recent past. Those players which are named, we're sure the Boston front office could not care less about.
After the Mitchell report was released, the Red Sox issued this statement:
"The Boston Red Sox have supported and fully cooperated with this investigation initiated by Commissioner Selig and conducted by Senator Mitchell. The Senator and his staff should be thanked and commended for their dedicated and independent efforts in producing this important report. (Source)
A complete joke.
As
previously mentioned, any player who cheated in an effort to improve his
performance should own up to his actions. However, this report suffers
from a lack of credibility in its "sources" and clearly displays a major
conflict of interest.
12.11.2007 What Shelley Duncan does in the offseason
12.11.2007 Not for nothing, but...
If we were Boston fans (which would mean we'd have a small patch of facial hair, rosy red cheeks, and an aggression problem), we'd be wondering why our front office isn't pulling the trigger on a Lester + Ellsbury for Johan Santana trade.
Even the most recent reports are indicating that Epstein & Co. will still not include both players in a trade for the Minnesota ace:
December 11th: The Twins continued exploring potential trade options for Johan Santana on Monday, picking up where they left off at last week's winter meetings.
While no deal appeared imminent, there were indications that in their talks with the Red Sox, the Twins were focused on a package headlined by center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox have offered Ellsbury and pitcher Jon Lester in separate deals, while refusing to include both in the same offer. (Source)
For whatever drug-induced reason, the Twins seem to want Ellsbury more than Phil Hughes, and it seems like an Ellsbury/Lester package would get a deal extremely close to being done. Our question: Why haven't the Red Sox done this?
Although Tommy from Malden, Mass may view Ellsbury as the next Willie Mays, we don't view him as an elite talent. He's a very good prospect as he has amazing speed, superb CF defense, solid contact rates, and good plate discipline. However, he suffers from an alarming lack of power. Before he was called up to Boston, he had a dismal .380 SLG in 83 games at AAA. In 250 minor league games, he only slugged .425, hitting a mere 10 HRs over three seasons. Now, slugging prowess isn't quite needed for a center fielder, but Ellsbury's lack of it serves as a significant deficiency. His very noticeable absence of power should make him expendable in a Santana deal.
With Jon Lester, we really don't need to elaborate too much -- Good stuff, but with significant control issues: 74 BB in 144 major league innings (4.625 BB/9) and a 3.78 BB/9 in the minors (compared to Phil Hughes 2.16 BB/9 or Clay Buccholz 2.43 BB/9). His ceiling is perhaps a # 3, but more likely he'll be a back end of the rotation starter.
These
are two guys we would like to have in the Yankees system, but both have
big question marks regarding certain aspects of their game. We'd
be email-bombing the front office to deal them both for Santana.
12.09.2007 Cain or Lincecum: A realistic opportunity?
Last Friday (12/7) Giants General Manager, Brian Sabean, chatted with the local sportstalk radio in the Bay Area, KNBR. He was extremely candid in his responses, and gave a lot of insight into the Giants’ thought process in potentially trading some of their youth. Below are quotes from the interview:
On the hosts asking about the rumored Lincecum for Rios deal:
“We are still looking for middle of the order help. We’re trying to maximize everything that we can do with a trade like that (Rios for Lincecum) with a convenient return, but the roadblock so far has obviously been the asking price."
Hmm…ok, good start. They’re looking for a middle of the order bat…
“[The offer is] still on the table, but for obvious reasons when you haven’t gone forward on something like this, acted on this by this time, you got some reservations. The greater “what if” is if there’s a way to expand things and ease our pain.”
Ok now! So he isn’t happy with solely Rios in return at this point, and is looking to see if there is a different way to approach the middle of the order bat problem. Keep talking, Brian, keep talking…
“Toronto has asked for Lincecum pure and simple.”
Ah-ha! So it seems that it wasn’t a case of the Blue Jays settling for Lincecum instead of Cain, as many media outlets initially reported. The Blue Jays prefer Lincecum, and that is who they asked for. We wonder though – from the Giants’ perspective, who do they prefer?
“One of the compelling discussions is we really feel because of his ability to throw strikes the way he attacks the strikezone, and the fact that he has out pitches, plural, that if we got into a situation where we thought Lincecum was being worn down by the 200 plus innings, we could use him as a closer. And no disrespect to Cain, but I don’t know Matty is the same animal, and I think also going back to how we scouted Lincecum in college – here’s a kid who could throw 120-130 pitches in a game on Friday, and if they had a game on Monday or Tuesday he’d close, and then start after that. He’s also somebody that is in such tremendous shape that the day after he pitches he’s out there playing longtoss at 120 plus feet on a line, and just has an incredible ability to bounce back."
So by the tone of his statements, as well as their content, it seems as though Sabean actually prefers Lincecum to Cain. At other times in the interview he makes reference to this preference, too, albeit subtle.
Ok, Brian has said that they’re apprehensive about dealing Lincecum for Rios straight up, but that the offer is still on the table from Toronto’s side. We wonder how long he’ll wait to make a decision?
“By the end of the weekend and maybe the first of the week, we’re going to have to flush this out one way or another because we are juggling some other things and we want to get on to other business if we’re going to pass on this.”
Very nice. By Monday or Tuesday we’ll know if this Matsui talk is going to grow legs.
“As an organization we’re still on the fence and that’s why I hold hope there’s a way to be creative. The way that you keep it alive in your own mind, or even with the other team, is that if there’s any way we can find, quote, a replacement for Lincecum. Not a Lincecum type, because that doesn’t exist in our organization at this point in time, and doesn’t necessarily exist on the outside, but while you gain a position player like Rios, what do you actually do with Lincecum’s loss – who goes into the rotation?”
If the Giants deal Lincecum, they’re worried about who takes his spot in the rotation. Interestingly enough, the Yankees have a guy by the name of Ian Kennedy who is cost-controlled for 6 years and Major League ready. Just saying, Mr. Sabean…Just saying…
Why he doesn’t just hold onto the two studs and let them anchor the future, rather than trading one for hitting help?
“One of the exercises we go through is realistically, how much is one player going to change our lineup? We actually need two players. Now, if you’re able to get a player without too much pain, that allows you to go forward to be somewhat better, even marginally better, this year, but puts you in a position because you have that player in the fold that you get the second player next year, then so be it. Right now the difficulty is in ANY combination. I don’t see us being able to make two trades for position players in the middle of the lineup, or a combination of two free agents, or even one trade and one free agent. That’s what we still have to flush out, that’s really what we’re trying to do, going through the alphabet, to exhaust that possibility.”
So Brian wants two middle of the order bats, and doesn’t feel as though he can get them in one deal this offseason. It just so happens that the Yankees have a few available, Mr. Sabean! Hideki Matsui, Shelley Duncan, and Wilson Betemit for starters - and we do mean "for starters." Are we setting the bidding too low for someone like Cain? Yes, but with good reason. We're under the impression from both Sabean's comments and his history, that he's doing exactly what it is he does best: undervaluing a young, talented player. If that's the case, why not start at Matsui+?
Listen to the interview and see why we got so excited when we heard it ourselves. Not only does Sabean seem to be willing to part with Lincecum or Cain, but he seems more willing to part with the latter, as he is desperately seeking lineup help. Objectively, the Yankees could put together a package that enticed the Giants’ GM, and even if he refuses it, Sabean is so hard up for bats that adjustments could be made to get a deal done in some shape or form.
12.09.2007 Thief
Carl Pavano spoke to Brian Cashman on Friday at the Stadium and said he is going to accept a minor-league assignment after the Yankees release him from the final year of a disastrous four-year, $39.95 million contract.
Needing room on the 40-man roster so they can add Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees hatched the idea of cutting Pavano. The right-hander had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in early June and isn't expected to be ready to pitch until July at the earliest.
Under the release plan, Pavano would get the $11 million he is owed for the 2008 season and the $1.95 million buyout he would have coming to him, because the Yankees aren't going to pick up a $15 million option for 2009. (Source)
12.06.2007 The San Francisco treat
3:45
p.m., from Jayson Stark
•
A source says the Giants did call the Yankees about Hideki Matsui. They're
offering their starting pitchers (Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain or Noah Lowry)
for bats, but they are just exploring to see if there is a match. Matsui
has a full no-trade clause, and it isn't known whether he would waive it
to go to San Francisco or anywhere else. (Source)
Where do we sign up for this? Adding Cain or Lincecum would be utterly fantastic.
By signing Andruw Jones, the Dodgers threw a wrench into our offseasons ideas. First, we would have liked to sign Jones to a one-year deal. Second, we wanted to send Matsui to the Dodgers for some of their luscious and ripe prospects. But, now that the Colletti-Torre contingent succeeded in burying Matt Kemp and acquiring their veteran outfielder, Matsui to LA probably isn't realistic anymore.
However, this San Francisco development has us most intrigued. Why the Giants would trade two potential studs is beyond us, but we would love to ship Matsui there for one of them.
While Matsui has an excellent bat (123 OPS+ in 2007), his defense is horrible (but he has such a quick release!111!!). While his bat is not nearly as good, Damon could become the primary LF (which we believe Cash has announced anyway) and provide an immediate increase in run prevention. Also, since Matsui is supposed to share time at DH with Giambi next year, you just find someone else...perhaps a Duncan/Giambi platoon. Honestly, who cares? When you have the opportunity to acquire a young pitcher with the near-term potential to be a top of the rotation stud, you do it.
With all this being said, Matsui alone may not be enough to get Cain or Lincecum. So, we suggest adding Ian Kennedy to the mix. Kennedy is not at the talent level of those two, but he is MLB-ready. San Fran would get their bat, and a pitcher to replace Cain or Lincecum.
A Wang, Pettitte, Hughes, Joba, Cain/Lincecum rotation would make us wet ourselves.
Matsui
would be a big draw in SF.
12.05.2007 Peter Gammons: Boston's minister of propaganda
Tuesday
3:28 p.m., from Peter Gammons
•
The Twins and Red Sox could be getting closer to a Johan Santana deal.
Boston has sweetened its offer by adding a fifth player to the trade proposal
-- outfield prospect Ryan Kalish, a ninth-round draft pick in 2006 out
of Red Bank Catholic High School (Shrewsbury, N.J.). (Source)
Wednesday
1:16 a.m., from Boston Herald
The
Red Sox have told Ryan Kalish’s agent that his client’s name hadn’t come
up in talks with the Twins as of Tuesday night. (Source)
Whoops.
12.05.2007 Lester/Crisp/Masterson/Lowrie
We wouldn't trade Phil Hughes straight up for that combination of players. Good luck making us believe that Boston's offer was any more than a smokescreen. If Minnesota actually preferred that offer, why hasn't it happened yet?
12.03.2007 "I
will not have trade relations with that team."
Will
Hank stick by the deadline,
or will he create a credibility gap?
12.03.2007 The exodus continues as players cannot possibly handle life without Torre
As
of today, the odds of Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Rivera returning
just got longer. Money talks but if at least one of those players walked,
it would not be a surprise now. All three of those players were Torre diehards.
(Source)
12.03.2007 So Hank, how do you really feel?
“How
can I go any higher?” Steinbrenner said. “What do they want — Hughes, Kennedy
and Cabrera? I can’t do that kind of thing. It’s crazy. It’s suicidal.
In the past 20 or 30 years, teams have always asked more from the Yankees
than they have of anybody else, and that’s going to stop. I’ve made the
best offer Minnesota is going to get, and the fact is, it’s an offer we
can go away happy and they can go away happy.” (Source)
12.02.2007 For those who believe the Yanks have returned to their old ways
In a Sunday article written by Bill Madden of the Daily News, he asked Hank Steinbrenner about the most critical thing he's learned while being around the Yankees:
"What was the most important thing you learned?" I asked him.
"The mistake of trading young pitching," he answered quickly. "It killed me seeing all those young pitchers we traded back then - (Scott) McGregor, (Jose) Rijo, (Doug) Drabek - who went on to have great careers because we just didn't have the patience. If there's one thing that's going to be different between me and my dad it's patience."
"Maybe," I said, "but it sounds like you're about to do the same thing - trading young pitchers - for (Johan) Santana."
"There's
a big difference," Hank countered. "Santana's only 28 and just coming into
his prime. I remember consoling Woody when my dad insisted we trade Drabek
for (Rick) Rhoden. Rhoden was 32 or 33, but back then that's the way we
did things. (Source)
12.01.2007 Twins GM does drugs
How else can you explain the following?
Minnesota has requested the Yankees surrender either pitcher Alan Horne or outfielder Austin Jackson as the third player...(Source)
Ok, that's just silly.
But the Twins have continued to talk with the Red Sox about center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, a player they seem to covet even more than Hughes. (Source)
Ellsbury is a good prospect and all, but to value him over Phil Hughes? That's simply nuts.
Twins
GM Bill Smith
12.01.2007 Our thoughts on the Hughes situation
Like many of you, we were absolutely crushed when we saw the reports of Phil Hughes being offered to the Twins. It was like someone ripped our heart out and showed it to us before we collapsed to the ground. It's tough to remain objective when it comes to Phil Hughes. For the past several years, we have watched him go from draft pick to the best pitching prospect in baseball.
For us, it's more than that though. After nearly a decade of ignoring the farm system, Hughes became symbolic to many Yankee fans. He served as the biggest sign that the madness and inefficiency which ran rampant through this organization was coming to an end. No longer would the strategy focus on acquiring immovable contracts of players whose production didn't justify their cost. We heard terms from the front office that we hadn't been used to hearing -- like "cutting payroll", "roster flexibility", "youth movement", and "developing from within." In just a few short years, the Yankees went from having a joke of a farm system to one of the best in all of baseball. It was a breath of fresh air, and Hughes was at the forefront of the "new Yankee way."
That's why it's so difficult to let Phil go. Maybe it is the fan in us. After all, we would be acquiring Johan Santana. He's still in his prime. In March, he'll turn 29. Over the past 6 years, he's never posted an ERA+ of under 130. In fact, in each season from 2004-2006, he led the AL in ERA+. You know that you are getting premium quality production from him. You don't know that yet about Phil, despite his marvelous minor league numbers. If you are going to trade the top pitching prospect in baseball, the only player you would do that for is Johan Santana. It's not like the Yankees are trading prospects for past-their-prime declining stars, and thus abandoning their newfound methodology.
We will admit though that we are struggling with why Hughes was included in a potential deal so quickly. By all reports, the Twins are not interested in Boston's current offer. Like we said the other day, Coco Crisp makes no sense for them. So, why did the Yankees feel the need to up the ante so quickly? And if they really felt compelled to do so, did they try to build upon the orginal Kennedy+ offer? That is what is really bothering us. We would avoid trading Hughes until the moment we absolutely had to. We would explore every avenue. Maybe the Twins said bluntly, "If Hughes isn't included, you have no chance." Who knows? The timing just seems very odd to us.
I guess
all we can do is wait and hopefully some of these questions will be answered
for us...at least for the sake of our own sanity.
11.29.2007 Smokescreen
The Red Sox and Twins are discussing the framework of a Johan Santana deal that would have Boston sending four players to Minnesota in return for the two-time Cy Young Award winner, including center fielder Coco Crisp, pitcher Jon Lester and minor-league shortstop Jed Lowrie, the trio that would anchor the deal. (Source)
We don't believe this deal between Boston and Minnesota is real. We think it's propaganda that both teams are putting out to get the Yankees to offer more. We feel this way not because we have special sources, but rather we're just thinking about it logically.
First, you could make a strong argument that a Lester, Crisp, Lowrie-anchored deal would be trumped by a Kennedy, Cabrera, Tabata (or Austin Jackson) combination. And, we cannot conceive a scenario where the Yankees would not be willing to offer those players for Johan Santana.
But, disregard that position for a moment. For the sake of argument, call the packages "even."
If one looks at what Twins are doing, it is obvious they are slashing salary and entering a rebuilding phase. In our interview yesterday with Twins' beat writer Jim Souhal, he confirmed this and stated that the organization is gearing up for the 2010 opening of their new stadium.
It is this organizational direction which provides us with the biggest reason that this Red Sox-Twins deal is not legitimate. It makes zero sense for Minnesota to acquire Coco Crisp.
While Crisp may be viewed as "affordable" when compared to other recently signed contracts, he does not possess the same of amount of value or discount to the Twins.
Crisp, who recently turned 28, will be paid $10.5 million over the next 2 seasons, and has a 2010 club option for $8 million or a $500,000 buyout. (Source)
Why would the rebuilding Twins pay that salary when there are cheaper, younger, and comparable solutions available?
That alternative is Melky Cabrera. Melky is only 23, made $432k last season, and is not yet eligible for arbitration.
But, for the extra money, you think you would be getting a much better bat with Crisp, right? Wrong. Take a look at their lines from 2007.
Crisp:
.268 BA / .330 OBP / .382 SLG / .712 OPS
Cabrera:
.273 BA / .327 OBP / .391 SLG / .718 OPS
Both lines are terrible, but at least Melky is 23 and isn't close to his peak years yet. What's Coco's excuse?
So seriously, ask yourself this question. Does it make more sense for a team in a rebuilding phase to acquire a 28-year old CF due $10.5 million over the next 2 years, or a 23-year old CF who will make less than $500k next season?
The
Twins and Red Sox are trying to get the Yankees to up the ante. It's
simple logic.
11.28.2007 The view from Minnesota: Interview with Twins beat writer, Jim Souhan
Lane Meyer sat down with Twins beat writer and veteran journalist, Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune (Minneapolis - St. Paul) to discuss the Johan Santana negotiations. There is some very good insight here.
Click
here to read the interview.
11.27.2007 Is the best pitcher in baseball coming to the Bronx?
Does anyone find it interesting that the Yankees are the only team being seriously mentioned in trade talks with Minnesota? With Santana possessing a no-trade clause, is it possible that he has instructed the Twins to trade him to the Boogie Down?
Equally as fascinating is the following excerpt from an article on SI.com:
The Twins have opened trade discussions for Johan Santana by asking the Yankees for a package of at least three young players that would include one of their three top starters -- Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes or Ian Kennedy -- plus center fielder Melky Cabrera. (Source)
If Kennedy is being lumped together with Hughes and Joba, then Cashman is a magician. If Santana can be acquired for Kennedy, Melky, and any other prospect of the Twins choice, we will post a picture of Peter Abraham picking his nose.
We
would personally drive Melky and Ian to the Metrodome.
11.25.2007 Inside the mind of Hank Steinbrenner
On Sunday, the NY Post published an in-depth interview with the Yankees top dog, Hank Steinbrenner. Let's take a look.
On preaching patience with Joe Girardi and the young Yankee pitchers:
It doesn't mean we can't win. The Marlins did it in '03 with a bunch of young pitchers and they beat us. Detroit got in the World Series last year with a bunch of young pitchers. It doesn't mean we can't win right away... But you gotta give them a chance to get their feet wet.
Makes sense.
On Brian Cashman:
He's probably more frugal with money than myself or my brother are, or my dad was. The biggest thing he's done these last few years is these young pitchers (Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy). Him and Damon Oppenheimer, and Mark Newman. Nobody gives you pitching. You gotta grow your own, and you gotta draft them, and they've done that. Nowadays, it's very tough to be able to get a (David) Cone or a (David) Wells when they were at their peak. You saw what (the Giants) paid (seven years, $126 million) for (Barry) Zito.
Sounds good.
His favorite actress:
Jennifer Love Hewitt.
What?????????
Hank
on his way home after a long day at the Stadium.
11.24.2007 Johan
The Johan Santana sweepstakes are about to start burning up the Hot Stove League, and the Yankees and Mets are expected to go all-out in attempting to acquire the ace lefthander.
The Twins recently offered Santana a four-year, $80-million contract extension that would have kept him in Minnesota through the 2012 season, a person familiar with discussions said Friday. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune first reported that talks had broken down. When Santana turned down the offer, the Twins indicated they would begin looking at trading the two-time Cy Young Award winner, although Santana has a full no-trade clause.
Someone close to Santana said he would be willing to waive the clause to go to a winning club. The friend said Santana would be open to playing for either the Yankees or Mets. Changing leagues would not be a problem, the friend said.
The Twins are believed to have more interest in Chamberlain and Hughes than Kennedy, but they also like second baseman Robinson Cano and centerfielder Melky Cabrera. (Source)
Of the players mentioned above, here's who we would trade in a deal directly between the Yankees and Twins (no third team involved).
11.24.2007 The return of Pettitte is critical
The coverage of the Yankees offseason has been overwhelmingly focused on players like Arod, Posada, Rivera, and Johan Santana. While all of these players certainly demand attention, no one seems to be addressing an issue of incredible importance to the Yankees: the uncertain future of Andy Pettitte.
In the 2007 season, Pettitte gave the Yankees 215 1/3 innings of 110 ERA+ ball. His innings pitched led the staff and his ERA+ was second only to Chien-Ming Wang (121) among starters.
If Pettitte does not return, it will be a devastating blow for the starting rotation. First, who would replace those innings? With the emphasis on innings-caps for young pitchers like Hughes and Chamberlain, we doubt that they'll supply them on an individual basis. Second, without Pettitte, the rotation lacks any significant depth. There would be no choice but to rely on Mussina and his non-existent fastball. Plus, if an injury occurs, the Yankees would have to choose from the usual suspects of Karstens, Rasner, Igawa, or maybe Clippard. Alan Horne is the next exciting pitcher for fans to follow, but we can't see the Yankees bringing him to the Bronx without giving him ample time at AAA.
Without Pettitte, the set-up would look something like: Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain, Kennedy, & Mussina. Even if a trade for Santana is made, you'd assume one of those pitchers would go to Minnesota, so you would still have a bare-boned rotation.
The return of Andy Pettitte would give the Yankees much-needed innings, an option with Mussina, a backup in the event of an injury (since everyone gets bumped down a spot), and a proven and still effective pitcher in the rotation.
The
future of Andy Pettitte should be of immense concern to both the Yankees
and their fans.
11.22.2007 .324 OBP = $18 million per year?
That's what the Angels paid for the mediocre Torii Hunter.
You don't think there's a market for the $13 mil per year Hideki Matsui or Johnny Damon?
You
bet there is. Let's make a deal happen,
front office.
11.20.2007 Happy Thanksgiving from NoMaas
11.20.2007 Andruw Jones update
One of our first ideas of the offseason was to take a look at Andruw Jones on a one-year deal. Today, Scott Boras insisted that his client isn't looking for that type of contract.
Despite Andruw Jones' struggles, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday that he does not expect Jones to sign a one-year contract in an effort to rehabilitate his numbers and file for free agency again next winter. (Source)
Although Boras maintains this position, Jones does not seem to be in significant demand, which would bode well in negotiations.
"Not only have I not heard what [money] Scott is looking for on Jones; I haven't heard anyone other than Washington talking to him about Andruw," said an executive with a big league club in the market for a center fielder. "I assume that Scott is just going to wait until Hunter and Rowand are off the board and then hope the other bidders for those players get desperate." (Source)
So
again, our position is to sign Jones to a one-year deal, add a right-handed
power bat to the lineup (if he rebounds), not give up a draft pick (Jones
is a Type B), and allow the Yankees to aggressively deal a surplus outfielder.
11.19.2007 NoMaas Prospect Evaluation: Why Alan Horne should not be traded
Alan Horne had a huge 2007 season, surging onto prospect lists and garnering the attention of General Managers across the game. His performance for the Trenton Thunder this past season was so impressive that he was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year, after leading the Thunder to their first ever Championship. However, the problem with Horne's ascension into the prospect ranks is that he often isn't held in the regard that he deserves, as prospect pundits seem to rely on outdated and inaccurate information when evaluating him.
Click here to read the rest of our article.
While
the Big 3 have dominated the headlines, Alan Horne deserves much more serious
attention.
11.19.2007 What a difference
Joe Girardi on Monday during a WFAN interview:
"I went to the Dominican Republic for a couple days to see the young players down there. There were approximately 55 Latin players from different countries and 8 players from the United States that were down there playing some instructional ball. It was great to see...such a great amount of talent at such a young age."
Joe Torre on August 5, 2007:
Yankees
fans are dying to see Joba Chamberlain pitch, but Joe Torre would simply
like to meet the young man first. "I don't even know what the kid
looks like," Torre said after repeated questions about the ballyhooed 21-year-old
right-handed prospect. (Source)
11.18.2007 The Panama Jack*** supposedly to re-sign
Mariano Rivera's icy negotiations with the Yankees may be reaching a thaw, as the future Hall of Fame closer appears primed to remain with the club. According to a report published Sunday in the New York Post, Rivera is expected to accept the Yankees' three-year, $45 million contract offer early this week. (Source)
11.18.2007 Replay Available - Top 10 Yankees Prospects on Gotham Baseball Live
Now available is the replay of Mike Silva's show of Top 10 Yankees Prospects with Baseball America's John Manuel.
And wouldn't you know, NoMaas' Lane Meyer made a surprise appearance.
To
listen, click below: 11.15.2007 Do
you want this too, jerk?
There
is a reason why Mariano Rivera has not accepted the Yankees' offer of a
three-year, $45-million contract.
Rivera,
according to major-league sources, wants a fourth guaranteed year.
Rivera,
sources say, believes he deserves the same length of contract as Yankees
catcher Jorge Posada, who is on the verge of re-signing for $52.4 million
over four years, and Mets closer Billy Wagner, who received $43 million
over four years after the 2005 season. (Source)
There
is no way the Yankees should give Rivera a 4th year. He's insane
for not already taking the 3/45 deal. That offer is ridiculous as
it is. He may be the greatest relief pitcher of all time, but no
closer is worth that much, nevermind one who is turning 38 in a couple
weeks.
The
Yankees should absolutely stand pat with their offer and let Mariano have
his little temper tantrum. If another team wants to top that, then
be our guest. We'll happily take the draft picks.
11.15.2007 We
repeat
Do
not sign Mike Lowell.
Even
though reports
suggest otherwise, we cannot possibly believe the Yankees will sign
Mike Lowell, with such obvious younger and cheaper alternatives available.
We also can't envision the Yankees willingly giving Boston a draft pick.
This would be a typical "old Yankee signing."
We'd
much rather see Wilson Betemit be given a shot at 1B than Lowell.
Betemit is seven years younger, millions cheaper, and in a regular role
could seize his power potential.
11.15.2007 Hopefully
Jeter's attorneys provide better defense than he does
New
York City's quintessential A-list superstar, Yankees captain Derek Jeter,
is in trouble with the taxman for claiming he resided in Florida during
some of the biggest years of his Big Apple career.
New
York state tax officials want Jeter to fork over what could be hundreds
of thousands — even millions of dollars— in back taxes and interest for
the years 2001 to 2003, when the baseball shortstop claimed residency in
Florida, despite his high-profile presence in New York’s sports and gossip
pages during that time. (Source)
11.14.2007 An
"emergency" Arod interview with Tyler Kepner of the NY Times
It
was 10
days ago when Tyler Kepner suggested that Alex Rodriguez could come
back to the Yankees if he offered them a "discount." It now appears
likely that Arod will be at the hot corner for the Yankees next season.
Sensei
John Kreese sat down again with the prophet that is Tyler Kepner to discuss
this breaking news.
Click
here to read the full interview.
11.14.2007 Our
blockbuster proposal
Offseason
idea # 5
A very
bold proposal.
Welcome
NoMaas' Prince Akeem, heir to the throne of Zamunda and his
three-way trading plan.
11.12.2007 Posada
gets his deal
Jorge
Posada, the 36-year-old free agent catcher, will remain a Yankee, sources
familiar with the negotiations told the Daily News Monday night.
The
Yankees offered Posada a four-year, $52 million contract - the same deal
they gave both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui two years ago - to remain
in pinstripes. The deal will become official pending a physicial and final
contract language being ironed out.
In
a lunch meeting with Brian Cashman on Friday, Posada and his wife, Laura,
made it clear to the Yankees' GM that they were seeking a four-year
contract.
Cashman
had been holding firm to the team's original three-year, $40 million offer
throughout the negotiations, but after mulling over the issue this weekend,
Cashman, Hank and Hal Steinbrenner agreed during a morning conference call
yesterday that they would give Posada the fourth year. (Source)
One
year too long, but what could the Yankees do? They really had no
leverage in this situation. We are surprised that he "only" got $13
mil per year, considering he was MLB's best offensive catcher in 2007.
Hopefully, he'll be able to make his mortgage payment.
11.12.2007 Mo
& Po get increased offers
The
New York Yankees planned to make a new contract offer to Jorge Posada on
Monday in an effort to re-sign the All-Star catcher before he hit the open
market.
New
York also was trying to re-sign Mariano Rivera before Tuesday, when free
agents could start talking money with all clubs.
"Mariano
already has been given an improved offer, and Jorge's will be today," senior
vice president Hank Steinbrenner said. "We're kind of hoping to get an
answer at least on one of the two tonight."
Rivera,
an eight-time All-Star, was in the Dominican Republic on Monday. Rivera,
who turns 38 on Nov. 29, said Monday if he couldn't reach a deal with New
York, he would consider following manager Joe Torre to the Los Angeles
Dodgers. The closer is expected to receive a three-year contract.
"The
Yankees are my first option," he said in Santo Domingo. "But if that is
not possible, there is Joe with the Dodgers." (Source)
Bringing
back Posada and Rivera are absolutely necessary.
And
Mariano can be a bit of a prick at times.
11.11.2007 NoMaas
during the offseason
With
the games over and baseball news not as prevalent, we'll probably not be
updating the site with the same frequency we do during the season (although
last offseason, we seemed to post on a daily basis). We'll continue
to publish our roster ideas and stay current with any transactions that
are made, but we'd like to relax a little. Plus, we'd like to use
this time to implement some new features.
So
as a disclaimer, if we go a few days in between updates, give us a break.
11.08.2007 Baseball's
"independent" investigation into performance-enhancing drugs
Eleven
Major League Baseball free agents will be named in former U.S. Senator
George Mitchell's report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the
sport, the Boston Globe reported on its Web site.
Agents
who attended yesterday's union meeting in New York were told that all 11
players were notified by Commissioner Bud Selig's office, the Globe said,
citing two unidentified agents who confirmed the story today. (Source)
According
to numerous outlets reporting this story, Mitchell, who sits on the Red
Sox Board of Directors, will release the report by the end of the year.
Las Vegas has already begun placing odds on which players will be named
by the Red Sox board director. Here's a sampling of the action as
the gambling world waits for the findings of the Red Sox board director.
Barry
Bonds: -1,200,000
Offseason
idea # 4
Take
advantage of Joe Torre & Ned Colletti
From
NoMaas' Lane Meyer:
Any
deal for Cabrera, Santana, or Peavy is going to require the Brian Cashman
to deal from the collection of young talent he has cultivated since gaining
full power in the fall of 2005. While it is highly unlikely that he moves
Hughes or Chamberlain, a deal for one of the established stars will require
multiple selections from a group of Kennedy, Horne, Tabata, Jackson, Montero,
Sanchez, Melancon, etc. While a deal like that could conceivably still
be worth it, the Yankees should do whatever they can to improve the
talent and flexibility of their roster before trading any of those guys.
Joe Torre is the key to doing so.
Click
here to read the full article.
11.06.2007 Stating
the obvious
And
so begins our annual list of offseason ideas...
Offseason
idea # 1
It
is very obvious that the Yankees need to retain Jorge Posada and Mariano
Rivera (in that order of importance). While we typically shy away
from offering multi-year deals to older players, the Yankees really don't
have any choice in this situation.
There
is an alarming lack of catching depth around baseball and Posada is an
elite at that position. The difference in offensive production between
him and a replacement would be huge -- and Posada knows it. He is
clearly using other teams as bargaining power with the Yankees:
"I
won't sign anywhere this week," Posada told Newsday yesterday. "There's
no way we'll get something done this week."
"The
Mets are interested; they've contacted us," Posada said. "The Mets, the
Marlins, Toronto, all of them are interested." (Source)
The
Yankees might just have to bite the bullet on this one and basically give
Posada whatever he wants. Letting him walk would hurt the Yankees
much more.
With
Mariano, the Yankees need him to bolster a bullpen which was quite volatile
last season. Even at his age, Mariano is still one of the most effective
relievers in baseball. It's imperative to re-sign him.
Additionally,
the Yankees really need to convince Andy Pettitte to play. With him
declining his option and considering retirement, losing Pettitte would
be a huge loss for the rotation (110 ERA+ in 2007). Not only would
the Yankees lose one of their best starters, but having to replace Andy
could serve as a major hindrance to other offseason moves the front office
intended to make (like trading for Miguel Cabrera). Finding a starting
pitcher of Pettitte's quality would be very costly.
Offseason
idea # 2
Sign
Andruw Jones to a big money, 1 year deal.
With
the departure of Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees are in a need of a right-handed
power bat. Jones could provide that solution.
Here's
how it would work. Jones couldn't have picked a worse time to become
a free agent, as his 2007 campaign was possibly the worst of his career
(88 OPS+). In an effort to secure a lucrative multi-year deal, he
may be receptive to a one-year "prove yourself" deal. We would be
very open to the Yankees giving him a hefty one-year deal to entice him
to the Bronx. He's a career 113 OPS+ (.839 OPS) hitter, and one season
removed from posting a 49.3
VORP.
This
is the kicker though. Jones
is a Type B free agent, meaning the Yankees would not surrender their 1st
round draft pick if they were to sign him. This is what makes his
signing acceptable to us. If he was a Type A, we would not be advocating
this.
If
the Yanks were to sign him, this would allow the Yankees to shop either
Damon or Melky. Also, getting Matsui out of LF and into a DH role
would be a positive move.
11.06.2007 Do
not sign Mike Lowell
Offseason
idea # 3
This
isn't so much of an idea, but a proclamation. We do not want the
Yankees anywhere near Mike Lowell.
First,
he'll be 34 at the start of the 2008 season. Second, he's supposedly
looking for a 4 to
5 year deal. Third, he's a product of the little league field
called Fenway Park. In 2007, he had a .993 OPS at home and a .767
OPS away. Those are very
drastic splits.
Yes,
he's a "winner." He "plays the game the right way." He's "not
afraid to get his uniform dirty." He's "good in the clubhouse."
Despite
his Intangible Index being off the chart, we would not sign a player through
nearly age 40, who was greatly aided by his home park -- especially when
there are alternatives available. What alternatives? We will
put forth our proposals in the coming days.
11.05.2007 Damon
for Crede?
Buster
Olney of ESPN.com has mentioned a possible Johnny Damon for Joe Crede deal
between the Yankees and White Sox. (Source)
As
much as we didn't like the Damon signing, we would never trade him for
Joe Crede. If you like players who don't get on base, then Joe Crede
is the player for you. His career .305 OBP is simply putrid.
And any defensive value he could potentially bring is negated by the fact
that he's coming off back surgery.
Pass.
11.05.2007 Introducing...
11.04.2007 Interview
with Tyler Kepner of the New York Times
With
all of the speculation and rumor surrounding Alex Rodriguez, we wanted
to hear from someone who has direct sources into the Yankees. On
Sunday, the NY Times' Tyler Kepner wrote
an article suggesting that Arod is considering giving the Yankees a
discount on the front end of any deal. Sensei John Kreese spoke with
Tyler about the likelihood of such a discount, as well as other aspects
of the Arod situation and the Yankees offseason plans.
Click
here to read the full interview.
11.01.2007 A
different take on Arod
Introducing
NoMaas' Gilbert Lowell:
Now
that the dust has started to settle, I started thinking about this with
less emotion and more reason and I have come up with another possible angle:
the Yankees simply let Alex go. That's right. The Yankees had no intention
of ever re-signing Alex Rodriguez for the type of money the market would
demand they pay him.
10.31.2007 One,
two, he's coming for you - Three, four, better lock your door
10.31.2007 Oh
no, Torre's gone! Everyone will leave!!!!11!!!11!!
Andy
Pettitte has already come to one important decision this offseason. The
left-hander will either pitch for the Yankees in 2008, or he will not pitch
at all.
The
New York Yankees committed an awful lot of money to me and put it in my
hands, gave me a player option and trusted me with that option," Pettitte
told KRIV-TV. "It probably wouldn't be real honorable for me not to do
anything other than if I shut it down, shut it down or go back and play
for the New York Yankees."
Now
Torre is gone, leaving the organization after a 12-year run and potentially
on his way to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Pettitte said he was happy for the
new Yankees manager -- former batterymate Joe Girardi -- but said that
he would not let the managerial change influence his decision.
"It
won't," Pettitte told the television station. "I've got to figure out in
my own mind exactly what I want to do. I know a lot of speculation is out
there as far as with [Torre] losing the job and stuff like that -- what
effect it would have -- but the Yankees gave me the contract. That's the
organization that has committed to me, and it won't have any bearing."
(Source)
Atta
boy, Andy.
10.30.2007 Love
knows no distance
10.29.2007 Hail
to the chief
We
are very happy with the decision.
10.29.2007 It
really is Arod's fault
Since
our inception, we have established a reputation of being staunch Alex Rodriguez
defenders. In the face of unfounded fan criticism and yellow journalism,
we were always quick to point out the value of Arod's production.
We found it mind-boggling how imbeciles would unite to crucify the Yankees'
best and most valuable player.
Yet,
after this latest stunt, it is impossible for us to defend Arod now.
We
don't blame Arod for opting out. After all, the Yankees traded for
him knowing that he had this clause in his contract. Plus, he was
treated like crap by the fans and media here. Maybe he just had enough.
However,
we blame Arod for not being man enough to even have a conversation with
the Yankees, and specifically Brian Cashman. Cashman was one of the
few who publicly defended Rodriguez, and denied the countless trade demands
made by writers and fans. After telling us repeatedly during the
season that he wanted to stay in New York, Alex did not even honor the
Yankees' request of a face-to-face meeting. He reportedly broke up
with the Yankees in a voicemail left by Scott Boras. No dialogue.
No conversation. Can't we be a little more professional than that?
Is that how you really conduct business, Alex?
We
also blame Rodriguez for citing the reason of the departure as confusion
over the Yankees' direction. In two interviews we heard Boras give,
he stated that Alex's main goal is to win a world championship and recent
Yankees events have made him doubt the organization's focus. Are
you kidding us? This isn't the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is
the New York Yankees -- the same team who annually spends $200 million
towards winning a championship. If you expect us to believe that
you really don't think the Yankees' goal is to win and/or puts you in a
position to win, then you are truly out of your mind. Nobody is buying
it, Arod.
His
production will be near impossible to replace and the Yankees may have
to improve in other areas to compensate. He may end up on a team
who is in direct competition to the Bombers. What is certain though
is that sincerity and professionalism are two qualities which Alex Rodriguez
clearly lacks.
10.29.2007 Not
the best night to be a Yankee fan
Alex
Rodriguez opted out of his $252 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees
on Sunday in what appears to be the end of his tumultuous career with New
York.
Rodriguez's
decision, announced by agent Scott Boras as the rival Boston Red Sox completed
their World Series sweep of Colorado, makes the third baseman eligible
to become a free agent.
Boras
said he attempted to notify Yankees general manager Brian Cashman of the
decision but couldn't reach him, so he left a voice mail.
"He
was traveling and I was traveling," Boras said. (Source)
Hank
Steinbrenner's response:
"It's
clear he didn't want to be a Yankee," Hank Steinbrenner told the Daily
News last night. "He doesn't understand the privilege of being a Yankee
on a team where the owners are willing to pay $200 million to put a winning
product on the field.
"I
don't want anybody on my team that doesn't want to be a Yankee."
"We're
not going to back down," Steinbrenner said. "It's goodbye." (Source)
By
all reports, the Yankees were prepared to make Arod an offer of nearly
$30 million per year, and Rodriguez didn't even give them a meeting.
Instead, his agent apparently left Cashman a voicemail and then announced
it to the press...during Game 4 of the World Series. Classy.
Arod
on March 14, 2007 during a WFAN interview: "One hundred percent, my
wife and my daughter, we want to stay in New York."
Guess
not.
Seriously
though, is there anyone who will really exceed what the Yankees were planning
on offering?
10.27.2007 Chill
out
Sometimes
people should take a deep breath before they publish spiteful rants about
members of the Yankees front office.
Before:
(Source)
These
last two weeks were evidence of one thing: Nobody is really in charge
of the Yankees.
Joe
Torre got run out of pinstripes by two guys who couldn’t pick Phil Hughes
out of a lineup. One of their vice presidents is Felix Lopez, a landscaper
who had the good fortune to marry Steinbrenner’s daughter.
The
power over baseball operations Brian Cashman gained had started to slip
away.
Now
Torre has been pushed out and Cashman marginalized.
(Source)
In
other words, the Yankees would be better off without certain weasels
in the front office having personal agendas.
After:
(Source)
They’re
still in the decision-making process and no news is expected until after
the weekend. It’s up to Brian Cashman, although the family still
has a say.
(Source)
Brian
Cashman is back in New York and mulling over the decision. All indications
are that the choice is his and will be approved by the Tampa Trio.
My
choice would be Mattingly. But I don’t have a choice. Only Brian Cashman
does and he’s not saying yet.
We
told you that Cashman had not lost power. This isn't because we had inside
information, we simply paid attention. Cashman has been moving the organization
in a specific direction over the last two years, and Torre's departure
fits perfectly with that direction. It was simple common sense.
10.24.2007 Please
get your own material
http://yankees.lohudblogs.com/2007/10/24/c-money-takes-another-walk/
As
of Thursday 4:45am, the above site is currently down. However, if
it comes back online, you will clearly see what we're talking about.
10.22.2007 Before
the sympathy tour continues...
Have
a look at this:
Torre's
so persuasive, in fact, that after his emotional hour-long press gathering
the other day, he had half of New York believing that the Yankees insulted
him with their $5 million guaranteed offer (with incentive clauses for
another $3 million) and the other half believing that he was fired.
Torre
can feel hurt if he wants by the take-it-or-leave-it stance of Yankees'
decisionmakers. But for the record, it should be known now that their
recent offer was actually better than the one discussed in spring, months
before the team bowed out in the first round for a third straight postseason.
Back
then, SI.com has learned, the Yankees and Torre were talking about a one-year
$4.5 million extension with Steve Swindal, the son-in-law who signed
Torre to his lucrative $6.4 million-a-year deal,
and Torre was receptive
to the offer. But that extension fell apart after Swindal was arrested
for a DWI on Valentine's Day and Swindal's marriage to George Steinbrenner's
daughter, Jennifer, subsequently disintegrated. The Yankees hierarchy decided
it would be best to let all four of its major stars (including A-Rod, Mariano
Rivera and Jorge Posada) play out the season under their current deals.
At
the time, according to people familiar with those talks, Torre told his
bosses that it was his great goal to be able to close out the old Yankee
Stadium. Yet when his superiors gave him a chance to do just that
last week -- at $500,000 more than what had been discussed in the spring
-- Torre took it as an insult. An opportunity to close out the stadium
was offered as a one-year extension, but he wanted a second year that would
have guaranteed that he'd open new Yankee Stadium, as well. (Source)
And
for those who are whining and spreading
the idea that Cashman has lost power:
...the
GM said he agreed that the one-year deal was the right offer. And I
don't believe he's only saying that now to be a team player. Every Yankee
exec -- Cashman, included -- started to wonder about Torre's strategies,
especially the overuse of some relievers and the under-use of some young
position players. (Source)
10.21.2007 Replay
of Sensei and Lane interview
On
Sunday night, NoMaas' Sensei John Kreese and Lane Meyer appeared on NY
Baseball Talk with Mike Silva. The topic of Joe Torre was front and
center.
10.21.2007 We're
in love with Hank
Hank
Steinbrenner, who has begun to take control over the New York Yankees with
brother Hal from their fiery father George, shot back at former manager
Joe Torre's comment about the team's contract offer being an "insult."
"Where
was Joe's career in '95 when my dad hired him?" Hank Steinbrenner told
The New York Post. "My dad was crucified for hiring him.
"Let's
not forget what my dad did in giving him that opportunity -- and the great
team he was handed," Steinbrenner told the paper.
Hank
Steinbrenner believed the Yankees' offer was fair and that Torre needed
to accept some of the blame for the team's zero championships since 2000.
"You
can't take credit for success when you're going good, and then not take
at least some of the blame when things change," Steinbrenner told the paper.
"I'm sorry he feels insulted, but that was not the intent."(Source)
Truer
words have never been spoken and it's so incredible to hear someone finally
speaking out (besides us). Torre never
took responsibility for any type of losing, but always took credit
for the team's success. The same goes for his apostles.
When the team struggled, fans and media blamed the players. When
the team won, it was because of the magical abilities of Joe Torre.
10.21.2007 Sensei
& Lane on the radio tonight
NY
Baseball Talk with Mike SiIva is hosting a special Joe Torre edition, and
NoMaas will be representing to the fullest. Sensei John Kreese and
Lane Meyer will be appearing to discuss the departure of Joey Four Rings.
They'll
be on at 7:00pm and you can listen here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nybaseballtalk
10.19.2007 Two
quick thoughts
Everyone
in the media who is saying that Cashman has lost power is absolutely idiotic.
If anything, the managerial change shows that Cashman's vision is spreading
even further. To be innovative, you can't have a manager who thinks
it's the 1950s. This is just the latest example of the Yankees new
methodology.
We've
stated this already, but we'd like to repeat it. Our top two choices
for the next skipper are Bobby Valentine and Joe Girardi.
10.19.2007 Thanks
for proving our point
Joe
Torre never spent hours pouring over statistics or videotape like a lot
of young managers do these days. He wasn't a workaholic type who obsessed
about getting to work earlier than his peers. He would have a nice lunch,
and then he would shave cleanly after games -- wins or losses -- as he
prepared for a late dinner at a restaurant.
It
has never been his style to simmer in the aftermath of success or failure,
after all. In an era when managers seem to put in more hours than first-year
lawyers or hospital residents, Torre might've put in the fewest office
hours of any manager in the game. (Source)
Buster
Olney is one of the many sheep who are mourning the exit of Joe Torre.
He led off an article in support of Torre by first writing the above two
paragraphs. That's where we stopped reading. How can anyone
in their right mind read those excerpts and think that Torre deserved to
come back?
If
you're an employer, are you going to hire a person who puts in minimum
effort?
So
basically, the Yankees should have given a multi-year, multi-million dollar
deal to someone who doesn't do what's in their job description. Sure,
that makes sense.
10.19.2007 Run,
Felix Hernandez, run
The
Seattle Mariners have all but settled their coaching staff for 2008, and
an announcement is expected within days.
When
it comes, one of the hires is expected to be an old hand at handling pitchers.
Mel
Stottlemyre, whose New York Yankees staffs from 1996-2005 won four World
Series titles, is in line to become the Mariners' next pitching coach.
(Source)
Remove
Felix Hernandez from your fantasy teams.
10.18.2007 Thank
you, Mr. Torre
As
much as we loathed his decision-making in recent years and aggressively
campaigned for his departure, Joe Torre was at the helm for a wonderful
period of Yankees history. None of us will ever forget those championship
years.
Like
with everything in life, changes are needed to adapt to new situations.
Modernization requires updated strategies and tactics.
As
the organization moves forward, we would like to thank Joe Torre for his
contributions made as a member of the Yankees family.
10.18.2007 Yanks'
execs pull Jedi PR trick
This
is our theory.
The
Yankees' brass decided that it was time to move in a new direction, minus
Torre. Instead of announcing to the world that they did not want
him back, they gave Torre the option to save face. Thus, they offered
him a contract which he rejected, and let Torre go out on his own terms.
The
Yankees' front office doesn't look like a bunch of jerks (since they did
technically offer him a contract), which will limit PR damage with the
Four Rings crowd, and not alienate Rivera and Posada.
Conversely,
Torre doesn't look like he was "fired" by the Yankees and left by his own
volition.
We
could be totally wrong, but that's what it looks like to us.
10.18.2007 The
search begins...
10.17.2007 Is
Torre too powerful for the front office?
10.16.2007 Will
Red Sox fans call this bush league too?
10.16.2007 Who
will it be?
10.15.2007 If
the Yankees flipped over more water coolers, they would be more successful
In
Game 4 of the ALDS, one couldn't help but notice the "Paul O'Neill" chant.
It seems to be popular opinion among Yankees fans that recent playoff failures
can be attributed to a perceived lack of fire or passion -- qualities often
displayed by the former Yankees right fielder.
While
it is great to sometimes see players display the emotions we have as fans,
there are those who believe that throwing a bunch of helmets has a direct
correlation to player performance.
In
1999, Paul O'Neill had one of the worst postseasons that a player could
have:
11
for 44 with zero extra base hits: .250 BA / .312 OBP / .250 SLG / .562
OPS
Apparently,
his "caring" and "will to win" didn't help him hit.
10.14.2007 If
I ever need any guidance, who's a better consiglieri than my father?
Hank
& Hal now run their father's family business:
The
George Steinbrenner era is apparently all but over.
According
to a report in the New York Post, the “Boss” has handed over control of
the New York Yankees to his sons Hank and Hal Steinbrenner as he faces
up to declining health.
“George
has taken on a role like the chairman of a major corporation,” team president
Randy Levine told the Post. “He’s been saying for years he’s wanted
to get his sons involved in the family business. Both of them have
stepped up and are taking on the day-to-day duties of what’s required to
run the Yankees.”
“There’s
always been a succession — and that’s myself and my brother,” Hank Steinbrenner
added. (Source)
10.13.2007 How
do these people get paid to write this garbage?
Ladies
and gentlemen, we give you Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune.
Yankees
should let Rodriguez sign elsewhere
Recent
history has shown you can't buy a World Series title, and A-Rod has shown
he isn't worth the money it would take to keep him.
Rodriguez,
who will win his third Most Valuable Player Award this season, is the best
player in the game. But he hasn't brought any bang for the buck since agent
Scott Boras got him the 10-year, $252 million deal from Texas after the
2000 season.
In
terms of general managers, and especially owners, there's rarely a shortage
of suckers. Rodriguez probably will get his money from somebody this winter,
but if the Yankees are smart, they will go get Mike Lowell and see if the
Red Sox are silly enough to sign A-Rod. (Source)
So,
Phil Rogers calls Arod "the best player in the game" and thinks he'll win
another MVP. Yet, he argues that Arod has not "brought any bang for
the buck." Huh??
Then
this idiotic writer says the Red Sox would be "silly" if they signed Alex.
Really, Phil? Arod more than doubled Lowell's VORP this season (96.6
to 46.5). This would result in a significant swing in the standings,
as Arod would add wins to Boston and subtract from the Yankees. Good
idea, Mr. Rogers!
This
could be the stupidest thing we have ever read.
10.13.2007 Will
the front office finally stand up to Joe Torre?
Will
the front office do what's in the best interest of the organization; or
will they allow Torre to continue to hold them hostage?
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/nybaseballtalk/2007/11/18/Top-10-Prospects-
Signing
Lowell would be a waste of Yankee resources.
Derek's
license plate
Posada
preparing for the regular season...
Julio
Franco: -150
David
Eckstein: +185
Miguel
Cairo:: +175
Any
Red Sox player: OFF
In
other news, Ronald McDonald has been appointed head of an investigation
into trans fat in the fast food industry.
Po
is going to be rolling in dough.
Kepner
arrived at the interview dressed to impress.
The
pimp and his...
Hank
to Torre: "Don't ever take sides with anyone against the family again...ever."
"This
is not the contract you're looking for."
We
would be happy with Girardi.
It
didn't work for Arod either, lil' fella.
Hank
is already exercising his power and said that Joba will be a starter next
season.
