New York Yankee 2007 Post Season Thread

[Bulldogcakes]

It's getting disturbing that the trade deadline is 48 hours away and the Yankees, who are in more desperate need of changes than they have been in recent memory, have done zero. They got Molina, which was a decent move, but it only helps us slightly every 5 days. WE NEED a fucking legit BULLPEN.

And a half-decent bat off the bench wouldn't hurt either.

The thing is with the Yanks having the 7th best record in the AL, they really can wait until next month to make a move when the player would have to clear waivers. Most of the teams in contention wouldn't be able to block them.

I still think the plan is Joba Chamberlain for the bullpen.

[HBox]

Did we trade Farnsworth to the Orioles while I wasn't looking because it looks like he's starting for them today.

[Kevin]

It's getting disturbing that the trade deadline is 48 hours away and the Yankees, who are in more desperate need of changes than they have been in recent memory, have done zero. They got Molina, which was a decent move, but it only helps us slightly every 5 days. WE NEED a fucking legit BULLPEN.

And a half-decent bat off the bench wouldn't hurt either.

The prob is everyone hates the Yankees, and they ask for a shit load or wont deal.. The Rangers were asking Hughes AND Joba for Texiera.. Bullshit.. They are just going to have to build with in.. or FA. Because teams are not going to give them anything unless its a heist.. Its the same thing with Bos.. Everyone asks for their top guys or no deal.. Even for middle players.

[HBox]

Some people might look at that inning and get pissed. I will choose to be a Petey Positive and be glad they scratched one run through from that bases loaded no out situation.

[HBox]

The prob is everyone hates the Yankees, and they ask for a shit load or wont deal.. The Rangers were asking Hughes AND Joba for Texiera.. Bullshit.. They are just going to have to build with in.. or FA. Because teams are not going to give them anything unless its a heist.. Its the same thing with Bos.. Everyone asks for their top guys or no deal.. Even for middle players.

They were asking for a ridiculous price from everyone. That's why the Angels, as desperate as they are for protection for Vlad, completely gave up.

[Doctor Z]

If you don't think A-Rod is pressing, you're on tainted narcotics... He's 3 for 21 since hitting #499, and has struck out 4 times since yesterday.

[HBox]

If you don't think A-Rod is pressing, you're on tainted narcotics... He's 3 for 21 since hitting #499, and has struck out 4 times since yesterday.

It's not like this is unprecedented though. It probably happens most of the time players are going after a milestone like this.

Unfortunately this Yankee offensive drought started with his 499th homer. That's telling.

[Bulldogcakes]

From ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=6347)

Player News from Scouts Inc.'s Briefing Room

Jul. 26 : Cabrera could see a decline on playing time once Jason Giambi (foot) returns from the DL, reports the New York Times. Giambi's return would force Johnny Damon out of the DH spot and into the outfield, giving Cabrera less time in the lineup.

Not just that, Giambi cant hit lefties. Melky can (.267), but he's better vs righties (.295). There are always more righties than lefties in baseball, so Giambi will get the bulk of the time. That means Damon in CF. And even when you do use Melky, its in a situation where he's not as good so don't be surprised if he doesn't do as well.

Lets sum it up
Get less out of Melky when he does play
Much worse defensively in CF, a key spot
More opp runners scoring and taking extra bases on Damon's weak arm
Less Yankee runners advancing on the basepaths

If Giambi doesn't hit, its a disaster.

[BeltOfScotch]

The prob is everyone hates the Yankees, and they ask for a shit load or wont deal.. The Rangers were asking Hughes AND Joba for Texiera.. Bullshit.. They are just going to have to build with in.. or FA. Because teams are not going to give them anything unless its a heist.. Its the same thing with Bos.. Everyone asks for their top guys or no deal.. Even for middle players.

It's more than just the Yankees. Because baseball overall is doing so well financially, Peter Gammons reported a couple of weeks ago that no team was looking to cut their current payroll going into the trading deadline. The lack of a fire sale hurts teams looking to add important pieces. Also, it's hard to get bullpen guys during the season. Every team recognizes how important they are.

Dan Wheeler got traded today, but Houston got Wigginton back. I don't think they Yanks have a position player like that they could trade and giving up any of the young pitching for a guy like Wheeler would probably be a mistake.

Dotel is now saying he wants to stay in Kansas City
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/207321.html

Don't know anything about this site, but it mentions a report from Newsday that the Yankees focus now would probably be on Gagne (Wheeler is gone and I don't think the Astros would trade both Wheeler and Qualls) and they'd probably have to give up either Kennedy or Melky to get him.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/07/yankees-focused.html

[Doctor Z]

Dotel is now saying he wants to stay in Kansas City
http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/207321.html


First player in history.

[Kevin]

It's more than just the Yankees. Because baseball overall is doing so well financially, Peter Gammons reported a couple of weeks ago that no team was looking to cut their current payroll going into the trading deadline. The lack of a fire sale hurts teams looking to add important pieces. Also, it's hard to get bullpen guys during the season. Every team recognizes how important they are.



Don't know anything about this site, but it mentions a report from Newsday that the Yankees focus now would probably be on Gagne (Wheeler is gone and I don't think the Astros would trade both Wheeler and Qualls) and they'd probably have to give up either Kennedy or Melky to get him.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/07/yankees-focused.html

I dont think Yankees are going to give up any pitching unless its for a proven ace thats still young enough. It would be stupid to do so for a pos player.. You can get those with FA.. You can't get pitchers through FA anymore.. I mean proven aces.

[cougarjake13]

First player in history.

i highlt doubt that

in the 70's and 80's the royals were actually good

[Kevin]

1st 2nd no outs.. Nothing.. Good work. Nice work by Abrau..

[HBox]

OK. So I was watching something else for a couple minutes. I turn back to YES and the first thing I hear is Michael Kay saying "I've learned that the Yankees have moved Joba Chamberlain......(long pause)........" What I started feeling next I can only assume is similar to what it feels like to have your heart explode. Luckily he finished his sentence with "to the bullpen in Scranton Wilkes Barre." I was immediately relieved but still almost passed out.

[Kevin]

Abreu proves to be useless as always..

[Doctor Z]

God help us if Proctor or Farnsworth pitch the 8th.

[Doctor Z]

i highlt doubt that

in the 70's and 80's the royals were actually good

Yeah, but they still played in Kansas City.

[Doctor Z]

Ew! That creep just SNIFFED A-Rod's glove!

There's something latantly homosexual about that.

[cougarjake13]

Yeah, but they still played in Kansas City.

but they were still a good team and you said first time in history that someone said they wanted to stay in kansas city

im pretty sure george brett didnt sign a lifetime contract when he got drafted so at least once he had to say i wanna stay here and signed a new contract

[Doctor Z]

Larry Literal.

[cougarjake13]

Larry Literal.

yeh its a down fault of mine

[Snoogans]

The yankee thread was better when Johneewadd and chickenhawk posted in it

[HBox]

yeh its a down fault of mine


:huh:

[cougarjake13]

:huh:



:bye:

[Bulldogcakes]

Here's the details (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/) on the Gagne story B.O.S. was talking about.



SI.com's Jon Heyman had a new post in the wee hours of the morning today. The Yankees seem to be the frontrunner for Eric Gagne, while simultaneously trying to unload Kyle Farnsworth.

Gagne would set up Mariano Rivera in New York. Gagne can't veto this trade, even though working as a setup man would cause him to miss some of his incentives. Heyman talks about the Yankees accomodating this problem, although they are under no obligation to do so.

The Yankees are being very possessive about their pitching prospects. Beyond Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, they've deemed Ian Kennedy and Alan Horne off-limits. Jeff Marquez and Tyler Clippard are two who could go to Texas for Gagne. Not bad, but not the big names we've been expecting.

If they take care of Gagne's incentives, I guess he cant complain. They may even offer him an extension on top of that, considering the year he's had. HUGE pickup for the Yanks if it gets done.

As far as what they're giving up, as long as the big 3 are off limits I have no major problem with it. I'm surprised they rate Horne higher than Marquez, but I'm sure they know him better than I do. I like Marquez alot, though. Best changeup in the system, throws strikes. Could be a future Mendoza or even a bottom of rotation starter for them. Hopefully its Clippard who goes, I don't like his delivery at all. Seems to change every other pitch. Clippard and Farnsworth for the American League . . .I mean Gagne. Sounds good to me. Though the way Heyman worded that it might be that Farnsworth goes in a side deal. Hopefully they dont give up both Clippard and Marquez, but I'd still do it.

And I will of course (like every other Yankee fan) not only drive Farnsworth to the airport but sit next to him all the way to Texas just to make sure he gets there.

[BeltOfScotch]

Heyman is also saying the Dodgers called about Farnsworth because it seems like their chances of getting Dotel are dwindling. If they can get rid of Farnsworth and add Gagne, that's two great moves.

Here's a little more of the Gagne situation courtesy of Jayson Stark (I copy and paste because it's from espn insider)

But two baseball men who know Gagne well predicted Saturday he would approve a trade to the big contenders because, contrary to what he has said publicly, he wants to get dealt. "I know Eric too well," one said. "He's not going to want to sit around Texas for the last two months, pitching for a team that's unloaded everyone else." But Gagne and Boras don't hold all the cards. Texas is going to have to lower its sights, too. The Rangers apparently asked the Red Sox for Clay Buchholz and Jacoby Ellsbury, and asked the Yankees for Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. And those kinds of deals are not happening. "My theory," one AL executive said Saturday, "is that Texas is controlling the market, and may even be stopping the market. They've got the best reliever and the best player on the market. So until they act, everything is stalled."

[HBox]

Phil Hughes line from his hopefully last rehab start tonight: 6.2 IP 2H 3BB 0R 4K. 91 pitches, 57 for strikes.

[Kevin]

Phil Hughes line from his hopefully last rehab start tonight: 6.2 IP 2H 3BB 0R 4K. 91 pitches, 57 for strikes.

They did say that his last start was going when he gets to 90 or more pitches, so..

[Tenbatsuzen]

The yankee thread was better when Johneewadd and chickenhawk posted in it

Well, we're halfway there, then, aren't we?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Forgive me, I must do this.

http://img247.imageshack.us/img247/6662/bobbyyanks1wb6.jpg

[Fallon]

Booooooooo!

[Tenbatsuzen]

Booooooooo!

Schilling?!

This means war.

[A.J.]

Ew! That creep just SNIFFED A-Rod's glove!

There's something latantly homosexual about that.

Spinal Tap made it cool.

http://www.emagenetwork.com/product_photos/large/smelltheglove.jpg

[Bulldogcakes]

More and more it seems to me the Joba Chamberlain to the bullpen stuff (http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=303&p=2&c=662798&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http%3a%2f%2fyankees.scout.com%2f2%2f 662798.html) is just posturing for a trade. They do it while he's in between starts, and two days before the trade deadline. If they were serious about it, they would have done it a month ago.

It still may be a backup plan, trades fall through all the time. But I think its just posturing at this point. Would not surprise me at all to see him make his next start.

[Freitag]

Spinal Tap made it cool.

http://www.emagenetwork.com/product_photos/large/smelltheglove.jpg

Starvin'. Earl, we got any shark sandwiches back there?

[Bulldogcakes]

The saga continues (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/new_york_yankees/index.html)

Yankees To Pass On Gagne?

Jon Heyman wrote yesterday that the Yankees appeared to be the frontrunner for Texas closer Eric Gagne, given the Yanks' need and Gagne's lack of veto power.

However, today Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger says the Yankees' involvement on Gagne is exaggerated. Apparently the Rangers wanted Melky Cabrera in return. Joba Chamberlain has been switched to relief at Triple A; he could be 90% of Gagne without the cost.


I think this is more posturing, but it also says that one side isn't ready to make a deal yet. The Yanks cant give up Melky, he's probably their starting LF next year (Abreu wont be re signed according to most beat writers). I think the Yanks would KILL for Gagne, and they just want to wait till the last minute to see if the price drops. But the "front runner" tag is def in doubt. Depending on who you read, its all over the place.

[Kevin]

The saga continues (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/new_york_yankees/index.html)



I think this is more posturing, but it also says that one side isn't ready to make a deal yet. The Yanks cant give up Melky, he's probably their starting LF next year (Abreu wont be re signed according to most beat writers). I think the Yanks would KILL for Gagne, and they just want to wait till the last minute to see if the price drops. But the "front runner" tag is def in doubt. Depending on who you read, its all over the place.

A Yankees-Red Sox-Mets battle
Jul 30 - The Yankees, Red Sox and Mets are trying to find a way to land Gagne, reports ESPN.com's Jayson Stark. The Yankees and Mets have the edge because they are two of 12 teams to which Gagne can't block a trade, and the Red Sox don't have that luxury.

That would prob also trigger the Procter Bettimite deal..

[Fallon]

Gagne won't want to go to Boston. He wouldn't come close to closing with Papelbon and Okajima. At least he could set up for other teams.

[Bulldogcakes]

Just to give you an idea of how good the top 3 Yankee pitching prospects are, here's the Prospect Hot sheet (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/264578.html) from Baseball America.



1. Joba Chamberlain, Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees)

So what if 14 four-year college pitchers were taken ahead of him in the 2006 draft? Brandon Morrow, Andrew Miller and Tim Lincecum already are in the big leagues, but Chamberlain and fellow Yankee draftee Ian Kennedy have made it to Triple-A in their first pro seasons. That Chamberlain struck out 10--while yielding no runs on four hits in five innings--was icing on the cake.

The 21-year-old, who spent the first month of the season in extended spring training rehabbing a strained hamstring, has gone 9-2, 2.56 in 15 starts over three levels this season. More impressive is his minor league-leading 13.34 strikeouts per nine innings--against just 2.88 walks per nine.

With his dominance too difficult to ignore, the Yankees announced their tentative plans over the weekend to shift Chamberlain to the SWB Yanks' bullpen, likely with an eye toward a big league callup in August.

2. Justin Upton, of, Double-A Mobile (Diamondbacks)

A great week for everyone else on the planet translates to a good week for Upton. The Diamondbacks phenom batted .391 with three homers, but also added nicely to his on-base with 10 walks last week. With Upton and Carlos Gonzalez leading the way, and now Aaron Cunningham in Mobile, it gives the BayBears arguably the best outfield in the minors.

3. Andy LaRoche, 3b, Triple-A Las Vegas (Dodgers)

After a pedestrian first half in the PCL (.273/.367/.441), LaRoche has turned it on in July, hitting .415/.490/.939 with all but three of his 14 home runs. The 22-year-old batted .384 (10-for-26) last week with two homers, three doubles and three RBIs.

4. Justin Masterson, rhp, Double-A Portland (Red Sox)

Probably the No. 1 from a statistical standpoint, Masterson has pitched his way into major prospect status this season. Since being promoted to Double-A, Masterson is 4-0, 1.04 with a 32-5 strikeout-walk ratio in 26 innings.

5. Ian Kennedy, rhp, Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (Yankees)

As good as Chamberlain has been this season, Kennedy, who was taken 20 spots ahead of Joba in 2006, has performed just a little better. Well, OK, a lot better. Over the same three levels as Chamberlain, Kennedy, 22, has gone 11-2, 1.76 with 135-41 K-BB in 118 innings. Opponents are hitting a mere .171 off him. In his first Triple-A start, Kennedy pitched six scoreless innings, striking out six and walking two.


That looks at all the prospects in all of the minor leagues. They wanted to put Hughes at the top, but they decided not to because they consider him to be a major leaguer by now. If you want to count Hughes, they have 3 of the top 4 pitchers in the minors.

Give Cashman credit, he wanted control so (in part) he could rebuild the minors and he's done an amazing job.

Also, when you see how good Laroche has been in the minors, you know why the Dodgers are looking to deal Betemit.

[BeltOfScotch]

The saga continues (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/new_york_yankees/index.html)



I think this is more posturing, but it also says that one side isn't ready to make a deal yet. The Yanks cant give up Melky, he's probably their starting LF next year (Abreu wont be re signed according to most beat writers). I think the Yanks would KILL for Gagne, and they just want to wait till the last minute to see if the price drops. But the "front runner" tag is def in doubt. Depending on who you read, its all over the place.

If Melky is starting in LF, where is Damon playing? I'd think it would make a lot more sense to play Damon in left (lessens the impact of his weaker arm), move Matsui to right, sign a free agent CF and use Melky as the fourth outfielder. Unless you're going to have the most expensive DH platoon in history with Damon/Giambi, I don't see how it works.

[sailor]

Gagne won't want to go to Boston. He wouldn't come close to closing with Papelbon and Okajima. At least he could set up for other teams.

you take that slap in the face from gagne and spin it to your heart's content.

[TheGameHHH]

Just to give you an idea of how good the top 3 Yankee pitching prospects are, here's the Prospect Hot sheet (http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/hotsheet/264578.html) from Baseball America.



That looks at all the prospects in all of the minor leagues. They wanted to put Hughes at the top, but they decided not to because they consider him to be a major leaguer by now. If you want to count Hughes, they have 3 of the top 4 pitchers in the minors.

Give Cashman credit, he wanted control so (in part) he could rebuild the minors and he's done an amazing job.

Also, when you see how good Laroche has been in the minors, you know why the Dodgers are looking to deal Betemit.

i agree, plus he also has (though not totally his credit) Melky, Jeter, Posada, Phillips, and Cano in the starting line-up everyday with Mo in the pen. but the yanks never use home grown talent, they just buy their players.

[Bulldogcakes]

If Melky is starting in LF, where is Damon playing? I'd think it would make a lot more sense to play Damon in left (lessens the impact of his weaker arm), move Matsui to right, sign a free agent CF and use Melky as the fourth outfielder. Unless you're going to have the most expensive DH platoon in history with Damon/Giambi, I don't see how it works.

First of all, that was a brain fart by me. I meant Melky plays RF next year.

Matsui's arm isn't much better than Damon's. He'd be a liability in RF as well, plus Melky's a better overall defensive player than Matsui anyway, and right is harder to play in Yankee stadium. Especially in the daytime.

You're right, it won't work. Damon and Giambi are both lefties, and though Damon generally hits lefties better than Giambi it still makes little sense. I think the Yanks will sign Tori Hunter for CF next year, not p/u Abreu's option. That leaves you with Damon, Melky, and Matsui for the OF. I think Matsui is too important for overseas marketing to cut back his playing time, plus he's producing more than Damon this year. So he stays in LF. Melky's the only one of the 3 that can play RF defensively, and he gives you enough hitting and you get enough power elsewhere that you can live with his lack of pop. Don't forget Abreu has no pop anymore either, and they did great with him out there last year. We also saw this year that Melky is MUCH better playing every day than doing the rotating 4th OF/DH thing. I think that means either Damon is your 4th OF next year, he picks up a 1B mitt or they try to deal him in the off season. Atlanta has already expressed an interest, but had a problem with his contract.

If you think the Yanks consider Melky to be a 4th OF/spare part guy, I don't agree. They could have Gagne already here by now if they were willing to deal him. They also could have had lefty Pirates closer Mike Gonzalez for him straight up last off season.

[Bulldogcakes]

i agree, plus he also has (though not totally his credit) Melky, Jeter, Posada, Phillips, and Cano in the starting line-up everyday with Mo in the pen. but the yanks never use home grown talent, they just buy their players.

Yes, thats usually the case. You can usually get a good position player via free agency every year. But where have all the top flight pitchers been lately? Answer-They're not available. GM's are much better about signing their top guys to long extensions and they never hit free agency anymore. Cashman has known this for the past few years, having signed the likes of Pavano/Wright and trading for an endless list of guys who never worked out (Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown, Jeff Weaver, Javier Vasquez, etc) in a never ending effort to "get younger". Then they have to break their rules to bring a 45 year old Clemens in here out of desperation, since there's just nobody else out there to be had. Good pitchers simply aren't available, and then when one is like Carlos Zambrano he says he doesn't want to play for the Yanks.
You have to grow your own, and its not like they haven't done some of that recently with guys like Wang and Proctor. If the big 3 prospects (Hughes/Chamberlain/Kennedy) are as good as advertised, one of them would likely need to go in the bullpen anyway. At least until Pettite's done after next year. Chances are that would be Chamberlain.

[BeltOfScotch]

If you think the Yanks consider Melky to be a 4th OF/spare part guy, I don't agree. They could have Gagne already here by now if they were willing to deal him. They also could have had lefty Pirates closer Mike Gonzalez for him straight up last off season.

I think the Yankees like Melky a lot, and they are resisting trading him because the way the outfield is currently constructed, they need a 4th guy. Melky can play every outfield position and play them all well, which is a huge asset. As much as Gagne could help, if they traded Melky for him and two days later Damon goes down for the year, this team is fucked. He's a good player, and he's needed right now, I'm just not sure he's good enough to be a corner outfielder on a championship team.

[BeltOfScotch]

According to espn the Betemit for Proctor deal is done

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2955753

No more Proctor - good
Anyone on the Yankees thinking of Betemit as a realistic ARod replacement - no good

[Doctor Z]

As a .231 hitter, this guy should be just the offensive spark this team needs!


http://www.cognasoft.com/images/man_rejoicing.jpg

[Freitag]

According to espn the Betemit for Proctor deal is done

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2955753

No more Proctor - good
Anyone on the Yankees thinking of Betemit as a realistic ARod replacement - no good

Couldn't have we sent Farnsworth too? I mean, c'mon.

[JPMNICK]

They had their AAA pitching star up pitching in a setup role last night. Joba Chamberlain struck out the side. I guess they are going to be seeing how he recovers, and trying to bring him up to pitch the 8th.

[Dan 'Hampton]

I feel good for Proctor. Poor guy won't be abused like he was by torre. Although he is going to Grady Little.

[HBox]

So who's gonna be the guy who Torre rapes now? There's probably a lot of very scared people in the Yankee bullpen right now.

Thank you Proctor for taking all that abuse and surviving and still pitching reasonably well considering the circumstances.

[Kevin]

Sooooooo let me get this straight.. You trade away something that we needed to get MORE of.. For a 231 hitting utility player.. Then you let Gagne go to the Redsox?? All in all, i say Cashman had a great day..

[JPMNICK]

Sooooooo let me get this straight.. You trade away something that we needed to get MORE of.. For a 231 hitting utility player.. Then you let Gagne go to the Redsox?? All in all, i say Cashman had a great day..

is that deal def done for Gagne? If so, kiss the AL East goodbye for sure

[HBox]

How much can Gagne improve the Red Sox? They already have a great bullpen.

[JPMNICK]

How much can Gagne improve the Red Sox? They already have a great bullpen.

and now it is even deeper. you can use him for just 2 outs if you want. let him come in the 7th inning when the starter is struggling. finish out the inning, then they have their guys set for 8 and 9

[BeltOfScotch]

How much can Gagne improve the Red Sox? They already have a great bullpen.

Yeah but it's not like football where if you have one great quarterback adding a second only helps you if a guy gets hurt. This, if it happens, will just allow them to shorten games even more. It's not a deal they needed to make, but it makes them better.

[Snoogans]

Plus it helps the sox in that it assures he doesn't go to the Yankees

[JPMNICK]

Plus it helps the sox in that it assures he doesn't go to the Yankees

what did they give up for him?

[HBox]

It's just a lot to give up when you already have the eighth and ninth covered and you have starters that regularly go deep.

[Snoogans]

It's not officially done yet. So who really knows, I don't wanna give up Gabbard so hopefully he isn't in it.

[HBox]

It's not officially done yet. So who really knows, I don't wanna give up Gabbard so hopefully he isn't in it.

I just read that the Red Sox are considering splitting the closer's role between Papelbon and Gagne.

That's just stupid.

[Snoogans]

I wonder how much of it also has to do with them worrying about Paps shoulder since it's much harder on it to close then start.

[Doctor Z]

Alright, so the Yanks are officially fucked. Gagne is moments away from a deal with Boston, the trade deadline has pretty much arrived, and the Yankees made NO acquisitions in the area they're lacking most: the bullpen. The FUCKING BULLPEN should have been the NUMBER ONE, TOP PRIORITY for MONTHS! NOT a backup catcher, NOT getting a .231 hitter, MIDDLE-FUCKING-RELIEF! Now Cashman joins Torre in SLEEPING ON THE JOB.
Meanwhile, Boston just gets even better.

[Bulldogcakes]

I think the Yankees like Melky a lot, and they are resisting trading him because the way the outfield is currently constructed, they need a 4th guy. Melky can play every outfield position and play them all well, which is a huge asset. As much as Gagne could help, if they traded Melky for him and two days later Damon goes down for the year, this team is fucked. He's a good player, and he's needed right now, I'm just not sure he's good enough to be a corner outfielder on a championship team.


1996 LF Gerald Williams/Dion James platoon
1998 LF Chad Curtis/Ricky Ledee platoon (and Shane Spencer)
1999 LF Chad Curtis/Ricky Ledee platoon (and Shane Spencer)
2000 LF Ricky Ledee/Shane Spencer platoon

How soon we all forget. Throughout the run, they had a weak hitter in a corner OF spot each year. Most years two or three of them. It wasn't until they started building "All-Star at every position" teams that they stopped winning championships.

Melky does alot of little things that win games. He always hustles, he advances runners, catches the ball and has a great arm. I hope they go with him.

[Bulldogcakes]

According to espn the Betemit for Proctor deal is done

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2955753

No more Proctor - good
Anyone on the Yankees thinking of Betemit as a realistic ARod replacement - no good

By definition, you cant replace the best player in baseball.

As far as this trade goes, I think the Yanks are slightly worse off for this year. I really don't get it, unless it has implications down the road of some sort. I know they needed bench help, but was it worth it to give up the 3rd best reliever on your (already weak) staff to get a guy who will likely never play? I know they love this guy and have wanted him for the past two years, but again, I still really just don't get it.

[Bulldogcakes]

So who's gonna be the guy who Torre rapes now? There's probably a lot of very scared people in the Yankee bullpen right now.

Thank you Proctor for taking all that abuse and surviving and still pitching reasonably well considering the circumstances.

Thats a really important point. As much as were all pinning our setup hopes on Chamberlain, do you trust Torre with him? Absolutely not. I hope he gets a directive from upstairs on some guidelines for using him, because if he doesn't he'll ruin him like he has every other reliever outside of Mariano. Joba has to get the Mo treatment, or Torre will destroy him.

[Kevin]

Gange does not bother me.. Great job by Cashman not giving in and giving up any of the big 4 pitchers for a rental.. He isnt re signing in Bos, and would not re sign here.. It would be stupid.. You can not get good sp anymore, not in FA not in trades.. To trade a young highlighy touted pitcher, for a set up rental for 3 mths.. When your not even sure if your making it to the postseason,Is just not smart baseball HOWEVER!!! I do NOT get the Procter deal.. You deal a rp for a 231 hitter?? No sense.. Joba Chaimberlain will be a key here..

[Bulldogcakes]

I just read that the Red Sox are considering splitting the closer's role between Papelbon and Gagne.

That's just stupid.

Actually, it might be absolutely necessary. Don't forget what happened to Paps in August last year. There have already been whispers among scouts that his velocity is down, and he has a shoulder issue of some sort going back to last year. They wanted to use him as a starter for this year because of that shoulder issue, but then were forced to use him as their closer when they realized their bullpen sucked balls in spring training. Its getting late in the year, this move might be what gets Paps through the season. They're obviously going all out for this year, you cant have your closer go down and expect to win it all.

[HBox]

Don't be misled by his Betemit's .231 avg. Despite that he still has a .359 OBP. He hits for some power and has a .833 OPS. That is good. He's certainly better than Cairo offensively, very much so. And if Phillips falls back to earth Betemit is a better option at 1B, assuming he's acceptable defensively.

It's not a bad trade. It doesn't make much of a difference though.

[HBox]

Actually, it might be absolutely necessary. Don't forget what happened to Paps in August last year. There have already been whispers among scouts that his velocity is down, and he has a shoulder issue of some sort going back to last year. They wanted to use him as a starter for this year because of that shoulder issue, but then were forced to use him as their closer when they realized their bullpen sucked balls in spring training. Its getting late in the year, this move might be what gets Paps through the season. They're obviously going all out for this year, you cant have your closer go down and expect to win it all.

If they aren't sure Papelbon can be the closer for the rest of the year then make Gagne the closer. You can manage Papelbon's innings easier as a setup man. And I can only assume that the plan next year is to resign Gagne, make him the closer and put Papelbon back in the rotation. They should have signed Gagne this offseason in the first place but that's beside the point. If they are going to do that they ought to just make Gagne the closer now.

[Bulldogcakes]

Don't be misled by his Betemit's .231 avg. Despite that he still has a .359 OBP. He hits for some power and has a .833 OPS. That is good. He's certainly better than Cairo offensively, very much so. And if Phillips falls back to earth Betemit is a better option at 1B, assuming he's acceptable defensively.

It's not a bad trade. It doesn't make much of a difference though.

Exactly, but your bullpen just got weaker. And thats the area where you can least afford it. I see it as a small net loss for the team.

He's a odd hitter. His AVG is lower from the right side, but his OBP and OPS is higher. Lefty he hits for a higher AVG and thats about it. He has more power from the right side, and draws more walks but hits for a lower AVG. That's just weird, usually if the right side is his natural side the AVG and power would go together.

[Bulldogcakes]

If they aren't sure Papelbon can be the closer for the rest of the year then make Gagne the closer. You can manage Papelbon's innings easier as a setup man. And I can only assume that the plan next year is to resign Gagne, make him the closer and put Papelbon back in the rotation. They should have signed Gagne this offseason in the first place but that's beside the point. If they are going to do that they ought to just make Gagne the closer now.

Oh, OK gotcha. I thought you were going somewhere else with that.

As far as resigning Gagne, he's a Boras client so he's going free agent no matter what. If they want to outbid everyone for him (which they rarely do) then thats what they'll have to do to keep him. But he's a rental right now, what happens in the off season is another matter.

[HBox]

Exactly, but your bullpen just got weaker. And thats the area where you can least afford it. I see it as a small net loss for the team.

He's a odd hitter. His AVG is lower from the right side, but his OBP and OPS is higher. Lefty he hits for a higher AVG and thats about it. He has more power from the right side, and draws more walks but hits for a lower AVG. That's just weird, usually if the right side is his natural side the AVG and power would go together.

Switching out Proctor for Chris Britton is fine by me. Of course I don't know who they are calling but but whoever they do will have to get more appearances. Now that Torre's whipping boy is gone he has to send someone out there.

[HBox]

Buster Olney is reporting that the yanks would have needed to include either Ian Kennedy or Melky to land Gagne. Anyone here make that trade?

I definitely wouldn't trade Kennedy. I would give serious thought about Melky though. I'm not quite sure. Probably not since it's probably just a two month rental. The Yanks aren't going to send Mariano packing after this season and I doubt Gagne would want to set up for a couple of years.

[HBox]

Edwar Ramirez is being called up and will be here tomorrow. Hopefully he pitches a little more often this time around.

[Doctor Z]

Here's what I don't get though...

Texas was demanding some of our best prospects for Gagne, but they were okay with giving him to Boston for practically nothing at all. ...HUH?

[HBox]

Here's what I don't get though...

Texas was demanding some of our best prospects for Gagne, but they were okay with giving him to Boston for practically nothing at all. ...HUH?

They were demanding ridiculous prices from everybody. It came down to either Ian kennedy or Melky. Cashman said no.

Boston gave up a lot. Gabbard has been good this season for Boston and Murphy is a very good prospect.

EDIT: They also gave up a 17 year old. He's very far off but very highly regarded. Big risk, huge reward type.

[BeltOfScotch]

Even if it means no playoffs this year, and I'm not sure that's the case, I'm kind of ok with not getting Gagne. Giving up a valuable asset like Melky or a promising starting pitcher like Kennedy for a 2 month rental of an 8th inning guy is a bit much.

Russo made the point also on WFAN today that it's better that the Red Sox got him than one of the other playoff rivals. The Red Sox were extremely likely to win the division anyway. Barring major injuries, their pitching is too deep and their offense is too good to completely fall apart. On the other hand, Detroit and Cleveland have weak bullpens which could have gotten a lot stronger with Gagne involved.

[JPMNICK]

Even if it means no playoffs this year, and I'm not sure that's the case, I'm kind of ok with not getting Gagne. Giving up a valuable asset like Melky or a promising starting pitcher like Kennedy for a 2 month rental of an 8th inning guy is a bit much.

Russo made the point also on WFAN today that it's better that the Red Sox got him than one of the other playoff rivals. The Red Sox were extremely likely to win the division anyway. Barring major injuries, their pitching is too deep and their offense is too good to completely fall apart. On the other hand, Detroit and Cleveland have weak bullpens which could have gotten a lot stronger with Gagne involved.

yea that is a good point he made, i guess by Aug 1st 8 games out, you have to concede the division.

also, gagne's arm makes me a little nervous, i do not think i would have given up Melky or Kennedy for him. I think Boston paid to high of a price, but really for them, it is more insurance than an answer to a problem.

[Bulldogcakes]

Even if it means no playoffs this year, and I'm not sure that's the case, I'm kind of ok with not getting Gagne. Giving up a valuable asset like Melky or a promising starting pitcher like Kennedy for a 2 month rental of an 8th inning guy is a bit much.


Agreed. When you hear the price, then it should make more sense. I don't give up Melky or Kennedy for a rental.

I'm not sure when Kennedy will get a chance to pitch, the rotation is pretty set for next year. But I guess someone always will get hurt and then he'll get a chance and will need to make it stick. Or if a BIG pitcher like Johan Santana is available, then you do it.


Looking at what the Sox gave up, its not unreasonable at all.

Gabbard (http://www.soxprospects.com/players/gabbard-kason.htm) is a Kenny Rogers type who doesn't throw hard, he's the classic "crafty lefty". He needs to change speeds and keep hitters off balance to be successful. Its easier said than done, for every Rogers or Glavine there's a zillion guys who cant do it. When he's off, guys like him are batting practice. David Murphy (http://www.soxprospects.com/players/murphy-david.htm) is 25 year old who's never hit all that much. 25 year old minor leaguers who've never been up usually stay minor leaguers.
Engel Beltre (http://www.soxprospects.com/players/beltre-engel.htm) is the high ceiling guy H was talking about. Way too soon to tell, but if he was THAT highly thought of, he would have fetched more than 575K. Especially coming out of the Dominican Republic, where there are scouts everywhere.

I can see why some GM's are saying Gagne should have fetched more.

[Doctor Z]

Wow... Moose is seriously just DONE. We give him a fat 4-0 lead to work with and this is what he does with it. And if it wasn't for some solid defense from Melky and A-Rod, it could be even worse.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Too bad Ian Kennedy will never bat in Yankee Stadium.

Because then we'd hear Sheppard announce him...


wait for it...

[HBox]

Please retire. Please please retire. Please please please retire.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Please retire. Please please retire. Please please please retire.

Torre?

[Bulldogcakes]

Please retire. Please please retire. Please please please retire.

Never. I hope to be at the ballpark when he's announcing a name and he goes
"Batting third, the shortstop Derek . . . Deh. . . . Deeeeeehhhhhhhh-THUMP!"

I think Jeet would consider it an honor.

[Doctor Z]

Michael Kay is a bonafide ASS.

[HBox]

For clarification, I was talking about Mussina.

[HBox]

How many runs does Mussina give up next inning?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Sterling just announced Cano's home run as

"TARGET THAT EXPLOSION AND FIRE!"

[Doctor Z]

4.

[cougarjake13]

How many runs does Mussina give up next inning?

5

[Tenbatsuzen]

6.

[Doctor Z]

anybody GOT MELK?!

[HBox]

Mussina's luck tonight. IT seems like every time the White Sox hit the ball they're nailing it.

[Doctor Z]

That was awkward... Why did Moose just walk backwards to 1st base when he could've simply tagged the runner.


And yeah, he's had some VERY solid defense tonight from A-Rod, Melky, and Cano. I wish our defense looked this good every night.

[Doctor Z]

This is getting silly. A-Rod has taken the ball to the warning track 3 times in a row now.

[Doctor Z]

More than half the Yankee lineup has gone deep tonight.

I think it would be funny/sad if every Yankee hit a homerun tonight except A-Rod.

[Bulldogcakes]

If he doesn't hit one here, he should just hang himself from the upper deck.

[Bulldogcakes]

Cleveland lost, Boston's down in the 9th.

3 out for the Wild card, 2 months to go. Hughes starts Saturday.

[Doctor Z]

Insane... 8 HR's and 7 of 10 Yankees to come to the plate tonight went deep. Never seen that in my life. (Nor has anyone born after 1939.)

Oddly enough, A-Rod wasn't one of them.




Oh, and Bonds is a pussy.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Uh... why is Z banned?

[HBox]

Judging from his mod quote he probably posted a "I've never been to Taco Bell" thread after being told not to.

But now that's he's gone we can all be honest about Bobby Abreu. He sure is the best isn't he fellas? I can't think of one player in this league I'd like more on this team than Bobby Abreu. He always comes through when it matters. ALWAYS. WITHOUT FAIL. FOREVER AND EVER.

[Kevin]

I always said.. Sign Abreu to a 5 year 150mil dollar ext.. Not Arod..

[Tenbatsuzen]

Didn't he just say last night that "Z is here to stay"?

Fucking lying Austrians.

[HBox]

I always said.. Sign Abreu to a 5 year 150mil dollar ext.. Not Arod..

That would be an absolute steal. He's worth three, four times that at least.

I just worry. He can't play forever. What will they do when he's gone? WHAT WILL THEY DO?

I say close up shop. Shut the whole thing down. Contract the Yanks. They'd have no chance to win anyway. And I don't think anyone could bring themselves to cheer for the team without the 'Breu.

Is Good? Not anymore..........

[ChickenHawk]

Z was a fucking pussy anyway.

















So... WHO'S NOW?!

http://money.cnn.com/blogs/browser/uploaded_images/espn-742991.jpg

[TheGameHHH]

Z was a fucking pussy anyway.

















So... WHO'S NOW?!

http://money.cnn.com/blogs/browser/uploaded_images/espn-742991.jpg

hahaha look at that

[RingWraith]

Too bad Ian Kennedy will never bat in Yankee Stadium.

Because then we'd hear Sheppard announce him...


wait for it...


Ian Kennedy.................KENNEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

[Kevin]

Ian Kennedy.................KENNEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !

It would have been awesome if he was a closer.. Every 9th inn you would hear...... KEEEEEEENNNNNNNEDY!!!

[Bulldogcakes]

Uh... why is Z banned?

Whatever the reason BOOOOOOOO!!

[Bulldogcakes]

Duncan Hits A Donut!!!!

[HBox]

Someone's going to get a broken forearm if this keeps up.

[TheGameHHH]

I love Shane Spencer.......i mean Shelly Duncan

i cant wait till 2 years from now when i see him playing for San Diego and I go, 'oh wow, i didnt know Shelly Duncan was still in the majors.'

[HBox]

And fucking Micheal Kay earlier tonight: "It's a mystery why Shane Spencer never caught on in the majors."

Call me Sherlock Holmes because I figured it out: He couldn't hit a fucking breaking ball.

[cougarjake13]

I love Shane Spencer.......i mean Shelly Duncan

i cant wait till 2 years from now when i see him playing for San Diego and I go, 'oh wow, i didnt know Shelly Duncan was still in the majors.'

dont forget the brief stint he'll have with the mets alongside karim garcia

[Kevin]

dont forget the brief stint he'll have with the mets alongside karim garcia

Who is Kareem Garcia?? I no respect heeeem..


2 games out...

[TheGameHHH]

Who is Kareem Garcia?? I no respect heeeem..


2 games out...

yes my friend, 2 games out

[HBox]

This is a very interesting article. (http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/graziano/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1185942036132290.xml&coll=1)

[Bulldogcakes]

This is a very interesting article. (http://www.nj.com/columns/ledger/graziano/index.ssf?/base/columns-0/1185942036132290.xml&coll=1)



It's just about impossible to find somebody in the Yankee organization who thinks Torre will be managing the team in 2008. He's a sure bet to finish out this season, but plans are in the works to replace him with Joe Girardi, Don Mattingly, Bobby Valentine or somebody else when it's over. And that feeling has made complaining about Torre a popular pastime around the team.

I love the idea of having Girardi be next, but I also like that Valentine is under consideration. Bobby V is the anti-Joe. He gets alot out of very little, Joe T gets less out of a fortune of talent. I have a fantasy of Girardi coming in and bringing a bunch of the 98 Yanks with him as coaches like O'Niell and Tino. Guys who can add some intensity to that often dead Torre run clubhouse. And I loved him as a pitcher, but somebody please fire Guidry.

But unfortunately, most in the organization don't have a vote in this matter. It will be up to George, Hank and Hal, Brian Cashman and the top guys like Levine. I think George and Levine want him out, Brian wants him to stay, the two sons I dont know.

[Dan 'Hampton]

JG could be a great fit the only problem I see is that the Yanks are a star-ladden team. His act worked real well in Miami where the team was all young guys. Unless the Yanks plan on blowing up the team completely and competing next year with Jeter and a AAAA team I can't see his act going over well. Valentine would be an interesting fit. He's made to be a NY manager.

[Kevin]

I love the idea of having Girardi be next, but I also like that Valentine is under consideration. Bobby V is the anti-Joe. He gets alot out of very little, Joe T gets less out of a fortune of talent. I have a fantasy of Girardi coming in and bringing a bunch of the 98 Yanks with him as coaches like O'Niell and Tino. Guys who can add some intensity to that often dead Torre run clubhouse. And I loved him as a pitcher, but somebody please fire Guidry.

But unfortunately, most in the organization don't have a vote in this matter. It will be up to George, Hank and Hal, Brian Cashman and the top guys like Levine. I think George and Levine want him out, Brian wants him to stay, the two sons I dont know.

Your so gayly romantical!

[Kevin]

Question... I was thinking last night while watching Arods at bats... He does not seem to do well at all under pressure.. And this 499 is another example.. Is this a sign of things to come in the playoffs.. AGAIN?? He will put probably the same amount of pressure on himself to hit in Oct, as he is right now to hit 500.. Just a thought..

[Freitag]

Question... I was thinking last night while watching Arods at bats... He does not seem to do well at all under pressure.. And this 499 is another example.. Is this a sign of things to come in the playoffs.. AGAIN?? He will put probably the same amount of pressure on himself to hit in Oct, as he is right now to hit 500.. Just a thought..

I thought the same exact thing. He's pushing too hard to get a home run instead of just relaxing and getting a few hits to get his rhythm back.

But remember; the ENTIRE Yankee roster went cold during the playoffs. You can blame him a lot, but a lot of players were awful last year.

If he goes cold in the playoffs and then opts out, I don't want him resigned with the Yankees under any circumstances unless it's for less money.

[JPMNICK]

Arod crumbles under pressure. and it amazes me that he feels so much pressure about getting 500. who fucking cares. it means nothing, and it's not like he is not going to hit it eventually. what is the big deal.

anyway, Joba Chamberlain pitched last night and had 2 strikeouts in 1 inning. he seems like he might be able to become the setup man, and then maybe take over for mariano.

[TheGameHHH]

game time, 2 games out..........im extremely excited, i wanna find tickets to the game tomorrow night. im moving to florida in 11 days and i need to hit up the bronx one last time. ive only made it to 3 games this season

[Kevin]

game time, 2 games out..........im extremely excited, i wanna find tickets to the game tomorrow night. im moving to florida in 11 days and i need to hit up the bronx one last time. ive only made it to 3 games this season

And Clemens fantastic outing derails it..

[weekapaugjz]

holy fuck, i just tuned in, what the fuck is happening?

btw, i love afternoon baseball.

[Doctor Z]

Well, I guess THAT trade paid off!

[Doctor Z]

Wow... If we went down 8-0 in the first half of the season, we would've just rolled over and died.

[RingWraith]

At least A-Rod got a hit. Hopefully that will get him going and finally hit that elusive 500 homer.

[Kevin]

Nice to have you back Z

[Doctor Z]

Well, this game just started over.


Love ya, Kev.

[Kevin]

Go down 8.. Tied it the next inn.. THATS HOW U DO IT

[RingWraith]

Okay, now I never seen one team score 8 runs at the top of an inning, and the home team score 8 runs at the bottom of the inning.

And now they say that never happened before in MLB history.

[weekapaugjz]

Okay, now I never seen one team score 8 runs at the top of an inning, and the home team score 8 runs at the bottom of the inning.

And now they say that never happened before in MLB history.

its unreal. i can't believe that just happened.

[Doctor Z]

I gotta say, that shit was downright insane.

[Kevin]

Nice pitching by Karstans..

[Doctor Z]

Well, that's disheartening... An 8-run rally means nothing if we end up losing this game.

[TheGameHHH]

Wow... If we went down 8-0 in the first half of the season, we would've just rolled over and died.

im not saying the Yanks will win this game, but youre so right here. This is why you HAVE to be excited about the post all star break Yankees, they're playing with a purpose now.

[Freitag]

I have a new nickname for Duncan:

In light of his Theme music, "Thump".

[Freitag]

And fucking Micheal Kay earlier tonight: "It's a mystery why Shane Spencer never caught on in the majors."

Call me Sherlock Holmes because I figured it out: He couldn't hit a fucking breaking ball.

Not to mention he was rumored to do enough blow to make Tony Montana proud.

[Freitag]

is Good

[Doctor Z]

This is gay. You'd think that IMMEDIATELY rallying back from an 8-0 deficit would maybe shift some momentum in the Yankees' favor. So much for that.

Cleveland won, Boston won.

[Freitag]

Uh, I'm watching the PBP on Yahoo at work. How exactly did someone pop up to the catcher and be in a DP out at home? Did he just start running?

[Kevin]

Uh, I'm watching the PBP on Yahoo at work. How exactly did someone pop up to the catcher and be in a DP out at home? Did he just start running?

Flied out to Cano in mid to shallow, Robby then gunned him ooot..

[Freitag]

Flied out to Cano in mid to shallow, Robby then gunned him ooot..

Ah. Yahoo PBP said that it was a pop up to catcher, DP, out at home.

[Doctor Z]

The fuck was Jeter swinging at there? That pitch almost hit him.

[Freitag]

Is my math right that this game has already been on for close to 3.5 hours now?

[Doctor Z]

I refuse to believe what I just witnessed. Hence, it is currently 11-10, runners on 2nd & 3rd, 1 out, Melky up.

[Freitag]

I refuse to believe what I just witnessed. Hence, it is currently 11-10, runners on 2nd & 3rd, 1 out, Melky up.

PBP sez Damon just hit into another rally-crushing DP. This is very unusual for him.

[Doctor Z]

We need to pitch Farnsworth in close games more often.


I'm so glad we held onto this guy.

[Doctor Z]

Cashman should be fired for not DUMPING THIS SHITBAG ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

This has gone on long enough. We had a legitimate shot to win this game down 11-9. Now we lose, we lose a game in the WC and the division, because this worthless FUCK on the mound keeps getting chance after chance. He's GARBAGE, JUST FORGET IT! HE HAS TO GO, PERIOD. END OF STORY. NO MORE EXCEPTIONS. I want him GONE.

[Bulldogcakes]

We should start calling him Kyle Farnsworthless.


BTW-Welcome back Z.

[Kevin]

YES reportedly up for sale, with $3 billion price tag possible (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2958799)

Fortune reports that Goldman and Chambers want to see YES sold, and the Yankees are going along with the deal, which could be completed by the end of the summer.

The Yankees are not currently for sale, though Fortune speculated that the franchise might be next.

[TheGameHHH]

Cashman should be fired for not DUMPING THIS SHITBAG ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD.

This has gone on long enough. We had a legitimate shot to win this game down 11-9. Now we lose, we lose a game in the WC and the division, because this worthless FUCK on the mound keeps getting chance after chance. He's GARBAGE, JUST FORGET IT! HE HAS TO GO, PERIOD. END OF STORY. NO MORE EXCEPTIONS. I want him GONE.

the only way to get rid of him was to pay his entire contract. i dont think Cashman wanted to do that, and as much as I hate Farnsworth and hope he never pitches a single inning again, i gotta agree with Cashman here.

[Bulldogcakes]

YES reportedly up for sale, with $3 billion price tag possible (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2958799)

Fortune reports that Goldman and Chambers want to see YES sold, and the Yankees are going along with the deal, which could be completed by the end of the summer.

The Yankees are not currently for sale, though Fortune speculated that the franchise might be next.

For clarification, YES is owned roughly 1/3 each by the Yanks, Goldman Sacks and a group from the old Nets owners. Goldman would like to sell THEIR share, not the Yanks. The Yanks have a controlling voting interest and would have a say about who they sell to, but they are allowing them to shop their shares. The Yankees and Steinbrenner family have said they have no intention of selling either YES or the team.

[Bulldogcakes]

the only way to get rid of him was to pay his entire contract. i dont think Cashman wanted to do that, and as much as I hate Farnsworth and hope he never pitches a single inning again, i gotta agree with Cashman here.

Thats is true, but Torre doesn't have to keep trotting him out there. Bringing him in to a game where you're only a few runs down is begging to kill your chances of a comeback. Let him rot in the bullpen and only pitch in blowouts.

But as always, Torre is worried about things other than winning games.

[Bulldogcakes]

Don't Ya Know!

[Doctor Z]

Thats is true, but Torre doesn't have to keep trotting him out there. Bringing him in to a game where you're only a few runs down is begging to kill your chances of a comeback. Let him rot in the bullpen and only pitch in blowouts.

But as always, Torre is worried about things other than winning games.

Precisely.



Also, that glitch going into the commercial break was kinda funny.

[Doctor Z]

I think that might've been Duncan's first hit that wasn't a homerun.

[TheGameHHH]

that was an example of an excellent fundamental baseball inning.

[TheGameHHH]

Thats is true, but Torre doesn't have to keep trotting him out there. Bringing him in to a game where you're only a few runs down is begging to kill your chances of a comeback. Let him rot in the bullpen and only pitch in blowouts.

But as always, Torre is worried about things other than winning games.

i agree with you, i was just stating why he wasn't dealt at the deadline.

[cougarjake13]

i agree with you, i was just stating why he wasn't dealt at the deadline.

maybe theyll put him on waivers and try to deal him if not picked up

[HBox]

I'm willing to slash the Yankees payroll in half as long as they don't air ads for this awful Half Hour News Hour. So fucking AWFUL!

[TheGameHHH]

I'm willing to slash the Yankees payroll in half as long as they don't air ads for this awful Half Hour News Hour. So fucking AWFUL!

it looks like a not funny Daily Show and i wanna punch every anchor in the face

[Doctor Z]

The Half-Hour News Hour has the comedic value of MadTV.

[HBox]

it looks like a not funny Daily Show and i wanna punch every anchor in the face

I'd seriously rather they run "TELL EM ABOUT THE DISCOUNT HARRY!!!!!!"

[Bulldogcakes]

it looks like a not funny Daily Show and i wanna punch every anchor in the face

What do you mean "funny"? Are you trying to tell me the Daily Show isn't a real news program that just happens to be hosted by an affable, charming fellow?

Next you'll try to tell me The Onion is fake. I don't believe you for a minute.

[Doctor Z]

That bunt ate a dirty asshole.

[TheGameHHH]

What do you mean "funny"? Are you trying to tell me the Daily Show isn't a real news program that just happens to be hosted by an affable, charming fellow?

Next you'll try to tell me The Onion is fake. I don't believe you for a minute.

oh no sir, the onion is totally real.....dont get crazy on me

[HBox]

That was the most awesome ground rule double ever.

[Bulldogcakes]

I pretty sure I've never seen that before.

[TheGameHHH]

That was the most awesome ground rule double ever.

ive watched a TON of baseball in my life, ive never seen that

[Doctor Z]

That was ... insane. You don't see that every day.


Gravity randomly stopped existing momentarily. How does the ball go off the pitcher's foot and end up in the fucking STANDS?!

[TheGameHHH]

i so dont want A-rod to hit his 500th tonight......im going to the game tomorrow and i want him to do it then

[Doctor Z]

i so dont want A-rod to hit his 500th tonight......im going to the game tomorrow and i want him to do it then

Don't tempt fate.

[Doctor Z]

I hope they can finish this game before this storm comes in. It's a bad one. There's enough lightning going on to power a small village for at least 3 or 4 days... Looks like a fucking scene from War of the Worlds out my window.

[Tenbatsuzen]

I hope they can finish this game before this storm comes in. It's a bad one. There's enough lightning going on to power a small village for at least 3 or 4 days... Looks like a fucking scene from War of the Worlds out my window.

I take it you have Dakota Fanning in your basement?

[Tenbatsuzen]

i so dont want A-rod to hit his 500th tonight......im going to the game tomorrow and i want him to do it then

Whenever Game goes to the Stadium, bad things happen. Expect Hughes to be accosted by a freak tarp accident running onto the field tomorrow.

[Doctor Z]

In A Perfect World!

[Doctor Z]

Well, Cano just got himself on web gems tonight.

[TheGameHHH]

Whenever Game goes to the Stadium, bad things happen. Expect Hughes to be accosted by a freak tarp accident running onto the field tomorrow.

so not true, bad things happen whenever i draft a Yankee for fantasy baseball purposes. now Hughes is on my bench but im not gonna start him tomorrow because i dont want to jinx him. usually when i go to the stadium the Yanks win. Over the past two seasons I'm something like 10-2 when going to the Bronx.

[Bulldogcakes]

Do Yanks Have Room For Damon And Giambi? (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/new_york_yankees/index.html)

As it looks right now, Damon's the 4th OF. I think that's the right move. They'll probably expose both him and Giambi to waivers, with those contracts they likely wont go anywhere. If someone does claim Damon, the Yanks could pull him back and try to make a deal.

[Kevin]

Do Yanks Have Room For Damon And Giambi? (http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/new_york_yankees/index.html)

As it looks right now, Damon's the 4th OF. I think that's the right move. They'll probably expose both him and Giambi to waivers, with those contracts they likely wont go anywhere. If someone does claim Damon, the Yanks could pull him back and try to make a deal.

I think they might just say fuck it let him go, and save 26mil

[BoondockSaint]

I think they might just say fuck it let him go, and save 26mil

You still have to pay him. You save nothing.

[sailor]

You still have to pay him. You save nothing.

If a player doesn't clear waivers (http://espn.go.com/mlb/s/transanctionsprimer.html) -- in other words, if he's claimed by another team or teams -- the club requesting waivers may withdraw the waiver request.

If the club doesn't withdraw the waiver request, the player's contract is assigned in the following manner:

(A) If only one claim is entered, the player's contract is assigned to that claiming club.

(B) If more than one club in the same league makes claims, the club currently lower in the standings gets the player.

(C) If clubs in both leagues claim the player, preference shall always go to the club in the same league as the club requesting waivers.

hell, the red sox a few seasons back were practically begging the yankees or someone else to claim manny to get his payroll off their roster.

[BoondockSaint]

I thought he meant that if no one claims him (because no one will) that they should just let him go.

[sailor]

I thought he meant that if no one claims him (because no one will) that they should just let him go.

ah, i took it as an alternative to them pulling damon back (if claimed) to make a trade. someone else wants him...best of luck!

[Kevin]

ah, i took it as an alternative to them pulling damon back (if claimed) to make a trade. someone else wants him...best of luck!

Yea what i meant.. If he gets claimed, i think the Yanks will pay for his flight to the other city..

[Kevin]

That was ... insane. You don't see that every day.


Gravity randomly stopped existing momentarily. How does the ball go off the pitcher's foot and end up in the fucking STANDS?!

I was wondering when i was lookin at gamecast.. How the hell do you ground rule double to the fucking pitcher??

[Bulldogcakes]

Players who could still be moved by Aug 31 deadline (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=crasnick_jerry&id=2956988)

I don't get why he talks about the Yanks paying part of his salary, which they've already showed they don't want to do. You could put him on "Irrevocable Waivers" like the Sox did with Manny a few years back and anyone who claims him would get him for nothing. Or put him on regular waivers and simply don't pull him back. I doubt whatever they would get for him would be worth the $ they pick up, and with the shit he's been pulling lately you're better off with him off the team.
I love these clowns like Farnsworth who are most unhappy when the team starts playing well (for the first time all year) because of their own personal shit. Shows you what he's really all about.

[Tenbatsuzen]

In honor of a comeback today, I present a song...

Can you remember remember my name
As I flow through your life
A thousand oceans I have flown
And cold spirits of ice
All my life
I am the echo of your past

I am returning the echo of a point in time
Distant faces shine
A thousand warriors I have known
And laughing as the spirits appear
All your life
Shadows of another day

And if you hear me talking on the wind
Youve got to understand
We must remain
Perfect strangers

I know I must remain inside this silent well of sorrow

A strand of silver hanging through the sky
Touching more than you see
The voice of ages in your mind
Is aching with the dead of the night
Precious life (your tears are lost in
Falling rain)

And if you hear me talking on the wind
Youve got to understand
We must remain
Perfect strangers

[Doctor Z]

Well Game! YOU GOT YOUR WISH!

[HBox]

Did you see the video of the guy who caught the ball? While they were escorting him away it was like Charlie with the Golden Ticket.

[Doctor Z]

Well, that guy basically just won the lottery.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

about time A-Rod

:king:

[drjoek]

Finally

Now we gotta get in the playoffs

[Tenbatsuzen]

Well, that guy basically just won the lottery.

Probably about 100K? Nice down payment on a house.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Bonds' 715 only sold for 220,000. So I think 100K for A-Rod's 500 may be a little high.

[Tenbatsuzen]

Wow....

WCBS-am sold a spot for A-Rod's 500th home run. All of A-Rod's future at-bats are going to sponsored by a cigar company.

[Doctor Z]

From their on-air talent to their sales department, WCBS has no shame.

[Doctor Z]

Did Betemit really just come to the plate to "Better Man" by Pearl Jam? Seriously?

[Tenbatsuzen]

Did Betemit really just come to the plate to "Better Man" by Pearl Jam? Seriously?

Apparently A-Rod is going to come out to ODB's "Gimme My Money".

[Kevin]

I think this 500hr thing was huge for Arod signing here.. He even has said multiple times how awesome it seems to have done it in this uni, and how taken blown away by how the fans have treated him this year, even more during this week.. I think if the Yankees show him the money, the chances of signing him have gone way up..

[BoondockSaint]

I think this 500hr thing was huge for Arod signing here.. He even has said multiple times how awesome it seems to have done it in this uni, and how taken blown away by how the fans have treated him this year, even more during this week.. I think if the Yankees show him the money, the chances of signing him have gone way up..

From Peter Abraham blog:

Scott Boras is here and I had a chance to speak to him for 10 minutes or so during batting practice. The short version is this: They will not talk to the Yankees about an extension during the season and he believes Alex Rodriguez is worth $32-35 million a year. “Signing Alex is good business,” he said. “That has been proven. The Yankees are one of the team who can afford him but there are a lot of those teams.”

[Doctor Z]

.
"DEH BEISBOL IS GOOD."

[lleeder]

I can't wait to order my A-rod bat with all of his stats and this date.

[BoondockSaint]

I can't wait to order my A-rod bat with all of his stats and this date.

That commercial was hysterical. $129? Call Hamster Direct?

[TheGameHHH]

Well Game! YOU GOT YOUR WISH!

Yes i did, and it was fucking awesome!!! I caught it on my video phone. I have the ticket stub too, im hoping in a few years to track A-Rod down and have him sign it, could be worth a pretty penny then. What a great day in the Bronx.

[Bulldogcakes]

The Yanks are scoring an INSANE amount of runs lately. I haven't seen any stats on it, but even the last loss they had (and they haven't had many) was the Clemens game where they scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 2nd and 9 total that day.

OK, I just looked their schedule and its even more than I thought. If you want to go back to from now to July 21st they're AVERAGING 9.5 runs a game. For the first week of August they're averaging 10 runs per game. Insane.

[HBox]

I stopped watching the game in the seventh. Did that idiot Torre actually use Vizcaino in a 16-7 game? A day after using him in a 6-1 game?

I guess we know who the next Proctor is. Don't get used to him pitching well.

[Bulldogcakes]

I stopped watching the game in the seventh. Did that idiot Torre actually use Vizcaino in a 16-7 game? A day after using him in a 6-1 game?

I guess we know who the next Proctor is. Don't get used to him pitching well.

I read in a recent Newsday article (which I'm too tired to look up) about Chamberlain that Torre and Cashman are in agreement that he will be treated with a certain set of guidelines. He will be brought along slowly, and have his workload and difficulty of situations increased incrementally. I hope so, I dont trust Torre one bit.

Nobody complaining about Hughes today? I chalk up the bad outing to jitters and the heat adding up to his being inconsistent. I'm not worried about him at all, though. What has always impressed me the most about him is his ability to learn and adjust quickly. Loved the way he was getting ahead of hitters early in the game. And lets face it, he's replacing Igawa.

[HBox]

I'm not considering Hughes the savior. The way I look at it he's the best option for 5th starter, the other options are so awful that even if Hughes runs into extreme trouble he'll still be at worst just as bad as the other options, and its good for the future that he gets his learning in now. So I'm not expecting him to be anything more or less than a fifth starter.

As for Chamberlain, take a look at his combined stats from his relief stints: 4IP, 1H, 0 R, 0BB, 10K. He faced 13 batters. 3 managed not to strike out.

[Bulldogcakes]

Cleveland lost, Detroit lost and Seattle and Boston haven't started yet.
Its a little weird since Cleveland and Detroit are tied for both the WC and the Central Division. So one of them will fall back into the WC race.

Worst case scenario Yanks are 2 back for the Wild Card. Also 10 games over for the 1st time this year. If they can get to 20 by the end of this month they're in great shape. That means keep rolling till August 10th when the schedule gets harder, and then play a few games over after that till it eases up at the end of the month and in September. Most of Yankee schedule in Sept is vs sub .500 teams, but I don't know what to make of the 6 vs Baltimore.

One dirty little secret is the Yanks schedule gets hard for August, then easy again in September. The Indians schedule for the next 2 months has alot of games vs Detroit and Minnesota, and a few vs LAA, Seattle and the Yanks. Someone has to lose, so

[Doctor Z]

Of course Boston scratched out another 1-run win... fuckers.

[sailor]

Of course Boston scratched out another 1-run win... fuckers.

seattle's the more immediate concern.

[Bulldogcakes]

Santana fed up with Twins (http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/SPORTS01/708050380/1108)

Santana's message: The Mets might have done themselves (or the Yankees) a long-term favor when they acquired Luis Castillo from the Twins. That seemed to be the last straw for Johan Santana.

The ace left-hander - a free agent after the 2008 season - blasted the Twins for dealing away a starting player and doing nothing to help the team try to make the playoffs.

"I'm not surprised. That's exactly how they are," he said. "That's why we're never going to go beyond where we've gone. It's not just about hope. In a realistic world, you have to really make it happen and go for it.

"You always talk about future, future. ... But if you only worry about the future, then I guess a lot of us won't be part of it."

Strong words. Then came this:

"It's never going to be beyond this point. It doesn't make any sense for me to be here, you know? ... They don't care. They always talk about caring about it; I don't think they care."

Many around baseball think one of the reasons the Yankees held on to their prospects at the trade deadline is because Brian Cashman wants to have the inventory to make a trade for Santana. The same could be true of the Mets.

This is from a few days ago, but its the first time I've seen it in print. The Mets just don't have the pitching prospects the Yanks do, but they have some position players. Even for Santana, I think the Yanks hold onto Hughes and Chamberlain. But everyone else would be available, maybe with the exception of Bettances. Kennedy, Horne and someone else, maybe Marquez or OF Brett Gardner should get it done. I don't see the Yanks having room on the Major League for any of those guys anyway. But it is just a one year deal, unless he'll sign an extension with them. Which he might, he's already had talks with the Twins about one.

[Bulldogcakes]

Some more good stuff from the same article



6. Yankees

Derek Jeter is not letting on because that's not what he does. But he's banged up. His left shoulder and both knees are aching, and he's had problems with his right foot. That's one of the many reasons the Yankees wanted Wilson Betemit.

Did you know?

Chien-Ming Wang of the Yankees has not allowed an unearned run in 44 starts, the longest streak of its kind since the American League began tracking unearned runs in 1913.

Those pushing for Joe Girardi to replace Joe Torre as manager of the Yankees should know that the Marlins believe Girardi is responsible for several of their young pitchers having arm problems. Josh Johnson, who now needs Tommy John surgery, started a game last Sept. 12 and stayed on the mound after an 82-minute rain delay. He then left the game with forearm stiffness and hasn't been the same since

Thats weak. Everybody knows Girardi and the Marlin owner/front office left on bad terms. Sounds like sour grapes to me.

. ... Here's how inexact the draft is: 14 pitchers from four-year colleges were chosen ahead of Joba Chamberlain in 2006.

Who's hot: Hideki Matsui was named the American League player of the month for July after belting 13 homers, his most ever in one month. Counting his time in Japan, Matsui went into the weekend with 431 home runs. He will be chasing 500 before too long.

Great article.

[TheGameHHH]

Some more good stuff from the same article









Thats weak. Everybody knows Girardi and the Marlin owner/front office left on bad terms. Sounds like sour grapes to me.



Great article.

im pretty sure that Wang stat is false. I think the record is held by Curt Schilling and it was something like 63 starts.

[cougarjake13]

Santana fed up with Twins (http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070805/SPORTS01/708050380/1108)



This is from a few days ago, but its the first time I've seen it in print. The Mets just don't have the pitching prospects the Yanks do, but they have some position players. Even for Santana, I think the Yanks hold onto Hughes and Chamberlain. But everyone else would be available, maybe with the exception of Bettances. Kennedy, Horne and someone else, maybe Marquez or OF Brett Gardner should get it done. I don't see the Yanks having room on the Major League for any of those guys anyway. But it is just a one year deal, unless he'll sign an extension with them. Which he might, he's already had talks with the Twins about one.



well all im gonna say is minaya loves getting spanish guys, not sure if santana is but his last name sounds like one so you know omar will be going hard for him

i'd love to see him in a mets uni and be the left hander to repalce glavine in the rotation

but think of this....
lets say the mets get santana, and glavine comes back, with ollie perez that'd be 23 good to great lefthanders in the same rotation

has that ever happened before ???

i know a bunch of teams have had 2 good to great lefties on the same rotation

yankees for one had wells and petitte, had pettite and key , etc

twins had santana and liriano last year

[sailor]

i couldn't see the yanks trading for him without an extension already negotiated.

[cougarjake13]

i couldn't see the yanks trading for him without an extension already negotiated.

they'd still do it

any team would and he knows he'll most likely get the most money out of the yanks or mets

[sailor]

they'd still do it

any team would and he knows he'll most likely get the most money out of the yanks or mets

if they were going to sign him without an extension and hope they could later get a long-term deal out of him, it would make more sense to not trade, keep the prospects, and try to sign him to a big deal the year after.

[Kevin]

if they were going to sign him without an extension and hope they could later get a long-term deal out of him, it would make more sense to not trade, keep the prospects, and try to sign him to a big deal the year after.

Yea.. I have never seen the Yankees not demand an ext for a player of his caliber, before doing the deal.. They did it with Johnson, Vasquez, and i think they will do it with Him, if they make a deal.

[cougarjake13]

if they were going to sign him without an extension and hope they could later get a long-term deal out of him, it would make more sense to not trade, keep the prospects, and try to sign him to a big deal the year after.

Yea.. I have never seen the Yankees not demand an ext for a player of his caliber, before doing the deal.. They did it with Johnson, Vasquez, and i think they will do it with Him, if they make a deal.



im not saying that they wouldnt ask but lets say the mets, yanks, and at least one other team are in heavy bids to get him

i think they'd do it anyway to just help them that year and hope that they have enought betw money and success to keep him around

[Kevin]

im not saying that they wouldnt ask but lets say the mets, yanks, and at least one other team are in heavy bids to get him

i think they'd do it anyway to just help them that year and hope that they have enought betw money and success to keep him around

I would think that after the Hampton thing, Wilpon would think twice before giving prospects away, just to have him re sign elsewhere.. Remeber.. They could have had Zito last year.. But they didnt know if they could re sign him..

[cougarjake13]

I would think that after the Hampton thing, Wilpon would think twice before giving prospects away, just to have him re sign elsewhere.. Remeber.. They could have had Zito last year.. But they didnt know if they could re sign him..

yep lesson learned

but hampton almost brought us a championship so it was worth it

plus we didnt really give up much, dotels the only one to have any real success

December 23, 1999: Traded by the Houston Astros with Derek Bell to the New York Mets for Roger Cedeno, Octavio Dotel, and Kyle Kessel (minors).

[TheGameHHH]

It's an M-Bomb.......from Matsui!!!!!!

what?!?!?!

[Kevin]

Its pretty damn funny that Melky making 432k has a way higher avg, more hrs, more RBI's than 15mil a year JD Drew..

[HBox]

The Yanks are not going to get Johan Santana without giving up either Hughes or Chamberlain. He's the best pitcher in baseball. It's gonna take one of them and a lot more.

[Kevin]

The Yanks are not going to get Johan Santana without giving up either Hughes or Chamberlain. He's the best pitcher in baseball. It's gonna take one of them and a lot more.

Yanks have a pretty deep pitching farm.. I think they could get it done without those 2.

[TheGameHHH]

The Yanks are not going to get Johan Santana without giving up either Hughes or Chamberlain. He's the best pitcher in baseball. It's gonna take one of them and a lot more.

i tend to agree, and as much as i'd love to see Santana in pinstripes id like to hang on to those two guys. However this might be our only chance to land Johan, so what does Cashman do assuming he's still around?

[HBox]

Yanks have a pretty deep pitching farm.. I think they could get it done without those 2.

Let me put it this way: If you were trading A-Rod would you accept a package of second tier prospects? Hell no, there'd better be one top level guy in there.

[Kevin]

Torre may just be the dumbest person on the planet..

[Bulldogcakes]

Let me put it this way: If you were trading A-Rod would you accept a package of second tier prospects? Hell no, there'd better be one top level guy in there.

Kennedy's numbers are at least as good, if not better than Chamberlain's. Once the Yanks promote Chamberlain he will be the best prospect in their system and one of the best in baseball. I think the package I posted was a fairly strong one. Gardner is unbelievably fast and has a good OBP, Horne is a solid prospect who injury issues are behind him and Kennedy is a top pitching prospect. In any trade, it will come down to the best offer on the table. I think that gets it done, considering the universe of teams who can spend 20 mil on a pitcher is limited. If you disagree, give me a package from another big market team that's better. Only one I can think of is the Dodgers, and the owner isn't spending big money because most feel he doesn't have big money. The other teams with lots of prospects are the ones you'd expect, Tampa, the Marlins. The Diamondbacks have the best farm system in baseball, but they're not spending the 20 mil.

Plus, as was said earlier the Yanks can give a package they are comfortable with, and if the Twins don't bite they simply wait till he becomes a free agent. Or bring up Kennedy and let him be their 5th starter. The Twins would have to decide whether what they are offered is enough to want to deal him, or if they want to make a run at it next year with him on the staff. I think they would lean HEAVILY toward dealing him, they're in a division with both Detroit and Cleveland, both of whom are young and very good. They signaled this already by dealing Castillo, which many took as a white flag for this year and was what pissed Santana off in the first place.

[TheGameHHH]

I love sweeping the Royals and all, and im certainly not bitching here. but this pitching is not going to hold up against teams like Detroit, LA, or Boston. Much of our late August/early September schedule is against these teams. Right now the Yankee offense is winning games, but they will get their asses handed to them the last two months if they continue to pitch this poorly.

EDIT: I'm mainly blamming Myers and Farnsworth here

[HBox]

Kennedy's numbers are at least as good, if not better than Chamberlain's. Once the Yanks promote Chamberlain he will be the best prospect in their system and one of the best in baseball. I think the package I posted was a fairly strong one. Gardner is unbelievably fast and has a good OBP, Horne is a solid prospect who injury issues are behind him and Kennedy is a top pitching prospect. In any trade, it will come down to the best offer on the table. I think that gets it done, considering the universe of teams who can spend 20 mil on a pitcher is limited. If you disagree, give me a package from another big market team that's better. Only one I can think of is the Dodgers, and the owner isn't spending big money because most feel he doesn't have big money.

Plus, as was said earlier the Yanks can give a package they are comfortable with, and if the Twins don't bite they simply wait till he becomes a free agent. Or bring up Kennedy and let him be their 5th starter. The Twins would have to decide whether what they are offered is enough to want to deal him, or if they want to make a run at it next year with him on the staff. I think they would lean HEAVILY toward dealing him, they're in a division with both Detroit and Cleveland, both of whom are young and very good. They signaled this already by dealing Castillo, which many took as a white flag for this year and was what pissed Santana off in the first place.

Kennedy's numbers are great but he doesn't have a mid-90s fastball and because of that he simply won't be considered on the same level as Chamberlain. Brett Gardner is not a big time prospect, I've read he projects out to a Kenny Lofton-type. It comes down to this: You are trying to trade for the best pitcher in baseball, IN HIS PRIME, while not giving up any of your three best prospects. It's not gonna happen.

As far as what other teams can offer, the Mets have three big time OF prospects in Lastings Milledge, Carlos Gomez and Fernando Martinez. They have enough depth to put together a package around one of them.

As far as waiting for free agency, Santana isn't represented by Scott Boras so there's no guarantee he'll reach there if traded to someone else. Maybe he's traded somewhere and likes it so much he signs an extension.

[Bulldogcakes]

Kennedy's numbers are great but he doesn't have a mid-90s fastball and because of that he simply won't be considered on the same level as Chamberlain. Brett Gardner is not a big time prospect, I've read he projects out to a Kenny Lofton-type. It comes down to this: You are trying to trade for the best pitcher in baseball, IN HIS PRIME, while not giving up any of your three best prospects. It's not gonna happen.

Hughes, Chamberlain. . .who's #3 if not Kennedy? Tabata? He's 18 years old and 2-3 years off. If you want Tabata instead of Kennedy, I'll sign up right this second. Kennedy is much closer to ML ready, and a lot can happen in the minors. Betances is the same, 18 years old and a long, long way away.

The Mets might have an edge in that the Twins will be needing a CF if/when Hunter leaves. But they will also be needing a starter if they trade Santana, and the Mets pitching prospects are hideous. Pelfry has shit the bed in the bigs twice and Humber has gone backwards this year. My offer had Gardner for CF, and two potential starters one of whom is ML ready. Much better offer than anything the Mets can do.

[Tenbatsuzen]

The Yanks are not going to get Johan Santana without giving up either Hughes or Chamberlain. He's the best pitcher in baseball. It's gonna take one of them and a lot more.

Why even give up the prospects PERIOD? Just wait the year until he's a FA and then sign him.

[Kevin]

http://assets.espn.go.com/i/mlb/profiles/players/65x90/5698.jpg


IS GOOD

Honestly, i can't watch an interview with him seriously anymore.. All i think about is, IS GOOD and i can't stop laughing..


And BTW, judging by the lack of 300 posts by Z this game.. He was prob at the game today..

[Bulldogcakes]

Why even give up the prospects PERIOD? Just wait the year until he's a FA and then sign him.

To make sure you get him, that he doesn't sign an extension elsewhere as H said. The prospects I suggested in all honesty will likely never play for the Yanks, so to get and sign one of the top 2-3 pitchers in baseball for guys you likely will never use is a no brainer.

[Bulldogcakes]

Seattle 60 48 .556 - 37-21 23-27 524 520 Lost 1 6-4
Detroit 61 49 .555 - 26-24 35-25 625 549 Lost 5 1-9
NY Yankees 61 50 .550 .5

Your New York Yankees are now HALF A GAME OUT in the WC.
Detroit and Cleveland lost today, and Detroit is having a hideous stretch in the last 10.

[hammersavage]

the best pitcher in baseball, in his prime, you absolutely have to give up at least 1 of your top 3 prospects, even if its for a year. no question...

[Kevin]

the best pitcher in baseball, in his prime, you absolutely have to give up at least 1 of your top 3 prospects, even if its for a year. no question...

Yea... NO! Not for a year.. Sorrrreeee

[sailor]

Your New York Yankees are now HALF A GAME OUT in the WC.
Detroit and Cleveland lost today, and Detroit is having a hideous stretch in the last 10.

the yanks just edged past boston for the best expected wins (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/standings?date=20070805&type=exp&br=5&year=2007&column=gamesBehind&order=false&st=2) in the league

[Tenbatsuzen]

To make sure you get him, that he doesn't sign an extension elsewhere as H said. The prospects I suggested in all honesty will likely never play for the Yanks, so to get and sign one of the top 2-3 pitchers in baseball for guys you likely will never use is a no brainer.

If Santana wants to play for the Yankees, and he knows the Yankees want him, HE'S NOT GOING TO SIGN AN EXTENSION if he's traded to another team.

[Bulldogcakes]

If Santana wants to play for the Yankees, and he knows the Yankees want him, HE'S NOT GOING TO SIGN AN EXTENSION if he's traded to another team.

You don't know that. What if he wants to play for the Yankees, and the Dodgers, and the Angels, and Texas is halfway to his native Venezuela and they always need pitching, plus he has that home in Florida, maybe Atlanta would be nice . . .

He's said he wants to play with a team thats trying to win. Thats a lot of teams.

[spoon]

Its pretty damn funny that Melky making 432k has a way higher avg, more hrs, more RBI's than 15mil a year JD Drew..

Wow, I love how you came up with that amazing comparison of newer player starting to emerge (yankee player) vs. free agent making a lot more not playing as well with newest team. How about I pull out a Damon vs. Rios comparison? It's amazing that Rios making so much less is an all-star and leads him in so many stat categories!

You're still hilarious and one-sided as always. Perhaps a Clemens/Igawa/Pavano vs. Beckett/Matsuzaka/Schilling signings comp would be fun too. And I fucking hate the sox too but their fans aren't retarded. Ok, Fallon and snoogans are I concede that one.

[spoon]

You don't know that. What if he wants to play for the Yankees, and the Dodgers, and the Angels, and Texas is halfway to his native Venezuela and they always need pitching, plus he has that home in Florida, maybe Atlanta would be nice . . .

He's said he wants to play with a team thats trying to win. Thats a lot of teams.

Including the Twins.

[spoon]

the yanks just edged past boston for the best expected wins (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/standings?date=20070805&type=exp&br=5&year=2007&column=gamesBehind&order=false&st=2) in the league

So what? That might be the dumbest stat I've ever read. It's based on runs for and runs against and sure the yanks should be better in terms of record right now with the money and team they field. Yet this is off mainly because they have a tendency to win their games big and lose a lot of one run games. Hence the move letting Proctor go baffles me to this day since the pen is huge in these type games. 9-15 I believe is the yank's record in one run games.