Yankees Off-Season Plans

[riverside sluggers]

Winter storm watch

 

Who knows what Boss will do after loss

 

After a disappointing loss in the division series to the Angels, the Yankees face - as usual - turbulence in the offseason. This time, though, it starts at the top. The man who would guide the team through winter transactions, GM Brian Cashman, will be a free agent himself after Oct. 31, so he may or may not be around to deal with filling the center field hole, re-signing Hideki Matsui and patching up the bullpen. Could there be another, more high-profile winter task, too? It all depends on the mood of George Steinbrenner and his minions, but the Yanks' playoff failure could put Joe Torre's job in jeopardy, especially if this is Steinbrenner's only opportunity to get Lou Piniella back in the fold.

 

Torre still has $13.1 million left over the final two years of his contract, but it's unclear if The Boss would dole out the ultimate penalty to the manager who didn't get a $200 million team further into October, regardless of Torre getting the Yanks to the playoffs after a trying season.Cashman, or whoever replaces him, will have to deal with other issues, as well. Will Bernie Williams be back in a lesser and less-expensive capacity? There were fans at Game 4 at the Stadium with signs such as "Bernie 2006" who clearly wanted him to return. If Mel Stottlemyre retires, which seems like a given, who will be the pitching coach? If Joe Girardi is hired to manage another team, who replaces him as bench coach? Will The Boss require a sacrificial lamb from the coaching staff if Torre is retained? Who are the attractive free agents from other teams?

 

One thing seems certain, according to several team executives, anyway - the payroll won't be as bloated. "There is no way it goes up," one said. "We'll go down." Williams, who made $12 million this season, will be off the books, as will Kevin Brown, who made $15 million. Other rich contracts, such as Steve Karsay ($5 million) will have lapsed, too. Of course, the Yankees must pay Matsui and he likely will command more than $10 million per year. It seems like a lock they'll re-sign him. They'll also need a center fielder, and if they sign Boston free agent Johnny Damon, they'll have to pay around the same, which will cut into their payroll savings. Damon is 31 years old and could want a five-year contract.

 

They might fill center field by trading for Mike Cameron, if the Mets are willing. They might compete with the Red Sox there. Or they could explore whether free agent Brian Giles would fit. "There aren't a lot of center fielders out there," a Yankee bigwig said. Other than center, the Yankees are mostly locked into their position players. They are lucky that Robinson Cano bloomed this year, because they finally will have a cheap regular. They will look to trade Tony Womack because there seems to be no place for him.

 

Tom Gordon is a free agent in the bullpen and the Yankees may try to re-sign him. Another plan would be to find a younger free agent to set up for Mariano Rivera and potentially become the closer when Rivera is done. Baltimore's B.J. Ryan is a possibility there. For other openings, they hope Aaron Small can maintain what he did this year and Scott Proctor finally can break out. It's unclear what the rotation will look like beyond Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina, partly because Carl Pavano must prove that he is healthy after an injury-plagued 2005. Jaret Wright was hurt for long stretches and at the end of the season was a magnet for flying objects before being left off the division series roster.

 

Chien-Ming Wang's development may distract the Yankees from pursuing more high-priced starters in what most feel is a weak free agent market. One scout who saw Wang pitch regularly predicted he would be "an 18-20-game winner someday. Everything he throws moves or sinks. Unless he gets hurt, he's going to be a good one, getting all those ground balls." But the Yankees have been romanced in the past by pitchers with a thrilling arsenal. Remember Javier Vazquez, Jeff Weaver and Jose Contreras? Florida's A.J. Burnett might be the most attractive starter and some observers believe he has the best stuff in baseball. But Burnett ripped the Marlins in the last week of the season and the team told him to go home. Plus, the Yankees got little return this season from a $40 million investment from an ex-Marlin – Pavano.

 

There might be one free agent pitcher who could get the Yankees to open the vault again - Roger Clemens. The ageless Clemens is once again a free agent, though his son now plays in the Astros' system, which might put any Rocket redux stories to rest. The Yankees have 11 free agents of their own – Brown, Matsui, Gordon, Alan Embree, John Flaherty, Matt Lawton, Al Leiter, Ramiro Mendoza, Felix Rodriguez, Rey Sanchez and Ruben Sierra. They hold contract options on Tino Martinez (either a $3 million option or a $275,000 buyout) and Tanyon Sturtze ($1.5 million option or $150,000 buyout).

[riverside sluggers]

Yankees: Biggest need is to limit Tampa's meddling

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

 

Many of the flashpoints for the looming off-season conflicts between the feuding factions of the Yankees' dysfunctional family are obvious. Joe Torre. Brian Cashman. Mid-level star players such as Tom Gordon. These are the people you expect the Tampa people to fight with the New York people about as another too-early Yankee off-season gets underway today. But if you want to know how serious and how potentially insurmountable the divisions are, we present the following example, in two words: Jorge Posada.

 

"What?" you ask, undoubtedly incredulous. "Jorge Posada? Home-grown Yankee catcher Jorge Posada? Four-time World Series champion Jorge Posada? Organizational good soldier Jorge Posada?" Sure, you think, Posada had a down year. And sure, he's 34 years old and has caught a lot of games. But how could anybody in the Yankee organization feel anything but love or loyalty toward a player who has played so tough, who has delivered so many big hits, who has brought so much glory to the pinstripes? And that's when you realize how nuts things really are around the Yankees.

 

According to a person with knowledge of the Yankees' inner workings, Posada is likely to be a hot topic in the organizational meetings that owner George Steinbrenner will be holding over the coming weeks and months. Some in the organization still like Posada -- after all, he's a switch-hitting catcher with power who's proven over a long period of time that he can play and shine in New York.

 

But there are other voices whispering in Steinbrenner's ear that Posada is done, and way overpaid, and that the Yankees should look into trading him and signing a free agent such as San Diego's Ramon Hernandez. These are the insidious people in the organization -- the tear-downers who think Torre's time is up and Cashman is overrated. These are the people who inspired one Yankee insider to say during the regular season's final week that "there are people in this organization who would be thrilled if we missed the playoffs." Crazy? Sure. But that's the Yankees.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

There is no doubt in my mind that they will press hard for B.J. Ryan. The only question is will they be willing to give him closer money to be the set up man. I would because if you sign him to a 4-year deal chances are by the last year of that deal he will take over as the Yankee closer. They really need to start thinking about the future. I would look hard for a young CF. There is talk of Juan Pierre being out there. I would take a look at him if they can get him. I like the idea of getting a CF that can lead off and move down Jeter to the 2 hole. Jeter is the perfect #2 hitter leave him there. I know there will be ALOT of wispers about Johnny Damon. I like Damon as a hitter, he is one damn good lead off man. What I dont like is the age, his throwing arm and the amount of years he wants. If he would take a 3 year deal I would consider it (But if the Red Sox were offering that he would go back) but there is NO CHANCE that I give Damon a 5 or 6 year deal.

 

When I see the free agent list I will give you want my projected 06 team would look like.

[ARod2212]

1B- Giambi

2B- Cano

3B- Rodriguez

SS- Jeter

LF- Matsui

CF- Hunter

RF- Sheffield

C- Hernandez

DH- Posada

 

SP- Johnson

SP- Mussina

SP- Chacon

SP- Wang

SP- Wright

 

RP- Small

RP- Proctor

RP- Rivera

RP- Ryan

RP- Wagner/Gordon

RP- Sturtze

 

Bn- Crosby

Bn- Bellhorn/Infielder

Bn- Martinez

Bn- Escalona

Bn- 5th outfielder

 

Manager- Joe Torre

GM- Brian Cashman

 

My ideal would be to trade Pavano, who still has some value, for Torii Hunter in Minnesota in some sort of package. Obviously you eat a lot of his salary, but it makes some sense. Sign Ramon Hernandez to catch so you can put Posada at DH. Bring in Ryan, at whatever you need to pay for him. I would prefer Gordon over Wagner, simply to have a righty, lefty and Rivera at the back of the bullpen. Keep Small in the old Mendoza role (spot starter, middle reliever). Forget the big name starter, our rotation is damn good this way. Of course, if Clemens were inticed to come back I wouldn't mind making a spot for him.

 

Wright spent a lot of time on the DL this year, are we allowed to buy out his contract? I know there was some clause like that in there. Just something to keep in mind.

 

As alternatives, Giles is on the wrong side of potential going to be 35 on Opening day, Cameron is 32 and Damon is 31 with no arm. I don't like the idea of investing in those guys. One other guy I wouldn't mind making a trade for would be Juan Pierre, perhaps again with Pavano headed back to Florida. I don't know if they're looking to trade him but it is something to be explored. In fact, I like Pierre better than Hunter.

 

That's my brief analysis anyway.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

1B- Giambi

2B- Cano

3B- Rodriguez

SS- Jeter

LF- Matsui

CF- Hunter

RF- Sheffield

C- Hernandez

DH- Posada

 

SP- Johnson

SP- Mussina

SP- Chacon

SP- Wang

SP- Wright

 

RP- Small

RP- Proctor

RP- Rivera

RP- Ryan

RP- Wagner/Gordon

RP- Sturtze

 

Bn- Crosby

Bn- Bellhorn/Infielder

Bn- Martinez

Bn- Escalona

Bn- 5th outfielder

 

Manager- Joe Torre

GM- Brian Cashman

 

My ideal would be to trade Pavano, who still has some value, for Torii Hunter in Minnesota in some sort of package. Obviously you eat a lot of his salary, but it makes some sense. Sign Ramon Hernandez to catch so you can put Posada at DH. Bring in Ryan, at whatever you need to pay for him. I would prefer Gordon over Wagner, simply to have a righty, lefty and Rivera at the back of the bullpen. Keep Small in the old Mendoza role (spot starter, middle reliever). Forget the big name starter, our rotation is damn good this way. Of course, if Clemens were inticed to come back I wouldn't mind making a spot for him.

 

Wright spent a lot of time on the DL this year, are we allowed to buy out his contract? I know there was some clause like that in there. Just something to keep in mind.

 

As alternatives, Giles is on the wrong side of potential going to be 35 on Opening day, Cameron is 32 and Damon is 31 with no arm. I don't like the idea of investing in those guys. One other guy I wouldn't mind making a trade for would be Juan Pierre, perhaps again with Pavano headed back to Florida. I don't know if they're looking to trade him but it is something to be explored. In fact, I like Pierre better than Hunter.

 

That's my brief analysis anyway.

That would be my team but I doubt we could get Pavano for Hunter with the money left on Pavano's deal. I agree with you on Giles, Cameron and Damon. I would love to unload both Pavano and Wright.

[Optimist]

...can we trade A Rod?

 

I'm kidding...sort of.

[ORS]

I have a hard time believing that Wagner and Ryan will both be willing to move to a setup role. There are a few contenders that would be able to offer a greater role in the BP. Namely, the Red Sox (Foulke is still a ?, his rehab/attitude could influence things), Atlanta, the Cubs (they'll contend next year, and they can spend), Cleveland (depending on Wickman), the Mets (their BP sucked, and they look really willing to fork out some dough). I think the sweepstakes on effective relievers will be very competitive this FA season.

[RedRuffing15]

1B- Giambi

2B- Cano

3B- Rodriguez

SS- Jeter

LF- Matsui

CF- Hunter

RF- Sheffield

C- Hernandez

DH- Posada

 

SP- Johnson

SP- Mussina

SP- Chacon

SP- Wang

SP- Wright

 

RP- Small

RP- Proctor

RP- Rivera

RP- Ryan

RP- Wagner/Gordon

RP- Sturtze

 

Bn- Crosby

Bn- Bellhorn/Infielder

Bn- Martinez

Bn- Escalona

Bn- 5th outfielder

 

Manager- Joe Torre

GM- Brian Cashman

 

.

 

 

I wouldn't mind that, I think there going to sign Bernie to a small contratc, like 1 year to be kind of like Ruben, Pinch hitter and possible OF

 

What kinda contract do we have with Embree and Leiter, are they all done??

 

And we need to resign Matsui and Chacon

[ARod2212]

Embree is definitely done, they may be able to talk Leiter into being a lefty out of the pen. He did do awful good in that role.

 

And I don't expect Wagner and Ryan to take on setup roles, which is why I'd prefer Gordon to Wagner. But if someone took Gordon I think we'd have to make a run at both of those guys to actually improve our bullpen.

[RedRuffing15]

I also gotta say the Yankees aren't a test it out kinda team, like test this season if it'll work, if not change,

 

Seeing how this season ended, I don't know if all the starters from last year will still be here starting 99% of the games

[26 to 6]

its still early so ill wait until after the World Series to make all of my predictions on who will be on the 2006 roster.

 

I dont like Pierre, I would not mind Damon (for 2 or 3), trading for Cam, or getting Hunter. Though I would prefer one of the first teo I mentioned, because you all know im a huge Melky fan and want him to be the everyday CFer in a few years (not going to happen with Hunter in there). But dont get me wrong, I would be very saitsfied with Hunter.

 

No way we get both Wagner and Ryan, I would be somewhat surprised if we get one of them. Wagner I doubt will take a setup role and Ryan is still up in the air.

 

Embree is definately gone, I think Al Leiter retires to the YES booth with his good pal Kichael Kay.

I wouldnt mind having Andy Phillips take the backup infielder role, and maybe even teach him some outfield in spring training, which would make him the most versatile player on the team. I want Tino back (only if Joe is back, if Joe's gone I want him to sign with another team then all of the "Yankees" such as Jeter, Rivera, Bernie, Posada, etc.. demand trades to that team and I will automatically root for that team.) I wouldnt mind having Womack back, though I have a better chance of making the Yankees next year than Womack being brought back. Reason I like Womack is because hes super quick, when in there everyday he can hit sometimes, hes versatile as he can play all 3 outfield positions and the middle infield. But if they get rid of him I would want to keep Lawton or bring in Rickey Ledee for old-time's sake.

 

I wouldnt be super surprised if the Yankees trade Posada. I owuld be very happy with what Arod proposed with getting Ramon Hernandez to catch. I also recently read a thing in one of the papers regarding Molina possibly coming to New York (the big talk is for him to come to the mets, but the Yankees were also mentioned in the article). If thats the case, him and posada can platood between catcher and DH. The one thing I DO NOT like about that is that we would have to carry 3 catcher-only players (players who can do noting but catch, even though in emergencys Posada can play 2nd and Flaherty can play 1st) and the fact that we pretty much lose the DH spot for Bernie, Sierra, or whoever.

 

Last year I was a mad-man in the offseason, I knew every roster move as it happened, I could tell you when a no-name veteran, over the hill guy signed a minor league contract with someone. thats how crazy I was, like I could have been a reporter last winter, I dont anticipate doing that this year, im just too drained. (Though I will follow super closely on a daily basis, im just not going to spend every second of every day exploring the hot stove)

 

Go Astros!

[yankeessuck013]

NY has dug themselves a nice hole in their starting staff by signing Pavano and Wright longterm. Both have had ONLY ONE good season each. They have proven nothing. Mussina is aging very ungracefully, RJ is a roll of the dice at his age. They've locked themselves up for 3 years as far as their starting staff with no hints of any 20 game winners on board.

[Optimist]

They've locked themselves up for 3 years as far as their starting staff with no hints of any 20 game winners on board.

 

"No hints of any 20 game winners?" Here's a big hint:

 

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/players/mugshot/ph_116615.jpg

 

Randy Johnson struggled mightily this year and still won 17 games; he, almost certainly, is going to have a better season next year. 20 is not that big a stretch given what he did this last month, when he started acting like Randy Johnson.

[yankeessuck013]

he's gonna be a year older and I can't see him pitiching as much as he did this year.

[ARod2212]

Johnson could still very well win 20 games, let's not kid ourselves. We gave A-Rod and adjustment year, and this year he was MVP. That was Johnson's grace year, now it's time for him to step up and be the pitcher we know he is.

[schillingouttheks]

he's gonna be a year older and I can't see him pitiching as much as he did this year.

We said that last year too. He turned into quite the dominant pitcher down the stretch. RJ is now a pitcher to be afraid of once again.

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

RJ will win 18-20 games next year. Toward the end of the year he put it all togther and went 6-0 in his last 8 starts with an under 2 ERA. Look for RJ to want to prove something next year after what I would call a joke of a start in the post-season. Mussina certainly isnt aging with grace but even with injuries he found a way to win 13 games. Hes a 15 game winner IMO. The wild card here is Pavano. I have no idea what to expect out of him next year. I also believe they will find a way to dump Wright. Everyone including there grandmother knew that was a stupid signing. Even if he comes back he wont beat out Chacon or Wang for the final 2 spots. IMO the Yankee sucess or failure next season will be determined by how they re-vamp that bullpen. I believe everyone is a free agent in the bullpen except for Rivera. The way they shape this bullpen in the off-season should shape their season. There is no doubt in my mind that Ryan MUST BE #1 priorty . Then look for a CF.

[User Name]

I doubt the Big Unit gets 20 wins next year. I see him getting between 10 and 15 realistically. I think he's getting too old; he is vulnerable to injury, and if he does get injured, I see it being some sort of back injury.

[26 to 6]

We said that last year too. He turned into quite the dominant pitcher down the stretch. RJ is now a pitcher to be afraid of once again.

I wouldnt go that far...and I wouldnt mind getting rid of him too (im in my Steinbrenner mode since last night...dont be alarmed, ill only be like thins another week or so)

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

I wouldnt go that far...and I wouldnt mind getting rid of him too (im in my Steinbrenner mode since last night...dont be alarmed, ill only be like thins another week or so)

I feel the same way also. I loved how Big Steiny aka King George aka George Steinbrenner III took a slighty shot a Torre today by sending his congrats to the Angels AND THEIR MANAGER. This off-season will be an entertaining one.

[riverside sluggers]

Leiter pondering retirement

After 19 years, lefty ready to hang up his spikes

By Mark Feinsand / MLB.com

 

NEW YORK -- Al Leiter had an interesting 2005 season, returning to an organization with which he once won a World Series ring, only to end up with the club that drafted him back in 1984.Leiter returned to New York on Tuesday, one day after he and the Yankees lost Game 5 of the American League Division Series to the Angels."There wasn't a person in that room who didn't think we would be in Chicago today," Leiter said. "But we're not. We didn't do it. I think it was a big shock, a surprise for everybody. Certainly Derek and Jorge and Tino and guys who have been here for a while took this really hard." Leiter, who was acquired in mid-July to plug a hole in an injury-riddled rotation, finished the season as New York's primary left-handed specialist -- a role in which he thrived.

 

Despite his success out of the bullpen, Leiter, who will turn 40 on Oct. 23, will likely retire this winter after a successful 19-year Major League career. "There would have to be a lot of talking to convince me to come back," he said. "Joe Torre had mentioned a few days ago, joking that, 'I think you've found a niche' or that I have a niche if this is something I want to do as far as coming in and flipping a few curveballs and getting a couple of lefties out. The last couple of weeks, knowing that that was the role, it became more enjoyable, as opposed to sitting in the bullpen and being told to be ready from the first pitch to maybe the seventh," he added, referring to his role as a long reliever. "When you're not really sure when you're supposed to get up, that's not fun when you sit out in the bullpen."

 

Leiter, who said it was more than a 50-50 chance that he would hang up his spikes, will consult with his wife, Lori, and their children. His two older daughters -- Lindsay, 10, and Carly, 8 -- as well as his 5-year-old son, Jack, will have their chance to weigh in on his future. "When you've got kids old enough to respond and tell you what they think, that plays a big part," Leiter said. "My son's thinking it's pretty cool, playing with A-Rod and Jeter and all these guys, so he'd probably vote to stay." Leiter, who began his career in pinstripes and lives in the area, hinted that the only way he would continue playing would be to re-sign with the Yankees as a left-handed specialist.

 

"It's been good for me, this circle," he said. "Eighteen years ago, I was able to pitch my first game here. I like the area. There wouldn't be too many other places." Torre called on Leiter in each of the first four games of the Division Series, including a crucial spot in Game 4, when Leiter got Darin Erstad to hit into an inning-ending double play. Though he played for Torre for less than three months, Leiter was pleased to earn the manager's confidence in his new role in the bullpen. "Any time your boss shows faith and confidence in you, you don't want to let him down," Leiter said. "And he did, and it meant a lot."

 

After going 3-7 with a 6.64 ERA with the Marlins in the first half of the season, Leiter was dealt to the Yankees on July 16. He started at Fenway Park the next day, defeating the Red Sox. He appeared in 16 games for New York (10 starts), going 4-5 with a 5.49 ERA. "It made for a very exciting second half," he said. "Certainly, my first half with the Marlins was miserable. It's certainly not the way I anticipated the end for me, and I say 'the end' because I'm pretty sure that was it."

[MC Hammer]

I typed a big long post, but the battery on my laptop died and I lost it all, so I'll make it short. Joe is a great manager, possibly the best in the league, and firing him would be the biggest mistake of Steiny's career. Rash decisions never pay off, but hey I'm not going to complain if Steiny makes a HUGE mistake like letting Joe go.

[riverside sluggers]

SHIPPING SHEFF SHOULD BE IN PLANS

 

October 12, 2005 -- TEN years ago, the Yankees lost a first-round playoff series to the AL West champs in five games, triggering sweeping changes that ushered in a new general manager, manager and dynasty. From the ruins of being eliminated by the Mariners in October 1995, the Yanks renovated the front office, coaching staff and roster, and somehow formed a championship mosaic from disparate pieces. However, back then, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera emerged from the system to join Andy Pettitte as instant stars and bedrocks. They were cool, calm, and collected rings because of it.

 

The Yanks cannot expect the same bounty now, not after years of incompetence from the Tampa minor-league officials. That is why, in the aftermath of losing a first-round playoff series in five games to the AL West champion Angels, the Yanks face their most critical offseason in a decade. GM Brian Cashman might leave, George Steinbrenner is as disenchanted today with Joe Torre as he was 10 years ago with Buck Showalter, and key roster issues must be confronted.

 

Job 1 for Steinbrenner is addressing the front office structure and his crippled relationship with Torre. As for on the field, here are five thoughts:

 

TRADE GARY SHEFFIELD TO ADDRESS CENTER FIELD: Sheffield remains a great hitter. But he embodies an overall Yankee problem of too much age and too many sourpusses, and the money-obsessed Sheffield is facing his walk year. The White Sox were interested in obtaining Ken Griffey during the season for his bat and now might lose their one power source, Paul Konerko, to free agency. Could Chicago start a package with defensive stud Aaron Rowand to get Sheffield?

 

The Blue Jays crave power and believe Alexis Rios can play center. Is there a mega-trade possible involving Sheffield for Vernon Wells? Can Sheffield be used to obtain pieces that could be redirected to Minnesota to liberate Torii Hunter? The Yanks must find out and then aggressively pursue free agent Brian Giles to play right. Giles is said to favor the West Coast, and should draw strong interest, as well, from the Cubs and Red Sox, if they can move Manny Ramirez.

 

GO GET B.J. RYAN: The Orioles' closer will be among the most in-demand free agents, and the Yanks cannot even offer the closer job. What they can offer is huge money and vague promises of succeeding the indomitable Rivera. The expiring pacts of useless relievers Steve Karsay, Felix Rodriguez, Paul Quantrill and Mike Stanton total roughly $15 million. The Yanks must use a chunk to get a southpaw who dominates lefties and has proved he can pitch in the AL East.

 

RE-SIGN HIDEKI MATSUI: But before they do, the Yanks have to figure out what happened to this guy defensively all year and offensively in the Division Series. Three years at $30 million is the ballpark. One intriguing alternative would be to sign Johnny Damon as a left fielder/leadoff man. But his agent, Scott Boras, is going to seek at least a five-year deal for Damon. It is important that the Yanks do not go with Damon in center, where he already has lost a step and has a worse arm than Bernie Williams.

 

THINK DEFENSE: The Yankee pitching was better than generally perceived. It was hurt by bad defense, especially in center. But not exclusively there. The Yanks need to make Jason Giambi a 120-game DH. They should thank Tino Martinez for the memories and find a younger player with a chance to grow. Milwaukee's Lyle Overbay is going to be in big demand. But the Yanks might be able to pry somebody such as Detroit's Carlos Pena.

 

Jorge Posada might just be too expensive to trade. If the Yanks retain him, they need to upgrade with a better all-around backup than the cerebral, but limited, John Flaherty. Arbitration-eligible receivers from small markets such as Cincinnati's Jason LaRue and Tampa's Toby Hall should be targets.

 

AVOID ADDING EVEN MORE AGE/DECLINING ATHLETICISM/PRIMA DONNAS: We can use a bunch of names, but think Ken Griffey Jr. and you will get the idea.

[He Hate Me]

ARod for Manny? LOL...wait

[riverside sluggers]

Flash ready to close door

Sets self up for new team, role

BY JULIAN GARCIA

DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

 

Tom Gordon seems to be pointing way out of Bronx as he states wish to be a closer again, and not Mariano Rivera's setup man. Tom Gordon's days as a Yankee appear to be over. That doesn't necessarily mean he is done pitching in New York. Gordon, one of four Yankees to clean out his locker yesterday at Yankee Stadium, said he would like to become a closer again. Since the Yankees already are set at that position with Mariano Rivera, it seems as though Gordon, now a free agent, has pitched his final days in pinstripes.

 

"I'd love to close again somewhere," Gordon said. "We'll see what happens, but if it takes me somewhere else, so be it." Now that he has made it clear he wants to close, Gordon could become one of the most coveted relief pitchers on the market. And after Braden Looper's shaky, injury-filled season, it seems as though the Mets will be looking for a new closer. Gordon, whose contract ran out when the Yankees' season ended on Monday night, made $3.75 million this season. By comparison, Billy Wagner, widely considered the best closer now available, made $9million. Baltimore's B.J. Ryan made $2.6 million but is not as established as either Gordon or Wagner.

 

Several times during his five-minute talk with reporters, Gordon addressed his two-year Yankee career in the past tense. "I enjoyed my time here," he said at one point. In two seasons with the Yankees, Gordon has pitched in 159 games, giving up 115 hits in 172-1/3 innings. He has a record of 14-8 with six saves. Though he was considered one of the best setup men in the game, he struggled during the postseason. He was unreliable against the Twins and Red Sox last October and in the division series loss to the Angels this year, he allowed two hits and two runs in 2-1/3 innings. Both hits and both runs came in the 11-7 loss in Game 3, when he did not retire a batter.

 

He went out of his way yesterday to praise both Joe Torre and outgoing pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre, who said on Wednesday that he is stepping down. Gordon also said he learned a lot about closing from Rivera, which may be one of the reasons he feels he is ready to take on that role once again. In 17 big-league seasons, the 37-year-old Gordon has 116 saves and an ERA of 3.93. "I enjoy pitching, period," he said. "I had a great time setting up here. But closing is always going to be the first choice for me."

[AlexanderTheGreat13]

Goodbye Flash. Great reg season set up man but when the lights got to bright you s*** the bed. Hopefully you s*** the bed for the Mets as their closer.

[yankeessuck013]

Veteran southpaw Al Leiter, who turns 40 later this month, is seriously considering retirement. "There would have to be a lot of talking to convince me to come back," Leiter told the New York Post. Leiter went 7-12 with a 6.13 ERA and 1.77 WHIP for the Marlins and Yankees in 2005.

[riverside sluggers]

side note from Yankees offseason plans:

 

The Texas Rangers have sparked interest in Minnesota Twins' Matt LeCroy after his team had outrighted him to the minors. Lecroy in 2005 had batted .260 with 17 HRs and 50 RBIs.

 

Arizona Diamondbacks' short stop Royce Clayton has been offered a 1-year deal to return in 2006 (likely worth about 1.5M), but he says he will test the open market first

 

The Diamondbacks have begun negotiations to bring back relief pitcher Tim Worrell, and starting pitcher Shawn Estes for next season

 

Several sources are startig to report that the Japanese pitcher, Daisuke Matsuzaka will be posted soon which would allow him to join an MLB team. He could be one of the top 3 starting pitchers available on the free agent market, if posted.

 

The Rays have begun working on a long-term deal with Rocco Balldelli that would buyout his arbitration years. The deal would likely be for 3-years + an option. He appears to be negotiating the deal himself because he fired Scott Boras in July.

 

The Rockies have begun talk about a contract for next season with the reliever Mike DeJean.

 

Brian Giles has said he would like to play with his brother in Atlanta, but could always re-sign and have the Padres trade for brother Marcus, who said he would play any position for the Padres. Teams that are interested him are Cardinals, Guardians, Tigers, Astros, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets, Mariners and the Cubs. The Padres are making progress on a long-term deal with him. There is still a significant financial gap, but it's not as vast as when negotations began.

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Several sources are startig to report that the Japanese pitcher, Daisuke Matsuzaka will be posted soon which would allow him to join an MLB team. He could be one of the top 3 starting pitchers available on the free agent market, if posted.

this my friends is GOOD NEWS.

 

Matsuzaka is like the Roger Clemens of NPB. I had not heard he intended on coming over this soon, the way I understood it was that he would stay over there for a few more years.

 

If you listen to Bobby Valentine talk about him you would think he's Cy Young, Walter Johnson, Pete Alexander, Bob Gibson, Whitey Ford, Roger Clemens, and Randy Johnson all rolled into one.

 

Now that is obviously an exageration

[Manny Goes Boom]

Matsuzaka is like the Roger Clemens of NPB.

 

I thought you said don't annoint someone before their proven. (You said that about Jonathan Papelbon)