Yanks Want to Talk to Lowell

[Mr Crunchy]

lowell and the ny left field are a disaster in the making offensivley

he will benfit from the juggernaut lineup and will get his 40 doubles,perhaps 100 rbi and 15-20hrs with a sub .300 avg

 

he is gone as far as im concerned

if he dont go to ny then as someone yesterday mentioned philly is probably his best offensive bet..i dont know of any legit #s being discussed but i figured 4/60 is a fair market deal for this guy and the sox aint doing it

[a700hitter]

I think 3 yrs $51 million would get it done.

[yankees228]

It would be the right move' date=' but who will break the News to the old diva at SS.[/quote']

 

The new regime, outside of Cashman, will hopefully give up on the sentimental value that Torre and co. favored so much.

[Mr Crunchy]

as much as i liked lowell i dont think hes a 17M per guy?

i wouldnt get upset if that happened but i do think they should invest 50M towards a lefty counterpart to beckett...

again

lowell is nice,a smooth glove and a consumate pro but come on here kids

johnny damon meant more to us offensively than lowell did imo anyways and we offered him 10M...

.seems like a different era dont it??

drew gets 14

lowell can earn 17 but probably not here

[ARod2212]

Yankees are just trying to drive Lowell's price up.

[yankees228]

Yankees are just trying to drive Lowell's price up.

 

I high doubt that. The Red Sox sound really firm about not going beyond three years, and there is no indication that they will cave.

[a700hitter]

as much as i liked lowell i dont think hes a 17M per guy?

i wouldnt get upset if that happened but i do think they should invest 50M towards a lefty counterpart to beckett...

again

lowell is nice,a smooth glove and a consumate pro but come on here kids

johnny damon meant more to us offensively than lowell did imo anyways and we offered him 10M...

.seems like a different era dont it??

drew gets 14

lowell can earn 17 but probably not here

If Drew can get $14 million/yr for 5 years, IMO Lowell is worth $17/year million for 3 yrs.

[example1]

as much as i liked lowell i dont think hes a 17M per guy?

i wouldnt get upset if that happened but i do think they should invest 50M towards a lefty counterpart to beckett...

again

lowell is nice,a smooth glove and a consumate pro but come on here kids

johnny damon meant more to us offensively than lowell did imo anyways and we offered him 10M...

.seems like a different era dont it??

drew gets 14

lowell can earn 17 but probably not here

 

They believe they have the counterpart to Beckett. His name is Daisuke Matsuzaka. Compare him to 2006 Beckett: wow.

 

[table] |IP | H | R | ER | HR | K | BB | ERA | GmScr | AVG | OBP | SLG |OPS|

Matsuzaka | 204.2 | 191|100| 100 |25| 201 | 80 | 4.40 | 53 |.246|.326|.405|.731|

Beckett | 204.2 |191|120| 114 |36| 158 | 74 | 5.01 | 50 |.245|.317|.450|.767|[/table]

 

Amazing that Matsuzaka apparently didn't give up a single unearned run this year? Weird. He was vastly superior in K's, not even close, and at no noticeable expense in OPS.

 

I think those who have studied pitching and pitchers can see that Matsuzaka has a tremendous talent despite his occasional lack of command and the fact that he doesn't throw 97 like Beckett can. I think he will eventually put it all together; the guy is absolutely a competetor like Beckett. His stuff isn't as overpowering, but it is, it its own way. When he's throwing strikes with 3 pitches he is nearly unhittable and guys start going to "just put it in play" which is how Beckett both learned to keep his runs down and also go longer in games. Dice-K's two biggest problems were his tendency to have bad innings and his inability to go as deep a team would like from its top starters. Otherwise, he was as unhittable and dominant as the league's best.

[example1]

If Drew can get $14 million/yr for 5 years' date=' IMO Lowell is worth $17/year million for 3 yrs.[/quote']

 

He could be. It is a really tough call. I feel that Lowell is the type of player who could produce pretty well for the next 3-4 years. I don't mean like 2007, but at least servicable. If he gives us ONE year like last year then he could be worth it, even if the deal is automatically extended to 4 years.

 

I would love for Lowell to prove it, take a 3 year deal with a clause for an automatic 4th based on performance and appearance goals in the first 2 years.

 

All of us are advocating for 3 years, but if he has a year like 2007 in 2008, would any of us NOT advocate to sign him for another 3 years at that point? If he doesn't slow down next year, then it is likely that a 4 year deal would be safe. Hence the automatic kicker if he approaches last year's production in either of the next two seasons.

 

Pay him 15m for three years with seasonal incentives potentially totaling something huge, like 18 or 20 million. The seasonal incentives shouldn't be based on the number of games this early in the contract, but should be based on elite-level production. You're paying him as close to elite, and he was close to elite this year. If he exceeds what he did this year, then allow him to get paid like most other marquee offensive weapons get paid. If he is just okay he will get overpaid at 15m.

 

At the worst he's done in 4 years. At best we retain the second best 3rd baseman in the AL moving forward, a great clubhouse guy and the MVP of the 2007 WS and arguably the 2007 Sox season.

[Gom]

Guys, I think you're missing the point.

 

The Yankees can afford Lowell. The whole point of making the offer public is to put pressure on the Red Sox to increase the offer to Lowell in both years and money, and to tie up their payroll. It's a no-lose situation for the Yankees.

 

Pavano [8 mil], Giambi [18 mil (23 salary minus 5 mil buyout], Abreu 16 mil, Mussina 12 mil, Pettitte 16 mil [if he comes back this year are gone]. That's 70 million coming off the books, up to nearly $100 million with the luxury tax figured in.

 

The only ones you need to replace are Abreu and Pettitte. So figure out of the 70 million, you need to spend 32 million to replace them. The other's are at this point bit players and not much to replace.

 

It's a gamesmanship ploy for Lowell...push the Red Sox to tie up their payroll. Remember, when we got Damon, the offer was made, accepted, and delivered before anyone knew what happened up there. This is just grandstanding.

[riverside sluggers]

roto

Free agent Mike Lowell failed to drop any hints about his future while being honored for his World Series MVP at Disney World on Friday.

 

The Boston Herald believes the Yankees' reported four-year offer is off the table because if was made before it was clear Alex Rodriguez was coming back. The problem with that theory is that the Yankees weren't allowed to talk money with Lowell until Tuesday, just one day before the A-Rod news broke, and several sources have reported that the Yankees and A-Rod were close to terms a couple of days before the story leaked. If the Yankees aren't offering four years, it's possible that no one is right now. The Phillies maintain that they don't have the money, and the Angels, Dodgers and Giants all appear to be focused elsewhere. The Brewers might be a sleeper here, though it's possible that they'd also have a tough time coming up with the cash.

 

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/baseball/red_sox/view.bg?articleid=1045308#articleFull

 

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2007/11/lowell_mulls_op.html

Todays's Boston Globe mentions an earlier report from Peter Gammons, that the Yankees seem set rather to go with a Giambi/Duncan platoon at 1st

[jacksonianmarch]

Guys, I think you're missing the point.

 

The Yankees can afford Lowell. The whole point of making the offer public is to put pressure on the Red Sox to increase the offer to Lowell in both years and money, and to tie up their payroll. It's a no-lose situation for the Yankees.

 

Pavano [8 mil], Giambi [18 mil (23 salary minus 5 mil buyout], Abreu 16 mil, Mussina 12 mil, Pettitte 16 mil [if he comes back this year are gone]. That's 70 million coming off the books, up to nearly $100 million with the luxury tax figured in.

 

The only ones you need to replace are Abreu and Pettitte. So figure out of the 70 million, you need to spend 32 million to replace them. The other's are at this point bit players and not much to replace.

 

It's a gamesmanship ploy for Lowell...push the Red Sox to tie up their payroll. Remember, when we got Damon, the offer was made, accepted, and delivered before anyone knew what happened up there. This is just grandstanding.

 

 

that's a good point. I hadnt thought of that angle.

[jacksonianmarch]

and to be totally honest with you, I think Giambi has another big yr this yr. But we should hide his glove and teach Matsui how to play 1b. He was on pace for a big yr into the first week of May when he initially got hurt. Then he tore it on a homer and just wasnt the same. Foot injuries like that can take upwards of a yr to heal and if he is totally healthy for his contract yr, he could be a high .900OPS guy again.

[riverside sluggers]

that's a good point. I hadnt thought of that angle.

 

You really think the Red Sox are going to submit a 4 year deal for a 34 year old 3rd baseman? The Red Sox held steady on not giving a 4 year deal to Pedro... advantage Red Sox as his stuff has regressed to NL only standards and has been seeing the DL more often. The Red Sox set a price for Johnny Damon (10 years/$40 million), Yankees gave him a take it or leave it offer of 4 years of $52 million. Entering 2008, the Sox will have Ellsbury, a potential ROY and all star for years to come. Entering 2008, year 3 of Damon's contract, he will be just a part time DH/left fielder. Melky Cabrera basically won the center field position this past season.Not to mention as much as he and Boras likes to glorify his "durability", he's starting to look more worn down and was only helped by serving as the DH.

[yankees228]

If the Yankees did indeed pull their offer off the table then there goes everyone idea that they were just trying to drive the price up.

 

I don't think they were driving up the price from the beginning, just because I don't see the point of doing it for reasons mentioned earlier in the thread, but this would pretty much prove that it was a legitimate offer.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

If the Yankees did indeed pull their offer off the table then there goes everyone idea that they were just trying to drive the price up.

 

I don't think they were driving up the price from the beginning, just because I don't see the point of doing it for reasons mentioned earlier in the thread, but this would pretty much prove that it was a legitimate offer.

 

Either that or realized the Red Sox will not change there stance based on what they offer Mike Lowell.

[yankees228]

Either that or realized the Red Sox will not change there stance based on what they offer Mike Lowell.

 

Yeah, either way, there was no way the Red Sox were going to give him that fourth year, in my opinion.

[VA Sox Fan]

Lowell mulls option(s)

 

Email|Link By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff November 16, 07 11:30 PM

 

Mike Lowell may be closer to making a decision on whether he'll play for the Red Sox in 2008, but he wasn't letting on when asked about it at Disney World earlier on Friday.

 

The World Series MVP and his family seemed to have a nice time at Disney World where he served as grand marshal of the Magic Kingdom Parade. Lowell told one media person at the event, "We'll see what the offseason brings. My family and I have a decision to make."

 

The Sox have a 3-year offer on the table in the $36-$39 million range. It's not known whether Lowell has another offer to consider. ESPN's Peter Gammons reported earlier in the day that the Yankees no longer seemed interested in pursuing Lowell as a first baseman and will go with a combination of Shelly Duncan and Jason Giambi.

 

Another possible destination could be the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are balking at giving up three top prospects for Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera, though word out of LA is they are now after free-agent center-fielder Aaron Rowand. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi also said Friday that his team was not involved in Lowell talks and Philadelphia, which would appear the best fit for Lowell if he should depart Boston, have repeatedly denied it is in pursuit of the Sox third baseman.

 

Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Friday that talks with Lowell remained status quo

[Gom]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

[Gom]

and to be totally honest with you' date=' I think Giambi has another big yr this yr. But we should hide his glove and teach Matsui how to play 1b. He was on pace for a big yr into the first week of May when he initially got hurt. Then he tore it on a homer and just wasnt the same. Foot injuries like that can take upwards of a yr to heal and if he is totally healthy for his contract yr, he could be a high .900OPS guy again.[/quote']

I think you're nuts. I do love your optimism though.

[VA Sox Fan]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

 

I just love the bold predictions in November :lol: :lol:

[Jayhawk Bill]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

 

Assuming that Lowell plays as well in 2008 as he did in 2007, and assuming that Boston is forced to play without any third baseman at all if Lowell leaves, I'd concur.

 

Recording an automatic out in the five-hole of the batting order every time it comes up can be a real handicap to a team.

[VA Sox Fan]

Assuming that Lowell plays as well in 2008 as he did in 2007, and assuming that Boston is forced to play without any third baseman at all if Lowell leaves, I'd concur.

 

Recording an automatic out in the five-hole of the batting order every time it comes up can be a real handicap to a team.

 

 

[MANNYHOF24]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

 

Havent you learned by now that winning takes pitching.?

[riverside sluggers]

This is the same guy who predicted a 3rd place finish and 86-76 record for the eventual World Series Champions And that was after the Sox lost their 1st game of the season. I trust Miss Cleo's predictions before I even consider yours

 

Psst not sure if you know by now, but the offense isnt what carries a team throughout the playoffs (key word is pitching)... its what the Yankees have lacked for awhile now

[RobZombie]

This talk that the Yanks are interested in Lowell doesn't make sense.

 

Damon is unable to play CF anymore so Cabrerra or someone else has to play CF. That leaves three guys, Abreau Matsui, and Damon for the two other OF spots and DH. If the Yankees signed Lowell for 1B they would have to put either Damon, Matsui, or Giambi on the bench. Why sign a 34 year old 3B comming off a career year, who by the way has never played 1B before to a massive contract and put another massive contract on the bench?

[VA Sox Fan]

ESPN's Peter Gammons reported earlier in the day that the Yankees no longer seemed interested in pursuing Lowell as a first baseman and will go with a combination of Shelly Duncan and Jason Giambi.

[SchillingIsTheNatural]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

 

Maybe although I don't like your chances based on the fact the Yankees will have another injury plagued season with little depth.

 

Outside of Rivera returning and being the closer, who else is in the Yankee bullpen? I don't even know I would have to look it up.

 

They have as good a shot as any to win the division but you can forget winning in the playoffs with that current pitching staff.

[TheKilo]

Adding Lowell to us and subtracting him from the Sox gives us the division.

 

Who's pitching for you next season?

[a700hitter]

Maybe although I don't like your chances based on the fact the Yankees will have another injury plagued season with little depth.

 

Outside of Rivera returning and being the closer, who else is in the Yankee bullpen? I don't even know I would have to look it up.

 

They have as good a shot as any to win the division but you can forget winning in the playoffs with that current pitching staff.

Joba either will be back in the bullpen, on the DL, or in the minors by June 15th. I think it is most likely that he'll be in the pen, because the pen will need help, and Joba will get knocked around as a starter.