New York Yankees 2010 offseason thread

[Dipre]

So it's gluttonous to sign Holliday, but not Crawford? Crawford probably won't command quite as much money, but it's going to be relatively close.

 

As for a comparison between the two, Holliday is a better player. I could rattle off a number of stats, but you know what the numbers say just as well as I do.

 

26, I know that Melky is one of your favorite players, and I respect that. I liked watching him too, especially his intensity in the playoffs this year. He played a good series against the Angels, and his two RBI single against Kazmir in game four was one of the real turning points of the series. With that being said, I think you're letting the fact that he is one of your favorite players get in the way of your objectivity. He is, at this point, an average player, and they received a quality starter in return.

 

Also, I know you have an issue with Dunn/Logan, but come on, that cannot possibly be a deal breaker for you...

 

As for the minor leaguer, I understand he has a high upside, but we have no idea what he'll become simply because he is so far away from the majors.

 

It really is a good trade.

 

I agree with everything on this post. Specially on the Melky part. Gardner simply has more tools.

[26 to 6]

So it's gluttonous to sign Holliday, but not Crawford? Crawford probably won't command quite as much money, but it's going to be relatively close.

 

As for a comparison between the two, Holliday is a better player. I could rattle off a number of stats, but you know what the numbers say just as well as I do.

 

26, I know that Melky is one of your favorite players, and I respect that. I liked watching him too, especially his intensity in the playoffs this year. He played a good series against the Angels, and his two RBI single against Kazmir in game four was one of the real turning points of the series. With that being said, I think you're letting the fact that he is one of your favorite players get in the way of your objectivity. He is, at this point, an average player, and they received a quality starter in return.

 

Also, I know you have an issue with Dunn/Logan, but come on, that cannot possibly be a deal breaker for you...

 

As for the minor leaguer, I understand he has a high upside, but we have no idea what he'll become simply because he is so far away from the majors.

 

It really is a good trade.

I know it's a good trade, believe me, I'm just disappointed about them trading my favorite player, which I know is getting the the way of my objectivity a little bit. I'm glad they solidified the rotation, just disappointed it was at Melky's expense. Even before he came up Melky was my favorite player in the Yanks system. I saw him play his first big league game in '05, and was at the game in '06 when he got called up and played right field in that Johnson vs Beckett game where the RJ got ROCKED and we lost like 13-4 or something. Even as he made an error that night, I still argued and defended him the whole time. The clutch hitting and energy he brought to our club this past year was special and it's unfortunate that he's gone now. I must say though, I'm really happy we won it all with that group while they were still together. Matsui, Melky, Damon, the core 4, A-Rod, etc. Only thing that could have made it better was Mussina and Giambi being there. But players come and go in this game, and it's a part of the game we as fans have to accept. Hopefully this move makes us a better team and gives Melky the opportunity to progress as a player, and maybe one day we'll see him back in the Bronx. I'm sure he's devastated about being dealt, and I'm sure Robbie Cano's not too thrilled either. Not that it should, but hopefully his best friend being dealt doesn't impact his performance at all.

 

As for Crawford and Holliday. The difference is that Crawford fits better with this team as a top of the order bat and strong defender. Holliday is a one-dimensional player who is probably in his prime. I don't see him improving much beyond what he's already done. Not to mention he's a righty, and I don't like his swing for this park. Crawford on the other hand would be a legitimate power threat while stealing about 50 bases a year.

 

I agree with everything on this post. Specially on the Melky part. Gardner simply has more tools.

What are you talking about? The only thing Gardner can do better than Melky is run. Melky plays a solid defense, has an above-average arm, and is Babe Ruth compared to Gardner. It's not even close.

[Dipre]

What are you talking about? The only thing Gardner can do better than Melky is run. Melky plays a solid defense' date=' has an above-average arm, and is Babe Ruth compared to Gardner. It's not even close.[/quote']

 

OBP. Base running ability.

 

And how is Cabrera Babe Ruth compared to Gardner when they had less than a .30 difference in OPS? .752 to .724. And Gardner had 284 AB's which is a significant sample size.

 

The fact that you like Melky doesn't mean he's any good. He's a fringe Major League starter, and his defense, while solid, is not spectacular.

 

Melky is simply "meh" at everything. At least Gardner can get on base and run.

[26 to 6]

Like I said, that's all he's got going for him. But hey, at least we have the speed off the bench.

[yankees228]

Gardner is a better defender, and while you might think he makes Melky look like Babe Ruth, Melky's OPS+ was 99, and Gardner's was 93 (in 2009). Also, Gardner had a better WAR than Melky by close to a full run (.7). Melky has a higher ceiling, probably, but they aren't vastly different.

 

As for Holliday, how is he one dimensional? While he doesn't have the speed that Crawford has, and he's a righty, he's an excellent hitter, and a solid defender. He would fit very nicely in the five hole, the only spot in the Yankees' lineup that is a bit questionable in my opinion.

[bsox0407]

Gardner is a better defender, and while you might think he makes Melky look like Babe Ruth, Melky's OPS+ was 99, and Gardner's was 93 (in 2009). Also, Gardner had a better WAR than Melky by close to a full run (.7). Melky has a higher ceiling, probably, but they aren't vastly different.

 

As for Holliday, how is he one dimensional? While he doesn't have the speed that Crawford has, and he's a righty, he's an excellent hitter, and a solid defender. He would fit very nicely in the five hole, the only spot in the Yankees' lineup that is a bit questionable in my opinion.

 

If the Yankees could sign Crawford you put him leadoff and move Jeter to the two hole.

[Dipre]

If the Yankees could sign Crawford you put him leadoff and move Jeter to the two hole.

 

Not a chance.

[bsox0407]

Not a chance.

 

Crawford LF

Jeter SS

Tex 1B

A-rod 3B

Posada C

Cano 2B

Johnson DH

Swisher RF

Granderson CF

 

I think that would be a pretty scary lineup. Gives the 9 hole a good way to turn over the lineup.

[yankees228]

If the Yankees could sign Crawford you put him leadoff and move Jeter to the two hole.

 

After Knoblauch became an ineffective leadoff hitter, the Yankees (starting in 2002) hit Jeter second for the most part, with Soriano and Damon hitting leadoff. Before 2009, they switched it, Jeter had a career year, and the Yankees won a championship. Do you really think they're going to even think about putting him somewhere else?

[bsox0407]

After Knoblauch became an ineffective leadoff hitter' date=' the Yankees (starting in 2002) hit Jeter second for the most part, with Soriano and Damon hitting leadoff. Before 2009, they switched it, Jeter had a career year, and the Yankees won a championship. Do you really think they're going to even think about putting him somewhere else?[/quote']

 

Crawford is a pretty good leadoff hitter. But i see that point.

[26 to 6]

Jeter 1, Crawford 2 would work much better IMO.

[jacksonianmarch]

Rumor has it that NY is looking at Reed Johnson to round out the OF. That would be an interesting choice. He's an injury risk, but he mashes left handed pitching and he plays balls out defense. He'd be a good platoon partner for Granderson or Gardner, IMO. He would make Hoffman expendable.

[riverside sluggers]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-27-new-rogers-whispers-dec-27,0,438327.column

 

Yankees are reportedly looking at Jermaine Dye as low cost/high reward signing to slot in left field. In the 2nd half this past season, he batted .190 with 7 HRs

[Dipre]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/chi-27-new-rogers-whispers-dec-27,0,438327.column

 

Yankees are reportedly looking at Jermaine Dye as low cost/high reward signing to slot in left field. In the 2nd half this past season, he batted .190 with 7 HRs

 

But why?

 

He can barely play defense anymore. Aren't they supposed to be looking for a guy who gives them a bit of defensive flexibility?

[jacksonianmarch]

Their plan kinda fell apart when Damon decided to be greedy and not pay attention to the market. I think NY was expecting Damon to accept the 2yr 16mil offer and be in LF. That would have opened up the books for Granderson in CF and rotate a gaggle of possible AAAA's through the DH spot to see if any of them stick. Once Damon was really unattainable, they lost their flexibility stance and focused on building the best team available, which is where the Nick Johnson signing came into play. Now, LF is open. Their team would be much better defensively if they went with a Hoffman or Reed Johnson and Gardner platoon.

 

But if they can buy low enough, Dye is an intriguing option. He still hits for lots of power as evidenced by the 27 homers in 141 games of a down yr. The question is, which Jermaine Dye do they get. The guy from the first half of the season, who was an All-Star caliber player. The guy from the second half of the season, who belonged nowhere near a major league diamond. Or somewhere inbetween. If he is signable on a one yr deal with lots of incentives, then I'd be okay with it. I think any base salary that would cause Cashman to be reluctant to release him should he suck is too much. Maybe a 2 mil base with 4 mil of incentives? Regardless, we could do a lot worse than Dye. Hell, if we did sign him and trot him out to LF for 120 games or so, he'd bat 7th, 8th, or 9th in all likelihood.

[Plumpamania]

I hope they sign him.

[jacksonianmarch]

I am kinda in the middle on it. What I like about it, is that at worst he could slot into the #4 OF spot and Gardner is still there. If he can put up a .800+OPS and 25+HR, he would be well worth it, in the 9 hole.

[26 to 6]

Their plan kinda fell apart when Damon decided to be greedy and not pay attention to the market. I think NY was expecting Damon to accept the 2yr 16mil offer and be in LF. That would have opened up the books for Granderson in CF and rotate a gaggle of possible AAAA's through the DH spot to see if any of them stick. Once Damon was really unattainable, they lost their flexibility stance and focused on building the best team available, which is where the Nick Johnson signing came into play. Now, LF is open. Their team would be much better defensively if they went with a Hoffman or Reed Johnson and Gardner platoon.

 

But if they can buy low enough, Dye is an intriguing option. He still hits for lots of power as evidenced by the 27 homers in 141 games of a down yr. The question is, which Jermaine Dye do they get. The guy from the first half of the season, who was an All-Star caliber player. The guy from the second half of the season, who belonged nowhere near a major league diamond. Or somewhere inbetween. If he is signable on a one yr deal with lots of incentives, then I'd be okay with it. I think any base salary that would cause Cashman to be reluctant to release him should he suck is too much. Maybe a 2 mil base with 4 mil of incentives? Regardless, we could do a lot worse than Dye. Hell, if we did sign him and trot him out to LF for 120 games or so, he'd bat 7th, 8th, or 9th in all likelihood.

I'm not a big Dye fan and would much prefer Reed Johnson. However, if Dye can be had cheaply then I would be in favor of exploring it. but you have to be on a different planet if you think he'll get a base salary of just $2mil. I agree with an incentive-laden contract, but I can't see him accepting a base that low. $5mil is the lowest I could fathom.

[Keeper]

I think part of Dye's problem in the 2nd half was his frame of mind. He was pretty sure he wasn't coming back to the Sox and for awhile it looked like he might be traded before the deadline. I think this weighed heavily on him. Obviously, this is purely speculation, but everyone likes job security.

[26 to 6]

Heyman's reporting that the Yanks aren't interested in Dye.

 

[riverside sluggers]

Rival exec lays out new Joba rules -- 11:26 p.m.

 

A rival executive says that neither Phil Hughes nor Joba Chamberlain should be in the Yankees’ rotation next season.

 

Instead, the exec suggests that the Yankees keep both youngsters in their bullpen and make Chad Gaudin their fifth starter.

 

Not a crazy thought. But if the Yankees enact such a plan, they are far more likely to use Alfredo Aceves as their fifth starter, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s thinking.

 

The Yankees mostly have used Aceves as a reliever, but he was a starter in Mexico and at Class AA and AAA -- and his ERA in five major- league starts is 3.42.

 

Aceves, 28, also has been an effective reliever, going 10-1 with a 3.18 ERA in 44 career relief appearances. But the Yankees could put together a powerhouse bullpen without him.

 

Hughes and Chamberlain would set up for Mariano Rivera. Damaso Marte would be the left-handed specialist. Gaudin, Sergio Mitre and David Robertson could fill the other spots.

 

Left-hander Boone Logan, acquired from the Braves in the Javier Vazquez trade, could open the season in the minors -- he still has minor-league options.

 

Another possibility for the Yankees would be to trade Gaudin and/or Mitre, but they might prefer to keep their depth, considering the heavy workloads that CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte carried last season.

 

One other Yankees note: They inquired about left-hander Cliff Lee both before and after he was traded to the Mariners. Their talks with the M’s, one source said, “went nowhere.” --Ken Rosenthal

[diony]

One of the dumbest articles this offseason.

[jacksonianmarch]

Yeah, that article makes no sense at all

[26 to 6]

The little tidbit about the yanks reaching out to both the Phils and M's about Lee was interesting. Too bad it never went anywhere. I don't see how we could have matched up anyway without losing Montero, Joba, or Hughes. Maybe it's for the better.

[jacksonianmarch]

It is for the better. Lee is hitting the FA market and we'll have 23 million coming off the books in the rotation. Plus, you should read John Sickels rankings of the yankee farm system to see what he thinks of Montero. I dont want to trade him at all. A "Manny Ramirez" bat, I want that in pinstripes.

[26 to 6]

It is for the better. Lee is hitting the FA market and we'll have 23 million coming off the books in the rotation. Plus' date=' you should read John Sickels rankings of the yankee farm system to see what he thinks of Montero. I dont want to trade him at all. A "Manny Ramirez" bat, I want that in pinstripes.[/quote']

Definitely. I'm just curious to see where he ends up on the field or if he can improve his skills behind the plate some more and make him a quality catcher. From everything I've seen and heard Romine is pretty good back there and can throw very well, although he too still has a lot of work to do. I heard a lot of Jason Varitek comparisons regarding his defense though, so maybe that's a good thing.

[jacksonianmarch]

I honestly think Montero kinda slogs between DH, backup 1B, emergency LFer and backup catcher until Tex is out of town, then he becomes a full time 1b. Think about it, Tex' contract is up after Montero's yr 26 season, so it isnt like he's blocked from ever taking the reigns in NY. Now, some people at BP think Montero has caught up to Romine, but I find that hard to believe. And PP says that certain aspects of Montero's defensive game have caught up with Romine's, but his overall game is still lacking. Then comes the splits he had in the FSL, where he hit over .400 as a DH and under .300 as a catcher. So maybe the defense is taking its toll. Regardless, Montero doesnt need to be a catcher long term, as a matter of fact, I would rather he not be a catcher long term. The Yankees have a ridiculous amount of catching depth in the minors, the best in the majors by far in fact. Cervelli, Montero, Romine, Higashioka, Murphy, Sanchez and then some other outliers with potential big league futures in Valera, Arcia and Taveras. And other teams are listening. The fact that Chase Weems was dealt for Hairston and he wasnt even on the prospect radar screen shows that these guys do have worth to other teams and to NY.

[26 to 6]

The fact that Montero will only be 26 when Tex's contract is over is amazing. I almost forget how young he is. I agree that at that point making him the regular 1B is the best option, but 7 seasons in an undefined role seems like an eternity. Great problem to have though I suppose.

[jacksonianmarch]

At some point, you need to look at the writing on the wall. He's got a special bat, maybe a once in a generation home grown bat. (I am not saying he's gonna be a Pujols, but how often does a team that picks late in mostly all drafts get a player that is considered the best offensive player in the minors?). And he really plays a below average catcher and even if he works his tail off, he doesnt project to be anything but average behind the plate. And, his stats show that his offense suffers behind the dish. Why put him at that position when the catcher's position also shortens players careers? Doesnt make sense. Then throw in the fact that NY has a ton of true blue chip depth at the catcher spot and it really doesnt make sense.

[26 to 6]

Absolutely.

 

But the Yankees drafty position has nothing to do with them getting Montero, as he was an international FA. Chalk that one up to the dollar department.