Posted by: Patrick
From the New York Daily News:
New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is back at work after being hospitalized Sunday when he became ill while watching his granddaughter perform in a play, his spokesman said.
Posted by: Patrick
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com:
Good luck. For background on the award, check out the article linked above.
There is also a prestigious award, known as The Hutch, given to an active MLB player who most embodies the spirit and desire shown by Hutchinson. The 10 finalists for the 2006 honor were announced this weekend, and the list includes Cincinnati's Ken Griffey, Jr., Arizona's Orlando Hudson, the Yankees' Derek Jeter, Boston's Mark Loretta, St. Louis' Albert Pujols, Minnesota's Brad Radke, Baltimore's Brian Roberts, the White Sox's Jim Thome, Florida's Dontrelle Willis and Oakland's Barry Zito.
Good luck. For background on the award, check out the article linked above.
Posted by: Patrick
From Yahoo! Sports:
He was a Yankee for part of 1985, having been traded on September 15 to the Yankees in exchange for Jim Deshaies, Neder Horta and Dody Rather. He pitched 3 games that year, going 2-1 with a 5.84 ERA. He was granted free agency, but we brought him back with a new contract. In 1986, his only full year for the Yankees, he pitched 25 games, going 9-10 with a 4.87 ERA. In 1987, he pitched only 9 games for New York (going 3-4 with a 3.55 ERA) before being dealt to the Twins for Mark Salas.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
Former major league pitcher Joe Niekro, Houston's career victory leader, died Friday, Astros president Tal Smith said. He was 61.
The two-time 20-game winner suffered a brain aneurysm Thursday and was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in nearby Plant City, where he lived. He later was transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he died.
The two-time 20-game winner suffered a brain aneurysm Thursday and was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital in nearby Plant City, where he lived. He later was transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he died.
He was a Yankee for part of 1985, having been traded on September 15 to the Yankees in exchange for Jim Deshaies, Neder Horta and Dody Rather. He pitched 3 games that year, going 2-1 with a 5.84 ERA. He was granted free agency, but we brought him back with a new contract. In 1986, his only full year for the Yankees, he pitched 25 games, going 9-10 with a 4.87 ERA. In 1987, he pitched only 9 games for New York (going 3-4 with a 3.55 ERA) before being dealt to the Twins for Mark Salas.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family.
Posted by: Patrick
From Bill Madden:
You knew somebody was going to be the fall guy for the Yankees' collapse against the Tigers in the division series and if it wasn't going to be Joe Torre, then it was surely going to be one of his coaches. And so it is Lee Mazzilli, a victim of circumstances, who takes the hit as the Yankee high command moves manager-in-waiting Don Mattingly into the bench coach position, in which he can concentrate on game strategy instead of tutoring hitters. ...
As for the hitting coach, Cashman will stay within the organization, promoting Kevin Long, who has tutored the Triple-A hitters at Columbus for the last three years. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Long played six years in the Kansas City Royals' system and was the batting coach for their Double-A Wichita farm team in 2000-01.
As for the hitting coach, Cashman will stay within the organization, promoting Kevin Long, who has tutored the Triple-A hitters at Columbus for the last three years. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Long played six years in the Kansas City Royals' system and was the batting coach for their Double-A Wichita farm team in 2000-01.
Posted by: Patrick
No shock. Sheff's not happy:
Here's the thing: if Sheffield produces, won't he make more than if he was an FA now? He's slated to make $13 million this year. He's not going to get that as an FA. Not in a year where he was injured for so long.
If he gets paid $13 million this year and goes to a new team and produces, he'll have better standing, allowing him to get a better deal as a free agent next year. The only way he makes more if he becomes an FA this year is probably if he stinks it up for the next 3 years because he'll already have a 3 year deal and they'll have to pay him, unless there is some clause included in the deal. So, if I were him, I'd just take my $13 million this year. But, that's me.
"I don't know what (the Yankees are) going to do," Sheffield told USA Today in a story posted on the paper's Web site late last night. "Maybe they picked it up just to trade me. If they do that, if I just (go) to a team for one year, there's going to be a problem. A big problem. I will not do this."
Here's the thing: if Sheffield produces, won't he make more than if he was an FA now? He's slated to make $13 million this year. He's not going to get that as an FA. Not in a year where he was injured for so long.
If he gets paid $13 million this year and goes to a new team and produces, he'll have better standing, allowing him to get a better deal as a free agent next year. The only way he makes more if he becomes an FA this year is probably if he stinks it up for the next 3 years because he'll already have a 3 year deal and they'll have to pay him, unless there is some clause included in the deal. So, if I were him, I'd just take my $13 million this year. But, that's me.
Posted by: James
Along with Ryan Howard from the NL, Derek Jeter won the 2006 Hank Aaron Award.
The award is supposed to recognize the best offensive performer from each league so the MVP might soon follow this trophy onto Jeter's mantle and I would strongly suggest reading the linked article, especially the exchange between Hank Aaron and Derek Jeter.
There were two phases of fan balloting at MLB.com toward the end of the regular season. In the first phase, fans voted on a ballot that included one representative from each of the 30 clubs, as chosen by Major League Baseball. The fans' vote decided which six players in each league would move on to the final vote. Fans then were asked to choose one player per league from those six.
...
Jeter received 37 percent (29,275 votes) of the AL votes on a ballot that included Ortiz, Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels, Travis Hafner of the Indians, Paul Konerko of the White Sox and Justin Morneau of the Twins.
...
(Said by Aaron to Jeter) "Seriously, I think this award means much more than just presenting an award to two great players. I think that you, more than anybody, have realized that what you do on the field means little of nothing to what you do off the field. And you have carried yourself that way."
...
Jeter received 37 percent (29,275 votes) of the AL votes on a ballot that included Ortiz, Vladimir Guerrero of the Angels, Travis Hafner of the Indians, Paul Konerko of the White Sox and Justin Morneau of the Twins.
...
(Said by Aaron to Jeter) "Seriously, I think this award means much more than just presenting an award to two great players. I think that you, more than anybody, have realized that what you do on the field means little of nothing to what you do off the field. And you have carried yourself that way."
The award is supposed to recognize the best offensive performer from each league so the MVP might soon follow this trophy onto Jeter's mantle and I would strongly suggest reading the linked article, especially the exchange between Hank Aaron and Derek Jeter.
10/25: Girardi on TV?
Posted by: Patrick
Newsday is reporting:
The article says that YES is one of his options.
Via Jim Baumbach.
Joe Girardi has decided to stay off the field for a year and spend next season as a broadcaster, a person familiar with the situation told Newsday today.
The article says that YES is one of his options.
Via Jim Baumbach.
10/25: CBA Update
Posted by: James
ESPN just posted an article (an AP story actually) that is the best breakdown of the new collective bargaining agreement that I've stumbled upon so far. It seems that draft pick compensation hasn't totally been done away with:
Now, this still doesn't answer the question of whether teams would now revert back to "first-time offenders". This would only affect the Yankees but it's a noticeable effect. Rather than paying a $1.40 for every dollar spent over $148 million, they would pay $1.23. If next year's payroll was the same as this year, you're talking about a little over $8 million bucks that would stay in the Yankees' coffers. (Though between Moose, 19M, and Sheffield, 13M, there's going to be some dropoff next year.)
Update: According to Peter A., the Yankees will remain at the 40% level as a repeat offender. They will be the only team over the salary cap.
As an added note to you minors watchers out there, the new CBA also states that players in the minors now have four full years before they have to be added to the 40-man roster or exposed to the Rule 5 draft. It used to be three years. That's helpful for all the Yankees prospects at the lower levels.
Draft-pick compensation for losing Type C free agents is eliminated. Compensation for Type B free agents is changed from direct (losing draft picks) to indirect (sandwich picks). Starting in 2007, Type A free agent redefined to top 20 percent at position (from top 30 percent) and Type B to 21-40 percent (from top 31-50 percent).
...
Thresholds for luxury tax on team payrolls set at $148 million for 2007, $155 million for 2008, $162 million in 2009, $170 million in 2010 and $178 million in 2011. Tax rates on amount over threshold remain at 22.5 percent for first time over threshold, 30 percent for second time over threshold, 40 percent for third or subsequent time over threshold.
...
Thresholds for luxury tax on team payrolls set at $148 million for 2007, $155 million for 2008, $162 million in 2009, $170 million in 2010 and $178 million in 2011. Tax rates on amount over threshold remain at 22.5 percent for first time over threshold, 30 percent for second time over threshold, 40 percent for third or subsequent time over threshold.
Now, this still doesn't answer the question of whether teams would now revert back to "first-time offenders". This would only affect the Yankees but it's a noticeable effect. Rather than paying a $1.40 for every dollar spent over $148 million, they would pay $1.23. If next year's payroll was the same as this year, you're talking about a little over $8 million bucks that would stay in the Yankees' coffers. (Though between Moose, 19M, and Sheffield, 13M, there's going to be some dropoff next year.)
Update: According to Peter A., the Yankees will remain at the 40% level as a repeat offender. They will be the only team over the salary cap.
As an added note to you minors watchers out there, the new CBA also states that players in the minors now have four full years before they have to be added to the 40-man roster or exposed to the Rule 5 draft. It used to be three years. That's helpful for all the Yankees prospects at the lower levels.
Posted by: Patrick
From the New York Daily News:
Of course, reports like this can only hurt our chances of getting anything decent for him, if Sheffield's response is to say he won't play for the team he's dealt to. But, maybe they are already taking that into account.
The biggest buzz among the few general managers attending the World Series is the silent auction the Yankees have apparently already begun for Gary Sheffield. It turns out that Yankee GM Brian Cashman had always intended to pick up Sheffield's $13 million option for next year - but not for the purposes of keeping him. Once the Yankees acquired Bobby Abreu from the Phillies at last July's trading deadline, it was clear Sheffield no longer fit in their plans, but by picking up his option, they can now get something for him. And it could be a nice return as at least a half-dozen teams - the Angels, Orioles, Cubs, Giants, Astros and Rangers - are in the market for a power-hitting corner outfielder, and that doesn't include the Red Sox and Mets. The Yankees can now prevent Sheffield going to such rivals, not a possibility had they let him flee.
Of course, reports like this can only hurt our chances of getting anything decent for him, if Sheffield's response is to say he won't play for the team he's dealt to. But, maybe they are already taking that into account.
10/24: Interesting Changes
Posted by: James
Seemingly lost in the big news that MLB players and owners finalized a new five-year collective bargaining agreement is this little tidbit:
So, theoretically, the Yankees can sign now anyone with no real penalty. Man, this would have helped in the past 5 years or so. Still, over this offseason and the next couple of years, there are some big free agents that are expiring on the Yanks' side (Mussina, Sheffield, Abreu, etc.), so they wouldn't get any compensation for those guys either. It will be interesting to see how this pans out, especially with the salary cap increase (though the article doesn't mention if the penalty rates - the Yankees are at 40% right now - will be reset back to 25% and then rise again).
Oh, and if the Nationals lose Soriano to another team, their management now looks inept (or more so) for not dealing him at the trade deadline.
Update: Steve L. over at WasWatching takes a quick look at the CBA and tries to find the answer to my earlier question while opening up a new one about the stadium-cost deduction. Interesting - if anyone has any definitive answers, let either of us know.
The minimum salary increases, from $327,000 this year to $380,000 next season, and amateur draft pick compensation for some free agents who sign with new teams, will be eliminated.
So, theoretically, the Yankees can sign now anyone with no real penalty. Man, this would have helped in the past 5 years or so. Still, over this offseason and the next couple of years, there are some big free agents that are expiring on the Yanks' side (Mussina, Sheffield, Abreu, etc.), so they wouldn't get any compensation for those guys either. It will be interesting to see how this pans out, especially with the salary cap increase (though the article doesn't mention if the penalty rates - the Yankees are at 40% right now - will be reset back to 25% and then rise again).
The payroll threshold for the luxury tax increases from $136.5 million this year to $148 million next year, then goes up about 5 percent annually, a baseball official familiar with the deal said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Oh, and if the Nationals lose Soriano to another team, their management now looks inept (or more so) for not dealing him at the trade deadline.
Update: Steve L. over at WasWatching takes a quick look at the CBA and tries to find the answer to my earlier question while opening up a new one about the stadium-cost deduction. Interesting - if anyone has any definitive answers, let either of us know.
Posted by: Patrick
Despite missing all that time and not winning any of the DHL Delivery Man of the Month awards, he took home the yearly award for the second consecutive season:
Congrats.
The Delivery Man of the Year Award is officially sanctioned by Major League Baseball, recognizing the most outstanding relief pitcher of the season as voted on by the fans. From Sept. 25 through Oct. 9, fans cast nearly 90,000 votes for the award on MLB.com.
Rivera, who garnered 18,559 votes, helped the Yankees win their ninth consecutive American League East Division title by saving 34 games in 37 opportunities. He finished the year with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 55 batters and allowing 61 hits over 75 innings pitched.
Rivera, who garnered 18,559 votes, helped the Yankees win their ninth consecutive American League East Division title by saving 34 games in 37 opportunities. He finished the year with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 55 batters and allowing 61 hits over 75 innings pitched.
Congrats.
10/24: Lee Mazzilli On the Way Out?
Posted by: Patrick
Newsday reports:
Via Steve.
Each coach has an expiring contract. Hitting coach Don Mattingly, third-base coach Larry Bowa and first-base coach Tony Peña all appear to be secure, but bench coach Lee Mazzilli appears less so.
Via Steve.
10/22: Daisuke Matsuzaka Videos
Posted by: Patrick
There are a number of Daisuke Matsuzaka videos on YouTube. A few to check out include this one (check the movement on the second pitch, 90 MPH), this one (8th and 9th inning), this one and this one. You can also watch him hit a HR (check out the announcer's energy).
10/18: Proctor's Arm Fine
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com:
Via Steve.
Scott Proctor visited a doctor in Tampa this week, concerned about a possible bone chip in his right elbow.
His fears were quelled Wednesday, as an MRI exam, X-rays and a CT scan revealed no damage to his arm.
His fears were quelled Wednesday, as an MRI exam, X-rays and a CT scan revealed no damage to his arm.
Via Steve.
10/18: Joe Buck Has Spoken!!!
Posted by: Jason
Joe Buck, who styles himself as a working man's Bob Costas (he does Budweiser ads), made his official pronouncement on Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees last evening:
During last night's Mets/Cards game, Joe proclaimed that "it's time for the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez to move on." He went on to opine that the split would be in the best interests of both parties.
Do you get the feeling that Joe, and many other media types, actually want Rodriguez to be traded? I wonder why...another season with the Yankees would make the media's job easier by providing ample "grist for the mill."
During last night's Mets/Cards game, Joe proclaimed that "it's time for the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez to move on." He went on to opine that the split would be in the best interests of both parties.
Do you get the feeling that Joe, and many other media types, actually want Rodriguez to be traded? I wonder why...another season with the Yankees would make the media's job easier by providing ample "grist for the mill."
10/17: Pinella: I Want A-Rod
Posted by: James
Lou Pinella, the new manager of the Cubs, has apparently asked for and expects his new team to go after A-Rod this offseason.
Well, Pinella is certainly making things interesting...but if you think about it, this might work out for A-Rod:
-less pressure (yes, I know it's Chicago but compared to NY, anything is less pressure),
-a manager that actually supports him (you can't argue the point that Torre has had it with A-Rod)
-and a bandbox (against NL pitching!) to launch home runs from.
That might not be so bad...but would A-Rod consent to a trade (thereby publicly admitting defeat in NY, mind you) to a losing team? Remember that his sole reason for leaving Texas was to go to a winner...and the Cubs are about as far away from being a winner as any team in baseball. Also, keep in mind that 28 year old Aramis Ramirez (he of the 38 home runs and 119 RBI) can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason.
Well, if you could get the approval from A-Rod, here are three questions;
What do you expect to get from Chicago?
Would you do the deal at that point?
What would you like to get?
Sources familiar with the situation told ESPN.com that Piniella, who is extremely close to Rodriguez, expects the Cubs to aggressively pursue the 10-time All-Star. The 63-year-old manager and the 31-year-old Rodriguez have what amounts to a quasi-father/son relationship; Rodriguez was managed in Seattle by Piniella from 1994-2000. It is that relationship -- and the tantalizing talent of Rodriguez -- that has prompted Piniella to want to explore a trade with the Yankees.
Well, Pinella is certainly making things interesting...but if you think about it, this might work out for A-Rod:
-less pressure (yes, I know it's Chicago but compared to NY, anything is less pressure),
-a manager that actually supports him (you can't argue the point that Torre has had it with A-Rod)
-and a bandbox (against NL pitching!) to launch home runs from.
That might not be so bad...but would A-Rod consent to a trade (thereby publicly admitting defeat in NY, mind you) to a losing team? Remember that his sole reason for leaving Texas was to go to a winner...and the Cubs are about as far away from being a winner as any team in baseball. Also, keep in mind that 28 year old Aramis Ramirez (he of the 38 home runs and 119 RBI) can opt out of his contract and become a free agent this offseason.
Well, if you could get the approval from A-Rod, here are three questions;
What do you expect to get from Chicago?
Would you do the deal at that point?
What would you like to get?
Posted by: James
Over at the Hardball times, there's a quick look at Phil Hughes and two other pitchers (Homer Bailey & Yovani Gallardo) who were also drafted in 2004 and played (and performed well) in Double-A competition in 2006. Nothing real exciting or new in the report if you've been following Hughes for a while but it's nice to know that Yankee fans aren't the only ones getting excited about this kid.
The way his body responds to increased workloads in the coming years will be the most important factor in determining whether or not Hughes fulfills his potential as a front-of-rotation starting pitcher for the Yankees.
...
Assuming health, I think Hughes is the safest bet to put together above-average seasons at the major league level before age 25.
...
Assuming health, I think Hughes is the safest bet to put together above-average seasons at the major league level before age 25.
Posted by: Patrick
As you may remember from last year, we held an interview series with a selection of the Yankees blogosphere. This year, we'll be doing it again, with all new bloggers.
We'll be using the same base of questions as last year, with some changes, but I wanted to go ahead and ask if anyone had any question suggestions. If you do, please feel free to let me know. Thanks.
We'll be using the same base of questions as last year, with some changes, but I wanted to go ahead and ask if anyone had any question suggestions. If you do, please feel free to let me know. Thanks.
10/15: Lidle Memorial Service
Posted by: Patrick
The official site reports that Cory Lidle's memorial service will be held Tuesday in Covina, CA.
The service is to start at 9 a.m. PT at Forest Lawn of Covina, the Yankees said Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, Lidle's family requested that donations be made to [flight instructor, Tyler] Stanger's family.
In lieu of flowers, Lidle's family requested that donations be made to [flight instructor, Tyler] Stanger's family.
10/14: A-Rod OK After Jet Accident
Posted by: Patrick
From the New York Daily News:
Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez got a horrible scare yesterday when a private jet he was aboard skidded off a runway outside Los Angeles - just two days after the crash of Cory Lidle's doomed plane.
A-Rod's twin-engine jet was brought to an abrupt halt by a 200-foot-long stretch of pavement injected with air bubbles designed to collapse under the weight of an out-of-control aircraft, authorities said. ...
"I spoke to Alex. He's fine," the third basemen's agent Scott Boras said.
A-Rod's twin-engine jet was brought to an abrupt halt by a 200-foot-long stretch of pavement injected with air bubbles designed to collapse under the weight of an out-of-control aircraft, authorities said. ...
"I spoke to Alex. He's fine," the third basemen's agent Scott Boras said.
10/13: More A-Rod Thoughts
Posted by: James
In addition to Patrick's continuing look at the A-Rod situation, John Brattain over at The Hardball Times weighs in with his thoughts. While some of John's article should considered tongue in cheek, he makes some very salient points as well as an interesting comparison to Roger Maris. He also provides what he thinks might be a good solution to the situation. The article is worth the read just for those thoughts alone (whether or not you agree with the proposed course of action is another topic) so head on over and check it out.
Update: Commenter Rich made note of a point in John's article that I had skimmed over but definitely deserves a look.
If this turns out to be the case, then 99.9% of these potential A-Rod deals that are being bandied about will fall off the table. It's one thing to pay a couple of million bucks to facilitate a trade. It's quite another to eat $10 million a year to do so (and I doubt MLB, or the player's union, would even allow that much money to exchange hands). Again, this hasn't been confirmed so take it as you will (and if you have proof of or against this contract stipulation, please let us, and John, know).
Of course how can you not sign a quarter-billion-dollar contract? By the same token: if you’re sitting on 59 home runs how can you not try to hit 60—then 61? Maris’s 61 became a nightmare just as has A-Rod’s 252. As long as Maris was in New York he could never shake the repercussions of 61.
Let’s face it, if A-Rod had opted for a shorter deal as a free agent and was in pinstripes now, chances are good he wouldn’t be under this kind of scrutiny. Gary Sheffield is a phenomenal hitter and potential Hall of Famer, yet over Rodriguez’s vaunted skid, Sheffield went just .160/.236/.160 in 50 at-bats. Nobody complains much about that, but then again Sheffield isn’t associated with 252.
Let’s face it, if A-Rod had opted for a shorter deal as a free agent and was in pinstripes now, chances are good he wouldn’t be under this kind of scrutiny. Gary Sheffield is a phenomenal hitter and potential Hall of Famer, yet over Rodriguez’s vaunted skid, Sheffield went just .160/.236/.160 in 50 at-bats. Nobody complains much about that, but then again Sheffield isn’t associated with 252.
Update: Commenter Rich made note of a point in John's article that I had skimmed over but definitely deserves a look.
Another point: as I understand it, there’s the slight complication (although I’m still searching for a citation) that the Rangers' obligation to A-Rod becomes null and void if he’s dealt to another team. In other words the Yanks will be trying to move a $25 million-a-year contract as opposed to a $16 million-a-year deal.
If this turns out to be the case, then 99.9% of these potential A-Rod deals that are being bandied about will fall off the table. It's one thing to pay a couple of million bucks to facilitate a trade. It's quite another to eat $10 million a year to do so (and I doubt MLB, or the player's union, would even allow that much money to exchange hands). Again, this hasn't been confirmed so take it as you will (and if you have proof of or against this contract stipulation, please let us, and John, know).
10/13: More Thoughts on Alex
Posted by: Patrick
I put off this piece a little bit in light of the sad news. But, with thoughts and prayers to everyone affected, it's time to get back at it. The other day, I wrote a piece on A-Rod and Torre. I received a number of comments, which I appreciate. Those comments made me think a bit more and gave me a few more ideas.
Joseph remarked that we need pitching and A-Rod can fetch it. I agree on both points. But, I just don't think that we need to use him to get pitching. Can't we address that need through free agency?
According to mlb4u.com, there is a plentiful amount of starting pitching on the market, especially when it comes to lefties. Pitchers include Mark Buehrle (the White Sox have a $9.5 million dollar option with a $1.5 million dollar buyout), Ted Lilly, Mark Mulder, Andy Pettitte, Barry Zito, Gil Meche and Jason Schmidt. And let's not forget Daisuke Matsuzaka and Mike Mussina (pending us declining his option). And we have Randy Johnson, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright (assuming we don't drop him), Chien-Ming Wang, Jeff Karstens and Darrell Rasner under contract. Plus, Phil Hughes is rumbling (mid or late season call up, perhaps?). I'm not saying that all of these guys are great starters or dependable... Lilly, Meche, Johnson, Pavano, Wright, Karstens and Rasner are certainly iffy and risky. And Hughes can't be counted on for anything, of course. But, my point is, isn't there enough talent out there for us to fill out a 5 man rotation plus have depth incase someone goes down without downgrading at the hot corner? Without trading the best third baseman in the game? I think there is.
One of the benefits of being the Yankees is that we picked our market right. We make money and we spend it. We can afford to keep A-Rod and sign starting pitching. Add to that that we have some big money deals expiring and we should do it.
As far as close and late, that's all fine and dandy, but what makes a run in the first few innings worth nothing? The man drove in over 357 runs in 3 seasons. How many games did we win by the amount of runs that he drove in? A lot. Now, can we replace some of that? Sure. But, that sort of run production is rare. I want someone who hits well with RISP and A-Rod was excellent this year. Who cares if those runners were on in the 5th instead of the 8th? We have so many stats these days and you can find numbers to devalue anyone.
One commenter mentioned that Alex had 24 errors this year. But, he had 12 errors last year in 161 games. The year before that, 13 in 155 games. Those were his first two years playing third base at the major league level.
If defense is a big reason we're getting rid of him, I really feel that we're getting rid of him for the wrong reasons. Considering someone a liability on defense because of one season where he had 24 errors is the sort of thing I was talking about. That is way too quick a thing to decide based upon one season. Especially when we're talking about someone like Alex Rodriguez. This isn't a Tony Womack, Raul Mondesi, Rondell White type of guy. You don't willingly dump someone like this midway through his career because of things like this.
In fact, that's just it, I can't find good, understandable reasons to get rid of the guy. Look at his numbers, he's produced in New York. He had 2 bad postseason series' in a row. That's not a good reason for me. In fact, it really looks like the media is quite possibly playing Yankee fans like a fiddle and we're taking it hook, line and sinker. If he truly is such a cancer, I have no doubt we'll deal him. But, until I see it myself, until Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams or Jorge Posada say it, I'm not going to buy it. I'm not going to take media reports from "sources" and consider it to be definitive.
Joseph remarked that we need pitching and A-Rod can fetch it. I agree on both points. But, I just don't think that we need to use him to get pitching. Can't we address that need through free agency?
According to mlb4u.com, there is a plentiful amount of starting pitching on the market, especially when it comes to lefties. Pitchers include Mark Buehrle (the White Sox have a $9.5 million dollar option with a $1.5 million dollar buyout), Ted Lilly, Mark Mulder, Andy Pettitte, Barry Zito, Gil Meche and Jason Schmidt. And let's not forget Daisuke Matsuzaka and Mike Mussina (pending us declining his option). And we have Randy Johnson, Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright (assuming we don't drop him), Chien-Ming Wang, Jeff Karstens and Darrell Rasner under contract. Plus, Phil Hughes is rumbling (mid or late season call up, perhaps?). I'm not saying that all of these guys are great starters or dependable... Lilly, Meche, Johnson, Pavano, Wright, Karstens and Rasner are certainly iffy and risky. And Hughes can't be counted on for anything, of course. But, my point is, isn't there enough talent out there for us to fill out a 5 man rotation plus have depth incase someone goes down without downgrading at the hot corner? Without trading the best third baseman in the game? I think there is.
One of the benefits of being the Yankees is that we picked our market right. We make money and we spend it. We can afford to keep A-Rod and sign starting pitching. Add to that that we have some big money deals expiring and we should do it.
As far as close and late, that's all fine and dandy, but what makes a run in the first few innings worth nothing? The man drove in over 357 runs in 3 seasons. How many games did we win by the amount of runs that he drove in? A lot. Now, can we replace some of that? Sure. But, that sort of run production is rare. I want someone who hits well with RISP and A-Rod was excellent this year. Who cares if those runners were on in the 5th instead of the 8th? We have so many stats these days and you can find numbers to devalue anyone.
One commenter mentioned that Alex had 24 errors this year. But, he had 12 errors last year in 161 games. The year before that, 13 in 155 games. Those were his first two years playing third base at the major league level.
If defense is a big reason we're getting rid of him, I really feel that we're getting rid of him for the wrong reasons. Considering someone a liability on defense because of one season where he had 24 errors is the sort of thing I was talking about. That is way too quick a thing to decide based upon one season. Especially when we're talking about someone like Alex Rodriguez. This isn't a Tony Womack, Raul Mondesi, Rondell White type of guy. You don't willingly dump someone like this midway through his career because of things like this.
In fact, that's just it, I can't find good, understandable reasons to get rid of the guy. Look at his numbers, he's produced in New York. He had 2 bad postseason series' in a row. That's not a good reason for me. In fact, it really looks like the media is quite possibly playing Yankee fans like a fiddle and we're taking it hook, line and sinker. If he truly is such a cancer, I have no doubt we'll deal him. But, until I see it myself, until Joe Torre, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams or Jorge Posada say it, I'm not going to buy it. I'm not going to take media reports from "sources" and consider it to be definitive.
Posted by: James
You might have heard that a small airplane crashed into a 50-story residential building on Manhattan's East Side, and killed at least two people. In an update to the story, CNN is reporting that the plane is registered to Cory Lidle:
Update: ESPN is reporting that Cory Lidle was the pilot of the plane and was killed in the crash. Cory is survived by his wife Melanie and his son Christopher, who just turned 6 less than a month ago. Wow. There are reports of at least 3 others dead as a result of the crash. Just wow - this is so sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Cory Lidle and all those who are affected.
Update (by Patrick): According to Jeremy Schapp on ESPN, 2 people are dead and not 4. He said that both of them were on the plane. They aren't saying who the other person was with Mr. Lidle in the plan.
Another Update: This story just becomes sadder and sadder. Cory's dad first found out there was a plane crash while watching a news break at a golf course snack bar. He didn't realize it could be Cory's plane since he thought his son was already on his way home. It was only when he went home and saw another news break that he learned that Cory was dead. And if that doesn't break your heart, well, this might - it really got to me - I cannot imagine having that conversation. How do you tell someone that their husband and the father to their child is gone?
First responders to the New York plane crash say an emergency call was made from the plane indicating a possible fuel problem.
New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre told CNN that the plane that was a Cirrus SR-20 registered to team pitcher Cory Lidle.
The plane hit the Belaire Condominiums at 524 E. 72nd Street near the East River. More than 150 firefighters are on scene of a four-alarm fire in the building.
New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre told CNN that the plane that was a Cirrus SR-20 registered to team pitcher Cory Lidle.
The plane hit the Belaire Condominiums at 524 E. 72nd Street near the East River. More than 150 firefighters are on scene of a four-alarm fire in the building.
Update: ESPN is reporting that Cory Lidle was the pilot of the plane and was killed in the crash. Cory is survived by his wife Melanie and his son Christopher, who just turned 6 less than a month ago. Wow. There are reports of at least 3 others dead as a result of the crash. Just wow - this is so sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Cory Lidle and all those who are affected.
Update (by Patrick): According to Jeremy Schapp on ESPN, 2 people are dead and not 4. He said that both of them were on the plane. They aren't saying who the other person was with Mr. Lidle in the plan.
Another Update: This story just becomes sadder and sadder. Cory's dad first found out there was a plane crash while watching a news break at a golf course snack bar. He didn't realize it could be Cory's plane since he thought his son was already on his way home. It was only when he went home and saw another news break that he learned that Cory was dead. And if that doesn't break your heart, well, this might - it really got to me - I cannot imagine having that conversation. How do you tell someone that their husband and the father to their child is gone?
Compton said Lidle's wife, Melanie, and their 6-year-old son Christopher had left New York for Los Angeles before the accident, and likely had no way of learning of the news. According to Compton, a priest planned to meet the flight at Los Angeles International Airport and break the news to Melanie Lidle that her life is forever changed.
"She doesn't know," Compton said. "She's on a plane heading home. She has no clue."
"She doesn't know," Compton said. "She's on a plane heading home. She has no clue."
Posted by: Jason