12/30: Johnson Rumored to Be Done
Posted by: James
Dan Benton over at Off The Facade is reporting that the oft-rumored Randy Johnson trade is done.
He's thrown in some updates (specifically a Connor Jackson update...which made my heart skip a beat) since then so I would recommend heading over and checking it out. While I liked Nippert the least of the three prospects mentioned earlier, I will be eagerly waiting to see what the official word is. Of course, the commissioner's office is closed until Tuesday so this might be a little bit of a wait. Commence waiting...now.
Apparently the agreement was for two prospects (Nippert & Owings) but there were no further details on the money situation. The two teams have agreed but it is pending a contract extension. The D-Backs will have a 72 hour window to negotiate with Johnson. If that falls through [and I hope it doesn’t] the entire trade will fall through.
He's thrown in some updates (specifically a Connor Jackson update...which made my heart skip a beat) since then so I would recommend heading over and checking it out. While I liked Nippert the least of the three prospects mentioned earlier, I will be eagerly waiting to see what the official word is. Of course, the commissioner's office is closed until Tuesday so this might be a little bit of a wait. Commence waiting...now.
12/29: Murcer Surgery Goes Well
Posted by: Patrick
From the New York Daily News:
Great to hear.
Bobby Murcer emerged in good spirits yesterday from six hours of surgery to remove a brain tumor and, according to close family sources, the Yankee legend's doctor was "completely happy" with how the operation went. ...
It will take a few days before doctors can fully analyze the pathology reports on the tumor, but initial signs all appear to be positive. Kay Murcer said, "Bobby fully expects to be in spring training in March."
It will take a few days before doctors can fully analyze the pathology reports on the tumor, but initial signs all appear to be positive. Kay Murcer said, "Bobby fully expects to be in spring training in March."
Great to hear.
Posted by: James
From Bill McFadden and Anthony McCarron over at the Daily News, there are now reports that the Yankees and Arizona could complete a trade to send Johnson back to the desert before next week.
Update: From D.A. Humber's baseball Central, Nippert was on the Top 10 Over-Rated Prospects List, coming in at #8. Worth the read.
I'll believe it when I see it but with Zito signed and off the market, doesn't the landscape of available pitchers become even smaller? I mean, think about all the teams out there that could use a starter who would give you 200 pretty good innings. If you were to account for a positive impact for a power pitcher going back to the weaker NL...Randy does look tempting, especially for the D-Backs who would love to have the publicity of his 300th win to help bolster sales (though how much it would is debateable).
Also in the article are the following notes about the 1B situation.
To which I can only reply BOOOOOOOO! Give me Andy Phillips over these guys any day. A mediocre hitter whose rep with the glove exceeds his recent production and an aging and quickly turning mediocre hitter who hasn't played first in years (you can find a good discussion on Loretta at WasWatching). What a choice to make. If you're gonna spend a couple of million, take another shot with Craig Wilson - at least he's younger and has a history of hitting.
The Yankees, meanwhile, have their eyes on a package of Arizona pitching prospects. The Diamondbacks are loaded with young talent and if the Yankees send Johnson home to Arizona - Johnson's home is in the Phoenix suburb of Paradise Valley - they'd like to get at least two of the following three pitchers: Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings and Ross Ohlendorf.
Update: From D.A. Humber's baseball Central, Nippert was on the Top 10 Over-Rated Prospects List, coming in at #8. Worth the read.
I'll believe it when I see it but with Zito signed and off the market, doesn't the landscape of available pitchers become even smaller? I mean, think about all the teams out there that could use a starter who would give you 200 pretty good innings. If you were to account for a positive impact for a power pitcher going back to the weaker NL...Randy does look tempting, especially for the D-Backs who would love to have the publicity of his 300th win to help bolster sales (though how much it would is debateable).
Also in the article are the following notes about the 1B situation.
A source said the Yankees are zeroing in on Doug Mientkiewicz to play first...
Also, the source said, Mark Loretta may be the Yankees' first choice to be a utility infielder.
Also, the source said, Mark Loretta may be the Yankees' first choice to be a utility infielder.
To which I can only reply BOOOOOOOO! Give me Andy Phillips over these guys any day. A mediocre hitter whose rep with the glove exceeds his recent production and an aging and quickly turning mediocre hitter who hasn't played first in years (you can find a good discussion on Loretta at WasWatching). What a choice to make. If you're gonna spend a couple of million, take another shot with Craig Wilson - at least he's younger and has a history of hitting.
12/28: Zito Signs With Giants
Posted by: James
It looks like Barry Zito is off the table as ESPN's Peter Gammons is reporting that Zito has agreed to a seven-year contract from the Giants.
Wow. I was surprised by the money being thrown around and now, I've gotten to the point where I'm just dumbfounded. That's a lot of money for Zito and not only that, it's a ton of years. Heck of a risk the Giants are taking, don't you think?
The $126 million deal averages approximately $18 million per season.
...
The deal, agreed to late Wednesday night, includes an $18 million option for 2014 that could increase the value to $144 million, an unidentified source told The Associated Press.
...
In addition, sources told Gammons that the Yankees never made a formal offer.
...
The deal, agreed to late Wednesday night, includes an $18 million option for 2014 that could increase the value to $144 million, an unidentified source told The Associated Press.
...
In addition, sources told Gammons that the Yankees never made a formal offer.
Wow. I was surprised by the money being thrown around and now, I've gotten to the point where I'm just dumbfounded. That's a lot of money for Zito and not only that, it's a ton of years. Heck of a risk the Giants are taking, don't you think?
Posted by: Patrick
From Bill Madden:
Out thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Get well.
Murcer, 60, a Yankee institution as a player and broadcaster for 40 years, had been experiencing headaches and a loss of energy in recent days and, after an MRI on Christmas Eve, the tumor was discovered. It was then decided that he would seek treatment at the MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, one of the foremost cancer facilities in the country.
"I'm feeling OK and we're just going to have to see what this surgery will bring," Murcer said by phone last night. "I'm hopeful that everything will turn out OK and I'm thankful to have so many friends who are rooting for me."
"I'm feeling OK and we're just going to have to see what this surgery will bring," Murcer said by phone last night. "I'm hopeful that everything will turn out OK and I'm thankful to have so many friends who are rooting for me."
Out thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Get well.
12/28: Igawa Deal Finished
Posted by: Patrick
From ESPN.com:
As the Yankees kept talking about trading Randy Johnson, they finalized their $20 million, five-year contract with Japanese pitcher Kei Igawa on Wednesday.
The Yankees had until Thursday to complete an agreement with Igawa after bidding $26,000,194 last month for the right to negotiate with him. The left-hander went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 194 strikeouts for the Hanshin Tigers last season.
The Yankees had until Thursday to complete an agreement with Igawa after bidding $26,000,194 last month for the right to negotiate with him. The left-hander went 14-9 with a 2.97 ERA and 194 strikeouts for the Hanshin Tigers last season.
From the New York Daily News:
One of the Yankees' potential options at first base came off the market yesterday when Shea Hillenbrand agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract with the Angels with an option for a second year.
The Daily News is reporting that it's not just the Diamondbacks who are taking a long, hard look at Randy Johnson.
That's A-OK with me - the more teams get into this little fracas, the more options Cashman has to chose from.
The Yankees are talking to several clubs about possibly trading Johnson and are inclined to make a deal, according to baseball officials.
...
San Diego right now appears to be the most likely destination for the five-time Cy Young Award winner, but the Dodgers, Angels and Diamondbacks are all said to be in the mix. One of the officials, familiar with the ongoing discussions, used the phrase "several bona fide offers" to describe what the Yankees are mulling and said the Yankees probably would not have to include any money. (I'd throw in some money in order to get some better players back.)
...
San Diego right now appears to be the most likely destination for the five-time Cy Young Award winner, but the Dodgers, Angels and Diamondbacks are all said to be in the mix. One of the officials, familiar with the ongoing discussions, used the phrase "several bona fide offers" to describe what the Yankees are mulling and said the Yankees probably would not have to include any money. (I'd throw in some money in order to get some better players back.)
That's A-OK with me - the more teams get into this little fracas, the more options Cashman has to chose from.
12/25: Yankees' Christmas Hot Stove
We started off the day with more credible sources adding to the rumors of Randy Johnson being traded back to the Diamondbacks. As the day has gone on, we have the following from an ESPN report:
MMmmnn - that's good hot stove. More on this as it develops but my initial thoughts are that if they really plan on trading Johnson, they'd better have something else cooking on the pitching front. I know that the guy put up a 5.00 ERA last year but he also tied for the team lead in starts and Ks and was close to first in innings pitched and limited opponents to a .251 AVG and a FIP of 4.32. I wonder what would happen if you take that away from the team and just move everyone else in the rotation up a slot (though to be fair, RJ is the #4 guy so not that many guys move up). It'll be interesting to see what various scenarios are thrown out there as this trade develops.
In need of starting pitching -- and a marquee name that will draw more fans -- the Diamondbacks have offered a package of at least three players, including a major-leaguer. They would also want a 72-hour window to negotiate an extension with Johnson, who is owed $16 million in the final year of his contract. The Yankees, according to the official, don't want to pick up any of Johnson's salary.
...
The official said the San Diego Padres are also involved in trade discussions. It's believed that right-handed reliever Scott Linebrink could be the centerpiece of a deal.
...
The official said the San Diego Padres are also involved in trade discussions. It's believed that right-handed reliever Scott Linebrink could be the centerpiece of a deal.
MMmmnn - that's good hot stove. More on this as it develops but my initial thoughts are that if they really plan on trading Johnson, they'd better have something else cooking on the pitching front. I know that the guy put up a 5.00 ERA last year but he also tied for the team lead in starts and Ks and was close to first in innings pitched and limited opponents to a .251 AVG and a FIP of 4.32. I wonder what would happen if you take that away from the team and just move everyone else in the rotation up a slot (though to be fair, RJ is the #4 guy so not that many guys move up). It'll be interesting to see what various scenarios are thrown out there as this trade develops.
12/22: Miranda Officially Signed
Posted by: Patrick
After some conflicting reports a couple weeks ago, Juan Miranda is officially signed:
The deal is for 4 years at a little more than $2 million dollars.
General manager Brian Cashman does not consider Miranda as part of the first-base competition this spring, although he doesn't think Miranda is "very far from the big leagues." The 23-year-old left-handed hitter will begin the 2007 season with Class A Tampa in the Florida State League.
The deal is for 4 years at a little more than $2 million dollars.
MLB.com notes that Pettitte passed his physical, making him officially a Yankee once again.
Pettitte was re-introduced by the Yankees on Thursday afternoon in a conference call, kicking off his second tour of duty with the Bronx Bombers.
The team announced Pettitte's return via a conference call rather than with a Yankee Stadium press conference, as the left-hander had to fly back to Houston on Wednesday for a family holiday commitment.
The team announced Pettitte's return via a conference call rather than with a Yankee Stadium press conference, as the left-hander had to fly back to Houston on Wednesday for a family holiday commitment.
12/21: "Stump" Merrill Retiring
Posted by: Patrick
From the Bangor Daily News:
Via Steve.
The Husson College baseball team will hold its annual Hot Stove Banquet and Sports Memorabilia Auction on Jan. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Dickerman Dining Commons on the Husson campus. ...
Along with Husson head coach Dr. John Winkin, headlining the event will be Carl "Stump" Merrill, who is retiring after a 30-year career with the New York Yankees.
Along with Husson head coach Dr. John Winkin, headlining the event will be Carl "Stump" Merrill, who is retiring after a 30-year career with the New York Yankees.
Via Steve.
12/20: Mark Loretta
Posted by: Patrick
The New York Daily News reports that we're considering Mark Loretta as a first baseman.
Loretta was an all star last year? I kinda remember that...
He played for Boston last year, hitting .285 with a .345 OBA. For his career, he is a .299 hitter with a .363 OBA. He's a 2 time all star, finished 9th in MVP voting in 2004, the year he was given a Silver Slugger. He's played 731 games at second, 328 games at short, 171 games at first, 171 games at 3rd, 13 games at DH, 1 game in left and 1 game at... pitcher. As a pitcher, he finished a game for the Brewers in 2001, pitching 1 inning of scoreless ball.
One baseball official with knowledge of the situation acknowledged the Yanks also have discussed "in passing" the possibility of pursuing former Red Sox second baseman Mark Loretta to fill their void at first base. Holdover Andy Phillips and Rule V pickup Josh Phelps are the only names listed on the depth chart at that position, with Jason Giambi slated to assume full-time DH duties next season.
Loretta was an all star last year? I kinda remember that...
He played for Boston last year, hitting .285 with a .345 OBA. For his career, he is a .299 hitter with a .363 OBA. He's a 2 time all star, finished 9th in MVP voting in 2004, the year he was given a Silver Slugger. He's played 731 games at second, 328 games at short, 171 games at first, 171 games at 3rd, 13 games at DH, 1 game in left and 1 game at... pitcher. As a pitcher, he finished a game for the Brewers in 2001, pitching 1 inning of scoreless ball.
12/19: Simmons
Posted by: James
More often than not, if I'm quoting a Bill Simmons article, it's because he bad-mouthed the Yankees or A-Rod and I wanted to set the record straight. Today is an exception. I thought the following note to his mailbag column was hilarious and bore repeating:
Hats off to Michael Rupp for bridging two of my favorite topics: U2 and the baseball offseason. I just found it amusing that after several years of the Yankees being the prime example of overspending (to be fair, they've spent their share of dollars this offseason), they've easily been outpaced by several teams. And yet, they're looking all the better for their (relative) financial restraint. As a Yankee fan, that's an interesting, and relatively new, feeling to have.
Q: What did Bono say to the Yankees fan after hearing about the J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo signings?
"Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you!!!!!"
--Michael Rupp, Fairfield, Conn.
SG: Now that's comedy. Well done. It's just a shame that Michael Rupp was overshadowed by Sly Cooley this week.
"Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you!!!!!"
--Michael Rupp, Fairfield, Conn.
SG: Now that's comedy. Well done. It's just a shame that Michael Rupp was overshadowed by Sly Cooley this week.
Hats off to Michael Rupp for bridging two of my favorite topics: U2 and the baseball offseason. I just found it amusing that after several years of the Yankees being the prime example of overspending (to be fair, they've spent their share of dollars this offseason), they've easily been outpaced by several teams. And yet, they're looking all the better for their (relative) financial restraint. As a Yankee fan, that's an interesting, and relatively new, feeling to have.
Posted by: Jason
Thanks to Cliff C. at Bronx Banter, we have some stats to compare the recent acquisitions of two Japanese pitchers in the AL East:
Igawa Matsuzaka Delta %Interesting. The average differential between these two pitchers across all seven categories is just shy of 11%. Now take the total price for each pitcher, and then amortize the posting fee over the life of the contract for the "all-in" price:
ERA 3.15 2.95 M +7%
K/9 8.49 8.70 M +2%
BB/9 2.86 3.23 I +13%
K/BB 2.97 2.70 I +10%
HR/9 0.84 0.72 M +17%
H/9 8.31 7.07 M +18%
WHIP 1.24 1.14 I +9%
Total 46m 103m M +124%Is it always true that the value of something equals the price that you paid for it?
All-in/year 9.2m 17.3m M +88%
Posted by: Patrick
From the Daily Yomiuri:
Via Steve.
The New York Yankees and Kei Igawa both played second fiddle in the posting sweepstakes. Igawa, though, got a first-rate deal it was learned on Monday, agreeing to a five-year, 20 million dollars contract with the Bronx Bombers.
Via Steve.
12/17: Bye bye Melky?
Posted by: James
The NY Times has an article up discussing an updated scenario that now includes the Braves where Melky Cabrera makes his way out of New York.
I'm not real sure what to make of this. I like Melky a lot but am uncertain about his future with the Yankees and while I think Mike Gonzalez is a good pitcher, he has had elbow problems in his past and has been known to be erratic. Hat tip to Baseball Musings.
The Yankees are in discussions with the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates about a three-way deal that would send outfielder Melky Cabrera to the Braves from the Yankees, reliever Mike Gonzalez to the Yankees from the Pirates, and first baseman Adam LaRoche to the Pirates from the Braves, according to a baseball official.
I'm not real sure what to make of this. I like Melky a lot but am uncertain about his future with the Yankees and while I think Mike Gonzalez is a good pitcher, he has had elbow problems in his past and has been known to be erratic. Hat tip to Baseball Musings.
12/17: Melky Cabrera
Posted by: Patrick
I just wanted to mention that we are now sponsoring his Baseball-Reference.com page. Now, watch him get traded...
12/17: Randy Johnson Trade Rumors
Posted by: Patrick
From George King:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Despite the buzz leaking out of the desert, Randy Johnson hasn't asked the Yankees to deal him closer to his Arizona home.
"He hasn't called me officially and asked me to trade him, no," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday when asked if the Big Unit requested the Yankees move him.
"He hasn't called me officially and asked me to trade him, no," GM Brian Cashman said yesterday when asked if the Big Unit requested the Yankees move him.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
Posted by: Patrick
From The New York Times:
“I don’t really see myself playing past this contract,” Rodriguez said on “Costas on the Radio,” a weekly program that is heard on 120 stations, but not in New York. The interview was conducted toward the middle of September and began airing Sept. 16.
From George King:
Via Dan Benton.
Before the Yankees make Doug Mientkiewicz a contract offer they want to see the medical report from Dr. Robert Watkins who operated on the first baseman's back.
Via Dan Benton.
Posted by: Patrick
From the official site:
Jeter was named the top hitter in the Majors, beating out 11 of the game's top sluggers, including AL MVP Justin Morneau and NL MVP Ryan Howard.
Wang was voted the game's top starter, edging out Cy Young winners Johan Santana and Brandon Webb, as well as nine other starting pitchers.
Two other Yankees captured TYIB awards as well, as Mariano Rivera earned his third consecutive Closer of the Year Award and Melky Cabrera captured Play of the Year honors.
Wang was voted the game's top starter, edging out Cy Young winners Johan Santana and Brandon Webb, as well as nine other starting pitchers.
Two other Yankees captured TYIB awards as well, as Mariano Rivera earned his third consecutive Closer of the Year Award and Melky Cabrera captured Play of the Year honors.
Posted by: Patrick
From the press release:
Noesi, a 19 year old RHP, was 0-0 with an ERA of 1.29 in 5 games for the GCL Yankees this year.
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that New York Yankees minor league player Hector Noesi has been suspended for 50 games, effective at the start of the 2007 season, for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Noesi, a 19 year old RHP, was 0-0 with an ERA of 1.29 in 5 games for the GCL Yankees this year.
12/14: Joel Pineiro, Chris Reitsma
Posted by: Patrick
From The Star-Ledger:
Via Pro Sports Daily.
In their unending search for pitching depth, the Yankees are believed to have interest in right-handers Chris Reitsma and Joel Pineiro, who became free agents this week when their previous teams declined to tender a contact.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
12/14: Bronx Discipline
Posted by: Jason
You may have heard/read recently about an AL East team signing a pitcher from Japan. The media blares: 6 years, 8.5m per year!! This is completely incorrect, for it ignores the posting fee, which must be factored in.
There are 2 cost accounting ways to look at this contract.
1) Load the posting fee over the life of the deal, or
2) "Take the hit": Reflect the posting fee in the first year of the contract.
Scenario #1: 17+ million per year over 6 seasons. This accounting method means that he would have been the 8th highest paid player in MLB in 2006.
Scenario #2: 59+ million in year one, then 8.5m/year after that. Using this accounting method means that what the Red Sox must pay for DM's services (in year one) crushes the record for the highest annual salary in the history of sports, easily surpassing current recordholder David Beckham (not including endorsements, Tiger).
Also remember: If Matsuzaka leaves the Red Sox at some point before the deal's end, then one should load the posting fee over the time he was with the Red Sox. For example, DM is traded in 3 years: 51m/3: 17m + 8.5m per year = total annual contract price of 25.5m (or the second highest salary in MLB).
Cashman learned his lesson well as he moved through the ranks in the Yankees organization and seems to have changed the 15+ year culture of brute force expenditures.
There are 2 cost accounting ways to look at this contract.
1) Load the posting fee over the life of the deal, or
2) "Take the hit": Reflect the posting fee in the first year of the contract.
Scenario #1: 17+ million per year over 6 seasons. This accounting method means that he would have been the 8th highest paid player in MLB in 2006.
Scenario #2: 59+ million in year one, then 8.5m/year after that. Using this accounting method means that what the Red Sox must pay for DM's services (in year one) crushes the record for the highest annual salary in the history of sports, easily surpassing current recordholder David Beckham (not including endorsements, Tiger).
Also remember: If Matsuzaka leaves the Red Sox at some point before the deal's end, then one should load the posting fee over the time he was with the Red Sox. For example, DM is traded in 3 years: 51m/3: 17m + 8.5m per year = total annual contract price of 25.5m (or the second highest salary in MLB).
Cashman learned his lesson well as he moved through the ranks in the Yankees organization and seems to have changed the 15+ year culture of brute force expenditures.
12/13: There Goes That Idea
Posted by: James
Brad Wilkerson wasn't non-tendered so my post from yesterday is moot. Oh well.
If you'd like to see a full list of the players that actually were non-tendered, The Baseball Digest has a list up. Some of the notable names include:
-Joel Pineiro, RHP (remember how good he was back in 2003 and how much the Yankees coveted him?),
-Marcus Giles, 2B (I know the Braves are cutting costs but I think that is a mistake. Whoever picks up Giles will be making a very good move. Marcus had a bad first half but slick fielding, good hitting second basemen are hard to find),
-Chris Reitsma, RHP (this might be someone the Yankees actually consider),
-Rick Ankiel (I still feel bad about how it all went down for Rick),
-Toby Hall, C (for a backup catcher, you could do worse),
-Victor Zambrano, RHP (man, if I was a Mets fan, I'd be pretty annoyed at Jim Duquette),
-Brandon Claussen, LHP (with the way the pitching market has been and considering Claussen's age, I'm surprised at the Reds giving up on him).
If you'd like to see a full list of the players that actually were non-tendered, The Baseball Digest has a list up. Some of the notable names include:
-Joel Pineiro, RHP (remember how good he was back in 2003 and how much the Yankees coveted him?),
-Marcus Giles, 2B (I know the Braves are cutting costs but I think that is a mistake. Whoever picks up Giles will be making a very good move. Marcus had a bad first half but slick fielding, good hitting second basemen are hard to find),
-Chris Reitsma, RHP (this might be someone the Yankees actually consider),
-Rick Ankiel (I still feel bad about how it all went down for Rick),
-Toby Hall, C (for a backup catcher, you could do worse),
-Victor Zambrano, RHP (man, if I was a Mets fan, I'd be pretty annoyed at Jim Duquette),
-Brandon Claussen, LHP (with the way the pitching market has been and considering Claussen's age, I'm surprised at the Reds giving up on him).