Posted by: Patrick
From John Harper and Bill Madden:
Via Ben.
After two days of internal discussions among front-office executives, the Yankees swallowed hard Friday and decided to offer Phil Hughes to the Twins as part of the trade package they hope will land them Johan Santana.
The Yanks had declared Joba Chamberlain off limits, and the Twins told them that Ian Kennedy, the third of their three prized righthanders, wouldn't be enough. According to the club source, there was spirited internal debate in the organization via conference calls about whether to make Hughes available.
The Yanks had declared Joba Chamberlain off limits, and the Twins told them that Ian Kennedy, the third of their three prized righthanders, wouldn't be enough. According to the club source, there was spirited internal debate in the organization via conference calls about whether to make Hughes available.
Via Ben.
11/30: Joba Chamberlain - #5
Posted by: James
The last Yankee on the MiLB.com Top 50 Prospect list is Joba Chamberlain, who slots in at number 5, just ahead of Clay Buchholz and right behind Clayton Kershaw.
3 kids on a list of 50 isn't too shabby. Throw in Hughes, Cano, Melky and the cavalcade of pitchers in the minors and you have a nice looking system. Again, I am surprised that Tabata did not make this list considering who else was on it...but hey, maybe I'm guilty of over-hyping.
Chamberlain dominated three levels of the Minors, went to the Futures Game and made it to the big leagues as a high-impact short reliever
...
He's got the kind of stuff that should put him near the top of the rotation in time, with the ability to throw four pitches -- fastball, curve, slider and changeup -- for strikes. You never can tell what might happen in the future with trades and signings, but the concept of a Philip Hughes-Joba Chamberlain-Ian Kennedy rotation should make Yankee fans plan for baseball deep into October for the next decade or so.
...
He's got the kind of stuff that should put him near the top of the rotation in time, with the ability to throw four pitches -- fastball, curve, slider and changeup -- for strikes. You never can tell what might happen in the future with trades and signings, but the concept of a Philip Hughes-Joba Chamberlain-Ian Kennedy rotation should make Yankee fans plan for baseball deep into October for the next decade or so.
3 kids on a list of 50 isn't too shabby. Throw in Hughes, Cano, Melky and the cavalcade of pitchers in the minors and you have a nice looking system. Again, I am surprised that Tabata did not make this list considering who else was on it...but hey, maybe I'm guilty of over-hyping.
From The Denver Post:
Loretta, who will be 36 on opening day, is attractive because of his versatility (he's played 194 more or more games at each of the infield positions - 780 at 2B, 400 at SS, 195 at 1B and 194 at 3B) and the fact that he's far from a liability on offense. Last year, with the Astros, he hit .287 with a .352 OBA and .372 SLG. His career numbers are .298/.362/.399. No power, but a guy who puts the ball in play and gets on base.
Via Jim Johnson via Buster Olney.
The Rockies contacted the agent for Loretta, who tore up the National League West while with the San Diego Padres. However, the Rockies don't like their chances, believing he will end up with the Yankees. While that deal is close, Loretta has made it known how much he likes the Rockies and would prefer to see how their second base situation plays out before signing with the Yankees.
Loretta, who will be 36 on opening day, is attractive because of his versatility (he's played 194 more or more games at each of the infield positions - 780 at 2B, 400 at SS, 195 at 1B and 194 at 3B) and the fact that he's far from a liability on offense. Last year, with the Astros, he hit .287 with a .352 OBA and .372 SLG. His career numbers are .298/.362/.399. No power, but a guy who puts the ball in play and gets on base.
Via Jim Johnson via Buster Olney.
Posted by: Patrick
The Times and the Post have quotes from Posada and Andy's father, Tom Pettitte, on Pettitte's status as far as him rejoining the Yankees.
Via Steve.
“He’s so torn right now,” Tom Pettitte said. “Everybody knows that he was done last year and he didn’t want to play because he wanted to be with his kids. That’s what this is all about. He’s not looking for more money or anything.” ...
“I guess if he hadn’t had as much success as he’s had or accomplished as much as he’s accomplished, I don’t know, it might be different,” Tom Pettitte said. “He’s pretty much accomplished everything he wanted to.”
“I guess if he hadn’t had as much success as he’s had or accomplished as much as he’s accomplished, I don’t know, it might be different,” Tom Pettitte said. “He’s pretty much accomplished everything he wanted to.”
“Right now he is leaning toward retirement," Posada said of Pettitte, who had a players' option for $16 million but opted for free agency. It's believed Pettitte's choices are pitching for the Yankees or retiring. “But he wants to play. Hopefully we will see him around February. He will make his decision in January."
Via Steve.
11/29: Posada Deal Finalized
Posted by: Patrick
The AP reports that the Posada deal has been finalized. Welcome back, Jorge.
11/29: Ian Kennedy - #26
Posted by: James
IPK joins Austin Jackson on the MiLB.com's Top 50 prospects list, coming in at number 26.
I'm going to assume that the writer mixed up his thoughts there. Still, nice placement for IPK though I am surprised about another player, Jose Tabata. Unless he's in the top 10, which I really can't see happening, Tabata looks like he won't even make this list...which makes little sense to me considering that Fernando Martinez is ranked 17th.
The MiLB.com Overall Starting Pitcher of the Year pitched at three levels on his way to the big leagues. He won't light up radar guns like Chamberlain, instead relying on outstanding command of four pitches to get hitters out. He did show that despite the plus fastball, he could miss more than enough bats to succeed.
I'm going to assume that the writer mixed up his thoughts there. Still, nice placement for IPK though I am surprised about another player, Jose Tabata. Unless he's in the top 10, which I really can't see happening, Tabata looks like he won't even make this list...which makes little sense to me considering that Fernando Martinez is ranked 17th.
11/29: Young Money
Posted by: Patrick
John Burgeson reports from the 20th annual Cardinal Shehan Center Celebrity Breakfast in Bridgeport, CT, where Brian Cashman gave an address, talking about his ascension through the Yankee ranks and his loyalty to the Yankees.
Via Steve.
He said that he was an unlikely candidate for the Yankee GM's office, however. "I grew up as a Yankee-hater — I was a Los Angeles Dodger fan, and I hated the Yankees because they always beat the Dodgers," he said. While a student at the Catholic University of America in Washington, Cashman, then 19, began with the Yankees as an intern. "I did just about anything, without question — I'd run stats, I'd pick up the GM's wife at the airport, I'd work with stadium security. Whatever they asked me to do, I would do it."
Despite being the "low man on the totem pole" in the Yankee organization, he said that he "loved the work because it was baseball."
He found himself getting one promotion after another. "Not surprisingly, there was a lot of turnover — the opportunities above me kept popping up."
Despite being the "low man on the totem pole" in the Yankee organization, he said that he "loved the work because it was baseball."
He found himself getting one promotion after another. "Not surprisingly, there was a lot of turnover — the opportunities above me kept popping up."
Via Steve.
Our next interview is with Earl Mitchell (also known as anaconda) of Pinstripe Alley.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
I do social work such as case management and both individual and group therapy on an inpatient unit at a psychiatric hospital. It's an interesting and unique place to earn a living because I interact with a lot of people with severe mental illnesses. Some are psychotic and violent individuals who have little fear and will attack you without hesitation. No joke.
Outside of work, I'm a movie buff, gun collector, and a big sports fan (NY Yankees, Michigan football, and - gasp - Miami Dolphins). I also spend quite a bit of free time watching my six nieces and nephews, which includes eighteen month old triplets.
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
Since November of 2006.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
I do social work such as case management and both individual and group therapy on an inpatient unit at a psychiatric hospital. It's an interesting and unique place to earn a living because I interact with a lot of people with severe mental illnesses. Some are psychotic and violent individuals who have little fear and will attack you without hesitation. No joke.
Outside of work, I'm a movie buff, gun collector, and a big sports fan (NY Yankees, Michigan football, and - gasp - Miami Dolphins). I also spend quite a bit of free time watching my six nieces and nephews, which includes eighteen month old triplets.
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
Since November of 2006.
Posted by: Patrick
The Twins are close to acquiring outfielders Delmon Young and Jason Pridie from the Devil Rays. Why do we care? Well, Delmon's played some center field and Pridie is a CF prospect who has put up some very nice offensive numbers. So, that most likely means they won't be wanting Melky, which has to hurt our chances of getting Johan.
Via Ben.
Via Ben.
11/28: Johan!
Posted by: Patrick
Pete Caldera takes a crack at the deals that the Twins and Yankees may discuss, mentioning:
He mentions the third one as unlikely. If Joba, Phil or Cano are needed, it's gonna be a deal breaker for me at this point. Lisa Kennelly and Ed Price report that, "according to a person with knowledge of the trade talks who asked not to be named", Cano and Joba are off limits.
Via Steve and Bryan Hoch.
IF Robinson Cano, RHP Phil Hughes, RHP Jeff Karstens and RHP Tyler Clippard for LHP Johan Santana and IF Matt Tolbert.
OF Melky Cabrera, RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP Jeff Marquez and IF Wilson Betemit for LHP Johan Santana and LHP Glen Perkins.
RHP Ian Kennedy, OF Melky Cabrera, OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf and RHP Allan Horne for LHP Johan Santana.
OF Melky Cabrera, RHP Joba Chamberlain, RHP Jeff Marquez and IF Wilson Betemit for LHP Johan Santana and LHP Glen Perkins.
RHP Ian Kennedy, OF Melky Cabrera, OF Jose Tabata, RHP Ross Ohlendorf and RHP Allan Horne for LHP Johan Santana.
He mentions the third one as unlikely. If Joba, Phil or Cano are needed, it's gonna be a deal breaker for me at this point. Lisa Kennelly and Ed Price report that, "according to a person with knowledge of the trade talks who asked not to be named", Cano and Joba are off limits.
Via Steve and Bryan Hoch.
11/28: Hank's Second Go Around
Posted by: Patrick
Mark Kreigel has an interesting look at Hank Steinbrenner and his first time around in the Yankees organization, in the eighties.
Via Steve.
Hank chose the worst of all possible years to apprentice in the family business. It was 1986, a season that saw his father's nightmare become reality with the Mets and the Red Sox meeting in the World Series. George the Elder was at his worst: bitching and bullying and firing employees at will. Green, now senior vice president for media relations with the Miami Dolphins recalls being sacked "about five times" in his Yankees career.
None of this was lost on Hank, then a 28-year-old with a taste for Led Zeppelin. The great Hank story — and it is told several ways, though not by Greene — has him being asked what it would take for the team to exhibit sustained improvement. "Simple," said Hank. "Get rid of my father."
He was kidding. Or was he?
None of this was lost on Hank, then a 28-year-old with a taste for Led Zeppelin. The great Hank story — and it is told several ways, though not by Greene — has him being asked what it would take for the team to exhibit sustained improvement. "Simple," said Hank. "Get rid of my father."
He was kidding. Or was he?
Via Steve.
11/28: Yanks Talking to Riske
Posted by: Patrick
From Lisa Kennelly and Dan Graziano:
Via Bryan Hoch.
The Yankees have "definitely reached out" to free agent right-hander David Riske, said his agent Nez Balelo. Riske, 31, was 1-4 with a 2.45 ERA in 69 2/3 innings with the Kansas City Royals in 2007.
Via Bryan Hoch.
Posted by: Patrick
This is not a lot of warning, but I wanted to mention that I will be on Marist Radio at 7:30 PM ET tonight. You can listen live online.
11/27: Austin Jackson - #49
Posted by: James
Apparently, Mike A. reported it yesterday but I only noticed it this morning. The Yankees' own Austin Jackson made MiLB's Top 50 prospects list, coming in at number 49.
Getting onto Top 50 lists could definitely help that trade value...not that A-Jax hasn't boosted it considerably himself in the past year, becoming (arguably) the Yankees top position prospect.
Jackson is a tremendously athletic outfielder who, upon being promoted from the South Atlantic League to the Florida State League, responded to the challenge by showing the ability to hit to all fields with power, speed and more defensive ability than he'd shown in the past.
...
He'll play the 2008 season at age 21 and could feasibly do it with Double-A Trenton.
...
He'll play the 2008 season at age 21 and could feasibly do it with Double-A Trenton.
Getting onto Top 50 lists could definitely help that trade value...not that A-Jax hasn't boosted it considerably himself in the past year, becoming (arguably) the Yankees top position prospect.
Posted by: Patrick
This may seem like a foregone conclusion, but just to be sure, Hank Steinbrenner confirmed it:
"I don't want to get into that at this point, as far as what they want, what we're willing to give and all that," he said. "It's preliminary right now."
Posted by: Patrick
The 2008 Hall of Fame ballot has been announced. New Yankees added to the list include Tim Raines, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch and Jose Rijo. Returning, we have "Goose" Gossage, Tommy John, Don Mattingly and Lee Smith.
Posted by: Patrick
From Buster Olney:
Our colleague Peter Gammons is hearing that the Twins want this three-player package from the Yankees, in any Santana conversation: pitcher Phil Hughes and center fielders Melky Cabrera and Austin Jackson. Given that the Yankees will probably be asked to pay Santana a deal of at least six years and $150 million to convince him to stay, I'd be shocked if they seriously considered that trade. Because part of the equation for the Yankees or any other team, as they make decisions about a possible Santana deal, is this: Even beyond the question of swapping promising young players like Hughes and Cabrera and Jackson, how much money does it save them to have cheap players on their roster. How much will it cost them to replace a Cabrera or Jackson? Without Cabrera or Jackson, the Yankees might have to sign a veteran center fielder in their place in a year or two.
Posted by: Patrick
Our next interview is with Eric Schultz of Pending Pinstripes.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
I'm a sophomore at Amherst College, majoring in political science. Aside from schoolwork, I play on the ultimate Frisbee team and am involved in various clubs and organizations. I enjoy reading, following politics and watching sports (especially the Yankees and the New York Giants).
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
I've been blogging with MVN since June and I had another blog, called Yanks and More, for a few months before then.
How did you end up blogging at MVN?
They were looking for a fill-in writer because EJ Fagan (my current co-writer) was going to be away for the summer. As someone who enjoys getting my opinion out onto the blogosphere and a big fan of Pending Pinstripes, I decided to apply and give it a shot.
When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?
I'm a sophomore at Amherst College, majoring in political science. Aside from schoolwork, I play on the ultimate Frisbee team and am involved in various clubs and organizations. I enjoy reading, following politics and watching sports (especially the Yankees and the New York Giants).
How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?
I've been blogging with MVN since June and I had another blog, called Yanks and More, for a few months before then.
How did you end up blogging at MVN?
They were looking for a fill-in writer because EJ Fagan (my current co-writer) was going to be away for the summer. As someone who enjoys getting my opinion out onto the blogosphere and a big fan of Pending Pinstripes, I decided to apply and give it a shot.
11/25: Q&A with Hank Steinbrenner
Posted by: Patrick
Steve Serby has a long and interesting Q&A with Hank Steinbrenner.
Q: You once said: "If I fired somebody, it would be for a very good reason, and they'd stay fired. Dad fires somebody, then hires them back and sends their kids to college."
A: I don't want to compare myself with my dad. The fact is, I'm a much easier Boss; I'm very slow to fire somebody. It would have to be for a very good reason - if they cross me or the company. Once I fire them, they stay fired.
A: I don't want to compare myself with my dad. The fact is, I'm a much easier Boss; I'm very slow to fire somebody. It would have to be for a very good reason - if they cross me or the company. Once I fire them, they stay fired.
Posted by: Patrick
From the AP:
From Murray Chass:
The $30 million will be broken into payments of $6 million dollars each when (or if) A-Rod ties Willie Mays at 660, Babe Ruth at 714, Hank Aaron at 755, Barry Bonds at 762 and when he passes Bonds.
Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees have agreed on a $30 million marketing package based on home run achievements that could raise the total value of his new contract to $305 million over 10 years.
From Murray Chass:
The nonguaranteed part of the contract will be the marketing agreement, which the commissioner’s office and the players union have approved. The Yankees and Rodriguez had to keep changing the nature of the agreement to gain approval because players cannot receive bonuses for achievements like home run totals. ...
The contract will not have the kinds of award bonuses that filled Rodriguez’s $252 million contract. In the seven years he played under the contract, Rodriguez earned $5.5 million in bonuses, including $3 million for his three Most Valuable Player awards in the last five years.
The contract will not have the kinds of award bonuses that filled Rodriguez’s $252 million contract. In the seven years he played under the contract, Rodriguez earned $5.5 million in bonuses, including $3 million for his three Most Valuable Player awards in the last five years.
The $30 million will be broken into payments of $6 million dollars each when (or if) A-Rod ties Willie Mays at 660, Babe Ruth at 714, Hank Aaron at 755, Barry Bonds at 762 and when he passes Bonds.
Posted by: Patrick
Posted by: Patrick
Ken Rosenthal has this:
He also notes that a 7 year, $140 million dollar deal would likely be the minimum that Santana would sign. So, it'd probably need to be something like Cano, Joba/Phil/Kennedy, a very good prospect and something else. Maybe they'd take Melky in place of a very good prospect (or, possibly more likely, as the something else), but that would seem unlikely. Is it worth it?
If they take Cano, Kennedy, Tabata or Horne (not sure) and Melky, that leaves us with major league openings at second and center field, as Johan would obviously fill Kennedy's rotation spot. Though it's not ideal, we do have Matsui, Damon and Abreu and that could be our outfield. Maybe Shelley Duncan would get time out there in left instead of Matsui. The loss of Melky, while a minus, doesn't really concern me. What really concerns me is who plays second base. Wilson Betemit? Alberto Gonzalez? The free agent market is pretty slim. Tadahito Iguchi? Cano is a tough one here because he's one of the best second basemen in the game, he's young and he's under our control. Cano is what breaks this deal. If that's what they want, then I have to say pass.
If it's Kennedy, Horne or Tabata and Melky, I'd think about that. Add Cano and it's just too much. Santana's great, but I'd rather rock with what we have than do that deal.
Via Ben.
One major league star, multiple prospects and a seven-year, $140 million contract.
That's all it will take to add Johan Santana at the Twins' current price — and the likely price for a starting pitcher of his caliber.
The Twins, rival executives say, want at least one big-name major leaguer for Santana, a player such as the Mets' Jose Reyes or Yankees' Robinson Cano.
That's all it will take to add Johan Santana at the Twins' current price — and the likely price for a starting pitcher of his caliber.
The Twins, rival executives say, want at least one big-name major leaguer for Santana, a player such as the Mets' Jose Reyes or Yankees' Robinson Cano.
He also notes that a 7 year, $140 million dollar deal would likely be the minimum that Santana would sign. So, it'd probably need to be something like Cano, Joba/Phil/Kennedy, a very good prospect and something else. Maybe they'd take Melky in place of a very good prospect (or, possibly more likely, as the something else), but that would seem unlikely. Is it worth it?
If they take Cano, Kennedy, Tabata or Horne (not sure) and Melky, that leaves us with major league openings at second and center field, as Johan would obviously fill Kennedy's rotation spot. Though it's not ideal, we do have Matsui, Damon and Abreu and that could be our outfield. Maybe Shelley Duncan would get time out there in left instead of Matsui. The loss of Melky, while a minus, doesn't really concern me. What really concerns me is who plays second base. Wilson Betemit? Alberto Gonzalez? The free agent market is pretty slim. Tadahito Iguchi? Cano is a tough one here because he's one of the best second basemen in the game, he's young and he's under our control. Cano is what breaks this deal. If that's what they want, then I have to say pass.
If it's Kennedy, Horne or Tabata and Melky, I'd think about that. Add Cano and it's just too much. Santana's great, but I'd rather rock with what we have than do that deal.
Via Ben.
Posted by: Patrick
Billy Martin and Gabe Paul are among the finalists in the round of Veterans Committee voting for Hall of Fame entry for managers/umpires and executives/pioneers.
On a note unrelated to the Yankees, I wouldn't mind if Davey Johnson made it. I met him a couple times, maybe 6 or 7 years ago and caddied for him at a celebrity golf event (well, actually, I caddied for Mike Schmidt and Davey Johnson was his playing partner, but I did have the opportunity to talk with him a bit) and he was a super nice guy.
On a note unrelated to the Yankees, I wouldn't mind if Davey Johnson made it. I met him a couple times, maybe 6 or 7 years ago and caddied for him at a celebrity golf event (well, actually, I caddied for Mike Schmidt and Davey Johnson was his playing partner, but I did have the opportunity to talk with him a bit) and he was a super nice guy.
11/23: Joe Kennedy Passes Away
Posted by: Patrick
MLB pitcher Joe Kennedy passed away suddenly early today. Very sad. Our thoughts are with those who were close to him.
Posted by: Patrick
From seattlepi.com:
Via
Kuroda, 32, who has a 96 mph fastball and a power slider, has won 40 games during the past three years in Japan while averaging 193 innings per 135-game season.
Seattle isn't alone in pursuing Kuroda. The Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies and Yankees are all thought to have an interest in the right-hander, who could have come to the U.S. last year but signed a four-year contract with Hiroshima.
Seattle isn't alone in pursuing Kuroda. The Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, Phillies and Yankees are all thought to have an interest in the right-hander, who could have come to the U.S. last year but signed a four-year contract with Hiroshima.
Via