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 Peņa 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.
