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
"The fact is that a man who wants to act virtuously in every way will come to grief among so many who are not virtuous...therefore, if a prince wants to maintain his rule he must be prepared not to be virtuous, and to make use of this or not according to his need." -Machiavelli, "The Prince"
SO: Cashman has consolidated his year-old coup within the organization by once again defeating the Tampa contingent. Apparently, he was the major factor in Mr. S's decision not to release Torre.
He is one of the 2 or 3 best GMs in the game. For the Yankees, his power within the hierarchy is a good thing.
Cashman re Alex: "I fully expect him to be here"..."We're going to figure this thing out together." Once again, a wise decision.
Besides starting pitching, Cashman must now engineer a solution to, as Machiavelli wrote, "keep his subjects united and loyal." I fear that a newly crowned MVP will be further emboldened to freeze Alex out.
SO: Cashman has consolidated his year-old coup within the organization by once again defeating the Tampa contingent. Apparently, he was the major factor in Mr. S's decision not to release Torre.
He is one of the 2 or 3 best GMs in the game. For the Yankees, his power within the hierarchy is a good thing.
Cashman re Alex: "I fully expect him to be here"..."We're going to figure this thing out together." Once again, a wise decision.
Besides starting pitching, Cashman must now engineer a solution to, as Machiavelli wrote, "keep his subjects united and loyal." I fear that a newly crowned MVP will be further emboldened to freeze Alex out.
Posted by: Patrick
From the official site:
Congrats.
Jeter and Cano were named Sporting News All-Stars as the AL's top shortstop and second baseman. The awards were selected by a vote of 220 players, though they were not permitted to vote for players on their own team.
Congrats.
10/10: Torre Returning
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com:
At the link above, there are video links for the Torre and Cashman press conferences. Personally, I'm happy to hear it. But, regardless of your feelings, with it out of the way, we can now talk about our roster.
Update: I just listed to Torre's press conference. Worth a listen. I agree with a lot of what he said.
"I just got off the phone with George Steinbrenner and he told me I'll be the manager next year," Torre said. "I'm very excited about it. This has been the best job of my life." ...
"I spoke to Joe Torre today and I told him, 'You're back for the year. I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. The responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.'" Steinbrenner said in a statement released by his publicist, Howard Rubenstein. "Yes, I am deeply disappointed about our loss this year, we have to do better. And I deeply want a championship. It's about time."
"I spoke to Joe Torre today and I told him, 'You're back for the year. I expect a great deal from you and the entire team. I have high expectations and I want to see enthusiasm, a fighting spirit and a team that works together. The responsibility is yours, Joe, and all of the Yankees.'" Steinbrenner said in a statement released by his publicist, Howard Rubenstein. "Yes, I am deeply disappointed about our loss this year, we have to do better. And I deeply want a championship. It's about time."
At the link above, there are video links for the Torre and Cashman press conferences. Personally, I'm happy to hear it. But, regardless of your feelings, with it out of the way, we can now talk about our roster.
Update: I just listed to Torre's press conference. Worth a listen. I agree with a lot of what he said.
Posted by: Patrick
I figured, why don't we take a little poll to see where YanksBlog.com readers and visitors stand? Please post in the comments whether you want Torre to "Stay" or "Go." No elaboration needed.
10/10: The Saga Continues
Posted by: Patrick
Torre's fate continues to be undecided. Torre is slated to address the media today, so maybe that will provide a little clarity. Various publications are reporting various outcomes from various sources. It seems to depend on the source you get, at this time. Let's have some fun with sources, now, shall we...
Over at the official site, Mark Feinsaid discusses the New York Post report that Torre will return.
Meanwhile, the New York Daily News sources say he's done:
The article also mentions that according to "one source," D. Jeter may have placed a call to Mr. Steinbrenner in support of Torre. Rudy Giuliani has also come out in support:
Finally, John Harper over at the New York Daily News says that if we are gonna do it, just get it over with already:
Over at the official site, Mark Feinsaid discusses the New York Post report that Torre will return.
According to several Post sources, owner George Steinbrenner decided not to fire Torre in the wake of the Yankees' Division Series loss to the Tigers, and that when Torre speaks with the press on Tuesday, "he will have been assured he will be coming back" for the 2007 season.
Meanwhile, the New York Daily News sources say he's done:
Several people close to The Boss believe that, while he may not have made a final choice yet, Steinbrenner ultimately will let Torre go. Whether that will be in a traditional firing or a more amicable divorce - perhaps Torre taking another job within the organization to finish out the final year on his contract worth $7 million - has not been determined.
The article also mentions that according to "one source," D. Jeter may have placed a call to Mr. Steinbrenner in support of Torre. Rudy Giuliani has also come out in support:
Asked if he planned to call the Yankees' owner to offer his support for Torre, Giuliani replied, "I may, I may."
"And I'd say the same thing to him," Giuliani said. "You've got to look at a guy's whole record, and you have to look at the whole season, and you have to ask yourself, 'Would anyone have gotten the Yankees to the same place?' "
"And I'd say the same thing to him," Giuliani said. "You've got to look at a guy's whole record, and you have to look at the whole season, and you have to ask yourself, 'Would anyone have gotten the Yankees to the same place?' "
Finally, John Harper over at the New York Daily News says that if we are gonna do it, just get it over with already:
At this point, a reasonable person can argue either way on the question of firing Joe Torre, but dragging out this decision, especially for publicity purposes, would be terribly crass, even for George Steinbrenner.
Already it feels a bit unseemly, having to see video of Torre getting into his car at his home in Westchester, staked out by camera crews as if he were Junior Gotti or something.
Torre deserves much better than to be strung along. He has been all class, in victory and defeat, during his 11 seasons as manager here, and, Yankee fans' frustration over the Tigers series notwithstanding, he remains as beloved a sports figure as there is in this town.
Already it feels a bit unseemly, having to see video of Torre getting into his car at his home in Westchester, staked out by camera crews as if he were Junior Gotti or something.
Torre deserves much better than to be strung along. He has been all class, in victory and defeat, during his 11 seasons as manager here, and, Yankee fans' frustration over the Tigers series notwithstanding, he remains as beloved a sports figure as there is in this town.
Posted by: Jason
Can't you see the lines already drawn?
Torre's firing would weaken Cashman, 12 months after he vanquished his Tampa rivals...so for Cashman retaining Torre has nothing to do with Torre per se, it's about retaining internal control vs. the Tampa contingent. Also, Cashman can expect increased respect/loyalty from Torre if it appears that Cashman "saved his bacon."
Someone must be sacrificed for this season and I'll bet that Rodriguez will be the scapegoat. Torre has Jeter and Cashman on his side. Jeter is loyal to his manager and is still angry at Alex over the 5 year old Esquire article. Furthermore, Torre pre-emptively made Alex the scapegoat by batting him 8th in game 4.
We all know the close Piniella/Alex relationship: If Piniella is the new manager, Alex will not go anywhere. But Cashman/Jeter both lose in this scenario: They both have quite a bit of leverage right now and it's ultimately in their interest to retain Torre.
A potential (albeit remote) 3rd scenario: If Mr. S. is adamant about Torre's departure, Cashman has incentive to push for Girardi...If Girardi becomes the manager, Cashman will absorb even more power with the vacuum left by Torre's exit.
P.S. Why would it be any easier for the Yankees to trade Alex than it has been for the Red Sox to trade Ramirez?
We know, bottom line, that Cashman will not accept less than maximum value for Alex, because that's what he's worth. I hear vague talk about getting some power arms for Alex. WHO???...Santana? Halladay? Jake Peavy? The Yankees will really lose, IMO, if they dump Alex for inferior value to mollify Jeter's ego.
There, I said it.
Torre's firing would weaken Cashman, 12 months after he vanquished his Tampa rivals...so for Cashman retaining Torre has nothing to do with Torre per se, it's about retaining internal control vs. the Tampa contingent. Also, Cashman can expect increased respect/loyalty from Torre if it appears that Cashman "saved his bacon."
Someone must be sacrificed for this season and I'll bet that Rodriguez will be the scapegoat. Torre has Jeter and Cashman on his side. Jeter is loyal to his manager and is still angry at Alex over the 5 year old Esquire article. Furthermore, Torre pre-emptively made Alex the scapegoat by batting him 8th in game 4.
We all know the close Piniella/Alex relationship: If Piniella is the new manager, Alex will not go anywhere. But Cashman/Jeter both lose in this scenario: They both have quite a bit of leverage right now and it's ultimately in their interest to retain Torre.
A potential (albeit remote) 3rd scenario: If Mr. S. is adamant about Torre's departure, Cashman has incentive to push for Girardi...If Girardi becomes the manager, Cashman will absorb even more power with the vacuum left by Torre's exit.
P.S. Why would it be any easier for the Yankees to trade Alex than it has been for the Red Sox to trade Ramirez?
We know, bottom line, that Cashman will not accept less than maximum value for Alex, because that's what he's worth. I hear vague talk about getting some power arms for Alex. WHO???...Santana? Halladay? Jake Peavy? The Yankees will really lose, IMO, if they dump Alex for inferior value to mollify Jeter's ego.
There, I said it.
