Posted by: Patrick
From the New York Post:
... Through his agents, Clemens told the Astros yesterday he is ready to begin working with the team as a consultant. It is the most telling indication the 45-year-old righty may be ready to hang up his cleats. ...
"The plan for 2008 is this: Roger plans to start the new year as the first year of his post-playing career contract as a consultant to the Houston Astros," Hendricks said. "Roger really enjoys the teaching aspects of baseball and loves his interaction with the young players."
"The plan for 2008 is this: Roger plans to start the new year as the first year of his post-playing career contract as a consultant to the Houston Astros," Hendricks said. "Roger really enjoys the teaching aspects of baseball and loves his interaction with the young players."
11/07: Miguel Cabrera
Posted by: Patrick
Miguel Cabrera is the topic of the day. Will Carroll and Tyler Kepner have some details on what the Marlins could be looking for in a swap. Carroll:
Kepner:
Miguel Cabrera is a tremendous offensive player. He could certainly start at first base, giving us a big offensive boost both in what we have now and what the position produced in 2007. We should definitely explore it.
With Pettitte opting out, let's assume he doesn't come back. That gives us a rotation of Wang, Hughes, Joba, Ian and Moose. And Joba and Phil will have innings restrictions on them. If we trade one of the big three, let's say Ian - then it's Wang, Hughes, Joba, Moose and ? We scored 81 more runs than anyone in baseball last year. Yes, we lost A-Rod and we should aim to make up some of that offense (getting more production out of 1B would certainly be a start), but our starters ERA was a medicre 8th in the A.L. at 4.57. Our team ERA was also 8th at 4.49. The best ERA in the A.L. The Red Sox (the only team with an ERA under 4).
For this reason, I think we need to keep the big three. This is a strength, let's build on it. If Andy comes back, we should be in terrific shape. If he doesn't, we're in good shape, but if he doesn't and we trade one of them, who comes in to fill spot? The cream of the free agent market are pitchers like Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva. Internally, is anyone ready? Do we want to take the chance? Yes, we'll gain on offense, but is it worth it? I'd have to pass. Mark Feinsand reports that Brian Cashman may make an offer including such players as Alan Horne, Humberto Sanchez, Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Tabata. I'd be more amendable to that, I think. But, in any case, one of our organizational strengths at the moment is young starting pitching and that's not something we've had for a while, so we should be careful how we use it. Maybe I'm overvaluing Kennedy by lumping him in with the other two, but having these three guys, with their talent and the MLB regular and postseason experience they had in 2007, under our control for years to come, is not something I'd take lightly and is something that I'd hesitate to trade for a questionable fielding first baseman at this stage, even one as good with the stick as Mr. Cabrera.
Alex Rodriguez isn’t headed anywhere yet, but he can cross Miami off his list. He’s not one to give a hometown discount and Jeffrey Loria’s not raising payroll. That means that one of the team’s big two is gone and everyone’s expecting it to be Miguel Cabrera. “He’s at the end of his time at 3B,” the baseball source told me, “but he’s still good enough to play 1B. They won’t get quite as much as [Jon Daniels] did for Mark Teixeira, but they’re looking for a different payoff.” The rumored asking price is three players - one pitcher and position player that are under three years of service time and “solid ink-’em-in guys.” The other would be a “plus prospect, not the best guy on the team, but useful. The Marlins will probably look for a slugger.”
Kepner:
Executives from other teams say the Marlins would demand a center fielder and one or two premier young pitchers in return for Cabrera. In the Yankees’ case, that would mean Melky Cabrera and Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain, perhaps with Ian Kennedy thrown in.
Miguel Cabrera is a tremendous offensive player. He could certainly start at first base, giving us a big offensive boost both in what we have now and what the position produced in 2007. We should definitely explore it.
With Pettitte opting out, let's assume he doesn't come back. That gives us a rotation of Wang, Hughes, Joba, Ian and Moose. And Joba and Phil will have innings restrictions on them. If we trade one of the big three, let's say Ian - then it's Wang, Hughes, Joba, Moose and ? We scored 81 more runs than anyone in baseball last year. Yes, we lost A-Rod and we should aim to make up some of that offense (getting more production out of 1B would certainly be a start), but our starters ERA was a medicre 8th in the A.L. at 4.57. Our team ERA was also 8th at 4.49. The best ERA in the A.L. The Red Sox (the only team with an ERA under 4).
For this reason, I think we need to keep the big three. This is a strength, let's build on it. If Andy comes back, we should be in terrific shape. If he doesn't, we're in good shape, but if he doesn't and we trade one of them, who comes in to fill spot? The cream of the free agent market are pitchers like Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva. Internally, is anyone ready? Do we want to take the chance? Yes, we'll gain on offense, but is it worth it? I'd have to pass. Mark Feinsand reports that Brian Cashman may make an offer including such players as Alan Horne, Humberto Sanchez, Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Tabata. I'd be more amendable to that, I think. But, in any case, one of our organizational strengths at the moment is young starting pitching and that's not something we've had for a while, so we should be careful how we use it. Maybe I'm overvaluing Kennedy by lumping him in with the other two, but having these three guys, with their talent and the MLB regular and postseason experience they had in 2007, under our control for years to come, is not something I'd take lightly and is something that I'd hesitate to trade for a questionable fielding first baseman at this stage, even one as good with the stick as Mr. Cabrera.
11/06: Posada Talks
Posted by: Patrick
Kat O'Brien at Newsday spoke with Jorge Posada on his offseason plans.
Among other things, Jorge said that he's glad that Girardi is the manager and that his preference is still New York (actually, his wife said that).
From Mark Feinsand:
Via Steve.
"The Mets are interested; they've contacted us," Posada said. "The Mets, the Marlins, Toronto, all of them are interested."
Does Posada have an interest in any of those clubs?
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said. "First we've got to sit down with the Yankees and talk and see what they have to say."
Does Posada have an interest in any of those clubs?
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said. "First we've got to sit down with the Yankees and talk and see what they have to say."
Among other things, Jorge said that he's glad that Girardi is the manager and that his preference is still New York (actually, his wife said that).
From Mark Feinsand:
Posada appears ready to make the Yankees work for his services, according to sources familiar with the discussions, as the five-time All-Star catcher plans to wait until he can hear offers from other teams before making a decision. ...
The biggest sticking point for Posada may wind up being the length of a deal, as the 36-year-old is seeking a four-year pact, according to sources, who said the Yankees have internally discussed an offer of three years and $40 million. With the Mets expected to be one of the teams in the bidding, Posada plans to see what his market value is, though the Yankees likely will do whatever they must in order to retain the popular 11-year veteran.
The biggest sticking point for Posada may wind up being the length of a deal, as the 36-year-old is seeking a four-year pact, according to sources, who said the Yankees have internally discussed an offer of three years and $40 million. With the Mets expected to be one of the teams in the bidding, Posada plans to see what his market value is, though the Yankees likely will do whatever they must in order to retain the popular 11-year veteran.
Via Steve.
11/05: Pettitte Declines Option
Posted by: Patrick
From ESPN:
"I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season," Pettitte's agent, Randy Hendricks, said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.
"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time." ...
"Obviously, we want Andy to stay with the Yanks and pitch for us in '08. In fact, I'd say I need him to," said Cashman, the team's general manager. "He's an important piece for us. ... We're hopeful that at some point that the marriage of the Pettittes and the Yankees can continue."
"If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees' willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time." ...
"Obviously, we want Andy to stay with the Yanks and pitch for us in '08. In fact, I'd say I need him to," said Cashman, the team's general manager. "He's an important piece for us. ... We're hopeful that at some point that the marriage of the Pettittes and the Yankees can continue."
Posted by: Patrick
As has been rumored, Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa will join Joe Torre's Dodgers coaching staff.
Posted by: Patrick
Check out this quote from the Boston Globe:
I like how he implies that there could be "something" going on with the Yankees. We're going to make him an offer, alright - an arbitration offer. Give us our draft picks and move on.
Via Steve.
If Alex Rodriguez could handpick the team he plays for, Boston might well be No. 1 on his list. According to a source who has talked to Rodriguez recently, he'd love to play for the Sox because he thinks they can win multiple championships. Meanwhile, agent Scott Boras has been pleasantly surprised with the early interest in Rodriguez. "Several teams have expressed an interest and there have been a couple of surprise teams I never expected to hear from," he said. Boras would not reveal any names (one of the surprise teams is thought to be the Marlins). Asked whether A-Rod would be OK shifting to shortstop, Boras said, "I haven't really discussed that with Alex yet. I will if there's a need to." Whither the Yankees? "That's something I will keep between Brian Cashman and myself," Boras said. "I'm not making any more comments about the Yankees."
I like how he implies that there could be "something" going on with the Yankees. We're going to make him an offer, alright - an arbitration offer. Give us our draft picks and move on.
Via Steve.
11/04: Damon for Crede?
Posted by: Patrick
With the general manager meetings set to begin tomorrow, Mark Feinsand floats the idea of Johnny Damon being traded to the White Sox for third baseman Joe Crede.
Crede, whose 2007 was cut short by back surgery, hit .216 with 4 home runs, 22 RBIs and a .258 OBA. In 2006, he played in 150 games, hitting .283 with 30 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .323 OBA. For his career, he is a .259 hitter with a .305 OBA. Betemit's career marks are better than that, though in far fewer games.
Crede, whose 2007 was cut short by back surgery, hit .216 with 4 home runs, 22 RBIs and a .258 OBA. In 2006, he played in 150 games, hitting .283 with 30 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .323 OBA. For his career, he is a .259 hitter with a .305 OBA. Betemit's career marks are better than that, though in far fewer games.
Posted by: Patrick
Mark Hale at the Post notes that Andy may want more time to consider whether or not he wants to come back next year. To get that time, he may decline his $16 million dollar option. If he does come back, however, it will be to the Yankees. His agent, Randy Hendricks, confirms this. They would have to begin a new negotiation if it went this way.
Posted by: Patrick
Peter Abraham has a nice post summarizing the player/agent relationship. The bottom line, he says, is that Boras works for A-Rod. Don't blame Boras for A-Rod opting out, wanting more money, etc. If A-Rod didn't want to opt out, he could have told Boras and then they would have negotiated with the Yankees. Boras gives him advice, of course, but that doesn't mean he has to take it.
Ron Villone is a Boras client. We were talking about it a few months ago and he told me that on several occasions during his career, Boras wanted him to sign with a certain team and he didn’t. “At some point you have to do what is best for you and your family,” Villone said. “You’re a man, you make your own decision.”
Villone is divorced and has two children who live in New Jersey with his ex wife. He made a deal to stay with the Yankees this season and turned down better offers because he wanted to be close to home. He even started the season in the minors.
Villone is divorced and has two children who live in New Jersey with his ex wife. He made a deal to stay with the Yankees this season and turned down better offers because he wanted to be close to home. He even started the season in the minors.
Posted by: Patrick
From the official site:
"Girardi was my mentor and he always taught me the value of having a great work ethic and how it was most important to maintain the position year after year," Posada said in the statement, released by his agents, Sam and Seth Levinson.
"The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I'm doing right now is evaluating everything,"
"The 2007 season was difficult and bittersweet and all I'm doing right now is evaluating everything,"
