12/05: Yankees Playing in WBC
Posted by: Patrick
Players heading to international stage:
On top of that, Roberto Kelly will manage Panama, Luis Sojo will manage Venezuela, Robert Eenhoorn will manage The Netherlands and Tony Pena will manage the Domincan Republic.
Via Brian MacMillan.
Jeter will play for the United States, while Cano will suit up for the Dominican Republic. Rodriguez, however, has not announced which country he will represent, as he is eligible to play for both the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. ...
Among the list of 177 were also four free agents who played for the Yankees in 2005: Al Leiter (United States), Felix Rodriguez (Dominican Republic), Rey Sanchez (Puerto Rico) and Bernie Williams (Puerto Rico).
Japan is expected to announce its team later in the week, though Hideki Matsui has not yet decided whether to participate in the event.
Among the list of 177 were also four free agents who played for the Yankees in 2005: Al Leiter (United States), Felix Rodriguez (Dominican Republic), Rey Sanchez (Puerto Rico) and Bernie Williams (Puerto Rico).
Japan is expected to announce its team later in the week, though Hideki Matsui has not yet decided whether to participate in the event.
On top of that, Roberto Kelly will manage Panama, Luis Sojo will manage Venezuela, Robert Eenhoorn will manage The Netherlands and Tony Pena will manage the Domincan Republic.
Via Brian MacMillan.
12/04: Yankees in the Red in '05?
Posted by: Seamus
A report on ESPN.com has indicated that the Yankees may have taken between a loss of anywhere from $50-85 million for the 2005 season. This comes after a season in which the Yankees set an all-time franchise attendance record.
The article doesn't say for sure whether that number actually includes revenue brought in from the YES network. If it does, this comes as a complete shock to me. The Yankees play in the largest media market in the world, and it's not as if memorabilia sales have taken a major hit. The Yankees as a franchise are one of the largest, most successful businesses in all of sports. I guess the payroll was just too much. When you factor in revenue sharing and the luxury tax, the Yankees shelled out over $300 million (think about that: $300+ million to pay 25 guys to play baseball).
Well this would explain why the Yankees have decided to place a little more trust in their farm system and have refrained from chasing after a bunch of big name free agents this offseason. After Bernie's and Kevin Brown's salaries have come off the books, the Yankees' payroll should see a bit of a decrease if the Yankees don't make anymore major acquisitions.
The article doesn't say for sure whether that number actually includes revenue brought in from the YES network. If it does, this comes as a complete shock to me. The Yankees play in the largest media market in the world, and it's not as if memorabilia sales have taken a major hit. The Yankees as a franchise are one of the largest, most successful businesses in all of sports. I guess the payroll was just too much. When you factor in revenue sharing and the luxury tax, the Yankees shelled out over $300 million (think about that: $300+ million to pay 25 guys to play baseball).
Well this would explain why the Yankees have decided to place a little more trust in their farm system and have refrained from chasing after a bunch of big name free agents this offseason. After Bernie's and Kevin Brown's salaries have come off the books, the Yankees' payroll should see a bit of a decrease if the Yankees don't make anymore major acquisitions.
12/02: Proctor and Henn for Pierre?
Posted by: Patrick
According to the New York Post:
For whatever downsides he has, Pierre does intrigue me. I'd be interested to see what a lineup that started with him, Jeter and A-Rod could accomplish. If he doesn't get on base, he could always bat 9th. He'll be 28 on opening day. He puts the ball in play (career .305, 3 seasons with more than 200 hits), he puts it in play with RISP (career .304) and he is capable of getting on base (career .355 OBA). We all know about his speed. He's durable - he hasn't missed a game since 2002, has played 162 games for 3 straight years and has missed 16 games in the last 5 seasons. His D doesn't seem to be particularly noteworthy. But, the deal does interest me and I'd be interested in giving him a go.
Proctor I don't really care about. Henn is a little different though. Not that I like him or anything, but could we get something else for him? Don't know.
Via Alex.
The last time Juan Pierre played center field in Yankee Stadium, he helped the Marlins win the 2003 World Series.
Now, Pierre could be returning to The Bronx as the Yankees’ center-fielder. The cash-dumping Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn’t reject the offer. ...
When the other center fielders available are presented, Pierre stacks up. The Angels are shopping Darin Erstad and Steve Finley. The Dodgers are expected to trade Milton Bradley before Dec. 20. The Phillies asked for Chien-Ming Wang, possibly the Yankees’ No. 3 starter, for Jason Michaels, who never has been a regular player. Carl Pavano’s name surfaced yesterday in a possible deal for Michaels. Tampa Bay could move Joey Gathright but he is raw.
Now, Pierre could be returning to The Bronx as the Yankees’ center-fielder. The cash-dumping Marlins have asked for lefty Sean Henn and right-handed reliever Scott Proctor for Pierre, and the Yankees didn’t reject the offer. ...
When the other center fielders available are presented, Pierre stacks up. The Angels are shopping Darin Erstad and Steve Finley. The Dodgers are expected to trade Milton Bradley before Dec. 20. The Phillies asked for Chien-Ming Wang, possibly the Yankees’ No. 3 starter, for Jason Michaels, who never has been a regular player. Carl Pavano’s name surfaced yesterday in a possible deal for Michaels. Tampa Bay could move Joey Gathright but he is raw.
For whatever downsides he has, Pierre does intrigue me. I'd be interested to see what a lineup that started with him, Jeter and A-Rod could accomplish. If he doesn't get on base, he could always bat 9th. He'll be 28 on opening day. He puts the ball in play (career .305, 3 seasons with more than 200 hits), he puts it in play with RISP (career .304) and he is capable of getting on base (career .355 OBA). We all know about his speed. He's durable - he hasn't missed a game since 2002, has played 162 games for 3 straight years and has missed 16 games in the last 5 seasons. His D doesn't seem to be particularly noteworthy. But, the deal does interest me and I'd be interested in giving him a go.
Proctor I don't really care about. Henn is a little different though. Not that I like him or anything, but could we get something else for him? Don't know.
Via Alex.
Posted by: Patrick
From Beckett.com:
I agree with Steve. What are we doing? Selling Layton's organ? This stuff should be kept and we should build the finest individual sports team museum in the world. I mean, if any MLB team deserves it's own museum, surely the Yankees are at the top of the list? There is so much that you could do with it. Would it conflict with the Baseball Hall of Fame? Possibly, but there is enough cool stuff to go around.
I was thinking... "perhaps they could do a museum in the old Yankee Stadium?" So, I Googled it and came up with this, in regard to the old stadium:
Is that... a Yankees museum, perhaps? In any case, this stuff should be saved, not sold.
Via Steve.
The organ, played by the late Yankee Stadium legend, Eddie Layton will be just one of over 200 items to go on the block during an auction to be held from 3-6PM on Friday, December 9th by Yankees-Steiner Collectibles and Grey Flannel Auctions. ...
... The Yankees Manager’s desk chair will be auctioned off along with some of the most historic memorabilia in Yankees history including; the earliest known autographed Mickey Mantle game bat, a Babe Ruth game used bat... Also included in the auction is a 1942 Joe DiMaggio game-used pinstripe jersey, Mickey Mantle’s 1955 game-used autographed jersey and numerous other one of a kind iconic memorabilia from the history of the New York Yankees.
Fans will also be able to bid on many great Ruth and Gehrig autographed items, a section of Yankee Stadium’s outfield wall pad, including the 399-foot marker and Derek Jeter’s 2005 Opening Day jersey.
... The Yankees Manager’s desk chair will be auctioned off along with some of the most historic memorabilia in Yankees history including; the earliest known autographed Mickey Mantle game bat, a Babe Ruth game used bat... Also included in the auction is a 1942 Joe DiMaggio game-used pinstripe jersey, Mickey Mantle’s 1955 game-used autographed jersey and numerous other one of a kind iconic memorabilia from the history of the New York Yankees.
Fans will also be able to bid on many great Ruth and Gehrig autographed items, a section of Yankee Stadium’s outfield wall pad, including the 399-foot marker and Derek Jeter’s 2005 Opening Day jersey.
I agree with Steve. What are we doing? Selling Layton's organ? This stuff should be kept and we should build the finest individual sports team museum in the world. I mean, if any MLB team deserves it's own museum, surely the Yankees are at the top of the list? There is so much that you could do with it. Would it conflict with the Baseball Hall of Fame? Possibly, but there is enough cool stuff to go around.
I was thinking... "perhaps they could do a museum in the old Yankee Stadium?" So, I Googled it and came up with this, in regard to the old stadium:
The field and most of the shell of the current stadium will be preserved, and the city and state will help build a hotel, convention center, a high school for sports medicine and sports management, a museum and other offices in and around the current stadium.
Is that... a Yankees museum, perhaps? In any case, this stuff should be saved, not sold.
Via Steve.
Posted by: Patrick
From Ken Rosenthal:
A commenter at WasWatching.com, MJ, made a great point.
At this point, I find myself agreeing and feeling a bit disappointed that we didn't push a little harder, but I suppose you can always feel that way when you don't sign a guy.
Via Steve.
The Yankees made a late push for Gordon, increasing their offer from two to three years in their bid to retain him as Mariano Rivera's setup man.
A commenter at WasWatching.com, MJ, made a great point.
... I still don't see why they didn't go all out with Gordon AND Farnsworth. If they were willing to throw money at Karsay, Quantrill, Stanton, Hammond and all the other scrubs that have polluted the bullpen, why would they play coy with the one reliever besides Mo that has actually done his job?
At this point, I find myself agreeing and feeling a bit disappointed that we didn't push a little harder, but I suppose you can always feel that way when you don't sign a guy.
Via Steve.
12/01: Flash Signs with Phillies
Posted by: Seamus
According to ESPN, Tom Gordon and the Philadelphia Phillies have come to terms on a three-year deal worth $18 million. Gordon will become the team's closer after the Phillies lost Billy Wagner this week to the Mets.
Well, 3 years and $18 million was probably a little much for the Yankees to shell out for Gordon. I was thinking more in the range of 2 years and about $12 or 13 million if we were going to keep him. It helps though that we found another setup guy in Kyle Farnsworth and there are some decent arms still available such as Octavio Dotel, Mike Myers, and Ricardo Rincon.
Well, 3 years and $18 million was probably a little much for the Yankees to shell out for Gordon. I was thinking more in the range of 2 years and about $12 or 13 million if we were going to keep him. It helps though that we found another setup guy in Kyle Farnsworth and there are some decent arms still available such as Octavio Dotel, Mike Myers, and Ricardo Rincon.
Posted by: Michael
Its reported today that Brian Giles has decided to remain with the San Diego Padres. Three years at $30 million.
Another fish gets away from the Yankees. Who is next on the Radar screen to play the legendary CF position for the Yanks?
"We're extremely excited that Brian Giles will be wearing a Padres uniform for the next several seasons," general manager Kevin Towers said. "He is a tremendous everyday player who is an offensive force and a solid defender."
Another fish gets away from the Yankees. Who is next on the Radar screen to play the legendary CF position for the Yanks?
Posted by: Patrick
From MLB.com:
3 years, $17 million would work out to $5.666 million a year. I don't really have a problem with that and I'd like to see it get done.
The New York Daily News is reporting that we are also in "serious negotiations" with Flash. I'm curious as to what type of deal that Flash would get, given Farnsworth's potential deal.
My dream was Ryan, Gordon and Sauerbeck. But, I'd be happy with Farnsworth, Gordon and Mike Myers.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
The Yankees appear to be closing in on a deal with right-hander Kyle Farnsworth, which would give New York a young, hard-throwing arm to set up closer Mariano Rivera.
One baseball official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Farnsworth will ink a three-year contract worth $15-17 million. The deal could be announced as early as Wednesday.
One baseball official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Farnsworth will ink a three-year contract worth $15-17 million. The deal could be announced as early as Wednesday.
3 years, $17 million would work out to $5.666 million a year. I don't really have a problem with that and I'd like to see it get done.
The New York Daily News is reporting that we are also in "serious negotiations" with Flash. I'm curious as to what type of deal that Flash would get, given Farnsworth's potential deal.
My dream was Ryan, Gordon and Sauerbeck. But, I'd be happy with Farnsworth, Gordon and Mike Myers.
Via Pro Sports Daily.
11/30: Yankees Sign Stinnett
Posted by: Patrick
We've signed Kelly Stinnett to a 1 year, $650,000 deal. So, this probably means that he'll be Posada's backup.
He caught Randy in Arizona. Last year he played in 59 games for Arizona, hitting .248 with 6 home runs, 12 RBIs and a .317 OBA.
Via Alex.
He caught Randy in Arizona. Last year he played in 59 games for Arizona, hitting .248 with 6 home runs, 12 RBIs and a .317 OBA.
Via Alex.
11/29: Jeter or A-Rod in Center?
Posted by: James
Update: Cashman says this is not true and Torre says he was misinterpreted.
Wow. Maybe someone in the Yankees front office or down in Tampa reads the various Yankees blogs out there. ESPN is reporting that the Yanks are indeed mulling over their options for the hole in center field, including the possible use of one of its two All-Star (and Gold Glove winning) shortstops, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
There has been a lot of talk in Yankees fandom about this already. However, most of the time the debate has been about whether or not Jeter should move. A-Rod usually doesn't enter into the conversation. I've always been eager to see how this would play out if the Yanks ever seriously pursued it. In essence, with Jeter (who goes back on fly balls better than most players out there) in center, you would move from non-existent production to a better hitting version of Johnny Damon. A-Rod would be back at his natural position and there is no one in either league who puts up those kinds of numbers at the shortstop position. The only question then would be the one of who plays third base?
Still, I wouldn't hold your breath... I strongly doubt they would seriously consider moving the Captain from short (though he would certainly add even more to his legacy by willingly trying the CF experiment). Well, I'll believe it when I see it.
Wow. Maybe someone in the Yankees front office or down in Tampa reads the various Yankees blogs out there. ESPN is reporting that the Yanks are indeed mulling over their options for the hole in center field, including the possible use of one of its two All-Star (and Gold Glove winning) shortstops, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
There has been a lot of talk in Yankees fandom about this already. However, most of the time the debate has been about whether or not Jeter should move. A-Rod usually doesn't enter into the conversation. I've always been eager to see how this would play out if the Yanks ever seriously pursued it. In essence, with Jeter (who goes back on fly balls better than most players out there) in center, you would move from non-existent production to a better hitting version of Johnny Damon. A-Rod would be back at his natural position and there is no one in either league who puts up those kinds of numbers at the shortstop position. The only question then would be the one of who plays third base?
Still, I wouldn't hold your breath... I strongly doubt they would seriously consider moving the Captain from short (though he would certainly add even more to his legacy by willingly trying the CF experiment). Well, I'll believe it when I see it.
