Breaking News: Hoffman Agrees to Terms with Brewers

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that the all-time saves leader, Trevor Hoffman, has come to terms with the Brewers on a 1 year, $6 million contract. It's possible a second year, either guaranteed or an option, could be added to the deal.

Hoffman has spent his entire 16 year career with the Padres, compiling 554 saves.

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Andy, We Hardly Know Ye

Today we have a very special post, from a very special woman...my wife. Mrs. MM puts in her 2 cents on Andy Pettitte's future in or out of NY.

What the heck happened to the home grown, stand-up guy with the "aw, shucks" humble attitude and a boat load of talent?

After weeks of foot dragging, Andy Pettite has finally made a public decision to reject the Yankees' offer of $10 million to pitch for them for 2009. In my mind, if he indeed walks away, he just went from a talented, if flawed, guy who had the good fortune to have been part of a successful dynasty and could have proudly wrapped up a great career and rode into the sunset to acclaim... to a chump. Now he is just like every other greedy sports figure who shamelessly and publicly does a money grab first, and considers how it affects his reputation later. In this case, that's a huge mistake.

How did this evolve? Well, first a little history on the subject...
Pettite came up through the Yankees farm system and eased his way in as a big left-hander from Texas with lots of guts and heart for the game. He paid his dues and when opportunity struck to hit the majors, he did so with humility and spirit. He became known as a leader in the clubhouse, an affable guy, and one who gave his all to win and for his teammates. Off the field, he was a family man and a devout Christian. That, plus being known as a reliable pitcher with one of the most effective pick-off moves in all of major league baseball.

He was the real deal, and his consistency and tenacity garnered everyone's respect and earned him 4 World Series championship rings as an integral part of 4 outstanding Yankee teams.

In 2001, Pettite had gotten killed in Game 6 of the World Series against the Diamondbacks, (and then we all know about how Game 7 ended). Then, after losing the 2003 World Series, in which Pettitte turned in a star performance, Yankees brass knew that it was time to re-tool a bit. They spent the off-season jockeying for players with some additional offense to offer, and landed Kenny Lofton, Tony Womack and one of the "big fish" that year- Gary Sheffield. With their attention turned elsewhere, the powers-that-be in Tampa (G. Steinbrenner, Randy Levine, et al) neglected to recognize the value of their coveted veteran lefty pitcher. During that final year of his contract, they didn't dangle the possibility of a lucrative contact extension.

Distracted by other holes in the leaky boat, the Yankees didn't show Pettitte the respect that he had certainly earned in all of his successful years of service. Instead, at the eleventh hour, they contacted him about a new contract. It was a fair contract that offered a generous salary, but the timing made it seem like an afterthought. So, feeling overlooked and dissed, Andy walked. And they let him go. "It isn't the money", he said at the time. It was the principle. So he took the road back to Houston. He accepted less money in exchange for recognition and respect. And the bonus was the chance to be around home more with his kids, and where he could help to shape the up and coming younger Astros players with the counsel of a seasoned veteran. By and large, Yankees fans understood the logic of Pettite's decision. He had been overlooked by Yankees management and the decision had to do more with his requirement of being treated with respect than anything money could buy. Who could argue with that?

Pettite gave 3 years of service to Houston, sharing the Astros' rotation with fellow Texan, ex-Yankee, friend, and workout partner Roger Clemens. And from 2004-2006, the Yankees struggled to fill the hole left in the wake of Pettite's departure. Kevin Brown couldn't begin to fill those shoes nor could anyone else. So following the 3-year stint and elbow surgery in Houston, Mr. Home Grown returned to New York and was warmly welcomed back by Yankees fans in 2007. He spent the first year back reminding fans of what they'd missed. He got over his snit of having been ignored, and the move implied that he had returned for his love of the game and recognition of all the good memories that he had made on his way up to the majors and his respect for the specialness that is the Yankee legend. He was part of that elite group that had been the heart of the team for years: Jeter, Mo, Posada, and Pettite. You got the feeling that this was where he wanted to play and where he wanted to wrap up his career.

But then the whole steroid mess began to unfold in 2007-2008 and Pettite's solid reputation was rocked by scandal. Bam! Roger Clemens slinked away under a veil of suspicion, and despite all protests to the contrary, he looked like a selfish, guilty fool. And out trickled a nasty little sidelight: Pettite had used HGH, too. You might just as well have read that there was no tooth fairy. It made all of us wonder about the myth we had bought into regarding Pettite as a man of character who you could expect to uphold principle and do the right thing. The same guy who we would smile at because he was a man with such a great sense of decency that when he got frustrated with his performance during a game you could often witness him screaming obscenities into his glove rather than let anyone else see or hear him do it. The same guy.

So what did this stand-up guy do when faced with the white light of scrutiny in the press and under oath at a Congressional hearing? He came clean about his steroid use. Sorta. Eventually. When he had no other choice. He distanced himself from Clemens, claiming that their friendship was never as close as we had thought. He involved his wife, Laura, in his affidavits, as if throwing her under the bus with her testimony would somehow corroborate his assertion that he only used illegal substances to heal an injured arm and return to his team. Except that he eventually admitted that wasn't really the whole truth. But, we bought it. Because we wanted to believe in him.

And Yankees management backed him. Because they needed to. And because of his prior reputation, he kind of got a pass on the whole ugly mess in the court of public opinion. But even if what he said was true, is intention a sound defense when lies were told knowingly and the law was broken?

Then the disappointing 2008 season came and went. Plagued all season with injuries and bad pitching, the pitching staff was in shambles and Pettitte contemplated the 2009 season. The Yankees knew they had shuffling and trading and rebuilding to do and they needed to have a solid rotation to put on the field in the new Yankee Stadium. Knowing they would likely only need one of their veterans, Mussina or Pettitte, Moose made their choice easy by retiring on an up note, with class and dignity. And that left Pettite.

A 1-year contract was offered to Pettitte. Maybe not a stellar contract compared to the deal that CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett got, but one that would keep him in New York and allow him to pitch for the team he said he loved. And $10 million is nothing to sneeze at. The team he said he wanted to pitch for at the new stadium. And the one that stood behind him just the year before as he squirmed uncomfortably at that press conference where he had to stand up and explain his steroid usage (with his loyal buds Jeter, Mo, and Posada lending their unwavering moral support from the front row).

And instead of taking the offer, this man of principle who we believed in and whose faults we forgave and who we stood behind..... is ready to walk away again. But this time for selfish reasons: money. It is just mind boggling that after all this time with all his millions and all of his so-called principles, he's no better than any other bottom feeder. And so careless with his once carefully crafted reputation. What a shame.

In an era where people love to build up and tear down their heroes, here is one great athlete who doesn't need tearing down. Pettite is doing a fine job of it all by himself.

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3rd Night of Hanukkah or Christmas Comes Early

It doesn't matter how you slice it. Whatever holiday you celebrate, you've gotten this season's big ticket items. CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and now you can add your very own Mark Teixeira. Big Tex is coming to town on the wings of an 8 year, $180 million contract. Sticker shock? Nah. Small peanuts for a big cash(ew) team.

The Washington Times had reported earlier today that there was to be a decision today on Teixeira's future. Most thought the Red Sox would be inking him to a new deal despite owner John Henry's claim that the Sox were back away. Teixeira's current team, the Angels, decided a new deal was too rich for their blood and had pulled out of the running. Fringe teams like the Nationals and Orioles were thought to have offered, or were preparing to offer, a mega-deal.

But when it came right down to it, the Yankees played it slowly and wisely (as it turns out). They figured out who the real competition for Teixeira's services were, and how much money would be involved. Then they waited for some of the players to drop out and dropped some more millions on the pile.

The Yankees now have an incredible lineup, one even stronger than the nine they wrote in every day in 2007 when they scored runs (until the playoffs) like there was no tomorrow. Buster Olney was on with ESPN radio's Max Kellerman and the two speculated that Teixeira would bat in front of Alex Rodriguez with Hideki Matsui likely to be in the 5-spot.

Why? Tex should clearly bat cleanup to serve as protection for A-Rod not the other way around. A-Rod needs someone to take the pressure off of him and Matsui, nor anyone else in the lineup, will do that.

What about the outfield and DH? The Yankees now have Johnny Damon, Xavier Nady, Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner, Hideki Matsui, and Nick Swisher for 3 spots in the outfield and 1 spot in the lineup as DH.

The time has come to trade Hideki Matsui. We love Godzilla, and he's been an effective run producer, but his body and defense have deteriorated as has his power. If you are going to have Swisher, you might as well use him. He's not a good defender, so you can give him the bulk of at-bats at DH, throwing some time to the aging legs of Johnny Damon. We could see the Yankees waiting to deal Matsui until closer to the season opener to be sure that Jorge Posada is healthy and ready to be in the lineup every/almost every day.

Swisher can occasionally player either of three outfield positions to spot players some rest. The season could open with a Gardner/Cabrera platoon in center field. You don't need a mega-watt star at every position. Mike Cameron is definitely NOT needed or necessary. Gardner/Cabrera could battle for time in the 9-hole in the lineup. If both continued to suck, you can look elsewhere, perhaps a veteran who would come cheap via a trade.

The lineup we would put out there:

Damon
Jeter
A-Rod
Teixeira
Nady
Posada
Cano
Swisher
Gardner/Cabrera

Happy Holidays!

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CC Says Yes Yes

The Yankees have landed the big fish, the number one target in their free agent quest. Several sources are reporting this morning that CC Sabathia and the Yankees have agreed to a 7 year, $160 million deal, contingent on the big guy passing a physical.

Brian Cashman left the winter meetings in Las Vegas last night and flew to the Bay Area to meet with Sabathia and his wife Amber with the hope of getting a deal done. And it happened, though it took another year and $20 million.

Jon Heyman also reported last night that the Yankees had topped the Braves' bid for A.J. Burnett, supposedly offering 4 years for $64 million.

Yankees rotation at the moment - Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain. Should the Yankees sign Burnett they may use Phil Hughes to get a bat (perhaps Prince Fielder?) rather than make Hughes or Andy Pettitte the #5 starter.

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Marte Back for 3 More

Reliever Damaso Marte had his option declined by the Yankees for 2009, but the Pinstripes brass never had any intention of letting Marte get away. The Yankees announced today they had signed Marte to a 3-year, $12 million deal that will keep him in the Bronx through 2011.

The 33-yr old was acquired along with Xavier Nady at last season's trade deadline for prospects Jose Tabata, Dan McCutchen, Russ Ohlendorf, and Jeff Karstens. Marte was inconsistent in his first half-season in the Bronx, but the Yankees are very high on his stuff and they also realize the need to keep more than one good left-hander in the pen. The Yankees will also be counting on rookie Phil Coke to fill that need.

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Friday Hot Stove

With reports of the Yankees close to tying up Robinson Cano with a long term deal, the Twins are doing likewise with Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau. Cuddyer inked a 3-year, $24 million deal, and Morneau, the 2006 AL MVP, will get $80 million over 6 years.

The Yankees are close to a minor signing with veteran utility man Chris Woodard.

The A's added Jeff Fiorentino off of waivers from the Reds. The A's are Fiorentino's 3rd team in 3 weeks. The once highly thought of prospect, who's still just 24-yrs old, was released by the Orioles on January 2nd.

Buster Olney says that the Giants and Mariners are the favorites to land veteran 1st Baseman Tony Clark.

The Rocky Mountain News is claiming the Mets are close to signing Livan Hernandez. It would be great to see him as a teammate of his brother, El Duque.

Rod Barajas was supposed to be the Blue Jays starting catcher last year, but free agent talks broke down at the last moment. This time around Barajas has signed on with Toronto as a back up to Greg Zaun. Had Barajas' deal gone through last year, the Jays would have let Zaun go.

The Braves have signed reliever Rafael Soriano to a new 2-yr, $9 million contract. Atlanta decided to buy out Soriano's 1st year of free agency, by paying more than he requested in arbitration.

If the Orioles can't find themselves a closer to replace the injured Chris Ray, Andy MacPhail indicated that Greg Aquino may be the 1st option.

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Breaking News: Giants Snare Rowand

The Giants have agreed to terms on a 5-year deal with free agent outfielder Aaron Rowand. With Torii Hunter, Kusoke Fukudome, and Andruw Jones under contract, Rowand remained the last big name outfielder on the market. The 30-yr old had a super offensive season playing in hitter friendly Citizen Bank ball park.

Rowand hit .309 while establishing career standards with hits (189), runs (105), doubles (45), RBI (89), total bases (315), walks (47) and games (161).

Rowand is also a superb centerfielder. He lead the NL in fielding pct. last season, and had 11 assists.

UPDATE 4:50 EST: The AP is reporting that the deal is worth $60 million.

Source

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Angels Hunt Down Torii

We didn't see this one coming. They already had Gary Matthews Jr., but the Angels have signed free centerfielder Torii Hunter to a 5 year, $90 million contract. This means that either Matthews moves to left and Garrett Anderson becomes the full-time DH, or Matthews is on his way out of LA.

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Pursuing Lowell, a First

The Star-Ledger's Dan Graziano is reporting tonight that the Yankees are continuing their pursuit of free agent Mike Lowell - to play 1st Base. With the return of Alex Rodriguez appearing to be imminent, the Yankees front office is toying with the idea of signing Lowell and moving him across the diamond. Source

This doesn't make sense for a number of reasons. Lowell will not hit as well in Yankee Stadium, the money should be used to improve the pitching, and why would Lowell, a gold glover, want to move across the diamond. Maybe the Yankees are just trying to drive up his price for the Sox. The feeling here is that Lowell will accept his WS ring in a Red Sox uniform next season.

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Winter Meetings Lite

They don't have the impact of the winter league meetings, but beginning today in Orlando, Florida, the league's general managers will have their annual get together. With new GMs in place in St. Louis, Houston, Atlanta, and LA/Anaheim, the meetings allow relationship building and the chance to start up trade talk on a face-to-face basis.

Unlike the winter meetings, you won't have as many players and agents shopping for jobs, but Scott Boras is sure to be there to lay the initial ground work for any upcoming deals, the obvious one in particular.

Source

The use of instant replay will be a very large part of the meetings. We're still against it though. The games are slow enough as it is.

Trade rumors will begin to pick up steam with so many GMs shooting the shit. Rumors like...

Johnny Damon to the White Sox for Joe Crede. We absolutely hate the idea of this deal. Crede is not the answer for the Yankees 3rd Base issue and if Damon is to be dealt, it should be for pitching.

Brian Cashman will try to get deals done with Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada before they go on the open market.

Atlanta could look to the Reds and Ken Griffey Jr. to replace free agent Andruw Jones.

The Red Sox will try to move Coco Crisp to open a permanent spot for rookie Jacoby Ellsbury. They've already contacted the Padres, who seem to have become their permanent trading partners. Just don't be trying to get Cla Meredith back, Theo.
Update 1:35 pm- The Twins have apparently approached the Red Sox about Crisp, should they not be able to re-sign Torii Hunter. Source

Miguel Cabrera rumors will be sure to intensify, especially now that one of the Marlins beat guys has backed up the story that Peter Gammons reported earlier.

The D-Rays may be looking to move lefty Scott Kazmir now that he is arbitration eligible.

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Abreu Options In

ESPN is reporting that the Yankees have exercised Bobby Abreu's option for 2008. Since there was a $2 million buy out attached, the deal will actually cost the Yankees $14 million.

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2008 Free Agents

120 Free Agents have filed thus far:

Source

AMERICAN LEAGUE BALTIMORE (2) Paul Bako, c; Corey Patterson, of. BOSTON (5) Matt Clement, sp; Eric Gagne, rp; Eric Hinske, 1b/of; Bobby Kielty, of; Curt Schilling, sp. CLEVELAND (3) Chris Gomez, inf; Kenny Lofton, of; Trot Nixon, of. CHICAGO (2) Darin Erstad, of; Mike Myers, rp. DETROIT (4) Sean Casey, 1b; Todd Jones, rp; Neifi Perez, ss; Kenny Rogers, sp. KANSAS CITY (5) Jason LaRue, c; Odalis Perez, sp; David Riske, rp; Reggie Sanders, of; Mike Sweeney, dh. LOS ANGELES (1) Bartolo Colon, sp. MINNESOTA (3) Torii Hunter, of; Carlos Silva, rp; Rondell White, of. NEW YORK (7) Doug Mientkiewicz, 1b; Jose Molina, c; Jorge Posada, c; Alex Rodriguez 3b; Mariano Rivera, rp; Ron Villone, rp; Luis Vizcaino, rp. OAKLAND (3) Jeffrey DaVanon, of; Mike Piazza, c; Shannon Stewart, of. SEATTLE (2) Arthur Rhodes, rp; Jeff Weaver, sp. TAMPA BAY (1) Josh Paul, c. TEXAS (3) Jerry Hairston, 2b/of; Sammy Sosa, of; Brad Wilkerson, of. TORONTO (3) Sal Fasano, c; Joe Kennedy, rp; Matt Stairs, of. NATIONAL LEAGUE ARIZONA (4) Jeff Cirillo, 3b; Tony Clark, 1b; Livan Hernandez, sp; Bob Wickman, rp. ATLANTA (4) Julio Franco, 1b; Andruw Jones, of; Ron Mahay, rp; Chris Woodward, ss. CHICAGO (4) Cliff Floyd, of; Jason Kendall, c; Steve Trachsel, sp; Kerry Wood, rp. CINCINNATI (1) Eric Milton, sp. COLORADO (5) Jeremy Affeldt, rp; Elmer Dessens, sp; Jorge Julio, rp; Rodrigo Lopez, sp; Yorvit Torrealba, c. FLORIDA (3) Armando Benitez, rp; Aaron Boone, 3b; Byung-Hyun Kim, sp/rp. HOUSTON (7) Brad Ausmus, c; Jason Jennings, sp; Mike Lamb, 3b; Mark Loretta, ss; Trever Miller, rp; Brian Moehler, rp; Orlando Palmeiro, of. LOS ANGELES (6) Luis Gonzalez, of; Mike Lieberthal, c; Ramon Martinez, 2b; Rudy Seanez, rp; Mark Sweeney, 1b; David Wells, sp. MILWAUKEE (7) Francisco Cordero, rp; Tony Graffanino, inf; Geoff Jenkins, of; Ray King, rp; Corey Koskie, 3b; Scott Linebrink, rp; Damian Miller, c. NEW YORK (10) Sandy Alomar, c; Marlon Anderson, of; Luis Castillo, 2b; Ramon Castro, c; Mike DiFelice, c; Damion Easley, 2b; Tom Glavine, sp; Shawn Green, of; Paul Lo Duca, c; Aaron Sele, rp. PHILADELPHIA (9) Antonio Alfonseca, rp; Rod Barajas, c; Freddy Garcia, sp; Jon Lieber, sp; Kyle Lohse, sp; Jose Mesa, rp; Abraham Nunez, 3b; J.C. Romero, rp; Aaron Rowand, of. PITTSBURGH (2) Tony Armas, sp; Shawn Chacon, sp/rp. ST. LOUIS (5) Russell Branyan, 3b; Miguel Cairo, inf; David Eckstein, ss; Troy Percival, rp; Kip Wells, rp. SAN DIEGO (5) Michael Barrett, c; Geoff Blum, 2b; Milton Bradley, of; Doug Brocail, rp; Mike Cameron, of. SAN FRANCISCO (3) Barry Bonds, of; Pedro Feliz, 3b; Russ Ortiz, sp. WASHINGTON (1) Robert Fick, 1b.

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The Empty Corner

The "Who's on 1st?" routine that Abbott and Costello perfected, even to the amusement of Charlie Babbitt, fits the Yankees situation right now.

Abbott: Who's on first.

Costello: I don't know.

Abbott: He's on third, we're not talking about him

The Yankees aren't talking about their recent 3rd Baseman, but Brian Cashman and the Tampa contingent are going to have to work fast to figure out who will be manning the hot corner in 2008. The only worthwhile free agents are A-Rod and Mike Lowell. Lowell is coming off a monster regular season, plus a world series MVP. Unlike Scott Brosius with the Yankees in '98-'99, Lowell has done this before, so the Red Sox would be wise to keep him (as you recall Lowell was blocked by Brosius on the Yankees, and subsequently dealt to the Marlins for garbage Ed Yarnall.).

So then you start looking around at 2009 prospective free agents, who might get dealt for the '08 season is over. And then you keep looking at what other options are out there besides the instant incumbent, Wilson Betemit.

Miguel Cabrera, Florida
Big bat, big appetite. Since he made a major splash as a rookie, the Marlins' Cabrera has had an expanding offensive game and waistline. The latter is the bigger concern. He's been moody, temperamental, and lazy. And he's only 24. Girardi had him for one year, so he knows whether or not he can get Cabrera to focus or not. While a huge asset with the bat, he is a great liability with the glove. He'd be better off at 1st Base or DH. If the Yankees acquired him, it would probably make more sense to move him to 1st and let Betemit, and, maybe, Andy Phillips split time at 3rd. Peter Gammons reported today that the Marlins have made him available in trade talks.
Our take - great bat, but acting like Manny without Manny's resume. The bigger issue is the young pitching prospects the Marlins will demand back from the Yankees. We've already seen you can't win with a big hitting 3rd Baseman and no pitching. Pass

Chone Figgins, LAA
There have been rumors over the last 2 years about the Angels gauging interest in Figgins around the league. Whether or not it's true remains to be seen. What is true is that Figgins will be expendable if the Angels sign A-Rod. It's been reported that the Angels already haven spoken to Scott Boras. Figgins, who underwent surgery to remove the hamate bone in his left wrist, started out slowly last year due to injuries and finished the same way because of the hamate injury. But in between he was torrid.

Figgins would give the Yankees another lead off man at the bottom of the order, or he could truly lead off if the Yankees move Johnny Damon. Also has the ability to fill in spots in the outfield. Figgins will still be just 30 in January and has averaged 47 steals the last 4 years. Signed thru 2009.
Our take - Definitely worth negotiating. Figgins could give the Yankees additional opportunity to play small ball. Go for it.

Joe Crede
Crede is coming off back surgery, which caused him to miss all but 47 games this past season. Crede had a career year the prior season, belting 30 home runs to go with 94 RBI and a .283 average. His 3 year average (2003-2005) of .251-21-69 is probably closer to his norm. Crede doesn't walk much and is certainly no threat to steal. His big asset is his glove, which is gold glove caliber. Becomes a free agent after the 2008 season.
Our take - Tread cautiously. Might be worth it if the price is right (aka low). Tough to tell if he'll return to '06 form or be damaged goods. Maybe

Scott Rolen
Rolen has been beset by injuries 2 of the last 3 years. Underwent surgery in September to clean out a bothersome left shoulder. As good as it gets in the field. Can be expected to put up a .280-25-95, if healthy. He'll turn 33 as the '08 season begins and is signed through 2010 (about 11 mill per year).
Our take - Definitely worth talking to the Cards about. Now that Larry Bowa is out of pinstripes, you don't have to worry about the clash that helped drive Rolen out of Philly. Though 3 years older than Crede, he still is the better overall player. Again the price would have to be right, though this time it has more to do with money exchange (take my Igawa, please). Go for it.

Troy Glaus
Forget it, the free agent to be (after '08) is on a division rival. Won't happen.

Hank Blalock
Another player that will be a free agent, though there is a team option for the following year, after the '08 season. Blalock missed most the '07 season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, which affects the nerves that pass through the shoulder into the neck. Blalock had a rib removed from his upper chest to alleviate the condition. Average 29 HR-97 RBI from 2003 to 2005, before a drop off to 16-89 in '06. Should bounce back well this year. However, he's a much better hitter at hitter friendly Ameriquest park (.303) than he is on the road (.243). Has a very good glove and a strong arm.
Our Take - Combine the career road average with a .226 average against left-handers, and we say forget it. Pass

Pedro Feliz - the free agent averaged 21 HR, 84 RBI the last 4 years, but is a .250 hitters with
a .720 OPS Pass

Alex Rodriguez - You just never know.


So there you have it. Now obviously, the Yankees don't need to get 1 person to replace all of those HRs and RBI. With more production from 1st Base and DH, it can certainly balance out the offense. It also shows the importance of re-signing Jorge Posada. Ultimately this team will still only get its far as its pitching, and that's where the Yankees need to focus more of their money and attention.

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Got to Go to Mo

The Daily News is reporting that Mariano Rivera and his agent, Fernando Cuza, are meeting with the Yankees in Tampa today to work out a new deal for the closer.

When asked if he was meeting with the Yankees, Rivera said, "Yeah. We have to see something." Rivera declined further comment, telling reporters he would elaborate on his way out of the ballpark.

Mo officially filed for free agency yesterday, the first day he was eligible to.

Source

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Mo Backs off Remarks

Mariano Rivera was clearly upset at the conclusion of the ALDS when queried about the possible end of Joe Torre's managerial tenure. He remained that way when it was announced last week that Torre would definitely not be back. But yesterday he backed off his original words.

"I know the Yankees are going to do whatever they think is best for the team. I always respect them for that," Rivera told Sirrius Satellite Radio when asked if he needs to know who the new manager will be before he starts to negotiate a new contract. "The Yankees always have given the opportunity to give us the best everything: the best players, the best coaching staff. They always tried to do that. I don't think it (Torre leaving) has (anything to do) with me, in terms of signing with the Yankees."

Source

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Early Bird Catches the Posada

Jon Heyman reports that the Yankees are moving quickly in effort to sign Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada to new deals. Word is that talks with Posada has progressed much more than those with the Yankees Hall of Fame closer.

Those in the know see both players being offered 3 year, $40 million deals. While that may seem high, considering their ages, it is not really when you consider what else is on the market and competitive deals. Ivan Rodriguez recently had a $13 million option picked up by the Detroit Tigers. And replacing a closer is never an easy task.

Source

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Where Do We Go From Here?

Besides the almost certain turnover in manager and coaches, there a bunch of player personnel decisions to be made over the winter. We'll take a look at who should stay, who should (must) go, and what options might be out there.

First and foremost, pitching must be addressed. The Yankees MUST convince Andy Pettitte to return for 1 more season. They need his veteran presence to build off of.

Time for Roger Clemens and all his millions to hang it up.

Don't be surprised if the Yankees turn to Joba Chamberlain if Mariano Rivera walks. Brian Cashman can talk all he wants about Joba starting in '08, but without a viable successor, the Yankees could very well go the same route the Red Sox did with Jon Papelbon.

Re-tool the pen. Find a viable lefty through free agency or a trade. It's possible that no one in the current bullpen will be here next year. The Yankees MUST sign Mariano to a new deal. Russ Ohlendorf and Jose Veras will get shots as set up and middle men. Now that Torre blew out Luis Vizcaino, they'll let him walk. No more Sean Henn or Jeff Karstens or Brian Bruney or Ron Villone or Matt DeSalvo.

Chien-Ming Wang had a horrendous series, but he pitched well in the 2005 and 2006 post-season. He never seemed to be the same this season after the pounding he took in Toronto in mid-August. But the man won 38 games the last 2 years and he'll be fine.

Mike Mussina bounced back in September and pitched fairly well last night. If Pettitte returns, I would try to move Mussina in the off-season, rather than make him the #5 guy. Even if Pettitte goes, I would still try to move him. Moose's arm just isn't up to the grind any more.

Ian Kennedy should get a real shot to be a regular in the rotation, joining Phil Hughes, Wang, Pettitte, and, if he's not in the pen, Joba.

The Yankees need to bring both of their catchers back. Jose Molina is the kind of back up the Yankees have been looking for. Solid defensively, and a little pop with his bat. And of course there's Jorgie. You don't find catchers at Posada's age doing what he does. Replacing his offense behind the plate would be nearly impossible. If he does walk, it wouldn't be surprising if the Yankees went after soon to be free agent (ugh) Ivan Rodriguez.

At 1st base I envision a platoon between Wilson Betemit and Andy Phillips. Doug Mientkiewicz's play over the final month is not likely to convince the brass to bring him back. Shelley Duncan is not going to be a 30 HR, 90 RBI guy. We all love him, and he'll be a nice player off the bench, but he's not a regular.

Robinson Cano at 2nd Base. A nice thought to keep you warm over the winter. Now he needs to learn how to have a fully consistant year and continue to improve his fundamentals.

The Captain. A very bad post-season for a guy who has shone many times in October (and November). The Yankees need to start grooming a successor for the day when Jeter moves to 1st Base or the outfield. His range isn't going to get better. But he'll still be in the pinstripes when he gets that 3,000 hit.

Wilson Betemit. Remember that name if you want Alex Rodriguez to walk. Because that's the option right now and its not a pretty one. The Yankees will most certainly make an eye popping offer to A-Rod before he has the chance to opt out. Unless he truly wants to stay here, he'll say no thanks and he Scott Boras will try to rob Ft. Knox a second time. The Yankees need to offer an extension somewhere in the neighborhood of 5-7 years, and $30 million per year. Remember, they have a new stadium to fill in 2009.

Jason Giambi, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui. Someone has to go. Giambi makes $21 million next year, the final year of his contract. Damon still has 2 years at 13 per on his deal, and Matsui is locked up thru 2009 as well. The most logical move would be to make Damon the every day left fielder and Matsui the standard at DH. Eat half of Giambi's salary and deal him. Somewhere. Anywhere. Giambi is still an on-base machine when healthy and going good, but those times are less and less.

Pick up the one year option on Bobby Abreu. It's a $16 million deal. Learn from the Jon Lieber mistake. And do NOT sign Abreu to a new deal. Let him earn it.

Let Melky Cabrera continue to learn and grow in center field. Throwing money at Torii Hunter or Andruw Jones is not only fiscally irresponsible, but amazingly stupid in a baseball sense.

There will most certainly be overtures for Johann Santana this off-season. But why throw away young talent for a guy that has free agency coming up soon. Of course, that decision may be out of Brian Cashman's hands.

Well there you have it. A quick look at the present and future. We'll go more in depth as the days turn to hockey and basketball. Sigh.

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A-Rod Wants to Stay

At least that's what his words were last night, via Peter Abraham:

Then there was this quote from Alex Rodriguez:

“This feels like home. It’s hard to believe that I played for another two organizations. So much has happened to me here, adversity, some success, that I feel like anything but New York feels weird for me now.”

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