Now for the rest of the team

by yankeechaser on Nov 14, 2007 9:36 PM EST

Now that I think we can say that a-rod and Mo will be back, I would like to think about rounding out the rest of the team.

This means bullpen, so I came up with a list of people I think should get the most consideration.
LaTroy Hawkins, Viz, Scott Linebrink,
Eddie Guardado (would be a risk but its his second year after tommy john, could be a steal)
I would also take a shot at Kerry Wood

Resign Molina as backup catcher and the team rounds out rather nicely. If Andy retires we will need a starter though, but i really don't like any of the free-agents

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Shoring up the bullpen

is the highest priority right now. Resigning Viz and chasing after Wood is a good start.

by docgonzo on Nov 14, 2007 9:44 PM EST reply actions

Moves

I agree with those two, but also think we should explore any trades involving Damon, Matsui, (and Giambi, although I don't think anyone would want him.) If we could get rid of any of these 3 players for anyone worthwhile, even a top-notch reliever, I think we should.

"It's great to be young and a Yankee"

by stillmonster on Nov 14, 2007 10:06 PM EST up reply actions

We can't trade any of them

because of their no-trade status. If they agreed to a trade (and I've heard Matsui would, if asked), then yeah, trading for bullpen help would be ideal. But it's not going to happen.

by docgonzo on Nov 15, 2007 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

matsui's knee surgery

now effectively ends trade talks involving him, IMO

Well, baseball was my whole life. Nothing's ever been as fun as baseball. -Mickey Mantle

by NumberSeven on Nov 15, 2007 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

This is true

We're stuck with all three until their contracts expire.

by docgonzo on Nov 15, 2007 12:41 PM EST up reply actions

Dump Damon or Matsui

if at all possible. Also, I would try and see if Andruw would accept a one-year deal to try and establish his market value, then package IPK and Melky for a pitcher.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Nov 14, 2007 10:22 PM EST reply actions

Apparently...

...the Brewers are going after Andruw for one year. I'm loathe to have him on our team, but if it's only for one year and it means we get Dan Haren or Erik Bedard starting, I'll take it without hesitation. But we'd have to confirm a trade with the A's or O's before picking up Andruw.

by SenorSwanky on Nov 15, 2007 12:54 AM EST up reply actions

Not Andruw

He's a Bor-ass client and spiraling downward. Getting him would be a huge (and I mean huge) mistake.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 15, 2007 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

I disagree

I don't think he is spiraling downward nearly as bad as advertised and, like I said, I think he would be a great signing on a one-year, re-establish your market value type of deal. I have no idea if he would take it, but there is huge upside there for the Yanks, especially with his defense in center being better than Melky.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Nov 15, 2007 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Yankees won't talk and he won't bite

As we have seen, the Yankees despise Boras, and aren't likely to do him or any of his clients a favor (save for Arod). There's also no way Boras sells his client for a year.

In looking at AJ's stats, we don't need a .250 hitter who strikes out 130 times and doesn't walk. He's supposedly 31 (soon to be 32) and in decline. I saw him play in Atlanta this year and he looked Elvis-esque.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 15, 2007 1:36 PM EST up reply actions

Our other FA's?

Regarding resigning our own Free Agents, what's the feeling about bringing back Minky (hell if I can spell it...)? Not sure what i think - good D, nice guy, but we seem to have a logjam there already.

My sense is Molina would be a good backup and should definitely be resigned, and we can let Nieves go (I'm sure somebody needs a young catcher who hits less than your average pitcher...). Viz should be resigned, despite blowing the "bug game" in Cleveland.
Colter Bean...I have a soft spot for him after reading a story about his long road to this point, but uh, pass.
Villone? I'm pretty sure we can upgrade there as well. We really need bullpen pitching and another starter wouldn't suck, just for insurance purposes....

by mrljdavid on Nov 14, 2007 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Say

No to Minky, although his d will be missed we already have 3 people looking for time there. And andy's d is good enough

Joba's my homeboy

by yankeechaser on Nov 15, 2007 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

Shelley's defense

was a revelation for me. I expected Giambi with the glove, and while he's not graceful, he's not embarrassing himself either.
I'm content with a platoon of Duncan, Betemit, and Giambi (occasionally).

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Nov 15, 2007 12:15 AM EST up reply actions

For once our bench should be solid

Betemit, Duncan, Phillips, and Molina (hopefully). I want to see what Jose Tabata and Bronson Sardinha do in spring training.

by SenorSwanky on Nov 15, 2007 12:56 AM EST up reply actions

Easy now

Tabata's going to start the year in Trenton. Sardinha's stock has fallen considerably in the last year.
If the Yankees do manage to trade Melky or Damon, they'll either use Gardner as 4th outfielder or sign someone who can play center.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Nov 15, 2007 1:10 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah

Sardinha was amazing last spring but sucked in AAA and was simply a PR with the big club. But he's young; he's got time to improve. Obviously Tabata won't make the club in April, but later in the season if we need a backup outfielder?

by SenorSwanky on Nov 15, 2007 1:25 AM EST up reply actions

Jscape ...

Given that we hype our farm guys, what's the skinny on Tabata. What would be your ETA on his arrival--provided he doesn't get hurt?

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 15, 2007 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Me too

They can live with that trio for a year and then try to get Teixeira or someone else next winter.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Nov 15, 2007 5:56 AM EST up reply actions

Tex in the Mix

I like this idea--especially if we don't develop anyone from the farm. Tex is solid and would fit in nicely in NYC.

"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will

by Ronster22 on Nov 15, 2007 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

Can we take a flier

on Mike Sweeney with an incentive-laden deal? Just for a stop-gap? Duncan can hit for some power, but I'm not into the 150+ Ks over the year. Phillips is not very good. Giambi is fine against righties, when he's not DH'ing. I think Sweeney could thrive as a RH bat in our lineup. But, it would have to be incentive-laden on only for a year.

Phil Hughes will own you.

by marcbouch9 on Nov 16, 2007 12:18 AM EST up reply actions

where to put him?

he'd be another in a already crowded DH spot.

You don't realize how easy this game is until you get up in that broadcasting booth. -Mickey Mantle

by NumberSeven on Nov 16, 2007 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

If only we could trade Moose...

...for a decent middle reliever.

We should definitely see what Matsui would bring. While I like Matsui's offense better than Damon's for a whole season, especially if Matsui is a near-permanent DH, Damon is a better LF and baserunner and a younger man. He also would probably be less valuable as a trade piece than would Matsui. I also like what Damon did this postseason, and Matsui has been dormant then for the last few seasons. Along with Cano and Cabrera, Damon was about the only live bat.

by SenorSwanky on Nov 15, 2007 1:06 AM EST reply actions

maybe we should make Moose the middle reliever

he performed well in the playoffs in that role but he won't go there every day and will probably break down whereever he is. I hope he has a better season coming up.

I think the bullpen is the most glaring issue.

But if we trade Melky who plays CF?

"The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided." -Casey Stengel

by bxgrl1 on Nov 15, 2007 4:47 AM EST up reply actions

Igawa

should definately come out the pen if we cant trade him.. theres our left specialist

by Soriano NY 12 on Nov 15, 2007 8:09 AM EST reply actions

MLBTR

says were pursuing Lowell for 1st base..

i love that idea considering he wont be a sox anymore, but wed def have to dump matsui... i like damon in left because of his range, and leadoff capabilities..

by Soriano NY 12 on Nov 15, 2007 8:11 AM EST reply actions

NO to Lowell ...

jscape had a photo of Lowell's hits ... everything came off the well at Fenway. He won't do nearly as well in the Bronx for 81 games.

Matsui's not going anywhere, at least not in the offseason ... due to his surgery.

I think we live with Shelley and Phillips at first, with Giambi filling in occasionally. Tho I would like to see Minky back for his fielding ... that's not gonna happen.

"When I was a little boy, I wanted to be a baseball player and join the circus. With the Yankees, I've accomplished both." - Graig Nettles

by Ryan @ Pinstripe Alley on Nov 15, 2007 2:16 PM EST up reply actions