Matsui Rehab Decision Signal to Grab a Bat

by Ronster22 on Jul 24, 2008 12:24 PM EDT Comment 16 comments

The Daily News is reporting that Hideki Matsui has opted to rehab his chronically ailing knee rather than have season-ending surgery. Read more

The report says he's had the knee drained 4 times since the start of the season. I've talked with an orthopedic surgeon buddy of mine who believes because the decision to rehab the knee will not be successful. He pointed to the constant draining of fluid as a red-flag.

I'm not a surgeon, but this tells me the Yankees MUST make a move to land a comparable bat as Matsui's. The name Barry Bonds is out there, and would come on the cheap. His age/knees/attitude are all suspect, so perhaps Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez might be better choices?

I've heard all kinds of talk about adding an innings eater to the rotation, bolstering the bullpen, or grabbing a catcher, but if we are really serious about making a run we need to move to grab a quality bat first and foremost. Is it time to package Tabata?

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When

Damon returns to LF, the Yankees will have enough hitters in their everyday lineup.

At least of one of Ponson and Rasner need to be replaced asap. Wang is about 6 weeks away best guess, and who knows about Hughes. Aceves might be something, but otherwise they’ll need to make a move IMO.

"Well, that kind of puts a damper on even a Yankees win."
-- Phil Rizzuto after hearing about the Pope's death

by matthaggs on Jul 24, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

On the other hand

With the attitude, discipline problems re Tabata I’m ready to package him.

He’s having trouble dealing with the high expectations. Adeal might lower the presure on him, Anyway I don’t think he’s going to make the Yankees.

Like Dioner Navarro, I’ll hate to see him in an All-Atar game in another uniform, but I’m willing to take that chance now.

I do like the Seatle deal being discussed now.

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Jul 24, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, thank you Barry.

Barry stay home…

Ponson and Rasner are the clear and glaring weakness in the current rotation—they’re holding up, but at what point do they implode?

CMW’s return is doubtful in my mind and should not be counted on. Same with Hughes.

Which means, we need pitching. Miles and miles of pitching.

The two names I’ve heard (as cbeck notes) Washburn in Seattle, but also Freddy G (coming off surgery). I wonder whether they would be upgrades over Ras-pons, but they only cost money and limited damage to the prospect base. (anyone who will take Kei Igawa becomes my here)

Any quality bat is going to cost more in terms of prospects (from what I can see anyway); though I don’t mind parting with Tabata as his stock has fallen hard this year. He’s beginning to look like a head case…and we don’t need one of those. Otherwise, the Yankee’s position is really no different than it was in November—teams can demand the world from the prospect base and effectively shut the team out of the deadline deal market.

by detroit yankee on Jul 24, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What's this crush on Washburn?

Okay, the lovefest with Washburn needs a reality check. First, he’s a left coast pitcher where baseball isn’t life like on the East Coast. The gorge between the coasts is littered with pitchers who flopped trying to transition from West to East—Randy Johnson ring a bell? Ed Whitson? You get the picture.

Second, Washburn has a no trade clause and has already expressed concern about playing in NY.

Third, look at the numbers. Many are ready to throw the town drunk under the bus, and point to his inflated 1.72 WHIP. High? Yes. But the more important number is wins, and he’s 2-0 with a 4.37.

Rasner is 5-7, 4.83 and sporting a 1.50 WHIP. Why would anyone want to jettison either of these guys for a less than average 4-9 starter with a 4.75 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. It doesn’t make sense. Both Rasner and Ponson have proven they can pitch and win in NY. That shouldn’t be discounted.

If we are looking to raid Seattle, then go after Hernandez and part with Hughes, Tabata or Kennedy.

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

by Ronster22 on Jul 24, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A good idea

Probobly not Cashman’s style.

Part of the crush on Eash is that it is Cash’s style and while I don’t love it, it’s better than not doing anything (I think, hope)

A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

by Cbeck3 on Jul 24, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see ...

no advantage whatsoever adding him to the mix. In his present state, he’s not an upgrade. At best, he’s a lateral pickup—only further mudding the waters. I say go after a big fish or hold out for Hughes and pray that he gets it this time.

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

by Ronster22 on Jul 24, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the cush on Fat Sid?

If we keep Ponson, we will not make the postseason. I don’t care about his ERA and won/loss record. Over 23 innings, a pitcher’s wins, losses, and ERA are completely meaningless. Look at his stats for the last 5 years and tell me what kind of pitcher he really is.

Here are Ponson’s real important numbers: 1.72 WHIP 4.4 K/9 innings 1 K/BB ratio

Here are Washborns: 1.48 WHIP 5.3 K/9 innings 2 K/BB ratio

Washborn puts fewer men on base, has a better ability to make batters swing and miss, and strikes out more batters than he walks. ERA is meaningless in the equation: it’s simply luck (good or bad) that Ponson’s ERA is better in spite of his significantly worse peripherals. Ponson will regress. Look at his stats over the last 4 years – he is a 6.00 ERA pitcher. 23 innings this year doesn’t change that. Washborn is a 4.50 ERA pitcher – by comparison, a significant upgrade.

I can live with Rasner, but Ponson is a ticking time bomb. I cringe at the thought of seeing him pitching in meanginful games.

by 3460kuri on Jul 24, 2008 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

NO BARRY BONDS

Can you imagine what a distraction that would be in New York City? Joba Chamberlain pumping his fist after a strikeout warrants 70 hours of talk radio. A steroid addled alleged felon and convicted egomaniac who cheated his way to the home run title and could end up behind bars? Maybe not.

Munson15

by Munson15 on Jul 24, 2008 2:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm on record ...

For hating this idea-despite it making some good sense. Like you I thought Bonds in NYC would be a huge distraction, and I said as much. But then it hit me-not like a punch in the face, but more like a bitch-slap across the face delivered by my wife. Everyone on the Yankees is already a rockstar. Distraction is part of the job description. It’s why so many fail in pinstripes because they can’t handle the distractions. Adding Bonds would be a distraction to any other team except the Yankees and the Mets.

Do I love the idea? No. In fact, I hate Bonds and his disrespect for the game I love. But for what we need right now, today, he’s certainly a viable option, and I don’t believe my earlier argument that he would be a disctraction holds water. Still, I would prefer Bay.

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

by Ronster22 on Jul 24, 2008 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have said many times

I would be on board for Bay. And he he’s wrapped through ‘09 at something very low like $7.5M. Keep Damon at DH for the bulk of the rest the year and plug Bay in LF. Is it going to happen? Who knows.

As far a a pitcher, I would rather take a chance on Freddy Garcia, who would only cost money- and then if any of the injured (wang, hughes) or banished (ipk) guys show back up, it’s gravy. All I say is, if they go after Washburn- it better be one of those “bucket of balls” deals. i don’t think he’s head and shoulders above ponson or rasner at this poitn.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants

by NumberSeven on Jul 24, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh and...

no barry for me either. just not worth the baggage IMO.

The Jayfiss Report ...one fan's rants

by NumberSeven on Jul 24, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There’s no reason to sign Bonds. I still hate him and don’t want him in the Bronx. If the Yank’s surge continues, he would seem like a savior and I want him to have nothing and be nothing. If it doesn’t, he looks like another giant big-name mistake. The downside is too glaring, the upside practically nil.

We need another pitcher and a catcher. Unless Bonds can do one of those, he’s useless.

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

by bxgrl1 on Jul 24, 2008 4:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

looks like Bonds is at least being considered

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3503613

I think upgrading the offense is our top priority. I think we can skate by with Rasner and Ponson for the time being, and I don’t see any upgrades at catcher out there. I also don’t think the Yankees want to overpay for Nady. Bonds is looking more and more like an option.

by long time listener on Jul 24, 2008 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs