For The Emotional Yankee Fan

by ReggieARodJeter on Dec 15, 2009 12:00 PM EST

Like myself.......at times. Losing Hideki Matsui to the California (yes California) Angels sucks on so many levels. This would be my second favorite lefthanded slugger to be shipped off to this team. (Check Username for reference). The warrior Mats was, the consistency before injury, and the class act he was throughout his time in pinstripes. And oh yea, the last time we watched a Yankee game,he wasn't bad either.

John Lackey to the Red Sox: Would've been good to get him, but we didn't........Move on. It makes the Red Sox better yes, but doesn't gurantee anything.

Roy Halladay to Philly: The only thing wrong with this to "the emotional fan" is that we didn't get him. Once again not assuring anything, but at least he didn't go to Boston.

Were you guys like me last night? When you heard there was a three team deal with the Phillies, Mariners and...............(blank) Were you hoping by God's graces Cliff "call me Bruce" Lee came to the Yankees? Ok far fetched. But this is for the emotional fan.

How about this? Last week most of us praised the genius of Brian Cashman after the Granderson move. Now we bash him today for letting the Angels bag Godzilla for 6.5 milli. I'm not thrilled about it either, but maybe we should trust the guy.

We'll be fine sportsfans. I do think that everything that happened yesterday just happened fast, and seemingly all at once, all having drastic effect on the Yankees in some shape or form. But keep in mind, WE ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT. Everybody is gunning for US. I doubt that the powers that be will field a team not ready to defend the title. Pitchers and catchers don't report for what? Another 60, 70 days? Lets just fall back and watch what happens.

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Not signing Godzilla for 6.5 million is a mistake

A BIG mistake on many levels. It shuts out the Japanese fanbase. It takes a superior hitter who bats on the left side with the short porch in right, who hits for average, power and is not effected by hitting against lefties. There was no reason under the sun for not giving Matsui 6.5 million, hell he probably would have stayed with the Yankees for 6 million.

So now we HAVE to get Damon for 2+ years at his ridiculous price? At his age is it even possible his defense can get WORSE? I love JohnnyD but he won his ring in the Bronx and I would have been happy watching him get overpaid somewhere else in the twilight of his career. You sign Matsui as a stop gap. For that kind of short term money you keep your purse full for Mauer one day and when that day comes you then have the ability to put Jorge as the full time DH.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 12:37 PM EST reply actions

Agree with you on that one. Thanks for the Godzilla love!

Anybody in the mood for a repeat?

by ReggieARodJeter on Dec 15, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

The question is

Do we make a swap and sign Vlad for DH? May have had an off year with the injuries but he still has one hell of a pedigree.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 12:40 PM EST reply actions

if the Yanks wanted a guy who...

…was full time DH, and a liability on the OF- they would have re-signed Matsui. They want to leave the DH open for rotating guys out of the lineup to give them partial days off. That’s why bringing Damon back makes sense- he can still play LF.

Bringing in Vlad makes no sense to me.

by NumberSeven on Dec 15, 2009 1:21 PM EST up reply actions

i should note...

that I am a big Matsui fan— but this is purely a flexibility decsion, not an emotional one.

by NumberSeven on Dec 15, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions

The Yankees can afford 6.5 million for Matsui to lounge in the clubhouse

His bat is worth so much more than that piddly amount of cash. Once again, how much did Pavano cost per start?

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Agree

I don’t think there is anyone here that can reasonably hate on Matsui and doesn’t appreciate his contributions. However, I’m siding with Cashman’s goal of wanting a younger ballclub and Damon doesn’t fit that bill. For a one-yr deal, I wouldn’t mind having Damon back.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 15, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

Damon won't sign a one year deal

So now we either pay for Damons horrible defense for the next 2+ years at a bloated cost or we lose him as well as Matsui and lose about 50hrs. Or about 30 adjusted for adding Grandy.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly

But it’s yet to be determined who the 3/4-time DH will be whether it be via FA or another Nick Swisher-type sleeper trade. That’s why it’s time to move pass Damon unless he’s willing to drop his asking price.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 15, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

I would use the word "play" outfield loosely

He is a C- fielder with a D- arm and it is only gonna get worse.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions

ha..

touche…

by NumberSeven on Dec 15, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

According to the right side of this page

The Yanks are looking at Jason Bay. To me, that is a LF upgrade, but at what cost?
I would say no to Vlad, I think he’s about done. And I think thats one too many free swingers in the lineup. (Jeter,Granderson,Swisher then Vlad?) Heck naw. Why can’t Abreu be availiable to DH?

Anybody in the mood for a repeat?

by ReggieARodJeter on Dec 15, 2009 12:47 PM EST reply actions

Bay is an upgrade over Damon, but I’d rather have Holliday. He’s an upgrade over Bay, and would only cost maybe 2M more per year.

by Wraithpk on Dec 15, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

that's

what I’m saying, if you’re thinking about Bay you have to get Holliday. Although I’m not liking his Oakland stats, I’m still banking on that being too small a sample size.

Oh, and he’s an above average fielder who’s younger than Bay (I think). Just because he made a mistake in an important game doesn’t mean he’s bad (see Mo, 2001)

by moose35 on Dec 15, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

Both Bay and Holliday are 1 dimensional players

I would rather have paid OUR 1 dimensional player the 6 million he wanted.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

that's not true...

Holliday is actually rated as an above average fielder. He also hits for better average than Bay. I think he would be worth the investment.

by Wraithpk on Dec 15, 2009 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

Whats his price tag right now looking like?

I am too lazy to search the interweb.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions

Apparently the Cards offered 8/126

and if they really are that stupid, that pretty much excludes the Yankees in my mind.

This sticker is dangerous and inconvenient, but I do love Fig Newtons.

by Lord Duggan on Dec 15, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions

That's a lot of hooch

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

not really...

that’s only 15.75M a year. This is for a guy who over the past 4 years has been worth more than Teixeira, who is making 22M a year. I say offer him 6/110 with a club option for a 7th year.

by Wraithpk on Dec 15, 2009 5:25 PM EST up reply actions

126 million is a lot of money no matter how you divy it up.

Not saying he isn’t worth it.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 5:30 PM EST up reply actions

I dunno why people keep thinking Matt Holliday is not a good fielder.

…he is a good fielder.

Him, Grandy and Swisher in the OF?

That’s a great defensive OF. Quite a good hitting one too.

"It ain't over till its over"---

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 4:05 PM EST up reply actions

They might be thinking

About the dropped fly ball in the playoffs against the Dodgers.

by micka on Dec 15, 2009 10:57 PM EST up reply actions

STL offered Holliday 8yrs/$120 million

Cmon Brian, you can top that—LOL

Anybody in the mood for a repeat?

by ReggieARodJeter on Dec 15, 2009 12:53 PM EST reply actions

Why not save the money for Mauer?

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions

Because he's not leaving Minnesota

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah right

The Sox and Yankees will double any number the Twins will throw at Mauer and it is already been discussed that he cannot make the endorsement money which could double that already incredible salary as a Twinkie. No way he stays in Minnesota, no way Minnesota makes an offer to him anywhere near the ballpark the Angels, Yankees, Sox, Mets etc etc will offer him.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

I promise you...

…the Twins will not let Joe Mauer leave. He’s a Minnesota kid, and if they don’t keep him there, they won’t find 10,000 people willing to sit outside in their new ballpark.

He’ll be a Twin.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 3:05 PM EST up reply actions

+1

by NumberSeven on Dec 15, 2009 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

I woulda thought the same...

but Granderson was a Michigan kid, and the face of their franchise.

by Wraithpk on Dec 15, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

I could be bad at geography...

…but I don’t think Illinois is in Michigan.

Granderson was born and raised in Illinois, went to college in Chicago. It’s entirely possible that the first time he even set foot in Michigan was when he was called up to the Tigers in 2005.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 3:49 PM EST up reply actions

There is no way on God's green earth

Pohlad is going to pay the 10 year 250+ million contract that Mauer is gonna get. On top of that if Mauer moves to either coast his endorsements will put him in the gazillionaire range. MAUER WILL NOT STAY IN MINNESOTA. Not gonna happen. If the Twins resign him I will buy you a bottle of $200 scotch. They won’t.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions

I'll take the cash.

And I will remember to collect.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 4:06 PM EST up reply actions

I will make a bet

But $200 comes my way if he signs with anyone else

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

That's not what you said.

You said you’d give me a $200 bottle of scotch if Mauer signs with the Twins.

I agreed to your terms. I’m quite literal.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 4:42 PM EST up reply actions

Fine

That is how confident the Twinkies will not resign Mauer.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

I accept your terms.

If the Twins re-sign Mauer, I get a $200 bottle of scotch.

If they don’t, you get nothing.

Seems fair.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

I’d have my snifter glass ready.

by Scooby Snacks on Dec 15, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

$200 scotch is overrated.

The $30 one is basically no different (if you know the right one that is…)

"It ain't over till its over"---

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions

You have no idea what you're talking about but by all means

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:34 PM EST up reply actions

You ever had $200 scotch?

You ever had $30 scotch?

You ever poured them in 2 glasses…and had someone switch them when you weren’t looking?

For some reason….I did…plenty of times.

I even had some fool try this with a $400 bottle of Johnny Walker.

….a $35 bottle of Glenlivet…..damn good.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 11:15 PM EST up reply actions

I’m with you. The difference between a $20 bottle of wine and $200 bottle of wine is just $180.

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

by jscape2000 on Dec 15, 2009 4:48 PM EST up reply actions

Considering I live 20 mins from Napa

If you know nothing about wine then you are correct. If you have any sort of palette than you are way off base. The difference between a GOOD bottle of $20 wine and a GOOD bottle of $200 wine is substantial.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions

woah woah woah

this is a baseball forum. And you’re actually wrong about this one, FB, try comparing Johnnie Walker red label with some Johnnie Walker blue label. There’s worlds of difference.

by Wraithpk on Dec 15, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

Or do yourself a favor

and don’t drink ANY Johnnie Walker.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

well...

between Johnny Walker’s….well, yea.

You get a good bottle of “cheap” scotch…really, while yea, I was a bit sarcastic with the ‘cheap’ thing….really, it doesn’t make sense to me to go and spend $400 on a bottle of scotch, cuz its not all that much ‘better’.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 11:22 PM EST up reply actions

tho...

since you are saying “good”…then yea, got ya..and I agree.

I guess the point is…don’t waste your money.

You’ll feel better in the end with a $20 bottle of wine/scotch if its very good.

Also…you can buy 10 bottles of it and drink till you drop.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 11:24 PM EST up reply actions

I'm taking the Branch Rickey view

better to lose a guy a year too early than a year too late.

Do I appreciate all that he brought over the years? Heck yeah. But all things come to an end. Be objective. He’s strictly a DH, and one with knee issues. He’s older also.

We resign Damon (for 2 years), and we have him for the DH most of the time, and he can run, and Granderson takes his place in the OF. That’s an upgrade.

by mrljdavid on Dec 15, 2009 2:04 PM EST reply actions

why not take the 'Branch"

view on Damon too?

I’d like to get Johnny back..I wanted Mats back too. But what’s to say Damon wasn’t playing for a contract? He was healthy for a full season for the first time in forever….

"It ain't over till its over"---

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

We could look at it that way

but Damon had a terrific year in 2008 as well, leading the team in average, and SB. He had a few less HR and RBI, but he wasn’t playing in the new place. And in 2006, another terrific year. Damon’s only bad year in NY was 2007, and that was the year he was distracted by contemplating retirement for half the season.I don’t think he was just playing for a contract. He’s a damn good player.

And I don’t know how you see that he was healthy for the first time in forever. 2006 he played the whole year. 2007 he played the whole year. 2008 was the first season he had gone on the DL. He’s been healthy. Thats not his problem.

by nyyrocks29 on Dec 15, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

You do realize Matsui is younger than Damon

There are guys in A ball with a better arm than Damon. He is a liability in the field. He is asking for 3 years at 13 million per. Matsui is a downright steal at 6.5 million. We KNOW he cannot play the OF, no one seems to have informed Damon that he is not much better in Left.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

He's gone, drop it.

by New York Sports Jerk on Dec 15, 2009 3:04 PM EST up reply actions

Idk maybe because...

Damon appears to be in better condition then Matsui? Yes he gets banged up from time to time, but maybe at this point he appears to be the more attractive player? Seeing Hideki in that Angels uniform is gonna be terrible!!!!

Anybody in the mood for a repeat?

by ReggieARodJeter on Dec 15, 2009 2:22 PM EST reply actions

Especially if we have to face him in the post season

I really hope this mistake doesn’t bite us in the end. We HAD to give up Abreu last season. We didn’t have to lose Godzilla.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 2:52 PM EST up reply actions

The Angels lost a lot this offseason.

Figgins, Lackey, Vlad (probably..)

They got back Matsui to replace Vlad….but who’s gonna be their ace?

What about their offensive catalyst?

The Mariners got stronger too didn’t they?

It may bite when they play each other…but unless the Angels have something up their sleeve..it seems to be a rebuilding/down year for them. Even if they win that division, its cuz Seattle has no offense/stinks it up.

Its gonna come down to the Yankees and the Red Sox again…and that will come down to who’s healthier.

"It ain't over till its over"---

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions

Thats why I have been saying

Even BEFORE they landed Lee, that the Mariners were the team to beat in AL West next season. Now they look like a lock.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions

Lock?

I dunno man…their lineup stinks. Russel Branyan was their best power hitter. He’s a FA, he might come back..but he might not.

Beltre’s gone for Figgins.

They are really light hitting. Like lighter than the Royals light.

The Angels still have Saudners, Weaver, Santana and Kazmir. That’s pretty deep. Their lineup is still a whole lot better than the Mariners too.

Those 2 SP will make the Mariners formidable in a playoff series…but I dunno if they get there…and I dunno if they can even score any runs no matter what Felix and Lee do.

….that is…Seattle can still make some moves. No one expected Lee…and for all we know, they can get Prince Fielder.

"It ain't over till its over"---

How come no one covers Steve Smith?

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions

My bold prediction

Seattle takes the West. You heard it hear.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 4:35 PM EST up reply actions

Don't forget

2009 sans Lee and Figgins the Mariners quietly won 85 games.

by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 15, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions

Yes...

and Beltre was a gold glover and Branyan was their only power source.

Bold prediction yes..

I dunno how they beat the Rangers tho, especially if Harden pans out.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 15, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions

off topic but

I thought Ryan Braun was supposed to be in this FA class.Was I miss informed or miss the Brewers renegotiating his contract somewhere in there.I could have swore I heard he was a FAgent this yr.Been wondering for awhile,please help

by cashman bashman on Dec 15, 2009 5:31 PM EST reply actions