Yankees Afternoon Links: Cashman's New Contract and John Lackey

by Travis G on Oct 25, 2011 9:42 PM EDT in New York Yankees News

An unnamed Yankees official said Brian Cashman would have a new contract by Halloween. Good news.

Boston's John Lackey will undergo Tommy John Surgery and likely miss all of 2012. This is actually bad news for the Yanks; Boston loses a terrible pitcher and is probably more motivated to sign Yu Darvish.
The front office reportedly likes Darvish "considerably more" than free-agent to-be C.J. Wilson.
They also would move Francisco Cervelli in the "right deal."
Update: Dave Eiland will join the Royals as their new pitching coach.
Feel free to use this as your open thread for the night.

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As highlighted by Frankie in the last post,

After arbitration Boston will have a payroll around 150 million. That’s withouit Ortiz, Papelbon, Scutaro’s buyout instead of exercising his option, Wheeler, Wakefield, or Varitek. If they upgrade their rotation with a Wilson or Darvish they might have to let Papelbon and Ortiz walk.

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

I bet they resign Bedard or make a trade for Harden or someone like that. Maybe try a reclamation project, though i don’t know who that could be.

by jetanumba2 on Oct 25, 2011 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Options to replace Lackey

I can’t see the Sox in on Darvish after the fiasco with Dice K. If they were to sign Darvish and he crashed the Red Sox fans would probably tar and feather the ownership and NEW GM.
Also, don’t forget they still have to pay Dice K his $10M salary and Lackey his $15M plus. Replacing those 2 and adding salaries for the pitchers that replace them. Plus fixing the bullpen and all their “other” issues. I can see the Sox payroll approaching $175M plus without a "Wilson or Darvish type signing.
They have to resign Papelbon they have no other “in house” alternative. As for Ortiz even though his is a DH it’s almost impossible to replace a 30 HR / 100 RBI guy in the line up. Also, Youkilis health has to be a concern and can he cover 3rd base for the entire season.

Just one final comment. I bet they are awfully sorry they let Beltre walk.

by NY Baseball Fan on Oct 25, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I can confirm this thought.

I would fly to Boston and run Ben out of town if he even thought about signing Darvish. As for letting Beltre walk, damned it we do, damned if we don’t. It’s not like he’d put us in some great financial situation down the road.

I think we’ll see Ortiz back, Bard sliding into Paps spot with the rest of our bullpen hopes being put on Jenks, Wheeler and Aceves. Then a slight payroll increase to pay for Bedard and hope we can get something out of a couple of low cost project pitchers.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Oct 25, 2011 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

do you bring back wakefield?

Hideki Matsui: "Kick ass. Pop champagne. And get some ho's."

by Meatface on Oct 25, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

If I were GM, I wouldn't want to.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Wake and everything he’s done for the Sox over the years, but, I think being worse next year than Lackey was this year, isn’t out of the realm of possibility with him.

But if the payroll becomes a problem, we’ll see him and a couple people like him back.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Oct 25, 2011 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Papelbon's replacement

Rogue – I’m sure you are 100% correct about Bard replacing Papelbon in the “future” but it’s not going to happen in 2012 and probably not 2013. I can see the Sox out of necessity signing Papelbon to a 2 year deal for $25 to $30M total (closer to the $25). Just my opinion.

by NY Baseball Fan on Oct 25, 2011 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

September didn't infuse a lot of confidence in Bard certainly

But if I have to contemplate two years without Ortiz, or two years without Papelbon, I fear more for the team without Ortiz in the lineup. You can always find another guy to pitch the 9th, I think closing is potentially the most overblown and monetarily inefficient position in the game. It’s nice to have a good one, but I don’t want to pay a guy that much to do it. Finding someone to slug behind Gonzo in the lineup is more important to me.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Oct 25, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

A closer or slugger

Rogue, I’m not sure I buy into the concept that the closer position is “overblown”. Just for example I don’t think it’s a coincidence that for the past 2 years 3 of the 4 AL teams that made the post season have had a closer in the top 5 in saves in the league. I think a good one no make that a very good one can make all the difference. But that’s just my opinion. I do agree with you about the importance of someone to “protect” the key batter in the line up. As to what someone is worth, Since I’m not paying it out. I want the best for the team I root for, the money be dammed.

by NY Baseball Fan on Oct 25, 2011 7:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope.

The closers are only in the position to make a save because the team gives them a lead. The save stat is meaningless.

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

But Valverde was PERFECT this season, PERFECT

by jetanumba2 on Oct 25, 2011 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Saves

To NOPE – Considering Papelbon blew 2 saves the last week or so of September, games that the Sox ultimately lost. Games that had Papelbon saved the Sox would have won and gone on to the post season. I think they might disagree is your conclusion.

by NY Baseball Fan on Oct 25, 2011 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions

A closer gives up a solo HR in a one run game and gets charged with a blown save. At the same time, they can walk six straight people on 24 straight balls in a three run game and still be eligible for a save.

The stat itself is relatively meaningless.

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Jedi Master A-Rod is a poster on Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached by clicking the "Reply" button below his comments.

by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 25, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

*Five consecutive batters.

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Jedi Master A-Rod is a poster on Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached by clicking the "Reply" button below his comments.

by Jedi Master A-Rod on Oct 25, 2011 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Saves

I guess everyone’s entitled to their opinion. I’m sure you are familiar with the saying “for every action their is an equal and opposite reaction”.

That applies to your examples: If the closer doesn’t give up the solo HR he doesn’t get charged with a blown save and the team wins the game" and so on. Hence the importance of the closer. Just as I mentioned in a previous comment if Papelbon hadn’t blown those 2 saves the end of Sept.

There is also another a proverb: For Want of a Nail

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
-—————————————————————
I’ll change it a bit to fit the Papelbon example previously mentioned:

For want of a 3rd strike the save was blown
For want of the save the game was lost
For want of the game the ALDS was missed
For want of the ALDS the ALCS was missed
For want of the ALCS the World Series was missed
And all for the want of a 3rd strike save.

Forgive the corny sayings but I’m just trying to get my point across. Like I said everyone’s entitled to their own opinion.

by NY Baseball Fan on Oct 25, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

wut

"in order that you will write correctly of wat you really see if you dint go around with your eyes shut"
Cricket blog?

by MattF15 on Oct 25, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

What?

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Good hitter hitting every day >>>>>>> Great closer who only gets used in close wins

by waw on Oct 25, 2011 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly, tops

Romine!

by david d on Oct 26, 2011 2:24 AM EDT up reply actions

I mean, there is no objective reason that any other pitcher you trust in high leverage situations can’t pitch the 9th inning. The only reasons are completely subjective ‘he can’t handle it’ ‘he needs the closer mentality’ and I’m not sure those things truly exist. If you put any half way decent reliever in at the 9th inning on a good team they’ll rack up a ton of saves. Good teams present the most save opportunities, that’s why their closers are that the top of the board, it’s a stat of opportunity to me, not so much of skill.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Oct 25, 2011 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Wouldn't it make sense to have Aceves start?

And you do think you guys will bring back Wheeler?

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think he’s that good as a starter. He can get away with a lot more as a reliever, eventually seeing guys through the lineup more than once he starts to have problems. His peripherals didn’t inspire a lot of confidence. But as with Wake, if we can’t afford someone else, we may have to. I think he’s most valuable in the do-it-all role he had this season, long relief, set up, spot starts, whatever he was needed for.

With Wheeler, I think we should bring him back, he had rough patches in the start and finish, but for most of the season when he was used correctly, he was very successful.

"We are not normal, We are Legends. People will tell their kids about us." - Deon Butler before Ohio State Game 2008.

by Rogue Nine on Oct 25, 2011 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

I don’t think Aceves is a good rotation option. He can go 2-3 innings but thats really as far as he can go. Should the Sox have put him in the rotation in September? maybe, considering their other choices, but he’s not a long term solution.

by jetanumba2 on Oct 25, 2011 8:33 PM EDT up reply actions

The sox should save their money for the rotation, RF, 3B,

and let Youk become the permanent DH. They could also try out Joe Nathan in their maligned BP. Cutting Jenks might also be an addition by subtraction move.

Thank you for everything Jorgie!

by Livestrong77nyy on Oct 25, 2011 9:14 PM EDT up reply actions

They are paying Jenks 6 mil.

Cutting him and paying him to pitch for somebody else would be foolish.

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

What I really wonder is...

Will Lackey’s TJ Surgery make them consider selling Ells high?

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Oct 25, 2011 7:05 PM EDT reply actions

your namesake moment was just on TBS

by long time listener on Oct 25, 2011 7:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Niiiiiiiice!

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Oct 25, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

every time I see a chubby guy and skinny redhead having sex

I think of you.

by long time listener on Oct 25, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

and this happens HOW often?

by sing_or_die_1818 on Oct 25, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm touched

"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"

by I'mGivingYouARaise on Oct 25, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

by a skinny redhead?

don’t mind me, i’m just jealous… :-)

by sing_or_die_1818 on Oct 26, 2011 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I think they have to listen to offers for Ellsbury anyway

by Scooby Snacks on Oct 25, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions

is their 3rd base prospect ready? Can Lowrie/Scutaro play 3rd?

if so I could see them trading Youkilis for a Gavin Floyd type pitcher. Unless they’re content on Beckett, Lester, Buccholz, Wakefield, maybe Bedard? I would think they NEED to find someone considering they have no depth whatsoever (Andrew Miller is not depth)

by jetanumba2 on Oct 25, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Middlebrooks just got to AAA in September or late August.

I think they let Scutaro walk because they have Youkilis at third and Iglesias/Lowrie at shortstop.

Approximately eight warnings, a couple dozen censorships, and one ban in the last month and counting.

by Briceratops on Oct 25, 2011 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Iggy needs a lot more seasoning

Thank you for everything Jorgie!

by Livestrong77nyy on Oct 25, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

In other news

Darryl Strawberry is still crazy.

Thank you for everything Jorgie!

by Livestrong77nyy on Oct 25, 2011 9:14 PM EDT reply actions

Why do you say?

Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

Writer/Editor for Pinstripe Alley, Blueshirt Banter

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."

"Every day is a great day for hockey."

by Brandon C. on Oct 25, 2011 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe he said that the 86' Mets would beat the 98' Yankees

it may just be just an opinion of his but I still say he is crazy.

Thank you for everything Jorgie!

by Livestrong77nyy on Oct 25, 2011 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions

dang

i started out reading and thought the story was about an “unarmed” Yankees official: better get myself a cuppa…

by sing_or_die_1818 on Oct 25, 2011 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

i personally think Romine is more likely to be moved than cervi

Hideki Matsui: "Kick ass. Pop champagne. And get some ho's."

by Meatface on Oct 25, 2011 11:28 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t necessarily believe Cervelli can be moved.

Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

Writer/Editor for Pinstripe Alley, Blueshirt Banter

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."

"Every day is a great day for hockey."

by Brandon C. on Oct 26, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions

When I think of all of the abuse the Nation heaped upon John Lackey this season, only to find he was secretly pitching hurt, I am filled with loathing for the Sox front office.

Lackey was pitching only because they had nobody else. His 7- ish ERA was due primarily to a destroyed elbow. He should have been shut down when it was discovered- I would guess July or August, but perhaps even earlier. Presumably Lackey was told that continuing to pitch with his arm in that condition would not make his eventual surgery any more complex or risky, so he kept his mouth shut and pitched.

Meanwhile, the Sox front office does nothing to find a replacement- and how hard would it have been to find someone who could pitch to a sub- 6 ERA? – while the fans and the press lambaste Lackey every single day. Letting Lackey absorb that kind of abuse – think Mitre, Gaudin, and AJ Burnett wrapped into one abusable body] so that the front office doesn’t have appear as inept as they were is simply disgusting. I can’t imagine that I’m the only person who sees this. Am I?

by designatedquitter on Oct 26, 2011 9:41 AM EDT reply actions