Yankees/MLB Hot Stove Report: HGH Testing in MLB? Calling All Catchers and Middle Infielders
by William Juliano on Nov 19, 2011 4:00 PM EST
in New York Yankees News
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Print- Not only has MLB become a model of labor peace in the sports world, but now it has the distinction of being the first major American sports league to implement blood testing for human growth hormone. According to the New York Times, the soon-to-be announced CBA will include an HGH testing program that will begin this spring and carry penalties on par with the current steroid policy.
- Clint Barmes is on the verge of becoming the latest light-hitting middle infielder to sign a multi-year deal. According to several sources, the Astros' short stop is close to signing a two-year contract with the Pirates. Omar Infante, Jamey Carroll, Mark Ellis, and Willie Bloomquist have all signed two-year deals within the past two weeks.
- Back-up and second-tier catchers have also been a relatively hot commodity this off season. The Pirates struck first with the signing of Rod Barajas, and since then, Jose Molina, Ryan Doumit, and Gerald Laird have all signed new deals. Even Kelly Shoppach has attracted several suitors. Considering the Yankees' organizational depth at catcher, perhaps Brian Cashman can take advantage of the heavy demand?
- After meeting with Carlos Zambrano earlier in the week, Theo Epstein stated that the volatile right hander would have to "earn his way back to being a Cub". Yesterday, he went about doing that the hard way. During an outing in Venezuela, Zambrano surrendered only one unearned run in five innings, but was forced to leave the game after being hit in the face by a line drive. If the Cubs and Zambrano can't get on the same page, will Epstein be able to find someone to take his $18 million salary? I've been advocating a Zambrano for A.J. Burnett swap for over a year.
- In other news from Wrigley, Epstein also recently met with Kerry Wood and expressed a desire to re-sign the reliever.
- Grady Sizemore's name has been mentioned as a potential reclamation project for several teams, but now it looks like he'll be returning to the Indians.
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Zambrano for Burnett?
So you rather the crazy sub par pitcher with an attitude problem over the crazy sub par pitcher without a problem who can still give you some solid starts in the American League?
Realist.
AJ pitches in a tougher division
He also costs slightly less and unlike Zambrano isn’t a complete headcase, regardless of whatever the media wants fans to believe.
I know AJ’s contract is longer, but there is no way I can support getting him off the team if it means acquiring Zambrano. Even if it’s only for a season.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
I'm not convinced
I think AJ will have a good year next year. I know I’m more optimistic than most (or all really), but if he pitches to the same peripherals he did this season, then he’ll have a good year. Because that HR rate was unsustainably inflated.
Not the point though. It’s less about me supporting AJ and more about me absolutely hating Carlos Zambrano and both his personality and his pitching.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
I think he would do better next season too
But his HR/FB rate will still be above league average. Even if it drops to 12% he will still have an ERA in the upper four’s which I predicted in that post nobody cared about.
It'll be above average, sure
I think the ERA will drop to the 4.50-4.60 range though. Not #2 starter worthy, but as a mid rotation guy or back end thats fine.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
Sure
Granderson, Russell Martin, CC (he’ll still be great, but last year was ridiculous), Jeter, Robertson (again, he’ll be good, but not like 2011). That a long enough list for you? Sorry if my optimism is bothering you.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
Well I expect the players who had down years in 2011 to have comeback years in 2012. Thats A-Rod, Teixeira, Burnett, Soriano. Maybe Swisher and Gardner too. Compared to their career averages, 2011 was a bad year for those guys so I think it’s reasonable to expect improvement. And with the possible exception of AJ seeing as he’s a complete question mark, I don’t know how anyone could expect the other three to really be worse next year.
The ridiculously good seasons of Granderson, CC and D-Rob I would expect a slight regression. I’m not expecting them to be bad, but just slightly worse than 2012.
And then there’s some I expect to remain about the same. Cano, Nova, Rivera, some of the other bullpen guys, bench players, ect…
And then there’s Phil Hughes, who I absolutely refuse to make any predictions on because I have no clue what to expect. So there you go- thats my train of thought.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
I actually think
Martin will be better. Grandy, too. Not the power, but overall (OBP, Avg.) Oh, and Swisher will be better.
Romine!
Yea thats what I meant about Grandy
Higher average and OBP, but I don’t think he’ll get over 40 home runs again.
As for Russell Martin, well I’m not a fan of his at all so I don’t know. But if Jesus is raking and he’s struggling to hit again I know I’ll want to see a change of roles. Russ can keep AJ. Give the rest of the pitchers to Jesus.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
Russ was healthy for him and atypical offensively, possibly as a result of that.
Not holding my breath that he’s better, or even the same.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 20, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
I would absolutely hate to see Zambrano become a Yankee
His bad attitude – fights with teammates, walking out on the team after a bad outing, multiple blowups during games – just seems way worse than AJ’s issues.
this.
A.J.‘s a good teammate. Look at his relationship with Nova for evidence. Not to mention, I’m not sure Big Z is a better pitcher than A.J. His stats aren’t that great – he pitches in the NL Central for crying out loud. I think A.J.’s gonna bounce back and be just fine this season.
Boone Logan signed a baseball for me. David Robertson signed a glossy photo for me.
Maybe a change of scenery would do him good
I, too, would be getting sick of being on a team that sucks year after year.
Romine!
With the amount of baserunners he allows
He’d be every bit as bad as AJ in the AL East and he’s also the worst human being in baseball. I’d love for AJ to be off the team, too, but not that the expense of adding THAT.
by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Nov 20, 2011 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Buehrle also allows a lot of baserunners.
Just FYI. Andy Pettitte was on about the same level as Zambrano, in case you were unaware.
Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!
by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT
by SandalsNoPants on Nov 20, 2011 9:34 PM EST up reply actions
Don't forget the money...
Big Z. has one less year on his deal, which I think mitigates most of the concerns about him relative to AJ (who isn’t exactly a ball of sunshine himself). Also, now that he is in a walk year, I have a feeling Zambrano might be on his best behavior. As for AJ, his last two seasons weren’t just bad…they were historically poor. I am not interested in round three.
Follow me on Twitter @williamnyy23.
by William Juliano on Nov 19, 2011 4:12 PM EST reply actions
I don't see the Cubs going for it because of the money.
I suppose if the Yankees picked up some of AJ’s salary for the second year, they might see the extra questionable year worth getting rid of the headache.
Usqueadbaugham! Anam muck an dhoul ! Did ye drink me doornail?
by Q-TDSK on Nov 19, 2011 4:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Via Ken Rosenthal, all remaining Type-A free agent relievers will not be subject to draft pick compensation this offseason. Teams will not be required to forfeit draft picks to sign them, though their old team will still gain a pick somehow.
Will the Type As who signed before now still be subject to the old rules?
If so, that’s pretty unfortunate/fortunate, depending on which side of the deal you are on.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 19, 2011 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not sure.
It really sucks that Levine couldn’t wait a year to foolishly spend money on a type A relief arm. I also wonder if Papelbon will still cost a draft pick for the Phillies now.
What sucks more is that now they can’t get that draft pick back once Soriano leaves, no matter how well he pitches over the next two years.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
They're saying only "elite" free agents would garner draft picks in the future
So I don’t think there’s any way that would ever apply to Soriano.
by Let's Talk About Tex Baby on Nov 19, 2011 10:55 PM EST up reply actions
That's exactly the case I was thinking of.
It would be hilarious if Boston didn’t get the Phillies draft pick after all, but it sounds as though people who were signed before aren’t subject to the new rules, so Boston will still get their pick.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 19, 2011 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
If you signed them before the deal was in place, you’re not grandfathered in and you still need to give up your pick.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Nov 19, 2011 5:48 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, no source.
The measure is not retroactive, however, meaning that the Phillies will still surrender their first-round pick for signing Jonathan Papelbon.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Nov 19, 2011 5:55 PM EST up reply actions
Any reason?
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Nov 19, 2011 4:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
It's part of the new CBA.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 19, 2011 4:51 PM EST up reply actions
Wish that was in place last year
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
Ahhh okay
Thanx
"WHO WOULD LEAD?! THE CLOWN?!"
by I'mGivingYouARaise on Nov 19, 2011 4:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Someone posted here that the White Sox are particularly interested in Romine and the Yankees are interested in Danks.
I wonder if that’s a “we’d center a deal around Romine” interest, or a “give us ManBan and throw in Romine” kind of interest. The former would have to be tempting for the Yankees, the latter not so much. I have a feeling it would be the 2nd kind, though.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 19, 2011 4:47 PM EST reply actions
I don't think so
I think Cashman is smart enough to not want to trade an asset like Banuelos for one year of somebody. But then again he tried to trade Montero for a half year of Lee so what do I know?
Oh, I don't mean that Cashman would want to, or that he would do it.
Just that I have a feeling the White Sox would want something in that range, not a deal centered around Romine.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 19, 2011 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
Cash could force a longer term contract to be part of the deal, pending Danks' approval of course.
Boone Logan signed a baseball for me. David Robertson signed a glossy photo for me.
Burnett for Zambrano?
Please no. It’s not like Zambrano’s much better, he costs more than AJ and he’s completely insane. I’ve seen enough episodes out of him.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
The Yankees owe A.J. more money than they would Zambrano in that particular deal, assuming only players change hands and not money.
After Zambrano’s one year is up, let him walk, don’t pay A.J. $16.5M in 2013, and give the spot to Banuelos.
That’s a much cheaper option.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Nov 19, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions
I agree it's cheaper
But with all the negative clubhouse garbage I’ve seen from Zambrano, do the Yankees really want to risk having a guy around that might poison the atmosphere? Even if it’s only for one year?
The Yankees are professionals.
The “poison” he brings to the clubhouse will be mitigated by Nick Swisher since he “lightens the clubhouse with his smiles.” Or if you don’t believe in narratives, I say having Zambrano on the team will not affect how the Yankees score and prevent runs any more than AJ does.
I think it's an unneeded distraction, with questionable benefits for the sake of saving 16M and one spot in the rotation
You might be right, it’s kind of hard to predict how it would go, after all. I’m just not a fan of the idea.
Not sure about that
He wasn’t better than AJ this year and that was from pitching in a much weaker division. Limited season due to his suspension though.
I’m not arguing that it’s a bad contract right now, but I look at it like this. The question mark that is a good teammate>>>>The question mark who repeatedly winds up on the Not Top 10 for his tirades. I’m just skeptical the guy could keep his head in the right place.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
He’s in a walk year and if he expects to continue playing this game as his livelihood, he needs to keep his cool. Maybe a change of scenery is needed, and if we can supply him a chance to be his old self without the tirades while shedding a ton of payroll, I’m all for it.
Contributing writer for Pinstripe Alley.
Follow me on Twitter @frankiecamp48
by Frank Campagnola on Nov 19, 2011 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
If it worked out that way, sure, that would be great
I just think you are being overly optimistic about Zambrano’s maturity.
And pitching ability
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
uh oh HGH testing
here’s hoping that arod has been telling the truth about PEDs…
Boone Logan signed a baseball for me. David Robertson signed a glossy photo for me.
He's not an idiot
Thats not something I’d be too worried about.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
i'm not suggesting he's an idiot
i’m just hoping he hasn’t been lying.
Boone Logan signed a baseball for me. David Robertson signed a glossy photo for me.
If he were healthy and still putting up MVP seasons I might be concerned...
Section 203 Row 15 Seat 1
Oh Centaur...
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
holy shit
did you see the quads on that one girl? maybe she should be tested for hgh…
Boone Logan signed a baseball for me. David Robertson signed a glossy photo for me.
I think A-Rod is into She-Hulk
DAG NABBIT, you’d never see DEREK JETER doin’ somethin’ all flashy like th–wait, he’s been very publicly dating celebrities nonstop for 15 years, never mind. But he was dating them clutch.
hahah i laughed at that
and just like i thought
The Braves are looking to add offense this winter, and John Harper of The New York Daily News reports that they let the Yankees know they’d be interested in trading for shortstop Eduardo Nunez last week.
Braves need a shortstop
How about we trade them Pena instead?
"I don't want one of those guys who'll drive in two but let in three every game." Casey Stengel
by tnredneckyankeesfan on Nov 20, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I’m assuming (hoping) you’re being sarcastic!
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
Well...
I’m not hot on Nunez, and I’d be in favor of trading him for the right deal, to a team that has a big enough need to somewhat inflate the price. If we got a player in return that could play infield defense, and swing a decent bat, plus some prospects, I guess I’d call that a win.
This, Prado is and will be a better player than Nunez if you ask me. The Braves would want a lot more than just Nunez for him, I bet.
Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc
Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."
"Every day is a great day for hockey."
They should be, but if they are so hot for a SS, who knows?
I mean, I agree Prado is a better player, and asking for him plus prospects is silly. But hey, you don’t know until you ask!
also apparently Yu Darvish's dad isn't sure either
"Yu and I are talking about having a family meeting once the Nippon Series is over," said Farsa Darvish. "At this point it’s about 50-50."
If he’s still not sure by now, when will he be sure? what will make him sure he wants to be posted. We’re talking about him like he’s available and he’s still not and he’s still undecided so i don’t think anyone should count on him.
Well if he isn't available
Then I’d look for a trade.
Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!
I am so for HGH testing
I hope it is instituted immediately. I think this will finally bring things back to normal. Don’t be fooled, there are players taking this stuff as we speak. You know who they are.
Romine!
I'm for it to so people can stop wildly speculating about what this person and that person is doing without any proof.
Jesus Montero fangirl
by WhatwouldJeterdo on Nov 20, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm for it because I for one am tired of baby stomping.
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
cervelli is too
though i doubt it matters considering he decides when it’s going to be a home run or a bloop single.
Boone Logan is a good boy. So is David Robertson. Team A.J.
I'm starting to not like him
Eh he’s just stating his case. What’s so bad about saying you want to win an award?
"Don't you think it's strange that you'll make more money than President Hoover this year?"
"Why not? I had a better year than he did." - G.H. Ruth
Taking the occasion of your Cy Young award ceremony to say "Hey, gimme the MVP, too"
I don’t know, seems like a not so classy move, to me. Especially when his own teammate was in the running. The classier thing to do would have been to throw some props Miguel’s way.
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