Keep the Phone Lines Open

by jscape2000 on Nov 28, 2007 2:23 PM EST in New York Yankees News

I want to follow up on tidbit that fell from Ken Rosenthal's always bountiful plate:

Meanwhile, the Yankees could trade Melky Cabrera even if they do not include him in a deal for Santana; several clubs are showing interest in Cabrera, including -- presumably -- the Braves, who tried to acquire him last off-season. If the Yankees trade Cabrera, they could pursue a short-term center fielder rather than move Johnny Damon back to center. They will need strong defense to support their young pitchers.

The Braves have been rumored to have interest in Melky before- we all remember that Pirates/Braves/Yanks trade that never happened last offseason?

Well this time the Braves have what we want: a young, talented relief pitcher.

Soriano is in his final year of arbitration before free agency. On the other hand, Melky has another year at league minimum before arbitration begins.

Or, at least, that's the logic I keep trying to use on myself.

But you have to give value to get value, and in a market when Andruw Jones figures to bring in an 8 figure multi-year deal, Melky Cabrera has value.

If Melky can't bring back something of use to the Yankees, perhaps he could bring back a couple of players the Twins or A's would like to have.

It's worth pointing out that, if he comes to camp healthy, Damon is better at tracking fly balls. I'm not as opposed as some to seeing him back in center.

Another option would be to try packaging a couple of our mediocre MLB ready starting pitchers (Rasner, Karstens, Igawa, DeSalvo) for a defense only center fielder like Endy Chavez. You know, I've heard the Mets are in the market for a pitcher...

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I like those ideas

I don't think Melky is worth as much as Soriano but it is worth asking about.

Fear the Evil Empire

by pfistyunc on Nov 28, 2007 2:36 PM EST reply actions

Why not send

Wright + Karstens + Melky to the Braves for Soriano + one of their lesser OF prospects (i.e not Shafer)?

We just need someone to play defense, while the Braves actually need someone to hit for the league AVG.

by randomize on Nov 28, 2007 2:37 PM EST reply actions

I didn't suggest that

because the Braves have Smoltz, Hudson, James, Jurrjens, Reyes, Bennett, and Cormier all lined up to fight for starting jobs.

And at some point, the Yankees are going to give Gardner a shot to play defense and hit .275/.340/.340.

I agree that some throw in would likely be required for Soriano. Betemit or Beam? A prospect like Kontos? Money?

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

by jscape2000 on Nov 28, 2007 2:46 PM EST up reply actions

Rather Beam

than Betemit. Betemit is actually a useful piece to have and the Twins would probably like to take him.

Bad news on Santana by the way:

http://www.startribune.com/blogs/neal/?p=276

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/11/garza-for-young.html

Garza + for Young +

This means the Twins are probably going to ask for legit front-end starter to go with Liriano when they trade Santana.

I hope the Yanks stay put.

by randomize on Nov 28, 2007 3:18 PM EST up reply actions

You're right

This is bad, in the sense that the Yanks will almost definitely have to part with Hughes to get Santana. IPK is out of the equation now.

And I agree that they should stay put - no to trading Hughes. Not worth it in the long run.

by docgonzo on Nov 28, 2007 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

Hughes

Would be the toughest of any to give up. I know that many defend IPK because of his impressive command and great numbers in the minors in 2007 and also Job because of his lights out relief work and tremendous upside, but Hughes has always been projected to be an ace and never had a surge or decline in his projection. He's the real deal and has "regret" written all over him if moved. But, Santana is Santana.

Phil Hughes will own you.

by marcbouch9 on Nov 29, 2007 8:38 PM EST up reply actions

The melkman

I like Melky a lot. He's got a youthful spark, plays a solid center, and he's probably got some upside.

That said, he had the 16th best OPS last year among center fielders who qualified for the batting title (20 center fielders qualified). The Yankees are strong on offense overall, so they just need a centerfielder who won't embarass himself at the plate or on the field.

The Yanks have two guys (Melky & Damon) who fit that description. Once the CF sweepstakes settle down, you talk to the teams that (luckily) missed out on Torri Hunter, Aaron Rowand, and Mike Cameron and tell them to take their pick. Instead of commit untold millions to one of the above, you can have a big name at a controlled, reasonable cost, or a younger player for more years at a controlled cost.

If the Braves offered Soriano, I would take that deal.

by kuri3460 on Nov 28, 2007 2:38 PM EST reply actions