Winter League Updates

I'm glad that these propects get to play ball year round. At least they won't be rusty coming into spring training. I am curious to see how many bombs Cano hits this Winter. It may be a reasonable barometer of where his power numbers at coming into next year. I predict that Cano is going to punch out 25-30 homers this season, and win an AL MVP or 2 before he is done.

I wonder if anyone has asked Derek Jeter if he would be open to the idea of switching positions. After all, he's not 21 anymore. I wonder how good he would be at first base? That would certainly open up a spot for another young infielder to come in, and alleviate our need for a first baseman. What do you guys think? Are you ready to see Jeter move on? I can see a move to a less physically demanding position adding 5-6 years to his career.

Bryan,

I have seen a few of us toying with the idea of Jeter moving off of SS. Have you had any mailbag questions regarding this issue? I would really like to think that Jeter would be the first one to move if it would improve the team.

Who do you replace Jeter with if he moves to center or 1b?

Miranda could be ready to compete at 1b, Gardener ready to take center stage?

I think I answered that Jeter question a few weeks ago... in any event, it won't happen in 2008... it's not something they're thinking about for this season.

If you look at the history of shortstops, though, it probably is just a matter of time until the Yankees try to figure out if Jeter can handle a new position. Most of the great ones have eventually moved.

Jeter had less range than usual in 2007 due to nagging injuries, so maybe it's not fair to completely sum up his future in one season. But I think it's clear, and he would likely admit, he wasn't getting to everything he should have.

Not thinking of Jeter moving from SS this year or even next. Just thinking ahead is all.

So I just heard that the Yankees aren't going to let Melky compete in winter ball this off-season, which would seem to mean he is out the door and the Yankees don't want a Johan deal to get crushed by a Melky injury. So that still begs the question: assuming the Yankees make a Melky/Kennedy/Horne/Gonzales deal to the Twins, who in the world is going to play CF? (Dear God please do not utter the words Johnny Damon).

With the Giants seemingly out of contention for Matsui and talks with the Reds seeming to have cooled down about Moose, the Melky move makes me believe that the Yankees are going to move ahead towards Johan, regardless of whether they can find a salary dump.

Not necessarily. The Yankees also wouldn't permit Melky to play winter ball in 2006-07.

Clemens is getting killed.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7577358?MSNHPHMA

Melky/Kennedy/Horne/Gonzales

Where you get this?

Possible Melky replacements:

Bernie Baseball

Johnny Damon

Hideki Matsui

CJ Henry

Brett Gardener

Austin Jackson

Patterson

Mike Cameron

Juan Pierre

BJ Upton

Why would you allow Cano to play winter ball then?

Same question for Luis Sojo.

Unfortunately, the SOB deserves it. He needs to get his **** together and either come clean, or start trying to clear his name. Either way, just sitting around in silence is making him look like an asshat. This stuff is so exciting! I feel like jamming an icepick into my eye-sockets.

I'd favor moving Jeter to LF when Damon's and Matsui's contract expire after 2009. A stop-gap SS could be used for a year or two. Hopefully in three or four years, Carmen Angelini may be ready. Angelini was considered a steal when the Yanks got him in the 10th round this year. One reason he dropped (he was considered a possible first-rounder) is because many teams were sure he was going to Rice, where he committed. The Yanks were able to talk him out of Rice, and we'll see how quickly he develops.

Jesse, I don't want Damon in CF either, but I hear rumors that should Melky be moved, the Yanks are looking at Corey Patterson. I don't like Patterson at all, since he is a player who has a low OBP because he doesn't walk. Nothing drives me as nuts as someone with 40 SB capability who only walks 21 times a year. Patterson can hit 15 HR but he K's a lot. He should forget about the power, and concentrate on the OBP. Walk more, steal more. T.S.F.

Melky/Kennedy/Horne/Gonzalez? That is a NO BRAINER trade. I doubt that this is a valid offer. We would be hosing Minnesota on that deal. If that is true, that would be a coup on our part.

Re: Dukes. You can take da boy outta da 'hood but you can't take da 'hood outta da boy.

You guys can dream about Bernie all you want. He's not coming back. He's enjoying life, has nothing left to prove.

Bernie? No way. Matsui in CF--only if nec. Jackson has played in only one game above A ball. CJ Henry, now I am ROFL. Cameron starts 2008 with a 25 game suspension. Some others, I hope not.

Yankeefan,

If Patterson would walk more, he could steal 80 bases. That kid is fast. Unfortunately, he will strikout about 15000 times before he walks 100. He stinks as a hitter.

Exactly, Chaz. That's why I don't want Patterson. I hope the Yankee brass is listening.

I've seen Patterson chase sliders a full 16" outside the zone. He has no plate discipline, whatsoever. I don't like the idea of Bernie starting in center. He's 40 for crying out loud. Bernie would serve us well as a bench player, but that is it.

A platoon in center field is the most reckless idea ever, IMO. The 1B platoon was an abysmal failure. Having 2 positions on the field relegated to a platoon would be catastrophic. Baseball is NOT a game of substitutions. We need consistent starters at each position.

A-Rod just fired Boras

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/a-rod-drops-bor.html

Matsui will get burned in center. He has a steady glove, but he has no closing speed to the baseball. He'll get smoked all season. Further, he is starting to become an injury liability. He needs to spend the lion's share of the rest of his career as a DH. His day's of injury-free play are over.

Bernie is not coming back, not to mention his range was decaying when he left to begin with. I love Bernie, but he could be worse than Damon in CF in terms of range.

Just breakdown the Johan deal. From the Sox we are talking Crisp/Lester/Lowry/Masterson. Ok. Melky has way more upside than Coco and is better, younger, cheaper. I would say that Hughes and Buccholz are pretty close to being on the same level, and I would give the edge between Kennedy/Lester to Kennedy. So far we have two points for the Yanks. Horne is pretty much our best pitching prospect out of the Big 3 who is nearly Major League ready. Gonzales is one of our best infielding prospects. So right there, I would say the Yankees deal is much better than what the Sox are offering (trying to be unbiased but please correct me if I'm wrong). Why should the Yankees give up Melky Cabrera AND Phil Hughes if the Sox won't give up Ellsbury AND Buccholz?! And then on top of that, the Twins wanted the Yankees to throw in Kennedy too?! WOW. That's all I really have to say.

I think the Cabrera/Kennedy/Horne/Gonzales deal is about equal (or better) to the Crisp/Lester/Lowry/Masterson offer.

I would make the Santana trade if we can get away with Kennedy/Melky, though I'd still miss the both.

Unfortunately, I don't see that happening, and I don't want to give up Hughes. Trading Melky is a gamble. Probably the best option is to stick Damon there for a few months and hope he doesn't break down. Hopefully by then either Jackson or Gardner will be ready to take his place, and we can go back to the Matsui/Damon platoon in left.

As much as I dislike platoons, I'm ok with that left field/DH platoon we have going on.

But, like I said, that is a huge risk. Matsui could get injured. Damon could get injured. Damon's arm could allow more runners going from 1st to 3rd on a single while he's in center. Jackson or Gardner may not turn out to be an every day major starting CF only a couple months into the season. Its a risk to lose Melky.

How about we make one more trade for the bullpen and call it an offseason. As time wears on, the Twins will get more desperate to deal Santana before he his the free agent market. Then maybe we'll have some more leverage.

On another note, its nice to see our prospects progressing. Hopefully Miranda keeps it up and can get a shot at 1st base this year and end our dreadful platoon system.

Veras seems pretty lights out so far...if he can keep that rolling, it would really help out our pen...

Bring Bernie Williams back? Yeah right!!! LOL!!! There's no chance the Yanks will bring back a player his age after so much time of inactivity. He would be a wast of roster space. IF this team moves Cabrera, they have to keep Damon away from center his skills are declining. Austin Jackson represents the Yanks next best hope at getting a real center fielder after a breakout season, hopefully he can keep it up. CJ Henry is still very young, and has been nothing but a major bust as the Yanks, and Phillies gave up on him, he is most likely years, and years away from being in the majors, if he makes it that far. Gardener is nothing more than a No. 9 hitter. Even though he has great speed he is limited offensively as speed isn't everything in the majors. He has no power what soever, and won't hit for much of an average or drive in many runs. He has holes in his swing, and strikes out a bit too much. He might be the most likely option to replace Cabrera, but isn't the ideal center fielder. I don't like the idea of having Patterson on this team either, but if Cabrera gets moved he may be the best, and cheapest option available.

I also think moving Jeter over to first down the road would be a good idea. He's getting older, and is range has declined quite a bit, so moving an older player to a less demanding position would be a good idea plus it could extend his career at least until this team finds a legit first baseman. Last season was Miranda's first season playing American ball so the Yanks still don't really know what they will be getting from him, he's probably at least another three seasons away. This team has got to get away from these paathetic platoon situations.

Kennedy is currently not better than Lester. Seriously, Kennedy has 3 starts, Lester has almost as many WS wins.

Cabrera/Kennedy/Horne/Gonzales

This deal is fake?

Anna Benson's husband reportedly had a strong workout.

Gardner is more like a younger Dave Roberts.

2 more players from the mitchell report have admitted to using HGH

Roberts and Vina?

Interesting how Clemens actions last night prompted people to bring up the incidence with Piazza.

I agree with you about the making a bullpen trade and calling it an off-season. No one seems to take into account that guys like Johan and Dan Haren are still risks too. An injury to Johan and if you've given up the farm for one guy's torn shoulder.

I can understand why people would be talking about what he did to Piazza. I mean throwing a piece of a broken bat a player is consistant with oid rage... Then hitting him in his head hmmmmm

Good to see Albaladejo doing well. I think he'll be a great addition for the Yankees bullpen this year.

http://www.fightingphils.mlblogs.com

Matt-

Agree with the idea that Jeter should be moved to first,it may buy this team some time to find a real first baseman as Miranda is nowhere near ready to play first at the major league level, he's about 3 years away. Wh would the Yanks use to replace Jeter?

Only Ron Villone is being investigated of Yankees since 04.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3159943

You not giving up the farm for Johan Santana, your trading a replaceable CF and a rising star in Hughes plus 1 or 2 prospects.

If we are not dealing Hughes AND Kennedy, I say do the deal. Just get it over with already!

Hank Brenner doesn't know what's going on, probably because Cashman is doing all the real work. Hughes, Cabrera, and Horne/Marquez. Do it now.

The longer we wait, we will be stuck with Johnny Damonie in center. All free agent options outside of Sammy Sosa (no one wants) will be gone.

If they decide on Kennedy instead of Hughes, even better. DO THE DEAL TODAY>

I think Arod's new agent is for marketing purposes, possibly future movie/tv roles.

Veras's performance comes against mostly minor leaguers, nothing there is an indication of his big league chances.

A god post from an ESPN subscriber:

There is a theme here. I would do anything to play for my team but I won't do that! I was a lousy cheat but not a complete cheat. I smoke dope but don't snort coke. I drink but I don't get drunk. I kissed your wife but did not sleep with her - far from it we never slept! I used that word but am not racist. I am a little bit pregnant....

These guys cheated they should just say I cheated. Don't act like story providers for the media with all the equivocation - Player says yeah I cheated and does not give some sob story - 3 liner in print no story. You did not try and help your team you tried to help yourself: denied others a chance: earn more money: con your next contract provider: took a chance with your future health: put pressure on others to keep up with the Clemens': soiled the sport etc.

---

Very well put...This is why I feel people should just recognize...everyone was doing it, lets move on.

Roger Clemens

Career numbers 1984-1996

192-111 record.634 winning percentage

3.06 ERA

Career numbers 1997-2007

162-73 record

.689 winning percentage

3.21 ERA

YR TEAM W L ERA IP SO

1996 Boston Red Sox 10 13 3.63 242.2 257

1997 Toronto Blue Jays 21 7 2.05 264.0 292

1998 Toronto Blue Jays 20 6 2.65 234.2 271

1999 New York Yankees 14 10 4.60 187.2 163

2000 New York Yankees 13 8 3.70 204.1 188

2001 New York Yankees 20 3 3.51 220.1 213

2002 New York Yankees 13 6 4.35 180.0 192

2003 New York Yankees 17 9 3.91 211.2 190

2004 Houston Astros 18 4 2.98 214.1 218

2005 Houston Astros 13 8 1.87 211.1 185

2006 Houston Astros 7 6 2.30 113.1 102

2007 New York Yankees 6 6 4.18 99.0 68

Skinny little Tiger Woods is all of a sudden got some huge guns he didn't have at Standford or the beginning of his pro-career. Hard Work? probably but you can never tell with anyone now.

All this Jeter moving to another position talk from earlier today is starting to send me into violent convulsions, so please stop, the man had some nagging knee injuries, give him a break, maybe in a couple of years, it would be wise for him to move, but NOT ANY TIME SOON!!!!!!! GO JEET!

Bobby Abreu and Cano are playing winter league baseball, Luis Sojo did it in the past but Cabrera was denied. On the surface this looks strange but there are bigger factors at play here like other posters mentioned above.

"I think Arod's new agent is for marketing purposes, possibly future movie/tv roles."

correct. i just read an update that A-Rod's new agent, Guy Oseary, is will take out other ventures for A-Rod

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/a-rod-drops-bor.html

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117977876.html?categoryid=18&cs=1

Bryan,

Would you put the percentage at zero that Bernie Williams would be invited to spring training this year? If so, why retire his number immediately to heal any hurt feelings Bernie might have over last spring? Bernie doesn't have to officially retire but we should set aside a date THIS YEAR to honor him.

* If so, why retire not his number immediately to heal any hurt feelings Bernie might have over last spring?

Clemens just hit back with a Rocket.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3160063

Stay tuned for January congressional hearings. I don't expect Clemens to sue but he probably won't be able to prove conclusively either way. He can however cause major trouble for his trainer with federal prosecutors who could choose to supeanor him with any information he might have that co-oborates that his former trainer lied to federal investagors, including taking an oath in front of a federal grand jury.

this may be surprising but not everyone tells the truth under oath

I'll tell you this. If I have someone threatening me with jail time, I will tell them WHATEVER they want to hear. I'll tell them that I wear women's underwear and smear myself in peanut butter while I flog the dolphin. I think anyone that doesn't, does so at the STRONG objection of their rectum.

I know I wont say anything because police do that kind of thing just to scare you and if you do know something then jail shouldnt scare you because you probably did something wrong yourself so you should be a man and take your punishment. Since Andy came forward and admitted what he did, then you can no longer say he lied just to avoid going to jail. You do however have to give more validity to what he did say to Mitchell

Zero NY Giants headed to the probowl. Osi Umenyiora is a reserve.

Bernie Williams is my favorite player of all time, but he will not play again. Although I agree that his number needs to be retired.

Enough about Santana already! I don't see why everyone is so quick to trade Hughes and Cabrera. Damon can't play center, and Melky is only 23 years old! Bernie Williams didn't break out until around his 4-5th season. (94-95). Give the kid a break. His power may never develop beyond 15ish homers, but he hits for average (which will rise wth experience, remember his age) has decent speed, and has a cannon surgically attached to his right shoulder. In all of these trade talks Melky seems so expendable...yeah, he isn't the best CF in the league by far, but to say "replaceable"...

Exactly who could Melky be replaced by? Damon? He throws like my grandmother and has some injury concerns. Bernie? I love him to death, but he's old and has had a year off. Gardner and Jackson aren't ready yet. Or Tabata for that matter, he's even further away. Patterson? Melky's got more of a ceiling than him. Cameron? A very, VERY average CFer who needs to take steroids to stay average.

I don't think he's all that replaceable. Keep the big 3. Let them Hughes and Joba grow into ace caliber pitchers in a year or two. Follow up with a proven, consistent 17-20 game winner in Wang. Then Kennedy, who will become probably the best #4 pitcher in baseball. As for #5, we have a whole list of internal options for the future.

My point is this: don't trade away our future for one guy! What happens if Santana fizzles after 5 years and Hughes is an ace for the next 15 years? Boy will we look stupid. Or what if Santana gets injured? There are risks with keeping the big 3, but I'd like to remind you that there are risks with Santana too. Trading for Santana will not fix all our problems.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I don't view our rotation as a problem! Our weak areas are the bullpen and first base. Work on those.

I can't wait for the April...I'm so tired of trade speculation, I just want to watch baseball again.

Sorry for the long post. In short: I vote to keep the big three. I believe we will be better off down the road.

Is saying that you only did it once really admitting it? I mean I buy that he did it while recovering from injury, but I still think that's cheating. There is no way to put a positive spin on Pettite's actions. I forgive him, but it better not even come close to happening again. I will drop him like a hot rock.

Cabrera is replaceable in the sense that he isn't one of the top 10 outfielders in the league. Our entire outfield is replaceable. It has been mentioned that they are comfortable using Damon if needed but the talks with Patterson signals he would play center until another youngan is ready. Melky has an excellent arm but struggles mightally at getting to shallow center fly balls.

My point is this: don't trade away our future for one guy! What happens if Santana fizzles after 5 years and Hughes is an ace for the next 15 years?

Free agency could bring him back. Minnesota won't pay him.

I'm convinced, jlemoine. Nice post. I think that our tradeoff is still to the positive dealing for Johan, provided that we don't deal 2 of the big 3. BUT, we have no centerfielder to replace Melky. You folks pimping Damon to go back to center are not considering how much range he has lost, how much he seems to be plagued with injury, and how much of a girl's arm he has. My 8 year old could get the ball to the infield on a straighter line than Damon. Matsui in center is even worse. It's obvious that his knees are garbage and he had below average speed BEFORE his knees went in the crapper. Melky is our best option in center. Expendable for Johan? Possibly (in the right package). Replacable? NO WAY! We will have 2 holes in our lineup (1B and center) when/if Melky gets dealt.

You begin to wonder how much of this report influenced Pettitte's decision on seriously considering retirement. Being away from his family might be tough but he did that before his 3 seasons in Houston and would never have gone to Houston if NY wanted to keep him.

Again, Corey Patterson is as worthless as teats on a boar pig. I would really enjoy watching him hit .240 for us while striking out 175 times. I would enjoy it about as much as a root canal. I would REALLY like to see him punch out 15 times in the playoffs. Can you remember Soriano swinging at EVERYTHING in the last playoff series he played in with us? That was BRUTAL! Multiply to that with Patterson. He's NOT even a temporary solution in my book.

Damon is NOT the CF answer, he is a short term fix until soemone else is ready. Patterson and Cameron would also be short term CHEAP fixes.

Juan Pierre for Mike Mussina anyone?

Alright already about Bernie, You all speak of him as a god, He was probably no more than an Good player, and a great guy. No, I don't think he rates a monument in CF. No, I don't think he should be brought to camp. He was over the hill, that's the reason he wasn't signed last year, He was finished. They did give him a chance, but he refused, He would not have made the cut. Sentimental Joe Torre Would have brought him back only because he lived in the past, In todays game is what you do for me now!!.

Bernie's number still needs retiring. I am all for that. No more Yankees get the 51. Go ahead and make him a plaque while your're at it.

So how long does Damon/Patterson/whoever play in Melky's absence?

How much pressure are we putting on Jackson and Gardner to get going? And how long do we wait with the **** in center field?

Right now we have no holes in our rotation, and no holes in our outfield. With that Johan trade, we strengthen out rotation (for the short term) and create a gaping hole in the outfield.

If Damon plays center, Matsui and his **** knees will have to play left full time. We have less options for letting Damon and Matsui DH a little when they start to get worn down, because now we need them full time in the outfield. I do not have the confidence that Jackson or Gardner will be ready before we will begin to regret having Damon in center.

Is Damon there for a few months? How many runs will his arm cost us? I seem to remember Melky saving quite a few runs with his arm.

In regards to Melky having trouble with the shallow stuff: he's only 23! I've noticed him make a mental mistake once in awhile, but keep that on context. Give the kids a few years to reach his potential and flesh out a little. I thing he's being judged too early. He can be made into a good long term center fielder for us for the next 10-15 years with a little bit of coaching.

So that, combined with trading away a future ace pitcher, I think we're giving up too much. We would be creating more holes than we already had before by making that trade. We already have bullpen problems and 1st base problems. Why make outfield problems too?

lol, i just saw A-Rod's new entertainment agent, Guy Oseary, in a link posted by Bryan.. he looks like Jorge Posada!

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117977876.html?categoryid=18&cs=1

If only video games had a little influence on real life. I traded Jason Giambi for Johan Santana ( Twins' interest meter was full. ) That would be the steal of sports history.

I don't know if anyone has thought of it, but I think we could find use for Alberto Gonzalez. I really think we should kep him; he's proven that he can hit fairly well, and his glovework is loved by many scouts. He can work 3rd base as well, because I saw him practicing beside A-Rod last season when I went to BP ( Batting Practice ) and FD ( Fielding Drills ). My take is, Alberto can occupy the hot side of the infield ( SS, 3B ) because he has a better glove, and Betemit can occupy the lesser 1B and 2B positions. That way our starters are kept fresher and maybe Alberto proves his worth as a ML talent.

Next 4 retired numbers for the NYY in order:

51

21

6

2

Why not move Jeter to 3b and put Arod back at SS, He was a gold glover there. Aw forget that, Derek would never step aside for Arod or would he? for the sake of the team?? Still a need for a 1Bman. No not Giambi. Do you believe Damon could do it? he's still a good leadoff man. He's been hurt, has a poor arm, so maybe he could do it to extend his career.

I'm in a bit of a doozy as to who would replace Melky in CF if he departed to Minnesota. The list of potentials isn't really appealing; I like Damon in CF... I know, his wheels are running out of tread, but he would be better than Matsui- as some have suggested-- and Corey Patterson? He has wheels, but he's allergic to the basepaths and the small amount of pop he provides is not enough to erase his OBP woes. I mean, wouldn't you guys rather give Brett Gardener a chance instead of Patterson? Brett is said to have a better glove, and his OBP is the exact opposite of Patterson's, and has great speed. His only set-backs are:
He's never seen the MLs and he has NO POWER, but the many of doubles and triples would quench that thirst.

Cheers to that Chaz!

fjr, a lot of people I've talked to/read about think A-Rods tenure at third base would have limited his ability to switch back to shortstop, but they could be wrong. As for Damon at first, it sounds good in theory, but the Sheffield experiment still makes me cringe.

I like the idea of taking the hit defensively to put Giambi at first full time. If we are facing a RHP, and Wang isn't on the bump, I say let Giambi earn some of that salary playing 1B. That opens up the DH position for Matsui & keeps Damon in left (where he did a good job). Further, if Wang is pitching, we take Giambi and stick him at DH, give Damon the day off, and put Matsui in left. We put Betemit at first if the opposing pitcher is right-handed. We put Duncan at first if the pitcher is left handed. Problem solved.

jeterstar,

I know you love Jeter, but no one was talking about moving him to another position any time soon, that's just not going to happen.

Chaz,

Thanks for letting everyone in on one of your fetishes. LOL!!!!!!!

Situational defensive lineups for 2008:

Vs RHP:

Posada - C

Giambi - 1B

Cano - 2B

Rodriguez - 3B

Jeter - SS

Damon - LF

Cabrera - CF

Abreu - RF

Matsui - DH

Vs LHP:

Posada - C

Giambi - 1B

Cano - 2B

Rodriguez - 3B

Jeter - SS

Damon - LF

Cabrera - CF

Abreu - RF

Matsui - DH

Vs RHP (with Wang on the hill):

Posada - C

Betemit - 1B

Cano - 2B

Rodriguez - 3B

Jeter - SS

Damon - LF

Cabrera - CF

Abreu - RF

Giambi - DH

Vs LHP (with Wang on the hill):

Posada - C

Duncan - 1B

Cano - 2B

Rodriguez - 3B

Jeter - SS

Matsui - LF

Cabrera - CF

Abreu - RF

Giambi - DH

Matt, no problem. I usually read guns and ammo while I do it!

Don't take this the wrong way, but some of you who are in favor of trading for Santana may be just a bit shortsighted when it comes to the future of this team. None of you have really addressed that issue when I have brought it up, and spoke out against the supposed trade. Personally, I can live with trading away Kennedy for Santana, he really isn't more than a No.3 pitcher, but who would the Yanks get to replace Cabrera? Patterson? I personally don't want to see him near this team since he hasn't seen a pitch he didn't like to swing at, but if it were for a short time at a cheap price I would say go for it. His strikeout totals have been steadily going down over the past couple of years. But it won't be a short while , it could be a few years since this team doesn't realy have a legit replacement in the minors to replace him. Like I said earlier CJ Henry is nothing but a bust since being drafted in the 1st Rd. Jackson will likely be involved in the trade package. Tabata is 2 or 3 years away, and even though Gardner has blazing speed he isn't an ideal CF since he has no power, doesn't hit for a high average, won't drive in many runs, and strikes out quite a bit. He is no better than a No. 9 hitter. The team could always trade for another CF, but that will cost the Yanks another chunk of the team's future. So tell me, what would you guys do to replace the talent this team would lose for one player who will pitch once every five days, and guarantees nothing.

chaz-

I'd like to be a fly on your bedroom wall!!

OR Not!!!!!!

Well said Matt. Agreed. Lets keep what we have. Santana is great, but it would be a bad move down the road.

I went and looked at Boston's blogs, and they say the same **** we do about Santana. Largely they think that Minnesota's asking price it too high. Funny how different, yet how similar, we are. If only we had a Senator on the payroll............

I don't see why no one has brought up the issue of conflict of interest or cover up since there were no current or former Suks players on the list, at least I don't remember seeing any. What are the Suks the only Angels in the majors?

Chaz, fudge redsox fans. They are our nemesis! In fact, I'm going to give you -- for punishment -- 5 days off this blog, Selig style!

Just kidding. But seriously, fudge'm all.

Yo Matt, why don't wejust offer Giambi for Santana, like I did in my video game! XD! That way we keep our big three and we take part in the " Biggest steals of Sports History" book! Isn't life perfect!? XD.

Hey dudes, I was just wondering. When was the last time the Yankees and Red Sox actually traded to each other? I have never in my existence seen these two GM's negotiate. You think Cash and Epstein get along? Do you think there are RULES for these GM's to not engage each other? O_O

That's a great question, I remember one trade that never happened. It was the trade of Joe DiMaggio for Ted Williams. One can only wonder.

We don't usually trade with them, but we sign/acquire their retreads - some have panned out:

Boggs, Clemens, Stanton, Gordon, Mientkiewicz, Damon, Myers (UGGGH!!!), etc...

Back in the glorious 70's we flip-flopped some guys like Luis Tiant and Mike Torrez...If there have been trades recently it's been minor deals...

Trading "the farm" for a star pitch is a gamble to be avoided, re Santana. Look at what happened with Hudson and Mulder after Oakland traded them at ages 28 and 26. Now Beene is doing the same with Haren (26) who he got in the "Mulder heist."

Pitching is "fragile." There is a need for both quality and quantity. What Cashman has been trying to do since given more control in 2006 makes so much sense. It would be crazy to abort that plan now.

Plus, there is no reason to believe that Santana would go to the BoSox. They have been in it to drive up the Yanks' prospect price and/or block. If the Twins ever accepted a Boston trade offer, do you really think that they would agree to give Johann a 6 - 7 year extention at twice what they are paying Josh Beckett to waive his no trade clause? So, Santana rejects trade, stays with Twinkies, and is a free agent after 2008, at which time the Yanks can decide whether to "pay once" for Santana or Sabathia as free agents, without also gutting the farm system.

Lastly, some above have talked about a long term 1B solution. After 2008 switch hitting, power hitting, gold glove 1B Mark Teixeira will be a free agent. There's no way Atlanta can afford to keep him. Seems like concept to hit 5th behind A-Rod for a long time (he is 28). [Note also Yanks will be shedding a lot of bad contract $ after 2008, which makes FA shopping then more viable: Giambi ($23 M), Mussina ($12) , Pavano ($11 M), Farnsworth ($5 M) = $51 M all gone; plus maybe Abreu ($16 M) and Pettitte ($16 M) = $83 M potentially freed up from 2008 to 2009 payroll.]

Bottom line, go with the exceptional crop of kid pitchers in 2008 (plus those coming back from injuries, Sanchez, Cox, Melencon, Garcia) and see how things develop, has to be better mix than 2007.

Then after 2008 sign FA Teixeria as a long term 1B solution and decide whether to supplement bullpen or rotation with additional FA(s).

But, please so not screw up everything by trading 3 - 5 top prospects now for Santana. Again, see how much good comparable aged, but then injured Hudson and Mulder did Atlanta and St Louis. [Note also in this regard that Santana won 15 games last year (same as Pettitte) and had a "sub par" second half with a losing record and a ERA over 4.00]

Tigernyc,

Where did you come from? That is a great post. I agree with you about dealing several prospects to Minny for 1 dude. I will say that dealing Kennedy, Melky, and 1 other 2nd tier prospect is a risk worth taking, but otherwise I completely agree. We are looking at having the best rotation in baseball VERY soon if even 1 or 2 of our great pitching talents pan out. I totally spaced Sabathia as an FA in 2009. I was aware that Mark Tex was going to be one, and I'm sure that he will be the Yankee first baseman then.

tigernyc,

The Braves can, and will be able to afford Texeira so the will be able to lock him down if they want. The have been able to do it in years past with other star players, there's no reason to think otherwise.

Also, Sebathia will be gobbled up by Cleveland most likely, I would highly doubt they would skimp on a contract for a annual 19-20 game winner with a high K/9, especially if they make a good puch for the wildcard and/or pitch better in the playoffs. Also I would highly doubt he would demand to leave Cleveland like Santana wants to leave 'Sota, remember Santana wants out because he believes the Twins management doesn't take the team seriously and give away their players at the deadline rather than getting players to make a playoff push. I don't know how Cleveland management works so maybe they'd let him go if he asks too much, but he's one person I'd pay what he asks for to keep as a FA, I mean it's only money, and not prospects AND money. I wonder if it is a more realistic option to make a move for him at the trade deadline and give him an extention, kinda like we wanted to do for Johan if we couldnt get him now, (does Sebathia have a no trade clause, and what would it cost?) Maybe we can hope for him to have an off year and try and grab him for a little cheaper (I mean a 17 win season is off for him).