The Yankees become a better team
Neither Brian Cashman nor Joe Girardi were at liberty to talk about the pending deal with the Pirates, but assuming all six players pass their physicals, it is done. Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte will be wearing pinstripes.
Personally, I think it's a great deal for the Yankees. They've upgraded over this morning and now have a potent right-handed bat to help balance out the order, while adding another outfield option. Finally, after so much searching, they've also got the left-handed arm in the bullpen to pitch in. Ross Ohlendorf was a nice pitcher and Jose Tabata may one day be the goods, but you're talking about taking a shot at the AL East here. Gotta do it.
Here's some assorted player reaction from the clubhouse here at Fenway:
Derek Jeter: "We've got them for a reason. Hopefully they come in here and help us out. You know with the Yankees, our ownership always gives us an opportunity to win. It seems like every year if we need some good pieces to help us win, they go out and get them. This year is really no different than any other."
Jason Giambi on Nady's acquisition: "It's huge. A great right-handed bat that takes good at-bats and plays good defense, he's a solid guy that when you play against him, he's a tough out. With this team being so left-handed dominant as far as hitters, it's definitely going to pick us up."
Giambi on Marte: "Lefty [versus] lefty, he's as tough as anybody in the league, to be honest with you. He's got that good hard fastball that runs in and a big slider. He's as good as anybody in this game, from what I've seen of him and when we faced him recently."
Alex Rodriguez: "It's a great move. I didn't think one way or another - I didn't really get into that game. There's so many unexpected things that happen this time of year. I don't think anybody can expect to get two quality players like that in the middle of their primes to help our team."
Personally, I think it's a great deal for the Yankees. They've upgraded over this morning and now have a potent right-handed bat to help balance out the order, while adding another outfield option. Finally, after so much searching, they've also got the left-handed arm in the bullpen to pitch in. Ross Ohlendorf was a nice pitcher and Jose Tabata may one day be the goods, but you're talking about taking a shot at the AL East here. Gotta do it.
Here's some assorted player reaction from the clubhouse here at Fenway:
Derek Jeter: "We've got them for a reason. Hopefully they come in here and help us out. You know with the Yankees, our ownership always gives us an opportunity to win. It seems like every year if we need some good pieces to help us win, they go out and get them. This year is really no different than any other."
Jason Giambi on Nady's acquisition: "It's huge. A great right-handed bat that takes good at-bats and plays good defense, he's a solid guy that when you play against him, he's a tough out. With this team being so left-handed dominant as far as hitters, it's definitely going to pick us up."
Giambi on Marte: "Lefty [versus] lefty, he's as tough as anybody in the league, to be honest with you. He's got that good hard fastball that runs in and a big slider. He's as good as anybody in this game, from what I've seen of him and when we faced him recently."
Alex Rodriguez: "It's a great move. I didn't think one way or another - I didn't really get into that game. There's so many unexpected things that happen this time of year. I don't think anybody can expect to get two quality players like that in the middle of their primes to help our team."
This is going to help, a lot....any word on a starting pitcher?
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We now have a right handed Paul Oneill, in Nady.. Lets hope Hughes comes back soon for our 6th starter if we need him..
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On the trade. I'm happy. I was worried last night watching the carrion across the bottom of the NESN screen before I knew who they gave up. A solid servicable lefty in the pen BUT, can he pitch in NY? Not everyone can. We'll see. Looking forward to see Nady in left. He's a professional, he'll adjust.
On our rotation. I actually don't see us doing anything. I think that Hughes and IPK are still our future. IF Cashman wasn't trading Kennedy for Santana, he's not trading him for Jarrod Washburn (or whoever). We're getting EVERYTHING we could have wanted from Ponson. Moose, AP and Joba are anchoring the front end and doing it very well. Ponson seems to be holding his own. And Rasner is still eating innings. It would seem that IPK is ready for his promotion with fingers crossed. And when Hughes comes back that's a full rotation WITHOUT Wang. It's obvious that some shuffling will have to take place as a 6 man rotation won't work.
On Joba's start. NOW YER TALKING! Ok. So he didn't fan 25 like I wanted but 7 innings of 3 hit, 9k shutout ball is dominance, plain and simple. I can't wait to see him in a full CY season. And I dont mind the 1 run we scored. We can't expect to score many more than 1 or 2 against someone like him. It's what we do on our side of the ball that matters. This game is going to go a LONG LONG way to making Joba one of the best in the game.
On today, just a reminder, if its low, let it go, if its high, let it fly!
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Washburn is a freebie, just have to pay his large salary. Pass.
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We are still talking to Colorado about Fuentes, maybe driving the price up for Boston. I'd love to have Fuentes and Molina. Not really interested in starters, wang will be back for the playoffs.
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Yanks need a starting pitcher, mussina, petitte and rashner have been great. But the west coast trip, the month of august they will need a break. Not because of their ability, it is because they have thrown a lot of energy in kepping the team in the hunt when the bats were sleeping, and then they will come back strong in time for the run to the world champions of baseball. And wipe that smirk of off the faces of the Redsox,especially Francona and Epstien.
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right now that smirk is turning into a scowl because manny won't be in another lineup this season for the redstinks
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