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Payroll and the Doc
The Yankees are cutting payroll?! What an unbelievable thought. Except, in reality, if the Yankees are going to go out and get a free agent starter then the amount they cut from the payroll will not really be significant at all. Just thought I would mention that.
Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated twittered that the Red Sox have the best chance to land Halladay. He also notes that the Blue Jays would want a combination Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Austin Jackson, and Jesus Montero from the Yankees. Combine that with the 20 million a year that Halladay will command for 4-5 years and unless the Blue Jays are willing to make a different deal it appears that the Yankees will not go that far to get the Doc.
After all who can blame them? You are talking about two of their best young pitchers who have both proven to be shutdown relievers and have, though Hughes more than Joba, potential to be great starters in the majors. Then you have two of the Yankees best prospects who are considered by many scouts to have MLB-ready bats. I ask, is giving up three of these players too much, even for a pitcher as dominant as Halladay?
Price for Doc Halladay Remains Too High
The Yankees would have to part with quite a bit if, as Peter Gammons reports (MLB Trade Rumors), the Red Sox would have to part with both Casey Kelley and Clay Buchholz. I can only imagine that the Yankees would have to give up Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, and maybe one other prospect to get Doc and then an additional $20 million a year to keep him. That is a really hefty price to pay and while I do love the idea of having Doc in our rotation losing three top prospects is not easy to stomach. Add onto that the fact that the Yankees made three blockbuster deals last year and it seems a little unreasonable that they would need to sign Doc. The rotation is far from set but resigning Pettitte while tinkering with Hughes and Chamberlain as well as with a healthier Chien-Ming Wang sounds like a perfectly reasonable option. After all, the Yankees won the world series doing just that.
Would I love to have Doc? Absolutely. But is he worth giving up three top prospects and 20 million a year? If that is the case, Doc might not be the Yankees huckleberry, even if he wants to be.
Joba Back to the Rotation?
Getty Images By: Nick Latham
It has not been more than a few weeks since the Yankees won the 2009 World Series but already the team well known for its off season acquisitions is making a splash in the free agent market. Rumors of pursuing John Lackey, Curtis Granderson, and Roy Halladay have permeated the rumor basins. These kinds of things are nothing new to any Yankee fan who has watched the team make major moves almost every off season this decade. The big announcement that I believe has the most impact on the team, however, is not the pursuit of big name players but Brian Cashman’s statement that Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain will be starters next season (NY Daily News). My question is, why?
Hughes for the most part of the season was nothing short of spectacular in the bullpen. He became the 8th inning guy that Chamberlain was before the experiment with Joba as a starter. Hughes had a stellar 2009 campaign in the bullpen, posting an ERA of 3.03, a WHIP of 1.12, and striking out 96 while walking only 28 in 86 innings pitched. If the Yankees resign Andy Pettitte and Chien-Ming Wang returns to be at least somewhat effective then Hughes’s presence in the starting rotation would not be absolutely necessary. But, if you absolutely had to put one of them back in the rotation it would be Hughes.
Joba simply isn’t cut out to be a starter with such stringent pitching limits. When he came up in the bullpen with the Yankees he was electric, energizing, and dominant. I watched his first save as a Yankee in a meaningless game against the Blue Jays late in the season a few years ago and the crowd went wild as Joba struck out the last batter on a fastball that clocked at 100 mph. His stretch as a starter ultimately ended with him traveling back to the bullpen so the Yankees management can say what they want but he was ineffective as a starter. Their unwillingness to pitch him during the playoffs speaks to that. Mariano cannot pitch forever and Joba is a better fit for being a closer than a starter with a pitch count.
If the Yankees go and get Halladay or even John Lackey putting Joba back out in the starting rotation would not be worth it if they were still going to protect him with a pitch limit. The only way it would make sense is if they simply let him pitch until his arm got tired the way Nolan Ryan has his pitchers work for the Texas Rangers. Otherwise he needs to be left in the bullpen where he is incredibly effective.
Plea to the Yankees: Tigers Edition
There are reports coming out that the Detroit Tigers are considering trading Edwin Jackson and trading Curtis Granderson. If so, I plea, PLEA to the Yankees to trade for not one, but both of them.
Here is why:
Curtis Granderson would eliminate the Yankees need to re-sign Johnny Damon, or Hideki Matsui, and he would add pop to the lineup AND speed. Granderson, who hit .249 with 30 HR and 71 RBI, is only 28 years old. Granderson was signed to a five-year, $30.25 million deal with a club option for 2013 with the Tigers in February 2008. The Yankees could easily pay that contract.
Edwin Jackson was an all-star in 2009. He went 13-9 with a 3.62 ERA. The Yankees could use Jackson as their 3rd starter, which would eliminate the need to sign a John Lackey, or Jason Marquis type of pitcher. Jackson is being paid about $2 Million a year.
So the question remains: What would it take to get BOTH in a trade?
Here is my offer:
CC Sabathia, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter for Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.
Kidding.
Here is my REAL offer:
Melky Cabrera, Reegie Corona, Josh Schmidt, and Austin Romine for Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson.
Is that too much? Too little? Good trade? Bad trade? Explain in the comments!
UPDATE: 2:01 PM: Apparently I don’t know enough about prospects, as it seems like it will take either one of the Yankees big prospects (Hughes, Joba) and an additional prospect/OR a bunch of major prospects such as Zach McAllister, Ian Kennedy, etc.
Interview with Chad Jennings from The LoHud Yankees Blog
The following interview was conducted by Brandon Cohen. Brandon along with the staff at The Pinstriper would like to express our gratitude to Chad Jennings for sharing his time for this interview.
Without further ado, here is the interview in its entirety:
1. In a recent blog post I debated whether I would prefer Ryan Howard or Mark Teixeira for this series….which would you take?
Right now I would take Howard. He’s as hot as anyone not named Alex Rodriguez, and he’s even getting Rodriguez a run for his money. I got to see Howard hit quite a bit in Scranton, and he’s more than just a pull-the-ball power hitter. He can go the other way. He can move runners. He’s not awful at first base. On the whole, though, I think Teixeira is a more complete player. Just hard to overlook what Howard’s done this postseason.
2. With Pedro Martinez starting game 2, do you think the Yankees or Pedro have the upper hand? (Which has the advantage in that matchup)
I think Pedro’s a little different pitcher than he used to be. He’s still mixing his pitches, but this isn’t going to be the same Pedro that Jeter and Posada and the rest remember from Boston. I’m not sure the experience against one another plays a huge role, but certainly this is going to be a tough place to pitch for Martinez and this Yankees lineup is awfully dangerous. I’ll take this Yankees lineup over an aging Martinez, but I’ll say that respectfully. The guy can still pitch. Just ask the Dodgers.
3. Do you think the Yankees will go with a 3 man or a 4 man rotation for the World Series? Which would you do?
Four man. That’s what I think they’ll do and that’s what I would do. I would pitch Sabathia in Game 4 and Gaudin in Game 5. That leaves a fully rested Burnett/Pettitte for Game 6, and the off day between 5 and 6 means the Yankees can burn through a ton of relievers without losing them for the next game.
4. Do you think the set-up man role is open right now? Girardi has stuck by Hughes, but if Hughes struggles?
I still think Hughes has the job, mostly because Chamberlain hasn’t been lights out. He’s allowed some hits of his own. I’m a huge Robertson believer, and I think the eighth inning might be his one day, but I’m not sure a few big outs by Robertson and a couple of bad innings by Hughes is enough to swap roles. Hughes earned this spot and I’m not sure anyone has done enough to take it from him.
5. Having covered the Phillies farm system in the past, can you give us some background on their core players?
Utley is the best player I ever saw in Scranton. He and I weren’t especially close — he was never particularly comfortable with the media back then — but he’s a terrific, terrific hitter. I touched on Howard, who can do more than hit home runs. He has a lot of power to left-center. Victorino isn’t so underrated anymore thanks to the all-star game, but he’s had a lot of talent for a long time. Good speed. Good power. Terrific arm. I’ve said before that I think Victorino is the kind of player the Yankees hope Austin Jackson becomes. Don’t count out Carlos Ruiz. His numbers aren’t good, but he’s a dangerous hitter and does good work behind the plate. He works great with pitchers. That’s why he’s remained an everyday catcher.
6. What do you think is the biggest problem for the Yankees going into the World Series?
I think there should be a little bit of concern about the middle of the order, outside of Rodriguez. Teixeira and Matsui got it done this season, but both have been a bit cold in the playoffs and I think the Yankees need both of them to break out oit.
7. For the Phillies?
The bullpen. The rotation has some question marks, but the bullpen is full of them. Brad Lidge has pitched really well this postseason, but I don’t know any Phillies fan who feels particularly comfortable with him in the ninth. And getting to him is hardly a sure thing.
8. Any bold predictions for the series?
Nothing too bold, but I’ll say Teixeira snaps out of it and Utley gives the Yankees more trouble than Howard.
Quick Questions:
- Who wins, how many games? Yankees in six.
- Best starter? Sabathia.
- Best Hitter? Utley.
- Best Reliever? Rivera, with Hughes getting back on course in the eighth.
- World Series MVP? Jeter.
CC You in Game Four
According to the Star Ledger, Joe Girardi has official announced that CC Sabathia will pitch game 4 of the ALCS. This means that he will be going on 3 days rest. Now in the past, when CC has gone on 3 days rest in the playoffs, it hasn’t worked out well for him (I don’t think I need to go into what happened last year). However, this year is different. The Yankees cautiously gave him lots of rest down the stretch in hopes that it would allow him to pitch better in the playoffs, and so far, they’ve been right.
After looking absolutely dominant in his first two outings, CC will face his first true test as not only will he not be as well-rested, but he’ll be pitching in Angel Stadium for the 3rd time this season. CC is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA at the Big A this season.
Despite those numbers, I still feel it’s the right move for Joe Girardi. Say the Halos win tomorrow afternoon, making the series 2-1 Yankees. Would you really feel safe handing the ball to Chad Gaudin with the Angels oh-so-close to evening the series? If that were to happen, pitching CC in game 5 would be a lot less significant. The Yankees might be able to notch a win but would then be throwing the always-frustrating A.J. Burnett out there for game 6. Plus if CC were to lose, then those two games would become must-wins for the Yanks, a situation I can assure you they do not want to be in.
Now there is another side to this argument and that is Chad Gaudin and the Yankees bullpen. Gaudin pitched extremely well down the stretch, going into the 6th inning in 3 of his last 4 starts. Plus he didn’t pitch in last night’s bullpen extravaganza so he would be very well rested. If he can give the Yankees 6 quality innings (which he’s proven to be able to do, even if he later falters in the 7th) then Girardi could turn it over to the ‘pen to close it out.
That’s one of the key advantages the Yankees have this post-season: their bullpen. Joba Chamberlain to Phil Hughes to Mariano Rivera makes up on the best back-end bullpens we’ve seen in a very long time. So if Chad Gaudin could go 6 or even 5 (don’t forget about K-Rob) the Yanks would still have a good shot at winning. However, all of that goes down the drain if John Lackey can pitch the way he did against the Red Sox in the ALDS.
Going with Sabathia gives the Yankees their best shot at winning and I believe this to be a good move by Joe Girardi. However, my feelings don’t matter in this situation. All that matters now is how Andy Pettitte the Yankees can fare in game three against Jared Weaver and his halos. Get pumped for a good one and I’ll CC you in game 4
New Writers, New Yankees
I’m sure you have noticed the posts about the new writers we have here. We are very proud to have them here and please comment their posts whenever you can and give them your support!
As for the New Yankees, what I mean by that is that the Yankees seem like a whole different team this year. Alex Rodriguez is on fire. David Robertson emerged as a possible set-up man if they want to make Joba and Hughes starters. Alex Rodriguez is on fire. Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, CC Sabathia, and A.J. Burnett all are fitting in perfectly. Oh, and Alex Rodriguez is on fire.
Never count these Yankees out. Never. They are destined for greatness.
Interview with Pete Abraham
I was able to get Pete Abraham of the Weschester Journal News to interview with me.
1. How have the players reacted to all the books written about the team this year – Torre’ book and Selena Roberts’. Did you sense more tension? Also, do you feel that that had something to do with the slow start?
Tension? They have the best record in baseball and terrific chemistry. Why would a book by somebody who managed them in 2007 cause tension in 2009? The slow start was due to poor pitching and A-Rod being on the DL. Not any books.
2. Who is your favorite player to cover on the Yankees? Why?
Nobody in particular on this team, they’re a pretty good bunch. It’s a great honor to cover Mariano Rivera.
3. Do you feel that Chien-Ming Wang will ever return to his prime form?
Unfortunately, probably not. That foot injury altered his mechanics and led to a serious shoulder injury.
4. Some beat writers say that they want Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes should be the Yankees future closer, while you say that they should be starters. Why?
I think this issue has been beaten to death. Joba is obviously a starter and the Yankees have said Hughes will start as well.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite stadiums to visit?
I like Safeco Field. I dislike Oakland.
6. Question for kids out there that may want to be a beat writer when they grow up. What is it like? The traveling, asking questions, press conferences, getting to be near players?
That is a pretty involved question. It’s a very enjoyable job but there is a lot of hard work and a lot of hours involved. I’m not sure what you mean by getting to be near players. They’re just people who play baseball, it’s not a big deal.
7. Jim Bouton, a former Yankee, wrote a book revealing private information about his teammates and friends. Selena Roberts wrote a book about one player, Alex Rodriguez. Do you feel players have to be more careful about trust and being a close team? Has the loss of privacy in any way cause a lack of chemistry?
I’ve never heard any of the players talk about books and it doesn’t impact team chemistry in the slightest.
8. The Yankees asked the Pirates to help pay for Eric Hinske’s salary this year…..are they really having money issues or are there other reasons?
I don’t think they’re having money issues. But if the other team will pay some salary, they might as well try and get it.
9. When Joe Torre rejected the Yankees offer you called it “the most shocking thing in a long time.” What since has surprised you the most? Why?
In terms of what has surprised me since, it was A-Rod being on steroids. I had foolishly believed his denials.
10. Any funny or interesting stories you have from your time as a Yankee beat writer?
There are too many to mention. Plenty of interesting and funny things happen.
Quick Questions:
Do you like the new Yankee Stadium as much as the old one?
No.
Best 1-2 Combination in baseball?
Pitching or hitting? Pitching I’d say it’s Lincecum and Cain. Hitting I’d say Mauer and Morneau.
World Series predictions?
As I wrote in the beginning of the season, I think the Yankees will win it.
Date of Austin Jacksons MLB Debut?
No idea. Depends what they do in the offseason.
Will Joe Torre get his number retired? Will he make up with the Yankees?
I would hope so on both accounts.
Josh Anderson Traded to Royals and Other Related Notes
–Josh Anderson was traded to the Royals for cash considerations today. If the Yankees really did want him, I feel horrible for him. Goes from being a Brave to a Tiger to a ROYAL?
–John Grabow and Tom Gorzelanny were traded to the Cubs today.
–Jarrod Washburn is apparently available and the Mariners originally asked for one of Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes. Once the Yankees balked at that, they will now look for a B-type prospect.
–David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were two of the names in the infamous 2003 “list.” The reason this isn’t going to be all over my blog today is because-well-this isn’t news. Everyone knew Manny used steroids and everyone basically knew Ortiz did but he never admitted it or was caught. Don’t go quick to call their world series “tainted”, as I would have to agree with Peter Gammons on this one. He said since 1989 all world series can be viewed as “tainted” in one way or another.
-Shelley Duncan was not in the lineup for the 2nd game of a doubleheader for AAA Scranton and appears to be headed for Chicago.
Here are two very inspirational stories, one about baseball, one about football.
Yankees Prospect Dilemma
Many people would love it if the Yankees managed to sign all of the free agent starters out there. Some want Burnett, some want Lowe, others want both. Seems like all want CC Sabathia. Andy Pettite is poised to sign with New York, but that adds at least 2 pitchers to the rotation. Lets take a look…..
1. Wang
2. Sabathia?
3. Lowe?Burnett?
4. Joba
5. Pettite?
That looks great, doesn’t it?
I think it does.
So I began to look at that rotation, trying to figure out what made me have this empty feeling inside……then it hit me……
Where are the prospects?
Phil Hughes, Alfredo Aceves, Phil Coke, and even Ian Kennedy all seem poised to enter the MLB once again this year as starters. What do they just say no? Make them relievers? Here is my master plan:
MY MASTER PLAN ROTATION
1. Wang
2. Sabathia
3. Lowe
4. Pettite
5. Prospect Starter that wins battle in spring training (see players above)
SU: Joba
SU: Coke
Phil Coke is an effective lefty reliever and why not give him a chance in the bullpen.
I think Joba is a no-brainer. He will replace Rivera when he retires and will serve as a 1-2 inning shut down set-up man until then.
The Pinstriper 
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