The Yankees basically have two options this offseason: Get Bold or Get Subtlle. Either they go big on their roster moves, or they continue the small subtle changes. Here is my Bold Option.1. Don't exercise Mike Mussina's contract. Negotiate with him instead. He's not worth 19 mil, but he's worth 10 or 11.2. Release Randy Johnson to Waivers. Eat his contract. He's done, and we aren't going to get anything for him on the trade market. It's a lot of money to eat, but if need be we will eat it. He's a locker room downer and adds nothing to the game anymore.3. Exercise Gary Sheffield's contract, and trade him for a minor league prospect or draft pick. Even if we have to pay a portion of his 1-year salary, just get something out of him. 4. Give Melky Cabrera the starting gig, put Matsui at DH. Matsui's arm isn't that great, and it will keep him healthy. Melky has golden glove play in the OF, and is an asset to the lineup.5. Give Philip Hughes a Starting role from week 1. I'm tired of hearing about how good this kid is, it's time to put up or shut up.6. Tell Bernie Williams it's time to retire. If he wants to retire a Yankee, the time is now.7. Trade Jason Giambi for prospects, even if we have to eat some contract crow. 8. Promote Andy Phillips to full time 1st baseman. He's good enough to hold it down at the plate (he's better the more at bats he gets in a row), and he's an upgrade in the field.9. Let Jaret Wright Walk10. Let Carl Pavano Go.11. Trade A-Rod to Cleveland. In return, get the following:<div align="center">A. Lefty Pitcher Jeremy SowersB. 3rd Baseman Andy MarteC. 1st Baseman Ryan Garko</div>12. Through trades and signings, acquire the following:<div align="center">A. Minor League Catcher Jeff Clement or Miguel MonteroB. Pitcher Barry Zito C. Mark Mulder or Jason SchmidtD. Danys Baez or Scot Shields</div>Roster in 2007:1B: Andy Phillips 2B: Robinson CanoSS: Derek Jeter3B: Andy MarteC: Jorge PosadaOF: Melky CabreraOF: Johnny Damon OF: Bobby AbreuDH: Hideki MatsuiBN: 1B Ryan GarkoBN: C Jeff Clement/Miguel MonteroBN: 3B/1B Eric DuncanBN: FA PickupSP Chien Ming WangSP Barry ZitoSP Mark Mulder / Jason SchmidtSP Mike MussinaSP Jeremy Sowers / Phillip Hughes (Both try their hands at the rotation and the Pen)CP Mariano RiveraRP Danys Baez / Scot ShieldsRP Kyle FarnsworthRP Mike MyersRP Brian BruneyAlternative to positions:Johnny Damon has proven that he can play 1st base. So Matsui can take LF, Cabrera CF, Damon 1st, and Giambi DH if Torre feels this is a better setup.
I want them to see Hughes too. Just for the fact that i'm sure that he'll struggle and become a bust. People blame the Twins for "babying" their pitchers.. but I don't have a problem with it. Look at how good Johan is, and Liriano, and Boof, and plenty others. And the Indians wouldn't do that trade. No chance in hell. Give up their 2 top MLB prospects, and then a 1Bman with a lot of power? I don't think they are really in the "win-now" mode. There probably won't be more than 1-2 teams that are interested in A-Rod and that contract. Even though he is probably the best AL batter in the regular season, he has shown he can't be clutch or play defense at third very well. That'll be a big turn-off. I doubt you'll get one of those top catching prospects. Seattle has no reason to give up Clement, and I don't really know what team Montero is on, but I'm sure they won't want to give him up. I highly doubt they'll give Andy Phillips a shot to be a starter on the team. Is he good enough to start on some teams? Sure. But will the Yankees let him? No way. They'd rather play Sheff/Giambi there. I guess the rest is reasonable though. And I'm surprised you didn't mention Dautstekhjrioe Matsuka or whatever.
Definitely let Cabrera start. Hes the man. Hughes may not be ready but if it hurts us in the long run, then Ill wait.You cant assume trades. You never know.I say just let Sheff go.
- I highly doubt the Yankees manage to get Zito and Schmidt or Zito and Mulder. With how many teams that need pitching out there and have money to spend, teams will be lucky to get one pitcher that is that good this offseason IMO. My bet is that Barry Zito ends up as a Met, and the Yankees pay for Daisuke Matsuzaka. (If you're not familiar with him, look him up on Google and Youtube. )- Theres no way that the Yankees eat 16 million or whatever Randy Johnson is making just to get rid of him, they'd rather have him as a #5 starter before they eat that much money...just see the Kevin Brown scenario. - Most of the reports I've been reading are saying that Philip Hughes wont be ready until at least midseason. I could see the Yankees bringing back somebody like Carl Pavano (If he is ever healthy) until midseason and then promoting Hughes when they feel he is ready and trading Pavano at the deadline, but I wouldnt expect to see Hughes in the opening day lineup.- I still think you're overestimating A-Rod's value on the open market. You're chaseing the guy out of town and then still expecting top doller for him and it's not going to happen. Fact of the matter is that his contract hurts you guys as not many teams can afford to take back the 64 mill / 4 years remaining on his deal. His No-Trade Clause hurts you because he can try and force his hand saying he will only accept a trade to Certain Teams. And the other thing that really hurts is that most people with a brain realize there is no way he is back in Pinstripes next season, which means teams will constantly lowball the Yankees in the offers hoping to get him for cheap. Other then that, I agree with you.
The only and huge problem I see is that I don't really see teams giving up prospects for veterens.And Giambi... teams showed their no tolerance for steroids with Palmeiro and Sosa. I don't think any team besides the Yankees would be willing to accept Giambi with open arms.I don't think A-Rod is moving although it is in both the team and his best interests to move him.
I agree with some of the stuff you said, but as stated that A-Rod trade is unlikely to happen. And as much as I'd like Johnson gone, that's not happening either. I know you were going bold, but here's my reasonable off-season:Let it all begin with a blockbuster trade. We all want A-Rod out, and we all know we need a starting pitcher in return, and it would be ideal to get another 3B aswell. So...Cubs get: Alex Rodriguez, 2 mid-level prospects, cashYankees get: Carlos Zambrano, Aramis RamirezAs for the rest of the rotation..Johnson and Wang are staying put.Let Mussina walk. It's time to hand it over to the kids, or at least not make the same mistake we made with Johnson. Obviously it wouldn't be as extreme with Moose since he's younger, but if they give him anymore than a 1-year deal I'll be upset; I'd rather him just go altogether.But while I say let Moose walk to let the kids pitch, I still think we HAVE to sign either Zito or Matsuzaka. I like Matsuzaka's upside more, but I think we can get Zito for a year or two less. However if Oakland puts in a strong bid to keep him and the price hovers somewhere around where Matsuzaka's will be, I think we go for the import. I had Cory Lidle penciled in as our 5th starter, and someone who would either be traded at the deadline or bumped into the pen when Hughes comes up..He WONT be here until at least the middle of the year, and that's if he continues progressing at this rate and pitching this well. Unfortunately we all know the Lidle story, and I won't go into details about that..But instead of him as the #5 starter, I think we're going to have to keep Wright around. Honestly, he wasn't terrible in the regular season as a guy pitching 5 innings and giving up only 3 or 4 runs, which isn't bad for this offense. We'd need to improve the bullpen if we keep Wright around, but more on that later. Another option would be to sign a cheap veteran to a one-year deal, but that's only if the right arm is out there at the right price.So, the rotation:Carlos ZambranoRandy JohnsonChien-Ming WangDaisuke MatsuzakaJaret Wright (Philip Hughes)As for the defense/lineup.Obviously, Ramirez takes over for A-Rod at third. Jeter and Cano stay put in the middle. Moving from centerfield to first base is Johnny Damon, after an entire off-season of being coached up on the position by Don Mattingly. Jorge Posada gets put behind the plate, although I hope a long-term replacement is acquired this off-season somehow. That's not a pressing need at the moment though and doesn't effect the big league club.The outfield would consist of Hideki Matsui in left, Melky Cabrera in center, and Bobby Abreu in right. Sheffield is gone, and I think either Andy Phillips or Craig Wilson will get the boot, probably Wilson due to Phillips' history in the organization and ability to play more positions (although Wilson would act as the emergency catcher, but I'm not worried about such a situation.)So, the lineup..1 - CF Johnny Damon2 - SS Derek Jeter3 - RF Bobby Abreu4 - DH Jason Giambi5 - LF Hideki Matsui6 - 3B Aramis Ramirez7 - C Jorge Posada8 - 2B Robinson Cano9 - CF Melky CabreraAs far as the bullpen goes, I think we're pretty decent. My biggest knock on Torre is that he can't manage the bullpen right, and that's why guys like Proctor faded away as the season progressed. We're going to need some tune-ups, but I wouldn't look for any big time signings, even though it's considered our biggest liability. Jeff Karstens may be kept in the bigs as the long reliever after impressing in a handful of starts, so that's an upgrade in itself.
I agree 100% with Vilma. Those moves would be perfect.The only I would argue some is that they should keep Sheff. He still has a year or 2 in him.
A year or two to do what? Be mishandled at first? Block Melky Cabrera from considerable playing time? Tear up the locker room with his ego and big mouth?I'll pass
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TCOF @ Oct 12 2006, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I agree 100% with Vilma. Those moves would be perfect.The only I would argue some is that they should keep Sheff. He still has a year or 2 in him.</div>Not at his paycheck he doesn't. Which is why we exercise his option and trade him (eating part of the contract in doing so).He is: CockBlocking MelkyAdding nothing we don't already have.Not meshing with the locker room.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GaMeTiMe @ Oct 12 2006, 05:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I agree with some of the stuff you said, but as stated that A-Rod trade is unlikely to happen. And as much as I'd like Johnson gone, that's not happening either. I know you were going bold, but here's my reasonable off-season:Let it all begin with a blockbuster trade. We all want A-Rod out, and we all know we need a starting pitcher in return, and it would be ideal to get another 3B aswell. So...Cubs get: Alex Rodriguez, 2 mid-level prospects, cashYankees get: Carlos Zambrano, Aramis RamirezAs for the rest of the rotation..Johnson and Wang are staying put.Let Mussina walk. It's time to hand it over to the kids, or at least not make the same mistake we made with Johnson. Obviously it wouldn't be as extreme with Moose since he's younger, but if they give him anymore than a 1-year deal I'll be upset; I'd rather him just go altogether.But while I say let Moose walk to let the kids pitch, I still think we HAVE to sign either Zito or Matsuzaka. I like Matsuzaka's upside more, but I think we can get Zito for a year or two less. However if Oakland puts in a strong bid to keep him and the price hovers somewhere around where Matsuzaka's will be, I think we go for the import. I had Cory Lidle penciled in as our 5th starter, and someone who would either be traded at the deadline or bumped into the pen when Hughes comes up..He WONT be here until at least the middle of the year, and that's if he continues progressing at this rate and pitching this well. Unfortunately we all know the Lidle story, and I won't go into details about that..But instead of him as the #5 starter, I think we're going to have to keep Wright around. Honestly, he wasn't terrible in the regular season as a guy pitching 5 innings and giving up only 3 or 4 runs, which isn't bad for this offense. We'd need to improve the bullpen if we keep Wright around, but more on that later. Another option would be to sign a cheap veteran to a one-year deal, but that's only if the right arm is out there at the right price.So, the rotation:Carlos ZambranoRandy JohnsonChien-Ming WangDaisuke MatsuzakaJaret Wright (Philip Hughes)As for the defense/lineup.Obviously, Ramirez takes over for A-Rod at third. Jeter and Cano stay put in the middle. Moving from centerfield to first base is Johnny Damon, after an entire off-season of being coached up on the position by Don Mattingly. Jorge Posada gets put behind the plate, although I hope a long-term replacement is acquired this off-season somehow. That's not a pressing need at the moment though and doesn't effect the big league club.The outfield would consist of Hideki Matsui in left, Melky Cabrera in center, and Bobby Abreu in right. Sheffield is gone, and I think either Andy Phillips or Craig Wilson will get the boot, probably Wilson due to Phillips' history in the organization and ability to play more positions (although Wilson would act as the emergency catcher, but I'm not worried about such a situation.)So, the lineup..1 - CF Johnny Damon2 - SS Derek Jeter3 - RF Bobby Abreu4 - DH Jason Giambi5 - LF Hideki Matsui6 - 3B Aramis Ramirez7 - C Jorge Posada8 - 2B Robinson Cano9 - CF Melky CabreraAs far as the bullpen goes, I think we're pretty decent. My biggest knock on Torre is that he can't manage the bullpen right, and that's why guys like Proctor faded away as the season progressed. We're going to need some tune-ups, but I wouldn't look for any big time signings, even though it's considered our biggest liability. Jeff Karstens may be kept in the bigs as the long reliever after impressing in a handful of starts, so that's an upgrade in itself.</div>why should we move Damon to 1B?!?!?!! Hes fine in CF, his arms sucks, but w/e. The one position we have too much of is 1B, with Giambi, Sheffield, Phillips, Wilson. Keep Damon in CF, Giambi at first, Mats in DH, Cabrera in LF
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nebkreb @ Oct 13 2006, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>why should we move Damon to 1B?!?!?!! Hes fine in CF, his arms sucks, but w/e.</div>His arm sucks, but w/e?? :glare: <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The one position we have too much of is 1B, with Giambi, Sheffield, Phillips, Wilson.</div>Sheffield is gone, I think most of us know that by now. Do you see Giambi as an actual option defensively at first base? We moved Sheffield there to keep Giambi off the field. Come on now.Like I said, not sure if you read the whole post, but I think either Wilson or Phillips are gone. They both serve almost the same purpose.That leaves Damon/Giambi at first, with probably Phillips backing up there and at most other positions.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Keep Damon in CF, Giambi at first</div>...and watch our team play the field like tee-ballers!
Since When do the Yankees Play Defense? :doze: PS: Matsuzaka's contract itself will likely be less then Zito's because Zito is already proven on the Major League Level. Id expect to see numbers more like what Ichiro got in his first contract at like 10-12 million a year for 4 years so im not sure why you think that he'd be more expensive, unless your factoring in the 20 million or whatever just to negotiate with him.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Oct 14 2006, 06:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Since When do the Yankees Play Defense? :doze: PS: Matsuzaka's contract itself will likely be less then Zito's because Zito is already proven on the Major League Level. Id expect to see numbers more like what Ichiro got in his first contract at like 10-12 million a year for 4 years so im not sure why you think that he'd be more expensive, unless your factoring in the 20 million or whatever just to negotiate with him.</div>Yup
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (AdropOFvenom @ Oct 14 2006, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Since When do the Yankees Play Defense? :doze: PS: Matsuzaka's contract itself will likely be less then Zito's because Zito is already proven on the Major League Level. Id expect to see numbers more like what Ichiro got in his first contract at like 10-12 million a year for 4 years so im not sure why you think that he'd be more expensive, unless your factoring in the 20 million or whatever just to negotiate with him.</div>Where can I read up on Matsuzaka?
http://www.google.com/search?q=Daisuke+Mat...:en-USfficial?But watch some videos of him of his "Gyro Ball" pitch. That thing is fucking sick.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jon_Vilma @ Oct 14 2006, 11:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Where can I read up on Matsuzaka?</div>Japanese League StatsESPN: 'Next Great Japanese Import?' Daisuke Matsuzaka (Note: About 2 Years Old, he is 26 now)Baseball-Reference: Daisuke MatsuzakaMatsuzaka Watch (Blog)Youtube: Matsuzaka 9/19/06Youtube: Matsuzaka 8/30/06Youtube: Matsuzaka 5/26/06Youtube: Matsuzaka 4/14/06
