Nady Signs With Cubs

Tim Brown reported earlier today that Xavier Nady has agreed on a deal with the Cubs. So you can check another name off the Yankees list.

(Updated 2:26 p.m.) Jerry Crasnick is reporting that it's a one-year deal worth $3.3 million base salary. Nady could make up to $5.35 million with performance bonuses.

In other news, Ben Sheets signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the A's. This probably means they're out of the running for Johnny Damon's services.

Now What?

With Mark DeRosa signing with the Giants today and Jason Bay and Matt Holliday not likely to be in pinstripes, what will the Yanks be planning to do with left field?

Now don’t get me wrong, Brett Gardner is a good player and the Yanks don’t need a superstar at every position, but will the Yanks really go into the season with the 40 RBI man manning left? I personally don’t think so.

Their options are dwindling though, and right now Johnny Damon and Xavier Nady, both Yankees last year, seem as the only remaining free-agent choices for the Bombers, so they tell us. They’re not interested in Dye, not interested in guys like Bay or Holliday, and probably aren’t going after Reed Johnson as some reports have stated in the past couple days.

Yet, with Damon and Nady still on the market with relatively cheap contract requests, GM Brian Cashman has stated both of the players are too expensive for the Yankees to sign. Umm…what?

Nady isn’t going over $5 million after undergoing Tommy John surgery last season, and Damon probably would take a $16 or $18 million offer from the Yankees. So, why are the Yanks sounding like they went bankrupt and can’t afford these low-priced players? I tell ya why – strategy!

While typing this, an idea just popped into my mind. Cash is only saying this because he wants to see if the players will react to his statement and lower their asking price. So he’s wanting Damon to go down to around $14 million, and have Nady go down even lower. That’s when he’ll make his move.

If I could see the future, I’d say I would see Johnny Damon back with the Yankees. He’s just using Andy Pettitte’s old strategy of waiting it out as long as possible, until finally taking a deal with much less $ in it then he first asked for.

Even Nady is too expensive?

Via Bryan Hoch:

Why wouldn't the Yankees look at Xavier Nady for left field? They would get a right-handed bat with good power who can handle New York. Is his injury still a factor or is he looking for more than the Yankees want to pay?
-- Pete N., Syracuse N.Y.

Right now, it appears the hold-up would be more financial than physical. General manager Brian Cashman said on Monday that Nady's price is above the Yankees' current budget, which explains why they have not been seriously linked to him while some other clubs have.

How much could Nady possibly cost after his second major elbow surgery?

Jon Heyman also reported that the "yankees have been interested in [Mark] derosa. will be disappointed (and still looking for an OF) if #giants deal goes thru." If Nady is too expensive how can they afford DeRosa.

Yanks Looking At Reed Johnson?

From Joel Sherman:

An NL executive and an agent told me the Yankees were talking regularly to the representatives for Reed Johnson. I can see the Yankee reasoning. As currently constituted, the Yanks have lefty-swingers Brett Gardner in left field and Curtis Granderson in center. Johnson can play all three outfield positions, and has long been a strong hitter against lefties. In 2009 against lefties, Johnson hit .324 with a .403 on-base percentage and a .500 slugging percentage; and for his career the numbers are .313/.378/.463.

Not the big name most Yankees fans are hoping for, but with what the Yankees already have he could be a nice addition. Those numbers against lefties can come in very handy for this team.

Sherman also had this to say about Xavier Nady:

I still believe that the Yankees should go for Xavier Nady if Nady’s elbow tests fine after a second Tommy John surgery. Nady’s right-center power would be ideal at Yankee Stadium. And I imagine that Nady could be had for a low base with plenty of incentives based on games played.

Also not a terrible idea.

MLB Trade Rumors To 50 Free Agents

Tim Dierkes over at MLB Trade Rumors came out with his list of the top 50 MLB free agents in this year's FA class. He also listed the team he believes that player will sign with.

As far as current Yankees are concerned he ranks Andy Pettitte 6th and believe he'll remain in the Bronx. The same goes for Johnny Damon, who he ranked 12th. He believes Hideki Matsui, who was ranked 27th, will end up in Seattle. Xavier Nady even made the list at 48, and Dierkes expects him to land in Arizona.

The top three names on the list are the ones everyone has already been talking about; Matt Holliday, John Lackey, and Jason Bay. He believes that Holliday will wind up in New York, but with the Mets, and Bay will stay with Boston. But he does think that the Yankees will make a run at, and land, Lackey. Dierkes says,

Last winter's strategy of signing the best two starters and the best hitter available contributed to the Yankees' World Series title. With rotation question marks after C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, it makes sense that the Yanks will pursue the best available starter in Lackey.

I agree, Lackey is the guy the Yanks should make a serious run at. They'll likely have all the offense they'll need next year, but the rotation is a little sketchy at this point, signing Lackey and resigning Pettitte would fix that in a hurry.

Go check out the full list and let me know what names peak your interest.

Checking in on Ross Ohlendorf

I know I haven't been around for a while but I'm back now and things should be back to normal. :)

With the Yankees searching for a fifth starter, I've heard many fans complaining about the Nady trade last year. Not because of Jose Tabata's resurgence but because of Ross Ohlendorf's solid year. At first glance it looks pretty good to. His ERA is 4.15, he has 11 wins for the hapless Pirates, and has a solid WHIP of 1.31. On top of that he's on pace to throw well over 200 innings. All of those much better than the disaster that has been Sergio Mitre and at times better than Andy Pettitte. Judging by those numbers alone, he could be their fourth starter and is an easy upgrade of Sergio Mitre. Its not that simple though.

First of all, pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the NL Central is worlds away from pitching for the Yankees in the ridiculously stacked AL East. While with the Yankees, he was unimpressive and a major dissapointment in the bullpen. Teams crushed his stuff and he just seemed totally out of his league. The difference in the divisions is huge. We've seen time and time again that when pitchers make the switch in leagues, it makes a huge difference.

Secondly, Ohlendorf been pretty lucky this year. He's not to keep getting by on a 4.91 K/9. His K/BB is only 1.73 and his FIP is up to 4.90. He hasn't developed the high ground ball tendencies you would expect from a sinker baller like him either. His GB% of 42.7% is decidedly mediocre. All around they're not very impressive at all. He's gotten lucky with balls in play and that should start catching up with him sooner rather than later.

Finally, Sergio Mitre has not really hurt the Yankees all that much. Sure, he's been terrible and nobody in their right mind is going to contest that. He's had exactly one "quality" start and that's it. However, it hasn't really mattered. In Mitre's starts the Yankees are 5-2. That's really because of some excellent run support but it shows that despite his struggles, it hasn't really hurt them. Coolstandings.com pegs the Yankees at having a 97.7% chance of making the playoffs this year. If they blow the 6.5 game lead they have now, theirs going to be a long list of guys to blame before the fifth starter. Besides that, its unlikely that Ohlendorf would get any starts in the playoffs.

The trade did not work out. Nady and Marte didn't push them over the top last year and Jose Tabata is reestablishing himself as a top prospect with a big year. However, lets put to rest this idea that Ross Ohlendorf is the missing piece to this team.

It's Official, Nady To Have Tommy John Surgery

As we all expected, Nady will have season-ending Tommy John surgery next Wednesday. The surgery will require 10-12 months to recover.

Here's more from Anthony DiComo:

"I'm extremely disappointed for him because we thought we were going to get him back this week," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "You feel bad for a guy that really tried, and tried to be a team guy."

...

As the Yankees expected, Yocum recommended that Nady undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. Nady, who played only seven games in what would have been his first full season with the Yankees, will require roughly 10-12 months to recover.

"He'll be back," Girardi said. "I don't have any question about that. He'll be back and he'll be a good player again, but your heart goes out to him."

Back when he injured himself in Tampa Nady Mark Feinsand had this quote from him after the game:

"It's tough. I enjoy taking the field with this group of guys and I feel like we have a good team," Nady said, fighting back tears. "I told Girardi I feel bad because they went out and made a trade for me last year, so I feel like I'm letting them down."

I think that's all you need to hear to feel sorry for the guy. Not only has he lost all of this year, but now he heads into free agency recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. Hope he can work his way back and be on the field for some team at this time next year.

Bad News For Nady

Xavier Nady was down in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre playing in his second minor-league rehab game. He played the first five innings, but pulled himself out of the game after he felt something in his right elbow.

Here's a quote from Brian Cashman via Peter Abraham: “We don’t know what he did yet but it could be the worst-case scenario.”

We won't be seeing Nady anytime soon. With this latest setback I think he's likely headed for season-ending surgery. Bad break for the Yanks and Nady.

Nady Headed To Scranton

Xavier Nady DH'ed in a simulated today down in Tampa and went 2-for-3. He also took part in a throwing drill prior to the game, where he made several throws to second and third base.

Nady will now head to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin a minor-league rehab assignment starting on Wednesday.

He told the NY Post that "It feels stronger each day and the pain is slowly going away."

Nady Headed Back To Tampa

From Peter Abraham: is reporting that Xavier Nady will head to Tampa to continue his rehab. He has no problem hitting, but the Yankees are going to wait until he's able to play the outfield he has yet to throw the ball as hard as he can.

"I'm trying to be smart," he said. "It's probably 85, 90 percent throwing-wise. It continues to get better."

Nady also said,

"The last few days have gone good. It's good to be progressing," Nady said. "I'm trying to build up enough arm strength to get by."

Nady will begin more extended spring training games starting with four innings in right field tomorrow.

It looks like it could be another few more weeks for Nady.

Nady Making Progress

NJ.com's Colin Stephenson reported yesterday that prior to yesterday's game Nady made "a bunch of throws" from what he thought was 100 feet, and then detailed the rest of his workout:

... then went to right field where Thompson hit him a bunch of grounders where he had to field the ball and throw to second.

After that, Nady went back near the warning track and Thompson hit balls into the right field corner, with Nady going in there to pick the ball up, wheel and throw to a cutoff man stationed just onto the outfield grass. Everything looked fine to me.

Stephenson also reported that Joe Girardi wants to see Nady throw again today before the team decides what to do next. He could head down to Tampa to continue his rehab or he could remain with the team. Make sure you check out tonight's game thread to for any updates on Nady from today's pregame workout.

Nady Could Be Back Next Week, Bruney Getting Closer Too

Here's an update on Xavier Nady and Brian Bruney from Mark Feinsand of the Daily News. Nady has thrown from 75 and 90 feet and felt no pain, his next step will be throwing from 150 feet before he can return. Feinsand did say that he could rejoin the team next week when they begin play in National League parks.

"We'll just have to send our cutoff guy out a little bit further," Joe Girardi said. "I think there is a chance that could happen."
...

Nady has played in five rehab games since May 27, going 7-for-20 with three home runs.

Brian Bruney is set to throw another bullpen session today, and will throw breaking balls for the first time since going back on the DL on May 26th.

A Couple Rehab Updates

UPDATE 9:10 p.m.: Here's another quote from Bruney:

When asked how long it would be until he came back he said, "If I was to guess, I'd say a week and a half, maybe less."

Not much going on tonight with the rainout, so here's some rehab updates via Erik Boland of Newsday. Brian Bruney threw a bullpen session today, he threw fastballs and change-ups and said he felt fine. Joe Girardi also said that the bullpen session went well.

"I'm not going all out, but I was letting it go pretty good," Bruney said. "Hopefully, that means [I'm close].''

Xavier Nady played in an extended spring game in Tampa, he also threw the ball from 75 feet without any pain, which is a good sign.

"I think it's a good sign," Girardi said. "We have to get him throwing a little bit more than 75 feet, but it's been encouraging news."

And Damaso Marte threw a 25-pitch bullpen session down in Tampa.

"That went well," Girardi said. "And he spun some sliders from shorter distance."

Nady Could DH

From Peter Abraham:

Xavier Nady, who is coming back from a torn elbow ligament, played catch for the third time at the team facility in Tampa and took batting practice.

While Nady is prepared to start playing games as a designated hitter, the Yankees want him able to play in the outfield before he is activated.

I know they have several DH's already, but even if he can't play the field, wouldn't Nady's bat be more valuable right now coming off the bench instead of Angel Berroa?

Posada's Headed To Cleveland

UPDATED 7:41 p.m.: Marc Carig just spoke with Brian Cashman and Cash told him that Melky will be available to come off the bench in Cleveland.

According to this report from the AP, Jorge Posada played six innings in an extended spring training game today. He then told the media he was scheduled to head to Cleveland to rejoin the Yankees (But it won't be at the Ritz Carlton.).

"The hamstring is feeling good," Posada said. "I'm happy with everything. The most important thing was just running, seeing some pitches and getting the timing down."

Posada made two strong throws to second on stolen bases attempts, recording one out and being denied a second when the second baseman dropped the ball.

Xavier Nady, out with a right elbow injury, was the designated hitter and had two hits in five at-bats. He hit an opposite-field homer to right, singled and also walked.

Nady is scheduled to resume throwing Monday.

Backup catcher Jose Molina (strained left quadriceps) worked out at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa, but hasn't started playing in extended spring training games.

Peter Abraham also is reporting that Cashman confirmed that Posada will be activated tomorrow. Cashman also told Abraham that Melky Cabrera showed improvement today.

Another Injury Update From Tampa

Here's another update from Tampa on the injured Yankees from the AP via ESPN:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada played five innings of defense in an extended spring training intrasquad game Wednesday and is hopeful of rejoining the team during a series that starts Friday night in Cleveland.
...

He ran from first to third on a single and threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. The five-time AL All-Star played three innings in the field during a simulated game Tuesday.

"It feels good when I'm running," Posada said. "The hamstring is good. Now it's seeing some pitches, getting some at-bats and catching more."

Posada, hitless in four at-bats, flied out twice, struck out, reached on an error and walked.

Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament) and infielder Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) also took part in the extended spring game as designated hitters.

Nady went 1 for 3 with a walk. Ransom hit a long homer off Humberto Sanchez and walked twice.

Backup catcher Jose Molina, out with a left quadriceps strain, went through extensive defensive drills, but did not participate in the extended spring game.

I like Cervelli a lot, and he's done a lot for this team both offensively and defensively since being called up, but it will be great to get Posada back. Also, the way Matsui and Swisher have been hitting, getting Nady back would help a lot too, even if he's only going to be able to DH.

Injury Updates From Tampa

From the AP via ESPN:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada could play in an extended spring training game this week.

Posada, sidelined since straining his right hamstring while sliding during a May 4 game against Boston, took batting practice, threw and participated in a running program on Monday.

"Maybe Wednesday or Thursday," Posada said after working out at the Yankees' minor league complex. "It's now a matter of getting into baseball shape."

Outfielder Xavier Nady (right elbow ligament), catcher Jose Molina (strained left quadriceps) and third baseman Cody Ransom (right quadriceps) worked out with Posada. All three also took part in the running session.

Nady could be the designated hitter during a minor league game in the next couple days, and Molina might be ready by late this week.

Also, left-handed reliever Damaso Marte, out with left shoulder tendinitis, has resumed throwing on level ground.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, coming back from right elbow ligament replacement surgery, threw four innings in an extended spring training game against Philadelphia minor leaguers.

That should get you up to date on all the injured Yankees.

Four Injured Yanks Heading To Tampa

From MLB.com:

A quartet of rehabbing Yankees will leave for Tampa on Sunday -- Xavier Nady, Jorge Posada, Cody Ransom and Jose Molina all are slated to travel to the team's Minor League complex.

Manager Joe Girardi said Nady (ulnar collateral ligament surgery) could possibly get into an extended spring training game sometime this week, and depending on their legs, so could Posada and Molina.

As for Brian Bruney, he said today that his tendon is still sore and he will try to play catch tomorrow and hopes to return early next week.

Nady Takes BP

It was reporting by Mark Feinsand late last night that Xavier Nady took about 40 swings of batting practice yesterday. He took five rounds of BP, and swung five to eight times per round. After Nady said he felt no pain in his injured right elbow.

"It felt good," Nady said. "I was more hesitant the first couple of swings, but I was swinging the bat good. I'll do this for a couple days, and hopefully by Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I'll be letting it loose out there."

Manager Joe Girardi said it was "realistic" that Nady would head Tampa for a rehab assignment when the Yankees lead town on Sunday.

Slowly but surely everyone is working their way back. We should also find out about Chien-Ming Wang later today.

Cutting-Edge Procedure May Get Nady Back By June

According to Peter Abraham, Xavier Nady will try to quicken his return to the field by attempting a cutting-edge medical procedure on his injured right elbow.

Nady told The Journal News today that he is having platelet-rich plasma injected directly into the area around his partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. The procedure was successfully used by right-handed reliever Takashi Saito last season. Saito, who is now with the Red Sox, was able to avoid Tommy John Surgery. Like Nady, he had a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament.

Blood drawn from Nady’s body is spun to isolate the platelets, which clot and promote healing of the ligament. The platelets are 10 times more concentrated that normal blood. It is believed that Saito and Nady are the only baseball players to have had this procedure done.

Abraham went on to say that Nady hopes the procedure will enable him to return by the end of this month or the beginning of June. Hopefully this works, Nady adds a lot of depth to the roster and with all the injuries piling up they can use all the depth the can get. I guess everyone heals differently, but as Nady says in the article, "If Saito was able to come back as a pitcher, that is a good sign for [him]." So I'd have to assume there's a good chance it will work.