UPDATE: There is also other report out of Cleveland that say there aren't any talks going on with the Yanks and Indians, but that talks had previously taken place and the deal is dead. So, like most rumors, take this one with a grain of salt.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
AJ For Hafner?
UPDATE: There is also other report out of Cleveland that say there aren't any talks going on with the Yanks and Indians, but that talks had previously taken place and the deal is dead. So, like most rumors, take this one with a grain of salt.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Branyan on Joining the Yanks
From Jeff Bradley:
“Just to be able to go and put on the pinstripes,” Branyan said, sounding more like a teenager on draft day than a 36-year-old veteran. “I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet.”So I guess it's Junior that we have to blame for all those moon-shots Branyan has been hitting in the Bronx. I wouldn't put too much faith in either Branyan or Bill Hall since they're careers are both headed in the same (wrong) direction. But at the same time we've all seen Cashman do a great job shopping at the Dollar Store so maybe he and the Yanks will get lucky again.
...
“My whole career has been a challenge,” Branyan said. “Like a lot of guys in the game, nothing’s been handed to me. No one said it was going to be easy, so you have to embrace it all. I’ve enjoyed the ups and I’ve enjoyed the downs. Going into camp with no guarantee is challenging, but I accept that and embrace that, too.”
...
“I’ve enjoyed playing in New York,” Branyan said. “Junior Griffey used to tell me all the time when we played together with Seattle, ‘Man, you’d love playing in Yankee Stadium. I think you’ve got the swing for it. And I think you’d handle it.’
“That comment always stuck. I have always thought, if I get the opportunity to play there, I want to take it. I’m ready to roll. I think I can do this.”
Olney: Framework In Place For AJ Deal
“He is getting ready to go to spring training, whether it’s with the Yankees, Pittsburgh or anyone else,” Darek Braunecker said in a brief phone interview. “A.J. understands this is a business and will do what he has to do. He’s healthy and he’s looking forward to pitching for somebody.”Well, it appears that he'll be doing that pitching it Pittsburgh. Stay tuned....
Saturday, February 11, 2012
In Defense of a Straight Salary Dump
The following is being syndicated from The Yankee Analysts.
It seems all but inevitable that A.J. Burnett will be toeing the rubber in PNC Park come April, and my feelings are surprisingly mixed on the subject. While I do genuinely believe that he may be the best option of the fifth starter triumvirate (mostly due to the higher beta of Phil Hughes and the blase nature of Freddy Garcia), I cannot help but feel that Burnett's quirkiness, the minor spats with Girardi and Rothschild, and the endless trade speculation will result in nothing short of distractions, if not genuine dissension. It is always a thrill to see Burnett fire off a 96 MPH heater followed by a knee-buckling curve with startling command, but those instances have come fewer and further between ... and most memories of Burnett revolve around his confrontations with the coaching staff (both on the mound and in the dugout) and meltdowns that generally culminate in towering home runs. The sort of promise that Burnett offers, in short, is that which we may drool over with a starting pitcher in his early 20s, hoping and praying that he can get his head on straight - at 35, I doubt even the most unabashed optimist would cross his fingers for Burnett.
In dealing Burnett, Brian Cashman et al would spare the team, the fans, and the brass of one of the most distracting Yankees (non-Rodriguez division) in recent memory. Such a distraction can be acceptable, as is/was the case with Rodriguez, where production is a guarantee ... yet Burnett's replacement-level adventures in 2010 and 2011 cannot be obscured by his surprisingly decent peripherals where $33 MM and consistent inconsistency are ubiquitous. And for this - for all of this - I do believe that it is time that A.J. Burnett is shown the door. At this juncture, it does appear that the only questions involve the return and the savings (which may as well be a single issue). To me, Burnett represents a sunk cost, and any money that Cashman can recoup for the team's coffers is a veritable bonus. The likelihood of Burnett rebounding in pitcher-friendly PNC Park is astronomical, particularly with the departures of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder from the NL Central, but that does not somehow improve Burnett's stock as a pitcher - and yes, this is my likely futile attempt to stem any hindsight-driven lamentations that would stem from a 2009-ish line with the Pirates.
None of this is to say that the Yankees should not attempt to extract something of value from the Pirates. Garrett Jones seems like a safer and smarter bet than Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon, or Hideki Matsui, and his arbitration request checked in at $2.5 MM (right in-line with what some expect one of those three to command). Michael Eder penned an excellent write-up on Jones yesterday, and I suggest you check it out. Should Jones not be an option (which I don't think he is unless the Yankees pick up all $33 MM or add something of at least minor value to the deal), a lottery ticket type prospect would be very appealing. To be perfectly frank, I would settle for a low-risk, moderate reward minor leaguer like Justin Wilson, who appears destined for a fine career as a lefty specialist. With an organization as deep as the Pirates, there exists an almost limitless supply of both gambles and Justin Wilsons, and I am quite sure that Cashman will do his due diligence.
With all that being said, however, my endorsement of a straight salary dump stands. This may not be the most classical sort of 'addition by subtraction,' but it represents a clear-cut 'yes' decision insofar as the roster is concerned.
Follow me on Twitter - @DomenicLanza
It seems all but inevitable that A.J. Burnett will be toeing the rubber in PNC Park come April, and my feelings are surprisingly mixed on the subject. While I do genuinely believe that he may be the best option of the fifth starter triumvirate (mostly due to the higher beta of Phil Hughes and the blase nature of Freddy Garcia), I cannot help but feel that Burnett's quirkiness, the minor spats with Girardi and Rothschild, and the endless trade speculation will result in nothing short of distractions, if not genuine dissension. It is always a thrill to see Burnett fire off a 96 MPH heater followed by a knee-buckling curve with startling command, but those instances have come fewer and further between ... and most memories of Burnett revolve around his confrontations with the coaching staff (both on the mound and in the dugout) and meltdowns that generally culminate in towering home runs. The sort of promise that Burnett offers, in short, is that which we may drool over with a starting pitcher in his early 20s, hoping and praying that he can get his head on straight - at 35, I doubt even the most unabashed optimist would cross his fingers for Burnett.
In dealing Burnett, Brian Cashman et al would spare the team, the fans, and the brass of one of the most distracting Yankees (non-Rodriguez division) in recent memory. Such a distraction can be acceptable, as is/was the case with Rodriguez, where production is a guarantee ... yet Burnett's replacement-level adventures in 2010 and 2011 cannot be obscured by his surprisingly decent peripherals where $33 MM and consistent inconsistency are ubiquitous. And for this - for all of this - I do believe that it is time that A.J. Burnett is shown the door. At this juncture, it does appear that the only questions involve the return and the savings (which may as well be a single issue). To me, Burnett represents a sunk cost, and any money that Cashman can recoup for the team's coffers is a veritable bonus. The likelihood of Burnett rebounding in pitcher-friendly PNC Park is astronomical, particularly with the departures of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder from the NL Central, but that does not somehow improve Burnett's stock as a pitcher - and yes, this is my likely futile attempt to stem any hindsight-driven lamentations that would stem from a 2009-ish line with the Pirates.
None of this is to say that the Yankees should not attempt to extract something of value from the Pirates. Garrett Jones seems like a safer and smarter bet than Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon, or Hideki Matsui, and his arbitration request checked in at $2.5 MM (right in-line with what some expect one of those three to command). Michael Eder penned an excellent write-up on Jones yesterday, and I suggest you check it out. Should Jones not be an option (which I don't think he is unless the Yankees pick up all $33 MM or add something of at least minor value to the deal), a lottery ticket type prospect would be very appealing. To be perfectly frank, I would settle for a low-risk, moderate reward minor leaguer like Justin Wilson, who appears destined for a fine career as a lefty specialist. With an organization as deep as the Pirates, there exists an almost limitless supply of both gambles and Justin Wilsons, and I am quite sure that Cashman will do his due diligence.
With all that being said, however, my endorsement of a straight salary dump stands. This may not be the most classical sort of 'addition by subtraction,' but it represents a clear-cut 'yes' decision insofar as the roster is concerned.
Follow me on Twitter - @DomenicLanza
Friday, February 10, 2012
YES Network's Bob Lorenz Arrested For DUI
From the AP:
Luckily nobody was hurt. Bob, I'm sure you make good money, next time, call a damn cab.YES Network television host Bob Lorenz has been charged with drunken driving in Connecticut where police say he was found passed out in his car in his hometown of Westport.
The 48-year-old Lorenz was arrested early Wednesday morning. Police say they found him slumped over the wheel of his car and when they woke him up he drove away slowly and nearly hit a utility pole. Officers say his speech was slurred and he smelled of alcohol.
Yanks, Pirates Talking AJ Deal
From the NY Daily News:
It was also mentioned in the article that the Yankees would use the money saved by trading AJ to sign a bat to fill the DH role (Ibanez, Damon or Matsui), and that the Yanks are still considering bringing Eric Chavez back.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out, and if they can unload AJ for anything of even a little value I would assume most Yankees fans would be pretty pleased.
In an effort to rid themselves of underperforming pitcher A.J. Burnett, the Yankees are turning to a familiar trading partner.
A team source confirmed Friday that the Yankees have held discussions with the Pirates about Burnett recently, with the understanding that the Bombers would have to absorb a "significant" portion of the flighty righty's contract, which has two years and $33 million remaining.
...
One source termed the trade talks with the Pirates as "still in the preliminary stages," but the Yankees clearly believe that the more money they pay the better the prospect they will demand in return. ESPN.com reported that the Yankees request for first baseman/outfielder Garrett Jones already has been rebuffed by the Pirates who are seeking to add a veteran presence to a young pitching staff.
It was also mentioned in the article that the Yankees would use the money saved by trading AJ to sign a bat to fill the DH role (Ibanez, Damon or Matsui), and that the Yanks are still considering bringing Eric Chavez back.
It'll be interesting to see how this plays out, and if they can unload AJ for anything of even a little value I would assume most Yankees fans would be pretty pleased.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Polishing a Turd with Raul, Johnny, and Hideki
There has been much ado about the Yankees designated hitter situation yesterday, with Buster Olney tweeting that the team was "in position to add" one of Raul Ibanez, Johnny Damon, or Hideki Matsui within a week. Ken Rosenthal stoked the coals a bit (or, perhaps, took a book of matches from 7-Eleven), adding that the team was in "serious discussions" with Ibanez. Rosenthal further added that Ibanez was willing to take a discount to play in the Bronx, though I am unsure that he is in a position to be terribly picky regardless. Many would argue that far too much ink and effort has been expended on behalf of Messrs Ibanez, Damon, and Matsui, and that may be true ... but if a move is truly forthcoming, it makes sense to look for a silver lining and preempt at least a bit of the inevitable gruff.
Ibanez managed a slightly above-average 101 wRC+ against righties last season, batting .256/.307/.440 with 16 HR in 437 PA. While that may be below even the marginal standard set by Posada in 2011 (.269/.348/.466 with 14 HR in 316 PA), it is worth noting that Ibanez's numbers in lefty-friendly Citizens Bank Park were solid - a .278/.316/.516 slash line with 15 HR in only 273 AB is quite easy on the eyes. While Yankee Stadium's right-center isn't quite as appetizing as Citizens Bank's, it does seem like Ibanez would make fine use of the short porch without sacrificing too much elsewhere. This is all guesswork, to be sure, but Ibanez's power hasn't slipped all that much. And, if optimism is to rule the day, might I suggest that a rebound from his career-low BB% is well within the realm of possibility?
At face value, Johnny Damon appears to be the best option for the Yankees. He was able to eke out a reasonable 109 wRC+ while playing half of his games in an extreme pitcher's park, on the strength of a .261/.326/.418 line with nineteen steals (in twenty-five attempts). Damon's 99 wRC+ against righties may not instill a great deal of confidence, though, and the former Yankee has not displayed much of a platoon split in recent years. While that may normally be a positive, it doesn't really help the Yankees at this juncture. However, a bit of polishing reveals that Damon did quite well away from the Trop, batting .280/.345/.463 with 10 HR in 296 AB. An optimist should also note that Damon has raked to the tune of .270/.370/.524 and 19 HR in 311 AB in New Yankee Stadium. He also survived 84 innings in LF last year ... so, there's that.
Matsui, sadly, featured a curious reverse platoon split in 2011, with a solid 118 wRC+ against southpaws and a decidedly ugly 82 wRC+ figure against righties. He did manage a 137 wRC+ and 14 round-trippers against righties in 2010, which is more in-line with expectations, and, like Damon, he enjoys hitting in NYS (.268/.353/.485 with 17 HR in 299 AB). Additionally, on the heels of a late-July Godzilla sighting in the Bronx (including a 5-for-5 game on 24 July), Matsui managed a respectable .289/.345/.414 over the last third of the season. Could the short porch entice an awe-inspiring swan song? Even a pragmatist would say ... maybe.
While none of these players met the Posadian baseline set in 2011, it does stand to reason that all could enjoy a bit of a rebound in Yankee Stadium - particularly if platooned properly. Ibanez's righty killing (flicking? pinching?) may be a bit more appealing, particularly with Jones likely to do the heavy-lifting against lefties, but Damon and Matsui (and most any lefty) would benefit from the ubiquitously mentioned short porch. This may not be an ideal set of candidates by even the most flexible stretch of the imagination, but it would be somewhat inane to ignore the potential for a reasonable bit of success here.
Besides, with Spring Training right around the corner, shouldn't optimism be fostered?
Ibanez managed a slightly above-average 101 wRC+ against righties last season, batting .256/.307/.440 with 16 HR in 437 PA. While that may be below even the marginal standard set by Posada in 2011 (.269/.348/.466 with 14 HR in 316 PA), it is worth noting that Ibanez's numbers in lefty-friendly Citizens Bank Park were solid - a .278/.316/.516 slash line with 15 HR in only 273 AB is quite easy on the eyes. While Yankee Stadium's right-center isn't quite as appetizing as Citizens Bank's, it does seem like Ibanez would make fine use of the short porch without sacrificing too much elsewhere. This is all guesswork, to be sure, but Ibanez's power hasn't slipped all that much. And, if optimism is to rule the day, might I suggest that a rebound from his career-low BB% is well within the realm of possibility?
At face value, Johnny Damon appears to be the best option for the Yankees. He was able to eke out a reasonable 109 wRC+ while playing half of his games in an extreme pitcher's park, on the strength of a .261/.326/.418 line with nineteen steals (in twenty-five attempts). Damon's 99 wRC+ against righties may not instill a great deal of confidence, though, and the former Yankee has not displayed much of a platoon split in recent years. While that may normally be a positive, it doesn't really help the Yankees at this juncture. However, a bit of polishing reveals that Damon did quite well away from the Trop, batting .280/.345/.463 with 10 HR in 296 AB. An optimist should also note that Damon has raked to the tune of .270/.370/.524 and 19 HR in 311 AB in New Yankee Stadium. He also survived 84 innings in LF last year ... so, there's that.
Matsui, sadly, featured a curious reverse platoon split in 2011, with a solid 118 wRC+ against southpaws and a decidedly ugly 82 wRC+ figure against righties. He did manage a 137 wRC+ and 14 round-trippers against righties in 2010, which is more in-line with expectations, and, like Damon, he enjoys hitting in NYS (.268/.353/.485 with 17 HR in 299 AB). Additionally, on the heels of a late-July Godzilla sighting in the Bronx (including a 5-for-5 game on 24 July), Matsui managed a respectable .289/.345/.414 over the last third of the season. Could the short porch entice an awe-inspiring swan song? Even a pragmatist would say ... maybe.
While none of these players met the Posadian baseline set in 2011, it does stand to reason that all could enjoy a bit of a rebound in Yankee Stadium - particularly if platooned properly. Ibanez's righty killing (flicking? pinching?) may be a bit more appealing, particularly with Jones likely to do the heavy-lifting against lefties, but Damon and Matsui (and most any lefty) would benefit from the ubiquitously mentioned short porch. This may not be an ideal set of candidates by even the most flexible stretch of the imagination, but it would be somewhat inane to ignore the potential for a reasonable bit of success here.
Besides, with Spring Training right around the corner, shouldn't optimism be fostered?
Yanks Sign Russell Branyan to Minor League Deal
From Dan Martin:
The Yankees agreed Wednesday to sign Russell Branyan to a minor-league deal with an invitation to major league spring training.Coming off a 2011 that saw him hit .197 with five homers and 14 RBIs I would have rather they signed Chavez. Oh well, maybe he can do more of this:
The move does not impact the team’s chances of adding another lefty bat and it remains in the hunt for Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Raul Ibanez.
But Branyan’s presence could make things more difficult for Eric Chavez because the 36-year-old can play both corner infield positions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
