Has Santana slipped?

The debate on Johan Santana's value includes different perceptions on his performance. Here's three different opinions from respected sources:

1) Peter Abraham at Lo Hud Yankees:"Here’s a little quiz, baseball fans:
This pitcher was 3-2 with a 5.70 ERA against teams from the AL East last season (not counting the Yankees).
He was 5-7, 4.04 in the second half of the season, allowing 88 hits (16 of them home runs) over 98 innings. The 33 home runs he allowed for the season were nine more than in any other previous season. Scouts have noticed he appears hesitant to throw his slider.
He has one victory in five career playoff starts."

2) A different take from David Pinto at Baseball Musings:"I keep seeing references to Santana's decline in various stories around the blogosphere. Let me point out that Santana's K per 9 in 2007 was 9.66. In 1996, the Red Sox told the world Roger Clemens was done. Bill James pointed out that Roger's 9.53 K per 9 indicated he wasn't, and Roger went on to win four more Cy Young Awards. If Johan pitches for the Yankees with an ERA under 3.50, he'll win 20 games easily and might win 25. The idea that he's in decline is greatly exaggerated."

I wrote an article recently called "Santana's expectation" that linked to an article at Baseball Analysts documenting Santana's performance. Here's another excerpt:

"All of this is to say that a team that is prepared to part with top-tier prospects for the rights to guarantee Santana $150 million better know what they are getting. If Santana pitches over the life of the deal the way he did in 2007, his worst campaign yet, would that be acceptable? Because just to do that he would have to have one of the best 29-34 stretches of the last fifty years."

Predicting the future isn't possible. The risk vs reward evaluation in this deal is off the charts. Hank gets tested again--welcome to the big leagues.

New York Yankees--top prospects

Baseball Prospectus ranks the top 11 prospects in the Yanks minor league system:
"Five-Star Prospects:1. Joba Chamberlain, RHP Four-Star Prospects:2. Ian Kennedy, RHP3. Austin Jackson, OF4. Jose Tabata, OF5. Alan Horne, RHP Three-Star Prospects:6. Dellin Betances, RHP7. Jesus Montero, C8. Andrew Brackman, RHP9. Edwar Ramirez, RHP10. Kelvin DeLeon, OFTwo-Star Prospects11. Humberto Sanchez, RHP
Brian Cashman's philosophy of drafting high-ceiling players with health issues comes through loud and clear. Brackman and Sanchez are rehabbing from surgery. Chamberlain's medical history is noted as the one concern in evaluating his talent. Brian's rolling the dice looking to hit it big, let's hope it works.

Yankees baseball--conflicting Santana reports

Game 1 starter?

Trying to find a logical thread, in all the media reports, on the Johan Santana sweepstakes is not easy. While sifting through conflicting reports and opinions, I found an interesting theory at NO Maas. To set the table, let's start with an excerpt from Pinstripe alley:

"Heyman said on WFAN that the Twins seem content on a three player deal from the Yanks and talked as if the deal is about done. That kinda makes me nervous. It seems way too easy."

I read this after reading about a dozen reports that contradicted that notion--basically saying it was going to be a complicated process featuring a large package of talent to the Twins.

While scratching my head I read the following at NO Maas:

" With Santana possessing a no-trade clause, is it possible that he has instructed the Twins to trade him to the Boogie Down?"

This is the one way that the Heyman report would make sense. It is no secret that Santana loves NY and wants to pitch on the big stage. He has the leverage and the Twins have to move him. I may be applying wishful thinking/pretzel logic, but it beats considering what happens if he ends up in Boston.

New York Yankees baseball--new Boss emerges

AP/file photo The man behind the curtain?
The Yankee front office is transforming as the breakneck pace of this off season continues. The Joe Torre drama featured Randy Levine as the villain. The gut-wrenching decision of filling Torre's spikes was handed off to baseball-man Brian Cashman. The table setters did their job setting up the big bat Hank Steinbrenner who stood up to the formerly all-powerful Boras. Paving the way for A-Rod to meekly accept a 305-million dollar deal. Hank has stepped from behind the curtain as the Johan Santana sweepstakes unfolds. He announced that the Yanks are in discussions for the prolific-lefty and the media world quaked.
Bob Klapisch, in an article titled, "Hank Steinbrenner eclipsing GM Cashman" provides some insight into the situation. He quotes Hank:
"Look, you can't hide in a room counting beans. If you're a leader you have to step up regardless if things are going positive or negative," Hank said. "Brian is the GM, but the owners have the final decision, because we're the only ones with a financial stake in the team.
"Corporations run better when the guy running the company has a big financial stake. Outsiders are the ones who don't do much, bail out and then take the golden parachute"
It appears Hank knows what he's doing. He has defined his role as being top dog while still depending on the input of his baseball people. Recently, I was encouraged when he was quoted as saying: "obviously the bullpen is our priority." An owner that is competent and willing to take responsibility--what a concept. Let's hope it lasts.

Yankee baseball--Santana update

John Heyman from Si.Com chimes in with his view of the Johan Santana sweepstakes. Here's an excerpt:

"the Yankees would have to part with Phil Hughes or at least Ian Kennedy plus Melky Cabrera (the Yankees say Joba Chamberlain and Robinson Cano are off-limits, even for Santana.")

Well, it's good to know Cano is off the table and excluding Joba is a no brainer. Now, hopefully, they'll substitute Kennedy for Hughes.

Haven't spent time dreaming of a rotation of Santana, Petitte, Wang, Hughes, Chamberlain because I don't think the Yanks will land him. The Mets are desperate and have a new stadium on the horizon, a TV network that needs ratings and a historic collapse to cover-up. The Red Sox seem positioned to make a strong run. I don't even want to consider that possibility.

Johan Santana's expectation

Can Santana be the next Gator?

There is much debate on Yankee sites about the size of ransom to offer for Johan Santana. Patrick Sullivan at Baseball Analysts breaks down the impressive stats. There is no doubt that Santana's resume is impeccable. He would be a major step in overtaking the Sox and regaining the throne.

Sullivan offers a dose of reality:

"Expectation management is a good thing. Santana's new team will be getting a damn good pitcher, probably the very best one in fact. But they are also getting someone who is more or less guaranteed not to replicate the lofty standard he has set over the last four seasons."

Santana slipped last year (compared to his lofty standard,) it is considered an aberration. The team that acquires him better hope so. Let's assume the Yanks would include Phil Hughes in the package, if Hughes wins 15 a year and Santana wins 20 for the first three years and 15 for the next four are you getting value? Additional considerations--keeping him from the Red Sox, make this a tough call.

The new Bomber brain-trust will be tested (again.) How they handle it will be a clear indication of the road ahead. Do they have the patience for the youth movement or do they make the big splash for the big ticket. We know what Hank's daddy would do. How far did the apple fall from the tree?

Santana trade rumors

The Johan Santana sweepstakes has started. Will Hoover at Dugout Central handicaps the favorites. He ranks the Yanks as 5/1 behind the favorite Red Sox 3/1. The prospect of Santana in Boston is disturbing but I still don't part with Cano, Hughes or Chamberlain. Normally, preliminary rumors will overstate potential packages. This time the steep price-range may be in the ballpark considering the dire need of a #1 by both Gotham teams.

Yankees progress

If the Yankees manage to coax Andy Pettitte out of retirement, they have made no progress on improving last year's disappointing team. The development of the young players will, hopefully, replace the slippage of the over-the-hill gang. In order to gain on the Red Sox, a significant trade will have to be made. Which leads us to team architect Brian Cashman. Here's an excerpt from Jeff Passan's Yahoo Sports column:

"Thou shalt not trifle with Hank.
By now, Cashman should well have learned this. Though he has rescued the Yankees' farm system from its Sahara period, he has struggled to find the right formula for winning on the major league level. Maybe it is an infusion of youth, or maybe it's Joe Girardi's stern attitude as manager.
The biggest maybe right now is Cashman himself, and he must prove to Steinbrenner that he is a worthy choice for Yankees GM. That means winning and winning big – bigger than the Red Sox.
Which might be difficult. Compared to the Red Sox, the Yankees are an inferior team"

The one transaction that would allow the Yankees to return to prominence quickly would be acquiring 2-time CY Young award winner Johan Santana. This will be very difficult to pull off as the competition will be strong and the likely price exorbitant. Cashman may be placed in the position of over-paying, especially if pitted against the Red Sox. Does he mortgage the future, in order to have a chance at a new contract or does he pass and put an expensive, deficient team on the field. Brian Cashman gets paid the big bucks--this year he will earn them.

Yankees moving Melky Cabrera?

Photo/NY Times River Ave Blues links to an article in the Chicago Sun Times that says the Yanks are actively shopping Melky Cabrera for pitching. There are replacements available via free agency--Tori Hunter being at the top of most lists. So much for the youth movement.



Teams routinely shop guys to gauge value. Melky is one of those guys whose full value doesn't show up in stats.--how do you measure enthusiasm? The Yanks aren't going to get an impact pitcher for the Melk Man. So why not leave him out there and watch him develop into a solid player who enhances team chemistry. What did Joe Torre say?--"he gives us energy." The Bombers don't need another big ticket item who can't pitch.

Yankees' bullpen issue

The focus has been on bringing A-Rod, Posada, Rivera and Pettitte back. Well, that's a start, but there's work to do. Joba Chamberlain's transfer to the rotation leaves a crater sized hole in the bullpen. Here's an excerpt from John Harper of the New York Daily News:


"Still, there is the matter of replacing Chamberlain as Rivera's setup man, if he does go back to being a starter as planned. The kid was merely a savior for a leaky bullpen, after all.
Here is where we'll find out if Girardi will have an impact as the new manager, if he can avoid overtaxing his relievers the way Torre did with the likes of Scott Proctor and Luis Vizcaino the last couple of years. Girardi has been telling people he hopes to get more out of Kyle Farnsworth, and, well, good luck with that, but we'll see if a different style of managing gets results from the pen.
Acquiring proven relievers would be difficult, and the Yankees might wind up relying on more young arms, from the likes of Ross Ohlendorf, Humberto Sanchez or converted Triple-A starters such as Tyler Clippard or Jeff Karstens."


I'll save them a lot of time this won't work. A young starting rotation will need the support of deep bullpen. The bridge to 38 year old Mariano Rivera will have to be sturdy. I have high hopes for Girardi but he isn't a magician.


The rumor mill has spit out a couple of names--Ron Mahay and Scott Linebrink. Can't hurt to add them to the mix but the track record the last few years of adding guys with pretty stats. has been abysmal. Sooner or later the Yanks will end up putting Chamberlain back in the pen. With Joba setting up for Rivera, the game gets shortened to 6 innings and Mo has a chance to survive that new 3-year pact.

A-Rod joins MVP elite

Alex Rodriguez earned his 3rd MVP award today, in a landslide victory. Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News provides the details. Here's an interesting excerpt:

"A-Rod picked up his third career MVP award, joining an exclusive list that includes just eight other players, including Yankees legends Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. Barry Bonds leads the list with seven MVP awards, while Roy Campanella, Jimmie Foxx, Stan Musial and Mike Schmidt have won three each."

With all the media coverage detailing A-Rod's paycheck and personal life, there's a tendency to lose sight of the fact that he is one of the best players in history. We have the opportunity of watching him, in his prime, on a daily basis. Quality baseball should be the priority let the tabloids do their thing and enjoy watching a legend play the game.

Yankee farm system

There has been a lot of hype surrounding the Yankees rebuilt minor league system. Last season we witnessed an infusion of youthful exuberance (starring Joba and Duncan) that was a breath of fresh air. The optimists among the Yankee faithful assumed this was the tip of the iceberg. The postseason, however has been business as usual for the front office--pay too much money for too many years for veterans. Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, in an article titled: "Cashman waited to long to deal with Yankee icons" relays a dose of reality to Yankee fans. Here's an excerpt:

"The farm system is devoid of quality position players to step forward and replace players such as A-Rod and Posada. Son-of-Boss Hank Steinbrenner keeps expressing his pride over the three young homegrown pitching studs, Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, who had such an impact this year. But when he says "we have a lot of kids coming" he is deluding himself - and is probably still listening to the minor-league operations people in Tampa who got the Yankees into this dilemma with one bankrupt draft after another until Cashman took it over two years ago. "

Yankee history is filled with hyped prospects. It is rare that the performance lives up to the press clippings. Actions speak louder than words. The actions of the front office this off season tells you all you need to know about the health of the farm system.

Girardi goes to work

A boorish baseball week: Balco Barry indicted (flax oil?,) A-Rod gets richer, and even the Great Rivera shifts gears to "Greed is good" mode. A breath of fresh air comes courtesy of Peter Abraham's Lo Hud Yankee Blog. He details Joe Girardi's hands on approach to his new job:

"So in a span of two weeks, Girardi was at the GM Meetings and then spent time with the staff and players in the Dominican. This is why Brian Cashman wanted Girardi, so he could have a manager heavily involved in development.
Joe Torre managed the 25 guys in the majors. Girardi is clearly going to have input in all facets of baseball operations. It’s an interesting dynamic."



This "dynamic" is why I'm convinced Girardi was the perfect choice. By having a smart baseball man take a hands on approach and give a fresh perspective, the decision making should improve. The Bronx Bomber resources coupled with improved baseball decisions will be a powerful combination. I'm psyched--how many days until spring training?

Bonds Indicted; Selig reacts

Photo/Daily News Blog Why are you being so obtuse? Is it deliberate?--Tim Robbins







"Bonds Indicted"--Associated Press (headline, Asbury Park Press)







"Selig sees bright future for game"--Associated Press (page 4, Asbury Park Press)

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig's legacy grows. His perspective is interesting. Here's an excerpt from the Asbury Park Press:

"As I told the clubs today, we're on a great high here," Selig said Thursday following the conclusion of a two-day meeting in which owners discussed, among other things, ways to speed up games.
"When you look at the final numbers and you see what's happened, it's remarkable. There are times, honestly, when I have to pinch myself to make sure all of this is happening. . . . Growth and revenue, growth and profitability; it's just been really, really good."

Just show him the money, let someone else worry about the details. Baseball's home run king, Barry Bonds was indicted yesterday for perjury and obstruction of justice. Here's part of what it contained:

"During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes."

Here's some reaction: "The Giants, the players union and even the White House called it a sad day for baseball."--AP

Selig will say that George Mitchell is working on it and baseball has the toughest testing procedure out there. He, of course, is on top of every development.

The bottom line is Bud's primary concern is money and legacy. The sooner he retires the better.

Cashman lands on feet in A-Rod drama

Photo/NY Daily News Blog While sifting through the A-Rod coverage, I found an article by John Donovan of S.I.Com detailing the winners and losers in the on-going saga. Here's a section that caused me to grimace:


"Brian Cashman: In late October the Yankees showed all the signs of a team that was falling apart. Now, under the nifty direction of general manager Cashman, the Yanks are getting the best player in the game signed long term. The best catcher on the market, Jorge Posada, already has re-upped. One of the best closers ever, Mariano Rivera, probably will follow. In short, Cashman has kept the Yankees, baseball's best team over the final three-quarters of last season, largely intact against a lot of long odds. The last step: Getting Andy Pettitte back for another year. If Cash can lock him up, the Yanks will give the Sox a run for their World Series trophy."


Here's a dose of reality: under Brian Cashman's, "Nifty direction" the Yanks waited all year before doing business with stalwarts Posada and Rivera, there were no viable replacements; the result was two excessive contracts that cost the franchise millions. Cashman gave Pettitte a contract last year that exceeded market by several million. Andy was so moved by the gesture he declined a 16 million-dollar option to return.


The statement "keeping the team intact against a lot of long odds" is ludicrous. He offered two guys, who have spent their entire career in pinstripes, multi-year deals that pay them far beyond what anyone else would.


Brian Cashman's report card is mixed and should be reported as such. Give him high marks for Joba and finally producing something out of the draft. After a long list of failed acquisitions, we are now in player development mode--that's a positive we can all agree on. I have a problem with embellishing Brian's accomplishments and ignoring his failures. He is a sympathetic figure who apparently is popular with some members of the press " Cash" is made of Teflon (which explains how he could survive the wrath of the Boss all those years.)

Yankees are A-Rod's destiny

Poster/Art.com Websters defines destiny as " A predetermined course of events." It is clear, that despite the circuitous route, a long-term relationship between the Bronx Bombers and A-Rod was inevitable. They were destined to be together forever ( similar to Larry David's marriage on Curb Your Enthusiasm, this marriage won't end at death.)



The best player will play for the best organization (you can look it up.) The largest ego will fit with a monolith of money and hype. Alex's need for attention and adulation will be filled by a tabloid media mob with a voracious need for headlines. Gaudy, historical stats. will be enshrined in pinstripes. The next home run king will have a monument next to the Babe in the palace the Boss built, giving fans the opportunity to fawn for eternity. It's even possible that a championship ring will be garnered through this epic journey. It was meant to be and no mere super-agent was going to derail fate.

A-Rod revisited

Photo/S.I .com It ain't over till it's over--Yogi

Alex Rodriguez has rekindled his love for the pinstripes. The New York Daily News is reporting that his return is imminent, after he approached the Steinbrenners and agreed to their condition of not letting super-agent Scott Boras negotiate the deal. My Baseball Bias follows the breaking story.Despite the winding road of this soap opera, the bottom line is the Bombers and A-Rod are made for each other. The Yanks have the the money, exposure and historic stage. Alex provides the biggest bat in the sport. Hank Steinbrenner gets to show he put the most powerful agent in sports history in his place. Alex doesn't get embarrassed by a lack of heavyweight offers. Yup--a match made in heaven.

Yanks increase Rivera offer

River Avenue Blues , links to an article by Tyler Kepner of the New York Times, that mentions that the Yanks have offered Mariano Rivera a 3 year, 45 million-dollar deal. This clearly exceeds his market value. Apparently, the Bomber brass is willing to over-pay, rather than risk losing another popular icon.



Brian Cashman chose to wait on both Rivera and Posada. He had no other options, and now they will have to commit too much money, for too many years. The good news is that the Yanks avoid the complete debacle, that another exodus would provide. (Note: I'm assuming Mo will sign the excessive deal and echo Jorge's sentiments of never wanting to leave in the first place.)

The "Boss" sings for Joe Torre

Found video at Bronx Stop that links to video of the real Boss--Bruce Springsteen--performing at Joe Torre's annual Safe at Home Foundation dinner. Pay close attention to the lyrics, Bruuce always had a way with words.



http://bronxstop.blogspot.com/2007/11/bruce-springsteen-joe-torre.html

Posada returns

Photo/Getty images "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you'll get what you need"--Rolling Stones



Jorge Posada got what he wanted (4 guaranteed years) and the Yanks got what they needed. Baseball purists may cringe but Jorge had the Bombers over a barrel. For all the hype about the Yank's farm system, position players are not on the short-term radar. So the Yanks over-compensated the 36 year old catcher and will do the same for the Great Rivera. The inflated sticker price is a pittance in the context of Yankee revenue and lack of viable options.



While the Yanks were taking the plunge, the Red Sox were holding the line on World Series MVP Mike Lowell. Apparently, Boston is not willing to give the 33 year-old Lowell a 4 year deal. According to ESPN's Steve Phillips, "No one will give Lowell 4 years." Never say never. Don't be shocked if the Yanks step up and purchase Lowell. He would provide strong defense, clutch hitting and would allow the Bombers to hold on to all their prospects for the pending Johann Santana sweepstakes. It also takes him out of Boston's lineup and returns him to his Yankee roots.

Yankee big-ticket shopping

For the Yankees to have legitimate championship aspirations, they must acquire a top of the rotation starter capable of shutting down quality hitters in big games. Pitchers of this quality are rare and the price for their services is going up. Johan Santana, of the Twins, fits this description and apparently will be available this year as Minnesota figures to deal him prior to his walk year.

How much are the Yanks willing to ante up? SI.com suggests the price will be exorbitant:

"The top contracts for a pitcher on a multiyear deal are Barry Zito's $126 million, seven-year deal and Carlos Zambrano's $91.5 million, five-year deal. Santana is expected to receive $150 million or more when he becomes a free agent next year."

Of course, this is just the monetary cost, the price in players will be high also--at least,three top level prospects. Is it worth it?

The Yanks have considerations, other than prudent long-term baseball planning. They have a TV network worth 300-million that needs stars to thrive. The home attendance 4-million plus is guaranteed to remain stable for the next 2 years--the last year of the House that Ruth built and the 1st year of the Palace that the Boss built. Yankee fans are generally enthusiastic about the on-going youth movement but that will probably last about 1/2 a season, when the reality that a neophyte starting staff, supported by a porous bullpen, will not get it done sinks in. Bottom line, acquiring stars has to be part of the plan. It is a slippery slope but the Yanks have the resources to get it done. As former big name acquisitions fade away (Giambi, Pavano) new big ticket items will be purchased, sooner or later.

Farnsworth's Future

The focus is on third base, that A-Rod guy left a gaping hole. I would suggest that the hot corner is a concern, but the beleaguered bullpen is a quagmire. For all the hoopla surrounding Joba Chamberlain's move to the rotation, the fallout in the pen could be devastating. The bridge to The Great Rivera is rickety at best. One way to improve the situation is to make a move that would be addition by subtraction--trade Kyle Farnsworth.

Yesterday brought a rumor that the Orioles had legitimate interest in Farnsworth. It seemed too good to be true. Well, here's an excerpt from the Baltimore Sun:

"Yankees reliever Kyle Farnsworth is one reliever on the Orioles' off season wish list as a potential one-year replacement for closer Chris Ray or set-up man Danys Baez, who will both likely miss the 2008 season after having Tommy John surgery."

Cashman should run not walk to this transaction. By eliminating someone who has proved conclusively he can't do the job, you take a step towards dealing with the problem. Let's avoid another season of impressive radar-gun readings coupled with clutch-less performance.

Yankee Hot Stove--Miguel Tejada?

Surfs up in Baseball's Hot Stove and every day brings a new wave of rumors. The ink wasn't dry on the Miguel Cabrera speculation before another notable name was linked to the Bombers. Here's an excerpt from Tyler Kepner of the New York Times:

"If that stance keeps the Yankees from trading for Cabrera, they could turn their attention to the Baltimore Orioles’ Miguel Tejada, who would switch to third base from shortstop.
A trade for Tejada is a backup plan for the Yankees, who could afford him. With two years and $26 million left on his contract, the Orioles want to move him.
The Yankees are doubtful that Peter Angelos, the Orioles’ owner, would make a major deal with them. But after 10 consecutive losing seasons, Angelos has ceded some control to his new president of baseball operations, Andy MacPhail, who said the team needed an overhaul.
“We have to be open-minded to anything,” MacPhail said. “Trying to sign a free agent here and there and Band-Aid this thing is not a strategy that has really worked out.”
MacPhail said the Orioles want to rebuild their talent base in all areas, suggesting they would want multiple players in any deal. They need pitching and have an obvious hole in center field, where Melky Cabrera would fit.
The Orioles also need a closer because of injuries to Chris Ray and Danys Báez and are interested in Kyle Farnsworth, who was developed by the Chicago Cubs when MacPhail and Manager Dave Trembley worked there."

This concept has to pique interest for a number of reasons: 1) Tejada is a durable player, in his prime(31), playing under a reasonable contract. 2) The Yanks have a long list of serviceable young players: Karsay, Rasner, Wright, Bruney, to name a few that could help make-over the Birds roster. These guys are surplus for the Bombers and wouldn't be missed. 3) Last, but certainly not least, the words, " The Orioles are interested in Kyle Farnsworth " made my day. Talk about a win-win situation.

Brian Cashman has mentioned that you don't want to move fast in the off season. In the last 24 hours, I have gone from thinking Miguel Cabrera was the answer to thinking Tejada for Farnsworth and the usual suspects is too good to be true. Can't wait until tomorrow.

Cabrera could replace A-Rod

The Florida Marlins are selling off their future again. They have made it known that they are willing to trade Miguel Cabrera, one of the best young hitters in the game. Dave Pinto of Baseball Musings fame writes a comprehensive article for the Sporting News documenting Cabrera's value. The price would include one of the Yank's big three pitching prospects : Chamberlain, Hughes or Kennedy and two other players.

New Yankee skipper Joe Girardi worked with Miguel in Florida and gives him high marks, in all areas. There have been questions about his weight gain, last year but that seems like a minor concern considering the value of a young star in the rebuilding Bomber lineup. The stumbling block is Cashman's reluctance to part with a prime young pitcher. It's understandable and I wouldn't part with Chamberlain or Hughes but Kennedy is projected as the 5Th starter next year. Given the high failure rate of young pitchers and the opportunity to acquire a proven commodity that can anchor your lineup for a decade, this is a move the Yanks should make.

Yanks exodus continues

Photo/Newsday Andy Pettite declined a 16 million dollar player option, yesterday, making him a free agent. His agent claims he needs more time to think. Brian Cashman could use some more contemplating time also, as his off-season plan, has gone awry. If Pettite doesn't return, next years rotation will feature Mike Mussina as a #2 starter followed by three unproven pitchers--Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy. This dubious rotation will be supported by a Joba-less bullpen and a lineup with an A-Rodesque power void. I don't even want to ponder the possibilities if Posada and or Rivera leave. Gulp.

It appears that the Bomber brass's, it's not personal, only business mantra, the last couple of years (Williams, Torre, Posada, Rivera) has come back to haunt them. I want to believe Pettite is being sincere when he plays the retirement card, again, but the blue-print, has his best buddy Roger Clemens's finger prints, all over it. Here's a positive spin from the New York Post:
"So this was not about a strong-arm tactic, according to Cashman, this was about a 35-year-old man unsure if he wants to continue to be away from family and push his body." Call me a cynic, but Roger couldn't have leveraged himself any better. I'll believe Pettite is sincere when he actually retires, at the ripe-old age of 35, or signs a 1 year contract for the same money--don't hold your breath.

Speaking of leverage, Jorge Posada is in the cat-bird seat. The rumors are that the Yanks have offered a 3 year 40-million dollar deal to their 36-year-old catcher and Jorge is looking for a minimum of 4 years at, presumably, more money. Baseball logic would suggest that this is clearly excessive, given the history of catchers in Jorge's age demographic, but with the Mets apparently, willing to offer the Pedro package that features instant gratification over long-term considerations, Posada's agent has to be thinking--Hip, Hip, Jorge.

Brian Cashman demanded to run the baseball operation. His resume suggests he is qualified. The next few months will be his final exam, let's hope he passes.

Baseball's money tree

The Yank's off season will be memorable, one way or another. Before any baseball strategy can be employed, economics must be evaluated and dealt with. It's been a depressing few days for those of us more concerned with the diamond than the bank. First we hear that A-Rod's agent Scott Boras demanded a minimum bid of 350 million, for allowing the Bomber brass to speak to his client. Either Alex wanted out of the Bronx badly (and lied all year) or they have a ridiculous offer from some deluded owner. As Hank Steinbrenner said "the agent made it easy to say goodbye."

A-Rod isn't alone in shaking baseball's money tree. Andy Pettitte has a 16 million dollar player option that must be picked up by Wednesday. Their have been numerous articles in the NY press about what a tough decision it is for Andy. Let's see, a 35 year old athlete can earn 16 million by saying yes or he can prematurely retire, turns our their is another angle at work (what else is new.) Andy's agent mentions that should he decline the option and he changes his mind and wants to play they would have to " start again " negotiating with the Yanks. Translated this means leverage the Yank's need for the productive lefty into a new multi-year deal--how sweet it is.

Pettite's not alone in the cat-bird seat. Jorge Posada coming off a career year and playing a premium position can parlay to the Met's Pedro package. According to the rumor mill, Omar Minaya is willing to throw too many years and too much money at a respected, accomplished player at the twilight of his career, in order to reverse momentum of the Met's illustrious pratfall. Whether the Yanks are willing to play this game will be the next significant test for the new regime. Do they make a bad long-term decision for instant gratification? The answer will tell us a lot about the men in charge.

Yanks start Girardi era

photo/Newsday The Dodgers announced an agreement with Yankee icon Joe Torre, on the same day new Bomber skipper Joe Girardi was introduced via press conference. An illustrious chapter in Gotham history segues to a fresh, intriguing puzzle.

The Yankee roster is a work in progress. Girardi will have to mesh a veteran nucleus with an influx of green prospects, auditioning under the media scrutiny of NY. NY. Not an easy job, but given the lowered expectations of an A-Rod-less lineup Joe figures to be given 2 yrs. worth of rope (an eternity in Yankee time.)

Instant gratification is the knee jerk reaction, to a shifting roster--the rumor mill is in hyper- drive. Here's a rational alternative--devote next season to nurturing the kids, only make moves that are clear cut favorites. Let the old crew, of fading veterans, with expiring contracts, have a last hurrah in pinstripes (it's amazing how many career-years coincide with pending free agency.) Giambi, Mussina, Abreu and Farnsworth will hit the road after next season add to this the official end of the Pavano plaque and the payroll plummets. Use some of the savings, on a couple of legit impact free agents (IE Santana) add to the youth movement and presto the Bronx Bombers are back on track, just in time for the new stadium premier.

Upon further review, I am getting ahead of myself, this can wait until Girardi's 3rd day on the job. Yankee fans aren't noted for their patience.

Boras works A-Rod

A-Rod chose to put his future in super-agent Scott Boras's hands. Alex ran out the back door, while his flak worked the World Series media. Since than, it's been a magical mystery tour of rumor and innuendo in an attempt to mend A-Rods image and build potential markets for his gaudy, ring-less stats.

Surfing the Internet on Alex's future will bring back some interesting tid-bits. Here's a few:

• Alex bought a house in Orange County. Boras's office is in Newport Beach. He has a box at Angel's stadium. The Angel's owner Arte Moreno is planning a TV network built around the Halos, they could use a big bat and a matinee idol. But wait, the owner has assured Bud Selig he will not participate in the A-Rod sweepstakes. He can't see paying more than 20 million a year for a player--if he pays A-Rod 30-million, Vlade gets a big raise.
• Joe Torre will soon be in Dodger blue. Joe, who once batted A-Rod 8Th in a post-season game, had a tremendous relationship with Alex last year. By sheer coincidence, the Dodgers compete with the Angels for the So. Cal market. Let's hope a bidding war doesn't happen thus driving up Alex's price.
• The Mets could reverse last year's pratfall by signing the king of prime-time pratfalls and moving part of their foundation (Reyes or Wright) to another position. You need a laugh track behind this one.
• Alex would really, really like to come back to the Bombers if they would just treat him like their other free agents. Why is he different? His mouth-piece wonders.

Here's the Yankee position, from the New York Post:

"Alex Rodriguez is history with the Yankees and when I asked Hank Steinbrenner yesterday if there were any regrets, he answered quickly and honestly. “No," he said. “[Scott] Boras makes it easy not to have any."

No, Scott Boras will not be able to contrive a high-paying market in the East. Let's not forget that his other potential suitor the Red Sox were dissed on the night they clinched, by the attention-craving duo. Go West young man, La La land, Hollyweird it will somehow reach a perfect, contrived ending.