While we have some holes to plug, our team, as is, is still very competitive. Of course, a lot depends on Moose, RJ and Pavano. We could have a very good 2,3 and 4, or a very average one.

I think we will get Zito unless someone comes up with a rediculous offer (like 15mil/yr)

Next year's crop is much better, and I prefer to wait rather then overspend this year on garbage.

Man, the Cubs are really going for it, aren't they? If the pitching doesn't come around, it will get ugly quick in Wrigley. We all know how much patience Sweet Lou has for young pitchers . . .

2 Either way, if Ca$hman ever get tired of playing a GM (I really hope not). He can probably find another career in Hollywood and maybe even get a golden statue or two.

Regarding the Yanks...I think their positional needs are small enough and common enough that Cash can wait a bit to see how the offseason unfolds. We're not even at winter meetings yet, and all they could really use is a backup/half-time 1B and I guess another utility infielder? Those types can be found fairly easily, thru FA or trades.

On the pitching front however, he's probably either bluffing, or also seeing how the market will form itself. I don't think Zito's the answer. I think, for the sake of the regular season, that the answer lies in quantity. Wouldn't mind him signing any two of: Lilly, Meche, Mulder, Padilla (note: 3 of these 4 were in the AL last year, and Mulder has pitched there before), use them to get to the playoffs, and by next September, hope that someone has stepped up, they maybe trade for an expiring contract, and maybe catch lightning in a bottle w/ Hughes and Sanchez. Aside from having 2 aces, which is very tough to do these days, this plan of attack is really the best way to head into the playoffs...

how is everyone feeling about the rich aurillia possibility at 1B? i am unexcited by it, but not repulsed, either.

We bid 35 mill on a Japanese pitcher just to talk. So i assume they got a few million to woo a top SP.

6 "But do you really think they're going to let Schmidt or Zito go without being involved in either?"

Yes. DM was worth what it would have cost to get him - that's why the Yanks bid $35 mil. Zito and Schmidt won't be, so the Yanks will pass.

http://tinyurl.com/vxmg3

his Probabilistic Model of Range table for left fielders. Melky is 4th best in baseball. (Take a wild guess at who was worst. Hint: yes, I'm afraid Pinto did take the Monster into account and the guy is still bottom of the heap.)

The model works like this: Pinto has six factors for every ball hit into play, and using those six factors his model predicts what percentage of those balls should be turned into outs. A fielder gets a plus score if he turned more balls hit his way into outs than predicted, and a negative score if he turned fewer. I guess this does account for Melky's assists, though I'm not positive.

The Yanks scored very high in the outfield, largely because of left field, and were middlish for infield. Overall they were one of the top defensive clubs.

If the Yankee offer was also two years for just a bit more cash (say $6 mil) it was a reasonable offer, but I don't see this as a loss. Helms had a huge fluke season last year. Historically his power is modest and his patience is average at best. The fact that he's primarily a 3B is interesting, but I'd still prefer to see them sign Eduardo Perez to a one-year deal, or even re-up Craig Wilson, who shouldn't be judged by his rough stretch run alone.

That just screams of a disaster, and I'm worried he'll somehow end up with the Yanks again in 2011.

Whatever happened with Eric Duncan? Weren't they grooming him to take over for Giambi?

a 28 yr old lefty, who throws 200+innings a yr and wins may be worth the 15 mill a yr. who knows

i dont get to see their books but i gather if they're willing to pay a pitcher who has never pitched before 20 mill a yr i think they can pay a former cy young just entering his prime 15.

He doesnt turn 22 until Dec.

What is the contract status of Craig Wilson?

Like OYF said in 2 - I'd rather see the Yanks not splurge when there isn't anyone worth splurging on.

Zito or Gil Meche?
Zito or Lilly?

Remember, those 2nd tier guys are still going to make 11 mill a yr. Id rather shell out the extra for the better guy.

lilly and meche (if secured cheaply) would be known commodities at relatively reasonable prices.

Zito is a known commodity.

I think its a mute point anyway because I cant see the Mets not going hard after him.

24 Ha! If that money's buring in my pocket, I'm either going to J.P.Morgan Chase or Atlantic City, period.

The Yanks seem to have learned that overpaying for average (or worse) starting pitching on the free agent market gets you nowhere fast.

Anyone got ideas on someone decent on this list?

http://tinyurl.com/y43mmk

Joba has struck out 42 in about 34 innings with only 3 BB - two of which were in his first outing.

Beam's ERA is at 0.64.

Pilittere is hitting .400 in 11 games - I wonder if he starts the year in Trenton.

11 G 33 AB .394 .444 .545 .990

12 I also like the idea of having Craig Wilson because of his versatility - I just love having a third catcher, even if you never have to use him. Unfortunately, while the idea is good, the player is another story. He really didn't show a thing when he was with the Yankees, and I can't see signing him.

Yeah, there are a bunch of SP due for free agency next year, including some potential aces.

I can't see Zambrano or Carpenter moving. Those two teams need those guys too much to let them walk. Colon's been hurt. Clement pretty meh. Either Buerhle or Garcia will move- the WSox have to make room for McCarthy.

Just opinion.

It also seems--and people who know a lot more than me have made this point already--that this FA class is not a fluke in its crapitude. Good, young pitchers don't hit the market much anymore. So the Yanks need to shift their attention from FA to the draft.

And that requires patience, especially the patience not to block young guys in waiting with career bums like Meche who also cost us draft picks. If we need a warm body for the rotation next year, go after Igawa. He's not an ace, but neither are Meche or Lilly, and Igawa won't cost a draft pick. Otherwise, stand pat.

I think trading Manny for all three of those guys would be goofy.

God forbid I have to watch KRod 19 games a year. That guy drives me insane.

I wouldn't mind Mulder at the moment for a low, incentive-laden contract. I'd be leery of Buerhle; maybe I'm not well-informed, but as I remember, he had a crap-tastic year last year. I'm wondering if the WSox are going to keep him over a superior pitcher because he's a hometown hero.

40 someone else is on your side:
http://tinyurl.com/ygbo2z

This may sound kinda wack, but what if you move Proctor to starter and rotate Karstens, Rasner and perhaps either Hughes or Sanchez out of the 4 & 5 spots so they don't get wasted to early in the season? Just a crackpot notion, I suppose...

While being 'average' is not easy to do, I'd rather take a chance that one of Rasner, Karstens, White, or even Henn could average a 4.56 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 9.54 H/9, 3.19 BB/9, and 6.44 K/9 - the's the line for an average AL pitcher in 2006, according to BP.

For the record, Jaret Wright last year had a 4.49 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 10.07 H/9, 3.66 BB/9, and 5.38 K/9. No way one of the 'kids' can't equal Wright's line or be just a tad bit better and equal the 'average' AL pitcher line.

JD Drew and Youklis and Lowell?

Yea, he'd see what? 4 good pitches all yr?

He'll mash no matter who's hitting behind him. If the league pitches around him, he'll just have to have a ridiculous OBP :)

however, he also mentioned the possibility of signing a free agent. i am assuming that the "why" would be a scenario where there weren't enough farmhands that they felt were ready to fill the roster, even with average performances. judging from some sources (32), some of the kids look like they might be ready soon. but there should always be a back up plan.

plus... with randy's back and pavano's everything, having another warm body around might not be a bad idea.

Padilla will makes just as much as Lilly and Meche and probably more since he does have better stuff.

Imagine writing that check out to him. Your hand has got to be shaking as you sign.

Papi is a great hitter but he will not see the same kinds of pitches without Manny behind him. He's seen a ton of fastballs because of Manny. i'm sure he'll still hit but he won't be the same guy. He knows it. He even said so the past 2 off seasons when Manny asked for a trade.

Imagine how good Bonds' numbers would have been if they would have actually got someone who could hit behind him?

I'm not advocating signing Zito, because the combination of years and money would be too much. But I've never heard it said that he's lackadaisical on the field.

The classy Brosius doesn't follow the Yankees closely but is aware Alex Rodriguez has had a tough time with the fans. "I would have been thrilled with those numbers," Brosius said.

Always loved Scott. still do.

Granted I bet if he had Manny behind him you would hear him saying its not proection that matters, its him. It probably works better for Bonds having Pedro Feliz hit behind him. For his ego.

But Howard had monster numbers.

1) Replace Miguel Cairo with Geoff Blum
2) Buy Johnny Damon a first baseman's mitt for Xmas
3) Sign RH 1B Eduardo Perez, age 37
4) Sign RH RP Giovanni Carrara, age 38
5) Make Scott Proctor the #4 starter
6) Let Rasner/Karstens/Sanchez compete of #5

Torre will play the old guys. Consider Carrara as a second LOOGY, his splits against lefties the last 3 years are .201/.299/.318. Getting 33 yr-old Damon to play 1B (ala Darin Erstad) makes sense and frees up Melky to play some CF. It's cheaper to buy Damon a mitt than it is to pay the likes of Rich Aurelia.

The Red Sox is helping Arod with all they can. Next year, regardless of how Arod performs, the fans who want to defend him would have reasons like:
"Look at what the Sox paid for Soriano..."

74 13 miliion + a glove for a 1st baseman?

For a lot of teams Woodward would add more flexibility than Blum but not the Yanks - Guiel plays 1B/OF and they have Melky as a 4th OF. You don't need a 6th OF and if you do Kevin Thompson is a better choice than Chris Woodward.

My guess is the Yanks either stick with Miguel Cairo or go with Andy Cannizaro as utility INF. I think Torre really liked Cannizaro during his call-up.

I think they bring Cairo back for another go.

If you dont believe in protection you should ask the players how they feel. Ask Ortiz what life would be like without Manny and ask the AL pitchers how they would attack the Sox without Manny in there. Just look back to the games this yr that Manny didnt play in.

Ortiz will not see the same pitches to hit. He wont get as many fastballs and he will be pitched around. Wouldnt teams rather take their chances on Mike Lowell? Ortiz will walk 150+ times easy.

Heres a protection thing from the past. 1961 Yanks. With Mantle behind him Maris hit 61 homers. You think he was seeing a lot of fastballs because they didnt want to face Mantle with a man on?

WRT Mantle & Maris, what happened in 1962? 1960? All the other years they played together?

Protection studies
http://www.baseball1.com/faqs/protection-faq.html
http://www-math.bgsu.edu/~grabine/protstudy.txt

That said, Manny's the only consistent contact hitter left in that lineup behind Ortiz. You lose him, you lose two power bats.

Jeter for MVP, Moose taking his physical, Aurilia possibly coming home to NY and the like...

Given the age difference between Woodward (30) and Blum (33), I'll take Woodward, injury or not.

And who knows? Julio Franco might be around longer than Minny Minoso or even Soriano (!)

Im really interested to see what Cash does with the rotation. My money is on a surprise. I say he goes for Schmidt.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkI7F5u1BGY

they cut this clip just before he gets booed out of the ring.

And I'd be willing to give Craig Wilson another shot at 1B. He didn't really get a fair chance.

I prefer Phillips to him.

There are role players who can do that - in fact, the Yankees actually have one now in Melky Cabrera. Because there's less wear and tear on a role player, I'm less concerned with age than ability. That's why I prefer Aurilia to Woodward or Blum - he's a noticeably better hitter than either of them.

Save money by not spending $15 million on Zito, but a couple of million invested in the bench might make a diffference.

102 I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now; I can't hear anything on the job. I'll peep this when I get home, where I'm about to go now. Later!

(So-not lost on me that my handle is derived from a fellow crew member of one of the greatest BtBxrs of all-time... >;)

I would like to add that the mere thought of Manny being traded out of the AL East puts a smile on my face.

It doesn't matter if Ortiz is being protected by Manny or not, the fact of the matter is, Manny is a much better hitter than Ortiz, and one of the best offensive threats. Ever. Removing him from the Sox lineup makes them much less potent. Even if they "replace" his production with a combo of Drew and someone else, you are talking about more than one player, neither of whom by themselves fills that spot at #3 vacated by Manny.

Obviously Ortiz will still hit Homeruns, its what he does, and he does it well. But he won't have nearly the same impact as he did. You are talking about one of the best 1-2 punches ever, and with just Ortiz, he represents the only real threat in that lineup, JD Drew or not. You couldn't pitch around Manny AND Ortiz, but now you sure as heck can pitch around Ortiz. His overall #s may remain similar, but I would put money on his rbi's and "clutchitude" decreasing...

If the Yanks could get Zaun, and either Aurilia or Woodward as the backup MI, and then go with a Wilson/Guiel or E Perez/Guiel platoon at 1B, with Melky as the 4th OF, I'd be very happy.

This is why I'm glad the Yanks are staying low.

Sadly, the Yankees invest $$ in the bench, but for horrible players like Cairo and Sierra (and even Bernie, for that matter).

I know he wasn't that good last year, but I would throw a few million at C. Wilson again, but only if he is willing and able to play a little backup C. Then Wilson and Guile could rotate between 1B, occasional DH, sometimes OF, some C, and platon PH.

That's terrible by you monkeypants.

And you want to throw money at Wilson??

Bernie got 420 ABs last year. In 2/3rds of those, versus righties, he 'hit' a Womackian (or Sierran if you prefer) .261/.305/.383. Yes, he hit lefties well, but his poor showing against righties plus his bad defense meant he was a liability to the Yanks. There's nothing wrong with saying that - everyone declines eventually.

Sierra was worse than terrible, but if you can't see that, then we probably can't have much of a conversation. Or do you really think his 2005 OPS of .636 as primarily a DH was good? Maybe DH really stands for designated horrible.

As for Wilson, his combined OPS last year was .760, though admitedly he stunk it up pretty bad with the Yanks. Of course, his season stats were basically on par with Bernie's .768 OPS.

But, since you did not pay attention to the substance of my post, I'll repeat. I would ONLY consider Wilson again IF he could play backup catcher, since that would give the team some more fleibility, perhaps offsetting offensive shortcomings. But maybe you're right--they should resign Sierra and Williams, so they can have as many can't play defesne"OF"/can't hit "DH" as possible.

BTW: Yanks added Sardinha, Kennard, and Chase Wright to the 40-man today.

http://tinyurl.com/u8n65

Wright (lefty SP) had a nice year in Tampa - 12-3 with 100 K's and 49 BB in 119 innings. He's 23 but if was his 6th year in the system. Anyone know any more about him?

If Melky is the 4th OF, then Kevin Thompson should be the 5th. I'd like to see Wilson given another shot. And I'd be okay with Andy Phillips at 1B since he seemed to have played the second half with a bum knee.

Was it striking out every other at bat? Because he was a pro at that

123 Bklyn, after Eli's interception, I turned it off. I see online it didn't cost the Jints any more points. I have Rivers on my fantasy football team, and with each passing week I think Arcorsi made a huge mistake in getting Eli. I hope I'm eventually wrong.

125 Are you purposefully skipping what monkeypants writes? Wilson has a career OPS of .834 and can catch in a pinch. That is enough to make him worthy of another shot. Wilson strikes out a lot in a 100 AB sample and he doesn't deserve another shot, but Sierra strikes out a ton, hits for crap, and you call him a "good hitter"?

13-3 Jags now. And WTF is Brandon Jacobs doing kick returns? Yeesh!