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Cliff Notes
2005-11-09 06:41
by Alex Belth

There are Alfonso Soriano and Manny Ramirez rumors involving the Mets this morning, but not much in the way of our boys in the Bronx. One item that caught my eye though, concerns what the Yanks might do about a back-up first baseman. According to Sam Borden in The Daily News:

GM Brian Cashman said the Yankees are looking at Andy Phillips as the likely replacement for Martinez at first, since he provides a cheap, righthanded option to complement Jason Giambi.

"We'd like to see what (Phillips) can do," Cashman said of the 28-year-old. "That's our initial thought and we think he'd do very well if given the chance. We're not locked into it, but it's a direction we're looking at."

Can you dig it, Cliff? Next thing you know they'll be giving Colter Bean a shot at middle relief. Say it ain't so, my brother.

Comments
2005-11-09 08:16:32
1.   JVarghese81
Hey,
if things break a certain way, you could end up seeing K. Thompson, Colter Bean & Andy Phillips on the roster (and maybe even Ben Julianel/Matt Smith). Hmmm...cheap alternatives to overpriced and over the hill veterans...that's some shrewd thinking right there!

Also, I love how Cashman calls Phillips a kid - he'll be in his age 29 season next year!

2005-11-09 09:00:32
2.   Dimelo
29 years old. That would damn near make him a new-born baby on the Yankees.
2005-11-09 09:22:14
3.   ChuckM
Lee Sinins has in today's ATM report that the Yanks would like to put Posada on the block (according to the Journal News), but his contract is too large. Who the hell would replace him?
2005-11-09 13:54:05
4.   uburoisc
Glad to see the Yanks may be offering young players a door in. Andy as a back-up is a fine idea. How would you guys feel about Ramon Hernandez of the Padres as a free agent?
2005-11-09 14:09:58
5.   randym77
Sure sounds like Cashman wants to give the young guys a chance. Is it just talk? Have Cano and Wang made him see the light? Or was it Tampa that wanted to keep 'em down on the farm?

Only marginally Yankees-related:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?I2146222C

Former Yankees assistant GM Kim Ng might become the first female MLB GM (for the Dodgers). Though it sounds like the competition is stiff. Theo Epstein is rumored to be interested in the job as well.

2005-11-09 18:45:15
6.   bp1
Not a peep about Womack? Not a rumour about packaging him in a trade, nor a release. Not a thing. He's obviously not in the plans for outfield next year. Gotta wonder what's going on there.

BP

2005-11-09 19:37:59
7.   Stormer Sports
Ode to Po.

It is not yet time to be dealing Jorge Posada. Posada has a few great years left in him, and I am not quite sure who Brian Cashman, other Yankee Factions or Advisors might see as a replacement. A curt look around the league garners scarce few catchers who would be an upgrade to Jorge Posada, who are available as free agents, or whose club may be looking to work a deal in the off-season.

I would like to see the Yankees draft a catcher and scour the entire Minor League system for a prospect who can be mentored and finally brought up to the Major Leagues to play behind Jorge Posada two years from now. This player need not be catching right now, but he's out there. I am confident that Jorge Posada--although not necessarily thought of as the contemporary of Zen Master Phil Jackson, or more near and dear, Joe Girardi of catchers--would pleasantly surprise both the Club and the fans with his ability as teacher and friend. We might just ultimately have a catcher who plays with Posada'a heart and intensity. Jorge Posada wants to win, make no mistake about it. Hang in with Jorge Posada.

I like the decision to run with Andy Phillips and Jason Giambi at first base. I have a good feeling about the direction of the team, insofar as the off-season plan is concerned.

2005-11-09 19:38:00
8.   Stormer Sports
Ode to Po.

It is not yet time to be dealing Jorge Posada. Posada has a few great years left in him, and I am not quite sure who Brian Cashman, other Yankee Factions or Advisors might see as a replacement. A curt look around the league garners scarce few catchers who would be an upgrade to Jorge Posada, who are available as free agents, or whose club may be looking to work a deal in the off-season.

I would like to see the Yankees draft a catcher and scour the entire Minor League system for a prospect who can be mentored and finally brought up to the Major Leagues to play behind Jorge Posada two years from now. This player need not be catching right now, but he's out there. I am confident that Jorge Posada--although not necessarily thought of as the contemporary of Zen Master Phil Jackson, or more near and dear, Joe Girardi of catchers--would pleasantly surprise both the Club and the fans with his ability as teacher and friend. We might just ultimately have a catcher who plays with Posada'a heart and intensity. Jorge Posada wants to win, make no mistake about it. Hang in with Jorge Posada.

I like the decision to run with Andy Phillips and Jason Giambi at first base. I have a good feeling about the direction of the team, insofar as the off-season plan is concerned.

2005-11-10 05:57:04
9.   Alex Belth
Speaking of Jorge, go check out SG's piece on him today over at the Replacement Level Yankees Weblog. http://yankeefan.blogspot.com/2005/11/posada-problem.html

SG has been doing some fine work of late.

2005-11-10 09:41:37
10.   Ben
Wow, that was a great article by SG. Very interesting economics.
2005-11-10 16:42:02
11.   randym77
Great article. How aggravating to hear that the D-backs didn't even want Navarro. Even more aggravating to think the Yankees wanted to trade Cano and Wang in that deal, too.
2005-11-10 16:57:04
12.   randym77
The article's comments are also interesting. Joe in NYC says that Posada's offensive decline this year was due to his not taking walks. Is that true?

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