And it Begins:Sabathia to the Yankees

[storyteller0910]

There's not really an active baseball offseason thread right now, I guess partially because there's barely been any baseball offseason, but in the lat 24 hours two of the big chips have fallen, both to New York teams.

First, the Mets have all-but-signed Francisco ("K-Rod") Rodriguez to replace Billy Wagner. There's not much to dislike there, I guess; they desperately needed bullpen help, Wagner won't play this year, and Rodriguez was the best available guy. He'll only be 27 when the new season starts, which makes him a pretty good investment for three years. All the same, I'm weirdly disappointed. I think the Mets only have one major splash in them this offseason, and to make that splash with a guy who - no matter how good - will pitch only 70 innings in a good year seems short-sighted. I'd have preferred if they had used that financial capital to make a real run at one of the top-level starters - Derek Lowe would be my preference, since Sabathia was never realistic for the Mets - and then signed somebody like Brian Fuentes to close. I mean, I'm hearing they're going to go for Jon Garland as their starting pitcher add, and I just can't see that Garland + K-Rod > Lowe + Fuentes would have been. Oh, well.

Second, this morning ESPN is reporting that C.C. Sabathia has reached a preliminary agreement to join the Pinstriped Legions of Hell. The contract is reportedly six years, $140 million, and Sabathia's first-born. I suppose it was inevitable, but I got a little frisson of excitement thinking that maybe Sabathia was about something other than the money, which was stupid. Repeat after me, boys and girls: it's always about the money.

Now the Yankees will pursue Burnett and Lowe, and if they get both in addition to Sabathia it's possible I may resign from baseball fandom in disgust (actually, I won't, but I'll bitch about it heartily on this board).

Outside of New York, most of the rest of the league seems content to let the top teams grab the top players and pick at the leftovers. I'm amazed that no West Coast team made even a credible offer for Sabathia; 6 years and $115M from the Dodgers might have actually gotten it done.

So what think, all? Where do you expect them all to end up? What's your favorite team been doing so far this offseason, and does it make you psyched for baseball season or inclined to watch more football? Let's argue about something!

[Hawkeyeop]

First, the Mets have all-but-signed Francisco ("K-Rod") Rodriguez to replace Billy Wagner. There's not much to dislike there, I guess; they desperately needed bullpen help, Wagner won't play this year, and Rodriguez was the best available guy. He'll only be 27 when the new season starts, which makes him a pretty good investment for three years. All the same, I'm weirdly disappointed. I think the Mets only have one major splash in them this offseason, and to make that splash with a guy who - no matter how good - will pitch only 70 innings in a good year seems short-sighted. I'd have preferred if they had used that financial capital to make a real run at one of the top-level starters - Derek Lowe would be my preference, since Sabathia was never realistic for the Mets - and then signed somebody like Brian Fuentes to close. I mean, I'm hearing they're going to go for Jon Garland as their starting pitcher add, and I just can't see that Garland + K-Rod > Lowe + Fuentes would have been. Oh, well.

I'm also fairly indifferent to signing KRod, but the other options weren't without risk, and the terms weren't bad at all. I disagree though that the Mets could have had Lowe + Fuentes for anything close to what Garland + KRod would cost. Fuentes asking price has been around what the Mets paid for KRod. Now KRod's asking price started much higher, but still I don't think Fuentes is going to sign for less than 3 years 30 million, and perhaps a bit higher. The Yankess, Red Sox, and Phillies are all pursuing Lowe. He wants at least 4 years 64 million, and will likely get it. The 2 million a year saves would do little to dent the difference between Garland and Lowe


Second, this morning ESPN is reporting that C.C. Sabathia has reached a preliminary agreement to join the Pinstriped Legions of Hell. The contract is reportedly six years, $140 million, and Sabathia's first-born. I suppose it was inevitable, but I got a little frisson of excitement thinking that maybe Sabathia was about something other than the money, which was stupid. Repeat after me, boys and girls: it's always about the money.

I think if the money was close, Sabathia would have gone to the west coast. I can't really blame him for taking the money though.

Now the Yankees will pursue Burnett and Lowe, and if they get both in addition to Sabathia it's possible I may resign from baseball fandom in disgust (actually, I won't, but I'll bitch about it heartily on this board).

I'm not upset they signed Sabathia, because he wasn't what they needed. The best free agent is still there and the one who would have been the best fit for the Yankees. Now he most likely will stay in Anaheim. The Yankees main problems last year were offensively and defensively, and they have done nothing to address them. Boston and Tampa are both still better.

So what think, all? Where do you expect them all to end up? What's your favorite team been doing so far this offseason, and does it make you psyched for baseball season or inclined to watch more football? Let's argue about something!

I want the Mets to sign Juan Cruz, Ben Sheets and then take a bunch of flyers on the Brad Penny's of the world. Plus, bring in as many hard throwers as you can find to audition for the bullpen. I'd also like to make Heilman a starter, but that isn't going to happen. I hope Scheidner becomes a Red Sox, and the Mets can pursue a Castro/Zaun platoon. We need an outfielder and 2nd baseman too, but I'm inclined to let the market play out, and see if one of the sluggers is available for cheap come Feb. We also need to upgrade the bench, get a credible platoon mate for Delgado and generally avoid ever employing Marlon Anderson again,

[Justin_Bailey]

Second, this morning ESPN is reporting that C.C. Sabathia has reached a preliminary agreement to join the Pinstriped Legions of Hell. The contract is reportedly six years, $140 million, and Sabathia's first-born. I suppose it was inevitable, but I got a little frisson of excitement thinking that maybe Sabathia was about something other than the money, which was stupid. Repeat after me, boys and girls: it's always about the money.

I think you're being a little hard on Sabathia. I remember hearing him talk years ago about wanting to play for a big team and you don't get much bigger than the Yankees.

[Hawkeyeop]

Even he did sign with Yankees because they offered the most money, so what? Why is it wrong for a player to want money? How does this make him any less of a person or a baseball player? Why should I respect him any less? It isn't like he tried to sell a senate seat to get extra cash. He simply took the best offer.

[Kid_A]

According to Jon Heyman, The Yankees are in serious negotiations with Derek Lowe and are also looking at either Ben Sheets or A.J. Burnett to complete their pitching staff.

SI.com (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/12/10/sabathia.yanks/index.html?eref=T1)

[Justin_Bailey]

I want the Mets to sign Juan Cruz, Ben Sheets and then take a bunch of flyers on the Brad Penny's of the world. Plus, bring in as many hard throwers as you can find to audition for the bullpen. I'd also like to make Heilman a starter, but that isn't going to happen. I hope Scheidner becomes a Red Sox, and the Mets can pursue a Castro/Zaun platoon. We need an outfielder and 2nd baseman too, but I'm inclined to let the market play out, and see if one of the sluggers is available for cheap come Feb. We also need to upgrade the bench, get a credible platoon mate for Delgado and generally avoid ever employing Marlon Anderson again,

I would love it if the Mets signed Sheets and Penny. I've always thought Penny was underappreciated and Sheets has yet to have that career year that would make him ridiculously expensive, but I know it's in him. So now's the time to sign.

[Southern Yankee]

After living through the hell of the build-by-buying Yankee teams of the 80s, I generally don't like the idea going after every big name FA out there. It rarely works out. That being said, it's better than trading away good young prospects for old, past-their-prime "name" players. I hope Sabathia's stated preference for the West Coast was more of a bargaining chip, because the last thing the Yanks need is a guy who just grabbed the biggest contract out there and won't give his all. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and see how he performs.

[Marley23]

I have to agree with Hawkeyeop - I have no idea why the Yankees didn't make a huge effort for Texeira, and I say that as a fan. He does everything well and he's light years better than any member of the 1B/DH/LF platoon they've been doing lately with Damon, Matsui, Betemit and others, and in fact, I might even go so far as to say he's better than Nick Swisher. :p

The prices for Sabathia and Texeira were pretty similar except that a position player is a better investment than a pitcher who goes out there only once every five days. They did need to improve their pitching and Sabathia is certainly the best option, so it's not like I'm rueing the signing, but I'm confused by the strategy. I could see signing Burnett, but Lowe is getting old and I don't feel the enthusiasm there.

I'm part of the Francisco Rodriguez-is-overrated brigade, and we knew the Mets were going to sign him, so I was glad to see that work out. The Mets will be paying Wagner and Rodriguez about $22 million next season, incidentally.

[Southern Yankee]

Can someone explain to me why Peavy hasn't been a big, or bigger target than Sabathia? It seems like only the Cubs are trying to sign him? I don't follow the National league that closely, but I thought he was a #1 starter?

[Hawkeyeop]

Can someone explain to me why Peavy hasn't been a big, or bigger target than Sabathia? It seems like only the Cubs are trying to sign him? I don't follow the National league that closely, but I thought he was a #1 starter?

Peavy isn't a free agent. He is still a Padre and has a no trade clause. He is very specific is the places he is willing to go (Reportably only Chicago and LAD).

[Cheesesteak]

I'm confused by the strategy. Their starting pitching is a shambles. You have:

Wang - very solid pitcher, but was injured last year
Chamberlain - dynamic potential ace, but too young to rely on
Hughes - 0-4 last year
Kennedy - 0-4 last year

They can probably re-sign Pettitte, but he was a .500 pitcher last year, and he's not getting any younger. You can't go into the season with that as your starting 5. You need at least one other guy at the top of the rotation.

Sign C.C. and Pettitte, and you push Kennedy off the rotation, if he straightens out, he'll give you coverage in case of injury, or if Hughes doesn't get it done. I'm not sure I'd go after another FA starter, unless that means you don't sign Pettitte. I certainly wouldn't go after another 2 starters, why pay big bucks for your #5 when you can put that money towards the hole you have at 1st? Your #5 starter is where you're supposed to put guys like Hughes and Kennedy.

[Southern Yankee]

Peavy isn't a free agent. He is still a Padre and has a no trade clause. He is very specific is the places he is willing to go (Reportably only Chicago and LAD).

Ah, that makes sense then, thanks.

[Marley23]

I understand they needed to improve the pitching and I'm glad they are doing so. What I didn't understand was the fact that they ignored Texeira and might give Lowe a five-year deal that would take him to age 40. They also probably outbid themselves for Sabathia, but it's not my money. When I referred to strategy, I was saying I am concerned they are throwing money at the problem without regard to merit.

[Hawkeyeop]

Their starting pitching is a shambles. You have:

Wang - very solid pitcher, but was injured last year
Chamberlain - dynamic potential ace, but too young to rely on
Hughes - 0-4 last year
Kennedy - 0-4 last year

They can probably re-sign Pettitte, but he was a .500 pitcher last year, and he's not getting any younger. You can't go into the season with that as your starting 5. You need at least one other guy at the top of the rotation.

Sign C.C. and Pettitte, and you push Kennedy off the rotation, if he straightens out, he'll give you coverage in case of injury, or if Hughes doesn't get it done. I'm not sure I'd go after another FA starter, unless that means you don't sign Pettitte. I certainly wouldn't go after another 2 starters, why pay big bucks for your #5 when you can put that money towards the hole you have at 1st? Your #5 starter is where you're supposed to put guys like Hughes and Kennedy.

Of course the Yankees could use Sabathia and Lowe, but the rotation was good last year. Wang and Joba are a credible 1/2. Hughes was a top prospect, arguably more so than Joba, who had a bit of a rough adjustment. It happens. Anything less than giving him 30 starts would be a huge mistake. Kennedy has fringe stuff, but he likely still can be a back end starter. Bring back Pettitte or some equivilant, and it is still a pretty good rotation.

Meanwhile, if Posada can't catch, you don't have a catcher. Swisher could be alright at first, but that is no guarantee. He was terrible last year. Cano took a major step back. Jeter is starting to show his age, and the Yankees lack a credible replacement. He wasn't a good defensive shortstop in his prime and he can't defend or hit like he used to. Arod also is not a good defensive 3rd baseman anymore as well. Cabrera and Gardner can't hit enough to play center every day, and Damon no longer can play it defensively. Damon and Matsui are best mediocre corner outfielders now. There isn't really a DH on the roster, just whoever happens to be left over.

I see a mediocre aging offense and a terrible defense, and absolutely no depth up the middle. Much bigger problems than anything in the pitching staff.

[Marley23]

Swisher could be alright at first, but that is no guarantee. He was terrible last year.
For whatever it's worth, I believe his line drive stats were similar to past years - he just hit more of them at people. An out's an out, but if I'm remembering correctly, it suggested he may not do the same next year.

Cano and Cabrera were disappointing last year, but I'm not prepared to give up on either.

[Hawkeyeop]

For whatever it's worth, I believe his line drive stats were similar to past years - he just hit more of them at people. An out's an out, but if I'm remembering correctly, it suggested he may not do the same next year.



Oh I agree Swisher was worth taking a chance on. And the SABR numbers generally say he will bounce back. The scouting though said his bat was really slow, and that isn't necessarily something you come back from. Delgado did though, so we shall see. Sometimes you just lose it.

Oh and putting Lowe behind that infield is a terrible idea.

[Yorikke]

I suppose it was inevitable, but I got a little frisson of excitement thinking that maybe Sabathia was about something other than the money, which was stupid. Repeat after me, boys and girls: it's always about the money.



I suppose you're right. I Live in and love San Francisco. Supposedly, Sabathia loves the city and wanted to play here. I don't begrudge him taking the longer-term contract (I think the numbers tossed around by the Giants were only in the 3-year or 4-year range, bor maybe a million or two less per year.)

But I did the math in my head, and for ME, I'd gladly take, say, $125 / 6 to play in SF, over $140 / 6 in NY. But the players seem to never do it. I'd take the 6-year deal over the 3-year deal (maybe not in football, because they can cut you whenever they want without paying you, but definitely in baseball or basketball), but to me, getting to play in MY CITY is worth the small pay cut.

Maybe I'm nuts. I certainly can't say I have any experience dealing with such huge numbers outside of math class...

Joe

[dalej42]

I suppose you're right. I Live in and love San Francisco. Supposedly, Sabathia loves the city and wanted to play here. I don't begrudge him taking the longer-term contract (I think the numbers tossed around by the Giants were only in the 3-year or 4-year range, bor maybe a million or two less per year.)

Now, the question is Sabathia the next Barry Zito? :D

I do wonder about Sabathia if he gets off to another slow start like last year. He's never been exposed to anything like the New York media and he doesn't seem to take criticism well.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

The Tigers traded (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081208&content_id=3705662&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det)for Gerald Laird, filling up the hole at catcher. Laird will do rather well outside of a platoon, and he's a good doubles hitter, which works for him at spacious Comerica Park. Also, he's reputed to call a game rather well.

We're about to sign (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081208&content_id=3706368&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det)Adam Everett, who has no bat at all, but is great with the glove, which we need up the middle after the Edgar Renteria fiasco went up in flames last year. Everett will more than likely platoon the position with Ramon Santiago, also very good defensively, but we don't know if he can take the everyday grind.

Also, the Tigers are looking to trade (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708113&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det)for JJ. Putz. The Mariners want either Jeff Larish and/or Matt Joyce, both good, promising left handed bats. That upsets me, because then we're without the decent bats. I'd trade Larish over Joyce. Either way, we're short on left-handed bats. I'd be cool with signing Trevor Hoffman and calling the closer role filled for a year or two.

There's a need for a lefty in the bullpen, and the Tigers are eyeing (http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081209&content_id=3708798&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det)Joe Beimel.

[What Exit?]

The Yanks overpaid but they desperately need a real Ace. Now they need one more pitcher and it does not need to be Lowe or A.J. Sheets or Andy Pettitte should be enough.

As for Texiera, the Yanks still of plenty of money left over as nearly $75 million cleared from the payroll.

I think the Mets did good get K-Rod. The price was reasonable.

[silenus]

I wonder if the Dodgers are going to seriously look at Peavy. Coletti had better have something planned, because our pitching staff is 3 cripples and a teenager right now. We signed Blake, which takes care of 3rd, and may still reach a deal with Manny, but where are our pitchers?!?

[What Exit?]

I wonder if the Dodgers are going to seriously look at Peavy. Coletti had better have something planned, because our pitching staff is 3 cripples and a teenager right now. We signed Blake, which takes care of 3rd, and may still reach a deal with Manny, but where are our pitchers?!?

It looks like your ownership is feeling the money crunch and is waiting on better bargains. He did overextend to buy the Dodgers as I recall and I suspect the crisis has hit him harder than most big market franchises.

[dalej42]

The Diamondbacks have been absent from most talks and that is probably a good thing. I wasn't upset at all when Randy Johnson left. Haren and Webb are as good as any 1-2 starters in MLB. A full season of Doug Davis will have him as a #3.

The D-backs need to add a bat. We need a second baseman. Still, most of the team will be the same as last year.

Unless there are some surprises, I'll say the Dodgers and D-backs will battle in the NL West and I'll keep an eye on San Francisco. It looks like the Padres are taking a step back. The Rockies should improve if they're healthy,

[Marley23]

As for Texiera, the Yanks still of plenty of money left over as nearly $75 million cleared from the payroll.
I don't think it's going to be divided between Texeira, Lowe AND Sheets (Burnett may end up in Atlanta), but I wouldn't complain. Although I don't like it when the Yanks go after every single free agent.

[RickJay]

I can only hope the Yankees take A.J. Burnett. That's a white elephant just waiting to bust out.

[What Exit?]

I don't think it's going to be divided between Texeira, Lowe AND Sheets (Burnett may end up in Atlanta), but I wouldn't complain. Although I don't like it when the Yanks go after every single free agent.

As I said, we don't need Lowe or AJ for their asking price. Teixeira is a good fit as we currently have no lock at first and could use a bat to replace Bobby Abreu and Jason G.

Now the drawback is once we sign Teixeira if it becomes required we have to move Jeter or A-Rod to the outfield instead of 1st and Jorge only has DH open. This is a minor issue though. Teixeira has a very good glove and very good bat. I think he might be worth the long term deal and then pick up one or two starters from the next tier after Lowe & AJ. In the end we still end up saving money over last year.

Also on the pitching, keep an eye on the economy. Houston and San Diego both have to dump some salary and it is possible other teams will also need to. There might be some reasonable trades available to get a good starter in January.

I can only hope the Yankees take A.J. Burnett. That's a white elephant just waiting to bust out.
That is why I do not want him. We already lived through Pavano recently.

So how are the Blue Jay financials now? Have they already dropped enough salary?

[Rysto]

I can only hope the Yankees take A.J. Burnett. That's a white elephant just waiting to bust out.

Exactly what I came in here to say. Burnett's only worth anything when he's in a contract year. You'd think that people would have noticed the pattern by now.

Edit:
So how are the Blue Jay financials now? Have they already dropped enough salary?
Christ, I hope not. The more money they free up, the more money Riccardi has to spend on idiotic long-term deals.

[Marley23]

Now the drawback is once we sign Teixeira if it becomes required we have to move Jeter or A-Rod to the outfield instead of 1st and Jorge only has DH open. This is a minor issue though.
I agree - it's a minor issue and not one for this year. Neither of them is going to be willing to make that move anyway, in my opnion.

[RickJay]

That is why I do not want him. We already lived through Pavano recently.

So how are the Blue Jay financials now? Have they already dropped enough salary?
The team plans, apparently, to spend about as much money as they did last year. What's puzzling is their inability to recognize that spending all that money didn't provide results. They have lots of money - they're owned by Rogers, after all - but you'd think they'd want something for it. Rogers could pay for AJ Bunett just with their iPhone revenues in the next couple of weeks. (Rogers is a communications empire with more money than God, and is the Canadian iPhone network.)

Burnett's salary will likely be replaced with other salaries. Apparently they're serious about getting Rafael Furcal, which would likely cost about the same as Burnett. Furcal, assuming he's healthy, would be a reasonably good addition to a team that doesn't really have anyone who can play short and hit.

I'm VASTLY more concerned about Shaun Marcum's arm injury than losing Burnett. I would much rather have the draft picks Burnett will bring if he signs as a free agent than I would Burnett himself.

[What Exit?]

The team plans, apparently, to spend about as much money as they did last year. What's puzzling is their inability to recognize that spending all that money didn't provide results. They have lots of money - they're owned by Rogers, after all - but you'd think they'd want something for it. Rogers could pay for AJ Bunett just with their iPhone revenues in the next couple of weeks. (Rogers is a communications empire with more money than God, and is the Canadian iPhone network.)


I'm confused I thought Ted Rogers just died. Who is running the team now?

[What Exit?]

The Blue Jays organization suffered a heavy blow with the death of its owner, Ted Rogers. Rogers, 75, who purchased the Jays in 2000, died of heart complications.

His death leaves the Blue Jays in a state of flux as to whether his family or his company, Rogers Communications Inc., is willing to continue running the franchise. And if they do, for how long?
More here: http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/teams/report/TOR

[Hawkeyeop]

Cano and Cabrera were disappointing last year, but I'm not prepared to give up on either.

The Yankees are a bit less patient then you, They are reportably dealing Cabrera for Cameron. A useful short term trade, but one that makes an old lineup older.

[What Exit?]

The Yankees are a bit less patient then you, They are reportably dealing Cabrera for Cameron. A useful short term trade, but one that makes an old lineup older.

Cano they need to keep. He has too much potential. Melky was never going to top out to more than a serviceable and inexpensive player. Not that I want Cameron but I can see trading Melky.

[Mince]

Second, this morning ESPN is reporting that C.C. Sabathia has reached a preliminary agreement to join the Pinstriped Legions of Hell. The contract is reportedly six years, $140 million, and Sabathia's first-born. I suppose it was inevitable, but I got a little frisson of excitement thinking that maybe Sabathia was about something other than the money, which was stupid. Repeat after me, boys and girls: it's always about the money.


So, you generally pick the job offer with the lowest pay?

[What Exit?]

So, you generally pick the job offer with the lowest pay?

I'm a Yankee fan and I disagree with storyteller0910's take, but I have taken the lesser paying job in the past based on commute and family needs.

[Ichbin Dubist]

In other news, to make it easier for the fans in the cheap seats, the Mets exchange Aaron Heilman for a guy who will have "Putz" on the back of his uniform.

To be fair: two of my favorite minor Mets, Joe "Shlabotnik" Smith and Endy Chavez, are also going to Seattle for J.J.

[Hawkeyeop]

I'm a Yankee fan and I disagree with storyteller0910's take, but I have taken the lesser paying job in the past based on commute and family needs.

Right, but couldn't making more money be a family need/want in some situations? If a player takes extra money so his family can live a more luxorious life, even if the situation was a bit less enjoyable for himself, wouldn't that player be being rather selfless? How bout a player who refuses a trade from a non-contender to a contender mid season, because they doesn't want to disrupt his family. Why is that player considered selfish? Players get killed by the media and fans when they do that.

There are so many factors involved in these decisions that we have no knowledge of. It is unwise and unfair to make any conclusions on a player's mindset.

[What Exit?]

Right, but couldn't making more money be a family need/want in some situations? If a player takes extra money so his family can live a more luxorious life, even if the situation was a bit less enjoyable for himself, wouldn't that player be being rather selfless? How bout a player who refuses a trade from a non-contender to a contender mid season, because they doesn't want to disrupt his family. Why is that player considered selfish? Players get killed by the media and fans when they do that.

There are so many factors involved in these decisions that we have no knowledge of. It is unwise and unfair to make any conclusions on a player's mindset.

I agree with you on the above.

[Ichbin Dubist]

To correct myself, Joe Smith goes to the Indians (from MLB's website (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081211&content_id=3712527&vkey=hotstove2008&fext=.jsp)):

The Mets also received outfielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and, from the Mets, right-hander Aaron Heilman, center fielder Endy Chavez and four Minor Leaguers -- first baseman Mike Carp, right-hander Maikel Cleto, left-hander Jason Vargas and center fielder Ezekiel Carrera. The Indians received right-hander Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners.

[Mince]

I'm a Yankee fan and I disagree with storyteller0910's take, but I have taken the lesser paying job in the past based on commute and family needs.


Understood, but the OP seems to imply that Sabathia is evil because he took the best paying job. Maybe I'm misunderstanding his tone.

[cmkeller]

Looks like the Royals just lavished $9M+ for two years on Kyle Farnsworth, of all people.

This probably makes the Mike Hampton and Barry Zito contracts look like great deals.

[What Exit?]

The New York Yankees are set to trade Melky Cabrera to the Milwaukee Brewers for Mike Cameron, according to two major league sources, the New York Daily News reported.

Apparently Mike has only one year left on his contract, so not a terrible move.

[Marley23]

Oh lord.... I kinda like Mike Cameron and all, but how does this trade make sense? He's 35-year-old, Melky's 24. Cameron played more last year, but he didn't have a great year and he's in decline, while I think Cabrera can bounce back from a bad year. This is the kind of trade I don't like the Yankees to make.

On the upside, suddenly they do seem interested in Texeira. That's a move I can get behind.

[robardin]

In other news, to make it easier for the fans in the cheap seats, the Mets exchange Aaron Heilman for a guy who will have "Putz" on the back of his uniform.

Yeah, the first time I saw JJ Putz's name in a box score I thought to myself, "there's a reliever whose destiny lies with a New York team."

I'll miss Endy, of course, but when you get right down to it, he was a defensive replacement and pinch runner.

I wish Heilman well, and hope he can be a successful starter in Seattle. I think he got a lot of unfair crap from the press and many fans about wanting to be a starter -- why shouldn't he? He only voiced his desire when asked, understood he was under contract, and never dogged it in relief (when he bombed it wasn't for lack of trying or caring). He struggled down the stretch in 2007 and in most of 2008, yet never made excuses and took the boos in stride. He was very professional about the whole thing.

He wouldn't be the first pitcher who was terrific for 5 out of 6+ innings, but seemed prone to that One Big Inning. It could be that he's better suited as a #4 or #5 starter than a reliever. In any case his welcome was worn out in NY, but he's still young enough and has good enough "stuff" that he deserves a fresh start somewher eelse.

[robardin]

The New York Yankees are set to trade Melky Cabrera to the Milwaukee Brewers for Mike Cameron, according to two major league sources, the New York Daily News reported.

Apparently Mike has only one year left on his contract, so not a terrible move.
I rather don't get this move. Cameron's a great glove in CF and an OK bat, but he's 34 and on the decline. OK, with the one-year-left angle this could be a salary dump, but since when have the Yankees put clearing 5 mil or so a year off the books ahead of cementing a key position? I mean, who's going to be starting in CF in 2010? Any particular free agent? Anybody coming up from the minors? I'm not aware of any top center-fielder prospects in the Yankees farm system.

Are they gonna flip Cameron in another deal to a team that needs the salary

[gonzomax]

Looks like the Royals just lavished $9M+ for two years on Kyle Farnsworth, of all people.

This probably makes the Mike Hampton and Barry Zito contracts look like great deals.
Tigers had him at the end of last year. I watched him pitch several times. He thew hard ,ball moved well. Then he would toss one that bumped into the bat and go over the fence.It kept happening and made no sense.

[Marley23]

OK, with the one-year-left angle this could be a salary dump, but since when have the Yankees put clearing 5 mil or so a year off the books ahead of cementing a key position?
Right- would you please run that past me again, What Exit? I don't know how long Cabrera is under contract, but he made less than $500,000 last season- not a tenth of Cameron's salary this year. This is not a cap space move.

[robardin]

I see that the NY Daily News posits that Austin Jackson is the blue-chip prospect the Yankees are grooming for CF in 2010. I hadn't heard of him yet, so I hope that works out...

[Southern Yankee]

I rather don't get this move. Cameron's a great glove in CF and an OK bat, but he's 34 and on the decline. OK, with the one-year-left angle this could be a salary dump, but since when have the Yankees put clearing 5 mil or so a year off the books ahead of cementing a key position? I mean, who's going to be starting in CF in 2010? Any particular free agent? Anybody coming up from the minors? I'm not aware of any top center-fielder prospects in the Yankees farm system.

Are they gonna flip Cameron in another deal to a team that needs the salary

They have a CF prospect named Austin Jackson who they are high on, and expect to be ready by 2010. I also think the Cabrera and Cano got a reputation (don't know if it's deserved or not) for enjoying the NYC nightlife a bit too much. They both had bad years, so who knows?

[What Exit?]

Oh lord.... I kinda like Mike Cameron and all, but how does this trade make sense? He's 35-year-old, Melky's 24. Cameron played more last year, but he didn't have a great year and he's in decline, while I think Cabrera can bounce back from a bad year. This is the kind of trade I don't like the Yankees to make.

On the upside, suddenly they do seem interested in Texeira. That's a move I can get behind.
Cameron is very well liked by CC. He plays very good defense and Melky was never meant to the long term solution to CF. They are hoping that Jackson develops to take over in 2010 or 2011.

[RickJay]

I'm confused I thought Ted Rogers just died. Who is running the team now?
I don't think CBS has a full understanding of the situation. Paul Godfrey was careful in his comments, but if you parse his words he didn't really say anything (he was a politician, after all.)

While Ted Rogers himself is dead, the media empire he created no longer needed him to keep running. Hasn't for years. The Blue Jays are a relatively small part of that empire, and they're fully integrated into the overall package - they own the stadium, of course, and use the Blue Jays as free programming for their sports network, content on their radio stations, tie ins with the cell and cable empire, so on and so forth. They've also rolled in the Argos and, of course, brought in the Bills to play some games. The Jays are worth a lot to the Rogers empire. More important, they're worth more to Rogers than they would be to anyone else - since nobody else has a comparable media empire in which to put a professional baseball team.

They continue to pursue Furcal, and there's no way they can significantly reduce the payroll in a sane manner if they get Furcal; that gives lie to the idea they're slashing payroll. A generally safe rule of thumb with J.P. Ricciardi is to NEVER believe what he says, only what he does; he lies to the media routinely, probably as some sort of ongoing policy of not tipping his hand.