I figured I would take a little time out and publish a quick guide to collecting sports memorabilia. Today, major companies in the industry like Steiner Sports has caused the price of autographs to go through the roof. There is also a lot of controversy surrounding some formerly reputable authenticators of autographed memorabilia ongoing. Neither of these is good for the industry, or for collectors. There are ways to grow your collection of autographs without investing a lot of time or money into it. While, my method of autograph collecting is not of authenticated stuff, it is a fun hobby and all the autographs can be authenticated later if so desired. So, how do I build my autograph collection?
Through the Mail, hereafter known as TTM, is one way to quickly build an autograph collection. There are still several Hall of Famers that will sign for free or for a nominal fee. Yogi Berra, for example, will sometimes sign for free, or if you want a surefire Yogi Berra autograph, send him $40 and you'll get your item signed for sure. $40 vs. over $100 at a place like Steiner. You do the math. others like Bobby Doerr, will sign for as little as $5. But, not everyone signs, nor does everyone charge for their signature.
All you need to get started is a pen, paper, looseleaf, envelopes (2 sizes preferably so one can fit inside the other and get the peel and stick to make it easier on the person signing), and stamps. First, write a nice note asking the person you are writing to for an autograph. Be polite. Always add a "please" and a "thank you." You don't have to write a book, usually two short paragraphs are enough. Remember these athletes get hundreds to thousands of requests for their signature and usually don't even bother reading the letter but there are some that do.
Include an item to get signed. NEVER ask for an autograph and expect the signer to include something. You should be the one providing the item, like a baseball or trading card. I always send no more than 1 to 3 cards, depending on the signing habits of the player. You can do some research on the signing habits of players at www.sportscardforum.com in the Autograph Central/Through the Mail section. It's a free membership and the folks on the site are very helpful, I should know, I'm a moderator there.
OK, so now you have your letter written and have found a card of that person to get signed. If the card is glossy, like most modern cards are, take a mechanical eraser and just gently co over the surface of the card. The eraser removes some of the gloss without damaging the card and allows the ink to adhere to the cardboard. Fold the letter up and drop the card into the letter. OK, now you need to get an address for that player. Sportscardforum.com has a pretty nice sized database of addresses for players both current and retired. There are also lists like Harvey Meiselman's list which is what I use. Just Google Harvy Meiselman and you should find his website for purchasing his address lists. If you want more info on the Harvey lists drop me a line and I will be happy to help you.
Address the bigger envelope to the player and include your return address in the top left. This is important because if the player refuses the letter, or the address is out of date (this happens but don't get discouraged) you will want your item to be returned to you, especially if it is a photo or ball. Then, on a small envelope (known as a SASE for self-addressed stamped envelope) write your address. Don't forget to put postage on it. NEVER expect the signer to pay for postage.
Put it in the mail and wait. I have had thousands of successes over the past few years and have had some athletes write me nice notes in return. One year I got a Christmas card from former Eagles running back Heath Sherman. Another time, former Giants running back sent me back my card signed, along with the unused SASE in a large package that included an 11x14 picture that he signed and personalized to me. It was one of the coolest returns I've ever had. I've also gotten Redskins WR Anthony Armstrong (he reads the letters) to sign for me twice, on the second go around he put "second time around" on the card. He is a pretty good guy and reads his mail. The first time he included a note complimenting me on my handwriting. Over the years I have gotten a lot of players who have sent nice notes wishing me luck on my collection, especially from former New York Giants. It's these little added notes and stuff that really make the collection fun. Other times players will include a signed testimonial card which describes how they found Jesus Christ. I like these because it is like and added bonus and kind of represents a certificate of authenticity for me. Frank Tanana, Kurt Warner, and a bunch of others send testimonial cards. Warner will only send signed testimonial cards but will return your card as well, albeit unsigned.
If you are going to try this hobby expect failure. Even with guys who are great signers you are not guaranteed anything. Letters get lost or moved...stuff happens. Don't get discouraged. Right now my success rate is hovering around 60% but I still get a SASE from a few years ago catch up to me, my old address in PA scrawled out in my handwriting. Just this past week former Cardinals pitcher Ricky Horton signed my two cards and sent them back. Considering I have been gone from PA for about two years I was amazed it caught up to me but it did.
I'll name a few atheltes who are good signers and help you get started. I have gotten signed cards back from everyone listed but I can't guarantee the same success. The addresses can be found at sportscardforum.com:
Josh Hamilton (takes a while but he signs), Lawrence Taylor, Leonard Marshall, David Robertson, C.C. Sabathia (only during Spring Training and it takes about a year), Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, Karl Malone, George Martin, Devin McCourty, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, Jordy Nelson, Bob Griese, Anthony Armstrong, Frank Gore, Charlie Hough, Ike Hilliard, Mark Herzlich, Henry Hynoski, Jared Allen, Peyton Manning (requires small donation to his charity), Chad Greenway, Jason Giambi, Jeff George. The list goes on and on.
All it takes is the cost of two stamps and a trading card. That's a helluva lot cheaper than spending hundreds of dollars through Steiner Sports or some other outfit. Give it a try, what have you got to lose?
Thursday, December 29, 2011
2014 Yankees
I thought I would have a little fun and project the 2014 Yankees roster. I'm sure it will be completely wrong, but let's see how I do anyway. I would throw in the Mets as well but I don't know where they will be in their rebuilding stage and don't know about the financial situation that could have a tremendous impact on how they acquire players so I won't try as of yet. Anyway, here are the 2014 New York Yankees:
C Austin Romine - The Yankees may or may not end up trading him. Russell Martin is still younger than 30 right now but he has taken a lot of abuse behind the plate. I could see Martin being kept as a backup who plays 60 games.
1B Mark Teixeira - He still has power and still plays an excellent first base. He is one of four Yankees signed through 2014 and he isn't going anywhere.
2B Robinson Cano - He is due for a huge pay raise and deservedly so. He continues to get better every year but soon that won't be the case. By 2014 we will see Robbie peak and then see a slow decline as most middle infielders do when they get over 30.
SS Eduardo Nunez - Derek Jeter will most likely be retired by this point. If he isn't retired then he will not be the starting shortstop. Nunez is thought highly of by Yankee brass and will probably get first crack at replacing the legend of Jeter. I don't think he will perform terribly, giving the Yankees slightly below average defense but above average offense. He can hit, he just needs consistent playing time.
3B Alex Rodriguez - He will be approaching 40 years-old at this point or will be 40. He might be more of a DH at this point but don't expect the Yankees to go out and acquire a big name free agent. They will replace in house. It could be Brandon Laird splitting time with A-Rod or the Yankees using Nunez here and Hideki Nakajima at short. Whatever they do, don't expect a big-name free agent. Another darkhorse candidate would be Corban Joseph or David Adams.
LF Brett Gardner - Gardner has had his ups and downs. However, he will still be relatively cheap and still offer the Yankees the best base-stealing threat along with Nunez. There is no reason why the Yankees should get rid of Brett.
CF Curtis Granderson - Grandy will be starting to face some decline at this point. His days in center will be numbered with Mason Williams knocking on the door at AAA at this point. Granderson still holds some value, and can still hit for power and run. By 2015 he will be the Yankees right or left fielder while Mason Williams takes center.
RF Zoilo Almonte - Almonte is one of the Yankees most overlooked prospects. He has struggled at every level until he has adjusted and by 2014 he should start to be turning things around. I don't see him becoming a superstar but something along the lines of Juan Rivera isn't much of a stretch.
DH Jesus Montero - When the big righty isn't DH'ing he will be catching. He will be the big bat in the Yankees lineup at this point, hitting third or fourth. Right now he is the Yankees #1 Prospect for the 3rd year in a row and by 2014 he should be on his second All-Star team.
SP C.C. Sabathia - Another one who is actually signed to a contract for the 2014 season, Sabathia isn't going anywhere. He might start to decline, and given his physique, it will be interesting to see if it is rapid or gradual. He should still be an ace pitcher at this point, however.
SP Phil Hughes - I am one of the believers in Phil Hughes. There is a chance we have seen the best he had to offer in the first-half of 2010. But, there is also a chance that the pitcher we saw at that point is really the pitcher he will become. I am a believer that the best is yet to come. If Phil can stay healthy, a big if most assuredly, he can be a top of the rotation starter.
SP Manny Banuelos - He will start to come into his own at this point, his second full season. I believe Banuelos will be on his way to becoming the Yankee ace by 2014.
SP Ivan Nova - Nova enjoyed a lot of success last season and became the de facto number two starter. I don't see him as a top of the rotation kind of guy, and I don't know if the Yankees do either. Sure, he pitched well, but was it an aberration? Either way, I think Nova could be a consistent 12-17 game winner at the back end of the rotation like Orlando Hernandez.
SP Hector Noesi - The Yankees are grooming him to be a starting pitcher and I think he beats out Adam Warren and David Phelps. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if any of these three were in the Yankee rotation by 2014.
RP David Robertson - There is no reason he would be going anywhere unless he suddenly loses his ability to get hitters out. He might be in line for the closer's job along with Joba Chamberlain and Dellin Betances.
RP Joba Chamberlain - again, he could be the closer but I think he is better suited for a set-up role if he remains in the bullpen. I wrote a post yesterday that I think he would be better off as a starter, a position I have held since 2007.
CP Dellin Betances - IF he can control his walks he has the stuff to be a dominant closer. That is a big if, however. I don't know if Betances will be able to stick in the rotation but he has the stuff to close out games.
All of this is pure speculation on my part, of course. I don't see the Yankees going nuts for any free agents in the near future with the luxury tax hanging over their heads. They could still be a playoff team with this roster. I won't speculate on the bench positions or other bullpen arms because those are the most volatile positions in the game, changing everyday like a pair of underwear. Going forward, the Yankees will invest more time and effort into scouting players and developing them themselves. Having a few years of team control at affordable prices is the only way for the Yankees to keep away the luxury tax demon. There is plenty of talent in their minor league system, with the exception of the outfield corners, to keep young talent infused on this roster for years to come. Prospects that might begin playing a key role on the 2014 Yankees are as follows: Dante Bichette, Jr., 3B/1B; Gary Sanchez, C; Slade Heathcott, OF; Mason Williams, OF; David Adams, 2B; Corban Joseph, 2B; Ravel Santana, P; J.R. Murphy, C/1B/OF; Mark Montgomery, P; Tommy Kahnle, P; Graham Stoneburner, P; Jermey Bleich, P; Angelo Gumbs, SS; Ben Gamel, OF.
C Austin Romine - The Yankees may or may not end up trading him. Russell Martin is still younger than 30 right now but he has taken a lot of abuse behind the plate. I could see Martin being kept as a backup who plays 60 games.
1B Mark Teixeira - He still has power and still plays an excellent first base. He is one of four Yankees signed through 2014 and he isn't going anywhere.
2B Robinson Cano - He is due for a huge pay raise and deservedly so. He continues to get better every year but soon that won't be the case. By 2014 we will see Robbie peak and then see a slow decline as most middle infielders do when they get over 30.
SS Eduardo Nunez - Derek Jeter will most likely be retired by this point. If he isn't retired then he will not be the starting shortstop. Nunez is thought highly of by Yankee brass and will probably get first crack at replacing the legend of Jeter. I don't think he will perform terribly, giving the Yankees slightly below average defense but above average offense. He can hit, he just needs consistent playing time.
3B Alex Rodriguez - He will be approaching 40 years-old at this point or will be 40. He might be more of a DH at this point but don't expect the Yankees to go out and acquire a big name free agent. They will replace in house. It could be Brandon Laird splitting time with A-Rod or the Yankees using Nunez here and Hideki Nakajima at short. Whatever they do, don't expect a big-name free agent. Another darkhorse candidate would be Corban Joseph or David Adams.
LF Brett Gardner - Gardner has had his ups and downs. However, he will still be relatively cheap and still offer the Yankees the best base-stealing threat along with Nunez. There is no reason why the Yankees should get rid of Brett.
CF Curtis Granderson - Grandy will be starting to face some decline at this point. His days in center will be numbered with Mason Williams knocking on the door at AAA at this point. Granderson still holds some value, and can still hit for power and run. By 2015 he will be the Yankees right or left fielder while Mason Williams takes center.
RF Zoilo Almonte - Almonte is one of the Yankees most overlooked prospects. He has struggled at every level until he has adjusted and by 2014 he should start to be turning things around. I don't see him becoming a superstar but something along the lines of Juan Rivera isn't much of a stretch.
DH Jesus Montero - When the big righty isn't DH'ing he will be catching. He will be the big bat in the Yankees lineup at this point, hitting third or fourth. Right now he is the Yankees #1 Prospect for the 3rd year in a row and by 2014 he should be on his second All-Star team.
SP C.C. Sabathia - Another one who is actually signed to a contract for the 2014 season, Sabathia isn't going anywhere. He might start to decline, and given his physique, it will be interesting to see if it is rapid or gradual. He should still be an ace pitcher at this point, however.
SP Phil Hughes - I am one of the believers in Phil Hughes. There is a chance we have seen the best he had to offer in the first-half of 2010. But, there is also a chance that the pitcher we saw at that point is really the pitcher he will become. I am a believer that the best is yet to come. If Phil can stay healthy, a big if most assuredly, he can be a top of the rotation starter.
SP Manny Banuelos - He will start to come into his own at this point, his second full season. I believe Banuelos will be on his way to becoming the Yankee ace by 2014.
SP Ivan Nova - Nova enjoyed a lot of success last season and became the de facto number two starter. I don't see him as a top of the rotation kind of guy, and I don't know if the Yankees do either. Sure, he pitched well, but was it an aberration? Either way, I think Nova could be a consistent 12-17 game winner at the back end of the rotation like Orlando Hernandez.
SP Hector Noesi - The Yankees are grooming him to be a starting pitcher and I think he beats out Adam Warren and David Phelps. Personally, I wouldn't be surprised if any of these three were in the Yankee rotation by 2014.
RP David Robertson - There is no reason he would be going anywhere unless he suddenly loses his ability to get hitters out. He might be in line for the closer's job along with Joba Chamberlain and Dellin Betances.
RP Joba Chamberlain - again, he could be the closer but I think he is better suited for a set-up role if he remains in the bullpen. I wrote a post yesterday that I think he would be better off as a starter, a position I have held since 2007.
CP Dellin Betances - IF he can control his walks he has the stuff to be a dominant closer. That is a big if, however. I don't know if Betances will be able to stick in the rotation but he has the stuff to close out games.
All of this is pure speculation on my part, of course. I don't see the Yankees going nuts for any free agents in the near future with the luxury tax hanging over their heads. They could still be a playoff team with this roster. I won't speculate on the bench positions or other bullpen arms because those are the most volatile positions in the game, changing everyday like a pair of underwear. Going forward, the Yankees will invest more time and effort into scouting players and developing them themselves. Having a few years of team control at affordable prices is the only way for the Yankees to keep away the luxury tax demon. There is plenty of talent in their minor league system, with the exception of the outfield corners, to keep young talent infused on this roster for years to come. Prospects that might begin playing a key role on the 2014 Yankees are as follows: Dante Bichette, Jr., 3B/1B; Gary Sanchez, C; Slade Heathcott, OF; Mason Williams, OF; David Adams, 2B; Corban Joseph, 2B; Ravel Santana, P; J.R. Murphy, C/1B/OF; Mark Montgomery, P; Tommy Kahnle, P; Graham Stoneburner, P; Jermey Bleich, P; Angelo Gumbs, SS; Ben Gamel, OF.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Filling a Need
Entering this offseason, the New York Yankees had one major need above all else, starting pitching. They re-signed C.C. Sabathia after he opted out of his old deal. They brought back Freddy Garcia who pitched very well for the Yankees but seemed to fade down the stretch. They ignored the agents for C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle, Edwin Jackson, and passed on trades for John Danks and Gio Gonzalez. The Yankees even put it out there that they would eat some money if a team were to take A.J. Burnett off their hands. The Yankees have liked Hiroki Kuroda of the Dodgers for a few seasons now but have yet to pull the trigger on a one-year deal because there is no room on the payroll. They have also distanced themselves from Roy Oswalt, a high caliber pitcher when healthy, who is looking for a one-year deal. Why? Why would the Yankees suddenly become so tight-fisted when it comes to money?
The answer is simple. The luxury tax. The Yankees are sick of paying it. It isn't like this Yankee team is horrible, because it isn't. Remember, they finished 7 games ahead of Tamp in the AL East last season. There are a couple of obvious reasons outside of the money why the Yankees won't invest big dollars in a free agent, even if it is for one year. One reason is Alex Rodriguez. His contract is like a noose hanging around the neck of a condemned man, it is only a matter of time before it snaps the neck. What I mean is the Yankees WERE getting help from Texas to pay A-Rod's salary. Then A-Rod opted out and the Yankees went gaga for A-Rod and signed him to a ridiculous contract that will average about $27 million for the next SIX years! Considering A-Rod is 36 next year this is a big deal, especially when taking into account the fact that he hasn't been healthy. His MVP days are gone.
Another reason is Manny Banuelos, Hector Noesi, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, David Phelps, Ivan Nova, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and D.J. Mitchell. Some of those kids have yet to make a Major League appearance but can certainly battle for a rotation spot in the Spring. Others, like Hughes, and Chamberlain, are once highly regarding prospects. Chamberlain is included because the Yankees can take advantage of his injury and keep him in the minors rehabbing while he stretches his arm out to be a starter. Look, we can't judge Chamberlain's past performance on less than 230 innings pitched as a starter. Yes, he is very effective as a reliever. No, I don't like keeping an arm as rare as his in the bullpen unless it is Mariano Rivera-like. Chamberlain averaged over 9 strike outs per nine innings. That's not bad. If he had not walked as many as he did in his first true foray into starting we might not be having this debate because Joba would be the Yankees #3 starter right now. I know this has beaten into the dirt before but the Yankees don't need bullpen help, they need starting pitching. Joba is only 26 years-old and won't turn 27 until September of next year. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery and the Yankees could stretch his arm out easily during the rehab. They also might want to protect his arm long-term by not pitching him on consecutive days. With David Robertson stepping up the way he has and Rafael Soriano and his contract in the bullpen there is no need for Joba to be there. Joba could slide into a starting spot sometime in May or June and give the Yankees 150+ innings. Hey, it's an option. Otherwise, they hide Joba in the sixth inning.
You'll also notice that Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes made my list as well. Both are unproven but have had success in the past. Nova's came last year, Phil's two years ago when he won 18 games. Both are major cogs moving forward. Both should be able to hold down a rotation spot. Phil will turn 26 this season and Nova is going to be 25 next month. There is talent among those two and there is no reason why they can't build on past success. Signing a Kuroda only means the Yankees are throwing millions at a player who is 37 years-old and might not be as good as either Phil or Nova in the American League. These pitchers are still kids and there is no reason the Yankees should go out and spend millions on a problem that might not even be a problem moving forward.
Warren, Phelps, Noesi, and Mitchell represent the next crop of starting pitchers. None of them really project to top of the rotation starters but they have had success at every stop in the minor leagues. Can they get out Major League hitters? Who knows. we won't know until they try. Warren reminds me a little of Ian Kennedy in that he doesn't have overwhelming stuff but will get the job done. Kennedy can rack up the strikeouts, something Warren has not done but both have good breaking pitches, Warren just uses his to induce contact. Adam Warren can, and mark my words here, make the jump to the majors. The Yankees know what they have in the minor leagues. They know what these young kids are capable of. They are part of the reason the Yankees haven't gone crazy and signed a whole slew of pitchers this offseason.
Maybe the Yankees would have signed a Roy Oswalt or Mark Buehrle or C.J. Wilson or Yu Darvish if they didn't have all that money tied up in A-Rod, Soriano, and Burnett. Maybe they would have signed Prince Fielder if they didn't give a huge contract to Mark Teixeira. The fact is the Yankees did give out those contracts. They gave Derek Jeter a huge contract last offseason given his previous year's performance and his age. If you noticed last season, the Yankees played hardball with Jeter and Jeter eventually signed a contract that was good for both sides given the circumstances. The Yankees let Hideki Matsui, the 2009 World Series MVP walk after the 2009 season. The Yankees let Jorge Posada walk after this past season. These are not the Yankees of George Steinbrenner. These are the Hal Steinbrenner Yankees, led by Brian Cashman. Hal learned the hard way last year what happens when Brian Cashman is forced into signing a player like what happened with Rafael Soriano. Hal and his boys were wrong and Cashman was right. Cashman re-signed this year because he knows he is in charge now. He knows what the plan is. He has a plan. The Yankees will be getting younger and cheaper. Sure, they will be stuck paying A-Rod, Jeter, Tex, and Sabathia for over $20 million per player per year for the next three to six years. But, little by little the money will start to come off the books. Little by little, guys like Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, and on will get their shot wearing pinstripes.
Yankee fans have grown accustomed to going out and fixing any hole with money. The 2009 World Series was won that way. the Yankees threw money at C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. They went on to win the World Series. These Yankees don't operate like that anymore. Think back to 1996. I know it seems like forever ago but you can remember, I'll give you a second. You remember 1996 now? Derek Jeter, the rookie shortstop? Mariano Rivera the flame-throwing second year reliever? Jorge Posada the young catcher who got his first taste of the Majors? Andy Pettitte, the second year starter who blossomed into an ace? Would the Yankees have won any World Series titles if they didn't develop those players? Maybe one, no more than that. OK, now think back to 2005. The Yankees second baseman going into that season was Tony Womack, the free agent acquisition who was supposed to take over the leadoff spot for the Yanks and play second. Well, let me tell you how that turned out, Robinson Cano played 132 games at second that year. Womack was banished to left field and gone from the team after the season, and out of baseball the year after that. Robinson Cano was mentioned in trade talks but Cashman didn't budge. Another Yankee came up in 2005 that had a few good years before getting bitten by the injury bug, Chien Ming Wang. He won 19 games twice for the Yankees before injuries got the better of him.
My point is, some of the best Yankees weren't bought, they were developed. This is why I am glad the Yankees trade for Cliff Lee with the Mariners fell through. Jesus Montero for ten to fifteen years is more valuable than Cliff Lee for five. Granted, not every prospect becomes a great Major Leaguer. For every Robinson Cano there is a Ruben Rivera, Drew Henson, and Ed Yarnall. However, these kids don't cost as much as the A.J. Burnett's, A-Rod's, and on down the line. The way the Yankees are currently being run is the way they should be run. There may not be a World Series win in the immediate future but a few years down the line there will be a few, mark my words. The Yankees are rebuilding without tearing themselves apart. They will make the playoffs but they might not go far. I can deal with that while I watch Jesus Montero develop, Robbie Cano mature into a force, and Mason Williams and Dante Bichette, Jr. climb the ladder in the minors. I can deal with watching Banuelos and Betances struggle if in the long run they realize their potential. I can watch Joba pitch every five days and give the Yankees a solid performance if that's what happens. I can deal with the growing pains of Nova, Hughes, and Montero. Welcome to the new New York Yankees.
The answer is simple. The luxury tax. The Yankees are sick of paying it. It isn't like this Yankee team is horrible, because it isn't. Remember, they finished 7 games ahead of Tamp in the AL East last season. There are a couple of obvious reasons outside of the money why the Yankees won't invest big dollars in a free agent, even if it is for one year. One reason is Alex Rodriguez. His contract is like a noose hanging around the neck of a condemned man, it is only a matter of time before it snaps the neck. What I mean is the Yankees WERE getting help from Texas to pay A-Rod's salary. Then A-Rod opted out and the Yankees went gaga for A-Rod and signed him to a ridiculous contract that will average about $27 million for the next SIX years! Considering A-Rod is 36 next year this is a big deal, especially when taking into account the fact that he hasn't been healthy. His MVP days are gone.
Another reason is Manny Banuelos, Hector Noesi, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, David Phelps, Ivan Nova, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and D.J. Mitchell. Some of those kids have yet to make a Major League appearance but can certainly battle for a rotation spot in the Spring. Others, like Hughes, and Chamberlain, are once highly regarding prospects. Chamberlain is included because the Yankees can take advantage of his injury and keep him in the minors rehabbing while he stretches his arm out to be a starter. Look, we can't judge Chamberlain's past performance on less than 230 innings pitched as a starter. Yes, he is very effective as a reliever. No, I don't like keeping an arm as rare as his in the bullpen unless it is Mariano Rivera-like. Chamberlain averaged over 9 strike outs per nine innings. That's not bad. If he had not walked as many as he did in his first true foray into starting we might not be having this debate because Joba would be the Yankees #3 starter right now. I know this has beaten into the dirt before but the Yankees don't need bullpen help, they need starting pitching. Joba is only 26 years-old and won't turn 27 until September of next year. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery and the Yankees could stretch his arm out easily during the rehab. They also might want to protect his arm long-term by not pitching him on consecutive days. With David Robertson stepping up the way he has and Rafael Soriano and his contract in the bullpen there is no need for Joba to be there. Joba could slide into a starting spot sometime in May or June and give the Yankees 150+ innings. Hey, it's an option. Otherwise, they hide Joba in the sixth inning.
You'll also notice that Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes made my list as well. Both are unproven but have had success in the past. Nova's came last year, Phil's two years ago when he won 18 games. Both are major cogs moving forward. Both should be able to hold down a rotation spot. Phil will turn 26 this season and Nova is going to be 25 next month. There is talent among those two and there is no reason why they can't build on past success. Signing a Kuroda only means the Yankees are throwing millions at a player who is 37 years-old and might not be as good as either Phil or Nova in the American League. These pitchers are still kids and there is no reason the Yankees should go out and spend millions on a problem that might not even be a problem moving forward.
Warren, Phelps, Noesi, and Mitchell represent the next crop of starting pitchers. None of them really project to top of the rotation starters but they have had success at every stop in the minor leagues. Can they get out Major League hitters? Who knows. we won't know until they try. Warren reminds me a little of Ian Kennedy in that he doesn't have overwhelming stuff but will get the job done. Kennedy can rack up the strikeouts, something Warren has not done but both have good breaking pitches, Warren just uses his to induce contact. Adam Warren can, and mark my words here, make the jump to the majors. The Yankees know what they have in the minor leagues. They know what these young kids are capable of. They are part of the reason the Yankees haven't gone crazy and signed a whole slew of pitchers this offseason.
Maybe the Yankees would have signed a Roy Oswalt or Mark Buehrle or C.J. Wilson or Yu Darvish if they didn't have all that money tied up in A-Rod, Soriano, and Burnett. Maybe they would have signed Prince Fielder if they didn't give a huge contract to Mark Teixeira. The fact is the Yankees did give out those contracts. They gave Derek Jeter a huge contract last offseason given his previous year's performance and his age. If you noticed last season, the Yankees played hardball with Jeter and Jeter eventually signed a contract that was good for both sides given the circumstances. The Yankees let Hideki Matsui, the 2009 World Series MVP walk after the 2009 season. The Yankees let Jorge Posada walk after this past season. These are not the Yankees of George Steinbrenner. These are the Hal Steinbrenner Yankees, led by Brian Cashman. Hal learned the hard way last year what happens when Brian Cashman is forced into signing a player like what happened with Rafael Soriano. Hal and his boys were wrong and Cashman was right. Cashman re-signed this year because he knows he is in charge now. He knows what the plan is. He has a plan. The Yankees will be getting younger and cheaper. Sure, they will be stuck paying A-Rod, Jeter, Tex, and Sabathia for over $20 million per player per year for the next three to six years. But, little by little the money will start to come off the books. Little by little, guys like Jesus Montero, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, and on will get their shot wearing pinstripes.
Yankee fans have grown accustomed to going out and fixing any hole with money. The 2009 World Series was won that way. the Yankees threw money at C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. They went on to win the World Series. These Yankees don't operate like that anymore. Think back to 1996. I know it seems like forever ago but you can remember, I'll give you a second. You remember 1996 now? Derek Jeter, the rookie shortstop? Mariano Rivera the flame-throwing second year reliever? Jorge Posada the young catcher who got his first taste of the Majors? Andy Pettitte, the second year starter who blossomed into an ace? Would the Yankees have won any World Series titles if they didn't develop those players? Maybe one, no more than that. OK, now think back to 2005. The Yankees second baseman going into that season was Tony Womack, the free agent acquisition who was supposed to take over the leadoff spot for the Yanks and play second. Well, let me tell you how that turned out, Robinson Cano played 132 games at second that year. Womack was banished to left field and gone from the team after the season, and out of baseball the year after that. Robinson Cano was mentioned in trade talks but Cashman didn't budge. Another Yankee came up in 2005 that had a few good years before getting bitten by the injury bug, Chien Ming Wang. He won 19 games twice for the Yankees before injuries got the better of him.
My point is, some of the best Yankees weren't bought, they were developed. This is why I am glad the Yankees trade for Cliff Lee with the Mariners fell through. Jesus Montero for ten to fifteen years is more valuable than Cliff Lee for five. Granted, not every prospect becomes a great Major Leaguer. For every Robinson Cano there is a Ruben Rivera, Drew Henson, and Ed Yarnall. However, these kids don't cost as much as the A.J. Burnett's, A-Rod's, and on down the line. The way the Yankees are currently being run is the way they should be run. There may not be a World Series win in the immediate future but a few years down the line there will be a few, mark my words. The Yankees are rebuilding without tearing themselves apart. They will make the playoffs but they might not go far. I can deal with that while I watch Jesus Montero develop, Robbie Cano mature into a force, and Mason Williams and Dante Bichette, Jr. climb the ladder in the minors. I can deal with watching Banuelos and Betances struggle if in the long run they realize their potential. I can watch Joba pitch every five days and give the Yankees a solid performance if that's what happens. I can deal with the growing pains of Nova, Hughes, and Montero. Welcome to the new New York Yankees.
Surprise, Surprise
I figured I would take a look at the most surprising stories, at least for me, in this past year in sports. I know there are still a few days left but there can't be anything too shocking that takes place so here it is, my year in review.
Best Story of the Year: Dallas Mavericks. Their playoff run went through the Lakers and the Heat. Everyone had basically given the Heat the championship at the beginning of the season and those that didn't figured the Lakers would reign. All were wrong. The Mavs used defense and teamwork to overcome every playoff hurdle. I'm not a huge NBA fan, I enjoy watching the Knicks and Nets... occasionally. It was nice to see the Mavs, the underdog every step of the way, pull through.
Worst Story of the Year: Everything that happened at Penn State. The coverups, the ignorance, the elitism. Everything that was ugly about human nature and college athletics was brought into the limelight. One of the best coaches in college football history, Joe Paterno, left disgraced. Jerry Sandusky left a more than just bad press for Penn State in his wake, he left victims who are still trying to overcome their trauma. Everything about this story makes me sick, angry, and disgusted.
Biggest NFL Surprise: Cam Newton. I was wrong about this kid and happy to say it. He rewrote the rookie record books and his future looks as bright as the sun. If this is what he can do as a rookie I wonder what the future holds.
Biggest NFL Disappointment: The Philadelphia Eagles. It takes a lot to overtake the New York Jets in this category but the Eagles have proven, and I wrote about this before the season began (you can find the story in the archives), you don't win the Super Bowl in the offseason.
Biggest MLB Surprise: The Tampa Bay Rays. For most of the season it looked like they were going to be the third place team in the AL East, on the outside looking in. Then, with a little help from the Boston Red Sox, or rather every team that played the Red Sox, the Rays took off and ended up sneaking into the playoffs on a walk-off home run by Evan Longoria. The whole country was abuzz with excitement. The Red Sox choked, the Yankees overcame a 7 game deficit in July to take first, and the Rays snuck into the playoffs. It was the greatest night in baseball history.
Biggest MLB Disappointment: This is a toss up between the Red Sox and Ryan Braun testing positive. The reason Ryan Braun isn't alone here is because there is a chance that his positive test result was an aberration. Besides, the Red Sox collapse was historic. You can't leave history out of this one. The Red Sox were crowned before the season began, see Eagles, Philadelphia, and looked pathetic early on. They caught fire midway into the season and had a 7 game lead on the second place Yankees. It all fell apart from there resulting in the most epic collapse in baseball history. Gone are General Manager Teho Epstein and Manager Terry Francona. The collapse by the Red Sox changed the entire makeup of the Red Sox team that won two World Series' since 2004. Ryan Braun, on the other hand, all I can say is wow. In this day and age, knowing that there are tests, to use use steroids is the epitome of stupid.
Biggest NHL Surprise: The Boston Bruins. Nobody thought they were Stanley Cup contenders. Nobody. They played the game right and won. They were like the Dallas Mavs of the NHL so everything I said about them echoes here.
Biggest NHL Disappointment: Vancouver Canucks. They won 54 games, tallied 117 points and lost in the 7th Game of the Stanley Cup. To make matters worse, the friendly neighbors to the North rioted after the game, turning Vancouver into a war zone for a few hours. The Mayor of Vancouver blamed anarchist thugs. Yeah, and I'm sure the fact that your city provided gathering places around the city with alcohol being sold had nothing to do with it.
Biggest NBA Surprise: Duh, the Mavs. See above.
Biggest NBA Disappointment: The Miami Heat. See above.
Crazy Predictions for 2012:
World Series winner: Philadelphia Phillies
Super Bowl Champions (for the 2012 season): Atlanta Falcons
Stanley Cup Champs: New York Rangers
NBA Champs: Miami Heat
Best Story of the Year: Dallas Mavericks. Their playoff run went through the Lakers and the Heat. Everyone had basically given the Heat the championship at the beginning of the season and those that didn't figured the Lakers would reign. All were wrong. The Mavs used defense and teamwork to overcome every playoff hurdle. I'm not a huge NBA fan, I enjoy watching the Knicks and Nets... occasionally. It was nice to see the Mavs, the underdog every step of the way, pull through.
Worst Story of the Year: Everything that happened at Penn State. The coverups, the ignorance, the elitism. Everything that was ugly about human nature and college athletics was brought into the limelight. One of the best coaches in college football history, Joe Paterno, left disgraced. Jerry Sandusky left a more than just bad press for Penn State in his wake, he left victims who are still trying to overcome their trauma. Everything about this story makes me sick, angry, and disgusted.
Biggest NFL Surprise: Cam Newton. I was wrong about this kid and happy to say it. He rewrote the rookie record books and his future looks as bright as the sun. If this is what he can do as a rookie I wonder what the future holds.
Biggest NFL Disappointment: The Philadelphia Eagles. It takes a lot to overtake the New York Jets in this category but the Eagles have proven, and I wrote about this before the season began (you can find the story in the archives), you don't win the Super Bowl in the offseason.
Biggest MLB Surprise: The Tampa Bay Rays. For most of the season it looked like they were going to be the third place team in the AL East, on the outside looking in. Then, with a little help from the Boston Red Sox, or rather every team that played the Red Sox, the Rays took off and ended up sneaking into the playoffs on a walk-off home run by Evan Longoria. The whole country was abuzz with excitement. The Red Sox choked, the Yankees overcame a 7 game deficit in July to take first, and the Rays snuck into the playoffs. It was the greatest night in baseball history.
Biggest MLB Disappointment: This is a toss up between the Red Sox and Ryan Braun testing positive. The reason Ryan Braun isn't alone here is because there is a chance that his positive test result was an aberration. Besides, the Red Sox collapse was historic. You can't leave history out of this one. The Red Sox were crowned before the season began, see Eagles, Philadelphia, and looked pathetic early on. They caught fire midway into the season and had a 7 game lead on the second place Yankees. It all fell apart from there resulting in the most epic collapse in baseball history. Gone are General Manager Teho Epstein and Manager Terry Francona. The collapse by the Red Sox changed the entire makeup of the Red Sox team that won two World Series' since 2004. Ryan Braun, on the other hand, all I can say is wow. In this day and age, knowing that there are tests, to use use steroids is the epitome of stupid.
Biggest NHL Surprise: The Boston Bruins. Nobody thought they were Stanley Cup contenders. Nobody. They played the game right and won. They were like the Dallas Mavs of the NHL so everything I said about them echoes here.
Biggest NHL Disappointment: Vancouver Canucks. They won 54 games, tallied 117 points and lost in the 7th Game of the Stanley Cup. To make matters worse, the friendly neighbors to the North rioted after the game, turning Vancouver into a war zone for a few hours. The Mayor of Vancouver blamed anarchist thugs. Yeah, and I'm sure the fact that your city provided gathering places around the city with alcohol being sold had nothing to do with it.
Biggest NBA Surprise: Duh, the Mavs. See above.
Biggest NBA Disappointment: The Miami Heat. See above.
Crazy Predictions for 2012:
World Series winner: Philadelphia Phillies
Super Bowl Champions (for the 2012 season): Atlanta Falcons
Stanley Cup Champs: New York Rangers
NBA Champs: Miami Heat
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
New York, New York
Half of the New York Metro area had a great Christmas while the other half did not. That's what happens when the Giants and the Jets play on Christmas Eve with the playoffs on the line. There was a lot of talk going into this game, mostly coming from the Jets camp and led by the Great Bloviator Rex Ryan whose mouth is actually bigger than his stomach but whose team's heart isn't nearly as big. OK, OK. So I took a shot at the Jets there. Sorry. Call it leftover hostility from some Jet fans who paraded into this season like they were the big dogs on the block in this city when it came to football. It was only made worse after the Jets beat the Giants in the preseason. Well, now that fifteen games are behind us there is only one team in New York in control of their own playoff destiny, the New York Giants.
OK, now I shall begin the objectivity.
If someone told me Eli Manning would be 9 for 27 I would have told you the Giants would lose. Enter Victor Cruz, the most prolific receiver the Giants have ever had. He saved the Giants and deflated the Jets with his 99 yard TD catch and run.
If you would have told me Mark Sanchez would complete 30 passes and have a worse QB rating than Eli Manning in this game I would have asked you when you were going to rehab. But, Eli had a 61.5 rating and Sanchez owned a 54.2 rating.
I can't understand why the Jets coaching staff thought it was a good idea to pass the ball 59 times. 59! And, that's not including the five sacks Sanchez took. What went through the heads of the Jets coaching staff to drop Sanchez back 64 times in a game? Why wouldn't they run the ball more? It made no sense. This isn't Sanchez's fault. His offensive line has been awful most of the season and the Giants are one of the better pass rushing teams in the NFL. Sure, the Giants secondary has been exploited a lot this year but you don't drop your QB back 64 times. That is insane. It's not like Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson were doing a bad job running the football. The Jets as a team rushed the ball 25 times for 105 yards. The failure of the Jets coaching staff to adapt their strategy during the game shows that they didn't know how to adapt. Maybe they don't.
During the first half, the Giants were held to 6 rushing yards. At the end of the game they had accumulated 115 yards on 26 carries. Whatever was working for the Jets defense obviously didn't translate into the second half. Again, it comes back to the Jets coaching staff. They weren't able to adapt to the Giants game plan.
Darrelle Revis talked a good game all week and backed it up. He is the best corner in football. He spent the afternoon shutting down Hakeem Nicks who only had one catch for twenty yards. Revis, for the most part, looked like he was a part of Nicks' jersey. The rest of the Jets secondary did a very good job...with the exception of a few plays. One of those being Cruz's 99-yard TD. Cruz was the target of a lot of criticism from some Jets going into this week. They made it seem like he was a nobody. Now, he will haunt their dreams.
The Jets, overall, are a good football team. There is talent on the roster. However, they are not a Super Bowl contending team. They are far from it. Their offensive line needs a lot of work. Their defensive line does not get to the quarterback often enough, causing the Jets to blitz too much. Aside from Darrelle Revis, the Jets secondary can be either very good or very bad. The loss of Jim Leonhard hurts a lot. He was the QB of that secondary. There doesn't seem to be any consistency in the unit after Revis.
The Jets linebackers are excellent. However, they are asked to pick up the slack too often for a line that can't get to the quarterback. This opens up the middle of the field for opponents to exploit. If the Jets want to be Super Bowl contenders they need a monster like Jared Allen, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jason Babin...someone like that who can create havoc on the opposing quarterback. Right now Aaron Maybin is their leader in sacks with 6. That is nowhere near good enough. The Jets as a team have 34 sacks, most coming from linebackers and blitz packages. That is not a good sign. It's not like they have DeMarcus Ware back there, someone who can get to the QB when sent on a blitz. David Harris, Calvin Pace, and Bart Scott are all good linebackers. However, they are not QB killers. If the Giants, for example, had those three linebackers to go along with the front four, the Giants defense would be head and shoulders better than they are now.
The bottom line is the Jets are taking steps backwards this season. The Giants, meanwhile seem to be running in place.
Injuries have decimated the Giants this season. They lost their best corner in Terrell Thomas before they even played a single regular season game. Then they lost their starting middle linebacker in Jon Goff. Then one of their more dynamic wide receivers in Domenik Hixon. Their big free-agent pick-up, center David Baas has spent a bunch of time on the sidelines with neck and head injuries. Marvin Austin, a rookie who was to be counted on to fill the middle was lost for the season before he even played a game. First round pick, Prince Amukamara, didn't play in his first game until November 20th and the lack of practice and game experience are showing in the limited amount of playing time he has had. However, he has shown glimpses of being a very good corner and should only improve going into next season.
Despite all the injuries, the Giants have once again proven to be a first-half team. The second half collapses the Giants have continued to undergo while under Tom Coughlin's leadership are mind-boggling. The talent is there. they ran with Green Bay and could have beaten them. They beat New England. The talent is there, contrary to the Jets. But, for whatever reason, the Giants come up wanting in the second half of the season year in and year out. They are, however, still the better team in New York. That, however, isn't saying much these days. Once again, New York will be watching two teams from outside the city (or Jersey as the case is) competing for the Lombardi trophy.
What's funny is if you combine Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin you have the ultimate coach. Unfortunately, that won't happen, just like a Super Bowl...or the playoffs, for either team.
That's right, I said the Giants won't make the playoffs. They have had their chances time and time again and have come up short this season. Dallas comes into Giants Stadium, or MetLife Stadium as it is now formally called, and will beat the Giants. Not because Dallas is a better team. Not on paper they aren't. Dallas will win because Giants fans are riding high right now. Giants players are patting themselves on the back. And, worst of all, Giants players are talking smack about Dallas. So far this season, the Giants have disappointed every time they raise expectations. This week will be no different. This will be the third straight year the Giants miss the playoffs and Tom Coughlin will retire at the end of the year. I don't know who will replace him. I doubt it would be someone like Rob Ryan because he isn't the Mara type. Whomever it is, he will have a very good team to take over and will guide the Giants to the playoffs because this team is the most playoff ready team in New York. The New York Giants are the most Super Bowl ready team in New York...sadly, that isn't saying too much.
OK, now I shall begin the objectivity.
If someone told me Eli Manning would be 9 for 27 I would have told you the Giants would lose. Enter Victor Cruz, the most prolific receiver the Giants have ever had. He saved the Giants and deflated the Jets with his 99 yard TD catch and run.
If you would have told me Mark Sanchez would complete 30 passes and have a worse QB rating than Eli Manning in this game I would have asked you when you were going to rehab. But, Eli had a 61.5 rating and Sanchez owned a 54.2 rating.
I can't understand why the Jets coaching staff thought it was a good idea to pass the ball 59 times. 59! And, that's not including the five sacks Sanchez took. What went through the heads of the Jets coaching staff to drop Sanchez back 64 times in a game? Why wouldn't they run the ball more? It made no sense. This isn't Sanchez's fault. His offensive line has been awful most of the season and the Giants are one of the better pass rushing teams in the NFL. Sure, the Giants secondary has been exploited a lot this year but you don't drop your QB back 64 times. That is insane. It's not like Shonn Greene and LaDanian Tomlinson were doing a bad job running the football. The Jets as a team rushed the ball 25 times for 105 yards. The failure of the Jets coaching staff to adapt their strategy during the game shows that they didn't know how to adapt. Maybe they don't.
During the first half, the Giants were held to 6 rushing yards. At the end of the game they had accumulated 115 yards on 26 carries. Whatever was working for the Jets defense obviously didn't translate into the second half. Again, it comes back to the Jets coaching staff. They weren't able to adapt to the Giants game plan.
Darrelle Revis talked a good game all week and backed it up. He is the best corner in football. He spent the afternoon shutting down Hakeem Nicks who only had one catch for twenty yards. Revis, for the most part, looked like he was a part of Nicks' jersey. The rest of the Jets secondary did a very good job...with the exception of a few plays. One of those being Cruz's 99-yard TD. Cruz was the target of a lot of criticism from some Jets going into this week. They made it seem like he was a nobody. Now, he will haunt their dreams.
The Jets, overall, are a good football team. There is talent on the roster. However, they are not a Super Bowl contending team. They are far from it. Their offensive line needs a lot of work. Their defensive line does not get to the quarterback often enough, causing the Jets to blitz too much. Aside from Darrelle Revis, the Jets secondary can be either very good or very bad. The loss of Jim Leonhard hurts a lot. He was the QB of that secondary. There doesn't seem to be any consistency in the unit after Revis.
The Jets linebackers are excellent. However, they are asked to pick up the slack too often for a line that can't get to the quarterback. This opens up the middle of the field for opponents to exploit. If the Jets want to be Super Bowl contenders they need a monster like Jared Allen, Jason Pierre-Paul, Jason Babin...someone like that who can create havoc on the opposing quarterback. Right now Aaron Maybin is their leader in sacks with 6. That is nowhere near good enough. The Jets as a team have 34 sacks, most coming from linebackers and blitz packages. That is not a good sign. It's not like they have DeMarcus Ware back there, someone who can get to the QB when sent on a blitz. David Harris, Calvin Pace, and Bart Scott are all good linebackers. However, they are not QB killers. If the Giants, for example, had those three linebackers to go along with the front four, the Giants defense would be head and shoulders better than they are now.
The bottom line is the Jets are taking steps backwards this season. The Giants, meanwhile seem to be running in place.
Injuries have decimated the Giants this season. They lost their best corner in Terrell Thomas before they even played a single regular season game. Then they lost their starting middle linebacker in Jon Goff. Then one of their more dynamic wide receivers in Domenik Hixon. Their big free-agent pick-up, center David Baas has spent a bunch of time on the sidelines with neck and head injuries. Marvin Austin, a rookie who was to be counted on to fill the middle was lost for the season before he even played a game. First round pick, Prince Amukamara, didn't play in his first game until November 20th and the lack of practice and game experience are showing in the limited amount of playing time he has had. However, he has shown glimpses of being a very good corner and should only improve going into next season.
Despite all the injuries, the Giants have once again proven to be a first-half team. The second half collapses the Giants have continued to undergo while under Tom Coughlin's leadership are mind-boggling. The talent is there. they ran with Green Bay and could have beaten them. They beat New England. The talent is there, contrary to the Jets. But, for whatever reason, the Giants come up wanting in the second half of the season year in and year out. They are, however, still the better team in New York. That, however, isn't saying much these days. Once again, New York will be watching two teams from outside the city (or Jersey as the case is) competing for the Lombardi trophy.
What's funny is if you combine Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin you have the ultimate coach. Unfortunately, that won't happen, just like a Super Bowl...or the playoffs, for either team.
That's right, I said the Giants won't make the playoffs. They have had their chances time and time again and have come up short this season. Dallas comes into Giants Stadium, or MetLife Stadium as it is now formally called, and will beat the Giants. Not because Dallas is a better team. Not on paper they aren't. Dallas will win because Giants fans are riding high right now. Giants players are patting themselves on the back. And, worst of all, Giants players are talking smack about Dallas. So far this season, the Giants have disappointed every time they raise expectations. This week will be no different. This will be the third straight year the Giants miss the playoffs and Tom Coughlin will retire at the end of the year. I don't know who will replace him. I doubt it would be someone like Rob Ryan because he isn't the Mara type. Whomever it is, he will have a very good team to take over and will guide the Giants to the playoffs because this team is the most playoff ready team in New York. The New York Giants are the most Super Bowl ready team in New York...sadly, that isn't saying too much.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Hall of What?
Have you seen the list of first-year eligible players on the Baseball Hall of Fame ballot? Not exactly a team of all-stars by any stretch. Let's take a look at the 13 first time eligible players:
Bernie Williams, CF, Yankees. Probably the most deserving of any of the new candidates for Hall consideration. I don't know if that is a compliment to Bernie or an insult to the rest of the field. Bernie was a very good player. He won a batting title in 1998, won 4 Gold Gloves, made 5 All-Star appearances, and won a Silver Slugger in 2002. He finished his career with a .297 batting average, 287 home runs and 1257 RBI. He eclipsed 100 RBI 5 times in his career and 90 RBI 7 times. He gets a slight boost because he did this without steroids. He only hit 30 home runs once in his career but hit more than 20 homers 7 times during his career. He also drove in a record 80 runs in the postseason which has to count for something. Is he deserving of the Hall of Fame? Probably not. However, he was a main cog on 4 World Series winning teams and did accumulate 2,336 hits and scored 1,366 runs. Not shabby but not enough to make the Hall.
Vinny Castilla, 3B, Rockies. He put up some monster years in Coors Field before they figured out the humidor. Leads all Mexican-born Major Leaguers in home runs (320), hits (1,884), runs (902), and RBI (1,105). For a power hitter those numbers just aren't enough to garner Hall consideration.
Jeromy Burnitz, OF. From 1997 to 2004 he averaged 31 homers and 94 RBI. Still, he only had 315 homers and 981 RBI in his career while hitting .253. Sorry, Jeromy, you don't make it.
Brian Jordan, OF. Jordan was a fairly good player. He also started 31 NFL games for the Falcons. Sadly, being a fairly good player doesn't make you eligible for the Hall. Neither does hitting 184 homers or hitting .282.
Ruben Sierra, OF/DH. Oh, Ruben. You came into the league with such promise. Then your ego got ahold of you. The Rangers once traded Jose Canseco for him, when both players were considered to be among the best in the game. The Yankees traded Danny Tartabull to the A's for Sierra, got sick of Sierra's attitude and flipped him in 1996 for Cecil Fielder. The Yankees won the World Series and Sierra famously quipped that he didn't like Joe Torre because all he cared about was winning. Wow. Ruben changed organizations a whopping 16 times, including 3 times with the Rangers and twice with the Yankees. His career numbers of .268, 306 homers, and 1,322 RBI are not worthy of a Hall election, especially after 20 seasons in the Bigs. He will best be remembered for changing his attitude and becoming a good bat off the bench for the Yankees in early to mid-2000's.
Brad Radke, P, Twins. Radke was a decent pitcher. However, he was also an unlucky one. He led the league three times...in losses once (16 in 2000) and home runs surrendered twice (32 in 1995 and 40 in 1996). Those kind of distinctions are not exactly Hall material. Radke did win 20 games once, in 1997 and played for the Twins when they were awful. Still, you can't sport a 4.22 career ERA into any Hall, let alone the Hall of Fame. It also doesn't help when you averaged almost a home run given up per start, 326 in 378 games.
Terry Mulholland, P. Terry helped the Phillies to the 1993 World Series. You know, the one where Joe Carter showed Mitch Williams what to do with his fastball? Terry was a mediocre starting pitcher. But, because he was lefty was able to carve out a 20 year career with 15 teams. Finished with a 124-142 win/loss record and a 4.41 ERA. Ummm, sorry Terry.
Javy Lopez, C. Lopez was an excellent hitting catcher. He was even a 3x All-Star, something not many first year eligible players can say this go-around. He even drove in 100 runs twice in his career! At least he can say he was a good player and has a World Series ring to show for it.
Bill Mueller, 3B. When your career is only 11 years long it either says you suffered a catastrophic injury or you were mediocre. I'm not even sure which category he falls in. He did win a batting title in 2003, never made an All-Star game, but did help Boston win their first World Series in 86 years. So, there's that.
Phil Nevin, 1B/3B/OF. I was amazed to find out he made an All-Star game (2001 as a Padre) and he did hit 41 homers once (also 2001). His career numbers of .270, 208 homers, and 743 RBI are nice enough to make you a few million dollars over the course of a career but that's it.
Tim Salmon, OF. Started his career off right, winning the Rookie of the Year in 1993. He then finished in the top ten for MVP twice (he finished 7th both times in 1995 and 1997) in his first five years in the league. Then the injuries started. From 1998 until his retirement in 2006, Salmon would play in over 150 games only once (158 in 2000). He missed the entire 2005 season as well. He was a very good player who never made an All-Star team, never led the league in anything and finished 1 homer shy of 300. He was a good player, one I wouldn't mind roaming the corner on my team. If he had stayed healthy he might actually garner some interest but alas...
Tony Womack, 2B (sort of). Womack might be most famous for driving in the game-tying run in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. I was shocked to learn he made an All-Star team but then I saw it was with the Pirates back when I was the second best player on the Pirates and I never played baseball professionally. Womack did lead the league in triples once (14 in 2000) and stolen bases three times (1997-1999). So umm, yeah, at least he made $4 million from the Yankees for only hitting .249 and driving in only 15 runs while hitting 0 homers but he did steal 27 bases. Sorry, Tony, but you need to buy a ticket to visit the Hall.
Eric Young, 2B. He was a very good player and had some wheels on him. Unfortunately, when you are a base stealer you don't want to lead the league in caught stealing more than stolen bases (2 to 1). Still, Young was a nice player and there isn't much else to say about him.
So, ummm, wow. A player needs at least 5% of the vote to get on the next year's ballot and I think Bernie should get that. He was an excellent player on one of the best teams in baseball. That will count for something but not enough to allow him entry into the Hall of Fame but he should get his own plaque out there in Monument Park. He also plays a mean classical guitar.
Bernie Williams, CF, Yankees. Probably the most deserving of any of the new candidates for Hall consideration. I don't know if that is a compliment to Bernie or an insult to the rest of the field. Bernie was a very good player. He won a batting title in 1998, won 4 Gold Gloves, made 5 All-Star appearances, and won a Silver Slugger in 2002. He finished his career with a .297 batting average, 287 home runs and 1257 RBI. He eclipsed 100 RBI 5 times in his career and 90 RBI 7 times. He gets a slight boost because he did this without steroids. He only hit 30 home runs once in his career but hit more than 20 homers 7 times during his career. He also drove in a record 80 runs in the postseason which has to count for something. Is he deserving of the Hall of Fame? Probably not. However, he was a main cog on 4 World Series winning teams and did accumulate 2,336 hits and scored 1,366 runs. Not shabby but not enough to make the Hall.
Vinny Castilla, 3B, Rockies. He put up some monster years in Coors Field before they figured out the humidor. Leads all Mexican-born Major Leaguers in home runs (320), hits (1,884), runs (902), and RBI (1,105). For a power hitter those numbers just aren't enough to garner Hall consideration.
Jeromy Burnitz, OF. From 1997 to 2004 he averaged 31 homers and 94 RBI. Still, he only had 315 homers and 981 RBI in his career while hitting .253. Sorry, Jeromy, you don't make it.
Brian Jordan, OF. Jordan was a fairly good player. He also started 31 NFL games for the Falcons. Sadly, being a fairly good player doesn't make you eligible for the Hall. Neither does hitting 184 homers or hitting .282.
Ruben Sierra, OF/DH. Oh, Ruben. You came into the league with such promise. Then your ego got ahold of you. The Rangers once traded Jose Canseco for him, when both players were considered to be among the best in the game. The Yankees traded Danny Tartabull to the A's for Sierra, got sick of Sierra's attitude and flipped him in 1996 for Cecil Fielder. The Yankees won the World Series and Sierra famously quipped that he didn't like Joe Torre because all he cared about was winning. Wow. Ruben changed organizations a whopping 16 times, including 3 times with the Rangers and twice with the Yankees. His career numbers of .268, 306 homers, and 1,322 RBI are not worthy of a Hall election, especially after 20 seasons in the Bigs. He will best be remembered for changing his attitude and becoming a good bat off the bench for the Yankees in early to mid-2000's.
Brad Radke, P, Twins. Radke was a decent pitcher. However, he was also an unlucky one. He led the league three times...in losses once (16 in 2000) and home runs surrendered twice (32 in 1995 and 40 in 1996). Those kind of distinctions are not exactly Hall material. Radke did win 20 games once, in 1997 and played for the Twins when they were awful. Still, you can't sport a 4.22 career ERA into any Hall, let alone the Hall of Fame. It also doesn't help when you averaged almost a home run given up per start, 326 in 378 games.
Terry Mulholland, P. Terry helped the Phillies to the 1993 World Series. You know, the one where Joe Carter showed Mitch Williams what to do with his fastball? Terry was a mediocre starting pitcher. But, because he was lefty was able to carve out a 20 year career with 15 teams. Finished with a 124-142 win/loss record and a 4.41 ERA. Ummm, sorry Terry.
Javy Lopez, C. Lopez was an excellent hitting catcher. He was even a 3x All-Star, something not many first year eligible players can say this go-around. He even drove in 100 runs twice in his career! At least he can say he was a good player and has a World Series ring to show for it.
Bill Mueller, 3B. When your career is only 11 years long it either says you suffered a catastrophic injury or you were mediocre. I'm not even sure which category he falls in. He did win a batting title in 2003, never made an All-Star game, but did help Boston win their first World Series in 86 years. So, there's that.
Phil Nevin, 1B/3B/OF. I was amazed to find out he made an All-Star game (2001 as a Padre) and he did hit 41 homers once (also 2001). His career numbers of .270, 208 homers, and 743 RBI are nice enough to make you a few million dollars over the course of a career but that's it.
Tim Salmon, OF. Started his career off right, winning the Rookie of the Year in 1993. He then finished in the top ten for MVP twice (he finished 7th both times in 1995 and 1997) in his first five years in the league. Then the injuries started. From 1998 until his retirement in 2006, Salmon would play in over 150 games only once (158 in 2000). He missed the entire 2005 season as well. He was a very good player who never made an All-Star team, never led the league in anything and finished 1 homer shy of 300. He was a good player, one I wouldn't mind roaming the corner on my team. If he had stayed healthy he might actually garner some interest but alas...
Tony Womack, 2B (sort of). Womack might be most famous for driving in the game-tying run in Game 7 of the 2001 World Series. I was shocked to learn he made an All-Star team but then I saw it was with the Pirates back when I was the second best player on the Pirates and I never played baseball professionally. Womack did lead the league in triples once (14 in 2000) and stolen bases three times (1997-1999). So umm, yeah, at least he made $4 million from the Yankees for only hitting .249 and driving in only 15 runs while hitting 0 homers but he did steal 27 bases. Sorry, Tony, but you need to buy a ticket to visit the Hall.
Eric Young, 2B. He was a very good player and had some wheels on him. Unfortunately, when you are a base stealer you don't want to lead the league in caught stealing more than stolen bases (2 to 1). Still, Young was a nice player and there isn't much else to say about him.
So, ummm, wow. A player needs at least 5% of the vote to get on the next year's ballot and I think Bernie should get that. He was an excellent player on one of the best teams in baseball. That will count for something but not enough to allow him entry into the Hall of Fame but he should get his own plaque out there in Monument Park. He also plays a mean classical guitar.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Yu Gotta Be Kidding Me
The Texas Rangers have won the rights to negotiate a contract with Japanese star pitcher Yu Darvish with a $51.8 million bid. That's a lot of dough for a an unproven commodity. Many thought the Yankees would be the favorite to land the Japanese import but the Yankees have become...wait for it...FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE! That's right, the Yankees didn't go out and spend like crazy for Yu Darvish, Albert Pujols, Prince Fielder, and C.J. Wilson. They were scared away by the money being thrown at Mark Buehrle. They didn't even glance in the direction of Jose Reyes. Why? Because baseball's new labor agreement is taking aim at teams that exceed the luxury tax. The Yankees are sick of paying for everyone else to field a team and, quite frankly, I don't blame them.
The Yankees plan is to get under the $189 million luxury tax threshold by 2014. That won't be easy. Currently, the Yankees have a ton of money invested in Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and C.C. Sabathia. That's about $85 million when you factor in pensions and other benefits and the like. Three players, essentially $85 million gone. Rodriguez also gets a $6 million bonus for hitting home run #714 so if he does that, an unlikely scenario but a scenario nonetheless, add on another $6 million. That puts it at $91 million for the 2014 payroll and the Yankees haven't paid Robinson Cano yet. That could cost as much as $22 million or more. Now, the Yankees need to field a catcher, a center fielder, a left fielder, a right fielder, and a DH. Curtis Granderson should be a Yankee for a while but he could be very expensive in the future, at least $15 million. Derek Jeter also has an $8 million player option for 2014. This money is going bye-bye faster than a Kim Kardashian marriage.
I know what you are thinking, fellow Yankee fans. How do the Yankees actually get UNDER $189 million? Sure, the Yankees could try to trade away a contract or two. But, realistically, who will take on Rodriguez's contract or even Mark Teixeira's? A trade won't happen unless the Yankees eat most of the contract, kind of like what is happening with A.J. Burnett right now. By the way, Burnett will be off the books by 2014 in case you were wondering.
You know why the Yankees aren't giving up on their prospects? They are the replacements for the aging, high-priced veterans the Yankees have clogged their roster with. Figure if Jeter does come back in 2014 he will be in his twilight, most likely his last season or two. Also, who knows how long Rodriguez is physically capable of playing third base. His hips aren't getting any better and age will not help any. So, they could be in the market for a third baseman. Could Brandon Laird be that guy? Doubtful but possible.
Don't expect the Yankees to go crazy signing anyone in the next few years. Instead, start to get to know Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Jesus Montero, Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine, J.R. Murphy, Zoilo Almonte, Dante Bichette, Jr. and a host of other prospects in the Yankees system. They will be replacing the older veterans. There is no way the Yankees can re-sign Nick Swisher after his contract is up. There is no way they sign Cole Hamels next year. There is no way they can afford to bring in any big-name free agent. Instead they will be relying on the young kids to take their place.
This is a complete philosophical change from Yankee teams in the past. George Steinbrenner's Yankees are gone. These are Hal's Yankees now. Fiscally responsible. In a lot of ways this will work out in the Yankees favor. They have an excellent scouting department and have uncovered a lot of talent in recent years. It also means no more A.J. Burnett contracts. That's a good thing. It also means no more Pedro Feliciano contracts. No more giving $4 million per year to a lefty veteran who blows out his arm without throwing a big league pitch in Pinstripes. Did you see what the Yankees did with the bullpen this past season? Did you see Luis Ayala put up a decent season? How about Cory Wade? The Yankees bullpen was one of the best in the game and it featured guys taken off the scrap heap or developed in their own system. Rafael Soriano was the exception. Expect David Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, or some other prospect the Yankees bring up to get first crack at replacing Mariano Rivera. Don't expect the Yankees to go out and sign away some other closer from elsewhere. It ain't gonna happen. It can't happen if the Yankees are serious about this luxury tax threshold.
Free agents are not going to be raking in the kind of money they are now. No team wants to put themselves in a position to pay half of their payroll in luxury tax for being a repeat offender. On a $190 million payroll that would be $95 million in taxes. That is crazy. Think of it like a salary cap of sorts. Free agents will have to take less because teams won't offer as much. It's the way of the future in baseball. If the Yankees went into 2014 without changing the way they operate they would pay $105 million in taxes on a $210 million payroll. That's $315 million for player salaries alone. That is unsustainable. The Yankees need to change. They need to adapt. It starts now. This is why there was no Yu Darvish under the Christmas tree for Yankee fans and there will be no Yoenis Cespedes to ring in the new year. There will be no Prince Fielder at DH. No Cole Hamels to keep Yankees fans warm next winter. The times are changing.
Top Five Yankees Prospects
I am by no means an expert, just a man with an opinion and a love for Yankees baseball. That qualifies me to put in my two cents on future Yankee stars with my Top 5 Prospect List right? Well, you're here and I'm writing it so you might as well read it.
1. Jesus Montero, C. He finally got his taste of the Majors this year and did not disappoint. He hit .328 with 4 homers and drove in 12 runs over 18 games. He sported a slash line of .328/.406/.590/.996. To have an OPS of .996 in your first big league taste is sick, like off the charts sick. He showed great opposite field power, using right field like his own personal landing zone. The potential has always been there offensively. It was his defense that many people questioned. The Yankees let him get a feel for action behind the plate, having him catch in 3 games. They will allow him to catch more this year while giving him the majority of his at-bats at DH. He is going to be a spectacular player and the Yankees will be glad they never traded him, even for Cliff Lee.
2. Manny Banuelos, P. This small lefty has kept his spot in the Top 3 because he is still very young, he won't be 21 until March, still has a lot of talent, and should get his first taste of the Majors this season. He didn't have a phenomenal season last year at AAA but you can't expect a kid, and he was the youngest player in AAA after getting called up, taking the distinction away from Jesus Montero, to dominate at every level. His walk rate rose a little, allowing 19 free passes in 34.1 innings at Scranton. However, his strikeout rate remained the same. Pitching is about learning and Banuelos showed he is a learner. He still projects to be a top of the rotation starter and should see some time in the Majors this season.
3. Dellin Betances, P. Betances got his feet wet in the Majors this season and showed he needed more seasoning. He walked 6 in 2.2 innings and sported a 6.75 ERA. The good news? Opponents hit only .125 off of him in those 2.2 innings. Betances has loads of talent. He suffers from loss of control at times but that can be corrected. He didn't do especially well in Scranton, making 4 starts and walking 15 in 21 innings. If he can cut the walks down he projects to a top of the rotation starter. There is a reason his name comes up along with Montero and Banuelos in every trade discussion. The Yankees are right in holding onto him.
4. Mason Williams, OF. He really seemed to put it together last season at Staten Island. His slash line was very nice for a 19 year-old, ..349/.395/.468/.863. The power isn't there and I'm not sure he will become a power hitter in the future but this kid has tools to work with. He has speed, is very good defensively, can steal bases, and make contact with the ball. He can be a dynamic player for years to come if last season is any indication. He won't hit for enough power to be a corner outfielder but when he is ready to take over centerfield for the Yankees Curtis Granderson should be sliding over to left or right.
5. Gary Sanchez, C. He was one of the top prospects in all of baseball going into last season. Then, he decided he was too cool for school and started acting out. The Yankees sent him down a level and humbled him very quickly. Then, he started to produce again. He is very young, still only 19, and immaturity can sometimes be part of dealing with young players. When he slumped early he acted out and found out that isn't the way to deal with things. If he can realize he needs to work his ass off to get to the Majors and continue to work he could be Montero-like, or better. However, he needs to prove it.
Honorable Mentions: Dante Bichette, Jr., 3B. Austin Romine, C. Slade Heathcott, OF. Ravel Santana, P. J.R. Murphy, C/1B. Adam Warren, P. David Phelps, P.
1. Jesus Montero, C. He finally got his taste of the Majors this year and did not disappoint. He hit .328 with 4 homers and drove in 12 runs over 18 games. He sported a slash line of .328/.406/.590/.996. To have an OPS of .996 in your first big league taste is sick, like off the charts sick. He showed great opposite field power, using right field like his own personal landing zone. The potential has always been there offensively. It was his defense that many people questioned. The Yankees let him get a feel for action behind the plate, having him catch in 3 games. They will allow him to catch more this year while giving him the majority of his at-bats at DH. He is going to be a spectacular player and the Yankees will be glad they never traded him, even for Cliff Lee.
2. Manny Banuelos, P. This small lefty has kept his spot in the Top 3 because he is still very young, he won't be 21 until March, still has a lot of talent, and should get his first taste of the Majors this season. He didn't have a phenomenal season last year at AAA but you can't expect a kid, and he was the youngest player in AAA after getting called up, taking the distinction away from Jesus Montero, to dominate at every level. His walk rate rose a little, allowing 19 free passes in 34.1 innings at Scranton. However, his strikeout rate remained the same. Pitching is about learning and Banuelos showed he is a learner. He still projects to be a top of the rotation starter and should see some time in the Majors this season.
3. Dellin Betances, P. Betances got his feet wet in the Majors this season and showed he needed more seasoning. He walked 6 in 2.2 innings and sported a 6.75 ERA. The good news? Opponents hit only .125 off of him in those 2.2 innings. Betances has loads of talent. He suffers from loss of control at times but that can be corrected. He didn't do especially well in Scranton, making 4 starts and walking 15 in 21 innings. If he can cut the walks down he projects to a top of the rotation starter. There is a reason his name comes up along with Montero and Banuelos in every trade discussion. The Yankees are right in holding onto him.
4. Mason Williams, OF. He really seemed to put it together last season at Staten Island. His slash line was very nice for a 19 year-old, ..349/.395/.468/.863. The power isn't there and I'm not sure he will become a power hitter in the future but this kid has tools to work with. He has speed, is very good defensively, can steal bases, and make contact with the ball. He can be a dynamic player for years to come if last season is any indication. He won't hit for enough power to be a corner outfielder but when he is ready to take over centerfield for the Yankees Curtis Granderson should be sliding over to left or right.
5. Gary Sanchez, C. He was one of the top prospects in all of baseball going into last season. Then, he decided he was too cool for school and started acting out. The Yankees sent him down a level and humbled him very quickly. Then, he started to produce again. He is very young, still only 19, and immaturity can sometimes be part of dealing with young players. When he slumped early he acted out and found out that isn't the way to deal with things. If he can realize he needs to work his ass off to get to the Majors and continue to work he could be Montero-like, or better. However, he needs to prove it.
Honorable Mentions: Dante Bichette, Jr., 3B. Austin Romine, C. Slade Heathcott, OF. Ravel Santana, P. J.R. Murphy, C/1B. Adam Warren, P. David Phelps, P.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Welcome to Bizarro World
I know it's been a while since I last posted and for that I apologize.
The baseball world has gone completely insane in the past couple of weeks. The Yankees announced they want to cut payroll to $189 million by 2014 to avoid hefty luxury taxes and the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have gone insane and have shelled out over $400 million on four players. The Angels signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson within hours of each other and the Marlins, who offered Pujols more money than the Angels did, signed Jose Reyes and Mark Buerhle. The Angels alone spent almost $400 million in new contracts for two players. Owner Arte Moreno only paid $186 million for the whole franchise when he bought the team years ago. I bet they will regret those contracts, each team and each contract beofre they are all half-done.
The Mets were right to let Jose Reyes leave. He last played a near full season in 2008 when he appeared in 159 games. He has appeared in 36, 133, and 126 games over the past three seasons. He is a big injury risk with his hamstrings seemingly giving out every other month. That money is best used elsewhere for the Mets who are obviously rebuilding. I don't know if they should trade David Wright right now but they would be foolish not to listen to offers and see what falls in their laps. I think Sandy Alderson stole from the Giants in the Angel Pagan trade. Great job by him getting back Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Torres is essentially the same player as Pagan and Ramirez will be a useful arm out of the bullpen. Alderson also did well in signing Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco. At worst Alderson might be able to flip those two at the deadline for prospects.
The Yankees are staying true to their word so far this offseason and have not gotten involved with C.J. Wilson, Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle, or anyone else because they deem the price tags too high. Both Pujols and Wilson's agents contacted the Yankees but were rebuffed. Yankees GM Brian Cashman feels that the pricetag is too high on Edwin Jackson as well and has not shown any interest. In a thin free agent market, Cashman is being wise not to overspend for questionable talent. He could jump in if the price tag comes down but right now it makes no sense. He is also offering $8 million to anyone who takes A.J. Burnett off of his hands. So, who will the Yankees feature in their rotation next season? After C.C. Sabathia there are nothing but question marks. Hughes has to show he can stay healthy and can get back to being the pitcher of the first half of 2010. Ivan Nova has to show that last season was not a fluke. Freddy Garcia has to prove last season was not an enigma as he wore down late last season. A.J. Burnett has to prove he can be an above replacement level pitcher, something he has not done in the past two years. Hector Noesi is doing well in Winter Ball but has a lot to prove. Can one of the young, highly touted prospects out of Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances step up? Will Adam Warren, David Phelps, or D.J. Mitchell be this year's Ivan Nova? so many questions, few answers. It remains to be seen if the Yankees put a bid on Yu Darvish but if they win the bid adding him should at least give another choice to the multiple choice question.
The New York Rangers are one of the best teams I have seen wear the blue sweater in years. They play team hockey, have an outstanding goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, and have improved their special teams play. They still make stupid penalties here and there and will need to improve in that area going forward but at least they are overcoming their deficiencies. Also, they are playing without their number one defenseman in Marc Staal and are watching Brandon Dubinsky go through a recession in production. All in all, though, the Rangers should be in contention until the end.
Victor Cruz! That's all you need to say about that subject.
And finally, Jake Ballard and the giants were robbed of a TD in the Packers game. Instead of having a touchdown, the Giants had to settle for a field goal. Who knows how the game might have played out if the refs made the right call? Here is photo evidence of Ballard's knee being inbounds when it touched the ground:
The baseball world has gone completely insane in the past couple of weeks. The Yankees announced they want to cut payroll to $189 million by 2014 to avoid hefty luxury taxes and the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have gone insane and have shelled out over $400 million on four players. The Angels signed Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson within hours of each other and the Marlins, who offered Pujols more money than the Angels did, signed Jose Reyes and Mark Buerhle. The Angels alone spent almost $400 million in new contracts for two players. Owner Arte Moreno only paid $186 million for the whole franchise when he bought the team years ago. I bet they will regret those contracts, each team and each contract beofre they are all half-done.
The Mets were right to let Jose Reyes leave. He last played a near full season in 2008 when he appeared in 159 games. He has appeared in 36, 133, and 126 games over the past three seasons. He is a big injury risk with his hamstrings seemingly giving out every other month. That money is best used elsewhere for the Mets who are obviously rebuilding. I don't know if they should trade David Wright right now but they would be foolish not to listen to offers and see what falls in their laps. I think Sandy Alderson stole from the Giants in the Angel Pagan trade. Great job by him getting back Ramon Ramirez and Andres Torres. Torres is essentially the same player as Pagan and Ramirez will be a useful arm out of the bullpen. Alderson also did well in signing Jon Rauch and Frank Francisco. At worst Alderson might be able to flip those two at the deadline for prospects.
The Yankees are staying true to their word so far this offseason and have not gotten involved with C.J. Wilson, Albert Pujols, Mark Buehrle, or anyone else because they deem the price tags too high. Both Pujols and Wilson's agents contacted the Yankees but were rebuffed. Yankees GM Brian Cashman feels that the pricetag is too high on Edwin Jackson as well and has not shown any interest. In a thin free agent market, Cashman is being wise not to overspend for questionable talent. He could jump in if the price tag comes down but right now it makes no sense. He is also offering $8 million to anyone who takes A.J. Burnett off of his hands. So, who will the Yankees feature in their rotation next season? After C.C. Sabathia there are nothing but question marks. Hughes has to show he can stay healthy and can get back to being the pitcher of the first half of 2010. Ivan Nova has to show that last season was not a fluke. Freddy Garcia has to prove last season was not an enigma as he wore down late last season. A.J. Burnett has to prove he can be an above replacement level pitcher, something he has not done in the past two years. Hector Noesi is doing well in Winter Ball but has a lot to prove. Can one of the young, highly touted prospects out of Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances step up? Will Adam Warren, David Phelps, or D.J. Mitchell be this year's Ivan Nova? so many questions, few answers. It remains to be seen if the Yankees put a bid on Yu Darvish but if they win the bid adding him should at least give another choice to the multiple choice question.
The New York Rangers are one of the best teams I have seen wear the blue sweater in years. They play team hockey, have an outstanding goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, and have improved their special teams play. They still make stupid penalties here and there and will need to improve in that area going forward but at least they are overcoming their deficiencies. Also, they are playing without their number one defenseman in Marc Staal and are watching Brandon Dubinsky go through a recession in production. All in all, though, the Rangers should be in contention until the end.
Victor Cruz! That's all you need to say about that subject.
And finally, Jake Ballard and the giants were robbed of a TD in the Packers game. Instead of having a touchdown, the Giants had to settle for a field goal. Who knows how the game might have played out if the refs made the right call? Here is photo evidence of Ballard's knee being inbounds when it touched the ground:
I promise to update the blog more often.
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