From John Harper and Bill Madden:


Via Ben.

The last Yankee on the MiLB.com Top 50 Prospect list is Joba Chamberlain, who slots in at number 5, just ahead of Clay Buchholz and right behind Clayton Kershaw.


3 kids on a list of 50 isn't too shabby. Throw in Hughes, Cano, Melky and the cavalcade of pitchers in the minors and you have a nice looking system. Again, I am surprised that Tabata did not make this list considering who else was on it...but hey, maybe I'm guilty of over-hyping.

From The Denver Post:


Loretta, who will be 36 on opening day, is attractive because of his versatility (he's played 194 more or more games at each of the infield positions - 780 at 2B, 400 at SS, 195 at 1B and 194 at 3B) and the fact that he's far from a liability on offense. Last year, with the Astros, he hit .287 with a .352 OBA and .372 SLG. His career numbers are .298/.362/.399. No power, but a guy who puts the ball in play and gets on base.

Via Jim Johnson via Buster Olney.

The Times and the Post have quotes from Posada and Andy's father, Tom Pettitte, on Pettitte's status as far as him rejoining the Yankees.



Via Steve.

The AP reports that the Posada deal has been finalized. Welcome back, Jorge.

IPK joins Austin Jackson on the MiLB.com's Top 50 prospects list, coming in at number 26.


I'm going to assume that the writer mixed up his thoughts there. Still, nice placement for IPK though I am surprised about another player, Jose Tabata. Unless he's in the top 10, which I really can't see happening, Tabata looks like he won't even make this list...which makes little sense to me considering that Fernando Martinez is ranked 17th.

John Burgeson reports from the 20th annual Cardinal Shehan Center Celebrity Breakfast in Bridgeport, CT, where Brian Cashman gave an address, talking about his ascension through the Yankee ranks and his loyalty to the Yankees.


Via Steve.

Our next interview is with Earl Mitchell (also known as anaconda) of Pinstripe Alley.

When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?

I do social work such as case management and both individual and group therapy on an inpatient unit at a psychiatric hospital. It's an interesting and unique place to earn a living because I interact with a lot of people with severe mental illnesses. Some are psychotic and violent individuals who have little fear and will attack you without hesitation. No joke.

Outside of work, I'm a movie buff, gun collector, and a big sports fan (NY Yankees, Michigan football, and - gasp - Miami Dolphins). I also spend quite a bit of free time watching my six nieces and nephews, which includes eighteen month old triplets.

How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?

Since November of 2006.

» Read More

The Twins are close to acquiring outfielders Delmon Young and Jason Pridie from the Devil Rays. Why do we care? Well, Delmon's played some center field and Pridie is a CF prospect who has put up some very nice offensive numbers. So, that most likely means they won't be wanting Melky, which has to hurt our chances of getting Johan.

Via Ben.

Pete Caldera takes a crack at the deals that the Twins and Yankees may discuss, mentioning:


He mentions the third one as unlikely. If Joba, Phil or Cano are needed, it's gonna be a deal breaker for me at this point. Lisa Kennelly and Ed Price report that, "according to a person with knowledge of the trade talks who asked not to be named", Cano and Joba are off limits.

Via Steve and Bryan Hoch.

Mark Kreigel has an interesting look at Hank Steinbrenner and his first time around in the Yankees organization, in the eighties.


Via Steve.

From Lisa Kennelly and Dan Graziano:


Via Bryan Hoch.

This is not a lot of warning, but I wanted to mention that I will be on Marist Radio at 7:30 PM ET tonight. You can listen live online.

Apparently, Mike A. reported it yesterday but I only noticed it this morning. The Yankees' own Austin Jackson made MiLB's Top 50 prospects list, coming in at number 49.


Getting onto Top 50 lists could definitely help that trade value...not that A-Jax hasn't boosted it considerably himself in the past year, becoming (arguably) the Yankees top position prospect.

This may seem like a foregone conclusion, but just to be sure, Hank Steinbrenner confirmed it:

The 2008 Hall of Fame ballot has been announced. New Yankees added to the list include Tim Raines, David Justice, Chuck Knoblauch and Jose Rijo. Returning, we have "Goose" Gossage, Tommy John, Don Mattingly and Lee Smith.

From Buster Olney:

Our next interview is with Eric Schultz of Pending Pinstripes.

When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?

I'm a sophomore at Amherst College, majoring in political science. Aside from schoolwork, I play on the ultimate Frisbee team and am involved in various clubs and organizations. I enjoy reading, following politics and watching sports (especially the Yankees and the New York Giants).

How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?

I've been blogging with MVN since June and I had another blog, called Yanks and More, for a few months before then.

How did you end up blogging at MVN?

They were looking for a fill-in writer because EJ Fagan (my current co-writer) was going to be away for the summer. As someone who enjoys getting my opinion out onto the blogosphere and a big fan of Pending Pinstripes, I decided to apply and give it a shot.

» Read More

Steve Serby has a long and interesting Q&A with Hank Steinbrenner.

From the AP:


From Murray Chass:


The $30 million will be broken into payments of $6 million dollars each when (or if) A-Rod ties Willie Mays at 660, Babe Ruth at 714, Hank Aaron at 755, Barry Bonds at 762 and when he passes Bonds.

Watch below. You can see Cano at :49, Melky at 1:05 and Melky and Cano at 1:09.


Via Cliff Corcoran.

Ken Rosenthal has this:


He also notes that a 7 year, $140 million dollar deal would likely be the minimum that Santana would sign. So, it'd probably need to be something like Cano, Joba/Phil/Kennedy, a very good prospect and something else. Maybe they'd take Melky in place of a very good prospect (or, possibly more likely, as the something else), but that would seem unlikely. Is it worth it?

If they take Cano, Kennedy, Tabata or Horne (not sure) and Melky, that leaves us with major league openings at second and center field, as Johan would obviously fill Kennedy's rotation spot. Though it's not ideal, we do have Matsui, Damon and Abreu and that could be our outfield. Maybe Shelley Duncan would get time out there in left instead of Matsui. The loss of Melky, while a minus, doesn't really concern me. What really concerns me is who plays second base. Wilson Betemit? Alberto Gonzalez? The free agent market is pretty slim. Tadahito Iguchi? Cano is a tough one here because he's one of the best second basemen in the game, he's young and he's under our control. Cano is what breaks this deal. If that's what they want, then I have to say pass.

If it's Kennedy, Horne or Tabata and Melky, I'd think about that. Add Cano and it's just too much. Santana's great, but I'd rather rock with what we have than do that deal.

Via Ben.

Billy Martin and Gabe Paul are among the finalists in the round of Veterans Committee voting for Hall of Fame entry for managers/umpires and executives/pioneers.

On a note unrelated to the Yankees, I wouldn't mind if Davey Johnson made it. I met him a couple times, maybe 6 or 7 years ago and caddied for him at a celebrity golf event (well, actually, I caddied for Mike Schmidt and Davey Johnson was his playing partner, but I did have the opportunity to talk with him a bit) and he was a super nice guy.

MLB pitcher Joe Kennedy passed away suddenly early today. Very sad. Our thoughts are with those who were close to him.

From seattlepi.com:


Via Steve.

Back at the start of October, I mentioned that, former Yankees farmhand, C.J. Henry had left the Phillies and was considering a return to the Yankees. Henry was dealt to the Phillies in 2006 in the Bobby Abreu and Cory Lidle deal. According to the Post, it's a done deal. The 21 year old Henry is back with the team and will be sent to single A.

The Angels have signed Torii Hunter to what is thought to be a 5 year, $90 million dollar deal. This could help open up a deal with the White Sox for Bobby Jenks.

Ed Price reports that, according to a source, whatever Shelley Duncan went to the hospital for was resolved by medication and he should be good to go in Spring Training. No official word, yet.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Yankees could join the bidding for Torii Hunter if they deal Melky Cabrera, who they are shopping for pitching.

Doug Miller has a nice piece on Ronan Tynan.


Buster Olney reports that Johan Santana has rejected the Twins 5 year, $93 million dollar offer (that's $18.6 million a year).

George King reports on new Yankees pitching coach, Dave Eiland, stating that it's not 100% settled that Joba will be in the rotation, though they are leaning that way. The article also notes that the Yankees are interested in Jeremy Affeldt and Trever Miller and that they were interested in Francisco Cordero as a setup man, but he wants to close (that's unfortunate).

Finally, George King and Mike Puma report that Shelley Duncan was in the hospital recently. His agent and the Yankees are mum on what's going on, however.


Whatever it is, hopefully it's nothing serious. We'll be keeping him in our thoughts.

Via Steve and Ben.

Steve suggests that Yankees fans write Andy Pettitte a quick note, wishing him a happy holiday season and telling him how much you'd like him back. Worth a shot.

While you're doing that, why not also send one to Johan Santana? It's never too early! :)

Apparently Johnny Damon and Alfonso Soriano (and Shaq too) are fans of wrestling. Damon (and some really big hair) was on hand for the latest WWE event and the pictures are up on the WWE site. It looks like it was a good time and Dave Batista is one big dude...and man, Soriano is a lucky cat.

Mark Feinsand reports that the Yankees are interested in reliever Scott Linebrink. He's a type A free agent and would cost the Yankees a draft pick.

Ed Price reports that, according to a source, the Yankees have contacted the White Sox about a potential deal to get closer Bobby Jenks to setup for Mo.


A boy can dream, right?

Via Steve and Joseph.

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankees have added four players to their 40 man roster. They signed Scott Patterson to a Major League deal and added catcher Francisco Cervelli and pitchers Jeffrey Marquez and Steven White.

From Kat O'Brien:


Via Yahoo!

ESPN Magazine's annual NEXT feature could have Joba Chamberlain as as cover boy. You can vote now (poll to the right, midway down the page).

From Newsday:


Via Ben.

From the official site:

We kick off the 2007-2008 edition of Interviewing the Yankees Blogosphere with Eric Haskell of The Bronx Block.

When you aren't doing something related to or depending on the Yankees, what are you up to?

I am also a die hard New York Giants fan, so I spend a lot of time doing Giant related things. As far as something completely un-sports related, I am really into politics. I spend a lot of time watching and reading about the 2008 presidential election.

How long have you been blogging about the Yankees?

I am fairly new to blogging, having only been writing for The Bronx Block for about two months now.

How did you end up blogging at MVN?

MVN became probably my favorite site to read about the Yankees. I spent all season reading and commenting about the Yankees there, until I finally decided that I was interested in writing for them. I sent them an application letter, which they apparently really liked and I started soon after.

» Read More

Label this under duh news as the Yankees All-Star picked up his 3rd (should be his 4th) MVP award (second with the Yankees).


By the way, if you go to the main Yankees page and take a look at the top right, the graphic they're using of a flame-throwing Joba is pretty sweet.

George King reports:


The Yankees are looking into Francisco Cordero in case things fall through. The Daily News reports that they called Cordero's agent to ask about him as a closer, not as a setup man. Though, even if we bring Mo back, I'd like to bring Cordero on as a setup man, not that that thought has any grounds (whatsoever) in reality.

From The Wall Street Journal:


The whole article is an interesting read as far as what happened behind the scenes to get A-Rod back in pinstripes.

Via MLB.com.

From Bryan Hoch:

While Mark Feinsand was reporting that Jose Molina had signed a two year, $4 million dollar deal to remain in New York, Bryan Hoch has this:


Via Cbeck3.

Yesterday, I wrote about how I didn't really think A-Rod was sacrificing much - just taking the best offer he's going to get - and how Scott Boras might not have lost in this deal. There were a few related articles in the blogosphere today and I wanted to highlight them.

Larry Mahnken writes that both A-Rod (gets a raise) and the Yankees (by not backing down on not negotiating with him) win, but Boras loses. His reasoning:


If the Yankees are willing to pay $275 million over 10 years without the $21 million from Texas, then it would make sense that there could have been more money to get, if they were negotiating with that money at their disposal (which is essentially the point that Mr. Mahnken makes in the next paragraph of the article).

Jay Jaffe paints Boras as the loser, as well:


That's interesting - hadn't considered the rate of inflation (though, I don't know that it affects what A-Rod may or may not have sacrificed). Still, should the deal have been in line with inflation? It probably goes without saying that a 25 year old Alex Rodriguez should get a better, inflation adjusted ten year deal than a 32 year old Alex Rodriguez.

Finally, Ben Kabak says that we saved maybe $5 million dollars (after taking into account provisions in his old contract that I had forgotten - good find) - but that isn't what matters here. What matters is that the Yankees stuck to their hard line, broke Boras' "stranglehold" over the game (and A-Rod) and brought him back on their terms. He closes with:


When you factor in everything, if we did intend to offer him an extension that would have made his overall package ten years at $291 million dollars, then we're either losing $5 million or $3 million or saving $5 million (depending on those contract provisions). So, I guess you could say that it comes out about even. As far as cost for us, we're giving him about the same deal we were thought to be willing to give him before he opted out.

I had been ready to move on without him, but I'm certainly glad to have him back. He's the best player in the game and we can get him (as the best third baseman in the game) without trading anything. It'll be neat to (hopefully) watch him set some records, too.

Ken Rosenthal reports that, according to sources, Mo wants a four year deal. Rosenthal notes that the Yankees remain the "overwhelming" favorite and that no other team is expected to get close to the offer that they have made.


Though it may be true, from Mo's perspective, I wouldn't be happy with that comment, either. "We'll see how committed they are." "It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that it’s a tremendous offer for a 38-year-old relief pitcher." These things don't help. They especially should not be made when we're talking about long time, career Yankees.

I'm not saying that the Yankees offer isn't generous - it is. Nor am I saying that he shouldn't take it - I think he should (and hope he does). But, the side circus isn't needed. Make the offer, speak privately. Don't make statements to the media that could be taken as condescending.

Via Steve.

Bryan Hoch reports that A-Rod and the Yankees have agreed to the outline of a 10 year/$275 million dollar contract. They are ironing out the nuts and bolts with Boras, including an incentive for becoming the game's all-time home run leader.

It looks like A-Rod is on the way back. Back after he opted out, I wrote this:


Various reports have indicated that A-Rod came back to us and is making sacrifices. Hank Steinbrenner said that he was willing to make sacrifices to remain a Yankee. The question is: what sacrifices?

The deal that the Yankees are working out with A-Rod is pegged to be for ten years, in the $270 to $280 million dollar range (with incentives that could push it over $300 million). That's an average annual salary of $27 to $28 million dollars a year. It'll be the biggest contract in baseball history. At some point in the deal, he'll have the highest one year salary of all-time. This is a sacrifice? To me, it sounds like it may be the best deal available to him. In other words, he went where the money was.

The offer that the Yankees gave him before opting out was said to be for five years, in the $140 to $150 million dollar range. Let's say it was five years, $30 million per. With the 3 years on his deal already, that would have been an eight year, $231 million dollar deal. Hank Steinbrenner had called it the start of a negotiation. So, for the sake of discussion, let's go with the Yankees adding two more years and keeping them at $30 million per. That would make the extension for seven years and $210 million, bumping the total contract up to ten years, $291 million. Minus the $21 million from Texas and you have a cost of $270 million for the Yankees (before the luxury tax and all that loveliness).

So, if he signs a deal for ten years, $280 million - assuming we were willing to go to that $291 million dollar figure I just gave - he's making $11 million less. But, we're still paying $10 million more, with the loss of the Texas money. Where's the sacrifice? Dan Graziano writes that Scott Boras comes out of this as a winner. Though, my initial reaction is no... how can you say he's a loser in this if he got his client the biggest contract in baseball history. Maybe accidentally, maybe not, but he did it and A-Rod is going to get the deal. Is it that implausible to say that they made a bluff offer on us to see if we'd jump to $350 million and then when we didn't, they came back and made us pay more than we might have, anyway? I just don't see the sacrifice here.

Dan Graziano reports that the Yankees are looking at Mike Lowell as a possible first baseman. Why would we be doing that? I mean, how much better can he be than a platoon of Shelley Duncan and Doug Mientkiewicz?

Mike Lowell has a career line of .280 (AVG)/.344 (OBA)/.468 (SLG). Mientkiewicz's is .271/.358/.407. Duncan's (in only 34 games) is .257/.329/.554. And, from what I understand (though I haven't looked into it specifically), a platoon of Dougie and Shelley is going to be better defensively. Plus, they'll come much, much cheaper with much less committment. There's no reason for us to get locked into Mike Lowell just to play first base. I'd much rather rock with Minky/Shelley or some combination thereof (or someone else...) and then see where we are next season, when Mark Teixeira could be a free agent.

In all of the news yesterday, it was reported that, according to a source, the Yankees wouldn't deal with Boras.

A player's union attorney told Ken Rosenthal that that would be a violation of the collective bargaining agreement. Then that attorney told Ken Davidoff that the union was assured that Boras would participate in the process. And then we have a quote from Hank Steinbrenner, care of ESPN:

Eric Wedge was named the American League Manager of the Year. He received 116 points (19 first place votes, 6 second, 3 third). Second was Mike Scioscia with 62 (4, 11, 9), third was Joe Torre with61 (5, 8, 12) and fourth was Terry Francona with 13 (0, 3, 4).

Bryan Hoch reports that Godzilla had arthroscopic on his right knee on Wednesday. It was performed by Dr. James Adre- I mean, Dr. Scott Rodeo at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

He'll begin rehab tomorrow and is expected to be ready to start Spring Training.

Wow. What a turn of events today, huh?

First, we get the Daily News article saying that something MIGHT be in the works.

Then, A-Rod essentially blogs that he probably went about this whole free agency thing the wrong way... (ya think!?)


Finally, we have a piece from the Star Ledger that shows that this has indeed happened and that the ownership has softened their A-Rod stance.


Jeez, at this rate, he'll be using his MVP press conference to announce he's signed a new deal with the Yanks.

Hat tip to Steve L. on the Star Ledger article.

Seriously. This is annoying. The Yankees recently improved their offer to Rivera to $45 million for three years. I mean, wow. $15 million a year for a reliever? Who happens to be 38? He also happens to be the best reliever of all-time...but still, a $15 mill average blows Billy Wagner's $10.75 million a year away.

In my mind (and probably 99.9% of the civilized world's), no relief pitcher (no, not even Mariano) is really worth that amount. However, the Yanks have opened up the checkbook for Jorge and with this offer, they've done the same with Mo. They have made a fantastic offer for an aging HoFer, and one that I really doubt any other team will beat.

So why hasn't Mo signed on the dotted line yet? I honestly don't know. The Yankees have treated him VERY well, both as a player and financially. Anyone who disagrees must not be okay with $84.5 million dollars...because that's what Mo has been paid for his career. The current offer would put Mariano at a just about $130 million earned in his Yankee career, which should blow away any other reliever.

So where are we at this point? Well, if he keeps hemming and hawing, I really wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees said, hey, this is the offer. It will be on the table for this much amount of time. After that, feel free to test out the other teams and see if their offers come close.

And if everything goes down like that...I really do believe that the Yankees wouldn't face a huge fan backlash because management did their best to keep Mariano. I really believe the sentiment would be, hey, we love you man, but if you're not happy with $15 million annually, well...you have been great but you are being unreasonable and we wish you the best.

The Daily News has the story...and it would be a doozy if it's true. The story starts out saying that the Yankees are indeed willing to bring A-Rod back...IF he signs a below-market contract (to make up for the loss of the Rangers $21 million subsidy). On top of that, the Yankees want no part of Scott Boras as part of the negotiation...which would be a major coup for the team. They apparently don't even want him in the room! THE super-agent getting tossed out of the biggest deal of his life? Because he made a mess of the player's image? Man, THAT would be some story...and it certainly could have a big impact on who works with Boras in the future.


Huh...this is all just talk right now...and of course, this could certainly be a smokescreen to make A-Rod's other suitors think that the Yankees (and their considerable wallet) are now players in the negotations. Still, who knows at this point? Maybe he does care about his legacy...if nothing else, it is making the off-season more interesting, right?

From Lisa Kennelly:


Cliff Corcoran has a nice analysis of the third base prospects, deciding that he'd take Lowell at a contract of 4 years, $40 million dollars.

Via Dave and Aziz.

From Tyler Kepner:


It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that it’s a tremendous offer for a 38-year-old relief pitcher? Again, I don't know why this sort of thing needs to be said. It makes it easier for him to leave. At any rate, I guess this is the Hank Steinbrenner era and I better get used to it. To his credit, it is true that this is a terrific offer and one that will likely not be matched by any other team. Nonetheless, Pete Caldera is reporting that the Mo camp is believed to be looking for a 3 year, $50 million dollar deal.

Via Steve.

Following up on the hitters projections, here are the pitchers. Really, we should just call these the Patrick and Richard A. Holland projections since we were the only two to post projections on all pitchers but one (Wang). So, with that in mind, here we go:

Chien-Ming Wang

                 G GS    IP  W  L BB   K  ERA
Projected:      33 33 220.0 18  8 46  87 3.64
Actual:         30 30 199.3 19  7 59 104 3.70

Our projections reflected high expectations for Wang and he delivered right in line with them. The three start difference can be attributed, in part, to him starting the season injured and out of the rotation.

Individual Matches: Richard A. Holland for games. Richard A. Holland for games started.

Mike Mussina

                 G GS    IP  W  L BB   K  ERA
Projected:      31 31 187.7 16  9 46 156 3.97
Actual:         28 27 152.0 11 10 35  91 5.15

Moose had his moments, but was poor overall, falling well short of our predictions.

Individual Matches: None.

» Read More

From Tyler Kepner:


Thanks YankeeUniverz.

Mo has filed for free agency as he and the Yankees failed to come to terms before the exclusive window of negotiation ended. From Bryan Hoch:


I am not sure why "We'll see how committed they are?" needs to be said in public.

Life can be funny sometimes. For a while now, it's been reported that Mo was the one that would sign with the Yankees before the deadline and that Jorge was going to test them. Yet, Jorge signs and we're still dealing with Mo.

From ESPN:


Good to see. The alternatives were... scary.

Thanks Mark.

Members of the media caught up with Jorge Posada at the Knicks game last night. Jim Baumbach has the details, thanks to Anthony Rieber. Among other things, he said:

- The Yankees are his first choice.
- He doesn't know when he wants a decision.
- He is going to listen to other teams but he doesn't know if he's going to get a chance.
- The Dodgers already have a catcher and he's only talking to teams that don't have one.
- He loves Girardi, looks at him like a big brother.
- The chances are good that he'll return to the Yankees.
- They (Yankees, his agents, etc.) are really close in negotiations.

According to Ken Davidoff, who spoke with "a person familiar with Minnesota's operations said yesterday", the Twins will ask the Yankees for a package centered around Robinson Cano. Davidoff cites a "second major league official" as thinking that a package of Phil, Melky and a prospect might not be enough for Santana. Check please.

Via Steve.

Joel Sherman reports that there is a strong likelihood that the Yankees will release Carl Pavano before November 20, in order to free up his spot on the 40 man roster before the Rule V draft.

2008 is the final year of Pavano's 4 year, $39.95 million dollar contract. He's set to make $11 million. There is a $13 million dollar club option with a $1.95 million dollar buyout. So, we're on the hook for $12.95 million.

From the New York Post:

Last night, Joe Torre's Safe at Home foundation held it's annual gala in Manhattan. Besides Torre, Jeter, Mo, Posada, Bernie and Lee Mazzilli attended. Anthony DiComo and Peter Abraham (more) have reports. Here's a summary notable details:

Posada and Mo did not speak to the press. Torre, Jeter and Bernie did. On losing Posada and Mo, Jeter said:


Torre said that Pettitte is leaning towards staying home and that he'd be surprised if Posada and Mo didn't return to the Bronx. He said that A-Rod to L.A. is possible, but he was surprised that he opted out here. Finally, The Torres plan to maintain their home in Westchester and hold the gala in Manhattan next year. However, they will be opening a Los Angeles office.

Bernie denied speculation that he might be headed to the Dodgers, but DiComo notes that Torre wasn't "as critical" of the idea, though no quote from Torre is included.

Mazzilli said that he did discuss joining Torre's staff in Los Angeles, but declined due to his mother's health. We wish him and his family well.

Edit: Also, Jim Baumbach pointed out that Donnie said that he will be Torre's hitting coach.

Bryan Hoch reports that Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada have been named Silver Sluggers, honoring them as the top offensive performers at their respective positions in 2007, as voted on by MLB managers and coaches. It's A-Rod's ninth, Posada's fifth and Jeter's second.

Roger Clemens has filed free agency and his agent says that, if everything fell in line, he would be interested in pitching for Team USA in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Earlier this year, we asked you to post your projections for the players that would comprise your 2007 Yankees. Now, it's time to take a look back at those projections and see how they measured up with what actually happened. Thanks to James for his work on this project, which was very substantial and thank you to everyone who posted projections.

Jorge Posada

                AB   R HR RBI SB  AVG  OBA  SLG   OPS
Projected:     446  64 19  76  1 .265 .363 .456  .819
Actual:        506  91 20  90  2 .338 .426 .543  .969

We had Jorge pegged for a pretty good year, but he went and put up a R, HR, RBI and AVG line that only two other catchers in the history of the game have matched. Though we got close on homers, he exceeded our expectations in all 9 categories.

Individual Matches: Me and Richard A. Holland for stolen bases.

» Read More

Our now annual offseason interview series, Interviewing the Yankees Blogosphere, is getting ready to kick off in it's third iteration. I thought that I would put a call out for any question suggestions. If you have something that you'd like to see Yankees bloggers asked, please feel free to suggest it. Thanks!

For past interviews, see the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 interviewees.

From ESPN:


Should make for an interesting read.

Tyler Kepner is reporting that the Orioles are interested in Kyle Farnsworth. Huzzah! First Jaret Wright, now Kyle Farnsworth. I love the Orioles.

Like Ben, I'd like to see us get something done with Kyle and some lower level prospects in exchange for Miguel Tejada.

From the Baltimore Sun:


Tejada hit .296/.357/.442 last year with 18 home runs and 81 RBIs last season. He has not played a game at third base in his entire career. It was his worst full season since 1999, but he's not that old - he'll be 31 on opening day. It could be a decent time to get him on a value basis as you would think he could bounce back at this stage of his career. He is signed through 2009 with each of the two remaining years paying him $13 million.

It's intriguing, but it all depends on his willingness and ability to switch spots and what we'd have to give up to get him.

Via Yahoo!

Brian Cashman said on Wednesday that the plan is for Johnny Damon to be the Yankees left fielder and hit leadoff. He also said that the team would like to re-sign free agents Jose Molina and Luis Vizcaino.

From Ron Blum:

Hank Steinbrenner told the press that large offers are coming for both Mariano and Jorge.


He wouldn't say if a fourth year for Posada was a deal breaker.

Meanwhile, Peter Abraham spotted Brian Cashman in the lobby bar at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, where the GM meetings are being held, past midnight and talking with Sam and Seth Levinson, Posada's agents. Though, it's not known what they were talking about.

From the New York Post:

Miguel Cabrera is the topic of the day. Will Carroll and Tyler Kepner have some details on what the Marlins could be looking for in a swap. Carroll:


Kepner:


Miguel Cabrera is a tremendous offensive player. He could certainly start at first base, giving us a big offensive boost both in what we have now and what the position produced in 2007. We should definitely explore it.

With Pettitte opting out, let's assume he doesn't come back. That gives us a rotation of Wang, Hughes, Joba, Ian and Moose. And Joba and Phil will have innings restrictions on them. If we trade one of the big three, let's say Ian - then it's Wang, Hughes, Joba, Moose and ? We scored 81 more runs than anyone in baseball last year. Yes, we lost A-Rod and we should aim to make up some of that offense (getting more production out of 1B would certainly be a start), but our starters ERA was a medicre 8th in the A.L. at 4.57. Our team ERA was also 8th at 4.49. The best ERA in the A.L. The Red Sox (the only team with an ERA under 4).

For this reason, I think we need to keep the big three. This is a strength, let's build on it. If Andy comes back, we should be in terrific shape. If he doesn't, we're in good shape, but if he doesn't and we trade one of them, who comes in to fill spot? The cream of the free agent market are pitchers like Kyle Lohse and Carlos Silva. Internally, is anyone ready? Do we want to take the chance? Yes, we'll gain on offense, but is it worth it? I'd have to pass. Mark Feinsand reports that Brian Cashman may make an offer including such players as Alan Horne, Humberto Sanchez, Ross Ohlendorf and Jose Tabata. I'd be more amendable to that, I think. But, in any case, one of our organizational strengths at the moment is young starting pitching and that's not something we've had for a while, so we should be careful how we use it. Maybe I'm overvaluing Kennedy by lumping him in with the other two, but having these three guys, with their talent and the MLB regular and postseason experience they had in 2007, under our control for years to come, is not something I'd take lightly and is something that I'd hesitate to trade for a questionable fielding first baseman at this stage, even one as good with the stick as Mr. Cabrera.

Kat O'Brien at Newsday spoke with Jorge Posada on his offseason plans.


Among other things, Jorge said that he's glad that Girardi is the manager and that his preference is still New York (actually, his wife said that).

From Mark Feinsand:


Via Steve.

From ESPN:

As has been rumored, Don Mattingly and Larry Bowa will join Joe Torre's Dodgers coaching staff.

Check out this quote from the Boston Globe:


I like how he implies that there could be "something" going on with the Yankees. We're going to make him an offer, alright - an arbitration offer. Give us our draft picks and move on.

Via Steve.

With the general manager meetings set to begin tomorrow, Mark Feinsand floats the idea of Johnny Damon being traded to the White Sox for third baseman Joe Crede.

Crede, whose 2007 was cut short by back surgery, hit .216 with 4 home runs, 22 RBIs and a .258 OBA. In 2006, he played in 150 games, hitting .283 with 30 home runs, 94 RBIs and a .323 OBA. For his career, he is a .259 hitter with a .305 OBA. Betemit's career marks are better than that, though in far fewer games.

Mark Hale at the Post notes that Andy may want more time to consider whether or not he wants to come back next year. To get that time, he may decline his $16 million dollar option. If he does come back, however, it will be to the Yankees. His agent, Randy Hendricks, confirms this. They would have to begin a new negotiation if it went this way.

Peter Abraham has a nice post summarizing the player/agent relationship. The bottom line, he says, is that Boras works for A-Rod. Don't blame Boras for A-Rod opting out, wanting more money, etc. If A-Rod didn't want to opt out, he could have told Boras and then they would have negotiated with the Yankees. Boras gives him advice, of course, but that doesn't mean he has to take it.

From the official site:

ESPN's Buster Olney reports that, according to sources, before A-Rod opted out of his deal, the Yankees were told that they would need to make an offer that would bring his total contract (including the three years left on it) up to $350 million total, just to meet with him.

Let's do some math. He had three years and $81 million left on his current deal. That's an average of $27 million a year. The article doesn't say how long the extension would be for. But, we can say it would be for more than 5 years, as that would make the extension pay an average of $53.8 million a year (though, I wouldn't put it past Boras). Peter Abraham said that it was presumably for an eight year extension. OK, so that would make the extension worth an average of $33.625 million a year. That would make the total contract worth $350 million over eleven years. That's $31.818 million a year.

Then, you factor in the $21 million that we had coming from Texas and that makes the contract worth, to us, $329 million over eleven years. That makes the yearly average of the deal $29.909 million a year.

Knowing all of this, it will be interesting to see how it plays out from here.

The official site reports that the Yankees decided to pick up Bobby Abreu's one year option, valued at $16 million dollars. It had a $2 million dollar buyout.

And now, a message from Alex Rodriguez.

Girardi was officially introduced as the new manager yesterday. The coaching staff has been officially announced, as well, and it is the one that was mentioned a few days ago. That is:

Pitching: Dave Eiland
Hitting: Kevin Long
Bench: Rob Thomson
Third Base: Bobby Meacham
First Base/Catching: Tony Pena
Bullpen: Mike Harkey

Cliff Corcoran has a great write up on the group. John Amato says that Girardi told Mike and the Mad Dog that Donnie was asked to return as bench coach, but declined. That's disappointing, but understandable.

Are the Yankees dragging their feet on Posada? From Mark Feinsand and Bill Madden (via Steve):


Let's not do this.

Derek Jeter was on WFAN yesterday and he had this to say on the Yankees stance as far as not persuing A-Rod:


Cashman covered a handful of interesting subjects yesterday with the media. Pulling from reports by Bryan Hoch and Peter Abraham:

He wants Cano to stay at second, but he knows that Cano can play third, so it's a consideration, however small. Cashman told Cano that he should encourage Wilson Betemit to get himself in good shape so that he can win the third base job and keep Cano at second.

Hideki Matsui will have minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Coming into Spring Training, he's expected to be 100%. Derek Jeter will not need surgery on his right knee.

Joba Chamberlain will be a starter... unless we fail to bring back Mo. If we do, then he might stay in the bullpen. If, heaven forbid, we lose Mo, let's just sign Francisco Cordero and put Joba in the rotation. (And sign Scott Linebrink to set up).

The team must decide on Bobby Abreu's option by today.

Forgot to post about this earlier, but I will be on Marist Radio at 8:30 PM ET tonight. You can listen live online.

A few days ago, speaking in reference to A-Rod, Hank Steinbrenner told the press, “Does he want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee or a Toledo Mud Hen?”

Well, the Mud Hens seized the opportunity and plan to offer A-Rod a contract. The Detroit Free Press has more (mock Hall of Fame busy included).

Via Steve.

Not that I think he'll be two faced or anything like that. Honestly, it's the first thing I thought of when I saw the photo.

The AL and NL Elias rankings have been released.

Why is this important? Well, in the rankings, at the end of certain player listings, you'll see an A or a B. This denotes the type of free agent they are - Type A or Type B. If a Type A free agent leaves his old team for a new one, the new team must give their first round pick to the old team. The old team also receives a supplemental first round pick. So, for example, when A-Rod signs with the Red Sox (just kidding), we'll get their first round pick as well as a supplemental pick after the first round. It's important to note that the first 15 picks of the draft are off limits. So, if he's signed by one of those teams, we would get their second round pick and the supplemental pick, instead. Of course, the Type A team pick can also change if a team signs more than one Type A free agent, in which case the highest pick would be given as compensation for the highest ranked player and so on.

Meanwhile, with Type B free agents, the only compensation given is the supplemental pick. Our Type A guys are Posada, Mo, Pettitte and, of course, A-Rod. Luis Vizcaino is a Type B. To receive compensation, the player must be signed by December 1 or be offered arbitration by November 30. As Peter Abraham reported, the Yankees plan to offer A-Rod arbitration, so that we'll be compensated when he leaves.

Via Mike.

Girardi will be officially introduced today at a press conference in the Diamond Club at Yankee Stadium at 1:00 PM ET.