Random Bits: Instant Replay, Pavano, Beckett

Here’s a quick batch of newsworthy bits:

1. The MLB will begin using its new instant replay system starting tonight. Series that begin from hereon in will now use the system regularly, as it will debut in 3 separate matchups (it’ll be “everywhere” tomorrow). IR will be used to resolve important disputed calls, but I’m sure that disputed home runs will be the central focus for the replay tool. Ken Rosenthal has a nice write up about the technology being used for the system, detailing delay issues as well as how the system will work in general. Some baseball purists may not agree with it, but I think it’s great for the game and should help the game get things right (wrong isn’t necessarily “pure”).

2. Next up, Carl Pavano has been placed on waivers and will likely clear them. We’ll see what happens with this situation as it could change with the Yankees’ record. Depending on how the team does over these next few games, the Yankees could decide to cut their losses and just ship him out for anything they can get (they’ll likely pay the majority of his salary). He’s slated to start against AJ Burnett tomorrow, so we’ll simply have to wait and see how this one turns out (hey, maybe he can get us another W).

3. Finally, any bad news for the Red Sox is good news for the Yankees, as Josh Beckett’s start against the ChiSox has been scratched. Beckett was supposed to face Chicago tomorrow, but instead of seeing Alexei Ramirez, Jermaine Dye and Ken Griffey Jr., Beckett will see an even scarier foe, as he’ll meet with Dr. James Andrews (who is seemingly the only baseball doctor in the world). If the diagnosis is bleak, the Yankees could get a much needed lift in their morale (not that they’re happy to see him injured, but they’ll take what they can get), while the Sox will likely feel some pressure after losing their staff ace.

Teixeira Treasure

Although Jason Giambi had a memorable game today, I think it’s fairly clear that the Yankees will part ways with the Giambino in the offseason (buy out his option, won’t resign). With Mark Teixeira’s impending free agency, and with a blustery Hank Steinbrenner guaranteeing changes in the offseason, it appears as though the stars are truly aligning for Big Tex and his agent, Scott Boras. It actually seems like a perfect union in a practical sense. The Yankees are going to need a first baseman with Giambi gone and hey, he’s clearly the best option available (via free agency).

Here’s what Jayson Stark (ESPN) had to say about the probable partnership:

• Bronx glue: The best thing that could happen to Mark Teixeira’s checking account is the Yankees’ missing the playoffs. Even though Jorge Posada’s long-term future might well turn out to be at first base/DH, missing the playoffs — because of an offense that will score nearly 200 fewer runs than last year — likely would make the Steinbrenner family just desperate enough to put the team in the mix for Teixeira. And it’s a good thing for him, because it now seems like virtually a lock that that other team in New York, the Mets, will pick up the $12 million option on Carlos Delgado (who actually leads Teixeira in homers, 30-27).

• Boras’ auction house: But how much is Teixeira worth? If Scott Boras is serious about establishing a 10-year, $230 million price tag on Teixeira, he won’t have many bidders to play the Yankees against. Most teams view him as a five-year, $90 million kind of guy.

“What really stands out, when you’ve got Vlad and Teixeira back-to-back in the same lineup, is what he isn’t,” an official of one club said. “Let’s put it this way: I know which one I fear, and it isn’t him. To me, when you see truly great players, they always have that extra edge, that killer instinct. Well, if this guy has it, he doesn’t project it. Hey, he’s a good player, obviously. But is he a guy who’s going to legitimately carry a club for the money he’s asking? I don’t see that.” •

What’s free about free agency: Whether Teixeira ends up in the Bronx or not, the Yankees’ free-agent hyperactivity figures to make this an expensive market for any team to shop in. The Yankees have about $90 million in expiring contracts (most of it courtesy of Jason Giambi, Bobby Abreu, Carl Pavano, Mike Mussina, Andy Pettitte and Pudge Rodriguez/Kyle Farnsworth). Even if they bring back a couple of those guys at reduced rates, that’s way too much money for a team like this to have burning a hole in its pocket as it heads into a new ballpark. So other clubs already are hearing that the Yankees plan to put a full-court press on CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets (if Sabathia rejects them) and Teixeira. And that will drive up free-agent prices for everybody, as agents everywhere rejoice.

Clearly, for us (as fans), seeing the Yankees miss the playoffs is a terrible thing. But, of course, for impending free agents and their lovely representatives (…), this is a beautiful year and a beautiful time. Essentially, it’s payday and the Yankees are THE team to go to maximize your reward. In the end, if the Yankees don’t make the playoffs, it’s tough, however, at least we’ll know that our offseason will be an interesting one.

Loose Moose

Mike Mussina was spectacular in today’s win (7 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K) and it really is just too bad that he couldn’t get the W for his record. So, while Moose sits at 16-7, I’m sure he’s still happy because he kept his team in the game for 7 innings, allowing Mariano RIvera to shut the Sox down for a bit until Jason Giambi delivered two big blows. You could say that, at this point, Jason’s game-tying homer and walk-off single were the biggest hits of the year as the team attempts to claw its way up the WC ladder. They have their work cut out for them, but this was a nice win with the Blue Jays on the horizon (Burnett and Halladay).

Along with a walk-off victory came some good news on the Joba Chamberlain front. Joba threw a bullpen session this morning and felt strong. Now, he’ll face live hitters on Saturday in a simulated game (more like a simulated inning, as he’ll only throw 35 pitches). If he feels good after Saturday’s session, he could be ready for an actual game, early next week. However, Joba himself notes that the rehab path he has taken would not allow him to start games, at least not initially. He would first return as a reliever and then, after continuing to build his arm strength, we could see him back in the rotation. It’ll be interesting to see what a rotation of Moose, Pettitte, Joba, Aceves and Ponson/Hughes/Wright can do down the stretch.

Game 133: Yanks VS. Red Sox

Here’s the lineup (PA):

YANKEES (70-62)
Damon CF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Nady LF
Cano 2B
Matsui DH
Ransom 1B
Molina C
Mussina RHP

RED SOX (76-55)
Ellsbury CF
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Bay LF
Kotsay RF
Lowrie 3B
Cora SS
Varitek C
Lester LHP

David Robertson has been optioned back to AAA and Alfredo Aceves has been recalled to “pitch in relief”. I’m assuming that Aceves is going to take Rasner’s spot in the rotation and hopefully, with last night’s loss, the dominoes will continue to fall and Sidney Ponson’s spot will be taken by either Chase Wright or Phil Hughes.

Always Optimistic

Now that you’ve seen what Hank Steinbrenner had to say after last night’s debacle (he also said that the Yankees “sucked”), let’s see what Joe Girardi had to say.

“When they put an X next to your name [in the standings], you run out of days,” Joe Girardi said. “It’s not where we want to be but no hole is too deep to climb out of.”

I appreciate Joe’s optimism, however, why not be a bit more realistic (seriously)? Why not dig into your team after last night’s loss? I mean, you said before this series that the Yankees needed to win 2 out of 3 in order to stay relevant in the WC chase, which they clearly have not done (not even close). So, respond accordingly. Joe seems to wait for moments, on the field (instead of after the losses), so that he can amp his team up (get thrown out, etc.). He waited for that in the first game of this series (it didn’t happen), as the Yankees were getting pinched by the umpire with Pettitte on the mound. But, how does the “we’re not out of it yet” approach work? For the Yankees, it hasn’t worked all season, so why not try something new. Get mad, get loud, at least for one day, show some form of anger. It’s a beautiful emotion, it really is, and maybe if you dug into the team they’d snap out of it (at least temporarily).

A Busy Winter

Here’s what Hank Steinbrenner had to say after last night’s game:

“There is going to be a lot going on this off-season,” he said. “I promise you that.”

The Yankees are going to do whatever they can to make sure they make the offseason next year. I can guarantee you that Jason Giambi will be gone, and the Yankees will either land Mark Teixeira or CC Sabathia, although there’s a possibility that they could get both free agents (it’d be difficult, but it could happen). The Yankees could still comeback this season, but as Steve Lombardi outlines over at WW, it’s pretty clear that it would take a miracle for that to happen.