A Smoltzian Fantasy

I’m watching the Brewers-Phillies game, as the Brew Crew tries to stave off elimination (and they’re doing a good job). John Smoltz is actually one of the commentators for the TBS coverage and I wonder what he’ll end up doing in 2009.

Smoltz is coming off of a year that ended prematurely after having shoulder surgery and will actually be a free agent. He’d like to continue pitching and hopes to help the Braves in 2009, but the team may not take him on as they look to build a healthy rotation (with younger veterans). If that’s the case, Smoltz has said that he’s open to going to another team and with the Braves looking terrible in 2008, maybe he’d consider a contender? While being old as hell, Smoltz is still a filthy pitcher and the Yankees could show an interest in him if they’re desperate to solidify the back end of their rotation (assuming that they shore up the other openings with other FA’s or via trades).

Why not? I’m not saying invest a lot of money or hope in him as a viable starter, but if he’s healthy, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball (still, to this day). It’s a whimsical scenario and highly unlikely, since the Braves will probably try to hold onto him if his shoulder is fine. However, if I were the Yankees, I’d pursue every possible solution to their pitching problem. If Smoltz is truly healthy and willing to pitch outside of Atlanta, then this is certainly a stone that shouldn’t go unturned.

Bobby’s World

According to Mark Feinsand of the Daily News, Bobby Abreu is searching for “at least a three year-contract”. Now, I don’t think the Yankees will give that to him as they’re more likely to offer him arbitration and bring him back for another year (a single year) or he can decline and take his chances with the FA market (which would net us draft picks). I’m sure the Braves and other teams wouldn’t mind giving him a 3-year deal, easy, but his preference is to stay in NY. The thing is, if the Yankees resign Abreu, that would mean that they’re going to play Damon in CF and aren’t going to worry about upgrading their outfield defense. If that’s the case, why not just sign Manny Ramirez?

Cano’s Future

From Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports):

Trading second baseman Robinson Cano certainly is an option for the Yankees; virtually every club with a need at the position has expressed interest.

Cano, however, finished strong after adjusting his stance and setup in mid-September, and some with the Yankees believe that he will be more at ease in 2009, saying he tried too hard this season to justify his new four-year, $30 million contract.

The problem for the Yankees is that they need to acquire two starting pitchers, and the top of the free-agent market is thin. CC Sabathia might prefer to go to the west coast and/or stay in the National League. Some baseball people question whether A.J. Burnett possesses the right makeup for New York. Derek Lowe might command a contract too large for the Yankees’ liking at age 35.

Thus, trading Cano for a starting pitcher might be necessary.

The Yankees would prefer to keep Cano, obviously, but he may be the best trading chip that they have. If Cashman can land at least one solid starter via free agency then Cano’s chances of sticking around will increase substantially. Remember, Pettitte will probably return and Joba will be in the rotation, giving the team 3 likely starters. The addition of a fourth is key.

More Money

From Scott Soshnick (Bloomberg):

Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio, seeking a “fair fight,” said high-revenue clubs like the New York Yankees should share more with the other teams.

“It’s always amusing to me to hear the Yankees, they can’t get into the playoffs with $200 million, and they say, `well, we’ve done enough,”’ Attanasio, the chief investment officer at money management firm TCW Group Inc., said in an interview with Bloomberg Radio’s “On the Ball” program that will air tomorrow. “The advantages that you’re given in the bigger market teams — if they really wanted to have a fair fight they would do more revenue sharing, but I guess the obvious battle lines are drawn on that.”

Doesn’t the success of teams like the Brewers, who are in the playoffs, and the Rays, who are also in the playoffs, demonstrate that the current framework for revenue sharing is essentially working? I don’t really understand the complaint here. The Yankees aren’t even in the playoffs, so doesn’t that indicate that more money isn’t exactly necessary to better your team?

Two Things That Must Be Said…

First, I want to thank my readership. I looked at my girlfriend a year ago and told her, “I’m going to write about the Yankees,” with a huge, goofy grin across my face as I hoped that I could lure at least 20 people to read whatever it was that I was writing (on a blog). Luckily for me, so many of you share my passion in talking about the team so my “job” wasn’t that hard. To those who comment regularly (you know who you are), thanks for making this first year a bit easier as your online participation is truly appreciated.

The second thing that must be said outside of the corny first item that I put forth is a prediction, or, I guess a motion of support. With regards to the current playoff situation, I will not speculate as to what team will win what (although all of the series look pretty clear cut right now). However, at the end of the day, I’m rooting for Joe Torre, Donnie Baseball and Larry Bowa’s Dodgers. They’re a great team with solid young guys and enough postseason experience to last a lifetime (Manny, D-Lowe). I think, in the end, we’ll see a Red Sox versus Dodgers World Series. It seems like a solid bet.

And, if that’s the case, the boo birds in Fenway better get ready.