Lame

Jason Giambi, take note…

Poll: Who should bat third?

I think that Nick Swisher should, in fact, bat 3rd. He’s not fast but he sees a lot of pitches (4.53 P/PA last year), he takes his walks and gets on base (see 2006-2007) and, finally, once he’s on base he knows how to run around the diamond. You can make a case for Teixeira in that spot, but I believe that the team’s lineup would be a bit deeper if he were to hit 5th. I think Swisher, A-Rod, Teixeira is the optimal 3-4-5 (assuming that the OF consists of Damon, Swisher and Nady). Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I’m sure there are varying stances regarding Bobby’s old spot, so let’s open this up with a poll.

Bits: Pettitte, Moeller

Let’s dive in:

1. From John Harper (Daily News):

After signing Mark Teixeira, the Yankees began whispering that Andy Pettitte might have waited too long to accept their take-it-or-leave-it $10million offer, and that they might just decide to move on without him.

However, a person in regular contact with Yankee brass said Tuesday he believes the club still wants Pettitte back and believes a deal will get done, perhaps as early as next week.

According to this person, someone in the Yankee organization was putting out that word as something of a scare tactic, knowing that Pettitte badly wants to pitch for the Yankees next season. “They just want him at their price, that’s still the bottom line,” the person said.

Pettitte earned $16million last season and apparently is reluctant to take a $6million cut. If he doesn’t come back, the Yankees will open the No. 5 starting job – behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain – to competition among righties such as Phil Hughes and Alfredo Aceves.

If the Yankees can bring back Andy for $10 million then that’s fine for everyone. He can provide innings, something the Yankees can’t feel sure about, as of now, and take pressure off of CC, Joba, and the rest (Joba’s inning limit is a bigger hurdle for the rotation without Andy).

2. The second bit is as tiny as they come. Good luck and a happy new year to Chad Moeller, who has signed a minor league deal with the Orioles.

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Also, I’d like to wish everyone of you a happy and a healthy new year, as well. I’ll still be blogging throughout the day so if you feel like dropping by with a drunken comment or idea, that’s fine with me (hell, I write half of these posts drunk, anyway… haha, just kidding… uh, yeah).

OF options

I was just thinking about the defensive configuration for 2009 and came to the conclusion that, if the Yankees maintain their OF abundance (no trades), Joe Girardi will have tough job managing playing time (that’s not a bad thing). One would think, however, that when Chien-Ming Wang pitches, we’ll likely see Johnny Damon in CF with Swisher in left and Nady in right, right? It makes sense given Wang’s hard sinker (not many balls will make it to the OF). If Girardi deviates from that OF on Wang’s days on the hill then the Fire Girardi widget will be waiting.

I’m not too sure about what he’ll do with playing time in other situations (different pitchers, teams, etc.). For instance, if Ian Kennedy were to win a rotation spot, I would think that you’d like to have a strong defensive unit backing him (in the OF). Conversely, if IPK is pitching against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, do you really sacrifice offense for defense and put Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera in there? Girardi can certainly handle lineup changes, but he will be in a difficult (and enviable) position (especially when Damon and Nady, or at least their representation, will be lobbying for ample playing time in order to make the most out of their impending FA contracts).

Dedication

Hmmm…

A Hoboken man said that more than $2,000 worth of electronic equipment was stolen from his apartment yesterday afternoon, according to a police report.

The 28-year-old man said he left his apartment, which is on the 900 block of Washington Street, at 2 p.m. to go shopping and when he returned at 4 p.m. the door was kicked in and a 40-inch Samsung flatscreen television, a Hewlett Packard laptop and a Yankees baseball cap were taken, according to the report.

…

Joba’s life never gets old (to read about)

Andy Martino at the Daily News has a great read out on Joba Chamberlain. It’s long but I suggest you check it out, as it outlines a variety of relationships had by Joba and his father in Nebraska and looks at how those relationships have changed since Joba became an overnight sensation.

Here’s one interesting passage that delves into the DUI situation:

But now some of the people closest to Chamberlain are concerned that he is changing, that his troubles are catching up with him despite his success or emerging because of it. With a worrisome pitching shoulder and DUI suddenly on his resume, Chamberlain faces a personal and professional crossroads in 2009, a year that could determine whether his legacy will be more lightning in a bottle or sustained light.

“Joba is a great person and I love him, but now he’s ventured into something that’s not so good,” says Wally Gant, a family friend who spent long afternoons on his front porch engaged in heart-to-hearts with the teenage Joba. “I heard through the grapevine that he had been drinking more. (Success) has gotten to his head a little. If he does things like this, he won’t be able to stay in the major leagues.”

Bernie hurting

According to PA, Bernie Williams suffered a pretty serious quad injury while playing winter ball. It’s sad, to say the least, because Bernie wanted to play in the WBC, but it’s hard to sit on the sidelines for a number of years and then jump back into it (especially when you’re 40).

Gossip girls…

Hey, baseball news is slow so, obviously, in times like these, a blogger must go to his trusted ally and dearest friend—unfounded trade speculation. Recently, we heard some news about the Reds and the Yankees, as the two teams have reportedly discussed the glut of OF’s on the Yankees’ roster (the talks were not substantial). Now, initially I didn’t think much of the report, but a few moments ago, I came across the following from Frank Russo.

Our source down in Tampa have informed us that the Yankees are actively shopping Xavier Nady. Brian Cashman has apparently contacted the Cincinnati Reds about the availability of both Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang. The Reds have been hesitant to include either pitcher in a package for Nady, especially since the “X-Man” will become a free agent after the 2009 season.

To be honest, I don’t believe anything Russo says, really. He came up with that magnificent Carlos Beltran for Robinson Cano rumor a few months ago and also stirred the pot with his Aaron Rowand stories. With that said, there are still two reports regarding the Reds, so I don’t necessarily want to write it off just yet. Basically, I’m putting it out there because, in a way, a Nady for Harang trade (or maybe even Arroyo) could, in fact, make sense for both teams. A healthy Aaron Harang is a talented workhorse who could definitely match Andy Pettitte’s production. Plus, his salary in 2009 will be $11 million which isn’t too bad if the Yankees are swapping it with Nady’s increased earnings. You get a rotation of CC, Burnett, Wang, Harang and Joba. That’s tops in the league.

Harang is also somewhat expendable as the youth and depth of Cincy’s rotation (featuring Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo, Edinson Volquez and Micah Owings) could really absorb his absence (Homer Bailey could get another chance, too). That works for the Reds and they need another corner OF to offset Willy Taveras’ limp bat in the CF and compliment the blossoming Jay Bruce. If the Dodgers land Bobby Abreu (or Dunn) then we could see a ripple effect in baseball, with Nady becoming a hot commodity (he’s cheaper). Of course, if the Reds traded Harang to the Yanks for Nady, I think they would expect someone else in return since Harang is affordable and under contract through 2010 (2011 option), whereas Nady is not a long-term option.

With that in mind, if they asked for Nady and IPK, would you do it? I think I would pull the trigger on that deal (as long as Harang is undoubtedly healthy)…

Syyyyyke

From Jon Heyman and Tom Verducci (SI):

The Red Sox made a play to re-acquire Marlins superstar Hanley Ramirez after losing out to the rival Yankees for star free agent Mark Teixeira, league sources tell SI.com. But while the Marlins listened to Boston’s overtures, Florida isn’t anxious to trade its best player, and talks apparently have been aborted after no agreement could be reached.

The Marlins were said to be most interested in a center fielder, and discussions apparently centered on Boston’s promising youngster Jacoby Ellsbury, talented pitching prospect Clay Buchholz and others in a package for Ramirez, who began in Boston’s organization.

The Red Sox first targeted Teixeira as a way to upgrade their offense, but after the rival Yankees won that bidding with their $180 million proposal over eight years (Boston was believed to be offering at least $170 million over eight guaranteed years plus two additional years that could be voided by the team based on plate appearances), Ramirez briefly became an appetizing alternative.

Though the Red Sox can’t quite match the Yankees dollar for dollar, Boston is willing to think creatively to try to enhance its offense. While the cost-conscious Marlins listened to Boston’s proposals, Florida would need to be overwhelmed to consider dealing Ramirez, who’s considered one of the best young offensive players in the game. Since Boston is said to be happy with Jed Lowrie at shortstop, it’s possible the Red Sox might have considered using Ramirez in center field.

Ha! Good luck with that.

I understand the need to “counter” the Teixeira signing, but is depleting your entire farm system the best way to do that? Hanley Ramirez is as gifted as they come and will make $70 million over the next 6 years (new extension). Hell, that’s relatively affordable when you guage his talent and what he has already done at a premium position. In order to bring him home to Boston, Theo would literally have to give up everyone (Ellsbury, Anderson, Buchholz, and probably Lester).

While it would be difficult for the Red Sox to trade for Ramirez, the Marlins would have an even bigger problem trading him away. Their team has no real identity (there are new players every year) and Hanley really stands as the face of their franchise. Nabbing him is unlikely and the fish would ask for the world and then some. Despite this rumor’s impracticality, now that it has been reported, I guarantee you that we’ll be hearing more about it over the next few days…

(Props to MLBTR.)

Dodgers looking at Bobby?

In addition to Adam Dunn, we’re also hearing that the Dodgers are having discussions with Bobby Abreu’s representation. To be honest, Bobby is going to get shafted in what could have been a solid contract year. He was hoping to earn $16 million per, but now it looks like he could end up earning $10 million, at best. However, the Dodgers could give Bobby a contract closer to $16 million per ($36 million over 3 years?), especially if they feel that Manny Ramirez isn’t worth a multi-year deal.

Looks like Manny isn’t having a good off-season. Dunn or Abreu would be less risky and very affordable in comparison. At this point, I wonder where he’ll end up? The Mets are a good location but they’ve denied any interest in him. He could end up going year-to-year.

Blog Bounce: RLYW

The guys over at RLY have put together a comprehensive projection for next season’s AL East (off-season moves have been factored in). Talk about a competitive division…

Slow and steady wins the race

The following is Dave Eiland speaking about his two new arms, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. From Pete Caldera (The Record):

“We’re going to be careful with them and make sure they peak April 6, not March 20,” Eiland said, referring to opening day. “We’ve already got a plan in place.”

Eiland didn’t divulge the details of that plan, but the cautious approach is no surprise given the Yankees’ $243.5 million investment in the two starters.

Last year, A.J. Burnett injured himself just before spring training by accidentally closing his car door on his index finger (he had to wear an artificial nail and couldn’t throw his curve for 2 weeks). Hopefully the Yankees’ plan includes a chaperone and some bubble wrap (or a limo driver who will actually open the door for Burnett).

Penny Pinching

The Red Sox have reportedly picked up Brad Penny on a relatively cheap $5 million contract (1 year) and they’ve also reacquired catcher, Josh Bard. Both players are solid pickups for a team that needs aid in the form of pitching and catching and, from an objective standpoint, the Red Sox are constantly showing why they are a smart organization. Penny, although injured last year, is a talented player that can produce if healthy. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in the AL East, but as a 4th or 5th starter, you could do worse (much worse, in fact).

Reds and Yanks discuss OF surplus

Props to Matt Cerrone at the  MetsBlog for this one. Apparently, the Reds are just one of the teams that have had discussions with the Yankees regarding their surplus of corner OF’s. This is obviously a cursory news bit, at best, since everyone has “discussions” at some point in time (due diligence). But, this does indicate that there is a level of interest in players like Nady (and there should be, if he’s available) and, although there are still plenty of corner OF’s available on the FA market, many teams would be willing to trade for a 1-year commitment rather than spend money (even at a reduced cost) during a recession.

What about Washington?

From Tony Massarotti (FOX):

Lest the Sox be labeled the sole losers in this, think again. There is plenty of blame to be shared. There is now serious question as to whether Boras and Teixeira bargained in good faith, whether they had any real interest in coming to Boston at all. Earlier this offseason, one major league executive whose team was not involved in the Teixeira talks emphasized that Teixeira had the reputation of being someone who would accept the biggest bid, which was meant as a criticism. In this case, Teixeira ended up getting it from the Yankees, who swooped in the way they did with Johnny Damon precisely three years ago.

Why has everyone forgotten about the Nationals?

It’s as if they weren’t involved in the talks, at all. Based on numerous reports, the Yankees put forth the second highest bid for Teixeira while the Nats actually offered even more (years, money). It’s easy to say the Yankees bid the most so Tex chose the highest bidder, but that’s not all that true. In fact, leaving out Washington’s offer is a disservice to Teixeira, since he chose winning and money rather than the money alone.

Getting to know Tex

Here’s a nice read from the Daily News on our new first baseman, Mark Teixeira. The article covers more than just the numbers and sheds some light on Tex’s background and family.

Bidding war forming for Abreu and Giambi?

According to Buster Olney, a bidding war between Oakland and Tampa Bay is brewing over the two former Yankees. Actually, it’s not really a bidding war and more of a waiting game at this point, as each team postures and waits for the other to spend first. Whoever gets Giambi, have fun. I doubt you’ll get much out of him on a 2-year deal (DH), which is what he is reportedly looking for (especially since he hits better when on the field regularly).

Hughes could get 5th spot

From the Anthony McCarron (Daily News):

Before the Yankees signed Mark Teixeira, they told Andy Pettitte’s camp that the pitcher’s chances of rejoining the Bombers would be in jeopardy if they signed another big free agent. Now that the Yanks have landed their new first baseman, the odds of Pettitte being a Yankee next year are “55-45 against,” according to a baseball official familiar with the Yanks’ plans.

Instead, the official said, the Yankees may turn to Phil Hughes, who blew his chance in the rotation last year because of a combination of injuries and ineffectiveness, as a starter behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Chien-Ming Wang and Joba Chamberlain. Hughes is still considered one of the Yankees’ best young players, and many in the organization are eager for him to have another shot.

“It’s less likely” that Pettitte returns, the official said on condition of anonymity. “Most (Yankee executives) are thinking of another direction.”

If Phil Hughes lands the spot, I would say that Ian Kennedy’s future with the team becomes even hazier. Ultimately, IPK seems like a better fit for the rotation, at least until Hughes can prove himself in AAA. Also, if Pettitte doesn’t return, I could see him working for either Houston or the Rangers. McCarron goes on to say that a decision pertaining to Pettitte probably won’t be made until after the New Year and that the $10 million offer, as of now, is still available.

Buying Boston

Got any extra quarters lying around the apartment?

I concur

From PA:

Dave Eiland referred to Chien-Ming Wang as the No. 3 starter in a story Pete Caldera did for The Record. Labeling starters is a fruitless exercise. But it’s further evidence of how little respect the Yankees give Wang.

The Yankees took Wang to arbitration last year to avoid paying him an extra $600,000. And now Eiland is dismissing him as a No. 3 starter. Memo to Eiland: Wang is 46-15 with a 3.74 ERA since the start of the 2006 season. Burnett is 38-26, 3.94. Wang’s career ERA+ is 117. Burnett is at 111.

Wang is a better pitcher than Burnett. Plus it could make a lot more sense to put him between Sabathia and Burnett to give teams a different look rather than using two power pitchers in a row.

In time, people will figure out that Wang’s sinker makes him the exception to the idea that a great pitcher has to strike a bunch of guys out. If the Yankees don’t, another team will once he becomes a free agent.

I totally agree with Pete’s assessment, here. How can you NOT have Wang as your second starter? I thought that was a foregone conclusion, not worth debating. If you had to hand the ball to either Wang (your own homegrown product) or Burnett against the rival Red Sox, I don’t think the numbers bode well for Wang, but I don’t have to look at the numbers. I’d take Wang in that spot, regardless, at least until Burnett can prove himself in a Yankee uniform.