Tagged: Hal Steinbrenner
Hank And Hal Dictate Soriano Signing
Just like their father, “The Boss”, George, the Steinbrenner boys, Hank and Hal, made their presence felt loud and clear by overruling GM Brian Cashman, ordering the signing of the Rays All-Star closer Rafael Soriano to become the Yankees “Bridge-to-Mariano” during the upcoming season, and hopefully in 2012. By 2013 if the “Great Mariano” retires, Soriano could become the next Yankees closer replacing the sure “first-time ballot” Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera.
The above account of this move was reported in the Saturday, January 15, 2011 edition of the New York Daily News by Hall of Fame baseball writer Bill Madden, and Roger Rubin, a day after the Yanks announced the signing of Soriano.
As reported by Madden and Rubin, this turn around of the Yankees decison to sign Soriano goes back to “less than a week” ago when, “GM Brian Cashman had said he wouldn’t give up the first-round draft pick required to ink Soriano. But Hal and Hank Steinbrenner didn’t agree with this game plan – according to a source familiar with the Yankees’ thinking – and overruled him, giving the righthander a deal that could ultimately go to three years and pay him $35 million.”
The article goes on to say, “The overwhelming concern among the Yankees brass, the source said, was that the club was going into the season with an uncertain starting rotation and little protection for closer Mariano Rivera. The move leaves the team without the draft pick Cashman coveted, but with one of the best bullpens in baseball.”
Also, “According to the source, the Steinbrenners were bothered by Cashman’s blueprint. One of the big issues was that Joba Chamberlain, a prized prospect yet to reach an expected high ceiling, was going to be Rivera’s primary set-up man.”
“Cashman had maintained his confidence in homegrown relievers Chamberlain and David Robertson, but Bombers’ braintrust did not. If nothing else, they saw Soriano, coming off a career best 45-save season with a 1.73 ERA, as a premium insurance policy they couldn’t pass up.”
Along with the re-signing of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, the signing of Rafael Soriano is also one of the Yankees most important moves of this very disappointing off-season, so far. Not getting Cliff Lee, who signed with the Phillies; And not pursuing Carl Crawford, who signed with the Red Sox, really have been two major set-backs for the Yanks. Also, it looks like Andy Pettitte is leaning towrads retirement. So this leads to many interesting decisions that have to be made during spring training.
I praise Hank and Hal Steinbrenner for taking charge of the Soriano signing, like they should have.
Now I hope Hank and Hal will also settle another very pressing matter regarding the Yankees pitching staff by sending down the orders to put Joba Chamberlain in the starting rotation during spring training, to “finally” give Joba every opportunity to succeed as a starter this season.
After CC Sabathia and Phil Hughes, the Yankees starting rotation is “very weak” and “uncertain” as of this date. Surely Joba Chamberlain can fill the role of the fourth or fifth starter very nicely this season if he is given the chance, that, in my view, he really has not been given [so far] in his brief major league career.
Again, I say: “Let the great Joba debate continue” !!!
– Jimmy Curran, “BY&L” – Baseball, The Yankees, and Life …
Damon, Boras, Cashman, All Strikeout …
… to end the game. The game of high stakes baseball negotiations.
With the signing of Randy Winn by the Yankees for a reported one year / $2 million contract, Johnny Damon’s stay in the Bronx has come to an end. And, in a lot of ways, Johnny has to take much of the blame for his sad New York departure. It seems he was the only one who believed his agent, Scott Boras’ sale pitch that the market for Damon would yield at least $13 million per year, for at least two years, and maybe even for as many as four years.
Of course, Scott Boras was surely sailing the boat in the talks to re-sign the Yankees left fielder. Tacking back and forth — first, Boras asked for two years at $13 million per year, while telling the Yankees that Damon would not accept any offer less than $13 million per year; Brian Cashman countered with an offer of $14 million for two years; then, Boras started to read the market a little more accurately by dropping Damon’s asking price to $20 million for two years, which led to a windless halting of Johnny Damon’s ship.
Cashman continued his active winter, which included: trading for Curtis Granderson; letting Hideki Matsui walk away from the Yanks; signing Nick Johnson; and, trading for Javier Vazquez. These moves resulted in a so-called “halt” of the money stream from the New York Yankees supposedly “ironclad” budget, except for a remaining $2 million that was earmarked for the 2010 Yankee left fielder, whoever that player may be. Of course, that player turned out to be Randy Winn.
Only Johnny Damon knows what his motivation was during these negotiations. Money, to be sure. But, it seems Johnny just got caught up in the middle of the crossfire of hardball talks between Cashman and Boras. If Damon really wanted to stay a Yankee, though, [which I do think he did], he should have taken full control of the negotiations, and taked directly to George, Hank, and Hal Steinbrenner. The “money” is certainly “always” available in the Yankees Universe.
It is fair to say, the real budget is “cloaked”; and, in my view, money is not the main reason that Johnny Damon was not re-signed by the Yanks. But, I guess, that reason will also remain cloaked.
The new Yankee Stadium was perfect for Johnny Damon’s swing; Johnny was always a clutch player for the Yanks; and, a fan favorite who was always available after games to be interviewed, win or lose. It will be interesting to see who will be hurt more by this decision [move] – the New York Yankees or Johnny Damon. In any case, Damon, as well as Matsui, will be missed.
But, the Yankees will be fine this year and into the future. Granderson, Johnson, Vazquez, and Winn are all great additions, and will be a major part of the 2010 Bronx Bombers as they defend their World Championship of last year.
I look forward to the Yankees playing hardball “on the field” this upcoming season, as this winter, once again, has provided way too much hardball “off the field” for my liking.
— Jimmy, “BY&L”
OK, A-Rod’s Cousin Did It … Now, Let’s Play Ball
It is now a couple of days since the Alex Rodriguez press conference in which the only real news revealed was the fact that A-Rod’s cousin transported the banned substance, “boli”, the street name for the performance enhancing drug, “Primobolan”, from the Dominican Republic into the United States; and, was the director of a program of injecting A-Rod with the drug, twice a month, six times a year, during the only three seasons Rodriguez claimed he took any performing enhancing drugs, when he played for the Texas Rangers in 2001, ’02, and ’03.
Maybe more could have been learned and revealed about Alex Rodriguez’s involvement with these steroids if the press conference wasn’t so restrictive. The reporters selected from among the over 200 media personal in attendance were allowed to only ask one question with no follow-up questions allowed. Also, the media event should have lasted longer, or, at least, as long as it would have taken to allow many more of the reporters to ask questions.
The press conference was scheduled to start at 2:00 p.m. ET, on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, under a huge tent at George M. Seinbrenner Field, the Yankees winter home in Tampa, Florida. But, Rodriguez showed up 20 minutes late; then, read a very “choppy” ten-minute prepared statement in which it did not seem like A-Rod had read many times before, or maybe, didn’t even prepare himself.
Alex looked very nervous as he started reading his statement in front of the packed media under the tent, with Manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman sitting next to him, and about 30 Yankee players also in attendance as a show of support for their teammate. Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettitte sat in the front row, while Yankees owners, Hank Steinbrenner watched standing in the back of the room; and, Hal Steinbrenner, watched on T.V. in New York.
Rodriguez said this whole situation was very difficult and emotional for him, and his purpose of facing the media was to tell the truth and hopefully earn back the trust of the Yankees organization, players, and fans; and, baseball and baseball fans in general.
A-Rod seemed sincere as he expressed a number of times that he was young and curious about how this substance could help him; and, how both he and his cousin were more ignorant than the other concerning how to use the drug properly.
If Alex is to be believed, he said, “It was his understanding that it [“boli”] would give him a dramatic energy boost and was otherwise harmless. That’s how ignorant both my cousin and I were. We consulted no one, and had no good reason to make that decision. It was pretty evident that we didn’t know what we were doing. We did everything we could to keep it between us, and my cousin didn’t provide it to any other players”.
Rodriguez said he only used the steroid drug during the years he played for the Rangers; and, the reason he stopped taking it was after a 2003 neck injury that A-Rod said, “scared him half to death; and, he was scared for his career and life after baseball”.
A couple of dramatic moments during A-Rod’s reading of his statement came when Rodriguez said, “Baseball is a lot bigger than Alex Rodriguez”; and, then, at the end of the prepared statement, when Alex was very emotional addressing his Yankee teammates. He paused for about 35 seconds, choking back tears and his emotions, in what looked sincere. Then, he thanked them for their support and being there.
The Question and Answer session began about 2:00 p.m., and lasted about 35 minutes.
There really was not much more learned from Alex’s answers as most of what he said was already talked about and heard in the Peter Gammons interview, or A-Rod’s prepared statement. If the press conference lasted about an hour and a half, or two hours, with follow-up questioning, then, maybe, some new information would have been revealed.
But, the viewers of the Alex Rodriguez press conference were only granted “act one” of what should have been a “three act” performance.
The above thoughts are my observations of the Alex Rodriguez press conference; and, as far as I’m concerned, Alex should at least be given credit for coming clean, and being as honest as he has been, up to this point, even though it is way past the fact of his steroid use.
In my view, though, there still seems to be many more questions that need to be answered, especially, about Alex’s cousin, and any other possible involvement, if any, he may have regarding supplying other players with performance enhancing drugs throughout baseball.
* note: It does seem like there is an actual “cousin” of Alex Rodriguez who has been identified today, Thursady, February 19, 2009, I think, somewhere in the Florida area. This story will probably be the major headline in all the sports and baseball media outlets today and tomorrow. So, stay tuned, as “act two” and “act three” should be played out at some point in the near future.
* Special Edit: Friday, Feb 20, 2009 — As reported in the New York Daily News, “The Mystery Cousin of Alex Rodriguez has been identified as Yuri Sucart of Miami, Florida”. A source said, “Yuri is Alex’s driver, and takes care of him all the time. His clothes, his food; he’s with Alex every day”. Also, in the same article, another report claims that “Alex Rodriguez has had a long relationship with a steroid-linked trainer, Angel Presinal, who’s been banned from major league clubhouses”. This claim was made by four independent sources to the NY Daily News.
Angel Presinal has been described by one baseball official as an “unsavory character”, in the Daily News article; and, “MLB has warned players to stay away from him”. “He was banned from private areas of every MLB ballpark after an October 2001 incident involving an unmarked gym bag full of steroids; and, has been tight with Alex Rodriguez dating back to his time with the Texas Rangers, several sources said”.
“Another source said, Presinal accompanied A-Rod for the entire 2007 season, staying in the same hotel as the American League MVP, but in a separate room with the ‘cousin’ [Yuri Sucart]”. “Several people have warned Alex about this guy [Presinal], said a second source”. …
….. The A-Rod reports in the special edit were written by the “Daily News Sports I-Team”, a group of reporters that includes: Mark Feinsand, Christian Red, Michael O’Keeffe, Ian Begley, Teri Thompson, Jim Rich, Nathaniel Vinton, and Larry McShane.
So, the A-Rod press conference as only resulted in more questions that need to be answered by Alex Rodriguez, Yuri Sucart, and Angel Presinal.
Alex Rodriguez has now had his T.V. interview, and Spring Training press conference. And, the “captain” Derek Jeter, spoke out yesterday, Wed, Feb 18th, saying, he was disappointed that Alex Rodriguez and other players have used performance enhanching drugs.
In quotes made in George King’s [Feb 19th] New York Post article, Jeter said, “Everybody is disappointed, including Alex himself. That was one of the things he [Alex] stressed in his statements. Everyone is disappointed. We are going to support him and get him through this. People make mistakes, and you have to move on from those mistakes. But, I would say, everybody is disappointed”.
And, when Jeter was asked if he thought Alex was a cheater, Derek said, “I think he cheated himself”.
But, the main point that Derek Jeter wanted to make yesterday, was that he was annoyed about how many in the public interpret the whole “Steroid Era” in baseball.
The Yankees “captain” said, “the one thing that irritates and upsets me a lot is when you hear everybody say it was the ‘steroid era’, and everybody is doing it, and that’s not true. Everybody wasn’t doing it. Everybody is making a big deal of the 104 players on the list. How many players are in the Major Leagues? Everybody wasn’t doing it. That’s the thing that is irritating. It sends the wrong message to the fans and the kids that everybody is doing it, and that’s not the truth. I understand there are a lot of big name players who allegedly have done this and done that; but, everybody wasn’t doing it”.
When asked about how he felt about the whole “steroids era” in general, Jeter said, “disappointed is the best way to put it. It really has given the game a bad name”.
Derek Jeter also made a point to say, “I never took performance enhancers and never took steroids”.
Regarding Alex Rodriguez, Jeter ended by saying, “I believed him. I always give people the benefit of the doubt. He spoke about and gave details he didn’t have to share”.
So, unless, or until, other reports surface linking Alex Rodriguez to using PED’s at additional times in his career, other than the times he has admitted to using steroids during his Texas Ranger years, then, I will follow the “captain” Derek Jeter’s lead, and “give A-Rod the benefit of the doubt”, at the moment; and, hope that this very sad situation is behind us, as we all look forward to enjoying the upcoming 2009 baseball season.
Only time will tell how all the “Steroid” and “PED” users of the “Steroid Era” will be judged in the future, by both baseball fans and the general public.
Tougher penalities, such as “serious” suspensions and lifetime bans for players who test positive for steroid use, and, or, any other performance enhancing drug use, should be implemented immediately.
But, the ultimate penalty for all PED users will be having “shame” connected to all their names, and not being voted into Baseball’s “Hall of Fame”, for disgracing our great “American Pastime”, Baseball.
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
A Christmas To Remember, Teixeira Signs With Yanks
Christmas came a little early for all Yankee fans this year, as the New York Yankees have now given a “third” wondrous Christmas gift to the Yankee faithful, with the signing of superstar, first baseman, Mark Teixeira. This signing completes a beautiful set of three “crown” jewels, that also includes, “ace” starting pitchers, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, signed earlier in this festive holiday month of December.
The Yankees could not have given a more wonderful set of presents, that will bring much joy and happiness to all Yankee fans, and the great City of New York, during many winning, and hopefully, Championship, baseball seasons over the next five to eight years.
Many thanks, and Christmas Blessings, to the Steinbrenner family, George, Hank, and Hal; Yankees General Manager, Brian Cashman; and, the whole Yankees Organization, for making these awesome moves this winter.
It was an interesting day following all the Mark Teixeira developments.
The Yankees were very quiet up to now regarding their interest in signing Teixeira. Then, the reports came flowing in, that the Yankees were very heavily involved in discussions with Tex and his agent Scott Boras. The Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals were also still in serious discussions for Teixeira’s services.
As I was traveling around in my car this afternoon, taking care of some last minute Christmas errands, I kept updated on the Mark Teixeira negotiations by listening to Jon Heyman’s, SI.com and WFAN reports, on Mike Francesa’s WFAN radio program, that was co-hosted by Joe Benigno and Evan Roberts, today, for the vacationing Francesa.
Little by little, the reports seemed to be leading in the direction of the New York Yankees, as the winner of the great “Mark Teixeira Sweepstakes” of 2008.
My travels finally took me to my bank, to conduct some “serious” banking business.
When I left my car to enter the bank, there were still various reports that the negotiations were starting to heat up, and the Yankees were very much involved in these discussions with Teixeira and Boras.
I completed my banking transactions, and returned to my car about half past three. After starting the car, and turning on the radio, my “Christmas Wish” had come true. Listening to Benigno and Roberts on WFAN, again, they were discussing the Jon Heyman reports that, yes, indeed, the New York Yankees had reached an agreement with Mark Teixeira; and, Tex made his decision to accept the Yankees offer of: 8 years for about $180 Million [$22.5 Million per year].
I gave out a loud “cheer”, sitting alone inside my car, in the parking lot of my bank.
It was very appropriate that I heard this great news while looking at a “bank” through the windshield of my car. It’s also ironic, because my serious banking transaction was like picking up a lonely penny on the ground, compared to the “real” serious money matters that were being discussed during the Mark Teixeira negotiations.
But, hearing about the Yankees signing of Mark Teixeira, was like receiving many pennies from Heaven. And, since we just experienced our first major snow storm here in New York, the pennies could even be many millions of snowflakes, that have created a beautiful wintery scene of snow covered streets, trees, and fields throughout most of our area.
In the spring, these fields will turn to green, and will be sprinkled with “gold” from the bats, cleats, and gloves of our new and old Yankee heroes. All these snow covered fields will then become “Fields of Dreams”, renewing our hope for many great days of baseball ahead, that will also, hopefully, lead to playing baseball in October and winning another World Championship.
My excitement forced me to make sure this “Christmas Gift” signing of Teixeira was true; so, I turned the car radio to 1050 ESPN, and was now listening to Max Kellerman, filling in for the vacationing Michael Kay.
“Yes, it’s true”, I cheered, as I heard Kellerman talking about the reports by ESPN’s Buster Olney, that, confirmed what I had already heard on WFAN, “Mark Teixeira is a Yankee”.
So, I headed to the Post Office, to complete my tasks on this very historic day in New York Yankees history, while turning the radio dial back and forth between WFAN and 1050 ESPN, to listen to every detail reported about the Teixeira deal.
Santa’s “rogue” elf on my “last post” was correct. And, Mark Teixeira chose the second Christmas Gift, the package for about $180 Million over eight years.
Anyone reading this post, who has tickets to the “Opening Day” game at the new Yankee Stadium, please make a point to check-out the box seats in the field level section behind the Yankees dugout. If he was able to convince Santa that this trip to New York was necessary, there will be a little elf sitting in one of the seats, somewhere right behind the Yankees dugout.
He will not be hard to find, as he will be the only person in the Stadium eating candy canes.
If you get the chance, just stop by his seat, and say “thank you”. The elf will know what you are talking about.
But, don’t wait ’till the end of the game, ’cause there’ll be a sleigh waiting to take the elf back to the North Pole.
And, as soon as Mariano Rivera records the final out of the game, to save the Yankees first victory at the new Yankee Stadium — it will be like magic — Before Frank Sinatra finishes signing “New York, New York”, the elf will be soaring high into the “Yankee Blue Sky”, leaving behind a trail of empty candy cane wrappers.
Merry Christmas !!! … And, to all, a “good night” !!!
— Jimmy Curran, “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
First, CC … Now, A.J. … And, More On The Way
With the signings of CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett, the New York Yankees are chipping away at the $88 Million, of expired contracts, that were removed from their payroll at the end of the 2008 season.
Sabathia signed a contract worth $161 Million over 7 years ($23 Million per year); and, Burnett’s deal of: 5 years for $82.5 Million ($16.5 Million per year), adds up to $39.5 Million. So, the Yankees still have about $48.5 Million of “Monopoly Money” to spend, that will keep the payroll the same as last year, to entice more free-agents to travel to the Bronx and become part of the great Yankees Tradition.
All Yankee fans should be very happy about these moves because we now have two of the best starting pitchers in baseball to complement our two “ace” starters, Joba Chamberlain and Chien-Ming Wang. At least, one more top starter will be added to this very formidable foursome from a list of secondary elite free-agent starting pitchers, that includes; Derek Lowe, Ben Sheets, and Andy Pettitte.
The Yankees have already made a final offer of $10 Million for “one” year to Pettitte. But, Andy is still hopeful of getting an offer that is closer to the $16 Million he made last year.
In my view, if the Yankees think Andy Pettitte is worth $10 Million, and are willing to bring him back for that amount; then, why not up that offer to somewhere in the range of $12M–$13 Million? Pettitte has stated he wants to pitch in the “new” Yankee Stadium. And, I would think, “four” World Series rings would be worth a little extra reward for all that Pettitte has given the Yankees Organization over the years.
One way the Yankees can “scrape-together” some extra cash, so that they can offer Pettitte a respectable deal, is by forgetting about the ridiculous trade they are considering with the Milwaukee Brewers, for Mike Cameron.
Cameron will be 36 years old in January, and a free-agent at the end of the 2009 season. His $10 Million contract is overpriced; he would not be an improvement in centerfield for the Yankees; and, really adds nothing to the team. Also, Cameron would be a far less productive hitter and player than Bobby Abreu, who “is” the player the Yankees should re-sign, and “is” the answer to our outfield situation.
Abreu in rightfield; Damon / Gardner / Swisher in center; Xavier Nady in left; and, Mark Teixeira at first base, is a much more powerful rotation of players in the Yankees lineup, than, a lineup that would include: Swisher at first; Damon in left; Cameron / Gardner in center; and, Nady in rightfield.
Another reason the possible Mike Cameron trade would be a mistake, is: I think, it is way too soon to give-up on Melky Cabrera. Melky is very young, and still has a lot of potential to be a very good player in the major leagues. To trade our 2008 “Opening Day” centerfielder away, for a 36 year old, low average, high strikeout, player, just does not make any sense.
I think, the wisest way the Yankees can spend the remaining $48.5 Million on their payroll, before all the teams will have to pass “Go” to start the 2009 baseball season, is to: offer Andy Pettitte a “one” year deal for $13 Million; offer, Bobby Abreu a “two” year deal for $27 Million ($13.5 Million per year); and, finally, offer, Mark Teixeira a “nine” year deal for $198 Million ($22 Million per year).
Just compare the lineups. The Yankees are a much more solid team with Mark Teixeira at first base; Bobby Abreu in rightfield; and, for one year, at least, Andy Pettitte as our 5th or 6th starter.
And, of course, adding, either, Derek Lowe or Ben Sheets, would also be a wise move, upping the payroll only slightly higher.
Hank, Hal, and Brian. The ball is now in your court.
Abreu And Pettitte Almost Totally “Out The Door”
“… we chose to go a different direction; not offer arbitration …” — Brian Cashman
Well, “arbitration day” final arrived, and the above quote says it all. The Yankees had eight players eligible for arbitration and decided not to offer any of these players that option. As Cashman said, “we [the Yankees] chose to go a different direction”.
Bobby Abreu … Andy Pettitte … Jason Giambi … Chad Moeller … Ivan Rodriguez … Sidney Ponson … Carl Pavano … and, Mike Mussina [retired], are the “eight players” that may not get a chance to play in the “new” Yankee Stadium, unless they return with some other team. Of course, really seven players, since Mussina has retired.
The Yankees will miss Bobby Abreu and Andy Pettitte the most if Brian Cashman, and Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, let them “just walk away from the Yanks”. It is very disturbing to even imagine the Yankees letting “money”, of all things, get in the way of bringing back two players who have contributed so much to the team in their time in the Bronx; and, have so much more to offer — Pettitte for at least one year; Abreu for two or three years.
Cashman also said in his statement …
“… Bobby was a Type ‘A’, and Andy was a Type ‘A’, so the determination that we made today was to make sure that we control what amount we’d be spending, at least in the event that we’re fortunate enough to bring those players back” … “We did not want to put ourselves in the position of having that determined by a third party without knowing what the figure would be” … “We just wanted to control the cost that we would allocate for every position on the club” … “By offering arbitration, we would lose our ability to at least determine a final cost” … “We chose to go a different direction; not offer arbitration, and we’ll still stay engaged with the entire free agent market including those two players.”
The Yankees decision to not offer arbitration to the above eight players is very clearly “all about money”. And, in my view, “money” should not be an issue in regards to bringing back Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte; and, also, Chad Moeller, who did a fine job in his role as the third catcher, backing-up, and even starting, when injuries shut-down Jorge Posada and Jose Molina at various times last year.
With the $80 Million that the Yankees will save with the departure of: Giambi; Ivan Rodriguez; Ponson; Pavano; and, Mussina; as well as, the expired contracts of: Abreu, Pettitte, and Moeller, the Yanks can now condense that total into the signing of: Bobby Abreu, Andy Pettitte, and Chad Moeller.
The Yankees will be a much stronger team if they start their free-agent signing spree by offering Abreu a “three” year / $45 Million deal; Pettitte a “two” year / $25 Million deal; and, Moller at least a “one” year deal. At least start the process, and make these players an offer.
Then, top all other teams in the pursuit of Mark Teixeira and CC Sabathia.
It has been estimated, that the New York Yankees are worth about $1.5 Billion; the Yes Network about $3.5 Billion; and, the new Yankee Stadium will “virtually” have a license to “print” money starting in 2009. So, for the Yankees braintrust to “nickel and dime” all those Millions of Dollars is really ridiculous. The Yankees “have” plenty of money; so, a payroll in the range of $225 Million should be very comfortably manageable by the New York Yankees Organization.
It’s time for Hank and Hal Steinbrenner to step up to the plate, and “court” all these free-agents, just as their father, George M. Steinbrenner, III, did, with free-agent players such as Catfish Hunter and Reggie Jackson in the 1970’s.
Mr. Steinbrenner always knew, “it takes money to sign the top free-agent players on the market”.
Hopefully, this successful, winning philosophy will be continued by Hank and Hal, starting with the signings of: Mark Teixeira; CC Sabathia; Bobby Abreu; and Andy Pettitte — this winter.
Should Yankees Trade Bobby Abreu For “Nothing” ?
Yes, I know, Bobby Abreu is now a free-agent. But, if all reports [so far] are accurate, then it looks like the New York Yankees are planning on “NOT” re-signing Abreu, thus, allowing Bobby to walk away from New York, leaving a major hole in the number “three” spot in the Yankees lineup.
In my view, if this great error of misjudgement by the Yankees braintrust takes place, the result would be the same as if the New York Yankees traded Bobby Abreu for, “nothing in return”.
“Follow the money” on this one, because that will be the only reason a foolish move such as letting Bobby Abreu walk away from the Yankees will be made. I can see the headlines now, “Money Talks, as an All-Star Walks” !!!
Over the last four years, Bobby Abreu has played in an average of 157 games each year, delivering averages of: 170 hits, in 587 at-bats, for a .290 batting average. Those numbers also produced an average of: 106 runs scored; 19 homeruns; 102 RBI’s; 99 base-on-balls; 272 Total Bases; and, 27 stolen bases, each season.
In addition to Abreu’s .290 BA, Bobby has a .460 Slugging %; and, a .390 On-Base%, over the last four years.
Check out Bobby Abreu’s career stats from “Baseball-Reference.com” by clicking on:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/a/abreubo01.shtml
Check out Bobby Abreu’s “Player File” on http://yankees.com or click on:
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=110029
Hank and Hal Steinbrenner have stated recently that the New York Yankees will be heavily involved in the free-agent market, and will spend whatever money is required to bring the best players to New York to improve the team, with the ultimate goal being to win our 27th World Championship in 2009; and, also, future World Series victories.
Since money does not seem to be an issue in the minds of the Steinbrenner family, [and, money shouldn’t be an issue in any deal the Yankees consider]; then, money should not be an issue in regards to keeping Bobby Abreu in “pinstripes”.
Abreu has earned a new “three-year” deal because he is an all-star, and one of the best players in the “game” today. Bobby always hustles, is well liked by his teammates, and is a great team player, who is a fan favorite — intangibles that are priceless !!!
Also, Bobby Abreu wants to stay in New York as a part of the Yankees Organization.
So, to me, it is very clear …
George, Hank, Hal Steinbrenner, and Brian Cashman, “RE-SIGN Bobby Abreu” !!!
Hot Stove League … Yankee Decisions: Yes or No?
Decisions; Decisions; Decisions !!! … That’s what the Hot Stove League is all about — how to best improve your team in Baseball’s “so-called” off-season. Of course, there really is not an “off-season” in Baseball anymore. As we all know, baseball is a year-round sport; and, the winter months are just the “post”, post season; and, “pre”- spring training time for the upcoming baseball season.
Well, at the General Manager meetings this past week, at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, in Dana Point, CA, the planning and decision-making by all baseball teams is in full force. But, the main action will start to take place at the end of this week, after these GM meetings have been completed.
After November 14th, teams will be able to start contacting and signing free-agents. So, that’s when the New York Yankees will open their bank vaults to start rebuilding the team by shelling out huge sums of money for the best free-agents on the market. So be it !!!
Spend Baby Spend … Spend Baby Spend … Spend Baby Spend !!!
Yes, George, Hank, and Hal Steinbrenner … Spend Baby Spend !!!
Hopefully, Brian Cashman hears this plea … Brian, the wallet is open !!!
Spend Baby Spend !!!
In my view, I offer the following moves the New York Yankees should make on some of the names mentioned recently during “Hot Stove” discussions. I will enter a simple “Yes” or “No” following my opinion regarding each player; and, the direction I believe the Yankees should take on these moves …
FREE AGENTS:
* Mark Teixeira – YES, YES, YES !!!
* CC Sabathia – YES, YES, YES !!!
* A.J. Burnett – NO
* Derek Lowe – NO
* Oliver Perez – NO
* Orlando Hudson – NO
* Manny Ramirez – NO !!! NO !!! NO !!! NO !!! NO !!!
CURRENT YANKEE PLAYERS:
* Bobby Abreu – Re-Sign – YES, YES, YES !!!
* Andy Petitte – Re-Sign – YES
* Mike Mussina – Re-Sign – YES – [if Mussina does not retire]
* Jason Giambi – NO
* Ivan Rodriguez – NO
* Carl Pavano – NO, NO, NO, NO, NO !!!!!
TRADES:
* Robinson Cano – NO, NO, NO !!!
* Ian Kennedy – YES
* Wilson Betemit – YES
* Jake Peavy – YES
* Mike Cameron – NO, NO, NO !!!
At This Point In The “Hot Stove League”, I would like to see the following everyday position players and starting pitching rotation, in the upcoming 2009 New York Yankees season …
(C) Jorge Posada
(1B) Mark Teixeira
(2B) Robinson Cano
(3B) Alex Rodriguez
(SS) Derek Jeter
(LF) Xavier Nady
(CF) Johnny Damon ? Melky Cabrera ?? Brett Gardner ???
(RF) Bobby Abreu
(DH) Hedeki Matsui
STARTING ROTATION …
* Joba Chamberlain
* Chein-Ming Wang
* CC Sabathia
* Jack Peavy
* Andy Pettitte
* Mike Mussina [if he does not retire]
* Phil Hughes
It’s interesting, the odds-makers must also believe the New York Yankees will spend heavily in this year’s Free-Agent Market.
In the “America’s Line” section in the New York Daily News … Benjamin Lee Eckstein has listed the following odds on who will win the 2009 World Series …
6-1 New York Yankees
7-1 Boston Red Sox
8-1 Chicago Cubs
8-1 Los Angeles Angels
12-1 New York Mets
15-1 Arizona Diamond Backs
15-1 Cleveland Indians
15-1 Detroit Tigers
15-1 Los Angeles Dodgers
15-1 Philadelphia Phillies
15-1 Tampa Bay Rays
20-1 Chicago White Sox
20-1 St. Louis Cardinals
25-1 Toronto Blue Jays
100-1 Baltimore Orioles
Note: Remaining MLB Teams not listed above were given odds of at least 25-1, or greater, by “America’s Line”, to win the 2009 World Series.
Enjoy the “Hot Stove League” !!!
— Jimmy [27NYY] “Baseball, The Yankees, and Life”
Yankee Bats Finally Explode In 18-7 Win
The Yankees put on an early 4th of July fireworks display at the Stadium last night, as they avoided embarrassment of a possible sweep, by smashing the Rangers, 18-7. This “must-win” salvaged the final game of a three-game series against the Texas Rangers, and gave the Bronx Bombers much needed momentum as the Boston Red Sox are their next opponent, starting tonight [Thursday July 3th], in a big four-game Holiday weekend series at Yankee Stadium.
Maybe hearing Hank Steinbrenner’s words that the Yankee bats need to start producing some more runs was just the motivation the Yankees needed to break out of their hitting malaise. At any rate, this type of a win, right before an always important Red Sox series, was huge. Especially, even more so, since the Sox were just swept by the AL EAST leading, Tampa Bay Rays.
Jason Giambi was the hitting star for the Yankees, as he belted a grand slam [his 18th homer of the year] in the third inning; and, also, a two-RBI double in the 7th, driving home one-third of the Yankees 18 runs.
Alex Rodriguez also had a big night, going (2 for 3), including his 17th homerun, with two walks, while scoring 4 times, and driving home three runs.
Johnny Damon was (3 for 6), with three runs scored , and two RBI’s.
Bobby Abreu went (2 for 5), driving home two, and scoring three.
Robinson Cano, continued his hot hitting, going, (2 for 5), with a run scored, and a RBI, raising his batting average to .248.
Brett Gardner, playing centerfield, got his first major league hit in this game, and also, walked, drove home a run, scored two, and had a stolen base.
Sidney Ponson, released by the Rangers a few weeks ago, was the starting pitcher for the Yanks, and pitched okay for the first five innings. He looked like he was finished after he got the final out of the 5th, and I thought Joe Girardi would go to the bullpen in the next inning. But, with a 6-3 lead, Ponson took the mound to continue his start in the top of the 6th.
It was in this inning that the Rangers would put on a fireworks display of their own, as Ponson allowed two homeruns, both two-run blasts, by Milton Bradley, and Chris Davis, to give the Rangers a 7-6 lead.
The 6th inning disaster finally did end Ponson’s night, lighting up his numbers to the tune of 5 innings pitched, 9 hits, 7 earned runs, 3 walks, and only one strikeout.
But, the Yankees “light show” was just about to begin, as the 7th inning rolled around.
The Yanks sent up 12 batters in the 7th, that produced 9 runs, and a 15-7 lead.
Bobby Abreu led off the inning with a double. Then, A-Rod walked. Both were driven home by an RBI double by Giambi, to move the Yankees back into the lead, 8-7.
Posada doubled home Giambi, plating the Yanks 9th run, and advanced to third on a single by Robinson Cano. Wilson Betemit hit a ground ball for the first out of the inning, which scored Posada to increase the Yankees lead to, 10-7.
Then, Brett Gardner got his first major league hit, driving home Cano; and, Johnny Damon, also, followed, with a RBI single, to bring the Yankees lead to: 12-7.
After Derek Jeter grounded out for the second out of the inning, Bobby Abreu, hitting for the second time in the 7th, walked, which set-up a three-run homer by Alex Rodriguez. Jason Giambi grounded out for the final out of the inning, but the damage was done. The Bronx Bombers unloaded their full arsenal, as they lit up the centerfield scoreboard for 9 runs in the bottom of the 7th, to take a 15-7 lead.
The Yankees put the final icing on this victory with three runs in the bottom of the 8th, highlighted by a two-RBI hit by Bobby Abeu [his team leading 54th and 55th RBI’s], and the 18-7 lead.
The bullpen was solid, pitching four scoreless innings. Ramirez, (2-0), the winner, pitched the 6th and the 7th; Farnsworth, the 8th; and, Hawkins closed out the game in the 9th.
So, the Yankees go into the Red Sox series with a record of: 45-40, four games behind the Sox, who, after losing five straight games, are: 50-37.
Tampa Bay is in first place in the AL EAST with a record of: 52-32 [that’s 20 games above .500]. Boston is 3.5 games out of first; and, the Yankees, are 7.5 games behind.
July 4th is George Steinbrenner’s birthday. A four-game sweep of the Red Sox is the perfect gift for our “Hall of Fame” owner. I think Hank and Hal [and all Yankee fans] would agree !!!
Baseball, The Yankees, and Life... 