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Andy Pettitte declines his $16 million option
From ESPN:
ORLANDO, Fla. — Andy Pettitte declined his $16 million option with the New York Yankees, still uncertain whether he wants to pitch next season.
“I have spoken with Brian Cashman, who has reiterated what Hank Steinbrenner said about the Yankees wanting to give Andy all the time he needs to decide about next season,” Pettitte’s agent, Randy Hendricks, said Monday in an e-mail to The Associated Press. “Accordingly, we are declining to exercise the option for 2008 and Andy will declare free agency in order to free up a roster spot for the Yankees.
“If Andy decides to play, I am confident we can reach an agreement with the Yankees within 24 hours. The only options, as Andy has stated, are the Yankees or retirement. He appreciates the Yankees’ willingness to give him the time he feels he needs. I do not expect him to make a decision for quite some time.”
Either Pettitte needed more time to make a decision or he will make the decision to retire. Anyone think the Yankees should be greatly worried?
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61 Responses to “Andy Pettitte declines his $16 million option”
November 5th, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Great, just great. Maybe this will prevent them from trading Ian Kennedy, but Andy does need to come back. I’m worried that maybe Clemens being the closest to retirement (in reality atleast) he’s ever been, that Andy might be leaning that way too. Damn, this has been a tough offseason, everyone is leaving, I feel like an A’s fan *cries*
Ok, really, Andy does need to come back. I believe him when he says its Yankees or retirement, but we do really need him, especially since I don’t trust Mussina any more.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
If Pettitte is really gone than the Yanks won’t make the playoffs next year and it will be a true rebuilding year. Wang, Hughes, Kennedy, Moose, Joba can be very good or not nearly good enough.
That is Clemens, Pettitte, A-rod off the books. I hope they don’t do anything stupid.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Not worried one bit. He said his elbow felt good, better than it has in years. So now its just a matter of deciding whether he wants to pitch or not. This was expected, Hank alluded to it the other day, and he is still committed to returning to the Yanks if he plays next year.
If anything, Posada and Mo are in far more precarious spots, they have made no such commitments to return, yet no one seems worried about them. I’ll worry about Andy after we resign Mo and Posada.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
The only thing that really worries me about this is that the Yankees can’t afford to wait “quite some time”, necessarily to solidify the rotation. Do they sit comfortably and pass on other options with Wang, Hughes, Joba, Kennedy and Mussina? (and then the other 5th starter types (Karstens, Rasner, etc)
I think now that if Scott Kazmir becomes available, he perhaps becomes a Yankee - as long as it doesn’t cost them Hughes or Joba… Especially with Kazmir’s numbers against Boston.
It’s Mussina who I like the least. But maybe somebody from the crop of 5th starter types has a better season next year (I think it was over at Pending Pinstrips where I read karstens was doing better, pitching for Team USA).
Frankly, a front of the Rotation of Wang, Hughes, Joba and Kennedy could turn out to be quite epic! I just worry that towards the end of the season, the kids could start to tire. But that’s where you throw in some of the 5th starter types to extend the rotation a bit and keep inning counts manageable.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
I’m not terribly worried, because I think he still wants to pitch, and he’s said that he will only play for the Yankees. I think he’ll be backe.
That said, if he does decide to retire, I will be worried. I am comfortable with “The Big Three” as starters 3,4 and 5, but as 2,3,4? Not so much. That would leave us with only one (Wang) starter that we can rely on to give us a solid game each time, which does not spell playoffs.
November 5th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
BTW, the news about karstens pitching for Team USA was over at LOHUD: http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2007/11/03/karstens-gets-some-much-needed-work-in/
I sure hope Pettite doesn’t retire, but for now, I think we have to consider him gone, and be pleasantly surprised if he returns.
Very weird - what’s with the thought of retiring while still at the top of his game? How heady is Andy Pettite?
November 5th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
I’m not worried 1 bit. This isn’t a surprise since it’s been discussed already. He talked to Hank Steinbrenner. Guess what? Hank told him it’s ok and to take his time and Andy likes being able to control his own destiny. This was done in good faith so there’s no need to worry. Andy will be back.
November 5th, 2007 at 10:41 pm
90% chance he’ll come back. the elbow feels good and 16m is still alot of money- even for a family guy
November 5th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Well, I hope we does come back because as stated here. They do need him.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Trade Wang and a couple of prospects (Kartsens, Sardinha) for Johan Santana…gotta try.
I believe Pettite will come back…but the club has so many other needs…third base, bullpen…on and on.
November 5th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
dont trade prospects for santana. just hope he goes to fa or we can get him in a better trade next summer [ which i doubt would be possible]. i agree an ace is the main component the yanks are missing but i dont want to give up a future ace [ joba or hughes.- wang is no ace i agree, but the twinkies wouldnt go for that trade unless they took a dumb pill or three
November 6th, 2007 at 1:07 am
Rays’ Kazmir May Be Available
The week in hot stove kicks off with a bang: Joel Sherman of the New York Post has a source saying the Devil Rays might listen to offers for ace lefty Scott Kazmir. Kazmir turns 24 in January and carries a 3.64 career ERA despite pitching in the AL East. He’s been particularly tough on the Red Sox (2.66 ERA in 101 innings). You have to think that if the Yankees are entertaining making an offer for Johan Santana, they’d consider Kazmir as well if the Rays would deal within the division.
Sherman notes that Kazmir is under contract for three years as opposed to just one for Santana, which could equate the two pitchers in the marketplace. Erik Bedard, under control for two years, has to be in that group of elite, possibly available southpaws as well. Sherman believes the Rays would seek “multiple high-end pitchers” for Kazmir, who is entering arbitration for the first time this winter. The Yankees could offer a package starting with Phil Hughes, but the Mets don’t seem to have the goods. It would take a pitcher of that nature - Hughes, Yovani Gallardo, Clay Buchholz. Otherwise, why would the Rays consider it?
Sherman also echoes the surprising notion that Tim Lincecum could be had for the right bat. He speculates that the Giants could pursue Carl Crawford or Delmon Young as the return. Hey, our Delmon speculation is catching on!
Sherman indicates that the Twins may be compelled to hold onto Santana, afraid of fan backlash if they also lose Torii Hunter. Meanwhile, another Santana, Ervin, might be had for a bat if the Angels can’t sign Alex Rodriguez. Sherman’s sources say any club in the A-Rod sweepstakes will move slowly in the market because his contract would dictate the team’s available budget.
Also notable from Sherman’s rumor-packed column: teams may wait for the Mitchell Report to come out before engaging in serious talks for Miguel Tejada. I’ve read speculation that MLB could release this report soon as a way of limiting free agent spending. Also, isn’t it about time for Jose Canseco’s next book, which supposedly has “other stuff” on Alex Rodriguez?
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I would go back on my thought process of trading Hughes if we could get Kazmir. I love Kazmir and although his arm has bothered him on occasion I’d love to have a lefty ace like him. I’d actually rather have him than Santana because he wont cost as much. Having Kazmir, Wang and Joba in our rotation would be riddiculous!!!!
November 6th, 2007 at 1:43 am
Over at LoHud they had a great idea of sending letters to Andy to tell him how we feel about his contributions as NY Yankee fans.
GO here
http://www.fuckyouarod.com/2007/11/06/write-a-letter-and-tell-andy-how-you-feel/
to get the full contact information on how to contact Pettitte through his agent.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:19 am
giant thinker….Hughes and Joba are off limits. I’d listen to anything and everything else. Kazmir in pinstripes would send Met fans on a lynching expedition to track down Phillips.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:27 am
Karstens and Sardinha are not “prospects”. They’re spare parts.
Kazmir will cost Hughes. Santana would cost Hughes, Kennedy, Melky and Horne. Still interested?
November 6th, 2007 at 7:43 am
kazmir is a great pitcher but his arm problems that he has had every year scare me…the only reason i would not go after him. He is a great pitcher otherwise…he may be the next mark prior
November 6th, 2007 at 8:51 am
Keep the kids and find a free agent pitcher to fill the void if we can, unless Santana can be gotten for a handful of prospects minus Joba and Phil. Hopefully a lefty. Or Yanks can pull off a trade for a competent veteran pitcher. Prefering lefties due to the short right field porch. Crazy Odalis Perez is available. He’s no Andy Pettitte, but he’s no Donovan Osborne either.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:20 am
Tim- Phillips didn’t trade Kazmir for Zambrano.
November 6th, 2007 at 9:45 am
Posada wants 4 yrs? I guess Yanks would have to give in as he has them by the balls being so important to the team and pitching staff. When do these players every say ” I love it here, I wanna stay, lets work something out”. ? No, everybody has got to “see what their worth on the open market” as if they haven’t made enough money to retire years ago.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Since Miguel Cabrera probably will cost too much, I think Scott Rolen will do nicely.
November 6th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
To be honest, I like Scott Rolen but his injuries scare the hell out of me. People talk about Crede being injured, Rolen is on and off injured…the only difference is that he puts up good numbers when not healthy. He also clashed with Tony LaRussa though…then again, who wouldn’t?
Rolen has 3 years left on his contract…if he’s completely healthy he could be worth it (since the $$ isn’t all that bad). Who would we have to give up though? I’m guessing some mid-level guys & all of his contract..
November 6th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
I think that would turn out to be a good deal though.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Over his career he’s been hurt a ton.
1999 - 112 games
2000 - 128 games
2004 - 142 games
2005 - 56 games
2006 - 142 games
2007 - 112 games **and coming back from a shoulder injury**
Don’t get me wrong, when healthy he produces…
2004 - 34 HR, 124 RBI, .314 avg, .409 OBP
I just get nervous about how fast he recovers and how he’d do here, and whether he can stay healthy here as well..
His defense is also about the same as A-Rod’s, error wise. (figure he’ll have around 10-15 errors in a season)
Another negative is that he’ll be 33 when the season starts & be under contract for a few more years. But who knows, maybe he could be our Mike Lowell.
November 6th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
The Yankees don’t have enough to trade for Kazmir or Santana. If these guys really are on the block, other teams have a lot more to offer. I would be very surprised if they got either pitcher.
Rolen seems like the best possible 3B trade candidate even though the injuries scare the heck out of you. With so much money left on his contract it wouldn’t take much and he has a multi year track record, unlike Crede.
November 6th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
Yanks farm system was rated very highly. Their AA team won the League championship. There is a lot of young talent to trade for those guys, if Cashman wanted to. So their minor league system is not as bad off as people think. Probably top 5
November 6th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Over at Pending Pinstripes I aked EJ a question I want to post here too, to read your comments. It´s about a trade for Miguel Cabrera. The more I think about it, the more I´m convinced that the Yankees should get him and include IPK and Tabata on the deal to make it. What do you think?
This is what I see: the Yankees have 2 roads to take this offseason, one is to contend in 2008 and the other is to rebiuld. By taking Areu back, and talking contracts to Mo, Posada and Pettite, looks like they want to contend. If that´s the choice, then they need a 3b AND right handed cleanup hitter to do it. Crede wont´do it, Lowell is a 6th spot hitter in Yankee Stadium at best, and Beltre or Rollen would need to replicate their career years do be that, wich is not happening.
The team clearly don´t want the many first round picks they would get from the free agents, and they need someone to sell tickets. I would offer first Horne, Marquez and Ajax, but be ready for more. Huge and Joba should be untouchable.
As much as I love both IPK and Tabata, there´s a good chance IPK ends up having the same career as Horne and Tabata´s wrists scares me going foward. He´s more Bernie than Manny, anyway. Do you know who´s the closest to matching Manny´s career? Miguel Cabrera. He´s young, entering his prime, and could play 3b this year and move to the OF later, along with Melky and Ajax, with no place for Tabata, whom would be thrilled to have Cabrera´s numbers one day. And he could be sign with the same $150M offered to A-Rod, but for 8 years instead of 5, all of them prime years.
I know is a radical move that tights the flexibility, but it´s the only move that justifies taking Abreu, Mo, Pettite and Posada back. It will make us better now and on the long run. The future could be intact, but the team would be ready to close the old Stadium with another Octuber run.
What do you guys think?
November 6th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
M. Cabeara would be the best replacement for A-Rod, but no way Florida trades him without getting Hughes in return. The scary part is that the Red Sox will no doubt go hard after Cabreara and Santana. Dangling Bucholz and Crisp, neither of whom they really need.
November 6th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
He is officially on the trading block.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/11/06/marlins.cabrera/index.html
November 6th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
I think Santana could be had without including Hughes or Joba. And just because were all down on wang because of the Indians series, doesnt mean everyone else is, while he isnt enough to get anybody on his own, he has won 19 games in back to back year and could get some quality in return. Santana has a finite trade value because only a few teams can afford him beyond this year and even fewer have the right set of prospects.
November 6th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I’d much rather see us go after Kazmir than Cabrera. Hank Blalock’s in the final year of his contract with Texas. I think he would benfit from a change of scenery.
November 6th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
Dontrelle Willis is also on the block…I’d be willing to get him if he could be cheap(er) .. aka - wouldn’t cost Hughes or Joba…
November 6th, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Uh… Blalock doesn’t play for Texas. He’s in Atlanta, where he and his fiance live.
November 6th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
uh, what are you talking about jim…hank blalock the 3rd baseman plays for texas…idk who you are talking about
November 6th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
Jim … have you hit the bottle early tonight? ;)
November 6th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
And Adrian Beltre won a gold glove at 3rd … 26 HR & 99 RBI isn’t that bad, though his avg (around .276 and OBP were a tad low)….if he could be had for cheap (prospect wise) then I’d be willing to pick up his contract at this point because I think he could thrive in our lineup.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:11 pm
I normally wouldnt sacrifice Hughes but I DO think it would be worth it for Kazmir. Kaz is a dominant lefty and a major blunder of a traded talent by the Mets. I would definately at least look into it.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:13 pm
Blalock is definately the Texas 3B.
November 6th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Texeira is playing in Atlanta, traded by the Rangers last summer. Blalock in Texas
November 6th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Jim, you so crazy :P
November 6th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
3B trade idea—->
Scott Rolen 3b
8 years/$90M (2003-10)
signed extension 9/02
$5M signing bonus
03:$7M, 04:$8M, 05:$11M, 06:$11M, 07:$12M, 08:$12M, 09:$12M, 10:$12M
$10M deferred ($2M/year from 2003 to 2007)
full no-trade clause
performance bonuses: $50,000 each for Gold Glove & All Star selection
rejected Philadelphia’s 10 year/$140M offer 2/02, traded 7/02
1 year/$8.6M (2002), avoided arbitration 1/02
4 years/$10M (1998-2001) (Philadelphia) signed 3/98
1 year/$0.175M (1997)
drafted 1993 (2-46)
agents: Levinson brothers, ACES
ML service: 10.060
—————————————————
Best part about him is he’s already hated by the Mets and he’s NOT A BORAS CLIENT!!!
November 6th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Well now that I see the contract, it’s not that bad. I thought it was heavily backloaded & $12mil a season isn’t all that bad (if he can stay healthy)…
November 6th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Gotta go for Santana! A deal made up of Wang, and prospects like Tabata and Jackson may work. The Twins won’t get a deal like that next July from anybody.
If Pettitte returns (he probably will for another year) and Santana is acquired for Wang plus prospects, you could potentially have an outrageously good group of starters:
1) Santana (L)
2) Pettitte (L)
3) Chamberlain (R)
4) Hughes (R)
5) Kennedy (R)
Of course, there is a bullpen full of question marks…Yuch!
November 6th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
It won’t work. They need a MLB ready bats…meaning JUST to start it’d take Melky & Cano….and most likely Hughes or a bunch of other prospects (aka - Kennedy, along with Tabata and/or Jackson).
Basically we’d have to give up a ransom for him. People have to get it out of their minds that we’ll get Johan for cheap. Even though the Twins’ leverage isn’t as strong as it could be, the ball is in their court because they could keep him til the trade deadline and trade him if/when they’re out of the race.
You have to give to get and face it, chances are we won’t be able to make a big splash like that unless we give up young talent in the form of Hughes, Joba, Melky, Cano .. etc…
Look back to the Red Sox getting Josh Beckett. They gave up Sanchez (who had a no hitter) and Hanley Ramirez (who, when you take away the defense, is 1 of the best shortstops in the league…outrageous offensive stats)… It’ll take a lot..
November 6th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/11/ranking-more-ja.html
Kazuo Fukumori - Might have emerged as a top-flight closer on a better team, but best years may have been wasted playing for expansion Rakuten Golden Eagles. Still, saved 21 games and was an All-Star in ‘06. ERA jumped nearly two runs in 2007, but still saved 17 and maintained a strikeout per inning ratio. Has a formidable slider that tails toward right handed batters. Could emerge as a nice sleeper considering the number of solid closers possibly headed to the U.S. Tampa Bay has been mentioned as being in hot pursuit. [Note: the Red Sox may be in on him as well.]
Tsuyoshi Shimoyanagi - Lefty signed with agent Scott Boras in 2003, but nothing came of it. Had an off year in ‘04, but in ‘05, his 14th as a pro, had a career year going 15-3 with a 2.99 ERA. Has seen a decline in past two years in ERA, Ks, and wins, while BB/9 has jumped. But despite age has only averaged 95.5 innings per season and could be serviceable as a long reliever/spot starter in a new league. Throws a javelin in the offseason to maintain body/arm balance.
Yasuhiko Yabuta - Yabuta, the right-handed set up man for the Chiba Lotte Marines, is probably best known for striking out A-Rod, Derrek Lee, and Johnny Damon in the 2006 World Baseball Classic. The Chicago White Sox need a set-up man and are rumored to have a strong interest in Yabuta, who has racked up 86 holds and a sub 3.00 ERA over the last 3 years for the Marines despite not panning out as a starter. [Note: the Red Sox are said to have a working agreement with the Marines, also.]
Yukinaga Maeda - The 37 year old left-hander Maeda was given his release by the Yomiuri Giants recently and is planning on making his trip over to the majors. Despite posting dreadful stats over the last several years (ERA’s of 4.65, 7.23, and 5.06 in 2005-2007) and a career W-L record of 78-110, His ‘07 season was marked by a series of call-ups and send-downs, and going on 38 years old, it’s hard to see this guy making a huge contribution.
Given the dearth of quality left-handed pitching, a team in need of a left-handed relief specialist might take a gamble on Maeda based on his performance from 1998-2004, split between the Giants and Chunichi Dragons. Then again lefties hit .318 against him in NPB, so I shudder to think what Ryan Howard will do to him given the chance. On that note, Hideki Okajima may soon become the hero for all mediocre Japanese pitchers who get signed to contracts based on the possibility of being the next Hideki Okajima.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
Yeah, whoever trades for Santana probably wont get the best of the deal. But they are getting the best pitcher alive. Its a trade off I guess.
November 6th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
The thing is, I’d rather take my chances with young talent. People all of a sudden are so quick to trade Hughes away. Just a year ago he was going to be the next Roger Clemens, yet now people want him gone. Hell, he nearly threw a no-hitter in 1 of his first starts…he is young and it usually takes some time to break out. Just look what he did in the playoffs…he came in as a reliever, following 1 of the greatest pitchers of all time, and was excellent.
I also think Joba has ace like stuff (I didn’t say he’s an ace, I said he has the stuff to be 1 if he can remain healthy, etc.)
I just don’t think it’s worth giving up talent so quickly. Santana is great, I’m not denying that…I just worry about what we would be giving up…If Joba and Hughes were to only become #2 pitchers, wouldn’t that be worth it? Sure an ace would be good, but talk about solidifying a pitching staff…
As for the Japanese guys listed above, I don’t think any are worth it except maybe Yabuta, and even then it’s just a maybe. I’d much rather take a risk with Iwase…
November 6th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
screw the 08 season. Lets compete with tampa for who gets last in the division!
November 7th, 2007 at 11:31 am
Billy-I agree. It does seem like people have given up on Hughes. Which is silly. The only way I’d trade him is for Kazmir or Santana. Santana will take a major package so its not worth it. Kazmir’s arm does worry me a bit but even with the time he misses he still leads in strike outs. I’ve seen him live several times and he’s dominant. I dont know what the hell the Mets were smoking…Anyway for people to think he might be the next Mark Prior is stupid because he’s already much better than Prior ever was. Regaurdless his arm is a concern. At least in Hughes we know what we have. Between Hughes, Joba and Wang we will have a very nice top of the rotation. We do have to find a lefty eventually though. And I know Pettitte will most likely come back. Thats not what I mean. We have to find a young lefty to stick around with our other young arms for a while in rotation. To me Hughes, Joba, Wang, Pettitte, Kennedy is pretty nasty. We need to trade Mussina though.
November 7th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Speaking of Mussina, my number one and two picks for our 3B solution is Rolen and Tejada. On Tejada, dont you think that the O’s would take Mussina included in a package for Tejada? He was a huge pitcher for them for a long time I’d think it would be like bringing their legend back.
November 7th, 2007 at 11:52 am
The thing I have about Kazmir is he doesn’t go long into games whatsoever…last year it took him forever to get past the 6th inning, we need guys who can go longer if need be (to reduce stress on our pen).
Mussina is a 10/5 player though, so he can decide where he wants to go…and I think he wants to stay here for 1 more year. I wouldn’t mind Rolen, but the injuries do scare the hell out of me, and as for Tejada I just HATE his attitude so much. I’m tired of these bad attitdude players…
I’m still curious about Beltre, hell, he just won a gold glove (even though I’m not sure he deserved it), and his #’s weren’t *that* bad…at least he’s still got some power.
I just want us to get someone who’ll fit in on the field and in the clubhouse.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Teixeira… Blalock…. same thing.
Everybody shut up.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Girardi likes Miguel Cabrera—->
http://www.nyjournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071107/SPORTS01/711070402/1034/SPORTS
November 7th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Gotta remember one thing.
Miguel Cabrera is a big fatso. He’s not going to move around the bases all that well. More importantly, he’s not going to be injury-free as he gets older. Those numbers are going to go down as he misses time and plays with nagging injuries.
He might compare to Alex Rodriguez now, but as time goes on, Alex is going to leave him in the dust.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Jim - He’s ugly too so it doesn’t matter.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:41 pm
Cabrera is a really big fatso. He’s the 2nd coming of Cecil Fielder. His defense is horrible. IMO, he’s the worst 3rd baseman (defensively) in the league…his offense is great, but that’s it. Pretty soon he’ll wind up as a 1st baseman or a DH.
And Cashman already inquired about Cabrera and it involved 1 or more (most likely the latter) of Hughes, Joba, and Kennedy. It isn’t worth it.
I’m sorry but we already have a 1st baseman who’s slow and lazy, we don’t need another. We need a 3rd baseman and I’d rather have Adrian Beltre than Cabrera, yes, you heard me. I’ll take solid defense & a solid bat over a amazingly bad defense & a great bat.
November 7th, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Billy - I agree with you on Beltre, but sadly the Mariners announced that they are not shopping him and would have to be “Bowled over” with an offer to trade him.
November 7th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Yeah, but the Mariners’ GM is…how do I say this nicely…not that good of a GM. I think a bunch of midlevel prospects could really get him interested, especially when it come to pitching (ie. Clippard, Rasner, maybe even Horne)…
November 7th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Johnny Damon joins the party
Johnny Damon, the pride of Orlando, stopped by today at the behest of Joe Girardi. The two had a chance to talk and according to Damon, it was all positive. The Yankees want Damon as their LF and DH and to hit leadoff.
(Meaning that if Joe Crede is coming to New York, it’s not for Johnny Damon)
Damon also expressed hope that Alex Rodriguez will come to some sort of deal with the Yankees. Johnny has tried calling Alex and hasn’t received a call back. The “Can’t Get A Call Back from A-Rod” list is a long one: Hank, Hal, Cash, Cano and now Damon.
Miami must have poor cell service.
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2007/11/07/johnny-damon-joins-the-party/#comment-191401
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I guess this is good news but then I have to think Matsui could be in jeopardy. There’s simply a log-jam at OF/1B/DH that cant be denied.
November 7th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Cabrera definately needs to lear to keep himself in shape because he’s getting more round by the year. I dont like Beltre anyway but it doesnt sound like he’s going anywhere. However, all of these bold statements lately by GMs dont meen anything. They always talk tough at first and then when it gets down to business someone makes a dumb move. Someone will mess up. Players will be moved.
November 7th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Though the Braves declined his $5.5MM option, Octavio Dotel could still be in the picture. Most likely, he’ll seek more money and the opportunity to close elsewhere. It was a mutual option so Dotel would’ve declined it on his end anyway.
MLBrumors.com
November 7th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
He needs fat guy incentives like David Wells and Curt Schilling….
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