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A-Rod all but finalized deal with Yankees
WILL $275 MILLION DELIVER A CHAMPIONSHIP?
From Peter Abraham’s blog:
In what was a bad day for the Scott Boras Corporation, Alex Rodriguez went to the Yankees directly and apparently has all but finalized a 10-year, $275 million deal.
It took 32 years and nationwide scorn but it seems A-Rod is finally his own man. Good for him and good for the Yankees. His playoff performances aside, keeping A-Rod at third beats Mike Lowell or shipping out young prospects for Miguel Cabrera.
So, according to Pete’s report, Alex Rodriguez took less money (about 75 million less than what Boras wanted) to go back to the team that he wanted. Sure, this helps recover some of A-Rod’s repetition, but how will the Yankees and their fans receive their Prodigal Son?
Though I feel like the good son who didn’t leave his father, I am greatly anticipating the announcement and A-Rod’s comments with the signing. More importantly though, I’m wondering how both Brian Cashman and Scott Boras will respond to the deal. Cashman’s word seems to be compromised with the deal, but if A-Rod wanted to come back on his terms and asking for a lesser deal than expected, Cashman would have been hard-pressed to say no. And Boras… yea, Boras. A-Rod manned up and took a step, an individualistic step, in the right direction. Though Boras promised money and more money, A-Rod saw the light and went back to the one team he could establish an eternal Yankee legacy with.
Yes, being a teamless Hall of Famer may still seem great. I mean, heck, you’re still a Hall of Famer. But being attached to a team and its legacy for your time playing there can last for lifetimes on end. Yes, in the last few weeks, A-Rod has shown that he can be an insecure, confused, and selfish prick, but with this move, he stepped out and said to the Yankees that he wants to stay here, not hiding from the back of Scott Boras. That still doesn’t explain the phone calls he didn’t return from teammates Robinson Cano and Johnny Damon, but hey, it’s a good first step.
As Jim told me in the tail-end of an IM a few minutes ago: “… and then you both try to pretend that it never happened and the rest of your relationship is strained and awkward.”
Let’s just put this aside and move forward, though the media won’t for quite some time. Come on and sign Mo… but not at $50 million.
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50 Responses to “A-Rod all but finalized deal with Yankees”
November 14th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
a-rod and boras got schooled by cashman
as an exec cashmoney must hav known this was coming…now a-rod had to take it like a man and come back, although im not sure if its b/c he wants to stay a yankee per se
and i dont want mo back. 50 mil? no. leave. and leave me those 2 draft picks, will ya?
November 14th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
I like how A-Rod finally pulled his leash away from Boras’ grasp … it was getting a little sickening seeing him turn so greedy. With that aside, 10 years, $275mil, that is still a lot of money … but it’s a lot less than 10 years, $350mil JUST to start the bidding…
To be fair, that’s basically an increase of like $1-1.5mil a year over his previous contract. I just hope he’s got some clauses in there that benefit the Yanks & that he stays productive for the rest of his career.
As for Mo, $50 mil is WAY WAY WAY too much for him. Hell, the 3 years $45 mil was WAY too much for him. He’s great, but he’s not $5mil higher than the next guy, great.
I think 3 years, $42 is more than fair…3 years, $45 mil is a gift for him.
November 14th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Let’s not act as if the Yankees are walking away massive victors. We’re still paying a man 28 million north of his 40th birthday.
November 14th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
i hope the yankees have an opt out option after the 7th year of this contract.
November 14th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
WOOT AROD!!! Now lets get rivera back and then get that bullpen in shape. I don’t see how we can’t win the WS next season.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:00 pm
EJ, I would say the Yanks are walking away as victors because we’d get him for the length we were trying for AND it would be cheaper than original.
Instead of $30mil a year it’d be $27.5mil a year (granted we aren’t having Texas’ $21 mil)…I’m hoping they add in something like A-Rod has to pay $21mil..
November 14th, 2007 at 9:18 pm
EJ, given infation and the fact that rocketing salaries, let’s see what $28mm gets in 7 yrs before we worry about that. The 10/275 deal is what the Yanks were offering but this deal would be with out the $21mm over the first 3yrs from Texas.
Resigning him is worth it, I think but A-rod/Boras cost the Yanks big dough here and someone has to be the villain.
November 14th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
This is hilarious. Yankee fanboys 2 weeks ago: “Let ARod go he sucks! All he cares about is money”
Today: “Woot Arod, I don’t see how we can lose the
World Series next season.”
Errr…don’t know how you cold lose? See last season. LOL
November 14th, 2007 at 9:45 pm
A new rumor is out, from Rotoworld:
The Yankees have been in contact with Mike Lowell’s representatives about the idea of him signing to be their first baseman.
If they’re hoping to drive up the price for the Red Sox, there’s been no sign so far that the team is interested in budging of its current three-year offer. Lowell is a poor fit for Yankee Stadium (plus the new ballpark in 2009 will have similar dimensions) and much of his value comes from the belief that he’s an above average defender at third. If the Yankees really want to pay $50 million-$60 million for a 34-year-old unlikely to be much more than an average regular at his new position, the Red Sox should gladly let them and take their first-round pick in return.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:19 pm
I agree with EJ, this 275 million thing is WAY too much. Either make it for less per year or shorten the contract some because he won’t be worth 25+ by the time he’s 39.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
IF THIS COMES TO BE THIS IS A GREAT DAY FOR YANKEE FANS GETTING A ROD BACK IS GREAT HE IS THE BEST PLAYER IN BASEBALL AND YOU DONT LET HIM GET AWAY.AS FOR MO IWANT HIM BACK AS WELL BUT 35MILL FOR 2 YEARS WITH A CLUB OPTION FOR A THIRD WOULD BE FAIR.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
In year 7 through 10 of ARod’s contract, he’s going to be chasing record after record. You don’t think that’s worth something to the Yankees? Record sellouts at home and away. Record $$$ coming into the Yankees because of the chase(s) for the record book(s). Yeah, this is a good deal for the Yankees. PLUS, they don’t have to give up prospects/players to try and obtain a 3B.
November 14th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
This is some crazy ish….
November 14th, 2007 at 10:57 pm
This was all planned from the beginning. Boras knew that A-Rod would never get $350 million, but he had to try. The plan the entire time was for him to return to New York; that is why they announced his opt-out on Sunday during the World Series - they KNEW Giradi would be announced as a new manager on Monday and didn’t want any speculation that A-Rod was opting out because of the manager
November 14th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I dont know that I’d go 4 years for him but I’d certainly love to have Lowell in NY to play 1B. Our infield would be ridiculous.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
mlbtraderumors says Borus IS, thats right, IS involved.—>
A-Rod Close To $280MM Deal With Yanks
Jon Heyman, Dan Graziano, and Ed Price are reporting it: Alex Rodriguez is nearing a ten-year, $280MM contract with the Yankees. Heyman says the deal would have tons of incentives, allowing it to go “well over $300 million.”
And of course, Scott Boras is deeply involved in the negotiations. Covert talks have been going on for days, apparently. Perhaps A-Rod won’t be seen as such a villain now. $28MM would be a pretty fair deal for him, maybe even a bargain.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:18 pm
Wherever Lowell goes he will be signed for 4-5 years. 3 years won’t cut it.
To be honest, I’m not really against this move, but we’d have to trade someone (Damon, Matsui, or Abreu).. I think Damon is the most tradeable of the bunch because he doesn’t have a NTC. However, would he really interest many teams? We’d have to add in a lot of $$.
You have to realize that this would be SMART because next year Giambi is gone, meaning we’d have a hole at first, and there aren’t too many productive guys out there for that $$…guys like Teixiera could be available soon, but he’d get a ton of $$…same goes for Adam Dunn, and his defense leaves a lot to be desired.
Lowell is good defensively, and wouldn’t really need to cover as much ground at first as he would at 3rd (not as many bunts that way to field)…
So next year we’d be looking for a first baseman. Here’s a list of some:
- Mark Teixiera
- Richie Sexson
- Carlos Delgado
- Nomar Garciaparra
- Ben Broussard
Teixiera would probably get a 150-200mil deal, Sexson is a waste, Giambi is done in NY after this year (maybe even sooner), Delgado can’t play in the field anymore, Nomar is always hurt and seems to fit LA better, Broussard isn’t a good fit.
So if you look at what will be available, maybe Lowell to first really wouldn’t be that bad? It’d be cheaper than Teixiera, it’d be solid defense, and it’d be good enough offense to get by.
I think 4 years, $56 mil is the most I’d do though…but in the end, it’s still cheaper than Teixiera.
I know some people will say Shelley Duncan should play, but I’m not sure if I like the thought of him being an everyday player.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:19 pm
gianthinker - Boras has to be involved because it’s a rule. If he wasn’t and the Yankees MADE him stay away, then it could lead to the Yanks getting penalized for tampering or something similar, which I’m guessing could mean a loss of a pick(s)…
I think Boras is there but A-Rod is finally telling Boras to be more reasonable..
November 14th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Buster Olney is saying its a 10 year, 220Mil deal. Not bad
November 14th, 2007 at 11:42 pm
I posted here weeks ago that I thought A-Rod would be back, although I must admit that I was beginning to give up hope.
November 14th, 2007 at 11:48 pm
10 years, $220 mil? Holy crap that is a steal considering the $$ he could have gotten… *prays* please be true!!
November 14th, 2007 at 11:52 pm
i wouldnt be surprised if 220 is accurate, but it would be loaded with incentives. hope it includes postseason RBI’s. now dont get me wrong, a postseason loss is not one players fault by any stretch of imagination. i have never blamed AROD for our recent postseason funks. but his record in the postseason cant be ignored.
November 15th, 2007 at 12:19 am
I first want to say that bringing back the bes tplayer in baseball, maybe ever, is a great choice. That fills a hole at 3rd base without trading away our big prospects.
I would love to see Lowell at first base. Lowell will not only provide excellent defense and a right handed bat, but leadership and expereience. Also, it would keep him away from the sox.If you reall think about it, 14m a yr for lowell isnt terrible considering what players are getting now. Tex will be way to costly next yr.
This now frees up a chance for trade. Sending matsui, kennedy and another big prospect, maybe tabata, to MIN for Santana. MIN wants players that will help them now and matsui and kennedy are already mlb proven. IF pettitte resigns, which I think its a must…Imagine this roation…Santana, Wang, Pettitte, Hughes and chamberlain…2 great leftys and 80% of our rotation would be under 30 yrs old
November 15th, 2007 at 1:06 am
I would be glad to see the Yankees sign Lowell to the reported 4 year, $50-$55 million deal.
First off, this deal reminds me a lot of the Johnny Damon deal - remember giving 4 years, $52 million to another veteran player fresh off a world series championship? How did that work out? Damon is currently a very expensive fourth outfielder.
Sure it sounds great for Lowell to play first base, but remember, they want Posada to start DH’ing soon, and Jason Giambi cost $42 million over the next 2 years to hit .236 pinch hitting off the bench.
November 15th, 2007 at 1:23 am
1 dont sign lowell- giambi and his magic glove will be scary for a year, but they should keep his bat in the lineup. not to mention all that $ he will be getting 2 dont trade for santana now- see how the young guys do and try to trade for him next year if need be [preferably wait to the years over and sign him as fa]. i dont remember any memorable pitching performances from him in the playoffs either. 3 mo is crazy not to take the cash- if he asks for more ill give him directions to wherever hed like to go. 4 hopefully andy will come back and use a 6 man rotation 5 who cares why pay-rod is back. just be thankful we didnt have to give up prospects. 6 dont overpay for anymore crappy relievers- use the minors. there has to be better arms down there than wasting money on garbage like farnsworth. by the way i am an expert on all of this- being the 1st base coach on my hs bb team allows that title to be bestowed upon myself
November 15th, 2007 at 1:23 am
Uh, Giambi has ONE year left, for $21mil (with a $4mil buyout)…so after this season we’ll have a hole at 1st base.
Plus Abreu’s contract runs out after this year. That gives us Damon, Melky, Matsui in the OF, with Lowell at 1st…meaning we could maybe put Austin Jackson in the lineup and move Damon or Matsui to DH.
C - Posada
1B - Lowell
2B - Cano
3B - A-Rod
SS - Jeter
LF - Damon
CF - Melky
RF - Jackson
DH - Matsui
Plus that also makes it better for the DH spot to open to Posada in a few years…figure he has 2-3 years left catching..then his lastyear he could DH (and Matsui and Damon’s contracts will be near end by that point).
November 15th, 2007 at 1:52 am
Billy you make a good case for signing Lowell but I don’t like the home/road numbers so I just don’t like the move. How much more would Texeira be? Would he be 7yr for 140mm? 20mm a year vs. 15mm a year? I’d pay the extra 5mm with all the cash coming off our books. Texiera is still very young. I just don’t want another mid 35yr old tied up for 4yrs.
November 15th, 2007 at 1:53 am
I’m very happy with Duncan/Betemit platooning at 1B and batting 9th.
November 15th, 2007 at 2:05 am
i want duncan/betemit/matsui/giambi at first
November 15th, 2007 at 2:09 am
Hey -
In that poll on what Arod has to do to make amends with me, how about “Lead Yanks to World Series Victory” or “Be the MVP of at least ONE, just ONE playoff series in 2008″.
Because that’s what it will take.
I just don’t think this primadona is good for team chemistry.
November 15th, 2007 at 2:37 am
tim - I don’t want to get into the Teixiera bidding war because he’ll get a lot AND because I like to have 1st base open for the future incase something happens.
This reminds me of Giambi all over again. We get stuck in a big contract and can’t get out…it just seems that Lowell for 4 years isn’t that bad because he can play 3rd as well, so he’d have good trade value no matter what … whereas a guy like Giambi or Teixiera is basically just a 1st baseman or DH, there’s no middle grounds.
November 15th, 2007 at 5:38 am
“them now and matsui and kennedy are already mlb proven”
Some times Yankee fans make me embarrassed, cause we all know Kennedy’s 3 starts make him “proven”!
As far as Arod, I don’t like the guy, I hate his agent, but I’ll take his production if he can’t just shut up and produce.
November 15th, 2007 at 7:57 am
Adam: Matsui at 1B? What makes you think he can play there?
Didn’t the Sheff experiment teach you anything?
November 15th, 2007 at 8:28 am
Talk about a historic offseason, Mo Rivera is demanding and may get $50, Mike Lowell may get $50 million, Jorge Posada got $56, ARod will get $220-$280 depending on what report you read …
almost $400 million to 4 players from the SAME TEAM
November 15th, 2007 at 8:40 am
there is no way mastui could play first…0%
sheffield could have done a decent job it he actually had time to really work at the position, he was thrown there cause they had no where to put him. Lowell is not the right move at first…duncan, betemit, giambi and dont forget about phillips, will be fine for this year. Texeria is not only a very good hitter but a gold glove 1st baseman, so to even compare him to what giambi is and what he has become is ridiculous. Tejada at first? Miggy? I doubt anything will happen this year at first, but if this year has taught us anything, is that anything can happen
November 15th, 2007 at 9:12 am
A-Rod got wise, because he realized the only other teams that were remotely willing and able to pay that kind of money were the Dodgers and Angels–both pitcher’s parks and a switch in leagues in the Dodgers’ case. ARod realizes that his numbers could (and probably would) drop outside of Yankee Stadium…and other owners may have realized that too.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:12 am
A-Rod got wise, because he realized the only other teams that were remotely willing and able to pay that kind of money were the Dodgers and Angels–both pitchers’ parks and a switch in leagues in the Dodgers’ case. ARod realizes that his numbers could (and probably would) drop outside of Yankee Stadium…and other owners may have realized that too.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:26 am
“This now frees up a chance for trade. Sending matsui, kennedy and another big prospect, maybe tabata, to MIN for Santana. MIN wants players that will help them now and matsui and kennedy are already mlb proven. IF pettitte resigns, which I think its a must…Imagine this roation…Santana, Wang, Pettitte, Hughes and chamberlain…2 great leftys and 80% of our rotation would be under 30 yrs old”
Well said. That would be crazy. If we could get Santana for Kennedy, Matsui or Damon, and a prospect I’d jump on it like a grenade.
November 15th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Billy-I know the rule about having to talk to the agent but I’m just hoping Arod will/has fired Borus and in that case we could talk to Arod and JUST Arod. Thats all…
November 15th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
The only free agent ’superstar’ that ever resulted in a World Series win for the Yanks was Reggie. Since then, they have all resulted in disappointment, including A-Rod. I don’t have a lot of hope for the next ten years now. Maybe if the team around him doesn’t get eclipsed by his stardom and wins the Series in spite of his headcase postseason play.
Everyone who wants the 59+ plus homers during the regular season, I hope you’re happy. You’ll get your power numbers now, along with consistent postseason failure. The only good part of this is that he won’t be breaking down from steroid use like some other superstar that has brought the Yanks zip in the postseason.
Blame the pitching if you want. It’s karma. And offensive choking. Led by the 275 million dollar man.
November 15th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
Sorry, meant to say ‘50+’ homers, not 59.
November 15th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
Rumors coming out of Minneapolis sports writer circles suggest that Santana may be traded before year-end. The Twins have been told that it will take 20 to 25 million per year for seven years to sign the best lefty starter in baseball. No way the Twins will be able come up with that kind of money! Minnesota management is afraid that if they wait until July of 2008 to trade Santana the offers will be substantially less attractive than what they may get today.
The clubs projected to have the greatest interest are: Yankees, Mets, Cubs and Red Sox.
November 15th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
How do we know this isn’t what Boras wanted all along? He still got arod the biggest contract ever. It’s like the used car saleman jacking up the initial price so he ends up with the price he really wants.
November 15th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
Read the following article from the NYTimes. Apparently, this isn’t the 1st time that Arod has used a 3rd party to get back in good graces with ownership/management.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/sports/baseball/16rodriguez.html
November 15th, 2007 at 5:57 pm
I wrote in another thread that I thought getting Lowell would be a good move. He’s better defensively than anyone else we’ve got at 1B. For 2008, we could have Lowell playing 1B, with Giambi/Duncan being the primary options at DH. Damon could be moved to LF. Betemit could serve as the super sub for all the IF positions. I think we should trade Matsui for a RP since he probably as the most trade value and he’s defense is adequate at best.
Giambi and Abreu are off books after the 2008 season which would open up DH (assuming Duncan doesn’t cut it) and RF. Posada could easily split time between catching and the DH spot if needed as can Lowell.
Texiera is going to be an expensive option….plus Boras is his agent. So he’ll be asking for at least 17mil a year for 6-8 yrs.
November 15th, 2007 at 9:12 pm
bbosun….again Lowell is 4yrs $15mm and those 4yrs are 34-38yrs old! Are you saying that over 3yr of those years an extra $2mm for Texiera isn’t worth it lets say its $18mm, its still not close. Lowell is a 6 hitter, at best. Tex is a 3 hitter and one that we need as Matsui, Damon, Abreu slow or leave.
If the length of the deal is the problem, look at it this way. If Tex gets 8yrs $18mm next year at the end of Lowells contract he would have 5yrs at $18mm left! He would be 32 yrs old. You think 4yrs 15mm for Lowell is more risky than 5yrs $18mm for a 32yr old Tex?
I really don’t even see a debate here. It’s like being offered a Toyota for $20K and a Ferrari for $24K and only seeing the sticker price! The only you don’t spring for the Ferrari is if you simply can’t afford it and that is not the case here.
Now maybe Texiera goes for $20-$22mm but you aren’t even saying that. If A-rod can’t get $25mm per, I don’t think he’ll get anywhere near it. Based on this years class, he’d get $18-20mm for 7-8yrs and relative to Lowell, that is an absolute BARGAIN!
Personally, I think the Lowell talks are two-fold. One, drive the price up on Boston and two- Insurance for A-rod. I think the Yanks may have come to the conclusion that if they lose A-rod, he’s the best option out there but they don’t want to tip their hand too much at this point. Which is a good smart move. If the Yanks lose A-rod and the Yanks think Lowell for 4yr $15mm is better than all the other options out there, that’s there view. I don’t think it will suit in 2010 but its probably the best option for right now and if the Yanks feel it gives them the best shot to win until 2010 and they’ll deal with the last 2yrs if/when they come, I can live with that reasoning.
But Giambi=Texiera is ridiculous on its face. Age, body type, steriods, defensive ability. It’s a terrible analogy except for they are both 1B and excellent hitters who will get big contracts.
2nd: People who say you can’t win signing freee agents. Boston signed Manny Ramirez: 2 World Series, Signed Johnny Damon 1 WS, Ortiz was a FA, albeit a small one. JD Drew, Lugo. They won after being FA aquisitions. LAA, Vladamir, anyone? Colon? D-backs: R Johnson, Curt Shilling, Matt Williams, Luis Gonzalez ring any bells? The whole, you need to build from within is crap. You need to develop something from within but that the Yanks haven’t won while pursuing FA doesn’t prove that you CAN’T.
November 16th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
tim - you brought up all good points but I just don’t agree. The way the team is being built right now, Posada would eventually move to 1b/DH within 2yrs. Assuming that Lowell signs, 1b/DH would be manned for the next 4yrs. At $13-15mill per season for 4yrs it makes sense with how the roster is currently structured. …plus with the expected growth of Cabrera/Cano/Betemit/Duncan, the lineup spots will be harder to come by. In addition to expected arrivals of Jackson and Tabata in 2008/2009.
I don’t dispute Texieria hitting prowess but I don’t agree that just because he’s a #3 hitter and Lowell is a #6 hitter that he’s a better option or a better fit. Cano is projected to be a top of the order hitter….depending on who you believe, he’s might eventually end up being the #3 hitter. Will he grow enough by 2009 to be that guy? No idea….
There’s a certain amount of risk in the assumption that Texeira would even want to come to NY. He’s never played in a city or environment that even closely resembles NY. Does he have the makeup to handle the scrutiny? Who knows? We’ll have to assume that the answers to these questions are “yes” for the sake of this discussion.
Assuming Texieria wants to come to NY, he’d no doubt ask for $18mil per season for 7-8yrs. In terms of overall $$$, we’re talking a difference of $71 million between Lowell and Texieria contract. That’s a good chunk of money.
Assuming that we stand pat with our lineup as it is today and Lowell is signed. 2008 would look like:
LF Damon
SS Jeter
RF Abreu
3b Arod
DH Giambi/Matsui
C Posada
1b Lowell
2b Cano
CF Cabrera
I don’t want to speculate what 2009 would look like but the corner OFs and DH would be available. Posada/Lowell could potentially split DH and 1b. If Duncan proves he can play, he’s an option here too.
LF/RF could be manned by Jackson/Tabata but who knows? In terms of development of home grown players…signing Lowell is the better option…especially with the expected move of Posada to 1B/DH in 2yrs and the expected growth of other players. Plus Tex is represented by Boras….and we all know how much the Steinbrothers love Boras.
November 16th, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Teixeira grew up in Baltimore and has family in the New York metropolitan area (in the N.J. Portuguese community; Teixeira is of Portuguese background). He has been exposed to city life in one way or another for many years although, of course, Baltimore is not at all similar to New York.
I think chances are good that he would be receptive to playing for the Yanks.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
bbosun….I don’t think the Yanks re-signed Posada & Molina to deals to switch Posada to 1B/DH before 2010. Eventually, Posada may be forced to play 1B/DH if he simply can’t handle catching anymore but if you think Posada is going to be moved to 1B/DH that soon, why would you sign another guy who basically is going to play the same position? Signing Lowell blocks Posada at 1B and means Posada becomes DH and limits roster flexability with two players who will almost certainly be declining in production,year over year.
In 2009, Matsui and Damon [at this point] will still be with the team. Matsui will definitely need to move to DH. He probably needs to move there in 2008 but Giambi is blocking him. There will be plenty of candidates for DH [Matsui, Damon, Posada] in 2009. It is the easiest hole to fill. You don’t need to sign a 34yr old with fairly pedestrian career numbers to get ABs there. If you sign Lowell, you are signing our 1B for the next 4yrs, if you think he’s eventually moving to DH than its INSANE to sign him. We’ll have Posada/Matsui/Lowell all fighting over DH ABs for the next 2yrs.
You bring up Cano/Cabrera/Betemit/Duncan as emerging players. Cano is a future star, I agree. I think he very well could become a 3 hitter but he may only have the plate discipline to a 5 hitter. In fact, Texeira/A-rod/Cano 3,4,5 looks very good. Cabrera is a favorite of mine. I think he’ll be a very good everyday CF. He’s no sure All-star. You are tremendously over-estimating the potential of Betemit and Duncan. They are platoon players at best. Tabata & Jackson are miles away from the Bronx. 2010 is the QUICKEST you reasonably could hope to see them arrive as everyday players.
As far as total value of the contract, yes $71mm is alot of money even stretched over 4years but its not like when the Lowell contract is done the Yanks wouldn’t need to replace his bat in the line-up as well? Maybe do it cheaper but its absolutely impossible to predict that. The question isn’t total compensation, its Lowell vs. Texeira and its quite a bit closer money-wise than it is production-wise.
I agree that your 2008 line-up is awesome. It would be awesome without Lowell as well. If you really think that Melky and Cano will be stepping up and if you really want to see if Betemit/Duncan are for real, why not give them a chance in the 9 spot? Especially as it leaves so many options for the team in 2009? Basically, I think to go from Betemit/Duncan to Lowell costs the Yankees $11mm a year and 4yrs commitment with a marginal upgrade at the plate. Whereas Lowell to Texeira is $3mm a year and a massive upgrade? Also, if Duncan/Betemit don’t get it done at the 9 spot but the pitching comes good and looks good enough to win a World Series there will DEFINITELY be 1B available at the trade deadline cheap. Why rush into Lowell? You may be able to rent Texeira for cheap for a few months as a “see if he works out at 1B in NY tester. Imagine this line-up for the 2008 playoffs:
1-Jeter
2-Abreu
3-Texeira
4-A-rod
5-Cano
6-Posada
7-Matsui/Giambi
8-Melky
9-Damon
For 2009, I’d much rather see us have something like the below than forcing Cano [maybe not suited for it] into the 3-spot and having 6 players 33+yrs old in the line-up.
LF-Damon [last year]
SS- Jeter
1B-Texeira?
3B- A-rod
2B- Cano
C-Posada
DH-Matsui [last year]
CF-Melky
RF- Possibly Jackson or maybe a combination of Duncan and cheap veteran lefty platoon to hold the place for Tabata or Jackson.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:56 pm
bbo…..i do appreciate the chat….interesting stuff to think about.
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