Offseason Plans
We're going to start a new feature here. We'll break down every team's offseason plans. It won't be an easy task, but I think we can do it. We'll start with the Yanks today.
YANKEES OFFSEASON PLAN:
Who do they bring back: You got to think Giambi's gone. Even though he's been pretty good this year, he's faded in the second half. Besides, he'll be 38 next year. Pavano's gone, obviously. Pettite's probably gone, maybe to retirement. Abreu is tricky. He's a good player, but he might want to get a huge contract, something the Yanks will not give him. Maybe they'll bring him back at a reduced rate. I don't happen to like him, and you've got Nady, a natural right fielder. Pudge Rodriguez shouldn't be back, especially with Posada coming back. With Marte's terrible showing, I don't think he will be back. They only slam dunk to come back is, for me, Mike Mussina. What a year he's having. A one year deal sounds good.
Who do they get?: Everyone thinks they'll bring in CC Sabathia. I'm not so sure. He's said to want to go to the West Coast, where he's from. But money always talks... Mark Texieria will get a big offer. He could come to the Bronx. I could see Ben Sheets coming here. He's a good pitcher when healthy, and won't cost nearly as much as Sabathia. He won't be mentioned a lot, but Rocco Baldelli could be a nice fit. He won't cost much, and you could plug him in left field, and move Nady to Right.. Derek Lowe could be an option. Yankee fans would love to have Milton Bradley. But Juan Rivera makes more sense, financially. Bullpen help will be a priority.
Predictions: This will be a new look Yankee team. But here's a juicy rumor: Trading Robinson Cano. A ton of teams will pony up for his services, and they could get a ton in return.
Projected '09 Rotation:
Chein-Ming Wang
Joba Chamberlain
Ben Sheets
Phil Hughes
Mike Mussina
Projected '09 Lineup
Jorge Posada, C
Mark Texieria, 1B
Orlando Hudson, 2B ( This would only happen if Cano is traded)
Derek Jeter, SS
AROD, 3B
Rocco Baldelli, LF
Johnny Damon/Melky Cabrera/ Austin Jackson, CF
Xavier Nady, RF
Juan Rivera, DH
Relievers/ Other Acquisitions:
Brian Fuentes, RP
Jeremy Affeldt, RP
Wes Helms, INF
It'll be an exciting time for Yankee fans, as it always is in the Bronx. Next up in the series: Boston Red Sox.
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August 21st, 2008 - 15:31
I have three problems with your projections for the Yankees next season.
One, Cano being traded. First, he’s going nowhere. The Yanks have no need/want to deal him. Besides, what would be the return? The Yanks certainly won’t be trading him for minor leaguers at this point in time. Thus, Orlando Hudson won’t be wearing pinstripes.
Two, Posada likely won’t be behind the plate. It’s been well documented that he needs to be moved and the likely destination will be first base.
Three, Rocco Baldelli. You’re kidding right? First and foremost he has to prove he is healthy. Secondly, the Yanks have a multitude of OFers at the moment (barring a trade, of course). Baldelli doesn’t stand out as being a better option than any of them in my opinion.
Listen, I don’t mean to rain all over your parade here. I like the idea of projecting how you think each team will look next season but I think you need more an of an explanation to go with your choices.
You’ve got a nice blog here that I’m now discovering and I will be curious to see your other offseason projections.
August 21st, 2008 - 15:32
Oh, one last thing. I doubt Texeiria goes to New York as well. Let’s face it, he’ll command a ton of cash and while the Yanks would be interested, they’ll spend their cash elsewhere (i.e. Sabathia or Sheets, and others).
August 21st, 2008 - 15:40
Aaron, the reason I picked Rocco Balldelli is because he still has talent if he is injury-free, which as you know, is a big if. As for Cano, it seems ever since Larry Bowa left for LA, he’s struggled. Again, these are predictions, not reality. But thanks for the comments
August 21st, 2008 - 17:13
I seriously LOL’d at the predictions.
First, Cano ain’t going anywhere especially getting traded for Orlando Hudson. If Cano is to be traded it should include a big baseball name something like Vladimir Guerrero or someone in his class [especially if the Yanks once traded a progressing Alfonso Soriano for a Future Hall of Famer in a young 28-year old Alex Rodriguez.]
Second, Texeiria is a must. Giambi must go at all cost, the Front Office must not get a soft because he’s been with the team for so long. 38-year old bat such as Giambi ain’t gonna help the team in the long run.
Yankees should start looking for a better middle relief and long relief, Setup looks almost like Jose Veras has that position locked up.
As much as I hate to say that it’s 94.44444% realistically that the Yankees will re-sign Mussina. Mussina has been good for us, a younger Maddux. But it’s my guessing that he’s playing for the money and his arm will fall off at some point next season.
speaking of falling arms, Carl Pavano. Goner.
Next seasons goal: Starting pitching, better bullpen, a Starting/backup catcher for Jose Molina [now that Posada cannot play C], 1B, bench, speed, OF’ers.
the Yankees don’t have the top dollars for nothing, use it.
August 21st, 2008 - 17:37
Well, Hudson is a free agent, so it wouldn’t be a straight up trade. And I’m just floating Cano’s name out there. I don’t think he’ll be traded. Like you said, they would need a huge return, something that teams don’t really do anymore.
August 21st, 2008 - 20:27
Everyone seems to forget that Pettite mentioned he really wants to come back next year and play in the new stadium. I agree with you on CC. Alot of people think just because the Yankees can give him the biggest contract means he’ll be in pinstripes. When in reality he’s expressed how he loves hitting and we see how well he’s doing in the NL. Not to mention when trade rumors were going around it was said he didnt think he’d feel comfortable in NY. I think signing Texieria is a must. I also wouldnt mind getting Sheets so long as he can stay healthy. Its scary cause it could be another Pavano. Hopefully if they do go after Sheets its a performance/incentive based contract. Also I believe you need to get Abreu back at lesser cost. There’s not much better to put in the 3 hole thats available. Abreu, Arod, Texieria looks pretty good at 3-4-5. Mussina is probably 50/50. I can understand either way the Yankees decide to go on that given the way he is pitching this year. Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Arod, Texieria, Matsui, Nady, Posada, Cano looks like a pretty good lineup to me. With Molina sharing catching duties with Posada. That way we dont have to designate Posada to 1st base already. Wang, Sheets, Chamberlain, Pettite/Mussina, Hughes works for me as well. If we can get CC. All the better. Hell i’ll even take Burnett and use some extra cash on middle relief.
August 22nd, 2008 - 04:51
I don’t see Ben Sheets leaving the Brewers. My best bet of FA starters going to the Yankees would be Jon Garland I like the idea of trading Robinson Cano, possibly to the Diamondbacks, judging they traded the two 2b’s I’ve heard of away, to the Royals for Billy Buckner (no, not 1986), and to the Nationals for Jon Rauch. I could see them getting Justin Upton and Max Scherzer for Cano and maybe Cabrera, or to the Marlins straight up for Dan Uggla, or trade him to the Giants, for Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum. Don’t offer arbitration to Abreu and Pudge Rodriguez, because they’d take it. I wouldn’t mind having Giambi back at arbitration level salary. Sign Mark Ellis if the A’s don’t do so (opting to go with one of the many 2b’s in their stacked system). Move Jeter to Lf or 1B, depending on what happens to Damon, whether or not he’ll be traded. C-Posada
1B-Giambi/Jeter
2B-Cano/Uggla/Hudson/Ellis
3B-Arod/Betemit
SS-Jeter/Arod
LF-Damon/Jeter
CF-AJax/Melky
RF-Upton/Gardner
Rotation
Moose
Wang
Pettite
Garland
If they trade Cano to AZ or SF Scherzer/Lincecum Hughes/Kennedy will duke it out if no trade
I think that Joba will be better suited getting holds for Mariano, and taking over for him after he retires
August 22nd, 2008 - 04:55
They could also trade Cano for one of Gerald Laird, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Max Ramirez, or Taylor Teagarden and Ian Kinsler.
August 22nd, 2008 - 10:38
Wow, I see some pretty outrageous ideas here. First off, we do not need an outfielder at all. Matsui, Damon, Nady, Melky, Gardner, and possibly Austin Jackson, all of which (except for Matsui) are better defenders than Abreu, will be available. Damon in left, Nady in right, Melky/Gardner/Jackson in center and Matsui doing most of the DH’ing. With that being said, Giambi will not be back unless he takes a huge cut (which he will have to do with any team) AND agrees to be a back up/platoon/role player type of player. Certainly not an every day player. It has not been set it stone as of yet that Posada will not be able to catch…it may be a part time thing. In which he will DH/catch/play first base so we have different combinations to work with.
Free agent wise; C.C. isnt not afraid of the big stage, in fact I think he said he likes the big stage. He has also been spotted sporting a nice new Yankee cap. Does that mean anything? Probably not. But dont be surprised to see the Yanks throw some big money his way, which I think they will successfully. I dont see Tex coming only because EVERYONE will be looking for his services and we will already have a log jam. The only way I see it is if we trade Matsui or Damon as that would free up DH for the most part for Posada and Tex could play first.
I think the makeup will look like this.
C-Molina (doubt Pudge will be back)
1B-Tex (most likely Posada but for fun i’ll say Tex)
2B-Cano (will not be traded unless an overwhelming return)
3B-Arod
SS-Jeter (at least for another year or two)
LF-Damon/matsui (whoever isnt trade)
CF-Jackson/Gardner (I think melky will be traded)
RF-Nady
DH-Posada
Lineup:
Gardner/Jackson
Jeter
Tex
Arod
Posada
Matsui
Nady
Cano
Molina
I think that is pretty solid and all it took was trading in this case Damon, which of course could be Matsui, and signing Tex. It solifies our OF a little bit defensively as well as 1B and catcher.
As for our rotation:
Sabathia
Wang
Joba
Pettite
Hughes
I think Pettite will be back because he wants to pitch at the new stadium and hes a lefty. All righties after Sabathia in a stadium that will help left pitchers isnt the smartest, so you take a shot on one of them and in this case its going to be Andy.
I think that is a solid team right there, defensively, offensively, and pitching.
Bullpen, we have a nice foundation but little pieces here and there would be nice. Possibly get some in return for Damon/Matsui/Melky.
K-Rod will NOT be a Yankee. Neither will Ben Sheets. He is exactly what we are trying to avoid. An injury prone starter who has never pitched in a big situation. CC is lefty, has pitched in big games (although not GREAT) and is NEVER inujured. Only way sheets comes is with an incentive based contract which wont happen because plenty of other teams will throw money at him in guarantees.
Thats my guesses…we’ll see.
August 22nd, 2008 - 21:15
First off, you guys are all trying to rip everyone off. As much as I like Robinson Cano… Be serious. Vladimir Guerrero? Justin Upton and Max Scherzer? That’s rediculous.
August 22nd, 2008 - 21:22
If cano is traded, he will get a nice return. I could see straight up for uggla. but he won’t get traded for lincecum. bobby s is right. he isn’t rod carew
August 23rd, 2008 - 00:34
give abreu 2 yrs with option for 3rd at around 10-14 mil.but next yr please dont bat him 3rd, he’s no longer a good 3 hitter bating 5th behind arod is the best bet….drop giambi…trade ian kennedy he has no mental strenth to deal with NYC…nady is not as good as he looks…he’s just having a good yr…trade matsui..drop pudge he’s good but not for the yanks…dont pick up manny…pick up texiara..(he grew up a yankee fan.and has always dreamed of playing for them)… be very careful on picking up cc. he grew up a dodger fan and wants to play for them also…hes a Cali person..
09 line up
Damon LF/DH
Jeter SS
Texiara 1B
Arod 3B
Abreu RF
Nady DH/LF (Not Too sure about this one)
Cano 2B
Posada/Molina C (Age is a big issue)
Cabrera/Gardner CF (For Now)
Pitching Rotation
CC (Good Pitcher) he fits the captians personality
Wang (Good but not for Pressure situations)
Joba (So Far Best young talent since Jeter)
Petite (Smart and Expirience is the key)
Hughes (Good but Needs more Expirience)
Mussina (like petite) better for long relief
Re-Invent the entire bullpen..too many nobody’s.. get pitchers not throwers.. o and by the way put MO in ONLY on saving situations …he’s human not a hero…this is not a video game..he’s almost 40yrs old.
Oh by the way….Drop Cashman…he’s not as good as his name sounds….he’s ran out of tricks…the yankees have fans that can do just as good
August 23rd, 2008 - 00:35
Not trading Melky and Kennedy for Santana looks pretty bad right now.
August 24th, 2008 - 09:41
i’d like to see abraeu back for a one year contract for 10/12 million,damon in left,get a new center fielder,cf production killed the yankees this year,arod,jeter,cano,nady at first,dh posada and matsui,sign sabathia for 4 or 5 yrs/80-100 million anything more than that i am not so sure,the pitching needs an upgrade,sabathia,wang,joba,pettitte,mussina if the last two take pay cuts.pettitte is not worth 16 million,maybe 10,same with moose,both one year contracts.giambi,pavano gone,if abraeu,pettitte,mussina wan’t to much or to many years let them all go,put nady in right,sign a first baseman or try posada there.the yankees have to be carefull or they might have an entire team of 35 and olders.get leaner,meaner and get a solid pitching staff 1-5.pettitte and moose would be good as a 4th and 5th but not a 2 and 3,that was the 2008 problem with the yankees,their 1-3 were not the best and 4th and 5th were terrible all year and at times their 3rd,4th,5th were bad.the yankees need to stop spending 13-30 million at every position for the most part,it is not needed,just a few good power hitters,clutch guys,hard nosed guys with the right character.teams that win it all have solid pitching 1-4 and 1-5,boston,tampa,angels and so on,not the best but give you a chance to win every night being solid 1-3 at the very minimum with pitchers who have put up good numbers throughout their career and not just one good year or signing them 3 years after their prime.get pitchers with good career whip numbers,hits per inning,BAA.the red sox have pitchers 1-5 that give you a chance to win every single night and more often than not they win because they put up better numbers head to head,becket against wang is close but becket is better,dice-k against pettitte and moose and dice-k is better,same with lester all the way down 1-5 with the exception of joba and that isn’t a guarantee with pitch count limits and injury concerns.it is embarassing with a payroll over 210 million and the yankees are as bad as they are,they should have an ace 1-5 with that payroll.