Comments on: Johan Santana’s great 2007

By: Larry

Larry — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 02:25:11 +0000

There is also the impact of the LT relief from the new stadium

By: Travis G.

Travis G. — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 18:28:06 +0000

you’re right that $7 mil over 15 teams wont mean much, but it could be a big difference in the draft/IFA market: maybe it’s the difference between signing a Miguel Cabrera or not.

anyway, it also makes any additional high-profile FA signings (which are inevitable) add that much more over the threshold.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:52:39 +0000

Travis
Do you actuallu think that the Yankee luxury tax money - an extra 7 million accross 15 teams will make them better?

Look at these teams payroll - the Marlins and Rays fo Example have not significantly increaseed their payroll at all since getting 30 million in luxury tax - that monty goes in their pocket, Getting Santana and paying that extra luxury tax will have no effect on competition other than causing the Sox to make a move to one up them next season.

In the end this will come down to whether Cashman really thinks Hughes is an Ace. If so, the Yanks will take their chance this year and possibly try to sign Sabathia next offseason; although I have this fear that part of this youth movement has to do with the Yanks wanting to cut costs (not just on Johan, but you will see it next year with TExieira and Sabathia - just watch) We are already missing George’s insaciable desire to win at any cost - dont think the Brothers Steinbrenner feel the same.

We are going to miss George - while we will still have the top payroll - there wont be any more situations where George decides to forgoe alot of pofits for a better team — I miss him already

By: MS

MS — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 11:00:29 +0000

I’m with you Steve S. Trade Cano and 2 lower level prospects and keep all the pitching.

By: Chip

Chip — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 07:18:26 +0000

Hahaha sorry Bo, I was just trying to point out that trading a young pitcher for a guy even coming off a cy young season isn’t always a good idea

By: Steve S

Steve S — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:27:37 +0000

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3170304

Stark seems to reporting that the Yankees included Marquez and fought over the fourth prospect (as opposed to George King and Murray Chass). I thought the Yankees should do this but the more I think about it I think its not meant to be. I think Bill Smith is a problem in this whole thing. He is trying to make the perfect deal and he isnt going to get it.

And I still think Cano would get this done and all of the big three would be protected. And the team could make up the difference.

By: Bo

Bo — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:46:19 +0000

Chip,

Please never compare Johan Santana to Pat Hentgen ever again.

I just threw up in my mouth.

You’re talking one of the best left handed starters of the past 50 years. In his prime. Don’t disrespect him like that.

By: Bo

Bo — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:44:40 +0000

The thing is why should the Yankees have to pay full price for a guy in his last yr who will command the richest contract ever for a pitcher?

I think Cashman is playing this one perfectly. He thinks he can probably get Santana for a lesser package if they show patience and wait out the Twins who cannot possibly go into next yr with him as a distraction.

And they can still keep Hughes.

Then it comes down to who do you fancy. Hughes or Kennedy.

By: Travis G.

Travis G. — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 20:06:10 +0000

the luxury tax IS an issue, not just in terms of Hank spending more of his money, but in terms of making the Yanks better on the field. it’s a zero-sum game: the less money the Yanks give out to their competitors, the worse they are -> the Yanks play weaker opponents, hence they win more games.

By: bkight

bkight — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:04:18 +0000

I think everyone knows the pros and cons by now. It comes down to Hughes’ ceiling. He may never be Santana, but if he gets close it’s not worth doing the deal when you add Melky, the other prospects and the money.