Open Thread: All-Free Agent Team
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This morning Buster Olney posted “baseball’s 31st team,” a 24-man (?) squad containing nothing but players still available on the free agent market. Pete Abraham followed his lead with his own need-a-job All-Star team, and now I figured I’d throw my two cents in as well. Here she goes:
C: Gregg Zaun – the best of a bad lot, Zaun’s the only legit starting catcher option that posted an OBP north of .321 last year (he was at .340)
1B: Doug Mientkiewicz – I’ll take Minky’s avg offense and Gold Glove defense over Kevin Millar’s & Sean Casey’s mediocre bat/no glove offerings
2B: Orlando Hudson – no brainer, my specialty
SS: Orlando Cabrera – another avg bat/GG defense guy, he’s easily the best of a terrifying SS crop
3B: Joe Crede – not going to offer much OBP, but he might run into 25 homers … another stud glove guy
LF: Adam Dunn – it’s okay Adam, I love your perennial .900+ OPS
CF: Jacque Jones – might have a little offensive rebound in him, but more importantly I need a guy with a ton of range between these two corner OFers
RF: Bobby Abreu – what, were you expecting Brad Wilkerson?
DH: Manny Ramirez – no explanation needed
Rotation: Derek Lowe, Andy Pettitte, Ben Sheets, Braden Looper, John Garland – with above average defense all-around the infield, give me the ground ball guys … and Ben Sheets
Bullpen: Juan Cruz, Aquilino Lopez, Brandon Lyon, Will Ohman, Brian Shouse, Russ Springer, Matt Wise – it’s a collection of above avg K guys who throw strikes for the most part
Bench: Pudge Rodriguez (C), Gape Kapler (OF), Damien Easley (IF/OF), Ty Wigginton (IF) – outside of Pudge, everyone on the bench can play multiple positions adequately and hit the ball out of the park … only problem is no lefty hitter
So what do you think? The lineup has a couple big boppers and for the most part they catch the ball, and the starting rotation will give me a ton of innings, enough that Sheets can be handled with care. The bullpen’s a crapshoot like always, and some guys on the bench could start for some teams. It’s weird, you can see that team winning anywhere from like, 70 games to 90 games.
Here’s your open thread for the evening. The Titans are deadlocked at seven with the Ravens at home right now, and the Panthers kick off against the Cards at home at 8:15. The Rangers and Devils are in action (Devs are out on the west coast, so late start), as are the Knicks. Talk abotu whatever, just be nice.
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anyone else want to see ty wigginton in pinstripes?
No! Well, maybe some would, I am not one of them. What is there to like about him? I am not being sarcastic, I always want to know why!
just always liked him. yanks could use one more jack-of-all-infield trades
and, he’s gritty!
also, i remember maddon raving about him when he was with the (then) devil rays
I wouldn’t want Wigginton. He was horrible outside of Minute Maid park (Home: .343/.390/.691 Away: .234/.316/.380). He also can’t field at all.
Additionally, Wigginton wants a deal for an everyday player, not a backup like he is and would be.
bueller?
I think that when Jeter’s contract expires at the end of 2010. I have a feeling they Yankees may not bring him back. That is if his skills continue to diminish to the point where he can no longer play short stop. He has lost a lot of his range and he led the team in double play ground outs last year.
They will bring him back – I just don’t see them making that decision.
besides the obvious, in which major league uniform would jeter look the strangest (a la yogi with the astros)?
dodgers & cardinals are my votes
He would look weirdest in the Padres camo uniform, as would any MLB player.
why do they insist on doing that?
homage to troops.
Sawx, no brainer
Theyre going to bring him back. Even if they have to invent a new position just to keep him. Its all about history with the Yankees. Jeter is a great Yankee. Plus Hank might cry without Jeter in Pinstripes
Zaun signed with the orioles, so I guess he can’t be on the list anymore.
Damn can’t they sign anybody good.
They don’t need to sign anybody good at catcher – they have Wieters waiting. This was actually a good signing considering the position the team is in and where they are heading.
Wow, This game is ugly, a lot of injuries and a lot of penalties.
The Yankees seem to be stockpiling catching prospects. Is this an organizational strategy, or is just coincidence?
Strategy, besides pitching catcher is probably the hardest position to find good mlb talent.
There has been a lot of talk about moving one of Swisher or Nady. I think the Nationals would want to take Swisher and the Reds could pick up Nady. What if we dealt both and signed Dunn? With what Burell and Bradley went for you’d think we would be able to come close to a two for one swap. What do you think?
The line up:
Damon
Jeter
Texiera
Rodriguez
Dunn
Posada
Matsui
Cano
Gardner
…man I like it!
Wow that is a great lineup.
I would rather bring in Manny of we did that.
Manny is out of the price range. He might end up costing twice as much as Dunn.
Plus only some seem willing to put up with the attitude and I don’t think Cashman and Giardi are in that boat.
Swisher/Nady
A. Trade Nady
B. Trade Swisher
C. Trade Both
D.Acquire Prospects for A,B or C.
E. Acquire a pitcher ” ” ” ” ” ”
F. Acquire a position player ” ” “
C, then D and F (ideally).
hahahahahah titans suck balls.
This game is crazy – I have never seen a team outplay another team by this margin and just have nothing go right for them within 30 yards of the endzone. Missed FG and 3 TOs.
Is it me or is Brendan Shanahan a traitor on some level?
nah hes had such a storied career for several teams. Hes done enough he doesn’t owe anyone anything.
“Is it me or is Brendan Shanahan a traitor on some level?”
Ever since he left the whale he has been!!
Why does it seem so hard for people to understand that there’s a darn good reason Sheets is not in pinstripes?
It’s not hard for me and people at this site, at least.
Maybe I should come here more often then.
I keep finding myself coming here for some sanity, minus the Devils hate.
Thats what happens when you linger at Lohud haha. I loved your guest post by the way
Thank you! =D
I love LoHud, I do, but sometimes…
You should stick around. We don’t bite, though I can’t speak for TSJC
If you don’t mind the shameless self promotion, I’d be glad to =)
Definitely stick around. Conversation is civil, and most of the time it’s frickin’ hilarious to boot.
there is no good reason hes not. His stats are the same or better than Pettitte in every category. Hes younger and probably will come cheaper. Also he has better stuff.
No team has gone after him yet though. There must be something that we don’t know.
You, uh, are aware of the fact that he’s got massive shoulder and back problems, right?
Dude you just contradicted yourrself there.
there is no good reason hes not.
There must be something that we don’t know.
Ill trust the people who saw his medical charts that there is something seriously wrong.
Thats a better team than the Yankees have right now.—Peter Gammons
Good luck Flacco
Wow the refs just missed the easiest penalty – huge play for Baltimore.
Holy…
Damn, Ravens are dangerous
Braves are really stocking up their rotation options.
Jurgens, Vazquez, Lowe could make a solid 1-3, but who comes after that? Kawakami is a question mark, and there’s no clear #5 that I can see. Also, no true #1 to make up for the lack of depth.
Yeah its not a great rotation, by any means
Nothing like having Orlando & Orlando up the middle on the all FA team
Devils got Shanahan.
This amuses me, even if he is washed up.
Seriously, WHY did they get him, again? Needed to fill “washed-up veteran” slot?
I don’t know, but I generally trust Lou. It’s not like the Devils are perennial doormats…
In fact, we’ve only missed the playoffs once since Lou became GM so I’m not that concerned about it. I’m sure there’s an ulterior motive.
I trust Lou, too. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see how it all develops.
Indeed. I mean, if you can fire a coach with a week left to go and still win the Stanley Cup, you obviously know what you’re doing.
Let me just say what everybody’s thinking:
MMMMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAKKKKKEEEEE OUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!!!
and i mean that in the most respectful way possible.
I’m not sure my boyfriend would appreciate that, alas =P
Eh most red blooded american males would not object to their lady gettin friendly with another. Maybe I’m just crazy.
Welcome back Rebecca, we’ve all missed you!
Your article on LoHud, was very good. Stick around a little while, as you know, we need your discerning input and sanity…sometimes!
Thank you!
I’m more than happy to give you my input, but if it’s sanity you’re looking for I’m afraid you may be best serviced elsewhere =P
Anyone think we could sign Adam Dunn for three years 36mil? You take back prospects for Nady and Swisher and we’ve dealt away enough payroll to make this move work.
I know his defense isn’t the best but I’d like to think that he couldn’t do worse than what we saw last year out of Abreau. Also, once Matsui goes we could slot him DH and look for a better defensive option next year.
I wouldn’t sign Adam Dunn for three years; he not that good in the field and I’d like to see his statistics for a year away from Cincinnati’s bandbox.
He’s a lefty and he’d still have the short porch.
Comparing value and wins rating, even factoring in the defense Dunn shows himself to be a real upgrade. Check out Fangraphs.
Also, again if Jorge doesn’t need the DH spot it would be open come next year.
Given Jorge’s shoulder, that’s a big IF.
Jorge will not be DHing next year. He is the catcher or he’s benched!
Sure – I’m just saying it might be possible not that I’d depend on happening. But if it could in fact come out to us having a guy that averages 40HRs a year with career .247 /.381 /.518 you think you would want to make that move if the price is right and this off season with all the corners out there they are going cheap.
Ultimately, I still think if we keep him in the field he does have a higher total value to the team even when you have to factor in the defense.
With the team as is…I don’t think Dunn is needed. I like the defence of the team as is…it keeps the pitchers happy.
I don’t know Jeff, sometimes I wish we had big bats 1 thru 9 but, as history (and memory) shows; teams with great power numbers and poor defence, get sent packing early. There are exceptions but, not enough to take the chance…I like great pitching, defence and avg.+, hitting.
I hear you Old Ranger, I usually fall on the side of defense over the offense and I hate guys that strike out a lot but looking at what we have vs. what this move would mean I’d pull the trigger.
Also to your point about the teams that don’t go far in the playoffs – considering the rotation we’d have I don’t think we’d just be trying to out-slug another team. Especially when you take into account we have just built a pretty amazing rotation.
True, up to a point…the pitching is great, that’s a given (cross your fingers). The defence is good+, could be better. The hitting is very good, and that’s my point…we have a plethora of power hitters. We also are trying to go younger and more athletic, I would pass on him. Not a bad idea though, power bat!
Dunn is only 28. And he gets on base at a good clip. I realize that we are hoping to get a big bounce back out of guys that were injured or under-performing last year but our offense did show it could use a lot of improvement. Tex helps a lot but adding Dunn could really take the guess work out of the lost production from Giambi/Abreau.
Except for power, Swisher = Dunn plus he can play defence and is a switch hitter. I give the edge to Swisher.
Well now, I guess Carolina won’t have any trouble scoring…
Larry Fitz is bout to own Ken Lucas? tonight.
First time to post here. I’d just like to say what a fabulous job you guys do with this blog. I really like the articles and the discussions are pretty neat too. I hope you can reach out to more Yankee fans from around the globe. (I’m from the Philippines by the way, where sports is defined by two words: Manny Pacquiao). Anyway, keep it up guys (Ben, Joseph, and Mike) and just continue being the most kick-ass Yankee blog out there!
Charles R., welcome anytime…from all of the people on this blog.
What town is called home to you, I may have been near, back a few years?
I’m from Quezon City, near our capital Manila. You’ve been here? Cool!
If my memory is correct, I was more to the N/N/E of you…it was a few years ago.
Larry F. is making Ken Lucas his bitch tonight, it seems.
I wanna see the Cards win just so I can see more Fitz. He is so much fun to watch.
Larry Fitz is just a god among men. He is so ridiculously good. Jaw-dropping the way he makes plays while in the air. All due respect to Andre, Fitz is the best in the NFL.
So I guess this is the game all of us that like to see offense were supposed to watch…
Disclaimer: This is not my blog I am talking about!
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I’m not even that shameless.
And that’s saying quite a bit.
If you want to advertise on the blog you can click on the “blogs advertising” link.
if you take the FA infield as a team’s infield, you might just have the best defensive infield in baseball
Guys, who’s the best center in the NBA right now? I’m gonna give it to Yao. Dwight Howard would be a close second.
I would go Dwight.
Mike did u get on to my show tonight? Mike A was my guest Co-Host.
Na man, been watching the playoff games. I’ll catch it one day just give me a time.
Here is the archive. http://content.nowlive.com/sho.....638284.mp3
Call in next time dude.
Will do.
Dwight Howard. He has proven to be durable and his shoulders are like the size of a basketball. The guy is in great shape.
Howard is better and possibly more important much healthier.
Dwight Howard: Better rebounder, shot blocker and more physical than Yao, although Yao is a terrific and underrated player.
And Zaun isnt a FA anymore I dont think.
Even though I picked the Panthers, I don’t like their chances in this game if it becomes a shootout/high scoring game which plays into Arizona hands.
Zona is going to the SB
Well ya did say that the Phils were were gonna beat TB no?
Yes, yes I did.
You think they’ll beat the Giants? Or you think the Eagles will beat the Giants?
Iggles beat the Giants.
Youuuuuuuuuuuu wish. Healthy jacobs= victory
I wish I had your optimism. IMO it could go either way. I just hope if Jacobs gets stuffed the WR corp steps up to keep their D honest. And I hope Spags doesn’t stuff 10 guys in the box and have Westbrook break loose again to take on just one guy.
I hate the Ravens….
Westbrook got lucky on that one long run. The D got caught outta place it won’t happen again.
Man, Kurt Warner is dismantling that Panther D.
Kurt Warner owned.
So much for the Panthers out physicalling the Cards uh.
The Panthers defensive playcalling mind numbing.
I guess there’ll be no singing Sweet Carolina after this…
Just for fun, this would be my starting lineup:
C-Pudge
1b-Kevin Millar
2b-O-Dog
SS-Orlando Cabrera
3b-Joe Crede
LF-Adam Dunn
CF-Craig Monroe
RF-Bobby Abreu
DH-Manny
I guess the outfield defense is weak but it will work itself out. Ha
Bench: Varitek, Alex Cora, Gabe Kapler, Dougy… Hopefully Tek can teach Ollie and Garland a little something. Maybe we see 2 or 3 NO HITTAS!
Rotation:
Lowe
Pettitte
Sheets
Jon Garland
Oliver Perez
I like that rotation. Maybe Perez is a gamble but I’ll take my chances with him over any of the other FA’s left.
Pen: Beimel, Cruz, Gagne, Chad Cordero, Isringhausen, Lyon, and Ohman.
Few guys in there who have been crap lately but a few years ago were great like Gagne, Izzy, and Cordero.
I like that team right there. Weak on D in the OF but that is all that is left. Kinda like Mike A’s with a few different players thrown in there.
Since I don’t believe Rebecca said anything about it, I will. Check out this post on her blog about the free agent teams. RAB came up with the best one, in her opinion…
http://www.puristbleedspinstri.....teams.html