Mar
05

ESPN Deportes: A-Rod to miss start of season

By Joseph Pawlikowski

Disclaimer: Do not take this as gospel yet. The Yankees haven’t said anything, and the author of the report, Enrique Rojas, was wrong earlier this week, saying the Dodgers and Manny had an agreement in place before they actually did. The news this time is not good, so here’s to hoping he’s wrong again. According to A-Rod’s brother, the beleaguered third baseman will miss the first month of the season as he rehabilitates from surgery which removed a cyst from his hip (translated version here). We’ll update this as official information rolls in.

Posted on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 at 10:50 am in Asides.

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311 Comments »

Two words: Eric. Duncan.

MrJigginz says:

LMAO.I sorta thought the same thing,in a ridiculously funny kind of way…I saw the Duncan profile and how some were talking about how they should have brought him in to camp,yesterday…Now we all know it’s doubtful they would have used Eric to fill in during Alex’s DL stint,but you have to admit that it would have been nice having him in camp just to take a look at him…Hindsight…When in Rome…Can they bring him in because of injury or is he trapped in baby camp?

 
 
Rob in CT says:

Hopefully his brother is exaggerating.

andrew says:

I have a feeling this is true… may Mo help us all…

 
 
pat says:

IPK for Manny. Put manny at teh hot corner. Hilarity and homeruns ensue.

 
Reggie C. says:

heh…thank god we got teixeira. can swisher play 3B?

Joseph P. says:

Swish throws left-handed, so no. Tex can, though.

Reggie C. says:

Has Tex played 3B at the ML level before?? Not recently for sure. It’d be sweet if Tex could mann the position, but are we realistically looking at Cody Ransom starting for 10 weeks?

Joseph P. says:

Tex hasn’t played 3B since 2003 (100 innings).

GG says:

can Miranda play 3rd?

 
 
 
 
 
 
Expired Milk says:

Trade for Adrian Beltre?

Joseph P. says:

Why trade for a player who will have no use after a month of the season?

mustang says:
 
Expired Milk says:

Because I have a man crush on Beltre despite him not living up to his contract. Oh yea it wouldnt let me edit my comment putting in a disclaimer lol. So dont take it all thats seriously.

Joseph P. says:

Ah, well, that explains everything.

Also, if you read Lookout Landing, they always argue that Beltre is worth it.

 
 
 

Trade for Adrian Beltre?

Yes.

(I can only assume you meant “Drug Jack Zduriencik and then trick him into taking Kei Igawa for Adrian Beltre, but they eat ALL of Beltre’s salary”. Because that’s the only way that makes sense.)

 
 
Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

Bo Jackson or Albert Belle disease?

mustang says:

Don’t even go there that would truly be a nightmare.

steve (different one) says:

did either of those guys have cysts? is there anything at all similar here besides both involving the hip?

serious question.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

I think that they both had avascular necrosis. I only say this because ESPN just mentioned it on First Take. With the T.O. release on the Arod hip thing ESPN’s pants are getting a lot tighter.

Belle had arthritis, I believe.

Bo had avascular necrosis (basically his hip died because it stopped getting blood) due to all the pounding of the NFL.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

I’m pretty sure that they both had it. I remember the Bo injury, he was trying to break a leg tackle and basically screwed his hip up by being too strong. He jerked his leg up and the defender pulled down. Freak injury.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

Ahhh. your right about Belle. I should never question you Tommie.

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pat says:

When you deal with tommy you are dealing with a true master debator.

 

When you deal with tommy you are dealing with a true master debator.

That’s funny coming from you, pat.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

I’m not sure why it would take 10 weeks to recover from a cyst removal anyway. I will take this report with a grain of salt.

 
 
 
mustang says:

It’s all over ESPN.
Manny right now is saying Shittttttttttt.

Maybe good bye to Nady or IPK or Swisher.

Ben K. says:

Nah. That’s an overreaction. Unless he’s out well beyond May/mid-May, there’s no reason to trade one of our top trading chips for a six-week replacement.

mustang says:

Your right they have enough to make it six weeks.

 
 
 
Mike Z says:

Cody Ransom would hold third base down till his majesty returns.

 

Great. it’s not like this team and this player could have used a fast start or anything.

andrew says:

i think this is a pretty big blow, because now if the yankees get off to a slow start, the pressure will mount for ARod to rescue them… and i dont think he’ll handle it well

 
 
Rich says:

Why didn’t he have an MRI when he experienced soreness last season?

steve (different one) says:

this whole thing seems wierd.

conspiracy theory: he could play through this, but this is a de facto “suspension”, like when Michael Jordan just decided to play baseball for 2 years.

yeah, that’s a little far fetched.

Expired Milk says:

boo you stealing my comment from the other thread

steve (different one) says:

really? my bad. honestly didn’t see it.

Bo says:

sorry to say but you aren’t the only one with that theory out there

 
 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

Likely ’cause A-rod was sore all over… just like any other ball player at that point.

Rich says:

But Girardi said that they knew about his hip last September.

 
 
 

This is the same moron that reported Manny signing with the Yankees in December

Angel says:

NOOOO, this is from ESPNDEPORTES….the Manny thing was ImpactoDeportivo

 
Joseph P. says:

Dude, not only did you have to resort to name-calling, but you’re WRONG. Impactivo Deportivos reported the Manny signing. This is ESPN Deportes.

Take that shit to LoHud.

 
Ben K. says:

Jimmy: That “moron” was Impacto Deportivo. This is ESPN Deportes. They’re different sources.

 
Jamal G. says:

What you tryin’ to say, we all report alike?

steve (different one) says:
 
 

OK – 1,000 apologies foe getting that wrong –

but the fact is this is not a 100% reliable source, and it should be waited out. Sorry for being irritated, but this loss does not bode well for the team. Cody Ramson may have a 62-inch vertical, but he won’t hit like The Man.

Bo says:

ransom isnt alex??? no way!

 
Slugger27 says:

you’re right, their best player missing 10 weeks doesn’t bode well for the team, and cody ransom wont hit like arod

thanks

 
 
 
KB says:

10 weeks is mid to late May- cannot have Ransom in there that long.

 
Matt says:

Fuck. I’m hoping against hope this is wrong.

 

“The Yankees still have not reported anything about his stellar anterooms.” Ya gotta love these translator thingies.

Joseph P. says:

That was by far my favorite line.

You know, I’ve been doing a lot of walking lately, and my stellar anterooms are just killing me.

All this talk of stellar anterooms makes me want to go browse The Man with 33 Fingers’ “SuperTangas” site.

Where is he when you need him?

 
 
 
 
Steve says:

well ransom does have a 60″ vertical…

mtt says:

He jumped onto a 60″ box, but he lifted his knees almost all the way to his chest. That’s not the same as a 60″ vertical.

 
 
JC in NC says:

Any FA’s out there that can play third?

Joseph P. says:
 
I Remember Celerino Sanchez says:

That was my immediate thought! He plays third until A Rod is back, and then he is the utility guy (or if he does a bad job, he’s DFAed). Win-win.

 
 
steve (different one) says:

Damian Easley is about all there is at this point.

had this come out a week earlier, they could have had Nomar in camp.

of course, Nomar kindof sucks too.

they should probably get Easley into camp ASAP.

then again, perhaps they know that there is no way he is out 10 weeks

Yeah, it’s either Easley, Grudz, make a trade, give Ransom way more PT than he should have, or throw some rookie spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks.

I know Tex has played third, but I wonder how enthused he is to go do it again. Probably not much.

Maybe we can trade Matsui for Chone Figgins: lord knows the Angels love ancient, decrepit designated hitters who can’t play the outfield worth a lick…

 
 
 

Mark Grudzeilanek played 31 games at 3B for the Royals back in 1995… think he can still hack it?

Why not sign him and find out?

Angel says:

Cano 3b and Grudz 2b

andrew says:

If cano is moving to 3rd, Durham would be better for 2b.

 

No, I’m not moving Cano off his position for a month. Keep him at 2B working on his craft.

Cano at 3B and Grudz/Durham/anybody else at 2B is just silly.

 
 
A.D. says:

Only if he has a 60 inch vert

Bo says:

Theres ZERO chance they move Cano to 3b for 6 weeks. Come on. Think a little.

A.D. says:

I agree, never said they would

 
 
 
 
Sean McNally says:

My spidey sense says this is going to be much ado about nothing.

Wikipedia (which has to be at least as reliable as ESPNDeportes and Impacto Deportivo, right?) said A-Rod two half-brothers – but doesn’t seem to indicate any particular level of closeness.

Also, unless this brother is a medical doctor… I’ll wait for some official word before melting down.

AndrewYF says:

When was the last time a reported injury was much ado about nothing? It’s usually the good things that get falsified.

To my mind, the Yankees not saying anything is a bad sign.

 
 
jsbrendog says:

wow. this guy just can’t even buy a break with all his millions…

 

Might the Yankees being mum suggest that they want to retain leverage with Grudz and maybe Ray Durham?

andrew says:

I immediately thought of the Ray Durham post when i heard… I think he’d be the best fit

Neither Robbie Cano nor Ray Durham have never played a game at 3B in their major league lives. I don’t get how Durham really solves our 3B hole (if we indeed have a 3B hole). Have either of them ever said they’d move to third?

Neither Robbie Cano nor Ray Durham have never ever played a game at 3B in their major league lives.

Sorry, my bad.

 
 
steve (different one) says:

how is a guy who has never played an inning at 3B the best fit?

guys, we can’t just rearrange everyone on the diamond to get a little more offense. you will give it right back on defense by playing half your infield out of position.

they need some sort of 3Bman or just suck it up and go with Ransom and hope it’s shorter than reported.

jsbrendog says:

joe crede ended upmsigning didnt he. damn

 
 
 
steve (different one) says:

maintain leverage with two 50 year old 2Bmen who are unsigned 2 weeks into Spring Training?

a major league contract gets either of them.

Two older players who know that the Yankees have a major need. Not so preposterous, IMO.

Yes, preposterous.

Grudz and Durham want to play. If the Yankees have an injury that opens up playing time for them, they want to sign here. They have no leverage at all.

 
 
 
 
Daniel says:

Tex at 3rd, Swisher at 1st, and Nady in right. This way, by the time Arod gets back we’ll see who wins the right field job.

Reggie C. says:

Is Tex athletic enough to play 3B? Joe P. dropped the fact that Tex played 100 games at 3B, but that 5/6 years ago. Tex has probably added some weight since then ’cause its only natural. Would you chance it?

 

Seeing that Swisher is vastly better than Nady defensively, it makes no sense to put Swisher at 1B and Nady in RF. It should be Tex at 3rd, Nady at 1st, and Swisher in right in that scenario.

Rightfield defense is more important than first base defense.

Bo says:

Tex at 3b. Thats hilarious.

Why not put Mariano in CF while you’re at it since he can play there too??

Why not OFFER SOME DAMN SUGGESTIONS OR ALTERNATIVES INSTEAD OF CONSTANTLY SHITTING ON EVERYBODY ELSE’S COMMENTS!

I hate to get into the whole “Commenter X never has anything useful to say” game, because Mo knows I post a lot of useless, trivial shit, but Bo, you never have anything useful to say. You bring nothing to the table. Whatsoever.

 
 
Stanton Social says:

True but Swish has more experience at 1st then Nady, who is primarily an outfielder. I think the difference between Nady and Swish defensively in RF is less, then the difference at first. Therefore, you have to go Swish at first.

Either way this is clearly the best scenario offensively, as long as Tex can play an adaquate 3rd base, which Im betting he can given his work ethic.

I think the difference between Nady and Swish defensively in RF is less, then the difference at first.

Statistical and anecdotal analysis does not agree with you.

 
 
Mattingly's Love Child says:

I agree with you that if you move Tex anywhere, Nady should by the one to go there.

But I don’t think you should move Tex to 3rd under any circumstances. He hasn’t played 3rd base in 6 years. Yes he played it growing up, but he is now 29 years old. I sincerely doubt his range has improved since he was 23. I also worry about him injuring himself trying to rapidly relearn a position that the Yankees would only need him to play for a month.

My solution, open tryouts. Give Ransom, Duncan, German, Russo, and anybody else you can think of 1 month to prove that they should have 3b and then the utility job. Obviously Duncan would be just 3b, but then maybe trade bait? The point is, don’t trade for someone that may not work out, don’t move the next best player on the team to a semi-unfamiliar position, don’t panic. Let the players decide it on the field. If they are all truly terrible, well, then we’ll have to come up with something else! LOL

 
 
 
mustang says:

Ok
Peter Gammons is high he basically said it would worst to lose Mo than A-rod.
I know I was auguring Mo’s importance yesterday, but come on.

Reggie C. says:

I kinda agree … the calls to put Joba in the ‘pen would be absolutely deafening. That would mess with Joba’s head and put Hughes in a spot he’s NOT ready for..

I GOT IT!

Joba to 3B.

BAM! That just happened.

jsbrendog says:
 
 
mustang says:

The whole idea is nuts. One is a closer and the other is a everyday player.

Reggie C. says:

Its closer than you think though ’cause you got to factor the hypothetical ramifications of losing Mo for 10 weeks. The strength of the starting 5 gets diminished big-time and Joba’s SP development takes another hit.

The strength of the starting 5 gets diminished big-time and Joba’s SP development takes another hit.

No.

If we lost Mariano Rivera to injury, neither of those things would happen. Losing our elite closer does not “diminish the strength of the starting 5″ nor does it negatively impact “Joba’s SP development”.

Your statement is nonsensical. Please explain yourself.

Joe R says:

I think hes assuming if Mo goes down that Joba goes to the bullpen, thereby diminishing the rotation and stunting his development.

 
Reggie C. says:

I’m working off the assumption that the Yanks move Joba to the pen. Its all a hypothetical exercise.

Ah, gotcha.

I think in that hypothetical isn’t likely. I think if Mo goes down, Joba remains a starter and Marte/Bruney/Melancon fill the hole.

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Jamal G. says:

Mariano Rivera was the most valuable relief pitcher in MLB last season – in terms of Fangraph’s “Value Wins” statistic; Mariano Rivera was seventh in said stat on the 2008 New York Yankees – ARod, Damon, Jeter, Mussina, Pettitte and Joba all bested him.

 
 
 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

Anybody else just hear Wilson Betemit chuckle?

steve (different one) says:

just thought of that. what can you do?

you make that trade 100 out of 100 times.

Jamal G. says:

No, no, no, don’t get me wrong, of course you do that deal; I’m just saying it’s funny because the vast majority of our fans wanted the guy out of town after his first month on the team, but failed to realize what an asset he was in his role.

AndrewYF says:

He wasn’t an asset. He couldn’t make contact with the ball, and played horrible defense.

 
 
 

No, I couldn’t hear it over the sound of Nick Swisher being so much better than he is.

 
MrJigginz says:
 
usty says:

I couldn’t really make it out over the sound of 3 swooshes of a bat not hitting anything.

 
 

Different thought- maybe you play Damon/Swisher in Center for those weeks, so that Ransom plays but is essentially replacing Gardner’s bat.

Yeah, that I could see.

Seeing that Ransom isn’t an elite defender, though, just an average one (and Gardner is an elite defender), I’m not sure if that scenario actually makes us better. I know it sucks to have two offensive black holes in the lineup in Gardner and Ransom, but at least Gardner can make up for his offensive struggles with great defense (and, he may not struggle that bad offensively anyway.

steve (different one) says:

i think this is one of the better solutions.

luckily the Yankees have a kickass rotation, and can hopefully weather the storm for a few weeks.

 
 
 
Nady Nation says:

How about revisiting the Cameron trade? I know Gardner has looked good in center thus far, but he also looked good in spring training last year, and Cameron would replace some of the power we’re losing from A-Rod’s absence. At least this way we’ll have only one true 9 hitter at the bottom of the lineup (Ransom), instead of maybe 2, without downgrading defensively. Or maybe just suck it up and play Damon/Swisher in center everyday until A-Rod gets back?

Beat you to it. Coke please.

 
Jamal G. says:

The trade was not made due to the Yankees’ payroll restraints, ARod’s alleged injury does not do anything to alleviate said restraints. However, I do agree, I would love for the Yanks to take this course of action.

Nady Nation says:

Oh yea, I know. But maybe these extenuating circumstances will push them to reconsider the payroll restraints. Just a thought, and I’m with you Jamal, I’m all about this emergency plan.

 
 

How about this: Instead of calling back the Brewers and asking for Mike Cameron, why not ask for Bill Hall?

Hall’s making 6.8M this year and 8.4M next year (he’s due 9.25M in ‘11, but he can be bought out of that last year for 500k).

Hall can actually play 3B, as well as 2B, SS, and CF, all at above average levels. And no, he’s not great shakes offensively anymore, but he’s likely better than Ransom. Just like Cameron, it would be a salary dump, and in this case, they’re actually dumping MORE salary, so the price should be lower.

Nady Nation says:

Huh, that’s interesting. And when A-Rod comes back, he can just be the overall utility guy, albeit an expensive one. That’s not bad.

 
 
 
 
C.Panella says:

Can Nady play any 3B? i know he can play first but not sure about the hot corner…..

 

3 games in his career.

At a -68 UZR/150, no less.

I know it’s an incredibly small sample size that’s wildly extrapolated, but DAMN, those three games for the Padres at third must have REALLY been bad to get an extrapolation of 68 runs below average over a full season…

 
 
 
A.D. says:

Maybe this means my boy Chris Malec gets his shot in the bigs

 

Non google translation of the article-go easy, it’s a rush job

ORLANDO – Alex Rodríguez no solamente se perderá jugar con República Dominicana en el Clásico Mundial de Béisbol, sino que se perdería el primer mes de la temporada con los Yanquis de Nueva York después que un examen médico revelara que debe ser operado inmediatamente de un quiste en la cadera, dijo un hermano del pelotero a ESPNdeportes.com.

Alex Rodriguez will not only lose his ability to play with the Dominican Republic in the WBC, but he could miss the first month of the regular season with the New York Yankees after a medical examination revealed that he should have an immediate operation on a cyst on the hip, said a (teammate?) to ESPNdeportes.com

A-Rod podría estar inactivo hasta mayo

A-Rod could be inactive until May

Joe Rodríguez informó que A-Rod será operado el lunes en Colorado y necesitaría cerca de 10 semanas para rehabilitarse.

Joe Rodrígues told that A-Rod will have surgery this Monday in Colorado and will need about 10 weeks for rehab.

“Para toda la familia es un golpe muy fuerte, Alex está destrozado”, dijo Joe Rodríguez. “Todos estábamos muy enstusiasmado de verlo jugando con Republica Dominicana en el Clásico Mundial”, agregó.

“For the entire family, it’s a strong blow, Alex is devastated,” said Joe Rodríguez. “All of us were very enthusiastic to see him play with the Dominican Rebulic in the World Classic,” he (said?).

“Pero lo más importante es que la operación sea exitosa para que Alex pueda continuar con su carrera”, dijo el hermano del pelotero.

“But the most important thing is that the operation will be successful so that Alex can continue with his career,” said the (teammate)

La noticia tomó fuera de base a Stan Javier, gerente general del equipo de República Dominicana. “Aún no ha recibido ninguna información de los resultados del chequeo médico que realizaron a A-Rod”, dijo Javier.

The news took Stan Javier, GM for the Dominican team, (off base?) “we still have not recieved any information about the results of A-Rod’s medical exam,” said Javier.

Los Yankees aún no han informado nada respecto a su estelar antesalista.

The Yankees had not informed anyone in respect to their (departing?) star.

Rodríguez, de 33 años, jugó con molestias en su cadera la temporada pasada, pero los Yankees nunca pensaron que el asunto fuera realmente serio hasta que un examen de resonancia magnética reveló el quiste el sábado.

Rodríguez, 33 years old, played with pain in his hip the past season, but the Yankees never thought that the matter was in reality serious until an MRI revealed the cyst on Saturday

Los Yankees enviaron al pelotero al especialista Marc Phillipon, de la clínica Steadman-Hawkins de Vail, Colorado. Los exámenes realizados por Phillipon determinaron que A-Rod debía ser operado inmediatamente.

The Yankees sent the player to the specialist Marc Phillipon, of the Steadman-Hawkins clinic in Vail, Colorado. The exams from Phillips determined that A-Rod should have the operation immediately

El 2009 no comenzó bien para Rodríguez, quien en febrero admitió que usó esteroides durante tres años mientras jugaba con los Rangers de Texas. Las Grandes Ligas interrogaron al pelotero por dos horas el domingo.

2009 did not begin well for Rodríguez, who in February admitted that he used steroids during the three years while playing with the Texas Rangers. MLB questioned the player for two hours last Sunday.

El lunes se integró a los entrenamientos de República Dominicana para el Clásico Mundial, en Jupiter, Florida, y el martes bateó un doble en tres turnos en una victoria 10-1 de los quisqueyanos ante los Marlins de Florida en un partido de exhibición.

Monday he joined his teammates for the Dominican Team for the World Classic in Jupiter, Floriday, and Tuesday batted with a double in three tries in a 10-1 victory against the Florida Marlins in an exhibition game.

“Un sueño hecho realidad poder usar la camiseta dominicana. Mi mamá debió sentirse muy emocionada”, dijo Rodríguez.

“A dream had been realized to wear the Dominican uniform. My mother mother had been very emotional,” said Rodríguez.

A-Rod ha ganado ha ganado tres premios de Jugador Más Valioso de la Liga Americana y ha pegado 553 jonrones en 15 temporadas en las Grandes Ligas. En el 2009 juugará la segunda temporada del contrato por 275 millones de dólares y 10 años que firmó con los Yankees hace dos inviernos.

A-Rod has won three MVP awards in the American league and has hit 553 home runs in 15 seasons in the major leagues. In 2009, he will play the second seasons of his contract for $275 million and ten seasons that he signed with the Yankees two winters ago

gxpanos says:

Ahem. Thank you for this valuable service. You’ve made the google translation that we all read 1 percent better.

Do you speak Spanish, by the way? Because that would be really impressive! Also, you should let us know how impressive it is right when we’re interested in enormous stories about our beloved Yankees.

 
 

Can Barry Bonds play third for us?

Can Femme from Spain?

She looks like she’s got stellar anterooms. Forerooms, too.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

She’s no Eggo from Romania.

 
 
 
 

I’m not sure why it won’t post, but I translated the Spanish article

http://www.puristbleedspinstri.....weeks.html

Go easy, it’s a rush job.

 
mustang says:

Not to make light of this, but damn can A_Rod go one month without incident.

Expired Milk says:

Another shot at Jeter….

 
 
Jay CT says:

Sweeny said that Girardi doesn’t know anything about this, according to wFan

Bo says:

why would girardi admit anything before the team says something?

Jay CT says:

I agree, but I am just telling you what the fan is reporting. Girardi was headed in to talk with Cash.

Bo says:

thanks for the second by second updates i guess.

Jamal G. says:

I fear to one day find out why you are such a negative person.

 

Man, Bo, you are the most sour, unhappy, pissed off, cynical, gloomy, lifeless son of a bitch EVER. It’s constantly raining where you are, isn’t it? Your life is one huge Ziggy cartoon. New Orleans funeral bands must follow you around to practice.

Good god, man, go get a hooker and some blow and cheer the fuck up for once in your life.

jsbrendog says:

this is what i was thinking mostly too. at least we’ll know if someone tries to impersonate him.

 
Slugger27 says:

lmao… finally someone said what everyone else is thinking

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sean says:

how about this? Miranda at First Base and Teix at Third Base? Or since Swisher is most likely going to get RF over Nady, and Nady has a short history at Third Base, we can insert Nady at Third Base…

Matt says:

If you’re gonna do that, it would have to be a Nady/Miranda platoon.

Matt says:
Sean says:

yeah, I hear ya… and I was thinking the exact same thing… but I got lazy… lol

 
 
 
 
Bo says:

Why didn’t they check this thing out in october if it was bothering him last season?

Are we now the Mets medical staff?

 
Axl says:

Why is it always something with the Yankees? Can’t we ever just have a normal season without the nonsense? Of course not, we’re the Yankees…

Well at least we’ve climbed out of big holes before…we’ll probably need to do it again…this is where the overrated “experience” comes into play…the experience of climbing out of big holes due to nonsense…

steve (different one) says:

i have a feeling that it’s “always something” with every single team in the majors, it’s just that with the Yankees every single thing is reported on ad nauseum.

almost every team has a significant injury every spring, it’s just that almost every player on the Yankees is a huge name, so it’s a bigger deal.

the only way to make injuries less important is to get worse players….

jsbrendog says:

yeah! bring in scott hatteburg and scott spezio and all is solved!

 
 
 
Jay CT says:

Could Tex still play 3rd? Shift him there, Swisher/Nady at 1b?

 
Matt says:

If this is true, there goes the playoffs. Yeah, I said it.

Nady Nation says:

Step back from the ledge. Remember ‘06? They went without Matsui AND Sheffield for almost the entire season. I know that it’s different with A-Rod, but that’s still 2 huge pieces of production that were able to be replaced by other players who stepped up their games (and they didn’t get Abreu until mid-late July). Also, just take a look at ‘05 and ‘07, and the starts the team got off to WITH A-Rod, and still fought back to make the playoffs. It’s a long season, and 4-6 weeks of game action from one player shouldn’t derail any playoff chances.

 
Bo says:

He was here last yr and they didn’t make the playoffs right? So why would losing him make it automatic?

We’ve added a better 1b, 3 better starters, and have a better bench.

Over react much?

KW says:

It’s because the competition has also improved to a degree, maybe not in terms of starters, but in terms of depth. Of course, you really can’t plan on having these injuries, but the hallmark of a well run organization is having a succession plan in the event of disaster. The rays are a pretty good example of that.

steve (different one) says:

there is no succession plan for replacing one of the 20 best players in the history of the game.

he is irreplacable.

i know people would feel better if there was someone more “famous” in camp like Nomar, but i doubt the difference between him and Ransom is much at all these days.

what halfway decent player is going to sign on to back up Alex Rodriguez?

KW says:

But that’s the point- if you base a large part of the organization on one player and the player goes down, there can be no good replacement. That’s nonsystemic risk, which can be diversified by having multiple good players at all positions, which to a degree is what happened with the Yanks. That’s why the Yanks are not in the shithole. However, if Pujols went down, the Cardinals would be in way more trouble than the yanks are.

However, the Yanks, as shown last year, are highly reliant on a healthy Alex Rodriguez for offensive success. The drop off to a Cody Ransom or Angel Berroa is so steep as to go from driving a Porsche to a Yugo. The Yanks stockpiled, wisely, good talent at the other positions mostly (they’re still reliant on good health, which has not appeared in the recent years, Matsui, Damon, Posada). They’ll still probably win a good share of games based on the strength of the supporting cast, but this just shows that having a very deep, diverse cast of players, none of which is more important than another, can really help in times like this. I’m not saying the Rays are better, but you have to admit that their roster is constructed better.

 
 
 
A.D. says:

I applaud your optimism Bo

 
 
Matt says:

Alright, alright. Maybe I’m being too gloom-and-doom. I’m just saying, the offense struggled w/o him last season and now it looks like he’ll be out longer than that.

Maybe the pitching can carry the team. Hopefully. I don’t know.

steve (different one) says:

when Bo is telling you to lighten up, that should probably tell you you’re overreacting….

 

No, no… He’s still being negative, it’s just that in this case in order to be negative/contrarian he had to actually take the positive position.

 
 
jsbrendog says:

the offense struggled without him AND posada matsui and the artist formerly known as cano.

not just arod

Matt says:

And no Wang and no Joba in the rotation. My bad. Now I have to go to class. How am I supposed to focus w/this on my mind?!?!?!

 
 
 
 
Bo says:

The put Tex at 3b stuff is beyond hilarious.

Almost as good as the put Cano at 3b.

Joe R says:

Why? He’s the one with the most experience playing 3B and putting him there wont hurt our offensive production as much as it would Ransom playing there.

 
steve (different one) says:

maybe we can get Sheffield back to play 3B…

Slugger27 says:

is enrique wilson available?

A.D. says:

We can trade Marte for him….again

 
jsbrendog says:

TRADE FOR CHIPPER NOW CASHMAN YOU SHITTY GM!!!! YOU SUCK!!!

 
 
 
whozat says:

The put Tex at 3b stuff is beyond hilarious.

Yeah, thinking a guy who came up as a third baseman and has actually played there in the major leagues could play a tolerable third base for a couple weeks! That’s completely absurd!

steve (different one) says:

i’m kindof with Bo, actually.

Teixeira just signed a $180M deal to be the franchise 1Bman for the next 8 years.

he hasn’t played 3B in 5 years.

if he hurts himself playing out of position, the season is done.

not to mention you downgrade 1B and RF defensively to make this move. add on top that it’s probably a defensive downgrade to play Teixeira at 3B over Ransom, and i don’t know if it would even be worth it.

worse Defense at 3B, 1B, RF
worse 0ffense at 1B
similar Offense at RF
better Offense at 3B

do these add up to enough benefit to risk injuring Teixeira, even if the risk is very small??

if A-Rod was out for the year, the math changes.

for 25-35 games? i’d leave Teixeira alone.

 
 
 
CountryClub says:

The Yanks rotation and pen are strong enough to withstand this. No reason to jump off any bridges.

 
Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

Someone just ask Derek to take the needle out of Arod’s voodoo doll.

jsbrendog says:
 
 
KW says:

This is horrible, and let’s all hope it’s not osteoarthritis like some fear. However, this does prove Nate Silver’s point to a degree, that it’s unusual to have a great ballplayer stay healthy and productive throughout a long career. Let’s hope he’s well and we kick some ass, because we don’t have too many great options otherwise.

 
Drew says:
Jamal G. says:

Signed with the Dodgers already.

 
 
Ted says:

How long before the trade for Hanley people come out?

Matt says:

A-Rod injury or no A-Rod injury, I think most people would be in favor of trading for Hanley anyway.

 
Drew says:

Can we trade everyone in triple A for him? lol

 

Hmmm….now that you mention it…

 
 
Angel says:

Enrique Rojas says in a radio: With luck Alex is back in may

 
Bernard says:

Two names everyone should be thinking about that could play third and then be the utility guy after that:
Mark Teahen
Bobby Crosby

Both players could be had for basically nothing so long as the Yankees are willing to assimilate the 5+ million salary for both of them.

steve (different one) says:

i’m honestly not trying to be a dick, but why does everyone just assume that any IFer can just play anywhere on the diamond?

can Crosby play 3B?

it took A-Rod, one of the greatest athletes of all time, a few months to settle in at 3B. same with Ripken.

is Crosby going to become competent enough in 3 weeks to provide any sort of meaningful upgrade over Ransom? it’s not like Crosby can even hit.

Bernard says:

In fairness I’m assuming because Crosby is a solid defensive player that the transition will be smoother than it might otherwise be.

Teahen would be my preference over Crosby, by a large margin.

Yeah, you might be on to something with Teahen. He doesn’t play a good 3B, which is why they moved him off the position, but he does seem to have some decent athletic ability, enough to allow him to play all over the diamond, and a lifetime .329 wOBA is certainly tolerable.

Having Teahen at 3B and then in a utility role beyond that certainly wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. And Mo knows the Royals have a glut of 1B/3B/RF/LF types, perhaps they’d be willing to move him.

Maybe Aceves and Hungry Hungry Humberto? Too much?

Bernard says:

Considering there was a lot of talk about the Royals DFAing Teahen to go after O-Dawg I think that might be a bit much. I’m thinking more like a low level prospect or two, though I’d be fine with trading Sanchez for him…

 
Mattingly's Love Child says:

I think that would be a fairly even trade. In reality, but I think the Royals may think Teahen is worth more than that. But how much is Teahen’s contract for/how long?

Also I’m not thrilled with the idea of having a utility guy on the roster that can’t play short.

 
 
 

Well, I know the assumption in Oakland was that Crosby would be backup shortstop and would move to third if Chavez got hurt again.

 
 
 
Jamal G. says:

You know, this is going to make things quite interesting in upcoming fantasy drafts.

 
Bernard says:

Perhaps a conspiracy, maybe the Yankees want A-Rod to be unable to overshadow the opening of new Yankee Stadium with the steroids and the book. Plus he’d miss the first trip to Fenway this way…

Seriously? So they possibly sacrifice the season for that?

Bernard says:

Hahaha, I guess I should’ve been more clear that I was kidding about this.

 
 
Slugger27 says:

this is the worst idea i’ve read yet…. actually 2nd right behind the move cano to 3b guy

Bernard says:

Again I have to say I was kidding around…

 
 
 
E-ROC says:

That sucks. How about Andy LaRoache?

Bernard says:

I’d be fine with that for a month, then you have a nice competition between LaRoche and Ransom for the backup infield spot…

steve (different one) says:

the same Andy LaRoche who was the main piece in the Manny deal 8 months ago?

who are we trading for him?

 
Bryan says:

I was thinking the same thing, but I dont know if the Pirates would want to part with him. Even if they would the asking price would probably be too high because they know the Yankees need a 3B

 
 
 
Mattingly's Love Child says:

I think Nate Silver and PECOTA knew something when they projected ARods’ numbers going in the tank starting this year! Conspiracy!

 
Drew says:

Call me crazy, Chip Chip is getting old, what does he think about DHing for the last few months of the year?? And what would it take to get Jones in a yankee uniform??

 
Slugger27 says:

where is he gonna play in june?

Drew says:

DH man, his bat is better than Matsui’s. And I’m sure they have a young 3rd baseman in their system to take his spot.

 

He will play short, move Jeter to left, Damon to first, Tex to catcher, Posada to Dh, Matsui to right, Swisher to CF, Nady to 2nd, Cano to 3rd, and A-Rod to the 8th inning!!!!

 
 
 
 
Matt says:

In protest of this, I just hit a 2 run homer w/A-Rod in The Show.

Slugger27 says:

im thinking about getting that game… does it meet your satisfaction? better thank 2k9?

Jamal G. says:

“Better than 2K9″? Don’t insult me with such a question, sir.

Jamal G. says:

Heh, I just realized that can be interpreted either way; yes, The Show >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2K9.

 
 
Daniel says:

If you want your games to end with a final score of 22-17 with the pitchers hitting homeruns, then you’d probably like 2k9 better =)

 
 
 
Frank says:

If I’m Cashman, I’m on the horn with Milwaukee for Hall. He’d be an adequate fill in defensively and could serve as a multi purpose backup when A-rod gets back.

Slugger27 says:

im not even sure he’d hit better than ransom at this point… 293 obp last year with a horrible K/BB ratio… plus his contract, yiiiikes

 
whozat says:

Hall’s injured.

Also, if this is true, you better bet Cashman’s on the horn. But also, keep in mind, every team will ask for the moon and stars now.

 
rbizzler says:

Once again, Hall has a torn calf muscle and will be out for all of the Spring and is questionable for Opening Day.

http://www.madison.com/tct/sports/brewers/438672

 
 
Chris says:

Bring Duncan up because he will never play for the Yankees while ARod is here. If he does well…great…trade him. His stock will never be higher. Of course this is a stretch. If he doesn’t do well, banish him to Scranton or release him.

But can the Yankees afford to do that for 10 weeks?

Slugger27 says:

do we think he’d hit better than ransom?

It’s worth a shot…

LIKE A SHOT IN THE $#&%$#% MOUTH, YOU $%# $%#&#!!!!!

 
 
 
Januz says:

Something always happens with Mr. Jinx (Number 13). What happens first? A: Arod comes back, and leads the Yankees to the World Series? Or B: John Tavares puts on an Islander jersey at the NHL Draft, and leads them to the playoffs? There must be big smiles coming from Boston today. Bruins could win the Stanley Cup, Celtics could win the NBA Title and the Red Sox are now World Series favorites. All we need is to see TO go New England, and team up with Randy Moss, Wes Welker & Tom Brady to knock off my Steelers and win the Super Bowl. That is the ultimate WORST case scenario,

Slugger27 says:

you lost me shortly after the first sentence…

 
steve (different one) says:

you forgot to tie in NASCAR somehow.

 
 
 
Angel says:

He can play third, although his bat has seen better days.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

Maybe they should sign Berroa? Oh that’s right, they did. Alex is out for 10 weeks (if that is indeed accurate) not 10 months. No need to go crazy.

Berroa is awful. Missing 6 weeks of the season is a big deal when the division is loaded. They cannot afford to fall behind.

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

He kicked Joe Louis’ ass.

Slugger27 says:

so did ezzard charles

 
 
 
 
 
 
Mattingly's Love Child says:

I think he wouldn’t be a bad one to kick the tires on. Definitely no power, and he seems to only walk in certain years (not last year, but he did the previous 2 years), but he’s got some wheels and seems to be a decent defender.

 
 
usty says:

Everyone needs to take a deep breath again. We did survive with Erick Almonte at short for a long time a few years ago. This is a month or 2.

Slugger27 says:

haha… i forgot all about that

and in that case we had no prep time since jeter went down opening day… at least now we have a month to figure out a game plan

 
usty says:

Guess I should check my own memories. We survived 100 PA’s from Erick Almonte and 16 GS and 31 games.

 
AndrewYF says:

Yes, but the difference between Derek Jeter and Erick Almonte is a lot less than the difference between A-Rod and Cody Ransom.

Plus, the Yankees were better at every position other than 3B in 2003. They were truly a great team. One of the best of the decade.

whozat says:

Wrong. They did not win the world series, hence they were a horrendous team of overpaid bums that did not deserve to be graced with The Pinstripes — except for Derek Jeter and Mo. Mike Mussina is a loser.

 
 
 
Brooklyn Ed says:

Tex moves to 3rd, and Swisher plays 1st. This certainly opens up more ABs for Swish.

Slugger27 says:

id rather move nady to 1b and keep swish in right

Thank you. For the billionth time, if Tex moves off of first for whatever reason (moving to third to compensate for ARod’s injury, or moving to DH or the bench if he himself gets injured), Nady moves to first, not Swisher.

Swisher is a good defender. Nady is not. Therefore, Swisher should play the position of the most defensive importance. That’s RF, not 1B.

 
 
 
pat says:

It wouldn’t be exceedingly mind blowing if after a very good spring training we see Kevin Russo possibly in the mix for a short stint at 3b. He’s slated to start the season in Scranton. You gotta think he’s in Cashmans plans for the future seeing how he was sent to the AzFL. He put up a decent line in Trenton as well as for the Javelinas and plays pretty much every position on the field.
It’s far fetched I know, but not outside the realm of possibilities.

Brooklyn Ed says:

I thought Russo can’t play 3rd everyday?

 
whozat says:

You gotta think he’s in Cashmans plans for the future seeing how he was sent to the AzFL.

Eh…they didn’t really have anyone else to send.

pat says:

You think so? You could be right. I just picture him being a super utility Chone Figgins type. He’ll play just about any position and be league average or a little better with the bat.

 
 
 
RichYF says:

Any time something horrible happens, hilarity ensues. It’s amazing. I just spent my entire lunch break laughing at the proposals, the bashing, and the excellent commentary. Thanks guys.

HEY SCREW YOU PAL!!!! YOU’RE AN IDIOT FOR THINKING THAT!!!

SCREW HIM? SCREW YOU!!!!! That’s it, youve just been traded to Florida with Melky, IPK, and Igawa for Hanley Ramirez.

jsbrendog says:

YEAH NOW YOU HAVE TO GO POST ON MARLINS MESSAGE BOARDS AND BLOGS!!11!!1!1 GOOD LUKC FINDING ONE OF THOSE!!1!!1

MarlinMan97: Hey, guys, I think trading away Mike Jacobs for this garbage reliever was stupid. We’re going to regret it, Jacobs mashes. There’s no way we’re gonna win the NL East this year, not with all these bonehead moves and not since the Mets added K-Rod. We’re doomed.

Me: Somebody kill me, please.

… aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, SCENE!

 
 
 
 
 
Thomas A. Anderson says:

Hey the Yankees will probably get off to a 35-5 start now with the team cancer out of the locker room for 2 months.

/Main Stream Media

Angel says:
 
 
jsbrendog says:

melvin croussett comes up to play third and wins the rookie of the year, mvp, triple crown, hits over 400 and breaks the 190 rbi single seasno record. then in a post worldseries interfview where he wins WS mvp he says, i did it bevcause i can. i think ill pitch again next year

Andy In Sunny Daytona says:

They only flaw, and I mean ONLY flaw, in that, is that Melvin is lefthanded. I’m just afraid the Teixeira couldn’t handle his throws from third. The natural movement of a lefty and all.

jsbrendog says:

he will switch glove hands. if venditte can do it the great melvin can.

somewhere he just laughed at your doubts

 

While Melvin is a lefty, he is able to throw the ball with righty spin and trajectory using his left arm if he so chooses. He’s the upgraded version of Pat Venditte: a single-armed switch pitcher.

 
 
 
Frank says:

SI is reporting, via Jon Heyman, surgery is needed. However, they say he’ll be out only 6-8 weeks. Add on another month to that so it’s looking like 3 months.

 
C.Panella says:

LOL why we adding another month to that for?????

 

Why add another month? Normally hitters need a week in the minors to get their swing going. If this is true, he should be back about May 1st.

 

Lol, Heyman’s source is Scott Boras. “Wow, John, it is almost like you and Scott are the same person!”

 
 
Bryan says:

Whats Louis Sojo up to these days?

 
Deezer says:

It’s obscene that the New York Yankees have a GM who has constructed a roster that has no answer for an injury at 2B, ss or 3B. Outbidding other teams for FAs is easy. Bulding a coherent team is not.

Slugger27 says:

ummmmmmmm we do have an answer…. did you not know we signed angel berroa????

 
 
Jamal G. says:

It’s obscene that you think anybody can have an answer for an injury to one of the very few second basemen in MLB history to begin his current, four-year career – that saw him start out in his age-22 season – with 50+ XBH in every season, and is one of the top players in his league at his position; the best short stop in the American League; and the best active player in MLB not named Albert Pujols. That, sir, is truly obscene.

 
 
Slugger27 says:

how ironic that damon made those comments a few days ago about if arod went down they have depth in cody ransom… and now its happened

Heh, ironically, Johnny Damon and Derek Jeter probably really would love to have David Wright playing third and batting cleanup right now.

 
 
Bernard says:

Just another name to throw out there: Andy Marte

Jamal G. says:

Mike Schmidt.

Give him some steroids and greenies and lets see if there’s any life still in that bat.

 
Bernard says:

Andy Marte > Angel Berroa

Though that’s a bit like saying being shot in the face is better than being dropped out of an airplane…

 
 
 
mryankee says:

First I am one to wait for the final worl from the Yankees-second we are only talking about 10 weeks whihc is about a month and a half of the season. I think you go with Ransom or if you want to get creative mayb see if Anaheim would deal Figgins and when AROD comes back use Figgins as an uber utility man. This is not the end of the season the Yankees pitching upgrades should help keep them with the Sox and Rays until AROD returns. Injuries happen and you have to be able to adjust on the fly and I feel a hell of a lot better about this pitching staff than last years-so lets not report to the GW Bridge just yet. One last question which is completely unrelated but I am curiosu is there any way in the future that Jesus Montero coould feasibly play left field?

 
Matt '09 says:

You can’t make this shit up with this guy…it’s almost laughable at this point…

 
Ace says:

So who plays 3B? Honestly.

 
Bernard says:

I imagine Inge could be had for a not too extreme price and could do some catching if Jorge goes down. Maybe something like Sanchez, Albaladejo and Curtis?

I think that is the best idea for a trade that I have heard- he would be a great fit on the bench after A-Rod comes back- plays catcher and third.

mryankee says:

I have a question that is unrelated have you seen Jesus Monteroplay? and could he play LF in the future?

 
steve (different one) says:

who is Jesus Monteroplay?

 
 
 
Nady Nation says:

This would be Francesa’s dream (1A) come true.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bZAuH7pSgc

Let’s trade Cano and Hughes for Nate McLouth and play him at third.

 
 
 
NYFan50 says:

Now might be a great time for another fan confidence poll…

 
Mike says:

We need Cashman to somehow get Figgins from the Angels.

mryankee says:

I agree with you and I am also curious and this is unrelated but have you seen Jesus Montero play? and in the future since 1B is not an option could he in any way be a left fielder?

Mike says:

I have not seen Montero play but from what I’ve read, he is projected as a corner OFr given his size. However, I don’t know if in fact he’s been playing the OF.

 
 
 
Nady Nation says:

I just thought of a positive spin on this. At least now when Selena Roberts’ book comes out 2 days before the new Stadium opens, it won’t be a distraction for the team, since A-Rod will be rehabbing and not with the rest of the club for him, and the rest of his teammates, to answer all the inevitable ridiculous questions. Or do you think the media will somehow turn his lack of being a distraction, into a distraction?

Mike says:

NY media will still turn it into a distraction.

 

A-Rod gets injured to duck questions about book…
/Pete Abe’d

Nady Nation says:

Hahaha, that’s a great potential headline. It’s probably true too. A-Rod played all throughout ‘08 with hip pain, yet now he CONVENIENTLY schedules surgery? Smells like a cop-out to me.

 
 
 
GG says:

This never would have happened on the RedSox

 
dkidd says:

serious question: if you could snap your fingers and replace a-rod with joe crede, would you do it?

i’m thinking i might. a-rod is just exhausting

He of the 93 career OPS+ and bad back? No.