Dec
17

Report: Yanks wrapping up deal with Johnson

By Mike Axisa

Update (7:15pm): Ken Davidoff says the two sides are wrapping up a one year, $5.5M deal, pending a physical. Holy bargain Batman.

5:34pm: Via GAK3, the Yanks and Nick Johnson are getting close to an agreement on a one year deal, and it could be announced as soon as tomorrow morning. Johnson will get a chance to have a huge year by hitting a bunch of cheap homers to right with a ton of men on in front of him, putting him in position to go back onto the market next season and command some serious bucks.

On-base percentage is the single most important metric in baseball, and Johnson excels at it (.426 last year, .402 career). We’ve already written extensively about Nicky J. here and here, so you know we’re in favor of bringing him aboard.

Posted on Thursday, December 17th, 2009 at 7:15 pm in Asides, Hot Stove League.

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549 Comments »

SamVa says:

Thank god, now we have a replacement for the Wang jokes.

Homegrown I love it.

 

+1

I can’t wait to write “Yanks, Johnson poke Red Sox”

Doug says:

more like “Johnson, Yanks, smacks around Red Sox in an offensive orgy” amirite

Welcome home NICK DA STICK

 
J.R. says:

Or “Johnson pounds the sox”

SamVa says:

“Yanks, Johnson come from behind!”

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:
kei igawa's sunglasses says:

if we had Wang back it would be even better

Wang and Johnson come from behind to nail Sox.

 
 
 
Brendan says:

If Wang signs elsewhere and Johnson has a big game against him:

“Yanks’ Johnson knocks Wang out of the box”

 
JeffG says:

Rivals But: DH to DH Big Papi loves Johnson.

 
 

Johnson pulls Yanks to explosion of runs against Pale Hose

Doug says:

Johnson will provide stiff competition for opposing pitchers as he grinds out quality at-bats

 
 
Drew says:

“Johnson Yanks Sox out of contention.”

 
 
pete says:

Yanks pull johnson for defensive relief
oh damn he’s a DH isn’t he.

 
Jeremy says:

Who knows, maybe the Yankees will decide to offer Wang a contract after all. Then we can see:

“Yankees bring back Johnson, Champion Wang.”

Scooter says:

Or…
Johnson’s return leads to Wang tender

 
 
Marcus says:

If you really have to shave your pubes, be careful not to Nick Johnson.

Mike R says:
 
scooter says:

This is all sorts of awesome

 
 

Nick Johnson is good, but nothing will ever beat this name

http://www.rwjuh.edu/

 
 
Salty Buggah says:

One year deal? FUCK YEAH!

 
jOEY tIME! says:

This move makes ALOT of sense… a 1 year deal means you will get 100% from Nick (he will want to perform for a new deal)

The real question’s are, will he be our #2 hitter? Where will Granderson hit??? And how long do we have to wait until we sign Chapman?

Salty Buggah says:

I’d think Grandy #2 vs righties and Johnson #2 against lefties (remember the reverse platoon split). Could be either way though against most pitchers. I would go Johnson #2 with the tough lefties like Lester for sure.

Flexibility FTW!

Nah, limited upside to that move relative to downside. Fewer moving parts is better. Players like to be in the same spot in the order.

1-SS Jeter (R)
2-DH Johnson (L)
3-1B Tex (S)
4-3B ARod (R)
5-C Posada (S)
6-CF Granderson (L)
7-RF Swisher (S)
8-2B Cano (L)
9-LF Melky (R)

Salty Buggah says:
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

That lineup still looks very good to me. I’m not thrilled with Melky, but you know what? It’ll do just fine. It also likely fills the team’s said desire to give more rest to some of the regulars (assuming Johnson is not going to be playing 145+ games.

 
jim p says:

‘cept Melky (S).

Gotta love the “no 2 batters in a row same side” lineup.

 
 
Free Mike Vick says:

Wouldn’t you want to split Swisher and Granderson because of the amount of strike outs they have??

aside from that…Cano hits lefties very well…so having him behind Granderson isn’t really a bad thing.

 
 
Lanny says:

They’ll go Cano over Granderson.

Angelo says:

maybe, maybe not. Having Granderson in front of a few sluggers would be good, since he’s fast and he would get more pitches to hit.

Of course im refering to Cano and Swish as the sluggers behind him.

 
 
dalelama says:

Johnson is a serious downgrade from Matsui…OPS ok but no power…let me get this straight we replace a proven big time clutch power guy who we are afraid might get hurt with a guy with no power nor big game experience who has even a dodgier injury history…swapping Matsui for Johnson is a real bummer and disappointment for sure…

Phil McCracken says:

I agree with this.

People seem way too excited to see an injury prone Johnson back. I’m sure the Yankees questioned Matsui’s ability to be able to run for another full season on the base paths, but for 6.5M I would have taken the risk with Matsui over Johnson’s 5.5M.

 
 
 
 
 
A.D. says:

Can’t complain on this move. Could still wait on Damon if they want, assuming the market for him continues to fall out and the Mariners don’t make a move.

Steve says:

I could be wrong, but I suspect the Mariners’ supposed interest in Damon is nothing but Boras talk/leaks. The Mariners are building their team around pitching and defense. Not only is Damon’s defense atrocious, thus would not seem a fit at all, but his power outburst last year was so obviously inflated due to Yankee Stadium (he hit I think 17 of his 24 HRs at Yankee Stadium, all of them to RF). Safeco Field is a big park, Damon would be lucky to hit 10-12 HRs there. I just can’t see why they would want Damon, particularly with the outrageous contract demands Boras has made.

 
 
broooklyn ed says:

hopefully by having Johnson in front of Tex will end his April slump.

 
vin says:

Nick’s obviously a health risk, but he’s probably just as likely to get as many ABs as Matsui. Interesting acquisition. Puts a bit more pressure on Damon since Nick can easily hit 2nd in this lineup (as opposed to Granderson).

KK says:

Matsui is fragile, but in an everyday sort of way… when Nick Johnson gets injured, he REALLY gets injured. You either get everything from him, or he’s on IR for months, unlike Matsui who would play the whole year at about 80%

Cross your fingers and pray his injuries are limited this season. I still don’t want Damon back, but the Yankees probably do need to either shore up left field, or get some better depth replacements. If anybody on the infield is out for an extended period of time, things could get ugly.

Anyone else afraid that Cash thinks Jamie Hoffman is the answer to Left?

Anyone else afraid that Cash thinks Jamie Hoffman is the answer to Left?

No. Not remotely.

 
vin says:

No, I just think Cashman really wanted to get rid of Bruney. As it stands right now, Melky has to be the favorite, but it wouldn’t shock me if Hoffmann gives him some competition.

KK says:

Melky and Hoffman are almost the same player, statistically (based on the minor league stats, since Hoffman’s major league stint isn’t really long enough to make a comparison).

In the minors, both hit about .290, obp at around .330 and slugging close to .400. Baseball America has Hoffman listed as the top defensive outfielder in the Yankees system, so defensively he’s probably going to be about the same (more range, less of an arm?) I guess the only real difference is that Hoffman is a righty while Melky is a switch who can really only hit as a lefty.

Frankly it seemed like a pointless move.

It’s not pointless, because the point isn’t “Is Jamie Hoffmann better than Melky?

It’s “Is Jamie Hoffman more valuable to the 2010 Yankees than Brian Bruney?” The answer to that is probably an emphatic yes.

KK says:

I don’t know, I guess I just feel like the bullpen seems barren, so I’m not sure if Hoffman would be more useful than having Bruney around.

We’ve got lots of flexible, fungible arms on the 40-man to fill out a pen with. What we didn’t have was many big-league ready outfielders.

(Comments wont nest below this level)
Lanny says:

Bruney? He was passed by last yr. They were probably going to nontender him anyway so you may as well get an OF you think has potential to stick.

 
 
 
 
 
 
sleepykarl says:

Doesn’t it seem like the bulk of his injuries are of the freak variety from playing defense? The collision with Kearns and the line-drive off the face make it seem plausible.

 
dalelama says:

I agree KK this is just a move to cover the Matsui debacle as Matsui with a bum knee still has played more games than Johnson over the last few years…Johnson is just a DH with the Yanks as was Matsui but with less power and no big game track record..but hey he can play first 5 times this year to rest Texiera..I am not impressed at all…we have just replaced Matsui with a substandard piece….

 
 
 
Jake H says:

Love the signing. Now just get Chapman and I will be completely happy.

 
 
DP says:

Nick Johnson was in the Yankee organization from 1996-2000….

Core five!

 

Totally awesome.

I love bringing back Nick the Stick. He’s a Yankee farmhand.

Now if we can only get the Cubs to cough up Sori if they pick up most of his salary. ;)

I’m not really that interested in Sori anymore. He’s not the guy who used to mash for us; he’s quite pedestrian now.

lebigyank says:

true plus we are all with getting younger and cheapah

 
 
 
Matcohen says:

Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always preferred NJ – love the huge OBP. I was afraid that the Yanks would allow sentimentality to override sanity and sign Damon or Matsui.

Johnson’s power should improve with a yea more of recovery.

1 year deal – so if Montero is ready in 2011, he can split DH and catcher with Posada.

This is absolutely terrific.

dalelama says:

Wow, Johnson is a serious downgrade from Godzilla…hurt more, no big game track record, and less power…and with the Yanks Johnson is nothing more than a DH….a serious letdown

 
 
jOEY tIME! says:

any word on the proposed dollar amount??

KK says:

As long as it’s on par or below Matsui’s contract, I have nothing bad to say about it.

 
 
Evil Empire says:

Oh boy!

In somewhat of a twist of irony, I could see how Matsui’s deal with the Angels provided an impetus for Johnson to sign up with someone as well.

Its very arguable whether a team would prefer Johnson over Matsui anyway, due to Johnson’s awesome OBP skills and Matsui’s old man knees.

KK says:

The difference is that everyone knows Matsui is clutch under pressure. Johnson, on the other hand, has been out hitting in Washington and Florida, where nobody cares.

Evil Empire says:
 
 
Pasqua says:

Yeah, nobody cares there. So neither does he, I guess. I mean, it only stands to reason. It’s a simple logic equation, really.

 
 
dalelama says:

Matsui’s old man knees have gotten him thru more games over the past five years than Johnson..and Matsui has power…Johnson is nothing more than a USA version of Bobby (let me draw a walk to put the pressure on someone else) Abreu without speed or the ability to play a position other than Tex’s….

sciorsci says:

So, just asking… are you completely unaware of the value of OBP, particularly in the #2 spot in the order? The guys he’s supposedly going to “put the pressure on” by taking a walk will be Teixeira and A-Rod. I can live with that.

dalelama says:

Sure but would rather have the guy who drives in the runs and has clutch history aka Matsui especially after the story line we need someone who can play the outfield and less injury prone—Johnson for the Yanks is just a more injury prone and weaker Matsui

 
 
 
 
Patrick says:

Any idea what the Yankees are going to do with Hinske or Nady? Or are both of them gone?

Evil Empire says:

Nady could probably officially be crossed off the list. Hinske I think could still be very useful, filling the same capacity he did last year.

Kevin M. says:

Why cross Nady off? Could be a very cheap option to play LF if his elbow is ok.

Evil Empire says:

We already have Cabrera, Gardner, and Hoffmann. Given, all of them are easily replaceable and don’t have a bat nearly as good as Nady’s if he was 100%, but it seems doubtful that he is indeed 100% considering he’ll be only a year removed from his second TJS.

 

30% success rates on 2nd TJs. Love to see it, but don’t think that’s going in Santa’s sack.

 
 
 
Salty Buggah says:
 
 
J.R. says:

Smart deal for both sides. Hopefully Johnson gets some power back, but if not getting on base at 40% is great with tex and arod behind him.

 
Kevin M. says:

Now wait for the inevitable complaints that he can’t hit second cause he’s going to “clog up the bases” with that .426 OBP.

As if Mark Teixeira could possibly lap him (or anyone else) on the bases….LOL.

jsbrendog says:

buster olney beat you to it.

id link but it is insider and trash

Kevin M. says:

Think about what “clogging the bases” literally means to realize how stupid it is.

The only time you could ever conceivably prevent a runner behind you from taking an extra base is if you couldn’t score from second on a single where a runner on 1st would have gone from 1st to 3rd. It would be incredibly rare, and Tex is just about as slow as Nick J. is anyway.

Give me a whole lineup of guys who are slow as hell and get on base 42% of the time and I’ll give you the best lineup in the history of baseball.

BklynJT says:

Not saying that Nick clogs the base paths but it would be nice if he could score from first on a double from Tex or Arod. Damon could do that normally, I’m not sure NJ can. I would prefer to have some more speed in the 2 hole, but NJ’s OBP is hard to ignore.

 
 
 
Zack says:

he did steal 10 bases in 2006, somehow

 
 
Reggie C. says:

Hopefully Cash is minding his pennies with this Nick Johnson signing so to position a winning run at Ben Sheets. Johnson will find his groove behind Jeter.

Evil Empire says:

Hell yeah. Ben Sheets would put a lovely bow on this offseason.

So would Chapman!

 
KK says:

Why does everyone on RAB like Ben Sheets so much? He was good but not spectacular when on the Brewers.

Ben Sheets, 2004-2008:
134 ERA+, 1.095 WHIP, 8.4 K/9, 1.6 BB/9, 5.16 K/BB, 22.3 WAR

Ben Sheets while with the Brewers: spectacular

Keanu Reeves says:

Forget my comment. This is the truth right here son.

 
Omar says:

“Infrequently Spectacular” is a better adjective.

 
 
Keanu Reeves says:

I’m having a hard time figuring out why you don’t like him. The only reason you’ve given is a HR rate of around one per game.

How about this for a reason why we like him so much:

http://www.baseball-reference......04&t=p

2004: 2.70 ERA, 237 IP, 264 K, .983 WHIP, 10 K/9

That’s the kind of pitcher he can be if he’s healthy.

KK says:

Mainly because I believe that the HR per game would go up playing in Yankee Stadium, and that I don’t believe he’s ever going to be truly healthy again.

I will admit that he’s an upgrade to what they’ve got there now (and that he is better than Wang) but I don’t think he’ll come cheap enough to be worth it.

 
sleepykarl says:

Yeah that was a Grienke 2009 year. Insane. I would love to see someone argue W-L being a stat reflective of a pitcher as he was 12-14 that year.

 
 
 
 
SamVa says:

I bet Granderson is like..
“YES I’M THE NEWEST YAN….. AWW”

Didn’t take too long..
this offseason has been pretty enjoyable I must say..
Time to lock up Sheets.

Salty Buggah says:

That’s how CC, and then AJ, felt last year.

 
 
Johan Iz My Brohan says:

Take that Scutaro and Cameron, we got Johnson and Granderson!

JobaTheHeat62 says:

but how do we respond to lackey??

Please sign sheets, please!!!!!!!

but how do we respond to lackey??

Phil Hughes + Joba Chamberlain

Evil Empire says:

BAM!

One of those two does his job and holds down the #4 spot and our rotation is right up there with anyone else’s.

Its an exciting but risky proposition, trusting those two to hold down the back of the rotation. They’re MAJOR X-factors. I’m all for it considering Ben Sheets is probably not an option.

ColoYank says:

Hughes is an X-factor, yes. But Joba should be exempt from that judgment, I think. He started 31 games very competently, especially for a 23-year-old. His performance suffered when they messed with his schedule, but still, the Yanks went 20-11 in his starts.

dudes says:

he was solid up until the 100 innings mark, then tapered off as he found himself deeper and deeper into new physical territory. i expect good things from him this year.

 
 
 
 
KK says:

It just seems like Sheets is the same as Wang but with more strikeouts and homeruns given up (it mainly balances out). Unless you’re getting Sheets really cheap – and I don’t know if that’s the case.

I’d rather they spend the money on Chapman (if they can straighten out his control, he could be a lefty reliever for this season and maybe transfer to a starter over the next year or two) and see if Duscherer wants to be a Yankee.

It just seems like Sheets is the same as Wang but with more strikeouts and homeruns given up (it mainly balances out).

It doesn’t.

 
Keanu Reeves says:

Is HR allowed the only Ben Sheets stat you know?

 
 
 
dalelama says:

dude you forget a small detail…Lackey…LOL

 
 
JobaTheHeat62 says:

very nice…perfect player for this Yankee lineup. to me i think granderson and nick make this lineup better than matsui and damon did, then again that lineup won the world series so time will tell.

Mike Pop says:

If Granderson goes back to 07 level(I know, unlikely) then most definitely, these two outproduce Damon and Hideki.

Salty Buggah says:

Even if he doesn’t. He’ll at least equal Damon when you factor in defense. He has to rebound at least a little though, so that’s even better.

 
Tank the Frank says:

I think Granderson definitely rebounds. He’s too good of an athlete. He’s a player that will be helped by Yankee Stadium A LOT…both offensively and defensively.

KK says:

He’ll hit for more power, but the dude strikes out a lot. Hopefully on the Yankees, he’ll be around enough players who can teach him some patience.

Either that or he and Robbie Cano can both flirt with the ridiculous .300 average with .350 OBP, frustrating many.

dudes says:

i’ll live with that considering the other bats in the lineup.

 
 
 
dalelama says:

But it should have been Granderson and Matsui…..

 
 
 
Guest says:

Jeter
Damon
Tex
Arod
Johnson
Posada
Granderson
Swisher
Cano

Check please. Man that, right field porch would get OWNED by this lineup.

SamVa says:

I think Damon is out of contention now.
Which is fine by me, love him, but he wants far too much $$$

Guest says:

You’re almost certainly right, SamVa, but I am still holding out hope that the market drives him back into the fold…

Given his demands and our reluctance to meet them, plus our now lack of need, I don’t think the market would remotely push him back into OUR fold.

The market may make him take a 2/16 or something from someone like the Giants, but he’s not going to accept that from us, nor would we offer it.

The 2/24 from us is now off the table (if it was ever on). So, likely, are the 2/20, 2/18, and maybe even 2/anything.

SamVa says:

you think there is any shot we end up with damon?
I mean what would be our reasoning now unless we get him on a 1 year deal somehow which I just don’t see anyway.

 
 
 
 
Mike Pop says:

With you here. If Johnson is signed, I’m perfectly fine with Melky in LF.

Every position doesn’t need an above average bat. Melky is fine out there, considering the improved defense.

sleepykarl says:

Melky is capable of a average CF bat, and Granderson is an above average LF bat, so the equation works.

 
 
JobaTheHeat62 says:

just think how crazy it would be if we signed damon…obviously it would require a large pay cut at this point, but crazier things have happened. what a lineup that would be be, only negative would be Damon as the primary LF with his awful defense and noodle arm.

i love the nick johnson signing, but i will miss johnny damon…when he joined us from the red sox i thought it was so cool. i kind of hoped he finished his career with the Yanks.

 
 
Guest says:

Before someone beats me to it, yes Johnson would probably make much more sense in the two-hole than Damon; I just think its unlikely that Girardi would move Damon out of the two hole if we resign him.

 
Dan says:

Damon is unlikely though…

Kevin M. says:

Damon will be very likely once he realizes nobody is even going to match our current offer from him, hever mind pay him his pipe dream of $13/mil per for 4 years.

pete says:

yeah but even the yankees won’t match their current offer if they sign johnson, i’d think. My guess is that with johnson the offer goes down to 1 year w/ an option, at either $9 apiece or 10 and 8. There’s nowhere near enough need for damon if they have johnson on the team to let him get anywhere close to what he wants, and once the assumption that the yanks have the prohibitive offer of 2/$20-22 on the table goes away, other teams (Giants, Mariners, Rays) might jump in. In my opinion, Damon’s not worth what he’ll cost unless that’s around $3 million. This team is offensively stacked already, and his defense will hurt, and his salary will prohibit the yankees from investing in starting depth, which, with the addition of Johnson, becomes waaaaayy more important than not having a 100 OPS+, +5 (at least) UZR guy batting ninth, which would be the alternative to signing damon.

 

Even when his market collapses, he’ll still take an offer from someone else. He’s too prideful to come back to NYY at a massive paycut. It’s why Hideki left, it’s why Abreu left, it’s why Bernie retired, etc.

We are now in a position to lowball Johnny, and we will, and it will cause him to take someone else’s lowball offer over ours, even if it costs him another ring.

BklynJT says:

You could of said the same thing about Pettitte, but he came back to us last year on a contract that completely favored the Yankees. Did we even offer Abreu a deal? Did we even offer Hideki a deal? I’m not sold that they left because of pride, Matsui (or his agent) said himself that he didn’t want to wait around for the Yankees and lose his chance to sign with a team.

 
 
 
 
jsbrendog says:

pssssst. come ere……

damon isn’t on the yankees

 
Salty Buggah says:
 
Kevin M. says:

I definitely would not bat Cano 9th.

Try:
Jeter
Damon
Tex
A-Rod
Cano
Posada
Johnson
Granderson
Swisher

KK says:

Granderson should probably bat ninth. He’s got enough speed to play as a secondary leadoff ahead of Jeter.

Not that it makes a huge difference, the bottom of the lineup looks like the top of the lineup for a lot of teams.

Granderson should probably bat ninth. He’s got enough speed to play as a secondary leadoff ahead of Jeter.

:: mouth agape ::

I’m going to go out on a limb and say you don’t like Curtis Granderson and aren’t bullish on his prospects here.

Curtis Granderson: better than a #9 hitter

KK says:

I actually do like Granderson. It’s just that I don’t believe in putting your worst hitter in ninth. I’d rather have the weakest hitter batting 7th or 8th.

He is better than a #9 hitter, but so is pretty much everyone in that lineup.

Zack says:

Why would you want your weak hitter to get more PA than a better hitter?

 
BklynJT says:

Is that you T. La Russa?

 
 
 
 
 
pete says:

I don’t see damon coming back bro. That would mean putting them over their roster budget without doing anything to improve SP. Going over budget means taking money away from someplace else (i.e. Chapman), and you don’t do it just to bring in more offense at an unreasonable contract and defense so much worse that it practically takes away all of the offensive benefit anyway.
Jeter
Granderson/Johnson
Tex
A-Rod
Posada
Granderson/Johnson
Swisher
Cano
Melkner

would be a good 10-13 million dollars cheaper, and, defense included, come close to approximating that production. through in the possibility of signing someone like sheets with some of that extra cash, and it’s clearly the smarter move. LOVE this signing.

Kevin M. says:

You might be right….but there are options between Gardbrera and Damon. Nady, even Hinske, etc.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Nady and Hinske are not in the mix for a starting gig. At all.

 
pete says:

I would say that nady, given the injury, is probably not BETWEEN gardbrera and damon, but rather beneath both of them. And hinske isn’t even close, defense (as it should be) considered.

 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

In fairness, they may use the rest of their IFA budget for Chapman, and if his p/y is too much, may draw a small fraction out of the ML roster.

Everything else, TOTAL AGREEMENT, BRO!

 
Reef says:

these are the yankees, remember? they just built a cash cow of a stadium. they don’t operate on a budget and never have, never will.

 
 
 
Brooklyn Ed says:

seriously can’t wait for Johnson – Teixeria – Roriguez making the pitcher work. its going to be a nightmare for them.

Mike Pop says:

+1

That would be ridiculous.

 
SamVa says:

then there’s that jeter guy…

Keanu Reeves says:

Right but Jeter doesn’t really work counts like those three do. Not that it matters, a first pitch base hit is fine with me too.

 
 
Salty Buggah says:

At least 45-50 pitches seen by those 3 almost every night

SamVa says:

luckily we have Cano to balance it out nicely for us.

Salty Buggah says:

You may be kidding but even Cano doesn’t. EVERY player in our lineup is patient except Robbie and Melky. And even their OBP’s arent bad.

 
KK says:

Hahaha, even if his OBP is only .350, his slugging is usually over .500, so I don’t think it’s too bad. If you take out the 2007 season, which looks like a blip based on his career, the guy is a monster at 2B

pete says:

you mean 2008 i assume.

KK says:
 
 
 
 
Brooklyn Ed says:

hopefully by having Johnson, it could end Texieria’s april slump.

dalelama says:

Bill James has proven that to a big league hitter it doesn’t matter who hits behind them…..

BklynJT says:

His general proof doesnt mean much in Tex’s case. Every player is different and we shouldn’t try to paint every with the same broad brush (courtesy of M.Kay)

 
 
 
 
Evil Empire says:

Not to mention Swisher toward the end of the lineup. He tends to be in the top 5 in the entire league for P/PA

Brooklyn Ed says:

agreed. Swisher to the 5 hole depending on the pitcher? now that’s going to be hell for the pitcher.

Evil Empire says:

Heh, that’s an interesting proposition. I’m not sure if you could base a lineup on sheer P/PA #s, but it does have an almost sneaky-evil appeal to it.

Brooklyn Ed says:

hehe, I want to mention Jeter but he’s a free swinger most of the at times that just get hits. first 5 batters, its going to HELL.

 
 
 
 
 
Rob says:

Now, go get a decent upgrade in LF (Byrd or DeJesus) and the offense and defense are set. Sheets and Douchebag to the rotation.
Call it an offseason.

Now, go get a decent upgrade in LF (Byrd or DeJesus)

No.

Sheets and Douchebag to the rotation.

Overkill, and highly unlikely.

DP says:

He thinks Joba is a douchebag.

 
 
 
SamVa says:

I would say we are pretty good in OF.
We have that rule 5 character who is supposedly the best OF defender in our system (per baseball america)
and we have gardbrera, probably one of which will make the team, maybe two. If they both make it you end up with the Melk-man starting and Gardner doing what he does best as the SB guy.
I actually would enjoy having a solid outfield defensively.. (aka no Damon)

Tank the Frank says:
 
 
Evil Empire says:

Byrd = NO!!!!!!!!!!!

DeJesus = probably too steep of a trade

 
 
DP says:

*phone rings at Boras’ office, where Damon is hanging out for some reason*
Boras: Hey Johnny, it’s Cashman for you.
Damon: Yes! He’s gonna give me that 3 year deal I want!
*picks up the phone*
Damon: Hello?
Cashman: Hey Johnny, how’s it going? Remember how we offered you 2 for 20?
Damon: (eagerly) Yeah?!?
Cashman: Well, we’re changing it…
Damon: Really?!?! I knew it!
Cashman: Yeah, uh, now it’s 1 for 8.
*Damon starts crying as Boras hangs up the phone for him*

 
Mike bk says:

i personally would have preferred a bigger bat or someone who gave us more positional flexibility but maybe it being the 2nd year he will gain some strength back form the wrist and w the short porch hit 15 out while maintaining his obp.

Evil Empire says:

.400 OBP = pretty friggin’ big bat

Mike bk says:

no it means really good eye. big bat meaning hr and rbi producer. 8 and 62 is not that, but the walks will create runs and rbi chances for tex and a-rod.

Evil Empire says:

RBIs are not the proper way to evaluate players, its a context-sensitive statistic.

HR wise, Johnson should project to hit 20+ HR this season by most evaluations I’ve read

 
SamVa says:

he played on the nationals and marlins..
First off, if you played for the Nationals would you even WANT to produce runs?
I mean.. don’t get me wrong.. they are the closest team to me geographically so I try to watch some of their games when they are on.. but unless you are playing for something why go for the extra rbi’s? he is about to be in the most productive line-up in baseball… you have a guy who had 200+ hits somewhere between the 7-9 spots.. call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure he can drive in more than 62 rbi’s this year.. I’m going to go with much much more.

 
JGS says:

Derek Jeter only drove in 66 this year but was more than plenty productive. Johnson’s 2009 OBP was 20 points higher than Jeter’s, which itself was over .400

That is production

 
 
 

i personally would have preferred a bigger bat

Nick Johnson, wRC+, 2005-2009:
139, 152, N/A (DNP), 129, 130

Nick Johnson, when healthy: A big bat

Mike bk says:
 
Keanu Reeves says:

More recovery time from wrist injuries + short porch in right = more iso.

 
 
 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

**Jersey Shore fist pumps**

Tank the Frank says:

Nick Johnson’s new name is The Situation.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Haha, his real name renders a nickname unnecessary, but I like it.

 
 
 
mr yankee says:

Now we are talking, Nick is perfect for this lineup good obp decent pop and does not strike out. I like this signing a lot. Now we get Sheets and I am good. The only negative would be if the Sox got Adrian Gonalez and Matt Holliday. I would be shocked were that to happen.

Why would you trade Adrian Gonzalez now anyway? would it not make sense to let teh season begin see if a-the Padres can contend in a weak nl west. B-See what other teams are interssted as the year progreses? Braves, Mariners, Dodgers, Angels?

DP says:

I agree with most of this except for one thing: the Padres as currently composed would have trouble competing in the Eastern League.

mr yankee says:

I suppose so but really they have some talent there and I think you have to give your team a chance. They dont have to trade Gonzalez. Short money and your fans love him. I would let the team have a shot if they star to get buried early on then I would make him available. By then I think more teams will offer deals. Remeber at 10 mill for two seasons any team could afford him.

 
 

re: Adrian Gonzalez… The good reasons to keep him (that he’s awesome and he’s cheap and signed through the 2010 season with a cheap club option for 2011) are also good reasons to trade him in that they make him very attractive to other teams. He’ll never be as valuable to the Padres on the trade market as he is today.

I get why the Padres wouldn’t want to deal him, believe me… I just think maybe we get a bit carried away looking for reasons why a deal with Boston wouldn’t happen because we don’t want to see it happen. Given the moves the Sox have made already this offseason, I wouldn’t be shocked to see them offer their farm for Gonzalez, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Padres accept that offer. This guy is a golden ticket on the trade market for the Padres. We’ll see.

mr yankee says:

With his contract many other teams could afford him and why limit yourself to one team. I would think wait for the season to begin let other teams get a-desperate and b-injuries and see what happens.

Oh sure, I’m not saying they have to trade him this offseason. I just don’t think it’s as much of an impossibility as a lot of Yankees fans like to tell themselves.

mr yankee says:

for the package I mentioned below yes I would think the Padres might consider that group. Were Theo to make this deal his farm system is gone and anyone living in the Boston area knows how much he loves his “guys” I am not saying it wont happen, but remember the Beckett deal was againt Theo’s wishes and was made while he quit temporarily.

So… You agree with me. Cool.

(I’m not talking about whether Boston would cough up whatever San Diego is going to demand, I’m just saying this idea, that I’ve seen discussed here ad nauseum, that it makes no sense for the Padres to deal Gonzalez, isn’t necessarily accurate.)

mr yankee says:

I think they have a decent pool of talent, now is it enough to compete this year? no. is it enough to compete next year if they make a few moves? maybe. I would want to build the team around Gonzalez. If I could not do that I make him avaiable at the trade deadline this year. I guarantee you get a better return. Also if they can compete its not like San Diego could not attract FA. I mean it is a pretty nice play to play ball and live.

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Yup to all of that. And yet, my point stands. Adrian Gonzalez is an incredibly valuable trade chip right now, so it’s not like there are absolutely no reasons for the Padres to consider moving him.

Your points are all well-taken, but we’re not really participating in the same conversation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
mr yankee says:

Also if Theo will give up Ellsbury-Bucholz-Bard-Kelly then he can have AG. If I were Hoyer that is what I would demand.

 
 

The only negative would be if the Sox got Adrian Gonalez and Matt Holliday. I would be shocked were that to happen.”

(thinks)
(realizes mryankee just thought about the situation holistically and made a hypothetical situation but then calmly and logically debunked it as unlikely)
(realizes mryankee has just turned an intellectual corner to a wider and more accurate understanding of the world)

:: head explodes in a mixture of shock and joy ::

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nnHksDFHTQI

mr yankee says:

Now I did not come up with that theory, that was the Yankee Universe. Funny but on WEEI there is not a tremendous amount of joy with Lackey being signed. Essentially getting the money that Bay would have gotten. Interesting to see if Hoyer does what I think he should do.
A-Give his team a chance to win with Gonzalez.
b-Wait for the market to expand as teh season progresses
c-Mariners-Angels-Dodgers-White Sox might have 1b needs and might be willing to drive up the price for AG
at this contract any team could afford Adrian Gonzalez.

Mike bk says:

I think the Mariners might make a legit run at Adrian. Saunders, Trunifel, Morrow would be a great start. Put Adrian in the lineup w Ichiro and Figgins in front of him and combine that with Lee and Felix and it’s a legit contender.

pete says:

they’d be a crraaazzily top-heavy team though. It would be interesting to see, though, if top-heavy ness can compete when complimented by amazing defense.

 
 

Now I did not come up with that theory, that was the Yankee Universe.

I don’t care where you got it from. I’m just thrilled you read it, understood it, accepted it, and disseminated it to others.

This is a great day. You have restored my faith in humanity. You’re my new favorite poster.

Evil Empire says:

First The Great Bo Truce of 2009, and now new-found respect for mr yankee.

This day has truly been one of peace and understanding.

Was it a truce? I think it was more of an armistice.

For the record, he has yet to respond to Joe’s comment with any type of public pledge to not do it anymore like I did.

But whatevs.

Evil Empire says:

Truly, it was more of a “STFU, dumbass” but, y’know, I wanted to make it sound more epic and cool.

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JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Gonzalez could probably be had by the Sox this year if they wanted. He definitely boosts this team tremendously. However, they have a tight payroll now, need to re-sign some players in the next few years, and would ship out some really good prospects to get him. That doesn’t really fit their MO.Few of the other teams can offer the prospects needed to grab A-Gonz. The Angels also already have 1B covered.

The Dodgers haven’t spent anything on picks the past few seasons. They have a pretty bare cabinet; the M’s are still dealing with Bavasi’s reign AND just gave away some guys in the Lee trade.

The White Sox and Angels don’t have a lot of depth, either, but have some attractive young guys.

mr yankee says:

I could go on, Indians and Rangers. If the Lowell trade falls apart then the Rangers make a lot of sense. The point is this will be Hoyer’s most important move. He cannot blow it and I think he has the luxury of time.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Rangers and Indians makes sense, except management on the Rangers changing and the Indians…being the Indians.

Rangers have the deepest, most talented farm system in the game. The Lowell trade is, in my mind, a non-factor. They could deal for him and Gonzalez, and still have a really good, talented farm. They’re best capable of weathering that kind of loss.

Mr.Jigginz says:

And,if I’m correct, Gonzo is of Mexican descent and there are a LOT of Mexicans in the Texas area.He could be a very positive factor for ticket sales,just in time for the new owner/management to step in.

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aj says:

So is this it for Johnny Damon, if so are the Yanks setting up for Crawford or Jayson Werth next year? If that’s the plan, I like it. Or maybe Yanks want to keep payroll low so they can be in on Cliff Lee or another starter next year.

Mike bk says:

if this budget is a new thing and 200 is the rough target each year i dont see us being too big in FA next year either seeing as how Jeter and Mo will be back, so only really Nick and Andy are coming off the budget, but at the same time Granderson, Swish and Cano will get an extra 6 mil combined, Joba and Phil will also be arb eligible i believe.

Maybe Jeter and Mo take a pay cut and that frees up more money, but not sure on that.

mr yankee says:

I dont buy that if there is a player they need they will get him.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:
 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

I wouldn’t get my hopes up with pay cuts for Derek and Mo.

Mike bk says:

i am not. in fact the opposite i am assuming we are going to be quiet in FA the next couple years until 2011.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

All signs point to that being true. Payroll starts coming off looking toward 2012. Going to be some really interesting conversations regarding some of our old guard veterans.

mr yankee says:

Again do not be so sure if the right players are available. The Yankees will not cheap out on their fans.

Mike bk says:

i love how in your mind staying at 200 million=cheaping out on their fans.

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Mike bk says:

i think Posada is gone after the contract, Andy might finish after this year coming, i think Mo has 2-3 left, not sure how long they will do Jeter’s deal. I love our guys but i wish we didnt do so many long term deals with players into the late 30’s early 40’s.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Again, agreed. I don’t see Posada or Andy being here after the contracts are up. Jeter on a (gulp) 3-year deal, Mo on a two-year deal.

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Tank the Frank says:

Either way works for me. I think this lineup is set. Damon, at his price, is a luxury. The Yankees have great outfield depth right now and have vastly improved defensively in that area as well. One more SP for depth and call it an offseason. I think what you said about the payroll is true. Next year’s FA class is so good you have to make sure you have some payroll flexibility.

 
Evil Empire says:

More like Jayson “NOT” Werth it. He’ll be 32 when he hits FA.

Crawford though, I’d be all up ons for a Johnny Damon-esque deal (4/52)

Charlie says:

jayson werth is a fucking beast dude, and 32 is not that horribly old. on a 3-4 year deal i’d probably go for that. and crawford is obviously great, but i’m thinkin ur gonna have to pay him quite a bit more than that considering how many teams are gonna want him.

Evil Empire says:

I will respectfully disagree with your assertion. Werth as a two year hold-me-over I’d be fine with. Anything longer and I’d probably think it’d be too much.

 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:
 
 
 
Charlie says:

nice move. i was never really a fan of johnson when he was with the yanks, but that obp is pretty sweet. the only thing i’m not so sure about is the now stronger possibility that gardbrera is in lf. i know, i know, they can make up for the offense and the OF defense will be nasty, but i’d still be more comfortable with an everyday LFer out there

 
Tank the Frank says:

I’m guessing (hoping) the Yankees truly believe that his wrist is ok. If he gives us marginal HR output relative to what he’s capable of, and Granderson really shines as expected in Yankee Stadium, this team could really hit a shit-ton of home runs. I can’t wait to see A-Rod play a full healthy season at YSIII as well…he should launch about 40-45.

DP says:

Well his physical should take care of the Yankees figuring out if his wrist is OK.

 
 
Cameron says:

1 Year similar price – why not resign Matsui?

aj says:

I have NO idea why! Unless Cashman just fell off the boat during negotiations, it makes no sense.

Mike bk says:

apparently from reports they wanted him back but they wanted him to wait until after the SP and Damon issues were resolved and he didnt want to wait

Cameron says:

Yea but I dont see the SP or LF issues being resolved. And its not like they waited a long time. Matsui signed what 3 days ago?

Mike bk says:

i dont disagree with that assessment, but maybe w Hideki gone and Damon firming in his insane demands they moved on.

 
 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Have you asked Rose how he feels about it?

Riddering says:
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

BTW, thanks to you, I watched Glee. It was awesome. Thanks for the hot tip (not a euphemism).

 
 
 
 
Charlie says:

yea, ya know what i really dont know. people are gonna say his knees or whatever but johnson’s just as big of an injury risk. i would have preferred godzilla because the fact of the matter is, sui has a better bat than johnson

mr yankee says:

I disagree Johnsondoes not strike out hits lefties well can play some first base. Also he will benefit from Yankee Stadium. I think thekey is he is a tough at bat with a great eye, he falls right into the offensive philosophy.

Charlie says:

god your grammar is atrocious. is it that hard to form sentences?

But anyway, Matsui also hits lefties well and benefited/would continue to benefit from YS. Johnson being able to play 1B is useless because we have this guy named Mark Teixeira. He does have a great eye and fits with the yanks lineup. I was just saying that matsui has a better bat from what i can gather. And their price tags were the same.

 
 

Johnson has had a lot of injuries, but he’s not the same kind of risk as Matsui. Matsui’s knees will be a concern for the rest of his career, it’s an ongoing condition and not an injury he’ll get over. Johnson, on the other hand, isn’t going to be breaking his leg anytime soon in a freak accident behind first base, since he won’t be playing first base. Could he get hit by a pitch or pull a muscle while running? Of course, but anyone might do that.

 
 

1 Year similar price – why not resign Matsui?

Nick Johnson, 2008-2009, wRC+
129, 130

Hideki Matsui 2008-2009, wRC+:
114, 133

Nick may be a better bat, all things considered.

Moreover, though, Nick wasn’t signed to replace Matsui. He was signed to replace Johnny Damon.

Curtis Granderson is our replacement for Matsui. He’s the #5/#6 hole power bat who combines with Posada to protect ARod. Nick is the OBP guy who replaces Damon in the #2 hole to get on base and be a table-setter.

Evil Empire says:

Despite NJ’s injury list, he might also be the safer bet. Bad knees are a ticking timebomb, and once they’re gone, a player is DONE.

 
 
Lanny says:

You got to assume that they did not think Matsui could even stay healthy at DH.

Zack says:

well he had knee issues as a DH this year- and he’s a year older now.

 
 
 
aj says:

Ugh he better be healthy..

 
vin says:

Damn, my post got eaten…

Quick recap:

Nick Johnson and Nick Swisher were both 2nd in their respective leagues in terms of pitches/pa.

Every Yankee projected to be in the lineup next year was better than the AL average for p/pa (except Cano, of course) in 2009. Melky was higher than guys like Jeter and Tex. Damon was something like 14th (AL) last year in p/pa. Posada didn’t qualify (not enough plate appearances), but he would’ve been top 30.

It really was an impressive list.

 
Mike bk says:

“Newsday’s Ken Davidoff agrees that the Yankees and Johnson are engaged in “serious discussions,” but notes that Johnson has yet to take a physical.”

Brooklyn Ed says:

so I guess we will expect a presser either on Monday or Tuesday?

 
 
Charlie says:

oooh there’s suggested articles now. when’d that happen?

Johan Iz My Brohan says:

Mo thought RAB sucked, so he demanded this be done, or else he would have used his godly cutter to slice Ben, Joe, and Mike’s throats.

 
 

I’ll be pretty psyched if the Yanks sign Nick Johnson for one year. I fully admit that I’m probably not totally objective on this one since I’m a big NJ fan, but I think this is a good move. This guy doesn’t know how to not get on base, and you’ve gotta love the one-year commitment.

And for the people who care about such things… This guy coming back to the Yankees on a 1-year deal to fill the primary DH role has to make you feel good about the guy wanting to be a Yankee and wanting to win. I think he could get a more lucrative deal elsewhere and get the opportunity to play 1B.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:
 

I’m with you.

Like I’ve said again and again this offseason, the best possible solution once Granderson came on board was for us to sign someone to be the last bat in the offense on a one year deal.

Whether that person was Nick Johnson, Cameron, Delgado, Thome, Vlad, Dye, etc. etc., even Damon, it didn’t really matter. They’re all productive bats in their own right.

Having the one year deal allows us to free up the DH spot again next offseason and re-evaluate who needs it. (Namely, Jorge Posada).

Quality offense now + roster flexibility later = PUSSYTUBING

ColoYank says:

That’s quite the participle, there, tsjc.

I like it.

 
 
 
JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Here’s a funny one, regarding Damon, via MLBTR, via The Seattle Times:

I heard from someone who works around the Mariners that after Bill Bavasi was fired in 2008, and the Mariners were searching for a new general manager, Damon actually was telling people he would be interested in the job. This person insisted that Damon seemed dead serious, even though he was still an active player.

That’s just straight-up funny. Well, it seems like the M’s are full speed ahead on FAs this off season. I’m not sure how well he fits in there, though. Damon playing in LF at Saefco could be REALLY dicey. If he platoon DH’d and played LF part time, maybe it could work, but that’s a lot of cash, horrid defense and a weird platoon-type situation.

 

Love the Nick Johnson move.

Now….the rest of my Melchrishanakwanza list.

1. Ben Sheets
2. Aroldis
3. Cyclops Mateo
4. Digital Camera
5. A healthy Jesus middle finger.

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

I’ve had this conversation a million times with the rest of you guys, but I’d prefer us not to go for Sheets.

Big WANT VERY MUCH to Chaphombre and Bernard from Star Trek.

Do you mean Geordi Laforge?

/Geek’d

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Yeah, that’s him. (SHAME.) We weren’t allowed to watch TV as kids…

 
 
 

Is Digital Camera a nickname for a player, or do you just need a new digital camera?

If it’s a nickname for a player, my guess is that you’re referring to… Antonio Alfonseca.

No. I just need a new digital camera with an automatic date setter.

Admit it, though, “Digital Camera” is a pretty kick-ass nickname for Antonio Alfonseca.

 
 
 
 
Reggie C. says:

Cyclops Mateo = the funny

That’s intellectual property of JMK.

Jay says:

How do you make your horsey go Andy?

 
 
 
 
pete says:

Using basic, self-projected, semi-conservative stats for offense and defense, here’s what i am seeing next year:
Jeter: 120 OPS+, 0 UZR,
Johnson: 125 OPS+, 0 UZR,
Tex: 140 OPS+, 0 UZR (with good D exterior to UZR)
A-Rod: 145 OPS+, -5 UZR (assuming some bounceback from hip injury)
Posada: 125 OPS+, -whatever on D
Cano: 125 OPS+, -5 UZR (being conservative – you never know with cano)
Granderson: 115 OPS+ (assuming some bounceback, stadium boost), +10 UZR
Swisher: 120 OPS+, 0 UZR
Melkner: 95 OPS+, +5 UZR

That gives the lineup as a whole an OPS+ of 123.3, and approximately average defense overall. Fuck. Ing. Sweet.

vin says:

Just like last year, the only thing that could prevent this team from making a deep run into the playoffs is a multitude of significant injuries.

They have more than enough talent to win it all.

 
 
Salty Buggah says:

Awesome. He’s not a type A (is type B) guy. So, hopefully he stays healthy and maybe can be a type A next year and can get us some draft picks.

 
cj says:

Hal steinbrenner said the Yanks are not done making moves “they are looking into TRADES” any ideas??

Brett Gardner & Eric Wordekemper for anyone they want.

/old Melky/IPK’d

JMK THE OVERSHARE's Milton Bradley Fat Park Factor says:

Not Palabrakemper! He’s on my NY Times Crossword fantasy team!

 
 
 
nathan says:

I know there are reports out there connecting Mark DeRosa with Yanks..

is the NJ deal make the MDR more likely… hope not.. he is not worth 3/18M

Less likely, I’d say. Far less.

I think we’re just about done. I don’t expect much more, other than Chapman and maybe a Kelvim Escobar or a Noah Lowry or something like that.

I’m with you. As much as I’d like to see Ben Sheets in pinstripes, I think the Yanks will kick around some trade proposals and look at the scrap heap at this point (assuming they sign Johnson). Of course, if they made a trade and move some pieces, that could change the outlook.

Of course, if they made a trade and move some pieces, that could change the outlook.

I assume you’re speaking of my theoretical Melky/Wordekemper/Brandon Laird to Arizona for Justin Upton and IPK deal.

That, and every hypothetical and off-topic proposal made by the esteemed cj.

You mean… the esteemed… cj???????!!!??

lolllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

source: barry

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nathan says:

i dont think we are getting Chapman.. for a reclamation project Sheets’ price too high… but his stuff is enticing..

i hope they dont get MDR, its cool to get an underrated fella on a deal… but he was so overhyped as an underrated player.. he has crossed the overrated margin…

i know CashMoney is no Omar… i was worried if they felt signing MDR and make him share duties with Melky may cross the Yanks’mind.. i hope not…

theres been not much noise abt duchscherer either..

We’ll have to see… what happens… next…

It’ll be… interesting… that’s for sure…

 
 
 
Will says:

so overrated, its not even funny.

 
 
Spaceman.Spiff says:

1 Jeter, R
2 Nick Johnson, L
3 Teix, S
4 A-Rod, R
after this, nothing is set in stone. Let performance determine how these guys are ordered.
5 Posada, S
6 Cano, L
7 Swisher, S
8 Granderson, L
9 Melky, S

nathan says:

Posada can drive u nuts.. Matsui was so good at #5.. we are gonna miss him.. he was the best at getting those runs in… get ready for some stranded runners…

dudes says:

i hope you don’t just look at stranded runners as a counting stat next year, as you will be extremely disappointed.

johnson/tex/a-rod get on base >>>> most other 2/3/4 hitters so who ever hits #5 will naturally strand more runners in this line up.

by the same token, this person will also have many, many rbi chances too.

 
 
 
cj says:

are they reallly gonna pay nick johnson the the same offer matsui wanted?? really?!!

lebigyank says:

yeah whats wrong with that?

dalelama says:

I agree CJ Johnson versus Matsui is a downgrade but we have to move on as Godzilla is gone….crying shame

 
 
 
cj says:

I would rather see the Yanks get cheap OPB and HR from Cust, with a trade hopping list that includes Conor Jackson, Chase Headley, and Alberto Callapso…
pitching…Capps and Duchsherer

Yanks get younger, add flexibility, cut cost

Nick Johnson >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jack Cust

Homers aren’t everything.

cj says:

agreed. Homers aren’t everything but Cust can play LF RF albeit sometimes ugly but he’s won’t cost much 2 years 6 mil tops…in Yankee Stadium…30 hr 100 bb lock… Cust is a poor man’s Nick Swisher for a fraction of the price…matter of fact I wouldnt minde bringing him in with Nick Johnson…imagine how many pitches they would see between swish, NJ, Cust…starters wouldnt make it out of 6th

Almost nothing you said in that block of ellipses-dotted text made sense.

 
 
 
 
 
 
cj says:

I dont hate the idea of Nick Johnson but NO WAY he’s worth more than WS MVP Godzilla for one year

Nick Johnson, 2009 wRC+: 130
Hideki Matsui, 2009 wRC+: 133

He probably is worth more, yeah.

Also, please use the reply button.

And Matsui is going into his age 36 season while Johnson is going into his age 31 season.

It’s hard to look forward and not backwards, but for 2010 Johnson is probably an upgrade over Matsui. We shall see how it plays out. At the very least I don’t think we have evidence that the decision-making process that has led the Yanks to seemingly prefer Johnson over Matsui for next year is flawed. Johnson’s numbers compare favorably to Matsui’s, he’s 5 years younger than Matsui, and he has functioning knees.

Salty Buggah says:

+1 and we can say that his SLG should go up a bit in YSIII too

 

Agreed on all counts, but again, it seems paradoxical but I don’t think the question should be “is Johnson and upgrade over Matsui”, because the team could view it as strictly a Johnson-Damon discussion and a separate Granderson-Matsui discussion.

We’re swapping a #2 hitting outfielder for a #2 hitting DH, and making a corresponding swap of a #5/#6 hitting DH for a #5/#6 hitting outfielder.

GRANDERSON is our Matsui upgrade, and Johnson is our DAMON upgrade.

JMHO.

Yeah, that’s semantics though. You could just as easily say that the ‘09 outfield of Damon/Gardbrera/Swisher is being replaced by a ‘10 outfield of Granderson/Gardbrera/Swisher and the ‘09 DH, Matsui, is being replaced by the ‘10 DH, Johnson. People look at it this way because they see Granderson as being the guy brought in to play the Damon role and Johnson brought in to play the Matsui role.

Either way, it doesn’t really matter, does it?

Meh, here’s the decision tree as I see it:

A) We’re letting our LF Johnny Damon and our DH Hideki Matsui walk. They’re too old and too expensive to retain.

B) We thus have four roles to fill with two players. Those roles are two offensive roles and two positional roles. They are, in order of importance:
Role #1 – defense-plus outfielder
Role #2 – #2 hitter to be a table-setter
Role #3 – #5/#6 hitter to protect ARod and lengthen the lineup
Role #4 – A DH, preferably one who can play another position to ensure flexibility

C) We’ve found Curtis Granderson on the trade market. He now fills two of the four roles we needed to fill. He fills Role #1 and Role #3.

D) We now need to add a second position player. The priority, based on what we still need, is a #2 hole hitter. DHs or corner outfielders with good #2 hitter capabilities should be prioritized over hitters who are not high OBP guys.

E) Nick Johnson fills our needs well. He doesn’t play the field, but his skills as a tablesetter are unmatched.

… aaaaaaaaaaaaand, SCENE.

dalelama says:

Agree with everything but Granderson can’t hit lefties and Johnson is very dainty…

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Mike HC says:

I don’t think the Yanks are really looking at it like that. I just think they saw a blank canvas, not putting any additional weight on their own free agents, and built the rest of the team irregardless of last years team.

sciorsci says:

Of course they’re seeing it like that. They have to build the roster with an eye toward what roles need to be filled. I think TSJC’s analysis of the situation is spot on.

 
 
 
 
 
Will says:

have they mentioned a contract for him yet?
the amount i mean.

OldYanksFan says:

$5.5m was mentioned.

 
 
John says:

the thing is I don’t think Matsui can improve in any way in 2010. He can only be worse, unlike Johnson who can easily improve in 2010, especially hr-wise.

This. Matsui’s 2009 was not only probably his high-point, it was also kind of a surprise that he even did that well. Remember the injuries this guy has suffered (and still deals with, as they drained his knees numerous times in 2009) and what the outlook looked like for him in 2009, and I think his 2009 season was an incredibly pleasant surprise but probably not something he’ll ever come close to duplicating for the rest of his career.

As I guy who campaigned all of last winter to eat Matsui’s contract whole, all 13M of it, to free up the DH spot to get Manny Ramirez or Adam Dunn, I agree.

Matsui was a gamble for 2009, and he won. He may not win again in 2010.

 
 
 
 

Damon’s a better fit, but I’m fine with Johnson. Great OBP fits perfectly at #2.

nathan says:

dude, did u guys get a new landingspot yet?

No. Soon, I’ll post about it.

nathan says:

Cool.. good luck with that

 
 
 
pete says:

damon, on the same deal, would be a better fit. beyond that, ehh not so sure. A healthy nick johnson + yankee stadium comes very very close to equalling kevin youkilis’s production. My guess is he puts up something like a .295/.415/.485 line with close to 20 hrs (yay for YSIII).

He’s OPS’ed that high once in his career, and is moving to the more difficult league. Damon provides a lot more flexibility and never gets hurt.

Tank the Frank says:

Damon gets hurt plenty. He just plays through it, doesn’t go on the DL, and his production drops until he’s healthy again.

There’s a lot of value in that.

 
 
 
 
 
cj says:

my trade proposal…Gardner and a b prospect to KC for Alberto Callpso INF Util…thoughts??

 

send it to cashmoney@yankees.com. maybe you’ll get a finders fee or something. Thanks.

 
 
Faiaz says:

Well boys, we have come a long way from the 04-08 “drought.” 56% of the starting lineup will be homegrown with the addition of Nick Johnson. 60% of the rotation is also homegrown… until we get Sheets. Aww the poor guys that blab about how we buy all our players should start looking for another issue to blab about.

nathan says:

theres a new theme… even if we homegrow them.. only we can buy them off the FA… which is what we shud do… but the claim is that other teams cant buy their players off of FA.. got into a bg spat with an Angels fan once on this topic

 
 
cj says:

Cust can play LF RF albeit sometimes ugly but he’s won’t cost much 2 years 6 mil tops…in Yankee Stadium…30 hr 100 bb lock… Cust is a poor man’s Nick Swisher for a fraction of the price…matter of fact I wouldnt minde bringing him in with Nick Johnson…imagine how many pitches they would see between swish, NJ, Cust…starters wouldnt make it out of 6th

…..or they would strike out 15 a game.

cj says:

K’s are just outs and they eat pitches especiall the 3-2 K, any player who takes a strike johnson, cust, swisher will have a high k rate and avg 5 pitches per at bat or in other words the anti-Cano/Melky who are first pitch swingers (I like them both)

 
 
 
cj says:

who is the east coast Mystery team in Holliday race….Yanks? (hope) 6 years * 16 is worth it for him

Dude… I’m not one of the RABbis, so it’s probably not my place to say this, but come on… You’re throwing out numerous off-topic posts in one thread, you’re not even trying to respect the commenting guidelines. Please stop.

cj says:

“Dude…Seriously???
Tim Brown of Yahoo.com is reporting another legit offer has come in for Matt Holliday from an east coast team (Yankees?).” from hotstove.com

so really is that off the Yanks’ LF/DH topic???!!!

Whether you respect the commenting guidelines or not, at least respect the guidelines of the English language.

Please, for Mosakes, stop it with the constant ellipses, question marks, and exclamation marks. Speak like a grownup.

 

How about this? Alberto Callaspo is off-topic.

You’ve tossed out a bunch of off-topic or very loosely-related (to say the least) comments in this thread, I just think it’s best to keep things on-topic and wait for an open thread if you have other things you want to discuss.

I won’t respond anymore, this whole convo is off-topic and really doesn’t have any place here, I shouldn’t have responded in the first place.

 
 
 

Its no mystery. Holliday will be signed by the NYY before Xmas. I’m giving you the headlines now

NY Post – Home for the Holliday
NY Daily News – Happy Holliday!
NY Times – Yankees Bank Holliday

You’re welcome.

SteveD Fla says:

Thank you. Hope you are right.

You’re welcome. Happy Holliday to you.