New numbers for new players
ByThere’s very little official business left for the Yankees to take care of this offseason. They still have to renew the contracts of their 19 pre-arbitration players, but that should happen in the next week or so. Other than that, it’s just show up for Spring Training, assign numbers to the new guys, and get to work.
During his introductory press conference, we learned that Curtis Granderson would be wearing No. 14, giving some credibility to a number that had been used exclusively for spare parts in recent years. The Yankees did make three other significant additions this offseason, though the numbers Nick Johnson, Javy Vazquez, and Randy Winn will sport in 2010 still aren’t listed on the official site.
However, as astute commenter Mo’s Savant noticed, their numbers are listed in MLB.com’s store, available for customizing a shirt or jersey. Of course these aren’t official, but if you’re like me and find a weird satisfaction in these kind of things, it’s worth mentioning. Let’s run through them one by one.
Nick Johnson: No. 26
NJ wore No. 36 during his first stint in the Bronx, but apparently Edwar Ramirez has too firm a grip on it. I suppose Nick could buy it from him in Spring Training, but I’m guessing it’s not that important to him; he wore No. 24 with the Expos/Nationals , and No. 20 with the Marlins. Jose Molina, who will always hold a special place in my heart as the best backup catcher of the Jorge Posada era, was the last to wear No. 26, and before him it belonged to other backup backstops like Wil Nieves, Koyie Hill, and Sal Fasano. The last significant player to wear the number was Orlando Hernandez during the Dynasty Years.
Photo Credit: Linda Kaye, AP
Javy Vazquez: No. 31
A former Yankee like Johnson, Vazquez wore No. 33 during his one season in pinstripes, and did the same with the White Sox and Braves. During the Expo and Diamondback years, Javy rocked No. 23. Nick Swisher is the proud owner of No. 33, and he went out of his way to get the number from Brian Bruney last year, so I don’t think he’s giving it up anytime soon. So Javy is stuck with No. 31, previously worn by Mike Dunn and Ian Kennedy, and Edwar Ramirez and Aaron Small before them. Dave Winfield was the last big time Yankee to wear the number, though Tim Raines also had it during the late-90′s and Steve Karsay during the early-00′s.
Photo Credit: Matthew Gunby, AP
Randy Winn: No. 22
During his time with the Devil Rays, Mariners, and Giants, Winn had always worn No. 2. Obviously, he’s not getting that as a Yankee. Instead, he doubles up on it and takes No. 22 from the departed Xavier Nady. That number has a prominent place in recent Yankee lore, having been worn by Roger Clemens, Robbie Cano, and Jimmy Key with a few LaTroy Hawkinses and Jon Lieberses mixed in. Jorge Posada even wore it for part of the 1997 season, his first full year in the majors as Joe Girardi‘s backup.
Photo Credit: Chris O’Meara, AP
Unfortunately, we still don’t have numbers for the likes of Boone Logan or Greg Golson, or any of the prospects added to 40-man after the season either. We’re just going to have to wait for camp to open and see what’s on their backs. I’m happy I can finally buy my Nick Johnson shirt, but damn, did they really raise the price of customizable shirts to $36.99? It’s a recession, you know.
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the tshirts are at 37 bucks? daaaaaaaam.
Given that April 1st lies at the end of Spring Training, I’d love to see a conference in which it is announced Winn bought #2 from Jeter.
In all seriousness, what would it take to buy #2 from Jeter at this point? $100M? More?
Even if he wanted to, Randy Winn couldn’t possibly afford to buy Jeter’s number from him.
Let’s think about it. How much would Jeter sell it for? 1M? 5M? Maybe not. Would he sell it for 25M? 50M?
Would he really turn down 50M?
He’s got a price, I wonder what it is.
But he doesn’t really need the money. Not that i’m saying he would turn down the $50M, but maybe he would jut never sell
He doesn’t really need the money in his next contract either though, it doesn’t mean he’s taking a hometown discount, just the opposite, he’ll be getting a hometown premium.
Thats the question though. If you say he would “just never sell”, then that means he’d turn down $50M. Would he really? Would he REALLY?
He has a limit. If someone offered him 100B, he’d presumably sell it. I’m interested in what the real limit is. 25? 50? 250?
Reminds me of a joke.
“Guy: Would you have sex with me if I gave you one hundred million dollars?”
Girl: Yes!
Guy: How about a hundred dollars?
Girl: Um, no….what do I look like, some kind of prostitute?
Guy: Well I thought we already determined that, and now we’re just negotiating on price.”
Prostitute: What do you want?
Man: I’ll give you 50 dollars to have sex–the way I like it.
Prostitute: Naw, that’s not enough money.
Man: I’ll give you 100 dollars to have sex–the way I like it.
Prostitute: Nope, you might be some crazy person. Uhn-unh.
Man: I’ll give you 1,000 dollars to have sex–the way I like it.
Prostitute: (thinks) No, that’s still not enough money. Too risky.
Man: Fine, I’ll give you 10,000 dollars to have sex–the way I like it.
Prostitute: Sure, let’s do it.
(ten minutes later, mid-coitus)
Prostitute: Say, can I ask you a question?
Man: Sure.
Prostitute: What exactly is sex “the way you like it”?
Man: On credit, baby… on credit.
Let’s say a player actualy offered Jeter $50M for #2. Maybe Randy Winn turns out to be Bill Gates long lost son so Bill puts up the money. Do you think the Yankees would actually allow the transaction? At the end of the day the number isn’t Derek Jeter’s property. It’s the Yankees’.
I think the only way Winn can get 2 away from Jeter is to play it off as if he always had number two.
Winn: “Hey, Derek. I hear you want to wear number 2. Unfortunately, it is my number and it isn’t for sale. Sorry”
Jeter: “What hell are you talking about? I’ve always been number . . . ”
Winn (interrupting): “It’s OK. You just have to go to the equipment manager and pick another number. It’s no big deal. Talk to you later.”
I wish someone would take 21.
I wish Javy would take 21
I wish Jeter would take 21, Mariano would take 2, ARod would take 42, Swisher to 13, Hoffmann to 33 and Gardner to 3.
:: head explodes ::
Gardner takes 3. In Scranton?
I wish Randy Winn woulda taken #21, and Brett Gardner would take #18, thus angering both irrational idiot fans of both Damon and Paulie, and freeing up Gardner’s #11 for retirement for Lefty Gomez.
+11
Though I guess I can’t talk because I got all irrationally upset when players were wearing #46 from 2004-2006. However, I didn’t boo them.
Wait it’s 37 bucks for those Navy blue T-Shirts?
if you want it customized, yes.
otherwise, the normal player t-shirts aren’t anywhere near that much. you can grab ‘em for less than 20 at mo’s or any other sporting goods store.
what does customizing entail? how much more customizable does it get than with the payer’s name and number on the back and the interlocking ny on the front?
man, my Robbie Cano rookie 22 jersey certainly makes the rounds.
Got one, too.
Randy Winn should offer Jeter a steak dinner for #2.
No way, everybody buys a guy a Rolex for their number. I’m sure Jeter would be willing to give it up for that
How about trading it for 25 alibis during the season?
Randy Winn should offer Jeter a steak dinner for #2.
Nah, not enough. Maybe a lovely seafood dinner would do the trick, but Randy has to promise to call Derek afterwards.
Surf and turf get it done?
Only if he puts out.
In Phildelphia, it’s worth 50 bucks.
/Bo Diddly’d
trading places reference, i likes
John Henry: (startled) It was a dream. I dreamt the whole thing. It was just a bad dream.
Larry Lucchino: Good morning, sir. Merry Christmas.
Henry: Larry, I’ve had the most absurd nightmare. We couldn’t afford Mark Teixeira and the Yankees won the World Series. We lost in the playoffs, Papelbon blew a save in horrendous fashion, and our team got old and shitty.
And it was all because of this terrible, awful Negro named Sabathia.
Larry Lucchino: John, I really did but I have a plan.
Henry: What?
Lucchino: We sign our own Negros to combat theirs. There’s this old guy who can still play centerfield who nobody else really wants to sign and the Mariners have this really horrible third baseman who used to be kinda good but sucks now. I figure we can get him if we give up something useful.
Henry: Do it
Ah, this comment is my favorite in recent memory.
+ovr 9000
I think Bud Selig would be Jamie Lee Curtis in this version of the movie.
How comfortable would you guys be with Jesus Montero rocking #6; or do you think that it should be retired and a place in Monument Park be reserved for Mr. T?
Give it to the Jesus.
Too bad we’re giving The Jesus to the Royals for De Jesus.
http://riveraveblues.com/off-topic/#comment-770296
::reads that post::
::head explodes::
Oh Lord.
THE GOGGLES… THEY DO NOTHING!!!!
Should not be retired… and I would be happy to see Jesus wear 6.
Give it to Jesus, and then retire it for Torre after Jesus’ Yankee career is over (hopefully retiring it for Da Jesus as well).
Great numbers for Teh Jesus:
00
6
80
777 or 888 (depending on whom you ask)
I’d love to see him rock 00.
Agreed. How do you say “Chief” in spansih?
Chiefo
its Jefe
Jefe: I have put many beautiful piñatas in the storeroom, each of them filled with little suprises.
El Guapo: Many piñatas?
Jefe: Oh yes, many!
El Guapo: Would you say I have a plethora of piñatas?
Jefe: A what?
El Guapo: A *plethora*.
Jefe: Oh yes, you have a plethora.
El Guapo: Jefe, what is a plethora?
Jefe: Why, El Guapo?
El Guapo: Well, you told me I have a plethora. And I just would like to know if you know what a plethora is. I would not like to think that a person would tell someone he has a plethora, and then find out that that person has *no idea* what it means to have a plethora.
Think of the exploding heads if Jesus wears 666.
Well, Montero is a beast.
why 00?
all the great ones have single digits–give him just plain 0
0 looks terrible compared to 00.
Double zero would look cooler through the catching gear and is obviously much more badass
Robert Parish >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Orlando Woolridge
Color me convinced
I’d be fine with him wearing it, but I think he wears #35.
That’s what he wore for Tampa last year, so it makes sense. But it’s not nearly as fun.
I wonder if the front office has any say in this. I mean if you have an absolute stud coming up, wouldn’t you want him wearing an iconic number just in case he hits the upper levels of his production? I really don’t think Jeter’s number 2 would be such a special thing if he were wearing 36 or something. I would think that Montero would at least be encouraged to don the number 6 or something by the organization
I’d prefer 3:16 or Z or something like that
No number, just a blank space. Jesus loves all numbers equally and therefore shouldn’t be restricted to using just one
Jesus wears this on his back:
http://www.typophile.com/files/infinityJH.gif
Perfect. Of course I had thought that we’d save that one for Melvin
Speaking of Melvin, I just went back and reread this:
http://riveraveblues.com/2009/.....sett-6724/
It never gets old
Montero wears 35 in Scranton, doesn’t he? I think he would honor Mussina’s old number.
You’re assuming he would want 6.
Did not think Edwar Ramirez had any clout whatsoever to keep any sort of number?? He should be happy he is still on the 40 man wasting a spot
My guess is NJ just doesn’t care that much.
Probably so.. just funny to think about that conversation with Edwar
At the start of this article it’s stated that 19 players, who are pre-arbitration eligible, have yet to have contracts for 2010. I count 20 without contracts, and checked that with Cot’s.
http://riveraveblues.com/2010/.....ent-770522
With these updates, we’re now left with:
Players on 40-man roster without a number:
Jamie Hoffmann
Boone Logan
Greg Golson
Romulo Sanchez
Kevin Russo
Ivan Nova
Eduardo Nunez
Reegie Corona
Hector Noesi
STNRIs without a number:
Marcus Thames
Colin Curtis
Reid Gorecki
Jon Weber
David Winfree
Kyle Higashioka
Jesús Montero
P. J. Pilittere
Mike Rivera
Austin Romine
Wilkins Árias
Jeremy Bleich
Grant Duff
Jason Hirsh
Kei Igawa
Zach McAllister
Royce Ring
Amaury Sanit
Zack Segovia
Kevin Whelan
Remaining Numbers below 80:
6 12 17 18 21 27 35 38 40 47 48 51 53 55 60 61 66 67 68 69 71 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
—————-
My picks:
Jesus Montero – 77 (the number of the god)
Marcus Thames – 66 (double up on #33)
Jamie Hoffmann – 17
Greg Golson – 18 (take THAT!)
Jeremy Bleich – 35 (tell me that’s not a nice move)
Zach McAllister – 21 (maybe he’s True Yankee™ enough to quiet the idiots)
Austin Romine – 12 (for some reason, I see a low number on his back)
Kei Igawa – 99 (he needs more bad-ass-ness)
Romulo Sanchez – 60 (a nice, big, round number)
Boone Logan – 75 (a kick-ass number)
Royce Ring – 53 (why not?)
Amaury Sanit – 47
Kevin Whelan – 27 (this feels like a UTI’s number)
Jason Hirsh – 69 (just to add to the comedy)
Agreed, but I sure hope Montero doesn’t take 77 and instead gets 6, 12, 00 or 18.
Tell me #77 wouldn’t look pimptastic, though. It would.
Turn the second 7 backwards, that’d throw them off
I say he takes 00 and becomes the real agent zero
It’s too bad The Fat Sanchezes are together anymore, because then they could wear #69 and #96.
I’m curious to see how Boston handles their answer to the Fat Sanchezes, the Thin Ramon Ramirezes. Do they just give them both the same number? That’s what I’d do. Regulations be damned.
if they look alike they could be the same player. just dress one one night and the other the next. the hidden 26th man. then when ramon ramirez finishes the season with 162 games, 200 ip he can go straight to the hall of fame
Qualifications for the HOF: Be a member of the Red Sox, be FEARED
If only Mo Vaughn would have lasted a little bit longer in Beantown. He’d be the greatest first baseman EVAH.
How the hell did he win the MVP over Belle in 1995?
Vaughn: .300/.388/.575/.963 (144+), 98 R, 39 HR, 126 RBI, 11 SB (seriously???), 68 BB, 150 K
Belle: .317/.401/.690/1.091 (177+), 121 R, 50 HR (in 143 games), 126 RBI, 5 SB, 73 BB, 80 K
Albert Belle gave me a mean look once. Therefore, I’m not really an “Albert” kind of guy.
Sincerely,
Corky Simpson
tom hadricourt did vote for belle for rookie of the year that yr though so he’s got that going for him
Mo Vaughn winning was so weird. It’s not like he had a BAD year or anything, but he was like the fourth-best 1B in the league. Bizarre.
A Red Sox fan assured me once that Jason Varitek is a first-ballot Hall of Famer… please someone tell me this isn’t true (cries)
You need smarter friends
if they look alike they could be the same player.
Ramon S. Ramirez, the Dominican former Yankee farmhand who was with the team in 2009:
http://boston.majorleaguebaseb.....rs/144.jpg
Ramon A. Ramirez, the Venezuelan import this winter:
http://assets.sbnation.com/ass.....amirez.jpg
Meh, not really. To an ignorant Boston white guy, though, perhaps.
nah wou;dnt work. then again this is bud selig
I think they should un-retire all the #’s. Create a ring of honor & let players wear the#’s they want. You want to honor Ruth – then Let someone with some pop make the # proud. Think your clutch like Jackson – try 44.
Weak-hitting infielders and pitchers across baseball wearing no.44 pisses me off. It was Hammerin’ Hank’s and Reggie’s number, for Pete’s sake!
Now we both know that they are very carefull giving out #’s. Now if you had a young Ryan Howard – why couldnt he wear 44?
The Moose and Sweet Lou wore 14 but the digits got no love for the longest…I guess if Granderson didn’t get 28, it’s Joe G’s, huh?
Don’t think anyone will really bitch about no.18 being given out, at least not even close to how much people harassed Hawkins over it. Btw, kudos to O’Neill for not stepping up to defend Hawkins from the abuse. When told of how fans reacted to Hawkins getting his old number, he muttered something about being flattered by the fan reaction and not a peep about the bullshit Hawkins had to deal with. Keep it classy, O’Neill.
Btw, kudos to O’Neill for not stepping up to defend Hawkins from the abuse. When told of how fans reacted to Hawkins getting his old number, he muttered something about being flattered by the fan reaction and not a peep about the bullshit Hawkins had to deal with. Keep it classy, O’Neill.
If I built a time machine, the second thing I’d do is go back to 1936 and kill Hitler.
The first thing I’d do is go back to 1993 and boo the ever-living fuck out of Paul O’Neill for having the gall and audacity to wear Spud Chandler’s #21.
Spud Chandler won rings. Spud Chandler was an MVP. Spud Chandler has the highest career winning percentage of any pitcher with at least 100 wins in baseball HISTORY. Spud Chandler had a career ERA of 2.84, still a Yankee record.
Paul O’Neill is just some whiny bitch scrub .259 hitter from podunk Cincinnati who’s never amounted to shit. How dare he think he’s worthy to wear Spud’s #21? HOW DARE HE!!!!!!
spud chandler’s corpse approves this comment
I hope you realize I was being sarcastic and actually berating O’Neill for not stepping up to defend Hawkins from the irrational fans.
Yes, I realize it.