Open Thread: Done in Nashville

December 6, 2012 by Mike Axisa 158 Comments

Metropolitan Government-20121205-00126 — Massive hotel lobby is massive.

I can’t say the Gaylord Opryland is the best Winter Meetings venue I’ve been to (80 price-gouging tool), but it’s definitely the biggest. I’m on my way back home after four pretty eventful for the Yankees, but not eventful in a good way. Alex Rodriguez didn’t even wait until the New Year to suffer his latest debilitating injury and apparently Brian Cashman can’t even make a one-year offer to Eric Chavez without first running it up the ladder. Just a very weird Winter Meetings all around.

Anyway, here is your open thread for the evening. The NFL game is the Broncos at the Raiders, plus the Knicks are playing the heat. Talk about those games or anything else you like right here.

Alex Rodriguez

Hip injuries are very painful. These injuries are rough on the body!
- tbord
  
  Then cut down on banging the Movie Staqrletts and Cocktail Waitresses – Fredo Coreleone
  - Bob Buttons
    
    Reminds me of the time I looked up Papelbon on Wikipedia and it said he injured his shoulder in a “freak mast**bating accident”.
- Luisergi
  
  Bite me.
  Just play (hitting 350/450/650) through it you pussy.
- toad
  
  Yeah. Actually, joint problems are a known side effect of steroids.
- fat jeter
  
  A-rod has had more hip surgeries than my grandmother.
Big Member

many people have been furious with the way the free agency is unfolding. i big member is one if them. yanks need to wake up and face there problems.

the priority is getting rid of cashman. there are reasons why the owners dont let him make deals anymore (he traded montero away for vazquez. twice). cashman is just awful and needs to be gone. tankfuly i analised this situation and came forward with a good trade:

Yankees get: Ned Colleti,
Dodgers get: Cashman, Joba

Ned is a briliant GM. he makes alot of trades and knows how to get shit done. last year, he quired FOUR all stars at the trade deadline. when was the last time cashman aquired ONE all star? ned will have full authrority to do whatever the hell he wants and will make yankees a better team. if Youk accepts the yankees offer, joba will have to be traded as they really dont like each other.

yankees also need to understand that there is still a slurpee of great free agents and trade targets avalilable. here are some potential targets

Jose Valverde: A proven closer. he knows what its like to pitch in the palyoffs and is in the running for reliever of the year award everyyear. plus he is great clubhouse guy, our guys can make jokes about him making a mess in his pants everytime he gets an out. i think the price for such great clubhouse chemistry and saves is around 4 years 45 million.

Brennan Boesch: its no secret that yanks need outfield help. borscht is a proven outfielder and plays very good defense. he is friends with valverde and knows what its like NOT to choke in the playoffs. he is a wonderful swisher replacemnt. tigers will probably take hughes for him.
- Luisergi
  
  “(he traded montero away for vazquez. twice).” Loved it.
  
  But when i got to the Valverde part, my boss had to shhh me ’cause i LAUGHED OUT SO LOUD.
  
  I support the “give him a chance to write for RAB” motion.
  - vin
    
    Yeah, no one could write sarcastic satire half as well as Big Member.
    
    Big Member for Weekend Writer!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  THE MAN IS BACK.
- vicki
  
  you’re the king.
- OldYanksFan
  
  “a slurpee of great free agents”
  Swisher, Hamiton and Grienke in a blender?
- bobtaco
  
  It’s the little touches, like “borscht” that shows the effort here.
Chilibaca

Get a load of this:
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/12/6/3732094/new-york-yankees-fans
- https://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652
  
  Articles like this are a reason SB nation and Bleacher Report articles are an insta-nope for me.
  - Laz
    
    I was reading Bleacher Report for a bit, until I realized that I was smarter than most of the writers, they just have ridiculous ideas, and really low standards.
  - Bob Buttons
    
    I used to read SB nation a bit when Neyer moved there and again when Goldman moved there. A couple of days later (both times) I realized that for every fifteen articles I clicked there were only two or three that I actually wanted or needed to read.
    
    Call me biased but it ain’t as enjoyable reading articles when every other paragraph bashes the Yankees unfairly.
    Which is also why I rarely watch ESPN.
    - RetroRob
      
      I used to read both Neyer and Goldman. Not anymore. Both are horrible.
- Havok9120
  
  Oy.
  
  Yeah, that’s all I’ve got.
- Laz
  
  Bit cynical, but largely has to do with winning. In the present day the Yankees have a much lower chance of winning the world series. Article starts off in 1949, there was only 16 MLB teams total back then. If you had same format this year, Yankees would have been in WS. Thing is you forget about all the negatives when something great happens. If Yankees won ws this year it wouldn’t be a big deal that cano, arod, swish, etc all struggled. The more teams that have been added over his lifetime means a lower chance of Yankees winning, is just how it will be.
- Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
  
  I can’t read it…I’m Italian and I’m just like “hooray, you’re family was Italian and you rooted for the Yankees because of it.” What is the actual point of the article?
  - jjyank
    
    I very quickly skimmed it. As far as I can tell, there wasn’t a point.
    - Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
      
      ahhh after going back and rereading it the point is to romanticize the 40s Yankees, demonize the team from the 50s-80s, and talk about how homegrown and awesome the teams of the late 90s were, while not so subtly hinting that Italians are a superior race. Basically the story of a front running Yankee fan.
- https://twitter.com/MattMontero1 matt montero
  
  Supposedly he had one pretty good book but otherwise he’s pretty much a nobody. I find it hilarious though how the title of his other article contains “Acclaimed Author Pat Jordan.” First, who calls themselves acclaimed, especially when they’re not all that successful. Second, who refers themselves in the third person?
  - Bob Buttons
    
    …Zod?
    
    “KNEEL BEFORE ZOD!”
- Anthony
  
  I’m just sort of confused at his take with benching A-Rod. According to him that was done purely to embarrass him? Nothing at all to do with A-Rod not hitting lefties? Really?
- Brian S.
  
  I skimmed it. I wish I didn’t because of how awful it was.
https://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

I keep searching that picture for a chocolate waterfall and oompa loompas. I don’t know why that is what it reminds me of.
- DC
  
  They kind of had a chocolate fountain 3 years ago when the lobby was under 15 ft of water.
Slu

Maybe I am just dense, but what does “80 price-gouging tool” mean?
- https://twitter.com/Paddock9652 Stratman9652
  
  In joke about the 20-80 scouting scale. 80 is the highest grade a players individual tools have. So he is saying that the hotel gouged the hell out of the prices.
  - Slu
    
    Gracias.
Laz

Picture caption:

“Massive hotel lobby is massive.”

:)
Bob Buttons

Head start on naming the three headed catching atrocity:

Stervelline
Cerwartine
Rotevelli
Roverwart
Sterminelli
Cerminart

or if one of them is out of the running

Stewelli
Cerwart (pronounced like Sir-Wart)
Stewine
Romart
Cermine
Rovelli

I think I hate all but one or two of them.
- jjyank
  
  I laughed at Roverwart. That’s something.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Kinda hard to choose one there. Nice work.
- http://fendersonandhampton.com Cuso
  
  Wally Matt went with Stew Rominelli the day that Martin signed with Pittsburgh. Can’t stand Wallace, but that was pretty funny.
Bill Since 49

Obviously the Yankee ownership is looking at “bottom line” issues. It doesn’t look like they’ll be able to field a very competitive team this next year. So why not give all those rookies a chance to see what they can do. With a non-competitive team, there will be less pressure on the rookies and maybe we’ll catch some future stars who would never had a chance otherwise.
- jjyank
  
  I still think they will be competitive next year. And the problem with the “play the rookies” think, is there aren’t many rookies worth playing. If this is 1-2 years from now and Williams, Sanchez, Heathcott, Austin, etc. all had significant experience at AA/AAA, I might agree. But that’s not the case.
Slu

Are the number of Steinbrenner White Knights decreasing around here yet? Or are there still people who think this is anything other than a massive money grab?
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  You mean a plan to save a massive amount of money was about money?
  You don’t say.
The Real Greg

I just wonder how George taught his kids in baseball team management/ownership. This news abut Cashman and his being denied to offer makes me shake my head in confusion.
- Preston
  
  Because George always gave his employees free reign? Come on now, owners want to sign off on deals, that’s pretty normal.
http://aol amanda

maybe cashmans just waiting till christmas
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Miguel?
  - jjyank
    
    Is it weird that the first hispanic name to come to mind as a response was your real name?
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      This is a meme in promise. Either I go with the name thing or make a penis joke. Can’t decide.
      
      My other choice was “maybe you like to draw sad faces on your dick…”
      - jjyank
        
        Well that’d be a fucking huge sad face.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        Are you referring to “Amanda’s”, um, big member?
  - Alkaline
    
    I like this Amanda. She’s funny.
Jacob

The way Mike worded this is going to give the trolls reason for group orgy tonight
- jjyank
  
  Who are we kidding, the last 4 days have been a troll group orgy. The only reason I kept commenting is because I was just THAT bored at work. I, for one, am thrilled the Winter Meetings are over.
  - Jacob
    
    This whole offseson is shaping up to be a group orgy if they dont do some crazy ridiculous not needed move.
    - jjyank
      
      I mean, it’s not like I don’t freak out, or get frustrated ever. But I do have a few rules, and one of them is to not abandon ship for the upcoming season when there are 2 months and 9 days until freaking pitcher and catchers report.
      - Jacob
        
        Exactly, I mean everytime I hear cash never made an offer to a possibly usefull piece I get a little confused but it is better now that I know he has to go up the ladder for everything.
      - Alkaline
        
        +1
      - Get Phelps Up
        
        I may be wrong but I’m pretty sure the Yankees most significant move at this point last year was re signing Freddy Garcia.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        And they’ve made three very significant moves this offseason already. I always love the thinking where bringing back your own guys doesn’t count.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Even some guy named Amanda showed up.
Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)

In reference to how good/bad the 2013 Yankees are going to be: At least Scott Podsednik will not hit third at any point for us this season. http://www.overthemonster.com/2012/9/1/3286150/game-134

Still to me one of the funniest things ever. I’m pretty sure at that point of the season the guys running OTM had lost their minds.
- jjyank
  
  I remember that. Hilarious.
- Alkaline
  
  Sam Pearce batted fourth.
  - Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
    
    Touche sir. Touche.
  - http://fendersonandhampton.com Cuso
    
    “Sam.” I laughed.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Look at the opening lineup for tonight’s Yankees Classics game, airing RIGHT NOW.
  
  Hell, look at your World Champion SF Giants.
  - forensic
    
    I’m SO glad that game is already a Yankees classic. I was out of town and unable to watch it when it was actually played, so of course it had to be a crazy game. Now I’ll finally get to watch the whole thing instead of abridged highlights.
endlessjose

The problem with Brian Cashman is you don’t what is his decisions or what his limiations are.With that report that he can only make trades and any free agents have to go to ownership for approval sound crazy.

How can Cashman do a good job if he has no control.I woder how this is gonna play out.
- Used-Car Salesman
  
  “I’m sorry. If it were up to me I’d love to knock $4,000 off the price of your car. But I have to check with my sales manager first for authorization.”
  
  You seriously think the team hasn’t done its scouting and evaluations and decided the ranges of what it’s willing to pay for each of these guys before Meetings start? You think this is just some random Speed Dating session and everyone just mingles hoping that something happens magically?
  
  Martin is my only regret thus far. I’m not losing sleep over Chavy, Keppinger, or Nate F****** Schierholtz.
Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)

According to Andrew Marschand Hughes, Granderson, and Nova have come up in trade talks (Hughes/Grandy confirmed by team execs).(MLBTR) I find it very hard to believe that Hughes or Grandy would be traded, we’re already down 1 OFer and trading away Hughes makes little sense because then we go from relying on Nova OR Phelps it becomes relying on Nova AND Phelps.
- The Real Greg
  
  Kind of depends on who the trade is for
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Yeah, pretty much.
Alkaline

I just perused over to MLBtraderumor and looked at the comments. Egad!
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Never a good idea.
  - TheManchine
    
    +1
- Get Phelps Up
  
  MLBTR and ESPN comments are just the worst.
  - Robbie Q
    
    Bleacher Report is worse.
  - Pat D
    
    I’m proud of all the comments I’ve made on ESPN. Since they’ve mostly been mocking of others, which is why the internet was invented.
    - Preston
      
      The internet was invented for porn, being able to mock people without fear of reprisal is just an added bonus.
TheManchine

Anyone heard of Matt Downs ? Worthwhile to look at for 3B?
Simon

Even if the Yankees trade (doubtful) Granderson, Hughes, or Nova, what guys could the Yanks get in return?
- Ted Nelson
  
  The problem is that you probably don’t get much for one year of Granderson or Hughes. There are rumors that they are listening to offers for Granderson, and without knowing who is being offered it’s hard to have much of an opinion of moving him.
  
  Nova is a cost controlled player coming off a down year. Maybe he’s a piece in bigger package, but he doesn’t seem like the guy to move right now.
BigBlueAL

Im not that worried about 2013, the pitching staff will be very good and I can still see them making the payoffs. Remember the 2013 roster will still be close to 200m.

But man Im freaking dreading 2014 if they really stick with the 189m plan.
DZ

Anyone else confused why the yankees haven’t been connected to michael young? Plays all over the infield, solid righty bat, and the rangers are willing to eat some of the salary…
- Pat D
  
  For the last time…
  
  IT’S BECAUSE HE FUCKING SUCKS!!!
- Brian S.
  
  Because he is the complete opposite of a ‘solid righty bat’ and can’t play any position well defensively. Also a terrible contract.
- Preston
  
  http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=21,a
  
  Do you mean this Michael Young? As in worst player in all of major league baseball last year? Yes why don’t we pick him up, and his bloated salary too. This is just a step above people who advocate trading for Vernon Wells. Just because you heard of them, doesn’t mean they are a viable major league player anymore.
  - DZ
    
    He’s one year removed from a 3.7 war season where he hit over 330. His babip was down last year by 30 points and he still hit .270. He’s bad in the field, but would cost less than the 1/12 deal they’re offering youk. To say he’s not even an option is laughable.
    - Pat D
      
      He’s not even an option because the only reason he’s ever looked like a half-decent player is because of his home park. Go check out his career splits and realize that he’s now 36 and clearly in decline.
      - DZ
        
        Yankee stadium is a hitters park also…
        
        Pat D
        
        I’m actually surprised to see that Young has good numbers in both Yankee Stadiums.
        
        But, for the last time, he’s in decline, he’s not a good fielder and he’s not worth the time.
        
        Pat D
        
        Oh, he’s also a whiny little bitch.
Jim Cavanaugh

Done in Nashville ? I wasn’t aware we ever got started !!
Pat D

This is absolutely terrific. I’m experiencing post-Holiday depression three weeks before the Holiday.

Someone shoot me.
- J. Belcher
  
  I would but I’m dead. :(
  - Pat D
    
    I’m gonna rip off Simmons here.
    
    (Afraid to say anything)
Jim Cavanaugh

Done in Nashville ? When did we get started there ??
Robinson Tilapia

Not that I expect a move of the magnitude of what followed, but remember when the Yankees were thinking about going into 2004 with Mike Lamb at 3B?
- Pat D
  
  What’s even funnier is that it might have worked. Lamb was fairly solid in 2004.
Jim Cavanaugh

Sorry for double post … I will find another way to make my point that i didn’t know the Yankees showed up in Nashville at any time.
- soxhata
  
  Since the Yanks are pennypinching,why go to Nashville in the first place?Did they pay for a whole “war room” of people to sit and look at laptops and watch -well,nothing.Could have saved a few mil at the Opryland Hotel.The winter meetings should be done away with anyways.Back in the 70’s there would be 30 trades or so.Now it is a yawner.
  - DC
    
    Saved a few mil?? How many people do you think they took?
Simon

I know that replacing Granderson and Hughes is extremely difficult (if traded), but wouldn’t it make sense, since they are being very frugal NOW, to just trade them and see what the best the Yanks can get and plan to spend a small amount to improve in 2014 with the freed up $$ and play some of the prospects acquired from the trade (If they are even close to MLB ready/good)?

Now I still believe the Yanks will certainly be competitive, but can we kind of accept that it will be a bit inferior team and just begin to plan ahead?
http://fendersonandhampton.com Cuso

Morgan Ensberg! Morgan Ensberg! He hit 39 homers once!

….and his radio show is vanilla…..
Pistol Pete

I’d sign Youkalis in a heartbeat and would like him way over Reynolds. He’d take a one year deal and wouldn’t effect the 2014 luxury tax cap. He’s got a good eye and he and Arod would be a great 3b/dh duo. We need a power guy with a good obp who can play in NY. He’s not perfect but he fits and fits way better than Reynolds because he doesn’t strike out as much. Before Arod gets back we can have a revolving door at DH.
- Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
  
  He also gets hurt alot, been trending downward for years, cant hit righties for shit…he’s basically A-Rod with less of an upside and much more of a douche.
  - Ted Nelson
    
    A-Rod is still a top 10 3B when he’s healthy, and Youk is a year removed from being the same. Having two top 10 3B around would not be the worst thing.
    - Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
      
      I will suck Youk’s balls if both him and Alex are top 10 third basemen in 2013. Regardless of who they are playing for.
    - fat jeter
      
      A-Rod is still a top 10 3B when he’s healthy
      
      –he has not not been consistently healthy in like 5 years.
      
      Having two top 10 3B around would not be the worst thing
      
      –A-rod and Youk? that’s 42 million tied up a third. They’ve also missed a combined 270 games over the past 3 years. Its pretty pathetic really.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  I should go to bed. I agree with Pistol Pete.
  - Betty Lizard
    
    He’s even got me agreeing with him.
    Oh well. Peace on earth, good will to men–and Kevin Youkilis.
  - G
    
    I don’t agree with him on this Youkalis character. Never heard of him. I’d sign Youkilis in an instant, but I tend to shy away from players I’ve never heard of, like Cole Hammels and Andy Petite.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Eddard once mentioned this Alphonso Soriano character.
Andy Pettitte’s Fibula

Where’s Tilapia tonight?

I hope he caught the Knicks laying a smack down on the Heat tonight. Again. This time with no Carmelo or Amare.
- Pat D
  
  I liked the part where the arena emptied in the closing minutes.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    Miami sports fans, fairweather? I’m shocked.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Didn’t watch, but congrats. Will always give credit when it’s due.
Steve S

Trade Granderson if you can get a young replacement at 3B or OF that is still making league minimum or so. Doesn’t have to be as good as Grandy. You save 15 million that can be used to replace the other positions
dan gen

what is the difference between my little team and the yanks….my team has a catcher,right fielder and third baseman…189,189,189,189,189,189,189,189,189,189,189,
- Andy Pettitte’s Fibula
  
  Who is your “little team?”
  - Bob Buttons
    
    His little league team with the 189 lb third baseman.
Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)

Ridiculous trade proposal:

Marlins get:
Grandy
Nova
Williams
Austin
Sanchez

Yankees get:
Stanton
- Knoxvillain
  
  That’s not bad, but replace Grandy with another pitcher. Maybe Phelps.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Too much?
  - Raul Ibanez AKA Tom Marvolo Riddle AKA True Yankee(TM)
    
    Well, I figure that the Marlins would want A. A Lot of young talent B. Replace some of his power if they were to deal Stanton.
  - Ethan
    
    No way. Between William, Austin and Sanchez you might get 2 average players. Maybe 1 above average. None of those 3 will develop into something like stanton, not even close. I’ve never really been a big believe in Nova or Phelps. They’re both 4th or 5th pitchers which are easy to get in FA. I’d do that deal.
    - G
      
      You say that with a hell of a lot of certainty. The pessimism surrounding prospects can get a bit ridiculous. Superstar players were all prospects once upon a time, so obviously some of these guys will become star players. If Williams reaches his ceiling, according to Baseball America’s tool grades, he’ll hit .300-.310, knock out 25-30 homers, steal 40 bases, and play Gold Glove defense with an average arm. That’s a bona fide superstar players. Is it likely that he reaches that point? No. But to say “None of those 3 will develop into something like stanton, not even close” seems to imply a sort of certainty that you just don’t have when dealing with prospects. To say these guys will never turn into great players is no better than assuming they absolutely will be. I’m fairly sure that Austin will be at very least an average player and a chance to be a guy who produces like Swisher, and both Williams and Heathcott could turn into absolute cream of the crop, superstar players. People need to stop disregarding the possibilities entirely.
      - dalelama
        
        Pass the bong Garth.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Without them, you get about 30 extra “WHERE R TEH PROSPECTZ” comments a day. That alone makes it not worth it.
  - Brian S.
    
    I think so.
Tom

So if rumors of Hamilton potentially getting offers of 3 years 20-25mil per, should the Yankees make a run at him with the intent of walking away from Cano if when Boras goes nuts?

I know he’s a huge risk but at 3 years that risk is manageable. In 2014 put him in LF, Gardner in CF and go cheap at either RF or 2nd (probably RF as some of the OF prospect should be ready in 2015).

I like Cano but the 7-8 yr deal he will probably get is going to be potentially ugly and come 2014 the Yankees will have very little power under contract (I’m assuming Grany is gone) and not a whole lot of power on the FA market that year.

I also wonder if Swisher’s price comes down a bit if Upton ends up in Texas and Hamilton ends up in say SEA.
- Brian S.
  
  Why would you even want Swisher back?
  - Need Pitching & Hitting
    
    Probably because he’s much better than the other most likely options.
    - Brian S.
      
      He sucks. Also what’s up with your screen name? We don’t need pitching until next offseason.
      - LK
        
        Over the 4 year period he was on the Yankees, Nick Swisher was 14th in MLB in fWAR among OFs. In other words, he would’ve been the best OF on the team for the majority of teams during that stretch.
        
        You have to get to the playoffs before you can endlessly complain about your players who underperform in them.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        Sound explanation there, Brian.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        Also, at least he wasn’t stuck with my screen name.
- Need Pitching & Hitting
  
  I’d offer Cano a 5 year extension first. If he turns it down (most likely will), then yes, I’d take the risk and go 3 years with Hamilton.
  I’m not sure the Yankees would be willing to add that much to this year’s payroll though, so it might mean trading Granderson. I’d still do it. It just wouldn’t help as much this season as it otherwise could. A bigger problem would be if the difference in cost between Granderson and Hamilton used the entirety of the rest of their budget space for this season, leaving C, RF, 3B, and DH to be filled by at or near league minimum players.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    My take on Cano has always been is go six years easily, but I could see myself getting talked up to seven years and, if you’re going to do that, then fuck it, go all the way.
    
    I haven’t submitted by resume for any GM jobs……YET.
Brian S.

Sign Hamilton for 3-60 and Youkilis for 1-12. Complain about needing to get younger later.

Lineup around June:

CF Brett Gardner
SS Derek Jeter
2B Robinson Cano
DH Alex Rodriguez
RF Josh Hamilton
1B Mark Teixeira
DH Kevin Youkilis
LF Curtis Granderson
C Austin Romine

Bench:
C Chris Stewart
SS Eddie time to shine Nunez
DH/IF Corban Broseph
OF Chris Dickerson or Ronnier Mustelier
- Brian S.
  
  Oops. That should be Youkilis at third base.
- Mattchu12
  
  With that lineup, I’d rather sign Ichiro over Hamilton. I have no confidence that Hamilton would play more than 120ish games in any of those three seasons. And if you want to improve the offense, I’d go after Mauer since apparently the Twins will listen.
  
  CF Brett Gardner
  SS Derek Jeter
  C Joe Mauer
  2B Robinson Cano
  3B Alex Rodriguez
  1B Mark Teixeira
  LF Curtis Granderson
  DH Kevin Youkilis (I’d rather have A-Rod at 3B when he gets back)
  RF Ichiro
  
  Not an extremely likely scenario, but still prefer it over Hamilton.
  - dalelama
    
    Aroid was already a liability at third, the continuation of his steroid fueled his joint decay will render his only useful role to that of a statue.
    - Jim Is Bored
      
      HAHAHA YOU CALLED HIM AROID OMG YOURE SO CREATIVE
    - Mattchu12
      
      Defense is not A-Rod’s problem, at all.
- Mike HC
  
  I love that lineup, but it would leave us a bit thin. With a lot of legit injury risks, and ARod already being out, the Yanks would need to find some more money to add depth somehow.
Bavarian Yankee

via MLBTR: “Yankees checking in on Josh Hamilton … Yankees people other than GM Brian Cashman are quietly running a background check on Hamilton”

I guess Randy Levine is busy these days. Wait until they announce that they’ll resign Soriano for 4/60 :D
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  This may be the season Cashman goes insane and is found running pantsless down the street.
  - Mattchu12
    
    …he is planning on jumping off a building soon, isn’t he? Maybe he won’t use a harness or a rope this time…
- Mike HC
  
  I gotta say, Hamilton would make actually going to games far more attractive to me. Not getting my hopes up though.
MB923

Only way I see them getting Hamilton and staying under the $189 would be if they don’t bring back Cano
- JohnC
  
  Not necessarily. Granderson, Pettite and Rivera’s money will be off the books after this year. Maybe Kuroda too. They could bring back Cano and fit Hamilton as well.
  - CashmanNinja
    
    Yes, but then you have to realize that they’ll need to spend money to replace Granderson, Pettitte, Rivera, Kuroda, and others. Just because the money comes off the books doesn’t mean it frees up that total amount because the guys need to be replaced. That’s where the trouble lies because we really do lack a solid farm to have suitable replacements, and obviously market value is…rough, especially for pitchers.
    
    Pitching is always a premium. That’s why we need to lock Hughes up now while we can because if he hits free agency he’ll cost a lot more. And that is why as much as I like Hughes (yes, I really do like him because he’s solid and better than a scrub we’d pick up in a weak free agency), but if they plan on letting him hit free agency then they really should trade him while they can get something for him. That’s why I’m also ok with trading Granderson away even though I like the guy (aside from the strikeouts and bad average). If you don’t plan on keeping the guys in another year then trade them with 1 year of time left so you can maximize their value — especially if they regress next year, which really won’t stop them from getting interest in the FA market.
    
    Now brings me to Cano. I love Cano, but I just can’t justify paying him so much money. If he were a few years younger I’d say no problem, but he’s already 30 years old. 30. Look at how guys like A-Rod are breaking down now. Not every player still plays at a high level while they’re older. It’s better now than in the past because of all the conditioning and money helps motivate guys to keep staying in top shape…but eventually the body breaks down and can’t do things as well as when it was more fresh. Cano is 30 and he’ll want something like an 8 year deal for a huge amount of money. That is a crippling contract because he can’t take a walk. He relies on contact — and has succeeded so far, but the moment that slips I think he’ll be useless. We saw examples of when he was struggling in the post season where he had no plate discipline and had such weak hacks at anything on the outer third of the plate. His swing looked bad and he was frustrated. When he’s 36, 37, or 38 it could lead to a rough few years and a lot of money being wasted. Second base is one of the easiest positions to replace in baseball. Along with 1B and a corner OF spot…I’d hate to handcuff ourselves with another huge contract for a player who will be very old by the end. If Cano were willing to do 5 years then fine. I’m ok with that. But he’s going to want 7 or 8 years at a LOT of money and it will hurt us and restrict us from making many other moves. So unless some young guys really step up and can replace others on the team (or become trade chips) then it’ll really hurt us.
    
    Now, finally, onto Hamilton. I personally do not like the guy. I think he’s a giant risk and I just don’t like him. If he could stay healthy then I’d say sure for 3 years. But when is he healthy? He seems to lose balls in the sun a lot (is it because of the blue eyes?), and he seems to get hurt doing everything and anything. Then add in the fact that he has substance abuse problems and it’s downright scary. He’s going to need someone to come here and hold his hand 24/7. Texas coddled him like crazy. They went OUT OF THEIR WAY to accommodate him. The Yankees won’t go to nearly the same length that the Rangers did and that just seems like a recipe for disaster. The guy is going to get tons of cash and be somewhere as crazy as NYC, with less restrictions…our media is relentless. Remember when Hamilton got all boozy in that bar in Texas? Yeah, well imagine how big of a story it would have been if he were here. It’d be in every paper and magazine. ESPN would have dug him his own grave. Hating a Yankee sells and that would have been like striking oil for the media since there was so much to write about.
    
    I’m just opposed to spending all this money on guys who aren’t true NEEDS. We have plenty of RF options at the moment. Let’s go for Ichiro for 1 year. It won’t break the bank, outfielders aren’t too hard to find so we could probably find someone to produce decent if Ichiro falls into a major slump, and it would give time for *knock on wood* Heathcott to establish whether or not he has a future in our OF.
Andy Pettitte’s Fibula (formerly Manny’s BanWagon)

Pretty nice signing by the Red Sox bringing in Uehara on a 1 year deal.

Would have liked to see the Yankees been in on that one. He was lights out last year.
- Bavarian Yankee
  
  I like Uehara too but he’s an extreme flyball pitcher (above 50%). I don’t know if you wanna have those on your roster if you play half of your games in Yankee Stadium.
  - Andy Pettitte’s Fibula (formerly Manny’s BanWagon)
    
    He also has a very high K/9 and very low BB/9 and did pretty well in Baltimore and Texas which are both launching pads too.
The Real Eddard

This ownership has neutered their GM. Think George would have came out of winter meetings empty handed? They’re driving us into austerity, they’ve relegated their GM to a mere figurehead, and yet ticket prices are so high that they can’t even fill all the seats at playoff games. Something needs to change. Chavy didn’t want to be here, Martin didn’t want to be here and it’s not like they’re going to big markets.
- Andy Pettitte’s Fibula (formerly Manny’s BanWagon)
  
  Is this the new narrative around here?
  
  I don’t see the big deal asking Cashman to run any potential deal up the chain to sign off on deals. I’ll be concerned when it’s reported that they said no to signing someone Cashman has been in favor of.
Gerald Williams

I’ve had this feeling all along. I think they’ll get Hamilton, sign Ichiro, trade Grandy….