Update: Yankees agree to one-year deal with Kelly Johnson

December 4, 2013 by Mike Axisa 206 Comments

Wednesday: The Yankees and Johnson have agreed to a deal, according to Jon Heyman. It’s a one-year pact worth approximately $3M and is still pending a physical. Very nice addition and Joe told you why earlier today.

Tuesday: Via Joel Sherman: The Yankees are close to signing Kelly Johnson to a one-year contract worth $2.75-3M. The 31-year-old makes a lot of sense for New York as a left-handed hitting role player who can provide some power and handle second, third, and left field if need be. Worst case scenario: here’s your Robinson Cano replacement.

RetroRob

They will need to add a right-handed bat here eventually…eventually.
- forensic
  
  You would certainly hope so. They’re bringing in lots of lefties who can’t really hit lefties much.
  - Chip
    
    Soriano, Jeter, Tex, A-Rod/whomever plays third are guys who have either held their own or destroyed lefties in their careers. The problem last season was that every decent right handed hitter on the team got hurt at once
    - forensic
      
      And that happening again to Jeter, Tex, and A-Rod isn’t exactly unlikely considering their recent histories.
      - Cool Lester Smooth
        
        Jeter having a fluke injury that he aggravated and re-aggravated doesn’t make him injury prone now that he’s been able to rest up.
        
        The Other Mister D
        
        A shortstop at his age coming off those injuries, it isn’t hard to imagine him a) getting injured again and/or b) significantly downgraded offensively.
        
        MartinRanger
        
        Granted, but even before his 2012 resurgence, he still killed lefties.
        
        nycsportzfan
        
        Lets not forget who were talking about. If anyone can bounce back and have a big yr is the captain.
        
        OldYanksFan
        
        Yes. Granted… he’s old, but NOT injury prone.
        Last year, he did not reinjure the ankle.
        The problem was his legs were weak and out of shape.
        Because of the ankle, he did not have enough time to get his legs in MLB-ready shape.
        
        Jeter is a proud man, and will try to disprove all the naysayers. You can bet that this offseason, he will work very hard to be ready for the 2014 season.
        
        I don’t expect great numbers, but I expect he will be able to play 80-100 games at SS, and (142 – (80 to 100)) games at DH. (Meaning 20 days off).
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Yeah I think his pride is a major (and good) factor here. Whether this is his last year or not, he doesn’t want anything remotely approaching 2013 to be how he goes out and will work overtime to do everything humanly possible to ensure that it isn’t.
        
        nycsportzfan
        
        I agree. Hes got a full offseason to heal and his upper body will essentialy of had over a full yr to get rested and healthy. To be honest, he could be his freshest hes been in yrs this season, assuming the ankle holds up. It would not be surprising in the least bit if he won comeback player of the yr with something like 302BA 10hr 67rbi 180hits..
        
        BamBamMusings
        
        That’s what they said about Mariano.
  - Deep Thoughts
    
    Whatevs. David Price is getting traded, most likely out of the division, and we can just lose to Lester 4 out of 5 times as per usual.
- Dan G
  
  Interesting signing. Pair him w/ the recently non tendered arancibIa & you’ve got a nice ibanez/a jones bench platoon. Add Reynolds and cut wells/ ichi and suddenly you have decent depth at 4 of 5 IF spots.
  
  This and the ellsbury deal have me thinking they actually don’t really want cano or they wouldn’t be negotiating so hard after just throwing money at Ellsbury and McCann
  
  PS sorry in advance for autocorrect
- nycsportzfan
  
  I’m still holding out hope they bring back Mark Reynolds also
dkidd

bye bye david adams and jayson nix
- Ryan D
  
  There’s something I can drink to.
Chip

Sounds like the Cano camp got an ultimatum from the Yankees and chose to ignore it. What a crazy night
- dkidd
  
  source?
  - Chip
    
    I’m just speculating, didn’t mean it that way.
    
    It just seems the sort of deal where you tell Cano that the money budgeted for him is going to be gone if he doesn’t sign now and the Cano camp called them on it.
    - Ryan D
      
      I actually saw on twitter per some source close to the Yankees (can’t remember who) that they are still intent on signing Cano as well as a SP. It’s entirely possibly the $189 mil is out the window for this year, or maybe they’re confident in the ARod hearing. I’m just glad to see some money getting laid out.
      - The Other Sam
        
        If $189 mil is out the window, the Cano camp doesn’t have much incentive to come down in price what with the open checkbook and all. Sends a message to anyone thinking of making Cano an offer as well.
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        The last bit is interesting. “Don’t even bother, boys.” Hmm.
FIPster Doofus

If he’s in as a utility guy, terrific. If he’s in to replace Cano, awful.
- Farewell Mo
  
  This x 100000
Dan

I like it. This lineup needs power. Now they need to trade Gardy for a SP, and sign a righty power hitter with bad splits to platoon with Johnson (assuming they sign Cano).
- Chip
  
  Reynolds?
- Mscott
  
  Actually, Johnson’s splits against lefties aren’t that bad…
Jersey Joe

Not sure if this is a precursor to trading Gardner (moving Johnson to OF), or to not signing Cano. Either one makes me very sad.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Or it’s a precursor to an A-Rod suspension, a Cano signing, a Reynolds signing and a Johnson/Reynolds 3B platoon.
  - dkidd
    
    that’s my guess
    
    there’s no way they’re letting cano get away
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      I hope your guess is correct. Cano is obviously the panacea at 2B and Johnson/Reynolds, although not great, would be palatable enough as a platoon. They’d be a major improvement over the non-A-Rod dreck the Yankees had at 3B last year.
      - dkidd
        
        i’m greedy. i want cano and a-rod to only get 50 games
        
        after june, we have
        
        ellsbury
        jeter
        cano
        a-rod
        tex
        mccann
        soriano
        gardner
        ichiro
        
        FIPster Doofus
        
        Yes, please.
        
        Betty Lizard
        
        My dream.
        
        Joel
        
        Take A-Rod out of that lineup because he’s been suspended, and put a Johnson/Reynolds platoon in, and the team doesn’t lose much (if any) hitting, but gains about 20million for Cano’s contract, and/or starting pitching. Plus, Purple-Lips the Cheater isn’t on the team, which takes away the circus atmosphere and dark cloud that he brings. Much better.
        
        Farewell Mo
        
        Agree 100%
        
        OldYanksFan
        
        The ‘Cheater’? How about Melky, Peralta, Cruz, Big Papi and the literally hundreds of other ‘cheaters’ who either haven’t fessed up or been caught yet?
        
        I don’t condone what ARod did, but why is he soooooo horrible when others aren’t even mentioned, and go on to sign big contracts?
        
        The whole ‘A-Roid’ thing is media driven. It’s a shame when Yankee fans mirror it.
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Amen.
        
        Jim Is A (Bored) Peckerhead
        
        Bingo
        
        Joel
        
        Yeah, they’re cheaters too. He’s a cheater. They’re cheaters. What’s your point? He’s less of a cheater because there are other cheaters? He’s a cheater. He’s an albatross. He’s a team cancer. Apologizing for A-Rod is ridiculous. He’s not who you thought he was. He’s not who you want him to be. He’s an average hitter now, who gets paid an absurd amount of money. If he’s suspended for the year, it’s GOOD for the Yankees. Let him go, OldYanksFan. He’s over.
        
        nycsportzfan
        
        How crazy would it be to see Gardner, Ichiro, Ells, and Captain setting the table for Cano/Arod/Tex/Mcann/Soriano?? Jesus, we’d have hit and run galore, and pitchers would go nuts having to deal with Gardy, Ells, Ichiro, Jeets, and Sori on the base paths.
  - Dicka24
    
    My thoughts exactly.
CashmanNinja

Yesssssss! Ok, now this is a move I am thrilled about. I love what Johnson brings to the table for that price tag. Even if he’s strictly a utility guy…he’s a hell of a utility guy. Plus he’s insurance in case we lose Cano. I love this move.
- Darren
  
  Insurance if Cano gets hurt and you have to replace him for 15 days? Fine. But when you start treating your insurance as your Plan A you get Chris Stewart catching all year.
  
  Bad Idea.
  - Robinson Tilapia
    
    This, this, and this.
forensic

I sure hope this is as a utility guy and not as a Cano replacement. Seems a little redundant and moderately expensive considering what they already have in the organization, though.
- RetroRob
  
  Agreed. He would be a solid addition for the utility role, and a platoon at third assuming an A-Rod suspension.
- mustang
  
  I hate to crush your hopes but you said it “redundant” and the timing with the Ellsbury signing i think Cano is gone.
TheRealGreg

This night has clearly sent s message to Cano’s camp that the Yankees are not going to wait around for him
U

I’m all out of whack right now and in a good way. I don’t know what’s next. This could be insurance, replacement for Cano with a savings of $250mm, or perhaps Gardner is on the move, maybe to Athletics are part of a package for Anderson. Who really knows, but I’m ok with everything so far. They are in fact, signing BASEBALL PLAYERS!
Avi

Brett Gardner had more extra base hits this year than Jacoby Ellsbury.
WORST SIGNING IN SPORTS HISTORY PEROID.
- TheRealGreg
  
  I’m not crazy about it. But you have to stop
  - Avi
    
    I’m sorry but it’s a horrible waste of money; even if he plays every inning of every game over the next seven years. And his terribly injury prone. Any logical fan of the sport will tell you that.
    How you penny pinch and let guys like Martin, Ibnez and Chavez go and then spend like money isn’t an object like this is totally beyond me.
    - TheRealGreg
      
      Look below
    - FIPster Doofus
      
      You realize Ellsbury is one of the most valuable players in the league when he’s on the field, right? So, if he plays every inning the next seven years, he’d easily live up to the contract.
      - Avi
        
        I disagree that he’s one of the most valuble players in the league as a center fielder. As a left fielder it’s not even a discussion. In left the discussion is how much above average he might be.
        
        Chris H
        
        He’s an undeniable top 10 CF right now, he’s probably not top 5.
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Check his war/game numbers. They’re ridiculous. On the field, every game, for seven years, he will out earn his contract.
      - OldYanksFan
        
        How do you get ‘one of the most valuable players in the league when he’s on the field’?
        
        In 7 years, he has a fWar of 23.7 and a bWar: 21.0.
        That’s very nice. Not All-Star level, but above average.
        
        Up to age 30, he has been worth maybe $18m/yr.
        Do you expect him to match his part production over the next 7 years…. for $22m/yr?
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Total WAR depends on playing time, ie it’s a counting stat. So his injuries cost him WAR. His WAR/game numbers are insane. If he’s on the field he will more than earn his contract.
        
        OldYanksFan
        
        Ellsbury has played about 6 full years.
        Gardner has player about 4 full years.
        So who is the better CF’er here?
        
        Ellsbury: 4.0 dWar, 27 Defensive Runs Saved.
        Gardner: 8.5 dWar, 84 Defensive Runs Saved.
        
        Ellsbury: 0.0066 bWAR per PA, 0.0074 fWAR per PA
        Gardner: 0.0087 bWAR per PA, 0.0080 fWAR per PA
        
        So the more valueable player is?
        Now you want to look at salary?
        
        I’m One
        
        Don’t forget that most of Gardner’s time came in LF, not CF. Those numbers would be down if he were in CF.
        
        OldYanksFan
        
        You mean UP? Gritners WAR numbers would be higher as a CF’er. However, Ellsbury hasn’t spent his whole career in CF either.
        
        nycsportzfan
        
        Ells is more dangerous at the plate. You’ll never see Gardner get double digit HR’s, and i have a feeling Ells is gonna be more of a HR threat then hes been in NY, and can just flat out make consistent hard contact. Offensivley, is where they really differ.
    - Avi
      
      Also an OF of Beltran in right, Gardner in center And Soriano in left >>>>> ellsbury in center Gardner in left and Soriano in right. It’s better offensively for sure, and probably defensively too when you consider the lack of arm sori has for right. Oh.. And you save at least $100mm! With the first too. Just total bull shit from the yankee hierarchy.
      - Chris H
        
        The argument isn’t for Beltran over Ellsbury, given Jacoby’s defense in center he’s the more valuable all around player. The argument should be for Choo over Ellsbury, Choo was the best lead off man in baseball this year with his elite plate discipline and pitch selection. Gardner hitting first and Choo second is much better than Gardner/Ellsbury or Ellsbury/Jeter.
        
        Mscott
        
        Unless of course the opposition is pitching someone who happens to be left-handed (which of course NEVER happens in Yankee Stadium) – at which point it would be preferable to bat you or me instead of Choo.
    - Get Phelps Up (looking for a new name)
      
      Just saying, Ibanez was worth 0 fwar last season.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Jacoby Ellsbury led the world champions in WAR.
- Albert Pujols
  
  Hi
  - TheRealGreg
    
    Bingo
- Mr. Roth
  
  Ellsbury also stole 28 more bases than Gardner and got thrown out 4 less times. I think that more than makes up for the 3 less XBHs that Ellsbury had.
  - Avi
    
    $152mm explained right there. Boom!
    - Avi
      
      By the way Crawford was a far better player and much more durable when he got his contract just three years ago. And I hated that contract too. I posted it all over this website at the time.
      - Avi
        
        I also hate the idea of getting very little power out of TWO outfield spots.
        
        Caballo Sin Nombre
        
        I disagree that Ellsbury has very little power. First, if you look up his HR scatter diagrams, they are all to dead right field. We will see more such balls clear the short porch at the Stadium. Second, 8 of his 9 HRs came in July-September. Likely he was still recovering from his 2012 injuries in the first half of 2013. There are valid concerns about injuries. But if he’s 100%, he will have 15-20 HRs next year.
    - Mr. Roth
      
      If you’re going to post bullshit stats to prove your point, then I’m going to call you for spewing bullshit.
      - Avi
        
        The question is not who’s the better player. Crapsbury is better than Gardner; given. The question is if you should commit $152mm to him. They’re not THAT far apart.
        
        FIPster Doofus
        
        Crapsbury? Really? Yeesh.
        
        Avi
        
        When you burn my team’s assets you’re crap to me. Pavano, Vazquez and Crapsbury. Dam right.
        
        FIPster Doofus
        
        I mean, if you’re gonna conjure up a derogatory nickname for the guy, at least go with Smellsbury.
        
        forensic
        
        How about Jacrappy?
        
        FIPster Doofus
        
        Jacrappy Smellsbury. Perfect.
        
        Robinson Tilapia
        
        I regret missing this moment.
        
        He’s our Smellsbury now, damnit.
  - Mike
    
    I laughed at Boston signing Crawford so I’ll just let everyone else enjoy this deal.
Barney G

Like this move. Right now, you gotta figure Sori is going to see the bulk of the time in RF, Johnson can spell him and fill in/spell AROD at 3rd.

Sure, teams could be going 1st to 3rd on Sori/Johnson like crazy, but Ellsbury and Gardner are going to cover so much ground in LF/CF that it shouldn’t really matter.
You’ve got to think that his bat plays well with the porch in RF too.
- OldYanksFan
  
  That OF has 2 noodle arms and one spaghetti arm.
  - lou from the bronx
    
    I love pasta!
    - King of Fruitless Hypotheticals
      
      Pasta-diving-…sorry.
TJF

Good ballplayer, good addition, great price. Utility at best with some spot starts, I don’t think a starter or a Cano replacement at all.

Pitching please…….
Get Phelps Up (looking for a new name)

3B platoon with Reynolds, I’m hoping.
TheRealGreg

So resign Reynolds to be the RH batter.
TWTR

When you are willing to give seven years to a player who has been injured as often as Ellsbury, it makes sense to just keep spending.
RetroRob

There’s been more Yankee news tonight than all of the last off season.
- MartinRanger
  
  They are certainly keeping us entertained. To an extent this includes pants-wetting dread, but still.
  - I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
    
    Indeed!
The Thumb

I still can’t rest peacefully until Robbie is resigned.
Ed

Great signing.

Gives NY protection in case they do not sign Cano or have difficulty getting someone for 3b. If they accomplish both, they have a good utility guy. 2.5 million is cheap insurance.
Brooklyn Ed

I’m assuming everyone (McCann, Ellsbury, and Johnson) will get introduced on Thursday?
- FIPster Doofus
  
  Doubt it. Ellsbury will get his own presser in the coming weeks and Johnson isn’t even an official signing yet, nor is he worthy of a presser.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    For that matter, it’s probably gonna take a little while for the Ellsbury signing to be official, too. It definitely won’t be by tomorrow.
- Barney G
  
  Probably not Ellsbury. If there’s anyone who needs a thorough examination it’s that guy
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

This team is getting very left-handed
- MartinRanger
  
  Is it? In terms of impact/potential impact right-handed hitters we’ve got Soriano, Jeter (who is sure to kill lefties if nothing else), and Teix from his better side. Plus Ellsbury and god-willing Cano who can very much hold their own against same-siders. And McCann’s poor year against them last year doesn’t match his career stats (and hopefully Cervelli gets a fair number of ABs against them next year). Add in Reynolds to platoon with Johnson and that’s actually a pretty balanced lineup.
  
  I’d be more worried if they loaded up on strict platoon types like Choo.
  - Chris H
    
    I’d live with Choo’s career. 680 OPS vs LHP over Ellsbury’s .733 in return for Choo’s career .932 OPS vs RHP over Ellsbury’s .813. Roughly a third of the league is right handed.
Alex

Pair him with Reynolds and we should see 30 bombs next year. Plus the roster is getting crowded lets hope that Cash can find a taker for Ichiro. On the flipside whats with all the bats at this rate we will have a killer lineup and have C.C. pitching every other day.
- TWTR
  
  Why would any team give up anything of value Ichiro? They should just DFA him if he won’t retire.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    Maybe they could just salary dump him on the Mariners if the M’s go 0-for the offseason and need an acquisition to placate the fans. Doubtful, obviously, but one can dream.
  - Alex
    
    I didn’t say anything of value I said clear a roster spot.
- MartinRanger
  
  If the Yankees want to clear their glut of outfielders, it should be the one who quite possibly sucks even more and doesn’t count against the luxury tax who should get the boot.
  - Alex
    
    It should be both Wells and Ichiro but Wells is Right handed and doesn’t cost the team a dime. We are stuck with him.
    - MartinRanger
      
      But Wells can’t hit lefties any better than righties, or anyone for that matter. His handedness isn’t worth much when he isn’t actually a platoon hitter.
      - MartinRanger
        
        Okay he can hit them slightly better than righties. Ichiro is a lot more valuable defensively though, and has some speed left.
    - TWTR
      
      v. LHP:
      
      Ichiro: 321 .331 .421 .753 (166 PA)
      
      Wells: .269 .318 .379 .697 (198 PA)
      - MartinRanger
        
        based on Wells’ last few years vs. lefties prior to 2013, Ichiro still makes more sense. handedness isn’t everything.
        
        that said, I’d like a righty bench bat.
        
        TWTR
        
        Ichiro is a right disguised as a lefty.
      - OldYanksFan
        
        Looking at his Career stats, Ichi has been very, very slightly better against LHP. I will guess that is because it is hard to jam him inside, since he is half way to 1B by the time he swings.
    - Caballo Sin Nombre
      
      The Yankees would have to eat most of Ichiro’s contract, so he would still cost them $5M. Plus, Ichiro was a better player than Wells last year (Wells was BELOW replacement level). Keeping Wells might make sense if it helps them stay under $189M; but if they’ve given up on that, Ichiro is a significantly better player. Finally, even if you don’t buy that, Ichiro is still an excellent defender, which is of value in a bench player.
- I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
  
  I think they’d just DFA Wells and keep Ichiro as the 4/5 OFer.
http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso

So, no Chavez then…
MartinRanger

I’m still interested to see what Adams could do in a platoon, but Reynolds is the more sure thing. If they replace A-Rod for roughly 10 mil that’s a job pretty well done.

Also more more for Cano (and Tanaka if MLB can sort themselves out).
- forensic
  
  Adams isn’t going to do much, but Reynolds is far from a sure thing. Personally, I still want nothing to do with him on the Yankees.
  - MartinRanger
    
    Adams has hit at every level so far. One bad summer is not enough to convince me he’s useless in MLB.
    
    Reynolds is fine if he’s used in ways that play to his strengths. If he’s asked to be the everyday 3rd baseman, it’s going to get ugly.
    - Alex
      
      Everyday no but a platoon with Johnson he’ll be fine. Although I think he’ll find more playing time somewhere else, being a platoon righty is not exactly prestigious. The Astros make the most sense for Reynolds.
      - MartinRanger
        
        Reynolds was released mid-season by the Indians and barely played better as a Yankee. I’d say his days of prestige are behind him. He’s more likely to want to be on a winner.
  - FIPster Doofus
    
    I’d say Reynolds is a pretty sure thing to be basically league average offensively vs. LHPs. Same goes for Johnson vs. RHPs. So, I’d be more than fine with them as a platoon. They’d help make for a deep lineup as complements to the likes of Cano, Ellsbury, Teixeira, McCann, Gardner and Soriano.
    - OldYanksFan
      
      Career-wise, Johnson is pretty much the same against LHP or RHP. However, his career OPS+ is 106 in the NL(6 yrs) and 93 in the AL(3 yrs). 1 yr at $3m can’t really hurt, but he won’t have a lot of impact.
PunkPitch

Someone in the front office finally appears to be hatching a plan – Call it Strong Up The Middle 101. If anything, it tells me Cashman has absolutely ZERO faith in the farm system. Most of Romine, Murphy, Sanchez, Heathcott, Nd Mason Williams will never wear pinstripes in the Bronx.
- Ale
  
  As of right now the Yankee minor leaguers can’t put two strong years together, so I see no reason to trust them until they prove they can be trusted.
- MartinRanger
  
  Well, Murphy and Romine have already worn pinstripes in the bronx. Just saying.
  
  Also, Mason cratered last year, Heathcott is one collision away from exploding, and Sanchez is at least two years away.
  
  Not much to ‘have absolutely ZERO faith’ in, really.
  - The Other Sam
    
    For a completely subjective opinion, that’s what makes Heathcott fun to look forward to. Kid’s a bit wild. As long as he produces, that’s good entertainment.
    
    I’m content to see what Cervelli can do next season, but I’d like to see Murphy backing up soon. Romine – trade bait.
mustang

Here is the 189 death count:

With McCann they were at 115 (for 8 players) add Ellsbury’s 22 and Johnson 3 that’s an even 140.

Cano- 25
Kuroda- 16
Tanaka-10

That’s 191 for 13 players of course if they lose A-Rod then Bingo!!!
- MartinRanger
  
  I think plan 189 is -completely- dependent upon A-Rod’s suspension.
  
  They are betting he’s gone. Frankly, with what we’ve seen this winter, it’s hard to say they are wrong about that. If the player’s union won’t fight for A-Rod, he’s not going to win.
- Joel
  
  This is the right way to handle the offseason. Play it like Arod is going to be suspended while staying under the 189. They field a contender, satisfy the fans, and possibly (probably) avoid the luxury tax.
  
  If Arod comes back, oh well. They pay the tax and have another hitter.
  - mustang
    
    THIS!!!!
    - Joel
      
      Fortunately, it seems like this is what they’re doing. :)
      
      We’ll see on Cano though. If he isn’t re-signed and Arod is gone for the year, they’ll have buttloads of money to spend on a middle-of-the-order hitter, but there might not be one left.
  - I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
    
    Winnerwinnerchickendinner
Avi

I’d rather have granderson at the same contract than Elsburry. Chances are grandy get less than half the money. I can’t wrap my head around this fucking deal.
- Chris H
  
  No way is Granderson’s poor defense in LF at an older age better than Ellsbury elite D in CF over the next 7 years. Not liking this deal is one thing, perfering Granderson at the same price is insane.
  - OldYanksFan
    
    Show me ONE stat that has Ellsbury’s D in CF as elite.
    As a matter of fact….
    Show me ONE stat that has Ellsbury’s D in CF as above average.
    - Chris H
      
      Well to start defensive runs saved had him as the 4th best CF in the game this year, Career UZR/150 in CF of 8.0, UZR/150 this season in CF of 12.9 (16.1 in 2011), career RngR in CF 42.0. I’m not sure how anyone can say when he’s playing over a 1000 innings of CF he isn’t above average at least.
mustang

“11:45pm: Ellsbury’s deal includes a no-trade clause, tweets Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com”

Hell why not

LMAO!
- MartinRanger
  
  Basically all free agents of that caliber get NTCs.
  
  He can still waive it.
  - Avi
    
    That’s the problem. He’s not “that caliber”.
    - mustang
      
      Let it go dude your going to be seeing him for the next 7 years.
      - Avi
        
        Nah he’ll be on the DL and the Yankees will be orchestrating an investigation into his affiliation with a PED clinic.
        
        mustang
        
        Like a lot of things in life, we laugh because it’s funny, and we laugh because it’s true.
        
        Thesauerchise
        
        All of his injuries are broken bones from collisions or other accidents. So unless Ellsbury has osteoporosis or a fetish for running into things we might be overstating his fragility.
        Today a major word: context
        
        Thesauerchise
        
        Magic word not major word, damn autocorrect ruining my point
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        A fetish for running into things. Now you’re talking!
        
        I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Collision pr0n.
- Alex
  
  At this point who cares the Yanks have always handed out no trade clauses like hotcakes. Also after the Marlins fiasco no big free agent will ever sign a contract without a no trade clause. So thanks for that Florida.
Dicka24

IIRC, Gardner, Soriano, Wells, and Ichiro are all FA’s at the end of the season. So the Yanks will have openings in the OF in 2015. That being said, their farm has regressed for sure.

I like the idea of Reynolds, cuz he can play both corners in the IF.

If they carry 13 position players, their bench would have 4 slots. Assuming Johnson is the starting 3B, and Reynolds is signed cuz Arod is out, that would leave:

Wells
Ichiro
Ryan
SD utility guy (forget his name)
Cervelli
Reynolds

For 4 spots. 5 if they carry 11 pitchers.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  There’s still lanes present for young players to work their way in.
  
  Let them earn it. If Slade Heathcott hits and fields this year like he should be a starting outfielder for the New York Yankees, he’ll get his chance once Sori leaves.
  - I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
    
    Exactly. Prior to the Ellsbury deal we had zero OFers on the roster in 2015. And now we have one. So yup – definitely opportunity for the kids.
- Caballo Sin Nombre
  
  They are not carrying three backup infielder for four bench spots. If Reynolds is signed, Dean Anna waits at AAA until someone is hurt.
  
  For the OF, Ichiro is better but Wells is cheaper. If they are giving up on the $189M, wells gets cut. If they need to slice and dice to get under $189M, then they try to get someone to pick up $2-3M of the $7M they owe in 2013. But it seems odd they would do that, when they just threw $3M extra at Jeter.
MartinRanger

Right now I’m more worried about the rotation than the offense. And I say this as someone pretty bullish on Phelps and Nova.
- FIPster Doofus
  
  The rotation is shit at the moment. Sabathia’s coming off a terrible year, Nova has never put it together for a full season, Pineda hasn’t pitched since the Taft administration, and Phelps was a 5.00 ERA guy in 2013.
  - Pseudoyanks
    
    Let’s hope Pineda isn’t plumping up (again) like Taft.
- Joel
  
  Cross your fingers on Kuroda and Tanaka. One would help. Two would be perfect.
  - Alex
    
    As much as we would all like to think differently Tanka is no sure thing either.
    - Joel
      
      Who is?
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        Someone who doesn’t have to go through the posting system.
    - nycsportzfan
      
      I woulden’t mind seeing them jump in on the Samardzija front and see if they can work a deal with the Cubs. They are investing bigtime in the lineup and losing some picks by doing so, so mines well go all in and see if we can get Samardzija and sign Kuroda, if Tanaka ends up not being posted. I think Maholm could be solid also.
  - The Other Sam
    
    I like ’em both, but ‘perfect’ is a little strong. Kuroda’s got second half issues.
    - Joel
      
      Let me qualify “perfect” as “probably the best way to fill out the SP staff”. There isn’t another free agent SP who’s a clearly better bet than either of those guys, and the Yanks probably don’t have the pieces to trade for anyone better. So no, it’s not perfect, but under the circumstances, it’s pretty good.
      - Robinson Tilapia
        
        “Perfect fit” is more what you mean, and I agree.
        
        They’re going to need those 400 innings, and I don’t think they’re going too cheap on them. Either the celery cap just got made into salad or Alex is entering purgatory.
        
        Speaking of purgatory, looks like the Yanks will sticking Nuney in one with this move.
    - Chris H
      
      Did Kuroda really have second half issues though?
      
      First half: 6.37 K/9, 1.87 BB/9, 0.91 HR/9, 3.60 FIP, 82.6 LOB%, .252 BABIP
      Sec half: 7.19 K/9, 2.07 BB/9, 0.87 HR/9, 3.51 FIP, 68.5 LOB%, .324 BABIP
      
      If anything all his peripheral numbers are almost identical both halves of the season, the problem is a well below league average LOB% in the second half, and a higher than career BABIP line. It seems he got a little lucky in the first half, very unlucky in the second, but pitched well in the areas he can control all year.
      - I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
        
        Too lazy to try and frankly I’m not even sure the tools exist but I wonder if one examined his lines/stats based on pitch type what we’d find. My supposition is that in the second half he lost the feel for one of his pitches. When he went to it, he got hammered. Otherwise, the rest of his stuff was fine. /speculation
        
        King of Fruitless Hypotheticals
        
        He had two garbage games…I bet if you take out those games (completely arbitrary? yes…but everyone has a bad day at work) his stats are ridiculously close.
D

Reynolds back would be cool cuz he can back up Teixiera and platoon at 3B with Johnson.

I’d like to see Johnson play some 1B, SS, and RF so he can play at every position save the battery and CF.

Johnson is fine as an #9 hitting 2B if Cano doesn’t remain a Yankee.
LaSombra

Just doing the math here…

(9) Starting Lineup (McCann, Teixeira, 2B, 3B, Jeter, Gardner, Ellsbury, Soriano)
(2) Backup infielders (Ryan & Johnson)
(2) Backup outfielders (ichiro & wells)
(1) Backup catcher (Cervelli)
—-
(14)

(5) Starting pitchers (Sabathia, Nova, SP3, SP4, SP5)
(7) Bullpen (Robertson, Kelley, Claiborne?, Phelps?, RP5, RP6, RP7)
—-
(12)

Either Girardi carries 5 OFers or a 6-man bullpen, or someone has to be cut eventually, most likely Ichiro? Good riddance.
- http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadgeek/ Roadgeek Adam
  
  Either way 1 person gets cut.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  I think it’s Wells. They’re not cutting Ichiro on what’s probably his last season.
  - Caballo Sin Nombre
    
    Ichiro’s contract is a sunk cost. They still have to pay him even if they cut him. As a player, Ichiro > Wells, Ichiro is better than replacement level; Wells isn’t.
    - I’m a looser baby so why don’t you kill me?
      
      Totally agree that they cut Wells before Ichiro.
    - Robinson Tilapia
      
      Agreed.
      
      I’d also say the only team I could even see him going to, other than the Yanks, would be back to Seattle, if only for the retirement celebration.
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  Dont see Nunez on that list….
Dan in Athens

Read the writing on the wall. After kj ten come renoylds and infante. Cano gone. Remaining money goes to staff and depending on cost possibly Balfour and Wesley wright
Dale Mohorcic

Welcome aboard, green penis! I like this signing (assuming it happens). He has some upside and can play multiple positions without breaking the bank. Works well with the whole rotating DH and potential platoons.
BrianC.

The McCaan and Ellsbury signings make some of our top prospects expendable.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  With all the catchers coming off the board, JR Murphy may have gained some trade value.
  
  Still room for an outfielder in 2015. Someone needs to make their case this year, though.
Chris H

Choo makes more sense for this offense, adding his .389 career OBP in the 1/2 hole strengthens the lineup much more than Ellsbury’s career .350, and that’s not even touching the power numbers. Ellsbury has base running and defense but given we already Gardner and the size of the deal I’ll take Choo and his .309/.411/.521 career line against RHP all day every day.
- Mike HC
  
  For this season alone, agreed, I would prefer Choo. But Gardner is gone after this season, and next year’s free agents are very weak, so grabbing our long term centerfielder this off season is a nice luxury as long as it doesn’t prevent us from re signing Cano.
  - Chris H
    
    You could probably re-sign Gardner with the money you save on Choo. Either way I’d rather have Gardner/Choo than Ellsbury/any free agent outfielder next year.
- Kosmo
  
  I´ll take Ellsbury´s .286 BA vs. LHP. Choo is just plain terrible vs. LHP and is more or less becoming a platoon player. It´s a bit of a trade off, like you said Ellsbury for running and defense, Choo for power and OBP. I´d call it even maybe with a slight nod to Choo.
  
  My feeling is Gardner is going to be moved for a 3B or a SP.
  - Chris H
    
    Ellsbury may have a higher average but they share an almost identical career OBP (.343 to .340), the real dfference is Ellsbury holds a career .390 SLG% against LHP and Choo’s is .341. No one will argue a .680 OPS is something to brag about, but he’s still providing some value by getting on at a .340-.350 clip. Where they separate themselves is Choo holds a .309/.411/.521 career slash line against RHP and Ellsbury’s is only .302/.353/.460, with3/4th of the league is right handed. I’ll trade in the 50 points of OPS against LHP for the 100 points of OPS against the rest of the league.
- John C
  
  Choo is terrible against lefties. Ellsbury holds his own better againsts lefites, has more speed and is a better defender. Still not thrilled about giving him 7 years though. WOuld have preferred 5 with a 6th year option
  - Kosmo
    
    must be an echo in the room ?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roadgeek/ Roadgeek Adam

I won’t even ask now on who gets what number, cause I’ve been having a lot of issues figuring out what they might go. 14, 17, 19, 36, 40, 55, 62 and 65 are open, and driving me nuts.
Robinson Tilapia

Like, not love, the signing. A bit more versatility than Ryan, and a solid vet hand, but something’s going to have to five roster-wise here in order for me to see how this works.

Obviously, if this guy’s starting at second or third, something has fine terribly wrong here.

Also, if he’s hitting .175 in May, someone will come on here and refer to him as “Smelly Johnson,” so there’s that. We already had a Jacrappy Smellsbury reference and he hasn’t even had his presser.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  No, I have no clue what i autocorrected from there. “Have to give” is my guess.
mustang

It’s so nice to be the Evil Empire again !!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bzWSJG93P8
- mustang
  
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBTRaM7AFMA
  
  I couldn’t stand him, but damn I miss him.
John C

Have always liked Kelly Johnson. Can play a few positions and is a pretty decent hitter.
Dr. Grenaldine

So the Ellsbury signing certainly inflates Robbie’s asking price, no?

Does the Kelly Johnson signing lower it since he’s not really a necessity for the Yanks any longer?

Still totally confused by this whole thing

Where’s the pitching?
- perspective
  
  They haven’t even hit the winter meetings….have some valium and relax.
- TWTR
  
  It’s developing, albeit very slowly.
- Robinson Tilapia
  
  Cancel this man’s patients for the day.
  
  It’s confusing. It’s also the off-season, probably the most maddenning and stress-inducing time for a Yankee fan. It will play itself out, one way or the other.
Lee__D

I’m so confused. I feel like it’s MLB the Show and they’re just auto-signing people.

We need Robbie tho
David Brown

A big question with Cano is once he gets the big contract, how motivated will he really be ( particularly if he signs with the Mariners. A team with no offense, and a bad Stadium for hitters)?
Robinson Tilapia

I’m sad that my Smelly Johnson joke got no traction, btw. Huge bag of dicks for all of you.
- http://www.penuel-law.com/ Cuso
  
  Hahaha! Smelly Johnson, he said!
tommy cassella

what I want to know is why everybody is making a big deal at the ”war” and ”whip” stats. nobody even heard of those stats twenty years ago.
- Greg
  
  This is a parody post, right?