What Cashman has done this off-season

Let me get straight to the point. I don’t like the moves Cashman has made this off-season even though I have been in Cashman’s supporters’ camp. It seems everyone likes his moves. Not for me. Those moves make Yankees better on paper. However, I have a hunch that those moves may come back to bite us. As a diehard Yankees fan, I hope I am wrong about my prediction.

I also start wondering whether Cashman has the ability to make good signings or trades in order to improve his team when he can’t throw money at the problems.

I believe Cashman makes those decisions based on the numbers. I am pretty sure you guys get tons of analyses like that. You are not going to get one from me. My opinion is more based on my observation.

I believe chemistry can affect the team performance. I believe some players can perform better under the pressure or at the clutch time than others. I also believe the team overall performance can be better when some players play with certain players.

From this point on, barring some surprises, two things are more likely happening in Yankeesland. First of all, Cashman may add a second-tier left outfielder. Secondly, he may add one bat off the bench. So, it will be a great time to review what Cashman has done this off-season?

Well, he basically replaces Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Melky Cabrera and numbers of no.4 starter(Joba chamberlain, Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre, etc) with Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson, Jamie Hoffmann and Javier Vazquez while he almost empties the depth of minor league system except catching department.(P.S. You can’t count Joba and Hughes because they are already major leaguers.)

Of course, I don’t count players don’t contribute that much this season, such as Bruney, Nady, Wang,etc. I also don’t include the possible impact of losing Molina, Phil Coke, etc.

Because I already commented on what I think regard of Curtis Granderson trade, I am not going to repeat one more time. But, in short, you can say it is a push when it comes down to Johnny Damon vs Curtis Granderson because Johnny Damon is a contact hitter with more speed who can put together more good at-bats and Curtis Granderson is younger with more power.

As for Nick Johnson deal, let me make one point clear. I understand Yankees don’t bring Matsui back due to age and injury concerns. The days he plays on the field are gone, it makes Yankees very difficult to rotate DH spot for Jeter, A-Rod, Teixeira and Posada. But, why bring into a younger version of Matsui? I know there is slight difference when Nick has high base percentage and Matsui has more power. But, he also can’t stay healthy and will be our full time DH with occasional first baseman.

These analyses above are rational. Irrationally, I rather have Damon and Matsui than Nick and Granderson because I trust them more to delivery at the clutch time. If I were Cashman, I would trade for Granderson and sign Damon back.

Of course, I don’t have problems with Nick instead of Matsui if Yankees spend over their budget they claim they have again and end up with getting Damon back in the end.

If Cashman ends up with a second-tier left fielder(not Damon) along with Nick and Gradnerson after trading Melky, I am afraid of this experiment may not end too well.

There are just too many players in the lineup we are not sure what we can get. Don’t forget A-Rod has a hip surgery that requires second surgery originally. Don’t forget Swisher actually perform better than most people expect. Let alone Posada stays healthy while Jeter plays well. On top of that, we actually have Melky and Gardner platoon for center fielder. I am not sure what we can get from Gardner when he plays everyday.

As for Javier Vazquez trade, it is a good deal if the only thing we ask him to do is pitching behind CC, AJ and Pettitte. If one of top 3 gets hurt that is high possibility after the workload they endure for 2009 season and we ask the other guys pitch at the spot they are not supposed to be along with a uncertain no.5 starter, I can see the disaster waiting to happen.

I just don’t feel too comfortable with the combination of three-year workload of CC, injury history of AJ, age of Pettitte and uncertainty of Joba and Hughes. That is why I don’t like the trade for Javier Vazquez.

I know Javier Vazquez has a nice track record of durability. But, it doesn’t guarantee it will happen again in 2010. Let alone what happened in 2004. If I were Brian Cashman, I will push for a front line starter who proves he can handle American league, such as Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, John Lackey,etc. Even if we can’t get one of them, I will use the same amount of money given to Javier Vazquez to sign both Chien-Ming Wang and Ben Sheets that will bring us two potential two frontline starters.

The other two things what Cashman has done this off-season I don’t like are bullpen and catchers. He basically hand the job to Cervelli. Don’t get me wrong. Cervelli has done a great job. But, can he handle the job as a full time backup to Posada? Let alone the possibility to be a starting catcher if Posada gets hurt again. I think Yankees underestimate the value of Molina.

Of course, I know Yankees have depth in catching department down the farm system. But, are they ready?

The other thing is no move at all made by Cashman for the bullpen. I know relief pitchers except closers perform differently every year. I know Girardi shows the ability to manage the bullpen well. However, I am not too sure Girardi has enough options after Cashman almost empties high level of Yankees minor league system this offseason.

Don’t forget Mo is 40 year old, especially when you consider the workload he endures during playoff run. On top of that, it seems to me Mo loses his stuff a little bit after the injury he suffered at previous year. Not to mention, he told to reporters after playoff he pitched with some sort of injuries.

Even if Mo is Mo and someone from somewhere can do the good job in the bullpen, Yankees certainly need a more certain setup man. I believe that guy will be Joba who Yankees finally stretch him out enough as a starter. Keep in mind two things. There are more frontline starters available while Pettitte is more likely retired next year.

That is why I would sign or trade someone to be Mo’s setup man if I were Cashman this off-season. Just in case, Mo may get hurt or pitch not so well. If the guy perform well, he may be the potential heir to Mo next season or use as leverage to get Mo back at reasonable price. By getting a new setup man, we can put both Joba and Hughes into the rotation where they are supposed to be. Because there are some uncertainty surrounding with Joba and Hughes as starters, The signings of Ben Sheets and Chien-Ming Wang as safety net will work out perfectly.

Among CC, AJ, Pettitte, Joba, Hughes and Sheets, someone will get injured or pitch not so well. Of course, the other 5 guys can form a great rotation. Because the depth we have in the rotation, we can ease Wang back to his old form right around All-Star break for potential injury. Even if Sheets and Wang don’t work out well for Yankees, they are one-year deal and we can see what we can get from Joba and Hughes.

That being saying, I bet one of Sheets and Wang will perform well in 2010. By the way, we can save some depth in the minor league system by not making a trade for Javier Vazquez.

Hopefully, I am wrong and Yankees have the same luck as 2009 season in terms of injury.

Let’s Go Yankees!

Notable Rehabilitation Pitchers

There are few notable rehabilitation projects this off-season. It’s is interesting to see what kind of deals they can get and where they land. The most interesting part for me is how they perform in 2010 and which team ends up with getting the highest reward for their relatively cheap signings.

The list includes Rich Harden, Justin Duchscherer, Kelvim Escobar, Ben Sheets and Chien-Ming Wang. Anyone else?

Three pitchers on the list already got their deals that are all major league deals. According to reports, Ben Sheets is seeking for 12MM deal while there are 15 teams are interested in signing Wang.

As the list below shows, I guess Ben sheets will get a deal close to what Rich Harden gets while Wang will get a similar deal as Kelvim Escobar or Justin Duchscherer. Agree? Disagree?

Who will perform the best in 2010 is everyone’s guess. As a Taiwanese, I hope is Wang. However, I think Ben Sheets will pitch the best among them because it seems Rich Harden and Justin Duchscherer get injured a lot while Wang and Escobar come off shoulder injuries. Agree? Disagree?

Rangers Rich Harden (born 1981, 11, 30)

Injury & Achievement
1) Has a checkered health history (he's never pitched 190 innings in a season)
2) He's got No. 1 stuff and averaging 9.4 per nine innings throughout his career.

Base Deal
$6.5MM

Incentives
1) 3.5MM based on innings pitched
2) 11MM mutual option for 2011
3) 1MM buyout for 2011 mutual option

A's Justin Duchscherer (born 1977, 11, 19)

Injury & Achievement
1) Proved dominant as both a starter and reliever, posting a 2.82 ERA in 214 appearances for the A's.
2) Spent most of the season on the disabled list with an injured right hip in 2007
3) Missed the 2009 season due to shoulder and back injuries and a bout with clinical depression

Base Deal
$2MM

Incentives
1) 3.5MM based on games started and innings pitched

Mets Kelvim Escobar (born 1976, 4, 11)

Injury & Achievement
1) Between 2004 and 2007, Escobar posted a 3.60 ERA and a 2.63 K-BB ratio with Angels
2) He missed the entire 2008 season with shoulder problems
3) Labrum surgery in July 2008 limited him to just five innings of major league work in 2009

Base Deal
$1.25MM

Incentives
1) 125K for making the Mets' Opening Day roster
2) 2MM based on games pitched
3) 1MM based on games finished

Ben Sheets (born 1978, 7, 18)

Injury & Achievement
1) Missing all of 2009 with a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow
2) Posted a 3.09 ERA in 2008 ?

Chien-Ming Wang (born 1980, 3, 31)

Injury & Achievement
1) 2 times 19 games winner with 55-26 record in five years with the Yankees
2) Start 2008 season with 8-2 record before injuring his right foot when running the base
3) Coming off right shoulder surgery and might not be able to pitch until midseason

New Yankees stadium=homerun park?

I am not going to come to the conclusion New Yankees stadium is definitely a homerun park because it is too early to make this judgement. This post is not about figuring out the reasons for that. I have three thoughts regard of this issue.

First of all, it looks like it starts affecting the way Yankees pitchers pitch because they are afraid of any fly ball flying out the ball park. The obvious evidence is how many walks Yankees pitchers have given up during Indians series because they want to throw perfect pitch to avoid that problem.

Secondly, it may have impact on getting good pitchers to sign with Yankees in the future. For example, it may increase the odd CC leaves Yankees after three years. Does it mean Yankees should sign more groundball pitchers than flyball/strikeout pitchers in the future? If this is true, Yankees definitely need to do everything to get Wang right.

Thirdly, it looks like it increases the odd that A-Rod will live up to his contract and end up with new Home-Run King.

So, what is next for Wang?

Yankees has decided to skip Wang's turn at Fenway park. A move I agree with because Wang and Yankees need to fix his problems before making another start, not because of first series against Boston Red Sox and Wang's bad statistics against them.

So, what is next for Wang now? Girardi is supposed to announce how Yankees deal with Wang's next step today. This is my take. Let wait and see whether we agree with each other or not.

Let me say this first. It is not easy to replace No.3 starting pitcher who usually wins at least 19 wins at AL East when he is healthy with 200 innings and sub 4 ERA. You don't give up this kind of pitcher after three terrible starts when you consider he is young and just comes back from injury. Not to mention, Yankees still can control three more years at relatively low price. Yankees can't just throw him away that a lot of short-sighted Yankees fans want to do now.

Yankees will need Wang eventually. Pettitte is not young anymore. Joba has innings limited and had his own minor injury last season. We all know A.J's rich injury history. Even for CC, he hasn't been himself yet. Yankees need to fix Wang and get him right as soon as possible. Wang actually shows signs of improvement during his last start against Indians. He throws more good pitches with more movement and velocity at good location.

Yankees needs to figure out ways to let Wang keep pitching in order to get his mechanics right and build up his arm strength. Because Wang has no option left and hasn't had long enough service time in order to get his permission to send down. There is no way Wang can clear the waiver before sending down to minors. The only way is to make up "injury". However, the way Girardi, Eliand and Wang acts, it will be difficult to come up and suddenly say Wang is injured because no one will take Girardi, Eliand and Wang seriously any more. Assuming Wang doesn't find out he is injured suddenly, Wang will be on the big league team. Because of that, we need to fix him as soon as possible. But, don't send him out to the mound before he proves he corrects problems.

This is what I will do.

Firstly, Wang usually throws two bullpen sections between starts. I will let him ready to come in game if the situation is called for. First bullpen section will be around 50 pitches while second bullpen section will be around 25 pitches. For example, Andy will start tonight game which will be the day Wang throws his second bullpen section.

Secondly, let Wang start a minor league game on Thursday(April 23th)which is off day. If Wang corrects his problems, let him start April 28th against Tigers. At the same time, get a long man ready. If Wang pitches decently that game, he should be back to rotation. If Wang is not able to correct his problems after starting on Thursday, get Hughes or whoever pitches best on AAA now to pitch April 28th.

At that point, Girardi, Eliand and Wang may have to bite the bullet and then make up "injury" in order to get on DL. Or, going few more turns in the minor leagues to see if Wang improves his start. Or, let Wang be a long man to get his work in when someone get knocked out of game. Among these three options, I will prefer to put Wang on DL in order to get someone up to help Yankees in the bullpen while Wang can get his regular work in at minor league.

Let Wang get his work in at minor league games until he corrects his problems. Yankees should be able to solve Wang's problems on way or the other.

What is wrong with Wang? part 2

Some people believe there is no way Wang is healthy. Michael Kay even comes up with his own take on his radio show: Wang has a bad shoulder. Others believe Wang's problem comes from bad mechanics.

As for now, I take Wang's words. Wang is not a 40 years old pitcher who is at the end of career. There is no point to pitch through injury, especially at the beginning of season. As my previous post points out, I believe what Bruney said. Because Wang hasn't trust his right foot or hasn't build up strength of his right foot completely, it leads to his bad delivery, terrible control and horrible command.

Because of long layoff, Wang's mechanics is not consistent and is difficult to repeat and regain. As for Wang's velocity, I see 92mph sinker from Wang with good movement from Wang during his last start against Indians. A lot of fans always like to add few mph when they describe how hard a pitcher on their team throws. Based on what I hear from Wang, Wang's sinker is around 91-93 while his four seamer will top at 94 at times. I don't think Wang loses 5mph on his sinker(95mph to 90). The way a lot of people claim.

Keep in mind three things. First of all, terrible delivery also can lead to drop of velocity. Secondly, Wang may hasn't built up his arm strength due to long layoff. Thirdly, Wang's velocity usually is up when the season goes on.

Even if Wang loses few mph on his sinker, he still will be a above average pitcher or at least average, serviceable pitcher if he gets his command, control and movement back on his pitches(sinker,four-seamer, sliders).

The only concern I have is Wang's bad mechanics may lead to arm problem later on.

P.S Based on interviews Wang have with Taiwanese media, Wang actually feels he starts getting his sinker back the last game against Indians. During the whole spring training, Wang has two concerns. First of all, he hasn't gotten his velocity all the way back yet. Secondly, he hasn't threw his sinker well yet. He is glad he starts getting the feel of his sinker. In his opinion, the movement and location is much more important than velocity.

Joba's 4th Spring Training outing

1:16pm It's good to hear sort of good news regard of Cano's injury. I am not sure whether that's good news regard of Marte's injury or not. If we need to lose one of them for a period of time, we certainly can't lose more offense after A-Rod's injury.

1:19pm Joba starts with four pitches walk for leadoff hitter. Not good.

1:22pm well, nice comeback for Joba. After four pitches walk, Joba follows a three pitches strikeout. Good to hear Molina's ok. We need him, especially we are not the condition of Posada as a catcher.

1:27pm It turns out a good first inning for Joba, so the mini crisis of healthy status of Joba is over.

1:34pm Gardner is so hot to a point I start worrying about what he will look like once regular season starts.

1:40pm Because I can't see the location of called strike three, I can't make my judgment. However, it's certainly a bad situational hitting for Nady when runner on third with less than 2 outs.

1:44pm Flyout follows by popout. Joba is fine. Another solid inning for Joba.

2:00pm Eric Bruntlett try to steal when Molina catch. A big no no. Of course, Molina got him. With the help of Molina, Joba has another solid inning. Hopefully, Joba works on some pitches successfully.

2:06pm Cody has another good day at the plate. It sounds like Swisher also has another good at at and hit ball hard again.

2:13pm I certainly like Phillies announcers don't just talk about Phillies. However, if they want to talk about stuff of other teams, they better make sure get information right. First of all, Matsui has knee injury the past two season, not hamstring. Ichiro doesn't take a lot of pitches.

2:19pm See, good pitching and defense is more important than offense. Yankees score two runs because of Phillies not so good defense. Joba's solid scoreless three innings make Yankees offense look not so bad.

2:22pm Joba's day is done. 48 pitches and 27 strikes. Not a good strike-ball ratio. Again. Phillies announcers get information wrong. Bruney does comes back from that injury. It's Wang end his season because of the same injury, not Bruney.

2:27pm When Yankees regular starters and relief pitchers start pitching more and getting into game form, Yankees starts winning a lot recently. This certainly is a good news for our Yankees fans.

2:35pm Is it just me to feel this way? When Bruney losses his command for a period of time, I am actually not nervous at all and believe he can get out of inning without allowing runs.

2:44pm It's really hard to understand exactly what happen on the field because of Phillies announcers.

2:55pm Another scoreless inning from Igawa. Any thought?

3:07pm It sounds like Igawa also get helped by Yankees defense on second scoreless inning.

3:19pm A good at bad by Swisher to drive that run in. Instead of pointing out Cano's down year(2008 season), Phillies announcers say Yankees concern about decline of Cano's AVG. Decline? Call .340 to .300 a decline?

3:24pm I don't think Phillies can survive without Cole Hamels. The same thing goes to Mets without Santana. Which team has a healthy ACE may win NL East.

3:29pm A disaster inning for Phillies. Do we have mercy rule in spring training?

3:33pm Igawa is still on the mound.

3:43pm Igawa strikes out the side on third inning work. Any thought? Igawa throws from 5th,6th and 7th inning. It looks like Igawa starts pitching more important innings.

4:08pm Fans attend this game certainly get their money worthy.

4:23pm Yankees win at 12-0 over Philles. I am actually more impressive on pitching than offense. Two games in a row, Yankees pitching shut down opponents.

It's silly to worry established major leagure pitchers' performance in spring training as long as they are healthy

as title

Good to hear CC has a nice outing

Because our offense certainly get a huge hit off A-Rod's hip injury, it's nice to hear CC has a pretty good two innings for first game of spring training outing. We certainly need our pitching staff to carry us through this season.

By the way, I am impressed by the ability to walk from Swisher. If I have to choose starting right fielder, he will be my choice.

My first game of 2009

YES. This second spring training officially opens 2009 season for me. If "most" people stay healthy, we are going to have a fantastic 2009 season. I will try to liveblog this game as much as I can.

1:10pm Watching a introduction clip of free agents signing get me to feel exciting for 2009 season.

1:22pm Does Hughes hit batters because he throws cutters?

1:27pm Not a bad first inning for Hughes,right?

1:33pm I am a little bit disappointed at Teixeira's first at bat. Ha! I think I expect too much. This is just a spring training game. However, his defense is certainly great.

1:39pm Hughes has better command at second inning. I think we should stop looking at radar gun reading at this stage of spring training.

1:46pm Is it possible for Yankees broadcasting crew not to talking about steroids? I am just tired of hearing the same thing again and again.

1:48pm The first two innings of this game let us know what AL East will look like. Pitching & Defense.

1:50pm Hughes is done after 2 innings. In my opinion, as first outing of spring training, it's good performance for him. Coke is up now.

1:53pm Cano makes a great great play.

1:58pm Welcome back, Posada. Posada will play a huge role in 2009 season. By the way, what a contract between Posada and Molina in term of offense.

2:37pm I miss a little bit because of my computer, but come back on time for Posada's another RBI. By the way, Melky doesn't look so great at his first game of spring training. Burney looks good, especially his velocity at this stage of spring training.

2:40pm That's why Jeter is the captain who everyone wants him on his team. A great relay.

3:10pm Shelley Duncan certainly loves to hit Rays. I really think Shelley should be able to contribute to other major league team as a power righthand batter off bench. If he can somehow figure out breaking balls, he will become quite a player.

3:15pm Gardner makes a great catch and almost double up runner at second base. Gardner certainly has an edge over Melky right now.

3:16pm Melancon is up now. Most his pitches are at lower part of strike zone. He also changes speed quite well.

Starting 5

What do you guys see in this picture? This is our starting 5 for 2009. Great view. If they all stay healthy, we are going to have a fantastic season.

We certainly love the pitching staff we have now more

I read an article from NY Times. This picture tells it all.

Garcia chose Mets

I actually don't surprise to hear Garcia goes to Mets. For Garcia, Mets is a better choice than Yankees if you put yourself in Garcia's shoes. At this point of his career, it's better for me to choose national team instead of American league East team. Yankees also have a deeper rotation than Mets, so Garcia will have better chances to break into Mets' team.

I sense Yankees rather spend money on someone who is more guaranteed to put up good performance. If Yankees still want to upgrade their starters and relief pitchers, there are still pretty decent ones out there in the free agent market. We don't have to spend tons of money on someone may not be healthy at all. It seems the deal is a minor league team with potential 8-9 million. Of course, if we sign him, we would be happy he can reach those incentives. It all depends on how much guaranteed money he gets. Let us wait and see the details of the deal before jumping on the conclusion. Keep in mind one thing. Yankees tends not to give out incentives too often. Anyway, I won't lose any sleep for Garcia.

Lowe or Burnett?

We all know Braves got Lowe for 4 years deal at 15 million per. At the beginning, Braves fought with Yankees for Burnett and Yankees got Burnett for 5 years deal at 16.5 million per. If Brave got Burnett for 5 year deal(80 millions), Yankees probably would end up with Lowe at similar deal he got from Braves.

If you can choose again, who will you pick based on the deal they got?

I have been thought about this question for many days and come up with my conclusion. I probably will choose Burnett again.

Burnett really has good number against AL East teams. Burnett is 4 year younger than Lowe. I know Burnett has a long injury history when Lowe shows he is durable. But, you never know about injury, especially Lowe is not young anymore that certainly increases the chance of getting hurt. Not to mention, Yankees really don't have a good infield defense for groundball pitchers.

Time will tell which team gets better deal.

Concern about decreasing ratio of grounders from Wang?

I read an post from iYankees blog regard of decreasing ratio of grounders from Wang. He basically points out the trend of decreasing ratio of grounders, increasing ratio of walks and strikeouts. He doesn't know whether we should concern about Wang or not.

Make my comment short. Basically, I won't worry about Wang. Any pitcher needs to master the pitch first and then think about throwing the pitch regularly to the major league hitters. Major league hitters basically can hammer any mistake pitcher throws. Especially, Result is everything for any player who wants to stay in New York Yankees. There is no room for errors.

Wang learned sinker in 2004 and master the sinker until 2006. Before 2004 season, Wang used slider, changeup,splitters and four-seamer fastball a lot. During three year span, he basically hardly use them. Since 2007, Wang start trying to get them back which takes time and can't do it overnight.

Of course, Not only his GB% will be down but also his walks will be up when Wang starts using other pitches. However, Don't forget Wang not only get more strikeout but also give up fewer homeruns. In 2008, We certainly get the feeling of the command of other pitches from Wang get better. When Wang can master other pitches, his walks will be back to normal. He may become a pitcher who can get a groundball or strikeout at any time.

I left my comment on his blog. If you guys are interested in more details, please use the link to check them out.

Cashman's plan this off-season

I heard Cashman's interviews with Mike Francesa and Michael Kay yesterday. If you miss them, go to their websites to check them out. They can give you the sense of the state of Yankees so far this off-season. There are some important points I get from those two interviews.

1.Pitching remains the main focus this off-season. Keep upgrading pitching and defense still the main task for him. Main goal is to get at least 400 innings from free agent market(CC&A.J). It will be better to be able to get 600 innings.

2.Only some bad things happen to Mo or a strong show from Phil Hughes will create the chance for Joba back to the bullpen.

3.Last 4-5 seasons, Burnett pitches around 150-160 innings averagely. When he pitches, he pitches well. Cashman doesn't mind to fill up other 50 innings from youngsters in the farm system if necessary.

4.If Pettitte decides to take the offer, Yankees won't get more starting pitchers. However, there is no alternatives if Pettitte rejects the offer because Yankees don't prepare to give multi-year contracts to another starters that will block spots for youngsters in the farm system. So, If Pettitte rejects the offer, Yankees will go into the season with no.5 spot open and let youngsters compete for no.5 spot.

5.Cashman is aware of situation of offense. Of course, it will be nice to have another bat. However, he prepares to go into season with this lineup with the hope of healthy or rebound years from many players.

6.He is fine with Melky/Gardner for center fielder. On top of that, Cashman won't rule out the possibility of putting Damon in the center.

7.When was asked is there any more room financially for big ticket bat, Cashman doesn't want to comment on.

8.Yankees will lower their payroll this season and won't exceed certain number of payroll.

What I learn from interviews.....

1.If Yankees decide to add some offense, they are looking for adding a left handed hitter with high OBP within financial limitation. In Cashman's mind, Setting tables for middle order of lineup is much important than protection.

2.Cashman certainly doesn't give up his long term plan when he said he didn't want to sign one more multi-year contract to another starter because it will block spots for youngsters. Cashman wants to sign one more veteran starter who can eat another 200 innings for one-year deal. He certainly prefers to be Pettitte, so he will wait Pettitte to make a decision. If Pettitte rejects the offer or join another teams, he probably will wait out the market in order to get someone to sign one year deal at reasonable price.

3. There is certainly a possibility of adding a big ticket bat into the lineup.

No news is bad news

As you guys know, I the one welcome the idea of signing Manny instead of Teixeira. Just in case, you guys miss them. Click 1, 2 to read.

There is an old saying going in media industry, no news is a bad news. Baseball is an entertainment business. The more news you get, the better your business goes. I understand how the news run 24 hours a day look like because Taiwan is the same. Taiwan is a small country with at least 10 news channel running 24 hours a day. That's why Wang feel less pressure in New York than Taiwan and prefer to stay in New York.

If there is the team can handle Manny, it's Yankees. On top of that, everyone has some players on other teams you like to watch them playing. Manny is one of them on my list. By the way, Roy Halladay is on my list as well.

I do think and may should Yankees try to sign an impact bat to protect A-Rod. That being said, the more I think about it, the more I think "do we really need to add an bat?" I know many Yankees feel offense is the reason we don't make the playoffs this year which I don't agree with. I really think the priority for Yankees now is to sign Pettitte or someone as no.4 starter and then go to bench and Center fielder. However, it's fine for me to see Gardner/ Melky over there as well.

As for an impact bat, is it really worthy for us to add a possible trouble-maker(Manny), a long-term first baseman(8-10 years for Teixeira), hitters can't play defense well on the field in order to add some offense? I don't know time will tell.

Who is up next?

Right now, here is the question. Who is up next? Who do you want more next?

Me? I think Yankees will sign two more out of Burnett, Sheets, Lowe and Pettitte. I will put Burnett and Sheets as a group and Lowe and Pettitte as a group. And then I will pick one out of each group. Burnett and Sheets have similar risk of getting injured but have similar odds at being ACE. Lowe and Pettitte are inning eaters and pitching well in playoffs.

Who do you pick from each group?

Me? I will pick Sheets and Pettitte from each group for simple reason. We can get them at shorter deal.

CC is a Yankees

Somehow I decided to wake up at 1 am in Sydney and found out Yankees will get their man, CC. When there were tons of rumors flying around earlier, I told you Yankees would get CC eventually. No matter what this deal will turn out to be, this is the moment why so many fans from other teams hate Yankees and some are so jealous. Fortunately for Yankees fans, We have an owner is willing to put money back to field for winning and making more money(Of course).

I will tell this. Don't care about people say how insane this deal is and how bad this deal may turn out to be. If CC help us to win at least 1 Championship within next 7 year. Yankees get their money worthy.

Welcome to Yankees, CC. You will like here, especially crazy Yankees fans.

Updated: If CC did get an opt-out clause after 2011 from Yankees, I don't mind. If CC really doesn't like here after 3 years, then let him go. Yankees always have money to pay him if CC wants to use opt-out clause to get more money which is hard to image. Keep in mind one thing. After 2011 season, Wang, Cain and Verlander will be a free agent. Not to mention we have tons of young pitching prospects in our farm system.

Great strategy

I know Yankees already made an initial offer to CC which will break Santana's offer immediately. Basically, Yankees try to tell everyone they are serious about going after CC.

And then they tell everyone they are going to make an offer to AJ Burnett and Lowe the next few days. The few days separated between CC and AJ or Lowe show CC that he is our priority. However, they also show CC we are not going to sit around and wait for your answers forever. We are going to get more than one pitcher on free agent market.

I believe some of you have experience of trying to rent an apartment. Landlords keep getting phone calls from many people. They always tell us some people already came before you and they show interests in renting this apartment as well. If we want, we need to make a decision quickly. When landlords get a response from a group of people they like, they would lease the apartment immediately. So if you think and consider for too many days, you often end up with nothing left.

If everyone knows Yankees make offer to a lot of people they like, those players and agents will be afraid of losing Yankees' big offer once other players accept offer first because there are only few spots left for rotation and so much money to spend within the budget. This probably shortenes the period of time those players and agents sit on Yankees' offer and shop them around for a long time. Not to mention Economy is not in very good shape.

Bring Pettitte back

What are Yankees waiting for? I posted another post regard of owners vs players vs fans earlier. I can't quite used to see my favorite players on my team coming and going as you guys may be able to used to. When coming down to make those decisions on favorite players on my team, I admit I can't make rational decision.

On top of that, When I talk about shopping experience earlier, I am the one make decision very quickly. Thinking about Angels the way they sign free agent.

If these Pettitte and Marte's situation tell us something, that's Yankees really have a plan on hand. Good to hear if you are a Yankees fan. Another thing to think about is Yankees probably wait Pettitte and Marte's price to come down when it approaches to November 14. From Yankees' standpoint, if you can save some money, why not? Don't forget one thing. Pettitte let Yankees keep waiting and giving him 16 million the past two seasons when he had leverage.

I still think Yankees should bring back Pettitte as a back of rotation guy no matter what Moose's decision is. I know Yankees want to get younger, but you never have enough pitching. Of course, I have some concerns regard of Pettitte. First of all, it's his healthy status. Secondly, it seems Pettitte lose his stuff. For example, he seems to lose his cutter. Evidence shows on his stats against righty which is very high. However, I have no problem with a pitcher with middle 4 ERA and over 200 innings as a back of rotation guy. Not to mention he is a lefty which is rare commodity in baseball.

In fact, I will bring back both Pettitte and Moose back on one-year deal to goes with CC, Wang and Joba as my 2009 rotation when tons of other options wait on the minor. I rather have them instead of Lowe, Sheets, Burnett, etc.

CC
Wang
Pettitte
Moose
Joba

However, I do think Yankees will only want to have one of Pettitte and Moose back. It looks like Moose is their first choice. I don't blame them after Moose's 20 win season with low 3 ERA, especially Moose shows the ability to make adjustment when velocity of his fastball slow down few mph. However, keep in mind one thing. Pettitte is going to be 37 while Moose will be 40 in 2009 season. On top of that, it seems to me Moose always put together great season on his "walk" year, doesn't it?

I actually can understand why Yankees only want to bring one of them back. When you look at the rotation I put above. There is a risk. CC come out two seasons with high innings workload. Wang and Joba come out of injury season when Joba has limitation on innings pitched. When you put them to go with two old pitchers(Pettitte and Moose). There is a risk. The ideal is Yankees actually bring 6 starters to camp and see what happen in my opinion.

However, I am not really so high on other free agent options. A.J Burnett? Inconsistent & injury prone. Lowe? Red Sox & age & AL East & another sinkerball pitcher with our defense. Sheet? Injury. Peavy? tons of prospects & switch from NL West to AL East & don't like New York and its spotlight. When you look at his number, Peavy will have a similar ERA as Wang in the AL East. I think his careeer ERA closer to 4 against AL team. Not to mention those not good numbers against AL East teams, especially on their park. Who else?

If Moose retire, we are going to need to have Pettitte back to go with one more free agent after CC. That's why I think Yankees will or should sign Pettitte back before November 14. No matter what, we should be able to know about Moose, Pettitte and Marte's situation with Yankees around November 14. I don't think Yankees will keep waiting Moose's decision and risk to lose Pettitte on free agent market.