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brian cashman Archive

JETER ISN’T THINKING ABOUT A NEW CONTRACT… YET

By
theOCD
Published: 24 February 2010 3:29 PM ESTPosted in: MLB

It’s not even March yet and the Yankees have been facing some prickly questions from reporters. Earlier this week, Alex Rodriguez got a bit testy when he was asked about Johnny Damon’s departure from New York. Today, Derek Jeter was asked about potentially being a free agent before next season.

The Yankees’ shortstop is in the final year of his massive 10 year, $189 million contract. At this point, there’s no way that he could command that level of compensation. Jeter’s agent had initially contacted the Yankees about negotiation a new contract but was told that wouldn’t take place until after the 2010 season. Fortunately, Derek Jeter seems to have good perspective on his situation:

“I don’t have a problem with it. That’s the new policy that they have. They have every right to do that. I signed a long deal, I’m still under contract with that deal, and they have the right to do whatever they want.

“I’ve never gone into a season focused on the next season. My approach since Day One is to do whatever you can to help the team win in that particular year. I’m not thinking about what’s going to happen next season.”

So at least The Captain can deal with the negotiations with class. But it remains to be seen how this will play out from the Yankees side of things. General manager Brian Cashman has played hardball with other players entering free agency without hesitation. At the same time, he’s also paid to get players he deems critical for success. It’s doubtful that Derek Jeter would be put into a predicament where he seriously considers joining another team.

Even if that did happen, my gut still says Jeter works out a deal with the Yankees. The value of his New York endorsements is probably worth a lot more than the marginal dollars he’d gain by signing a “better” contract elsewhere. If push comes to shove, I could see Cashman working out a one-year “rolling” contract much like Tim Wakefield has with the Red Sox. With performance and playoff incentives, the Yankees could present a competitive offer without investing a lot of money up front.

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WINTER HEATS UP: YANKEES GET GRANDERSON

By
theOCD
Published: 09 December 2009 9:23 AM ESTPosted in: MLB

Brian Cashman trades for Curtis Granderson

If you follow baseball, you probably started hearing rumblings about Curtis Granderson being traded to the Yankees early in the day. A few hours later, it was supposedly dead. Then after a couple MORE hours, the on-again, off-again Curtis Granderson trade was done.
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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made a deal that locked up an all-star player for the peak of his career. Granderson’s contract is very manageable and the Yankees didn’t have to give up too much to get him. The Bombers parted ways with lefty reliever Phil Coke along with prospects Ian Kennedy and Austin Jackson. Here’s how Rotoworld described the deal:

The Yanks did really well here, snagging the 28-year-old Granderson for Ian Kennedy, Austin Jackson and Phil Coke. It’s a small price to pay for a player of Granderson’s talent and personality. As part of the three-way deal, Detroit will receive right-handers Max Scherzer and Daniel Schlereth from Arizona and Coke and Jackson from the Yanks. The D’Backs, meanwhile, receive a questionable return in Edwin Jackson from the Tigers and Kennedy from the Yanks. Granderson can be used in either left or center field in New York, giving general manager Brian Cashman some flexibility in regards to Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, who are now likely on the outs. It’s safe to say the Tigers now have the payroll flexibility they wanted while securing a tremendous haul of young players.

This is yet another instance where Brian Cashman squeezes maximum value out of a transaction. Not only does he have Granderson’s ability and manageable salary, but he also gives himself more leverage with Damon and Matsui. And no respect to Phil Coke, but Granderson’s personality will probably have a much bigger positive impact on the Yankees clubhouse. So he even fills the “character void” if Damon and Matsui both play elsewhere.

You can also gauge the quality of the trade by looking at what the Boston press is saying about it. Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe, who covered the Yankees as recently as last year, complimented the deal and said that the “move by the Yankees will only increase calls that he [Theo Epstein] does something.” The Boston Herald wrote that Granderson was “too good to pass up.” The Herald also quoted Theo Epstein who said that the Yankees will win “between 95 and 100 games.” Hey, that guy is pretty smart! That estimation may be a tad conservative though.

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NUTS & BOLTS: KICKERS ARE STILL LAME

By
John
Published: 24 November 2009 12:28 PM ESTPosted in: Nuts & Bolts

Screen grab via KissingSuzyKolber.com

Screen grab via KissingSuzyKolber.com

The Titans-Texans MNF match-up was a quality game that was decided (ruined?) by the teams’ kickers. Houston’s Kris Brown missed a 49 yard last second attempt to tie the game, and we are in agreement that Brown must have been psyched out by Rob Bironas’ “Shooter McGavin-esque” celebration. (KissingSuzyKolber)

Has anyone ever noticed how much Omar Epps looks like Mike Tomlin? Well, all of America knows now that Dr. Gregory House told them. (WithLeather)

Mangenius believed he was outfoxed by “fake” Lions injuries to prolong the game. Watch for him to try that as soon as next week. (FanHouse)

There are reports that Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals will play the Rangers at Yankee Stadium in next year’s Winter Classic as a “make-good” to Washington. The Caps were supposed to play Boston at Fenway, but were yanked over ratings concerns. (CBCSports)

Brian Cashman: “We haven’t game planned yet.” What? That never stopped Isiah Thomas. (LoHud)

The Mets have reportedly put a call in to Russell Branyan. That would be a classic Mets signing, would it not? (Twitter/Tim Brown)

If Omar Minaya read BigLeagueScrew he would have figured this 1B situation out some time last year…”The price tag and the potential for (perceived) failure is too high with a star-level player. For that reason, the Mets must seek a bargain. I think the ideal scenario for the Mets would be to acquire a player like Russell Branyan for practically nothing.”

Former Atlanta Hawks cheerleader has turned to porn, taken cheer-leading gimmick with her. (SportsbyBrooks)

Dikembe wanted to know: Who wants to Mount Mutombo? (TMZ)

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If you have any links you’d like to share with BLS for Nuts & Bolts or even an original post email them to me at john@bigleaguescrew.com

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HOT STOVE REPORT: CASHMAN, HALLADAY, METS & MORE

By
John
Published: 10 November 2009 1:31 PM ESTPosted in: MLB
Has Roy Halladay pitched his last game for Toronto?

Has Roy Halladay pitched his last game for Toronto?

We here at BigLeagueScrew take the MLB off-season almost as seriously as the actual season. It allows us to try on our pretend GM hats (sorta like Steve Phillips) and hypothetically improve some needy teams with money/talent to spend (sorta like The Mets). We will be updating regularly on the status of some of the major free agents and trade targets around the league, so stay tuned.

Starting things off, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman arrived at the Winter Meetings yesterday around 3 pm. Trying to stay calm in the storm that usually is the Winter Meetings, Cashman noted, “I’d rather focus on the process and make sure we do that right than treat this like a fast food situation and all of the sudden get indigestion.” Nice analogy. But with the Yankees being the World Champions and the highest salaried team in the league you can probably look for Cashman to make an under the radar move like last year’s Nick Swisher acquisition, as opposed to handing out some more long term contracts to players in their primes (see: Sabathia, Burnett, Teixeira). Cashman’s goals for this meeting are to assess the trade market, and team needs around the league.

While the Yankees are plotting to keep Andy Pettitte as well as both Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, Cashman has stated that he will not be swayed by any player’s success (or lack thereof) in the postseason.

Think the Phillies were happy to relinquish their crown and finish in 2nd? Not a chance. The Yankees’ World Series opponents are looking to do what it takes to get back to the Fall Classic by checking in on an old flame. Prior to acquiring Cliff Lee last season, rumors ran rampant about the possibility of Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay ending up in Philly. With Halladay 1 year from free agency, and the Blue Jays looking to maximize some value, those rumors are back up and running. Needless to say, if Philadelphia opens 2010 with a starting rotation featuring Halladay, Cliff Lee and a “mentally rejuvenated” Cole Hamels, they will be clear cut favorites to win their 3rd straight NL title. It has also been reported that the Phillies have shown some interest in super-utility player Mark DeRosa, possibly to replace the departed Pedro Feliz.

The Mets are doing their best to squash the hopes of their fans’ wishes of a “Yankee-esque” off-season. According to SI.com’s Jon Heyman the Mets are concerned about the arm issues surrounding Angels ace John Lackey and will likely stay away. Omar Minaya’s fren-emy Adam Rubin of the Daily News writes that both Matt Holliday and Jason Bay are too rich for the Mets’ blood, and will try to land a 2nd tier player in free agency or via a trade. In other team news, it’s also reported that Luis Castillo may be on the move and that FAs Bengie Molina and Orlando Hudson are high on the team’s wish list.

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News and notes from around the league…White Sox GM Ken Williams has said he’s looking for a legitimate lead-off hitter, but Chone Figgins is not on their radar…the Texas Rangers are open to the idea of re-acquiring noted team cancer Milton Bradley…American Idle Carl Pavano would like to stay with Minnesota but will probably hit the open market…Baseball experts in Boston are questioning the makeup of international free agent Aroldis Chapman, probably just to throw the Yankees off the scent.

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THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE BRONX

By
theOCD
Published: 11 September 2009 8:17 AM EDTPosted in: MLB

aceves-most-interesting-man-final

He loves disco and idolizes Dennis Rodman. He once went fishing — and caught a pelican. His nicknames include “Ace”, “Chelly,” and “Patoncito” (translation: Little Big Foot). He married a woman that could be mistaken for a supermodel. He described dressing as the “Indian” from the Village People as “wonderful”. He once rode a pink bicycle with a wicker basket and blue and gold streamers from the locker room “to get to the field faster”. Alfredo Aceves is The Most Interesting Man In The Bronx.

READ THE FULL POST »

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Yankee Stadium Is Not A Joke

By
theOCD
Published: 17 June 2009 12:09 AM EDTPosted in: MLB, Spotlight

I keep on hearing negative reactions to the home runs being hit at Yankee Stadium and I can’t stand it anymore. Most of the comparisons are out of context. Even so, when did home runs become a bad thing? Below, I try to give a better perspective on the situation with facts and information from previous Yankee years. Please forgive me if I’ve made any errors with my calculations.

Can you stop giving up home runs, please?

"Can you stop giving up home runs, please?"

READ THE FULL POST »

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Mike Francesa is a Closet Red Sox Fan

By
theOCD
Published: 13 May 2009 2:40 PM EDTPosted in: MLB
I’m recently unemployed and have been watching a lot of Mike Francesa on YES lately.  As a Yankee fan, I can’t help but object to his constant gushing about the Red Sox.  Are they a good team?  Yes.  Do they deserve praise?  Yes.  But it’s only mid-May and Francesa has essentially handed them the pennant.  Take another gulp of Diet Coke and settle down, Big Mike.  It’s early.  The Yankees have a lot of work to do in order to win the World Series, but the Red Sox haven’t locked up anything yet.  That’s why I can’t help but cringe when I hear Mike Francesa incessantly drone about the Red Sox’ myriad of wonderful moves and players.  If this unapologetic Sox-loving is going to continue, he may have to get the Sox shirt that we picked out for him.  Or we might get it for him.  Here are a few select quotes from his Sox-Loving-Yankee-Hating tirades:
“The Sox are tight, they know what they’re doing, they’re better than them at every spot- front office, on the mound, manager, everywhere, Youkilis. Yankees don’t have a Youkilis. That wasn’t 3 games, that was 3 years. They’re smarter, they have a better plan, Yankees don’t know what to do. Did it hurt? It hurt a lot!”

“This is why they are a better organization. They have kids coming out of the minors that the Yankees cannot touch.”

“Yankees don’t know what they are doing. Ruining Joba’s career. Sox have a long-term plan, big hard throwers.”

“They don’t have Bruney, they don’t have anybody! They brought guys in from the minor leagues last night! They have no bullpen. All they’ve done is ruin Joba, he can’t hit 95 on the gun anymore. The Yankees have not developed anything and since 2004 the Red Sox have eaten the Yankees lunch if you look at it. They’re flat better than the Yankees.”

“Where’s Masterson for the Yankees? Where’s their Lester that they’ve developed? All they’ve done is bring up Joba and ruin him.”

“The Red Sox bring up Jones, he gets everybody out. Bowden is going back to PAWTUCKET today – HE got everybody out.”

“All the Yankees have done is throw money at it . That was on display last night.”

“They were LAUGHING at the Yankees last night.”
The womens cut will accommodate his ample bosom

The womens cut will accommodate Mike Francesa's ample bosom

Whether or not you’re a Red Sox or Yankee fan, you have to admit that he’s laying it on pretty thick.  The next portion of this article is not Red Sox bashing — it’s a rebuttal to the tyrant that calls himself a Yankee fan.  Mike, what does it even mean to not have “A Kevin Youkilis”?  Most would prefer ARod or Teixeira.  Justin Masterson got blown up in back to back starts earlier this month.  The Sox are currently platooning Nick Green and Julio Lugo at shortstop.  At some point, that will be an issue.  David Ortiz has no power and I don’t really see any reason to believe it’s coming back.  JD Drew doesn’t care about anything other than banking his $14 million yearly salary — the guy has stats worse than Xavier Nady in the past two years.  Josh Beckett isn’t really elite anymore (he sports a 6.42 ERA in 7 starts to go with his 4.03 ERA in 2008).  And oh yeah, Joba Chamberlain has an ERA a full two runs lower than Jon Lester (3.89 vs. 6.31).

Talk all the trash you want about the pen (though calling it a career for Mariano might be a bit pre-mature), Francesa, but the rest of the team has a lot of time to improve.  Boli or not, the Yankees were missing one of the best hitters in baseball for the first 5 weeks of the season.  ARod is still an elite hitter at only 80-90% power and it’s probable that he’ll get stronger as the season goes on.

AJ Burnett loves to chew tobacco

AJ Burnett loves to chew tobacco

Much of Francesa’s misplaced ire has been aimed at the newest pinstripe recruits.  As GM of the Yankees, Brian Cashman is tasked with signing the best players NOT finding the best bargains.  The fact that the signings were so big has only amplified the criticism.  However, it’s far too early to write off the Yankees’ Big Three of 2009.  I was never a huge AJ Burnett fan (mainly due to injury concerns) but the guy is a gamer.  You have to respect any starting pitcher that rocks a dip during the game.  He’s also determined to make a difference.  I’ve watched his interviews and I appreciate his attitude — and it’s one that these three guys all share.  He might be overpaid but he’s a great secondary option behind CC.  Speaking of the biggest of the big three, CC hasn’t been bad at all.  He’s actually been pretty unlucky.  It’s clear that he’s becoming more comfortable (only 2 BB in his last 3 starts) and I suspect he will turn it on as the summer heats up.  For Teixeira, I have no doubt that he will provide a huge boost for the Yankees.  Whenever it comes, his poor April numbers will be an afterthought.  Nearly all of his power has come from the left side of the plate and he’s actually batting over .300 as a righty.  So it really shouldn’t be long until he’s performing at his normal level.

With a team like the Yankees or Sox, it’s obviously important to play well early.  But both of these teams are constructed to win championships.  For that reason, it’s equally important to carefully refine the roster as the season goes along.  The Yankees have a lot of issues, but they could easily be addressed with a couple of personnel moves.  It’s likely that the Yankees will seek relief help in the near future (somebody like Matt Capps?), but the rest of the pieces should fall into place naturally.   You may say “But Chris, there’s way too much optimism in this article — the Yankees won’t reach a level to challenge for the AL East title.” And you could be right.  Even so, the Yankees will still be in a spot to contend for the wild card if only half of it goes right.  As long as the Yankees are playing their best baseball in September and October, the first month of the season will mean very little.  All is not lost, Mike.  But you should still get the shirt.

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