The key to any negotiation is to have leverage. Enter CC Sabathia.
Over the past few days, the Yankees' bid for CC is being greeted with skepticism and panic. "Where is CC?" "Why hasn't he signed yet?" "He wants to hit and play in California?" "Money isnt important to him." "He hates New York."
Sheep, all of us, sheep.
Let's look at this whole thing in terms of leverage and rationality.
The Yankees have been telegraphing this move since last year when they wouldn't trade for Johan Santana. It was well known then that they would need to sign Sabathia. Forget the kids, even if Hughes and IPK dazzled last year, the Yanks were still going to go after Sabathia, and hard.
The Yanks clearly had zero leverage. Sabathia knows this. During the season, Cleveland knew this. After failed attempts to sign him to an extension, the Indians traded CC to Milwaukee for whatever return they could get; knowing they would not get a hometown discount versus the Yankees. Milwaukee made the deal for the short-term, they were not expecting to outbid the Yankees or retain CC's services. Instead, they were looking to make the playoffs for the first time in ages and hopefully bring life to a near dead franchise.
Milwaukee threw an offer of 5 yrs./$100M in good faith to show that they would like to have CC back, but that they knew it wouldn't be enough to outbid the Yankees. The Yankees have already shown their hand, and are expected to make a bid early in the offseason. On the first day, they make a 6 yr/ $140M offer, big enough (they hope) to scare the other teams away. The reasoning is simple, if nobody else bids on CC, he has no leverage and will come to NY on their first offer.
CC and his agent knows this. So the most obvious step in this 'business equation' , is to figure out how to regain leverage to receive a maximum return. The way to do this is to remain quiet, and wait for other offers to come in. Make the Yankees think that while their offer may be the highest, there are other factors involved. Make them wait, make them sweat, make them doubt their offer, make the media go crazy, make New Yorkers think there will be no Christmas without CC. Make the Yankees bid against themselves.
The rest of baseball knows this as well. Does anyone else find it odd that no team has made an offer to Sabathia since the Yankees? This is the #1 free agent on the market with a huge offer already in front of him, and while teams are interested, none of them have made an offer. Obviously they know something that we don't, that the longer they make the Yankees wait for CC, the less competition they will get from the Yankees on other free agents. In addition, there are a number of other free agent pitchers available, they cannot afford to let the Yankees set the market on pitching. If they do, the Yankees can pick and choose whoever they'd like.
While money has never been an object in New York, $140 million dollars is a lot and whether or not CC signs with the Yankees will have a huge impact on how they progress in this free agent period. The plan in New York is simple, sign CC and go from there.
On a side note, for those who are convinced that CC will sign with the Dodgers or Giants on a hometown discount, remember this: he didn't sign an extension with Cleveland on a hometown discount, and he didn't respond to the Brewers' offer either. This is a 28 year old pitcher with the world in the palm of his hands. This may be the last contract he ever signs, he needs to think about the rest of his life, the rest of his children's lives, there is no doubt that the lure of the new stadium and the megamillion dollar endorsement contracts in New York can help him settle in California six years later than he would have liked. In 2008, in this economy, you don't leave $40M on the table, and you certainly don't sign for $140M if you think you can hold out for $150M.
CC will be a Yankee. This isn't because I'm a Yankee fan who believes that every player wants to be a Yankee. He will be a Yankee for the same reason that other prime aged free agents have signed with the Yankees. Money, Money, and more Money.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Why no blogging?
Just in case anyone has checked this and wondered why I haven't been writing a damn thing about the Yankees - the answer should be quite simple. They have been terrible. Watching them makes me so sick I can barely stand to read anyone else's blog let alone write my own.
I am going to try to get this thing going again - I am looking forward to reviewing the season so far and grading the roster. Also, I plan to look at the players on the farm who we may be seeing as soon as September...Stay tuned and thanks for the patience...
Trivia for you Don Swan - Who was the last Yankee to hit for the cycle? What year did he do it? What team was it against? What event in this player's career was a significant moment for Yankee history?
(Hint: This is Michael Kay's favorite trivia questions, you'll see it on YES twice a month)
I am going to try to get this thing going again - I am looking forward to reviewing the season so far and grading the roster. Also, I plan to look at the players on the farm who we may be seeing as soon as September...Stay tuned and thanks for the patience...
Trivia for you Don Swan - Who was the last Yankee to hit for the cycle? What year did he do it? What team was it against? What event in this player's career was a significant moment for Yankee history?
(Hint: This is Michael Kay's favorite trivia questions, you'll see it on YES twice a month)
Congratulations to Jon Lester
As a Yankee fan, I hate to see the Red Sox, or anyone on their team for that matter do anything good. Tonight, however, is an exception. So much in fact, that I am blogging for the first time in almost two months to congratulate Jon Lester on his no-hit performance from earlier tonight. This feat is about more than baseball as only a year ago Lester was undergoing cancer treatments for lymphoma. His ability to recover from his illness, make it back to the big leagues, and now throw a no-hitter is a wonderful story for baseball and baseball fans everywhere. Don't get used to it, but tonight my hat goes off to a Red Sox player - Jon Lester, congratulations.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Sights and Sounds of Spring
After a month of inactivity due to nothing more than sheer laziness, let's take a look at the some of the questions/items I previewed last month:
1.) Joe Girardi - It's hard to judge a manager by a few weeks of spring training, but Girardi seems to have acclimated himself very well with his new position as the Yankees' skipper. The way General Joe carries himself has never been a mystery to Yankees' fans, and I have no worries he will be able to handle the media circus that is NY. The most telling sign to me is that the veteran players have really embraced their new manager. Players reported to camp in outstanding shape and what seems to be a very positive outlook. Girardi has handled the Andy Pettitte and Tampa Bay Rays controversies about as well as Torre could have (if not better).
2. Andy Pettitte - At the end of his first day at camp, Andy addressed the media and the rest of baseball via press conference from Legend's Field/George Steinbrenner Field. Andy's confession and apology was perhaps the most genuine account we have seen during the entire PED investigation. While he was wrong in doing what he did, I think Andy has handled this situation with grace and dignity - something I'm sure baseball fans will use to forgive him. As for his performance thus far, aside from a little bit of elbow tenderness, Andy seems fine and ready to pitch this season.
3. CMW Contract - Wang lost in arbitration but has no hard feelings. He has been working on his off speed stuff which should help him tally a few more K's and keep hitters off balance (7 K's today vs. Cleveland in 4.1 innings).
4. A-Rod's 10 year $275 million deal - Oddly enough, we haven't heard much about Alex this spring. While that certainly is a change, Arod's performance on the field hasn't as he is pulverizing the baseball this spring. Note to that AL - Watch out...
5. Jeter - Stay tuned on Jeter this year. He changed his training regimen this off season for more speed and quickness - hopefully we'll see some added range and few nagging injuries.
6. Joba - Joba's role has yet to be defined. He has gotten hit a little more than we are used to this spring, but I'm sure he'll put together a nice year.
7. First Base - Two words - Jason Giambi. The Giambino is in great shape (contract year), and has been playing a very good first base this spring. Girardi has made no secret that he wants Giambi to play first. Jason's career numbers are much better when he's at first base, and with the outfield log jam, Jason needs to be at first. Shelley looks great also, probably to back up and spell the OF's and Giambi vs. a tough lefty.
8. The Bullpen - Mariano is Mariano. Kyle is happier with Girardi around. Hawkins has looked good. Bruney lost a ton of weight. Aside from that, not much to write about here. We'll see what happens.
9. Phil & Ian - It's going to be a lot of fun to watch these guys this year. Aside from a rocky last start, Hughes has been nothing short of brilliant. He's in great shape and seems determined to live up to the hype. Ian has given up a couple gopher balls, but I wouldn't read into it. He's a cerebral pitcher who doesn't want to show too much to opposing hitters. I love this kid.
10. Moose - He was awful in his first start of the spring but has been great since. He's looking like he did in 2006. If he can come close to that, the pen will be much stronger with Joba in there. Moose is the key and so far it fits.
1.) Joe Girardi - It's hard to judge a manager by a few weeks of spring training, but Girardi seems to have acclimated himself very well with his new position as the Yankees' skipper. The way General Joe carries himself has never been a mystery to Yankees' fans, and I have no worries he will be able to handle the media circus that is NY. The most telling sign to me is that the veteran players have really embraced their new manager. Players reported to camp in outstanding shape and what seems to be a very positive outlook. Girardi has handled the Andy Pettitte and Tampa Bay Rays controversies about as well as Torre could have (if not better).
2. Andy Pettitte - At the end of his first day at camp, Andy addressed the media and the rest of baseball via press conference from Legend's Field/George Steinbrenner Field. Andy's confession and apology was perhaps the most genuine account we have seen during the entire PED investigation. While he was wrong in doing what he did, I think Andy has handled this situation with grace and dignity - something I'm sure baseball fans will use to forgive him. As for his performance thus far, aside from a little bit of elbow tenderness, Andy seems fine and ready to pitch this season.
3. CMW Contract - Wang lost in arbitration but has no hard feelings. He has been working on his off speed stuff which should help him tally a few more K's and keep hitters off balance (7 K's today vs. Cleveland in 4.1 innings).
4. A-Rod's 10 year $275 million deal - Oddly enough, we haven't heard much about Alex this spring. While that certainly is a change, Arod's performance on the field hasn't as he is pulverizing the baseball this spring. Note to that AL - Watch out...
5. Jeter - Stay tuned on Jeter this year. He changed his training regimen this off season for more speed and quickness - hopefully we'll see some added range and few nagging injuries.
6. Joba - Joba's role has yet to be defined. He has gotten hit a little more than we are used to this spring, but I'm sure he'll put together a nice year.
7. First Base - Two words - Jason Giambi. The Giambino is in great shape (contract year), and has been playing a very good first base this spring. Girardi has made no secret that he wants Giambi to play first. Jason's career numbers are much better when he's at first base, and with the outfield log jam, Jason needs to be at first. Shelley looks great also, probably to back up and spell the OF's and Giambi vs. a tough lefty.
8. The Bullpen - Mariano is Mariano. Kyle is happier with Girardi around. Hawkins has looked good. Bruney lost a ton of weight. Aside from that, not much to write about here. We'll see what happens.
9. Phil & Ian - It's going to be a lot of fun to watch these guys this year. Aside from a rocky last start, Hughes has been nothing short of brilliant. He's in great shape and seems determined to live up to the hype. Ian has given up a couple gopher balls, but I wouldn't read into it. He's a cerebral pitcher who doesn't want to show too much to opposing hitters. I love this kid.
10. Moose - He was awful in his first start of the spring but has been great since. He's looking like he did in 2006. If he can come close to that, the pen will be much stronger with Joba in there. Moose is the key and so far it fits.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Spring Training Preview
With pitchers and catchers reporting to camp on Thursday, I figured it'd be a good time for a spring training preview. The following are sure to be hot items heading into the spring.
1. Joe Girardi's first appearance as Yankees Manager - It's going to be very strange to see someone other than Joe Torre at the helm for Yankee players and fans, but it will be interesting to see how Joe handles the New York media, the young players, and the veterans. I'm a very big fan of Girardi and expect that he'll hit the ground running.
2. Andy Pettitte and the fallout from the Mitchell Report - The media is still eating this story up and I really don't foresee them slowing down. It's going to be a rough spring for Andy. Reports already indicate that he is behind schedule in his workouts. It will be interesting to see how well he responds. Andy has always been a class act and handled his inclusion in the report as best as possible; I am sure he will do the same with the media. I am hoping that the fans will be supportive of him and that the media gets bored with this.
3. Chien-Ming Wang and salary arbitration - It doesn't make much sense to me why the two sides can't agree on a one-year deal here. Wang is asking for $4.6 million and the Yanks are offering $4.0 million. For a team that shells out money like they do, it's hard to understand why the Yanks are trying to save money on their ace pitcher. Additionally, Wang would like to be tied up long term; however, he is not eligible for free agency until 2011. The Yankees are reluctant to sign any pitchers long term, especially if they don't need to. Stay tuned on this one, hopefully there is no bad blood here.
4. A-Rod's New Contract- 10 years and $275 million later, this has become Alex's team. After tearing it up last season and crawling back to the Yankees, maybe Alex has grown up a bit. I would imagine that there is less pressure on him that there has been in previous years. How will he respond? I expect big big things from him over the next 10 years.
5. Jeter - Jeter in my eyes had a very disappointing year last year. He was not the clutch player we've come to know, he hit into a ton of double plays, and he noticeably lost some range. This will be an interesting year for the captain, particularly after A-Rod's big deal. I think Jeter has gotten bored over the last few years, but may be a little more motivated this year to show people why he is indeed the Captain.
6. Joba - It looks like Joba is officially slated for the bullpen to start out the season. The updated "Joba Rules" seem to be the idea that Joba will throw his first 30 innings or so in the bullpen, then head to the minor leagues around June, build up his endurance and throw another 90 innings as a starter. It will be interesting to see if these plans hold up. Several factors can affect this plan, including the effectiveness of the bullpen, the rotation, and Joba's health.
7. First Base - First base is pretty much an open audition. I don't understand why they didn't at least offer Doug Mientkiewicz a spring training invite. The cast of characters includes Jason Giambi, Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit, Jason Lane, Morgan Ensberg, and Juan Miranda.
8. The Bullpen - The bullpen is a huge question mark - as always. It seems that 4 spots in the pen are booked with Mo, Farnsworth, Hawkins, and now Joba. The young arms are key, and I'm looking forward to seeing what these kids have.
9. Phil & Ian - A lot of eyes will be on these two as they will try to prove that Brian Cashman made the right decision in not trading them for Johan Santana. Not to put too much pressure on them, but these guys could be the key to the season.
10. Mike Mussina - Moose was awful last year. Some speculate that he was in bad shape coming in to spring training. He was not a fan of Marty Mitchell's training program and it's no surprise that he pulled a hamstring early in the year. The Yanks need Moose to be a serviceable starter. I think he has enough pride that he will finish his career on a good note. If Moose can be effective, it gives the Yanks a lot of options as to how to use Joba and the rest of the kids.
1. Joe Girardi's first appearance as Yankees Manager - It's going to be very strange to see someone other than Joe Torre at the helm for Yankee players and fans, but it will be interesting to see how Joe handles the New York media, the young players, and the veterans. I'm a very big fan of Girardi and expect that he'll hit the ground running.
2. Andy Pettitte and the fallout from the Mitchell Report - The media is still eating this story up and I really don't foresee them slowing down. It's going to be a rough spring for Andy. Reports already indicate that he is behind schedule in his workouts. It will be interesting to see how well he responds. Andy has always been a class act and handled his inclusion in the report as best as possible; I am sure he will do the same with the media. I am hoping that the fans will be supportive of him and that the media gets bored with this.
3. Chien-Ming Wang and salary arbitration - It doesn't make much sense to me why the two sides can't agree on a one-year deal here. Wang is asking for $4.6 million and the Yanks are offering $4.0 million. For a team that shells out money like they do, it's hard to understand why the Yanks are trying to save money on their ace pitcher. Additionally, Wang would like to be tied up long term; however, he is not eligible for free agency until 2011. The Yankees are reluctant to sign any pitchers long term, especially if they don't need to. Stay tuned on this one, hopefully there is no bad blood here.
4. A-Rod's New Contract- 10 years and $275 million later, this has become Alex's team. After tearing it up last season and crawling back to the Yankees, maybe Alex has grown up a bit. I would imagine that there is less pressure on him that there has been in previous years. How will he respond? I expect big big things from him over the next 10 years.
5. Jeter - Jeter in my eyes had a very disappointing year last year. He was not the clutch player we've come to know, he hit into a ton of double plays, and he noticeably lost some range. This will be an interesting year for the captain, particularly after A-Rod's big deal. I think Jeter has gotten bored over the last few years, but may be a little more motivated this year to show people why he is indeed the Captain.
6. Joba - It looks like Joba is officially slated for the bullpen to start out the season. The updated "Joba Rules" seem to be the idea that Joba will throw his first 30 innings or so in the bullpen, then head to the minor leagues around June, build up his endurance and throw another 90 innings as a starter. It will be interesting to see if these plans hold up. Several factors can affect this plan, including the effectiveness of the bullpen, the rotation, and Joba's health.
7. First Base - First base is pretty much an open audition. I don't understand why they didn't at least offer Doug Mientkiewicz a spring training invite. The cast of characters includes Jason Giambi, Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit, Jason Lane, Morgan Ensberg, and Juan Miranda.
8. The Bullpen - The bullpen is a huge question mark - as always. It seems that 4 spots in the pen are booked with Mo, Farnsworth, Hawkins, and now Joba. The young arms are key, and I'm looking forward to seeing what these kids have.
9. Phil & Ian - A lot of eyes will be on these two as they will try to prove that Brian Cashman made the right decision in not trading them for Johan Santana. Not to put too much pressure on them, but these guys could be the key to the season.
10. Mike Mussina - Moose was awful last year. Some speculate that he was in bad shape coming in to spring training. He was not a fan of Marty Mitchell's training program and it's no surprise that he pulled a hamstring early in the year. The Yanks need Moose to be a serviceable starter. I think he has enough pride that he will finish his career on a good note. If Moose can be effective, it gives the Yanks a lot of options as to how to use Joba and the rest of the kids.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Yanks say NOhan to the Twins when it comes down to Hughes
ESPN reports that the Twins have reached agreement with the Mets to trade Johan Santana in exchange for four prospects:I don't care if this helps the Mets, I'm just hoping it helps the Yankees. I have been against the Yanks acquiring Santana from the start, especially when it came down to Phil Hughes.
"Phil Franchise," as he has so eloquently been dubbed by Bloggers everywhere, may never become the pitcher that Santana is. He may never become the #1 Starter that scouts have predicted. Maybe he'll only be a serviceable major league starter...a #3 at best, who knows. Even if he fizzles out and fails to live up to the hype, I would still agree with this 'non-trade'.
Yankees fans love Joba because of his electric stuff and his ability to decimate a lineup. To put it simply Joba = domination. Yankees fans love Phil Hughes for a different reason. They love Phil Hughes because of what his name means. Sure, we've all heard him compared to a young Clemens and as the future ace of the Yankees, but what "Phil Hughes" means is much more. Phil Hughes is the change in philosophy in the Bronx. "The Untouchable".
How many times have we heard the hype surrounding a prospect, only to see them packaged in a deal for a washed up slugger, or over the hill veteran? Not Hughes. There was only one person in baseball that anyone would consider trading this kid for -- the kind of player that makes an 'Untouchable' touchable.
That player is Johan Santana, he is the most dominating pitcher in baseball, a strikeout machine, a lefthanded ace - and still the Yankees balked. This non-move is a testament to the changing philosophy of the Yankees, one of fiscal responsibility and building from within.
We will now have an opportunity to see what Hughes can become, not in someone else's uniform, but in Yankee pinstripes.
We already know what he is capable of. He is a 21 year-old righthander who nearly no hit the Texas Rangers until he suffered a hamstring injury. He is a 21 year-old kid who battled back from an ankle injury, learned to pitch without his best stuff, and still won. He is the kid who pitched great down the stretch in September. He is the kid who took the ball from Roger Clemens in Game 3 of the ALDS and stood up to the pressure.
He is a Yankee, and to put it simply Phil Hughes = "Untouchable."
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Uncle Sam or Yosemite Sam??
Everytime I swear that I'm going to stop writing about steroids in baseball... I write something about steroids in baseball.
Reading the NY Daily News this morning, I came across an article discussing the government's intention on releasing the names of 104 players who failed MLB's first round of drug testing in 2003. Yes, the same test which was to be 'anonymous' and for 'research purposes only.' They even plan to prosecute the steroid users, now that's gonna bring the truth out.
Releasing the names is one thing, frankly, I couldn't care less about who is on there. There will just be a series of further denials and prods into the accuracy of the testing methods. The fact that players were doing steroids is obvious, we all know this.
Here's a few other things that we also know...
Steroid use is not limited to MLB. Steroid use has been rampant in all of professional, collegiate, scholastic, and recreational sports. Sports Illustrated had an article a few weeks ago about a 13 year old who was forced to take HGH by his father so he could become a championship speed skater. America's new pastime, the NFL, has had countless players test positive for performance enhancers. Shawn Merriman tested positive for steroids last year, was given a 4 game suspension AND STILL was voted as the runner up for defensive player of the year! Hell, he even has his own Nike commercial!!
But more importantly, I also know this...
We have kids dying in Iraq, our economy is in shambles, and the Hilary Clinton v. Barack Obama saga is a testament to the absolute joke that our political system has become.
Why does our government feel the need to waste time and money to perform a witch hunt on Major League Baseball?? What is it going to accomplish? Okay, so we find out a few more players that "cheated." "Great, grand, wonderful!"
Here's an idea:
I'll leave my house that's worth about 10% less than it was three years ago, fill up my tank with cheap quality gas that costs me about $3.00 a gallon, go to staples, buy a piece of paper and an envelope with my dollar that's losing money against other currencies by the day, and write a letter to my 18 year-old cousin in Afghanistan to tell him...
"Hey dude, great news, Congress released another 22 names that weren't in the Mitchell Report! Jose Canseco wasn't lying after all! Hopefully we can bring these cretans to justice! Best of luck out there, I'll let you know when we find Chuck Knoblauch."
Reading the NY Daily News this morning, I came across an article discussing the government's intention on releasing the names of 104 players who failed MLB's first round of drug testing in 2003. Yes, the same test which was to be 'anonymous' and for 'research purposes only.' They even plan to prosecute the steroid users, now that's gonna bring the truth out.
Releasing the names is one thing, frankly, I couldn't care less about who is on there. There will just be a series of further denials and prods into the accuracy of the testing methods. The fact that players were doing steroids is obvious, we all know this.
Here's a few other things that we also know...
Steroid use is not limited to MLB. Steroid use has been rampant in all of professional, collegiate, scholastic, and recreational sports. Sports Illustrated had an article a few weeks ago about a 13 year old who was forced to take HGH by his father so he could become a championship speed skater. America's new pastime, the NFL, has had countless players test positive for performance enhancers. Shawn Merriman tested positive for steroids last year, was given a 4 game suspension AND STILL was voted as the runner up for defensive player of the year! Hell, he even has his own Nike commercial!!
But more importantly, I also know this...
We have kids dying in Iraq, our economy is in shambles, and the Hilary Clinton v. Barack Obama saga is a testament to the absolute joke that our political system has become.
Why does our government feel the need to waste time and money to perform a witch hunt on Major League Baseball?? What is it going to accomplish? Okay, so we find out a few more players that "cheated." "Great, grand, wonderful!"
Here's an idea:
I'll leave my house that's worth about 10% less than it was three years ago, fill up my tank with cheap quality gas that costs me about $3.00 a gallon, go to staples, buy a piece of paper and an envelope with my dollar that's losing money against other currencies by the day, and write a letter to my 18 year-old cousin in Afghanistan to tell him...
"Hey dude, great news, Congress released another 22 names that weren't in the Mitchell Report! Jose Canseco wasn't lying after all! Hopefully we can bring these cretans to justice! Best of luck out there, I'll let you know when we find Chuck Knoblauch."
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