2012 Yankees off-season thread

[CommishJoe]

Figured it made sense to start one now that spring training is getting close and we actually have something to talk about .

What do you think of that SEA deal?
Do you think Kuroda will be a success in Yankee Stadium?
Who is our #5 starting pitcher (assuming Nova has #4 locked up)?
Do we re-sign Chavez or can Nunez handle the backup job well enough?

[1998 Yankees]

There's no way to criticize the Seattle deal; each team looks like it got what it needed. I hate to see Montero go but Pineda has such upside potential that I don't really feel that badly about it. It's the same old story; watch one blossom and the other wilt and then listen to all the recriminations on sports radio. That's baseball, especially in New York! Gutsy move by Cashman, though. I wouldn't have done it.

Looks like Hughes and Burnett are going to have a hard time getting into the rotation this year, barring injury. I wouldn't mind seeing CC/Pineda/Kuroda/Nova/[Hughes or Garcia or Betances]. I wouldn't give Burnett the ball anymore except in relief. Notice Joba is not even in the conversation now?

Why is it either/or with Chavez and Nunez? I see Nunez as a 2B/SS UI and Chavez as a 3B/1B UI (plus reserve OF) so there's a place for both (unless it's a roster problem).

Big question: Is A-Rod on the down slide? Many people think so. When you look at the Yankee lineup, only Tex and Cano really stand out offensively and they cannot carry the team by themselves, I don't think. (No offense to Grandy but I really don't think he's going to be THAT good again!) They need the old A-Rod to win.

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by CommishJoe

What do you think of that SEA deal?
Do you think Kuroda will be a success in Yankee Stadium?
Who is our #5 starting pitcher (assuming Nova has #4 locked up)?
Do we re-sign Chavez or can Nunez handle the backup job well enough?

Great questions. I can only hope my answers are good enough lol!

1. I like it because we needed pitching and I think Pineda has LOTS of potential. Hate to see Montero go, to be perfectly honest, but if he had to go, it had to be this way and not for some expensive, big name with little upside.

2. From what I know, Kuroda is a sinkerballer. So I believe he can be effective at the Stadium, because of his ability to keep the ball down. Though I fear his overall numbers will swell because of the AL being a much more offensive league. That said, I believe he still can put up an ERA in the mid to high 3.00's and, with the Yankee offense behind him, he should reverse his 13-16 record of last year with ease.

3. To me, the starting rotation at the beginning of the year should be:

CC
Nova
Pineda
Kuroda
García

If neither's traded for a DH (as some rumors claim), A.J. and Hughes should start the year in the pen, but I guess the #5 spot will go to the guy who does best in ST.

4. I think Núñez is ready for a bigger role as the primary UT player. But I do believe the Yankees could use an extra IF at any rate. Not sure if Chavez would be the best option, though.

Now, I'd like to ask a question myself: do you guys believe that the Yankees should bring in a veteran DH (Damon, Matsui or someone else)? Or, do you think they should give Jorge Vázquez a chance to prove himself, either as a full-time option or in a platoon with Andruw Jones?

[CommishJoe]

Originally Posted by Marberi

Now, I'd like to ask a question myself: do you guys believe that the Yankees should bring in a veteran DH (Damon, Matsui or someone else)? Or, do you think they should give Jorge Vázquez a chance to prove himself, either as a full-time option or in a platoon with Andruw Jones?

The only vet they should sign is Chavez. He could be their lefty DH and spell A-Rod & Tex when needed. However, I am perfectly fine with leaving the DH open for the most part to rest our aging vets. I'd be satisfied with a platoon of Vazquez and Jones.

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by CommishJoe

The only vet they should sign is Chavez. He could be their lefty DH and spell A-Rod & Tex when needed. However, I am perfectly fine with leaving the DH open for the most part to rest our aging vets. I'd be satisfied with a platoon of Vazquez and Jones.

My only problem with Chavez is that, since he's a well-established vet, resigning him could prove too costly for a part-time DH and corner IF who hasn't been able to stay healthy for a full season in a long time.

That said, I do agree that his being left-handed and having a solid glove at both IF corners makes him a good fit for this team.

I also agree with the Vázquez/Jones platoon at DH. Both have pop and the Yankees have enough offense to see their contributions more as a plus than a necessity, IMO.

[1998 Yankees]

Originally Posted by CommishJoe

I'd be satisfied with . . . Jones.

Gosh darn it, the Yankees let Jones go. No, not Andruw Jones. Kimberly Jones!

Kimberly Jones leaves YES after seven years

[1998 Yankees]

Yankees are looking to trade Burnett to the Pirates for young players and $23 million cash. No, not the Pirates paying the Yankees $23 mil. The other way around. That's how much of Burnett's remaining contract value (2 years, $33 million) that the Yankees would have to pay the Pirates (or, perhaps more accurately, Burnett directly) to take him off their hands.

See what I just said in the Jeremy Lin thread about the market for crappy, overpaid, under-producing veterans in New York.

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by 1998 Yankees

Yankees are looking to trade Burnett to the Pirates for young players and $23 million cash. No, not the Pirates paying the Yankees $23 mil. The other way around. That's how much of Burnett's remaining contract value (2 years, $33 million) that the Yankees would have to pay the Pirates (or, perhaps more accurately, Burnett directly) to take him off their hands.

See what I just said in the Jeremy Lin thread about the market for crappy, overpaid, under-producing veterans in New York.

Hey, as long as the Bucs take A.J. "Burnout" off the Yankees' hands (regardless on anything they might give in exchange), I'll be one happy camper

[Caporegime]

Originally Posted by 1998 Yankees

Gosh darn it, the Yankees let Jones go. No, not Andruw Jones. Kimberly Jones!

Kimberly Jones leaves YES after seven years

I would rather have seen Andruw take a powder than her. Over the hill outfielders are a far less valuable commodity than a sexy woman who knows her sports. It'll be interesting to see who they replace her with. My money would be on another aesthetically pleasing female, but you never know.

[1998 Yankees]

Originally Posted by Caporegime

I would rather have seen Andruw take a powder than her. Over the hill outfielders are a far less valuable commodity than a sexy woman who knows her sports. It'll be interesting to see who they replace her with. My money would be on another aesthetically pleasing female, but you never know.

Finally, somebody else here who appreciates Kimberly Jones!
I've brought her up here before and was met with a collective yawn. Frankly, I began to doubt the persuasions of my fellow forum members.

[Mt Fire Fighter]

I too think we got rid of the wrong Jones.

Hated to see Montero go, but pitching is what we need, also some talk about his defensive skills. I like Russell Martin behind the plate but his hitting.....

Any idea about Joba? I thought that he was going to be the heir apparent to Mariono, but after the Joba Rules and then the starting fiasco.

ARod, we can only hope for the one time power to return. I do think the defense has gotten better at third.

AJ is really good at times, you never know, but would like to see him traded.

Also haven't heard much about Colon, is he still in the mix?

John

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by Mt Fire Fighter

Hated to see Montero go, but pitching is what we need, also some talk about his defensive skills. I like Russell Martin behind the plate but his hitting.....

It hurt to see Montero go, sure, but I'm glad he left in exchange for another top-notch prospect and not for your usual "big name" vet.

Originally Posted by Mt Fire Fighter

Any idea about Joba? I thought that he was going to be the heir apparent to Mariono, but after the Joba Rules and then the starting fiasco.

Just read an article on Joba in MLB.com last night. He's starting to throw but isn't expected to be fully ready till around the All-Star Break. As for Mo's eventual replacement, I think Robertson definitely deserves a chance, given the way he pitched last year. But, who knows? Guess it depends on whether he can establish himself this year with another dominant performance.

Originally Posted by Mt Fire Fighter

ARod, we can only hope for the one time power to return. I do think the defense has gotten better at third.

I think A-Rod's power and overall production will be there...as long as he remains healthy, though. IMO, that's the biggest concern with him right now, his health.

Originally Posted by Mt Fire Fighter

AJ is really good at times, you never know, but would like to see him traded.

IMO, when your current club's willing to pay most of your salary, just so you can pitch for another team, that means you're not wanted around anymore. Guy should be gone soon...I hope lol!

Originally Posted by Mt Fire Fighter

Also haven't heard much about Colon, is he still in the mix?

Colón was signed by the A's about a month ago. Still, with CC, Nova, Pineda, Kuroda, Hughes, García and even A.J. right now, I think there's enough depth to come up with a very solid starting rotation come Opening Day.

[Mt Fire Fighter]

I completely forgot about Robertson, I hope last year wasn't a fluke. Too bad about Joba.

Don't get me wrong, I won't miss AJ on the mound, maybe the clubhouse.

John

[Marberi]

Yeah, I hope Joba can come back and prove a capable setup, at least. Here's hoping he'll regain his full velocity and bite on that nasty slider after surgery.

I'm also hoping Soriano can go back to being the dominant reliever he was with the Braves and Rays and that last year was only an aberration attributable to injury.

[1998 Yankees]

Yankees signed Raul Ibanez yesterday for DH vs. RHP. As much as I love Johnny and Hideki, this is the best move. Sentimentality, be gone!

[1998 Yankees]

Wow, I'm getting that itch now. Giants win the Super Bowl? Great! Lin-sanity and the return of Knicks respectability? Cool.

Still, nothing beats Spring Training and the beginnings of a brand new New York Yankees season!

[1998 Yankees]

Two pieces of Yankees news in today's newspaper that I found interesting. First:

Ex-Yankees pitching hopeful jailed on drug charges

Originally published: March 2, 2012 8:22 PM
Updated: March 2, 2012 9:18 PM
By The Associated Press

BEAUFORT, N.C. - (AP) -- Former New York Yankees pitching prospect Brien Taylor, the overall No. 1 selection in the 1991 draft, is facing multiple drug charges after his arrest in North Carolina.

The Carteret County Sheriff's Office said the 40-year-old Taylor of Beaufort was arrested Thursday. A statement said undercover narcotics agents bought a large quantity of cocaine and crack cocaine from Taylor over several months.

Taylor is jailed under $275,000 bond. It wasn't immediately known if he had an attorney. He was scheduled to appear in court Friday.

Taylor got a then-record $1.55 million signing bonus from the Yankees. But after excelling at Double-A in 1993, he got into a fight that winter and injured his pitching shoulder. He was never the same after major surgery.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Older fans will remember this guy. Two things struck me: Again, I shake my head over how a life can go bad in an instant, with one wrong decision. What a waste. The other thing was, he's now 40 years old! No guarantees, of course, but he could have been just finishing up a brilliant career and on his way to the Hall of Fame. One stupid fight over what, a girl? A drink? Even a racial slur, who the heck should have cared?

Here's the second news item:

Pirates' Burnett out 2-3 months with facial injury

Published: March 2, 2012 12:40 PM
By The Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla. - (AP) -- Newly acquired Pittsburgh pitcher A.J. Burnett is expected to miss two to three months while recovering from surgery for a facial fracture, forcing the Pirates to rearrange their plans for opening day.

The Pirates had hoped Burnett would be able to start April 5 in the opener at home against Philadelphia. Pittsburgh got the 35-year-old righty on Feb. 19 from the New York Yankees in a trade for two minor leaguers and cash.

Burnett had surgery Friday in Pittsburgh for a broken orbital bone near his right eye. He was injured when he fouled a ball off his face Wednesday during a bunting drill.

A day after the trade, Burnett had said he looked forward to a fresh start with the Pirates. "It's going to be fun. I'm going back to the National League, where I can hit and bunt and get the joy back into the game," he said then.

The Pirates said the injury didn't affect Burnett's vision and that there was no impingement to the muscles and nerves around his eye. Burnett will return to Bradenton for his recovery.

"The initial step will be to heal from the surgery," general manager Neal Huntington said. "Secondly, we will recondition his arm and body to where he was prior to the injury. Lastly, we will put A.J. through the same progression as he would have gone through here in spring training."

"The very rough timetable to complete this process and have A.J. prepared to compete without restrictions at the major league level is eight to 12 weeks," he said.

The Pirates got Burnett and about $20 million from the Yankees to help cover his hefty salary. Burnett was due to make $33 million total over the next two seasons.

Burnett was 34-35 with a 4.79 ERA during three seasons with the Yankees, including 11-11 with a 5.15 ERA last year. He led the major leagues with 25 wild pitches last year and allowed a career-high 31 homers.

The tattooed pitcher was wild off the field, too, known for pelting Yankees teammates in the face with cream pies following game-winning hits.

Minus Burnett, the Pirates' rotation includes newly signed Erik Bedard and holdovers James McDonald, Kevin Correia and Jeff Karstens.

Charlie Morton is recovering from hip surgery in October and might not be ready by opening day. He is scheduled to throw batting practice Saturday and might pitch in a "B'' game on Wednesday.

The Pirates will open the exhibition season on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Fla.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Sorry, Pirates fans. What a crapola deal you're getting here. I don't believe in fate, whichever version of it that supposedly determines Burnett would have suffered the same injury or one like it had he stayed with the Yankees. So while we are relieved that he's gone, we're happy for other reasons. It's just ironic.

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by 1998 Yankees

Older fans will remember this guy. Two things struck me: Again, I shake my head over how a life can go bad in an instant, with one wrong decision. What a waste. The other thing was, he's now 40 years old! No guarantees, of course, but he could have been just finishing up a brilliant career and on his way to the Hall of Fame. One stupid fight over what, a girl? A drink? Even a racial slur, who the heck should have cared?


Sorry, Pirates fans. What a crapola deal you're getting here. I don't believe in fate, whichever version of it that supposedly determines Burnett would have suffered the same injury or one like it had he stayed with the Yankees. So while we are relieved that he's gone, we're happy for other reasons. It's just ironic.

Yeah, I remember Taylor. Had been wondering whatever had happened to the guy. Sad story indeed.

As for the Burnett injury, I agree 100%.

Also, interesting to note that Montero left the M's first exhibition game in the 5th, after taking a couple of foul balls directly to the face. Kid should be OK, though, as there was no concussion, facial damage or anything of the kind, fortunately. I really like him and wish him well.

Either way, rough start to ST for recently traded Yanks!

[1998 Yankees]

Originally Posted by Marberi

Also, interesting to note that Montero left the M's first exhibition game in the 5th, after taking a couple of foul balls directly to the face.

One is bound to "lose face" by leaving the New York Yankees, but not literally!

[Marberi]

Originally Posted by 1998 Yankees

One is bound to "lose face" by leaving the New York Yankees, but not literally!

LOL!

At least Montero had his facemask on. No such luck for poor A.J., though!