Looking At The Yankees' Impending Free Agents

I would only bring back Moose, and only if he'd accept one year. He might be starting to think about 300 though, and hence will be looking for 2 years. Originally I thought he might go to the Orioles, but he'll want to be with a winning team to get the wins...?

I wouldn't take the risk of offering arbitration to Pudge, and there has to be better options somewhere than Abreu at $16m. I'm guessing some Yanks will be looking for a Giambi like contract to go to Teixera, but with Posada looking dodgy in the near future and likely to move to 1B, Jeter another candidate to move to that corner, I can't see it. Plus the Yanks need to go all out to sign CC given the way their pitching staff has fallen apart in both the last two years.

Bring back Mussina, and thats it. Hes having the best year outof all of those mentioned players. Abreu is aging, his stolen bases have gone down, and hes a liability in the outfield. Giambi is washed up, and is an average slugger now. Pettitte is at the end of his career and should retire, he's having a sub-par season. As for Pudge, theres no reason to have him on the roster if Posada is going to eb healthy next year,and keep in mind you have Molina as your backup catcher, so theres no need for pudge, hes aging, not a great hitter or defender anymore.
Do not offer Arbitration to Pudge or Giambi, theyre both washed up.

Yankees need to go after some Starting pitching helps, to the likes of a CC Sabathia. Also, since they will be dumping Giambi's contract, they should look into signing Teixera. I know you cant sign everyone but if you want to have a world series team next year, youre going to have to.

Also, you forgot about injury bugged Carl Pavano, Cork.

Bring back Moose for a year, bring back Pudge as insurance for Posada, and bring back Abreu for $10-$12MM.

Of course I hate the Yankees so I'd love to see a $100MM Pavano deal :)

Let Giambi, Pavano, Mussina, Pudge, Betimit walk, you attempt to bring back Pettitte & Abreu back @ discounted rates for 1 yr with maybe an (club)option year, I wouldn't even chance offering arbitration, especially to Giambi. I'd also try to trade Damon & Matsui, to clear even more roster spots & money.

Agreed. Abreu is not a no-brainer, but they have Nady to take over.

Nady, Matsui, Damon, Gardner would make up the OF, with some of the DHing part of the time too.

Sign Mussina, re-sign Pettitte (though he may want to retire), sign Sabathia, and they'll have a very good rotation with Joba and likely Hughes (lots of others to fill in too).

I'd have no problem taking Giambi back at a big discount either. If not, they'll need to find a 1B. Not in favor of a Tex signing, but if not, then who? A platoon would be ok too.

The team will be a little short of power, but overall looking pretty good.

$86 Million is coming off the books, Cashman, Hank & Hal had better go get some pitching, @ least 2 from short list of CC, Garland, Burnett, Sheets, I'd sign KROD too, take a look @ Hank Blalock as a 1B or maybe trade for Mike Jacobs from florida, I'd love Tex, but he's got that BLEEPING BLEEP Boras as an agent, & he'll want the moon especailly after what AROD did to him.

Let Abreu walk and pick up the picks. Nady will move to RF in 2009. Sign Moose to a 1 year plus club option. Let Pudge and Giambi go. Damon in LF/DH in 2009.

Try to sign Sabathia and/or Oliver Perez in 2009. Posada and Molina catching. Give Juan Miranda a look at 1B and see if A-Jax is ready for CF (if not there's still Cabrera/Gardner).

So Cal Yankee Fan 8)

When we were winning 4 WS in 5 years, we had a BENCH, get back to that, & get a real bench, role pleyrs that know their role, Hey Bobo, did you forget WANG. Forget Mussina, he's older then Pettitte, & should take himself to the NL where he'd be better suited.

What if somehow the Braves don't pick up Chipper Jones' option? I think the Yankees should sign him..

Posada likely will not be going back behind the plate next season. So the Yanks will need to solve the catching situation somehow. Molina is signed through next season but he clearly isn't a full time backstop - otherwise they never would have acquired Pudge. So, there will be a need for a catcher to pair with him.

The internal candidates are all too far from being Major League ready. That list includes Cervelli, Pilittere, Montero, and Romine. The earliest any (i.e. Cervelli will be first) will be ready for the Show will be 2010.

Unless the Yanks plan on trading for a young catcher (which I don't expect to be the case) then who else is an option besides Pudge?

Besides, for the right terms would he be such a bad option for another season?

I say resign abreu, moose. pettite, and sign tex, cc, and manny

Tom, you forgot Sheets, Burnett, Oliver Perez, Mickey Mantle's reanimated corpse and God himself. Only a Yankee fan...

Everyone has a few smart fans, everyone has a lot of silly fans. I'd say resign Pettitte to a 1 year deal. Offer arbitration to everyone because I'm pretty sure it's not uncommon to have agreements between teams/players to offer and reject arbitration. Maybe resign Abreu, but only on a 1-2 year deal. Sign CC. I like Moose, but the opportunity for 2 picks is better than his next 2 years. 09 rotation: Sabathia, Wang, Pettitte, Joba, Hughes,

Drop pettite and resign moose. Why keep pettite? 4+ ERA almost every season of his career meanwhile moose is usually in the mid 3's for his era.

Abreau can get $15MM elsewhere at least, possibly with the Mets who could use his offense. If not back to the Phillies or Braves or Dodgers are other options.

Giambi will end up staying a Yankee because no one else will take him. He will try demanding money and in the end sign for say $25 mil 2 year deal (12 for '09 13 for '10).

Pettite would be silly to resign for his 4.50 ERA. He has failed to perform in a few big games thusfar this year and is showing signs of aging. Hate to break it to ya, he wasn't that great to begin with.

Moose the yanks have a shot at resigning, however with his "reinventing" of himself and his cy young caliber numbers this year, he will ask for (and receive elsewhere if not from the yankees) $12-14 mil at least per year and I agree with most of you that he will ask for 2 years. (perhaps another giambi 2/25 deal will work?)

Pudge will get a job with an up and coming team. Perhaps relocating to the Pirates next year is a possibility, as they are looking to have a strong future team after their recent acquisitions, and Pudge is the type of veteran catcher to hone that young staff. Catchers like him won't have any trouble finding work.

Pavano will sign with another team for a 1 year incentive laden deal and shine again. Watch. hehe.

Guess:
1B- Tex (I hope he's not an Angel next year)
2B-Cano
SS-Jeter
3B-Arod
OF: Damon,Abreu,Melky,Nady,Christian,Gardner,Jackson when ready
DH-Posada
C-Pudge/Molina

SP1:Joba
SP2:Wang
SP3:Yu Darvish (Japanese FA) or Burnett
SP4:Moose
SP5:Kennedy/Hughes

Arbitration to Pettite and Abreu (he's on my guess list, but just as a fringe candidate).

None to Giambi and Pavano. Pavano will get a minor league contract with somebody; Giambi will sign at a reduced rate for someone in need of a quick fix DH.

They should bring Abreu back if he'll come at a cheaper cost and then bring back either Mike Mussina or Andy Pettitte.

Then for the offseason sign CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira.

"Let Giambi, Pavano, Mussina, Pudge, Betimit walk, you attempt to bring back Pettitte & Abreu back @ discounted rates for 1 yr with maybe an (club)option year, I wouldn't even chance offering arbitration, especially to Giambi. I'd also try to trade Damon & Matsui, to clear even more roster spots & money".

Good call dude. This should be the plan!

Thank Moose for the memories, but at 40 I'm not taking chances for him to duplicate this years reinvention.

Giambi is still useful, but we need to get younger! Say goodbye!

Pavano? Nuff said. Bettemit? Horrible. Andy? If he wants to come back for one year, he's earned that right. He's still on when it counts for the most part. Abreu? He can still rake and run, but I hate him on defense. Never seen a bigger puuussy if the wall is even 10 feet away. However, a one or two year deal would be fine...then they could put Nady at first instead of overspending for Tex. Spend the money on PITCHING!!

Go hard after CC or
Sheets....and also after one from this group: Burnett, Dempster, Lowe. Put that pair with Joba, Wang and Andy.... and we go back to the postseason.

With the Rays young and growing and the Sox built to last, only a stud pitching staff will get the Yankees back to first place.

I'm going to take Rex's idea and give my projection

1B: Teixeira
2B: Cano
SS: Jeter
3B: Rodriguez
LF: Nady
CF: Damon/Gardner/Christian/Cabrera/Jackson
RF: Abreu
DH: Matsui
C: Posada

SP1: Sabathia
SP2: Chamberlain
SP3: Wang
SP4: Hughes
SP5: Mussina/Pettitte/Kennedy

NYY daren't risk arb w/ Giambi, not when the least they'd be on the hook for him in '09 if they go that route'd be eighty percent of what he's pulling down in '08 (which would be about the difference between his buyout and picking up his existing '09 option -- and that's the LEAST he costs them, as he's got an excellent chance of walking into a hearing sporting a .900+ OPS for '08). If they want him back, they have to pick up the option; if they want to be free of him, they'll have to cut ties completely, no compensation.

Pudge doesn't have an option -- but he also doesn't return two high draft picks if he's offered arb and walks. He'd also be a ridiculously expensive (and poor) PH in '09 if Posada makes it all the way back, while not offering all THAT much offensive upside over Molina if Posada has to DH next year. No, arb is a bad road to take with IRod, too.

yea ok. ur not freeing up enough space to sign all that.

CC 20+ mil a year 5+ years
Burnett (or like) 15 mil a year 3-4 years

So the yankees are going to add on another 150 million dollars? After Arod 300 million? Posada 60 million or whatever he got? Rivera 45 million or whatever?

Get out of here lol.

The Yankees will be lucky if they have the money to sign a CC let alone think of anything else. Their dropping like 60-80 mil in contract space... not 200 million.

bring back moose, abreu (if gardner or anyone else isnt ready), i-rod--only if posada cant catch, ditch the rest and get a free agent pitcher(sabathia) and teixeria

Santana/Beckett FTW- Giambi could easily get 2yr/25MM IMO. He's a servicable 1B/DH and his OPS is respectable. I think he'll stay in the AL and DH though. He'd keep the 1B spot warm for a prospect

Sabathia, Joba, Wang, Burnett and Andy (Hughes, Horne, Kennedy)

Rivera, Veras, Ramirez, Marte, Melancon, H Sanchez, Robertson, Bruney

LF Damon
SS Jeter
RF Abreu
3B ARod
DH Matsui or Posada
1B Nady
2B Cano
C Molina or Pudge
CF Gardner

Now they just need a REAL BENCH!!

Can everyone please get this straight for me?

You are going to spend 100 million dollars on the next 5-7 years on Jeter(21MM), Arod(30MM), Tex(24), Sabathia (24)...and then want to field the rest of a TEAM?

And do not give me any idea on why Sabathia is going to not command 24-25 million a year, coming off a Cy Young and going most like 13-1 and 10 CG this season?

I think the Yanks should resign Moose and Abreu at least for 1 year each. Wait out Pettitte and see if he retires if not bring him back for a year. Don't resign Pudge keep Posada behind the plate. Say goodbye to Giambi and use Nady at first base. Sign Sabathia and find a lesser first baseman to back up.

Essentially
1st: Xavier Nady
2nd: Robbie Cano
3rd: A-Rod
SS: Derek Jeter
LF:Johnny Damon/ Matsui
CF: Gardner, Melky
RF: Abreu
DH: Johnny Damon/ Matsui

SP1:C.C Sabathia
SP2:Wang
SP3:Moose
SP4:Pettitte
SP5:Hughes

does nady play first?

No NADY doesnt play 1st

here is the breakdown of what you foolish people are talking about....

2009 Roster
1B-TEX 24 MM
2B-CANO 6MM
SS-JETER 21MM
3B-AROD 31 MM
RF-NADY 7MM
CF-MELK 4MM(arbit)
LF-MATSUI 14MM
DH-DAMON 14MM

121 MM in 2009 Salary for starting lineup

#1 Wang 11MM (arb)
#2 Joba 2MM (arb)
#3 Hughes
#4
#5

Closer: MO 13 MM
26 MM with no true #2 and #3...Hughes and Joba needs to prove their durability.

That is 147 MM without a BENCH or BULLPEN, and they are missing 2 mid to top STARTING PITCHERS...

ARE you foolish enough to think they will go after sabathia AND texeira?

a-rod 32 mil
jeter 20 mil
(most agree) pettite 14 mil a year? (got 16 this year)
rivera 15 mil
posada 13.1 mil
damon 13 mil
matsui 13 mil
buyout on pavano 1.5 mil
marte (probably will stay) 6 mil
molina 2 mil

Wang will definitely get 4 mil at least again

Next, the Yankees goal is to be able to keep guys like Joba and Hughes and Kennedy and Humberto Sanchez and Alan Horne. What kind of crack are you all smoking that you believe that they are not going to cost an arm and a leg in a few years.

Joba has the potential to be the next roger clemens. If you don't think he will eventually ask for his 7 year 150+ million dollar contract (and get it) you are crazy.

I personally dont think the yankees are trying to add anyone of CC caliber this summer. I think they are doing what the red sox so smartly did. Sit on your prospects, develop them, and wait for your opportunity. The Yankees aren't the lone ranger in a weak division anymore. The Rays are as good (if not better) than the Sox and people are finally starting to show them the respect they deserve.

I am glad I am not a yankee fan because if they are at 180 million on the payroll and luxury tax is 225 million, let me say I will watch from home instead of paying 80 bucks for a bleacher seat.

I went to a dozen games this year Jdubs....bleacher seats were $15.

I do love how fans of every other team litter the Yankees chats with jabs about things they have zero clue about.

Also, jdubs....Nady has played 80 games at 1B in his career...so yes, he CAN play first base.

Santana/Beckett - Yes, the Sox developed Lester and they are letting Buckholtz get hammered....but they also paid for Shilling, traded for Beckett and threw 100 mill out to get Dice K. When you have veteran studs, it's easier to let the young guys sink or swim every 5th day. If the Yankees get CC or Sheets to go with Joba, Wang and Andy...you can have Hughes/Horne/Kennedy as your 5.

Final thought before I have to split for the night:

Everyone has some valid points on their projections...but let's not forget about trades! You can pretty much bank that the Yankees will be at least listening to offers for: Damon, Matsui, Posada, Kennedy & Melky...and maybe even Cano & Hughes too. That could free up additional money or possibly swap salary space.

Some Thoughts:
- Nady can play 1B/RF/LF. He hasn'r played 1B regularly since 2006. But its not rocket science.
- Posada might not be able to catch next year so signing a 1B or DH might be a bad idea.
- None of Pudge, Giambi or Abreu would decline the Arbitration needed to get compensation picks.

Point #1: The Yankees get a break on luxury tax for at least a couple years due to their new stadium. That in itself frees up a ton of cash.

Point #2 (I can't believe I have to make this point): The Yankees are freeing up around $60 million in payroll after buyouts, arbitration and contract increases, and bringing back Pettitte (which, barring injury, they will do). That means that they can give out contracts that total $60 million A YEAR just to equal their payroll expenditures this year. Sabathia, Teixeira and Sheets at their most optimistic contract hopes couldn't even equal that.

Point #3: The Yankees have a further $28 million coming off their payroll after 2009, after the departure of Damon and Matsui. (This does not include removing whatever Pettitte's contract is in 2009, because personally, I think he can and will pitch several more years with the Yankees.)

All these points, coupled with the often-missed luxury tax break the Yankees get (as well as the insane amount of new revenue they get from the new stadium) means that the Yankees can, if they choose, have a freaking field day on the FA class this year. And what perfect timing too, because there may not be a stronger FA class for a long time. If they want Sabathia, and if Sabathia can be bought, they will get him. A left-handed ace who logs massive amounts of innings, little injury history, who is only going to be 28? This is a perfect storm, and expect a Santana-esque contract, if not more. Scary thing is, the Yankees can easily afford it. They know they need him, now and into the future.

Andrew
No they are not losing 20MM a year

If you keep nady he will command and abreau'ish contract 15-16 mil a year (think he has one more year on contract at just under 8 mil).
Gained 6 million on the Marte pickup (ohlendorf is 467k i believe)

So giambi's contract of 22 mil has already been replaced by these two.

Mussina's 15 may turn to 10-12 but there is still a good chance he stays as a veteran presence in the rotation

Wang got 4 mil this year. Have to think with age he will definitely gain on that lets say 8 mil for next season. this is only because he's injured. otherwise he could make 10+.

Matsui will be resigning with the yankees. I dont know where you got any other idea about that. Probably at the same rate of about 13 mil a season.

so you got 10 mil from pavano leaving, 13 mil from abreau leaving, and pudge is an added contract, so that doesn't count as money they are dropping (like nady and marte).
If they lose pettite add 15 mil more onto that

they are losing in the range of 25-40 mil per season. Sign Sabathia and that money is basically gone. Besides the fact that yes while you get luxury tax breaks from MLB, the state of new york taxes the steinbrenners on BOTH Stadiums. So money is not going to be flying around this offseason. Maybe some big money trades such as a Damon, but i think more likely cabrera is to move then damon.

Bottom line is yankees fans are not taking into account that at best they are freeing up 40 mil. more likely to be closer to 20-25.

*not losing 60-80MM a year*

by the way the red sox drop 20 mil on manny next year, a new contract with Varitek (definitely less money), Schilling (8 mil), so don't think they yankees have a free ride at anyone. the sox have at least 30 mil in free space next year as well. There will be free agency battles.

What are you talking about? They are paying out around $60 million this year to players that they will never have to pay them again. For 2009, they have $60 million to play with. For 2010, they don't have to pay Matsui and Damon $28 million combined. You cite total value of contracts, but payroll works on a per-year basis. The Yankees can sign Sabathia, Sheets and Teixeira, and keep Pettitte, and still not equal their payroll this year. That's the key point.

Also, while I personally think it would be a great move for the Sox to go after Sabathia, it would go against their recent philosophy of humongous contracts. Besides, they have Beckett, Dice-K, Lester, and Wakefield for very little. They simply don't need to take on the risk that is CC Sabathia. It would surprise everyone if they signed him to a Santana-like contract.

wow Scary how little you know about Baseball. 1B is rocket science, ask Posada or Damon or whomever you have put out on the field. The position depends on footwork, gauging depth, and glove work. He has not played 1B since 2005 and then some in the Minors which is laughable. So no ONCE AGAIN he does not play 1B, unless you think David Ortiz can be a decent fielding 1B with that logic.

Second the yankees do not loose 60 Million dollars, since if GIAMBI is gone, they pay a 5 Million buyout. Joba and Melky are in first years of Arbitration, which would mean about another 5-7 million dollars, and then you have to decide what to do with a starting or backup catcher. Pudge will command somewhere near 9-11 Million dollars. Wang is also ready for another year of Arbitration. That would leave you around 35 Million if pudge is signed.

You are not going to blow 25 mil on Sabathia.

ONCE AGAIN, they will not lock up for the next 5+ years 100 Million for 4 players.

TEX, Jeter, Sabathia, and AROD will be 99 million or so.

Also if you go to stubhub now, you can not get a bleacher ticket for anywhere under 125 dollars, so congrats on having a friend who can sell you the bleacher seats

ALSO for those confused on Bostons psychology, they lose Beckett after '10, so they might want to lock Sabathia up and see where they can go for '10 season. We did lose Mannys 20 Million options which would have been exercised for the next two years.

Also Sabathia has never been this dominant, in his career....WHY would he not like to stay in the national league. West Coast Guy....your guess is as good as mine.

SBFTW, you really make no sense. Wang is going to make $8 million in arbitration? Dream on. Nady will probably make around $8 million in arbitration this year, you're right. But guess what, that's for 2009.

Also, your Red Sox are not gaining as many dollars as you may think. They have HUMONGOUS arbitration cases to hear, including Youkilis (who could, and should, get upwards of $10 million), Papelbon (will rake the Sox over the coals, can probably get at least $4 million). Not sure if Lester and Pedroia are eligible as 'super-twos', but they can make a pretty penny, if not this year then definitely in 2010. I'm pretty sure Delcarmen also is arbitration eligible. He hasn't been horrible for his tenure with the Red Sox, so he'll probably get around a million bucks. There is also salary increases for Crisp, Beckett, and Okajima totaling $2.5 million extra.

Also, the Red Sox only save around $12.5 million for Manny, as Bay is on contract for $7.5 million next year. Varitek isn't making less than $6 million a year. Remember that his agent is Boras, and he knows the Red Sox, barring trade, have absolutely no one to step in for him, no matter how awful Varitek has been for them, he's their captain, and to bring him back is going to cost more than he's worth.

So the Red Sox probably don't have any free space next year, actually.

For the Red Sox to sign anyone, they would have to drastically increase their payroll from this year. Not to say that they can't, they're one of the richest franchises in the game (backed by a billionaire ownership), and they actually decreased their payroll from last year, but for them to make a big splash like Sabathia or Teixeira (they don't even have room for him) would be a humongous surprise. To compliment their organization, they simply don't need to take on the risk.

Oh my lord jdubs, you need to stop embarassing yourself. Joba is not going to be arbitration eligible for two years. He only came up in August last year, for crying out loud!

Melky is not getting much for arbitration. A million bucks, tops.

For someone who's telling someone to learn about baseball, it sounds like you need to study up a bit yourself.

You guys have it all wrong.

C: McCann
1B: Tex
2B: Cano
SS: Jeter
3B: A-Rod
LF: Ramirez
CF: Beltran
RF: Burrell
DH: Dunn

SP1: Joba
SP2: Hughes
SP3: Sabbathia
SP4: Sheets
SP5: Burnett

Here's how it all works. The Yanks resign Pudge to a 1/5 deal (he takes a huge discount because he loves the Yankees - like everyone else). The Yanks then trade him and Cabrera and Betemit for McCann. The Braves replace their catcher and get two hot up and comers all while staying payroll neutral.

Tex will sign here (of course) for something like 8/200. Manny comes in at 3/50 while Burrell settles in for a 4/60. Dunn becomes our DH and defensive replacement for any of our outfielders. He signed to a 5/75 deal.

Beltran, fed up with Manhattan demands a change of scenery. He crosses over to the Bronx in a deal that sends a broken down Matsui and noodle armed Damon. The Mets are eager to make the deal as this fills in two holes. They offer to pay for part of Beltran's contract.

Finally, you get the pitching rotation. Joba is the best pitcher ever, in the history of baseball. He's our #1. Hughes isn't far behind. Expect an ERA under 2.00 for 2009. Sabbathia, Sheets, and an opted out Burnett all choose the Yanks over every other team. Combined annual salary for all 3 is an additional $60m.

That leaves us with Wang to be used in case of an injury. Posada can take his time rehabbing.

All in all, this will add about $125m to our payroll every year. But it doesn't matter. We print our own money. Haven't you heard, we have a new stadium. Plus, every baseball player loves the Yankees. Who wouldn't want to play for the winningest franchise in professional sports history?

It's great being a Yankee fan. Even if it is only long enough to write this psot.

Nady played 1B this season in a game. FOR THE YANKEES! Also if M.Cabrera, R.Howard, C.Delgado or D.Young can play 1B its not that hard.

Also didn't Hank say something about lowering payroll? I forget. Either way who cares. Every team will have money to play with except SD.

I have to clear two things up. One the Yankees will not get a break on their Lux tax, they get a break on the revenue sharing, which last year cost them almost 70 million. That money in turn no long goes to the smaller market clubs. So everyone will get their money for next year, since funds will be paid for out of this season from the Yankees. But next season smaller market clubs will lose that massive amount of money. The Yankees paid over 900 million dollars for the new stadium (est) thus over the next 10 years (starting next year) they can take out a prorated amount of that money out of their revenue sharing payment.

And to make matters worse, for the rest of the league, is that the new stadium will increase their revenues by a considerable amount. Thus they will be able to afford even money money toward player contracts. Thus if they wanted to bump payroll to 250 million they would most definitely have the resources to do so. especially since thats what the Yankees get approx. each year form YES Network, which is not including in the revenue sharing of MLB anyways.

I am sorry that was wrong, it was 77 million form Lux tax and revenue sharing, 34 million of which was the tax. Thus only 43 million was revenue sharing.

I think Pettitte and Mussina should be re-signed. You can never have enough pitching, even if the Yanks sign CC. I would look into re-signing Abreu only if it is for less than his current salary. But if I signed Abreu, I would look to trade Matsui. I would let Giambi walk, offer him arbitration, and strike a deal with him so he does not accept it and the Yanks get picks for him. Don't even bother giving Pudge arbitration unless he becomes a type a free agent.

bjsguess:

You forgot KRod signing for 5, $80MM setting up MO in the 8th, and eventually taking over for MO when he leaves.

Psh. And you call yourself a Yankees-Fan-for-a-Post.

any1 ever thought about moving damon back to CF and using melky as his backup

then sign sabathia and teixera

offer pettite one year deal and let everyone else walk or offer arb

mussina will net two draft picks for type a

leaving
c- posada
1b- teixera
2b- cano
ss- jeter
3b- arod
lf- matsui/gardner/melky
cf- damon/gardner/melky
rf- nady/gardner/melky
dh- matsui/posada/damon

don't waste money on a dh we already have a couple in the making

sp- sabathia
sp- wang
sp- pettite
sp- joba
sp- hughes/kennedy/rasner

only problem being rotation doesn't leave us alot of death. i wouldn't be against an older pitcher on a one year cheaper deal...or an incentive laden deal to a comeback player

If the Yankees offer any of the soon to be FAs Arbitration the players will accept it. There are no draft picks coming to the Yankees.

Abreu is making $16 mil this year. If offered arb he would get at least that or more. Pettitte is making $16 mil. He would get more in arb. Mussina is making over $11 mil. He too would make more. Giambi ($23.5 mil) and Pudge ($12.4 m) same thing.

The only time a player would turn done such big money is if they would get a multi year deal for about the same or more. No one will be offering them that.

So no Mussina won't net 2 draft picks. The Yankees won't offer arbitration unless they are going to re-sign him. Also no one will give up a 1st (or 2nd) round pick to sign a 40 yr old pitcher.

c posada/molina
1b teixeira
2b cano
ss jeter
3b a rod

lf damon
cf nady
rf abreu

dh matsui

sp sabathia
sp wang
sp joba
sp pettitte
sp mussina

nady damon and matsui can be rotated based on performance....

I think the Yankees have to blow up how they do business. Let all the FAs walk, and begin to start to groom their young pitchers. I don't think that bring CC in does them any good, as their offense has been causing them problems, so his pitching might get wasted. Burnett doesn't seem like the right attitude to have on a rebuilding project. Don't try for an ace, but a veteran who can help Joba, Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, etc. become better pitchers by just eating innings. Jon Garland, possibly. Oliver Perez, though I think he is too much of a gamble. Derek Lowe might be interesting. If they want to trade, go for Brett Myers as the Phils might want to get out of his issues, and he would benefit from change of scenery, even if it is to NY. Pudge would be the only FA I would consider keeping for his ability to work with pitchers, though Michael Barrett might be worth the investment over him for 2-3 years. The remaining position players are going to be weight on the Yankees for the next two years, so 2011 has to be the target for making the serious run at the rings.

I can't believe there is this much debate and assortment of opinion. Hardly any of these players warrant another year in pinstripes. You could make a case for a couple, but none of them will ask for these "one-year discounts" like some of these posts are suggesting. OK, maybe Pettite would ask for one-year, $10 million. I would try to play hardball with him, but no chance the Yanks will. They overpay for everyone and will cave to whatever he demands. That is the new Yankee way. To run down:

Giambi -- gone, he has no position and it's time to end the relationship before his bat slows even more.
Abreu -- gone, don't need him with Nady on the squad
Pudge -- has been awful. why would any Yankees fan want him back? we are like 1-11 in games he's started.
pavano -- as if it's even a question
Moose -- No. In the dreamland where he he will accept a one-year deal for a discounted rate, yes, but he and his agent will ask for two years and a king's ranson. no way in heck the Yankees should do that. It's time to move on people.

Other players who are worthless and need to go are A-Rod, Betimit and Ponson. I still can't believe the Yankees were dumb enough to not let this choke artist walk. What were they thinking?? He kills our offense, except on days when we're losing 8 to 2 or up by six runs or more. He's such a liability in the middle of the lineup and I'm sick of fans defending him.

As for the outfield. that is a tough one. Personally, I would like to see Nady, Gardner and a new right fielder, not sure who. a right-handed bat. as for DH, pick between Damon and Matsui and get rid of the guy you don't choose. They are redundant.

Just logged back on and caught you reply JDubs. Only problem is, you are one of the many clueless snapperheads that are more concerned with insulting than actually reading or having a clue.

Great that you found Yankees bleacher seats for $80 on stub hub. However....you said this earlier:

"I am glad I am not a yankee fan because if they are at 180 million on the payroll and luxury tax is 225 million, let me say I will watch from home instead of paying 80 bucks for a bleacher seat".

What you are trying to point out it that the bleacher seats are $80 because of the high payroll. I informed you that the seats were $15 the dozen times I went this year. The reason why they are now $80 on StubHub is because THEY ARE CLOSING THE STADIUM. I guess you missed the memo. DUH!

As for BJsGiver - If all you do is come on here to insult the Yankees and their fans...why bother? Are you that sad of a little boy you have nothing better to do than agitate? Go to your OWN teams board and chat about THEIR team for next year.

Well I say they give pettie a 1yr deal nd mosse to if he get 20 wins he deserves it anyway because without him we're would the yankees be let giambi go yes that means no first baseman idk about tex because the angels look like the want him so idk what other 1b are going to be FA but let abreau go or keep him if he goes for lower dan 16mil if not they should got after matt holladay his amazing hard out player loves baseball and should got after c.c or roy holiday if they get both let mosse go then because looks like th yankees can't beat roy anymore and pudge his great but there's not really that much playing time when jorge comes back so I see the 09 yankees starting lineup

CF johny Damon/Breat Garder/Melky/Christian
SS Derek Jeter
RF Matt Holliday
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Mark Teixeira
LF Xavier Nady
DH Hedeki Matsui
C Jorge Posada
2B Robinson Cano

Pitching Rotation
Ching Ming Wang
C.C Sabathia
Roy Holliday
Joba Chamberlin
Andy

That would be an awsome roster for manager giradi to manage if they will all stay healthy

C-posada (pudge)
1B- Texeira
2B- cano(loretta)
3B- a-rod
SS- jeter
LF- holliday
CF- nady (gardner, brown)
RF= abreu
DH-Matsui, posada,holliday

SP- sabathia
SP- wang
SP- chamberlain
SP- sheets
SP- moose or pettite

RP-rasnet
RP-ponson
RP-crus
RP-marte
RP-lyon
CP-rivera

trade to rockies:
melky
kennedy
hughes

to yanks:
holliday

sexy line up right there, i could imagine them blowing out their opponenets night and night out.

I already created a post about this a couple of weeks ago on the free agency list, but I guess I'll also give my two cents here as well.

First off, the Yankees should resign Mussina and Pettitte. Not only have they both proven they can still pitch with success, but they also have been the only two starters this season that have remained in the rotation all season long. It's unlikely they'll sign a top line starter like CC Sabathia or Ben Sheets, so signing Mussina and Pettitte means two less spots two worry about next season.

With Wang, Mussina, Pettitte, and Chamberlain (yes, he'll be here next season)in the starting rotation, their fifth spot may be filled by Hughes or a free agent acquisition. However, if Pavano can show the Yankees he can still pitch and gives them 4 or 5 good starts the rest of this season, I wouldn't be surprised if they give him an incentive laden contract. Some people may not want to deal with the possibility that Pavano may be back, but he'll be a cheaper option than most pitchers that the Yankees believe can still throw.

In the pen, they should take the option on Marte. They like this guy, and don't let his recent woes fool you. They need this type of guy to make the pen stronger. Having a hard throwing lefty to set up Mariano will pay dividends in the upcoming season.

In the offense, they should dump Giambi, Abreu, and Ivan Rodriguez. Giambi is more of a liability nowadays, and he's definitely not worth $22 million at this point of his career. It'd be better to go after a younger, more durable player such as Teixeira. Not many teams are in the hunt for a first basemen, so this is a good time for the Yankees to upgrade defensively while maintaining a potent offense at first. Nady should be taking over the duties as the everyday right fielder, and the Yankees definitely loathe the idea of Damon starting at center field. Since there is no room for Abreu, the best choice would be to save their money and let him go. Posada should be coming back as the everyday catcher, and it doesn't make much sense to have two 37 year old catchers on the same roster. The Yankees have a good enough offense to survive in the case that Posada reinjures himself.

Summarizing my points, the Yankees should keep their ol' reliables in the pitching staff and get younger on the field. No matter the case, this should be a very interesting offseason for the Yankees.

"trade to rockies: melky, kennedy, hughes

to yanks: holliday"

Felix... That HAS to be a joke. The only one of value in there is Hughes and considering he's had 2 big injuries over the last 2 seasons, he has to be considered a little scary. Meanwhile, outside of New York, Melky is considered simply average. As for Kennedy.. he has a ceiling of a #5 pitcher... if he didn't come up through the yankee farm system every yankee fan would scream at Girardi for putting him on the mound.

And Carlosz... The yankees have the farm to nail down Holliday OR Halladay... not both unless Cano is dangled in one deal.

Ok so lets examine the trades?

Halladay- absolutley the Blue Jays would trade their number #1 starter to a rival team they face upwards of 23+ times, with a chance of facing his horrific stuff 5-6 times. Of course why not.

Holliday- sure the Rockies can trade the reigning MVP, top 3-4 in this years race for AJAX, Montero, and say Hughes.

For all you ignorant yankees fans, MELKY is not a tradeable commodity, he got demoted to Triple AAA, I would not give you Paul Bako for him.

For the worst post I have read, saying Betemit could be traded...THAT has to be a joke.

The people whom want to pick up RP- you have veras, ramirez, robertson, and melancon should get the call up next year. Marte has a 6 MM option. So RP is not a need!

Your 1B option should be a Mike Jacobs type in a TRADE, not just throwing money at a 24MM guy just because you think that is how you always did it. Hank said I want to cut payroll, so DEAL WITH it.

JJyankeesfan to respond to your post. Actually since June the tickets have been outlandish, but the point I was pointing out is with a 225 MM payroll,and a new stadium the tickets are already through the roof.

The problem with MLBtraderumors.com posting this article is it make Max Kellerman type fans come on to comments and tell us that they will get Sheets, Sabathia, Tex, and may now even trade for Holliday.

jdubs -

First of all, Holliday is NOT the reigning MVP, it's Jimmy Rollins. Holliday was runner-up.

Secondly, Melky is most DEFINITELY a tradeable commodity. He's still only 23 years old, a switch hitter, a great outfield who has already led the league in throwing out runners and can run. Saying a guy like that has no trade value at 23 is clueless on your part....just as the Paul Bako comment. Will he be a superstar? No. However, a realistic future projection of .280 17 80 20sb as a switch hitter with a great arm doesn't suck either.

Thirdly, like I already said, the ticket prices aren't as such at the moment to support the new stadium or because of the payroll. Stub Hub is basically a scalper...and the prices are what they are because they are CLOSING the most storied baseball stadium in US history...and many people wanna see the final games.

Finally, while you are correct that there are plenty of nit wits who come on here and say that the Yankees will get CC, Sheets, Holliday, Tex, KRod, etc for next year...that does not give TROLLS the right to come on here with an attitude telling everyone how big an a-hole they are. It's a Yankees chat....for Yankees fans. You don't like the Yankees and think some of the fans are delusional, go to your own teams board and chat about it. Unfortunately for intelligent Yankees fans, we are more than tired of having to wade thru 500 posts a day from total morons who have nothing but insults and BS to spout out....just because it's the Yankees.

2009 YANKEES ROSTER

Johnny Damon-CF
Derek Jeter-SS
Bobby Abreu-RF
Alex Rodriguez-3B
Manny Ramirez-DH
Mark Teixiera-1B
Xavier Nady-Hideki Matsui-LF
Jorge Posada-C
Robinson Cano-2B

CC Sabathia
Chein- Ming Wang
Andy Pettite
Joba Chamberlain
Mike Mussina

Ok JJYankees, hate to break it to YOU

BUt.....every scout and radio analysis is THE Melk Man is a 4th outfielder. 17 HRs, he has not hit 10 yet. So his future projects to have better stats then he has had ever before, ok makes sense....he has 3 full years as the NY Yankees CF and has been demoted. His trade value is beyond diminished. Once again Paul Bako for Melky, maybe.

BY THE WAY, this is a prominent site for trades, rumors, and new....NOT YOUR BOARD

I could care less if it was the yankees or Royals, just think ignorance is amazing from you people.

I am 25 yrs old, and yankees fans will still bring up how many championships that they won in 1950s and 60s.

Had a great run in the late 90s and that is positive but you need to move on.

jdubs

I hate to break it to YOU...but there isn't a scout alive to declare that a 23 year old kid has fully reached his power potential! LOL It's common sense dude, let alone baseball 101.

Melky has averaged .275 8 70 13sb the two previous years...and that was at 21 and 22. There is no reason to think as his baseball skills mature and his body gets stronger that he can't hit a few more dongs and steal a few more bases...this years set back aside.

As for the so-called "ignorance" from the Yankees fans...if you don't like it, don't come here. You won't be missed. It'll be one less kid who thinks he knows everything but has to be corrected at least five times in every convo. You didn't even know who the freakin NL MVP was last year! lol

Finally, it's sad that your entire generation only knows how to live for the day. The Yankees have been to 6 of the last 12 World Series and won 4! They have been to 13 straight playoffs and are the winningist sports franchise in history. It is what is it is...and it's nothing but jealously for other "fans" to come to a Yankees chat with a "what have you done lately" attitude...when their team has won maybe twice in 90 freakin years.

So I'm jealous because I think the yankees and the majority of their armchair wielding fans are ridiculous?

Anyone else find it slightly ironic that 3 posts above JJ's tirade sits yet another ridiculous yankee proposal?

Something about...if the shoe fits...wear it...

First off, JJ, this is not a Yankees chat; it's a forum for ALL baseball fans to express their opinions. In this case, the subject happens to be the Yankees- specifically how they will spend over the off-season. Since they are the single highest revenue team in baseball, that effects EVERY OTHER team and THEIR fans.

The Yanks do have the greatest legacy in sports. No doubt. JDubs is right in that the bulk of the club's success is ancient history. Baseball is ABOUT history, though, so... Furthermore, JJ has a point about the organization's recent run of success. No, they haven't won a WS in a while, but it's only because they ARE the Yankees that it's even brought up! Virtually EVERY other team in baseball has gone as long or longer without a title. The problem with JJs argument is that, like so many Yankee fans, he uses that truth as a weapon and then has the nerve to claim that other fans' vitriol is a matter of 'jealousy!' HA!

JJ, the reason that fans of other teams hate the Yankees and their fans so much has little to do with jealousy and more to do with the way Yankees fans arrogantly flaunt the success they've inherited or hopped on the bandwagon to enjoy. If you are, like most of the fans on this site, in that 35 and under age range, you're standing on the shoulders of history and Yankee fandom was either passed down to you as a birthright or chosen. Either way, there's a claim to titles you neither saw nor had any (rooting) part in.

Then there's the typical New Yawk bluster; throwing those titles in the faces of those who did not take such an easy route. It takes a certain breed to choose the 'favorites' in a showdown; the same breed that grew up as either the popular jock a-hole in high school or the sycophant who took his coat (more the latter, since it's a viewer's role and not an active participant's). Notice how they don't make movies about either? It's because everyone else hates them.

Furthermore, Yanks fans- even the best of them, it seems- feel they're ENTITLED to the championships; to the high revenue stream and pricey free agents. There's never a sense of gratitude or joy for having had good fortune and success, but rather an expectation therefore and the gluttony for more.

And let me tell you, some of my best friends are Yankees fans and they're the same f-ing way. Having gone to school in the city and spent a huge part of my adult life living in, what truly is, the greatest city on earth, I've had to endure Yankee fans constantly over the years. They're great people for the most part, but S*$@%y fans!

This is insane. All teams have some fans that make some outlandish trade ideas out there, doesn't mean all fans of that team are that bad. But you tent to hear more of them about the teams with a larger fan base (yankees, red sox, cubs, ect.) I think we all want the best for the teams we support, but sometimes that borders on the edge of insanity.
JJyankeesfan2 you have to realize that Melky is not going to be a major upgrade over what most teams can place in the outfield, but he does have trade value, since there are other that are in dire need of outfielders (padres). He has value, just not in the package that was described above.
Jdubs, its true the yankees are not going to sign all of these free agents. But that does not mean they are going to cut payroll. If you are wondering what the price of a bleacher sear at Yankee Stadium without stubhub, its 14 dollars. The problem is they are all sold out except on stubhub. To be fair the same can be said about the Red Sox, their bleachers seat are 26 dollars, but much more on stubhub.

...which is why it's going to be soooooo sweet when CC signs elsewhere this winter. (And I'll go so far as to guarantee he doesn't wear pinstripes next year).

I'm betting on CC staying in Milwaukee. They have over 20M coming off the books with Sheets and Gagne saying bye-bye. I know that ignores the rising cost on players like Fielder, but haven't there been rumors of moving Fielder and having Gamel take over first? Anyway, I think they'll make more than just a good faith effort to retain him. a CC/Gallardo/Parra 1-2-3 has the future written all over it.

First off gentleman, I am not one of the many many kids that are on this site. (although I wish I was of course! hahahaha) I was around with the Yankees for the good times and the bad. That being said, I DO have a problem with the many guys on this board who claim that what the Yankees have done is "ancient history". It's sad that for 20-25 year olds being in 6 of the last 12 World Series and winning 4 is "ancient history"....but a team like the Red Sox are all world because they won 2 in 90 freakin years. Sorry, doesn't work that way.

Are there Yankees fans that have unrealistic expectations in regards to trades, free agent signings and free spending? Absolutely! Do they propose ridiculous moves for the team? Absolutely! Do fans of almost every other team do the same thing? Absolutely!

The difference is for one, YES...there IS a jealousy factor...and if you don't think so, you're not paying attention. ANY fan of ANY other team would LOVE to have an owner like Big George who would be willing to trade his own mother...or overspend for whomever makes the team better. EVERY FAN. Only a select few teams have those type of pockets and that philosophy. Secondly, the Yankees DO have the richest history and are the winningist sports franchise of all time...so naturally, there are plenty of "Yankee haters" that will come on here after every game and spout off any rude comment they can! Lastly, Yankees fans have come to expect greatness and free-spending because THEY THEMSELVES are free spending. It's simple econ 101 people....if you pack the stands every game...buy the jersey's...watch the cable network, etc there will be money to spend. You guys that are fans of a team that draws 20,000 a night WON'T ever have the money to "expect" certain free agent signings because your team doesn't draw enough revenue to afford them....and therefore, your fans will always be pissed off at fans at the Yankees & Sox because they CAN!

You can go to Yankee Stadium on a Wednesday night when they play the Royals and it's sold out. You have a fan base that spends that kind of money and an owner that does anything to win...and yes, you DO expect to land great free agents. Baseball is business gentleman.

AIRMAN SD - Melky turned 24 last week. Anyone trading for him is doing for his POTENTIAL. He has plenty of tools...he needs to mature as a player and as a person.

Light hitting centerfielders with above average defense have a place on a team like NY, who can afford to sacrifice the offense because 200 million ensures it comes from other positions. Melky is not "valuable" to any other organization, he'd be filler in any trade for a premier player.

Frankly, I'm shocked JJ is so damn offended by the lack of respect shown towards his team. HIs arrogance does little to combat it, but I suppose that doesn't really matter.

Get over it man, some of us don't like your team and it isn't because we're jealous of George Steinbrenner. Perhaps if you sat back and read your own posts you'd see the kind of arrogance seeping through that annoys non yankee fans.

I'd also say there is a difference between an expectation to "land great free agents" and assuming NY will sign Tex, Manny and CC.

I hope you see that.

Bring back Abreu for 2-3 years. Give Pettitte a 1-year deal and see what he does with it. Drop Giambi, I-Rod and Carl Pavano. Go after CC Sabbathia for what ever he wants. Make a run for Mark Texiexra and if they cant get him go for Doug Mientkicz or someone else. Try to sign A.J Burnett or Ben Sheets, and if they cant get one of them give Mussina a 1 year deal or go to the farm. For the pen sign Damaso Marte to a 2 year deal.

2009 Team Roster

1.Wang
2.Sabbathia
3.Joba
4.Pettitte
5.Mussina or Farm Player

1.Derek Jeter SS
2.Johnny Damon DH
3.Bobby Abreu RF
4.Alex Rodriguez 3B
5.Mark Texiexra 1B
6.Xaiver Nady LF
7.Jorge Posada C
8.Robinson Cano 2B
9.Melky Cabrera,Brett Gardner, Austin Jackson CF

Bull Pen:

1.Edwar Ramierz
2.Damaso Marte
3.David Robertson
4.Mariano Rivera CP
5.Dan Giese
6.Jose Veras
7.Phil Hughes

Bench:

1.Hideki Matsui DH
2.Jose Molina C
3.Wilson Betemit IF
4.Brett Gardner,Melky Cabrera or Austin Jackson OF

P.S for the #5 spot in the rotation add A.J Burnett or Ben Sheets with Mussina.

The Yankees Next year should look Like this.

Lineup

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Texiera 1B
A-Rod 3B
Nady RF
Posada C
Matsui DH
Cano 2B
Melky starting the year CF
with Austin Jackson taking over by July.

Rotation
C.C.
Wang
Joba
Petitte
Hughes

Bullpen

Edwar Ramierz
Damaso Marte
David Robertson
Mariano Rivera
Dan Giese
Jose Veras
Mark Melacon
W/ apperances from Alan Horne, Kennady, and Accevado.

Bench

Garnder
Betemit
Molina
Cody Ransom

BTW I wouldn't mind trading Matsui, signing Manny, not signing Tex nd signing Nomar to.

That would look like this

Lineup

Damon LF
Jeter SS
Manny DH
A-Rod 3B
Nady RF
Posada C
Nomar 1B
Cano 2B
Melky starting the year CF
with Austin Jackson taking over by July.

Rotation
C.C.
Wang
Joba
Petitte
Hughes

Bullpen

Edwar Ramierz
Damaso Marte
David Robertson
Mariano Rivera
Dan Giese
Jose Veras
Mark Melacon
W/ apperances from Alan Horne, Kennady, and Accevado.

Bench

Garnder
Betemit
Molina
Cody Ransom

The yanks should bring back abreu and either moose or pettite. The yanks should trade matsui to say the dodgers to take mannys spot. Then they could pick up manny and 2 pitchers from free agency, maybe pass on CC cuz hes going to want alot of money and pick up Sheets and Garland.

Line-up
Damon LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
A-Rod 3B
Manny DH
Posada C
Nady 1B
Cano 2B
Cabrera/Gardener/Jackson CF

Rotation
Wang
Sheets
Garland
Mussina/Pettite
Hughes

Put Joba back in the pen to take over as future closer and trade Kennedy for anything they can get for him.

Well I think they should get matt from the rockies nd seing sheets nd aj and seing tex so let giambi go nd abreu and pudge to cus his not going to play a lot wen jorge comes back anyway and others it will be 90 millions of that's enough money for those three soo am looking at yankees signing pettite matt holiday aj burnet ben sheets and mark texieira

2009 yankees starting lineup

CF Johnny Damon
SS Derek Jeter
RF Matt Holiday
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Mark Tex(don't noe it lol)
DH Hedeki Matsui
LF Xavier Nady
C Jorge Posada
2B Robinson Cano

Starting Rotation

Ching Ming Wang
Ben Sheets
A.J Burnett
Joba Chamberlin
Andy Pettite

Is different from the one I posted before =)

Winning is all about pitching, we've learned that the hard way.

2009 Rotation:
CC Sabathia
Ching Ming-Wang
AJ Burnett
Joba Chamberlain
Mike Mussina

Let Abreu, Giambi, Pettitte, Pavano and Pudge walk. Nady can take over in right. Damon can play left. use any of Kennedy, Melky, and Matsui to get a CF or !st baseman