Heyman Predicts '09 Options

The Wakefield Option, it should be in the dictionary, its really original to baseball, what a guy. i do wonder how long he plans to continue on, if hes trying to set some kind of standard and pitch till hes 50, although those nagging injuries are starting to pile up year after year

I disagree about Blalock. With all of the healthy infield options that the Rangers have, they might think it cheaper to cut Blalock loose and let another team try and deal with his degrading shoulder.

I think the Yanks' will exercise Marte's option. Having him for one year at $6M is better than the alternatives, say Fuentes for 4/40 or Ohman at 3/12.

Yanks should exercise Marte's option so they can put another good lefty in the "pen" for the next year.

The Lackey and Guerrero options are no-brainers, however, the Angels would be stupid to bring back Garret Anderson, even at a lesser price.
If they resign Mark Teixeira, Kendry Morales could very easily slide into the LF/RF/DH role and give you the same amount of production, if not better. The same goes for Juan Rivera, who's shown that he's a valuable piece to the Angels.
Both players are younger, cheaper and better than Anderson. If you take sentimental value out of the equation, this should be a no-brainer as well.

"Yanks should exercise Marte's option so they can put another good lefty in the "pen" for the next year."

Who is this good lefty you speak of cause it surely isn't Marte?

I doubt that the Yankees have made a decision on either Marte or Giambi yet. If Marte were a righty, I'd say there would be no chance they'd pick up his option at $6MM. They have been looking for years for an effective lefty though and the bullpen could use at least one veteran ahead of Mo. He's been pretty ineffective as a Yankee but i think its been mostly do to a dead arm after pitching a multiple inning, 42 pitch appearance. If he's no more effective than he's been, they probably let him walk. If he pitches better (and he looked pretty good in his last appearance), they probably exercise the option.

Giambi is a tougher case. The option is clearly above market and will be bought out. I don't agree with Heyman though that it means they automatically let him walk and go after Texiera. The Yankees do need to get younger, but they need to get younger at the skill positions not at 1B. I don't see them wanting to commit to a long term expensive contract with Texeira when they are going to have to transition Posada to 1B or DH at some point before his contract runs out. They also have a young masher, Jesus Montero, in the low minors who is a catcher but may eventually out grow the position. I'd imagine they want to keep the position open a few years out and find a stopgap solution. If Giambi is willing to come back for a reasonable, one year contract, I think the Yankees would give it serious consideration. I don't really see a lot of other short term options that are a lot better than him.

I completely disagree about bringing Blalock back. He hasn't been healthy or productive since 2005 so why would they waste 6 mil on a guy they HOPE is gonna be healthy. Plus too they're not even sure if he can consistently play 3rd base everyday. They have a 23 year old kid in Joaquin Arias who is ready and just waiting for a spot to play. If they let Hank walk then Arias can play and they have an extra 6 mil to pay towards a starting pitcher.

Does any know the details on Jim Thomes vesting option for '09?