Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Teixeira

Ok, this whole Mark Teixiera deal is becoming so over-blown, its becoming stupid and annoying now.

He's with the Yanks now, it wasnt about the money (since the Nationals offered him more money), and its a done deal. People need to get over it already and stop their complaining about a salary cap, the yanks spending, etc. If the Orioles, Nationals, Angels, or Red Sox got this guy, you wouldnt be hearing this crap right now.

Plus I love how everyone loves to hate the Yanks spending the money they actually have. Put urself in the situation. Lets say you had good baseball skills and teams were fighting over you. Bottom line (putting you personal favorite team bias aside), you would sign on the dotted line if someone offerd you $180M.

Everyone is jumping on the yanks for spending the money they actually have, trying to better themselves, and buying their way into the WS, etc. THE SEASON HASNT STARTED YET!!! You know injuries will happen, trades will happen, and it takes more than money to win. Just let all 30 teams do what they want, and save your BS complaining for when the season is already passed the all-star break and you can see some results.

I agree YanksFan, all this talk about a salary cap is illogical. Nothing has changed between last season and this season in terms of payroll for the Yankees. In fact the current payroll is less than what it was last season. Don't tell me that if every other team out there had the same money the Yankees do they wouldn't spend it on the best players on the market. I didn't see all these teams and GMs make such a fuss last winter over the Yankee signings.

As a Red Sox fan, the Yankees' offseason shopping spree doesn't bother me too much. Sabathia has never pitched well in the postseason, Burnett was a bust for the Jays up until his opt-out year, and Teixiera, with the exception of last years one round and out with the Angels has never helped lead a team to the postseason.

The Yankees have made some big signings in the last 8 years, and none have put them over the top to win a World Series. They still have a glut of mediocre outfielders, an aging catcher, closer and shortstop, and very little homegrown and developed talent.

The Red Sox have payroll flexibility to add another big contract and the young talent to get a trade done (like Jake Peavy or the like). The Yankees haven't won anything yet.

Yes, as crazy as it sounds, the Yanks have less salary right now than in '08 because of the contracts that came off the books this offseason.

"He's with the Yanks now, it wasnt about the money (since the Nationals offered him more money), and its a done deal."

Maybe Tex turned down more upfront. He will make more than the 5 million the Nats offered over the Yanks with possible playoff bonuses and media opportunities that come with being a Yankee. More money than he would make as a National in the long run. It could be said IT WAS about the money.

Anyway, I agree. The fallout is getting annoying already. But that goes with wherever he signed, it's part of the 'whoopla' of a mega deal. He is a Yankee. Salary caps are not coming soon. Let's get back to discussions on where Lowe, Bradley, Abreu, Dunn and others go next.

Posted by: studio179 | December 26, 2008 at 02:27 PM

A week ago people were pointing out more money from NY doesn't mean more salary because of tax-differentials.

Now postseason appearances and endorsements make less money from NY more than from other teams.

What is it?

As a Red Sox fan, the Yankees' offseason shopping spree doesn't bother me too much. Sabathia has never pitched well in the postseason, Burnett was a bust for the Jays up until his opt-out year, and Teixiera, with the exception of last years one round and out with the Angels has never helped lead a team to the postseason.

The Yankees have made some big signings in the last 8 years, and none have put them over the top to win a World Series. They still have a glut of mediocre outfielders, an aging catcher, closer and shortstop, and very little homegrown and developed talent.

The Red Sox have payroll flexibility to add another big contract and the young talent to get a trade done (like Jake Peavy or the like). The Yankees haven't won anything yet.

Posted by: Gstill45 | December 26, 2008 at 02:24 PM

Very little homegrown talent? As of now 3/5 of their starting rotation, their closer and the majority of their bullpen, as well as their C, 2B, SS, and CF are all developed by the Yankees. How many other teams can claim that.

And, for the third year in a row, BA and BP BOTH rank the Yanks as a top 10 farm system.

I guess Bruney's so nice I had to name him twice.

Also, stop with this "yanks havent won in 8 years because all they do is buy free agents). Any team that's good enough to make it to the playoffs is good enough to win a world series. In the last eight years they made 7 post-season appearance and 2 ws appearances. Any shortcomings are due to under performances by the players on the field and not some idiotic notion that you can't win with Fa's. The talent was their they just didn't finish the job.

"And, for the third year in a row, BA and BP BOTH rank the Yanks as a top 10 farm system"

Thats just cause they are trying to save some money. The cost of their servers crashing every 10 minutes from belligerent idiots screaming about how underrated Phil Coke is would ruin them.

Yeah really. I think Arod is good at third for another 3 or 4 years. he can DH after that. Why are people pushing the old guys to 1b? DH is the most logical place. My worry is for Jeter. He should probably be moved from SS in the next 2 years but to where? LF I think makes the most since I guess.

"A week ago people were pointing out more money from NY doesn't mean more salary because of tax-differentials.

Now postseason appearances and endorsements make less money from NY more than from other teams.

What is it?"

It's the second option. The first was made up by Milwaukee fans trying to claim that $100m/5 was better than $140m/6, and was backed up by really shoddy accounting.

Backing that up required making a huge list of assumptions that really didn't make sense and a lot of fudging of numbers.

Lot's of indignant Red Sox fans with some pretty shady reasoning why they don't care that the Yankees got the prize of the offseason that they themselves now say they didn't want anyway. In trying to rationalize the situation they're really showing their disgust and anger at the Yankees. It's really an immature thing. The Yankees did absolutely nothing wrong, in fact they played the whole situation brilliantly. I would think that a realistic Red Sox fan could be able to tip their cap at the Yankees for the way handled themselves. As for the rest of Red Sox nation, instead of crying sour grapes just go root for your team.

Sully Baseball: "All the Yankees have bought are more stars who have never played for a big market before and have no idea how big the expectations are."

Really? L.A. isn't a large market? Sabathia and Burnett have never performed well in N.Y., they don't know anything about N.Y. even though their teams have been playing there regularly since they've been in the league.

Sounds like someone doesn't know anything about sample sizes or major league schedules. Or, it could just be more immature sour grapes. I'm not sure which....

I understand that the Yankees have shed payroll, and that this year their payroll will most likely be lower than last year's, but look at the rapid pace they are building it up. The Yankees built up to that 200+ payroll over eight years of contracts. In the past two years their spending has increased to a point where if they continue this pattern they will be well over 250 mill in 3 or so years. Over $400 mill in one offseason, and $1 Billion is a lot for a 13 month period. I think the Yankees will be unbelievable this year, but they are not looking at the long term problems these contracts could pose.

I understand that the Yankees have shed payroll, and that this year their payroll will most likely be lower than last year's, but look at the rapid pace they are building it up. The Yankees built up to that 200+ payroll over eight years of contracts. In the past two years their spending has increased to a point where if they continue this pattern they will be well over 250 mill in 3 or so years. Over $400 mill in one offseason, and $1 Billion is a lot for a 13 month period. I think the Yankees will be unbelievable this year, but they are not looking at the long term problems these contracts could pose.
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Who cares about the total amount? It's not going to handcuff us? What would Boston due if the contracts of Beckett, Dice-k, Schilling, Drew, Youkilis and 2 or 3 other players ended the same year?

The Yanks had to replace 3 SP, starting LF and starting 1b all in 1 winter. You tell me what would be your costs if you had to replace/resign those guys on the open market w/ other teams after them? And don't tell me that you would look w/in because there's no way Boston, w/ all their recources, would go w/

Lester
Wakefield
Buccholz
Masterson
Bowden

Lars Anderson -1b
Jason Reddick -OF

....all at once.

"
Yeah, worry about a first ballot hall of famer, who continues to play hard every day, get on base almost all the time, keep a batting average over .300+ every year, and is still ranked in the top 5 shortstops in every single ranking system. Lets worry about him"

The question is his glove. It is awful. It took a huge leap up last year and it was still a negative.

Oh and nobody gets on base "almost all the time" not even '01-'04 Bonds.

MVPPedroia: I think people are not really looking at how things can play out. Cash has done a good job of forward thinking. The only player/position I'm concerned with is SS/Jeter.

Assuming this is how the 2009 opening day line-up looks:

1b-Tex
2b-Cano
Ss-Jeter
3b-Arod
C-Posada
Lf-Damon
Cf-Melky/Gardner
Rf-Nady
DH-Matsui
10th Man-Swisher

Winter of 09:

Damon, Matsui and Nady walk (30 mil off the books).

option #1- If Posada's not working out @ C then you can go after Bengie Molina on a short term deal (2 years) and resign Jose Molina as a back up. Meanwhile you move Posada to DH and hope that Montero (19) or Romine (20) are ready to take over when Molina's contract ends (est 2011).

option #2- Sign one of Coco Crisp (8 mil option), Bay (RF), Crawford (10 mil option), Ordonez (15 mil option), or Vlad. Move Swisher to LF/RF and you have options in center (Gardner/Melky/AJackson). I would avoid Hollday as he would command a huge multi-year deal and I don't feel like hearing the same emails b*tchin' about how much we spend next year.

option 3- Sign SS's Cosby or K. Green next year and slide Jeter to either Lf or DH (not the best spot for him but who knows .300/15 hrs/70 rbis ??)

2009 Minor League Player to watch out for: Austin Jackson and Mark Melcanon (closer)

Winter of 2010: Jeter and Rivera's contract expire (36 mil coming off).

option 1- Sign Jeter to an extension.

option 2- Mariano likely retires. Mark Melcanon possible replacement?? Velvarde and Putz are FA closers.

option 3- Joe Mauer is a FA. Move Posada to C and keep Jeter at SS.

winter 2011: Posada's contract expires, likely to retire. (15 mil off the books)

options: Montero or ROmine come in to replace Posada. If not then Victor Martinez or Dioner Navarro will be available.

The Yanks have lot's of flexibility to improve their team in the future.

people who arod wont b at third base 4 a while is a joke. he has a canon along with very good athleticism. i dont c any signs of him slowing down in the field. he is only getting better at 3rd. sure he is alittle uncertain in the field at times but 2 say he can only play first is a joke unless looking 4 yrs ahead. he is also in excellent shape and i believe his work ethic will not drop off

Can't believe Sox fans are still crying about this. I tell you most if not all (except Massarotti) just does not get it.

The Boston RedSox dropped the ball in the 11th hour. They absolutely could have gotten him. Texeria sized up Theo and Henry. Not a first from players. That is interesting in itself.

Lastly, the ignorance is actually unbearable.

"Red Sox Fan from Pinstripe Territory is not worried, saying the Yankees are just trying to "buy second place."

Huh? didn't Boston finish second this year? so what does that mean.

Um..our (Yankee) season was incomparison to past seasons horrible and we still won 89 games, right on your coat tails.

Enough said..

milehigh wrote:

They HAVEN'T broke any rules! Somehow, what they've done is perfectly acceptable! THAT is ridiculous. Because- again- the letter of the 'law' may not find anything wrong with the modern game's absence of parity, the spirit of sport's law of competition DOES demonstrate that something is amiss.
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Again, I must stress this issue. I would not fault any team that lost:

3 Starting Pitchers
1 Stating LF
1 Starting 1B

Whether they replaced those players thru trades or free agency is irrelevant. What are they suppose to do? Not replace players they lost? And they did so by reinvesting money that was coming off the books. It's not like the payroll was 2008 and we just bumped it up to 285 mil.

Secondly, how could you possible say there's no parity in baseball?

2000-Yankees
2001-D'backs
2002-Angels
2003-Marlins
2004-Red Sox
2005-White Sox
2006-Cardinals
2007-Red Sox
2008-Rays

That's the very definition of parity; more so than in the NFL, NBA and NHL

NFL

2000-Rams
2001-Ravens
2002-New Engalnd
2003-Tampa
2004-New England
2005-New Engalnd
2006-Pittsburgh
2007-Colts
2008-Giants

NBA

2000-Lakers
2001-Lakers
2002-Lakers
2003-San Antonio
2004-Detroit
2005-San Antonio
2006-Miami
2007-San Antonio
2008-Boston

NHL

2000-Devils
2001-Colorado
2002-Detroit
2003-Devils
2004-Tampa
2005-Strike Season
2006-Carolina
2007-Anaheim
2008-Detroit

MLB-8 different champs in 9 years

MLB-8 different champs in 9 years

NFL-7 different champs in 9 years

NBA-4 different champs in 9 years (and only 3 different champs in the 90's decade)

NHL-6 different champs in 9 years.

Baseball has more parity than any of the sports w/ salary caps. As people point out so often having 200 mil doesn't guarantee us anything. Furthermore people are acting as if the Yanks just signed all 150 FA in the market. There are plenty of great players available for the other teams to invest in if they feel inclined.

I'd really like to see where the 100 mil in revenue sharing devoted to the smaller market teams actually goes to. In my understanding the money is suppose to be used to improve the talent on the field.

I am glad there is all this talk of a salary cap. Hopefully some of these owners will start to speak up and push for one. Every other major sport has a cap and there is no reason why there shouldn't be one in baseball. Owners just have to be prepared to lose a season like Hockey did.

Small market teams like the Royals and Pirates can't have payrolls like the Red Sox and Yankees. The revenue is just not there. It is like running a marathon where some people get to start an hour earlier than everyone else. It is unfair.

It is up to the fans of small market teams to stay away from baseball. I won't buy a ticket or purchase any merchandise until things change. If owners see there gate shrinking they will have to do something.

I love how Yankee fans hate the idea of a salary cap. It would mean their stupid mistakes like signing Kei Igawa would actually count for something. Small market teams would be crippled by that signing while the Yankees simply ignore it.

If a team can sustain a $40 mil payroll then maybe they don't belong in baseball? Sucks to say it like that but it's reality. Even if there were a salary cap there would definatley be a salary fllor. And I'm sorry if I'm a big market team and I'm told I have to limit how much I spend then I think we would need to elimate the revenue sharing (or at least the mlb version) as well. A team like the Marlins received 30 million and yet still cut their payroll down and put the money in their pocket. And if there is a salary floor, of let's say 70 mil which is fair, then how many small market teams can match that?

Anyone calling for a salary cap is an idiot. I have a better idea, lets shorten the season to 16 games and only played on Sundays. We re-align the teams into four divisions per league. The winner of each division goes to the playoffs, and the next two best teams go as "wild cards." We then have a "wild card weekend" where the two top teams in each league get byes. All playoff games are single elimination. Players are also required to wear shoulder pads.

Too few games? Ok, how about this, shorten the season to 82 games, the top 8 teams in each league make it to the playoffs, and play a best of 7 series. Then create a spin off league for women called the WMLB which is used to promote MLB.

Point being, MLB is not the NBA or NFL. Profit sharing is not universal, so a salary cap would never work. And who cares if one team spends more than another, that is what is unique about baseball. The DoucheRays won the AL pennant anyway with one of the lowest payrolls.