With questions along the left side of their infield, the Yankees will at least “look into” signing free-agent shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado, Jon Heyman of Fancred tweets, though he notes that adding pitching is their top priority. Joel Sherman of the New York Post doesn’t expect the Yankees to sign either Machado or free-agent outfielder Bryce Harper, writing that they’ve “never seemed infatuated with” the latter. Instead of splurging on either of them, Sherman looks for the Yankees to spread money around on their rotation, bullpen and lineup, for which they may seek a “versatile lefty bat” such as Marwin Gonzalez.
More from around the majors…
- Changes are coming to the Astros’ front office, as Sig Mejdal and Ryan Hallahan – members of their Ground Control analytics team – are leaving, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com and Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle. Their exits come on the heels of director of research and development Mike Fast’s September departure. Both Mejdal and Hallahan had been in Houston since 2012. Mejdal, a former NASA researcher, joined the Astros as a director of decision sciences. He spent part of the 2017 season as a coach at the Class-A level, interestingly enough, and held the title of special assistant to the general manager, process development in 2018. Hallahan served as the Astros’ senior technical architect.
- After a season in which the Mets’ bullpen finished 28th in the majors in both ERA (4.96) and fWAR (minus-0.6), they “expect to be active” in the relief market, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports. When it comes to finding free-agent relievers, new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen won’t have a difficult act to follow in ex-GM Sandy Alderson, Puma observes, considering the bullpen pieces the Mets signed under the latter fell well short of expectations. Anthony Swarzak, for instance, endured a brutal 2018 after inking a two-year, $14MM contract with the Mets last winter.
- Having finished last in the league in runs scored in 2018, the Marlins are focused on upgrading their offense, according to president of baseball operations Michael Hill (via Joe Frisaro of MLB.com). “We like the young starting pitching that we have, and have coming,” he said. “We like where we’re at from a pitching-depth standpoint. But we know we need to score more runs and improve our offense. I think that will be a big part of the conversations we have.” Specifically, Miami’s seeking players who can man the middle of the field, and the club’s also interested in first base help, per Frisaro.
Yankees needs to sign Machado to fix the SS and 3B hole.Especially Machado is only 26 and he is a contact hitter
What 3B hole?
SS hole is only temporary too
The hole to the left and right of Andujar. That range is Jeterian.
Jeter was the best Yankee in decades.
Andujar is 23 years old. Did you see films of Wade Boggs and Craig Nettles playing 3B at age 23. Far worse then Andujar. And dozens more.
Are you going to write like you just did for the rest of your life?
Jeter was busy polishing his gold gloves and couldn’t be reached for comment.
Wait a second……
” That range is Jeterian.”
Kid – have you seen Machado play SS?
@baldvinny isn’t the right of Andujar the foul line? Lol
A good corner infielder goes after foul balls too. Maybe you’ve never heard of that, might help to watch a baseball game.
Yup, Jeter was one of the most amazing hype jobs I’ve ever seen made of a mediocre infielder. That said, Andujar is worse. But in all honesty the Yankees DO NOT CARE. They forgo defense at all positions for bats. That’s how they want it. Gary Sanchez is the epitome of that philosophy… THAT GUY straight up SUCKS! But, he’ll be behind the dish calling bad pitches and NOT blocking balls on Opening Day. It’s what they do.
Talk about pathetic losers….the pot calling the kettle black!
Balls hit in Andujar’s zone (the range at which the average third baseman is expected to make a play) had a league average of .243 in 2018.
against Andujar the batting average on those same balls – hit in zone – was .342.
He’s a very bad third baseman.
Jeterian, haha. That’s funny.
Hold my beer -machado
Jeter is overrated. Thank god for a good glove at 1st to save his inaccurate throws.
Just because Jeter has gold gloves doesn’t mean he was a good defender. The fact that he has any shows just how much of a joke they were back in the day.
Jeter was an HOF talent who was clutch at the plate and in the field. That said, he was overrated defensively and benefitted big time by having Cano for much of the time at second.
Lmao
Palmierio just finished polishing his that he won after playing a whopping 28 games in the field. Very credible award.
Cano? He debuted in like 2006…
Kenny.. it shouldn’t have took very long. He only has the one.
So, how many of these dudes have their cell phones in one hand and searching the internet for stats on their laptops……. I am impressed by the valid statistical information on both sides of this argument.
The only stat you need. Andujar was benched in last game of the ALDS because they didn’t trust his glove at 3rd more than they trusted his bat.
No, they don’t. Machado would be a luxury, not a necessity. How do they have holes at 3B and SS? Andujar is the 3B. Unless he’s moved as part of a trade package for a high level starter he’s very likely playing 3B next year. To me it doesn’t seem that the Yankees have much interest in parting with him anyway. The hole at SS is temporary. Didi isn’t out for the full season. He got TJ surgery recently but he’s not a pitcher. Cashman has said that he could be back sometime between June and August. Didi would return with no where to play. Sure, his contract is up after next season but he’s been great for the Yankees and is well liked by the fan base. Yankees have plenty of bats, they don’t need an expensive replacement to get by, offensively they’ll survive. They can easily sign an IF much cheaper then Machado to hold down the fort at SS or 2B depending on if they move Gleyber to SS in the meantime. Seems some people don’t fullly understand and comprehend that the Yankees true need is pitching. Unless Machado or Harper are secretly great pitchers the Yankees don’t actually need them.
I’ve posted my thoughts elsewhere that the Yankees’ priorities will likely be starting pitching and I expect them to sign two including Corbin. As far as Machado or Harper, they should simply wait out the market ala Boston and JDM last year and see where it goes. I’m not expecting either to get $400m. They could also swoop in for either if the price in years and average cost drops to their liking. If Harper were to get signed, they could then shop Hicks.
Harper would be a horrible in CF. Hicks is an excellent CF and there’s no chance he’s traded regardless.
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I simply don’t get this idea that IF they sign Hicks then they could (or should) trade Hicks. If they signed Harper, Hicks would still be the ONLY CF the Yanks have (that’s factoring in that Gardner seems to be the 4th OF next year not a starter). Hicks had one of the best seasons by a CF last year. Why there’s a rush to move him is mind boggling. Any team that sticks Harper in CF will quickly regret it. He’s a corner OF. Period.
Andujar’s defense is so terrible.Yes,we don’t need Machado
If Didi is out until August they might as well nontender him. No reason to pay him 12 million for 2 months of playing.
Actually both Didi and Yanks would benefit each other by a 2 year contract to cover the final arb and first year of free agency.
How does Didi benefit from that when he can get paid to rehab this year and then get paid again next year as a free agent? If he struggles upon his return, he can sign a one year deal easily next offseason to rebuild his value. Why do it before he sees how things play out other than to benefit the Yankees?
Security: if he returns and winds up a shell of his former self, he’s locked himself into a longer term pay day.
Because they he’s open for anyone to sign and teams would jump on him.
I was thinking they should re-negotiate this off-season. Offer him $5 mil for 2019 with easy-to-reach incentives based on starts at SS or games played with a team option for 2020 for a base salary of $10 mil with another set of incentives based on games played that can end up around $15-$18 mil if achieved.. I think that’s fair for both sides.
No reason Didi can’t DH and maybe play some 1B.
Shohei Ohtani is having TJ surgery. Angels plan on DH’ing him in 2019.
It’s safe to say that the Yanks will go after a LF next year. I don’t think they want Gardner to start and I don’t think they will assume anything about Frazier’s or Ellsbury’s health or performance (in the case of Ells who’s been so removed from the field). Being that the Yanks will likely pursue a LF then that’ll force Stanton to stay as a DH (although I think he can still play the field, he’s a natural RF). Voit should be the starting 1B. Didi has never played 1B and I think it’s silly to think he could just “play some 1B”. Didi needs to wait until he’s back 100% and then take over SS again.
Because it seems a lot of yankee fans are deadset on an Andujar/Torres left side of the infield which would be nothing short of disastrous from a defensive perspective
tharrie0820;
The Yankees know that Torres cannot play a major league SS at this time. That’s why Cashman brought in Adeiny Hechavarria for the stretch run.
I don’ think Yankee fans are “deadset” on anything. Andujar is coming off a rookie season. I think ANY player has the ability to improve an aspect of their craft at age 23. Torres rated as a good glove SS. 2B is a new position for him.
I would prefer they sign a veteran SS just to have some leadership in the infield being that was a role Didi played. I would prefer they bring back Adeinys to hold SS down until Didi returns. Therefor, we maintain consistency with the younger players.
Didi is gone for the year. It’s still in his throwing arm. It’s not like it wasn’t his non-throwing arm.
Is anyone else concerned about Machado’s splits? At 10+ years and $30m+ per, I’d pass on both. Two much to allocate to either. Better to keep $$ available for the next group.
And who exactly are you waiting on in the “next group”?
Nobody of this caliber/age combo is available in the next group. That’s one of the (arguably the biggest) reasons these 2 are expected to get so much money – you’re buying out prime years, which is something you can’t say about a normal ~30 year old free agent.
I’d rather the Yankees sign Didi to a long term contract not sure if he has 1 or 2 years left but he’s my shortstop
Harper = future HOF. He is definitely worth 30-35MM/Yr for 8-12 years. 8-10 for NL 10-12 for AL
Harper is a future DH. Offensively, he is likely the next Von Hayes. He is no 30 million dollar man.
He already has more HRs than Von Hayes ever had in his career, and Harper is still only 25……
He plays in one of the most hitter friendly parks in the age of the longball – think that has anything to do with his totals?
Even so, to compare Harper to Von Hays is just comical
Sure, but using HR is about the worst way to say it
The game was so different back then, and Hayes went to college so he never had the opportunity to put up career numbers Harper has.
Is this the cross you want to die on? Von Hayes was as good as Bryce Harper? Von Hayes had a 416 SLG% in his career. He scored more than 90 runs twice in his career; Harper has already done that 4 times, with a career SLG% 100 points higher than Hayes’. Harper’s career OPS+ (which is league/era adjusted, obviously) is 139. Hayes’ was 113. They are such different players it’s a little absurd to compare them, except they both bat left handed and throw right handed and play in the outfield.
I’m going to just assume that comment was meant for Bart, as if it’s directed towards me then I can only say you need to go back and read what was actually said
There’s this thing called “google” you really should refer to it. It just amazes me how people just say anything. I’m not even a Harper fan but this is soooooo silly.
Harper has 184 career homers. 1994 PA at home. 1963 PA on the road. He has hit EXACTLY….EXACTLY… 92 homers at home and 92 homers on the road. That absolutely contradicts your inference that his power is a bi-product of a small homer friendly ballpark.
This is one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever read. I’ve seen Von Hayes in his prime. A very solid player. However, he didn’t have nearly the same power that Harper has.
Von Hayes had 2 year with 20 homers or more, peaking with a career high 26.. Harper has had 6 years including one 40+ homer season. Also, Hayes had 1 year with an elite-ish OBP year (.380 or better). Harper has had 3 already.
It’s not even a comparison that makes any sense.
I remember Von Hayes well; he was a speed and defense guy, chipped in a little with the bat. Good complementary player; his career bWAR of 29.9 puts him in the same place as guys like Mondesi, Grissom, Hunter Pence and Kevin McReynolds. I.e., useful players, not stars, not the kinds of players you build a team around. He was a good player.; Harper is going to pass Hayes in career WAR next season, at age 27.
LOL… Not close to a HOF path yet!
Not at all on either count.
If the Yanks could get Harper for 30/m for 8 years I think he’d be worth it. He’s more likely going to want 35/14. So far he’s not shown consistent elite play.
I don’t know…Harper has hit in the .240s, two of the last three years, and his strikeouts went up very significantly this year..
“Harper = future HOF.”
Harper the last 3 seasons in his absolute prime age range = 11.2 WAR, or an average of 3.7
(Since you’re a cubs fan I’ll point out:)
Over the same time Bryant has been worth 16.9 WAR, or a 5.6 average
Harper is not in his prime. Study after study has shown that most players peak around age 27. He’s entering his prime.
Prime isn’t a 1 year period, and all the studies you claim are heavily influenced by the fact most players do not even reach the majors until 23/24 so they are still adjusting to the game when they are in pre-27 seasons
But start looking at players who were playing in their teens – you will find they often produced at or above their best seasons prior to 26.
Harper is in his absolute peak right now, and as you say, might have 2 (maybe 3) more seasons of it before he starts declining
Or ten. There have been so few players of his talent who reached the majors so young that it’s almost impossible to trace the arc of his career. He could be Andruw Jones, yes; he could also be Frank Robinson, who debuted at 2o and put up HoF numbers through his age-35 season.
Willie Mays debuted three weeks after his 20th birthday. His best seasons, by far, were his age 30-35 seasons – interestingly enough, after he had lost his speed and became just a middle-of-the-order power hitter. So few players debut as young as Harper did that the comps are tricky, but there’s plenty of precedent for guys who started young peaking within the normal 27-30 age range and even later.
Numbers are also skewed because guys like Arod had some chemical assistance.
But how about we actually talk about the guys who were playing in their teens?
Griffey – 23-24 peak
Mantle – 24-25 peak
Jimmy Fox – 24-25 peak
Babe Ruth – highest OPS+ at 25
Mell Ott – 25 one of his highest OPS+ years
23-25 is absolute prime age range for players who were on the field in their teens
And what did Harper do overall between the ages of 23-25? A 11.2 WAR, or an average of 3.7 per
So what should you expect over the next 3 years? Since his production is 100% tied to his bat, something around what he was doing between 23-25 based off the other guys who were playing in their teens.
Now will he keep that mid-3 WAR going for decades or fall of the 30yo cliff? That I don’t know or really care about; all I care about is the fact he’s in absolute peak age range now and putting up merely really good numbers
Okay, I looked up Willie Mays
First thing that stands out – he didn’t play at age 21-22 (34 games total, because of the War)
Second thing that stands out? 2nd and 4th best OPS+ come at ages …you guessed it, 23-24
Similarly, Robinson sees some of his best and most consistent seasons at 24-25 – although he did have scattered spikes after
I think Harper is easily going to get to 500 homers which will put him in. Obviously he’s got a better base to work from than say, Mantle, who had a chronic bad knee and was a severe alcoholic. Mays had a tremendous post-30 career, as did many guys who came up as teenagers. Like I wrote, they’re rare enough that it’s hard to figure out a career path
I think you’re missing a valid point. Defense weighs heavy when it comes to WAR. Harper’s WAR totals are weighted down because of his poor defensive scores. However, when it comes to HOF worthiness, his glove isn’t going to keep him out of the HOF at all, unless it becomes completely abysmal.
If you look at OFF value according to fangraph Harper ranks 8th overall since his mlb debut behind only Trout, Goldschmidt, Cabrera, Votto, McCutchen, Stanton and Freeman. Not elite-ish like Trout over that period but absolutely at a perennial all-star level.
Now based upon the fact that he hasn’t CONSISTENTLY posted elite level WAR (8 or better imo) to me, mean’s he shouldn’t see anywhere near a $400 mil contract. But I think something in the $30-$35 mil isn’t absurd to imagine. I would be ok if the Yanks signed him to something in the 8/$240-8/$270 range with maybe some vesting options for a 9th and 10th year.
It’s so funny how people are like, he’s not going to get it, or he doesn’t deserve it. It’s supply and demand. There’s only 2 26 year old Phenoms available for highest bidder. Both have been awesome last 4 years and both will get paid handsomely. Hopefully, the DH comes to the NL. I’m tired of fighting the good fight that is Pitchers swinging the bat.
Can’t wait to see the DH get removed from the American League, because the reality is, if you hit, you field your position and vice versa.
Never going to happen. The DH is here to stay. The players union is pushing with the players to bring the DH to the National League. Give it 3 years before it happens.
DH will be in the NL in the next 6 seasons!
Fact
I wish the DH would come to the NL. I know people preach about strategy of NL pitcher decisions, and how it enhances the game.
I honestly get that, but it’s absolutely insufferable watching a pitcher try to hit. 95 out of 100 are a strikeout, almost every time.
Just bring a professional hitter in the game, and call it a day.
Sure let’s F up the NL just like the AL.
Werd!
Fact? Facts are a piece of information used as evidence or as part of a report or news article. They tend to have a basis. Where or where can you find me any information that shows in the next six seasons (heck, I’ll give you ten) that the NL will institute the DH rule?
I do not understand for the life of me why people are pushing for the DH. If you love the DH, follow the American League. If you love real baseball, follow the NL. Oh, and if you want me to show facts for why the NL is real baseball I’ll happily provide reasoning, articles, reports, or just tell you because it’s the way baseball was written.
Not gonna happen. Period
Don’t hold your breath
Yeah because watching a pitcher hit is soooo exciting.
The only thing I agree with is the DH thing. It’s painful watching pitchers hit and there’s nothing more lame in the game.
Nothing more boring in baseball than watching intentional walks to get to a pitcher and watch him flail away 3 times and then walk back to the dugout.
I love how people against the DH in the NL always say they want “complete” players that don’t just hit. to which I reply….pitchers can’t hit, so wouldn’t they be “incomplete” players also?
They’ve each had less than “awesome” seasons in the last couple of years. Still amazingly great talents but the on-field elite performance hasn’t shown up year in year out.
Here are the facts about Jose reyes the virus 1) 2007 and 2008 biggest collapses in MLB history Reyes hit under 200 during both collapses and made everyone lose focus and urgency. 2) the blue Jays were under 500 with Reyes then they got rid of him and they started to win and went to the ALCS 2 years in a row 3)Rockies got 16 games worse after they acquired Reyes 4)The Marlins got rid of Reyes in the first year of a 5 year contract 5)2017 mets underachieving disaster 22 games under 500 with Reyes 6)2018 once again disaster, overall 30 games under 500 since Reyes returned. 7)last game Shea stadium history loss with Reyes. First game citi field history loss with Reyes. Reyes is the rare athlete that infects guys around him his laughing and overall personality doesn’t allow guys to have the right mindset to perform at their highest capabilities which is why the biggest collapses in history happened with Reyes . it’s been 2 decades of the same disaster result. Mets were in the World Series in 2015 before he showed up
I’m trying to figure out if you are a serial killer or writer for the Transformers movies.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Nah I actually understood the plot in that post.
How about the 2006 playoffs or the playoff push in 16?
Mets in 2006 had by far the most talented team in baseball instead ended up li sung to an 82 win cardinals team. Than the next few years historic collapses. 2016 nets were on a roll they had swept the soon to be World chapioj Cubs 4 games in a row than Reyes the poison showed up and mets started to lose abc fell to 60-62 meys might have won the division if that virus did t show up overall 30 games under 500 since the poison returned. If your going to embarrass yourself at least have some argument to back your stupidity
I don’t like him either, but dude, when you’ve had one too many, post short comments.
Lol
So very true. A cancer wherever he has been.
The idea that an entire franchises season laid at the feet of Reyes and winning or losing was a result of Reyes being in the line-up is laughable. It really seems your a hater, which is fine. Maybe you have reasons to dislike him. However, most of those outcomes for his team had little to do with him. Seek help.
I’m not predicting where they will go, but I am pretty sure that if the Yankees are not involved in the negotiations, they will not see $400 million and might not get $350 million. Like them or not, the Yankees involvement with a free agent tends to drive up prices and their lack of interest tends to drive down prices..
Not really. Yanks weren’t trying hard to retain Cano and he signed a ridiculous contract with Seattle. I do agree that they can INFLUENCE. That makes sense. But Yanks had no interest in (or were not serious bidders) for Arod when he signed with Texas, Pujols when he signed with the Angels, Cabrera when he signed with Detroit nor Greinke when he signed with the Dbacks. Other markets have started to step up and spend the way the Yanks, Dodgers and Sox spend.. Maybe not multiple players, but they will for whatever player they value heavily.
Manny to Philly and Harper to SF. Prove me wrong.
I hope you’re wrong that Harper’s coming to SF. I don’t think our fan base will embrace him very easily. He is, and acts like, a 26 year old with a touch of too much attitude. He and Machado are two peas in a pod
As a Dodgers fan, I’d hate to agree with you but no way SF signs either. With SF already with enough bad contracts, I can’t see them pay that type of money for these two players.
I need SF to make smart moves again as I kinda missing on hating on the Giants.
If all the true contenders have no interest than maybe he signs with the Giants.
My thoughts! As a Cub fan I don’t want either one of them!!
I’m thinking Harper to the effing Cardinals. Manny can sign in Japan for all I care, as long as it isn’t with the Yankees. I don’t want either one of them.
With the Yankees they do not want Manny. Bad move bringing in a malcontent onto a good team. Manny does not huddle on the bases or in the field. He is a cancer to a teams General makeup. He is a good player but does not show a real stars way of performing. The Yankees do not want Mannys ways to rub off on the other players. Yankees need to resign some of there own players then look at signing or trading for pitchers. Happ, Clutch, Robertson, & Britton bring back. Sign Corbin & Harvey for the rotation. Take the chance on Harvey if it works out Cashman can rub it in the Mets faces. Figure out a plug and play for 2nd or SS till Did I gets back. Cashman needs to start trading away some of the dead end players. Cessa, Wade that time has passed now it’s time to get something by trading them.
Hussle on the bases. Missed the Auto Correct type-O.
Still incorrect….it’s hustle.
Don’t sign Manny the Malcontent, but sign Harvey the jerk who’s washed up, okie dokie.
I’ve watched or listened to every Manny game. He is a 33 war player at 26 years old. He is the best Defensive 3rd baseman I’ve ever seen (nolan is right with him) he is very very good. In his years with Baltimore there was maybe 3 issues with him all being when he was 20 21. His head got a lil big after the trade I will give u that. But I guarantee most every player who played with Manny will tell you who he is, and that is one of the best to play the game. I would gladly take him back as a Orioles fan. Does he get 400 or even 350 idk but I guarantee his contract will be as bug as Stantons and most likely in NY. So save the he dont hustle BS because I’ve seen it and heard it. He made a few mistakes after the trade but I’m not gonna judge him on a couple mistakes (zero of which have happened in the past 4 years until the trade) and people still forget he is just 26 years old. He is a team changing guy and should be paid as such.
Most of what you said was lucid and thought-out. However, Cessa and Wade are not dead end players and don’t need to go anywhere because they aren’t “blocking” anyone. They’re both depth pieces. I doubt either will hold down a spot on the 25-man roster unless there’s an injury late in spring training. They can cut bait on either and it wouldn’t matter. For now, they belong in AAA. No need to get rid of them What would even get in return? Unless they are out of options, exposed to the Rule 5 or need to be waived for a 40-man roster move then leave them be.
The players I think are not going to get the years they are looking for but the costs per year will be there.
The Yankees aren’t signing either of these dudes. They really don’t have need for either of them. They need pitching more than anything.
They need a LF. They can sign 2 pitchers and 2 bullpen arms and still afford Harper, Markakis or Brantley.
Sounds like the 1982 Yankees., do not sign Reggie Jackson, but sign Dave Collins and Ken Griffey. Hal maybe the greatest bean counter, but that does not make him a good owner.
Yankees fans are a complete joke.
Yea, the White Sox fans are evidently the epitome of class.
Tell you what… I’ll stop complaining about the Yankees and their bandwagon fans if they stop complaining about their roster.
“if they stop complaining about their roster” So White Sox fans love everything about the current situation of their team? “bandwagon fans” How are you deciphering who is and isn’t one?
Seems like “deciphering” inference in everything they read is a common problem for nuance-challenged millennials like you. Most teams around the league can’t even hold on to their one star player on their roster thanks to the Uankees and Red Tox. Listening to you Yankee “fans” complain about not getting every major FA available is, quite frankly, disgusting. I’d more than happy to have half the talent (fleeced from every other team) the Yankees have bought over the years. The reality is you guys are a few quality starting pitchers away from a World Championship you didn’t earn. So shut your holes and enjoy it.
Both the current Yankees and Red Sox have a lot of homegrown talent on their rosters. They just supplement them with trades and FAs. To say they fleece talent is ridiculous.
Sounds like you need to jump on the big blue train up north.
Speaking of “challenged”, lol. Angry much?
I’d be happy list all of their homegrown players, and players they’ve traded for, but you clearly are just trolling and not worth the effort. And I wouldn’t include Stanton in that group, that was a salary dump. Have you read anything about the Yankees the past five years?
Go take a walk and get some air, your life can’t be that bad that you’re this angry.
The jellyman is back!
Can ey be far behind?
Hal has little to do with the construction of this team. He simply ok’s the money spent. That being said, how silly are you insinuate he’s a “bean counter” because he said for 2018 “I don’t want to pay a 50% lux tax rate that then goes to my competitors”? Even after that being the mantra be ok’d Cashman trading for Stanton and his $325 mil contract? That’s Yankee “conservatism”.. Telling Cashman he has to adhere to a budget yet allowed him to acquire the largest contract ever.
Cashman built a team with players still early in the careers who were talented and cheap so that combined their entire starting 8 (minus the DH) cost them less than $30 mil last year.
Cashman has already stated that while they won’t be wildly spending this year he can go to Hal for approval for the right guys if it made sense. I think Cashman is a good steward over the Steinbrenner money. I think he has a better understanding of when to spend big and when to be thrifty. He’s done a great job of buying low on guys who’ve proven to be incredibly valuable (Didi, Hicks, Voit).
As a Braves fan, I am actually dissapointed that the Yankees are so lazor focused on pitching because I would love to see Corbin in a Braves uniform. But that was already an uphill battle before this post. It seems Corbin wants to he a Yankee.
He does appear to be tailor made for a Yankee off season capture.
The Yankees with GSIII in charge spent years and millions signing players he coveted, and didn’t need. It made no difference if they were past their prime, he wanted them. He signed players that didn’t fit the Yankee mold, thinking he could change them. Now, with Cashmans thinking and Hals dough I might hope they address problems and weakness’s. Shortstop and outfield are neither of those. Didi may miss half a season, but he’s solid there for years to come. Hicks, Stanton, Judge, Frazier, and Gardner give the team a formidable outfield and DH menu. There is talk of bringing back Starlin Castro for 2b with Gleyber at short till DiDi is ready. 3B, SS or 2b could be solved with Marwin Gonzales for a time as well, he might be the best FA the Yanks could sign, AFTER pitchers, hopefully 3 Starters.
Where in the hell did you get that about Castro? Frazier has in no way shown anything to be called part of a “formidable outfield”. Oh and Didi’s contract is up after 2019.
Marlins need a 1B? We’ll give them C.J. Cron seems like a good fit with them and won’t cost them too much.
Just stop on the Harper business. At minus 26 runs last season, Bryce was the second worst defensive player in all of baseball. Think about that! At age 26, he’s a broken down old man.
JD Martinez is far more fit at 31 than Harper is at 26. He’s also a far more productive hitter who just enjoyed his best season after signing a 5-year deal for $110M. Why would any team give Harper even as much? Awful contracts stem from paying a player for what they used to be instead of where they are headed (hello Howard and Pujols and Cabrera). Age is only a number. In Harper’s case, his baseball age is more like 36 than 26.
The tail end of Harper’s contract will probably be really bad, but the reason Pujols is so horrible now isn’t his inability to play defense, it’s his lack of bad speed, forcing him to be out in front of everything and constantly hit the ball into the shift. Harper WARs may have only been 1.3, but his bat was over 30% better than the league average. he drew 130 walks against 160 strikeouts. that’s an elite bat, and that’s what he’ll get paid for
Even Harper’s OPS was sixteenth – hardly the stuff to generate baseball’s biggest contract..
Harper is far from boken down and unlike Harper, Martinez was protected from having to play the field. He logged 480 innings in the field vs Harper’s 1,300+ innings. Bad comparison. I’ll take nothing away from Martinez’ bat. He was sensational and from what I’ve heard, a heavy user of analytics and watching film. But being almost a full-time DH has helped him stay healthy and save his energy. Not even debatable.
Yankees fans have been beat down by ownership about payroll the last 5 years. Now the vaunted 2019 is here and….. We talking about Marwin??
Rage. Rage. You guys deserve it. 2019 is about getting both, not saving payroll.
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You’re right. But given the commitments those players want, are they the two players worth investing those huge contracts in? That’s the question.
Btw, this is all just gossip from a reporter. “we talking about Marwin” lol.
Most all of that came when they thought Manny or Bryce were going to be the only options.
Then the Stanton opportunity surprisingly presented itself and that money was used early.
If the money was never used, sure, you have a point – but it has been, the massive contract you all expected is on the books. Adding a second is just stupidity
“Beaten down about payroll the last 5 years”. Amazingly incorrect. Hal signed off on acquiring the largest contract in baseball ………but he’s cheap and doesn’t want to spend the money.
Hal wanted to reset the lux tax levels which were at 50%. Cashman put emphasis on being a little more lean and building from the farm. NONE of those things point to the Yanks becoming the Rays. Yeezus….
I’ve been saying all along I just can’t see Bryce or Manny on the Yankees and I never thought the Yankees would sign either
I can’t imagine the Yankees organization putting up with Machado’s stunts.
Please please yankees sign machado
How about Realmuto and a couple of prospects for dominic Smith hahahahahahaha
You can get Smith for an empty soda machine.
Empty can with 5 ¢ deposit
Overrated players?
Anyone want to talk about the GG nominees? Cain and Wong not getting one should be illegal, and does anyone else think Rizzo deserved it?
The gold gloves are the worst award around. Palmeiro won a GG in a season in which he played 17 games in the field. Jeter won a few but he wasn’t good. Hosmer is not a good defender…..voters on these seem to basically give them to guys who make a lot of diving plays, rather than guys who perform consistently to keep other teams from getting on base.
Wong only started 98 games. It’s hard to justify hardware for a guy who sat 40% of the season.
He sat 40% of the season and is still leading second basemen in DRS. That evidence helps Wong’s case.
Fought the idea of Machado to the Yankees for a while. I think I’ve flipped, Yankees should go after Manny.
Having him at SS until DiDi returns would be a luxury come July; it gives Cashman time to decide what to do and where to go when filling the holes they have to take the division and be the World Series favorite.
Yes they need a pitcher. They will probably take that direction mid-season. Or both now and the deadline.
Someone is bound to have an off-year. Could be Voit/Bird, could be Frazier/Gardner, could be Andujar, could even be Judge. Manny is the safety blanket for 2019 and beyond if/when DiDi moves on when he’s a free agent.
TrimReaper, Machado would be an expensive safety blanket.
I’m well aware how much money the Yankees will need to spend. A very expensive safety blanket indeed.
It doesn’t give Cashman enough time to figure out what to do when Didi comes back! It actually hurts Andujar stock because not other teams know Andujar will have to be moved. You can’t have Andujar go right to left field or even first with our spring training reps.
Plenty of time Billyz. Yankees need to protect themselves from letting DiDi leave next year. Machado would play SS if obtained.
When DiDi returns in 2019, will his arm be up for SS? You and I don’t know. Here’s two words: Matt Wieters. Here’s two more: Paul Molitor. Another two: Jose Canseco. Arms were never the same after TJ surgery.
If DiDi can still bring it with his throws, they will know prior to his arrival in NYC. Machado will move to 3B and Andujar will have already taken fly balls to play LF. Or goes to DH and Stanton plays LF. Either way, from now until the first trade deadline is plenty of time for Cashman if he signs Machado.
Yankee fans are going to just love Machado’s hustle and attitude. lol. Boo birds will have to add a few boo notes..
Neither the fans nor the club would tolerate it.
Meanwhile, in the (tiny) Not Always About New York or Boston section of this site, Dylan Hernandez thinks the Dodgers need to go after Harper.
latimes.com/sports/dodgers/la-sp-dodgers-harper-he…
Just so he can platoon with Kemp or Pedersen in left, that makes no sense. Harper is going to stay in Wash. or moving to Philly. He really should go to the AL though. I do not see Harper receiving a longer than 5 year deal, Machado will maybe aquire a 7 yr deal. Owners seem to be wising up more, including Moreno.
It would obviously be ridiculous to sign Harper and then platoon him with anybody. I don’t pretend to know where Harper will end up but I am sure he’ll get more than five years from somebody. The Dodgers should at least be in the conversation as a team that can both afford and use him, but that’s something you are not going to hear if your source for Harper stories is the New York Post. Just pointing out that the thinking on the other coast might be a little different.
We all know that the Giants are going to throw a crap load of money at Harper. Harper is going to be in Philly or a Giants uniform next year. No other team will do it. Give me a thousand dislikes, don’t care. The winner goes to the highest bidder, and with Machado almost definitely going to Philadelphia, I believe The team that has the money and is willing to give the money is the Giants.
We don’t know that at all. I can’t see where the timing is right for the Giants to make a huge free-agent commitment of the kind that would be needed to land Harper, since they have so many other issues, and they are also in the midst of trying to hire a new GM so what changes in approach they will be taking are unpredictable. I’d be surprised to see the Dodgers chase Harper either, even though they are in a much better position to use him.
Of course the winner will be one who pays the most. That’s almost always the way it works.
Why do you think the timing is off? Brian Sabean is there (who has three rings by the way)at the GM meetings. Posey, Crawford, Panik, Belt, Bum all have rings, Longo is a postseason player as well. Middle of the lineup needs a power bat and the timing is now for a team that never rebuilds. So I believe a piece like Harper puts the Giants back in the hunt. Oh and Magic does have a say. Would you not say something if you were vested? Lol. Cmon dude.
So the bottom line is, Giants have a ton of money, no different then the Dodgers, tried to get Stanton last year, he wouldn’t opt out. Eyes have been on Harper for a few years now, and the team is willing to spend unlike all the other big clubs ( cubs, Yankees, Boston just to name a few.)
“tried to get Stanton last year, he wouldn’t opt out” your post fails in more ways than one. Stanton didn’t have an option to opt out, it was a circumstance of not waiving the NTC to go to the Giants or Cardinals. The Yankees will spend if they need to. The Giants need way, way more than Harper to compete.
My post fails more ways then one? Lol, cmon man. Did I not use the right word for you. My bad, the Giants tried to get Stanton and he chose not to go. Is that better? And you’re nuts to think they need WAY more. The Yankees and there fans are crazy. You guys think your the prime time team and get to have whatever you want. Happy hunting. Lol. You won’t be getting Harper or Machado. I’ll place a bet on that. Lol
Slevin, I just have to say, your post cracks me up. Typical Yank fan!
Just remember your post when the Giants are staring up at the Padres.
Just remember your post when the Yankees don’t get either of these guys. By the way. No team has more rings since 2010. Keep dreaming of that next one, even with the bad contract of Stanton! Lol, you’re a joke dude.
Keep living in that past buddy. Keep living in it.
For two reasons. First, the Giants’ FO is in transition. This generally means a change in approach is desired by ownership. What that new direction will be we don’t know because it hasn’t happened yet. Second, the Giants have too many deficiencies to fix with one signing. In the LOL come on dude department, who “has rings” matters not one bit when a team starts with a mediocre rotation and one of the least productive offenses in the game. Whoever takes over the FO will have their work cut out for them.
And clearly you know nothing about the Dodgers. Magic owns a tiny minority of the team equity. We’ve seen no indication whatsoever that he’s involved with any team decision making. In fact he was included in the ownership to give the out of town owners a local face. That doesn’t add up to much either since his face rarely even shows up at games and he almost never makes public statements about the team.
Oh look, here is red rooster joining the party. Baseball IS America’s pastime kid. We love what the players of the past have done for our teams. I guess the Giants will never get another good ball player, and the Yankees and Redbirds will always be the best right? Lmao, I bet you’re kids that are 15 years old commenting that really have no clue about management. Jokes.
The Dodgers want Harper. Kemp or Harper who do you want?
Wrong again there Dodger boy, the front office has already stated we’re not rebuilding. Larry and company have the money to spend. Have a ballpark that’s paid for and need a power bat, they have the cash, that’s why Giants are front runners to Harper. If you haven’t heard it then you’re not paying attention. But let the cards be we’re they lay, and expect to see the Dodgers getting the beat down by the boys by the bay.
The Giants can spend large, we know that already, but call it what you will, the Giants need a lot of work that won’t be addressed with just one big signing, or even two or three. It can’t compensate for one of the poorest offenses in the game, a mediocre rotation, and one of the weakest farm systems in baseball. Pretend as much as you like, but they aren’t shopping for a new GM for no reason.
Two or three signings is exactly what’s going to happen. A couple of pitchers and a big bat. It cracks me up that you guys think that an injury riddled team can’t come back out and hit anymore. Posey, Longo, Harper, Belt, Crawford, panik, Duggar, and Williamson and slater platooning in left sounds like a playoff push to me. Add another pitcher with bum and Rodriguez, and you have a pretty good looking rotation. You guys are tripping
Giants are gonna have a top three pick in the 2020 draft sparky.
Kemp is gone. Tried to trade him last year but couldn’t get it done
If you think Magic is going to dish 350 mill on Harper that’s wishful thinking.
Magic? Ha, ha, and ha. He owns only a small piece of the Dodgers and he doesn’t have anything to say about anything. And no, as I’ve already said, I don’t expect the Dodgers to sign Harper. I am just pointing out that some in the sports media here think they ought to do it.
I do agree with you on the fact that the Dodgers don’t seem likely to go after Harper. Ottavino is a key and that bullpen. Dodgers have a great team loaded with talent. They will continue to squeeze the talent out of them too.
The Dodgers will keep Machado and sign Harper. Trade Kemp and Dozier. Seager will move to second or maybe they keep Dozier. But Dozier hasn’t been the same since he was diagnosed with the irregular heartbeat. Dodgers issue is bullpen. They shore that up and it’s over for the rest of the league. Did I mention that the Dodgers are going all in this year. After staying under the cap last year they are now at a first year penalty on money over the cap. That means one dollar for every dollar over the cap. Nothing. They have a tv deal that pays them 182 mil a year. So they are going to spend.
Was this completely wrong for a reason?
Wrong?
1. They can’t keep Machado, he is a free agent.
2. They can’t trade Dozier, he is a free agent.
3. The media contract pays an average of $330M a year.
Lol, yeah, wrong.
As an Angels fan I would love to have Manny with Trout, but certainly not Harper as I believe him to be very over rated with a ton of potential. With Manny at 3rd and Simmons at SS and Cozart at 2b and Trout, Upton and Calhoun in the OF the line up would score enough runs to keep up with the Yankees and Red Sox.
Can’t argue …from a talent perspective.
Then, when Trout has to have the “effort level” talk with Machado and Manny escalates it into a freak/fluke injury for Mike …with Manny learning nothing from the exercise ….
Manny has no grace, he won’t have far to fall, at least, and all that money he eventually does get will soften the landing enough, I think, unless he’s greedy, too?
Jeter was a great short stop early in his career, he would have more gold gloves if Omar Vizquel, arguably the greatest of all time had not been playing at the same time. Yes Jeter’s range diminished later in his career, that happens when you don’t use PED’s.
I don’t expect Yanks to sign either Harper or Machado.I think they will sign a left handed handed bat,Murphy,and a relief pitcher, Robertson or Miller, and a left handed starting pitcher,Corbin or Happ.I expect Torres to cover short and Murphy/Walker to cover second. Hopefully they add another option at first.If they decide to spend sign both Happ and Corbin.My personal choice would be Harper he’s a left handed bat and will exceed Stanton’s production esp in The AL.
Listen to me peeps. If and only if the Yanks signed Machado it’s not to temporarily play SS and then move to third when Didi returns! It’s to play third right from the go. If they even consider signing Machado it means Andujar will either be moves to left field, first base, or traded right away in a package for an ace. Machado and Andujar on the left side of the infield is terrible and Cashman said he wants pitching and to tweak defense. How is tweaking defense adding Machado glove to SS even if it is temporary?
So if the Yanks are in on Machado that means they have no interest in leaving Andujar at third long term because Didi is our SS!
If the Yankees get a ground ball pitcher like Corbin, then they need to sure up the infield.
To do that they need to carry one less relief arm in the bullpen. But then again the starters are only going 6 innings so they need a long\short relief pitcher. So here is the short answer.
Acquire a starter like Cluber, Sign Marwin Gonzalez to a three year contract with more money on the back end, but without a no trade clause. Sign David Robertson to a one year with a second year option and high player buy-out. Resign Adam Warren to a one year deal.
Trade your first baseman Voit. Maybe in the Cluber deal. Try to poison pill a deal that gets rid of Jake Elsbury, such as Jonathan Logoscia and Change Adams to Seattle. Elsbury is from around there if not maybe Arizona, include in Sony Gray if they take 100% of Elsbury’s
Contract. You still have around 35 million under the cap, if the above is done. Now sign a starter and spot starter\ long reliever, but better than Lance Lynn..
Here’s a dream trade scenario in the fantasy gm mode. Sonny Gray, Elsbury, and Chance Adams to Arizona for Zack Grienke!
Yankees have a BIG pitching hole right now. They need 3 starters, and 2 relievers. I would like to see them bring back Robertson, and sign Miller for the pen. For the Rotation Corbin, Happ, and a trade for Kluber or Bumgartner.
I like how nobody mentions the Dodgers on Machado. Like they don’t exist. Just like they acted like the Dodgers had no chance last year. Ranked 13th???? She got that wrong. Dodgers are the elephant in the room nobody wants to talk about
They don’t need Machado dude. They just extended Turner, and have there shortstop back. Answer me this, who was the last 350 million dollar contract the dodgers signed? Kershaw I believe is the only one that comes to mind. They get there boys via trade man.
Take this with a grain of salt but fanside and more specifically Dan Federico is citing anonymous sources with the team who claim that Yankee officials have reached out to their counterparts with the Nationals to assess Harper’s “makeup and willingness to move positions.” Harper’s athleticism and background as a catcher during his youth make him a logical candidate to move to what’s considered one of the game’s easiest defensive positions.
Take this with a grain of salt but fanside and more specifically Dan Federico is citing anonymous sources with the team who claim that Yankee officials have reached out to their counterparts with the Nationals to assess Harper’s “makeup and willingness to move positions.” Harper’s athleticism and background as a catcher during his youth make him a logical candidate to move to what’s considered one of the game’s easiest defensive positions.
First Base?