(more…)

(more…)

Although official terms were not available, reports are that the Phils inked him to a five-year deal worth $50 million less than what the Yanks offered. The Yanks offered six years at $138 million with a player option for a seventh at $16 million. Who turns that down?

You gotta respect a guy that leaves that much money on the proverbial table, but it’s funny that he did it for a franchise that pretty much kicked him to the curb when they didn’t want to give him an extension. Whatevies. I’m glad he saved the Yanks another terrible contract for an aging free agent. I just hope Cashman has a solid Plan B.

If Pettitte returns in 2011 I think the Yanks will be fine. If he retires, however, they might be up shit’s creek without a paddle.

Get used to this Mets fans

The team offered Lee a seven-year deal believed to be worth about $160 million, while the Rangers offered six years with a vesting option for a seventh year worth “substantially” less money. The sonuvabitch still has not decided where he will play for the next six seasons.

There is also apparently a “mystery team” in the mix but they are only willing to go to five years…one can only assume it’s the Red Sox trying to drive up the price.

Despite the fact that it would behoove Lee to pitch for the Yanks, I don’t want the team to sign him. I think it’s too many years at too much money to give a 32-year-old. I know his numbers are great and he’s absolutely filthy, but I don’t want the team to be paying a guy in his late 30′s over $20 million per year…they’ve went down that road before.

If the team is indeed trying to cut costs and get younger, signing Cliff Lee would not be the route to go.

UPDATE: It appears the mystery team is not the Red Sox, it is Lee’s former team the Philadelphia Phillies.

Speaking of starters, Pettitte spoke with Cashman today and is still undecided about pitching in 2011.

Cashman also met with Carl Crawford on Tuesday night, which is also friggin’ nuts. I don’t want them to get CC, I think the Yanks’ outfield is just fine the way it is. I might get my wish because the Halos are the front runners to sign him. That’s coming from ESPN, so take it for what it’s worth.

All this reporting is making me sick. Please someone make a deal so we don’t have to hear about it every time Cliff Lee wipes his ass.

Finally, the money quote from Cashman:

I know my title is general manager, but I consider myself the director of spending for the New York Yankees.

He’ll be 39 at the end of a potential seven-year contract. Plus, with all the money he wants it will most likely handcuff the Yanks on signing other free agents. Not cool.

What do you think?

While it’s nice that Greinke has changed his tune and would be happy to have a chance to win, he does NOT give the Yankees a much better chance of winning.   I know he won the Cy Young 2 seasons ago, and I know how dominant he can be.   But think back to the last righty to join the Yankees and have great, sustained success.   Don’t worry, I’ll wait.   Seriously, go back 20 years and there have been what could generously be called a “few”.   There was Mike Mussina, Roger Clemens (who I only grudgingly put onto this list now that we know what we know), and El Duque.   And, really, El Duque isn’t on this list unless I’m being charitable.   Must be the holiday season affecting me.   Go back even further.  Go back 30 years, and you might be able to add Phil Niekro to the list – if you can call 2 seasons sustained.   But for every Mussina and Clemens, I’ll raise you a Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright or Ed Whitson.  

Success does not spawn from many right hands on the mound at Yankee Stadium.   I guess it figures, since the man who built the previous version (his name was George Herman) threw left-handed.

(more…)

What’s even more assuring is that noted windbag Curt Schilling has added his two cents in on Jetergate and believes that the shortstop will return to the Bronx. I know I’ll sleep easier tonight because Curt is never wrong and knows everything:

I can’t imagine him in another uniform. For the most part I thought the Yankees took a very business-like approach towards this in a day and age where unemployment is the highest it’s been since the Great Depression. People don’t want to hear guys arguing over 15 to 20 million dollars a year.

I’m glad to hear a guy who has been described as “looking like he ate Dustin Pedroia” by Tony Maserotti of the Boston Herald speak out against greed. Classy as always. Unfortunately the pompous ass wasn’t done:

(more…)

• Cashman met face-to-face with Posada to tell him he will be the DH next season. That must’ve went well, I imagine it went something like this. What I would give to be a fly on the wall during that conversation.
• The Yanks brass met with Jeter and agent Casey Close, and, apparently, it went well and all parties were “pleased” (although no talks with Mo took place.) However, Joel “Where’s My Goddamn Room Service” Sherman reports the team might go the route of arbitration.
• Cashman met with Cliff Lee and his camp Wednesday in Arkansas. No contract talks took place, it was just a get-to-know-you meeting.
• GMS and Bill Shannon were posthumously honored by the BBWAA.

In other MLB news, the Silver Slugger awards were handed out Thursday…here they are:

C: Brian McCann (Atl);  Joe Mauer (Min)

1B: Albert Pujols, third consecutive and sixth career SS (StL);  Miguel Cabrera, third SS, (Det)

2B: Dan Uggla (Fla); Robbie Cano, second SS (NYY)

3B: Ryan Zimmerman (Was);  Adrian Beltre (Bos)

SS: Troy Tulowitzki (Col); Alexei Ramirez (Chi)…what, no Jeter?!?!? Shocking

OF: Ryan Braun (Mil); Jose Bautista (Tor)

OF: Matt Holiday (StL); Carl Crawford (Tam)

OF: Carlos Gonzalez (Col); Josh Hamilton (Tex)

P: Yovani Gallardo (Mil)

DH: Vlad Guerrero (Tex)

First and foremost, who would Lee replace in the rotation? Second, what are the Yanks going to have to give up to get this guy?

With regards to the first question, I assume he would move into the second spot and the Yanks would deal Javy Vazquez for a bench player…most likely Jayson Werth. I’m never against the Yanks getting a phenomenal pitcher, but why give up Javy who has been the team’s best pitcher not named Pettitte as of recent. The only pitcher I’d want to give up is AJ Burnett, who is making ace money over the next three years and is shakier than Michael J. Fox (J/K Mike, I’ll always love you and your work).

As far as what Lee was going to cost, Sweeney Murti said it would be a package of Jesus Montero, David Adams and Zack McAllister. Three-plus months of service from Lee for one of the best prospects and two other highly-touted names is not something I’d be willing to agree to.

Spoiler Alert: Apparent”Lee” Cliff is heading to the broke-ass Texas Rangers. The Yanks wanted to get the deal done but the Mariners were more interested in shopping their prize pig around.

This could be good news for the Yanks as the Rangers, who recently filed for bankruptcy, probably won’t have the necessary means to re-sign him in the offseason and he’ll become a free agent, which would mean the Yanks could still come in and make their move without giving up any prospects.

Plus, why would the Yanks make a move to bolster their rotation when that has been the most solid aspect of the team? If they were going to make any moves — which I’m sure they will — I would rather them get some bullpen help or look for a solid bench player.

Also, the Yanks won’t have to face him tonight, they’ll go up against David Pauley. It’s a win-win.

The Yanks did make a move on Friday, as they signed veteran corner infielder Chad Tracy to a Minor League deal.

You'll be reunited with your boy CC Sabathia soon enough, Cliff (photo: nydailynews.com)