Comments on: Too Late http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/ Development site for Bronx Banter Blog's upcoming look and feel Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:54:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Paul http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249951 Paul Sun, 20 Dec 2009 20:24:57 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249951 [48] Great point. The Yankees are more than generous when they need to be. Damon gave good value but the Yankees gave four years when no one was giving him more than three years. Matsui didn't even earn all the money in his last contract. If the player doesn't want to work with them, then they shouldn't be surprised when they have another address. The Yankees shouldn't have to pay twice unless it's a true Yankee icon. And LF and DH are easily replaceable. [48] Great point. The Yankees are more than generous when they need to be. Damon gave good value but the Yankees gave four years when no one was giving him more than three years. Matsui didn’t even earn all the money in his last contract. If the player doesn’t want to work with them, then they shouldn’t be surprised when they have another address. The Yankees shouldn’t have to pay twice unless it’s a true Yankee icon. And LF and DH are easily replaceable.

]]> By: Raf http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249950 Raf Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:13:25 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249950 [40] Red flag or no, I don't think anyone foresaw the Yanks getting as little out of Pavano as they did. [40] Red flag or no, I don’t think anyone foresaw the Yanks getting as little out of Pavano as they did.

]]> By: Raf http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249949 Raf Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:11:12 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249949 If I'm Damon, I'd take a look at Atlanta. They gave Garret Anderson around 500 at bats and he didn't do squat. If I’m Damon, I’d take a look at Atlanta. They gave Garret Anderson around 500 at bats and he didn’t do squat.

]]> By: joejoejoe http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249948 joejoejoe Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:33:50 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249948 The Yankees have... - too much downside risk due to aging - their eye on 2011 free agents - a bargain DH in Nick Johnson - only so many ABs it would be nice to bring Johnny Damon back but all of the above argue against Damon getting a two year deal. I think the difference between Granderson and Johnson vs. Matsui and Damon is $12-14M savings over two years and two players who are a lot younger. If older Yankee FAs want to stay with the Yankees they have to take the Andy Pettitte approach and play on 1 year deals with a ton of incentives. The franchise wants to limit risk, it isn't being cheap. If Damon would play for $6M year + $5M incentives with a team option he could be a Yankee for life but there is no way Scott Boras is going to advise him to take that deal. The Yankees have…

- too much downside risk due to aging
- their eye on 2011 free agents
- a bargain DH in Nick Johnson
- only so many ABs

it would be nice to bring Johnny Damon back but all of the above argue against Damon getting a two year deal. I think the difference between Granderson and Johnson vs. Matsui and Damon is $12-14M savings over two years and two players who are a lot younger. If older Yankee FAs want to stay with the Yankees they have to take the Andy Pettitte approach and play on 1 year deals with a ton of incentives. The franchise wants to limit risk, it isn’t being cheap. If Damon would play for $6M year + $5M incentives with a team option he could be a Yankee for life but there is no way Scott Boras is going to advise him to take that deal.

]]> By: Just Fair http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249947 Just Fair Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:47:18 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249947 Watching the bottom of the 8th of the 03 ALCS on MLB. Just wow. The last time our neighbor pounded on the wall. Plus it makes me feel super old. I share Jeter's age and he looks like a character out of a bad 80's movie. Oy. : ) Watching the bottom of the 8th of the 03 ALCS on MLB. Just wow. The last time our neighbor pounded on the wall. Plus it makes me feel super old. I share Jeter’s age and he looks like a character out of a bad 80′s movie. Oy. : )

]]> By: Horace Clarke Era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249946 Horace Clarke Era Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:38:09 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249946 [45] touché [45] touché

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249945 monkeypants Sun, 20 Dec 2009 03:00:25 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249945 [42] <I>He needs to pull an ‘ARod’, and get back to the Yankees at any cost.</i> Wouldn't "pulling an A-Rod" mean that Johnny came back to the Yankees with a massive extension worth even more money? [42] He needs to pull an ‘ARod’, and get back to the Yankees at any cost.

Wouldn’t “pulling an A-Rod” mean that Johnny came back to the Yankees with a massive extension worth even more money?

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249944 monkeypants Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:58:11 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249944 [43] Damon also must be looking for security at this stage in his career. He's 36 and reduced to (probably) full-time DH duties. If he signs a one year deal and performs poorly, that could be teh end of the line, or at least the last time he signs a contract as a full-time player. He'll want the security of the extra year (or two if he's really lucky), which might even take him to retirement. [43] Damon also must be looking for security at this stage in his career. He’s 36 and reduced to (probably) full-time DH duties. If he signs a one year deal and performs poorly, that could be teh end of the line, or at least the last time he signs a contract as a full-time player. He’ll want the security of the extra year (or two if he’s really lucky), which might even take him to retirement.

]]> By: Horace Clarke Era http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249943 Horace Clarke Era Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:47:07 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249943 [42] Back to disagreeing. If San Fran offers 2 for 20, and the Yankees are nowhere, he's looking at serious money, OYF. Winning is worth a price drop, yes, and so is looking better in the right ballpark, but if Damon signs for 1 for 7, he may have to sign for 5 next year - that's walking away from 8 million dollars. Too easy for us to say. [42] Back to disagreeing. If San Fran offers 2 for 20, and the Yankees are nowhere, he’s looking at serious money, OYF. Winning is worth a price drop, yes, and so is looking better in the right ballpark, but if Damon signs for 1 for 7, he may have to sign for 5 next year – that’s walking away from 8 million dollars. Too easy for us to say.

]]> By: OldYanksFan http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249942 OldYanksFan Sun, 20 Dec 2009 02:38:02 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249942 [32] Exactly.... or rather, he terribly misled JD into thinking the Yankees would go much higher for his services. I feel badly for JD. Boris loses very little, while the rest of JD's career is ruined. What now, 2 years of invisibility in SanFran? If I'm JD, I go to the Yankees and offer myself for 1/$8m. One more year with the Yankees is better then 2 years anywhere else. He needs to pull an 'ARod', and get back to the Yankees at any cost. [32] Exactly…. or rather, he terribly misled JD into thinking the Yankees would go much higher for his services. I feel badly for JD. Boris loses very little, while the rest of JD’s career is ruined. What now, 2 years of invisibility in SanFran?

If I’m JD, I go to the Yankees and offer myself for 1/$8m.
One more year with the Yankees is better then 2 years anywhere else.
He needs to pull an ‘ARod’, and get back to the Yankees at any cost.

]]> By: The Hawk http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249941 The Hawk Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:59:13 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249941 [35] I agree with your second paragraph, and certainly Damon's arm is no bueno, but I've seen Gardner make quite a few godawful throws himself. [35] I agree with your second paragraph, and certainly Damon’s arm is no bueno, but I’ve seen Gardner make quite a few godawful throws himself.

]]> By: Mattpat11 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249940 Mattpat11 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:54:10 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249940 [38] I think most of the Yankees truly bad contracts of the last ten years had more to do with the decision makers choosing to just ignore the red flags of men like Pavano and Farnwsworth [38] I think most of the Yankees truly bad contracts of the last ten years had more to do with the decision makers choosing to just ignore the red flags of men like Pavano and Farnwsworth

]]> By: Chuck in DC http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249939 Chuck in DC Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:34:43 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249939 [30] I'm tracking on the feeling that it seems like he's up there hoping for a lucky ball/strike outcome. Statistical question, does this mean his reasonable stats are built disproportionately on performance in situations when opponents are inattentive, or less is at stake? Or is it just another example of the mythical clutch/non-clutch split? [30] I’m tracking on the feeling that it seems like he’s up there hoping for a lucky ball/strike outcome. Statistical question, does this mean his reasonable stats are built disproportionately on performance in situations when opponents are inattentive, or less is at stake? Or is it just another example of the mythical clutch/non-clutch split?

]]> By: Paul http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249938 Paul Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:31:55 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249938 The Yankees of the last 8-10 year got themselves into too many bad contracts while giving away the borderline guys. The 2009 team just won a championship with youth and stars. You need a combination of both. Otherwise you end up with a team of one-dimensional players. Both Ellsbury and Gardner are major league players. Melky too. If the alternative is a 36 year old with no arm and another 36 year old with two bum wheels, I'll take youth every time. The Yankees of the last 8-10 year got themselves into too many bad contracts while giving away the borderline guys.

The 2009 team just won a championship with youth and stars. You need a combination of both. Otherwise you end up with a team of one-dimensional players.

Both Ellsbury and Gardner are major league players. Melky too. If the alternative is a 36 year old with no arm and another 36 year old with two bum wheels, I’ll take youth every time.

]]> By: Mattpat11 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249937 Mattpat11 Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:22:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249937 [35] I truly, truly don't give a shit what fans of other teams think of the Yankees. As a fan, I want my team to put the best possible team out there And heartily laugh when I see Sox fans and NESPN trip over themselves to praise Ellsbury. [35] I truly, truly don’t give a shit what fans of other teams think of the Yankees. As a fan, I want my team to put the best possible team out there

And heartily laugh when I see Sox fans and NESPN trip over themselves to praise Ellsbury.

]]> By: Paul http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249936 Paul Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:14:16 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249936 On the road last year: Gardner: .289 .350 .408 .759 Ellsbury: .301 .348 .394 .742 In Boston, Gardner is the revered CF. Wake up people. We're not what Sox fans call us. On the road last year:
Gardner: .289 .350 .408 .759
Ellsbury: .301 .348 .394 .742

In Boston, Gardner is the revered CF. Wake up people. We’re not what Sox fans call us.

]]> By: a.O http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249935 a.O Sat, 19 Dec 2009 23:44:53 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249935 Bag on Brett all you want, but at least he can throw a ball from the outfield with more velocity than a 7-year old girl. Talk about grating to watch.... If you've ever wondered if there are ever any truly valid reasons to dis-like the Yankees, you might imagine one being fans who complain about not having a plus player at every single position even with the best offense in baseball, a Serious title, and a deal like Granderson's. Bag on Brett all you want, but at least he can throw a ball from the outfield with more velocity than a 7-year old girl. Talk about grating to watch….

If you’ve ever wondered if there are ever any truly valid reasons to dis-like the Yankees, you might imagine one being fans who complain about not having a plus player at every single position even with the best offense in baseball, a Serious title, and a deal like Granderson’s.

]]> By: monkeypants http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249934 monkeypants Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:58:44 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249934 [30] <i>But when I watch Brett Gardner take two pitches right down the middle, it infuriating...</i> Well, I can see how that would anger someone. Then again, having followed you comments on these threads and not infrequently compared your definition of "down the middle" (when complaining about pitches taken by, say, Gardner or Posada) with the pitch location as indicated on gameday (not perfect, but perhaps more trustworthy)...well, let's just say that I don't put much stock into your interpretation of players' motives (e.g.: 'Posada intentionally tried to make an out to spite the umpire"). [30] But when I watch Brett Gardner take two pitches right down the middle, it infuriating…

Well, I can see how that would anger someone. Then again, having followed you comments on these threads and not infrequently compared your definition of “down the middle” (when complaining about pitches taken by, say, Gardner or Posada) with the pitch location as indicated on gameday (not perfect, but perhaps more trustworthy)…well, let’s just say that I don’t put much stock into your interpretation of players’ motives (e.g.: ‘Posada intentionally tried to make an out to spite the umpire”).

]]> By: Mattpat11 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249933 Mattpat11 Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:43:59 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249933 [32] He's a 32 year old relief pitcher who has started 27 games in his life and missed the last year and a half. [32] He’s a 32 year old relief pitcher who has started 27 games in his life and missed the last year and a half.

]]> By: Paul http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/2009/12/19/too-late/#comment-249932 Paul Sat, 19 Dec 2009 22:39:02 +0000 http://www.bronxbanterblog.com/?p=27297#comment-249932 Boras lied. His player's career died. He knew the market from Abreu. And yet he still played games. If he starts at 2/20 the Yankees finalize the deal a month ago. Boras lied. His player’s career died. He knew the market from Abreu. And yet he still played games. If he starts at 2/20 the Yankees finalize the deal a month ago.

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