I guess it's time for plan Z

It looks as though Bengie Molina and his DD's will be sunning themselves in San Francisco in 2010, despite the Mets' "best" efforts to woo him to Shiti Field. I am actually starting to feel for peole who follow this team; they just can't do any fucking thing right at this point.

First, the organization slams Carlos Beltran in the press for having a surgery that they didn't approve (although there have been whispers that they actually did tell the doctor to go a head with the procedure). Then Peter Gammons' corpse reports that the Red Sox pulled their four year offer to Jason Bay off the table because an MRI on his knees revealed damage*. Now Bengie Molina tells them to go piss up a tree.

I will say this now: after reports from Ben Sheets' throwing session going well, if the Mets do not sign him, they don't give a shit. Unless they outbid everyone else in the running, one of two things must be true: either they have already written of 2010 and are looking to 2011, or Omar Minaya is doing an in depth experiment on how far he can actualy go before that asshole Jeff Wilpon fires him.

Bargain Basement Pitchers

So yesterday was a pretty wild day. The Red Sox got an absolute steal with John Lackey, who is only getting A.J Burnett money. Plus there was the crazy ass 3 team trade that saw Roy Halladay go to the Phillies, Cliff Lee go to Seattle and a bunch of prospects go the Blue Jays. Personally, I'm glad that Roy Boy is out of the AL Beast, but with all this pitcher movement there is no dominant names left on the starter market. But there are still a number of of enticing pitchers who can be had for a low, low price.

Ben Sheets- The buzz around Ben right now is that he wants a contract in the $12 million range, which is absolutely insane. Once him and his agent stop huffing glue, they should try to land a contract around $3 million with incentives. Sheets would be a good pitcher to target.

Erik Bedard- Similar to Sheets, in that he is constantly injured but highly effective when healthy. The pros for Bedard are that he's a lefty with a track record of pitching good in the AL East, and is a high strikeout pitcher. The cons are He's an injury waiting to happen, and he is surly with the media. But still worth the risk.

Aroldis Chapman- The 21(?) year old Cuban phenom is expected to throw a pitching session today with teams such as the Yankees and Red Sox expected to attend. If all goes well, why not throw him a nice contract? He is young, throws gas and has a high upside. Seems like a worthwhile investment.

Justin Duchscherscherererscher- Justin D has experience as both a starter and reliever, making him a good fit for the Yankees. His versatility could net him a decent contract if he is injury free. He missed all of last season with an injury and depression. Well, a good cure for the blues is being paid to play for the Yankees.

Tim Redding- Just kidding. He's fucking terrible.

Check back later on as I take a look at some bargain hitters.

Offseason Plan - Sancho

(**Editor's note - this post was written before the acquisition of Granderson)

So with Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Andy Pettitte as the only major unsigned players from the 2009 squad, here is a list of moves I would like the Yankees to make.

Sign Matt Holliday to a 6 year/110 mil deal
Sign John Lackey to a 5 year/90 mil deal
Sign Mark DeRosa to a 2 year/15 mil deal
Sign Aroldis Chapman to a 6 year/30 mil deal
Sign Mike Gonzalez to a 3 year/15 mil deal
Re-Sign Andy Pettitte to a 1 year/10mil deal
Trade Austin Jackson, Melky Cabrera and 2 B-Level Prospects for Curtis Granderson

Now obviously the Yankees will probably go easy this offseason after going bat shit crazy in free agency last year. But honestly, I would go for the kill and unleash Armageddon if it was my call. We could go from a great team to a legendary one if we made those moves.
Lineup:
SS Jeter
CF Granderson
1B Teixeira
3B A-Rod
LF Holliday
C Posada
2B Cano
RF Swisher
DH DeRosa

Bench: Molina
Hinske
Pena
Gardner
Rotation: Sabathia
Lackey
Burnett
Pettitte
Chapman

Bullpen:
Rivera
Joba
Hughes
Robertson
Marte
Gonzalez
Aceves

All hat I ask is that they don't trade Jesus Montero. That kid is a stud and will be dropping bombs for the Bombers come 2011. Also, props to Joe Girardi for silencing all the haters out there and leading us to the promised land. He will hopefully pass Joe Torre on the ring count one day. So that about wraps it up. Hope you enjoyed this Review/Preview. Agree? Disagree? I'd love to hear some feedback in the comments section.

Yankees to rest of the league: "F*ck off"

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees succeeded in cutting $8million from last years payroll despite the additions of CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett. Suck on that John Henry. (hat tip to Tim Dierkes of MLB Trade Rumors)

The Breakup

If this was high school, I would be sitting in my bedroom crying listening to the mixtape that Alex made for me. I bet "Hold My Hand" by Hootie and the Blowfish would be the first song. After all that we had been through, this is what he has put me through. After countless arguments with my father over his lack of 'clutchness', his frosted hair, that horrible Guitar Hero commercial, and banging a fossil, this son of a b*tch goes and admits to doing steroids?!?!?!?! He could have at least lied about it and claimed innocence, but no. He would rather ruin every holiday at the Dugan household for all eternity.

That being said, this leaves me with a hole in my life. Leave some comments and suggestions for who will take over as the player that I gush over now that Roger Clemens and Alex Rodriguez have betrayed my trust.

One Door Closes...

As cited at our favorite website, it seems that the addition of Andruw Jones could leave the Texas Rangers with a bit of a personnel logjam in the outfield (while, at the same time, making Deputy Dog cry). What does this have to do with the Yankees, you ask? Well, stop asking questions before I have finished my thought you idiot. I bet you are one of those people that yells at the TV. Hold your horses for Christ's sake.

Anyway, in case you haven't noticed, the Yankees could be in need of a centerfielder. See where I am going here? Could the Rangers have the answer to the Yankees problems? Did Han shoot first?

Tim Dierkes talks about this at his site, and Joel Sherman (YAY!) also had a piece with the suggestion, but hell, I am going to say it anyways. How about Marlon Byrd? Once a super-prospect that was supposed to pair with Jimmy Rollins to create a dynamic 1-2 punch for the Phillies, Byrd has resurrected himself as a viable player in Arlington. He plays good defense, gets on base, and only costs a little over $3 million for the 2009 season. If the price is right as far as the trade demands of the Rangers, this could be a no-brainer.

Crossed Up

What do the Yankees do if Jorge Posada can’t play catcher anymore?

They are a team filled to the brim with Designated Hitters waiting-to-happen, so if Posada’s shoulder is no-good and he can’t throw out enough runners to keep anyone honest, then the Yankees have a big problem. (See Gary Carter after 1987).

How big, you ask? Posada is still owed $32 Million over the next two seasons. While last year was the first year in 11 years that Posada played in less than 110 games, age is a factor as is the injury that limited him to only 168 at-bats last season. He is, at 37 years old, a very big question mark.

So, if not Posada, then what? Well, after last season every Yankee fan has to love Jose Molina, but it must also be understood that he will never be more than Jose Molina. The middle of the 3 “Flying” Molina brothers, at 33 Jose has defined himself as a defensive asset and offensive liability. No one with any sense of the game of baseball sees that changing.

With no feasible minor league catcher ready to ascend to the big league level, what do the Bombers do if Jorge can’t play or goes down early?

With no free agent catcher available under the age of 33, the water is muddy. But yours truly, the Deputy Dog, votes for the best defensive catcher of all-time, Ivan Rodriguez. The market for Pudge is cool at best and he could be had for a fraction of the $12.2 Million he made last year.

The knock, of course, is that he is 37 years old. So is Posada and the Yankees gave him $45 Million. At age 36, I-Rod played in 115 games last season and is still the owner of 13 American League Gold Gloves behind the dish.

Pudge batted .276 in slightly fewer than 400 at-bats last year, though his power production slipped. The guy is still a consummate professional and the best to ever wear a catcher’s mitt. Rodriguez also stayed in solid off-season shape as he prepared for the World Baseball Classic, so you know he is ready to go when camp opens.

While anyone that roots for the Yankees would like to have Dioner Navarro back in pinstripes, that’s not going to happen. I would hate to have to see Joe Girardi put the gear on this season. Managing and catching is just too much to ask from one man.

In staying true to my previous columns, it’s only money and they are the Yankees. So, I, the Deputy Dog, soundly endorse Ivan Rodriguez for backup catcher.

Thank you.

Chase Wright Packs His Bags

To make room for Andy Pettitte, the Yankees designated Chase Wright for assignment. Wright has done well to become a legitimate pitcher again in the Minors following his four consecutive home run meltdown as a rookie in Fenway Park (pictured above). Our friends over at RAB dont think that Wright will clear waivers, and I have to agree. Twenty-six year old, serviceable, left handed starters rarely do. Happy trails Chase. We hope that you can continue to cut the mesh stuff out of your hat like an eight grade wrestler for another major league team.

Settling Things

There have been some writers, including Ken Rosenthal and our pals over at River Ave. Blues, that have been sharp enough to catch a very interesting point; if the Yankees sign another Type-A free agent, they would only be required to surrender a 4th round pick in the June Amateur Draft. While this may sound like a bargain to some for a Juan Cruz or a Ben Sheets, the Yankees are a different case in this conversation (as in all conversations) for one reason: money.

The positioning of draft picks has a very different effect on the Yankees than it does other teams. Due to their economic clout, the Bombers have the ability to draft elite talent in later rounds. Names like Dellin Betances, Brad Suttle, Mark Melancon and Austin Jackson show up in round four or later in recent drafts. These were players that had tags like "strong commitment" and "unlikely to sign" attached to them before the Yankees opened their checkbook. Now, they are four of the top ten prospects in the Yankees organization according to Baseball America.

What this illustrates is that every pick counts for the Yankees, especially after Type A free agents like Bobby Abreu did not net the team extra picks. The smart move would be to stand pat on free agents; with one exception.

That exception is Andy Pettitte. I am unwavering in my belief that Pettitte will begin this season as the Yankees number five starter. Sources cited by SI's John Heyman say that there is a "less than a 50%" chance that Andy returns, but I can't see it. At the end of the day, Pettitte doesn't want to pitch anywhere else, but he doesn't want to stop pitching. The Yankees are said to be holding firm at their offer of $10 million, but I think they bend. Call it one year, $13 million and everyone is happy. There, I fixed everything again.

Gambling On The Hill

The Yankees need another starting pitcher. Andy Pettitte remains in the double-talk limbo and the waiting game for Ben Sheets continues. So what to do?

Brian Cashman continues to ignore the brilliant staff here at The Fowl Balls, (that would be Jimmy Dugan and myself), leaving centerfield in the ridiculous overpaid and under-skilled hands of Melky Cabrera while Andruw Jones remains unsigned and Felix Pie was traded for a pine tar rag.

Let me make one more suggestion Mr. Cashman. RICH HILL.

He’s 28 years-old and he’s left handed. What the hell else needs to be said?

His salary for 2008 was $445,000 and by only starting 5 games last season, I don’t think he’s in-line for a raise just yet. Hill was sent back to the minors in May and then hit the DL in August. So, if Ca$hman wants to play the budget card, Hill is the man to do it with.

In his only full season of 2007, Hill started 32 games and pitched 195 innings to an ERA of just under 4. He gave up less than 1 hit per inning and struck out 183 batters, so there is clear evidence of the ability to get out hitters at the big league level. He also averaged fewer than 2 walks per start, which translated to a WHIP of 1.195 (8^th in NL in 2007). There is definite upside there and, oh, did I mention that he’s LEFT HANDED?

The Cubs are said to be out of patience with the young Mr. Hill and he could probably be had for a dozen donuts and a fungo bat. What is Cashman waiting for? It’s an arms race, so stockpiling an inexpensive 6ft. 5in. hard-throwing left-hander is a good thing. Hell, it’s just stupid not to go get him.

Hill, much like Andruw Jones, is low-risk and high-potential. Need I say more?

Update: Felix Pie to Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles acquired Felix Pie from the Chicago Cubs for pitcher Garrett Olson and a minor league pitcher this weekend. I cannot help but think that Ian Kennedy and a prospect could have landed Pie, but I digress. This transaction is proof that The Fowl Balls' popularity amongst major league executives spreads beyond the Yankees organization. The only possible explanation for this is Andy MacPhail read our post on Friday, and acted in haste to block the Yankees from acquiring Pie.

Update: No, I am still got getting paid as a special advisor to the Yankees.

Finally Get Our Piece of the Pie

According to Bruce Miles ath the Daily Herald, Felix Pie of the Cubs is "Likely to be traded before spring training". This is a classic buy low opportunity that could potentially be a steal for the Yankees. Pie also has much more upside than other options, including Andruw Jones (sorry Deputy Dog), and would cost less than Mike Cameron. The first thing most of our readers will do is go here and check out Pie's stats. Don't. He has been terrible in his 260 Major League at bats, striking out 76 times. That Rob Deer-like performance is not what I am looking at. In his minor league career, Pie has shown flashes of the five tool ability that scouts have raved about for the last 5+ years. He has hit as a .299 clip in 2500+ minor league at bats, over a thousand of which coming at the AAA level. His strikeout numbers are also considerably better than his brief stints with the Cubs. Apparently, the Cubs are frustrated with his "slow progress", but keep in mind that Pie is still yet to see his 24th birthday. For what looks to be a minimal price, Felix Pie could be a steal, as well as the starting center fielder for 2009. I know that Yankee fans are anxious to see Austin Jackson patrol that piece of real estate, but the organization does not view him as major league ready. How about a 2010 OF of Pie, Jackson and Swisher? (who will be coming off of a bounceback year, but more about that later) There is, however, a horrific downside to this. To be forced to listed to John Sterling's morbidly obese self repeatedly explain how to pronouce Pie (by the way: its pee-A) in the same fashion that we found out that Xavier Nady likes to pronounce the 'X' in his name is enough to make me want to rip my ears off. Collateral damage, I suppose.

How Does This Guy Not Have a Job?

Candidate for the Yankees bench in 2009: Eric Hinske. Versatility to play both outfield corners and first base, and 20 home runs in three hundred eighty one at bats last year for the Ex-Rays. It baffles me that this guy is still looking for work while the Yankees are signing guys like Angel Berroa and his career 77 OPS+ for bench help.

Tex and the City

Less Than 6 Weeks Until the Most Anticipated Spring Training of All Time.

(Hat tip to Peter Abraham and the LoHud Yankees Blog for the pic)

With the Economy in Recession, the Indians are Preparing to Flush Money Down the Crapper

From www.mlbtraderumors.com; According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Indians are in serious discussions with free agent starter Carl Pavano. Pavano will visit Cleveland soon and a deal could be wrapped up quickly. We'll have to see if Pavano can come close to the $2MM guaranteed Mike Hampton received from the Astros. Good luck with that. Luckily for the Indians, this contract will likely be paid out of the "Free Money From the Yankees Fund" that most small market teams use to cover payroll.

Report: Pettitte Rejects $10 million Offer

According to Tyler Kepner of the NY Times, Sir Schnoz has told the Yankees that he is not interested in signing their offer for one year, $10 million deal. Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/sports/baseball/06yanks.html?_r=1&ref=baseball This begs the question: if Pettitte doesn't sign, as most Yankee fans just figured he would, who becomes the fifth starter? With Phil Hughes in dire need of starting another season in AAA, and pitchers like the debacle that is Oliver Perez, and Ben "I make AJ Burnett look like Cal Ripken" Sheets left on the market, what options are there? Fear not; as always, The Fowl Balls has the answer. I am in full support of making Alfredo Aceves the fifth starter going into the season. 'Fredo threw 170+ innings last year, putting him in line for a 190+ inning season in 2009. As noted over at River Avenue Blues (riveraveblues.com) in their latest chat, there aren't many number five starters who get to that mark. Aceves also had stifling numbers through three levels of the minor leagues last year, to the tune of a 0.98 WHIP in 140 2/3 innings. Thoguh he struggled a bit in his 10 appearance stint at Scranton Pittsburgh Intercourse Philadelphia Wilkes-Barre, the twenty-six year old put up a decent enough showing after his major league call up to warrant a shot. It is time for Alfredo to unleash his creamy goodness on the American League (that's what she said).

Bridging the Gap

The following entry marks the return of Deputy Dog after a year plus absence. Always good for a fresh point of view and never shy to take a not-so-popular stance, look out for more consistent posts from our first (and at this point, only) staff writer. Enjoy. There is a glaring hole in centerfield in the South Bronx . By all accounts, blue chip outfield prospect Austin Jackson will not be ready for the major leagues until 2010. So we wait. Melky Cabrera is, well, Melky Cabrera. Someone said to me last season that he underperformed hitting .249 when the truth is, Cabrera is a .250 hitter. Period. He is certainly not the guy you want playing one of the prestige positions in the state-of-the-art Mecca that will open this April. While the global economy is in a recession Hank and Hal Steinbrenner have given the preverbal middle finger to the rest of Major League Baseball. Still, it's never bad to shop for a bargain. Keeping all that in mind, there is one fool-proof way to wait for Austin Jackson, while upgrading from the mess that is Melky Cabrera, while at the same time putting a name player in a prestige position for the most storied franchise in sports and do it at a bargain. The answer, my friends, is Andruw Jones. Mr. Jones is scheduled to make $15 million in 2009 but he has restructured his deal with the Dodgers so that his 2009 cost is only $6 million and the sides are prepared for a mutual split. Bargain. Jones only played in 75 games in 2008 but he is a Scott Boras client so his motivation cannot be questioned as he looks for his next contract. Incentive. Jones won 10 straight gold gloves from 1998 to 2007 and was highly regarded as the best defensive center fielder in the game. If he even returns to a fraction of that form he is twice the player Melky Cabrera will ever be. Upside. Jones is a career .268 hitter with an OBP of .339 though his power potential is massive having hit a career 371 home runs with a career slugging percentage of .489 and 1131 RBI. Jones hit 26 home runs or more in 9 straight seasons from 1999 to 2007 and he has driven in 90 or more runs 9 times. This will also provide excellent protection for Alex Rodriguez in the lineup, something Cabrera will never do. Upgrade. Jones only has one year left on his contract, making him a versatile option. If he underperforms, then he is gone by the time Jackson is ready to take over or we identify that Jackson is not the answer and we can acquire a long-term CF solution. If he performs and Jackson isn't ready, he could be the answer with a 3 year extension or if Jackson is ready, Jones could make a solid RF in the twilight of his career. Low-Risk. So why hasn't this happened already? The downside to Jones is that everyone remembers what they see last and his 2008 season was a trainwreck. Joe Torre is not a motivating manager and Jones did not seem to fit in Dodger blue. Jones played in a career low 75 games due to knee injuries, while he had played in no fewer than 153 games from 1997-2007. Conditioning guru Joe Girardi and Yankee pinstripes might be just what the doctor ordered to resuscitate the career and value of Mr. Jones, while at the same time getting the Yankees through 2009 on the cheap. Problem solved.

Yankees send a message to Red Sox

"You'll have nothing and like it"

Our Christmas card from Brian Cashman

Dear Jimmy Dugan and The Fowl Balls,

Go f*ck yourselves, you have no idea what you are talking about. Happy Holidays and see you at the Stadium.

Love,
Cash

We reiterate

3 years of Manny > 8 years of Teixeira.
The Fowl Balls has spoken.