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Going from Good To Great: Why the Yankees Need To Sign Rafael Soriano

Posted by on 30 December 2010, 4:48 am

I have mentioned this a few times already, but he is worth the attention again.

Rafael Soriano is still a free agent, available and on the market. Whatever it is shocking considering he was the AL’s dominate closer in 2010 with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Even before Cliff Lee’s decision, Soriano as a player would have been more than enough for the New York Yankees to walk away with heads high.

Soriano was the best closer in the AL in 2010, leading the league with 45 saves, posting a 1.73 ERA, striking out 57 in just shy of 63 innings. Soriano was named to the 2010 All-Star team, won the 2010 AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, finished eighth in CY Young and 12th in MVP voting respectively.

Soriano will cost his new team two-draft picks as he falls into the Type A free agent category.

Yes, he will not come cheap especially considering his agent is Scott Boras, but it would be money well spent.

Boras makes any team pay no matter what, but the greediest agent has some tainted history with the Yankees, which might drive the price up some.

Look it is no secret the Bombers are a tad desperate, whether GM Brian Cashman and the little Steinbrenner’s care to admit it, fans know it, the players know it and Boras knows it.

Soriano’s role would change, as he would set-up to the great Rivera. Soriano was in the bullpen for the majority of his early pro-years. Continue reading ‘Going from Good To Great: Why the Yankees Need To Sign Rafael Soriano’ »

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MLB Hot Sove: Can Money Beat Misery? Just Ask Jayson Werth

Posted by on 6 December 2010, 10:44 am

When I saw the latest MLB news was that ex-Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth had signed with the Washington Nationals, I ran right to my computer to Google the truth.

To my utter disbelief, it was true. Werth signed with the Nationals for the next seven years and $126 million dollar paycheck.

Werth had many options as one of the coveted free agents this offseason, with teams like the Red Sox, Angeles and his own Phillies in the mix.

So, signing with the not-going-to-win Nationals was shocking—until you saw the price tag and remember he hired a new agent named Scott Boras.

Moving from the Phillies, who won the 2008 World Series and four straight NL East titles, to one that finished in last place in 2010 with a 69-93 record and has yet to have a winning record since 2003 makes absolutely no sense for three reasons.

1) Playing for the Nationals and your chances of even getting in playoff contention is slim. Hope rolling in dollar bills can make up for having to play everyday and losing consistently.

2) From the franchise’s prospective, it makes no sense to spend that money on a 31 year old that made $2.5 million in 2010.

What a way to piss off all the other teams the day before the Winter Meetings, especially Los Angeles Angels GM Tony Reagins, who must be ready to kill Boras and the Nationals, along with every other GM in baseball because prices just went up.

3) For Werth, a lesson will be learned because playing 162 games for a losing ball-club, who will have an empty park, is worth no amount of money. Werth was an All-Star as a Philly too. Remember that Nationals phenom Stephen Strasburg is out for the entire 2011 season and that was the only time fans showed up.

This reeks of Scott Boras. Boras tends to get his players to go for the green instead of where they can utilize their skills. Yes, it usually means less of a payday, but gaining personal achievements to be a tad less rich is a no brainier.

Boras brainwashes his clients that the better deal pays more, as if the team that is showing Werth the money appreciates his value more. Continue reading ‘MLB Hot Sove: Can Money Beat Misery? Just Ask Jayson Werth’ »

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Damon's Detroit Dreams Come True

Posted by on 24 February 2010, 12:36 am

Johnny Damon is no longer a Yankee, at last Damon accepted a one-year, $8 million dollar contract from the Detroit Tigers.

For Damon dreams came true, as we just learned that Detroit has always been Damon’s first choice. Even after the divorce with Red Sox Nation, the Yankees were his reinforcements after the Tigers.

Sounds about right?

Doubtful, but suppose after playing in the Bronx and not getting asked back on a team that won the World Series. A World Series, that according to Damon the Yankees would not have won without him.

No doubt, Damon had an at bat, followed by a super steal in Philly during Game 4 of the Word Series that kept the game alive but a lot of players came up key to win the game.

Damon is angry, but the brainwashing by Scott Boras is the reason he is no longer in pinstripes.

Johnny Damon is an excellent teammate, and he will hold the lead-off spot for the Tigers perfectly. I wish him all the best, but it was time for a change.

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New York Yankees: Champions On The Cheap

Posted by on 31 January 2010, 3:45 am

Damned if you do, and damned if you don’t. – Eleanor Roosevelt

This week’s message clearly given to the Yankees from the sports world.

It is no surprise, that Yankee fans seem to be leading some of the charge.

How do I know this? It’s because I am one of those fans; an admitted spoiled brat. ‘Show me the money’ to where is money is not making me feel like a more deserving fan.

By no means is this easy to buy or is it any way questioning Mr. Steinbrenner’s real goodness for his beloved Yankees. Just please do not suffer embarrassing yourselves. Not for even a moment, in thinking that Yanks fans will be more realistic.

Buying monster-name players does not guarantee winning, nor is it capable of automatic comradeship but it worked last year. Yankee fans spend serious money on tickets to see super-stars play and win championships.

For once, the budgeting threats came true. Talk about ‘yanking’ in the reins, after the free-for-all in the 2008. Being frugal is chic and suitable, but that does not mean that the reduction was spent well.

The 96′ Yankees did not make many changes or down-grade in the following two seasons, because the formula worked.

For example, letting the MVP of the World Series, who had that kind-of effect just seems nuts to me. When David Ortiz (big pappy) became a Red Sox, the curse finally reversed…twice. Any baseball fan can attest that without Big Pappy there might still be a burden in Boston.

Everyone has acknowledged the designated hitter significance in the American League, with all the attention the media finally gave it last season. To spend on a top clutch hitter, with 28 home-runs compared to an inconsistent, eight homer, musical-team playing guy is not pay well spent.

Fact is Nick Johnson and Randy Winn cost the Bombers $7.5 million that could go towards an offer to Matsui of somewhere between $7-10 million. This is a fact that is hard to swallow.

Hint-hint: Loading the contracts with meaningful incentives makes it a lose-lose/win-win environment for everybody.

Damon, via Agent Scott Boras needs to take less money to keep, but not a derogatory $2 million dollars. Looking at the state since Winn, it would be a good idea to get Damon. Yanks will spend more than $2 million grabbing a player in June or July, or announcements regard, “Welcome back Gary Sheffield” or “Bonds instantly out-of-retirement” will be Yankee reality.

Hopefully, both sides can join in the realistic middle. With Damon showing his love for New York, the franchise sticking to ‘winning now’ formula and a common respect for the game of baseball itself. OK, it is time to wake-up now.

 

Something in human nature causes us to start slacking off at our moment of greatest accomplishment.  As you become successful, you will need a great deal of self-discipline not to lose your sense of balance, humility, and commitment.  ~Ross Perot

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Like It Or Not, Boras Sweetens The Pot

Posted by on 27 January 2010, 8:52 pm

It’s pretty much official that Johnny Damon will not be ending his career in pinstripes or any other team for that matter.

Damon’s inflated head can be attributed to his agent Scott Boras.

Boras, sports agent to the stars, has bullied the Yankees in the past in attempts to get bigger contracts. As a professional and a loyal Angels fan, Boras knows the game and his greedy tactics take the love out of it for the clients.

In 2007 Boras convinced his client Alex Rodriguez to hit the free agency market because the Yankees were not seeing his $500 million dollar value. It’s safe to say that Arod agr

eed that this tactic to scare the Yanks into more money would never go as far as it did.

Boras broadcast-ed Arod’s opt-out during Game 4 of the World Series, which pissed off players and fans for good reason. Boras got the media’s attention on Arod but acting as if his client was bigger than baseball went to far. Continue reading ‘Like It Or Not, Boras Sweetens The Pot’ »

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The Yankees Could Be Moving On Up….A Ton

Posted by on 8 December 2009, 2:52 am

The Yankees are about as tight lipped as Tiger Woods, regarding who the team’s biggest crush is on right now.

For the Yankees, it is more of a guessing game involving just a few names, a love contract and a new outfit.

“Tiger-Land” is the small country forming by the list of the Woods-Women is growing. This is at such a pace Woods could have his own 40-roaster before Cashman ever says a word.

Over in Yankee-Universe, the rides are getting older and the team needs to get some youth for next season.

This is not saying ability is based on age. Mariano Rivera is living proof at 40, along with 34-year-old Jeter who had a career year, and Arod who is the same age, has not even reached his ultimate potential.

Lately, as I read rumors everyday I started to go over stats, age, ability and attitude. A fact is that the team’s ability is undeniable heading into 2010 season but with some fresh stock it could be even greater.The Yankees need a player who….

1. Is a young, under the age of 26 would be nice.
2. Has played more then one season in the Majors.
3. Already displays obvious talent.
4. Has the potential to exceed expectations with some direction.
5. Needs to be an Outfielder.
6. *Fast On The Bases

*big factor

Tampa Bay Ray’s BJ Upton could solve this problem, with a close second going to St. Louis Cardinal’s Matt Holliday. BJ Upton is just 24 years old and had a good season considering he is coming off major shoulder surgery.

Upton’s 2009 season stats finished with a batting averageof.241, OBP .313, 55 RBI, 79 runs scores and an astonishing 42 stolen bases. His 2007 season was his best, hitting 24 home runs in addition to 82 RBI.

No one will deny the potential for this youngster and with the right direction the results could be enormous.Upton is Rays starting center fielder.

His range defensively is excellent but he has seemed sluggish and lazy more then just on one occasion. It would seem that a move to another ball club is just the spark this kid needs.

Upton ended 2009 season by dazzling the Bombers, as he hit for a cycle on a night when CC Sabathia was starting at the Trop. This was a first in regards to HUGE achievements for the youngster, and the first for the Rays organization as well.

What a nice confidence booster going into the off-season and gives BJ a lot to think about. Upton has the potential to be a big star. His attitude just needs some guidance and no better place to get it than in the Bronx. Continue reading ‘The Yankees Could Be Moving On Up….A Ton’ »

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Hey Brian….It’s Time To Cash-In

Posted by on 28 November 2009, 5:51 am

With all the players enjoying well-deserved vacations, loyal fans wait anxiously to see what their team will do this off-season.

Admittedly, this free-agent market is not too powerful. There is no CC or Tex out there, but the Yankees complete silence is starting to sound arrogant.

What is the reluctance with signing Johnny Damon and Hediki Matsui?

Damon for two years because that is the least he should take. Matsui for one more season, with an option for a second would seem to be fair.

Even as strong as Godzilla is, the Yankees will read it year by year with a DH only player. In fact, that is reasonable as the line-up is to complete already.

The even bigger consideration for Matsui is Jorge Posada. He has two years left and can shift to a DH nicely. This is anticipated to expect in regards to Posada’s future that will mold Cervelli, just as Girardi did with him.

Andy Pettitte did eventually register for free agency, but we all know it is the Yankees or bust. It is certainly in Andy’s hands, and I think he will play one more time.

Our Southpaw still has the itch, the fans love him, and the younger guys can learn from him.

With the Angels wasting no time in re-signing Bobby Abreu, you got to wonder what Cashman is doing. Two years, for 19 million, is exactly what Abreu deserved after a superb first season for the Angels.

Where is the love for Damon? The Yankees can not give less then Abreu recieved, and tack on winning the World Series, in addition to being one of the giant stars in it also.

I just do not know why the Yankees would allow him talk to other teams. Trust in the fact that we do not want to face Damon next season wasn’t Abreu enough of a lesson.

Both players are not exceptional defensively in the outfield. As hitters, considered two of the best in baseball, who show super-human patience and continually stage with power.

Damon tied a career high in home-runs with 24, knocked in 82 runs, 36 doubles and has a .365 OBP. He works hard and brings no further drama to a clubhouse that does not need to be ruffled by some new import.

Damon showed his true colors with one of the best plays in World Series history. It took place in the bottom of the ninth, two outs, Yankees down 7-3, and away in Phillie too.

That makes me mentally tired just typing about it and for me it spoke volumes of Damon’s role and his true Yankee mind-set.

The Yanks have something that works, again and finally.

Damon will require more, so he will get more because he shares powerhouse agent Scott Boras with Abreu. Cashman knows the Yanks will have to pay-up.The Cash-man can certainly spend money, so a few more million is not my question; it is the years that I hope both sides can agree too.

Losing Damon would be a terrible thing, as the Jeter-Damon punch is dangerous. It is clearly considered Girardi’s top managerial act thus far. The 1-2 punch, made more of an impact to the group’s success then most realize.

Hopefully, all the three bigs will be back in pinstripes next season. At least Pettitte is either with us but not against us.

Let’s hope Cashman doesn’t let time pass to the point of insulting. Just remember, #27 would not have been without #18 or #55, that I can guarantee you.

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