Last mailbag of the day. If you asked a really good question and didn’t see an answer, it’s either because 1) we didn’t know the answer, or 2) it would require a more in-depth post.
Is Carl Crawford THAT much of an upgrade over Brett Gardner that he warrants a commitment of 19 million dollars more than Gardy?
I’d say no. Crawford is certainly a special player, and under different circumstances he might fit the Yanks’ plans. But right now the Yankees have the only outfield in the league whose three members have each produced 4 or more WAR. They’re all set to return for next season, and they will combine to makes less than $18 million. Given the effectiveness of this group, I don’t see a need to change it. They can afford to spend their money on areas of need, rather than areas of want.
Since the season is coming to a close, who do you feel was the Yankees’ MVP this year?
Either CC Sabathia or Robinson Cano. With all the turmoil in the rotation this year, Sabathia provided stability every fifth game. And while the offense went through dips and dives, Cano performed at a high level for the first five months. He really took to his prime lineup spot and produced.
I’ve been wondering lately, with all this talk about Jeter retiring soon and what not and how old he is for a shortstop, who do you think could be a potential replacement?
I’m not hearing the same talk of Jeter’s retirement as you are, but the question is certainly valid. He’ll certainly be the team’s shortstop in 2011, and I’d even bank on it in 2012. After that I’m guessing he’ll be on the team but in a different role. Unfortunately, superstar shortstops don’t come around very often. When they do they’re often age 30 or older, making them a dicier proposition. Troy Tulowitzki, for example, will be 30 when his contract expires after 2014 (presuming the Rockies exercise his 2014 option). Hanley Ramirez might become available via trade once he gets expensive, but there are doubts about his ability to stick at shortstop long-term.
Chances are the Yanks are going to hit a rough patch at shortstop for a few years, where they go with a defensive-minded guy. Remember, Jeter is .001 wOBA behind the top shortstop in the AL. They’re becoming fewer.
OK, so we’re in the playoffs. Let’s say we make it to the World Series. Which opponent would give us the best shot at a great series (not who would be easiest to beat)?
I say a rematch from the 1976 World Series would make me happiest. The Reds embarrassed the Yanks that year — everyone knows the story of Billy Martin crying after the game. It’s time to take revenge on players who weren’t even born when it happened.
Given how Dice-K has performed since he came to the big leagues and knowing his posting fee and injury history, how much would you post for Yu Darvish? And although you had answered my question before about phantom bids with my example being the Rays placing a bid to block the Yankees. Do you think MLB could prove that the Yankees put in a phantom bid to prevent him from going to anyone else.
I didn’t mention Darvish in this morning’s Cliff Lee mailbag because I don’t think the Yankees will seriously go after him. He was all the rage a few years ago, but since then we’ve read some less than flattering scouting reports. Teams, I think, will see that his hype is similar to that of Matsuzaka, and we saw how that turned out. The contract isn’t killing the Red Sox, but it might seriously hamper a team with less money. I wouldn’t bid more than $15 million, and even that’s stretching it.
As for the phantom bid, that’s a non-issue. If MLB feels a bid is made in poor faith, then they can throw it out and award it to the next highest team. So if the Rays came in with a $50 million bid, the commissioner’s office would invalidate it and move on.
How about the Yanks going after Omar Infante this offseason? His versatility could allow them to be comfortable resting guys like A-rod and Jeter more often while still keeping a proven bat in the lineup, and his versatility would also be a plus if they decide to bring up Montero and use three roster spots on the C/DH situation, as well as allow him to be in the lineup often if he goes on a hot streak. What do you think?
I like the idea in a way. Infante is still young and he has had quite the offensive year. There’s little chance he’ll repeat, but he is certainly a better option than Ramiro Pena or Eduardo Nunez. He does get a bad rap, I think, because of his fluctuating numbers when he was in his early 20s with the Tigers. He’s been an excellent utility guy for the Braves.
That said, there’s no chance he becomes a free agent. The Braves have a $2.5 million option on him for 2011 that they’re certain to exercise. Maybe in 2012.
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