BRIAN CASHMAN'S FAULT

Brian Cashman was named Senior Vice-President (SVP) and General Manager (GM) of the New York Yankees back in 1998 and continues to service both of those roles.  For a very long time I have supported and continue to support most of the related transactions Brian Cashman has made during that span; however, I have one major issue related to his GM responsibilities which I will divulge that later in this blogged article.

I'd first like to begin, though, by evaluating the standard performance of today’s GMs in MLB.  Obviously, no GM can claim perfection any more than any of us can for our own professional responsibilities.  Even the supposedly best GMs rarely achieve a credible success rate regarding either player transactions or team wins that are essentially attributed to them.  A prime example would be the recently famous GM from the Oakland A’s, Billy Beane.  He gained his fame from the book and movie, "Money Ball".  Both illustrate Billy Beane as a brilliant GM who has figured out the best strategies to win without too much money to spend.  Yet, if you really examine his record and you believe (like most Yankees’ fans) that the ultimate goal is winning a World Series, then you will recognize that Billy Beane has never accomplished the ultimate prize - making him a failure under those expectations.

Of course, achieving a World Series with very little money to spend in comparison to higher market teams such as the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers, and even the cheap Wilpon-owned Mets is not an easy accomplishment; however, the Florida Marlins have proven to be better with the same financial restraints.  While they were only formed in 1993 (7 years prior to Beane's management of the A's), they've achieved 2 championships (1997 & 2003) – which is, by the way, the same amount of championships the New York market Mets have won in their 52 seasons of existence!  So, although the A's have successfully made it to the AL Division Playoffs five times during Billy Beane’s current 14-year tenure, they've also failed to win any of the five AL Division Playoffs!  Again, not many general managers have true success, not even the famous ones.

As for Brian Cashman, I feel he qualifies as one of the best-proven GMs, even though he has the financial advantage by his side.  The aforementioned high-salaried Yankees have won 4 World Series titles with him enacting his GM responsibilities.  Aside from having a lot of money at his disposal, Brian has also helped build winning teams through talent retention and overall smart free-agent signings.  For retention, he’s fought to keep players such as Mariano Rivera, Bernie Williams, and Jorge Posada.  For some smart free agent signings, he’s helped persuade the Steinbrenners to offer competitive deals to some key free agents that have helped the Yankees win championships.  Such free agents include “El” Duque, David Wells, Johnny Damon, Tino Martinez, Hideki Matsui, Raul Ibanez, Hiroki Kuroda, Russell Martin, Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia, and Nick Swisher.  Of course, he’s also signed some free agents that most Yankees’ fans cringe over, such as Carl Pavano and A.J. Burnett, just to name two.

Other teams have failed to attain championships with decent money to spend, perhaps because they don’t have the same (overall) successful wit and shrewdness as Brian Cashman.  Such examples include the Atlanta Braves who only achieved one championship since 1958 and even the pre-Cashman Yankees of the 1980’s, who failed to win any championships.  So bravo to Brian’s key contributions, which I feel should certainly be considered a contributing factor to the Yankees’ last four championships. 

Well, now that I've ranked on Billy Beane, added some sarcastic remarks about the Mets as I “sometimes” do, and given decent credit to Brian Cashman, I'll continue onto my main concerning criticism of Brian Cashman:

While his trading skills have mostly been weak, I feel that his largest detriment as a general manager revolves around his stubbornness towards expiring player contracts.  Now, I'm not complaining about any of the lengthy contracts because most players can be traded in their later years to lessen some of the whole spend anyway (such as the Tigers' Prince Fielder).  I'm also not complaining about A-Rod's ridiculous contract because that was all "Hank" Steinbrenner's doing.  My major gripe is that Cashman stubbornly avoids contract extensions to players already wearing pinstripes!  He has even rolled the dice by allowing the contracts of Yankees’ greats like Mariano, Jeter, and Pettitte expire more than once.  Thankfully, Mariano and Jeter have always proven their loyalty to remaining a Yankee, even while other teams have been known to make higher or lengthier contract offers.  Yankees’ fans are also grateful that Andy Pettitte came back after Brian’s first contract debacle convinced Pettitte to leave for Houston.

This year, with Cano reaching free agency, Cashman's failure to negotiate contracts a year or two prior to their expiration was magnified.  Cano would not have had any conversation with the Mariners if Cashman had offered a true extension before last season even began.  There’s going to be another Cano instance if Cashman doesn’t change his contract strategies for quality-proven players already wearing pinstripes.  I have cringed way too many times over the last 16 seasons whenever such players have gotten to free agency; it’s too risky!  The Steinbrenners need to recognize Cashman's main weakness and correct it.  Maybe Brian can even recognize and fix it on his own.  In either case, it's time to sign these critical players to contracts before other teams get a chance to make offers.  Let's sign David Robertson and, if they're not trading him before the 2014 season begins, also Brett Gardner.  Otherwise, it will once again be “BRIAN CASHMAN’S FAULT”.

YANKEES’ TURNOVER

Hey Yankees’ fans, it looks like there's some great news as the Steinbrenners may have changed their minds about trying to stay under the luxury tax threshold of $189 million for this upcoming season!!  They are fully beginning to demonstrate that they will honor George Steinbrenner’s passion of persistently putting the Yankees in a position to win each and every year.  Since George's passing, his family - with Hal showing the most involvement - has shown most signs of wanting to stay involved while achieving more World Series Championships.  Then, last year they began planning to decrease the total salaries so that once the 2014 season began, their total team spend fell under the luxury tax trigger of $189 million (assuming A-Rod is still activated).  Most of the other team owners have certainly achieved that feat, but this would have been the first time any Steinbrenner ownership would have.  Now, with their attendance and YES Network ratings decreasing, along with the departures of Rivera, Pettitte, and possibly A-Rod, they apparently realize the timing of such a financial reduction may be the worst timing to achieve that goal.  At least, that's what it's looking like over the past week based on their most recent player signings!

With that, since my blogged article last month, the Yankees are already looking like a very different team.  Perhaps the Steinbrenners read my prior “Dismal Upcoming 2014 Season” article and realized how important it was to satisfy little ol’ me…yeah, right!  Anyway, let’s look below at this past week's many transactions of incoming and outgoing Yankees.  I'm sorry that this blogged article is so long, but there's so much to share from last week!

 

PLAYERS WHO HAVE LEFT

Robinson Cano - Robinson is now a Seattle Mariner!  I "liked" Cano, but even with his stats, I never quite felt he was one of my all-time favorites.  He and his agents led by Jay Z got very greedy, clearly showing their disregard for keeping Cano a Yankee player forever.  The Yankees offered him a very fair amount of approximately $175 million, but Cano and his agents went for the "now" money and didn't see the bigger picture in which he could have eventually made much more than the $240 million Seattle offered him.  From an offensive standpoint, I will miss his steady production numbers.  Defensively, I will miss his quick-wrist throws and over-the-shoulder catches.  As for his well-known lack of effort in running the base paths, I will not miss that any more than any other Yankees' fan.  Whether it was due to the money or pure anger towards the Yankees’ management, Robinson just hurt his fans and made his hugest error of any game he will play!  Ciao!

Curtis Granderson - Curtis is now a New York Met – having been signed to a 3-year contract worth a whopping $45 million (a lot of commitment from the Mets)!  Similar to Cano, I “liked” him, but never loved his contributions.  He is a very good player who hits a lot of homeruns, but he's not a superstar.  I do love his attitude, which seems very genuine.  His strikeouts are way too high, but he will add a lot of offense for the Mets who have desperately been seeking such a hitter for many years.  David Wright must be pleased to have some protection surrounding him in the lineup.  I wish nothing but good luck to Curtis.

Phil Hughes – The Minnesota Twins signed Phil to a 3-year contract worth $24 million.  Just like Cano, he was drafted by and had played only for the New York Yankees' organization.  Phil had many signs of showing greatness, but had more signs of inconsistencies.  His homerun pitches will not be missed, especially at Yankees Stadium.  The Twins' Target Field Stadium will help him somewhat on that front.  He's a good guy who helped us a lot in 2009 when he produced very dominantly in the bullpen after being asked to step away from his career role as a starting pitcher.  That season he was one of the main contributors towards our eventual World Series Championship.  So, for mostly those contributions, I can only wish him good luck – except when he pitches against the Yankees.

 

PLAYERS WHO HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED/RENEWED

Brian McCann - The Yankees contracted free agent catcher Brian McCann for 5 years at $85 million.  This is one of my favorite acquisitions in a long time!  Wow!  I love McCann’s stats and his demonstrated efforts in being a true gamer.  Earlier this week, I heard an interview with Hal Steinbrenner in which he credited Gene Michael for telling him that McCann reminded him of Thurman Munson.  That, alone, is the best compliment a ballplayer can be attributed!!  I can’t wait to see his offense but, even more so, I can’t wait to see a catcher call great games, again!  Not only do his Atlanta Brave career stats support that, but several pitchers in Atlanta have voiced it, too.  Welcome, Brian!!!

Jacoby Ellsbury - The Yankees contracted centerfielder Ellsbury for 7 years at $153 million.  I also love this acquisition.  He is one of the best leadoff hitters in the game today.  Yes, he’s had a lot of injuries, but most of them occurred with his aggressiveness via collisions and one fracture injury via a foul ball.  None of his so-called "prone" injuries have been caused by bodily deteriorations.  The Yankees have not had a successful typical leadoff hitter in very long time.  He will be a catalyst, just like he was for the Red Sox.  Plus, remember the Yankees’ addition is the Red Sox’s subtraction – remember Wade Boggs and Johnny Damon?  Let’s hope he doesn’t get hurt so we can truly enjoy his base running abilities which I find to be similar enough to Ricky Henderson.  He will be fun to watch!  Welcome, Jacoby!!!

Carlos Beltran - The Yankees contracted outfielder Beltran for 3 years at $45 million.  Beltran has wanted to become a Yankee since the day he was born - I'm sure he even sneakily rolled out of the hospital's bassinet back then to call George Steinbrenner and tell him about his love for the Yankees and his 9-month long dreams .  Past negotiations have never worked out for Beltran.  This time, he and the Yankees came to an agreement that will now finally provide Carlos his dream.  That love he has persistently expressed for the Yankees is reason alone to admire him!  His stats are very impressive, especially his playoff/World Series stats.  Although he's not young, his physical condition has been good enough to show he should be durable enough, at least at the beginning portion of his 3-year deal.  Of course, only time will tell.  Welcome to your dream, Carlos!

Kelly Johnson – The Yankees signed utility player Kelly Johnson for 1 year at approximately $3 million.  He has basically played first base, second base, third base, and leftfield fairly well and he has a decent bat.  Based on last year's injuries, this type of player is very valuable!

Hideki Kuroda - The Yankees re-signed starting pitcher Kuroda with a one-year contract worth approximately $16 million.  Last year, his pitching was great during the first 75% of his starts.  Ironically, his 2012 stats offered almost identical results during the same period.  He seems to tire afterwards resulting in a swift depreciation of his pitching repertoire.  Hopefully, we'll see a full season in 2014 that resembles his early strengths.  For a one-year contract, it's certainly worth the risk.  Welcome back, Hideki.

Brendan Ryan – The Yankees also re-signed infielder Brendan Ryan to a $4 million contract for two years.  While he only hit .220 during his short stint with the Yankees last year, he offers superb defense at shortstop.  That is an important need the Yankees have with Jeter's questionable health.  Hence, Brendan offers some insurance for 2014 at a position that doesn’t normally depend on a lot of offense.  Welcome back, Brendan.

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Winter Meetings just began today and I fully expect the Yankees to make at least 4 more significant moves/signings before spring training.  Hopefully, this week MLB and Japan’s Nippon  Professional Baseball will reach an agreement regarding the main criteria enabling MLB to bid on Japanese players.  It is currently expected the deal will limit teams’ posting bids up to $20 million by any or multiple MLB teams.  Of course, the Yankees will undoubtedly be part of that bid this year, if it’s ever resolved, for Japan’s most successful pitcher of all time, Masahiro Tanaka.  His record this past season for them was merely 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA.  If the Japanese team (Rakuten Golden Eagles) accepts the bid and the Yankees can concoct the most attractive offer to allure Masahiro away from the other bidding teams, he can immediately qualify as the Yankees’ number one or number two starting pitcher in their rotation.

Additionally, I agree with a lot of the sports writers (for once) that it looks more and more like Brett Gardner may be traded.  The Yankees still have many holes to plug and their requirement for a starting pitcher (or two) is the most important.  No one else on the Yankees whose salary is attractive to perspective teams can bring back the value that Gardner can.  I like "Gardy", but his unbelievable speed failing to achieve great results in successful stolen bases brings part of his value to almost subpar for us.  Girardi has always expressed his appreciation for Gardner's speed, so Brian Cashman will have to ensure to bring back very good value in any deal in order to keep peace with Joe (and the fans).  I would personally rather have them trade Eduardo Nunez or Ichiro Suzuki; but, Eduardo's injuries and questionable defense and Ichiro's age and diminished skills won't offer too much in return; however, they can still trade them for a possible future player - perhaps from Single A or Double A.

Furthermore, I feel that the acquisition of Brian McCann enables another opportunity of trade.  Brian's signing affords the Yankees an opportunity to trade from their strongest and only current farm system depth - catching.  Several of their catchers are highly regarded, such as J.R. Murphy and Gary Sanchez.  They also have two other young catchers in Austin Romine and Biogenesis suspect, Francisco Cervelli.  In any case, the Yankees don’t need so many catchers now that they have an All-Star in Brian McCann.

So, whether they trade collectively or trade each individually, I feel that the Yankees have a chance of attaining some farm system strength, a top-tier pitcher, and even possibly a power-hitting infielder or right fielder, especially if they resist their self-restricted $189 million team for 2014.  Let's keep our fingers crossed!

At this point, with all of these new team players, Jeter will soon have to introduce himself during Spring Training 2014!!

 

DISMAL UPCOMING 2014 SEASON

Last offseason, I expressed my concern over the 2013 New York Yankees.  This offseason, I’m even more concerned!  As I've mentioned in previous articles, they are trying to stay under the $189 million annual luxury tax threshold.  This time, though, they have so many question marks.  Will A-Rod play any games for them in 2014 or any other year for that matter?  Will Robinson Cano wear another uniform and leave the Yankees as a free agent?  Will they be able to sign a new contract with Granderson and/or Kuroda, who both rejected their $14.1 one-year standard offer?  Will they replace diminishing Ichiro and Stewart?  Additionally, how many innings will Jeter be able to play, especially at shortstop?  Was CC Sabathia’s poor season a fluke or has he lost his velocity and control for good?  Then, of course, there are the retirements of Pettitte and Mariano - who are their replacements going to be?  Especially, Mariano - how do they replace the greatest closer of all time?

While I dislike writing negative articles about my favorite team, especially an article that illustrates such a bleak preview of a whole season (just like I had forced myself to write for last season’s dismal analysis), it is still an obligation for me to write candidly.  I currently feel that next year’s Yankees will be even worse than last year’s team.  With all the aforementioned questions above, how can they possibly compete against many of the best teams in baseball within their own division, especially while trying to cut costs?

From a financial standpoint, they do have one major optimistic hope for financial alleviation if A-Rod is suspended for the majority of the season as originally determined by MLB for his alleged biogenesis usage/involvement.  If that suspension is upheld, it would result in the Yankees having approximately $35 million extra to spend on acquisitions.   It is currently anticipated that decision will not be made by the arbitrator for that case until late December; but that story keeps changing every other day.

Hence, with current conditions, the Yankees could feasibly need a shortstop, a second baseman, a third baseman, a left fielder, a right fielder, a catcher, a closer, and two starting pitchers.  Plus, they have to accomplish all of that during their only financially restricted year during a Steinbrenner era.  So fans, try to keep the faith that I have - they’ll be back to their normal spending ways once this year’s fiscal responsibilities help alleviate their luxury tax penalties for years to come.  Let’s all look forward to their 2015 season!!!

PAPI'S EXCUSED DISHONESTIES (P E D)

First of all, let me start by stating that, as a NY Yankees' fan, his October has been very disappointing. Instead of watching the Yankees in the playoffs, I'm watching other teams. Most New Yorkers aren't even watching one game, but, as the true baseball fan that I am, I simply cannot avoid watching the last remaining MLB games of the year! Of course, it's a no-brainer that I (and any true Yankees' fan) cannot root for Boston!!

The only major things that have happened with the Yankees this October have been Girardi's extended contract (congrats, Joe) and A-Rod's arbitration case and recent lawsuits against MLB and Doctor Ahmad, his surgeon. I'm sure that most, if not all, NYY fans have lost their patience with all of this A-Rod propaganda. He’s his own worst enemy as he is really the only one to blame – so, for that I don't feel sorry for him.

That now leads me to my main topic, which is regarding another accused PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) user, David Ortiz (Big Papi). As I've been watching the Boston playoff games (the Red Sox are currently leading the Tigers 2 games to 1), my mind’s few remaining working gears have been developing anger every time I see another accused PED cheater, David Ortiz. During the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the announcers (Tim McCarver & Joe Buck) never dare to talk about Ortiz’ accusations & findings from the 2003 tests.

On Sunday night’s telecast of the ALCS/Game 2 playoff game versus the Tigers, Ortiz hit a dramatic homerun to tie the game in the 8th inning. If A-Rod hit the grand slam in that situation the other night instead of "Big Papi" Ortiz, then Tim & Joe would have unhesitantly begun citing the past findings and placing some form of doubt relating to the grand slam feat (especially Joe Buck). Yet, neither announcer dared to say a word about that topic and its ties to Ortiz.

In fact, they continued to sensationalize the effects of the home run throughout every trotting step Ortiz took around the bases – while the Tigers' Torii Hunter was lying on the other side of the fence, physically as out of the ballpark as the ball was. When I first saw the homerun, during its sailing travels towards the fence, I couldn't believe the daring effort that Torii took, as he never even slowed down as he got inches away from the fence. (Remember Jeter running into the stands to catch a foul ball?) Then, as I saw Torii’s body completely flip viciously over the fence, I felt totally petrified for his life! Yet, I had to wait until the exuberant announcers finally issued some form of attention to the Torii situation - the one in which a man’s life could have been lost.

Then, after that, I saw the replay which showed the Boston policeman stationed in the bullpen area where the homerun was hit raising his arms in excitement, instead of doing his “job” - like immediately running over to help Torii. Great job, officer, you’ve proven to be a Sawx fan in every aspect!

There’s no doubt that I envy the Red Sox for being in the playoffs instead of the Yankees, but I also have no doubt that if A-Rod hit that homer in the same exact situation against the Tigers, I still would have shown the same concern over Torii - before A-Rod even rounded first base. Additionally, I would have begun to think about the real PED users, just like I would if the Yankees’ Cervelli hit the grand slam. It’s a shame that most of the baseball world is blinded and has a short-term memory only when it comes to the Papi’s Excused Dishonesties.

DONNIE BASEBALL IN LOS ANGELES?

Don Mattingly will always be loved by almost every Yankees’ fan, including me.  It's unfortunate that the Yankees lacked solid starting pitching and keen player signings during his 14 years as a player.  As a hitter, he was one of the best of his time and, as a fielder, he was one of the best of all time. 

During those years, many compared him to his crosstown rival, Keith Hernandez.  Defensively, Keith often edged his way towards the batters he felt were bunting (a more common strategy within the National League, especially with pitchers batting), but Don Mattingly shined during his almost infallible defensive 3-6-3 double plays.  Undoubtedly, both of them were great defensive 1^st basemen (9 Gold Gloves won by Don & 11 won by Keith).  Of course, comparing the two in regards to character is like comparing A-Rod to Mariano; but, that's not what this article is mainly about:

While I have a great deal of admiration for Don Mattingly as a Yankees’ player, captain, coach, and a person, I can't help but express my controversial opinion for him as a Los Angeles Dodgers manager.   Back in 2008, when he joined Joe Torre to become his hitting coach for the Dodgers, I selfishly felt a bit of disapproval.  Although the Steinbrenners chose not to hire him months prior to that as the manager to replace Joe Torre and, even though Don had given all that he had during his Yankees’ tenure (especially his unbelievable efforts during the 1995 playoffs), I greedily felt that he needed to wait a few years in hopes that he might inevitably manage the Yankees in the near future.  Perhaps, I thought, he should manage in the Yankees’ minor league system first, so that he could gain experience.  Those pinstripes were just so suitable to a fan favorite like him; after all, he even originated from our own farm system.  In those days, no one ever excelled from our farm system and played his whole career for the NY Yankees!

Another factor that bothered me (and still does) is that he would be working for the "Hollywood" team, not the Yankees.  As a native New Yorker, Hollywood has always been a rival, not just in sports but also many other forms of entertainment, e.g., the Grammy Awards are sporadically held in Los Angeles instead of New York's own Radio City Music Hall.

From the early 1900’s, the Yankees and the Dodgers faced each other in the World Series 11 times - gratefully the Yankees won 8 out of the 11!  I’m glad I got to personally witness two of those winning years in 1977 & 1978.  In fact, 1977 was the first time they had faced each other as East Coast versus West Coast teams.  That’s because 1957 was when the Dodgers’ owner (Walter O’Malley) decided to relocate the Dodgers from Brooklyn, New York to Los Angeles, California.  That major move made all New Yorkers feel betrayed, as I've been told and fully comprehend.

So, when Don Mattingly became the Dodgers manager in 2011, many of my rivaling feelings (perhaps inconsiderately) heated up and ultimately helped me choose my dual love for the Yankees and dislike of the Dodgers versus my admiration I had for Don Mattingly.  Additionally, when one of the biggest cheaters of all time, Mark McGuire, was hired as the hitting coach, that fully overtook any slither of hope for me to be rooting for Donnie Baseball as it was being applied towards the Dodgers!

In summary, from a very selfish/dedicated Yankees’ fan, I cannot root for the "Los Angeles – Hollywood" Dodgers – unless they end up playing my absolute least favorite team, the Red Sox!  What I will root for, though, is that one day (probably not anytime soon) Don will eventually become the Yankees’ manager and finally win a championship ring with the only fitting team for him…the New York Yankees.

MO, THE GREATEST MLB PLAYER OF THIS GENERATION

It’s no coincidence that my very first “THE NYY Writer” blog originating over a year ago was written about one of my heroes, Mariano Rivera.  Tomorrow, the Yankees are honoring his retirement at Yankees Stadium.  This year, both he and Andy Pettitte have announced their retirement.  While I have also displayed my personal gratitude for what Andy has contributed to the Yankees, my focus of writing today’s blog is to appropriately, once again, write about one of the greatest players of all time and certainly the greatest in this generation of players, Mariano Rivera.

As my first blog stated, Mariano is not only a great baseball player, but has always displayed himself as a true leader and humble human being.  In his final season, he requested for the management team of the Yankees to work together with all scheduled opposing teams and find their most dedicated fans and/or employees, whether or not they're Yankees fans, so that he could offer his own personal time for them in simply discussing baseball and acknowledging their dedication.  An example of one such instance occurred a few months ago when he spent time with the drummer that bangs those (damn) drums for all of Cleveland’s home games.  It’s not surprising to me at all that this great man ensured to carry on such a unique and selfless act.  No one has ever put such a heartwarming idea together for fans; but that is typical of Mariano - he's like none other.

The managers, coaches, and even the players from all 30 teams showed their love and appreciation for Mariano professionally and as a man during this year’s All-Star Game when they set aside “alone” time once Mariano entered onto the field in the 8^th inning.  Jim Leyland classily assured Mariano did indeed make an entrance to that mound as all of the mixed-team fans at Citi Field went wild.  How ironic was it that this humble man ended up stealing all of the attention?  From a professional level, as usual, he just pitched successfully before exiting the mound.  Rightfully, they even issued the MVP of the 2013 All-Star Game to Mariano.

The Yankees are considering a push for “River” Avenue to be renamed “Rivera” Avenue.  I would also root for the Yankees to name the bullpen in Yankees Stadium after Mariano.  It would represent him beyond his eventual dedications in Monument Park at the stadium.  It would also continuously remind all NYY pitchers of the seriousness and success that the Yankees bullpen represents.  Maybe it could even inspire them to strive towards becoming at least half the person Mariano has always been.

So, Mariano, I would like to personally and publically say, “Thank you for everything you’ve done professionally by helping the Yankees achieve 5 World Series Championships, producing the lowest E.R.A. in playoff/World Series history, and saving over 650 games collectively during the regular seasons - just to name a few of your long-list accomplishments.  Also, thanks for inspiring me and others, while demonstrating how each of us should act.  I will miss you as a player next year and for all the years that follow.  Finally, I look forward to all of the honors you will be receiving, especially in 5 years when you receive the most votes in the history of the game prior to your unquestionable induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.”

Best Closer Ever + Class + Consistency + Humbleness = Mariano

2013 YANKEES SEASON - WHO, WHAT, WHERE?

As stated in the beginning of the season, I had concerns over the health, age, and restricted spending of the New York Yankees’ 2013 team.  Unfortunately, all three concerns came to fruition.

Who are these players?  The year began with so many injuries (way more than any other team in the majors) and continued at a ridiculous pace throughout the season.  The 7 main injured players who were also each former All-Stars included Jeter, Teixeira, A-Rod, Granderson, Pineda, Youkilis, and Gardner.  In addition, the disabled list included some mid-level hitters/infielders such as Francisco Cervelli, Jayson Nix, Travis Hafner, and Eduardo Nunez, along with pitchers David Phelps, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Michael Pineda.  Lastly, let’s not forget the very unfamiliar names that were supposed to come to the rescue:  Corban Joseph, Vidal Nuno, Luis Cruz, Zoilo Almonte, and Cesar Cabral.  Who the heck are most of these players, anyway?  Even the mid-level ones are not exactly famous enough to plug in the gaps of the All-Stars this team has been accustomed to for so many years.

What happened to the competition?  The only team in the American League East that has excelled this season has been the Red Sox.  Ever since they got rid of Bobby Valentine last year, they began to improve.  The Blue Jays underperformed (which I thought they would after attaining some of the Marlins’ headaches).  Also underperforming were the Orioles and Rays.  Actually, the Rays were the only so-so team that surprised me as I thought they would have taken the division this year.  No team in the AL East (except the Red Sox) has shown anything worthy over the last few weeks of baseball - with only approximately 7 games left.

Where will they all end up in a week?  Well, what has been obvious for a while is that the Red Sox would make the playoffs and the Blue Jays wouldn’t.  But the wild card races have been a crapshoot.  Even the other divisions in the AL have pitifully fallen apart.  I actually put a fork in the Yankees back in March, with more certainty a few weeks ago.

ADDING AN OUTFIELDER, NOT LUXURY

Baseball is less than 1 week away!  I would love to tell you how excited I am for this season’s NY Yankees, but that would be stretching the truth.  While I am always excited about baseball coming back each season, as I mentioned in my last blog, this year’s Yankees have a lot of issues, especially with all of the NEWLY incurred injuries since!  Amongst them are Granderson, Teixeira, and Hughes.

Additionally, Brian Cashman has been very busy acquiring many players that are past their prime or simply adequate.  Again, the infamous goal of achieving less than $189 million of expenses in 2014 is such a looming force.  I don’t mind “my” team cutting back and I fully understand it, but other things could have been done during the winter that would have given the 2013 Yankees some wiggle room in regards to signing above average players.  (Again, the specifics are all within my last blog.)

Today, the Yankees made yet another one of those “past their prime” signings, Vernon Wells.  He was an All-Star player several years ago, but has struggled a lot over the past few years.  My initial reaction was of grave disappointment, but after reading an article in the NY Daily News earlier, by Mark Feinsand, I began to slightly lessen my grave disappointment to just simply “disappointment”.  Thanks, also to Ken Rosenthal of FOX for collecting the final figures to help my numbers’ accuracies.

Since the 2013 salaries are mostly insignificant to the 2014 Luxury Tax, the Yankees can spend pretty much anything they want for the 2013 season, as long as the salaries are not included past this year; however, there is a loophole that only the Yankees’ well-paid team of lawyers/accountants could have found!  I’m attempting to try and illustrate their Vernon Wells acquisition/luxury tax achievement in more layman terms than the published articles I’ve read from the media.  While I’m providing my details of Vernon’s salary and effects below, you can choose to skip the breakdown below (I won’t be offended) and just read the paragraph under this 2012/2013 breakdown (especially the last sentence in that paragraph) to learn the bottom line:

Average Yearly Salary = $18 million (this number is included within a team’s luxury tax)

2013 Actual Salary Total (not average, but per contract) = $21 million

2013 Salary portion paid by the Angels = $9.5 million

2013 Salary portion paid by the Yankees = $11.5 million

2014 Actual Salary Total (not average, but per contract) = $21 million

2014 Salary portion paid by the Angels = $18.6 million

2014 Salary portion paid by the Yankees = $2.4 million

So, while the Yankees are paying a total of $13.9 million for Vernon’s remaining two years, they will only be paying $2.4 million in the all-important threshold year of 2014 while the Angels will take on the remaining $18.6 million next season!  The $18.6 is obviously $0.6 over the average $18 million luxury tax average salary.  Hence, the Yankees were attempting to utilize a flaw in the luxury tax rules, but most recently MLB would not allow it; however, they agreed that the Yankees would pay $0 luxury tax for Vernon in 2014 as opposed to receiving a $0.6 million credit.

The ultimate bottom line is that the Vernon Wells trade has given the Yankees an average outfielder for 2 years without any luxury tax commitment for at least one of their players in their conservative year of 2014!  Now, if they could just find loopholes for the other 24 players!!

Only the Yankees, over the last few decades, have compiled such a team of lawyers and accountants that can outdo the rest of MLB’s team of lawyers.  Thanks, George - it’s great to know that some of your initiated plots/hires are still bringing advantages to the Yankees and their fans. 

AGES & SALARIES MATTER TO SPOILED YANKEES FANS

This is the first time in a long time that I'm strongly concerned about next season's Yankees.  My main two concerns are their aging stars and the Steinbrenner's wallets.

Their Ages:  They've just renewed the contracts for several "senior" (in baseball sense) players - Mariano Rivera (43), Andy Pettitte (40), Ichiro Suzuki (39), and Hiroki Kuroda (soon to be 38).  They also just signed Kevin Youkilis (33) because another aging player, A-Rod (37), may not be able to play until at least July because of hip surgery.  Additionally, they have Mark Teixeira (soon to be 33) and Jeter (38) who they hope recovers from ankle surgery by opening day.

For me, 33 years old is when MLB players begin to diminish in regards to health, reflex, and strength issues.  Of course, they typically add experience as a benefit, which is great to have on any team, but if I owned the team I'd want no more than 5 "senior" players to also take advantage of the young athletes and other team mixtures for the most diverse opportunities to win.  Unfortunately, the Yankees are currently projected to have 7 on their Major League team roster by the second week of the season and, once A-Rod gets back, they're anticipated to have 8 which is almost one third of their major league roster!

Salaries:  For the first time in the Steinbrenner era, the Yankees are concerned about salaries!  Their main reason is totally sensible from a business standpoint, even for the most spoiled Yankees fans to accept.  If the Steinbrenners keep the costs of the Yankees 40-man roster including its players' average payroll & benefits under $189 million dollars in the 2014 season, they will reap multiple financial rewards totaling approximately $50 million.  That money will derive from both the MLB luxury tax and market disqualification (a market rebate for teams that have paid luxury tax over the last few years). 

Currently, the average payroll (in millions) for five of the "seniors" that will still be contracted in 2014 (barring trades) includes Sabathia (24.4), A-Rod (27.5), Teixeira (22.5), Ichiro (6.25) and Jeter's option (8.0).  Additionally, I've read that their projected benefits for 2014 will cost $10 million.  Collectively, that's $98.65 million - over 50% of the threshold they need to achieve!!  Furthermore, Robinson Cano's contract expired in 2013 and he and his agent (Scott Boras) will be seeking an average of around $26 million of annual salary!

They obviously need some low-salaried players for the remaining 19 players with a balance of only $64.35 million!  Brian Cashman and his scouting team did a great job over the last few years drafting/trading for such players, but due to some ill-fated injuries to many of the Yankees prospects including Michael Pineda, Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, and Austin Romine, their readiness to provide major low-salaried help from within the organization may not happen in time.

My Surface Solution:  Part of the "Age" issue will lessen in 2014 with the anticipated retirement of Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte, along with the expiring contract of Kevin Youkilis.  As for the "Salaries" issue, the expected payroll removal of Rivera, Pettitte, and Youkilis will help, somewhat; but, in addition to that, I would make a gutsy trade.  Although a lot of Yankees fans would argue with me, I would trade Cano in 2013 and/or convince Teixeira (he has a no-trade clause) to accept a trade.  Either or both would certainly offer opportunities to attain multiple low-costing 2014 salaried players with excellent talent in return.  Plus, mathematically, without subtracting Teixeira's and/or Cano's salaries, it is very improbable the Yankees would be able to assemble a competitive team in 2014.  I really like both players a lot, but I further value the Yankees being within striking distance of the championship every year - because I'm a spoiled Yankees fan.

TERRIBLE LOSSES

I'm sure all Yankees fans were just as disheartened as I was as we watched Jeter pinned to the infield dirt, grimacing in pain for a prolonged period, and trying to make every attempt possible to lightly toss the ball to Cano.  This was not just a player that was about to go to the hospital for x-rays, this was our Captain.  Derek has, together with Mo, led our team to so many victories and literally a handful of championships.  This happened in Game 1 of the ALCS and resulted as the first time since 1996 that Yankees fans had neither Jeter nor Mo for the championship run!

While we have all been preparing for these aging superstars to eventually retire, neither player was set to do so this year.  When it finally happens, it will still be hard for us to readjust after so many years of success, but it's merciless for severe injuries to make it happen.  Next year we know Jeter will be back (after his ankle surgery) and I'd be shocked if Mo didn't attempt to play one more year so that he had the chance to retire on his own terms.

Of course, the Yankees could have attempted to "win for the Captain" but their hitting woes not only continued, but worsened.  A-Rod mounted his failures at the plate (for the at-bats Joe Girardi scheduled) and both Granderson & Swisher seemed determined to hit a home-run with every pitch thrown.  Of course, neither Ichiro nor Gardner bunted for base hits to take advantage of the so-so fielding of the Tigers' Cabrera or Fielder.

The Yankees' hitting looked way too lethargic in this series.  As a result, not only did they lose the ALCS, but they got swept 4-0 by the Tigers!  I hate to lose, but if it has to happen, at least I get some personal satisfaction knowing I fought to the end; something they clearly failed to do.  

By the way, I must mention how classy Jim Leyland acted throughout this series.  The man's reactions to Jeter's injury and the complementary comments he mentioned towards the Yankees, Girardi, and Cashman genuinely came from his love and appreciation of baseball.

This past ALCS loss will be one that stands out as one of the worst losses in Yankees history.  Of course Jeter's injury before Game 1 even finished was certainly a terrible loss in itself but, the ineffective hitting and the lack of effort by this 2012 team during this series disgracefully added to one of the Yankees most "Terrible Losses".

NOW, THE 2012 AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES (ALDS) CHAMPIONS!!!

Well, the Yankees pulled it off and beat the Baltimore Orioles for the aforementioned ALDS title!  It certainly didn’t come easy, as it took all five games to achieve.

As with any series, there are always many stories to tell.  For the ALDS, besides the Yankees’ accomplished outcome, the other key story revolves around A-Rod.  Joe Girardi did something out of the ordinary for managers these days – he managed a major decision with his brain instead of depending on doing things by the book.  In my last blog, I was adamant in pointing out that Joe needed to manage as such in my “Stop managing like a robot and manage by what you're seeing in front of you!!” point.  Joe saw the failures of several hitters including Granderson, Swisher, and A-Rod happening right in front of his own eyes and decided to replace A-Rod in the 9^th inning of Game 3 with Raul Ibañez as the pinch-hitter.  The Yankees were losing at that point by one run and, lo-and-behold, Ibañez smashed the ball for a homerun, tying the game.  A few innings later, Ibañez connected again to win the game!!  Joe looked like a genius!

I am not an A-Rod supporter, but I am also not one who focuses on ripping him, as many members of the press and baseball fans often do.  As a Yankees fan, I am lucky that my favorite team has such great owners as the Steinbrenner family, whereby I don’t need to focus on “their” A-Rod expense.  He does indeed have a ridiculous contract that pays him way too much money, but why should I hold that against him?  My main focus is towards the Yankees winning, so I am thankful that Joe did exactly what was needed for a win – replacing one of the failing hitters, who happened to be A-Rod in this case.

In Game 4, he was again replaced with a pinch-hitter – this time by Eric Chavez who didn’t come through and, in Game 5, Joe chose to omit A-Rod from the whole game – also uneventful.  One thing that was eventful in Game 5, Granderson began showing good offensive signs as he finally hit the ball with authority for a homerun.

Now, we get ready for Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) tonight.  As I write this, A-Rod is officially scheduled to bat 6^th in the starting lineup tonight.  One thing for sure - this will be an intense series against the Tigers, who have the best hitter in baseball (Miguel Cabrera) and the best starting pitcher (Justin Verlander).

There are many questions including:

1)  Will A-Rod finally begin to hit the ball solidly during this series?

2)  Will Joe pinch-hit for Swisher if his woes continue?

3)  Can the Yankees limit Cabrera from too many extra-base hits?

Those are obvious questions, but I have five key points that I think can help the Yankees win, if they’re applied:

1)  Joe should continue managing away from the provided stats on many of his decisions.

2)  The Yankees should take advantage of the weak infield defense of the Tigers.

3)  Hughes needs to duplicate his last games’ effort for his scheduled Game 3 start.

4)  Teixeira has to continue driving the ball and return to being a key run-producer.

5)  The Yankees should take extra pitches to accelerate the ousting of the Tigers’ starters so that they can take advantage of their questionable bullpen.

Okay, Yankees, let’s win this thing and move onto the World Series again!!!

THE 2012 AMERICAN LEAGUE EASTERN DIVISION CHAMPS

First of all, congratulations are in order for the New York Yankees as are now the American League Eastern Division Champions.  Wasn't it even more rewarding that they didn't have to depend on the Orioles to lose as the Yankees took on their own fate by humiliating the Red Sawx in a 14-2 bashing?  Now, they are on a quest to win their 41st American League Pennant and 28th World Series Title!


My expectations of the Yankees winning 95 games and the Red Sox being a weak team were right on the mark this year.  Regrettably, I predicted that to several friends on an email back in April, before my "The NYY Writer" blog was initiated to share my prediction with everyone.

Of course, I hope that the Yankees work their way to winning their 28th Championship; however, I have three major concerns:

First, as I have always felt, the best-of-5 format should not exist in baseball.  I believe that the following rounds which offer the best-of-7 format is much more definitive in baseball.  So, while the Yankees are playing within the first round, I will be nervous of them proving their full abilities in a short series.  Of course, I'm elated that they didn't lose the division and end up in a one-game playoff to determine the wildcard team!

My second concern evolves fully on their health.  While all teams have health issues, this year was totally ridiculous for the Yankees.  The best closer in the history of the game is still recovering from surgery and will still not be available to help the team besides being able to add more great stats to all the records he has already established in the playoffs since 1996.  Furthermore, players who have just returned from injuries include Teixeira, A-Rod, Pettitte, Gardner, and CC.  Are they healthy enough to produce at least 90% of their earlier abilities?  Now, I know Teixeira and A-Rod haven't proven much in the playoffs lately; but, I want them to be mostly healthy so that health is not a factor - whether they produce or don't produce.  The last health concern is based on their Captain, Derek Jeter.  Everyone knows his abilities in the playoffs are positively off the charts.  Hopefully, this 38-year-old phenom can be his abnormal self and produce his usual without hobbling on his injured foot.

My last concern is Joe Girardi.  He has shown us some strange decisions over the past few years in the playoffs.  I am hoping he manages the Yankees as if each game is do or die, instead of counting pitches!  I also hope he doesn't do his impersonation of La Russa by constantly changing pitchers from lefty to righty and vice-versa.  It's overrated!  Even La Russa wasn't doing it as often as he used to before he won in his final year last year.  If the pitcher (especially a reliever) is pitching well, leave him in there!!  Stop managing like a robot and manage by what you're seeing in front of you!!

There's one thing for sure - this Sunday will begin a very intense series!  Let's keep our fingers crossed that we win the series and move onto the next round.  We have a team that can certainly do it, especially if my last two concerns are negated by them staying healthy and Joe managing with his sight and not his detailed stats.

As of today, the Yankees remain in 1^st place having won 83 games, while losing 63.  Hence, beginning tomorrow, they have just 16 games to go.  Presently, the Orioles are only ½ of a game behind the Yankees and the Rays are 5½ games behind, in third place.

While the Yankees are still in first place, it’s a disgrace that the Yankees played so lethargic over the past few weeks.  Approximately one month ago, they had a double-digit lead over all of the American League Eastern teams.  With the added wild card this year, it is even more crucial that they strategize to play every inning & every pitch like it’s the playoffs or else they won’t be in the real playoffs in a few weeks.

 

As mentioned in my prior blog below, the Orioles simply won’t go away!  The Rays were expected to be there in the end, though.  It’s funny, but I was one of the few that stated (to my baseball pals) that the Red Sox weren’t that good this year, especially with the replacement of Terry Francona with Bobby Valentine.  I knew his idiotic behavior mixed with many of the Red Sox players’ idiotic behaviors were going to cause an explosion.  Typically, though, many of the so-called experts from the press, MLB Network, ESPN, etc. predicted them to be in 1st or 2nd place - similar or exactly the same position they had predicted the prior year!

 

Well, sit tight Yankees fans as we watch the final 10%, or so, of the 2012 season.  As for the fans that mercifully root each year for the Red Sox or Mets, I’m sure you’ve been enjoying the U.S. Open Tennis matches and now are delighted to watch football.  Hopefully, for us Yankees fans, we will still have the opportunity to watch the Yankees in the Post Season.

 

PS:  Get well, Teixeira, we need you!!

ORIOLES ARE CLIMBING

Who would have predicted this past April that on August 12, 2012 the Baltimore Orioles would be tied for second place (with the Rays) and only 5½ games behind first place in the American League Eastern Division?  The only team ahead of them, of course, is my favorite team - the NY Yankees.

In 2011, the Orioles were at the bottom of the AL Eastern Division.  They have miraculously climbed ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays and even ESPN's favorite team, the Boston Red Sox!  Additionally, the Orioles are presently midway in terms of payrolls throughout the Major Leagues and have still found a way to persevere when playing the two divisional teams with much more payroll, the Yankees & Sawx.  They are a prime example of smart baseball, similar to the Marlins years ago.

Yankees fans should really consider them a threat to our goal of winning our 41st pennant this year, especially with the new playoff system.  For the past few years, the Rays & Sawx were always posing and expected threats but now it's gotten even harder! 

REGGIE - "HELL OF FAME"

This week, Reggie Jackson put his foot in his mouth, which is so typical of this egotistical man. He publicly made arrogant statements to a reporter for Sports Illustrated opinionating that players such as Gary Carter, Kirby Puckett, Phil Niekro, Don Sutton, and Jim Rice did not deserve to be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He also stated that anyone admittedly tied to steroids such as Alex Rodriguez and Andy Pettitte should never be elected for the Hall of Fame. How moronic is it for someone to diminish two members of his own employer, the New York Yankees, to a point that could lessen his employer's bank account - that same one that is used to pay him?

I have NEVER been a fan of Reggie! Sure, I was ecstatic when he hit his infamous 3 homeruns in the 1977 World Series and fully appreciate that achievement and respect his 563 career homers; but, I dislike way too many other things about Reggie that outweigh those two key achievements of his such as his classless, self-admirations of his homeruns. He stood in the batter's box watching the flight of all of his own well-hit fly balls, along with some that didn't quite make it out - as he embarrassed his teams by not running hard enough to offer a double instead of a single, occasionally contributing to a projected team loss. He displayed the same lack of effort for his defense as many fly balls fell just a few feet or inches in front of his barely unscathed outfield glove throughout each game.

His opinions on Gary, Kirby, Phil, Don, Jim, Alex, and Andy are seemingly the same as many who love the game. I personally would agree with Reggie concerning Kirby, Phil, Don, and Jim; while I would support both Gary and Andy. As for A-Rod, I'm still undecided at this point. Freedom of speech certainly allows Reggie (and every American) to opinionate freely. The problem, though, is adults (Reggie is supposed to be one of those at the current age of 66) are expected to feel sensitivity towards others. Not only did Gary Carter die just a few months ago, but he, Kirby, and Andy have always carried themselves as gentlemen in the sport and, likewise, should be treated as such.

Additionally, egotistical Reggie may want to look in the mirror (as I'm sure he does plenty of times with full wonderment) and review his own Hall of Fame qualifications. While he is currently and impressively 13th on the all-time homerun list and 23rd on the all-time RBI list, he also has the most strikeouts of any player (not just those inducted but) in the history of the sport!! His lifetime batting average (.262) is not even close to remarkable. Furthermore, his fielding percentage (not including many of those aforesaid lazy endeavors) is merely .968 lifetime. Other Hall of Fame right field sluggers including Al Kaline (.985), Frank Robinson (.986), Mel Ott (.980), and Hank Aaron (.980) each have a much better fielding percentage than him. One notable slugger (some guy named Babe) is comparable to Reggie's defensive record - as a right fielder Babe Ruth's percentage is slightly lower, at .966; but, in Babe's career, he contributed to more than just right field with a glove. Some other key positions for the Babe included left field and pitcher - in which he tallied 94 wins for his teams!!  Reggie was basically one-dimensional.

In the end, I personally do believe Reggie's main contributions of his homerun and RBI totals do mostly qualify him to rightfully be in the Hall of Fame; but his leading strikeout totals, his weak fielding percentage, his singles that failed to become doubles, his classless ego, and now his derogatory remarks fully qualify him to be elected into my "Hell of Fame".