Yankees getting ready for the rule 5 Draft

The Yankees have added the following players to the 40 man roster in preparation for the Rule Five draft in Dec. RHP Hector Noesi RHP Ivan Nova RHP Romulo Sanchez INF Reegie Corona INF Eduardo Nunez INF Kevin Russo OF Austin Jackson In order to make room on the 40 man roster Shelly Duncan was outrighted to Scranton Wilksbarre.  For those of you that don’t know how the rule five draft works here is the Wikipedia definition : As in the amateur draft, the selection order of the teams is based on each team’s win-loss record from the prior regular season, each round starting with the team with the worst record and proceeding in order to the team with the best record. Any player selected under Rule 5 is immediately added to his new team’s 40-man roster; thus, teams who do not have an available roster spot may not participate in the Rule 5 draft. Players who are not currently on their team’s 40-man roster are eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 draft, but only after a standard exemption period has elapsed. See Selection eligibility below. If chosen in the Rule 5 draft, a player must be kept on the selecting team’s 25-man major league roster for the entire season after the draft—he may not be optioned or designated to the minors. The selecting team may, at any time, waive the Rule 5 draftee. If a Rule 5 draftee clears waivers by not signing with a new MLB team, he must be offered back to the original team, effectively canceling the Rule 5 draft choice. Once a Rule 5 draftee spends an entire season on his new team’s 25-man roster, his status reverts to normal and he may be optioned or designated for assignment. To prevent the abuse of the Rule 5 draft, the rule also states that the draftee must be active for at least 90 days. This keeps teams from drafting players, then placing them on the disabled list for the majority of the season. For example, if a Rule 5 draftee was only active for 67 days in his first season with his new club, he must be active for an additional 23 games in his second season to satisfy the Rule 5 requirements. Any player chosen in the Rule 5 draft may be traded to any team while under the Rule 5 restrictions, but the restrictions transfer to the new team. If the new team does not want to keep the player on its 25-man roster for the season, he must be offered back to the team of which he was a member when chosen in the draft The Purpose of the Rule five draft is to keep teams from stockpiling young talent. However its a risk for any team that decides to pick up a player being that they have to keep them on the 25 man roster for the entire season.Players are eligible for selection in the Rule 5 draft who are not on their major league organization’s forty man roster and: – were signed at age 19 or older and have been in the organization for four years; or – were signed at age 18 or younger and have been in the organization for five years. I believe that  Shelly Duncan although removed from the 40 man roster has only been with the organization for three years therefore cannot be selected by another team as a rule five draftee. This is why they were able to move him off the roster to make room for the players they needed to protect without losing him.

enjoy

News you can use

There still isn’t any concrete news in Yankee land but some of the more repretable  blogs are mumbling about the Yankees calling the Blue Jays about the availability of Roy Halladay. Now I cant attest to the accuracy of this rumor accept to say the Yankees will be in contact with every team about every player they like to see if anything makes sense. Las. year at the Trade deadline when his value was highest former GM Riccardi  wanted Hughes and Chamberlain as part of a package . I think one of the reasons that he is no longer the GM was that he failed to pull the trigger on a deal . The new Gm has expressed less reservations about trading within the division. Probably due to the fact that he realizes that he is not going to overtake the Yankees or Red Sox next season and if he can get a couple of top prospects for him it will help them down the road. So lets hear it , who would you be willing to give up for Roy Halladay? Lets go with a pick three players leave your selections in the comments I am going with Joba Chamberlain, Jesus Montero and Ivan Nova  how about you?

Jeter was born to be a short stop

It all goes back to his early teachings.

How Jeter Got back his Power Stroke

Many of us have wondered how Jeter regained his power stroke of old. Well its simple, he refered to this old instructional tape that he made years ago. Check it out:

AL Cy Young goes to….

The Al Cy Young was awarded this afternoon to Zack Greinke. Greinke is nasty without a doubt. He has lights out stuff and was basically unhittable all year. He only mustered up 16 wins and dropped 8 games but that is really not his fault. Wins and loses really depend on how well your team can hit and well, Greinke unfortunately plays for the Royals. Greinke posted a 2.16 ERA. In the American League that is just down right filthy. He also fanned 242 batters while pitching 229 innings through the course of the season. I believe that Zack Greinke deserved the Cy Young.

The real question is how long will Zack Greinke be in Kansas City? I doubt very long. He is currently under a 4 year 38M dollar contract. However, eventually they will have to pay him like a Cy Young award winner and they will claim that they can’t. Of course they can if they want, their powers that be will say they can’t afford him and ship him away but in reality they just want to make more money. That’s the case with most small market teams.  If they broke the bank once in a while, put money into players, and put a better product out on the field in the long run they would fill more seats, sell more shirts, and make more money. It’s a shame that they cry poverty and decide to put inferior products out on the field. It’s a shame for fans that root for these mediocre teams that have no interest in competing. Fans put their heart and soul into their favorite clubs regardless of where their team resides. The truth is that owners in small markets would rather pocket all that revenue sharing money then put a good product out on the field. It’s a shame and the real reason that baseball has no parody. The Rockies, Rays, and Marlins seem to make revenue sharing work for them. Yet the Pirates and the Royals just refuse to do so. Last time I checked all the owners in Major League Baseball are disgustingly rich not just George Steinbrenner and Frank McCourt.

By Michael “Genevosey” Genovese

Trade Rumor round-up

To the best of my knowledge the Yankees are not in any serious discussions with anyone about any trades or if they are making any serious moves at any free agents. That being said lets take a look at what the Yankees may be looking for and some names that are floating around as possible trade targets.

In order to determine what the Yankees needs are we will have to make a few assumptions. For the sake of speculation lets assume that the Yankees are keeping Damon and Letting Matsui go . Lets also assume that Andy Pettitte will be returning next season and that the Yankees will be filling one other rotation spot by competition from within. 

This brings to light two needs, one being a starting pitcher and two being a left fielder. I think that if Matsui is gone than Damon would be the logical choice to take the majority of the DH starts being that he is far from a gold glove left fielder. I also think that the Yankees may not be completely satisfied with the platoon  Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner in CF and may explore the trade market in this position as well.

Lets start first with CF: If the Yankees look for another CF its probably because they want one with a bit more pop in his bat. Detroit has made it known that Curtis Granderson may be available. Curtis is a 25+ HR guy  and is on the right side of 30 . Not to mention that he has good speed and the Yankees are trying to get Younger and faster.

One has to wonder if the Yankees might take an interest in the Young speedster BJ Upton. Upton is only 25  and man can he fly on the base pads. If the Yankees made a move like that it would pretty much mean that they have fallen out of love with Austin Jackson as the CFer of the Future. I don’t believe that to be true, however they may want a stopgap CF type if they feel that Jackson is not ready to take the reigns. Is Granderson that guy? Depends on the price, If Cashman can get him without giving up an unreasonable bounty than I say yes. If the price is to high I think they will pursue Mike Cammeron. Again this is all my speculation, they may be perfectly happy with Melky/Gardner.

One thing that is more of a sure thing is that the Yankees will be looking at starting pitching. Edwin Jackson would be a great trade the Price would be fairly high though. Not as high as if the Yankees decided to go for Broke and try and make a deal with Seattle for Felix Hernandez . If they could pull the trigger on something like that they would be incredible next season, and certainly a favorite to defend their title. The problem is that Seattle  would have to be absolutely blown away to consider such a thing as trading their ace young . Wonder what it would take, If you were them would you do it for  Austin Jackson, Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, and Joba Chamberlain. That would be painful for the Yankees for sure but to give you an idea how much it would have to hurt that might not be enough.

Left field is a position that seems they would fill from free agency considering the number of free agent left fielders available.  But their is some speculation that Carl Crawford could become available. The Rays just picked up his 10million dollar option which keeps him in Florida for one more year. When Crawford signed this deal there was kind of a handshake you have my word we wont pick up the option kind of thing, but that was under an entirely different regime.  If  Tampa is unable to sign Crawford to an extension they will almost certainly look to trade him whether than lose him to free agency next season.I think a lot of teams including the Yankees would give a nice package for Crawford.

I think the trade market is fairly weak and its not really the Yankees thing. The Bombers don’t like to give up their young talent if they can fill their needs via free agency.  If the Yankees can sign either John Lachkey, Aroldis Chapman or Matt Holiday via free agency they will be pretty much done but Brian Cashman will have talked with every GM about every different trade possibility. Odds are he wont make any significant trades. Look for some smaller moves to be made that might bring in a relief pitcher or utility guy but if something makes sense Cashman won’t hesitate.

The kids get their hardware

The American League and National League handed out their Rookie of the Year awards today. The awards were given to Andrew Bailey of the Oakland Athletics and left fielder Chris Coghlan in the National League. You can read all about it by clicking on the above link. I however am going to take a look at the people who I thought should have gotten the award.

Coghlan batted .321 with nine home runs and thirty one doubles in 128 games. That is worth a Rookie of the Year award if you ask me. However, JA Happ, who placed second had an outstanding season. He anchored a shaky Phillies lineup and helped propel his team into the playoffs. Happ was 12-4 with a 2.93 ERA. He also fanned 119 during the course of the year. Both guys are deserving but if I had a vote which I don’t I would have voted for Happ. Being on a winning team is a big deal for me as well.

Let’s switch gears to the American League, Andrew Bailey took home the trophy but who else was worthy? Elvis Andrus (Mike Rook’s personal fav) was a defensive giant and if not for Derek Jeter could have easily taken home the Gold Glove. In 145 games Andrus batted .267 with six dingers and 40 RBI. He also pitched in and scored 72 runs. Oh yeah he swiped 33 bags. He came in second in the ROY running. I like Gordan Beckham myself. Beckham was a stand out third baseman for the White Sox. He also pitched in at the plate may I add. He batted .270 with 14 homeruns and 63 RBI. He also slugged .460. Impressive to say the least. Ozzie Guillen says that Beckham is their third baseman of the future and I agree. I also think he should have gotten more consideration for ROY.

More awards will be handed out in the following week including AL and NL MVP’s next week. Stay tuned!

By Michael “Genevosey” Genovese

What would you give for Curtis Granderson

It is that time of year when rumors start to fly about trades for this and trades for that. Whether or not the Yankees are talking internally or to the Tigers or not at all about this is just speculation.

What I will tell you is my wonderful opinion on a possible trade. I say NO WAY.

Curtis Granderson had a good year last year. He batted only .249  but had good power numbers with 30 HR and 71 RBI. He has decent speed with 20 stolen bases .  However the Yankees have Austin Jackson waiting in the wings and hopefully will be the CFer of the future for many years to come. Jackson is a true five tool player and may be one of the fastest base runners  the Yankees will have seen in CF sense the days of Ricky Henderson in his prime. The only concerns with Jackson is that he hasn’t developed his power stroke yet. However he has the potential and I’m confident it will come. But the Yankees don’t necessarily need a power hitter in CF, especially if they have decent power from the corners. Power is not something the Yankees are lacking and a singles hitter that will hit .300 and steal 30 bases would be a welcome addition.

Now I can approve a deal for Granderson under the following conditions.

1. If the Yankees feel that Jackson is still at least a year away, than a trade that would give the Tigers Melky Cabrera and two minor leaguers could be attractive.

2. Neither Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain could be included in any said trade.

3.If the Tigers interest in Trading Granderson is because they Want  Austin Jackson we would need them to include a pitcher such as Edwin Jackson or perhaps Jeremy Bonderman if they also ate some of the huge salary he makes.

For the most part I am opposed to this trade as I feel that Austin Jackson is going to be the future of the Yankees CF. Perhaps one day being,  called one of the Great Yankees like Bernie Williams or Joe DiMaggio, ok ok I’m getting ahead of myself a little.

My 2010 dream Roster

Right now things are kind of slow news wise so I will share with you my dream Roster for 2010

Position players and batting order

1. Derek Jeter- The Captain sis great from the lead off spot in 2009 . There is no reason to change it in 2010

2. Johnny Damon- Damon is a free agent and I think there is interest on both sides for him to return for an encore season. I believe a one year deal for around 7 million + incentives with a second year club option would get it done. I would like to see Damon primarily DH.

3. Mark Texeria- Mark was fabulous last season and may win the MVP.

4. Alex Rodriguez- After his return Alex was also great. He removed many of the labels he had been walking  around with him the last few season and is wearing a new one. Now we can call him clutch.

5. Matt Holiday- Matt Holiday would be the Perfect fit for the Yankees in Left Field if you are going to let Matsui Walk. Holiday is only 29 and has hit 20 or more HR and 100 + RBI the last four seasons in a row. Being in the prime of his career he wont come cheap but with Matsui gone and Damon on a cheaper deal signing him for Four years 50 million dollars is doable.

6. Jorge Posada- Posada should be able to play the role as everyday catcher for at least two more seasons. If the Yankees are smart they will resign Jose Molina for another two year deal to give him extra days off or to let him DH every once in a while.

7. Robinson Cano- You know you have a hell of a lineup when your seven hitter is capable of winning a batting title. Cano had an unbelievable season and i believe will continue his patient ways at the plate. If he can do better with runners in scoring position and learn to take a little off  some of his throws ( his arm is to strong and sometimes throws wildly) he may be in contention for a batting title or a gold glove.

8. Nick Swisher- Although Nick didn’t really hit for average, he showed good power numbers hitting  29 Hr and 82 RBI’s.Nick was second in walks in the American League with 97. He gets on base and he hits for power. The Yankees have him under contract for one more year.

9. Austin Jackson- Jackson had a great year in Scranton . Some feel that his power numbers aren’t as good as what he projects to be and that he strikes out to much. In 2009 Jackson hit .300 with 4 HR and 65 RBI’s. Jackson showed his speed stealing 24 bases only getting caught 4 times. Jackson took IL Rookie of the Year honors and will come to spring training ready to impress. I think his youth and Athleticism will earn him a spot on the opening day roster.

Starting Rotation

1. CC Sabathia-  A Cy Young candidate and was great during the entire season and post season. Look for him to remain on top in 2010.

2. AJ Burnett- Had a Jekyll and Hyde thing going on at times, but he’s passionate about winning and has the best curve ball in the game. Aj has been great for the clubhouse and his whip cream pie tradition will carry on to 2010.

3. Andy Pettitte- Andy will decide to come back for another season as the tank is not even close to empty yet. Look for him to get around the same deal as last year with abou the same results. 200+ innings and 15 wins who wouldn’t want that.

4. Aroldis Chapman- I believe the Yankees will win the bidding war for the flame throwing Cuban defector. A lefty that can hit 100mph with his fastball are far from a dime a dozen. He is a bit raw with the control of his secondary pitches but the Yankees pitching coaches are amongst the best in the game. He may start the season in Scranton but not for long.

5. Chad Gaudin- I know you are all surprised by this pick but he is as good a starting pitcher as any of the fifth starter candidates and will outpitch Joba and Hughes in spring training and win the five spot out of the gate. At least until he falters.

The Bull Pen:

Here are the pitchers that should definitely be there according to me.

David Robertson

Domaso Marte

Phil Hughes

Joba Chamberlain

Mariano Rivera

Alfredo Aceves

Phil Coke

The Bench:

Jose Molina

Ramiro Pena

Brett Gardner

Jerry Hairston Jr

There you have it folks my version of the 2010 25 man Roster. Now I have no  say in what the Yankees do or who they offer contracts to. This is just what I would do if I were them. What would you do differently? Leave your 25 man roster in the comments I’m dying to see what you would do.