Sabathia talks with BoSox, but Yanks still in lead

2008-12-09T18:43:14-05:00

2008-12-08T23:21:46-05:00

2008-12-09T07:24:00-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/614/036/thumb/KHNYMMECWLTVFKL.20080405024010.jpg 26 VA

coachme

Charlottesville 614676

7 CC needs to decide where his priorities lie...What does he want more money, rings, or sunny California? 3588489

2008-12-09T18:43:13-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/206/097/thumb/yazthumb.jpg 920 WI

Yaz #8

Oregon 206397

CC needs to decide where his priorities lie...What does he want more money, rings, or sunny California?

17 If he wants money, he'll go to New York. If he wants rings or sun, he'll go elsewhere. 3599201

2008-12-09T12:50:24-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/290/75/thumb/0_61_barker_bob.jpg 2077 MI

biminator

Ann Arbor 29135

16 CC is going west to the Dodgers. 3593322

2008-12-09T12:28:42-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/520/992/thumb/46.jpg 13 NY

Bernie McGrath

Holbrook 521432

15 If I am Cashman and the Yanks, I pull the offer off the table to CC; It's obvious he doesn't want to play in NY and is using the Yanks as a fall back and the Red Sox are playing a game to jack up the price for the Yanks, the Sox are not serious. Yanks pull out and let fatso go West young man, Go West. The Yanks need hitting so go after Texteria. Right now with Damon, Nady, Gardner and cabreera the Yanks will be lucky if they get 40 hrs from this group. Who knows how Posada will be after season ending surgery last year. Matsui another question mark as DH maybe 18 HR's? No Giambi? Get Texteria...period. Let's give the youg pitchers another chance, how could they have falling so far so fast. With a good line-up maybe the Yanks can win game 9-8 during the season....but forget CC, he's an accident waiting to happen. Another Pavano in the making. Maybe they can get 2-3 years out of CC so a 6 year contract is not feasible. Boy did they blow it last year with Santana. I'll take Santan over CC any day. 3592848

2008-12-09T11:40:22-05:00

112

.talkingNYsports.com

New York 623254

14 Greg Maddux, the greatest pitcher of the generation, has finally retired. The only other pitcher that was in that conversation was Roger Clemens, and...well...yea...so about Clemens...so...he is in a bit of trouble right now. Because Clemens is a freaken cheater! So, that leaves Maddux as the best pitcher over the past 20 years. One memory I have of Maddux comes from the late 90s in a playoff game against the Yankees. Bernie Williams was batting in a big spot. The first 2 pitches were a fastball and a change over the outside corner (literally) and Bernie did not swing on either. To defend the square inch both pitches hit, Bernie crowded the plate... and guess was happened- Maddux threw one of those fastballs that starts out at the batters hip and ends up over the inside corner. However, because Bernie was crowding the plate, the ball started behind him and ended up over the plate. In a very un-Bernie-like moment, he turned to the umpire and started to argue. The only explanation given by the announcers was "wow, that is just not fair!" Because it wasn't. The greatest just made a very good hitter look like a fool at the plate. I loved to watch Maddux in his heyday. The guy was just remarkable. The HOFer has 355 wins to Clemens 354. The 1 game doesn't mean much, but Maddux certainly deserves to come out on top of that race! from talkingNYsports.com 3591799

2008-12-09T00:14:01-05:00

782

BandofGold

Beverly Hills 25866

1 Get real. CC does not want to play in NY. If he did he would have taken the offer. You're a biased idiot Yankee butt kisser Heymen. 3587293

2008-12-09T10:41:53-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/595/855/thumb/LogoLeones.gif 203 FL

Sito45

Fort Walton Beach 596495

Get real. CC does not want to play in NY. If he did he would have taken the offer.You're a biased idiot Yankee butt kisser Heymen.

13 thank you for your two cents 3590566

2008-12-09T09:54:41-05:00

gEO 3b4

The HV 580141

12 woops, sorry for the double post. I can't figure a way to delete it. 3589797

2008-12-09T09:50:51-05:00

gEO 3b4

The HV 580141

11 We could really use CC, but if he doesn't want to come here then so be it. I'd rather give the money to Andy (not $16 Mil) and Sheets than overpay/beg a guy who doesn't want to be here to sign. As for A.J. let him go to Atlanta, there is no reason to make a commitment, both in terms of years and dollars, of that magnitude to him. We need pitching help, but this market is full of overrated, overvalued bums who are going to really cash in by default. And that goes for Sabathia too, he's just another guy who had an amazing season in his contract year. Let him go be a Dodger whatever. He's got the money on the table and he's turning his cheek...who needs him. As for what the Yankees should do to replace those RBI's, there's a lot they can do. First thing is to make space by trading either Matsui or Damon, most likely Matsui because we need Damon at the top of the order (and it pains me to say that because I love Hideki). I'm not a big advocate of signing Tex, but if they do then fine. And the only reason I say that is because he's a switch-hitter, and most of our offense exists with righties now that Giambi and Abreu are gone, and when you play in Yankee Stadium (new or old) you need some pop from the left side, and Teixeria's numbers are much better from the left side. With the departure of of Matsui/Damon, sign Manny to DH. As ridiculous as it might seem to some, myself included at one point, he's too good a hitter to pass up and I think the idea of playing right across the river from where he grew up and the new stadium would be too much for him to pass up. After that, probably the most "out there" suggestion I have, sign Junior. You can't expect him to be a durable everyday CFer, but he gives you offense from the left side, he's better than Melky and Gardner, and if you play him out there 3-4 times a week, DH him a little, you still leave plenty of playing time for Melky and Gardner to share as the 4th and 5th OFers. Besides, that Griffey stroke up against the short porch is a thing of beauty, even with his age and decline considered,and he would come at a reasonable cost as a stopgap until A-Jax is ready. That leaves us with, assuming we don't sign Tex: Damon LF Jeter SS Cano 2B A-Rod 3B Manny DH Griffey CF Posada C Nady RF Swisher 1B Note I put Cano in the 3 hole because he would benefit from A-Rod's protection much more than Manny would. And A-rod would benefit from Manny's protection more than the other way around. And if we sign Tex you can insert him in the 3 hole, put Cano 6th and just move everyone else down a spot. And if we do sign Tex, with Griffey in the fold we would have 3 backup OFers with Gardner, Melky, and Swish making up 3/4 of our bench (presuming we have a 12 man pitching staff) leaving just Molina and no infielder (besides Swisher's ability to play first). If that's the case i say we trade Gardner (only because his value is higher than Melkys) for some pitching depth, freeing up a spot for Cody Ransom (who Girardi loves) or whoever else they might sign. However, without Tex or Griffey this isn't an issue, and it's more than unlikely Griffey won't end up in pinstripes, he's just a suggestion of mine to add some offense from the left side. So we'll see what happens. I apologize for the book-long post, I just got really into it and once I start I don't stop. And Jon, keep up the great work. Since Newsday I've been an avid reader and I really enjoy reading what you have to write. 3589774

2008-12-09T09:50:02-05:00

gEO 3b4

The HV 580141

10 We could really use CC, but if he doesn't want to come here then so be it. I'd rather give the money to Andy (not $16 Mil) and Sheets than overpay/beg a guy who doesn't want to be here to sign. As for A.J. let him go to Atlanta, there is no reason to make a commitment, both in terms of years and dollars, of that magnitude to him. We need pitching help, but this market is full of overrated, overvalued bums who are going to really cash in by default. And that goes for Sabathia too, he's just another guy who had an amazing season in his contract year. Let him go be a Dodger whatever. He's got the money on the table and he's turning his cheek...who needs him. As for what the Yankees should do to replace those RBI's, there's a lot they can do. First thing is to make space by trading either Matsui or Damon, most likely Matsui because we need Damon at the top of the order (and it pains me to say that because I love Hideki). I'm not a big advocate of signing Tex, but if they do then fine. And the only reason I say that is because he's a switch-hitter, and most of our offense exists with righties now that Giambi and Abreu are gone, and when you play in Yankee Stadium (new or old) you need some pop from the left side, and Teixeria's numbers are much better from the left side. With the departure of of Matsui/Damon, sign Manny to DH. As ridiculous as it might seem to some, myself included at one point, he's too good a hitter to pass up and I think the idea of playing right across the river from where he grew up and the new stadium would be too much for him to pass up. After that, probably the most "out there" suggestion I have, sign Junior. You can't expect him to be a durable everyday CFer, but he gives you offense from the left side, he's better than Melky and Gardner, and if you play him out there 3-4 times a week, DH him a little, you still leave plenty of playing time for Melky and Gardner to share as the 4th and 5th OFers. Besides, that Griffey stroke up against the short porch is a thing of beauty, even with his age and decline considered,and he would come at a reasonable cost as a stopgap until A-Jax is ready. That leaves us with, assuming we don't sign Tex: Damon LF Jeter SS Cano 2B A-Rod 3B Manny DH Griffey CF Posada C Nady RF Swisher 1B Note I put Cano in the 3 hole because he would benefit from A-Rod's protection much more than Manny would. And A-rod would benefit from Manny's protection more than the other way around. And if we sign Tex you can insert him in the 3 hole, put Cano 6th and just move everyone else down a spot. And if we do sign Tex, with Griffey in the fold we would have 3 backup OFers with Gardner, Melky, and Swish making up 3/4 of our bench (presuming we have a 12 man pitching staff) leaving just Molina and no infielder (besides Swisher's ability to play first). If that's the case i say we trade Gardner (only because his value is higher than Melkys) for some pitching depth, freeing up a spot for Cody Ransom (who Girardi loves) or whoever else they might sign. However, without Tex or Griffey this isn't an issue, and it's more than unlikely Griffey won't end up in pinstripes, he's just a suggestion of mine to add some offense from the left side. So we'll see what happens. I apologize for the book-long post, I just got really into it and once I start I don't stop. And Jon, keep up the great work. Since Newsday I've been an avid reader and I really enjoy reading what you have to write. 3589771

2008-12-09T09:12:02-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/169/047/thumb/UVAS08.jpg 260 VA

Hoos Your Daddy

Glen Allen 169347

9 You go, CC. Take Steinbrenner for all he's worth. He doesn't care about you; he only wants to win. So be just as selfish and laugh all the way to the bank. 3589224

2008-12-09T03:42:09-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/551/26/thumb/arizona-state-cheerleader-sparky_1_.jpg 25 AZ

cdread01

Tempe 55406

6 I am a huge Yankees fan, and I am concerned that, as usual, we are putting too many eggs in one basket in going so hard after Sabathia. I hope I am wrong, but something about this just does not smell right, if you know what I mean. For the money, they could go after Lowe and Burnett as well as make a much more serious run at Teixeira or even Manny. I also think they should spend some of that dough on a pitching coach who can actually get through to Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. That is the future, not selling the farm for hired guns. Smells like the 80's Yankees again. Yikes!!!! 3588148

2008-12-09T08:20:04-05:00

http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/597/315/thumb/TO.jpg 136 NY

avirex34

New York 597955

I am a huge Yankees fan, and I am concerned that, as usual, we are putting too many eggs in one basket in going so hard after Sabathia. I hope I am wrong, but something about this just does not smell right, if you know what I mean.For the money, they could go after Lowe and Burnett as well as make a much more serious run at Teixeira or even Manny.I also think they should spend some of that dough on a pitching coach who can actually get through to Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. That is the future, not selling the farm for hired guns. Smells like the 80's Yankees again. Yikes!!!!

8 I totally agree. Don't beg this guy to come play in NY, he's a horrendous playoff pitcher anyways. Yanks should sign AJ, Oliver Perez (some big game experiences 06 NLCS Game 7), replace the RBI's of the Big G, and Abreu with Tex and Manny. I know that sounds like a ton of signings, but just having just CC/AJ, with our current lineup....Yanks offense has some holes. This way having a Cabrera/Gardner in CF won't be such a big deal. Only thing is to trade Matsui to open up the DH spot for Manny. 3588659

<div class="photo_container image_right"> <div class="photo"><img src="http://img.fannation.com/upload/si_blog_post_images/cc-sabathia2.jpg" alt="Cc-sabathia2" width="300" height="400" /></div> <div class="photo_attributes">CC Sabathia has met with the Yankees two straight days.</div> <div class="photo_attributes">Brad Mangin/SI</div> </div> <p>LAS VEGAS -- Yankees general manager <strong>Brian Cashman</strong> wasn't the only big-time executive from an American League East team to court superstar free-agent pitcher <strong>CC Sabathia</strong> out here. His Red Sox counterpart, <strong>Theo Epstein</strong>, was said to have taken Sabathia to lunch here Monday.</p> <p>The Red Sox are believed to have talked about parameters with Sabathia and perhaps even presented the left-hander with an offer. However, it is believed that Boston is unlikely to top the Yankees' market-setting (or is it market-capping) $140 million, six-year bid and that Epstein probably focused on Sabathia's chances to win with the Red Sox. Nobody's won more than the Red Sox in recent years, but they are not regarded as the favorites to land Sabathia (Boston actually appears most focused on star free-agent first baseman <strong>Mark Teixeira</strong>).</p> <p>Sabathia, however, remains the biggest target of the Yankees after two separate meetings over the past two days with Cashman.</p> <p>Sabathia impressed Cashman in two separate meetings by asking numerous questions about what's it's like to play and live in New York, and Cashman brought Yankees legend <strong>Reggie Jackson</strong>, who lives in California like Sabathia but also thrived in New York, to help answer those questions. After Sabathia's performance, the Yankees set no deadline on a decision.</p> <p>"We're not being played. We're not being manipulated. We're not being used,'' Cashman said.</p> <p>While Sabathia is known to prefer California "all things being equal,'' it's still not clear what his options will be on the West Coast. The Angels are focused for now on Teixeira. The Dodgers have not made a significant move toward Sabathia and still have plenty of other holes to fill, even after it appeared they were closing in Monday on bringing back <strong>Casey Blake</strong> to play third baseman.</p> <p>The Giants have been in contact with Sabathia's agent, <strong>Greg Genske,</strong> but it remains unclear how serious they are. Competing club officials doubt the Giants can afford Sabathia, though.'' They have to go into backruptcy,'' one competing official suggested.</p> 30403 http://img.fannation.com/upload/user_profile/image/100/64/thumb/Heyman_Jon.png 0 NY

Jon Heyman

New York 10084