NFT: Yanks talk 7-9

Chapman declines or doesn't pitch. The game means nothing.

Bird could be included in a deal for Moose. I know Bird has struggle this year, but giving him up young talent for an aging 1/2 year rental? I don't like it.

Someone had a recent thread asking if the Yank's should be interested in Nathan Eovaldi. According to the same article the Yanks have recently scouted him.
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Somehow he managed to get hurt yet again this year. Just like every year. Then he doesn't hit . On a team this deep it will be hard for Yanks to remain patient with him. He needs to start hitting today. Right now. If Yanks are even thinking about Moustakas that is a very bad sign for Bird.

What Bird did last year in the playoffs was very impressive. Yanks need to see that guy again very soon.

he could hit a bunch of dingers with the short porch at YS, but he's going to be a low OBP guy (Bird almost certainly posts a higher one the rest of the way), he has the same pronounced split against lefties, and he's going to be a defensive downgrade while he learns the position.

and Moustakas would come in a separate deal.

a RH platoon bat at 1B,especially if Bird continues his nosedive & as a backup 3B. Drury could be on the move in a trade & Walker could be headed for DFA. We read Walker was going to be the 2B going forward after Gleyber was IRed but Drury started the last 2 games against lefties. Two RH SPs going for Orioles in today's DH, I would assume Walker plays in at least one of those! Also, I don't believe they'd trade Bird for a rental. If they pick up Moose,it would be for low A,B prospects.

I find it very hard to believe he would trade anything of value for Mike Moustakas.

If he takes to 1b and does well here why not sign him for a few years? As we saw there was little to no market for him in FA this year so maybe they re-sign him this off season. I like Bird and am ok with sticking with him but we have had to show some real patience at this point. Moustakas' career OPS (.735) is rather underwhelming though so who knows. The concept that we can continue to put up with Bird's struggle indefinitely due to how good our overall offensive #'s are is flawed though. First of all we are in a death struggle for the division and it can easily take 105 wins to win it and avoid a 1 game play-in. Also while our offensive #'s look good on paper we have been real feast or famine lately. Either we score 7 or 8, or 1 or 2. We could use all the consistency we can get.

you can have a few free swingers in the lineup, but do you want 1/3 of your lineup unwilling to walk?

If the Yanks can get 30+ HRs from him and have an OPS around .800, that's a win. From 2015-2017, Moose has an OPS over .800 and has an over .900 OPS away from home this year. He's played 4 games at 1B this year and has always been league average at 3B, so I think defense at 1B wouldn't be bad.

His numbers could even tick up with him not being the main man in the NY lineup and should have better pitches to hit in the NY lineup. Even if they don't improve, I would be good getting his production over the past couple of years. Bird seems to always be injured and has long slumps when healthy. So, depending on all the pieces involved, I would be ok with Moose.

I'm asking because he asked Washington if he could play 1B. There is some thought that he did this because the Yanks biggest hole is at 1B right now. Would this fit in with their payroll plan?

I'm talking about as a FA not trading for him.

But I wouldn't be surprised if they take a pass. I don't think they should, but they've been rather wary of huge FA contracts ever since the binge in the 2008-09 offseason.

In comment 14008832 robbieballs2003 said:

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I'm asking because he asked Washington if he could play 1B. There is some thought that he did this because the Yanks biggest hole is at 1B right now. Would this fit in with their payroll plan?

I was thinking the exact same thing.

with this Yankee team. We are so loaded throughout the organization right now that there simply is no need. I don't want to be paying Harper 30 million 9 years from now.

without shedding one.

In other words, I don't think Hal is in favor of increasing the payroll to $200M again. I think Hal would require Cashman to move Stanton before they added another contract of that magnitude.

There is also a legitmate argument that the Yanks have a full OF, and actually have too many OF.

I actually think that the Yanks might look to resolve the issues with several long term deals this winter. I think we all know that the Ellsbury situation probably comes to a conclusion this winter in some form or another.

The Yanks probably need to come to some sort of resolution with Stanton too. I think Stanton has demonstrated rather strongly that he is not a real option in LF going forward. That means DH or bust, and I am not sure he is a fan of being a DH.

It also just so happens that the Dodgers will have reset their luxury tax this season and will enter the off-season almost $80M below the luxury tax line- and most of their OF will hit FA.

It just makes too much sense for the Dodgers and Yanks to work on a Stanton deal. The Dodgers have the prospects and the money to take on Stanton. Stanton WANTS to be a Dodger. The Yanks need to clear up the OF going forward- and free up some money for the inevitable big deals coming for Sevy, Judge and the rest.

I do NOT think the Yanks move Stanton to add Harper. I think that ship sailed when Judge reached stardom. Machado- maybe, but not likely since every team seems to want to make a run at him this off-season.

such a question mark. The major strike against him of course, is durabilty. He hasn't been healthy enough for the team to get a true read on his ability. All we have is bits and pieces of 3 seasons. We really haven't had any real solid hitting at 1b since Tex, and I'd like to see a guy who's going to add some length to the lineup.

The prime focus is still pitching, and should be pursued as much as good sense allows. I'm not in favor of 'renting' someone for 3 months. I'd rather bring in a solid reliever, than overpay for a below average starter.

Bird's inconsistency and injury history really sucks. Three years ago he was the second coming of Tex. Now, you hold your breath that they'll get anything out of him. If you could package Bird and Didi for a front end starter and replace them with Machado and Harper that would be really nuts and awesome though...

is BS. They do not need him.

I hope we have the luxury of some patience with him.

Ironically we need LH bats too.

made moreso because Walker hasn't done anything to push him. I'd love him to turn it on before the break and make these rumors go away.

Im with Rich on Stanton. I'd add that as Sanchez and Judge age that DH spot will be needed by several guys. Especially, if Sanchez continues to need to be reminded that conditioning matters (an issue in the minors and an allusion Boone pointedly and recently made)

However, we look like we have a jam in the OF; but:

Hicks is oft injured and streaky

Gardner is 35?

Frazier unproven against MLB breaking pitches and is not yet proven likely to be an elite left or center field defender in Yankee Stadium

Ellsbury...enough said

Florial is too far away for a championship dynasty to depend on at this point.

I agree that Stanton is not a great loss if he brings back talent.

Who knows what minor or young talent at OF/1B/Catcher and Sp the Dodgers have?

If there isn't much of a market for him, and the Dodgers are pretty much the only destination, how much do you truly expect to get in return?

For a couple of reasons.One being Gardy's deal is up after this year and sounds like he wants to play a few more years but I don't think that's something the Yanks are interested in.

Hicks' contract is up after this year too, and while he is arbitration eligible, I could see them not tendering him if they wanted Harper so the outfield isn't as crowded as it seems.

Lastly and maybe even more important is the Star power draw Harper could be for the Yanks. I see it being similar to the Yanks trading for ARod and then drawing 4 Mil year after year. Harper could very well have a similar effect and no doubt the money and attention that brings is something Hank and Hal like their dad, would love.

I like his talent and I wouldn't rush him out of town, but I can see him being available.

I think that there's some chance that a guy like Judge - at his size - might end up with some health concerns out in the OF and could end up at first if that happened. I also feel the same way about Gary, as a big heavy catcher. And then yeah, you could put Harper there, too.

Love him or hate him, George Steinbrenner never cared much about value or bang for the buck. I mean, he absolutely wanted to make money, but never at the expense of winning. Now, his idea of what would make a team win was often laughable, but no one ever doubted that he always wanted to win all the time.

I don't think Hal is indifferent about winning, but his methods are very different. He approaches things from a pragmatic perspective - if other teams could win while spending less money, why can't the Yankees? I honestly think he kind of prefers the idea of building a champion without being the Uncle Moneybags passing out gargantuan contracts left and right. I think his ideal vision is a Yankees organization that develops good players regularly, only locks in a select few of those players long term, and uses free agency as a means of filling in the gaps in the roster on a somewhat temporary basis.

Now, I might look foolish after saying that if they turn around and spend immense money this offseason, but I really don't get the sense that they're going to do that.

But man, it would be a shame to waste that rocket arm. Same with Gary.

In comment 14009092 Greg from LI said:

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Love him or hate him, George Steinbrenner never cared much about value or bang for the buck. I mean, he absolutely wanted to make money, but never at the expense of winning. Now, his idea of what would make a team win was often laughable, but no one ever doubted that he always wanted to win all the time. I don't think Hal is indifferent about winning, but his methods are very different. He approaches things from a pragmatic perspective - if other teams could win while spending less money, why can't the Yankees? I honestly think he kind of prefers the idea of building a champion without being the Uncle Moneybags passing out gargantuan contracts left and right. I think his ideal vision is a Yankees organization that develops good players regularly, only locks in a select few of those players long term, and uses free agency as a means of filling in the gaps in the roster on a somewhat temporary basis. Now, I might look foolish after saying that if they turn around and spend immense money this offseason, but I really don't get the sense that they're going to do that.

I think making getting under the threshold this year a priority was with an eye towards making a big splash in the offseason. Having their tax hit reset would make spending some big bucks easier to swallow for Hal.

As far as me comparing him to George, it wasn't so much about the money as it was making the Yanks a huge draw and "the big show in town" type of attraction. Both here and on the road, I think George loved that and I think Hal would too. I think the chance they sellout night after night with the constant buzz that'll bring is very appealing to the Yanks brass.

The money part was more a matter of helping to offset the salary a guy like Harper would get. No doubt the extra fannies in the seats, concessions sold and everything else that goes along with him here would ease the pain on the Yanks wallets.

Hope you are well and that the summer is a good one for you.

I agree that Stanton's trade clauses limits optionality. That's why this year is a good one to reach out to the Dodgers...there may not be another time.

As for Stanton and the Yankees, that contract cant get in the way of Judge, Severino...and maybe Sanchez, Torres and Andujar.

Its not a move I actively root for, or even advocate; but I think it makes sense to have a conversation as both teams can take a careful approach to building the teams they want.

But ain't nobody got time for that! heh

I agree with you that a trade would make sense for both teams. I just am somewhat dubious that the Yankees will get enough in return to make the deal worthwhile. I'd feel a whole lot better if there were more suitors, but it doesn't seem like there will be.

Hang tough. Rooting for you

In comment 14009093 Greg from LI said:

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But man, it would be a shame to waste that rocket arm. Same with Gary.

Yeah, for sure. I just wonder how long 6'7" 280 is gonna hold up in the OF. He does have a fantastic arm, as does Gary, but I wonder if both their knees will hold up in the long run.

No need to do it now, though.

at this point isn't even a guy I'd consider.

The contract that he'd ask for won't match the production. It would be like taking on another Ellsbury

In comment 14009128 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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at this point isn't even a guy I'd consider. The contract that he'd ask for won't match the production. It would be like taking on another Ellsbury

I disagree. Ellsbury had one amazing season and was otherwise fairly ordinary. I think with Harper you're much more secure in the fact that you're getting an elite hitter.

has batted below .250 two out of the last three seasons and is batting .218 this year.

He's jacking a lot of HR's, but he will want to be paid like an elite player. He hasn't been elite since 2015.

sign Harper if either a) 1B proves to be a realistic position for him or b) there was some situation in which they moved Stanton without eating $.

Harper is an OBP machine. He’s had tremendously bad luck so far this season (.228 BABIP) and is stil OPSing near .850. His batted ball profile is about as good as it’s ever been.

The organization’s seemingly new-found financial discipline since the passing of The Boss was much needed, but I don’t expect Hal to forget that the Yanks’ biggest advantage will always be their deep pockets. Going out for a big fish every offseason isn’t wise, but this would be an offseason to invest — talents like Machado and Harper don’t often hit free agency, let alone at age 26.

Signing both would admittedly feel pretty piggish, but I think they’ll go hard after one or the other.

In comment 14009141 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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has batted below .250 two out of the last three seasons and is batting .218 this year. He's jacking a lot of HR's, but he will want to be paid like an elite player. He hasn't been elite since 2015.

HE's batted over 300 two of the last four years. He was elite last year, just didn't play enough games to get into MVP range. This year, he has more walks than hits (leads the league in walks) and still has 20+ homeruns already. His OPS+ career is over 135. Ellsbury was never that guy.

YOu can not want him for not being consistent, but he's in no way like Elssbury. That's what my main problem with your point is. Not to mention, he's younger than Ellsbury was. He's only 25.

That doesn't mean I want the Yankees to trade him. But he's an average glove at 1B and he runs like Ed Herrmann. So if he hits like Ed Herrmann which he's been doing over his last 300 PA's he's a terrible baseball player. It should not cost much for a rental 1B for the rest of 2018, Let Bird rehab over the winter and give him another shot in 2019.

regarding Ellsbury is signing a guy to a big contract who likely won't live up to it.

For being *inconsistent


And even his inconsistency is with him oscillating between elite and above average.

I think ARod is a better comp as far as living up to the contract goes.

He's not even in his prime hitting years yet. Hitters generally peak between 26-31.

You have to think moving Bird in a package for a SP is the ideal move. If they did do both Machado and Harper, Didi and Bird along with some prospects packaged together should net a really good SP and you've actually gotten younger at both 1st and SS.

In comment 14009141 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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has batted below .250 two out of the last three seasons and is batting .218 this year. He's jacking a lot of HR's, but he will want to be paid like an elite player. He hasn't been elite since 2015.

his batted ball profile this year is virtually identical to 2015 - he's getting babip'd to death and his not making nearly as much contact as he has every other year of his career - his in zone contact % dropped from 84-86% throughout his career to 77% this year

BB%
2015 - 19.0%
2018 - 19.6%

K%
2015 - 20.0%
2018 - 23.5%

GB%
2015 - 22.2%
2018 - 21.7%

FB%
2015 - 39.3%
2018 - 39.2%

Hard Hit%
2015 - 40.9%
2018 - 40.8%

Soft Hit%
2015 - 11.9%
2018 - 11.5%

BABIP
2015 - .369
2018 - .228

I'd much rather stick it out with Bird than make a move for Moustakas.

Harper would make this team flat out unfair - I'm not sure I see us having the mega-deal Harper will get + Stanton on the books since it's a massive, massive amount of money. But I certainly wouldn't complain.

In comment 14009141 FatMan in Charlotte said:

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has batted below .250 two out of the last three seasons and is batting .218 this year. He's jacking a lot of HR's, but he will want to be paid like an elite player. He hasn't been elite since 2015.

He had an OPS over 1.000 in 2017; a WRC+ of 156; and WAR of 4.9 in only 111 games. I consider that elite.

If the Yanks were to sign one of Machado or Harper, would you rather have Harper and Didi or Machado and no Didi?

I'd rather Harper and Didi. I love the idea of both of those leftie bats in this righty dominant lineup, and I don't think Didi is a huge downgrade from Machado. No question Machado is better but it's not like Didi is some slouch out there. He's an All-Star caliber player IMO.

But the large edge Machado has at the plate far outweighs Didi's advantage in the field.

Machado might never be all that great a shortstop, but the Yankees were pretty damned successful with another bat-first shortstop who wasn't particularly good in the field.

In comment 14009227 Greg from LI said:

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But the large edge Machado has at the plate far outweighs Didi's advantage in the field. Machado might never be all that great a shortstop, but the Yankees were pretty damned successful with another bat-first shortstop who wasn't particularly good in the field.

Yeah, I feel the same and is why it's intriguing to me which guy (Harper or Machado) would be the better fit and who the fans here would rather have.

I'd much rather just add Harper and keep Diid than add Machado but subtract Didi.

In comment 14009233 Eman11 said:

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In comment 14009227 Greg from LI said: Quote: But the large edge Machado has at the plate far outweighs Didi's advantage in the field. Machado might never be all that great a shortstop, but the Yankees were pretty damned successful with another bat-first shortstop who wasn't particularly good in the field. Yeah, I feel the same and is why it's intriguing to me which guy (Harper or Machado) would be the better fit and who the fans here would rather have. I'd much rather just add Harper and keep Diid than add Machado but subtract Didi.

I'd much rather Harper+Didi than Bird+Machado for sure. Agree on your point. Harper+Machado is obviously the douchey spoiled Yankee dream I have, having been brought up on massive FA spending.

given the shift's effect on lefty batters. I'd be surprised if they went for Harper given that and in consideration of the dollars/years involved and his awful BA in recent years.

In comment 14009277 yatqb said:

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given the shift's effect on lefty batters. I'd be surprised if they went for Harper given that and in consideration of the dollars/years involved and his awful BA in recent years.

You mean the last 88 games?

signing Muchado and Harper and offering a package of Didi, Frazier, Drury and Chance Adams for an elite starter?

In comment 14008730 mitch300 said:

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Chapman declines or doesn't pitch. The game means nothing.

Agreed assuming winner doesn't get homefield in the WS anymore. That was silly . Rest up El Chapo aka Chappy, he sure has been stellar this year. He hit 104 recently also

In comment 14009284 adamg said:

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In comment 14009277 yatqb said: Quote: given the shift's effect on lefty batters. I'd be surprised if they went for Harper given that and in consideration of the dollars/years involved and his awful BA in recent years. You mean the last 88 games?

Adam, two of the last 3 years.

In comment 14009338 yatqb said:

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In comment 14009284 adamg said: Quote: In comment 14009277 yatqb said: Quote: given the shift's effect on lefty batters. I'd be surprised if they went for Harper given that and in consideration of the dollars/years involved and his awful BA in recent years. You mean the last 88 games? Adam, two of the last 3 years.

Conveniently ignoring that he batted over 300 twice in the last four years.

Incredible in odd-numbered years. Next year he should be awesome!

Yes. Cashman has said exactly that. LH hitters at Yankee Stadium have no chance unless they hit HRs. Too many defenders on that side of the field to get hits.