NFT: Yanks Talk - 11/12/18 - Looking into Machado

*if the market doesn't get out of hand.

You know his agent is doing damage control. But once he's signed by a team for ten years, they're stuck with him.

Keuchel wants to shave his beard.

that Machado would be the first move for the Yanks, if they intend on doing it at all.

It opens up the SP trade negotiations a lot if they know that trading Andujar doesn't create a big hole. Making the trade first hurts leverage w Machado.

Of course, there exists an outcome where both Machado and Miggy are NYY next season. (feels unlikely to me, but that's strictly an opinion/hunch).

I�d prefer Harper. He�s a more prolific hitter, although Machado AT THIRD BASE, is a superstar.

In comment 14172766 MattyKid said:

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Keuchel wants to shave his beard.

I took that to mean he was sending a message to the Yankees

In comment 14172860 Beer Man said:

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In comment 14172766 MattyKid said: Quote: Keuchel wants to shave his beard. I took that to mean he was sending a message to the Yankees

I�m lukewarm on Keuchel. If he willing to sign for 3 years then OK, but his career peak is in the past.

Starting Pitching, starting Pitching and contact hitters. we have enough guys that can go deep.

Kluber now has me enticed, depending on the cost...

Manny is a lifetime .282 batter, .335 OBP and .822 OPS...at 3rd base he is an All Star.

anti NY bias

Horseshit. Andujar got robbed.

I don't want Keuchel either. Don't like where his numbers are going and he just doesn't instill confidence.

But I simply would not give the guy more than 3 years. 3 years $45M would be an acceptable price and term as far as I�m concerned, but I have little doubt he�ll get more than that.

But the MLB free agent market is weird, you never know.

because I don't want to continue on a thread about the abomination that was the ALROY vote.

I like him. I think he's a solid #3 who will eat innings. 23/34 starts this year went at least 6, only 3 were under 5 IP and that included the second to last game of the season when they were on cruise control. For comparison, only 11 of Sabathia's 29 starts went 6 or more. Keuchel is also a good ground ball guy with a reasonable HR rate, and he wants to be here.

The issue with Keuchel is the ask. If it's the forecast 4/$80 or even 5 years, that's way too long. But if it's 4/$65 or even 3/$60 sure. I just don't think we'll be that fortunate.

big contract and immediately falls off a cliff. I know you have data that contradicts that, but an aging junkballer sets off my spidey sense.

and he'll be a 4-5 at the end of the deal.

In comment 14176232 Greg from LI said:

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big contract and immediately falls off a cliff. I know you have data that contradicts that, but an aging junkballer sets off my spidey sense.

As a Yankees fan it's hard not to be triggered at the thought FA pitchers in general.

To me, the thing that gives me some comfort with Keuchel is the low reliance on velocity, ability to limit hard contact, "crafty left-hander" approach, and etc. The batted ball profile is a great fit for YS.

Not a great data point to rely on, but I can't help but think about how soul-crushing it's been to watch him frustrate the shit out of NYY hitters with soft grounders and pop-ups in huge games.

Of course, the injury history is what gives me pause. If it weren't for that, I'd really be banging the drum.

is a three year deal, even for big money, with one or even two vesting options based on innings pitched and effectiveness.

hopefully they can get two starters to put them over the top

both stateside and Dominican.

Seigler is getting rave reviews for his maturity and his ability to handle pitchers.

Breaux is getting rave reviews for his bat.

Kevin Alcantara (2018 big-$ IFA sign) is turning heads in the DR. Tall, lanky CF already making loud contact.

Ditto Alexander Vargas, a Cuban SS they signed this year, who is getting high marks for his feet and his glove but whose bat is still pretty light.

Antonio Gomez may be the next big IFA C prospect, a Venezuelan high-$ sign drawing favorable comps to Luis Torrens at the same age.

So a lot to like.

Tampa 2nd half if he does well? 3 years from MLB on the fast track?

Seigler's defense is likely to keep him moving even if the bat lags. Breaux is the opposite, by most accounts a special bat that will force the issue even if the defense lags.

which will suck

I saw Florial in the all-star game, that�s about it.

In comment 14176964 Jim in Hoboken said:

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I saw Florial in the all-star game, that�s about it.

I don't get that excited about the AFL results.

Just as a point in reference, Cody Carroll was dominant in the AFL last winter and was the Yanks star performer there. He ended up being just ok last year before being shipped to the O's in the Zach Britton trade- and was obliterated in his time in the bigs.

For me, the fact that Thairo Estrada was able to play after missing the majority of the season was the main takeaway. He could be a dark horse contender to be part of the Yankees in 2019 with his ability to play 2B, SS and 3B- and has a decent bat (not on Torres level, but good).

Florial with the same reviews. Very toolsy, a lot of swing and miss, if it ever clicks he could be special. Steven Sensley with okay results, has been playing some 1B too. A couple under the radar relievers doing well, specifically Matt Wivinis. But not the best group they've sent out.

option at 2B. I was confident Andujar could be another Cano, underrated with the bat while in the minors, but he arrived much faster and far exceeded my expectations this year. Estrada doesn�t have that kind of hit tool but I feel he�s underrated as a prospect.

Stats don�t matter in the AFL, but to be recognized in a league full of toolsy players is not a bad thing.

and his hitting hasn't really looked all the way back this year. He certainly could contribute but it's pretty risky to pencil him in for a contribution.

However, given his prior performance and the hope that he is able to get some winter ball action in to prep for 2019, I would not discount his chances of playing in NY sometime in 2019. The Yanks infield situation is as unsettled as it has been in some time, both at the starter and reserve spots.

Estrada has positional flexibility with game experience at 2B, SS and 3B. His bat is not going to be All Star levels like Torres, but prior to this season lost to injury, he showed OBP skills, some moderate SB speed, a little bit of power and could carry a decent BA.

At worst, he could take a utility spot if the Yanks think they can improve on Torreyes or if someone gets injured. At best, he could push for the job at 2B if Torres were to be moved to SS. However, given the long layoff, I don't think it is realistic to expect that to happen in spring training. Maybe by June or so, if he returns to prior levels of performance.

Cashman on Boomer and Gio this morning on the way to work and he clearly stated his mission goal of this off-season is to bring in two front line of rotation starters (his words, not mine). I know he has said before they are looking to bring in more than one pitcher but I feel like this was the first time he said specifically he is going to bring in two top starters this off-season. This guy's track record is that when he says something of that sort, he does it. Does Happ qualify as a top of the rotation pitcher? I don't really think so. The only guy on free agency you might put into that category is Corbin so I think that line pretty much tells you that there will be a trade for one of the top pitchers available + likely signing Corbin. I try not to read too much into these things but Cashman is not one to mince words.

I assume their desire is to sign one and trade for one. They don't want to give out multiple 5+ year deals because it'll sap their flexibility, and they don't want to empty the farm for multiple top guys. So I could see a Corbin and a trade, or I could see a trade for a Kluber or Paxton and then a Happ signing. I would be much more surprised to see both a Corbin and a Keuchel signing.

coming back next year. He isn't going to demand crazy money, and he is a solid Boston killer (Minus the playoff game).

The Yanks could do worse off as a 3rd or 4th guy in a rotation.

but it'll be considerably less crazy than Corbin.

to say he could be at 2B next year with Torres at SS and Andujar at 3B.
Could be that neither Machado or Harper get tapped and they sign Corbin (or Happ) and trade for Kluber or Paxton.

So:
Hicks CF
Judge RF
Andujar 3B
Stanton DH
Sanchez C
Voit 1B
Torres SS
Estrada 2B (FA?)
Gardner/Frazier LF

or a guy like Walker or Daniel Murphy could be attractive on a one year deal.

In comment 14177555 Dunedin81 said:

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or a guy like Walker or Daniel Murphy could be attractive on a one year deal.

I thought about Walker. Murphy's left bat would be useful. I would love to see Wade get a shot, he has good AAA numbers that just don't seem to translate to MLB. In fact I would really love for Wade to step up.

The more I look, the more Didi's injury leaves a hole as dumb as that sounds.

Are you getting the feeling that Harper and Machado are not on the Yanks agenda?

to suggest any interest in Harper. A few whispers regarding Manny, though that could be his agent trying to drum up a bidding war. If I had to guess, I'd say they're going to see if Machado's ask comes down to a place where they're comfortable.

I could see him forcing the issue and certainly his speed can impact a game. I just can't see them going into a season counting on him (or Estrada, or Torreyes) to be an everyday 2B. More likely they bring in a vet as the default plan and see if one of those kids can hit enough to merit regular at bats.

In comment 14177567 Dunedin81 said:

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to suggest any interest in Harper. A few whispers regarding Manny, though that could be his agent trying to drum up a bidding war. If I had to guess, I'd say they're going to see if Machado's ask comes down to a place where they're comfortable.

I know they want 10 yrs or more. I would not go more than 7, although Harper's bat will probably remain good for 10. But neither will want to look for a contract when they are 33 y/o.
Of course without an open bidding war the numbers may be lower(not much). Philly may take the Yanks spot as the one flaunting $$$. I never really was hot on Harper, but if he could play 1B, that would be very big. AT 6'4" that is a nice target.
Was pretty in on Machado, but the cheap plays and the "I don't hustle" is an eye opener and could lead to poor play past 30 when natural ability tends to wain.

he's a legit 6 WAR SS or 3B (3 out of 4 years, 4 out of 6) and those players don't grow on trees. Didi has been fantastic but he has averaged just 3.3 WAR over the last four years. The hustle concerns are what they are, and to say what he said about it calls into question his maturity. But he's easily a Top 10 player in baseball, at his best probably a Top 5.

Hal makes enough $$ so he (and we fans) shouldn't worry about what these megastars get paid. But those huge never ending contracts handcuff teams. I have a feeling that Stanton may opt out in 2020, so his number would go away, but Judge, Sevy and Sanchez come due soon enough.
Cashman has a pretty big juggling act coming soon.

I would love Manny, in truth. I think being in the right locker room could straighten him out (Judge, Didi, Stanton, Gardner).
Manny, Kluber(or Paxton) and either Happ(or Corbin) and I am fine.

In comment 14177555 Dunedin81 said:

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or a guy like Walker or Daniel Murphy could be attractive on a one year deal.

I know the spray charts say Murphy wouldn't be a good fit, but if we could sign him for short-term, I still think I'd be interested.

If a three year contract underperforms or the guy gets injured it sucks. But if you're the Tigers with Cabrera, even if payroll isn't really an issue you're locked into that roster spot for YEARS. That's why smart GMs, and Cashman is a smart GM, are going to stagger these deals. If they give $120+ a year over the next five years to just 4-5 guys, they're going to have an inflexible payroll and roster, and at a time when the kids are going to start needing to get paid.

In comment 14177621 Dunedin81 said:

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If a three year contract underperforms or the guy gets injured it sucks. But if you're the Tigers with Cabrera, even if payroll isn't really an issue you're locked into that roster spot for YEARS. That's why smart GMs, and Cashman is a smart GM, are going to stagger these deals. If they give $120+ a year over the next five years to just 4-5 guys, they're going to have an inflexible payroll and roster, and at a time when the kids are going to start needing to get paid.

Exactly.

Yankees are "all in" on Machado

In comment 14177653 Dunedin81 said:

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Yankees are "all in" on Machado

To be fair, Kay made it pretty clear that's just what he's inferring based on Hal's comments. He's not 'reporting' anything per se other than Hal's comments.

In comment 14177653 Dunedin81 said:

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Yankees are "all in" on Machado

Guess they were satisfied with whatever sort of background digging they did.

I'm on board.

In comment 14177653 Dunedin81 said:

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Yankees are "all in" on Machado

Is Kay considered an insider mouthpiece or is it just his speculation for the show?

In comment 14177655 bigbluehoya said:

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In comment 14177653 Dunedin81 said: Quote: Yankees are "all in" on Machado To be fair, Kay made it pretty clear that's just what he's inferring based on Hal's comments. He's not 'reporting' anything per se other than Hal's comments.

Thanks. I'm getting it secondhand on Twitter.

but I have to assume that the plan would be for Machado at 3B, right? If so, I'm all for it if we can move Andujar for an arm.

He's a shill. If he's saying something about Machado, it's because the Yankees want him to say something.

In comment 14177664 Keith said:

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but I have to assume that the plan would be for Machado at 3B, right? If so, I'm all for it if we can move Andujar for an arm.

Not necessarily. Could he starts at SS and can move to 3rd when Didi returns and they'll see how Miggy does during the season.

or

You could be right and he is part of the deal for Kluber or Paxton

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.@RealMichaelKay making the important distinction right now that the Yankees as an organization could be in on Machado without Cashman and the baseball department being totally on board.

...

In comment 14177670 Dunedin81 said:

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...

I think Didi likes being here enough that they'll come to an agreement on a 2 year deal. My guess is 2 years $21M, maybe the yankees get themselves a third year team option at a more expensive price and a moderate buyout.

In comment 14177670 Dunedin81 said:

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...

Cannot believe that they let Gregorios go for nothing.

but it's tough to pay him $12 mil when he's not expected back until the ASB.

In comment 14177684 Dunedin81 said:

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but it's tough to pay him $12 mil when he's not expected back until the ASB.

Unless Manny is in the bag, they have to absolutely sign Didi to something...
Manny is 3 years younger? So if he was signed I could see it. I just hope Hal and Co. don't eff up Cashman.

In comment 14177684 Dunedin81 said:

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but it's tough to pay him $12 mil when he's not expected back until the ASB.

Tough spot. No reason to take him it to arbitration, because I don't think the fact that hes injured for at least half of the upcoming season gets factored in.

I think there's enough good will on the two sides that he gets more than he should for the upcoming injury year, and gives a little bit back (vs market value) for a second year. Maybe he gets $8M cash for the first year and the second year is a $12-13M team option.

In comment 14177699 bigbluehoya said:

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In comment 14177684 Dunedin81 said: Quote: but it's tough to pay him $12 mil when he's not expected back until the ASB. Tough spot. No reason to take him it to arbitration, because I don't think the fact that hes injured for at least half of the upcoming season gets factored in. I think there's enough good will on the two sides that he gets more than he should for the upcoming injury year, and gives a little bit back (vs market value) for a second year. Maybe he gets $8M cash for the first year and the second year is a $12-13M team option.

Axisa wrote about this issue in RAB today.

In comment 14177701 section125 said:

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Axisa wrote about this issue in RAB today.

Thanks, section. I read it.

If you take for granted that Didi likes being a NYY and the org likes him, then a 2 year compromise does seem like the most mutually beneficial path.

Love RAB, but I have been surprised at the extent to which Axisa has really taken the org at their word as far as staying around the luxury tax limit.

I get that doing mock offseasons and the like become a little too "easy" and uninteresting if you just assume that they blow the roof off spending wise, but he really seems to believe that they're going to hold to it.

(Then again, he's a pretty big NYY voice in the social media sphere, so perhaps a certain amount of that is him doing their bidding by keeping up appearances of austerity...)

is Cashman's way of letting everyone know this is being done above his head.

Then again, the only other full-time shortstop set to be a free agent next year is Xander Bogaerts. Didi may reason, quite understandably, that hitting free agency before his 30th birthday may be more lucrative to him than giving up a year of control.

In comment 14177706 bigbluehoya said:

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(Then again, he's a pretty big NYY voice in the social media sphere, so perhaps a certain amount of that is him doing their bidding by keeping up appearances of austerity...)

True, you never know how an owner really feels. I have a feeling that Mike might be right, seeing how Hal has said teams should be able to win with $200 mill (or under) payroll.

I seriously doubt Hal lets Cash get too far above $206 mill. He did let him re-sign Gardy and CC, but they were probably Favs of his anyway. I don't see $12 mill to a recuperating Didi will be a problem, unless, they feel or know Manny is signing.

Hey gives us something to jaw about.

Kay has never been Cashman's mouthpiece. He's always been the tool of the Steinbrenners.

In comment 14177711 arniefez said:

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is Cashman's way of letting everyone know this is being done above his head.

Certainly a possibility, but coupled with the rest of his comments and the fact that he's tried to trade for the guy multiple times I'd be surprised if he suddenly lost interest because Machado failed a postseason personality test.

In comment 14177711 arniefez said:

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is Cashman's way of letting everyone know this is being done above his head.

This seems like a reach...

the decision was made against his wishes - he did that with Hank's ARod contract, and George's David Wells contract in 2003/2004.

father and is now demanding big ticket free agent signings against the advice of his GM just to get even with Boston.

On another note, just saw BA's Top 10 prospect list: Sheffield, Florial, Loaisiga, Pereira, Siegler, King, Garcia, Contreras, Cabello, Abreu. Definitely not as impressive as before.

that the Yankees are shopping Ellsbury and getting bites. Now this does not suggest any great love of Ellsbury on the part of other teams; rather, it suggests that the carrots they're offering to other teams to take him (prospects, money, taking back shitty deals) are getting better.

In comment 14178175 Dunedin81 said:

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that the Yankees are shopping Ellsbury and getting bites. Now this does not suggest any great love of Ellsbury on the part of other teams; rather, it suggests that the carrots they're offering to other teams to take him (prospects, money, taking back shitty deals) are getting better.

All in, even if they pay 1/2 the salary(or more).

they've got to sell Ellsbury on a deal. There is speculation he'd okay a trade to the West Coast as he went to school in the Northwest and he lives (I think) in Arizona in the offseason. But absent an AGon scenario where the gaining team agrees to waive him immediately, you can probably cross teams like the Reds and even the Indians off the list.

In comment 14178223 Dunedin81 said:

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they've got to sell Ellsbury on a deal. There is speculation he'd okay a trade to the West Coast as he went to school in the Northwest and he lives (I think) in Arizona in the offseason. But absent an AGon scenario where the gaining team agrees to waive him immediately, you can probably cross teams like the Reds and even the Indians off the list.

I think it will be a West Coast team. I'd be surprised if he doesn't want to play again - actually get into games.

Maybe as already posted, a bad contract for bad contract scenario. He has to realize there is little chance he plays OF for the Yankees anymore.

In comment 14178175 Dunedin81 said:

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that the Yankees are shopping Ellsbury and getting bites. Now this does not suggest any great love of Ellsbury on the part of other teams; rather, it suggests that the carrots they're offering to other teams to take him (prospects, money, taking back shitty deals) are getting better.

I have speculated here for a while that Seattle is a real possibility for Ellsbury. They have a bad contract that they can deal in Mike Leake (due $16M and $15M, plus a $5M buyout in 2021) that would match up with the Yanks. They also need a leadoff hitter (Gordon isn't getting it done).

The Yanks could save just over $5M for luxury tax purposes in that trade and have a swing SP/long man to essentially be a 6th SP.

Option B could be to take on King Felix's $28M deal for 2019 (counts for $25M for luxury taxes). Remember that the Yanks owe Ellsbury $49M (just under $22m per for 2 years, plus a $5M buyoutO. That would mean the M's taking on only $14M in cash. The Yanks could offer to pay Ellsbury's $5M buyout in 2021 to make it only a $9M difference. Throw in a B/C level prospect (top 30, but not top 10), and that could work.

In both cases, the Yanks would probably use the new P as a reliever who can step in and start on an as-needed basis.

Neither trade is perfect, but there will have to be a trade of bad deals to move Ellsbury. Remember as well that he also has a FULL no trade clause- and Boras as his agent. That means that the Yanks will have to make a deal to a team Ellsbury wants to go to- because Boras doesn't compromise.

Arizona (Greinke) and Seattle (Cano) are the two most logical deals I've been able to identify. I'd need some additional cash coming back in a Cano trade.

Something like

Cano + $20M (ideally pegged to the last 3 years of the deal)

for Ellsbury and a low level arm or two.

saves Ms 50M+ over 5 years.

Ellsbury for Cano? Are you kidding me? Either you keep Cano at second and move Torres back to SS, or Torres stays at second and Robbie takes over first. Either way, you get someone useful for someone utterly useless.

should give everyone pause in signing Machado or Harper. Cano at least was an excellent durable player. But 10 years was way too much. But Ellsbury, by contrast, was one of the worst contracts ever.

In comment 14178339 section125 said:

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should give everyone pause in signing Machado or Harper. Cano at least was an excellent durable player. But 10 years was way too much. But Ellsbury, by contrast, was one of the worst contracts ever.

big difference, cano and ellsbury were 31...machado and harper are 26...when arod got his first 10 year deal from the rangers it was agood deal it was thr second one when he was 31 that was awful...

In comment 14178343 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 14178339 section125 said: Quote: should give everyone pause in signing Machado or Harper. Cano at least was an excellent durable player. But 10 years was way too much. But Ellsbury, by contrast, was one of the worst contracts ever. big difference, cano and ellsbury were 31...machado and harper are 26...when arod got his first 10 year deal from the rangers it was agood deal it was thr second one when he was 31 that was awful...

Steroid age is basically over. 10 year contracts are just handcuffs to the team the final 3 years. You are right both are 26 and that is a difference, but 10 years...

At which point he will be almost 41 years old (10/22/82 DOB). There�s no question that Ellsbury is worthless and Cano can play right now, however do we really want to take on Cano�s age 38, 39 and 40 seasons just to be rid of Ellsbury, who will have his 2021 club option declined? Highly doubtful

Fangraphs calculates his WAR at 8.7 over the last two seasons in 271 games-- 22nd in baseball among position players over that time. Machado, coincidentally was 21st at 9.0 in 320 games, and Harper was 26th at 8.3 WAR in 272 games.

Even with a year left of arbitration, and that he might miss the first half of 2019, I can't imagine that Didi accepts a 2/20 deal.

In comment 14178350 section125 said:

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In comment 14178343 nygiants16 said: Quote: In comment 14178339 section125 said: Quote: should give everyone pause in signing Machado or Harper. Cano at least was an excellent durable player. But 10 years was way too much. But Ellsbury, by contrast, was one of the worst contracts ever. big difference, cano and ellsbury were 31...machado and harper are 26...when arod got his first 10 year deal from the rangers it was agood deal it was thr second one when he was 31 that was awful... Steroid age is basically over. 10 year contracts are just handcuffs to the team the final 3 years. You are right both are 26 and that is a difference, but 10 years...

but you are getting their prime for at minimum 8 years, opposed to those other 10 year contracts where you got 5 maybe...

arods first 10 year deal you got a full 10 year prime..

In comment 14178376 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 14178350 section125 said: but you are getting their prime for at minimum 8 years, opposed to those other 10 year contracts where you got 5 maybe... arods first 10 year deal you got a full 10 year prime..

More like 6 years, maybe 7. Prime doesn't go much past 32.

In comment 14178398 section125 said:

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In comment 14178376 nygiants16 said: Quote: In comment 14178350 section125 said: but you are getting their prime for at minimum 8 years, opposed to those other 10 year contracts where you got 5 maybe... arods first 10 year deal you got a full 10 year prime.. More like 6 years, maybe 7. Prime doesn't go much past 32.

That's only a partial answer. Prime for Machado and Harper differs from prime years for players like Gardner, Didi and the like. Past prime is also different. Machado and Harper's age 32-36 years will likely not have the same production levels that their age 26-32 years will be. However, their past-prime years will likely be better than most player's prime years.

I would easily give Machado and Harper a 10 year deal. I would not do the rumored 14 year deal that Boras is reportedly seeking for Harper, but 10- no issue. Even if the last 3-4 years are no longer prime production seasons, the production from those years will still be well above average.

In comment 14178375 PaulBlakeTSU said:

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Fangraphs calculates his WAR at 8.7 over the last two seasons in 271 games-- 22nd in baseball among position players over that time. Machado, coincidentally was 21st at 9.0 in 320 games, and Harper was 26th at 8.3 WAR in 272 games. Even with a year left of arbitration, and that he might miss the first half of 2019, I can't imagine that Didi accepts a 2/20 deal.

Something to keep in mind for those who appear to be convinced that Didi will play a meaningful number of games in 2019. Corey Seager had TJ surgery in early May this year- and did not return. Even accounting for the hip surgery, the Dodgers remain hopeful that he will be ready for spring training- 9 months after surgery.

Didi has his surgery in later October/early November. Best case scenario is late July/early August for Didi- and that is with no complications or setbacks.

Shohei Otani had TJ for the Angels and will only hit next year as a DH, but will not pitch in 2019. This is different from Didi in that Otani will not need to throw to play. Didi is a SS, a position where arm strength and throwing from multiple angles is paramount. He will need a full recovery- and the Yanks aren't going to DH him.

He will also be eligible for FA at the end of 2019- not sure why people seem to think he is willing to take a below market deal for 2020 just to stay with the Yanks. He will almost assuredly get well in excess of $10M per in FA. He will be fully recovered by the off-season in 2019.

If the Yanks bring him back, 2 years at $20M is not even in the ballpark of what it will take to sign him.

Kay is not a mouthpiece for the current Steinbrenners. He is a mouthpiece for Randy Levine. The Randy Levine that wont stop being an ass and is Kay's boss in that his rightful impact in the organization is supposed to be the Network.

Are there times when Levine Steinbrenner agree? Yes. Accidently.

and when Levine believes a splash means the Network can increase ad rates.

Remember the Steinbrenners earn out on the Yes deal is still dependent on ad revenues.

that Harper and maybe Manny from 33-36 will likely be productive at the plate, but when you shell out $300 mill plus for 10 years, that is big numbers for years 8, 9 and 10. More likely will be AAV at $35 mill. Yeah 10 years from now it may not be that big, hard to judge inflation. There is a lot precedent for big years at the plate past 33.
Just tough to swallow a 10 year deal. If Boras wants 12-14 he can go to Philly.

I'm a Didi fan. But if he wants to hold the Yankees up, then sign Manny and be done with it and move on. I agree he likely doesn't make it to the field until Mid-August and he should not have to sign a below market deal for 2020 as he would be a FA with several likely suitors. Hard to figure this one out. I'm sure he wants 5 or 6 years. But cannot blame Cash for balking because of the chance of a setback. Would he take a split deal? Gets the big money if he has no set backs, but has a reduced deal if the surgery does not work and he is DL'ed after 2020?

In comment 14178375 PaulBlakeTSU said:

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Fangraphs calculates his WAR at 8.7 over the last two seasons in 271 games-- 22nd in baseball among position players over that time. Machado, coincidentally was 21st at 9.0 in 320 games, and Harper was 26th at 8.3 WAR in 272 games. Even with a year left of arbitration, and that he might miss the first half of 2019, I can't imagine that Didi accepts a 2/20 deal.

I think I said something similar earlier in the thread, if not I wrote it on Twitter. Bogaerts is the only other regular shortstop who will be an FA next year, to my knowledge. He loves the Yanks, but Didi is on Pace to get paid. Could have a shot at 5/$80, maybe more. He's not likely to take 2/$20.

and think Andujar will be the better hitter within the next few years.
Machado is a douche - ( New Window )

In comment 14178956 Pete in 'Vliet said:

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and think Andujar will be the better hitter within the next few years. Machado is a douche - ( New Window )

What amazes me how much people are buying this trope from the sports media purist mafia.

Despite all the hysterics by the sports media baseball purist mafia, real reporters who bother to do the footwork and actually talk to Machado teammates and others around the O's and Dodgers find that they roundly liked the guy and had no problems with him.

Remember that Machado basically lives with these guys about 8 months a year- if he was half of the jerk that the sports media mafia portrayed him to be, don't you think that teammates would throw him under the bus?! Many a teammate had negative things to say about ARod both during and after his career.

I really don't care what he says about hustling. Most of the "gritty" guys the sports media mafia pumps up are just low talent guys who make a production daily about getting dirty and acting like they are maxing out their talent. Most of the time, they never had a hope of making the play that they dive for or slide hard into- but the sports media mafia eats that up as they see themselves in that player.

Give me a guy who can change the game in a single play, but is smart enough not to injure himself or pull something in a vain "look at me" attempt to get attention. People call that a lack of hustle- I say it is a star player smart enough to protect himself and the team's investment in him.

When you criticize Machado, do the mental exercise of putting Judge in place of Machado. Do you want Judge diving into the stands, running into walls or diving into 1st base? Of course you don't- the broken wrist this season demonstrated his immense value to the team. Machado goes the extra step and doesn't even pretend to run hard.

Sanchez did the same thing if you recall earlier this year against Tampa Bay. Do we see anyone using that to call him a bad guy? In fact, if we looked back this season, I guarantee that we could probably find a dozen instances of Sanchez not maxing out. He understood that he needed to protect himself after the initial groin pull. I doubt Sanchez is ever going o be a max effort guy- and has no need to be. The Yanks can't afford to spend months hoping that he doesn't re-aggravate a muscle pull again.

But let's not pretend that Machado is a bad guy because the sports media wants to spend an off-season wringing their hands about ow Machado is ruining the game and is public enemy #1. They need to sell print. The trope is fake- and they know it. But it gets them attention, clicks and sells stories.

...and this is all part of the dance between Cashman and Boros. Of course, that's mostly because I prefer Harper to Machado so naturally I'm going to apply confirmation bias to any new information that comes down the pike.

After all the decisions they've made over the past couple years in order to be in the luxury tax threshold for 2019, anything less than Machado or Harper will make it feel unsatisfying to both management and the fanbase. And because I prefer Harper to Machado, it makes sense to me that the Yankees would let it be known/said that Harper doesn't really fit a need, that they would sign Gardner to a one-year deal, and let it leak that they have interest in Machado. How else would you play it with Boros if you were the Yankees and wanted Harper?

Whether your own personal preference is Harper, Machado, or neither, it's pretty easy to claim the latest rumors as all part of that master plan.

that they don't understand why the Yanks would even contemplate 8-10 years when there don't seem to be any other suitors, if the Yankees even qualify. That is, why wouldn't you look to sign him in the 4-5 year range, if you look to sign him at all.

...

In comment 14179356 Dunedin81 said:

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that they don't understand why the Yanks would even contemplate 8-10 years when there don't seem to be any other suitors, if the Yankees even qualify. That is, why wouldn't you look to sign him in the 4-5 year range, if you look to sign him at all.

The Phillies are going to be "all in" on Machado.

Something that hasn't been discussed much is the possibility that the Nats may pounce if they can't sign Harper. Remember that Rendon is a FA at the end of 2019, and the Nats are not getting anywhere in extension discussions.

The Nats could conceivably sign Machado to play 3B, and trade Rendon- who would likely be in very high demand- and would allow the Nats to begin refashioning the roster. The Nats have VERY little committed money beyond 2019- only Scherzer (through 2021) and Strasburg (who is signed through 2022, but has opt outs after 2019 and 2020).

Rendon played a lot of 2nd base as well? With Murphy's contract up the Nats could sign Machado and move Rendon back over to 2nd. That would be one hell of an infield, and with Soto playing so well last year, Robles coming up and Eaton it might make more sense long term than Harper for them anyways.

and wasn't great statistically back then. He could do it in a pinch, I'm sure, but it wouldn't be ideal.

according to Andy Martino
Link - ( New Window )

"Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports that the Yankees "have multiple offers on the table" for Sonny Gray and appear close to trading the right-hander."

General manager Brian Cashman said last month that he expected to trade Gray and he noted at last week's GM Meetings that "a lot of teams" were interested in the hurler. The Yanks are weighing the offers for Gray and it sounds like they could pick one soon. Gray posted a 4.90 ERA in 2018 but would be a solid bounce-back candidate in a better environment. The Reds are one club known to be in on Gray, but Martino says there are "approximately 11" teams interested.

I don't see that in the Martino article...

In comment 14179871 Mike in St. Louis said:

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"Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports that the Yankees "have multiple offers on the table" for Sonny Gray and appear close to trading the right-hander." General manager Brian Cashman said last month that he expected to trade Gray and he noted at last week's GM Meetings that "a lot of teams" were interested in the hurler. The Yanks are weighing the offers for Gray and it sounds like they could pick one soon. Gray posted a 4.90 ERA in 2018 but would be a solid bounce-back candidate in a better environment. The Reds are one club known to be in on Gray, but Martino says there are "approximately 11" teams interested. I don't see that in the Martino article...

He tweeted it afterwards
Link - ( New Window )

I think the return will be surprising. A year of a cost-controlled pitcher who, outside of Yankee Stadium, could pitch like a 2-3, especially on a light pitching market, could bring back either big league help or some legit minor league ceiling.