NFT: Yankees GM meeting notes thread

solid pitching prospects due to come up?

Josh Bard out as bench coach. Carlos Mendoza promoted from quality control and infield coach. I was a little bit surprised to see that. Obviously we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes but wasn't Bard Boone's personal choice to come with him as BC? Off a 103 win season that caught me by surprise. Not a big deal though.

Cashman's comments on Cole, Strasburg, and the luxury tax were refreshing yesterday.

the bulk of our better full-season prospects are RHSPs. Deivi Garcia, Clarke Schmidt, Roansey Contreras, Yajure, Luis Medina, Luis Gil, Nick Nelson, Albert Abreu. But prospects are suspects, pitching prospects most of all, and they can't count on any of them coming up and pitching like Walker Buehler.

...I believe he brings a lot to this team beyond his play on the field and his at-bats.

The same, of course, can be said of Brett Gardner.

Would love to have them both back.

I'm hoping at least one is back.

If it's just one, it'll probably be Gardner.

In comment 14676979 Kyle in NY said:

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Josh Bard out as bench coach. Carlos Mendoza promoted from quality control and infield coach. I was a little bit surprised to see that. Obviously we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes but wasn't Bard Boone's personal choice to come with him as BC? Off a 103 win season that caught me by surprise. Not a big deal though. Cashman's comments on Cole, Strasburg, and the luxury tax were refreshing yesterday.

Cashman needs to follow through though. Are they "in" on Cole or are they in on Cole at 5/$100, because I think just about every team in the game would be in on him if the pricetag is low enough (which it won't be).

Correct me if I'm wrong though, but didn't he downplay interest in Harper/Machado pretty much from the jump last offseason?

Lefty with good stuff, fell off in the second half but with that team who didn’t. Might be able to get him for less this. The trade deadline.

Detroit wants a impact bat would Clint Frazier and two mid range prospects get it done?

that I'm gonna have to see it to believe it. Remember the "fully operational Death Star" comment from last year? Didn't mean anything in the end.

He's been mediocre to terrible his entire career, other than the first half of last season. Led the league in homers allowed (39) with Comerica as his home park - I'd be terrified to see how many he'd allow in YS.

In comment 14676979 Kyle in NY said:

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Josh Bard out as bench coach. Carlos Mendoza promoted from quality control and infield coach. I was a little bit surprised to see that. Obviously we have no idea what goes on behind the scenes but wasn't Bard Boone's personal choice to come with him as BC? Off a 103 win season that caught me by surprise. Not a big deal though. Cashman's comments on Cole, Strasburg, and the luxury tax were refreshing yesterday.

Per the Post, Bard leaving was not a surprise. He wanted a job closer to his home in Colorado.

Bard - ( New Window )

and the Yankees are not run the way the George did it in the past, but I have a feeling the Yankees are going to be very aggressive this offseason because they know they are in their championship window right now. I think they will land one of Cole or Strausburg and will start to trade off some of their other prospects who are on the cusp of losing value for other pieces in the pen.

If the Yankees are able to land Cole or Strausburg (particularly Cole because he would take him from Houston), they are the prohibitive favorites to win the World Series.

Thanks!

without eating too much $ if they're going to make Cole or Stras happen without going over the second tier. Alternatively, they could look to extend Tanaka at a lower AAV.

I'm curious to see what the Indians do with Lindor. Are they shopping him now, two seasons out from free agency? And do we have any chance at compiling a prospect package that could interest Cleveland?

It's likely a pipe dream, but the Indians owner all but came out and said they won't be able to re-sign him, so maybe they try to cash in on him now. I would pay whatever it takes in prospects to get that guy. Absolute stud.

and frankly four years of Gleyber is probably more valuable than two of Lindor. If they're going to splurge, why would it be on a middle IF?

with Greg.

I think its pure ROI to talk up the prices for others.

Often, when the recent era Yankees have signed big...its been stealth until the end game

In comment 14677053 Kyle in NY said:

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I'm curious to see what the Indians do with Lindor. Are they shopping him now, two seasons out from free agency? And do we have any chance at compiling a prospect package that could interest Cleveland? It's likely a pipe dream, but the Indians owner all but came out and said they won't be able to re-sign him, so maybe they try to cash in on him now. I would pay whatever it takes in prospects to get that guy. Absolute stud.

I view Lindor as unlikely. But, I could definitely see him ending up with LAD, and if he does, something with Seager to NYY would be attractive.

is he a part of the puzzle or is he a trade piece. They've got to decide or he loses all value.

In comment 14677074 Dunedin81 said:

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and frankly four years of Gleyber is probably more valuable than two of Lindor. If they're going to splurge, why would it be on a middle IF?

I'm looking to pair Lindor with Gleyber up the middle. I agree that Cleveland asks for Gleyber right off the bat. I'm not doing that, agreed there. Gleyber, Judge, and Severino are off the table for me. Everyone else would be in play in those potential trade talks, prospect or ML.

I don't see why middle IF wouldn't be a spot where they splurge. Gleyber's ability to play SS certainly gives them a solid back-up plan at the position and having DJ back for another season provides versatility. But if Lindor is on the table, we should be in the discussions.

In comment 14677091 bigbluehoya said:

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In comment 14677053 Kyle in NY said: Quote: I'm curious to see what the Indians do with Lindor. Are they shopping him now, two seasons out from free agency? And do we have any chance at compiling a prospect package that could interest Cleveland? It's likely a pipe dream, but the Indians owner all but came out and said they won't be able to re-sign him, so maybe they try to cash in on him now. I would pay whatever it takes in prospects to get that guy. Absolute stud. I view Lindor as unlikely. But, I could definitely see him ending up with LAD, and if he does, something with Seager to NYY would be attractive.

Interesting thought. LAD certainly has the more realistic prospect/young ML package they could offer for Lindor but they've shot down all comers on Lux to this point. Seager with two more years of control as well. That'd be quite a three teamer. Certainly unlikely, but fun to think about.

I do think a big trade is more likely than a big deal for Cole/Strasburg. They've proven themselves far more willing to sacrifice prospects for team control at reasonable salaries than simply paying a big contract in free agency. They'll be in the mix for the free agents, but whether it's starting pitching or position players, I think the big additions likely come via trade.

I think the Yankees are still high on 24 year old Mike King. Not high velocity but excellent control. Would have made impact this past year if not recovering from injury most of the year.

Gleyber/DJ combined for 9-10 WAR, depending on the metric. Only Judge and Gardy were in that weight class, and if Gleyber's D takes a step forward he could be higher than that. Lindor is a 4-8 WAR player. Put the trade chips into a position of clear need - starting pitching, for one, but also 1B - and the improvement could be 2-3 wins easily.

of one healthy stud starting pitcher and healthy is where Strasburg scares me a little. Also, one strong relief pitcher, could be re-signing Betances. Cashman may also pull a rabbit or two out of his hat...see DJ and Gio.

However, I agree with Greg that it is unlikely that Hal/Cash go for the $250+ mil starting pitcher. Those days are probably behind us.

In comment 14677124 Dunedin81 said:

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Gleyber/DJ combined for 9-10 WAR, depending on the metric. Only Judge and Gardy were in that weight class, and if Gleyber's D takes a step forward he could be higher than that. Lindor is a 4-8 WAR player. Put the trade chips into a position of clear need - starting pitching, for one, but also 1B - and the improvement could be 2-3 wins easily.

Looking beyond just this season though, DJ is a free agent after next season. No guarantee he's here long term. He's also a potential full-time 1B option in 2020. I respect your opinion of course, but I see middle infield as a need this offseason.

position just because a good deal is available. Like a Stanton trade. Don’t even talk to Didi, and only bring Gardner back if absolutely necessary. While starting pitching is a need, we have to spend responsibly now.

I’d rather see what the new pitching dept can do for Loaisiga, Montgomery, and maybe even Garcia and King than investing 250M + on a pitcher. Who knows, maybe the low A studs will be knocking on the door sooner rather than later.

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I’d rather see what the new pitching dept can do for Loaisiga, Montgomery, and maybe even Garcia and King than investing 250M + on a pitcher. Who knows, maybe the low A studs will be knocking on the door sooner rather than later.

There is no salary cap in baseball - only (mostly financial) penalties for going over luxury tax. Why wouldn't any Yankee fan want us to go out and spent a ton to get Gerrit Cole???

most "fans" are sheep and think somehow it's their money not the lucky sperm billionaire who inherited it.

and our core are in their prime. It's time to spend and spend big.

Go after Cole and Strasburg. Make sure to sign one of them.

Make a play for Lindor.

Get rid of Happ and find a way to lead the league in SGP (starting games played).

Seventeen years!!!! Plus they built a new cash cow stadium during that time, and ticket prices have probably at least tripled over that time period.

Fans should be rioting over the Yankees refusal to put more $$$ back into the team.

and behind a pay wall but there's an article today about the Astros stealing signs with a lot of details. Apparently the assistant GM who was fired for berating the female beat writers is quite angry at his former team and flipping and Mike Fiers is too and to his credit putting his name on it.

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The Astros’ set-up in 2017 was not overly complicated. A feed from a camera in center field, fixed on the opposing catcher’s signs, was hooked up to a television monitor that was placed on a wall steps from the team’s home dugout at Minute Maid Park, in the tunnel that runs between the dugout and the clubhouse. Team employees and players would watch the screen during the game. When the onlookers believed they had decoded the signs, the expected pitch would be communicated via a loud noise — specifically, banging on a trash can, which sat in the tunnel. Normally, the bangs would mean a breaking ball or off-speed pitch was coming.

There's a lot more but I think that's all I can post here.

they did raise payroll last season after getting under the first level of the tax the year before. Like it or not, every team in the league is treating the luxury tax as a salary cap. The Red Sox are getting ready to shop Mookie Betts because of it. Dodgers, Cubs, all the other big market teams do the same

In comment 14677464 Kyle in NY said:

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they did raise payroll last season after getting under the first level of the tax the year before. Like it or not, every team in the league is treating the luxury tax as a salary cap. The Red Sox are getting ready to shop Mookie Betts because of it. Dodgers, Cubs, all the other big market teams do the same

Yankees payroll was essentially the same in 2019 as it was in 2002. It went up from 2018 because they cut it dramatically that year to get under the luxury tax.

Sure, end up like the Red Sox where you've got holes to fill and fuck-nothing on the farm to fill it with, and that's after just a single year of those penalties.

to not bring Gardner back. He’s a quality player and he’s been a great Yankee, I just think they need to move on. I’d rather see Frazier play until he brings up his value or busts. Gardner is probably worth the money he would get paid but I just think they would be better served using that money elsewhere. Stanton and his contract might make that a little more difficult though.

Lindor is an incredible player but it seems like it would definitely take too much to get him and while we would be a better team with him, do we really improve that much with him? It doesn’t seem like that’s an area of need all that much. Also wouldn’t Gleyber at short and DJ at second be a better situation than resigning Didi? Obviously this past year shows that you need depth, but 99% of the time any team that suffers the amount of injuries we just dealt with would never get anywhere near as far as we did.

Obviously I’d rather see the Yankees roll the dice on paying Cole or Strasburg no matter the cost but that doesn’t seem likely anymore. We have decent pitching and I think guys like Tanaka or even Paxton to an extent are better than they get credit for. I’d love still love to see Cole on the Yankees, but I expect Cashman to go after players like DJ and Gio and a bunch of bullpen guys. My biggest fear is that Cashman lets how a lot of his acquisitions worked out last year go to his head and think he can do it again. It’s probably a stupid fear but I can’t help but sort of expect him to sign a bunch of mid tier guys and expect them to over perform/strike gold. That’s probably negativity carried over from the Giants though.

In comment 14677471 Dunedin81 said:

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Sure, end up like the Red Sox where you've got holes to fill and fuck-nothing on the farm to fill it with, and that's after just a single year of those penalties.

Your'e one of (if own the) best posters on the Yankee threads, but that's just an awful take.

The Red Sox penalty for going over the tax and winning the 2018 World Series was to move back 10 spots in the draft. You can't seriously be arguing that's why their farm system sucks?

I'm sure most Yankees fans would be happy to trade a WS in 2020 for moving back 10 spots in the draft the following year.

but the notion that "it's just 10 picks" or "it's just a couple draft picks and some pool money" (for signing free agents) is short-sighted. NYY is a well-run team that has made it to the ALCS twice in three years. I trust them to balance short term needs with the aim of staying competitive over the next several years. Teams that have failed to balance those imperatives have had a short stay at the top.

and that they're going to pursue Wheeler or MadBum. Wheeler makes some sense, he's trending in the right direction and he may have some ceiling left. MadBum is trending in the opposite direction, he's a fly ball pitcher with a homerun problem used to playing half his games in a pitcher's park. That would be a terrible investment, and that's not even accounting for the potential personality mismatch with him and NYC.

here's a pretty amazing video with absolute proof that they were cheating. As soon as the catcher calls for a change up you can hear two loud bangs coming from near Astros dugout. Caught red-handed.
Astros are a bunch of damn cheaters - ( New Window )

In comment 14677542 Dunedin81 said:

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but the notion that "it's just 10 picks" or "it's just a couple draft picks and some pool money" (for signing free agents) is short-sighted. NYY is a well-run team that has made it to the ALCS twice in three years. I trust them to balance short term needs with the aim of staying competitive over the next several years. Teams that have failed to balance those imperatives have had a short stay at the top.

Agreed. However, they made some really poor trades for starters. The issue was their inability to develop starters of their own - much like ours to a degree.

In comment 14677587 Dunedin81 said:

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and that they're going to pursue Wheeler or MadBum. Wheeler makes some sense, he's trending in the right direction and he may have some ceiling left. MadBum is trending in the opposite direction, he's a fly ball pitcher with a homerun problem used to playing half his games in a pitcher's park. That would be a terrible investment, and that's not even accounting for the potential personality mismatch with him and NYC.

Hope Klapisch is wrong.

but the Astros organization has few friends at this point. Part of it is envy, but part of it is a sense that they've toed the line between seeking out competitive advantages and outright cheating for awhile now.

Wheeler is the eternal tease who ultimately ends up being right around league average, and he's not young anymore. Bumgarner in YS would be a disaster.

FWIW, Kay says he doesn't think they will sign either Cole or Strasburg.
Link - ( New Window )

In comment 14677542 Dunedin81 said:

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but the notion that "it's just 10 picks" or "it's just a couple draft picks and some pool money" (for signing free agents) is short-sighted. NYY is a well-run team that has made it to the ALCS twice in three years. I trust them to balance short term needs with the aim of staying competitive over the next several years. Teams that have failed to balance those imperatives have had a short stay at the top.

And for that they get a participation trophy. First decade since Babe Ruth got to NY without a WS championship.

This is not a small market team; if you think you are close, you bite the bullet and go get the piece or two you need to go over the top. There is no "window". The window opens and closes every season. You never know when the players you count on get hurt (see Judge), or have a down year (see Betts) so you have to go for it. Do the Yankees win it this year if they had made the Greinke deal or Bauer or made offered a deal with the Nats for Strasburg(who were sucking pond water at one point this season and may have been enticed to deal)?

if he's a 3.80-4.30 ERA guy who throws the odd gem I think you can take it and run with it. The Mets were a below average fielding team, so there's a decent chance an average or potentially better (if healthy) Yankees team could improve on those numbers (his 2019 BABIP of .311 was a little high for him though not egregiously so). His BB rate is trending in the right direction. He'll get overpaid, but so will everyone on the open market.

even if you get that out of Greinke, and you may not in pinstripes, does that put you over the top? Does Bauer? Not with what he did after the trade. Viewed at the time of the trade, the Gray trade was a good deal from an NYY perspective, as was the Paxton deal. One turned into a disaster and the other hopefully not. We can parse through and try to find the common threads in success and failure with big money signs and marquee trades, but it's at best an educated guess.

Fully in favor of signing if Cole doesn't happen.

But his actual production just isn't anything special.

In comment 14677742 Greg from LI said:

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But his actual production just isn't anything special.

Pitching for the Mets probably has something to do with that. They’ve had mostly terrible defense and until this season, mostly bad offenses. Oh, and inept managers.

I think Wheeler will flourish with a change of scenery

Who was the last pitcher to come to the Yankees and be better than he was for his previous team? Aaron Small?