WasWatching.com Live Chat 08/08/08(08/08/2008) 
8:58
Hello!   Welcome to the 1st ever WW Live Chat.   FYI - it's not a true live chat - because your entries are moderated, etc.   Hang in there with me after you send them - I'll try to get to as many as possible - but, I do not type quickly.   OK, let's go!
Friday August 8, 2008 8:58 
9:00
Any questions, comments, opinions, etc., on anything Yankees or WasWatching.com related are welcomed and appreciated.   Don't be shy.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:00 
9:01
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
SaberScouting did a post draft podcast in which they said Gerrit Cole has more upside than either Phil Hughes or Rick Porcello (who has lost velocity this year) when they came out of high school. Have you been hearing that kinda hype on him?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:01 Jason (NY)
9:02
Cole?   Other than he was at the 2001 WS, as a 11-year old, holding a sign saying he was a Yankees fan? [wink]

FWIW, I've heard that he has the stuff - but, also has a lot of maturity issues too.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:02 
9:04
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Yeah I've heard the maturity problems and his delivery looks kinda scary. Should Cano be forced to stop hanging out with Melky for the sake of his batting average?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:04 Jason (NY)
9:05
Cano?   Dunno.   There's a lot out there that says hitters who don't walk and who don't hit for power usually flame out.   He could be that kind of hitter.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:05 
9:06
[Comment From The ScoutThe Scout: ] 
Do you go hard after Texeira this post-season, even though he's a Boras client and the negotiaitons will be endless torture? If so, how long term and how much would you be oprepared to pay?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:06 The Scout
9:07
Tex is a tough call.   Reports say he wants 10 years.   If true, you have to pass.   But, bottom line, the Yankees need a 1B next season - one who can hit and who will also not kill them with the glove.   I just hope they don't bring Giambi back - even at a discount.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:07 
9:09
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
CC Sabathia, a Yankee? Or does he stay in NL, where he can hit, and probably have an easier time pitching?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:09 Jason (NY)
9:10
CC will go for the most years and the most money.   But, whoever signs him for a long deal will regret it.   The man is just too big.   He's going to eat his way out of the game before you know it.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:10 
9:11
[Comment From The ScoutThe Scout: ] 
What Texeira/Boras want and what they'll get are not necessarily the same. If you are Cashman (little joke) or his successor, do you go as long as eight years and as much as $150 million?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:11 The Scout
9:12
If the Yankees sign anyone for 8 years at $150 mill - it will not be Cashman's call.   That's above his pay-grade.   At those years and price, it will be a Hank Stein move.   Would Hank do it?   Not sure - he's not a Boras fan...as we know.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:12 
9:12
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
If CC is gone, do you do an incentive layden 3 year deal with Ben Sheets?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:12 Jason (NY)
9:13
Someone else will give Sheets a 4 year deal without incentives - so, such an offer would not work for the Yanks.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:13 
9:13
[Comment From The ScoutThe Scout: ] 
When it comes to prospects, there are "Keep-em" blogs and "Trade-em" blogs. You fall in the latter category more often than not. Is there any one prospect now in the system you would deem untouchable? If so, who and why? If not, can you define an hypothetical prospect you would not deal for anything less than a hall-of-famer in his prime?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:13 The Scout
9:15
Austin Jackson looks like a keeper - based on his age, level, performance, and the fact that the Yankees will need OFers in the next year or two.   Other than that, I think you have to consider anyone else touchable - if the deal is right.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:15 
9:15
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
You arn't going to get Sheets with only a 3 year deal. Some team will go a lot more than that. Not smart, but someone will definitely do it.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:15 radnom
9:15
I agree - beat ya to it.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:15 
9:15
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Cashman stays or goes? Whats your prediction?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:15 Jason (NY)
9:16
Ah, the big question.   Too early to tell.   Gotta see how the season and post-season goes.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:16 
9:18
Speaking of post-season, what do you all think, are the Yankees going to make it?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:18 
9:19
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Which Yankee lower level pitching prospect are you most excited about? McAlister? Betances? Heredia? Vizcaino? other?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:19 Jason (NY)
9:20
As a rule, I try not to get too excited about anyone throwing below Double-A.   Due to the level of hitters faced, it's almost impossible to look at those pitching numbers and know which ones are legit, etc.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:20 
9:20
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
This is just wild speculation of course, but could you see the Yanks signing Rocco Baldelli to an incentive laden minor league contract? I mean, they have the money to risk it and if he could ever live up to even part of his potential he could be big in helping bride the gap between now and Austin Jackson makes his debut. Other than him there arn't really any options to upgrade centerfeild that make sense given how close Jackson is. He does have a mystery illness but hey its a low risk/high reward situation I feel. What do you think?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:20 radnom
9:21
Baldelli is the Carl Pavano of young outfielders.   I wouldn't sign him for a dollar.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:21 
9:22
radnom - do they make as the Wildcard, or, winning the East?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:22 
9:22
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
I think they have every chance of making it. Depends how the pitching rebound (Hughes/Joba especially, plus if Pettite is healthy or not). As for lower level pitchers, Batances/Brackman excite me the most.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:22 radnom
9:23
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
I see the Yankees making it based on Boston falling apart with their bullpen, moreso than the Rays falling apart. With Beckett having a non cy young year, Dice-K pitching 5 innings, Bucholz struggling, I see them having more weak points that the Rays who could probably plud in Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann, and David Price in that bullpen to not have it fall apart. But its going to be a tough task. The Yankee fan in me says Yes, but barely, and over Boston, more than the Rays.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:23 Jason (NY)
9:24
Ah, but, the Rays already have a fat cushion...and it's almost mid-August already...it's getting late, fast.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:24 
9:25
[Comment From The ScoutThe Scout: ] 
OK, so you won't go long term on CC and it sounds as though you think 4 years is too long on Sheets. Starting pitching has been a trouble spot for a long time, as you have often pointed out. What would your plan be this off-season to correct the problem? Who would you re-sign? Do you bank on full health for Wang and Chamberlain next year? Do you bring back Pettite and Mussina? Do you reserve a spot for one othe rkid, seek an ace, or try to find a mid-level "innings eater" type? Not to worry -- you can change your mind in October; we all do.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:25 The Scout
9:26
Wang should be OK next year.   Hopefully Joba too.   I think Pettitte wants to come back - and might take a one year deal.   Ditto Mussina.   They both like being in New York.   That's four.   The kids, etc., then fight it out for a 5th spot.   Can they win with that?   Only if Wang and Joba pitch like aces.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:26 
9:27
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
I would have to say Wildcard, although the east isn't completely out of the question. For how many games are left in the season, the Yankees and Boston are essentially in a dead heat right now. Especially if Papi isn't 100%, and with Manny gone, they have a real chance at it. Side note on Baldelli though, unlike Pavano, all his injuries can be traced to a rare metabolic injury. They might have it figured out, but they might not. If they do though, I feel like he is going to be a steal for whoever signs him. Your concern is definitely understandable though.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:27 radnom
9:27
FWIW, I'm thinking Wildcard now too.   No shame in that.   Go ask the '04 Sox.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:27 
9:28
[Comment From kallardnyckallardnyc: ] 
Steve, I know you are in the Loge. I am right above you in Tier Box seats. What do you expect your tickets to go up to and what is the limit you are willing to pay in the "new" Stadium? My face are $42 and I would expect and accept a raise of 10 bucks for my seats. Though I may be wrong.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:28 kallardnyc
9:30

I'm in the Loge by 1st base.   They're $75 a seat now.   I would not be shocked to see them be $150 a seat next year - if I get to keep that location.   Would I keep them at that price?   Maybe for one year - to see how it goes in terms of demand.   But, it would mean going to maybe 2 or 3 games a year - instead of close to 9 a season.

Friday August 8, 2008 9:30 
9:30
[Comment From The ScoutThe Scout: ] 
Nice to "chat." Thanks for your thoughts. Gotta go sign Gerrit Cole now....
Friday August 8, 2008 9:30 The Scout
9:32
Thanks Scout - ditto.   FYI, I'll be chatting for another 29 minutes still.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:32 
9:32
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Adam Dunn starting 1B for the Yankees if Tex is too much? I know he sucks with the strikeouts, but he has power and will take walks.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:32 Jason (NY)
9:33
Dunn is bad news.   He's the type of player the Yankees don't need now - all OPS and nothing to do with what it takes to win a game.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:33 
9:33
[Comment From todd gaktodd gak: ] 
would you resign if any ... giambi ? abreu ? pudge ? if we let abreu and pudge go we can get 4 draft picks ... but who do we replace abreu with ? same can be said about giambi? is there anyway the yanks game pick up giambis option and trade him like they did with sheffield and wright ? or does he have a NTC in the option year.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:33 todd gak
9:34
Let Giambi, Abreu and Pudge all walk.   Nady plays RF next season with Matsui and Damon manning LF.   Molina catches until Posada is ready to come back.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:34 
9:34
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Personal Seat Licensing, it will probably cost as much as my wedding, and is very similar. You get married, and get the luxury to take care of your wife, with PSL, you get the luxury to pay for that seat.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:34 Jason (NY)
9:35
Hopefully the NYC pols will keep the Yankees away from going the PSL route.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:35 
9:35
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
Any excitement to see IPK tonight? I'm a little worried, based on the vibe coming out Girardi and the front office that he might be here out of need as opposed to being ready. I still think hes gotta chance to be decent long term but I'm not getting a good vibe about this call up. Hughes on the other hand, I can't wait to see him start again based off what I've been hearing.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:35 radnom
9:36
Lotta pressure on Ian tonight.   Gotta prove he's able to pitch here - against a good team.   And, he'll probably have a lot of family there too.   I'm looking forward to seeing how he does.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:36 
9:36
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Would you pull a Sheff on Abreu? Pick up his option, just to trade him? You know Torre loved Abreu, Ned Colletti loves veterans, and Dodgers have young talent. Can I dream? Can I?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:36 Jason (NY)
9:37
Doesn't Abreu have a no-trade clause 'tho?   I'm pretty sure that he does.   Let him go and take the picks.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:37 
9:37
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
do you think melky will be in CF next year? When is Ajax expected to be ready? or do you see someone completely different in CF in '09?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:37 max
9:38
Good question Max.   A lot depends on how Melky does over the next month and a half.   At the worst, he's back next year until Jackson is ready.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:38 
9:38
[Comment From ChuckChuck: ] 
In light of Rule 5, is there such a thing as having too many high-end draft picks? At some point, aren't you paying to develop players for other teams?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:38 Chuck
9:39

Not if you're willing to trade them, in groups, before they can be lost in the Rule V draft.

Friday August 8, 2008 9:39 
9:39
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Are we saving Gardner for Papelbon?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:39 Jason (NY)
9:40
Not sure I follow you Jason.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:40 
9:41
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
brett got the game winning hit off paps
Friday August 8, 2008 9:41 max
9:42
Oh, I forgot about that already.   I was once really high on Gardner.   But, I fear for him now.   I think the Yankees didn't like what they saw when he was up this season.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:42 
9:42
[Comment From todd gaktodd gak: ] 
who would u rather have joba and hughes or lester and buchholz ?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:42 todd gak
9:44
Great question Todd.   I'll take the Yankees package - because Joba offers somewhat more than Lester.   Hughes and Laptop Boy are a toss.   You just don't know with them yet.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:44 
9:44
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
How would you feel about signing Farnsworth this upcoming off season? It might not make sense with all the young pullpen talent we have, and the contract he might command, but management seems to be more confortable with at least a couple "vets" in the bp. I ask mostly because 3-4 months ago this question would have been completely absurd, and now not so much. Plus he was genuinely upset to go. For all the crap we've given him, that says something.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:44 radnom
9:45
I felt bad for Farnsworth when he cried about leaving.   Still don't want him back yet.   Veras can more then fill what Farnsworth was providing.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:45 
9:45
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
no. but remember how bad melky was in 05. ugh, i can still see him misplaying the ball in fenway for the inside the park hr. then in 06 he was much better
Friday August 8, 2008 9:45 max
9:45
I have no issues with Melky's glove.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:45 
9:45
[Comment From Vinodh(srivinodh)Vinodh(srivinodh): ] 
Hell Steve, excellent idea with the chat.. lets do this more often... Do you think at an organisational level the Yanks do not have good scouts that identify the position prospects..
Friday August 8, 2008 9:45 Vinodh(srivinodh)
9:47
Thanks Vinodh.   This was been fun so far.   Not sure on the Yankees scouts.   I know in the past, they had issues - and stupid plans - like only drafting outfielders built like tigh-ends, etc.   Lately, they seem pitcher happy in the draft, FWIW.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:47 
9:47
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
Melky was 19 then. If I'm not mistaken Gardner is older than Melky is now, or at least almost the same age.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:47 radnom
9:48
Yes, Melky is still very young.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:48 
9:48
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
oh that comment was in regards to gardner. he came up as a rookie and didnt play well. perhaps next year he'll show this year was a fluke, similar to what melky did in 05/06
Friday August 8, 2008 9:48 max
9:48
It's possible.   It does seem like Brett has issues during his 1st time at a level - and then does better the next time.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:48 
9:49
[Comment From Vinodh(srivinodh)Vinodh(srivinodh): ] 
Has your opinion of Joe G changed, i see the beat writers are all upset that he is not Joe Torre... Pete Abe for one has had major issues with Joe G... i am all for more info, but i think Joe G is not being treated fairly by the beat writers
Friday August 8, 2008 9:49 Vinodh(srivinodh)
9:51
I was very, very, very high on Joe Giradi last off-season.   I have to admit, I'm not as high now - but, I still like him.   That said, I think, maybe, this team may not be the best for him.   Too many guys making between $16 million and $32 million...and you can't get through to them sometimes.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:51 
9:51
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
I don't think the Yankees can't identify good position prospects. I think the reason the system is so unbalanced is a result of several factors. 1. An intentional focus on developing pitching. Getting a solid hitter through trade or free agency isn't so hard, but as we've found the last 6 years you have to grow your own pitching. 2. The Yankees always pick later in the draft. Pitchers, in general, tend to have more injury concerns and represent higher risk than position players, so it is more likely a stud pitching prospect could fall to the Yankees as opposed to a sure fire positional player. The Yankees strategy seems to have been to take these risks and for the most part its been paying off.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:51 radnom
9:52
Plus, outside of 1B and the OF, where are they going to play a college player who might be ready in a year or less?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:52 
9:52
[Comment From todd gaktodd gak: ] 
marte has a 6 million dollar option, u think it would be a no brainer to pick up his option but with all the young guys who we have in the bullpen, especially with the emergence of melancon and now phile coke (a lefty) if marte has a so so rest of the year, do u let him walk and take the picks ?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:52 todd gak
9:53
Take the option - just because LOOGY's are so hard to find.   And, while Marte is not super - he's still a good LOOGY.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:53 
9:53
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
Joe G can throw water balloons at the beat writers, make fun of their kids, and give the beat writers the finger for all I care, as long as he gets the Yankees on the winning track
Friday August 8, 2008 9:53 Jason (NY)
9:54
FWIW, I hear that he's more caring towards the writers than Torre - in the sense that he calls them by their names, asks about their families, etc.   It's just that Torre told the writers everything, no matter what, whereas Girardi feels like they don't need to know everything.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:54 
9:54
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
i like christian as a pinch runner, speed off the bench in the late innings kills (the angels game for an example), do you think he will be back next year?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:54 max
9:55
Too early to tell.   But, on a winning team, he could be a Dave Roberts type weapon...and, as we know, they can be useful at times.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:55 
9:55
[Comment From Vinodh(srivinodh)Vinodh(srivinodh): ] 
I am still high on Joe G, in your opinion is it ppl management, bull pen or what other factors have contributed to this lowered opinion...
Friday August 8, 2008 9:55 Vinodh(srivinodh)
9:56

It's the in game stuff.   I was looking for more Billy Martin type stuff in the sense of controlling the game.   I don't see that, yet, with Joe.

Friday August 8, 2008 9:56 
9:56
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
i think the players joe isnt getting through to arent the big money guys, guys more like robbie c for example. any guesses as to why he is such a slow starter?
Friday August 8, 2008 9:56 max
9:57
Cold weather?   That's my only guess.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:57 
9:57
[Comment From Vinodh(srivinodh)Vinodh(srivinodh): ] 
From a bench standpoint, did you ever imagine that we would long for the days of Ruben Sierra. I know you are not the biggest fan of CashMoney.. but i think that area has not gotten enough consideration from him... he has finally upgraded the 'pen...
Friday August 8, 2008 9:57 Vinodh(srivinodh)
9:58
Too early to call.   Yes, the pen was great in July.   This month - not so much.   We need to see how they handle August and September.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:58 
9:58
[Comment From radnomradnom: ] 
Giradi has been great with the bullpen, everything you could have hoped for. Gotta run, hopefully IPK has a good game tonight - just be aggressive, you can't be worse than Rasner! Cool idea with this chat by the way. Later.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:58 radnom
9:58
[Comment From maxmax: ] 
i think joes strength this year is how well hes managed the bullpen. everyone has a place, no one is overworked, and hes turned guys like farnsy, edwar, and veras around but instilling confidence in their abilities.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:58 max
9:58
Girardi does get high marks for spreading around the work in the pen - at least from me.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:58 
9:58
[Comment From Jason (NY)Jason (NY): ] 
The bench is hard to improve, because a lot of the good bench players can get a shot at starting options elsewhere, like Tony Clark. Its an art to have a good bench, because the player has to be a borderline starter
Friday August 8, 2008 9:58 Jason (NY)
9:59
Still, having guys like Morgan Ensberg, etc., has been a weakness of the Yankees lately.
Friday August 8, 2008 9:59 
10:00
OK - gotta run now.   Thanks to all for being part of the chat!
Friday August 8, 2008 10:00 
10:00
Enjoy the game this evening.   And, feel free to comment on any of this stuff in the comments section of this blog entry.   Should we do this again some time?
Friday August 8, 2008 10:00 
10:01



 
 
 
English  English
简体中文  简体中文
Dansk  Dansk
Deutsch  Deutsch
Español  Español
Français  Français
Italiano  Italiano
日本語  日本語
Nederlands  Nederlands
Norsk  Norsk
Português  Português
Русский  Русский
Svenska  Svenska
Close