Re: Q & A and direct from Baseball America.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:32 pm

Prospects
NAME POS HT WT HOMETOWN RANK GRADE STATUS NCAA SCHOOL
DaQuan Bowers DE 6-4 265 Bamberg, SC DE #1 95 Verbal Clemson
Julio Jones WR 6-4 215 Foley, AL WR #1 95 Undeclared View Schools
Will Hill S 6-3 203 West Orange, NJ S #1 94 Verbal Florida
Terrelle Pryor QB 6-6 227 Jeannette, PA QB #1 93 Undeclared View Schools
A.J. Green WR 6-4 184 Ridgeville, SC WR #2 91 Verbal Georgia
Arthur Brown OLB 6-1 210 Wichita, KS OLB #1 90 Verbal Miami (FL)
Jermie Calhoun RB 6-0 210 Van, TX RB #1 90 Verbal Oklahoma
Patrick Johnson CB 6-1 193 Pembroke Pines, FL CB #1 90 Verbal LSU
Darrell Scott RB 6-0 204 Moorpark, CA RB #2 89 Undeclared View Schools
Dee Finley S 6-3 210 Auburn, AL S #2 88 Verbal Florida
R.J. Washington DE 6-3 245 Keller, TX DE #2 87 Verbal Oklahoma
Jamie Harper RB 6-0 220 Jacksonville, FL RB #3 86 Undeclared View Schools
Josh Jarboe WR 6-3 195 Decatur, GA WR #3 86 Verbal Oklahoma
Chancey Aghayere DE 6-4 244 Garland, TX DE #3 86 Verbal LSU
Brice Butler WR 6-2 178 Norcross, GA WR #4 86 Verbal USC
D.J. Grant WR 6-3 200 Austin, TX WR #5 85 Verbal Texas
Dan Buckner WR 6-4 209 Allen, TX WR #6 85 Verbal Texas
Etienne Sabino ILB 6-3 228 Miami, FL ILB #1 85 Verbal Ohio State
Burton Scott ATH 5-11 194 Prichard, AL ATH #1 84 Verbal Alabama
Blake Ayles TE 6-4 240 Orange, CA TE #1 84 Verbal USC
Sean Spence OLB 6-0 190 Miami, FL OLB #2 84 Verbal Miami (FL)
Dayne Crist QB 6-5 228 Canoga Park, CA QB #2 84 Verbal Notre Dame
Deandre Brown WR 6-6 208 Ocean Springs, MS WR #7 84 Undeclared View Schools
T.J. Bryant CB 6-0 180 Tallahassee, FL CB #2 83 Undeclared View Schools
Jonathan Baldwin WR 6-6 220 Aliquippa, PA WR #8 83 Verbal Pittsburgh
Ryan Williams RB 5-10 192 Manassas, VA RB #4 83 Verbal Virginia Tech
Marcus Forston DT 6-2 286 Miami, FL DT #1 83 Verbal Miami (FL)
Brandon Harris CB 5-10 174 Miami, FL CB #3 83 Undeclared View Schools
Mike Floyd WR 6-4 195 Saint Paul, MN WR #9 83 Verbal Notre Dame
Courtney Upshaw DE 6-2 225 Eufaula, AL DE #4 83 Verbal Alabama

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:38 pm

Report: Hearing featuring Clemens, McNamee, Pettitte postponed

Associated Press

Updated: January 9, 2008, 3:33 PM ET

WASHINGTON -- The congressional hearing involving Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and former trainer Brian McNamee was postponed Tuesday, The Associated Press learned.

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform was informing witnesses that the Jan. 16 session will be pushed back, a lawyer involved in the hearing told the AP.

The lawyer spoke on condition of anonymity because the postponement had not yet been formally announced.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:44 pm

So, who’s really in charge of the Yankees?

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

For the better part of three months, Hank Steinbrenner has said that it’ll be up to him whether the Yankees trade for Johan Santana. He made similar comments about signing Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada.

Turns out that’s only half true.

I placed a call to Howard Rubenstein today to ask just what exactly the structure was of the Yankees. At one point last summer, Hal Steinbrenner was given the position Steve Swindal once had. That seemed to designate him as George Steinbrenner’s successor.

Then Hank started giving his opinion on every move and seemed to be in charge.

“They share the power,” Rubenstein said. “They are equal partners for both business and baseball. I spoke to them about it today and that’s the situation.”

Rubenstein also said that George still has input. But it’s clear that Hank and Hal have taken over.

As to what this means, only time will tell. Hank is obviously enjoying the spotlight as Hal ducks it. The biggest question will be whether Brian Cashman thinks he can work with them when his contract expires.

So enjoy the thoughts of Chairman Hank. But keep in mind that Silent Hal holds just as much power.

# January 9th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

Murph: LOL

The Steinbrenners are, how shall I say, Old School when it comes to the family business. George is not having his daughter involved in any substantive business matters surrounding the team.

She has ownership shares and a title but, Like Felix Lopez, has no real function within the organization.

Hank and Hal are the day to day owners. Co-CEO’s, if you will.

They have to answer to their father and they have limited partners to satisfy. But, that’s it. They run the Yankees.
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

I understand all that, but if there’s a palace coup, she’d have a say. I think that’s what I’m trying to get at.

Turn Two,

Are you Anthony or Keith?
# sunny615 January 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

I’ll say it again, but George needs to put it in his will that Hank gets Howard Rubenstein (and has to use him) as part of his inheritance of the Yankees.
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Keith
# Jeff NJ January 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

This reminds me a bit about this strange NFL situation where the brother of the NY Giants owner, Chris Mara is allowed to interview for a job in Atlanta! And then possibly recruiting Spagnalo to leave with him.

Ask yourself if having a partnership at the top is the better way to organize?
# jennifer- Hip Hip Jorge January 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

ELsbury had a good month, what a joke.
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

Keith,

Good Q&A. Wonder who he would choose between Hughes & Laptops.
# Jim PA January 9th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

BM:
The power structure chart looks organized on paper, but at least to an outsider like me it seems like a free-for-all, with Steinbrenners coming out of the woodwork, and the rest of the Tampa mafia. I hope Cashman’s strong enough to weather it until things settle down. Who knows, maybe everything’s hunky dory, and I just don’t see it.
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

Ellsbury is Brett Gardner with a little more pop in his bat.
# SJ44 January 9th, 2008 at 3:26 pm

There won’t be a “palace coup” and if there was one, she would still have no say re: the team.

Before Hank and Hal took over, there was a lot of talk in business/financial circles that George would sell the team if the sons didn’t want to be involved.

In other words, he was not going to have his daughters run the team.

Its just the way George is. Its why people like Donald Trump, Charles Dolan, and several others, talked about purchasing the team.

Thankfully, the brothers decided to take the reins.

They are very close, get along well, and also compliment each other very well.

Hal would rather have pitchfolks jammed into his eyes than speak to the media. Hank, as we have seen, hasn’t met a microphone he doesn’t like.

Both guys are very, very intelligent and are catching on quickly to the aspects of the business of baseball and running the Yankees.

When you think about it, its really quite an effort. Basically, these guys have to learn about a billion dollar company in under 6 months so they can run it effectively.

During the same time, they need to oversee construction of their new stadium. Its a quite task and obviously not a one man job.

Which is why, in this case, two heads are better than one.
# horace clark January 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

arent there 2 sisters?
# SJ44 January 9th, 2008 at 3:33 pm

There is no Tampa Mafia anymore. The power structure is very well defined. Especially on the baseball side.

Brian Cashman runs the baseball operation. Hank and Hal like him, depend on him, and have not shut him down in that area.

Are they “involved”? Of course they are. They run the team. Issues, such as a Santana trade, go beyond the baseball people. Because of the financial commitment involved, it does become an ownership issue.

However, on the areas such as the draft, free agency, etc, Cashman is able to work with his baseball people and make moves, free of any ownership involvement.

Hank and Hal had no problems going over slot with most of their signed draft picks this past season. That’s how much they trust the direction Cashman is taking the team. Its why the Santana issue is such an agonizing one for the Yankees.

On the business side, Lonn Trost is the COO and a trusted day to day advisor and Randy Levine’s main function, at this time, is the new Yankee Stadium.

Its a billion dollar company with lots of tentacles. However, unlike 4-5 years ago, when you had FOG(Friends of George) having big voices in player transactions, you don’t have that today.

You have clear and defined roles on the baseball side. Which is why, by and large, the baseball decisions have been much more intelligent in recent years.
# J-Dawg January 9th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

ESPNEWS is reporting that Clemens’s Congressional hearing has been postponed. It was scheduled for the 16th of this month. No new date has been made yet.
# SJ44 January 9th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

There are two sisters. One who was recently divorced from Steve Swindal and Felix Lopez’s wife.
# J-Dawg January 9th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

The sisters are Jennifer and Jessica, right?
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

SJ44,

Thanks for the insight. I guess I like the strong, silent type. lol.

I’m sure that Hank’s a bright guy. I hope he realizes that the people around him are there to help him not get in his way. I hope he realizes the Yankees are a consortium.

I can’t believe that Howard had a conversation with the kids about this very topic. You know that he’s in George’s ear, painting a certain picture, and that George is sending a message back to the young turks through his close friend.
# S.o.S.27 January 9th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

As I stated earlier today,im affraid that Cashman is losing power and control. His last deal he specifically insisted on having more power than the Tampa guys. Now his deal is up and hes back to square one. Him being the stealth of GM’s and Hank being completely opposite. I cant see how they are going to co-exist unless one of them gives in.My bet says Cash leaves. Which IMO would hurt our team alot.
# jay destro January 9th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

I think Hank should start wearing a ship captain’s hat whenever he makes one of his mighty speeches to the media. I think it would be kinda cute and fun. Or maybe he can get a full general’s uniform and pretend to be George Patton.
# horace clark January 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

unofficial reports have it that roger has scheduled surgery to remove a horn which has begun growing out of the side of his head…
# Jeff NJ January 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

Well put SJ. I think the interesting thing here is the fact that it IS A Partnership. It’s hard for the public to believe that any partnership can last for the long haul, with eventual predictable media reports of internal battles.

Personally I think they could avoid that, I mean who among us wouldn’t jump at the chance to run the Yankees and make deliver one more championship for Big Stein in his twilight years. I think they’ll do their best to do just that.

Gotta love the transition to the next generation both in and out of the dugout. Either way, 2008 will be very interesting.
# Miggs January 9th, 2008 at 3:37 pm

SJ44:

You seem very sure of yourself with some of these statements. Do you work for the Yankees? Are you involved in their meetings?

You seem to take pleasure in refuting everyone’s points and flaunting your opinions as fact, which I highly doubt that they are. Who’s to say the sister doesn’t have input? How do you know? I would have to imagine that anyone with the title “Senior Vice President” will have some role within the organization, some input. You make it sound like Hank and Hal decide everything, then announce it to everyone else. If you’ve ever been around or worked for a large corporation then you realize that’s not the way things work.
So unless you’re some sort of silent partner or anonymous Yankee VP that we don’t know about, you should stop forcing your opinion on everyone like its fact. Because its not.
# Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Save the Three Musketeers! January 9th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

You know, I don’t have much of an issue with Hank and Hal other than that Hank sometimes doesn’t know when to be quiet…

…but my respect for George just dropped umpteen levels.
# SJ44 January 9th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

Sorry to upset you Miggs. A title doesn’t equal power. Especially with the Yankees.

And, yes, I do have a little insight into the operation.
# S.o.S.27 January 9th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

I think they had to re schedule the meeting because he had his third ear ripped completely off from Macnamee.

As Susyn reported earlier today

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:45 pm

# Florida Yank January 9th, 2008 at 2:32 pm

It remains to be seen what the full role will be with Hal. Right now he has more input on the business decisions and the new Stadium in particular but once 2009 arrives and the new Stadium is occupied, he could get more involved in the baseball decisions to share with big brother Hank. All things point to George not being involved in the day to day operations.
# Chris NY January 9th, 2008 at 2:38 pm

When it comes to Santana, that is a business AND baseball decision, given the contract extension he wants. That’s where Hal is probably or at least possibly siding with Cashman against that deal. Cashman wants to keep Hughes and doesn’t want to invest 7 years into a pitcher. Business sense agrees with him.
# raymagnetic January 9th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

As long as Hal and Brian Cashman are working together Hank can say whatever he wants as far as I care. So long as Brian Cashman has one of their ears I think the Yankees will be fine.
# John January 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm

Are any of the Santana to the Red Sox talks still breathing? Is it possible that Steinbrenner has been constantly talking to the media about his continued interest in Santana just to make it more difficult for Boston to acquire him? Kind of far flung I know, but then again the Red Sox did the exact same thing to the Yankees. Maybe this is Hank’s ham handed effort at revenge.
# Bring Back Tony Womack to Play Left Field January 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

Thats why the Santana trade hasn’t been done yet
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

Pete,

Thanks for the post. Lots of enquiring minds here.

Two heads are usually better than one. Hopefully one of them doesn’t implode. lol.
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

What’s their sister’s place in all of this? I could see things coming to a head and there needs to be some kind of buffer. The sister, Cashman, anybody.
# SJ44 January 9th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

She has no involvement in the team. Its strictly the Hank and Hal Show from an ownership standpoint. Or, I should say, from a Managing Partner standpoint.
# J-Dawg January 9th, 2008 at 2:59 pm

So no matter how much talking that Hank does, we must always remember that Hal is quietly laying in the weeds. Hopefully they won’t end up being divided over the issue of power. We wouldn’t want a family feud to escalate. I can just picture Hank walking along and singing, “I got the power!!”
# Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Save the Three Musketeers! January 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

From personal experience:

Two heads are better than one only when they compliment each other’s weaknesses.
# The Monarch January 9th, 2008 at 3:03 pm

I don’t care if it’s Hank, Hal or a shared power structure, just as long as they trust Cashman.
# Matt January 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

In all likelihood, no [baseball] decision is made without the full input of both Steinbrenner brothers and Brian Cashman. Depending on the level of importance, “Stick” Michael, Mark Newman, and Joe Girardi can be consulted for their views but when the final decision is made, somebody has to be the spokesman and that is for Hank Steinbrenner to do.
# mel January 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

SJ44,

Isn’t she a part owner? If not that’s BS.
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

from Jim Callis’s chat on ESPN:

Anthony (nyc): Earlier u said that Marquez is better than most people think…so do u think a package of Kennedy, Marquez, Melky and Hilligoss is is good enough to close the deal?

Jim Callis: (2:43 PM ET ) Not close. Who’s close to be a star in that deal? No one.

Keith (NJ): so then who is the potential star with Lester and Lowrie? And if the Red Sox dont include Bucholtz, why should the Yankees need to include Hughes?

Jim Callis: (2:57 PM ET ) That’s a good question. And that’s probably why rumors are that the Twins prefer an Ellsbury-fronted package. I’d rather have Hughes than Ellsbury. But I’d rather have Ellsbury (or Lester) plus Lowrie, Masterson, Kalish or the other various incarnations than the Yankees’ packages.
# Rebecca--Optimist Prime--Save the Three Musketeers! January 9th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

mel: Not necessarily.

For example, my mother has liquor stores in her name, but I’d be fascinated if she’s ever actually visited any one of them. My dad does all the managing.

The Steinbrenner situation is obviously different, and I don’t know it, but it could be as simple as that she’s not into baseball. Doesn’t mean she doesn’t have a right to her inheritance though.
# murphydog January 9th, 2008 at 3:09 pm

mel:

The sister already did her part by divorcing Swindal and opening up the door to Hank and Hal. They should be compensating her handsomely for the opportunity.
# raymagnetic January 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

TurnTwo, that Jim Callis is a confusing fellow.
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

and i see I had company there…

raymagnetic (Bronx, NY): Jim, I’m confused, from the Yankees you want someone who’s a star player but you are okay with the Red Sox package headed by Lester or Ellsbury that doesn’t include a potential star. Do you see why I’m confused?

Jim Callis: (3:05 PM ET ) No. Ellsbury is a potential star.
# RM January 9th, 2008 at 3:11 pm

here is the top level of yankee officials per yankees.com

George M. Steinbrenner III Principal Owner
Harold Z. Steinbrenner General Partner
Henry G. Steinbrenner Senior Vice President
Jennifer Swindal Senior Vice President, New Stadium Public Affairs
Felix M. Lopez Senior Vice President
Randy Levine, Esq. President
Lonn A. Trost, Esq. Chief Operating Officer
Brian Cashman Senior Vice President, General Manager
Mark Newman Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:12 pm

ray, agreed… but there has been a LOT that Callis says I dont necessarily agree with.
# raymagnetic January 9th, 2008 at 3:14 pm

Turntwo, I’ve seen SJ44 say that Callis has a Red Sox bias, I don’t doubt it.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:46 pm

# raymagnetic January 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

TurnTwo, that Jim Callis is a confusing fellow.
# TurnTwo January 9th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

and i see I had company there…

raymagnetic (Bronx, NY): Jim, I’m confused, from the Yankees you want someone who’s a star player but you are okay with the Red Sox package headed by Lester or Ellsbury that doesn’t include a potential star. Do you see why I’m confused?

Jim Callis: (3:05 PM ET ) No. Ellsbury is a potential star.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:47 pm

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=18747

greg (toronto): Do you think that the MLBPA would ever agree to eliminate free agent compensation?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I've wondered about that. If I were the owners, I would pitch this to the MLBPA. It's not like compensation really keeps salaries down, and if the MLBPA didn't have that tie to the draft, perhaps MLB could do whatever it wanted with the draft without the union's consent.

Kevin (Nashville): Jim - how do I order the handbook again, just online or is it in stores, too> And a prospect question - lots of hype about Teheren the international P the Braves signed. What do you know of him?

SportsNation Jim Callis: You can order the Handbook directly from us at baseballamerica.com or 1-800-845-2726, and you'll have it in a couple of weeks. It also will be in stores, but you'll have to wait longer. Julio Teheran is the most intriguing international pitching prospect since Felix Hernandez--can't wait to see how he does this year.

Ivan (NY): Kevin from MN make s a point though. I mean if Milledge was white and did a rock album, do you think it cause a complete uproar. I hate to say it but "character issues" seems to be more affliated with african americans than other races in baseball. I mean yea Milledge is tought to deal with but it can be unfair interms of blaming milledge with specific things.

SportsNation Jim Callis: We'll make this the last Milledge question of the day. If a white player released an album with the same lyrics, he too would be blasted. Especially if he had the same history of what we'll call allegations that Milledge has. It's not a racial issue with Milledge at all.

Bruce (Pittsburgh): Jim-Who do you think the Pirates are targeting with the 2nd pick in the 08 Draft?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Vandy 3B Pedro Alvarez or Georgia HS SS Tim Beckham would make the most sense.

Fred (Houston): What's the scouting report on Paul Estrada? His control really went south last year. The Astros could sure use a power setup man in the big league pen.

SportsNation Jim Callis: He fell apart in 2007. His curveball and splitter were nasty in 2006, and while he may use them too much, everything went south when the Astros tried to get him to use his low-90s fastball more last year. No idea what to tell you to expect from him in 2008.

Majeed: Doesn't Raines belong in the HOF? John Seibel who's also chatting right now doesn't think so.

SportsNation Jim Callis: He'd get my vote if I had one.

jack (NC): kershaw or elbert gets called up fisrt by the dodgers?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Kershaw.

Ben Mobile AL: The Reds Todd Frazier, is that the Todd Frazier of New Jersey Little League World Seris?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ): What about Austin Jackson? I hear some people tout him as All Star CF potential and others saying he's too inconsistent to rely on. Your thoughts? And the Prospect handbook is a beautiful thing Jim!

SportsNation Jim Callis: I think both are true. He really came on in the second half last year. I like him, but I'd also like to see a strong full season from him in 2008.

Bill (Berkeley): What kind of projection do you have for Jed Lowrie. A lot of articles I've been reading lately seem to indicate that he could be the starting SS for the Twins next year, assuming the Santana deal goes through.

SportsNation Jim Callis: That's fair. Lowrie will hit better than most shortstops and get the job done on defense.

Jeff (LA): What position does Moustakas end up at? With Alex Gordon around, it can't be 3B. Does that mean LF or 1B?

SportsNation Jim Callis: He won't be a SS, and if Gordon is at 3B, I could see Moustakas in RF. Some teams thought about making him a C, though that would slow down the arrival of his potent bat.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA): Do the Braves go with Anderson as the Opening Day CF or have you heard of another possible player handling that role?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Josh Anderson is the leading contender, but I think he's more stopgap than long-term solution.

David (Philly): How do we get our hands on the organitzational rankings?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Buy the Prospect Handbook!

Kevin (FC): What's Ryan Royster's ceiling, a Jonny Gomes-type?

SportsNation Jim Callis: That seems fair to me.

Dan (Denver): Which mistake was bigger: Jays taking Romero over Tulo or the Rockies taking Reynolds over Longoria? Who would you rather have in your infield for the next 5 years? Tulo or Longoria?

SportsNation Jim Callis: The Jays . . . they were on Tulowitzki for the longest time and he would have made a lot of sense for them. The Rockies had Garrett Atkins and Ian Stewart for third base, so they were looking pitching rather than Longoria.

Justin (Boston): Hi Jim. Jim Rice is criticized for declining too early (and thus retiring). Andrew Dawson is criticized for staying too long. Which is more valid? Do these 2 belong in the HOF?

SportsNation Jim Callis: It's hard to make those HOF votes happy, isn't it? Both Rice and Dawson fall into the category of players who I'd say I won't be outraged if they get in but I'm not outraged that they're not.

ken (mass) : lightning round yet? as a starter, Brett Anderson or Masterson?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Let's go lightning round . . . Anderson. Though I do think Masterson can be a solid starter.

Adam (OH): Matt Dominguez? Pedro Feliz (all glove and a little hit) or Ryan Zimmerman (solid all around 3B)?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Ryan Zimmerman.

Kevin (FC): Kazmir or Bedard in 2008?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Kazmir.

Mike (San Diego): What are the odds that Matt Bush ever plays a game in the majors?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Long.

Justin (ny, ny): Jim - Humberto Sanchez - set up man/potential closer? or starter...

SportsNation Jim Callis: Setup man.

Cowboy Wayne (NY): Joba or Bucholz in 08?

SportsNation Jim Callis: If they're both starters, I think Buchholz is better equipped to last for a full season. Realistically, both guys will probably have a hard time living up to the expectations their brief 2007 performances have created.

Anthony (nyc): Earlier u said that Marquez is better than most people think...so do u think a package of Kennedy, Marquez, Melky and Hilligoss is is good enough to close the deal?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Not close. Who's close to be a star in that deal? No one.

greg (torontpo): Which order: Hughes, McGowan, Bucholtz.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Buchholz, Hughes, McGowan.

Adam (OH): Chris Coughlan or Nick Noonan?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Noonan.

Mike (Lancaster, PA): Can Cardenas play third?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yeah, he should be able to.

Brian (RI): Niemann or Price gets the call fisrt?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Niemann, only because I think the Rays will try to bring Price along a little slowly at first.

Tim (Cincy): Bruce or Maybin??

SportsNation Jim Callis: I think Jay Bruce is the best prospect in baseball.

Finn (Seattle, WA): Balentein or Pie

SportsNation Jim Callis: Pie.

Andy (Teaneck): Chris Paul or Deron Williams?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Chris Paul.

Gray (Chicago): Cardinals closer in 2009: Izzy or Perez?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Chris Perez.

Jim (NY): Austin Jackson or Lars Anderson

SportsNation Jim Callis: I had Anderson at No. 29 and Jackson at No. 40 on my personal Top 50 list.

Sam (Vermont): Chocolate cream or banana cream pie?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Banana cream. Stop making me hungry.

ken (mass): thanks! another one...albeit different players, Jennings or Lowrie?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Desmond Jennings. But Jed Lowrie is three levels ahead of him, so you could take the safer route and go with him.

bill indiana: Reds future or Brewers future?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Brewers.

Jon (New Jersey): rasmus or pence

SportsNation Jim Callis: Rasmus. Nothing wrong with Pence, though.

J.B. (Dunmore, PA): Survivor or the Amazing Race?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Amazing Race, in general. But of the most recent seasons, I found Survivor more compelling.

Joe, San Fran: Lincecum or Gallardo?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Lincecum.

Josh (Los Angeles, CA): Dewitt, Abreu, or Hu? ETA as a regular, if at all?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Hu, probably 2009 with Furcal on hand.

Dan (NYC): In their respective primes - Salty or Wieters?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Wieters.

John (Portland, ME): Pats or Jags?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Patriots. I think they'll win easy this week, but the Colts have a good chance to beat them next week. Can't wait for the games this weekend.

Mike (SoCal): Subway or Quizno's?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Blimpie's.

mike (providence): What do you think about Dellin Betences? Did his reputation drop, in your eyes, last season or do you think he will breakout in the next couple years?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Betances has a huge ceiling, but he's still very raw and his health is in question. He could be a superstar or flame out in the minors.

Josh (Los Angeles, CA): Kershaw, McGee, or Price?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Kershaw. Don't forget to include Franklin Morales with that group.

Dan (Denver): Jimenez/Morales or Lincecum/Cain?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Lincecum/Cain.

Oden (Motown): Man, you just lost all credibility with Blimpie's. That's like picking BK over Wendy's...

SportsNation Jim Callis: I would take Wendy's.

Jim Callis (wisc.): Does it seem weird that I am Jim Callis too?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Even weirder considering I will be in Wisconsin on Saturday for the Packers game.

Glen (NYC): Marquez or Horne?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Marquez.

Seth (New York): FMartinez or Gomez?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Martinez.

DD (Texas): Chargers: Sleeper to win the entire thing?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Can't see Norv Turner and Philip Rivers getting that done, sorry.

Joe (IN): Your the one making people hungry posting the food questions! Anyway, ever had Jersey Mike's subs?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I have, still prefer Blimpie's.

Tony (NYC): Your SB matchup?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Patriots-Packers. Can't quite put the Colts there.

Karl (Utah): BJ or Justin?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Justin.

Ryan (NY): Betances or Daniel Bard?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Betances.

ramone (ill): veal or the wide reciever(cant spell his name)

SportsNation Jim Callis: Veal over Samardzija.

Tom: Revere, MA: Beau Mills: Elite hitting prospect, or just another guy? Thanks!

SportsNation Jim Callis: Wouldn't say elite yet, but he has the chance to have a special bat.

John (Oakland): Detweiler a #2-#3?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 2.

Zach (Basel):: Jim, I'm on hour 20 of the sixth season of 24, and while I definitely think it is the weakest season, I hardly think it is the disaster everyone makes it out to be. Why all the hatred?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Because the first five seasons were so good, especially season five.

greg (toronto): At their peak, Griffey or Bonds?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Bonds had the best peak ever, didn't he?

Keith (NJ): so then who is the potential star with Lester, and Lowrie? And if the Red Sox dont include Bucholtz, why should the Yankees need to include Hughes?

SportsNation Jim Callis: That's a good question. And that's probably why rumors are that the Twins prefer an Ellsbury-fronted package. I'd rather have Hughes than Ellsbury. But I'd rather have Ellsbury (or Lester) plus Lowrie, Masterson, Kalish or the other various incarnations than the Yankees' packages.

Christian (Philly): Main, Alderson, Bumgartner

SportsNation Jim Callis: Alderson.

ramone (ill): admit it. you had to look up how to spell Samardzija.

SportsNation Jim Callis: I did not!

Tyler (Bmore): Markakis or Bruce?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Jay Bruce.

john (nevada): can we get your top 10 prospects that will get called up midseason or at least top 5?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Clayton Kershaw (LAD), Andrew McCutchen (Pit), Nick Adenhart (LAA), Gio Gonzalez (Oak), Chin-Lung Hu (LAD). A lot of the best prospects will either be on Opening Day rosters or spend the entire year in the minors.

Chris, Seattle: After Mathew Hasselbecks redemption this weekend are you going to be upset you made the Trek to Green Bay?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Not a fan of either team, just want a good game. My 12-year-old son is a big Packers fan, so he'll be upset. But I don't think the Seahawks have enough of a running game to hang with the Pack.

Harry C (Chicago): Hector Gomez or Elvis Andrus?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Andrus.

Ryan (PA): You didnt have Bruce in that list, you think he will make the tema out of ST?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes.

Steve (El Paso): Wade Davis or Johnny Cueto?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Davis. But Cueto is underrated.

raymagnetic (Bronx, NY): Jim, I'm confused, from the Yankees you want someone who's a star player but you are okay with the Red Sox package headed by Lester or Ellsbury that doesn't include a potential star. Do you see why I'm confused?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. Ellsbury is a potential star.

Andrew (Centereach, NY): Why are the yankee fans so upset with what the sox are offering?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Because Yankees fans feel their prospects are so much better than everyone else's, more so than any fans of any other team do about their own prospects. You should see the emails I get.

Brad (STL): Hermida emerges as a star this year?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes!

Justin (ny, ny): Jim - tell Andrew its because we do NOT want to see Santana in a Red Sox Uniform... EVER!!!

SportsNation Jim Callis: There you go. See you guys next week.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:48 pm

ESPN Web
Chat with Baseball America's Jim Callis

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=18747
Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, Baseball America's Jim Callis will chat it up with SportsNation. Ask any question and he will try to answer - big leaguers, prospects, draft picks ... anything goes!

Send your questions now and join Jim on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET!

Baseball America Archives: Chats

SportsNation Jim Callis: Hi, everyone. Between trade proposals, outrage over the Hall of Fame and over steroids, plus general prospect questions, we should have plenty to keep us busy for the next hour.

Tom: If you were the Yankees, would you consider bringing back Roger Clemens? If not, where do you think he will end up?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I think he's probably done. Between his price tag ($17.4 million for a half-season of league-average pitching in 2007), his flameouts in his last two postseason starts (4.1 IP, 6 ER) and the Mitchell Report taint, I doubt anyone is going to want to mess with him.

Jeff (Oakland): With all the new prospects added to the A's organization over the last couple of weeks whereabouts do you think they would now be ranked? Top 15?

SportsNation Jim Callis: We ranked their farm system 27th overall in the Prospect Handbook, where the team lists were finalized before the A's made the Haren and Swisher deals. When we rejigger the rankings in the spring in our Minor League Preview issues, I'll guess that the A's will come in around No. 10.

Jamie (Utica, NY): Hey Jim. What are your thoughts on the Yankees top 10 prospects? Who on that list do you really believe will become legitimate major league players? Any potential superstars besides Joba?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Jose Tabata is a potential superstar, though he has a long ways to go. Ian Kennedy is the second-best bet on that list. I don't think he'll be a star but he should be a solid No. 3. Jeff Marquez is probably better than most people realize. That's one of the better Top 10s.

Andy (OH): If the Twins were able to trade Nathan to the Cubs for Marmol and Pie would that be a good trade for both teams? What is the difference in potential between Pie and Ellsbury?

SportsNation Jim Callis: If I'm the Cubs, I'd keep my two guys. Marmol can be just as dominant as Nathan, and they could hold onto Pie. Pie has a little more power and upside than Ellsbury, but Ellsbury's tools are much more refined at this point.

John (SoCal): Okay, the Handbook's done now. When do we get our marathon chat?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Good question. I'll have to look at the calendar and find a day. I don't have to beat the record-holder, do I?

Rick Patterson (Nashville): I assume Moustakas, Cortes, and Hochevar are the top 3 for the Royals. Do they have anyone after them?!?!?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No, not really. Which made the decision to trade Billy Buckner (whom I like) for Alberto Callaspo puzzling to me.

Willy (ATL): Sounds like the cards are thinking of signing yadi molina long-term. Where does that leave Bryan Anderson?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Doesn't necessarily mean he's blocked in St. Louis. Anderson, depending on how you look at him, has a decent all-around game or doesn't do much better than decent. But he'll be given time to develop and if he's better than Molina (which he should be offensively, though not defensively), he'll play.

Luke (Des Moines): With the 8th pick this year, the White Sox will target: a. HS pitcher (S. Gray, G. Cole, A. Meyer) b. HS bat (H. Martinez, K. Skipworth, I. Galloway) c. college pitcher (B. Hunter, J. Thompson, T. Ross) d. college bat (J. Smoak, Y. Alonso, B. Crawford) e. other Thanks for the chat! e. other

SportsNation Jim Callis: Their preference would be an athletic position player. I think No. 8 would be too high for Crawford, though. They'd love someone like a Tim Beckham (Georgia HS SS), but he'll be gone by then.

Gray (Chicago): Jim, BA ranked James McDonald #7 amongst Dodgers prospects this year. Why so low? I feel as if BA bought into name recognition over skills and results. What is McDonald's ceiling and ETA?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Sigh. Yeah that's us, all name recognition over skills and results. Come on. He's good, but he's not as good as the guys ahead of him on that list (Kershaw, LaRoche, Hu, Elbert, DeWitt, Withrow). You could argue him vs. DeWitt and Withrow, but McDonald has a plus curveball and otherwise average stuff. He's a No. 3 or 4 starter, probably closer to a No. 4.

Carlos (Chicago): Do the White Sox now have the worst farm system in all of baseball? Your thoughts on the Swisher trade?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes, they do. I don't think they overpaid as much as a lot of people did--because, of course, Billy Beane is always right--but I don't know why the White Sox are playing for 2008. Third place seems as high as they can go, and they have an old team that needs to be rebuilt.

Luke (Des Moines): Let me guess: after the Swisher trade, the (dismal) top 5 for the White Sox are Poreda, Broadway, Egbert, McCulloch, and Griffith. Am I right?

SportsNation Jim Callis: You got the first three correct. You'll have to wait for our current issue to get the last two, or visit baseballamerica.com next week.

Joe (Baltimore): Jim, What do you think of Bedard to the Mariners for Jones, Clement, Tillman, and Chen? Fair deal or is one team getting taken? Thanks

SportsNation Jim Callis: As much as I like Bedard, I don't know if I'd want to give up all that if I were the Mariners. Can't see the Orioles turning that one down.

Paul (Baltimore): Jim, You guys do a great job at Baseball america. Your thoughts on the rumored Brian Roberts to the Cubs for Cedeno, Gallagher, & Marshall? Thanks

SportsNation Jim Callis: The Cubs do want a second baseman and I could see this happening. Cedeno doesn't appear to be in Chicago's plans, but call me crazy--I like him more than Ryan Theriot. Gallagher and Marshall aren't going to be aces, but they can be solid mid-rotation or back-end starters. I think both teams would be fine with that deal.

JJ, Liberty Twp, OH: Which prospect from BA's Top 100 last year dropped the most in your eyes?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Of the top guys, Mike Pelfrey at No. 20.

Lance (Livingston, TN): After Bruce and Votto, how big is the drop-off with Reds position prospects? No one seems to talk about Danny Dorn but he has put up very good numbers in two years of pro ball. Can he be the Reds left-fielder if they don't resign Dunn?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Those are the two obvious guys, but the Reds also have some intriguing bats such as OF Drew Stubbs, C Devin Mesoraco and 3B Todd Frazier and Juan Francisco. Dorn is a sleeper at this point, a guy who came out of a top college program (Cal State Fullerton) and has hit well in the lower minors, as expected. Let's see him do well in the upper minors.

brian (sobo, va): Jim - did Jeremy Jeffress test positive for steroids or another drug? will he be anything more than someone with a million dollar arm and a ten cent head?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Marijuana. But it's repeated positive tests, which doesn't inspire confidence about the head.

Big O's fan (NY): Sell me on Ronny Cedeno.........doesn't this guy just plain suck?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. He's still just 24, and while he was wretched in 2006 in the majors, he has been very good in Triple-A. I still think he can be a solid shortstop.

Eric (Albany): Jim- Does it bother you that teams (NYY, Boston, whoever) think that they should be able to keep their top prospects and still acquire talent like Erik Bedard and Johan Santana? If you want either of these two you better be coming with your #1 prospect to start.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Doesn't bother me. The Twins don't have to make a trade they don't like. Of course, with everyone knowing they can't re-sign Santana after 2008, it does undercut their bargaining position.

Makeup Issues: Please elucidate on the Lastings Milledge makeup issues. I know about the incident prior to his drafting and the high-fiving after the home run. What am I missing?

SportsNation Jim Callis: There's more prior to the draft that hasn't been reported, and of course there's the infamous rap album from last year.

Adam (OH): What do you think the outlook is for all of those young arms the Marlins have (G.Hernandez, C.Volstad, S.West, R.Tucker, B.Sinkbiel, and A.Thompson)?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I think some of those guys will be solid, but overall their pitchers are a little overrated to me and the only guy who really lights me up is Sinkbeil.

Tim (NY): Gossage or Rivera?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Rivera.

Fonsi-La: What are your thoughts on Brad Suttle ? He's best pure hitter in last year draft . He did struggle in Hwl.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Sounds like he has to make more adjustments than the Yankees figured, but he can't possibly be as bad as he was in Hawaii. He's a bat-only guy, though, so he better hit.

Tim (Boston): Do you see the red sox doing something to address the catcher position. They are very thin there after tek with no one in the minors anywhere near ready. Would they package coco (if he isn't in the santana deal) for some young talent?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes. I think they're waiting to see what happens with a Johan Santana trade right now. If they don't part with Crisp or Ellsbury in such a deal, I think they'll look to use Crisp to improve their catching situation behind Varitek.

Jason (Atlanta): Where will Porcello rank on the BA 100 list?

SportsNation Jim Callis: We haven't started working on that yet, but I did put him at No. 13 on my personal Top 50 list in the Handbook.

Jarrett (Medford, MA): Jim, You have the Red Sox farm system currently ranked at number 2 in baseball, correct? How far would they drop if they were to trade Ellsbury, Lowrie and Masterson to the Twins? or if they were to just trade Lowrie and Masterson (in the propsoed Lester deal with Coco) Also, I'm looking forward to the handbook, when can we expect to recieve it if we've ordered it online? Thanks!

SportsNation Jim Callis: We're expecting Handbooks back by the end of next week, I believe, so yours should be in your hands within a couple of weeks. As for your question . . . that would be a big hit, three of their top five prospects, and would drop them at least to No. 10.

Adam (OH): Can Graham Taylor make the bigs with the Marlins, or is it a classic case of a player dominating younger competion?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Maybe he'll get a cup of coffee, but he's really just a strike thrower with mediocre stuff.

Rich (Bayonne, NJ): Similiarly with Sox and Varitek, are Cervelli and Montero viable options to one day replace Posada, provided they stay healthy?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I don't think so. Montero is no lock to stay behind the plate and I don't think Cervelli will hit enough.

Kevin MN: So if you make a rap album, you have a character issue. No wonder baseball is losing interest in the African-American community.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Well, no, but it was a vile rap album. That's the difference. Just another example of bad judgment.

Kevin (FC): An early college baseball question: Which teams are pre-season favorites?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I know Aaron Fitt and John Manuel are still working on our preseason Top 25. The last I heard, UCLA was the favorite to be No. 1. I like Missouri as a sleeper

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:48 pm

I think Hank’s talking is refreshing. The Yankees seem to be testing the waters a bit maybe even effectively starting negotiations with Johan’s agents.

We won’t know if it was legitimate until the trade plays out, but I bet the Yankees think, getting Johan in July 31st would be good enough and much more cost effective for the Yankees, plus we could get a good look at Phil Hughes and see what we have. That’s a good plan.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:50 pm

01 2008
Attacking McNamee’s Credibility

http://riveraveblues.com/

Posted by: Joseph P. in Roger Clemens, STEROIDS!

There’s been plenty on the Brian McNamee/Roger Clemens front over the past few days. Although I’d love nothing more than to see this whole thing just disappear, it’s not going to, which means we’re stuck with it. First thing I caught on it this morning was a piece on ESPN, where McNamee’s lawyers are looking to expose a conversation between McNamee and Clemens which took place on the day before the Mitchell report was revealed.

“They should ask for the entire tape of the interview back in December. That’s the tape they should ask for,” Earl Ward, one of McNamee’s lawyers, said Tuesday. “According to Brian, they tried to get him to recant. Brian said, look, what I told the [Mitchell and federal] investigators was the truth.”

If that’s the extent of the conversation, I’m not sure how much it helps McNamee’s case. However, if his lawyers are pushing for its release, there’s bound to be a bit more revealing information contained therein.

But then I caught a piece in Slam! Sports which aims to trounce McNamee’s credibility. In fact, just three paragraphs in, we’re treated to this quote:

“I hope baseball is not putting all of its case on this one witness because in my 32 years as an investigator, I would not find him to be very credible,” Florida state attorney office investigator Don Crotty said yesterday.

Crotty’s distrust of McNamee stems from an incident back in 2001, where a number of Yankees were having a party in Florida — which incidentally started in Chuck Knoblauch’s room. Outside, investigators found a woman passed out in a swimming pool. She had been drugged with GHB. McNamee was implicated, but never charged, since prosecutors didn’t think the victim’s case would hold up — because he had slept with a married member of the team. Crotty believed that McNamee was dishonest with him when questioned pursuant to the case.

It also appears that Brian referred to himself sometimes as Dr. McNamee:

An investigation showed his doctorate earned at Columbus University in Louisiana is now Columbus out of Mississippi, since Louisiana closed its operation in 2001 for handing out degrees to many who did “little or no academic work.”

The article says that Clemens actually believed that McNamee had a medical degree.

Also discrediting McNamee is his tenure with the NYPD. Though he was involved in many high-profile cases, including the death of Eric Clapton’s son, he’ll never shed the 30-day suspension he received for his negligence in the escape of a prisoner.

And then we have the issue of physical proof of Roger’s use of steroids. The Blue Jays team chiropractor at the time Roger was with the team didn’t see the telltale signs of steroid use:

“I worked with him daily and didn’t see any signs of steroid use,” Dr. Patrick Graham told The Sun yesterday. “I didn’t notice any rashes, acne or increased muscle mass or structure.”
…
“I think I would have seen signs of it,” he said, adding he always thought the Rocket’s success in Toronto was because of his newly developed “split-fingered fastball.”

Even after Clemens left the Jays organization, he would come in for a back treatment whenever in Toronto and Graham said he observed no body changes. “I haven’t seen him for two years, but I just don’t think he was on steroids.”

Professional trainer Phil Zullo, of North York’s Pro-Fit, agrees — saying if Clemens took the amount of steroids and the type McNamee alleges in the report, he would have ended up looking like Hulk Hogan. “With the way Roger works out and trains, he would have been a giant,” said Zullo, who did not work with Clemens but has always been known to be against the use of any substances for the amateur and professional athletes he trains.

True, none of this proves that Clemens didn’t do steroids. But then again, is he ever going to be able to prove that?

My stance remains the same as it has since the beginning, in that I don’t think he has to prove that he didn’t. Clearly, my opinion differs with much of the public. But why should Roger have to go to these lengths to defend himself against one person, with a spotty history, who was facing jail time? If there was more than one source of this allegation, then yeah, maybe Roger has to up his defense. But I don’t see the reason to assume the worst when we’re talking about the flimsiest of circumstantial evidence.

Once again, though, it’s my deepest desire to see this story go away.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 1:50 pm

1.
CB says:
January 9th, 2008 at 10:05 am (Reply)

I don’t see Santana signing for 5 years while he’s only a year away from hitting the market (unless perhaps if the yankees agree to redo his 2008 deal and up it by $7 million or so). On the open market he’ll get 7 years at $20 million per or whatever else he’s asking for. The Mets for one will throw money at him as desperate as they are.

What Hank is doing here is anybody’s guess. Assuming he’s not incompetent, he’s clearly planting these messages to “negotiate” through the media. But what “negotiations” are these?

Is he sending a signal to the Twins that we don’t want Santana that badly so bring down the price? Is he telling Santana that you need to be OK with these parameters before we make any deal for you? Is he sending signals to the Red Sox that neither one of our organizations wants him badly enough to pay the price in money/ prospects so let’s both stop bidding against each other (the Red Sox will clearly know Santana will no sign for only 5 years)?
2.
Nick-YF says:
January 9th, 2008 at 10:12 am (Reply)

perhaps he’s trying to provide Santana with an incentive not to waive his no-trade clause?
3.
Geno says:
January 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am (Reply)

I don’t see how showing our cards like this is ever a smart move.
4.
Bo says:
January 9th, 2008 at 11:24 am (Reply)

Why does he talk to Kat O’Brien?
5.
Nefarious Jackson says:
January 9th, 2008 at 11:31 am (Reply)

Another possibility is that Hank, who has never had to do a real days work in his life, who never had to building anything in his life, who was born on third and thinks he hit a triple- maybe Hank is a blowhard, use to people kissing his ass his whole life because of his last name, maybe Hank just isn’t all the bright… and this is yet another public statement that makes NO SENSE. Will his brother Hal or someone please get this guy to shut the hell up
6.
Jorge Steinbrenner says:
January 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am (Reply)

if you read beyond the soundbites, i do like what he had to say about Brian Cashman. while it’s inevitable that some of the “Steinbrenner Way” is going to come our way with Hank, it’s the support he gave to Cashman’s efforts, plus some of his earlier comments that don’t get quoted often, that still make me feel like his head is mostly in the right place.
7.
Pettitte's stare says:
January 9th, 2008 at 1:42 pm (Reply)

When does this become collusion? I mean you aren’t supposed to talk about a player under another teams control. This just sounds like he is starting the negotiation before making the trade. I’m getting tired of Hank’s blabbing.
8.
T. Kim says:
January 9th, 2008 at 1:43 pm (Reply)

He is definitely just trying to tell Santana that if we give up these prospects then you don’t get your 6-7 years. In a suttle way, meaning without tampering, he’s telling Santana’s agent to use that no-trade clause and to hold off until next spring if he wants that mega-deal. Remember when Cashman and Satana’s agent were on the same flight out of the winter meetings? Don’t be surprised to see this trade not happen, or happen then become void because of contract demands. Santana will likely play the season out as a Twin and sign with the Yankees for 7 years and $140 million come 2009. SAVE PHIL HUGHES!
9.
Senor A. Boy says:
January 9th, 2008 at 2:23 pm (Reply)

Isn’t Kat O’Brien the worst Yankees beat writer around? She turned the once solid Yankee coverage in Newsday into pretty much 3rd-rate work. Anybody remember how cool Jim Baumbach’s blog was? It’s amazing to see the sheer lack of effort and quality when writers like Peter Abraham are out there.
1.
Realist says:
January 9th, 2008 at 2:39 pm (Reply)

I must agree with you on that Senor! Ahh , the good old days over there;-).

I don’t think this trade happens for the yanks OR the Sox and it’s fine with me. Wait to see if he is worth the prospects and cash first…during this season and pay accordingly via Free Agency. He spent time on DL the past two seasons and didn’t end well last year…I would rather see if this was an aberation or a continuing trend downward , before making such a major investment with prospects and cash.

But hey , thats just my opinion…doesn’t make it right ;-)
2.
Count Zero says:
January 9th, 2008 at 3:04 pm (Reply)

“Isn’t Kat O’Brien the worst Yankees beat writer around?”

Precisely why it should be obvious that she’s being used as a tool…

He is walking a fine line on tampering…and I would say he’s doing it pretty damn well. If Santana goes nowhere and becomes a FA at the end of this season, I want you guys to look back on this and say: “Thank you Hank — you’re a lot better negotiator than I gave you credit for.” ;-)
10.
Ivan says:
January 9th, 2008 at 3:02 pm (Reply)

Keith (NJ): so then who is the potential star with Lester, and Lowrie? And if the Red Sox dont include Bucholtz, why should the Yankees need to include Hughes?

Jim Callis: (2:57 PM ET ) That’s a good question. And that’s probably why rumors are that the Twins prefer an Ellsbury-fronted package. I’d rather have Hughes than Ellsbury. But I’d rather have Ellsbury (or Lester) plus Lowrie, Masterson, Kalish or the other various incarnations than the Yankees’ packages.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:20 pm

Gomez, Not Ellsbury or Cabrera, Best Fit For Twins

http://www.dugoutcentral.com/blog/?author_name=Dugout%20GM&PHPSESSID=de4aeba83bc573f3b4bcfcd770733f5d

Published by Dugout GM on January 8, 2008 under Twins, Mets

Via an impending trade of Johan Santana, the Twins will be looking to secure the services of a cheap, high-ceiling centerfielder who will be part of their foundation for the next five or so years. The Yankees, Red Sox and Mets each have a centerfielder to offer, in the form of Melky Cabrera, Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Gomez.

Though Ellsbury has received the most positive publicity, largely because of his .438/.500/.688 line in 16 World Series at bats, we believe that Gomez has the biggest ceiling of the three. Let’s take a look at Gomez.

Carlos Gomez (CF)

* Prospect (Now) Category: Average
* Projected Value Category: Premium
* Longevity: 8-10 years
* Health Risk: Low

The 21 year old has all kinds of ability and projects to being a Premium Category player in 3-5 years. Gomez was called up in the middle of the 2007 season during his development in the minor leagues. He plays aggressively and will make normal development type mistakes at the major league level. His speed is equal to Jose Reyes (SS), and he’s got an XL frame (6’4″, 195 pounds) that is capable of supporting more weight. With improved technique at the plate he could be a 30+ home run guy. Gomez has a plus arm and above average range in the outfield. His development has shown improvement each year. He has the ability to get by at the major league level right now, but another year or two of minor league development is suggested. The Mets tend to rush their young players.

Gomez’s minor league stats: .278/.336/.399 with 141 steals in 180 attempts, in 1,291 at bats. http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=5537

Another Mets minor leaguer the Twins should be interested in is Brant Rustic. The 22 year old is a big, hard thrower who has a 2.13 ERA and 0.52 WHIP in 15 minor league appearances. http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=34002

Adding to the likelihood of a Twins-Mets trade is the fact that the Mets benefit more from acquiring Santana than the Yankees or Red Sox. Without acquiring a top number one or two starting pitcher, the Mets won’t be able to contend in the NL East for very long. After last year’s collapse, Omar and Willie can’t afford to fall out of the race early. Santana would add five to eight wins for the Mets in 2008 and would allow Omar and Willie to sleep a bit easier, knowing that their continued employment wasn’t dependent upon Pedro’s health and Oliver Perez’s consistency.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:23 pm

Johan is coming. I am very confident in this.
Gomez, Mulvey, and 2 of Humber, Pelfrey, Heilman, Guerra
And then we sign Johan to a 5 year extension for $100 mil, with a 6th year player option and a 7th year mutual/team option….
booyA

Can we insure him if it is a player option in the 6th year? I am for it but that is something to keep in mind

He will probably be one of those former mets who performs well….so why don’t the twins bite????? I am not so sure they plan on moving Santana….

They need to move him, he will not sign a extension once the season starts. They can’t afford to offer him a contract after this season. They are just gonna lose him and get nothing if they don’t trade him. Plus he openly stated that he is upset with the organization. I wouldn’t want my most valuable player playing for me if he didn’t want to be playing for me. I’d trade him for everything i could get.

they don’t need to trade him….until July when the realize they have no shot of catching the Tigers, they might be able to get more in July though so be prepared for him to stay put, I magine what NYY or BOS will be willing to give up for Johan if its close July 30…

Unless the Twins have a defaulted subprime loan on the Metrodome thast come due they can afford to wait and see if someone will give them a deal better than the Mets can offer without Reyes, and they can wait until July 31st to do so

u know, if we get Johan, you gotta LOVE the Mets chances to win it ALL this year. Now before you all call me r-tarded, hear me out.
Last year, we had Shawn Green and Jose Valentin friggin up our lineup/speed/defense (the stache wasnt as sure as he was last year with the knee injury). We had a very good, but inconsistent Glavine and an 0-7 Pelfrey and we still did pretty good. Not to mention Alou’s injury, Endy’s injury, and Wright’’s slump, and inconsistency with our # 2 batting order slot

Now with a full year of Castillo and L-Millz, oh wait we traded him damnit!!!…anyway, Church (who is a career .340 hitter i think at shea and hits doubles) who i think will surprise people, we have an upgrade in defense in 2 positions, along with more consistency in our lineup. While Schneider is a hole at our 8 spot, at least our lineup is FULLY settled AND it makes our defense up the middle, which EVERY other “analyst” says is VERY important, excellent (schneid, reyes, castillo, beltran)….

Now, if we get Johan, obviously that strengthens our rotation, with Pedro an upgrade over Glavine. I think Maine and OP are ready to taek the next step and be stronger (especially Maine). I am TOTALLY for either signing a “veteran” to compete for the 5th spot or letting Humber/Pelfrey/Mulvey fight it out with them (barring ONE of them stays in a poss. trade for Johan). Move El Duque in the pen, this can keep him LESS injury prone i hope, and he can simply DOMINATE for an inning or 2. With Dirty Sanchez back and a healthy showenwies and perhaps a youngster like Smith or Collazo stepping up in ST, i really like the Mets chances

Of course, again, this all goes with us getting Johan. Which, if there is a God, will happen

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Do the Mets have enough beyond Gomez and Rustic to make this happen? Any Mets fans who can answer that question? I don’t like Pelfrey, so it would seem they’d need to add two more prospects who project bo being good to very good major leaguers. Perhaps one pitcher and one position player. Any help, Mets fans?
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Mike D on January 8th, 2008

We also have Kelvin Mulvey (Mets first pick of 2007 draft) who projects as a number 3 or 4 starter. 18 yr old OF Fernando Martinez, if included would probably seal the deal, but Omar is hesitant to trade the Mets best prospect. Other Candidates for the deal may include RHP Deolis Guerra, RHP Phillip Humber, 1B Mike Carp. I think they have enough to get it done, but Omar is not willing to sacrifice his farm for one single player, who is not guaranteed to stay with the club after this year

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:24 pm

The problem with the Santana to mets deal seems to be that the Twins are insisting on at least one major league ready player in the package. I don’t think Gomez fots that bill, so the Mets would have to find someone that does. Personally, I see the Twins being at least a year away from contention anyway, so I wouldn’t have a problem with Gomez being the cornerstone of a deal, provifing there is enough other talent packed alongside - but those were the terms that the Twins listed. I’m having a hard time finding anyone that fits that bill on the Mets, whom they would consider trading, so unless the Mets can pull a 3-way, I don’t see it happening…

I actually imagine though, that all of the Twins, Yanks and Sox would be happy seing Santana pitch in the NL next year…

Mike -

Thanks for the info. I would think Omar would be willing to include Martinez and Humber to get it done. From Omar’s perspective, what does he care if those guys are great for the Mets down the line if he (Omar) isn’t with the team, which he probably won’t be unless the Mets go deep into the playoffs in 2008.

Essentially this is an accurate statement. If Cabrera were anywhere but New York or Boston it’s completely believable that fans would be barely aware of him. No doubt he’s an above average defensive fielder with great range but he doesn’t have the additional impact as a hitter that would make him a ‘no-brainer’ to trade for. And Ellsbury really hasn’t proven much in his rather short major league career. Sure, he made himself known in September and he had a tremendous World Series but nobody can accurately predict what he will do over an entire MLB season. Think about this before answering: Remember both Jeremy Reed and Jody Gerut? There were each once highly touted center fielders throughout the league. Where are each of them today? Reed has suffered through an unfortunate series of injuries and unlikely to return to the promise he once had; Gerut is currently in Venezuelan baseball trying to play his way into an invite to spring training somewhere after being released by the Pirates in March last year - yes, I said the Pirates.

While I do agree that Carlos Gomez IS the better CF for the Twins to acquire it’s the rest of the players that would be included that make this deal a tough one to figure out on almost any level. The Mets have several prospects that would be very welcome here in Minnesota but it’s also probably the ‘killing point’ of those trade talks. It seems that all teams that have made trade overtures to GM Bill Smith about Santana have been, comparatively speaking, only mildly respectable offers. The Red Sox offer of Jon Lester, Coco Crisp, Jed Lowrie and Justin Masterson is currently the best one on the table right now - well, I guess that is debatable however this is my belief. But Lester is really no better than a solid number three or excellent number four pitcher and he won’t help absorb any of the loss felt to the starting rotation with the departure of Santana. The Twins really need to receive a definite number one starter in return when they eventually make this trade or, at a minimum, someone who can develop quickly into a number one starter. It’s hoped by every Twins fan that Liriano returns to the rotation and continues his dominant style of pitching. But that is actually a long way from realization and the departure of Santana will be a huge setback to the young pitchers that remain in the rotation - none of which are a bonafide number one starter.

And for the record Crisp would be a terrific CF for the Twins - only his arm strength is a concern. Otherwise his defense is unquestionable and he can cover the world from the CF position. Also he would be an option that Gardenhire would have for the top of the batting order

If the Mets want to get the deal done with Santana, they need to offer Gomez and a starting pitching prospect (Rustich or Mulvey would do) but the Twins definately want a major league ready player. Gomez might be close, and he would play right away for them. The Mets should also include Eddie Kunz in the deal. He’s the reliever from Oregon State who set up for their first national championship and was the closer for their second. He only played in short season ball, but college relievers (especially 1st rounders) are usually on a pretty fast track, and the Mets are planning on doing the same thing with Kunz that they did with Joe Smith: send him to the AFL and invite him to camp this spring and see if he can earn a job. He will be in someone’s bullpen at some point in 2008. The Twins will probably lose Joe Nathan after 2008. Kunz could get some experience as a set-up man and then hopefully take over the closer’s role next year.

Those Gomez, Rustich/Mulvey, and Kunz is a decent package for Johan. It compares favoribly to Ellsbury/Lester and Melky/Hughes because Gomez has a chance to be the best player in any of those deals, hitter or pitcher. Along with a middle of the rotation starter and a close to major league ready back end reliever…that’s about as good as they can do at this point.

Darrel, you’re right but the Twins won’t get a #1 starter for future because the only way you give one of those types up, is if you have two of them……..which nobody has.

That being said, Omar has the most to lose, so he’ll give up what needs to be given.

I’m sorry but nothing has impressed me about Gomez. Gomez is expected to be a 30 HR guy? He has only 18 in 338 games at the minor league level. Gomez’s glove is his strength and he plays good defense. If i had to pick a player, Ellsbury would be my first choice. Ellsbury can do everything Gomez can only better. Everyone is already saying Ellsbury is a future star for years to come. Not to many GMs are saying that about Gomez.

RedMagma Wed Jan 09, 2008 2:25 pm

Thanks for the atta’ boy Greek Salad. And you’re correct to note that virtually any team looking to deal for Santana likely won’t be including a number one starter in the exchange. It’s possible (and very likely) they (Twins) could settle for a “potential” number one starter - a solid prospect along the likes of the Yankees Philip Hughes. That doesn’t mean however the Twins are a ’shoe-in’ to deal with the Yanks. New York simply doesn’t want to make an equitable deal for what is baseball’s best pitcher. I’ve heard talk about their concerns with the luxury tax their payroll would generate but everyone knows that the Yankees are swimming in money and could easily afford Santana - even with the exorbitant contract of A-Rod.

And Jeff I’m not sure if the Twins would insert Gomez into the starting lineup right out of spring training - unless he completely blew away the competition. In the December trade with Tampa Bay they picked up Jason Pridie who the club had liked well enough in spring training ‘06 but didn’t have the roster space for. He is the fallback for the club should they be forced to proceed without an already established major leaguer in center. Pridie doesn’t project to be much of a hitter but he is likely more MLB ready at this point than Gomez.

If I was the Twins, I’d want a premier pitching prospect as well as a starting OF for Santana, and the Mets, although they have some pretty good pitching prospects, really don’t have a grade A one to offer.

Alex,

I’ll tell you what Ellsbury can’t do that Gomez can and the same goes for thousands of prospects every year - and that is grow. I’m pretty sure a player’s body has a lot to do with projection at the bigs. Ellsbury will never be capable of hittiing the ball as far as Gomez. I’m not a Mets fan but the kid is still a pup so its all projection with him.
And why the hell is it that the Mets always calls these kids up too soon. What the heck is Tony Bernazard doing?

Fine with me if Santana goes to the Mets, but I don’t think they have enough prospects to get the deal done.

The problem with trading a player of Santana’s stature is that the talent coming back is never obviously equitable at the time of the deal. Sometime it works out that the younger players in the deal develop a couple of years down the line and that makes a successful deal but the fans have long forgotten that the player came in the trade and still beat up management for trading the star.

Greek,

What are you talking about? Ellsbury is 6′1″ and 185 lbs. That is exactly the exact same height and weight of Barry Bonds in 1993. Ellsbury plays in a hitter park and Gomez plays in a pitchers park. How is Gomez going from zero power to 30 power? Ellsbury possesses better On Base skills and hits for a better average. Ellsbury in Fenway for 81 games will be fun to watch for years to come unless they do decide he is worth giving up for Santana. I for one think the Twins should pony up the money and give Santana the money and that the Red Sox should not trade for him. Let the Yankees sell the farm again. It only benefits the Red Sox.

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