After Parts 1, 2, and 3 of this series outlined what the Yankees should try to do, it’s time to put that plan into action. In the following post, I will take the role of Brian Cashman and build the 2007 Yankees. As always, these moves might not all be possible, however, I am willing to defend the plausibility of all.
Ed. note: I’m aware that Don Mattingly has already been named bench coach. I’m going back in time to make this post.
Coaching staff:
Reassign Lee Mazzilli and hire Davey Johnson as bench coach:
Mazzilli is part of the Yankees family so he should have a place in the organization. Lee would be sent to manage the Trenton Thunder, which would keep him close to New York and give him a chance to enhance his resume for his next managerial job. He did not do a terrible job as bench coach. He just was not a good fit with Joe Torre. The two men think too alike. Torre’s in-game management is not nearly as lacking as some of his critics claim. However, there undoubtedly has been something missing since Don Zimmer left after the 2003 season. This was because Torre and Zimmer had differing philosophies. When two smart men disagree on an issue, thought is provoked and the right answer is reached. Zimmer had enough credibility that Torre would listen to him. Johnson has that same kind of credibility. Davey is a superb tactician who understands the New York landscape having managed the Mets to the 1986 World Championship. He has shown some desire to get back into the game but has not recently considered or been considered for a Major League managerial job. This means that he will not threaten Torre like Buck Showalter or Lou Piniella would. Johnson would take over the baseball wise man role on the staff that has been lacking.
Hire Joe Girardi as first base coach if Tony Pena becomes Washington’s manager. If not, hire Girardi as YES Network analyst with the understanding he becomes Yankees manager in 2008:
Pena has earned his keep if for no other reason than the role he played in Jorge Posada’s vast defensive improvement in 2006. If he is hired by Washington, the Yanks should get Girardi back onto the coaching staff. Joe had the undermanned Marlins thinking postseason for a time in 2006. He proved that he can effectively lead a team. The only reason that he was fired was that he called his terrible owner out for overstepping his bounds and not letting him handle the managerial aspect of the team he was hired for. He has proven that he is the most qualified manager to take over when Joe Torre retires. Joe’s contract runs out after 2007. That would be the right time for him to go and become a high-paid consultant, media analyst, and future Hall of Famer. He has had a long and successful run. This would allow his team to dedicate the season to him and give him the farewell tour he deserves. Joe could go out like a king on his own terms. His trusted liutenant Girardi would take over. If Pena is retained, Joe can refresh his batteries after a trying year and bring his insightful mind to YES. Girardi would not be a great bench coach because he would run into the same problems as Mazzilli, thinking too much like his mentor.
Players:
Sign Daisuke Matsuzaka to a 5 year/$70 million deal:
Matsuzaka is the cream of the crop when it comes to starting pitchers this offeason. Any pitcher making an adjustment from Japan is a gamble, but when one looks at his MVP performance in the World Baseball Classic and his stuff, he should acquit himself nicely. He is a 26 year old who posted a 2.13 ERA this season with the Seibu Lions. Some have raised alarm over the fact that he has thrown a ton of pitches. However, the fact that he has never had a serious injury shows that he is a durable innings-eater. Matsuzaka allegedly throws a pitch called the gyroball (seen in the above link), which is like baseball’s version of Excalibur. It is almost impossible to hit given the movement. The Yankees can afford to take risks because of the money that they make. This is one that they should take without hesitation. Young aces don’t come along every day.
Trade Alex Rodriguez to the Dodgers along with with cash making his deal worth $8 million annually through 2010 for Chad Billingsley, Adam LaRoche, and Jonathan Broxton:
I’ve outlined why A-Rod should go in Part 3. This deal makes sense for all parties involved. Alex needs to approve any trade. He would go to the Dodgers. Heading to L.A. would keep him in a big market with one of the game’s marquee franchises. He would be able to play shortstop again and be the face of his team instead of being Derek Jeter’s sidekick. The laid back fans of Southern California would treat him like a god, and he would stay with a contender. For all of his flaws, the man is still the most talented player in the game, a guy who brings people to the stadium, and a two-time MVP in his prime. That is why his demand is high, and the Dodgers would pay a king’s ransom to get him. The Yankees would set themselves up for the future by acquiring elite third base, starting pitcher, and relief pitcher prospects that have either proven themselves in the Majors or are ready to contribute. Giving up three young studs might seem like a high price for the Dodgers. However, with A-Rod, Rafael Furcal, and Wilson Betemit, and James Loney in the mix, there is no need for LaRoche. The other two guys easily could be frontline pitchers, but L.A. can overpay. They’re getting one of the game’s best for $8 million per season. Carlos Lee is going to get more money this offseason.
Trade Jason Giambi to the Angels along with cash to make his deal $10 million annually through 2008 for Scot Shields and Casey Kotchman:
Giambi is as dangerous as they come at the plate. However, as stated in Part 3, his one-dimensional game and personality make him a bad fit for the team. The Angels are a team starved for hitting. They would love a lefty power hitting run producer like Giambi to stick behins Vladimir Guerrero. Giambi would come relatively cheap in terms of offensive production available on the market in terms of money and compensation. The Yanks would get a top young first baseman in Kotchman, who is good defensively and a top setup man in Shields. Shields has a rubber arm so fans would not have to worry about Joe Torre overusing him. Kotchman was hampered by a bout with mono in 2006, which lowers his trade value, but he has tremendous upside. With Kendry Morales in the mix, the Angels can part with him. Acquiring Casey should pay big dividends down the line. This might seem like a negative trade for the Yanks, but in reality they will have filled a pair of needs and gotten younger.
Pick up Gary Sheffield’s option and trade him with cash to make his contract worth $10 million through 2007 to the Tigers for Placido Polanco:
Sheffield has a fearsome bat, but he also has no spot on the team and has worn out his welcome through the use of his big mouth. He has threatened to become a problem for any team that trades for him. That is why the Tigers are a natural fit. Sheff loves Jim Leyland from their time together with the Marlins, and the feeling is mutual. The Tigers are also a natural fit since they are seeking a power hitting corner outfielder. Had the Yanks let Sheffield walk, they would have seen him end up in Boston with only draft picks in return. Now they send him out of the division and get Polanco back. Placido hits for a high average and typically posts a high on base percentage, 2006 excluded. He is capable of playing superb defense at every infield position. Placido would be arguably the best utility man in baseball.
Sign Andy Pettitte to a 2 year/$22 million deal:
One of the biggest mistakes that the Yanks ever made was letting Andy get away after the 2003 season. He was a reliable lefty who loved pitching in big games. He came through time and again when the team needed him to. He is still pitching at a high level. In 2005, he finished second in the National League in ERA. After a rough start in 2006, he recovered to post a 2.70 ERA after the All-Star break. His elbow is something of a concern, but it also was three years ago. The Yankees sure made a bad move by not trusting that elbow then.
Sign Mark Mulder to a 1 year/$5 million deal with $5 million in incentives and a 2008 team option worth $10 million:
Mulder is coming off rotator cuff surgery. This means that he will be a gamble. It also means that he will come cheap. Mark is familiar with the American League and has been one of the game’s top lefties when healthy. He has also been excellent in big games. This is a move that could pay huge dividends for the Yanks.
Pick up Mike Mussina’s option:
The Moose should be back coming off a terrific 2006 season. However, at this point he is a year to year proposition due to his age. If his option is declined, it will take a two to three year deal to get him back. That is too long. He is not worth $17 million in 2007, but the Yanks can afford to overpay in the short term to make the team better in the long run.
Trade Jaret Wright, Kyle Farnsworth, and Mike Myers to the Astros with cash making Wright’s contract worth $3 million through 2007 for Brad Lidge:
It would cost the team $4 million to buy Wright out. The best move would be to send Jaret and that $4 million elsewhere for something of value. A $3 million pitcher who posted a sub 4.50 ERA in the AL has value for an NL team. Farnsworth was consistently inconsistent for the Yanks. Again the NL is a better place for him, and he would draw interest in an era where relievers are hard to find. Myers is a capable situational lefty reliever. In exchange the Yankees would pick up Lidge. Brad still has some of the nastiest stuff in baseball. He is just a guy who needs a change of scenery. In New York, his pitching would not be a major story. He could just relax and do his thing. He also would not have to deal with the pressure of the ninth inning. Everybody around the Astros say that Brad Lidge has not been a basket case despite his struggles. He remains confident and determined to recapture the form that once made him a top reliever. Moving away from the site of negative ghosts will help him do so.
Sign Eric Gagne to a 1 year/$3 million deal with $6 million in incentives and a 2008 team option worth $9 million:
Once upon a time a number of pundits viewed Gagne and Mariano Rivera as neck and neck for the title of best closer in baseball. A pair of injury-plagued seasons has knocked Gagne off the radar. He still has the stuff to dominate. If he can stay healthy, he and Rivera could form the game’s top 1-2 punch. Some might argue that he would not accept a setup role. However, his agent is Scott Boras. That means that he will go where the money is, especially if that comes with exposure. There probably will not be another team offering the opportunity to make $18 million.
Sign Mike Piazza to a 1 year/$6 million deal:
Piazza accepted a reduced workload in San Diego and came through with a very productive year. Playing in less games helped keep him fresh. The Yanks could find him enough at bats as Jorge Posada’s backup. Mike could catch for 60 games then another 60 split between DH and first base. His body would be in even better shape then. He also would allow Jorge Posada’s workload to be cut. Jorge had a great 2006, but if he is forced to keep playing 140 games behind the plate, it is going to catch up with him one of these years as he gets older. Joe Torre also would finally have a backup catcher good enough that he would not have to send Posada up late in games he is supposed to have off. As long as the Yanks can find an adequate amount of playing time, Piazza will come. He loves New York and wants a chance at a ring. He could be a terrific bat to have off the bench on days when he doesn’t play, and his locker room leadership would be a huge plus.
Sign Nomar Garciaparra to a 2 year/$18 million deal:
Yes, another roll of the dice with an oft-injured player. The fact of the matter is that the Yanks will need another big righty bat with A-Rod and Sheffield gone. Nomar proved that he can still hit. He will have to learn how to play third base, but he does have experience at the position from his time with the Cubs. The Yanks also will have Polanco to caddy him, which means that he will get time to rest and stay fresh. He also could play some first base to give Kotchman time off against lefties, lessening the strain and DH as well with the occasional game at shortstop and second base. His all-out style of play will leave a positive impression on the young players, and he will be motivated to finally settle his score with the Red Sox. In a delicious twist, he will take over for the guy who all of Boston wanted to supplant him three years ago.
Sign Frank Catalanotto to a 2 year/$14 million deal:
Frank is one of the game’s most underrated hitters. He typically hits around .300 with a high on base percentage. The Yanks can find enough at bats for the Long Island product at first base, DH, corner outfield, and even second and third base.
Resign Bernie Williams to a 1 year/$1.2 million deal:
Bernie served the Yankees well in 2006 in a reduced role. By not playing everyday, he was able to stay fresh and produce when called on. He helped the team out a lot when Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui went down. Bernie would continue his defacto role of player-coach, taking Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera under his wing. Bernie is still a big-time producer from the right side of the plate. There still are not many players as good in big spots either. Having him on the bench would be valuable. Number 51 is worthy of a roster spot for one last run.
Release Randy Johnson:
The man is still a feisty competitor. Paying him $16 million to go pitch for a rival at minimum wage does not seem very appealing. However, Randy’s body is breaking down. It is amazing it took that long for it to happen. His back and knee will never allow him to be consistent again. Sure, he will show the occasional flash, but he will not be able to survive six months. His situation is analogous to Kevin Brown’s in 2005. The Yankees are going to have problems if they depend on Randy in 2007 without an adequate backup plan.
Release Carl Pavano:
If some team wants him as a throw-in for a trade and is willing to take on any small portion of his salary, the Yanks could also deal him. However, Pavano has had chance after chance to get on the mound. He always comes up with some injury that keeps him from getting back. He was never that good to begin with. It is time for him to stop taking the roster spot of a minor leaguer with potential just to continue his endless rehab tour. Even if he does eventually return, he probably will not be an impact arm.
Promote Kevin Thompson:
Thompson has progressed through the minor league system. He has passed every test thus far. Now he deserves a chance to show himself at the Major League level. The market for backup outfielders is paltry. Even if he doesn’t work out, K.T. is not much of a worse option than anything else out there. At best, he will prove to be another reliable bat off the bench. At worst, he will be a valuable pinch runner and ace defensive outfielder.
Promote Darrell Rasner:
Rasner has also progressed through the minors. He impressed late in 2006 as both a starter and a reliever. He has shown that he deserves a roster spot. Rasner can serve as a long reliever who eats innings and keeps his team within striking distance when the starter gets hit hard. He also can be a spot starter.
Play Melky Cabrera:
Melky proved that he can play in 2006. In 2007, he can be very useful to the Yanks. New York will have three aging outfielders. Cabrera can play all three outfield positions, meaning that he will be able to play the field for Matsui, Damon, and Abreu to give them days to rest at DH or on the bench. Melky would play most of his time in leftfield while Matsui, the worst defensive outfielder serves as DH, but he would see plenty of time in the other spots.
Your 2007 New York Yankees:
Lineup:
- Johnny Damon CF
- Derek Jeter SS
- Bobby Abreu RF
- Nomar Garciaparra 3B
- Hideki Matsui DH
- Jorge Posada C
- Robinson Cano 2B
- Melky Cabrera LF
- Casey Kotchman 1B
Bench:
- Mike Piazza C/1B
- Frank Catalanotto IF/OF
- Placido Polanco IF
- Bernie Williams OF
- Kevin Thompson OF
Rotation:
- Daisuke Matsuzaka
- Chien-Ming Wang
- Mike Mussina
- Andy Pettitte
- Mark Mulder
Bullpen:
- Mariano Rivera
- Eric Gagne
- Scot Shields
- Brad Lidge
- Scott Proctor
- Darrell Rasner
I realize that some people will take issues with some of the recommendations. For starters, my bullpen has no lefties. However, that is because I believe that these righties are better than any of the lefties either on the team or the open market. Having an inferior pitcher just because he’s a lefty defeats its own purpose.
Others might point out how much money I’m paying players to go to other teams. However, when one considers the luxury tax and revenue sharing, the Yankees will be saving money in this way.
The other issue is that I have taken a lot of chances on injury-prone players. The reason for this is that they will come with a low price tag and have high upside. Part of this team’s problem is that it has gotten bogged down in inflexible long term deals. For example, if Nomar Garciaparra goes down, he is not a financial hindrance. However, if Aramis Ramirez does not produce, the team has an albatross on its hands.
The other reason I am so will to take chances is that the team’s farm system is very deep with players ready to contribute. If Mark Mulder and Andy Pettitte go down, Chad Billingsley, Phillip Hughes, Tyler Clippard, and Jeff Karstens will be waiting in the wings. If Gagne and Lidge don’t pan out, Jonathan Broxton, J. Brent Cox, and T.J. Beam are there. If Nomar goes down, LaRoche will be ready. I do not like to put a lot of pressure on young, unproven players before the season. By allowing them to start in the minors, if they are eventually called up, anything they offer will be viewed as a bonus. Players are in no lose situations. If they succeed, they gain confidence and are viewed as heroes. If they cannot come through, they are not vilified. They just go back down to the minors for more seasoning. This philosophy has worked with Robinson Cano, Chien-Ming Wang, and Melky Cabrera.
So there are my moves. Tell me that they won’t happen. Tell me they are wrong. I’ll still defend their plausibility and their effectiveness. They’re also relatively cost-effective. The Opening Day payroll to the twenty-five man roster would be in the range of $170 million.
