A-Rod Talking with the Yankees?

ESPN.com reports the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez are in negotiations without Scott Boras.

The New York Yankees have been discussing a deal with their former All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez — but the team says a deal can only move forward if his agent, Scott Boras, is not part of the talks, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.

According to the report, a high-ranking Yankees source said the team is willing to bring back A-Rod on a below-market contract that would make up for the $21 million subsidy from the Texas Rangers that the Yankees lost when A-Rod opted out of the final three years of his contract — despite team comments indicating he had burned his bridges by opting out.But any such deal can’t take place with Boras at the table, a Yankee source said, according to the report.

“We will not negotiate with Scott Boras,” the source told the Daily News. “He cannot be in the room.”

Boston is making Mike Lowell contract offers that they know fall just short of what he wants. If they really wanted Lowell, he would be signed by now. This is a clear indication they think they can upgrade, which would likely mean signing A-Rod. If this is true, the Yankees might be the only hope of keeping the most talented player in the game out of Beantown, which would be a nightmare scenario.

Even though the Yanks might end up with A-Rod, there is something fishy about this whole thing. A-Rod would not even talk with the team before opting out. He only comes back now when no team has made the monumental offer he expected because the Yankees have the deepest pockets in baseball. This guy has shown that he is all about money, not winning. Anybody who thinks Scott Boras is to blame for the way the opting out was handled is gullible. Boras works for Alex, not the other way around. After all this franchise has done for A-Rod, the least he could have done was to inform the Yankees of his decision in person.

If A-Rod is sincere about feeling bad and wanting to return to New York, the Yankees should make him put his money where his mouth is. In any contract he signs, the Yanks should make his salary $15.884 million in 2008, $16.8985 million in 2009, and $17.913 million in 2010. That is what the team would have paid him under his old deal without the subsidies from Texas. It is Alex fault he would not receive the extra $21 million over those three years. The Yankees tried to give him that in addition to the best offer he will receive this offseason. A-Rod got greedy and thought he could do better. If Alex tries any funny business about raising his salary, the Yankees should walk away from the negotiating table. They would be liars if they did not after all of Hank Steinbrenner’s blustering. Even so, it might be best to let this weasel walk away and get him away from the team at any cost. He has proven he thinks himself to be more important to any team.

Santana Could Cost Cano

Newsday reports the Yankees might have to give up Robinson Cano in order to land Johan Santana.

The gap between an available Santana and a traded Santana figures to be steep, and that means high asking prices for all suitors – including the Yankees, who have targeted the two-time Cy Young Award winner.

In return for Santana, the Twins likely will ask for a package centered on second baseman Robinson Cano, a person familiar with Minnesota’s operations said yesterday.

Cano, 25, hit 19 homers with a .353 on-base percentage and .488 slugging percentage for the 2007 Yankees. He is eligible for salary arbitration in 2008, but the Twins – who are nearly certain to lose pricey free agent Torii Hunter and who would be dealing the expensive Santana for Cano – wouldn’t be scared away by the seven-figure salary.

This would make plenty of sense. The Twins should have Francisco Liriano back in their rotation at some point in 2008 backed by one of the deepest collection of young arms in baseball. What they need is offense, especially considering the likelihood they will lose Torii Hunter to free agency.

This return would be somewhat more palatable for the Yankees than giving up young arms like Hughes, Chamberlain, and Kennedy. Second basemen are much easier to find than young stud pitchers. The same issues still exist. At a young age, Cano has become the American League’s best second baseman. Would it really be worth giving him up to get Santana with the lefty ace a year from free agency? Maybe Santana would welcome a contract extension with the team the Twins trade him to, but would anybody bank on that? It would seem foolish to not hit the open market considering all the suitors there will be to drive up his price.

Tejada Rumors Heat Up

Multiple sources report there is a realistic possibility that the Yankees could explore a deal to bring Miguel Tejada to the Bronx to play third base. The New York Daily News offers up one scenario.

One of the Orioles’ top needs is in the outfield, the one area other than pitching that the Yankees actually have some legitimate prospects. Brett Gardner, who stole 39 bases in 99 games between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton this year after swiping 58 in the minors in 2006, is the closest to being ready for the big leagues, though lower-level prospects such as Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson are considered to be better long-term players.

The Orioles could take one of the outfielders along with a mid-level pitching prospect for Tejada, who hit .296 with 18 home runs and 81 RBI in 133 games this year. Tejada missed 29 games after breaking a bone in his wrist when he was hit by a pitch, but he had played in all 162 games in each of the previous six seasons.

If the deal was for Gardner, it would be fine. Outfielders are easy to find, and he has a limited ceiling. Jackson and Tabata should be off limits for a guy with Tejada’s salary and baggage. Even if they do not figure into the team’s future plans, they are valuable trade chips capable of landing something more valuable.

The New York Times gives another possibility.

MacPhail said the Orioles want to rebuild their talent base in all areas, suggesting they would want multiple players in any deal. They need pitching and have an obvious hole in center field, where Melky Cabrera would fit.

The Orioles also need a closer because of injuries to Chris Ray and Danys Báez and are interested in Kyle Farnsworth, who was developed by the Chicago Cubs when MacPhail and Manager Dave Trembley worked there.

Giving up Melky would be utterly illogical. It would fill a hole at third while opening another in centerfield. We have seen enough of Johnny Damon’s rag arm out there. Melky is 23 and will only get better. Tejada is 31 and showing signs of slowing down. Given his talent, Miggy would be worth a shot if the price was nothing terribly useful (Farnsworth). Giving up something of value for him would be absurd, considering the question marks about a position change, his attitude, his steroid use, and his recent production.

Damon to Stay

Brian Cashman says Johnny Damon will remain a Yankee in 2008 according to the New York Post.

“I don’t expect to move Johnny,” Cashman said. “You don’t rule anything out. But I think Johnny is an important part of our club. I would love to see him in left field for us and leading off. He is an offensive force. I see him playing left field for us on Opening Day next year.”

The Yankees would be well-advised to shop Damon. His body is breaking down at 34 years of age. He has played through nagging injuries in each of the past three seasons. His production appears primed to fall off a cliff soon. A second half resurgence seems to have raised his value as well as an affordable contract. With a glut of outfielders on the roster, it is an ideal time to trade Damon to improve a weakness on the club. It is best to sell while there is still some value and the team does not absolutely need him.

Abraham Ponders a Tejada Deal

Pete Abraham of The Journal News wonders aloud whether the Yankees will pull off a blockbuster deal during the Winter Meetings in Orlando. He mentions names constantly thrown around like Miguel Cabrera and Johan Santana. He also brings up the possibility of replacing Alex Rodriguez with another star shortstop.

Perhaps the Yankees would entertain the idea of obtaining Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada and making him a third baseman. The Orioles are interested in divesting themselves of the $26 million he has remaining on the final years of his contract.

This would all depend on what the Orioles wanted in return. If they were willing to make a Bobby Abreu type salary dump and take nothing substantial in return, it would be worth considering. Ditto if the O’s wanted to take a bad contract like those belonging to Johny Damon, Kyle Farnsworth, and Jason Giambi. Tejada certainly would have star power replacing A-Rod at the hot corner.

Giving up anything of value would be an extremely risky venture. Tejada has certainly been productive, but the fact his power numbers dipped substantially in a year he looked noticeably thinner is a major red flag. He has always had those steroid clouds hovering over him. He also is not a good clubhouse guy. He plays by his own rules and is quite surly. He has stated on record in the past that being moved off shortstop would upset him. Tejada has never been above becoming a nuisance to his teammates. He might cause a problem even if asked to change positions for Derek Jeter. Alex Rodriguez deserves a ton of criticism for his handling of his contract, but for all his faults, he does try to be a good teammate. He took young players under his wing during his time with the Yankees and led by example, running out every ground ball. Tejada would be a negative influence for Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera. If the Yankees want a big hitter with character and steroid questions, they should just sign Barry Bonds to be their designated hitter. He will be more productive at the plate in Yankee Stadium.

If the Orioles are willing to give Tejada away, the Yankees would be foolish to not take a chance on a guy with his talent. It would be equally suspect to risk giving up anything of value for a guy with so many question marks.

Rays Could Trade Kazmir

Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that the Devil Rays are considering trading Scott Kazmir before the pitcher hits arbitration.

But it might just start there. An executive familiar with Tampa’s thinking said if the offers for Santana grow to a substantial level, then the Rays would test to see what they could get for Scott Kazmir.

The thinking is that because Kazmir is three years from free agency as opposed to one year for Santana, he might bring nearly as much in return.

The Rays need multiple high-end pitchers, and Kazmir, just about to enter arbitration eligibility for the first time, might be too expensive and ready to depart just as Tampa is projecting contention in two to three years.

If this is true, the Yankees should be in constant communication with Tampa Bay. The Yanks would be foolish to give up a substantial package for Johan Santana since the hurler is a year away from hitting the open market. Kazmir would be a completely different story. He is 23 years old and three years away from becoming a free agent. He has thrived in the American League East and has a sub 3.00 ERA in 17 career starts against the Red Sox. Outside of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, there should be no untouchables.

The Rays are looking for young and talented arms, of which the Yankees have an abundance. Ian Kennedy could be the centerpiece of a deal. The Rays could have their pick of secondary arms such as Huberto Sanchez, Alan Horne, and Tyler Clippard as well as looking at relievers like Kevin Whelan, Mark Melancon, and J. Brent Cox. The Yanks might even consider sweetening the pot by making Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson available.  This might be the one guy to put Dellin Betances in play to land if the Rays push hard enough. As long as Tampa Bay did not demand too many of these quality prospects the Yanks should pull the trigger. This is not to say that the Yanks do not draw the line somewhere. If Tampa Bay wants Betances or Tabata, they should get nothing but Kennedy, their choice of Betances or Tabata, and low ceiling prospects.  If they wanted Sanchez, they should only get a bullpen arm in addition.  Two of the three among Jackson, Horne, Clippard, and one of the bullpen arms also should suffice in addition to Kennedy. Young, proven aces do not hit the market often. Kazmir is the shutdown pitcher this team lacked in October. The Yankees should exercise all reasonable and responsible measures to try and land him.

The best part of landing Kazmir would be that it would not preclude the Yankees from landing Santana a year from now. The rotation entering the new Yankee Stadium could be Santana, Kazmir, Hughes, Chamberlain, and Wang. The Yankees would be the favorite to win the next five World Series with that kind of starting pitching.

Crede in Play?

The Chicago Tribute reports that the White Sox may trade Joe Crede to clear room for Josh Fields to play third base. The paper ponders a potential deal involving the Yankees.

With Joe Crede recently cleared to perform baseball work, the Sox’s trade options for teams seeking third basemen could expand and pave the way for Fields to return to third after playing left field for four weeks last season.

One possibility is the New York Yankees, who could make leadoff batter/outfielder Johnny Damon available after picking up the $16 million option on Bobby Abreu.

Damon slumped to a .270 batting average last season but still possesses a lifetime .353 on-base percentage while averaging 27 stolen bases over 12 seasons.

Crede is an intriguing possibility for the Yanks. People who long for the days of Scott Brosius would likely welcome Crede with open arms. He is a very similar player. He is not a great hitter, but he gets his uniform dirty and is superb defensively at the hot corner. He hits lefties well enough that he would be a decent platoon option with Wilson Betemit, a very productive hitter against righties. The issue here is that the Yankees should be able to land Crede for a much cheaper price than Damon. This team does have a logjam in regards to outfielders and designated hitters. Damon’s contract is also bad. He still does have value and is more productive than Crede. He could bring more back in a deal. Crede is far from a big offensive weapon. He is also coming off back surgery and due to make around $5 million. The White Sox will need to move him. This will be a buyer’s market for him. If the White Sox wanted to take a flier on Kyle Farnsworth and his fantastic raw ability, the salaries would be a near wash. Barring that, the Yankees should not give up anything more than a low ceiling prospect for a guy best suited for a platoon and coming off a serious injury.

Mo Negotiating

The New York Times reports the Yankees are negotiating with Mariano Rivera in an attempt to bring the free agent closer back to the Bronx to finish his career.

Two days after Alex Rodriguez told the Yankees he was opting out of his contract without returning ownership’s calls, another star Yankee showed up at the team offices in Tampa, Fla. It was Mariano Rivera, the free-agent closer, and the sides want to make a deal.

“I think it’s important, when a player is making a decision like this, that they be involved in it personally,” said Rivera’s agent, Fern Cuza. “This is going to be his last contract, and it’s important for him to know the direction of the organization.”

A-Rod’s departure makes resigning Mo even more critical. The Yankees now need to improve their team in other areas to compensate for the production lost at third base. This team needs to fortify its bullpen. That would free Joba Chamberlain to join the rotation, bolstering the club’s starting pitching and lessening the blow of losing a great player. New York will need to do more than just sign Rivera to make a Joba-free bullpen reliable, but it is probably impossible to do so without taking this critical first step.

A Consensus?

Hank Steinbrenner says there is a consensus among Yankees management over who the next manager should be.

 But Hank Steinbrenner — publicly — made things sound less undecided.

“I can tell you at this point, the family and the baseball people are pretty much in agreement,” Steinbrenner said. “We’re close. Still a few details to work out. Do some more thinking on it. That’s about it.

“I think from the start, the guy that I was leaning towards and the guy (Cashman) was leaning towards, it’s the same guy. So his job wouldn’t be on the line if I tend to agree with him.”

This is something of a puzzling statement as most outlets reported Hank favoring Don Mattingly and Cashman favoring Joe Girardi. Regardless, there is going to be no announcement of a hire at least for a few days.

Earlier in the process, Cashman had told people he expected to name a manager by the end of the month, which will be Wednesday. Teams must get permission from Major League Baseball to make a major announcement during the World Series, and that would likely be granted only on an off day. So any public hiring would probably come Tuesday at the earliest — or Monday if the Boston Red Sox sweep the Colorado Rockies.

Major League Baseball is trying to prevent another story from upstaging the World Series, but this rule seems to do just the opposite. If the Yanks hired somebody, it would be a big story for about a day, and the focus would shift back to the series. The story would reach its conclusion. By not allowing the Yanks to announce their decision, Bud Selig is allowing the rampant speculation to continue constantly. This speculation will not end until the World Series is over, and somebody is hired. If the Yankees have made a decision, they should not have to wait to announce it. All it does is make fans wait and draw attention from the Red Sox and the Rockies.

Joba in the Rotation?

Yankees.com reports that Joba Chamberlain has been told he will be part of the 2008 starting rotation.

 Chamberlain, who made a splash as a dominant setup man down the stretch of the 2007 season, will open Spring Training as a starter, club senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner has confirmed.

Speaking with the Associated Press outside Legends Field late on Friday, Steinbrenner said that no decisions have yet been made regarding manager Joe Torre’s status for 2008, with organizational meetings scheduled for Tuesday in Tampa, Fla.

“The only thing that’s been decided, [the one thing] that we all agree on, is that Chamberlain and [Phillip] Hughes start out Spring Training as starters,” Steinbrenner said.

Color me skeptical on this one. Right now the Yankees have Chien-Ming Wang, Phil Hughes, Mike Mussina, and Ian Kennedy all under their control.  Andy Pettitte is likely to exercise his player option for 2008.  Alan Horne down on the farm should be ready to contribute in 2008. The reason that the Yankees moved Joba to the bullpen is that they had an enormous hole in the relief corps with which they could not survive. The market is thin for relievers this year. It is going to take a major move to fill the void that Joba would leave. That does not even consider the possibility that the team could lose Mariano Rivera. Joba is pretty valuable as a reliever. Converting him to a starter would reopen that gaping hole in the bullpen. The team is going to have to consider these things. This cannot be a done deal. Just remember that up until Spring Training this year, the Red Sox were dead set on using Jonathan Papelbon as a starter.