Giants Bring Back Mike Sullivan as QB Coach

One year after it was widely presumed that Mike Sullivan would return to the Giants as OC, he's coming back to his old job of QB Coach.   He was darn good at that, and will be a great replacement for Langsdorf if he can learn and teach the McAdoo timing system.   It wasn't really that long ago that Coach Sullivan was seen as an eventual TC successor.

Mara, Coughlin and Reese Speak, Say Nothing

Well, John Mara, Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese met with the press today, and literally said nothing.   Mara did not say, "The defense is broken," though it is.  Coughlin mostly praised the special teams and did not mention the blocked kicks.  Jerry mentioned that finishing games is learned but did not reflect on the presumptive teachers.

It's clear that they have not really met about the coaching staff or personnel staff yet.   It was also made clear that TC would make all final decisions on his coaching staff.  Hard to call what's going on there.

Meanwhile Danny Langsdorf is leaving to become Mike Riley's OC at Nebraska, so they will need a new QB coach, for starters.

But seriously, nothing much was said.

Yanks in on Olivera?

The Yanks are reportedly in on Cuban 2B Hector Olivera.  Olivera is 29 and said to possess a middle of the order bat.   Of course, this is the wrong Cuban to re-enter the market with and Moncada is the correct Cuban.  It would also probably turn Refnsyder into trade bait.  Don't get me wrong, he's supposeduly a very good player, but we'd be getting him at the wrong time. We'll see what happens.  Moncada is still the prize.

Yanks Making a Trade?

So far, we know the Yanks have traded Shawn Kelley for MiLB RHP Johnny Barbato of the Padres.  Barbato's been in AA and I believe he also pitched in the AFL.  6th rounder from the 2010 draft, fastball/curveball.  Wonder if this is part of something bigger.

UPDATE, haven't seen anything from "trusted" source on this.

Okay, looks like it's real as some of the Yankee sources are talking about it.  They sure are getting younger.

Giants: Coughlin to Return

Reports are circulating that TC has been told he'll be back, at the same time, he is scheduled to meet today with Jerry Reese and John Mara to discuss the rest of the staff.  Could get tumultuous if there is resistance to TC's part to replace some of the suboptimal coaches.   May not know till tomorrow.

Giants Will Pick 9th

So it's official, the Giants will pick 9th.  That's the highest pick they've held since they had the 4th overall pick and turned it into Eli.   It's been that long since the Giants have had the opportunity to pick in the top third of each round.  They'e going to get another great player and because of their needs can afford to take anything but a corner, kicker or punter, there.

Meanwhile, only the players will meet with the press on getaway day tomorrow.   Mare, Reese and Coughlin will be in meetings, and those meetings will presumably chart our near future.

Giants Will Pick 8th or 9th

The Giants will pick 8th or 9th depending on the outcome of the Atlanta/Carolina game.  In either event, they're bound to get a good player in a draft that looks deep in OL's and RB's, as well as DL's.  What the Giants must do, first is really decide whether they need to hit the OL or DL with that top ten pick of add another overwhelming playmaker.  What they can't do is guess wrong on the OL slots again this year.  Between FA and the draft they need one or two starters for the OL depending on the health of Geoff Schwartz.  They also need more pass rush, another LB plus depth, and SAFETIES!   There are a bunch of needs as well as an overall need for more playmakers.   We'll see what they do, but it's important to hit on their needs and not try to double dip on them in FA and the draft -- one or the other, please.  No more JD Waltons!

Giants Lose Finish 6-10

Today the Giants lost yet another game they should have won today, to go along with both Dallas games, the Cards game and the Jags game.  They made plenty of mistakes and the refs screwed them several times.  Still, they couldn't stop Mark Sanchez when they needed to and now they're 6-10 and changes are on the way.   Beckham is a keeper, but they have to decide if Randle is real or an illusion.    That may be the least of a host of important decisions they have to make.   Will be back as soon as I know where we're picking.

Stepan's Hat Trick Lifts Rangers to their 8th Straight

Derek Stepan scored a hat trick and that was all the Rangers needed tonight to beat the Devils.   AV, perhaps feeling sorry for the moribund franchise across the Hudson, or perhaps because he's a moron started Stemniak over JT Miller.   The GM needs to take Glass and Stempniak away from AV if they really want to go somewhere this year.   It's just ridiculous.  The team D was good and the kill was great.   Step's first goal was an unasssisted shortie.   Next game is Monday against Dallas.  I pray that Stemp and Glass are both gone by then.   Let's go, Rangers.

This Week on the Blog

Could be a pretty tumultuous week on the blog, and that will mostly be thanks to our Giants.   Let's take a look.

Yanks:  Cashman said they would address the hitting coach and first base coach positions after New Year's, so that could be any time after Wednesday, I guess.   They will also continue reoganizing their minor league system, and waiting on Yoan Moncada.

Rangers: Rangers get back to work tonight.   They're going for their 8th straight and hopefully won't be distracted by the inane management accross the Hudson.   They're still in the no movement stage, I think.  But that could end any time now.

Giants:  This is the big one.  The Giants season will end tomorrow and the owners will either fire the Head Coach, or some of his coaches.  It's really that simple.  If it's everyone, then we have a massive coach hunt, if it's just Fewell and maybe some others, we have a lesser but still important coach hunt. Tomorrow, we should also know our final draft position -- and that will allow us to start planning.

Knicks:  Seemed like they would start trading in Deccember and December is almost over.

So, the Rangers have to keep winning, and the Yanks and Giants have to make good decisions.  The Knicks are off the clock until their draft, so anything they do will be a surprise.   Have a great week and the happiest of New Years.

Yanks: Kuroda to Pitch in Japan

Hiroki Kuroda will not return to the Yanks or MLB and, instead, will go back to Japan to continue his career.  Thus Kuroda is no longer an option if the Yanks are looking for their traditional rotation insurance.   You have to wonder how long they new about this before today.

Rangers Win 7th Straight

Rick Nash scored 2 and so did Marty St. Louis as the Rangers dispatche the Caps for their 7th straight win.  So, obviously, Sather and the boys who made those deals finally saw what they'd been hoping for.   We saw what we like, a Ranger team playing hard and picking up points. Yet another big win and another indication that they may be better than last year's team.   And better would be great.  Huge win.  Go Rangers!

UPDATE:  The final Ranger goal has now been credited to Rick Nash.  So, he has accomplished his first Ranger Hat Trick!

Giants Looking at CFL OL Brett Jones

Brett Jones of the Stampeders has a workout scheduled with the Giants.  This is interesting because he was both CFL OL of the year and rookie of the year.  What's more, because he played collegiately in Canada as well, he might have been underscouted.  

The Giants assembled their last great line by signing UDFA Rich Seubert,  drafting Dave Diehlin the 5th, signing former UDFA turned UFA Shaun O'Hara, spending big on Kareem McKenzie and drafting Chris Snee with the 4th pick in the 2nd round of the 2004 draft.  Anyway, Snee and Kareem cost a lot, but the other three were bargains.   Now we have money in Beatty and Shwartz and high picks in Pugh and Richburg.  The line is still no match for the old one, but it also hasn't had any luck.

Jones looks good on tape and might be part of the solution.  They do need at least one more starting OL, and that's only if Schwartz can get healthy.  Maybe Jones can be the guy.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers will play the Caps tonight and try to secure their 7th straight win.  Looks like Hank will be back in the net, but the lineup will otherwise stay the same.  Stempniak is skating again, but, like the mumpsian Glass before him, should make any of the kids sit.  I don't think they'll make any changes as long as they're streaking. We'll see if they can keep it going.  Let's go, Rangers!

Rangers Win Their 6th in a Row

Rangers just won their 6th in a row, with Talbot pitching another shutout, and the offense only managing one goal, and that was by their Captain D Ryan McDonagh.   The Canes goalie was a beast.  But the Rangers still played winning hockey and probably could have scored more against a goalie who wasn't on fire, as the Canes G was.  Still, you have to win these kind games to be good, and the Rangers are playing better and could be back on their way to being pretty good.   Let's go, Rangers!

Giants Smack Cheap Shotting Rams

The Giants just hurt their draft position while hurting the Rams.  Eli was awesome throwing for nearly 400 yards, 3TDs and no picks.   Beckham was Beckham with 2 more TD's and nearly 150 yards.   He was also the tartget of several cheap shots, and the refs have not done enough to protect him or punish the offenders.   Oh and by the way, he's over 1100 yards this year.

Andre Williams and Ruben Randle also went over 100 yards.  And Orleans Darkwa may be a guy at running back.  He scored.  

On D, Kerry Wynn had a sack, an intercetion and a fumble recovery.  So, he too, may be a guy.  I want to see some of their defenders with a better coordinator -- and I think we will next year.   JPP looks healthier than he's been and made more plays.  Let's hope they can get the right price.

Preston Parker and DaMontre Moore were ejected sticking up for Odell Beckham Jr. after a late hit out of bounds.   The refs made a mess of that and the rest of the game.   But the Giants beat those cheap shot artists in their own studio.   Nice win.  

Rangers Tonight

Rangers overcame a tough start from Hank, and a weird call by the officials to tie Carolina in the third and eventually beat them in the shootout.   That was their 5th win in a row, and I was impressed by their comeback.   They have Carolina at home again tonight, most likely with Talbot between the pipes, and they have to win that, too.   Let's go, Rangers!

The Prado Trade: Something Different

It was pretty surprising that the Yanks traded Martin Prado yesterday.  Not that it looks like a bad trade or anything, but after re-signing Headley, it seemed Prado would just move to 2B.   For example, last season, the Yanks opted to keep Gardner after signing Ellsbury.  What Gardy might have brought back is unknown, but moving Prado who has positional versatility - like Gardy, was the opposite of not moving Gardy.  Thus, it was something different.  It's also clear that they believed more in Headley than they did in Prado.

The big question is whether they will really let Refnsyder play 2B, or if they will try to find some sort of defensive stopgap to man the position until Rob's defense is where they want it.

The two pitchers they got are intriguing, especially if they recognize what has been holding Eovaldi back.   The Yankees have a history of doing that, and it goes back a lot farther than McCarthy last year.

In 1930 the Yanks traded an OF named Cedric Durst to Boston along with 50K and a loan of 50K from Rupert to the Boston owner, and got back an unsuccessful pitcher named Red Ruffing - whom they had been trying to acquire for YEARS.   Here's why - and it was 80 years before anyone was even using the term analytics in baseball - Miller Huggins had noticed that Red was mostly an arm thrower who would tire out.   He knew if he could get him, he or his coaches, could teach him how to use his body.

Huggins died in `29 and Bob Shawkey, the former Yankee pitcher took over.  Shawkey new the same thing and talked the Colonel into getting Ruffing.  The rest is Yankee History as Red went on to become a Hall of Famer in Pinstripes.

This Week on the Blog

Could either be a really interesting or sort of uneventful week on the blog.  Let's take a look.

Rangers:  The Rangers have started another holiday roll, and will hope to continue it tonight in the first of their back to back, home and homes with Carolina.  They may have Brassard back tonight or tomorrow and Talbot will start one of the games.  Glass is still on the team and that's their biggest problem. Also, the NHL Movement freeze began at Midnight, so they can't make any trades till it ends, though I think they can promote players if the need to, and they should.

Knicks: LOL.  They might start making trades any minute now, as earlier this week they made everyone available, and other teams are already open for business and trading people.

Giants:  It would behoove the Giants to stop winning.  They have 2 games left and right now they'd have a top 10 draft position.  I'm concerned they might keep winning and blow it.  Though I can't root against them during actual games, I would like 7 rounds of top ten picks when the draft starts at the end of April.

Yankees: Maybe they'll finally hire a hitting coach and 1B coach.   Then again, maybe they won't.  Now we sort of have to remain vigilant that they don't do anything to block Refsnyder or Pirela.  It feels like they won't.  In fact as of right now it feels like 2B and 1 spot in the bullpen will be left open and claimable by any prospect who can prove he is ready.

It will also be interesting to see if their re-organization becomes more apparent.  Likewise, it would be nice to hear from the Analytics Dept. on Eovaldi and some of the other stuff.  Also, could this be the week that Moncada finally hits the market?

So, important games for the Rangers, important considerations for the Knicks, playing out the string for the Giants, and we must keep a constant vigil over the Yanks.

Have a great week and the very happiest of holidays, readers.

Yanks Still Have All Their Picks!

Thus far, the Yanks have solidified their infield, bullpen and more or less the rotation - plus gotten that back up first baseman they were wining about not having over the summer (poor Roller).   And they've done all of this without signing any FA's who'd had qualifying offers.  Thus they still have all of their picks, including the first round sandwich pick they got for DRob.    That's superb new for draft watchers, since it means the Yanks will not only get to pick closer to the top than they have in years, but they will also have a big draft pool, and easily over 8M to spread around the top 10 rounds.   That will probably mean more preps again and keelp them from having a two tiered MiL system.   All really good news.

Yanks Buy Gonzelz Germen from the Mets

The Yanks just bought another reliever.    Gonzalez Germen is a 27 year old righty from the Mets they must see something in.  They DFA'd Preston Claiborne to make the move so, apparently, they've seen enough of him.   Busy day for the Yanks.  Not Padres busy, but Yanks busy.

Yanks Make the Deal Official

The Yanks have announced the deal with the Marlins, it's Martin Prado, David Phelps and Money for Nate Eovaldi, 1B-DH Garret Jones and minor league RHP Domingo German.   The Yanks have addd velo and youth to their organization, as well as another left handed batter to aim at the cheap seats.  Phelps had a bulldog mentality, but, unfortunately not a bulldog body.  Prado was over 30 and blocking kids, though still a relatively good player.   Yanks threw in for Prado's salary and that's probably how they got German.

Really like this deal for the Yanks.   Seems like they're keeping both first round picks.

Rangers Extend Cam Talbot

The Rangers, today, extended Cam Talbot through next year.  That buys out his first year of arbitration/summer haggling.   Nice work by Sather.

Yanks Acquiring Nate Eovaldi for Martin Prado?

Jack Curry, whom I respect, just tweeted that the Yanks are on the verge of trading Martin Prado to the Miami Marlins for RHP Nate Eovaldi, who's 24, but did lead the NL in hits surrendered last year. He's not a big K guy, so he must be a big ground ball guy or I can't see the Yankees' interest.   Their analytics group carries a big say these days.

Meanwhile, this opens the door for Rob Refsnyder or Jose Pirela to become the new 2B for the Yanks.  Let's hope they can straighten out Eovaldi like they did McCarthy.   Yanks most likely saved money if this is the final shape of the deal.

UPDATE:  The deal is bigger than this with Phelps also going to the Marlins and two more players coming to the Yankees.

UPDATE 2:  The other two players are reportedly 1B Garrett Jones and minor league RHP Domingo German.   Domingo was 21 in the Sally League and seems a little slight if he's height of 6'2" and weight of 175 still holds.  He was a less than a K per inning guy, too.

Btw, Eovaldi is a very hard thrower who's head trouble getting called strikes and doesn't always have a reliable out pitch, though his slider is often plus.

Yankee Stuff

The Yanks' presumptive pitching targets took a hit today when it was announced that Kenta Maeda would not be posted by his Japanese team this year.   On the other hand, they may have opened up some with the opening up of US relations with Cuba yesterday.   What shouldn't be lost in the new Cuba game is the fact that the Yanks really must get Yoan Moncada and Yoan Lopez, as well.   That said, this new openess should push the US govt. to recognize Moncada's free agency all the sooner, so the Yanks can finally sign him.

In other news, there is no other news.   Still not batting coaches MLB or AAA, and still no big picture of the reorginization.

Knicks Make Everyone Available

We usually just mention the Knicks once a week, but one of the big questions when Phil Jackson took over was would they wait till July to use their cap space and add another star or two, or would they get impatient and try a rolling rebuild in season.   Looks like the latter as reports are out that they have made everyone available (though there is some question about Melo).   If Thomas or anyone else were handling this, I'd be horrified.  But In Phil I Trust, and it helps that we can't trade this year's number 1.   Let's see what he can grab.

Rangers Win Again

Rick Nash scored twice, Kreider and Stepan scored and Carl Hagelin scored his second empty netter in as many games.   Hank was still good surrendering just two goals, and allowing the team to build a 4 goal lead before giving back.   That's 4 wins in a row, and, according the the reporters, the first time the Rangers have ever swept their Vanc, Edm, Cal road trip.  And they've participated in 20 of them.  Not bad.  One more game on the road, and we'll see if they're starting their move at the Holidays again this year.    Oh, and Happy Hanukkah, to my readers who partake.

Giants Going Forward

The Giants are finishing up another poor season.   And looking forward they're going to have a lot of needs to address in the offeason:

WR - Randle is a flop and Cruz is a mystery.

RB - We have 2, need 3.

TE: We have back up types, need a more all around guy who can block and catch.

OL: We either need a right tackle so Pugh can move to LG or and LG so Pugh can stay at RT.

DL:  We need a starting type DT, unless Bromley shows enough, and a starting type DE, unless JPP is kept and one of the kids steps up.

LB:  We probably need 2 because Kennard is the only healthy guy who is also good.

Safeties:  We probably need 2 because Rolle is a free agent, Taylor is an injury and Berhe hasn't shown much.

That's a lot of needs.  What the Giants have done a lot in the past is address needs in free agency, then double down on many of the same positions in the draft.   For example, last offseason they signed JD Walton (who is awful) and then drafted Weston Richburg who has been playing out of position.

This time around they should really divvy up their positions of need, because there are so many and stop doubling down in the draft on positions they've addressed in FA.    Thus, they should make a few commitments on good players in FA -- and not try to outsmart the market with crap like Walton, Jerry and Brown again.   And then try to go BPA in the draft, since they pretty much still need everything, but the positions they will have addressed in FA.

They can take care of the rest in the UDFA and later FA markets after the draft.  But they have to be both wise and pecunious with their FA money and 8 picks this year.   Their needs demand it.

Rangers Tonight

Hank is back in net again.   Looks like Hunwick might be in for JMoore.   The rest of the lines are static.  The Flames have lost five in a row, if they Rangers can play like they did Saturday, they will make it six. Still no call up for Brassard, which means more Glass.   Let's go, Rangers.

Yanks Re-Sign Capuano

I guess he'll compete with kids at the back of the rotation.  Although, kids should be competing with kids back there.  Still probably need another starter, since this doesn't do anything.

Yanks Minors Stuff

The Yanks have re-signed oft injured RHP Jose Campos to a minor league deal.  They also signed 2b/3B Cole Figueroa and C Juan Gaterol.    Campos is the one who might still turn out to be something, and was thought to be the steal of the Pineda deal.  Since then, though, he hasn't pitched much, nor shown the stuff he had before the trade when he's been healtby enough to pitch between injuries.   We'll see if he can put himself back on the map.

No word on Slade Heathcott, yet.

Rangers Stuff

Over the weekend, the Rangers won both of their back to back games.   And there were some good signs with MZA getting going again, and McDonagh, Staal and Girardi all scoring over the two games.  Hank even shutout the Oilers last night and was solid the night before as they blew out the Canucks.   Unfortunately, Brassard is down with mumps (really, NHL?) and Glass was back in the lineup last night.

Last night's game was a bit of a dog, btw, but it was the type of game the Rangers weren't winning the first few months of the season, and they really needed it.   They'll probably call some one up, like Lindberg to address the C situation, and hopefully, Glass will be back to being the scratch.

Yanks Fold and Give Headley Four Years

The Yanks have signed Chase Headley to a new 4 year 52 Million dollar deal.    This, of course means Prado plays second and Refsnyder and Pirela don't get legitimate shots in ST.   This marks the Yanks return to overpaying in the over 30 market.  And this one has a bad back.  Egad, it just seems reactionary.  I would have rather they go 4 years on McCarthy.

Giants Beat the Team from Washington

It's going to be hard to lose and get a higer pick when Odell Beckham catches 12 ball for 143 yards and 3 TD's.   Could have had 4 but one was called  back.  Also, he muffed a punt at the end of the game and that should keep him working hard.   What a player.   The passrush is also back, though it has been against teams that give up a lot of sacks.   Hankins looks like he's better than Linval.  Kennard made some more plays.

I really do thnk they can be good again as soon as next year if they can fix the lines, get another LB, as well as another WR and RB.  Of course, another DC is a given.

This Week on the Blog

Not really sure what kind of a week it will be for our teams - Odell Beckham Jr. remains the most exciting element in NY Sports right now - and he's on a dog team.  In fact, two of our teams should be tanking, one should be playing better, and one needs to improve all over the place during its offseason.  Let's take a look.

Rangers:  The Rangers finally play again tonight.  This time, it's against AV's old team, the Vancouver Canucks.   Anthony Duclair is off with Team Canada's juniors, so he can't hang around and make AV look stupid for awhile.  However; thre interesting things are happening.  First, JT Miller is playing himself into a permanent role, and second, Chris Kreider has been demoted to the 4th line because he's not producing.  Kreider thinks too much and should probably try meditation or something.   The third interesting thing is that Tanner Glass is finally a healthy scratch.  Let's see if the light has finally gone on for AV.   Meantime, tonight begins a tough road trip and the good Rangers need to show up.

Giants: The Giants play the Washington team tomorow.  Even in their reduced form, that's a game they should win.  It's would be nice to see more production from the young players all over the place.

Yankees: The Yanks can't keep acquiring Diamondbacks and Pirates, can they?  Feels like the Yanks are in a holding pattern as far as player acquisitions go.  I hope it's because they are waiting on Moncada and other IFA's.   I hope it's not just a standoff with Chase Headley.   If they do bring him back that would mean that on every day that Brendan Ryan also plays and McCann plays, the whole team will be over 30.   That's the wrong direction, peeps.   So this week, I'm hoping they can get creative with the rotation problem they have and manage to keep both picks.

It would also be nice if they let us know what the ortanization now looks like.  Or at least give us more clues.

Knicks:  The Knicks inadvertantly won a game last night.  They need to cut that out and just tank.

We'll see what happens.   Hope everyone has a great week.

Yanks: Job Openings

Another thing the Yanks didn't use the Winter Meetings to accomplish was to hire more staff and coaches.  Their still open hitting coach position has been much discussed, but they have also denied that Marcus Thames has been named assistant hitting coach.  We'll see about that one.  

But they also need a AAA hitting coach, as well as a AA manager, and perhaps more coaches depending on who else got canned or re-asssigned from the Trenton program.  

Because they promoted Gary Denbo from hitting czar to farm head, they need another hitting czar.   Because they made Mario Garza a DR coordinator, they need a new SI manager.  The SI manager is, of course important, because he is, at least for the college kids, the first manager prospects will have once drafted and he needs to start learning them up!  

And they still haven't unveiled their new 4 part structure.   So, aside from getting their rotation straightened out, they still have to staff up the minors and the 4 divisions of the system.

Yanks Thus Far

Today, the Yankee contingent departed SD without having acquired anything.  Instead, they said goodbye to David Robertson - for a pick, and Brandon McCarthy, once his contract length ran to 4 years.   They may or may not be on the brink of re-signing Chase Headley.

They have on the acquisition side added Andrew Miller, DiDi Gregorius, and high upside IFA Bryan Emery as well as a few other AAAA type minor league guys who may or may not help at some point.  They did have to give up late blooming starter in Shane Greene to get DiDi, but they have other pitchers of similar profiles in the system, notably Bryan Mitchell.

As of right now, the Yanks now have a first rounder and sandwich pick.   This year, pool money is expected to be raised by 8 or even 9%, which should put the Yanks over 8M for the first 10 rounds of the 2015 draft.    They could really rock with that kind of cheddar, so let's hope they keep it.

IFA will be tougher, since starting when the IFA calendar turns (June 15?) the Yanks won't be able to spend more than 300K on any player for the next 2 years.  Of course, they've kicked ass for 300K and unter in the past - Luis Severino, Ravel Santana (got injured but would have been a 5 tool star),   Of course, that gives them 6 months to lock up anyone including both Yoans without sustaining further penalties.

As their transactions have trickled along, they have fully redesigned their minor league system, dividing it into 4 quadants, and promoting a bunch of the promising young execs and coaches in their system.   The results of that are still to be seen, but there's already a bunch of activity down at their Tampa facility.  In the past, that didn't usually start till January.

So that's where things are right now.  As long as they don't blow their picks on free agents, they should have a strong draft.  And if they are able to sign the Cubans and some other IFA's, all the better.

Yanks at the Winter Meetings, Pt. 4

For all intents and purposes, the Winter Meetings just ended with the Yanks making no additions nor sustaining any losses in the MLB portion of the Rule V draft.     This was a surprisingly quiet week for the Yanks and, seemingly, none of their objectives have been met.  They did lose their closer and a second starter in Brandon McCarthy.   They are pretty much out of good options for the rotation at this point.  Scherzer will cost their top pick, and trades might cost better prospects than Shane Greene.  We'll see what they do from here.   To me, getting Moncada is the test.

Yanks at the Winter Meetings, Pt. 3

Yanks got nothing done on day 2 of the Winter Meetings.  In fact, they stood by as Jon Lester made a 6 year deal with the Cubs.  Lester was the Yanks last chance at adding an elite starter this offseason without giving up picks or prospects.   That said, I still think they are in the market for a starter or two, with the most likely being a re-sign of Brandon McCarthy and then maybe a trade with the DBacks for Ian Kennedy or one of their other remaining starters.  They traded their catcher and the Yanks have one or two they could trade.   We'll see what happens.  And they might still sign Headley.  It would probably be a good thing if some other team grabbed Scherzer.

Yanks Bullpen Going Forward

That the Yanks decided not to pursue David Robertson, but instead take the pick could actually be showing us progress.  I would have gladly welcomed back DRob, but not because he has proved he can close -- but instead because he also proved he could come in and get the job done in the seventh and eighth in his earlier years.  Impact relievers, not closers, are the way to go and the place to spend your bullpen money these days.   The Yanks currently have two dominant guys in Betances and Miller, and a sort of intriguing guy like Wilson to go with Warren and Kelley.

That's not a bad pen, and if they need a closer, they could use Warren or Kelley.   Meantime they have a bunch of interesting prospects led by Lindgren and Rumbelow, both of whom could challenge for spots in the Spring and, who together form a right left combo that could some day be as dominant as Betances and Miller should be.

So, while they are looking for more stuff, let's hope it's not more relievers.  The cupboard is well stocked.  And if they must hire one it should just be a designated closer on a one year deal.   Amazingly, this could be a great pen, even without DRob.

Duclair to Play for Canada in World Juniors

The Rangers are lettting Anthony Duclair play for Canada in the World Juniors.  It's uncleare whether or not they plan to send him back to juniors after the tourney, but with the way AV sits him for crap, that might be the best bet.  

Yanks at the Winter Meetings, Pt. 2

Having passed on DRob and collected a sandwich pick for the time being, the Yanks are expected to try to re-up Chase Headley today and maybe add another reliever.  I actually think they will now go after starting pitching with their "savings" on SS and not paying DRob.   We'll see.  I hope they finish the day with both high picks intact.

Yanks Let Robertson Go to the White Sox

For the second year in a row, the Yanks have lost a homegrown franchise performer in free agency.  Last year it was Cano and they spent the pick they got on another free agent.   This year, they better hold onto their picks.  They now have two.   And they should keep both and not do anything stupid, like thinking because they have two they can swap their own for a Scherzer or something.

It's Lester or nothing from that top tier, and nothing would be prefereable.  Re-sign McCarthy and see what else we have.  And go get the two Yoans.  It's that simple.  And don't trade for any other relievers.

Sheesh.  I'm a little disgusted.   All Cano  ever was was value for the Yanks and that's all DRob was, too.  And because they refused to lock them up early they ended up losing both.  Hopefully, at least this time they keep the pick.

Rangers Win in OT

The Rangers just won in overtime because Kevin Klein scored his second OT game winner of the year.   People really questioned this trade, but Klein has been money this year.  Hank has not and that's why we went to overtime.   After taking a 3-1 lead on goals by Nash, Miller and Hayes the Rangers managed to blow their two goal lead during 24 seconds in the 56th minute of action.  One of the reasons they're off to such a middling start is that Hank has been so average and the regular D guys like Girardi, Staal and McD aren't playing up to their usual standards.

It's also because AV insists on going with less than his best lineup any time Tanner Glass and Stempniak are healthy.  I have no idea why he is so immune to seeing how bad they are and how much more energy the young guys bring, but I'm beginning to think we can't win a Cup with him, either.

UPDATE:  The OT goal was changed to Dom Moore on a tip in.   Good for Dom, but Klein has still been better than expected.

Yanks at the Winter Meetings, Pt. 1

The Yankee contingent will arrive at the Winter Meetings any minute now, and word is already spreading that they are willing to go to 4 years for both Robertson and Headley.   The codicile being floated that either deal would be for a lesser AAV than their three year offers.  Signing DRob would be fine, as long as they don't then blow their first round pick on another FA.

Signing Headley woud be more problematic because it would force Prado to 2B, and in the near term block Refsnyder and Pirela.   What's more, he's got a bad back, so even if they were to get him at a reasonable AAV, his health could render him untradeable.

As or right now it seems that they are waiting for Brandon McCarthy on the pitching side, and that would be okay as long as they don't double down with a Scherzer or some other pitcher with a QO.

Giants Win

Bad as winning was for our pick position, there were some really nice developments in today's game. Obviously, Beckham is a burgeoning superstar, but there kids like Andre Williams and Devon Kennard are also looking like keepers.   Moore had a dumb play, but he was also bringing it.  Hankins was good, and JPP had two sacks.  So the last two drafts -- or whoever is healthy from them -- look pretty good.  Kennard finally gives the Giants a young LB to build the unit around.  He had two more sacks today and now has over his last two games.   So there were some positiven even though we slid down the draft order.

This Week on the Blog

With the Winter Meetings starting Monday, it could be a fairly wild week on the blog.  Let's take a look.

Yanks:  Yesterday they bandaged short for the near and mid term, which will allow them to plug in Jorge Mateo or Avelino or anyone else who explodes at short in the next few years.   It was tough losing Greene, but having the freedom to grow the kids was probably worth it.   They also added another impact reliever.  I'm against paying FA relievers, but they got themselves another stud.

This coming week, they go to the Winter Meetings needing rotation help, and possibly help at third or second.  They could also use a hitting coach and more help for their system.

Rangers:  The Rangers have to cut out the Jekyll and Hyde nonsense.  In order to do that, they got to get better contributions from Hank, McD, Kreider and several others.  And they have to stop scratching Duclair.  He's scratched again tonight and Talbot is in the net against Detroit.

Giants:  The Giants will continue their long limp to the finish line.  They really should consider playing Nassib, just to see what they have, and to prevent Eli from single handedly messing up their draft position by pulling out a win.

Knicks:  They are even worse than I thought they'd be at this point.  Could they be tanking?   And where are the December changes?

So, should be fun, but I suspect the Winter Meetings stuff will dominate.

Yanks Sign Andrew Miller for 4 Years

Welp.  They did.  So it's pretty certain that they will now let DRob go elsewhere, take the pick and sign Scherzer or something else.  Miller is a good reliever.  We already had a lot.

More Yankee Stuff

So the Yanks have now taken care of one of their major objectives by securing a servicealble or better young SS.   That still leaves a hole at either second or third, depending on what they do with Prado.   Cashman mentioned two starting pitchers last week, and now we know why.  They will presumably also add bullpen, though they are loaded with bullpen arms in the minors, and indeed the high minors.

It does seem however that they are starting to fill in some of the blanks in the coaching staff.   Marcus Thames will be the assistant hitting coach, though his superior has not been named.   There was though that Thames might have been Franklin's replacement at AA, but they're bringing him to the big team.  Both Willie Randolph and and Jody Reed have been interviewed for the vacant first base coaching job.

Yanks: Trading for SS DiDi Gregorius

So, reports are coming out that the Yanks are trying to acquire 24 year old  lefty swinging SS DiDi Gregorius from AZ in a three way deal that would send Shane Greene to Detroit.   This is both interesting and somewhat disconcerting.   Gregorius has been a good fielder, but a below average by OPS+  offsense player, who looks a little better in WAR.    That said, he might also get a power boost from playing in the stadium.   He did hit 3 homers in a minor league game once so might have some upside in the power department to go with his good D.  He is an horrendous base stealer.

Meanwhile, from the Yanks perspective, they would be trading one of their few signed and healthy rotation pieces.  That would inevitably mean that not only do they intend to bring in one new starting pitcher, but two.  Hello, Scherzer and McCarthy.  

So Gregorius might be a fine bandage for the position, until Mateo or one of the other kids is ready, trading Green could lead to unfortunate consequences.

UPDATE:  They apparently made the deal while I was writing the post.   We'll see what the details are as they come in.