TwitterPresents Under The Tree
23 Dec 2008
What’s that under the tree? Is it a firstbaseman? It sure sounds like it and the Yankees just improved their team by leaps and bounds.
By signing Teixeira, the Yankees now have a firstbaseman who can hit AND play defense, a stark departure from the Giambi years. Yes, the contract is long (8 years) but Teixeira will be 36 when it is done, by no means an old player. In short, this is a fantastic move for the Yankees.
Kudos to Brian Cashman who is truly "the silent assassin" for the way he jumps in and makes moves, this was a masterful one. Now, it will be interesting to see what the Yankees do next.
First, do they keep their offer to Pettitte? I wouldn’t at this point, let’s leave that spot open to Huges, Kennedy and Aceves.
Next, is Gardner the starter in center? I would assume so and with Tex in the fold, I say why not?
And, you now have Nick Swisher and Xavier Nady to play right, which one do you trade? (I say Nady)
For now think about this:
Damon-LF
Jeter-SS
Teixeira- 1B
A-Rod- 3B
Cano- 2B
Posada- C
Swisher/Nady- RF
Matsui-DH
Gardner-CF
Dec 23, 2008 @ 18:57:53
By my math that puts the 2009 payroll around 188.5 million, and that is assuming big raises for the eligible (Bruny, Nady, etc).
So if thats accurate (and it very well may not be) and they go into 2009 as-is, thats a $20 million+ drop in pay roll.
Make sure to remind people of that when they rag on the Yankees for spending their money.
Dec 23, 2008 @ 19:22:51
Ian
They should also note the Yankees are selling bleacher seats to the first game at the new place for a quarter. Granted, it’s an exhibition game, but the Yankees could get tons more than that if they wanted to.
Dec 23, 2008 @ 20:19:39
I thought that was especially neat.
I bet the scalpers will try ad get you to pay $3.50 for those 25 cent seats, though.
Dec 24, 2008 @ 00:56:08
How is Swisher’s defense in CF? He played 70 games there last year, I believe. Is it possible Melky, Gardner, Nady and Swisher will be given chances and they’ll see who wins out.
What’s got me most excited is the rotation.
A bit worried about our age. Obviously, Damon and Matsui are in their last years in NY. Arod at 34 and Jeter at 35 make me wonder if they can continue on the left side of the infield.
I don’t think the Yankees are done. I think Nady, Melky, maybe even Damon or Matsui could be moved for the right price.
Dec 24, 2008 @ 07:40:12
Ian- I am afraid you are right
Tim- Not good, he can play there, but he is below average. He is slightly above average in the corners.
Age is a problem and you nailed the biggest question of this deal, where does Jeter move now? A-Rod is eventually going to DH, but Jeter’s bat won’t be good enough for that.
Dec 26, 2008 @ 00:41:04
Arod to DH and Jeter to 3B? Arod to LF?
Still loving CC, Wang, Burnett 60% of starts (if healthy).