Congrats Hal!
by RussCongratulations to Hal Steinbrenner as being the “point person” for the Yanks.Â
Ok, congratulations are over – memo to Hal: Easy big guy with the deadlines. I know last year it worked for A-Rod. But remember, there were other factors at work in that case. A-Rod was already on the team so the perception was that he was “leaving.” Also, there was the “disaster” of the announcement at the World Series as well as the “pull” of A-Rod potentially setting records in a Yankees uniform.Â
Here, Sabathia I don’t think cares so much about the Yankees. As a pitcher, he’s got to maximize every dollar, because from his perspective he could blow out his arm tomorrow and never pitch again. So, this could be his only chance to get his contract. Let him field other offers. If the reports are true, the Yankees made a very nice initial offer which probably won’t have to be adjusted too much.Â
I counsel patience with Sabathia. It’s ok to tell Sabathia that the “offer won’t be there forever” but I don’t like hard deadlines in this case. Talk to me after the winter meetings. If Sabathia is still unsigned then think about a deadline.
6 comments November 21 2008 9:42 am | Russ | Discussion |
The problem is, if Sebathia has no intention of signing with the Yankees, Cashman has some big decisions to make. You don’t want to be caught short here. Burnett, Lowe, or even Peavy may not be available if you wait too long. Tough situation either way.
All true. And the Yanks should apply pressure. Just no deadline like: December 1 is our deadline. Keep the pressure on, but leave it vague for now. If you want to attach a deadline later, fine. But for now – I think it’s all progressing nicely. And, by the way – Burnett – who cares! Let the Red Sox have him. I already saw him in our division in Toronto. He’s not a roadblock to success if he’s on Boston.
Peavy, I agree – but the market seems quiet for now on him because the Braves don’t want a no-trade and the Cubs just signed Dempster. Lowe, I could take him or leave him too. Actually I’d rather have Lowe than Burnett. Steadier and more durable.
I see Russ’ point, but I like the soft deadline here and agree with Joe. It’s a delicate balancing act. Sabathia will reportedly take an offer from a Cali team over the Yanks if their offer “close” to the Yankee offer. He needs to see those offers to make his decision, and since he prefers Cali…..he’s in no rush.
What will REALLY get Sabathia moving is if the Yanks sign/trade for Lowe/Burnett/Peavy FIRST. The prospect of the Yankee offer being off the table gives the Cali teams no reason to reach deeper into their pockets for Sabathia.
All depends on Peavy. If the Yanks can somehow swing a deal for him – all bets are off with Sabathia. The idea of signing Burnett just to move Sabathia sickens me. I don’t want Burnett on this team for any reason. If the Yanks sign Lowe, I’m ok with that, but I’m not sure if that really affects Sabathia or not. Lowe is not an ace and his signing would not preclude the Yankees from signing Sabathia anyway.
True…Question: If you could have either Sabathia OR Peavy…but only one…which one would you select without giving consideration to money or contract length?
I’d rather have Peavy. I know there are some concerns about his arm, but I believe he’s healthy. I feel better about his health because the Braves were pursuing him. I worry about Sabathia’s work ethic and conditioning that will make him successful over a long term contract. I like what I see from Sabathia, but if I’m making a committment – I want Peavy. Although Sabathia is not a bad consolation prize.