The Man - Manny.   As a loyal reader (JimMc) pointed out in my Post “$75 Million reasons to say no.”  Manny would be motivated 19 times a year (all the games against Boston).  That is undoubtedly true.  But he does really like New York.  I have heard stories that back when Willie was the 3rd base coach, Manny would talk to him and ask “When Can you make me a Yankee?” or something to that effect.  A motivated Manny is scary.  Year one he would be motivated.  Year two or three?  As for whether the Yankees need a Manny the point was made that the Dynasty year teams won without a superduper star slugger.  However, people don’t realize how good the 3, 4, 5 hitters for the Yankees were. Bernie’s bat in the late 90s was quite formidable.  True he wasn’t hitting 40 HR or driving in 120+ RBI (except 2000), but his OBP was phenomenal as was his OPS+.  He recieved MVP votes for a reason.  Tino was a force.  O’Neill was good for 20 Hr and 100 RBI every year.  A-Rod is a force, but he needs protection and I don’t know that Swisher does that.    Anyway, a latin paper is reporting that Manny is all but signed for 3 years $75.  That would be scary.

The Wolf – There are some things that are worth getting up for in the mornings on Saturday.  One of them is Warner Wolf on ESPN 1050.  I tend to wake up early on Saturdays and get out the house to not wake up my wife.  Anyway, in my Saturday travels to Home Depot, Mavis Discount Tire, the Supermarket, wherever, I tend to listen to Warner on the Saturday morning show.  He’s always good for some history or a nice bit of insight.  Here’s what he pointed out.  He compared the following to players over the last 5 years:

  • Player A – 485 R – 180 HR – 585 RBI
  • Player B - 500 R – 177 HR – 592 RBI

One of the players will be 29 in April.  One of the players will be 37 in May.  By now I guess you assumed that the two players are Teixiera and Manny, and you would be right.   But which is which?  From the numbers above, I would think you would be at a loss to tell which one is Manny and which is Mark.  You would only be able to tell them apart if I gave you the next numbers….. 

  • Player A - .309 AVG – .405 OBP
  • Player B - .295 AVG – .380 OBP

Based on this information, you should be able to guess that Player A is Manny (with his more selective eye) and Player B is Mark Teixiera.  Warner argued if it is a choice between the two, you go with the Younger player who also happens to be a switch hitter and a good defensive first baseman.   Plus, Teixiera has been showing improvement in OBP and AVG over the last two years by cutting down on his strikeouts.    So the point is – if money and position flexibility are not a concern, you obviously go with Teixeira.  The point is money and position flexibility are concerns.  The Yankees don’t want to commit to a contract that long and they need 1st base for Posada/Jeter etc. who might need to move there.  Of course Jeter’s power numbers don’t warrant playing 1st base and Posada will never be super slick with the glove there.   So I would want Teixeira and would consider cutting ties with Jeter at the end of his next contract. (his $$ will no way justify his play or performance). Just kiding, but a ruthless organization could do that to its franchise player (Red Sox – Nomar come to mind).

The Giants  – Nice win by the Giants.  But the defense has to get better.  Yes they made a tremendous adjustment in the second half really limiting the Panthers.  But ever since the Philly game there have been entirely too many plays where teams have converted on third and long.  Yesterday there were three 3rd and longs converted, including the 3rd and 9 that immediately preceded the 30 yard touchdown run by DeAngelo Williams in the start of the 4th quarter and another 3rd and 9 at the Giants 48 on the Panthers final drive that nearly set up the game winning field goal.   If Kasay makes that kick (which missed by a few inches) its a much different story today.  BUT the real problem is the complete lack of a pass rush.  Delhome (and Romo, and Donovan) have had entirely too much time to pass over the last 3 weeks.  Luckily they will be in Giant’s stadium from now until they lose, so that should help the secondary, but they really need a pass rush.