According to Mark Feinsand and "one baseball official", the Yankees are indeed pushing hard for the services of Manny Ramirez.
So let's get this straight. The Yankees, a team that already has an influx of outfielders(and that's before you include the technicality that Nick Swisher can play OF), wants an older, defensive liability and general locker room cancer, in New York.
Sorry, I don't by it. I don't know who this "official" is, but I really find I hard to believe that they're a Yankees official. And whatever team they do work for, is providing them with some shoddy information. At least that's what I hope.
Let's look at reality here. If the Yankees are going to spend to get anyone to protect A-Rod in the Yankees line-up, they'd have to go hard after Big Tex. He'd be a force in the line-up and provide a solid defensive first baseman. That would turn Nick Swisher into a utility player who could give Tex a break on occasion at first and cover a few outfield spots.
As for Manny, he would protect A-Rod well, no doubt. But where do you even place him on the field with the current squad. Unless you're looking to trade Matsui or Nady, it's not going to happen at this point.
There is legit concern about the middle of the Yankees line-up. Abreu did a solid job for the Yankees in the three spot and they don't have anyone on the team who currently will take over that spot nearly as well as Abreu. If the team can stay healthy as is, it should score over 800 or 900 runs, but that would mean assuming Posada will return to his usual production, Matsui won't have his bum knee reduce his numbers and Cano will be back on track.
If we've learned anything, don't assume.
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2 comments
I think it's a smart idea to sign Manny. Damon and Matsui are free agents next season. So it would only be one year that Damon would have to play center and then he can DH. Assuming they would have to sign him to three years.
Or they could trade Matsui now. What about trading Matsui and cash or Melky for Cameron. Then sign Manny. Damon left, manny dh, Cameron cf.
Posted on December 19, 2008 11:44 PM
No one can deny offensively, Manny would be great in the Bronx. No question when it comes to that.
Here's the thing. You mentioned the idea of using Damon as DH after a year in CF. DH is slowly becoming a crowded position. You can't forget there's a chance that Posada won't be catching for the full four years of his contract and that could mean 2010.
I'm not saying any of this WILL happen, but it's potential. If it were to, the Yankees would be cramped at DH again.
My big reason, if i didn't make it clear, is a belief that he's bad for the locker room.
The YES Network would like him there, but I think that's where it ends.Plus, if you're going to spend money, get Tex, not Manny. Makes more sense.
Thanks for commenting though, opinions are what this is all about and I'd love to hear what else you have to say.
Posted on December 20, 2008 10:13 AM