Still no deal for Johan, but the Yanks have, at least to the press, removed themselves from the equation. Brian Cashman intimated that they'd turn their attention to the bullpen, which seems like a prudent move. This is your unofficial aggregation of Yankee rumors from the Winter Meetings on Dec. 5.
Slow rumor day for the Yanks, a few last-minute updates below:
- MLB.com (MLBTR) - The Yanks are probably going to make an offer to Ron Mahay, and they've opened up talks with the Viz's agent. Mahay is probably somewhere in the 3 years/$12M range, and the Viz wants Linebrink money, 4/$19M. I don't see anyway the Yanks give the Viz that kind of contract. Yes, he pulled it together last year, but he was just putrid for long stretches, especially at the beginning of the season. [Dec. 5, 11:00 p.m.]
- Star Tribune (MLBTR) - Everyone and their mother is apparently still involved in the Johan Santana talks, at least according to La Velle E. Neal III. My gut says he doesn't get moved at this point. It's a shame the fake rumor wasn't true, that would've suited the Yanks just fine. [Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m.]
- Peter Gammons (MLBTR) - He's putting his money on the Twins holding on to Santana at this point. Apparently, the Twins are now seeking out other teams, including possibly the Dodgers. [Dec. 5, 1:04 p.m.]
- Joel Sherman - Damaso Marte's name comes up again when the price tag for Ron Mahay is exposed. These relievers are out of their minds. [Dec. 5, 11:00 a.m.]
- Newsday (MLBTR) - How can you not love Hank? Here's his quote about Billy Beane's statement that it's going to take 2 of the big 3 (Joba, Hughes, Kennedy) to land Dan Haren:
Steinbrenner called that price "ridiculous" and vowed: "It won't happen, not with us."
Billy Beane and Andy MacPhail are sitting on their hands, waiting for the Johan Santana deal to get done. They theory being, once he sets the market, they'll be able to get more for their aces. What happens if Santana doesn't get dealt, though? Or worse yet, what happens if he goes for an absolute garbage package, like the one Boston is offering. Does that affect the asking price for the other pitchers on the market in an adverse way? Or does one less ace on the market automatically up the value of theirs, supply and demand style? Interesting question which is probably irrelevant to the Yanks at this point. I doubt Bedard will stay in the A.L. East, and the Hammer doesn't like Billy Beane's style. [Dec. 5, 1:50 a.m.]
Here is what happens if no trades happen:
1) Minnesota has to watch Santana audition for a big pay-day from another team after next season. They reap the immediate benefits.
2) New York keeps their young pitching staff together and reap the immediate and long-term benefits. Then they sign Santana.
3) Oakland still has Haren and Blanton, who they have for three more years.
4) Boston get's screwed in the end...
Sounds like win-win all the way around...in some sort of fashion.
That would be preferable. I think Beane should deal Blanton, not that impressed with him, and he could probably get a chip back for him now with the quality of SP's available on the free agent market.
I tried to take a break from the Santana madness but it's starting to pull me back in. The Red Sox have drawn a line in the sand just like the Yankees did and the Twins still haven't made a trade. Now the Twins are pulling other teams back into the picture in the hopes of establishing even greater market value for Santana? Interesting. I think the Twins realize they missed out on the Yankees offer and are hoping that the Yanks get back in this thing.
Here's the thing, if the Yanks aren't involved, the Sox really don't care. If the Sox aren't involved, the Yanks really don't care. When the Yanks walked away they basically took the two biggest bidders out of the game. The Twins may be able to scare up an offer from the Dodgers now, but they lost a lot of their leverage when Brian Cashman stood up from that table.
The only way the Yanks get back involved with this is if the Twins come crawling back, and the asking price is much lower than Hughes/Melky.