Bombers Annouce List Of Non-Roster Invitees

Along with making the Randy Winn signing officially and signing Marcus Thames, the Yankees also announced their list of spring training non-roster invitees. Check out the players:

Pitchers: LHP Wilkins Arias, LHP Jeremy Bleich, LHP Royce Ring, LHP Kei Igawa, RHP Grant Duff, RHP Jason Hirsh, RHP Zach McAllister, RHP Amaury Sanit, RHP Zack Segovia and RHP Kevin Whelan.

Position Players: OF Colin Curtis, OF Reid Gorecki, OF Jon Weber, OF Marcus Thames, OF David Winfree, C Jesus Montero, C Kyle Higashioka, C P.J. Pilittere, C Mike Rivera and C Austin Romine.

For player page and stats just click on the players. Fack Youk has more info.

Cash: No Negotiations For Jeet, Mo, and Girardi

From Ryan Dittmeier:

Despite their iconic status, the Yankees have no plans to discuss new contracts with Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera until after the season -- and the same goes for the manager, Joe Girardi, general manager Brian Cashman told the New York Post in a story published Tuesday.

The contracts of all three are entering their final year, meaning the Yankees' all-time career hits leader and the Major Leagues' all-time postseason saves leader can be free agents next offseason. And Girardi, who signed a three-year contract prior to the 2008 season, will face a year in which he will not have a contract beyond the current season.

Nevertheless, the team will not veer from its position not to negotiate contact extensions with impending free agents.

"I don't think you can separate one from the other," Cashman told the Post. "I am not saying they are the same, but the questions will come, 'If you did one, why didn't you do the other?' If this was Kansas City, it would be different -- but it's not."

The Yankees are not in a rish to sign these because it's not like their going anywhere. These deals should be taken care of by December.

Yanks Sign Thames, Make Winn Signing Official

Winn was signed for less than the $2 million being reported when news of the deal first broke. He will actually be getting a $1.1 million base salary with an additional $900K in performance bonuses.

Not only did the Yanks make the Randy Winn signing official, but also picked up another option for left field by adding Marcus Thames on a Minor League deal. If he makes the 25-man roster Thames will make $900K.

Thames has spent the last six seasons in Detroit, but made his MLB debut back in 2002 with the Yanks. You might remember his first career at-bat when he took Randy Johnson deep for a home run.

In 2009, with the Tigers, Thames hit .252/.323/.453 with 13 HR and 36 RBI in 258 at-bats.

He should make the 25-man roster. This is a great pickup because he's experienced and can hit better than Winn, Gardner and the AAA OF options. His defensive isn't too bad either.

Pie Cards Worth Value

The Beckett Blog (hat-tip to Zell's Pinstripe Blog) is reporting that Topps will be including some special Yankees "pie cards" in their 2010 baseball set. Apparently the cards are going to be reallyrare. Here's a list of the cards including some pics:

No. 400 Alex Rodriguez- 5/16/09
No. 475 Johnny Damon- 5/17/09
No. 120 Jorge Posada- 7/4/09
No. 185 Hideki Matsui- 7/20/09
No. 400 Alex Rodriguez- 8/7/09
No. 370 Robinson Cano- 8/12/09
No. 370 Robinson Cano- 8/28/09
No. 65 Nick Swisher- 9/8/09
No. 422 Francisco Cervelli- 9/16/09
No. 579 Juan Miranda- 9/29/09
No. 250 Mark Teixeira- 10/9/09
No. 88 Jerry Hairston Jr.- 10/17/09

Robinson Cano & Hideki Matsui


Arod $ Jose Miranda

2010 CHONE Projections

The 2010 CHONE projections (hat-tip to TYU) has the Yankees winning the division, but also getting the highest projection ever for the system down below. First, here's a look at the projected standings for each division:

Secondly:

Normally, projections do not forecast the same range of wins and losses as will happen in real life. We expect that a few teams will win 95+ games, but are not sure exactly which ones, and if you pick any one team (Yankees excepted) the odds are they won't win that many games.

But yet I'm projecting 99 wins for the defending world champions. I think this is the highest projection I've ever had, for any team. I had them at 97 last year and they beat it by 6. I like the moves they have made in the last year. Curtis Granderson is a tremendous player who helps on offense and defense (at least against righties). Javier Vazquez was one of the best pitchers in baseball last year, and Nick Johnson is OBP Jesus. The Yankees are insanely talented, even more so than usual. The breaks of the season could mean that Boston wins the East, or even Tampa Bay, but the talent spread is so huge in this division that Baltimore and Toronto have basically no chance.

Even though it's projections, it's nice to see the Yanks at the top of the standings.

The Sporting News Interviews Chamberlain

Bill Eichenberger of The Sporting News interviewed Yankees starter Joba Chamberlain on Tuesday to receive an award at the 30th annual Thurman Munson Dinner. Down below are some of the interview:

Question: Are you ready to compete for that No. 5 spot?

Joba Chamberlain: It's going to be a battle. The greatest part about it is that not only is going to make the guys who will be fighting for that spot better, but it's going to make our team better. We are going to push each other, try to outwork each other. Whatever happens, happens. I hope they are ready because I've worked my tail off to get where I'm at, and I'm sure they have done the same.

Q: Given your druthers, is it safe to say at this point that starting is what you would prefer?

JC: It's a question that is always going to be asked. But it's one of those things as a competitor, you want to be out there every fifth day and get that opportunity to fight and claw with your teammates because that is what you are there for. I want that opportunity. But I have to go out there and prove it, and I understand that. Nothing is handed to me, and I like it that way. That's the way it's been my whole life and whole career. I'm going to grab the bull by the horns, get after it in spring training and see what happens.

Q: How much of a relief is it to you that the "Joba Rules," which limited your innings, are now a thing of the past?

JC: It means I'm growing up. As a competitor, I definitely got frustrated at times. But at the end of the day, I also understood why they were doing it. And I have the utmost respect for them taking that time and going through the good and the bad with me. Now we've done it. We're better for it. We all learned how to handle the situation, and now I can just go out and play the game and get 200-plus innings in.

He also said he thinks the Yankees "retooled great" with the additions of Granderson, Vazquez, Johnson, and Winn. When asked if he ever thought about taking over for Mariano when he retires he admits that he has, but also said he expects Mo to pitch for another ten years. For the entire interview click here.

Jose Tabata Older?

Jose Tabata used to be one of the highest touted Yankees prospects. Now, in the Pirtates system, question are coming out about his age. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review (hat-tip to RAB), Pirates general manager Neal Huntington admitted in a recent interview "there are 'a lot of rumblings' that Tabata might actually be in his mid-20s" and not 21 like his birth certificate says he is.

His value as a prospect certainly narrows down, but at 24 or 25 and starting at Triple-A ball, he's still on the path most players take to the majors, he's just not the 21-year-old stud everyone thought he was.

Two Words

As you know, or may not know, the Saints beat the Colts with a 31-17 win. It was their first superbowl win in team history. Full story here.

Superbowl Sunday!! Ok and a few more words.. . I'm not rooting for none I'm just hoping for a good game.

Praise For The Cashman

Bob Klapisch penned an article today about the challenges facing manager Joe Girardi as he and his Yankees defend their title. Mixed in the article was some praise for Yankees GM Brian Cashman:

In fact, there are enough baseball executives who think the Bombers are set to run off another mini-dynasty. They have the AL's most talented roster, they have a $200 million payroll and, most importantly, they're being governed more efficiently than at any time in the last 20 years.

“I think Brian [Cashman] has learned a lot about running a team,” said one rival executive. “He's made some mistakes, but if you go around and ask people what they think of the Yankees, the answer you'll get is that they're intelligently run.”

Mixing young with old while rebuilding the farm system that was ignored for so many years. The quotes from the rival executive and Klapisch pretty much speak for itself. We've gotten back to that. The future looks bright. Thanks to Cash.

Coke Finds Trade A "Blessing In Disguise"

From B.J. Hansen:

"The trade was definitely a shock because I grew up in the Yankees system," says Coke. "At the same time, it is more than likely a blessing in disguise."

The Tigers are considering moving Coke from the bullpen to the starting rotation next season.

"When I go back there I'm going to make sure I give it everything I got and see if I can lock down that job," adds Coke. "If not I can always go back to the bullpen and contribute there."

"I'm not really worried about it, as long as I have someone give me a ball and tell me to ‘go get em,'" says Coke.

Yes, Coke did give up alot of homeruns but he was a valuable part of the pen down the stretch. I wish him good luck in Detroit.

Happy Birthday Babe Ruth

Today is the 115th anniversary of one of baseball's most important days: Babe Ruth's birth. On February 6, 1895, George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born on Emory Street in Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood to parents Kate Schamberger-Ruth and George Herman Ruth, Sr. About a quarter century later he would forever change the game of baseball while dominating the sport like nobody had ever done before him or would after.

Tom Singer of MLB.com has a good article on The Sultan of Swat and all of his accolades, and it should be check out today.

Happy B-day Babe!

Another Damon Post

From the NY Post:

A baseball executive says former Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon "is going to be lucky to get whatever he gets," if he signs somewhere.

The AL exec told MLive.com that Damon and agent Scott Boras misjudged the market for the 36-year-old outfielder.

“Sometimes, we ask for too much,” the source, requesting anonymity, told writer Steve Kornacki. “Then, the smoke clears and you ask, ‘Where am I?’ And now, I can’t believe anybody is going to offer Damon more than the $14 million and $6 million the Yankees did.

“If you turn them down for that, you deserve one year for $3 million or whatever he is going to get. In February, teams have got guys in place. My feeling is that now he is going to be lucky to get whatever he gets. It’s still supply and demand in this game. And Johnny’s arrow is in the middle or going down.”

Thanks to Boras.

Hank Steinbrenner In Sight

Hank Steinbrenner appeared and spoke with the AP today. He discussed several topics, including this past offseason, the Yankees chances in 2010, and Derek Jeter's future contract negotiations. Here's more from the AP via the NY Post:

Hank Steinbrenner thinks the Yankees are in a strong position to repeat as World Series champion due to the acquisition of pitcher Javier Vazquez and outfielder Curtis Granderson.

“The two trades that Brian did I was really pleased with and very proud of,” Steinbrenner. a team co-chairman, said Thursday. “I think that is going to make a big difference for us.” ...

“We needed another top-notch starter and got one,” Steinbrenner said.

Derek Jeter, who has started pre-spring training workouts at the team’s minor league complex, spent time Thursday with Hank Steinbrenner and his brother, managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner.

“I asked him his opinion, and he said, ‘It’s all about pitching,’” Hank Steinbrenner said of Jeter.

As far as Jeter's contract goes, Steinbrenner said, "We’ll get into all of that eventually. Jeter’s place in Yankee history is obvious, so I think you can pretty much assume from there.”

Sounds like Jeter is here to stay. That's how it's suppose to be. End of story.

FOX Released Their 2010 Baseball Schedule

Some games will be in prime time while others will start at 3 or 4 PM. The Yankees have seven games on FOX this season, and those games are listed below:

4/10 @ 3:00 PM - New York Yankees at Tampa Bay Rays

4/23 @ 4:00 PM - New York Yankees at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

5/8 @ 3:00 PM - New York Yankees at Boston Red Sox

5/22 @ 7:00 PM - New York Yankees at New York Mets

6/26 @ 7:00 PM - New York Yankees at Los Angeles Dodgers

7/17 @ 4:00 PM - Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees

8/7 @ 4:00 PM - Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees

The rest of their schedule can be found here.

ST Radio Schedule

WCBS880 released their 2010 spring training schedule this week, below are the games that will be broadcast on 880:

Saturday, March 6 @ 1:05 PM vs. Toronto
Thursday, March 11 @ 7:05 PM vs. Atlanta
Saturday, March 13 @ 1:05 PM vs. Baltimore
Thursday, March 18 @ 7:05 PM vs. Tampa Bay
Sunday, March 21 @ 1:05 PM vs. Detroit
Friday , March 26 @ 7:05 PM vs. Philadelphia
Sunday, March 28 @ 1:05 PM vs. Detroit
Tuesday, March 30 @ 7:05 PM vs. Toronto

Verlander Locked Up To 5-Year Deal

The AP is reporting that the Justin Verlander has agreed to a five-year, $80 million dealwith the Tigers that will lock up the ace until 2015.

Goodbye to another ace-tye pitcher who the Yanks could of had. Good job on the Tigers part by locking this guy up.

Ravens Owner Rips Yanks

From Peter Schmuck (hat-tip to Was Watching):

Clearly, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is a proponent of the NFL salary cap, and took a light-hearted shot at the Yankees during today's big news conference for their inability to totally dominate Major League Baseball with their huge revenue and payroll advantage over the other 29 teams.

"It certainly doesn't show up in the standings," Bisciotti said. "If I'm a Yankees fan, I'm upset we're not winning 130 games with the roster that they have and the money that they pay out. I think it's a disgrace they only beat the average team by 10 games in the standings with three times the money. I'd fire that GM. You don't need a GM. All you have to do is buy the last Cy Young Award winner every year."

Someone says "all you have to do is buy the last Cy Young Award winner every year" tells how little they know about baseball. Stick to football Steve!

Joel Sherman thinks Joba will be in the pen

From Joel Sherman (hat-tip to TYU and slidingintohome):

It was impossible to ignore, and the Yankees didn't ignore it.

Words were not needed. Joba Chamberlain's body language screamed confidence and the scoreboard flashed 97 mph. Here at the end of his most taxing season, Chamberlain was a strutting fire-breather again. In the postseason. As a reliever.

The difference from the starter who too often was tentative and too frequently throwing fastballs at 89-91 mph was stark. As one Yankees official noted recently, "It was hard to miss."

The transformation was so blatant, in fact, that the No. 5 starter competition between Chamberlain and Phil Hughes is almost over two weeks before pitchers and catchers even report.

The Yankees never would admit it publicly, but if the season were to begin today, Hughes would be in the rotation and Joba would be Mariano Rivera's primary set-up man -- and, perhaps, heir apparent.

Joba has no innings limits coming into the 2010 season. Phil Hughes does. He also played a nice part in the 2009 season out of the bullpen. No need to mess with that. End of story.

Chris H over at TYU disusses the demeanor side of the story here.

Winn Talks About Current Team

Randy Winn believes his versatility makes him a good addition to the Yankees, and he's eager to get started with the reigning World Series champions come spring training.

"They're the World Series champions from last year and I have a chance to compete and get some playing time," Winn said in a phone interview Tuesday night with The Associated Press from the Bay Area where he still lives. "I thought it was a great fit, being a versatile guy who can play all three outfield positions and can hit anywhere in the lineup."

"I'll be low-key," he said. "I'll let (Alex) Rodriguez, (Derek) Jeter and CC (Sabathia) do all the talking."

Winn also said that the Yankees were the only team that made a formal offer, which makes me wonder why they had to pay him $2 million.

Hopefully he can be a value part of the 2010 team.

Latest Headlines

• PECOTA changed their predictions AGAIN. Now, they have the Yankees winning outright. The latest PECOTA projections are here. The only way this is going to happen is if the Yanks perform great on the field.
  
• The Yankees announced today that Charleston RiverDogs manager Torre Tyson will be taking moving up to High-A to manage the Tampa Yankees. To replace him RiverDogs hitting coach Greg Colbrunn will now be promoted to manager.
  
  For more info on the moves you can check out this press release from the RiverDogs.
• The Yankees signed Randy Winn for $2MM a week and a half before the Dodgers land Reed Johnson for the bargain basement price of $800K, makes me wonder why on Cash' decision on this.Vizzini over at NoMaas broke it down today.
• It's being reported that Rich Aurilia has interesting in signing with either of the New York teams. Andrew Baggarly has more info.
  
• Mike Lupica came out with this crap "New York Yankees and free agent Johnny Damon still have time to make a deal." I'd rather take on Carl Crawford. I'm done with Damon.
• It was reported yesterday that Johnny thinks he would be a good fit for Detroit.

Andrew Marchand has another quote from Boras, this time trying to make it seem the Yanks had zero interest in Damon.

The first time Boras spoke with the Yanks they were willing to offer Damon a two-year deal worth around $19-$20 million. But according to Buster Olney, "Damon wanted no talks if he was to be offered less money than what he made in 2009."

After they signed Johnson, the Yankees discussed a two-year, $14 million deal, "which was immediately rejected" according to Olney.

About a week ago when the Yanks once again had an offer for Damon, a one-year, $6 million offer that was once again rejected.

Damon held everything up! Enough said.
Check out the 2/1 Demolition Update @ slidingintohome. They have all the updates over there.

• Cash believes signing Matsui was one of his best moves.
• ESPN.com's David Schoenfield has a plan to make baseball fair. Meaning when the Yanks win a WS Ring, everyone goes nuts and it's not right. In this article, I explained why baseball's competitive balance is better than you realize, actually on par with the NFL's.