***Yanks and 2010 Trade Deadline Talks***

[TonyStarks]

Just to keep things tidy......all Trade deadline rumors will be filed here

[TonyStarks]

That being said....

The Yanks have been reported after Joakim Soria to become Mo's Setup man and possible heir. While I do applaud the move, a recent report by Jayson Stark has got me wondering just what the hell is going on. Stark reports that the Yankees offered Jesus Montero in a package to KC, but KC has refused Yankees offer.

I like Soria, but I love Montero more. If the Setup man is that important then how about the Yanks move Robertson into that role...instead of "wishing" and "hoping" that Joba (who was annoited the Setup man) works out.

Yes, I know the Yankee farm is stacked at catcher.....but why not offer Austine Romine, JR Murphy over Jesus Montero?! Is Jesus really that much worse than what' Jorge Posada has given the Yankees defensively?!?! I don't think so.

[johnnypapa]

That being said....

The Yanks have been reported after Joakim Soria to become Mo's Setup man and possible heir. While I do applaud the move, a recent report by Jayson Stark has got me wondering just what the hell is going on. Stark reports that the Yankees offered Jesus Montero in a package to KC, but KC has refused Yankees offer.

I like Soria, but I love Montero more. If the Setup man is that important then how about the Yanks move Robertson into that role...instead of "wishing" and "hoping" that Joba (who was annoited the Setup man) works out.

Yes, I know the Yankee farm is stacked at catcher.....but why not offer Austine Romine, JR Murphy over Jesus Montero?! Is Jesus really that much worse than what' Jorge Posada has given the Yankees defensively?!?! I don't think so.

Maybe the question is why teams are not jumping at Montero?

[NJYankeeFan]

What has to be considered is the role they see for Soria. Set up man. Not worth it. But Soria has great stuff and could be a starter. Maybe a top tier one.

Still would not give up Montero but you have to consider that angle.

[Domenic]

Apparently the Jays want Jesus Montero for Scott Downs. Wow.

Maybe the question is why teams are not jumping at Montero?

Justin Smoak is a fantastic prospect in his own right. In terms of the Royals rejection, check this out.

[Derek Jeter]

Why is it that when the Yankees approach a GM about a trade they always want our premium prospects/players, while when teams like the Phillies and Angels get off w/ B prospects?

[Derek Jeter]

And apparently Lance Berkman is out of the lineup tonight and the Yankees are in "aggressive negotiations" for him, apparently we would be picking up most if not all the salary and giving up a few C prospects.

[Derek Jeter]

And its official, and even better, the Astros are "paying for most of the salary" and not getting any prospects ^_^.

We just stole one of the best offensive players in Astros history.

[TonyStarks]

The Yankees also acquired Austin Kearns from Cleveland for a PTBNL.

I'm beyond puzzled by Cashman's moves this trade deadline. For 2 years now, all we've heard is how the Yanks want to keep the DH spot open for Jeter, Posada and ARod. And within a 6 hour period Cashman brings in Kearns and Berkman.

Granted Kearns can play OF and so can Berkman, along with 1B. I'm sure this acquiring Berkman means the end of Juan Miranda and Colin Curtis moving to make room for Kearns?

Again, these are nice bats but neither is a platoon player, neither can play multiple positions like a Jerry Hairston. Both will mostly be seeing time from the DH position. What this move mainly does is make me wonder why Cashman didn't keep Hairston and Hinske? Both were great for the Yanks and knew their roles well.

Also, I'm a bit saddened by the fact that Mark Melancon should have been a nice back of the bullpen guy. But for some reason the Yanks just never gave him a real shot.

[Domenic]

I'm not sure what's so puzzling about this move - the Yankees utilized Matsui as a DH and signed Johnson as the DH this offseason, as well. I don't see how either of these moves hinders the possibility of giving anyone a breather at DH. In fact, that's why I imagine that Berkman appeared to be a bit upset to be heading to NY - he'd have a great shot at a championship, but he's unlikely to play everyday.

For what it's worth, Kearns is just an upgrade over Curtis. He's a solid corner outfielder and a passable center fielder.

I do agree that it's sort of sad to see Melancon go, but he is already 25 and his control has vanished since hitting the show last fall. Spilled milk, etc.

[NJYankeeFan]

I think these moves make perfect sense and I think both are platoon players. Berkman/Thames at DH. Kearns/Granderson OF.

Could that hurt some egos? Yes but it would create the best lineup.

Agree on Melancon but he has looked a mess this year and is 25. Frankly Albaledejo has passed him. As has Romulo Sanchez. Maybe he gets it back together with Houston. I hope so. But AAA relievers are easy to come by.

[lhslancers]

I see Matsui has picked up his stats a bit after that horrendous start in LA. What a stupid move signing the walking DL and giving up on Matsui last off season.

[NJYankeeFan]

Hindsight is always 20/20. Both Johnson and Matsui are serious injury risks. Bad roll of the dice.

[Zito75]

And its official, and even better, the Astros are "paying for most of the salary" and not getting any prospects ^_^.

We just stole one of the best offensive players in Astros history.

History being key word. Do you think Berkman has anything left in the tank? Can he stay off the DL? Legitimate concerns if I was a Yanks fan.

[Derek Jeter]

I think if you looked at his stats you would see that he was probably rushed back from the knee surgery in Spring Training. He can competently play 1B and maybe RF but I'd ease him into that role. I am more enthused about the switch hitter aspect, he has always hit well from the right side, he started out rocky but as the months have gone on hes gotten better. Plus you can't say that the Astros eating 4 mil and getting 2 C prospects for a great hitter (Who will be hitting in a lineup w/ other superstars around him for once, and be under the tutelage of a great hitting coach in Kevin Long). Plus he has a 2 mil buyout this offseason so we are still able to go out and sign a Werth or Crawford in the offseason. Plus not to mention hes renowned for being a great clubhouse guy and hes already apparently called Andy Pettite to tell him he has a new roomie.

Also I was considering Brett Myers, he has shown he can throw in big games w/ Philly and has a 133 ERA+ this year in Houston along w/ a 1.2 WHIP and an even better .7 HR/9 which profiles very well in a homer happy Yankee Stadium. He has started and Relieved before, but the only question would be what would Houston want for him?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/pl...=2010&t=p#half

Plus hes been hot since the Allstar break, 31 Strikeouts compared to 4 walks and only 7 runs in his last 3 starts, who knows what he could do w/ a good offense behind him. Could fill in for Pettite if Moseley blows up, and when Pettite comes back he slots nicely as a 8th inning guy to Mo.

[lhslancers]

Hindsight is always 20/20. Both Johnson and Matsui are serious injury risks. Bad roll of the dice.

I don't know many on this board who actually agreed on picking up Johnson. Matsui is a risk but I don't think he would get hurt swinging the bat. Johnson has to be cursed. Bad idea. At least Matsui would have given us a proven bat at DH. His knees act up playing the field not taking BP.

[TonyStarks]

I'm not sure what's so puzzling about this move - the Yankees utilized Matsui as a DH and signed Johnson as the DH this offseason, as well. I don't see how either of these moves hinders the possibility of giving anyone a breather at DH. In fact, that's why I imagine that Berkman appeared to be a bit upset to be heading to NY - he'd have a great shot at a championship, but he's unlikely to play everyday.

What' s puzzling me is that these will pre-dominately be DH's for the Yanks. Both are middle of the lineup hitters for their former teams...I'm not sure how them not playing everyday will translate.
While I welcome the addition of Berkman....this reaks of a trade that was made just for the sake of making a trade.

[NJYankeeFan]

Matsui got hurt last year just swinging the bat. How many time dd he have his knee drained? Those things don't get better.

Johnson is a proven hitter when healthy. Unfortunately the guy has the worst luck I've ever seen.

[johnnypapa]

History being key word. Do you think Berkman has anything left in the tank? Can he stay off the DL? Legitimate concerns if I was a Yanks fan.

Every trade comes with concerns. If you ask do I think it's a good trade...heck yeah. Switch hitting, on base machine in YS that you can plug into the #2 or #6 slot that comes cheap. What's not to like?

[Zito75]

What's not to like?

For sake of argument, just look at his 2010 stats. You pick the category and it's his worst of his career. All numbers are down and K's are up. Is it just me, or do the Yanks enjoy picking up guys that are in their mid to late 30's?

[lhslancers]

Matsui got hurt last year just swinging the bat. How many time dd he have his knee drained? Those things don't get better.

Johnson is a proven hitter when healthy. Unfortunately the guy has the worst luck I've ever seen.

You saw him get the WS MVP I think we could have squeezed a year out of him. All this discussion about the bats will seem trivial when we have to replace Pettitte and for the most part AJ. Hopefully Cliff Lee joins next year. We have 2 front line pitchers coming back next year CC and Hughes and that's it. AJ is no better than a 500 pitcher with a 1.30 WHIP.

[johnnypapa]

For sake of argument, just look at his 2010 stats. You pick the category and it's his worst of his career. All numbers are down and K's are up. Is it just me, or do the Yanks enjoy picking up guys that are in their mid to late 30's?

I think the Yankees enjoy picking up professional hitters that will not wilt in a playoff run regardless of age. Sure Berkman is not the player he was but his OPS is still around .800 and of those 13 HRs in 300 ABs 12 were hit vs. RH which will certainly be attractive in YS. And again...he comes cheap (which is not a concern to me anyway). Read my sig to get the Yankees take on things.

[Derek Jeter]

Just in again, Yankees acquired Kerry Wood, no info on who they are giving up but the Yankees will pay 1.4 mil of his ~3.2 mil owed. Not sure how I feel about this, maybe he was due for a change of scenery, but his numbers in Cleveland were atrocious. Hopefully Eiland can work his magic on him and turn him into a decent setup man.

[johnnypapa]

What' s puzzling me is that these will pre-dominately be DH's for the Yanks. Both are middle of the lineup hitters for their former teams...I'm not sure how them not playing everyday will translate.
While I welcome the addition of Berkman....this reaks of a trade that was made just for the sake of making a trade.

Cervelli has had the majority of innings so we may see more of a 'rested' Posada at catcher for the stretch run with Cervelli as defensive replacement. So Berkman DH from the left side and Thames, Kearns, etc. from the right side.

Btw...Curtis and Miranda were optioned and the Yankees picked up Kerry Wood from the Indians. For a PTBNL or cash and the Indians pick up part of his salary.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

[TonyStarks]

Cervelli has had the majority of innings so we may see more of a 'rested' Posada at catcher for the stretch run with Cervelli as defensive replacement. So Berkman DH from the left side and Thames, Kearns, etc. from the right side.

Btw...Curtis and Miranda were optioned and the Yankees picked up Kerry Wood from the Indians. For a PTBNL or cash and the Indians pick up part of his salary.

http://yankees.lhblogs.com/

Posada has a cist on his knee....so I kinda doubt that. I wonder if we'll see Posada on the DL again and him miss more time. The injury has been nagging him lately and caused him to miss a game and DH the next just last week.
If Posada goes on the DL for another month+ stint.....I wonder if we'll see Montero?!

--

Yankees just designated Chan Ho Park to make room for Kerry Wood. This move is a slight upgrade as Wood has pitched better since June he's been sporting a mid 3s ERA.