Joey's Take: The Chicago Cubs are very smart to be negotiating the deal with ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano. He will cost alot of money but they do have the money. But, if he is released onto the open market next offseason, he will, in my opinion, see alot more money since the competition will be very steep to get a young ace like him. If the Cubs don't re-sign him, going into next off-season their ace will be Ted Lilly or Rich Hill, and depending on the season he has, maybe even Mark Prior. An ugly situation to have for Chicago, they need to lock him up as soon as possible.
MESA, Ariz. -- Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he expects to reach some sort of agreement before Tuesday's scheduled arbitration hearing in Phoenix.
Zambrano said on Monday that he talked to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, and was to meet later in the day with his agent, Barry Praver.
"I spoke to Jim earlier today and he told me, 'Don't worry about anything,'" Zambrano said. "We will get some agreement. I don't think we'll go to the trial tomorrow."
The trial is actually a hearing in front of an independent arbitrator. Zambrano, who made $6.5 million in '06, is seeking $15.5 million. The Cubs countered with an offer of $11.025 million.
Zambrano was 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA in 33 starts last season. He will be a free agent after this year, but he's expressed an interest in staying with the Cubs.
Soruce: MLB.com Article
Monday, February 19, 2007
Blue Jays Give Gibbons extension
Joey's Take: The Toronto Blue Jays giving John Gibbons a contract extension was a very solid move. He's a fiesty manager and a very good one. A solid 2nd place finish in the AL East last year, they have locked up Gibbons for only a year. A longer extension may and probally will follow, if they again have a solid year this upcoming season.
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract extension with manager John Gibbons, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. An official announcement could come as early as Monday.
"We've talked, but nothing's done," Gibbons said early Monday morning.
Gibbons' new deal would pay him $650,000 in 2008 -- a $150,000 raise over his salary for the upcoming '07 season. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi was not immediately available for comment.
Source: MLB.com Article
DUNEDIN, Fla. -- The Blue Jays have reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract extension with manager John Gibbons, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. An official announcement could come as early as Monday.
"We've talked, but nothing's done," Gibbons said early Monday morning.
Gibbons' new deal would pay him $650,000 in 2008 -- a $150,000 raise over his salary for the upcoming '07 season. Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi was not immediately available for comment.
Source: MLB.com Article
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Bernie Williams: Future is Cloudy
Joey's Take: With the outfield being set, at Hideki Matsui in left, Johnny Damon in center, and Bobby Abreu in right, and not to mention the 4th outfielder spot/backup won last season by rookie sensation Melky Cabrera, there is no room for an aging, 38-year-old Bernie Williams. Recently declining a spring invitation, his future with the team, a 17th season stint if he does return, looks very cloudy.
TAMPA, Fla. -- The problem with some baseball careers is that they simply don't last long enough.
The career of Bernie Williams may be in its last act. Nobody associated with the New York Yankees wants to see this particular career come to close; not teammates, not the manager, not the fans, probably not even the media. The end of this career might be understandable, but that does not mean that anybody has to like the fact that this career is ending.
Even as you consider that the man is 38, and even when it could be generally agreed that the New York Yankees might need other, younger talents, there seems to be a certain unfairness to all of it. The good guys, the class acts, the ones that represent the best elements of their sport and their team, get no particular breaks from the aging process or from the pattern of constant change that characterizes the game.
The people who have watched and appreciated what these players have done and what they have meant to the game can only look on with dismay while this process occurs.
All of this was why on Sunday, in a Yankees camp in which the theme of organizational change in direction underlies the entire spring, Topic A was the one element that nobody really wanted to change -- Bernie Williams. He wasn't at Legends Field.
The Yankees have asked Williams to come to camp as a non-roster invitee. Williams has so far declined that invitation. That non-roster status would be a substantial comedown for a man who was at the core at one of this franchise's most successful eras, a man who has been with this team for 16 seasons, who has played every one of his 2,076 Major League games in the uniform of this team. And yet, if he made this team, as it is set up now, the largest role he could expect would be that of a bit player, a spot player, a fifth outfielder.
TAMPA, Fla. -- The problem with some baseball careers is that they simply don't last long enough.
The career of Bernie Williams may be in its last act. Nobody associated with the New York Yankees wants to see this particular career come to close; not teammates, not the manager, not the fans, probably not even the media. The end of this career might be understandable, but that does not mean that anybody has to like the fact that this career is ending.
Even as you consider that the man is 38, and even when it could be generally agreed that the New York Yankees might need other, younger talents, there seems to be a certain unfairness to all of it. The good guys, the class acts, the ones that represent the best elements of their sport and their team, get no particular breaks from the aging process or from the pattern of constant change that characterizes the game.
The people who have watched and appreciated what these players have done and what they have meant to the game can only look on with dismay while this process occurs.
All of this was why on Sunday, in a Yankees camp in which the theme of organizational change in direction underlies the entire spring, Topic A was the one element that nobody really wanted to change -- Bernie Williams. He wasn't at Legends Field.
The Yankees have asked Williams to come to camp as a non-roster invitee. Williams has so far declined that invitation. That non-roster status would be a substantial comedown for a man who was at the core at one of this franchise's most successful eras, a man who has been with this team for 16 seasons, who has played every one of his 2,076 Major League games in the uniform of this team. And yet, if he made this team, as it is set up now, the largest role he could expect would be that of a bit player, a spot player, a fifth outfielder.
Torres to take on Bucs' closer role
Joey's Take: Adopting former closer and now Braves setup man Mike Gonzalez's closer role will be a tough task to do. It probally will not be repeated by Solomon Torres, newly slated closer so far from the Pirates prospective. the 24 of 24 saves in save opportunities, the 2.17 ERA, and the dominating stuff Gonzalez had will be missed by all Bucs fans. But Torres can be an effective closer. He does have the stuff. I myself, would definatly watch camp for youngsters such as Matt Capps, Shane Youman, and maybe even Brian Rogers to also adopt the closer role if they do in fact make an impact in spring training.
BRADENTON, Fla. -- It was clear Friday morning that Salomon Torres' pants were a size too small. His bullpen partners-in-crime wasted no time taking advantage of the situation, issuing whistles and cat-calls, and letting loose with the merciless teasing until Torres was able to slip into a larger pair.
Until then, though, Torres hammed it up. Laughing just as hard as his tormentors, he practiced an exaggerated batting stance and quipped that the pants probably were the reason for increased ticket sales at PNC Park.
"They try to pick on me most of the time," he said with a smile. "The whole bullpen treats each other like brothers, like family.
"We have a great relationship, and it's a relationship to be envied by a lot of teams. What we've got going here, it's special."
Special enough, Torres said, that while the offseason departure of closer Mike Gonzalez left Torres' clan one member short, the staff won't be lacking at all this season. For Torres, the Pirates' trade for Adam LaRoche meant a move to closer. It was a role he'd assumed over the last six weeks of the 2006 season when Gonzalez was injured, so he's both aware of the demands of the new job, and ready to accept the challenge.
"Maybe this spring is a little special for me," Torres said. "Me being the closer, I wear the responsibility. Therefore, I'm working a little harder, not only physically, but also mentally to be ready so when they give me the ball, I'm ready."
Primarily a setup man for the Bucs last season, Torres proved he was ready when Gonzalez was sidelined with a sore elbow, saving 10 straight games down the stretch -- and a Majors-leading 12 total during the last month of play. The 34-year-old workhorse also showed his staying power, racking up a franchise record-tying 94 outings in 2006. He finished the year with a 3-6 record and a 3.28 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 12 saves in 15 chances.
Torres began the season as he had many in the past -- a little sluggish and without his best stuff, which found him at 2-2 with a blown save and an ERA hovering around 5 at the end of May. This year, Torres said he's focused on combating just that, because this time around, there's no room for error.
Source: MLB.com
BRADENTON, Fla. -- It was clear Friday morning that Salomon Torres' pants were a size too small. His bullpen partners-in-crime wasted no time taking advantage of the situation, issuing whistles and cat-calls, and letting loose with the merciless teasing until Torres was able to slip into a larger pair.
Until then, though, Torres hammed it up. Laughing just as hard as his tormentors, he practiced an exaggerated batting stance and quipped that the pants probably were the reason for increased ticket sales at PNC Park.
"They try to pick on me most of the time," he said with a smile. "The whole bullpen treats each other like brothers, like family.
"We have a great relationship, and it's a relationship to be envied by a lot of teams. What we've got going here, it's special."
Special enough, Torres said, that while the offseason departure of closer Mike Gonzalez left Torres' clan one member short, the staff won't be lacking at all this season. For Torres, the Pirates' trade for Adam LaRoche meant a move to closer. It was a role he'd assumed over the last six weeks of the 2006 season when Gonzalez was injured, so he's both aware of the demands of the new job, and ready to accept the challenge.
"Maybe this spring is a little special for me," Torres said. "Me being the closer, I wear the responsibility. Therefore, I'm working a little harder, not only physically, but also mentally to be ready so when they give me the ball, I'm ready."
Primarily a setup man for the Bucs last season, Torres proved he was ready when Gonzalez was sidelined with a sore elbow, saving 10 straight games down the stretch -- and a Majors-leading 12 total during the last month of play. The 34-year-old workhorse also showed his staying power, racking up a franchise record-tying 94 outings in 2006. He finished the year with a 3-6 record and a 3.28 ERA, 72 strikeouts and 12 saves in 15 chances.
Torres began the season as he had many in the past -- a little sluggish and without his best stuff, which found him at 2-2 with a blown save and an ERA hovering around 5 at the end of May. This year, Torres said he's focused on combating just that, because this time around, there's no room for error.
Source: MLB.com
Yankees New Dynasty: The Farm
Yankees Newest Dynasty: The Baby Bombers
By Joey the Kid
The New York Yankees. 26 time World Champions, known mostly for their bloated payroll around the baseball front, giving little credit to what they've worked on the most for the past few years: their farm system.
The Yankee's farm system was depleted, and hardly recognized by anyone a few seasons ago. Keith Law of ESPN.com recently rated their farm in the top 10, which is quite an accomplishment. It all started when Robinson Cano, barely even considered a top prospect, was called up in May 2005. He put on a brilliant rookie campain posting a .297 average, along with 14 home runs. Among other call-ups included Chien-Ming Wang, who, although having some injury trouble, posted a good-enough rookie campaign along with the help of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon to get the Yankees through to the playoffs.
The Yankee's farm system was depleted, and hardly recognized by anyone a few seasons ago. Keith Law of ESPN.com recently rated their farm in the top 10, which is quite an accomplishment. It all started when Robinson Cano, barely even considered a top prospect, was called up in May 2005. He put on a brilliant rookie campain posting a .297 average, along with 14 home runs. Among other call-ups included Chien-Ming Wang, who, although having some injury trouble, posted a good-enough rookie campaign along with the help of Aaron Small and Shawn Chacon to get the Yankees through to the playoffs.
Robinson Cano and Chien-Ming Wang are now young stars of the Yankees, after Wang established himself as Yankees' ace in 2006 and Robinson Cano a great young All-Star second basemen. Not to mention another great young prospect named Melky Cabrera.
Cabrera, also not mentioned as a "top prospect," was called up in 2005 only to hit .211 and miss some plays in the outfield where he was almost immediatly demoted. A year later, Hideki Matsui injured his wrist, and the crowds gasped in fear. Who was their option for left field?Bernie Williams could not do it for long. Melky was soon to be inserted in the lineup, where he had a great rookie campaign and doubted everyone wrong. The 21-year-old hit .280 with 7 home runs, including 1 game winner and 1 potential game winner. He also showed great discipline at the plate, walking 55 times and striking out 59.
Who will be the next to be called up?
Highly- touted prospect Phillip Hughes may be next, and is the most widely-known Yankee prospect. People ask me "how good is Hughes going to be?" Sir, Hughes is going to be great. But people must realize Hughes is not the only bright young star in the Yankees system.
Eric Duncan, who was rushed and paid the price, is looking to regain his 1st round pick form in '07. He still has amazing power potential, and will be the 1st base option, if not 3rd (if Alex Rodriguez does indeed opt out of his contract at the end of 07). Tyler Clippard is also a great 21-year-old prospect who can be counted on as a future starter, compiling a 12-10 record with a 3.35 ERA, with 175 strikeouts at Trenton (AA). Also, not to forget J.B. Cox, regarded as the set-up man/closer of the future, who compiled a 1.75 ERA with 3 saves also at Trenton (AA).
Along with Cabrera, another outfield prospect, possibly one of the best in the minors, must be mentioned in talk of a Yankees farm system. He goes by the name of Jose Tabata.Tabata, a 17-year-old prospect, is considered to have 30+ home run potential, before his 25th birthday by some scouts. Blessed with great contact, promising power, and decent speed, he may be the replacement for any outfielder in the Yankees future.
Speaking of outfield, one more must be said. Brett Gardner, who is regarded as possibly Damon's replacement for centerfield.Also blessed with great contact and amazing speed, he is the natural lead-off hitter you look for in an orginization's system. In trips to Tampa (A) and Trenton (AA), he hit a combined .298 with 58 stolen bases, with 134 hits in 449 at-bats.Next time you talk Yankees' system, look a little bit deeper into the blue.
Cabrera, also not mentioned as a "top prospect," was called up in 2005 only to hit .211 and miss some plays in the outfield where he was almost immediatly demoted. A year later, Hideki Matsui injured his wrist, and the crowds gasped in fear. Who was their option for left field?Bernie Williams could not do it for long. Melky was soon to be inserted in the lineup, where he had a great rookie campaign and doubted everyone wrong. The 21-year-old hit .280 with 7 home runs, including 1 game winner and 1 potential game winner. He also showed great discipline at the plate, walking 55 times and striking out 59.
Who will be the next to be called up?
Highly- touted prospect Phillip Hughes may be next, and is the most widely-known Yankee prospect. People ask me "how good is Hughes going to be?" Sir, Hughes is going to be great. But people must realize Hughes is not the only bright young star in the Yankees system.
Eric Duncan, who was rushed and paid the price, is looking to regain his 1st round pick form in '07. He still has amazing power potential, and will be the 1st base option, if not 3rd (if Alex Rodriguez does indeed opt out of his contract at the end of 07). Tyler Clippard is also a great 21-year-old prospect who can be counted on as a future starter, compiling a 12-10 record with a 3.35 ERA, with 175 strikeouts at Trenton (AA). Also, not to forget J.B. Cox, regarded as the set-up man/closer of the future, who compiled a 1.75 ERA with 3 saves also at Trenton (AA).
Along with Cabrera, another outfield prospect, possibly one of the best in the minors, must be mentioned in talk of a Yankees farm system. He goes by the name of Jose Tabata.Tabata, a 17-year-old prospect, is considered to have 30+ home run potential, before his 25th birthday by some scouts. Blessed with great contact, promising power, and decent speed, he may be the replacement for any outfielder in the Yankees future.
Speaking of outfield, one more must be said. Brett Gardner, who is regarded as possibly Damon's replacement for centerfield.Also blessed with great contact and amazing speed, he is the natural lead-off hitter you look for in an orginization's system. In trips to Tampa (A) and Trenton (AA), he hit a combined .298 with 58 stolen bases, with 134 hits in 449 at-bats.Next time you talk Yankees' system, look a little bit deeper into the blue.
Written 2/4/07 by J.M.
Hello and Posts Coming Soon
Hey guys. Joey here. News, rumors, and articles about farm systems throughout the whole entire baseball world coming very soon! Stay tuned!
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