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December 12, 2005

Yanks Source: M's Reed No Better Than Bubba

From the Seattle P-I:

Speculation on trades between the Mariners and Yankees has often started with the premise that New York would insist on Jeremy Reed's inclusion in any proposal for right-hander Carl Pavano.

Now, that assumption seems outdated. One Yankees source said Sunday that they would not view Reed as a significant upgrade over Bubba Crosby.

Instead, the source said, Seattle would need to make bullpen components -- such as Julio Mateo, J.J. Putz, Rafael Soriano or some combination thereof -- a significant part of any deal for Pavano. New York also likes left fielder/designated hitter Raul Ibanez, but the Mariners would be reluctant to move him.

Don't get me wrong, Raul Ibanez (in 2006) could be a very useful player for the Yankees - playing some DH and backing up at 1B and the OF.

But, to say that Reed is not a "significant upgrade over Bubba Crosby" is insane.

Yes, Reed was a below average performer offensively last season. But, he's was just 24-years-old. When Bubba Crosby was that age he was still two years away from his first big league At Bat. And, Bubba will be 29 next year - compared to Reed's 25. So, right there, there's an upside for Reed.

Plus, while many think Crosby can be a great defender in CF over a full season, we know that Reed can do it - he was a legit Gold Glove contender last year.

And, in his 2004 Prospect Book, John Sickels rated Reed one of the best hitting prospects in the game. At no time in his career did Bubba ever carry such promise.

At this rate, Pavano better be a 20-game winner for Cashman in 2006. Brian's "attempting to save face" reluctance to deal Carl is going to cost the Yankees - especially if they're passing over a chance to get a player like Reed in exchange for him.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at December 12, 2005 11:05 PM

Comments

Proving yet again how overrated Brian Cashman is as a GM. The Red Sox made a big-money mistake signing Renterian. Sure enough, one year later Renteria is gone. Cashman makes the same mistake with Pavano, sure enough, he's here to stay.

Posted by: MJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 13, 2005 08:57 AM

Cashman and that "source" need to be smacked...

Reed and an arm for Pavano. See if you can get two arms. Get it done.

Posted by: Raf [TypeKey Profile Page] at December 13, 2005 09:09 AM