« Bernie The Swing Man | Main | Gator Speak »
February 08, 2006
The Buzz Before P&C
Lots of Yankees news via SI.com -
Yankees manager Joe Torre said he would use six pitchers -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright -- as starters this spring, making the rotation a source of intrigue in camp. He said the Yankees would carry 12 pitchers, with Octavio Dotel expected to begin on the disabled list. -- New York Times
It appears pitcher Shawn Chacon and the Yankees won't be able to agree on a deal, and the matter will go to arbitration. The Yanks have offered $3.1 million while Chacon is seeking $4.15 million. The arbitration hearing is scheduled for Monday. -- New York Daily News
Joe Torre called it "sort of a problem" that Johnny Damon will play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic since the new $52 million Yankee center fielder won't be able to "mix the whole spring." -- New York Daily News
On the 6-man rotation, it smells of showcase. Look for Wright or Pavano to be traded if no one is hurt.
What a shame that they could not work out a deal with Chacon. That could be one ugly hearing if the Yankees use the right data.
Lastly, Joe should ask Damon, on the side, to beg out of the WBC - if he really feels this way. Otherwise, since A-Rod is going (to play SS of all things!) and Jeter is going, then he should not single out Damon.
Related, if A-Rod gets hurt playing SS in the WBC (say, on a DP take-out slide) then it's going to be another thing thrown at him. Why he's agreed to do this, I don't know. Well, I could imagine. But, it just turns me off.
Posted by Steve Lombardi at February 8, 2006 01:22 PM
Comments
A-Rod sits out: he's a wuss. A-Rod plays for DR: he's turning his back on his native country & it's not like the DR is hurting for players (Netherlands). A-Rod plays for the US: he's dissing his parents' country. The guy can't win.
Go Alex, bring the trophy home for the US!
Posted by: rbj ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.waswatching.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at February 8, 2006 02:23 PM
I couldn't agree more. I want ARod to win and win big with a huge series. I want him to taste winning so he can a) stuff it back in the faces of his haters and b) bring some of that winning attitude back to New York.
As for Damon and Jeter, god I wish they'd come up with some excused and get out of this. I just wish this whole WBC thing would go away.
Posted by: MJ at February 8, 2006 03:23 PM
I'd think Pavano has a better chance of moving than Wright.
It's a shame Chacon and the Yanks can't get together, but them's the breaks. Wouldn't be the first time the Yanks went to arbitration.
What does Torre mean by "mix the whole spring?" He's been in the league for 11 years; WYSIWYG, I think by this stage Damon knows what he needs to do to prepare and play this season.
ARod needs to learn to just shut up, or stick to his guns. People are going to say what they want to say, so why should he care?
Given the random nature of injuries they can happen during the WBC, they can happen during winter ball, they can happen doing mundane things like taking out the trash, or putting on a pair of boots. I'm not worried.
Posted by: Raf at February 8, 2006 11:00 PM