All the beatwriters are tweeting about this possible late-night Yankee deal for a starter…sounds like something significant. Makes us immediately wonder what happens to Joba or Phil if they acquire someone who plugs into the rotation right away. You have to think that if they’re acquiring a starter, he’d have to a be pretty good for them to bump Phil or Joba (not to mention the cost-savings of Joba and Phil). If Joba or Phil is included in this deal, you have to wonder why they weren’t willing to pull the trigger for Halladay. Maybe it was money or age. Maybe that means they’re targeting a young stud in this deal. Who knows. Just thinking out loud.
20 Comments
Kyle December 22, 2009 00:12
One source said that it wasn’t a salary dump so it certainly seems like this could be something pretty significant. My first thought was maybe Joba or Phil was actually part of the deal. Think about it, besides Montero, who would be left to get a young starter who is any good? It better not be Zambrano, not for that price.
a nony mouse December 22, 2009 00:42
felix hernandez please!
Driven by Jeep December 22, 2009 00:49
I read somewhere the divorce between the Dodgers owners was getting ugly and the team is in shambles. Maybe a pre-salary dump and they send Billingsly to the Bronx. One can dream, right?
Groves December 22, 2009 00:51
Whatever this trade is, it’s taking too long.
At least give us some more information.
Kyle December 22, 2009 00:57
Some of the names that have been mentioned have been Harang, Lowe, Vazquez, but those are all salary dumps, except for Vazquez. It all seems like pure speculation though. It’s strange how these reports are coming in from several different sources and yet no one has any idea who might be involved.
Noah December 22, 2009 01:55
It is being reported that it is not for Zambrano.
Could it be Brandon Webb? He is a free agent at the end of the season. Had a falling out at one point with the D-Backs. Is a perfect fit for Yankee Stadium. Of course he is coming of an injury. I think this is more of a wet dream, but I guess it could happen. I hate that no info name is being said. It is almost 2 AM, I want to go to bed. I can’t because I will be too tempted to get up 5 minutes later to see what is going on.
Who is on the market? All I can think of is Joe Blanton.
Kyle December 22, 2009 02:22
Maybe Josh Johnson? If Joba or Hughes were involved, this would not be completely impossible. That’s unlikely though.
ProfFarnswarth December 22, 2009 03:01
its going to be ted lilly, mark my words
Brandon December 22, 2009 03:27
Rumors have it, the target is Josh Johnson, he and FLA are not happy, there are bigger rumors starting to circulate that it’s Joba/Montero+ for Josh Johnson on the overnight..crediting Olney, MLBTR and SI’s Heyman.
Joe B. December 22, 2009 04:08
For the record, neither Heyman nor Olney have said ANYTHING about Johnson, much less Montero going anywhere. Citing sources is well and good, but not when you’re falsely attributing speculation to a big name in an attempt to lend some credibility to your own musings.
That being said, while I don’t think Johnson is very likely, I can’t think of another name that would lead to all this clandestine dealing. Losing Montero would hurt a lot, especially for a pitcher with only one good season under his belt. I’m still not entirely sold on Josh Johnson going forward – which I realize puts me in the minority – and I would be hesitant to give up what the Marlins would be asking.
Noah December 22, 2009 05:12
Olney, Heyman, and MLBTR have said absolutely nothing about this trade other then that there is one in the works. Your info about JJ is just BS.
Kyle December 22, 2009 05:50
I really can’t see the team giving up Montero after already losing Jackson. Unless it’s for an absolutely amazing young starter.
Butcher December 22, 2009 07:45
It’s been kept really quiet. It probably involved either Joba or Hughes. I’m hoping it’s Hughes. I don’t hate Hughes…I just think Joba is going to have the better career.
stickq December 22, 2009 09:19
Yuck, the names I’ve heard were Aaron Harang or Javier Vazquez… neither are worth anything of merit from our farm system. JV already proved he can’t pitch in NY and Harang already sucks in the NL so why bring him to the AL. If we trade a good prospect for either of them that is lunacy, let alone including Joba or Phil.
I’d rather sign Sheets and keep the youth. He has more potential then either of those two.
noseeum December 22, 2009 09:31
Vazquez has easily been a top 10 MLB pitcher the past two years. I’d be all for it. I think Torre really had no use for Vazquez, and that had an impact.
The guy can pitch. I don’t know why he doesn’t get more respect but he was awesome this year.
Noah December 22, 2009 09:37
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/6930257729
It is for Vazquez. He did not get a fair shot in NY. He was fine the first half of the season, but he fell apart in the second. Wasn’t he hurt too?
Noah December 22, 2009 09:42
http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/6930324132
Looks like the Yankee get another steal. Melky and Dunn? Are the Braves serious? WTH are they thinking? I will miss Melky.
ProfFarnswarth December 22, 2009 09:50
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5947/splits;_ylt=AouRYu6R.xFjgkspL7gRAT2FCLcF?year=2004&type=Pitching
Look at his pre all star splits. He was good before he got hurt.
Butcher December 22, 2009 10:06
Good trade. Especially when you consider he’ll be our 3rd or 4th starter. Nice counter to the Lackey signing without giving up a lot of prospects or $.
Now they need a LF, right?
noseeum December 22, 2009 10:09
He’s the number two starter right away. He’s a better pitcher than Burnett.