Hot Stove action

The New York Yankees did make their first couple of moves this offseason. They were nothing to get too excited about but they removed Josh Towers and Freddy Guzman from the 40 man rosters and allowed them to become free agents. This news came from Chad Jennings of the Journal News who was out in Chicago for the GM meetings. The Yankees are going to try and sign their own guys but are in no rush, i am sure they will be in on Aroldis Chapman but not so sure they will sign any other free agents other then their own. If you don't know how Aroldis Chapman is he is a cuban defector. He is a 21 year old lefty who throws 100mph, they say he is the real deal but his control is erractic. Scott Boras today came out and tried and make the case for Damon getting 3 or 4 years. The Yankees just can't do it, 2 years is the most they should go and if he goes then they can look at another outfielder. Jason Varitek exercised his option for 3 million to stay with the Red Sox. He is their captain and has been with them 13 years but has been declining steadily. He will be the backup now behind Victor Martinez who is a really good hitter even though he is not a great defensive catcher. The Mariners resigned Ken Griffey Jr. to a 1 year deal. It is sad to see how much he has declined also but there is some sentimental value here since he started his career with the M's and is adored there. Jim Riggleman was named the manager of the Washington Nationals today. He finished ahead of Bobby Valentine.

Gold Gloves

The American League was announced yesterday and the winners were. C- Joe Mauer 1B- Mark Teixeira 2B- Placido Polanco SS- Derek Jeter 3B- Evan Longoria OF- Torii Hunter OF- Ichiro Suzuki OF- Adam Jones P- Mark Buehrle The National league was announced today and the winners were. C- Yadier Molina 1B- Adrian Gonzales 2B- Orlando Hudson SS- Jimmy Rollins 3B- Ryan Zimmerman OF-Shane Victorino OF- Matt Kemp OF- Michael Bourn P- Adam Wainwright I don't see many problems with these lists. I think Cano could have won a gold glove this year but Polanco is really good and A-rod I don't think ever gets enough credit for being a really good third baseman especially after switching from shortstop. I think this was done pretty well though and no real complaints.

GM Meetings

There really isn't much news out of the meetings. It is really just a precursor to the Winter Meetings next month and with the World Series just ending I think it makes it even that more difficult. The Yankees are going to be really patient. The rumor today by Joel Sherman is that the Yankees are going to look to resign all 3 of Damon, Matsui and Pettitte to 1 year deals. I think Matsui will be gone though and Pettitte will come back for a one year deal but a raise and Damon won't take less then 2 years and they will end up giving it to him. Brian Cashman did say he views Joba and Phil Hughes as starters that can relieve but has them down as starters for now. I really think that is how it is going to be with Alfredo Aceves, Chad Gaudin, Sergio Mitre, Ian Kennedy as backups. I don't think you can have to much pitching but a number 5 starter isn't that important and I think now they have too much invested in Joba as a starter and he has shown signs he just hasn't been consistant. The Red Sox did pick up V-marts option and not Varitek, he may come back for a year but that does seem unlikely now. It will be interesting to see if he is gone how that affects the team since he is their captain. The Mets apparantly were talking to Scott Boras today for an hour about Matt Holliday and some other less important guys. This came via several of the writers, Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman included. The Mariners GM does not look like he will trade Felix Hernandez unless he gets something really substantial. I am also doubting Roy Halladay will be moved but of course those rumors are out there again. If I was the Mets I would swoop in and get Lackey and a good catcher.

Brian Cashman-Envy of many once again

Brian Cashman has gotten his fair shar of criticism in recent years but is now on top of the world as GM of the World Champion New York Yankees. He took over the operations a few years ago and since then the farm system has improved immensely which in my opinion is the best thing he has done. He hired Joe Girardi which turned out to be the right move, as early as last year they were getting on him for that also but lets remember Joe won 89 games with a very depleted roster due to injuries in the AL East which is the best division in baseball. He made great moves this offseason laying in the weeds and then pouncing to get Mark Teixeira, signing CC SAbathia and A.J. Burnett because he knew this team needed front line starting pitching. He also made a great trade by shipping Wilson Betemit to Chicago for Nick Swisher who brought great enthusiasm to this team and also slugged 29 homeruns. He took flyers on guys like Sergio Mitre and Chad Gaudin and got rewarded for it. The farm system provided talent that really helped this team. Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena, Juan Miranda, Joba and Phil Hughes of course and lets not forget Dave Robertson and Phil Coke, Mark Melancon, Alfredo Aceves. The Yankees do spend a lot of money but everyone forgets how many homegrown guys there are including Brett Gardner, Melky, the core four. I think Cashman has done a great job as GM and the one big thing he got hammered for last year was not trading for Johan Santana well I also said this and it proved true, he wanted to hold on to his prospects and just use money to get CC who would be as good or better then Johan, he looks pretty good right now. Phil Hughes and Joba are still on the team and CC won 19 games and had a great run in the playoffs. Johan Santana finished the year on the disabled list for a team going nowhere fast. Brian Cashman deserves to get praised right now for getting this team in position to win #27.

Giants skid continues

The New York Giants lost to the San Diego Chargers yesterday in heartbreaking fashion. The Giants had a 20-14 lead with just over 2 minutes in the game and couldn't hold it. The defense needed to come up big in the end and once again couldn't do it letting the Chargers drive down the field 80 yards for the winning TD. The Giants defense played much better overall but the bottom line is when they needed to make the plays they couldn't do it. Eli Manning had a strong game but it wasn't enough. I don't understand why Brandon Jacobs only had 11 carries especially considering he was averaging over 6 yards a carry. I think they didn't go to him enough. It looks like there is a coaching problem here somewhere. I don't think they have done the things that have made the Giants successful over the past couple of years. The main problem though in my opinion is the new defensive coordinator. He is not up to the job and the players aren't responding to him at all. It all started with what seemed to be a little thing in camp with Justin Tuck but it seems like there is a big problem now. The pass rush has been pretty much non existent and the secondary has become weaker with an already depleted crew. I don't know what the answers are but the Giants better find them fast. It doesn't look like they will make the playoffs this year and they are looking at a very mediocre year for a team that had super bowl aspirations. The injuries have hurt the Giants but there is too much talent on the roster for them to be playing the way they are, I know they beat up on the weak teams but they are still better then this and have 2 weeks to get this straight before playing Atlanta at home and then heading to Denver on Thanksgiving eve.