A-Rod and Sheff updates

[Backtobanks]

I think there are players out there in FA and in the trade talks that can help the Cubs rather than Alou or Sheffield. Granted both of these players CAN be very productive, but I'd like to see some players who are near their prime rather than 3-4 years past their prime. Of course, they will probably go to other teams and hit a ton and then I will have to eat my words, but I would still rather look elsewhere.

[goonys evil twin]

I'm not opposed to Sheffield, but there are concerns about his defense and his ability to recover from injury. If he's going to bitch and moan, I'd look elsewhere.

 

Interesting, the same could be said for Alou.

 

Alou has always been known as a pretty good teammate. In fact, from all indications, he was a very positive influence on Ramirez.

 

Where did you hear he was a positve influence on Ramirez?

 

Almost every writer has alluded to the story.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'm not opposed to Sheffield, but there are concerns about his defense and his ability to recover from injury. If he's going to bitch and moan, I'd look elsewhere.

 

Interesting, the same could be said for Alou.

 

Alou has always been known as a pretty good teammate. In fact, from all indications, he was a very positive influence on Ramirez.

 

Where did you hear he was a positve influence on Ramirez?

 

It was written somewhere. I don't have the link, and given the article is likely two years old, I'm not optimisitic about finding it.

 

But (and maybe others can back me up), I am certain that I've read he was a positive influence, and some have even indicated that Ramirez has gotten more moody since Alou's leaving.

[CubinNY]

I'm not opposed to Sheffield, but there are concerns about his defense and his ability to recover from injury. If he's going to bitch and moan, I'd look elsewhere.

 

Interesting, the same could be said for Alou.

 

Alou has always been known as a pretty good teammate. In fact, from all indications, he was a very positive influence on Ramirez.

 

Where did you hear he was a positve influence on Ramirez?

 

It was written somewhere. I don't have the link, and given the article is likely two years old, I'm not optimisitic about finding it.

 

But (and maybe others can back me up), I am certain that I've read he was a positive influence, and some have even indicated that Ramirez has gotten more moody since Alou's leaving.

 

It doesn't matter Vance. Alou had a problem with the media. Shefield has a problem with everyone. Alou and Shefield are in a different universe of difficulty.

[Pinktermite]

would Sheffield be worth having, though? He'd never go for a platoon, he's too much of a prima donna for that. I'd way rather they spend the 13 million on something else. But then, I think that's obvious.

[beowulf28]

would Sheffield be worth having, though? He'd never go for a platoon, he's too much of a prima donna for that. I'd way rather they spend the 13 million on something else. But then, I think that's obvious.

 

In a word...NO! I do remember Alou as being a clutch hitter. Does anyone know if he's had a good OBP over the last several years?

 

BTW, I know he's been difficult with the media, but IMO, his baggage is a lot lighter than Sheffield's. I'd much rather have Alou.

[USSoccer]

Again, Sheffield will probably piss and moan about a contract extension if he's traded. Add that to the fact that he's extremely injury prone and old, and that his production is beginning to drop precipitiously, and there's no reason to want him.

 

If you want a RH option for RF, there are at least 4 good FA options and one in house option that will cost less and be less of a headache.

[soccer10k]

I'll pass on Sheffield and all the baggage he'll bring with him.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

Just say no to outfielders on the wrong side of 35 years of age, please.

[CuseCubFan69]

Just say no to outfielders on the wrong side of 35 years of age, please.

 

Especially known steroid users.

[rawaction]

If Sheff would have been a FA, I wouldn't mind signing him for 1 year for 6-8 mil, provided the Cubs could get rid of Jones or put him in CF and get big production out of 2B, SS, or CF also.

[NorthsideAvenger]

Lou Piniella's Cubs, who need a run producer even if they can keep potential free agent Aramis Ramirez, are a strong possibility for Sheffield. The Astros, Mariners, Nationals, Angels, Orioles, Twins and Rangers also could be suitors.

 

per Joel Sherman of the NY Post.

 

He isn't suggesting that the Cubs will go after Sheffield, he is suggesting that the Cubs could be interested IF the Yanks pick up abit of Sheff's contract.

 

But I still say heck no.

[b_wiggy_66]

From Newsday Today:

 

"So renew the Yankees must, if only to ensure they can send Sheffield as far away as possible, perhaps for next-to-nothing to the Cubs, where he can be Lou Piniella's headache."

 

With the talk of Ramirez and the CUbs not being close they are going to need some thump. I read somewhere that alot Sheffs 13million is deferred. If he could be had for next to nothing I say its worth a shot. Then try to trade Jones for some pitching.

[Backtobanks]

From Newsday Today:

 

"So renew the Yankees must, if only to ensure they can send Sheffield as far away as possible, perhaps for next-to-nothing to the Cubs, where he can be Lou Piniella's headache."

 

With the talk of Ramirez and the CUbs not being close they are going to need some thump. I read somewhere that alot Sheffs 13million is deferred. If he could be had for next to nothing I say its worth a shot. Then try to trade Jones for some pitching.

 

I don't understand why they would sign him and then trade him for next to nothing. I would think the Yankees are expecting a little more than "next to nothing."

[HoopsCubs]

From Newsday Today:

 

"So renew the Yankees must, if only to ensure they can send Sheffield as far away as possible, perhaps for next-to-nothing to the Cubs, where he can be Lou Piniella's headache."

 

With the talk of Ramirez and the CUbs not being close they are going to need some thump. I read somewhere that alot Sheffs 13million is deferred. If he could be had for next to nothing I say its worth a shot. Then try to trade Jones for some pitching.

 

I don't understand why they would sign him and then trade him for next to nothing. I would think the Yankees are expecting a little more than "next to nothing."

 

I think they care much more about where he goes than what they get in return. Letting him become a free agent means there is a chance he could sign with Boston or the Mets. Picking up the option guarantees he won't go to Boston or the Mets. Sounds crazy to make a $13M move based on that, I know, but as one source told me: for George, it's all about the Mets and Red Sox.

[b_wiggy_66]

From Newsday Today:

 

"So renew the Yankees must, if only to ensure they can send Sheffield as far away as possible, perhaps for next-to-nothing to the Cubs, where he can be Lou Piniella's headache."

 

With the talk of Ramirez and the CUbs not being close they are going to need some thump. I read somewhere that alot Sheffs 13million is deferred. If he could be had for next to nothing I say its worth a shot. Then try to trade Jones for some pitching.

 

I don't understand why they would sign him and then trade him for next to nothing. I would think the Yankees are expecting a little more than "next to nothing."

 

I think they care much more about where he goes than what they get in return. Letting him become a free agent means there is a chance he could sign with Boston or the Mets. Picking up the option guarantees he won't go to Boston or the Mets. Sounds crazy to make a $13M move based on that, I know, but as one source told me: for George, it's all about the Mets and Red Sox.

 

Yes it said in many of the papers that the Yankees didn't want him to go to Boston, which is where they think he would end up.

[Backtobanks]

From Newsday Today:

 

"So renew the Yankees must, if only to ensure they can send Sheffield as far away as possible, perhaps for next-to-nothing to the Cubs, where he can be Lou Piniella's headache."

 

With the talk of Ramirez and the CUbs not being close they are going to need some thump. I read somewhere that alot Sheffs 13million is deferred. If he could be had for next to nothing I say its worth a shot. Then try to trade Jones for some pitching.

 

I don't understand why they would sign him and then trade him for next to nothing. I would think the Yankees are expecting a little more than "next to nothing."

 

I think they care much more about where he goes than what they get in return. Letting him become a free agent means there is a chance he could sign with Boston or the Mets. Picking up the option guarantees he won't go to Boston or the Mets. Sounds crazy to make a $13M move based on that, I know, but as one source told me: for George, it's all about the Mets and Red Sox.

 

Yes it said in many of the papers that the Yankees didn't want him to go to Boston, which is where they think he would end up.

 

 

Okay then, Bynum for Sheffield even up. That's as close to "next to nothing" as I could get.

[Neuby]

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday.

But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Those players will land long-term, multimillion-dollar deals, but all Sheffield costs is $13 million for one season, with at least $4.5 million deferred.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spyanks314954810oct31,0,5248755.story?coll=ny-sports-print

 

Not sure what I would give up for Sheffield but if we found a way to not give up much and find a way to peddle Jones for something of vaule it would be nice to take a gamble that Sheff can return to 30-35 homer glory. Does Sheffield still throw the ball well? I know he's not worse than Jones.

[CubColtPacer]

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday.

But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Those players will land long-term, multimillion-dollar deals, but all Sheffield costs is $13 million for one season, with at least $4.5 million deferred.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spyanks314954810oct31,0,5248755.story?coll=ny-sports-print

 

Not sure what I would give up for Sheffield but if we found a way to not give up much and find a way to peddle Jones for something of vaule it would be nice to take a gamble that Sheff can return to 30-35 homer glory. Does Sheffield still throw the ball well? I know he's not worse than Jones.

 

Well, if it's the Cubs, good for them for staying firm in the Sheffield talks. I don't particularly want him, but if the team is going to get him, at least they are not caving it to the Yankees demands yet (and that's why the Yankees are waiting, hoping the market improves for him).

[Backtobanks]

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday.

But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Those players will land long-term, multimillion-dollar deals, but all Sheffield costs is $13 million for one season, with at least $4.5 million deferred.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spyanks314954810oct31,0,5248755.story?coll=ny-sports-print

 

Not sure what I would give up for Sheffield but if we found a way to not give up much and find a way to peddle Jones for something of vaule it would be nice to take a gamble that Sheff can return to 30-35 homer glory. Does Sheffield still throw the ball well? I know he's not worse than Jones.

 

Well, if it's the Cubs, good for them for staying firm in the Sheffield talks. I don't particularly want him, but if the team is going to get him, at least they are not caving it to the Yankees demands yet (and that's why the Yankees are waiting, hoping the market improves for him).

 

Cashman has us over a barrel. Okay Bynum and Rusch for Sheffield.

[E.J.]

The Yankees' auction of Gary Sheffield has progressed to the point that general manager Brian Cashman has a potential deal in place if he wishes to pull the trigger, an official from another American League team told Newsday yesterday.

But Cashman is not quite ready to make a trade. A person familiar with the team's plans said "there is no urgency" to the process. The Yankees seem inclined to wait at least a little longer with the hope that the market for Sheffield improves.

The Cubs and Phillies are believed to be among the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Sheffield, who is an attractive, more affordable alternative to free-agent sluggers Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee. Those players will land long-term, multimillion-dollar deals, but all Sheffield costs is $13 million for one season, with at least $4.5 million deferred.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition/ny-spyanks314954810oct31,0,5248755.story?coll=ny-sports-print

 

Not sure what I would give up for Sheffield but if we found a way to not give up much and find a way to peddle Jones for something of vaule it would be nice to take a gamble that Sheff can return to 30-35 homer glory. Does Sheffield still throw the ball well? I know he's not worse than Jones.

 

Another quote from the Newsday article:

 

A Sheffield trade seems likely to happen before Sunday's option deadline for a handful of reasons, including the desire of team officials to move on to other business on their offseason agenda.

 

So we could know soon if Sheffield is going to end up in Cubbie Blue.

[VanceJergins]

Put me in the minority that would like to get Sheffield.

 

In the 7 years prior to this year, his lowest OBP was .379.; lowest SLG: .512; lowest AVG: .290; lowest HR total: 25; lowest BB total: 72.

 

Granted, most of thost numbers come from the past 3 seasons, but they are still great numbers. I dont think its much of gamble that he'll be very productive if healthy, and he's only missed significant time once in the past 8 years. I'd be willing to take the gamble.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

What would make a Sheffield trade more attractive is if the Yankees take back a contract we don't want in exchange to partly offset the $$. If I could dump Dempster or Jones on them, both of whom will make $5MM (!!) in 2007, I'd do that in a heartbeat. Especially if it's Dempster. I actually think Jones can be moved to several other teams, but the market for Dempster is pretty much the Dumpster.

 

Further, if you get Sheffield in a deal like that at such modest incremental cost, then you could afford to throw money at Ramirez if you must. Or, my preference, you could let Ramirez walk, sign Iwamura, and have a TON of money for upgrading our woeful starting pitching. Winning the Matsuzaka sweepstakes would be a good starting point.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Sheffield is problematic. He's expressed his opinions, so any team trading for him would need to extend him or they will be dealing with an unhappy camper.

 

If the Cubs get Sheffield, they will need to move Jones' contract or decide to move Jones to CF.

[VanceJergins]

Sheffield is problematic. He's expressed his opinions, so any team trading for him would need to extend him or they will be dealing with an unhappy camper.

 

If the Cubs get Sheffield, they will need to move Jones' contract or decide to move Jones to CF.

 

If he's unhappy, I doubt he sabotages the team or anything. He may be unhappy, but he'll still play or he'll have no chance of getting a good deal with another team after next year. And I think I'd be willing to sign a one year extension, but more than that I wouldnt be excited about.