Torre wanted Eyre, Gives up on BJ Ryan

[Balsa]

From Newsday

 

Important exerpts:

 

Torre confirmed that free- agent reliever B.J. Ryan is essentially off the Yankees' radar screen for now, as the lefthander wants to pursue closing opportunities elsewhere.

 

He also noted that his call to another top bullpen target, Scott Eyre, didn't do much good, as Eyre has signed a three-year, $11-million contract with the Cubs.

 

Torre has played phone tag with free-agent outfielder Brian Giles, in whom the Yankees have strong interest - although Torre noted he wouldn't necessarily start Giles in centerfield, where he has little experience.

 

Torre never even bothered calling Ryan, as the Yankees never entered serious negotiations with him. "Yeah, I think so," Torre said when asked if Ryan wants to close.

 

BJ Ryan suddenly seems more accessible, but I think that we probably wouldn't pick him up until after we've bought Furcal, to make sure we have the money. Your thoughts?

 

EDIT: Would we give Ryan the closing job? Because I'm thinking maybe he won't sign unless we promise it, and I think we already did to Dempster.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Hendry has already said publicly that Wagner and Ryan are not on his radar screen. I don't think it was a smokescreen either.

[fearthecubs]

Hendry has already said publicly that Wagner and Ryan are not on his radar screen. I don't think it was a smokescreen either.

 

All Hendry wants now is a RHP, and I think Bob Howry tops his wish-list. After that he seems to be set, but who is the set up man? Williamson?

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Hendry has already said publicly that Wagner and Ryan are not on his radar screen. I don't think it was a smokescreen either.

 

All Hendry wants now is a RHP, and I think Bob Howry tops his wish-list. After that he seems to be set, but who is the set up man? Williamson?

 

I would guess Williamson or Novoa, but neither of them are locks. Novoa's control is suspect and who really knows if Williamson will return to his dominating self. Howry would be a good acquisition, IMO.

[JeffH]

All Hendry wants now is a RHP, and I think Bob Howry tops his wish-list. After that he seems to be set, but who is the set up man? Williamson?

 

Eyre and the yet-to-be-acquired RHP will be the primary setup men.

 

Wuertz and Ohman will work earlier in the game.

 

Williamson is a wildcard.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

All Hendry wants now is a RHP, and I think Bob Howry tops his wish-list. After that he seems to be set, but who is the set up man? Williamson?

 

Eyre and the yet-to-be-acquired RHP will be the primary setup men.

 

Wuertz and Ohman will work earlier in the game.

 

Williamson is a wildcard.

 

Novoa is the odd man out?

[JeffH]

Novoa is the odd man out?

 

It's possible, although, if Wood starts the season on the DL, there will be a spot available.

 

He could be traded, as well.

[Jehrico]

Novoa is the odd man out?

 

It's possible, although, if Wood starts the season on the DL, there will be a spot available.

 

He could be traded, as well.

 

If we acquire another reliever, and if you believe Hendry is looking for another starter, here's our candidates for next years pitching staff:

 

Dempster

Eyre

to-be-acquired RH RP

Ohman

Wuertz

Novoa (could go back to AAA)

Williamson

Wellemeyer (does he have any more options?)

JVB (could repeat AAA)

Rusch

Wood

Prior

Zambrano

Maddux

Williams

to-be-acquired starter

 

That's 16 pitchers, at most we'll start with a 12 man staff, probably only 11. Someone will invariably start the season on the DL and one or two might go to AAA, so we don't necessarily have to trade anyone yet, but if we sign two more guys (Burnett and Howry, please...), then someone has to be on their way out. I'm resigned to the fact we've seen the last of Wellemeyer, Novoa and Williams are strong trade candidates. Williamson is guaranteed a spot in the pen (no trade value, and we just picked up an overpriced option, so he's not going anywhere), as are the obvious candidates of Dempster, Eyre, Wuertz, and Ohman. That only leaves 1-2 more bullpen spots (dependong on 11 or 12 man staff). Hopefully, with all of those options, we can find at least 5 good relievers, and a serviceable mop-up guy.

[JeffH]

Wellemeyer (does he have any more options?)

 

No.

 

JVB (could repeat AAA)

 

I doubt he's a realistic option, barring injury.

 

Also, you forgot Mitre, although I assume he's not a realistic option either.

[CoolHandLuke]

Are you sure you want to give out another big long contract to a relief pitcher who (based on some work done on this board) had a real lucky year last year?

 

I'm talking about Howry by the way.

[Jehrico]

Are you sure you want to give out another big long contract to a relief pitcher who (based on some work done on this board) had a real lucky year last year?

 

I'm talking about Howry by the way.

 

I was thinking Dotel when I read Howry in a post above as I was typing that. IF Hendry goes after another reliever, Dotel's who I'd like to see him target. Honestly, I think we have enough to form a good bullpen without giving up another draft pick.

[Jehrico]

Wellemeyer (does he have any more options?)

 

No.

 

JVB (could repeat AAA)

 

I doubt he's a realistic option, barring injury.

 

Also, you forgot Mitre, although I assume he's not a realistic option either.

 

Good catch in Mitre, I knew I was missing someone. That makes yet another pitcher they can trade.

 

I have a feeling we're not going to get rid of some of these excess relievers until we see who flops during ST. I hope I'm wrong, and we're able to get something decent for some of these young guys by the winter meetings.

[SeldomSeen]

Are you sure you want to give out another big long contract to a relief pitcher who (based on some work done on this board) had a real lucky year last year?

 

I'm talking about Howry by the way.

 

I was thinking Dotel when I read Howry in a post above as I was typing that. IF Hendry goes after another reliever, Dotel's who I'd like to see him target. Honestly, I think we have enough to form a good bullpen without giving up another draft pick.

 

Did anyone hear Gammons' report on the Sox/Marlins tonight on ESPN radio? He mentioned the market for relievers, and that Eyre was getting $11M from the Cubs, and then I thought I heard him say that Howry was getting $12M from the Cubs. I'm not absolutely positive since there were people in my office, but that's what it sounded like. Anyone???

[JeffH]

There's a blurb to that effect in Jayson Stark's most recent column.