It’s less than 24 hours since the news broke–Jacoby Ellsbury is going to be a Yankee. So: Is this a good thing or not? He’s a fine player but he’s been hurt more than somewhat. Does this mean Cano is a goner or does it mean the Yanks know that Alex is in for a long suspension and hell with it, they’re going to sign Robbie as well?
We didn’t see this one coming, that’s for sure. But back to my pernt–it’s been less than a full day since we heard about this, which is more than enough time for people to weigh in on it.
Here’s the word from:
I’ll update this as the reviews are filed today.
[Picture by Bags]
Two outfielders with injury problems and at least two infielders is what I see. While Cafaro of the Globe says Elsbury will hit 30-35 because of the air currents to right, I think his value comes from his fielding and running. Not a loud guy, but the lineup has a leadoff hitter who gets on base, followed by Jeter, assuming he can still play and still spray.
As for don't you know Cano and Grandy, get the draft picks and say goodby.
seems like more yankee logic to me.
too many years and too much money for someone who is hurt too much, on the wrong side of his prime, and particularly someone who relies on athleticism for much of his value.
but if they are going to spend it seems they might as well SPEND.
Getting Elsbury makes Gardy trade bait. I've said for years I'd love to seem him every day leading off in CF for the Nats. A Gardy for Detweiler plus a prospect makes alot of sense to me for both teams.
Regarding Derek, I wonder if he's told the club that 2014 will be his last year.
Gardy is a free agent.
Jacoby Ellsbury .297/15/71/.350/.439/.789
Johnny Damon .284/15/74/.352/.433/.785
Their 162-game numbers are almost identical, and JD's includes his down years at the end where he was just hanging on. These are JE's in his prime - and not likely to get better.
Not a fan of this signing. Too many years. Too much money. I know it's not my money, but if it blocks other deals it's a problem.
I haven't liked Ellsbury as much as I've wanted to, but maybe I just never had the chance to watch him enough. can't remember seeing him ever smile or get red-assed or seem to have a good time. Kind of robotic maybe?... But I'm open to change my mind.
And the way the Yanks do business, I have to just remind myself of that scene where a young woody allen won't do his homework becuase the universe is expanding... And his mom shrieks, what is that your business? Same for me and the Yanks. 7 years seems too long and 153 million seems too much, but really, what is that my business. I guess I'm just happy they are putting good players on the field. More than I can say about the Mets, that's for sure.
7) It's Chinatown.
[7] That's totally true about Ells. He was never a favorite of serious Sox fans. (He's utterly beloved by pink hats.)
That contract won't be blowing up for billions of years, Ben, and we've got to try to enjoy the Yankees while we're here, huh? Heh he heh heh!
mentioned this on the other thread, but I'll repeat it here:
I'm fine with all of the criticisms of Ellsbury except for the claims of him being some kind of major injury risk.
In 2010 he runs into Adrian Beltre, who's a brick effing wall, and cracks his ribs. The injury is then MISDIAGNOSED by the Boston team doctors and his rehab completely botched. Two years later he's sliding into second and is body slammed by Reid Brignac...shit happens. Those are injuries that could happen to literally anyone, they're in no way indicative of future performance.
I'm fine with criticizing his game, for the record I think years 5-7 here will be a dumpster fire, but trying to draw some bigger point from two freak injuries doesn't really wash.
[4] I actually wonder if the Yankees have decided that 2014 is his last year, regardless.
[5] This year or next year?
Good take by Barry P over at Deadspin:
http://deadspin.com/why-the-yankees-rebuild-from-without-1476289288
10) LITERALLY!
[12] Arbitration this year, free agent next year.
14) Adrian Beltre is LITERALLY a brick effing wall. Figuratively speaking, of course.
More Yankee notes:
http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/67446/source-gardner-wont-be-traded
[17] if Gardy, Ichiro, and Elsbury are all in the lineup, it might be the most speend in a Yankee line up since..I don't remember!
18) that might be the most speed in any lineup since greenies were banned.
10) yeah, the "he's injury prone" meme, mostly being spun by Red Sox fans, is weak. To me, injury prone means a player whose body keeps breaking down. Pulled muscles, brittle bones, injuries from repetitive strain, too much wear and tear. He's a 30 year old guy who has gotten hurt a few times playing hard. I agree the contract is too long, but I wouldn't stay away from him because of his past injuries, and I don't see any reason why he would be more likely to spend time on the DL than Gardner, Cano, Granderson, or any player around his age.
[19] Maybe even the most speed-focused roster since 1982! Jacoby Ellsbury ≈ Dave Collins?
I also think people seem to be saying this is an over-pay based on his 32 HR year. Meaning the Yankees layed out this money because they (wrongly) think he'll re-discover what was probably a fluky power stroke that he had for one year.
But I don't think they're betting on that to happen. I think they're betting on 12-15 home runs and 40 steals (for the first few years at least). That may or may not happen, but I think the whole "he hit 32 home runs in '11 and only 10 since!" thing is a red herring.
The Yanks had to make some big moves after missing the playoffs. ARod mess is still unresolved. Ugly!
This could go either way with Cano now, and the Yanks won't be left without some offensive firepower.
The Tanaka posting process is a fly in the ointment. They were going to blow other teams out of the water with a huge posting fee, and then sign him and not hav a big layout of cash. Now they might have to open the wallet for him and who knows if Hiroki resigns?
If they get Tanaka, it would be great if he had a few other countrymen on his team. (Ichiro and Hiroki).
God, I hope they get something out of Pineda. And perhaps Banuelos or Betances could help out in the pen?
Stick Jeter or Nunez at third if ARod is suspended.
We can do this. Start sizing the rings!!!
[22] Stick Jeter or Nunez at third ...
Jeter's not going anywhere except SS or DH.
Check out this article:
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/64332632/
It suggests that big money spent on free agents may not be worth it for the team even in the short term.
[24] That's really interesting. It looks like there have been a couple of serious investigations of the question.
I'm still skeptical, because I believe owners are trying to make profits, and I don't think they're stupid. I don't really have time but I'm going to try to read some of the analysis.