Pavano will accept Minor League assignment

From George King:

"American Idle" Carl Pavano spoke to Brian Cashman on Friday at the Stadium and said he is going to accept a minor-league assignment after the Yankees release him from the final year of a disastrous four-year, $39.95 million contract.

Needing room on the 40-man roster so they can add Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera, the Yankees hatched the idea of cutting Pavano. The right-hander had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in early June and isn't expected to be ready to pitch until July at the earliest.

Under the release plan, Pavano would get the $11 million he is owed for the 2008 season and the $1.95 million buyout he would have coming to him, because the Yankees aren't going to pick up a $15 million option for 2009. (New York Post)

There is absolutely no argument here. I can't say that the Yankees shouldn't have signed Pavano for the 2005 season, as many teams were after him. No one could have predicted the future. That being said, he was a major bust and this was the best way to handle the situation.

Yankees DFA Sardinha

Bronson Kiheimahanaomauiakeo Sardinha has been designated for assignment following Andy Pettitte's decision to accept arbitration, according to Peter Abraham.

Sardinha made his Major League debut this season and appeared in 10 games. He was also on the postseason roster. He had no role with the team, so this move isn't such a big deal.

Abraham suggests that Carl Pavano will be released soon.

Vizcaino most likely gone

Luis Vizcaino declined the Yankees' offer of arbitration, thus allowing him to remain as a free agent.

From his agent, Bean Stringfellow:

"We are proceeding like the Yankees aren't involved," Bean Stringfellow said yesterday morning. "I talked to Brian (Cashman) and he said he was going to call twice and hasn't. I have teams interested and Luis has played on many teams and has enjoyed them all." (New York Post)

Vizcaino was somewhat of a Joe Torre casualty during a few instances last year. He was used a lot in April and then struggled in May. He came back to form during the summer, but then struggled in September after pitching over 29 innings in July and August combined.

That said, the bullpen still needs to be improved. Mariano Rivera is really the only trustworthy member, now that Joba Chamberlain is being moved to the starting rotation.

Pettitte accepts arbitration

Andy Pettitte accepted the Yankees' arbitration offer, according to Bryan Hoch. This move officially solidifies the 2008 rotation, unless the Yankees pull a move for Johan Santana out of no where.

Pettitte was 15-9 with a 4.05 ERA. He struggled with a lack of run support early on in the season but pitched well for the majority of the season. He also had a huge start in Game 2 of the ALDS.

His contract is worth $16 million for one year. However, he has said that he would like to at least play in the new Yankee Stadium.

More from Joba on ESPN

Joba Chamberlain was interviewed by my friend Jay Crawford. Here is the video:



Thanks to River Ave. Blues for finding this first.

News on Duncan and Pavano

From George King and Joel Sherman:

Cashman couldn't guarantee Shelley Duncan will be ready when spring training opens. Duncan recently was treated for a blood clot in his arm.

*

With a need for space on the 40-man roster, the Yankees are about to approach "American Idle" Carl Pavano. Their plan is to release him then invite him to spring training on a minor-league deal. Pavano had Tommy John surgery last summer. The minor-league offer may have something to do with collecting insurance money on Pavano's four-year, $40 million contract that expires after the 2008 season. (New York Post)

Hopefully all is well with Duncan. The Yankees didn't offer arbitration to Doug Mientkiewicz, so their only other real first base options are Jason Giambi and Wilson Betemit.

No arguments on Pavano's situation. If he's not playing, he obviously shouldn't be on the Major League roster.

Yankees interested in Mahay and Vizcaino

According to Bryan Hoch, the Yankees have contacted the representatives for Ron Mahay and Luis Vizcaino.

Mahay, a 36-year-old lefty, will probably receive a three-year, $12 million offer from the Yankees. I feel that three years may be a little too much, but the bullpen is need of improvement right now. Hoch also says that Vizcaino may seek Scott Linebrink money (four years, $19 million). If that's the case, I'd let Vizcaino find employment elsewhere.

Joba is NEXT

Buster Olney wrote a piece on our very own Joba Chamberlain for ESPN The Magazine.

Basically, Chamberlain enjoys text messaging and UFC. Also, Mike Lowell was the toughest batter he faced last season.

Cashman walked away from Santana deal because of money

From Bill Madden:

But it is more than just Cashman's belief in Hughes that suddenly put the Yankees in full retreat after Hank Steinbrenner had sounded the "Charge!" on Santana. Believe it or not, the final decision not to go through with a deal that was on the table - one that would have sacrificed Hughes, Melky Cabrera, 23-year-old Double-A righthander Jeff Marquez and 22-year-old A-ball third baseman Mitch Hilligoss - was based on money.

Once Andy Pettitte announced he was returning to the fold for $16 million, it meant the Yankees had committed $408.4 million this winter to retain six players. The acquisition of Santana would have meant tacking on another $125 million to that figure, and Cashman, who never wanted to do the Santana deal in the first place, blanched at the prospect of adding another $20 million to a payroll that was already on the cusp of $200 million, again. In this respect, the timing of Pettitte's decision to return - while initially seen as giving the Yankees additional leverage in their dealings with the Twins on Santana - actually gave Cashman the "out" he needed. (New York Daily News)

If money wasn't a factor, that trade seems like a steal for the Yankees. However, terrible free agent contracts from earlier this decade have proven to finally inhibit the Yankees' spending.

That said, I could see why Cashman does not want to trade Hughes either. Madden cites that Cashman's legacy will be the big three of young pitchers. Trading them instead of developing from within would show that Cashman does not have the power he sought within the organization.

Pettitte wants to pitch longer?

From Jim Molony:

On Tuesday, Andy Pettitte told KRIV-TV that he could pitch another 10 years if he wanted to and, at the very minimum, would like to help the Yankees open their new stadium in 2009.

"I really believe now, especially after playing with the Astros and pitching with my elbow the way it was when I needed the surgery, I realize now I could go out and probably pitch until I'm 45 years old, because I was throwing 82, 83 miles an hour and still being able to compete, maybe because I'm left-handed or whatever," Pettitte said. "For me, the thing of me not being able to go out there and get any guys out, I think that's so far down the road, probably, that's never going to play into my decision.

Everybody wanted me to come back. My wife realized that if she would have said, 'Let's shut it down,' I would have definitely done that. She was like, 'Let's see how it goes one more year.' So with that support and all of my teammates' support, no matter what, wanting me to come back and do this again, that's probably the big thing." (NASHVILLE CONFIDENTIAL)

If he can still pitch at a high level, I'd definitely want him back for 2009. Pettitte has always been a big-game pitcher and his signing last year was a huge move. He was definitely missed during those three years in Houston.

Thanks to my boy MantleMurcer for finding this.

Yankees will not change offer

From Peter Abraham:

Just spoke to a Yankees Exec Who Can Be Trusted and learned this:

The Y.E.W.C.B.T said that Brian Cashman has made his final offer and will not toss in Ian Kennedy, Alan Horne or Austin Jackson. That would seem to favor the Red Sox but the Dodgers and Angels are now getting in the mix with the Yankees on the outskirts. (LoHud Yankees Blog)

So there you have it. Abraham also says that the Twins don't really like Melky Cabrera but love Jon Lester from the Red Sox.

I'm glad to see the Yankees not give in to the Twins' demands. It was worth trying to dangle Phil Hughes, but when they wanted more, it was right for the Yankees to walk away.

Yankees reportedly trade for reliever

From Barry Svrluga:

A source with knowledge of the situation said the Nationals traded reliever Jonathan Albaladejo to the New York Yankees in exchange for right-hander Tyler Clippard, pending physical examinations of both players. The 22-year-old, who went 3-1 with a 6.33 ERA filling in for the Yankees this year, has a 3.52 ERA over five minor league seasons. He should immediately be a contender for Washington's rotation. Bowden did not return messages seeking comment on the deal. (Washington Post)

Albaladejo went 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA in 14 1-3 innings, striking out 12 and walking two in the process in 14 relief appearances.

The Yankees need bullpen help, so this looks like a step in the right direction.

Thanks to River Ave. Blues for digging this up.

Fans had an effect on Pettitte's return

Two weeks ago, I relayed Steve Lombardi's message to get Yankee fans to write Andy Pettitte letters urging him to return.

Apparently, it had an effect.

From Kat O'Brien:

Along with the teammates and Yankees officials, Hendricks said the barrage of fan pleas had an effect as well. One fan, Steve Lombardi, even came up with "P46" or "Project 46", representing Pettitte's number, and urged fans to write letters and e-mails to Pettitte.

"The fans helped," Hendricks wrote. "Some wrote very touching and eloquent letters." (Newsday)

Good job, Steve, and thanks go out to the fans. Pettitte returning is absolutely huge.

Yankees release Spring Training schedule

Fri., Feb. 29 U. of SOUTH FLA. AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 1 Philadelphia at Clearwater 1:05 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 2 PHILADELPHIA AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Mon., Mar. 3 Houston at Kissimmee 1:05 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 4 Toronto at Dunedin 1:05 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 5 MINNESOTA AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 6 Cincinnati at Sarasota 1:05 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 7 HOUSTON AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 8 TAMPA BAY AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 9 Minnesota at Ft. Myers 1:05 p.m.
Mon., Mar. 10 CINCINNATI AT LEGENDS FIELD 7:15 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 11 TORONTO AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 12 Tampa Bay at St. Petersburg 1:05 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 13 PITTSBURGH AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 14 Cincinnati at Sarasota 1:05 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 15 Detroit at Lakeland (SS) 1:05 p.m.
TAMPA BAY AT LEGENDS FIELD (SS) 1:15 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 16 CLEVELAND AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Mon., Mar. 17 BOSTON AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 18 Virginia Tech at Blacksburg 3:00 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 19 Pittsburgh at Bradenton 7:05 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 20 Toronto at Dunedin 1:05 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 21 TAMPA BAY AT LEGENDS FIELD 7:15 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 22 TORONTO AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 23 Pittsburgh at Bradenton 1:05 p.m.
Mon., Mar. 24 PHILADELPHIA AT LEGENDS FIELD 7:15 p.m.
Tues., Mar. 25 Cleveland at Winter Haven 1:05 p.m.
Wed., Mar. 26 Philadelphia at Clearwater 1:05 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 27 PITTSBURGH AT LEGENDS FIELD 1:15 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 28 Florida at Dolphin Stadium 7:10 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 29 Florida at Dolphin Stadium 6:10 p.m. (Yankees.com)

Ah, I can't wait. In about three months, pitchers and catchers will report and the 2008 season's wheels will be in motion.

The Yankees will play a game at Virginia Tech on March 18 in honor of last year's shooting.

Molina signed, Phillips gone

The Yankees announced the signing of backup catcher Jose Molina today in Nashville. He signed a two-year deal worth $4 million.

To make room for Molina on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated Andy Phillips for assignment.

No complaints here. Molina's acquisition last year was a solid move and he's one of the better backups on the market. With Shelley Duncan, Wilson Betemit and Jason Giambi on the roster, there isn't much room for Phillips.

Pettitte to return in 2008

Andy Pettitte has told friends and family that he will return to the Yankees in 2008.

From Jose De Jesus Ortiz:

That wait is over, and the Yankees have been informed of the decision by Pettitte’s agent, Randy Hendricks.

When reached by telephone this morning, Hendricks, who was in route to Nashville for the start of baseball’s winter meetings today, confirmed that he has advised the Yankees that Pettitte will play for them in 2008.

“Many teammates have called urging Andy to return as well as manager Joe Girardi,” Hendricks said. “It’s well known that the Yankees have publicly stated that they were ready for Andy when Andy was ready.” (Houston Chronicle)

This is great news. The Yankees don't have to be desperate for Johan Santana. With Pettitte back, the rotation is very solid.

Yankees set Monday deadline for Santana trade

The Yankees have set a Monday deadline for any Johan Santana trade.

From Ronald Blum:

"I'm not going to be played against the Red Sox. That's not something I'll do. That's not something the Yankees should ever do, and that's I think what they're trying to do now," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said Sunday. "So if they want the best offer that has been offered to them, then they need to make up their minds." (Yahoo)

Thank God. I'm getting sick of writing about this.

Twins want more for Santana

From John Harper:

The Yankees were hoping their decision Friday to include Phil Hughes in a trade package would seal a deal for Johan Santana, but the Twins weren't wowed by the offer. Instead, they let word leak Saturday that they will be perfectly happy to go into next season with Santana in their starting rotation if they don't get what they want.

And apparently what they want is another top-tier prospect from the Yankees, either pitcher Alan Horne or outfielder Austin Jackson, to go along with Hughes and center fielder Melky Cabrera. (New York Daily News)

I'd be perfectly fine going to battle with Phil Hughes in the rotation instead of Johan Santana. Unless the Twins' demands go down, the Yankees would be smart to walk away.

The Yankees felt that including Hughes would allow them to offer a lower-tier prospect. However, the Twins begged to differ.

Having Santana would be a bonus. As the rotation stands right now, it has the potential to be very good.

Ken Phelps! Ken Phelps!

Jim Baumbach of Newsday spoke with Ken Phelps about his name being mentioned in Seinfeld.

This was definitely one of the funnier Seinfeld moments and it's pretty interesting to see Phelps respond to it.

Yankees ready to offer Hughes

From John Harper and Mark Feinsand:

In any case, the club finally agreed to put Phil Hughes in a package that includes center fielder Melky Cabrera and at least one other lesser pitching prospect still to be negotiated, as of Friday night. And by doing so they believe they are the front-runners to land Santana, the two-time Cy Young winner.

There had been speculation the Red Sox were closing in on a deal on Thursday, but Yankee executives don't believe there was much to the rumors. And sources Friday said the Twins won't consider a deal with the Sox unless they include two of their big three prospects, pitchers Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, and center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury.

The Sox apparently have told the Twins they won't do that, including only Lester among those three as part of a four-player proposal on Thursday. (New York Daily News)

I was afraid that it may come to this, and it looks like it has.

If there's anyone you trade Hughes for, it's Johan Santana. Therefore, I am not opposed to such a deal. The Yankees still have Joba Chamberlain, Chien-Ming Wang and Ian Kennedy, as well as Mike Mussina and possibly Andy Pettitte to fill out the rotation.

Such a move would only make the rotation better. However, as good as this staff looks on paper, the bullpen must be improved as well.