|
Post by asburyboss on May 3, 2005 13:23:11 GMT -5
I mean designate for assignment. Big difference. We owe him what $80MM for the next 4 years, right? Smarter people than I need to explain to me what happens in this case. My understanding is when a player is "designated" they are put on waivers for any team to claim at their current contract value (which never happens). If they are not claimed they are given their unconditional release meaning the team releasing the player owes the balance of the contract. The team that claims the player pays him what? the major league minimum?
So, let's say we swallow $80MM Giambi-bucks. Is that a one time slaray "cap" hit this year- meaning we clear it from next years (and the three years beyond that that we owe?)
Is the reasoning we'll try and trade him and swallow 75% of the contract (or more) just to free up the space and put the chapter behind us.
If so, get it done. His presence is becoming a cancer. The less and less he produces the more and more his ABs represent a big huge stinking fish of a mistake we never shoulda made. It will take about, oh, 5 more minutes for him to get crucified in Yankee Stadium.
Maybe the reasoning is it'll get so bad he'll beg out (ala Whitson) and then we negotiate the buyout to closer to 50% of the contract.
Or, is he just in a slump and will hit three tonight over the left-centerield wall and all will be forgiven.
How long do we wait?
|
|
|
Post by DavidL on May 3, 2005 13:28:44 GMT -5
I think that if he gets released, the Yankees still owe the money over 4 years, meaning it's no break at all. The only thing it does is free up a roster spot. Frankly, unless there's someone either at Columbus or available for an easy trade, I'd rather gamble on Giambi getting his act together than just cutting him loose. If he were to recover his stroke for another team, with the Yankees paying his salary, I think we'd all be pretty upset.
Or, if it gets bad enough, yeah, negotiate a buyout a la Whitson.
|
|
|
Post by asburyboss on May 3, 2005 13:37:13 GMT -5
If the only advantage is the roster spot- I agree...we keep him and see what he can become. My on ly question was if there is any financial advantage to releasing him (however far out it may be) we should do it.
But yeah, imagine relasing him, paying him $80MM and he signs with Oakland and becomes the line drive hitter to the LF gap again...I wouldn;t be able to say "I told ya so..."
Also, without a blue-chipper knocking down the door- what's the rush.
No...Nick Johnson was NOT the answer. Javy Vasquez was (and I'd do the deal again). Who knew Javy Vasquez was going to become mashed potatoes for us?
Also, thank God I haven't heard any "Where's Juan Rivera" talk with Womack in LF. Rivera stunk, stinks, will stank. Wily Mo pena- different story.
If I'm Womack though I rent- and don't buy. He probably gets two weeks to prove he can play LF until we either go shopping or promote Mitch Jones (unlikely).
I keep getting an image of Ken Griffey in CF for us...and I don't like it. I'd leave Matsui there and find a corner OF with some Bop. Adam Dunn would be nice?
|
|
|
Post by Skinnyhead on May 3, 2005 13:39:07 GMT -5
I think the Giambi contract will forever be viewed as the one that changes the way the Yankees go after Free Agents. We know that everything will change post-Steinbrenner anyway. But damn!!! Who would have thought this guy would end up tanking this bad? And yes, Giambi money is probably what caused George to pass on Beltran. The money and the fact that the Yankees must be a little trigger shy right now. I know they didn't hesitate pulling the trigger on Unit. But he's not exactly blowing anyone's doors off yet either.
|
|
|
Post by Yankin'It in Beantown on May 3, 2005 13:39:33 GMT -5
That's what I am thinking too but I agree with David that it is a pretty big gamble. Another few weeks and that's a gamble I may be willing to take. Without the roids, I am no longer convinced he will be anything different than his brother.
The other night I saw Sox slugger Ortiz slap one down the third base line with the shift on. Not much more than a bunt to be honest. Why can't Jason do that?
|
|
|
Post by DavidL on May 3, 2005 13:43:24 GMT -5
He did, once, a few games ago. Unfortunately, it wasn't the turnaround we've been hoping for.
|
|
|
Post by GoodFriar on May 3, 2005 14:11:37 GMT -5
GF isn't going to call for Giambi's head for another month. Not that we should have alot of confidence in the way he has performed, but he may yet pull through. (probably not, but let's see).
We should tip our Yankee caps to Cashman for making some bold moves to make this team more functional. There will be more deals to come. If nothing else, bringing up Cano and moving Womack and Hideki around will make this team more fun to watch.
|
|
|
Post by D23 on May 3, 2005 14:25:36 GMT -5
Giambi is becoming a mystery right now, now with that "tired forearm". What is really going on? However, with the uncertain status of Ruben and whether he is really going to be ok, I'm not going to give up Giambi right now. Granted, he hasn't earned a start imo, but I'm hoping we see some changes as the weather warms up...
Every year and every good teams even the Championship Yankees have holes. Apparently we have too many holes right now that is now being scrutinized; unsteady starting pitching performances, bullpen is in shambles, 1B not producing, Bernie hasn't rebounded, no steady production from our backups, on and on. Thus it creates a need for a major shakeup. I agree, I'm not sure how much longer we'll actually see Womack in LF. Personally, we have weakened the OF defense imo. The whole roster is a mess right now. Thus I think it is just a temporary moves by Cash imo....
I think before Cash starts looking to make any trades, we'll go through Colin Porter or Damian Rolls in LF, and wait to see if the Bernie of the old start to go in his usual hot tear in May through July like he has done before.
|
|
|
Post by goodad on May 3, 2005 15:42:43 GMT -5
Geez D23! Why don't we just line 'em and shoot the sons a b's. And Asbury. I fail to see your problem with Womack. The guy is hitting in the high 200's in a month, (April), that has always been his worst. He's played great D, digs everything out for all he's got, is a great bunter, and is happy with whatever role Joe wants to use him in. Is it possible our expectations are a little high here? Personally I love the guy, and look forward to watching him play every time he takes the field. Whenever he steps into the box, you can see the infielders get on their toes, cause if he hit's a grounder to them they know, field it clean or get an error. No room for mistakes. He's a dimension the Yanks haven't had for quite a while. And he's already stroked a game winning hit that was badly needed. In short, we could do a lot worse my friend.
|
|
|
Post by asburyboss on May 3, 2005 16:04:18 GMT -5
I have zero problme with Womack...in fact, am still hoping he'd leadoff (of course Jeter and his 500 OBP can't be argued). I like Womack...but as a left-fielder we'll see...
let's cut through the chase...Jeter should go to CF, AROD to SS, and Womack to 3rd base.
|
|
|
Post by rj26bomber on May 3, 2005 16:05:54 GMT -5
...about 84,000,000 reasons! But, we might be making a case to sue him in court to re-group some/all of his contract. He lied about taking roids, and this (taking roids) affects his performance greatly. We definitely need the roster spot, no doubt about that!
|
|
|
Post by YanksFan on May 3, 2005 19:27:49 GMT -5
At least Giambi has found a way to get on base, being walked...
|
|