They must think Abreu would take that one year deal to return over anything else. It's probably true considering Abreu's recent statements about not wanting to leave.

Abreu has been public about his desire for a 3 year deal... i don't think he would've accepted arbitration but the Yankees felt he woulda been awarded more money in arbitration than the $16 mil he made last year... i personally think he could easily sign a 3 year contract in the $30 million dollar range someplace else but i guess the Yankees don't wanna risk him accepting because of the horrible economy.

Posted by TMS:

Yankees refused arbitration on Pettitte & Abreu... Pettitte i can understand since he was slated to make more than they were willing to pay him, but not sure why they didn't offer Abreu since they coulda gotten some compensation picks out of him that way... headscratcher.

Yeah definitely. Just reading about it in the paper today, I think Cash wanted to dictate the terms of any potential contract with Bobby and not have some third party arbitrator decide how much he should get. I think it was a mistake however. For one, I wouldn't have minded bringing him back to be honest. Guy's been a solid player for us since he's been here and would've definitely lengthened the lineup - with all the focus on acquiring top pitching who's to say we'll be able to add that big bat we also need - Getting Swisher was good, but if the only thing we wind up doing to improve the offense is adding Swish but subtracting Abreu, that's a step backwards. If anything the arbitrator probably would've awarded him right around what he was making last year - $16 million, maybe a little more. He's worth that. For his solid production? Right around .300, 100 runs, 100 RBI with a good eye and a lot of walks + a legit power arm in RF. Absolutely worth that IMO. The core of Jeter, Posada, Mariano, Pettitte if they bring him back....these guys aren't getting any younger. I thought we were re-tooling & gearing up to make another run here with these veterans?? Well Abreu only helps that cause, he doesn't hurt it. And say even if they didn't want to bring him back, say he does bolt to another team for a longer deal, then you gotta grab those 2 picks. What the hell Cash, you just screwed us out of those two picks. And remember, we lost out on Gerrit Cole last year in the draft which could turn out to be a huge blunder... Rebuilding the farm (especially with power bats and position players which we currently lack down there right now at almost every level) should always remain a top priority if they ever expect to turn this thing over and keep it going for the future. And that's something I thought Cash was down with - always thought he was pro farm system... Very puzzling. Maybe Cash got overruled on this. What do ya think?


[Edited by - finestrg on 12-02-2008 11:50 PM]

Posted by TMS:

Abreu has been public about his desire for a 3 year deal... i don't think he would've accepted arbitration but the Yankees felt he woulda been awarded more money in arbitration than the $16 mil he made last year... i personally think he could easily sign a 3 year contract in the $30 million dollar range someplace else but i guess the Yankees don't wanna risk him accepting because of the horrible economy.

That last point is exactly it. Abreu would've milked this offer. He's old and isn't gonna sniff close to that 16 mil this season- that number might be more indicative of what he'd get paid for for two seasons.

Of course then there's all this money floating around for CC, so who knows.

It does suck that the Yanks won't be getting any comp picks.

come on CC, make up ur damn mind already.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/sources-cashman-cc-to-meet-in-vegas-179314.html

Sources: Cashman, CC to meet in Vegas
0 Comment
December 5
Foxsports.com


"Yankees general manager Brian Cashman plans to meet face-to-face with free-agent left-hander CC Sabathia in the next week, according to major-league sources.

The date of the meeting has not been set, but the discussion between Cashman and Sabathia will take place in Las Vegas, the site of baseball's winter meetings.

Cashman spent Thursday meeting with agent Scott Boras, the representative for three players in whom the Yankees have interest — free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez, right-hander Derek Lowe and left-hander Oliver Perez.

Sabathia, however, is the Yankees' No. 1 offseason target. The team has offered him a six-year, $140 million contract, the highest bid ever for a starting pitcher.

By meeting with Sabathia, one source said, Cashman could gauge the pitcher's interest in joining the Yankees and comfort level playing in New York City.

In recent years, several high-priced Yankees pitchers — most notably, Randy Johnson and Carl Pavano — have struggled to adjust to the intense scrutiny in New York.

Sabathia's agents have said that "all things being equal," their client would prefer to play in his home state of California.

All things are not equal, at least not at the moment."

Posted by Allanfan20:

A little nervous about signing a guy like CC. That body of his is an enormous red flag.

Not to mention the Brewers totally abused him last year knowing he wouldn't be coming back. Given all that, I still think you have to sign him if you can. He's never had a problem with injuries and he's still young. Between his body, his overuse last year and his postseason record, I'm not going to have enormous expectations for him as I usually might someone signing the largest contract for a pitcher. If he can be a solid #1 with at least 2 years where he's top 5 in Cy Young voting, I'd be very happy.

Next we have to sign Lowe and Manny and I'll be happy. They definitely need another big bat.

Sabathia
Wang
Chamberlain
Lowe
Pettitte
Hughes

LF Damon
SS Jeter
3B ARod
RF Manny
DH Matsui
C Posada
2B Cano
1B Swisher
CF Gardner

Payroll around $190-200M

Posted by Allanfan20:

A little nervous about signing a guy like CC. That body of his is an enormous red flag.

We'd all be nervous about it. I just don't see any other way to get a Cy Young level pitcher, though.

Posted by islesfan:

Should we have any interest in Adam Dunn?

Yes! A LOT. I didn't realize he was an FA but he would be a very good choice. Good catch.

Posted by TMS:

Posted by islesfan:

Should we have any interest in Adam Dunn?

40+ HR's last 5 years, terrible BA but solid OBP .381 lifetime and solid .900 OPS (led the majors in walks). Move him to RF or 1B, and let him take his cuts at the short rightfield porch. He's basically a better Giambi.

if u want a guy like Adam Dunn we mine as well just keep Giambi... he's a horrible fielder, would have absolutely no range in RF & he strikes out a ton... not a good fit for what we're looking for... stay away from Adam Dunn.

I think he meant playing Dunn at first base

Cashman has met w/Mark Tex & Boras this past Thurs. & reportedly discusions went well, but no offer yet... reports say the Red Sox are hard & heavy after Tex as i suspected.

http://www.prosportsdaily.com/comments/cash-eyes-vegas-meet-with-cc-179682.html

i think Dunn is pretty much a DH if he's in the AL... his power from the leftside is nice but when he's striking out half the time u'r gonna want to get rid of him.