I DON'T CARE IF YOU HATE AROD. IT'S JUST BASEBALL

Since Alex Rodriguez slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s hand in 2004, there has been raw emotion among the Yankee fan base when it comes to ARod.  It’s significant.  ARod has been a lightening rod, pardon the pun. He’s either breaking hearts and disappointing fans with PEDs or injury, or he’s hitting a home run at the right moment.  More times than not though, he’s making fans angry, really angry, and I just don’t get it.

Now sure, there is love for Alex, but the hate for him is more vicious and over the top than ever.  But you know what? Alex Rodriguez, whether you like it or not, is still a member of the New York Yankees. And for all of you that hate the idea and verbally attack  fans for saying anything mildly complimentary about him… here’s the reality… Alex fans aren’t Alex Rodriguez. And truth be told, for me personally at least, I really don’t care if you hate him. I really don’t even want to hear you because you're so nasty about it, but you have the right to dislike him and guess what… I will respect that.

But look, this is why I find the hate so silly; This is baseball we're talking about. We're not debating politics and religion, abortion or even doing brain surgery on a child. It’s not a life or death situation at all. It’s fandom.  Liking Alex Rodriguez is not a sin, it’s a choice.  But hating him is a choice too. So, this is my question; when the hell was it OK to make someone who likes Alex feel like they just committed a crime?  How sad do you have to be in your own life that you need to attack someone who’s an Alex Rodriguez fan?  Again, it’s not that important. It’s just a fan decision.

Now look, I’m a father. I have a 12 year old that liked ARod and would read the stats on his baseball card and appreciate the big home runs he had over the years. For me personally, I was always a Jeter guy, ARod was just another player. I’d steer my son to the positive role model status of our Captain. But appreciating an athlete is never out of the question in my house, unless of course you like players who commit rape or murder people. The example is drastic, but it makes my point.  Truth be told,  players make mistakes and Alex Rodriguez screwed up when he dabbled in PEDs. My son eventually became disappointed like I did, and he threw out his baseball card.

I found that decision to be very mature and a “thumbs up” took place right around that time.  You want your kids to follow positive role models. PED use in baseball is not allowed, and so, my son moved on from Alex Rodriguez.  It was a fan choice… good for him.

This year, without Alex, the hate for he and toward his fans hasn’t stopped. I didn’t expect that.  I expected a break.  The haters will come out and say, “ARoid!" and "That jerk has 2 bad hips and he’s a strikeout machine. He sucks!”  Yup. Probably. But he's also older, and he's also breaking down. But there is no question he was missed this season. Our Yankee offense was lacking.  That being said, he was suspended for a very good reason.  He needed to serve his suspension, and the season went on.

But, let’s not forget, Alex is still a New York Yankee.  Despite the PEDs, despite your hate, he has a plan to return to the pinstripes in 2015.  Now, who knows what the Yankees will do about it.  Maybe they can find a team and trade him out of the Bronx.  Maybe they realize that they made a truly bad deal with Alex and just swallow their pride and let him play out his contract until he goes away. Hell, maybe they’ll even eat the huge remaining salary and dump the guy.  There are options.  Here’s the reality though;  Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees made this deal together.

He made it when George Steinbrenner was still around and ultimately it was George that signed off on it.  The Yankees know they messed up, and they’re living with this silly contract, but that doesn’t mean that ARod fans should be tortured. What the heck did they do? Alex fans aren’t losers, they’re fans. If they’re losers, doesn’t that make the Yankees ownership losers too? They’re the ones that made the deal! The fans are just rooting for the guy to contribute. Again, Alex IS a Yankee. For all you haters… get over it. Move on.  It doesn’t mean you have to like him, you don’t.  But it also means you don’t have to put every fan who DOES into a uncomfortable and dangerous situation. It's scary and wrong.

I'm going to give you an example, and it's a mild one, but it was directed toward me so it's fit to print. 2 nights ago, Chase Headley made an incredible play at third base.  Since he’s been in New York, I’ve become fond of Chase.  I merely tweeted:

I love Headley at third. Put ARod at SS next year. #BYB #BOOM
— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) September 17, 2014

Now, the ARod reference was more of a throw away, My tweet was about Headley. After all, he IS the Yankees third baseman right now, and  if Headley was to play third next year like I suggested, where would ARod play? Well, besides DH and third, he technically could play short. I didn't fabricate it, even ESPN has suggested it at times. I mean, he's played there before. Plus, it wouldn't be for 162 games... it could just be 20, in a pinch, if they needed it. Doubtful he could play there at his age, but who knows.  Well… God forbid I take the Captain’s spot, even though he’d be retired.  I was immediately attacked with nonsense.  I’m not even sure why. What was said, and I'm paraphrasing is:

"That loser should never step foot where the Captain was! It's sacred!"

OK. it's an honest opinion, but what should happen then?  Should we leave SS vacant? Jeter didn’t die, he retired.  Would you like a monument at the shortstop position? A plaque?  What, no one can play there now? How about we just take Alex out there and shoot him? Maybe we’ll attack the fans who like him too?  Does anyone else think this is alittle ridiculous? I did. I quickly wrote this, hoping to bring levity to the situation. It didn't matter, it escalated quickly anyway:

"Maybe Stankeiwicz can come back."

But here’s my favorite part. Yup, this next statement is directed toward me, not because I’m a Alex fan, I’m not. It was because I suggested that this person, whoever he is, had more of a hard-on for Alex Rodriguez than my main point about Chase Headley:

"He is a very arrogant for a guy who doesn't know what he's talking about. Case in point: he said A-Rod could play shortstop...

how stupid is that? the guy is 40 with 2 bad hips and hasn't played short in 10 years. He's clueless and not worth my time."

Now, I’m not showing you their names because I don’t want anyone being attacked. Plus, this is the mild stuff. Also, full disclosure, I went on defense and retaliated with words too. Harsh words I shouldn't have used. I don't normally do that and I apologize to them, you know who you are. Chalk it up as a bad day... I was baited pretty good.  Sorry about that. But I mean look, here is the truth about Alex:

ALEX MESSED UP. NO ONE IS HAPPY ABOUT IT. BUT ALEX IS A MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES. RIGHT NOW, THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ABOUT IT. SO BE A YANKEE FAN AND ROOT FOR YOUR TEAM.

I mean, do you want to protest that Alex will still be with the Yanks in 2015? Not go to games?  How about we sue the Yankees for signing him? The hate and where it’s directed is ridiculous.

For me personally, I don’t care if ARod is the 3rd baseman, shortstop, outfield, bench or bathroom attendant at Yankee stadium.  I root for my team as a whole.  Sure, sometimes you get down on players, but when the Yankees signed Alex, they wanted him to contribute to the team, just like the fans. You don't think these haters are crossing their fingers and praying to the sky when ARod comes up with the bases loaded? If you say NO, you're delusional.  If Alex is hitting, he’s contributing and if that can happen and he has a successful finish in pinstripes, maybe Yankee brass can be at peace with that ridiculous contract. Who knows.  All I know is that the hate toward fans who happen to like certain ballplayers is so nasty, so disrespectful, it’s borderline evil. IS BASEBALL THAT IMPORTANT? Is Alex that important?

Now I’m gonna get hate mail for this post, and I’ll never understand why.  I didn’t admit to liking Alex Rodriguez, I’m technically not defending him. I don’t even care if he comes back or not, we have the infield covered… life will go on.  Here’s my reality… I have a family to raise. I have a life outside of BYB that I appreciate.  Whether Alex Rodriguez is or isn’t a New York Yankee might be about 30th on my list… maybe even 48th. Not 2nd.  Get your priorities in order. No one cares...

What’s my point? Stop the hate. Stop the aggressive banter, it's silly already.  It’s tired, it’s boring and it’s not helping the conversation. It also serves no purpose. NONE.  You wanna be mad?  Be mad at the Yankees this season for strolling in at 3rd place. You know, the Yankees… the team that doesn’t have Alex playing for them this season. You wanna blame Alex for that? Go for it.

Some Yankee fans need to remember what being a Yankee fan truly is. Remember... It’s about class and pride. Not about hate… remember?

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook! 

WHERE THE YANKEES NEED TO BE LOOKING...

As the Yankees approach the All-Star break, it is probably time to look at the team and take a healthy, objective view of the state of the team. Last week, Joe Girardi made a statement that the starting rotation is not going to change before the break. We know that CC Sabathia is at least a month away and that Michael Pineda is not coming back before August. With the team less than 5 games over .500, it is time to make a move.

Vidal Nuno and David Phelps have done their best, and maybe they might become premier starters someday. However, it is clear that they are not going to get it done for us this season. While I am not saying that we should give up on them, we need to look at more experienced people. We here at BYB have made recommendations, but maybe it is time for a fresh look.

We like Jason Hammel. As a successful starter in the Chicago Cubs organization, there are strong rumors that he is on the market. He is 31 years old, and he is having a great season with the Cubs. He has an ERA of 2.81 and a WHIP of 0.984, while getting six wins in 13 starts. With more support, his record would probably be much better. His HR/9 over the season so far is 0.6, which would make him a very appealing option for the Yankees.

The rumor mill has had Kyle Kendrick’s name in lights all season, and maybe with good reason. Despite having an ERA of 4.09, he is the owner of a 2-6 record. Still, he his two wins in his last three starts, so momentum is positive for him right now. His 8 years’ of successful experience in the majors may be exactly what the Yankees need right now. Nevertheless, the Yankees would have to pick up his big contract, which comes with its own risks. Maybe the motivation of playing for a winning team might turn him around and make him a successful pitcher again.

Justin Masterson is a guy that should be available for the right price. The Cleveland Indians know that this is his contract year, and they may be ready to make a move. While he has success in his career, he has hit a rough patch lately. He is averaging just under 6 innings per start, and his ERA just peaked over 5. His K/9 is 8.1, which is still very good for a major league starter and a clear sign that he is still a strikeout pitcher. His HR/9 of 0.5 is well below league average, which makes him an appealing trade target for someone who may be pitching in homer-friendly Yankee Stadium. There is more downside on him in that he still gives up lots of base runners (WHIP of 1.524 this season). He is still 29 years old, and perhaps a little motivation may get his productivity moving in the right direction.

Bronson Arroyo’s name has gotten attention as a possible addition to the rotation. Honestly, it did not look very promising after a dreadful April and now he's on the DL for the first time in his career, read HERE. Nevertheless, in his eight starts since then, he has a 5-2 record with one no-decision and a combined ERA of 2.70. Opponents’ batting average over that stretch is .246, and their OPS is a paltry .664. He also has some endurance, having failed to come out for the seventh inning only once during that stretch, which may provide some rest for the bullpen. The Diamondbacks are having a terrible season, currently fighting it out with the Padres for last place. Could they be convinced that they are better off trading their 37-year old, 2-year, $23.5M pitcher for some young, future talent? The Yankees certainly have some advantage here, and they should consider it.

Whatever the Yankees do, they need to do something. Phelps and Nuno are not going to make this team competitive, at least not in the near-term. While the farm may have some developing talent, they are exactly that – still developing. This is the 20th anniversary of the last time the Yankees failed to reach the playoffs in consecutive years. Something tells me that they are not going to be giving out commemorative cups for that milestone. Unless they want that streak to end this year, they need to realize that a course-correction is overdue.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!

CHIEN-MING WANG JUST SIGNED WITH A CLUB

According to Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish, Chien-Ming Wang just signed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds... it's a minor league deal:

Source: Chien-Ming Wang's minor league deal with #Reds includes opt-out dates on 5/31 and 6/30
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 15, 2014

Hey look, the Reds just lost Bronson Arroyo. They're probably looking to stockpile some arms, and Wang is a guy I would take a chance on.

To tell you the honest truth, I would have loved the Yankees to have given him a shot last season when we had him. That didn't work out, but whatever... life goes on.

Good luck Wang, we always loved you in the Bronx.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

WITHIN "THE LAST FEW DAYS" THE YANKS HAVE INQUIRED ABOUT A STARTER

But who was that starter? WHO?  Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com says it was Ervin Santana.

This is Wolfson's tweet:

No #MNTwins interest in FA Ervin Santana. Told Balt., Seattle, Dodgers, Cleveland, & the Yankees all have inquired in the last few days.
— Darren Wolfson (@DarrenWolfson) February 10, 2014

Now, it's not like Ervin is exclusively being looked at by the Yanks. I mean, as you can see, other teams have checked in too.  In fact, the Blue Jays are another team that are considering adding Ervin.  Read Jon Morosi of FOX Sports HERE.

Everyone believes that a deal will be struck by a team soon. Look, this isn't an earth shattering story, this is about fill spots, stockpiling arms and free agents finally settling on teams and deals.  We just saw Bronson Arroyo sign with the Diamondbacks the other day and no doubt, Ubaldo Jimenez will find a job within the next few days.

I keep going back to that story about the Yankees and Jimenez.  Remember when the Yankees were connected to him? "If the Yankees sign Tanaka, they probably will sign Jimenez too." I'm paraphrasing that quote, but that's basically what was stated. Read that HERE.

I personally do NOT think the Yankees will sign Santana, but with days to go before Spring Training, there will be some type of movement, trust me.

If something happens with Santana, with Jimenez, we'll tell you right here at BYB.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

BRONSON DARTS FOR ARIZONA

Bronson Arroyo has signed a deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.  It's being reported everywhere, but we'll go with ESPN on this one.  According to them:

" Bronson Arroyo and the Arizona Diamondbacks have reached agreement on a two-year, $23.5 million contract with a club option for a third year...The Baltimore Orioles also made a serious run at Arroyo, who was one of the top remaining pitchers left on the market."

So there you have it. For those of you that wanted Bronson Arroyo in the Yankee rotation, and I was included in that, Arroyo is gone, forget it.

 Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

BRONSON ARROYO HAS MAD INTEREST NOW

It now looks like other teams have jumped into the Bronson Arroyo hunt, or "tire kicking" or something...

According to Bon Nightengale at USA Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Baltimore Orioles and the Los Angeles Dodgers are all in in some capacity when it comes to signing Arroyo:

Three teams have emerged as finalists for Ironman Bronson Arroyo's services: the @Dbacks. @Dodgers and @Orioles, w Dbacks slight favorites.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 5, 2014

Remember yesterday we wrote THE YANKS COULD LOSE THEIR CHANCE FOR ARROYO?, and I put a "question mark" after it, because I was puzzled... the Yankees were connected to Arroyo just like many teams this off season and I was thinking for sure the Yanks had a flier out on the guy. I guess I was wrong, oh well.

Many are still debating Arroyo vs. Ubaldo Jimenez in Yankeeland.  Truth be told, I like Bronson more, but there was that lingering story about the Yankees signing Jimenez even if they signed Masahiro Tanaka. 

Not sure where the hell rumor that came from originally, but it's out there, but it appears to haven't gathered any traction... oh well. That's the baseball off season for you.

Yeah, but back to Arroyo... it now seems serious... teams gathering like they are ready to pounce on the guy, and I say, good for him; he's been a solid pitcher with a good career. Whomever signs him will be pleased I'm sure.

Just wanted to keep you guys in the loop.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fasted growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

THE YANKS COULD LOSE THEIR CHANCE FOR ARROYO?

Some of you love the idea of Bronson Arroyo in pinstripes. Some of you could care less.  There was a decent piece written about the BYB readers and their thoughts on the free agent pitching situation featuring Ervin Santana, Ubaldo Jimenez and Arroyo.  Read THE ERVIN SANTANA RUMOR, BUT A BRONSON ARROYO REQUEST for context on that.

Now, according to FOX Sports guy Jon Morosi, the Los Angeles Dodgers are chatting it up with Arroyo and it seems serious:

Sources: Dodgers remain in active talks with free agent starter Bronson Arroyo. @FOXSports1
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 4, 2014

Wow... the Yanks could lose out and while it's not the end of the world, I admit, I'd like to see Arroyo as a Yankee. 

But let's not forget... remember that report about the Yankees signing Ubaldo Jimenez even if they got Masahiro Tanaka? (Read HERE) Remember that? Well... we got Tanaka... so what comes next? Is that rumor true? Is that the real plan here?

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

THE ERVIN SANTANA RUMOR, BUT A BRONSON ARROYO REQUEST

Now... it's pretty obvious to me that the Yankees still are not 100% thrilled with their rotation. I mean, it's a good one, but it could be a great one.  Hey, I love the fact that these rumors about guys like Ervin Santana, Bronson Arroyo and Ubaldo Jimenez keep popping up, especially when there is literally nothing to write about these day. But for sure, it shows me that there is some thread of truth to them, be it the Yanks just "checking in" or asking for medical records.

Now, when we put out DO WE SIGN JIMENEZ, ARROYO OR SANTANA...OR DO WE STAY? the other day, I didn't expect much reaction... but it was clear to me that no one really wanted Ervin Santana... the top choice among BYB readers was Bronson Arroyo... with Ubaldo creeping in there as well:

@BleednYankeeBlu I think Arroyo would be the better acquisition. Only if it's for no more than 2 years.
— RON (@LawnRanger60) January 31, 2014

@BleednYankeeBlu Ubaldo .... He's a ground ball pitcher, and a innings eater would benefit him he pitched well at coors field
— Jesse.Valenciano (@j2marine) January 31, 2014

@MyMiaLove @BleednYankeeBlu NO AJ is right! If they were to sign anyone then let it be Arroyo.
— James Marion (@Live4Yanks) January 30, 2014

Love ARROYO! @BleednYankeeBlu @MyMiaLove @NyprincessJ @egyankee @sweetg35 @seepat #byb
— Suzanne (@suzieprof) January 30, 2014

@BleednYankeeBlu Of those 3, I'd say Bronson is the safer pick.
— Christopher Michiels (@BrahmaBull71) January 30, 2014

@BleednYankeeBlu I believe we should stay. But, if they wanted too, I would say Arroyo. for 2yrs
— Steve Rohl (@King_Adolph) January 30, 2014

Now, I tend to agree about Bronson.  Arroyo is more consistent. But maybe the thinking is, at least in the Yankees eyes, maybe Arroyo would be more pricey than someone like Santana and that's why we don't hear much about Bronson. Just my opinion. 

In turn, maybe the Yankees are thinking they could bring in a lower priced pitcher, someone who can be thrown into the mix with guys like Vidal Nuno, Michael Pineda and David Phelps and maybe bring confidence and a competition to Spring training for a rotation spot.  I'm telling you... I believe that is why the Santana rumors keep on coming.

The latest rumors about Santana go like this:

 "All I can say definitely is that you can't count the Yankees out of any free agent yet." That comes from River Ave Blues.  Sure, even I can say that, but the point is, it's out there still.

Here's more:

"The New York Yankees are one of seven teams reportedly interested in signing free agent starting pitcher Ervin Santana, multiple sources reported on Wednesday..." The comes from the Latino Post.

Not a lot, sure, but again, still alive. More importantly, all you Yankee fans who want Arroyo, better send a note to Yankee brass right now, because the Diamondbacks have reportedly inquired about him and this story is fresh. It comes from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe who wrote:

The Diamondbacks now kicking the tires on Bronson Arroyo.
— Nick Cafardo (@nickcafardo) February 1, 2014

Many things happening...but the Yankees seem to be only attached to Ervin Santana... but we Yankee fans appear to want Bronson Arroyo...

I wonder what's going to happen...

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

DO WE SIGN JIMENEZ, ARROYO OR SANTANA...OR DO WE STAY?

With the signing of Masahiro Tanaka, the Yankees appear to be done spending.  That's what it looks like right now at least.  There are still pitchers out there though.

Bronson Arroyo is available and his phone isn't ringing apparently.  The Yankees were connected to him for about 2 minutes... the Reds were chatting with him, but now, according to Arroyo, nothing.  Jayson Stark tweeted this:

Bronson Arroyo can't figure out why he's still unemployed. And neither can anyone else http://t.co/iVYCt9VAgl
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 29, 2014

Couple that with Ubaldo Jimenez and Ervin Santana still available and you have to wonder what the deal is here. Are teams just done spending, or is the perception just that these guys aren't good anymore.  Don't forget, it was reported that if the Yankees signed Tanaka, they would very well sign Jimenez too.... just for kicks.

The latest on these 2 pitchers is coming from Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports who writes "The Toronto Blue Jays, in need of another starting pitcher, might finally be preparing to pounce.... The Jays have yet to make an offer to a free-agent starter, according to major league sources...

But they have done extensive background work on right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, digging into his medical records, and also remain interested in righty Ervin Santana and other free agents, sources said."

My source says that the word "pounce" is just to get rumor readers excited that a moves about to be made... even if it isn't true. I kid. I love Kenny Rosenthal.

Whatever the case, there are 3 guys out there that a team could most likely use... maybe even as a 5 starter.  Oh... and AJ Burnett's available too.... just saying.

I wonder if the Yankees would swoop in for 1 of these guys just to stir up the "competition pot" come spring training...

Stay tuned.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fasted growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

THE TANAKA SIGNING GETS THE LINE MOVING

Don't forget that there was a huge log jam with pitching in Major League baseball while everyone was waiting for Masahiro Tanaka to choose the team he wanted to be with.  Once he signed with the Yankees... the line started moving and pitchers are now being snatched up quickly.

Today we learn that Matt Garza had signed a 4 year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.  It's worth $52 million.  According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

Source: Garza in agreement with #Brewers, four years, $52M, pending physical.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2014

But that's not all. Grant Balfour was also snatched up.  The Tampa Bay Rays signed him.

Ken Rosenthal again ladies and gentlemen... with a funny nugget attached to it:

Sources: #Mets made offer to Balfour that exceeded #Rays’ two-year, $12M bid. Balfour preferred to be closer to his home in Clearwater, Fl.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2014

The poor Mets can get anyone, except for Curtis Granderson of course... and that's a good get.

Then... after the whole Orioles / Balfour spat about Grant's health... Aaron Laffey signed with them! That comes from Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish:

Confirmed: Aaron Laffey has minor league deal with #Orioles.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) January 23, 2014

Alot happening now and look for guys like Bronson Arroyo and Ervin Santana to go within the next several days. 

Now that Tanaka is finally settled and coming to the Bronx, there will be teams moving to finalize their rotations.  Truth be told, I'm shocked by the contract Garza got.  Look, I like the guy, he's a good pitcher, but I would have never offered him 4 years. 2 maybe...

If there's more movement, of course we'll bring it to you right here on Bleeding Yankee Blue.

 Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fasted growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

TANAKA TOUR 2014

It began today, you know.  Masahiro Tanaka is in the United States and every Major League Baseball team is going to lay it on real thick now, trying to convince this guy that their team could be a contender with him on their club.  It's going to get bloody between clubs because they'll try and top each other and who knows what they'll be telling the Tanaka reps behind the scenes.  One thing is clear though; If you are the New York Yankees, you have to do your best pitch.  One would suggest you keep guys like Hank Steinbrenner out of the room when he comes to a New York pitch.  Many suggest Randy Levine may not be the right guy either.  Brian Cashman would need to do his best this time. It's a big fish and it's a must to have Tanaka on the Yankees.  We must not fail in this tour.  We need to win him over. 

I retweeted David Waldstein of the New York Times' tweet this morning. It was big news if you woke up late.  Tanaka was here! As he writes in his piece:

"Several major league teams have expressed interest. The Yankees, who expect the bidding to exceed $100 million, plan to be aggressive. If Tanaka visits multiple teams, a stop at Yankee Stadium is likely to be on his agenda. Tanaka is represented by Casey Close, Derek Jeter’s longtime agent."

Now, don't think for a second that because Close is Jeter's agent, Tanaka will sign with the Yankees.  No doubt Close is doing what's best for his client and while there is a connection... it means nothing. This is a process and business and he will visit the teams he is serious about. 

Where is Tanaka right this second? Chicago, according to the Star Ledger and first reported in the New York Times. The Ledger writes:    

"The Cubs are considered one of the Yankees’ chief rivals for Tanaka’s services, and the White Sox could also meet with Tanaka in the Windy City. The Dodgers and Mariners are also among the favorites in this impeding bidding war, with Arizona, Texas and Detroit lurking on the perimeter.... Negotiations could heat up as early as next week. There is little time to waste. The posting period for Tanaka ends Jan. 24. Any interested team must be willing to pay a $20 million posting fee to Rakuten Golden Eagles, Tanaka’s club in Nippon Professional Baseball."

We have heard that the Cubs are going to play "hardball". There was a piece a few weeks ago by Ryan Morrison by Inside the Zona and had a unique perspective on the whole Tanaka / Yankees / Cubs stuff.  I snagged a few quotes from him for you to check out:

 The Cubs:

“Consider the situation of the Chicago Cubs.  After three seasons with payrolls above $134M in 2009-2011, the Cubs committed to a rebuilding cycle, settling back down under $110M for the last two seasons.  They have money to spend, but no reason to spend it on the 2014 version of the team.  2015 may spell the beginning of their turnaround, but it’s only 2016 and beyond that their good young players may be contributing to the major league club in a meaningful way.  Now consider that of those good young players, almost all are position player prospects.
 
Add to that Theo Epstein’s comment from early November: ‘We wish there was a free agent market for young players.’”

The Yankees:

“… the Yankees’ need for Tanaka might be the greatest in the land.  New York’s rotation issues are profound.  Beyond a declining CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda, who agreed to give the Yankees one more year, they have the somewhat underrated Ivan Nova, slot filler David Phelps, and maybe Michael Pineda, who was great before shoulder surgery, but who is returning from… shoulder surgery.  In the minors, most possibilities are either recovering from injury or recently returned from one.
 
Also — they’re the Yankees.  Yes, they’ve been flirting with the recently-raised luxury tax threshold, but unless the luxury tax threshold is completely turning them off from spending money in general, Tanaka might still fit them.  Assuming that the total price for Tanaka will be as much as teams can fathom paying him (and that total years won’t be a big factor), the posting fee is part of Tanaka’s price — and so Tanaka’s salary may be a bit lower than it might have been if he were a true free agent. “ 

Very interesting and if you’re a Yankee fan, you just hope that we throw everything we have at this guy in hopes to lock him into a rotation consisting of CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova, Hiroki Kuroda and maybe Michael Pineda.  If we can, it’s a huge boost to the rotation.  If not, we have to think about guys like Vidal Nuno or David Phelps.  Plus, people have asked me why the hell we aren’t looking at a guy like Matt Garza who pitched well in the American League? Because everything is waiting on Tanaka.  Once we figure out who wins negotiating rights with him, then the other pitchers, Garza, Jimenez, Arroyo most likely will fall into place.

Stay tuned for anything Tanaka on Bleeding Yankee Blue. It's about to get nuts.

Tanaka Tour 2014...

 Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.