New York Yankees @ Bare Baseball - Baseball MLB Blog

12/05/2005
DALLAS -- The past decade has been considered the golden age of shortstops, with Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra heading the group for much of that time.
The Yankees already feature Jeter and A-Rod on the left side of their infield, having converted Rodriguez from a Gold Glove shortstop to an MVP third baseman.
Will Garciaparra be joining them this season?
Though it appears to be an unlikely scenario, it's hard to count anything out.
General manager Brian Cashman recently heard from Arn Tellem, who represents Garciaparra, about the idea of the Yankees signing the 32-year-old free agent.
"I've heard from Arn in the past about him," Cashman said. "I'm talking to everybody about anybody on the free agent market that may fit."
According to one person with knowledge of the situation, Tellem has been shopping Garciaparra around as a multi-position player, including an outfielder.
The Yankees have no openings in the infield, with Rodriguez, Jeter, Robinson Cano and Jason Giambi firmly entrenched at their respective positions. But the club continues to look for an upgrade in center field, and with no player penciled in at the designated hitter spot, Garciaparra could see a significant number of at-bats if he were to sign with New York.
That is, if the Yankees decided to take a flyer on Garciaparra as a center fielder.
"I've had people throw ideas my way," Cashman said. "What we need for this team is to be more flexible. We don't need another station-to-station guy with power only who can't run. I would like to get some flexibility."
With the current roster, Giambi and Andy Phillips are penciled in as the first baseman/DH duo for the upcoming season. Cashman said that he is comfortable with that tandem, as the offense is stacked with several high-profile bats, such as A-Rod, Jeter, Gary Sheffield and Hideki Matsui.
"Andy can swing the bat," Cashman said. "If the season started today, we'd be comfortable with him being that guy. But the season doesn't start today."
Cashman spent the first day of the Winter Meetings speaking with several player agents and club executives, as he continues to search for a center fielder and bullpen help.
"We'll see if it leads to anything or not," the GM said. "They're both areas we'd like to see if we can improve upon."
With Bubba Crosby on the roster, the need for relievers is more urgent than a center fielder, as Cashman would be comfortable using Crosby in center next season.
"The guy was our starting outfielder in the playoffs; why would we be afraid to start him in center on Opening Day?" Cashman said. "What he is is still an unknown. He's got talent, he's got power, he can run and throw. He can do a lot of different things; to what degree, I don't know."
Relievers on the free agent market include Julian Tavarez, Mike Myers, Joey Eischen and Ricardo Rincon. The Yankees already have seven starting pitchers under contract, as well as Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth and Tanyon Sturtze, giving them 10 pitchers on the roster. That said, Cashman could target two more arms before the offseason is over.
"We could go 11, we could go 12; it just depends on the makeup of the club," Cashman said. "We're just trying to assemble as many quality choices as possible."
Cashman admitted that he has factored the excess of starters into his thinking, as the two hurlers who do not make the rotation will be shifted to the bullpen. Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina are the only two starters assured of spots, with Carl Pavano, Jaret Wright, Chien-Ming Wang, Shawn Chacon and Aaron Small fighting for the remaining three spots.
"Some are more well suited for relief than others," Cashman said. "But in all fairness, I think everybody else will compete for the remaining spots."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/06/2005
DALLAS -- When the Yankees dealt for Alex Rodriguez before the 2004 season, it would have been easy to assume that Eric Duncan, the team's top third-base prospect, would have been devastated by the news.
Not exactly.
In addition to being the club's top hitting prospect, Duncan is a lifelong Yankees fan, so the acquisition of A-Rod actually got him excited.
"It was tough for me, because I'm a Yankees fan at heart," said Duncan, who will celebrate his 21st birthday on Wednesday. "They've been my favorite team since I was really young, so believe it or not, I was happy when they got Alex Rodriguez, to a certain degree. He's a great player, and now he's playing for my favorite team."
Of course, Rodriguez's arrival in New York meant that there would be a fixture at the hot corner for the next seven years, impeding Duncan's road to the Majors.
The Yankees, still excited by Duncan's ability at the plate, found a solution. They got him a first baseman's glove.
"They have probably the best player in baseball at third base right now," Duncan said, "so it's in all of our best interests for me to go to another position."
Duncan, the Yankees' No. 1 pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, struggled at times last season, hitting .235 with 19 home runs and 61 RBIs in 126 games for Double-A Trenton.
He rebounded this fall, hammering everything he saw while playing in the Arizona Fall League. Duncan hit .362 with eight home runs, 27 RBIs, nine doubles, a .734 slugging percentage, 26 runs scored and a .423 on-base percentage, earning him the AFL's MVP Award, which was presented on Tuesday at the Winter Meetings.
"Mentally and physically, things just clicked for me. It worked out," Duncan said. "It was a lot of fun and a great atmosphere. I had a blast."
"We're ecstatic about the progress he made in the Fall League," said general manager Brian Cashman. "It was a great experience for him, especially after the season in Trenton. He's so young and so talented, and when it starts to come together, it comes quick."
Duncan also started his transition to first base, playing his new position on a semi-regular basis for the first time.
"I worked hard at it out there, and I'm still working hard at it," he said. "I've never played there before, but it's coming along."
Despite his young age, Duncan knows that being a hot prospect in the Yankees system can often lead to a trade. Last winter, he heard his name mentioned in nearly every Randy Johnson trade rumor, though the Yankees were able to acquire the left-hander without giving up Duncan.
With holes in center field and the bullpen, Duncan's name is sure to come up several more times, but he understands that it's simply part of the business.
"The way I look at it, this game is hard enough," he said. "My next at-bat, my next ground ball, they're hard enough. I can't be thinking about the future and getting too caught up in other things."
"He's one of our big chips," Cashman said. "Everybody is available in the right circumstance, but some certainly less than others. He's a valuable asset for the future. Whether it's for us or somebody else, that remains to be seen."
According to Cashman, the plan for Duncan in 2006 is to play first base at Triple-A Columbus. Whatever is thrown his way, he'll be ready for it.
"The competition at every level I've gone to, from rookie ball on up, has been an adjustment period," Duncan said. "Double-A, Triple-A, the big leagues, A-ball -- wherever I end up this year, I'll have to adjust to wherever I am."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/06/2005
DALLAS -- Bernie Williams may be entering the final day of his Yankees career, as the club has not yet decided whether to offer arbitration to the free agent.
Should the Yankees not offer Williams arbitration or sign him to a new contract by midnight on Wednesday, they would not be able to sign him again until May 1, effectively ending his 15-year career in pinstripes.
General manager Brian Cashman met with agent Scott Boras on Tuesday to discuss Williams' situation, as well as some of Boras' other free agents, including center fielder Johnny Damon and reliever Julian Tavarez.
"We had discussions," Cashman said. "We'll have more."
One source with knowledge of the situation said that the Yankees are unlikely to offer arbitration to Williams, making Wednesday night's deadline a hard deadline.
Cashman said that he would speak with Boras about Williams again on Tuesday night or Wednesday, though he was not sure if he would meet with Williams, who is in Dallas consulting with trainers.
"I don't necessarily have to meet with Bernie," Cashman said. "It's not something that's going to be required."
The Yankees could bring Williams back as a backup outfielder and part-time designated hitter, though they have no interest in him as a starting center fielder. Last month, manager Joe Torre expressed a desire to bring Williams back to the Bronx, but Cashman said that the organization has not decided whether or not it is a good fit.
"We're still talking about that," Cashman said.
Williams isn't the only free agent to whom the Yankees must offer arbitration or cut ties with on Wednesday, as the club has 10 other free agents facing the same deadline.
Of those 10 -- a list that includes Kevin Brown, Tino Martinez and Felix Rodriguez -- only Al Leiter and Ruben Sierra are likely to be considered for an arbitration offer, and those would probably be with a handshake agreement to decline it, thus extending the negotiating deadline until Jan. 8.
"I'll deal with arbitration -- who's in, who's out, who we offer just to buy more time, and who we decline and sever the relationships with," Cashman said. "All of that will come tomorrow."
The Leiter side: Cashman spoke with Leiter's agent, Alan Hendricks, on Tuesday about the veteran left-hander's situation. Leiter hasn't decided whether to retire or play a 20th season in the Majors.
Should the Yankees bring Leiter back, it would be in a left-handed specialist role, which he filled toward the end of the regular season and in the playoffs. The Yankees could sign Leiter to a Major League or Minor League deal, giving him a chance to win a job in Spring Training.
"We wouldn't be committing to something," Cashman said. "It would be one of those situations where we have an interest and might look at it. It remains to be seen. We saw enough to pique our interest, and it's not a very strong market."
Leiter's presence would also give the Yankees a pitcher with the ability to pitch long relief or provide a spot start, though those would not be his primary functions.
"It's nice to have people in the 'pen who can give you protection," Cashman said. "You're going to have days when your starter isn't going to be able to go, or he gets knocked out early."
Tony on the block? Several teams have called the Yankees about Tony Womack, who doesn't appear to have a true role with New York in 2006.
Womack, who signed a two-year, $4 million deal last winter to be the Yankees' second baseman, was replaced by Robinson Cano in early May and limited to a backup outfielder's role for most of the season.
"I've had some teams express an interest in Tony," Cashman said. "We're in a situation where we'll listen to any concept that might make sense for us with any of our players who don't have full no-trades."
Several teams are looking for a second baseman, including the Royals and Cardinals. The Yankees don't have to move Womack before the season, though they certainly wouldn't be opposed to doing so.
"There's a role that Tony can fill here, without a doubt -- if he's here," Cashman said. "If he's not, maybe we can put him in a different situation which is closer to what he signed here for. Time will tell."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- Bernie Williams' future with the Yankees is still an uncertainty, but the Bombers aren't the only New York team with an interest in the five-time All-Star.
The Mets are interested in signing Williams as a backup outfielder, the same role that the Yankees are looking to fill with the 37-year-old.
One high-ranking Mets official said that if Williams is willing to accept a contract significantly lower than the $12.3 million he earned in 2005, the club would be interested in bringing him across town from the Bronx to Queens. The Mets would probably offer Williams a one-year deal not worth more than $2 million.
"Depending on the type of role Bernie would be willing to take on, I think he'd be a good fit for us," the Mets official said. "His leadership, his experience in New York, those are qualities that aren't easy to find."
Williams would have a familiar face around him at Shea Stadium, as manager Willie Randolph was on the Yankees' coaching staff for most of Williams' career in the Bronx.
The Mets have Carlos Beltran and Cliff Floyd penciled in for center and left field, respectively, while Xavier Nady and Victor Diaz are set to share time in right field. Williams would primarily serve as a pinch-hitter for the Mets, giving them an experienced switch-hitting bat off the bench.
"If Bernie would be willing to come to Spring Training, grab a glove and get comfortable at all three positions, we could use a guy like him," the Mets official said. "He's still a good hitter. He could be very valuable to our team."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- The Yankees offered arbitration to left-hander Al Leiter and right-hander Ramiro Mendoza, extending the negotiating window with the two free agent pitchers.
The club, which also extended an arbitration offer to Bernie Williams, declined to offer arbitration to eight other free agents, effectively severing ties with Kevin Brown, Alan Embree, Matt Lawton, John Flaherty, Tino Martinez, Rey Sanchez, Felix Rodriguez and Ruben Sierra.
The Yankees are not permitted to negotiate with the free agents not offered arbitration until May 1.
Both Leiter and Mendoza agreed not to accept the arbitration offer, and will likely be offered Minor League contracts as non-roster invites to Spring Training.
Leiter was acquired by the Yankees shortly after the All-Star break last July, filling in as a starter before being moved to the bullpen. He served as a left-handed specialist toward the end of the season, proving himself effective in that role.
Mendoza was signed to a Minor League deal last spring while he recovered from shoulder surgery. He made 10 appearances in the Minors before joining the Yankees in September, when he pitched one game for New York.
Johnny on the spot: Brian Cashman spoke with Scott Boras, the agent for center fielder Johnny Damon, on Wednesday, though the general manager wouldn't characterize the discussions.
Boras, however, was more than happy to chat about his client and what he could do for the Yankees, saying that Damon was "open to the idea" of playing in the Bronx.
"The Yankees need a center fielder and Johnny Damon is the premier guy out there," Boras said. "I think that kind of says that they're obviously trying to make their team better every day, and Brian is working diligently to do that. I think you can take it from there."
Cashman said he felt no closer to acquiring a center fielder than he did before the Winter Meetings, with Bubba Crosby still penciled in as the team's starter entering Spring Training.
Juan Pierre, who was considered one of the options for the Yankees on the trade market, was dealt from the Marlins to the Cubs, but Cashman said that Pierre was never a serious candidate for the Yankees.
The Marlins spoke with the Yankees a few times about Pierre, but never came down off their demand for Robinson Cano.
Rocket return? Roger Clemens will not return to the Astros, at least for the start of the 2006 season, as Houston declined to offer him arbitration by Wednesday night.
With Clemens unable to return to Houston until May, does that open the window for an unlikely return to the Bronx for the seven-time Cy Young Award winner?
"We all know who Roger Clemens is and how special a player he is, but all of that is for another time," Cashman said. "They had a situation in Houston that they had to make decisions on, and Roger did, too. I will be engaging all players on the free agent market, as I've continued to say, so I'll continue to bang that same drum."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- The Yankees and Bernie Williams weren't ready to say goodbye to each other on Wednesday, so the two sides agreed to give themselves another month to talk about a new contract for the veteran outfielder.
New York offered arbitration to Williams, extending the deadline to sign him to Jan. 8. Williams and his agent, Scott Boras, agreed to decline the arbitration offer, giving the two sides one more month to either come to an agreement or part ways.
"The purpose of this mechanism is to buy some time," said general manager Brian Cashman. "In Bernie's case, for a player that deserves more time and consideration for all he's done for this franchise, we're giving him a chance to make a decision."
Williams has been with the Yankees for 15 years, the past 13 as the starting center fielder, making him the longest-tenured player on the team. Should he return for a 16th season in pinstripes, it would be in a reserve role, similar to the one filled for the past two years by Ruben Sierra.
Boras said that should Williams return to the Yankees, he would enter Spring Training with the goal of winning the center field job.
"We've certainly agreed to the fact that we're willing to deal with the uncertainty," Boras said. "I don't think any player ever agrees that he's going to take on a part-time role, but the fact is, he's going there with the understanding that if he does play there, he has a job to win."
"I would never take the competitive nature away from anybody. You encourage that, so I'd expect nothing less," said Cashman, who spoke briefly with Williams in an elevator on Wednesday. "That's the beauty of baseball; you don't take away anybody's ability to compete. I would never deny Bernie -- or anybody else -- the opportunity to be more than what someone else thinks they should be."
As of now, however, the Yankees plan to enter Spring Training with Bubba Crosby as the starting center fielder, though Cashman continues to look for help at the position.
"The job is clearly defined," he said of Williams' role, should he return. "But just like every year on every roster, how you draw it up and how it plays out are usually two different things."
With a month to come to an agreement, Williams will likely get a feel for what opportunities may be presented to him around the league, then decide whether increased playing time or returning to the only franchise for which he has played is more important.
"I'm focused on where and how he may fit on my end," Cashman said. "He can factor on his end what that means based on whatever discussions they're having elsewhere."
The two sides were never close to reaching a deal on Wednesday, though Cashman said he believes that the decision to extend the negotiating deadline is a sign on both sides that they want to get a deal done.
"I see there's a role, I see his willingness to stay," Cashman said. "So while I can't say he's going to return for another year, he's going to have the opportunity to say yes or no."
Williams made more than $12 million in 2005, so he would have to take a significant pay cut to return to the Yankees next season. Sierra earned $1.5 million last season, and the Yankees would likely try to sign Williams in that same range.
"We've defined the role; now we have to define the economics of it," Cashman said. "This is a signal that we're both agreeing that, at some point, we'd like to get something done. There's a willingness and a hope to try to get something done and bring him back for one more year, assuming we can work out the economics for both sides that make sense."
Although there was a lot of speculation that Williams' Yankees career would come to an end on Wednesday night, Cashman said that he never felt that way.
"There's a lot that goes into this decision," he said. "Bernie means a lot to this franchise, and he's given a lot to this franchise. Someone like him, you make sure you take the extra time and care as you walk through the process. That's all we're doing."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- The Yankees bolstered their bullpen before leaving the Winter Meetings, agreeing to a two-year, $2.4 million deal with left-hander Mike Myers.
Myers told MLB.com in a phone interview that he had agreed to terms on a two-year contract with New York, filling the much-needed role of left-handed specialist.
"I'm jacked up for it," Myers said of pitching in the Bronx. "It's going to be a lot of fun. The Yankees are a team I have wanted to play with for quite a while. I'm glad the deal was able to come to fruition."
The deal, which is contingent upon Myers passing a physical, was not officially announced.
Myers, a 36-year-old submariner, said that he agreed to the deal late Wednesday night, just hours after the Red Sox declined to offer him arbitration.
He went 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 65 games for the Red Sox last season, holding left-handed hitters to a .158 average and a .198 on-base percentage in 95 at-bats.
Myers said that while he wasn't surprised at Boston's decision, he found it odd that the Sox never made him a formal offer. For Myers, getting a two-year deal was important.
"The way the market was set up, combined with the year that I had and what I've done," Myers said, "I thought that there was a multi-year deal out there that I had earned."
General manager Brian Cashman declined to say whether the Yankees had come to terms with any relievers, saying only, "We've got our lines out."
The Yankees have several imposing left-handed bats to contend with in the American League, most notably David Ortiz, Boston's biggest Yankee-killer. Before Myers joined the Red Sox in 2004, Ortiz said that the lefty's sidearm delivery made it difficult to pick up the ball out of his hand.
"That guy is funky," Ortiz said after striking out against Myers in May 2004. "I don't know, his ball looks like it's going to hit the ground ... every pitch from him goes to the black."
Since 2002, the Yankees have used a number of lefties in the bullpen, including Buddy Groom, Wayne Franklin, Alan Embree, Felix Heredia, C.J. Nitkowski, Gabe White, Chris Hammond, Randy Choate and Jesse Orosco. They even tried to bring back Mike Stanton last season, but he was unable to replicate the success he had in his first tenure with the Yankees from 1997-2002.
"Mike Stanton did a phenomenal job for them during the run of World Series championships," Myers said. "I know they have gone through about 15 different left-handers in the past few years, so I'm looking forward to filling that role and helping bring a World Series title back to New York."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- The Yankees finally made a move at the Winter Meetings, though it was hardly the blockbuster that many had hoped for.
New York sent Tony Womack and cash to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for Minor Leaguers Kevin Howard and Ben Himes. The Yankees will send $900,000 to the Reds to pay part of Womack's $2 million salary in 2006.
"This was on my agenda," general manager Brian Cashman said. "I was trying to get something done, had a couple of different places to do it and had to figure out which was the best for us."
Womack, 36, batted .249 with 15 RBIs and 27 stolen bases last season for the Yankees, appearing in 108 games, 80 of them starts.
After beginning the season as the team's starting second baseman, Womack was moved to the outfield in early May when Robinson Cano was called up to take over at second.
Womack was eventually benched entirely, serving primarily as a pinch-hitter and pinch-runner for the second half of the season.
"It was a tough season for Tony," Cashman said. "His new role, it wasn't something that he preferred. It was in his best interest and our best interest for me to find something that made sense to get a change of scenery for him."
Howard, a 24-year-old third baseman, led the Arizona Fall League with a .409 average this season and was second with a .475 on-base percentage. He hit .296 with 12 home runs, 70 RBIs and 13 stolen bases last season with Double-A Chattanooga.
Himes, a 24-year-old outfielder, ranked eighth among all Reds prospects with a combined .300 batting average in 98 games for Class A Sarasota and Class A Dayton in 2005.
"It's nice to add guys who can go right into the system and maybe become something someday for us," Cashman said, "and at the same time, put Tony into a position where he can compete better."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/08/2005
DALLAS -- They came, they saw, they went home.
That was pretty much the story for the New York Yankees, who sat on the side and watched other teams make the big splashes at this year's Winter Meetings.
Most of the Yankees' activity came in the final 12 hours of the meetings, as Mike Myers agreed to terms on a two-year contract to be the team's new left-handed specialist and Tony Womack was traded to the Reds.
Several big names were discussed during the week, from Nomar Garciaparra to Johnny Damon, but in the end, the Yankees' only official move was the Womack trade, which saw New York acquire two Minor Leaguers.
Myers, who told MLB.com that he had agreed to a two-year contract with the Yanks, still had to take a physical before his deal could be announced.
Perhaps the most interesting development this week was the decision to offer arbitration to Bernie Williams, giving the two sides another month to reach a one-year agreement.
The Yankees are closing in on a $2 million deal with Williams, who will fill the role of backup outfielder and part-time designated hitter that Ruben Sierra has had for the past two years.
Deals done: Traded Womack and cash to Cincinnati for prospects Kevin Howard and Ben Himes; agreed to terms with Myers on a two-year contract; extended arbitration offers to Williams, LHP Al Leiter and RHP Ramiro Mendoza; declined arbitration offers to RHP Kevin Brown, 1B Tino Martinez, C John Flaherty, RHP Felix Rodriguez, Sierra, LHP Alan Embree, OF Matt Lawton and INF Rey Sanchez.
Rule 5 activity: Lost outfielder Erold Andrus (Double-A Trenton) to Minnesota in the second round (29th pick) of the Minor League phase.
Goals accomplished: The Yankees managed to part company with Womack, who did not fit in with their plans for 2006. In exchange, they received two prospects, including Howard, a third baseman who led the Arizona Fall League with a .409 average.
New York also extended arbitration offers to three veterans -- Williams, Leiter and Mendoza -- who figure to be back with the organization next spring one way or another.
Unfinished business: Bullpen and center field continue to be the priorities for Brian Cashman this winter, so the general manager will keep scouring the market for help on both fronts.
With Myers signed, the Yankees will likely look for one more reliever this winter, possibly right-hander Julian Tavarez.
GM's bottom line: "I wasn't optimistic coming into it, and it's lived up to its expectations. I wasn't expecting to do too much." -- Cashman

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/13/2005
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez committed last week to participate in the inaugural World Baseball Classic, though he didn't say whether he would play for the United States or the Dominican Republic.
While no official announcement was made, the reigning American League MVP said Tuesday that he will probably represent the Dominican in the tournament, scheduled for March.
"That seems to be pretty much the way I'm leaning," Rodriguez said in an interview with WFAN radio. "That's the team I'm going to represent, kind of like what [Mike] Piazza is doing with Italy. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Rodriguez's presence on the Dominican team adds even more power to the team's lineup, which is already stacked with names such as Albert Pujols, David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Vladimir Guerrero, Miguel Tejada and Alfonso Soriano.
"I know the guys in the Dominican are taking this real seriously," Rodriguez said. "I think the American team might take it more like an exhibition, but these guys are playing for the pride of their country, to showcase what they're all about for their home country."
Rodriguez is one of three Yankees to commit to the event, joining Robinson Cano, who will be a teammate of A-Rod's on the Dominican team, and Derek Jeter, who will play for the United States.
Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees blocked Posada from participating, citing the wear and tear that goes with catching a full season.
A-Rod, who is well-known for his strenuous offseason workout regimen, will begin his baseball activity a little earlier than usual to prepare for the tournament. Instead of beginning his hitting work around Jan. 1, as usual, he plans to step into the cage in the next 10 days.
"There is definitely a sense of urgency for me to get ready a little earlier," Rodriguez said. "To get more game ready, start throwing earlier."
Rodriguez admitted that the potential to get hurt during the World Baseball Classic is a concern, but he doesn't plan on holding anything back.
"I'm a little nervous about guys getting injured that time of year," he said. "At the end of the day, if you pull a hamstring and are out three or four weeks, that could impact your whole season.
"I only know how to play one way once I'm between the lines. I love to compete, I love to play, and I'm going to go all out."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/14/2005
NEW YORK -- Hideki Matsui remains undecided when it comes to participating in the World Baseball Classic as the outfielder must decide between representing his country or staying with his team during Spring Training.
Matsui, who signed a four-year, $52 million contract last month to remain with the Yankees, told The Associated Press in Tokyo that he had not made a decision on playing for Japan in the inaugural WBC tournament.
There has been a lot of pressure on Matsui in recent weeks as people in Japan want to know if he plans to play for his country.
"I'm also a Yankee," Matsui said told reporters Tuesday. "Is it my goal to become a World Series champion in 2006? Of course it is."
Japanese baseball legend Sadaharu Oh, who will manage the Japanese team, has been trying to persuade Matsui to play in the event. Oh has already convinced Ichiro Suzuki to take part in the tournament.
Last week, Oh told reporters hat he was 100 percent certain that Matsui would participate, saying that he would leave a roster spot open for the Yankees' left fielder.
Matsui has said that he wants to make a decision soon, as it would be rude to keep Oh and Japanese fans waiting much longer.
Japan, which is part of Group A with South Korea, China and Chinese Taipei, will be home for the first round of the tournament, March 3-5 at the Tokyo Dome. That, of course, is the stadium in which Matsui played his entire 10-year career in Japan with the Yomiuri Giants.
Three members of the Yankees -- Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano -- have agreed to participate in the event. Bernie Williams and Al Leiter also committed to play in the WBC if selected by their respective countries.
Jorge Posada wanted to play for Puerto Rico, but the Yankees objected, given the wear and tear that comes with catching a full big-league season. Puerto Rico has a deep talent pool at catcher, including Ivan Rodriguez and Sandy Alomar Jr.
Mariano Rivera has not made an official decision, but he told WFAN radio on Wednesday that he will likely skip the event because his arm won't be in pitching shape by the first week of March.
Sixty-man rosters must be submitted by Jan. 17, with 30-man rosters finalized 24 hours prior to the start of the tournament.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/14/2005
NEW YORK -- Nomar Garciaparra could decide on a new team in the coming days, with the Yankees looking like one of the finalists to land the five-time All-Star.
Arn Tellem, who represents Garciaparra, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Garciaparra was considering four teams, one of which is the Yankees.
While Tellem would not reveal the others, they are believed to be the Indians, Astros and Dodgers, though Los Angeles signed former Red Sox Bill Mueller to play third base on Wednesday.
Garciaparra, who has played 1,024 of his 1,059 career games at shortstop, is apparently willing to play any position for a new team other than pitcher or catcher. The Yankees are interested in using Garciaparra at first base and as a designated hitter, sharing time with Jason Giambi at both spots.
Manager Joe Torre called Garciaparra earlier this week to tell the two-time batting champion that the Yankees were interested in his services.
"Nomar had a good conversation with Joe Torre this week," Tellem said in an e-mail to The Associated Press. "The Yankees are one of four teams that Nomar is considering. We are in the process of reviewing the options and we hope to make a decision in the near future."
Derek Jeter, who has played on three American League All-Star teams with Garciaparra, admitted that it would be strange to have the two of them and Alex Rodriguez in the same infield.
"It's kind of weird to be hearing about it," Jeter said in an interview on WFAN Radio. "It was weird enough just playing with Alex, and now there are all these rumors about Nomar coming here. They're just rumors. If anyone is available, they say they're coming to us."
Should Garciaparra sign with the Yankees, he would join Jeter and Rodriguez in the same infield, bringing the three shortstop stars of the mid-1990s and early-2000s together for the first time.
"Maybe we can get [Miguel] Tejada to start and [Omar] Vizquel as middle relief," joked Jeter.
Garciaparra, 32, hit .283 with nine homers and 30 RBIs in just 230 at-bats for the Cubs last season. He missed more than three months after tearing his groin while leaving the batter's box on April 20, then switched from shortstop to third base late in the year after Aramis Ramirez got hurt.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/15/2005

NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano made quite an impact in his rookie season, helping the Yankees climb out of an early hole to capture their eighth consecutive American League East championship.
For his impressive debut campaign, Cano was voted the top rookie in MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards.
Cano received 28.9 percent of the vote, beating out Atlanta's Jeff Francoeur, who earned 17.5 percent. Houston's Willy Taveras finished third with 13.4 percent of the vote.
More than 3.3 million votes were cast for the 2005 TYIB Awards, up from 800,000 in 2004.
Cano hit .297 with 14 home runs, 62 RBIs and 34 doubles in his first season in the Majors, leading all AL rookie hitters in average, slugging percentage (.458), doubles, runs (78), hits (155), multi-hit games (47) and at-bats (522).
Cano also ranked first among all hitters in the AL with a .335 batting average on the road.
Cano was called up from Triple-A Columbus on May 2, taking over the Yankees' starting second base job from Tony Womack.
Cano went 2-for-23 in his first seven games, but he followed that up with an eight-game hitting streak, going 16-for-34 (.470) in that span. He went on to hit .310 in June and .319 in July, moving his average up to the .300 mark after three months in the Majors.
Cano slumped in August, batting just .207, but he rebounded with a strong September and October, hitting .384 as the Yankees overtook the Red Sox for another AL East title in the final month.
Cano is one of three Yankees players to win TYIB Awards this year, as Mariano Rivera won Closer of the Year honors and Alex Rodriguez won for Single-Game Performance of the Year.
MLB.com started the This Year in Baseball Awards back in 2002 to give fans the opportunity to express their opinions on the top players, managers and moments from each season.
The voting for this year's awards began on Oct. 31 and concluded Dec. 9 at midnight ET and were announced live on MLB.com at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday. Awards are presented to winners during pregame, on-field ceremonies early the following season.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/15/2005
NEW YORK -- Most closers generally have trouble sustaining their dominance over a long period of time, flaming out after a few good years.
Then again, Mariano Rivera isn't most closers.
The seven-time All-Star had what some believe was the finest season of his career in 2005, posting 43 saves and a 1.38 ERA in his ninth year as the Yankees' closer. For his efforts, Rivera was voted the Closer of the Year as part of MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards.
This marks the second consecutive season in which Rivera has captured the award, which was introduced last year. More than 3.3 million votes were cast, up from 800,000 in 2004.
Rivera received 36.3 percent of the votes cast, easily beating out Houston's Brad Lidge (18.3 percent) and Milwaukee's Derrick Turnbow (14.5 percent).
Last season, Rivera received 28.5 percent of the vote, beating out Lidge, Boston's Keith Foulke and Los Angeles' Eric Gagne. He received the award in an on-field ceremony in April.
"That means a lot, that the fans responded like they did," Rivera said, after receiving the award. "It means they're following the game, following me. I'm pleased and grateful to be recognized with the award."
Rivera held opposing hitters to a .177 average, allowing just two home runs in his 71 appearances. He was particularly lethal on the road, limiting opponents to a .121 average.
Rivera is one of three Yankees players to win a This Year in Baseball Award, as Alex Rodriguez won for the top single-game performance and Robinson Cano won for being the top rookie.
MLB.com started the This Year in Baseball Awards back in 2002 to give fans the opportunity to express their opinions on the top players, managers and moments from each season.
The voting for this year's awards began on Oct. 31 and concluded Dec. 9 at midnight ET, and were announced live on MLB.com at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday. Awards are presented to winners during pregame, on-field ceremonies early the following season.


Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/15/2005
NEW YORK -- Alex Rodriguez's 2005 season had many highlights, all of which combined to earn him the American League's Most Valuable Player Award.
But it was A-Rod's incredible night on April 26 that earned him MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Award for the top single-game performance.
Rodriguez drilled three home runs -- all against AL Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon -- and drove in 10 runs to lead the Yankees to a 12-4 victory over the Angels at Yankee Stadium.
"It was pretty incredible," said manager Joe Torre. "Your mouth has to drop open when you see something like that. That was certainly worth the price of admission."
Rodriguez went 4-for-5 on the night, producing the third three-homer performance of his career. His 10 RBIs were the second-most in Yankees history; Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri set the American League record with an 11-RBI day in 1936.
Rodriguez received a whopping 42.1 percent of the votes cast, easily beating out St. Louis' Chris Carpenter, who earned 14.1 percent for his one-hitter against the Blue Jays on June 14. Cincinnati's Ryan Freel finished third with 8.5 percent for stealing five bases in a game on July 27.
More than 3.3 million votes were cast for the 2005 This Year in Baseball Awards, up from 800,000 in 2004.
A-Rod opened his big night with a three-run shot against Colon in the first, then added a two-run homer in the third.
When Rodriguez came up with the bases loaded in the fourth, everyone in the stadium was on the edge of their seats -- including Rodriguez's own teammates -- to see if he could hit another ball out of the yard.
Rodriguez didn't disappoint, demolishing a 3-2 pitch from Colon off the front of the "black" section in dead center field. It was Rodriguez's 11th career grand slam, giving the Yankees a 10-2 lead.
"If I would have thought grand slam for one minute, it probably wouldn't have happened. My goal was to hit the ball hard up the middle," A-Rod said. "It was a fun matchup. Bases loaded, the fans were going crazy. When that ball went over the center-field fence, it felt pretty cool."
The crowd of 36,328 rose to its feet, giving Rodriguez his second standing ovation of the night. Two innings later, A-Rod added an RBI single to bring his game total to 10.
"It's magical," A-Rod said of his night. "After I got that last base hit up the middle, I felt like I was on top of a cloud. You don't want that moment to end. It was a night that I'll never forget."
Rodriguez is one of three Yankees players to win a This Year in Baseball Award, as Mariano Rivera won Closer of the Year honors and Robinson Cano won for being the top rookie.
MLB.com started the This Year in Baseball Awards back in 2002 to give fans the opportunity to express their opinions on the top players, managers and moments from each season.
The voting for this year's awards began on Oct. 31 and concluded Dec. 9 at midnight ET, and were announced live on MLB.com at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday. Awards are presented to winners during pregame, on-field ceremonies early the following season.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/15/2005
NEW YORK -- By definition, Mike Myers' job description involves coming in against a tough left-handed batter.
But in a broader sense, Myers' most important assignment this season might be facing one especially tough slugger. If Myers regularly neutralizes Boston's dangerous David Ortiz, as the Yankees hope he can, he'll be worth every penny.
Myers, 36, agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.4 million contract with New York last week, jumping from the Red Sox to become the Yankees' much-needed left-handed specialist. The deal was officially announced on Thursday in a conference call.
"We're excited to add Mike to our bullpen," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "We've been looking for someone to neutralize the powerful lefties who continue to show up in the American League. Mike has a proven track record of being able to take care of left-handed hitters."
"The Yankees always put a team on the field that expects to go to the World Series and win it," Myers said. "I love baseball history, and being able to be a part of history and hopefully get their 27th ring, that's something I definitely wanted to be a part of."
A submarine-style hurler, Myers was 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA in 65 games for the Red Sox last season, holding left-handed hitters to a .158 average and a .198 on-base percentage in 95 at-bats.
"God didn't give me the ability to blow the ball by anybody, so I really have to use Jedi mind tricks to get guys out," said Myers, who mixes sliders and an occasional changeup with a solid two-seam fastball.
Myers adds 11 years of Major League experience -- including three postseason appearances -- to the Yankees' roster, further upgrading a bullpen that has also added Kyle Farnsworth in front of closer Mariano Rivera.
"I'm honored the Yankees would consider me for this spot in their bullpen," Myers said. "With the amount of left-handers that are in the AL East, you need a lefty to lock in the role. The Yankees have gone through a lot of left-handers the last couple of years, and hopefully, I can solidify that role."
Indeed, the role of lefty specialist has been a revolving door for the Yankees over the last three seasons. An assortment of southpaws have been shuffled and replaced since 2002, with mixed results.
And though there's no shortage of dangerous left-handed batters in the American League, Myers knows his main objective this season could be quieting the stroke of Ortiz, who hit five of his 47 home runs against the Yankees in 2005.
Myers has faced "Big Papi" only twice in his career, but he's retired him both times, recording one strikeout.
"You [have to be] very careful, limit your mistakes," Myers said. "You definitely have to work both sides of the plate, use up and down and keep him guessing. When he did his damage in Boston, teams more often than not stayed in one location."
Myers noted that he has had recent contact with free agent outfielder Johnny Damon. The 32-year-old free agent is apparently serious about the possibility of being the next to head for the Bronx, Myers said.
"He's definitely interested in playing [for the Yankees]," Myers said. "I've talked to him, and he has a strong interest in playing there. Hopefully, everything contract-wise works out, and we can be teammates again. I think he'd fare great."
Cashman declined to discuss a number of ongoing negotiations, including the state of his discussions with Damon and free agent Nomar Garciaparra, although he did note that the Yankees continue to move toward re-signing Bernie Williams and are open to more relief additions.
"We're still working on things," Cashman said. "We just don't feel like we're in a position where we can sit still yet."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/16/2005
NEW YORK -- The Yankees are still waiting for Nomar Garciaparra to decide where he will play in 2006, as the five-time All-Star chooses between New York and three other clubs.
The waiting doesn't appear to be much of a problem for the Yankees, who would use Garciaparra as a "jack of all trades" at several positions, including first base, designated hitter and possibly the outfield.
In addition to the Yankees, Garciaparra is considering the Indians, Astros and Dodgers.
"Nomar continues to talk with players, friends and family members," said Arn Tellem, Garciaparra's agent, in an e-mail. "He is weighing his options carefully and while he has no plans on making a decision [Friday] he intends to do so in the near future."
General manager Brian Cashman spent Friday completing a trade with the Marlins for left-handed reliever Ron Villone, pushing Garciaparra and the rest of the free agent market to the background for the day.
"I've been focused since last night on this particular deal," Cashman said. "I haven't really engaged with anybody on the free agent market since things heated up with the Florida Marlins."
If the Yankees do not sign Garciaparra, that would leave Andy Phillips as the backup first baseman/designated hitter. New York has also discussed bringing back Miguel Cairo as a utility infielder, a role he filled in 2004 before leaving for the Mets in 2005.
Even though the Dodgers inked Bill Mueller to play third base, Garciaparra is being looked at to fill a spot in left field in Los Angeles. Garciaparra, who met with Dodgers brass on Thursday and Friday, also played for new manager Grady Little in 2002-03 with the Red Sox.
Los Angeles could have an advantage over the other three teams in the hunt for Garciaparra, as he and his wife, soccer legend Mia Hamm, live in suburban Manhattan Beach.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/16/2005
Melky Cabrera continues to impress with his performance in the Dominican Republic this winter, showing the Yankees that he has a bright future.
Cabrera, a 21-year-old Dominican, is playing for Las Aguilas Cibaeñas this winter. Cabrera is hitting .298 (25-for-84) with six doubles, one triple, 11 RBIs, five stolen bases and an impressive .375 on-base percentage through the first 31 games of the season.
Cabrera has walked 11 times and struck out nine times, a great improvement from his 37 walks and 87 strikeouts in 132 games with Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Columbus in 2005.
"He's swinging the bat really well down in the Dominican right now," said general manager Brian Cashman at the Winter Meetings. "He's a talented guy."
In 106 games with Trenton, Cabrera hit .275 with 10 home runs and 60 RBIs, stealing 11 bases and doubling 22 times. In 26 games with Columbus, Cabrera hit .248 with three homers, 17 RBIs and two steals.
Last July, the Yankees called up Cabrera from the Minors to give him a shot as the center fielder, but he struggled at the plate and in the field, looking nervous and overmatched. Cabrera hit .211 (4-for-19) with no RBIs during his stint in the Majors before being sent back down.
Although Cabrera's name has not been mentioned with regards to the center field job in the Bronx this year, it was an impressive winter in the Dominican and a solid showing at Spring Training that helped Robinson Cano open the Yankees' eyes last year, so anything is possible.
"If you asked me last December if Cano was going to do what he did, I couldn't have answered," said Cashman. "Because of Cano, there's some guy that could come from nowhere in our system. Melky Cabrera, Kevin Thompson, who knows?"
Also playing for Las Aguilas is infielder Caonabo Cosme, who played shortstop for Columbus for 62 games in 2005. Cosme is hitting .316 in 19 at-bats for Las Aguilas, scoring a pair of runs and driving in one.
In 211 at-bats for the Clippers, Cosme hit .265 with six home runs and 24 RBIs. He also stole five bases, doubled 13 times and tripled once.
Rudy Guillen, who hit .260 in 100 games with Class A Tampa in 2005, is playing for Leones del Escogido this winter. Guillen has had just 19 at-bats, posting a .273 average.
Guillen hit six homers, drove in 39 runs and stole 10 bases with Tampa this year, scoring 51 runs. In 28 games with Trenton, Guillen hit .257 (28-for-109) with two homers and eight RBIs.
Two pitchers from the Yankees' system also are honing their skills in the Dominican: Jorge De Paula and Elvys Quezada.
De Paula is pitching for Escogido, posting a 3.12 ERA in five games. In 17 1/3 innings, De Paula has held opponents to a .246 average, striking out 11 while walking five. The right-hander came back last year from Tommy John surgery to pitch 25 games in the Minors and three with the Yankees.
De Paula was 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) with Columbus. He struck out 90 batters in 116 innings. In his three relief appearances with the Yankees, De Paula posted an 8.10 ERA in 6 2/3 innings.
Quezada has appeared in four games for Las Aguilas, posting a 2.84 ERA in 6 1/3 innings. Quezada has allowed nine hits and two walks, striking out five.
In 19 games (four starts) with Class A Tampa, Quezada went 4-1 with one save and a 5.94 ERA. Quezada also pitched 16 games (one start) for Class A Charleston, going 1-1 with a 1.95 ERA. In 79 1/3 innings for the two teams, Quezada struck out 87 batters.

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/16/2005
NEW YORK -- Despite saying earlier in the week that he was leaning toward playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Alex Rodriguez has decided not to participate in the event at all.
Rodriguez, the reigning American League MVP, informed the Yankees on Thursday that he would skip the event altogether.
"He called me yesterday," general manager Brian Cashman said. "I think it's best for me to stay silent on that issue. He, like all our players, have the full responsibility to make those decisions."
A-Rod, who was born in the United States, is eligible to play for the Dominican because his parents were born there. But he told the New York Post in Friday's edition that he will not participate at all, as he doesn't want to dishonor either country.
"After thoughtful deliberations with my family, I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic," Rodriguez told the paper. "When faced with the decision to choose between my country, the United States of America, and my Dominican heritage, I decided I will not dishonor either."
Rodriguez was named as one of 177 Major League players committed to the event during the Winter Meetings, though he was one of the few that were not attached to a country. When the event was first announced back at the All-Star Game in July, Rodriguez said that he would look for guidance from Major League Baseball and the Players Association.
Earlier this week, however, he told WFAN radio that he was leaning toward playing for the Dominican.
"That seems to be pretty much the way I'm leaning," Rodriguez said in an interview with the radio station. "That's the team I'm going to represent, kind of like what [Mike] Piazza is doing with Italy. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Friday, in his interview with The Post, that stance changed.
"I am proud to be an American citizen and to have a Dominican legacy," A-Rod told the paper. "My commitment to baseball is secondary to honoring my patriotic duties to my country and my ancestors.
"Sports participation should only include the admiration and respect an athlete has for a nation and family. I intend to play baseball only when I am dedicated to both," he added. "Playing baseball for the New York Yankees allows you to honor and advance the interest of both without division."
Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the MLBPA, hopes told The Associated Press in an e-mail that he hopes Rodriguez will change his mind.
"Alex has, and I'm sure continues, to agonize over this decision," Orza said. "I would not regard his statement [on Friday] as the final or definitive word. Alex is also devoted to the growth of baseball internationally, and is a fan of baseball in the Olympics. He realizes that the WBC serves both of those interests. We haven't spoken yet. We will. And having known and respected him since he was a drafted, my suspicion is that, in the end, fans around the world will see Alex in a WBC uniform."
Now, with his apparent decision to back out of the event, Rodriguez will be with the Yankees for all of Spring Training, while teammates Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Bernie Williams -- assuming Williams re-signs with New York -- will play in the WBC. Hideki Matsui has not yet decided whether he will play for Japan.
"The World Baseball Classic is great for baseball and will bring notice to the proud citizens of countries of many Major League Baseball players," A-Rod said. "That is something I will watch with great interest and clear conscience as I prepare for the upcoming Yankee season."

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/

12/16/2005
NEW YORK -- One day after officially introducing Mike Myers as their new left-handed specialist, the Yankees made another move to bolster the bullpen from the left side on Friday, acquiring Ron Villone from the Marlins.
In exchange for the southpaw, who will turn 36 in January, the Yankees sent left-hander Ben Julianel to Florida.
Villone made a career-high 79 appearances for the Marlins and Mariners in 2005, the fifth most among Major League relievers. In 52 games with Seattle, he posted a 2-3 record and 2.45 ERA, holding left-handed hitters to a .213 average.
On the year, he held left-handed hitters to a .222 average with no home runs and just three extra-base hits.
In addition to Villone and Myers, the Yankees also added right-hander Kyle Farnsworth to their bullpen this offseason.
This will be a homecoming for Villone, who is a native of Edgewater, N.J. During his 10-year career, Villone has pitched for nine teams, appearing in 473 games.
Originally selected by Seattle with the 14th overall selection in the first round of the 1992 First-Year Player Draft, Villone was named the Mariners' Most Valuable Pitcher for the 2004 season by the Seattle chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Julianel, 26, posted a 5-3 record with a 3.90 ERA in 46 games with Double-A Trenton in 2005. The Yankees received Julianel from the Cardinals as part of an August 2003 trade that saw Sterling Hitchcock dealt to St. Louis

Source: http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/