Question: How To Replace Matsui And What About Nady?

[bluecountry]

The Yanks have an interesting situation next season.
Johnny Damon, the LF, has had a great season and is a free agent.
Matsui, the DH, has had had a great season and is a free agent.

Most seem to think the Yanks really do need to bring Damon back because his swing is made for Yankee Stadium and he is so valuable in the clubhouse.
His LF defense leaves some to be desired, but he can play the OF and rotate at DH.

Matsui is likely to be gone because he can only play DH and the Yanks need flexibility there for veterans like Posasa/Arod/Jeter/Texiera/Damon if he comes back.
However, if the Yanks let Matsui go, as witnessed last night, that would be a major blow.
He has been excellent at number 5 this year...and I don't think Cano (with his inconsistancy with RISP) or Swisher (strike outs) or Posada (age and DP) are as good at the 5 hole.
Even so, losing Matsui takes away a clutch batter.

So my question, if we keep Damon and let Matsui go (which does seem to make the most sense), then how do we replace Matsui's production, because that bat WOULD be a big loss?

Rotating the DHs will not suffice, and to count on Damon/Swisher/Melky/Gardner to repeat this year WITHOUT Matsui to protect would be foolish.
Expacting AJAX to make an impact is also foolish.

I was wondering, do we have any options on an OF who could be a short term replacement for Matsui?
One that comes to mind is Nady.
Nobody talks about him, but he is a FA who has been hurt most of the year.
Now the question is, will he be healthy next year?
If so, I say yes because he is a good RF and he can bat 5 and help ease the loss of Matsui.

I say give Damon and Nady arbitraion or 1 year deals with a buyout.
It is better to overpay them short term than sign Bay.
The Yanks can not have too many more long term commitments as it could lead to an aging team in the future...PLUS they need LF open long term for Jeter/Arod.


My question to you
1) What do you think? What makes sense?
-Bring back Damon over Matsui...even if it means overpaying for 1 year so you save the LF spot long term?

2) Replacing Matsui?
-Have Nady do it and if not what FA is there?

[JeffWeaverFan]

Nady isn't nearly good enough of a hitter to be a starter on this team, and he won't be ready next year.

I think Damon will be brought back and Matsui will not so that there is more flexibility in the DH spot. But we better think of a way to replace Matsui's production.

[THEBOSS84]

I don't want Nady anywhere near this team next year.

[b_joseph]

An old Catcher..Damon who breaks down every week..Jeter will be 36...Alex will be closer to 35.
I dont think we can afford having an everyday DH. Leave it open and just have a different guy hit there every game.

[bluecountry]

Nady has a good bat and good d....he could be a good plug for a year.

[CallOfTheCrow]

Isn't Nady missing most of the year due to his TJ? I don't know how the rehab process goes or the recovery time for a position player.

[Yankee Tripper]

Nady see ya.

Matsui would be option number 3 or 4 if other FA plans fall though but I'd be very surprised to see him back. If he is it means the Yanks didn't get a FA OF and they didn't resign Damon.

[walesave]

1) I think Damon comes back and, though I hate to see it, Matsui leaves.
2) The Yankees may go after a younger (healthier) bat in the free agent market. Nady isn't the answer. They'll be lucky if he returns to form so he can be traded.

[roblyo33]

Isn't Nady a FA after this year??

[Yankee Tripper]

Ideally Matt Holliday (5 year $90M) is signed to play LF and Damon (1-year $12M) is resigned to DH.

Then one of Andy Pettitte (1-year similar to 09 contract), Ben Sheet (1 year incentive only) or Rich Harden (2 years with a 3rd year option that vests) is signed to fill the vacant veteran hole in the rotation.

I'd be thrilled to death with that offseason.

[walesave]

Isn't Nady a FA after this year??

Yes, true. Nady is FA in 2010 so he's a goner.

[nyyfanatic85]

This is such an interesting question and I'm completely torn. I want both of them back.

[grizy]

I don't want Holliday for 90 over 5.

And Damon shouldn't get anything close to 12 million.

[Blazer]

Ideally Matt Holliday (5 year $90M) is signed to play LF and Damon (1-year $12M) is resigned to DH.

Then one of Andy Pettitte (1-year similar to 09 contract), Ben Sheet (1 year incentive only) or Rich Harden (2 years with a 3rd year option that vests) is signed to fill the vacant veteran hole in the rotation.

I'd be thrilled to death with that offseason.

I like the idea of Holliday in LF & Damon at DH though I'm pretty sure the Yanks aren't going to pay him $12 mil. Would you consider Lackey?

[bigjf]

I think both Matsui and Damon will be let go. I'd love to have Holliday in LF, but I think he'll stay with the Cardinals. So I think we're going to see time split with Melky, Gardner, and A-Jax with Swish in either corner. Nady is gone, likely to miss most of next year anyway.

As for Lackey, I'd be willing to bring him in, but I think he's going to cost more than he's worth. Still, if the Yanks are willing to spend, I'll never fault them for spending on more pitching.

[Yankee Tripper]

I like the idea of Holliday in LF & Damon at DH though I'm pretty sure the Yanks aren't going to pay him $12 mil. Would you consider Lackey?

IDk I was just throwing out numbers they may be high on both Hallady/Damon they may not. I really don't know what the market will look like.

I like Lackey for sure but he's going to get at least Burnett money and years so I'd be inclined to pass. I'd prefer either a 1 year deal on a known vet who will give you 200 league average innings or a short term high upside deal on a potential injury risk but if healthy could have #1 stuff.

[nnysiny]

-Nady isnt particularly good at anything. hes as good as gone.
-i would see what Holliday is looking for. if its too much (well over $100 mil), see if Damon wants to come back for one year, with a team option if necessary. if both fall through, sign Matsui for one year (if possible)

[Spiker101]

Just once I'd like to see a GM get rid of an aging player when the time is right. It's right for both Damon and Matsui. Holliday would be a good replacement but as someone said once they go to St. Louis they tend to stay there. Also given the weak free agent market I expect a hot and heavy trade market and it's too early to say what might be available via trade.

[bronxburner]

I want them both back for next year. Give Damon a 2 year deal for something like 16 million. Give Godzilla 1 year at Abreu type money.

I refuse to believe that we have to eat up the entire DH spot giving time there to Jeter, Posada, ARod, Damon etc. Jorge should be able to catch 100 games next year, then a handfull at first and DH. I'll believe Jeter is going to play less next year at short when I see it. Not after the year hes had defensively in '09. Eventually sure, not next year though. Damon seems to need full days off, so while i can see him playing less, I think hes still looking at only 10 games at most at DH. If ARod can't play the field, thats a major problem but how do you make your off season decisions assuming he won't. I think its a low probability.

If this was a huge dollar contract for multiple years I can see avoiding this. But considering the likelyhood that he can probably be had for one year and about 6 million, how do you not do that, even if you only give him 400 ABs? The guy is still putting up good numbers and will not decline that drastically in one year, hes as clutch as they come and hits both righties and lefties.

We're dropping over 30 million in payroll from Nady, Damon and Matsui. Spend half that on bringing both Damon and Matsui back. And put the rest towards pitching. The Yankees are the best team in baseball this year. Theres no reason to change the offense next year particularly if they win the World Series.

Bringing him back for 1 year makes sense. I've yet to have anyone convince me otherwise.

I have zero interest in Holliday. We don't neeed another big bat especially at the price.

[sweet_lou_14]

Replace Damon and Matsui with Damon and Matsui.

[YankeeFaninATL]

Do not go after Matt Holliday. He is a national league player and Carl Crawford is going to be a free agent after next year.

[delv]

I want them both back for next year. Give Damon a 2 year deal for something like 16 million. Give Godzilla 1 year at Abreu type money.

I refuse to believe that we have to eat up the entire DH spot giving time there to Jeter, Posada, ARod, Damon etc. Jorge should be able to catch 100 games next year, then a handfull at first and DH. I'll believe Jeter is going to play less next year at short when I see it. Not after the year hes had defensively in '09. Eventually sure, not next year though. Damon seems to need full days off, so while i can see him playing less, I think hes still looking at only 10 games at most at DH. If ARod can't play the field, thats a major problem but how do you make your off season decisions assuming he won't. I think its a low probability.

If this was a huge dollar contract for multiple years I can see avoiding this. But considering the likelyhood that he can probably be had for one year and about 6 million, how do you not do that, even if you only give him 400 ABs? The guy is still putting up good numbers and will not decline that drastically in one year, hes as clutch as they come and hits both righties and lefties.

We're dropping over 30 million in payroll from Nady, Damon and Matsui. Spend half that on bringing both Damon and Matsui back. And put the rest towards pitching. The Yankees are the best team in baseball this year. Theres no reason to change the offense next year particularly if they win the World Series.

Bringing him back for 1 year makes sense. I've yet to have anyone convince me otherwise.

I have zero interest in Holliday. We don't neeed another big bat especially at the price.

I'm convinced but I think a lot of this depends on Matsui and what he's looking for. If the Yankees win this year, he may just go back home. It surely has been painful to play all year on those knees. On the other hand, maybe he's willing to play that role and take fewer ABs, just so he can keep playing baseball. And then there's the $ and what he'd play for. Hard to say.

[azzurribaggio]

Grady Sizemore bro....

[azzurribaggio]

Ideally Matt Holliday (5 year $90M) is signed to play LF and Damon (1-year $12M) is resigned to DH.

Then one of Andy Pettitte (1-year similar to 09 contract), Ben Sheet (1 year incentive only) or Rich Harden (2 years with a 3rd year option that vests) is signed to fill the vacant veteran hole in the rotation.

I'd be thrilled to death with that offseason.

You guys beeeeatch about Damon breaking down every other week??

[JohnnyDamonfan]

What about Holliday? I know this guy's bat dropped down quite a bit. But, this guy still has power. I think we maybe should give him a look. A Jax will be good but to think he will step up when he probably won't be called up until Sept 2010 is kinda foolish.

I would go for Lackey but only if Wang is DONE and Andy isn't coming back. The 2007 Wang was like a 19 game winner. If we could get the old Wang back we don't need Lackey. And if Pettitte comes back we also don't really need Lackey.

[siddiqi]

Replace Damon and Matsui with Damon and Matsui.

Probably the best COA, with Damon and Matsui signed to short term contracts, we can let guys like A-Jax and Montero develop at their own pace to replace them at LF and DH. It also seems like the Yanks will try to sign Chone Figgins and put him in the OF, I guess that's good in the sense that the yanks won't have to deal with him hitting .900 off our pitchers.

[JohnnyDamonfan]

Probably the best COA, with Damon and Matsui signed to short term contracts, we can let guys like A-Jax and Montero develop at their own pace to replace them at LF and DH. It also seems like the Yanks will try to sign Chone Figgins and put him in the OF, I guess that's good in the sense that the yanks won't have to deal with him hitting .900 off our pitchers.

I just hope we can sign him for a reasonable price. I say 2 years with an option for a third. He'd be 31 next year so I want to be able to unload him when he's 33 or 34 . That gives Montero and A-Jax enough time to develop and plus we get a really fast player who can help the team.

[flymick24]

trade for adam dunn

[bluecountry]

Ideally Matt Holliday (5 year $90M) is signed to play LF and Damon (1-year $12M) is resigned to DH.

Then one of Andy Pettitte (1-year similar to 09 contract), Ben Sheet (1 year incentive only) or Rich Harden (2 years with a 3rd year option that vests) is signed to fill the vacant veteran hole in the rotation.

I'd be thrilled to death with that offseason.

NO NO NO.
The Yanks can NOT add another big contract...or they risk having an aging, inflexible roster down the road.
They also need LF open long term for Jeter/Arod.

They must bring Andy back...he is proven in NY and Sheets/Harden are MAJORLY worse.

[bluecountry]

I don't want Holliday for 90 over 5.

And Damon shouldn't get anything close to 12 million.

Damon at 12 for a year is fine.
I would rather overpay for one year than get locked into a long term deal that hamstrings the roster....or be caught a bat short next season.

[bluecountry]

I think both Matsui and Damon will be let go. I'd love to have Holliday in LF, but I think he'll stay with the Cardinals. So I think we're going to see time split with Melky, Gardner, and A-Jax with Swish in either corner. Nady is gone, likely to miss most of next year anyway.

As for Lackey, I'd be willing to bring him in, but I think he's going to cost more than he's worth. Still, if the Yanks are willing to spend, I'll never fault them for spending on more pitching.

If you let Damon and Matsui go and have Melky/Gardner/AJAX/Swish you are a fool.
You have just removed your number 2 and number 5 batter.
Jeter and Damon 1-2 with Tex and Arod behind are a MAJOR force.
Damon brings much to the clubhouse to...give him 1-2 years and DO NOT let him go.

You can't lose those bats and expect Melky/Gardner (two platoon players) and AJAX (unproven) to make up that slack.

Stupid.

[Yankeesfan811]

I really think we should seriously consider resigning both.

I think Damon will accept a 2 year deal, and Matsui could except a 1 year deal worth about 7 mil. he won't get that anywhere else.

[DEADSOX]

Sign Jason Holliday

[Spiker101]

If you let Damon and Matsui go and have Melky/Gardner/AJAX/Swish you are a fool.
You have just removed your number 2 and number 5 batter.
Jeter and Damon 1-2 with Tex and Arod behind are a MAJOR force.
Damon brings much to the clubhouse to...give him 1-2 years and DO NOT let him go.

You can't lose those bats and expect Melky/Gardner (two platoon players) and AJAX (unproven) to make up that slack.

Stupid.

What's foolish and stupid is calling someone else's opinion foolish and stupid. There are legitimate reasons not to re-sign Matsui and Damon, especially Matsui. Much as I like what he's given the Yanks over the years, his knees are so bad that he's a real risk to go out one night and never return. Then Cashman is forced into the trade market with virtually no leverage. Damon is a somewhat more difficult case but he's getting up there and will require three years in all liklihood and I personally don't trust numbers put up in walk years. Also much of his performance this year may be due to the new Stadium and if they plan on "fixing" it this offseason, his numbers could plunge. In any case, Swisher would be a perfectly adequate replacement in the two hole. Matsui isn't actually that good a number five hitter and that's the real ongoing offensive need the Yanks have. Other than Holliday there's no one on the free agent market that fits the bill, which is why I think Cashman may be exploring trades this offseason. If that damn Cano would correct his mental block about RISP he'd be perfect.

[I Heart Jeter]

Keep Matsui. Sure there'll be times Damon/Posada need to DH but at those times simply rest Matsui. No need to get rid of him.

[I Heart Jeter]

. Matsui isn't actually that good a number five hitter and that's the real ongoing offensive need the Yanks have. Other than Holliday there's no one on the free agent market that fits the bill, which is why I think Cashman may be exploring trades this offseason. If that damn Cano would correct his mental block about RISP he'd be perfect.

I think he compares quite favorably to most #5 hitters in the league

[Bub]

Damon will come back. I think Matsui's future will depend upon the recommendation of the medical staff. If they think he can repeat 2009 again if (big if) he doesn't hurt the knees then he should be re-signed for another year. I don't know if there's anything Matsui can do in the offseason other than strengthen the muscles in his legs.

[ppa79]

Sign Holliday, depends on the years and cost.
Resign Nady to a minor league contract. (Insurance policy)

Majors outfield
Holiday, Melky, Gardner, Swisher
AAA outfield
Nady, AJ

[primetime714]

First off we won't really be able to replace Matsui's production unless we sign someone like Holliday or Bay. However the plan will be to use the DH to keep other guys healthy and fresh and also to improve our defense (DH the weaker defenders).

However I think the Yankees would at least offer Matsui an Abreu type deal (1 yr 5M) with the idea that he will see less playing time as the DH role will also be used to give other guys rest.

Another option is just to sign a better Utility guy than Hairston, so someone like DeRosa or Figgins. Personally though I'd rather have Hairston at a lower salary.

Nady is not a real option. 1) he won't be back until midseason 2) Even without Matsui (but with Damon) he'd only be the 8th best hitter on the team 3) His defense is average at best.

Also in terms of internal DH options Miranda and Vazquez could potentially be solid part-time players for us. Not as good as Matsui, but both have developed bats and a decent amount of power.

[primetime714]

What's foolish and stupid is calling someone else's opinion foolish and stupid. There are legitimate reasons not to re-sign Matsui and Damon, especially Matsui. Much as I like what he's given the Yanks over the years, his knees are so bad that he's a real risk to go out one night and never return. Then Cashman is forced into the trade market with virtually no leverage. Damon is a somewhat more difficult case but he's getting up there and will require three years in all liklihood and I personally don't trust numbers put up in walk years. Also much of his performance this year may be due to the new Stadium and if they plan on "fixing" it this offseason, his numbers could plunge. In any case, Swisher would be a perfectly adequate replacement in the two hole. Matsui isn't actually that good a number five hitter and that's the real ongoing offensive need the Yanks have. Other than Holliday there's no one on the free agent market that fits the bill, which is why I think Cashman may be exploring trades this offseason. If that damn Cano would correct his mental block about RISP he'd be perfect.

Do you really want an OF of Gardner, Melky, and Swisher? We'd really be banking on Gardner and Melky to have solid years and Swisher to continue to produce like he did this year. Damon is not going to get 3 years, who would give him 3 years? He'll get some 2 year offers, but honestly I think we could sign him for a 1+1 type of deal so a 2 year deal with a buyout of the 2nd year. If Damon is fielding 2 year guaranteed deals at considerable money perhaps we consider not bringing him back and going to other options, but I think he can be had for a reasonable price. Swisher would be an adequate #2 hitter however that takes away from the back-end of our lineup. That puts Posada at 5, Cano at 6, and a 7-8-9 of Melky, Gardner, and Jackson/Hairston? That's when healthy and with Posada starting. Cervelli will start every 5th game or so and there will be injuries. We certainly can't let Damon and Matsui go and try to replace them internally that IMO would be very foolish.

[ymike673]

Isen't Jason Bay also a free agent. I like Damon but if the Yankees could sign Bay to replace him that would not be so bad.

[JL25and3]

I like the idea of Holliday in LF & Damon at DH though I'm pretty sure the Yanks aren't going to pay him $12 mil. Would you consider Lackey?

Lackey's got a career line of .033/.033/.033, and he's never played the outfield. Pass.

[JL25and3]

What's foolish and stupid is calling someone else's opinion foolish and stupid. There are legitimate reasons not to re-sign Matsui and Damon, especially Matsui. Much as I like what he's given the Yanks over the years, his knees are so bad that he's a real risk to go out one night and never return. Then Cashman is forced into the trade market with virtually no leverage. Damon is a somewhat more difficult case but he's getting up there and will require three years in all liklihood and I personally don't trust numbers put up in walk years. Also much of his performance this year may be due to the new Stadium and if they plan on "fixing" it this offseason, his numbers could plunge. In any case, Swisher would be a perfectly adequate replacement in the two hole. Matsui isn't actually that good a number five hitter and that's the real ongoing offensive need the Yanks have. Other than Holliday there's no one on the free agent market that fits the bill, which is why I think Cashman may be exploring trades this offseason. If that damn Cano would correct his mental block about RISP he'd be perfect.

I love Matsui, but I'd rather not lock up a guy who's limited to DH only.

As for Damon, it's not so much that I don't trust numbers put up in a walk season; I just don't trust career years in general. We know what kind of player Damon is, and he didn't suddenly become a different player at age 35. He's having a terrific year, but it should be taken to mean any more than that, and no one should expect him to do the same next year.

[JavyVazquezIsSick]

I don't think Damon needs to repeat this season next year to be a good player for us.

[JL25and3]

I don't think Damon needs to repeat this season next year to be a good player for us.

I agree, and I'm OK with re-signing Damon. It's not ideal, but it's OK.

[Blazer]

Lackey's got a career line of .033/.033/.033, and he's never played the outfield. Pass.

[DaSh 1s]

Trade for Adam Dunn is right..

[DEADSOX]

I wonder how Chone Figgins would play out as an outfielder.

[Blazer]

I wonder how Chone Figgins would play out as an outfielder.

Figgins hasn't played CF for several years and I don't think he would be that much of an upgrade, if any, over the combo of Melky & Gardner. His three most recent years in CF have been pretty bad defensively per UZR/150.

[groovitude]

I think he compares quite favorably to most #5 hitters in the league

Matsui: .280 / .370 / .516 / .886.
Average AL #5 hitter: .275 / .344 / .464 / .808.
Average AL DH: .253 / .335 / .444 / .780.