When the Chicago Cubs fired manager Dale Sveum earlier this week, rumors immediately began to swirl that Joe Girardi should be hired to replace him. It makes sense: his contract with the Yankees runs out on October 31st. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met with Girardi's agent today. No doubt the Yankees would like to retain Girardi. He's a big reason why the Yankees were still in the wild card race until the last week of the season. But no matter how good the offer sounds Girardi's best bet would be to say no to a contract extension even if he doesn't take the Cubs' job. 2014 promises to be a tough season for the Yankees. Here are several reasons why:
1. The Yankees are looking to cut costs in 2014. After having the second highest payroll in 2013 at just over $228 million they have made a committment to be under the luxury tax threshold of $189 million in 2014. This is the reason why they will have an uphill battle trying to replace some key personnel (see below).
2. They may not be able to re-sign Robinson Cano. His demand for a 10-year, $305 million contract is not likely to be met. He's making $15 million this year and will likely get a raise with his next contract. But the Yankees aren't going to be a spending mood. If they can't re-sign him then they will have a big hole at second base to fill. But there are other personnel issues as well.
3. Derek Jeter may not be back in 2014. He was shut down for the year on September 11th after struggling with his rehab all season long. His age is also a factor - he'll be 40 next summer. It's not a certainty that he will be able to come back at all and even if he does he's not going to be up to full strength.
4. Then there's the issue of Alex Rodriguez. His appeal hearing got underway yesterday and it's not clear what the outcome will ultimately be. He's going to almost certainly be suspended. The question will only be how many games he will have to serve. Like Jeter, age is not on Rodriguez's side, either. He'll be 39 next summer. He's also battling hip issues too. Although he was somewhat effective when he came back earlier this year it's clear he's lost a step.
5. Mark Texiera has been out the entire year. If he manages to come back will he live up to the lofty expectations in his contract? He admitted in an interview before the season that he was overpaid.
6. The Yankees need pitching. With Andy Petite and Mariano Rivera's retirements this year, those are two huge holes in the pitching staff to be filled. Rivera's slot will be more difficult to fill since they don't have a reliable closer to step in.
7. The farm system isn't ready to help out. Yes, the Yankees have more talent than most folks give them credit. But the fact is that they don't have any players ready to immediately contribute to the major league club. With the payroll pressures that are already in place it's going to make it more difficult to restock the roster especially if one or more of their key players mentioned above
Given all of these factors, it may be wise for Girardi to think twice about accepting any contract extension offers. The next few years are likely to be difficult ones for the Yankees. Unless Girardi really wants to be presiding over an inevitable decline it might be a good time to quit while he's ahead of the game.
Showing posts with label Alex Rodriguez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alex Rodriguez. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Friday Tweet Roundup 8-16-13
It's Friday and time for another roundup of links of interest that I tweeted about this week. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for the latest.
26 problems only introverts would understand. Yes, this post speaks to me.
Some good tips on writing and speaking for introverts.
Who knew that churches had spies? They found out some interesting things in looking over churches.
Seven expectations of every church member. If more churches set these expectations of their members they would be a lot healthier.
How the temperance movement almost killed root beer.
Lou Gehrig was called the Pride of the Yankees. By contrast Alex Rodriguez can be called the Disgrace of the Yankees.
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice marks its 200th anniversary. Austen addiction is alive and well.
Film and fashion collide: The suits of James Bond.
Today marks the beginning of a Michigan man's quest to visit all 30 major league parks in 30 days to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. His website is here if you want to support him.
Disney songwriting legends Richard Sherman and Alan Menken reflect on their careers.
Here's a great list of books to read with your child before they are 12 years old.
Did you hear the one about the time a cat was sent through pneumatic tubes? It's a true story
Then there were the time(s) Disney animators plagiarized themselves.
Attention Whovians: you can use Google Maps to view inside the TARDIS.
One thing you never, ever do is run on Yasiel Puig. This throw is insane. What's more amazing is the play at third isn't even close.
That's it. Have a great weekend.
26 problems only introverts would understand. Yes, this post speaks to me.
Some good tips on writing and speaking for introverts.
Who knew that churches had spies? They found out some interesting things in looking over churches.
Seven expectations of every church member. If more churches set these expectations of their members they would be a lot healthier.
How the temperance movement almost killed root beer.
Lou Gehrig was called the Pride of the Yankees. By contrast Alex Rodriguez can be called the Disgrace of the Yankees.
Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice marks its 200th anniversary. Austen addiction is alive and well.
Film and fashion collide: The suits of James Bond.
Today marks the beginning of a Michigan man's quest to visit all 30 major league parks in 30 days to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. His website is here if you want to support him.
Disney songwriting legends Richard Sherman and Alan Menken reflect on their careers.
Here's a great list of books to read with your child before they are 12 years old.
Did you hear the one about the time a cat was sent through pneumatic tubes? It's a true story
Then there were the time(s) Disney animators plagiarized themselves.
Attention Whovians: you can use Google Maps to view inside the TARDIS.
One thing you never, ever do is run on Yasiel Puig. This throw is insane. What's more amazing is the play at third isn't even close.
That's it. Have a great weekend.
Friday, August 09, 2013
Friday Tweet Recap 8-9-13
Here's a roundup of interesting things that I found on the web and tweeted this week. Quite a boatload of links in today's edition. Be sure to follow me on Twitter for the latest:
A historian makes a case for examining the forgotten presidents.
10 signs you might be a Jane Austen addict. This link should in no way imply that I think any of the women in my household should be classified as addicts.
Two different stories on finding love and both of them are unusual: From Wrong Number to Wedded Bliss and From Hashtags to Holy Matrimony.
For some, college is not worth the debt. More and more, this is something that families have to consider before sending their kids off to school.
"How did you like the sermon?" is the wrong question to ask because sermons are not for liking.
6 Commonly Held Misconceptions about Introverts.
10 reasons parents need a date night (with helpful explanations for the kids).
A fascinating survey of book lovers. Some the stats in this survey are really surprising.
I was sorry to hear this news. I hope they will change their minds.
10 things that "Yahweh" means. I honestly didn't know this.
What strengthens and weakens integrity - it's the small choices that count.
Eric Metaxas argues that cultural elites are the next great unreached people group. He makes a very compelling case.
A controversy has arisen over the word "wrath" in a hymn. Timothy George explains the problem. And Thom Rainer has some insight on what this says about evangelism and the church.
A surprisingly positive New York Times profile of the business practices of Christian companies.
Dispelling 12 common myths about Calvinism.
In honor of the announcement of the 12th doctor, 8 pieces of Doctor Who tea swag.
This is one of the rarest things you will see in baseball: a one pitch strikeout.
Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees received a well-deserved 211 game suspension from Major League Baseball. For those unfamiliar with the story, Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan has an excellent timeline of how this came to pass.
More on Rodriguez: the reason why MLB needs to enforce the rules regarding drug use.
Here's one of the best baseball promos I have ever seen: Vin Scully for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
It's been 25 years since the first night game at Wrigley Field. Some recollections from those who were there.
Reclaiming excellence as a Christian virtue.
Some wonderful and weird places for bookstores.
Here's a great case of suburban renewal: abandoned Wal-Mart turned into America's largest library.
That's it. Have a great weekend!
A historian makes a case for examining the forgotten presidents.
10 signs you might be a Jane Austen addict. This link should in no way imply that I think any of the women in my household should be classified as addicts.
Two different stories on finding love and both of them are unusual: From Wrong Number to Wedded Bliss and From Hashtags to Holy Matrimony.
For some, college is not worth the debt. More and more, this is something that families have to consider before sending their kids off to school.
"How did you like the sermon?" is the wrong question to ask because sermons are not for liking.
6 Commonly Held Misconceptions about Introverts.
10 reasons parents need a date night (with helpful explanations for the kids).
A fascinating survey of book lovers. Some the stats in this survey are really surprising.
I was sorry to hear this news. I hope they will change their minds.
10 things that "Yahweh" means. I honestly didn't know this.
What strengthens and weakens integrity - it's the small choices that count.
Eric Metaxas argues that cultural elites are the next great unreached people group. He makes a very compelling case.
A controversy has arisen over the word "wrath" in a hymn. Timothy George explains the problem. And Thom Rainer has some insight on what this says about evangelism and the church.
A surprisingly positive New York Times profile of the business practices of Christian companies.
Dispelling 12 common myths about Calvinism.
In honor of the announcement of the 12th doctor, 8 pieces of Doctor Who tea swag.
This is one of the rarest things you will see in baseball: a one pitch strikeout.
Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees received a well-deserved 211 game suspension from Major League Baseball. For those unfamiliar with the story, Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan has an excellent timeline of how this came to pass.
More on Rodriguez: the reason why MLB needs to enforce the rules regarding drug use.
Here's one of the best baseball promos I have ever seen: Vin Scully for ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.
It's been 25 years since the first night game at Wrigley Field. Some recollections from those who were there.
Reclaiming excellence as a Christian virtue.
Some wonderful and weird places for bookstores.
Here's a great case of suburban renewal: abandoned Wal-Mart turned into America's largest library.
That's it. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
A Modest Proposal to Reform Baseball
On the heels of Ryan's Braun's 65 game suspension in connection with the Biogenesis PED scandal, fans are calling for changes to be made to Major League Baseball's drug testing program. If other stars such as Alex Rodriguez are handed suspensions as is being widely reported it's reasonable to expect those calls for reform to get much, much louder.
First, to briefly recap: after an ugly period in baseball history where steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs were widely reported to be in use by major stars such as Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, Major League Baseball took steps to toughen up its drug program. Under the current system, any player failing a drug test the first time is suspended for fifty games. A second offense draws a 100 game suspension and a third offense a lifetime ban from baseball.
Earlier this year, news broke that up to 20 current players were accused of obtaining performance enhancing drugs from the now-defunct clinic Biogenesis of America. After extensive negotiations with clinic owner Anthony Bosch, Major League Baseball was able to obtain extensive records from the clinic. Braun's suspension was the first sign that Major League Baseball had the goods on a number of players and would begin handling down suspensions.
Braun's case is made more difficult by the fact that in 2011 he failed a testosterone test and would have drawn a fifty game suspension. He successfully appealed and got the test thrown out on a technicality. Many fans believed then that he was doping, a suspicion that was confirmed by his agreement to accept the suspension this week even though he has not admitted taking any PEDs.
Braun's case aside, there is still a question as to whether the current penalties in place are sufficient deterrents to doping. Although it's definitely a step in the right direction, I think it's time to make the penalties tougher. I have my doubts as to whether both the owners and players would ever agree to it but if they are all serious about cleaning up the game they need to consider changing the rules to prevent doping in the future.
First offense: One year suspension without pay.
50 games is not enough of a deterrent to prevent someone from doping. A year would be a sufficient penalty to keep a player from even consider doping.
Second offense: One year suspension without pay; club option to void contract at end of suspension; player also ineligible for All-Star Game or any awards for five years.
The key here is the club option to void the contract. If a player has cheated and been caught twice it seems only fair that the club should have the option at the end of the suspension to decide whether they want to keep that player on the roster. It's also natural that a player guilty of two offenses shouldn't be able to benefit in other ways such as participating in the All-Star game or receiving any awards or other recognition.
Third offense: Lifetime ban
This is the part of the current program that makes the most sense. Three strikes and you're out. This aspect would remain identical to the current program.
Granted, this is a more radical approach than what Major League Baseball has in place now. But owners and players should seize upon the opportunity that the Biogenesis scandal has provided to them: to rid the game of PEDs once and for all. If they don't then the game doesn't have a very bright future. PEDs are a scourge on the game that the guardians of baseball cannot afford to tolerate any longer.
First, to briefly recap: after an ugly period in baseball history where steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs were widely reported to be in use by major stars such as Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, Major League Baseball took steps to toughen up its drug program. Under the current system, any player failing a drug test the first time is suspended for fifty games. A second offense draws a 100 game suspension and a third offense a lifetime ban from baseball.
Earlier this year, news broke that up to 20 current players were accused of obtaining performance enhancing drugs from the now-defunct clinic Biogenesis of America. After extensive negotiations with clinic owner Anthony Bosch, Major League Baseball was able to obtain extensive records from the clinic. Braun's suspension was the first sign that Major League Baseball had the goods on a number of players and would begin handling down suspensions.
Braun's case is made more difficult by the fact that in 2011 he failed a testosterone test and would have drawn a fifty game suspension. He successfully appealed and got the test thrown out on a technicality. Many fans believed then that he was doping, a suspicion that was confirmed by his agreement to accept the suspension this week even though he has not admitted taking any PEDs.
Braun's case aside, there is still a question as to whether the current penalties in place are sufficient deterrents to doping. Although it's definitely a step in the right direction, I think it's time to make the penalties tougher. I have my doubts as to whether both the owners and players would ever agree to it but if they are all serious about cleaning up the game they need to consider changing the rules to prevent doping in the future.
First offense: One year suspension without pay.
50 games is not enough of a deterrent to prevent someone from doping. A year would be a sufficient penalty to keep a player from even consider doping.
Second offense: One year suspension without pay; club option to void contract at end of suspension; player also ineligible for All-Star Game or any awards for five years.
The key here is the club option to void the contract. If a player has cheated and been caught twice it seems only fair that the club should have the option at the end of the suspension to decide whether they want to keep that player on the roster. It's also natural that a player guilty of two offenses shouldn't be able to benefit in other ways such as participating in the All-Star game or receiving any awards or other recognition.
Third offense: Lifetime ban
This is the part of the current program that makes the most sense. Three strikes and you're out. This aspect would remain identical to the current program.
Granted, this is a more radical approach than what Major League Baseball has in place now. But owners and players should seize upon the opportunity that the Biogenesis scandal has provided to them: to rid the game of PEDs once and for all. If they don't then the game doesn't have a very bright future. PEDs are a scourge on the game that the guardians of baseball cannot afford to tolerate any longer.
Saturday, February 02, 2013
Random Thoughts
A few stories of interest from the past week....
Earlier this week came the not totally unsurprising news that Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees was tied to a clinic that allegedly provided him with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). If confirmed this would be the second known instance where he had taken PEDs. He previously admitted to taking the drugs from 2001 to 2003 but when he made the admission in 2009 he proclaimed himself to be clean. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggested that A-Rod is finished. I tend to agree. Even if the PED story isn't true it's hard to see how A-Rod will be able to rehabilitate his image. Age and injuries have caught up with the slugging third baseman and his career has nowhere to go but on a continued downward spiral. This might be a good time to consider retiring rather than trying to slog through these allegations any further.
************
This week marked the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Few novels or novelists have developed such a strong following as Austen or her most famous novel. The BBC has an interesting look at why Americans are drawn to the British author.
************
Speaking of British entertainments, Downton Abbey has been causing quite the stir on the American side of the Atlantic. The Wall Street Journal has an interesting interview with series creator Julian Fellowes that provides some surprising insights into the hit series.
************
Having a daughter about to graduate high school has caused me to think (and read a lot) about the changing face of higher education. Arthur C. Brooks offers some interest insights into the college dynamic in a New York Times column entitled My Valuable, Cheap College Degree. Peter Berkowitz offers 10 Ways Liberal Education Fails Students - and Society. Finally, Mark Cuban boldly declares that Colleges are Going to Start Going Out of Business (language warning).
*************
Robert Epstein, author of The Case Against Adolescence, has a thought-provoking interview with Psychology Today about the problems facing modern teenagers. Among his more interesting assertions is that teenagers spend too much time with other teenagers. He makes several good points in the interview and while I don't necessarily agree with everything he says it's worth a read. (Hat tip: Joe Carter)
*************
Twitter surprise of the week: I am constantly surprised by the people I find on Twitter. This week's great discovery is that Dick Van Dyke is tweeting. He's @iammrvandy and definitely worth a follow.
*************
Finally, the oddest story of the week: A group of men have been playing a game of tag for 23 years.
Earlier this week came the not totally unsurprising news that Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees was tied to a clinic that allegedly provided him with performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). If confirmed this would be the second known instance where he had taken PEDs. He previously admitted to taking the drugs from 2001 to 2003 but when he made the admission in 2009 he proclaimed himself to be clean. Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports suggested that A-Rod is finished. I tend to agree. Even if the PED story isn't true it's hard to see how A-Rod will be able to rehabilitate his image. Age and injuries have caught up with the slugging third baseman and his career has nowhere to go but on a continued downward spiral. This might be a good time to consider retiring rather than trying to slog through these allegations any further.
************
This week marked the 200th anniversary of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Few novels or novelists have developed such a strong following as Austen or her most famous novel. The BBC has an interesting look at why Americans are drawn to the British author.
************
Speaking of British entertainments, Downton Abbey has been causing quite the stir on the American side of the Atlantic. The Wall Street Journal has an interesting interview with series creator Julian Fellowes that provides some surprising insights into the hit series.
************
Having a daughter about to graduate high school has caused me to think (and read a lot) about the changing face of higher education. Arthur C. Brooks offers some interest insights into the college dynamic in a New York Times column entitled My Valuable, Cheap College Degree. Peter Berkowitz offers 10 Ways Liberal Education Fails Students - and Society. Finally, Mark Cuban boldly declares that Colleges are Going to Start Going Out of Business (language warning).
*************
Robert Epstein, author of The Case Against Adolescence, has a thought-provoking interview with Psychology Today about the problems facing modern teenagers. Among his more interesting assertions is that teenagers spend too much time with other teenagers. He makes several good points in the interview and while I don't necessarily agree with everything he says it's worth a read. (Hat tip: Joe Carter)
*************
Twitter surprise of the week: I am constantly surprised by the people I find on Twitter. This week's great discovery is that Dick Van Dyke is tweeting. He's @iammrvandy and definitely worth a follow.
*************
Finally, the oddest story of the week: A group of men have been playing a game of tag for 23 years.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)