From The Post -
The Pirates and Yankees have talked about a trade that would bring lefty reliever Damaso Marte to the Yankees for outfielder Kevin Thompson. If Thompson is dealt, Bernie Williams could return as the fifth outfielder. Marte, 32 in February, is owed $4.7 million for 2007 and 2008. He could be protection against the Yankees losing Ron Villone and not signing Scott Schoeneweis.
Damaso Marte is tough on lefties.
And, this just could be the end of the Curse of Enrique Wilson – since the Yankees traded Marte to the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 13, 2001 for Enrique Wilson.
But, if this move means that Bernie Williams can come back for another year, I’m not thrilled with the total package. Bernie has only one talent left at this stage in his career – to be a DH against LHP. So, other than giving Giambi a blow against tough lefties, Williams serves no other purpose on the roster.
It makes more sense to have someome like Kevin Thompson on the roster to pinch-run late in close games and to serve as a back-up OF (along with Melky Cabrera).
15 Responses to “Damaso Marte & Bernie Williams”
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December 8th, 2006 at 1:11 pm
Thompson’s a great fit for 5th outfielder for the Yanks. Joe Torre’s the only one in the solar system who doesn’t realize this.
December 8th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Let’s see…Josh Phelps, Bernie Williams…Are there any other right-handed DH’s available who can’t play a lick in the field? If so, Cash should sign them, too.
December 8th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Thompson is a great guy and a decent player, but you HAVE to make that deal if it’s on the table. Thompson for Marte, even if it means Bernie comes back, is a no-brainer.
Plus, Brett Gardner is faster than Thompson and makes more sense as a pinch-runner (I’ve seen this guy steal on pitch-outs) and he’s probably just as good in the field (with a weaker arm).
December 8th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
But, Gardner has yet to play in AAA. That’s a big jump.
December 8th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
But, Gardner has yet to play in AAA. That’s a big jump.
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Eh, not that big a deal if he’s going to be a 5th OF and pinch runner.
My only concern with that is hampering his development having him sit on the bench in NY instead of getting ab’s in SWB.
December 8th, 2006 at 2:03 pm
Also, there have been players that have made the jump from AA to the majors.
December 8th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
I agree with Bailey. If Marte is a valuable reliever, how can you not trade a 5th outfielder type for him?
Plus, I don’t see what Joe Torre has to do with this:
“Joe Torre’s the only one in the solar system who doesn’t realize this.”
If Cashman makes this trade, I think it’s less because Torre is Bernie’s boyfriend and more because Marte might represent an improvement over Villone/Myers in the bullpen.
December 8th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I’d definitely do that trade. It’s a 5th OF for a good reliever.
If Torre didn’t love Bernie so much this year, KT would’ve seen a lot more PT.
December 8th, 2006 at 3:17 pm
But, presuming the Yanks are going to go with one of Phelps/Phillips/Wilson and a lefty at 1B (Guiel?), with Giambi as the primary DH, there is no room on the roster for Bernie or KT. Unless the Yanks decide to only carry 11 pitchers, which will never happen.
December 8th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
I seem to recall some issue with Damaso Marte – but, I can’t focus it in my head. It was in Chicago. Did he throw at someone and start a fight? Or, did he fight with Ozzie or a teammate? I want to say it was something like that – but I’m way less than 100% sure.
December 8th, 2006 at 3:56 pm
I realize that Marte is a solid lefty-killer, but I have an ominous feeling about the bench this year.
December 8th, 2006 at 4:05 pm
I seem to recall some issue with Damaso Marte – but, I can’t focus it in my head. It was in Chicago. Did he throw at someone and start a fight? Or, did he fight with Ozzie or a teammate?
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Quick research shows he got into it with the Dodgers (as a Mariner) back in 1999. He was also one of 3 pitchers to hit Corey Koskie back in 2004 (as a WSox). Plunked Carlos Lee as well in a ST game after Lee was traded to the Brewers. He was traded to the Pirates the season following being sent home after a dispute with Ozzie.
December 8th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
It was probably that last one that stuck with me.
December 8th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Bernie should come back. There is something to be said for loyalty and a connection to the past. Kevin Thompson will not bring us a championship. Bernie is a good guy and a calming, positive influence on the team. Additionally, Bernie still has some pop in his bat and one or two streaks left in him. We can always sit him through his doldrums of April!
December 8th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Yo gotta do this trade! Deeper relief. Plenty of OF around the league if we go through everyone, which we haven’t even begun to yet.