Fangraphs on the Joba Debate
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-joba-debate

totally agreed crank. and i think we are moving in that direction.

i just think sometimes we focus too much on giving the yankees a team construction identity, when really we should be (and are) doing a little bit of everything.
—-

Bingo. I’ve said it a number of time on this blog and it’s nothing new. When the Yankees learn how to draft well and spend money well, they will sustain success for a long time. A healthy mix of both will go a long way.

thanks for the reply steve. i’m a big believer in developing both to the fullest extent, but realizing that in certain instances (teixeira), it could take any team years to develop a player that good, and we should use our resources to pounce. if it was so easy to churn out teixeira’s, everyone would do it. ditto cc. i’m also for making trades that make sense, and have no problem giving up something to get something. i just think sometimes we focus too much on giving the yankees a team construction identity, when really we should be (and are) doing a little bit of everything.

But, I’ll add on, that you better do your homework when you trade for, or sign, pitchers. (Something Cashman is not good at.)

~~question for you steve. where do you stand generally on FA signings/spending money vs. the development of prospects? ~~

See: http://waswatching.com/2007/12/12/are-yanks-tigers-being-smart/

FWIW, I do see the sense in following the model where you should draft, sign, and develop position players and trade for, or sign free agent, pitchers.

Heyman is reporting the Yanks are in serious talks with Pettitte, with optimism that the deal will get done. Reportedly, Pettitte will receive less guaranteed money than the $10 million offered previously.

question for you steve. where do you stand generally on FA signings/spending money vs. the development of prospects? for example, are you on board with the signing of a mark teixeira, with the idea being you can spend years trying to develop a player that good and not be able to do it? or, do you think the yankees should be prepared with prospects (that are more cost effective) no matter what?

personally, i like to see the yankees operating in both of these arenas. develop, develop, develop, but when you have a player of teixeira’s caliber available, you pounce.

Just a continued comment on the Torre comments.

So A-Rod wasn’t/isn’t a typical Yankee like the ones from the dynasty teams? So he wasn’t perfect in the clubhouse…the guy won 2 MVPs in 4 seasons for Torre’s Yankees. He’s been an amazing player for us, and a reasonable case can be made that lack of pitching has been our downfall in the playoffs, not just A-Rod’s contribution.

Hate or like him, A-Rod is a great player and where would our 04-08 teams be without him? I really wish Yankee fans would appreciate him for who he is and get over all the other crap. He’s great on the field, and that’s all we can ask from him.