Conference noted::yankee

>       David Wells has got Gout as well as healing from a broken hand.
    
>       Cecil wants to be traded.
    
>       Bernie refused to sign a long range contract, and signed another 1
>    year deal.


Chap,

Don't get too concerned about what's going on here.  The Wells thing
is typical for Yankees free agent signings.  Hopefully his problems
will be limited to Spring training, 'cause one of his strengths has
been his durability.  He just doesn't miss starts.

The Fielder situation is expected.  He's on the final year of his contract
and he doesn't want to platoon.  I don't blame him.  The Yanks have too
many OF/DH/1B-types.  It's been written a number of times already that
someone (if not more than one) is going to go before the season starts.
Names mentioned in trade rumors include:  Ruben Rivera (to SD for that
Japanese pitching sensation, Irabu);  O'Neill (Philly ?);  Raines;
and Fielder.  Rivera could go because the Yanks have an abundance
of solid OF prospects (Ledee-39 HRs between AA & AAA last year;
Luke, Spencer), and they really want that Japanese pitcher.  The
other 3 are all old and make too much money.

As for Bernie, his agent is Scott Boras, so that should tell you all
you need to know about his contract negotiations.  But right now the
Yanks have no incentive to sign him to a long-term contract.  He
can't walk away until after the '98 season.  Bernie has said that
he wants to play his whole career with the Yanks.  He's even hinted
at wanting to someday be the Yankees captain (I think Jeter's got
the job).

And Chap, don't forget, this is a "GRAVY YEAR".  The championship should
sustain us for at least a couple of years !!!

    
    
       I want More!!!!!  :-)
    
    

   New York Yankees

     _________________________________________________________________
                                      
                          NEW YORK YANKEES ROSTER 
                                      
   Pitchers -- Brian Boehringer; David Cone; Chris Cumberland; Dwight
   Gooden; Graeme Lloyd; Jim Mecir; Rafael Medina; Ramiro Mendoza; Jeff
   Nelson; Andy Pettitte; Danny Rios; Mariano Rivera; Kenny Rogers; Tim
   Rumer; Mike Stanton; Julian Vasquez; David Weathers; David Wells
   
   Catchers -- Mike Figga; Joe Girardi; Jorge Posada
   
   Infielders -- Wade Boggs; Mariano Duncan; Cecil Fielder; Andy Fox;
   Charlie Hayes; Derek Jeter; Pat Kelly; Gabby Martinez; Tino Martinez;
   Luis Sojo
   
   Outfielders -- Ricky Ledee; Matt Luke; Paul O'Neill; Tim Raines; Ruben
   Rivera; Shane Spencer; Darryl Strawberry; Mark Whiten; Bernie Williams
   
   Non-roster invitees-- P Willie Banks, P Mike Buddie, P Ken Edenfield,
   P Dave Eiland, P Katsuhiro Maeda, P Eric Milton, P Marcus Moore, P
   Dave Pavlas, P Brad Pennington, P Dale Polley, P Carlos Reyes, P Sal
   Urso, C Chris Ashby, C Marc Ronan, C Paul Russo, C Jamie Torres, C Tom
   Wilson, IF Tim Barker, IF Clay Bellinger, IF Ivan Cruz, IF Matt
   Howard, OF Scott Pose Who's new: LHP David Wells; LHP Mike Stanton; OF
   Mark Whiten.
   
   Who's gone: INF-C Jim Leyritz; LHP Jimmy Key; RHP John Wetteland.
   
   Position battles: Second base is up for grabs between Mariano Duncan
   and Pat Kelly, who's returning from a season lost to injuries. Third
   base could be a platoon, with Wade Boggs and Charlie Hayes splitting
   playing time. There are any number of outfield combinations, and
   manager Joe Torre will have to rotate veterans Tim Raines, Darryl
   Strawberry, Paul O'Neill, Mark Whiten and rookie Ruben Rivera at the
   corners. Most likely, at least one of these guys will be traded.
   
   Keep an eye on: Mariano Rivera takes over the closer's role in
   Wetteland's absence. Can he make the transition from set-up man to
   savior? The Yankees need to make a decision on outfielder Rivera, and
   could showcase him for some starting pitching ... to the Padres for
   the rights to Japanese pitcher Hidecki Irabu?
   
   Outlook: There's still plenty of talent here -- if you consider the
   Wells-Key shuffle a de facto trade of southpaw starters, Wetteland is
   the only big loss. The durability of the starters is something that
   will bear watching, and already, there are signs of discontent as
   Cecil Fielder loudly campaigns for a trade. Repeating will not be easy
   in baseball's most competitive division, but the Yankees have a wealth
   of talent, and the money to cure any in-season ills.
   
   -- Sean McAdam
     _________________________________________________________________

    
    OK Chap and co,  Heres a couple I've been hearing for Rumors....
    
    Tino Martinez to Florida for a 3B prospect and a Mariano Rivera clone
    from their AAA club.....
    
    Also Martinez and Ruban Rivera to San Diego for Joey Hamilton and a
    prospect from AAA.
    
    I think that with them shopping Fielder and his big contract that clubs
    are countering with the questions on Martinez,  plus with the signs of
    the Yankees approaching Mo Vaughn as a free agent this could be done
    in a heart beat.......
    
    /Westy
    

    
    
       They better not trade Rivera.
    
       Bob Watson in December said he was untouchable!!!
    
         But I would like Irabu from SD though.
    
    Chap

>    I think that with them shopping Fielder and his big contract that clubs
>    are countering with the questions on Martinez,  plus with the signs of
>    the Yankees approaching Mo Vaughn as a free agent this could be done
>    in a heart beat.......

After seeing Martinez crumble in the playoffs, I'd be very happy with
Fielder at 1B this year and Mo Vaughn there in '98.

Chappy, if Ruben Rivera can bring something real good, we have to do it.
The Yanks are over-stocked with VERY GOOD outfield prospects.

    
    
      Trust me Ruben is better than very good. He can get to Griffey status
    with playing time. He is the best 5 tooled player I have seen.
    
    
    
    
    Chap

Ruben had an MRI done on his still-sore shoulder.  He says he can't throw
100% and is concerned.  The Yanks have done MRIs on this shoulder during
the off-season and no damage shows up.  They're hoping this is nothing
more than typical early Spring-training soreness and that Ruben can
work his way through this and build up his arm by Opening Day.  Torre
even hinted that it could be a psychological problem, or an adjustment
Rivera has to make to the grind of ML play (similar to what Pettitte
had to adjust to last year).

According to NYC papers Raines is the trade-bait of the week.  Also,
it's believed that Hayes will get the permanent 3B job and Boggs will
relent, waive his no-trade clause and they'll move him before the start
of the season.

    
    Ruban Rivera will have arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder 
    next week and be out 2-3 months....he is seeking a second opinion
    
    more to come....Westy
    
    

    
    
    
      :-(    BUT :-)

Yanks beat St. Louie in exhibition opener, 7-3.  Fielder and Whiten homer.
Gooden goes 3, giving up one run in the 1st.  Boehringer also pitched.

Yanks are gonna file a grievance about the Irabu decision by the executive
committee.

Lot's of juicy stuff in the NYC press with opinions on whether they should
give Fielder a contract extention; trade for Irabu; and get a deal done
with Bernie NOW.  I wouldn't give Fielder a new contract.  His numbers have
already started to come down.  I'd trade for anyone who can throw the
pea near 100mph.  The Bernie thing is going to be a mess.  Scott Boras
is his agent, so that says it all.  He's already asking for Griffey-type
money (approx $9M/yr for 4 or 5 yrs).  Bernie says he won't negotiate
during the season, and Boras never lets a client sign a contract when
he's in the final year of an existing contract.  So that means the Yanks
have until Opening Day to get something done, or take the risk of him
walking after '98.

The Yanks have reportedly submitted names from which SD can pick to
make a trade for Irabu.  One 40-man roster player and one minor leaguer
(including Shea Morenz, Yanks' #1 pick a couple of yrs ago).  The
40-man roster players consist of Fox, Weathers, Boehringer, etc).
Nobody we can't live without.  The Yanks would also kick in $3M.
The trade would be contingent upon the Yanks signing Irabu to a
multiyear deal.

Wells makes his 1st exhibition start today.

Jeter added 15 pounds of muscle in the off-season.  He reportedly
worked-out hard.  He says he liked the feelings of last year's
success and wants it to happen again during his career...including
adding more WS rings.

Pettitte is working on his breaking ball stuff and wants to become
more versatile and not depend on the cut fastball to get out of jams.

The Yanks are expected to offer Pettitte, M Rivera and Jeter more
than standard salary upgrades based on their yrs of service....an
acknowledgement of their importance to the WS title team.

Wells pitched 3 innings, gave up 2 hits, threw 36 pitches, 18 for strikes.

The Daily News is reporting that the Yanks have stopped negotiating with
Jeter's agents on a contract.  At the same time they've given Pettitte
and Rivera sizable increases (+$400K, to ~$550K) on one-year deals.
Watson says Jeter's agents were asking for more than what the Yanks
wanted to give.

The Yanks wanted to give all 3 young stars sizable increases based on
their value to last year's title team...ie: more than the standard
increases based on their years of service.  But Jeter's agents wanted
even more, and the newspaper is reporting that the Yanks may even back
down from their initial number.

Hmmmm...the agents need a lesson in LEVERAGE....ie: who has it !!

Yanks starters have pitched very well in the early going.  That can be
meaningless, but it's better than knowing they're getting pounded.  Wells,
Pettitte and Mendoza all pitched over the weekend, all going 4 innings,
and all giving up no runs.

Boggs is hitting well, either making Torre's decision more difficult or
easy.

Can Cecil Feilder look in the mirror with a straight face and say:
"I look around and see other guys getting taken care of and wonder
why I'm not with my numbers."  This is a guy who stands to make $7M
this year if he doesn't declare himself a free agent on 3/15.  We
all know he wants an extention, but Steinbrenner's a fool if he gives
him 3 more years at that rate (especially given his nickle-dime act
with Jeter).

It's being reported that the Yanks have up'd their offer for Irabu,
and that it's expected SD will trade him in the next day or two.

The two big power prospects, Ledee and Spencer, each left the yard
over the weekend.  Hopefully neither will be traded in a deal for
"The Nolan Ryan of Japan".

Doc pitched 5 shutout innings last night vs. Cle, continuing the Yanks'
strong exhibition pitching.  He said he'd like to start the season
right now with the stuff he has..."I hope I don't leave this in training
camp."

The Yanks did the right thing and gave Jeter the money he asked for
($540K).

No news on a new contract for Fielder or Bernie.

Steinbrenner is personally handling the Irabu negotiations, to the
delight of the Padres.  One report said SD will make NY pay 20% more
than any other club.  But if Irabu stays firm on his claim that he'll
only sign with the Yanks, NY is in the best bargaining position.
To-date the Yanks have not included Ledee in their offer, although
some fear The Idiot will fold and give him up.  Duncan was added
yesterday.

This guy better be the real thing.  Most scouts say he is...one claimed,
"he's Roger Clemens in his prime".  One NYC writer says if the Yanks
get him and he is what they say he is, the Yanks repeat in the division
will be assured.

The pitchers are up to 5 innings now.  Cone gave up 3 runs Wed (all in one
bad inning).  Pettitte threw 5 shutout innings, giving up only 1 hit,
yesterday against Toronto.

Andy Fox was demoted.  With 2 3Bs, 2 2Bs (Kelly included) and a bunch
of OFs/1Bs/DHs, there's just no room.

Tomorrow is D-day for the Yanks and Fielder.  MLB rules allow him to
walk away from his contract and become a FA by 3/15.  I wanna see him
walk from $7.2M for this season.

Yanks are playing the same "chicken" game with SD.  Irabu's declared
3/18 as his deadline to be traded to NY or he returns to Japan.
The Yanks' baseball people currently have talked Steinbrenner into
not giving up Ledee.  Let's see if The Idiot stays with them and
doesn't give in to the Padres demands.  And let's hope Irabu doesn't
change his mind and offer to play for another team.

    
    
       Pitchers are looking great.
    
        Re- Cecil...  I'm sick of his cryin, let him go.
    
    Spencer an LeeDee are looking good. :-)
    
    
    Chap

One of the NYC papers reported today that Hayes believes Boggs has won
the 3B job.

Raines, Strawberry and O'Neill are hitting the crap out of the ball...
and Raines supposedly looks to be in great shape.

Interesting that most of the Yankees pitchers aren't too happy with
all of the Irabu talk.  Yet Cone says that if the guy is what they
say he is, the Yanks *have to* get him if the price is right.  He
basically recognizes that a 90s-to-100 mph fastball is something
you have to find room for.

Yanks' starters ERA is 1.69.  Batters are hitting only .196 against them.
I know these are only exhibition games, but two things come out of this:

	1-  they ain't getting blasted;
	2-  it appears all are healthy.

What's the likelihood of 3 of these guys going bad during the year ?
Not great.  In today's MLB pitching is watered down everywhere.  Look
at how different Boston's staff looks now that Clemens is gone...Gordon
is their ace !!  With the starters and 'pen we have, we're in the race
before it even begins.  And to think some *analyst* let his Yankees
hatred lead him to predict a 4th-place finish in the East for the Yanks.

And if one of the 5 go down, Ramiro Mendoza (had some starts for the
Yanks last year) has an ERA of 1.29 in 4 appearances (3 starts, 1 relief).
And Rafael Medina (throws in the 90s, and one scout said he'd be starting
on most other MLB teams) is just a flight from Columbus away too.

    I heard Irabu is heading back to Japan?  What gives??!?!?  Did the
    Idiot mess this up!!!!????
    
    -Mike

    
    Nope,  the Padres wouldn't move on Irabus demands for a trade so they
    lost out.....for now anyway.
    

Depending on which report you read, SD, NY or Irabu has the upper hand
in this matter.  The way I see it it's a stare-down game between Irabu
and the Padres.  SD doesn't believe the guy will *ONLY* play for the Yanks.
They continue to field offers from other teams.  But there must be some
small doubt in their minds because they haven't pulled the trigger on
any of these offers (which are supposedly better than the Yanks' offer).
Any team acquiring him in a trade will make the deal contingent upon
their signing the guy to a long-term contract.

After taking Ledee off the table, the Yanks are putting their faith
in Irabu's statement that he'll only play for them.  If that's true,
with the pitching they have there's no reason for them "give up the
farm" (so to speak) to obtain the guy.

Of course, I hope SD blinks first.

There's a chance Irabu's agent will take this to Federal court and
try to have the MLB-Japanese agreement (which is now 30 yrs old)
declared illegal.  IMO, if this gets to the point where a trial
is scheduled SD will take whatever they can get for him.

The Yanks have settled on 25 players, but they also want to keep Pat
Kelly (he's played very well defensively and has started to hit lately).
Torre says he'd like to have him spell Duncan at 2B and use him late in
games.  The DL or a trade could provide the answer.  Whiten has been
hurt this spring (ribcage), but played yesterday and says he's healthy.
Raines has been shopped since Day 1, but no one wants his salary.  The
Yanks will definitely have to eat some of his $1.8M this year, and
possibly the buyout ($200K) next year.  Apparently the Red Sox have
shown some interest.

Some clubs are interested in Boehringer and Weathers.  One rumor has
Boehringer going to the Cubs for Rey Sanchez (util inf, making Kelly
expendable).

Yanks pitchers were touched-up a little over the weekend.  Gooden had
a horrendous outing Fri.  But he had only 45 minutes of sleep the night
before, while he was in a hospital attached to a heart monitor (precautionary).
Cone threw a shutout Sat vs. Tor.  Pettitte gave up 5 runs yesterday
to Pitts.  Gotta love Pettitte.  After one bad inning he came into
the dugout and said he wanted to kill someone...he said he wants
to perfect every time.  We have a real gem in this kid.

are there any yankee fans (besides chappy) left in this company ?...or
am I just talking to myself ?

    
> are there any yankee fans (besides chappy) left in this company ?...or
> am I just talking to myself ?
    
    I'm here for you Joe... ;-)
    
    Seriously, I read your inputs, and appreciate them...
    
    
    glenn
    

>    Seriously, I read your inputs, and appreciate them...

Thanks Glenn, but if you're it I might as well move to the Red Sox
conference.  At least over there I'll get some reaction...no matter
what I say.

     
    Well, I'm a yankee fan, but I like to read what people
    think more than I like to tell them what I think.
    I'm from Long Island and have benn a fan as long as I 
    can remember. 
    What I can't figure out is why people aren't more 
    excited about our starting 5. They all have  either been
    a cy young winner or they have the potential of being one.
    I say keep Boeringer, he could be a very effective set up man
    if he masters another pitch. 
    What a tough decision in left, looks like platooning for
    now. Why is everybody down on Duncan? He was the most
    under rated pick up for '96. 
    If Boggs stays healthy, lets get rid of Hayes (maybe 
    in a trade with another player for a young 3rd baseman).
    Hopefully, the rumors are true, and Mo Vaughn will soon 
    be a yankee (at least in the next few years). Tino did
    not impress me, although I hoped he would (off year, maybe).
    I like O'neil but he may be our best trade bait of the outfielders.
    I say keep Ruben (what if we lose Bernie).
    
    I say repeat.
    
    					Mattttt 

     
    Well, I still periodically check this notes file. I don't regularly get
    the New York papers, so I look to pickup whatever info I can. I am
    normally a RO noter. 
    
    From what I have heard, the pitching is doing real well (I know it's
    only spring training). So hopefully, there are a few more Yankee fans
    around.
    
    Let's repeat.....Fran
    

I'm still here but was on vacation in canada last week so your update were
very much appreciated...
Dan Buckley

    
    
      I'm still here... :-)

    
    Hey Joe,
    
    I'm usually a RON except when I say something stupid and get jerkey boy
    back hassling us in our conference.  Anyway, I gave my notice today so
    my last day is the 11th of April.  That's one less Yankee fan in DEC but
    I hope you still have critical mass!!
    
    GO YANKEEEES!
    
    All the best,
    Mike

    
    
       August 31st is gonna be the day when they retire Donnie's number. I
    for one will be there!!!
    
    
    Vs Montreal I believe.
    
    
    Chap

    
    Chap is that a fact?  August 31st, a Sunday.......I'm going to look
    into tickets also.....
    
    ps I'm still here don't plan on going anywhere and I still argue with
    the HLO Red Sox fans as much as I can....../Westy
    
    

    
    
       Wade Boggs took a grounder off his forhead yesterday and it took 48
    stitches to close. He has said he won't miss opening day though.
    
    
    Chap

>    my last day is the 11th of April.  That's one less Yankee fan in DEC 

Sorry to hear you're moving on, Mike.  I hope it's to something better.
Glad you were here for the championship.

    
    re: -.1
    
    Thanks Joe!  All the best to you!
    
    re: last night
    
     (to paraphrase Chris Berman)    This just in:  I hate Griff!
    
    Doh!  I was so happy when they gave Cone something to work with in the
    first.  And when Girardi made the pickoff to second for a double play I
    was all pumped up.  But you can't hang a slider out in front of Ken
    Griffey Jr.!!!  The guy is too good.  I saw a stat today that the Yanks
    have lost 12 of the last 14 at the Kingdome.  Sure would've liked to
    see that number moved more towards the Yankees side yesterday.  Well,
    they still have the REAL opening day to win!  Anybody got tix?
    
    Oh yeah, and what happened to the regular Yankees/Mets preseason games? 
    Did I just miss them this year?
    
    -Mike

>    Oh yeah, and what happened to the regular Yankees/Mets preseason games? 
>    Did I just miss them this year?

Since the Yanks moved to Tampa their exhibition schedule has changed to
minimize travel.  They aren't playing the Mets, Dodgers or Braves much,
or at all because they're a 4 hour or more ride to the other coast.