Gammons's take
ESPN baseball guru Peter Gammons, while promoting his upcoming "Hot Stove, Cool Music" event, spoke at length this afternoon on sports radio station WEEI about the future of Jason Varitek, Mark Teixeira's icy past relationship with Alex Rodriguez, and numerous other topics. Here are some of his more notable comments:
On why Teixeira chose the Yankees over the Red Sox when the conventional wisdom was that he would sign with Boston:
Gammons: As we saw over the time line, once [Yankees general manager Brian] Cashman went to his house -- first Terry Francona and Theo {Epstein] went there -- five or six days later Cashman went, and that was decided that the Red Sox were the stalking horse and the Red Sox would go to a number and then the Yankees will sign him. And the Yankees did a very good job of saying, 'We're not in it, we're not in it' . . . all along, that's where he was going. Not because his father was a [high school] teammate of Bucky Dent, but he made it very clear watching it yesterday [and wading] through the baloney . . . Teixeira is Scott Boras's ultimate client, and he's very well-programmed . . . The Red Sox didn't know it, and in the end there was nothing they could do about it. He wanted to go to the Yankees, his wife doesn't like Boston -- apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something -- and in the end that's the way it goes.
On whether -- or when -- John Henry realized Teixeira was ticketed for New York:
Gammons: They didn't know it. They were waiting on the day that he signed . . . they thought that they were going to get him. They tried to close the deal on Monday night [Dec. 21], and Scott [Boras] said, 'Well, the Teixeiras are flying, and they haven't quite done this, and they haven't quite done that," and he kept putting it off an all along it was to just finish the language with the Yankees. That's the way it goes. The Yankees cut their $180 million and they got an extraordinary player. It's going to be interesting. As you probably remember, there was a lot of testiness between Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira when they played in Texas together . . . and I don't think Alex really cares about communicating with other players, we know [that] from Derek Jeter. Also, we haven't really seen Teixeira in a situation where the expectations are really that high, and he's going to have to deal with them in New York. It will be very interesting to see how it goes with the Yankees.
On whether there was a number that would have convinced Teixeira to come to the Sox:
Gammons: Maybe $220 million . . . This is one of the worst winters I can ever remember. What happened this winter is that, as the internet has expanded to become the media power, the flow of information is quickly controlled by agents. A lot of general managers and those of us in the business kid about a couple of sites referred to as ScottBoras.com, and Scott will float things out there and throw it out there and people will report it, you know, 'The Brewers are jumping in on Derek Lowe.' They're not jumping in on Derek Lowe. I mean, please. 'The Red Sox are really hot for Derek Lowe at $16 [million] . . . ' No, they're not. But Scott floats this stuff out, and he's able to get people to report it.
On whether the economy is affecting the free agent market for players like Manny Ramirez and Adam Dunn:
Gammons: In a state like Ohio . . . the economics are really bad. The Indians may have had the best offseason of anyone [signing reliever Kerry Wood, among others], and they can't sell tickets. On the front page of the Sunday New York Times, there was a story that 10-12 major Broadway shows are closing down this month, the most ever. And I kind of compare that . . . they're luxury items the way baseball games have become luxury items, and I think that may be a tell-tale sign about the economy. A couple of friends of mine who were playing back in the mid-'90s -- Harold Reynolds was one of them -- remember after the strike, they all had to go down to Florida and go to a tryout camp. And Harold went from making about $4 million a year to about $200,000, and I think you're going to see a lot of guys on March 1 calling around asking for jobs. For instance, I know Derek Lowe feels very strongly that if A.J. Burnett is making $16 million a year, why am I not making a year? But this is not arbitration, this is the market, and the fact is there's no market [for him] at $16 million. Now, there could have been. He could have gotten four-times-$15 million from the Yankees, but A.J. Burnett's agents stopped Scott Boras [who is Lowe's agent] and beat him to the Yankees. The Yankees wanted Lowe, but A.J. Burnett's agents did a better job.
On whether there is a strain on the relationship between Boras and the Red Sox:
Gammons: Well, it's good that Scott didn't call back at 5 o'clock that afternoon [when Teixeira chose the Yankees] and try to sign up another player . . . I think in time, things will heal. In was unnecessary for Scott to try to lay some of the blame on Larry Lucchino, as if, you know, Teixeira didn't like him. Well if he didn't like him, tough. There are some hard feelings, but they'll do business again. We'll see what happens. I don't think he has anything else on the market that they'll go after right now.
On whether they Sox will sign Varitek, a Boras client:
Gammons: Well, if he calls and says, 'I'll sign at $2 million,' they might do it. If someone would just sign Varitek, the Red Sox would say, 'Thank you, we'll take the draft choices.' Now, I'm not sure anybody is going to sign him. One player said to me, 'Well, the Marlins might sign Varitek for $5 million.' No, they won't . . . they Marlins aren't giving up a first-round draft pick for Jason Varitek. Can't happen. I don't know what's going to happen . . . I still think the Red Sox will trade for a catcher, whether it's now or the 15th of March, and I don't know what's going to happen with Jason. It's too bad. How Scott Boras looked him in the eye and said, 'By the way, I turned down $10 million [in arbitration],' is beyond me. He turned down arbitration -- he would have made a minimum of $10 million, maybe $11 million. And there are a bunch of guys like that -- Jon Garland, Orlando Cabrera. There are a bunch of guys who are not even going to come close to what they made in arbitration.
On whether Varitek wanted to accept arbitration and Boras steered him a different way:
Gammons: I don't know. I know the players' association was strongly advising agents not to take arbitration. They felt that teams were trying to control players for one year at a lesser amount than they'd have to pay down the line. But again, if you're Jon Garland or Ben Sheets or Orlando Cabrera or Jason Varitek, it cost you a lot of money.
On how he sees the AL East at the moment:
Gammons: They actually asked me to do this last night on "SportsCenter." I took Tampa third, and I really like Tampa. Buster Olney disagreed -- he thinks Tampa is the team to beat with all of their young pitching . . . I don't see their bullpen coming close to doing what they did last year. I picked the Red Sox second, just because we don't know about the health of David Ortiz and Mike Lowell, and I think Josh Beckett will be fine. You never know about J.D. Drew's health. And the Yankees, with the innings that [CC] Sabathia and [Chien-Ming] Wang can give them and all the offense they should have, they clearly have to be the favorites.
Peter Gammons is spot-on with his AL East predictions for 2009. The Cinderella Rays will learn what it's like to have a bullseye on them. Their pitching staff will not do as well in 2009. Trading Jackson to the Tigers was a huge mistake that will help Detroit rise. David Price is too green to throw into the starting rotation full-time and should have been broken in more carefully. As for Pat Burrell, let's see how well he does outside the homer haven of Philly.
Peter, I love you man, you're my all time favorite....but your Boston Bias was oozing out of this blog post....As a red sox fan, i dont really care, but be prepared for everyone complaining.
I love Gammons. Tex's wife didnt like the store on Newbury street or something. Its very clear to me that the Red Sox are not going to work with Boras this year. I dont really see them goinf after his clients next year either.
"How Scott Boras looked him in the eye and said, 'By the way, I turned down $10 million [in arbitration],' is beyond me. "
As I said in a previous comment, Varitek is caught in the middle between Boras' desire to show the Sox how powerful he is, and the Sox' (understandable) desire not to be manipulated. The best thing Varitek can do to help himself is to pull an A-Rod and DUMP his greasy agent ASAP. For Varitek, right now Boras is nothing but a liability.
Of course, the Yankees bought themselves back to the top
Peter Gammons, the only Red Sox fan I really like .....
"his wife doesn't like Boston -- apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something" Great stuff as usual Peter, but did you really have to take a shot a Texiera's wife? My impression is that you're implying she's shallow. Which may or may not be true, but I have no idea since I don't know the lady. And I'm assuming neither does Mr Gammons.
That's interesting that Gammons thinks the Sox are ahead of the Rays. I can't imagine the Sox lineup matching up with the pitching in the AL East and producing runs at the clip they did in 07. The Sox are going to have to figure out another way to produce runs and it won't be by the big bat. Their biggest bats are going to be Youk and Pedroia. Papi is "fragile" now and won't be a factor for the whole season. I like guys like Bay and Lowell and Pedroia who can hit the ball hard for doubles and move runners. I see the Sox using speed on the basepaths to move runners into scoring position and then drive them in with extra base (not HRs) hits from guys like Youk, Pedroia, Bay, and even Lowrie. A key success factor will be Ellsbury's ability to get on base and set the table for these guys. If he is successful, the team can be successful without relying on the LONG BALL.
Where's "all this offense" the Yankees will have over last year? They lost Giambi and Abreu and replaced them with Teixeira and Swisher. That's a slight increase in production. Plus, no one talks about the lack of a bullpen if Chamberlain moves to the rotation. Who is there besides Rivera? Also, they lost 30 wins from Mussina and Pettitte and a combined ERA of about 3.75. I'm sorry, but I'll take a rotation of Beckett, Dice-K, Lester , Penny and Wakefield over Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Hughes and Chamberlain.
Funny how some people cut through the crap while others keep writing stories about how Teixeira might've come to the Sox if only X, Y, or Z had occurred.
I guess that's what separates Hall of Fame writers from the others. On the other hand, Murray Chass is in the Hall, too...
If I see Varitek in a uniform other than the Red Sox, I am seriously going to cry or throw-up.............................................most likely both.
I'm still thinking Varitek might sign with the Mets... especially if they get Derek Lowe... reason being they could use a little / lot of leadership and after already signing K-Rod and Lowe (assuming they do) the draft pick for Tek gets pushed down to the 3rd rd.
The wife comment was a low blow Mr. Gammons. A hall-of-famer would or should be above that type of comment. It truly is disappointing when a "journalist" lets his true (sawx) colors shine through, and abandons objectivity.
John, lack of bullpen? Chamberlain was not in the bullpen most of last year, and that was one of their strengths. Also don't count out Pettite yet. with regard to the lineup they are also adding Matsui and Posada!
It's not possible for someone not to like Boston? Is the hype of the ESPN love affair with and promotion of Boston as the Emerald City gone that far? Boston is a nice little city with good sea food. It isn't New York. For that matter it isn't even Philly either. Yes, people can have a negative view of sacrosanct Boston....and their beloved sox. I am hoping beyond hope that the self righteous bastion of overbearing fans is cruelly let down AGAIN and they then will be 2 for 91.
"Who is out there besides Rivera?" How about Jose Veras, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, and young stars Phil Coke and Alfredo Aceves. Pretty good bullpen, check the numbers. And for you ignorant Red Sox fans who say, "Oh, the Yankees have bought their way back to the top": As of right now, the Yankees annual payroll for 2009 is about $20 million less than it was in 2008. The Yankees got rid of some huge contracts (Abreu, Giambi, Pettitte, Mussina) and picked up much better replacements. But, I would be bitter too if I was a Red Sox fan.
"The Sox are going to have to figure out another way to produce runs and it won't be by the big bat. Their biggest bats are going to be Youk and Pedroia. "
Great assessment by Jerry (#8). And you have to be worried when your second baseman is expected to be one of your main producers, rather than a pleasant extra. You've just gotta hope Lowell and Papi come back, and while you're hoping you may as well hope Lars Anderson makes the bigs a year early.
"A key success factor will be Ellsbury's ability to get on base and set the table for these guys. If he is successful, the team can be successful without relying on the LONG BALL."
Again, I agree with Jerry 100%. If Ellsbury does what we believe he is capable of doing, Lowell and Papi can have off years and Anderson can incubate in the minors, and it will hardly matter. Ellsbury is THAT vital.
Sure sounds like sour grapes to me. gammons is so Boston bias as an early post stated.
"but I'll take a rotation of Beckett, Dice-K, Lester , Penny and Wakefield over Sabathia, Burnett, Wang, Hughes and Chamberlain"
Because you are on crack. I am a White Sox fan
Peter Gammons, wish he still wrote for the globe. I'm actually a big fan of the current globe's sports staff, but the pearls this guy throws out there just can't be matched. You learn more from a quick EEI interview with Gammons then you do from a month tracking a story on the neverending supply of hotstove blogs.
"apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something," classic.
Love ya Gammo..but you lost your fastball around the time the Sox won it all for the first time in 86 years. I just cant understand why EVERYONE is ruling out the Sox.
He wanted to go to the Yankees, his wife doesn't like Boston -- apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something -- and in the end that's the way it goes.
Why make that comment? For a laugh?
Mr. Gammons this is a very low brow response and something beneath you. Leave the wives out of your comments and talk about the players. Very sad to read this type of response
am i naive, or alone, or both- to think the hanley ramirez thing will happen, that this front office does not just throw stuff out there just cuz?
seriously, would it not be like them to sell teixeira and then...
buchholz, lowrie and a third, perhaps a fourth player for him, i think that's what i heard last time.
it's got max factor, i mean x factor smudged all over it.
I live in nyc, odds are good she will get abused,robbed or assaulted in the first year. I can't wait
Brian G said, "As for Pat Burrell, let's see how well he does outside the homer haven of Philly.."
Please verify your facts before making such a foolish statement. Last season, Burrell hit 12 HRs with a .230 average in Philly and 21 HRs and a .270 average on the road. As the DH, Pat should do fine with the Rays.
It's amazing what a supposed "unbiased" reporter can get away with.
What a homer........
My advice to any Boras client: Get it in writing that he will pay you the difference if you turn down arbitration & it ends up costing you money.
The offense the Yankees will have next year is also due to Posada and Matsui returning healthy (assuming that actually happens). Posada replacing Molina's at bats will be a massive upgrade. Also there's the possibility - if not likelihood - that Cano will return to form this year.
And if you'll take the Sox rotation over the Yankees, good luck with that.
Gammons you really are a homer which doesn't surprise me with anything you say. Always taking a shot at the Yankees I find comical but taking a shot at Mrs. Teixeira is really classless.
Oh and you said " we haven't really seen Teixeira in a situation where the expectations are really that high". How about last years playoffs against the Sox when he hit I believe .467 ( wow!! he couldn'y hit .500) lol!!!!!
By the way I have always enjoyed our trips up to Boston. Great town and friendly people. Dan FDNY
With that kind of money, she could buy newbury street, or rodeo drive.
sounds like he married paris hilton
Wow. Just wow. Gammons doesn't even remotely try to hide his Red Sox bias anymore. That was just sad.
With that kind of money, she could buy newbury street, or rodeo drive.
sounds like he married paris hilton
If Peter Gammons is correct, Scott Boras played the Sox brass like a bunch of chumps, made possible by their own blindness regarding Teixeira's intentions. Seems like the writing was on the wall and they didn't want to see it. Would love it if they drew the line with Boras BadEnough and refused to negotiate another contract, ever, ala the Braves. That's unlikely, of course, but perhaps the way to interact with him is in take or leave it terms so he has no leverage and less incentive to lie. Regarding the Rays - the Phillies figured out how to pitch them, why won't everyone else? Regarding the Yankees, most of their position players are a year older and a step slower - Jeter, Posada, Matsui, Damon - Yikes! Nick Swisher and Melky Cabrera scare anyone? Maybe Cano gets himself on track, maybe not. ARod will resent both Teixera and Jeter now. Texeira will do for them what he did for the Angels, that is nothing. They will sign Manny.
DO YOU THINK ABOUT ANY OTHER TEAM THAN THE RED SOX??????
When your old lady can take your kids and half your coin you pretty much have to give her a vote on things. Boras is going to have a hard time explaining to Manny, and Lowe why they didn't get the big $$$ and why Tek will be lucky to have 2 years at $5 million per from the Sox as his best offer. And, if they think this offseason was bad wait until after 2009 season.
Just waiting for the Yankees to ask for their bailout. They rely heavily on Wall St. folks to buy the luxury boxes and expensive tickets. When those dry up and they have to make payments on their new park to go with revemue sharing and luxury taxes they are going to be in real trouble. They have $130 million in annual salary for 6 guys the next few years.Jeter might come down a bit but Wong will escalate in price as will Cano.
Sheesh... Going after the guy's wife? You have stooped to an alltime low, Pete.
You are a sham journalism, you've been nothing more than a shill for the Sox for the last decade. How you can label yourself as a reporter anymore is sickening. Objectivity is truly out the window with you. You aren't at the Glove anymore, you work for a national media outlet... act like it!
And for the love of Jesus and all that is good: If you are going to be paid to be on TV, then fix those yellow chicklets you call teeth. I can;t stand you, yet I am severely embarassed for you and your family....
Peter is a homer. Of course he likes the Sox.
Great perspectives from the HOF Gammons. The agents are living in a bubble given the current economy. Only the Yankees can truly spend freely and they are done. It'd be a damn shame if Tek can't finish his career in Boston -- we don't win in 04 or 07 without him. And it has nothing to do with his bat....
JOE MAUER!!!!! TRADE FOR JOE MAUER!! SEE YA CLAY....AND WHOEVER ELSE JOE MAUER!!!!!
GREAT interview.................Peter is DEAD on..........Boras HOSED 'Tek BIG TIME and the Yankees..............would be interesting to see how many Boras clients are currently unsigned.
"Stores on Newbury Street?" Is Gammons implying that Tex's wife is that transparent? That's a cheap and sexist shot by nothing more than a Red Sox fan posing as a Hall of Fame writer. We expect more from Gammons, don't we?
"(V-tek) we don't win in 04 or 07 without him. And it has nothing to do with his bat...." -DF
I would reconsider looking at his stats those years before you come to this conclusion. There was once a time when Tek was a jolly giant here in boston... That nickname is not because he is so sweet; He got on base and took pitches.
Tek being such a factor to the young guys in our system/our field does however say volumes about him and how our management treat the long-haul players. Its very unfortunate he didnt accept arbitration where both sides would appropriately compensated. Bora's was a completely contemptible this off season yet he didnt even get his clients the right money.
Teixeira would have been a 'Godsend' for any other team, but for the Yankees, he is flawed? The bias in sports is unbelievable. Sabathia and Burnett were the top pitchers as the season started. Now? They suck. The Red Sox didn't need Teixeira, they NEED a catcher, possibly a shortstop, a fourth outfielder and a fourth or fifth starter. Focus on that and stop complaining! The "What if" people are out in force, well, worry about your own "What if's"!!! "What if Big Papi doesn't return to form? What if Pedroia and Youkilis' numbers fall? What if Mike Lowell doesn't heal properly? What if Beckett is hurt and stinks again this year? What if Dice-K doesn't have an 18-3 season?
I think the outcome in the AL East will come down to if the Yankees can win more 12-10 games than the Sox can win 3-2 games and as things stand now, I think the Yanks have the advantage. The Sox will need to be at their best every night and will have to get productive seasons from Papi and Lowell, hopefully a breakout season from Jacoby Ellsbury, reliably good starting pitching, and maybe a fortuitous surprise or two. Gonna be interesting......
Listen to all the NYY clowns on here bellyaching about Gammo having fun with a comment on TBag's wife... What about the TBag himself - signing on for $180M, then telling the world in his presser he did so because his little wifey told him to? What a man's man. Bet she tells him what thong to wear each morning too...
Hey, if no one can comment on her choices, maybe TBag doesn't need to bring up her opinions HIMSELF - or at the very least, don't drag her to his PR functions
#16 Shawn- Brain Bruney mentioned in the same breath as Rivera is a good laugh!
Newbury Street does pretty much bite, though.
I love the comment where the guy says how the Yankees' upgrades in the rotation are just a wash. Sure, they're losing 20 game winner Mike Mussina and possibly Andy Pettitte, but let's think a bit before we're so quick to bash it.
Andy Pettitte was TERRIBLE in the 2nd half. He had an ERA over 5.00. Mike Mussina, though good, is not as good as either Burnett or Sabathia. So we'll say that Sabathia replaces Mussina plus a little bit more. Then you take Wang back for 20 more starts than last year, where he missed 3.5 months with his foot injury. So Wang replaces Pettitte, with probably 5-10 more wins and an ERA a run lower. So that leaves Burnett. Burnett replaces the starts taken by guys like Sidney Ponson and Darrel Rasner. So Burnett is the big upgrade in the rotation. If he's healthy, which he very well could be if he really has figured it out, he could add 7-8 wins of value over the replacement pitcher. Imagine what a difference that makes in the rotation. Add in Chamberlain for an extra month or two (4-5 more wins at least) and someone more solid in the 5th slot (Hughes when healthy is lights out, Aceves was reliable), and you're adding potentially 10-15 wins worth of pitching to the rotation.
Next you consider that they replace Molina's bat with Posada's, and Giambi/Abreu with Teixeira/Matsui/Posada/Better Cano and the offense improves significantly.
So they've upgraded their rotation by 10-15 wins, and their lineup probably by a few there. Their bullpen will be together for a full season now and more experienced, and with Marte and Bruney in it unlike most of last year, they will hold more leads.
It's hard to see how this team, if healthy, doesn't win AT LEAST 100 games.
We know you're all Red Sox fans and are not happy with the way the offseason has gone, but come on, let's be realistic. If the teams stay generally healthy, it's going to be Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays in that order.
#42 CA Yanks Fan- you are making your own point when you say "worry about your own"... I don't care too...much for money...money can't save the Yanks...
Gammons knows nothing. It was extremely clear that Burnett was the Yankees first choice, and the Yankees were concerned with Lowe's last 2 seasons in the AL East. Burnett gives them a potential ace. Lowe gives them a nice #3. Wasn't even close.
Peter Gammons is in the Hall of Fame for one reason. He is one of the best baseball writers of all time.
Is this the same Jason Varitek that Peter Gammons spent the last 5 years praising as the most important player on the Red Sox? Doesn't Gammons just love saying that Varitek's absence was the biggest reason why Boston collapsed in 2006? The same Jason Varitek that means so much to the pitching staff and in the clubhouse that it doesn't matter if he hits or not? Now that all those wonderful assets are available to all 30 teams, Peter Gammons deems the cost of a first round draft pick to be utterly prohibitive. All indications point to a greatly reduced salary and (this seems to have eluded Gammons) many teams would not even have to forfeit a pick to sign him. Yet there's hardly any interest. Yes he's older, but the mythical "ability to handle a pitching staff" is not something that should deteriorate with age. Perhaps all that praise by Gammons was ridiculous and unfounded?
As a Yankee fan you BLOGGERS confirm what I have thought for the last four years... that Gammon's has indeed lost his fastball and is more worried that if he is critical of the Sox Epstein and crew won't rock out at his benefit anymore. To say that Boras manipulates the media via the internet is factual.... but Peter... you don't think that the teams do the same thing (I submit to you the MLB Rumors page on ESPN, check out your own companies website).. furthermore, you report/write all the time with "unnamed sources" information regarding potential offers and/or trades via team management... I think Boras was pretty straight forward that if the Red Sox accepted the 8 year 176 million offer that BORAS offered to them... they would have Tex.. regardless of what Mrs Tex wanted... WAKE UP!
As a Yankee fan you BLOGGERS confirm what I have thought for the last four years... that Gammon's has indeed lost his fastball and is more worried that if he is critical of the Sox Epstein and crew won't rock out at his benefit anymore. To say that Boras manipulates the media via the internet is factual.... but Peter... you don't think that the teams do the same thing (I submit to you the MLB Rumors page on ESPN, check out your own companies website).. furthermore, you report/write all the time with "unnamed sources" information regarding potential offers and/or trades via team management... I think Boras was pretty straight forward that if the Red Sox accepted the 8 year 176 million offer that BORAS offered to them... they would have Tex.. regardless of what Mrs Tex wanted... WAKE UP!
Why do I get the feeling Tex wouldn't be called "well-programmed" and have his big game ability questioned if he signed with the Sox?
Gammons, you are bad at what you do now. Hang em up.
Peter Gammons ..... 'THE INSIDER".......said over and over that the Yankees were not pursuing Mark Texiera........I love PG and his spots on TV, but more fans saw that one coming than the so called insiders. Sign Youk long term and first base is covered. Lowell is a pro's pro.......he's gonna come back in great condition. I say give the Marlins Lowry and Buckholz along with his 11.0 plus ERA from last year, and I'd throw in Elsbury if nec to get Hanley Ramirez. They get 3 question marks where either all or none of them reaches potential that is expected, and we get a 33 home run bat behind Ortiz. Gotta give something to get something
If a team that signs a over rated Type A free agent has already signed one or two, like the Yankees, then the draft pick surrendered may end up being a 2nd or 3rd round, under this scenario, Varitek or others could get moved. Not that this would thrill the Sox much with a lower pick. Given Varitek's poor defense and no offense, signing another for one year or starting with Kottaras or Brown to team with Bard, would this be much worse ?
There is plenty of New York bias news sources, if that is what you want, get your sports news from a website not titled boston.com... If A Rod has problems with Jeter and Tex, he better get close with Cano so he at least has one friend in the infield; you can't buy chemistry.
Thanks Peter, I am really looking forward to ST and a new year of Red Sox baseball. Peter I think you would know more about the whole Texiera situation as opposed to any bone head, or any other reasonable fan would know who is blogging here. And here is a reasonable post from CA Yanks fan:
Teixeira would have been a 'Godsend' for any other team, but for the Yankees, he is flawed? The bias in sports is unbelievable. Sabathia and Burnett were the top pitchers as the season started. Now? They suck. The Red Sox didn't need Teixeira, they NEED a catcher, possibly a shortstop, a fourth outfielder and a fourth
or fifth starter. Focus on that and stop complaining!
I agree Texiera would have been a luxury for the Red Sox not a necessity like it was for the Yankees. If the RS got Texiera, they most likey end up having to trade away 2007 WS MVP Mike Lowell, and probably pay part of his salary. Youks' offensive numbers are not terribly different than Texiera, and both play Gold Glove Defense. Texiera would have been a substituttion, not an addition for the Red Sox. Plus Youks is about $20M a year less expensive than Texiera right now.
Lets move along here people. Instead of crying about the bleepin' Yankees, lets watch how Jon Lester develops into a stud pitcher this year, and watch Ellsbury break out of his rookie funk. Lets see Youks win AL MVP this year, and hope for Beckett, Lowell and Ortiz to be the dominant forces they were in 2007. The Red Sox will be very strong again this year if they stay healthy, I think they have a great chance at going to the WS again.
"apparently she doesn't like the stores on Newbury Street or something . . ."
My goodness, people. It was a joke. Get a sense of humor and lighten up.
It was Texiera himself who injected his wife into the discussions.
Nice little sexist cheap shot there, Pete.
Tex decides against Boston, and you have to insult Tex's wife, insinuating that she's some sort of shallow bimbo. Have you ever even met her? Does she even like to shop? Why on earth would you insult a player's wife for no reason?
Hello! Gammons projects Yanks to win the division. No shrill voices are claiming this is a result of his alleged bias towards Boston. I guess fans from all other MLB cities could complain that the MLB Network sounds surprisingly like YES. Ahhhh, but that would be appropriate considering Yankee status as the center of baseball universe, right?
What raises the hackles of most fans about the Yankees, and privileged Yankee fans, is they truly believe in their destiny to rule baseball, and that buying a championship is a God-given right because of wallet size. Most fans see championships as prizes to be earned, not bought. These are the arrogant expectations of any empire (take your choice . . . British, Russian, Mongol, Ottoman, Holy Roman, Roman, Greek, Persian, Yankee), which is why everyone's once beloved Yankees are now widely considered the Evil Empire. It's not a joke. It's a shame. The incredible comment that by spending a half-billion $$ on a handful of players is a good thing because it actually reduces payroll, following the completion of insane contracts, completely misses the point of the continuing insane contracts, rejoicing in a $200M payroll in a deep recession, feeding the Boras beast, screwing 2/3 of the League with payrolls less than half that size . . . "because we can". Yes, Yankee fans, you can, and have become that guy that enjoys the view, the one even you hate. You do understand that, historically, this is the exact attitude and behavior which led to the destruction of all these empires. More tragic, being fine with tearing down Babe's House, to build a monument to George, and happily paying for it. This, from the same people who made up jokes about selling the Brooklyn Bridge?
All you Yankee fans calling Gammon's statement about Texiera'a wife "a low blow" are proving the common conception that Yankee fans are the dumbest fans in sports true. He is simply stating something he heard. No low blow just a fact. If Texeira had come to Boston and he said she didn't like 5th Ave you would be cheering him. Hypocritical morons. As for the Yankees, all these signings are refreshing. The past few years have been sad. It's just not the same when you have a bunch of bumbs in pinstripes. They went out and brought in some talent. But let me remind you, they haven't done anything yet. If you want to crown em' crown em! The Yankees will always be who we thaought they were: overrated chokebags.
Sheesh. The thing about the wife is a joke. Don't take it so seriously.
Joe Maurer would be a good trade and the sox have the goods to offer up in a deal. Absolutely. That would be something to explore.
I'd bet that the Sox brains have already explored the option.
If the Tex negotiations were turned around where Boston had lurked in the tall grass and snatched Tex away from the Yanks at the last minute, Gammons would be nothing but praise for the "genius" off Theo & Larry. Peter thanks to his many years in the buisness still has some great inside info. But the homer in him is shinning thru more than ever. And the comment on Tex`s wife.. well that may have been an attempt at humor but from this Boston guy it comes off as nothing but sour grapes and classless. So in her defence: Perhaps next time Mr. Gammons has a stoke he should wait until he`s fully recovered before returning to work.
Gammons is a relentless shill for the Red Sox. It's laughable that he is considered a "journalist" or even remotely obective.
He's still PMSing that the Sawx didn't get Tex. Boo hoo hoo. Ok, take cheap shots at Tex's wife. Stay classy Gammons.
Now he telling Varitek to be happy with a $2M offer from Theo.
Gammons is on the RS payroll for god's sake.
Everything about Gammons is a fraud. Even his stroke. Until half his face is saggy, I'm calling BS on that.
That Peter Gammons is a hall of famer. It’s beyond me. I just don’t see it.
I just don't understand why so many people are counting out the red sox...
This team is almost identical to last year's team, a team that had a handful of significant injuries, but still won 95 games and got to game 7 of the ALCS.
I just do not get it. What is it that makes these red sox all of a sudden going to tank? Papi did not have a good year last year and Beckett was all over the place, yet the still won 95 games. Yes they lost Manny, but their offense was just as good in August and September as it was in April May June and July. Yes the Yankees got better, but is that the reason everyone is counting them out? This ownership got us 2 WS chamionships in the last 5 years, why all of a sudden dont trust them now?
#9 says......."Where's "all this offense" the Yankees will have over last year? They lost Giambi and Abreu and replaced them with Teixeira and Swisher. That's a slight increase in production.".............Ok, then add in Posada and Matsui, who were both out last year and Cano who should hit much better this year.
I like to read Gammons, but geez, his Sox bias is so evident. Do you realize how you sound, Pete? For a national writer, I expect better.
What Teixeira is really thinking ..."I make this much money and my wife looks like a 13 year-old boy with long hair? Wtf" Anyone googled a pic of her? She looks like his ugly little sister.
The scorn of a Red Sox fan is bitter indeed.
Anybody who thinks Gammo's comments about Leigh are too low should wake up to the realities of how shallow professional athletes (and YES their wives too) can be is kidding themselves.
Snap out of it people!
way too serious about Peter's comments gang ... and please don't harp on him being a homer based on what he says on a boston radio station. he has more honest passion for the game of baseball then pretty much anyone you will ever meet. seriously, if you can't see how much he just loves the game, then you've never listened to him discuss the amateurs playing in the cape league, or bios of the great negro league players. can't wait until spring....
Awesome Gammons claims Henry didn't know and thought they were the winning bidders the day of the 21st or whatever yet Henry was told and quoted in the article today the Sos were low bidders and not high on his wish list. Classic Mr. Spin Machine, Gammons is the Sox media puppet. He's the master of disinformation.
Why doesn't anyone talk about Jason Bay? Didn't he hit like 31 HRs last season and knock in over 100 runs? He's going to play 82 games at Fenway and his numbers will likely be very close to Teixeira's when it's all said and done. He has plenty of pop and could wind up fifth behind Papi and Youk. He's a stud at a third of the money. Posters above are right, Ellsbury is the X-factor for this lineup. Gammons is a homer, but so what and why not? Of course White Sox fan, he's not as bad as Hawk Harrelson and that other blithering idiot that does the White Sox telecasts.
Peter, hope you were wearing your Red Sox hat when you wrote the column.
Come on Pete, you are supposed to be a professional sports writer, not a BoSox fan who shows his colors on his shirt sleeve.
Here are the facts plain and simple: 1) Teixeira and his wife and most of the rest of his family do not care, nor have they ever cared for the Red Sox - of course Teixeira's wife wanted him to be a Yankee, she's a YANKEE FAN! 2) Teix has family in the New York area (his sister lives in Hoboken) and he also has other relatives in the North Jersey Portuguese community (Teixeira is of Portuguese descent). 3) As we all know, his favorite team has always been the Yankees. The bottom line is that the overwhelming preference for Teix was the New York
Yankees before negotiations even got started, so he Red Sox' chances of signing him were minimal, at best.
Why is Red Sox management so incredibly clueless these days? They didn't know this was over before it began? Hey, when is the Ringling Brothers circus next in Boston? Perhaps Henry and his band of bozos should audition for the clown brigade.
For the folks who say, "how can you blame the guy's wife" or "write about the players, not the wives", it was Mark Teixeira himself who said his wife finally said "I want you to be a Yankee" and that she didn't like Boston. Gammons is just telling it like it is in that regard. Whether it had anything to do with Newbury Street, who knows, but it was reported in New York that Mrs. T was really wowed by a front-row seat at the Macy's parade. What does that tell us about her?
Is it really so unusual for a husband and wife to confer with each other when it comes to making a move to another state for several years? Does a ballplayer's wife lose the right to have a say in where she is going to live and raise her children? Shame on you, Mr. Gammons.
I seriously thought the guy talking about the Yankees bullpen was joking when he listed the names after Mariano. Sadly, it turns out he wasn't. I believe Marte was going to be their savior when they traded for Nady... didn't happen. Bruney... Veras... Coke... Aceves... that's fine with me. Prospects come and go, it's a matter of performing up to their potential. I don't see the Yankees vaulting themselves ahead of Tampa or Boston. Tampa Bay is great.. young, energetic, and fearless, that's why they were able to take the boogie man down over and over. I'm willing to bet Beckett looks like Beckett from 07' (eligible for free agency after the season) - negates Sabathia (if he shows with the same fire he had before his payday), Lester is going to get better and stronger, Matsuzaka will pitch consistently into the 6th, Penny will prove he's still a major league starter and Wakefield will get his usual 10-18 wins with a higher ERA but still below league average. Oh yea.. forgot Smoltz, Masterson, Clay and Bowden are considered our wild cards. Who's in better shape now? Cheers to a NYY and Boras' partnership! (it's called setting a limit, a lot of America didn't and look at what happen, Henry is a smart man)
Has anyone considered that the Sox were driving up the price for Texiera?? In case you didn't notice, the Sox are more than OK on the corners of the infield assuming that Lowell can come back at even 80-85% of his former self.
Do you think the masterminds (In Theo and co. we trust) didn't consider the ramifications of tossing an overpayed outsider into a clubhouse full of underpaid superstars (yes, superstar) that have yet to be overwhelmed with an offer. Hopefully, Pedroia's signing will start a trend. Youk probably would sign for half of what Texiera ended up costing. Paplebon, well who knows with him.
Sure, who wouldn't want another .300/30/100 guy to throw into the middle of their lineup. But without the Sox in the running, the Yankees might have paid close to 20 percent less intotal if Boston had not put made their presence felt in the negotiations.
Maybe a six year $150 million deal would have been enough to entice Texiera (and his wife) considering the proximity to his family and the desire to win. Going to the Orioles as they struggle to rebuild over the next half decade but can't because they already broke the bank combined with the prospect of his mother (and Leigh's mother-in-law) being able to stop by ANYTIME may not have been quite enough to get him to take that same $150 over two extra years.
This seems obvious to me and don't really see a hole in my logic. Signing anyone to a huge, lengthy deal is a risk. In terms of them performing in every year up to the end of the contract I put it at 50/50, 65/35 at best. Sox fans are spoiled because they had one of only a handful of players who liked up to a 6 year+, $100 million+ for over 90% of the deal, as much as the nation seem to want to forget.
Coming out of the regular season it was general wisdom that the Yankees would sign Texiera. Only after their other sigings dis people think they wouldn't be a factor. Wisely, the Sox didn't buy it. The combined incentive of landing a great player and driving up the cost for the Yankees was enough to push their offer from 6/150 to 8/~170.
In reality, the Sox left the door open for Texiera as getting back on the market after 6 as opposed to 8 years might make the difference between landing another big deal and not doing so. Just ask Manny.
So there.
Could someone please tell me how the Yankees spending $420M in one offseason, building a $1B ballfield, after spending approximately a billion dollars in salary over the last eight years to buy a title, in the worst economic times in generations, is any less despicable than using steroids? Or corking a bat? Or falsifying birth certificates? Or bribing/kicking-back cash to scouts/agents? Maybe if the Yankees can't sell those luxury boxes and service their debt on the new stadium, fall flat on their faces for a decade or so,they might be of some service to baseball in the end by being a fine example of how not to run an organization.
wait
wait
wait
orlando cabrera's available!
As for the ESPN east-coast-bias/over-hyping/love affair and over-promotion of Boston, I can understand that, but lots of people across the country who are tired of hearing this unfairly resent Red Sox fans for it. Sox fans have long been loyal, passionate, knowledgeable and vocal about the Red Sox, and well before the ESPN media giant came around to cover "Red Sox Nation". In case nobody has noticed, the Pats have also been pretty good over the last 8 or so years, during a time where media coverage has exponentially grown, and Tom Brady certainly draws a lot of camera attention to Boston as well...Celtics back on top, and look out now, here come the Bruins!
Point is, keep a mental note that when, God forbid, all of our teams are all struggling below .500 for a few years, the camera will pass on to the next city, and we will wonder ourselves "what the heck is so special about Minneapolis" when the Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, and Wild are all winning their respective championships.
We know that even then, Red Sox fans will still be loyal, passionate, knowledgeable, and vocal, and holding on - as we all remember - to the hope that they will once again, win the World Series.
All of you who have posted about Gammons being "low brow" and being "un-Hall of Fame worthy" for throwing in that shot at Teixeira's wife should check the other stories before commenting. Teixiera's wife became fair game when it became public that it was her preference of NY over Boston and that Teixiera knew this even before Boston made the trek down to Texas. Her part in the decision making process became public and therefore available for anybody and everybody to comment on. We all know Gammons is a Sox fan, that has never been a secret, but when he predicts the Sox finishing behind the Yanks in '09, quit you complaining of him being biased and a "homer."
All of you who have posted about Gammons being "low brow" and being "un-Hall of Fame worthy" for throwing in that shot at Teixeira's wife should check the other stories before commenting. Teixiera's wife became fair game when it became public that it was her preference of NY over Boston and that Teixiera knew this even before Boston made the trek down to Texas. Her part in the decision making process became public and therefore available for anybody and everybody to comment on. We all know Gammons is a Sox fan, that has never been a secret, but when he predicts the Sox finishing behind the Yanks in '09, quit you complaining of him being biased and a "homer."
All this talk about Teixeira hitting .467 against the Sox. ALL of his hits were SINGLES. He had ONE RBI. Now that is some real power. 180 Million dollars worth...if you are Steingrabber.
There is only one voice official voice in Baseball that is Peter Gammon's !!! Make Peter the Commissioner of Baseball!!! Get ride of that Idiot commissioner we have now*** Then Baseball could Rival the NFL*** When America thinks Baseball-- the first name that comes to mind is All ways the great Peter Gammon's
Thank you Peter!!!!
Peter Gammons = KING OF BASEBALL!!
For those attacking Gammons talking about Tex's wife: Did any of you read his comments about why he went with the Yankees? He made it abundantly clear that he couldn't make up his mind until his wife came and told him that she wanted him to be a Yankee, in his own words.
Whether Gammons is right about why she said that, I have no way of knowing. But he tends to be privy to more inside information than say, oh, anyone else, let alone anyone posting here.
BORASS FALLING FLAT ON HIS FACE - I love to see greedy players get side-swiped by STUPID BORASS decisions.... TEK, Lowe and Manny especially. What exactly did Borass do for these guys: Manny is going to make less than 1/2 what he thought he was going to get, TEK is going to get 1/3 and Lowe is going to get 1/2. Hopefully TEK can still keep Whatney around after his estate gets halved in divorce,his salary does the dixie, and his status with the Red Sox plummets.
wow I didn't realize Tex was such a robot.......
I guess some guys like going around in life like that. I say be your own man...but hey whatever. He can go play with other over priced girl in NY.
"Sabathia and Burnett were the top pitchers as the season started. Now? They suck."
When has Burnett ever been a top pitcher????
He is not. He had an ERA over 4 last year....and other than 2 years of his career has been hurt EVERY year. BTW the 2 years he was not were his walk years in his contract.
CC is a beast...but I'd get ready for a lot of frustration out of Burnett. He'll look like Nolan Ryan one start then Danny Darwin the next...and then bamn he's out for 3 months.
It always amazes me to see how many Yankees fans read and comment on the Red Sox web sites - MLB and Globe. Don't they have their own? Do we care what they think?
Regarding Mrs. Teixiera: family members who openly become part of the decision-making process and show up at PR activities for a team and player assume the risk of becoming part of the comments, good or bad.
It was well reported that Mrs Tex didn't like Boston. So why is it unfair to comment about it? If she wants to be a mouthpiece for her husband then so be it but why does the press not get a chance to respond? Bid deal. Peter's stuff is usually spot on and I agree with his assessment.
Dollars to doughnuts there is controversy in NY between Mr. April and Tex before the seasons half over, it'll be fun to see who wilts under the NY pressure first.
For everyone harping on the wife comment -- don't forget that Tex himself said that HIS WIFE WANTED HIM TO BE A YANKEE. HE brought her into it in that sham of a press conference - don't hate on gammons for calling it like it is.
The Yanks have a distinct advantage over the sawx with their pitching staff and line up. Please let's stop bashing Gammons...why can't a writer be a homer? I grew up listening to Rizzuto and loved that he was a homer. You people are too P.C. And too sesitive. Stop your crying and support your team!
I've been around sports writers all my life and the one thing they all have in common is a massive amount of BS comming from their mouths and articles. Gammons is no exception. He's a Red Sox patsie and nothing more. If things are a little slow, hey, lets make something up to stir the pot. Not to worry the Yanks are in good shape.
Reply to #11.
If I see Varitek in a Red Sox uniform next year I'm going to cry or throw up!! How many stikeouts or .200 batting average can you tolerate another year!!
The wife comment is not a low blow -- because Texeira put it out there himself. If Tex is willing to throw his wife under the bus at his big introductory press conference, it's totally fair game. Peter is a class act.
Yankee Shamus...pot calling the kettle black.
This article is about as thrilling as when 90 year old Gammons gives his lame and boring thoughts on the latest indie rock band he has just discovered.
He's a sad and hypocritical old man.
Signed,
Theo Epstein
This article is about as thrilling as when 90 year old Gammons gives his lame and boring thoughts on the latest indie rock band he has just discovered.
He's a sad and hypocritical old man.
Signed,
Theo Epstein
My take: Boras threw his other clients under the bus while he concentrated solely on Texeira. His clients would have been better served if Boras had steered Texeira to the Red Sox thereby creating a market for Manny Ramirez with the Yankees. He could also have used his Texeira leverage to get the Red Sox to ante up for Varitek. Having cleared those 3 off the table, he would have been able to devote time sooner to Derek Lowe. As a result of his fixation with Texeira, the other 3 clients are now victims of a down market, or teams simply not wanting to wait and signing another player. I'll be amazed if he can get these 3 big contracts.
What's with all these "stand up for the wife" comments?
If I'm not mistaken, it was Tex and his agent that brought her into the discussion. I agree that keeping wives and families out of the spotlight is proper ethics. However (hint, hint Roger), once the athlete or his agent initiates this, it's fair (and unfortunately sometimes ugly) game.
The fact that Tex???? stated his decision was finally made by his wife is a revealing bit. It is almost as though he was apologizing for choosing the Yankees. What a tool!! Just another boring, Yankee robot wonk. Actually, he makes A-rod look cool.
how good will this be to have the Tex / A-Rod drama unfold in the NY Tabloids and better yet see Tex's wife unravel on page 6 a la A-Rods wife! if the wives want in on then Peter should comment; nice job Peter!
Texiera's wife has been VERY MUCH a part of his negotiation (and chioce of New York over Boston). Why should Gammons leave her out of it? Tex's goofy story about her guidance opened the flood gates for everybody.
If Gammons is such a homer, why did he pick the Red Sox to finish second??
I'm just confused why Yankees fans are posting here bashing Boston. I guess it says something - whatever that something is - about the team that its fans spend their time complaining on a Red Sox blog. I don't know about everyone else on here, but I've never once been on - or had the desire to go to - a Yankees blog site. Oh well...
I'm just confused why Yankees fans are posting here bashing Boston. I guess it says something - whatever that something is - about the team that its fans spend their time complaining on a Red Sox blog. I don't know about everyone else on here, but I've never once been on - or had the desire to go to - a Yankees blog site. Oh well...
For you NY morons who are addressing Mr. Gammon's objectivity, let me remind you that this was an article written by Chad Fin who recounted Mr. Gammon's remarks. since he (Mr. Gammons) wasn't writing an article for ESPN he had the right to express his opinions as a Red Sox fan (venerable one at that) Furthermore if you don't like reading opinions that are pro Red Sox why don't you go back to your NY sites.
Hey guys--all this will only make it sweeter to beat the Yankees. Remember Jackie Gleason--"how sweeeeet it is"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did Gammons write about Shonda Schilling deep frying a turkey in the desert for thanksgiving 2003? For you posters still talking about Mauer dream on. Twins have no incentive to trade a hometown hero even for full value which the Sox wouldn't do anyhow since they overvalue their talent.
I'll listen all day to a Royals or Marlins fan who drones on about the Yankees "buying championships." I'll disagree, but I'll listen.
I don't want to hear it from Sox fans. Their team plays the same game. They're just bigger drama queens about it when they lose.
Save your breath for April, when you'll boo all the former Sawx who come through town. Even if it wasn't their idea to leave, and it was the team that sent them packing. Classless. Always.
Adam: "The Yankees will always be who we thought they were: overrated chokebags."
C'mon, Adam, they were once pretty good. It WAS in the last millenium, though, so i don't blame you for forgetting. This will be season #9 since their last win... Let's see if their attempt to buy their way out of the hole works out for them again this year...NOT!!!
Yankees and Red Sox fans - just because you want a player doesn't mean he's available. You're like a bunch of snotty rich kids, you want to own a black man -daddy gonna go buy you a black man.
Joe Mauer isn't Richard Pryor.
I love all these Yanks' fans throwing out the "Bitter" Red Sox' fans card. Last time I checked, the Red Sox have won two World Series this decade to zip for New York. There is absolutely nothing to be bitter about today.
I don't think the wife comment(she doesn't like the stores on Newbury St.) was so far off. Tex admitted that she was the one who ultimately decidied that NY was the place to sign. He sais so himself in the press conference. Hence the Gammons comment.
I would gather that due to the fact that Peter is around a lot of ballplayers, both during interviews and in social circumstances, he more likely than not has met the missus. And he understands this is a business first.
And for those of you screaming about the newbury street line.
Its called a joke.
Humor, it is a difficult concept
What made PG's comment about Mrs. Tex great was that it was hilarious and practically invited by Tex himself. As for the Sox line-up and how it compares to NY, not to worry. I'll take it any day. ARod's moodiness is pathetic (Madonna - give me a break !), Posada and Matsui are accidents waiting to happen, Damon's done and Abreu's gone. Can CC maintain his work load ? Is Burnett worth talking about ? Is Chamberlain sound ? You can have their pitching staff. I like Sox pitching prospects (rookies and established) much better. Gotta solve the catcher thing though (Varitek has been invaluable), and Cabrera at SS solves a lot of problems.
As usual, there's no baseball reporter better informed. It's nice to know there are still reporters out there who "work" for a living, instead of cutting and pasting internet stuff.
You know as a Yankees fan I can tolerate the Yankee bashing from Gammons. That's expected considering his Red Sox bias. But to bring Teixeira's wife up is really BUSH league.
That was a sorry *** move!
Wow. Just wow. Gammons doesn't even remotely try to hide his Red Sox bias anymore. That was just sad.
Posted by Richard January 7, 09 06:09 PM
Hey, Dickie: how is Gammo any more biased than Mike Greenberg of ESPN (NYC teams) or Buster Olney or Stephen A. Smith, who is not just a NYC-homer but who also ripped off Chris Rock's act note for note? Ever listen to the NFL analysts on FOX or ESPN? They are so biased that Ditka's hair is blue and orange! When have you heard one of them compliment Belichick on anything, especially in the past 2 years. All the ex-NFLers who are now analysts can't conceal their jealousy. Gammo is stating the truth. And let's be realistic here; Tex and Boras played the Sox big time, and it was pretty disgusting. A Padres fan could see that one for miles. They knew they were going to NYC but they strung out the Sox just to watch them squirm. What a couple of miscreants!
Boras is a POS. And if Varitek were smart, he'd dumpt that guy because right about now he'll be lucky if he sees time with the Toledo Mud Hens in 2009.