The Projo Sox Blog notes reports of a split between Yankees baseball operations and ownership on Rafael Soriano:
The theory has begun to circulate that the decision by the Yankees to lavish $35 million on Soriano was made more by ownership than by the Brian Cashman-led side of the front office. Scott Boras, the agent for Soriano, reportedly went over the head of Cashman.
If so, I suspect Brian is a bit ticked off right now. I really expected this kind of thing to end with the death of the boss.
Brian MacPherson at the Projo post also points out that Jonathan Papelbon should be very happy, as he can bring up the Soriano contract when he becomes a free agent.
Brian MacPherson at the Projo post also points out that Jonathan Papelbon should be very happy, as he can bring up the Soriano contract when he becomes a free agent.
This is a good point. The real winners of this deal are the Red Sox, who can offer Papelbon arb after this season with less fear that he’ll accept.
The owners have a better idea on what is needed to maintain or increase revenue flows than the GM. While Cashman may prefer to look long term, the owners look short term and long term. A #28 draft pick who might be a decent player (remember the future OF’er of the future-Jose Tabata)for the Yankees in 2014 is not worth the risk of the Yankees missing the playoffs and losing tens of millions in revenues due to empty seats, lower ratings on Yes, having their bonds downgraded to junk status, etc.
Here is what I imagine the minutes of a meeting with Cashman would show.
Owners. Cash, would signing Soriano make us a better team in 2011?
Cash. Yes, maybe 2 wins, but we would be paying him 6 million more per year than any other set up guy, and we would lose our top draft pick.
Owners. Since we did not sign Cliff Lee, and Andy looks like he won’t be coming back, we are saving 35 million in 2011, so 6 million is not a big deal.
Cash. Ok, but losing a draft pick for a reliever is not very smart, especially one who is injury prone and can opt out after 1 year, and who is only going to be a set up guy.
Owners. Not making the playoffs because we were a couple of wins short and losing over 50 million in revenue for 2011 and 2012 is not too smart either. Cash, we are not like any other franchise, we must make the playoffs every year, and our starting rotation consists of CC coming off knee surgery, Hughes and AJ, both of whom had horrible 2nd halfs, and A,B,C…. We are going to need quality innings out of the bullpen, and our closer is 41. Besides, when we eventually lose Soriano to FA we may get 2 draft picks unless there is a change in the new CBA.
Cash. But everyone will call me dumb if we make this deal. The blogs will kill me, and I won’t get invited to anymore SABER meetings.
Owners. Better to be called dumb than unemployed. Get it done boy. Besides, after signing Jeter to 3 years and giving a 2 year deal to a 41 yo closer, they already think you are dumb. But remember this Cash, whats dumb for everyone else works for the Yankees. We create our own reality. We can do this because money is power. Winning is the key to the money and the power. Whatever it costs to Win, or else.
CFO. If we don’t make the playoffs next year, maybe we put on a reality show where you are trapped on an deserted Island with a hundred irate and hungry Yankee fans. First one to take you down and roast himself a Cashdog wins the big prize, he can be our new GM, or something. Might even rename our hot dogs to Cashdogs to boost concession sales.
Cash. Ha ha. Gulp. Consider it done.
And referring to the comment above, why would Papelbon even consider accepting arbitration after 2011 unless he had a horrific 2011 season. Arbitration is non-guaranteed money meaning he could be released in ST and only get 1 months pay.
If anything, Sorianos deal means Papelbon has a better chance in arbitration this year to get a nice raise. Also, his expected earnings as a FA after this year have to be helped. Paps is a clear winner IMHO. Theo can only be glad he signed Jenks before the Soriano deal was announced.
On arbitration: I think pft is right about this, NBarnes. Soriano’s contract boosts Papelbon’s arbitration potential. And in any case, assuming he has a good year there’s no way Papelbon accepts arbitration.