Update: HOLLIDAY A CARD 7yr/120 million, p178

[Eephus Speed]

I figure waiting is not in Holliday's best interest. There don't seem to be many teams that can afford to sign him, and the number of suitors will only decline as the lesser free agents (Damon, Byrd, Bay, DeRosa, etc.) sign contracts.

[Radbird]

Another scenario under which the Yankees could enter the Holliday sweeps.

Are the Cubs and Yankees potential trade partners?

The Cubs need a centerfielder. The Yankees arguably have an excess of centerfielders in Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson. I say "arguably" because as things currently stand one of those dudes has to play left. But the Yankees may or may not be done making moves this winter, they may still yet bring Johnny Damon back and they may yet emerge as a Matt Holliday suitor, so things are a bit fluid.

What this all means is some talk from Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News that the Yankees could ship either Cabrera or Gardner to Chicago for a pitcher. There's not a ton to this -- it's all really based on FOX's report that the Cubs have not, contrary to earlier reports, settled on Marlon Byrd, and are looking at other options. There's a single line in the New York Post today saying that the Yankees have asked about Carlos Zambrano, but it doesn't sound like (a) it was a really serious effort; or (b) that it is going anywhere.

But does it make any sense? I'd say sure, if the Yankees do decide to re-engage with Damon or move on Holliday that they may want to get something for one of their younger outfielders, but nothing that the Cubs could offer them in the way of pitching would seem to make it worthwhile.

[BW23]

The Cubs will just sign Byrd to play CF. While none of those Yankees guys are ideal for LF, chances are SP will be their next "big" signing or trade. I would guess if the Holliday thing is still being dragged out in a month, they'll inquire.

[Socnorb11]

Another scenario under which the Yankees could enter the Holliday sweeps.

Are the Cubs and Yankees potential trade partners?

The Cubs need a centerfielder. The Yankees arguably have an excess of centerfielders in Melky Cabrera, Brett Gardner and Curtis Granderson. I say "arguably" because as things currently stand one of those dudes has to play left. But the Yankees may or may not be done making moves this winter, they may still yet bring Johnny Damon back and they may yet emerge as a Matt Holliday suitor, so things are a bit fluid.

What this all means is some talk from Roger Rubin of the New York Daily News that the Yankees could ship either Cabrera or Gardner to Chicago for a pitcher. There's not a ton to this -- it's all really based on FOX's report that the Cubs have not, contrary to earlier reports, settled on Marlon Byrd, and are looking at other options. There's a single line in the New York Post today saying that the Yankees have asked about Carlos Zambrano, but it doesn't sound like (a) it was a really serious effort; or (b) that it is going anywhere.

But does it make any sense? I'd say sure, if the Yankees do decide to re-engage with Damon or move on Holliday that they may want to get something for one of their younger outfielders, but nothing that the Cubs could offer them in the way of pitching would seem to make it worthwhile.

They would have to increase their payroll pretty dramatically to go that route.

[ManEatingTarp]

Do you think there's a chance that Boras tries to get Holliday a 1 year deal as a stopgap and then go after much bigger money next year? The market may have shifted back to a point where he can get the Tex money he's after.

I don't think it will happen, but it's just a thought.

[jim]

Do you think there's a chance that Boras tries to get Holliday a 1 year deal as a stopgap and then go after much bigger money next year? The market may have shifted back to a point where he can get the Tex money he's after.

I don't think it will happen, but it's just a thought.

Maybe, but how f'in greedy would you have to be to do that? You get 100+ million dollars, more than anyone needs in a lifetime, to hold out for 10 more. If that happened, I would literally root for a career ending injury.

[skmsw]

Do you think there's a chance that Boras tries to get Holliday a 1 year deal as a stopgap and then go after much bigger money next year? The market may have shifted back to a point where he can get the Tex money he's after.

I don't think it will happen, but it's just a thought.

This was discussed a little bit just one page earlier.

There is no guarantee that the FA market next year will be much better for those peddling their services. For one thing, the economy does not seem likely to improve significantly . . . Also, Holliday was a very big FA fish in a very small FA pond in 2009. Next year's FA class looks to be considerably richer, with guys like Crawford, Lee, Beckett, Cain, Webb, Werth, Berkman, Rollins, Reyes, Inge, Hawpe, Mauer, Martinez, DeJesus, Dunn possibly available.

[Socnorb11]

Per Rotoworld:

Joel Sherman of the New York Post has confirmed that the Yankees have acquired Javier Vazquez and LHP Boone Logan from the Braves for outfielder Melky Cabrera, LHP Mike Dunn and RHP Arodys Vizcaino.

The deal is basically complete, and only pending physicals from all five players involved. Vizcaino, 19, manged a 2.13 ERA in 10 starts (42 1/3 innings) at the Single-A level this year and boasts major upside. Dunn is also a quality young hurler and Cabrera fills a hole for Atlanta, but the Yankees just landed a top-line starter and now have the opportunity to significantly improve their club with a hard-hitting free agent outfielder like Matt Holliday or Jason Bay. It must be nice to have a limitless budget.
Source: Joel Sherman on Twitter

Bye bye, Mr. Holliday.

[clevername]

at best for the Cards this gives Boras negotiating ammo even if the Yanks aren't really interested. At least until/if they sign Damon.

it sucks.

[phins]

Can we just get this resolved one or the other way within the next two weeks please...