Ken Rosenthal writes:
The Yankees are showing serious interest in Cameron, major-league sources say, figuring that they could trade center fielder Melky Cabrera even if they do not send him to the Twins for left-hander Johan Santana.
Way back when, I advocated getting Cameron in the case that Melky was traded away in the Johan deal. I liked him as an option because I figured he'd be a relatively cheap alternative considering the market for centerfielders (Hunter, Rowand, Andruw). At the right price, I like this move. While I like the idea of Melky and I like his name, I have never been a believer in my heart. The reasons are mainly aesthetic. I tend to not like stocky players. Their games seem less graceful and fluid. Also, I can't get past the idea that Melky, when he bats from the right side, looks a lot like Luis Sojo. My guess is that Cameron would be an upgrade over what Melky would give the Yanks for the next two seasons. And by the end of that time, Austin Jackson could be ready to take over full-time.
By the way, another consequence of this signing could be a trade of Hideki Matsui. The Yanks were willing to deal him earlier this off-season. Cashman and company might think that Melky is a better fourth outfielder option because of his defense and salary. And Matsui might be able to yield a decent middle-reliever and prospects in a trade. Add that Cashman might like to shed his salary, and Godzilla, not Melky, might be the one on the way out.
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No exclamation points?
Posted by: FenSheaParkway | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Cameron is a bad idea - league average on steroids? No thanks.
Posted by: YF in RSN | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 11:34 AM
to nitpick: he was suspended for using a banned stimulant.
Posted by: Nick-YF | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Whoops, well now Mike Cameron is a Brewer. (ESPN)
Posted by: FenSheaParkway | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Still a huge fan of Matsui, so tough to say for me. I do like Cameron (though he K's a lot) but not that much..
Posted by: Lar | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 03:22 PM
Rosenthal says this indicates the Yanks are still in on Johan. They passed on Cameron because they didn't want to absorb both his and Santana's salaries.
Posted by: Nick-YF | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Paul says this indicates Rosenthal has no idea what's going on -- just like everyone else.
Posted by: Paul SF | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 04:06 PM
Mike Cameron and Gabe Kapler. BFF.
Posted by: Brad | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Does the get Cameron/ship Matsui notion mean that it is effectively conceded that Damon shouldn't play center?
Posted by: Hudson | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 06:15 PM
He shouldn't, but mostly because him in left field plus Melky in centerfield is much better than him in center and Melky in left.
He is still able to play a league-average centerfield, but probably not regularly, as he himself said playing left field keeps him healthier. It should be noted that he is actually quite a good left fielder, except for his noodle of an arm.
Posted by: AndrewYF | Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Ellsbury really is a young Damon. His recent BaseballAmerica scouting report says he has a noodle arm too!
Posted by: A YF | Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 07:08 AM
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