By Paul Semendinger
November 15, 2022
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And it begins with a BANG!
This was a VERY NECESSARY first step.
I am thrilled with this news. If it wasn't Anthony Rizzo, the first base options were very thin. I think the deal is a fair one for both sides. I like that the deal can also be for just two years as Rizzo ages, but, for 2023, Rizzo is part of the answer:
Anthony Rizzo is also a great clubhouse presence- a leader (and a winner with the Cubs).
He is not a strikeout-or-nothing batter. And he should benefit (greatly) from the elimination of the shift.
The Yankees need lefty power - Rizzo provides it.
He's also an excellent defender.
Finally, the Yankees are making moves, and not waiting on Judge. That's also very important. There was concern that was reported in the New York sports media that the Yankees would first wait for Judge's decision before making other moves. If wrote that if that was the case, it was a bad strategy. The Yankees aren't waiting. That is huge.
Finally, as Jeff Passan notes, Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge are close. Rizzo was actually at the NYC Marathon cheering on Aaron Judge's wife. I brought this up on the SSTN Podcast last night... the question of Rizzo's decision (if he left) impacting Judge. I think it could have. But, that matters not at all now.
I'm not certain this will impact Judge's decision very much, BUT, it can't hurt. Aron Judge can see, too, that the Yankees are moving forward in a positive direction.
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Stay tuned here for updates...
A smart, gutsy move would be to move Cashman up the corporate ladder, and hire James Click as GM.
My 2 cents, Rizzo deal is about security for him and his family, and playing where he wants to play, not any indication of the Judge contract negotiations. It was easy math to figure out the value of the deal, when you throw in the qualifying offer value. Glad they did the obvious. Now, get busy cleaning out the dead weight in the infield. All 3 need to be moved, or released, and replaced. Start with Torres and work you way to 3rd base.
Does AAV count only guaranteed money ($20m) or max package ($17m)?
This is big from the point of view that we can't wait on Judge's decision. Good to see the Yankees making moves now. More to come, we hope.
I projected Rizzo would get $20-mil AAV for two or three years and, with the buyout, that's exactly what he wound up getting to stay with the Yankees. I also projected $20-mil would be an slight overspend, but based on how the deal is structured, it's likely going to be a situation where they Yankees get pretty much what they're paying for and not a whole lot else, meaning that Riz is worth about $17-mil a year.
Given the alternatives, Josh Bell or perhaps Jose Abreu, I think this is a very decent start to the offseason. When we factor in how good a presence Rizzo's bat is and his pull-profile is projected against the illegalization of the shift and…