[lex24]

1700498611[/url]']

1700494134[/url]']
The Giants and Yankees are reportedly "co-favorites" to sign Bellinger. Bellinger is prototypically built for Yankee Stadium.

The Giants have a better shot at getting Bellinger than Judge, but not that much better.

The Yankees really need a star centerfielder who hits left-handed. Problem is that after Arson Judge, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Rodon, Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu, their projected total payroll is nearly $236 million and the tax threshold is $237 million. Giants can effectively outbid the Yankees, and if the Giants whiffed on Ohtani but signed Bellinger, Yamamoto and Lee Jung-Hoo, I wouldn't be unhappy.

Why Yankees must sign Cody Bellinger in MLB Free Agency

And out of curiosity, I'm curious to know if the baseball fans on this board feel that Giancarlo Stanton's 13 year/$325 million contract was worth it. Signed after his 59-home run season, he had a terrific first year with the Yankees, 38 HRs, an even 100 RBIs, 19th in MVP voting. Then came two years of injuries when he barely played, 18 and 23 games. Then a very good year, 35 HRs, 31 the next year, down to 24 as he aged into his 33 year old season. Next year, he'll be 34. He's played 2/3rds of a season the last two years, 78 and 60 RBIs. OPS has declined four years in a row (.894, .887, .870, .759, .695) and is now under .700.

He's not even halfway through his contract. He isn't going to get better and the trend is that he will get worse. Yankee GM is sniping at Stanton "Getting hurt seems to be part of his game." 

Was Stanton's enormous contract worth it?

No.  Sometimes they miss.  But if you’re going to be afraid of long-term contracts because of those that failed, then just get out of that market. Because they’ll always be failures. And furthermore, the backend is always going to be iffy at best. But it’s the price of doing business these days.

I’ll ask you a question – do you think the Rangers are happy with their long-term contracts to Semien  and Seager? No matter what happens from here on out?

My point is there is always risk associated with long term FA’s. Bellinger even more so. Does he revert to 2021 and 2022? Was ‘23 a fluke year? His hard-hit rate was fairly low after all.

On the other hand was ‘23 part of a recovery and not the ceiling but the floor for the next several years? He cut his strikeouts down in half. Not an easy thing to do. Further, a few years back he was the MVP of the National League. He is very talented. So high risk potentially high reward.


Personally, I’m on the fence. Very tough call.

[lex24]

1700498611[/url]']

1700494134[/url]']
The Giants and Yankees are reportedly "co-favorites" to sign Bellinger. Bellinger is prototypically built for Yankee Stadium.

The Giants have a better shot at getting Bellinger than Judge, but not that much better.

The Yankees really need a star centerfielder who hits left-handed. Problem is that after Arson Judge, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Rodon, Anthony Rizzo and DJ LeMahieu, their projected total payroll is nearly $236 million and the tax threshold is $237 million. Giants can effectively outbid the Yankees, and if the Giants whiffed on Ohtani but signed Bellinger, Yamamoto and Lee Jung-Hoo, I wouldn't be unhappy.

Why Yankees must sign Cody Bellinger in MLB Free Agency

And out of curiosity, I'm curious to know if the baseball fans on this board feel that Giancarlo Stanton's 13 year/$325 million contract was worth it. Signed after his 59-home run season, he had a terrific first year with the Yankees, 38 HRs, an even 100 RBIs, 19th in MVP voting. Then came two years of injuries when he barely played, 18 and 23 games. Then a very good year, 35 HRs, 31 the next year, down to 24 as he aged into his 33 year old season. Next year, he'll be 34. He's played 2/3rds of a season the last two years, 78 and 60 RBIs. OPS has declined four years in a row (.894, .887, .870, .759, .695) and is now under .700.

He's not even halfway through his contract. He isn't going to get better and the trend is that he will get worse. Yankee GM is sniping at Stanton "Getting hurt seems to be part of his game." 

Was Stanton's enormous contract worth it?

No.  Sometimes they miss.  But if you’re going to be afraid of long-term contracts because of those that failed, then just get out of that market. Because they’ll always be failures. And furthermore, the backend is always going to be iffy at best. But it’s the price of doing business these days.

I’ll ask you a question – do you think the Rangers are happy with their long-term contracts to Semien  and Seager? No matter what happens from here on out?

My point is there is always risk associated with long term FA’s. Bellinger even more so. Does he revert to 2021 and 2022? Was ‘23 a fluke year? His hard-hit rate was fairly low after all.

On the other hand was ‘23 part of a recovery and not the ceiling but the floor for the next several years? He cut his strikeouts down in half. Not an easy thing to do. Further, a few years back he was the MVP of the National League. He is very talented. So high risk potentially high reward.


Personally, I’m on the fence. Very tough call.