Posada/Yankees Agree To 4-Year Extension

"Yankees general-manager Brian Cashman tricked us all and signed catcher Jorge Posada to a 4-year deal worth $52M. After telling reporters that Jorge wouldn’t be resigned before the deadline, he did just that. The deal occurred slightly longer than an hour before the deadline approached, and i’m sure Met’s GM Omar Minaya is furious at this moment.

Minaya was even seen taking Posada and his family out to dinner, just to make sure that he would indeed wait until after the deadline to talk numbers with the Mets. The Mets will most likely just re-sign Paul Lo Duca now, as there really isn’t too much better out in the market. Yorvit Torrealba would be a decent choice, but he’s told Colorado that he will allow them to match any offer he receives.

Analysis: Sure the Yankees overpayed for Posada, but it was a matter of having too. Jorge had a tremendous 2007, batting at an absurd .338 mark. He also hit 20 home-runs and drove in 90. Amazing numbers when you realize that he also does a pretty good job fielding at the catcher position.

It was a done deal once the Yankees agreed to make the deal 4-years instead of keeping it at 3, which they originally offered. Good move on Cashman, as the Yankees already have too many personnel moves to lose yet another face in Posada." (MVN.com)

Minaya Places Posada On Top

The New York Daily News reports that Mets' general manager Omar Minaya has placed catcher Jorge Posada on the top of his free-agent list. Jorge seems to get a 3-year deal worth $40M from the Yankees, but will likely wait until November 13th to get an opportunity to communicate with other teams. If Minaya comes out and blows Posada away with an offer, the Mets will be mighty good next season. Upgrading at catcher is the only position that could be steadily improved on the ball-club, so why not get one that has to potential to hit .300 with 20HRand 85RBI?

Dodgers Decline Wolf's Option

The Los Angeles Dodgers declined left-hander Randy Wolf's $9M option for 2008, but still have some interest in re-signing the veteran to a quite smaller contract. Randy had a 9-6, 4.74 ERA season before having shoulder troubles in July.

Los Angeles also closed all the fiasco about their managerial position, naming Joe Torre their new manager. Still, don't put too much hope in the A-Rod to LAD rumors. The same goes for closer Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada, both who I can guarantee will remain in New York.

BREAKING NEWS: Alex Rodriguez To Opt Out

The fiasco has started, ex-Yankee's 3B'man Alex Rodriguez will opt out of his contract, as Scott Boras blames the "unsecurity of Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada, and Andy Pettite". Quite a wierd timing, as only minutes after the World Series had ended, the announcement was made.

There will likely be a gigantic bidding war between the Giants, Dodgers, Angels, and maybe even Red Sox if Boston lets go of Mike Lowell. Texas is sure happy with the news, as they saved their selves quite a bit of money.

Yankees To Make "Eye-Popping" Offers

MLBTradeRumors.com believes that the New York Yankees are set to make "eye-popping" offers to both catcher Jorge Posada and closer Mariano Rivera. It might take a ridiculous amount to sign either, because both showed major discomfort with the fact that Joe Torre is not returning for next season. 4-year $48M deal for Posada? Probably even more considering the Tigers are paying Pudge $13M. Even if the Yankees through $15M per year at Mariano, I have a gut feeling that he does not want to play for the Torre-less Yankees any more.

The report also expresses that the New York Yankees are going to make a serious run at Aaron Rowand. If Rowand is signed though, they would have to trade either Johnny Damon or Melky Cabrera to make room. A rumor also came up believing that a package of Melky Cabrera, Chien-Ming Wang, and Ian Kennedy would be enough for Johan Santana.