Signed to provide some outfield defense at a bit of power, Cameron exceeded expectations for the Brewers, having a terrific season at age 35 and helping push Milwaukee into the playoffs. Injuries and a suspension limited him to just 120 games, but that makes his 1.42 WPA/LI all the more impressive when you consider he racked it up in just 508 plate appearances. When you combine average to above average center field defense with a bat that’s worth 1.5 wins over an average hitter, you have a +4 win player. Based on Cameron’s 2008 performance, he was worth between $15 and $20 million on the free market, or more than twice what he actually made. Toss in the team option that now looks like a no-brainer, and Cameron was truly one of the best signings of the winter.
Doesn't mean I want him signed. I just thought it was related.
He doesn't seem like a good fit. He hit only about .247 and strikes out too much. I doubt he has the power to overcome Death Valley.
2. My colleague, George King, wrote about the Yankees' potential interest if Mike Cameron is allowed to become a free agent. I do believe that the Yanks New York Yankees have some interest in Cameron, but that he is a backup plan. They want to add an outfielder this offseason, but they really want that outfielder to be a lot younger than Cameron, who will play at 36 next year. They want someone who could be part of the fabric of the team for a while. It would only be if the Yanks fail in that endeavor that I believe they would move to other alternatives such as Cameron.
Here is what the Yanks like about Cameron: 1) He is good defensively. If they were able to obtain Cameron and Mark Teixeira this offseason that would go a long way to addressing an area the Yanks want to address, which is their defense. 2) He sees a lot of pitches and hits lefties well, two more areas that the Yanks wanted to upgrade this offseason. 3) He has a good relationship with Alex Rodriguez dating to their time together in Seattle and anything that brings greater comfort to A-Rod Alex Rodriguez in the Yankee clubhouse is a positive. 4) Despite his age, Cameron remains a top athlete, who can steal a base.
The case against Cameron is that: 1) He is a very high strikeout guy. 2) He does not hit righties particularly well. 3) His .174 average in 27 postseason games speaks to his reputation for not being especially clutch or being able to consistently hit top pitching.
My strong suspicion also is that Cameron never gets to free agency. Even if the Brewers do not intend to keep him for 2009, I believe they will pick up his $10 million option recognizing he could be traded.
I think that pretty much sums it. Putting Gardner in center everyday would also vastly improve the Yankees' defense and come at a much cheaper price tag, which would leave money to throw around at more pressing needs (starting pitching, maybe first base). The only question is "Can Gardner hit in the major leagues to merit being an everyday player?" Then again, Cameron doesn't hit enough against righties to merit playing everyday, either.
A ton of Yankee rumors this afternoon. Looks like Cashman's trying to make this last day of the meetings count. We start with a lot more talk about Mike Cameron.
*Back on 11/7, Peter Abraham said that Ian Kennedy and Melky Cabrera were being considered by the Brewers. The Brewers want to add a pitcher through trade with Sabathia and Sheets likely gone.
*12:55 a.m. Thursday--Yankees reopen talks for Cameron. The Brewers reluctance to trade a friend of CC Sabathia has evaporated for reasons.
*7:15 a.m.--Mark Feinsand, NY Daily News. Yankees are set to acquire Cameron for Cabrera.
*8:41 a.m.--Tom Haudricourt says he's not sure the deal is done. He says the Yankees like Bill Hall (another friend of Sabathia's) as well and the Brewers could look to pick up some payroll flexibility.
9:28 a.m.--Joel Sherman says Cabrera for Cameron is close but not done. He says the Brewers could get a pitcher as well, with the quality dependent on how much salary they'll pick up.
11:17 a.m.--Ken Rosenthal says the deal has hit a roadblock--debate over how much of Cameron's salary the Brewers will eat and the Brewers want a second player after Cabrera.
Wouldn't they be better off saving the total $20 million on Cameron and Pettitte and signing Texeira? At this point Pettitte is a number 5. Hughes, Aceves and Kennedy can compete for the number 5 slot. If you get Texeira, you get a big upgrade at 1st (offense and defense). Also, you can carry a Garner/Cabrera bat. The team becomes younger and more athletic.
Also, If they get Cameron, that's a lot of strikeouts with Cameron and Swisher.
