Jim Callis Chat Highlights

Yesterday's ESPN chat with Jim Callis leaked some interesting opinions on CC Sabathia as well as prospects Alan Horne and Jose Tabata:

Bryan-MA: Sabatthia will sign for $________ in 2009 to play for the _________________?

Jim Callis: seven years and $150 million, Yankees.

Jeff (CT): Best Yankee pitching prospect in the Minors is?

Jim Callis: Alan Horne.

Justin (NY): Yankees number 1 prospect for the 2009 season; Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, or Jesus Montero

Jim Callis: I'll go with Tabata.

The Sabathia contract prediction seems a little more substantial than I'd expect, especially if the Indians ace is agreeable to a five year contract before again testing the free agent market at age 32.

I would agree with Callis' prediction on Tabata and Horne is probably the easy choice regarding pitching prospects. The real question is who is #2.

Callis: Halos Have Better Shot At Santana Than Yanks

From Chad Jennings' Blog:

Q: Hanks From New York, NY asks:
Is lester, Crisp Lowrie, Masteron too much for Santana? And who has the better offer on the table, the Sox or the Yanks offer that's rumored to be Hughes, Cabrera, Marquez, 4th prospect. Thanks for the chat.

A: Jim Callis:
I don't think that's too much. From Boston's standpoint, you're upgrading Lester to Santana; replacing Crisp with Ellsbury; Lowrie has no place to play right now; Masterson is a setup guy who could start or close elsewhere. That's better than the Yankees' offer, though I would take Hughes over any of the guys in the Boston package.

One other thing from that chat, Callis said he thinks the Angels have a better chance than the Yankees of getting Santana.

Interesting . . . I still believe Santana heading to free agency or the Mets is a win in the Yankees column. Johan going to the Angels may be just as damaging as him joining the Red Sox given New York's inability to defeat LA in the new millennium.

Boston being in the AL East and having an unparalleled rivalry with New York makes my previous statement seem a little absurd. But, the Yankees problem has never been challenging for a playoff spot. Their recent struggle has been advancing once getting there.