Mike Axisa at RAB put out his preseason Top 30 Yankee prospect list today. 'Nuff said.
If you consider yourself a real Yankee fan then there's no excuse for not reading this and then bookmarking it. It's that good. I had tears of joy in my eyes as I made my way through the list.
Friday, February 11, 2011
5 Things I'm Looking Forward To Hearing About When Pitchers And Catchers Report
Pitchers and catchers report to camp in less than 3 days. Yeah, I know, fucking awesome, right?! With all that happened and didn't happen this offseason, there will be plenty of buzz, plenty of new faces, and plenty of storylines when everything kicks off Monday. Here are the 5 things I'm really going to follow:
1) Phil Hughes' changeup development
I touched on this earlier in the week, but I think it warrants repeating given that Hughes could be assuming the #2 starter role this year behind CC. Come to think of it, I want to know exactly what Hughes is working on at all times during ST, hour-by-hour updates, but definitely want to know how he plans to improve the changeup and implement it more in 2011 and what plans Rothschild has for him and the pitch he needs to master to take the next step towards becoming a big time pitcher.
2) Russell Martin's knee
Maybe I'm overreacting a bit, but I didn't exactly get a warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach when reports were coming out a few days ago about Martin still not being 100% recovered from his knee surgery. I'm anxious to see how that knee holds up to crouching and getting through the grind of real catching activities. Martin and Cash are all saying the right things and both say he's going to be good as gold heading into the start of the regular season, but when it's a guy who's been ravaged by injuries the last couple years, I'll believe it when I see it.
3) A.J.'s everything
There continue to be reports coming out from Rothschild discussing the plan for A.J. this season. I want to see how the early talks and offseason work they did pays off right from the start. How's his velocity? How's his command? How's his demeanor? If anybody can fix A.J. and maximize the stuff he still has, it should be Rothschild. The earlier A.J. has success, the better off he's going to be as the regular season starts.
4) How the Triple-A kids perform
Very few people around the blogosphere have any faith in Garcia and Colon (and with good reason) and regardless of what the Yankees expect or hope to get out of them, you have to think that the Hector Noesis, David Phelpses, Adam Warrens, and D.J. Mitchells of the world are going to get a fair shot to prove themselves worthy of winning the job. Innings limits wouldn't be a concern for any of them, so I'm curious to see how they hold up against everybody else and what the coaches and Cash have to say about them if any of them pitch well.
5) The Jesus
He probably won't make the 25-man out of ST, but it will be fun to see what he can do and how hard he will work to prove he's ready. How will he handle the pitchers? How quick will his release to 2nd be? How many home runs will he crush? Will he walk on water? Will he turn water to wine? If that's still not enough to impress the coaches, will he make a blind man see? Given Martin's new health concerns, it will be worth watching what happens if he struggles/gets banged up and Jesus wows. Just like Hughes, this is something I feel warrants 24/7 coverage. Assign somebody to just follow and report on Jesus. I'm talking Twitter updates every 30 minutes.
1) Phil Hughes' changeup development
I touched on this earlier in the week, but I think it warrants repeating given that Hughes could be assuming the #2 starter role this year behind CC. Come to think of it, I want to know exactly what Hughes is working on at all times during ST, hour-by-hour updates, but definitely want to know how he plans to improve the changeup and implement it more in 2011 and what plans Rothschild has for him and the pitch he needs to master to take the next step towards becoming a big time pitcher.
2) Russell Martin's knee
Maybe I'm overreacting a bit, but I didn't exactly get a warm fuzzy feeling in my stomach when reports were coming out a few days ago about Martin still not being 100% recovered from his knee surgery. I'm anxious to see how that knee holds up to crouching and getting through the grind of real catching activities. Martin and Cash are all saying the right things and both say he's going to be good as gold heading into the start of the regular season, but when it's a guy who's been ravaged by injuries the last couple years, I'll believe it when I see it.
3) A.J.'s everything
There continue to be reports coming out from Rothschild discussing the plan for A.J. this season. I want to see how the early talks and offseason work they did pays off right from the start. How's his velocity? How's his command? How's his demeanor? If anybody can fix A.J. and maximize the stuff he still has, it should be Rothschild. The earlier A.J. has success, the better off he's going to be as the regular season starts.
4) How the Triple-A kids perform
Very few people around the blogosphere have any faith in Garcia and Colon (and with good reason) and regardless of what the Yankees expect or hope to get out of them, you have to think that the Hector Noesis, David Phelpses, Adam Warrens, and D.J. Mitchells of the world are going to get a fair shot to prove themselves worthy of winning the job. Innings limits wouldn't be a concern for any of them, so I'm curious to see how they hold up against everybody else and what the coaches and Cash have to say about them if any of them pitch well.
5) The Jesus
He probably won't make the 25-man out of ST, but it will be fun to see what he can do and how hard he will work to prove he's ready. How will he handle the pitchers? How quick will his release to 2nd be? How many home runs will he crush? Will he walk on water? Will he turn water to wine? If that's still not enough to impress the coaches, will he make a blind man see? Given Martin's new health concerns, it will be worth watching what happens if he struggles/gets banged up and Jesus wows. Just like Hughes, this is something I feel warrants 24/7 coverage. Assign somebody to just follow and report on Jesus. I'm talking Twitter updates every 30 minutes.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Francisco Liriano, Anybody?
After getting $4.3 mil in arbitration, it seems like Francisco Liriano could become available, at least according to The Star Tribune.
Where do I sign up for the list to support going after Liriano if this really is a possibility? The dude is 27, is fully recovered from TJ surgery, has great stuff, and would play up to his skills being a lefty pitching in Yankee Stadium. With all the other unattractive options that the Yankees have already dabbled in and even partaken in, this much more attractive one is certainly worth Cash picking up the phone to inquire about.
The big questions is, what kind of package do the Yankees have to put together? The Twins balked at the Yanks' proposed offer for Johan a few years ago and then traded him to the Mets for a package that was less enticing than the Yankee offer, which could work for or against them here. But what would you do? Would you give up Jesus (I wouldn't)? Would you include ManBan (I wouldn't if I could make the deal with him)?
This is barely even a rumor right now, but it will be interesting to see what happens if this does start to grow legs over the next couple weeks. Adding a young pitcher of Liriano's pedigree, and a lefty at that, would more than make up for the loss of Andy Pettitte.
Where do I sign up for the list to support going after Liriano if this really is a possibility? The dude is 27, is fully recovered from TJ surgery, has great stuff, and would play up to his skills being a lefty pitching in Yankee Stadium. With all the other unattractive options that the Yankees have already dabbled in and even partaken in, this much more attractive one is certainly worth Cash picking up the phone to inquire about.
The big questions is, what kind of package do the Yankees have to put together? The Twins balked at the Yanks' proposed offer for Johan a few years ago and then traded him to the Mets for a package that was less enticing than the Yankee offer, which could work for or against them here. But what would you do? Would you give up Jesus (I wouldn't)? Would you include ManBan (I wouldn't if I could make the deal with him)?
This is barely even a rumor right now, but it will be interesting to see what happens if this does start to grow legs over the next couple weeks. Adding a young pitcher of Liriano's pedigree, and a lefty at that, would more than make up for the loss of Andy Pettitte.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
ESPNNY Kicks The Stupidity Up A Notch
Seeing as how we're all already subjugated to the never-ending stupidity of Wallace Matthews and Andrew Marchand when it comes to ESPN's Yankee coverage, you would think that the Worldwide Leader would ease up a little and maybe throw us a bone when it came to adding to the ESPNNY "talent" pool. Maybe somebody who was actually knowledgeable about the sport and could focus on actual meaningful things going on with the team instead of just writing down whatever illogical thoughts might be clanking around in his or her empty head.
HOWEVAH!!! That just isn't the ESPN way, and so this guy...
... has been brought back to potentially add to the nonsensical blabbering that spews forth almost daily from the ESPN Yankee blog.
Now don't get me wrong, I think Screamin' Stephen A. is a knowledgeable dude. When it comes to basketball. The guy was the first one to call the whole 'LeBron and Bosh to Miami' story and props to him for that. But anytime he opens his mouth to make a point or an argument about any other sport, I start giving serious thought to cutting my wrists with the nearest sharp object to end my suffering at his hand. And the only reason I bother to mention this is because Screamin' Stephen took time to mention how his Yankee talk was going to be different than everybody else's in his re-introductory column:
"Instead of limiting our focus to Yankees greats Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez -- or A-Rod's love life -- just as much attention will be paid to Brian Cashman's productivity."
Oh, you're going to talk about Cash and his decision making. Good call, Steve. There really hasn't been enough of that going on lately. At all. Good thing you're here now to pick up that slack.
Lord help us...
HOWEVAH!!! That just isn't the ESPN way, and so this guy...
... has been brought back to potentially add to the nonsensical blabbering that spews forth almost daily from the ESPN Yankee blog.
Now don't get me wrong, I think Screamin' Stephen A. is a knowledgeable dude. When it comes to basketball. The guy was the first one to call the whole 'LeBron and Bosh to Miami' story and props to him for that. But anytime he opens his mouth to make a point or an argument about any other sport, I start giving serious thought to cutting my wrists with the nearest sharp object to end my suffering at his hand. And the only reason I bother to mention this is because Screamin' Stephen took time to mention how his Yankee talk was going to be different than everybody else's in his re-introductory column:
"Instead of limiting our focus to Yankees greats Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Alex Rodriguez -- or A-Rod's love life -- just as much attention will be paid to Brian Cashman's productivity."
Oh, you're going to talk about Cash and his decision making. Good call, Steve. There really hasn't been enough of that going on lately. At all. Good thing you're here now to pick up that slack.
Lord help us...
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Red Sox Sign Aceves, I Die A Little Inside
Per this, Alfredo Aceves is now officially a pahht of Fraud Sawx Nation. And that is just not good news. I've been a staunch supporter/defender of Cash throughout this offseason, but I can't help but feel like he blew this one.
Yes, Ace currently has far from a clean bill of health, but all he's done since the time he joined the Yankees was pitch well, by any measurement. And in a season where the Yankees were going to end up with back-of-the-rotation problems any way you cut it, it would have been worth the guaranteed money to bring Ace back into the fold and give him time to heal, knowing you could afford to let him get back to 100% at Triple-A while you weathered the early-season storm. Maybe it's just me, but I would have felt more comfortable giving Aceves a guaranteed 900 thou than giving Colon his 900 thou Minor League deal.
I don't know, I guess maybe I had this crazy dream where Ace progresses ahead of schedule in his rehab and is good to go by the All-Star break. He rejoins the team before the trade deadline and helps solidify the back of the rotation by becoming a rebirth of 1996 Mariano Rivera (minus all the Ks), chewing up multiple innings at a time and basically becoming a 1-man bullpen on the Mitre-Nova days. Fans would fall in love with him, something similar to 2007 Joba, and he would begin to ride in from the bullpen on his motorcycle (being careful not to dump it and break his collarbone again). Energized, the Yankees would come back and win the Wild Card, the ALCS, and the World Series, with Aceves pitching 3 shutout innings of relief in Game 7 at The Stadium, picking up the 6-5 Yankee win in the 15th inning.
Was that a little to dramatic? Should I pump the breaks on the old dreammaker? OK, I guess that's fair. It would have been nice to have Ace back this year, and I think it's a bad move that the Yankees didn't do it, but now that he's pahht of the Sawx I hope he gets in a nasty bike accident on his first day in Boston and breaks both his arms, leaving him out for the entire 2011 season and putting his career in jeopardy.
(Sorry, Ace)
Yes, Ace currently has far from a clean bill of health, but all he's done since the time he joined the Yankees was pitch well, by any measurement. And in a season where the Yankees were going to end up with back-of-the-rotation problems any way you cut it, it would have been worth the guaranteed money to bring Ace back into the fold and give him time to heal, knowing you could afford to let him get back to 100% at Triple-A while you weathered the early-season storm. Maybe it's just me, but I would have felt more comfortable giving Aceves a guaranteed 900 thou than giving Colon his 900 thou Minor League deal.
I don't know, I guess maybe I had this crazy dream where Ace progresses ahead of schedule in his rehab and is good to go by the All-Star break. He rejoins the team before the trade deadline and helps solidify the back of the rotation by becoming a rebirth of 1996 Mariano Rivera (minus all the Ks), chewing up multiple innings at a time and basically becoming a 1-man bullpen on the Mitre-Nova days. Fans would fall in love with him, something similar to 2007 Joba, and he would begin to ride in from the bullpen on his motorcycle (being careful not to dump it and break his collarbone again). Energized, the Yankees would come back and win the Wild Card, the ALCS, and the World Series, with Aceves pitching 3 shutout innings of relief in Game 7 at The Stadium, picking up the 6-5 Yankee win in the 15th inning.
Was that a little to dramatic? Should I pump the breaks on the old dreammaker? OK, I guess that's fair. It would have been nice to have Ace back this year, and I think it's a bad move that the Yankees didn't do it, but now that he's pahht of the Sawx I hope he gets in a nasty bike accident on his first day in Boston and breaks both his arms, leaving him out for the entire 2011 season and putting his career in jeopardy.
(Sorry, Ace)
Offseason Space Filler Post: How Good Would The Current Yankee Team Be If This Were 2005?
(I wonder how these guys would have looked in pinstripes)
The running joke around the blogosphere with this recent rash of ST invite contracts is that this year's Yankee team would be a shoo-in to win a World Series some time in the mid-2000s. And that got me thinking, gee, I wonder what this team would look like if I piled everyone into my DeLorean, gunned it up to 88MPH, and traveled back to the mid-2000s.
My
Lineup:
This lineup would be an interesting combination of veterans in their prime, young players establishing themselves as All Stars, and brand spanking new, completely untested rookies or 2nd-year men. It wouldn't be hard to picture at least 5 All Stars coming out of this lineup.
A Little Lunchtime Reading
I'm not feeling particularly creative, clever, or motivated today, so I'll direct everyone to something much more interesting than whatever I might try to force in a failed attempt at sharp wit or solid analysis.
SJK from NoMaas interviewed John Manuel from Baseball America and there's all kinds of good stuff in there about Yankee prospects at all levels. If you're a sucker for prospect info like I am then this should be right up your alley.
P.S.- absolutely nothing firing in the old brain today and I still come through for my readers and Yankee fans. Dustin Pedroia has NOTHING on me in the "heart and determination" department.
SJK from NoMaas interviewed John Manuel from Baseball America and there's all kinds of good stuff in there about Yankee prospects at all levels. If you're a sucker for prospect info like I am then this should be right up your alley.
P.S.- absolutely nothing firing in the old brain today and I still come through for my readers and Yankee fans. Dustin Pedroia has NOTHING on me in the "heart and determination" department.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Hughes Is Becoming Self Aware
Any time I read about Phil Hughes doing something baseball-related, I usually get excited. This little tidbit from today's NY Post was no exception to that rule:
"Hughes said when he looks back on last year, he thinks he did not throw his changeup enough early in the year. The development of that pitch was a big story last spring and a reason he won the spot in the rotation. But when the season began, Hughes did not throw the pitch very often because his other pitches were so good. When he tried to go back to the pitch later in the year, he had trouble throwing it.
'I felt like that might have hurt me a little bit, just not having it,' he said. 'Then, maybe when fatigue set in and I really needed that changeup to help me get through these games it just wasn't there.' " (via The Post)
I'm loving everything about that for 2 reasons. One, it once again showcases Phil Hughes' maturity beyond his years. He recognizes the fact that he worked on it a lot in Spring Training 2010 because he knew he was going to need it, he recognizes the fact that he got away from it early in the year because his better pitches were working and he stuck with that, and he recognizes the fact that because he didn't work it early on, it failed him later in the season when he really needed it.
Hughes is acutely aware of his own strengths and weaknesses, before they happen, as they're happening, and looking back on them once they've happened. He knows what he did to be successful last year and he knows what he needs to do to become more successful this year. That may not seem like a huge deal, but to me, when I watch veteran pitchers who have been doing this for 5-10 years talk about how they didn't know what went wrong in a rough outing and then watch a 24-year-old kid with essentially one full year as a starter under his belt talk intelligently about their season as a whole, it's an eye opener.
Second thing that excited me was just the fact that Hughes is already in Tampa, working out and throwing bullpen sessions. That shows me that he's ready to prove that the first half of 2010 was no fluke and the second half of 2010 was not a true representation of how good a pitcher he truly is. Surrounded by question marks in the rotation, Hughes is already putting the work in to step and become a reliable 2nd option behind CC. Dude is younger than me and he's already more mature and dedicated than I could ever hope to be. Love it!
Then, as if that wasn't enough, the always spot-on Chad Jennings of LoHud brings up another interesting point in light of last year's performances and Hughes' early start to his 2011 campaign:
"CC Sabathia will obviously start on Opening Day, but who gets Game 2? Should the Yankees show A.J. Burnett that they still have confidence in him, or should they acknowledge that Phil Hughes seems to be the more reliable option at this point?" (via LoHud)
This should become one of the hottest ST storylines once things start getting into gear in the next couple weeks. If it's based on career track record and money, then A.J. should probably get the #2 spot. If it's based on 2010 body of work, then the nod should probably go to Hughes. My guess is, if A.J. shows any kind of marginal success in his Spring Training outings, he will get the call from Joe based on seniority. But if Hughes is lights out and shows continued improvement and better use of his secondary pitches, it's going to be hard to deny him a spot that he probably earned.
"Hughes said when he looks back on last year, he thinks he did not throw his changeup enough early in the year. The development of that pitch was a big story last spring and a reason he won the spot in the rotation. But when the season began, Hughes did not throw the pitch very often because his other pitches were so good. When he tried to go back to the pitch later in the year, he had trouble throwing it.
'I felt like that might have hurt me a little bit, just not having it,' he said. 'Then, maybe when fatigue set in and I really needed that changeup to help me get through these games it just wasn't there.' " (via The Post)
I'm loving everything about that for 2 reasons. One, it once again showcases Phil Hughes' maturity beyond his years. He recognizes the fact that he worked on it a lot in Spring Training 2010 because he knew he was going to need it, he recognizes the fact that he got away from it early in the year because his better pitches were working and he stuck with that, and he recognizes the fact that because he didn't work it early on, it failed him later in the season when he really needed it.
Hughes is acutely aware of his own strengths and weaknesses, before they happen, as they're happening, and looking back on them once they've happened. He knows what he did to be successful last year and he knows what he needs to do to become more successful this year. That may not seem like a huge deal, but to me, when I watch veteran pitchers who have been doing this for 5-10 years talk about how they didn't know what went wrong in a rough outing and then watch a 24-year-old kid with essentially one full year as a starter under his belt talk intelligently about their season as a whole, it's an eye opener.
Second thing that excited me was just the fact that Hughes is already in Tampa, working out and throwing bullpen sessions. That shows me that he's ready to prove that the first half of 2010 was no fluke and the second half of 2010 was not a true representation of how good a pitcher he truly is. Surrounded by question marks in the rotation, Hughes is already putting the work in to step and become a reliable 2nd option behind CC. Dude is younger than me and he's already more mature and dedicated than I could ever hope to be. Love it!
Then, as if that wasn't enough, the always spot-on Chad Jennings of LoHud brings up another interesting point in light of last year's performances and Hughes' early start to his 2011 campaign:
"CC Sabathia will obviously start on Opening Day, but who gets Game 2? Should the Yankees show A.J. Burnett that they still have confidence in him, or should they acknowledge that Phil Hughes seems to be the more reliable option at this point?" (via LoHud)
This should become one of the hottest ST storylines once things start getting into gear in the next couple weeks. If it's based on career track record and money, then A.J. should probably get the #2 spot. If it's based on 2010 body of work, then the nod should probably go to Hughes. My guess is, if A.J. shows any kind of marginal success in his Spring Training outings, he will get the call from Joe based on seniority. But if Hughes is lights out and shows continued improvement and better use of his secondary pitches, it's going to be hard to deny him a spot that he probably earned.
Why All The Horse Hate?
Other than the Packers winning, the commercials sucking, and the Black Eyed Peas continuing to be an embarrassment to the musical arts, the biggest story coming out of the Super Bowl last night was the image of Cameron Diaz feeding popcorn to the one and only A-Horse. If you're one of the few of the unwashed masses who hasn't seen the image, here it is:
The reaction to this image has been negative across the board, mainly in the form of people mocking the majestic A-Horse for not being able to feed himself. This is incredibly stupid and shallow, and so being the faithful soldier that I am, I will take it upon myself to explain the situation and point out why nobody should be criticizing A-Rod here.
First thing, the limp-wristed look. Make all the gay jokes you want, but I think that's a smart move. Spring Training is right around the corner and A-Rod hasn't exactly been a model of perfect health the last few seasons. Why risk moving the wrist more than you have to in order to get popcorn when you can leave it there, nice and loose, and keep it ready for batting practice? And why risk doing anything when you've got a perfectly good Cameron Diaz ready and willing to serve right next to you? I mean, come on, she's no fool. Homegirl is staring down the barrel of 40, she hasn't made a good movie since "Gangs of New York" (which she sucked in), and she's sitting there with the world's greatest centaur athlete. She knows she has to step her game up to keep that seat next to The Horse, and he knows she knows it, so let her handle the popcorn so he can watch the game.
Secondly, and this is really a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned, THE GUY IS A CENTAUR!!!!! Centaurs have hooves for crying out loud! Have you ever tried to pick up popcorn kernels with hooves? Doesn't exactly work well. So instead of getting on A-Rod for looking like a homo and having a chick feed him like a little kid, let's show a little appreciation for the intelligence and forethought that he showed in bringing Cameron Diaz to the game in order to make sure he was not unable to enjoy a little snack because of his centaurian condition.
No worries, Al, I've got your back. Haters gonna hate...
The reaction to this image has been negative across the board, mainly in the form of people mocking the majestic A-Horse for not being able to feed himself. This is incredibly stupid and shallow, and so being the faithful soldier that I am, I will take it upon myself to explain the situation and point out why nobody should be criticizing A-Rod here.
First thing, the limp-wristed look. Make all the gay jokes you want, but I think that's a smart move. Spring Training is right around the corner and A-Rod hasn't exactly been a model of perfect health the last few seasons. Why risk moving the wrist more than you have to in order to get popcorn when you can leave it there, nice and loose, and keep it ready for batting practice? And why risk doing anything when you've got a perfectly good Cameron Diaz ready and willing to serve right next to you? I mean, come on, she's no fool. Homegirl is staring down the barrel of 40, she hasn't made a good movie since "Gangs of New York" (which she sucked in), and she's sitting there with the world's greatest centaur athlete. She knows she has to step her game up to keep that seat next to The Horse, and he knows she knows it, so let her handle the popcorn so he can watch the game.
Secondly, and this is really a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned, THE GUY IS A CENTAUR!!!!! Centaurs have hooves for crying out loud! Have you ever tried to pick up popcorn kernels with hooves? Doesn't exactly work well. So instead of getting on A-Rod for looking like a homo and having a chick feed him like a little kid, let's show a little appreciation for the intelligence and forethought that he showed in bringing Cameron Diaz to the game in order to make sure he was not unable to enjoy a little snack because of his centaurian condition.
No worries, Al, I've got your back. Haters gonna hate...
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Come Back To Me, Andy
I'm not even going to waste time talking about the Eric Chavez and Ronnie Belliad signings because, quite frankly, I don't care.
I'm still recovering from the Andy Pettitte retirement announcement. And also trying to accept the fact that he didn't give me enough time to use the new Jedi Photoshop. Come on, Andy!! You couldn't come back for one more year and give me some mileage out of that Photoshop?!? If you don't have the hunger to come back and pitch for your team, at least do it for me, bro!
Screw it, I'm putting it up again anyway.
Now I'm going to light some candles, curl up on the couch, and cry while I think about the good times.
I'm still recovering from the Andy Pettitte retirement announcement. And also trying to accept the fact that he didn't give me enough time to use the new Jedi Photoshop. Come on, Andy!! You couldn't come back for one more year and give me some mileage out of that Photoshop?!? If you don't have the hunger to come back and pitch for your team, at least do it for me, bro!
Screw it, I'm putting it up again anyway.
Now I'm going to light some candles, curl up on the couch, and cry while I think about the good times.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Wallace Matthews Should Probably Stop Talking
Another day, another disgrace of a column from ESPNNY's comedy duo of Andrew Marchand and Wallace Matthews. This time, it's Matthews grabbing the spotlight as he tries to turn Andy Pettitte's retirement into the end of the world for the 2011 Yankee season, all the while ignoring facts and basic logic and making counterpoints against his own points that he thinks he's trying to make so that the rest of us in the Yankee blogosphere don't have to. But I will anyway. Let's FJM, shall we?
"Four months ago, Andy Pettitte walked out of the visitors clubhouse in Arlington, Texas, after letting everyone know he probably wouldn't be back.
Now, we are 10 days away from pitchers and catchers and he still hasn't been replaced.
That is the real story today, not that Pettitte will hold a news conference on Friday morning to make official what everyone around the Yankees should have accepted back on Oct. 22."
No, Wally. That story has been beaten into the ground for a few weeks now. You're just late to the party and have nothing to write about today. Today the story was Pettitte officially announcing his retirement and all of us getting a chance to reflect on his wonderful career.
"It may seem as if the winter got a little colder and the upcoming baseball season a little bleaker for Yankees fans with the confirmation that Pettitte will, indeed, announce his retirement... "
Did the children get a little older too, Stevie Nicks? Jesus Christ with the melodrama! Have you looked at the Yankee roster right now? It's still one of the best in baseball without Pettitte. Having him for 2011 would have been the difference between Top 5 and World Series front runner, not World Series winners and Double-A Trenton.
"... but really, nothing has changed."
And right here is where this article should have just stopped. Matthews suggests that doom and gloom has swept through Yankeeland because Andy is gone, but then states that nothing has changed. Good for you, Wally. It's good to know you aren't planning on jumping off a bridge with Bill Madden.
"Four months ago, Andy Pettitte walked out of the visitors clubhouse in Arlington, Texas, after letting everyone know he probably wouldn't be back.
Now, we are 10 days away from pitchers and catchers and he still hasn't been replaced.
That is the real story today, not that Pettitte will hold a news conference on Friday morning to make official what everyone around the Yankees should have accepted back on Oct. 22."
No, Wally. That story has been beaten into the ground for a few weeks now. You're just late to the party and have nothing to write about today. Today the story was Pettitte officially announcing his retirement and all of us getting a chance to reflect on his wonderful career.
"It may seem as if the winter got a little colder and the upcoming baseball season a little bleaker for Yankees fans with the confirmation that Pettitte will, indeed, announce his retirement... "
Did the children get a little older too, Stevie Nicks? Jesus Christ with the melodrama! Have you looked at the Yankee roster right now? It's still one of the best in baseball without Pettitte. Having him for 2011 would have been the difference between Top 5 and World Series front runner, not World Series winners and Double-A Trenton.
"... but really, nothing has changed."
And right here is where this article should have just stopped. Matthews suggests that doom and gloom has swept through Yankeeland because Andy is gone, but then states that nothing has changed. Good for you, Wally. It's good to know you aren't planning on jumping off a bridge with Bill Madden.
AB4AR Linkapalooza: Andy Pettitte Retirement Addition
In honor of one the 5 greatest Yankee pitchers of all time, AB4AR presents these links from around the Yankosphere on his retirement.
- Phil Coffin from the NYT Baseball Blog has a collection of quotes from past and present teammates, players, and coaches.
- Jason at IIATMS put together Andy's Greatest Postseason Hits.
- Minor Matters takes a look at what Andy's retirement might mean for the Yankee pitching prospects.
- SJK at NoMaas uses another one of their classic Photoshops to reflect on Andy's career.
- Jay Jaffe at Pinstriped Bible puts together a nice reflective piece.
- Donnie Collins at the SWB blog examines where Andy's numbers put him in Yankee and baseball history.
- William at The Captain's Blog discusses Pettitte's HGH admission and how it should not be a stain on his great career.
- Matt Warden at Yankeeist with another beautifully-written piece on Pettitte's career.
- Larry Koestler, also of Yankeeist, talks about where Andy's retirement leaves the 2011 rotation.
- Mike Axisa at RAB put together a fantastic photo collection tracing Andy's entire Yankee career. A couple of really good shots in there. Definitely don't NOT check this out.
- And last but not least, and even though it really wasn't that long ago, Steve S. at TYU goes back and revisits Andy's final game in pinstripes.
It's been a great career for Andy, and obviously we're all going to miss him. I'll take one more opportunity to thank him for all he's done for the Yankee organization and wish him well in his retirement. My only regret is that I won't be able to watch the press conference today.
The final image of Andy's final play as a Yankee:
- Phil Coffin from the NYT Baseball Blog has a collection of quotes from past and present teammates, players, and coaches.
- Jason at IIATMS put together Andy's Greatest Postseason Hits.
- Minor Matters takes a look at what Andy's retirement might mean for the Yankee pitching prospects.
- SJK at NoMaas uses another one of their classic Photoshops to reflect on Andy's career.
- Jay Jaffe at Pinstriped Bible puts together a nice reflective piece.
- Donnie Collins at the SWB blog examines where Andy's numbers put him in Yankee and baseball history.
- William at The Captain's Blog discusses Pettitte's HGH admission and how it should not be a stain on his great career.
- Matt Warden at Yankeeist with another beautifully-written piece on Pettitte's career.
- Larry Koestler, also of Yankeeist, talks about where Andy's retirement leaves the 2011 rotation.
- Mike Axisa at RAB put together a fantastic photo collection tracing Andy's entire Yankee career. A couple of really good shots in there. Definitely don't NOT check this out.
- And last but not least, and even though it really wasn't that long ago, Steve S. at TYU goes back and revisits Andy's final game in pinstripes.
It's been a great career for Andy, and obviously we're all going to miss him. I'll take one more opportunity to thank him for all he's done for the Yankee organization and wish him well in his retirement. My only regret is that I won't be able to watch the press conference today.
The final image of Andy's final play as a Yankee:
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Andy Hangin' 'Em Up
As first reported by Michael Kay and since confirmed by Jack Curry, Andy Pettitte has decided to retire and will not come back to save the Yankee rotation in 2011.
Andy is reportedly on his way to NY today to meet with team officials and will make the official announcement of his retirement tomorrow. While this is obviously a blow to the team, there can't be any resentment toward Andy from anybody for this decision. Nick Swisher said it best:
“I can’t say enough great things about that guy. To play that long and continue to put those numbers up year in and year out. We’d love to have him back. But if he decided to ride off into the sunset, he’s definitely earned that.”
I will always have a special place in the Yankee-reserved section of my heart for Andy. He was the first pitcher I really followed as I became old enough to understand and appreciate baseball, and it's a shame I won't be able to watch him take the hill one more time.
Congratulations on a great career, Andy. You'll always be remembered by Yankee fans, especially this one, as one of the greats.
** UPDATE- 2:45PM- Here's a link to the official press release from the Yankees (via LoHud), confirming what we all already know. Now I'm sad. **
Grading The Yankees Offseason
With the Justin Maxwell trade taking place yesterday, I think that pretty much signifies the end of the Yankee offseason in terms of moves that will actually affect the 25-man roster. That means it's time to take a look back at the moves the Yankees did make and hand out some grades. For the purposes of this post, I'm including internal re-signings as well.
- Derek Jeter- Signed a 3 year/$51 million deal with a player option for a 4th year: C-
I wasn't all that concerned about the money in the deal. Everybody knew that Jeter was going to be a Yankee and everybody knew he was going to get way more than his recent performance warranted because of his pedigree and because of how important he and the Yankees are to each other. The length of the deal was what bothered me; 3 w/ a player option instead of 2 w/ a team option. Jeter is already hanging on by a thread defensively and needs to bounce back in 2011 at the plate to make this deal worth it.
- Mariano Rivera- Signed a 2 year/$30 million deal: A-
In a perfect world, Mo would be signing 1-year deals until he decided he didn't want to pitch anymore, or at least a 1-year deal with a team option for another after 2011. But then again, Mo has never showed any signs of falling off in terms of his production, and he always manages to stay healthy enough to pitch. When you factor in his past performance and the fact that he's the GOAT, 15 mil seems fair to me.
- Sergio Mitre- Signed a 1 year/$900k deal: C+
The Meat Tray definitely isn't the best pitcher around, but he's better than Dustin Moseley and Chad Gaudin, and with Ace getting hurt again, he was the best option to have around as a long man in the bullpen. The fact that other pursuits didn't pan out and he's now slated to be the 5th starter is not a good thing, but for the money he's being paid, I can live with having him back.
- Derek Jeter- Signed a 3 year/$51 million deal with a player option for a 4th year: C-
I wasn't all that concerned about the money in the deal. Everybody knew that Jeter was going to be a Yankee and everybody knew he was going to get way more than his recent performance warranted because of his pedigree and because of how important he and the Yankees are to each other. The length of the deal was what bothered me; 3 w/ a player option instead of 2 w/ a team option. Jeter is already hanging on by a thread defensively and needs to bounce back in 2011 at the plate to make this deal worth it.
- Mariano Rivera- Signed a 2 year/$30 million deal: A-
In a perfect world, Mo would be signing 1-year deals until he decided he didn't want to pitch anymore, or at least a 1-year deal with a team option for another after 2011. But then again, Mo has never showed any signs of falling off in terms of his production, and he always manages to stay healthy enough to pitch. When you factor in his past performance and the fact that he's the GOAT, 15 mil seems fair to me.
- Sergio Mitre- Signed a 1 year/$900k deal: C+
The Meat Tray definitely isn't the best pitcher around, but he's better than Dustin Moseley and Chad Gaudin, and with Ace getting hurt again, he was the best option to have around as a long man in the bullpen. The fact that other pursuits didn't pan out and he's now slated to be the 5th starter is not a good thing, but for the money he's being paid, I can live with having him back.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Snow Day Linkapalooza
Southeast Wisconsin got hit by a major blizzard last night. As a result of what everyone is referring to as the "snowpocalypse" (I know. Lame, right?), work was shut down today and I've had more time than usual to peruse the Yankee blogosphere and see what everyone else is talking about while I was busy posting Lil Wayne videos in my blog.
- el duque at It Is High... has some bumper stickers for the 2010 Yankee offseason. Put me down for 20 of the A-Rod ones.
- Joe Paw at RAB analyzes Buster Olney's list of 11 pitchers who could become available in the 2011 season and how they might fit with the Yankees should the need for another starter arise (hint, hint: it will). Not an inspiring list, if you ask me. I would be in for Shawn Marcum (track record of success in the AL East) and Felix Hernandez (best pitcher in baseball), but that's about it.
- If you're still in mourning over the 2010 offseason, you might want to steer clear of Jay Jaffe's post at Pinstriped Bible about how February 2 is a dark day in Yankee history. When you really look at it, it's not that bad, but still a very interesting read.
- EJ Fagan at TYU has some criticism for Bleacher Report's Top 20 Yankee Hitters list and comes up with a Top 20 of his own. I must say, I like EJ's list far more than that of Bleacher Report.
- In today's Hardball post, Joel Sherman of The Post comments on the ManBan and Betances starting situations and how the Yanks are doing all they can to hold these guys back by bringing in the Colons and Garcias of the world. I'm all for not risking the future, but at the same time why try to bring a past that was dead years ago? And why bother mentioning Carlos Beltran in the column? The Mets suck.
- Finally, we conclude with a pair of gems from Larry Koestler at Yankeeist. First, a damn good graphical analysis of Andy Pettitte's career showing just how good the guy has been. It makes for more compelling HOF arguments, though I still don't think he quite makes it.
- Secondly, Larry took a look at the 2011 projections for Ivan Nova and Hector Noesi to decide who would make the better addition to the 2011 rotation. I think Larry seems to be in the camp that sees these 2 battling it out for the 5th spot with Garcia getting the 4th to start the season. As a start I could live with that, but I'd personally rather see both of them there instead of Arm Dead Fred.
So there you, people. That should get you through the rest of your work days. Suckers. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go dig my car out of the snow in the parking lot and see if there's any chance I can even drive down to the street to buy beer for the UConn-Syracuse game tonight.
- el duque at It Is High... has some bumper stickers for the 2010 Yankee offseason. Put me down for 20 of the A-Rod ones.
- Joe Paw at RAB analyzes Buster Olney's list of 11 pitchers who could become available in the 2011 season and how they might fit with the Yankees should the need for another starter arise (hint, hint: it will). Not an inspiring list, if you ask me. I would be in for Shawn Marcum (track record of success in the AL East) and Felix Hernandez (best pitcher in baseball), but that's about it.
- If you're still in mourning over the 2010 offseason, you might want to steer clear of Jay Jaffe's post at Pinstriped Bible about how February 2 is a dark day in Yankee history. When you really look at it, it's not that bad, but still a very interesting read.
- EJ Fagan at TYU has some criticism for Bleacher Report's Top 20 Yankee Hitters list and comes up with a Top 20 of his own. I must say, I like EJ's list far more than that of Bleacher Report.
- In today's Hardball post, Joel Sherman of The Post comments on the ManBan and Betances starting situations and how the Yanks are doing all they can to hold these guys back by bringing in the Colons and Garcias of the world. I'm all for not risking the future, but at the same time why try to bring a past that was dead years ago? And why bother mentioning Carlos Beltran in the column? The Mets suck.
- Finally, we conclude with a pair of gems from Larry Koestler at Yankeeist. First, a damn good graphical analysis of Andy Pettitte's career showing just how good the guy has been. It makes for more compelling HOF arguments, though I still don't think he quite makes it.
- Secondly, Larry took a look at the 2011 projections for Ivan Nova and Hector Noesi to decide who would make the better addition to the 2011 rotation. I think Larry seems to be in the camp that sees these 2 battling it out for the 5th spot with Garcia getting the 4th to start the season. As a start I could live with that, but I'd personally rather see both of them there instead of Arm Dead Fred.
So there you, people. That should get you through the rest of your work days. Suckers. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go dig my car out of the snow in the parking lot and see if there's any chance I can even drive down to the street to buy beer for the UConn-Syracuse game tonight.
Larry Rothschild Is Putting In Work (And Using Up His "Anytime" Minutes)
Wallace Matthews put a post up yesterday talking about Larry Rothschild visiting A.J. Burnett this offseason at A.J.'s home in Maryland, and there were quite a few points that stood out to me.
First, the fact that Rothschild went to Burnett's house and spent a few days there talking with him, watching tape, and watching A.J. throw. I don't know about you, but that just seems like a big deal to me. We all know that A.J. is a bit of a mental midget, and if you don't believe that then you're just lying to yourself. The prevailing thought last season was that his season went downhill when Dave Eiland left and Eiland would cure him of his ills upon his return to the bench. Well, that didn't happen, so maybe it shows that Eiland wasn't that tuned into Burnett and didn't know what made him tick and maybe, just maybe, didn't know or care that much about him at all. Rothschild taking time to not just talk to A.J., but to make a trip to A.J.'s home and spend a few days there working with him and talking to him shows me that he really does care and really does want to see A.J. succeed. More importantly, it probably showed A.J. those same things, which could be a big help in getting A.J.'s mind (and stuff) right for this season.
The second thing that I noticed was this line:
"Rothschild said he has made has made contact with all 32 pitchers expected in camp beginning on Feb. 14 -- make that 33 with the addition today of Freddy Garcia... "
All 32 pitchers? All of them? Really?? Maybe I'm just being naive about what goes on between pitching coaches and their staff, but this seems like a really big thing to do for a new pitching coach with a whole new set of pitchers to learn about and handle through the season. Sure they all report a few weeks prior to the rest of the team, but Rothschild sounds like he's hitting the ground running in getting ready for 2011 and isn't wasting any time in getting to know his pitchers. Some of these guys aren't even going to throw a pitch for the Yankees in 2011 and Rothschild STILL made a point to call them. That kind of commitment doesn't go unnoticed by players, and I see that as a sign of good things to come for the Yankee pitching staff. When you know your coach cares about you, it makes you try harder and makes you want to succeed.
Lastly, as if Matthews knew I was going to love this, he drops in the line about Rothschild already working with Beastances and Brackman in Tampa, helping them refine their deliveries. I have no shame in admitting I started giggling and clapping my hands like a 10-year-old girl at a Jonas Brothers concert when I read that.
A lot still remains to be seen once ST starts and the season really gets going, but Larry Rothschild is already looking like the man in my book.
First, the fact that Rothschild went to Burnett's house and spent a few days there talking with him, watching tape, and watching A.J. throw. I don't know about you, but that just seems like a big deal to me. We all know that A.J. is a bit of a mental midget, and if you don't believe that then you're just lying to yourself. The prevailing thought last season was that his season went downhill when Dave Eiland left and Eiland would cure him of his ills upon his return to the bench. Well, that didn't happen, so maybe it shows that Eiland wasn't that tuned into Burnett and didn't know what made him tick and maybe, just maybe, didn't know or care that much about him at all. Rothschild taking time to not just talk to A.J., but to make a trip to A.J.'s home and spend a few days there working with him and talking to him shows me that he really does care and really does want to see A.J. succeed. More importantly, it probably showed A.J. those same things, which could be a big help in getting A.J.'s mind (and stuff) right for this season.
The second thing that I noticed was this line:
"Rothschild said he has made has made contact with all 32 pitchers expected in camp beginning on Feb. 14 -- make that 33 with the addition today of Freddy Garcia... "
All 32 pitchers? All of them? Really?? Maybe I'm just being naive about what goes on between pitching coaches and their staff, but this seems like a really big thing to do for a new pitching coach with a whole new set of pitchers to learn about and handle through the season. Sure they all report a few weeks prior to the rest of the team, but Rothschild sounds like he's hitting the ground running in getting ready for 2011 and isn't wasting any time in getting to know his pitchers. Some of these guys aren't even going to throw a pitch for the Yankees in 2011 and Rothschild STILL made a point to call them. That kind of commitment doesn't go unnoticed by players, and I see that as a sign of good things to come for the Yankee pitching staff. When you know your coach cares about you, it makes you try harder and makes you want to succeed.
Lastly, as if Matthews knew I was going to love this, he drops in the line about Rothschild already working with Beastances and Brackman in Tampa, helping them refine their deliveries. I have no shame in admitting I started giggling and clapping my hands like a 10-year-old girl at a Jonas Brothers concert when I read that.
A lot still remains to be seen once ST starts and the season really gets going, but Larry Rothschild is already looking like the man in my book.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Soriano's New Entrance Music
Inspired by the various discussions around the Yankee blogosphere about what his role should be since his signing, I am declaring this as the official Rafael Soriano entrance music for 2011:
Just blast the hook from that song in The Stadium when he comes in and it's game over. Done and done, lock it up, make it so, Number One.
Just blast the hook from that song in The Stadium when he comes in and it's game over. Done and done, lock it up, make it so, Number One.
Taking A Look At The 5th Starter Competition (And Who Should Really Get The Spot)
With the recent signings of Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia to go along with Sergio Mitre, and a few attractive options in Triple-A, I'd say it's high time we take a look at each option and see who the best fit really is for the Yankees' 5th starter.
Now this comparison assumes that Andy Pettitte is not coming back, at least to start the season, and Ivan Nova is the current 4th starter. Obviously if Pettitte decides to return, he takes a spot in the rotation as the #2 or #3 guy and Nova becomes the 5th starter, rendering all of this moot. This also assumes that Brackman, Betances, ManBan, and Stoneburner are not going to be considered because of innings limitations for 2011.
Sergio Mitre
Pros- Had some success in 2010 (although mostly as a reliever); pitched to a decent ERA and WHIP in 2010; high groundball rate; low line drive rate; has leg up on everybody else by currently being penciled into the 5th spot.
Cons- FIP doesn't correspond with ERA and WHIP (which means some luck was involved); huge home-vs.-road splits that show Mitre pitches worse at The Stadium than on the road; more success as a reliever than starter in 2010 (.598 OPS against as reliever vs. .835 OPS against as a starter); generally considered to be replacement level at best.
Bartolo Colon
Pros- pitched well in 2010 (28 Ks, 6 BBs, 1.93 ERA in 37.1 IP in 7 starts); pitched on a team coached by Tony Pena; low-risk Minor League contract.
Cons- put up the above numbers in a Dominican winter league (which probably sucked from a talent level perspective); hasn't pitched in the Majors since '09; hasn't thrown more than 100 innings in the Majors since '05; quality of stuff is completely unknown (but assumed to be nil); huge injury risk; questionable fitness level at best; old as fuck.
Freddy Garcia
Pros- Threw 157 innings last year in the AL; low walk rate; has pitched well at Yankee Stadium in the past; wants to be a Yankee; low-risk Minor League contract.
Cons- Didn't pitch very well in 2010 (4.64 ERA, 4.77 FIP); doesn't miss bats; high home run rate (doesn't translate well to homer friendly Yankee Stadium); stuff is almost non-existent at this point (87 MPH fastball).
Hector Noesi
Pros- Solid stuff (90-93 MPH fastball, good changeup); great command of fastball; low walk rate; smooth delivery; innings limit shouldn't be a problem after throwing 160.1 innings in 2010.
Cons- No reliable off-speed pitch; doesn't command off-speed stuff as well as the fastball; no experience at Major League level (possibly Ivan Nova situation in going through a Major League lineup multiple times).
David Phelps
Pros- Solid stuff (93-95 MPH fastball, 90 MPH 2-seamer, good curve); good control; gets groundballs; innings limit shouldn't be a problem after throwing 158.2 innings in 2010 and no fewer than 151 in each of the last 3 seasons.
Cons- No definite strikeout pitch; off-speed stuff and command isn't good; no experience at Major League level (see concern above for Noesi).
Given all of that, I actually wouldn't mind seeing Hector Noesi be given a shot as the 5th starter in 2011. His stuff and command is probably better than Mitre's right now and plays up to more success at the Major League level than Phelps' right now. He has rocketed through the Yankees' system, so they clearly think highly of him, and if you're the Yankees and you're already assuming that you're going to get replacement level performance at best from your 5th starter, why not have it come from a young prospect who could use the experience and conceivably improve as the season (and his career) moves forward?
Noesi and Phelps (and likely Brack, The Beast, ManBan, and Adam Warren) will all get a look during Spring Training, but hopefully it's more than that. Given their age and dwindling performance, I just don't see Colon beating out younger guys with better stuff and brighter upsides for a rotation spot, or even beating out Mitre for that matter, and I think the only thing Garcia has going for him is the experience and the fact that he threw a lot of innings last year. It will be interesting to watch, for sure, but when it comes down to it, out of this group I would rank who I would want in the 5th spot to start the season as follows:
1) Noesi
2) Mitre
3) Phelps
4) Garcia
5) Colon
(Thanks to River Ave. Blues and especially Mike Axisa's prospect profiles for info and stats on these guys)
Now this comparison assumes that Andy Pettitte is not coming back, at least to start the season, and Ivan Nova is the current 4th starter. Obviously if Pettitte decides to return, he takes a spot in the rotation as the #2 or #3 guy and Nova becomes the 5th starter, rendering all of this moot. This also assumes that Brackman, Betances, ManBan, and Stoneburner are not going to be considered because of innings limitations for 2011.
Sergio Mitre
Pros- Had some success in 2010 (although mostly as a reliever); pitched to a decent ERA and WHIP in 2010; high groundball rate; low line drive rate; has leg up on everybody else by currently being penciled into the 5th spot.
Cons- FIP doesn't correspond with ERA and WHIP (which means some luck was involved); huge home-vs.-road splits that show Mitre pitches worse at The Stadium than on the road; more success as a reliever than starter in 2010 (.598 OPS against as reliever vs. .835 OPS against as a starter); generally considered to be replacement level at best.
Bartolo Colon
Pros- pitched well in 2010 (28 Ks, 6 BBs, 1.93 ERA in 37.1 IP in 7 starts); pitched on a team coached by Tony Pena; low-risk Minor League contract.
Cons- put up the above numbers in a Dominican winter league (which probably sucked from a talent level perspective); hasn't pitched in the Majors since '09; hasn't thrown more than 100 innings in the Majors since '05; quality of stuff is completely unknown (but assumed to be nil); huge injury risk; questionable fitness level at best; old as fuck.
Freddy Garcia
Pros- Threw 157 innings last year in the AL; low walk rate; has pitched well at Yankee Stadium in the past; wants to be a Yankee; low-risk Minor League contract.
Cons- Didn't pitch very well in 2010 (4.64 ERA, 4.77 FIP); doesn't miss bats; high home run rate (doesn't translate well to homer friendly Yankee Stadium); stuff is almost non-existent at this point (87 MPH fastball).
Hector Noesi
Pros- Solid stuff (90-93 MPH fastball, good changeup); great command of fastball; low walk rate; smooth delivery; innings limit shouldn't be a problem after throwing 160.1 innings in 2010.
Cons- No reliable off-speed pitch; doesn't command off-speed stuff as well as the fastball; no experience at Major League level (possibly Ivan Nova situation in going through a Major League lineup multiple times).
David Phelps
Pros- Solid stuff (93-95 MPH fastball, 90 MPH 2-seamer, good curve); good control; gets groundballs; innings limit shouldn't be a problem after throwing 158.2 innings in 2010 and no fewer than 151 in each of the last 3 seasons.
Cons- No definite strikeout pitch; off-speed stuff and command isn't good; no experience at Major League level (see concern above for Noesi).
Given all of that, I actually wouldn't mind seeing Hector Noesi be given a shot as the 5th starter in 2011. His stuff and command is probably better than Mitre's right now and plays up to more success at the Major League level than Phelps' right now. He has rocketed through the Yankees' system, so they clearly think highly of him, and if you're the Yankees and you're already assuming that you're going to get replacement level performance at best from your 5th starter, why not have it come from a young prospect who could use the experience and conceivably improve as the season (and his career) moves forward?
Noesi and Phelps (and likely Brack, The Beast, ManBan, and Adam Warren) will all get a look during Spring Training, but hopefully it's more than that. Given their age and dwindling performance, I just don't see Colon beating out younger guys with better stuff and brighter upsides for a rotation spot, or even beating out Mitre for that matter, and I think the only thing Garcia has going for him is the experience and the fact that he threw a lot of innings last year. It will be interesting to watch, for sure, but when it comes down to it, out of this group I would rank who I would want in the 5th spot to start the season as follows:
1) Noesi
2) Mitre
3) Phelps
4) Garcia
5) Colon
(Thanks to River Ave. Blues and especially Mike Axisa's prospect profiles for info and stats on these guys)
The Well Has Run Dry
You know the outside options were 4th or 5th starter are starting to get thin when I was actually disappointed that somebody signed Justin Duchscherer.
And now I can't believe I'm actually starting to think seriously about how I'm going to deal with Freddy Garcia possibly pitching meaningful innings for the 2011 New York Yankees after he signed a Minor League deal with them yesterday. Sure it's a Minor League deal, and he only gets $1.5 mil IF he makes the team, but it's still a bit of a mindfuck to think that guys like Garcia and Kevin Millwood have become real options to fill out the rotation and that money could potentially be paid to Freddy Garcia to pitch in the Majors this season.
And this is not coming from some inner well of latent anger because the Yankees didn't sign Cliff Lee. I've been over that for a while now. Dude didn't want to come to New York so good riddance. It's just the plain fact that Freddy Garcia fucking sucks and anybody that is honestly trying to convince themselves that this guy can even be a mediocre starter pitching on diminished stuff in the AL East for a full season is insane. You can talk all day about being an "innings eater," but when those innings involve getting shelled by the Sawx and Rays and Blue Jays, those are innings I'd rather have left to somebody else.
Help me, Andy-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.
And now I can't believe I'm actually starting to think seriously about how I'm going to deal with Freddy Garcia possibly pitching meaningful innings for the 2011 New York Yankees after he signed a Minor League deal with them yesterday. Sure it's a Minor League deal, and he only gets $1.5 mil IF he makes the team, but it's still a bit of a mindfuck to think that guys like Garcia and Kevin Millwood have become real options to fill out the rotation and that money could potentially be paid to Freddy Garcia to pitch in the Majors this season.
And this is not coming from some inner well of latent anger because the Yankees didn't sign Cliff Lee. I've been over that for a while now. Dude didn't want to come to New York so good riddance. It's just the plain fact that Freddy Garcia fucking sucks and anybody that is honestly trying to convince themselves that this guy can even be a mediocre starter pitching on diminished stuff in the AL East for a full season is insane. You can talk all day about being an "innings eater," but when those innings involve getting shelled by the Sawx and Rays and Blue Jays, those are innings I'd rather have left to somebody else.
Help me, Andy-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.
(Another Swanny Duckson Production)
Monday, January 31, 2011
When You Say "Catch," You Mean... ?
Jorge speaking to reporters on Saturday:
"I'll catch, I'll catch. I'll catch this year."
Catch what exactly, Jorge? Catch pneumonia? Catch the train? Catch "The Social Network" before the Oscars to see if it's really that good? What are you planning on catching this year?
Because I certainly hope you weren't referring to the act of strapping on the chest protector and shin guards, tugging on the mask, and squatting behind home plate to play catcher. That would be a horrible idea, for you and the Yankees. You are too old, too brittle, and your value at your age needs to be maximized by keeping you healthy and mashing at the plate, not dinged up and embarrassing yourself behind it.
At this point, I think it's safe to say you fall behind Martin, Cervelli, The Jesus, and even Austin Romine on the depth chart at catcher. Shit, if it were up to me, and all those other guys were sick, injured, missing, or dead, I would call up Gary Sanchez from A-ball to catch before I considered putting you back there. Just let it go, man. You're done as a catcher. But you can still be a damn good DH. Embrace that role and just help Montero adjust and grow into the future catcher.
But don't give him any defensive advice. We don't want you undoing all the hard work his coaches have already put in trying to improve his skills.
"I'll catch, I'll catch. I'll catch this year."
Catch what exactly, Jorge? Catch pneumonia? Catch the train? Catch "The Social Network" before the Oscars to see if it's really that good? What are you planning on catching this year?
Because I certainly hope you weren't referring to the act of strapping on the chest protector and shin guards, tugging on the mask, and squatting behind home plate to play catcher. That would be a horrible idea, for you and the Yankees. You are too old, too brittle, and your value at your age needs to be maximized by keeping you healthy and mashing at the plate, not dinged up and embarrassing yourself behind it.
At this point, I think it's safe to say you fall behind Martin, Cervelli, The Jesus, and even Austin Romine on the depth chart at catcher. Shit, if it were up to me, and all those other guys were sick, injured, missing, or dead, I would call up Gary Sanchez from A-ball to catch before I considered putting you back there. Just let it go, man. You're done as a catcher. But you can still be a damn good DH. Embrace that role and just help Montero adjust and grow into the future catcher.
But don't give him any defensive advice. We don't want you undoing all the hard work his coaches have already put in trying to improve his skills.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Cash Believes In The Power Of Jesus
On Jesus Montero's defense:
"He’s not there yet, but he’s pretty damn close. We believe he’s better than some starting catchers, defensively, in the big leagues right now." (via Minor Matters Trenton). Check out the entire interview conducted by Josh Norris. There's a lotta good stuff in there.
And the Brian Cashman Bold Statement Train keeps on rollin'! Whether or not Cash and the Yankees believe Montero is at THAT level of defensive skill is irrelevant. Crap, whether or not they even truly believe he is a decent defensive catcher is irrelevant. The point is that Cash and the Yankees believe Montero can do the job, should be doing the job, and will be doing the job behind the plate for them at the Major League level, whenever he gets there.
The Yankees have always believed, and continue to believe that Montero is a special offensive talent. His numbers at every level of the Minors has given them every reason to believe that and Keith Law's recent ranking of Montero as the 4th overall prospect in all of baseball validates that evaluation. The fact of the matter is, when a guy is this highly-regarded offensively, you find a spot for him to play. In the interview from which that Cash quote came, Cash very smartly references the fact that Wade Boggs was considered a subpar defender upon joining the Majors, and he worked his way to a Gold Glove-caliber 3B in addition to becoming a member of the 3,000 hit club. Likwise, Derek Jeter had 56 errors in a level of the Minors and he still moved up and made a HOF career for himself at SS.
The Jesus is on a higher level offensively than either of these 2 were and he is putting in the time, just like they did, to make himself a better defensive catcher. For every mention of Montero's defensive struggles, there haven't been many actual reports or physical evidence lately of what these struggles are. All indications are he has an above-average arm and needs to work on speeding up his release, and he has spent time tons of time working on stopping balls and calling games. With all of this improvement and the fact that he could become some kind of hybrid Joe Mauer-Mike Piazza combination at the plate, the Yankees have to keep him at catcher, at least until he gets to the Majors and shows what he can and can't do defensively.
I seem to remember a guy who caught for the Yankees for the last 10-12 years who was a monster offensively and complete disaster behind the plate. That guy, Jorge Posada, has won 5 World Series championships and put together a borderline HOF career behind the plate. I haven't heard anybody compare Montero's defense to Posada's, but I've heard everybody talk about how his offense could be way better than Posada's. When Montero is clearly a better prospect and clearly putting in the work, you give him a chance to catch, and that's why I like this statement by Cash. It all but guarantees that that's what the Yankees intend to do, which is exactly what they should do.
P.S.- Montero's bat has been compared to guys like Manny Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera. Guess how many combined Gold Gloves those 2 have? I'd take 80% of their offensive production from Jesus if he ends up being a crummy catcher. You just don't get that kind of production from behind the plate and that's why he has to stay there.
"He’s not there yet, but he’s pretty damn close. We believe he’s better than some starting catchers, defensively, in the big leagues right now." (via Minor Matters Trenton). Check out the entire interview conducted by Josh Norris. There's a lotta good stuff in there.
And the Brian Cashman Bold Statement Train keeps on rollin'! Whether or not Cash and the Yankees believe Montero is at THAT level of defensive skill is irrelevant. Crap, whether or not they even truly believe he is a decent defensive catcher is irrelevant. The point is that Cash and the Yankees believe Montero can do the job, should be doing the job, and will be doing the job behind the plate for them at the Major League level, whenever he gets there.
The Yankees have always believed, and continue to believe that Montero is a special offensive talent. His numbers at every level of the Minors has given them every reason to believe that and Keith Law's recent ranking of Montero as the 4th overall prospect in all of baseball validates that evaluation. The fact of the matter is, when a guy is this highly-regarded offensively, you find a spot for him to play. In the interview from which that Cash quote came, Cash very smartly references the fact that Wade Boggs was considered a subpar defender upon joining the Majors, and he worked his way to a Gold Glove-caliber 3B in addition to becoming a member of the 3,000 hit club. Likwise, Derek Jeter had 56 errors in a level of the Minors and he still moved up and made a HOF career for himself at SS.
The Jesus is on a higher level offensively than either of these 2 were and he is putting in the time, just like they did, to make himself a better defensive catcher. For every mention of Montero's defensive struggles, there haven't been many actual reports or physical evidence lately of what these struggles are. All indications are he has an above-average arm and needs to work on speeding up his release, and he has spent time tons of time working on stopping balls and calling games. With all of this improvement and the fact that he could become some kind of hybrid Joe Mauer-Mike Piazza combination at the plate, the Yankees have to keep him at catcher, at least until he gets to the Majors and shows what he can and can't do defensively.
I seem to remember a guy who caught for the Yankees for the last 10-12 years who was a monster offensively and complete disaster behind the plate. That guy, Jorge Posada, has won 5 World Series championships and put together a borderline HOF career behind the plate. I haven't heard anybody compare Montero's defense to Posada's, but I've heard everybody talk about how his offense could be way better than Posada's. When Montero is clearly a better prospect and clearly putting in the work, you give him a chance to catch, and that's why I like this statement by Cash. It all but guarantees that that's what the Yankees intend to do, which is exactly what they should do.
P.S.- Montero's bat has been compared to guys like Manny Ramirez and Miguel Cabrera. Guess how many combined Gold Gloves those 2 have? I'd take 80% of their offensive production from Jesus if he ends up being a crummy catcher. You just don't get that kind of production from behind the plate and that's why he has to stay there.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Quote Of The Day? Quote Of The Day.
"I think Chuck is delusional. He has been running the Rangers for a few minutes and seems to believe he's mastered what everyone else is thinking. I think he should let Cliff Lee speak for himself. I'll be impressed when he demonstrates he can keep the Rangers off welfare. What I mean is make them not be a revenue-sharing recipient for three years in a row, without taking financing from baseball or advance money from television networks. Then I'll be impressed." (Randy Levine, discussing Texas GM Chuck Greenberg's recent comments about the Cliff Lee situation)- via ESPNNY
Well done, Randy, well done. Keep it up with the zingers like that and you might just find your way off the Shit List.
Now if he really wants to be badass, he should mail Greenberg a shit ton of food stamps. That would kick ass.
Well done, Randy, well done. Keep it up with the zingers like that and you might just find your way off the Shit List.
Now if he really wants to be badass, he should mail Greenberg a shit ton of food stamps. That would kick ass.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
I Might Be Reaching Here, But...
Doesn't Bartolo Colon look like that weird little midget, Chuy, from Chelsea Handler's horrendous late night show?
Maybe? Kinda? Sorta? Am I reaching too far there? I mean, that's a picture of Colon from a few seasons ago and he looks like complete dog mess. Who knows what he looks like now?
Maybe? Kinda? Sorta? Am I reaching too far there? I mean, that's a picture of Colon from a few seasons ago and he looks like complete dog mess. Who knows what he looks like now?
Yankees Minor League System Is CRUSHING It
Keith Law realized his yearly "Top 100" prospects today on ESPN.com, which is the baseball nerd equivalent of a new Harry Potter book coming out at midnight. I'm not an ESPN Insider (because I'm a poor-ish, 20-something who spends too much money at the bar), so I can't link to the full list, but the Yankees managed to put 5 in the top 100 (Jesus at 4, ManBan at 12, Gary Sanchez at 68, Dellin "Beast"ances at 73, and Brackman at 88) and had Austin Romine just miss making it.
In addition to that, Law had his Top 10 list for each organization. The Yankees was as follows:
1) Jesus
2) ManBan
3) Sanchez
4) The Beast
5) Brackman
6) Romine
7) Stoneburner
8) Heathcott
9) Noesi
10) Adam Warren
Now consider this. The Triple-A rotation in Scranton to start the season is going to be Brackman, Noesi, Warren, David Phelps, and D.J. Mitchell. That is probably the greatest starting rotation in Triple-A history! Then you've got ManBan, The Beast, Stoneburner, and Shaeffer Hall making up the bulk of the rotation in Trenton. That's 9 legitimate pitching prospects in Double-A or higher who, at worst, have 'middle-of-the-rotation' potential. That's FUCKING INSANE!!! And then you factor in the gaggle of solid catching prospects, Heathcott, and the crop of high-potential position guys from the 2010 draft and it's almost too much for me to stand.
Hey, look at that! I'm aroused again. Good thing I'm sitting at my desk.
In addition to that, Law had his Top 10 list for each organization. The Yankees was as follows:
1) Jesus
2) ManBan
3) Sanchez
4) The Beast
5) Brackman
6) Romine
7) Stoneburner
8) Heathcott
9) Noesi
10) Adam Warren
Now consider this. The Triple-A rotation in Scranton to start the season is going to be Brackman, Noesi, Warren, David Phelps, and D.J. Mitchell. That is probably the greatest starting rotation in Triple-A history! Then you've got ManBan, The Beast, Stoneburner, and Shaeffer Hall making up the bulk of the rotation in Trenton. That's 9 legitimate pitching prospects in Double-A or higher who, at worst, have 'middle-of-the-rotation' potential. That's FUCKING INSANE!!! And then you factor in the gaggle of solid catching prospects, Heathcott, and the crop of high-potential position guys from the 2010 draft and it's almost too much for me to stand.
Hey, look at that! I'm aroused again. Good thing I'm sitting at my desk.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Why So Candid?
(No, that's not Cash)
The Yankee blogosphere and their comments sections have been abuzz after reports started coming out about Cash's comments at yesterday's WFAN breakfast, particularly the ones about Jeter moving to center field and Joba no longer being a starter option because of his 2008 injury. From yesterday afternoon into yesterday night, I noticed the topic of conversation shifting from Cash's comments themselves to why Cash was even commenting at all. This morning, Steve S. of TYU, set the record straight on a lot of Cash's comments by discussing them in the context in which they were said, which he knew because he actually attended (something many of us did not do). I would invite everybody to read that post because there's a ton of other interesting points in there beyond Jeter and Joba, but on the topic of Cash and his sudden willingness to open up in the media, this statement by "T.O. Chris" in the comments section really stood out to me:
"I agree with all this and add that I think Brian is finally feeling like a man who has taken over his fathers business in a since after simply running it for/with him, he has come out of his shell more so to speak, by that I mean he isn’t as guarded with what he reveals to the media and he seems to operate in a manner that says he doesn’t really care what the media says about him or the Yankee brand so long as he knows everything is being taken care of unlike in the past when the Boss seemed to take things a little more personal." (courtesy of TYU)
To everybody out there who thinks Cash should shut up, or thinks he's trying to get fired, or thinks that his being open and honest is a sign that he's not coming back after this season, read that comment, think about it, understand it, and then calm the fuck down.
Brian Cashman has been the Yankee organization for a long time. He's been a part of building multiple World Series-winning teams. His track record speaks for itself. He has shown himself to be a pretty smart dude over the years and now recognizes that he doesn't have to tip-toe around the media for fear of the Big Bad Boss bringing the hammer down on him for some comment he read in the NY Post. It's no secret that George Steinbrenner thought himself a baseball man (even though he wasn't) and history is littered with stories of guys who were verbally assraped by The Boss, so from Cash's perspective, why bother putting yourself through that headache if you don't have to?
Hank and Hal, on the other hand, don't seem to fashion themselves as big baseball men. They carry the same passion for winning that George had, but don't feel the need to be involved in EVERYTHING. Under them, Cash has the benefit of being more in control of the player personnel decision making thanks to the "autonomy" he was granted, and so wouldn't it just make logical sense that he would also have more freedom to speak to the media on personnel matters?
Cash recognizes that he has more power and more clout within the organization. It really is "his" team to run and, as a result, he has become more comfortable not only making the decisions, but discussing them. And as the GM of the team, the guy making the decisions, that should be his right. I see Billy Beane in the media all the time. I see Jerry Reese in the media all the time. If anything, people shouldn't be freaking out about Cash suddenly becoming more open and vocal in voicing his opinions, they should have been freaking out years ago when Cash was hardly ever saying ANYTHING. If Cash has opinions on particular players, particular deals, or particular situations within the organization, I as a fan WANT to know them and I WANT to hear them.
And as for the comments themselves, it's not like Cash said anything that plenty of other Yankee fans out there haven't thought before. Do we really want to see Jeter at short when he's 40? Shit, there have been discussions about his defensive decline for the last 3-4 years, and now suddenly when the GM of the team suggests that said decline could reach a level that requires him to play a new position, it's blasphemy?? Come on! Cal Ripken moved positions, Robin Yount moved positions. What makes Jeter any more special than those guys?
It should be obvious to everybody that Cash isn't making these statements as an attempt to personally attack people, but as a man in charge of a business. He's making business decisions and should be allowed to comment on those business decisions as he sees fit, especially as he has become a more powerful player in that business. Don't get on the guy for doing his job. And don't get on him for making a perfectly reasonable statement about Derek Jeter. I like Jeter as much as any Yankee fan, but the more important thing is always the name of the front of the jersey, not on the back.
Cash is the one voice that we should all want to hear discussing situations like this, whether we agree with his assessment or not.
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