On the Yankees beat

Thanks for the update.

Anybody know when the Yankees finalize their roster? More specific, the race at first base with Philips/Phelps?

Looks like the pattern over the weekend was to put Philips in at 1st base and Phelps in as the DH. Interesting.

Thanks for the update Kat, and smart move putting the word "reasonable" in there.

Tony - Torre is going to give Phillips every chance to win the job back from Phelps, that means he's going to give him at bats and playing time as much as possible to try and balance it out from the extended look Phelps got while Andy was with his family.

I think they've come to the decision that Phillips is the better defender than Phelps (which he is) and so now it is just a matter of how much better Phelps is with the bat.

Phelps is more consistant with the bat at this time and like I stated in this battle defense is not the key ala DOug M. the right handed portion is supposed to spell power and on base % neither of which phillips has and he flaw is he is too streaky, either he goes on a 5 game tear or a 10 game slump. that is not good. and if Phelps can continue his ways now then he is the best bet. Andy is better defensivly but he is not head over heels better. Torre knows the truth and need to do his JOB and pick the best team possible. picking andy and he plays poorly . then he and torre should be showered with harder boos than AROD!
Phelps is better he posted better numbers on WORST lineups. plus he is fresh energy who may play more grateful on wearing the pinstripes

Kat: I'd like to know if you have any info on the on-going saga with the MLB/Direct TV deal concerning MLB's Extra Innings package. I subscribe to it on cable and this deal with cut me out. I'd be stuck watching 150 D'Backs' games (UUGGHHH!!!) and not be able to watch the Yanks.
I understand that there will be a hearing tomorrow in Congress. If it's possible, can you keep us (me) abreast on this situation.

Nice work lately, Kat. Not that you care what I think, but the content has been great lately. Keep it up!

Kat -
Great info on Sanchez
The guy who is probably running this is Nardi Contreras, who overseas minor league pitching. I heard that he is going to have Sanchez work on a new grip for his curve ball - designed to put less strain on the forearm.

On a lighter note - have Bruney and Farnsworth convinced anyone else to shave his head in the clubhouse?

KAT-
Thanks for your quick updates. We all appreciate it. Unfortunately, I still must pummel your Fantasy Team. Keep up the great work.

I really don't see a dramatic difference in defensive prowess between Phillips/Phelps...Phillips was last yr very average,a cut above Giambi ,I like Phillips only because he plays around the infield ,but still only adequately at best...I know this seems like blasphemy but I would cut Mientky and Phillips give the job to Phelps,because what will happen if Mientky gets the majority of playing time is Phelps will get rusty sitting around waiting for his 5 ABs a week...and they still have Cairo and Giambi to play a little 1st base from time to time...I know they give up Defense if Mientky is cut,to me he seems overrated and a gamble because of his history with back problems.

I would take it further and cut Cairo. to me the battle should be Cario vs Andy.

Doug M saves errors especially if we're playing against a speedy team , and those drag bunts or whatever that may cause the IF to hurry up throws to first.

You have to leave Phelps alone at the begining it was said there would be a battle which in itself was a compliment due to the fact that andy did nothing during the season to assure himself of the roster spot. so in fairness the form a battle , Phelps came early to camp and bust his butt, Andy had family issues and as much as we cannot blame him for that can we blame Phelps for being there??

Ruse,

What I think is going on with the Yankee decision making is this:

If Mienty can't hit the Yankees will have one of two options, if they keep Phillips and he doesn't shwo that he can hit then they would have to move Giambi to first and pull him in the 7th for Doug's glove, use Melky in the OF and rotate Matsui, Abreu and Damon at DH on a daily basis or keep Phelps and have the option of playing him every day at first, use Doug for d late and keep Giambi at DH.

So right now they are looking at it as, "do we trust Doug's bat enough to keep Andy or do we think that we need Phelps if we need a full time first baseman"

Kat,

Can you give us a quick sense of how the regulars are hitting in camp now? I've seen that A-Rod is hitting well, and Abreu, but how does Jeter look? Posada? Cano? Etc.

Also, I'm still stunned that the Yanks didn't get Shea Hildebrand, who hits well and can play 3rd as well as 1st, and gives them a needed righty, and instead sign Doug M., who has been abysmal at the plate. They don't need a Gold Glover at 1st who can't hit; they just need someone who's a significant upgrade defensively from Giambi. What do others think of that?

Bomber,

The Yankees need a player who can back up at SS in case something happens to Jeter during a game. Phillips can't play short and outside of that July game - A-Rod is not moving over.

Steve,

Shea wanted 2 years and lots more money than Doug did. The Yankees obviously did not feel that his bat was worth it for the number 9 spot in the order.

andy prooved and scare off starting 1b notions , they keep phelps and if Doug M cannot hit then phelps start with DOug M being the late inning replacement. You cannot phantom the possilbility of Andy repeating his usual stats. we know phelps has the potential and is showing that now. both are the same age and if we're really in need of a back up infielder the minors have plenty of options. again i'll say this it should be Phillps vs Cairo

Bomber : How've you been ?...Cairo is a very good fielding utility infielder,Phillips is incapable of making the kind of plays Cairo does on a consistent basis...Phillips strikes out a lot and like Phelps needs to play regularly to maintain any semblance of a batting stroke...Yanks still may have something up their sleeve...

Chip on that last post you did. that sums it up phillips is not as versatile as led to believe meaning that you have to make him go away. To many teams he is worth a bag of balls. promote a defensive player from the minors

Whats up ruse,

the same at bat argument can be said for phillips ruse, and when he had that chance he did'nt perform. I believe phelps will benifit from the deep lineup.

at this time i would keep phelps like i said he at least has shown potential before that he can do it , he slumped over the years but he is showing it again. he does not stink at first so his at bats may be quality. (especially in the 9 hole) for a player who is normally a 6,7, hitter. Also logic and finace plays a part he is a RULE 5 pick , meaning he is a steal and if does well it opens up channels , (REMEMBER D.ORTIZ) also you do not want him sent back to the o's who is probally right now drowling and hoping the yankees drop him. and if that happens and he goes to the O's and does well and Phillips stinks then torre should be fired because that would put the stamp on craker jack managing and assure to players that a favoritism farm is in full effect

Chip : I think that would be a reasonable approach...this thing about Hillenbrand wanting 2 yrs is not what kept them from signing him ,I think it had more to do w/his rep as a clubhouse poison .He would have brought versatility,he's a much better hitter than Phillips or Phelps...and is solid defensively at 1st and can play 3rd and DH.Let's face it 2 yrs is not that big a deal and would have given NY a reliable hard- nosed player

Thanks for the Sanchez update. The Bronx can’t wait for him to come up.

Bomber : That makes sense,the Yanks don't want to reward the Orioles w/a guy having a good spring by sending him back to them.Unfortunately for Phillips because of personal issues ,the Yanks might try to move him this week.

Here's an update on another Sanchez

Duaner Sanchez may be out for the season. When he cut short his pen session due to feeling a pop in his shoulder, Mets' officials hoped it was scar tissue, it was not. An MRI revealed a fracture in his shoulder, he'll need surgery that will require at least four months and perhaps the entire season to rehab.

Todd Drew : I agree Sanchez could prove to be the Yanks ace in the hole.

I think this is true. If the Yanks release Andy, and nobody picks him up, they Yanks can eventually reassign him to AAA?

If Phelps doesn't make it, they have to give him back.

Let one go and possibly keep him or let one go and lose him. Bye bye Andy. Just my opinion.

Ruse,

I also think that the Yankees are under the impression that for a number 9 spot they can get by. I've also heard that despite the public stance they are taking on him, the club thinks that Juan Miranda could progress quickly through the system and may contribute as early as this August.

Personally I don't think it is that big a deal. IF the Yankees' post season is going to hinge on Josh Phelps, Andy Phillips or Doug M. then I think we can agree that a lot of things have gone terribly wrong.

like i said Phelps loses he take his hot bat to the O's who is rebuilding and looking well.

Chip : You're right.1st base is the least of their worries.Got any topics ?

What happened to the catching prospect from Venezuela ? Montero is it ?

Ruse:

It's not blasphemy at all but I'm pretty sure Mientky has a guaranteed one year contract. He did drive in 2 runs with a double today. So he's over the Koufax line.

Chip:

Why do you think DeSalvo would be the first SP up from AAA ?
And do you think that Sardinha has moved ahead of Thompson and/or Reese ?

DeSalvo is a highly thought of pitching prospect who had off the field personal problems last yr .So he could get a shot if his head is back in the right place...

Doug Mxyzk is a huge defensive upgrade over both Phelps and Phillips. He's a solid 1st basemen, and even with recurring back problems, gives the Yankees much better defense.
I think they keep Phelps since he is much better offensively than Andy and they use Minky for the majority of games at 1B, unless they are losing ballgames due to lack of run scoring - which seems unlikely.
Phelps is a poorer fielder than Andy, but they also have Cairo from the right side, who plays 1B equally as well and offers more versatility than Phillips.

Ruse:

Good info. I seem to remember DeSalvo had a good spring last year and then disappeared off the radar screen

I've said it over and over. Phelps makes this team on both his ability, and the "bragging rights" getting a "Rule 5" steal bring. Cashman relishes this "steal", and is anxiously awaiting all the minor league talent he has "traded for" and "cultivated" to make their impact on the Yankees. The "Cashman Dynasty" is beginning to take shape, and he loves all the accolades that rightly come with it.

Doug M. is here to stay. Whatever he hits will be fine.I'm sure near his lifetime BA. Its the glove. A professional 1st baseman will assist with those speedy teams and playoff teams moving runners over with the bunt, etc. Phillips cannot play defense with Cairo.

Barring a DL injury, Phillips gets cut or traded.

Wow Bronx bomber you actually wrote something that had no spelling or grammatical errors...good for you...do I hear the short bus honking for you?

Kat: I don't know what restrictions maybe placed on a female reporter navigating the locker room but how is the interaction with Pavano with the vets any obvious refrains from mingling with him. How are the guys like Phelps, Phillips and the backup catchers existing with each other. Any favorites or is purely professional may the best man win.

Number 9 hole at this point is actually important especailly if you have a high on base team , the 9 slot would help the 8 hole which is Melky so if phelps or Doug can provide stable at bats then it creates more opportunities for Damon , jeter , etc.