On the Yankees beat

"The key has been using and commanding his fastball more to go with his excellent changeup. Said Ramirez: "Every day Dave [Eiland, the pitching coach] and I work on something. The biggest thing has been using my fastball more and throwing it in the right place.""

Looks like Eddy is translating his dominate minor league numbers into the bigs. ( 2007 MiLB RP of the year )

If he can continue getting his fastball over for strikes, he will be a solid late inning guy for us, think Keith Foulke in his prime. Im very happy to see him off to a good start.

So Ruse, let me get this straight...
You'd rather keep signing veterans (because that strategy has worked) and go out in the first round than develop a potential dynasty?

In the words of Steve Martin in All of Me "Is everyone here bananas?"

Sully -

I prefer the phrase "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results"

HAHA...Sully and Chip..RIGHT ON, Chip, I believe that was Einstein.

Some fans ( BB and Ruse ) are unwilling to try a different approach. So afraid to take even a minor step back, frightened of the uncertainty. Yankee fans have fallen victum to "Custer-itus", charging blindly ahead no matter what.

BTW Sully, congrats on Lester, he's a good kid.

Looks like Theo and his staff are developing excellent minor leaguers. Lester and Bucholtz: two no hitters. Hughes and Kennedy: two flops.

DRU SULLY CHIP

You guys hear what you want to hear .

SULLY

I'm not suggesting NY will continue to sign veteran pitchers ONLY that they will be forced to by circumstance.

True Yankee,

I wouldn't say that Hughes and Kennedy are flops. They need some more development. There was a rush to bring them up and throw them into the rotation. That's a tough thing to do in NY. The only other choice for Cashman was to go out and overpay for some veteran starters and there was nothing out there except for Santana.

CHIP

Yesterday you traded Kennedy away for Jeff Francouer .So there goes 1/5 of next yrs rotation.You can't have it both ways.

TY - Dont forget A. Sanchez who threw a no-hitter for FLA after the trade for Beckett, or that Hanley Ramirez is one of the best hitters in all of baseball, another Sox farm hand. Pedroia, Ellsbury, Youk and Paps...a great mix of over 30 and under 30 players, a great mix of FA's and home grown talent, a great team from top to bottom.

Lets not be the jealous type, the Sox have their act together. Lets not be like the Sox haters back in the 90's. Yankee fans were very quick to bash the Sox fans while we had our late 90's run, now its time to give credit where its due. While we're at it, we should give the new Rays GM some credit for constructing a good young core in Tampa. Just wait until Longoria hits his stride and they call up Price. They go rid of the bad eggs, picked up some solid young talent and are primed to be one of the top AL teams for the next 10 years.

Kudoos all around.

The only way to keep up with these teams is to do what Sully suggested back on the last thread, develop talent, make smart FA pickups and streamline our team. There is no quick fix, no miracle drug that will cure this team of its lethargic nature, like anything worthwhile, it takes hard work and patience. That process has already begun, we are just late out of the gate. We are paying for the horrible moves we made from 2001-2005. Every year we gave up our top draft picks to sign Type A FA’s, none of those FA’s amounted to a hill of beans. Over the past 3 years Cashman has changed the Yankee philosophy and built up our farm system from dead last to top 10. Again, this is all just recent, the Sox and Rays have been doing this for more years, hence their MLB ready talent today. This process is going to take time, there are some talented prospects in the Yankee farm system ( from AAA..to low A, no organization had a better combined record than the Yanks…I believe 2 teams won their league championships ). These players are not ready today, but are the future of the organization.

The Yankee brass will never issue a public statement that we have our eye on the future, but read between the lines and its pretty obvious, just ask Johan Santana.

I personally am in no rush to judge Kennedy and/or Hughes. It is way too early to do any such thing. My expectations for Kennedy were always a little low anyway and if he turns out to be a decent # 4 starter, I'd be happy with that. Hughes was supposed to be the anchor of the staff so anything less may not sit too well with most people, but the fact is the Yanks have banked on the three kids and they can't turn back now after two months of sub par baseball from them or the team. Santana is no longer available and if the Yanks start calling teams like Arizona and start offering Hughes and Kennedy for Webb (just a silly example folks) they will be laughed at because everyone would know they are just giving up way too early.

The Yanks need to be patient, even though we as fans feel like we want Yankee Stadium to go out with a championship. I'd rather limp out of the old stadium and roar into the new one by having a team that is built for an extended run, even if it is starting in 2010.
The way to speed up the clock to '09 is to sign Sabathia and Tiexeira, with those two on board, the expectations and results would be much higher in my opinion.
We Yankee fans may just have to brace ourselves for a season of taking some lumps.

Dru,
I agree about E. Ramirez. I always felt like the guy could pitch well if he pitched often enough. We all know he wasn't one of Joe Torre's favorites last year but he has been given a good shot this season and he is responding. You can see his confidence picking up just by his body language out on the mound.

Jim A,

Did you see my 0911 post on the last thread?

Jim A - very true with Eddy, he's gaining more confidence on the mound, that's the key for him or any other young player.

Im also with you 100% on the rest of your post; now its time to play devil's advocate. I think most Yankee fans, myself included, assume that CC and Mark will be in Yankee uniforms come next winter. I love to think about worst case scenario's just to be prepared though. What if Mark signs with the Mets or O's ( his hometown team ), and what if CC signs with another team..not sure who that could be, but you can be sure that a big LHP will be courted by many teams. What is the backup plan?

Here is a list of available options at 1B and SP. I wont include OF's for now since there is a backup plan in having Gardner in CF and moving Melk to RF, there is no real backup plan for 1B or SP.

First Basemen
Rich Aurilia SF
Ben Broussard TEX
Carlos Delgado * NYM
Nomar Garciaparra LAD
Jason Giambi * NYY
Wes Helms PHI
Kevin Millar BAL
Richie Sexson SEA
Mark Teixeira ATL
Frank Thomas OAK
Jim Thome CWS
Daryle Ward CHC

Other non 1B options that could be moved there are =

Third Basemen
Hank Blalock * TEX
Joe Crede CWS

Starting Pitchers
Kris Bensen BAL
A.J. Burnett TOR (may opt out)
Paul Byrd CLE
Jon Garland LAA
Tom Glavine ATL
Mike Hampton * ATL
Rich Harden * OAK
Orlando Hernandez NYM
Jason Jennings TEX
Randy Johnson ARZ
John Lackey * LAA
Esteban Loaiza OAK
Braden Looper STL
Derek Lowe LAD
Pedro Martinez NYM
Matt Morris * PIT
Mike Mussina NYY
Jamie Moyer PHI
Mark Mulder * STL
Carl Pavano NYY
Brad Penny * LAD
Odalis Perez WAS
Oliver Perez NYM
Andy Pettitte NYY
Mark Prior SD
Horatio Ramirez SEA
C.C. Sabathia CLE
Ben Sheets MIL
John Smoltz * ATL
Julian Tavarez BOS
Steve Trachsel BAL
Brett Tomko KC
Claudio Vargas MIL
Randy Wolf SD

My personal ( not for everyone ) plan B's

1B = I would give Hank Blalock a shot. He's had some injury issues in the past, but is still 27 ( wont be 28 until Nov ), and can really drive the ball. He's been a 3B his entire career, but Texas is now going to start him at 1B after he returns from his latest injury. Its risky, but thats why he would be available #1 and cheap #2.

SP = Same theme as 1B, looking at the dinosaurs on that SP list, I would rather take a chance on Ben Sheets. He has #1 talent, but #7 durability. Same thing, its risky, but would be much cheaper than a CC.

Now CC and Teix would cost the Yanks somewhere between a combined 50-60 Million per year over 6/7 years, they will be the #1 and #2 FA’s this offseason, their prices will be astronomical. Hank Blalock and Ben Sheets on the other hand would cost us a combined 25-35 Million over 4/5 years.

Just throwing it out there…thoughts???

Jim A, You know the Yankees are gonna snatch up Tex. He is what they have been looking for since Tino. Good bat and defense, plus he wants to play here. I think we should consider trading Kennedy for a back of the rotation veteran starter until our other kids are ready. Betances, Brackman - to name a few, have much better stuff than Kennedy, but need more experience. We will be losing Pettite and probably Moose after this season, so another veteran pick-up (not old) would make sense.

I am as disappointed as anyone with the Yankee play as of this pont in the season. The veterans (Damon, Giambi and Abreu) who should be able to show their worth at the plate, are displaying nothing. This is my frustration. This task of hitting is one on one. There is no team aspect with Jorge and Arod sitting on the bench providing assistance to hit better. So, I believe the season will follow much as it has but slightly better. It will be nothing to arouse suspicion of the team coming to life and making a run at it. I hope that I'm dead wrong but older players loss bat speed. This is not a good thing. So I believe the offense will spudder.

The pitchers who are young (Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlin, Onlendorph, Veras, etc. will have their days of positive and negative impressions on the Yankee fan. We most stay in it by developing the younger team from within and picking up a FA if available who is not beyond serviceability the second year of his 4 year contract.

I would like to see younger players getting opportunities to play if the vets don't come around especially Gardner and Gonzales. We may not get Tex or CC next fall. So plan B should be in the discussion. I have no problem with Gonzales moving to second and Cano to first. Gonzales for a proposed light hitter has been making good contact but hitting right at someone. So maybe he could be a find just as Pedroia is for the Red Sox. If I remember correctly scouts were indicating that Pedroia should not be in the majors. The must have been metorologists in their prior work life.
I take my hat who to the Red Sox's. Their farm system has produced and ours in trying to play catch up but sure its committed to the plan.Fa have cost us our farm system and have won zero rings in the last seven years. Sounds like their is no plan but impatience.

Jim A, You know the Yankees are gonna snatch up Tex. He is what they have been looking for since Tino. Good bat and defense, plus he wants to play here. I think we should consider trading Kennedy for a back of the rotation veteran starter until our other kids are ready. Betances, Brackman - to name a few, have much better stuff than Kennedy, but need more experience. We will be losing Pettite and probably Moose after this season, so another veteran pick-up (not old) would make sense.

Sully,

"All of Me" -- wonderful comedy!

And now that you mention it I think I saw someone on the mound in our uni recently who moved as if Lily Tomlin had control of half his body... :-D

My apologies for the double post. This thread is dragging today, just like the Yankees bats.

Welcome back ARod.

A Baseball America article on Austin Romaine and Jesus Montero - the Yankees prized catching prospects:

The Yankees realized when they signed Jorge Posada to a new four-year contract over the winter that the veteran would not be behind the plate during the latter portion of the deal. A strained right shoulder that placed Posada on the disabled list in late April for the first time in his career may lead to off-season surgery and a sooner-than-expected move from catcher, yet Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is content with the state of the receiving in the organization, particularly at low Class A Charleston.

The RiverDogs opened the season with a platoon of Jesus Montero and Austin Romine, the Yankees' top two prospects behind the dish, alternating days between catching and designated hitter. With neither player having celebrated his 20th birthday, the New York brass decided the young receivers would be served best in their first year with a full-season club by sharing the duties.

"Being my first year, I think it's a good thing," said the 19-year-old Romine, who suffered a lower body injury in late April but was expected to return to the lineup in mid-May. "The Yankees didn't want to overwork me because it is a lot of games to catch coming right out of high school. It's a lot easier to give it your all when you do it every other day. I want to be an everyday catcher, but I realize I have to start somewhere."

Montero has been satisfied with the split as well, even though he caught 11 of the next 15 games, including seven of the first eight, after Romine went on the disabled list. The unexpected increase in activity proved beneficial for the 18-year-old from Venezuela, who has shown why he was ranked as the Yankees' sixth-best prospect heading into the current campaign.

"I'm concentrating more on my catching than on my hitting and working hard with the coaches in order to become a better all-around catcher," Montero said through an interpreter, coach Henry Mercedes. "I'm working on everything because you can never be too good back there."

Even though Montero and Romine, who was ranked 22nd among Yankee prospects prior to this season, entered this year with solid reputations, Charleston skipper Torre Tyson admits to being overwhelmed with his initial impressions.

"If you take their ages into account, it's pretty amazing what they've done so far," said Tyson, who is in his second season as Charleston's manager. "We haven't seen Austin as much, and he has some stuff to prove. As far as Jesus is concerned, I'm shocked. The first five or six days, I thought he was hot. After about 25 days, I thought, 'O.K., maybe he's good.' He's been impressive. Even on days when he's not feeling it, he always seems to come up with a clutch hit for us. I wish I could catch him 140 games, but that's not a good thing for someone who's 18 years old."

Bonus Baby

The expectations have been high for Montero since he signed for $2 million in 2006, the highest bonus among any international free agent that year. While that sum was reduced by $400,000 for unexplained reasons shortly thereafter, Montero's potential has remained bullish.

Montero made his professional debut last year in the Gulf Coast League and showed tremendous raw power while hitting .280 with three homers and 19 RBIs in 33 games. The lone negative was his success rate—9 percent—at throwing out would-be base stealers. Some questioned whether or not Montero would remain behind the plate, with Tyson among the doubters.

"When I saw him a year ago, I thought there was no hope of him even catching A ball," Tyson said. "To see how far he's come from then to now with the instruction he's received makes me think he can catch in the big leagues."

In addition to daily instruction with his catching skills, Montero has improved his body by developiing a more muscular frame over the past year after he weighed in at 225 pounds a year ago. Add to that his natural strength and the results could be imposing in all phases of his game.

"Hopefully he will stick with the regimen they've set up," Tyson said. "If so, he'll develop into a beast. He doesn't have to hit a ball good to hit it out of the park. That's something I haven't seen at this level in a long time."

Arm Strength Galore

Romine, the Yankees' second-round draft pick last June who signed for $500,000 out of a California high school, has been limited in his early days as a professional. He played in only one game after signing last year due to a thumb injury before missing three weeks this season. Scouting reports have been mixed on Romine, with some liking his bat while others prefer his defense.

"I've heard everything, from one extreme to the other," Romine said. "I just try to go out there and do the best I can. My defense has come a long way and I feel it has caught up with my offense. I've always thought of myself as an offensive catcher, but I've worked really hard behind the plate since I got drafted and I feel I'm starting to see results."

The Yankees showed how highly they think of Romine by assigning him to Charleston despite only one game of experience in the GCL. He demonstrated improving footwork behind the plate in spring training as well as solid catch-and-throw skills that have the potential to become a significant tool.

"The first thing that strikes me is his arm strength," Tyson said. "Once he figures out he can be quicker with his feet and his overall body instead of trying to rely on throwing it 100 miles an hour, you're going to see some impressive throws behind the plate."

In many ways, Romine and Montero have opposing strengths and weaknesses, yet both are attempting to become more like the other. Still, they are different players, with Montero displaying the potential to crush pitchers and Romine showing the ability to battle regardless of the count. And with the Yankees looking to continue the platoon behind the plate for the next three months, there's a good chance the organization will have a better idea of who the long-term replacement for Posada could be.

Dru,
Your backup plans work for me. I've always liked Blaylock, but if Joe Crede could keep his back healthy this season I might opt for him over Blaylock, provided he is willing to switch over to first base.

I could live with Sheets for sure, but as you pointed out, he could be another Pavano.
I think Pettitte will stay around to pitch in the new stadium so I hope the Yanks don't have to fill two spots in the rotation next year.

I don't care what Tex and Sabathia will cost, they are the right kind of FA's if you ask me. They are still young and all they will cost is money. young, power lefties don't come along every day so you have to snatch them up when you have the means and the Yanks certainly have that.

Boss: I just read it, and I will do my best to get there buddy. It would be great to meet you and since our boys are the same age it would be even more fun.

Hey all, Jennings is reporting that McCutchen was called up to AAA today.

I wouldn't mind Blalock (if he's healthy) as a back up plan at 1st. With Giambi and Abreu gone the Yankees are going to need a LH bat.

If the Yankees can't get Sabathia - would you want to move on Burnett? He's got injury issues but he's as talented as anyone out there.

I would still move on Juan Rivera, Milton Bradley, or Mike Cameron as low cost alternatives in RF if Abreu wants more than a 1 or 2 year deal.

Chip, to be honest out of the 5 Marlins starters from 2005, I trust none of them healthwise not even Beckett really but particularly the other ones.

Barry,

Can't say I blame you. But out of an unimpressive crop of FA pitchers I think Burnett and Sheets are probably two of the more talented available. Problem is keeping them on the field.

I'd pursue

Joe Blanton
Jeff Francis
Paul Maholm

via trade.

NY was counting on Horne to possible get some innings but seeing that he's injured McCutchen might get a nod later this yr.

I'd get Brandon Webb, Jake Peavy, CC Sabathia and Dan Haren.

Get them now! Why can't Cashman do that? He needs to be fired!

Hahahah....just a little "Ant" humor for you.

Hey, maybe the Angels will decline their option on Vlad and the Red Sox will decline their option on Manny - we could get them, and Tex and Sabathia and then send Damon to Toronto for Halladay

Melky - CF
Jeter - ss
A-Rod - 3b
Manny - LF
Vlad - RF
Tex - 1b
Matsui - DH
Posada - C
Cano - 2b

Sabathia, Halladay, Wang, Hughes, Joba

Mike Piazza has officially retired after 16 years in the majors. What a great career he had and as one of the only Mets I liked, I offer a tip of the cap in his direction. Well done Mike! (you should have kicked Clemens' arse though).

Chip, would you like fries to go with that order as well?

Chip - great news on the young C prospects. Throw into the mix Cervelli, who we will see in the bronx before either Montero or Austin, and the Yanks did a good job lining up potential Jorge replacements.

I would love to get Juan Rivera in RF! The Angels have enough OF's dont they?

And finally, your 15:48 post cracked me up! lol

Barry - McCutchen in Scranton? HMMM, very good news as well. HYD, didnt you just see him pitch in Tenton?

I 'd love to get Rivera

I'd love to get Nick Johnson

I'd love to get Blalock

i'd love to get Francouer

I'd love to get Freddie Garcia

I'd love to get Sabathia

I'd love to get Tex

I suggest making a trade for 1 decent middle of a rotation starter and I'm met with derision.

But the good thing is you're on a thread in a blog where derision is all you're met with -- hardly ever scorn, and certainly no threats of bodily harm or obscene suggestions.

Count your blessings.

Well, scorn...
yeah, I've met with a little scorn here and there.

But still.

Diane

Yes my lady!

Posada might be doing his rehab starting in Trenton on the 26th. This is just rumor right now, but I'm excited since I have tickets to the games on the 27th and 28th! I bought tickets to those games because I collect memorabilia and those are two bobble head nights (Cano and Shelley), so if anyone collects or has kids that would like them, those would be nice games to grab tickets to, especially since Trenton is the only team home during this time next week and the most likely destination for Posada. Since the focus would be on him catching, I doubt he'd pull the Rodriguez where the objective was to get at bats. Also, the game on the 29th will have fireworks afterwards if that interests you.

DRU: Yes, I saw McCutchen pitch last week (his worst outing of the year). I think he pitched on Sunday, but I'm not sure. That game got suspended due to rain around the 4th inning. If he was pitching, he had given up 1 run, but I don't know the details. Bo Hall was sent back to SWB, so even though that thins their bullpen, it really helps them because there won't be anymore 2 or 3 inning starts by Heath Phillips or Scott Strickland.

Mike Ashmore posted a bit on the top 10 Yankee Prospects according to BA that some of you may want to check out (I think the rest of the top 30 are there somewhere too, but I'm not sure).
http://thunderbaseball.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/baseball-america-top-30-1-10/

I think Cervelli could make it to Trenton right after Posada. I say that because the timing would be right and I can't see him there with Posada there unless he's there, but not active, which makes some sense too as he can work out with the team and spend a few days with Posada. That's just me speculating though.

Also, AJack hit his first HR over the weekend...expect him to go on a tear now!

Now if we can just get rid of the dreaded FORBIDDEN screen, bliss will reign... ;-)

Dan had 6Ks in 3+IPs

I agree with you Ruse as far as getting a middle-of-the-rotation starter. I think that the Yanks are going to need one for the duration of the season. Problem is who's out there to be had, other than Garcia?
Besides, I don't think Moose is going to live up to my pre season prediction for him of going 25-4. Just a feeling.

JOHN G

It makes sense to me .Yanks have to keep an eye on this yr as well as the next.

Diane,

I've been getting the same error message today as well. Have you tried Jim A's suggestion of hitting the refresh button after you type in your comments? It seems to work for me

John G.

The refresh button doesnt always work on this end.I have a 1 in 10 success ratio

I know that I said that this may have to be a rebuilding year and if the Yanks miss the post season, so be it.
I lied!!!!!
I want to get to the dance this year.

Ruse,

Really? I'm getting through I'd say, 8 out 10 times, but that's a guess. After I type my comments, I then go and hit refresh (or reload if you're using Firefox) and I can see the security code change. i then type the new code in as fast as my fingahs can type it in, hit the submit button and pray.

John G.

I've lost so many posts these last 2-3 days.I hit the submit button and curse.

Thanks, John G.,

I use Jim A.'s routine religiously, but still sometimes get FORBIDDEN.

And speaking of prayer:

Who prayed for rain?
Somebody wanted another day off from pain and angst?

Looking at a local forecast for the Bronx the first clear hour I see is around ten o'clock.

Maybe you need a Joboo statue near the keyboard Ruse. I have one. (It's really some Hawaiian god, but it looks like Joboo).

Bomber,

If you're still there, is this heavy rain that's expected? Or just showers, so they can play through and all take cold or slip on the wet...

If you get the Forbidden error message Diane, hit the refresh button. You'll go back to the blog and your comments will be there.
Maybe the Yanks will be in a rain delay until Posada comes back.

JOHN G.

Thanks for the recommendation where do purchase such an item.LOL

John G.,

That's the sort of rain delay worth praying for!

And thanks for the additional suggestion.

I got mine in Maui at Hilo Hatte's. Aren't you in NY now? There's gotta be some type of Hawaiian store around somewhere in the City. I have to be careful when I put it out cause it looks too much like my boss. I don't want to hurt his feelings.

JOHN G.

I'll keep an eye out for one.Thanks

I live about 20-25 miles West of the stadium, it's been raining most of the day here, but stopped in the past hour. Still doesnt look good though, very dark and cloudy. Not sure we get this one in tonight.

Ruse..lol..didnt mean to scorn you about picking up a vet SP. I would like to get Rivera if the Yanks let Abreu walk after this season. For this year though, our options are pretty limited.

ruse,

No derision - just some good natured sarcasm

Brett Gardner...

42 Games
148 AB's
35 Runs
43 Hits
6 2B
6 3B
3 HR
21 RBI
27 BB
32 K
14 SB
6 CS
.395 OBP
.291 AVG
.868 OPS
0 Errors

Multiply those numbers by 4, to get a full season of AB's ( 600 which is what a true leadoff hitter will get ), and you have some pretty impressive numbers. He gets on base, swipes bags, scores runs and plays a mean CF. What’s not to like other than him needing to cut down on the K's? I know his detractors talk about his lack of power, but you dont need to hit 30-40 HR's from the leadoff spot. This kid is a speed demon who can cover ground in CF, that speed can really help out our pitching staff. Im also intrigued by his ability to get on base at a .400 clip and steal 40 bases. We havent had a true leadoff hitter that can disrupt a pitcher for some time. I would love to see him get a shot in the Bronx. Looking at his minor league stats, it seems as if it takes about 200 AB's for him to get comfy at the next level. I would like to see him get 100 or so AB's this year. When the rosters expand, you can guarantee he will be on the team. I loved what I saw from him this Spring and now in Scranton. He seems like the most MLB ready prospect in our system.

Gardner deserves a look see .

Matsui should be the everyday DH and bat 3rd

That the only solid point i will say at this time