Guess who’s back?
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Apr 04, 2007 
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Ron Villone agreed to a minor-league deal and will report to Scranton. This puts a little heat on Sean Henn, but that’s life in the big leagues.
I’m sure the deal includes some kind of out clause if another team has interest. If Villone gets his command back, teams will come knocking. Tampa Bay should sign him now. How do you start the season with no lefties in the pen?
Meanwhile Chien-Ming Wang threw another bullpen and will probably pitch in a game this weekend in Tampa. He’s moving along well from his hamstring problem.
I dropped the Wanger an e-mail and he reported back that he feels great and is anxious to get back to New York. He has been throwing every other day, so his arm is in great shape.
Ok good, I’m penciling in Wang to start on April 21st at Boston.
Good call Jeff, I hope..
Peter, I guess with your job, you’re never really “not working today…”
It just proves that Villone has virtually no value and the Yankees were right to waive him.
good to hear wang’s making progress. maybe he can teach damon something about staying in shape.
villone’s awful. if he gets his command back, great. it’ll be a matter of time before he loses it again. days, weeks, maybe months.
Yeah, unless he was too stubborn to take what other teams were offering, or the minor league contract was more than what other teams were offering.. which means, as you said, he has little value.
So do we have to put our state abbreviations next to our names? Sorry I’m new here.
~Mel~
Welcome to the board Melissa. No you don’t have to include your state.
Welcome, Melissa. No, I just did that because there was another Chris posting the first few times I posted, so I did that to differentiate…
Too bad, but in the end his ability failed him. If he had been anything better than execrable in spring training, he would have Henn’s spot and a $2.5+ million deal today.
I don’t include my state so that way no one can know where I am. That being said, I’m in Massachusetts.
Sorry to hear that Fernando. I always liked you, but now………………….. Just kidding.
Not that I care even a little bit, but I guess I’m curious enough to type it – anyone know what the minor league deal’s value actually is?
I beleive its value is a shot at the majors.
Us Yankee fans in Mass are in a tough situation. I used to get dirty looks when I wore my Damon Yankee shirt.
True, that’s obviously the main purpose, but I meant dollar value. Wondering how much lower it is than the 2.5 he would have gotten.
Thanks, guys, for being so polite. But I think I’ll leave the NY; it looks cute there.
How close are you to that little town they pretend is a city (great town actually, but come on……)? Did you grow up in NY/NJ/CT or are you just smarter than the average MA resident and picked the better team on your own?
It does, doesn’t it Melissa? Guys, I think Melissa’s flirting with me. Someone explain to her that this isn’t that kind of website…….. (haha).
yeah, you guys look like Mr and Mrs NY! (awww)
I don’t think we’ll see Villone come up, unless Myers/Henn injure themselves. Which is entirely in the realm of possibility. I can’t believe that we would choose to bring up Villone, now… after giving him the tough love of waivers and all of that… just to secure him with a roster spot.
and I agree with the decision. He didn’t prove it in spring training, so he didn’t get the spot. Good move by Cash there.
chris, I think that if Melissa’s flirting with you… you’re flirting back. Not that that’s not acceptable between two consenting adults. (As long as you’re both adults. If you’re not, talk to Pete about the proper way to converse.)
I’ll write in pencil Wang for 4.21.07.
just because Joe (and Cash, to some extent) is usually very… patient, if you’re kind… over-cautious, if you’re not… with bringing people back until they’re super-duper sure they’re ready.
Why, Chris, I take offense to your comments. I have no intention of flirting with you. But if I ever decide to, you’ll know. But Chris is a lovely name. Is it short for Christopher?
I was only kidding Melissa. I assume you were talking about the NY being “cute” next to your name, not mine. Sorry to offend you, was 100% kidding….. Short for Christian, actually.
Sammy, I’d add to that if Henn doesn’t perform and Villone finds the strike zone, not just injury. Basically he’s there for probably very little money in case he gets better or Henn gets worse, just an insurance policy.
I think we’ll see Villone come up as soon as Henn falters, unless, of course, Villone is performing horribly in Scranton.
As long as there are viable alternatives, I’d prefer Cash and Joe being cautious with injuries.
DavidF Tx
The weather down here is great. Did the Yankees play toay?
DavidF Tx
The weather down here is great. Did the Yankees play toay?
Actually, I meant it both ways and you didn’t really offend me. I was just kidding.
I agree with Doreen. Villone is an insurance policy and nothing else.
DavidF Tx
The weather down here is great. Did the Yankees play toay?
I think it just depends on to what extent if Henn faulters. With as bad as Villone looked, Henn should have a decent leash unless Villone turns unhittable over night.
i think the very lefty that should come up from the minors if henn fails is chase wright.. not villone! “mad”
RDavid, get a life then get back to us.
RDavid Frohn, nope, rained out 3 hours before game time.
I’d have assumed that was sarcasm, but since you posted it 3 times, RDavid Frohn, I’d also assume you’re not quite sure how to use that keyboard thingy your fingers keep bumping up against….. to get on this internet thing-a-ma-jig to find that news out already.
The chance of Villone getting called up again is very slim. I’m not worrying about it.
Chris and Melissa are both from NY. A coincidence? I think not.
“i think the very lefty that should come up from the minors if henn fails is chase wright.. not villone! “madâ€? ”
Chase Wright has yet to throw a pitch in AA.
seriously, enough already. your routine is getting older than Julio Franco.
What are you inferring to Rich? Its not quite clear to me.
Hmmmmm……Im willing to bet that we see Villone before the All-Star break. He is a Joe Torre favorite and just had a bad spring. He was very effective last year until Torre burnt him out(like most pitcher see Tanyon Sturtze)
If Villone can get it together down their and Henn struggles at all, I think we could see Villone pretty quickly.
Just a light hearted post referencing your earlier exchange with Chris, Melissa.
That’s pretty old Gloom. I heard Julio is going to retire this year, since he can start withdrawing his 401k without penalty now.
Chris NY…nice “financial planning” humor!
Henn had a great spring, but his limited track record in the bigs is pretty lousy. If there were a left-handed option with even a hint of upside over Henn, he/she/it would be on the active roster right now. Similarly, I know Villone isn’t great, but he’s an alternative in case a rash of injuries breaks out.
Wasn’t it two years ago when 4/5 of the rotation went down, and last year when 2/3 of the outfield went down? You just never know.
People, why are we even discussing Villone? He is toast. Stick a fork in him. He’s on the ship with Bernie, which has sailed and is out of sight.
Gattling:
You’re right, Henn’s brief MLB record isn’t good, but keep this in mind: The team switched him from starter to reliever last season, and he was much better. Not sure why.
Sammy:
Are we sure we want Wang to come back against the Sahx off a 4 week layoff ?
Depending how long Damon will be out of action, its possible that Henn may be joining Villone on the Scranton roster.
If Damon is put on the DL, Yanks will likely call up an OF (likely Thompson) and Henn stays. If they choose to let Damon heal without DL, I would bet that Henn is packing his bags.
Sure, why not? He’s an established major league pitcher, it’s not like we’re sending Clippard out there for his first ever major league start.
Why? One is a pitcher, the other an outfielder. No relation. If Damon hits the DL they can call up Reese or Thompson without any effect on the pitching staff.
Zander- not sure. I would say, since he was unofficially our ace last season… that I would be more comfortable with him going than anyone else, with the possible exception of Mussina. (I have sentiment towards Pettitte as anyone else, but it’s been three years since he’s been left-arm deep in the rivalry.)
I agree with Melissa/Doreen/whomever it was that said Villone would be up if/when Henn/Myers injures themselves. I don’t necessarily believe they’ll pull Henn if he starts to struggle, and automatically insert Ronny. I think they’ll give him some chances; I think it has to do with “the changing of the guard” mentality that they’re having over there. Villone’s guard has changed; he’s insurance, pure and simple.
Latham:
Since they seem to want 2 LHP relievers (that’s if you count Mike (1/3 inning) Myers, it’s more likely Bruney who goes down temporarily.
Incidentally, if you’re from Latham NY I played a lot of junior golf in the tri-city area. I’m from Purling/Round Top, if anyone even knows where the hell they are.
Claim to fame: I tried to qualify for the U.S. Open in 1967 at Shaker Ridge, and my score of 81 was 3rd worst among a LOT of players!
Is there a track in Latham, NY?
Doreen:
We are probably saying the same thing. If Damon is DLed, then we call up an outfielder to replace him – 1 for 1, and the pitching staff is not affected.
But if he’s not DLed, he stays on the roster. If Damon will not be ready for a week or so, Cashman will likely have to send someone down to find a replacement outfielder temporarily. It can’t be another outfielder (since we’re down to 3 plus Cairo), so its likely a pitcher.
Zander has a good point in that Bruney may go down in order to keep 2 lefties. But I think Torre would opt for Henn, since Vizcaino is effective against lefties and Torre “trusts” Bruney more.
Zander: Yes, I’m from Latham,NY and am familiar with Shaker Ridge C.C., although I’m not a golfer. But 81 is pretty impressive – even if you finished 3rd from last!
Doreen:
There’s a major racetrack in Saratoga, north of Latham.
Sammy: First start after a 4 week layoff is problematic. If it wasn’t Boston, we’d probably see Wang make one rehab start in the minors.
Incidentally, off topic, Doreen: if you’re a horse racing fan, there’s a big race on Sat at Aqueduct. The Wood Memorial, a major prep race for next month’s Kentucky Derby. Bet on Any Given Saturday. Is there still OTB?
Joe:
A horse racing track in Latham ??
In most cases, for veteran players like Villone, they usually have an out in their deal when they agree to go to the minors.
Usually, its a given the team releases him either by May 1, or earlier, if another team signs him.
Unless he pitches a helluva lot better than he has, he won’t see the Bronx. Used intelligently, there is no reason why Henn can’t be affective in a middle relief role. If he isn’t, I don’t think Villone will be an option unless he wows them in Scranton.
Those who think Torre will give him a roster spot because he “trusts” him, haven’t been paying attention. Phillips and Villone weren’t included on this roster even though Torre “trusted” them.
Bottom line, its not Torre’s call alone (Cash is wielding the stick here) and the final roster moves reflected that fact.
Latham: Is Ernie Tetraux (sp) still anchoring the evening news on WRGB Schenectady?
SJ 44:
You are totally correct, sir.
Ooooh, Zander, that IS a blast from the past! Ernie Tetrault has retired from the Channel 6 news team, but still does a local commercial every now and again. He once had a cameo in a major film (Sneakers 1992).
Doreen:
Zander is right – Saratoga Raceway is about 26 miles from Latham. Sadly, the only track in Latham is the High School track at Shaker High (Where “Smooth” Sam Perkins played basketball in 1986-87).
Zander,
No, I’m not much into horse racing, except for the annual bet on the Kentucky Derby with my family.
But, I did go to a track in New York State a long time ago, and now that I think of it, it may have been Goshen? It was a trotting event. But I was in Latham once, too. But I can’t really remember why. Don’t ask, but, I think I went to a Pizza Hut there. (By the way, at the time I was living in SI, NY)
About Damon not being DL’ed — yeah, I think rather than play Cairo in the outfield, the chances are good that someone from the bullpen goes down temporarily and it has to be either Henn or Bruney, right?
Latham:
Tetrault, yeah, now I remember the spelling. My grandfather loved the guy, watched him every night.
Doreen:
Yeah, the Pizza Hut is pretty much the only reason to visit Latham
For t’mow:
Has ANYONE ever heard of Purling or Round Top ?
Tampa sign Villone?
His 2.5 mil is more than every guy on the roster!
Its good to have options in the minors in case someone gets hurt in the bigs. Villones not a bad insurance policy especially if in 2 weeks Rasner goes down when Wanger gets back and Rasner will need regular work. Villone could be the long man.
between igawa and pavano, whoever the yankees choose as the long man will get “regular work.”
Then they’re going to need two long men if Igawa and Pavano go back-to-back, and if neither one can go 6-plus innings.
If Villone does well in Scranton, they should trade Myers and bring up Villone in his place. That said, Villone won’t do well in Scranton, and wasting a roster spot on 30 innings is stupid, so they should trade Myers.
Francisco Rodriguez doctoring the ball
http://www.zumsteg.net/cheater.....g-the-ball
Kasey.
I am more optimistic about Igawa. I think he will do well and make it to the 6th or 7th inninng.
Zander:
That was a hurtful comment about the sleepy Town of Latham. It’s like getting a “brush back” Ryne Duren in his heyday!Besides the Pizza Hut, we have Siena College, Shaker High,
a pond, two parking lots and the famous Mickey’s Mousetrap once sued by the entertainment giant, Disney, for its sign which bore a likeness to Mickey Mouse.
And you have the nerve to mention Latham, coming from Purling, NY??? I once stayed at the Bavarian Manor Country Inn – me, my wife, two deer and a mountain goat!
Seriously Purling and Round Top are quite close to Catskill,NY (and Windham Ski Resort). Purling and Round Top are very scenic areas nestled in the Catskill Mountains – a stones through from the towns where old time Yankee pitcher Bill Stafford was born (Catskill) and lived (Athens).
FYI for those who care.. InDemand and MLB just reached an agreement for Extra Innings. Not sure about DISH network yet though.
Hey Zander, if Villone is out, why is he on the Yanks AAA team? That doesnt sound like the ship is sailing to me
Cairo in the OF? Noooooo.
come on folks, how has there been 60+ comments without…
mermermermer A-Rod mermermermer Unclutch mermermermer Biracial mermermermermermermermer Jeter = God mermermermermer
Very depressing.
Its actually been refreshing not to see that crap.
Go NYR: They brought Villone in for an insurance policy and no way would he go any lower than AAA and still accept a deal. He has some pride.
Rich: Where did you get Cairo in the OF, i skimmed all the post, just curious?
I think Wang will throw the first game he is ready, whether that be against Boston, or somebody else. He is the best pitcher on the team and I would love to see him shut down Boston in his first game off the DL.
Pete, you get a day off and its a rainout, sounds like you have my kind of luck.
The Yankees are beaten by the weather. The Sox won. The Tigers won. The Mets won…….
What a terrible day in baseball !!
Nick B.
From this post:
Doreen April 4th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Zander,
No, I’m not much into horse racing, except for the annual bet on the Kentucky Derby with my family.
But, I did go to a track in New York State a long time ago, and now that I think of it, it may have been Goshen? It was a trotting event. But I was in Latham once, too. But I can’t really remember why. Don’t ask, but, I think I went to a Pizza Hut there. (By the way, at the time I was living in SI, NY)
About Damon not being DL’ed—yeah, *I think rather than play Cairo in the outfield,* the chances are good that someone from the bullpen goes down temporarily and it has to be either Henn or Bruney, right?
I was being sarcastic. A dur da dur duurrrr
Latham:
Just kidding about the virtues of Latham.
Round Top had ONE building whch housed the Post Office, general store and gas station. Population about 500.
Yes, the Bavarian Manor was one of the better boarding houses in the area.
Yes, Bill Stafford was a huge hero from Athens and Catskill HS. I caddied for his father once and the other caddies wanted to touch the hem of my garment.
here’s your over/under:
Igawa 11 wins
Cano 51 doubles
A-Rod 42 HR
Jeter 204 hits
Nick B. Re: Cairo — I got it from this post by Latham Joe:
“But if he’s not DLed, he stays on the roster. If Damon will not be ready for a week or so, Cashman will likely have to send someone down to find a replacement outfielder temporarily. It can’t be another outfielder (since we’re down to 3 plus Cairo), so its likely a pitcher.
Zander has a good point in that Bruney may go down in order to keep 2 lefties.”
Plus, Torre alluded to playing Cairo as a backup not a starter, in the short term.
“Tampa sign Villone?
His 2.5 mil is more than every guy on the roster!”
jake, i’m pretty sure that that $2.5M was contingent on him making the team out of ST. he is most likely being paid something closer to the major league minumum right now.
i’m sure any team could have him right now for $400K and a major league contract.
is anyone else concerned about cairo being the back up outfielder tonight? so who pinch hits for the first base platoon when melky is in the game? the present first base platoon, 12 man staff, and 4 outfielders doesn’t give much flexibilty. one problem is that the outfielders and the first basemen only play one position. it’d be good if you are going to have a platoon to have a first baseman that could play the outfield in a pinch. like millar did with the red sox. for some reason there’s not many first base options out there, but i don’t see the present setup lasting into the summer. situations are going to come up in games that are going to handcuff torre with so little flexibilty.
“so who pinch hits for the first base platoon when melky is in the game? ”
i’m not sure i understand this concern. why would they pinch hit for the 1Bman? if Phelps starts and they bring in a righty, Joe can PH with Mientkiewicz.
did you expect Joe to use Melky to PH for Mientkiewicz late in the games? i’m not sure you gain anything by doing that.
i agree there is a lack of flexibility by carrying 12 pitchers, but it really only hurts the team when one of the regulars is injured. o/w, who does Joe really need to PH for? you have 8 all-stars and the 1Bman. how many teams have a spare all-star sitting on the bench just to pinch hit?
all they have to do is send Henn down and call up KT until Damon is healthy. or call up KT if Damon goes on the DL.
LathamJoe:
Isn’t Round Top near Cairo, NY? I just thought with all the talk about Miguel “Cairo” that “Cairo” NY deserved mention – - even though it’s not pronounced like Miguel’s last name.
most teams are not loaded on the bench, but the yankees are not most teams. i think the key to the present set up is no injuries to the 8 allstars.
there could be games where mientkiewicz will come in for defensive purposes and then the game situation changes with mientkiewicz coming up in a key situation with a lefty pitcher on the mound. melky right handed then would be a better option . against lefties ( last three years stats ) he has 50 point advantage in batting avg and a 34 point advantage in obp. cairo would then be the first baseman if available. giambi could be a further option if they lose the dh. so there are options.
torre is a manager that likes having a lot of cards to play. i agree it’s not a big concern in the short run. i think they are sending the first base platoon out there to see if one or both will rise to the occasion.
there is plenty of time for adjustments, but the present set up just doesn’t
seem ideal when one of the allstars goes down.
[...] Ron Villone accepted the Yankees AAA demotion, and will join the Scranton club for the start of the season. We all assume that the first sign of instability from Sean Henn would mean a return to the bigs for Villone. That is of course reliant upon Villone’s ability to improve on a shaky Spring. I would agree with Pete Abe’s prediction, that Villone would probably have an out-option should he not join the team by a specific date – probably the end of April. Although he has not revisited type of effectiveness he displayed in the first half of 2006, Villone does offer an insurance plan should a bullpen arm become a need. [...]
murphydog:
Yes Round Top is in the vicinity of Cairo, but Zander can best describe its proximity to each other.
randy I:
Do you really think any manager would be comfortable with Millar playing Right Field. I think Cairo covers more ground than Cowboy-Up Kevin – both in the Outfield and at 1st Base.
The platoon issue with Cairo isn’t a factor tonight as we win 10-2!
“i think the key to the present set up is no injuries to the 8 allstars.”
agreed. it does fall apart a bit if someone gets injured for significant time.
Thanks, i didn’t know if Pete said that about Cairo or what, I guess I could have read all the post but I usually skip them if the first sentence doesn’t interest me and I’m in a hurry. I don’t really like him in the OF either but he’s gotta be as good as Aaron Guiel was last year (not sayin much) so for a game or two it should be fine. Aren’t you guys glad we have Melky instead of another reliever. I sure am and I bet Cash$ and Torre are too.
lathamjoe,
not the millar now, but the one that was with the red sox in 2003-2004. i’m up on cape cod so i see a lot of sox games(know thy enemy) and millar was surprisngly good as an emergency outfielder.
i have to see more cairo in the outfield. i saw him a few times in the spring and he looked lost out there. the point i was making is that i’d like to see a firstbaseman or outfielder who could play both positions for some flexibility. it’s not a big deal now though.
i like that score you threw out there for tonight.