Yankee invite 26 to spring training
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Jan 15, 2008 
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Received this press release from the Yankees. In addition to the players on the 40-man roster, they invited 26 others to spring training:
YANKEES INVITE 26 PLAYERS TO SPRING TRAINING
The New York Yankees announced today that they have invited 26 non-roster players to Spring Training in Tampa, Florida. The list includes nine pitchers, five catchers, five infielders and seven outfielders. The total number of players now scheduled to report is 66.
C Kyle Anson, 24, batted .272 (91-for-334) with four home runs and 44 RBI in 98 games with Single-A Charleston in 2007, and ranked second in the South Atlantic League with a 40.4 percent caught-stealing rate (42-for-104) in his first season as a catcher. Anson was originally selected by the Yankees in the 10th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft as a third baseman.
C Jason Brown, 33, batted .208 (10-for-48) with one home run and three RBI with Double-A Trenton in 2007 after being limited to 15 games due to a left shoulder separation. Brown was originally signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent on May 26, 1997, and was signed by the Yankees as a free agent on November 19, 2004.
INF Bernie Castro, 28, played with Triple-A Columbus in the Washington organization, ranking fourth among all Nationals minor leaguers with 34 stolen bases and hitting .280 (120-for-428) with one home run and 32 RBI in 118 games in 2007. Castro has spent parts of two seasons in the Majors (Baltimore in 2005 and Washington in 2006), batting .253 (118-for-466) with 17 RBI in 66 games. He returns to the Yankees organization that originally signed him as a non-drafted free agent on September 25, 1997.
OF Justin Christian, 27, split time between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2007, batting .271 (115-for-424) with four home runs and 48 RBI in 105 games. Christian attended Auburn University and was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on July 1, 2004.
OF Colin Curtis, 22, played in 65 games with Single-A Tampa where he batted .298 (73-for-245) with five home runs and 26 RBI. He was promoted to Double-A Trenton on June 22 and hit .242 (58-for-240) with three home runs and 15 RBI in 61 games in his Double-A debut. Curtis was originally selected by the Yankees in the fourth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of Arizona State University.
INF Eric Duncan, 23, hit .241 (99-for-411) with 26 doubles, 11 home runs and 61 RBI in 113 games with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2007, setting a career high in doubles and tying a career best in RBI. Duncan was selected by the Yankees in the first round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft.
OF Brett Gardner, 24, split time between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2007, batting .281 (108-for-384) with one home run, 26 RBI and 39 stolen bases in 99 games. Over the last two seasons, he has successfully stolen a base in 83.6 percent of his tries (97-for-116). After the season, Gardner played in 26 games for the Peoria Javelinas in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .343 (37-for-108) with 10 RBI and ranked among league leaders in stolen bases (16), runs scored (27), hits (37), walks (17), on-base percentage (.433) and batting average while being named to the AFL Top Prospects Team. Following the 2007 season, he was ranked by Baseball America as the eighth-best prospect in the organization as well as the fastest baserunner and the player with the best strike-zone discipline among all Yankees minor leaguers. Gardner was originally selected by the Yankees in the third round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft out of the College of Charleston in South Carolina.
RHP Daniel Giese, 30, made his Major League debut with the Giants as a September call-up, going 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA in eight relief appearances. He began the season with Triple-A Fresno (San Francisco) where he went 3-1 with two saves and a 2.82 ERA in 47 relief appearances. Originally selected by Boston in the 34th round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Giese owns a 43-26 record with a 2.97 ERA in 374 career minor league appearances.
INF Nick Green, 29, spent time with Seattle, Triple-A Tacoma and Triple-A Indianapolis in 2007. With Indianapolis, he hit .245 (25-for-102) with five home runs and 20 RBI in 26 games before being traded to Seattle. In 66 games with Tacoma, hit .337 (96-for-285) with 16 home runs and 46 RBI and was promoted on September 4 to Seattle, where he did not record a hit in six games (seven at-bats). Green is a career .240 (169-for-703) hitter with 10 home runs and 59 RBI in 275 games over four Major League seasons with Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New York (AL) and Seattle. In 2006 with the Yankees, he batted .240 (21-for-114) with two home runs and four RBI in 46 games. Green was originally selected by Atlanta in the 32nd round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft.
RHP Alan Horne, 25, was 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 27 starts with Double-A Trenton in 2007, earning Eastern League “Pitcher of the Year†honors. He led the league in ERA, strikeouts (165) and winning percentage (.750), while ranking fourth in innings pitched (153.1). Following the 2007 season, he was named to the Eastern League midseason All-Star team and was selected as the EL’s top right-handed starter on the postseason All-Star team. Horne was selected by the Yankees in the 11th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
OF Austin Jackson, 20, spent time at four different levels in 2007 (Single-A Charleston, Single-A Tampa, Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre), combining to hit .304 (151-for-496) with 88 runs scored, 21 doubles, 13 home runs, 59 RBI and 33 stolen bases in 128 games. He was ranked by Baseball America as the organization’s No. 2 prospect and was selected as the “Best Athlete†and “Best Defensive Outfielder†in the Yankees’ minor league system. Jackson was originally selected by the Yankees in the eighth round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
RHP Steven Jackson, 25, split the 2007 season between Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, combining to go 4-9 with one save and a 5.40 ERA in 28 appearances (11 starts). Jackson was originally selected by the Diamondbacks in the 10th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft and was acquired by the Yankees from Arizona along with right-handed pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Luis Vizcaino and infielder Alberto Gonzalez in exchange for Randy Johnson on January 9, 2007.
OF Jason Lane, 31, split time between Houston and Triple-A Round Rock in 2007 before being traded to San Diego on September 24. Over two stints with the Astros, batted .178 (30-for-169) with eight home runs and 27 RBI in 68 games and hit .319 (59-for-185) with nine home runs and 41 RBI in 50 games with Round Rock. In three games with the Padres, he did not record a hit in two at-bats. Originally selected by the Astros in the sixth round of the 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Lane is a career .241 (291-for-1,208) hitter with 61 home runs and 189 RBI in 497 games with Houston and San Diego. He batted .267 (138-for-517) in 145 games with Houston in 2005, establishing career highs in home runs (26) and runs batted in (78).
RHP Daniel McCutchen, 25, combined to go 14-4 with a 2.47 ERA, 33 walks and 103 strikeouts in 24 games (23 starts) with Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton in 2007. His wins were tied for second most in the organization while his ERA ranked third among Yankees farmhands. The Florida State League All-Star was rated by Baseball America as having the FSL’s best control. The right-hander was selected by the Yankees in the 13th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.
RHP Mark Melancon, 22, missed the 2007 season while recovering from “Tommy John†surgery. Originally selected by the Yankees in the ninth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, he was 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in seven relief appearances with short-season Single-A Staten Island in 2006, his first professional season.
C Jesus Montero, 18, made his professional debut with the Gulf Coast Yankees in 2007, batting .280 (30-for-107) with six doubles, three home runs and 19 RBI in 33 games. He committed just one error in 182 total chances behind the plate and was rated as the Yankees’ top catching prospect (sixth overall) and the organization’s best power hitter by Baseball America. The Venezuelan native signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent in October 2006 and will be the youngest player in the Yankees spring training camp.
LHP Heath Phillips, 25, split time with the White Sox and Triple-A Charlotte and made his Major League debut as a September call-up, going 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in six relief appearances with Chicago. With Charlotte, he tied for the International League lead in wins, going 13-7 with a 4.30 ERA in 28 starts. He led all Chicago minor leaguers and the International League in innings pitched and went 8-0 with a 2.44 ERA over his final 11 starts. His eight-game winning streak tied for the second-longest in the IL in 2007. Phillips was originally signed by the White Sox in the 10th round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft.
C P.J. Pilittere, 26, will make his second straight appearance in spring camp after receiving a non-roster invitation in 2006. He batted .261 (91-for-348) with 16 doubles, two home runs and 34 RBI in 100 games with Double-A Trenton in 2007 and led all Eastern League catchers with a .995 fielding percentage, committing only four errors in 844 total chances. He was originally selected by the Yankees in the 13th round of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.
OF Greg Porter, 27, combined to hit .316 (149-for-472) with 11 home runs and 78 RBI in 129 games with Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Salt Lake. He was named the June “Player of the Month†among all Angels minor league players, hitting .368 (42-for-114) with 25 runs scored, 12 doubles and 28RBI in 31 games. Porter was originally selected by the Angels in the 45th round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft and was signed by the Yankees on December 1, 2007.
INF Cody Ransom, 31, appeared in 19 games with Houston in 2007, batting .229 (8-for-35) with two doubles, one home run and three RBI. He opened the year with Triple-A Round Rock and won team MVP honors, batting .260 with 35 doubles, a team-high 28 home runs and a team-high 90 RBI. A former ninth round pick of the San Francisco Giants in the 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Ransom owns a .236 career Major League batting average (33-for-140) with nine doubles, three home runs and 16 RBI in 133 games with the Giants and Astros.
RHP Darrell Rasner, 27, made his first Opening Day roster in 2007 and went 1-3 with a 4.01 ERA over two stints with the Yankees. He had his season cut short on May 19 when he was hit in the right hand by a come-back ground ball. He underwent surgery the next day to repair a fractured right index finger. After missing three months, he made two rehab starts with short-season Single-A Staten Island (0-0, 5.14 ERA) to close out the year. A second round pick of the Montreal Expos in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, he was claimed off waivers by the Yankees from the Washington Nationals on February 10, 2006.
C Austin Romine, 19, was selected by the Yankees in the second round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft out of El Toro High School in California. He appeared in one game with the Gulf Coast League Yankees, going 1-for-2 with one double, one RBI and one walk. Baseball America rated the catcher’s arm strength the third-best among the nation’s high school players in the draft.
RHP Scott Strickland, 31, was 4-1 with a 4.58 ERA in 15 relief appearances with Triple-A Portland (San Diego) in 2007. He owns a 21-17 record in 193 career Major League games (27 starts) with a 3.26 ERA, pitching with the Expos and Astros. Originally selected by the Montreal Expos in the 10th round of the 1997 First-Year Player Draft, Strickland was signed by the Yankees as a free agent on December 20, 2007.
OF Jose Tabata, 19, batted a team-high .307 (126-for-411) with Single-A Tampa in 2007, along with 16 doubles, five home runs, 54 RBI and 15 stolen bases. He earned a spot on the Florida State League’s postseason All-Star team after ranking fifth in average and never going more than two games without recording a hit. He was ranked by Baseball America as the Yankees’ third-best prospect and tabbed as being the best hitter for average in the organization. This will be the second straight spring training invitation for Tabata who signed with the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on August 12, 2004.
LHP Billy Traber, 27, appeared in 28 games (two starts) with the Washington Nationals in 2007, going 2-2 with a 4.76 ERA. The left-hander opened the year with Triple-A Columbus where he was 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 14 games (four starts), striking out 29 batters with only seven walks. Signed by the Yankees as a minor league free agent on January 4, 2008, Traber has appeared in 76 Major League games (28 starts) with the Cleveland Indians and Nationals, posting a 12-14 record and a 5.41 ERA.
INF Marcos Vechionacci, 21, spent most of the 2007 season with Single-A Tampa, batting .266 (104-for-391) with 44 runs scored, 23 doubles and 39 RBI in 108 games at third base. He also appeared with Double-A Trenton in the final two games of the regular season and batted .288 in the postseason, helping the Thunder win the Eastern League title. Following the season, he joined Magallanes in the Venezuelan Winter League where he hit .286 (30-for-105) in 41 games. He was rated by Baseball America as having the best infield arm in the organization for the second straight season. Vechionacci was originally signed by the Yankees as a non-drafted free agent on August 26, 2002.
Vechionacchi/ Romine/ Pilittere/ Giese for Santana
no, the Twins really want Coco Crisp.
Hope you’re starting to feel better, Pete. Thanks for this!
“no, the Twins really want Coco Crisp.”
- About as much as they want Melky.
No love for Angelini?
No question in my mind. McLovin is NYPD113th’s illegitimate son.
Nick Green. Why does his name sound familiar?
Nice to see a couple of lefty relievers available for competition in the spring…
“Nick Green. Why does his name sound familiar?”
this is why:
http://www.baseball-reference......7020.shtml
It will be a good opportunity for some of these players to show what they have. Or don’t have.
“- About as much as they want Melky.”
what’s your point?
Mel, Green was the middle infielder that came up for a short time in 2006. Had a huge game with a big bomb in his first few games. Won a couple more games with his bat and glove and then returned to normal. Some power, decent glove and good speed. Can play anywhere.
Nick Green spent some time with the Yankees in ’06.
I always liked Green over Cairo, but the Yankees didn’t agree at the time.
Ahh, nice looking young man. Andy Phillips before there was Andy Phillips.
Hmmm
He has no point. Nothing new.
Anyone know how to embed a link into your name for when you post?
Montero is moving very quickly, particularly given that they thought he might not stick at catcher. Good to see him get an invite. Fantastic winter ball season and settled in fairly well behind the plate.
It’ll be interesting to see if they send him to low A or the New York Penn league.
If he goes to charleston he might wind up the year at the clubs top prospect – or at least in the top 3.
I have a question: How many days before P&C before we can put a moratorium on such subjects as:
1) Football
Closet space
2) Basketball
3) Hockey
4) HGH Pettitte
5) McLovin’s sanity
6) Favorite movies
7) Favorite colors
9) Driving directions (Mapquest people)
10) Mel’s height
11) GB7′s eating habits
12) My age and senility
Just wondering
“what’s your point?”
– What’s yours?
Wow, Sheehan at BP is pretty bullish on Melky
http://www.baseballprospectus......cleid=7053
That’s cool After hearing how down the Twins are on him, watching his implosion at the end of last season, and reading an article somewhere else about his approach at the plate getting worse, I was starting to get down on him as well. Hopefully, Melky does start driving the ball into the gaps more and slapping less!
nick green. lol.
Fernando,
Put it in the “Website” box above your comment.
Old Yanks Fan,
I’ve seen you call Mel a midget and now refer to his height. Are you talking about me or another Mel (Stottlemyre?)?
Spring Training invites are where catchers in the organization have the advantage. Because there are so many pitchers that need their work to build up arm strength, a multitude of catchers are needed. So while a single A outfielder might stand no chance of seeing the major league camp, a young catcher gets a chance to be seen.
“What’s yours?”
Coco Crisp sucks.
CB, I’ll get a chance to watch the newest batch of Baby Bombers in Savannah and Charleston this year. It should be fun. Those living in Tampa area or in the FSL cities need to go watch Hilligoss, Dunn and Fortenberry. You’ll like what you see. There’s one other catcher at Staten Island. He’s not much of a defensive catcher, though, low average, but, lots of power, Jose Gil. Has some speed and a good arm, though…doesn’t strike oput a lot. I’d guess that a position change is coming…maybe left field.
“Wow, Sheehan at BP is pretty bullish on Melky”
if the Yankees actually believed what Sheehan wrote about Melky, they would be crazy to include him in any deal for Santana.
Sheehan is basically predicting that Melky will become a star. i am not sure i agree with him, but it’s nice to hear it.
nypd113th-
this was posted a few days ago and you disappeared:
“For the curious ones, call the 113th Precinct at 167-02 Baisley Boulevard in Queens @ (718)712-7733 and ask for Officer Hotshot. They’ll know who you mean.”
any coincidence?
“nypd113th-
this was posted a few days ago and you disappeared:
“For the curious ones, call the 113th Precinct at 167-02 Baisley Boulevard in Queens @ (718)712-7733 and ask for Officer Hotshot. They’ll know who you mean.â€
any coincidence?”
– Well, for one thing, I’ve said numoerus times I haven’t worked there in over 3 years, so not sure the relevance.
Just another poster that’s angry because I like the Sox.
One of the most interesting names on the list of invitees is Eric Duncan. Here’s a kid who was a former #1 draft pick that was once considered almost untouchable.
Duncan seems to have regressed since 2005. Perhaps it was his position change from 3rd to 1st or perhaps it was because of his back injury,but the time has come for him to turn the curve in the right direction. Reggie Jackson has worked with him. It would be a pleasant surprise if he had a goor Spring and became an option at first base.
Mel – His Height? I think/thought he is a She. If not, 5′-4″ in heels is a disturbing picture.
“One of the most interesting names on the list of invitees is Eric Duncan.”
– I can’t believe he’s only 23, feels like I’ve heard that name for a decade.
Actually this is the first time I’ve seen you say that.
Heath Phillips seems a bit intriging. Can he come in and maybe be our lefty from the pen? His numbers are better than any we have.
hmmm(shwaab),
Comedy. Just comedy.
Old Yanks Fan,
Did you have to remind me of my going to be closet problem. I was just getting over it.Try finding something to wear when your clothes are on top of each other rather than hanged. I need to move to the east coast so i can use the basement.lol
“Actually this is the first time I’ve seen you say that.”
- Jen, also keep in mind, I have seen people post under my screenname at least a dozen times.
Well if that happens that you should tell Pete.
“Well if that happens that you should tell Pete.”
– Pete’s a busy man. He has more pressing things to address than childish antics such as that.
He will take care of it though. He doesn’t want crap like that going on, on his blog.
Thanks, I appreciate it.
Well if its true of what your saying then CONGRATULATIONS. You are now in the TITANIUM LEVEL of THE BLOG OF FAME.
Impersonated
3 or more GOLD
6 or more PLATINUM
10 or more TITANIUM
I unfortunately have not even reached GOLD.
Not a problem.
Thank you SOS, I am honored.
NYPD113th
January 15th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
“nypd113th-
this was posted a few days ago and you disappeared:
– Well, for one thing, I’ve said numoerus times I haven’t worked there in over 3 years, so not sure the relevance.
Just another poster that’s angry because I like the Sox.
_______________________________________________
The fact that you’re a troll has more to do with it than your being a Red Sox fan does
113,
Come to think of it. The only SOX fan to be inducted. Who would have thought.
“The fact that you’re a troll has more to do with it than your being a Red Sox fan does”
– either way, it’s people makin stuff up because of the fact I don’t root for their team.
“- Jen, also keep in mind, I have seen people post under my screenname at least a dozen times.”
even though i was being a smartass above, this isn’t cool.
“Heath Phillips seems a bit intriging. Can he come in and maybe be our lefty from the pen? His numbers are better than any we have.”
he is my darkhorse candidate for the job. i think he has a shot.
Who would have thought.
– dare I say trailblazer????? LOL
TITANUIMS INCLUDE
bobcat
sj44
hmmm
(the guy that predicted arod signing?)
Any reason Miranda is not on this list? Is he already on the roster?
Where is Mcutchen expected to play at? His numbers are very impressive.
So all the recent positive mellow posts by NYPD113th were by imposters.
Does anyone know why the White Sox gave up on Heath Phillips?
OYF,
That’s why I asked if you were talking about me. I’m Mel. I’m a she. And though I’m short, I’m not a midget.
“Sheehan is basically predicting that Melky will become a star. i am not sure i agree with him, but it’s nice to hear it.”
I don’t think I agree either. But, if some legit evaluators think that, it sort of tilts me back towards the solid-major-leaguer projection for him that I had before. I hope he improves his D by taking better routes to balls.
“Any reason Miranda is not on this list? Is he already on the roster?”
He’s on the 40-man, yes. He was signed to a major league deal right off the bat, which includes a 40-man spot. Brackman too.
OT: Report On Joe Kennedy’s death.
Was caused by a hypertensive heart and defective valve, both or either one could cause death. Not uncommon, except at his age. No toxicology report made public, as of yet.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3197230
Did anyone see that random LB for SD call out the Pats? What a moron.
“Where is Mcutchen expected to play at? His numbers are very impressive.”
I like that he keeps his walks down. I wish he struck out a few more, though.
He finally hit AA last year…I figure he can open some eyes and go to the AAA pen with a good spring, keep himself in the mix for a callup if he performs well.
“Did anyone see that random LB for SD call out the Pats? What a moron.”
– Really?
GO A-Jax Go!
What did the SD Linebacker say?
Steve,
The one who said that the Pats are worried about them?
GB7,
You’ll have to give us updates on how the baby bombers look when you get out to the game.
Charleston in particular is going to have a lot of talent on that team this year. I think Betances, Montero, McCallister, Cuello, Abe Almonte, and a number of the 2007 draftees may be on that team.
You’ll have to let us know – in fact, you could start your own blog giving updates on the games you’ve seen!
Buchholz or Chamberlain
http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/.....t_id=18846
What a moron. Does he realize that he probably had no chance against the Pats in the first place. And now I hear that LT is likely out and RIvers in day to day. So you are going to beat the Pats with a rookie qb?
“LT is likely out ”
– Where’d you hear that? I thought I read he was likely to play and that Rivers was a question mark, but most likely would also play.
CBN, can do. I want to see the kids like Montero, Pruitt, Sublett, Suttle and Laird hit. Chigges, Pope and McAllister should make a strong rotation, also. The NY area should be getting kids like Angelini and the GCL kids, unless the Yanks send Angelini to Chatleston…but, I doubt that…he’s awfully young, but, Tabata was here at age 17. Should be a fun summer. I’ll attempt to get pix and figure out how to post them… including pix of Joe Riley Park on the waterfront.
CB…not CBN
I don’t remember, I think on the radio this morning.
CB, starting my own blog isn’t a good idea. I have trouble typing my own name, but, I can do after game reports and pix. Probably have to email them to somebody to clean up the swear words that seem to come from my computer.
drive 4-5
i expect well find out why alot of these guys dont have contracts once spring gets going.
just wanted to mention how eric duncan can be taken as a cautionary tale about overvaluing your young guys
that being said if the twins are holding out for 3 major leaguers for santana id say no.
i like melky and i expect his swoon last fall was the result of a very long mlb season taking its toll on a young man who didnt figure to carry such a load last season. i expect he will be rebound very nicely this year and im sure the yanks will be working on his pursuit routes (bernie as a ST instructor could help there if he’s given up his dream of playing on)
“And now I hear that LT is likely out and RIvers in day to day. So you are going to beat the Pats with a rookie qb?”
http://www.signonsandiego.com/.....rgers.html
“Tomlinson is almost certain to play Sunday but will rest his hyperextended left knee early in the week. ”
“Rivers, too, likely will play against the Patriots, now on two injured knees, a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee suffered Sunday added to the sprained left MCL he has played on since Dec. 9. ”
Also, Billy Volek isn’t a rookie. He’s been in the league for several years and started for Tennessee.
Has anyone heard about Kei I? I heard that he has been improving with his location(keeping it down) and his feel pitches. On another blog, some expert(Right) said that he should be in the bp mix. I have to see it first. But, maybe?
GB7,
Maybe Rebecca can help you out.
Evening all. I’ve been in class all day so can someone quickly fill me in on what I’ve missed?
Thanks
oh yeah i forgot…
LETS GO GIANTS!!!
Only heard that Igawa’s going to pitch right handed the first half of each game and left handed the second half.
Like a lesbian couple, no Cox.
buchholz and joba are such different pitchers .i’m not sure why they’d even be compared. it’d make more sense to compare hughes and buchholz.
watching buchholz on tv ,i was not impressed with buchholz the way i was when i first saw joba. however hughes at first watch didn’t impress me compared to joba either.
buchholz just doesn’t throw that hard. he may be good in an ian kennedy way, but he’ll never have the overpowering stuff that joba has.
Old Ranger,
I’ve always thought it’s too soon to give up on Kei. Someone posted a wild quote from him. That he’s actually a righty, but became a lefty after elbow surgery. Don’t know if that’s true, but if it is that’s cool.
Mel, that would be a good idea, but, Rebecca scares me.
mel,
billy wagner is right handed and learned to pitch lefty after breaking his right arm.
Yeah, Ranger, one of the board ladies or bored ladies posted that last night.
im thinking we havent seen the last of igawa either. for one thing, he’s signed for 3 more years isnt he?
its hard to get beyond how bad he was last year and hard to imagine a guy who walked that many being in the bullpen though.
but he was a strikeout king in japan, so he’s gotta have some good stuff. would be nice to see him step up and challenge for that 5th/6th spot
I know you all will disagree but this just came out by Dayn Perry who writes for FoxSport.
Rotation: Boston Red Sox
The Boston rotation boasts a certifiable ace in Josh Beckett and unparalleled depth behind him. Number-two man Daisuke Matsuzaka, now that he’s got a season under his belt, should trend upward in 2008. Curt Schilling may be 41, but he’s coming off a year in which he posted a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 4.39. Clay Buchholz will contend for Rookie-of-the-Year honors in 2008 and could wind up as the second-best starter on the staff. As for the fifth spot, the Sox have Tim Wakefield and Jon Lester vying for the job. Last season, the Sox ranked second in the AL in rotation ERA, and a full season of Buchholz should be enough to put them on top in 2008.
GB: I scare you?!
No way.
You’ve actually been in the army and stuff; I just collect swords.
Just came out, or you just noticed it?
Rebecca, you’d give me “The Evil Eye”. That’s far reaching and stronger than anything that I could use to protect myself.
“I know you all will disagree but this”
– No, not ALL ray.
that was nice how dayn used one stat to make shill look like nolan ryan, but he only won 9 games last year.
GB:
Okay, I know baseball players and their fans are a suspicious lot, but you’re pushing your luck!
raymagnetic
The article by Perry stated that it had been updated at 9:22 PM on January 14th so I consider that fairly recent.
I like Joba more than Buchholz but I do think that Buchholz has a chance to be a very special pitcher if he stays healthy.
His change up is tremendous. Not just good – it is phenomenal. Not only does it create tremendous differentials with his fastball but also has a lot of downward movement to it. With a change up that good his low to mid-90′s fastball will look much faster.
His curve is also a terrific pitch – an absolute 12 to 6 hammer.
It’s not often you see a prospect with not one but two secondary offerings that good in addition to a very good fastball.
And he’s only been pitching for 3-4 years.
The yankees are going to have to make the right decision about their staff because Beckett and Buchholz may give the Sox two number 1 type starters for years to come.
nypd113th (aka hotshot)-
you don’t consider yourself part of this blog do you?
Does anyone think that he was less patient this year at the plate than his prior year? I remember him wearing pitchers down like Wagner in 06. But this last year seemed to be more of a free swinger.
LT will play this weekend. Volek did really good as a starter in Tennessee. He might be an upgrade to Rivers(not including his recent performance). Gates will be on the field as well. Probably not that effective but still takes pressure off of other players. The Chargers only chance will be if LT has a good rushing day and eats up the clock. Having Brady watch on the sideline.
Prediction
Patriots 34
Chargers 21
I was wrong on all my picks last weekend. Hope my streak continues and Pats end.
Sigh. It must be good to be a Sox fan. All the fawning and love from the media must feel good.
“that was nice how dayn used one stat to make shill look like nolan ryan”
Not sure how you really take from Perrys’ article that he makes Curt “look like nolan ryan”.
I think his words say that Schilling’s presence adds depth to a very good staff.
Superstitious as well.lol(hope i spelled it right)
“you don’t consider yourself part of this blog do you?”
– A “part” of this blog.
Hmmmm, wow, gonna have to ponder that one.
Rebecca, I’m not suspicious…I’m cautious.
Pats 40
Bolts 10
Rebecca, my grandmother used to give us “The Evil Eye” a lot. Of course, it’s not like we didn’t deserve it, but, she scared the Hell out of us.
nypd113th(akahotshot)-
you are being reasonable and not showing your usual obnoxious side. med change?
SoS: Sorry man, it’s been a long day!
GB: Ah, I see.
113th,
Just because your in the TITANIUM BLOG OF FAME doesnt mean your part of this blog. You have to be voted in to our circle of trust. A Sox fan has never made it.
“you are being reasonable and not showing your usual obnoxious side. med change?”
– I’m always the calm one. It’s you other guys that get all worked up and pissy at me.
I just love the fact that I can so easily get under some peoples’ skin and sit back and just laugh.
Randy, I’m guessing that this is a fake 113th. No drugs on Earth could do that.
pats defense stinks so ill go:
pats 31
bolts 21
“113th,
Just because your in the TITANIUM BLOG OF FAME doesnt mean your part of this blog. You have to be voted in to our circle of trust. A Sox fan has never made it.”
– SOS, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I really don’t care either way. But thanks.
Congress is asking the Department of Justice to investigate Miguel Tejada to determine if Tejada made material false statements to Congressional investigators in 2005.
This just gets worse and worse. Those are very serious charges if filed.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01.....=1&hp
The streets of the 113th Precinct have seen a noticeable decline in crime since Officer Hotshot retired. On the flip side, there is much disagreement among doughnut shop owners.
GO YANKEES IN ’08
I love it that some of the Chargers are talking trash saying the Patriots are more worried than they are. Look at what happened to that Pittsburgh Steeler who talked trash. Say what you want about Belichek, but he is a master at motivating the Patriots and was just given some poster board material by the Chargers. He appreciates it!
“Randy, I’m guessing that this is a fake 113th. No drugs on Earth could do that.”
– Again, I am a total wiseass, but I don’t get all worked up.
I stay calm and laugh at others who get all pissy.
SOS: That’s harsh.
I consider Ray and Brian invaluable assets to the blog.
“doughnut shop owners.”
– A donut joke?!?!!?!?!?!? That’s it, I am so pissed right now!!!!!!
Forgot to call me a pig or a bacon reference.
Hey mel,
What the hell happened to THE OFFICE. Iv been trying to see it for 2 weeks and it hasnt been on. Has it been cancelled due to the strike or is the season over?
Officer Notshot, I’m guessing that most of the shop owners have had a huge downturn in profits, also…but, on the good side the fruit vendors have noticed less apple pilferage in the past 3 years.
Being a sox fan means never feeling secure, always looking for ways to degrade the YANKS in any and all conversations!
Being a Yankee fans means not caring about any team BUT the Yanks and enjoying each and every record accomplishment!
“fruit vendors”
– what do you sell Green?
You do realize that it was originally posted on December 31st?
Off to work ladies and gents. Once again, the pleasure was all mine.
I own a nice sports bar in a terrific town in Suffolk Co. on Long Island.
Being that you poor, poor Yankee fans have had nothing but disappointment this century, stop by and the first one is on me!
I love you all!!!
raymagnetic
To be honest I did not realize that. Thank you for the clarification.
This is extremely mature behavior on your part, I must say.
S.o.S.
Dunno, but I miss 30 Rock, too. Law & Orders are new, though.
Your right. Ray was not bad. Cant remember Brian.
Man you sure leave a long lasting impression. What i like to call a fan favorite.
ray,
“I know you all will disagree but this just came out by Dayn Perry who writes for FoxSport.” – ya think?
Josh Beckett is that hard throwing top of the rottion pitcher the Yankees currently lack.
Dice K should improve,but then again he did show that hitters are capable of having their way with him if he’s not on his game. He’s no more of a sure thing than a Phil Hughes and less of sure thing than CM Wang or Andy Pettitte.
The age of Schilling and Wakefield and the fact that they have broken down the last couple of years is the reason Boston considered a 6 man rotation.
Bucholz was shut down in September due to fatigue in his right shoulder. He’ll be on a innings/pitch count just like Hughes, Kennedy or Joba.
To say that rotation has “unparrelled depth” is beyond exageration. Also, the Yankees have hit Beckett, Dice K, and Schilling far better than the rest of the American League. To say the Yankees, who last year won 10 of 14 against that triumvirate, can hit Boston pitching is no where near exageration.
Ray – No problem. I just wanted to make sure you weren’t being passive agressive in here, linking to a 2 week old post just to stir up Yankee fans.
sos,
alot of shows are out of new episodes and others have a few left but they’re saving them to be broadcast during sweeps.
im looking for the new scrubs, this is it’s last season but they havent run any new ones in weeks and according to my tivo there arent any new ones in the next 2 weeks
Rebecca,
As always you are not only a very knowledgeable Yankee fan, but also a kind and decent person…..and no I don’t see that as a contradiction!
p.s. tive says no new office episodes in the next 2 weeks either, sorry
Well, SoS27, if he wasn’t such a jerk, I would say anything. It was just a little constructive criticism.
Does anyone know the story on Marcos Vechionacci?
How was he signed as a 16 yr. old as a non-drafted free agent?
“bernie as a ST instructor could help there if he’s given up his dream of playing on”
Bernie always took bad routes to balls, but his legs made up for it. That’s why his defense took such a downward turn in his later years, because he couldn’t make up for his bad routes anymore.
“Does anyone think that he was less patient this year at the plate than his prior year? I remember him wearing pitchers down like Wagner in 06. But this last year seemed to be more of a free swinger.”
There was an analysis on some other really stat-y site that indicated he was swinging more earlier in the count. However, I don’t know if that was in April and May, when he felt like he needed to make the most of his limited ABs, or in Sept when he was in a dreadful slump, or all season.
raymagnetic
I guess I somehow missed the earlier edition of that article by Perry and I really did appreciate that information you provided because I did not intend to be passive aggressive in here. Thanks again.
Never seen 30 rock. Is it as funny as The Office?
Just wondering. How can a Yankee fan like any team in Boston area? Were you a Patriots fan before being a Yankee fan?
So your a Yankee fan so am i-check
Your a Partiots fan ,im a Colts fan(they hate each other)
Your a Laker and im a Spur (rivals)
That goes to prove that being a Yankee is all that matters.
“How was he signed as a 16 yr. old as a non-drafted free agent?”
because you can do that with international players. I dunno if there are rules about how long they have to stay in their home country or anything, though.
Ray: Aww, blush.
“Dice K should improve”
Why? Nothing about his game showed me that his struggles were an issue of adjustment. It showed me that he can’t deal with players who don’t swing at his offspeed offerings, so he’s always in deep counts. Patient teams owned him last year.
The more I see Japanese pitchers, the more I think that players over there swing a LOT more freely than they do over here. Or the strike zone over there is more liberal and leads to more swinging. Or something. But low walk numbers in Japan don’t really impress me, given what I’ve seen from Igawa and Matsuzaka.
The internationals can be signed at 16 years of age, and I believe can be protected from the Rule 5 for 6 years if that was their age at signing. I’ll find the rules on that when I get back. Gotta go get some cokes and smokes.
Drive 4-5
I actually agree with you that Perry’s article did exaggerate some. I think the Yankees and Red Sox end up facing each other so many times that the batters from both teams get to know the opposing pitchers really well. I am painfully aware that the Yankees bats have done well against the Sox arms.
im not too big on the media’s analysis of pitching staffs until ST breaks. i know there is alot of pressure to put out spring previews and all, but almost every team suffers injuries to its pitching staff in ST, and a young guy or two who step up and change things.
also, previewing the yankees staff is really a risk with a new manager and new pitching coach. add to that the question of where joba goes and it means any analysis at this point is more like a guess.
Everyone should drive out of your way tonight to have a beer and slimjim on Sox troll Gunther Toody.
Dice-K will vastly improve this year making it out of the 4th inning in most of his starts ask any Sox fan they will assure you it’s true. Personally he reminds me of another fat toad from another era.
It makes me laugh when i here how the Sox staff is going to be better next year.
Beckett-raw talent expect him to be in the mid to high 3′s
Dice k-Throws alot of pitches. Gets worse when runners are on. Is a Japanese pitcher which if history serves me correctly. Seem to do worse when hitters see them more often. I see him in the high 4′s low 5′s e.r.a.
Schilling-went from throwing 94 in 05. 92 in 06. 88 in 07. He has a better chance throwing under hand this year. see above.
Wakefield-Collecting s.s.i. mid 4′s at best.
Lester-Might as well start every inning with bases loaded. Throws too many pitches per inning.
Bucholts-Looks good. But in the same boat as Joba. How many innings will he be able to pitch? Will he have a tired arm in the end.
Am i missing something here?
S.o.S.,
30 Rock is funny, more hi-jinx. Tina Fey is really underrated as an actress/writer.
Lakers first, then Yankees, then Patriots. I think I was attracted to the hoodie sweatshirt.
Funniest quote of the day. Cant stop laughing. I need air.
Yankees, Devils, Jets, Orange, Nets in that order
Matsuzaka’s early weakness was exposed in his mound demeanor with runners on base. He seemed a little rattled and as always, word got around the league.
It remains to be seen if he’s made the full adjustment to the new league and new culture.
He fell short of all the Boston hype in ’07. Sales of Dice-K shirts have taken a dramatic drop.
According to the TV Guide website there are no more new episodes of “The Office”.
Reported today that Pac-Man Jones has been accused once again of assaulting someone in a strip club. If there was a Hall of Fame for stupidity among athletes Pac-Man would definitely be inducted in the first round.
I would have no problem with projections if people used qualifiers like if, should, may, could, perhaps. But when the articles are written with such certainty it really ticks me off. Plus I always find it amusing how the preponderance of articles, whether they originate in New York or elsewhere, downgrades the Yankees and upgrades everyone else. What especially cracks me up is how articles will talk about the Yankees getting older as if it takes place in a vacuum universe where no one gets older. Like Manny and Big Papi get to stay eternally young and powerful, while (name your Yankee) naturally decline due to advanced age.
mel
Tina was funny in SNL. Ill have to give that show a shot.
So that tells me your in the West Coast. Probably watched them in the Old Great Western Forum. They were fun to watch with Magic(showtime). I was a Bulls fan then with Jordan flying all over the place. Went free agent in 99 when he retired and won another championship.
How did you become a Yankee fan? I myself started off an Angel fan and when they lost to Boston in 86. Blowing a 3-1 games lead. Donnie Moore 9th inning collapse.I was so crushed that from that day on went with Don Mattingly and the Yanks. As they say, the rest is history.
Hoodie. Funny stuff.Time for a dress code in the NFL.
Ray: First round? He’d still have to beat out OJ and Michael Vick…
Derek is supposed to be on ESPN News at 7 PM. It says it at the bottom of the screen.
S.o.S 27 -
The rising price at the pump will have no consequence with those headed for parts unknown in Suffolk County. Traffic on the L.I.E. is backed up beyond the 59th St. Bridge but a mission is a mission.
Who in their right mind wants to turn down a SlimJim and a flat beer ?
Fran: Can you post what happens? If I turn the TV on now I know for sure my reading won’t get done!
why does everyone complain about NYPD but consistently respond to him?
IGNORE THE GUY
Please….
Doreen,
You didnt know that Papi,Manny,Mr.C,Lowell,Schill,Lowell,Wakefield play in a vaccuum universe stadium. Where the pis in it, keeps them looking and staying young.
I found this interesting from Jerry Crasnick’s chat:
“A couple of scouts told me they actually prefer Jeff Marquez — the other prospect whose name was mentioned in the Yankees’ Johan Santana package — to Kennedy. ”
The more I read/hear about Marquez, the more I like the guy. I think he could be a great addition to the bullpen in 2008 and worked into the rotation in the next year or two. He throws hard, lots of ground balls, very few HR, and doesn’t walk too many.
Co-winner!!Im in freakin tears. Seriously. FLAT BEER. Classic.
SOS27
Ah, so that explains it!
By the way 30 Rock is very funny and the Baldwin guy cracks me up!
Rebecca – As a former English teacher I know that your work is more important! I will gladly post what Derek says on ESPN news.
amen to what doreen said above about the aging yankees! the team has brought up 2 solid rookies each of the last 2 seasons and this is the last year for giambi. Arod and jeter are in thier primes. so yes, our closer and catcher and andy are getting older but what team doesnt depend on a few solid veterans?
Marquez: The Joba of 2008?
Jeter was on the HotList. He’s really humble and team-oriented. BF in baseball is Jorge. No news there. lol.
Fran: Oh man, then I shouldn’t tell you about how awful I am when it comes to procrastination…
Man i feel bad. I put him in THE BLOG OF FAME not knowing how all of you felt about him. I wish i could remember trolls as good as you guys. Next time ill wait before i jump the gun. I just dont understand why someone would impersonate a troll.
A good part of the reasoning with why Boston is only posturing in a Santana deal lies with their concern not only in the salary Santana will require, but in what happens when 41 year olds Schilling, Wakefield, and Timlin are gone.
Put either Lester or Buchholz in a Santana deal and they don’t have anything near the ceiling of pitching prospects that the Yankees have.
Then there’s the issue of keeping Beckett happy after being bumped as No. 1 on the staff. His contract would look like chump change and would need re-working.
Manny also has them painted in a corner with needing to pick up his 2009 option or no protection for Ortiz = loss of run support.
By no stretch is there a powerhouse in Beansville.
Rebecca -
I’m no expert, but from what I’ve read, he seems like more of a Ramiro Mendoza or CM Wang type. He has a good sinking fastball and has only given up 11HR in 300IP.
Considering we had Farnsworth giving up a HR every time out, I’ll be happy with a guy who keeps the ball on the ground.
wow, lot of names to keep an eye on. With all the uncertainty in the bullpen, is there any chance melancon could get in to the mix this year?
Guys, I just found out that Jim Abbott will be a guest on the webcast I cover the Yankees for, on February 13th.
I am excited.
SoS -
troll or not…. the guy claims to ‘get off’ on getting under yankee bloggers’ skin. people constantly argue with him and tell him to go away but they continue to respond to his posts. seems to me the best antidote is to completely ignore him rather than feed his fetish with irritating yankee fans.
It appears the lettering for “YANKEE STADIUM†which will be engraved on the top section of the facade at each of the 3 main gates will accented in gold paint. I think that is going to look really incredible
Here is the slidesow at Yankees.com
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....46573.html
bummy –
as SJ44 and others have said, there are so many young Yankee arms that they can afford to throw them all in the mix and see who sticks.
Melancon should be pretty good in time but who knows how he’ll do following TJ surgery. I would imagine he’ll be on the radar for a bullpen spot at some point this season.
Watching highlights of the hearings, a couple of things stand out. First of all, Senator Waxman needs to sue his plastic surgeon for the botched rhinoplasty. Secondly, did Senator Mitchell really bring up Ireland? Again? Lastly, please tell me that he didn’t say that we don’t need to name every player that used PEDs. He’s really trying to justify using 86 players as scapegoats?
Did we kill the thread?
*le sigh*
Good Evening to all
Rebecca,
I topped myself in the last thread.
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....ent-243804
Of course, it was funnier at the time.
Sean -
Wow! Imagine the sun making the letters just gleam!
Mel -
If Mitchell really did not want any repercussions against the players, (a) he would not have named them; and (b) he would have told them of any accusations before trying to set up meetings. I have a hard time believing he’s as naive as all that!
U-Man,
Hey. Good news. They invited Nick Green to ST. I heard he’s even better than Miggy. lol.
mel: LMAO!!!
You seriously are the blog comedian.
SJ is the blog insider, I’m the blog optimist, you’re the blog comedian, Jen is the blog fantasy baseball expert… (who else wants in?)
Yeah I heard about that a few weeks ago…..
But Miggy got a major league contract…..
He did OK in that short time he was up in 2006…especially against the MUTS!!!!
But better then Miggy???Now thats Funny….LOL
“so yes, our closer and catcher and andy are getting older but what team doesnt depend on a few solid veterans?”
Well…and there’s the outfield. Three of the four of them are getting on in years as well. And the Yankees’ nearest internal help had a cup of coffee in AA this season and is 21. And just put together his first good pro season. And Melky could easily regress into a 4th OFer, or blossom into a solid MLB outfielder. If the former…they’re kind of stuck.
As for the infield, their system is pretty much entirely barren until you get down to A ball.
Rebecca,
murphydog is either the blog counsel or the blog Shakespearean. Dr.Acula, when he’s around is the blog headliner or paparazzi.
Doreen: That’s so obvious…how could I forget?!
And you? Blog mother? Prefer another designation?
I miss bernie, Whozat -
My point was not that the Yankees weren’t aging, but that they are not the only team with aging players, though when reading projections for 2008, one could be forgiven for thinking that must be so.
Development is fluid. What the landscape looks like now, in terms of what’s in the system and when it might be ready or when it might be needed, will change.
WOW. Bad day for Miguel Tejada. Not only will he be investigated for lying to Congress, but, on the way to a baseball game, Tejada learned that his brother was killed in a motor cycle accident.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....id=3198240
No, Marquez is not going to be Joba in any sense. I’ve seen him several times at Trenton and he is definitely a valuable pitching prospect without nearly the repertoire of Chamberlain. His sinking fastball is a great pitch and, though he can sometimes hit 94-95, he’ll pitch 89-92 with that great sinker.
His secondary offerings – a changeup and curveball – are average and need work. However, he will be good in front of a a good infield. Whether he can translate to the bullpen is a very good question. We’ll still be wondering the same thing about Ohlendorf who is another groundball artist.
Melancon is the man most likely to have a Joba-like rise in my opinion. However, he’d have to make similar movement in the minor leagues considering he will probably have to clear all three levels before getting to the Bronx. Kevin Whelan – if he can drop his walk rates – and McCutchen are good bets as well.
Doreen is the blog mother (like den mother) or the philosopher.
Doreen,
You and I have similar sensiblities. What do you think about the article I linked here?
http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....ent-243838
Rebecca -
W-e-l-l, sure. True enough, I guess.
Unlike Marquez, Joba possesses a plus-plus slider and a plus curveball. His changeup also has plus potential.
I like Marquez, but he will not be to the 8th or 7th inning what Chamberlain was in 2007.
That said, this Spring will be very fun to watch as so many pitching options are making their way to the MLB brink. Cash and Nardi will have some tough decisions to make on major league promotions.
GB: DANG I’m gla I’m not him!
Marquez, if he turns out to be a pretty good pitcher along the lines of Ian Kennedy will be ripe for a nickname…
The Marquez Of Queensberry Rules or Marquez de Sade.
Could we see
off the bench? He could be our speed guy?
To be sure, Rebecca. He could go to jail, or, be deported and lose his work visa. Neither one is good, and, it’ll end his career. The question now, is whether baseball cancels that trade or not. On the other hand, right now, he’s got more important issues at hand with his family.
Finally had Derek on. He is in NY to film a commercial for Gatorade 2. He said that Clemens deserves the benefit of the doubt. He also said that if he knew someone on the Yankees was taking steroids he’d talk to them and tell them what happens to their body health wise. He misses Torre holding his bat(that will be the thing he misses most)and he’ll have Girardi hold it as long as the bat stays lucky and has a lot of hits in it.
The Arod thing was a soap opera to him, and he was on vacation when all of the negotiations happened. He said he was happy when he found out Arod was coming back because he is such a great player. He also said always expect the unexpected with the Steinbrenners.
It’s difficult for him when they don’t win the offseason. He’s never happy when they dont win the WS.
Marquez already has a nickname “Greasy”
But until you are named in the Yankee Blogosphere all prospects are still fair game in my book.
mel
I read that article when you first posted it and meant to thank you. definitely interesting.
Thanks Fran!
Drive 4-5 …. Just looked at your evaluation of the Sox starting staff (6:03 post), and you’re not far from right (in a negative sort of way). The Sox staff is replete with question marks. But 4 of their 6 starters have not yet reached their peak (I hope). Also, several of their starters have (recently) pitched well in the post-season (quite important). But, the question is, how high is their high?
Not to hog blog space, but here’s what I expect from the six; (1) Beckett – The whole package; great stuff, great moxie (2) Schilling – hopefully he’ll be a good Mussina (3) DiceK – I think he’ll be better; has to rediscover his changeup and/or splitter (4) Wakefield – becoming an injury risk, lessening his value (5) Lester – good stuff, chronic command issues; but scouts seem to think he’ll mature. I’m not so sure. (6) Bucholz – Super curve and change, good fastball, good command, good presence. Seems to be ready to excel.
P.S. I looked through some of the Joba/Bucholz discussion. Joba has eye-dropping stuff, good presence. I like our guy, but Joba has the “wow” factor. But can he be a “wow” for 30 starts, 100 pitches per start? Who knows? But two pitchers couldn’t be much different than Joba and Bucholz, from body types to primary pitches. So it makes a nice case study to see who produces best, I guess.
P.S. Nice to have a non-steroid discussion on the congressional hearing day.
Nice Pete, thanks for the read!
Bronx,
I think Marquez could be the 8th inning guy for a season (like a Ramiro Mendoza type). There may never be another Joba-like rise of 2007 for a setup guy so its not really fair to use him as the benchmark. The Yankees need dependability in the 7th and 8th. Sure they’d love an ERA under 1.00 but I’d settle for a guy who doesnt walk many, doesnt give up HR, with an ERA in the high 2′s or low 3′s. Seems like that would be possible for Marquez or Horne.
Re: Miguel Tejada, Lawyer Roger Cossack on ESPN said his trouble is for possibly lying to a federal agent, not for lying to congress. He was not under oath when speaking to the federal agent, but apparently trouble can still ensue.
Brian, you’re late, we had that discussion ealier.
I agree I am sick of it.
Boston Dave:
I never said Joba was the benchmark, I was responding to Rebecca who asked “Marquez: The Joba of 2008?”
Nothing more. Believe me I like Marquez and think your Mendoza comparison is a very good one.
I think Ohlendorf or Melancon are best-equipped with the stuff to become the setup man for 2008
You’re welcome Rebecca.
Bronx,
Do you think Melancon will be ready and pitching at 100% before September callups? I honestly dont know what his progress is right now. I think he could be the best suited for the 8th as well but I guess I had ruled him out for NY until 2009 (similar perhaps to JB Cox).
Bronx,
I agree on Ohlendorf. He’s a lock for the pen IMO.
Mel -
I read the article. It did give some insight as to the fine line ESPN has to walk. Of course, they could hire some Yankees loyalists, just to be fair.
Seriously, though, as far as Kruk and Phillips are concerned, they were definitely on the hot seat that day. Phillips especially couldn’t tap dance around his part in the entire thing fast enough. Look, they could not possibly have been objective. They either should not have been assigned to cover that issue that day, or it should have been clearly stated by each of them that they are personally conflicted by the issue. The way people deal with an issue is directly related to how personally they or a loved one is involved. For instance, I have a relative who had a neurological illness, and I favor stem cell research because I would hope that in the future people may be spared that particular difficulty. For someone who has no personal exposure to that, it is easier to be objective and see both sides of an issue or even the opposite.
As far as Gammons goes, yeah, I think he backpedalled as well. I think it was stated well in the article that in sports journalism the connections between reporters and reported are so interconnected, and journalists are dependent upon their relationships with team personnel in order to get stories. In addition, they spend so much time with the athlete that friendships or at least professional respect develops, and negative reporting of this magnitude becomes problematic.
I think that it was buried in that article that perhaps if the journalists had run with the story years ago, the sport wouldn’t be in this position. I have to agree with that to a large extent. We are all a little naive, though, and even though reporters say they keep an arms distance from the sport they cover, there is still a bit of the child who looked up to the athlete inside each and every one of us and them, that doesn’t allow us to see the flaws.
As far as GMs go, and Phillips explanation that there was nothing he could do, I would say he lacks imagination.
The way the Mitchell investigation was conducted opened itself up to all kinds of criticism. Because it was flawed in the way it was investigated, in the discrepancies in standards of proof (hearsay versus cancelled checks), because it was not inclusive, and because Mitchell was going to recommend “moving forward” and not punishing the players involved to this point, names should not have been published. And precisely because the names were published the intent of Mitchell’s conclusions are lost.
Also the addendum sort of addresses the negative scrolls during the Clemens press conference. This is just irresponsible and biased. By all means, report afterward that viewer comments were running negative to Clemens, but don’t distract from the actual news of the moment with any simultaneous commentary at all.
“Nice to have a non-steroid discussion on the congressional hearing day.”
brian(redsoxfan)-
after watching most of the hearings for much of the day,i was pretty disgusted with the whole thing. it’s like an alice in wonderland thing where very little makes sense. the most ridiculous thing was mitchell telling the committee something like that he had a train to catch and had limited time so as things went on questions were rushed and eventually some members of congress questions were cut short.
call me crazy, but is it too much for mitchell to clear his schedule and park his butt down to answer questions about a report that may ruin other people’s lives? maybe that’s just me though.
i’m not that impressed with buchholz at first glance .he doesn’t throw hard enough. i saw low nineties. no mid nineties.
Jennifer …. saw some of the hearings; couldn’t bring myself to discuss them. Sort of predictable (with the exception of Tejada’s problems; he’s going the way of Martha stewart).
But enough of that stuff. It’s more fun to engage in total conjecture on the future performance of Yankee/Red Sox players.
I really like Bucholz and Joba. I’m skeptical about Hughes and Lester (based on what I’ve actually seen).
randy l -
are you kidding about buchholz not throwing hard enough?
as a NYY fan, i hope he fails…. but he looks like he’s going to be an all-star. his changeup is so good that he could throw 88-90 (i believe he throws 92-94) and still strike guys out.
Boston Dave:
On Melancon, I’ve heard he will actually be ready to pitch and realistically compete during Spring Training. So, he will be pitching from the start of the season. From all accounts he is an absolute beast regarding his work ethic – he is ahead of schedule in his recovery timetable.
The question is how fast he will move up the farm system. IMO, he has the ability to skyrocket but I don’t want to get ahead of myself. Let’s just say Cashman will keep a very close eye on Melancon’s progress.
Brian, did you see Phil’s first start? And his last 3? I throw out the ones in the middle since he was recovering for ankle and hamsting injuries. Also he had his pitching coach at the end of the year and he will be there this year.
Brian,
dont be skeptical of Hughes. While I dont share the opinions of many in here that he will certainly be one of the top 5 pitchers in all of baseball, his sample from last season isnt enough. he was coming off injury and lost confidence in his changeup. i think you will see a much improved hughes (who reported to FL early to workout) in 2008.
Doreen,
Yes. Gammons basically said the same thing in his e-mail. Instead of saying sewer rat, he said rat in sewer.
Boston Dave,
My response to you is on the next thread.
Bronx,
thanks for the update and that is fantastic news. I’ve heard others share their positive outlook for Melancon so I will be watching him closely along with Cashman.
Randy 1 – I thought the same thing about Bucholz at first. But his change and curve are super, and he throws quality strikes with all of his pitches. He grows on you (or me, anyway). I can see him winning on days when he doesn’t have his best stuff, because he has multiple options.
A decent analogy would be the younger Mussina – low 90s fastball, and excellent “secondary” pitches. Mussina’s control was better, but Bucholz does pitch ahead of the batters.
Hughes I like, but don’t love. I can’t see him pitching well w/o his best fastball (which he never brought north with him). And I’m still not sure that his best fastball has that Papelbon-like “hop” to it (more Farnsworthian). But, again, I’m told that he wasn’t healthy, or in condition, or whatever, when he came up in August. So I’ll reserve judgement.
P.S. Mitchell having to catch a train was pretty lame. But he’s in that congressional club, so I’m sure you expected the fawning and deference. It was just a TV show, nothing more.
boston dave-
i don’t remember seeing 94, but do you consider 92-94 hard? i don’t with today’s kids.
Brian,
one of the big reasons Hughes was such a top prospect in the minors was due to his control. Some have compared him to Curt Schilling in that regard. He appeared to lose some of that control last season. If he doesn’t get it back, well that’s a problem. But it seems more likely that he will and you don’t need Papelbon’s “hop” if you can spot your pitches. Throw in an exceptional curve and a work-in-progress change and he can be a dominant starter.
randy l -
i believe i saw 94. someone can probably look that up… but radar guns arent always accurate.
either way, speed is overrated IF you have dominant offspeed pitches. Buchholz does. Like I said, even if he only threw 88, he could be an ace with his change and curve.
I hope I am way off… but I unfortunately wouldnt bet on it.
Here is an EXCELLENT article on Buccholz and IPK:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/m.....s-kennedy/
Warning: after watching the video on Buchholz’s change… you may have nightmares.
*Buchholz
Just to add to what Boston Dave said:
Don’t forget Hughes’ best off-speed pitch in high school was a plus slider. He flashed the slider more often in the second half of the season.
He also has a good 2seamer. Hughes has the pitcher. The question is whether he will live in the 93-95 mph range he was in the minors and his curveball is consistently sharp and located as he is known for.
pitcherpitchessusan mullen
January 15th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Re: Miguel Tejada, Lawyer Roger Cossack on ESPN said his trouble is for possibly lying to a federal agent, not for lying to congress. He was not under oath when speaking to the federal agent, but apparently trouble can still ensue
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Thanks for the correction, Susan. Much appreciated.
I also like Bucholz/Joba. Lester has some question marks, but good stuff, to many walks, to many pitches per inning. Hughes/IPK will be fine, they both have good stuff and low bb. We will see shortly how well Marquez/Horne stack up.
Old Ranger -
I think the comparisons should be between Hughes and Buchholz.
Chamberlain, at this moment, is a step above.
boston dave-
good link on buchholz and kennedy. i keep forgetting how much i like carlos gomez’ comparison videos.
well, he at least comfirms what i said about buchholz’s velocity. i agree that velocity is not everything, but it’s more likely buchhholz will be losing velocity as time goes on. where is he going to be if he drops some velocity? i just don’t see him as ace material.
buchholz is compared with a young mussina as far as stuff, but does he have mussina’s smarts? or maddux’s? it’s not just stuff. the league will adjust. does he adjust back? time will tell.
Boston D
You are right, it is between Bucholz and Hughes. Hughes has the upper hand, not by a lot. Hughes is a little faster with better control/Buc has a nasty curve. Maybe even?
i’m not that impressed with buchholz at first glance .he doesn’t throw hard enough. i saw low nineties. no mid nineties.
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Buchholz’s FB is his third pitch. The guys is the goods.
I’m ok with saying Hughes and Buchholz are pretty even as of the end of last season. This is a guess but I think most scouts would slightly prefer Buchholz right now. However, I think if Hughes is 100% in 2008, he will either catch up or slightly pass Buchholz in those scouts’ eyes. That’s conditional on him working in his changeup to keep hitters guessing. We will see. I don’t think either team is complaining…
i thought the comparisons were between Buchholz and Kennedy. both are ranked high on scouting reports. time will tell
great post pete
thanks for the info on these players. really looking forward to spring training and watching the young arms and maybe even a bat or two.
here is a question: Which of the two major catching prospects, Romine or Montero, has more upside and is more likely to play in the Bronx someday??
“i’m not that impressed with buchholz at first glance .he doesn’t throw hard enough. i saw low nineties. no mid nineties.”
If you’re not impressed with Buchholz’s FB, you shouldn’t be impressed with Hughes’ fastball either.
According to a site that has a database of all the pitchers and their pitches through the pitch f/x system, Hughes’ AVG fastball falls between such hard throwers such as Elmer Dessens and Joe Blanton.
Oh, and Randy L, thanks for the kind words.
I forgot to mention that they don’t have the data for Clay Buchholz since apparently, he didn’t throw enough pitches to qualify. I should’ve said above that they have a database of pitchers that threw over a certain amount of pitches that were captured by the pitch f/x system.