Horne, McCutchen ready for Scranton?
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- May
- 15
Two minor-league moves of note:
Chad Jennings reports that Alan Horne is close to being able to return to the Scranton rotation. He has been out with a minor arm injury.
And George King of the Post had a note today that Dan McCutchen will be promoted to Scranton.
Keeping in mind that I’m half awake, here’s a list of minor-league pitchers who could help the Yankees this summer:
J.B. Cox (AAA)
Mark Melancon (AA)
Dan McCutchen (AAA)
Alan Horne (AAA)
David Robertson (AAA)
Steven White (AAA)
Chase Wright (AA)
Dan Giese (AAA)
Obviously all of these guys won’t be in the majors. But depending on need, you could see some of them. Robertson is an intriguing player who could be valuable as a trade chip. Heard some talk the other day that Arizona likes him.
If the Yankees make some kind of move in July, Brian Cashman has some pieces to put out there.
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on Thursday, May 15th, 2008 at 10:42 am by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
what to you guys say to a-rod recording a video to congratulate manny when he hits his 500 home run??!!
i think it a great thing! just shows you even they are the biggest rivals you could still be friends!!…(and not like that stupid yankkee fan who killed a boston fan)….
The Yankees need more pen help themselves. They’re not trading Robertson because Arizona likes him.
Dan Giese is a journeyman so I don’t see him helping much.
more reason to keep Robertson especially if ARizona likes him, can we tell Arizona we like Connor Jackson…
You are CRAZY if you trade Robertson
With all these arms, what do the Yankees do with Igawa? They have too much possible talent in AAA to waste a spot on him.
Also, anybody know if they can convert Chase Wright to the pen? He’s pitching so well and he is lefty…
Brandon I also like Upton too. Wonder if Arizona would give him to us? Hmmmmm
com’on Jax
who did pete always refer to as “the intriguing….” during spring training? i forgot?
EricVA – I’ve had the same thought about Chase Wright.
Sure, tell Josh B. “Epstein”, we’ll trade Robertson for Micah Owings. Who does he think Cashman is Ed Wade?
Throw in Conor Jackson while we’re at it.
Several things…
Odd choice to promote McCutchen two days after his worst outing of the year.
Chase could probably be a bullpen guy. I still would like him as a starter better, primarily because he doesn’t have the secondary stuff he’d need for specialty situations coming out of the pen…but he’s been as consistent as anyone on the Thunder staff this year.
It’s worth noting that Trenton now has six starters for five spots, so we’ll see how that pans out…
al arodien
Why should he? Alex is hated in Boston, why should he do anything for a Boston player? Did anyone record a video of congrats for him when he hit 500?
“Odd choice to promote McCutchen two days after his worst outing of the year.”
Well last year Joba was promoted from AA to AAA after one his worst outings. and Cashman was in attendance for that one.
Robertson could replace farnsworth next year.
Hopefully they don’t trade him.
Wow, so many people against trading Dave Robertson without even knowing who the Yankees might be able to get in return.
Some of these kids are going to get traded.
After Cashman fleeced Arizona in the Randy Johnson trade, doesn’t Cashman now owe Byrnes one?
Jennifer – Manny asked three people to record congratuations, one of them was A-Rod…it was Manny’s decision (presumably the Red Sox Org is planning something to celebrate #500)
I think the promotion is a scheduled thing. If he was pitching well by Mid May, they were probably committed to promoting him regardless of one start.
Just saying, I think in terms of confidence, it might not have been the best time to do it, regardless of what happened with Joba last season.
This kid’s been hearing about how he’s going to Triple-A all year, and recently has been dealing with questions about going to the bigs for a spot start. Again…same as Joba last season, but still…
btw, Mike, great job on Thunder Thoughts.
The thing with McCutchin is, he’s not a kid, he’s 25. He and Horne are older for “prospects” so they have to be advanced more aggressively.
“Manny asked three people to record congratuations, one of them was A-Rod…”
is there a story on this somewhere? just seems odd. congratulate him in person at some point, if anything.
Jennifer – I’m with you. A-Rod should record congratulations so those well-behaved Boston fans can boo and curse at him when they play it in Fenway? And who would ask someone to congratulate him?
al
No problem with it at all. This is one friend celebrating anothers accomplishment.
Hitting 500 HR’s is a milestone that makes you part of a fraternity. It is only natural you would ask a friend who is already part of that fraternity to welcome you in.
SCOTT PATTERSON?
Keeping in mind that I’m half awake…
Late night at Mons Venus?
off topic….......Im leaving for Italy tomorrow, first time Ive ever been there…I’ll be in Rome for 4 days, Sorrento/Amalfi Coast for 4 days and 3 days in Catania Sicily. Have any of you been to any of those places and can you tell me how it was and places to go other than the obvious historic sites in Rome and the volcanos?
I have a feeling this is going to be another big trading deadline. If we can offload a good pitcher or two for a good young bat then I will be real happy.
Russell,
Do you have a feel for the bat you’d like to see them target? What position?
Tim-
I believe “the intriguing…” moniker was used to describe Brett Gardner.
there are some nights where our old slow team could use the the intriguing one to stir up some ruckus.
Hope they aren’t promoting guys just because they are out of pitchers.We saw what happened to Kennedy,Wright,DeSalvo,Clippard,and Brad Smith.These guys weren’t ready and were only good for a hand full of games.
The Yankees will need one to two pitchers by next season.No matter how good any of those guys do.
I would trade Robertson to the D’backs if they hand over Connor Jackson who’s a first baseman. (sorry but I don’t think Texiera is worth what’s being rumored 7 yrs $200 million). but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I can’t think of anyone on the D’backs that the Yankees could use and that Arizona would trade to the Yankees.
@ TurnTwo: Thanks. It’s certainly been an interesting year to cover the team…
@ William Buckner: Cutch and I are the same age. You’re making me feel old. But I agree that he needs to be aggressively moved up…I just didn’t like the specific timing of it. If he pitched well on Sunday and got the call, I’d have had no issue with it.
Why ask someone to record a congrats speech? That is very odd. Did Alex do the same? Say oh I want so and so to record something for me? Shouldn’t it be from the heart?
I don’t see any trade happening with the DBacks for Robertson. I’m assuming we would look to take a player off the ML roster, but Arizona is not exactly going to be sellers. So I don’t think we’re getting Owings and Lyon or Haren or even Upton. I would think Arizona wants to keep that group together this season.
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to seeing Melancon, based on your hype, Pete. If he’s as fun to watch as you claim, then I say bring him up!
I want Upton badly. I hurt not having him.
honestly – it was in one of the paper’s this morning – when I have time I’ll go looking for quote…
dont the d-backs have a couple of catching prospects? Id be interested in trading for one
Connor Jackson is going to cost you a lot more than David Robertson.
“Do you have a feel for the bat you’d like to see them target? What position?”
I’m not too familiar with minor league teams. But the Diamondbacks have a few good position players… including Alex Romero in CF
“Wow, so many people against trading Dave Robertson without even knowing who the Yankees might be able to get in return.”
Well, what could we reasonably get in return that it would make it worth trading Robertson? He’s a young arm with a WHIP consistently under 1.00 in his full seasons in the minors.
There’s just no reason to do it unless you could package him in a deal for one of D-Backs top players such as Jackson. But that’s simply not going to happen.
The bullpen, I think has really been solid for us so far. I’d like to see one or two of the Robertson, Cox, Melancon trio brought up eventually this year to take over the seventh inning role. I think Farnsy, based on track record, will eventually implode again. What I’d hate to see the Yanks do is trade a prospect for a “veteran’’ bullpen arm who will probably suck. There just aren’t a lot of really top flight middle to late inning relievers that are worth getting.
I think we’re well positioned in the farm system to fill any bullpen holes.
As for Robertson…I would at least like to see what he could do at the big league level before dealing him. Considering the currently comprised bullpen the Yankees have, I could see him having significant value.
Scouts seem to like him a lot, but even with that said…if he’s a guy who could potentially help the Yankees bullpen long-term (same with J.B. Cox) trading him for a first baseman may not be the best idea when consistency in the bullpen is a pretty big need as well.
@ Bigjf: Melancon will likely debut for Double-A Trenton tonight…
I’d probably take Conor Jackson, move Giambi to the bench, and send down Duncan, but I’d have a tough time giving up young pitching, especially when Teixeira could be had next year as a FA.
posted on the wrong thread:
ok iv been way to ornery yesterday and today, im on vacay and im sick as a DOG and my brothers are golfing in ocean city without me ( i sound like moose in japan) so i’ve been a real butthead to ppl on here, specially sj a fine poster and generally upstanding citizen.
you guys are right, trades dont normally happen in may but here’s my take and then ill just take some dayquill and mellow out…
MOST of the time, teams dont make 180 degree turns at the beginning of may, but THIS year, the reds have apparently done just that. they started with a gm who had put together a more veteran team and hired a veteran loving manager Dusty Baker, to run it. they wanted to keep bruce, votto, volquez, cueto, keppinger and others developing in the minors (and not starting the arbitration clock). but b/c of injuries and slumps, the rooks started busting thier way up and succeeding right off the bat. now all of a sudden, there’s no reason to send them back down and the new gm sees a chance to pick up more young guys. (the league is now beating on queto and keppinger is back in aaa) but once the griffey thing hit the papers, now ALL thier veterans are in play, griffey, arroyo, dunn. and once all those guys are in play, alot of other guys all over baseball come into play, blanton, crede, sheffield, pierre/ethier/jones, garciaparra, kouzmanoff, ensberg, matsui, brandon inge, sexon/beltran as teams manuever to prevent being blocked by other possible moves. suddenly there is a trade market where none normally exists, in mid may. the tigers look horrible (WAY worse than the yankees), the padres are desparate and seattle already knows it has to rebuild.
it is unusual this time of year but this looks to be an unusual year. and please dont tell me (again) ‘thats not how things are done’, i cant imagine how many times branch rickey or billy beane must’ve heard that in thier brilliant careers. i think cash can be on that level of brilliance, plus he has more chess pieces to play with than ANYBODY. I think the time could be right to make a move.
as i pointed out yesterday, the genius of stick michael that MADE the dynasty was not just hoarding young talent, but deciding which ones to keep (bernie/jorje/mo/derrick/andy), which ones to move (springer/davis/kelley/other guys nobody remembers) and which guys to go get (oniell/tino/key). the reds are in a very similar situation right now. i realize stick did all this with almost no pressure to win (yankees sooooo sucked at the time), but cash is just gonna have to deal without that luxury cause rebuilding just aint gonna happen.
cash doesnt have to make any trades right now, even if the market is unexpectedly open, but he’s gonna have to sift the wheat from the chaff at some point or all we’re gonna end up with is one or two young all-stars on a very old team. i think he’s smart enough to pull it off, he’s been groomed by stick himself to do it, but i’m beggining to wonder if he’s got the cajones to actually make the moves that put us over the top.
2nd of 5 straight wins this afternoon!
peace, out.
@ Francis The Praying Mantis: The Yankees have Francisco Cervelli, Austin Romine and Jesus Montero in their top 30 prospects—all catchers. Additionally, P.J. Pilittere is having one of his best seasons in Double-A as well.
Eessentially, it’s a long-winded way of saying there’s no need to make such a move.
I would trade for Connor in a minute!!
I am surprised Pete did not put Paterson on the list. He was lights out this spring and has been pitching well in Scranton.
jennifer
May 15th, 2008 at 11:44 am
“Why ask someone to record a congrats speech? That is very odd. Did Alex do the same? Say oh I want so and so to record something for me? Shouldn’t it be from the heart?”
So Jennifer…..which is sadder? Me as a Sox fan spending time on a Yankee blog or you all worried about who Manny has congratulate him on his 500th home run? I’m just poking a little fun at you and at myself!!
Seriously, who cares who is on the tape congratulating Manny? If Manny would like Arod to do it and Arod has no problem doing it who are we to stop them or whine about it?
Here’s the article:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05152008/sports/yankees/a_rod_ready_for_manny_jeers_110883.htm
“Seriously, who cares who is on the tape congratulating Manny? If Manny would like Arod to do it and Arod has no problem doing it who are we to stop them or whine about it?”
nobody’s whining, it just seems weird to request a congrats on video.
Yeah, Patterson is doing better than I thought in the minors. I’d like to see him up as well…
IMO, if the yankee do trade from their pitching depth, they should target either a 1B (im also known as Cpt Obvious) or a corner OF. Im not in love with what Ive seen from Abreau this yr and he’s a FA. The OF FA class this year is really thin.
Manny do something weird? No way!
“Conor Jackson is going to cost you a lot more than David Robertson.”
That’s why Pete’s reference to him being used as a trading chip and saying the D’backs like him, doesn’t make any sense.
The Yankees aren’t trading young, inexpensive, possibly very good arms that can help in the pen unless they can get a Connor Jackson. but that’s not happening. So it’s a moot point.
“If Manny would like Arod to do it and Arod has no problem doing it who are we to stop them or whine about it?”
No one wants to stop it or is whining about it, but I think many just find it a little strange to ask someone to record a congrats message for ya. But whatever…it’s all good.
Bill Buckner, what do not like from Abreu this year? He is hitting nearly .400 with RISP, and has been one of the most consistent players on the team. I would like to see more power myself, but the way he works pitchers into deep counts can help the power guys behind him.
William Buckner,
You’re not in love with a career .400 OBP? He’s not a great fielder, especially around the wall, but I’d sign Abreu to a 2 year extension if he’s willing to stick around. He’s stayed off the DL and has been a terrific hitter overall in the lineup. And since you said yourself that the FA class is thin, there’s no reason to allow him to hit the market. It doesn’t appear that our young OF are quite ready yet anyway.
if i’m bobby abreu’s agent, i wont consider any offer less than 3 yrs and a good option. i dont want the yankees to give it to him., even though i really like him. alot depends on whether cano shows he can be our #3 hitter moving forward.
just curious if anyone knows what kind of free agent outfielders will be out there this offseason? if the market is thin and demand is up, where do you draw the line for resigning Abreu?
I will be the first to admit that Manny certainly marches to his own beat and is most capable of doing weird things.
But it could be conceivable that the Red Sox initiated the making of the tape and asked Manny who he would like on it.
whoever has a problem w/ Manny asking Alex to be one of the 4 guys in that tape should get over w/ it, they both worked out in the offseason in FL. last year, Manny’s one of Alex’s closest friends in baseball, David Ortiz is like a brother in the offseason to Robi Cano. Anyone that has a problem w/ that get a life.
Ray, that makes sense.
What im not in love with is
1. The decrease in power
2. his defense
3. not interested in career no. im interested in what he’s likely to do over a three deal, and he’s not a .400 obp guy anymore. in fact his walk rates are down from career avg.
Not saying he isn’t solid, but at 34, do you want him as the RF for the next 3 yrs?
ray – that’s how I interpreted it, too…(I think I may have actually said that when I posted it initially)
“But it could be conceivable that the Red Sox initiated the making of the tape and asked Manny who he would like on it.”
that probably makes the most sense. i can’t imagine (even manny) insisting upon something like this…
The Yankees success or failure over the course of this season may very well depend on whether one or more of the minor league arms contributes (outside of the ones already with the team).
The AL East race is shaping up into a really interesting one for many reasons.
Chief amongst them is the innings being racked up by the yankees and red sox bullpens.
Neither the red sox starters nor the yankees starters are throwing that many innings per start as a whole.
The only red sox starters to average over 6 innings per start so far this year have been Beckett and Wakefield (just over 6). Matsuzaka, Lester,and Buchholz are all averaging less than 6 innings per start (matsuzaka is just under 6).
And Buchholz is now out for 15 days and also has an innings cap.
So the red sox bull pen has been taxed a lot and may well continue to be taxed.
The boston bull pen has thrown around 37% of all the teams innings this year.
37% of innings is a lot for a bullpen. It’ll be difficult for a bull pen to continue to throw that many innings over a whole season. It’s not likely to be sustainable at an effective level of performance. Once you get over a bull pen throwing 35% of the teams total innings its very difficult. The arms start tiring or breaking down.
So while the Sox starters have an excellent team ERA they just aren’t throwing that many innings.
Now the yankees problems with pitching have been significantly worse than the sox, largely because Hughes and Kennedy were so bad.
The yankees bullpen is throwing 40% of the teams total innings.
40% is not sustainable over a season.
So both the yankees and the sox bull pens are getting worked very hard, the yankees in particular. Could these rates change? Sure, especially if Lester turns a corner and Joba, Kennedy and Rasner stabilize the yanks rotation.
Nonetheless, I’d guess both bull pens will throw a lot of innings and get tired.
Last year the sox built up that huge first half lead and hung on in the second half just barely winning the division. A lot of their second half slump was related to their bull pen tiring. And last year the sox bull pen was under 35% of the teams total innings – Okajima in particular tired. The Gagne trade was spun as sort of a luxury for the sox but they really did need help in the pen.
With both pens throwing a lot of innings the difference could be who has greater depth.
Trades for relievers are possible but very difficult and expensive to execute – every team needs bull pen help.
If these workload trends continue the yankees could have a real relative advantage given the depth of their near major league ready young pitchers.
The grueling length of the season could work in the yankees favor this year.
saucy,
OF FA this year is bad. really bad. abreau is the best out there i think. Assuming Sox take mannys option, same with Vlad.
I’d be possibly willing to give Abreu a 3rd year vested option. Agents don’t always get the years they want (see: Mike Lowell, Mariano Rivera), especially if a player wants to stay badly enough (and I think Abreu is enjoying himself as a Yankee).
there are basically no FA OFers on the market after the 2008 season worth more than a minimal contract… so you are either extending Abreu another couple years, promoting from within, or moving prospects for an OF.
By the way, Ryan Braun: 8 years, $45M with the Brewers. Don’t you think he’s worth more money than that? Steal for the Brewers!
K..crazy Yankee fan just called in WFAN up in arms over Alex taping the message. Chill dude..whoever you are.
saucy –
Free agents for the upcoming offseason:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/2009-mlb-free-a.html
Francis the Praying Mantis –
I spent two weeks in Italy this past April – 8 days in Florence, rest in Rome.
Rome was easy to get around. Bring your walking shoes. The old city portion, around the Coliseum, is relatively easy to walk around and see the sites, similar in that respect to Manhattan. Between the ruins and the churches, museums, it seems everywhere you turn is something wonderful to see.
The only catch is that it is expensive, especially with the exchange rate on the euro.
Enjoy!
Here’s a list I found.
Bobby Abreu NYY
Moises Alou NYM
Garret Anderson * LAA
Rocco Baldelli TB
Willie Bloomquist SEA
Emil Brown OAK
Pat Burrell PHI
Endy Chavez NYM
Carl Crawford * TB
Adam Dunn CIN
Jim Edmonds SD
Juan Encarnacion STL
Cliff Floyd TB
Brian Giles * SD
Ken Griffey Jr. * CIN
Vladimir Guerrero * LAA
Raul Ibanez SEA
Jacque Jones DET
Mark Kotsay ATL
Rob Mackowiak WAS
Kevin Mench TEX
Jason Michaels * CLE
Craig Monroe MIN
Jay Payton BAL
Scott Podsednik COL
Manny Ramirez * BOS
Juan Rivera LAA
Rondell White MIN
I think I might vomit after reading it.
TurnTwo, can always offer him more money over less years. 2 years, $40M? I’d bite.
All of these moves tell us several things:
1. Joba is getting closer and closer to being transitioned into the rotation. They wouldn’t be making all these moves down below if that wasn’t the case. Basically, you have Cox, Robertson and McCutchen getting into the mix for spots in the Yankee bullpen for the second half of the year.
Horne? If he is healthy, he may be in the mix. Although, I believe the Yankees see him more as a starting pitcher than a bullpen possibility.
2. Last night was an example of the kind of confidence Girardi has in Ohlendorf. Important because, IMO, Ohlendorf and Farnsworth will likely share 8th inning duties when they move Joba to the rotation. They need to pitch, and succeed, in those game deciding situations prior to working 8th innings on a consistent basis. The guys in AA and AAA are auditioning for Ollie and Farnsworth’s current roles in the Yankees bullpen.
3. Don’t discount trade possibilities near the deadline. The Yankees have a surplus of young arms. They will lose some in the Rule 5 Draft this year unless they can make a deal. Some of these guys are going to get dealt.
Every team is baseball craves young pitching. The Yankees have an abundance of it. They also have a HUGE need at first base.
I could see the Yankees packaging a couple of younger arms for a first baseman. Not a 32+ year old first baseman but, a younger guy who is either in a situation where the team he is currently playing for won’t pay him over the long haul or has a hotshot prospect they are ready to move into their lineup.
That would be the type of player to watch and see if they are on the Yankees radar. Sort of a Conor Jackson-type before he blew up and became untouchable.
I also think you need to look at switch hitters or RH hitters in that spot to narrow the search. The lineup is already too lefty dominant.
Its my belief the Yankees will go heavily after one big free agent in the off-season. Its either Tex or CC, not both.
I don’t believe they want to get tied down with 2 enormous contracts this off-season.
I believe the guy they will target is CC. It makes too much sense on too many levels.
First, he’s an innings eater and they need that at the top of the rotation. Second, he’s lefthanded, a rarity in today’s market. Third, its just money and draft picks, not players.
You have Wang, CC, Chamberlain, perhaps a Pettitte return for one more year, and Hughes, you have the makings of an outstanding rotation.
Its why I think they will aggressively pursue a first baseman on the trade market, using one or more of their young arms as bait.
Jennifer
i am a bit late but i wanted to answer your comment abour A-Rod and Manny. A-Rod has mentioned that he and Manny are very good, close friends outside baseball. Maybe that is why A-Rod wants to congratulate Manny, his friend.
I heard that Boston has blown 3 run leads (and lost) in their last 3 games.
Tribe continues their assault on any scoreless streaks out there. Is that their 44th shutout inning?
Hypathetical question.
Lets say that Moose keeps pitching the way he has and Andy keeps struggling for a month or so. Rasner and Kennedy become consistant.What do you do with Joba?
a.replace Rasner even though he is pitching well.
b.replace Kennedy.
c.rotate Kennedy and Joba.
d.flip flop Andy and Joba.
e.Keep him in the pen.
How about when Hughes comes up? Lastly,if Moose continues this hot streak through the year. Do you resign him?
SJ, so what 1B candidates are we talking about? you think they might be able to pry LaPorta away from Milwaukee for a handful of pitching prospects? I heard he has been playing a little bit of RF, too.
alot of people have forgotten the basics of good sportsmanship. and i dont mean the dont-fist-pump kind, i mean the part where after the game, you shake your opponent’s hand and say good game and give props to the winners. arod and manny are maybe the best two hitters of thier time. they will always be linked, a modern-day free agent era version of dimaggio—williams.
this is his 500th home run! anybody who respects and loves the game of baseball has to know what a huge accomplishment that is, even during the steroids era.
also, arod is both a friend of manny’s, a fellow memeber of the future hall-of-famers club and also a fellow ballplayer, and ballplayers dont have allegiences to teams, just to teammates and fellow players.
congratulations manny! ya freakin wierdo!
As long as Alex is not standing at the plate waiting to high five Manny I don’t have a problem with it.
Kay’s going to have a fit though. I hope it happens at Fenway. See how the classy fans react.
Besides, Tampa’s the knew rival. haha.
SOS, I would think it depends on the realtive success of Rasner and IPK. If IPK can get back the form he had at the end of 2007, he’ll stay in the rotation, and Rasner would go to the pen as a long man.
The top 3 in the rotation are Wang, Andy, and Moose, despite any struggles the 3 of them have from now til the end of the season.
Out of that list of outfielders. The one that intrigues me is Rocco Baldelli. What are the chances of signing him on an health incentive deal? When healthy he is a difference maker. Thoughts?
I think there are two Bobby Abreu’s. One, when Arod is in the lineup. Two, when he is not.
The one when Arod is in the lineup is the guy you look to re-sign for 2 years this off-season. The other? You pass.
He’s a very good player. He’s not a franchise, “I can carry the team for 2 weeks” type of player.
That’s ok. Neither was Paul O’Neill and he had a very nice career for the Yankees.
If he puts up his usual numbers, I’d seriously consider re-signing him for another 2 years. He is the perfect guy to hit in front of Arod in this lineup.
CB,
Very good point about the bullpens. Its why Cashman has basically re-tooled the Yankees bullpen at mid-season each of the last 2 years. In the AL, guys always get overused and many are toast by mid-season.
This is one area where the Yankees do have an advantage over the Red Sox. Timlin and Hansen just aren’t very good. Delcarmen, a guy they really need this year, has struggled bigtime. Aardsma has pitched well. Can he hold up over a full season? We shall see.
The only guy in their system who can help them out of the ‘pen the second half of the year is Masterson.
Okajima is not as good as he was last year. He currently leads the AL in inherited runners scoring.
Even Papelbon hasn’t been as sharp.
Buchholz? He could be out for at least a month. That’s an injury, while sounding minor, is one that lingers all year.
If he is uncomfortable throwing his fastball, which he said he was because of the injury, it makes his curveball and changeup less effective and he becomes a much more hittable pitcher.
The Red Sox don’t have the starting and relief pitching depth the Yankees have, both on the ML roster and in the farm system. Something to watch as the season unfolds.
Baldelli has a genetic condition that will prob not allow him to play baseball professionally again…
TurnTwo,
LaPorta is definitely a guy who comes to mind. The Brewers need pitching. Especially relief pitching.
Gagne is a bust, David Riske hyperextended his elbow last night, and Mota blew another save last night against the Dodgers.
LaPorta would be one guy I would target if I’m the Yankees. That kid can mash.
With Fielder in front of him, he has no future at first base. He also isn’t an OF. He’s basically a DH or first baseman.
Baldell’s career may be over. He is a form of chronic fatigue syndrome and it hasn’t yet been able to be controlled. A shame. Good guy and good player. I hope he can get well.
Anybody ripping Manny for that play yesterday really needs to lighten up. That was not only a great play, it was hysterical to see him high fiving a fan during the play.
Its still a game folks. Not life or death.
Manny may be nuts but, at least he has fun playing the game. Its probably why he is such a great hitter. He doens’t put unnecessary pressure on himself.
Baseball is not football. The best players are the most relaxed players (see: Jeter, Manny, etc), unlike football in that regard.
“Baseball is not football. The best players are the most relaxed players (see: Jeter, Manny, etc), unlike football in that regard.”
Great point. You should text message that to Hank.
man, what is it with all this peace and harmony on here today?
somebody call somebody and idiot already!
well my post is missing again
SJ44 what about a first baseman in D’backs system by the name Josh Whitesell. There’s a player being blocked by Connor Jackson. Now I don’t know anything about him but I was looking at his numbers and he looks like a prospect that can be had.
You know anything about him?
jenefer- sorry for the late response. no one did it for a-rod because he didnt ask for it! Manny asked him and y should he not make happy his friend! and that shows you alex’s class! he is a very polite guy!
Brewers can use starting pitching as well, if I’m not mistaken. I really couldn’t tell you who’s in that rotation behind Ben Sheets. I seem to recall Dave Bush and Jeff Suppan on that team, but they are woefully average.
LaPorta for Kennedy and Robertson? I don’t see why not. Like the D-Backs GM has said, it’s not mandatory to get the best deal possible. If you can afford to part with a surplus player, there’s no reason not to get something useful out of it, even if the trade is perceived as uneven.
SJ,
I dont care what anyone says. I still think that Manny thought it was 3 outs and threw the ball in not knowing it would be a double play. Tee Ball like. That folks would be Manny being Manny. What he should have done is give the ball to the guy he high fived and had him throw it to second. Or thrown it to the center fielder(because outfielders cutoff outfielders throws)and had him finish the play.
p.s. I forgot about Yovani Gallardo, but he’s probably out for the season
Jax,
I don’t know anything about Whitesell. I will ask around to see what the deal is with him.
Baseball is in a very interesting place today. Ryan Braun signed an 8 year deal with the Brewers. He’s the latest in an increasing number of young players who are staying put.
How does that affect the Yankees? It shrinks the free agent pool considerably in the next several years. The Yankees aren’t going to fortify themselves solely on the free agent market anymore.
Its why is so important to stockpile young players and develop them well. They are your future assets. Both for trade and roster possibilities.
“man, what is it with all this peace and harmony on here today?”
Us bandwagoners only get rowdy when we lose. I love you guys.
Francis,
I have been to Southern Italy a few times. Here are a few ideas:
Amalfi Coast – Pompei, Paestum (Greek Ruins), Positano – stay the night or at least have dinner at the San Pietro hotel, spend a night on Capri, and take a drive up to Ravello.
Sicily, the Norman churches near Palermo are great (I forget the name of the town), Agrigento has fabulous Greek temples, Siracusa is nice, but not great (Erici is a nicer town to spend a day) and definitely go to Taormina and stay or eat at the San Domenico Palace Hotel.
That should give you plenty to do. Have fun.
Jerry
Few things:
1. Francis, if you’re still here, I spent a few days in Rome and a few days in Amalfi. Amazing! In Amalfi Coast, check out the Path of the Gods if you like hiking.
2. Everybody will scream about this, but how about this trade: Kennedy, Horne, A-Jax, somebody else and money to Phillies for Ryan Howard. Now, I know that probably isn’t enough for him, but the Phillies do not want to pay him the tens of millions of dollars each year and will trade him eventually. Any other (realistic) combinations you think would work?
hey, if you’re going to southern italy….
i was in the navy and we spent some time in bari. if you see a little guy running around that kinda looks like me….toss him a pitch and make him hit it left-handed for me, will ya?
“By the way, Ryan Braun: 8 years, $45M with the Brewers. Don’t you think he’s worth more money than that? Steal for the Brewers!â€
There’s been a real change in the competitive climate in baseball over the past several years and it’s turned into an avalanche this year.
Ryan Braun, Hanley Ramirez, Scott Kazmir, Troy Tulowitski, Evan Longoria, etc.
Small to mid-market teams are buying out the arbitration years/ first few years of free agency eligibility left and right. It’s very clear to everyone in the game now that this is the only way these kinds of teams can survive. It’s also very clear that these teams view these contracts as investments that will save money over time.
The Longoria contract in many ways is a complete paradigm changer given that he was signed after having played less than a week professionally.
This trend is now an avalanche and it has an enormous impact on the Yankees.
In short, the yankee dollars just aren’t going to be as “valuable†as they used to be as a competitive advantage because free agency isn’t going to be nearly as important. The talent has and will continue to drain out of the free agent market as more and more young players sign these types of contracts.
Look at the potential free agent replacements for Abreu on the outfield market this year – they are horrible?
Why – because young players that would have been free agents this year signed long term deals a couple of seasons ago.
So now the only investments you can make in free agency are generally bad ones – you have to throw money at marginal guys and grossly overpay – not only in the total amount of money – but for what you are getting. The talent just isn’t there anymore.
What the long term future will be is tough to say as the market still hasn’t developed a new equilibrium point.
But one things is clear for the near term future – if you don’t develop your own talent – and a lot of it – on your own then you just aren’t going to have a good team because the opportunities to get talent from the outside are so limited.
Take the Texeira situation. Sure he’s very, very good. But we also know that he’s 29 now and if he gets his 7 year contract (never mind 10 years) you’ll probably be grossly overpaying him at the back end. Not only will you be wasting money when he’s 35 but you’ll be sacrificing roster flexibility.
But if this current trend of signing players continues all of these guys will be hitting free agency for the first time at 28-29 or even 30.
It’s going to be a recurrent issue with the talent that is even available on the market – do you keep giving 5-7 year old deals to 28-30 year old free agents?
Watching these young players learn in the big leagues can often be difficult.
But the competative landscape is such that it’s now a necessity. There’s no other way to move forward.
::screams::
I think a Kennedy-Robertson or Cox for LaPorta deal makes sense for both teams.
If you look at the Yankees as presently constructed, Hughes and Chamberlain are going to be the “young guns” in the rotation for years to come. You have Sanchez, who can replace Robertson as a shutdown relief pitcher. He’s been out for so long, folks forget how good he is. They also have Mark Melancon. A guy who will be a stud for the Yankees for years to come, IMO.
Sanchez was throwing 98 MPH with a shredded elbow at the Futures Game two years ago. When healthy, he’s nasty.
The best thing about Sanchez? He’s actually about 15 pounds thinner than he was prior to his injury. Its an indication of how serious he has been during his rehab.
They also have Andrew Brackman on the horizon.
Lots of good young arms to supplement trading a couple of guys for a first baseman. Especially one (like LaPorta for example) whose contract you control for several years.
swo, exactly the kind of deal i was thinking.
you can almost see the plan now and how it all comes together in ideal circumstances…
Cox, Melancon, Ohlendorf take over roles in the BP with Farnsworth and company… Joba goes down to the minors, allowing IPK to rebuild his stature as a top pitching prospect as he stretches out his innings.
Joba returns to the team in the rotation about the same time Hughes comes off the DL, and combined, they take over 4 and 5 in the rotation making IPK a moveable piece (with Horne, McCutcheon, Karstens, and company below as reinforcements).
Rasner moves into the bullpen as the long man, helping save the wear and tear on the BP arms for the stretch.
ARod comes back next week, Posada about a month later.
“Brewers can use starting pitching as well”
We happen to have a starter thats available. Japanese. Lefty. Young. Strike out pitcher. Risky business cool shades. No posting fee necessary. Give us a utility player in A ball and you have a deal. Hell. Give us a batboy from A ball and he’s yours. Whadya say?
SJ your exciting me if we get LaPorta
“How about when Hughes comes up? Lastly,if Moose continues this hot streak through the year. Do you resign him?”
These things have a way of working themselves out
I don’t re-sign Moose. I probably offer him arbitration, though, if he’s had a good year.
how about trading some of these guys for Mark Texeira and then cut Giambi?
stuff disturber: You are an idiot for wanting someone to call someone else an idiot.
LaPorta’s cheaper
Becuase Boras won’t let him sign a deal. He wants him to hit the free agent market
I made this point yesterday about Abreu with the full disclosure that I love the guy and think it was one of Cashman’s best moves as GM.
One of Abreu’s great virtues as a player was his plate discipline, which resulted in,
1) him averaging 100+ BBs per season. Every year from 1999-2006 Abreu earned 100+ walks.
2) hence, Abreu averaged a .400+ OBP. (every year from 99-06)
However, since 2007, Abreu’s walk totals are down and his OBP has dropped as a consequence.
3) In 2007, he earned 84 walks and his OBP was .369, 40 Points below his career average. That’s significant considering A-Rod’s behind him.
4) In 2008, Abreu has earned only 16 BBs through 41 games. Do the math; extrapolating from which would give him 65 BBs for the year, a dramatic deviation from his career average. While his OBP is .353, 60 points below his career average.
These trends are worrisome.
Why the drop? (And I watch almost every Abreu at-bat closely because I love the way he plays the game.)
In my observations, I’ve noticed pitchers now challenge Abreu with strikes early in the count. Notice how infrequently Abreu is ahead in counts. He’s almost always 1-2, 2-2, 3-2.
It’s almost as though the scouting report is “throw Abreu strikes and dare him to beat you with the bat.” It seems opposing pitchers think he has a substantially lower probability of hitting a double than walking, and a single is no worse than a BB.
A-Rod obviously affects pitcher’s calculus with Abreu as well. Pitchers don’t want to walk the batter before A-Rod; on the other hand, Bobby should see better pitches to hit.
My worry about Abreu is how slow he has been to adjust to the new paradigm. He strikes-out looking too often, hoping for that perfect pitch. I wonder whether he realizes that pitchers have decided to throw him a disproportionate number of strikes to avoid walking him. If so, he hasn’t assimilated the consequences fully as yet.
Matt LaPorta is an outfielder, not first baseman.
Any timeline for Hughes’ return?
I would definately do that trade for LaPorta. Hell if I have to throw in another starter pitching prospect I would. Looking at the Brewers system they have a couple of first baseman and they have Fielder at first.
Francis The Praying Mantis,
if you’re on the amalfi coast, i’m sure you’re doing capri and the blue grotto over there, but i’d recommend stopping in atrani, which is the town south of amalfi. it’s like the italian version of amalfi (not touristy) as you pass through the tunnel, there’s a stairway leading into the sidewalk that leads you down below the road to the town, which has a nice little beach, and is a neat little place.
best advice for rome is wander down as many alleys as you find. i usually try to get lost whenever i travel, and found most of the alleys open into little piazza’s, which is where a lot of the locals hang out.
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=32457
“Look at the potential free agent replacements for Abreu on the outfield market this year – they are horrible?”
I also think there has been a shift in BB talent. The best athletes are no longer in the infield. Look around the NL and AL. Not as many great corner OF as say 5 – 10 – 15 yrs ago.
maybe it’s just me and my lack of knowledge on LaPorta, but Kennedy/Robertson for him seems like a bit much for a prospect. the guy has not proved anything at the major league level yet.
Jennifer he’s a first baseman turned outfielder. They did that because he’s being blocked at first by Fielder.
No, he’s a first baseman they just moved to the OF because Prince Fielder is close to signing a long term extension with the Brewers.
He played first base his entire career at Florida and for most of his first year in the minors.
The Brewers are not going to trade LaPorta. He is their insurance incase Prince gets a Ryan Howard type arbitration deal in the next few years. And Prince is on record as saying he wants to make the Brewers pay:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=3276033
Sorry, no longer in OF.
I love LaPorta and would be willing to trade significant talent to get him.
That said – I can’t see the Brewers moving him until they have a better sense of what’s going to happen with Prince Fielder.
It doesn’t look great for the Brewers to sign Fielder long term (especially with Boras as his agent) and there’s quite a bit of ill feelings building up there.
If the Brewers were confident they could sign Fielder I could see them trading LaPorta. No way LaPorta is a RF and you could never play Braun in LF and LaPorta in RF – that would be an awful outfield defensively no matter how good they were offensively.
But if Fielder is uncertain on staying I think they’ll hold off on LaPorta.
There’s been rumors out of the Brewers saying that they may put Fielder on the trade market at some point in the near future if they decide they can’t sign him long term.
baseball-refernce is incorrect than. It doesn’t even show him at first.
Now I feel like I’m being ignored…
What would it take to get Ryan Howard? And what would you give up?
JeeryD, EricVa and Francis –
Perhaps the three of you could go together … or just go!
While you are there “ask around” among the one or two people SJ doesn’t get to because the Yankees aren’t going to “fortify themselves solely on the free agent market anymore”. My heavens where are they are going to find their next Wang, Cano, Melky, Joba, Hughes, Kennedy, McCutcheon, Cox, Sanchez .. etc.
Sometimes pompous empty proclamations of that sort seem to impress posters here, but only sometimes!
Saucy,
Neither have Kennedy and Robertson. That’s the beauty of the deal. Its high end prospects for high end prospects.
Matt LaPorta is probably the best young power hitter in minor league baseball right now.
If he was with the Yankees today, he’s the starting first baseman. That’s how good he is.
If the Brewers were in the AL, he would be DH’ing right now.
He’s blocked because of Fielder.
I have no idea if the Brewers would trade him. However, if you are the Yankees and you have a surplus of young pitchers, something the Brewers desperately need (especially after they lose Sheets at the end of this season), its definitely worth exploring.
A couple of comments:
1. I disagree with SJ about signing both C.C. and Tex.
I could see the Yankees doing that, but it sort of depends on
2. Austin Jackson.
If Jackson keeps on hitting, it makes little sense to keep him in the minors, and it makes all the sense in the world to bring him up as a RF to replace
3. Bobby Abreu
Now granted, Bobby is a good player.
If Jackson is not ready by the end of this year, I’d offer him a 2 year contract, and if not, arbitration.
If Jackson is ready, I’d offer Bobby arbitration.
If he takes it, great, the Yankees will be set at OF for next year (Damon, Melky, BObby and A-Jackson, with ‘Zila going to DH most of the time).
If he doesn’t take it, that’s fine, the Yanks get prime picks, and they’re still in OK shape in the OF.
So again, depending on what happens with Abreu/Austin Jackson, the Yankees may well go after BOTH C.C. and Tex, since the Yankees will have enough money coming off the books to sign both.
What I do doubt, however, is that the Yankees go after both C.C. and Tex if Abreu stays around, though arguably that will be influenced by
4. Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina
Most Yankee fans believe that Andy will pitch for the team next year. Hopefully he does, but you never know.
And if Moose keeps on pitching like this, you definitely have to offer him a contract for 2009 (I’m wrestling about whether a 2 year or just a 1 year, but I certainly did not think that possibility would present itself AT ALL after last year).
If the Yankees DO keep both Andy and Moose (with Wang and the young guns around, and Horne, Sánchez and Brackman coming up), I don’t think they’ll sign C.C.
In any case, the Yankees have a lot of money coming off the books after this season (if everyone leaves, $68MM) and after next season ($31 MM, because I count the $5MM Giambi buyout as being off the books after 2009).
Cashman will get his roster flexibility after this year, for sure….
How far away would LaPorta be? (And don’t tell me “two and a half hours on Jet Blue”.)
thanks SJ44 – the thought of a package for a prospect just seemed strange to me at first, but i’ll take your word on how good a bat he has.
Southern Yankee…
I’d love to go back there. Whatever the point of your post is it seemed pretty jumbled. Who’s making empty pompous proclaimations?
“How far away would LaPorta be?”
He currently is in AA but it looks like he should be in AAA the way he’s hitting.
“How far away would LaPorta be? (And don’t tell me “two and a half hours on Jet Blueâ€.)”
2 hours on Arods jet.
LaPorta will probably be ready to play in the majors next year.
He’s absolutely raking in AA and will get promoted to AAA soon in all likelihood.
He’s got a great bat – not just good. If the yankees could get him for a reasonable deal it would be a coup. He really is that good. I’d love for them to acquire La Porta.
To trade for Ryan Howard the deal is going to start with the Phillies asking for Joba and Phil – at least. That’s where I’d guess it will start.
He’ll be very expensive to get in terms of talent and money to sign long term.
I’d much rather sign Tex or to take a shot with a guy like LaPorta.
BTW – For those of you who don’t know, Allan Horne’s dad posts on this board as 74Nole and constantly gives updates about his son’s rehab:
http://forums.nyyfans.com/showthread.php?t=110864&page=5
CB,
You really think the Phillies have that kind of leverage when it’s pretty obvious they want to move him eventually? My thought is that, with the “trouble” the offense is having this year, the Yankees won’t go out and trade for a minor leaguer…they’ll sign somebody proven. Especially if Hank is yelling and screaming about doing things by force.
CB,SJ and all the people that want Laporta. Doesnt it scare you that he might not do what he’s done in the minors up in the bigs? Marte was supposed to be a monster hitter and he struggled quite a bit once promoted. I would prefer to go after someone that is already proven themselves in the major league level. Such as a Jackson.
I live in the Chattanooga TN area and plan on catching a game (Reds AA team plays here for southern league) against the Hunstville Stars at the end of the month (LaPorta’s team). I am curious to see him with my own eyes versus everything you read about him. True you never know what will translate at the major league level, but some risks are worth taking, especially if there is depth in a certain area (Yanks pitching). I saw Upton (D-Backs) play here when he was in AA a year or so ago and the kid just flat out could play. You could tell he was going to be something special just watching him.
SI ranked Laporta #31 out of 100 propects in ‘07 and said this:
31. Matt LaPorta, OF, Brewers: The best college hitter in last year’s draft, the Brewers are taking a risk by trying to teach him how to play left field, but all he needs to do is become adequate there, because at the plate, he’s a monster.
Will let you guys know how he looks when I see him in game action (if he has not been promoted by then).
The Phillies have control of Ryan Howard until after the 2011 season. So for the next 2 years they could just keep going to arbitration with him.
For those reasons I think the howard trade talk is way too premature.
The opportunity cost to phillies to trade him is enormous because they are a competitive team in a bad division. They have to think they can make it to the world series this year.
Without Howard they can’t. That’s a huge loss the the phillies fans will be incensed that he was traded.
If they decided to put him on the market now many teams would be interested because he’s still under team control for 2009, 2010 and 2011. That an enormous factor.
On LaPorta – sure there’s always a lot of risk with minor leaguers. But the general idea is that the yankees and brewers really match up well with each other. The Brewers have a ridiculous number of good young hitters and the yankees have a lot of good young pitchers.
LaPorta is considered to be arguably the single best pure hitter in the minors. He’s a bad defensive player (really bad) but in terms of his bat he’s as high a probability to succeed as just about any player in the minors. Most people think he can be OK defensively at first.
i know that phils dont like paying howard $10M, but things in philly have changed since bobby abreu left. i dont see him going anywhere.
the stadium is packed every night, the phils may not be the best team in mlb, but they are the most exciting right now, and they really only have 1 starting pitcher. last night, they came back from down 8-0 and ended the game losing 8-6 with runners at 1st and 3rd. this team is catching fire with its fans and howard is a huge part of it.
i think the phils will sign howard to a long term deal after this season, loading the lineup and throwing hammels and any 4 other guys seems to be the plan in the bandbox they are now playing in.
i’d put howard out of your mind unless the phils really tank this season, you can bet if they make the playoffs again, it’ll be because howard has another monster summer (he started out just as slow last year) and the pressure to sign him will be irresistable.
IDK, when Hank said he would do something by force as he did, I took that to mean going after some big signings, such as Teixeira and CC.
That is unless the Yankees make a deal this summer and get someone good for first. I think Giambi’s days are numbered in pinstripes.
Chad Jennings just reported that McCutchen has NOT been promoted to AAA. His post says he talked to Newman on the phone.
I didn’t have time to read the whole thread, so I’m hoping this IS a repeat…Where is Scott Patterson on that list?
1 run in his last 10 outings, almost 10 innings and 2 walks, 11 k’s
Sounds just like the same Scott Patterson of the last 3 seasons now who keeps getting overlooked. He’s done it at AA and AAA all the while NOT WALKING GUYS. He has to get an extended shot.