Cox out three weeks
-
- June
- 12
According to Brian Cashman, RHP J.B. Cox has tendinitis in his shoulder and will be out at least three weeks.
Cox had been pitching very well for Triple-A Scranton and apppeared to be a candidate for promotion. Now that has been pushed back.
Meanwhile, Mark Melancon has been lights out for Trenton. Perhaps Cox being out will create an opportunity for Melancon.
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on Thursday, June 12th, 2008 at 1:37 pm by Peter Abraham.
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Peter Abraham
Good piece on Austin Jackson in the New York Observer:
http://www.observer.com/2008/yankees-next-big-thing
The guy who really needs a serious look right now is Dave Robertson. He’s absolutely dominating AAA hitters every outing now.
Had some control problems at first when he hit Scranton. But since then that’s resolved.
Over his past 10 appearances in AAA he’s thrown 17 innings with 29K, 6BB, 11 hits, and 4 ER.
He doesn’t throw that hard but has a lot of movement on his fastball and a terrific curve ball.
Melchon shouldn’t be rushed though he is coming off TJ.The Yankees need a trade at some point.
And now we have two 9Era pitchers in Kennedy and Hughes.Everything will be solved.
check out David Robertson’s numberss at AAA Scranton on swbyankees.com. He has an era of 2.56 in about 13 or so games as a reliever.
Melancon has already thrown a lot of innings this year
Does anyone know if there is an innings cap with him since he is coming of TJ surgery
right on CB!
so many of these guys keep getting hurt…and they’re still better than most of the Yankees pen.
I’m surprised Johan hasn’t given up a HR in his last 2 starts. Maybe he’s getting into his mode.
CB. Absolutely right on Dave Robertson.
“so many of these guys keep getting hurt…and they’re still better than most of the Yankees pen.”
This isn’t an unexpected or unusual injury for a guy coming back from TJ.
Cox missed all of last season. Didn’t throw at all in game situations.
He just has a tired shoulder from getting work again. It’s not that unusual at all.
It’s part of getting his shoulder back into pitching shape after a year of disuse.
Similar thing with Betances in Charleston. He’s already thrown a career high in innings. Just a tired shoulder. It’ll resolve with rest.
Things like this are part of the process of coming back from TJ.
Compare how Cox and Melancon have thrown in the minors compared to Francisco Liriano who was once the best pitcher in the majors, particularly with control.
The yankee guys coming back from TJ have done amazingly well (though Garcia is behind and now on the DL after only a couple of starts).
Very good sign for Sanchez and Brackman.
Any word yet on the Garcia injury – is it similar to Cox and Betances are something more serious?
“I can swing it,” said Joba Chamberlain, who is starting tomorrow. “As long as they don’t put some kind of spin on the ball, I should be fine. I know what to do. I was a hitter in college.”
Well, in theory. Chamberlain only pitched during his two seasons at Nebraska. But he did hit .505 with 11 homers and 37 RBI as an American Legion player during the summer of 2004.
WOW
brandon…is erick threets black?
from the last thread regarding Melky and Cano maybe better to trade one.
G.Love,
Great post. I look at it as two kids in class sitting next to each other screwing around while the teacher is teaching a lesson. Those kids are not only not learning but they are being disruptive to the whole class. How does a teacher fix that problem? They move one kid to the back of the class and the other up front. If that doesnt work then you transfer a kid to another class.
BTW I was one of those disruptive kids. So i know first hand.
“Compare how Cox and Melancon have thrown in the minors compared to Francisco Liriano who was once the best pitcher in the majors, particularly with control.”
CB, I’m not understanding the comparison here. What point am I apparently to obtuse to gather????
CB,
Ouch I hadn’t heard about Garcia, what happened to him? Also, what happened to Ryan Pope? He’s been on the 7 day DL since late May and I haven’t been able to find out what happened to him. He was dominating high A in his first full year in the pros, I’m hoping he isn’t injured too badly.
melancon should be up. So should Gardner
liriano had tj surgery and its taking him a while to get back. Just like these young kids
brandon…is erick threets black?
Yes he is.
BTW second time around the lineup Johan is gettung hit hard by Arizona
If Melancon can handle the work load, there’s absolutely no reason why the Yankees shouldn’t give him a look. I would feel much better with the Yankees doing a “Melancon-Rules” type scenario and have him pitch the 7th/8th innings for us this year. If his stuff is as good as they say, why waste the innings that he’s going to throw anyway on AAA hitters?
“I’m not understanding the comparison here. What point am I apparently to obtuse to gather????”
Fredo,
Sorry I was just writing without explaining. Players coming back from TJ don’t often progress as rapidly as Cox and Melancon have. In particular, they often struggle with location.
Not only are Cox and Melancon coming back from injury – their also moving through the minors for the first time. Melancon had thrown 8 innings of pro ball before this year and that was in the NY Penn League. Cox hadn’t pitched above AA.
It’s remarkable what they’ve done so far and how well things have gone.
I was comparing their TJ recovery to Liriano’s post TJ recovery. Liriano left the majors as probably the best pitcher in the game at that time, is also coming back from TJ.
He’s really struggled – not only in the majors but also in the minors. He’s walked around 4.5/9 and has an ERA of over 4.
well in that case, Im on board with you. Lets get him to the bronx.
What happened yesterday with Milton Bradley? He tried to confront an announcer? Oh dear..
“Over his past 10 appearances in AAA he’s thrown 17 innings with 29K, 6BB, 11 hits, and 4 ER.”
Walk ratio isn’t all that good, but the 11 hits is, and the 29 K’s in 17 is damn near extraordinary.
What’s Robertson throw??? Noticed he’s not a very big kid at 5ft 10, 180.
well in that case, Im on board with you. Lets get him to the bronx.
I don’t follow where this is going ?
if only the yankees drafted huston street instead of super duper bust Poterson.
“What happened yesterday with Milton Bradley? He tried to confront an announcer? Oh dear..”
the KC broadcaster was comparing Bradley and Josh Hamilton, and how Hamilton was working hard to overcome his drug addiction problems, but Bradley’s inability to manage his temper issues have really held him back from becoming the player his talent would allow him to have been… and that the fans have opened their arms to Hmailton in a way to embrace him as their own, while Bradley will never have that.
Bradley heard about it in the clubhouse and ran up to confront the radio guy in his booth, but was restrained by the GM, front office guys, etc… when he got back to the clubhouse, he broke down in tears, and said all he wants to do is get away from all this and just play baseball.
Gotcha CB.
Looks like Liriano is slowly getting his control back. Only one walk in 5 of his last six starts (He walked 4 in the the other start) and he’s gone at least 6IP in all of them.
12 walks in his last 46 IP after starting AAA with 12 walks in his 1st 13 1/3 IP.
Melancon’s control is particularly impressive given how hard he throws. Still, I’m always a little skeptical over Eastern League pitching numbers.
Robertson throws a high 80’s/ low 90’s fastball and an excellent curve.
His ball has a lot of natural movement and that’s really what makes his stuff work.
His size and velocity was a big reason why he fell so far in the draft – they got him in the 17th round of the 2006 draft.
Same draft as Joba and Kennedy. Robertson has dominated every level of the minors – he’s been as dominant in AAA as he was in A ball. That’s a very good sign.
Don’t think he’ll be a dominant shutdown 8th inning guy but he could be a very valuable short reliever.
robertson sounds like the second coming of colter bean
I listened to the texas radio guy and I believe what he said was uncalled for. i think this year Bradley has not been a problem that is not to say he wasnt one in the past but they way he spoke of him was uncalled for. I will see if I can find trhe exact quote.
Also with regard to Cox and Meloncan coming back good from TJ surgery how much of that has to be with the rehab training staff in Tampa. I saw the guy quoted in the Times article and seemed to me that the staff down there is very very good.
“I listened to the texas radio guy and I believe what he said was uncalled for. i think this year Bradley has not been a problem that is not to say he wasnt one in the past but they way he spoke of him was uncalled for. I will see if I can find trhe exact quote.”
i heard what the KC* guy said, too… i actually thought it rang true, and the fact that Bradley ran from the clubhouse up to the booth to confront the guy just proved his point.
Why can’t Robertson be a dominant 8th inning guy? Obviously batters are not seeing his pitchs well just look at his silly K numbers… Why does he have to throw 97 to be dominant. Our guys looked terrible last night against a guy that topped out at 85. The kid from KC Soria tops out at 91 maybe 92 and he’s going to be in the All Star game. From what I read Robertson has picked up a few ticks this year on his fastball and now sits at 90-92 and hitting 93 to 94…
Francis, Derek Jeter is black.
milton bradley hasnt been a problem in quite some time….let sleeping dogs lye for christs sake. if milty was white, I bet we would never hear a thing about him.
CB,
I’m not sure if you missed my post above, but do you know what happened to Ryan Pope and do you know the extent of Christian Garcia’s injury? I’m really curious about this and you seem to be the most knowledgable about the minor leagues on this blog.
Bradley is having a ridiculous year, too bad the Yankees didn’t sign him. I heard somewhere that Cashman wanted to sign Bradley but didn’t because he knew that Torre would never give him playtime.
Thanks for the Liriano stats Fredo. What a boost that would be for Cleveland after announcing a few days ago that Westbrook is done for the year. Cleveland is the only team that I can see making a run at the White Sox in that division. Detroit does not have a staff that is capable of making a run in my opinion. CB said it earlier that the fact that there have been no “runaways” in the AL bodes well for the Yanks, Toronto, Sox and yes, TB. It woould appear at this point that the WC will come out of the East. As I posted earlier in the week it is amazing now on June 12th that every team is at .500 or above in the East. AND… this is before the bulk of interleague play. The Yankess have the best winning ptc. since the inception of interleague play.
I am watching the White Sox/Detroit game as I blew off the afternoon for US Open coverage. Random Thought: If I sat next to the “Hawk” in first class I would request a Coach seat.
Have a good afternoon.
-dennis
“Why can’t Robertson be a dominant 8th inning guy?”
I’m not saying he can’t. I just don’t think that’s likely. How Robertson’s stuff projects to the majors is an open question. It just is.
Hitters in the minors often have a lot of trouble hitting a good breaking balls and off speed stuff. That’s why they are in the minors. Look at how they are completely unable to do anything at all with Edwar’s change up.
Robertson’s not a guy like Melancon where you can really project him to be a good pitcher in high leverage spots. He’s just not.
Not saying he cant do it. But with some guys they have to demonstrate that ability at every level they progress to, especially when they hit the majors.
Robertson is one of them. Just my opinion. I like him a lot and think he’ll be successful. He’s in no way like some junk ball pitcher how just tricks minor league hitters. But he’ll need to show what he can do in the majors. That’s all.
I know ray, but I meant that I want some new bllod. Derek has been here for almost 15 years. Id like a new, young, up and coming black player…I really hope action jackson turns out to be a great one.
Dennis:
Liriano would probably be a bigger boost the Twins than he would the Tribe. Minnesota still holds his rights.
Patrick,
I have no idea what happened with Garcia. I’d guess its his shoulder being tired as that’s just so common with TJ recovery but I have no idea. His last two starts weren’t that great.
It would be very, very unusual for him to be having any serious problems with his elbow – too early. Could have some tendinitis in his elbow but that’s about it. I could see Garcia’s mechanics being pretty bad after so much time off. He was raw to begin with – a thrower more than a pitcher.
A lot of how you do post TJ is how you approach the rehab and how hard you work. Garcia has always been a very talented guy but a very immature one. Not sure how his rehab went.
I’m not sure what Pope’s injury is either as the yankees don’t give out much information. I haven’t seen anything but I do recall reading somewhere it wasn’t considered serious.
“As I posted earlier in the week it is amazing now on June 12th that every team is at .500 or above in the East. AND… this is before the bulk of interleague play. The Yankess have the best winning ptc. since the inception of interleague play.”
Dennis,
This is a really great observation, especially as you noted most of interleague hasn’t taken place.
The math to actually make all the teams in a division have over .500 records for even a day at this time of year is really, really tough. Just not that many places you can get wins from.
The sox have played well since Pappi has been out. You’re only issue seems to be the pen, but who doesn’t have troubles there?
CB,
I hear you but 90 to 93 on a fastball is plenty. As far as Edwar, big leaguers can’t don anything with Edwar’s change either. What gets him in trouble is that he’s been unable to command his fastball and because of his wirey frame it makes it tough for him to repeat his delivery. This year they’re making him work off his fastball more and also throw a cutter and slider, then put guys away with his plus plus change. That’s why he’s been better.
Fredo.
Wow. Brain fart. I am sorry about that. I have no excuse other than being a complete idiot.
Perhaps too much sports on the brain this afternoon. US Open, Det-White Sox game/ Celts, etc, etc.
I guess I want someone to take the Central as I can’t stand Ozzie (the blizzard of Oz)
OK, after saying I have no good excuse I offer two very weak ones….
I am red faced. -dennis
Also the stuff I’ve read, either interviews with Robertson and with his coaches have all said that the fastball is a strikeout pitch, it has late life and is “sneaky fast”. Also I guess it has movement and becasue of his over the top delievery it is deceptive. Also he throws his curve from the same over the top arm slot. Anyway, can’t wait to see how his stuff translates in the big leagues.
Ken Rosenthal was saying yesterday that the Yankees have been agressivly shopping Latroy Hawkins so they could bring up either Cox or Robertson.
Jason:
Edwar’s never going to get high leverage situations if he’s walking 5 batters per nine. When he’s been given the opportunity in high leverage spots, he’s been only moderately successful.
Fredo,
I agree. I don’t think that’s he’s in the same category as Cox, Robertson and Melancon
Fredo,
I agree. I don’t think that’s he’s in the same category as Cox, Robertson and Melancon
“Ken Rosenthal was saying yesterday that the Yankees have been agressivly shopping Latroy Hawkins so they could bring up either Cox or Robertson.”
How hard is it to give a guy away??? My guess is the Yanks are holding out, mostly likely in vain, for something of value in return. Send him somewhere for minor league roster filler and move on.
If Edwar can continue to improve his fastball command and also develop a solid slider to righties I think he can become very effective
Jason:
I don’t even think Cox and Robertson are in Melancon’s category, though both can likely be useful.
Robertson has been spot on since his days in the Cape. The movement on his pitches is a double-edged sword. It has baffled the hitters in the minors but also contributed to the higher walk total. I’ll take it as we have seen what dead red fastball hitters can do on a straight fb.
Thanks for the info CB.
It’s frustrating that we know next to nothing about Pope’s injury. I think this kid could be really good, he’s already doing really well in high A as a first year player.
Zach McAllister is looking really good right now too. I wish he would strike more guys out but he’s had two really nice starts in high A.
As I look through all the minor league teams under the Yankees its absurd how many righty starters they have that project to being major league starting pitchers.
CB.
Our pen is well worth paying 150.00 for therapy. I have lost faith in Okajima (was there anything more predictable heading into the season that the league would expose him?)….Hansen- Panic Attack, Timlin-makes me feel young and flexible, Aadrsma-your kidding me right? etc, etc.
Yankees bullpen- 3.62
Sox- 4.02
I read a lot of posts about the Yankees bullpen. I guess another man’s junk is another man’s treasure.
-dennis
“Hansen- Panic Attack”
I thought he was the best set-up man in the AL east?
“I thought he was the best set-up man in the AL east?”
I believe that person is either Scott Downs or that guy Wheeler from TB.
I long for the old days when the Yanks would burn out relievers (Sturtze, Quantrill) who had already contributed to the major league club. Now they burn them out throwing pointless long sets of innings in the minors. Cox, Whelan… Who’s next? Robertson? Melancon again? Let’s at least get some major league innings out of them before their arms fall off.
Patrick.
I am hoping the Hansen family just picked up Gammon’s bar tab. That is my only sound explanation of that quote.
That quote sounded a helluva lot like Big Brown’s trainer prior to the race on Saturday.
-dennis
“I believe that person is either Scott Downs or that guy Wheeler from TB.”
I was referring to the quote Gammons made about Hansen.
dennis,
Thats as good an explanation as anything. I’m glad you are a good sport about it, sorry but I just had to get that little dig in.
Ouch, Tiger just carded a double bogey. So far he’s got 2 of those and 3 birdies.
Dennis,
Don’t know if you follow baseball prospectus’s wins expectancy stat. Its probably the best statistic to assess how well a reliever is helping his team win games. Its basically the probability of a team winning a game when the reliever enters the game compared to when he leaves/ finishes the game.
Its good because it takes the games context into account and give more credit to relievers who throw in higher leverage situations.
Last year okajima had the 8th highest adjusted win expectancy in baseball. This year he has the 90th highest win expectancy in baseball. Lower than Aardsma. I was really surprised to see the drop off be that dramatic. It was really surprising as Okajima’s peripherals are nearly identical, otherwise. But I looked it up as he’s been giving up so many hits to score inherited runners.
Relief pitching is an inexplicable thing from year to year.
I give up on whose correct, Cash or Newman ? Cashman says 3 weeks and Newman says 4-5 days. Big difference !
Tyler Kepner reports as follows:
When the Yankees placed reliever J.B. Cox on the disabled list Wednesday without specifying a reason, it did not seem to be a good sign. But in talking to Mark Newman just now, it seems to be just a minor problem.
Cox, a top prospect at Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, has tendinitis in his right shoulder. Newman said it was only supposed to sideline Cox for four or five days, but because Class AAA allows for a seven-day disabled list, the Yankees put him there to give Scranton an extra reliever while he’s down.
“It’s a short-term deal,†Newman said by telephone from the Dominican Republic. “It’s not something to worry about.â€
Cox, 24, is 1-1 with a 0.73 earned
http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/update-on-jb-cox/
I was one that was against the trade for Santana. But watching him throw 7 shutout innings made me lose my appetite. Granted his fastball was at 92. Which is down from last year. Wonder how much more that arm of his can take. Again, im still glad we didnt trade for him for the long haul. But it doesnt make me feel better watching this performance.
CB.
I only follow that stat when we have a decent pen so “no” I have not looked this year. I actually went into the season thinking the Red Sox had a decent pen and weak starting pitching. It is amazing how much your perspective can change when actual games are played.
-dennis
OH YA HIS FASTBALL IS 92. WHAT ABOUT HUGHES? OH YEAH ITS 89.
leave hughes alone he is barely 22 years old. Lets not get too irrational!!!
Anti-melky,
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=sta&lg=all&qual=n&type=4&season=2008&month=0
Santana average fastball = 91.2 mph
Hughes average fastball = 91.7 mph (in the beginning of the season pitching in
Hughes average fastball = 91.7 mph
^^^ in the beginning of the season pitching in less than 45 degree temps
I’m starting to believe that Joba was the worse thing that could ever happen to Yankee fans. Now it seems like every single prospect that is talked about will be unbelievable like Joba.
Too many of us (myself included)try to be a backseat GM or manager. I am glad that the Yankees haven’t persued me for the job of GM, and I am also glad that haven’t persue any of you either. (No Offense)
Melancon, Robertson or Cox probably isn’t the next Joba, Gardner is more likely the next Scott Posednik and not the next Rickey Henderson.
As always, I hope I am wrong.
JK, good stat to shut Anti-Melky up.
I still have faith that Phil Hughes can return to his top-of-the-rotation level of performance..just as long as he gets/stays healthy. Some things you just can’t protect against (e.g. breaking a rib on a sneezing/coughing bout like Hughes did).
I think Anti-Melky is actually Johan Santana in disguise..His username denounces Melky, and his post denounces the other key part of the Johan deal..Phil Hughes…Hmmm..
Gardner is more likely the next Scott Posednik and not the next Rickey Henderson.
As always, I hope I am wrong.
You mean the world series MVP Scott Podsednik!? Yahoo! I can’t wait!(kidding..I know you mean what Podsednik has become..)
Good to see the Robertson talk.
Just giving information on a guy in Charleston. 22. Who knows where he’ll be in four years…
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Jonathan%20Ortiz&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=467802
Man, another injury? this is such a disappointment. I’ve been waiting to see JB in the Bronx since he was drafted outta Texas.
What about Jason Jones? His numbers at AA Trenton have been terrific this year. I know that he pitches to contact (doesnt strike out that many), but his innings to walks/hits ratios are very good.
No one seems to talk about him … wonder if he will ever get a shot with the Yankees or used as a chip for a future trade.