Ponson lined up for Friday
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- June
- 22
Prepare yourself for the return of Sir Sidney Ponson.
Per Chad Jennings, the Scranton rotation lists TBA on Thursday, which would have been Ponson’s spot. It seems pretty evident that Ponson will pitch one of those games against the Mets on Friday. Assuming he’s not arrested first.
————-
Here’s an interesting statistic courtesy of our friends at the Elias Sports Bureau:
Ken Griffey Jr. is one of three current Major Leaguers whose father also homered at Yankee Stadium. Who are the other two?
They are …
Jerry Hairston, Jr. and Gary Matthews, Jr.
————
Meanwhile, Jeff Karstens had an eye-opening start for Scranton today against Toledo: 6.2 innings, two hits, no earned runs, one walk, 11 strikeouts. Shelley Duncan drove in four runs for Scranton in a 10-1 victory.
Alfredo Aceves wasn’t as sharp as he has been for Trenton (6 7 2 2 1 2) but didn’t take the loss.
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on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm by Peter Abraham.
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I missed the game today….whats the deal with farnsworth……I’m hopefully that the talented farm system will help the yanks put together a solid rotaation/bullpen
Pete, is there ANYTHING you or anybody can do to have the Yankees play another version of “God Bless America”? I’m so tired of Kate.
If he hasn’t been brought up to AAA I think I’m going to see aceves pitch on July 7 against the Fisher cats. (im from NH) Ill report back to everyone if i do.
I really don’t want Ponson to get a start.
please g-d put Kyle on the DL…Please.
Aceves pitched bad, he gave up 2 runs and has a under 2 ERA..
the only chance a young guy gets a chance in the yankee pen is a injury, management just cannot give a shot to a guy under 28 yrs old.
Pete karstens stinks, he is AAAA, how can he strike out 11, I find that near impossible… Did his opponents get up with a patch on there eyes???
“I really don’t want Ponson to get a start.”
yeah, just because he’s put up good numbers in a hitters park with a shoddy defense behind him is no reason to think he could give us a decent performance.
“Assuming he’s not arrested first.”
Line of the day…
“the only chance a young guy gets a chance in the yankee pen is a injury, management just cannot give a shot to a guy under 28 yrs old.”
yeah, Ohlendorf and Veras really haven’t…oh…wait.
I was wondering that also. Why Ponson?
It just seems like you know what you’re getting with Ponson. He’s not going to suddenly pitch better than he has in the past. If anything he’s going to be a lot worse. There’s a reason this guy can’t stick with a team (actually there are a few reasons) but there has to be a better option.
The only thing I’m thinking is maybe they just want to give guys in AAA a little more time. Karstens was recently injured, Horne is still building arm strength, etc. I guess as long as its not Igawa I’m fine with it.
But my guess is that Ponson gets one, MAYBE 2 starts. Unless he pitches great he gets cut. Giese and Rasner stay as the 4 th and 5th starters for now. Karstens, Horne, McMutchen, maybe even Aceves stay in the minors and get more seasoning.
Hopefully this is their thinking. But Ponson as a regular in the rotation is not a good sign about the state of the Yankees pitching situation this year.
whozat -
I just have to say, your responses almost always make me smile! Can always count on you for just the right amount of sarcasm.
“The only thing I’m thinking is maybe they just want to give guys in AAA a little more time.”
it seems pretty clear to me that this is the case. If Horne hadn’t had that injury, he’d be up right now.
As for Ponson, he was a GB machine in Texas. If he can do that for a start or two, that’s all we’re really looking for.
“please g-d put Kyle on the DL…Please.
Aceves pitched bad, he gave up 2 runs and has a under 2 ERA..”
Stuart these 2 statements right here pretty much sum you up perfectly.
You wish for one of our players to get hurt, when the bullpen is already short (Joba transition, Bruney injury, Hawkins imploding).
And you say that Aceves, one of the hottest pitchers in the organization right now, STINKS because he gave up 2 runs.
I probably shouldn’t even waste my time but the absurdity of your posts literally ruins threads.
I know no one really likes Krazy Kyle, but the fact of the matter is, he’s been okay while we don’t have a real 8th inning guy. Not every reliever is Mariano Rivera, and Kyle does give up WAY too many home runs, but the fact is, there have been a couple one run games of late, he’s come in and he’s pitched well.
Him going on the DL is not what we need.
For one thing, it means more Hawkins and Traber.
whozat, who are there top tier bullpen prospects??? Melancon, cox, and robertson……
Edwar has done fine, they are in love with Ohlendorff and they should be in like with him and help him find a hotel in SWB for about a month to get things together..
Hawkins is still on the roster basically in a mop up role because???Kyle has given up 10 HRS in 34 innings….
Anyone know how many clean innings kyle has had this yr.???? I think it might be better then last yr. but I doubt it is real petty.. Kyle farnsworth is our 8th inning guy and HE STINKS>>>>>>>>>>>>>
whozat he was pitching well earlier this year? I haven’t seen his numbers. Then why was he cut?
Don’t forget Edwar Ramirez, too. Young relievers have gotten pretty good opportunities this year and they’ve done reasonably well.
Hard to know what to think about Ponson… would love to know exactly what convinced Texas to release him when he was one of their two most effective starters. Karsten’s 11 K really makes me wonder, that’s not his thing at all.
The HR pitch to Griffey Jr wasn’t completely awful, but he’s a dead low ball hitter and is was right he likes it. Anyone hear how badly Farnwurst is hurt? Might Melancon be called up to replenish the pen? Robertson?
Rebecca Kyle has not been OK.. because our standards and expectations are so low you think Kyle has been OK, he hasn’t look at his #’s…
he stinks…he is a knucklehead and will never ever learn.. the guy gives up a HR every 3 innings.. his ERA is high, and he walks to many batters.. besides his numerous faults he is still bad….
Farns got 3 stitches in his hand and doesn’t expect to miss much time. Reported by the NY POST.
I m thinking its Ponson because the AAA guys are not a better option. I dont neccessarily think that dominating AAA means major league success. Reagdring Farnsworth, I firmly believe that Girardi is forcing him down our throats. Trying to prove he is right about Farnsworth, and everyone else is wrong. Its obvious that Farnsworth is good at throwing pitches that get hit and never return. Its a case of dimishing returns. I `d rather put a younger guy in there and let him develop instead of pushing Farnsworth. I cannot believe Girardi keeps putting him out there. He has had one? 1,2,3, inning in a month? Joe, admit that what we have seen over the last few years with this guy has not changed. Please do not use him in any spot where it matters.
O. Perez had the blown save in 8th for the Trenton loss.
“”We don’t feel Sidney deserves to be here or wants to be here. We’re not going to get into details other than to say we’re clearly trying to put together a team here, in a true sense of the word. Based on some recent comments and other such things, it was pretty clear that he did not want to be part of that, and it’s something we’re not going to tolerate.”" - Rangers on releasing Ponson
I m thinking its Ponson because the AAA guys are not a better option. I dont neccessarily think that dominating AAA means major league success. Reagdring Farnsworth, I firmly believe that Girardi is forcing him down our throats. Trying to prove he is right about Farnsworth, and everyone else is wrong. Its obvious that Farnsworth is good at throwing pitches that get hit and never return. Its a case of dimishing returns. I `d rather put a younger guy in there and let him develop instead of pushing Farnsworth. I cannot believe Girardi keeps putting him out there. He has had one? 1,2,3, inning in a month? Joe, admit that what we have seen over the last few years with this guy has not changed. Please do not use him in any spot where it matters. give it to the younger guys
To those wondering why Ponson1LegAtATime (I refuse to call him Sir Sid when his Dugout name is so much funnier) was cut from the Rangers, tho I don’t recall exact circumstances, it had to do with drunkenness and mouthing off to teammates. Wasn’t about his on-field performance at all. He got upset at one point when he was taken out of a game, which is what I think led Jon Daniels to say that he was more about himself than the team.
Call me naive but I just don’t think these things will be huge problems in NY. He already knows he has to be on his best behavior here and his former B’more teammate Moose will keep him in line. Plus, he’s probably happy for the opportunity and wants to prove he belongs here. I’m hardly excited about seeing him starting games for the Yankees, but I feel a little better about it than I did last time he was here (06?) I even think they might be able to coax a couple good starts out of him, but beyond that he will likely be exposed.
tonyb,
That’s supposed to be good news right? Of course it is. He’s a Yankee.
Because Ponson is a bad apple.
Thanks for the Farnsworth update tonyb. Good news. I still don’t want to see him in a 1 run game but I’d certainly rather see him in a 3 or 4 run game than Traber, Hawkins or Ohlendorf.
On another note, anyone watching Sun. Night Baseball? I’m not sure if there is anything in the world that warms my heart as much as seeing Javier Vazquez fail does. Seriously, it’s right up there with Santa Claus handing out Christmas gifts to poverty stricken children or something like that.
Went to Trenton Thunder game this afternoon. Sat in section with scouts that had radar guns. Aceves was OK, not great. He is bigger then I had thought {I’d say 6′2 220}. FB topped at 90 {a couple of times}, mostly threw from 87 to 89. Had good CB at 77, but it was hit several times hard as was his FB. The scouts I asked said he was OK, nothing special. Everyone should realize he pitched in a league that was equal to 3A last year and he should dominate 2A.
“whozat, who are there top tier bullpen prospects??? Melancon, cox, and robertson……”
Cox was just injured. Melancon has all of 25 innings in AA. Robertson has about the same in AAA and has had problem with walks. You need to see what happens to these guys once they get around the league and hitters have a book on them.
You’re the kind of fan who just wants the flavor of the month up in the bigs and will turn on him as soon as he struggles.
“The scouts I asked said he was OK, nothing special. Everyone should realize he pitched in a league that was equal to 3A last year and he should dominate 2A.”
Yep. Back end guy, maybe. Anyone who thinks he’ll be more is deluding himself.
I wonder if getting engaged last night had any effect on the way Aceves pitched today? Maybe there needs to be a rule - no proposals until AFTER your start!
stuart, I know his numbers aren’t good. But where would we be with, say, hawkins as our 7th inning guy? because we need Edwar and Jose Veras to be the 8th?
“But where would we be with, say, hawkins as our 7th inning guy? because we need Edwar and Jose Veras to be the 8th?”
We would have Ohlendorf in the 7th. Or Britton, when off the DL. Or Patterson.
What would be wrong with having a back end guy like Aceves when the two the Yankees started the season with have such high ERAs?
Not every pitcher the Yankees have as starters need to be lights out.
Being that Aceves has pitched in a AAA level league, that makes him more likely to be getting a call up sooner than some others. If his control and pitch selection are going well, he can have some success.
I never considered Aceves a future ace at all. My ideal scenario with him is that he’ll be able to come up in early July, pitch a couple of really good games, then we trade him when his value is at its highest. Hopefully that is what ends up happening.
I’ll skip a series ahead and say that Mets will sweep Yanks
let’s hope D’Backs can crush those you know whos
I think it’s good news. BBB, I’m with you on Farns. I’m not his biggest fan in the world either, but I think losing him for an extended time would be tough. He is not our worst BP arm. Much rather see us use the next AAA promotion to replace Hawkins. Hell, I would take Great Britton over Hawk right now.
I will say though, Farns is tough. Dude split the webbing between his fingers gets three stiches and is going to tape it up and try not to miss any time. That’s pretty gangster isn’t it Mr. Pavano?
Maybe the tape will help him find some movement on the ball.
“What would be wrong with having a back end guy like Aceves when the two the Yankees started the season with have such high ERAs?”
Nothing at all. But there are many that think the only players worth acquiring or calling up are sure-fire all-star game-changing variety. We call them “the stupid”.
Ohlendorf hasn’t done much recently to impress me.
“Hell, I would take Great Britton over Hawk right now. ”
Why wouldn’t you take Britton over Hawkins? Go look at his career numbers…all he’s ever done is get outs. A couple stinkers in his time, but that happens to everyone. No gaudy K numbers…but he keeps guys off the base paths.
“Ohlendorf hasn’t done much recently to impress me.”
’strue. He’s had quite sporadic work, and they keep trying to push him into a long role. I think he should go back to AAA when Britton can come off the DL, let him get back into the swing of short relieving.
Whats “eye opening” about Karsten’s pitching well at AAA?
He’s the pitching version of Shelley Duncan, AAA player.
Forgot Britton was on the DL. Just thought he was in the doghouse again. My mistake.
So, who are we going to vote off the island..er bullpen?
A) Hawk
B) Ohlendorf
C) Traber
Rebecca, I agree about Ollie. Not being in the business, I can’t tell what the problem is, whether it’s a mechanical issue, or simply not being used on a regular-enough basis. I hope the pros - Girardi, Eiland, Jorge - can get it figured out, because we need him to do better, or make way for someone else who can.
Personally, I hope he does better.
“Hell, I would take Great Britton over Hawk right now. ”
Hell, I’d take Whozat over Hawk and Britton right now!!!
Whoa Cut and Paste !
Sorry if that got stuck in the filter, Blogfath…
I think Ohlendorf got over used in the early part of the season. During that time he was doing very well, but being used as the long reliever seems to have gotten something out of wack with him.
Farnsworth isn’t horrible, but you can’t count on him being lights out. He is a pretty tough dude, though. Had that injury happened to Youkilis, for example, they would have had to called in a helicopter to evac him. Farnsworth just looked down and showed very little else other than signalling to get him out of the game. I don’t think Farnsworth will be pitching right away though, his hand will stiffen up and that will give him more control problems than he already has.
I don’t see Edwar being the 8th inning guy exclusively, he works best with limited outs, no more than 3 a game, and not two games in a row.
I hope the Yankees can let Chad go soon, as it will free up a spot for maybe another reliever to get their chance at ML batters.
Is Whozat left handed? He might have a shot.
Girardi doesn’t utilize Ohlendorf the way he should.
Like Wang, a guy who relies on a hard sinker can’t be used for an inning once a week because everything, predictably, is going to be up in the zone.
What the Yanks probably should do with Ohlendorf is send him down for a couple of weeks and let him get regular work and his mojo back. He’s not helping the club right now anyways because Girardi only uses him in mop up duty.
When he is on, Ohlendorf is downright nasty and can certainly help this team. It’s a shame he’s not getting the work he needs.
As smart as Girardi is supposed to be, I’m not all that impressed by the way he has handled the pen. He just figured out that Ohlendorf is not a long man when the hardcore fans knew that back in Spring Training.
“I hope the Yankees can let Chad go soon, as it will free up a spot for maybe another reliever to get their chance at ML batters.”
They can just ditch traber or hawkins if they want a reliever slot.
Hopefully, Karstens’s start didn’t open any eyes.
And muncha is exactly right. Ohlendorf was pretty nasty most of the time when he got regular work earlier in the season.
The problem is that Girardi used him primarily as a long man and that’s not his thing.
whozat, this is true. I don’t think Hawkins will be around that much longer. He isn’t used much. Traber might stick around for a bit longer, but I don’t think they will trust him as a lefty specialist. Frankly, I think lefty specialists are a bit over rated. I’d rather have a lefty in the pen just for the different look it gives, but I want the relief pitchers to be able to work an inning or two and get out batters regardless of the side they bat on.
I like keeping Chad Moeller on this roster. He’s proven to be a decent hitter, plus, he gives some flexibility to the bench. In games Molina starts, Girardi can pinch hit for him with Betemit or someone else and save Jorge for a big spot. Having Moeller on the roster also lets Girardi DH Posada if need be. Chad has done so well since being here, and given Jorge’s questionable status that will likely last the entire year, it’s worth keeping Moeller around imo.
Anyone here working/worked for the Fed government? I’m about to graduate and considering such a possibility? pros? cons?
Why Ponson? Honestly because its a double header, Hornes not ready and neither is IPK or Aceves. That is cut and dry the reason that Jabba the hut is even getting a start so take it eas’. If he gets hammered no harm no foul we cut him and there it was a little failed experiment. If he pitches well than he gets considered for future spot starts.
whozat, Britton’s numbers are deceptive. If you notice last year, he only threw in three games that weren’t blow-outs, and he didn’t pitch well over all in those three games. Got the loss in one of them. He piled up his good numbers when the Yanks were up or down (usually down) by six or more runs. Check it out at www.baseball-reference.com.
As for Friday, when you consider that the person being brought up to pitch the game is only coming up to pitch one game and likely going back down, there is no excuse — zero — for brining up a career bad apple and career mediocre to lousy pitcher like Ponson. It’s one start, and if you bring up Ponson, you are admitting you’re essentially throwing away the game. So why not look at someone who might be useful? And why not bring up someone who won’t require a move on the 40-man? Karstens is on the 40-man. He would be my choice. If that doesn’t work, then Igawa. Yeah, he’s awful, but he’s on the 40-man, so you don’t have to waive someone to bring him up. On that theory, my third choice would be Chase Wright. Sure, he’d probably get lit up, but he’s on the 40-man. Ponson will get lit up AND require a roster move. I just don’t see any reason at all for bringing up Ponson for the start.
Ponson had great numbers with Texas and all we are looking for is one or two good starts. Horne is coming back from injurt. We dont want to see Karstens and he is coming back from injury. Aceves, although great (I love him), needs more time in AA for like a few starts adn then needs some time at AAA before he is ready for the majors and we dont want to rush his development. Igawa, nothing much to say here. Ponson came at the minimum and had good numbers at a launchpad. Yea, he was bad when he was with the Yanks but lets see what can happen. Worse comes to worse, we lose and cut Ponson. Best case scenario, we find someone for some time until things get settled.
About Farnsworth, he is injured but not going to the DL. That is the problem for the Yanks, so many injuries are to players that dont have to go to the DL which means we are shorthanded. At least when a guy gets injured, it helps if he goes to the DL, at least for Farnsworth.
YankeeJosh,
Great point about Moeller. Considering how bad the Yanks’ bench is, Moeller allows Girardi to pinch hit for Molina or to start Molina at catcher and Posada at DH against a lefty. If Moeller is waived (he has no options and can’t be set out), who comes up in his place? Duncan? Lane? Neither of those guys add anything. In an odd way, due to the limitations on the Yanks’ bench, having the third catcher IS a way to be flexible.
Ohlendorf is really good with regular work and only one and sometimes two innings. Past that, he is not anything special. With his sinker, he is nasty but he is not a long man. It doesn’t matter that he used to be a starter
“whozat, Britton’s numbers are deceptive.”
No, they’re not. I wasn’t talking about his 12 big league innings last year. Torre’d sit him for days and days and then bench him again when he wasn’t sharp after not throwing for a week. I was talking about his body of work with the O’s and his stellar minor league track record.
“It’s one start, and if you bring up Ponson, you are admitting you’re essentially throwing away the game.”
His GB%, FIP and xFIP in Texas this very season disagree with you.
Rat face has one good start and all the sudden he shoots up over Alan Horne amazing. Meanwhile now we have to pray that Ponson doesn’t go to happy hour before the start.
Mitch,
Additionally, I’m not a big Stewart fan, and I’m not convinced Posada will stay healthy for the rest of the year. If Moeller had options, you could send him down. If I were the Yankees, I’d have Chad work a bit at first abse and in the outfield just to see if he could handle the position, and maybe he could be a super-sub type player. If he could be adequate in the outfield or at First base, he could be a real asset.
Either way, I’d like to see him stay.
No sense in condemning Ponson till after we see how he does. Sometimes things like this can work out. He might have something to prove and the motivation to do it. He might not. The only way to know is to give him a shot.
I agree about Farnsworth… he will probably be out about a week, which means putting him on the DL would not be an option. I don’t see him coming back on Tuesday though. Stitches in the throwing hand will change things for him. Then again, maybe that will work wonders! Its a tough call.
I wonder if the Rockies still would like Hawkins. If so, we could probably use some of the humidor doctored balls they have.
“Meanwhile now we have to pray that Ponson doesn’t go to happy hour before the start.”
Or, maybe we hope he does…
“Rat face has one good start and all the sudden he shoots up over Alan Horne amazing.”
Chill out, Brandon. Pete said Karstens had a good start. No one in any way connected to the Yankees said anything about that.
Karstens is overrated in the minors and he hasn’t shown much when he did pitch in the Bigs. I don’t really understand peoples affection for him it was the same as Tyler Clippard. He was not a major league starter and Yankees universe chose to put him on a level with Hughes, Chamberlain, IPK and Horne when he really wasn’t that great.
How long will be know before posada is fine? We could really do another hitter now.
Actually, I don’t have a problem condemning Ponson, even if he pitches well. Afterall, he is Sydney Ponson.
tonyb- I agree Sidney Ponson has not conducted himself like a professional for his entire career. He doesn’t deserve praise he is lucky to keep getting shots in the majors when other guys who work alot harder in the minors never get the chance.
Oliver,
I don’t think we are going to drop Moeller unless our hand is forced. I think we’ll likely see a trade at some point to replace Betemit - can’t see him staying for the whole year.
“I don’t think we are going to drop Moeller unless our hand is forced. I think we’ll likely see a trade at some point to replace Betemit - can’t see him staying for the whole year.”
They said they were going to waive him during or after the Pittsburg series.
tonyb
This may sound crazy. But can we drop molina? And use moeller as backup to posada and call him up when we need him.
Betermit is a adequeate backup to giambi isnt he?
i love how espn doesn’t think they sound ridiculous when they advertise their games of the week and have two games from the same series
The problem is I am coming up for Boston for the Shea stadium portion of the double header. If I am forced to watch Ponson I may have to scalp the tickets.
ESPN once again shoving Boston down the throat of a national audience. Hopefully Boston loses the series Arizona is throwing Haren, Davis, and the Unit three in a row there is a chance they lose the series.
lol who woulda thought we’d root for big ol’ RJ again…
I’m rooting for a perfect game from the unit on Wednesday. Ditto Haren tomorrow and Davis on Tuesday. The Sux need to start biting it and letting the Yanks back in the picture.
those number on aceves are pretty darn good though…a few more hits and a few less strikeouts than usual maybe?..but still, two runs in 6 plus innings….just a couple walks….this dude is definitely getting our attention….and from mexico..awesome. not a lot of mexicans in the big leagues…i wonder if karim garcia was the last guy on the yanks from mexico?….pretty cool how international the game is.
what is the mythology on Ohlendorf being misused… it is nonsense.. I am not saying he stinks and has no chance of being any good.. He may be good but at present he is not and needs to figure things out.
you do not give up on a 25 yr old who has been in the majors for 3 months and throws 94 MPH.. You work with him but he has been bad this yr. that is the truth.
Kyle is bad this year and he is 32 yrs old and a 8 + yr. vet… He does not deserve our patience.. Edwar does he is 25 and has upside and the same with Veras.. WHy is this so hard to figure out kyle and hawkins tink.. and for the deliers who think kyle has been good you are dreaming… we have been lucky so far and he stinks…..
Brian- Very true, I cant recall many Mexican ball-players on the Yanks that is definitely a good thing to have a Mexican ball-player on a big stage. In a few weeks time hopefully he’ll be succeeding at SWB.
In a few minutes, we’ll be .5 games back of the White Sox.
Mel- .5 back of the White Sox in what? I thought they were leading their division.
Sidney Ponson–maybe Cashman wanted a free trip to Aruba or something–who knows?
Yankees–what is it with RISP? Are they allergic to RISP? Giese and Moose may have won if their RISP allergy didn’t act up.
To the guy who is predicting a sweep of the Yankees by the Mets—one word: Jerry Manuel.
Farnsworth—yes he’s a HR machine for the other team. But I have to say he is also an animal. Why didn’t he take Pavano hunting with him in the offseason?
al: Yes, but the Sox play in the AL Central
Rebecca- I realize that but I was addressing Mel’s post.
“mel June 22nd, 2008 at 11:01 pm
In a few minutes, we’ll be .5 games back of the White Sox.”
Why does is it matter what the W/Sox do if they are not the wild card leader.
Al: I don’t think it does. I think Mel was just pointing out we have nearly the same record as one of the division leaders
So whats the difference between this year and last? They wont bring up someone under 28 unless theres an injury? How about Joba last year? Ohlendorf? Ramirez? Give Melancon a shot
Al,
In the overall standings. Keeping an eye on all of the contenders. If the trends hold CWS could lose their lead to the Twins.
I think Brett Gardner & Alan Horne are going to have to have some 1 on 1 time w/ Brian
I’m with mel. I always feel better when the Yanks have a better record than the other division’s leaders and contenders. .5 games behind the White Sox probably isn’t backpage-headline-worthy, but it’s a sign of comparitive progress.
Mark my words. Ponson could be a great pitcher, he’s such a jerk he just throws. This guy was lights out five years ago. If he would just grow up and listen, he could be solid. I know some people he use to run with in Baltimore (yeah, they’re degenerates too) That guy dreams about being a Yankee. Maybe he won’t blow his chance and show us something. For what we gave up to get him (nothing) let’s see if he can get it together. Again, this could be the move of the year, or another failed experiment.
Nick,
This is the same White Sox team that some were penciling in to face the Cubs in the World Series. It’s a long season.
Nick so how much you loss on that Cardinals game
TGFizeek
>
“Could be?” Huh?
Sidney Ponson has had ONE very good season, and that was five long years ago. And he wasn’t “lights out” even then.
On top of that, he’s had drug problems and legal problems. Since the incident that got him canned recently by Texas allegedly had something to do with a bar, it seems as though Ponson hasn’t conquered those problems, yet.
I’m going to hate seeing him take the mound for the Yankees. Not only do I think he’s a crappy pitcher (don’t be deceived by those “good” stats he put up in Texas…he wasn’t really very good), I think he’s a crappy character, as well.
The Yanks would be better off throwing Alfredo Aceves out there for a start, or two.
But they won’t.
I had two parlays on that game, Yanks-Cardinals to win and Yanks-Cardinals +1.5 runs. I lost about $4 total. I keep the stakes pretty low, especially when I’m betting an NL team vs. Boston.
You kids out there, this is for entertainment purposes only.
On that note, I need to get some food. Thanks to that loss, I have to downgrade from a regular combo to a Mighty Kids meal!
(actually, I did ok on the rest of the games, I can get the regular combo, yay!)
Damn the sad thing now is that I realize we can’t play the drinking game this week, becuase we have to keep Sidney’s mind on pitching
because*
Monkey-
Don’t get me wrong, I’m no Ponson fan. He’s an infant who was a big deal in Aruba and believed his own hype. That’s not to say the guy doesn’t deserve a chance to turn it around, and I think this is his chance. Hopefully he knows it. I watched Doc and the Straw have problems much worse and there was something special about seeing Doc get his stuff together.
About the bar thing, just so the story’s out there. They were on a road trip and some of the Rangers were having a drink in the hotel bar. Ponson had a few more and started talking smack on the team and someone went for him. They had to be separated.
I have to think that last year made Cashman and crew a bit gunshy of bringing up pitchers before they were deemed ready. Kennedy is an example of one who is probably up before his projected time, and it showed. Hughes was rushed up a bit last year.
I would rather see them taking it a little slower than to blow these prospects by rushing them up. Ponson gives a stopgap that is cheap. While I am no fan of his, lets see what he can do. Maybe this is his chance and he will take it seriously enough, if not, very little is lost.
munchabuncha
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:28 am
“I would rather see them taking it a little slower than to blow these prospects by rushing them up. Ponson gives a stopgap that is cheap.”
Right on
Sometimes people who have drinking problems can reach a point where their lives change dramatically. In Ponson’s case, who knows if he hit that point yet. I would think his pride would help motivate him now. His desire to be a Yankee might help push him to keep things under control.
Seems you and I are of similar thoughts on Ponson, TGFizeek.
yeah I could go without watching Sir Sidney pitch
With Ponson pitching on Friday and the Bullpen shorthanded with Farnsworth hurt and a doubleheader coming up it seems almost certain that the Yanks will DFA Moeller. That will make room on both the 40 man and the active roster.
I don’t like the move at all. I’m not convinced Moeller clears this time and I’m not sold Posada is healthy and make it through the year.
The Yanks should pick any one ON the 40 man to make the spot start.
Farnsworth had stitches…it’s not even DL territory. I don’t think they’re DFAing Moeller any time soon.
Empty the pitching farm for Sabathia.
Wang-27
Sabathia-27
Hughes-21
Chamberlain-22
Kennedy-23
Pettitte-36
Mussina-38
After this year Mussina will be gone, Pettitte may be gone, and that leaves one spot open. We obviously arent going to trade the ENTIRE farm for Sabathia, im sure we could find someone to fill the 5th spot which isnt really hard to do. But thats 2 pitchers we wouldnt even have to think about replacing for another 7 years and the others another 15 years. Why are we stocking and stocking and not using any for chips? I understand holding firm on Tabata Gardner Almonte Montero and Jackson because offensively thats basically all we have, but im sure with how we have been drafting, in the next 7 years we can find some more talent. We are in very good shape right now, but an ace like Sabathia would put us over the top. Sabathia who is clicking right now, Chamberlain, and Pettitte who is a 2nd half pitcher along with Mussina, Hughes who is due back in August, Kennedy due back in 2-3 weeks, Giese, Rasner, Horne, and Pavano who despite all of your hatred besides his injury proneness hasnt exactly been the worst Yankee of all time when he has pitched will be back probably late August and spot start. If we could just make a smart move like getting Sabathia we could maybe finally go back to the promise land. Our rotation for the playoffs if we made it with Wang hopefully back mid-late September would be hands down the best rotation in baseball. But if Girardi was smart he would start Wang the first away game. And if Pavano can show a spark, or Hughes, or someone else, maybe we could slide Chamberlain into the setup/relief ace role during the playoffs? Could be a tough call but not a terrible one if the situation was right. But even without him in the pen, we have Bruney (who Joe said was progressing well and could be back right after the ASB) Ohlendorf, Ramirez, Veras, Melancon?, Cox? McCutch? Farnsworth(hopefully the good one) and THE greatest closer ever to play the game Mariano Rivera. But the reason we havent won the past few(7) years, is just that our rotation hasnt matched up with most of these teams, and Sabathia would put us over the top.
All I know, is Friday is going to be ugly to watch.
Santana/Maine vs. Ponson/Giese
Martinez vs Ponson/Giese
I thought we slipped Steven White through waivers to make room on the 40 man
http://uk.reuters.com/article/mediaNews/idUKN2339172520080623
George Carlin dead.
Thanks for the update, Rebecca. A sad day to lose an original. The first thing I remember him doing was “Al Sleet, The Hippy, Dippy Weatherman”. Not many real comedians left that are actually funny. Leo Gallagher and Robin Williams being the best left.
Leo Gallagher as in the watermelon smasher?
Really?
You should check out Emo Philips. He’s so good they named an entire musical genre after how he makes his audiences feel.
What a sad day. We lost one of the great ones.
RIP George.
Sorry, Nick, but, thinking of Emo Phillips is too much like remembering Carrot Top. Dangerfield, Skelton, Harvey Korman, George Burns, Carson…the best of the television era comedians are dying off. It’s making for less laughter in a world that needs as much as it can get without reading the newspapers and viewing the political scene. I guess we’ll just have to read comedians like Lupica and Sherman, along with the rest of the NYC sports “journalists”.
au contraire, GB7
Jon stewart and stephen colbert are the new nuclear reactors of television laughter.
rest in peace, george
Sad to see George Carlin has shuffled off his mortal coil. He was controversial, irreverent and could be crude, but he could be quite funny. He toned down his image with being Mr. Conductor in Shining Time Station, but that was only temporary.
During his earlier days you couldn’t wait to get his albums.
He will be missed.
Vintage George Carlin was funny. I appreciated his intelligence and his ascerbic view of the world. However, in more recent years what used to be irreverence seemed to take a turn toward true bitterness and mean-spiritedness towards anyone in the world who had faith in anything. His routines clearly took on an “I’m smarter (and better) than you because I can see through all the bull that you can’t” attitude.
I hope he finds peace in his death, because it’s apparent that he did not have it in life.
Rebecca
I was just looking to go to one of his shows.
So sad, he wasn’t that old either.
I am really not looking forward to Ponson pitching if Friday is his start. If I had known for yesterday, I would have gone to church and said a few prayers, at this point anything goes!
FYI i just went to ticketmaster.com and was able to get 2 seats field championship level behind home plate for friday nights game vs the mets so there are seats available suprisingly. I would go fast i interested not sure how long they will last
make that friday afternoon not night lol
If the Yankees are hellbent on Ponson starting, then by all means he has to be on a short leash.
The bullpen should be fully ready as soon as any weakness is shown.
I’m not so sure that somebody of Ponson’s demeanor should be counted on and he must know himself that the team has only short term plans for him.
NOW is the time to capitalize. The Yankees play 23 of their next 35 games at the Stadium and of their 12 road games, 9 are against the Pirates, Mets, and Blue Jays.
Boston’s only easy opponent in July is Seattle. Tampa Bay plays the majority of July games on the road.
Good morning, everybody! I apologize if this has already been posted, I haven’t read through all the posts yet, but is there news on Farnsworth’s hand?
Farnsy split the webbing between his fingers and required stitches.
It doesn’t appear that he will be put on the DL, as the general consensus is that he will ready in a week or so…
I have to say the people that were cheering Farns being injured are pretty low class. I couldn’t believe it!
Read this morning:
Yanks facing 3 lefties in the Pirates series. Dumatrait who was supposed to start Thursday was put on the DL so Maholm will take his spot on Thursday instead. Gorzellany, Duke and Maholm it is.
An old friend was called up from AAA to take Dumatraits spot on the roster- TJ Beam.
Thanks, John!
Granted Ponson is a loser..but if he can pitch well with the Yankees (say 5-2, 4.00 ERA) then he’ll be a nice addition to an injury-ravaged staff. And if he doesn’t do well, start the revolving door of AAA/Disabled List pitchers.
Hughes, Kennedy, Karstens, Horne, Aceves, Igawa, etc. I bet at least 3-5 of them get a chance before Cashman would resort to a big trade. It’s a good feeling to have SOME insurance after the all-star break.
There was some talk that maybe Jason Lane would get called up since Yanks are facing three lefties in Pittsburgh this week, and probably both Santana and Perez in the Mets series. Anyone hear anything on this?
I agree, Jennifer. I am denfinitely not a Farnsworth fan, but to cheer for an injury to any MLB player, especially someone from your favorite Team, is ignorant.
Yes, Farnsworth is very inconsistent. He has great stuff, but his command from Game to Game gets him in trouble. When he has location, he is lights out. That said, he is not an ideal 8th inning option..but who on this Team is? Ohlendorf? Veras? Ramirez? Yankee fans are too spoiled from the days of Stanton,Nelson,Lloyd, and even Mendoza during the great run of 1996-2001. And, of course, Joba.
What made Stanton, Nelson, and Mendoza a good trio is the outstanding Yankee starting pitching back in the day along with Mo as a safety net coming into the 8th inning a lot to save the day.
When your starters are pitching into the 7th and 8th innings with regularity, it doesn’t expose the soft underbelly of the middle relief.
That trio was a solid group, but they weren’t world beaters. The starting pitching kept them from being overexposed and that’s the biggest difference between the Yanks of the dynasty years and the Yanks today.
The Yanks should bring Gardner up since he hits .342 against lefties and has 29 stolen bases.
“The Yanks should bring Gardner up since he hits .342 against lefties and has 29 stolen bases.”
Yanks could be showcasing Melky for a CC trade.
“Yanks could be showcasing Melky for a CC trade.”
Then wouldn’t they want him to be doing well? Besides…since when does Cleveland need a CFer?
“If we could just make a smart move like getting Sabathia we could maybe finally go back to the promise land. Our rotation for the playoffs if we made it with Wang hopefully back mid-late September would be hands down the best rotation in baseball.”
I would have to agree. while a trade for sabathia could be costly, I think we should at least consider it, not only for this year but the future, with moose and pettite on the way out. think about this: Sabathia, Wang, Joba, Hughes, Kennedy/horne/rasner (4 potential aces out of 5).
Then our bullpen has a bright future as well. Ollie, guise, cox, Ramirez, Veras, Melancon, Cox, McCutch. and david cone as pitching coach? And if not sabathia, then i still say take a chance on bedard while his stock is relatively low. i dont care about is additude yada yada, as long as his hip is okay.
i agree that melky - CC is unreasonable, I wish we had a solid 2b prospect, because cano would at least be motivated to stop clubbing, or we could trade him for CC!
Gardner would be a great addition to this team esp. with his speed and his ability to hit LHP.
“Then wouldn’t they want him to be doing well? Besides…since when does Cleveland need a CFer?”
I never said they didn’t. The Yankees want all their players to do well, if not to win games then to boost their trade value. That’s why they keep bringing the Igawa mistake up to pitch.
They don’t need a CF but they need corner OF help. Dellucci is hitting .225, Choo has only played 20 games, Ben Francisco is doing well but Guttierrez is hitting .239 with 64 games under his belt this year.
With Grady and Francisco, they could use 1 more outfielder.
good point, melky is probably an ideal right fielder with his arm. and the yanks gould really use speed like gardner. honestly his hitting will probably be no better than melky, but christian or gardner (jackson eventually) are worthy of a shot.
“good point, melky is probably an ideal right fielder with his arm.”
He can’t hit like a RFer. His career offensive levels are good for a CFer but anemic for a corner guy. And his offensive level this season is inadequate for any full-time position.
“and the yanks gould really use speed like gardner”
The Yanks have plenty of guys that can steal bases. Their problem is getting hits with RISP. Gardner, given his K rates, is unlikely to help. Pitchers will go right at him, so he’s not going to walk as much either. His reverse split this season is likely a statistical fluke and not something that’s been going on his whole career, or the Yanks would know that he’s generally good against lefties and he’d be up here right now.
“melky is probably an ideal right fielder with his arm.”
but he doesnt hit for nearly enough power to play a corner OF position.
Melky is seetling in nicely for his career as a 4th OF, which scouts have been predicting now for a while. thats not to say he’s not a useful player for the Yankees right now, but his trade value, IMO, has reduced dramtically over the past season.
he’s shown he can play every day, but he’s not yet reached the level of consistency you’d hope he’d attain at this point in his career. he’s still young, but he’s now been in the league a couple years, and should show more growth than this.
again, not railing on the guy. he’s done a nice job holding down CF w/o any internal options really available. but to think he’ll be a major piece in a trade to net a big time pitcher isnt gonna happen.
“Gardner would be a great addition to this team esp. with his speed and his ability to hit LHP.”
do you think that Gardner really has an “ability to hit LHP” or do you think that perhaps any decent LHP that is old enough for AAA is already in the majors?
how many quality LHP’s do you think are in AAA?
i won’t pretend know the answer to that. but i would guess there aren’t many.
the only pinch hitter we have for speed is moeller, and he wont last forever, and that forces posada or molina out.
pinch runner*
Bring Gardner Up
June 22nd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
“Teams play the Yankees 10x harder than any other team. Even though they are the champions, the Cards gave them that win where they would have fought the Yankees tooth and nail and made the Yankees beat them rather than making stupid plays”
I understand and appreciate that this is a Yankee blog, but with that being said the above posting has to be one of the most biased and uninformed posts I have seen on here.
Ya right….the Cardinals didn’t play the Sox hard at all did they??? The reality is that they just took two straight from the Sox at Fenway. The third game they tied it in the 9th against Papelbon and then pushed the Sox into the 13th inning.
Yup…..I’m sure if the Cardinals were playing the Yankees they would have played ten times harder.
Bring Gardener Up….stop whining and being a victim!
i think melky is a good complementary part to a trade
“the only pinch hitter we have for speed is moeller, and he wont last forever, and that forces posada or molina out.”
Brett Gardner is not getting called up to be a pinch hitter/runner.
if Cashman really felt he needed this on the roster, he’s already said a player like Cody Ransom would get the call first. they want Gardner to continue to develop and get reg playing time at AAA.
he should share with melky
Strictly looking at the stats of brett garnder vs melky cabera you get a higher obp 408 vs 312, more doubles/triples 19 vs 9, more sb’s 29 vs 5 … on the downside gardners struck out 61 vs 37 in same # of ab’s … and a weaker arm from what i’ve read on many of the yankee sites — by why not take a look and see what he can do and use melky as the 4th outfielder for a bit
“i think melky is a good complementary part to a trade”
agreed, but he’s not the big fish in the net that maybe he could have been sold as a season or two ago.
well said
andrew33 that is
“why not take a look and see what he can do and use melky as the 4th outfielder for a bit”
because there are 40 man roster rammifications that go along with Brett Gardner’s callup. something Cashman and the organization are not ready to deal with yet, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from him.
i wasnt aware of the 40 man roster ramifications, however, i think when they can they should try it, since may 1 melky has not been hitting, eitehr its a bad stretch or he is a 250 career hitter who doesnt have much speed, when they can make the change and it makes sense for the roster i’d like to see them do it
i’m not bashing melky here but i havent seen many big hits for him in quite a while
Does anybody know the bio highlights of Justin Christian? Among right-handed hitters AA or higher, his numbers have been the best in the organization. He was drafted only four years ago, even though he is now 28. What’s the deal here? Does the organization view him as a potential contributor, or is he now past that point, most likely AAAA at best? Any talk on him being called up to the show? He seems to be a whole lot better option than Jason Lane.
okay then lets move on to cano. I like him and want him to do well. but despite being a great fielder sometimes, he makes stupid lazy hung over errors. he has no idea where the strike zone is, and is in the middle of a slump so miserable that it is far beyond a slump. He needs to be pressured some how. start betemit or something
As for the Elias tidbit - that’d be FOUR major leaguers, unless Jerry Hairston Jr. and Scott Hairston (Padres) don’t share the same dad.
Farnsworth is Alright
( and is this a good thing ??? )
http://mvn.com/mlb-yankees/2008/06/22/farnsworth-is-alright/
Bring Gardner Up ….
Wang-27
Sabathia-27
Hughes-21
Chamberlain-22
Kennedy-23
Pettitte-36
Mussina-38
You know … if Mussina continues to be successful with his re-invented pitching, he might be worth signing for another year with (maybe) a team option for another. I would not have said this a year ago, or as recently as 2 months ago. But he is definitely doing really well.
Pettitte may call it quits this year, he may not. Recently he did say something that suggested his elbow is doing better than he thought it would. Does that mean he’d be willing to go another year too?
So do we hope to catch lightning in a bottle with Ponson for a few starts? If he gives us 3 decent starts out of 5, we wouldn’t need to give up anyone for CC by the trade deadline.
Pettitte, Moose, Joba, Ponson, Rasner …
By then we’ll get a look at Kennedy, and by the trade deadline we’ll be able to see if he has his confidence where it needs to be. If he does, the kid can pitch.
Pettitte, Moose, Joba, Kennedy, Rasner … if that works then Ponson can go. If it doesn’t, and Posnon doesn’t work out, then maybe its worth thinking about CC for a stretch run.
Hughes will be coming back later in the summer. We’ll have to see where he is. Then:
Pettitte, Moose, Joba, Kennedy, Hughes … if that works Rasner can go … to the bullpen?
Wang may (or may not) be available for the stretch or the playoffs. If not, Pettitte, Moose & Joba will be the playoff rotation. Without Wang, having CC there might be a difference-maker. With Wang, I think we’ll be fine.
Again I wouldn’t have said that 2 months ago with Moose not having rediscovered himself yet at that point. He still won’t win a Cy Young but if he can win twice as many as he loses and have an ERA close to 4, that’s pretty good for a 4th or 5th starter. The important thing would be to have 3 or 4 guys better than him if he can still do that well.
So … if Pettitte or Moose (or both) might stick around another year, we could still go into the winter with the choice of:
Wang-28
Hughes-22
Chamberlain-23
Kennedy-24
Pettitte-37
Mussina-39
Plus maybe Sabathia (28) as a free agent (provided the someone else doesn’t trade for him for this year’s stretch run) that could be anywhere from 4 to 7 good pitchers to choose from going into next season.
I’d like to see the team assess the options at the end of this of season after seeing how the 3 kids (all 3) Pettitte & Moose finish. They can choose the best 5 or 6 guys from that list if they don’t make any desperate moves for CC this July. Having Ponson (who I have zero faith in long-term) here for just a month or two may help make that possible.
Ponson could just be a bridge to Kennedy’s, Hughes’ and maybe Wang’s return over the next 2-3 months. He came for virtually nothing and almost nothing is lost if he gets flops or goes Jerry Springer after 3 games, or gets DFA’d any time before the end of the year.
Hughes & Kennedy would be a year more mature next year, which could be a big part of what they lacked at the beginning of this year. If they’re here next year (rather than in Cleveland via a desperation trade) that would be better for us.
“Strictly looking at the stats of brett garnder vs melky cabera you get a higher obp 408 vs 312, more doubles/triples 19 vs 9, more sb’s 29 vs 5 … on the downside gardners struck out 61 vs 37 in same # of ab’s ”
You sound very lacking in knowledge if you’re comparing AAA numbers to major league numbers.
Farnsworth being healthy is a good thing, not that any of us want to admit it.
“that’d be FOUR major leaguers”
Who’s the 4th?
i dont think cashman would be stupid enough to trade hughes and kennedy, no matter how desperate. although i think kennedy + melky would be worth it, not that the indians would agree to that, but as a start
i agrree with you farnsworth has been more then serviceable this year, his big salary for the production of the past 2 years is always going to make him a target - if i’m not mistaken he was brought in originally to replace mariano at some point in the future
“You sound very lacking in knowledge if you’re comparing AAA numbers to major league numbers.”
who cares, melky has not been good, we all know that AAA #s are not the same as ml #s, but thanks for pointing that out, brilliant
sorry raymagnetc i’m not a big league scout, but thanks you sound very astute - if you start a blog let me know where it is so i can follow your genius analysis -
“As for the Elias tidbit - that’d be FOUR major leaguers, unless Jerry Hairston Jr. and Scott Hairston (Padres) don’t share the same dad.”
except Scott Hairston has never hit a HR at Yankee stadium.
“if i’m not mistaken he was brought in originally to replace mariano at some point in the future”
you are mistaken.
Personally, I have NEVER been a Melky Cabrera fan and hope the Yankees trade him, either in a package for an SP, or another outfielder that can hit and field.
Melky is just keeping the Centerfield position warm for Austin Jackson.
I have a feeling Ponson is going to turn out to be a great pick up. He still throws in the mid 90’s with a good splitter. He wasnt a distraction at all the last time he was here…he just didnt pitch very well that year.
HMMM i’m not sure about that i think they brought him in to replace Mariano after he was the closer in atlanta - years in the future - werent they looking at bj ryan for a similar mentor role - either way - its alot of money for what hes done the past 2 years
“we all know that AAA #s are not the same as ml #s, but thanks for pointing that out, brilliant”
You were the one who was directly comparing them…
“its alot of money for what hes done the past 2 years”
can’t argue that.
but no, Farns was brought in to replace Gordon as Mariano’s setup man.
he was 30 when he signed, i don’t think the Yankees were making any long term plans for him.
“HMMM i’m not sure about that i think they brought him in to replace Mariano after he was the closer in atlanta - years in the future”
Then wouldn’t they have signed him for more than just three years?
“either way - its alot of money for what hes done the past 2 years”
Go look at the contracts other setup guys have signed. It may be a lot of money for his performance, but it was market value for setup guys.
hmmm that clearly makes more sense him being brought in to replace gordon, my bad
Guess I’ll have to find something else to do on Friday, ’cause Ponson will get his butt kicked.
“The Yanks have plenty of guys that can steal bases.”
Yea but that is irrelevant in the Gardner argument. Every team has players that can swipe bases, but we are talking about a LEGITIMATE base stealing threat. A guy that the pitcher attacks as the plate because they know he will be looking to steal if he gets on. How many free passes do you think teams give Jose Reyes? That is a guy the Yankees DO NOT have.
Sure ARod, Jeter, Melky, Abreu, and Damon can all swipe bases. But are opposing pitchers really worried about it? Now, they don’t swipe ENOUGH bases to be a cause for concern. I wan’t a guy who gets on base and jumps around at the bag. Bat Gardner 9th, get him on base, and watch Damon foul off pitches under Gardner gets one to run on. It’s been tight ballgames that the Yanks have trouble winning and Gardner is a possible solution.
The Mets have Reyes, Mariners have Ichiro, Orioles have multiple threats, Tampa Bay has Crawford, Indians and Lofton (who killed us), Angels and Figgins, the list goes on. When you put those names on the board as purely base stealing threats, the Yankees don’t have anyone on the ML roster who compares.
You don’t find someone a little faster than Shelley, you find someone A LOT faster than Shelley. Gardner is doing real well in AAA and lets keep in mind that not every superstar in MLB absolutely raked in AAA. You can platoon Melky and Gardner, rest players like they did in the Sheffield days. You might need it with Matsui’s knee hurting. Who is getting the call if Damon, Melky, or Abreu get hurt? Gardner.
actually someone else was directly comparing them.
However, i think ponson will be exciting to watch. either he will implode and we can all boo the hell out of him, which will be funny, or he will use his quality stuff and be a solid pick up. win win to some degree.
also there was a lot of talk of getting fuentes on here a couple of weeks ago, which i think is unneccesary but still, is that even being considered
“the only pinch hitter we have for speed is moeller”
Alberto Gonzalez is on the active roster and can run a little.
Gardner’s stats at AAA do not translate to great MLB potential. If it did, he’d already be there. Melky is a better outfielder than Gardner - offensively and defensively. The only thing that Gardner does better than Melky is speed.
And with 6-7 other Teams interested in trading for CC Sabathia, Melky as a centerpiece for a trade won’t even come close! He is not a corner outfielder and the Indians are not about to move Sizemore out of CF. Cano as a centerpiece, plus an A level pitching prospect would get Cleveland interested, but it would be a mistake to trade Robbie, even with his bad offensive half season so far.
The best hope for the Yankees is that Cleveland starts to contend, they keep Sabathia, and he becomes a Free Agent in 2009.
“Gardner’s stats at AAA do not translate to great MLB potential. If it did, he’d already be there. Melky is a better outfielder than Gardner - offensively and defensively. The only thing that Gardner does better than Melky is speed.”
This entire statement is just speculation on your part.
as i said, melky is a nice complement for a trade, he would by no means be a centerpiece. although he could be a great complement, and can be easily be replaced by garnder or christian until jackson is ready. I agree waiting for 09 would be ideal. lets all hope the indians can get it together. honestly though, cano is making me sick. i think cc is a greater asset at this point, even though cano could be great some day
“This entire statement is just speculation on your part.”
Yep, and so far the Yankee Front Office has the same “speculation”!
Gardner will be 25 in August. Robbie Cano, 25, and Melky, who will be 23 in August, already have 3 years of good MLB experience.
LathamJoe-
“The best hope for the Yankees is that Cleveland starts to contend, they keep Sabathia, and he becomes a Free Agent in 2009.”
I think the other piece to watch is Cleveland allowing a “signing window” for other teams to have to sign CC long term. So far the Indians are taking a hard line on NOT allowing this to happen. If that holds true, I doubt there will be many teams willing to gamble on dealing their prospects and risk not being able to sign him in the offseason. Especially if you have us, Boston and others that have the means to sign him as well. It will be interesting to follow, I think Cash is taking the right approach to let this thing play itself out.
“Gardner’s stats at AAA do not translate to great MLB potential. If it did, he’d already be there.”
People say this like it’s a fact.
“Gardner will be 25 in August. Robbie Cano, 25, and Melky, who will be 23 in August, already have 3 years of good MLB experience.”
As we have seen time and time again, the Yankees rarely bring up players unless it is out of necessity. Melky and Cano came in because they were NEEDED. Don’t use that logic as some sort of proof that the Yankees don’t see Gardner as a piece to help the team.
I agree, jashell2000 (about a :singing window”).
Any Team would be foolish to trade their top prospects for essentially a “rent-a-pitcher”.
Of the 6 Teams that are supposedly the top suitors ( Yankees, Phillies, Cubs, Red Sox, Rays, and Angels), Boston and Tampa Bay can offer better prospect packages than the Yankees, despite Cashman’s lofty claims about his MiLB System.
That’s why I feel that Sabathia in Free Agency is the Yankee’s best shot..their Money can “contend” with anyone.
Lets look at Gardner’s batting average (his other statistics follow the trend) in his promotions:
2005 A- ball = .284
2006 A+ ball = .325
2006 AA ball = .272
2007 AA ball = .300
2007 AAA ball = .260
2008 AAA ball = .291
All hovering around 200 AB so these are no small sample sizes. If you want to make assumptions then you can assume Gardner might have a tough first year in MLB then settle down once he figures it out. Let this year be the year for Gardner to adjust. Not the start of next season.
“Boston and Tampa Bay can offer better prospect packages than the Yankees”
That is all subjective and other teams might not view this the same.
“That is all subjective and other teams might not view this the same.”
In MLB, as well as life my friend, EVERYTHING is subjective except for Death and Taxes!
Russell NY,
The Yankees had a need for a CFer in Spring Training. Cashman did not endorse Melky as the starting CFer and mentioned both Brett and Jackson, yet Melky wound up on the 25-man roster as the starter with Brett Gardner in SWB. At 2 years Melky’s senior, THAT should tell you something about Gardner’s potential as the starting centerfielder for the NY Yankees according to its scouting organization.
I watch Gardner play a few times a week I know that he would be just as good if not better than Melky IMO. Gardner was also very good in spring training (I know it doesn’t mean much, but its something)
Seems to be some hostility directed toward the “do something other than what the Yanks are currently choosing to do” posters.
After having watched Matsui try to run yesterday, my guess is the Yanks are currently trying to play with only three outfielders. One of them, Melky Cabrera, has a .303 OBP and a .333 SLG in 78 AB against LHP this year. That production has hurt and will hurt if it continues. Since in 2007 Melky had a .317 OBP and a .324 SLG in 148 AB against LHP, which is equally bad, I think it is fair to worry whether Melky is going to hit at all against lefties. So, given the thin depth in the Yankee OF, it isn’t unreasonable to try to figure out ways to move Melky out of the lineup against left handed pitching. The complicating factor is Posada’s health and the “need” to carry Moeller as a third catcher, which is given plausibility due to Moeller having by far the best year he has had since 2002 (if Chad were hitting like he hit from 2003-2007, I suspect nobody would be talking about the need for a third catcher). The magic answer, of course, is to get rid of Betemit and replace him with a decent right handed hitting CF/first baseman, but that particular skill set doesn’t seem to be available in the market right now. (f we can get one, I’m for it.)
I personally think that the Yanks need a fourth outfielder who can provide some flexibility. I don’t think Brett Gardner is going to be all that great if he’s called up, and would love to have someone better. However, until that someone better comes along (if you think Jayson Lane could do it, I’ll listen but am doubtful), it’s hard to dismiss out of hand Gardner’s .424 OBP and a .557 SLG in 79 ABs against lefties this year. Granted that’s in AAA, but that still translates to decent major league numbers (those who argue minor league statistics don’t count at all aren’t up on the latest sabermetrics). I admit Gardner has shown a tendency to struggle whenever he’s moved up a level, and that might happen in this case, but until we can find a better answer calling him up doesn’t seem unreasonable.
Calling Gardner up would mean DFA’ing a reliever (Traber, anyone?) or Moeller (OK by me, but I know that is fighting words to some), but neither option seems insane to me.
Sometimes, the Yanks just seem too conservative for my taste. It wouldn’t be much fun to post if you always argue that father knows best.
Unit?? sorry to say this is the AL he will get pounded like he did when he was with us
garnder is not a long term solution, jackson is. however it wouldnt hurt to platoon melky and gardner, even if its just to push melky. but i think they can both be productive in their own ways. i think it would be worth dumping a reliever, or moeller (not soon)