Re: Jackson. They need to get a stop gap (Gardner or FA) and not think about him. Tell him he’s going to start at AAA and stay there. Then bring him for a cup after their season. That way he can concentrate on developing and not slide back. Keep his eye on the ball before cutting up field.

Unless they can change something mechanically with him to create less stress on his shoulder.

But I think the right thing to do is start him because what if he gets hurt again? He’ll never reach 200.

He and Phil need to do themselves a favor and stay healthy because baseball doesn’t stop for anyone. Crasnick or Law mentioned that Joba’s shoulder issues which have been going on since college are a concern. Phil’s issues are not structural. The broken ankle and broken rib held him out longer than anything else. I’ve seen what a healthy Joba can do. I’m very intrigued to see what a healthy Phil can do.

IIRC, they don’t budget for the post season. (At least Milwaukee and Torre don’t!) Kennedy had reached his innings last season and would’ve been on the postseason roster had he not pulled that muscle in his back.

OF Austin Jackson: The Yankees’ top position player prospect, Jackson has collected five RBIs in his first six games for the Javelinas, with a triple among his three hits in 21 at- bats. Jackson has walked twice and struck out seven times as he prepares for a Spring Training during which he will have an outside chance at making New York’s big league roster, while more likely projecting to open at Triple-A.”

A very small sampling admittedly, but if I read this correctly, our “top prospect” has whiffed 1/3 of his ABs (Ryan Howard numbers but without the bombs) and is batting below the Mendoza line. At best, he is a few years away, at worst, another example of Yankee hype to mask an abysmal farm system.

in april, a 5th starter is seldom used anyway. that way, you really don’t have to worry about protecting him that much or skipping him starts throughout the year as much.

How about this as a plan?

Joba throws 150 innings…he starts the season as a starter throwing 125 (approx)…and finishes the season (say the last 40 games) in the bullpen 25 innings…25 appearances

This could really help during a playoff push and also keep his innings down…

And why is David Price even in the pen? What a waste of a talented arm. He could be closing games like Wainwright was, yet he is regulated to the 2nd long man (behind Edwin Jackson).