Comments on: Melancon impressive

By: Sal Cipriano

Sal Cipriano — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:21:05 +0000

The sound of this guy makes me giddy all over.

By: Teixeiramvp

Teixeiramvp — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 22:17:52 +0000

I’ve jumped onto the Melancon bandwagon. It would just be amazing if he replaced Joba as set-up guy and ended that debate. And who knows? Skys the limit, and Mo only has a yr. or two left…

By: Jason from The Heartland

Jason from The Heartland — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:52:34 +0000

I don’t think we’re pretending he’s the second coming, Kevin. It’s just that he’s buzzed through three levels of minor-league ball, has been very impressive in doing so, and just needs to show he can take the next step of facing major-league competition. Your caveat is well taken, however.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 20:02:47 +0000

I don’t know that somebody with seventy innings above A-ball has “nothing” left to prove in the minors. His BABiPs last year in Trenton and SWB were unsustainably low. Still, he’s probably ready for the bigs. Let’s just not pretend he’s the second coming, or anything.

By: Jason from The Heartland

Jason from The Heartland — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:57:11 +0000

Amen, Glenn. Igawa has never had it, and never will. I’d take some new equipment and food coupons to be rid of that stiff.

By: Glenn

Glenn — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:49:39 +0000

It’s close to time that Mark Melancon gets the football No. 78 off his uniform and be given No. 29.
Kei Igawa is not going to be a part of the major league staff.

By: NJ in Tampa

NJ in Tampa — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:36:08 +0000

I was there in the first row. Melancon looked good, but I wouldn’t make too much of this. It was pretty clear the batters were more concerned with just tracking the ball. No one took any big cuts, especially the first few times they faced him.

By: Jason from The Heartland

Jason from The Heartland — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:29:16 +0000

I agree with Phil’s comment above. Melancon just needs to face some big-league competition. Otherwise, I don’t believe he has anything left to prove in the minors. He buzzed through the system last year, going 8-1, logging 95 innings between Tampa, Trenton, and SWB, fanning 89, walking only 22, only allowing 6 homers, 69 hits, and a .202 BAA. Importantly, he was excellent as he faced better competition. His BAA dropped as he moved up, and his K/IP ratio improved. He’s been groomed for top-flight relief work, and now just needs to show he can do it against the big guys.

The Yankees need to keep replenishing the ranks with talented youngsters. If Melancon performs as we hope he will, as Matt rightly says, there goes the Joba “debate”–not too soon for my tastes.

By: Burnett after reading

Burnett after reading — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:49:04 +0000

People are not paying attention. Phil Coke is going into the year as a starter. That can definitely change but as of right now and the beginning of the season he is a starter.

By: KGsturnz0r217

KGsturnz0r217 — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:46:21 +0000

Mo/Marte/Bruney/Veras/Coke/Melancon with 3 catchers

when Posada is ready for “full time,” bring up Alba/Edwar/Aceves/Giese/Robertson in exchange for DFA Cash?