Friday morning links
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Aug 20, 2010 
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The Yankees scored nine runs in an inning yesterday. It’s HOPE Week, the team has three straight wins and the Yankees are all alone in first place again. Everyone can breathe easy for at least a few more hours. Seems like a good time for some links that have been piling up. We’ll start with this one…
Earlier this week, my old friend Mike Ashmore posted a massive piece about life in the minor leagues. If you’ve been even slightly curious about life in the lower levels, Ashmore’s story goes into the money, the food, the travel and the difficulty of finding a good bat. The post also digs into what makes the Yankees a different sort of organization.
“I think overall, the Yankees just make everything so much better for you,” minor league veteran Richie Robnett said. “Other teams, like the Cubs, if you’re in Double-A, you’re a Tennessee Smokie, that’s what you are. If you’re in Double-A with the A’s, you’re a Midland Rockhound, that’s what you are. When you’re in Double-A with the Yankees, you’re a Yankee. You’re not a Trenton Thunder, you’re a Yankee. If you’re in Triple-A, you’re a Yankee. If you’re in A-Ball, you’re a Yankee. That’s what I like. You’re a part of the organization, and they always want to make it known to you that you represent us.”
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• The Times wonders whether Lou Gehrig actually had Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s a fascinating question and a terrific story.
• Frankie Piliere came away impressed after watching Manny Banuelos. “If he can remain healthy and keep his shorter frame in check,” Piliere wrote, “he is a true front-of-the-rotation type pitcher.”
• Piliere has also had some kind words for Andrew Brackman and Dellin Betances.
• A cool comeback story is in the works in the Mariners minor league system. I really enjoy stories about second chances. This one comes from Geoff Baker, with Buster Olney pointing my way to the link.
• Add Jerrod Saltalamacchia to the list of injured Red Sox.
Associated Press photo of Alex Rodriguez. He’s a big fan of posts with links.
For those that like hearing about the kids, I recommend you click the link above on Banuelos, Brackman and Betances. Here’s some of what Frankie had to say about Banuelos:
“Look around the big leagues and find the left-handed starting pitchers that average 93 mph or better with their fastball. It’s a very short list. Throw in the fact that Banuelos is a consistent strike-throwing machine with two above-average secondary pitches and you have a very rare commodity.
If you’re looking for any negatives with Banuelos, it’s his lack of size. But given the ease of his delivery, plus stuff and greatly advanced pitching aptitude, this is a particular talent that goes against the stereotype.”
MTU -
More great pictures.
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If you haven’t checked out the minor league story, do it. Great read. But it’s a long piece, so make sure you can give it more than a glance.
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Just a reminder: I’m going to start GTLU early today because I will be out from about 10:30 to ?? I’ll catch up with it when I get back. Also, I am definitely awarding prizes in at least two categories perhaps 3 or 4.
I’m not exactly sure what deity the Sox pissed off, but I like it!
Reading the minor league piece made me want to watch “Bull Durham” again.
CountryClub -
I would have thought that Tim Lincecum’s success has put at least some of the trepidation about size to rest, but I guess it’s hard to fight the prevailng “wisdom.”
Doreen-
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed them. I try my best.
Noreaster-
The Playoff G-d.
More from Piliere…this time Betances:
This is prime Josh Beckett type stuff from Betances, wow. The ability to get 2 strikes with the CH and finish letter high at 96 is special
CC-
The new Killer B’s- Brackman, Betances and Banuelos.
The Yankees trade in precious metals- Platinum and Gold. They have Pitching and Catching out the ying-yang in the Minors.
MTU August 20th, 2010 at 9:10 am
CC-
The new Killer B’s- Brackman, Betances and Banuelos.
—————–
When you talk about top of the rotation potential, those three have it in spades. His full report on Betances will be up this weekend.
Overall, it has been a very good season for the Yankees farm…
Doreen,
Durability is obviously a concern with the smaller pitchers. But like you mentioned, there have been plenty of small guys that have panned out. The good news on Banuelos is the part about him filling out. When he 1st came to the states he weghed 150 pounds. Now he’s close to 190. 5’10″ – 190 pounds is a solid build (still small compared to a guy like Hughes…but solid for a guy that’s 5’10″).
CC-
Add Montero, Romine, Sanchez and Murphy into the mix along with
Phelps and Warren, and you have the Comstock lode. Period.
It’s bonanza time.
MTU,
I’m leaving shortly.
AS a side note…I’ve tried to make this a “healthy summer” and your tributes have assisted me if only to know that someone was doing something athletic to honor Phil.
Ordinarily I’d probably jump on the burger bandwagon.
Muchos Gracias.
See you on the other side! (of the equator)
I have always thought that small bodied pitchers are one market inefficiency that could be exploited by a clever team.
Lincecum was passed over several times.
Durability is the real concern. Big bodied guys tend to wear better over the long term.
Jeers-
Surfing (not the computer variety) is also good exercise. And the scenery isn’t bad either. have fun. I’ll expect a full report upon your return.
great article on the minor leagues…a long read, but interesting stuff
Rishi-
You don’t want to be a MiLB ballplayer unless you just love what you’re doing. It’s not glamorous by any means.
Bronx, screw sufing in Ecuador. Everybody knows Wyoming has the best waves around:
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL.....index.html
Tom-
After the big one Utah will.
Noreaster August 20th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I?m not exactly sure what deity the Sox pissed off, but I like it!
____
Has to be either Zeus or Hera.
I wrote this in the previous thread and…I haven’t seen Banelous pitch but in that report it sounds like Frankie could have been describing a young Johan Santana…sounds like he has a similar build and similar stuff. For those who have seen him pitch…would that be a guy to compare his upside to?
MTU–
Wonderful photos, as usual. Really makes me want to visit your lovely state again. Spent a very short time in Salt Lake City a few years back but I don’t think that’s really representative.
JM-
SLC is the largest City in Utah. It has the look of a Denver but a little nicer IMO.
The rest of Utah is ,without being immodest, spectacular. You SHOULD see it. Let me know if you ever want to come out this way.
I read Ashmore’s story on the minors earlier this week and it is a really thorough depiction worth a read.
I knew the importance of these guys getting signing bonuses but the day to day importance of it is well laid out in Mike’s piece. Life in the minors might be physically easier than digging ditches for a living but it sure doesn’t pay as well.
It made me go look at what some of the curent Yankees received in signing bonuses. There were some really bargains out there even when translated to todays dollars.
Granderson’s Yahoo blog entry about HOPE Week
(I posted this yesterday but it got a little lost in the game thread)
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/bl.....ng-content
MTU, nice pics. I guess it’s off to do my matching hike since I have the day off from work. Obviously not at the same elevation, but a good one none the less.
MTU August 20th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Rishi-
You don?t want to be a MiLB ballplayer unless you just love what you?re doing. It?s not glamorous by any means.
=============================
it’s nice that the Yankees go a little bit above and beyond, but I can imagine a lot of people just giving up. and it makes you feel that much better for the guys who get called up
Thanks for the link Erica. Reggie certainly sticks out in his yellow T-shirt doesn’t he?
Fear not. Peter Gammons will overevaluate Boston’s farm system as flush with high end prospects regardless of how high the (real) analysts see the Yankees farm system.
blake August 20th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I wrote this in the previous thread and…I haven’t seen Banelous pitch but in that report it sounds like Frankie could have been describing a young Johan Santana…sounds like he has a similar build and similar stuff. For those who have seen him pitch…would that be a guy to compare his upside to?
————————-
A lefty with a mid 90′s fastbal and a killer change? Sounds pretty similar to me (And before someone rips me, I’m not saying he will be Johan. Just saying there are similarities in their repertoire).
CC,
Thanks…sounded like there were some similarities to me as well. Anytime you’re talking about a 19 year old then obviously were just talking about upside….doesn’t mean he will be Johan Santana but if he has the upside of that kind of pitcher then that’s all you can hope for at this point.
Blake,
The great thing about Banuelos is that, besides his plus stuff, he’s supposed to be years ahead of the game when it comes to pitchability. He has great contol and command and supposedly has a very good feel for throwing the right pitches at the right time. It really is a shame his innings got limited this yr because of the surgery, because he might have been a guy that could have been ready at 21. He most likely would have been in AA right now if he didn’t miss the first half of the year. Anyway, he’ll be there next yr as a 20 yr old. Exciting stuff.
Today’s GTLU is now Open for Business.
I will be out until late this afternoon, but as soon as I’m back I’ll attack the lineups and post the winner.
Good luck!
In no defense of Clemens, exactly what excuse does Lupica have for HIS mouth ?
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....ess_b.html
CC,
I think another reasok to go hard after Lee is that having CC, Lee , and Hughes atop the rotation it would allow the Yanks to break in these guys in that 5th spot as they become ready….
You’re right on Manny…until this year all I had really heard about him was that he was one of these “pitchability” guys…if he’s developed plus stuff to to along with it then hopefully he will really take off.
MTU — As always thanks for the pictures, they’re great. I thought #5 was my favorite, until I got to #7 which was … wow.
I realize lying to Congress is wrong and stupid, but doesn’t Congress have more pressing issues to deal with. I mean, this has been going on forever.
JCPD-
Tandem photo tributes are just what YMH needs to keep him inspired. Have a great hike. Wish I could join you.
Rob-
Glad you enjoyed them.
GTLU:
LF Gardner
SS Jeter
1B Teixeira
2B Cano
RF Swisher
DH Thames
CF Granderson
C Cervelli
3B Pena
Thanks
I just found out I know someone involved in todays Hope Week activity and it sounds like it could be a fun one!
pat August 20th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I just found out I know someone involved in todays Hope Week activity and it sounds like it could be a fun one!
**************************
that’s awesome
JCPD, he is accused of lying to congress. Congress is not the one bringing up the charges against him.
pat August 20th, 2010 at 10:35 am
I just found out I know someone involved in todays Hope Week activity and it sounds like it could be a fun one!
======
any more hints than that
I don’t know how much is a surprise so I don’t know how much I should say.
It’s a “ladies who lunch” kind of day for some deserving young women.
MTU – those photos are breathtakingly beautiful. I tried picturing what they would look like in the fall and in the winter. But now here’s the question. Since I miss so many of the posts around here, there are a lot of things I don’t know. Where were this pictures taken – city and state? Is that where you live? Will there be fall and winter there, as in changing leaves and then snow? My favorite was the field of flowers. It makes me so much want to be there. The background on my desktop is of the Alps in the summer, and it’s a field of flowers. I really want to be there! (Maybe some day).
For anyone who is into breathtaking cinemaphotography, get your hands on a movie called Brother Sun, Sister Moon. It’s a pretty old movie but it is one of the most beautifully filmed movies I have ever seen, plus the music is beautiful.
****************
Since I also missed trip particulars, if anyone would like to talk about where they went/where they are going on vacation I would love to know.
All I know is welcome back Doreen! Have fun Bronx! and Have fun Kate!!!
***************
Every time I look at those pictures from Hope Week it brings tears to my eyes. I’m just so filled with love for what our boys are doing for these kids and filled with compassion for what these kids have to live with.
Have a great day all, and go out of your way to be kind to a stranger today. You never know when one smile or a cheery hello can make a difference in the life of someone who is really feeling down.
pat August 20th, 2010 at 10:44 am
I don?t know how much is a surprise so I don?t know how much I should say.
It?s a ?ladies who lunch? kind of day for some deserving young women
========
sounds excellent – I’m sure they will all enjoy
MTU August 20th, 2010 at 9:21 am
I have always thought that small bodied pitchers are one market inefficiency that could be exploited by a clever team.
Lincecum was passed over several times.
Durability is the real concern. Big bodied guys tend to wear better over the long term.
……………………………………………………………………….
I agree to some extent, but, there are other problems bigger pitchers seem to have, such as the ability to repeat their delivery consistently, and keeping all those moving parts going in the right direction. It is unusual for smaller pitchers to be power guys, but, if they also have a good breaking ball, that would bode well when the FB slows down with age.
Do you remember Whitey Ford (5′ 10″) & Ron Guidry (5′ 11″)?
Two different pitchers, small in stature, but both very good.
GGBG LF
Jeter SS
Tex 1B
Cano 2B
Swisher RF
Granderson CF
Thames DH
Cervelli C
Pena 3B
Thanks Doreen
Trisha-
“Where were this pictures taken – city and state? Is that where you live? Will there be fall and winter there, as in changing leaves and then snow? ”
The photos are are taken in the Tushar Mountains of Utah near the city of Beaver.
I live about 70 miles south of there. Absolutely. 4 seasons. I have posted Fall pics before.
I do a photo tribute from my hikes for YMH after each victory.
Here’s my e-mail if you want to see more ( cybermrb03@hotmail.com).
Glad you enjoyed the photos.
Al-
You are preaching to the choir. I am not against smaller guys at all. It’s the scouts.
They are trying to maximize their chances of being right by playing the odds.
Obviously, there have been numerous exceptions throughout baseball history.
GB probably has met most of them.
MTU, it must be breathtaking with the fall dressing and the winter snow. I envy you. And I cannot wait to see the other pictures. Thank you!
CountryClub-
Banuelos will get his innings in as he is almost definitely going to pitch in the AFL this fall.
He is also I think still obligated to pitch in Mexico for his former team some as well.
He’ll be ready to go to start the season in AA Trenton next year along with Bettances and Stoneburner barring any injuries.
Next years Trenton squad will most likely start the season; Bettances/Banuelos/Stoneburner/Warren/Hall…. which is stacked!
The AAA Scranton team will most likely look like this;
Z Mac/Phelps/Brackman/Mitchell/Kontos…..very good rotation there as well and all legit prospects!
MTU -
Did I read you’ve been to Ecuador and Belize? If so, what are your thoughts of those 2 countries, and would you ever consider moving there to live.
MTU -
GB probably has met most of them.
…………………………………………………………………….
Does he go to that many games, or is it at various team functions?
GTLU:
LF Gardner
SS Jeter
1B Teixeira
2B Cano
RF Swisher
DH Thames
CF Granderson
C Cervelli
3B Pena
Thank you Doreen!
GTLU
Gardy LF
Jeter SS
Tex 1B
Cano 2B
Swishie RF
Grandy CF
Kearnsie DH
Velli C
Miro 3B
Banuelos cannot go to the AFL. Nor can Montero because they are from countries that have Winter Leagues:
One foreign player is allowed, as long as the player does not reside in a country that participates in winter ball, as part of the Caribbean Confederation or the Australian winter league.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/.....layer_elig
Warren would seem to be destined for AAA at some point next year, as well, if he pitches well to start the season at Trenton. He is a college guy so they won’t hesitate to move him up if he has games similar to his 15K effort the other day
It’s amazing, people were concerned in the offseason because Kennedy and particularly Vizcaino got moved, there was some hand-wringing about the Yankees not having much high-end pitching talent in the minors. A healthy and uber-effective 2010 campaign from a lot of guys has certainly changed that perception. Add that to more middle-of-the-rotation type prospects (Warren, Stoneburner, Phelps, Mitchell) having good seasons and it adds up to an impressive amount of potentially useful arms.
The Yankees have done well with the farm, but, I’d like to see more 3B & SS players being developed. The need for those positions is not that far away.
I think Kontos might stay as a reliever. We’ll know more about that in a couple of months because it’s being rumored that he’s going to the AFL.
Big Al-
I have only been to Belize. Bronx Jeers is your Man on Ecuador. He is on his way there right now for another Vacation. I believe his wife is from there.
I could live in Belize. There are many Expats there. Particularly in Ambergris Caye. I found the people welcoming, in general. I would not live in Belize City but just about anywhere else would be fine. The Countryside is beautiful. The cost of living good. Obviously a great climate and for me plenty to do ( I love Mayan ruins and white sandy beaches).
It used to be a good spot for hiding money. They have interesting offshore banking regulations similar to Switzerland. It used to be a UK colony (formerly known as British Honduras) so English is widely spoken.
Go to the Belize tourism board website for more info. Hope that gets you started.
“The Yankees have done well with the farm, but, I?d like to see more 3B & SS players being developed. The need for those positions is not that far away.”
Their first two draft choices this year are playing SS. Their first announced IFA signing is a SS too.
Nunez and Laird seem like a couple of prospects that could contribute at SS and 3b…
MTU -
Thanks – A good friend has expressed an interest in retiring to either Ecuador or Belize. I understand Belize has a great tax system for people retiring there from US and other countries. I would be most concerned about their health care system, and the stability of the government in those areas. My friend and his wife are both very healthy now, so they don’t give that issue as much thought as I would. Thanks again for the info.
Trisha-
No need to feel envious when you can just come out here and see it for yourself. I’ll even be your free tour guide. Please send an e-mail to the address I posted above so I can send you the link for more photos.
Erin August 20th, 2010 at 10:03 am
Thanks for the link Erica. Reggie certainly sticks out in his yellow T-shirt doesn?t he?
Erin – I was thinking the same thing…guess Reggie did not get the memo about wearing a suit?
Tom -
I’m with you on Nunez, not sure about Laird as of yet. I still think the Yankees need more options than just those two. My concern is Nunez gets included in a trade, and then SS becomes a matter of trading for a vet, or an FA. Both are more expensive ways to go.
The Yankees have done well with the farm, but, I?d like to see more 3B & SS players being developed.
–
So would every other farm system
Al-
You’re welcome.
Add that to more middle-of-the-rotation type prospects (Warren, Stoneburner, Phelps, Mitchell) having good seasons and it adds up to an impressive amount of potentially useful arms.
—————–
Don’t forget Noesi and Nova too.
New Post: HOPE Week continues with the Arias sisters
Big Al,
The bottom line is that Jeter is getting resigned this yr and he and Arod will be playing 3rd and SS for at least 2 – 3 more years. They have time to develop their replacements.
The yankees have great depth at the two most desired positions in baseball (pitcher and catcher). They could always use the depth to trade for a stud in the minors or a legit player in the majors. Just keep stockpiling talent…no matter what postion.
The Yankees will trade Luis Nunez, the shortstop in Trenton before they trade Eduardo Nunez. They have Brad Suttle playing 3rd base at Tampa and Rob Lyerly in Charleston. They also have Jose Pirilla in Tampa playing shortstop. Most are rough as corn cobs on defense but, either have power or speed. They have Kevin Mahoney playing at 4 levels this year, SI, Charleston, Tampa and Trenton. Yanks have a lot of 2nd basemen, pitchers and catchers. The outfield is where quality is thin at the top levels.
Tom in NJ
Jennry Mejia and Jose Tabata played in the AFL last fall and are both from Countries- D.R. and Venezuela that have winter league teams.
The problem with banny is that I think that his former Mex league team has rights to him for their winter leagues…but something maybe able to be worked out.
Noesi will be on the AAA Scranton staff….Phelps/Noesi/Brackman/ZMac/Mitchell/Kontos
very deep at the upper levels with arms and stud arms
Another great link from this past week, Joe Posnanski’s Mo v Jeter
http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlo.....e-captain/
I just got Manny and Betances autographs. I hope they turn out to be great arms and make it to the show. They both pitch beyond well to make it