Berkman ready and waiting to return
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Aug 26, 2010 
Print This Post
| 
Email This Post
Looking for an immediate impact on September 1? The Yankees best bet is Lance Berkman.
It’s amazing the change Berkman experienced when he arrived in New York. In Houston, he was the last reminder of those really good teams of just a few years ago. He was the guy who played with Bagwell and Biggio. The guy who hit .385 in the World Series. The guy who drove in 100 runs six times, finished top five in MVP voting four times and became an icon of the franchise.
With the Yankees, he’s on the phantom disabled list so that Eduardo Nunez has a roster spot.
Berkman has been healthy for a while. His ankle remains heavily taped, but he could have played this week in Toronto. What’s amazing is how easily he talks about the situation. There is no bitterness, no frustration. Berkman came to New York to play his part, and for a while that meant a platoon job at designated hitter. Last week, it meant going on the 15-day disabled list for an injury that was going to take three or four days to heal.
Think that would ever have happened in Houston?
No chance, but Berkman goes about his business with no sign of frustration. He takes batting practice, chats with the guys in the clubhouse and talks about wanting to contribute in the final month so that he can feel a part of what’s happening with this team.
His Yankees experience is all of 12 games. Through the first six, he hit .091/.167/.091. Through the last six, he hit .294/.400/.529. Without him, the Yankees have not had a regular designated hitter against right-handed starters. He could make a difference, and he could make a difference pretty soon.
As long as he’s completely recovered from the ankle, he’ll help the team when he’s activated.
GF – Hi, hope you’re well.
As I mentioned before, I lived in Chicago for 9 years, 1975-84. Days like today, especially in August, are to be cherished. Sounds like a the kind of day I would love to walk down Michigan Avenue, and that was before the Millenium Park construction. Almost makes up for the awful winters.
Lance Berkman will pay big dividends down the stretch and into The October nights
pat August 26th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Picturing a group of 12 year olds all wearing Ray-Bans…….
———
Hey, I have a pair a Ray-Bans – for about 5 years. By far, the longest I’ve ever been able to keep a pair of sunglasses without destroying or losing them.
pat August 26th, 2010 at 2:02 pm
Picturing a group of 12 year olds all wearing Ray-Bans…….
swbyankeesTT The Japanese Little League team playing in LLWS will visit PNC Field tonight. Will meet with Kei Igawa before the game. Should be fun.
———————————————————————————————————————-
They’ll probably wonder why the winningest pitcher in Scranton history isn’t with the big team. I wonder if Cashman has looked into posting Igawa, pump up his stats, play up his legendary status and then hold secret bids from teams in Japan. I’m sure the Yanks could get a $10,000 bid.
betsy- whats up, you look good today. i love this library, i like what they did to it.
repost:
re: Keith Law.
As SJ has stated in the past, Law has credibility. That particular statement really rubs me the wrong way though.
The Red Sox were ranked by him as the #2 overall farm system in ALL of baseball. #2.
Here’s his post on them:
2. Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have more players in the top 100 than the Rangers and have almost comparable depth, but they don’t have the high-end prospects to match a Smoak, a Feliz, or a Martin Perez, all of whom are high-ceiling and nearly major league-ready. Boston has stuffed its lower levels with gambles on over-slot high school kids after the first two rounds, giving the Red Sox a chance to add those high-ceiling kids even though they don’t typically have a pick among the first 20 overall.
18. Casey Kelly
32. Ryan Westmoreland
53. Anthony Rizzo
56. Lars Anderson
86. Ryan Kalish
91. Jose Iglesias
98. Junichi Tazawa
The Yankees on the other hand had 2: 10- Jesus Montero, and 96- Manny Banuelos
What bugs me to no end, is the inconsistencies between rating criteria. Keith Law waffles behind liking high upside guys (in the draft), and Major league probable players that are in the higher levels when talking about farm systems.
Look at that list of Red Sox players, and you could have dreamed on Yankees players in a similar fashion:
Montero, Romine, Betances, Brackman, Banuelos, etc. These are all names that should be in every top 100. Add to that, Slade Heathcott, and Gary Sanchez now. That should give the Yankees the same 7 players the Red Sox had last year. In addition, I’d argue that list of 7 has SIGNIFICANTLY more upside than the Red Sox listed 7.
You’d think that a team with the #2 farm system overall would have been able to call up 1 impact level player this year after being ravaged by injuries? I haven’t seen that yet.
That’s why you have to truly question the biases of some of these so-called “experts”
Pat M. August 26th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Lance Berkman will pay big dividends down the stretch and into The October nights
———————————————————————————————————————-
Makes you wonder what Long could help him fix over a spring training session, doesn’t it? I’d like to see what Long could do with Hunter Pence.
Hey, Joe.
Thanks. Doing great. I have made a full recovery from CIDP – in record time, no less. My neurologist is flat out amazed.
Had my last plasmapheresis treatment last week. No more scheduled unless I have a setback and becomes necessary.
All the rehab changed me. Got used to busting my ass and the results couldn’t be ignored. Completely changed the way I eat and I go to the gym 6 days a week. Dropped 30 lbs in the past 6 weeks.
Not intended to pound my chest. But you’ve always asked about my progress and it is appreciated. Plus,you know exactly what plasmapheresis is which makes you the only one on this board who knows what I’m talking about.
You’re absolutely right about Chicago weather. The winters really do suck. Can’t stand driving in the snow.
This was the hottest summer I can remember in a very long time. I can count on one hand how many times I’ve had the air conditioner turned off in the past 3 months. Today being one of those days.
Who cares where Law or any other know-nothing ranks players or teams? There’s no b.onus points for it
“Makes you wonder what Long could help him fix over a spring training session, doesn?t it? ”
Wonder if they used the DL stint to work on anything?
I did see Hughes throw a very good change-up last night which got a swing miss on a leftie hitter. I can’t recall who it was, but it was on a 1-1 count, and the batter then took the next pitch, a fastball, for strike three. I do believe he needs to trust in it more. That will help get them off his fastball, and help him immensely. Will a few get hit? You bet, but he will get outs with it as well. I believe.
# Pat M. August 26th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Lance Berkman will pay big dividends down the stretch and into The October nights
————————————
Agreed Pat. It was nice to see him finally getting into a groove right before the ankle injury. I think that groove will continue when he returns.
I personally think Juan Miranda can be pretty good platoon DH if given the opportunity, which prolly won’t happen in NY.
pat August 26th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
“Makes you wonder what Long could help him fix over a spring training session, doesn?t it? ”
Wonder if they used the DL stint to work on anything?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Wasn’t there something earlier that they had been tinkering more with his right handed bat? Imagine the problems they could give teams with 4 switch hitting power bats in the line-up? I’d be shocked if he didn’t go to Long to talk things over. He has a lot of pride and this must be eaing at him to not do what he’s always done….hit.
repost
champ809 August 26th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Law is begrudgingly giving credit to the Yanks farm this year because as a talent evaluator he has no choice in the matter as the yanks minorleague teams @ Hi-A, AA and AAA are all in 1st place and are being led by legit prospects and not career minor leaguers or filler guys.
Last year as Laird was destroying the AFL and leading the league in every offensive category as a 22yr old I asked him what his opinion of him was. law was in AZ watching the games at the time and his answer was that Laird in his opinion wasn’t a prospect and he’d struggle @ the AA level. He was leading the league in avg/hrs/slg and obps at the time.
How ironic he would go on to repeat that all world leading performance @ the AA level the following season.
I’d love to see what Law’s opinion of him now is.
I really do hope Berkman is able to make contribution to the team down the stretch. Seems like an upstanding guy that’s easy to root for.
Sometimes, its best to remember that instead of hyperventilating over every start, good or bad.
==========================
Or as I call it “Hyper-Vent-Elating.”
Sort of getting off on venting in a hyper fashion.
GF,
That’s great news!!
Now, that you are off the DL, you can get ready for the post-season!
Congrats on your full recovery.
I disagree. If Houston had stuck Berkmania on the DL for the same 3-4 day injury, Berkman would not have made any bones about it. He loves Houston; his only MLB home.
However, glad to see what a professional he is, and I agree with Pat, Berkmania will bring the MLB playoff teams to their knees this October – if the Yankees are fortunate enough to make it there.
Afternoon, Mac. Hughes made one mistake last night. He didn’t kidnap Wells and tie him up in a locker. Wells had no business hitting that fastball up and away like he did. Pat Tabler was shocked, mostly because he thought it was a good pitch, but, also because Wells is a low ball hitter.
GF
Congrats as well on your full recovery. As opposed to your neurologist, I am not amazed – you obviously have the fighting desire of the team you root for!
Much appreciated, SJ. Hope all is well with Tony. We’re all pulling for him.
I seem to recall he’s going to the AFL, correct? I’m sure he can’t wait to get back out there.
champ809 August 26th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
repost
champ809 August 26th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Law is begrudgingly giving credit to the Yanks farm this year because as a talent evaluator he has no choice in the matter as the yanks minorleague teams @ Hi-A, AA and AAA are all in 1st place and are being led by legit prospects and not career minor leaguers or filler guys.
Last year as Laird was destroying the AFL and leading the league in every offensive category as a 22yr old I asked him what his opinion of him was. law was in AZ watching the games at the time and his answer was that Laird in his opinion wasn’t a prospect and he’d struggle @ the AA level. He was leading the league in avg/hrs/slg and obps at the time.
How ironic he would go on to repeat that all world leading performance @ the AA level the following season.
I’d love to see what Law’s opinion of him now is.
———————————————-
ultimately , it’s the player’s performance that determines his future. Meritocracy is nice , but aint nothing if you can hit / pitch in the ML.
Laird will have to prove himself in the ML soon or later, anyone’s opinion that has zero impact in player development timeline (see law, you , me ) is just that, opinions.
Thanks, CR9. I appreciate that.
44 August 26th, 2010 at 1:45 pm
I have nothing against prospects or young players. Pat M and I have been touting Brackman all season on here and months before Frankie Pilliere’s scouting report on him, for example.
My issue is when folks overhype them or oversell guys that aren’t that good.
As in, most of the guys in the Red Sox farm system and with believing the Yankees can solve their “issues” right now by calling up a not ready for primetime kid like Montero.
====================================================
Isn’t this a case of fans believing the RS or Yankee hype?
It seems like the RS are mirroring our organizational approach to hype.
I guess they know “smart” when they see it.
Yankee wannabes that they are.
The Yankees could certainly use another bat in this lineup. Getting A-Rod and Berkman back are going to be huge because the Yanks will score enough runs to outlast some of these bad pitching outings that they have been getting. They almost have no shot in games Pena, Nunez and Cervelli are starting in when AJ or Vazquez have been pitching.
GF
good to hear how well you are doing…the silver lining in all you went thru
and I know what plasmapheresis is…I was a med lab tech several careers ago!
Congrats on the rebound, GF. If you ever need a live-in nurse, I can recommend one for you. Strong hands, only eats her weight….every meal. She’s kind. What kind, I can’t say, but, with her around, you’ll never worry about being mugged.
He’s doing great GF.
He’s doing so well, they may activate him next week for the last week, and possibly the post-season. If they make it.
We will know if he gets cleared next week.
He is playing in the AFL this Fall. Most likely with Mesa but, we won’t know for sure for another few weeks.
Looking forward to him getting some of the AB’s he lost from the season.
GF – that’s great news. Rough way to go on a diet, though,
Got to run around a bit now, just wanted to get back to you. A full recovery for an adult, with that diagnosis, is pretty special. Congrats.
Got to run, later.
I wonder if the Yanks will possibly take a look at Raphael Soriano of the rays this off season, if the price is not too prohibitive. He is just as good as Soria and could possibly step in for Mo if something happens to him.
Why do people feel the need to bag on kids like Nunez? He’s done everything they’ve asked of him in limited play. Jesus…he’s played in 7 games and has 20 at bats. He’s done well. 2 runs scored and 3 RBI on 5 hits. Seems about as productive as it gets. Perhaps giving him a little more time would be wise.
GF -
Glad you’re recovered. And good for you that you’re sticking with that regimen!
Soriano’s going to close for somebody. NYY has a better chance with Benoit.
GF-
We’re all very happy for you and relieved things are going to well. It’s great to hear how you’ve been able to turn things around through hard work.
And of course we’re happy you’re back talking yankee baseball!
LOL, GB. That’s one area where I got really lucky – nurses.
Well, not that kind of lucky, unfortunately, but most were young and attractive – and so were the nurse’s assistants.
That said, if I ever need someone to carry me around in her teeth like a lion with her cubs, I’ll be sure to let you know.
GreenBeret7 August 26th, 2010 at 2:45 pm
Soriano’s going to close for somebody. NYY has a better chance with Benoit.
————————
i take him too, wood or benoit, depends if yankee retains wood. Benoit’s stuff looks filthy this year.
Thanks all (CB, Doreen, Kate, etc. etc.). The kind words are much appreciated.
This postseason I’ll actually be able to watch the Yanks at home instead of my hospital bed.
CB
Did you catch the Champions League Draw today? Inter swept the UEFA awards.
Im not sure about the travel distances, but aside from that, Barca have an easy road to the last 16. Real Madrid is with AC Milan and Ajax, so that could be a tough group.
Man U got stuck with Valencia, but 2 of the teams are easy traveling distance, Spain and Scotland (Rangers). The third team is from Turkey – not sure how far Turkey is from England.
# upstate kate August 26th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
GF
good to hear how well you are doing…the silver lining in all you went thru
and I know what plasmapheresis is…I was a med lab tech several careers ago!
————
That’s pretty impressive. Most people, even medical professionals, don’t have any idea what plasmapheresis is.
GF -
Great news!! Congrats on the prognosis!! Sounds like your ability to change your behaviors had a lot to do with it as well.
SJ,
Pittsburgh is being affiliated with the Mesa Solar sox. There are two Mesa teams. Their manager will be Casey Kopitzke, who manages the Peoria Chiefs for the Cubs.
My error. There is only 1 Mesa team. two Peoria, AZ teams
# GreenBeret7 August 26th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Why do people feel the need to bag on kids like Nunez? He’s done everything they’ve asked of him in limited play. Jesus…he’s played in 7 games and has 20 at bats. He’s done well. 2 runs scored and 3 RBI on 5 hits. Seems about as productive as it gets. Perhaps giving him a little more time would be wise.
————————————–
I’ve been pretty pleased with Nunez as well, GB. Only thing I’ll say though is that I’m not sure about his swing. Doesn’t use his legs hardly at all. Kinda slashes at it.
GF, you’ve assumed incorrectly that she has teeth. You’re more likely to end up with gum marks.
CR9-
I saw the draw. Barca was fortunate, though trips to Russia aren’t something you want to do. Otherwise than it’s favorable draw.
Man U’s is as well (though trips to Turkey can be difficult). The key thing for Man U is that Valencia is only a shell of the team they were last season due to the sales of Villa and Silva. They are falling apart as a club, much of which is related to debt they can’t pay off from trying to build a new stadium.
rodg12 August 26th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
# GreenBeret7 August 26th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Why do people feel the need to bag on kids like Nunez? He’s done everything they’ve asked of him in limited play. Jesus…he’s played in 7 games and has 20 at bats. He’s done well. 2 runs scored and 3 RBI on 5 hits. Seems about as productive as it gets. Perhaps giving him a little more time would be wise.
————————————–
I’ve been pretty pleased with Nunez as well, GB. Only thing I’ll say though is that I’m not sure about his swing. Doesn’t use his legs hardly at all. Kinda slashes at it.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Rodg, you got it. That’s his swing. Somewhat like austin Jackson….a little more power, not quite that much speed, but, he can run.
Perhaps I shouldn’t say speed, not as refined a base stealer.
GF,
I am not sure why you went through rehab but I am glad you are doing well now
=============================
The Mets lead MLB in sac flies
The Yankees need to hire their bench coach this offseason. He obviously never forgets to give the sac fly sign.
even with Mo’s impeccable control, I wonder at what point , will Mo’s FB no longer be dominate or effective. Can mo pitches at 88 and still be lights out? in short , when is the end near? Will a sudden dip in velo effective ends mo’s dominance. what’s the in house option , Robertson or joba?To that end, I think NY’s purported heavy interest in Soria this year is an indication of such legitimate concerns.
that said, Mo is the least of the yankee’s concern at this point.
The funniest post on here this year was when one of the crazed in a game thread ripped a player and Girardi for “not giving him the SF sign”.
Still cracks me up when I think about it.
GB,
I saw that. Casey is a good baseball guy and that will be a good situation for him if it all works out.
I hope Mo gets a two year contract so he can pass Hoffman and be the all time saves leader, and then he becomes bullpen coach for the yanks thus elevating that position as one of the most important positions.
SJ, just tell him to watch out for a guy named MTU. always has two little dust bunnies on a chain with him. They’re too small to bite but they’ll shread shoestring in a heartbeat.
GF
actually I thought that was more of a treatment for auto immune type stuff…unless G-B is considered auto immune
GF,
I know I am late in the game to tell you how happy to hear you are well now.
We haven’t chatted much, but I remember the day you returned and everyone was thrilled. I don’t even know what you went through, but it sounds pretty serious which make your recovery all the more special.
Keith Law has his biases much like everyone. If you know the biases then it is much easier to take. LOL! I read Keith Law for the other teams! (Not RSox or Yanks!) If a Yankee is on Law’s list then that guy must really be a “Hot Prospect”!
SJ, GB, Chad, CB & others give us updates on the Yankee Prospects. IMO, the Yankees are loaded and what is more important as someone pointed out earlier is that the Yanks are dedicated on building a strong MiLB foundation!
The pitchers & catchers in the Yanks MiLB are loaded! It appears that SS soon will be and some of the top OF prospects are making their way up the ladder too (Mesa)!
The Yankees are strong & the future looks really bright!
upstate kate August 26th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
GF
actually I thought that was more of a treatment for auto immune type stuff…***unless G-B*** is considered auto immune
———————————————————————————————————————-
I’m immune to anything except work. Though, too much pizza and beer has a strange reaction on me.
hard to believe that everyone in keith law’s family is a Yankee fan!
excited for Berkman to come back so he can get some ABs against righties…
# GreenBeret7 August 26th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
GF, you’ve assumed incorrectly that she has teeth. You’re more likely to end up with gum marks.
————-
LOL. You’ve made this woman into a cartoon character. Not that it isn’t funny or anything.
It is pretty amazing how much high end talent the Yankees now have in their system. After Montero, it is actually difficult to rank 2-10, because there are so many deserving players.
Anyone want to try their hand at ranking the current Top 10 Prospects?
The What If Game
Let’s say that Girardi does leave to take the Cub job at the end of the year. Not bloody likely, but go with it.
Who replaces him here?
My Top 5:
Tony Pena
Donnie Ballgame
Willie Randolph
Trey Hillman
and the darkest of dark horses
Lou Pinella.
GB
haha, I wondered if you would catch that!
wait til MTU sees how you are talking about his precious pups…he will send them to come pee on your foot
LGY – Current top ten Yankee prospects? Or in baseball overall?
GF, if you don’t want her, I’ll just get her a space in hold baggage and ship her off to Randy. He likes a challenge. Of course, at his advanced age, I could be arrested for attempted murder.
Chip,
Top ten Yankees.
I have never seen Mesa play . But his power numbers are quite impressive in FSL for a CF.
can anyone opine whether or not he is a legit CF defensively?
upstate kate August 26th, 2010 at 3:15 pm
GB
haha, I wondered if you would catch that!
wait til MTU sees how you are talking about his precious pups…he will send them to come pee on your foot
———————————————————————————————————————-
kate, nothing gets past my steel trap mind…..especially if there’s a cheap laugh in it.
I don’t think and I hope Girardi won’t leave, but Lou Pinella will be 67 years old in December. I believe this retirement is for keeps. Surely, he doesn’t need the money or the headaches that go along managing a team.
Tony Pena is the only name I like on your list.
1. Montero.
2. Romine.
3. Brackman.
4. Betances.
5. Banuelos.
6. Sanchez.
7. Heathcott.
8. Warren.
9. Ramirez.
10. Phelps.
I don’t count guys on the Parent club now. If Nunez was still in AAA, I would have him 6th and move everybody down a notch.
# upstate kate August 26th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
GF
actually I thought that was more of a treatment for auto immune type stuff…unless G-B is considered auto immune
———–
It is indeed a treatment for autoimmune diseases. I was originally diagnosed with Guillain-Barré back in mid October of 2009.
But, as it turned out, I was misdiagnosed and it was changed to CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy) in February of 2010.
After recovering to the point where I could actually stand up without help and walk with a walker, I regressed very quickly to the point where my body was roughly 90% paralyzed and almost died.
CIDP is essentially the chronic version of Guillain-Barré. GB is acute. Thankfully, it should never get that bad again even if I do have a setback because I’m now on medication to control it and I know exactly what treatment turned things around for me (plasmapheresis).
# Cashmoney August 26th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
even with Mo’s impeccable control, I wonder at what point , will Mo’s FB no longer be dominate or effective. Can mo pitches at 88 and still be lights out? in short , when is the end near? Will a sudden dip in velo effective ends mo’s dominance. what’s the in house option , Robertson or joba?To that end, I think NY’s purported heavy interest in Soria this year is an indication of such legitimate concerns.
that said, Mo is the least of the yankee’s concern at this point.
Pitch at 88 and be effective? Did you watch him last year? In the postseason some nights he wasn’t sniffing 90 mph.
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play......id=7112893
Mo pitching at 89 mph
Hopeful berkman comes to DH on fire when he’s back.
That’s probably the one key we’ve missed this year.
Anyone know what production we’ve had from DH compared to yrs past??
LGY -
My guesses (in no real order)
Montero
Nunez
Betances
Banuelos
Brackman
Phelps
Romine
Heathcott
Just outside the top 10
Murphy
Laird
Stoneburner
Warren
Noesi
thanks for the explanation GF…I never heard of CIDP…scary stuff…glad you have recovered so well
One guy getting a bit overlooked, possibly because he’s at Charleston and is 23 would be Rob Lyerly. He works at playing 3rd base, but, it’s a struggle and not a lot better than that at 1st base. One thing that he can do is hit. Good size at 6’2″ and 200 pounds, to the power will come around. A lot of line drive gap power. Sort of a younger version of what Ron Blomberg was. The difference being that Lyerly runs fairly well. Also, a much needed left handed bat.
for some reason I lost the ability to count to 10….
Montero
Nunez
Betances
Banuelos
Brackman
Phelps
Romine
Heathcott
Warren
Murphy
Sanchez and Murphy though could be flipped either way.
Laird, Noesi, Stoneburner are just on the outside looking in.
sj, to some of us, these are just names on list. In the past we have seen names on list like for example Pat Kelly, Domingo Jean, Eric Milton, etc…why should we be excited about those names?
Milton could have been a solid pitcher if he ever could have stayed healthy.
you can add the can’t miss Marty Janzen to that list!
Milton was a solid pitcher despite not being able to stay healthy.
Chip
In no real order?
Since when do you not have an opinion on something?
Carl August 26th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play……id=7112893
Mo pitching at 89 mph
———————
looks good in that outing ! sure, i can show you clips of Jamie Moyer being effective at 80 for an entire game. I was talking about through the course of a season whether or not he can maintain the same dominance.
Domingo Jean got flipped for Xavier Hernandez, Milton for Knoblauch and Kelly for memories
Howe Farr -
I agree with you that all these kids have to prove that they’re more than good minor leaguers.
Add Brien Taylor to your list too…
But the thing is that if you can augment your roster from within that means you can spend more on the upper eschellon free agents.
For example the Yankees can possibly have a rotation of Lee, Sabathia, Andy and Burnett, because they have Hughes making no money in the fifth starter spot and a bench and pen filled with kids who don’t cost anything either.
LGY August 26th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Chip
In no real order?
Since when do you not have an opinion on something?
—————-
Nice!
I know the kids are good, but I don’t follow the minors close enough to know if Betances is better than Banuelos…
the only thing I know for sure is that Montero is the best of the bunch.
Sam Millitelo, Gerald “Ice” Williams….i guess my question has to do with how has the yankee minor league improved or remained the same in the past 10-15 years….
No Ivan Nova on anybody’s list?
I’m surprised that SJ didn’t incude Laird to his Top 10…..That being said I suspect he’ll crack that list by mid 2011
All prospects are just names.
That said, you look at tools and guys like Montero, Brackman, Betances and Banuelos have off the chart tools for their positions.
The kind of tools all star players possess.
Romine is a kid who is just solid in every way. The look of a 10 year ML catcher.
Gary Sanchez is the most talented 17 year old catcher I’ve seen at that age.
If he stays healthy and keeps improving, he could end up being better than everybody on the list. Still a long way to go though.
Not saying they will all become all stars.
I’m saying those guys possess the tools all star players possess.
That’s exciting for any organization to have.
For a team like the Yankees? Its especially impressive, given where the organization was just five years ago.
Howe Farr:
Robbie Cano
Brett Gardner
Melky Cabrera
Francisco Cervelli
Phil Hughes
David Robertson
Alfredo Aceves
Joba Chamberlain
Ramiro Pena
all key contributors to last year’s championship
Jose Tabata, Ross Ohlendorf, Jeff Karstens and Dan McCutchen got Damaso Marte (and Xavier Nady)
Austin Jackson, Ian Kennedy and Phil Coke got Curtis Granderson
steve howe and steve farr, two pretty good relievers.
Pat M
The hit tool is there to crack the Top 10. Not sure about the rest of his game. Have to see him again to know for sure.
Looking forward to seeing him in the AFL this Fall to see if he can play corner OF.
That could be his quickest ticket to the majors if the hit tool continues at its current pace.
GreenBeret7 August 26th, 2010 at 3:29 pm
One guy getting a bit overlooked, possibly because he’s at Charleston and is 23 would be Rob Lyerly. He works at playing 3rd base, but, it’s a struggle and not a lot better than that at 1st base. One thing that he can do is hit. Good size at 6?2? and 200 pounds, to the power will come around. A lot of line drive gap power. Sort of a younger version of what Ron Blomberg was. The difference being that Lyerly runs fairly well. Also, a much needed left handed bat.
******************************************************************************
Gotta feel good for him. Grew up near here. Just hoping he can continue to progress
@SJ , your opinion on Melky Mesa?
Chip. In the short time I was able to follow betances and banuelos in tampa I would have to say that Betances is better.
Old for high A Ball so, I have to see what he does in AA next year to know if he has a future.
SJ….Hoping that we can pull of a few Tony games in Arizona……I want to see him play & get his sig on a ball…..
SJ – I’m curious, how’d you come to be a Yankee fan?
Me, born in the Bronx in ’61. Even in the military and overseas in the ’80′s, my uncle would mail me video of many games of that high offense/horrid pitching phase in the history of the vaunted franchise – in the ol’ Sony Betamax format, no less.
Laird’s defense at third is an issue, only because of consistancy. Much like Cano was on defense in the past, he’d play sparling defense and then accumulate errors in bunches, and then go on another errorless streak. With his hitting, that too goes in streaks. He generally has 2 ice cold streaks a year. Generally in mid to late May and again in August. He’s in one right now. They last about 2 and a half to 3 weeks. Then, he goes on those streaks where he hits everyone and everything. One thing that’s good is that he hits right handers and left handers equally well.
As far as Nova is concerned, he’s ok. IMO, he doesn’t possess any of the upside of the other pitchers on my list.
I do however, think he can pitch as a back end rotation guy in the majors and if he pitches well in NY, could be a valuable trade piece this winter.
A year from now, if they remain healthy, Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos will blow away Nova in terms of prospect value to the Yankees.
In other words, I think Nova is a tradeable commodity. Brackman, Betances, and Banuelos will be untouchable guys if they continue to improve and stay healthy over the next 12 months.
My favorite Bill Madden line:
As far as the Yankee-Red Sox draft scorecard is concerned, Buchholz and Lester have begun to establish themselves in the Red Sox rotation, Pedroia was the ’07 Rookie of the Year, Ellsbury is looking like a five-tool fixture in center field, Lowrie has shown himself to be a good hitter who can play three infield positions and Bard is expected to be a weapon (a la Chamberlain) in their bullpen before the year’s out, while the Yankees are still waiting for Hughes, Kennedy and Chamberlain and have zero near-term impact position players in their system.
http://www.nydailynews.com/spo.....z0xkCPpaQ8
SJ44 Gary Sanchez is the most talented 17 year old catcher I’ve seen at that age.
————————————————————————————————————–
Haven’t seen him , but have seen Bryce Harper several times and saw him throw a runner out at 2nd. on a wild pitch from his knees. Awesome arm. Threw 96 mph on mound.
Has all the tools to succeed, we’ll see. Very hungry player.
Pat M,
That would be fun.
My mother was a huge Yankee fan and my father had a restaurant that a lot of Yankee players frequented in the off-season in the 50′s and 60′s.
Being a Yankee fan was as natural to me as breathing given that background.
This is my uneducated educated attempt
1. Montero
2. Brackmonster
3. Romine
4. Banuelos
5. Bentances
6. Sanchez
7. Nunez
8. Heathcott
9. Noesi
10. Laird
A little unorthodox but I Have Brackmonster ahead of Romine because I value pitching more. Banuelos ahead of Bentances because being a lefty especially with the Yankees is a plus. Have Laird in there well because I am a fan of him
Being a Yankee fan was as natural to me as breathing given that background
***********************************
Yeah but where do you stand on breathing versus winning (George’s 2 most important things)
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/.....ings100826
Interesting stuff. I didn’t see the leaked financials, or hear much about it.
Stark also touches on Damon costing himself millions by blocking a trade to Boston because he could’ve been a hero, blah, blah. Is Stark crazy? We all know who and what Johnny is by now. He doesn’t need a failed (or successful) stretch run by the Sox to establish his market.
Also Bentances has had a little trouble staying healthy so that is another reason I have Banuelos ahead of him.
I was listening to the Fan earlier today and Francessa brought up an interesting scheduling quirk. The Yanks play 5 straight day games starting next Thursday.
Berkman is shot. I’ll take Kearns over him. By putting him on the DL, the Yankees obviously realize his current value to the team.
SJ44, I like Mesa he is a sporadic hitter though, lately he has been in a slump. He has an odd batting stance as well, bat over his head and he leans over the plate, but he hits home runs so it must be working out for him. I am worried about corban up in AA. He is batting below 200 up there but down here in the FSL he was tops in a lot of categories. Hopefully he can get himself straightened up
check out the LL game
Regarding playoff rosters. Does a player have to be on the 40 man roster by 9/1, or is it the 25 man team (excluding injuries)? I’m having a brain cramp…..