Limited right-handed outfield options
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 05, 2011 
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The Yankees greatest bench need is a right-handed-hitting outfielder, which sounds like the most abundant type of baseball player on the planet. The Yankees don’t need this guy to play center field, don’t need him to play particularly often and don’t need him to do any one thing especially well. They just need a guy who can hit left-handed pitching and play the corners reasonably well. Even with those limited expectations, the list of free agent candidates is a short one.
Yesterday, when it was suggested the Yankees might be interested in Andruw Jones, a collective yawn seemed to rise from the fan base. Thing is, the free agent market doesn’t offer a slam dunk alternative. This is a bench role, and all of the potential fits come with some negatives.
Scott Hairston
Pros: Career .278/.331/.498 hitter against lefties… Showed solid power as recently as 2009… Limited infield experience, most of it long ago.
Cons: Awful last season, even against lefties… Has three career starts in right field, with most of his time coming in left and center… Even with the solid power, a career .303 on-base percentage isn’t especially inspiring.
Reed Johnson
Pros: Career .312/.373/.463 hitter against lefties, including .301/.324/.466 against them last season… At least 144 starts at all three outfield positions… Just two years removed from a .303/.358/.420 line with the Cubs.
Cons: A history of back problems, which landed him on the disabled list again last season… The past two years he’s been especially brutal against right-handed pitching… Seemed to fit the Yankees last winter but the team never seemed especially interested.
Andruw Jones
Pros: Slugged .558 against lefties last season… Also hit for good power against right-handers… No longer an elite defender, UZR still ranks him as a positive defensive player.
Cons: His slash line the past four years: .212/.312/.412 with 359 strikeouts. He’s pretty much an all-or-nothing hitter at this point… Didn’t even hit lefties especially well in 2008 or 2009.
Lastings Milledge
Pros: Still just 25 years old… Career slash line of .289/.363/.435 against left-handed pitching, numbers boosted by a .320/.414/.512 line against lefties last year… At least 90 Major League starts at all three outfield spots… Has shown solid speed in the past.
Cons: Despite former top-prospect status, his career Major League slash-line remains .269/.328/.394… Doesn’t have the best clubhouse reputation (though I don’t know the guy, that reputation could be meaningless)… Might not want a bench job. Some non-contender could take a shot on him as an everyday player.
Manny Ramirez
Pros: Even at 38 years old he hit .298/.409/.460 last season… He’s crushed lefties in his career — .335/.444/.618 — but has hit right-handers as well… Obviously familiar with the American League East.
Cons: It’s Manny Ramirez… Defense is questionable at best… Was injured through part of 2010… After a trade to Chicago, he still managed a .420 on-base percentage, but showed almost now power down the stretch… Has hit one home run since June 19.
Marcus Thames
Pros: Gave the Yankees a significant boost last season, including pretty good power numbers against right-handed pitchers… Career .264/.333/.505 hitter against lefties… Familiar with the American League, and familiar with a bench role with limited at-bats.
Cons: An adventure in the outfield… Although the Yankees got production out of him against right-handers, he’s hit just .231 with a .296 on-base percentage against them in his career (granted, with power)… Best fit at designated hitter, but most of those at-bats are accounted for.
Associated Press photo of Thames
YsGuy January 5th, 2011 at 10:52 am
erica your love goggles have been hiding from you, the fact that damon, while a world class great guy, is a very diminished player. his game was his legs, and his legs are shot. the tigers started sitting him last year before they were out of it, like the yankees had to do the year prior. sure he would have been better than nick johnso, but you or i could have contributed as much as nick did.
*************
Are love goggles like beer goggles??
Why not Laird ?
He has been shagging flies in the OS and seemed to do an acceptable job, he’s cheap, and he has power.
Chad,
I am highly offended that you did not include Johnny Damon on this list.
The fact that he is lefty and not a right-handed hitter is completely irrelevent
And he’s right-handed.
Call me Crazy . . But i’d take Manny ! .. Motivated the man is still a BEAST !!!!!!!!!!!!!
it’ll never happen .. oh well
And he can play 3rd or 1st too.
Mike-
you’re crazy !
Feel better.
Heck.
If we’re gonna run with homegrowns let’s go all the way.
LOL thanks MTU !
# Mike Ri January 5th, 2011 at 11:20 am
Call me Crazy . . But i’d take Manny ! .. Motivated the man is still a BEAST !!!!!!!!!!!!!
it’ll never happen .. oh well
—————————————————–
Yea it will never happen because when you sign Manny so many things follow him.
I vote for Thames
If by Ramirez being a “beast”, you mean dog, I’ll agree.
“He has been shagging flies in the OS and seemed to do an acceptable job, he’s cheap, and he has power”
Not much evidence that shows he can get on base at this level……….yet. Needs some more AAA ab’s, IMO.
Cano is the best protection the Yankees have for Rodriguez. There are no pitchers that he fears or has trouble with. Teixeira has too many holes and when he slumps, there is no reason to pitch to Rodriguez. It isn’t because they are afraid to “demote” Teixeira. It’s because it’s smart. If or when Gardner decides to stop standing around at first base instead of waiting until he’s gotten the next hitter in a hole, he doesn’t need to bat leadoff.
Andruw Jones… Manny Ramirez…
Anybody know how to make a Flux Capacitor???
It’s cold but the Sun’s out and the skies are blue.
As the Aussies like to say, “It’s time to go walkabout”.
Catch you all later.
I can’t remember: does Manny hit better or worse when he’s ovulating?
Milledge or Manny!
Clubhouse be damned.
GB
as a big time dog lover, I resent you calling Manny a dog!!!
and I am going to tell Killer
Nick-
Line of the century.
Too funny.
Against All Odds –
Yea it will never happen because when you sign Manny so many things follow him.
————
I understand . .I just think the Good out wieghs the Bad. Considering Chads list above . .Manny is the best option. HOWEVER !! HOWEVER …. its never going to happen soooooooooooo….
Honestly . .I just want to see him RAKE against the Sox . . and you can bet the HOUSE and Farm he would !!!
And he’s better when he’s not.
Kate, my mistake. Even “Killer” is insulted by my slander.
I disagree. I think the Yankees’ biggest bench need is a 3B/SS that can hit enough so that you can rest A-Rod or Jeter more often and not miss what you currently do with Pena and even possibly Nunez playing those positions.
‘
If or when Gardner decides to stop standing around at first base instead of waiting until he’s gotten the next hitter in a hole, he doesn’t need to bat leadoff.
–
he steals as much as carl crawford does. Also this ‘gets people in a hole’ thing is just your perception and not true.
1-0 count , 13 steals
2-0 count , 5 steals
0-1 count, 5 steals
1-1 count, 5 steals
0-2 count, 4 steals
1-2 count, 3 steals
2-2 count, 4 steals
disagree. I think the Yankees? biggest bench need is a 3B/SS that can hit enough so that you can rest A-Rod or Jeter more often and not miss what you currently do with Pena and even possibly Nunez playing those positions.
?
— Rich in Nj ——-
Felipe Lopez or Orlando Cabrera
If we open up to left-handed outfielders too, the field widens:
Ryan Church
Jermaine Dye
Jim Edmonds
Gabe Gross
Jose Guillen
Gabe Kapler
Scott Podsednik
I’ll reach Erica-level Damon happiness if the Yankees were to sign Manny.
I?ll reach Erica-level Damon happiness if the Yankees were to sign Manny.
— Me too LGY !!!! secretly i got my fingers crossed
Left handed or no Id rather have Damon than every guy on that list if he’d accept the role.
GB7,
I don’t think you avoid putting your best hitter in the 3 hole because you’re worried about protection for your cleanup guy…..that’s JMO, I see yours. If Tex hits like he can then they wouldnt want to face him 5th either.
jermaine dye is a right hander. In fact, so is Jose Guillen. And Gabe Kapler, whats going on in that list?
They already walk Tex a bunch of times to face A-rod. And ‘protection’ is overrated.
I would sign Manny or Milledge from that group. I think Manny would be driven to prove the world wrong and I think Milledge is young enough to take a chance on and brings some speed to the team which is always nice.
That said, if they brought back Thames I would be happy. While he’s not Devon White in the OF, the guy can hit and seemed to fit in well with the rest of the guys.
Mike Ri
I’m really looking for someone with even a better bat than that. It may not be someone that can get this year, but I think it’s a priority over the next year or two because it could help mitigate age-related declines from the left side of the infield.
Maybe Nunez could grow into that player, or maybe it can be combination of Nunez and Laird.
As for OFers, I really don’t want some marginal player just because he’s RH.
A nice interview with Mark Prior. It would be great to see him come back as a cross between Robertson and Wood. What a great story that would be….Yanks finally getting Mark Prior after chasing him for 12 years.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....um=twitter
Cano is the best hitter on the team.
If we are going to be worried about protecting anyone, it should be him.
“Jeter should not hit in the lead-off spot either.”
———————-
Even if they were to make a move with Jeter, he should remain in the leadoff spot against LHP.
Josh Hamilton and Pujols don’t hit 5th to protect someone else………I don’t think Cano should either. That extra AB he might get in a few games could potentially win you those games.
Cano needs to get at bats in the first inning every game. He needs to hit 3. It’s not that he can rip a HR in the first, it’s that he’s our best contact hitter and can either knock in our 1-2 hitters or extend the inning by getting on base and give Arod and Tex a chance to drive him in.
Putting him in a strict run producer spot in the 5 hole is the wrong way to use his talents. He’s not a strict RBI guy. He hits for average and power and that is your 3 hitter.
If Tex could hit .300, or close to it, you could make the case for him in the 3 hole, but the way his at bats and hitting approach have progressed since he’s been a Yankee he appears to be a masher who walks a lot and that is not reliable enough to bat 3.
As for protecting Arod, it makes no sense to save your best hitter for the 2nd inning just so he can protect your cleanup hitter.
The best hitter on any team has rarely been the 5 hitter. It’s dumb strategy.
I always ask myself “what would Casey Stengel do?”
Casey moved Yogi to LF.
My modest suggestion is to move Jorge to LF, sign Thome and do a Stengel-like rotation among Thome, Posada, Gardner and Granderson depending on the pitcher.
Problem solved.
Josh Hamilton and Pujols don?t hit 5th to protect someone else???I don?t think Cano should either. That extra AB he might get in a few games could potentially win you those games.
—Blake—-
I agree Blake , ,Cano should be batting third .
LGY January 5th, 2011 at 11:39 am
I’ll reach Erica-level Damon happiness if the Yankees were to sign Manny.
***************
Wow. I hope for your sake that you can reach that level of happiness, but I do not agree
(And I kind of love that this is a known blog level)
I want cano getting more ABs than Mark Teixeira.
Jorge would make Damon look like Carl Crawford in LF.
“Problem solved.”
One created too.
I wouldn’t mind if Cano led off.
Teixeira, like nearly everyone else on that team had an off year. Nobody complained about him hitting 3rd and Cano hitting 5th in 2009 when Teixeira hit .290. How about a little patience instead of the constant over reactions to everything that isn’t going how you want it?
“Jorge would make Damon look like Carl Crawford in LF.”
You need to think outside the box!
My modest suggestion is to move Jorge to LF, sign Thome and do a Stengel-like rotation among Thome, Posada, Gardner and Granderson depending on the pitcher.
—————————————————————
Interesting!!! Why not just trade Posada, sign Vlad to DH, and let Laird be the 4th OF’er.
Yet Tex’s off year is still 33 and 100 plus rbi. Out of the list there I still say Thames is best. I know he isn’t a good defender, but he’s acceptable enough. And fit in last year nicely.
For brand identification purposes Jeter must be left at the top of the order and Cano must bat 5th.
Berra was a lot faster than people give him credit for being.
“You need to think outside the box!”
There are guys inside the box, I’d use in left field before Posada.
Posada in left field lol.
Cano didnt hit 5th in 2009 did he?
Teixeira, like nearly everyone else on that team had an off year. Nobody complained about him hitting 3rd and Cano hitting 5th in 2009 when Teixeira hit .290. How about a little patience instead of the constant over reactions to everything that isn’t going how you want it?
–
Cano wasn’t our best hitter in 2009. He took a huge leap forward last year. Tex has proven vulnerability. Cano can handle every pitch. There is nothing wrong with putting Tex in the 5 spot, which will leverage his power.
As far as Tex is concerned, I’d like to see him lay down a bunt once in a while, batting lefty against the shift.
“Interesting!!! Why not just trade Posada, sign Vlad to DH, and let Laird be the 4th OF’er.”
Of course teams are lining up to get Jorge. But just in case they aren’t…I’d add Martin to the rotation as well, Martin C, Jorge DH/C/LF, Thome DH, Gardner LF/CF, Granderson CF.
Stengel, the greatest manager who ever lived, would be so proud of me.
Why not put Teixera in LF and call Pujols agent and tell him not to sign with St. Louis because there is now an opening in NY…….see outside the box.
Jerkface January 5th, 2011 at 11:51 am
I want cano getting more ABs than Mark Teixeira.
************
I agree. I don’t knock Tex, but that month of waiting for him to warm up is a killer
Cano should absolutely bat 3rd. He is the best bat on the team.
Additionally, Cano is faster than Tex. You can’t hurt anything by putting faster people before slow people, instead of the other way around.
Cano spent a third of the season in 2009 hitting 5th, a third of it hitting 6th and a third of it hitting 7th.
Moving Teixera to 5th isn’t a demotion…..its putting him where he best fits and putting Cano where he best fits. Tex is an RBI guy…..he could drive in Cano after he hits a double off the wall.
“Berra was a lot faster than people give him credit for being.”
At the end of his career? Probably was faster than Jorge but I’m not positive about that.
“Why not put Teixera in LF and call Pujols agent and tell him not to sign with St. Louis because there is now an opening in NY…….see outside the box.”
Works for me, but it isn’t a solution for 2011.
Yeah Blake I agree.. Cano hitting in front of Arod might make him even better then last year as well. People still fear Alex.
For pure entertainment value, my pick is Manny. It would be worth it to see him with a haircut and clean shave. His skills have diminished, but he is still a unique talent who might still be able to do some special things hitting in the Yankee lineup.
Manny can still rake. He cant play defense though. The entertainment value is high though. Imagine him going into Fenway and crushing Sox pitching for a weekend?
blake-
“Why not put Teixera in LF and call Pujols agent and tell him not to sign with St. Louis because there is now an opening in NY…….see outside the box.”
———————————————————————
How about just trading already signed A-Rod and his remaining salary–11:$31M, 12:$29M, 13:$28M, 14:$25M, 15:$21M, 16:$20M, 17:$20M
to the Cardinals for Pujols and sign him to his 30M/year extension. Thinking outside the box lodged near a cliff!!
Yep and we can trade Eduardo Nunez for Miguel Cabrera and Justin Verlander!
With Brandon Webb signed and Adrian Beltre about to be signed, it takes Texas out of the Soriano equation. The L.A. Angels are asleep at the switch. Boston has spent all they’re going to spend. The Mets are the Mets.
It leaves Soriano to the Yankees for the taking providing Boras is reasonable. Posada and Igawa off the books after 2011 helps to pay for some of Soriano with another lousy free agent year due in 2012. The bullpen MUST be a strong point for the Yankees while biding time for the best of the young arms to show their worth.
108 stitches-
If the White Sox free up money by trading Floyd or Jackson, putting lefty Chris Sale in the rotation, they might very well be players for Soriano.
If Pettitte leaves, getting Soriano is almost a must. But what are the Yankees going to do?? CC, Hughes, AJ and ???? I guarantee it will not be Mitre. Freddy Garcia and a youngster wouldn’t be the worst idea.
At this point I would offer Soriano 3 years and 27 million and see what happens.
That’s chump change for the kind of asset he would be for this team and by the looks of it I’m not sure any other team is going to go that high.
Although it’s Boras, so he should be signing a 5 year 50 million deal with the Nats or someone shortly.
Beltre isn’t going to help the Rangers rotation. They still could sign Soriano and move Feliz to the rotation. Maddux has already said were going to stretch him out this spring just in case. I do think the Yanks should strongly consider Soriano though. He helps a lot of different ways.
If Soriano goes unsigned for another couple of weeks, I think that he goes for a 1 year deal and waits for next year to make his killing.
“Posada in left field lol.”
the only time i can remember seeing posada in left field was when he rounding second base a little too wide .
If they are considering Soriano in the event that Andy retires then there is very little reason they shouldnt consider him if Andy comes back. Andy will be a one year deal…….
Soriano has served as a set-up man in the past when Bob Wickman was the closer for the Braves, and when the Braves signed Mike Gonzalez, with Bobby Cox alternating which one was his closer.
Soriano has served as a set-up man in the past when Bob Wickman was the closer for the Braves, and when the Braves signed Mike Gonzalez, with Bobby Cox alternating which one was his closer.
–
Duh, but then he went and saved 40 games in the AL east. I imagine he doesn’t want to take a step backwards in his career. Especially given his propensity for injury. (which is why I would not sign him) (and also relievers for lots of money is dumb)
Yeah but setting up Rivera should be considered an honor. It isn’t like the Yankee are gonna give him pennies.
“the only time i can remember seeing posada in left field was when he rounding second base a little too wide .”
randy-
I wasn’t being entirely serious but when I was growing up it seemed like teams often rotated catchers through the corner OF spots. No DH spot to put them.
If Soriano goes unsigned for another couple of weeks, I think that he goes for a 1 year deal and waits for next year to make his killing.
———————————————————–
That would be risky, since he has had injury marred seasons. Also he would be competing with FA’s Broxton, Bell, Franklin, and possibly [if options not picked up] Lidge and F. Rodriguez.
Is that not a dumb contract that Nolan gave Beltre. Werth signing Part 2
I say get Manny, use some of the remaining money to build a pee pee room with the entrance in left field and wait for it, sign Johnny Damon to be Mannys personal cuttoff man.
Chambliss January 5th, 2011 at 12:03 pm
For pure entertainment value, my pick is Manny. It would be worth it to see him with a haircut and clean shave.
———————————————-
Manny shave? Cut his locks? You can’t just cut locks!
That’s why Manny probably wouldn’t come to the Bx.
“If Soriano goes unsigned for another couple of weeks, I think that he goes for a 1 year deal and waits for next year to make his killing”
One year as a set up man somehow going to improve his free agency position after 2011 moreso than last year’s 40 save season did?
I think if he takes a one year deal, it will be as someone’s closer. Number of teams that would object to signing him for one year is probably pretty low. The long term nature of what he’s apparently been looking for appears to be the impediment at this point.
Posada is not fast enough to run out of the box.
Yogi was very athletic, even at the end of his career, when I saw him play. Jorge is very slow on his feet, which isn’t necessarily a real bad thing if he could get a jump on the ball, and I’m sure that his arm would be decent. That being said, he’s pretty well up there in age and I doubt that he’d be a natural in left field. For some unknown reason, Germaine Dye has been pretty well ignored by all of MLB. His bat has never been a problem. Do any of you know why Dye hasn’t played since 2009?
“One year as a set up man somehow going to improve his free agency position after 2011 moreso than last year’s 40 save season did?”
You could offset that by paying him more, but you can’t give up a 1st round pick for one year.
Mell-
I’m not sure that the length of a Soriano deal is as much of an impediment as most competing clubs have a closer already and other teams won’t or can’t spend the money.
Rafael Soriano told Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes that he has “no preference” between the AL and the NL (link in Spanish). The closer says he isn’t worried even though he’s on the market after most top free agents have signed.
That’s because Boras will find a way!
A few thoughts:
1. There are (IMNSHO) two spots open on the bench – RH Bat and RH 4th OF – and so given the names Chad listed above I would probably want Jones for the RH Bat and either Johnson or Milledge for the 4th OF spot simply because I view that as a more defensive oriented position.
2. MTU, I think we need to give Laird some more time at AAA to show he is ready for this level and more, that he can hit when not playing everyday.
3. Wave, The last time I remember a catcher moving to LF it was across the way when Todd Hundley was supplanted by Mike Piazza and the results were awful – but I am glad to know you were mostly joking with the suggestion of Posada seeing time in the OF.
4. The Garza to the Cubs stuff seems a long way from being certain. If it happens I suppose the Cubs might move a player to try and recoup some of the prospects they surrendered to Tampa, but on the other hand if a team is bringing in a pitcher like Matt Garza that suggests to me that they are trying to win, with that being the case why would they then turn around and deal their best pitcher to another team?
That’s part of the reason I thought the Zambrano talk was a little far fetched to begin with. The Cubs went out and brought in an expensive 1b. Would they like to unload the salaries of Fukudome and/or Soriano? Sure. But they want to compete – unloading Zambrano before the season starts makes very little sense to me – check back on him around July and the story might be different though.
“I wasn’t being entirely serious but when I was growing up it seemed like teams often rotated catchers through the corner OF spots”
wyh-
yeah i know.
i was just having fun with it.
hey, do you think cashman is just having fun with us and is just kidding with what he’s done so far this winter with the rotation?
Manny would be a good idea if we were looking for a DH, but we’re not. We need a 4th OF who’s going to get limited time.
I’d prefer Damon, though he’s a lefty. LF/CF would be covered, but not RF.
I’ve advocated for Milledge some time ago, though some of you thoutght I was crazy for doing so. Kid still has talent, and probably could use the mentorship he can get from the leaders on this team. Still, he can play all OF positions.
Thames is also a good choice, though he probably won’t repeat the production of last season. He’s probably the safe pick.
In general I think paying relievers a lot of money is a bad idea….Soriano would be a 2nd closer however, would provide insurance for and help keep Rivera healthy, would shorten the game and allow Girardi to use his lefties and other relievers at important times earlier in the game, and would help mitigate a potentially thin rotation.
GB7 -
I understand what you’re saying about Tex, but, he’s better suited to be batting 5th than 3rd, even if he returns to form.
Cano is the perfect #3, and I agree with Gardner, until he becomes more aggressive, he can’t bat #1, however, if the Yankess were willing to live with him being thrown out more, he could return to the style he displayed in SWB. In SWB, folks thought he was too aggressive, pick your poison. It appeared to me Brett was afraid to be thrown out, with the big hitters at, or coming to bat. If Girardi assures him getting caught will not charge how they want him to play, he’d go back to how he was in MiLB.
On Soriano:
Mitch Williams had it right – the teams that are looking to compete already have a well paid closer.
Could a team like St. Louis use Soriano to upgrade from Ryan Franklin? Or could the Angels look at Soriano as an upgrade from Fernando Rodney? Sure – but at what cost?
The Phillies or Twins would probably love to have Soriano but they’ve got too much money tied up in Brad Lidge and Joe Nathan.
The best move for him right now might be to swallow hard and take another 1 year 7 mil deal from the Rays and try again next year if he wants to close.
Blake –
I mentioned earlier that I saw a thing on the 1990 Reds with the Nasty Boys and wondered if the Yankees could build something similar by adding 2 of the following 3 guys: Rauch, Fuentes, Soriano.
It’s essentially what Boston is doing with Jenks and Bard ahead of Papelbon – but in those cases I think they have more of the Nasty Boys attitude.
Cards and Pujols starting extension talks.
http://Www.mlbtraderumors.com
Chip,
If the rotation can’t be addressed now then why not make the pen as strong as possible…..
blake January 5th, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Chip,
If the rotation can’t be addressed now then why not make the pen as strong as possible…..
————–
I agree. I still don’t know if I would go with Soriano – I think you can probably get Rauch and Fuentes for the money it would cost you to just get Soriano and I really do think Soriano would sooner take a 1 year deal to close somewhere than a 3 year deal to set up for 2 for the Yankees and close for 1 after Mo leaves (assuming he does)
Soriano could probably go back to the Rays for 1 year $10M.
He’s 30 years old. At this point in his career he wants the security of a long term contract.
Nasty Boys has been done. Don’t look back.
The 2011 Yankees need a new gimick.
How about calling the bullpen the Natty Boys?
They could also dress very well and do lots of public appearances and fashion shows together. And perhaps a “Natty Boys” clothing line at Montgomery Ward or J.C. Penny (double bonus if they can acquire J.C. Romero).
Rivera is too dignified for JC Penney. Way too downscale.
They could also dress very well and do lots of public appearances and fashion shows together. And perhaps a ?Natty Boys? clothing line at Montgomery Ward or J.C. Penny (double bonus if they can acquire J.C. Romero).
——————-Nick in SF——-
LOL LOL LOL !!!!
If the rotation can’t be addressed now then why not make the pen as strong as possible…..
————————————-
blake,
I completely agree. With $35M from just this year left in Cash’s pocket, he could easily add 2 relievers for $10M/year. Rauch & Fuentes.
Chip,
At Soriano’s age then Im taking the 3 year deal regardless of role if the money is the same. His value really can go nowhere but down by taking another one year deal.
oh Nick it is nice to have you back
Blake -
I suppose that’s another way of looking at it.
But either way he’s going to want another contract – would you rather take your shot as a 31-year old closer or a 33-year old who spent 2 of the last three years as a setup guy?
Manny offense/defense (especially in light of the relatively few games he would likely play in the OF) gives your more than most, if not all, of the other options.
The yanks will never sign Manny.they are too concerned with public opinion to do it & besides,Po is the DH this yr and doesn’t need to be platooned.Manny is still terrific,but he can’t play the OF or anywhere,& I doubt they’d sign him to come off the bench.even if they would,his personality & ticks would prevent it from happenin.
blake January 5th, 2011 at 11:47 am
Josh Hamilton and Pujols don’t hit 5th to protect someone else
+++++++++++
I agree…we should get those guys and have them hit 3A and 3B in the lineup.
Oh wait, that wasn’t your point, was it?
Sign me up for Cano hitting third.
Also, I’ll take Baird or Golson over any of these over the hill players, with possible exception of Hairston at a low rate low risk contract. Baird brings more flexibility to a small (4 players) bench, and Golson brings great D and PR speed, plus he impressed me late last year at the plate. Remember, he is a former #1 like Milledge, but without the attitude.
Nick in SF January 5th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Nasty Boys has been done. Don’t look back.
The 2011 Yankees need a new gimick.
How about calling the bullpen the Natty Boys?
They could also dress very well and do lots of public appearances and fashion shows together. And perhaps a “Natty Boys” clothing line at Montgomery Ward or J.C. Penny (double bonus if they can acquire J.C. Romero).
+++++++++++++
How about the “nanny boys?” They could dress like Mrs Doubtfire and take turns bottle feeding Joba.
Rich in NJ January 5th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Manny offense/defense (especially in light of the relatively few games he would likely play in the OF) gives your more than most, if not all, of the other options.
—————
Yeah but much like the idea of signing Vlad or Thome the question becomes how much would the guy play?
Thames got as many at bats as he did because of the injuries to Curtis Granderson and Nick Johnson and the total ineffectiveness of Randy Winn. Realistically though – the “bat off the bench” is going to see about 100 – 150 at bats with this club; do you think that’s enough to keep Manny, Thome or Vlad happy?
If NYYs feel the need to have a right handed hitting outfielder, then at least sign one that can hit and play the positions required…not stand there or roll over like a trick dog to get to the ball. Ramirez fits with the Yankees like a tuxedo and brown shoes.
Nick in SF January 5th, 2011 at 11:26 am
I can’t remember: does Manny hit better or worse when he’s ovulating?
++++++++++++++
I thought the estrogen replacement therapy was leveling him out, but sapping him of his power.
“Yeah but much like the idea of signing Vlad or Thome the question becomes how much would the guy play?”
Cashman had a quote this winter to the effect that nothing was assured for Posada. Why not have a competition?
Golson brings great D and PR speed, plus he impressed me late last year at the plate.
///Bojo – if they could work with this kid and turn him into a hitter we would really have somethin.the guy is maybe the best defensive OF in the whole organization.he cannot walk though.you think Long could refashion him?if he ever could,wow.
not stand there or roll over like a trick dog to get to the ball
–
Well you could look at that play, I’ll look at the one where he made the catch, climbed the fence, high fived a fan, and then got the assist on the double play.
Why hit Cano in the three spot when you have a perfect 3 hitter in Tex?
He’s a switch hitter with a fantastic eye and lots of power.
The 3, 4, 5 spot is not a trouble area for the Yankees – why diddle around with it?
GB–
Somewhere George Gobbels is smiling.
Chip January 5th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Why hit Cano in the three spot when you have a perfect 3 hitter in Tex?
He’s a switch hitter with a fantastic eye and lots of power.
++++++++++++++
2 words
April’
May
GB again shows the fasion sense that made him so famous…..
Rich in NJ January 5th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
“Yeah but much like the idea of signing Vlad or Thome the question becomes how much would the guy play?”
Cashman had a quote this winter to the effect that nothing was assured for Posada. Why not have a competition?
————-
I think that was said when Cashman was pointing out that Montero/Cervelli were going to have to earn playing time behind the plate. The idea was that Jorge could play himself back into the catching mix – that was pretty much wiped out with the Martin signing. Jorge’s the DH.
why not have Manny and Johnny D both in the OF…then Manny can take the cut off throws from JD…oh wait…that has already been done
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
GB–
Somewhere George Gobbels is smiling.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Damned…That goes back a long time. I haven’t though about Lonesome George in years.
Chip,
I would sign with the Yankees in hopes that I would pitch well and they would pay a fortune to.keep me on my next contract
J. Alfred Prufrock January 5th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
++++++++
I totally 100% unequivocally and absolutely agree-sort of. No, no sort of. Absolutely.
I want to also see Long get his hands on this kid, and not in a priest and a choirboy sort of way, but as someone who can help him reach the next leel of his potential.
They could go with the ‘Nazi Boys’ and then somewhere Joseph Goebbels would be smiling, but that’s not really the direction we should take this.
The 3, 4, 5 spot is not a trouble area for the Yankees – why diddle around with it?
–
All lineup spots are movable, but the real reason to do it is that you want to maximize the amount of plate appearances your best hitters are getting. Even though Cano played 2 more games than Tex he had 16 less plate appearances. Plus Cano is more of an all around threat , he has no weakness in terms of pitches (tex is obviously pitchable with breaking stuff over the plate) and is faster so easier to drive in. He has no weakness vs left handed pitching either.
It just makes simple sense to me. Cano third, he is a contact guy that will put the ball in play hard. A-rod is your clean up hitter, and Tex provides power behind him.
Jorge’s the DH.
///and a good one he will be.
GreenBeret7 January 5th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
GB–
Somewhere George Gobbels is smiling.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Damned…That goes back a long time. I haven’t though about Lonesome George in years.
+++++++++++++++
No one else has either…which has been what has been killing his career…that and the inconvenience of his death.
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Chip January 5th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Why hit Cano in the three spot when you have a perfect 3 hitter in Tex?
He’s a switch hitter with a fantastic eye and lots of power.
++++++++++++++
2 words
April’
May
————–
Even so – offense wasn’t a problem for the Yankees. Just because you can’t fix what’s broken doesn’t mean you should mess with what works.
Nick in SF – you’re right. Fortunately, most of the youngin’s reading this probably have no idea who that is.
Golson would be just fine as the extra outfielder. Hell, the Yanks had Ross Moschitto, John Miller, Roger Repoz and Jack Reed caddying for Mantle and Maris for years. They couldn;t hit a lick, but the could run and field.
Nick in SF January 5th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
They could go with the ‘Nazi Boys’ and then somewhere Joseph Goebbels would be smiling, but that’s not really the direction we should take this.
+++++++++++++++++
If they sign Soriano, it could be “Mo and So, and we’ll let you know.”
I know who it is,most unfortunately.between Big AL comparing Al Gore to Adolf Hitler and the conjuring of ungentle Joe,i’m starting to have my fill of this place.not very funny,guys.
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
GreenBeret7 January 5th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
GB–
Somewhere George Gobbels is smiling.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Damned…That goes back a long time. I haven’t though about Lonesome George in years.
+++++++++++++++
No one else has either…which has been what has been killing his career…that and the inconvenience of his death.
———————————————————————————————————————-
He was the best snark around in the 50s and 60s. His best were with Dean Martin and Johnny Carson, though. Funniest straight man in television.
Unfortunatley, ‘Nardi Boys’ is what we’re likely to end up with.
Chip–
If you go back to the game logs for April and May, and look how many games Tex came up small in key situations, I would estimate that Cano at 30% success rate would account for 2-3 more wins…which might be just enough to win a play-off spot.
Last year, the team started strong due to great starting pitching, so Girardi could afford to leave Tex in 3rd spot, but this year he may not have that luxury and will need to win every game possible.
TEST
(Just want to see if I can remember how to do this)
:hearts;
Sigh.
Erica failure
♥
Nailed it now…..
I &heart; Johnny Damon
between Big AL comparing Al Gore to Adolf Hitler
–
To be fair, both of these men were pioneering alternate energy sources.
# Nick in SF January 5th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
They could go with the ‘Nazi Boys’ and then somewhere Joseph Goebbels would be smiling, but that’s not really the direction we should take this.
————–
Funniest post on the blog in a while. Congrats Nick.
ARGH!!!! Do-over!!!!!
I ♥ Johnny Damon
Thank you for your patience
For those who don’t know what GB and I are talking about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsEkR5WFlw0
Wasn’t it reported that Thames was considering Japan?
DaSaint007 January 5th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Wasn’t it reported that Thames was considering Japan?
************
Maybe the country of Japan was considering him!
as someone who lives near pittsburgh and follows the pirates a good bit…milledge…or should i say “thrilledge” doesn’t belong in this conversation. if the pirates can’t find AB’s for him than neither should the yankees. marcus thames might be slower but no way he’s as incompetent in the OF as lastings was for the pirates. plus, he has no power.
as to his character issues, i think he was a gr8 clubhouse guy here in pittsburgh. but this is baseball not oprah.
DaSaint007 -
I thought I read he not only was considering Japan but that he was definitely going there. What happened????
Greg Golson
+ he can play CF
+ he can be defensive replacement in RF for Swisher
+ he can be a pinch runner/base stealer
Or are they planning to regularly take out Gardner/Granderson when facing a lhp?
J. Alfred Prufrock January 5th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
I know who it is,most unfortunately.between Big AL comparing Al Gore to Adolf Hitler and the conjuring of ungentle Joe,i’m starting to have my fill of this place.not very funny,guys.
__
And you thought that a cold-hearted look at Jeter going forward was out of bounds?
get the car yet doreen?
.320 .414 .512 .926 milledge vs lefties, aaaaaaaaaa get him on the team.
The teams from japan bidding on Thames are still trying to get the posting fee settled.
Okay -
Looks like a Japanese team, the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, were interested in Thames, but he would prefer to stay in the US if he can. There’s a 12/27 report that his agent spoke to the Orioles. So, it seems Thames is still on the board.
lvand805 January 5th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
as someone who lives near pittsburgh and follows the pirates a good bit…milledge…or should i say “thrilledge” doesn’t belong in this conversation. if the pirates can’t find AB’s for him than neither should the yankees. marcus thames might be slower but no way he’s as incompetent in the OF as lastings was for the pirates. plus, he has no power.
as to his character issues, i think he was a gr8 clubhouse guy here in pittsburgh. but this is baseball not oprah.
———————————————–
Wow. Interesting perspective. I had heard that Milledge was pretty versitile and capable in the OF.
thought the HOF was a 1 pm call
the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks,
======================
fuku too
mick -
I scheduled another test drive for tomorrow. Then we’ll make a decision. Then we have to order the car. I don’t expect to actually be driving the car until Pitchers and Catchers at the earliest.
(About when we’ll know for sure about Andy Pettitte.)
Jerkface–
Have you actually ever seen Milledge play defense? Not pretty…
And I suspect someone like KC or Seattle or some second tier team will give him a shot at starting, so I don’t think he will even be available.
I’d be fine with Golson, Laird or even Russo…we have the talent that will be hungry just to be on parent club, and will accept role more easily than an over the hill vet who won’t get enough playing time to make him happy.
mick January 5th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
thought the HOF was a 1 pm call
************
The TV special starts at 1.
The envelope opens at 2
doreen
get that car before the Ga. Pig goes out of business….know you want to drive there
Have you actually ever seen Milledge play defense? Not pretty…
–
When he was on the Mets, but not regularly since then. he doesn’t have to be pretty in the outfield. Our defense is already amazing. Considering some people want Thames, who was a disaster, I’ll take Milledge as he is young and could improve with coaching. Especially if he hits lefties like he did since that is all our RH OF bat will need to do.
thanks erica
blurt blyleven yes roberto no?
we need a new geico commercial…bring back the cave men
. Then we’ll make a decision. Then we have to order the car. I don’t expect to actually be driving the car until Pitchers and Catchers at the earliest.
==================================
doreen
might as well wait for the 2012′s to arrive
HOF Prediction: Alomar only.
4th OF Options: 1) Milledge, 2) Johnson.
Still like Golson though.
barry larkin is a HOFer
Doreen,
When the 2012s arrive, you’ll get the best deals on the 2011s.
mick -
Maybe they’ve now included it in the GPS system.
Blyleven and Alomar, but Bagwell and Larkin not making it in this year will be a shame.
doreen
right the GPS (Ga. Pig System)
DaSaint007 -
But I won’t be able to order the one I want – I’d have to take whatever is left over. Right now, I can still order a 2011 the way I want it. (I could get a black or blue or white VW tomorrow, but I don’t like black or blue or white cars – except for that beige-y white color I’ve seen around, but VW doesn’t have that color.)
just buy it already doreen the tension is killing me
Who stole SJ & CB? Or are they just on extended vacation?
people need a mental break from this place once in a awhile
alomar
blyleven
Alomar and Blyleven to Coop.
Larkin came in at 62%.
Poor Donnie Baseball
new thread
Guess the subject!
11% for palmiero, surprised its that high
19.8% mcgwire