Yankees claim RHP Brian Schlitter
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 05, 2011 
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The Yankees have claimed right-hander Brian Schlitter off waivers from the Cubs.
Schlitter is a 25 year old who pitched out of the Cubs bullpen seven times last year. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Iowa, going 2-1 with 13 saves and a 3.15 ERA (45.2IP, 16ER) in 37 relief appearances. Not bad numbers in the hitter-friendly PCL.
Schlitter has a career 3.32 ERA in 154 minor league relief outings.
UPDATE, 5:59 p.m.: Just talked to a Major League source who’s seen quite a bit of Schlitter. The basic scouting report is this:
Schlitter is built around a fastball that sits around 92 mph and reaches 94-95 with good sink. He also has a changeup and a slider’s that’s “OK” but could get better with a little work. He’s a good makeup guy, “a good kid.”
The guy I talked to was surprised the Cubs couldn’t find a way to keep Schlitter on their 40-man.
“He’s somebody that could help next year,” he said.
It’s worth noting that the Yankees could use some upper-level relievers. Mark Melancon and Jonathan Albaladejo are gone, Romulo Sanchez is out of options and the only Triple-A reliever on the 40-man roster is Ryan Pope, who hasn’t pitched above Double-A. The roster is pretty wide open at this spot, so adding a guy like Schlitter makes some obvious sense.
Cashman haters are gonna love this one.
Heh. The guy almost has a dirty name.
Set up problem solved
G.Love,
If going that route then Id prefer Vlad to Manny. I think he’s.got more left in the tank and he comes.with much less nonsense.
C Martin, Montero
1b Tex
2b Cano
SS Jeter
3b Arod
UTIF Nunez
CF Grandy
RF Swish
LF Gardner
UTOF Golson (or Colin Curtis)
DH Jorge, Manny (or Thome)
That leaves room for 12 pitchers. Go 11 pitchers and you can keep Pena as another backup IF.
You can carry Jorge and another DH and have Montero on the team as well. Our bench plays so infrequently I’d rather have a potent veteran bat sitting on it like we used to have with Strawberry, Raines, Sierra, etc. Those guys didn’t always play a lot, but when they did they helped win games.
Yankees Offseason in the Schitter.
Another Cashman gem. Stack him next to Robert Fish, Brian Anderson, and Andy Cisco.
blake,
I’d love to have Vlad in the mix. I do think he’ll end up costing more than Manny or Thome would. I think if the Yankees did bring in a vet DH type bat to bolster the team, they are going to go cheap dollar wise and not invest a lot of money in it.
I think you can get Manny or Thome for a song at this point.
G.Love,
Yea Id.rather just pay a little more.though…..yanks probably wont agree.
Is it April Fools’ Day early?
This guy’s last name sums up the Yankees’ off-season so far, huh?
This will give the saber-rattlers something to talk about… Cashman has a great sense of humor.
By the way, I like Cashman as the GM and applaud him for not going out and getting something that doesn’t fit just because it is a fancy name.
Schlitter’s List?
Can’t imagine a more perfect name for the Yankees to add this winter, which has been absolute Schlitter!
G. Love January 5th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
+++++++++++
Good argument…I could live with that if Thome were the pick up…
IN your scenario (Nunez as the inf util), I might consider Baird as the next guy instead of Golson….if he can hit.
With Vlad still out there, no obvious fit for him, extra money to play with, and a suspect starting staff I think the Yankees need to adjust their thinking on DH plus C.
Sure, Martin has the potential to bounce back, but I wouldn’t say it is likely at this point he really outperforms what he has done the past 2.5 years. Sure, Jorge could stay healthy as a strict DH but he is old and there is a very real chance he does not. Need to eliminate the question marks as much as possible on offense. Vlad is that high average power hitter that this lineup could really use.
4 days a week go with this:
Jeter
Swish
Cano
Alex
Tex
Vladdy/Posada
Grandy
Martin/Posada
Gardy
2 days a week go with this:
Jeter
Swish
Cano
Alex
Tex
Vladdy
Grandy
Posada
Gardy
Sorry, eliminate Martin/Posada
Should just be Martin
BoJo January 5th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
G. Love January 5th, 2011 at 5:41 pm
+++++++++++
Good argument…I could live with that if Thome were the pick up…
IN your scenario (Nunez as the inf util), I might consider Baird as the next guy instead of Golson….if he can hit.
———————————————————————————————————————-
Laird needs a lot of outfield time during ST and a month or so of AAA at bats before being ready, unless he just crushes his way onto the roster. He needs playing time, though, because he is a streaky hitter. Either smoking hot for 2 months or cold for a month. At all times, though, he does produce runs.
What would be awesome is if Vlad could man a corner outfield spot occasionally against a tough Lefty…..alas I don’t think he could anymore.
I have to disagree with all the hate for Posada and those saying he is clogging up the DH spot. He is a good hitter. Despite playing a very limited season he still hit like 18 HRs. How about we wait to see what happens before calling him a disaster at DH. You can complain about his defense but he has always been good with the bat.
I don’t think anyone is predicting he will be a disaster as DH…some like me are just saying he shouldn’t catch anymore.
I like the switch-hitting capability he brings.
Heyman.thinks the Yanks are a strong possibily for Soriano for what that’s worth.
Bojoo
There have been many posters on here who are saying that Posada as the DH is awful because of all the DH availability, just look at Chads last post. I just think its unfair to dismiss Posada because I think he can offer us just what they do and we are familiar with him. I don’t like the Posada disrespect because he is one of my favorites.
Then I agree with you
Blake–since Heyman is Boras’s mouthpiece, I would say that is encouraging…Boras is obviously trying to build a market where there is none…but the Yankees may be the only landing spot that will pay him near what he seeks.
“What would be awesome is if Vlad could man a corner outfield spot occasionally against a tough Lefty…..alas I don’t think he could anymore.”
—————
Maybe in Fenway against Lester?
Or very occasionally RF in YS with Swish over in LF, although I am not even sure if he could handle RF at YS.
Bojo,
I didn’t mean to add another O to your name, for some reason my phone randomly doubles the o, I normally try to catch it
Bojo,
I agree. He’s trying to build a market but if nobody else is willing to play then its possible that he could fall to the Yankees at a relatively decent price. Who knows.
Brian Schlitter. Cashman you sly devil. Lulling the league into a false sense of complacency and then out of the shadows you strike! Bam!
Oh man, if he’d develop a splitter, “Schlitter’s Splitter” splinters the bats
Kind of surprising Soriano is still out there, other than the fact he is a Boras client. Does no team need an excellent closer and willing to pay for it?
Can’t wait for John Sterling to butcher this one.
Schlitter’s ERA is not bad at all for the PCL. Looks like a good pickup for waivers.
Russell, Feliciano and Schlitter. Number 28 here we come baby!!!
Holy Schlitt! Our pitching problems are solved!
Pour me another Schlitt!
LGY,
Yea I don’t know he looked pretty bad in the WS out there. He can still hit though when healthy.
I like Posada so much that I think he should still catch twice a week!
Pick up bonderman, sign petitte.
Brian Schittler?
I guess Colon/Bonderman were both too expensive for Casman’s blood.
Well, at least his last name is appropriate to describe where our offseason has headed thus far.
LGY
And maybe we could have Vlad cover LF and put jeter at DH?
I will admit that Posada isn’t that good behind the plate anymore but he can still hit.
“Kind of surprising Soriano is still out there, other than the fact he is a Boras client. Does no team need an excellent closer and willing to pay for it?”
Boras will dupe the Nationals or some other team that needs a closer into signing him. Perhaps even the Angels, feeling desperation, will sign him.
At this point, unless he wants to play for free, Cash won’t sign him.
all of this sign soriano if pettitte retires makes very little sense to me. 15 for pettitte and 10 for soriano would equal the 25 ish they were going to pay lee. plus they were ready to sign lee for 25 AND pettitte for 10-12. So they should have no issue getting both and even going for francis or bonderman for the 5th spot.
I am confused as to what exactly is going on these days, because it doesnt seem like much is happening in areas they have real needs.
Another winner .
L . o . l .
Schlitz is making a comeback ?
Seriously, not a thing to lose here.
Vlad would not be a bad idea. If Thames can trot out to field, well, Vlad sure can now and then.
There once was a pitcher named Schlitter
Who developed an outstanding splitter.
….He had learned it from Mo
….And it made him a pro.
You can read all about it on Twitter.
Love Posada, but it remains to be seen if he is a true DH that can fulfill the job. Maybe he can.
all of this sign soriano if pettitte retires makes very little sense to me. 15 for pettitte and 10 for soriano would equal the 25 ish they were going to pay lee. plus they were ready to sign lee for 25 AND pettitte for 10-12. So they should have no issue getting both and even going for francis or bonderman for the 5th spot.
—————
Yeah, the “either/or” stuff with Soriano is odd. If they feel they need him, they have the money to sign him.
So far Cashman has picked up Fish, Turpin and Schlitter. Sounds like a law firm.
At least John Sterling will have some fun.
Seriously, his stats look decent. Better than the two Rule 5 picks.
Soriano’s agent is Boras, right? If so, Heyman may merely be doing some negotiating for his quasi-boss.
David excellent! lol
Soriano is a little scary because of his health history. Maybe 2-3 years.
Much rather have Soria, but……..
Colon and Schlitter…..now that could get messy.
These minor league bullpen additions are nothing more than adding arms so NYYs don’t have to put starters into bullpen roles. It costs them no roster spots and no money. Fish and Turpen will either make the team or go back where they come from unless NYYs make a deal with the teams. Not a big issue. The rest are just arms that may or may not get some outs during the season. I’ve never seen so much whining over picking up minor league arms.
Non-Roster ST invitees.
Here’s some more names to whine and piss and moan over.
http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....p?c_id=nyy
Boras is agent for Soriano, Damon, Ramirez, Adam Jones, and Millwood.
Who’s next ? Rickey Reingold ? Buster Ballentine ?
David in Cal -
Clever!
Oops: Andrew Jones
GB7 needs to find a sense of humor – somewhere
It’s actually a smart move by Cashman to invite as many as possible to ST. Let them compete and see who makes it. Problem is, not too many established pitchers, even those coming back from injury want minor league contracts with ST invites. Thy want guaranteed contracts.
GB, what do you know about Steve Garrison? A switch hitting pitcher?
DaSaint007 January 5th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
It’s actually a smart move by Cashman to invite as many as possible to ST. Let them compete and see who makes it. Problem is, not too many established pitchers, even those coming back from injury want minor league contracts with ST invites. Thy want guaranteed contracts
———————————————————————————————————————-
If he’s healthy and effective during ST. my money is on Prior, if the reports are correct that his speed is back up to 90-92 MPH and the curve and comtrol are there. That could be as big a surprise as Kerry Wood was. Nobody expected that, either.
Sisco is a project but could he be a lefty Brackman?
DaSaint007 January 5th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
GB, what do you know about Steve Garrison? A switch hitting pitcher?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Simon, almost nothing other than his stats and what little is on the free reports from the internet. I’ll keep looking and post/link what I can find.
I think it’ll be a more exciting ST than people realize in terms of the young arms assembled.
Doreen, did you decide?
My wife still drives a ’99 Civic, and she’s looking to replace that soon. She too likes the Q5 as well as the A4. I drive a Grand Cherokee Limited so I’m not sure we’ll have to have 2 SUVs, but we’ll see.
ST should be a.lot of fun this year for sure.
You know Boras really is a genious. He takes Adrian Beltre who had very little value coming out of Seattle….convinces him to go to Boston on a one year deal and re-establish his value in Fenway, then gets him 96 million bucks the next season.
mick January 5th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
Sisco is a project but could he be a lefty Brackman?
———————————————————————————————————————-
Sisco had a pretty good wimter season on the Mexican League this year. Strikeouts up, innings up, walks down, home runs allowed down.
http://mlb.mlb.com/milb/stats/org.jsp?id=nyy
Can the Cubs invest a little more on their aaa affilitate? Shlitters cap resembles the one i wore in little league back in the earley 80′s. The only thing missing is the netted back and adjustable one size fits all. The IOWA isnt even lined up in the middle(leaning to our left).
Congratulations to Blylevin and Alomar. Bert had to wait far too long.
SAS, agreed. Blylevem had to wait about 12 years too long. Same with Kaat, Johm. Santo, and Al Oliver as well as Dave Parker.
Kaat, ***John***, Santo
Scott Boras is a great agent. It’s no wonder so many ball players want him to represent them.
GB,
I’ll agree with you with everyone but Oliver.
DaSaint007
I’m testing driving the Tiguan 4Motion tomorrow, which is their AWD. I had previously driven the FWD. The Q5 that we are looking at is an AWD, and I would order an AWD from VW, so I want to see how it drives. (They didn’t have an Q5s to test drive so we drove an A4, which is similar except for height.)
I loved the Q5, but it is really pricey and the VW has a lot of the same features and it’s just a tad smaller, which is what I had wanted. I picked up a Car and Driver today and they loved both cars. Out of 5 stars the Q5 got 5 and the Tiguan got 4 and a half.
After I drive tomorrow, we’ll sit down and crunch numbers and see whether it’s worth it to splurge, or do we want the extra money for something else.
DaSaint007 -
The A4 drove like a dream. It was a great car. Since you already have a truck-type vehicle, I’d go for the non-truck. Just my 2 cents. You need a “date car.”
Good luck Doreen. Just be sure you select something that you enjoy driving.
Doreen January 5th, 2011 at 7:38 pm
DaSaint007 -
The A4 drove like a dream. It was a great car. Since you already have a truck-type vehicle, I’d go for the non-truck. Just my 2 cents. You need a “date car.”
——————————————–
Agreed!
Thanks, DaSaint007.
Good luck Bonds you lying cheat, it will be a cold day in hell when you’re elected to the HOF.
“They were the only two players elected by the writers, who issued another “thou shalt not pass” message to steroids cheats with a scant 64 votes and 11% to ballot first-timer Rafael Palmeiro, who had 3,020 career hits and 569 homers but tested positive for steroids in 2005, and just 30 votes and 5.2% for Juan Gonzalez, who hit .295 lifetime with two American League Most Valuable Player Awards and 434 homers but was named in the Mitchell Report on steroids use in baseball. For Palmeiro and Gonzalez it was there first time on the ballot.
In addition, Mark McGwire, who has admitted steroids use, received 115 votes for just 19.8%, down from the 22-23% he’d been hovering at on his first four years on the ballot”.
Bill Madden/NYDN
This is the funniest thread Ive read here in years.
Some of you guys are too damn much.
Thanks for the laughs! It’s a nice change from the usual bullschlitt on this board.
Mcguire isn’t a HOFer regardless of whether he used steroids or not IMO..Bonds and Mac aren’t anywhere close to the same level of baseball player.
NYYs should offer a minor league deal and invite to Scott Shields on a low gamble investment. He’s open to that sort of deal.
Schlitt on it Potsy!
GB, Justin Christian put up some good numbers? Warrant a look as 4th OF?
Blake, I’m not sure about McGwire. His numbers say Harmon Killebrew.
Simon, Christian would and should definately get a shot. All three outfield spots plus an emergency 2nd baseman.
It would be a travesty if Bonds is never elected to the Hall
NYYs should offer a minor league deal and invite to Scott Shields on a low gamble investment. He’s open to that sort of deal.
————————————–
Ditto that.
GB,
Mcguire did one thing well. He wasn’t a good defender, he didn’t run the bases well, he didn’t hit for average most seasons. He hit home runs and he had help with that. For me there were several first basemen during his era that were better players than he was (Bagwell, Thomas, Palmero, etc…)
Kim Jones: Joe do you think you left Brian Schlitter in the game too long?
Joe Girardi: No. Schlitt happens.
It would be a travesty if Bonds is never elected to the Hall
–
He will get elected. Juan Gonzalez is not a HOFer and Palmeiro is borderline.
Simon, Christian would and should definately get a shot. All three outfield spots plus an emergency 2nd baseman.
—————————————
extra backup for Cano. Nice.
So the ‘kid’ (he’s actually 30) can hit, so what’s prevented him from making a MLB roster?
He can kind of hit, its not guaranteed at the major league level. OPS under .750 at AA and AAA
Jerkface January 5th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
“…Palmeiro is borderline”.
***********************
You don’t even think before typing sometimes do you?
569 home runs, 3,020 Hits, 1,835 RBI’s.
I can wait for Girardi to call him Schittie…….
I think Palmero was a better all around player than Mac was by a fair margin.
More home runs, hits and RBI’s than the Mick and he’s borderline.
This move just about guarantees a November date down the Canyon of Heroes….Cashman in total stealth mode,very nice!!
Yeah, I see that Face.
Seems he can hit better than Golson, but maybe Golson is better defensively. Regardless ST should have him, Golson, Laird, Nunez, Pena, Montero and Romine on display. Should be entertaining.
Simon, I’ve never quite understood why Christian never got a much chance. He can hit, runs like a deer, plays pretty solid defense. He’s had some injuries to his shoulders, but, he’s finally healthy. he’s only had that one chance and did pretty well.
Palmeiro’s career .885 OPS at 1st is uninspiring. Especially in the offensive era he lived in.
There will be a few more pickups/invites by ST based on arbitration decisions.
For comparison. McGwire’s OPS is .100 points higher.
WCYF,
so Bonds is a lying scoundrel but Palmero isn’t. He actually failed a drug test after waving his finger at congress..
Frank Thomas .100 points higher.
You forget, Blake. if they have any connection to the west coast, they’re the best at everything.
So scot shields is contemplating retiring. Maybe cashman should make him an offer and wait for a few weeks to see if he is going to play again before addressing what’s left in the relief market then.
GB,
Enjoying the book so far. Very interesting.
Now the big hurt is a HOFer.
blake January 5th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
WCYF, so Bonds is a lying scoundrel but Palmero isn’t. He actually failed a drug test after waving his finger at congress.
***********************
Blake I agree. Palmeiro is a lying cheater who should never be admitted to the HOF. If you scroll up you will see I was responding to the comment by Jerkface that Palmeiro was borderline on the merits.
Yes, Blake…it’s not quit the usual book on Mantle. You’d enjoy Leavy’s book on Koufax.
I think players tied to PEDs should be taken on a case by case basis with regards to the HOF. I don’t think its fair to single anyone out because we really have no idea who all took them…..if a guy is borderline and power was their biggest attribute then I think you consider that. If they were a great all around player and likely would have been either way then I think you consider that as well.
“More home runs, hits and RBI’s than the Mick and he’s borderline.”
———————-
You can’t compare the Mick and Palmeiro in any meaningful context because of the positions they played.
Cashman knew it was time to Schlitt or get off the pot?
Sorry, playing catchup here.
Would be good to see competition between Golson and Christian if the Yankees determine that their 4th OF will be an internal candidate.
As of today the roster is as follows:
1. CC
2. Hughes
3. AJ
4. TBD: will change by opening day
5. Nova
CL: Mariano
EIG: TBD
RHRP: Robertson
RHRP: Joba
LHRP: Logan
LHRP: Feliciano
Long Relief: Mitre
Jeter
Swisher
Cano
ARod
Tex
Posada
Granderson
Martin
Gardner
Bench: Cervelli, Nunez, Golson
#4 starter will change
an EIG is still needed (Soriano, Rauch, Fuentes)
Bench should change somewhat.
ST pitching invites: Prior, Fish, Turpen, Sisco, Schlitter, Garrison, Pope
Mantle was.also much better than Palmero regardless of position.
“You know Boras really is a genious. He takes Adrian Beltre who had very little value coming out of Seattle….convinces him to go to Boston on a one year deal and re-establish his value in Fenway, then gets him 96 million bucks the next season.”
From a team that had already had a good 3B (who is their team leader) and had no glaring need.
Makes me believe he will similarly find a home for Soriano from a place that doesn’t make obvious sense.
Schlittschuhlaufen!
“From a team that had already had a good 3B (who is their team leader) and had no glaring need.”
Sort of like the Yankees looking to upgrade at SS…
Mantle was a better ballplayer than Palmeiro, but the point is that Palmeiro were it not for his steroid use would be a Hall of Famer. How do you keep out someone with 569 home runs and 3,020 hits?
“How do you keep out someone with 569 home runs and 3,020 hits?”
Just say no.
Nick Punto could be a versitile infield backup.
By comparing him to his peers at 1b?
Thomas, McGwire, Thome, Bagwell, Giambi, Delgado, Helton, Mo Vaughn, McGriff all have a higher career OPS.
Doreen,
i think i said this other night, but not sure if you got it. Stay away from the audi….my best friend works as a mechanic for audi, he says they are not worth it. Parts are very expensive and they break down a lot.
Jerkface do you take sugar in cream with your OPS or do you just take it black?
Do Thomas, McGwire, Thome, Bagwell, Giambi, Delgado, Helton, Mo Vaughn, McGriff all have 569 home runs and 3,020 hits?”
So much for the humor theme of this thread.
Palmeiro: I never took that Schlitt!
Blake
What book are you reading?
“the last boy”….(its about Mantle)
I drove an Audi for 5 years and would never buy one again. From repairs to maintenance everything costs 2 to 3 times what other cars do. Now part of that is because it is a luxury car. After 100,000 miles I needed a new head gasket which was going to run me about 3000. I wound up getting 1000 dollars as a trade in. Plus the car is really slow off the line
Palmeiro fWAR rank per season
’88: 11th (LF)
’89: 13th (1B)
’90: 6th
’91: 2nd
’92: 8th
’93: 3rd
’94: 4th
’95: 1st
’96: 5th
’97: 13th
’98: 3rd
’99: 1st (DH)
’00: 12th (1B)
’01: 7th
’02: 5th
’03: 13th/5th out of 8 (1B/DH)
’04: 24th out of 24 (1B)
’05: 37th out of 41
He was top 3 at his position 5 times and one of those years came as a DH. Never started in an ASG, never finished higher than 5th in the MVP, only won 2 Silver Sluggers. Played in great hitter parks his entire career. Played in an era with tons of offense and when slugging 1B were the standard.
Blake
I’m reading that book too. I’m about halfway thru it. I like it.
Those rankings are for his position, not overall to be clear.
How much does 37mil buy? Carlos Lee is owed that much over the next 2 years.
My question is, do the Astros have anything worth the cost for the Yankees to pick up that contract (or at least a portion of )?
Obviously at face value he is not worth it, but what if other pieces were added, or money paid by the Astros. I believe he can still mash the ball.
The Yankees can’t afford to knowingly burn $18.5m a year (more with luxury tax).
Tar, Pence is out, but, Myers and Keppinger would be quality.
Michelle B -
Thanks. I did see your post the other day. It prompted me to do some research on “complaints” about the car. Probably explains why the salesman we worked with went out of his way to talk about how he takes care of his customers. There weren’t a lot of complaints in number, but the theme was unresponsiveness of the dealership/service dept.
We’re taking everything into consideration.
Triple Short -
Even the articles that I read that rave about the Q5 talk about limitations with regard to the slower drive around town.
I hear Sterling now!,, a no hitter for Schitter!!!
Doreen,
Since I drove an A4 I can’t speak to the Q5. 1 thing that was amazing was the I didn’t have to get new brakes until I hit 60 thousand miles
tyanks,
you’re a little farther than me then, I’ve had a lot going on here lately….I like it too though.
Blake
I got a lot of reading time in last week at work when it was slow due to the holiday and the boss lady was gone or I wouldn’t be as far along as I am. I’m going to have to put it down in a week though when school starts again so that stinks.
Predicted quote from Sterling, upon General Joe walking out to the mound to remove AJ from a 1.1 inning debacle of a start: “…and Girardi is going to the Schlitter.”