Maxwell: “I feel pretty much 100 percent”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Feb 02, 2011 
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The Yankees newest outfielder, Justin Maxwell, had Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing elbow this fall but says he feels ready for spring training.
“We’re a little over three months out and I feel pretty much 100 percent,” Maxwell told Bryan Hoch at MLB.com. “I’ve already been hitting and throwing, doing everything. I feel good.”
At this time last year, Maxwell was considered the Nationals’ eighth-best prospect according to Baseball America. The magazine noted his “above-average power potential” and said he was a “plus runner” and an “above-average defender.” I saw him a little bit during my last year in Scranton. I just remember him as a toolsy guy, a player who had the attention of the league.
At the end of last season, Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said he was looking forward to giving Maxwell another shot in 2011.
“Hopefully, it all comes together and he has a good spring for us and he’s part of the ballclub next year,” Riggleman said. “There’s no reason to give up on him. I think it’s all going to click. There’s no last-chance situation. I wouldn’t put that on him. I’m just hoping he does use the opportunities on the field, as sparing as they’ve been, to show us that he’s the real deal.”
Some other notes and links on this icy Wednesday:
• Terrific piece from my friend Donnie Collins, who wrote that Russ Springer’s retirement sparked memories of watching the Yankees with his grandmother. Be sure to give that a read.
• The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Lou Piniella has accepted a job in the Giants front office. The paper notes that, “GM Brian Sabean goes back with Piniella to their Yankee years in the ’80s, and they’ve remained tight.”
• Josh Norris posted a Q&A with vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman. I didn’t realize the Yankees had moved Vic Valencia to Charleston to work with Gary Sanchez this season.” He’s done a nice job with the catchers he’s worked with so far,” Newman said. “We move staff around to try and match them up with players so we get the biggest bang for our buck from our staff.”
• Heres’s a video of Nick Swisher addressing the media before last night’s Munson dinner. Swisher started to give his acceptance speech in the press room, but ultimately cut it short and saved it for the ballroom.
• Looks like the Rays minor league deal with Felipe Lopez is all but official.
• Here on the blog, I haven’t really mentioned the Mets situation. If you’re curious but haven’t been following the whole mess, here’s a good Times story on the situation. It still seems unclear how this will affect the Mets moving forward.
• I was never a huge White Stripes fan — always thought they were interesting but only bought a couple of their albums — but today the band announced that it’s splitting up, with no plans to ever record or tour again. That’s a shame. At the very least they were always making music that stood out as something different.
Associated Press photo of Maxwell
I am all for Martin getting his shot and Montero getting some more seasoning plus delaying arb. I have said that from the beginning.
The problem is if Martin continues to be the awful ball player he has been for 2 years. And his defense has been questioned in that time as well.
Martin of the past two years is not worth holding Montero back.
I don’t know why the Yanks would be interested in delaying arb if a player could help them win right away. Martin is not much of a hurdle.
Getting Maxwell is a no lose proposition.
We gave up nothing of importance for him.
He’ll get thrown into the mix with guys like Golson, and the best of the bunch might find themselves a place on the bench.
Looking forward to seeing what he can bring.
Phil
I just think it is an added benefit sbd gives Martin enough time to show if he can bounce back
I’d use ST as an all out competition. Girardi and Pena are both right there to support Montero if he wins.
I would love that but Cashman keeps saying Martin is the starter:
Personally, I think Martin might surprise a lot of people.
He is still young and hasn’t been healthy.
If he is now he might still bounce back.
Add in the Pinstripe effect and we might just have something.
He should be a good defender, and that sure can’t hurt.
I am optimistic about him.
Martin was healthy. When he got hurt he stopped playing:
He’s said Bubba Crosby is the starter in the past. He does not believe in handing starting positions to wounded vets, he’s just keeping pressure off of Montero as we head into Spring.
Montero will get his shot when they think he is ready.
He’ll have a path when the time is right.
He is very young. What’s the rush ?
He has the luxury of honing his skills w/o
pressure.
Can’t see that as bad.
If Martin finds the player from a couple years ago then he not only helps significantly this year but gives them a really nice trade chip. He’s only 27 so a resurrection of his career isn’t out of the question….change of scenery can do wonders sometimes.
However, Tony Fernandez didn’t hold back Jeter when he was ready so if Montero is destroying AAA and Martin is struggling by June I can see a move being made. I’m just exciting to get it all going and see what happens.
Blake-
Who says Montero doesn’t beat out Cervelli as the BU catcher right out of ST ?
Isn’t that possible ?
The Yankees have no big commitment to Cervelli.
ST should be very interesting this year.
Lot’s of mini-battles.
I’ll see you all on the sunnyside.
Have a good evening.
MTU,
Its possible I guess but I don’t really think they’d want Montero backing up in the big leagues…I think they’d prefer he play every day. If they could get him enough PT in NY then ok but otherwise he needs to play and he needs to catch a lot more than a back up role would allow.
Phil
I hope you are right. That would be great if Martin had to earn it and beat put Montero.
LGY,
They have named Martin the starter but I think he probably realizes that he still has to earn it and has to prove that he’s back from the injury. The Braves didn’t plan to take Heyward to Atlanta with them last spring originally….he gave them no choice.
They think Montero is their best hitting prospect since Mantle. And if he wins the competition, they’ll start him. They’re less likely to block their own prospects than they were in the past.
I can’t see Montero catching more than 60 or so games, 80 at most. If they let him do that, it beats most of the alternatives. Martin, however, is probably a bigger question mark than Montero. He may not be able to start. That’s why I wouldn’t be surprised to see Posada catch more than people think, or Cashman has said.
LGY – I agree with you.
At this point, Martin is just a name. His OPS the last 2 years have been worse than Cervelli’s. We all hope he bounces back to his 08 form, but they can’t count on it and need to be flexible.
Thanks for the White Stripes update, Chad. I have long contended that this blog needs to bulk up its indie music coverage.
As for Maxwell, can someone quantify 100% Maxwell’s VOIM?
Martin is the starter – for some reason, no one believes Cashman
As to Andy, he’s not coming back – he’s working out, IMO, to delay the inevitable; he’s hesitant to say that final “no” which he’s eventually going to do. The more pitching we have, the better, but I don’t see Millwood accepting a minor league deal.
Back to Martin – and I’m glad he’s the starter. If Montero can make the team, great. If not, back to AAA where he’ll play every day. This is not really up for debate as the GM has made clear.
Maybe that’s because everyone has seen Martin.
He can’t start if he sucks, Betsy. It’s really not about belief.
“Martin, however, is probably a bigger question mark than Montero”
That’s actually a good point. However, they’ll probably value his defense and “veteran-ness” over Montero, unfortunately.
Just hope they are smart enough to pull the plug if Martin is OPSing in the high 600s
I seriously doubt the Yankees would have committed this much $$ (and years – it’s 2, not 1 year, deal) to a guy they just want to use to motivate Montero.
Rich, we are just going to have to part ways – we just don’t and will never agree on this. I don’t care what kind of ST Martin has – the same way I didn’t care what kind of ST Thames had. It’s just a few weeks – it doesn’t prove anything to me if Martin is lights out or if he stinks. Same with Montero. I don’t have this overwhelming need to see Montero start – I just don’t. He’s young- and I have said from the beginning that I do not feel comfortable with a kid doing the majority of the catching. If Martin has a bad spring, all it means is he’s had a bad spring. The Yankees are not going to ditch him as early as you might like. If he takes a bad ST into the season and it’s a couple of months in – and Montero is doing great, then MAYBE a switch will be made.
Have people seen Martin’s numbers the last 2 years? He has as much to prove as anyone in camp. The Martin of the last 2 years is WORSE offensively than Cervelli.
“I seriously doubt the Yankees would have committed this much $$ (and years – it’s 2, not 1 year, deal) ”
Actually, it was a 1-yr deal but we control him for 2 years because he still has service time left. So we could non-tender him at the end of the year and not be on the hook for any money.
It’s a one year deal:
http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.c.....60040.html
1 year/$4M (2011)
Betsy
It’s not about agreeing. It’s about the reality that Martin may not be an effective ML player.
If that proves to be the case, what do you do?
Bummer about the White Stripes.
I’ve been on a big ‘Get Behind Me Satan’ kick lately (an even better c.d. than ‘Elephant’, imo.)
It’s really all about Jack White…Meg is a mediocre drummer, at best, and contributed little lyrically. I’m sure he’ll keep putting out music at his usual frenetic pace.
Rich, I never said he’s a done deal, but I am taking a positive tack on Martin. As I said, if he stinks up the joint for a couple of months and Montero is showing progress in his catching (and he’s hitting), then maybe the Yankees would consider a switch. That’s not to be determined right now or even in spring.
The Yanks really wanted to move Po to DH. What they had left at major league ready C (sorta) is Cervelli. Both they and the Red Sox wanted Martin. Given that the sports two superpowers wanted him, he didn’t get all that much. The second year being the major gain over a typical back-up.
So the rumor that Meg is going to team up with Jack Black to form the Black Stripes is probably unfounded?
Oh, and thanks for the info on the contract!
The Yankees don’t owe anything to Martin after this year unless they want to. The second year is not a factor.
Betsy
Be positive. that’s great, but it may become apparent in ST that Martin can’t do the job.
They might owe Martin a World Series ring. Pessimist!
I think Martin is a really good risk because of his age and the fact that he has been a good player in the past…and I think they are going to give him some rope to prove his worth…likely beyond ST, but they don’t owe him anything besides his salary……if it’s not working out then they’ll change directions. I have a good feeling about him.
Nick
Rich, a bad ST won’t make me think that………..and who’s to say Montero will have a great ST? And even if he does that he’s going to have a great season? Yes, the same thing can be said about Martin – but for me, I’m fine with Martin being solid. I’m in no particular rush to see Montero – if he is BUC or if he goes to AAA, that’s fine with me
Montero, being vastly the most talented competitor, probably has the best chance at a good Spring.
I once dressed as Jack White for Halloween.
Betsy
A starting catcher isn’t comparable to the role Thames was expected to play.
We are talking about durability as well as production. Given Martin’s injury history, it’s not assured that he can start.
Of course, Martin may be great and Montero could be bad.
That’s the point. We don’t know how it will play out, no matter what Cashman has said publicly.
That’s my point.
Sorry for the redundancy, I’m watching a movie while posting.
Thames had no competition in ST and was competing for a minor role – the 25th man. He also had demonstrated that he was a productive hitter the previous 2 years.
Martin will have legit competition in the form of Montero and is coming off 2 bad years. He still has a lot to prove that he can get back to being a productive offensive catcher.
I wonder if Laird will be in the mix for 5th OF, UT. I like him better than Maxwell.
I’m working on a Nick in SF costume for this Halloween.
Not many will ‘get it’, but those who do will have a good laugh.
Try it on for Presidents Day and see if anyone notices.
Interesting pickup of Maxwell. Golson with a bit of pop. Creating flexible OF depth: Golson, Maxwell, and Curtis, plus Christian, all who may vie for the 5th OF spot.
Don’t be surprised if Milwood is signed also on a minor-league deal with a ST invite. Stocking up options there as well.
But I think the real reason is that Cashman is stocking up to move pieces in a trade, either for a SP, and/or a corner OF. It’s been presumed that Nova will have a shot at the #5 spot, but I’m not so sure. I think Cashman may want to fill both the #4 and #5 spots, AND have Nova available for trade, particularly if as some feel, that other arms in the system may be just as talented and ready.
Anyway, just thinking out loud. Night all.
Expendable pieces: Romine, Nova, Cervelli, Joba…and Swisher, if you’re getting a RF back.
Too bad about the White Stripes; they were a great duo. They broke through the clutter like Captain Beefheart did. Sad to say this though, I think Meg White is going to have a hell of a hard time getting a drumming gig in a wedding band.
Trading Swisher this close to his Munsun award would be bad Yankee karma.
Unless we’re getting Dr. J back, we must keep the Swish.
I like Swish too Nick. It’s just that he has an affordable contract and is productive. But replacable if you’re getting back a young player with upside. Unlikely to happen, but not impossible.
Maxwell and Golson are roster filler. I don’t think they are good enough to make anyone else expendable. Cerveli and Joba aren’t worth much either.
I don’t see Swisher getting traded either.
I really hope they don’t make any trades.
I enjoyed reading Wallace’s piece on New York ESPN. Good piece.
Sad to say this though, I think Meg White is going to have a hell of a hard time getting a drumming gig in a wedding band.
–
Meg White has over 10,000 twitter followers and has sold thousands of albums, I think she knows a little more about drumming than you. Its sick these people that bash hard working musicians.
She also covers sports on ESPN-White.
Kevin Long work some magic on Maxwell.
Good morning world.
Good morning, morning people.
Big Al,
I finally opened the latest installment – the Minnie Mouse! I was so happy because I wasn’t thrilled with the Pluto batdog being the Valentine’s Day gift. But the Minnie Mouse is Perfect!!! (And I’ll hold Pluto back for some other occasion.)
Doreen -
Those were my thoughts as well. Hope the rest are nice as well. Do you remember how many there were all together?
Big Al -
I thought there were 12, but I’m not 100% sure.
Good morning Doreen, Big Al and everyone else
good morning early birds! another snowy day in paradise!
I watched the ‘cuse basketballgame last night…trying to get my nerves ready for baseball
Good morning, Fran.
Morning Kate, enjoying the white fluff.
Morning guys, big time fog out here today they have I-75 closed all the way from Naples to Miami.
Just read of the Maxwell news, hard at least for me to imagine that you would use one of our 25 slots for him, maybe he’s just a late season callup when rosters get expanded.
Forgot to add we will suffer through the fog it will be gone by 10AM. 84 here yesterday and 81 today.
I got a pic from a friend North of Chicago, the snow was up to the top of his garage door!
Gary, I am jealous!. Well at least it is not snowing here today for a change
Kate, my son in Rochester was expecting to get 15 inches or so, but only got a third of that. Must be the snow went somewhere else?
Good morning, everyone
Back to cold at the beach [VB] ~ yesterday was 75!!
Today, in the ’30′s again
Gary
We got about a foot. The worse part was the wind, leading to drifts and white outs. Today is clear and cold, quite pretty actually, the snow is all sparkly.
Good mornning everyone.
This should be one of the more interesting ST’s in recent years.
Lot’s of mini-battles to watch.
For catcher, for 4/5, for 5th OF, for final BP slots.
Very interesting. Looking forward to it.
And to watching developments down on the Farm.
I guess if I were to offer you folks the use of my Ark, the one I had to build in Dec., it wouldn’t do you much good in snow.
I can’t complain (well at least not too much) MTU. We were spared the worst of the big storms, and the highway crews are used to dealing w/ snow.
Kate-
You need to convince your hubby to move south.
And not just to Albany.
So I just went inside to update my emails on my desktop computer, and it was off. Okay. So I went to turn it on. No go.
It won’t turn on at all.
The monitor works, but not the tower. I know it probably got turned off during one of the brief power outages that happened yesterday. That’s happened before. But it’s always been fine.
Kate-
Do it now before the Galciers advance.
Doreen-
Check for a circuit breaker on your computer.
Usually on the back where the PS is. Little red button.
If that doesn’t work check for the same on your power strip if you
use one.
If still no go then you probably blew a fuse in the unit.
Hope that helps.
Doreen-
Sometimes the on/off switches go out too.
mTU
we will be sitting pretty w/ global warming!
Kate-
That’s true but what if it’s global cooling ?
How did things work out with the paw wax ?
haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, I will look this weekend before we try skiing again
Doreen-
Check and see if the fan on the back of the unit is running.
It’s the one that cools the power supply.
Just listen back there and also you can feel it by puttting your hand there.
Looks for an signs of life such as any lights of any kind (LED lights for example).
Nick
“She also covers sports on ESPN-White.”
Where’s Al Gore when you need him?
Well, it seems pretty dead to me.
THere is a little green light shining in the inside of the tower. But I couldn’t find a circuit breaker on the back of the tower. The surge protector is working fine, and everything that is plugged into it is working fine, too.
My main concern is the external hard-drive. I don’t care about the tower as long as everything that was backed up on the EHD is okay. (Entire music catalog, pix from 1998, stuff like that.)
The most immediate issue, though is that even though I’ve set up my laptop to get the e-mails that usually go to the desktop computer, not all of them get to the laptop. I think I can work around that for now by signing in to comcast to get them, though.
Well, we knew the computer was starting to show signs of being old, but we thought we had more time…
MTU -
Fan is not working.
Doreen-
Check the fan at the back. Is that on ?
The thing that kills a lot of Computers is dust accumulation.
Eventually it leads to shorts.
In your case it sounds like maybe you guys had a power surge or something like that.
Make sure the power supply plug at the computer end is all the way in.
Might be that power swith at the front too. They go also.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. I could fix it easy if I had it here.
Doreen-
Then it’s either the power switch at the fornt or the power supply simply gave up the ghost.
Your external hard drive should be fine.
So, the EHD is fine – all the info is still on it.
Whew.
Thanks, MTU.
I’m glad I had the foresight to get the EHD when I decided to upload our CD collection to iTunes.
A few pics taken yesterday with my critter cam.
http://picasaweb.google.com/cy.....5aNutaeXw#
Enjoy.
MTU -
You say “dust.”
Hmm. When I went to check for the red button you told me about, I decided to open up the tower. I was SHOCKED at the amount of dust in there. I got my blow dryer and set it on cool and low to blow the dust out.
I don’t know why I never thought to look inside for dust before. I dust the outside regularly.
Ya learn something new every day.
Doreen-
Losing a PS in your tower normally would have no effect on the internal hard drive unless it was in the middle of an operation.
I’m just curious.
Did you normally leave your unit on all night or did you shut it down at the end of each day ?
But yes, you should be backing up your stuff regularly. I do mine once a week to external hard drive.
MTU
nice pix…yeah they look cute and cuddly…until they try to steal your hiking food!
Doreen-
Dust and heat. the 2 biggest killer of computers.
By the way, most people don’t know that either until they find out the hard way.
That has to be cleaned out. especially in area where people have carpeting (which is most places).
I did this for a living so I’m quite familiar.
If your hubby is handy you can just rplace the power supply, or switch on your own. It’s safe and cheap to do.
Just a thought.
Some people just use it as an excuse to upgrade.
No storm here yesterday……. a little sleet, snow, rain and sunshine……….. a few pics of the day
http://picasaweb.google.com/10.....7W6gPKMfQ#
MTU -
I’ve been leaving it on. I know that’s not good.
Laziness always ends up costing something, doesn’t it????
Kate-
pretty adorable, huh ?
I’d gladly share it with such cutties.
Doreen-
Many people do. I think shutting them down is a better way to go.
MTU -
The PC was running very slowly, especially at start up. That’s why I would leave it on. Plus it did the virus sweep overnight.
We’ve been starting to think of upgrading; even thinking about getting a Mac for the main computer in the house (the laptop is a MacBook).
The printer also went this week.
Not a good week for electronics in our household. But, I was also hankering for a WiFi printer, so…
JCPD-
Everything is frozen solid except the Lake.
Dakota is the star as usual.
I can see the potential in some of those shots.
Thank you for sharing. Sorry I couldn’t tag along.
JCPD & MTU -
Thanks for the pictures!
Doreen, definitely go with the Mac!!!
Doreen-
upgrade time then.
Mac’s are a great product though a bit overpriced IMO.
Guess you get what you pay for ?
MTU, Dakota is always the star, I’, just along for the ride….. er, the drive. I’m sure if she could drive, I wouldn’t get to go anywhere.
Doreen-
My pleasure. As always.
JCPD-
I don’t think she would leave you in the dust.
Just a hunch.
speaking of cuties, great shot of Dakota!
JCPD-
It was very overcast. Most cameras do not do as well in that type of light.
Yeah, somebody has to carry the treats MTU.
Yeah Kate, she likes to ham it up for the camera. She was in heaven yesterday, loves that weather.
Kate-
JCPD allowed me to print out one of my favorite shots of her.
It’s an amazing picture really. Wish you could see it. It’s in the Fall with her halfways in the water with those colors as background and incredible reflections.
It is hanging on my wall.
JCPD-
I understand.
When mine are not busy giving snakes a hard time that’s what they look for from me.
We humans have no value to them other than to provide treats and entertainment.
You would think it it would be the other way around but it isn’t.
Just look at “Killer”.
He’s the ultimate example.
I am looking for a new computer too. I am having major computer trouble and am mostly posting using my Blackberry. I want a Mac, but not sure I can afford it.
Fran-
They are a great product but a bit pricey.
If you can go with a laptop that might help a bit. The smaller Macbook Air has gotten some great reviews.
Randy has an Ipad I think.
You might talk with him if you’re around.
Fran, I couldn’t really afford mine when I got it three years ago, but it has more than made up for it in lack of issues. And the few times I’ve needed to call support, it has been nice to speak with someone that doesn’t have “broken” English.
MTU,
I am definitely going to get a laptop. Thanks for the suggestions. And I will also ask Randy.
Fran, also, if you go into an Apple store, they will demonstrate all the things they can do and how easy it is…… you know, kind of like going for a test drive.
JCPD-
Isn’t it great getting all these kickbacks from Apple ?
New thread =======>
JCPD,
I am tempted. I know everyone who has a Mac loves it. My birthday is coming up next month so maybe I can get some family members to kick in
How is the job going?
The job right now is pretty overwhelming…… I know time will take care of a lot of that though.
JCPD, it always does get easier as you get into the flow.