Considering an alternative in right
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Oct 28, 2011 
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It’s well established that the Yankees are chasing CC Sabathia, and bringing back their ace has become a clear priority this winter. The lineup, on the other hand, is near the bottom of to-do list. Yankees seem willing to stick with more or less the same offense — with Jesus Montero taking Jorge Posada’s spot at DH — but if they’re going to shake it up, right field might be the place to make a change.
At their organizational meetings this week in Tampa, the Yankees discussed their in-house options and potential free agent targets. Of course Carlos Beltran’s name was mentioned. As expected, though, the Yankees seem to be leaning toward retaining Nick Swisher and letting Beltran land elsewhere.
Which would you rather have?
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Nick Swisher
Age: 30 years old (31 by Opening Day)
Contract: 1 year, $10.25 million (team option for 2012)
This year: .260/.374/.449
Past three years: .267/.368/.486
Career: .254/.360/.466
Career postseason: .169/.295/.323
Games played the past three years: 450
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Carlos Beltran
Age: 34 years old (35 in April)
Contract: 3 years, $40-45 million (just a guess, obviously*)
This year: .300/.385/.525
Past three years: .298/.384/.497
Career: .283/.361/.496
Career postseason: .366/.485/.817
Games played the past three years: 287
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I’ve written this before, but to me, Swisher is an easy call. Beltran has been a better player, but I’m not sure he’s been overwhelmingly better. This isn’t a comparison of a superstar vs. a fourth outfielder. Swisher’s been plenty productive these past three years, and his defense seems to be improving. Three reasons to lean toward Swisher.
• The commitment. Even if the Yankees could sign Beltran for the same amount of annual money, the last thing they need is another multi-year deal with a player in his mid-30s who doesn’t have the cleanest health record.
• The injuries. Beltran played only 81 games in 2009 and only 64 in 2010. He’s coming off a relatively healthy season — even then he was shutdown for a while — but he’s no guarantee to last one full season, much less three. Swisher’s been banged up the past two years, but he’s played through a lot of bumps and bruises.
• The playoffs. Obviously Beltran has better postseason numbers, but I have a hard time making too much of it. For one thing, Beltran hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2006, when he was a 29-year-old center fielder. Swisher’s a better player than he’s shown in the postseason, and I can’t put too much emphasis on those relatively small samples.
* Hard to predict the free agent market at this point, but the corner outfield market exploded last winter and Beltran is coming off a contract that paid him $18.5 million the past four years. He won’t get that much, but he and Michael Cuddyer seem to be the top corner outfielders on the market, so Beltran’s not going to settle for a small contract. Earlier this year, Joel Sherman predicted at leaset three years, $42 million.
Associated Press photo
I have no problem replacing Swisher (either by declining his option or by picking up the option and trading him) but Beltran doesn’t make any sense for this Yankee team.
Between Montero, Alex and Derek the Yankees have three guys who are going to see time at DH – they add Beltran, that’s a fourth guy who fits that mold.
Like Chad says – it’s going to take at least 3 years to get Beltran – do we really need another guy into his late 30s?
There are going to be plenty of outfielders available via trade who would make a lot more short and long term sense for the Yankees than Swisher or Beltran would.
Wow, I forgot- Swish took a really bad picture this year.
I’ll take Swisher 8 days a week over Beltran.
Swisher is very valuable to this team and his value is not just on the field.
Clubhouse-Keeping the team loose-His personality. Is there a value that can be placed on
those intangibles?
Bluster Only is an idiot if he thinks that was the greatest WS game ever played. Entertaining, yes. but one of the worst played and over-managed that I’ve ever seen. This series and this game reminds me a lot of the ’60 series. LaRussa and Washington burns through their pitching staffs like they have 25 man pitching staffs…every game.
GreenBeret7 October 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Bluster Only is an idiot if he thinks that was the greatest WS game ever played. Entertaining, yes. but one of the worst played and over-managed that I’ve ever seen. This series and this game reminds me a lot of the ’60 series. LaRussa and Washington burns through their pitching staffs like they have 25 man pitching staffs…every game.
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Buster has no choice but to use “revisionist history” if he wants to continue writing.
He should be ashamed because he covered the Yankees back in the late 90′s.
The one thing I do not miss about not seeing the Yankees playing in the WS this year,
being forced to endure the Fox announcers.
Two of the worst t.v. announcers of all-time.
Erin,
If I had to make a pick based on those pictures, I’d have to pick Beltran. LOL
But, for all the reasons Chad pointed out, if it’s between Swisher and Beltran, I stick with Swisher for one more year. I can’t see the Yankees making a longish-term commitment to a guy in his mid-30′s who hasn’t been on the field very much. You’d have to have a really, really, really good back up.
I look forward to Chad’s next post:
Reggie Jackson accuses Billy Martin of being a racist and anti-semite
Speaking of Swisher….
YankeesonDemand Also, check out two full acoustic performances with @marcroberge & @NickSwisher on @ofarevolution youtube channel. http://bit.ly/bqavqz
WTP –
That stuff is a product of winning. I don’t care who you have in the clubhouse, if the team is bad people are going to be tight and not get along.
GreenBeret7 October 28th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Bluster Only is an idiot if he thinks that was the greatest WS game ever played. Entertaining, yes. but one of the worst played and over-managed that I’ve ever seen. This series and this game reminds me a lot of the ’60 series. LaRussa and Washington burns through their pitching staffs like they have 25 man pitching staffs…every game.
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Actually it was undermanaging that cost the Rangers that game. If they had put in a defensive replacement for Cruz the game and series are over.
Beltran’s past knee issues and age are in question. Swisher needs to stop swinging for the fences (similar to Teixeira) and let the HR’s come by themselves. Both would see better run production when it counts the most resulting in less strikeouts. In 2011, Swisher had less plate patience than he once had.
WTP -
The announcers! I try to tune them out as much as possible. They spout so much drivel, and every once in a while you catch something and find yourself wondering if what they aid was even true. It seems like there’s too much that comes off the top of their heads. But their voices alone drive me crazy, even if what they were saying made any sense most of the time.
108 stitches October 28th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Beltran’s past knee issues and age are in question. Swisher needs to stop swinging for the fences (similar to Teixeira) and let the HR’s come by themselves. Both would see better run production when it counts the most resulting in less strikeouts. In 2011, Swisher had less plate patience than he once had.
*****************************************************************
Tex and Swish have a lot of room for improvement.
Their swings are just awful. Just once, just once I would welcome the sight of seeing Tex lay down a bunt down the 3rd base line-against the shift. Just once Tex!!!
Was just reading someone, I think it was Verducci, saying the Red Sox are expected to make a “big play” for Beltran.
Warning Track Power October 28th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
108 stitches October 28th, 2011 at 3:02 pm
Beltran’s past knee issues and age are in question. Swisher needs to stop swinging for the fences (similar to Teixeira) and let the HR’s come by themselves. Both would see better run production when it counts the most resulting in less strikeouts. In 2011, Swisher had less plate patience than he once had.
*****************************************************************
Tex and Swish have a lot of room for improvement.
Their swings are just awful. Just once, just once I would welcome the sight of seeing Tex lay down a bunt down the 3rd base line-against the shift. Just once Tex!!!
———————-
Opposing managers would love to see that too.
Michael Kay asks that all the time – did it with Giambi too – “why don’t they just lay one down against the shift?” Do you really think that would stop other teams from playing the shift? Of course not.
Given what Tex can do when he connects an opposing manager would be thrilled to see him dropping down infield singles 3 times a game rather than trying to knock one out of the park.
Guys like Tex, Ortiz, etc…you want them to hit the ball over the shift, not drop down bunt singles against it.
If Beltran were only two years and wouldn’t affect a possible try at getting Kemp, I would consider it. But Chad is right that it isn’t a large difference.
Has anyone from the Yankees actually said that Montero is their plan for a big chunk of the DH at bats next year?
JM October 28th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
Was just reading someone, I think it was Verducci, saying the Red Sox are expected to make a “big play” for Beltran.
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He makes more sense for them – especially if Ortiz leaves.
JM-I saw that too about Boston and Beltran
jacksquat October 28th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Has anyone from the Yankees actually said that Montero is their plan for a big chunk of the DH at bats next year?
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I don’t think so, but it’s a logical assumption that if he’s on the team that’s where he’s going to get the bulk of his at bats. They love Russ Martin and the odds are pretty strong that he’s coming back.
I’ll stay with Swisher over Beltran. Swisher isn’t the most graceful or best of right fielders, but, he works hard and has no fear of walls. Not the strongest of arms, but, he unloads the throws quickly and accuately. You know that you’ll get about 25 homers, 85 RBI and around a .260-.265 BA and around 90 walks. His only issue is getting too amped up in the post season. Mainly, he stays on the field for 150 games a year. He can also play a competent 1st base if necessary. Beltran’s a good defensice outfielder but is limited to a corner. He no longer steals bases so he doesn’t have the advantage of speed to fall back on anymore. Swisher is also cheaper and easier to move if it’s necessary. Let Boston gamble on Beltran.
Swish looks like he just rolled out of bed after far too much tequila.
I turn off the Fox volume and listen to the Cards’ radio on Gameday. That way, I have a second or two to look up and see the play I just heard about. STL radio guys are good.
Which catcher would you put in right field? Torrealba or Treanor?
GreenBeret7 October 28th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
I’ll stay with Swisher over Beltran. Swisher isn’t the most graceful or best of right fielders, but, he works hard and has no fear of walls. Not the strongest of arms, but, he unloads the throws quickly and accuately. You know that you’ll get about 25 homers, 85 RBI and around a .260-.265 BA and around 90 walks. His only issue is getting too amped up in the post season. Mainly, he stays on the field for 150 games a year. He can also play a competent 1st base if necessary. Beltran’s a good defensice outfielder but is limited to a corner. He no longer steals bases so he doesn’t have the advantage of speed to fall back on anymore. Swisher is also cheaper and easier to move if it’s necessary. Let Boston gamble on Beltran.
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I would take Swisher over Beltran too – but I don’t believe those are the only two options.
Say no to Beltran, his time has passed….Maybe as a 4th OF / DH for some club, just not for The Yanks……
Chip October 28th, 2011 at 3:10 pm
jacksquat October 28th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
Has anyone from the Yankees actually said that Montero is their plan for a big chunk of the DH at bats next year?
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I don’t think so, but it’s a logical assumption that if he’s on the team that’s where he’s going to get the bulk of his at bats. They love Russ Martin and the odds are pretty strong that he’s coming back.
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It’s a fairly safe assumption, I was just wondering if there was any actual statements from someone in the Yankees org. They probably wouldn’t say that because for one thing they don’t want him to feel like he is practically guaranteed the job. Gotta keep him hungry.
Based on the results last night and Nolan Ryan’s expressions and body language, it would appear that Texas is going to be looking for a real closer. Does Soriano have a no trade clause in his contract, and is there a RF + in their organization the NYYs might want?
GreenBeret7 October 28th, 2011 at 3:12 pm
Which catcher would you put in right field? Torrealba or Treanor?
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After Endy Chavez pinch hit for Mike Adams in the 9th I would have put him in the field. You can either put him in RF or LF and moved Murphy to RF.
backbench October 28th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Based on the results last night and Nolan Ryan’s expressions and body language, it would appear that Texas is going to be looking for a real closer. Does Soriano have a no trade clause in his contract, and is there a RF + in their organization the NYYs might want?
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Even the best closers can blow a game in a big spot (I direct your attention to Game 7 of the 2001 WS)
RiverAveBlues RT: @nydnraiss: Yankees to sign one year extension with WCBS-AM. Ma/Pa should be returning too.
Erin, you will enjoy this picture.
https://twitter.com/#!/si_vault/status/129911442903277568/photo/1
Yankees and CBS 880 extend their contract for next year, John and Suzyn are back.
Mets contract with WFAN runs out after this year – my guess is that when that contract expires the Yankees will jump to WFAN.
Swisher getting amped during the playoffs > then what he does in the reg season especially him hitting 6th since the playoffs are all the matters for the Yankees.
With that kind of expected contract, I’d rather go with Swisher the whole year. He’s younger and will more likely stay healthier. And, duh, it’s only one year.
Swish has some nice pop, plays pretty decent defense, and really, it’s not his fault we didn’t make it past the DS.
Chip,
Won’t any big pumper radio station, e.g., WABC, get in the running?
GB- Love it. That’s awesome.
*that kind of contract for Beltran.
The post season failure was a total team effort. It doesn’t fall on any one player. Neither do the wins.
Swisher is a lot like Tex in that they both beef up their overall numbers in the games that lefties are on the hill. Beltran is significantly better against RHP (which you see 2/3 of the time).
If Beltran would take the contract Chad suggests then yea I pass on him and just go with Swisher another season…..but if he would take less to come to NY and go for a title then I’d seriously consider making the sway. Beltran is a better player and he’s a better hitter against good pitching and the type of pitching that the Yankees struggle with overall.
Beltran has always wanted to play for the Yankees and the Yankees had their eyes on Beltran for a while now. The logical thing to do would be to sign Beltran and plug him in RF, pick up Swisher’s option and use him as a trade chip……Swisher, Noesi & Nunez for Matt Cain.
New Post: Yankees extend radio agreement with WCBS
blake October 28th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Swisher is a lot like Tex in that they both beef up their overall numbers in the games that lefties are on the hill. Beltran is significantly better against RHP (which you see 2/3 of the time).
If Beltran would take the contract Chad suggests then yea I pass on him and just go with Swisher another season…..but if he would take less to come to NY and go for a title then I’d seriously consider making the sway. Beltran is a better player and he’s a better hitter against good pitching and the type of pitching that the Yankees struggle with overall.
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But Beltran can’t play in the field everyday and there are already too many 35+ guys who qualify as injury risks on this squad.
Chad, some better stats for “Last night could have been different”, which I whipped up quickly at work, so if you have contacts at Elias or elsewhere to check.
Since 1997, Mariano Rivera is 42/47 in postseason save opportunities, 89.1%, the rest of the league is 183/288 in postseason save opportunities, or 63.5%
Since 1997, (not including last night), Mariano Rivera is 11/12 in World Series save opportunities or 91.6%. The rest of the league is 27/50 or 54%.
NOT SO EASY!
This is not just about who is the better player in the regular season. We all know that. The fact is that Swisher has had three straight postseasons to prove himself and has disappeared in all three. Poof!
That said, I would not sign Beltran to a 3-year deal. No way. But it’s not just a choice between the two.
Bring back Melky Cabrera to play RF!!!! Guy had 200 hits this year.