Pinch hitting: Jordan Ozer
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jan 23, 2013 
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Our next Pinch Hitter is Jordan Ozer, a 24-year-old who grew up in South Orange, N.J., went to college at the University of Wisconsin, and now works as a media relations assistant in the athletic department of the University of Arkansas. Jordan as a signed, 1952 poster of Mickey Mantle in his living room and still has his old Yankee Stadium subway route memorized.
Jordan is used to moving around, but he sees an opportunity for the Yankees to find – just maybe — some stability at a position of traditional strength for the franchise.
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The offseason is nearly over, and the team with the long history of all-star backstops is looking at a gaping hole at catcher. For years the Yankees were buoyed by Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra, and younger Yankees fans were spoiled by Jorge Posada’s potent bat. But as Russell Martin prepares his Pirates uniform for spring training, the current Yankees squad presents a myriad of uninspiring options for the starting catcher spot.
The Yankees are steadily marching toward their self-imposed $189-million limit, and while the number would give many clubs a large berth to work with, the New York club, as currently constructed, is forced to use some creativity. The incumbents, namely Chris Stewart and Francisco Cervelli, fit squarely into the “all-glove, no-bat” mold that backups have long utilized to craft lengthy professional careers. The most intriguing option for what otherwise seems to be an offensive black hole is to go on potential, install Austin Romine as the starting catcher, and see if he can run with it.
The Yankees farm system has been stacked with young backstops of late, and Romine’s all-around tools allowed for the Jesus Montero trade. While in hindsight, Montero could have been a solution to this problem, Romine’s ceiling is a higher in the combination of glove and bat.
While Romine has been in the Yankees farm system for five years, last season’s injury really hurt his development. With only 21 games at AAA, Romine is lacking in high minor league seasoning (Montero’s lingering presence kept him in Trenton longer than was needed). In an ideal world, Romine would spend another year developing in AAA while a veteran manned the plate in the Bronx, but that was last season’s plan before back trouble derailed things. With the given alternatives, there’s no reason not to give Romine the chance to cut his teeth at the big league level. His defense, which VP of Baseball Operations Mark Newman called “plus, plus,” will approximate the values that Stewart and Cervelli bring, while at least offering a semblance of being able to produce at the plate. Cervelli hit .246 in AAA in 2012. Stewart hit .241 for the Yankees. With the other question marks in their lineup, the Yankees cannot afford either of those players in the everyday lineup.
The Yankees know what Cervelli and Stewart can produce. Romine should get a big opportunity this spring, especially with Cervelli not in Tampa while he participates in the World Baseball Classic. If Romine proves he can handle himself, the Bombers should be aggressive and gamble on his upside.
The Romine decision represents more than one starting spot in the 2013 lineup. As currently constructed, the Yankees will need to rely on their youth and farm system to succeed under the $189-million mark. That requires players such as Romine to pan out, because the Yankees eventually will need replacements for some of the current veterans.
It seems ownership wants to abandon the prior strategy of big free agent splashes that got the Yankees locked into long-term contracts with Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and A.J. Burnett. This shift will only work if the Yankees get cheap production from within. That requires the homegrown Ivan Nova to hold down a spot in the starting rotation. Michael Pineda needs to get healthy and contribute. David Phelps and Manny Banuelos can become a part of the solution. Eduardo Nunez can carve out a role on the club with the tools he provides. Even further down the road, the Yankees have a wealth of impressive talent in the low minors. Between Mason Williams, Tyler Austin, Gary Sanchez and Jose Campos, the Yankees simply have to look at last year’s Charleston Riverdogs squad to envision a future New York team that is already wearing Yankees pinstripes.
Recent evidence across the league has proven that young players can make an immediate impact on winning clubs. Mike Trout and Bryce Harper not only captured the nation’s attention last year, but they were key pieces of playoff contenders. The Yankees may not have an on-the-verge superstar such as those two, but the Yankees do have a solid farm system. More importantly, they need to start relying on their young talent more than ever before.
The Yankees can start this transition this season, and it can begin with rolling the dice on Romine behind the plate.
Associated Press photo
“While in hindsight, Montero could have been a solution to this problem, Romine’s ceiling is a higher in the combination of glove and bat.”
Kind of sounds like our guest poster has been spending a little too much time in Blake’s hyperbolic chamber.
Seems that Austin is a fairly underrated prospect. I’m not exactly out there scouting him, but he’s been consistently successful.
“the Yankees simply have to look at last year’s Charleston Riverdogs squad to envision a future New York team that is already wearing Yankees pinstripes.”
Another one IMO.
Charleston is a long way from the Major Leagues.
Kev-
From what I recall Romine projects out as a plus defender who can hit around .275/20.
That’s pretty damn good teritory. We’d be glad to have it.
OTOH Montero projects out as an elite hitter (.300/25+) who is perhaps avg. behind the dish.
Time for the most important meal of the day.
good post….I also think they should let Romine at least split time with somebody. A Kotteras/Romine platoon would be ok….then hope Romine takes the job full time at some point
RadioKev January 23rd, 2013 at 9:11 am
Seems that Austin is a fairly underrated prospect. I’m not exactly out there scouting him, but he’s been consistently successful.
if you’re talking about Tyler Austin yea he has been…..he was drafted later and I think guys like that have to prove they are for real before they start getting much attention…..he’s done that now and you start hearing his name more. If he hits at Trenton then everyone will know who his is
Hindsight wasn’t required to see the compelling need to keep Montero. A GM-manager tandem who hadn’t ‘forgetten” what a defensively challenged, good hitting catcher in Posada had recently contributed to the franchise, would have at least understood that a Montero-Romine combo would have likely given the franchise a tremendous positional advantage.
Calling Stewart and Cervelli defensive catchers is stretching the point. Simply becasue they can’t hit doesn’t make them good defensively. Stewart’s eight passed balls in limited play and Cervelli’s defense does not inspire me. Let’s hope Romine can play, but to suggest he is good offensively ignores his stats for the last two years.
It sure wasn’t hindsight to know Montero’s bat was needed.
The Yankees actually need some foresight. They do not seem to look beyond the moment except, of course, to eliminate players under contract in the future.
Good morning
Help me out here. What makes for a good defensive catcher? The way they frame pitches, above league average in throwing out attempting base stealers, and limiting passed balls, as well as being in sync with your pitcher in calling pitches?
If that is so, how do Stewart and Cervelli get labeled as good defensive catchers? Stewart had 8 passed balls and Cervelli can’t sit still behind the plate.
“Time for the most important meal of the day.”
mtu-
when you were a kid, did you read the box scores first thing with breakfast?
box scores and a bowl of cheerios and i was a happy kid.
YT,
A good defensive catcher is one who can’t hit.
A good defensive catcher is whatever Girardi says it is…
Mac
Sorry for the repeated post. Slow Typing on my part but on the same wavelength!
Randy
Frosted flakes and box scores.
Randy-
Yes. I did that. And I was happy.
We really need a new photo of Romine.
Yankees officials, however, maintain that the team’s offseason strategy has not been influenced by future luxury-tax considerations. They say the front office simply is not enamored with the players on the market.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/s.....ine-012213
uh huh….right
I was even happier when Dad and I walked over to old Ebbets Field so I could try to catch homers flying over the wall.
a good defensive catcher is one that reminds Girardi of Girardi
I used to wake up every day at 6:00 and run out for the newspaper. Since the scores weren’t given on TV until after my bedtime and I was remote from NYC, that was all the info I had. Plus, on Sunday I would read the batting averages and pitcher stats.
I had bacon and eggs every day with my newspaper. It was healthy along with my whole milk.
Blake-
Guess they don’t know that lying like that can keep ya’ out of Heaven.
“Lie to me. I promise, I”ll believe.” – S. Crow
Mac-
Guess your Family never heard of Cholesterol ?
“Help me out here. What makes for a good defensive catcher? The way they frame pitches, above league average in throwing out attempting base stealers, and limiting passed balls, as well as being in sync with your pitcher in calling pitches?”
it’s not easy to define, but like justice potter stewart said ,” i know it when i see it.”
i don’t see romine as a “plus, plus” defensive catcher.
From what I recall Romine projects out as a plus defender who can hit around .275/20.
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MTU – Not trying to be a negative Nancy, but I don’t see how Romine’s bat projects those numbers.
“The team will be worse, but we’ll make more money, and you’ll like it.” – H. Steinbrenner
Solution.
Mattingly denied an extension from the Dodgers. Bring him back to manage and put Girardi in as first string catcher!
I’d take Yadier Molina with no bat…..don’t really want Stewie with no bad and Cervelli isn’t a good defender at all
Shame-
I do believe that is the cieling projection for Romine.
I could be wrong.
You’re right. He hasn’t shown it thus far. He’s had his fair share of injuries though.
Let’s see what he can do if he stays healthy.
It’s time to walk the Mopsters.
austin mac and yankee trader-
there was no better way to start the day than seeing mickey went 2-4 four with a homer while dumping a mound of sugar on top of cheerios.
mtu-
the really good thing about the fifties was that cholesterol and sugar weren’t bad for you back then
there was something about scanning box scores in a newspaper that you don’t get with a computer page.
I don’t see Romine as a 20 HR guy. The most he hit in the mL was 13, and that was in ’09.
http://www.baseball-reference......mine001aus
MTU,
I don’t think cholesterol had been invented then.
The Fox article quoting Yankee officials is a joke. Why then did Cashman say at the beginning of the off season that all moves will have the 2014 cap in mind?
It was interesting that they Yankees will make less than they thought for being under $189. Ah, poor Hal.
Next year, the free agent pool, other than our own, is worse.
No one associated with baseball projects Romine as a .275, 20 homer guy. His upper level minor league stats are quite average. His AFL average was under .230 as I recall.
Listening to the Yankee propaganda is no way to assess reality.
“I do believe that is the ceiling projection for Romine.”
mtu-
the problem sometimes is that the ceiling is in the basement.
romine is ok. if he’s healthy i’m sure he could have a nice little mlb career, but i don’t see anything that screams really good mlb player.
there was something about scanning box scores in a newspaper that you don’t get with a computer page.
-
I have told people that I no longer look at box scores as much without the dead tree edition of the paper.
Rich in NJ January 23rd, 2013 at 9:47 am
“The team will be worse, but we’ll make more money, and you’ll like it.” – H. Steinbrenner
________________________________________________________
Like Ted Knight in Caddshack
Fans: “I want King Felix. I want Josh Hamilton. No, I want Juston Upton, Giancarlo Stanton..”
Hal: “YOU’LL GET NOTHING AND LIKE IT!!”
“I have told people that I no longer look at box scores as much without the dead tree edition of the paper.”
rich in nj-
i think you had to put your own “sabermetric” theories together from taking in a whole page of box scores. i think all the childhood time spent looking at box scores were where i developed a good intuitive feel for numbers.
to this day. i’d much rather see a box score than read a written description of the game.
A FLAW IN THE YANKEES’ PLAN?
The Yankees’ benefits for reducing their payroll below the $189 million luxury-tax threshold in 2014 might not be as lucrative as they originally envisioned.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/s.....ine-012213
I think in this case the ceiling is based more on hope than ability.. he’s never come close to 20 HRs in any season and although he’s hit for average in low A ball, he hasn’t since.
Randy-
The Sunday papers used to have a page listing all the individual batting averages and pitching stats of both leagues.
Now I have to subscribe to the USA Today Sports Weekly, when in season, reports all the most pertinent team data.
Mad Men told me: “They’re projections. They’re derived from reality, but they’re hopes and dreams.”
anyone ever look at cano’s minor leage numbers .278 avg. 41 homers in 6 seasons ( 15 the most in one year ) . Minor league numbers are worthless
After reading the latter part of the Rosenberg article above, on the revenue sharing, maybe there is still hope that the Yankees will only look to reset the LT for 2014 @ 17.5% and be players in the market after that? I won’t hold my breath!
“anyone ever look at cano’s minor leage numbers .278 avg. 41 homers in 6 seasons ( 15 the most in one year ) . Minor league numbers are worthless”
they aren’t worthless…..but they don’t tell the whole tale. Most good players in the big leagues also were good in the minors…..Cano is an exception
Hal: “YOU’LL GET NOTHING AND LIKE IT!!”
———————————–
“Let Them Eat Cake”
“After reading the latter part of the Rosenberg article above, on the revenue sharing, maybe there is still hope that the Yankees will only look to reset the LT for 2014 @ 17.5% and be players in the market after that? I won’t hold my breath! ”
if you believe that they are doing this because of the new CBA only and not because they have wanted to do it anyways……
Time to go.
Have a great day.
Where’s the right handed bat?
Still no catcher!
Oh well!
Sorry — yes, I did mean Tyler Austin. I don’t really think Romine is underrated. I really have absolutely no expectations for him.
blake January 23rd, 2013 at 10:18 am
“anyone ever look at cano’s minor leage numbers .278 avg. 41 homers in 6 seasons ( 15 the most in one year ) . Minor league numbers are worthless”
they aren’t worthless…..but they don’t tell the whole tale. Most good players in the big leagues also were good in the minors…..Cano is an exception
we could do this all day Bernie Williams 9 seasons in the minors 48 hrs .285 batting avg
Mattingly no power in 5 seasons in the minors ( 37 hrs ) on and on , i just don’t hold any stock in Minor league numbers . ( mattingly did hit .330 plus in Ba)
Romine form RAB :
http://riveraveblues.com/2007/.....mine-1655/
It’s a little old but he is projected at around .270 here.
A FLAW IN THE YANKEES’ PLAN?
The Yankees’ benefits for reducing their payroll below the $189 million luxury-tax threshold in 2014 might not be as lucrative as they originally envisioned.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/s…..ine-012213
==================================
Problem with this is that it is so ridiculously speculative.
if you believe that they are doing this because of the new CBA only and not because they have wanted to do it anyways……
=========================
Little of both. Rosenthal writes this as though the Yankees, who over the years have shown a little acumen in the area of making a buck, haven’t thought about all the possibilities.
“Little of both. Rosenthal writes this as though the Yankees, who over the years have shown a little acumen in the area of making a buck, haven’t thought about all the possibilities.”
yes it is speculative…..and I think the Yankees and Hal know exactly what they are doing and how much money they stand to save……I also think they are trying to spin it to fans and make it seem much more like something they “have” to do than it is.
I hope Romine makes it this spring. No better option right now. If Sanchez or even Murphy come along and beat him out later, then we have a good BUC !
I still think Shoppach would have made a decent BUC now.
longtime January 23rd, 2013 at 10:36 am
blake January 23rd, 2013 at 10:18 am
“anyone ever look at cano’s minor leage numbers .278 avg. 41 homers in 6 seasons ( 15 the most in one year ) . Minor league numbers are worthless”
they aren’t worthless…..but they don’t tell the whole tale. Most good players in the big leagues also were good in the minors…..Cano is an exception
we could do this all day Bernie Williams 9 seasons in the minors 48 hrs .285 batting avg
Mattingly no power in 5 seasons in the minors ( 37 hrs ) on and on , i just don’t hold any stock in Minor league numbers . ( mattingly did hit .330 plus in Ba)
———————-
Those are more exceptions to the rule. There is no way Romine is going to project higher than his mL numbers show
Ken Rosenthal ?@Ken_Rosenthal
Sources: #Orioles pursuing trade for #Diamondbacks’ Kubel. Talks not at advanced stage. Orioles also like #Tigers’ Porcello.
Hey Shame how about your Devils? Marty got his 120th shutout!! I remember when Terry Sawchuck got his 100th and I thought there’s a record that will never be broken.
Hi Nancy!
yes it is speculative…..and I think the Yankees and Hal know exactly what they are doing and how much money they stand to save……I also think they are trying to spin it to fans and make it seem much more like something they “have” to do than it is
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Haven’t necessarily gotten that sense of it. They clearly don’t have to do it. Don’t even think they’re spinning it as such. I think they’re just saying “This is how it’s going to be. We’ll still be among the biggest spenders in the game, but we’re drawing a line and if you don’t like it, too bad”. That can be done when you’re running a team that’s been in the playoffs for a decade and a half plus. Tune may change 2-3 years down the road if a couple 85 win seasons ensue, but right now they aren’t there.
Hike day today.
Have a good one all.
If your Napoli, and the Dr. mentions your name and Bo Jax in the same sentence, you gotta be Extremely apprehensive. I can see Napoli swinging a bat, but catching with that hip? NOPE
“Haven’t necessarily gotten that sense of it. They clearly don’t have to do it. Don’t even think they’re spinning it as such. I think they’re just saying “This is how it’s going to be. We’ll still be among the biggest spenders in the game, but we’re drawing a line and if you don’t like it, too bad”.
they haven’t said that though….they’ve said stuff like ….”well its only a 10 % reduction (which isn’t true)” and that they “don’t understand why fans would be upset”…….I’d much rather them just say what you said than try to snake oil me.
If your Napoli, and the Dr. mentions your name and Bo Jax in the same sentence, you gotta be Extremely apprehensive. I can see Napoli swinging a bat, but catching with that hip? NOPE
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No indications they plan to play him at C.
they haven’t said that though….they’ve said stuff like ….”well its only a 10 % reduction (which isn’t true)” and that they “don’t understand why fans would be upset”…….I’d much rather them just say what you said than try to snake oil me.
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Guess we just see it differently, though I agree the 10% is a little bit bogus (sure seems more like 15%).
with all the trouble in the country…I am certainly glad we are taking the time this morning to analyze Beyonce’s lip syncing yesterday.
with all the trouble in the country…I am certainly glad we are taking the time this morning to analyze Beyonce’s lip syncing yesterday
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Now if Obama and Roberts were lip synching, THAT might have been something.
The plan was to sign Napoli, and trade a catcher. That is obviously no longer the game plan. Also, a big part of Napoli’s value is that he can also C when needed. That no longer being the case, you got Maybe Steve Balboni, and that’s IF the hip holds up. Boston continues to slap guys on their 25 Man Roster, like a guy building a Dagwood Sandwich. Of course, stuff is falling outta the sides, and dripping down their chin.
At least we didn’t need a calculator for today’s post!
The plan was to sign Napoli, and trade a catcher.
===========================
They had 3 catchers before Napoli anyway. Still have 3. One is going no matter what. Either Saltlamacchia via trade or the kid from Yale (name fails me at the moment) to the minors. Was going to happen whether Napoli signed or not. Still will, now that he is.
Would love to see Romine take the job. He seems to have improved defensively, but can he hit? He may have some gap power but his bat speed is, well, mediocre. I don’t see him as the long-term answer to catcher — though he may be a stopgap until Gary Sanchez is ready.
Kid from the minors don’t count. Get back into that Obama Conga line, and continue your outta-step parade. We will see IF the R\Sox deal a backstop, and depend on Napoli to C.
Ozer is a very unique last name. I do Not believe I have Ever seen a last name beginning with the letters 0Z.
LAVARNWAY!!! That’s the Yale kid’s name.
“Romine’s ceiling is a higher in the combination of glove and bat.”
Sorry, but this statement borders on delusional. Montero’s ceiling is an elite bat and below average defender. Romine’s ceiling is a plus defender and average bat…and this may be over-rating Romine’s ceiling. Only the Yankees seem to think he can be an elite defender. Moreover, suggesting he can contribute this year is also overly optimistic. He’s coming off a major injury and has about 80 at bats at AAA (which were not impressive).
comet January 23rd, 2013 at 11:03 am
Hey Shame how about your Devils? Marty got his 120th shutout!! I remember when Terry Sawchuck got his 100th and I thought there’s a record that will never be broken.
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For a guy that’s been locked out of 2 full seasons of play, his records are incredible. The best to ever play the game, for sure. I’m thrilled with how we’ve started but you can tell the cobwebs are there for guys that weren’t playing in the AHL or Europe.. hopefully we’ll stay hot!
blake January 23rd, 2013 at 11:24 am
with all the trouble in the country…I am certainly glad we are taking the time this morning to analyze Beyonce’s lip syncing yesterday.
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It was JLo worthy and therefore very relevant to LoHud