First impressions on spring’s first off day
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 04, 2013 
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A few Yankees will head over to George M. Steinbrenner Field for treatment, and Robinson Cano will be there for a workout with Team Dominican Republic, but otherwise today is a true off day in big league camp. No simulated games. No bullpens. No official workout. Three weeks after pitchers and catchers show up, this is the first break, and it’s a good opportunity to assess.
The Yankees are 3-7 in the Grapefruit League. They’ve lost Curtis Granderson to a broken arm, which seems to have cost them an opportunity to shuffle the outfield and put Brett Gardner in center. Phil Hughes is dealing with a sore back, which has created at least some concern about his ability to be ready for the start of the season. Boone Logan and Slade Heathcott are also dealing with seemingly minor injuries, while CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera have yet to get in actual games.
It’s too early to know much, but here are a few thoughts on what we’ve seen so far.
• Every time Joe Girardi talks about the top of the order, he’s careful to say that he can’t make any decisions until he knows for certain whether Derek Jeter is going to be ready. That said, with or without Jeter, the top spot is surely going to either Brett Gardner or Ichiro Suzuki, and right now Gardner is making a significant push. Ichiro has been good, but Gardner has been outstanding. He’s the early star of this camp, and with one more hit, he’ll have matched his hit total for all of last season.
• I wrote this for the paper a couple of days ago, but it’s worth repeating here: There’s a real sense of hope and opportunity among the upper-level minor leaguers in camp; more than I remember in the past. It’s a byproduct of the Yankees public plans of cutting payroll, giving players on the verge a real reason to believe they might get a look this season. We’ve already seen it play out in Melky Mesa’s decision to skip the World Baseball Classic. Young guys are playing with a purpose this spring.
• I’ve written it before, but I’m reminded of it every once in a while: Ichiro Suzuki is a ton of fun to cover. There’s no one else in that clubhouse — or anywhere, as far as I know — quite like him. Yesterday, when the American media asked for the details that led up to his car wreck, he started by saying “I turned on the engine and started driving home.” Hilarious. And it never gets old hearing him call Derek Jeter, “Sanderson.”
• Kevin Youkilis is going to be popular in New York, you wait and see. Obviously he has to hit for that to happen, and I realize that’s not a sure thing, but I think his personality will ultimately fit the market really well.
• It’s impossible to have any real sense of the Yankees pitching staff right now. I think there’s a pretty clear set of favorites to make the roster, but only two projected starters have gotten into a game, and none of the projected relievers has pitched more than twice. I’m curious to see David Aardsma and Joba Chamberlain pitch a few more times.
• This year’s David Phelps? So far, Adam Warren, Brett Marshall and Vidal Nuno are each making a case. Those three are probably heading for the Triple-A rotation, but they’ve pitched well this spring. For the record, so has Phelps.
• The first time Travis Hafner hits a home run down here, it’s going to be a big story. He’s the best bet to help the Yankees make up for some of those home runs lost to free agency and injury. The Yankees aren’t going to ask him to play the field or hit against lefties. He’s here to drive the ball against right-handed pitchers. That’s it.
• Seems like Girardi wants to give Dan Johnson a chance to make this team as a new version of Eric Chavez (left-handed pinch hitter, backup at the infield corners) but so far Johnson has more errors (2) than hits (0). He’s wonderfully nice guy, and he leads the team in walks this spring, but he’s going to have to hit and prove he can legitimately play third to have a role.
• Not sure this should come as a surprise given how many times the Yankees said Austin Romine was projected to open the season in Triple-A, but Romine is clearly a secondary part of this catching competition. Chris Stewart and Francisco Cervelli are getting all of the starts while Romine remains in the shadows with Bobby Wilson. I came into camp thinking Romine had a good chance to force his way into the big league job. Now I’m not so sure.
• It’s a small thing, but isn’t it a little bit odd that first basemen were the first two position players cut from camp? It’s only strange because Mark Teixeira is going to be gone for a while, and now Johnson and Luke Murton are the only typical first basemen on the roster. I wonder if we’ll see guys like Juan Rivera and Matt Diaz get some time at first base to get them ready to possibly back up Teixeira this season.
• Two years ago, Manny Banuelos really jumped onto the radar with that terrific performance in big league camp. He went from a fairly well-known prospect to a real, tangible player on the rise. I wonder if something similar could happen with Jose Ramirez this spring. He doesn’t have the same prospect hype that Banuelos had, but he’s been awfully impressive. If he sticks around long enough and keeps pitching like this, he could put himself on the map.
• Five players hitting at least .500 in Yankees camp: J.R. Murphy (3-for-6), Jose Pirela (5-for-9), Brett Gardner (9-for-16), Tyler Austin (4-for-7) and Francisco Arcia (2-for-3).
• Who needs home runs? The Yankees are 8-for-9 stealing bases this spring. Gardner and Melky Mesa have two apiece; Ichiro, Thomas Neal, Corban Joseph and Matt Diaz each have one. Slade Heathcott is the only Yankees runner caught stealing this spring.
• Don’t forget … Chat at noon!
Associated Press photos
Chip March 4th, 2013 at 8:54 am
Girardi’s full comment on this (per SNY) is that the reason he might abandon the switch is that he wants Granderson to be as comfortable as possible coming back. I don’t know how much of an adjustment it would be, but what are you gonna do.
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I still don’t get it man.. they’re not doing themselves any favors here at all. Now if they do decide to make the transition later in the year it becomes an even bigger story than it should have been.
I still don’t get it man
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Remember when Torre was here, they used to say certain players were “Joe’s guys”?
Maybe this Joe has them too.
Rich in NJ March 4th, 2013 at 9:05 am
I still don’t get it man
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Remember when Torre was here, they used to say certain players were “Joe’s guys”?
Maybe this Joe has them too.
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And that could very well be true… but if so, they shouldn’t have talked switching them at all. This didn’t need to be a story.
The only upside is that it sounds like they’re seriously considering Mesa.
Shame
True, but maybe if “Grandy” is his guy, unless everything was perfect, he wasn’t going to ask him to move (he has said he wanted to stay in CF).
You’re though, it makes little baseball sense.
One guy not mentioned who has opened some eyes has been lefty Francisco Rondon. Had 2 more Ks in an inning of work on Saturday. I know he has a very good slider, but not sure of the velocity on his fastball. He could get a look this season if Yanks need another lefty out of the pen
Off topic, Knicks blew a big chance to send the Heat a true message yesterday, “Hey those 2 early wins were no fluke” but they melted down in the 4th quarter. Much as I like JR Smith, I don’t get his obsession with the 3 pt. shot all the time
Lol, the Knicks suck.
This whole center field situation is dumb and the media should really hammer Girardi on it. It does not make sense.
What is Banuelos’ time table for returning? And is Campos pitching? I haven’t been paying a lot of attention.
Shame Spencer March 4th, 2013 at 9:39 am
What is Banuelos’ time table for returning? And is Campos pitching? I haven’t been paying a lot of attention.
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I’m pretty sure Banuelos is out for the season, so maybe winter ball or next spring?
And I think Campos is all set to start the season on time, so I assume he’s working out now.
Shame Spencer March 4th, 2013 at 9:39 am
What is Banuelos’ time table for returning? And is Campos pitching? I haven’t been paying a lot of attention.
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Campos should be ready to go as minor league camp opens today. Banuelos will not pitchy at all this year.
blake says:
March 4, 2013 at 9:30 am
Everybody is picking the Jays….because they had the big offseason and because they probably are the best team on paper.
But as we know the division isn’t win on paper and they have some questions like everyone else…. Namely in their bullpen and health concerns in the rotation.
If Johnson and Morrow are healthy and Romero bounces back they are gonna be tough…..those are big ifs though…..Buerle is gonna pitch like a 5 in the AL east most likely…..
That team also has to learn how to win….none of them have ever won anything
Campos is ready to go until he needs TJS (kidding….I hope I’m kidding !)
Banuelos is probably out the whole season though he should be ready to pitch by the end of the year…..as said I bet they get him some winter ball or AFL work
I didn’t think Banuelos would pitch at all this season which is why it confused me when someone suggested both he and Ramirez would be rotation material next year… ManBan is at least 2 years out.
He was in AAA when he got hurt, so its not out of the question that he could be up at some point next season
they should just fire Cashman if it turns out Campos indeed needs surgery… but then again i want him fired awhile ago,
as of now I peg yanks at 89 wins.
blake – I wouldn’t pick the Jays for the reasons you named. They might need some time to gel as a club.. that being said, I think a lot of those players coming over from Miami will feel the need to prove a lot. More so than in other trade circumstances, I think those guys are going to have a desire to really come out on fire.
Not sure this should come as a surprise given how many times the Yankees said Austin Romine was projected to open the season in Triple-A, but Romine is clearly a secondary part of this catching competition. Chris Stewart and Francisco Cervelli are getting all of the starts while Romine remains in the shadows with Bobby Wilson. I came into camp thinking Romine had a good chance to force his way into the big league job. Now I’m not so sure.
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The fact that Romine was Bobby Wilson’s back up yesterday seems a clear indicator that he’s not in the big league mix
One reason I’ve been so impressed with Ramierez is because his CU is so advanced…. That’s a feel pitch that’s tougher to master often than a breaking ball and one that kinda show an aptitude for pitching…..he doesn’t seem to be afraid to throw it in various counts and when combined with that heavy mid 90s heater it’s just a really good base for a starter….. If he can just advance his slider to big league average and stay healthy then I really see front of the rotation type potential in him…..he’s got the size, the stuff, everything
Shame, who do you think is going to win the AL East division?
Haven’t had a chance to see Ramon Flores yet. Anyone get a look at him? HOw has he looked at the plate?
It’s not like putting Granderson in left is miraculously going to make him a better fielder.
The bad news is that his shortcomings will be magnified by their wimpy offense.
Tackelberry March 4th, 2013 at 9:50 am
He was in AAA when he got hurt, so its not out of the question that he could be up at some point next season
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ManBan? Yeah but he’s losing a lot of innings. I don’t want him stuck in the pen due to restrictions.
I couldn’t really care who Vegas picks to win. It’s not like they picked the last three World Series winners.
I still see the Yankees as the favorites in the AL East, but obviously the Jays could change that. I don’t see the Rays doing any better than last year, the O’s will fall off, and the Red Sox rotation just isn’t up to snuff.
You can bet one of the Wild Cards comes out of the AL West, if not two.
Cashmoney March 4th, 2013 at 9:53 am
Shame, who do you think is going to win the AL East division?
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I think we’re gonna win it
If I had to guess, I’d pick the Jays to be the next best competition. It’s tough for me to pick between the Rays and Jays, though. I see Boston finishing last and I have no idea what to expect from the O’s, who I’m not underestimating as much as others here. I dunno that last year was a complete fluke. I’d like it to be!
Haven’t had a chance to see Ramon Flores yet. Anyone get a look at him? HOw has he looked at the plate?
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He has shown the advanced approach, willing to go the other way, drew a few walks, but hasn’t really gotten any hits to show for it. Has hit the ball well a couple of times.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The Mets have decided catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud is too valuable to be blocking the plate. Terry Collins said he met with the 24-year-old d’Arnaud on Wednesday to relay the organization’s preference and reasoning.
Said Collins: “I told him, ‘Trav, I know you’re a tough guy. I know it’s baseball. But if you want to play for the next 15 years, the last thing we need is to have you reinjure your knee. Just get in front of that plate and let them have the plate. And if you receive the ball early, get yourself in a good position. But I’m not going to let you stick that left leg out there and have somebody who is just a reckless guy come charging in and have you shorten your career. I’m not going to allow that to happen right now.’”
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I wonder if Yanks ever had similar convo with Slade.
Shame, I think there is a real chance the Yanks might miss the playoff this year, esp if their think depth is tested. right now, I am picking the Jays to win it.
‘thin’
Cashmoney March 4th, 2013 at 10:09 am
Shame, I think there is a real chance the Yanks might miss the playoff this year, esp if their think depth is tested. right now, I am picking the Jays to win it.
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I think all of the teams in the division have some strengths and weaknesses.. whoever mitigates those best will end up with top honors. This is the first year I’m not sure that 2 teams from our division will make it, so I see your point. I think we’re going to see a pretty tight division all year.
Does anyone know anything about Thomas Neal? Does he have any real shot to make the team. Good-looking swing yesterday on that HR.
@NYDNHarper
We’re in the plane. Fortunately only cashman is jumping.
I see Tyler Austin is 4/7 with 2 doubles and a triple, 2 walks and 2 k’s. I know they’d never constider someone as raw as him, but this kid is going to be exciting.
@NYDNHarper: Cashman getting ready to jump. http://t.co/EQfNZu2eaw
pinstripes7 says:
March 4, 2013 at 10:36 am
I see Tyler Austin is 4/7 with 2 doubles and a triple, 2 walks and 2 k’s. I know they’d never constider someone as raw as him, but this kid is going to be exciting.
He not even really raw as a hitter….advanced approach….just needs reps….he can rake
The noise about Mike Trout’s contract is so obnoxious. I think it must be football fans or something that don’t understand baseball.
Chad seems to agree with me that Jeter will not leadoff.
If it is Gardner than the logical choice is Jeter 2nd but dropping Ichiro to the middle or bottom makes no sense.
I would go with either Jeter or Ichiro 2nd and 3rd.
Cano up 4th, enough already.
Tex 5th, then either Youk/ Hafner or vice versa.
1-7, that’s formidable.
J-Ram was born throwing that changeup. It has always been a swing and miss pitch for him.
If all goes well, Manny could be throwing bullpens in June. So far, all the reports are good; he has been throwing and he says his arm feels great.
Campos is expected to start the season on time (Charleston). He is another one who didn’t tell the Yankees when he had some arm pain. So, hopefully, he is honest with them.
Curious to see if Austin actually does start in Tampa; that was the rumor. I know they are still tweaking his D in RF, but he is ready for AA.
RadioKev March 4th, 2013 at 10:52 am
The noise about Mike Trout’s contract is so obnoxious. I think it must be football fans or something that don’t understand baseball.
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Lol, football fans making noise about it would be an ultimate irony. Most of their players are like slaves.
Mick,
I don’t think Jeter should bat third. Maybe vs LHP, but it doesn’t make sense to have Gardner-Ichiro-Jeter at the top of the order. I also don’t think Girardi will go that way. vs RHP I’d like Gardner-Ichiro 1-2, and vs LHP Gardner-Jeter. But if Jeter has to sit in the same spot every day, then may as well be 2.
Thanks fem.
I know it’s really early but does anyone want to start taking a stab at the Opening Day line up?
mick – I agree that Gardner, Jeter and Ichi should be 1, 2, 3, but I don’t see Joe doing it.
I don’t mind Jeter in the 3 hole as long as Girardi pulls hit-and-runs all day, every day.
Even in Jeter’s resurgent season, he struggled against righties. He was still good enough to sit at the top of the order (.340 obp), but not good enough to hit third. And with the ankle injury and the fact he was much worse vs righties in 2010 and 2011, I don’t think its worth sitting him third.
It really all depends on how Ichiro and Jeter hold up this season. If Youkilis and Hafner hit they should be around the 5/6 spots. Cano needs to bat third. He needs ABs, he is our best hitter.
You pay players as much as you have to…. The rules say they don’t have to pay trout much now so they aren’t…..the rules say they’ll have to pay him a ton later to keep him so that’s how it works
At this point I don’t think its necessary to give Ichiro 700 PA unless he is hitting .330 like last season, and I’m thinking thats a long shot.
I agree that Cano should bat in the 3 hole. I prefer Derek at 1 or 2.
So Tex in the 4 slot? The only reason I wanted Cano there was… so Tex wouldn’t be lol.
But yea, more ABs for Cano makes sense.
He won’t flip flop Jeter so he’ll probably just switch Gardner and Ichiro from the top to near the bottom of the order depending on the pitcher.
I want Cano to drive in Gardy and Jeet.
At full strength I like these lineups:
VS RHP:
Gardner
Jeter
Cano
Tex
Hafner
Youk
Grandy
Cervelli/Stewie
Ichiro
VS LHP
Gardner
Jeter
Cano
Tex
Youk
Grandy
Nunez/Rivera/Diaz/Whoever
Cervelli/Stewie
Ichiro
Gardner gets the initial nod of Ichiro for lead off because of OBP… If Gardner struggles or Ichiro is on fire I am fine with swapping them.
So Tex in the 4 slot? The only reason I wanted Cano there was… so Tex wouldn’t be lol.
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Vs LHP Tex should be fine, and atleast vs RHP he can hit a HR. If he continues to stink though then move Hafner in there!
The important things are: Getting Gardner on base if he is really as hot as his ST suggests infront of our big bats, Getting jeter lots of PAs vs LHP, getting Cano lots of PAs. The rest can shake out however.
The Yankees have so much uncertainty in lineup production that Girardi has to be willing to move guys around. We have no idea what HAfner, Youk, Ichiro, Jeter, Gardner, the rookies, Rivera, Cervelli, or even Grandy coming back from his injury and Tex vs RHP will look like.
The only constant is that Cano needs hella PA.
@NYDNHarper: Back on the ground. Cashman not only survived, but decided to go up for a 2nd jump. Called it “an credible experience.”
I want the 4 hole to be whoever is hitting the best lol.
Okay okay, I can get behind Cano at 3 and Tex at 4 vs. LHP. And either Hafner or…… someone else in the 4 hole vs. RHP.
I just hope Girardi can get behind that.
I wish Youk was better vs. RHP.
Just pick the most boring roster and lineup possible so you won’t be disappointed when it comes to pass. Then expect passive and reactive in game management as exciting proactive baseball is unhealthy.
Or if he is going well, probably have to put Hafner in clean-up vs. RHP. Ugh, did I really say that? It is what it is.
.as said I bet they get him some winter ball or AFL work
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When Cash was on with Mike he kinda shot down the idea of sending him to Winter or AFL. He mentioned it might be best to just start him fresh next yr.
“How about I have every confidence that Curtis Granderson will do whatever it takes to make the Yankees better this year. Even if that means changing positions.
I like that a lot better.”
Never said that I was against Granderson switching positions. Just people who seem to knee jerk. There never is only one answer to a situation – unless you decide there is. I’m more into looking at possibilities and understanding I may not have a handle on the best one and that there may be twenty more I haven’t even thought about it!
That’s my hit and run for now.
“When Cash was on with Mike he kinda shot down the idea of sending him to Winter or AFL. He mentioned it might be best to just start him fresh next yr.”
Maybe so….they aren’t ever gonna get his innings built up though…..
blake March 4th, 2013 at 11:38 am
“When Cash was on with Mike he kinda shot down the idea of sending him to Winter or AFL. He mentioned it might be best to just start him fresh next yr.”
Maybe so….they aren’t ever gonna get his innings built up though…..
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Not by taking that approach. He should have, what?, at least 150-170 innings the year before we try to make him a big league starter?
Yamkeefem-
I’m pretty sure that Tyler Austin will start the season in AA trenton along with Mason and Slade with Flores playing some LF and 1st base at the season’s start.
At this point I think they should take Mesa north and make him the starter if CF if they are going to keep Gardy in LF. Mesa to me and I’ve always said this but he reminds me of AJax, even looks alot like him but they have very similar hitter profiles with Mesa having more raw power.
Zoilo should be the starting RF in Scranton with Slade on a fast track to AAA if he gets off to a hot start.
I see Tyler Austin is 4/7 with 2 doubles and a triple, 2 walks and 2 k’s. I know they’d never constider someone as raw as him, but this kid is going to be exciting.
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With the past short comings of some of the pitchers I’ve tried to not get too excited about young players but Austin seems like a safe bet. Just seems like a guy who will be a steady force in the line-up.
I wonder if ManBan convinces them to get into a couple of games at the end of this season. From what I have read it sounds like so far the arm feels great and Manny is chomping at the bit. He wasn’t overly happy that he wasted months rehabbing instead of just getting the TJS right away. Not that I blame the Yanks if they thought he could get away with rehab instead of the surgery.
I guess is he is more of a factor in 15, manbam that is, I don’t know, i like to see manbam acrrued 120 plus in 14 at whatever level then go from there.
blake March 4th, 2013 at 11:38 am
“When Cash was on with Mike he kinda shot down the idea of sending him to Winter or AFL. He mentioned it might be best to just start him fresh next yr.”
Maybe so….they aren’t ever gonna get his innings built up though…..
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That’s true but as we know things can change over time and they might decide to send him.
“He wasn’t overly happy that he wasted months rehabbing instead of just getting the TJS right away. Not that I blame the Yanks if they thought he could get away with rehab instead of the surgery.”
I hope he got a second opinion from a doctor of his choosing. Every player should. In fact, teams should encourage it.
champ, I agree with all the above. However, there was thought Austin would start in A+ regardless. My Tampa source was saying so quite a few months ago, and then Chad and others confirmed the Yanks were considering the same. Not sure what the reason was. I know Austin was coming off the ankle injury, and didn’t get many reps in the AA playoffs and then was shut down, but he’s seemed fine in ST, and is his usual hitting self, so… I am not sure what the thought process will be. I know they were working on his D in Instructs, but he could just as well do the same in Trenton. Maybe plans have changed. We shall see.
@NYDNHarper: Cashman injured on 2nd landing. They’ve brought ice to put on his foot or ankle. Apparently Caught it in ground on landing.
I think mason will start at Tampa and Austin might as well….though he shouldn’t stay there long
Good afternoon Shame, YF, and Trisha.
I`ll be very honest. I think both the Blue Jays and Rays will likely finish better than our Yankees this year. I like our pitching but not our hitting. We`ve lost Swish and Martin and have not replaced their bats or power.
Because I`m a Yankee fan I`ll hope that I`m terribly wrong. That`s why they play the games!
I think the Angels made a huge mistake in treating Trout the way they did. How much would it hurt to have given him a million dollar contract after what he did last year. Instead he received no recognition. Were I him I`d be waiting to be a free agent.
Chad-Wonderful updated on a “day off”. I really enjoyed reading everything you had to say.
Gardner is playing so well right now. Very nice to see him excel.
Ramirez seems to me like a legit pitcher who will someday pitch in The Bronx. After seeing him yesterday escape a jam while Girardi was being interviewed in Yes, the kid showed so much guts and appeared in control at all times.