Decisions, decisions, decisions
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 13, 2013 
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Twenty days until the opener. Between now and then, the Yankees will play 17 exhibition games and trim their current roster from 53 to 25. There’s a lot to do — significant decisions to make, key players to get healthy and player moves to evaluate. This is the state of several key decisions still looming with less than three weeks to go.
Starting catcher
Yesterday, Joe Girardi basically acknowledged that Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart are going to be on the roster. That’s not remotely a surprise, but I suppose it’s good to have some sort of confirmation that the Yankees are leaning that direction. Cervelli’s throwing this spring seems to have made him the mid-spring favorite to win regular playing time, though it wouldn’t be shocking if the Yankees divided the playing time nearly down the middle: One player catching three starters, the other catching two starters.
First base replacement
Brian Cashman has acknowledging talking to Derrek Lee and Scott Rolen, and he publicly asked Chipper Jones to come out of retirement to play for the Yankees. Clearly the team is going to keep looking for someone to fill one of the corners as a short-term replacement for injured Mark Teixeira. As for the in-house options, Juan Rivera has hit this spring, and he would seem to be the in-house favorite as a first base replacement. The most viable alternative might be Ronnier Mustelier, who’s lived up to his offensive reputation and has been getting most of his recent playing time at third base. Mustelier could step in at third and leave Kevin Youkilis to shift to first. If the Yankees favor a defensive option, Jayson Nix could also be a third base alternative.
Outfield replacement
Brett Gardner and Ichiro Suzuki are going to fill two outfield spots, but the Curtis Granderson replacement is very much up in the air. Melky Mesa is the best defensive option, but his spring batting average is down to .194 (largely because he leads the team in strikeouts). Zoilo Almonte could be a platoon option, but he’s never played above Double-A. Almonte’s a switch hitter who’s better from the left side, meaning he could pair with a right-hander — possibly Rivera if he’s not needed at first – to fill a corner spot. Like Mesa, though, Almonte’s offensive production has dipped considerably. Beyond those two, the Yankees have a set of five right-handed corner outfielders who could be a Granderson replacement or slip into the platoon role they were originally brought to camp to compete for.
Right-handed outfielder
The Yankees need a Granderson replacement, but they also need a right-handed bench player. Rivera, Matt Diaz and newly acquired Ben Francisco are the experienced options. Rivera has been good, but he might be needed at first base. Francisco was having a strong spring before opting out of Indians camp to join the Yankees. Diaz has been the worst of that bunch, hitting just .190. The young wild card is Mustelier, who’s still getting some reps in the outfield corners while also being considered at third base. The off-the-radar option is Thomas Neal, who’s quietly hitting .333/.391/.524 with two stolen bases and a home run.
Utility infielder
Based on how often he’s played this spring, Eduardo Nunez seems to have a spot. The Yankees have floated the idea of putting Derek Jeter at DH against lefties, and that should leave regular playing time for Nunez. His defense is always going to be suspect, but he’s seemed a little more reliable this spring. That said, he’s played only shortstop, which means the Yankees are going to need at least one other reserve infielder. Corban Joseph has struggled offensively and defensively, and Dan Johnson has not looked good at third, which could open the door to Nix playing a super utility role. Of course, that might depend on what the Yankees ultimately do about replacing Mark Teixeira.
Fifth starter
David Phelps has pitched very well this spring, but Ivan Nova has also looked sharp, and Nova seems to have the advantage if this competition is tied at the end of spring training. For now, the safe assumption seems to be that Nova will have a rotation spot. The bigger question, it turns out, is the health of Phil Hughes’ back. If Hughes can be ready to break camp with the team, then Phelps could be crowded into a long relief role, but if Hughes suffers a setback, there could be room in the big league rotation for both Nova and Phelps.
Back of the bullpen
Newly acquired Shawn Kelley has pitched very well this spring, but winning a spot in the rotation might depend on the health of the relievers around him. Boone Logan and Clay Rapada are both dealing with nagging injuries (elbow for Logan, shoulder for Rapada). For now, there’s seems to be a good chance that both could be ready for Opening Day, and if that’s the case, a bullpen of Mariano Rivera, Dave Robertson, Joba Chamberlain, David Aardsma, Logan, Rapada and Phelps still seems like the safest bet. That said, Phelps filling a rotation spot or a reliever being hurt could open the door for Kelley or Cody Eppley or Josh Spence or Adam Warren to play a role early in the season.
Leadoff hitter
In typical Girardi style, the Yankees manager has been vague about his lineup plans. That said, it’s hard to overlook the fact that Gardner has consistently hit leadoff this spring while Ichiro has not. Girardi has said he’s likely to bat Robinson Cano third — even with Teixeira and Granderson heading to the DL — which means there’s only room for two of Gardner, Ichiro and Derek Jeter at the top of the order. Based on spring training lineups, Gardner seems to be the front runner for the leadoff spot, but it’s hard to know whether that’s a done deal. I doubt there’s much concern about thrusting Ichiro into that job at the last minute.
Associated Press photos
“If you look beyond 2013, the Yanks do NOT have starting pitching to spare since they have three starters — Pettitte, Kuroda and Hughes — who could be F.A. after this season.”
again it comes down to as MTU says your evaluation of Nova and Phelps…..if you think they are potential 2 or 3 starters then you don’t trade them for a 3B prospect like Olt (who is big league ready BTW)…..but if you’re like me and see them more as back end guys then you make that deal because they need a 3B long term and you can find back end starters fairly easily…..they could come from in house or in cheap veterans.
I think Chad’s right about the catching situation. It’s going to be a 3/2 split. My guess is Stewart catches CC and Andy and Cervelli catches the other three.
I also think, much to my chagrin, that the long look that Musty’s getting at 3b has more to do with the outfield situation than anything else. Almonte and Mesa have both struggled as they’ve seen more major league regulars. It could be that the Yankees are again looking at Rivera as the fill in in the OF, which would mean he can’t play 1b.
If I was handicapping the 25 right now it would be:
Gardner – CF
Jeter – SS
Ichiro – RF
Cano – 2b
Youk – 1b
Hafner – DH
Rivera – LF
Mustellier – 3b
Cervelli – C
Bench: Stewart, Nunez, Nix, Francisco
Rotation:
CC
Kuroda
Andy
Phelps
Nova
(Hughes opens on the DL)
Bullpen:
RHP: Joba, Rivera, Aardsma, Robertson, Eppley
LHP: Logan, Rapada
Chad-
Ronnier Mustelier made an error at 3rd yesterday. I only heard the game via Tampa radio. Was it a routine ground ball?
That’s a good summary.
Here’s my picks based on waht you said:
C- Cervelli starts, Stewart BUC
Youk to 1st, Ronnier to 3rd/Corners
OF- Almonte/Rivera
OF replacement- Francisco
Utils- Nunez for SS, Nix for the rest
5th SP- Nova
Swing Man- Phelps
Lead off- Either Suzuki or GGBG
Brush and floss, brush and floss,….later.
YT,
Mustelier’s error was described as a ball to his right which hit in the middle of his glove and popped out. Stuff happens.
I am afraid Mesa and Almonte, my hopes, have not hit. Mesa can play defense, but his swing is too long. Almonte can’t play defense either. Watching these guys makes me understand why they are not top ten prospects.
Austinmac -
I agree with you on Mesa and Almonte.
I’m willing to suffer w a little less D if Almonte can hit.
I still think Almonte has a real good idea about what he wants to do at the plate but he needs more seasoning in the high minors before he’s ready to contribute at the major league level.
Good morning-
I don’t think Almonte, based mainly on his defense will make the team. If Ben Francisco makes the team then I believe he is a better corner outfielder defender than Rivera and he might start, for the first 5 weeks or so until Granderson is ready.
I think Mustelier only had one chance at 3rd yesterday and he made an error. Still waiting for Chad to tell us if it looked like a routine play.
YT-
Mustelier is versatile. They should take him North.
Austinmac-
Just saw your post describing the error. Thanks. I believe the last two games that Mustelier was put in at third, that was the only ground ball hit to him-one game as a starter and yesterday’s game in relief of Nix.
Hopefully Mustelier make the team.
Too bad we lost Chris Dickerson.
I think Cervelli could get four of the pitchers fairly quickly, maybe by May, assuming they keep an open mind.
Chip and Blake and all-
I know that you have been discussing the Texas Rangers were scouting Joba on Monday. The Post article said his fastball was clocked at 92-95 mph. I thought I saw a 97 on the radar gun at one point.
Could there be a deal with the Rangers involving one of their players who’ll also be a FA at the end of this season?
Maybe Nelson Cruz?
Rich-
I hope Romine is back to replace one of these guys fairly soon.
If Musty can just play passably at 3B then they really probably should just go with it and play Youk at 1B until Tex gets back……
I fully expect them to not do this though and either sign somebody between now and opening day to play 1B or put Rivera there and leave Youk at 3rd…..
Too bad we lost Chris Dickerson.
-
.269 .354 .424 .778 v. RHP for his career
Yes
“Could there be a deal with the Rangers involving one of their players who’ll also be a FA at the end of this season?”
highly doubt it’d be Cruz….they want to win this year too….so I’d be surprised at that. Joba is throwing the ball more freely than I’ve seen him since he hurt his shoulder……he looks really good to me so far…..like he’s cruising at 93-94 and touching higher when he wants to
Blake-
Of course.
Why take a chance and actually improve the Team ?
Youk is actually better at 1st and Mustelier can do an adequate/good job at 3rd.
Nah. Makes too much sense.
MTU
from my perspective, only Stew. I am not sure that Romine can out hit Cervelli.
On Cervelli-
Although it has never been mentioned why Cervelli was really sent down to AAA last year, I still believe some of the veteran starters didn’t want to pitch to him because of his constant movement behind the plate. It was like the hokey-pokey with his foot! He has done a complete turn around in framing pitches.
Rich-
That would please me no end. Cervelli/Romine, or Romine/Cervelli.
“Although it has never been mentioned why Cervelli was really sent down to AAA last year, I still believe some of the veteran starters didn’t want to pitch to him because of his constant movement behind the plate. ”
I do as well…..he’s been much better in that regard this spring….quieter and just better overall defensively…..if he can defend well enough then he will do ok I think….probably OPS between .700 and .750 I bet and get some clutch hits for them.
If they really are going to break this down in a 3/2 format at the C position, why not use Romine instead of Stewie? I understand not putting him there out of the gate, but in a couple of months after he’s gotten some time in AAA ball why not go with the apparent defensive wiz in the system? If they’re doing a 3/2 split, he’ll get plenty of playing time.
YT-
When Cervelli 1st came up he was quite good at tossing out runners.
He’s overcome a lot of adversity. I admire that.
Without comparing their ability (because you can’t), there was a time in the ’90s when pitchers didn’t want to throw to Posada.
Time for the most important meal of the Day.
Yankees better have lights out pitching this season to go anywhere. This team is made up of old players, back-up catchers who will start, and the new players Cashman signed are old re-treads. Injuries to Tex and Grandy have hurt, also.
Trader -
No chance on Cruz. Especially not for a non-closer relief pitcher like Joba. Like I said, I think that the top of the market for him would be Craig Gentry or Mitch Moreland. But also, as I said, I don’t think it’s particularly likely that Brian Cashman would trade someone off his major league roster to a team that the Yankees have to get by to get to the World Series. Not his style, not the Yankees’ style.
Dickerson was a head-scratcher because they had no one ready to be the 4th OFer when they released him. But maybe it worked out if Almonte or Mesa do get a chance. It’s looking like Mesa will right now.
The Nova for Olt (or a player like him) stuff, to me anyway, seems interesting because I dunno how the Yanks or Rangers are projecting either guy. It seems like Olt’s been in a lot of trade talks but the Rangers are still hanging onto him. Nova’s a young controlled guy that’s given the Yanks 200 innings in the AL East consistently over two years, which is saying something since not many rookies do that back to back.
Is there a player on this updated list of 2013-2014 FA list that might be cut, that could potentially interest the Yankees?
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....gents.html
“It seems like Olt’s been in a lot of trade talks but the Rangers are still hanging onto him. ”
I think he’s mostly been in a lot of trade talks because he’s always then guy they counter with when teams ask for Profar…..
Mesa can’t hit.
Let’s not make Chris Dickerson out to be a difference maker. Is he better than the options the Yankees currently have? Yes. But cutting him was absolutely the right move at the time for much the same reason that dealing Abe Almonte was the right move.
There was no logical place for him. With Ichiro, Gardner and Granderson the Yankees aren’t going to carry a left handed fourth outfielder and with Mesa, Almonte and Neal there’s no room for him in the AAA outfield either.
I know there’s someone who is going to say that the Yankees should have installed him in RF and passed on bringing back Ichiro and let me cut that notion off at the pass as being dumb. A 30 year old AAA outfielder is not an option as a starter. Not if you want your team to be any good.
Oh, and it’s completely possible that if the Yankees want Dickerson he will be available at the end of spring training since he’s not likely to make the Orioles.
I wouldn’t include Nova in any trade, unless disgruntled Giancarlo Stanton was involved.
Nova with better control and velocity is a future #2 or #3 on the Yankees.
I think Dickersons problem was that he happened to be lefthanded.
I can’t see the Yanks trading a starter away. They’ll most likely have 4 spots to fill next season and there’s no guarantee Phil wii fill one of them. There’s even a chance they just let him walk if this turns out to be another one of his injury marred seasons.
Chip-
That’s good because we could use him aginst Righties.
Hope you’re correct.
Jeers -
Absolutely correct. He is a 31 year old (technically 30 but this will be his age 31 season) LH shuttle player…In Ben Francisco the Yankees have gotten the RH version of Chris Dickerson which makes more sense given the makeup of their roster.
Still think Romine is far from in the mix. How does a young stud catcher like that miss so much time with a balky back? Does anyone know if he’s completely past the issue?
It would take less than a Stanton package for me to move Nova, but I would only trade him for a young position player with similar upside and risk.
Rich-
Agree. I’m on your bandwagon.
I’m really impressed with Jose Ramirez.
Has a plus fastball and deadly CU, plus a slider, with good location on all three. With that CU, does he really need a curveball to compliment him, because if not, he should rapidly move up to AA, and if all goes well to AAA and hopefully to the Yankees this year, especially if one of the starters gets injured.
Could he do for the Yankees what K-Rod did for the Angels in leading tem to a WS?
“Nova with better control and velocity is a future #2 or #3 on the Yankees.”
anybody with better control and velocity will be a better pitcher
That’s like saying if Hughes threw 100 and had better breaking stuff he’d be like Justin Verlander
I’m still going to be curious to see what the Pirates do with Tabata and Snider at the end of spring training. Both players are out of options, both have some upside as young players but neither are assured of a spot in the starting lineup.
YT-
The problem w Ramirez has been staying healthy.
If he can he should move rapidly.
Man-ban and him are guys to watch this season.
Along w. DePaula who is further back.
Trader -
I like and understand the enthusiasm, but keep two things in mind:
1. Ramirez has to stay healthy.
2. The Yankees are ultra conservative with their pitching prospects. Hopefully this won’t be the case now that Patterson is running the show, but now that Ramirez has shown promise it wouldn’t shock me to see the Yankees put bubble wrap all around him and put him on a 10 pitch a game pitch count or some nonsense like that.
Interestingly enough, on the baseball reference similarity scores for Francisco the number 3 player happens to be…….Shane Spencer!
MTU -
When is Banuelos returning to the mound?
And YT-
Ramirez should remain a starter if at all possible.
Chip-
He should be starting this season. Don’t know exactly when.
Perhaps someone else has the answer to that.
Some seem to have forgotten exactly how good he is.
And that he is a Lefty.
Nova better show marked improvement after all this talk about Mo’s influence. Don’t want him making Mo look bad.
Rich in NJ March 13th, 2013 at 9:19 am
It would take less than a Stanton package for me to move Nova, but I would only trade him for a young position player with similar upside and risk.
—————
Yeah I agree. If we weren’t so barren at 3B and SS it’d be a lot easier to pass on that kinda deal.
Chip – I keep forgetting Dickerson is a lefty for some reason, so yeah that does make sense and they probably can get him back lol.
Bronx Jeers March 13th, 2013 at 9:23 am
Interestingly enough, on the baseball reference similarity scores for Francisco the number 3 player happens to be…….Shane Spencer!
—————–
Shane Spencer without the hype.
Chip March 13th, 2013 at 8:23 am
Paco–
The Indians weren’t a good team when Cashman traded with them for Justice.
The Reds aren’t in the same league with the Yankees so that could have only backfired if Roberto Kelly crushed them in the World Series.
Abreu was a salary dump from the Phillies.
Swisher was acquired for garbage – not a single impact player in the bunch.
In this case you’re trading a guy who, correctly or incorrectly, is a high profile player. I just don’t see the Yankees moving that kind of player off their major league roster to a team that they might have to beat to either get a playoff spot or get to the World Series.
I agree with you that they should consider it if it makes them better. But I don’t believe they will. Not the Yankee way.
———————————–
All this demonstrates is that there is always a reason why a player gets traded.
Oh, and the year Cleveland traded justice they won 90 games and finished second in the Central with more wins than the Yankees (who won the East with 87 wins).
The other thing about Dickerson is that he is a good defender. Versatile in the OF.
Time to go and create some Pupdemonium.
Later.
Blake-
On Nova, he already has the velocity and his location has been better. I think he and Phelps both have more upside than flyball [46%]artist, leader in homeruns in AL-Hughes.
He should be starting this season. Don’t know exactly when
————
I doubt it. I think his surgery was mid October.
I also doubt the Rangers would give up Cruz, especially for Joba, but David Murphy is a possibility.
Was surprised they optioned Rondon so soon. He has looked pretty good this Spring. IN light of Boone and Rapada being on the shelf, I thought he’d get a longer look.
Jeers-
I think you might be right. He might only make it back later in the season.
Sorry for the error. I was thinking his TJS was earlier.
I’m old.
Tackelberry March 13th, 2013 at 9:36 am
I also doubt the Rangers would give up Cruz, especially for Joba, but David Murphy is a possibility.
—————-
With the loss of Hamilton they need Murphy in LF. I like Murphy a ton but they’re not trading him for a relief pitcher.
Berkman and Olt could make Moreland expendable at 1b though. He’s the guy I would target.
“On Nova, he already has the velocity and his location has been better. I think he and Phelps both have more upside than flyball [46%]artist, leader in homeruns in AL-Hughes.”
meh….I don’t know…Hughes has been pretty good when healthy…. I agree on JR though…..he’s impressed me a lot this spring and I actually think his upside is very high…..like front of the rotation high
Brian Britten ?@BBritten_Tigers
Tigers today have released Brennan Boesch. #tigers
Retweeted by MLB Network Radio
dumpster dive mode activate
I would be in no rush to trade Joba. I might prefer to see what Robertson could bring back in a trade.
“I would be in no rush to trade Joba. I might prefer to see what Robertson could bring back in a trade.”
here is a tough one IMO…..would you trade Robertson for Nick Castellanos?
Here are the Rangers ST stats. Maybe there might be a player available in this group?
http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/s.....3182178343
Boesch was awful last year…..but he’s only 27 and can play RF…..wouldn’t shock me if Cashman took a look. He hit .283 .341 .458 .799 in 2011 and YS would probably be good for him
Boesch is definitely worth looking into, especially now that he is out there for the taking and does not require trade compensation
DannyKnoblerCBS ?@DKnobler
Tigers made a mistake tendering Boesch. Thought they could trade him. By releasing him now, it’s only a $383,333 mistake (1/6 of $2.3 mill)
I think he and Phelps both have more upside than flyball [46%]artist, leader in homeruns in AL-Hughes.
—————-
It’s hard for me to tell.. It’s been a while since Hughes’ early years and he was ranked so highly. Not just in our system but across MLB. His stuff, especially that curve ball, looked more than ready. Maybe Nova does have more upside just in terms of make up, both physically and mentally, but Hughes was really really good (and only just fully realizing his potential I hope!).
here is a tough one IMO…..would you trade Robertson for Nick Castellanos?
-
Yes, that is the type of young asset they need to jump start the reloading process, and I think Joba could come close to handling Robertson’s contribution.
Blake-
On Hughes-Look at his 2012 split stats. Can you explain why righties were “mashing” him last season.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/.....hil-hughes
Yeah, I would bring Boesch in.
Boesch would allow them to platoon RF and keep Almonte in the minors to work on his defense…..this is one dive in the dumpster I’d probably look in to. He’s not a FA til 2016 either….
blake March 13th, 2013 at 9:45 am
“I would be in no rush to trade Joba. I might prefer to see what Robertson could bring back in a trade.”
here is a tough one IMO…..would you trade Robertson for Nick Castellanos?
——————
Yes.
And that is in no way a knock on Robertson. But 2 years of Robertson for Castellanos? Yes.
Isn’t Boesch a little young for us?
Maybe in 2022
blake March 13th, 2013 at 9:42 am
Brian Britten ?@BBritten_Tigers
Tigers today have released Brennan Boesch. #tigers
Retweeted by MLB Network Radio
dumpster dive mode activate
————————-
hell yes.
Rich,
I would as well….love D Rob….but he’s nearly a FA and he’s a non – Mo relief pitcher…..Castellanos can really hit and could solve a position on the field for the Yanks for years. Don’t know if the Tigers would make that deal…..but they want a closer bad and they want to win now….and Castellanos is sorta blocked at the moment.
Joel Sherman ?@Joelsherman1
Ben told #Yankees will at least look into Boesch, who was released by #Tigers
With one more year of salary control, Robertson certainly has a high value.
Especially for a team that has a need for a closer next season.
I would be happy to pick up Boesch, but it wouldn’t shock me if he looked for a situation where he might get more regular playing time (remember the Yankees only need a player until Granderson comes back). I think he might prefer a team like the Mets or Royals (as a replacement for Frenchy) where he can play every day all season long.
I wonder what else you’d have to give the Tigers besides Robertson to get Castellanos..?
No non-closer relief pitcher is untouchable in trade in my opinion. Heck, outside of Mo there aren’t even that many closers I would consider untouchable.
Shame Spencer March 13th, 2013 at 9:55 am
I wonder what else you’d have to give the Tigers besides Robertson to get Castellanos..?
—————
High upside young arm…maybe Ramirez or Turley.
(remember the Yankees only need a player until Granderson comes back)
—————-
Hopefully! We need to start knocking on wood more often in here
But I do agree, if the Mets or another team that’s hurting in the OF is in on him he might prefer one of those situations. You just know Sandy is in on this.
Another lefty outfielder? I thought they had that covered.
I wonder if Cashman makes those submarine diving noises when he finds out guys like Boesch are available.
Chip March 13th, 2013 at 9:57 am
Shame Spencer March 13th, 2013 at 9:55 am
I wonder what else you’d have to give the Tigers besides Robertson to get Castellanos..?
—————
High upside young arm…maybe Ramirez or Turley.
——————
..Campos? lol
Did anyone else hear David Samson on MLB Network last night during the game..? I was at a bar so I only saw him come on screen and I tried to follow a bit on the closed captioning but lost track pretty quickly. Did he say anything interesting? Giancarolo made him look very good at least.
No way would I move
Nova for a non up-the-middle, non-star player. I have high hopes
For Ivan this season. It would be nice if Alex were healthy and younger though:)
Though he’s very young. I really like what I a
Hearing about young Miguel Andujar, who I did
Like better than Bichette based on just some. Video. We have MAtt Duran too, but obviously all 3 are very far
AwAy. Give Mustelier the job and let Musty try to give
A youthful boost to Fusty
2011 split stats for Brennan Boesch:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/.....nan-boesch
Looks like he loved playing in YS in 2011 and 2012. Maybe all this lefty needs is a little “tinkering” at the hands of Kevin Long.
Robertson is an established elite late inning reliever. You don’t need to package anything with him to acquire a prospect. Castellanos is blocked and the Tigers need a closer.
Give me a break.
And there’s always The forgotten David Adams,,,
Trader -
Boesch beat the Yankees down home and road.
JAP ==
Adams isn’t forgotten, he’s not healthy.
If you cut down the season by 20 games and eliminate the All-Star Break every 4 years, would the WBC not be more awesome in July…?
Cliff Lee pitching against the Yankees tonight.
Chance for Mustelier to shine at the plate and play 3rd and make a statement why he deserves to make the team.
Again-
“Play Musty For Me.”
I’d rather try offering Joba for Castellanos. Just test the Tigers to see how desperately they want a closer. They’re definitely a win-now, all-in type team with ownership willing to spend yet they’re a fringe playoff team. They clearly need to do more to distinguish themselves in that division and it’s weak.
Joba can showcase his 4 pitches in Detroit.
Look what we paid for Granderson.
Mustic River – With a childhood tragedy that overshadowed their lives, three men are reunited by circumstance when one loses a third baseman.
I wouldn’t give a whole lot with Robertson for Castellanos either…..he’s an elite reliever and Castellanos is a prospect who has proven nothing at the big league level…..I’d add more but it wouldn’t be an elite prospect….JMO
I remember a game last year in Detroit where Hughes was pitching a shutout into the 5th inning. Then Boesch had something like a 12 pitch at bat against him, fouling off pitch after pitch until he finally got a hit. Turned that game around and Detroit got to Hughes and won. Boesch is a good hitter and holds his own against lefties. I read where the Tigers tendered him hoping they could trade him and get something. Since it wasn’t happening, they released him
Have to go.
Asking again.
On Hughes-Look at his 2012 split stats. Can you explain why righties were “mashing” him last season?
http://espn.go.com/mlb/player/.....hil-hughes
I’ll check back later.
Have a great day,
Seems that they’d want a big name for Castellanos, like Stanton. http://www.freep.com/article/2.....trade-bait
Our best shot at Castellanos was in the draft…
Absolutely would look into Boesch.
Hope they get him.
The Stork just dropped by.
blake March 13th, 2013 at 10:16 am
I wouldn’t give a whole lot with Robertson for Castellanos either…..he’s an elite reliever and Castellanos is a prospect who has proven nothing at the big league level…..I’d add more but it wouldn’t be an elite prospect….JMO
——————
Neither would I, definitely not a Ramirez or a Turley or a Campos. The upside on those guys are too high. But they’d probably want something else, right? I dunno where Detroit really needs help besides the bullpen. I’d give them Robertson AND Logan to get a young controlled 3B lol. Another pen arm or an expendable OFer from the system.
YT, I’ll give it a shot. This is JMO, but I am a fan of PH so I have watched him closely over the years.
Early 2012 he was basically FB, cutter vs RHB. His cutter stunk, causing part of the problem. One other problem he had all year was trying to locate his FB on the outside corner to RHB. Some mechanical problem caused it to leak back over the middle to RHB. He never really fixed that. His CB was never that great to get RHB off his FB and he seldon threw CU to RHB. It wasn’t until later in the season when he re-introduced his slider that he had a go to weapon vs RHB.
That is why I am looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.
RadioKev March 13th, 2013 at 10:22 am
Seems that they’d want a big name for Castellanos, like Stanton. http://www.freep.com/article/2…..trade-bait
Our best shot at Castellanos was in the draft…
————–
Crazy… but they did say he played the OF so maybe that’s just where Detroit is going to use him. Sucks.
“Seems that they’d want a big name for Castellanos, like Stanton. http://www.freep.com/article/2…..trade-bait”
they can want all they want…..but that’s crazy
Boesch is a good hitter and holds his own against lefties.
–
Lets go overboard. He has showcased some real flaws, which is why he is being released by the Tigers, because it certainly isn’t about his price.
His K rate has increased and his already meager walk rate has decreased. He hit lefties pretty well while really struggling to hit righties, which should not be happening for a left handed power hitter. Also a bad defender.
Chip, he is y the Yankees. Before he hurt his back they said that he needed “more seasoning.” as I have said they may just feel he needs
More reps at 3B but I think he’s ready to handle the position now esp against LHP. It’s not like he’s going to be some liability there. They were sending him to AAA BEFORE he got hurt so he wasnt in consideration
This he’s a forgotten solution despite really good bat Nd being 25 on team desperate for some good hitting youth.
Boesch was dreadful last year…..but I don’t think he’s that bad and think that a change of scenery and more hitter friendly ball park could help him…..hopefully they can get him
I’d only do a minor league deal on Boesch. He did take a huge step backwards last season.
JF-
Is he worse than Almonte ? I think if Long gets his hands on him he can be made very effective against RH Pitching.
Only other guy we might get back is Dickerson.
I wish they’d give Ronnier a shot at 3rd and the corners.
Whoever we get is only likely to be around for a month or so.
in 2011 Boesch had a .814 OPS vs RHP and .752 OPS vs LHP….that’s probably better than what they have now to fill in……maybe Almonte could do that…..but I don’t think they are ready to give him a chance.
Blake-
I’m actually surprised the Tigers just let him go.
I have to think Boesch is a better fielder than Almonte at this point.
That’s a fairly low bar.
Why is Girardi so stubborn?
Have to hit Cano 3rd, even with Grandy and Tex out?
It makes WAY TOO MUCH SENSE to keep Gardner, Ichiro and Jeter at the top 3 and let our only power hitter his cleanup….
Vs. lefty
Gardner/Jeter/Ichiro/Cano
Vs. Righty
Gardner/Ichiro/Jeter/Cano
our 4 hitters that have chances of putting rallies together on a regular basis, yet Ichiro will end up batting 7th or 8th just because of the insistence on L/R/L/R
I dont hate Girardi but i’d love a manager with instincts and not one that goes solely based on a book of stats.
Gorillas in the Must – when the local baseball team signs a baboon-like stopgap to play 3rd base for a season the locals go ape over an underdog that threatens to replace him.
Rich in NJ March 13th, 2013 at 12:59 am
AAO
Well, yeah, but some posters here too.
They’re just more polite.
——————–
True they aren’t nasty on here
Does anyone know a place where I could see when all of the international baseball leagues start and end..? Or should I just look them up individually?
I’m developing my own plan for the WBC and obviously it will be better than the current version.
in 1995 , the yankees were building a team that would last over fifteen years.
the yankees are right now at the end of that cycle. pettitte, jeter, and mariano are all that is left.
patching a team together for one year isn’t what it’s all about.
if the yankees can’t put some players on the field who will last another 15 years, they are going about things in the wrong way.
i don’t have a good feeling about the yankees this year because it seems cashman is more interested in patching a team together rather than building a team that will win for over a decade.
i’ll need to watch for 4-6 weeks to really get an idea what’s going on, but i don’t have a good feeling about this year’s team at this point. it’s like management has lost its way. very little they are doing really makes much sense to me .
http://www.minorleagueball.com.....hn-sickels
Sickels top 150 is out today…..all 4 position player prospects made it with Sanchez the highest at #46, Austin at #58, Mason at #65 and Slade at #108.
didn’t see Jose R. guess he hasn’t watched him pitch this spring
JAP -
Adams needs “more seasoning” because in 5 years in the organization he has managed to appear in just about 350 games an average of 70 games per season. In fact, 2009 is the only year in which he played in over 90 games.
I like David Adams. He has shown a strong ability to hit for average and get on base and I hope he can progress (in fact I thought he should have been in AAA for the second half of last season) but you can’t count on a guy who can’t get on the field.
They were sending him to AAA because he’s never played above AA and he hasn’t appeared in a single spring game because of a back injury.
The Must – A freak storm unleashes a species of bloodthirsty creatures on a small town, where a small band of third basemen hole up in a supermarket and fight for their lives.
A Boesch/Francisco platoon works for me.
Boesch had a very bad year last year, but unlike most of the others brought in, he is young enough to improve or bounce back. He has a little bit of the hope for improvement factor which the old guys lack.
Bring him on. He meets the could possibly help qualification I set out. He is also under 28 for Rich’s standard.
@Joelsherman1
Guess obvious #Yankees will look at all these types, but been told LH 1B David Cooper, released by #Bluejays, also will get looked at by NYY
What do we know about Cooper..? And by ‘we’ I mean you people.
I like Turley a lot (one of my dark horses for a couple of years now, and a lefty), but you can’t really put him in trades and assume he has the same value/upside as Ramirez and Campos.
And Ramirez and the bullpen was oft-talked on the Yankee inside. Luckily, they are now on board with him as a SP, as it should be. But when he couldn’t get the CB, they were tempted to relegate him to the BP. I doubt they would be so silly now with the evolving slider. It’ll be fun to watch that pitch continue to develop at Trenton.
Hughes should have more success the more he uses the change, and likely did the more he stayed away from his cutter. His HR’s and flyball % dropped second half, especially flyball rates I believe in last month. So, let’s see if we see the second half Hughes, which is my expectation. Hopefully, he stays healthy.
Guess obvious #Yankees will look at all these types, but been told LH 1B David Cooper, released by #Bluejays, also will get looked at by NYY
__
I know it is not bad to look at everyone but come on really?
We have players who can fill the spot, but we want to possibly pull someone out of retirement, or someone who wasnt good enough to make a team with less expectations?
Shame Spencer March 13th, 2013 at 10:36 am
@Joelsherman1
Guess obvious #Yankees will look at all these types, but been told LH 1B David Cooper, released by #Bluejays, also will get looked at by NYY
What do we know about Cooper..? And by ‘we’ I mean you people.
——————–
That he’s out indefinitely with a back injury.
What’s David Adams situation now..? I thought he only had some minor discomfort and would just be getting started a couple weeks later than the other guys. Did he have a setback I missed? Or was it more serious initially?
That he’s out indefinitely with a back injury.
——————-
Ahahahaha, ok! Thanks Chip. Glad the NYY are checking him out lol.
How about David Robertson and a minor leaguer to the Giants for Brandon Belt?
austinmac March 13th, 2013 at 10:35 am
Boesch had a very bad year last year, but unlike most of the others brought in, he is young enough to improve or bounce back. He has a little bit of the hope for improvement factor which the old guys lack.
————–
I don’t think this is true. We’ve seen several talented veterans have quality seasons in limited roles with the Yankees.
Just because Boesch is young doesn’t mean he’s got a better chance of bouncing back. Maybe he has more “time” to bounce back, but age in itself doesn’t help him.
Shame Spencer March 13th, 2013 at 10:38 am
What’s David Adams situation now..? I thought he only had some minor discomfort and would just be getting started a couple weeks later than the other guys. Did he have a setback I missed? Or was it more serious initially?
——————–
Last I heard the Yankees were taking it slow with him because they didn’t want this to develop into the kind of situation that they had with Austin Romine last year.
Shame,
Nothing has been said that I have seen saying Adams has had a setback. Last I heard he was working at the minor league camp.
Doesn’t Cooper have a back problem?
Boesch is the only one out there i wouldn’t mind the yankees bringing in.
Seems like they are insistent on keeping Juan Rivera (who i didnt even know played first base).
He can be serviceable at 4th OF i guess.
If it were me, and i assume most of us: Musty at 3rd, Youk at 1st, Rivera 4th OF, and I’ll go with Boesch as the other LF. Nix can play all IF and LF, Nunez can back up Jeter and DH, and Ichiro and Gardner can play vs. lefties AND righties.
That’s just me.
Is it possible to take Boesch, Mesa, Rivera, and Mustelier ?
Play Musty For Me – A brief fling between an overpaid, oft-injured 3rd baseman and an obsessed female fan takes a frightening, and perhaps even deadly turn when a stout, possible replacement from Cuba enters the picture.
How about David Robertson and a minor leaguer to the Giants for Brandon Belt?
__
With Rivera retiring, you can NOT trade Robertson.
He is most likely our closer in 2014.
Keith Law is not a Boesch fan. He attributed this year’s downturn to the fact that the league makes adjustments to young players and once they had a book on Boesch it was easy to deal with him.
I’m not saying he’s right or wrong. Like I said about Chris Dickerson, I don’t know that Boesch is a difference maker but I do think he’s better right now than the other options the Yankees have.
Still, I think he’s going to look for a situation where he’s going to get more time.
Is it possible to take Boesch, Mesa, Rivera, and Mustelier ?
__
No which is why i doubt Mesa makes the team. I think they WILL sign Boesch and bring him, Rivera, and Musty and know Nix can play LF if he has to.
ac1 March 13th, 2013 at 10:42 am
How about David Robertson and a minor leaguer to the Giants for Brandon Belt?
__
With Rivera retiring, you can NOT trade Robertson.
He is most likely our closer in 2014.
———————
A LH slugging 1b/OF/DH is more valuable than a future closer.
mac – I feel like I haven’t heard an update since we found out very early on in ST that he was going to get a late start. It’s good they’re being cautious.. but I feel bad for the guy, this would have been a great opportunity and you just know it’s gonna be hard for him to get any playing time in the bigs at this point given how Girardi works. I think Joe/Cash would go with 3 other options before even considering Adams.
Chip,
Exactly. Boesch might have peaked already. He doesn’t have a long track record of success. Perhaps this is it for him. I’m not against picking him up, but I am against guaranteeing him a job.
I dunno what Boesch looks like defensively but can they really consider another LH OFer? I dunno that it’s the Yankees MO.
Jerkface March 13th, 2013 at 10:42 am
Is it possible to take Boesch, Mesa, Rivera, and Mustelier ?
———————
Yes but they won’t.
If they bring in Boesch I think you have him and Francisco platoon in LF and Rivera either at 1b (in which case Mustellier is in Scranton) or Mustellier at 3b with Rivera on the bench with Stewart and Nix (in which case Nunez is in Scranton)
A LH slugging 1b/OF/DH is more valuable than a future closer.
–
Building on this. A LH Slugging 1b/OF/DH is more valuable than 1 year of a potential future closer.
D-rob for closer is enticing in 2014, but they could sign a reclamation project like the rays did with Rodney and end up with a bargain closer. The post Rivera era of closers should not operate in the beholden way the team has done since Mo with the position.
Even last year, although Adams was fairly healthy, they gave him a DH day a week in order to have him rest his ankle. So, don’t know if they were thinking of him as an everyday player just yet. Plus he didn’t move to 3rd until the end of August last season. So, I am sure they want him to get more reps there. Generally, Adams was pretty durable at Trenton, and I don’t recall him having any back issues last season. But I would think they wouldn’t rush Adams because of the above factors, with or without the back injury, and/or need.
You could argue Boesch exactly the opposite way.
That HE will re-adjust.
He’s worth taking a flyer on. He still has upside IMO. Price is right. Better than most anything else we have.
Chip, he had a pretty bad ankle injury thAt has affected his PT – not
An string of injuries that keep stalling him.
I also dOnt think he needs to go
And get “more seasoning”. I understand that this is the conventional wisdom but you have to look at the individual player and this kid is ready to contribute IMO especially that the Yankees are so utterly bereft of young high BA bats. So despite cOn entional thinking, his. Being ready and the ML need wins
The day. Yeah he got hurt and
Missed ST but like I said they disqualified h as a candidate before
That happened. So their thinking IMO is not in line
With their present need Nd his level of development. That is not based
They can’t take Boesch, Ben Francisco, AND Rivera. Thats like 3 40 man spots.
NYYROC and Yankeefem-
Thanks for your thoughts on why Hughes had poor numbers vs right handed batters last year.
Just read your posts.
Have to go.
Hopefully Mustelier plays tonight against Cliff Lee and shows the Yankees why he belongs on the roster.
Shame,
Getting back to your question about David Cooper. He’s 26 and in the hitter friendly PCL crushed the ball for average but not much power. Would I sign him and cut loose Dan Johnson? Yes. But do I think he’s a solution to fill in for Tex? Nay nay.
Which actually means they cant take mustelier, boesch, and rivera
Youkilis should fill-in at 1st and Mustelier should play 3rd.
It’s 1 month.
Take Boesch and Francisco. Forget Rivera. He’s not important.
Jerkface March 13th, 2013 at 10:48 am
They can’t take Boesch, Ben Francisco, AND Rivera. Thats like 3 40 man spots.
—————————–
4 if you include Nix.
3 are easy to come up with: Pineda, Banuelos, Cabral to the 60 day DL. To get the fourth you would have to dump someone (Cody Eppley?)
Is it possible to take Boesch, Mesa, Rivera, and Mustelier ?
———
I take Ben over Mesa, I don’t think Mesa can hit MLB pitching. the question here is how far superior defensively is Mesa over Ben or how good LF can Mesa be over Ben in a different configuration that actually adds tangible value to the win column.
Jerkface March 13th, 2013 at 10:51 am
Which actually means they cant take mustelier, boesch, and rivera
————————-
Forgot about Mustellier – that’s a 5th spot.
Boesch
Rivera
Mustellier
Nix
Francisco
Guess you can also put Tex on the 60 day.
Eppley has been lousy this Spring. Shawn Kelley could easily replace him
Yeah, Cooper is damaged goods. This is from a Feb 17th 2013 Jays SB Nation article (I can’t link it from this browser: “Just a few minutes ago, Sportsnet’s Barry Davis went on the Fan 590 to report that Toronto Blue Jays first baseman David Cooper will be missing the entire 2013 spring training. Cooper’s back had been acting up lately and according to Mike Wilner’s tweet, the injury is considered “serious” and he will be seeing specialists. Gregor Chisholm wrote on Twitter that it may be a long-term injury and that surgery has not been ruled out.”
I would love for Cash to inquire in on Snyder, while he isn’t exactly young anymore, I think his upside will translate very well in YS. I don’t love his swing but I think he has the tools and eyes to be a good hitter with average D in RF.
They optioned Banuelos, so I don’t think they are going to put him on the 60 day DL. They’d be giving up service time for Manny. Now he can go on the minor league DL and not eat service.
Boesch may be too young for the Yankees
Mesa’s D is plus or > and his arm is plus plus, but as I have been saying for 3 years, he can’t hit breaking balls and K’s too much. (although he is better than he once was)
Guess you can also put Tex on the 60 day.
____
And Granderson.
Both havent played since early March. 60 days would take them to May (which is when they are projected back anyway).
Speaking of ManBan, he turned 22 today. Happy Birthday, Manny. Heal quickly!
Epply’s margin for errors is very narrow on ML level. He is a more or less replacement pitcher who can and does do well in small sample size.
Fem, I think both Mesa and Almontes could use time in AAA, Zolio on D an just more reps at AAA level, Mesa to learn what you said above which he may never. There are reasons neither were ranked high as prospects. hopefully, you get one MLB starter out of one or 4th OF.
Both havent played since early March. 60 days would take them to May (which is when they are projected back anyway).
–
Pretty sure the 60 day will count from the first day of the major league season. Spring training does not count.
YF-
Manny is still quite young.
Pretty sure the 60 day will count from the first day of the major league season. Spring training does not count.
___
Ok then I dont see them putting Tex on the 60 day. He is projected back long before June 1.
MTU, yes he is. And I think he will heal quickly.
Cash, I agree on the OF, depending on who we are going to choose. If we are going to play someone with shaky D like Juan Rivera in RF, I wouldn’t mind seeing Zoilo’s bat BUT he does need OF work running routes, and he is way too aggressive out there. Both he and Mesa definitely have deficiencies in their games, although Zoilo will improve his D, I don’t think Mesa will make enough contact.
Why so critical of Boesch? Compare to:
rookie Mesa
rookie Almonte
castoff Francisco
Rivera and Mustelier are not relevant to the OF question if you ask me.
I also think not only Heathcott, but Mason will move fast, and the latter should be in AA by the second half if he continues to progress and all goes well. Love Mason.
YF-
Let’s hope so. Some people forget how good he is when healthy.
ac1 March 13th, 2013 at 10:55 am
Boesch may be too young for the Yankees
_____________________________
You’re slow. SOmeone used that one already eariler in this thread
MTU, they’ll remember soon enough.
I roll with Rivera and Boesch as platoon and pick either Mesa or Ben for D late in game. but I think it would benefit Mesa more to spend more playing time in AAA, I go with Ben. I think defensively with Gardner at center they be good regardless of Ben or Mesa.
Every once in a while when you dumpster dive you come up with that freshly tossed 5-star seafood restaurant striper bass with caviar platter – one bite from some food snob and returned to the kitchen immediately while its still steamy and warm.
That’s Boesh.
You’re slow. SOmeone used that one already eariler in this thread
___
BOOOOOO
Why so critical of Boesch? Compare to:
rookie Mesa
rookie Almonte
castoff Francisco
Rivera and Mustelier are not relevant to the OF question if you ask me.
–
Rivera and Mustelier are relevant to the 40 man though. If they take Rivera, Mesa, Mustelier, and Boesch they can use the 3 spots from Pineda, Cabral, and trading/DFA Eppley.
Between Boesch, Mesa, Almonte, and Francisco I’d rather they take Mesa and Almonte, but if Almonte (who has only been in AA) isn’t really ready then Boesch and Mesa work as they are a lefty/righty platoon.
The tough part is that a lot of these guys need roster spots.
one bite from some food snob and returned to the kitchen immediately while its still steamy and warm.
—
I think Detroit ate 1/2 the fish already and did not like.
Though Boesch is not caviar, he might be a lobster shell that still has some meat in it. He has very real flaws!
the question here is how far superior defensively is Mesa over Ben or how good LF can Mesa be over Ben in a different configuration that actually adds tangible value to the win column.
//
Cashmoney, Mesa is a plus-plus defender. Fem is right on that his bugaboo is making contact (NOT) and that’s what’s kept him back.
But for defense? If all things were equal, you hand him the CF job on the Yankees and don’t look back. He’s got it all, a canon arm, explosive speed and smoothness once he’s off, great glove, acrobatic ability when it’s necessary… his routes are not quite as smooth as AJAX’s were (and I think Mason WIlliams, based on a very SSS of one game, has great instincts too), but he has enough combination of good reads and speed and fantastic closing speed also. The problem is the offspeed stuff and that swing path of his. Otherwise (a big OTHERWISE, of course) he’s got it all.
YF-
I’m still very confident in his ability.
We are talking about dumpster diving here. So you compare Boesch’s flaws to other trash on the roster. He is a 5-star platter minus one bite.
“Though Boesch is not caviar, he might be a lobster shell that still has some meat in it. He has very real flaws!”
you’re not getting unflawed players from the garbage pile though…..just looking for better than what we have….
I would pass on Phelps as the “long man” outta the pen. The Yanks are Not gonna score a lot of runs this season, meaning if the SP gets knocked out early, and the long man is then called on, the game is probably over. Putting Phelps in this role would truly be a waste. The Yankee “long man” this season, will surely be the “mop up” man. Phelps should either be in the Yankee rotation, or sent down to start every 5th day or so in the bushes.
I would be extremely cautious eating leftover seafood. Bacteria multiply exponentially after 2 hours at room temperature. Do we think Boesch has been refrigerated properly?
yankeefeminista March 13th, 2013 at 10:48 am
Even last year, although Adams was fairly healthy, they gave him a DH day a week in order to have him rest his ankle. So, don’t know if they were thinking of him as an everyday player just yet. Plus he didn’t move to 3rd until the end of August last season. So, I am sure they want him to get more reps there. Generally, Adams was pretty durable at Trenton, and I don’t recall him having any back issues last season. But I would think they wouldn’t rush Adams because of the above factors, with or without the back injury, and/or need.
///
Yankeefem, I imagine that’s it, that they want more reps for him at 3B. Now, that could mean that they are actually rather serious about him as a future option, and therefore really want to give him a longer trial.
But here’s my issue: this guy has never really made a big blunder over there. He doesn’t have great range, but he makes all the routine plays and does not seem like he needs “more seasoning” to help the Yankees. The bat is ready, and it’s the bat that is the Yankee’s problem.
I have seen nothing live of Mustelier at 3B and have missed a lot of ST, so I have no idea how competent he is or isn’t. It seems to me, though, based on the Yankees’ own loose lips on Mustelier, that if they’re considering a guy they think is subpar defensively, then Adams and “more seasoning” is kind of excessive.
Let’s see, if they get disenchanted with their contingencies, whatever they are, and Adams is healthy, playing 3B, and hitting, if they bring him up.
So you compare Boesch’s flaws to other trash on the roster. He is a 5-star platter minus one bite.
–
He is 28 and may OPS .650 with no speed and bad defense. I don’t think thats a 5 star platter compared to Mesa, who you know is going to plus everywhere except the bat. Or even Rivera. Rivera is a very similar player to Boesch.
Cashmoney March 13th, 2013 at 11:09 am
one bite from some food snob and returned to the kitchen immediately while its still steamy and warm.
—
I think Detroit ate 1/2 the fish already and did not like.
____________
Detroit prefers octopi!
Cano Goes En Fuego For WBC
By Walter Villa
March 12, 2013
MIAMI—Robinson Cano is on a ridiculous tear.
The Yankees’ second baseman, playing for the Dominican Republic, went 3 for 4 with a solo home run Tuesday in a 5-4 win over Italy in the second-round opener of the World Baseball Classic at Marlins Park.
Cano was the MVP of the first-round tournament in Puerto Rico, banging out three hits in each of three games, and he is off to an identical start here.
For the entire WBC, he is hitting .750 (12 for 19) with two homers and six RBI.
“I was not aware of that,” Cano said when asked about his numbers. “I’m just very proud and happy to play with these guys and for my country.”
Not everything on Tuesday made Cano happy, though. He took issue with a Nick Punto slide into second base.
“I was upset because it was the third time (it had happened in the game),” Cano said of the hard slide. “I don’t care if he slides on a double play, but just when it’s a force play? The last thing you want is to get hurt like that.
“(Punto) slid past the base. If I’m in the middle of the bag, I don’t care. (Punto) said he didn’t want to hurt me, but it was the third time, and I was mad.”
But, as we have seen elsewhere in this year’s WBC, emotions run high, and the Dominicans displayed pure joy when they put together a three-run seventh inning to rally past Italy.
In the postgame press conference, media members told Cano they had rarely seen him that excited, even when he was winning a World Series in 2009 with the Yankees.
Cano explained that the unwritten rules of baseball are a bit different here. Whereas players celebrating outside the dugout in the middle of a game may be seen as “showing up” a major league opponent, here it’s just part of what it means to represent your country.
After issuing a diplomatic answer, Cano was pressed about which was more exciting, winning in the World Series or the WBC.
“I would say both,” Cano said as reporters laughed.
Cano’s infield partner, shortstop Jose Reyes, was delighted to get a win in his return to Marlins Park, where he played his home games last season before being traded to Toronto.
The WBC partnership with Reyes has provided a lift to Cano, he said.
“Not because he is here with me now (at the press conference), but it’s a joy to play with Jose,” Cano said. “He is always happy. If I am ever tired, I can look to my right and say: ‘Wait, this man (Reyes) is always full of energy. Let me play up to his level.’
“That’s what’s important, to play with a guy like Jose who is always enthusiastic, always smiling and full of desire.”
Baseball America
___
Save some bullets for us, Robi.
JAP-
I believe Ronnier has made exactly 1 error at 3rd.
He’s made some tough plays.
Seems to me he’s at least competent if not better.
And it seems he can hit.
Plays the corners respectably as well.
They should give him a 1 month trial.
Save some bullets for us, Robi.
___
Contract year.
We will get a wow season from Cano, I have no doubt.
Just enough to price him all the way to LA.
Cano is a guy you build a team around.
As ST comes to an end, guys like Ben Francisco, and Boesch become available. Problem is, there is a reason this type of player IS available. These are AAAA guys, and should you choose to jam your roster with them, that is exactly what your gonna get. A AAAA team. Yanks shoulda jumped on Reverre when he became available. Now they are paying the price, and downgrading the team at the same time. DUMB
ac1, I am happy Robi is participating in and doing well at WBC. I just hope that there isn’t too much demand on him, in terms of games played and the need to deliver, especially with our even further depleted lineup. But I always expect Robi to thrive, based on his talent and makeup. It’ll be nice to have him get back to normal vs. LHP too. As for pricing him out of our stratosphere, well we should have extended him when that was actually possible.
I don’t think anyone is saying we shouldn’t pick up Boesch, just don’t have very high expectations for him.
MTU March 13th, 2013 at 11:20 am
JAP-
I believe Ronnier has made exactly 1 error at 3rd.
He’s made some tough plays.
Seems to me he’s at least competent if not better.
And it seems he can hit.
Plays the corners respectably as well.
They should give him a 1 month trial.
///
I’m all for it. Haven’t seen him play defense there, but it sounds like he’s not a hole.
With the bat he has, that’s good enough for me. THe Yankees need to not give themselves airs about defense at 3B. They really can’t afford to.
They gutted themselves by dealing away 3 young bats and by being such blowhards about “catcher defense”, that they don’t need to get on their soapbox about 3B needing to be a plus defender. And Youkilis was hardly that, with all his health issues and advancing age.
Give the job to Mustelier, and if he blows up, give it to Adams.
We need offense.
New post —->
“Not because he is here with me now (at the press conference), but it’s a joy to play with Jose,” Cano said. “He is always happy. If I am ever tired, I can look to my right and say: ‘Wait, this man (Reyes) is always full of energy. Let me play up to his level.’
——————————
Unlike his normal job?
Not to make a big fuss over a post game compliment but Robbie needs to know that players seeking $200MM contracts shouldn’t need to look at other players for motivation.
I have not seen enough of Mustelier on D either. But now that I finally have some down time (hallelujah!), I can pay closer attention. Although, word was that Yanks didn’t think Musty played any position well enough. Perhaps we have adjusted our perspective, based on need.
ac1, I am happy Robi is participating in and doing well at WBC. I just hope that there isn’t too much demand on him, in terms of games played and the need to deliver, especially with our even further depleted lineup. But I always expect Robi to thrive, based on his talent and makeup. It’ll be nice to have him get back to normal vs. LHP too. As for pricing him out of our stratosphere, well we should have extended him when that was actually possible.
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Agreed. This 2014 budget this is going to blow up in their faces and in the end, they are not even going to end up being able to follow through on it anyway.
Jeers, Jeers, you are nitpicking.
Yanksfem, thanks for posting Cano article.
Man, to think we had Montero to play with him and they just gave that up.
Remember Cano’s performance vs Detroit after Jeet went down, when dreaming about building a team around him. He puts up Outstanding numbers during the season, and is a great complimentary piece during the Playoffs. But we have seen him 1 time, all alone, center stage, during the playoffs, and the guy flat out tanked.
As much as it hurts to say it, as a Yankee fan for over 40 years, I hope the Yankees have an awful season. I think that is what it will take for Hal to understand the folly of his ways, and start spending again. The Yankees are not built to do things on the cheap, and the enterprise value of the Yankees will start declining precipitously if he and Cashman continue on this path. THAT is something Hal can care about. He’s delusional if he thinks he can make a 180 degree turn on how they’ve historically been run.
And while I’m at it, Cashman is worse than useless. He needs to go. He is a suitable fall guy when the season totally sucks.
Musty got lost, Musty got lost, Musty got lost
Somewhere down the lin http://www.chatalex.com/