Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Spring has Sprung!

So with all teams now in camp the spring season is in session. With the first games set to begin next week. I believe the YES Network begins coverage March 3. As with every new season some new faces are in camp and some familiar ones gone.

Cashman made some odd statements on XM MLB yesterday. Cashman handed the starting CF job to Granderson saying "he is our starting CF". And followed that up by saying Granderson is an above average CF and that's why we got him. Then he says he feels Gardner is an "elite center fielder". If Granderson is above average (his metrics support this), but is better in LF (again supported by stats) and if Gardner is "elite" why would he announce Granderson as the starting CF. Wouldn't it be in the best interest of the team to start Granderson in LF and Gardner in CF? Whatever the defensive alignment is in the OF this year, it is an improvement over last year.

Vazquez seems pretty focused on showing how good he is. I hope this doesn't backfire on him. Trying to hard to prove he belongs could end up having him batted around the park this season. He just needs to relax and pitch like he's capable and nothing else. He wants to prove 2004 was a fluke, he should just forget about it (though the fans probably won't) and just pitch his game.

Yankees have both Austin Romine and Jesus Montero in camp with Jorge acting as mentor. I'm really excited about seeing Montero at the big league level, I know he's probably a year away, barring injuries. Rumor was he blasted some monster HR in BP yesterday. I would say he's probably the #2 positional prospect in all of baseball (only behind Jason Heyward of the Braves...Heyward is phenom OF prospect).

38 comments:

Crash said...

So when I was at the stadium this past year a couple times, while standing in line for the Stadium Museum I noticed some cracks in the cement floor and was surprised to see them, being the place was brand new.

Well others complained about it, the Yankees start asking questions, and now the guy that tests the concrete is going to jail because he lied/faked test results on the concrete. Are you frickin' kidding me?!?!?

And this guy didn't just do the Stadium he has performed tests on every major new structure in the city. How the hell do you fix faulty concrete in a Stadium or building?

old professor said...

It is surprising that the inspector lied on this big of a job. Apparently going to prison for a short while won't be too much of a burden if someone paid him a large some to fake the report.

Cashman has to say positive things about Granderson - what do you expect him to say when he traded away the teams #1 prospect [jackson] and the arms that he did?

Regarding Montero, he is at least two years away defensively. The biggest concern is whether he will eventually be too big to catch. If so, he translates into a third baseman or first baseman and the Yankees have both of those positions tied up for a long time to come.

Crash said...

Cashman said they see him as their future Catcher. He also said he could play 1B, RF, or DH. He really made it sound that DH would be the last spot for Montero though. And I highly doubt he is 2 years away. He will see time at the end of this year, then he will be with the big club next year and get the full year with Jorge. Jorge's contract is up in 2011, the Yankees may sign him to short term deal after that but only to back up Montero at that point and some DH duties.

Crash said...

I was reading an interview over on Riveraveblues.com...I found the quote about Robinson Cano interesting and I think it summed up what we have been saying for about 3 years now.

"Great swing, but he lacks focus. If he ever got his head screwed on straight, he could do a lot of damage in this game. He needs to look at that guy in Boston, Pedroia, and watch how he plays. He wants it."

Couldn't agree more. If Cano came to the park everyday with the attitude of Pedroia, Jeter, or Jorge he would be at that next level. He could be an all time great. But he just doesn't seem to have, nor want, that day to day focus.

old professor said...

Mid has to be somewhat depressed. With the signing of Park, the Yankees have designated Edwar Rameriz for assignment. Apparently the two year experiment with someone who throws 80 mph has come to a screeching halt.

Crash said...

With Ramirez it was never a question about his changeup...it was his secondary pitches. If an 80 MPH change up is all you have then it's no longer a "change up", it becomes a BP fastball.

Guys like Trevor Hoffman and Johan Santana use the change up prominently but have decent sliders, curveballs, and will show the fastball from time to time. It seemed Ramirez was never able to do that.

Plus it's not like the Yankees can't get Ramirez back. If no one claims him in 10 days he could end up back on a minor league deal.

Crash said...

How about a little respect for the Syracuse Orange. They start the season out of the top 25, their home loss in an exhibition game to a Division II school made national headlines, but then they turn around and immediately beat Cal and North Carolina (when NC was #4 in the country) and are now the #1 ranked team in the country in both the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Poll and the AP Poll. First time in 20 years Syracuse has topped the polls. Hope they can keep it together and win it all.

Go Orange!!!

old professor said...

Syracuse has had a great season and most of it revolves around a transfer from a Big 10 school that Coach B had to be convinced to take. Do they have the depth to win it all? The Big East Tourney will be a big test. If they dominate the tourney, they could go all the way. The last time they were ranked number one, they became the national champs.

Crash said...

I think I disagree about winning the Big East tournament. The polls and the NCAA don't look at the conference tournies. The NCAA only uses it for the automatic bid. Most of the high ranking schools recently have rested players in the conference tournaments to save them for the national championship. Regardless of their performance in the Big East tournament Syracuse gets a 1 seed probably in the South region.

If you want to look that Big East tournament, I believe Syracuse plays St. John's tonight, if 'Cuse wins they lock up the 1 seed in the Big East and get a 2 round bye to the quarterfinals of the Big East tourny.

Turning to Yankee land...I think the last thing A-Rod needs right now is any connection with a Dr that is being investigated by 2 countries (US & Canada) for illegal distribution of HGH to athletes. Even if A-Rod is clean here, it doesn't look good and will cast doubt on him again...just when he thought he had gotten by all of that stuff.

old professor said...

Don't worry about A-Rod. He is being questioned by the FBI because the doctor that was responsible for his rehabbing from hip surgery (and who was approved by the Yankees) has a connection and business dealings with the individual that is being investigated. As A-Rod indicated the questioning involves someone else and their problem not him.

The media is trying to make something out of the question and it will turn up nothing. The questions will probably be mundane: Did you ever met this guy?, was this guy involved in your rehab? did this guy every give you hgh?

Crash said...

First game of the spring for the Yankees is this afternoon. I think Gaudin gets the start against the Pirates. Would be surprised if starters go more than 2 innings. Believe I heard Mitre and Aceves will be used and probably about a dozen others too. Not sure about the other positional starters. Would imagine they go an inning or 2.

Crash said...

Ramiro Pena goes yard to get the Bombers on the board early, then Colin Curtis hits a 3 Run Walk Off(I think someone said keep an eye out for that kid...hmmm...wonder who that could have been). Gaudin, Aceves, and Mitre each go 2 innings, only 1 hit given up between the three of them.

Nice way to start the season, even if it is just spring game #1.

I got the game DVR'd at home...

Crash said...

Here's a shocker...Game 2 of spring training and Nick Johnson is already a scratch with an injury...stiff back. Unbelievable.

old professor said...

Crash, you beat me to it. Just read the quick brief on Johnson. This could be a real long season at the DH position if this nonsense continues.

Crash said...

Tomorrows game is against Tampa Bay...Hughes starts followed by Joba. Not sure who else is scheduled to pitch tomorrow.

Wasn't it in a spring game against Tampa that Cervelli broke his wrist on a hard play at home??? Could be an interesting spring game...

Crash said...

Mitre was the lone bright spot for the Yankees yesterday against the Twins. He got the start and Gaudin followed him (I think last time Gaudin started and Mitre came in). Mitre went 3 scoreless innings, 2H, 1BB, 3K's. Yankees are 1-4 this spring so far. I think the Yankees have split squad games today. Javier Vazquez starts against the Phillies. Not sure on the other game, maybe Aceves.

old professor said...

If I were the Yankees, I would be concerned with the lack of offense the team has shown in most of their pre-season games. Igwa also sealed his fate and appears to be destined to AAA once again.

Crash said...

You have to remember that pitchers are a week or 2 ahead of hitters. I'm not concerned at all about offensive numbers right now. I want the hitters to begin to get their timing, work on pitch recognition, and looking for pitches in the zone.

Cashman was pretty harsh on Igawa the other day. I think he should have been more harsh on the scouts that urged him to sign Igawa. Believe that was a $46MM deal for a AAA player ($26MM on the "negotiating" fee, then $20MM contract). That will go down as Cashman's worst deal ever, it actually makes the Pavano deal look good.

I totally forgot that Cervelli suffered a concussion in winter ball. If there are prolonged effects, this could be the door that opens for Montero.

old professor said...

If Cervelli is down for a prolonged period of time, it will not be Montero. The Yankees have indicated they will use the 32 year old catcher they signed as a free agent from the Brewers. (Guy has a career batting average of .218).

And regarding the pitchers being ahead of the hitters - it didn't seem that say as the Rays scored 12, the Twins 11 and Blue Jays 9 off of Yankee pitching. Those were some sad numbers. The only positive from those numbers is the majority of runs came of of Igwa, Abaldejo, and another triple A pitcher and oh yea - Joba.

old professor said...

Yesterday, the Yankees won both games in a split game schedule. The positives: Aceves pitched four innings and did not allow a hit. In addition, he has not given up a run this spring. Ivan Nova pitched well again giving up only one hit over two innings and like Aceves, he has not given up a run this spring. Another prospect to watch is Zach McAllister. He is having a good spring as well. He pitched two innings yesterday no hits and has not given up a run this spring.

Concerns: The outfielders (with the exception of Curtis) have two hits this spring. A pitching concern would be the continued struggles of Abaldejo (ERA well over 40.00) and Dave Robertson who gave up three or four runs in 2/3 of an inning (ERA over 10 this spring).

Crash said...

Old Prof I think you're right about the OF being a concern, but I'm more concerned about the defense. I have only watch clips of the spring games, but I've seen Granderson go back on balls and play them very poorly...he actually played one into a HR. He got turned the wrong way never corrected himself and couldn't even make an effort to catch a ball that barely cleared the wall. Gardner makes that play, hell Melky makes that play.

Colin Curtis and Zach MacAllister are still a year away.

Non-Yankee related..Stephen Strausberg pitches his first game today. He won't make the big club out of spring but could be a late season call up.

Aroldis Chapman pitched for the Reds yesterday. From all accounts he looks to be the real deal. 2 innings, 1 H, 1BB, 3Ks...reached 102MPH!!! Think the Yankees missed out on this guy. I'll call it the I-C-I-effect(Irabu/Contreras/Igawa)...

old professor said...

Edwar Ramerez was traded to the Texas Rangers for cash. Since when do the Yankees need to trade anyone for cash?

Crash said...

Stasburg didn't have command in his first outing...but that wasn't the big news I took away from the game. Austin Jackson went yard for the Tigers in the game (don't think it was off the uber prospect).

Crash said...

Everybody seems to be talking about Hal Steinbrenners comments this morning. The no extension policy is his policy, so it was only recently implemented.

First let me say that I'm not normally a proponent of contract extensions. I believe you signed the contract you should play through it. But I also believe that no rule is beyond exception. And clearly this is a case of exception.

The extension talk was already done, there was no need to rehash it. His comments were poorly timed and risk offending the players/manager. If I recall the last time Rivera was up for a contract didn't he "almost" sign with the Mets or another team because he was offended by the way the Yankees handled the negotiations??? Jeter and Mo have brought 5 World Championships to the organization. They would not have them without them. Additionally they are the reason new players want to come to the Yankees. Without them, have a crumbling empire as Pettitte would certainly not be back, and Posada would move on.

I know there is an exclusive window of negotiating rights, and I know the Yankees will most likely over pay to keep Mo and Jeter. I can't see another team offering $20MM for Jeter and I can't see another team paying a 40 year old closer $15MM. But Hal should shut his mouth and open the check book...NOW. Lock at these guys up for the rest of their careers.

old professor said...

We are nine games into spring training and the initial concern over the outfield continues to come up. Gardner is hitting .143,Granderson .200, Golson .200, Thames .083 and Hoffman .125. The only outfielder that is hittiing and is Colin Curtis who is still hitting at ovr .500. He played some DH yesterday and has to be considered a possible fourth outfielder for this team.

Chamberlain got roughed up again giving up six runs in less than three innings.

Crash said...

I'm not worried about low batting averages 9 games into spring. We're not even at the half way point of spring (I think they play 30 games or so) In this case if a player goes 3-3 in back to back games he'll be over .300...Granderson went 2-3 yesterday and made a nice catch.

It does look like Joba won't be in the rotation though. But again still early. If I was forced to pick a #5 guy right now...it's Aceves. Putting both Hughes and Joba in the pen.

Crash said...

I'm a big fan of the new Stadium, but it's still hard to see the old place being taken down...here is a link to the NY Post with some photos of the "progress".

Warning content may make some viewers upset!!!

www.nypost.com/p/sports/yankees/tearing_down_yankee_stadium_JaW8ipoRkNaHW4Jh2rc1hI

old professor said...

It is sad to view those pictures there was a lot of history and drama on that field. New York was the home of three classic stadiums: Polo Grounds, Ebbetts Field and Yankee Stadium. There are simple plaques in the sidewalks at where the PG and EF were located. They are not even a memory for many people now and in a few years the old stadium will be a fading memory.

Crash said...

With the debate over the 5th starter still being the main topic in Yankee camp (mainly because Joba's last pitching line looked ridiculous...and not in a good way), I thought it was interesting to hear and read that the Yankees were happy with his performance because his stuff looked good.

It's at this point I realized the Yankees have already given the 5th spot to Joba. Regardless of how he actually performs numbers wise this spring, they alrady have too much invested (the whole Joba rules debacle from last year, stretching him out, etc.) that short of not showing any "stuff" he will be the #5 starter. This coupled with the previous success of Hughes last year in the pen and it's all but done.

Now I don't believe he will have a long leash, he will need to have a couple of really good outings once the season starts. If he heads into mid-May with an 0-4 record and an ERA around 6 then he needs to be and probably will be pulled.

Essentially the Steinbrenner boys don't want to look foolish in what amounted to be their first baseball decision. Cashman and Girardi took their orders from above. Let's not forget Hank Steinbrenner was always saying Joba will be a starter. Even if it's now a 2 year experiment gone bad.

old professor said...

Joba this spring has looked the same as Joba from September. His fastball is flat at 91 and very hitable. He appears to trying to outthink hitters and be too fine. He does not have the same aggressiveness as a starter that he demonstrated as a reliever.

If Cashman and Girardi don't base their decision on performance and their gut instincts than neither is worth what they are being paid. On field decisions rest with the GM and Manager. The owner has the right to give his two cents, but if ultimately the team is winning with the decisions being made where they should be, the owner needs to sit back and shut-up. He needs to stop trying to act like his father.

If the decision were to be made today, Joba should be joining Igwa in Scranton.

Crash said...

To me Joba looks fat. I think he came to spring out of shape. These young guys have to realize that they need to be in shape pretty much all year. What I don't understand is that the "anonymous one executive" that gave the soundbite was all excited about Joba throwing 93 in the first inning. But he ran out of gas in the 2nd inning. Running out of gas in inning #2 is not a starter.

And I disagree with your assessment about on field is determined by Cashman and Girardi. It never has and never will be as long as a Steinbrenner is running the show.

Crash said...

Saw the Yankees are beginning to thin the heard a little. I think 9 were reassigned to minor league camp as well...among them Kei Igawa, Andrew Brackman, Kevin Whelan, & Jeremy Bleich. I think Brackman was assigned all the way down to Tampa...this was a little surprising we've been hearing hype about Brackman for some time now. I know he had the injury a couple seasons ago but I would have anticipated him being assigned to Trenton.

Crash said...

The Yankees posted a spring victory yesterday, 4-1 over the Astros. It was significant because Marino Rivera got into the game for the first time in the 5th inning. All things considered I think it went well. He threw 27 pitches, but his velo was good. And he apparently feels fine. Believe he is next scheduled for later in the week, Friday maybe???

Burnett made his second start and was wild...good to see he is in mid-season form. He did throw 66 pitches, but only went 2 1/3. Hughes looked good, pitching 4 scoreless innings 3H, 1BB, 2K, coming in after Mo left in the 5th.

Also yesterday the Yankees announced/introduced Kevin Towers as a special consultant. Towers is the former GM of the Padres. His focus is apparently looking at the "fringe" market...you know the leftovers the Padres had to focus on after big market teams signed all the "A" players...

Today Pettite gets the start, but Joba is scheduled to come in after that. Everyone is saying he needs a strong performance to get back into the 5th starter race.

This is the time when we start seeing the regulars playing a lot more. Just over 2 weeks left to the start of the season. Starting pitchers should be working 4 innings or so. I don't expect Pettitte to be there yet as he took a little longer this spring.

old professor said...

This spring still leaves a lot of questions for the Yankees and has had some surprises: Questions: Robertson has been hit hard, Joba has not been effective and two-thirds of the starting outfield is not hitting above .190.

In the surprise category: Aceves is making a real run at being the #5 Starter, Segovia who is 27 and was signed to a minor league contract has been outstanding this spriing; Logan and Ring are both making a claim to go north with the team as is Curtis who is hitting at .500.

If Joba does not prove himself to be the number 5 starter does he get sent down (specifically with Mitre and Aceves pitching well and Park already on the 25 man roster).

old professor said...

Pettitte's outting numbers are not too bad. He gave up two runs. On the other hand, Marte pitched to four batters three of them scored and he was not able to get anyone out. Let's contemplate he may be pitching with a sore shoulder again and will go on the DL.

Crash said...

Joba does get sent down to the minors. He will be put in the pen, and then you have Hughes and Joba leading to Mo.

Unfortunately Collin Curtis will not break camp with the big club regardless of how well he does (think back to Austin Jackson last spring...he was putting up huge numbers and was sent down). Especially given the number of #4 outfielders the Yankees have. Don't forget they have Marcus Thames, Randy Winn, and Jamie Hoffman.

Crash said...

I've seen a couple different reports that both Pettitte and Joba pitched well yesterday. It also looks like Gardner is winning the starting LF spot. I wasn't aware that was a competition though. I just assumed Winn and Thames would platoon to give guys time off when needed.

Crash said...

Old Prof you have been on the mark so far about the OF spots and spring numbers...here is a snip from RAB.com:

"The guys fighting for spots and playing time are faring a bit worse. Brett Gardner has four walks but is just six for 25. Jamie Hoffmann has three hits in 21 ABs but has just one strike out. At least he’s making contact. Randy Winn is four for 21 with six K’s, and all four of his hits were singles. Spring Training invitee Marcus Thames is three for 21 with seven whiffs."

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