Monday, June 18, 2012

Yanks Rolling

As 2012 moves along there are some things that I really like - and some things that concern me. First the good - obviously the Yanks are winning. The road trip that was mentioned in the prior post is clearly looking like it was the turning point for the club. The starting rotation is putting in quality starts, Soriano shows he has the closer mentality, and Cano is back to being Cano. The teams they have beat up on, are teams that ESPN had higher in the Power Rankings - not that it matters from a playoff standpoint or anything - but in my mind it shows a strength of schedule type thing. Something that concerns me though is the lack of separation in the division. Typically when a club goes on a roll like this they tend to create space between them and the field. While Boston remains in the basement and the Jays appear to be fading - it looks like O's are for real at only 1.5 games back and the leader for the Wild Card. This could turn out to be a real fight to take the division. Some other things that I like so far in 2012: The Red Sox in the basement. The Nationals in First, The Pirates Winning Record, The Mattingly-led Dodgers having the best record in baseball. Melkey F'n Cabrera batting .360 (what?!). And the debut not of Bryce Harper - but of Mike Trout. A few things, well, one item in particular that is on my mind from a negative standpoint: The continued decline in power numbers for A-Rod. You don't sign a guy to 9 figure contracts to bat 25 or fewer HRs per season and that's what it looks like he's on par for again. Let's see if momentum continues.

45 comments:

Crash said...

Yankees have won 9 in a row, I believe that's the first time since 2009 they have done that. And it is the first time in their history that all 9 have come against teams with winning records. Point is they are beating quality teams, not the ham 'n eggers in the bottom of the divisions.

While the offense has been doing better, it's really the starting pitching that has been the reason for the winning. I believe they have an ERA under 2.00 during the month of June, and not that he has pitched poorly but CC has actually been the worst of the staff right now. Back at the Stadium for the Braves, then to Citi for Mets.

The Dodgers may have the best record in MLB, but the Yankees are only a game off that pace. The Dodgers also are playing in the weak ass NL West, where 3 teams are sub .500 (Colorado, Arizona, and San Diego). While the Red Sox are 7.5 games back in the AL East right now, they are actually at .500. The AL East is the only division in baseball where everyone is .500 or better.

Crash said...

Joel Sherman has an interesting take on 2 possible trade targets for the Yankees. Cliff Lee and Carlos Gonzalez. I don't understand the fascination with Cliff Lee still. He chose the Phillies over NY, he's signed there for 3 or 4 more years. I guess he's looking at it as a financial move. Trading Lee would free up the $$ to sign the younger Cole Hamels long term. I think the Cliff Lee ship has sailed long ago and wouldn't worry about that now.

But CarGo is a young, 5 tool player, all-star, MVP-calliber type player. Sherman also says that CarGo is much better value as he is younger, has the lefty power built for Yankee Stadium, and his long term contract is actually a great value (5 years $71MM). He speculates that Cashman would be willing to give up the highly touted prospects like Banuelos, Sanchez, Nunez, Williams, and Bichette for CarGo. I would agree that CarGo is the type of player you should be willing to part with your top prospects. I would still hold on to Banuelos, but would certainly be willing to deal Mason Williams, Gary Sanchez, plus say a Brett Gardner or maybe Nick Swisher.

old professor said...

Mid, the Yankees will continue to win. But as they say, you are never as good as you look when you are hot or as bad as you look when you go into a skid. The Yankees will continue to be the favorites to win the division - IF THEY STAY HEALTHY.

As for A-Rod, what do you expect, he is on the downside of a long career. And there is one thing you cannot stop - father time. Age catches up with all of us and there is nothing we can do about it. Pettitte confirmed that when asked if he was made being taken out after 95 pitches on his birthday. His response should not be surprising - "absolutely not, I don't know why, but my legs felt gassed."

Crash said...

10 straight. CC with a decent performance, timely 2 out hitting from Jeter with the bases loaded, HRs from Cano and Tex.

2.5 games up on Baltimore, 4 up on the Rays, Sox in last place 8 games back.

#11 comes tonight.

Crash said...

From 10 straight to losing 2 in a row. Good time for an off day with another HOT day on tap. Friday in Citi for the Mets.

old professor said...

Team is back to its old ways. Double plays when the bases are loaded or runners on second and third with one out and cannot get anyone in. Hughes gives up four long balls.

Crash said...

Hughes' fastball was flat the entire day. A-Rod is looking real old, real fast.

old professor said...

Hate to break this news to you, but Jeter dispite his early success and Pettitte are beginning to show their age. It waits for no one and the skills disappear quickly. All three should consider this being their last year.

There never seems to be a real plan of succession with the Yankees. Players sign long term deals that carry them well past their prime while the young prospects are traded for some other aging star.

old professor said...

Yankees losing streak goes to three as Pettitte cannot get it done by giving up five in the first. So much for being the savior. Ninth inning Two on and grander son takes one down the middle.

Crash said...

Yankees end their mini-losing streak and take 2 of 3 from the Mets. They are still struggling with RISP. And all of sudden the once hot rotation is getting lit up...first Hughes, then Pettitte, CC certainly didn't pitch well last night either.

Let's see if Kuroda can pitch well tonight with the Indians in town.

old professor said...

The Yankees should be concerned over the lack of consistency from CC. While allegedly being the number one starter, he has given up a lot of runs and has not looked dominating in any of his starts.

Crash said...

While agree CC hasn't looked like CC recently, he's pitching like a 1a or #2 guy not the 'ACE', I didn't realize that 4 of the 5 runs he gave up were unearned. His ERA is still a very respectable 3.45. He's still on pace to win 20 with an ERA around 3.40, that's very respectable, and he's usually an innings eater which keeps the bullpen fresh. If the rest of the rotation can bounce back and pitch like early June then I have no problems with CC like this until he figures out what's going on.

Crash said...

Kuroda pitched real well. Offense continues to hit HRs, but struggles when they don't.

See if Hughes can bounce back from his rough outing.

Crash said...

Also failed to mention the Yankees now have the best record in MLB.

As we approach July, trade rumors should start to fly around now. Teams that look to be out of it: Padres, Rockies, Astros, Cubs, Brewers, Marlins, Phillies, Mariners, A's, Twins, and Royals.

I know the Yankees have Gardner coming back back, David Ardsma should be available in July as well. Joba maybe in August. SO what do the Yankees need and can they find it on the trade market from those clubs?

Crash said...

Hughes pitched great last night. 8 innings of shut out ball. Surprised Girardi didn't let him try for the complete game. I think he was at 111 pitches.

And just when the rotation was starting to look good again...Yankees place CC on the DL for a strained adductor in his left leg. He should be back after the ASG. Freddy Garcia will take his place in the rotation for the 2 starts. At least Freddy should be fresh.

old professor said...

Not to say I told you so. But one has to question whether CC has been pitching hurt over the last few starts. Garcia will not be able to go very long.

Hughes leaves game up six and when the game is over the blow out suddenly was a two run game.

old professor said...

Odd Yankees bring Warren up to replace CC Phelps still at AA.

Crash said...

Wow what a crappy day for the Yankees. First they lose CC to the DL, now Pettitte takes a comebacker off the leg and breaks his ankle. He's done for 6 weeks.

Buster Olney immediately says Francisco Liriano is a trade target for the Yankees now. I hope not. I'd rather see if someone from the farm can step up.

At least the Yankees get the win and sweep the Indians.

Crash said...

Girardi has confirmed that Adam Warren gets the start Friday, Freddy Garcia gets the start Monday.

old professor said...

I would be surprised if Pettitte returns at all. Six weeks plus rehabbing and getting his legs back will keep him out until the end of August at best. Suddenly the Yankees are looking at patching the rotation together for the next several weeks. Not a good sign. They may have to give some thought about what to do with Cory Wade who got lit up again after Hughes pitched well.

With Warren coming up, I would not be surprised th see Phes return to the rotation. If they do not call him up then there would be a clear indication they are no longer sold on his abilities. Another option would be DJ Mitchell who was also up for a short time.

I would resist any trade at this point because it would look like a desperation move and they would have to give up a lot.

Crash said...

The good thing about Pettitte's and CC's injury is that they should be fresh for the second half and the playoff run.

Phelps is being stretched out, he threw 55 pitches in his last start at AA I believe. I would think he will get another shot at the rotation when he's ready. Too bad Betances hasn't had a good season and Banuelos is injured. If either of them were having half way decent seasons this would have been their shot. Betances is 3-5 with an ERA over 6, 69 walks in 74 innings (71 K's).

Crash said...

Just recapping the injuries for the Yankees. So the Yankees lost their big starter they traded for in Pineda in spring, lost their leadoff hitter the first week of the season, lost their HOF closer, further hit to the bullpen with Joba, now they lose their ace in CC and their #3 in Pettitte.

If the Yankees can maintain their place in the standings through this, it will be quite impressive.

old professor said...

The only positives over the last view days centers on the lead the Yankees have been able to build. Five games on Baltimore which has hit the skids has have the Rays.

Robertson proves he is not fully back right now.

Crash said...

That loss goes on Girardi. If Robertson was available, and he clearly was, he should have been in the game to start the 9th. End of story. That is classic Girardi trying to over manage and prove he's smarter than everyone else.

That being said, I'm amazed at how a big league pitcher, who makes his living throwing a ball 60 feet 6 inches to a specific spot give or take an inch or two, can't throw it to second base missing the target by 10 feet.

old professor said...

Having tried making that throw a couple of times in my life, I can understand how it happens. Timing is everything and if you rush your throw and anticipate where a fielder is going to be versus where he actually will be, the ball goes into centerfield.

Robertson should not have been needed - if the throw is made, there would be a double play and the game is over.

Crash said...

Kind of an interesting perspective...Adam Warren, Yankees starter tonight, was actually part of the Jesus Montero/Cliff Lee trade that fell apart with Seattle a couple years ago.

old professor said...

Warren was not impressive. Too many fastballs, not able to disguise his pitches and threw too many pitches. Actually the entire pitching performance except for Dwayne Wise stunk. Wise got two outs on seven pitches.

His performance today: home run, double and single is going to make the decision to release him when Gardner comes back difficult.

Crash said...

Cole Hamels is available, however asking price is at least 4 "A" type prospects. Probably a little too steep for the Yankees unless they have a window to extend him.

old professor said...

With the lead the Yankees have, they do not need to panic.

CC will miss one more start and the be back. Garcia will be able to fill in for Pettitte and if he can't, then Phelps will step in. In addition, I can't see trading for someone they will not be able to sign at the end of the season (remember the Yanees are now committed to getting down to 185 million in payroll. Hamels will not fit into that figure.

Crash said...

I think Hamels could fit into the $189MM payroll....You have to remember Kuroda and Martin are on 1 year deals. Given Kuroda's performance they could attempt to resign him, but I can't see Martin coming back if he doesn't start hitting and his back problems continue. Swisher is also not signed for next season and then there's Mo. Point being there's a bunch of $$ coming off, but a couple guys they would want to resign. Also now that Soriano is closing again he may void that last year of his contract and test the market to get a permanent closer job. I think Hamels could fit $$ wise if they make the right move.

old professor said...

The way Soriano's contract was put together, he could only void it coming out of the first year. He elected not to. He must now honor the remaining two years of the contract. Swisher will be resigned because he is productive and there isn't anyone on the farm that is ready to come in to replace him.

Kuroda will be resigned for two reasons: (a) Andy Pettitte may decide one and done (b) the remaining two killer B's are not doing as well as expected (c) Pineda will not be ready until August next year at best (d) I don't anticipate giving up as much as the Phillies are asking and would virtually empty the Yankee system.

As for Martin, Chris Stewart has proved more than an able backup who has been more productive than Martin. Problem being Stewart may be just that an able backup. The Yankee system is not ready to promote someone to the show.

In addition Sanchez is at least two years away and the person they were willing to cede the starting role to when they traded Montero has a very bad back and probably will never be able to give them the production they need.

old professor said...

More follow-up regarding the Martin issue. Romine is still in Tampa trying to get ready for action. He may be ready for some limited duty beginning late July. Sanchez is currently at Class A and defensively is not ready.

When you look at the minor league rosters (specifically AAA) two things tend to stand out (a) the number of young pitchers in the system that are on the DL is very high: Campos, Banuelos are only two of approximately seven pitchers that are young and on the DL (b) the old veterans the Yankees have at triple A and I stress old seem to be doing well: Jack Cust is hitting 264 but has 18 homeruns, Russell Branyan is hitting 298 and has 10 homeruns, 39 year old Ramon Ortiz is 6and 3 with a 2.78 ERA and Nelson Figuero at 38 years old is 5-2 with a 3.90. So if things go haywire, the Yankees can bring the age of their roster down by bringing some of the older veterans up.

Crash said...

Soriano can still opt out after this year, he would get a $1.5MM buyout to leave. I just read an update on Pineda. He was in the NY clubhouse a couple weeks ago. Rehab is going well, he's in shape and appears to be slimmer. If there are no setbacks he can begin throwing in September and be ready for next season.

Speaking of Martin, Stewart, Sanchez, and Romine...Cervelli is down at AAA and isn't really hitting: .244 with 2 HR 27 RBI in 61 games. Haven't heard his name mentioned once since being sent down.

Crash said...

Yankees sign 16 year old Dominican SS Yancarlos Baez ($650,000).

Crash said...

Yankees, Braves, Rangers are looking at Greinke and Liriano. I would think both of those guys would command less than what the Phillies are asking for in return of Hamels. This caught me by total surprise, the Braves signed Ben Sheets to a minor league deal. He starts at AA I think this week. Braves GM says he based on what they in the bullpen, Sheets could start for Braves in a couple weeks!?!?

Crash said...

Joba pitched BP today in Florida, throws a sim game on Friday. Said he will be in rehab game within 2 weeks.

Crash said...

Cory Wade optioned to AAA, Chad Quals is with the team for tonights game (wearing #40).

Crash said...

Robertson hasn't looked the same since coming back from the DL. That loss is on him.

Crash said...

Heard the Yankees did offer Ben Sheets a minor league contract, but he decided to sign with the Braves.

Joel Sherman says the Yankees will not retain Nick Swisher if they are serious about getting under the $189MM salary threshold for next season.

old professor said...

Robertson is having location and velocity problems. He may not be fully healed or he is favoriing his side to prevent further injury.

Read the same article from Sherman. Yankees appear serious about getting under the cap as well they should. Why should they continue to pay a luxury tax that allows other teams to pocket their success.

Sheets wanted Atlanta over NY because of proximity to his home.

Melky is a free agent after the season. Maybe Yankees should take a flier on him.

Crash said...

Philies are looking for OF and 3B help in any trade involving Cole Hamels. Wonder if that opens the door for Nick Swisher being traded since the Yankees won't re-sign him. And possibly Nunez or maybe Bichette Jr.

Just speculating there...

The Braves are heavy on Zach Greinke, and word is Greinke would like to go to Atlanta. It's close to his home and he wants to play for a winner. Braves want to offer him an extension in the area of $20MM per.

old professor said...

The Yankees will not part with Bichette. They wee hot to get him NAND figure him to be a long to,e fixture. He has not disappointed in his production . Gary Shanchez gets promoted to triple a. Don't be surprised to see him up sooner than later.

Crash said...

Not sure what's going on in the NL, but the Nationals and the Pirates are in first place in the East & Central, respectively.

Big weekend series in Boston for the Yankees. If the Yankees sweep Boston is done.

old professor said...

Crash, if the Yankees split, Boston is done. Rays continue to fade as they lose again and Baltimore loses to the Angels.

It will be interesting to see who the Yankees send down or release with MacDonald joining the team today.

I really hope it is not Dwayne Wise. The guy plays good defense and has gotten some timely hits; in addition he is hitting better than MacDonald.

old professor said...

Okay it doesn't make sense - Yankees have four games in three days and send out David Phelps (again). What I don't understand is why they keep sending him to Double A instead of Triple A. Kuroda goes tonight and that would put Hughes in line for the first game of the double header on Saturday who pitches the second game??

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