Monday, July 09, 2012

Mid Season Report Card

So we're at the All-Star break, the unofficial mid way point of the season. Time for a mid-season report card. Offense: B+ This is mainly due to the fact that they still can't hit well with runners in scoring position and are very reliant on the home run. The media keeps saying wait till Gardner gets back he sets the table. My thought, does it really matter to Granderson, Tex, A-Rod or Cano who is standing at second or third base in order for one of them to get a hit? I don't think so. While the # of HRs is great and the avg with RISP alarming, you really can't argue with the fact that they are scoring runs and have a pretty good run differential (+65) only behind the Rangers. Starting Pitching: B+ While none of the starters have been lights out, ace type stuff, tey all have been really good after a tough start. Nova got his 10th win yesterday, CC and Hughes are at 9 wins and Kuroda is at 8. Not bad if you can have 4 of your starters on pace for 15+ wins. The staff stepped up with injuries to CC and Pettitte. Garcia, Phelps, and whoever else starts in place of Andy needs to continue that until he comes back. That being said the injuries should help the Yankees down the stretch as CC, Pettitte, and Garcia should be fresh down the stretch to the point that he could skip Nova, Kuroda or Hughes just to give them an extra day or 2. Bullpen: A- The bullpen has really not missed Mo, Joba, or even Robertson when he was out. Cory Wade has recently been demoted. He was decent early been has probably just been overused. Epply, Rapada, and Logan have been real good. If the Yankees can add Joba, Ardsma and even Feliciano in August/September it's better than making trades at the deadline. Overall: A- Right now things seem to be going well. You can't argue with the Yankees having the best record in baseball, sitting atop of the AL East. A lot of those wins have come across teams with winning records (Red Sox, Nationals, Mets, Baltimore, Toronto, Cincinati, Cleveland, Chicago, etc.) The only team that gives the Yankees trouble is Tampa. I give A-Rod an F, his production is at an all time low and I can't believe the Yankees have to pay him for another 6 years somewhere north of $25MM per.

37 comments:

old professor said...

There is not much to disagree with. Jobs will be back by September. Ardsma will not be back he has been shut down. Yankees have proven they don't need Pettitte. The concern that has to be reviewed is the age of the team. Can Pettitte come back form a broken leg at forty? Are we seeing the real A - Rod at Ge 37 a guy that is becoming a singles hitter? Then there is Jeter - the Boston series was a defensive disaster for Captain Jeter two errors in game three and two more in game four. Dropping a pop up. Not able to field and throw a routine grounder and not able to make the transfer from glove to hand. Very unmetered like. In addition, he leads the team in hitting into double plays.

Crash said...

Only you would complain about a guy who's on pace to hit .310, 14 HR, 50 RBI, score 90 Runs and steal 15 SB. He did have a bad series defensively. I'm not worried about that unless it becomes a lot more frequent.

old professor said...

Being on pace to hit and actually meeting those numbers are two completely different things. Jeter was on fire early in the season and was hitting close to 390. That did not continue (as it wouldn't for anyone) and he has been slumping. In addition his fielding range has always been suspect, but he did not look like himself in the Boston series and hopefully - for the team - it was an aberation.

As for the hitting into DP's - he has a long history of leading the team in this category and it turns into rally killers on a regular basis. In most instances the lead off hitter leads off once in a game and in many instances will come up with runners on and/or in scoring position. Grounding into dp's or striking out in clutch situations is not conducive to driving in runs.

The overall fact is both he and ARod are getting old in baseball terms and the team has to think about alternatives. A-Rod is an old 37 and Jeter cannot continue to look at being the shortstop of the future. During the ESPN game they were talking about him extending his current contract to play until he is 42 or 44. Where exactly do you put him at that age??

Crash said...

Jeter did slump in June (batting only .232) but he is not slumping now. He's hit safely in 7 out the last 8 games, hitting .378 over that span.

The Yankees need to be safe with Jeter after this contract runs out. 1 or 2 year deals only, because of his defense. He doesn't hit enough to be your DH. Especially with the non-productive A-Rod clogging that position in the years to come. So if he can't play the field, there's no place for him on the Yankees.

old professor said...

Finally you admit there are issues with his defense. It has only taken 18 years of Jeter's career for you to realize he is and has been a defensive liability.

He is not a power hitter and therefore can't look to be a dh in the later part of his career. And you are correct - A-Rod is clogging up the dh role. Though defensively he can still play third base, which is somewhat surprising.

If A-Rod's offensive production does not pick up, he won't be the dh. Both need to start thinking about the end of their careers and contemplating retirement.

Joba completed his first rehab assignment - hit 97 on the radar gun, struck out two and allowed an unearned run.

Crash said...

I'm glad Joba did well in his first rehab outing and he hit 97 on the radar gun. The good thing about the ankle injury is that it slowed him down. Most pitchers think they feel great about 9-12 months into the rehab, then all of sudden hit a wall and feel right several months later (see Joe Nathan). The ankle injury allowed Joba to really just focus on rehabing the elbow. It has now been 13 months since his surgery, will be closer to 14 months when he comes up to NY, barring any set backs. So hopefully we get the 'real' Joba.

Crash said...

Yankees don't even play until tomorrow. Here I thought the All-Star break was over. UGH! Kuroda is scheduled to start. I think CC will be back starting on Monday against the Blue Jays.

Crash said...

Ardsma can resume throwing in 2 weeks. If no other set backs occur, he may be up by September 1.

old professor said...

It is odd the Yankees keep talking about Brett Gardner and Ardsma. Both have visited specialists and have been told to rest for X amount of weeks. You begin to wonder whether the issues with both are physical or mental. The mental piece being one had major surgery, the other a signficant joint injury. Both will continue to feel discomfort for a number of reasons (scar tissue or the ligaments being stretched beyond what they should have been).

Either way, I don't expect either one to make a signficant impact this season.

Interesting there doesn't seem to be much talk about trades for the Yankees as they seem content to keep their farm system in tact.

Crash said...

Finally baseball tonight, Yankees vs Angels.

I agree old prof, I think Cashman will be quiet at the deadline unless someone falls into their lap. There isn't a sense of urgency or need right now. The Yankees have the best record in baseball and they're going to be get healthy in the next couple of weeks. The people they get back from the DL are better than the players they can get on the trade market.

Yankees are 52-33...if we suppose the AL East will take 95 wins, the Yankees will need just 43 in their last 77 games (that's just a .558 win %). Should be doable for a team playing over .600 right now. The NY Post takes a different position if the Yankees go 39-38 (1 game over .500) then they finish with 91 wins. Baltimore would need 46 wins (.600 ball) to tie same with Tampa, Red Sox would need 46 wins or .630 ball. Yikes. I know the Red Sox are only 2.5 games back in the Wild Card standings, but there are 8 teams with in 2.5 games. They have to play really well to just make a wild card. Don't think it's going to happen. Current AL Wild card leaders; Angels & Baltimore. Then you have Tampa, Cleveland, Detroit, Boston, Oakland and Toronto. Not an easy task ahead for Boston. I know they get Crawford and Ellsbury back this week. But I don't think that's enough.

Ben Sheets will start for the Braves on Sunday against the Mets. He had an ERA over 5 in his minor league starts. Always liked Sheets for some reason. Thought he would have been a great fit for the Yankees. If he could have stayed healthy, he would have been great.

old professor said...

As the trade deadline approaches, the availability of quality arms is almost nil. This can be recognized by the Rangers bringing Oswalt and his nagging back in, three teams actually signing (and then releasing)Jamie Moyer, and the Braves bringing in Ben Sheets. The only name I have not heard surface is Jeremy Bonderman. He was a quality arm for a short time for the Tigers, dropped off of the radar screen and yet is still in his twenties.

With the Yankees having a large portion of their schedule with Red Sox and Blue Jays, I would not hand them the division just yet. They can put both teams behind them and out of the race by sweeping their upcoming series with both teams at the stadium.

old professor said...

Okay, I found out where Bonderman is. He has been out of baseball since 2010. While preparing for signing with the Indians for the 2011 season, he blew out his elbow. He had ligament replacement this past April and is hoping to be ready to catch on with a team for 2013. (He is still only 29).

Crash said...

CC through today at the Stadium. He is scheduled to start Tuesday (not Monday as I said previously).

Crash said...

The Yankees just signed Kosuke Fukudome...he reports to AAA SWB.

I don't get that at all.

old professor said...

Regarding Fukadoma, they were in on the bidding when he came to this country. Don't know what happened to him. Had a good initial season, but fell off each year after that.

Division lead is getting larger.

Crash said...

From Jim Bowden's twitter(@JimBowdenESPNxm): Brian Cashman said the price to improve the Yankees marginally is so high that it makes him want to" run and hide"

Crash said...

There is a Phillies scout at the Yankees game today...possible Hamels talks???

old professor said...

The scout could also be scouting the Angels. Yankees do not need Hamels.

old professor said...

Crash, you have to take Cashman at his word - he indicated the asking price for anyone who could be a temporary fix for the team is too high. In addition, it appears the team is serious about being under the cap for next season. If true they are not going to empty the farm for a rental and that would be what Hamels will be. I would look at the Yankees trying to add an outfielder to replace Swisher, who in all likelihood will not be back -especially if they are looking at contract extensions for Granderson and Cano. (Can we say Hamilton) add a big bat and the Yankees will bludgeon most of their opponents next year regardless of who they have on the mound (Nova, CC, Hughes are already penciled in next year with the likelihood of Phelps being in the rotation. Yankees have soured a little bit on Warren and Mitchell). The team is probably not very happy with the progress or lack of progress of Betances and Banuelos this season. Pineda will also be back next season as well.

Crash said...

Yankees take 2 of 3 from the Angels and start a 3 game set with Toronto.

Yankees are keeping an eye on Cole Hamels, though Cashman is skeptical about finding a deal that makes sense.

With Cano's contract coming due next season (12 & 13 are team options) there is some talk about possibly trading Cano. I can't see that happening. I would bet Cashman gives him a new long term contract if they agree not to pick up this years option. He's arguably the best 2B in the league, he's home grown, a fan favorite, Yankees aren't worried about salary...they need to keep him.

Crash said...

Shane Victorino, BJ Upton, and Carlos Quentin are also Free Agents that could fill Swisher's spot if they let him walk next year.

Crash said...

Gardner ce up sore after working yesterday. He will be given more time off and won't start in a rehab game yet. Girardi said it's puzzling and concerning.

If Gardner can't get right, Yankees need to find an everyday LF. I think Upton (Justin in AZ, not BJ in Tampa) would be a great fit. Not sure what it would take to get him. Victorino would also be a fit and probably not cost as much.

old professor said...

I don't think either Upton would fit in NY they do not have the attitude to blend in with the team concept. Carlos Quentin had one solid year with the White Sox and has become a strikeout machine ever since. Victorino has his best years behind him.

Bottom line if the Yankees try to trade for anyone, they will be held up for some major prospects. Keep the system in tact and let the cards fall where they will.

Gardner is done. There is obviously something more than a strain causing the issue and they have been trying to get around the need for surgery. Now you know why the Yankees have been signing veterans off of the waiver wire (MacDonald and Fukadoma).

Crash said...

Joba hit 98 in his GCL rehab game. Next outing is scheduled for Friday and they want him to go 2 innings.

Crash said...

The Royals just DFA'd lefty SP Jonathan Sanchez. This was the guy they got for Melky from SF. He's 1-6 with an ERA around 7 ( maybe closer to 8?). Wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees take a flyer on him.

Someone asked the Braves 3B coach why is Melky doing so well now...he said he's half the guy he used to be. He has really taken his physical conditioning seriously and it's paying off on the field.

Crash said...

Yankees DFA'd Darnell McDonald to make room for CC's return from the DL.

Crash said...

Yankees are on Justin Upton's no trade list. Always thought he would end up on the Yankees because Kevin Towers and Cashman are good friends, Towers was even a "special advisor" to the GM with the Yankees when he got fired from SD. Justin doesn't have the bad attitude, it's BJ Upton that is a jerk.

I would be willing to move Betances for Upton.

old professor said...

Sanchez was a can't miss number two or three starter. Apparently he was not able to adjust to the AL or KC.

CC has indicated he was embarrassed by being on the DL.

Crash said...

The Marlins are willing "to listen" to trade offers for Giancarlo Stanton. If I'm Brian Cashman I give the Marlins anyone and everyone for Stanton. I would start with Betances, Banuelos, and Sanchez and then throw in anyone else they asked for. SERIOUSLY! That's how good Stanton is and will be.

Crash said...

At the Stadium for this afternoon's game. It's already 99!!! Good thing I have some AC in the suite.

old professor said...

Stanton is going to be out for awhile due to knee surgery. When he returns the question will be how effective he will be in the outfield or batting. Depending on the degree of surgery, he may not be fully ready until next year. I cannot see the Marlins trading this guy. He is on the way to being the face of the franchise.

Crash said...

Stanton is already the face of the Marlins franchise. Especially with the possibility/rumor that they are in heavy trade talks to send Hanley Ramirez to the Red Sox for Crawford with the Red Sox eating a ton of the contract.

If Stanton is truly available, give up the entire farm. He's that good. It doesn't matter if he comes back this year or next. Again, that's how good he is.

Crash said...

Girardi confirms best case scenario for Gardner is a September return. But no news in MRI results yet.

Crash said...

Looks like the Carl Crawfird for Hanley Ramirez and Heath Bell trade talks are dead.

Marlins are still entertaining talks for SP Josh Johnson, Anibel Sanchez, and Omar Infante. Infante would be heading to Detroit. No word on Johnson or Sanchez.

If the Yankees could swing a deal for Stanton and Johnson...DO IT NOW!!!

old professor said...

Exactly why are you so ready to bring in unneeded talent to a team that has the best record in baseball. There reaches a point of over kill.

old professor said...

Well the verdict on Gardner is in - he is undergoing surgery and is done for the season. Odd they kept saying the MRIs never changed from the original diagnosis. Why is it now viewed surgery is the best option. It should have been done after the first shutdown.

Now speculation is whether the Yankees will pursue a trade. My feeling is they have enough talent on the roster to avoid going after a rental.

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