Monday, February 25, 2013

Stay Healthy

That is the number one goal for every manager when they head into spring training. Yes it's about getting the players ready for the grind of the 162 game schedule coming up, but every manager wants to make it through without significant injuries...

Well throw that one out the window...Yankees are already nursing Mo, Jeter, and CC. Then Hughes aggrevates a bulging disc in his back, and now with his first AB of the spring Granderson gets plunked on the forearm is out 10 weeks with a fracture.

Yankees were already down 100 HRs from last year given the departures of Swisher, Ibanez, Martine, Chavez and Jones. You can throw in A-Rod if you want who in a part time role had 18, but now Granderson will miss all of spring and probably the first month if not more of the regular season. I don't think there is need to run out and make a huge trade for an outfielder. Granderson will still see most of the season. But the loss early can't be overlooked. Granderson had 16 HR early last year (8 HR in each of April and May). Plus Granderson is an everyday player, playing in 160 games. Yankees will miss that a little early on.

What this does do is make it clear sailing for the move of Gardner to CF. It eliminates any controversy surrounding the move. Gardner will get all the playing time in CF now in spring and he'll start the season in CF. By the time Granderson comes back it won't make sense for Gardner to move back to LF.

This injury also opens the door a little maybe for some of the prospects to get a little more playing time. I imagine the Yankees won't be looking to Mason Williams (not in big camp anyways) or Tyler Austin just yet, but guys like Melky Messa, Ramon Flores, and Zoilo Almonte (it was Abraham Almonte that was traded to Seattle) along with Matt Diaz and Juan Rivera are now battling not just for the #4 spot in the OF but a starting spot until Granderson gets back.

Lastly, Mid made a comment about not seeing a lot of runs in the lineup. I completely disagree. While I will agree the overall power will be way down, the team will still score runs...lots of them. All you need to do is look at the greatest team of our generation, and perhaps all time, 1998 Yankees. They did not have a single player with more than 28 HRs (Tino led the team with 28) but everyone was in double digits. And I can see that happening with this lineup, with the exception of Gardner who may hit 5. Everyone else will get to double digits (combining Cervelli and Stewart should get you that from the catching position). Jeter, Ichiro and Youkilis will each hit 15, Cano & Teixeira will be 30, C will produce 10, and LF will be over 20 when Granderson gets back. The team will need to develop the mindset of situational hitting, and getting the key hit, not the HR, in a big situation.

72 comments:

Crash said...

A name i didn't mention as a possible Granderson fill in and I should have is Ronnier Mustelier. Yankees really like his bat. He's the 28 year old right handed OF Cuban defector. In 2011 he hit .333 in the GCL and then followed it up with .344 in the AFL. Last year he .353 in AA, then .303 in AAA. His final 2012 line .304, 24 HR, 19 SB (including another AFL stint). Girardi has says he will get plenty of action this spring.

Crash said...

Some are speculating that Heathcott could have a shot at as Granderson's replacement. In my opinion that's a long shot at best. I think the Yankees view him as a year away at best, and there are too many other players that the Yankees have in camp that could fill in on the short term.

I like Heathcott, I think he and Mason Williams are the future for the Yankees OF, and it would be amazing opportunity for him if the Yankees did that, but we know how the Yankees work and they won't do it.

Crash said...

Giants LB Kiwanuka restructures his contract to save the Giants some cap space.

old professor said...

The only big issue with Mustelier is we is in the process of converting from the infield to the outfield. That he can hit is not a question (apparently most cuban defectors can). Another spring training game and another lack luster performance by the offense. They have scored a grand total of one run in two games. This is a hint of what is to come during the regular season.

Crash said...

I saw one forecast that projects the Yankees averaging 4.29 runs per game. That would be the lowest total for the team since 1991. The same system projected 83 wins, and that's if the pitching can match last years results.

old professor said...

It is funny that you mention 1991 because some prognosticators think this is the worst Yankee team since 1991 and possibly worse than that team.

Youk strains an oblique add him to the walking wounded.

Crash said...

I am still hopeful, despite all the skeptics and naysayers about questions marks, health, and age, that this will be a great Yankee season, one where they will certainly make the playoffs and then once they do all bets are off anything can happen. I wouldn't be surprised if they miss the playoffs with a sub-par Yankee season. Having said that it would piss me off if the sub-par season happened with them standing around waiting for something to happen and not letting the youngsters get ample playing time. If it is clear the Yankees are falling apart by June...then guess what I'm trading Granderson, Ichiro, Yukillis, and maybe even Cano. And I'm calling up the kids. I want to see Heathcott, Romine, maybe Mason Williams, maybe some young pitching. If I'm signing on for a crap season, I what it to be for a valid reason.

Crash said...

And just like that, as if Girardi is reading my mind...Slade Heathcott gets the start in CF today with Gardner in LF and Almonte in RF.

Crash said...

Think we need to start a "We Want Slade" campaign.

old professor said...

The kid has to prove himself to be a consistant player. He does go all out, but the question has to be whether he is ready for the big time. I still have some faith the Cuban can make an serious impression this spring - he would provide more offense that Heathcott, but may not be necessarily ready for the defensive side of things. Ptichers looked strong yesterday except for the guy that coughed up the lead.

Crash said...

If the Yankees keep Gardner and Heathcott and Williams can make it...the Yankees could have the most athletic & fastest OF in the game by 2015.

Crash said...

And for the record Gardner is the best player on the Yankees...okay second best, behind Cano.

Crash said...

So Hughes may not be ready for the start of the season now...and Joba is quickly becoming unwelcomed in the Yankees organization.

The Hughes injury could be troublesome if it lingers into the season. I would rather have him go through therapy now miss a couple starts in April rather than push it and go on the DL in the reg season.

The Yankees have nothing but themselves to blame for any and all things related to Joba.

Crash said...

Here's something a little crazy...the highest paid Mets OF in 2013...Jason Bay (now in Seattle), #2 Bobby Bonnila...yes that Bobby Bonilla, who actually retired in 2001. The Mets have to pay him $30M over the next 20+ years (until 2035). At least he doesn't count towards their team salary, where Bay still does. Bay gets $18MM this year and $3M next year from the Mess...I mean Mets.

old professor said...

Joba will be an important piece to the pen. The team apparently did not appreciate him saying that someday he would like to start (Girardi's response was Yeah and I would like to catch one more game).

Hughes may have just played himself out of town. The team knew he had back issues going back over the last two seasons and nothing was done to fix it now they crop up this spring. Not good. I have been impressed with some of the young arms the Yankees have in camp.

Cringed when I say Heathcott slame into Mustilier going after a flyball. Yikes that could have been a disaster.

Crash said...

Yeah that collision could have been a lot worse. Heathcott is all out all the time, almost a little reckless. But I like that attitude. Make no mistake Heathcott is a big time prospect and could be in the Bronx this year at some point. He may not be Harper or Trout, but he's real good.

Phelps had a decent start in that game too. I bet he makes a strong case for the rotation this year, even if Hughes isn't hurt.

old professor said...

Wow the Yankees have now won a couple of spring training games and have scored more than one or two runs to do it. It would also appear that Adam Warren is trying to make a strong case for a spot in the rotation. The competition for the number five slot may be interesting or it could be if Hughes is not ready, he may have played himeself off of the roster.

Crash said...

If Hughes has to start the season on the DL, then I have no problem with Phelps or Warren being added to the rotation. I would actually prefer both over Nova, who incidentally threw real well in his first action.

It looks like Gardner will be the LF and not CF. Not sure what Girardi and Cashman see or don't see in Gardner for CF. He is one of the best defensive OF in the game. Yet Melky Mesa was in CF and Gardner in LF yesterday. And Girardi said that Granderson will be the CF when he returns. I just don't get it. And if they are going to keep Gardner in LF, then I would prefer Heathcott over Mesa. And if they are looking to keep Gardner in CF then you can probably count out Mustelier. Which is real shame because his bat is HUGE, and this lineup really needs that pop. I can't see the team breaking camp with both Mesa and Mustelier.

WBC has officially started and I think the US starts this week. I most likely won't watch any of this. I would think the Dominican team has to be the favorite with all of that talent, but it wouldn't surprise me if they get beat at some point. I think they lack focus and can be perceived as lazy (see Robinson Cano as example) and that will show up eventually in this tournament.

Crash said...

Girardi says the Gardner-Granderson switch back is due to Granderson's injury. Girardi doesn't want Granderson to have to learn a new position in MLB games or have it impact his hitting. What a cop-out. Sometimes I swear this club makes the dumbest decisions just for the sake of trying to look smarter than everyone else.

Crash said...

Cashman goes skydiving this morning for charity, Wounded Warriors Foundation, and ends up possibly breaking his ankle on the landing. On the way to the hospital.

Crash said...

Yankees have made the following cuts in camp: Cito Culver, Tyler Austin, and Gary Sanchez, and about a half dozen other guys whose names you wouldn't recognize.

Crash said...

While taking BP for Team USA, Teixeira feels hand/wrist/forearm pain. X-Rays negative, but obviously not good.

Crash said...

Reports are coming out of Giants camp the Webster and Diehl will need to renegotiate their current contracts to save the Giants cap space or get cut. Webster should already be cut. Diehl is 32 and may have a couple years left I would like him to stay.

I didn't hear of the Giants placing the Franchise tag on anyone. Those were due by Monday.

Also Wes Welker is testing free agency. He would be a good slot guy for Eli if the Giants can sign Cruz. I think the focus will be on the D side of the ball though.

old professor said...

Texiera is out ten weeks due to a tendon or ligament problem. Yankee offense takes yet another hit. Yankees have to make a commitment to the outfielders soon. The cuts made are not suprising. Culver has only played at A Ball and Sanchez needs to move to AAA. Same with Austin.

old professor said...

Heathcott has not helped himself offensively this Spring. Realize pitchers are ahead of the hitters, but hitting under 175 is not going to help his case.

Kid by the name of Ramirez is opening eyes this spring - Girardi has been impressed and indicates he will be in the Yankees future probably as a starter (but hinted he has stuff that could make him a valuable closer.

Crash said...

When Teixeira went down, Yankees almost immediately checked in on SD 3B Chase Headly and were told he is unavailable now, but maybe later.

They have also called Derek Lee. Derek Lee is actually retired. He didn't play at all last year because no one wanted him. I'm going to run to Sports Authority and buy a 1B mitt, hey Cashman give me a call.

Crash said...

Cashman is also calling the recently retired Chipper Jones to inquire on his desire and availability.

Crash said...

Also add Scott Rolen to the list. Rolen has asked for guaranteed playing time and some other things though that make that an unlikely fit.

Chipper's agent has said "unlikely" of a possible Chipper-Yankees agreement.

old professor said...

Odd the Yankees indicate they don't need to panic, but it sure looks like they are in a panic. Signing guys that were cut lose and were marginal to begin with (Ben Francisco) and now are talking to people who are retired. Must make the guys in camp feel real good about their opportunity to make the team.

Crash said...

Yankees make some roster moves...Banuelos,Ramon Flores, Jose Ramirez, Nik Turley optioned to AA Trenton.

Betances, Brett Marshall, Austin Romine, Francisco Rondon optioned to AAA Scranton.

old professor said...

Those moves are significant in that one of the former killer B's goes only to AA Ball which is a signal they are not as high on him as they were a few years ago. Romine will have the opportunity to catch more at AAA. Still not convinced the Yankees want Cervelli starting behind the plate.

Nova had another good outting, Looks like he will be penciled in as the #5. Phelps may be going to the pen or taking Hughes spot,

Crash said...

Phelps may get a start if Hughes or Pettitte are not ready by Opening Day, but Hughes isn't losing his spot in the rotation. He led the team in Wins last year and had 18 wins 2 years ago. 0 chance of that happening.

Crash said...

Absolutely hate that the Giants are not resigning Chase Blackburn. I hate the moves the Giants GM has made the lats couple of years almost as much as the calls the O'Coordinator makes.

old professor said...

Yankees seem to be settling in on the idea that Melky Mesa will be the centerfielder when the season opens. What needs to be asked is if the kid really performs what happens to granderson when he returns or if he returns.

The Yankees have also probably decided that by bringing in Francisco, they are not enthused by anyone who is in camp. He did have a good day yesterday an will get the start today.

Crash said...

Texas has scouts at a Yankee game watching Joba. With Teixeira down, Mitch Moreland may be temporary fit. Texas doesn't seem to high on this kid even though he has shown some power and can hit. He's not .300 & 30, but .280 20-25 if given the chance.

old professor said...

Don't weaken the pen for a short term fix.

old professor said...

Wow what a difference a day makes. Yankees were looking good going into yesterday. The at the end of one inning of play they trailed 9-1 and lost 17-5 to the Blue Jays.

Ramiez showed he is not ready to move beyond AA and Warren may have punched his ticket to AAA or out of everyone's thoughts.

Crash said...

Well you can probably now count out Musty. Ronnier Mustelier, playing 3B, collides with metal railing in pursuit of foul ball and leaves game with injury.

Crash said...

Baseball Prospectus lists Yankees Top 10 Prospects:

1. Gary Sanchez (C)
2. Mason Williams (OF)
3. Jose Ramirez (RHP)
4. Slade Heathcott (OF)
5. Tyler Austin (OF)
6. Ty Hensley (RHP)
7. Angelo Gumbs (2B)
8. Jose Campos (RHP)
9. Mark Montgomery (RHP)
10. Rafael De Paula (RHP)

Couple things I notice...no Betances, Banuelos, Romine, or Culver. No Brett Marshall. Also, all the pitchers are right-handed. Yankees need some lefties. With a solid year maybe Banuelos makes it back to this list.

old professor said...

They also do not list Melky Mesa as a prospect either. Yankees have signed a Tiger castoff to a major league contract meaning he will break camp with them and be on the 25 man roster. Diaz, Rivera and Neil are headed either into oblivion or the minors though it appears Rivera could play first base until Tex comes back.

old professor said...

One of the other prosects I have not heard a lot about this spring is Williams. I know he had some surgery during last season and they needed to take it slow but he has been completely invisible.

Heathcott has been productive to a degree and will improve as he is moved up the ladder. I do think Melky Mesa will make the team.

Like you, I am surprised about the lack of left handed pitchers listed as prospects. If you look back at the last three drafts, there have been several left handed pitchers drafted none apparently have panned out.

Once last name I have not heard this spring is Pat Vandetti he was the pitcher that could throw from both sides and was in camp last year and did well at double A last season.

Crash said...

Vandetti was pitching for Italy in the WBC and was limited to using only his left arm because he injured his right shoulder in spring training last year and had surgery last June.He hasn't even tested his right shoulder yet. He tops out in the mid 80's from the left side, was in the mid 90's from the right. His MLB career may be over before it starts.

You haven't heard Mason Williams mentioned at all because he did not get the invite to big league camp. He is still recovering from surgery, he actually just started his spring training and will start the season in Tampa.

Some roster moves: Pineda is placed on the 60 day DL. Matt Diaz has been released. Zoilo Almonte and Corban Joseph have been assigned to AAA.

I don't understand why the Yankees keep bringing in OF depth when there are 2 "kids" ready for the big leagues. Both Melky Mesa and Ronnier Mustelier are very capable of at least filling in the OF. There's no need for Boesch or Francisco or Diaz.

I mentioned Mitch Moreland of Texas as a possible trade target for the Yankees with the Rangers. Turns out the rangers may be looking to move Mike Olt. It would cost the Yankees more than Joba, but if that deal could happen Yankees should take it. Olt can play 3B (natural position), 1B, or OF. He's only 24, can hit for power and average (last years line from AA .288, 28, 82 in only 95 games). He got a call up late last year and hit .180 in 28 ABs. This could be the guy to move A-Rod to DH permanently when he gets back. He's young under control for the next 5 years.

old professor said...

If the Yankees are not willing to take a risk on Mesa (who by the way leads the team this spring in Hits, RBI, SB and HR)and want to continue to bring in castoffs what makes you think they will trade for a Ranger's prospect who played at AA Ball last year??

I think the team will keep Mesa, The team has moved Pinieda to the 60 day DL which clears a space on the forty man roster to add someone.

i don't think they are done going through other teams garbage piles. I am not convinced they are confident in their rotation and would expect something under the radar to happen.

Crash said...

I disagree...they are totally confident in their rotation. Even if Hughes misses hi first start they are 100% comfortable with Phelps getting that start. Nova has also thrown the ball real well.

Looks like the intended defensive alignment come opening day is going to be Youkilis at 1B with Ronnier Mustelier at 3B. Musty is back from his injury and they have him at 3B today. This lat in spring you're going with what you think you're line up will be.
Today's lineup:

Gardner CF
Jeter SS
Ichiro RF
Youk 1B
Hafner DH
Boesch RF
Stewart C
Musty 3B
Joseph 2B

Just flip out Joseph for Cano and that is your opening day defensive setup, maybe Cervelli instead of Stewart.

old professor said...

Musty may just make the team because they like his bat and believe he can be okay at third. It also looks as if Texiera will be out longer than expected and may end up on the 60 day DL.

Cervelli may end up the starting catcher. There are several reports indicating the think tank believes he has come a long way. The big question will be on how he calls a game and whether the catching situation actually becomes an every other day rotation.

Crash said...

No Jeter's ankle is barking...good thing Nunez has plenty of reps at SS. If Jeter isn't in the lineup come opening day, that leaves Cano, Ichiro and Youk to carry the lineup. It's like the late 80's early 90's all over again.

old professor said...

Nunez may become the every day ss before all is said and done. It may also turn out that Jeter won't be ready to start the season.

With the questions surrounding the offense, this team is going to be hard pressed to make the playoffs.

Crash said...

Jeter is out again today and will not even take BP. Mason Williams has been called to Yankees camp, at least for the day, to serve as backup CF. Gardner in LF, Mesa in CF and Francisco in RF today.

old professor said...

If Jeter is out again, this does not bode well for an opening day start. He cannot play once and take two to three days off. Maybe some scar tissue is creating problems.

No offense yesterday.

Crash said...

Wang will throw for Yankees in a side session. Drawing interest from several teams.

Crash said...

Jeter gets a cortisone shot in the ankle today for inflammation. Could start the season on the DL. Cash says he needs to be able to play full 9 innings and go back to back days.

old professor said...

If Wang is sound, Yankees will offer a contract and he will take it. My guess is he wants to end his major league career with the team he started with. Even if he is half of what he used to be nine to ten wins is better than what the would get from Nova or maybe even Phelps.

Crash said...

According to one scout Wang's sinker is still very good, but his fastball tops out in the 80's. Said he is better suited for an NL team, not AL East. If Yankees make an offer it would be a minor league deal. Yankees have better options in house already.

So let's see, Yankees with out Alex, Granderson, Teixeira, and Hughes all get hurt in spring. Jeter is now hurting. CC and Mo coming off surgery, but as of now knock on wood, appear to be okay. Nunez, Jeter's SS replacement commits more errors than a little leaguer. The only positive thing is Cano had a great spring so far with his Dominican team.

old professor said...

Spring training appears to be full of surprises. Cashman now says Jeter may not be ready for opening day - Nunez will be the shortstop. The Yankees have a lefthander in camp by the name of Vidal Nuno who just threw five scoreless innings against the Red Sox and has been the most impressive starter in camp - .083 ERA, 25 years old and has a five pitch selection. Maybe an outside chance to make the team.

Wang was clocked during the WBC at 92-93 on the fastball. If that is true and his sinker is effective, Yankees could offer a minor league deal.

Crash said...

Clay Rapada will start the season on the DL, bursitis in left shoulder. Hughes will start on 3 days rest today, but will also most likely start the season on the DL. Which I would guess means Phelps gets a start.

old professor said...

If Rappata starts on the DL then Nono will make the team. If they plan on putting Hughes on the DL, it doesn't make sense to start him on three days rest.

Crash said...

Yankees agree to terms with Wang.

Anonymous said...

I assume Wang signed a minor league contract?? If so figure he will be up sometime in June. He probably has to get into shape and begin a spring training regiment.

old professor said...

Veernon Wells on the way to the Yankee once the teams agree on how much salary the Angels will eat. Word indicates the Yankees will part only with a low level minor leaguer. Believe it when I see it.

Crash said...

Wells is owed $42MM over the next 2 years. Yankees will pay $13 of that, most will be this year so it doesn't impact next year's salary threshold.

The Yankees giving up only a low level minor leaguer sounds reasonable. The Angels have been trying to dump the contract, and with the amount of $$ the Yankees are paying it won't be anyone of value.

Wang's deal is a minor league deal. I don't know about getting in shape. He pitched last year, just pitched in the WBC. He should be fine, he'll report to minor league camp and probably be assigned to AAA.

Jeter will start the season on the DL. He's not playing in anymore major league spring games, so they can retro the DL back, he should be eligible to come off on April 6.

Crash said...

With Jeter heading to the DL, the Yankees are paying more for 3 injured IF's (A-Rod, Tex, and Jeter) than the entire Tampa Bay Rays team...$67.5M to $60M.

Crash said...

Here is a name popping up on Yankees radar, Lyle Overbay. He's currently with the Red Sox, but has an opt-out clause that kicks in tomorrow. I would rather see Youk at 1B and Musty at 3B, but Cashman is grasping at any straw he can right now.

old professor said...

Overbay's best years are so far behind him they cannot be seen in the rear view mirror.

It will be interesting to see exactly how long it takes Jeter to come back from the DL.

Crash said...

Even when Jeter gets back, he should be prepared to spend quite a bit of time in the DH role and not in the field.

I didn't know that Teixeira's salary is essentially taken off the books and does not count toward team salary because he was injured during the WBC. There is apparently a WBC insurance policy to protect teams. If he should require surgery and end his season, salary won't prohibit the Yankees from making a larger move if necessary.

Can't believe opening day is less than a week away and there is still snow on the ground. It's going to be a called opening day.

Crash said...

Red Sox have released Overbay, and the Yankees have already made contact to "check him out". Scouts say Overbay looks terrible this spring though.

old professor said...

With the insurance policy (a) the salary doesn't count toward the teams salary and (b) Yankees recover through insurance what they are forced to pay in salary. Yankees need to forget about going to the scrap heap for players like overbay.

Crash said...

Trade for Wells is official...Yankees give up 2 minor leaguers OF Exircado Cayones and P Kramer Sneed. Neither are on the top side of the Yankees prospect list. These guys won't even sniff the majors.

old professor said...

Interesting the Yankees give up minor leaguers that probably will never go beyond AAA.

Overby gets into a game immediately and showed he can still pick it at first. May not be able to hit but can play defensive. Big question is if he makes the team, Rivera becomes expendable and Youkliss goes back to third making the efforts of Musty in question. Guy can hit and husles. Yankees need to put him on the roster.

Crash said...

I'm guessing Overbay is the Yankees starting 1B come April 1.

Just read Heyman's power rankings...Yankees are listed at #21. Behind teams like the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Indians, Royals, & Brewers. Heyman is an idiot. The Yankees are still the team to beat in the East. End of story.

Crash said...

Yankees are ranked 11th by Baseball America for "organizational talent".

Crash said...

Quite possibly the best news I've heard all spring...Tim McCarver is retiring after this year. FINALLY! This guy is terrible.

Ron Darling has been named as a possible candidate for replacing him. I think that's just the NY media being biased. Darling is terrible too. Not sure if there is a recent retired player that would be good at that sort of thing.

old professor said...

Regarding Heyman's report on power rankingws - are you bipolar? You are the individual that indicated you did not want to go to opening day because you did not want to spend $$$ on "this pathetic team". From a power standpoint, the team is weak. Adding Overbay does not help the power situation.

Mason Williams got into last night's game and got a hit as did Melky Mesa. The team has some interesting decisions to make - Nix or Musty; Rivera or Mesa; Nono or Nova; Stewart and Cervelli or Wilson and everyone else. Jeter and Hughes begin season on DL. Hughes will eventually have back surgery. The only positive thing about this news is that the free agent market will narrow for Hughes if he struggles with back issues this season. Rotation will be: CC, Kuroda, Pettitte, Phelps and Nova. This rotation does not strike fear into any lineup.

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