Comments on: Cashman's work continues

By: daneptizl

daneptizl — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:32:48 +0000

El Rey makes me drool too much to to fantasize over him any longer…

By: Classic Steve

Classic Steve — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:06:59 +0000

Fair comments Chris. Crawford seems to have settled in around 15 HR/year, a number which undoubtedly would go up to some degree if he played in YS.I have nothing tangible to base the next comment on but I think in an electric atmosphere such as YS, surrounded by proven professionals, Crawford’s talents would be unleashed and his overall game would rise to a higher level then we have seen so far. Once again, just a sense that we haven’t seen everything that Crawford has to give as of yet.

By: Chris H.

Chris H. — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 02:26:54 +0000

I see what you’re saying CS, but I never said that Damon was currently a better player, nor did I ever compare to two. I just said that Crawford, from an offensive standpoint, is overrated. He needs more power to be considered a top left fielder. Ryan Braun, Matt Holliday, these guys are elite players (I wouldn’t call Damon an elite left fielder either). Crawford, at least offensively, isn’t there yet. He has a great glove and has a ton of speed, but I think he needs to show some more pop before he can claim the title of best left fielder in baseball. That could, of course, happen if given a job at Yankee Stadium. He did hit 9 of his 15 homers to RF this year.

By: Old Ranger

Old Ranger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:28:47 +0000

Thank you Classic Steve…
Last spring I had heard Tampa may not offer Crawford, but they have freed up some money this year…so maybe they will offer! As large as LF is, we sure can use him out there…either him or BJ (CF), would enhance the teams defense tremendously. I wouldn’t try a trade for either one…to high a price but, I would take either one over just about anyone else.

By: Old Ranger

Old Ranger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:16:55 +0000

Marte has improved every week since coming back, being a hard thrower and left handed helps him a lot. Most lefty BP pitchers are not as fast as he is, he should be a big help next year.
Melancon has very good stuff, even his fast ball has good life on it (sets at 91-94?), if he can get his head turned around, he could very well be the 8th inning guy.
Robertson is a guy that has always made me nervous but, he gets the job done, he sometimes wants to nibble to much…6th/7th inning guy?
As for Phil and Joba; I think Joba will start the year in the rotation, unless there is something wrong with him. He has three top of the line pitches and a change that is coming along. He wants to throw his slider to much with two strikes, a lot of the hitters are setting on it after they get two strikes. His curve is good but, he needs to use it more often.

By: Classic Steve

Classic Steve — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:06:07 +0000

Strongly disagree with both of you as to the ability of Crawford going forward(2011-2014). Initially,by the advanced metrics he is consistently one of the top, if not the very best defensive left fielder in baseball. Far superior to Damon at any point during his Yankee tenure. Secondly, as for his speed, Damon retained his SB ability through the age of 34 which is one year older than Crawford would be following the 2014 season. Additionally, it is worth noting that Lou Brock , who held the single season stolen base record prior to Rickey Henderson, set the mark at the age of 35 so there is no reason to expect a dramatic drop- off for Crawford during the term of his contract. Finally, as for his offense he established career highs in walks and OBP in 2009 so that aspect of his game may be developing.His career OPS+ is within 2 points of Damon’s. His HR credentials are very similar to Damon’s prior to JD coming to New York. Power may develop late like Damon, especially if he could tailor his swing to the contours of the ballpark.In all, I think, if Crawford were to sign with the Yankess for 4-5 years beginning in 2011, one could reasonably expect a performance level at least as good, if not better, than what Damon has provided the last 4 years, especially given the opportunity to perform on the big stage in front of capacity crowds every night as opposed to the situation in Tampa.

By: The Scout

The Scout — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:29:39 +0000

If Hughes and Chamberlain really are starting pitchers next year, there would be vast uncertainty in the rotation. A.J. lacks consistency; Andy, if he returns, shows signs of wear and tear. I would rather see either Joba or Phil start (not both), and the other move into the rotation when injury kicks in or the innings cap plays into the equation. In short, I see the need for another consistent starter, and I hope the Yankees reconsider Lackey, who would slot in very well after C.C. and give the team a strong rotation for the post-season, too. There are lesser free agent possibilities, and I am sure the Yankees will go after one of them (e.g. Harden or Sheets) as mid-rotation insurance if they pass on Lackey.

I agree that between Marte, Robertson, and Melancon, an 8th inning solution should emerge. And if Hughes or Chamberlain spend some time in the pen (Hughes’s innings limit would mandate that), there would be another piece, especially for the post-season.

I doubt very much whether the M’s will put King Felix on the market, but that would raise another possibility.

By: Old Ranger

Old Ranger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:20:50 +0000

I agree, he has good stuff but, for some reason he hasn’t shown well in the Show. His stuff is too good to give up on. Some guys just get to high or nervous the first year. As you pointed out; he has the talent to be in the bigs, now he needs to prove it.

By: Chris H.

Chris H. — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:55:52 +0000

He’s tremendously overrated. His pop has never materialized. If he could hit 20 homers, he’d be a top player. Until that day comes, he’s just a solid guy.

By: EddieA

EddieA — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:54 +0000

I say give Meloncon another shot. Maybe his time in the bigs last year will prove to be a learning experience for him. Maybe his nerves will calm down next yr and not be so wild. I still believe he can be a good addition to our bp- he has the talent.