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Montero the outfielder?

Posted by Chris H. at 7:09 pm No Responses »
Feb 172010

In NoMaas’ interview with Brian Cashman, the GM was asked about Jesus Montero’s fate as a catcher.

He responded to the question, “Do you think [Montero's] future is behind the plate,” with the following:

We hope so. His value is highest as a catcher. His bat will find a way into the middle of the lineup, that’s without a doubt. Whether he stays behind the plate, is a first baseman, a rightfielder, a DH – that remains to be seen. But he’s got one of the best throwing arms in the minors, he’s got some of the best blocking…he’s just so big, mechanically he takes a lot longer in his release. That’s an area he needs to shorten up.

Note that Cashman rattles off “right fielder,” before designated hitter, as if being a DH is the last option if everything else fails. From what I’ve read, Montero could play first base, though his lack of foot speed would preclude him from being an outfielder. Conversely, Cashman does not seem to agree with that assessment, at least not here. Montero has not seen any time in the outfield during his short minor-league career, but if he can somehow man right field in the future – or left, but his arm strength might play better in right – then it would be a tremendous plus for the Yankees.

Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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Could Yanks pursue Park?

Posted by Chris H. at 5:00 pm 1 Response »
Feb 172010

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Jon Heyman, 36-year old Korean-born right-hander, Chan Ho Park, could be a free agent pitching possibility for the Cubs, Rays, and, most importantly (for the purposes of this blog), the Yankees.

Park was once a pretty good, albeit wild, starter for the Dodgers from 1997-2001, though he was famously bad for the Rangers once he made the move to the American League in 2002. After a dreadful stint in Texas, Park was traded to the Padres in 2005, but he was hindered by intestinal bleeding brought on by Meckels diverticulum and, as a result, his year and a half stay in San Diego was a disappointment. He then split minor-league time with the Mets and Astros in 2007 only to return to the Dodgers in 2008, where he posted a 2.85 FIP as a starter in 5 games and a 4.91 FIP as a reliever over 70 1/3 innings. The Phillies, in search of pitching depth, then signed Park for $2.5 million for 2009, where he was initially used a starter, however, his numbers in 7 starts – 5.59 FIP, 5.67 K/9, 4.95 BB/9 – were terrible, forcing the club to try him as a reliever. In the bullpen, Park’s fastball saw a big uptick in velocity – 92.2 mph versus 89.8 mph while in the rotation – and he pitched exceptionally well – 2.10 FIP, 9.36 K/9 over 50 innings – for a tattered Philadelphia bullpen. It is that performance that has some teams, including the Yankees (possibly), intrigued.

It is difficult to evaluate what Park really is, though. Is he actually a good reliever? It is hard to tell, and his 50 good innings with Philly in ’09 should not hold more weight than the 70 bad innings with LA in ’08. His career splits as a starter and a reliever appear promising, but, even so those numbers don’t necessarily mean anything as they have been cobbled together at random over a 16-season career. Assuming Heyman’s tweet is legitimate, if the Yankees were to actually add Park, it would have to be at an extremely low price, since they have ample pitching depth and have already maxed out their offseason budget. If they have to spend any real money on him, it won’t happen. Park has said that he would like to pitch for the Yankees earlier this winter, though, which is something to keep in mind.

Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

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Papelbon talks up Mariano

Posted by Chris H. at 3:00 pm 2 Responses »
Feb 172010

Jonathan Papelbon loves him some Mariano Rivera.

Here’s Papelbon discussing Mariano last month, on Boston’s the Sports Hub:

“Deep down in my heart, I would love to finish my career as a Red Sox. And I think everybody pretty much knows that, but that’s a very, very hard thing to do in this day and age. And the way the game is now, I have to understand that as well. Hopefully it works out to where I can stay here for a while and win World Series and break records in a Red Sox uniform like my buddy Mo [Mariano Rivera] has done over there in [Yankees] pinstripes.”

And here he is today, discussing Mariano again during a press conference in Florida:

Did you watch the postseason after you guys were eliminated?

I didn’t watch a whole, whole lot. I tried to watch guys like [Mariano Rivera] and see what they were doing, try to keep track of it as best as I could. I didn’t watch a whole lot, like I said. But obviously Mo is one of those guys who I’ve idolized in the role, and what he’s done for the role, what he’s done himself as a closer. He’s got five rings. That speaks for itself. Everybody else that’s a closer out there is pretty much chasing him. I think he’s set the tone for what it is to be a closer, and I think he’s bridged that gap, from closers 10 years ago to closers now. He’s been able to do both and to bridge that gap. It’s fun to watch him. It’s fun to see how he goes about it, and it’s fun to kind of compete with him on a level of kind of staying up with him. If you can stay on the same field with him, you’re doing something right.

He’s had his postseason hiccups. Does that make it easier for you to put last year in context?

Of course. I’ve talked to [current Red Sox and former Yankees bullpen coach] Gary Tuck about that a lot. He was obviously with Mo for a greater part of his career. There’s a lot of little nuances that we talk about, from his game to my game. That’s what makes him who he is, and that’s what makes an athlete who they are – how they bounce back. In this game, that’s what’s going to test you to see what you’re made of. I take it all full steam ahead. It doesn’t affect me. I’m not going to take it into this season. My whole goal this season is to start a streak over again, see what happens from there.

Can you imagine pitching into your 40s?

Yeah, I can, but it’s not an easy thing to do. Mo, he just makes it look easy. He makes it look easy. Hopefully I will be able to, but only time will tell.

Like with the Joe Nathan item I posted yesterday at iYankees, it’s always fun to read of the praise heaped onto Mariano Rivera from other closers in baseball. While many of them hope to emulate his remarkable success, it is difficult to see any of them crafting a comparable resume or nearing the “aura” and “mystique” that is an intimate part of his legend. For now, as Papelbon said, everybody else is “pretty much chasing” Mariano, though I wonder if anyone can actually catch him.

Photo by John Munson/The Star-Ledger

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25 Issues For Spring Training

Posted by Moshe Mandel at 1:00 pm 4 Responses »
Feb 172010

With spring training now approaching, we can start to get get a feel for the answers and solutions to the questions facing the Yankees in 2010. Although this club is probably as strong as last year’s championship team, there are still plenty of issues that they will need to resolve on their way to a successful title defense. Here is my annual list of the top 25 questions facing the Yankees going into 2010, with last year’s list available here.

1) Steve, among others, has suggested on a number of occasions that Jorge Posada is likely to show signs of decline this season. Will that come true? Even if he does not decline in terms of skill, will he be able to stay healthy?

2) Who will be the backup catcher? Is the job being handed to Frankie Cervelli, or can somebody like Mike Rivera steal the spot?

3) Will Jesus Montero force his way onto the roster at some point? Can he handle catching?

4) Will Nick Johnson be able to stay healthy? Will his power return due to the inviting right field porch? Or will the Yankees miss Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui?

5) Can Robinson Cano improve defensively, or is he nothing better than a slightly below average fielder?

6) Will Derek Jeter’s contract situation become a distraction for the club, particularly if Jeter is slumping?

7) Will A-Rod be able to recapture his former mobility? If not, can he adjust and remain a solid defender?

8 ) Who will win the utility role and spell A-Rod every so often? Pena? Russo?

9) Which Nick Swisher will show up in 2010? Will it be the 2009 version or the 2008 iteration?

10) Will Curtis Granderson find a way to turn around his poor numbers against lefties? Will moving to a lefty friendly park help him?

11) Can Brett Gardner hit well enough to justify an everyday job?

12) If not, the Yankees will be depending on Randy Winn. Was 2009 the start of a steep decline, or can Winn return to his past solid performance?

13) If Gardner wins an OF job, who plays center field, Gardner or Granderson?

14) Who wins the final OF spot, Marcus Thames or Jamie Hoffmann? Do the Yankees go with speed and athleticism in Hoffmann, or lefty mashing in Thames?

15) Will the starters show any after effects of pitching deep into October last season?

16) Can Javier Vazquez reverse his reputation for being unclutch?

17) Can AJ Burnett remain healthy and effective, or was last season simply lucky?

18) Who is the 5th starter? Joba? Hughes? Gaudin? Mitre? Aceves?

19) What happens to Joba or Hughes if they do not make the rotation? Is AAA an option, or are they ticketed for the bullpen?

20) What can the Yankees expect from Damaso Marte? Will he sustain his playoff performance?

21) Will the Yankees carry a second lefty? Are the option (Logan, Ring, De La Rosa) too poor to do so?

22) If not, who wins that final job? Melancon? Sanchez?

23) Will Mariano Rivera ever age? Am I really asking this?

24) Will Joe Girardi’s unsettled contract situation create a distraction for the club? How will Joe handle his lack of security?

25) If the Yankees need help during the season, is there room in the budget for an upper echelon player?

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Five New Invitees

Posted by Matt Imbrogno at 11:00 am 1 Response »
Feb 172010

The Yankees invited five more players to Spring Training yesterday. Let’s look at these guys a little more deeply.

First up is RHP D.J. Mitchell. Mitchell was not listed in the Yankees’ top ten prospect list however, he had a pretty good showing in 2009. As a 22 year old in Charleston and Tampa, Mitchell posted a combined line of 140.1 IP, 124 H, 44 BB (2.8 BB/9), 125 SO (8.0 K/9, 2.84 K/BB), 1.197 WHIP, and a 2.63 ERA. Though he hasn’t pitched above A+ yet, it looks like Mitchell’s got some skills. Hopefully, he impresses the Major League guys in February and March, then rises quickly through the ranks.

Next is another RHP, Ryan Pope. Pope’s been with the Yankees since 2007 and has a career ERA of 4.26 in 295.2 innings. While the strikeout numbers are nothing too special–only 6.9 per nine innings–he’s displayed good control walking only 2.0 per nine innings. Pope reached Trenton in 2010. Despite good control and the ability to keep the ball in the park (0.4 HR/9), Pope posted an unimpressive 4.78 ERA. This was likely due to his giving up 9.9 H/9. With a little work, Pope can build on his fantastic control and have success in the system in 2010.

The Yankees also signed Dustin Moseley, the only invitee in this batch with Major League experience. Granted, that experience hasn’t been great. His career ERA is over 5 and his career WHIP is over 1.5. His control has been okay, though, as he’s walked fewer than 3 per nine. Dustin’s been a starter for his career, so he’s likely just being brought in to provide some depth in Scranton. In his Minor League career, Moseley’s ERA is 4.36 and he has a 2.21 K/BB.

Powerful Jorge Vazquez joins the three pitchers, as does corner infielder Brandon Laird. The latter has good career minor league numbers–.281/.337/.475–but it’s worth noting that his rate stats have all fallen each year as Laird’s moved up the levels.

Vazquez had his first season in the US in 2009 after nine seasons with three teams in the Mexican League. Despite injury, Vazquez impressed with the bat at AA Trenton. He slugged .578 (.249 IsoP, 17.31 AB/HR) and hit 13 home runs. It’ll be nice to see Jorge face some Major League pitching in Major League camp this year. Hopefully, he unleashes his light-tower power (he slugged over .600 four times in Mexico) on some unsuspecting Grapefruit League pitcher.

Obviously, we’re not going to expect much out of these guys going into Spring Training. Despite that, it’s always nice to see some fresh faces get a chance to show off their skills. Perhaps they’ll surprise us in March and give us some extra minor leaguers to follow on top of the guys for whom we’re most excited.

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NoMaas Interviews Brian Cashman: Gardner/Granderson, Jesus Montero, Joba/Phil

Posted by EJ Fagan at 9:00 am 5 Responses »
Feb 172010

NoMaas.org again brings us a great Yankee interview. Brian Cashman sat down to talk all things Yankees. Its really a great read. I recommend reading the whole thing. I’d like to comment on a few things.

SJK: On to the 5th starter competition — Joba Chamberlain lost significant juice on his fastball last year, in some estimates over 2 mph. How concerned are you about that and is that something which will weigh into your decision about who becomes the 5th starter?
CASH: Performance will dictate. He was inconsistent last year. He has completed his development program. May the best man win.

SJK: But, speaking of what you just said about sample sizes, how can you make a decision based on Spring Training?
CASH: You are forced to make those types of decisions. You take into account their prior history, but really no one is coming in with an edge. We’ll see what we see. Maybe someone shows up out of shape or pulls a hamstring, that helps make a decision. Maybe someone is throwing ball better than someone else.

SJK: Will Phil Hughes’ reported innings limits factor into the 5th starter competition?
CASH: No, it will not be a factor on his chances of becoming 5th starter. We will mandate what his innings limits will be and Joe Girardi and Dave Eiland will have full authority on how they would manage those innings – just like last year with Joba. They could truncate it at the beginning, it doesn’t matter me. It only matters to me if they exceed their limits.

SJK: Is the loser of the Hughes/Joba battle going to be permanently placed in the bullpen or is this just a 1-year situation?
CASH: There is no permanent anything. Your team has to be flexible. The great thing is we have guys who have the ability to both go in the bullpen and start. If somebody gets hurt, somebody’s performance suffers…Chad Gaudin can start and relieve, Sergio Mitre can start and relieve, Aceves can start and relieve, Hughes and Joba can start and relieve. These guys have the ability to succeed at both ends, some more than others.

I don’t know about you, but that’s definitely the mindset that I want to hear coming from Brian Cashman. He pretty much said, “Whomever works hardest and proves themselves best will get the spot. We’ll worry about the innings and bullpen stuff after that.” That’s fantastic. Play off the competition between the two. He didn’t say it outright, but the loser seems to be destined for the bullpen, not Scranton, even though he may be converted back to starting. Great news.

He’s also not making any excuses for the players. “[Joba] has completed his development program. May the best man win.” That puts the onus squarely on the player’s head. I love it.

SJK: If the season were starting tomorrow, who would be your starting CF?
CASH: Curtis Granderson. But if Gardner proves our team is better with him in CF and he can be an everyday outfielder…he has a lot to show in a short amount of time in Spring Training. We believe he is better in CF and we believe Granderson would be terrific in LF. But, Granderson was acquired to be our everyday CF and that is our expectation.

Brett Gardner isn’t going to be handed the center field job, but he will have a shot at it. Cashman doesn’t seem to have much of a concern that moving Granderson will harm his long term viability in center. He’s basically arguing what I’ve been advocating for, “If the team is better off with Gardner in center, Gardner will be in center.”

SJK: Do you think we’ll see Jesus Montero in the Boogie Down at some point in the season?
CASH: I don’t see him in the Bronx this season. He needs to take his next step in the process.

SJK: Do you think his future is behind the plate?
CASH: We hope so. His value is highest as a catcher. His bat will find a way into the middle of the lineup, that’s without a doubt. Whether he stays behind the plate, is a first baseman, a rightfielder, a DH – that remains to be seen. But he’s got one of the best throwing arms in the minors, he’s got some of the best blocking…he’s just so big, mechanically he takes a lot longer in his release. That’s an area he needs to shorten up.

This is the most interesting portion of the interview to me, because we get some genuinely new information, even if we could have deduced some of it before:

  • 2010 isn’t Montero’s year. We pretty much assumed this already, but Cashman confirms it. Jesus Montero already doesn’t really have a spot on the roster, and they probably don’t consider him one of their early depth call-ups. He has development left, and I’m sure the Yankees are in no hurry to get his arbitration clock running. We might even see him start in Double-A, though I doubt it.
  • Outfield is an option. I can’t remember a Yankee official ever once mentioning Jesus Montero as a potential right fielder before. Not only does Cashman do that, but he mentions Montero’s strong throwing arm (which he exaggerates a bit, but we have heard in the past of a plus arm) and struggles with footwork behind the plate. I don’t remember Mark Newman ever really discussing Montero in another position. So please correct me if I’m wrong, but this might be a first.

Good stuff NoMaas. Way to ask the right questions.

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Gonzalez-Where are the promised fields for kids?

Posted by Steve S. at 6:58 am No Responses »
Feb 172010

Daily News reporter and frequent critic of YS3 Juan Gonzalez asks a question that many of us have been wondering, why is the old Yankee Stadium taking so long to come down and where are all the promised ballfields in the surrounding areas? He writes:

Three and a half years after Mayor Bloomberg closed huge portions of Mullaly and Macombs Dam parks to make way for the Yankees new $1.5 billion stadium, the replacement ballfields the city promised are nowhere to be seen.

It has been nearly 18 months since the last game was played in the old stadium. Yet its concrete hulk still looms like a gray ghost across the street from the Yankees new palace.

Shea Stadium, in case anyone has forgotten, came tumbling down in fewer than eight months. It was leveled quickly because the Mets needed the land for parking.

But when it comes to the old Yankee Stadium, the demolition crews have taken their sweet time. Until the old stadium is razed, the city can’t even begin construction of Heritage Field, a complex of three replacement ballfields for the community.

No one in authority seems to care about this huge delay. Not the bureaucrats in City Hall. Not the Parks Department. Not the Yankees. Not the local politicians.

A few things here. Comparing Shea Stadium and the old Yankee Stadium is apples and oranges. Shea was located on the edge of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and the only populated area nearby was the favela of local Auto Parts shops a few hundred feet away on the eastern side of the building. The old Yankee Stadium, however, is surrounded by a residential neighborhood. In New York City, old buildings have to be dismantled piece by piece by law. It’s too densely populated and there’s too much danger in taking a wrecking ball to an aging facility, many of which often contain asbestos, lead paint and other environmental hazards. Because Shea was surrounded by parkland, they were able to pull down huge sections of the building on weekends when the local auto shops were closed. That’s not possible in the Bronx neighborhood where old Yankee Stadium is located. It’s going to be a much slower, painstaking process.

That being said, the article goes on to quote an official saying that the old building should be completely down by June of this year. With the complexities of dealing with New York City, construction delays shouldn’t surprise anyone.  It would be a PR nightmare if the Yanks were to re neg on their promise to build a new ballpark where the old facility is located, and a huge blight on their brand. I have no doubt that facility will be built, but anyone familiar with the local laws should understand it wasn’t going to happen overnight.

(pic courtesy of NJ.com)

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