Pinstripe Alley

The Yankees, Nick Johnson and Jim Thome

2009-12-17T18:00:30Z

I started having this thought even before rumors surfaced of the Yankees' interest in Nick Johnson.

If Johnny Damon won't come back on the Yanks' terms (and I'm of the belief that Damon won't beat a $20/2Y offer), there are a slew of free agent options who would be available on 1 year deals. Two of the most intriguing pure-DH options are Jim Thome and Nick Johnson.

Thome 2007-2009: 1572 PA .256/.380/.517

Johnson 2007-2009: 721 PA .277/.424/.410

[Update at 1:58 p.m.: Discussions with Johnson are 'hot']

There are four parts of the story here: staying healthy, making contact, working the count and driving the ball.

Clearly, Jim Thome has been better at staying healthy. Will he continue to be? While Thome hasn't been available 150+ games in 6 seasons, he's played in less than 130 since 2003 until his trade to the NL this past season. On the other hand, Johnson had hand problems when he was with the Yankees, a back problem with the Expos/Nationals, a broken cheekbone on a grounder, a broken leg after a collision on a pop-up, and a torn ligament in his wrist. Two interesting/ encouraging things about Johnson: 1) he's a year removed from his wrist injury, so he might show more power than his .410 SLG suggests; 2) only the wrist injuries are re-occurring (and separated by many seasons), and two of the injuries that have cost him the most time are freak injuries.

If they stayed equally healthy, what's the value of Johnson's extra .021 batting average? Let's imagine the Yanks' DH gets to play 130 games, with the rest going to Posada, Arod, Jeter, Tex and Swisher. That's roughly 500 PA- 128 hits for Thome, 139 hits for Johnson. While I acknowledge that a hit is better than a walk (walks only drive in runs when the bases are loaded), those 11 extra hits over a season are less than an extra hit every other week.

On the other hand, Thome would get on base 190 times. Johnson would get on 212 times. That's 11 extra hits, plus another 11 walks (which are almost, if not quite, as good as a single). At the risk of sounding too much like Crash Davis, an extra hit a week is the difference between an All-Star and a scrub.

But slugging is Thome's advantage, and in a big way. Sticking with our 500 PA assumption, Thome is going to tally 258 total bases (his best season by that measure since 2004) and Johnson will wind up at 205 total bases. Roughly, that's a 35 HR, 25 doubles, and 70 singles season from Thome, compared to a 10 HR, 25 double, and 115 singles for Johnson.

Johnson is the ideal #2 hitter, Thome would look brilliant at #5. Who would you rather have? Let me hear your thoughts, and I'll leave mine in the comments at the end of the day.

Yanks Want Private Workout with Chapman

2009-12-17T17:51:06Z

Yanks Want Private Workout with Chapman

The Yanks were impressed by Chapman's improved physique (better diet and conditioning) and his slightly altered mechanics.

I'm of the opinion that the Yanks should spend big on international free agents. I was disappointed by Igawa, but I like the approach and am not scared of another disappointment. The Yanks will never draft high, so they should flex their financial muscle in every other way.

h/t RAB

Yankees top 10 prospects

2009-12-17T16:29:20Z

The bible of baseball prospecting, Baseball America, released it's top 10 prospect list for the Yankees.

1. Jesus Montero, c
2. Austin Romine, c
3. Arodys Vizcaino, rhp
4. Slade Heathcott, of
5. Zach McAllister, rhp
6. Manny Banuelos, lhp
7. Gary Sanchez, c
8. J.R. Murphy, c
9. Jeremy Bleich, lhp
10. Andrew Brackman, rhp

My first impressions are that Romine, Sanchez and Bleich are surprisingly high. Romine projects to be a good, all-around catcher, but hasn't played above A-ball; several other prospects have produced more at similar ages with higher ceilings. Sanchez has yet to play a single pro game, and Bleich had an awful half-season at Double-A.

(FYI, Sanchez was the top IFA catcher this year. His bat doesn't project as much as Montero's, but he's supposed to be better behind the plate.)

Montero is called the best hitter for average and power, an impressive combo. Newly-acquired Jamie Hoffmann is the 'best defensive outfielder.' Frankie Cervelli is the 'best defensive catcher' while Ramiro Pena is the 'best defensive infielder.'

With four catchers in the top 10, the Yankees are clearly pursuing a defined strategy. The brain trust (Damon Oppenheimer (head of scouting), Mark Newman (head of 'baseball operations') and Brian Cashman) seem to think catching prospects are more valuable than any other prospects (outside of perhaps pitchers). And they would be right. Back when Texas had three good catching prospects (Teagarden, Ramirez and Saltalamacchia), other teams seemed willing to trade almost anybody to get one of the trio. Good catchers are hard to find, and by stock-piling them, the Yankees are ensuring they have the necessary 'chips' to land a big-name veteran when needed. The best will rise to the top while the remaining can be traded off.

We at Pinstripe Alley put together our own combined prospect list:

1. Jesus Montero

2. Mark Melancon (BA may not have considered him a prospect)

3. Zach McAllister

4. Austin Romine

5. Manny Banuelos

6. Arodys Vizcaino

7. Slade Heathcott

Honorable mentions include Eduardo Nunez, Kevin Russo, Alan Horne, Ivan Nova, George Kontos, Wilkins De La Rosa, Colin Curtis, Jairo Heredia and Hector Noesi, who each received one vote. Really, after the first six, it's a toss up.

Notes about the prospects -

Montero:

Yes, there is such a thing as hype, but a few prospects actually deserve it. Montero is one of them. Having just turned 20 a few weeks ago, he's hit for a high average while maintaining low strikeout rates and decent walk rates at every minor league stop. His power has improved steadily along the way, and when you consider that he's done this against competition that's usually been a year or two older, and that most players rarely reach their power peak at 19, you've got a special player on your hands.

- 3460kuri

He's got loads of potential, but he's played only 44 games at AA. It's a testament to the amount of hype I'm willing to believe that he's ranked this high.

- jscape (ranked Montero third)

I've seen him in person. He looked like a man among boys despite being several years younger than most every other player. He hit a grand-slam and allowed two passed balls, which is basically what most experts think of him: great bat, no glove. He did, however, show off a strong arm. He should catch no worse than Mike Piazza. Jesus has a chance of debuting next year, especially if the Yanks don't sign another hitter.

- Travis

No brainer that he is the top prospect. Nobody knows for sure if he can catch. Everyone who has seen him is sure he can hit.

- Ed

Some scouts make the argument that Montero is the best hitting prospect in the minor leagues. That's debatable, but at the catching position, which I believe he can stick at, few players are as valuable. You just don't find too many bats as potent as his behind the dish. He's shown offensive skills reminiscent of Miguel Cabrera on his way up.

- Frank Piliere of AOL FanHouse

The ball rockets off his bat; he's an elite contact hitter; not patient and D isn't great... Montero has a lot of raw ability and plenty of development time on his side. And he's already proven that he has a very high offensive floor. With his skill set, he could very well turn into an annual .390+ wOBA guy... I see Jesus Montero as a potential once-in-a-generation force on offense.

- Project Prospect

McAllister:

[He] may not have dominating stuff, and doesn't project as an ace, but he does a little bit of everything that you want to see in a pitcher - he strikes batters out (7.1 K/9) while limiting the free passes (2.5 BB/9), and keeping the ball in the park (.4 HR/9). While workload/innings limits are still a concern heading into his age-22 season, I'm not sure he has much more to prove in AA. Barring injury or catastrophe, it won't be shocking to see him on the major league roster in late 2010 or early 2011.

- 3460kuri

There's a lot to like about Z-Mac, mostly because of his certainty. He's durable, having pitched 120+ innings the last two years, has ideal size (6'6", 230), and has been effective at nearly every level. A good ML comp is Jake Westbrook - a solid, mid-rotation innings-eater. Sinker-ballers will be more valuable to the Yankees than most other teams due to the homer-friendliness of Yankee Stadium.

- Travis

Romine:

The Yankee most likely to be a catcher in 2012 would be the top catching prospect in nearly any other organization.

- jscape

Part of the Yanks embarrassment of riches at catcher.

- Ed

Melancon:

Ignore what you saw from him in his brief trip to the majors in 2009. He throws strikes and keeps the ball in the yard. With two bullpen spots open after the trade of Brian Bruney and Phil Hughes' likely departure to the rotation, he should have every opportunity to fill one of them, and there's no reason he shouldn't be able to at least duplicate Bruney's production.

- 3460kuri

Got a taste of the Show in 2009, then put up a 0.906 WHIP in Scranton with more than a K per inning.

- jscape

Vizcaino:

Here's a name you probably haven't heard of before. Vizcaino features a fastball that touches 94 MPH with a good curveball and changeup, and he just turned 19. What I like most about him, though, is that unlike other young strikeout pitchers, he has control - averaging 2.9 BB/9 to go with 10.4 K/9 across 86.1 professional innings. He hasn't played above short-season A ball, but if things progress well you might look for him in AA by late 2010. With three seemingly useful pitches, he seems pegged to be a starter for now, although that could change at this point.

- 3460kuri

A long way away, but a name to keep an eye on.

- Ed

Horne:

Everybody seems to have forgotten about him, as he's missed significant portions of the last two seasons due to injury. But in his last full minor league season, he was really, really good. At age 26, 2010 is probably make or break for him. But if he can stay healthy and regain at least most of the form he showed in 2007, he may be able to creep his way up the team's pitching depth chart.

- 3460kuri

Dunn:

The lefty walked way, way too many in Trenton and Scranton, but he dominated the Arizona Fall League.

- jscape

Banuelos:

Results before projection, but when the projection involves an 18 year old lefty with a fastball in the low 90s able to touch 94, with the mound presence of this guy...

- jscape

What's not to like about an 18-year-old lefty that throws in the low 90's, K's 8.5/9, has a 3.5 BB/K ratio, and a 2.62 ERA? I'm very interested to see how he does in the high minors.

- Travis

... it's about time the baseball world was fully aware just how talented this 18-year-old lefty actually is. He doesn't have the size at 5-foot-10 and he doesn't throw 97 mph, but the total package and maturity is something to behold. Sitting at 90-92 mph, reaching 94 mph at times, Banuelos works through a lineup with very little effort. And, with some further physical maturity, it's not unreasonable to think he could pick up a little more velocity.

Despite his good lively fastball from the left side, that's not what makes him so intriguing. It is his pitching aptitude and uncanny feel for the game. He is the owner of two above-average secondary pitches, the changeup and the curveball. There's a debate among scouts as to which is a better offering. He appeared to be more consistently comfortable with the changeup at 76-80 mph, but he also showed command for the 11-5 breaking ball at 72-74 mph.

The stuff is above average, but when you consider the advanced feel he has for pitching and the often pinpoint command he possesses it's amazing that he's still only 18. He pitches with such ease and attacks hitters with such a calm demeanor, that he can be a front-of-the-rotation pitcher in the majors a few years from now. If you're trading with New York and looking for its most complete pitching prospect, look no further than Banuelos.

- Frank Piliere

Bleich:

Too many hits, but the control is there (3.5 BB/9, 7.2 K/9). He's got a long ways to go, but I think the lefty will get there.

- jscape

Heredia:

Another young, high-ceiling Dominican pitcher. He dropped down the list this year because of injuries (he only threw 38 innings), but he is very effective when healthy (3.27 ERA, 8.6 K/9, 3 BB/9). He just turned 20 so he has plenty of time to improve.

- Travis

Noesi:

He does not have the gifts or feel for pitching that Banuelos has, but that is certainly no insult. Noesi is the type of prospect that shows up in deals quite frequently. He's a little older than you'd like for a pitcher below Double-A, but has the stuff of a No. 3 big-league starter. Another reason you may not know much about Noesi is because in 2008 he was much shorter in his arsenal than he is today.

When I had the chance to see him then, he was a pitcher severely lacking in secondary pitches despite his good velocity and fastball command. This year was a much different story. He displayed downright dominance at times, especially in his stint with at low Single-A Charleston (S.C.). Maybe most impressive of all was his stamina; his stuff would sometimes improve as his pitch count mounted. Although he still likes to mostly to work of his well spotted 90-94 mph fastball, this year there was the curveball as well. With good 12-6 action, the curveball came out whenever Noesi seemed to need it this year. He had a feel for just how much to mix it in and varied the speeds from 72-76 mph. With a second pitch that now shows flashes of being plus, and an occasional changeup mixed in, Noesi showed tremendous growth in 2009 and became a complete pitcher. He could be a guy that continues to emerge in a hurry and may not be far off from the big leagues.

- Frank Piliere

Heathcott:

This year's first-round pick would've gone higher if not for an injury and 'attitude problems.' He has a Grady Sizemore-esque ceiling and projects as a better player than Austin Jackson: more power and a better arm.

- Travis

Tools, tools, tools. This guy has 'em. Now let's see what he can do with 'em.

- Ed

Brackman:

At this time last year it wouldn't have been unreasonable to believe that Brackman, pictured right, would be among potential untouchables, but as 2009 unfolded it was clear that he would face all the roadblocks that a near 7-foot pitcher coming off arm surgery could. To say he struggled mightily with his command is an understatement as his walk totals were off the charts. What was more concerning, however, was the fluctuation in his raw stuff. While reports were more positive when he worked as a reliever later in the year, there were times when his stuff was close to pedestrian.

In my opportunities to evaluate the towering right-hander, I saw a pitcher who appeared tentative at times to let his fastball go as he lived around 89-92 mph. He was still able to produce some good downward sink on the fastball, and use his height, but the raw velocity was just not there. Also mixed in was a downer curveball at 71-75 mph with plus potential. The command, on the other hand, was erratic at best. There is definitely a lack of comfort with his mechanics and the big question is whether he will ever develop that feel and consistency enough to be a dependable big-league pitcher. If he does, the stuff can be brilliant, but what I got a glimpse of was the ugly side of Brackman and that needs to be taken into account.

- Frank Piliere

New York Yankee notes: Matsui, and a little hot stove stuff

2009-12-17T12:47:55Z

Morning, New York Yankees fans! Here are a few stories to help keep you warm and cozy by your computer on a very cold day here in the Northeast.

The Los Angeles Angels introduced Hideki Matsui yesterday, and received the full Matsui treatment with an overwhelming throng of Japanese media on hand.
The Yankees are "looking at the entire market" for starting pitching depth, corner outfielder and designated hitters, according to GM Brian Cashman. Over at Confessions of a She Fan, Jane Heller is dreaming much bigger about ways to fill her New York Yankee Christmas stocking. Her ideas will never come to fruition, but you have to like her style.
Over at This Purist Bleeds Pinstripes they are wondering what John Sterling will come up with for a Curtis Granderson home run call. My money is on "A Dandy from Grandy."
Speaking of Granderson, he was knows for his work in the community while a member of the Detroit Tigers. Wednesday he took his first step toward bringing some of that work to New York City.
Over at Talking Chop, SBN's Atlanta Braves blog, they are pushing the idea of a Derek Lowe for Nick Swisher trade. All I can say to that is, no thanks. The Yanks have already jettisoned one outfielder, maybe two if Johnny Damon doesn't come back. Besides, I don't want Lowe and his gargantuan contract, anyway.

How weird is this?

2009-12-17T01:57:17Z

How weird is this?

Yankees Talking to Nick Johnson

2009-12-16T22:18:28Z

Yankees Talking to Nick Johnson

Yankees have expressed interest in former Yankee Nick Johnson to DH for a year. I don't really like the idea seeing as Nick can't stay healthy and has hit 20 homers once. Maybe if he were a secondary option at DH, and came off the bench.

Another theory on Granderson's sub -par 2009 season

2009-12-16T22:00:26Z

In 'jscape's' post earlier today on Curtis Granderson, the new center fielder for our New York Yankees, he reached out to Bless You Boys. Their theory on his career-worst 2009 season was that "Jim Leyland (the Detroit manager) messed with his head."

I hate to keep beating the Granderson story to death, but here is another theory. A source close to the Tigers tells me that there are those around the organization who think the problem wasn't Leyland. Or Granderson. Rather, it was hitting coach Lloyd McClendon.

Two Detroit stars, Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez, reportedly refused to work with McClendon -- a .244 career hitter in the big leagues. Also, I was told, Placido Palanco stopped working with McClendon after getting off to a rocky 2009 start.

My source referred to McClendon as Leyland's "buddy," and said "Granderson should have followed the lead of Cabrera and the others and ditched him."

He added this about what to expect from Granderson as a Yankee.

"I'd say the Yankees stole Curtis. And those idiots calling WFAN wondering about his low BA last year, and his high K's ... I imagine he'll rebound somewhat this season, and then big the following year."

Here are some links to stories about McClendon and his issues with Tiger hitters.

http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2009/08/jim_leyland_backs_hitting_coac.html
http://blog.mlive.com/cutoffman/2009/10/detroit_hitting_coach_lloyd_mc.html
http://detnews.com/article/20091103/OPINION03/911030405/Change-in-hitting-coaches-won-t-fix-Tigers--problems-at-the-plate

All I can say is I hope Kevin Long is able to fix whatever ails Granderson.

My kids always come back and eat their vegetables. Johnny Damon will come back and take his two...

2009-12-16T21:31:39Z

My kids always come back and eat their vegetables. Johnny Damon will come back and take his two year deal. I let my kids douse the veggies in ranch dressing to make it more palatable. I suppose the Yankees will build in some elaborate vesting option to do the same for Damon. But really: my kids ultimately have to do what I say, and Damon ultimately wants to stay in New York. The Yankees and I have all the cards in our respective transactions.

Maybe Damon isn't gone just yet.

A Tiger's Thoughts on Granderson

2009-12-16T19:00:32Z

by Duane Burleson - ASSOCIATED PRESS

View full size photo »

I've been holding on to this piece for the last couple of days because of all the attention the Halladay trade and Lackey signing were (rightly) receiving.

Whenever the Yankees and the Tigers cross paths, I reach out to cartoon enthusiast and blogger extraordinaire Ian Casselberry of SBN sister-site Bless You Boys.

His thoughts on Curtis Granderson after the jump:

I (along with plenty of other Tigers fans) thought Curtis Granderson was a core part of the Tigers' roster, but evidently, the team felt differently. Here in Detroit, we're still trying to work out exactly why the Tigers considered Granderson expendable. One guess is that they didn't see him improving the flaws in his game.

As you've already written, the big problem with Granderson is his hitting against left-handed pitching. His .484 OPS this year was just awful, and it affected Granderson's reliability in the lineup late in the season. Against lefty starters, he was either moved down in the order or benched, which is not what you want from one of the key players in your lineup.

Granderson got knocked for his defense late in the season, But as perplexing as that was, he's still an excellent defensive centerfielder. Sometimes, his preference for playing shallow hurts him, and he lets a few balls go over his head. But he seems to get good jumps, with an ability to make the spectacular play. His throwing arm isn't the best, but it's not terrible, either. And Granderson makes up for that with good positioning and decision-making.

The biggest change in Granderson's game last year was the emphasis on power over hitting to the gaps and using his speed. It's just a theory, but I think Jim Leyland messed with his head early in the season by moving him down in the lineup to drive in more runs. That got Granderson away from hitting doubles and triples, and I think it lingered when he was put back in the leadoff spot.

Presumably, the Yankees won't need Granderson to be a RBI man, since they already have that covered. Without that burden, he may get back to what made him successful in previous seasons.

Being 'the man' on a team can effect a players approach to the game in subtle and obvious ways. Hopefully Ian is right, and Granderson rediscovers the magic now that he's not the heart of the lineup (Arod), the focus every story, or even the biggest philanthropist on the team (Jeter).

Many thanks to Ian for taking the time to put this together.

Melky as the starting left fielder?

2009-12-16T18:05:31Z

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

Sorry Melky, this hurts me more than that pitch you just got hit by.

Browse more photos »

I suspect that both Johnny Damon and the Yankees will be moving on shortly, leaving Scott Boras to work his magic elsewhere and Brian Cashman to find another left fielder. Melky Cabrera seems to be the most logical in-house replacement, because he’s young, athletic, and inexpensive. I want to take a closer look, though; just because he can play there doesn’t automatically mean he should.

Melky bounced back from a horrible 2008 to hit .274/.336/.416 in 2009. He gave us some reasons to be optimistic, posting a career-high Isolated Slugging Percentage (.142) and a career-high in pitches per plate appearance (3.87). Let’s not get carried away, though. His .259 EQA and 99 OPS+ meant he was squarely average at the plate.

That's the first problem. A team may not rely on their left fielder to hit as well as, say, their first basement does, but left fielders are still typically required to be above-average hitters. In fact, over the past three seasons, the average American League left fielder has posted a .769 OPS, about ten points higher than OPS of the entire AL over that time and seventeen points higher than Melky’s career best.

Further complicating matters is that Melky wouldn’t be replacing a fictitious average hitter, he’d be replacing an excellent one. Johnny Damon’s 2009 season looks a lot like a career year from a good hitter, so although he probably won’t hit .282/.365/.489 again (at least outside of Coors Field), .280/.360/.460 would be realistic, and still very good, going forward. .

Now obviously, the same good things cannot be said about Damon’s defensive abilities. He doesn't play well up against the outfield wall, looks extremely rigid when diving for balls, and has one of the worst outfield arms in baseball at this point. Surprisingly, Baseball Prospectus actually had Damon at +4 FRAA last year, while Fangraphs ranked him at -9.2 UZR. Considering his age and what I’ve seen with my own two eyes, though, I highly doubt Damon will be above-average going forward. Melky should move better on the field by simple virtue of the fact that he’s a decade younger than Damon, but again, let’s not get carried away. Baseball Prospectus has Cabrera at 3 career FRAA over the equivalent of about a full season in left field, while Fangraphs has him at 4.0 UZR/150 in left. It’s also important to note that three quarters of Melky’s left field experience came in 2006. So while he figures to be a solid left fielder, don’t confuse him with Carl Crawford.

Put this all together and you’ve got a dilemma. As things stand today, Melky would be a below-average hitter for the position, and his glove, while presumably solid, would not be elite, and therefore probably not good enough to make up for his offensive shortcomings. Even factoring for some regression from Damon both offensively and defensively, Cabrera figures to be the lesser player next year. This is not to say that Melky still can’t improve as a hitter. The increased selectivity he showed at the plate in 2009 could lead to him taking more walks, making better contact, and hitting for more power down the road, I just wouldn’t hand him the starting left field job until he does.

Brian Cashman should consider his options, ranging from signing a free agent to moving Curtis Granderson to left. Melky isn’t good enough to start in left field, at least not yet, and having a stacked lineup around the rest of the field is no excuse to give too much playing time to a player who is neither an excellent hitter nor an excellent fielder.

Farm system recap: Scranton Yankees, aka A Farewell to A-Jax

2009-12-16T16:00:18Z

More photos » by Julie Jacobson - AP

Browse more photos »

With all the recent events between the Yankees and their division rivals, this had to be delayed.

The Triple-A Yankees finished first in the International League's Northern Division with an 81-60 record. They were swept, however, in the IL finals by the Durham Bulls, three games to none.

The offensive star was once again Shelley Duncan, who won the MVP after hitting .277/.370/.546 and leading the league in homers and RBI. He'll be 30 next year and declined to return to the Scranton Yankees, making himself a free agent. It's too bad that he happened to be in the organization of a team with such talent at the big league level. I believe he could've been (and still might be) a productive ML hitter.

Cuban defector Juan Miranda was the left-handed MVP, batting .290/.369/.498. He's been called the current DH for the big league Yankees, but we all should remember Brian Cashman's statement that Bubba Crosby was the starting centerfielder right before they signed Johnny Damon. However, having Miranda as the platoon DH/1B wouldn't be so bad. He murders right-handed pitchers (.893 OPS vs. RHP, .712 vs. LHP). But having a DH that only plays two-thirds of the games makes for problems by itself. He's a solid insurance policy in case (Mo forbid) Teixeira goes down.

The best prospect on Scranton was Austin Jackson (.300/.354/.405), who led the team in plate appearances because he hit lead-off much of the year. He's what's called a 'toolsy' prospect, basically meaning he hasn't shown much in terms of production but has the raw tools to be a very good player. His best stint to date was a half-season with the Tampa Yankees (.345/.398/.566 in 67 games). However, he has never come close to that incredible slugging average since 2007 (.419 and .405 the two years since). What's also concerning (for Detroit) is his strikeout rate: 522 in 565 career games. Generally a player that K's that much also hits for power - not so with Ajax, who has 30 career homers. The Tigers are hoping that his raw physical ability eventually translates into power (he'll only be 23 next year). He hits for a decent average (.288) and OBP (.356), steals bases (123 SB, 34 CS) and plays above-average defense (by most accounts). He'll never be a superstar, but could be a good centerfielder for many years (which is extremely valuable).

There wasn't anyone too exciting on the pitching side. Romulo Sanchez (65 ip, 4.04 ERA, 64 K, 34 BB, 1.55 WHIP) was acquired from the Pirates in May. The Yankees like his high-90's velocity, but what's perplexing is his relative lack of K's (until this year). He K'ed 5.9/9 before this season. That rate jumped to 9.2/9 this year. Being just 25, he still has a chance at a long ML career. He'll never have a rotation spot, but his heat could make him an intriguing bullpen option in 2010.

Another relief option is Mark Melancon (53 ip, 2.89 ERA, 54 K, 11 BB, .91 WHIP), the former closer for the U. of Arizona. His career minor league stats are sick: 156 ip, 2.54 ERA, 151 K, 35 BB, .96 WHIP. His problem at the major league level, in a brief 13-game stint, was control: he walked 10 in 16 innings. That can be attributed mostly to nerves. His MiL walk rate is very low (2/9), so once he gets comfortable in the majors, we should see the dominant Mark Melancon.

I guess I need to mention He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, who now holds Scranton's career mark for wins, with 29. He led the team in innings (145), wins (10), K's (105), walks (40) and homers allowed (21). Two years to go...

New York Yankees news & notes: Forget that Damon discount

2009-12-16T13:29:33Z

It has been clear for weeks now that the New York Yankees want Johnny Damon back, but for no more than two years at around $10 million per season.

Damon made it clear Tuesday he wants more than that -- and he fully intends to allow agent Scott Boras to find a team willing to pony up his asking price.

Damon is still seeking a three-year contract without taking a pay cut - that would put a deal at $39million - believing that his performance last season was good enough for him to continue earning an annual salary of $13 million. And after watching Mike Cameron - who is almost a year older than Damon - ink a two-year pact with the Red Sox, Damon sees no reason for him to settle for less than three.

"Players out there are getting multi-year deals," Damon said. "(Andy) Pettitte got a raise at 37, even though it was only one year. Cameron is 37 (he turns 37 in January) and he got two years. We're not going to know much until we start negotiating with teams, but that should happen soon."

Damon, who doesn't seem to be in any rush to get his situation settled, said that the Yankees have not started negotiating with his agent, Scott Boras.

"I've been too busy with the kids to worry about it," Damon said. "We're just going about our business and our life. I'm not really too concerned about it. We'll find a team elsewhere if the Yankees don't bring me back."

My take: I can't blame Damon for wanting as much as he can get, but the Yankees can't do that. And GM Brian Cashman seems to feel that way, too. Three years from now Damon will be a very expensive broken-down ex-outfielder who can only DH. The Yankees don't need that. If Damon wants to play hardball, the Yankees just need to move on.

If the Yankees need a replacement for Damon -- and Hideki Matsui -- they don't appear inclined to pursue Jason Bay as that guy. I'm OK with that, too. They can use Melky Cabrera in left, let Xavier Nady and Jason Hoffman compete to be the right-hand hitting alternative, and spend their money on adding a little more pitching.

Speaking of Matsui, I came across a couple of excellent articles regarding the former Yankee outfielder/DH.

WFAN's Sweeny Murti penned (typed?) an excellent tribute to Matsui that had more to do with Matsui the man than Matsui the baseball player.

I can’t imagine I’ll ever have the privilege of covering a player like Hideki Matsui again. The word "unique" is thrown around too much, but this was indeed a unique experience, right from Day One.

Matsui’s Yankee legacy will be that he was an extremely professional hitter, a clutch hitter who saved his best for last, 6 RBIs in the World Series clincher to take home the MVP trophy. And his nickname, Godzilla, is wholly ironic, for there is nothing about his personality or work ethic that suggests a fire-breathing monster. He was just a model Yankee from the first day, literally to the last.

It is nearly impossible to demonstrate how impressive it was to see a man move half way around the world and not only become the first successful power hitter from Japan, but do it in New York for the Yankees, in a place where greater players have come and failed. We often say there will never be another Derek Jeter or another Mariano Rivera. He’s not in same Hall of Fame level as those two, but Matsui is much more. He is in an elite class all by himself, simply the most unique athlete I have ever known.

The New York Times looks at how the loss of Matsui will affect the Yankees off the field.

ESPN's Rob Neyer loves Boston's decision to replace Bay with Cameron. And Sabermetricians will love his reasoning.

He certainly isn't as expensive. As for productive ... Well, that depends on how you define "productive."

Over the last two seasons, Cameron produced 8.4 wins above replacement.

Over those same two seasons, Bay produced 6.4 wins above replacement.

The Red Sox are going to pay Cameron roughly half of what someone's going to pay Jason Bay.

We try to make these things so complicated. But they're not, really. The Red Sox have figured out how to simplify everything. And I just can't wait to read all the columns in the Boston newspapers questioning Theo Epstein's intelligence and ownership's commitment to winning ...

Yanks were willing to offer Jesus Montero in big package but not Joba or Hughes for Halladay. Jays...

2009-12-15T21:15:33Z

Yanks were willing to offer Jesus Montero in big package but not Joba or Hughes for Halladay. Jays liked Drabek.

Heyman tweets about the Yanks' non-move on Halladay.

Not sure if this means wouldn't include Joba or Huges with Montero, or wouldn't include Joba or Hughes at all. Either way, I agree with the decision, especially if Cash was certain that Halladay was leaving the AL.

Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in...

2009-12-15T20:08:02Z

Fomer Cuban national team starting pitcher Aroldis Chapman threw a bullpen session on Tuesday in Houston in front of representatives from 15 major league teams.

... at the Baseball USA complex, the left-hander tossed two separate five-minute side sessions, throwing mostly in the 92-93 mph range and topping out at 96 mph. Chapman, 21, also threw his slider and change-up.

The Red Sox already made a bid of $15.5 million for Chapman, but that was with his old agent.

Staying the Course

2009-12-15T19:00:26Z

More photos » by Elise Amendola - ASSOCIATED PRESS

It's great to be any age, and be a Yankee.

Browse more photos »

Today is December 15, 2009. Pitchers and catchers report on February 17, 2010. That's 2 months and 2 days, or 9 weeks and a day. It is a long offseason.

Brian Cashman has kept his trigger finger under control so far this offseason, avoiding committing too much to any of the trades or free agents the Yankees have been linked to.

He's upgraded centerfield at the cost of a minor league centerfielder who needed another year of seasoning, a reliever who might not have made the team out of Spring Training, and a minor league starter who might have challenged for the fifth spot in the rotation.

Then, he returned the Yanks' key free agent at roughly the same cost as last season.

Now he's working on bringing in another pitcher to fight for that fifth spot. While I doubt Cash will be willing to give Ben Sheets the same $12M contract Pettitte received, we have witnessed an impressive exercise in self control. If Cashman thinks that Ben Sheets is the best fit for the Yankees' rotation, I trust his judgment.

Former Pirates closer Matt Capps is still listening to offers, though he'll probably want the future dollars that come with saves more than to be a part of the Bridge to Mo.

Super-subs Jerry Hairston Jr. and Mark DeRosa are both still available. Hank Blalock probably wants a starting job, but if he'd come to sometimes play the field, sometimes DH, and sometimes PH, he's a strong candidate to rebound from his 2009 .250 BABIP (career .299). Reed Johnson could backup any of the outfield spots, covering RF while Swisher serves as occasional 1B/DH. If you want a pure DH, Jim Thome still has a great eye and a ton of power, and Nick Johnson is an OBP machine.

Plus Johnny Damon, Jason Bay, and Matt Holliday are all still on the market. Any one of them transforms the lineup from 'merely' best in the league to legendary.

Today is the 15th of December, and the Yankees have several ways to improve themselves.

Yankees Inquiring about Bay

2009-12-15T17:22:22Z

Yankees Inquiring about Bay

Worst New York Yankees of the Decade

2009-12-15T16:00:17Z

We had some fun the other day debating the Pinstripe Alley Yankee Team of the Decade. Good points were raised on several controversial choices.

Along the way, some of you asked for the 'Worst Yankees of the Decade' team. I thought that would be fun, so I decided to take a shot at it.

Looking at the rosters over the years, though, I found it almost impossible to narrow it down to a single team. Instead, position-by-position, here are some of the most forgettable -- and regrettable -- Yankees of the past decade.

I am sure there are many other names that could or should be added to this list. But, this should get you started strolling down the wrong side of Yankee Memory Lane.

C -- Alberto Castillo, Chris Turner, Chris Widger, Todd Greene, Joe Oliver, Bobby Estelalla, Wil Nieves, Sal Fasano, Michel Hernandez,

1B -- Travis Lee (.105 in 7 games)

2B -- Tony Womack

SS -- Erick Almonte,

3B -- Wilson Betemit, Drew Henson,

INF -- Alex Arias, Felix Escalona (.000, 5 games in 2004), Mark Bellhorn (.118, 9 games, 2005), Cody Ransom, Angel Berroa, Morgan Ensberg

OF -- Kenny Lofton, Matt Lawton (.125, 21 games, 2005), Mike Vento, Justin Christian,

DH -- Jose Canseco

SP -- Kevin Brown, Tim Redding (54.00 ERA in 1 game, 2005), Carl Pavano, Kei Igawa, Jaret Wright (Carl Pavano BEFORE Pavano), Christian Parker (one 2001 start, got hurt, never pitched again), Jeff Weaver, Darrell May, Sidney Ponson (multiple times),

RP -- Alex Graman (19.80 in 3 games, 2004) & 13.50 in 2 games, 2005), Colter Bean, Bret Prinz, Sean Henn, Gabe White, Billy Traber, Anthony Claggett (33.75 ERA in 2 games).

I am ashamed to admit so many guys like this have worn the pinstripes during the course of the last decade. Yuck!

New York Yankees News & Notes: Thanks for the memories, Godzilla

2009-12-15T12:18:24Z

Hideki Matsui is now a member of the Angels. So, thank you Hideki for seven terrific seasons as a Yankee. Oh, and especially for this.

I was surprised Monday by Boston's signing of Mike Cameron, which leaves Jason Bay and Matt Holliday on the market. I still believe the Yankees most logical, and best, course of action is to re-sign Johnny Damon. That isn't going to happen, however, until Damon and uber-agent Scott Boras realize his price tag has got to come down. With Bay and Holliday still available, and Curtis Granderson already in pinstripes, the Yankees are firmly in the driver's seat here. I believe they will eventually get Damon at their price.

As for Boston's signing of John Lackey I'm not worried about that much, either. Lackey's good, but not Roy Halladay/Cliff Lee good. Besides, the Yankee pitching is fine. And the addition of a Ben Sheets/Justin Duscherer type would be enough for me at this point.

Want to show off your love for the Yankees? How about getting yourself a 2009 World Series vanity license plate.

The Yankees didn't want Chien-Ming Wang. It seems like there sure are a lot of team, however, interested in acquiring the former Yankee ace.

You had to figure this would happen eventually. Nick Swisher is now a TV star.

Get off the ledge!

2009-12-15T04:31:23Z

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With some of the comments I've read tonight, you'd think the Red Sox had just won the World Series while the Yankees were swept out of the LDS.

Don't panic! The Red Sox basically exchanged Jason Bay for Mike Cameron. Is Cameron, a 37-year-old former steroid user, really an upgrade?

Adding John Lackey makes them a better team, no question, but did y'all expect them to do nothing this off-season? What it probably means is that they're going to let Josh Beckett walk after 2010. They also lost Billy Wagner. Say what you will about him, but he's dominant when healthy (one season with an ERA over 3.00, 12 K/9 ip).

The Yankees are the defending champs. The Red Sox are the chasers, the Yankees are the chasees.

I would've been a lot more concerned if Boston acquired Roy Halladay.

You never know what will happen. The Yanks didn't have Mark Teixeira until late December of last year. Johnny Damon, Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and Vlad Guerrero are still out there. So are Ben Sheets, Justin Duchscherer and Erik Bedard. If those guys are healthy, they'll be as good as Lackey at a fraction of the price.

Mike Cameron Agrees To Deal With Boston

2009-12-15T02:17:50Z

Mike Cameron Agrees To Deal With Boston

The deal is in the range of $15.5MM for two years, tweets Ken Rosenthal.