Friday, February 1, 2008
It is High...
If you haven't checked out It Is High, It Is Far, It is...Caught blog yet, do. It rocks!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Yankees Top Prospect - Humbert Sanchez
From Scout.com -
Vital Statistics:
Name: Humberto Sanchez
Position: Pitcher
DOB: May 28, 1983
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Posting a career 30-31 record with a 4.16 ERA and 446 strikeouts in 454 innings, including going 10-6 with a 2.63 ERA between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo in
his last year for the Detroit Tigers in 2006, he had not pitched an inning for the Yankees last Spring before needing Tommy John surgery.
"It's been mentally draining a little bit but they've been great over here," Sanchez said of the Yankees. "They've been real supportive. They understand the situation and
they really, really show me a lot of support. I have nothing but great things to say about the organization so far."
Currently throwing only four-seam fastballs on flat surfaces from 120 feet to build up his arm strength, he is scheduled to get up on the rehab mound at some point in
February and that is when he should be allowed to start throwing more of his arsenal.
"Right now I should be ready in games somewhere by the end of April, maybe get into some Extended [Spring Training] games by mid-April. At worst I should be staying [in Tampa] until it warms up a little bit up north in Scranton or wherever my assignment is going to be.
"I'm pretty much just a month behind the other pitchers. I should be throwing bullpens right around Spring Training. [The elbow] is feeling strong."
Known for his power fastball and great curveball, Sanchez - a starter his entire minor league career thus far - has a complete repertoire.
"My slider is probably my third best pitch and my changeup is lagging a little bit behind just because I probably didn't use it as much as I should have," said the NewYork native. "I felt pretty confident with it in my last healthy season. It's made a lot of strides. It's pretty much what you see is what you get - I'm a big guy who comes after people."
Possessing a plus fastball and a knockout strikeout pitch with his curveball gives him more than enough to be a big weapon in the back-end of a big league bullpen, and
some scouts believe his ultimate role with the Yankees may depend on the further development of his changeup.
"In my reality I have something I can use against lefties," he admitted. "I like my two-seamer because it has a lot of differential from my four-seamer. Throwing the
changeup for me is more of an off-balance pitch for me, more of a show-me pitch than a go-to pitch.
"I consider it my fifth pitch if you're looking at the four and the two-seamer, and the curveball and the slider. I would love to stay as a starter but my role will be
whatever the Yankees want it to be. As long as I pitch, that's all that I want."
Sanchez is not the only one eager to see himself get back on the mound. With stuff comparable to Joba Chamberlain, he affords the Yankees a lot of flexibility upon his return.
"We're both pretty big guys that have power stuff. Anytime you have that combination that you want to compare it to, yeah I think that's somebody you could compare
me to," said Sanchez. "I consider myself a power pitcher.
"Some people say my curveball is my out-pitch or my go-to pitch, but I love my fastball. I trust it so when it's on I think it's my best pitch."
The Yankees also love his fastball and they are fervently anticipating plugging it into their pitching staff at soon as possible.
"Sanchez is a big strong man with a lot of power in his arm," said Yankees minor league pitching coordinator Nardi Contreras. "He has some arm strength and he's got
some life with his two-seamer.
"I would say the fastball is his best pitch, that's the power that he has. He has shown a quality curveball, has shown a very good slider, and his changeup is his fourth pitch right now."
Having some success at the higher minor league levels already and with some Triple-A experience under his belt, everybody believes he could have an impact with the
big league club at some point in 2008.
"I believe so," Sanchez said without hesitation. "That's my goal but they've had some guys step up when I was hurt. I guess it's all going to depend on their needs and my performance.
"I just want to be healthy and not be in the training room again for the whole year. If I do that I think the rest will take care of itself. I'm confident I'll be able to pitch this year and God willing everything will turn out pretty good."
After losing a year to TJS, Humberto will be 25 in May this year. His last year in the Tigers system, TDS posted 10-6, 97 h, 129 k, 47 bb in 122 ip; very impressive.
I see The Dirty Sanchez making a significant contribution to the Yankee pen in 2008. The live fastball, electric slider and change/curve make TDS a prime candidate to become the heir apparent to Mo at the back of the Yankee bullpen.
Vital Statistics:
Name: Humberto Sanchez
Position: Pitcher
DOB: May 28, 1983
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 230
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Posting a career 30-31 record with a 4.16 ERA and 446 strikeouts in 454 innings, including going 10-6 with a 2.63 ERA between Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo in
his last year for the Detroit Tigers in 2006, he had not pitched an inning for the Yankees last Spring before needing Tommy John surgery.
"It's been mentally draining a little bit but they've been great over here," Sanchez said of the Yankees. "They've been real supportive. They understand the situation and
they really, really show me a lot of support. I have nothing but great things to say about the organization so far."
Currently throwing only four-seam fastballs on flat surfaces from 120 feet to build up his arm strength, he is scheduled to get up on the rehab mound at some point in
February and that is when he should be allowed to start throwing more of his arsenal.
"Right now I should be ready in games somewhere by the end of April, maybe get into some Extended [Spring Training] games by mid-April. At worst I should be staying [in Tampa] until it warms up a little bit up north in Scranton or wherever my assignment is going to be.
"I'm pretty much just a month behind the other pitchers. I should be throwing bullpens right around Spring Training. [The elbow] is feeling strong."
Known for his power fastball and great curveball, Sanchez - a starter his entire minor league career thus far - has a complete repertoire.
"My slider is probably my third best pitch and my changeup is lagging a little bit behind just because I probably didn't use it as much as I should have," said the NewYork native. "I felt pretty confident with it in my last healthy season. It's made a lot of strides. It's pretty much what you see is what you get - I'm a big guy who comes after people."
Possessing a plus fastball and a knockout strikeout pitch with his curveball gives him more than enough to be a big weapon in the back-end of a big league bullpen, and
some scouts believe his ultimate role with the Yankees may depend on the further development of his changeup.
"In my reality I have something I can use against lefties," he admitted. "I like my two-seamer because it has a lot of differential from my four-seamer. Throwing the
changeup for me is more of an off-balance pitch for me, more of a show-me pitch than a go-to pitch.
"I consider it my fifth pitch if you're looking at the four and the two-seamer, and the curveball and the slider. I would love to stay as a starter but my role will be
whatever the Yankees want it to be. As long as I pitch, that's all that I want."
Sanchez is not the only one eager to see himself get back on the mound. With stuff comparable to Joba Chamberlain, he affords the Yankees a lot of flexibility upon his return.
"We're both pretty big guys that have power stuff. Anytime you have that combination that you want to compare it to, yeah I think that's somebody you could compare
me to," said Sanchez. "I consider myself a power pitcher.
"Some people say my curveball is my out-pitch or my go-to pitch, but I love my fastball. I trust it so when it's on I think it's my best pitch."
The Yankees also love his fastball and they are fervently anticipating plugging it into their pitching staff at soon as possible.
"Sanchez is a big strong man with a lot of power in his arm," said Yankees minor league pitching coordinator Nardi Contreras. "He has some arm strength and he's got
some life with his two-seamer.
"I would say the fastball is his best pitch, that's the power that he has. He has shown a quality curveball, has shown a very good slider, and his changeup is his fourth pitch right now."
Having some success at the higher minor league levels already and with some Triple-A experience under his belt, everybody believes he could have an impact with the
big league club at some point in 2008.
"I believe so," Sanchez said without hesitation. "That's my goal but they've had some guys step up when I was hurt. I guess it's all going to depend on their needs and my performance.
"I just want to be healthy and not be in the training room again for the whole year. If I do that I think the rest will take care of itself. I'm confident I'll be able to pitch this year and God willing everything will turn out pretty good."
After losing a year to TJS, Humberto will be 25 in May this year. His last year in the Tigers system, TDS posted 10-6, 97 h, 129 k, 47 bb in 122 ip; very impressive.
I see The Dirty Sanchez making a significant contribution to the Yankee pen in 2008. The live fastball, electric slider and change/curve make TDS a prime candidate to become the heir apparent to Mo at the back of the Yankee bullpen.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Anatomy of a Non-Deal
So Johan is going to be a Met...
I'm sure, like me, all Yankee fans have mixed feelings about this. My first reaction was relief. Thank god we're keeping Hughes, and thank god Johan's not going to Boston!
After looking at what the Mets gave up, however, I started to get a little upset. The deal looks kinda like this from a Yankee perspective:
Carlos Gomez = Austin Jackson
I am being very generous here. Gomez is a plus defender with great speed, but Ajax' bat is far superior to Gomez at least right now.
Phil Humber = Chase Wright
Over 3 seasons in the minor leagues, Humber is 13-16 with a 4.11 ERA. A losing record and an era over 4 in the minors...Humber is a non-prospect! At least Wright has good minor league numbers.
Kevin Mulvey = Russ Ohlendorf
Mulvey has decent minor league numbers; 12-10, 3.02, but is projected by BA to be nothing more than a #4 or 5 starter at best. Ohlendorf has shown to be a high ceiling bullpen/setup guy.
Delois Guerra = Delan Betances
BA has this to say about Guerra - Guerra has an 89-94 mph fastball and a promising changeup and he’s only 18. But he also has a below-average breaking ball, has yet to pitch more than 90 innings in a season and while he has held his own, he hasn’t dominated.
That package is a LONG way from the names we heard all off-season like Hughes, Ellsbury and Lester.
Bob Klapisch writes today that Smith called the Yanks Monday night and offered Johan for a package of Kennedy/Cabrera and one more prospect. Cash obviously refused, but he also declined to even make a counter offer. When Smith called Theo he learned that Ellsbury and Lester were off the table also.
I heard Buster Olney on ESPN radio today say that both the Yankees and Red Sox were very concerned about the 5 mph Santana lost off of his fastball after his 17k game last year, and also that Santana refused to throw his slider for the final month of the season - both tell-tale signs of an injury.
Either the Yanks or Sox could have trumped the Mets package without breaking a sweat and without giving up anything close to what had been reported for months. I believe it's safe to say that the combination of the injury concerns and the monster contract caused both teams to stay away.
I would have been willing to give up a package of IPK, Ajax, Marquez and Horne which is FAR superior to the Mets package; Johan IS, after all, the best pitcher on the planet. Imagine a rotation of Johan/Pettitte/Wang/Hughes/Joba...wow! I am beginning to fear that Cash is allowing his new player development plan to cause him to overvalue these young players; hopefully it really was the injury concern and not a case of man-love for the young guns!
I'm sure, like me, all Yankee fans have mixed feelings about this. My first reaction was relief. Thank god we're keeping Hughes, and thank god Johan's not going to Boston!
After looking at what the Mets gave up, however, I started to get a little upset. The deal looks kinda like this from a Yankee perspective:
Carlos Gomez = Austin Jackson
I am being very generous here. Gomez is a plus defender with great speed, but Ajax' bat is far superior to Gomez at least right now.
Phil Humber = Chase Wright
Over 3 seasons in the minor leagues, Humber is 13-16 with a 4.11 ERA. A losing record and an era over 4 in the minors...Humber is a non-prospect! At least Wright has good minor league numbers.
Kevin Mulvey = Russ Ohlendorf
Mulvey has decent minor league numbers; 12-10, 3.02, but is projected by BA to be nothing more than a #4 or 5 starter at best. Ohlendorf has shown to be a high ceiling bullpen/setup guy.
Delois Guerra = Delan Betances
BA has this to say about Guerra - Guerra has an 89-94 mph fastball and a promising changeup and he’s only 18. But he also has a below-average breaking ball, has yet to pitch more than 90 innings in a season and while he has held his own, he hasn’t dominated.
That package is a LONG way from the names we heard all off-season like Hughes, Ellsbury and Lester.
Bob Klapisch writes today that Smith called the Yanks Monday night and offered Johan for a package of Kennedy/Cabrera and one more prospect. Cash obviously refused, but he also declined to even make a counter offer. When Smith called Theo he learned that Ellsbury and Lester were off the table also.
I heard Buster Olney on ESPN radio today say that both the Yankees and Red Sox were very concerned about the 5 mph Santana lost off of his fastball after his 17k game last year, and also that Santana refused to throw his slider for the final month of the season - both tell-tale signs of an injury.
Either the Yanks or Sox could have trumped the Mets package without breaking a sweat and without giving up anything close to what had been reported for months. I believe it's safe to say that the combination of the injury concerns and the monster contract caused both teams to stay away.
I would have been willing to give up a package of IPK, Ajax, Marquez and Horne which is FAR superior to the Mets package; Johan IS, after all, the best pitcher on the planet. Imagine a rotation of Johan/Pettitte/Wang/Hughes/Joba...wow! I am beginning to fear that Cash is allowing his new player development plan to cause him to overvalue these young players; hopefully it really was the injury concern and not a case of man-love for the young guns!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mets Land Santana, The Johan Watch is Almost Over.
USA Today is reporting that the Mets and Twins have completed a deal that sends Johan Santana to the Mets in return for Carlos Gomez, Phil Humber, Deolis Guerra and Kevin Mulvey.
The deal is, of course, dependant upon the Mets coming to a long term deal with the 28 year old Santana.
This is good news for Yankee fans. We will be neither sending The Messiah to Minnesota, nor will we have to hear the incessant Johan rumors any longer.
Judging from what the Twins ultimately got for Johan, it appears as if Bill Smith VASTLY overplayed his hand. I believe that the package the Mets are giving up is far inferior to what both the Yanks and Red Sox were reported to have offered, and to what the Twins could have gotten around the winter meetings.
Rotoworld had this to say:
It's a pretty disappointing day for Twins fans.
Both packages being discussed by the Red Sox and Yankees during the winter meetings seemed more attractive to us.
Carlos Gomez and Deolis Guerra are big-time talents, but Gomez lacks plate discipline and might not fit in the top half of the lineup and an awful lot could go wrong before Guerra even sniffs the majors.
Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber are third starters at best and probably more like fourths.
It's a whole lot better than losing Santana for draft picks next winter, but we'd have taken a Phil Hughes or Jacoby Ellsbury package over this.
Another question is why the Twins wouldn't accept a package centered around IPK and Ajax instead of the Mets package? I'm sure once The Messiah was taken out of the equation that Cash would have been happy to talk about just about any and everybody else in the farm system. The package that we suggested of IPK, Horne, Melky and Tabata is FAR superior to what the Twins got...how did Bill Smith screw this up this bad?!?
On one hand I would have loved to get Johan as long as we kept TM and Joba, but more importantly I am happy TM will be here for years to come. Johan will be an absolute monster in the NL for the next 5-7 years; Phil will be a monster for the Yanks, however, for the next 10-15 years...kudos to Cashman for pushing Hank into this decision, and kudos to Hank for listening.
The deal is, of course, dependant upon the Mets coming to a long term deal with the 28 year old Santana.
This is good news for Yankee fans. We will be neither sending The Messiah to Minnesota, nor will we have to hear the incessant Johan rumors any longer.
Judging from what the Twins ultimately got for Johan, it appears as if Bill Smith VASTLY overplayed his hand. I believe that the package the Mets are giving up is far inferior to what both the Yanks and Red Sox were reported to have offered, and to what the Twins could have gotten around the winter meetings.
Rotoworld had this to say:
It's a pretty disappointing day for Twins fans.
Both packages being discussed by the Red Sox and Yankees during the winter meetings seemed more attractive to us.
Carlos Gomez and Deolis Guerra are big-time talents, but Gomez lacks plate discipline and might not fit in the top half of the lineup and an awful lot could go wrong before Guerra even sniffs the majors.
Kevin Mulvey and Phil Humber are third starters at best and probably more like fourths.
It's a whole lot better than losing Santana for draft picks next winter, but we'd have taken a Phil Hughes or Jacoby Ellsbury package over this.
Another question is why the Twins wouldn't accept a package centered around IPK and Ajax instead of the Mets package? I'm sure once The Messiah was taken out of the equation that Cash would have been happy to talk about just about any and everybody else in the farm system. The package that we suggested of IPK, Horne, Melky and Tabata is FAR superior to what the Twins got...how did Bill Smith screw this up this bad?!?
On one hand I would have loved to get Johan as long as we kept TM and Joba, but more importantly I am happy TM will be here for years to come. Johan will be an absolute monster in the NL for the next 5-7 years; Phil will be a monster for the Yanks, however, for the next 10-15 years...kudos to Cashman for pushing Hank into this decision, and kudos to Hank for listening.
The Johan Watch Day 100
Buster Olney has an meaningless article today. He stateson ESPN.com today ;
Executives involved in the Johan Santana trade talks expect the Minnesota Twins to make their decision soon, perhaps as early as Tuesday..
Catches your eye huh? Decision could come today! The saga is finally over and we can all move on with our lives! Quickly, lets move on...so how are we going to work through the innings issue with the big three? Is Wang going to get signed to an extension?...Wait a second, not so fast. Later in the article;
The Twins could weigh the offers and decide to keep Santana into spring training, in the hope that a more aggressive market for the left-hander develops.
So the decision to not make a decision could come today? Thanks Buster for the breaking non-news.
Update: Ok, Buster looks better since a decision was made today but can he not hedge by saying they will decide whether to keep kim through Spring Training? If you think you have a story have the guts to say so.
Executives involved in the Johan Santana trade talks expect the Minnesota Twins to make their decision soon, perhaps as early as Tuesday..
Catches your eye huh? Decision could come today! The saga is finally over and we can all move on with our lives! Quickly, lets move on...so how are we going to work through the innings issue with the big three? Is Wang going to get signed to an extension?...Wait a second, not so fast. Later in the article;
The Twins could weigh the offers and decide to keep Santana into spring training, in the hope that a more aggressive market for the left-hander develops.
So the decision to not make a decision could come today? Thanks Buster for the breaking non-news.
Update: Ok, Buster looks better since a decision was made today but can he not hedge by saying they will decide whether to keep kim through Spring Training? If you think you have a story have the guts to say so.
NY Yankees Top Prospect #5, Alan Horne
From BA -
Alan Horne, rhp Born: Jan. 5, 1983. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-4. • Wt.: 195.
Drafted: Florida, 2005 (11th round). • Signed by: Brian Barber.
Background: Horne was a first-round pick out of Marianna (Fla.) High in 2001, when he was a teammate of Angels catcher Jeff Mathis. He turned down the Indians and embarked on a three-stop college career, pitching for Mississippi, Chipola (Fla.) Junior College (where his dad played) and Florida, which he helped lead to the 2005 College World Series finals. He had Tommy John surgery along the way but has stayed healthy as a pro, leading the EL in ERA (3.11) and strikeouts (165 in 153 innings) in 2007.
Strengths: At times, Horne shows four above-average pitches, starting with a fastball that usually sits at 92-93 mph but also can park at 94-95. He flashes a power slider and curveball, and he throws his changeup with good arm speed.
Weaknesses: Horne's arm action is long, leading to inconsistent release points and below-average command, and it likely contributed to his past elbow injury. The Yankees have shortened his delivery in other ways to compensate, but it's not a correctable flaw and limits Horne's ceiling. He doesn't field his position or hold runners particularly well.
The Future: While he has frontline stuff, Horne's command relegates him to a No. 3 or 4 starter profile. Set to report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for 2008, he gives New York more homegrown pitching depth.
With "front-line" stuff, hopefully Horne can find a consistant release point and realize his full potential.
It is High...It is Far...It is typical Boston behavior!
More Yankees should sign autographs in Boston like Shelly Duncan did (above).
Great post over at It is High, It is Far today. Definately take a look.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Downfall of NOT trading in your Own Division
The Orioles have reportedly unloaded Erik Bedard to the M's for three players; Adam Jones, George Sherrill, and Chris Tillman. Jones and Tillman are rated as B+ prospects by John Sickels. Sherill on the other hand is a lefty setup man on the wrong side of 30. So the Orioles got two very good prospects for Bedard one ready now(Jones) and one who is two plus years away(Tillman). If you compare the deal to the one the Red Sox were offering for Johan; Jacoby Ellsbury (A- by Sickels), Lowrie (A-), and Justin Masterson(B). Also, the Yankee offer Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera, Jeff Marquez, and another propect. These two offers trump the Mariners deal by a whole lot so why limit your possible trading partners and decrease your possible return? The whole you don't want to have to face him argument doesn't really hold a lot of water either. The Orioles are clearly not going to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox for the next two or three years and by that time Bedard will be 32 years old and past his peak. Also, you can make an argument that the team they trade with will be significantly worse off if you come away with good talent. Even if the O's refused to trade with the Yankees why publicly annouce it and eliminate a potential bidder? They have one of the most precious commodities in all of baseball a young left-handed ace who is under control for two more years. The Orioles inability to capitalize on this shows they continue to be a poorly run franchise and it will be a long time before they seriously compete in the East.
The Johan Watch Day 99
So the Johan Saga has now entered it's 99th day of active rumors. Nothing that comes out at this point can can really be trusted but in the intertest of full disclosure the Twins are saying the Johna situation will be resolved within ten days. Buster Olney is reporting that John Lester is off the table and the Mets feel used.
I still believe firmly that Johan will eventually be in pinstripes. The Yankees have a abundance of pitching prospects and two good CF prospects(one of the Twins biggest holes) so a deal should doable. However, when things are drawn out this much I wonder if the pressure mounts on Sanatana kind of how it smothered Randy Johnson and set unreal expectations. People will expect Johan to be worth all of this attention and if he stuggles early it could be ugly.
I still believe firmly that Johan will eventually be in pinstripes. The Yankees have a abundance of pitching prospects and two good CF prospects(one of the Twins biggest holes) so a deal should doable. However, when things are drawn out this much I wonder if the pressure mounts on Sanatana kind of how it smothered Randy Johnson and set unreal expectations. People will expect Johan to be worth all of this attention and if he stuggles early it could be ugly.
Go Giants
As a baseball blog we have yet to stray and write about other sports; there is some overlap in the pending Super Bowl, however, so I thought this post was important.
Probably 75% of Yankees fans live in the NY area. That that there are millions of Yankees fans that may not be rooting for the Giants this Sunday.
As Yankees fans we all have at least one person that we know that roots for the Red Sox. We all know someone who we taunted to no end after Aaron Boone and Grady Little put the Sox away in '03. And we all know someone who we have avoided like the plague the last 4 months!
With me it is my best friend from high school. He was a Met fan before moving to New Hampshire 15 years ago and rather quickly contacted a deadly strain of Bandwagon-itis through his proximity to Boston sports teams. He has been absolutely UNBEARABLE since the 'year we shall not discuss.' It has gotten even worse this year.
All he has been able to talk about is how Boston is the 'City of Champions' - you undoutedly know someone like this as well, right?
You see, after almost a century of the worst kind of pain, after 80+ years of heartbreak, after decades upon decades of being dominated by the Yankees, these Red Sox fans feel they owe us something in return.
Which brings us back to Sunday's game.
There's nothing we can do about those damn midges. We can't go back and teach poor Joe how to use a bullpen. There's nothing we can do about the Rockies failure to show up last October. All we can do now is hope and pray the NY's beloved G-Men are able to beat the Pats and at least shut the Boston crowd up until we kick their overhyped butts in '08.
So Yankee fans unite! and repeat after me - GO GIANTS!!
Probably 75% of Yankees fans live in the NY area. That that there are millions of Yankees fans that may not be rooting for the Giants this Sunday.
As Yankees fans we all have at least one person that we know that roots for the Red Sox. We all know someone who we taunted to no end after Aaron Boone and Grady Little put the Sox away in '03. And we all know someone who we have avoided like the plague the last 4 months!
With me it is my best friend from high school. He was a Met fan before moving to New Hampshire 15 years ago and rather quickly contacted a deadly strain of Bandwagon-itis through his proximity to Boston sports teams. He has been absolutely UNBEARABLE since the 'year we shall not discuss.' It has gotten even worse this year.
All he has been able to talk about is how Boston is the 'City of Champions' - you undoutedly know someone like this as well, right?
You see, after almost a century of the worst kind of pain, after 80+ years of heartbreak, after decades upon decades of being dominated by the Yankees, these Red Sox fans feel they owe us something in return.
Which brings us back to Sunday's game.
There's nothing we can do about those damn midges. We can't go back and teach poor Joe how to use a bullpen. There's nothing we can do about the Rockies failure to show up last October. All we can do now is hope and pray the NY's beloved G-Men are able to beat the Pats and at least shut the Boston crowd up until we kick their overhyped butts in '08.
So Yankee fans unite! and repeat after me - GO GIANTS!!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Cash and Theo
Pending Pinstripes has a must read on a talk by Cash and Theo last night at William Patterson University. Read it here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Yankee System is Loaded with Right-Handed Starters
The article on George Kontos got me thinking about how many right-handed pitching prospects the Yankees have in the organization. Not just players but legit prospects litter every level. The have major league ready talent (Joba, Ian), prospects a step away(Marquez, Horne, Sanchez) and a ton of high upside kids at the lower levels(Heredia, Betances, Brackman, etc.). Below is my ranking of the top Yankee starting pitching prospects. I omitted Steve White due to his age but the list is long and deep on talent.
- Joba- Number one pitching prospect in baseball
- Ian Kennedy- People forget HE was minor league pitcher of the year. He dominated in 07.
- Alan Horne-Eastern League pitcher of the year, four plus pitches.
- Andrew Brackman - Has more upside then maybe any other pitcher in the draft.
- Humberto "the Dirty" Sanchez-Was a top prospect before the injury. Could be a real force if healthy.
- Delin Betances-Raw but a potential number 1 starter.
- Jeff Marquez-15 Wins in '07. From BA Marquez has the chance to become a workhorse groundball machine who fills the No. 3 or 4 slot in a rotation.
- George Kontos-We all know he's the Yankees' "Best Kept Secret"
- Jairo Heredia- Ranked 15th best Prospect in the GCL by Baseball America
- Zach McAllister-Still developing but my breakout prospect for '07. I love this kid.
- Chris Garcia - Elbow injury cost him all of '07 but from BA in '06 Yankees officials believe Garcia has almost as much upside as Hughes.
- Ryan Pope- Hardball times thought he was a steal in the third round
Most of these kids will turn out to be nothing but the sheer number almost guarantees one of two will emerge. I count five players who could develop into Aces - Brackman, Betances, Joba, Heredia and Garcia. Of those five if two develop the Yankees are in very good shape.
Yankees' "Best Kept Secret"
In a BA piece today, George King called 22 year old George Kontos potentially the 'best kept secret' in the Yanks' farm system.
While Kontos' record does not stand-out at 4-6, 4.02, his peripheral numbers were more impressive. In 94 ip in 2007, Kontos allowed 95 hits and 30 walks while striking out 101 (3.36:1 k/bb).
Kontos then went to Hawaii where he was named among the 10 top prospects in all of Hawaiian baseball. He went 3-4, 3.21 and in 34 ip stuck out 40 and walked 10.
"His stuff is really good," Mark Newman said of Kontos, whose fastball ranges from 90-94 mph. "He also has a quality slider and an emerging curveball. A changeup makes him a four-pitch guy. He is a smart guy who works at it and is committed."
Based on his first 2 seasons, the Yankees believe Kontos is at least in the discussion with their other prized young arms such as IPK, Joba and Phil.
While Kontos' record does not stand-out at 4-6, 4.02, his peripheral numbers were more impressive. In 94 ip in 2007, Kontos allowed 95 hits and 30 walks while striking out 101 (3.36:1 k/bb).
Kontos then went to Hawaii where he was named among the 10 top prospects in all of Hawaiian baseball. He went 3-4, 3.21 and in 34 ip stuck out 40 and walked 10.
"His stuff is really good," Mark Newman said of Kontos, whose fastball ranges from 90-94 mph. "He also has a quality slider and an emerging curveball. A changeup makes him a four-pitch guy. He is a smart guy who works at it and is committed."
Based on his first 2 seasons, the Yankees believe Kontos is at least in the discussion with their other prized young arms such as IPK, Joba and Phil.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Canseco the Extortionist
The NY Times reported today that altar boy Jose Canseco made an ultimatum to Magglio Ordonez through Scott Boris' office- "if he invests in my movie venture, I won't put his name in my new book."
This money-grubbing scumbag has GOT to be stopped.
Unfortunately his new book is going to generate a ton of publicity when it's released around opening day. All I can say is PLEASE don't contribute your money to this man. If no one buys what he is selling hopefully he'll just go away!
This money-grubbing scumbag has GOT to be stopped.
Unfortunately his new book is going to generate a ton of publicity when it's released around opening day. All I can say is PLEASE don't contribute your money to this man. If no one buys what he is selling hopefully he'll just go away!
A Little Mustard for my Foot?
I have written more than once that I didn't understand the Yankee's decision to hire Dave Eiland as pitching coach. Phil 'The Messiah' Hughes put me in my place on his blog yesterday -
After coming back from my injury last season my mechanics were a little out of whack. This led to a little loss of velocity and command. When Dave arrived in September we were able to work out some things and I think that had a lot to do with the success I had at the end of the season. It was nice to finish off the year on a good note so I have something to work toward to get back to my normal self in 2008.
This will be my 3rd season working with Dave. When it comes to my mechanics and pitching mentality I don’t think there is anyone that knows me better. Everyone is very excited to have him this season.
Sorry, Dave; if Phil is that high on you I was obviously wrong.
Also, Phil returned from injury August 4 - why couldn't Gator fix TM's mechanics sometime in the month before Eiland got to The Stadium? I love Gator, but I've heard many things about his shorcomings as a pitching coach and this is the last nail in that coffin.
Anyway - welcome to the Bigs, Dave; we're glad to have you!
After coming back from my injury last season my mechanics were a little out of whack. This led to a little loss of velocity and command. When Dave arrived in September we were able to work out some things and I think that had a lot to do with the success I had at the end of the season. It was nice to finish off the year on a good note so I have something to work toward to get back to my normal self in 2008.
This will be my 3rd season working with Dave. When it comes to my mechanics and pitching mentality I don’t think there is anyone that knows me better. Everyone is very excited to have him this season.
Sorry, Dave; if Phil is that high on you I was obviously wrong.
Also, Phil returned from injury August 4 - why couldn't Gator fix TM's mechanics sometime in the month before Eiland got to The Stadium? I love Gator, but I've heard many things about his shorcomings as a pitching coach and this is the last nail in that coffin.
Anyway - welcome to the Bigs, Dave; we're glad to have you!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Straight from the Hughes' mouth
On his blog;
After coming back from my injury last season my mechanics were a little out of whack. This led to a little loss of velocity and command. When Dave arrived in September we were able to work out some things and I think that had a lot to do with the success I had at the end of the season. It was nice to finish off the year on a good note so I have something to work toward to get back to my normal self in 2008.
Man I sure hope so, The Messiah lives. Also, he mentions Dave Eiland in glowing terms;
This will be my 3rd season working with Dave. When it comes to my mechanics and pitching mentality I don’t think there is anyone that knows me better. Everyone is very excited to have him this season.
Definitely a vote of confidence for Eiland. He was able to fix in a week what Gator couldn't in a month? Also, check out the names of the questioners;
deltaforce82
chocolateaddict706
metalboy15
Dont know who scares me more deltaforce or metalboy.
After coming back from my injury last season my mechanics were a little out of whack. This led to a little loss of velocity and command. When Dave arrived in September we were able to work out some things and I think that had a lot to do with the success I had at the end of the season. It was nice to finish off the year on a good note so I have something to work toward to get back to my normal self in 2008.
Man I sure hope so, The Messiah lives. Also, he mentions Dave Eiland in glowing terms;
This will be my 3rd season working with Dave. When it comes to my mechanics and pitching mentality I don’t think there is anyone that knows me better. Everyone is very excited to have him this season.
Definitely a vote of confidence for Eiland. He was able to fix in a week what Gator couldn't in a month? Also, check out the names of the questioners;
deltaforce82
chocolateaddict706
metalboy15
Dont know who scares me more deltaforce or metalboy.
Yankees Top Prospects - #4. Ian Kennedy
BA report on IPK -
4. Ian Kennedy, rhp Born: Dec. 19, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 190.
Drafted: Southern California, 2006 (1st round). • Signed by: Bill Mele/Jeff Patterson.
Background: A high school teammate of Rockies third-base prospect Ian Stewart, Kennedy went to Southern California while Stewart signed out of high school. They both made their big league debuts in 2007 after Kennedy ranked third in the minors in ERA (1.91) in his pro debut. Though he pitched well in three starts with the Yankees, they left him off their postseason roster because he had a minor back injury.
Strengths: Kennedy has mound presence and moxie to go with above-average major league command, and that helps all his pitches play up. His 88-92 mph fastball, his curveball and his slider all are average pitches. His plus changeup is his best offering, featuring late fade. He repeats his compact delivery.
Weaknesses: With only one above-average pitch, Kennedy has to hit his spots, but he usually does. At times his curve is too slow, dipping to 69-72 mph, and lacks sharpness.
The Future: Compared to Mike Mussina because of his similar stretch delivery, Kennedy has less pure stuff than Mussina once did. Kennedy fits a No. 3 or No. 4 starter profile and should fulfill such a role in 2008
IPK fans don't fret - in 1995 BA listed Chris Carpenter the 100th ranked prospect in all of baseball and anticipated he would be either a #5 starter or a long reliever. Prospects with command, poise and an ability to get guys out typically don't grade very well in these types of lists, but can still be top of the rotation pitchers.
4. Ian Kennedy, rhp Born: Dec. 19, 1984. • B-T: R-R. • Ht.: 6-0. • Wt.: 190.
Drafted: Southern California, 2006 (1st round). • Signed by: Bill Mele/Jeff Patterson.
Background: A high school teammate of Rockies third-base prospect Ian Stewart, Kennedy went to Southern California while Stewart signed out of high school. They both made their big league debuts in 2007 after Kennedy ranked third in the minors in ERA (1.91) in his pro debut. Though he pitched well in three starts with the Yankees, they left him off their postseason roster because he had a minor back injury.
Strengths: Kennedy has mound presence and moxie to go with above-average major league command, and that helps all his pitches play up. His 88-92 mph fastball, his curveball and his slider all are average pitches. His plus changeup is his best offering, featuring late fade. He repeats his compact delivery.
Weaknesses: With only one above-average pitch, Kennedy has to hit his spots, but he usually does. At times his curve is too slow, dipping to 69-72 mph, and lacks sharpness.
The Future: Compared to Mike Mussina because of his similar stretch delivery, Kennedy has less pure stuff than Mussina once did. Kennedy fits a No. 3 or No. 4 starter profile and should fulfill such a role in 2008
IPK fans don't fret - in 1995 BA listed Chris Carpenter the 100th ranked prospect in all of baseball and anticipated he would be either a #5 starter or a long reliever. Prospects with command, poise and an ability to get guys out typically don't grade very well in these types of lists, but can still be top of the rotation pitchers.
2008 Yankee Lineup
Now that General Joe has taken over for Boring Joe, there is actually a chance that the Yankee lineup could change for 2008. My lineup would be:
1. Damon
When on his game JD is still among the better leadoff hitters in the game. He combines speed and power with an almost guaranteed 100 runs scored per year.
2. Jeter
No doubt the best #2 hitter in baseball. Superior bat-handeling, plus speed and a .388 career OBP make this a no-brainer.
3. Cano
97 RBI and 19 HR last year from the #7 hole; it's time. I look for this to be the year Robbie breaks out from very good, to really great. I can see a 325/25/110 season coming from Cano this year.
4. Arod
Duh
5. Abreau
A 400 OBP and plus base stealing ability allow BobbyA to act as a second line table setter for the bottom of the lineup.
6. Posada
The only problem with Jorge is his penchant for hitting into double plays, but hopefully JG runs Bobby a lot to keep them out.
7. Matsui
The #3 hitter for the bottom of the lineup. If healthy, you can pretty much guarantee 280/25/100 from Hmat
8. Giambi/Duncan
If he can stay healthy (IF, IF, IF) I can see 270/35/100 from Jason in his walk year
9. Melky
It's time for the Melk-man to take a step up. Mark Newman said he thought Melky was gonna win a batting title one day. With Ajax breathing down his neck it's time for Melky to take his production to the next level. I'd like to see 300/15/80 on his way to Bernie-like production.
So essentially my lineup has 2 mini-lineups imbedded; the top 4 and then the bottom 5. The biggest potential problem with my lineup is that Abreau is protecting Arod - another slump like early '07 and Arod won't see a pitch for months!
The biggest change from Torre's lineup is Robbie batting 3rd. I understand and can't really argue against Abreau batting there with his .400+ OBP, but I think it's time for Robbie to step up.
1. Damon
When on his game JD is still among the better leadoff hitters in the game. He combines speed and power with an almost guaranteed 100 runs scored per year.
2. Jeter
No doubt the best #2 hitter in baseball. Superior bat-handeling, plus speed and a .388 career OBP make this a no-brainer.
3. Cano
97 RBI and 19 HR last year from the #7 hole; it's time. I look for this to be the year Robbie breaks out from very good, to really great. I can see a 325/25/110 season coming from Cano this year.
4. Arod
Duh
5. Abreau
A 400 OBP and plus base stealing ability allow BobbyA to act as a second line table setter for the bottom of the lineup.
6. Posada
The only problem with Jorge is his penchant for hitting into double plays, but hopefully JG runs Bobby a lot to keep them out.
7. Matsui
The #3 hitter for the bottom of the lineup. If healthy, you can pretty much guarantee 280/25/100 from Hmat
8. Giambi/Duncan
If he can stay healthy (IF, IF, IF) I can see 270/35/100 from Jason in his walk year
9. Melky
It's time for the Melk-man to take a step up. Mark Newman said he thought Melky was gonna win a batting title one day. With Ajax breathing down his neck it's time for Melky to take his production to the next level. I'd like to see 300/15/80 on his way to Bernie-like production.
So essentially my lineup has 2 mini-lineups imbedded; the top 4 and then the bottom 5. The biggest potential problem with my lineup is that Abreau is protecting Arod - another slump like early '07 and Arod won't see a pitch for months!
The biggest change from Torre's lineup is Robbie batting 3rd. I understand and can't really argue against Abreau batting there with his .400+ OBP, but I think it's time for Robbie to step up.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Verducci - Pitcher's Value tied to Consistency
Verducci has a great article on SI.com where he analyzes the impact of a team's regular starters ability to make their starts on the team's Won/Lost record. Sounds simple but is something that is constantly lost when evaluating a pitchers ability. If you look at the league leaders from year to year you will notice there are few names consistently up there. We get enamored with WHIP, K/9, GB ratio etc. but often forget how valuable a durable starting pitcher is. One of the biggest risk factors with young pitchers is you have no serious body of work with which to judge their ability to stay healthy. Do you have the next Mark Prior or a horse like Johan? Only time will tell and their health could very well determine whether or not a championship just as much as their ability to miss bats.
Yes, Yanks are the Champs.....at ratings
Ran into this on the biz of baseball;
The YES Network was the most watched regional sports network (RSN) in the nation for the fifth straight year. The New York based RSN that broadcasts the New York Yankees, and the New Jersey Nets beat out the likes of New England Sports Network (NESN), who cover the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins at the professional level.
Details of YES’ coverage, include:
YES averaged 33,000 TV households in total day delivery, 13.8 percent more than No. 2 NESN (Boston), which averaged 29,000 households
YES was most-watched in key demos including Men 18-49, Men 25-54, Persons 18-49 and Persons 25-54
YES' average total day delivery of 33,000 TV households is a 6.5 percent increase over its 2006 average total day delivery of 31,000 TV households
YES' average primetime delivery of 86,000 TV households is a 7.5 percent increase over its 2006 average total day delivery of 80,000 TV households
Compared with other New York RSNs:
YES' total day delivery of 33,000 average TV households was 6.5 percent more than that of the other three New York RSNs (MSG Network, Fox Sports New York and SportsNet New York) combined (31,000 combined TV households)
YES out-delivered the other three New York RSNs combined in Total Total Viewers and Persons 25-54, and matched the other three New York RSNs combined in Men 25-54 and Men 18+
YES' average primetime delivery of 86,000 TV households is comparable to the other three New York RSNs combined (94,000 combined TV households)
Other Details:
Yankees game telecasts on YES averaged 346,000 TV households, the most in the country among RSNs and 19.7 percent more than second-place NESN's Boston Red Sox telecasts (289,000 TV households)
YES' 4.67 average TV household rating for its 2007 Yankees game telecasts was the best cable rating ever for Yankees games, dating back to 1979
The 4.67 rating marked a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase from 2006's 4.28 rating
YES' primetime Yankees telecasts finished No. 1 in the New York DMA in average TV household rating 42 out of 50 days from June 1 through the end of the 2007 season, the network's best performance since its 2002 launch
YES' Yankees Batting Practice Today TV household ratings grew by 33 percent from its inaugural 2006 season, and the Yankees pregame show ratings jumped 16.7% and the Yankees postgame show ratings increased by 6.7 percent from 2006
The network's primetime games for the 2007 season averaged a 5.3 TV household rating, or 388,000 TV households, its best performance ever for Yankees primetime telecasts on a New York regional sports network
The shocking figure is the fact that Yes trumps all the other RSNs combined. Also, you would think that the lack of a championship run would eventually hurt the ratings but they get better and better.
The YES Network was the most watched regional sports network (RSN) in the nation for the fifth straight year. The New York based RSN that broadcasts the New York Yankees, and the New Jersey Nets beat out the likes of New England Sports Network (NESN), who cover the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Bruins at the professional level.
Details of YES’ coverage, include:
YES averaged 33,000 TV households in total day delivery, 13.8 percent more than No. 2 NESN (Boston), which averaged 29,000 households
YES was most-watched in key demos including Men 18-49, Men 25-54, Persons 18-49 and Persons 25-54
YES' average total day delivery of 33,000 TV households is a 6.5 percent increase over its 2006 average total day delivery of 31,000 TV households
YES' average primetime delivery of 86,000 TV households is a 7.5 percent increase over its 2006 average total day delivery of 80,000 TV households
Compared with other New York RSNs:
YES' total day delivery of 33,000 average TV households was 6.5 percent more than that of the other three New York RSNs (MSG Network, Fox Sports New York and SportsNet New York) combined (31,000 combined TV households)
YES out-delivered the other three New York RSNs combined in Total Total Viewers and Persons 25-54, and matched the other three New York RSNs combined in Men 25-54 and Men 18+
YES' average primetime delivery of 86,000 TV households is comparable to the other three New York RSNs combined (94,000 combined TV households)
Other Details:
Yankees game telecasts on YES averaged 346,000 TV households, the most in the country among RSNs and 19.7 percent more than second-place NESN's Boston Red Sox telecasts (289,000 TV households)
YES' 4.67 average TV household rating for its 2007 Yankees game telecasts was the best cable rating ever for Yankees games, dating back to 1979
The 4.67 rating marked a 9.6 percent year-over-year increase from 2006's 4.28 rating
YES' primetime Yankees telecasts finished No. 1 in the New York DMA in average TV household rating 42 out of 50 days from June 1 through the end of the 2007 season, the network's best performance since its 2002 launch
YES' Yankees Batting Practice Today TV household ratings grew by 33 percent from its inaugural 2006 season, and the Yankees pregame show ratings jumped 16.7% and the Yankees postgame show ratings increased by 6.7 percent from 2006
The network's primetime games for the 2007 season averaged a 5.3 TV household rating, or 388,000 TV households, its best performance ever for Yankees primetime telecasts on a New York regional sports network
The shocking figure is the fact that Yes trumps all the other RSNs combined. Also, you would think that the lack of a championship run would eventually hurt the ratings but they get better and better.
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