Every team is looking for the next breakout prospect that can join the team in the middle of the year and provide a spark to their lineup. Fantasy owners also look for these prospects who can lead their team to a championship.
Looking at this year’s prospects, there appear to be a few players who can follow in the footsteps of Buster Posey and have an immediate impact for their Major League club.
On the mound:
The Yankees will be fine without Cliff Lee. The Yankees don’t NEED Cliff Lee. Would they have liked to have signed him? Of course. Who wouldn’t have? Having C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, a young 19-game winner in Phil Hughes and possibly Andy Pettitte should be enough for the Yanks. They have a young pitcher in Ivan Nova who, if he fixes his sixth inning troubles, should be a solid pitcher.
And if Pettitte doesn’t come back, which seems to be the case, there are a few options for filling his spot in the rotation. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, “If spring arrived today, New York would head into camp with a group of largely unpredictable candidates to round out the rotation, headlined by Ivan Nova and Sergio Mitre and followed by less likely choices among Andrew Brackman, Dellin Betances, Adam Warren, Hector Noesi and Manny Banuelos.”
Basically, the Yankees will go on with their plans without Pettitte. With the acquisition of Luis Vizciano looking to be a mistake in the making, fans need to remember that he only signed a minor league deal. No big deal. Speaking of minor league deals, the signing of former Cubs ace Mark Prior seemed to be a shock to a lot of Yankee fans. The signing of Pedro Feliciano looks like a good move, seeing as the Yankees were a bit desperate for a southpaw in the ‘pen. As a Mets reliever in 2010, Feliciano posted a 3.30 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 62.2 innings.
Off the mound:
The acquisition of catcher Russell Martin could be considered a good signing. Martin is a good defensive catcher, which the Yankees are desperate for with the lack of defense and power in Francisco Cervelli and with Jorge Posada moving to the full-time DH position. Martin had a 39 percent caught stealing percentage, as opposed to Cervelli’s 14 percent.
Martin’s defense behind the plate is a positive. But another thing the Yankees can look forward to is the two catching prospects in Austin Romine and Jesus Montero. Two guys that Yankee fans have been waiting, some say too long, to see. GM Brian Cashman is pretty much certain he will not give up Montero for anything.
Austin Romine’s 2010 numbers in Trenton: .268 BA, .726 OPS, 122 H, 31 2B in 115 games. Montero’s 2010 numbers in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre: .289 AVG, .870 OPS, 131 H, 34 2B (third in the IL), 21 HR (fourth in IL) in 123 games.
The Yankees missing out on Carl Crawford isn’t a terrible loss, either. Brett Gardner has the talent. They both had 47 SB in 2010. Gardner matches Crawford’s speed. No doubt. But Crawford’s bat is a little better. Gardner is better at working the count and taking pitches than Crawford. Gardner had 79 walks to Crawford’s 46.
Just because the Yankees didn’t make big deals like they did in 2009 doesn’t mean it’s going to be an unsuccessful season. There is no need to panic, Yankee fans. They have the talent. You can’t get a Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and A.J. Burnett trio every offseason. The Yankees need to get another “core.” Say Cano, Gardner, Nova, Russo, Montero, Golson, Banuelos, Cervelli, Nunez, etc…? Take your pick. Unfortunately, the only “mistake” they seemed to have made this offseason was to put all their eggs in the Lee basket. But don’t count them out of next season. The Yankees will be fine. They are the Yankees after all.
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There has been a lot of talk surrounding the New York Yankees this off-season like usual. Does Derek Jeter return? Does Andy Pettitte give it one more? Do they acquire Cliff Lee?
It boils down to a bunch of different scenarios this off-season. The Yankees can do any number of moves this year and have already started changing up their team for next season. I decided to jump in and take a look at who will possibly be in pinstripes next season.
The 2011 Major League Baseball season seems a long ways away, but it is never too early to take a glance at potential impact rookies for next season.
Jeremy Hellickson, 23, a pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, leads a group of 10 players who are ready to make an impact on their respective teams in 2011.
The New York Yankees recently told catcher Jorge Posada they were moving him towards the DH role for the 2011 season for two reasons: The first; Posada clearly cannot catch every day, leaving the only other option as DH. The second; they want to clear the way for big-time catching prospect, Jesus Montero.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman won’t admit that Montero has already been given the starting position for next season, but did say that Montero will be given a chance to win the job during Spring Training.
In 2010, with the Yankees’ triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Montero hit .289 with 21 homers and 75 RBIs. He collected 131 hits, 34 doubles, in 453 at-bats.
Montero is considered a very strong right-handed hitter, but a below-average defender. He has a long arm stroke when throwing the ball, increasing transfer time, giving would-be base stealer’s a good jump.
Despite the knocks against Montero—and there are many—the Yankees still envision him behind the plate in 2011, and with the Yankees’ desire to play Posada more at DH, it’s Montero’s job to lose.
After watching the San Francisco Giants win the World Series with a rookie catcher of their own, Buster Posey, the Yankees are hoping for similar production from Montero.
Personally, I feel Posada is in the way of a lot of things. 2011 will most likely be his last with the Yankees and once he’s gone, the Yankees will have much more flexibility with their players.
With Posada gone, the DH role opens. The Yankees can alternate between giving Alex Rodriguez rest at the DH position. Another option, which I’ve reiterated all over B/R, is to move Jeter to third base and slide A-Rod into the DH role full time.
If Montero can prove himself in Spring Training and the 2011 season, the Yankees will have a young, strong catcher for years to come, eliminating one of many problems of an aging roster.
The call-up of Buster Posey on May 30th infused the Giants with youth and excitement. It gave the fans a fresh new face to root for and gave the Giants a mature bat in the middle of their lineup. This is what the Yankees need from Montero. After his call-up, Posey went on to hit .305 with 18 homers and 67 RBIs, win the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year Award and catch a World Series-clinching Game 6.
To expect the same from Montero before he even sets foot in Spring Training would be unfair, but the Yankees can hope. They can hope that Montero will provide enough offensively to overshadow any weaknesses he brings defensively. Or maybe Montero will actually grow while in the big leagues and improve his defense and become a better overall player.
Though the Yankees may be downplaying their expectations, they certainly have them.
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In the last year of his current contract, New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada will be primarily a DH. He may play some catcher sporadically, but in 2011, for the first time in his career, the switch-hitter will be the everyday DH.
Frankly, it’s a move long coming. Never a defensive guru or a master game-caller, Posada finally broke down this season and looked every bit of his 38 years.
Posada was fourth in the AL with 72 stolen bases, second in passed balls and third in errors. Always more of an offensive catcher, the wear and tear of catching over a decade and a half took its toll on Posada’s bat, as his offensive statistics in 2010 dropped in every category.
OK, so he’s the 2011 Yankee DH. But what happens in 2012 when his contract ends?
Entering the 2012 season, Posada will be 40 years old. And the talk is that the Yankees would like to move Jeter to third base (another move long overdue) to hide his range deficiencies and move Alex Rodriguez and his aching hip to the DH for the rest of his gargantuan contract to reduce wear and tear.
So where does that leave Posada? In the past, the Yankees for the most part weren’t afraid to tell someone that their time was up—Bernie Williams anyone? Will the Yankees tell one of their Core Four to go home and sit on the couch?
Most likely, they will have to.
Assuming Posada doesn’t have a career year in 2011, at the age of 40, the Yankees won’t have a place for him the following year. With Jesus Montero and Austin Romine close to being ready to take over—if not in fact ready, in Montero’s case—the Yankees would most likely go with the younger and cheaper prospects than a fading, aging Posada.
Also, they may not have the money.
So far in 2012, the Yankees have to pay large money to Jeter, A-Rod, Sabathia, Burnett, Teixeira, Granderson, as well as pay Cano his substantial option. Just those guys alone add up to about $125 million. And that doesn’t include Swisher, Rivera or Pettitte. Or Cliff Lee. Considering all that, signing a deep, in-decline Jorge Posada would be a luxury. And contrary to popular belief, the Yankees resources are not, in fact, limitless.
Does Posada want to retire? Again, he would be 40 years old in 2012. At that age, Bill Dickey had retired. Yogi Berra’s last year with the Yankees was when he was 38—and he was an outfielder at the time. Ernie Lombardi was done by 39. Michey Cochrane was done by 34. Gary Carter, 38. Johnny Bench, 35. Point being, Posada’s body, regardless of what his gut tells him, might be due to step down after 2011.
The only problem with that might be if Posada thinks he has more in him. A proud guy, Posada might balk at any suggestions of retiring. Again, this all depends on the projection that Posada doesn’t rebound with a career year at the age of 40, which is extremely unlikely.
On the topic of retirement, Posada said back in February 2010, “I am going to make it tough…I don’t want to go away. I am having fun and enjoy playing. To tell you the truth, they are going to really have to rip [the uniform] off me.”
Not the words of a guy who will go gracefully. So considering the Yankees plans for the future and Posada’s intransigence, something will have to give.
Point being. 2011 might—and most likely will be—the last year we see Jorge Posada in pinstripes for a meaningful game. If you are a Yankee fan, you might want to enjoy what time you have left to watch him.
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Courtesy of Yankees ‘n More
Our long national nightmare is over. According to multiple reports, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman informed Jorge Posada that he will be the team’s designated hitter in 2011—the final season of his contract.
This information should not come as a surprise to anybody who has paid even casual attention to the Yankees these past two years. Defensively, Posada has degenerated and become an horrific catcher. He blocks virtually nothing (be they balls in the dirt or the plate with a throw coming in) and his arm is an absolute rag.
However, Posada can still hit, his bat is needed in the lineup and the idea of risking the loss of his offense an injury suffered while catching makes no sense at all.
Speculation has been that Posada would slide to DH next season, but the first solid word of the move came from the veteran’s wife, via her Twitter account on Tuesday.
“Yes, Jorge will DH next year,” tweeted Laura Posada.
Wednesday morning brought more in the way of details, via this New York Post report.
The Post reports that Posada was informed of the decision during a face-to-face meeting with Cashman in Manhattan this week. Cashman did tell Posada to “prepare to catch” this offseason. It figures that Posada will catch some next year, but the team is obviously headed in a new direction at backstop.
The plan, according to today’s Post report and multiple rumors, is to have Jesus Montero take over as the Yankees‘ starting catcher and start about 100 games behind the dish next season. Behind Montero, there will be a spring training battle between Francisco Cervelli and Austin Romine.
Questions remain about Montero’s defensive ability and his future as a catcher, but the Yankees are ready to start getting answers from the 20 year old on all those issues. And honestly, how bad could Montero be behind the plate? You can’t be a worse defensive catcher than Posada in 2010.
For his part, Posada is said to be OK with the decision. Earlier this week, Posada had said he just wanted the team to be upfront with him regarding his role.
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You hear a lot of names mentioned as possible offseason targets for the New York Yankees. Cliff Lee, of course, gets more attention than anybody else, and rightly so. Then there are guys like soon-to-be free agent outfielders Carl Crawford and Jason Werth. Even names like Zack Greinke and Johnny Damon have received some play.
But one you never hear that might make a lot of sense is catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez. This is 100 percent pure speculation, but here’s why we think Victor Martinez-to-the-Bronx makes sense.
1) The Yankees are, according to multiple reports, ready to move Jorge Posada to more of a full-time DH role in 2011, which happens to be the final year of his current contract.Yankees ‘n More
2) Most people who follow this team believe the Yankees will attempt to break in top prospect Jesus Montero as their major league catcher of the future next season. If they do, they will need something more substantial than Francisco Cervelli in reserve.
3) Brian Cashman and the Yankees LOVES them some switch hitters (Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher, Lance Berkman, Jorge Posada, Bernie Williams…) and Martinez is one of the very best in the game today.
4) While Martinez is not a great defensive catcher by any stretch, he’s at least as good as Posada is, and the Yankees obviously don’t emphasize defense at catcher. If they did, Posada would have been replaced long ago.
5) Martinez also gives the team some versatility/insurance at first base in the event of Teixeira being forced to again miss time with injuries or the like.
6) If 2011 marks the final season in pinstripes for Jorge Posada (and you have to think there is a good chance it does), Martinez transitions nicely into a fulltime, switch-hitting designated hitter role starting in 2012, when one would certainly hope at least one of the truck load of talented catchers in the system is ready to take over full time.
7) Signing Martinez takes him away from the Boston Red Sox, leaving them with another hole to fill.
8) Martinez was the regular catcher for both CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee when all three were together in Cleveland.
No doubt the Yankees are going after Cliff Lee with both barrels this offseason. And we would not be the least bit surprised to see them make a run at Carl Crawford, as well.
But don’t go to sleep on Victor Martinez. You might wake up one Winter morning to find out he just signed a contract with the New York Yankees.
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Not repeating and no longer reigning as champions was not the game plan the New York Yankees had at the start of the 2010 season.
Losing the ALCS to the Texas Rangers was heartbreaking. The Bombers elimination seemed almost unreal, as the Yankees were the stronger ball-club all season long.
The blame-game is in full swing in New York, pointing fingers at Skipper Joe Girardi for his managerial calls and GM Brian Cashman not facing a team of over-the-hill players in time.
Yankees Universe is spoiled and winning it all is the only mark of achievement. Any outcome otherwise is considered a failed season, but this rigid motto is what players sign up for the moment they put on the pinstripes. Call it whatever you want, but it has led the franchise to the most elite status in sports.
What needs to happen in the offseason to get the Yankees back on top in 2011?
Here are the five I want to see happen:
1) Go get Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee is sure be on the top of Cashman’s list.
Lee just bombed his first World Series start and if he repeats a piss poor, performance maybe he could come cheaper. Not by that much, but Lee is 33 and has had back problems in the past. Regardless, Lee went from a want to a necessity today after hearing some startling news from the Yankees.
First, ace CC Sabathia has to have knee surgery later this week for a small meniscus tear in his right knee; while not serious, it is not comforting news at all. CC is physically enormous standing at 6’7″, weighing 309 lbs and at 30-years-old, which is implementing some serious stress on his body. CC threw 3,903 pitches in 2010, not including spring training. This was a concern when the Yankees signed Sabathia, as the odds were all stacked against him being able to avoid injuries like this one down the road. Finally, Yankees fans got a concrete clarification behind Sabathia’s why postseason struggles just came out of left field. Sabathia waved his option to remain for the rest of his five years in pinstripes.
Secondly, Girardi came clean as to the reason he switched Hughes and Pettitte in the rotation for the ALCS. Everyone was quick to blame the Yankees skipper for another horrible stat-based decision. Then today, the news broke that Pettitte felt off during his final start against the Twins in the ALDS. Smartly, Girardi played it extra cautious by switching him and Hughes to give Pettitte and extra two days off.
Add the above to AJ Burnett’s mental state and Phil Hughes inexperience making the rotation too risky. Get Cliff Lee and all will be ideal again.
2) Renegotiate reliever Kerry Wood’s contract and sign him on for two more years. Wood was a huge reason the Yankees won games in the second half of the season. Wood still throws heat form the mound, has a dominating presence and his experience eludes his confidence. I believe Wood is an inspiration and mentor for Joba Chamberlain, who significantly improved once Wood arrives. Also, god forbid Mariano Rivera becomes mortal, but at 41-years-old, it is going to happen. Wood can help the transition go smoothly from the baseball side during this unthinkable time.
3) Grab a position player that has proven his merit already, but do not spend the money on Tampa Bay Rays Carl Crawford. Crawford will be a fortune to acquire and with all the money going out to resign Jeter, Rivera, Girardi and hopefully Lee the Yankees can go cheaper. Crawford’s personality is something of concern because he can be quite immature at times and not always a team player. Crawford’s hard work after the 2009 season was not for the Rays, but for his pending free agency contract. Obviously any player wants to do his best to get the most money, but you can still be a team player at the same time. New York City will swallow Crawford with the instant celebrity status, which Rays players do not receive in Tampa Bay.
Philadelphia Phillies Jayson Werth would be perfect in pinstripes, but beware of his recent hiring of agent Scott Boras who might shop Werth with too big a price tag. Werth is older, so he will come cheaper than Crawford without a doubt, plus Phillies players are icons at home so he is used to all the craziness. Boras will go right to Cashman and Red Sox GM Theo Epstein, as he knows how to drive up the price. Still, even if money wasn’t an object, I truly believe that Werth is a better fit for the Yankees.
4) What about keeping Marcus Thames? Thames could mainly be a DH because Jorge Posada will catch some games next season, despite all the hype that he is finished. Posada hits better when he catches, and Thames has been a productive DH right off the bench. Also, Thames can play in the outfield to give guys some more days off to help avoid pre-postseason injuries. For the 2010 regular season, Thames hit 12 home runs (nine as a DH) and 33 RBIs (24 as a DH) in 212 at-bats. In the postseason, Thames hit in clutch situations, hitting .364 in his first 12 at-bats, with one home run, three RBIs and striking out just once. Thames is great in the clubhouse, has the right attitude and works so hard just to help anyway he is asked. Thames should stay in pinstripes for 2011.
5) Hopefully Cashman won’t trade away catching prospect Jesus Montero for some over-the-hill all-star, whose name is big, but skills are good for maybe a half-a-season. Yankees fans have been drooling over Montero for two seasons, just waiting to see if the budding star is the real deal.
The same excitement swirled around outfielder Austin Jackson for even longer, but before he made it to the Bronx, Jackson was the main player in the trade for now Yankees Curtis Granderson. Granderson has been excellent in the second half and overall a solid person, so things worked out in the end. Still, the Tigers had a phenomenal, young outfielder whose athletics expand beyond the baseball field. Jackson was offered scholarships to play Division 1 basketball at Top 10 colleges. Jackson is in contention for the AL Rookie of the Year so stay tuned to see if he wins it.
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The New York Yankees teams in the past would spend their money at astronomical proportions during an offseason following an early playoff exit.
One must hope the Yankees of this season will not follow the same model as it has proven to be detrimental over the course of time. The Yankees do not need to spend big on free agents, but instead should look to within and infuse youth into an aging roster.
The first order of business is of course the much-maligned rotation, which helped give pitching coach Dave Eiland the boot. Most Yankees fans want Cliff Lee to play Robin to CC Sabathia’s Batman. First off the Yankees do not need Lee and after the allegations fans spit on his wife I’m not sold that all the money in the world would bring him to the Bronx.
If the money is the end-all for Lee then it could be bad news for the Yankees in this writer’s opinion. The Yankees are already on the hook for Sabathia’s contract for another five years and Mr. Reliable, AJ Burnett’s deal for another three years.
Take the name, Lee, away from his numbers and you see a 32-year-old pitcher who has had career seasons the past two years. He is believed to be a seeking at least a five-year deal and it would be nonsense to think he can keep up the level he has pitched on the past two seasons for the length of his contract.
Following Lee there are talks of the Yankees looking into acquiring Jayson Werth of the Phillies or Carl Crawford of the Rays. Crawford is far and away the player Yankees fans most covet, but he would not be a good acquisition.
Crawford is a 30-year-old outfielder who relies entirely on his speed. He may have more power than the Yankees current left fielder, Brett Gardner, but signing him would be a mistake.
Gardner is a pesky hitter who works long counts and drives pitchers crazy. Once he gets on base, he then causes havoc. The pitcher is so worried about him because he’s a threat to steal on any pitch that they sometimes leave a cookie over the plate for the other hitters to feast on.
Both Gardner and Crawford’s games are based on speed and who would you rather have? A 30-year-old who may soon lose a step or a 26-year-old who is entering his prime years?
To help solve the rotation issues the Yankees would do good to bring along Ivan Nova who impressed in his short stint in the big leagues this season. Nova possesses a mid-90s fastball and sharp breaking curveball. He has trouble getting through an opposing lineup for a third time making it paramount to develop a third pitch, but he’s a cheaper alternative who could pay big dividends.
To help alleviate Jorge Posada who has shown that he cannot be an everyday catcher anymore, the Yankees should call up Jesus Montero. Montero started off his season slow, but rebounded to blast 21 home runs and hit to a .270 average.
The knock against Montero has been his defensive skills, but Yankees personnel believe his defense has improved enough to be a catcher in the big leagues. He is said to have Mike Piazza-type power to the opposite way and at worst he will be another Posada: someone who has below-average defense that can make it up with above-average offense.
To help out their aging left side of the infield the Yankees can use Eduardo Nunez to help give them days off. The Yankees made Nunez play multiple positions, so he can be super-utility player. He can play every day, but in different positions in order to give the older players rest.
Another player the Yankees are impressed with is somebody who has not gotten enough attention. His name is Brandon Laird and he played third base for the Yankees Double-A affiliate. This season he blasted 25 home runs, giving the Yankees hope he can fill a power spot in their lineup sometime soon.
Signing high-priced veterans would put the Yankees in a cycle which is hard to get out of. All one needs to do is look back to the 2002 and 2003 teams. They were filled with older players and were playoff failures, losing to teams who were more athletic and younger at every position.
This year’s playoff exit happened the same way. The Texas Rangers beat out an aging Yankees team. To continue to compete against teams such as the Rangers and Rays, the Yankees need to continue to infuse young players to complement their aging core.
Youth leads to success and the Yankees should follow that memo this offseason.
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