Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Ransom deserve a roster spot over Pena? I Don't Think So

Yesterday, Peter Abraham discussed what would happen with the Yankees roster when Jose Molina makes his return, a return that is not too far away. He could be back as soon as a few days from now.

Basically Pete says that the Yanks will keep Ransom and have to decided whether to send down Francisco Cervelli or Ramiro Pena if they decide to keep three catchers, or even send both down and call up a player like Shelley Duncan or John Rodriguez who are both having big years in Triple-A.

Now I understand that the Yanks want these guys to develop in the minors, but so far we've seen much more development out of these two at this level than we might have in all their time spent in the minors. Also, if the Yanks just don't want to carry three catchers that's perfectly fine, and the right thing to do then would be to send Cervelli to Scranton and let him play everyday.

But if they decided to send down Pena and keep Ransom it makes very little sense to me. I know it would probably mean they'd have to lose Ransom for good, but really, who cares? Do the Yankees really see that much value in this guy? Because I sure don't. Pena is a better fielder, he's faster, and while Ransom might be the better hitter, so far he hasn't shown it this season. In fact, I'll take that back, I don't even think Ransom is a better hitter, after all we are talking about a guy with a lifetime hitting line of .239/.325/.412.

The 2009 Yankees are a better team with Ramiro Pena, not Cody Ransom.

12 Comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree Greg. Ramiro can provide that speed off the bench that Ransom cannot, and play stellar defense. He's been pretty clutch this year too.

Kevin said...

Pena has been great in my mind...his defence has been awesome, and granted he doenst hit for power but he hits line drives and balls through the holes.and him and cervelli have been the two that seem to get these big rallys going..maybe they havent but those two seem to be sticking out to me this season

owine said...

Pena is going to go down and play some outfield and become a super-utility player. That's a good move.

Greg Cohen said...

Why do the Yanks need Pena to play the outfield? He will never hit enough to be a corner outfielder and with guys like Gardner, Melky, and Jackson in the system they don't need a centerfielder.

Anonymous said...

Its a stupid move and Cashman, as usual, makes terrible decisions.

Mike R. said...

Fun Fact: The Yanks now have the 2002 and 2003 AL Rookies of the Year

(Hinske and Berroa)

Anonymous said...

Ransom has more pop in his bat he did get a big hit in Atlanta. Pena has no pop from the right side.

They want Pena to learn the outfield because he will never be a everyday player. He is going to be a good superutility guy off the bench.

Mike R. said...

It's a shame we lost Pena. He seems to have hit a stride lately and hit .353 with RISP. Yeah, too bad the team cannot replicate that success.

Unknown said...

I'm looking at his stats now...what is so special about this guy? He plays first base and RF...so does swisher. And didn't cashman say in the meeting with the team before that they weren't going to make a move for a batter? Wtf is he smoking?

Anonymous said...

It is crazy to think that the yankees are even considering keeping him over Pena. Pena is by far a better infielder and somewhat a better batter. I remeber the other night when they first brought him back in the lineup I said to myself what are the yankees thinking. The entire time he covered 3rd base for Rodriguez and I knew then this guy could do it defensively or offensively.

Anonymous said...

Pena is hitting .353 with RISP? Wow, I knew he was doing good in that dept but not that good. And, Cashman sends him down. Brilliant. What a maroon.

crosetti32 said...

Cashman will probably trade Pena at some point, just like he traded Alberto Gonzalez (currently hitting .326 in 35 games for the Nats).

Can't believe Cashman has lasted 10+ years as GM.