Melky Cabrera has surprised everybody by bouncing back from a terrible '08 campaign. However, he has completely collapsed since May and April and clearly isn't as good an option as Brett Gardner in center field. Melky's seasons stats still look pretty good but they're getting worse by the day and the Yankees have some better options available. Really since he established himself in the major leagues, he's been in one trade rumor after another. For whatever reason though, the time has never been right
After his first two years in the majors, some crazies (like me and Baseball Prospectus) thought he had the potential to breakout soon and transform from a fringe starter into a mainstay in centerfield for years to come. Then after 2008 he had pretty much no value after suffering a demotion to the minors and major steps backwards. However, with Melky's solid first half of 2009 he may have recouped some value.
I'm not expecting the world for Melky but I have to think that some teams would be interested in him. He's an average player who's game has improved across the board this year. His EQA of .271 matches his career high and he seems to be playing the field as well as ever. He's still only 24 and conventional wisdom states he's about to hit his peak years. The Indians (Ben Fransisco) and Reds (Wily Taveras) are both competitive teams that have to be searching for an answer in centerfield. Its difficult to imagine a situation where Melky could have a significant future in New York. He's been passed over by Brett Gardner and the spectre of Austin Jackson is looming in AAA. Even Ramiro Pena is starting to learn centerfield and could take away any usefulness Melky would have on the bench.
What could they realistically get from Cleveland or Cincinnati? I really don't know, I'm terrible at judging a player's worth but they could package Melky in a deal for Aaron Harang or Cliff Lee if they end up needing another pitcher. If everything works out in the rotation until July 31st then they could probably get a solid "B" level prospect for him instead. If they traded Melky, they could just bring up Ramiro Pena to take over his role without blinking an eye. I think its time to trade Melky.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
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11 Comments:
I'm not sure about Melky's 'demise' just yet, he is still very young (turns 25 next month). I think he still has things to offer, and he has had a good amount of late-game big hits this year too. On the negative side, he has yet to have an OPS+ of 100 in his entire 4-year career. That's discouraging.
Since Gardner has been doing better than we expected, let's just play Gardner regularly and make Melky the 4th outfielder & defensive replacement. If we think of him that way, his numbers pretty much fall in line.
I like Gardner but I dont think you can just give him the full-time centerfielder job he is a rookie and still an unknown. But he does deserve to play some more.
This has a been a typical Melky season. He starts off great and then he falls of the face of the earth in the middle of the season.
I like Melky cause he's the only outfielder with a quality arm that can gun down a runner when he has to. Though I'm really starting to think that what you see is what you're gonna get. He's only going to get bigger and slower as the years go on. He's never had an athletic body and I don't really see him rededicating himself into crafting one like Bruney did over the offseason. If he could be used to get a Cliff Lee, that I would support.
Though I'd also open the debate up to trading Cano too, cause I don't see that work ethic improving and Ramiro Pena is a more dedicated fielder.
I am not a big fan of any of the Yankee outfielders.
Damon is aging quickly but his contract is up at years end and he won't be back.
Gardner is an ok fielder with an average to below average arm. He makes up for his poor reads sometimes with blazing speed.
Melky is an average fielder with an above average arm.
Swisher is an error waiting to happen. I hold my breath every time the ball is hit to him. Sometimes he makes a great play and sometimes he misses an easy one.
I wasn't happy with the outfield when the season started and I'm still really not. As it stands now, I would play Damon, Gardner and Melky from left to right.
Swish would be on the bench unless platooning.
I have no issue with trading Melky. Don't get me wrong, I actually like him as a 4th outfielder but if a good trade is there, i would have no issue at all trading him. I simply don't know what his value is.
I agree with Danny that "what you see is what you get" with Melky. He's not going to get much if any better.
I'd love to see the Yanks get Lee but Melky would be more of a throw in in any deal regarding him.
By the way, I don't hate any of the outfielders, I just don't love any of them. I simply find them all to be merely serviceable.
Melky has not been the same since he hit the wall in texas. check his stats before and after that game. I have no idea if he is hurt but he has NOT been the same since
I'm all for trading Melky in a package if they can get something of real value, someone that will really give them a better shot at a ring. Otherwise I'm pretty happy with him on the team, although he shouldn't be playing nearly as much.
Crossfire,
You're not giving Gardner enough credit in the field. He may not have a great arm, but the guy covers so much ground. He's got the 4th best UZR out of all center fielders in baseball.
Nick Swisher has been better than he looks. He makes himself look like an ass from time to time, but overall he does a decent job.
Damon is a joke.
As for Melky, slightly above average range, very strong arm, but doesn't always throw to the right base.
Anon,
You're right about him not being the same since hitting the wall.
I like Melky on the team. He can hit the ball well and he is also a switch hitter and out of all the yankees OF he has the best arm. His accuracy can be improved but he can throw well unlike the rest. From a defense point of view I would say keep him for now.
Gardner is good fielder he covers a ton of ground.
The only thing he needs to work on his the hard hit line drive right at him. Those are the one he has difficulties with.
I agree if we are going to trade Melky the time is now. If he keeps up the way he has been going, he'll have no value at the end of the year. I would think some team might be willing to give up a 5th starter type of a solid reliver for him.
I would not trade Melky right now. Despite his offensive struggles of late, you can't teach the kind of arm he has.
I would also respectively ask Danny if he is high on crack. Trading Cano? He's the best second basemen in the game. People thinks he has problem with work ethic because he plays so effortlessly, and he smiles after making plays. Danny mentioned both Melky's and Robbie's work ethic, but I personally haven't heard anything about that from coaches, nor have I any other proof to that effect.
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