A-Rod: Everyone is just out to get me

From the NY Daily News:

Alex Rodriguez is taking his wildest swing yet in his fight against steroid allegations: The Yankees and MLB are conspiring to push him out of the game.

Sources say the embattled Yankee star is “scared” that bigger forces are at work to try to discredit him and sink his career. Holed up in Miami, Rodriguez has been huddling with an army of lawyers and PR people as the performance-enhancing drug scandal enveloping him intensifies.

“He’s scared, because he thinks this is so unbelievably false, and he’s wondering who could be behind this,” said a source, referring to last week’s Miami New Times report linking A-Rod to an alleged Miami-area performance-enhancing drug scandal. “He thinks something could be going on larger than anyone might think.”

The source added that Rodriguez is wondering if the Yankees or even Major League Baseball are behind the latest controversy.

A-Rod’s concerns intensified as agents from MLB’s Department of Investigations met in Miami Monday with editors of Miami New Times, a weekly newspaper that posted hand-written records and files last Tuesday linking Rodriguez and several other players to Anthony Bosch, a self-described “biochemist” who is being investigated by baseball and federal authorities for possibly providing performance-enhancing drugs to the players.

To be quite honest, I don't really buy this story. One reason, the NY Post of all papers, had a much different take on the situation including quotes from named sources, mainly Brian Cashman:

The Yankees have been cagey about Alex Rodriguez’s spring-training schedule, and they intend to stay that way.

Mindful of the heat generated by the recent Miami New Times story alleging massive illegal performance-enhancing drug usage by Rodriguez, the Yankees will give the public no advance warning of their rehabilitating third baseman’s whereabouts.

“I’m not going to say to try and keep away the extra, whatever you want to call it, paparazzi, whatever it is, the stakeout, wherever he is working out,” general manager Brian Cashman said last night at the Hard Rock Café in Manhattan, where the Yankees held a fundraiser for WCBS-AM radio producer-engineer Carlos Silva, who is battling cancer. “That’s the only reason I’m not going to say where he is going to be on a given day.”

So if the Yankees are trying to protect him, how would they be trying to derail his career at the same time? Either way, this story is a complete clusterf*ck that nobody needed this close to spring training. Also, if you haven't heard, Ryan Braun, Francisco Cervelli and Jesus Montero were also linked to this PED clinic.

In other, completely unrelated news, did you know you can buy Yankees tickets from Sliding Into Home? Well you can. Check out the banner on the right for the best deals on tickets to all spring training and regular season games.

The Trade That Just Keeps Giving: Surgery For Pineda

So, what will the defenders of this deal say now?

Just to break things down for you, instead of A) trading Montero for Cliff Lee a couple years ago, or B) keeping your best hitting prospect, the Yankees traded him for a guy who had one good half of a season and is now headed for shoulder surgery. Fantastic!

No word yet on how long Pineda will be on the shelf, but I can only assume it will be a while. People are speculated that he'll be done for the year, and the only info I could find was that an injury like this normally takes 3-6 months to recover. I'm not sure if I've mentioned it before, but what a great trade!

The Montero Trade Just Keeps Getting Better!

From Matt Snyder:

Yankees starting pitcher Michael Pineda has been shut down again due to weakness in his right shoulder, manager Joe Girardi told reporters Saturday (including Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com). Pineda was scheduled to throw two innings in an extended spring training game. Now he's scheduled to see a Doctor Monday in Tampa.

"I can't tell you when we'll get him back now," said Girardi.

Pineda, 23, was the Yankees' big ticket acquisition this past offseason, as they traded promising young slugger Jesus Montero for him. But Pineda has been unable to get his shoulder into shape due to continuing "weakness" or "fatigue."

Meanwhile, as we get accustomed to our new damaged goods, Jesus Montero has started the 2012 campaign a bit slow, but hey, at least he's healthy.

More Trade Reactions and Analysis

Fangraphs says the Yankees did not pay retail for Pineda:

Pineda is the third quality young arm to get traded this winter, following the trades that shipped Gio Gonzalez to Washington and Mat Latos to Cincinnati. Given that both pitchers come with one fewer year of team control and lack Pineda’s dominating fastball, a strong case could be made that the Yankees new starter is the most valuable asset of the three guys that were moved. However, compared to the other two packages surrendered, the Yankees didn’t really pay much of a premium to get Pineda, and one could even make an argument that they gave up less value overall than what the Reds surrendered to get Latos.

Then there's this from Mark Simon:

In obtaining right-hander Michael Pineda, the Yankees got a pitcher who looked very promising early in the season, then statistically faded at the end of 2011.

Pineda was 8-6 with a 3.03 ERA prior to the All-Star break, 1-4 with a 5.12 ERA after the All-Star break. The primary culprit was his home run rate, which went from one allowed every 11.3 innings to one every 7.3 innings afterwards.

Pineda was also considerably better in Safeco Field, a pitcher-friendly park. He was 5-4 with a 2.92 ERA and .182 opponents' batting average there last season, 4-6 with a 4.40 ERA and .234 opponents' batting average on the road.

Pineda’s fastball averaged nearly 95 mph, tied for the fifth-fastest average velocity among starting pitchers in the majors. Hitters missed on 20 percent of their swings against that pitch, also the fifth-best among starters.

That helped Pineda to 173 strikeouts, the most by a pitcher in his age 22 season or younger (in other words, for pitchers who were 22 before June 30 of that season) since Kerry Wood struck out 233 hitters in 1998.

It also helped Pineda hold right-handed hitters to a .184 batting average, the best of any pitcher who faced at least 200 right-handers last season.

Pineda made nine starts against the AL East last season and he got hit pretty hard, posting a 4.73 ERA and allowing eight home runs in 53 1/3 innings.

See, it's those things in bold that scare me about this deal..... Anyway, moving on...

Here's what Kieth Law said about the other major piece to the trade coming back to the Yanks, highly touted prospect Jose Campos:

Jose Campos is the lottery ticket in the deal, and could very well turn this deal into a steal for the Yankees four or five years down the road. He's an extreme strike-thrower with an above-average fastball that will touch 95, and a slider that shows above-average but isn't consistent yet. Campos needs to work on his changeup and has yet to pitch in a full-season league, so he's several years away from the majors. He's also young enough that the injury risk is still significant, and I'd like to see him get over his front side better as he finishes his delivery. But he won't turn 20 until July, and if he were in the draft this year he'd be a first-rounder, so for the Yanks it's almost like getting an extra draft pick in the deal. For some context on what Seattle gave up, he would have been No. 5 in my 2012 organizational ranks for the Mariners.

Law also gave the slight edge in the trade to Seattle.

On the other hand, Frank Piliere called it was a narrow win for the Yankees

Jayson Stark says the deal one of the most fascinating in years, and thought both teams won in the deal.

Kevin Goldstein also likes the deal for the both teams and called Cashman a ninja sever times on Twitter tonight. He also said there is no pitcher in the Yankees system with more upside than Pineda.

Speaking of Cashman, there was this interesting quote that came via Sweeney Murti:

Yanks Trade Montero for Pineda ... Ummm, seriously?

I'm not a big fan of this trade.

Pineda is a nice young pitcher, but Montero is the best hitting prospect in the game, and as we saw last year it wasn't just hype. So unless they were getting King Felix in return I really didn't want to see Montero traded. Another thing that scares me is that Pineda is a fly-ball pitcher which doesn't always work out too well at the bandbox in the Bronx.

Hopefully this isn't a deal the Yankees end up regretting for a very long time.

... Oh, and who the hell is going to DH now?

No Winter Ball For Jesus

From Chad Jennings:

he Yankees have decided not to have Jesus Montero play winter ball this offseason. Between Triple-A and the big leagues, Montero played in 127 games this season, and he caught most of them.

General manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees will have Montero maintain his strength and conditioning, but they don’t want him to continue playing in games.

Cashman also told Jennings that there's no chance of moving Montero to right field.

Martin Wants To Stay In The Bronx

From Andrew Marchand:

"My situation is I"m still arbitration eligible," Martin told me and one other reporter today outside of Yankee Stadium. "So either I'll get offered a contract or I won't get offered a contract. It is the same situation I was in with the Dodgers last year. Now, it is up to the Yankees to make a decision. For me, I would like nothing more than to be here."

...

"I obviously want to play as much as I can, but my main goal is just to be on a winning team and win a championship," Martin said.

Marin was a very solid pickup for the Yanks this season and I'd have no problems with the Yanks giving him another one or two-year deal.

The main issue is whether or not the Yankees have confidence Jesus Montero's defense. I don't think the Yanks will give any catcher a multi-year deal if they plan on giving Montero most of the games back there. If their plan is for Montero to DH or split time behind the plate, then Martin should be back.

Game 145: Yankees at Angels (Jesus!)

Yankees (87-57)
Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Robinson Cano DH
Jesus Montero C
Eric Chavez 3B
Andruw Jones RF
Eduardo Nunez 2B
Brett Gardner LF

Pitching: RHP Freddy Garcia (11-7, 3.50)

Angels (80-65)
TBA

Pitching: RHP Ervin Santana (11-10, 3.18)

Montero Likely to Catch, Romine to Back-Up

LoHud on Montero, Martin, and Cerveill:

X-rays are negative on Russell Martin’s thumb, but Joe Girardi said he’ll be out a day or two. Girardi also doesn’t want Jorge Posada to catch back to back games.

“Montero will probably catch (tomorrow),” Girardi said.

Francisco Cervelli is going back to New York for tests and Girardi indicated that a catcher will likely be called up. He hinted at Austin Romine.

LoHud confirming the Romine rumor:

Francisco Cervelli’s locker was just cleared, and his nameplate was replaced with a hand drawn tag for Austin Romine.

Looks like Romine will be here today, wearing No. 71.

No word on a move to make room on the 40-man.

While it is quite the shame to see Martin and Cervelli hurting, I can't help but be a bit excited to see Montero don the tools of ignorance ... though, I'm not quite sure if it's more morbid curiosity, given the almost universally poor reviews of his catching skills.

Update: Steve Garrison was DFA'd to make room for Romine.

Montero Will Start

Jesus Should Start Tonight

Well, Jesus is finally on his way and barring any major disaster should be with the team today in Boston. And I think the Yankees should start him. Yes, throw the kid right into the fire and start him at DH in Fenway vs. Jon Lester.

First, of all, his splits say he should always start vs. lefties:

LHP - .328/.392/.647
RHP - .273/.330/.398

Second, why wait?

I don't think it's a good thing for any highly touted prospect to come up and ride the pine. Is it really better to have him sit and wonder when that first start is going to come and slowly get more and more anxious? I don't think so. Let him ride that adrenaline rush he's probably been on for several days and take it right into the game. The worst case scenario is that he goes 0-for-4 against one of the best pitchers in the game, which isn't a big deal at all.

What do you think, should Montero start tonight?

Jesus Cometh..... Tomorrow

From Joel Sherman:

The Yankees were still working through some issues involving who to call up tomorrow when rosters expand on Sept. 1. But there were three players not in dispute: Jesus Montero is going to be promoted while Manuel Banuelos and Dellin Betances will not be, The Post has learned.

The Yanks simply feel that Banuelos and Betances, their top two pitching prospects, have met their objectives this year, which were to progress from Double-A to Triple-A and log enough innings to become factors to pitch in the majors next year. Betances started 24 games and worked 121 innings. Banuelos started 26 times and pitched 128 innings. In the way that the Yanks progress starters, both would be in line to pitch about 160 innings next year, which is a high enough total for them to be major-league considerations.

The Yanks had fiddled with the idea of using one or both out of the major league pen in September to see if they could become factors for the postseason roster, especially the left-handed Banuelos. For now, however, the Yanks had enough concerns — particularly with fastball command — that they did not see the wisdom in trying to transition to the bullpen on the fly two pitchers they remain adamant will pitch at the top of a rotation in the future.....

As for Montero, he is going to get opportunities to play and specifically hit, which is by far his best tool. Jorge Posada’s postseason roster spot remains tenuous enough that Montero could have a big September and make himself viable for October at-bats as a DH. Posada will not be the DH against lefty pitching and the Yanks are currently in line to play the Rangers, who will start at least two lefties against the Yanks.

Nice! I can't wait to see Montero finally get his chance.

As for Banuelos and Betances, I'm glad the Yankees aren't messing with them and turning them into relievers, even if it is just for a few weeks. Both pitchers are still very young and clearly need more work in the minors anyway. There's no use screwing with that for a few innings of relief work.

Video: Montero Smashes Two Bombs

These were taken during his huge game vs. Rochester on Thursday. (Hat tip to RAB)

Where is Jesus?

I present to you a series of triple-slash lines:

.279/.355/.467
.280/.385/.560
.229/.320/.385
.234/.308/.313

The first two lines illustrate the reasoning that many believe is keeping Jesus Montero and his 7 home runs and .900+ OPS in the month of August toiling away in Scranton-Wilkes/Barre. Jorge Posada's line against RHP comes first, and Andruw Jones's demolition of LHP is second. Essentially, the Yankees DH platoon is more than adequate when utilized properly. This allows the Yankees to prevent the inevitable can of worms that would be opened from an actual permanent benching of Posada without being disingenuous ... he really is getting the job done against righties, and Jones is more than doing his part against southpaws.

That doesn't tell the whole story, however. The third line is Russell Martin since his incredible April, which is significantly bolstered by the last week or so. Last is Brett Gardner over the last five weeks, a similar downturn to last season (which was attributed to his injured wrist). Both Martin and Gardner have played nearly every day when healthy, so it may simply be a matter of their bodies breaking down in the heat and humidity of the summer.

How does this apply to Montero? It's simple, really. By calling up Montero the Yankees could rest Martin against tough righties, allowing the defensive stalwart to rest a couple of times per week. Against lefties, Gardner could take the day off, Jones can shift to left, and Montero could shed the tools of ignorance and focus on swinging the stick. All told, this would likely provide Martin and Gardner with two days off per week, rejuvenating them for the stretch run and postseason. It would also allow the Yankees to see what sort of player they have in Montero, both behind the plate and at the dish (while also relieving him of the rigors of catching everyday in the minors).

To provide for this strategy, the Yankees need only send Cervelli down ... a minor loss, if a loss at all. Is this a perfect solution? That's impossible to know without any action - but it certainly seems reasonable and simplistic.

Expect Jesus In September

Montero to Remain in Triple-A For Now

From Marc Carig:

Top prospect Jesus Montero will not join the Yankees for Tuesday’s series opener against the Los Angeles Angels, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity because the person is not authorized to speak publicly.

Speculation has swirled in recent days about the prized hitting prospect and his chances of earning a call-up to the major league club. Since Sunday, when Jorge Posada appeared to lose his grasp on his part-time designated hitter job, the chatter has gone into overdrive.

But so far, the organization seems more inclined to hold off on a promotion for Montero, who has performed well recently at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Montero To Be Promoted... "In the very near future"

From NJ.com:

According to sources close to organization, Trenton catcher Austin Romine, then Dellin Betances, will be next to board the SWB shuttle, with top overall prospect Jesus Montero expected to join the Yankees' lineup in the very near future.

I have no idea when the very near future will be, nor did the article explain any further. But either way, it appears that it will happen at some point this season.

If The Price Is Right, Trade Montero

A couple weeks ago last year, the Yankees had pretty much acquired Cliff Lee from the Mariners in exchange for phenom Jesus Montero and a few other prospects. It seemed so close, that the only thing I was wondering was what number Lee would wear.

But of course, that trade never happened. GM Brian Cashman apparently did not want to give up a shortstop named Eduardo Nunez, who had yet to make his Major League debut. So Seattle looked to the Texas Rangers, who before you blinked had Lee at the top of their rotation.

The thing that surprised me about the deal that almost landed Cliff in pinstripes, was that Jesus Montero, the guy who was supposed to be the next face of the Yankees, was going to the Mariners for what basically was a 3 month rental. 'Why get Lee now, when the Yankees could just sign him in the winter?' was my thinking. I didn't want to see Montero traded away. He was too valuable in my mind, and when the trade fell through I had a slight feeling of relief, knowing now he could be the Yanks' starting catcher in 2011 and bomb 30 homers and be Rookie of the Year.

Clearly, I was a little wrong.

Jesus Montero has not been on the Major League roster once this year and is still a long ways away from getting called up and making an impact. He is having another solid year at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but his power has dropped considerably despite improvements in his defensive skills behind the plate.

At this point it is uncertain whether he will ever be the Yankees starting catcher, as Russell Martin is 28 and I would certainly consider bringing him back next season. Montero is going to be 22 in 2012, and even if Martin isn't back the Yanks might say he still isn't ready for the Majors.

That's probably why the Yankees have been so open to trading him as the deadline is a week away. They won't part with Banuelos or Dellin Betances, but Montero? If the price is right, sure.

And I agree. I'm sorry, I know Jesus Montero has a lot of potential, and he very well could be a great major league backstop, but I don't see him being that with the Yankees. I would like him to be, but I am thinking like The Boss right now, where it's about this season, the 2011 Yankees. Not the 2012, 2013, or 2014 Yanks. It's about this year. And if a great No. 2 starter comes up in discussions this week that can push the Yankees over the top THIS SEASON. Then make the move.

Sorry Jesus.

Heyman: Montero Will Not Be Centerpiece of Jimenez

Would Trading For Jimenez Be The Right Move?

As you may know, the Yankees have recently been talking to the Rockies about acquiring 27-year old Ubaldo Jimenez, who won 19 games last year for Colorado.

According to many reports, it would take the Yankees AT LEAST one of their big three prospects (Jesus Montero, Dellin Betances, and Manny Banuelos), Ivan Nova, and someone like Austin Romine or Andrew Brackman. Some reports have even said Colorado is asking for the entire big three and then some.

All I'm thinking is - what is Colorado smoking???

We all know he was the first half Cy Young and MVP of the 2010 season, as he had 15 wins and an ERA under 2 by the time the All Star Break rolled around. He fell of the tracks in the second half and started this season as a very mediocre pitcher, if not worse.

Since the beginning of June, however, he is 5-3 with a 2.56 ERA, 54 strikeouts, and just 13 walks in 59 and 2/3 innings. And we all know that the starting staff as it is, will not get the Yankees far in the playoffs, if they get there at all.

Jimenez would definitely be a great addition, and would give the Yankees a scary 1-2 punch with CC and Ubaldo. But to me he is not worth what the Rockies are apparently asking for. Of course these are just rumors, but if the Yankees do end up acquiring him, hopefully they don't give up no more than one of their big three and maybe an Ivan Nova or Andrew Brackman. Anything more than that, and Cash should be smart and say no to Colorado. There will be many pitchers available at the deadline, some even better than Jimenez. (*cough cough* Felix Hernandez???)