I can't believe it, but we are now just one month away from pitchers and catchers reporting, signaling the start of spring training. Here in New York it's still clearly winter, with snow expecting to hit sometime tonight. But for now, here's some food for thought on a possible candidate for the Yankees' DH spot - Alex Rodriguez.
You already know my feelings on A-Rod and his contract, and I feel now is the time to move him to DH. Before the trade last week that sent Jesus Montero to Seattle, it seemed pretty certain A-Rod would still play third base regularly, getting a start or two at DH per week. But now with a vacant DH slot and Eduardo Nunez ready to become an everyday player, it wouldn't be too crazy to think this could happen and greatly benefit the Bombers.
Don't get me wrong, A-Rod is still an above average fielder at third, and actually made some great plays in the postseason, but let's get real. He is 37, and hasn't played 140 games since 2007. Everyone says he's once again "100%" and is ready for a "huge comeback", but we heard the exact same talk before the Yankees opened camp last season. What happened? He played in 99 games and couldn't hit a home run to save his life in the second half.
Making A-Rod the DH would keep him fresh all year long, and wouldn't give him a real risk of getting hurt. A return to hitting 30 home runs would be likely, and that's up and above any production guys like Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, or Vladimir Gurrerro would provide.
Also something that would be hidden in this potential move is making Eduardo Nunez the starting third baseman. He's a terrific hitter and has been working hard to improve his defense. He would be a solid bat in the bottom third of the Yankees lineup, and would finally give the 25-year old the opportunity he definitely deserves. Also, the Yankees statistically were way better with Nunez in the lineup, whether playing for Jeter or A-Rod.
With A-Rod's ugly contract running through the 2017 season, it is inevitable he will soon become the regular DH for the foreseeable future. But for the benefit of the team and his personal production, Alex needs to make this move now. He's always been a self-centered, "I care about stats more than the team" guy anyway.
Showing posts with label Yankeeboy98. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yankeeboy98. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Swish, This Team Isn't Amazing
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all that jazz to Yankee fans everywhere. It's been an incredibly quiet off season for the 27-Time Champs, as Brian Cashman has been far too busy repelling down buildings than improving a, quite frankly, borderline 90 win team as it stands today.
As much as I'd love to say "this team is great, they won 97 games last year!", I really can't. Yes, last year was a great season considering the circumstances the team was under. Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, and Ivan Nova all pitched above and beyond anyone thought going into the season. But ultimately, the Yankees fell short of even the ALCS, losing to the Tigers in a heart-breaking 5-game series. While Game 5 was not to hang on the pitching (the Yankees left the bases loaded, what, 15 times that game?), it still doesn't change the fact that the pitching is the Yanks' #1 concern once again.
CC, Nova, and what? A.J. is, well, he's A.J. A bounce back season from him should not be anticipated. Garcia, as great as he was last year, is still 35, and I wouldn't bank on him having another year like 2011. And then you have the 5th spot. Whoever gets it - Phil Hughes or Hector Noesi; well, they don't even have real expectations going into the season. If the Yankees were to make the playoffs again, I don't think even the Mets would be scared to face this staff.
The offense, while still one of the best in baseball, also has some red flags. Alex Rodriguez is probably the biggest concern. Turning 37, A-Rod is no longer an MVP-candidate. No longer in the top 5 players list. He is an aging star who hasn't played in 150 games since 2007. While it seems like he can still hit around .280 and play an above-average third base, he's not a cleanup hitter anymore, and probably won't hit 30 home runs again unless he makes some calls to his cousin Yuri.
Another concern in that offense has to be the captain, Derek Jeter. While having a superb second half of the season, Jeet too is declining and will be 38 next June. As ageless a legend Jeter will go down as, every great player goes through this. This could be Jeter's last year as the starting shortstop, and it's hard to say he'll play so well that the front office decides otherwise next season.
The reason why I don't go out and say "Cash, you need to this....." is because I really don't see him doing anything. They want to stay under the luxury tax, and, despite there being still nice pieces on the market in Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson, if Cash really wanted to do something, he would have done it already.
And the Yankees, as they stand today, are in for a wake-up call next season. We can hope and pray that the Yanks will surprise us again, but I'm an optimistic realist. I can't see the Yanks making the playoffs next season, and if they were to, they'd fall well short of #28, as they did in 2011.
As much as I'd love to say "this team is great, they won 97 games last year!", I really can't. Yes, last year was a great season considering the circumstances the team was under. Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, and Ivan Nova all pitched above and beyond anyone thought going into the season. But ultimately, the Yankees fell short of even the ALCS, losing to the Tigers in a heart-breaking 5-game series. While Game 5 was not to hang on the pitching (the Yankees left the bases loaded, what, 15 times that game?), it still doesn't change the fact that the pitching is the Yanks' #1 concern once again.
CC, Nova, and what? A.J. is, well, he's A.J. A bounce back season from him should not be anticipated. Garcia, as great as he was last year, is still 35, and I wouldn't bank on him having another year like 2011. And then you have the 5th spot. Whoever gets it - Phil Hughes or Hector Noesi; well, they don't even have real expectations going into the season. If the Yankees were to make the playoffs again, I don't think even the Mets would be scared to face this staff.
The offense, while still one of the best in baseball, also has some red flags. Alex Rodriguez is probably the biggest concern. Turning 37, A-Rod is no longer an MVP-candidate. No longer in the top 5 players list. He is an aging star who hasn't played in 150 games since 2007. While it seems like he can still hit around .280 and play an above-average third base, he's not a cleanup hitter anymore, and probably won't hit 30 home runs again unless he makes some calls to his cousin Yuri.
Another concern in that offense has to be the captain, Derek Jeter. While having a superb second half of the season, Jeet too is declining and will be 38 next June. As ageless a legend Jeter will go down as, every great player goes through this. This could be Jeter's last year as the starting shortstop, and it's hard to say he'll play so well that the front office decides otherwise next season.
The reason why I don't go out and say "Cash, you need to this....." is because I really don't see him doing anything. They want to stay under the luxury tax, and, despite there being still nice pieces on the market in Roy Oswalt or Edwin Jackson, if Cash really wanted to do something, he would have done it already.
And the Yankees, as they stand today, are in for a wake-up call next season. We can hope and pray that the Yanks will surprise us again, but I'm an optimistic realist. I can't see the Yanks making the playoffs next season, and if they were to, they'd fall well short of #28, as they did in 2011.
Monday, November 14, 2011
A-Rod: "I expect to be who I have been in the past.”
Third-basemen Alex Rodriguez told the New York Post a couple days ago that the Yankees have already made two HUGE acquisitions: 1) re-singing CC, and 2) re-acquiring Alex Rodriguez.
I know what you're thinking - "re-acquire" A-Rod? Isn't he already on the team? Well that's basically what he told Joel Sherman.
“The Yankees made two big moves this offseason,” Rodriguez told The Post by phone. “Keeping CC, and I expect to be who I have been in the past.”
That is Rodriguez’s way of saying the Yankees are going to reacquire A-Rod, and not the 2011 version, which even Rodriguez could not sugarcoat much, calling it “close to embarrassing” and “the worst year of my career.”
No, Rodriguez is imagining being the 30-homer/100-RBI automaton he was the previous 14 seasons. He expects to be a cleanup hitter because he should be, not due to emeritus status. He envisions being a reason why the Yankees push forward in October and not — like in 2011 — a reason they do not.
“I know Yankees fans were disappointed last year, but [they] won’t be next year,” Rodriguez said.
Sherman goes on to say that A-Rod began his off-season workouts three-weeks earlier, and plans to lose at least five pounds. And who knows? Maybe age is just a number, and A-Rod can be, well, A-Rod again. Good luck Alex, we'll see where you're at come February.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
2 Years Ago - #27
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| (Yahoo!) |
I am really amazed how quick two years have gone by. I was of course at the game, if you can remember, and it will always be one of the greatest moments of my life. I was in Section 421, and saw everything, from Matsui's 6 RBIs, to the trophy presentation, and the party that lasted well into the morning in the Bronx.
The entire series was incredible too, from A.J.'s Game 2 masterpiece, Johnny Damon's double-steal, and countless of other great moments, ulitmately culminating in #27.
A lot has changed since that November night. But it is always great to look back on what was an incredible moment in Yankee history, one I will never, ever, forget.
Go Yankees.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Is This The End of A-Rod?
For the second consecutive season, Alex Rodriguez went down swinging to end the Yankees' postseason run. Last year it was in Texas against Neftali Feliz; last night it was at home and against big mouth Jose Valverde.
What happened last night was A-Rod's season in a nutshell - he had a couple good at-bats, clawing and battling fouling off some tough pitches; but ultimately striking out three times and walking once.
Rodriguez, now 36, played just 99 games during the regular season, and while he hit for average, hovering around .290 for the majority of his games, he couldn't hit a home run if it was placed on a tee. His power dropped considerably and only hit 16 home runs. Most people will take that from a third baseman, but this is A-Rod - who still has about $150 million and 6 years left on his gigantic contract.
While everyone is talking about CC possibly opting out, or Jorge playing his final game, the A-Rod and his contract are the elephant in the room. Not just that A-Rod isn't playing well, or up to his standard and contract, but that he's still on the team for six more seasons.
Yeah, you heard me. A-Rod in my opinion should not be on the Yankees, and should not be making a nickel of his $275 million. The Yankees did fine with Eduardo Nunez and Eric Chavez platooning in Rodriguez's absence, and they actually played better WITHOUT him, than with him.
Don't get me wrong, I still have confidence left in A-Rod. If he can drop 10-15 pounds, get back to being 100% healthy, he still can be a good threat in the Yanks' lineup and can maybe hit 20-25 home runs next season. But at the end of the day, A-Rod is an aging star well past his prime, his steroid years are catching up to him, and his contract is quickly turning into possibly, one of the worst of all-time.
A-Rod, it's time to prove that you still have something left. Because right now, you really do look like a 36-year old third baseman. Not Alex Rodriguez, the great and immortal future Hall-of-Famer.
What happened last night was A-Rod's season in a nutshell - he had a couple good at-bats, clawing and battling fouling off some tough pitches; but ultimately striking out three times and walking once.
Rodriguez, now 36, played just 99 games during the regular season, and while he hit for average, hovering around .290 for the majority of his games, he couldn't hit a home run if it was placed on a tee. His power dropped considerably and only hit 16 home runs. Most people will take that from a third baseman, but this is A-Rod - who still has about $150 million and 6 years left on his gigantic contract.
While everyone is talking about CC possibly opting out, or Jorge playing his final game, the A-Rod and his contract are the elephant in the room. Not just that A-Rod isn't playing well, or up to his standard and contract, but that he's still on the team for six more seasons.
Yeah, you heard me. A-Rod in my opinion should not be on the Yankees, and should not be making a nickel of his $275 million. The Yankees did fine with Eduardo Nunez and Eric Chavez platooning in Rodriguez's absence, and they actually played better WITHOUT him, than with him.
Don't get me wrong, I still have confidence left in A-Rod. If he can drop 10-15 pounds, get back to being 100% healthy, he still can be a good threat in the Yanks' lineup and can maybe hit 20-25 home runs next season. But at the end of the day, A-Rod is an aging star well past his prime, his steroid years are catching up to him, and his contract is quickly turning into possibly, one of the worst of all-time.
A-Rod, it's time to prove that you still have something left. Because right now, you really do look like a 36-year old third baseman. Not Alex Rodriguez, the great and immortal future Hall-of-Famer.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Is This Team Good Enough To Win It All?
General manager Brian Cashman recently said that he believes the Yankees' team as it is today, is good enough to make the playoffs and ultimately win the World Series. Now that Ubaldo Jimenez has reportedly been traded to Cleveland and there have been NO reports of the Yankees close to a deal with any team, is this team as is really good enough to win it all?
I think the answer should be clear to everyone - YES.
We all know that besides CC Sabathia, there's no other pitcher in the rotation that teams are scared of. But they definitely should be. Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are having spectacular renaissance years, each pitching to an ERA of under 3.30 (Garcia - 3.23 | Colon - 3.29). Colon despite his physical status gives the Yankees length as well, as can Garcia who will always keep the Yankees in the game.
If I were Joe Girardi I'd start CC, Colon, and Garcia in that order for the playoffs. The 4th starter? Definitely not A.J. Burnett, but I'd have to go with Ivan Nova. Despite just getting recalled today, he has pitched terrific for the Yankees in his first full season as a starter, and his demotion to Scranton was only because the 18-game winner from 2010, Phil Hughes was coming back. But unless he starts pitching like his 2010 self, I don't see Hughes getting anywhere near the playoff rotation.
I think a starting 4 of CC, Colon, Garcia, and Nova can actually be really effective in the playoffs. Because some people forget - the Yankees can hit. They have one of, if not the best offense in baseball, and when A-Rod comes back, hopefully he starts hitting like the old A-Rod. And if he does, the Yankees are set in my mind.
People may say I'm overly optimistic - and you're probably right. But hey, look at the '96 Yankees, who won 92 games with only one starter having an ERA under 3 (David Cone - 2.88 in 11 starts). And who did they defeat in the World Series? The Atlanta Braves, with the best rotation in baseball in Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.
So if there's a trade made or not, this team can definitely win the Fall Classic. Especially if they keep playing the way they have.
I think the answer should be clear to everyone - YES.
We all know that besides CC Sabathia, there's no other pitcher in the rotation that teams are scared of. But they definitely should be. Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia are having spectacular renaissance years, each pitching to an ERA of under 3.30 (Garcia - 3.23 | Colon - 3.29). Colon despite his physical status gives the Yankees length as well, as can Garcia who will always keep the Yankees in the game.
If I were Joe Girardi I'd start CC, Colon, and Garcia in that order for the playoffs. The 4th starter? Definitely not A.J. Burnett, but I'd have to go with Ivan Nova. Despite just getting recalled today, he has pitched terrific for the Yankees in his first full season as a starter, and his demotion to Scranton was only because the 18-game winner from 2010, Phil Hughes was coming back. But unless he starts pitching like his 2010 self, I don't see Hughes getting anywhere near the playoff rotation.
I think a starting 4 of CC, Colon, Garcia, and Nova can actually be really effective in the playoffs. Because some people forget - the Yankees can hit. They have one of, if not the best offense in baseball, and when A-Rod comes back, hopefully he starts hitting like the old A-Rod. And if he does, the Yankees are set in my mind.
People may say I'm overly optimistic - and you're probably right. But hey, look at the '96 Yankees, who won 92 games with only one starter having an ERA under 3 (David Cone - 2.88 in 11 starts). And who did they defeat in the World Series? The Atlanta Braves, with the best rotation in baseball in Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine.
So if there's a trade made or not, this team can definitely win the Fall Classic. Especially if they keep playing the way they have.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Why Ya Gotta Be So Dang Negative?
"The Yankees are better off without Derek Jeter"
"Jeter's 3,000 hit will be bittersweet"
"Things are about to get ugly"
What is this all about?
I mean, hey, Yankee fans? I don't know if you guys know this, because you know, the 37-year old shortstop running bases in Tampa has been more intriguing, but your Yanks, the team everyone said would be done for in 2011, is in first place in the AL East and own the BEST RECORD IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE.
I know this will be incredibly hard to do, but forget about Derek Jeter for one moment. The Yankees are 48-31, and have been kicking everyone's ass in the month of June. While no one team has exploded out of the gate so far this season (even the 2011 World Series Champion Phillies), the Yankees have overcome many injuries and many struggles to still be #1 in the Majors. Yes, sorry Philadelphia, and sorry Red Sox Nation. The Yankees are the better team right now.
The Yankees horrid pitching staff? Dominating the past few months, thanks to their ace CC Sabathia, and all-star caliber reliever David Robertson (1.15 ERA). Their aging lineup? Scoring the most runs in baseball, thanks to strong first-half campaigns by Curtis Granderson, and Mark Teixeira.
This team is not just a group of aging veterans going for one last run at a title. This is a continuation of a glorious dynasty that to me has gone on since Charlie Hayes caught the final out of the '96 World Series, and will go on for years to come.
People need to stop worrying about their beloved Captain, and pay attention to the team as a whole. Because right now, it's kicking ass, and with the return of Phil Hughes and Bartolo Colon, the Yankees' Chase for 28 could have an ending quicker than most might have thought at the beginning of the season.
So, I think you guys should join in when I say,
LET'S GO YANKEES!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I'm Back.......
Yes, like Brett Favre did, and, well, did again, and again, I am coming back. I'm hoping it can be permanent this time, or at least like it was in 2009. Some called me the reason the Yankees had that great season and won #27. After all, I was, at Game 6.
All jokes aside, I'm hoping to start contributing to the blog more often. It's really blown up in popularity while I've been, well, spectating, and I congratulate Greg, Robert, and everyone else for the great success.
I'm going to be making my picks for 2011, maybe do a couple game summaries (please Greg?), and, god willing, do some postseason work like I did in 2009.
It's great to be back. And I'm looking foward to talking to all of you guys, very soon.
- YB
All jokes aside, I'm hoping to start contributing to the blog more often. It's really blown up in popularity while I've been, well, spectating, and I congratulate Greg, Robert, and everyone else for the great success.
I'm going to be making my picks for 2011, maybe do a couple game summaries (please Greg?), and, god willing, do some postseason work like I did in 2009.
It's great to be back. And I'm looking foward to talking to all of you guys, very soon.
- YB
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