Times Sure Have Changed

When I was a kid, my family & I would always go down to Florida every year to visit my grandparents in March.  Not so coincidentally those trips were always planned around Spring Training.  I remember standing by the bullpen or down the third base lines of Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter in hopes of scoring an autograph from a big league player.  Besides trying to get a lucky signature from someone (I did a fair amount), I was always awe struck when I got to see a household name up close.  I also immediately became bored once the regulars came out of the game.  I had no idea who any of these players were & I was too young to appreciate the development of prospects.  These days though, I don't have any interest in seeing the guarantees play during the Spring Training games because for them, it's just about getting back into a routine.

I am more interested in watching the young talent that is out there trying to make a name for themselves.  To me, that is why I look forward to Pitchers & Catchers reporting because it represents potential.  It is the official beginning of the 2012 season and the possibilities are endless.  The speculation is endless as well as the question "What if?"  "What if Dellin Betances harnesses the command of his plus stuff?"  "What if Austin Romine has added some power to his game?"  "What if Melky Mesa finally puts those ridiculous tools into consistent production?"  You can't help but get giddy over the thought, I know I can't.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not delusional into believing certain things will really happen (ie, Mesa putting it together) but you never know.  That's the exciting part of watching these kids during Spring Training. Maybe this is their year & if it truly is, that can alter the course of a franchise.  If a young talent starts producing like his potential suggests is possible, that is millions of dollars that the Yankees would save because they did not have to go out & poach that player from another roster.

I'd like to assume that the Yankees wished that they had Mark Melancon and Tyler Clippard back.  Those two plus Robertson would have given them a lights-out back end of the bullpen at very little cost.  Instead, we have a surly and inconsistent 7th inning reliever making more than those three combined.  The things I would have done if he opted out of that contract, I probably should just keep to myself.

This year, the only players in camp with the combination of proximity to the majors & franchise altering potential is Dellin Betances & Manny Banuelos.  Again, "What if?"  There is no denying their stuff, it's all about command with them.  Manny is more of a sure bet to lock it down because before last season, he hadn't had any command issues.  Dellin, with his great height, is a different story when it comes to locking down his command.  But what if?  If these two can remedy that one glaring issue and pitch to their potential, the Yankees would have two cost-controlled front of the rotation pitchers for years to come.  That kind of talent would cost a fortune and if Hal Steinbrenner truly wants to get payroll under $189Million, they are going to need the remaining B's to take that next step.

Austin Romine certainly has potential and with great offense being a luxury as opposed to a necessity at that position, he can help the Yankees' goal of getting under $189M.  Russell Martin isn't going to come cheap, especially after the huge deal that Yadier Molina signed to stay on with St. Louis.  Romine needs to put up a healthy and consistent year because he already has the necessary skills to be a backup catcher.  As I said, what if he adds power to his game?  The Yankees could let Martin walk and have themselves a cost-controlled catcher that can call a good game and swing the stick.

The next great wave of talent is on the cusp of helping the New York Yankees for years to come.  "What if?" can become a reality this season & you do not want to miss the show.

Good News For D-Rob

From Mark Feinsand:

The Yankees got some good news Friday afternoon, as the second round of tests showed nothing more than a bone bruise on top of Dave Robertson's right foot.

“It’s a huge relief,” Joe Girardi said. “I got worried when they said there was a cause of concern, but obviously this is good news.

“When they tell you there’s a cause for concern you’re thinking there could be something broken or who knows what it could have been? I saw him walk out yesterday; I wasn’t real encouraged when I saw him walking. This is as good as it gets for us.”

Roberton will wear a protective boot until Sunday and then ease back into things. It is expected that he'll miss around two weeks. The Yankees are also fairly confident that he'll be on the active roster on opening day.

Allow Myself to Introduce........Myself?

Yes, that was an Austin Powers reference.

Hello readers, my name is Trevor.  I'm 27 & I'm from New Jersey. I'd be lying if I said I was a fan of Jersey.  I do live in a nice neighborhood but there's just nothing to do & believe it or not, I am not a huge fan of going into the City.  I'm more of a landscape kind of guy as opposed to busy streets and really tall buildings. I am a huge New York Yankees fan though, ironic, huh?  I just grew up one as I'm sure most of us did.  It's not easy to just choose a team to like at random & have that passion towards them.  You got to grow up in the environment to really appreciate it & that is something that I was fortunate to experience.

My earliest Yankee memory that I remember clearly was Jim Abbott's No-Hitter.  I remember exactly where I was sitting as a little kid and all the trivial aspects that others probably have no interest in reading about.

I'm a huge prospect junkie. I can't get enough information on Yankees prospects whether they are on the cusp of helping out or are just starting out in the Dominican Summer League.  I plan on offering my two cents on prospects up and down the system as well as the obvious issues that need to be addressed on the big league level.

I have appeared on the LoHud Blog as a "Pinch Hitter" for Chad Jennings.  That was a pretty fun experience & with that, it made me reach out to try & find other writing opportunities.  I love to write.  I love to create.  I love to entertain.  You all may agree or disagree with my opinions on various matters but I don't plan on sugar coating anything.  I plan to express my opinion to show the level of joy or resentment on topics, whether they are popular or not.  I watch a lot of Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations & I learned to just say what's on your mind.  That guy has a job I'd do (almost) anything for.

Well, that's all for now, I suppose.  I'm not a fan of talking about myself, I'll let other people do that for me.  Here's to another successful New York Yankees season!

-Trev

This Week in Yankees History (3/4-3/10)

This Week in Yankees History 

March 4th - March 10th

March 4th

1891 - Former Yankees and HOF P Arthur “ Dazzy” Vance (1915,1918) was born (1891-1961). Arthur “Dazzy” Vance was acquired by the New York Yankees from the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 1915 MLB season. He didn’t pitch for the Yankees in 1916 or 1917 AL seasons due to arm injuries. He went 0-3 in 10 games with the Yankees. He would recover, after being picked up by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1922. He was named the National League Most Valuable Player in 1924. He pitched a no-hitter in 1925, led the National League in wins twice, in ERA 3 times. He is the only pitcher to top the NL in strikeouts 7 consecutive seasons. Dazzy Vance will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the BWAA in 1955 with 205 votes on 251 ballots. He posted a 197-140 record during a 16-year MLB career. He pitched for the Pirates, Yankees, Dodgers (twice), Cardinals and Reds before retiring, after the 1935 NL season. He appeared in 1 game of the 1934 World Series with the Cardinals with no record.

1897 - Former Yankees P/OF Lefty O’Doul (1919-1920, 1922) was born (1897-1969). Lefty O’Doul went 1-1 as pitcher for the New York Yankees before being sent the Boston Red Sox in a trade. In National League, he would become an outfielder, finishing his MLB career with a lifetime BA of .346. Later, he would become a successful minor league manager in the Pacific Coast League, most notably with the San Francisco Seals.

1897 - Former Yankees P Neal Brady (1915,1918) was born (1897-1947). Neal Brady went 1-0 in 4 games for the Yankees. He would play in the minors for several years, reappearing in the majors with the 1925 Cincinnati Reds for 20 games, posting a 1-3 record..

1913 - The Yankees become the 1st MLB team to conduct spring training outside of the United States, when they begin the spring training in Bermuda, where is projected a series of exhibition games.

1918 - Former Yankees P Mel Queen Sr. (1942, 1944,1946-1947) was born (1918-1982). In 1938, the New York Yankees signed Mel Queen, as an MLB amateur free agent. Mel went 8-4 in 33 games for the Yankees, before being sold to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1947. His son, Mel Queen Jr. played for the Cincinnati Reds during the 1960’s.

Read more »

D-Rob Hurts Foot Falling Down Steps

From Anthony McCarron:

David Robertson, one of the most valuable pitchers on the Yankee staff and a potential heir apparent as closer if Mariano Rivera retires after this season, could miss a chunk of spring training with what the Yanks are calling a "mid-foot sprain."

Robertson stumbled down the stairs while moving boxes Wednesday night and injured his right foot, the one he pushes off the mound with, Joe Girardi said Thursday morning. Girardi first said Robertson "fell down the stairs" but later said "he missed a step."

Initial X-rays were negative, but Robertson was also scheduled to have an MRI on the foot and the Yankees were awaiting those results Thursday. Robertson was wearing a walking boot when he went to the hospital, Girardi said.

"I'm concerned," Girardi said. "By the way I saw him walking today — it hurt him to walk — you assume he's going to be down a little time, even if everything comes back OK. That doesn't mean he wouldn't have time to get ready for the season, but he'll have to start over a little bit. Not totally, but a little bit."

Girardi added: "If you're going to miss him for a substantial amount of time, you're going to be concerned. If he's going to be out a week or 10 days, you're probably not going to be too concerned about that."

Given that Robertson has a mid-foot injury, Girardi acknowledged, "everyone's going to assume Lisfranc. Obviously, I think you have to be concerned about that. There was no swelling and that's a positive sign to me, but who knows. I think he was more sore underneath. We'll have to see."

Well, that's not good. Hopefully it's nothing too serious and at least it happened now and he'll have some time to recover.

Mo May Announce His Plans By The All Star Break

From Kevin Kernan:

All signs point to the great Rivera retiring after the 2012 season. When he retires, in many ways, Rivera will be just beginning his life’s work and will do so through his church, the Refuge of Hope. There are much bigger games to save.

He revealed to The Post yesterday he will announce his decision before midseason.

“I have to fight for my salvation,’’ Rivera said. “I have to work for that. That is what makes a real closer. That is the game I would love to close. That is what drives me.

“These are only games, now we are talking about lives. There is nothing better than that. That’s closing the deal.

“There is definitely a higher calling. I’m not a man to talk about fame or what I have accomplished, none of that stuff. To me that is good, but it is not important.

“If I can get hold of a teenager and tell him, ‘You know what, Jesus loves you, He cares about you and your family,’ that is the message. That’s what I want to do.’’

Rivera, 42, appears to be preparing himself mentally to move on and is savoring each baseball day. He wants to make sure his final decision is the correct one, and that’s why he has yet to announce it.

“I think maybe it will be before the All-Star break,’’ Rivera said of when he will make that announcement.

...

“I just want to be sure,’’ he said. “I want to make sure whatever I decide, it will be the right decision.’’

...

“I don’t want to tell you, ‘OK, I’m going to retire,’ and then I don’t do it,’’ he said. “To me, that’s not right.’’

...

“Whatever decision I make, I continue or I don’t continue, that is a decision I want to stick with,’’ he said of his thought process. “As you get older, you have your priorities and you just go and do it.’’

...

“It would be nice that you tell the fans, so every stadium you go to, the fans will be there to show their appreciation and you appreciate the fans,’’ he said.

“I appreciate all the fans; I appreciate their support and what they mean to the game.

“That’s the way it should be done, with respect, to give them the opportunity to see you and say goodbye. I think that’s the way to do it.

“I don’t want to take for granted everything the fans have given me. I don’t want to take for granted what God has given me.’’

I hate so much that this is going to be his last year, and the more I hear from him the more that reality is sinking in. Anyway, for now I'd just like to look ahead at this year.

Something To Pay Attention To: Pineda's Velocity

While Michael Pineda's spring debut went well, there was one thing that surprised some scouts in the audience:

Better Know a Prospect Countdown: 20 - 11

Before delving into my constantly evolving (and therefore somewhat arbitrary) rankings, I felt it would be prudent to provide a few token honorable mentions:

Zoilo Almonte has all the makings of a league-average corner outfielder. He's a switch hitter with five average or so tools (and increasing productivity against southpaws), and he could probably fake center field in a pinch without embarrassing himself terribly. The shockingly still only 22-year-old Jairo Heredia is perpetually a healthy year away from rocketing up the list, featuring above-average command and control on three potentially average offerings and fairly sound mechanics. Graham Stoneburner was featured prominently on this list last year, but injuries and slipping effectiveness revealed some nicks in the bedrock in what most would consider a low-risk, low-reward type prospect. David Adams, despite his injuries, continues to impress me with a fine approach at the plate, plus bat speed, and surprisingly strong defense at the keystone. At nearly 25, however, it is difficult to be ambitious with a player that has lost nearly a year of development ... with all of 173 PA above High-A. I really wanted to put Isaias Tejeda on the list, but he is simply too much of an unknown commodity for me to feel comfortable doing so. He is incredibly raw in all facets of the game, but he has above-average contact skills and athleticism, and that in and of itself is a sound foundation to build upon. And finally, Brandon Laird has made himself into a fine defender at third (and a passable defender in the other corners), which sounds appealing when taken in conjunction with his above-average power. His contact issues and lack of discipline, however, may limit him to a platoon role going forward.

Without further ado, I present the first installment of my top-20 prospects.

- 20 -
Greg Bird, C, 19
Acquired: 2011 Draft, 5th Round

This selection is entirely predicated upon scouting reports and amateur competition, as Bird's professional debut was limited to thirteen plate appearances in rookie ball. While that should be an important consideration, I cannot help but feel that I may not have been ambitious enough with the powerful left-handed hitter. Bird, the recipient of a $1.1 MM bonus this past summer, has smooth swing mechanics, raw power to all fields, and demonstrably solid in-game power to right-field. He generates above-average bat speed and a fair bit of backspin on the ball, and Yankee Stadium is always the ideal environment for such a hitter. The non-obvious caveat here is that Bird, like Jesus Montero and Gary Sanchez before him, does not appear likely to stick behind the dish. However, I would argue that his issue is not a lack of athleticism, but rather size (in general) and rawness. That being said, I do believe that he is athletic enough to handle a corner outfield spot, where the demands on his bat (which I do not anticipate to be an issue) would be slightly less than those at first base.

- 19 -
Matthew Duran, 3B, 18
Acquired: 2011 Draft, 4th Round

Duran's case is somewhat similar to that of Bird, in that there is a great deal of projection involved. Both have the makings of pure power hitters, neither seems destined to remain at their drafted position, and the terms 'hard worker' and 'gym rat' have been applied to both. The key difference, assuming that the gap between numbers nineteen and twenty is really a difference, is that Duran is a bit more polished at the plate, with a bit more contact and power ability. Duran has shown in-game power to all fields, as well. He raked in 96 rookie ball plate appearance, slashing .301/.365/.506 with 6 2B and 3 HR - a small sample size, to be sure, but impressive nonetheless. Unlike Cave, Duran does not appear to have much of a chance to contribute on defense, with few having faith that he is not a certain first baseman. His work ethic, however, should give him a fighting chance to be a non-butcher at the hot corner ... at least for a few years.

- 18 -
Nik Turley, LHP, 22
Acquired: 2008 Draft, 50th Round

Turley may have the least impressive stuff of any of the pitchers on this list, but a far argument could be made that he may well have the lowest beta of the bunch. The physically imposing southpaw is listed at 6'6" and 230 lb, yet he deals mainly in deception and command, working off of a two-seamer topping out around 91 or 92 on his best days. A high-70s, low-80s change and a big, loopy curveball (his best offering) round out his arsenal, which he wields with remarkable command and control. Unlike most other veritable giants lumbering about the mound, Turley has the ability to maintain his mechanics and stay on top of the ball, allowing him to repeat his delivery and garner plenty of groundballs. His ceiling is likely limited to that of a third starter, but he seems a safe bet to be a contributor in a big league rotation (although safe is a relative term in prospecting).

- 17 -
Ramon Flores, OF, 20
Acquired: 2008 International Free Agent

Any analysis of Flores requires a fair bit of consternation on his ability to rise above the tweener label. While the formerly diminutive corner outfielder has grown quite a bit over the past few seasons (from roughly 5'10" and 150 pounds to 6'1" and closer to 200), his tools have remained relatively stable - above-average contact skills, strikezone judgment, and plate discipline, average-ish power, speed, and defense. He may well be the least exciting prospect on this list, yet it is not difficult to foresee him having the longest career of any Yankees farmhand. I believe comps can be misleading (and lazy) ... but I think a glance at the career of David DeJesus is a reasonable comparison for the type of player Flores can become.

- 16 -
Cito Culver, SS, 19
Acquired: 2010 Draft, 1st Round

Culver strikes me as the prototypical under-the-radar prospect that is ultimately far more impressive than most anyone realizes. As the second-youngest regular in New York-Penn League, Culver improved his walk and strikeout rates, showcased smoother actions and a surer arm in the field, and showed a smarter, more aggressive approach on the bases in comparison to his short-season debut. He is unlikely to offer much in the way of power, nor will he threaten for a batting title or steal more than fifteen to twenty bases - a decidedly unsexy offensive package, in short. However, he seems all but a lock to stick at shortstop, where he projects to provide above-average defense with slightly above-average offense for the position.

- 15 -
Ravel Santana, CF, 19
Acquired: 2008 International Free Agent

For all the puffery regarding placement on this list that will be found elsewhere, it is Ravel Santana that tossed the largest monkey wrench into my machinations. Santana is a true five-tool prospect, with above-average speed, range, and arm strength, potentially above-average power, and average contact skills. He has showcased fine plate discipline and strikezone judgment since his professional debut in 2009, and he has obliterated the competition in both the Dominican Summer League and Gulf Coast League over the past two years. The caveat here is that Santana suffered a gruesome injury late last summer, breaking his ankle in two places and tearing multiple ligaments. Such an injury could have any number of long-term ramifications, both at the plate and in the field, and it is difficult to know if Santana will ever truly return to one-hundred percent. For all of this, he makes the cut ... and has the largest beta of any prospect mentioned herein.

- 14 -
Adam Warren, SP, 24
Acquired: 2009 Draft, 4th Round

I am far less bullish on Warren than I was at this time last season, on the heels of his regressing across the board while spending the entirety of 2011 in Triple-A. Warren lost nearly 2 K/9 (22.3% to 17.1% K), his groundball rate plummeted from an above-average 54% to a below-average 39%., and he added nearly a walk per inning. All told, his numbers were far from poor, but they remained wholly uninspiring. The silver lining with Warren is that his slider improved dramatically, with many scouts believing it to be a true swing-and-miss offering. The aforementioned strikeout rates do not match such a narrative, but Warren is relatively new to the world of the slider, and he is not terribly far removed from some fantastic numbers. His command and control remain positives, and I still view him as a potential three or four in a strong rotation.

- 13 -
Slade Heathcott, CF, 21
Acquired: 2009 Draft, 1st Round

It may be a bit misleading to say that Heathcott has played below his tools thus far, but his lack of consistency and results is at best bewildering. Heathcott and Ravel Santana are essentially two peas in a pod tools-wise (though Santana has more present power), with both facing disconcerting paths through the minors. The 2009 first-rounder lost yet another large chunk of development to left-shoulder surgery, which may well affect his ability to tap into his power potential in addition to the obvious issues with arm strength and accuracy. Moreover, the attitude issues that were discussed ad nauseum at the time Heathcott was drafted came to the surface a bit in 2011, when the Yankees prospect sparked a bench-clearing brawl. This ranking may appear a bit bearish, considering his jaw-dropping tools, but I consider it rather bullish when taken hand-in-hand with his injuries and merely solid production in a second tour through Charleston. I remain a believer, and I feel that this may be the most important year in Heathcott's development.

- 12 -
Austin Romine, C, 23
Acquired: 2007 Draft, 2nd Round

I cannot think of a prospect with respect to whom I have been more fickle than Romine. I have alternatively praised and doubted his bat and glove, and my view on him has ranged from back-up to solid regular to borderline All-Star. Much of the blame for this lay at the feet of the scouting reports raving about his physical tools, particularly behind the plate, but I would be remiss to suggest that my own lying eyes haven't played a role. Romine simply does not have the look (at face value) of a first division regular at this juncture, failing to put his admittedly strong tools on display with any semblance of consistency. Prospecting is an incredibly subjective balancing test, and I am finding it more and more difficult to rectify Romine's tools with his middling production. Romine did improve his walk and strikeout rates in his second go-round in Double-A, and he was probably hindered by being stuck in Double-A for almost the entirety of 2011 due to the team's stubbornness in promoting Montero to the show ... but I want and need to say more to view him as more than a potentially average-ish backstop.

- 11 -
David Phelps, SP, 25
Acquired: 2008 Draft, 14th Round

Shoulder tendinitis likely robbed Phelps of the opportunity to make it to the Bronx this past season, and may have sealed his fate as future trade fodder for the Yankees. Pessimism aside, Phelps had a fine 2011 season, showcasing above-average command and control of four roughly average offerings, including a fastball that sits around 92 MPH - e.g. the fringe third/solid fourth starter starter kit. The shoulder ailment is somewhat disconcerting, particularly when discussing a prospect that will be 26 when the postseason kicks off, but Phelps returned to Scranton without really missing a beat, then turned in a strong month in the Arizona Fall League. Should calamity strike the rotation, Phelps will be the first reinforcement from the farm - and I think he could perform quite well as soon as April. And if you squint really hard, you can still see seventy-five percent of Mike Mussina.

Follow me on Twitter - @DomenicLanza