As Big Stein does not have enough Yankee-ographies to fill all the air time on his YES network, the AAA Columbus Clips are on.
Melky is batting second and looks like he is wearing a jersey one size too big.
A decent swing as he turned on an inside pitch and hit a groundball to secondbase.
If it weren't for this blog, that wouldn't have been worth commenting upon.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
FOXSports.com - MLB- Inside Dish: Reds want young pitcher for Dunn
FOXSports.com - MLB- Inside Dish: Reds want young pitcher for Dunn
According to the article, the Reds want a lot more than a young pitcher.
The price is so high that any player's name could be substitued for Dunn's name. Basically, it makes this report meaningless.
Ezequiel Astacio, Chris Burke and Jason Lane for Dunn? That package would land almost any major league player.
According to the article, the Reds want a lot more than a young pitcher.
The price is so high that any player's name could be substitued for Dunn's name. Basically, it makes this report meaningless.
Ezequiel Astacio, Chris Burke and Jason Lane for Dunn? That package would land almost any major league player.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Ronny Cedeno
The Cubs recalled their top SS prospect from AAA Iowa yesterday. He put up numbers that are worthy of taking a chance on him - 7 HR, 10 SB, .371 AVG, .552 SLG.
This appears to be his breakout minor league season as he surpassed his previous minors-high HR of 6 and is hitting almost 100 points higher than he did in 2004 (.279). Heck, he hit 68 points higher in 2004 than he did in 2003 (.211).
What makes these improvements relevant is Cedeno is only 22 years-old. He has progressed as he got older and is still young for a AAA player much less a major league one.
I would not expect Dusty to play him barring an injury to Neifi Perez, but Ronny has been mentioned in trade rumors for Preston Wilson. A trade there would obviously make him an instant contributor to any NL squad.
Grab him if you can. The upside is too high, and if he can be had for a single-digit bid, all the better.
This appears to be his breakout minor league season as he surpassed his previous minors-high HR of 6 and is hitting almost 100 points higher than he did in 2004 (.279). Heck, he hit 68 points higher in 2004 than he did in 2003 (.211).
What makes these improvements relevant is Cedeno is only 22 years-old. He has progressed as he got older and is still young for a AAA player much less a major league one.
I would not expect Dusty to play him barring an injury to Neifi Perez, but Ronny has been mentioned in trade rumors for Preston Wilson. A trade there would obviously make him an instant contributor to any NL squad.
Grab him if you can. The upside is too high, and if he can be had for a single-digit bid, all the better.
USATODAY.com - Surprises among best fantasy pitchers
USATODAY.com - Surprises among best fantasy pitchers
The Hunt imprimatur has been bestowed upon Mark Beuhrle just as mine was done earlier this week.
Joe Blanton? Use the Hunt imprimatur to get a lot for him. Surprisingly, Dan Haren, the top Oakland starter not named Rich Harden, did not make this list of the top 20 pitchers over the past several weeks.
The Hunt imprimatur has been bestowed upon Mark Beuhrle just as mine was done earlier this week.
Joe Blanton? Use the Hunt imprimatur to get a lot for him. Surprisingly, Dan Haren, the top Oakland starter not named Rich Harden, did not make this list of the top 20 pitchers over the past several weeks.
Brett Tomko
San Francisco Giants : News : San Francisco Giants News
Back when the SF bullpen was in flux following the Benitez injury, I zeroed in on Brett Tomko as a possible SP-to-closer candidate.
Now he is basically removed for no apparent reason, and Righetti says the move may be "good for him" and that "maybe more teams will want you" if he performs well in his new role.
I wonder if "another team" has inquired about him as a reliever and have asked the Giants to determine if he can do it before acquiring him and finding out he can't make the adjustment.
Back when the SF bullpen was in flux following the Benitez injury, I zeroed in on Brett Tomko as a possible SP-to-closer candidate.
Now he is basically removed for no apparent reason, and Righetti says the move may be "good for him" and that "maybe more teams will want you" if he performs well in his new role.
I wonder if "another team" has inquired about him as a reliever and have asked the Giants to determine if he can do it before acquiring him and finding out he can't make the adjustment.
Melky Cabrera Promoted to AAA
Stanton Throws a Sinker, and the Yankees Go Under - New York Times
Oh boy. The Times guesses the Yanks may have done this to showcase him. I hope not.
Oh boy. The Times guesses the Yanks may have done this to showcase him. I hope not.
Yanks' need may center on Encarnacion: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Yanks' need may center on Encarnacion: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
This looks like a win-win deal for both teams. The Marlins rid themselves of Encarnacion and open up ABs for Jeff Conine or, less likely but possible given the Marlins 2003 decision on Miguel Cabrera, for Jeremy Hermida.
The Yanks get rid of Paul Quantril and get a CF better than anything they have on their roster regardless of how much Encarnacion's defense may have slipped since his Detroit days.
Both teams address needs and rid themsleves of players they do not like.
Encarnacion would be a definite high $$$ FAAB bid.
This looks like a win-win deal for both teams. The Marlins rid themselves of Encarnacion and open up ABs for Jeff Conine or, less likely but possible given the Marlins 2003 decision on Miguel Cabrera, for Jeremy Hermida.
The Yanks get rid of Paul Quantril and get a CF better than anything they have on their roster regardless of how much Encarnacion's defense may have slipped since his Detroit days.
Both teams address needs and rid themsleves of players they do not like.
Encarnacion would be a definite high $$$ FAAB bid.
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
ESPN.com - MLB - Pirates' ace Perez on DL after kicking laundry cart
ESPN.com - MLB - Pirates' ace Perez on DL after kicking laundry cart
Unbelievable. First he hruts himself by sleeping incorrectly, and now he does it by kicking a laundry cart.
I wonder if there were witnesses.
Unbelievable. First he hruts himself by sleeping incorrectly, and now he does it by kicking a laundry cart.
I wonder if there were witnesses.
ESPN.com - MLB - Pirates' ace Perez on DL after kicking laundry cart
ESPN.com - MLB - Pirates' ace Perez on DL after kicking laundry cart
Unbelievable. First he hruts himself by sleeping incorrectly, and now he does it by kicking a laundry cart.
I wonder if there were witnesses.
Unbelievable. First he hruts himself by sleeping incorrectly, and now he does it by kicking a laundry cart.
I wonder if there were witnesses.
Buehrle on Maddux's pace to join all-time best
Buehrle on Maddux's pace to join all-time best
If you didn't know it yet, Buerhle is a $30 pitcher. Get him before others realize it.
If you didn't know it yet, Buerhle is a $30 pitcher. Get him before others realize it.
Monday, June 27, 2005
FOXSports.com - MLB- Inside Dish: Burnett blockbuster in the works?
FOXSports.com - MLB- Inside Dish: Burnett blockbuster in the works?
This is, no doubt, the biggest trade rumor to date. Burnett would be a max FAAB pitcher in the AL, and whomever the Marlins get would also be serious FAAB players.
Rosenthal reports Baltimore is one club but who is the other? If the report has weight, then a look at AL teams with a young SP, quality reliever and a left-handed hitting OF is the first place to look.
This criteria precludes many teams. The Yankees can use Wang as the SP, but who fills the other two spots? There are no relievers, other than Tom Gordon, who fit the "quality reliever" criterium and, as for " left-handed hitting OF", there is none. If there were, he'd be playing already. (However, the Yanks could use Juan Encarnacion who would be an upgrade in the OF even in CF.)
If the Red Sox wanted to deal Trot Nixon and Bronson Arroyo, that would do it, but do the Sawx feel confident Burnet can succeed in the AL much less sign him to a new contract? With Brandon Moss doing well in AA at 20 years-old, the Sawx have OF in the system, but Trot is considered a quality teammate so I don't know if the Nomar magic would be repeated.
Toronto could do it. Batista or Lily would qualify. Dave Bush or Brandon league would too. Gabe Gross bats from the left side as does Frank Catalonotto. Too bad Florida didn't need a 2B as Orlando Hudson would have made this the team.
Tampa Bay? Puh-leaze. Lamar would want Florida to add Jeremy Hermida and Josh Willingham.
Minnesota could match but do not need a SP and would certainly not resign Burnett to the Pavano-esque deal necessary to keep him.
The White Sox have the relievers with the emergence of Cliff Politte. Takatsu or Marte would work for the Marlins, but fitting the criteria exactly for SP and OF could be tough if Florida stuck to major leaguers. If the criteria expanded to AAA and AA prospects, the the White Sox are the team.
The Royals are out.
The Indians, though, could do it as they have a few relievers (betancourt, Riske, Howry, Rhodes) and a left-handed hitting OF (Gerut ). Meeting the SP is tough unless the Marlins wanted Elarton . Jake Westbrook maybe, but then the deal becomes one so loaded with talent that it would approach stupidity for the Burnett-acquiree.
Detroit can meet all three with a reliever such as German, Rodney or Percival, a SP like Jason Johnson or Mike Maroth and a LOF like Nook Logan. With Magglio returning, the OF will get very crowded, and Nook could step-in for Pierre next season.
Seattle is out and so is Oakland.
Texas could do it with Laynce Nix filling the LOF criterium, Ricardo Rodriguez as the SP but the "quality reliever" would be tough.
Anaheim could meet the reliever requirement with Donnelly and could do the OF with Davanon. Chone Figgins could also meet that objective and fill-in Pierre's spot next year. Washburn would fit the SP. That would appear to be a lot though.
After examining all the possible spots, Detroit makes the most sense and can meet the criteria.
But could it really be Detroit?!?!??!?!
This is, no doubt, the biggest trade rumor to date. Burnett would be a max FAAB pitcher in the AL, and whomever the Marlins get would also be serious FAAB players.
Rosenthal reports Baltimore is one club but who is the other? If the report has weight, then a look at AL teams with a young SP, quality reliever and a left-handed hitting OF is the first place to look.
This criteria precludes many teams. The Yankees can use Wang as the SP, but who fills the other two spots? There are no relievers, other than Tom Gordon, who fit the "quality reliever" criterium and, as for " left-handed hitting OF", there is none. If there were, he'd be playing already. (However, the Yanks could use Juan Encarnacion who would be an upgrade in the OF even in CF.)
If the Red Sox wanted to deal Trot Nixon and Bronson Arroyo, that would do it, but do the Sawx feel confident Burnet can succeed in the AL much less sign him to a new contract? With Brandon Moss doing well in AA at 20 years-old, the Sawx have OF in the system, but Trot is considered a quality teammate so I don't know if the Nomar magic would be repeated.
Toronto could do it. Batista or Lily would qualify. Dave Bush or Brandon league would too. Gabe Gross bats from the left side as does Frank Catalonotto. Too bad Florida didn't need a 2B as Orlando Hudson would have made this the team.
Tampa Bay? Puh-leaze. Lamar would want Florida to add Jeremy Hermida and Josh Willingham.
Minnesota could match but do not need a SP and would certainly not resign Burnett to the Pavano-esque deal necessary to keep him.
The White Sox have the relievers with the emergence of Cliff Politte. Takatsu or Marte would work for the Marlins, but fitting the criteria exactly for SP and OF could be tough if Florida stuck to major leaguers. If the criteria expanded to AAA and AA prospects, the the White Sox are the team.
The Royals are out.
The Indians, though, could do it as they have a few relievers (betancourt, Riske, Howry, Rhodes) and a left-handed hitting OF (Gerut ). Meeting the SP is tough unless the Marlins wanted Elarton . Jake Westbrook maybe, but then the deal becomes one so loaded with talent that it would approach stupidity for the Burnett-acquiree.
Detroit can meet all three with a reliever such as German, Rodney or Percival, a SP like Jason Johnson or Mike Maroth and a LOF like Nook Logan. With Magglio returning, the OF will get very crowded, and Nook could step-in for Pierre next season.
Seattle is out and so is Oakland.
Texas could do it with Laynce Nix filling the LOF criterium, Ricardo Rodriguez as the SP but the "quality reliever" would be tough.
Anaheim could meet the reliever requirement with Donnelly and could do the OF with Davanon. Chone Figgins could also meet that objective and fill-in Pierre's spot next year. Washburn would fit the SP. That would appear to be a lot though.
After examining all the possible spots, Detroit makes the most sense and can meet the criteria.
But could it really be Detroit?!?!??!?!
Wes Bankston
Minor League Baseball: Stats: Stats
The starting 1B for the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League got off to a late start due to a knee injury. When he recovered the DRays assinged him to High A where he clearly demonstrated an ability that was unchallenged - .387/.513/.629.
He was promoted to AA and has gotten off to an impressive start - .316/.393/.544.
He hit 3 HR in 62 High A ABs and has 3 in 79 AA ABs. His plate discipline has suffered in the upward move going from 15 BB/62 ABs to 10/79 ABs, but I suspect he will further improve in AA.
He is a player to watch for next year's minor league drafts. Heck, he may be one to keep an eye on for a September call-up. Travis Lee is not the long-term answer.
The starting 1B for the Montgomery Biscuits of the Southern League got off to a late start due to a knee injury. When he recovered the DRays assinged him to High A where he clearly demonstrated an ability that was unchallenged - .387/.513/.629.
He was promoted to AA and has gotten off to an impressive start - .316/.393/.544.
He hit 3 HR in 62 High A ABs and has 3 in 79 AA ABs. His plate discipline has suffered in the upward move going from 15 BB/62 ABs to 10/79 ABs, but I suspect he will further improve in AA.
He is a player to watch for next year's minor league drafts. Heck, he may be one to keep an eye on for a September call-up. Travis Lee is not the long-term answer.
Big Stein
Across the NY papers is the news that the Big Stein has called a powwow in Tampa to address the mess that is the 2005 Yankees.
The very fact that he is bringing in three factions - Levine, Cashman and the Tampa Yesmen - illustrates the main problem - too many voices. To resolve this problem is easier written than done. He must unite the management of the team.
As these are the New York Yankees, the team should be run from New York. If Big Stein can't do that, then this plunge to irrespectability will continue. The team will not be respectable until the sycophants surrounding Sir Bluster-lot in Tampa are made to face those they undercut in New York.
And if this doesn't happen, then there is no solution. Given Big Stein has allowed this to happen, I do not believe there is any way to fix the Yankees. How doesl Stein loose himself from the sychophancy that he has encourgaed? Is he even capable of recognizing it after decades of aggrandizement?
And if I am wrong, exactly what can be done with a team full of 10-figure players who can't play defense?
My suggestion would be to pursue a blockbuster with a player who other teams consider valuable. This precludes dealing Tony Womack, Bernie Williams, and Jason Giambi.
It does mean dealing Arod or Sheffield, and after watching Sheffield stink in the OF, it really means ARod. With Texas pick-up a third of his salary, the Yanks would only have to kick in enough to get him down to $12 million or so. At that level, he is will have a good contract.
Which is all well and good, but the question is whether the rest of baseball even wants to deal with the Yankees.
And if that is the case, then this Tampa powwow will be meaningless. it will be another example of fawning sychophancy which only exacerbates the current problems.
The very fact that he is bringing in three factions - Levine, Cashman and the Tampa Yesmen - illustrates the main problem - too many voices. To resolve this problem is easier written than done. He must unite the management of the team.
As these are the New York Yankees, the team should be run from New York. If Big Stein can't do that, then this plunge to irrespectability will continue. The team will not be respectable until the sycophants surrounding Sir Bluster-lot in Tampa are made to face those they undercut in New York.
And if this doesn't happen, then there is no solution. Given Big Stein has allowed this to happen, I do not believe there is any way to fix the Yankees. How doesl Stein loose himself from the sychophancy that he has encourgaed? Is he even capable of recognizing it after decades of aggrandizement?
And if I am wrong, exactly what can be done with a team full of 10-figure players who can't play defense?
My suggestion would be to pursue a blockbuster with a player who other teams consider valuable. This precludes dealing Tony Womack, Bernie Williams, and Jason Giambi.
It does mean dealing Arod or Sheffield, and after watching Sheffield stink in the OF, it really means ARod. With Texas pick-up a third of his salary, the Yanks would only have to kick in enough to get him down to $12 million or so. At that level, he is will have a good contract.
Which is all well and good, but the question is whether the rest of baseball even wants to deal with the Yankees.
And if that is the case, then this Tampa powwow will be meaningless. it will be another example of fawning sychophancy which only exacerbates the current problems.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
New York Daily News - Baseball - Mets Bossing Yankees around
New York Daily News - Baseball - Mets Bossing Yankees around
The biggest mistake the Yankees' brass can make is failing to recognize that a Ken-Phelps-for-Jay-Buhner trade circa the 21st century is not what the team needs.
I can't name the Phelps portion of this modern day blunder but I can guess on the Buhner side. His name is Melky Cabrera, a 20-year-old CF at AA Trenton.
In his first season, he hit 2 HR. Last season he hit 8 HR. This year, he has 9 HR already with only two errors.
Keep him in mind, regardless of the organization he is with next draft, as he should be a hot rookie by 2007.
The biggest mistake the Yankees' brass can make is failing to recognize that a Ken-Phelps-for-Jay-Buhner trade circa the 21st century is not what the team needs.
I can't name the Phelps portion of this modern day blunder but I can guess on the Buhner side. His name is Melky Cabrera, a 20-year-old CF at AA Trenton.
In his first season, he hit 2 HR. Last season he hit 8 HR. This year, he has 9 HR already with only two errors.
Keep him in mind, regardless of the organization he is with next draft, as he should be a hot rookie by 2007.
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Gomes
A couple walks and a SB already. I'm beginning to coalesce around the equivalent of pre-2005 Brad Wilkerson - .260 AVG, 20+ HR and 12-15 SB.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Kearns wants Reds to explore trade
Kearns wants Reds to explore trade
The Reds need to solve their OF logjam.
And if O'brien is telling Kearns there is no interest in him, then the Reds are liars, too.
The Reds need to solve their OF logjam.
And if O'brien is telling Kearns there is no interest in him, then the Reds are liars, too.
DenverPost.com - ROCKIES / MLB
DenverPost.com - ROCKIES / MLB
Is Dan O'Dowd drinking the same water as Chuck Lamar?
A ready-for-caffeine AAA SS in Josh Wilson and a highly-lauded AA SP who is 20-years old for a middle reliver with a funky delivery (read: can get hurt anytime) and O'Brien asks for Guillermo Mota too?
And what are the Cubs doing refusing to part with Wellemeyer and Cedeno? Wellemeyer will never be successful pitching in Colorado so there will be no 2nd-guessing there, and Cedeno is behind Barmes and a plethora of other middle infielders so the same applies to him.
Is Dan O'Dowd drinking the same water as Chuck Lamar?
A ready-for-caffeine AAA SS in Josh Wilson and a highly-lauded AA SP who is 20-years old for a middle reliver with a funky delivery (read: can get hurt anytime) and O'Brien asks for Guillermo Mota too?
And what are the Cubs doing refusing to part with Wellemeyer and Cedeno? Wellemeyer will never be successful pitching in Colorado so there will be no 2nd-guessing there, and Cedeno is behind Barmes and a plethora of other middle infielders so the same applies to him.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Todd Helton
Todd Helton : Rotoworld.com - Todd Helton Biography from Rotoworld.com
The biggest $40 Rotisserie mystery is what is wrong with Todd Helton.
This off-season Helton reacted with righteous indignation and threats to sue over comments made by a STL commentator that he had used steroids.
As his numbers had been gaudy, he fell under automatic suspicion (fair or unfair, but mostly unfair at the time.) As he is considered a great person, he was given the benefit of the doubt, and the STL commentator was forced to backpedal.
Now, as we near the halfway point, TH has a very good OBP of .382 but is considerably lower than his typical .400+. Where the concern arises is his SLG is way down. He's essentially Jason Kendall right now.
Given the sample size (242 AB), I feel confident in stating there is something wrong. Has a hole materialized in his swing that is now exploited? If so, I'd expect his power to remain but his AVG to stay low a la Frank Thomas.
If he is battling a back injury, I'd also expect the precipitous drop in SLG from it's .600+ levels. Think Don Mattingly.
Is it possible he is driving the ball with authority and sluggin .405? Not likely.
A benign possibility is he isn't getting anything to hit due to the weaker line-up around him. However, he isn't walking at any higher rates than previously - 19.8% this season vs 23.2% in 2004, 19.0% in 2003). This indicates his batting eye has remained the same.
Did he use recovery-enhancing supplements? It is possible as there are numerous reports that recovery in the thin air of Colorado is slower and can therefore be quickened with nutritional supplements.
Frankly, I don't know, but I'd wager on these two horses - Back injury or lack of supplementation.
The biggest $40 Rotisserie mystery is what is wrong with Todd Helton.
This off-season Helton reacted with righteous indignation and threats to sue over comments made by a STL commentator that he had used steroids.
As his numbers had been gaudy, he fell under automatic suspicion (fair or unfair, but mostly unfair at the time.) As he is considered a great person, he was given the benefit of the doubt, and the STL commentator was forced to backpedal.
Now, as we near the halfway point, TH has a very good OBP of .382 but is considerably lower than his typical .400+. Where the concern arises is his SLG is way down. He's essentially Jason Kendall right now.
Given the sample size (242 AB), I feel confident in stating there is something wrong. Has a hole materialized in his swing that is now exploited? If so, I'd expect his power to remain but his AVG to stay low a la Frank Thomas.
If he is battling a back injury, I'd also expect the precipitous drop in SLG from it's .600+ levels. Think Don Mattingly.
Is it possible he is driving the ball with authority and sluggin .405? Not likely.
A benign possibility is he isn't getting anything to hit due to the weaker line-up around him. However, he isn't walking at any higher rates than previously - 19.8% this season vs 23.2% in 2004, 19.0% in 2003). This indicates his batting eye has remained the same.
Did he use recovery-enhancing supplements? It is possible as there are numerous reports that recovery in the thin air of Colorado is slower and can therefore be quickened with nutritional supplements.
Frankly, I don't know, but I'd wager on these two horses - Back injury or lack of supplementation.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Ryan Wagner
Yahoo! Sports - MLB - Box Score
Why is he still in the majors?
He threw another stinkbomb this afternoon. Maybe send him down and recall Austin Kearns?
Why is he still in the majors?
He threw another stinkbomb this afternoon. Maybe send him down and recall Austin Kearns?
It's Money for Nothing as Yanks' Starters Labor - New York Times
It's Money for Nothing as Yanks' Starters Labor - New York Times
Why are the Yanks surprised Pavano has been a hit machine in the AL?
He only struck out 139 in 222.1 innings last season in the NL. He made 31 starts. using a back-of-the-envelope calculation of three pitcher's slot appearances per start, he faced the pitcher 91 times. Interpretted as striking out 48 in the other 744 batters (31 starts x 8 hitters x 3 plate appearances per game). That is 6.4%.
In comparison, RJ faced the pitcher's slot 105 times, and he struck out 185 of the 840 other hitters (22%).
Or more helpful, would be 10-12% for top SP ( 31 starts, 170 K, 220 innings).
NOTE: I have made-up the metrics involved in this post.
Why are the Yanks surprised Pavano has been a hit machine in the AL?
He only struck out 139 in 222.1 innings last season in the NL. He made 31 starts. using a back-of-the-envelope calculation of three pitcher's slot appearances per start, he faced the pitcher 91 times. Interpretted as striking out 48 in the other 744 batters (31 starts x 8 hitters x 3 plate appearances per game). That is 6.4%.
In comparison, RJ faced the pitcher's slot 105 times, and he struck out 185 of the 840 other hitters (22%).
Or more helpful, would be 10-12% for top SP ( 31 starts, 170 K, 220 innings).
NOTE: I have made-up the metrics involved in this post.
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