Hitting coach Kevin Long and first-base coach Tony Pena will return, while Dave Eiland has been promoted to pitching coach. Rob Thomson becomes the new bench coach, and both third-base coach Bobby Meacham and bullpen coach Mike Harkey -- both members of Girardi's 2006 Marlins' coaching staff -- have joined New York.
"Now that the coaching staff is put together, we can all go to work," Girardi said. "We've already started working on Spring Training and how we'll approach it. It's obviously a lot better when you know everyone that you're going to be working with."
Click Here For Source
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glad to see that the coaching staff is put together. Now they can start focusing on how to make things worth. Oh, and many calls to try to convince Andy Pettitte to come back.
It's also good to see Tony Pena back in the mix. I wouldn't want him as manager, but he's a great guy and mentor for the players.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Big Guy's Minor League Report #7
MINOR LEAGUE NOTES: 11-18 BigGuy
ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: The Arizona Fall League just completed its season. 8 Yankee minor leaguers played for the Peoria Javenlinas who finished in 2nd place in their division. Peoria had a 12-4 home record and was 15-0 when leading after the 7th inning. They finished with a 17-15 record 2 games out of 1st. Juan Miranda led the team with 5 homers, rbi's (17), and slugging (.551). Miranda also had a .295 BA in 22 games. The power hitting lefty 1st baseman should be starting at AAA SWB in 08.... Brett Gardner had a terrific AFL with a .343 BA and led the league in runs scored (25). He averaged a run scored per game. He also led the AFL with 16 stolen bases in 26 games. Gardner had a .433 OBP.........Ross Ohlendorf has changed his pitches. He's gone from a 2 seam to 4 seam fastball, dropped the curve and changeup, and has added the slider and a splitter. He appeared in 6 games 7.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 hits, 3K's--4 BB, .267 BAA.......Steven White started off poorly but in final 14 IP only had 3 BB. He had 17.1 IP, 11 K---6 BB, BAA .275....Eric Wordekemper the 07 closer at Tampa A had a very good AFL. After giving up 3 runs in his first game, he piched 8.1 scoreless innings with just 3 hits. 8 games, .229 BAA, 8 K's---2BB.........Steven Jackson converted from starter to reliever in July. 9 games, 16 IP, 19 K's---7 BB, BAA .304......Kevin Whelan reliever, only appeared in 3 games before being shutdown with a shoulder problem.
CARRIBEAN LEAGUES: So far in the Venezulean league Marcos Vechionacci--3rd base in 23 games. .296 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .329 OBP........Scott Patterson---AA reliever who had a great year at Trenton in 07 was just resigned and added to the Yankees 40-man roster. He was a minor league FA. He threw 14 shutout innings, 9 hits, 9 K's---0 BB, .184 BAA. He'll be at AAA SWB in 08.....Justin Pope- reliever, appeared in 16 games, 17 IP, 2 ER, 11 hits, 6 K's---3 BB. BAA .167.
HAWAII LEAGUE....4 Yankees play for Honolulu. Austin Jackson, Brad Suttle, George Kontos, and Anthony Claggett. They have 1 game remaining today. If they win that game they'll will win the Eastern Division and play in the championship game Monday. I'll have a full Hawaii League rundown with final stats next report.
CATCHING PROSPECTS: A look at some of the possible young replacements for Jorge Posada in the future. Yankee minor league catching guru Julio Mosquero recently did a good interview with PinstripePlus. Just a few notes. Jesus Montero came to instructional league in better shape and is working on flexibility, footwork and quicker release. He has a very powerful bat. He's a future run producer for sure......Kyle Anson--converted from outfield to catcher has a great arm and natural throwing slot to 2nd base. Throwing runners out comes natually. Working on getting his hands more relaxed behind the plate. He hit .272 at low A Charlotte.......Francisco Cervelli.....played at Tampa A in 07 hitting .279. He's very good defensively right now and needs work on his offense. He'll be at AA Trenton in 08. He has the most experience right now of the prospects.....Austin Romine---2nd round pick this year. Good power to all fields. Working on receiving and footwork. Lots of tools, great arm and quick release.......Chase Weems-- 6h pick in draft, Hard worker, willing to learn. Good batting eye. Working on footwork and receiveing, blocking......Francisco Arcia--similiar to Cervelli. Good game manager, working on receiving, blocking, footwork.
NOTES: Jeff Karstens won his 2nd game for Team USA in the World Cup games in China. He defeated Mexico in the 1st game 3-0, and Korea the other day 3-1. Going 7 innings, 7 K's, 5 hits.
ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE: The Arizona Fall League just completed its season. 8 Yankee minor leaguers played for the Peoria Javenlinas who finished in 2nd place in their division. Peoria had a 12-4 home record and was 15-0 when leading after the 7th inning. They finished with a 17-15 record 2 games out of 1st. Juan Miranda led the team with 5 homers, rbi's (17), and slugging (.551). Miranda also had a .295 BA in 22 games. The power hitting lefty 1st baseman should be starting at AAA SWB in 08.... Brett Gardner had a terrific AFL with a .343 BA and led the league in runs scored (25). He averaged a run scored per game. He also led the AFL with 16 stolen bases in 26 games. Gardner had a .433 OBP.........Ross Ohlendorf has changed his pitches. He's gone from a 2 seam to 4 seam fastball, dropped the curve and changeup, and has added the slider and a splitter. He appeared in 6 games 7.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 hits, 3K's--4 BB, .267 BAA.......Steven White started off poorly but in final 14 IP only had 3 BB. He had 17.1 IP, 11 K---6 BB, BAA .275....Eric Wordekemper the 07 closer at Tampa A had a very good AFL. After giving up 3 runs in his first game, he piched 8.1 scoreless innings with just 3 hits. 8 games, .229 BAA, 8 K's---2BB.........Steven Jackson converted from starter to reliever in July. 9 games, 16 IP, 19 K's---7 BB, BAA .304......Kevin Whelan reliever, only appeared in 3 games before being shutdown with a shoulder problem.
CARRIBEAN LEAGUES: So far in the Venezulean league Marcos Vechionacci--3rd base in 23 games. .296 BA, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .329 OBP........Scott Patterson---AA reliever who had a great year at Trenton in 07 was just resigned and added to the Yankees 40-man roster. He was a minor league FA. He threw 14 shutout innings, 9 hits, 9 K's---0 BB, .184 BAA. He'll be at AAA SWB in 08.....Justin Pope- reliever, appeared in 16 games, 17 IP, 2 ER, 11 hits, 6 K's---3 BB. BAA .167.
HAWAII LEAGUE....4 Yankees play for Honolulu. Austin Jackson, Brad Suttle, George Kontos, and Anthony Claggett. They have 1 game remaining today. If they win that game they'll will win the Eastern Division and play in the championship game Monday. I'll have a full Hawaii League rundown with final stats next report.
CATCHING PROSPECTS: A look at some of the possible young replacements for Jorge Posada in the future. Yankee minor league catching guru Julio Mosquero recently did a good interview with PinstripePlus. Just a few notes. Jesus Montero came to instructional league in better shape and is working on flexibility, footwork and quicker release. He has a very powerful bat. He's a future run producer for sure......Kyle Anson--converted from outfield to catcher has a great arm and natural throwing slot to 2nd base. Throwing runners out comes natually. Working on getting his hands more relaxed behind the plate. He hit .272 at low A Charlotte.......Francisco Cervelli.....played at Tampa A in 07 hitting .279. He's very good defensively right now and needs work on his offense. He'll be at AA Trenton in 08. He has the most experience right now of the prospects.....Austin Romine---2nd round pick this year. Good power to all fields. Working on receiving and footwork. Lots of tools, great arm and quick release.......Chase Weems-- 6h pick in draft, Hard worker, willing to learn. Good batting eye. Working on footwork and receiveing, blocking......Francisco Arcia--similiar to Cervelli. Good game manager, working on receiving, blocking, footwork.
NOTES: Jeff Karstens won his 2nd game for Team USA in the World Cup games in China. He defeated Mexico in the 1st game 3-0, and Korea the other day 3-1. Going 7 innings, 7 K's, 5 hits.
Monday, November 19, 2007
A-Rod Wins Third MVP
You hate him for this whole free agent mess debacle. For the need to be in the spotlight. But bottom line, the Yankees need him in order to be a contender. How does a career .578 slugging percentage sound? How about 518 home runs at age 32. Still not enough? What about A-Rod winning his third MVP award almost unanimously?
Alex Rodriguez is a bonafide superstar. His accomplishments speak for themselves. However, he's still an ass. Some might ask why the Yankee's should even want him back. Its simple. The Yankees NEED him and his trusty old Louisville Slugger. Yes, admit it Yankees fans, we NEED him. And guess what? We got him... and as many more Yankee fans jump back on the A-Rod bandwagon, Alex should remember that he had almost righted the ship in New York with his miraculous season. But the whole Scott Boras angle has screwed that up. Alex is on a very thin leash now, and must remember to not screw up this time.
By the way, the other two votes went to Maggilo Ordonez. No surprise there.
Click here for MVP announcement source
Alex Rodriguez is a bonafide superstar. His accomplishments speak for themselves. However, he's still an ass. Some might ask why the Yankee's should even want him back. Its simple. The Yankees NEED him and his trusty old Louisville Slugger. Yes, admit it Yankees fans, we NEED him. And guess what? We got him... and as many more Yankee fans jump back on the A-Rod bandwagon, Alex should remember that he had almost righted the ship in New York with his miraculous season. But the whole Scott Boras angle has screwed that up. Alex is on a very thin leash now, and must remember to not screw up this time.
By the way, the other two votes went to Maggilo Ordonez. No surprise there.
Click here for MVP announcement source
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Minor League Notes From Big Guy #6
MINOR LEAGUE NOTES: 11-11 BigGuy
FALL LEAGUE NOTES: Arizona Fall League: Juan Miranda--Hit his 5th home run of the season, tying him for the league lead. He's batting .295, .423 OBP. It was his first homer against a lefty pitcher. He's struggled against lefties, going just 5-23 with 1 HR and 2 doubles. Against righties he's 18-45, 4 homers, 3 doubles, 12 BB, 12 K's........Brett Gardner--in 22 games, batting .333, .406 OBP, 14 stolen bases. He's working on using his lower body to drive the ball more.......Ross Ohlendorf----in 4 games so far, 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 hits, 2 K's, 2 BB, .227 BAA. He's on the taxi roster and only available to pitch on Wed. and Sundays........Eric Wordekemper---pitching very well in the AFL so far. Not overpowering, but gets outs. 90-91 FB and slider. Working on splitter. 8.1 IP, 4 runs, 8 hits, 5 K's, 1 BB. BAA. .250.....Steven White---had 1st good game after 5 bad games. Threw 4 scoreless innings in relief with 3 K's. 14.1 IP, 11ER, 16 Hits, 10 K's. BAA .276.
Hawaii League: Austin Jackson-- in 31 gams so far, batting .290, .384 OBP, 3 HR, 10 doubles, 3 triples. Working on balance & stride to cut down on K's. 31 K's in 107 ABs......Brad Suttle-----2007 draft pick still struggling at the plate batting just .091. Hit his first homer in 22 games...... George Kontos-----After 6 good starts he made a relief appearance and gave up a HR. 29 IP, 39K's, 3.41 ERA. He's in the top 5 in the league in ERA........Anthony Claggett---Relieved in 11 games. 16.1 IP, 13 ER, 12 K's, BAA .319.
Carribean Leagues: Marcos Vechionacci---Had a walk off hit the other day. The 3rd baseman should start at AA Trenton next year. In 20 games. hitting .309, .380 OBP, 2 HR, 10 rbi......Scott Patterson-----FA reliever coming off his best year at AA has 12 scoreless innings. 9 hits, 0 BB, BAA .209....... Justin Pope----Finished at AAA SWB in 07. Pitched very well in relief so far. 13 games, 15.1 IP, BAA .160
Dominican Instructional League Notes: Jesus Montero--17 year old catcher. According to Yankees Latin Scout Victor Mata, he's noticed a much better work approach from Montero so far and he's in better shape. Montero is making more contact and is working on his swing. Still has a hitch in his swing to get rid of. .......Dellin Betances----Nardi Contreras working with him on throwing his secondary pitches from same arm slot as his fastball. Pitched the other day and loaded the bases twice in 2 innings......Austin Romine----2007 draft--catcher---Singled in his first AB. Showing lots of power in batting practice......Carmen Angelini---2007 draft pick--infielder--suffering from minor wrist tendinitis. Not swinging a bat, but taking ground balls.....Chase Weems-2007 draft---catcher--got on base 6 times in first 2 games, mostly on walks.....Jairo Heredia---pitcher----Most impressive pitcher in the first game. Fastball was only 89 so far, but showed a very good curve.
Highlights--Gary Denbo Interview....w/PinstripePlus: Gary Denbo was the 2007 minor league hitting guru for the Yankees. He was just hired by the Toronto Blue Jays to be their hitting coach in 08. Jose Tabata----Denbo feels he'll always hit for a good average, and his power will be the last thing to come to his game. As it is, for most young players.....Jesus Montero---Working on more consistent stride & action. Very good power. Denbo feels he can be a big rbi guy......Eric Duncan---showed better at bats as the season went along. He has to trust his swing with inside pitches.......Kyle Anson---recently converted to catcher. Expects his offense to come after a year or two of learning the new position.......Mitch Hilligoss----3rd base. Has strength & power. Swings at too many balls out of the zone right now. Needs more plate discipline.
NOTES: Shelly Duncan was named to the Topps 2007 AAA All-Star Team. Not bad considering Duncan was in NY the last 6 weeks of the season.
FALL LEAGUE NOTES: Arizona Fall League: Juan Miranda--Hit his 5th home run of the season, tying him for the league lead. He's batting .295, .423 OBP. It was his first homer against a lefty pitcher. He's struggled against lefties, going just 5-23 with 1 HR and 2 doubles. Against righties he's 18-45, 4 homers, 3 doubles, 12 BB, 12 K's........Brett Gardner--in 22 games, batting .333, .406 OBP, 14 stolen bases. He's working on using his lower body to drive the ball more.......Ross Ohlendorf----in 4 games so far, 5.2 IP, 1 ER, 5 hits, 2 K's, 2 BB, .227 BAA. He's on the taxi roster and only available to pitch on Wed. and Sundays........Eric Wordekemper---pitching very well in the AFL so far. Not overpowering, but gets outs. 90-91 FB and slider. Working on splitter. 8.1 IP, 4 runs, 8 hits, 5 K's, 1 BB. BAA. .250.....Steven White---had 1st good game after 5 bad games. Threw 4 scoreless innings in relief with 3 K's. 14.1 IP, 11ER, 16 Hits, 10 K's. BAA .276.
Hawaii League: Austin Jackson-- in 31 gams so far, batting .290, .384 OBP, 3 HR, 10 doubles, 3 triples. Working on balance & stride to cut down on K's. 31 K's in 107 ABs......Brad Suttle-----2007 draft pick still struggling at the plate batting just .091. Hit his first homer in 22 games...... George Kontos-----After 6 good starts he made a relief appearance and gave up a HR. 29 IP, 39K's, 3.41 ERA. He's in the top 5 in the league in ERA........Anthony Claggett---Relieved in 11 games. 16.1 IP, 13 ER, 12 K's, BAA .319.
Carribean Leagues: Marcos Vechionacci---Had a walk off hit the other day. The 3rd baseman should start at AA Trenton next year. In 20 games. hitting .309, .380 OBP, 2 HR, 10 rbi......Scott Patterson-----FA reliever coming off his best year at AA has 12 scoreless innings. 9 hits, 0 BB, BAA .209....... Justin Pope----Finished at AAA SWB in 07. Pitched very well in relief so far. 13 games, 15.1 IP, BAA .160
Dominican Instructional League Notes: Jesus Montero--17 year old catcher. According to Yankees Latin Scout Victor Mata, he's noticed a much better work approach from Montero so far and he's in better shape. Montero is making more contact and is working on his swing. Still has a hitch in his swing to get rid of. .......Dellin Betances----Nardi Contreras working with him on throwing his secondary pitches from same arm slot as his fastball. Pitched the other day and loaded the bases twice in 2 innings......Austin Romine----2007 draft--catcher---Singled in his first AB. Showing lots of power in batting practice......Carmen Angelini---2007 draft pick--infielder--suffering from minor wrist tendinitis. Not swinging a bat, but taking ground balls.....Chase Weems-2007 draft---catcher--got on base 6 times in first 2 games, mostly on walks.....Jairo Heredia---pitcher----Most impressive pitcher in the first game. Fastball was only 89 so far, but showed a very good curve.
Highlights--Gary Denbo Interview....w/PinstripePlus: Gary Denbo was the 2007 minor league hitting guru for the Yankees. He was just hired by the Toronto Blue Jays to be their hitting coach in 08. Jose Tabata----Denbo feels he'll always hit for a good average, and his power will be the last thing to come to his game. As it is, for most young players.....Jesus Montero---Working on more consistent stride & action. Very good power. Denbo feels he can be a big rbi guy......Eric Duncan---showed better at bats as the season went along. He has to trust his swing with inside pitches.......Kyle Anson---recently converted to catcher. Expects his offense to come after a year or two of learning the new position.......Mitch Hilligoss----3rd base. Has strength & power. Swings at too many balls out of the zone right now. Needs more plate discipline.
NOTES: Shelly Duncan was named to the Topps 2007 AAA All-Star Team. Not bad considering Duncan was in NY the last 6 weeks of the season.
Posada Re-Signs To Hefty Contract
From Peter Abraham:
The Daily News is reporting that Jorge Posada has agreed to a four-year deal worth $52 million. Working on getting confirmation of that.
This makes sense in that $13 million is what they gave Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon when they signed.
UPDATE, 11:19 p.m.: It has been confirmed. It’s actually $52.4 million. Funny how that’s what the Levinsons want for Lowell, too. You can connect the dots with these things quite often.
So Posada gets what he wants, an average annual value of $13.1 million. That nudges him north of Damon and Matsui and makes him one of the highest paid players on the team, as well he should be.
Rivera was in the Dominican Republic today but is supposedly on his way home. I would expect his deal to get done in the next 24-36 hours. (Source Is Here)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, somebody is coming back. Although I think that the contract is a little outrageous(we'll get to that later) I'm glad that Jorge is back. Without Alex "Sellout" Rodriguez(clever, I know) in the line up, the Yankees offense will need to come through big this year to make up for the missing 156 rbi. Don't let Posada's 36 years of age fool you, Jorge can still swing the bat.
Traditionally older players tend to do a little bit extra to put up big numbers in contract years, assuring a one-year career year to cash in during FA. But during the off season, Posada teamed up with Nike to create specially designed catchers gear for Po, something they are looking to expand with to the general public. It was said to also weigh a lot less than Jorge's catching gear of past, so I guess you can take that for what its worth. Maybe it'll keep him putting up +.300 BA's throughout this new four-year contract, aside from just his 2007 campaign.
Po's contract isn't your normal contract for a 36 year old catcher. It stretches four years wide, guaranteeing $13.1M a year. That is a lot of money and commitment, considering his age and position. I think a three year deal would have been safer, but seeing how desperate the Yankees were, Posada's agents were able to stretch out Brian Cashman for another year. Posada probably only has about two more solid years left in him, and getting one extra looked good. But two more years? Very good contract for Posada, in my opinion. Expect Jorge to shift over to first base or catcher for the final two years, as he will be 39 and 40 years of age respectively.
The Daily News is reporting that Jorge Posada has agreed to a four-year deal worth $52 million. Working on getting confirmation of that.
This makes sense in that $13 million is what they gave Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon when they signed.
UPDATE, 11:19 p.m.: It has been confirmed. It’s actually $52.4 million. Funny how that’s what the Levinsons want for Lowell, too. You can connect the dots with these things quite often.
So Posada gets what he wants, an average annual value of $13.1 million. That nudges him north of Damon and Matsui and makes him one of the highest paid players on the team, as well he should be.
Rivera was in the Dominican Republic today but is supposedly on his way home. I would expect his deal to get done in the next 24-36 hours. (Source Is Here)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally, somebody is coming back. Although I think that the contract is a little outrageous(we'll get to that later) I'm glad that Jorge is back. Without Alex "Sellout" Rodriguez(clever, I know) in the line up, the Yankees offense will need to come through big this year to make up for the missing 156 rbi. Don't let Posada's 36 years of age fool you, Jorge can still swing the bat.
Traditionally older players tend to do a little bit extra to put up big numbers in contract years, assuring a one-year career year to cash in during FA. But during the off season, Posada teamed up with Nike to create specially designed catchers gear for Po, something they are looking to expand with to the general public. It was said to also weigh a lot less than Jorge's catching gear of past, so I guess you can take that for what its worth. Maybe it'll keep him putting up +.300 BA's throughout this new four-year contract, aside from just his 2007 campaign.
Po's contract isn't your normal contract for a 36 year old catcher. It stretches four years wide, guaranteeing $13.1M a year. That is a lot of money and commitment, considering his age and position. I think a three year deal would have been safer, but seeing how desperate the Yankees were, Posada's agents were able to stretch out Brian Cashman for another year. Posada probably only has about two more solid years left in him, and getting one extra looked good. But two more years? Very good contract for Posada, in my opinion. Expect Jorge to shift over to first base or catcher for the final two years, as he will be 39 and 40 years of age respectively.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Minor League Notes From Big Guy #5
MINOR LEAGUE NOTES: Nov 4. BigGuy
Fall League Notes:
Brett Gardner: Having a very solid Arizona Fall League hitting .354 in 18 games, with 13 stolen bases, OBP .416
Juan Miranda: Thru 17 games batting .274, .416 OBP, 4 HR
Ross Ohlendorf: 3 games, 4.2 IP, 0 Runs, ERA .000, BA. .222
Kevin Whelan: Shut down after 3 relief appearance with strained forearm muscle.
Steven White: 3 games, 7 IP, 8 K's, 8 ER, 9 H, BA 3.00 Nardi Contreras thinks White could
see some action later in year at NY.
Austin Jackson: Hawaii League: Off to a solid start hitting .305 in 28 games. OBP .402, 19rbi, 3 HR, Down part: 28 K's in 95 AB's.
Brad Suttle: 2007 draft pick off to very slow start at the plate. Hitting just .097 thru 21 games. They're working in his mechanics and stance.
George Kontos: 6 games, 3-3, 25 IP, 33K's, 3.60 ERA, BA 2.50 Plus fastball, plus slider, averaging 12 K's per 9 Innings so far.
Marcos Vechionacci: Venezulean League: Great start thru 16 games, .327 BA, 2 HR, .373 OBP
Bobby Abreu will play in the Venezuleean League as a DH later in the year.
NOTES:
Ferdin Tejada: bounced back from TJ surgery at Charleston hit 95 with fastball. They expect him to get back to 97 with more strength. He's a FA, but he hopes to resign with Yanks.
Zach McAllister: Nardi Contreras says solid delivery. Not using curve anymore. Concentrating on slider & changeup. Good fastball command.
Ivan Nova: 20 yr old. 3 plus pitches, 93 fastball. Nardi expects him to move quickly thru system.
Jairo Heredia: 17 yr old. Nardi says he has a big league curve and changeup.
Adam Olbrychowski: 2007 pick. Plus arm. Working on mechanics and delivery.
Mike Gardner: Nardi thinks he has a real good shot at the ML in future. Sinking fastball but not much velocity. Quality slider & changeup.
Ryan Pope: 3rd round pick in 07, working on change and curve
Mitch Hilligoss: 3rd base prospect, had 38 game hit streak in 07, worked on footwork and flexibility had a minor hamstring injury.
Garrett Patterson: Lefty, fastball 93-94 tops at 97. Plus change, plus curve, plus slider. Working on inconsistent mechanics and command.
Dave Robertson: In 07 went 8-3 at 3 levels. 113 K's in 84 IP. 4 seam, change, curve, slider. Focused on curve this year. Great FB command.
Jeff Karstens: Was named to Team USA starting rotation. They left for China on Thursday to compete in World Cup. USA starts out against Mexico.
Gary Denbo: Minor league hitting coordinator took job with Toronto Blue Jays as hitting coach.
Rafael Chavez: Replaces David Eiland as AAA SWB pitching coach.
Minor League Free Agents: The Yanks have 22 minor league free agents this off season. Just to name a few. Ferdin Tejada, Angel Chavez, Raul Chavez, Omir Santos, Andy Cannizzaro, Ben Kozlowski, Charlie Manning, Scott Patterson, Kevin Reese, Sean Henn.
Fall League Notes:
Brett Gardner: Having a very solid Arizona Fall League hitting .354 in 18 games, with 13 stolen bases, OBP .416
Juan Miranda: Thru 17 games batting .274, .416 OBP, 4 HR
Ross Ohlendorf: 3 games, 4.2 IP, 0 Runs, ERA .000, BA. .222
Kevin Whelan: Shut down after 3 relief appearance with strained forearm muscle.
Steven White: 3 games, 7 IP, 8 K's, 8 ER, 9 H, BA 3.00 Nardi Contreras thinks White could
see some action later in year at NY.
Austin Jackson: Hawaii League: Off to a solid start hitting .305 in 28 games. OBP .402, 19rbi, 3 HR, Down part: 28 K's in 95 AB's.
Brad Suttle: 2007 draft pick off to very slow start at the plate. Hitting just .097 thru 21 games. They're working in his mechanics and stance.
George Kontos: 6 games, 3-3, 25 IP, 33K's, 3.60 ERA, BA 2.50 Plus fastball, plus slider, averaging 12 K's per 9 Innings so far.
Marcos Vechionacci: Venezulean League: Great start thru 16 games, .327 BA, 2 HR, .373 OBP
Bobby Abreu will play in the Venezuleean League as a DH later in the year.
NOTES:
Ferdin Tejada: bounced back from TJ surgery at Charleston hit 95 with fastball. They expect him to get back to 97 with more strength. He's a FA, but he hopes to resign with Yanks.
Zach McAllister: Nardi Contreras says solid delivery. Not using curve anymore. Concentrating on slider & changeup. Good fastball command.
Ivan Nova: 20 yr old. 3 plus pitches, 93 fastball. Nardi expects him to move quickly thru system.
Jairo Heredia: 17 yr old. Nardi says he has a big league curve and changeup.
Adam Olbrychowski: 2007 pick. Plus arm. Working on mechanics and delivery.
Mike Gardner: Nardi thinks he has a real good shot at the ML in future. Sinking fastball but not much velocity. Quality slider & changeup.
Ryan Pope: 3rd round pick in 07, working on change and curve
Mitch Hilligoss: 3rd base prospect, had 38 game hit streak in 07, worked on footwork and flexibility had a minor hamstring injury.
Garrett Patterson: Lefty, fastball 93-94 tops at 97. Plus change, plus curve, plus slider. Working on inconsistent mechanics and command.
Dave Robertson: In 07 went 8-3 at 3 levels. 113 K's in 84 IP. 4 seam, change, curve, slider. Focused on curve this year. Great FB command.
Jeff Karstens: Was named to Team USA starting rotation. They left for China on Thursday to compete in World Cup. USA starts out against Mexico.
Gary Denbo: Minor league hitting coordinator took job with Toronto Blue Jays as hitting coach.
Rafael Chavez: Replaces David Eiland as AAA SWB pitching coach.
Minor League Free Agents: The Yanks have 22 minor league free agents this off season. Just to name a few. Ferdin Tejada, Angel Chavez, Raul Chavez, Omir Santos, Andy Cannizzaro, Ben Kozlowski, Charlie Manning, Scott Patterson, Kevin Reese, Sean Henn.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Yankees Pick Up Bobby Abreu's 2008 Option
The Yankees have officialy exercised Bobby Abreu's 2008 team option. No surprise here, but none the less still a good move for the Yankees and Cashman. Although not the player he once was, Bobby Abreu is still a very good hitter and can still play a fairly decent right field. I'm glad it is only for one year, as I think that this will be the final worthwhile season for the thirty three year old Abreu.
2007 Stats: .283 BA, 16 home runs, 101 rbi, .369 obp
Predicted 2008 Stats: .278 BA, 15 home runs, 93 rbi, .369 OBP
Upcoming Milestones:
1000 rbi- Currently has 984
300 stole bases- Currently has 296
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)