As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the shortstops and start with the Boston Red Sox.
Boston's shortstop position was a mess in 2009. They used a combination of Julio Lugo, the re-acquired Alex Gonzalez and a host of utility players to man the position. Following the season GM Theo Epstein opted to pursue free agent shortstops based upon sabermetrics and find a good moneyball player.
1. Marco Scutaro: Scutaro was signed by Boston after posting career highs in several offensive and defensive stats with Toronto in 2009. He had a typical Scutaro year last season, batting a solid .275 without much power and production numbers. He played good defense and was a good number nine hitter, but Scutaro is still nowhere near a star. Epstein has suggested that Scutaro will lose playing time to IF Jed Lowrie in 2011.
2. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder. He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287. Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player. Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there.
3. Yamaico Navarro: Navarro, who came on the scene in 2009 as a top prospect, made his MLB debut last season and was unimpressive, hitting .143 in 42 at-bats. The hype around Navarro has cooled considerably in the past two seasons but he's still in the mix at second base. Ideally, he needs to spend close to a full season at AAA before he's ready to ascend to the Majors, but if 2B Dustin Pedroia or Lowrie spend time on the DL Navarro will be the guy that gets the call.
There is a bit of uncertainty at shortstop for Boston. Scutaro won't provide much more than he did last season - a .285 batting average and 60 RBIs would be a great year from him - and he'll be 35 next year. They still have high hopes for Lowrie but he hasn't broken out yet and might be better as a utility player. Navarro is still in the mix but he'll be at AAA and is as much in the mix at second as he is at short. Overall, the shortstop position should be average for the Red Sox.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Cashman Wants out as Yankees GM
New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman wants out due to his lack of responsibility and authority in his role. Cashman, long rumored to be nothing more than a glorified beer salesman in the Yankees hierarchy, publicly announced that he would treat free agent SS Derek Jeter the way he should have been treated based upon his stats, Shortly thereafter, co-owner Hal Steinbrenner overruled Cashman and signed Jeter to a massively overpaid four-year contract. Recently Cashman also intimated that he did not plan to sign RHP Rafael Soriano to a three-year, $35 million contract due to questions about his ability to handle the New York market before again being overruled by Hal. Also, Cashman has claimed that he considers the Boston Red Sox to be a superior team to the Yankees currently due to mismanagement of the franchise by the Steinbrenner family.
Hal has denied these "rumors" despite the fact that Cashman has spoken publicly about them.
It looks like Cashman's reign as the figure head shot caller is coming to an end. Too bad, it looked like he was finally starting to become wise to the strange game of baseball.
Hal has denied these "rumors" despite the fact that Cashman has spoken publicly about them.
It looks like Cashman's reign as the figure head shot caller is coming to an end. Too bad, it looked like he was finally starting to become wise to the strange game of baseball.
Dickey gets two-year deal
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with RHP R. A. Dickey on a two-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed, but Dickey is probably earning somewhere around $1 million per year based on the figures exchanged during the arbitration process.
Dickey, a knucleballer, had a career year last season at the age of 35. The Mets were reluctant to give Dickey a multi year deal due to his age and because of the fear that his 2010 season may have been a flash in the pan.
This is to be expected in arbitration hearings these days. Th player typically gets a contract favorable to him due to mutual reluctance to go to a hearing. The Mets are hoping that Dickey can duplicate last season's success over the next two seasons, or that he can at least provide a season somewhere between last season and his prior career numbers.
Dickey, a knucleballer, had a career year last season at the age of 35. The Mets were reluctant to give Dickey a multi year deal due to his age and because of the fear that his 2010 season may have been a flash in the pan.
This is to be expected in arbitration hearings these days. Th player typically gets a contract favorable to him due to mutual reluctance to go to a hearing. The Mets are hoping that Dickey can duplicate last season's success over the next two seasons, or that he can at least provide a season somewhere between last season and his prior career numbers.
Wilpon Looking to sell Mets
New York Mets owner Fred Wilpon announced yesterday that he is considering selling a 20 to 25 percent share of the team. The announcement comes in the wake of the Bernie Madoff ponzi scheme. Enveloped in the ponzi scheme was several million dollars from Sterling Enterprises, Wilpon's real estate enterprise (the Mets are under the Sterling umbrella), and several million dollars of Wilpon's personal income. Initial estimates suggested that - all told - Wilpon lost somewhere between $200 million and $400 million.
The Mets have recently employed a moneyball formula and are undergoing a transformation similar to the one undergone by the Oakland Athletics in 1995, suggesting that the team is financially crippled, at least to some degree. Since the hiring of GM Sandy Alderson rumors have been swirling that Wilpon lost substantially more than what was originally estimated. The figures are nowhere near precise, but the rumor is that he lost well over $1 billion.
Underneath all of these rumors of loss is a lawsuit brought by former Sterling Trustee Irving Picard. Picard was financially ruined due to mismanagement by Sterling in the ponzi scheme and is seeking $1 billion in the suit. His assertion is that Wilpon and Sterling profited a combined $48 million as a result of the scheme by withdrawing their money before the shit hit the fan. The lawsuit was largely ignored for a long time as the assumption was that Wilpon was suffering financially. But the lawsuit is starting to gain steam now. It appears that Picard's assertion may be the correct one.
There is wide speculation that Wilpon is now selling shares because he plans to lose a large sum of money in the Picard suit. Picard probably won't get anywhere near the billion he's asking for, but he may very well get hundreds of millions if the courts rule in his favor. The Mets are worth over $800 million, so a one-quarter share would probably yield the amount of money likely to be awarded Picard.
Taking on a partner is not unprecedented for Wilpon as far as his baseball career is concerned. He co-owned the team with publishing magnate Nelson Doubleday Jr. for 25 years.
Named in the suit are Wilpon, the real estate media mogul and billionaire who owns Sterling Enterprises and the New York Mets. Wilpon is believed to have invested large sums of his personal income into the Madoff scheme. Also named is Saul Katz, who oversees Sterling Enterprises (Katz is also Wilpon's brother-in-law). Katz is believed to have invested large sums of money which belonged to Sterling into the scheme. Not named in the suit is Mets COO Jeff Wilpon (Fred's son). Jeff's only responsibility is overseeing the Mets and he has no further obligations in the Sterling umbrella.
If Picard is incorrect but still manages to win his suit then Fred would be $2 million in the hole. If that is true, he may be forced to sell the entire team.
In 2010 Jeff Wilpon announced a plan to purchase the New York Islanders and move them to Queens. With the questions regarding the Wilpon family finances those plans are probably now on hold. Sorry Solly.
The Mets have recently employed a moneyball formula and are undergoing a transformation similar to the one undergone by the Oakland Athletics in 1995, suggesting that the team is financially crippled, at least to some degree. Since the hiring of GM Sandy Alderson rumors have been swirling that Wilpon lost substantially more than what was originally estimated. The figures are nowhere near precise, but the rumor is that he lost well over $1 billion.
Underneath all of these rumors of loss is a lawsuit brought by former Sterling Trustee Irving Picard. Picard was financially ruined due to mismanagement by Sterling in the ponzi scheme and is seeking $1 billion in the suit. His assertion is that Wilpon and Sterling profited a combined $48 million as a result of the scheme by withdrawing their money before the shit hit the fan. The lawsuit was largely ignored for a long time as the assumption was that Wilpon was suffering financially. But the lawsuit is starting to gain steam now. It appears that Picard's assertion may be the correct one.
There is wide speculation that Wilpon is now selling shares because he plans to lose a large sum of money in the Picard suit. Picard probably won't get anywhere near the billion he's asking for, but he may very well get hundreds of millions if the courts rule in his favor. The Mets are worth over $800 million, so a one-quarter share would probably yield the amount of money likely to be awarded Picard.
Taking on a partner is not unprecedented for Wilpon as far as his baseball career is concerned. He co-owned the team with publishing magnate Nelson Doubleday Jr. for 25 years.
Named in the suit are Wilpon, the real estate media mogul and billionaire who owns Sterling Enterprises and the New York Mets. Wilpon is believed to have invested large sums of his personal income into the Madoff scheme. Also named is Saul Katz, who oversees Sterling Enterprises (Katz is also Wilpon's brother-in-law). Katz is believed to have invested large sums of money which belonged to Sterling into the scheme. Not named in the suit is Mets COO Jeff Wilpon (Fred's son). Jeff's only responsibility is overseeing the Mets and he has no further obligations in the Sterling umbrella.
If Picard is incorrect but still manages to win his suit then Fred would be $2 million in the hole. If that is true, he may be forced to sell the entire team.
In 2010 Jeff Wilpon announced a plan to purchase the New York Islanders and move them to Queens. With the questions regarding the Wilpon family finances those plans are probably now on hold. Sorry Solly.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Yankees Third Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the third basemen and go on with the New York Yankees.
The Yankees were set with 3B Aaron Boone after the 2003 season. He'd had a good year, especially after being picked up mid season via trade from the Cincinnati Reds. He was a postseason hero after a Series clinching home run in extra innings to beat the Red Sox and advance to the World Series. He was a good fielder. Then Boone blew out his knee playing pick up basketball in the off season. He was lost for the year. The Yankees had no third baseman. Then they traded 2B Alfonso Soriano to the Texas Rangers.
1. Alex Rodriguez: A-Rod has been a stud on the field since the Yankees picked him up. Off the field, well, that's a different story. He's gone through a messy divorce, dated several high profile actresses, has been a constant media distraction, and has admitted to using steroids while with the Texas Rangers. Some people think he's clean. Why? There's no reason to believe he is. There's no test for Human Growth Hormone and in order to link him to that performance enhancing drug a paper trail must be produced. So there's no reason why a guy like A-Rod (or any other PED user) should stop using. But if the Yankees can deal with A-Rod's off-field tifts then they should be fine at third. Last season he belted 30 homers and drove in 125 runs. He's a mediocre fielder at third and his defense probably won't get any better, but he's still capable. He'll be 35 and he may start to decline, but the decline should be gradual at first.
2. Eduardo Nunez: Nunez is a top shortstop prospect who was named by LeRoy as an up-and-comer in the Yankees organization. He has a chance to battle in Spring Training for a role as a utility player but is probably better suited getting regular at-bats in the Minors. It's too bad that he's blocked by 2B Robinson Cano, A-Rod, and SS Derek Jeter on the Yankee infield because he's ready to step up and contribute at the Major League level. He could be used as trade bait mid season when the Yankees run out of pitching.
3. Ramiro Pena: Pena will begin his third season as the team's utility player. He's a natural shortstop and hasn't played much second base thus far. Last season he played primarily third base and will continue to back up at short with the aging Jeter. A-Rod will start most of the time, but Pena will probably be his understudy and spell him when he needs a day off. Pena's a suitable utility man but don't expect anything extra from him, he only batted .227 last season.
4. Brandon Laird: Laird is a top prospect in the Yankees organization and is getting a look in Spring Training. Laird's a top prospect for a reason. Last season he blasted 25 homers and drove in 102 runs before being named the MVP of the Eastern League. He needs another year in the Minors, but the Yankees are starting to get a look at the future after A-Rod at third base. A mid season trade for pitching would probably yield a big return for Laird, and the Yankees figure to be about dry by July.
Overall, the Yankees look strong at third base. If you can deal with A-Rod's baggage then you've got a stud at third base. There's plenty of depth at the position too, as either Nunez or Pena figures to be on the Major League roster and the other on call in AAA. And you couldn't ask for a much better prospect than Laird.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at third base:
1. Yankees: A-Rod's still the best third baseman in the northeast.
2. Mets: Wright's an absolute stud but not quite on the level of A-Rod.
3. Red Sox: Youkilis is a good player and will hit .300 but is not in the league of either Wright or A-Rod.
The Yankees were set with 3B Aaron Boone after the 2003 season. He'd had a good year, especially after being picked up mid season via trade from the Cincinnati Reds. He was a postseason hero after a Series clinching home run in extra innings to beat the Red Sox and advance to the World Series. He was a good fielder. Then Boone blew out his knee playing pick up basketball in the off season. He was lost for the year. The Yankees had no third baseman. Then they traded 2B Alfonso Soriano to the Texas Rangers.
1. Alex Rodriguez: A-Rod has been a stud on the field since the Yankees picked him up. Off the field, well, that's a different story. He's gone through a messy divorce, dated several high profile actresses, has been a constant media distraction, and has admitted to using steroids while with the Texas Rangers. Some people think he's clean. Why? There's no reason to believe he is. There's no test for Human Growth Hormone and in order to link him to that performance enhancing drug a paper trail must be produced. So there's no reason why a guy like A-Rod (or any other PED user) should stop using. But if the Yankees can deal with A-Rod's off-field tifts then they should be fine at third. Last season he belted 30 homers and drove in 125 runs. He's a mediocre fielder at third and his defense probably won't get any better, but he's still capable. He'll be 35 and he may start to decline, but the decline should be gradual at first.
2. Eduardo Nunez: Nunez is a top shortstop prospect who was named by LeRoy as an up-and-comer in the Yankees organization. He has a chance to battle in Spring Training for a role as a utility player but is probably better suited getting regular at-bats in the Minors. It's too bad that he's blocked by 2B Robinson Cano, A-Rod, and SS Derek Jeter on the Yankee infield because he's ready to step up and contribute at the Major League level. He could be used as trade bait mid season when the Yankees run out of pitching.
3. Ramiro Pena: Pena will begin his third season as the team's utility player. He's a natural shortstop and hasn't played much second base thus far. Last season he played primarily third base and will continue to back up at short with the aging Jeter. A-Rod will start most of the time, but Pena will probably be his understudy and spell him when he needs a day off. Pena's a suitable utility man but don't expect anything extra from him, he only batted .227 last season.
4. Brandon Laird: Laird is a top prospect in the Yankees organization and is getting a look in Spring Training. Laird's a top prospect for a reason. Last season he blasted 25 homers and drove in 102 runs before being named the MVP of the Eastern League. He needs another year in the Minors, but the Yankees are starting to get a look at the future after A-Rod at third base. A mid season trade for pitching would probably yield a big return for Laird, and the Yankees figure to be about dry by July.
Overall, the Yankees look strong at third base. If you can deal with A-Rod's baggage then you've got a stud at third base. There's plenty of depth at the position too, as either Nunez or Pena figures to be on the Major League roster and the other on call in AAA. And you couldn't ask for a much better prospect than Laird.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at third base:
1. Yankees: A-Rod's still the best third baseman in the northeast.
2. Mets: Wright's an absolute stud but not quite on the level of A-Rod.
3. Red Sox: Youkilis is a good player and will hit .300 but is not in the league of either Wright or A-Rod.
Cashman's role hasn't Changed
After several years serving as a figurehead General Manager under the ubercontrol of the Steinbrenner family, GM Brian Cashman's role hasn't changed with the New York Yankees. Long rumored to have little or no authority in the major decision making that takes place in the Yankees front office aside form holding press conferences and making statements to the media in a purely ceremonial position, Cashman has been the butt of jokes of sportswriters for years, primarily because most Yankees fans consider him to be a great GM, which is the real joke here.
The joke which most disturbed Cashman was made by sportswriter Ken Rosenthal in a column following the Yankees 2003 loss to the Florida Marlins in six games in the World Series. Rosenthal, now employed by FOX Sports as an Internet writer and sideline reporter and by MLB Network as a studio analyst was writing for the Sporting News then, when he wrote a column previewing the upcoming 2004 season for the Yankees. In it, he made a jibe about Cashman seen hawking beer in the right field seats with the late George Steinbrenner commenting that "his role hasn't changed." Cashman demanded a public apology which Rosenthal refused, and it was later discovered that Cashman selling beer had long been a joke among New York sportswriters due to his lack of actual responsibility with the team.
Recently, the rumors became true. Cashman served as a celebrity bartender at Foley's in New York City in a fundraiser meant to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness. It was a good effort for a good cause Brian, but don't expect those jokes about you hawking beer to stop anytime soon. Tell Hank and Hal to fuck off and go make a trade or something.
The joke which most disturbed Cashman was made by sportswriter Ken Rosenthal in a column following the Yankees 2003 loss to the Florida Marlins in six games in the World Series. Rosenthal, now employed by FOX Sports as an Internet writer and sideline reporter and by MLB Network as a studio analyst was writing for the Sporting News then, when he wrote a column previewing the upcoming 2004 season for the Yankees. In it, he made a jibe about Cashman seen hawking beer in the right field seats with the late George Steinbrenner commenting that "his role hasn't changed." Cashman demanded a public apology which Rosenthal refused, and it was later discovered that Cashman selling beer had long been a joke among New York sportswriters due to his lack of actual responsibility with the team.
Recently, the rumors became true. Cashman served as a celebrity bartender at Foley's in New York City in a fundraiser meant to raise money for prostate cancer research and awareness. It was a good effort for a good cause Brian, but don't expect those jokes about you hawking beer to stop anytime soon. Tell Hank and Hal to fuck off and go make a trade or something.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Mets Third Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the third basemen and go on with the New York Mets.
3B Ty Wigginton was never a top prospect in the Mets system, despite the fact that he was a perennial power hitter at virtually every stop in the Minors. But when he got to the Majors it became apparent that he was one of the most promising young players in the National League. Unfortunately for Wigginton he continued to blend in with the rest of the Mets system, even at the Major League level, and was traded to Pittsburgh. There could be some regret on the part of the Mets, Wigginton has had a terrific career and has evolved into an All-Star. But the Mets have had no problems at third in that time.
1. David Wright: Wright burst onto the scene in 2004 and starred in his first full season in 2005. He continued that trend in 2010, hitting 29 homers and driving in 103 runs and conquering spacious Citi Field in the process. Wright's fielding has been suspect at times as well. He's been known to make great plays on a fairly routine basis, but he also has had errors pile up on him as well, committing 20 last year. The Mets should expect another big year from Wright next season and are hoping that he can get his batting average back up toward .300 and that he can become a base stealer again.
2. Luis Hernandez: Hernandez is competing for a job as a utility player and is also in the never ending mix of players competing at second base. A natural shortstop, he only played two games at third base last season (both in the Majors). Hernandez has had a good amount of experience as a Major League utility player and was the starting second baseman for the Mets for a time last season. He did a good job in an extremely limited amount of time last season, hitting .250 and playing second, third, and short. His defensive versatility has never been questioned, but historically that has been his strong point. The Mets shouldn't expect him to provide much more than good defense should he win a job on the team. Right now, though, he's the front runner to be the understudy to Wright.
3. Brad Emaus: Emaus is a Rule V Draftee from Toronto so if he doesn't stick with the team he must be returned or have his contract bought out for $25,000, which gives him something of an edge. Emaus is a natural third baseman who was converted into a second baseman and was reconverted into a third baseman last season. He can't play shortstop so he's not a candidate to win a job as a utility player although he's in the second base competition of course. Emaus may not be around for very long as he's not a favorite to stick with the team.
4. Zach Lutz: Lutz is a guy who has come up through the Mets system and has never been a top prospect. Still, the Mets liked him enough to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Lutz needs a full season at AAA before he's ready for the Majors but he figures to be a strong candidate to get a September call-up. If Wright suffers an injury he could be the internal answer at third base.
Wright is one of the premium third basemen in the National League. Barring an injury the Mets should be set there. They have decent - but not great - depth at third, with Hernandez, Emaus, and Lutz in the mix, none of whom are favorites to make the team. Still, Wright is historically durable and the position should be a strength for the Mets.
3B Ty Wigginton was never a top prospect in the Mets system, despite the fact that he was a perennial power hitter at virtually every stop in the Minors. But when he got to the Majors it became apparent that he was one of the most promising young players in the National League. Unfortunately for Wigginton he continued to blend in with the rest of the Mets system, even at the Major League level, and was traded to Pittsburgh. There could be some regret on the part of the Mets, Wigginton has had a terrific career and has evolved into an All-Star. But the Mets have had no problems at third in that time.
1. David Wright: Wright burst onto the scene in 2004 and starred in his first full season in 2005. He continued that trend in 2010, hitting 29 homers and driving in 103 runs and conquering spacious Citi Field in the process. Wright's fielding has been suspect at times as well. He's been known to make great plays on a fairly routine basis, but he also has had errors pile up on him as well, committing 20 last year. The Mets should expect another big year from Wright next season and are hoping that he can get his batting average back up toward .300 and that he can become a base stealer again.
2. Luis Hernandez: Hernandez is competing for a job as a utility player and is also in the never ending mix of players competing at second base. A natural shortstop, he only played two games at third base last season (both in the Majors). Hernandez has had a good amount of experience as a Major League utility player and was the starting second baseman for the Mets for a time last season. He did a good job in an extremely limited amount of time last season, hitting .250 and playing second, third, and short. His defensive versatility has never been questioned, but historically that has been his strong point. The Mets shouldn't expect him to provide much more than good defense should he win a job on the team. Right now, though, he's the front runner to be the understudy to Wright.
3. Brad Emaus: Emaus is a Rule V Draftee from Toronto so if he doesn't stick with the team he must be returned or have his contract bought out for $25,000, which gives him something of an edge. Emaus is a natural third baseman who was converted into a second baseman and was reconverted into a third baseman last season. He can't play shortstop so he's not a candidate to win a job as a utility player although he's in the second base competition of course. Emaus may not be around for very long as he's not a favorite to stick with the team.
4. Zach Lutz: Lutz is a guy who has come up through the Mets system and has never been a top prospect. Still, the Mets liked him enough to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Lutz needs a full season at AAA before he's ready for the Majors but he figures to be a strong candidate to get a September call-up. If Wright suffers an injury he could be the internal answer at third base.
Wright is one of the premium third basemen in the National League. Barring an injury the Mets should be set there. They have decent - but not great - depth at third, with Hernandez, Emaus, and Lutz in the mix, none of whom are favorites to make the team. Still, Wright is historically durable and the position should be a strength for the Mets.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Yankees sign Colon
The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with RHP Bartolo Colon on a minor league contract and invited him to Spring Training. Colon did not pitch last season. The Yankees signed him based upon his performance this offseason in the Puerto Rican Winter League. He is expected to compete for a job in the Yankees rotation.
This is just another sign of how thin the Yankees rotation actually is. Colon, now 37, hasn't produced a full season of starts in six seasons and is well past his prime. The odds of Colon sticking with the team (or the organization for that matter) after Spring camp are low, but his sheer presence should be a sign of concern for Yankees fans.
This is just another sign of how thin the Yankees rotation actually is. Colon, now 37, hasn't produced a full season of starts in six seasons and is well past his prime. The odds of Colon sticking with the team (or the organization for that matter) after Spring camp are low, but his sheer presence should be a sign of concern for Yankees fans.
Red Sox Third Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the third basemen and start with the Boston Red Sox.
When the Red Sox got 3B Mike Lowell in the RHP Josh Beckett trade it appeared that he was simply a throw-in on the part of the Florida Marlins. But Lowell exceeded expectations in Boston and became a fan favorite. He overstayed his welcome last season (which wasn't really his fault as he was all set to go to Texas) but was admirably replaced by 3B Adrian Beltre. Beltre's gone now, but Boston's new third baseman was on their roster the whole time.
1. Kevin Youkilis: Youkilis has been Boston's first baseman since 2006 but he's moving back to his natural position now. There's a question about his defense, but Youkilis has stayed fresh at third over the years by taking ground balls there and getting into games at the hot corner at least a couple times a year. In fact, he played 63 games at third in 2008. Youkilis won't be flawless, though, and he may be a little rusty at first. Expect him to focus on third in the first half, but if all goes well he could be playing multiple positions later in the season, particularly first base where he can give 1B Adrian Gonzalez a rest down the stretch. Youkilis is a stud at the plate. He batted .307 last season.
2. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder. He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287. Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player. GM Theo Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with SS Marco Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there, but he'll be Youk's understudy at third as well. Expect Lowrie to get a lot of playing time as a late defensive replacement at third early on.
The Red Sox don't have a lot of depth at third as they have no veterans at AAA (yet) and they don't have any prospects anywhere near the Majors. But Youkilis is a stud and Lowrie may be able to fill in large chunks of time if he is injured. The biggest question is Youk's defense but they should be able to counter that with Lowrie in tow. Overall, third should be a strength for the Red Sox.
When the Red Sox got 3B Mike Lowell in the RHP Josh Beckett trade it appeared that he was simply a throw-in on the part of the Florida Marlins. But Lowell exceeded expectations in Boston and became a fan favorite. He overstayed his welcome last season (which wasn't really his fault as he was all set to go to Texas) but was admirably replaced by 3B Adrian Beltre. Beltre's gone now, but Boston's new third baseman was on their roster the whole time.
1. Kevin Youkilis: Youkilis has been Boston's first baseman since 2006 but he's moving back to his natural position now. There's a question about his defense, but Youkilis has stayed fresh at third over the years by taking ground balls there and getting into games at the hot corner at least a couple times a year. In fact, he played 63 games at third in 2008. Youkilis won't be flawless, though, and he may be a little rusty at first. Expect him to focus on third in the first half, but if all goes well he could be playing multiple positions later in the season, particularly first base where he can give 1B Adrian Gonzalez a rest down the stretch. Youkilis is a stud at the plate. He batted .307 last season.
2. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder. He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287. Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player. GM Theo Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with SS Marco Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there, but he'll be Youk's understudy at third as well. Expect Lowrie to get a lot of playing time as a late defensive replacement at third early on.
The Red Sox don't have a lot of depth at third as they have no veterans at AAA (yet) and they don't have any prospects anywhere near the Majors. But Youkilis is a stud and Lowrie may be able to fill in large chunks of time if he is injured. The biggest question is Youk's defense but they should be able to counter that with Lowrie in tow. Overall, third should be a strength for the Red Sox.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Yankees Second Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the second basemen and go on with the New York Yankees.
No one ever knew what the ramifications of acquiring 3B Aaron Boone in 2003 would accomplish. When he blew out his knee playing pickup basketball and was lost for the season in 2004 the Yankees acquired IF Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers. In order to complete the deal they had to pick up a hefty amount of A-Rod's salary, and they had to deal All-Star 2B Alfonso Soriano. It seemed as if the Yankees would be lost at second base, but wound up getting good production from 2B Miguel Cairo in the interim and eventually handed the job over to the farm system in 2005.
1. Robinson Cano: Cano came on the scene as a top prospect in 2003, though, remarkably, he was unknown to most Yankees fans, primarily because he wasn't a top draft pick and didn't command a six or seven figure signing bonus when signed out of the Dominican Republic. Since then, he has blossomed into an All-Star, batting .319 with 29 homers, 109 runs batted in and three stolen bases. There's no chance of him losing the job at second.
2. Ramiro Pena: Pena will begin his third season as the team's utility player. He's a natural shortstop and hasn't played much second base thus far. Last season he played primarily third base and will continue to back up at short with the aging Derek Jeter. Cano will start most of the time, but Pena will be his understudy and spell him when he needs a day off. Pena's a suitable utility man but don't expect anything extra from him, he only batted .227 last season.
3. Eduardo Nunez: Nunez is a top shortstop prospect who was named by LeRoy as an up-and-comer in the Yankees organization. He has a chance to battle Pena in Spring Training for the role of utility player but is probably better suited getting regular at-bats in the Minors. It's too bad that he's blocked by Cano, A-Rod, and Jeter on the Yankee infield because he's ready to step up and contribute at the Major League level. He could be used as trade bait midseason when the Yankees run out of pitching.
4. Reegie Corona: Corona is not a top prospect in the Yankees organization. Rather, he's a guy that they added to the 40-man roster to protect from the Rule V Draft - and for good reason; Corona was taken in the Rule V Draft by the mariners in 2008. They returned him when they cut him from their active roster in Spring Training, but the Yankees learned their lesson. Corona spent all of last season at AAA and only batted .238. He's probably better suited for a role as a utility player and at this point in time could probably handle that role mentally better than Nunez. If Pena is ineffective or suffers an injury he could be replaced by Corona.
With Cano available to play full-time the Yankees appear to be strong at second base. Barring an injury, they should be. Cano's numbers have skyrocketed since moving into tiny new Yankee Stadium, but the runs all count the same during the course of the regular season. Ramiro Pena is a suitable backup and their depth is pretty good with top-prospect Nunez in the fold and Corona slumming at AAA.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at second base:
1. Yankees: Cano's a bona fide star.
2. Red Sox: Pedroia's good but coming off an injury-riddled season.
3. Mets: What a mess.
No one ever knew what the ramifications of acquiring 3B Aaron Boone in 2003 would accomplish. When he blew out his knee playing pickup basketball and was lost for the season in 2004 the Yankees acquired IF Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers. In order to complete the deal they had to pick up a hefty amount of A-Rod's salary, and they had to deal All-Star 2B Alfonso Soriano. It seemed as if the Yankees would be lost at second base, but wound up getting good production from 2B Miguel Cairo in the interim and eventually handed the job over to the farm system in 2005.
1. Robinson Cano: Cano came on the scene as a top prospect in 2003, though, remarkably, he was unknown to most Yankees fans, primarily because he wasn't a top draft pick and didn't command a six or seven figure signing bonus when signed out of the Dominican Republic. Since then, he has blossomed into an All-Star, batting .319 with 29 homers, 109 runs batted in and three stolen bases. There's no chance of him losing the job at second.
2. Ramiro Pena: Pena will begin his third season as the team's utility player. He's a natural shortstop and hasn't played much second base thus far. Last season he played primarily third base and will continue to back up at short with the aging Derek Jeter. Cano will start most of the time, but Pena will be his understudy and spell him when he needs a day off. Pena's a suitable utility man but don't expect anything extra from him, he only batted .227 last season.
3. Eduardo Nunez: Nunez is a top shortstop prospect who was named by LeRoy as an up-and-comer in the Yankees organization. He has a chance to battle Pena in Spring Training for the role of utility player but is probably better suited getting regular at-bats in the Minors. It's too bad that he's blocked by Cano, A-Rod, and Jeter on the Yankee infield because he's ready to step up and contribute at the Major League level. He could be used as trade bait midseason when the Yankees run out of pitching.
4. Reegie Corona: Corona is not a top prospect in the Yankees organization. Rather, he's a guy that they added to the 40-man roster to protect from the Rule V Draft - and for good reason; Corona was taken in the Rule V Draft by the mariners in 2008. They returned him when they cut him from their active roster in Spring Training, but the Yankees learned their lesson. Corona spent all of last season at AAA and only batted .238. He's probably better suited for a role as a utility player and at this point in time could probably handle that role mentally better than Nunez. If Pena is ineffective or suffers an injury he could be replaced by Corona.
With Cano available to play full-time the Yankees appear to be strong at second base. Barring an injury, they should be. Cano's numbers have skyrocketed since moving into tiny new Yankee Stadium, but the runs all count the same during the course of the regular season. Ramiro Pena is a suitable backup and their depth is pretty good with top-prospect Nunez in the fold and Corona slumming at AAA.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at second base:
1. Yankees: Cano's a bona fide star.
2. Red Sox: Pedroia's good but coming off an injury-riddled season.
3. Mets: What a mess.
Monday, January 24, 2011
2011 Top Prospect Alert
The 2011 top prospects have been named. Several publications list top prospects, but the most-respected list belongs to Baseball America. Their top prospects for the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees:
Boston Red Sox:
1. RHP Casey Kelly: 3-5, 5.31 ERA, 0 S, 81 K (AA)
2. SS Jose Iglesias: .316, 16 HR, 100 RBI, 9 SB (NCAA, A-, AA)
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo: .260, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 10 SB (A+, AA)
4. RHP Anthony Ranaudo: 5-3, 7.32 ERA, 0 S, 54 K (NCAA)
5. LHP Drake Britton: 2-3, 2.97 ERA, 0 S, 78 K (A)
6. OF Raymond Fuentes: .270, 5 HR, 41 RBI, 42 SB (A)
7. OF Josh Reddick: .257, 19 HR, 70 RBI, 5 SB (AAA, MLB)
8. LHP Felix Doubront: 10-5, 3.17 ERA, 2 S, 95 K (AA, AAA, MLB)
9. RHP Stolmy Pimentel: 9-11, 4.06 ERA, 0 S, 102 K (A+)
10. 3B Garin Cecchini: DID NOT PLAY
11. OF Che-Hsuan Lin: .275, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 26 SB (AA)
12. OF Felix Sanchez: .318, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 38 SB (A-, A)
13. RHP Alex Wilson: 6-6, 5.35, 0 S, 106 K (A+, AA)
14. RHP Chris Balcom-Miller: 7-7, 3.32 ERA, 0 S, 120 K (A)
15. C Tim Federowicz: .253, 4 HR, 61 RBI, 1 SB (A+)
16. 3B Will Middlebrooks: .276, 12 HR, 70 RBI, 5 SB (A+)
New York Mets:
1. RHP Jenrry Mejia: 2-4, 2.89 ERA, 0 S, 67 K (R, A+, AA, AAA, MLB)
2. SS Wilmer Flores: .289, 11 HR, 84 RBI, 4 SB (A, A+)
3. OF Cesar Puello: .292, 1 HR, 34 RBI, 45 SB (A)
4. RHP Matt Harvey: 8-3, 3.09 ERA, 0 S, 102 K (NCAA)
5. OF Kirk Niewenhuis: .274, 18 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB (AA, AAA)
6. 2B Reese Havens: .312, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 0 SB (A+, AA)
7. OF/1B Lucas Duda: .287, 27 HR, 100 RBI, 1 SB (AA, AAA, MLB)
8. OF Fernando Martinez: .248, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 1 SB (A+, AAA, MLB)
9. 3B Aderlin Rodriguez: .300, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 3 SB (R, A)
10. RHP Brad Holt: 3-14, 8.34 ERA, 0 S, 87 K (A+, AA)
11. IF Brad Emaus: .290, 15 HR, 75 RBI, 13 SB (AA, AAA)
12. OF ZeErika McQueen: .257, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 15 SB (R, A-)
13. RHP Jeurys Familia: 5-9, 5.58 ERA, 0 S, 137 K (A+)
14. RHP Dillon Gee: 15-10, 4.50 ERA, 0 S, 182 K (AAA, MLB)
15. C Kai Gronauer: .291, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 4 SB (A, A+)
16. SS Wilfredo Tovar: .266, 0 HR, 29 RBI, 12 SB (A-, A, A+)
New York Yankees:
1. C Jesus Montero: .278, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 1 SB (R, AAA)
2. C Gary Sanchez: .329, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 2 SB (R, A-)
3. RHP Dellin Betances: 8-1, 2.12 ERA, 0 S, 108 K (A+, AA)
4. LHP Manny Banuelos: 0-4, 2.53 ERA, 0 S, 85 K (R, A+, AA)
5. RHP Andrew Brackman: 10-11, 3.92 ERA, 0 S, 126 K (A+, AA)
6. C Austin Romine: .268, 10 HR, 69 RBI, 2 SB (AA)
7. RHP Hector Noesi: 14-7, 3.32, 0 S, 153 K (A+, AA, AAA)
8. SS/2B Eduardo Nunez: .288, 5 HR, 57 RBI, 28 SB (AAA, MLB)
9. OF Slade Heathcott: .258, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 15 SB (A)
10. 3B Brandon Laird: .281, 25 HR, 102 RBI, 2 SB (AA, AAA)
11. 2B David Adams: .309, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 5 SB (AA)
12. OF Mason Williams: .222, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB (R)
13. OF Melky Mesa: .260, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 31 SB (A+)
14. RHP David Phelps: 10-2, 2.51 ERA, 0 S, 141 K (AA, AAA)
15. RHP Jose Ramirez: 6-5, 3.60 ERA, 0 S, 105 K (A)
Boston Red Sox:
1. RHP Casey Kelly: 3-5, 5.31 ERA, 0 S, 81 K (AA)
2. SS Jose Iglesias: .316, 16 HR, 100 RBI, 9 SB (NCAA, A-, AA)
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo: .260, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 10 SB (A+, AA)
4. RHP Anthony Ranaudo: 5-3, 7.32 ERA, 0 S, 54 K (NCAA)
5. LHP Drake Britton: 2-3, 2.97 ERA, 0 S, 78 K (A)
6. OF Raymond Fuentes: .270, 5 HR, 41 RBI, 42 SB (A)
7. OF Josh Reddick: .257, 19 HR, 70 RBI, 5 SB (AAA, MLB)
8. LHP Felix Doubront: 10-5, 3.17 ERA, 2 S, 95 K (AA, AAA, MLB)
9. RHP Stolmy Pimentel: 9-11, 4.06 ERA, 0 S, 102 K (A+)
10. 3B Garin Cecchini: DID NOT PLAY
11. OF Che-Hsuan Lin: .275, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 26 SB (AA)
12. OF Felix Sanchez: .318, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 38 SB (A-, A)
13. RHP Alex Wilson: 6-6, 5.35, 0 S, 106 K (A+, AA)
14. RHP Chris Balcom-Miller: 7-7, 3.32 ERA, 0 S, 120 K (A)
15. C Tim Federowicz: .253, 4 HR, 61 RBI, 1 SB (A+)
16. 3B Will Middlebrooks: .276, 12 HR, 70 RBI, 5 SB (A+)
New York Mets:
1. RHP Jenrry Mejia: 2-4, 2.89 ERA, 0 S, 67 K (R, A+, AA, AAA, MLB)
2. SS Wilmer Flores: .289, 11 HR, 84 RBI, 4 SB (A, A+)
3. OF Cesar Puello: .292, 1 HR, 34 RBI, 45 SB (A)
4. RHP Matt Harvey: 8-3, 3.09 ERA, 0 S, 102 K (NCAA)
5. OF Kirk Niewenhuis: .274, 18 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB (AA, AAA)
6. 2B Reese Havens: .312, 9 HR, 19 RBI, 0 SB (A+, AA)
7. OF/1B Lucas Duda: .287, 27 HR, 100 RBI, 1 SB (AA, AAA, MLB)
8. OF Fernando Martinez: .248, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 1 SB (A+, AAA, MLB)
9. 3B Aderlin Rodriguez: .300, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 3 SB (R, A)
10. RHP Brad Holt: 3-14, 8.34 ERA, 0 S, 87 K (A+, AA)
11. IF Brad Emaus: .290, 15 HR, 75 RBI, 13 SB (AA, AAA)
12. OF ZeErika McQueen: .257, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 15 SB (R, A-)
13. RHP Jeurys Familia: 5-9, 5.58 ERA, 0 S, 137 K (A+)
14. RHP Dillon Gee: 15-10, 4.50 ERA, 0 S, 182 K (AAA, MLB)
15. C Kai Gronauer: .291, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 4 SB (A, A+)
16. SS Wilfredo Tovar: .266, 0 HR, 29 RBI, 12 SB (A-, A, A+)
New York Yankees:
1. C Jesus Montero: .278, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 1 SB (R, AAA)
2. C Gary Sanchez: .329, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 2 SB (R, A-)
3. RHP Dellin Betances: 8-1, 2.12 ERA, 0 S, 108 K (A+, AA)
4. LHP Manny Banuelos: 0-4, 2.53 ERA, 0 S, 85 K (R, A+, AA)
5. RHP Andrew Brackman: 10-11, 3.92 ERA, 0 S, 126 K (A+, AA)
6. C Austin Romine: .268, 10 HR, 69 RBI, 2 SB (AA)
7. RHP Hector Noesi: 14-7, 3.32, 0 S, 153 K (A+, AA, AAA)
8. SS/2B Eduardo Nunez: .288, 5 HR, 57 RBI, 28 SB (AAA, MLB)
9. OF Slade Heathcott: .258, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 15 SB (A)
10. 3B Brandon Laird: .281, 25 HR, 102 RBI, 2 SB (AA, AAA)
11. 2B David Adams: .309, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 5 SB (AA)
12. OF Mason Williams: .222, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 SB (R)
13. OF Melky Mesa: .260, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 31 SB (A+)
14. RHP David Phelps: 10-2, 2.51 ERA, 0 S, 141 K (AA, AAA)
15. RHP Jose Ramirez: 6-5, 3.60 ERA, 0 S, 105 K (A)
Pat White in Burlington?
It's official: OF Pat White's baseball career is starting to move forward. The Kansas City Royals player has been assigned to the Burlington Royals affiliate of the Appalachian League, a Rookie League based in the southeastern United States.
White's pretty old to be going to the Rookie Leagues, and if he hopes to ever get to the Majors he better not stay there very long. White wasn't a very good football player so the Royals probably won't have a very long leash on a 25-year-old outfielder in a Rookie League.
He was offered a six-figure non-drafted contract by the Angels upon graduating high school and was drafted by the Yankees out of college, but it's been awhile since he last played baseball. At any rate, don't expect to see White in Spring Training this season.
White spent one season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins as a backup quarterback who specialized in the Wildcat Formation. He was compared by some to "a weak Michael Vick" and "Steamin'" Willie Beamen.
White's pretty old to be going to the Rookie Leagues, and if he hopes to ever get to the Majors he better not stay there very long. White wasn't a very good football player so the Royals probably won't have a very long leash on a 25-year-old outfielder in a Rookie League.
He was offered a six-figure non-drafted contract by the Angels upon graduating high school and was drafted by the Yankees out of college, but it's been awhile since he last played baseball. At any rate, don't expect to see White in Spring Training this season.
White spent one season in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins as a backup quarterback who specialized in the Wildcat Formation. He was compared by some to "a weak Michael Vick" and "Steamin'" Willie Beamen.
Mets Second Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the second basemen and go on with the New York Mets.
Most people remember the 2000 New York Mets as the National League pennant winners. But if you were to ask those same people to name the core players on that team, they probably couldn't do it. They'd get C Mike Piazza for sure and probably LHP John Franco (who belongs in the Hall of Fame and carved his legacy out with the Mets), a die hard fan might even get LHP Al Leiter, LHP Mike Hampton, RHP Armando Benitez, 3B Robin Ventura, or 1B Todd Zeile. But one of the most important players on that team was 2B Edgardo Alfonzo, who played impeccable defense and hit 25 home runs to go along with 94 runs batted in and a .300 batting average. Since then, though, the Mets haven't been able to produce a regular second baseman with any consistency. Alfonzo underperformed in 2001 and eventually moved back to third base, 2B Roberto Alomar played a full season in 2002 before being traded away in 2003, and the team went to the playoffs in 2006 with 2B Jose Valentin, but none of those players were very good. Other second baseman the team has used have been Danny Garcia in 2004 (seriously?) and Kazuo Matsui in 2005. Those struggles continue in 2011.
1. Luis Castillo: Castillo played well in 2007 after being acquired in a trade to replace the injured Valentin. In fact, he even played well enough to warrant a new contract after he became a free agent at the end of the year. But he was awarded with a four-year deal, when two years should have been about all he deserved. He has largely underperformed in the first three years of his contract (despite a stellar 2009 campaign) and will be 35 years old in 2011. At this point in time he's still the front runner at second due to strength of contract (a huge factor in Moneyball), but GM Sandy Alderson says that he'll cut him if he under performs in Spring Training. He doesn't like to eat contracts, but, after all, the money's already gone so sitting Castillo for 60 percent of the games would be akin to wasting the $6 million owed him anyways. The thing is, Castillo doesn't really have to win the job at second base in Spring. Moreover, he has to lose the second base job in Spring, and, with the players assembled, that may prove difficult.
2. Daniel Murphy: Contrary to the belief of several Mets fans, there are a couple of things Murphy has never been: A top prospect and a second baseman. Murphy was injured for most of last season due to a knee injury and a major setback suffered during a rehab assignment, only managing to get into 11 games in the Minors (and only two at second base). Murphy is a natural third baseman and played primarily third base until 2008. Since then, he has been converted into a left fielder on the fly in the Majors, been converted into a second baseman in Spring Training in 2009, been reconverted on the fly into a left fielder in the Majors in 2009, been converted on the fly into a first baseman in the Majors in 2009, and is currently being reconverted into a second baseman in Winter Ball. Murphy is a decent line drive hitter with a degree of consistency and he's a lefthanded hitter, and with the de facto versatility he's accrued he may have a good chance to land a job on the bench as a lefthanded bat. The chances of Murphy playing second base next season? Not that good, but probably as good as anyone else playing there too.
3. Ruben Tejada: Tejada emerged as a top shortstop prospect last season but wound up playing a lot of second base (he still played primarily shortstop altogether between AAA and the Mets) for the Mets due to the ineffectiveness of Castillo. But Tejada wasn't very effective either. Simple statistical research indicates that Castillo and Tejada were about even defensively and, as bad as Castillo was (which was pretty fucking bad), Tejada was definitely the worse for wear offensively between the two. Tejada probably is better off suited for a role as a utility infielder in 2011 and the team is lacking in that area, so it makes sense that he'd be used in that role. But, hey, you never know. The Mets have a hole at second base which rivals that of the ozone layer.
4. Justin Turner: Turner was picked up on waivers from Baltimore last season and played a handful of games with the Mets, not impressing very many people in the process. He'll be 26 next season and could stick with the team as a utility infielder as he's ready to advace to the Majors. And guess what, he could probably win the starting job next season, too, with a good Spring.
5. Jordany Valdespin: Valdespin has never been a top prospect with the Mets but he impressed them enough that they added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Valdespin will probably need close to a full season at AA before he's ready but he's a good fielder and if he can bat .245 in the Majors he might just be the man with the plan at second base for the Mets. He'll probably get looked at for the utility player role too.
6. Russ Adams: Adams is a former first round draft pick, top prospect, and starting shortstop for the Blue Jays. He played last season with the Mets at AAA where he was converted into a second baseman. Adams didn't really play well last season, but he impressed enough people to convince them to bring him back for a second go-round. He'll compete for a role as a utility player and he'll get looked at to play second base as well. As a former everyday Major Leaguer, he might actually have a decent shot at winning the job. He might not stick with the organization past Spring Training, but he'll have a shot at a renaissance with the Mets during that time.
The players listed above are only the frontrunners in this debacle. This is worse than the 2006 Republican Presidential Primary Election was, with a seemingly endless list of candidates and none who appear to be capable of doing the job. I'm almost tempted to hit ground balls to Alan Keyes and Fred D. Thompson and see if either one of them is interested in trying out for the Mets. Also competing in the clusterfuck to second base are 3B Brad Emaus (a converted second baseman who is also a Rule V Draft pick), SS Luis Hernandez (a veteran utility infielder), SS Chin-lung Hu (a former top prospect with the Dodgers), OF Scott Hairston (a veteran bench player and converted second baseman), and OF Willie Harris (a non-roster invitee and converted second baseman). Any one of these guys has a shot at winning the job. If you haven't figured it out, the Mets are going down, down, down, at second base.
Most people remember the 2000 New York Mets as the National League pennant winners. But if you were to ask those same people to name the core players on that team, they probably couldn't do it. They'd get C Mike Piazza for sure and probably LHP John Franco (who belongs in the Hall of Fame and carved his legacy out with the Mets), a die hard fan might even get LHP Al Leiter, LHP Mike Hampton, RHP Armando Benitez, 3B Robin Ventura, or 1B Todd Zeile. But one of the most important players on that team was 2B Edgardo Alfonzo, who played impeccable defense and hit 25 home runs to go along with 94 runs batted in and a .300 batting average. Since then, though, the Mets haven't been able to produce a regular second baseman with any consistency. Alfonzo underperformed in 2001 and eventually moved back to third base, 2B Roberto Alomar played a full season in 2002 before being traded away in 2003, and the team went to the playoffs in 2006 with 2B Jose Valentin, but none of those players were very good. Other second baseman the team has used have been Danny Garcia in 2004 (seriously?) and Kazuo Matsui in 2005. Those struggles continue in 2011.
1. Luis Castillo: Castillo played well in 2007 after being acquired in a trade to replace the injured Valentin. In fact, he even played well enough to warrant a new contract after he became a free agent at the end of the year. But he was awarded with a four-year deal, when two years should have been about all he deserved. He has largely underperformed in the first three years of his contract (despite a stellar 2009 campaign) and will be 35 years old in 2011. At this point in time he's still the front runner at second due to strength of contract (a huge factor in Moneyball), but GM Sandy Alderson says that he'll cut him if he under performs in Spring Training. He doesn't like to eat contracts, but, after all, the money's already gone so sitting Castillo for 60 percent of the games would be akin to wasting the $6 million owed him anyways. The thing is, Castillo doesn't really have to win the job at second base in Spring. Moreover, he has to lose the second base job in Spring, and, with the players assembled, that may prove difficult.
2. Daniel Murphy: Contrary to the belief of several Mets fans, there are a couple of things Murphy has never been: A top prospect and a second baseman. Murphy was injured for most of last season due to a knee injury and a major setback suffered during a rehab assignment, only managing to get into 11 games in the Minors (and only two at second base). Murphy is a natural third baseman and played primarily third base until 2008. Since then, he has been converted into a left fielder on the fly in the Majors, been converted into a second baseman in Spring Training in 2009, been reconverted on the fly into a left fielder in the Majors in 2009, been converted on the fly into a first baseman in the Majors in 2009, and is currently being reconverted into a second baseman in Winter Ball. Murphy is a decent line drive hitter with a degree of consistency and he's a lefthanded hitter, and with the de facto versatility he's accrued he may have a good chance to land a job on the bench as a lefthanded bat. The chances of Murphy playing second base next season? Not that good, but probably as good as anyone else playing there too.
3. Ruben Tejada: Tejada emerged as a top shortstop prospect last season but wound up playing a lot of second base (he still played primarily shortstop altogether between AAA and the Mets) for the Mets due to the ineffectiveness of Castillo. But Tejada wasn't very effective either. Simple statistical research indicates that Castillo and Tejada were about even defensively and, as bad as Castillo was (which was pretty fucking bad), Tejada was definitely the worse for wear offensively between the two. Tejada probably is better off suited for a role as a utility infielder in 2011 and the team is lacking in that area, so it makes sense that he'd be used in that role. But, hey, you never know. The Mets have a hole at second base which rivals that of the ozone layer.
4. Justin Turner: Turner was picked up on waivers from Baltimore last season and played a handful of games with the Mets, not impressing very many people in the process. He'll be 26 next season and could stick with the team as a utility infielder as he's ready to advace to the Majors. And guess what, he could probably win the starting job next season, too, with a good Spring.
5. Jordany Valdespin: Valdespin has never been a top prospect with the Mets but he impressed them enough that they added him to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule V Draft. Valdespin will probably need close to a full season at AA before he's ready but he's a good fielder and if he can bat .245 in the Majors he might just be the man with the plan at second base for the Mets. He'll probably get looked at for the utility player role too.
6. Russ Adams: Adams is a former first round draft pick, top prospect, and starting shortstop for the Blue Jays. He played last season with the Mets at AAA where he was converted into a second baseman. Adams didn't really play well last season, but he impressed enough people to convince them to bring him back for a second go-round. He'll compete for a role as a utility player and he'll get looked at to play second base as well. As a former everyday Major Leaguer, he might actually have a decent shot at winning the job. He might not stick with the organization past Spring Training, but he'll have a shot at a renaissance with the Mets during that time.
The players listed above are only the frontrunners in this debacle. This is worse than the 2006 Republican Presidential Primary Election was, with a seemingly endless list of candidates and none who appear to be capable of doing the job. I'm almost tempted to hit ground balls to Alan Keyes and Fred D. Thompson and see if either one of them is interested in trying out for the Mets. Also competing in the clusterfuck to second base are 3B Brad Emaus (a converted second baseman who is also a Rule V Draft pick), SS Luis Hernandez (a veteran utility infielder), SS Chin-lung Hu (a former top prospect with the Dodgers), OF Scott Hairston (a veteran bench player and converted second baseman), and OF Willie Harris (a non-roster invitee and converted second baseman). Any one of these guys has a shot at winning the job. If you haven't figured it out, the Mets are going down, down, down, at second base.
Red Sox Second Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the second basemen and start with the Boston Red Sox.
For several years the Red Sox used a multitude of players at second base, ranging from Jose Offerman to Pokey Reese to Mark Bellhorn. There weren't very many top tier second baseman available through free agency or via trades and Boston's only hope of producing a top-tier second baseman was through their farm system. Luckily for them, that eventually happened and their second base situation is pretty clear for the time being.
1. Dustin Pedroia: Pedroia broke into the Major Leagues in 2006 and underperformed in a short stint, but he took center stage in his official rookie season in 2007. He has a career .305 batting average and has had two 20-steal seasons to go along with a Gold Glove Award. He's a three-time All-Star (including last season) and he projects to age well. He had an injury-shortened season last year and Boston is hoping that he stays healthy in 2011. If he does, they should expect a batting average no lower than .285 with around 15 homers, 80 runs batted in and 20 steals.
2. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder. He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287. Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player. GM Theo Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with SS Marco Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there, but he'll be Pedroia's understudy at second as well.
3. Yamaico Navarro: Navarro, who came on the scene in 2009 as a top prospect, made his MLB debut last season and was unimpressive, hitting .143 in 42 at-bats. The hype around Navarro has cooled considerably in the past two seasons but he's still in the mix at second base. Ideally, he needs to spend close to a full season at AAA before he's ready to ascend to the Majors, but if Pedroia or Lowrie spend time on the DL Navarro will be the guy that gets the call.
4. Oscar Tejeda: Tejeda came on the scene as a top shortstop prospect in 2008 but has faded considerably since then. He isn't close to making the Majors and hasn't played above A-ball (where he was converted to second base last season), but the Red Sox still think highly enough of him to have protected him from the Rule V Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster. He probably won't play above AA this season, but a good showing in the Minors could earn him a September call-up in 2011.
5. Nate Spears: Spears is a 26-year-old whose career has topped out at AAA. The Red Sox are his third organization since being drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore in 2003. He came to Boston last season and regressed to AA but had a breakout in the process, hitting 20 homers and adding 82 runs batted in. Now, he's on Boston's radar. It isn't clear where he fits with the club, or even if he'll stick with the organization after Spring Training, but he's a guy who has caught Boston's eye. He'll probably start the year in AAA again, but this might be a bargain basement find for Boston.
The Red Sox seem set at second base with Pedroia but are somewhat concerned over his injury history. They're pretty strong in reserve with Lowrie, who they still hope can break out and into a star, or at least an everyday player. They feel goo about their depth as well, with guys like Navarro, Tejeda, and Spears. Overall, second base should be a strength for Boston.
For several years the Red Sox used a multitude of players at second base, ranging from Jose Offerman to Pokey Reese to Mark Bellhorn. There weren't very many top tier second baseman available through free agency or via trades and Boston's only hope of producing a top-tier second baseman was through their farm system. Luckily for them, that eventually happened and their second base situation is pretty clear for the time being.
1. Dustin Pedroia: Pedroia broke into the Major Leagues in 2006 and underperformed in a short stint, but he took center stage in his official rookie season in 2007. He has a career .305 batting average and has had two 20-steal seasons to go along with a Gold Glove Award. He's a three-time All-Star (including last season) and he projects to age well. He had an injury-shortened season last year and Boston is hoping that he stays healthy in 2011. If he does, they should expect a batting average no lower than .285 with around 15 homers, 80 runs batted in and 20 steals.
2. Jed Lowrie: Lowrie, a former first round draft pick and top prospect, will start his fourth season as the team's utility infielder. He did a good job last season, playing all four infield positions and batting .287. Lowrie has yet to live up to his expectations after three stellar years in college (although there's still hope that he may break out) and he may be better suited as a utility player. GM Theo Epstein has stated that Lowrie will split time with SS Marco Scutaro and will likely get most of his playing time there, but he'll be Pedroia's understudy at second as well.
3. Yamaico Navarro: Navarro, who came on the scene in 2009 as a top prospect, made his MLB debut last season and was unimpressive, hitting .143 in 42 at-bats. The hype around Navarro has cooled considerably in the past two seasons but he's still in the mix at second base. Ideally, he needs to spend close to a full season at AAA before he's ready to ascend to the Majors, but if Pedroia or Lowrie spend time on the DL Navarro will be the guy that gets the call.
4. Oscar Tejeda: Tejeda came on the scene as a top shortstop prospect in 2008 but has faded considerably since then. He isn't close to making the Majors and hasn't played above A-ball (where he was converted to second base last season), but the Red Sox still think highly enough of him to have protected him from the Rule V Draft by adding him to the 40-man roster. He probably won't play above AA this season, but a good showing in the Minors could earn him a September call-up in 2011.
5. Nate Spears: Spears is a 26-year-old whose career has topped out at AAA. The Red Sox are his third organization since being drafted in the fifth round by Baltimore in 2003. He came to Boston last season and regressed to AA but had a breakout in the process, hitting 20 homers and adding 82 runs batted in. Now, he's on Boston's radar. It isn't clear where he fits with the club, or even if he'll stick with the organization after Spring Training, but he's a guy who has caught Boston's eye. He'll probably start the year in AAA again, but this might be a bargain basement find for Boston.
The Red Sox seem set at second base with Pedroia but are somewhat concerned over his injury history. They're pretty strong in reserve with Lowrie, who they still hope can break out and into a star, or at least an everyday player. They feel goo about their depth as well, with guys like Navarro, Tejeda, and Spears. Overall, second base should be a strength for Boston.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Yankees First Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the first basemen and go on with the New York Yankees.
For several seasons the Yankees had problems at first base, primarily due to the porous defense of 1B/DH Jason Giambi, forcing them to promote or other wise sign weak offensive players like 1B Nick Johnson, 1B Tony Clark, 1B John Olerud, and 1B Tino Martinez. After signing 1B Mark Teixeira as a free agent following the 2008 season, however, those problems are long in the past.
1. Teixeira: Under contract for several more seasons after signing a megadeal, Teixeira isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and the Yankees couldn't be happier. Last season Teixeira batted .256 with 33 home runs, 108 runs batted in and no stolen bases. Unlike Giambi before him, Teixeira is not only sound defensively but has won three Gold Gloves. Barring an injury, no one else is going to start more than ten or 12 games at first this season.
2. Nick Swisher: Swisher will be the team's starting right fielder for the third season in a row and he's been a good player thus far, having back-to-back 29-homer seasons and being named to the American League All-Star team last season. He should focus on playing right field, but he'll be the team's number two option at first.
The Yankees figure to be strong at first this season and there's no reason not to expect another All-Star-caliber, Gold Glove-type of season from Teixeira.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at first base this season:
1. Red Sox: Adrian Gonzalez should have a monster season after moving from spacious Petco Park to tiny Fenway.
2. Yankees: Another typical year from Teixeira will be welcome.
3. Mets: Ike Davis is good and should get better, but he's not on the same level as Gonzalez and Teixeira.
For several seasons the Yankees had problems at first base, primarily due to the porous defense of 1B/DH Jason Giambi, forcing them to promote or other wise sign weak offensive players like 1B Nick Johnson, 1B Tony Clark, 1B John Olerud, and 1B Tino Martinez. After signing 1B Mark Teixeira as a free agent following the 2008 season, however, those problems are long in the past.
1. Teixeira: Under contract for several more seasons after signing a megadeal, Teixeira isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and the Yankees couldn't be happier. Last season Teixeira batted .256 with 33 home runs, 108 runs batted in and no stolen bases. Unlike Giambi before him, Teixeira is not only sound defensively but has won three Gold Gloves. Barring an injury, no one else is going to start more than ten or 12 games at first this season.
2. Nick Swisher: Swisher will be the team's starting right fielder for the third season in a row and he's been a good player thus far, having back-to-back 29-homer seasons and being named to the American League All-Star team last season. He should focus on playing right field, but he'll be the team's number two option at first.
The Yankees figure to be strong at first this season and there's no reason not to expect another All-Star-caliber, Gold Glove-type of season from Teixeira.
Here's how the Red Sox, Mets, and Yankees rank at first base this season:
1. Red Sox: Adrian Gonzalez should have a monster season after moving from spacious Petco Park to tiny Fenway.
2. Yankees: Another typical year from Teixeira will be welcome.
3. Mets: Ike Davis is good and should get better, but he's not on the same level as Gonzalez and Teixeira.
Mets sign Reliever
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with RHP Blaine Boyer on a minor league contract and have invited him to Spring Training. Last season Boyer went 3-2 with a 4.56 ERA, no saves and 29 strikeouts. He held righthanded hitters to a .198 batting average. He will compete for a job as a righty specialist with no obvious competition at this point in time.
Mets sign Reliever
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with LHP Tim Byrdak on a minor league contract and have invited him to Spring Training. Last season Byrdak went 2-2 with a 3.49 ERA, no saves and 29 strikeouts. Byrdak held lefthanded hitters to a .213 batting average.
He will compete for a spot in the bullpen as a lefty specialist. His main competition will be incumbents LHP Pat Misch and LHP Oliver Perez and fellow non-roster invitee LHP Taylor Tankersley.
He will compete for a spot in the bullpen as a lefty specialist. His main competition will be incumbents LHP Pat Misch and LHP Oliver Perez and fellow non-roster invitee LHP Taylor Tankersley.
Rays sign two Outfielders
The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to terms with DH/OF Johnny Damon and OF/DH Manny Ramirez on one-year contracts. Damon will be payed a reported $5.25 million and Ramirez will earn $2 million. The Rays have lost several high-profile players in free agency and trades this offseason and the additions of notable players like Damon and Ramirez have been welcome in St. Pete.
Damon and Ramirez will both likely compete for spots as the team's DH and left fielder. Their primary competition at both spots should be OF Matt Joyce and OF Desmond Jennings. Last season Damon batted .271 with eight home runs, 51 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases with the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez batted .298 with nine home runs, 42 runs batted in and one stolen base with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.
Damon and Ramirez will both likely compete for spots as the team's DH and left fielder. Their primary competition at both spots should be OF Matt Joyce and OF Desmond Jennings. Last season Damon batted .271 with eight home runs, 51 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases with the Detroit Tigers. Ramirez batted .298 with nine home runs, 42 runs batted in and one stolen base with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox.
Angels get Wells in Trade with Jays
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have acquired OF Vernon Wells from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for 1B/C Mike Napoli and OF Juan Rivera. Wells had to waive his no trade clause in order for the deal to be completed. Salary was also a potential deal breaker here, as the Angels wound up agreeing to pay all of the remaining money owed Wells on his contract before the Jays relented to the trade.
Wells is expected to play center field for the Angels with OF Torii Hunter continuing to finish his career in right field. Wells batted .273 with 31 home runs, 88 runs batted in and six stolen bases last season, being named to the American League All-Star team. The season was a renaissance for Wells and the Angels are hoping that it wasn't a fluke.
The Angels elected to move Napoli after he asked for over $6 million in arbitration this offseason. Napoli batted .238 with 26 home runs, 68 runs batted in and four stolen bases last season. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past three seasons but the 68 runs batted in are a career high. He is not a standout defensive catcher and has never been a favorite of Halos manager Mike Sciosia. He played mostly first base last season after regular 1B Kendry Morales was lost to injury. It is unclear where exactly he fits in with the Blue Jays, but he could be the replacement for C John Buck. In addition, DH/1B Adam Lind is penciled in as the regular at first base but will still likely see lots of time as a DH. When Lind DH's, Napoli could play first base. Also, Napoli could be used more regularly as a DH this season as well.
Rivera was moved because he was due to be owed over $5 million in 2011. Rivera was the starting left fielder for the Angels for much of last season and has been a good player for them in the past, chipping with two 20-homer seasons. Since OF Rajai Davis will now likely play center field to replace Wells, Rivera has a chance to emerge as the starting left fielder in Toronto.
Wells is expected to play center field for the Angels with OF Torii Hunter continuing to finish his career in right field. Wells batted .273 with 31 home runs, 88 runs batted in and six stolen bases last season, being named to the American League All-Star team. The season was a renaissance for Wells and the Angels are hoping that it wasn't a fluke.
The Angels elected to move Napoli after he asked for over $6 million in arbitration this offseason. Napoli batted .238 with 26 home runs, 68 runs batted in and four stolen bases last season. He has hit at least 20 home runs in each of the past three seasons but the 68 runs batted in are a career high. He is not a standout defensive catcher and has never been a favorite of Halos manager Mike Sciosia. He played mostly first base last season after regular 1B Kendry Morales was lost to injury. It is unclear where exactly he fits in with the Blue Jays, but he could be the replacement for C John Buck. In addition, DH/1B Adam Lind is penciled in as the regular at first base but will still likely see lots of time as a DH. When Lind DH's, Napoli could play first base. Also, Napoli could be used more regularly as a DH this season as well.
Rivera was moved because he was due to be owed over $5 million in 2011. Rivera was the starting left fielder for the Angels for much of last season and has been a good player for them in the past, chipping with two 20-homer seasons. Since OF Rajai Davis will now likely play center field to replace Wells, Rivera has a chance to emerge as the starting left fielder in Toronto.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Yankees sign OF/DH Jones
The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with OF/DH Andruw Jones on a one-year, $2 million contract. The contract also affords Jones the opportunity to earn an additional $1.2 million in incentives. Jones will be used a fourth outfielder and can play all three outfield positions. Last season he batted .230 with 19 home runs, 48 runs batted in and nine stolen bases while playing impeccable defense for the Chicago White Sox. Jones is also expected to platoon on-and-off with LF/CF Brett Gardner, CF Curtis Granderson, and RF Nick Swisher.
Jones is essentially replacing DH/LF Marcus Thames on the Yankees roster and will fill a similar role as Thames did in 2010. Thames was meant to be a righthanded complement to Gardner, Granderson, and DH/1B Nick Johnson but wound getting the bulk of the playing time at DH during the course of the season after Johnson's season ended due to another injury. With DH/C Jorge Posada expected to play DH full time this season the Yankees wanted an outfielder with similar skills to Thames but who could also provide more reliable defense in the outfield. Jones is a ten time Gold Glove Award winner and is considered to be one of the best defensive outfielders of all time.
Jones is essentially replacing DH/LF Marcus Thames on the Yankees roster and will fill a similar role as Thames did in 2010. Thames was meant to be a righthanded complement to Gardner, Granderson, and DH/1B Nick Johnson but wound getting the bulk of the playing time at DH during the course of the season after Johnson's season ended due to another injury. With DH/C Jorge Posada expected to play DH full time this season the Yankees wanted an outfielder with similar skills to Thames but who could also provide more reliable defense in the outfield. Jones is a ten time Gold Glove Award winner and is considered to be one of the best defensive outfielders of all time.
Mets sign 2B/OF Hairston
The New York Mets have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with 2B/OF Scott Hairston. The terms of his contract are not yet clear, but it is known that the contract is a Major League deal and he is guaranteed money. The righthanded Hairston, who will turn 31 this season, is expected to compete with OF Nick Evans for a spot on the bench as a righthanded pinch hitter. In addition, Hairston will also likely join the troupe competing for a job at second base but he does not figure to be in the running for a spot as a utility infielder. Last season Hairston batted .210 with ten home runs, 36 runs batted in and six stolen bases with the San Diego Padres.
In other Mets news, RHP Chris Young passed his physical and his signing has been made official, although the terms of his contract have not yet been made official. With these two signings, the Mets' 40-man roster now stands at 42, meaning that two players will have to be cut to make room for the signings. The cuts are expected to made today. There has been some speculation that the two players could be LHP Oliver Perez and 2B Luis Castillo.
In other Mets news, RHP Chris Young passed his physical and his signing has been made official, although the terms of his contract have not yet been made official. With these two signings, the Mets' 40-man roster now stands at 42, meaning that two players will have to be cut to make room for the signings. The cuts are expected to made today. There has been some speculation that the two players could be LHP Oliver Perez and 2B Luis Castillo.
A Cinderella Story in the Making
If you saw C Jonathan Johnston's career stats you'd probably think that his baseball career ended years ago. He was a 42nd round draft pick by the Oakland Athletics in 2007. He didn't play at all that year and played in only 38 games the following year in a mid-level A ball league, posting an impressive .992 fielding percentage and throwing out over 30 percent of baserunners but only batting .228. It would have appeared that he'd been released.
A further study would indicate that he was still a member of Oakland's minor league register. So what was the deal with Johnston? He played his college ball at the Naval Academy and was deployed three times, the 38 games the only he could manage to play around his military career.
But Johnston is back now. His four years in the Navy are up (he's still in the reserves but in a unit which is unlikely to see deployment) and he's resuming his professional baseball career. Give Oakland some credit. They could have released Johnston at any point in time over the last three seasons. But they had enough faith in his receiving skills to keep him in the loop. The A's hope that after Spring Training 2011 or perhaps by 2012 (depending on how long it takes Johnston to get his wind back) that he'll be a fringe player between AAA and the Majors and be knocking on the door as a future reserve catcher.
Johnston will resume his professional baseball career shortly by playing in a Winter League in California. Johnston knows that it's an uphill battle at this point. He's 27 now, an age at which most players are dumped if they have not yet reached the bigs, so he knows that his days are numbered. But he's going to report to Spring Training (he has not been invited to big league camp) and put his work in, hoping to keep his pro baseball career alive for a little longer.
Johnston has read Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton's book and cites his career as proof that he can still play. Hamilton missed several years due to severe drug and alcohol abuse and reached the Majors with the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 27, the same age as Johnston is now. Hamilton was in terrible shape for many of those lost years, once weighing less than 90 pounds. In contrast, Johnston has been in impeccable shape for his entire absence from the game. So he knows that he can still play.
His goal? To say that he had his shot in professional baseball and took it. And the Majors? That's a goal too, but not reaching the bigs would not mark a failure for Johnston. Granted, he does want to be the second player from the Naval Academy to reach the Majors after former Washington Senators LHP Nemo Gaines.
No matter the outcome, Johnston has no regrets. This is certainly a player to watch this season and in future years.
A further study would indicate that he was still a member of Oakland's minor league register. So what was the deal with Johnston? He played his college ball at the Naval Academy and was deployed three times, the 38 games the only he could manage to play around his military career.
But Johnston is back now. His four years in the Navy are up (he's still in the reserves but in a unit which is unlikely to see deployment) and he's resuming his professional baseball career. Give Oakland some credit. They could have released Johnston at any point in time over the last three seasons. But they had enough faith in his receiving skills to keep him in the loop. The A's hope that after Spring Training 2011 or perhaps by 2012 (depending on how long it takes Johnston to get his wind back) that he'll be a fringe player between AAA and the Majors and be knocking on the door as a future reserve catcher.
Johnston will resume his professional baseball career shortly by playing in a Winter League in California. Johnston knows that it's an uphill battle at this point. He's 27 now, an age at which most players are dumped if they have not yet reached the bigs, so he knows that his days are numbered. But he's going to report to Spring Training (he has not been invited to big league camp) and put his work in, hoping to keep his pro baseball career alive for a little longer.
Johnston has read Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton's book and cites his career as proof that he can still play. Hamilton missed several years due to severe drug and alcohol abuse and reached the Majors with the Cincinnati Reds at the age of 27, the same age as Johnston is now. Hamilton was in terrible shape for many of those lost years, once weighing less than 90 pounds. In contrast, Johnston has been in impeccable shape for his entire absence from the game. So he knows that he can still play.
His goal? To say that he had his shot in professional baseball and took it. And the Majors? That's a goal too, but not reaching the bigs would not mark a failure for Johnston. Granted, he does want to be the second player from the Naval Academy to reach the Majors after former Washington Senators LHP Nemo Gaines.
No matter the outcome, Johnston has no regrets. This is certainly a player to watch this season and in future years.
MLB, Welcome to San Jose
There's a sad fact to face in the Bay Area: The Oakland Athletics are going to cease to exist by 2020, perhaps even by 2015. This offseason has highlighted the problems the organization is having by playing in Oakland. The A's and their GM Billy Beane had one player in mind all offseason, 3B Adrian Beltre, but, after he had a terrific season last year in Boston, they really had no chance at affording him.
Economic handicaps like this are not new in Oakland, as far as baseball is concerned. They've been unable to hand out big free agent contracts since the late-1980s and early-1990s, perhaps not coincidentally the last time the A's had a string of dominance in the AL West. When the team was sold in 1995, it became apparent that big spending was no longer possible. Former A's GM Sandy Alderson began employing a Moneyball theory and the rest is history.
A visit to Oakland will explain everything. The city - and its suburbs in the Bay Area - are not conducive to baseball. Baseball's target audience consists primarily over older white men with white collar jobs and more sophisticated backgrounds. That niche audience is disappearing in Oakland and will soon cease to exist. The attendance is reflective of this. Their attendance has gone down in each of the past five seasons and, in each of the past five seasons, they've finished in the bottom five in home attendance in MLB.
Belaboring the point is their stadium, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Coliseum also serves as the home of the Oakland Raiders of the NFL and was designed more for football than for baseball. The Coliseum is spacious, tough on power hitters used to playing in smaller parks, and a generally bad place for a fan to see a baseball game.
Okay, so their fans are disappearing and their stadium sucks. But how does that make them different from teams like the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates? Simple: They've had an offer to move to a different city. They have no type of binding lease with the city of Oakland and MLB is anxious to right this franchise (and a move to a new city and new ballpark could, in theory at least, increase revenue enough where the team would no longer qualify for revenue sharing benefits).
The city in question is San Jose, California, not exactly far from their current home in Oakland and it would allow MLB and the state of California to keep two MLB teams in the Bay Area. The residents of San Jose have voted in the past to approve the construction of a 32,000-seat baseball stadium should the city have the opportunity to acquire an MLB franchise. That vote has come, gone, and expired, but it passed with flying colors and a second vote would almost certainly yield a similar result. Architects have estimated that the stadium could be completed within three years.
Okay, so there's a new city that wants the team and they're ready to build a stadium. So why aren't the A's jumping for greener pastures? Again, simple: That other Bay Area team, the San Francisco Giants (fresh off their World Series victory), own territorial rights to San Jose.
This is where the pessimists begin. How difficult it will be for the A's to negotiate the surrender of a prosperous city like San Jose, clearly coveted by the Giants. Actually, pessimists, the Giants hold rights to Santa Clara County, with the city of San Jose simply housed in that county.
Oh by the way, they didn't always have rights to San Jose or the county in which it sits. How did that happen? A story: Know AT&T Ballpark, that place where the Giants play now? Well it's actually a pretty new stadium. Remember Candlestick? Well back in the 1990s the Giants wanted to get a new stadium because Candlestick was garbage for baseball. The city of San Francisco would not relent and the Giants threatened to leave the city for greener pastures. The city of San Jose welcomed them with open arms. Only one problem: In those days, Oakland held territorial rights to Santa Clara County. In a goodwill gesture the A's granted rights to the Giants so that they could make the move. People in San Francisco got scared and built them a new stadium so that they would stay (it was originally called Pac Bell Park but after a series of corporate mergers it's now AT&T Park) and that was all she wrote. So the exchanging of territorial rights might not be so far fetched.
Yeah, but the Giants didn't actually move, say the pessimists, there has to be some kind of a precedent. Guess what? There is a precedent for just such a move. Pretty recently, too, the agreement not being finalized until March of 2005 actually. The team? The Washington Nationals. The city? Washington, D. C. The territorial issue? The Baltimore Orioles held territorial rights to most of the mid-Atlantic region, including but not limited to: Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D. C., and Richmond, Virginia. The solution? An agreement was made where O's owner Peter Angelos was paid off for losing the territorial rights and an additional cable channel was hastily created so that Nats games wouldn't cut into O's broadcasts (the network was the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, or MASN, it's terrible, don't watch it, trust me, you're talking to a man who owns the 50 Horror Classics on DVD). And yes, it is true that broadcasters on MASN were hired to call the season a little less than 48 hours before opening day for the Nats. If a deal weren't reached, the team would have gone to play in either San Juan, Puerto Rico or Monterrey, Mexico.
The Bay Area already has two MLB teams so territorial rights are much more muddled than the rights were in the mid-Atlantic region, which were basically exclusively owned by Baltimore (some counties in Virginia belonged to the Atlanta Braves). No baseball people in the Bay Area are as insane as Angelos so the negotiations should go much more smoothly. The A's already have their own cable channel complete with announcers so that does not pose a problem. If the deal can't be made in time then the A's would just stay in Oakland as opposed to heading to Latin America. San Jose is only about 40 miles away from Oakland and most arbitrators and mediators would be likely to side with the A's in a hearing. Oakland and San Francisco have already had an amicable agreement regarding territorial rights in San Jose and a further deal seems likely. The A's previously held rights in San Jose and could probably get them back. There aren't very many Giants fans in San Jose and any payoff for the rights would likely be far less than anything the Nats paid to Angelos and the O's.
So, the A's and MLB in San Jose? If you consult your magic 8 ball, all signs would point to yes.
Economic handicaps like this are not new in Oakland, as far as baseball is concerned. They've been unable to hand out big free agent contracts since the late-1980s and early-1990s, perhaps not coincidentally the last time the A's had a string of dominance in the AL West. When the team was sold in 1995, it became apparent that big spending was no longer possible. Former A's GM Sandy Alderson began employing a Moneyball theory and the rest is history.
A visit to Oakland will explain everything. The city - and its suburbs in the Bay Area - are not conducive to baseball. Baseball's target audience consists primarily over older white men with white collar jobs and more sophisticated backgrounds. That niche audience is disappearing in Oakland and will soon cease to exist. The attendance is reflective of this. Their attendance has gone down in each of the past five seasons and, in each of the past five seasons, they've finished in the bottom five in home attendance in MLB.
Belaboring the point is their stadium, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Coliseum also serves as the home of the Oakland Raiders of the NFL and was designed more for football than for baseball. The Coliseum is spacious, tough on power hitters used to playing in smaller parks, and a generally bad place for a fan to see a baseball game.
Okay, so their fans are disappearing and their stadium sucks. But how does that make them different from teams like the Kansas City Royals, Cleveland Indians, and Pittsburgh Pirates? Simple: They've had an offer to move to a different city. They have no type of binding lease with the city of Oakland and MLB is anxious to right this franchise (and a move to a new city and new ballpark could, in theory at least, increase revenue enough where the team would no longer qualify for revenue sharing benefits).
The city in question is San Jose, California, not exactly far from their current home in Oakland and it would allow MLB and the state of California to keep two MLB teams in the Bay Area. The residents of San Jose have voted in the past to approve the construction of a 32,000-seat baseball stadium should the city have the opportunity to acquire an MLB franchise. That vote has come, gone, and expired, but it passed with flying colors and a second vote would almost certainly yield a similar result. Architects have estimated that the stadium could be completed within three years.
Okay, so there's a new city that wants the team and they're ready to build a stadium. So why aren't the A's jumping for greener pastures? Again, simple: That other Bay Area team, the San Francisco Giants (fresh off their World Series victory), own territorial rights to San Jose.
This is where the pessimists begin. How difficult it will be for the A's to negotiate the surrender of a prosperous city like San Jose, clearly coveted by the Giants. Actually, pessimists, the Giants hold rights to Santa Clara County, with the city of San Jose simply housed in that county.
Oh by the way, they didn't always have rights to San Jose or the county in which it sits. How did that happen? A story: Know AT&T Ballpark, that place where the Giants play now? Well it's actually a pretty new stadium. Remember Candlestick? Well back in the 1990s the Giants wanted to get a new stadium because Candlestick was garbage for baseball. The city of San Francisco would not relent and the Giants threatened to leave the city for greener pastures. The city of San Jose welcomed them with open arms. Only one problem: In those days, Oakland held territorial rights to Santa Clara County. In a goodwill gesture the A's granted rights to the Giants so that they could make the move. People in San Francisco got scared and built them a new stadium so that they would stay (it was originally called Pac Bell Park but after a series of corporate mergers it's now AT&T Park) and that was all she wrote. So the exchanging of territorial rights might not be so far fetched.
Yeah, but the Giants didn't actually move, say the pessimists, there has to be some kind of a precedent. Guess what? There is a precedent for just such a move. Pretty recently, too, the agreement not being finalized until March of 2005 actually. The team? The Washington Nationals. The city? Washington, D. C. The territorial issue? The Baltimore Orioles held territorial rights to most of the mid-Atlantic region, including but not limited to: Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, D. C., and Richmond, Virginia. The solution? An agreement was made where O's owner Peter Angelos was paid off for losing the territorial rights and an additional cable channel was hastily created so that Nats games wouldn't cut into O's broadcasts (the network was the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network, or MASN, it's terrible, don't watch it, trust me, you're talking to a man who owns the 50 Horror Classics on DVD). And yes, it is true that broadcasters on MASN were hired to call the season a little less than 48 hours before opening day for the Nats. If a deal weren't reached, the team would have gone to play in either San Juan, Puerto Rico or Monterrey, Mexico.
The Bay Area already has two MLB teams so territorial rights are much more muddled than the rights were in the mid-Atlantic region, which were basically exclusively owned by Baltimore (some counties in Virginia belonged to the Atlanta Braves). No baseball people in the Bay Area are as insane as Angelos so the negotiations should go much more smoothly. The A's already have their own cable channel complete with announcers so that does not pose a problem. If the deal can't be made in time then the A's would just stay in Oakland as opposed to heading to Latin America. San Jose is only about 40 miles away from Oakland and most arbitrators and mediators would be likely to side with the A's in a hearing. Oakland and San Francisco have already had an amicable agreement regarding territorial rights in San Jose and a further deal seems likely. The A's previously held rights in San Jose and could probably get them back. There aren't very many Giants fans in San Jose and any payoff for the rights would likely be far less than anything the Nats paid to Angelos and the O's.
So, the A's and MLB in San Jose? If you consult your magic 8 ball, all signs would point to yes.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Pelfrey gets one-year Deal
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with RHP Mike Pelfrey on a one-year, $3.925 million contract, avoiding arbitration. Yesterday marked the first day that teams and players could exchange figures. RHP R. A Dickey and OF Angel Pagan are also eligible for arbitration and exchanged figures with the Mets yesterday.
With LHP Johan Santana likely to start the season on the disabled list (and possibly miss the entire season), Pelfrey is expected to emerge as the team's de facto ace in 2011. He had a career-year last season, going 15-9 with a 3.66 ERA.
If Pelfrey were able to string back-to-back good seasons together it would be a landmark event in his career. Pelfrey has had a couple of good seasons, but has mostly been merely an adequate middle-of-the-rotation starter throughout his career. Becoming an ace would require a lot more than that.
With LHP Johan Santana likely to start the season on the disabled list (and possibly miss the entire season), Pelfrey is expected to emerge as the team's de facto ace in 2011. He had a career-year last season, going 15-9 with a 3.66 ERA.
If Pelfrey were able to string back-to-back good seasons together it would be a landmark event in his career. Pelfrey has had a couple of good seasons, but has mostly been merely an adequate middle-of-the-rotation starter throughout his career. Becoming an ace would require a lot more than that.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Mets sign Young
The Mets have agreed to terms with RHP Chris Young on a contract. The contract is pending a physical and the terms have not yet been disclosed. The San Diego Padres declined a team option on Young shortly after the season ended and since then the Mets had been his primary suitor.
Missing a lot of time last season due to injury, Young is another example of Sandy Alderson's high-risk-high-reward philosophy. With Young's contract expected to be a one-year deal somewhere a little below $5 million, the Mets are probably done spending this offseason.
Young's not a Met yet though. Given his injury history, passing a physical is far from a guarantee. For many years passing the physical was nothing more than a technicality, but it has become a legitimate barrier in recent years. The most well-known example is probably 3B Mike Lowell, who was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers for C Max Ramirez to make room for 3B Adrian Beltre. Texas later reneged on the deal, however, when Lowell failed a physical.
Young only made four starts last season due to injury. The good news is that he was stellar in those starts, posting a 0.90 ERA. He's well-known in baseball circles as being a pitcher with a ton of promise before falling victim to several injuries. He is perhaps most well-known, however, for his height, standing at 6'10" tall. Young will be 32 this season.
Missing a lot of time last season due to injury, Young is another example of Sandy Alderson's high-risk-high-reward philosophy. With Young's contract expected to be a one-year deal somewhere a little below $5 million, the Mets are probably done spending this offseason.
Young's not a Met yet though. Given his injury history, passing a physical is far from a guarantee. For many years passing the physical was nothing more than a technicality, but it has become a legitimate barrier in recent years. The most well-known example is probably 3B Mike Lowell, who was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers for C Max Ramirez to make room for 3B Adrian Beltre. Texas later reneged on the deal, however, when Lowell failed a physical.
Young only made four starts last season due to injury. The good news is that he was stellar in those starts, posting a 0.90 ERA. He's well-known in baseball circles as being a pitcher with a ton of promise before falling victim to several injuries. He is perhaps most well-known, however, for his height, standing at 6'10" tall. Young will be 32 this season.
Mets First Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the first basemen and go on with the New York Mets.
Carlos Delgado stabilized the Mets first base position for several seasons until suffering an apparent career-ending hip injury in 2009. After that, first base became a mess for the Mets, being forced to convert Daniel Murphy into a first baseman on the fly. Last Spring, Murphy suffered an injury in Spring Training and a subsequent setback on his rehab assignment which forced him to miss the entire season. The Mets opened the season with Mike Jacobs and Fernando Tatis combining to play first with Frank Catalonotto in reserve, none of whom managed to properly fill the position. But the situation eventually solved itself.
1. Ike Davis: The Mets wanted Davis to get close to an entire season in at AAA before reaching the Majors, but necessity caused him to be recalled much earlier than expected. Davis didn't disappoint, blasting 19 homers in his abbreviated season and playing stellar defense at first, dazzling with three diving catches into the Mets dugout. The Mets are hoping that Davis doesn't fall victim to the sophomore slump and are expecting a 20-homer season from him. Sabermetrics suggests that they'll probably get what they want, but no one can predict the future.
2. Nick Evans: Evans has been on the Norfolk/Buffalo express since 2008. Never playing in as many as sixty games and never hitting more than two home runs. But the Mets have always gushed about his power potential, and last season he seemed to come into his own, slugging a combined 24 home runs between the Minors and the Mets. With the Mets not spending on their bench, Evans is extremely likely to make the team as the righthanded bat off the bench. A natural third baseman, he has not played there since his first season in the Minors and does not figure to get any time there in the Majors without an emergency. Besides first, he can play the corner outfield positions. Evans will probably do a lot of pinch hitting, fill in for Davis, Bay, and Pagan when they need a rest, and could spell Davis against tough lefthanders.
The Mets are pretty sure of themselves at first base. There are still questions about Davis, specifically regarding the sophomore slump and whether or not he can build upon his strong rookie campaign. Even if he doesn't become the player the Mets are hoping for, they're set at first as Davis provides a stability the team has not had at first since 2008. Evans has a ton of potential on his own and should be a solid backup, taking some of the load away from Davis against lefty pitchers.
Carlos Delgado stabilized the Mets first base position for several seasons until suffering an apparent career-ending hip injury in 2009. After that, first base became a mess for the Mets, being forced to convert Daniel Murphy into a first baseman on the fly. Last Spring, Murphy suffered an injury in Spring Training and a subsequent setback on his rehab assignment which forced him to miss the entire season. The Mets opened the season with Mike Jacobs and Fernando Tatis combining to play first with Frank Catalonotto in reserve, none of whom managed to properly fill the position. But the situation eventually solved itself.
1. Ike Davis: The Mets wanted Davis to get close to an entire season in at AAA before reaching the Majors, but necessity caused him to be recalled much earlier than expected. Davis didn't disappoint, blasting 19 homers in his abbreviated season and playing stellar defense at first, dazzling with three diving catches into the Mets dugout. The Mets are hoping that Davis doesn't fall victim to the sophomore slump and are expecting a 20-homer season from him. Sabermetrics suggests that they'll probably get what they want, but no one can predict the future.
2. Nick Evans: Evans has been on the Norfolk/Buffalo express since 2008. Never playing in as many as sixty games and never hitting more than two home runs. But the Mets have always gushed about his power potential, and last season he seemed to come into his own, slugging a combined 24 home runs between the Minors and the Mets. With the Mets not spending on their bench, Evans is extremely likely to make the team as the righthanded bat off the bench. A natural third baseman, he has not played there since his first season in the Minors and does not figure to get any time there in the Majors without an emergency. Besides first, he can play the corner outfield positions. Evans will probably do a lot of pinch hitting, fill in for Davis, Bay, and Pagan when they need a rest, and could spell Davis against tough lefthanders.
The Mets are pretty sure of themselves at first base. There are still questions about Davis, specifically regarding the sophomore slump and whether or not he can build upon his strong rookie campaign. Even if he doesn't become the player the Mets are hoping for, they're set at first as Davis provides a stability the team has not had at first since 2008. Evans has a ton of potential on his own and should be a solid backup, taking some of the load away from Davis against lefty pitchers.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Red Sox First Baseman
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the first basemen and start with the Boston Red Sox.
For the past several seasons Kevin Youkilis has served admirably as Boston's first baseman. In 2011 and beyond, however, Youkilis will man the hot corner for the BoSox. Mike Lowell is gone after a season too many, Adrian Beltre is gone after a terrific lone season in New England, and Youkilis will finally be playing where he has always belonged. And the Red Sox didn't exactly downgrade at first base.
1. Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzalez-to-Boston had been an on-again-off-again trade for the past several years. At the 2010 Winter Meetings it finally became true. The lefty slugger slammed 31 homers last season and knocked in 101 runs while playing for the surprise (in the opinion of many but not of LeRoy) San Diego Padres. Now that he's playing in hitter-friendly Fenway Park he should expect two things: A steady diet of curveballs and a big increase in the power and RBI departments. Don't worry about losing Youk's defense at first either. Gonzalez is a Gold Glove Award winner and is at least two steps above Youkilis in that department.
2. Kevin Youkilis: Even though Youkilis is now playing third he should still get some time at first. He'll spell Gonzalez when he needs a rest (also allowing Jed Lowrie to get into the lineup at third) and will probably see some time there late in games that have resulted in blowouts, much as he has done at third base the last couple of years. Youk may not see much time there early on as gets reacquainted with third base, but he should see more time at first after the All-Star break, especially as the season draws to a close.
3. Lars Anderson: Anderson has been a top prospect in Boston's organization since 2007. He broke into the Majors for the first time last season and failed to impress. With Gonzalez entrenched at first Anderson may want to look into becoming an outfielder or a DH. He has a career .279 batting average in the Minors and has never hit more than 18 homers in a season, so he doesn't make good trade bait. His potential may be enough to warrant him as a throw-in in a mid-season trade, but don't expect to see him in Boston this season. He's not ready for the bigs and probably will need to start the year in AAA before he should be considered ready.
First Base should be a strength this season. Gonzalez played in 160 games last season and is not an injury risk. In addition, he should be able to stay healthier and extremely well-rested with the benefit of the DH in the AL. With Youkilis in reserve and Anderson available in the Minors, Boston appears well-stocked at first.
For the past several seasons Kevin Youkilis has served admirably as Boston's first baseman. In 2011 and beyond, however, Youkilis will man the hot corner for the BoSox. Mike Lowell is gone after a season too many, Adrian Beltre is gone after a terrific lone season in New England, and Youkilis will finally be playing where he has always belonged. And the Red Sox didn't exactly downgrade at first base.
1. Adrian Gonzalez: Gonzalez-to-Boston had been an on-again-off-again trade for the past several years. At the 2010 Winter Meetings it finally became true. The lefty slugger slammed 31 homers last season and knocked in 101 runs while playing for the surprise (in the opinion of many but not of LeRoy) San Diego Padres. Now that he's playing in hitter-friendly Fenway Park he should expect two things: A steady diet of curveballs and a big increase in the power and RBI departments. Don't worry about losing Youk's defense at first either. Gonzalez is a Gold Glove Award winner and is at least two steps above Youkilis in that department.
2. Kevin Youkilis: Even though Youkilis is now playing third he should still get some time at first. He'll spell Gonzalez when he needs a rest (also allowing Jed Lowrie to get into the lineup at third) and will probably see some time there late in games that have resulted in blowouts, much as he has done at third base the last couple of years. Youk may not see much time there early on as gets reacquainted with third base, but he should see more time at first after the All-Star break, especially as the season draws to a close.
3. Lars Anderson: Anderson has been a top prospect in Boston's organization since 2007. He broke into the Majors for the first time last season and failed to impress. With Gonzalez entrenched at first Anderson may want to look into becoming an outfielder or a DH. He has a career .279 batting average in the Minors and has never hit more than 18 homers in a season, so he doesn't make good trade bait. His potential may be enough to warrant him as a throw-in in a mid-season trade, but don't expect to see him in Boston this season. He's not ready for the bigs and probably will need to start the year in AAA before he should be considered ready.
First Base should be a strength this season. Gonzalez played in 160 games last season and is not an injury risk. In addition, he should be able to stay healthier and extremely well-rested with the benefit of the DH in the AL. With Youkilis in reserve and Anderson available in the Minors, Boston appears well-stocked at first.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Yankees Catcher
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the catchers and go on with the New York Yankees.
Jorge Posada has been the Yankees everyday catcher since 1998. After a few too many years behind the plate, the aging Posada will finally be moved to the designated hitter's role. He probably hasn't crouched for the last time, but the move has caused the Yankees to make a change behind the plate for the first time in a long time.
1. Russell Martin: Martin was signed by the Yankees this offseason to replace Posada as the team's catcher. He is a high-risk-high-reward player, with apparently diminishing skills and a fairly long and recent injury history. Martin is hoping to return to his old form in the Bronx, but the odds appear stacked against him. A two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger Award Winner, Martin was nowhere near his old form last season in Los Angeles. He only managed to play in 97 games, stole only five bases, and only batted .248. Martin will only be 28 so if he can stay healthy he won't need many extra days off, though he is not strong defensively and will likely sit against team's with good running games.
2. Francisco Cervelli: Cervelli enters his third season as a reserve backstop for the Yankees and his second full-season in the Majors. He's a much stronger defensive option than both Martin and Posada before him. Expect to see Cervelli a bit less this season with a much younger catcher (Martin) in the everyday role. He'll still start on day games after night games and get a few spot starts here and there, but his role isn't as important this season. But, with Martin's injury history, Cervelli will be on speed-dial all season. Cervelli has served as a personal catcher for RHP A. J. Burnett in the past, and there's no reason to expect that that role will change.
3. Jorge Posada: Posada will serve as the team's DH. He'll still see some time behind the plate, especially during interleague play. Publicly, the Yankees have lamented this move of one of their franchise players. Privately, they're rejoicing that Posada is no longer behind the plate. His game-calling skills have been called into questions by many pitchers (most recently Burnett), he was never a good thrower, and his fundamentals were the worst of any regular catcher in the bigs. He'll be 39 and his offensive skills are in sharp decline. Last season he only managed to bat .248 with 18 homers. Those numbers may not decline as sharply this season without the rigors of catching, but they won't get any better either.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will likely sign a veteran Major League catcher or two to compete for their catching positions. These players will likely get a look in Spring Training from the Yankees but with three catchers figuring to be on the 25-man roster they don't figure to have much of a chance to make the team. One player that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has signed already is:
Gustavo Molina: Molina is a Minor League veteran who has played a handful of games in the Major Leagues. He doesn't figure much into the team's plans and could figure lower than usual for a catcher of his caliber given the depth the Yankees will have with Posada as the DH. Basically, he's here only for depth and depth alone.
The Yankees are taking a bit of a chance with their catching this season. Martin is an oft-injured, low defense type of player whose bat has gone to sleep. But this isn't a long-term solution by any means. If they can mix and match sufficiently with Martin's potential offense, Cervelli's defense, and a few spot starts from Posada for sentimentality's sake, they may be alright. On the other hand, Martin may not experience the bath in the fountain of the Youthful Bandbox (Yankee Stadium) that everyone is expecting. Or, he could suffer another debilitating injury. The point is, their catching core is far from solidified.
The ranking for the three local teams behind the plate:
1. New York Mets: Not a sure bet with Josh Thole and Ronny Paulino but I feel better about them than the rest.
2. New York Yankees: The combination of Martin, Cervelli, and Posada will not be great but it shouldn't be horrible either.
3. Boston Red Sox: Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek?
Jorge Posada has been the Yankees everyday catcher since 1998. After a few too many years behind the plate, the aging Posada will finally be moved to the designated hitter's role. He probably hasn't crouched for the last time, but the move has caused the Yankees to make a change behind the plate for the first time in a long time.
1. Russell Martin: Martin was signed by the Yankees this offseason to replace Posada as the team's catcher. He is a high-risk-high-reward player, with apparently diminishing skills and a fairly long and recent injury history. Martin is hoping to return to his old form in the Bronx, but the odds appear stacked against him. A two-time All-Star and former Silver Slugger Award Winner, Martin was nowhere near his old form last season in Los Angeles. He only managed to play in 97 games, stole only five bases, and only batted .248. Martin will only be 28 so if he can stay healthy he won't need many extra days off, though he is not strong defensively and will likely sit against team's with good running games.
2. Francisco Cervelli: Cervelli enters his third season as a reserve backstop for the Yankees and his second full-season in the Majors. He's a much stronger defensive option than both Martin and Posada before him. Expect to see Cervelli a bit less this season with a much younger catcher (Martin) in the everyday role. He'll still start on day games after night games and get a few spot starts here and there, but his role isn't as important this season. But, with Martin's injury history, Cervelli will be on speed-dial all season. Cervelli has served as a personal catcher for RHP A. J. Burnett in the past, and there's no reason to expect that that role will change.
3. Jorge Posada: Posada will serve as the team's DH. He'll still see some time behind the plate, especially during interleague play. Publicly, the Yankees have lamented this move of one of their franchise players. Privately, they're rejoicing that Posada is no longer behind the plate. His game-calling skills have been called into questions by many pitchers (most recently Burnett), he was never a good thrower, and his fundamentals were the worst of any regular catcher in the bigs. He'll be 39 and his offensive skills are in sharp decline. Last season he only managed to bat .248 with 18 homers. Those numbers may not decline as sharply this season without the rigors of catching, but they won't get any better either.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees will likely sign a veteran Major League catcher or two to compete for their catching positions. These players will likely get a look in Spring Training from the Yankees but with three catchers figuring to be on the 25-man roster they don't figure to have much of a chance to make the team. One player that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has signed already is:
Gustavo Molina: Molina is a Minor League veteran who has played a handful of games in the Major Leagues. He doesn't figure much into the team's plans and could figure lower than usual for a catcher of his caliber given the depth the Yankees will have with Posada as the DH. Basically, he's here only for depth and depth alone.
The Yankees are taking a bit of a chance with their catching this season. Martin is an oft-injured, low defense type of player whose bat has gone to sleep. But this isn't a long-term solution by any means. If they can mix and match sufficiently with Martin's potential offense, Cervelli's defense, and a few spot starts from Posada for sentimentality's sake, they may be alright. On the other hand, Martin may not experience the bath in the fountain of the Youthful Bandbox (Yankee Stadium) that everyone is expecting. Or, he could suffer another debilitating injury. The point is, their catching core is far from solidified.
The ranking for the three local teams behind the plate:
1. New York Mets: Not a sure bet with Josh Thole and Ronny Paulino but I feel better about them than the rest.
2. New York Yankees: The combination of Martin, Cervelli, and Posada will not be great but it shouldn't be horrible either.
3. Boston Red Sox: Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jason Varitek?
Friday, January 14, 2011
Mets Catcher
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the catchers and go on with the New York Mets.
Since Paul Lo Duca left as a free agent following the 2007 season the Mets have had trouble finding an everyday catcher. During that time, Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro, Omir Santos, Josh Thole, Rod Barajas, and Henry Blanco have been auditioned as potential starting candidates for the Mets. As the 2011 season nears, the Mets catching core is still surrounded more by doubt than certainty.
1. Josh Thole: Thole is once again being considered for the role of everyday catcher. He was the starting backstop in September 2009 and again in the second half of last season. He wasn't considered a top prospect until Spring of 2010. Thole's biggest concern is probably his defense. He played first base in high school and has only been catching since 2007. In addition, the Mets aren't sure whether he'll hit enough to stay in the big leagues. Still, he's the front runner right now.
2. Ronny Paulino: Paulino appears to be a good option to serve as the reserve catcher for the Mets in 2011. He's good defensively and sports a batting average well above .300 against lefthanded pitchers. That means that he could serve as part of a platoon with the lefthanded-hitting Thole. Paulino has been a starting catcher before but has only been so-so in that role. But if Thole falters as the starter Paulino could step into an everyday role. The bad news is that Paulino was suspended for 50 games at the end of last season for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. He'll start the season on the suspended list meaning that the Mets will need to find another reserve catcher for the start of the season.
3. Mike Nickeas: Nickeas is a career minor leaguer who was granted a September call-up last season. He was acquired by the Mets in a trade at the August 31 waiver deadline during the 2006 season from the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Victor Diaz. On the positive side, Nickeas has served as a personal catcher for RHP Jenrry Mejia in the Minor Leagues and could serve in that role for the Mets. Mejia is a candidate for the rotation and RHP Mike Pelfrey has utilized a personal catcher in the past. Nickeas is an outstanding defensive catcher but struggles offensively. He's righthanded but doesn't hit enough to form a potential platoon with Thole and cannot start. In addition, his offense may not even be sufficient enough to keep him in the bigs as a backup. Still, he might be the guy to fill in while Paulino serves out his suspension time.
The Mets have also signed Raul Chavez to a Minor League contract but it's unclear where he fits into the scheme at this point in time. The Mets are hoping that Thole lives up to his potential and develops into a star. Even if that doesn't happen, the Mets are hoping that Thole can hit .250 and form a worthy platoon with the troubled Paulino. They're leaving a lot to chance. Right now, things don't look that good, but they don't look horrible either.
Since Paul Lo Duca left as a free agent following the 2007 season the Mets have had trouble finding an everyday catcher. During that time, Brian Schneider, Ramon Castro, Omir Santos, Josh Thole, Rod Barajas, and Henry Blanco have been auditioned as potential starting candidates for the Mets. As the 2011 season nears, the Mets catching core is still surrounded more by doubt than certainty.
1. Josh Thole: Thole is once again being considered for the role of everyday catcher. He was the starting backstop in September 2009 and again in the second half of last season. He wasn't considered a top prospect until Spring of 2010. Thole's biggest concern is probably his defense. He played first base in high school and has only been catching since 2007. In addition, the Mets aren't sure whether he'll hit enough to stay in the big leagues. Still, he's the front runner right now.
2. Ronny Paulino: Paulino appears to be a good option to serve as the reserve catcher for the Mets in 2011. He's good defensively and sports a batting average well above .300 against lefthanded pitchers. That means that he could serve as part of a platoon with the lefthanded-hitting Thole. Paulino has been a starting catcher before but has only been so-so in that role. But if Thole falters as the starter Paulino could step into an everyday role. The bad news is that Paulino was suspended for 50 games at the end of last season for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. He'll start the season on the suspended list meaning that the Mets will need to find another reserve catcher for the start of the season.
3. Mike Nickeas: Nickeas is a career minor leaguer who was granted a September call-up last season. He was acquired by the Mets in a trade at the August 31 waiver deadline during the 2006 season from the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Victor Diaz. On the positive side, Nickeas has served as a personal catcher for RHP Jenrry Mejia in the Minor Leagues and could serve in that role for the Mets. Mejia is a candidate for the rotation and RHP Mike Pelfrey has utilized a personal catcher in the past. Nickeas is an outstanding defensive catcher but struggles offensively. He's righthanded but doesn't hit enough to form a potential platoon with Thole and cannot start. In addition, his offense may not even be sufficient enough to keep him in the bigs as a backup. Still, he might be the guy to fill in while Paulino serves out his suspension time.
The Mets have also signed Raul Chavez to a Minor League contract but it's unclear where he fits into the scheme at this point in time. The Mets are hoping that Thole lives up to his potential and develops into a star. Even if that doesn't happen, the Mets are hoping that Thole can hit .250 and form a worthy platoon with the troubled Paulino. They're leaving a lot to chance. Right now, things don't look that good, but they don't look horrible either.
Yankees sign Reliever Soriano
The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with RHP Rafael Soriano on a three-year, $35 million contract. The contract gives Soriano two $1.5 million buyout options after the first and second years of his contract.
Soriano greatly strengthens New York' bullpen. This will allow RHP Connor Robertson to drop from the eight-inning role to the seventh-inning role and will allow RHP Joba Chamberlain to be used only sparingly as a specialist.
Soriano will duplicate the effect had on the Yankee bullpen last season after the acquisition of RHP Kerry Wood from the Cleveland Indians.
In addition, Soriano, signed to a fairly massive deal for a setup man, will likely be groomed as the replacement for RHP Mariano Rivera after he retires. The Yankees had better hammer this point home given the buyout options present in Soriano's contract.
Before the signing of Soriano the heir apparent to Rivera was Chamberlain. But holes in the Yankee rotation that pushed him into a starting role, severe alcohol abuse, and general ineffectiveness on Chamberlain's part have cooled New York's attitude toward the righthander.
Soriano greatly strengthens New York' bullpen. This will allow RHP Connor Robertson to drop from the eight-inning role to the seventh-inning role and will allow RHP Joba Chamberlain to be used only sparingly as a specialist.
Soriano will duplicate the effect had on the Yankee bullpen last season after the acquisition of RHP Kerry Wood from the Cleveland Indians.
In addition, Soriano, signed to a fairly massive deal for a setup man, will likely be groomed as the replacement for RHP Mariano Rivera after he retires. The Yankees had better hammer this point home given the buyout options present in Soriano's contract.
Before the signing of Soriano the heir apparent to Rivera was Chamberlain. But holes in the Yankee rotation that pushed him into a starting role, severe alcohol abuse, and general ineffectiveness on Chamberlain's part have cooled New York's attitude toward the righthander.
Santana Begins Rehab Assignment
LHP Johan Santana has begun a rehab assignment. Santana underwent left shoulder surgery in September. The program has Santana set to begin throwing in early February. Santana has begun his rehab assignment according to the original schedule laid out by team doctors. The Mets do not expect him to be ready by the start of the season.
It is encouraging to see Santana getting ready to throw again but Mets fans should take it with a grain of salt. The rehab has begun, but Santana has yet to throw. In addition, the most optimistic outlook has Santana returning sometime around the All-Star break, so everyone, even the Mets, expect this to be a lost season for Johan, at the very best. A setback would likely result in Santana missing the entire season. In the worst-case-scenario, the surgery could be career-ending.
The surgery that Santana underwent in September is the same procedure that was undergone by former All-Star RHP Mark Prior. Prior missed three entire seasons after going under the knife and attempted a comeback last season, pitching in the Golden Baseball League and at AAA. He has been signed to a Minor League contract by the New York Yankees as his comeback attempt continues. The point is that Santana could be in trouble.
It is encouraging to see Santana getting ready to throw again but Mets fans should take it with a grain of salt. The rehab has begun, but Santana has yet to throw. In addition, the most optimistic outlook has Santana returning sometime around the All-Star break, so everyone, even the Mets, expect this to be a lost season for Johan, at the very best. A setback would likely result in Santana missing the entire season. In the worst-case-scenario, the surgery could be career-ending.
The surgery that Santana underwent in September is the same procedure that was undergone by former All-Star RHP Mark Prior. Prior missed three entire seasons after going under the knife and attempted a comeback last season, pitching in the Golden Baseball League and at AAA. He has been signed to a Minor League contract by the New York Yankees as his comeback attempt continues. The point is that Santana could be in trouble.
Mets sign Chavez
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with C Raul Chavez on a Minor League contract.
Chavez played last season with the Las Vegas 51s. He last played in the Majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009.
Chavez has apparently only been signed for depth purposes and does not have much of a chance to make the team out of Spring Training. However, the Mets have a lot of questions surrounding their catching core and anything is possible.
Chavez played last season with the Las Vegas 51s. He last played in the Majors with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2009.
Chavez has apparently only been signed for depth purposes and does not have much of a chance to make the team out of Spring Training. However, the Mets have a lot of questions surrounding their catching core and anything is possible.
Mets Finally sign Harris
The New York Mets have agreed to terms with OF/2B Willie Harris on a Minor League contract. The specifics on the contract are not yet known aside from the fact it is a Minor League deal.
Harris will likely compete for several roles this Spring. An experienced second baseman, he will probably join the rest of the troupe who are auditioning for the role of starting second baseman. In addition, he will also contend for a role on the team as a utility player whose primary role will be to serve under the second baseman (whoever it may be) and SS Jose Reyes.
His most intriguing audition will be as a fourth outfielder. Essentially, the Mets have lacked such a player since OF Endy Chavez was traded to the Seattle Mariners after the 2008 season. That role is still wide open. Prior to the signing of Harris, the front runner for the position was OF Jason Pridie.
Harris has played the past three seasons with the Washington Nationals. Last season he batted .183 with ten home runs, 32 runs batted in and five stolen bases. He is regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in the National League.
Harris is most well-known to Mets fans for his defense. Over the past four seasons, he has made several game-saving and/or game-winning catches against the Mets while playing for the Nats and the Atlanta Braves.
Harris will likely compete for several roles this Spring. An experienced second baseman, he will probably join the rest of the troupe who are auditioning for the role of starting second baseman. In addition, he will also contend for a role on the team as a utility player whose primary role will be to serve under the second baseman (whoever it may be) and SS Jose Reyes.
His most intriguing audition will be as a fourth outfielder. Essentially, the Mets have lacked such a player since OF Endy Chavez was traded to the Seattle Mariners after the 2008 season. That role is still wide open. Prior to the signing of Harris, the front runner for the position was OF Jason Pridie.
Harris has played the past three seasons with the Washington Nationals. Last season he batted .183 with ten home runs, 32 runs batted in and five stolen bases. He is regarded as one of the best defensive outfielders in the National League.
Harris is most well-known to Mets fans for his defense. Over the past four seasons, he has made several game-saving and/or game-winning catches against the Mets while playing for the Nats and the Atlanta Braves.
Jackson is a wise Man
Reggie Jackson wants Antonio Cromartie to shut up. Jackson, a Hall of Fame outfielder and designated hitter, was displeased with Cromartie's comments about New England Patriot's QB Tom Brady. Cornerback Cromartie's New York Jets will play the Pats in a playoff game this weekend. Jackson's main criticism is that Cromartie doesn't have the "hardware" to boast.
Jackson also suggested that Cromartie read a book and watch game film, in the hopes that he might "figure something out" and "get educated."
Jackson has regularly defended Jets head coach Rex Ryan over the past two seasons but has since become displeased with the coach, particularly over his criticism of Brady watching the play Lombardi last week instead of watching the Jets-Colts game. New England had a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Jackson also compared Brady to New York Yankees' RHP Mariano Rivera.
Jackson is a Jets fan.
The Pats and Jets play Sunday at 4:30 at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Jackson also suggested that Cromartie read a book and watch game film, in the hopes that he might "figure something out" and "get educated."
Jackson has regularly defended Jets head coach Rex Ryan over the past two seasons but has since become displeased with the coach, particularly over his criticism of Brady watching the play Lombardi last week instead of watching the Jets-Colts game. New England had a bye in the first round of the playoffs. Jackson also compared Brady to New York Yankees' RHP Mariano Rivera.
Jackson is a Jets fan.
The Pats and Jets play Sunday at 4:30 at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Victim has Strong Baseball Connections
Most people know the name of Christina Green as the name of the nine-year-old girl who was killed recently in the Tucson tragedy. It seems that there has been ripple effect after ripple effect caused by this little girl's tragic death.
And another one has developed: She is the granddaughter of Dallas Green. Green spent eight seasons in the bigs as a pitcher primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies, though he also pitched with the Washington Senators and New York Mets. He is perhaps more remembered for his life after playing baseball.
After his playing days ended Green became a manager, winning a World Series with the Phillies in 1980.
He then became the General Manager of the Chicago Cubs and was responsible for acquiring future Hall of Famer and Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg in a trade when Sandberg was still in the Minor Leagues. He won the Executive of the Year Award in 1984. He was fired by the Cubs in 1987.
He returned to baseball briefly in 1989, managing the New York Yankees for a portion of the season and leading them to a losing record.
He came the manager of the Mets in 1993 and was fired in August of 1996. The Mets had a losing record in every year that Green managed the team.
Green currently has a figurehead position with the Phillies, acting as a Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Green has called the death of Christina "the worst thing" that has ever happened to him.
And the connections run deeper than that. Dallas' son and Christina's father, John, was also a baseball player, starring with the University of Arizona. And his greatest accomplishments, too, have come after his playing days ended. He has worked for 20 years as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So it was no surprise to see many faces from the baseball world mourning at Christina's funeral. Among them were Boston Red Sox OF Darnell McDonald, who John drafted several years ago, Oakland Athletics scouting and player executive Billy Owens, who played with John in college, and well over 50 fellow scouts.
It seems that the Tucson Tragedy has affected us all in some way.
And another one has developed: She is the granddaughter of Dallas Green. Green spent eight seasons in the bigs as a pitcher primarily with the Philadelphia Phillies, though he also pitched with the Washington Senators and New York Mets. He is perhaps more remembered for his life after playing baseball.
After his playing days ended Green became a manager, winning a World Series with the Phillies in 1980.
He then became the General Manager of the Chicago Cubs and was responsible for acquiring future Hall of Famer and Cubs icon Ryne Sandberg in a trade when Sandberg was still in the Minor Leagues. He won the Executive of the Year Award in 1984. He was fired by the Cubs in 1987.
He returned to baseball briefly in 1989, managing the New York Yankees for a portion of the season and leading them to a losing record.
He came the manager of the Mets in 1993 and was fired in August of 1996. The Mets had a losing record in every year that Green managed the team.
Green currently has a figurehead position with the Phillies, acting as a Senior Advisor to the General Manager. Green has called the death of Christina "the worst thing" that has ever happened to him.
And the connections run deeper than that. Dallas' son and Christina's father, John, was also a baseball player, starring with the University of Arizona. And his greatest accomplishments, too, have come after his playing days ended. He has worked for 20 years as a scout for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So it was no surprise to see many faces from the baseball world mourning at Christina's funeral. Among them were Boston Red Sox OF Darnell McDonald, who John drafted several years ago, Oakland Athletics scouting and player executive Billy Owens, who played with John in college, and well over 50 fellow scouts.
It seems that the Tucson Tragedy has affected us all in some way.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Red Sox Catcher
As Spring Training approaches (pitchers and catchers report in mid-February) LeRoy will begin its preseason analysis of the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and the hated New York Yankees. We will continue with the catchers and start with the Boston Red Sox.
After losing Victor Martinez via free agency the Red Sox are vulnerable behind the plate. They have some returners and prospects in place and have acquired some promising players in trades and on the waiver wire. The position may not wind up being weak, but it may be a whirlwind for awhile to see which catchers fit.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Boston acquired Salty in a trade last season with Texas. This guy has been a top prospect since first gaining notice with the Atlanta Braves in 2005. However, he has done little to increase his stock since then. Saltalamacchia has been given chance after chance with the Braves and Rangers and he has never produced. He spent most of last season in the Minor Leagues and on the disabled list, playing only 12 games in the Majors. Boston is hoping that Salty will be adequate enough to replace Martinez and in a perfect world finally realize his potential. It seems like he's been around forever but he'll only turn 26 on May 2, so he still has a lot of upside.
2. Jason Varitek: Varitek probably should have retired after the end of the 2009 season but he's under contract and is popular both with fans and with team management so he won't be going anywhere. He only managed to play in 39 games last season and did not perform well. Never a strong defensive catcher, he is far from ideal as a reserve backstop. With Saltalamacchia a question mark as the starter the Red Sox are hoping that Varitek can have a renaissance of sorts and provide a big boost off the bench and maybe even return to starting. My advice to Theo: Don't guzzle on wine that has turned to vinegar.
3. Luis Exposito: Exposito is a former 31st-round draft pick who has never hit overly well in the Minor Leagues but is a defensive standout. He's not a top prospect but Boston likes his potential. He's probably only ready for AAA at the start of the season but he is expected to be in the bigs by September. With the health issues and general incompetence of the two incumbent catchers Red Sox Nation should rest assured that there is a defensive-ready insurance policy waiting in the wings.
4. Mark Wagner: Wagner is a former ninth-round draft pick who, like Exposito, has never impressed with his bat in the Minors but is strong defensively. Wagner spent last season at Pawtucket and had a stint on the disabled list. Red Sox Nation should hope that Wagner was hindered by his injuries: He only batted .224 on the season. Wagner's playing time has gradually decreased as he's advanced through Boston's system and he has never been considered a top prospect. At this point in time he's probably more suited to a backup role both mentally and physically. The good news: He's ready to step into that role now.
The Pawtucket Red Sox may sign an aging Major League veteran or two to compete for their catching position and those players would probably get a look from the BoSox in Spring Training though they would be unlikely to make the team. Boston also claimed former Rangers catcher Max Ramirez on waivers but it is unclear how he fits into the catching scheme at this time. Basically, Theo Epstein feels all set with Saltalamacchia and Varitek despite the questions surrounding both players. Expect to see Exposito in September and Wagner in the bigs at any time if there is an injury to either Varitek or Salty, but Red Sox Nation should prepare themselves for a season of some combination of those two players behind the plate.
After losing Victor Martinez via free agency the Red Sox are vulnerable behind the plate. They have some returners and prospects in place and have acquired some promising players in trades and on the waiver wire. The position may not wind up being weak, but it may be a whirlwind for awhile to see which catchers fit.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Boston acquired Salty in a trade last season with Texas. This guy has been a top prospect since first gaining notice with the Atlanta Braves in 2005. However, he has done little to increase his stock since then. Saltalamacchia has been given chance after chance with the Braves and Rangers and he has never produced. He spent most of last season in the Minor Leagues and on the disabled list, playing only 12 games in the Majors. Boston is hoping that Salty will be adequate enough to replace Martinez and in a perfect world finally realize his potential. It seems like he's been around forever but he'll only turn 26 on May 2, so he still has a lot of upside.
2. Jason Varitek: Varitek probably should have retired after the end of the 2009 season but he's under contract and is popular both with fans and with team management so he won't be going anywhere. He only managed to play in 39 games last season and did not perform well. Never a strong defensive catcher, he is far from ideal as a reserve backstop. With Saltalamacchia a question mark as the starter the Red Sox are hoping that Varitek can have a renaissance of sorts and provide a big boost off the bench and maybe even return to starting. My advice to Theo: Don't guzzle on wine that has turned to vinegar.
3. Luis Exposito: Exposito is a former 31st-round draft pick who has never hit overly well in the Minor Leagues but is a defensive standout. He's not a top prospect but Boston likes his potential. He's probably only ready for AAA at the start of the season but he is expected to be in the bigs by September. With the health issues and general incompetence of the two incumbent catchers Red Sox Nation should rest assured that there is a defensive-ready insurance policy waiting in the wings.
4. Mark Wagner: Wagner is a former ninth-round draft pick who, like Exposito, has never impressed with his bat in the Minors but is strong defensively. Wagner spent last season at Pawtucket and had a stint on the disabled list. Red Sox Nation should hope that Wagner was hindered by his injuries: He only batted .224 on the season. Wagner's playing time has gradually decreased as he's advanced through Boston's system and he has never been considered a top prospect. At this point in time he's probably more suited to a backup role both mentally and physically. The good news: He's ready to step into that role now.
The Pawtucket Red Sox may sign an aging Major League veteran or two to compete for their catching position and those players would probably get a look from the BoSox in Spring Training though they would be unlikely to make the team. Boston also claimed former Rangers catcher Max Ramirez on waivers but it is unclear how he fits into the catching scheme at this time. Basically, Theo Epstein feels all set with Saltalamacchia and Varitek despite the questions surrounding both players. Expect to see Exposito in September and Wagner in the bigs at any time if there is an injury to either Varitek or Salty, but Red Sox Nation should prepare themselves for a season of some combination of those two players behind the plate.
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