The Yankees are attempting to repeat as AL East champions in 2012. With that being said, a large part of their team from 2011 remains intact. One such position is catcher.
1. Russell Martin: Martin got off to an extremely quick start last season, but it was all downhill from there. He finished with respectable numbers due to the quick start, with 18 home runs (nine came in April) and 65 runs batted in, but a quick examination of his basic stats reveals his struggles. Once known for being a good line drive hitter with a high batting average and even some speed, Martin batted only .237 with eight stolen bases last season, and he failed to reach the 100-hit plateau. Martin is a poor defensive catcher, but sadly is an upgrade over the man that he replaced behind the Yankees dish, Jorge Posada, who was arguably the worst everyday catcher in the history of the game. Still, Martin should be a disappointment again this season.
2. Francisco Cervelli: Cervelli is attempting to come back from a series of concussions, and that's always a little shaky. But the Yankees expect him to return next season, and LeRoy thinks that he'll make it back. And you can understand why they want him to return hailing hearty. Cervelli is an excellent defensive catcher, something they need with Martin as the starter, and he's a pretty decent hitter too, batting .266 in 124 at-bats.
3. Austin Romine: Romine is one of the most promising prospects in all of baseball and he's the guy the Yankees want backing up Martin if Cervelli doesn't work out. They went that route with him last year in the Minors, figuring that he would one day back up Jesus Montero in the Bronx. But with Montero traded to Seattle they may have to rethink that strategy once again. And they might want to pick up a veteran catcher as insurance if Cervelli has problems with post-concussion syndrome. Romine probably needs almost a full season at Columbus before he's ready for the Majors. He was recalled last September, batting .158 in 19 at-bats.
4. Gustavo Molina: Molina is a Minor League veteran who spent the season in the Yankees system last year. He is well-liked in the organization and was brought back for 2012. With Cervelli in jeopardy and Romine still developing, Molina could see serious big league time this season. But he probably isn't the answer, and Yankees fans shouldn't expect much from him this season. He batted .167 in six at-bats for the Yankees last season.
The Yankees don't look good behind the plate. Martin's career has been in steady decline for three straight seasons, and he probably won't hit nine home runs in a month again this season. Cervelli's a good backup but his health is in question. Romine isn't ready yet and Molina never has been. It could be a long year for Yankees catchers.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Mets Catchers
The Mets are in a moneyball rebuilding phase and are simply looking to tread water in 2012. The goal this season will be to develop younger players at several positions and get by with veteran players at others. They have a younger player in place behind the dish.
1. Josh Thole: Thole has always been a decent hitter in the Major Leagues, hitting .268 last season and sporting a career .276 batting average. But he's far from perfect offensively. He can't hit left-handers to save his life, has no power, and is not a good base-runner. Basically, he's a one-trick pony who should only legitimately be counted for occasional success at the plate. And defensively he's a mess. A converted first baseman, he's poor behind the plate. And he also fights a lot of pitchers, which is not a good thing for a catcher. The Mets are hoping that Thole can improve a bit at the plate and behind it and they may see both of those things, but Mets fans will be disappointed with Thole by season's end.
2. Mike Nickeas: Nickeas is a 29-year-old career Minor Leaguer who is probably going to be the Mets number two catcher this season. GM Sandy Alderson wanted to sign a more proven backup catcher this off-season, but his need at the position was essentially so high that it was non-realistic. Considering Thole's defensive struggles, Alderson needed an excellent defensive catcher to serve as his backup. And with his bad relations with pitchers - in particularly RHP Mike Pelfrey - Alderson needed someone to serve as a personal catcher for at least two Mets pitchers (Thole also has trouble catching RHP R. A. Dickey, who features a knuckleball in his arsenal). And with Thole's struggles against left-handed pitching, Alderson needed a right-handed bat who could platoon with Thole. Basically such a backup catcher doesn't exist, and if he does he wasn't a free agent this season. So instead they have Nickeas, who is a defensive standout that could potentially catch both Pelfrey and Dickey. And he is right-handed so a platoon isn't out of the question. But Nickeas has a career .190 batting average at the Major League level, and he batted .189 last season in 53 at-bats.
3. Rob Johnson: Johnson is a former top prospect with Seattle who the Mets have signed to a Minor League contract and have invited to Spring Training. Last season he batted .190 in 179 at-bats with San Diego. Johnson, like Nickeas, is also a defensive specialist who pitchers like to throw to. Johnson is a slightly better hitter than Nickeas and has a better track record at the Major League level. Alderson has said repeatedly that this move is purely one of depth, but LeRoy wouldn't be too surprised to see Johnson win the backup catcher's job from Nickeas.
4. Lucas May: May is another catcher whom the Mets have signed to a Minors deal and invited to Spring Training. And he's in the same mold as Nickeas and Johnson: Right-handed with a good history of relationships with pitchers and strong defensively. May's only 27 and he still could blossom as a player, but the Mets are not looking at him in the long-term. He may not even stick with the team after Spring Training. Last season May batted .238 in 248 at-bats at AAA.
The Mets don't look strong at this position. It appears right now that they're not going to get any production against left-handed pitching from their catching tandem, whether it involves Nickeas or Johnson. And with Thole getting most of the innings behind the plate there shouldn't be much defense either. Oh yeah and Lucas May? Yup.
1. Josh Thole: Thole has always been a decent hitter in the Major Leagues, hitting .268 last season and sporting a career .276 batting average. But he's far from perfect offensively. He can't hit left-handers to save his life, has no power, and is not a good base-runner. Basically, he's a one-trick pony who should only legitimately be counted for occasional success at the plate. And defensively he's a mess. A converted first baseman, he's poor behind the plate. And he also fights a lot of pitchers, which is not a good thing for a catcher. The Mets are hoping that Thole can improve a bit at the plate and behind it and they may see both of those things, but Mets fans will be disappointed with Thole by season's end.
2. Mike Nickeas: Nickeas is a 29-year-old career Minor Leaguer who is probably going to be the Mets number two catcher this season. GM Sandy Alderson wanted to sign a more proven backup catcher this off-season, but his need at the position was essentially so high that it was non-realistic. Considering Thole's defensive struggles, Alderson needed an excellent defensive catcher to serve as his backup. And with his bad relations with pitchers - in particularly RHP Mike Pelfrey - Alderson needed someone to serve as a personal catcher for at least two Mets pitchers (Thole also has trouble catching RHP R. A. Dickey, who features a knuckleball in his arsenal). And with Thole's struggles against left-handed pitching, Alderson needed a right-handed bat who could platoon with Thole. Basically such a backup catcher doesn't exist, and if he does he wasn't a free agent this season. So instead they have Nickeas, who is a defensive standout that could potentially catch both Pelfrey and Dickey. And he is right-handed so a platoon isn't out of the question. But Nickeas has a career .190 batting average at the Major League level, and he batted .189 last season in 53 at-bats.
3. Rob Johnson: Johnson is a former top prospect with Seattle who the Mets have signed to a Minor League contract and have invited to Spring Training. Last season he batted .190 in 179 at-bats with San Diego. Johnson, like Nickeas, is also a defensive specialist who pitchers like to throw to. Johnson is a slightly better hitter than Nickeas and has a better track record at the Major League level. Alderson has said repeatedly that this move is purely one of depth, but LeRoy wouldn't be too surprised to see Johnson win the backup catcher's job from Nickeas.
4. Lucas May: May is another catcher whom the Mets have signed to a Minors deal and invited to Spring Training. And he's in the same mold as Nickeas and Johnson: Right-handed with a good history of relationships with pitchers and strong defensively. May's only 27 and he still could blossom as a player, but the Mets are not looking at him in the long-term. He may not even stick with the team after Spring Training. Last season May batted .238 in 248 at-bats at AAA.
The Mets don't look strong at this position. It appears right now that they're not going to get any production against left-handed pitching from their catching tandem, whether it involves Nickeas or Johnson. And with Thole getting most of the innings behind the plate there shouldn't be much defense either. Oh yeah and Lucas May? Yup.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Red Sox sign Maine
The Red Sox have agreed to terms with RHP John Maine on a Minor League deal, though it is not clear if he has been invited to Spring Training or not. The story was first reported by the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, a newspaper in Maine's hometown of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Maine posted a 7.43 ERA with 35 strikeouts and 37 walks in 46 innings pitched last season in the Pacific Coast League.
Maine posted a 2.89 ERA in the 2006 postseason and went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 2007 before his career went into decline in the face of a wave of injuries. Maine asked for and was granted his unconditional release from the Colorado organization last June and has not pitched since. Several teams reported at least mild interest in Maine this off-season before he signed with Boston.
Maine's signing only adds further depth to an already overloaded competition involving Boston's pitching staff. Despite the huge number of pitchers already competing for jobs and the late addition of Maine, Boston is still reportedly expressing vague interest in free agent RHP Edwin Jackson and free agent RHP Roy Oswalt.
Maine posted a 2.89 ERA in the 2006 postseason and went 15-10 with a 3.91 ERA in 2007 before his career went into decline in the face of a wave of injuries. Maine asked for and was granted his unconditional release from the Colorado organization last June and has not pitched since. Several teams reported at least mild interest in Maine this off-season before he signed with Boston.
Maine's signing only adds further depth to an already overloaded competition involving Boston's pitching staff. Despite the huge number of pitchers already competing for jobs and the late addition of Maine, Boston is still reportedly expressing vague interest in free agent RHP Edwin Jackson and free agent RHP Roy Oswalt.
Mest sign Tuiasosopo to Minor League Contract
The Mets have signed IF Matt Tuiasosopo to a Minor League contract. He has not been invited to Spring Training. He batted .226 with 14 homers for Tacoma last season. He has a career .176 batting average with five homers in his Major League career.
It is not particularlry clear how Tuiasosopo fits into the Mets' plans this season. He is the great nephew of songwriter Mariota Tuiasosopo, the son of former NFL lineman Manu Tuiasosopo, the brother of former NFL QB Marques Tuiasosopo and FB Zach Tuiasosopo, and the first cousin once removed of actor Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo.
It is not particularlry clear how Tuiasosopo fits into the Mets' plans this season. He is the great nephew of songwriter Mariota Tuiasosopo, the son of former NFL lineman Manu Tuiasosopo, the brother of former NFL QB Marques Tuiasosopo and FB Zach Tuiasosopo, and the first cousin once removed of actor Peter "Navy" Tuiasosopo.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Red Sox Catchers
The Red Sox are attempting to recover after a September collapse last season. One of their weakest areas all of last season was their contributions from behind the plate. Unfortunately for Red Sox Nation, there hasn't been much change in that area from last season.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Salty had been a top prospect with Atlanta and Texas for years upon end before he was acquired by Boston. Well, he didn't do much of anything last season, although he's still young (27 in May) and patience is probably required with him. Last season he batted .235 with 16 homers, 56 runs batted in, and one stolen base. In addition, Salty struck out a whopping 119 times and drew only 24 walks. Boston is hoping for a marked improvement from Salty this season, but they may have to wait for 2013 for that to happen.
2. Kelly Shoppach: Shoppach was signed as a free agent from Tampa Bay. An enigma to many baseball observers, Shoppach is a former top prospect originally drafted by Boston who reached his potential in the Major Leagues, once hitting 21 home runs in a season with Cleveland. Since then, though, his bat has gone to sleep. Last season he batted .176 in 221 at-bats, although he did hit 11 homers off the bench for the Rays. The Red Sox are probably hoping that the 32-year-old Shoppach can once again find his groove with his original organization. And if that doesn't work out, Boston probably wants him to at least be a capable backup to Salty, something which the team has lacked over the past couple of seasons. The good news is that he's a good catcher (probably the best in the Majors) and should provide excellent defense, regardless of how his bat works out.
3. Ryan Lavarnway: Lavarnway is a prospect that Boston is taking a look at in Spring Training. He has a ton of power and probably represents the future behind the plate for the Red Sox. But he still needs some fine-tuning. He could use at least another half-season at Pawtucket before he's ready to tackle the Majors. He was recalled last September and batted .231 in 39 at-bats.
4. Luis Exposito: Exposito is a top prospect that the Red Sox have added to their 40-man roster to protect from the Rule V Draft. He's probably ready to take the next step to the Majors next season, although there doesn't appear to be room for him yet. Therefore Exposito, who is known for his defense, will probably return to Pawtucket and play behind Lavarnway.
The catching situation in Boston doesn't look too good. Saltalamacchia is returning and doesn't figure to be drastically improved. Shoppach is a good backup catcher given his defense and he has power, but to expect much from him would probably be a mistake. Lavarnway is a great prospect and Exposito looks like he could be a nice player but both of those players would probably need to see regular at-bats before they could be recalled.
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Salty had been a top prospect with Atlanta and Texas for years upon end before he was acquired by Boston. Well, he didn't do much of anything last season, although he's still young (27 in May) and patience is probably required with him. Last season he batted .235 with 16 homers, 56 runs batted in, and one stolen base. In addition, Salty struck out a whopping 119 times and drew only 24 walks. Boston is hoping for a marked improvement from Salty this season, but they may have to wait for 2013 for that to happen.
2. Kelly Shoppach: Shoppach was signed as a free agent from Tampa Bay. An enigma to many baseball observers, Shoppach is a former top prospect originally drafted by Boston who reached his potential in the Major Leagues, once hitting 21 home runs in a season with Cleveland. Since then, though, his bat has gone to sleep. Last season he batted .176 in 221 at-bats, although he did hit 11 homers off the bench for the Rays. The Red Sox are probably hoping that the 32-year-old Shoppach can once again find his groove with his original organization. And if that doesn't work out, Boston probably wants him to at least be a capable backup to Salty, something which the team has lacked over the past couple of seasons. The good news is that he's a good catcher (probably the best in the Majors) and should provide excellent defense, regardless of how his bat works out.
3. Ryan Lavarnway: Lavarnway is a prospect that Boston is taking a look at in Spring Training. He has a ton of power and probably represents the future behind the plate for the Red Sox. But he still needs some fine-tuning. He could use at least another half-season at Pawtucket before he's ready to tackle the Majors. He was recalled last September and batted .231 in 39 at-bats.
4. Luis Exposito: Exposito is a top prospect that the Red Sox have added to their 40-man roster to protect from the Rule V Draft. He's probably ready to take the next step to the Majors next season, although there doesn't appear to be room for him yet. Therefore Exposito, who is known for his defense, will probably return to Pawtucket and play behind Lavarnway.
The catching situation in Boston doesn't look too good. Saltalamacchia is returning and doesn't figure to be drastically improved. Shoppach is a good backup catcher given his defense and he has power, but to expect much from him would probably be a mistake. Lavarnway is a great prospect and Exposito looks like he could be a nice player but both of those players would probably need to see regular at-bats before they could be recalled.
Yankees re-sign Jones
The Yankees have re-signed OF Andruw Jones to a one-year, $2 million contract. The 34-year-old Jones batted .247 with an impressive 13 homers and 33 runs batted in in only 77 games last season for the Yankees, including a .286 batting average and 16 extra base hits against lefties. Jones, who could platoon in left field with LF Brett Gardner, also stands to make an additional $1.4 million in incentives. Jones now has 420 career home runs, and is one of only four players in baseball history with at least 400 home runs and at least ten Gold Gloves (Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Mike Schmidt).
The Yankees 40-man roster is now full.
The Yankees 40-man roster is now full.
Red Sox sign Ross to one-year Deal
Boston has signed OF Cody Ross to a one-year, $3 million contract. The deal also affords him some incentives based upon the amount of at-bats he gets. RHP Scott Atchison was designated for assignment to make room for Ross on the 40-man roster.
The 31-year-old Ross batted .240 with 11 homers and 52 runs batted in for San Francisco last season. A power hitter who has a flair for the dramatic, Ross should give them a good right-handed bat off of their bench as a pinch hitter and left-handed option to substitute in for DH David Ortiz. Ross could also get some playing time in left field early this season as LF Carl Crawford is expected to miss the beginning of the season following wrist surgery.
The 31-year-old Ross batted .240 with 11 homers and 52 runs batted in for San Francisco last season. A power hitter who has a flair for the dramatic, Ross should give them a good right-handed bat off of their bench as a pinch hitter and left-handed option to substitute in for DH David Ortiz. Ross could also get some playing time in left field early this season as LF Carl Crawford is expected to miss the beginning of the season following wrist surgery.
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