Hideki Matsui's Replacement

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

Hideki Matsui may not play until September and perhaps not again until 2007, and so within the Yankees' front office, there will be discussion and consideration today about possible replacements. This is not a small matter for New York: With Randy Johnson showing such a distinct lack of faith in his fastball and the middle relief in a muddle, the offense has to create the margin of error for these other flaws, and Matsui was a key component of the offense.
Bernie Williams will play some games as a replacement, but the Yankees never wanted him to be more than a role player this summer, a guy who might get a couple of starts a week. There was some discomfort with him even getting regular at-bats as a designated hitter, which is why the team initially signed Carlos Pena, in the hope that Pena would become the regular first baseman, Jason Giambi would become the regular designated hitter and Williams would play less. Williams will not be the permanent solution.

Melky Cabrera and Bubba Crosby will get some time to prove themselves as possible fill-ins, but there is an American Idol ruthlessness in the way the Yankees evaluate young players at the big-league level. Think of the club as Simon Cowell, and the young players as the hapless wannabes on stage for the first time: They've got to show extraordinary skill from the outset. On the Baseball Tonight set Thursday, I asked Tino Martinez -- who witnessed first-hand the impatience with young players in New York -- how long Cabrera had to prove himself. "About a day," Tino said, before chuckling only a little. Somewhere, Shane Spencer and Ricky Ledee and others aren't laughing at all; those guys always felt incredible pressure to produce.

So unless Cabrera dominates the next week of games, the Yankees will probably start looking at players who may be available for trade. There is an X-factor in their decision-making: Gary Sheffield is on the disabled list with a bad wrist, and club officials need to determine how much help he will be this year, with the looming distraction of his unsettled contract status. If they think Sheffield is devoted to coming back and helping the team, then that will decrease the sense of urgency to identify a big-time replacement for Matsui. On the other hand, if they believe Sheffield will become Shut-Down Sheff and has decided he isn't going to be invested in the 2006 Yankees because he doesn't have a contract for 2007, then they definitely need a proven bat.

The possible options:

1. Bobby Abreu, Phillies. General managers from other teams say Phillies GM Pat Gillick was extremely motivated in his effort to trade Abreu all winter -- mostly because of the $30 million still owed to Abreu for this year and for next year. There is a dramatic split among evaluators on how good of a player Abreu is: The New School Number Crunchers love Abreu for his incredible on-base percentage, prolonged at-bats, and his offensive production, while a lot of the Old School Scouts say he's worth much less than his numbers suggest, believing he doesn't play hard all the time and that his physical condition is regressing. An Old School scout asked of him recently, "Can't he just dive for a ball one time?"

Gillick acquired David Dellucci on the eve of the season, so he has options if he really wants to move Abreu, who is batting .264 with four homers and a .438 on-base percentage so far. If the Phillies are ready to deal the All-Star, the Yankees probably wouldn't have to give up much talent -- maybe a couple of Grade B prospects -- in order to get him, because of the size of his contract. The real value of the deal to Gillick may be the financial flexibility gained, as he considers ways of helping the team before the trade deadline.

Interestingly, a deciding vote on Abreu may come from someone who knows Abreu well, someone who is regarded with great respect within the Yankees' organization: Third base coach and former Philly manager Larry Bowa.

2 and 3. Shannon Stewart or Torii Hunter. Each would be a good fit for the Yankees -- Stewart because of his offensive prowess and Hunter because of his power and remarkable defense. The question is when or if the Twins will decide to blow up their season. They haven't looked good, but it's still very early in the season, and Minnesota GM Terry Ryan may not be ready to deal until sometime in July. The Yankees will want to move before then.

4. Aubrey Huff, Devil Rays. He can play multiple positions, he looked good in spring training, and he knows AL East pitching. But he's also hitting .156, he's not a good outfielder, and Tampa Bay has been aggressive in asking for good young pitching, something the Yankees won't part with for Huff, as they rebuild their farm system.

5. Alfonso Soriano, Nationals. They know him, they know he can play in and enjoy New York, and he's getting better in the outfield. The key questions would be: When would the Nationals be ready to trade, and do the Yankees have what Washington GM Jim Bowden would want in a deal?

6. Mike Cameron, Padres. Right now, The Padres would have no reason to want to make a trade, because they're contending in the NL West.

7. Austin Kearns, Reds. Sure, the Yankees could use him, but it's hard to see a fit for trade partners here. Cincinnati wants pitching, and the Yankees really don't have much pitching to offer.

Abreu makes a whole lot of sense if the Phillies are still motivated to move him.

[The Dark Knight]

I have Torri Hunter and Abreu in my fantasy league.

You think their stats will go up if they get on the Yankees?

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

I have Torri Hunter and Abreu in my fantasy league.

You think their stats will go up if they get on the Yankees?
Without a doubt.

[DevilSpawn]

If Steinbrenner were smart, he wouldn't have given up so quickly on Juan Rivera. But that's in the past. :mad: I say stay pat and have patience with Melky. Crosby is not chicken liver. He brings great speed.

Our lineup without any trades would be the following:

Damon
Jeter
Giambi
A-Rod
5????? (until Sheff returns)
Jorge
Cano
Williams
Crosby/Cabrera

So who fills in the 5 spot? Cano is batting 322 right now and is getting better each day. Sheff may be back soon enough and I think we can weather the storm until he returns. Once he does return, we won't need any overpaid player. Soriano is the best choice, but do we really want a downgrade in the fielding position at left?

You want controversy: trade for Ichiro. The Mariners aren't going anywhere. Yes he's marketable for them, but for us in the future, Ichiro in right and Matsui in left would be a merchandising paradise. Then our lineup next year would be:

Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Ichiro - RF
A-Rod - 3B
Giambi - 1B
Matsui - LF
Jorge - C
Cano - 2B
Crosby/Cabrera - DH/OF

Keep Cairo and get another role player and shove him at #9. But of course the Mariners would be foolish to give away their star player.

All of this means nothing when our pitching sucks. Moose will be a year older, Johnson will be 5 years older, and who knows about the rest with their health. Why did we not re-sign Jon Leiber again? :confused:

But if the Ichiro trade does not go down, Cabrera will be seeing more playing time, as another DH will be in pinstripes to ruin our season with tons of distractions.

Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Bonds - DH (signed next year)
A-Rod - 3B
Giambi - 1B
Matsui - LF
Jorge - C
Cano - 2B
Crosby/Cabrera - DH/OF

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

Well, for starters, Jon Lieber is 36 himself, so it's not as if he's any younger.

He had a decent season last year...won 17 games, but had an era over 4...Johnson was better last year.

This year Lieber is 2-4 with an era over 6!

[Medford Bronco]

If Steinbrenner were smart, he wouldn't have given up so quickly on Juan Rivera. But that's in the past. :mad: I say stay pat and have patience with Melky. Crosby is not chicken liver. He brings great speed.

Our lineup without any trades would be the following:

Damon
Jeter
Giambi
A-Rod
5????? (until Sheff returns)
Jorge
Cano
Williams
Crosby/Cabrera

So who fills in the 5 spot? Cano is batting 322 right now and is getting better each day. Sheff may be back soon enough and I think we can weather the storm until he returns. Once he does return, we won't need any overpaid player. Soriano is the best choice, but do we really want a downgrade in the fielding position at left?

You want controversy: trade for Ichiro. The Mariners aren't going anywhere. Yes he's marketable for them, but for us in the future, Ichiro in right and Matsui in left would be a merchandising paradise. Then our lineup next year would be:

Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Ichiro - RF
A-Rod - 3B
Giambi - 1B
Matsui - LF
Jorge - C
Cano - 2B
Crosby/Cabrera - DH/OF

Keep Cairo and get another role player and shove him at #9. But of course the Mariners would be foolish to give away their star player.

All of this means nothing when our pitching sucks. Moose will be a year older, Johnson will be 5 years older, and who knows about the rest with their health. Why did we not re-sign Jon Leiber again? :confused:

But if the Ichiro trade does not go down, Cabrera will be seeing more playing time, as another DH will be in pinstripes to ruin our season with tons of distractions.

Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Bonds - DH (signed next year)
A-Rod - 3B
Giambi - 1B
Matsui - LF
Jorge - C
Cano - 2B
Crosby/Cabrera - DH/OF

before the Yank fans worry about who is going to fill in for Matsui, they should try to worry about aquiring a starting pitcher and maybe some more help in the bullpen.
last years signings of Pavan and J Wright are big flops

Oh year Bernie Williams is shaky in the OF and I believe after an excellent career has lost it.

They still have enough offense to win. They need more in their rotation besides Mussina and Johnson. No Chacon and Aaron Small are not the answers.

They should try to trade for Dontrelle Willis if they can.

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

before the Yank fans worry about who is going to fill in for Matsui, they should try to worry about aquiring a starting pitcher and maybe some more help in the bullpen.
last years signings of Pavan and J Wright are big flops

Oh year Bernie Williams is shaky in the OF and I believe after an excellent career has lost it.

They still have enough offense to win. They need more in their rotation besides Mussina and Johnson. No Chacon and Aaron Small are not the answers.

They should try to trade for Dontrelle Willis if they can.
I really do think that the starting pitching is strong enough.
They have the second lowest ERA in the american league, and have given up the fewest homers.

The problem is clearly the bullpen. However, it's very early in the year. Rivera still has it as far as I'm concerned..I think Farnsworth has what it takes, and then you add to the fact that you have a great arm in Octavio Dotel coming back sooner than later...Scott Proctor, while poor last night, has been better than anyone could have imagined thus far this season.

[Southstander]

Knowing "The Boss" He probably will go after, Griffey of Ichrio.

[RunYouOver]

I think we should really try Melky Cabrera.....he looks like he has a lot of potential.


He shows a lot of patience at the plate, and could turn into a great contact hitter....he'll eventually get used to Right Field or Left, and should be a good fielder.


Let's keep Melky....but I wouldn't mind Abreu!

[WABronco]

Why the hell would SD trade Cameron? Kearns was the hardest guy to get on the market last offseason, and now that he's hot, why would he even be available?

[WABronco]

Knowing "The Boss" He probably will go after, Griffey or Ichrio.

Good luck with that. New York doesn't have nearly enough in their system to pry him away (unless they'd give up Cano with Phillip Hughes and another prospect).

[WABronco]

before the Yank fans worry about who is going to fill in for Matsui, they should try to worry about aquiring a starting pitcher and maybe some more help in the bullpen.
last years signings of Pavan and J Wright are big flops

Oh year Bernie Williams is shaky in the OF and I believe after an excellent career has lost it.

They still have enough offense to win. They need more in their rotation besides Mussina and Johnson. No Chacon and Aaron Small are not the answers.

They should try to trade for Dontrelle Willis if they can.

Willis wouldn't help anything at the moment. He stinks right now...

Chacon and Small would be adequate 4's and 5's in a conventional rotation.

[WABronco]

You want controversy: trade for Ichiro. The Mariners aren't going anywhere. Yes he's marketable for them, but for us in the future, Ichiro in right and Matsui in left would be a merchandising paradise. Then our lineup next year would be:

Damon - CF
Jeter - SS
Ichiro - RF
A-Rod - 3B
Giambi - 1B
Matsui - LF
Jorge - C
Cano - 2B
Crosby/Cabrera - DH/OF

But if the Ichiro trade does not go down, Cabrera will be seeing more playing time, as another DH will be in pinstripes to ruin our season with tons of distractions.


BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Good luck with that...

Right now, Ichiro is pretty much the only thing keeping Seattle afloat. He's not going anywhere. And besides, what would NY give up? You've got nothing outside of Hughes, Duncan, and Cano (that'd be a starting point for any Ichiro deal).

He's also got a full no-trade clause, and it's supposedly considered a disgrace in Japanese baseball to be traded.

Ain't happenin', won't happen, won't ever happen...

Those NY sports writers are retards. They've been saying the same thing for almost a year now, and all of it's based off your typical, baseless, NY media BS. "Ichiro is available because he's struggling and he doesn't see eye-to-eye with Hargrove." BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm not seeing how hitting just below .300 is struggling. Hargrove is gone within the week IMO, so there goes that part of the wacko theory...

[Southstander]

Nice Quaddriple post there WA....



Is far it it being a disgrace in Japanese baseball to be traded, This is American Baseball where ego's rule all, Damon said in the past that he wold never play for the "Evil Empire", adn we all know how that worked out.


I think the no trade clause is one of the worst things to happen to al of sports

[WABronco]

Nice Quaddriple post there WA....

Lol, I noticed that too... :heh:

[NJBRONCOSFAN]

BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Good luck with that...

Right now, Ichiro is pretty much the only thing keeping Seattle afloat. He's not going anywhere. And besides, what would NY give up? You've got nothing outside of Hughes, Duncan, and Cano (that'd be a starting point for any Ichiro deal).

He's also got a full no-trade clause, and it's supposedly considered a disgrace in Japanese baseball to be traded.

Ain't happenin', won't happen, won't ever happen...

Those NY sports writers are retards. They've been saying the same thing for almost a year now, and all of it's based off your typical, baseless, NY media BS. "Ichiro is available because he's struggling and he doesn't see eye-to-eye with Hargrove." BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! I'm not seeing how hitting just below .300 is struggling. Hargrove is gone within the week IMO, so there goes that part of the wacko theory...
I haven't read anything in the NY media about Ichiro coming to NY.

[keithbishop]

The Yankees don't need to make any trades.

Matsui's injury hurts the team in several ways, but the outfield and the lineup are still strong. IMO, Melky Cabrera will be in pinstripes for a long time. For all the flak he caught after a disastrous 2005 callup, none other than my favorite all-time Yankee, Don Mattingly :salute: , noticed how much Melky had improved in the offseason. After a strong winter league season, he was tearing up AAA pitching. There will be some growing pains, both at the plate and in the field (learning the corner spots after playing CF in the minors), but he has demonstrated vastly improved patience at the plate and has been solid in the field other than a wind-aided drop in a game that was already getting out of hand vs. boston Tuesday night. I'll take a 21 year old who is a great athlete and is willing to do the "little things" like bunting before I'd give up prospects for Abreu, who would just be in the way in 2007. Melky made a nice play today in LF.... backing up Damon on a sliding catch attempt..... and firing the ball in accurately after the ball got past Damon. After seeing Damon and Crosby take turns making great catches Thursday night, I'm more than willing to watch 3 great defenders in the OF at the same time..... something the Yankees haven't had in quite a while.

Bubba Crosby has paid his dues. He is the Yankees best defensive OF.... outstanding in all 3 positions. Crosby should hit around .280, steal some bases, BUNT...... and save plenty of runs with his glove. What more could you ask of a #8/9 hitter?? Crosby reminds me a lot of Chad Curtis. Crosby is a slightly better defender (they are equal in LF, but Crosby is better in RF and CF) and a slightly better base-stealer (most of Curtis' steals came before he was with the Yankees)...... Curtis had some power.

I'd like to see Sheffield DH at least half the time when he returns, reducing his risk of injury while keeping his potent bat in the lineup. IMO, Sheff's 2007 option should be picked up now..... he earned it with monster years in 2004 and 2005....... and he'll have his share of big hits this season.

The bullpen has been outstanding except for Tanyon Sturtze and Aaron Small. Small hasn't pitched much after returning from the DL. I believe he will be OK, but with Dotel's expected arrival in a month or so, Small may lose his roster spot. The bullpen's weak link, Sturtze, was placed on the 15 day DL today..... and I don't expect to see him in pinstripes again. Scott Erickson was called up for a look, though I would have preferred Colter Bean, Mark Corey, Matt Smith or Jose Veras. Torre likes experienced pitchers..... and Erickson has a sub- 3.00 ERA outside of the last game he pitched in...... 1 horrible game and 11 strong ones is worth a look.

Kyle Farnsworth pitched well today.......
although he walked the leadoff batter in the 9th, a big no-no (putting it mildly), he induced the 2nd batter into a ground ball that SHOULD have been a routine DP, but Jeter made an error. Farnsworth did end up allowing an unearned run, but pitched out of the jam and got his first save of the year. He was hitting as high as 99 mph with his fastball as well as throwing his curve for strikes.

The Yankees pitcher of the day..... and reliever of the year thus far..... was Scott Proctor. Proctor has always had a good fastball, but is no longer a 1-pitch pitcher. His hard work has earned the respect of Ron Guidry (my favorite all-time Yankee pitcher :salute: ) and, more importantly, Joe Torre's trust. Proctor showed that he has ice in his veins by working out of the mess created by Sturtze this afternoon..... going 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings to drop his already- microscopic ERA to 1.48.

Ron Villone and Mike Myers have been solid this year. Myers has earned Torre's trust and Villone has good experience both as a setup reliever and as a middle reliever. Villone pitches best when he isn't used on consecutive days..... and Torre has used him well thus far, though Villone could use a little more work. Farnsworth could use a lot more work........ and Dotel will have a strong 2nd half.

Mariano Rivera is.......... well......... Mariano Rivera. 'Nuff said.

Moose is the unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff....... and deserves to have his 2007 option picked up. Wang pitched the best game of his short career Friday night.... and the Yankees best game of the year: 8 IP 3 H 2 BB 4 Double Plays...... and 20 ground ball outs...... not allowing a runner to reach 2nd base. The A's left 1 runner stranded through 8 innings in the shutout loss. Did I mention that Wang only needed 85 pitches to get through 8 innings?? I still can't understand why he wasn't allowed to pitch the 9th.... even with Mo available.

Shawn Chacon, despite being pulled too early in Thursday's loss, is a solid starter. He'll never pitch the perfect game, but stays strong through tough outings and always wants the ball.

Randy Johnson is a mystery, but I believe Guidry and Joe Kerrigan (the bullpen coach) will get his mechanical issues sorted out. I'd love to see the Yankees give Darrell Rasner (AAA Columbus) 1 start while RJ works on his mechanics, but he'll likely have to pitch his way through his recent difficulties in games. I wouldn't recommend betting against the success of Randy Johnson.

Jaret Wright has pitched well in his last 3 starts..... showing improvement in each one. He pitched very well today through 5 and 1/3 innings..... allowing no runs until the most recent Sturtze meltdown of the season.

Carl Pavano is on track to return to the Yankees around the 26th of this month. Time to start earning those big buck$.

The most exciting pitchers are in AA Trenton...... starter Phil Hughes (REMEMBER THAT NAME!!!! --awesome future) and relievers J Brent Cox (1.93 ERA) and TJ Beam ( 0.33 ERA :eek: ). Hughes was just recently promoted to AA, but Cox and Beam are definitely ready to move up to AAA.

Lineup: Damon, Jeter, A-Rod (who is catching fire at the plate) and Giambi make a scary 1-4. I'd move Cano to #5 until sheff gets back. Posada is a solid # 6. Bernie will have his moments (hopefully as DH) at #7. Melky and Bubba allow "small ball" to be played at the bottom of the order..... and Melky will show some power before too long. AAA OF Kevin Thompson is also worthy of promotion. Andy Phillips made some great plays in the field Friday night. I believe he would be a decent hitter given enough AB's , but don't think he'll be given the chance. In the meantime, I can live with strong defense at 1B on the days Giambi DH's.

[WABronco]

I haven't read anything in the NY media about Ichiro coming to NY.
Oh, trust me, us NW'ers read it all the time. I believe there was a recent article in Newsday...

[RunYouOver]

The Yankees don't need to make any trades.

Matsui's injury hurts the team in several ways, but the outfield and the lineup are still strong. IMO, Melky Cabrera will be in pinstripes for a long time. For all the flak he caught after a disastrous 2005 callup, none other than my favorite all-time Yankee, Don Mattingly :salute: , noticed how much Melky had improved in the offseason. After a strong winter league season, he was tearing up AAA pitching. There will be some growing pains, both at the plate and in the field (learning the corner spots after playing CF in the minors), but he has demonstrated vastly improved patience at the plate and has been solid in the field other than a wind-aided drop in a game that was already getting out of hand vs. boston Tuesday night. I'll take a 21 year old who is a great athlete and is willing to do the "little things" like bunting before I'd give up prospects for Abreu, who would just be in the way in 2007. Melky made a nice play today in LF.... backing up Damon on a sliding catch attempt..... and firing the ball in accurately after the ball got past Damon. After seeing Damon and Crosby take turns making great catches Thursday night, I'm more than willing to watch 3 great defenders in the OF at the same time..... something the Yankees haven't had in quite a while.

Bubba Crosby has paid his dues. He is the Yankees best defensive OF.... outstanding in all 3 positions. Crosby should hit around .280, steal some bases, BUNT...... and save plenty of runs with his glove. What more could you ask of a #8/9 hitter?? Crosby reminds me a lot of Chad Curtis. Crosby is a slightly better defender (they are equal in LF, but Crosby is better in RF and CF) and a slightly better base-stealer (most of Curtis' steals came before he was with the Yankees)...... Curtis had some power.

I'd like to see Sheffield DH at least half the time when he returns, reducing his risk of injury while keeping his potent bat in the lineup. IMO, Sheff's 2007 option should be picked up now..... he earned it with monster years in 2004 and 2005....... and he'll have his share of big hits this season.

The bullpen has been outstanding except for Tanyon Sturtze and Aaron Small. Small hasn't pitched much after returning from the DL. I believe he will be OK, but with Dotel's expected arrival in a month or so, Small may lose his roster spot. The bullpen's weak link, Sturtze, was placed on the 15 day DL today..... and I don't expect to see him in pinstripes again. Scott Erickson was called up for a look, though I would have preferred Colter Bean, Mark Corey, Matt Smith or Jose Veras. Torre likes experienced pitchers..... and Erickson has a sub- 3.00 ERA outside of the last game he pitched in...... 1 horrible game and 11 strong ones is worth a look.

Kyle Farnsworth pitched well today.......
although he walked the leadoff batter in the 9th, a big no-no (putting it mildly), he induced the 2nd batter into a ground ball that SHOULD have been a routine DP, but Jeter made an error. Farnsworth did end up allowing an unearned run, but pitched out of the jam and got his first save of the year. He was hitting as high as 99 mph with his fastball as well as throwing his curve for strikes.

The Yankees pitcher of the day..... and reliever of the year thus far..... was Scott Proctor. Proctor has always had a good fastball, but is no longer a 1-pitch pitcher. His hard work has earned the respect of Ron Guidry (my favorite all-time Yankee pitcher :salute: ) and, more importantly, Joe Torre's trust. Proctor showed that he has ice in his veins by working out of the mess created by Sturtze this afternoon..... going 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings to drop his already- microscopic ERA to 1.48.

Ron Villone and Mike Myers have been solid this year. Myers has earned Torre's trust and Villone has good experience both as a setup reliever and as a middle reliever. Villone pitches best when he isn't used on consecutive days..... and Torre has used him well thus far, though Villone could use a little more work. Farnsworth could use a lot more work........ and Dotel will have a strong 2nd half.

Mariano Rivera is.......... well......... Mariano Rivera. 'Nuff said.

Moose is the unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff....... and deserves to have his 2007 option picked up. Wang pitched the best game of his short career Friday night.... and the Yankees best game of the year: 8 IP 3 H 2 BB 4 Double Plays...... and 20 ground ball outs...... not allowing a runner to reach 2nd base. The A's left 1 runner stranded through 8 innings in the shutout loss. Did I mention that Wang only needed 85 pitches to get through 8 innings?? I still can't understand why he wasn't allowed to pitch the 9th.... even with Mo available.

Shawn Chacon, despite being pulled too early in Thursday's loss, is a solid starter. He'll never pitch the perfect game, but stays strong through tough outings and always wants the ball.

Randy Johnson is a mystery, but I believe Guidry and Joe Kerrigan (the bullpen coach) will get his mechanical issues sorted out. I'd love to see the Yankees give Darrell Rasner (AAA Columbus) 1 start while RJ works on his mechanics, but he'll likely have to pitch his way through his recent difficulties in games. I wouldn't recommend betting against the success of Randy Johnson.

Jaret Wright has pitched well in his last 3 starts..... showing improvement in each one. He pitched very well today through 5 and 1/3 innings..... allowing no runs until the most recent Sturtze meltdown of the season.

Carl Pavano is on track to return to the Yankees around the 26th of this month. Time to start earning those big buck$.

The most exciting pitchers are in AA Trenton...... starter Phil Hughes (REMEMBER THAT NAME!!!! --awesome future) and relievers J Brent Cox (1.93 ERA) and TJ Beam ( 0.33 ERA ). Hughes was just recently promoted to AA, but Cox and Beam are definitely ready to move up to AAA.

Lineup: Damon, Jeter, A-Rod (who is catching fire at the plate) and Giambi make a scary 1-4. I'd move Cano to #5 until sheff gets back. Posada is a solid # 6. Bernie will have his moments (hopefully as DH) at #7. Melky and Bubba allow "small ball" to be played at the bottom of the order..... and Melky will show some power before too long. AAA OF Kevin Thompson is also worthy of promotion. Andy Phillips made some great plays in the field Friday night. I believe he would be a decent hitter given enough AB's , but don't think he'll be given the chance. In the meantime, I can live with strong defense at 1B on the days Giambi DH's.


That's a really good post KB....I agree with just about....everything.

Yes, people need to remember the name Phil Hughes...he's going to be very, very good... :cheers:

[WABronco]

That's a really good post KB....I agree with just about....everything.

Yes, people need to remember the name Phil Hughes...he's going to be very, very good... :cheers:
If he doesn't get traded, traded, traded... :D

[keithbishop]

If he doesn't get traded, traded, traded... :D

Untouchable........... times have changed. In 2005 EVERY trade request began with Cano and Wang........... Brian Cashman stuck to his guns. I won't completely rule out a trade, but Hughes won't be involved.

[RunYouOver]

Untouchable........... times have changed. In 2005 EVERY trade request began with Cano and Wang........... Brian Cashman stuck to his guns. I won't completely rule out a trade, but Hughes won't be involved.


Brian Cashman is a good GM...it's when Steinbrenner gets involved that bad things happen.

[keithbishop]

Brian Cashman is a good GM...it's when Steinbrenner gets involved that bad things happen.

True, but Hughes made a big impression on Torre and Cashman in Spring Training.
Already having moved up to AA this season, his next move will be to AAA in late July or August. Very few Yankees minor leaguers are untouchable, but Hughes heads the short list.