Should New York Take a Flyer on Ryan Ludwick?

The New York Yankees will need to replace both Chris Young and Ichiro Suzuki this season as the team searches for a fourth outfielder and a bench option, is that option Ryan Ludwick? The Cincinnati Reds recently declined the team option part of the contract of the right handed batter. Stats generally don't lie so let's look there.

Year	Age	Tm	G	PA	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+
2002	23	TEX	23	88	10	19	6	0	1	9	7	24	.235	.295	.346	.641	66
2003	24	TOT	47	175	17	40	8	1	7	26	12	48	.247	.299	.438	.737	93
2003	24	TEX	8	30	3	4	1	0	0	0	4	9	.154	.267	.192	.459	20
2003	24	CLE	39	145	14	36	7	1	7	26	8	39	.265	.306	.485	.791	108
2004	25	CLE	15	54	3	11	2	0	2	4	2	14	.220	.278	.380	.658	74
2005	26	CLE	19	48	8	9	0	0	4	5	7	13	.220	.333	.512	.846	125
2007	28	STL	120	339	42	81	22	0	14	52	26	72	.267	.339	.479	.818	110
2008 ★	29	STL	152	617	104	161	40	3	37	113	62	146	.299	.375	.591	.966	151
2009	30	STL	139	542	63	129	20	1	22	97	41	106	.265	.329	.447	.775	105
2010	31	TOT	136	553	63	123	27	2	17	69	48	121	.251	.325	.418	.743	104
2010	31	STL	77	314	44	79	20	2	11	43	24	64	.281	.343	.484	.827	123
2010	31	SDP	59	239	19	44	7	0	6	26	24	57	.211	.301	.330	.631	78
2011	32	TOT	139	558	56	116	23	0	13	75	51	124	.237	.310	.363	.674	90
2011	32	SDP	101	425	42	90	18	0	11	64	32	87	.238	.301	.373	.674	90
2011	32	PIT	38	133	14	26	5	0	2	11	19	37	.232	.341	.330	.671	90
2012	33	CIN	125	472	53	116	28	1	26	80	42	97	.275	.346	.531	.877	130
2013	34	CIN	38	140	7	31	5	0	2	12	10	29	.240	.293	.326	.618	71
2014	35	CIN	112	400	28	87	20	0	9	45	31	94	.244	.308	.375	.683	93
162 Game Avg.			162	606	69	140	31	1	23	89	52	135	.260	.330	.451	.781	110

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Ludwick is not a Plan A by any means but he is right handed bat in the outfield so he is an option nonetheless. This may all be a moot point anyway as he holds a club option for $9 million that he can exercise.

2015 Free Agency Royal Rumble – Shortstop

Ladies and gentleman welcome to the 2015 Major League Baseball free agency Royal Rumble brought to you by The Greedy Pinstripes. Tonight we have all the potential shortstop options for the New York Yankees heading into this winter in one ring vying for the contract of a lifetime, let’s go down to the ring.

In the red corner stands former Yankee Stephen Drew, in the blue corner stands Asdrubal Cabrera, in the green corner stands Jed Lowrie, and in the black corner stands Hanley Ramirez. Let’s get it on!

Ok I have had some fun writing these but this one really is no contest. New York is in the position where they have to sacrifice defense for offense if they want to compete in 2015 and 2016. Hanley can handle shortstop for a season or two before switching to third base or first base when Alex Rodriguez's and Mark Teixeira'sz contracts are over. Hanley, the other guys wouldn't even get in the ring. 

Angels Likely To Trade Kendrick or Freese

MLB Trade Rumors wrote this week about the fact that the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim may have to trade wither second baseman Howie Kendrick or third baseman David Freese this winter. Should the Yankees be interested in either of them? Both of them? In a word, yes.

Neither will come cheap in terms of prospects or in salary but both are obtainable without giving up Top 10 talent. Kendrick is slated to make $9.5 million next season after posting a 2014 slash of .293/.347/.397 while Freese is scheduled to earn more than his $5.05 million he did in 2014 in his final season of arbitration after hitting .261/.321/.383 last season.

The Angels need a starting pitcher and/or a left handed relief pitcher for next season while also trying to get their spending under control. A trade for either Kendrick or Freese and only giving up a Bryan Mitchell, James Pazos, Tyler Webb, or someone not named Manny Banuelos, Shane Greene, or Jacob Lindgren makes sense for both clubs.

This may be what the Yankees need to pull off to help ease the 40 man roster crunch and Rule 5 Draft problems the team is likely to face this winter. Get it done Cash.

Yankees Arizona Fall League Update

I wrote this yesterday with hopes of taking at least some of my birthday off so the stats may be a little outdated but you get the point I am trying to make here, the Yankees offensive players are doing wonders in the Arizona Fall League this winter. Here is a quick statistical update for you guys:

Greg Bird:

.342/.400/.632 - 6 HR 19 RBI

Aaron Judge:

.296/.418/.574 - 4 HR 13 RBI

Dante Bichette Jr.:

.240/.310/.240 - 0 HR 6 RBI

Tyler Austin:

.322/.394/.492 - 2 HR 13 RBI

Kyle Higashioka:

.438/.500/.688 (16 at bats) - 1 HR 2 RBI

Comparing the 2014 and 2015 Top 10 Prospects Lists

I thought it was be interesting to compare the pre-season 2014 Top 10 prospects list from Baseball America to the list that came out before the 2015 season on Friday. Looking at the lists I have come to the conclusion that the Yankees system definitely took a step forward in 2014 and that is evident by the amount of depth on the list. No longer is "all" of the talent three to five years away and none of the talent in the International market that was signed this year really made the list. Things are looking up for the Yankees and their farm system finally but anyway, on to the list.

2014 List:

1. Gary Sanchez
2. Slade Heathcott
3. Mason Williams
4. John Ryan Murphy
5. Eric Jagielo
6. Aaron Judge
7. Ian Clarkin
8. Greg Bird
9. Luis Severino
10. Gosuke Katoh

2015 List:

1. Luis Severino
2. Aaron Judge
3. Jorge Mateo
4. Greg Bird
5. Gary Sanchez
6. Ian Clarkin
7. Robert Refsnyder
8. Jacob Lindgren
9. Luis Torrens
10. Miguel Andujar

I think the most encouraging thing on this list is the fact that Gary Sanchez dropped four slots. Sanchez did not have a "fall off the Earth" type season, was not injured, and played pretty well. It goes to show you the extreme strides that the men in front of him took.

This Day in New York Yankees History 11/2: A Legend is Born!

On this day in 1985 a great Yankees fan Daniel Burch was born in Lebanon Hospital in the Bronx, New York. He would go on to co-own and create the "greatest Yankees blog ever" in his own very humble and biased opinion. Hey it was a slow day in New York Yankees history, sue me.

Also on this day in 1964 the Columbia Broadcasting System becomes the first corporate owner of a Major League Baseball team when they bought 80% of the New York Yankees. Dan Topping and Del Webb sold the stake in the Yankees for a staggering $11.2 million at the time. The Yankees would reward CBS with a sixth place finish in the American League and a second place finish in the American League East in their first year of ownership with a 77-85 record.

Should The Yankees Consider Trading John Ryan Murphy?

While with the Yankees in between minor league stints this season, team catching prospect John Ryan Murphy was solid. But should the club still consider trading him this winter?

That's the question Rant Sports writer Drew Jenkins is asking. According to Jenkins, the Yankees currently have enough depth behind the plate, something they should take advantage of this offseason by dealing Murphy for help at other postions.

From his report:

"[Murphy] will bring back a better return than McCann and Cervelli given his youth, upside, years of control, and the fact he will play at the league minimum for the next three seasons. Trading [Gary] Sanchez would be giving up a player that could turn into a star, and the Yankees certainly do not want to do that. So, it make sense to deal Murphy in order to acquire someone in a position of need like third base, shortstop or starting pitcher."

Murphy hit .284 with 9 RBIs in 32 big-league games with New York this year, the majority of which came while Francisco Cervelli was hurt. On April 26, he put up what was probably his best performance against the Angels, homering and driving in three as the Yankees won 4-3.

Bovada Lists Early 2015 World Series Favorites

Bovada likes to rank all 30 Major League Baseball teams by their odds of winning the World Series and came out with a list before free agency really began. Spoiler alert, the Yankees are not listed first. Here is the complete list and odds which is obviously subject to change.

Los Angeles Dodgers 15/2

Washington Nationals 15/2

Detroit Tigers 10/1

Los Angeles Angels 10/1

San Francisco Giants 12/1

St. Louis Cardinals 12/1

Kansas City Royals 16/1

Seattle Mariners 18/1

Baltimore Orioles 20/1

Oakland Athletics 20/1

Pittsburgh Pirates 20/1

Atlanta Braves 22/1

Boston Red Sox 22/1

New York Yankees 22/1

Cleveland Indians 25/1

Cincinnati Reds 33/1

Tampa Bay Rays 33/1

Texas Rangers 33/1

Toronto Blue Jays 33/1

Chicago White Sox 40/1

Milwaukee Brewers 40/1

New York Mets 40/1

Chicago Cubs 50/1

Miami Marlins 50/1

San Diego Padres 66/1

Philadelphia Phillies 75/1

Arizona Diamondbacks 100/1

Colorado Rockies 100/1

Houston Astros 100/1

Minnesota Twins 100/1

2015 Free Agency Royal Rumble – Outfield

Ladies and gentleman welcome to the 2015 Major League Baseball free agency Royal Rumble brought to you by The Greedy Pinstripes. Tonight we have all the potential bench outfield options for the New York Yankees heading into this winter in one ring vying for the contract of a lifetime, let’s go down to the ring.

In the red corner stands Michael Cuddyer, in the blue corner stands Mike Morse, in the green corner stands Yasmany Tomas, and in the black corner stands Chris Young. Let’s get it on!

Chris Young takes his New York tested and American League East proven badge and hits the relative unknown Yasmany Tomas and knocks him out cold. While bragging Michael Cuddyer takes one big power stroke and knocks Young over the top rope and to the floor. Cuddyer hurt himself on the play and had to be removed leaving Morse and Young along in the ring. Morse the big lug he is had no defense at any position for Young as the center fielder make quick work of Morse to win the contract of a lifetime. 

Chris Young receives a one year deal worth $5 million for winning the match. 

AP: List of Each Team's Free Agents

Here is a list of all 157 free agents heading into the offseason separated by their former team courtesy of the Associated Press in a press release. Call it a New York Yankees shopping list:

(c-club option, p-player option, m-mutual option)

AMERICAN LEAGUE

BALTIMORE (11) — Wei-Yin Chen, lhp; Nelson Cruz, of; c-Nick Hundley, c; Kelly Johnson, 2b; m-Nick Markakis, of; m-Andrew Miller, lhp; c-Darren O’Day, rhp; Johan Santana, lhp; Joe Saunders, lhp; Delmon Young, of.

BOSTON (5) — Burke Badenhop, rhp; c-Craig Breslow, lhp; Ryan Doumit, c; David Ross, c; Koji Uehara, rhp.

CLEVELAND (2) — c-Mike Aviles, rhp; Jason Giambi, 1b.

CHICAGO (3) — Paul Konerko, 1b; Matt Lindstom, rhp; c-Felipe Paulino, rhp.

DETROIT (8) — Joba Chamberlain, rhp; Phil Coke, lhp; Joel Hanrahan, rhp; Torii Hunter, of; Jim Johnson, rhp; Victor Martinez, c; Max Scherzer, rhp; c-Joakim Soria, rhp.

HOUSTON (3) — Matt Albers, rhp; Jesse Crain, rhp; Jose Veras, rhp.

KANSAS CITY (8) — Nori Aoki, of; c-Billy Butler, 1b; Scott Downs, lhp; Jason Frasor, rhp; Luck Hochevar, rhp; Raul Ibanez, of; James Shields, rhp; Josh Willingham, of.

LOS ANGELES (6) — John Buck, c; c-Sean Burnett, lhp; Jason Grilli, rhp; John McDonald, ss; c-Huston Street, rhp; Joe Thatcher, lhp.

MINNESOTA (1) — Jared Burton, rhp.

NEW YORK (10) — Chris Capuano, lhp; Stephen Drew, ss; Chase Headley, 3b; Rich Hill, lhp; Derek Jeter, ss; Hiroki Kuroda, rhp; Brandon McCarthy, rhp; David Robertson, rhp; Ichiro Suzuki, of; Chris Young, of.

OAKLAND (8) — Alberto Callaspo, 3b; Jonny Gomes, of; Luke Gregerson, rhp; Jason Hammel, rhp; Jon Lester, lhp; Jed Lowrie, ss; c-Hiroyuki Nakajima, ss; Geovany Soto, c.

SEATTLE (8) — Joe Beimel, lhp; Endy Chavez, of; Chris Denorfia, of; Franklin Gutierrez, of; Corey Hart, of; Kendrys Morales, dh; Humberto Quintero, c; Chris Young, rhp.

TAMPA BAY (2) — c-Joel Peralta, rhp; c-Ben Zobrist, of-inf.

TEXAS (4) — Scott Baker, rhp; Neal Cotts, lhp; Colby Lewis, rhp; Alex Rios, of.

TORONTO (7) — Melky Cabrera, of; c-J.A. Happ, lhp; c-Casey Janssen, rhp; c-Adam Lind, 1b; c-Dustin McGowan, rhp; c-Brandon Morrow, rhp; Colby Rasmus, of.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

ATLANTA (6) — Emilio Bonifacio, 2b; m-Ryan Doumit, c; c-Gavin Floyd, rhp; Aaron Harang, rhp; Gerald Laird, c; Ervin Santana, rhp.

CHICAGO (3) — c-Kyuji Fujikawa, rhp; m-Carlos Villanueva, rhp; c-Tsuyoshi Wada, lhp.

CINCINNATI (4) — c-Johnny Cueto, rhp; c-Jack Hannahan, 3b; m-Ryan Ludwick, of; Ramon Santiago, ss.

COLORADO (6) — c-Brett Anderson, lhp; Matt Belisle, rhp; Michael Cuddyer, of; c-LaTroy Hawkins, rhp; Nick Masset, rhp; Franklin Morales, lhp.

LOS ANGELES (10) — Josh Beckett, rhp; c-Chad Billingsley, rhp; Kevin Correia, rhp; p-Dan Haren, rhp; Roberto Hernandez, rhp; Paul Maholm, lhp; Chris Perez, rhp; Hanley Ramirez, ss; p-Brian Wilson, rhp; Jamey Wright, rhp.

MIAMI (5) — Rafael Furcal, ss; Kevin Gregg, rhp; Reed Johnson, of; c-Jeff Mathis, c; Brad Penny, rhp.

MILWAUKEE (8) — Zach Duke, lhp; c-Yovani Gallardo, rhp; Tom Gorzelanny, lhp; Lyle Overbay, 1b; m-Aramis Ramirez, 3b; Mark Reynolds, 1b; Francisco Rodriguez, rhp; c-Rickie Weeks, 2b.

NEW YORK (2) — Bobby Abreu, of; Daisuke Matsuzaka, rhp.

PHILADELPHIA (5) — c-Mike Adams, rhp; mp-A.J. Burnett, rhp; Kyle Kendrick, rhp; Wil Nieves, c; Grady Sizemore, of.

PITTSBURGH (4) — Clint Barmes, ss; Francisco Liriano, lhp; Russell Martin, c; Edinson Volquez, rhp.

ST. LOUIS (6) — Mark Ellis, 2b; c-John Lackey, rhp; Justin Masterson, rhp; Jason Motte, rhp; Pat Neshek, rhp; A.J. Pierzynski, c.

SAN DIEGO (2) — c-Josh Johnson, rhp; Tim Stauffer, rhp.

SAN FRANCISCO (5) — Michael Morse, of; Jake Peavy, rhp; Sergio Romo, rhp; Pablo Sandoval, 3b; Ryan Vogelsong, rhp.

WASHINGTON (6) — Asdrubal Cabrera, ss; Scott Hairston, of; m-Adam LaRoche, 1b; Nate Schierholtz, of; c-Rafael Soriano, rhp; c-Denard Span, of.