Spring Training Day 3

"Injury" Is The Word

Today Joe Girardi announced that Joba Chamberlain would throw from a full mound for the first time tomorrow and remains on schedule to be back before the all star break, a mere 12 months since Tommy John surgery. For those that do not know 12 months is way ahead of schedule for a guy to be back in the big league after a Tommy John surgery so I think that should show everyone just how much Joba has worked hard to get back to the team. 

George Kontos felt some stiffness in his oblique while throwing a bullpen session which is not good for him since he was in line for the last bullpen slot, which is wide open right now. He is going to sit and rest it for a week and see how it feels after that and hopefully that does not set him behind schedule too much because he is already 27 years old, holds a valuable 40 man roster spot, and not earning it thus far. The clock is ticking for George Kontos and this season is definitely his last hurrah. He knew this also and it shows because he came into camp ahead of about everyone else since he has been throwing for months before camp. 

Bill Hall and Chris Dickerson were the two newest Yankees to arrive at Yankees camp for spring training. While I wrote here that I was not crazy about the signing of Bill Hall I do follow the guy on twitter and he has a great attitude, especially about being a Yankee. According to his twitter he has lost 20 pounds this offseason so he can be better in the field and specifically he wants to steal more bases for the Yankees. He is also a great person to interact with, retweeting his fans and talking to them. He seems to be quickly becoming a fan favorite (on twitter anyway) although I do not really see a position for him on the team when Eric Chavez signs. He does have the ability to go to the minors for a very short time but I do see him exercising that opt out clause if he is not called up by May 1.

The Russell Martin Extension

"Would you extend me? I'd extend me."

Yesterday we saw reports that the Yankees had spoken to Russell Martin about signing an extension (you can read the one from River Ave Blues here). Which got me thinking... should they? Personally, I don't think so.

One reason is that Martin just turned 29, and would be 30 years old when the extension starts. I'm sure you've heard many people talk about a player's prime, which usually comes between the ages of 27-29. That would mean that the Yankees would have signed Russell to an extension starting the year after his prime. That doesn't seem like a great idea. What could make it worse is that Martin has started 735 games behind the plate, and it's no secret the the game is harder on catchers than any other position. It may not be as bad as signing somebody at that age to a contract of 5+ years, but that reason does make me think it's something the Yankees should not jump at.

Also, keep in mind that Russell Martin did only hit .237/.324/.408 last season (although the 18 HR were pretty sweet). I'm expecting a boost in those numbers to occur in 2012 (Bill James predicts a line of .256/.355/.400 with 14 HR), but it's not as if he's blowing people away with his bat, and therefore should be locked up for 2-3 more years. I may eat those words if Martin is able to replicate his 2007 season (.293/.374/.469, with 19 HR), but again... I see no reason for the Yankees to jump the gun here.

As for an option, Austin Romine could at least turn into a serviceable catcher. He's pretty much on the same level as Martin defensively, as Austin was ranked by Baseball America as the team's best defensive catching prospect. And remember that Joe Girardi values defense in his catchers above offense. However, due to Romine's offense (he's struggled above AA), I don't expect him to be a long-term solution. But I believe Austin could be a stop-gap to Gary Sanchez.

And of course there's the austerity budget looming. I don't believe the Yankees would sacrifice their on-field product to get there, but it's something for the team to keep in mind. And every little bit counts when it comes to the team's payroll, and getting to $189 million for 2014. Especially if the team wants to sign a Cole Hamels after this season.

So my hope is the team has put off an extension for good, and will wait to see how 2012 plays out. If Austin Romine improves with the bat, and keeps up his defense, then I'd like to see them let Russell Martin walk. But if Romine takes a step back, while Martin improves or at least maintains solid numbers, then bring Russell back. But no need to jump on anything right now.

The 2012 Payroll and Roster Page

We've been working hard to create a great payroll and roster page. I want it to be a page that fans bookmark in order quickly get information regarding player contracts, team payroll, roster updates, as well as links to each players' Baseball Reference page (I believe B-R is the best resource for player and team statistics). However, I don't expect that page to replace Cot's Baseball Contracts when it comes to detailed information on player contracts.

I like where the page is at, but I wanted to ask our readers if there was anything you believe would be a good addition to the page. On the right side, below our Twitter feed and the picture of Joe Girardi looking at the Steinbrenner plaque, you can contact us four different ways.

Thanks

Spring Training Day 2

A Day Owned By Pineda

Today was the first day that Russell Martin caught Michael Pineda down in Yankees spring training camp and he was pleasantly surprised at what he saw. Larry Rothschild has been working with Pineda and specifically on his changeup and the results seem to be "so far so good". The movement on the pitch seems to be ridiculous, in a good way, and everyone at Yankees camp is excited about it. Even Joe Girardi was "blown away" by a couple of his sliders that he threw in his bullpen session. 

Mariano Rivera has arrived at Yankees camp and has made his decision about next season whether he is going to play or not... but he is not telling. Every sign though points to this is going to be the last season for the Sandman. When you hear quotes directly from Rivera like this  

 “Even if I save 90 games. Even if they want to pay as much money as they want to, any team, (it won’t change the decision).” 

you do not expect Rivera to come back next season.It seems like the Yankees have a contingency plan or two in place with Joba, David Robertson, and maybe Rafael Soriano, but still no one is replacing Mariano Rivera. 

Raul Ibanez, fresh off of his incentive laden 1 year pact with the Yankees, expects to be in camp tomorrow. I cannot say that I am either ecstatic or upset with the signing. He was the best of the available players that fit into the specific role that we needed so we're gonna play the cards we are dealt and go with it. Here's to hoping that he could be the next in line of veterans having a resurgent season in pinstripes a la Colon and Garcia in 2011 in recent memory.

Everything has been described as "routine" so far in drills so I guess that is a good sign. Girardi also stated that everyone looks like they came to camp ready and in shape in his press conference so again, another good sign. We're less then 45 days to opening day. 

Raul Ibanez a Yankee

I can't say I'm ecstatic about it, but I am happy to report that the Yankees have agreed to sign Raul Ibanez.

The deal has a guarantee of $1.1 million, with plate appearance incentives that could get Raul another $2.9 million.

I believe the combination of Ibanez and Andruw Jones will be a big upgrade over Jorge Posada as the team's DH. The rest of the lineup is unchanged, so there's good reason to believe the Yankee offense is better than it was in 2011. Couple that with what looks to be a really formidable pitching rotation, and I'm now really looking forward to this season.

Raul Ibanez or Eric Chavez?

"What should I do?"

There is some debate among Yankee fans regarding what's more important... signing a DH or a 3B/IF. Joel Sherman said on Twitter that the Yankees only have enough in the budget, even after the AJ deal, to sign one or the other. And Bryan Hoch, on Twitter as well, said that Cashman is not sure about a return of Eric Chavez. So what do you think is best?

I took a look at the current 40-man roster to see what choices the team has within the organization, as I don't believe a 40-man roster move would be made for either position (excluding a FA signing).

I found that Chris Dickerson is the only option the team has for a DH against right-handed pitchers, who also plays the OF. Chris hit .260/.296/.360 in 55 plate appearances with the Yankees last season, and .231/.341/.325 in 247 PA with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last season. More importantly, in 490 career PA in MLB his career triple-slash vs. RHP is .270/.355/.415. So it seems like he'd be a fine option, should Cashman decide against pursuing Ibanez.

Here is where I can understand why Cashman isn't so sure about Chavez. Because, unlike the "DH vs. RHP" thing, the Yankees have a few different options.

Eduardo Nunez saw 391 PA in MLB, in which he hit .276/.314/.382, and Girardi seems to like Nunez. Ramiro Pena has seen some time in MLB as well, where he's hit .233/.266/.288 in 334 MLB plate appearances, so he's certainly less idea for that bench spot than Eduardo. And finally there's Brandon Laird, who hit .260/.288/.422 in AAA last season, and saw a few MLB at bats in 2011 as well. The fact that Laird played a bit in the OF last season helps his case too.

In all I would be perfectly okay if the Yankees went with what they currently have, placing Dickerson in the "DH vs. RHP" role, and having Nunez on the bench in the IF/3B slot. But due to the fact that the team has 3 viable options, already on the 40-man roster, for the IF/3B slot I can totally understand Cashman's stance on Ibanez before Chavez.

Best 1-2 Punch in the AL East

Going by ERA+ from last season, this is how they stack up in the AL East...

Red Sox - Beckett (147) & Lester (122)

Yankees - Sabathia (147) & Pineda (103)
Rays - Shields (132) & Price (107)

Blue Jays - Romero (146) & Morrow (90)

Orioles - LOL!

When it comes to the Rays I expect Price's ERA+ to rise to around 125 (it was 144 in 2010, and he'd already thrown 142.1 innings in MLB), but at the same time I expect Shields' ERA+ to drop. James' career high ERA+ before last season was 124 in 2008, and he turned 30 last December, so I wouldn't bet on him repeating his 2011 season. Looking closer I see that Shields can attribute his success to a much lower LD% (21% in 2009, 22% in 2010, 17% in 2011), and his ground ball rate went down a bit too (43.8% for his career, to 46.2% last season).

I see no way Beckett repeats his 2011 season either. A 2.89 ERA (career 3.84), 1.026 WHIP (career 1.220), while his K-rate and BB-rate were pretty much the same as his career averages. Basically, I think Josh got lucky last year. Lester, on the other hand, has seen his ERA+ drop in each of the last 4 years. His K-rate has dropped in each of the last 3 years as well.

Over the last 4 years CC has had an ERA+ of 157, 137, 136, and 147. His K-rate rose by about 1 K per 9 from his career average, which would lead one to think he'll regress a bit. However, he gave up more hits than he normally had in his first two seasons in pinstripes. His walks dropped a bit, but not so much that it makes warning bells go off. It's hard to judge what Pineda will do, as he's only had the one year in MLB. But he was giving up less hits per 9 innings than he did in the minors, and was striking out about the same. Working with MLB coaches should do nothing but help, and his potential is an ace in MLB, so I have to think he'll get better no matter what the numbers may say (keeping in mind I'm using minor league numbers as well as MLB numbers, so not a perfect sample by any means).

I'm not going to bother with the other two teams, because it's just not worth it. So this is how I expect the AL East 1-2 punches to pan out this coming season...

Yankees - Sabathia (135) & Pineda (115)
Rays - Shields (115) & Price (125)
Red Sox - Beckett (120) & Lester (120)

Blue Jays - Romero should have a pretty good year, but after that who knows?

Orioles - I don't see one pitcher worth mentioning here

Although the total ERA+ for the Rays and Sox are the same, I put the Rays in front due to the big drop from Shields (which I'm not 100% sure about), and the potential of David Price.

Pictures From Spring Training Day 1

Early Stretching

Hiroki Kuroda Wants "To Win A Championship"

Some Guy Named Jeter Taking BP

Joba, Rivera, Hughes, and Nova in order

Jeter and Ramiro Pena Laughing

Mason Williams

Joba and Nova Throwing With Larry Rothschild

Michael Pineda

CC Sabathia

Andy Pettitte May Be Coming Back To The Yankees

I'm Back?

According to the New York Post the Yankees have offered Andy Pettitte an invite to Spring Training... only this time as a special instructor. Any Andy Pettitte on my baseball team is better then no Andy Pettitte so I'm excited about this. Also, to add, David Wells will be back for his 2nd consecutive spring instructor job. Just imagine what those two minds and stories could do for our young guys. 

Welcome To Spring Training

The countdowns are over, the speculation is over, it is good ole baseball time down in Tampa St. Pete FL. Pitchers and catchers are finishing their physicals, if need be, and ready to do some light work outs.

Joe Girardi's flight has been delayed so his annual press conference will also be delayed, originally scheduled for 11 am this morning.

Jorge Posada's old corner locker now belongs to catcher Francisco Cervelli. Andy Pettitte's old locker now belongs to Hiroki Kuroda, no pressure Hiroki.

Also in our last slate of news Hiroki Kuroda has decided to wear #18 this season. Michael Pineda has decided to wear #35 and Andruw Jones will wear #22 this season. We are still waiting to either Sign Ibanez, Chavez, Guerrero, and/or Damon so stay tuned.

UPDATE: Jorge Posada's #20 was NOT assigned, which I like. I see it being retired.