What a Difference a Year Makes

That picture shows the players with the most time at each position for the 2014 Yankees. Looking back on that it's hard to believe that I had any hope for a successful season. 

Ichiro Suzuki had a decent batting average the previous three seasons, but things went downhill from there. His on-base percentage over the last three years was a very sad .305, and Ichiro's slugging percentage was also a cringe-worthy .356. While he was still stealing a respectable amount of bases, he wasn't nearly the threat on the basepaths that he once was. And lastly, he was 40 years old, so it's not as though we should expect any sort of rebound.

Brian Roberts shouldn't have made us feel any better about things, although I tried my best. Not only did Roberts play just 133 games between 2011 and 2013, but he didn't do much of anything in them. His triple-slash during those seasons was a pathetic .231/.289/.344. And, like Ichiro, he wasn't a youngster that could see a bounce-back (Roberts turned 36 before the season started). 

Yangervis Solarte started his career in the Minnesota Twins system before spending the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Texas Rangers' AAA club. Solarte didn't set the World on fire in the Pacific Coast League, hitting .276/.323/.403 in 2013. So while it was great watching Yangervis kill it early in the 2014 season (.303/.404/.461 in March/April), it came as no surprise when things turned sour later (.164/.282/.213 in June). 

Then we come to Derek Jeter. While his 2012 season was really good, it ended with a broken left ankle at the end of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series versus the Detroit Tigers. Even after Jeter's ankle had healed, Derek suffered more injuries to his right leg, making him miss all but 17 games in the 2013 season. So heading into his final season in 2014, while Yankees fans hoped for the best, expectations were low for the Captain. And a batting line of .256/.304/.313 was hard to watch, especially in the final year of his storybook career.

Besides poor numbers in 2014, those four players have something else in common.... none of them are still around. You all know about the trade for Didi Gregorius, the signing of Chase Headley, and the trade that sent Martin Prado to Arizona (thus opening the door for either Jose Pirela or Rob Refsnyder to start at 2B). But let's take a look at the expected starters for the 2015 Yankees...

While there are still questions here, I'm a hell of a lot more excited this time around. And unlike last year, I'm not going to fool myself into thinking the 2015 Yankees are going to be great.

Carlos Beltran is going to need to bounce-back in a big way next year, which isn't going to be easy for a guy that will turn 38 in April. It shouldn't be tough considering he hit .233/.301/.402, with just 15 home runs, last season.

Alex Rodriguez is currently slated to be the regular DH, but the addition of Garrett Jones and the needs of guys like Beltran and Teixeira to get DH days, means ARod could amount to very little for the Yankees this coming season.

It's unlikely that Chase Headley makes anybody say "wow" after the 2015 season, but slick fielding, a good OBP, and around 15 home runs, will be enough to make Yankees fans glad he was around.

But here's what makes me excited seeing that lineup...

Didi Gregorius is not going to earn MVP votes, but he's about to turn just 25 years old in February. So while guys like the aforementioned Ichiro and Roberts were well into the downsides of their careers, Didi could very well be on the way up.

Yankees' fans have been clamoring for Jose Pirela and/or Rob Refsnyder to get a shot in the big leagues, and now it looks like that opportunity has finally arrived. Pirela just turned 25, while Refsnyder will be 24 in March. Both of them had stellar seasons at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2014 (Refsnyder actually spent part of the year at AA Trenton).

That's three guys that the Yankees seem serious about when it comes to giving kids a chance. But that's not all.

The team could have very well gone with a lineup with Martin Prado in it, giving them another veteran whose had a pretty good MLB career. But they traded him away to get a two young pitchers in Nathan Eovaldi and Domingo German (24 and 22 years old, respectively). Eovaldi will likely join the rotation next season, alongside 26 year old Michael Pineda and Masahiro Tanaka.

All that means that the Yankees will have five regulars on the active roster that will be under 27 years old when the 2015 season gets under way. Not just five guys on the roster, some of which will see limited time on the field, but five guys that are slated to contribute quite a bit.

I don't mean to say that those youngsters make me believe the Yankees could compete for the World Series in 2015, which gets me excited. No, I'm excited that, while the Yankees could be a solid team next year, the future of the club is finally something that is being taken seriously. On top of those kids that will be around the Yankees next season, the minor leagues have a few guys that could be difference makers in the not-so-distant future. Guys like Lius Severino, Aaron Judge, Jacob Lindgren, Ian Clarkin, and Eric Jagielo.

Those fans that want the team to be like the 1998 Yankees are again in for a disappointment, but the Yankees look to be building a club that could be very competitive year in and year out again soon.

Garrett, Cassie Jones Actually WANT To Be Yankees

Nonstop goosebumps all day! I no longer have to be a closet @Yankees fan! SO excited to be back to my 2nd home & reunited w so many friends😍
— Cassie Jones (@CassieJones08) December 19, 2014

As soon as the New York Yankees acquire a player my first instinct is to write up a "Meet a Prospect" type post introducing that player to the blog and the fans. My second instinct is to look at the BIP locations for that player, more on that later, and see how well they would translate playing in the very hitting friendly Yankee Stadium. The third thing that comes to mind is to see if they have a Twitter account, to follow them and to see what they have to say. I have to say that I was very impressed with Garrett Jones and his wife Cassie Jones because they seemingly WANT to be Yankees, and that counts for something in my book. Take a look at the tweets below and make sure to give them a follow.

Nvr saw wife so excited! NY=2nd home. Engaged in Central Park while she was @Cornell, fam r DIEHARD Yanks fans, & cousin Coomer played too.
— Garrett Jones (@Garrett_GIJones) December 19, 2014

Thx for the warm welcome @Yankees fans! Can't even believe I'm gonna be in pinstripes. So excited to be part of the legendary Yankee family!
— Garrett Jones (@Garrett_GIJones) December 19, 2014

@Garrett_GIJones Here is a little @Yankees collage I made just for you! I hope you like it! #GIJones pic.twitter.com/FZRExwA2zB
— Kelli (@fic61) December 20, 2014

Most Popular Article of the Week: Jake Peavy Rumors

- Edit: this was written before he re-signed with the Giants. Carry on.

- Originally seen here 

Once or twice a year I get a text from a friend who is very low level inside the New York Mets organization about a potential signing, rumor etc. and truth be told he is either wrong or the rumor doesn’t come to fruition more times than not. When my guy is right though my guy is right. I had the Curtis Granderson signing to the Mets last year about a week and a half earlier than anyone else and received no credit for not only breaking the news but getting the dollars and years down EXACTLY. That’s fine though. My guy also told me about three hours before the Mark Teixeira signing, pre-blog years, although for every Teixeira and Granderson we have the news that the Yankees were close to a deal with Francisco Rodriguez last season for the bullpen. 

Just to drive my point home here is when I REPORTED IT from my source on December 4th. Here is when Joel Sherman "FIRST" REPORTED IT according to MLB Trade Rumors. What a crock, this actually got the blog blocked from Mr. Sherman on Twitter when we disputed the "who had it first" concept. Childish. FYI This post was on December 9th, not December 4th, but Sherman had it
first." 

With this blog I am simply reporting and reiterating what I have been told. I’m not saying it’s true and I’m not saying it’s not but I am saying it comes from a guy that I trust that has been proven to be right in the past. I’m also not saying that a contract HAS been offered and I am not saying that a contract WILL be offered, again I am simply reporting what I have been told from my source.

The text said (beside the friendlies) “Yankees serious about Peavy.” To paraphrase subsequent texts followed about the Yankees liking his sinker ball, the fact that he was a veteran and the fact that he misses enough bats to survive in New York. I’ve also been told that the team likes him on a one year deal and all signs point to Peavy wanting to stay in San Francisco and get at least two seasons. Again, this is all paraphrasing and coming from the source. This is not confirmed, this is not reporting etc. it is what it is. Take it with a grain of salt.

I have been sitting on this information for a couple days now pondering whether to run with it or not. I went on twitter and asked out followers what they thought and the negativity surprised me. I could have responded with how Brandon McCarthy “sucked” or was “terrible” before he came to New York but I didn’t, I don’t like to fight losing battles. If something comes of this and I hear about it I’ll be sure to pass it along. If nothing comes of it I still stand by my source, before anyone asks, and I stand by this post. I can do that with confidence because it is what it is, it’s not confirmed and I’m not an insider, but if it does happen I would appreciate a little recognition this time around. Not sure my ego could withstand another Granderson situation. I kid, but really…

Also, notice that this text happened before the Chris Capuano signing. That could put this entire thing to bed. Again, stay tuned. 

ICYMI: Meet a Prospect: Domingo German

Domingo German was the fifth piece to move in the trade between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins on Friday that saw the Yankees David Phelps and Martin Prado and the Marlins Nathan Eovaldi and Garrett Jones change teams. German is an intriguing prospect, although is likely to start in High A Ball in 2015, after coming out of the Marlins and Mariners systems as a highly touted right hander.

When Seattle traded him to Miami he was their 6th best prospect in their system and when Miami let him go to New York he was considered to be their 8th best prospect in the system. German, a native of the Dominican Republic, showcased his talent's in this years Futures Game where he threw a perfect frame as he continued to build on a strong season in Low-A as a starting pitcher. German is 21 years old and entering his age 22 season is likely headed to Tampa with the Tampa Yankees.

German hits 94 MPH with his sinking fastball and compliments it with a slider he is working on and what is considered to be an above average changeup. German posted a 9-3 record last season with a 2.48 ERA in 25 starts and 123.1 IP while striking out 113 and only surrendering 25 walks.

This Day in New York Yankees History 12/22: Javier Vazquez... Again

On this day in 2009 the World Series champions acquired Javier Vazquez from the Atlanta Braves for outfielder Melky Cabrera. The last time we saw Vazquez in Yankees pinstripes he was giving up that grand slam to Boston Red Sox Johnny Damon in Game 7 of the 2004 ALCS.

Also on this day in 2008 the New York Yankees signed Chien Ming Wang to a one year deal worth $5 million to avoid arbitration. The 28 year old right hander had missed half the season after an injury running the bases in Houston ended his season.

Finally on this day in 1982 Lee Mazzilli was traded for the third time this season as the Yankees trade the first basemen and outfielder to the Pittsburgh Pirates for Tim Burke and three minor league players. Mazzilli was acquired in New York that August for Bucky Dent from the Texas Rangers.

New Yankees Pitcher Eovaldi Excited to Join Team

At first glance, new Yankees pitcher Nathan Eovaldi may not look like much of a star.

The 24-year-old right-hander, who was traded from the Marlins to the Yankees Friday, is coming off a pretty unimpressive 2014 season, one in which he went just 6-14 with a 4.37 ERA.

Nonetheless, the Yankees really like him, dealing star utility man Martin Prado and developing reliever David Phelps just to get a hold of his services. Their plan for his future appears to be a job in the back of the rotation, and needless to say, Eovaldi is thankful for the opportunity.

"I've been fortunate enough that now I'll be able to say I've played for the two biggest franchises in baseball, the Dodgers and the Yankees," Eovaldi told The New York Daily News' Anthony McCarron Saturday. "I'm real excited and I'm getting ready. The offseason has been going great and I'm looking forward to helping the Yankees out."

The Yankees will likely need notable contributions from Eovaldi in order to contend in 2015, as few starters currently on their roster can be relied on to perform to their potential. Masahiro Tanaka, Michael Pineda, CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova were injury-riddled last season, with Nova having to undergo Tommy John Surgury.

But Eovaldi is confident he'll be able to do just that when he puts on pinstripes next spring, breaking down his pitch selection plan during the phone interview.

"I want to throw first-pitch strikes with off-speed stuff, even use it on a 2-1 count or 1-and-2," he said. "I'm working on my changeup a lot more this offseason, just mixing it into my repertoire. Last year, toward the end, it helped me out a lot. I want to keep locating the fastball, then use my slider and curve more and have a better mix."

He's right about finishing off the year strong, having allowed just four earned runs over 13 innings in his last two outings of 2014. However, for the most part, Eovaldi still struggled in September, recording a 5.53 ERA while going 0-4.

It'll be interesting to see how quickly he's able to better/worsen those numbers when he's throwing in the American League next season, the first time he'll do so in his short career. 

Alex Rodriguez Might Not Get 200 At Bats in 2015

Every time the New York Yankees add a player it seems like the team is specifically adding that player to take at bats away from Alex Rodriguez. New York added Chase Headley to be their every day third baseman which essentially forced Rodriguez to a DH and bench role. Brian Cashman and Joe Girardi did mention that A Rod would also see some time at first base to try and get something out of the three years and $61 million remaining on his contract. Then Cashman went and added a few more pieces.

At this rate Rodriguez may not see 200 at bats in 2015. Currently on the depth chart the Yankees have Garrett Jones, Chase Headley, Brendan Ryan and Brian McCann in front of Rodriguez at the first base backup position. Headley is your every day third baseman while Ryan could conceivably backup at third base if he had to. Rodriguez figures to see many of his at bats in the DH spot but will now have to split time not only with Carlos Beltran, Teixeira, and McCann but Jones as well.

Cashman had a plan to pretty much obsolete Rodriguez and he just may have done that in 2015.

Meet a Prospect: Garrett Jones

Garrett Jones was acquired along with Nathan Eovaldi and prospect Domingo German from the Miami Marlins in the deal that sent Martin Prado and David Phelps to Miami. Garrett has spent time with the Minnesota Twins, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Marlins before coming to New York so let’s take the time to meet Mr. Garrett Thomas Jones.

Jones was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 14^th round of the 1999 MLB First Year Players Draft out of High School and played in the Braves system through April of 2002 before being released in May of that year. Jones almost immediately latched on with the Minnesota Twins and stayed in their system through the 2008 season. Jones did have a cup of coffee in the major leagues appearing in 31 games with the Twins in 2007 and making his major league debut on May 15, 2007 but the Twins were not impressed enough. Jones became a free agent after the 2008 season and signed on with the Pittsburgh Pirates early in the offseason and earned an invitation to Spring Training. Although he did not win a job out of camp he stuck it out with the team and finally got that chance on June 30, 2009 when his contract was finally purchased by Pittsburgh.

Jones was called up to replace the recently traded Eric Hinske on the Pirates roster in 2009 and 18 days later hit his first major league home run off Tim Lincecum. He wouldn’t wait around long for his second as it came later in the game to end a 14 inning affair between the Giants and the Pirates. Jones hit 10 home runs in his first month and was named the Nationa l League’ Rookie of the Month for July 2009. Jones power bat continued to impress on Opening Day 2010 against the Los Angeles Dodgers when he became just the sixth Pirates player to hit two home runs on Opening Day. Jones took the momentum he created on Opening Day 2010 to push towards a 21 home run, 86 RBI and 145 hit season slashing .247/.306/.414 in 592 at bats. It was all downhill from there leading up to being designated for assignment by the Pirates on November 25, 2013.

Jones latched on with Miami for the 2014 season after signing a two year deal worth $7.5 million and will spend the 2015 season, his final season of that contract, in pinstripes in New York. Good luck Garrett and welcome to the family.

Meet a Prospect: Domingo German

Domingo German was the fifth piece to move in the trade between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins on Friday that saw the Yankees David Phelps and Martin Prado and the Marlins Nathan Eovaldi and Garrett Jones change teams. German is an intriguing prospect, although is likely to start in High A Ball in 2015, after coming out of the Marlins and Mariners systems as a highly touted right hander.

When Seattle traded him to Miami he was their 6th best prospect in their system and when Miami let him go to New York he was considered to be their 8th best prospect in the system. German, a native of the Dominican Republic, showcased his talent's in this years Futures Game where he threw a perfect frame as he continued to build on a strong season in Low-A as a starting pitcher. German is 21 years old and entering his age 22 season is likely headed to Tampa with the Tampa Yankees.

German hits 94 MPH with his sinking fastball and compliments it with a slider he is working on and what is considered to be an above average changeup. German posted a 9-3 record last season with a 2.48 ERA in 25 starts and 123.1 IP while striking out 113 and only surrendering 25 walks.

Why the Yankees have a chance to win the AL East 2015

Over the years we remember the great Red Sox- Yankees battles for first place. Since 2012 it hasn't been that way. 2012 was the year the Red Sox were no where near the postseason that year the Yankees made the ALCS. In 2013 the Red Sox finished in first place and won the World Series with the Yankees with just 85 wins. In the most recent season 2014 the Red Sox had a repeat of 2012 and finished last with the Yankees winning 84 games.

Every year it seems this division is becoming weaker and weaker. This may be good for the Yankees though. My prediction is that the AL East leader in 2015 will need minimum 85 wins. The Yankees could easily fit that rule. Are they going to win 95 games absolutely not. In this article I'll go over all the AL East teams and why the Yankees have a better chance than them

Rays- It seems this offseason that it's a rebuild for the Rays. Not only will we not seem them in the postseason this year, but probably not for years to come. The Rays will probably finish last in the AL East in 2014.

Orioles- The Orioles had a magical season in 2014. They lost to the Royals in the ALCS and that was it for them in 2014. They lost their two best outfielders in Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz to the Braves and Mariners. Markakis was a pretty solid hitter but Cruz had an amazing season leading the MLB in home runs. You can see them finishing in fourth place.

Blue Jays- The Blue Jays made a few moves but not enough to catch up to the Yankees and Red Sox. The lineup was very productive last year and with the help of Russell Martin and others the lineup should get better. Similar to their 2014 season I predict the Blue Jays will finish third in 2015.

Red Sox- The Red Sox had bad years in 2014 and 2012. With the signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval they should be better again. The bats will produce more runs and that will be the key to win games. Their rotation is a bit unknown but we do know that they have Rick Porcello who I think will be ace of that squad. The Red Sox will probably finish in second place.

Yankees- All the previous teams that we have listed are good but not good enough. In 2015 the AL East will be very weak and that is very unusual. The Yankees won't have a fantastic season in 2015 but still enough to win the division and make the playoffs in 2015. The new moves the Yankees made this offseason and last offseason are the difference makers in where the Yankees will finish in 2015. The Andrew Miller signing was great and will really tighten the bullpen. The Yankees made other moves some I agree with and some I don't.
               
                                                  My predicted AL East standings:
                                                   1st Yankees
                                                   2nd Red Sox
                                                   3rd Blue Jays
                                                   4th Orioles
                                                   5th Rays