The Brewers face strong competition for free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, perhaps stronger than they even imagined.
The Yankees are showing serious interest in Cameron, major-league sources say, figuring that they could trade center fielder Melky Cabrera even if they do not send him to the Twins for left-hander Johan Santana.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is a supporter of Cameron's; the two were teammates with the Mariners in 2000. Cameron also has recent experience playing in New York; he was with the Mets in '04 and '05.
Cabrera, 23, is part of the Yankees' offer for Santana, but could fit for several teams that are in the market for a young, affordable, switch-hitting center fielder.
Those teams include the Cubs, Reds, Braves, Royals and Pirates. The Yankees likely would seek prospects for Cabrera, replace him with Cameron in center and keep Johnny Damon in left.
Damon would remain in center for the start of the season while Cameron serves a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Cameron, 35, likely would sign a two-year deal, giving the Yankees time to continue developing their top center-field prospect, Austin Jackson, who split last season between Class A and Class AA.
The Cubs are on the fringe of the Cameron pursuit, and the Twins' interest could grow if they fail to land a center fielder in a trade for Santana. But Cameron is likely to sign with the Yankees or Brewers before the Santana question is resolved.
Don't forget he's suspended for the first 25 games next year for failing a second amphetamines test. Good player, but his best days are behind him. Don't they already have enough over the hill centerfielders?
jeez i hope not, cameron's a nice guy but there's that age factor. can't they just let melky develop and be done with it?
Reading 2004
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016 Fenway 2, 2018 MSG 2022 St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023 MSG 2024, MSG 2024 Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
jeez i hope not, cameron's a nice guy but there's that age factor. can't they just let melky develop and be done with it?
Exactly! Is there something with Melky that the organization doesn't like? Are there personality or locker room issues? All I see is a guy who can hit .280 to .300, steal bases, score runs, and maybe develop into a gold glove CF. And he's young and cheap! At that age, nobody thought Bernie was going to become the great player he did. Just hang on to him and enjoy the rewards of a good decision.
Reading 2004
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016 Fenway 2, 2018 MSG 2022 St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023 MSG 2024, MSG 2024 Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
what's up w/ tickets not being on sale yet? They used to be available before Xmas every year. I guess they know they're gonna sell out veery game now, so what's the rush.
Yeah they were also supposed to send "relocation" papers for season ticket holders regarding the new stadium by now but still haven't sent them in the mail yet.
I know tickets for the general public go on sale last week in February.
Jw
I really haven't understood the love affair with Melky. If Damon had not showed up well out of shape last spring Cabrera would have had like 200 at-bats. Not to mention that if you look at his '06 to '07 numbers, other than RBI and doubles, he actually regressed. I mean, hell, a full time outfielder who can't even crack a .400 slugging percentage? That isn't good.
Jw
I really haven't understood the love affair with Melky. If Damon had not showed up well out of shape last spring Cabrera would have had like 200 at-bats. Not to mention that if you look at his '06 to '07 numbers, other than RBI and doubles, he actually regressed. I mean, hell, a full time outfielder who can't even crack a .400 slugging percentage? That isn't good.
Jw
I totally agree. melky's not that great and will go back to Bubba Crosby status once they get a real CF. I'm looking forward to watching gardner in spring training. I highly doubt he'll make the team, but he could be the CF/leadoff man of the future
I totally agree. melky's not that great and will go back to Bubba Crosby status once they get a real CF. I'm looking forward to watching gardner in spring training. I highly doubt he'll make the team, but he could be the CF/leadoff man of the future
Obviously a lot of things to be seen still but I think Austin Jackson might be the CF of the future.
The yanks do have some good OF prospects to look at wtih Austin Jackson, Brett Gardner, & Jose Tabata.
Melky still has a little room to grow. His struggles early last year and in september really took his numbers down. If he could have a steady good season i could see him being a better then average CF. His defense is better then all the other bums at the Major league level at this point.
I would not have cried over losing melky though if he was shipped off in the right deal because they do have more OF talent coming.
Charlotte 00 Charlotte 03 Asheville 04 Atlanta 12 Greenville 16, Columbia 16 Seattle 18 Nashville 22 Ohana Festival 24 x2
interesting read. i knew of some, obviously not all.
New York Yankees
1. Joba Chamberlain - RHP - DOB: 09/23/85 - ETA: Now
4-0, 2.03 ERA, 25 H, 51/11 K/BB in 40 IP (A Tampa)
4-2, 3.35 ERA, 32 H, 66/15 K/BB in 40 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 18/1 K/BB in 8 IP (AAA Scranton)
2-0, 0.38 ERA, 12 H, 34/6 K/BB in 24 IP (AL New York)
Perhaps the game's most dominant reliever after being called up last season, Chamberlain is everything the Yankees could ask for in an heir to Mariano Rivera in the closer's role. Still, the rotation is likely where he belongs long-term and he's expected to spend most of 2008 starting, even if he begins the year in the bullpen in an effort to restrict his innings total. Chamberlain used a 96-100 mph heater and outstanding slider to succeed as a reliever. He'll return his curveball and changeup to the mix as a starter, though he may not need to use either a lot even if he loses three or four mph off his fastball. Just how strong those two pitches are will determine whether he develops into a legitimate ace. The curve has drawn the better reviews of the two.
2. Jose Tabata - OF - DOB: 08/12/88 - ETA: 2010
.307/.371/.392, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 70/33 K/BB, 15 SB in 411 AB (A Tampa)
The numbers Tabata has put up at such a young age relative to his competition the last two years make him look like a truly special player. However, his right wrist problems have to be taken into account. He's had issues for two years now, and it was reported by Baseball America last season that the Yankees had sent him to five different hand specialists. In August, he had the hamate bone removed. If it turns out that it was a cure-all, then Tabata should put in a nice showing as perhaps the youngest player in Double-A this season. If not, it'll be time to start getting very worried. Tabata projects as a quality defensive right fielder capable of hitting for average and displaying 20-homer, 40-double power.
3. Ian Kennedy - RHP - DOB: 12/19/84 - ETA: Now
6-1, 1.29 ERA, 39 H, 72/22 K/BB in 63 IP (A Tampa)
5-1, 2.59 ERA, 27 H, 57/17 K/BB in 48 2/3 IP (AA Trenton)
1-1, 2.08 ERA, 25 H, 34/11 K/BB in 34 2/3 IP (AAA Scranton)
1-0, 1.89 ERA, 13 H, 15/9 K/BB in 19 IP (AL New York)
Kennedy made some teams nervous when his velocity fell into the high-80s as a junior in college, but the Yankees took him 21st overall in the 2006 draft anyway and were pleasantly surprised when he resumed averaging about 90 mph with his fastball last season. As strong as his curveball and changeup are, he doesn't need to throw any harder than that to last as a middle-of-the-rotation starter in the majors. The Yankees will likely go into the season with him as their fifth starter if they decide to stick Chamberlain in the pen initially. An alternative would be for Kennedy to pitch in middle relief while waiting for a rotation spot to open up.
4. Austin Jackson - OF - DOB: 02/01/87 - ETA: 2010
.260/.336/.374, 3 HR, 25 BI, 59/24 K/BB, 19 SB in 235 AB (A- Charleston)
.345/.398/.566, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 48/22 K/BB, 13 SB in 258 AB (A Tampa)
.333/.600/.667, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2/2 K/BB, 1 SB in 3 AB (AAA Scranton)
When Jackson was moved up to the FSL in late June despite a 710 OPS in the Sally League, it seemed to be just another case of the Yankees being way too aggressive with a prospect. However, Jackson responded to the challenge right away and upped his stock more than any other prospect in baseball during the second half of the season. Still something of a raw talent, Jackson could blossom into a 25-homer guy despite his modest build. He's continuing to learn how to play center field, but he has the speed to last there, and it looks like he'll be a pretty good OBP guy after cutting well back on the strikeouts last season. Expecting him to make Melky Cabrera expendable after this season might be pushing it a little, but there's a good chance he'll prove to be the Yankees' long-term center fielder.
5. Alan Horne - RHP - DOB: 01/05/83 - ETA: Aug. 2008
12-4, 3.11 ERA, 149 H, 165/57 K/BB in 153 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
Horne, who declined to sign after the Indians made him a first-round pick in 2001, developed into a legitimate prospect two seasons after helping pitch Florida into the finals of the College World Series in 2005. The Tommy John survivor has always had above average stuff, but his history of inconsistency dates back to his college days. If his performance over the first four months of last season demonstrates a new level of commitment, then he should be able to make it as a third or fourth starter. If not, his 90-95 mph fastball and quality curve could still play quite well in relief. I've seen more of him than I have any other pitcher in the minors and I'm still rather skeptical.
Betances, listed at 6-foot-7 and 185 pounds, is the longest shot among the Yankees' top 10 prospects to have a significant career, but his upside warrants a spot. He just won't quite repeat in the top 150 after being shut down in July with forearm tendinitis. Betances can rush it to the plate in the mid-90s, and his hard curve should prove to be an out pitch in time. Still more of a thrower than a pitcher, he's yet to polish his changeup and he is pretty wild. Odds are that he'll continue to have arm issues, but if not, he could develop into a top starter someday. The compromise scenario would have him making an impact as a reliever in a few years.
7. Jesus Montero - C - DOB: 11/28/89 - ETA: 2012
.280/.366/.421, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 18/12 K/BB, 0 SB in 107 AB (R GCL Yankees)
Montero was arguably the prize of the 2006 international class and took a $2 million signing bonus from the Yankees. His pro debut last season was postponed by a sprained ankle, but he showed plenty of offensive potential after joining the GCL Yankees on July 16. Montero figures to someday offer 30-homer power, and he already shows a fairly advanced approach. If he were a better bet to remain behind the plate, he'd draw consideration as a top-150 prospect already. However, while few question his arm, his lack of receiving and blocking skills likely will eventually force a move to first base. He could develop into a star anyway, but obviously his margin for error isn't so great at the easier position.
8. Daniel McCutchen - RHP - DOB: 09/26/82 - ETA: June 2009
11-2, 2.50 ERA, 86 H, 67/21 K/BB in 101 IP (A Tampa)
3-2, 2.41 ERA, 30 H, 36/12 K/BB in 41 IP (AA Trenton)
McCutchen, a 2006 13th-round pick, got off to a late start last season because he still had some time to go on the 50-game steroids suspension he received two months after being drafted. Originally a reliever at Oklahoma, McCutchen works in the low-90s as a starter and does a nice job against lefties because of a splitter that acts like a changeup. He has a ways to go with his curve, and there's a good chance he'll end up back in the bullpen if he remains with the Yankees. He'd have a better chance of making it as a fourth starter elsewhere.
Sanchez, the best of the three prospects the Yankees picked up from the Tigers for Gary Sheffield, missed last season following Tommy John surgery. In 2006, he went 10-6 with a 2.63 ERA, 97 H and 129/47 K/BB in 123 IP between Double- and Triple-A. With a mid-90s fastball and a sharp curve, Sanchez possesses closer potential as a reliever. He could make it as a starter, but his command would have to improve considerably. He's going to miss at least the first month of this season, so it's unlikely he'll be seen in the Bronx until after the All-Star break.
10. Jeff Marquez - RHP - DOB: 08/10/84 - ETA: Sept. 2008
15-9, 3.65 ERA, 166 H, 94/44 K/BB in 155 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
Marquez pitched well enough to win 15 games in the Eastern League as a 22-year-old, but he didn't help his stock very much last year with both his strikeout rate and his groundball rate tumbling. In 2006, he had an 82/29 K/BB ratio in 92 1/3 IP in the FSL and got two outs on the ground for each one through the air. In 2008, he finished at a fairly standard 1.4:1. With a legitimate low-90s fastball, Marquez still has room left to develop. He'll need to improve either his curveball or his change in order to make it.
Next five: 1B Juan Miranda, RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, OF Brett Gardner, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Kevin Whelan
The Yankees' list really drops off after the top four, with Horne as the only other prospect set to make the Top 150. However, there's an awful lot of depth here. While their prospects in the 5-15 range don't match up so well, they probably have as much upside after No. 15 as any team. Andrew Brackman and Jairo Heredia are a couple of big-time arms, Austin Romine and Francisco Cervelli are interesting catcher prospects and there are several more potential setup men, with Mark Melancon leading the way.
Miranda, a Cuban defector, would rank eighth on the list if we knew for sure that he was really 24. He's probably 26 or so, but he still could contribute as a platoon first baseman. … Albaladejo and Ohlendorf will get chances to win bullpen spots out of spring training. ... Gardner, who offers tons of speed and some on-base ability from the left side, should prove to be a better version of Jason Tyner.
2007 top 15: Phil Hughes, Jose Tabata, Humberto Sanchez, Tyler Clippard, Joba Chamberlain, Eric Duncan, Dellin Betances, Kevin Whelan, J. Brent Cox, Ross Ohlendorf, Brett Gardner, Ian Kennedy, Christian Garcia, Austin Jackson, Jeff Marquez
might as well bring this back as all the players have reported to spring training..
Reading 2004
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016 Fenway 2, 2018 MSG 2022 St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023 MSG 2024, MSG 2024 Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
it sounds like most players reported to camp in much better shape than last year, as girardi warned them that there would be a lot more running than in the past. bobby abreu and johnny damon are most notable here, since both were hopelessly out of shape in '07 and neither got on track until the second half the season. derek jeter supposedly changed his offseason routine in an attempt to gain agility and improve his range. let's just hope it works. and apparently this is brian bruney now. :eek: him and joba have been on the edwar ramirez diet. now all bruney has to do is remember how to pitch and the yankees will be in business.
another thing, I like Joe Torre as much as anyone but I have to say that I'm bothered hearing that players like Damon and Abreu weren't in shape at the start of 2007. Obviously it's their job to get in shape but it's also the managers job to conduct workouts that get them in shape and it appears Torre didn't do that, which is kind of an indictment on him.
Reading 2004
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016 Fenway 2, 2018 MSG 2022 St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023 MSG 2024, MSG 2024 Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
Comments
per foxsports.com:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7659616
The Brewers face strong competition for free-agent center fielder Mike Cameron, perhaps stronger than they even imagined.
The Yankees are showing serious interest in Cameron, major-league sources say, figuring that they could trade center fielder Melky Cabrera even if they do not send him to the Twins for left-hander Johan Santana.
Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez is a supporter of Cameron's; the two were teammates with the Mariners in 2000. Cameron also has recent experience playing in New York; he was with the Mets in '04 and '05.
Cabrera, 23, is part of the Yankees' offer for Santana, but could fit for several teams that are in the market for a young, affordable, switch-hitting center fielder.
Those teams include the Cubs, Reds, Braves, Royals and Pirates. The Yankees likely would seek prospects for Cabrera, replace him with Cameron in center and keep Johnny Damon in left.
Damon would remain in center for the start of the season while Cameron serves a 25-game suspension for testing positive for a banned stimulant.
Cameron, 35, likely would sign a two-year deal, giving the Yankees time to continue developing their top center-field prospect, Austin Jackson, who split last season between Class A and Class AA.
The Cubs are on the fringe of the Cameron pursuit, and the Twins' interest could grow if they fail to land a center fielder in a trade for Santana. But Cameron is likely to sign with the Yankees or Brewers before the Santana question is resolved.
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016
Fenway 2, 2018
MSG 2022
St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023
MSG 2024, MSG 2024
Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
i was going to say the exact same thing, but i try to keep my snarky yankee comments to a minimum.
Exactly! Is there something with Melky that the organization doesn't like? Are there personality or locker room issues? All I see is a guy who can hit .280 to .300, steal bases, score runs, and maybe develop into a gold glove CF. And he's young and cheap! At that age, nobody thought Bernie was going to become the great player he did. Just hang on to him and enjoy the rewards of a good decision.
http://slidingintohome.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-yankee-stadium-construction-update.html
and phil hughes is now blogging:
http://philhughes.wordpress.com/
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016
Fenway 2, 2018
MSG 2022
St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023
MSG 2024, MSG 2024
Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
Is that Frasier Crane's dad next to Phil in the family photo?
http://www.myspace.com/brain_of_c
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
I know tickets for the general public go on sale last week in February.
Jw
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
EV - 5
(**Letterman'02, Irving Plaza, Storytellers, Beacon, ACL, Spectrum 3&4, Bridge School '10**)
"Constant recoil,..sometimes life don't leave you alone."
Let's connect on twitter - @Jeffgorra
Jw
You can live without it though, as the 2007 World Series Champions have shown. (Crisp/Ellsbury)
I totally agree. melky's not that great and will go back to Bubba Crosby status once they get a real CF. I'm looking forward to watching gardner in spring training. I highly doubt he'll make the team, but he could be the CF/leadoff man of the future
Obviously a lot of things to be seen still but I think Austin Jackson might be the CF of the future.
The yanks do have some good OF prospects to look at wtih Austin Jackson, Brett Gardner, & Jose Tabata.
Melky still has a little room to grow. His struggles early last year and in september really took his numbers down. If he could have a steady good season i could see him being a better then average CF. His defense is better then all the other bums at the Major league level at this point.
I would not have cried over losing melky though if he was shipped off in the right deal because they do have more OF talent coming.
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
Yanks Sign Morgan Ensberg to a minor league deal. He will have a chance to compete for the 1B job.
New York Yankees
1. Joba Chamberlain - RHP - DOB: 09/23/85 - ETA: Now
4-0, 2.03 ERA, 25 H, 51/11 K/BB in 40 IP (A Tampa)
4-2, 3.35 ERA, 32 H, 66/15 K/BB in 40 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 18/1 K/BB in 8 IP (AAA Scranton)
2-0, 0.38 ERA, 12 H, 34/6 K/BB in 24 IP (AL New York)
Perhaps the game's most dominant reliever after being called up last season, Chamberlain is everything the Yankees could ask for in an heir to Mariano Rivera in the closer's role. Still, the rotation is likely where he belongs long-term and he's expected to spend most of 2008 starting, even if he begins the year in the bullpen in an effort to restrict his innings total. Chamberlain used a 96-100 mph heater and outstanding slider to succeed as a reliever. He'll return his curveball and changeup to the mix as a starter, though he may not need to use either a lot even if he loses three or four mph off his fastball. Just how strong those two pitches are will determine whether he develops into a legitimate ace. The curve has drawn the better reviews of the two.
2. Jose Tabata - OF - DOB: 08/12/88 - ETA: 2010
.307/.371/.392, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 70/33 K/BB, 15 SB in 411 AB (A Tampa)
The numbers Tabata has put up at such a young age relative to his competition the last two years make him look like a truly special player. However, his right wrist problems have to be taken into account. He's had issues for two years now, and it was reported by Baseball America last season that the Yankees had sent him to five different hand specialists. In August, he had the hamate bone removed. If it turns out that it was a cure-all, then Tabata should put in a nice showing as perhaps the youngest player in Double-A this season. If not, it'll be time to start getting very worried. Tabata projects as a quality defensive right fielder capable of hitting for average and displaying 20-homer, 40-double power.
3. Ian Kennedy - RHP - DOB: 12/19/84 - ETA: Now
6-1, 1.29 ERA, 39 H, 72/22 K/BB in 63 IP (A Tampa)
5-1, 2.59 ERA, 27 H, 57/17 K/BB in 48 2/3 IP (AA Trenton)
1-1, 2.08 ERA, 25 H, 34/11 K/BB in 34 2/3 IP (AAA Scranton)
1-0, 1.89 ERA, 13 H, 15/9 K/BB in 19 IP (AL New York)
Kennedy made some teams nervous when his velocity fell into the high-80s as a junior in college, but the Yankees took him 21st overall in the 2006 draft anyway and were pleasantly surprised when he resumed averaging about 90 mph with his fastball last season. As strong as his curveball and changeup are, he doesn't need to throw any harder than that to last as a middle-of-the-rotation starter in the majors. The Yankees will likely go into the season with him as their fifth starter if they decide to stick Chamberlain in the pen initially. An alternative would be for Kennedy to pitch in middle relief while waiting for a rotation spot to open up.
4. Austin Jackson - OF - DOB: 02/01/87 - ETA: 2010
.260/.336/.374, 3 HR, 25 BI, 59/24 K/BB, 19 SB in 235 AB (A- Charleston)
.345/.398/.566, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 48/22 K/BB, 13 SB in 258 AB (A Tampa)
.333/.600/.667, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2/2 K/BB, 1 SB in 3 AB (AAA Scranton)
When Jackson was moved up to the FSL in late June despite a 710 OPS in the Sally League, it seemed to be just another case of the Yankees being way too aggressive with a prospect. However, Jackson responded to the challenge right away and upped his stock more than any other prospect in baseball during the second half of the season. Still something of a raw talent, Jackson could blossom into a 25-homer guy despite his modest build. He's continuing to learn how to play center field, but he has the speed to last there, and it looks like he'll be a pretty good OBP guy after cutting well back on the strikeouts last season. Expecting him to make Melky Cabrera expendable after this season might be pushing it a little, but there's a good chance he'll prove to be the Yankees' long-term center fielder.
5. Alan Horne - RHP - DOB: 01/05/83 - ETA: Aug. 2008
12-4, 3.11 ERA, 149 H, 165/57 K/BB in 153 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
Horne, who declined to sign after the Indians made him a first-round pick in 2001, developed into a legitimate prospect two seasons after helping pitch Florida into the finals of the College World Series in 2005. The Tommy John survivor has always had above average stuff, but his history of inconsistency dates back to his college days. If his performance over the first four months of last season demonstrates a new level of commitment, then he should be able to make it as a third or fourth starter. If not, his 90-95 mph fastball and quality curve could still play quite well in relief. I've seen more of him than I have any other pitcher in the minors and I'm still rather skeptical.
6. Dellin Betances - RHP - DOB: 03/23/88 - ETA: 2011
1-2, 3.60 ERA, 24 H, 29/17 K/BB in 25 IP (SS-A Staten Island)
Betances, listed at 6-foot-7 and 185 pounds, is the longest shot among the Yankees' top 10 prospects to have a significant career, but his upside warrants a spot. He just won't quite repeat in the top 150 after being shut down in July with forearm tendinitis. Betances can rush it to the plate in the mid-90s, and his hard curve should prove to be an out pitch in time. Still more of a thrower than a pitcher, he's yet to polish his changeup and he is pretty wild. Odds are that he'll continue to have arm issues, but if not, he could develop into a top starter someday. The compromise scenario would have him making an impact as a reliever in a few years.
7. Jesus Montero - C - DOB: 11/28/89 - ETA: 2012
.280/.366/.421, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 18/12 K/BB, 0 SB in 107 AB (R GCL Yankees)
Montero was arguably the prize of the 2006 international class and took a $2 million signing bonus from the Yankees. His pro debut last season was postponed by a sprained ankle, but he showed plenty of offensive potential after joining the GCL Yankees on July 16. Montero figures to someday offer 30-homer power, and he already shows a fairly advanced approach. If he were a better bet to remain behind the plate, he'd draw consideration as a top-150 prospect already. However, while few question his arm, his lack of receiving and blocking skills likely will eventually force a move to first base. He could develop into a star anyway, but obviously his margin for error isn't so great at the easier position.
8. Daniel McCutchen - RHP - DOB: 09/26/82 - ETA: June 2009
11-2, 2.50 ERA, 86 H, 67/21 K/BB in 101 IP (A Tampa)
3-2, 2.41 ERA, 30 H, 36/12 K/BB in 41 IP (AA Trenton)
McCutchen, a 2006 13th-round pick, got off to a late start last season because he still had some time to go on the 50-game steroids suspension he received two months after being drafted. Originally a reliever at Oklahoma, McCutchen works in the low-90s as a starter and does a nice job against lefties because of a splitter that acts like a changeup. He has a ways to go with his curve, and there's a good chance he'll end up back in the bullpen if he remains with the Yankees. He'd have a better chance of making it as a fourth starter elsewhere.
9. Humberto Sanchez - RHP - DOB: 05/28/83 - ETA: Aug. 2008
Sanchez, the best of the three prospects the Yankees picked up from the Tigers for Gary Sheffield, missed last season following Tommy John surgery. In 2006, he went 10-6 with a 2.63 ERA, 97 H and 129/47 K/BB in 123 IP between Double- and Triple-A. With a mid-90s fastball and a sharp curve, Sanchez possesses closer potential as a reliever. He could make it as a starter, but his command would have to improve considerably. He's going to miss at least the first month of this season, so it's unlikely he'll be seen in the Bronx until after the All-Star break.
10. Jeff Marquez - RHP - DOB: 08/10/84 - ETA: Sept. 2008
15-9, 3.65 ERA, 166 H, 94/44 K/BB in 155 1/3 IP (AA Trenton)
Marquez pitched well enough to win 15 games in the Eastern League as a 22-year-old, but he didn't help his stock very much last year with both his strikeout rate and his groundball rate tumbling. In 2006, he had an 82/29 K/BB ratio in 92 1/3 IP in the FSL and got two outs on the ground for each one through the air. In 2008, he finished at a fairly standard 1.4:1. With a legitimate low-90s fastball, Marquez still has room left to develop. He'll need to improve either his curveball or his change in order to make it.
Next five: 1B Juan Miranda, RHP Jonathan Albaladejo, OF Brett Gardner, RHP Ross Ohlendorf, RHP Kevin Whelan
The Yankees' list really drops off after the top four, with Horne as the only other prospect set to make the Top 150. However, there's an awful lot of depth here. While their prospects in the 5-15 range don't match up so well, they probably have as much upside after No. 15 as any team. Andrew Brackman and Jairo Heredia are a couple of big-time arms, Austin Romine and Francisco Cervelli are interesting catcher prospects and there are several more potential setup men, with Mark Melancon leading the way.
Miranda, a Cuban defector, would rank eighth on the list if we knew for sure that he was really 24. He's probably 26 or so, but he still could contribute as a platoon first baseman. … Albaladejo and Ohlendorf will get chances to win bullpen spots out of spring training. ... Gardner, who offers tons of speed and some on-base ability from the left side, should prove to be a better version of Jason Tyner.
2007 top 15: Phil Hughes, Jose Tabata, Humberto Sanchez, Tyler Clippard, Joba Chamberlain, Eric Duncan, Dellin Betances, Kevin Whelan, J. Brent Cox, Ross Ohlendorf, Brett Gardner, Ian Kennedy, Christian Garcia, Austin Jackson, Jeff Marquez
I love that site!
I also read on hughes blog he will be taking the number 34. not that big of a deal but i know i want to get a hughes jersey and now i'm glad i waited!
Charlotte 03
Asheville 04
Atlanta 12
Greenville 16, Columbia 16
Seattle 18
Nashville 22
Ohana Festival 24 x2
Ha, Ha! Hideki Matsui fans song Hikari No Michi. It sounds like it came from Bridge on the River Kwai or something.
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016
Fenway 2, 2018
MSG 2022
St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023
MSG 2024, MSG 2024
Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."
this is encouraging:
Hughes hitting glove with more force
it sounds like most players reported to camp in much better shape than last year, as girardi warned them that there would be a lot more running than in the past. bobby abreu and johnny damon are most notable here, since both were hopelessly out of shape in '07 and neither got on track until the second half the season. derek jeter supposedly changed his offseason routine in an attempt to gain agility and improve his range. let's just hope it works. and apparently this is brian bruney now. :eek: him and joba have been on the edwar ramirez diet. now all bruney has to do is remember how to pitch and the yankees will be in business.
also... this was supposed to be andy pettitte's 2008 player photo, but it got ruined somehow. this made me laugh.
Albany 2006 Camden 2006 E. Rutherford 2, 2006 Inglewood 2006,
Chicago 2007
Camden 2008 MSG 2008 MSG 2008 Hartford 2008.
Seattle 2009 Seattle 2009 Philadelphia 2009,Philadelphia 2009 Philadelphia 2009
Hartford 2010 MSG 2010 MSG 2010
Toronto 2011,Toronto 2011
Wrigley Field 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Brooklyn 2013 Philadelphia 2, 2013
Philadelphia 1, 2016 Philadelphia 2 2016 New York 2016 New York 2016 Fenway 1, 2016
Fenway 2, 2018
MSG 2022
St. Paul, 1, St. Paul 2 2023
MSG 2024, MSG 2024
Philadelphia 2024
"I play good, hard-nosed basketball.
Things happen in the game. Nothing you
can do. I don't go and say,
"I'm gonna beat this guy up."