Do the Yankees need offense?

Now that the Yankees are sure to start the 2009 season with a very formidable rotation, the attention shifts to their offense.  The Yankees will once again feature an aging, veteran lineup of guys like Jeter, A-Rod, Damon, Matsui, and a very questionable Posada.  They are most likely losing the services of both Abreu and Giambi, (they could opt to bring Giambi back for a year) and are still in negotiations with the Milwaukee Brewers over a trade that would swap the "Melk-Man" for Mike Cameron.  Should this trade get done, and Giambi and Abreu both sign elsewhere, the lineup will look something like this...

Damon

Jeter

 Matsui

A-Rod

Posada

Nady

Cano

Swisher

Cameron

Damon is a great leadoff hitter, and will get on base, and when healthy steal his fair share also.  He is getting older though, and although he had a good season last year, it remains to be seen if he can continue to do so throughout the 2009 season. 

Jeter is Jeter.  Despite having somewhat of an off year in 08' he still hasn't shown all that many signs of slowing down at the age of 34.  I would expect him to hit his usual .310, bat in about 70-75 runs, and score close to 100.  

The 3 hole is where it gets interesting.  Should the Yankees not go out and acquire a bigger bat, I would think they would elect to bat Matsui third, simply because if healthy, he is probably the closest they have to filling in for Abreu.  The key here is for him to actually stay healthy though.  He has had too many problems with his knees.  The Yankees are banking way too much on the fact that he is going to be healthy for all of 2009.  

As far as A-Rod, I expect him to have a great year.  Last year was a so-so year, but statistically, he usually follows an incredible year with a not so good one.  Don't expect the mammoth season he had in 07' but expect him to again lead a lot of offensive categories in the American League. 

The 5 hole could get very interesting.  I consider Posada to be a big question mark, that could potentially make or break the Yankees lineup.  Is he capable of coming anywhere close to his 07' season?  Can he even play a full season?  These are questions the Yankees seriously have to address when considering whether to upgrade their offense or not.  

Nady should give the Yanks a solid year.  I doubt he will have another year like last, but remember that was a career year for him.  He seems to like playing for the Yanks.  He didn't miss a beat last year coming over from Pittsburgh at the deadline.  I would look for him to hit about .280, with anywhere from 15-20 homers, and probably 70-80 RBI's.  

If Robinson Cano plays to his potential this year, you can forget about him being down here in the 7 hole.  He was absolutely horrendous last year.  He is such a natural hitter.  Two years ago he looked like he was going to compete for a batting title for years to come.  Last year every plate appearance kinda looked like J.D Drew against David Price in the ALCS.  What happened to this guy?  The Yankees are serious about turning him around.  They seem to want to get rid of his good friend Melky Cabrera probably because they feel he has been a distraction (and he simply is not any good).  Cano has been working with hitting coach Kevin Long all offseason.  The Yankees better hope this pays off, because if Cano plays to his potential next year, expect to see him in the 3 hole, which would give the Yanks a hell of a better lineup.

The Yankees are banking on the fact that Nick Swisher will bring more of his 2007 season with him to the Bronx.  The switch hitter batted a career low .219 with 24 homers and 69 RBI's in 08'.  He is a career .244 hitter, but usually stays around the .250 mark.  Even though he provides a decent amount of pop, the Yankees need more guys that are going to simply get hits.  Last season proved that clutch hitting is a problem, and the home run ball can not always be relied on.

I'm going to round out their lineup with Mike Cameron because I believe Cashman is going to get this deal done eventually.  I would have rather him attempt to go after a guy like David DeJesus or Rick Ankiel, but it doesn't seem like he wants to part with many prospects.  What does Cameron bring to the Yanks that Melky never provided?  Well, first off hes a multiple gold glove winner who plays a stellar center field.  Sure he isn't as speedy as he once was, but he still is very formidable.  Second, he is a veteran presence.  Finally, he won't distract Robinson Cano.  The Yankees became very annoyed with the friendship between the two teammates last season.  They thought it to be a major reason why Canos numbers dropped off so far from 2007.  Mike Cameron is a guy who isn't going to hit for average.  He is a career .250 hitter with some pop.  Like swisher, he's good for about 25 long balls per season, a major upgrade from Melky's disappointing 8 last year.  The downside is he strikes out a lot.  He did so 142 times last year, and 160 in 2007.  

Conclusion:

The Yankees could use 1 more big bat.  This doesn't necessarily mean Mark Texiera (although I would love that).  They just need a good on base guy, with reasonable power.  Why not Bobby Abreu?  I understand the Yankees are reluctant to sign him for what he wants, but he has proven himself in NY.  He has been an excellent number 3 hitter for them, and although he is afraid of that right field wall he plays his position decently.  Resigning Abreu would allow the Yankees to use a great outfield platoon to keep all of their aging outfielders healthy throughout the season.  Last year Johnny Damon got annoyed that he wasn't playing everyday but I think in the end Johnny just wants to win and would except this strategy.  Having a constant bench bat would be another benefit of this platoon, and also the ability to match the outfielder up with who the Yankees have pitching that day.  Signing Abreu is something to think about for the Yanks.  Whatever way you slice it, they need another bat in that lineup next season.

Christian and Britton free agents

According to the Yankees, speedy infielder Justin Christian, and hefty reliever Chris Britton are non-tendered, making them free agents.  This would open up two new spots on the 40 man roster for the Yankees shiny new toys.  

Yanks had money leftover to send me a christmas card

I opened my mailbox yesterday, and in it was a card from the New York Yankees wishing me a happy holiday.  It seems the Yanks haven't broke the bank completely after spending a quarter of a billion dollars on two pitchers.  They can still send their season ticket holders Christmas cards!

Burnett to sign with Yankees

ESPN.com has reported that free agent right hander A.J Burnett will sign with the Yankees.  The deal is reportedly worth 82.5 million dollars over 5 years.  The deal is pending a physical.  More to come on this as the story progresses. 

Burnett down to two teams -- decision likely to come soon

Free agent right hander A.J Burnett is now mulling over two very formidable offers.  The Yankees have offered him a 5 year, 85 million dollar contract, while the Atlanta Braves are said to have offered a similar deal, 5 years and 80 million dollars.  Burnett is a fan of the AL, and the east coast in particular.  His family resides in Baltimore, a place he would visit quite often should he sign with the Yanks.  Also, Burnett is said to not like the spotlight.  He would rather slip into a rotation spotlighted by C.C Sabathia, than become the ace of the Braves staff.  It seems apparent that a decision will come soon, and all indications point to Burnett taking the Yanks offer.

Photo from ESPN.com

Cameron-Cabrera trade looks like it will get done

The Brewers and Yankees are still in serious discussions about swapping center fielders Melky Cabrera and Mike Cameron.  Originally, the negotiations came to halt because the Yanks wanted Milwaukee to pay some of Cameron's 10 million dollar salary in 09'.  The Brewers thought this to be somewhat of an outrageous request seeing how the Yanks just gave Sabathia 61 million dollars more than they were willing to give.  But it looks like things are progressing, and the two teams will eventually strike a deal.  Cameron would provide the Yanks with a veteran, gold glove presence in center field.  He has some pop.  He hit 25 long balls last year, as appose to Melky's disappointing 8.  It isn't a major upgrade, but it's clear the Yanks have had enough with Melky, and want to seperate him from Cano.  

Sabathia to Yanks a done deal

The big man made his decision, and it's to play for the Yanks.  After Cashman and "special advisors" Joe Girardi and Reggie Jackson wined and dined the big lefty, he decided he would sign the largest contract ever given to a pitcher.  Sabathia's contract is for 161 million dollars over the course of 7 years.  He will have an opt-out clause after 3 years, at which point he will have earned 69 million dollars.  The Yankees are confident that they will be able to make Sabathia and his family comfortable in New York, so that he we will not elect to use the clause.  The deal is still pending a physical, so the Yanks are obviously still being very quiet about it.  Expect a press conference next week sometime, which could feature not only Sabathia, but possibly A. J Burnett also.  More on that soon...

Photo taken by the Associated Press.

Haven't posted in forever

Hey guys, I haven't posted in forever, it was starting to consume way too much of my time.  I am going to start back again though.  Feel free to leave your comments and concerns as the blog begins to get underway again.

What can Duncan do?

In the first inning of tonight's game, Shelley Duncan made another error, throwing the ball wide to second, and pulling Derek Jeter off the bag.

If Duncan were hitting, we might be able to put up with his atrocious defense.  Unfortunately, he isn't doing that either. 

Joba to make first career start Tuesday in the Bronx

The Yankees have made a decision regarding reliever turned starting pitcher Joba Chamberlain.  He will make his first career start Tuesday when the Yankees come home to the Bronx to face the Blue Jays.  

Manager Joe Girardi told WFAN's Mike and the Mad Dog that the Yankees are expecting Joba to pitch about five innings, and throw no more than 70 pitches. 

Andy Pettitte will make the start Monday night in the finale against the Twins in Minneapolis.

Game 54 Preview: Moose going for 8th victory

New York Yankees @ Minnesota Twins

Friday, May 30 2008, 8:10 P.M EST

TV: MY9 Radio: WCBS 880

Pitching Matchup

RHP Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.39 ERA) @ LHP Glen Perkins (2-1, 2.77 ERA)

Yankee Lineup   Twins Lineup

 

1.) Jeter SS   1.) Gomez CF

2.) Abreu RF 2.) Casilla 2B

3.) Rodriguez 3B 3.) Mauer C

4.) Matsui LF 4.)Morneau 1B

5.) Giambi DH 5.) Cuddyer RF

6.) Duncan 1B 6.) Kubel DH

7.) Cano 2B 7.) Young LF

8.) Molina C 8.) Lamb 3B

9.) Cabrera CF 9.) Harris SS

Pregame Concerns- Mike Mussina only pitched five innings in his last outings before Joba Chamberlain came in for relief. Mussina gave up four earned runs on seven hits in that outing.

Does the "Melk-Man" really deliver?

New York Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera is one of the most interesting players on the team, in that he seems to always fly under the radar.  For one, the fans never seem to get on him when he goes into an extended slump, which he seems to be struggling with lately, despite a few clutch hits.  I find that quite interesting because he has basically taken over for one of the most loved center fielders of all time in Bernie Williams.  This is most likely attributed to the fact that the Yankees lineup is stacked with stars, but Melky still seems to never be talked about if he is slumping, or if he is doing great.  

 Melky is at a point in his young career where he is most likely about to go in one of two directions.  He could either completely explode, and have a great year, which he showed signs of in April.  Or, he could continue to be slightly above average and hit his usual .270.  Even if he did stay slightly above average offensively, he still fits in nicely in this Yankee lineup, especially when Posada returns.  Also, he has been very good in center field, which the Yankee's seem to be thrilled with.  But will be be around for years to come if he doesn't begin to break out offensively?  The answer is probably not.  Center field prospect Austin Jackson, who the Yankees scouted since twelve years old, is still grooming in the minor leagues.  The Yankees say he has tremendous speed, and has a swing that they have compared to Derek Jeter.  They say at about 20 years old, Jackson is already ahead of where Bernie Williams and Jeter were when they were his age.  

So does Melky have a future here in New York, or is he just filling in until Jackson is ready to take over?  I don't know for sure, but I think the "Melk-Man" should consider delivering at a faster pace. 

Posada still on the right track

More good news has recently surfaced in regards to Yankees catcher Jorge Posada.  He played in another extended spring training game today and continued his rehabilitation program by catching seven strong innings, and also making hard throws to second and third before the game.  He also went 1-for-2 with two walks.

Posada has been out since April 27th, but could rejoin the Yankees lineup as early as Tuesday, when the team will start a home stand against Toronto.  

Next Stop: Johan-less Twins in Minneapolis

The New York Yankees head out of Baltimore at 26-27, one game under .500.  They are currently six games out of the AL East, in last place, behind division leader Tampa Bay.  That's right your eyes do not deceive you, I said Tampa Bay leads the powerful AL East.  If you don't take Tampa seriously, (which I don't) then you'll look at the fact that the Yanks are only 3 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the lost column, who continue to be atrocious on the road.

After today's off day, the Yanks will play the Twins Friday through Monday, in a four game wrap around series.  The Twins are anything but a pushover.  They come in at 27-25, two games over .500, and only two games behind the ChiSox in the flip-flopped Al Central.  Their acquisition of Carlos Gomez from the Mets has served them well.  He's a good leadoff hitter, with incredible speed, and has filled in nicely for current Angel Torii Hunter.  Livan Hernandez, who they acquired in the offseason to replace (cough YEA RIGHT cough) Johan Santana, hasn't done bad with a 6-2 record and a somewhat respectable 4.60 ERA.  The Yanks will see him Monday night.  They still have a premier closer in Joe Nathan, and one of the best offensive catchers in the league in Joe Mauer.  

I'm not to sure what to expect from the Yanks this weekend.  have they turned the corner after their 5 game win streak at home?  They played two miserable games in Baltimore before winning Wednesday night's game with great pitching.  Their offense seems to be coming together nicely.  You have to like what you see from Giambi especially who didn't give you much at all last season.  It will be interesting to see how the series plays out.  One thing to note, Monday's game is Ian Kennedy's scheduled start.  With his recent trip to the DL, there is talk that Joba Chamberlain might make the start and throw about 70 pitches.  If not, the Yanks would probably dig into the minor leagues once again (Please no Kei Igawa).  Pitching matchups are listed below.

Friday, May 30th 2008-  Yankees RHP Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.39 ERA) at Twins LHP Glen Perkins (2-1, 2.77 ERA)

Saturday, May 31st 2008- Yankees RHP Chien-Ming Wang (6-2, 3.82 ERA) at Twins RHP Boof Bonser (2-6, 6.16 ERA)

Sunday, June 1st 2008- Yankees RHP Darrell Rasner (3-1, 1.80 ERA) at Twins RHP Nick Blackburn (4-3, 3.39 ERA)

Monday, June 2nd 2008- Yankees TBA at Twins RHP Livan Hernandez (6-2, 4.60 ERA)

Recent moves by the Yanks that happened prior to the birth of my blog

-Generation Trey took a hit Tuesday night as Ian Kennedy was placed on the 15 day disabled list with a mild lat muscle strain and bursitis.  Chris britton was once again recalled from triple A to fill the roster spot.  He's racking up the frequent flyer miles these days.

-Utility INF Wilson Betemit was activated from the disabled list Monday as INF Alberto Gonzalez was sent back to triple A. 

Shephard hopes to return by All-Star game

It was reported today that the "voice of god," Bob Shephard, will most likely return to announce the 79th All-Star game at Yankee Stadium.

He also said that he hopes to be able to announce games at the new stadium beginning in 2009.  

It's not the same without you Mr. Shephard...

Game 53 Wrap-Up: The Formula

Wednesday night's finale against the Baltimore Orioles showed us once again why you should not touch a winning formula.  LHP Andy Pettitte (5-5, 4.11 ERA) opposed Jeremy Guthrie (2-6, 3.64 ERA).  The game featured very good pitching from both starters, especially Pettitte who needed a big win so we could all breathe a sigh of relief.  Pettitte's only glitch was a two run homerun that he surrendered in the third to the red hot Morra.  The Yankees would quickly erase that deficit with another bomb by Giambi that once again cleared the ballpark.  The struggling Yankee's captain hit a sacrifice fly to left field in the fifth to score Melky, which gave the Yanks a 3-2 lead.  Johnny Damon added the final run of the game in the ninth when he beat out a ground ball to Kevin Millar.  

The main story of this game was undoubtedly the continuing "Joba Saga," if you will.  Chamberlain was supposed to relieve Pettitte and throw 50-55 pitches.  Because of Andy's strong outing, Joba came in to pitch in the seventh, with two outs.  He struggled a bit, allowing two base runners before recording the final out.  He then entered the eighth and displayed his usual dominance.  His fastball clocked in at 98 MPH.  Chamberlain would not pitch the ninth, as the Yankees elected to bring in the ageless wonder Mariano Rivera to record his 13th save and lower his ERA to a stunning 0.39.  Joba would finish his pitching in the bullpen.

The controversial argument regarding Chamberlain becoming a starting pitcher can once again resume.  It's coincidental that we saw two very opposite pitching performances in consecutive nights.  Tuesday's gave featured the terrible underbelly of the Yankees bullpen, which if not for Rivera, wouldn't even have made it to extra innings.  In stark contrast, Wednesday's game featured a dominant 1 1/3 innings from arguably the best set-up man in baseball.  Keep Joba where he is!  Starting pitching is going to be available by the all-star break.  Should the struggling Cleveland Indians fall too far out of the race, they will probably trade ace C.C Sabathia.  Also, the Oakland A's will most likely be shopping Rich Harden and Joe Blanton.  When you have a part of your team that is completely dominant, you don't break it up!  Instead, you build around it.  And with the Yankees resources, this shouldn't be an overwhelmingly difficult task.

Here We Go

Well today is opening day for "The Captain's Crew" blog.  I've always wanted to discuss my views and opinions regarding the Yanks with others, so I'm happy that I have this blog up and running.  What I hope to accomplish with this blog is to inform the readers with current information regarding the Yankees team status.  I will discuss everything from upcoming series' to roster moves and health concerns.  I will make a great attempt to preview and recap every game played, and give you detailed analysis of what took place, and how to make sense of all of it.

Allow me to introduce myself a bit.  My name's Eric.  I am currently a Sociology major going into my Junior year and Central Connecticut State University.  I have always enjoyed writing, and expressing my opinions.  The title of my blog "The Captain's Crew" obviously refers to my favorite Yankee Derek Jeter.  If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at Agenthunt222@yahoo.com.  Enjoy the blog, and please feel free to post any or all of your comments and concerns.