Covering All The Bases

Yankees Invite 20 to Spring Training

2010-02-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

The Yankees today released their list of non-roster invitees to spring training, and it includes nine players who saw time with the Thunder in 2009. Those eight are:

SP Zach McAllister

RP Kevin Whelan

C Jesus Montero

SP Jeremy Bleich

RP Wilkins Arias

OF Colin Curtis

RP Amauri Sanit

RP Grant Duff

C P.J. Pilittere

Also included is Austin Romine, who will be the Thunder's starting catcher in 2010. Bleich will re-join the Thunder, and Arias may come with him, too.

The other 10 invitees are:

OF Marcus Thames (signed today)

OF Reid Gorecki

OF David Winfree

OF Jon Weber

C Mike Rivera

C Kyle Higashioka

RP Royce Ring

RP Zack Segovia

SP Kei Igawa

SP Jason Hirsh

Any requests?

2010-02-08T12:48:00.000-08:00

From March 31 - April 4 (when the Thunder break camp), I will be in Tampa for Thunder spring training. During that time I will be collecting as many interviews (both audio and video) as possible. I have several story lines in mind to pursue, but, because I cater to you, I'm looking for suggestions about what and who you would like to see covered.

Material collected from that trip will go toward The Trentonian's special season preview section (on newsstands April 8), daily coverage, as well as possible in-season features.

So far, here's what I have planned:

- Feature on Jeremy Bleich in re: How he can better himself after last season

- Rosters of all 12 Eastern League teams. Hopefully I'll have the Thunder's roster before I leave.

- Feature on the D'Arnaud brothers, Travis and Chase -- probably an in-season notebook thing

- Sit-down Q&As with Tony Franklin, Frank Menechino and Tommy Phelps regarding how the team is shaping up

- Live report from the Yankees vs. Future Yankees Stars game, to be held April 3 at Legends Field

Send any and all ideas you may have to jnorris@trentonian.com, or leave them in the comments section.

Thanks for all your help.

Question No. 7

2010-02-07T09:13:00.000-08:00

With opening day (featuring the World Series trophy) just 60 days away -- and pitchers and catchers reporting in just more than two weeks -- now seems as good a time as any to ask a few questions about what the Thunder might look like against the Erie SeaWolves come April 8.

Today marks the fourth of 10 questions about the Yankees Double-A affiliate.

7. Where does Ryan Pope fit in to the mix?

2009 was a year of extremes for starter Ryan Pope. He was the only starter on the Opening Day roster who stayed healthy -- and in Double-A -- all season long. Of course, that means he didn't earn a promotion at all, and there plenty of reasons for that. He gave up 155 hits in 141 innings (nearly 10 per nine innings pitched) and carded a 4.78 ERA and a putrid 5-12 record in the process.

There were, however, some positives.

He walked just 34 men and permitted just seven longballs, good for marks of 2.2 and 0.4 per nine, respectively. The best positive of all, however, came toward the end of the season, when pitching coach Tommy Phelps suggested he speed up his tempo to try to keep hitters off balance.

Boy, did it work. In the span of one bullpen session, Pope went from barely hanging on in Double-A to staff ace -- and he stayed that way until the season's end.

Entering 2009, however, there could be a little confusion about where he might fit. So far, the Thunder staff looks like this: Christian Garcia, Hector Noesi, Wilkin De La Rosa, Jeremy Bleich and more than likely Lance Pendleton.

In theory, Pope could simply move to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but I'm not terribly sure he's earned the right to pitch in the same rotation as the vaunted Kei Igawa, Jason Hirsh, Zach McAllister, Ivan Nova and perhaps Romulo Sanchez, who seems to have taken his triple-digit fastball back and forth between starter and reliever more than a few times over the past two seasons.

If De La Rosa, isn't fully healed come April, Pope should take his spot for a couple of months. However, if he is healthy on opening day, I think there's a good chance Pope begins 2009 as the Thunder's long reliever.

If he does become the long man, it could be a boon for the team, which -- for a few months at least -- will not have to worry about using their typically short relievers in uncomfortable roles, thereby limiting their effectiveness and possibly damaging them long term.

Question No. 8

2010-02-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

With opening day (featuring the World Series trophy) just 61 days away -- and pitchers and catchers reporting in just more than two weeks -- now seems as good a time as any to ask a few questions about what the Thunder might look like against the Erie SeaWolves come April 8.

Today marks the third of 10 questions in 10 days about the Yankees Double-A affiliate.

8. Can this year's bullpen match the 2009 version?

One of the team's biggest strengths -- especially considering all the upheaval caused by injuries and mass rainouts -- was its bullpen. Time after time, when a starter got bombed or had to be scratched, someone was there to pick up the slack and put the team in a better position to win.

Want proof? Check the numbers. Here's a breakdown of how many spot starts each reliever made last season*:

Kanekoa Texeira - 6
Josh Schmidt - 5
Wilkins Arias - 2

* - I'm not counting Brian Bruney's rehab "start."

Texeira (taken by Seattle in the Rule 5 Draft) and Schmidt (almost certainly will be promoted) will not be back, and the same probably goes for Arias, too. So, who can Thunder fans count on to make the jog in from the right-field corner every night? Let's take a look at a few candidates.

1. Pat Venditte: This is the sexy name. By now, you've probably read all about Venditte and his switch-pitching exploits. If not, you can do so here, here, here (with video) and here.

Sure, the pure spectacle of a pitcher who throws with both hands will put some fannies in the seats, but will those paying customers be happy with what Venditte produces? If he performs like he did last year with Charleston and Tampa, you're darn right they will.

Between the affiliates, Venditte accrued a 4-2 record, a 1.87 ERA, fanned 87 in 67 1/3 innings and walked just 11 men. For a guy who, like Schmidt, struggles to break 90 with his fastball, those numbers are more than impressive.

He got hit around a little bit this winter with Venezuelan League's Aguilas de Zulia -- where he was teammates with Schmidt, but the extremely pitcher-friendly confines of Waterfront Park should help ease the transition to the upper levels.

2. Jonathan Ortiz: This 24-year-old could wind up being next year's closer, something the Thunder really didn't have once Amauri Sanit left early in the season.

With Charleston and Tampa last season, Ortiz posted a 3-4 record with a 2.91 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 55 2/3 frames. He walked just 10 in that span. For those keeping track, Ortiz and Venditte combined to issue just 21 free passes in 120 innings in 2009.

If Ortiz continues at last year's pace, he will give Tony Franklin a very powerful weapon toward the end of games.

3. Philip Bartleski/Adam Olbrychowski: If you paid attention toward the end of the 2009 season, then you know these names already. Both pitchers were called up during the last series of the season -- on the road against the eventual EL North Wild Card winners, the New Britain Rock Cats -- to help in what was ultimately a failed playoff push.

Both men offer something neither Ortiz and Venditte can: an intimidating physical presence on the mound, much in the same manner Grant Duff did for a few months.

Olbrychowski stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 205 pounds. Bartleski checks in at a mammoth 6-foot-7 and 240, both of which should play up in Waterfront Park.

Expect to see them both in the Thunder's late-game arsenal in 2010.

Bobblehead Schedule, Broadcasting update

2010-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

The moment every Thunder fan has been waiting for has finally arrived — the 2010 bobblehead schedule has been released.

This year’s list features six former Thunder players who helped the Yankees win the 2009 World Series — pitchers Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, David Robertson, outfielder Brett Gardner, infielder Robinson Cano and catcher Francisco Cervelli.

After those five are given out, the Thunder will close the season by distributing a bobblehead of the Yankees top prospect, catcher Jesus Montero.

The 20-year-old Montero spent just 44 games with the Thunder, compiling a .317/.370/.909 line with nine home runs and 33 RBIs before suffering a broken finger that ended his season.
Below are the dates for each bobblehead’s release:

Chamberlain — April 23
Hughes — May 14
Gardner — June 11
Cervelli — July 2
Cano — July 16
Robertson — Aug. 6
Montero — Sept. 2

•••

The Thunder have sifted through the applications and demo tapes, and are close to naming a replacement for former broadcaster Steve Rudenstein, who left the team to take a position with Rider University.
An announcement on his replacement should be made by next week, the team said yesterday.

Question No. 9: Who's on ... shortstop?

2010-02-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

With opening day (featuring the World Series trophy) just 63 days away -- and pitchers and catchers reporting in just more than two weeks -- now seems as good a time as any to ask a few questions about what the Thunder might look like against the Erie SeaWolves come April 8.

Today marks the second of 10 questions in 10 days about the Yankees Double-A affiliate.

9. Who will fill Eduardo Nunez's shoes at shortstop?

Eduardo Nunez spoiled Thunder fans last season. By and large, Nunez was the most consistent offensive producer in Trenton's lineup from Day One until season's close. He produced a .322/.349/.782 line with 26 2Bs, nine HRs and 55 RBIs.

Sure, his 33 errors left much to be desired, but this guy (a four-time Gold Glover) had seasons with 21, 25, 29 and 56 miscues in the minor leagues.

Enough about the past. It's time to look ahead.

When I contacted Mark Newman a few weeks ago, even he couldn't give me a solid answer about who would play short at Waterfront Park in 2010. There are few candidates, but none who really jump out as someone who could play up to Nunez's caliber.

Candidate No. 1, Walter Ibarra: The 22-year-old from Los Mochis Sinola, Mexico played in 18 games with Trenton in 2008, getting 15 hits (including three doubles and a home run) in the process.

This season, with Charleston and Tampa, Ibarra put together .262/.294/.602 with 19 RBIs and swiped 12 bases in 17 attempts. This winter, with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo of the Mexican League, Ibarra compiled 16 hits in 64 at-bats.

The Double-A experience, I believe, gives Ibarra a little bit of a leg up on all the rest when it comes to his odds of being in Tony Franklin's lineup come April 8 against Erie.

Odds to win the job - 5:1

Candidate No. 2, Matt Cusick: Cusick joined the Thunder late last season, and despite his .240 batting average, seemed to hit the ball hard every time. He played second base with the Thunder, but, because of second basemen like Corban Joseph, Damon Sublett and David Adams making their way toward Trenton, Cusick could be asked (forced?) to switch positions.

His defense at second was solid if not spectacular, and I think more of that could be expected if he makes the switch.

Odds to win the job - 8:1

Candidate No.3, Addison Maruszak: This is a long shot, but a good performance in spring training could vault him out of the warm weather in Tampa into what should be a significantly less hospitable Trenton in April.

Maruszak earned a late-season promotion to Tampa last year, but struggled mightily upon arrival. His .148 average with the T-Yanks suggests that he may not be offensively ready for the upper levels. The sheer lack of candidates for that job, however, may necessitate an early promotion.

Odds to win the job - 20:1

Check back tomorrow for a look at the 2010 bullpen.

Photo Credits: Mike Ashmore (Cusick), Steinbrenner Drive blog (Maruszak)

10 Questions

2010-02-01T16:38:00.001-08:00

With opening day (featuring the World Series trophy) just 64 days away -- and pitchers and catchers reporting in just more than two weeks -- now seems as good a time as any to ask a few questions about what the Thunder might look like against the Erie SeaWolves come April 8.

Today marks the first of 10 questions in 10 days about the Yankees Double-A affiliate.

10. After a dreadful start, can Jeremy Bleich rebound and make a positive impact on the Thunder's rotation in 2010?

For his first two years, Franklin was blessed with a ton of talent -- especially from the men on the mound. The 2007 and 2008 seasons saw Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, David Robertson, Alfredo Aceves and a host of other skilled moundsmen etch a path through Waterfront Park to The Show.

Last year's crop, although talented, simply could not match the pedigrees of their predecessors.

Probably the biggest name, at least from a long-term prospect standpoint, to pitch for the Thunder in 2009 was Jeremy Bleich. He, to say the very least, was extremely underwhelming -- especially for a first-round pick. His ERA with Trenton was 6.65, and he allowed a ghastly 84 hits in 65 innings.

Despite all those negatives, though, there still were a few positives that lurked behind the numbers.

For one, Bleich -- for all intents and purposes -- was in his first pro season last year. He doesn't turn 23 until midseason and, with the Yankees rotation pretty well-stocked for now, he'll have all the time he needs to develop.

Secondly, scouts still seem to like what they saw from Bleich as far as raw stuff is concerned. Frankie Piliere, a former Rangers scout who traded his JUGS gun for a laptop and now writes for AOL Fanhouse, projects Bleich will bounce back in 2010. He notes an uptick in velocity as a reason for optimism.

Bad 2009 aside, Bleich will be a big part of the Thunder's rotation two months from now. Whether that's a good thing remains to be seen.

Photo Credit: Mike Ashmore

90 days and counting ...

2010-01-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Being January 8, it is exactly three months until the Thunder open the 2010 season at home against Erie.

To celebrate that occasion, here are a few tidbits from around Thunderland from the last week or so:

- Former Thunder hurler Josh Schmidt currently leads the Venezuelan Winter League with 71 strikeouts. He is also working as a starter down there, after being a reliever all his career, except for a spate of spot starts this season.

- As you may have noticed elsewhere, soon to be Thunder infielder Brandon Laird and his brother, current Major League catcher Gerald, were arrested over the holidays for their part in a brawl during an NBA game in Phoenix. That makes it three seasons in a row now that the Thunder have had a member of their team get in trouble with the law: George Kontos in 2008 and Austin Krum last season were the other two.

- Per Yankees VP of Baseball Operations Mark Newman, here are a few hints on what the Thunder team could look like come April.

- Christian Garcia will be ready to open the season, Wilkin De La Rosa will not.

- Jorge Vazquez will begin the season in Triple-A

- Shortstop is still "up in the air"

A guess at the Thunder's opening day roster ... just 99 days from now

2009-12-30T13:34:00.000-08:00

Because I've been off for the last couple of days, I've had some time to kick around what I believe the 2010 Thunder 24-man roster will look like come April 8 at Waterfront Park.

Here's a rough guess:

C - Austin Romine (This one's a definite)
C - Kyle Anson (I expect he will repeat because of poor perforamance and space issues at S/WB)
1B - Kevin Smith (liked what I saw from him once the weather got warmer in Trenton)
1B - Jorge Vazquez (not terribly sure of this, but he could definitely stand to work on defense)
2B - Matt Cusick (Loved his ability to make solid contact nearly every time up)
SS - Walter Ibarra (He's been with Trenton before and seems to need to move up)
3B - Brandon Laird (Vechionacci is a free agent, and Laird tore it up in the AFL)
OF - Austin Krum (nice little leadoff hitter who goes all out)
OF - Daniel Brewer (speedster who spent half the year with Tampa last season)
OF - Jack Rye (made a very brief cameo in Trenton in 2009)
OF - James Cooper (injured for spell in 2009, wouldn't be surprised to see him back)

Pitchers:
SP - Jeremy Bleich (got lit up in 2009, will almost certainly return)
SP - Lance Pendleton (same deal as Bleich, but without getting hit as hard)
SP - Charlie Zink (spent all of 2009 in Tampa, could be time for a promotion)
SP - D.J. Mitchell (2008 draftee from Clemson has moved quickly)
SP - Hector Noesi (after an add to the 40-man, it's time he tasted the upper levels)
RP - Jonathan Hovis (with Trenton briefly in 2009, could return)
RP - Tim Norton (UConn product who's been delayed by injuries)
RP - Pat Venditte (The switch pitcher, you may have heard of him)
RP - Adam Olbrychowski (Was with Thunder for season's final series)
RP - Noel Castillo (horrific with Trenton in 2009, but still may be back)
RP - Phil Bartleski (also with Trenton during final 09 series)
RP - Jonathan Ortiz (could wind up being Thunder closer)
RP - Craig Heyer (made six spot starts for Tampa, could be 2010 Josh Schmidt)

Edit: After I posted this, Chad Jennings of the Journal News posted some notes pertaining to Trenton given to him by Vice President of Baseball Operations Mark Newman. I also had an email in to Mr. Newman asking him about some items pertaining to the Thunder.

Here are some of the highlights from Jennings' talk with Newman

- Newman names Bleich as a pitcher who could shoot through the system a la an Ian Kennedy or Joba Chamberlain. Considering he was tabbed for a 6.65 ERA in Trenton, that's an interesting choice.

- Wilkin De La Rosa is scheduled to repeat Double-A this season.

- Noesi will "probably" begin 2010 with Trenton

- Christian Garcia, the oft-injured righty with positively electric stuff will be in the Thunder rotation, too.

Read all of Jennings' info from Newman here.

Franklin will be back, Montero won't

2009-12-21T15:31:00.001-08:00

I wrote this story for The Trentonian a couple of days ago, but if you missed it: Tony Franklin and the rest of his staff -- plus a new strength and conditioning coach will be back in Trenton for 2010.

That seems to mean two things:

1. The Yankees like the way Franklin and his staff develop players, especially pitchers.

2. Franklin probably couldn't find a different, higher-profile job elsewhere.

---

Additionally, LoHud's Chad Jennings spoke with the Yankees' Vice President of Baseball Operations, Mark Newman, who said uber-prospect Jesus Montero will start the year at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Not terribly stunning news, but it's a shame that Thunder fans got to see such a short stint of Montero.

They will, however, get to see Austin Romine behind the dish next season. That ain't too shabby, either.

Baseball America's Top Ten Yankees Prospects

2009-12-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

Baseball America released its list of the top ten Yankees prospects today, and they are:

1. Jesus Montero C
2. Austin Romine C
3. Arodys Vizcaino RHP
4. Slade Heathcott OF
5. Zach McAllister RHP
6. Manny Banuelos LHP
7. Gary Sanchez C
8. J.R. Murphy C
9. Jeremy Bleich LHP
10. Andrew Brackman RHP

Behind the Texeira selection

2009-12-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's selection in the Rule 5 Draft, reliever Kanekoa Texeira is headed to Seattle with a chance to make the big league roster out of spring training. Truth be told, though, I thought Texeira would be Mariners property months ago.

Here's why:

On July 30, Texeira entered during the final two innings of the second game of the Thunder's doubleheader with the Harrisburg Senators. It was raining hard that night, and most of the people who started the night in the stands had long since departed.

One of the few who remained at the game did so with a visible sense of purpose -- and a radar gun. He was a scout from the Mariners, and he watched Texeira intently from first pitch to last.

At the time, the Yankees were negotiating with the Mariners to bring starter Jarrod Washburn to New York. After leaving that game, I thought for sure that Texeira would be packing his bags shortly and heading south to join the Mariners' Double-A affiliate in West Tennessee, or across the country to Tacoma and Triple-A.

The negotiations obviously didn't blossom, but to me the implications were clear: Seattle liked what the saw. Now, five months after that game, they have their man.

Breaking down the Granderson deal

2009-12-09T07:14:00.000-08:00

After a little bit of negotiating, the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Tigers pulled off a three-team trade yesterday that accomplished the following:

Yankees get:
Curtis Granderson (from DET)
Diamondbacks get:
Edwin Jackson (from DET)
Ian Kennedy (from NYY)
Tigers get:
Phil Coke (from NYY)
Austin Jackson (from NYY)
Max Scherzer (from ARI)
Daniel Schlereth (from ARI)

Looking at it with a little time to breathe, I think that the winners for now are the Yankees. A few years down the road, however, the Tigers could be the ones who come out smelling like roses.

Obviously, Granderson is an upgrade to the last year's combination of Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner in center fielder. He offers more power (especially considering he's a powerful, pull-happy left-handed hitter in the new Yankee Stadium), excellent defense and explosive speed. Basically, if you take the best qualities from both Gardner and Cabrera, you get Granderson.

Despite losing Granderson, it seems that Detroit pulled in quite a haul. Scherzer and Jackson are both top-notch prospects. Jackson has the potential to be an everyday big league center fielder, albeit with considerably less power than Granderson, or even Cameron Maybin, the stud center field prospect whom the Tigers dealt in 2008 to get Miguel Cabrera from Florida.

Additionally, Scherzer has ace potential, but there are questions about his delivery. Although his won-loss record was an unimpressive 9-11 last season, his 174 strikeouts in 170 1/3 innings (9.2 K/9) and 111+ both point to big things in the 24-year-old's future.

Who's excited for the 2010 Eastern League season? I know I am.

2009-12-01T09:02:00.000-08:00

Three of the many, many reasons that, in December, I am already eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2010 Eastern League season lie in (what I expect to be) the outfield of the New Britain Rock Cats, who, unfortunately, make their only trip to Waterfront Park at the end of July.

Those reasons go by the names: Joe Benson, Ben Revere and (hopefully) Aaron Hicks. Benson and Revere spent 2009 with the High-A Fort Myers Miracle, and performed marvelously.

Here are their numbers:

Revere: .311/.372/.741, four 3B, two HRs, 48 RBIs, 45 SBs (but 17 CS)

Benson: .285/.403/.814, three 3B, five HRs, 29 RBIs, 14 SBs (but 7 CS

Hicks played all of last season with Lo-A Beloit, and produced thusly:

Hicks: .251/.353/.735, three 3B, four HRs, 29RBIs, 10 SB (8 CS).

Entering last season, Baseball America ranked Hicks, who turned 20 just two months ago, as the Twins' top prospect. They ranked Revere and Benson, who are both 21, as the system's No. 2 and No. 15 players, respectively.

Obviously, these are three very similar players. Each is young, speedy and raw, with developing power. They can all hit the ball into the gaps (as evidenced by the 10 triples among them) but not quite over the wall (as evidenced by the 11 home runs among them). It also seems as if each is in need of some refined discipline on the basepaths.

The three combined to steal at a 68% clip just above the 66% it is suggested that one needs to achieve to actually help his team. Although none are particularly bad, (Revere led the pack with 74%, Benson finished at 67% and Hicks brought up the rear with his 56% success rate), each could make himself that much more valuable by learning to cut down on his times caught stealing.

Photos, from left to right: Revere, Benson, Hicks.

Talking turkey ... and Roy Halladay

2009-11-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hope everybody had a happy thanksgiving, but that's over now. It's time to get back to discussing baseball's hot stove, which right now should be getting close to a rolling boil in advance of next month's winter meetings in Indianapolis.

Obviously Roy Halladay is the biggest name on the block, as he was back in July, when he was first dangled by the Jays and general manager J.P. Ricciardi. Ricciardi is out now, leaving new helmsman Alex Anthropoulos in the same pickle Twins G.M. Bill Smith found himself in with Johan Santana two offseasons ago. Namely: a new G.M. with an ace in his prime one season away from free agency.

And, just as was the case in 2007, the two biggest suitors are the Yankees and Red Sox -- both of whom could easily afford to ink the ace to the extension he so richly deserves.

Because this is a minor league blog for the most part, let's run down the list of prospects each team could dangle to help complete their Roy Story.

RED SOX:

1. Casey Kelly SS/RHP: After the deal for Victor Martinez in July purged their system of prospects Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, Kelly's status jumped. A product of the 2008 draft, Kelly can play a legitimate big league shortstop -- with enough bat skills to make good, consistent contact, and can hit the low-90s on the radar gun.

2. Ryan Westmoreland OF: A burner in center field, the Red Sox refused to part with Westmoreland in the Martinez deal. With Lowell this season, the 19-year-old put up a .296/.401/.885 line with seven home runs, 35 RBIs and 19 steals in as many chances. For the Jays, who would like to be rid of Vernon Wells sooner rather than later, Westmoreland would be a nice seed to plant down on the farm.

3. Clay Buchholz RHP: We all know the deal on Buchholz: Prized prospect, big curveball, devastating change-up, no-hitter already on his resume, still just 25 years old. Down the stretch in '09, Buchholz seemed to turn a corner, and posted the best start the Sox had during their short playoff stint. Parting with an ace will be hard for the Jays, but a potential ace-in-the-making like Buchholz could certainly soften the blow.

4. Daniel Bard RHP: After the B.J. Ryan experiment went bust, the Jays have been looking for a closer extraordinaire to hand the ball to at the end of games. The 24-year-old Bard, with his 100-mph fastball, may -- in time -- be just the man the Jays are looking for. I could quote many, many stats to exhibit Bard's excellence, but instead I'll give you just one: In 49.1 innings with Boston this season, he fanned 63 hitters.

YANKEES:

1. Jesus Montero C: By now, everyone who follows either the Yankees or the Thunder knows Montero's name. He's the young, soft-speaking catcher with the loud bat who has wowed scouts and fans alike wherever he goes. Combined between Tampa and Trenton this season Montero hit .337/.389/.951 with 17 home runs, 70 RBIs and just 47 strikeouts in 347 at-bats. He will be a part of any deal the Yanks can spin to get Halladay.

2. Austin Jackson OF: As referenced with Westmoreland, if the Jays are going to eventually get rid of Wells in center, they're going to need a replacement. Jackson could be that guy. He hit an even .300 this season in the International League, but with diminished power that could -- and should -- return as he matures as a hitter. He plays an excellent center field and boasts an above-average arm.

3. Phil Hughes and/or Joba Chamberlain RHPs: Like Buchholz, most -- if not all -- baseball fans know the names Chamberlain and Hughes. They're the starters turned relievers -- for now -- who helped the Yankees win their 27th World Series in 2009. Both boast above average fastballs and premium offspeed pitches that help them dominate hitters. Best of all, neither pitcher is 25. Whether their futures are in the 'pen or as starters, both seem to have excellent careers ahead of them.

Jose Valdez siigns with Astros

2009-11-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

Jose Valdez, who went 1-1 with a 3.05 ERA and 10 saves in 38.1 innings with the Thunder this season, has signed with the Astros, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Valdez, 25, was a minor league free agent who also spent time with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. Overall, Valdez was 3-2 with a 3.43 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 57.1 innings in 2009.

Yankees Minor League Free Agents

2009-11-17T15:45:00.000-08:00

These players have spent six seasons in the minor leagues with one organization, or were signed to a season-long contract, and have elected free agency

RHP: Paul Bush (Trenton), Michael Gardner (Trenton), Justin Pope (Trenton), Humberto Sanchez (S-WB), Jay Stephens (Trenton), Jose Valdez (S-WB)
C: Brian Peterson (S-WB), Chris Stewart (S-WB)
3B: Eric Duncan (S-WB), Carlos Mendoza(Trenton), Cody Ransom (S-WB), Marcos Vechionacci (Trenton)SS: Doug Bernier (S-WB)
OF: Edwar Gonzalez (Trenton), Freddy Guzman (S-WB), Richie Robnett (Trenton), John Rodriguez (S-WB)

Of the 17 players listed here, two are coaches within the system (Mendoza, Pope), three were acquired by the Yankees midseason (Bush, Robnett, Guzman) and two will get World Series rings (Guzman, Ransom).

There's gonna be a few changes around here ...

2009-11-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's been a while since I've spoken to you last, but there's a reason. I've been thinking long and hard about how to make this blog a better place for the readers. Here's what I've come up with: Instead of focusing mostly on major league baseball, I'm going to stick to what I know (and have sources inside/access to), and that is minor league baseball.

In that vein, today we're going to take a quick look at how the Yankees players have done in the Arizona Fall League, and pass along a few things an American League scout said about a couple of the pitchers.

All of New York's players are on the Surprise Rafters, who, after a strong start, find themselves in the cellar of the of the AFL West, behind the Peoria Javelinas. On an individual level, however, there are certainly a few standouts.

First and foremost is outfielder Colin Curtis, who spent parts of this season and last with the Thunder. Overall, Curtis, who was a moderate power threat in Trenton, boasts a batting line .377/.456/1.122. Nearly half of his 26 hits have gone for extra bases (three home runs), and he's racked up 14 RBIs in the process.

Not bad for a guy who some project as a fourth outfielder at best.

The other outstanding Yankees performance belongs to third baseban Brandon Laird, who has not seen any time in Trenton yet, but could be there in 2010. After smacking 13 home runs all season with Tampa, the Cypress CC alumnus has six with Suprise. He's hitting .337/.406/1.046 with Surprise, a marked improvement that could be attributed to either small sample size or facing inexperienced (if talented) pitching.

On the pitching side, most believe the most talented of the Yankees crop is reliever Michael Dunn. In fact, one scout told me this morning that Dunn is going to be "better than Phil Coke" and could be a 7th-inning guy instead of just a situational left-hander.

A former outfielder, Dunn sits at around 93-94 with his fastball and pairs it with a good breaking pitch. He does tend to get into a bit of trouble with his control, but that should subside with experience.

Ian Kennedy, who missed most of 2009 recovering from an aneuyrsm in his pitching arm, has also gotten some innings under his belt in Arizona. With the Rafters, Kennedy has gone 1-1 with a 4.74 ERA. He's given up a hit per inning pitched, but has walked just five in 24 2/3 frames. A scout who saw Kennedy pitch says he is "100 percent recovered" from the surgery and looks the same as ever.

Zach Kroenke and Grant Duff are both also with Surprise, but neither has had spectacular results. Duff has a 2.89 ERA with five walks in 9 1/3 innings, and Kroenke has a 5.28 ERA and has allowed two home runs in 15 1/3 innings.

Some quick offseason doings

2009-11-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

It's just two days after the World Series, but there already have been a few interesting moves made around the league. Here's a brief rundown.

- Earlier today, the Red Sox dealt two relievers -- Hunter Jones and Jose Alvarez -- to the Marlins for outfielder Jeremy Hermida, a guy still trying to realize his loads of potential. This seems like an extension of the "Buy 'em cheap and hope they produce" strategy that stuck them with John Smoltz, Brad Penny, Rocco Baldelli and Takashi Saito. This time, though, Hermida is expected to be a backup.

- The Angels smartly re-signed outfielder Bobby Abreu to a two-year deal. Abreu had one of the most cost-effective seasons out there in 2009, going .293/.390/.825 with 15 HRs, 103 RBIs and 30 (!) SBs. Good job by Tony Reagins, Arte Moreno and company to get that done quickly. He will make $19 million over the next two seasons.

- The Rays dealt infielder Akinori Iwamura, largely rendered a spare part this season by the emergence of Ben Zobrist as an All-Star at second base. Tampa Bay shipped Iwamura to the pirates, receiving middle reliever Jesse Chavez in return.

What a Series

2009-11-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

If you hadn't heard, the Yankees won their 27th World Series title last night. Some might even call it: 27th Heaven.

In any case, the Pedro vs. Pettitte matchup wasn't exactly the stuff of legend, but the Yankees stalwart did just enough to lead his team through 5 1/3 innings before handing the ball to Joba Chamberlain, Damaso Marte (whose brilliance in October-November came out of nowhere) and eventually Mariano Rivera, closer nonpareil.

Of course, there also was Hideki Matsui's absolute monster of a game. Six RBIs, tying Bobby Richardson's (who knew?) record, and coming a triple short of what would have been the first cycle in World Series history.

For me, the most gratifying part of this postseason has been the rebirth of Alex Rodriguez, finally getting the monkey (and N.Y. media) off his back. It had become extremely frustrating to defend why having the best player in baseball on your team is not a negative.

All the home runs (first instant replay home run in regular season and WS), RBIs and defensive plays when it mattered most made this one just a little more special.

Congrats to all the guys who got their first rings, and to the four who got their fifth.

What a first two games

2009-10-30T11:02:00.000-07:00

In a column that ran in The Trentonian's World Series preview section on Wednesday, I wrote that the Phillies would be wrong to expect to see the same CC Sabathia they destroyed in the National League Division Series last October.

I was right.

Problem for the Yankees was: Cliff Lee was the same dominating pitcher he's been since joining the Phillies in July. He mixed and matched, accelerated and decelerated on his way to baffling the Yankees over a complete-game, 6-1 victory. He made the Yankees, the best offensive team in the major leagues all season long, look completely helpless.

Of course, Sabathia pitched pretty darn well too. He made two mistakes, though, and they cost him -- big time. Chase Utley took two of Sabathia's misplaced fastballs and deposited them into the right-field bleachers. Those two bombs turned out to be the margin of victory as Philly coasted the rest of the way to their sixth straight win in Game 1 of a playoff series, a streak that dates back to last year's NLDS.

Last night, the plot was basically the same -- except for a key role reversal.

A.J. Burnett threw the best game of his life and outdueled a rejuvenated-looking Pedro Martinez in the process.

Burnett went seven innings before giving the ball to Mariano Rivera, who, although wasn't at his best, did the job over the final two frames.

Martinez, for his part, proved nearly everybody wrong.

Like Sabathia the night before, Pedro made just two mistakes -- both were hit out of the yard. Mark Teixeira and Hideki Matsui each went deep, providing the Yankees all the runs they needed to even up the World Series heading into Philadelphia and what should be a raucous Citizens Bank Park tomorrow night.

This is what it's all about

2009-10-28T09:39:00.001-07:00

After six months of waiting, the World Series is finally upon us -- and it's a doozy this year. For the first time in a long time it actually seems like the two best teams and not the two teams who just happened to get hot at the right time.

The Phillies and Yankees are remarkably similar, which would seem to point to a six- or seven game series.

Both teams are built upon strong, home-grown foundations. The Yankees have Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada. The Phillies counter with Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard. That's eight of the game's premier players divided evenly on the sport's biggest stage.

Both clubs also have tremendous power: The Phils led the NL in home runs, doubles, runs scored, slugging percentage, total bases and hit by pitch. They finished second in stolen bases, with 119 swipes.

On the other side, the Yankees led the Junior Circuit in runs, hits, home runs, walks, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS and total bases.

As for the pitching, the Yankees were tops in saves and strikeouts, and pitched to a 4.28 ERA. The Phillies led the NL in no category, but accrued a 4.16 ERA.

All in all, I give the Yanks the edge because of their hammer at the back of the bullpen, Mariano Rivera. They'll win in seven games.

So, I was wrong

2009-10-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

After writing the other day about how good the Yankees' bullpen is, it has promptly imploded -- save for Mariano Rivera. Not one of the New York non-Rivera relievers inspires confidence -- not Joba, not Hughes, not Marte, not Coke, not Aceves, not Robertson and not Gaudin. It's pretty amazing that the Yankees' pen has gone to pieces, while the Phillies' pen has looked much, much better of late.

Thinking about it, it seems possible that, because they're so young, the Yankees' relievers may be going through a case of very ill-timed burnout.

Take Phil Hughes, for example.

By my count, Hughes has thrown 108 innings (counting playoffs) this season, his first as a reliever. The total is his highest since 2007, when he threw 110 1/3 between the majors and the minors. Additionally, it's the first season in which he's been regularly used on back-to-back days, which almost certainly added new stress to the 23-year-old's arm. More than likely, that has played a big factor in his postseason struggles.

ALCS and NLCS recaps, thoughts

2009-10-19T09:57:00.000-07:00

First, the ALCS:

Wow, what a crazy game, huh? We learned (or re-learned, at least) two things about the bullpen in those 13 innings:

1. All A-Rod needs to do to be clutch in the postseason is admit he used steroids. That will put him in the "better place" he keeps talking about. I wonder if the knowledge that he had been cheating did weigh on his mind at all during the last few postseasons. Frankly, I'm surprised nobody from the media has asked him that.

In any case, whatever had been clouding his mind seems to be a thing of the past. Three game-tying home runs in the seventh inning or later in five postseason games, are you kidding? His offensive output has overshadowed the fact that, by and large, the rest of the Yankees just are not hitting at all.

2. The Yankees bullpen is absolutely, positively nails when it matters. 18 1/3 innings -- three runs allowed. That is mighty nice. The best part is: they've been getting contributions from everybody. Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, David Robertson, Alfredo Aceves -- even Damaso Marte came up with a big strikeout in Game 2. It's not even worth mentioning how good Mariano Rivera has been, that's just a given.

Now, the NLCS:

Two words: Total domination.

I'm already on record in and around The Trentonian office as saying the Dodgers will not win a game the rest of this series. Torre and Co. have to be totally demoralized by the whoopin' Charlie's boys laid on them for three hours and change last night. Cliff Lee absolutely dismantled the Dodgers, almost with surgical precision for eight innings. For goodness sakes, they even allowed Ryan Howard to leg out a triple. Sure, he's lost some weight, but he's still a big, big boy.

The way it looks from here, it's going to be a really sweet October in and around this area. 1950 World Series rematch, here we come.

ALCS Thoughts, Winter Leagues update

2009-10-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

So, Phillies fans, exactly what has happened lately to Chase Utley's ability to throw? He looks less confident out there than late-period Chuck Knoblauch with the Yankees. Remember? The guy who got so out of wack that he hit Keith Olbermann's mother in the face with a throw? Here's hoping he straightens it out before the month is over, or it's going to be a long offseason for Utley in the pages of The Inquirer and the Philly Daily News. And I don't even want to think about how the hosts/callers will treat him on sports talk radio.

Additionally, and I know it's been a problem all season, but that Philadelphia bullpen is absolutely brutal. When your most trustworthy reliever is Chan Ho Park, that's a problem. And please, please, pleeeeeeaaaaase don't try to tell me Brad Lidge is back, just because he hasn't given up a run this postseason.

He skirted danger in Game 3 of the NLDS against the Rockies, walking two batters and ending the game by getting Troy Tulowitzki to BARELY miss a three-run, walk-off home run. That's not exactly lights-out relief work, if you ask me.

Additionally, if the atom-ball that Utley turned into a double play in Game 1 is six inches to the right or left, then that ninth inning takes on an entirely different scope. The Dodgers would have had runners on (probably) first and third and nobody out. Considering he walked the next man, James Loney, things could be looking a lot worse for the Phils than a 1-1 split heading back to Citizens Bank Park tomorrow night.

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As for the ALCS, what a game by CC Sabathia. That certainly was what the Yankees were hoping for when they doled out $171 million to ink him for the next seven years, wasn't it?

It's been quite a while since the Bombers could enter a postseason with someone they could legitimately claim as a true ace. Now it's up to A.J. Burnett -- another big-money man -- to repeat CC's feat in Game 2 tonight (if possible) in the windy, rainy Bronx.

Of course, the big question with Burnett is: Will it be Jorge Posada or Jose Molina calling pitches behind the dish? To me, the answer is Molina. He's clearly established a better rapport -- and coaxed better results from -- Burnett all season long.

With Posada calling pitches, the opposition is hitting .270/.353/.775. With Molina, those numbers drop to .221/.307/.658. -- quite the difference, if you ask me.

Additionally, just look at Burnett's results in Game 2, when Molina was the starting backstop: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER and 6 K. He did walk five men and hit another two, but he worked around them.

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The Arizona Fall League has started, and some former and soon-to-be Thunder players have started off quite well.

Brandon Laird, who could be manning the hot corner next season in Trenton, has coasted through the first four weeks with a robust .625 average, including a home run and seven RBIs.

Austin Romine, who will more than likely be in Trenton come April, is sporting a .462/.500/.962 line, with a pair of RBIs thrown in for good measure.

Colin Curtis, who started last season with the Thunder, has a .316 average, two doubles, a home run and four RBIs.