MLB
The Yankees will come in to 2010 fresh off of a 2009 campaign that began with even further controversy surrounding A-ROD, rumblings surrounding Joe Girardi's future as manager, and a significant amount of folding from high-priced offseason signings Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and AJ Burnett when under pressure. But perhaps the cliche that best fits the 2009 Yankees is: "it doesn't matter how you start, it matters how you finish." The Yankees finished stronger than they had in nearly a decade, with a World Series victory over the 2008 Champion Phillies, and near MVP/CY Young misses by Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and Mariano Rivera. The core four-- Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera-- each added yet another ring to their collections (that now total at 15), and Joe Girardi went from reading New York Post headlines calling for his head, to sipping champagne and contemplating a replacement jersey number.
December has been a busy month for the Yankees' General Manager, Brian Cashman. Adding Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson and potentially Johnny Damon or Mark DeRosa, to the batting order, while trading for Javier Vasquez and re-signing Andy Pettitte to shore up the Yankees rotation has been Cashman's version of a holiday gift to Yankeeland. Still, the money spent by Yankee brass this off-season hasn't even been in the ballpark of the 424 million they spent by last Christmas.
The Yankees head in to 2010 with few questions to answer, especially after trading for Curtis Granderson and securing veteran Andy Pettitte for one more year. However, their team isn't getting any younger, with Captain Derek Jeter set to turn 36 in June, a forty year old closer, a backstop considered geriatric in catcher-years, an aging Andy Pettitte, and AJ Burnett leaving his prime. Trading enigmatic but occasionally dominant Brian Bruney, workhorse lefty Phil Coke, and losing both Johnny Damon and World Series MVP Hideki Matsui could be a brutal proposition for the 2010 Yankees.
Rotation (B+)
LHP C.C. Sabathia (A)- 19-7, 3.25, 230 ip
RHP A.J. Burnett (B+)- 14-9, 4.06, 194 ip
LHP Andy Pettitte (B)- 14-8, 4.30, 195 ip
RHP Javier Vazquez (B)- 14-10, 4.30, 210 ip
RHP Joba Chamberlain (B)- 11-7, 3.90, 165 ip
Others: RHP Sergio Mitre (C), RHP Chad Gaudin (C), RHP Phil Hughes (B-), RHP Alfredo Aceves (C+)?
The Yankees' rotation will be headed by the league's most durable and dominant lefty, C.C. Sabathia. Over the past three seasons, Sabathia has average 241 innings between three different, clubs, pitching a soft (by his standards) 230 throughout the regular season in 2009. For most of the postseason, Sabathia was the team's MVP, and he was also a glaring crutch for a rotation that was often victim to A.J. Burnett's inconsistencies and Girardi's lack of confidence in Chamberlain. A.J. Burnett is set to be the right-handed portion of the Yankees' one-two punch. For much of the 2009 season Burnett was his dominant self, despite ending with a 4.04 ERA. Still Burnett's overall numbers were impressive when considering his home ballpark and the high-octane AL East, even if they weren't as good as those writing his paychecks had hoped. A.J.'s clubhouse presents and is dominant stretches made the decision to sign him a good one, but his 97 walks, 25 home runs allowed, age and injury history make him a dangerous arm to rely on as no. 2 starter in the AL East.
Veteran southpaw Andy Pettitte rebounded from a pedestrian 2008 with a 14-8 record, a 4.14 ERA and a memorable postseason performance that included a championship-clinching win. Pettitte will be 38 in June, and although his dedication to training and his handedness make his pitching age somewhere in his early 30s, relying on a pitcher closing in on 40 is never a safe move. Still, Pettitte's impeccable track record makes him one of the better third starters in the American League.
In the few days leading up to the 2009 Christmas Eve, the Yankees traded outfielder Melky Cabrera, lefty Mike Dunn and prospect Arodys Vizcaino for veteran righty Javier Vazquez and bullpen spare part Boone Logan. Vazquez had a career year with the Atlanta Braves in 2009, and showed that his struggles with New York in the second half of 2004 were an aberration. Vazquez will fit well in the third or fourth spot of the Yankees rotation and will hopefully provide 200 innings of stability. Joba Chamberlain opened 2009 on the wrong foot after making headlines with a DUI arrest, and ended on that same foot after being stricken from the rotation by the beginning of the playoffs. Although his body isn't preferable, and his stuff regressed as a starter, Chamberlain still sports a 92-98 mph 2-seamer and one of the best sliders in the game. If he can stay healthy and lower his walk rate, Chamberlain could be a top-tier no. 2 starter and the future front-end starter that the Yankees' rotation needs.
Before the Vasquez trade, the fifth spot in the Yanks' rotation was wide open. Now it looks like Chamberlian will take the ball every fifth day. Still, Phil Hughes, Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin and Alfredo Aceves will all provide some healthy competition for the fifth spot in Spring Training. Although it is highly doubtful that both Chamberlain and Hughes will end up in the Yankee bullpen next season, I do think it is time for the Yankees to start considering the possibility that both pitchers are future set-up men/closers. Of course, before they fully realize this possibility, one of the two pitchers should be traded for some infield and pitching prospects.
The Yankees are heading in to 2010 with both talent and depth. Their rotation is full of front-end starters, their lineup is now the most dangerous in the MLB, and their defense remains well-above average. Although their bullpen is questionable, Mariano Rivera and either Phil Hughes or Joba Chamberlain will provide late inning dominance, while a concoction of David Robertson, Damaso Marte, Alfredo Aceves, Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin, Boone Logan and Mark Melancon should be enough to get the job done in the middle innings.
Bullpen (B+)
CL Mariano Rivera (A+)- 2.00 36 Saves
SU Phil Hughes (A-)- 2.80, 100 ip
MRP David Robertson (B/B+)- 2.90, 60 ip
LHP Damaso Marte (C+/B-)- 3.90, 60 ip
MRP Mark Melancon (B-)- 4.20, 50 ip
LRP Alfredo Aceves (C+/B-)- 4.30, 90 ip
LHP Boone Logan (C+), RHP Sergio Mitre (C+), RHP Jonathan Albaladejo (C), RHP Chad Gaudin (C+), RHP Edwar Ramirez (C), RHP Romulo Sanchez (C-),
The Yankees bullpen has taken a liver-shiver so far this offseason after losing workhorse lefty Phil Coke and enigmatic-- but often dominant-- Brian Bruney. While Coke is prone to the long ball, he's durable, able to get lefties out and throws hard enough to pitch in the eighth inning. After getting in shape, Bruney turned in to an often- dominant fireballer, wielding 93-98 mph four-seamers and 85 mph sliders. He's a bulldog, and a guy I would have liked to keep, but his inconsistency and susceptibility to walks don't make the loss as bad as it looks on the surface.
Closer Mariano Rivera nearly pitched himself to a CY Young award during the regular season, posting an era below 1.8, and saving 44 of 46. His age (40) is a concern, but after a great season and an even more dominant post-season, Rivera looks like he'll continue to be the best closer in baseball for at least one more season. Phil Hughes' difficulty in the post season soured his dominant regular season performance in relief. The Yankees still believe he is a future member of a winning rotation, but his success as a setup guy and previous durability concerns may keep him in the bullpen. When Hughes is allowed to maximize his stuff in relief, his fastball reaches 96-97 mph and his curve/cutter combo are often devastating. David Robertson pitched well in the postseason after a promising 2009. Robertson posted a 3.30 era and a dominant 63 strikeouts in 45 innings of work. Although his fastball tops out a 94, and his curveball (although very good) isn't a wipeout pitch, Robertson's mix of stuff and knack for pitching make him one of the better young relievers in the AL.
Beyond Rivera, Hughes and Robertson, the Yankees have questions surrounding the rest of their 2010 bullpen. Alfredo Aceves won 10 games in long relief in 2009, but lacks the stuff to develop beyond a solid middle/long reliever and occasional spot-starter. Damaso Marte was injured for most of 2009, but pitched well in the postseason and has shown promise as a LOOGY. His decline as a reliable set up man is a concern, but with proper management, Marte will be useful. Young right hander, Mark Melancon was incorrectly touted as a future closer by Baseball America and many other scouting agencies prior to 2009, and proved that his future is closer to that of a middle reliever or a set up man with a shaky debut. Although Melancon has a bright future with his 90-94 mph fastball and mix of breaking stuff, his control and fastball velocity will keep him well short of Rivera's heir. Although Chad Gaudin fits better in the bullpen, his high pitch counts, and susceptibility to walks make him somewhat useless despite his devastating slider-- he will probably spend time as a mop-up guy.
Young lefty
Boone Logan is coming off of another less-than-promising season in the MLB. Still, Logan's ability to get out lefties (.626 OPS allowed) makes his breaking stuff and low 90s fastball a nice tool for Girardi late in ballgames. Logans' poor command has gotten him in to trouble against right handed batters, so there's a good chance the Yankees send him back to AAA. Former Indy Leaguer and former MiLB Reliever of the Year Edwar Ramirez was booted from the Yankees' bullpen by June, finally showing that his straight 87 mph fastball, lousy slider and lack of command won't cut it in the AL East-- even with the best changeup I've ever seen. Ramirez could still be useful against lefties and serve as an extra arm. Jonathan Albaladejo, the product of the Tyler Clippard trade, still features a nice sinker/slider combo, but has had issues with command and consistency. Other arms like Romulo Sanchez, Zach Mcallister, Ivan Nova and Kevin Whelan could also provide depth if the Yankees don't add another arm.
Lineup (A)
SS Derek Jeter (A-) .320, 14 hr, 60 rbi
CF Curtis Granderson (B) .270, 30 hr, 90 rbi
1B Mark Teixeira (A) .290, 38 hr, 115 rbi
3B Alex Rodriguez (A) .290, 36 hr, 110 rbi
2B Robinson Cano (B+) .310, 24 hr, 90 rbi
C Jorge Posada (B) .280, 20 hr, 75 rbi
RF Nick Swisher (B-) .250, 24 hr, 75 rbi
DH Nick Johnson (B-) .290, 18 hr, .390 OBP
LF Brett Gardner (C+) .275, 4 hr, 60 runs, 35 sb
The Yankees lineup will be headed by Derek Jeter, who once again just missed both a batting title and an MVP Award. Still, Jeter won both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger, and the Yankee Captain will post his annually impressive line of table-setting numbers. Jeters' high BABIP and success at Yankee Stadium should keep his batting numbers high, but his loss of doubles (traded for homers) and historically inconsistent stolen base numbers may suppress his overall stat line in '10. Newly acquired Curtis Granderson will spend most of his time in center, and will probably be sandwiched between lefty-killer Derek Jeter and deep-threat Mark Teixeira in order to protect his glaring issues batting against southpaws. His power could produce 30-35 homers in Yankees stadium, and his speed will be useful for the run producers behind him. Mark Teixeira is the best fielding first baseman in both leagues, saving numerous errors from the rest of the infield and helping Jeter win his fourth Gold Glove. Teixeira's bat is a given, and his ability to get on base and avoid the strikeouts that plague most power hitters make him a nice bat in front of Rodriguez. A-Rod posted an OBP above .400 and reached 100 RBI despite missing the season's first month to recovery from hip surgery. Once again, Rodriguez will be a top 10 offensive threat in the MLB, and feature one of the best infield arms in baseball.
Robinson Cano has developed in to a batting title contender with the power to reach 25 homers and 45 doubles annually. His defense is often lax, but, although his range isn't that of Dustin Pedroia, Cano fields his position well. The only issues still plaguing Cano are his problems in the clutch and his troubles taking a walk. Jorge Posada rebounded from shoulder surgery surprisingly well, and continued to flash one of the best bats at his position. His age(39 next season) is a question mark however, and a good backup needs to replace Jose Molina to keep Posada healthy. Right fielder Nick Swisher is a player that will serve better when he gets a day off a week, evidenced by his susceptibility to wearing down when playing too often. Swisher was a valuable presence in the clubhouse, and his power bat and patient approach will keep his OPS around .850 despite his low batting average. Melky Cabrera led the Yankees in walk-off hits in 2009, and posted a solid season both at the plate and in the field. Unfortunately, Leche didn't seem to be much better than "solid" and another season with an OPS below .800, the Yankees sent Cabrera packing in the Vazquez trade. Therefore, as of this writing, Brett Gardner is the starting centerfielder for the Yankees in '10, while Granderson will slide over to left. Gardner is the Yankees' version of Scott Podsednik--but with a better arm-- and could steal 70 bases if given a full season of work.
As of right now, the Yankees are set to pencil in Nick Johnson as their designated hitter for 2010. With the Granderson trade, Damon's newfound issues against lefties and his silly contract demands have taken him off of the list of batters the Yankees are pursuing. Johnson doesn't offer the versatility the Yankees were supposedly looking for when they decided to ignore Hideki Matsui, but he does offer the ability to complement Granderson's trouble against lefties with an ability to take the ball to left field, and can give Mark Teixeira a break every few weeks without benching a top tier glove at first. Despite his injury history, Johnson is appealing for his age (just 31) and his ability to post an OBP near .400 annually. The acquisitions of Granderson and Johnson give the Yankees a solid improvement over the Damon/Matsui duo both offensively and defensively, while it also frees up about 12 million in payroll that could be spent on another bat or pitcher.
Bench (B-)
C Francisco Cervelli (C+)- .285 2 hr, 20 rbi
C Mike Rivera (C)- .255 3 hr, 15 rbi
OF Jamie Hoffman (C)- .240 2 hr, 15 rbi
INF Ramiro Pena (C)- .270 1 hr, 12 rbi
Other possibilities: 1B Juan Miranda (C+) .280 4 hr, 18 rbi
INF Kevin Russo (C), MI Eduardo Nunez (C-), MI Reegie Corona (C-)
Outside of Jamie Hoffman, the Yankees' bench is open for interviews. Signing someone like Kelly Johnson or Mark DeRosa (at the right price) would be nice insurance for the infield, while either could also spend time in the outfield as well. Catcher Francisco Cervelli has the arm and defense to easily supplant Jose Molina as primary, back-up catcher, and his bat--although lacking in power-- will actually be an upgrade over Molina's. The Yankees also signed former Brewers catcher Mike Rivera who is a serviceable defender and a decent bat. Outfielder Brett Gardner is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the AL, and his premium speed makes him a fantastic option off of the bench. The loss of Melky Cabrera will likely force Gardner into a starting role if the Yankees don't acquire a left fielder. Rule 5 pick Jamie Hoffman is another premium defender, and has a bat that could play well off of the Yankee bench. While Hoffman's big frame hasn't translated in to homerun power, his plus defense in right and left, and his good potential with the bat make him a nice pick. Infielder Ramiro Pena plays good infield defense, but his subpar bat may call for the Yankees to hire another spare part. Juan Miranda has the bat and patience to be a serviceable first baseman/DH on many MLB teams, but his lack of defensive prowess and the Yankees' surplus of talent will probably keep Miranda in AAA for most of 2010. Kevin Russo doesn't have the tools to be more than a bench player in the MLB, but his .326 batting average at Scranton in 2009, and ability to field second and third will give him MLB at bats in 2010. Eduardo Nunez and Reegie Corona are also serviceable infielders that could see time in 2010. Nunez, a former prospect, ranking as high as no. #6 in the Yankees organization for 2006, has the tools to be a plus defender and the ability to hit like the 2008 version of Cristian Guzman. Nunez's fielding is currently sloppy however.
Minors (B)Top 20 Prospects
1.C Jesus Montero (A)
2. C Austin Romine (B+)
3. RHP Dellin Betances (B)
4. OF Slade Healthcott (B)
5. RHP Zach McAllister (B-)
6. C Gary Sanchez (B-)
7. RHP Manny Banuelos (B-)
8. OF Kelvin De Leon (B-)
9. RHP Jairo Heredia (B-)
10. C John Ryan "J.R." Murphy (B-)
11. RHP Mark Melancon (C+)
12. LHP Jeremy Bleich (C+)
13. RHP Andrew Brackman (C+)
14. 2B/3B David Adams (C)
15. 2B Corban Joseph (C)
16. RHP Jose A. Ramirez (C)
17. OF Jamie Hoffman (C)
18. SS Eduardo Nunez (C-)
19. OF Melky Mesa (C-)
20. RHP William Douglas "D.J." Mitchell (D+)
Others: RHP Christian Garcia, RHP Hector Noesi, INF Reegie Corona, INF Kevin Russo, CI Brandon Laird, OF Colin Curtis,
The Yankees' minor league system has graduated a considerable amount of talent over the past five years, including Chien Ming Wang, Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, Melky Cabrera, Robinson Cano, David Robertson and others. Although their system isn't top-tier, it still features the top offensive talent among AL farm systems, Jesus Montero. Montero's bat has a future of 80 power on the 20-80 scale, and he could approach Miguel Cabrera/Carlos Delgado type numbers within the next few years. Although Montero's defense has often drawn criticism, he dropped 15 points of extra weight in 2009, and is now showing the potential to be a solid MLB catcher. In my opinion, Montero is the best prospect in the minors without the name "Strasburgh" on the back of his jersey.
Catcher Austin Romine, is another premium talent in the Yankees system. Son of former MLB player Kevin Romine, Austin lacks the offensive potential of Montero, but offers one of the best catching arms in the minors. Romine's troubles with patience and strikeouts at the plate, and defensive footwork are a bit of a red flag, but his offensive and defensive potential could still produce numbers better than the average MLB starting catcher. Dellin Betances, a victim of midseason forearm surgery in 2010, stands at 6'8" and wields a package that includes a 93-98 mph riding fastball and a nasty spike-curve. Once Betances fixes his delivery and improves his control, he could become a formidable MLB pitcher. It should be noted that Betances' stuff once put him in front of Joba Chamberlain on Baseball America's list of top prospects.
The Yankees' first round pick in last summer's draft, Zachary "Slade" Heathcott, is fresh from high school and is years away from the majors. Heathcott's power arm--capable of wielding fastballs at 96 mph-- and plus bat could play him as a pitcher OR as a centerfielder in the majors. Supposed makeup issues (which seem to have been overblown in pre-draft gossip) and a troubling injury history may ultimately slow Heathcott's development, but the Yankees seem confident that he will become a premium outfield prospect with work. Despite his consistently impressive numbers--including a league-leading ERA in 2010-- pitcher Zach McAllister hasn't ever been recognized as a top prospect due to his underwhelming stuff. McAllister's sinking fastball is his best pitch, and paired with his plus control could make him a solid 4-5 starter in the MLB. Pitcher Jairo Heredia is capable of becoming one of the top prospects in the AL with a few more years of development and instruction from Nardi Contreras. Heredia lost most of 2009 to injury, but his mid 90s fastball and developing breaking stuff could thrust him in to Baseball America's top 100 for 2011. Sixteen-year-old catcher Gary Sanchez received a hefty signing bonus--in the summer of '09--from the Yankees for his strong arm and batting potential. He isn't Jesus Montero, but Sanchez could develop in to a strong defensive catcher with 20+ homerun power.
Young Manny Banuelos made the futures game in 2010, and although he is under six feet tall, he has the polish and stuff to be a premium reliever in the majors. International free agent signee Kelvin De Leon has a high ceiling, but hasn't shown enough promise to be considered a top prospect...yet. While in college, young reliever, Mark Melancon, was considered to be a closer on par with Huston Street until Tommy John Surgery slowed his career. Melancon finally made his MLB debut in 2009, but failed to impress. His poise and stuff could make him an important part of the Yankee bullpen in 2010. Catcher John Ryan Murphy was another pick from last year's draft, and has the potential to be come an offense-first everyday catcher with work. Lefty Jeremy Bleich doesn't have the stuff to become more than a back-end starter or bullpen pitcher in the MLB, but his development will probably give him a look sometime this season.
Andrew Brackman received a contract worth nearly $10 million dollars (with his $3.55 million dollar signing bonus included) and has shown little promise after missing all of 2008 to TJ surgery and then stinking up A-ball in 2009. Brackman's 92-97 mph fastball, 6'11" height and strong frame, and his devastating breaking ball keep his ceiling high, but his control problems may cause him to fizzle out. Still, Brackman is another year removed from TJ, and will look to improve upon his 2009 numbers. Second baseman David Adams had a nice stint in the Florida State League in 2009, where he posted an ,858 OPS and flashed a solid glove at second. Adams has a nice approach at the plate and decent tools, and could become a nice prospect for the Yankees moving forward. Second baseman Corban Joseph hit .300 in the Sally League last season, and walked 49 times verses 61 strikeouts in 380 at bats. As Joseph adds more muscle to is frame, he could develop average power and challenge for an MLB starting job some day.
The MiLBY Short-Season Starting Pitcher of the Year, Yankees' Jose A. Ramirez, dominated the Gulf Coast League with a 91-96 mph fastball and plus command. The 19-year-old righty led the league in BAA, and was in the league's top 10 in a number of pitching categories including ERA (1.61), record (6-1), and WHIP (.84). In 67 innings, Ramirez struck out 57, while walking just 19 batters. Former NHL draft pick and current Yankee outfielder Jamie Hoffman was previously ranked as the premier fielding outfielder in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America, and has the athleticism and size to post a .750+ OPS in the MLB. Shortstop, Eduardo Nunez, reclaimed some of his former top prospect status by hitting .322 with a .782 OPS and 19 stolen bases with AA Trenton in 2009. Nunez needs to polish his glove however, after making 33 errors last season. Outfielder Melky Mesa continues to wow scouts with his awesome arm strength, power and plus speed, but also continues to struggle to make contact. If Mesa can refine his approach, he could become a valuable prospect for the Yankees. Righty D.J. Mitchell is a sinkerballer that gets by with a 2-seamer and plus control. Mitchell won't ever be an ace, but could develop in to another Zach Mcallister or Jake Westbrook.
15. Hank Blalock, 3B/1B, Texas Rangers- It's hard to believe that Hammer'n hank is still only 28--probably because he started hitting so early. Ever since his 32 homers in 2005 Blalock has been a big dissapointment for the Rangers, but he seemed to find out something about his swing in the 333 at bats he had in 2008 that allowed him to live up to his name again. He'll probably be at 1B this year depending on how Chris Davis improves defensively and Justin Smoak's eta, but if you're without a corner infielder late, take a change on Blalock and at the very least you'll get Adam Laroche numbers.
