Utility Options
by Brandon C. on Dec 24, 2009 8:00 AM EST
in Analysis
23 comments
The Yankees have had a pretty eventful off-season so far and it looks like they are nearing the end of their moves. It is always possible that the Yankees will go after a Johnny Damon or a Mark DeRosa, but with the way Brian Cashman is talking it doesn't seem too likely. Let's say the Yankees do not make another move this offseason: What would the offensive roster look like?
DEFINITE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER:
C- Jorge Posada
1B- Mark Teixeira
2B- Robinson Cano
3B- Alex Rodriguez
SS- Derek Jeter
LF- Brett Gardner
RF- Nick Swisher
DH- Nick Johnson
PROBABLES:
OF- Jamie Hoffmann
POSITION BATTLES:
Backup Catcher: Francisco Cervelli vs. Mike Rivera
Utility Infielder: Ramiro Pena vs. Reegie Corona vs. Kevin Russo vs. Eduardo Nunez
POSSIBLE:
1B- Juan Miranda
Overall, while the starters are all great, the utility players may be a problem. I predict that Cervelli, Pena, and Miranda do make the roster, but there still may be a problem. Last year the Yankees went into the year with Cody Ransom as their starting third baseman and Ramiro Pena as the backup. They have shown no reason to believe they wouldn't do that again. Do I think it is a problem? Not necessarily, but with all of these young backups there is certainly a risk that they will struggle in the bigs. Personally, I would sign someone like Miguel Cairo to compete for the utility job while mentoring the youngsters.
P.S. Sorry for not commenting back to any comments last night. I was at the New York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game. I got to meet the team before the game and get autographs after!
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Good article
I think the only reason they brought up Cody Ransom was because they needed a 3rd baseman type for their lineup. With A-Rod healthy, I have no problem with Pena as a utility infielder off the bench.
Pena and Cervelli have both shown that they can hit MLB pitching, and more exposure for both of them will provide a better window into whether those trends continue or not. I can see a viable battle between Cervelli and Rivera in spring training (otherwise why get Rivera to begin with?) but I hope Cervelli wins the backup position. He can learn a lot from Posada and Girardi both behind the plate and at the plate.
If they do nothing else this offseason, Spring Training will be fun to watch, with all the battles for OF (Hoffman vs. Gardner), catcher (Cervelli vs. Rivera), and the plethora of pitching that will compete for the open bullpen spots left vacant by Bruney and Coke. And of course, the possible steel cage match between Hughes and Joba for the #5 rotation spot (though I think that’s more likely to go to Joba due to his preparation last year and their statement that he’ll have no innings limit in 2010).
ewww...
Islanders….
"It ain't over till its over"---
3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.
"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"
Well that’s a relief…still supporting the enemy much???
by Gelatin on Dec 24, 2009 11:29 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
nah
I only went because its free tickets to see a hockey game you get to meet players and personnel and can you really turn that down? What would I say to the guy “sorry but I hate the Islanders so I’m turning down your generous offer?” Seems a little rude. Plus I tried starting a few Potvin sucks chants….
I’ve been saying all off-season that I like Reed Johnson as backup outfielder, righty with a little pop who could play the corner spots.
Looks like the Yanks are looking at him, too. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/sports/baseball/23yankees.html?_r=1&ref=baseball
There are plenty of guys with some power who could be had for $1M or less.
"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."
As aCanadian
I have the unfortunate luck to get to watch the Blue Jays every game. Reed Johnson was one of the bright spots on a lack luster organization which never seems able to figure out how to put a decent team on the field or to have all player playing well at the same time.
Reed Johnson would be a very, very good acquisition.
Utility player
you said that the Yankees may want to sign a utility guy like Miguel Cairo to compete for the utility job, and that got me thinking about some guys. And I know this is a stretch and probably won’t ever happen, but isn’t Aaron Boone still a free agent? He’s a utility guy too. He can play 3rd, second, SS if he has to. He’s got some pop off the bench and could play all the infield positions.
Know that is a very big stretch and almost certainly won’t happen. Just throwing a name out there.
And there isn’t a chance Cervelli loses out to the other guy, simply because he’s, well, Cervelli.
Boone
Coming off heart surgery and I really don’t think he is fit to play any position besides first or third….I’d say no…. but anythings possible
Are you saying that,
just to stick it to the Red Sox?
Just kidding, but I haven’t heard of him playing for a long time, and I wonder what he is capable of at this point, after such a long lay off.
by Vancouverguy on Dec 24, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions
he played last year
not all that well, but he made a good enough recovery to get back to the major leagues. He’s a FA now. I think he could actually be valuable off the bench still, even after the surgery, since he’s had a full offseason to recover more.
And I do smile at the thought of Aaron Boone getting announced in the first game of the year at Fenway. Wouldn’t you?
Islanders?
Street cred just dropped
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 24, 2009 1:41 PM EST reply actions
Whatever happened to Hairston?
by HappyLuckyGoldenDragonNumber1! on Dec 24, 2009 1:42 PM EST reply actions
Miguel Cairo?
Ramiro Pena > Miguel Cairo
We know that Miguel Cairo can’t hit. We are pretty sure that Ramiro Pena can’t hit, but he is far better in the field than Cairo.
Greg F.
http://pendingpinstripes.net
Which is exactly why I said
A minor-league deal. Invite him to spring training, have him help out with the young utility guys, and send him to Scranton
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