Pinstripe Alley: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook

Now That Their Best Player Might Be Gone for a While...

Is it time that C-money finally gets off his ass and acquires a real centerfielder?  I mean it seems like the easiest way to upgrade the team.  Acquiring another third basemen may prove tricky because the nature of Alex's injury is kind of unknown as is his return time table.   I know they don't want to raise payroll, but the idea of Rodriguez being out long term is a very real thing right now.  It's foolish to spend as much money they have on a team that misses the playoffs, especially in the first year of The New Stadium.  So lets look at some possibilities:

(note, I'm going over these in order of likelihood)

 

Star-divide

Mike Cameron: Flirted with a trade before, makes 10M a year.  The Brewers aren't better than the Cubs, might be worse than the Cardinals and at any rate they aren't better than the NL WC favorites (looking like whoever finishes in second place in the NL East), so they should unload an aging player who makes too much money (in this market) for a young player with some upside.  Hits for quite a bit of power, a .340/.480 line with good defense should be about what to expect from him.  Last time we checked in on him, he only required Melky Cabrera....if that's still the cost, or something similar, Cashman should be all over this. 

 

David DeJesus:  Career .360 OBP, from what I've seen plays decent defense (UZR disagreed last year but +5.5 for his career), hits for a bit of power.  His trade situation is a bit tricky, as:

A.) He is under contract for a bit

B.) The Royals kind of suck, but so does the rest of the AL Central, so they might contend.  Right now most projections have The Tribe better than them by four wins or so, but let us not forget that Carl Pavano is the Indians three starter and Anthony Reyes is their four.  Regardless, with a little bit of luck the Royals make up four wins and take the division, not to mention when the front runner has two oft injured and mediocore pitchers taking up the three and fourth slot in the rotation.   So the Royals do have much more use for him than the Brewers do for Mike Cameron.

C.) He's only 29, and actually has some trade value.

 

In conclusion it will require a decent package to acquire him.

 

However, they just traded for Coco Crisp to play center, and are using him in LF where they also have Teahen (who I wouldn't mind as a 3B replacement for the time being, but whatev) and Guillen who need playing time in the corners.  He's going to get expensive soon, and the Royals will have no use for an expensive corner OF in his late 20s/early 30s (as Crisp is the clear choice for CF, there is no reason to acquire him unless you plan on using him in center).   So if the Royals were ran competently, they would and should trade him for a nice package.  I'm thinking Melky Cabrera, Ian Kennedy, and Jose Veras might get it done.  At any rate it shouldn't require one of the top tier trade pieces.   Furthermore, DeJesus can play a role too beyond this season, that is of course if Austin Jackson can play a capable CF.  He's a great defender in the corners and his bat can be just good enough for him to be acceptable out there for a year if the Yankees miss out on Matt Holliday.   He's not hte ideal solution, but he'd be acceptable.   He'd likely be my perferred solution.

 

 

Chone Figgins: We all know his benefits he's speedy as hell and he can play every position on the field.   That said, he is extremely overrated.  Career 96 OPS+ (though OBP heavy so that is a bit misleading) even with his stellar baserunning isn't enough to justify the hype, but he can play CF (or 3B for that matter) and he'd sure to be an upgrade over Brett Gardner or Melky Cabrera.  I'm not sure what the Angels would want,  but it might be too much.  I really don't see why they would ask a ton for him though....there's not a real clear role for him on the team right now other than super utility man, and the Angels have bigger needs than that.  However, the Angels are a poorly ran franchise and no one screams "Angels Baseball" like Chone Figgins.

0 recs  |  Comment 16 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

lets not panic

aroid will be back soon and lets give gardner a chance as we haven’t had someone with his speed and defensive ability in CF for a longggg time.

I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby

by kdog on Mar 13, 2009 1:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Panic?

What, you mean they should upgrade CF regardless? Do you honestly think Gardner can be an average player? I mean, I like Gardner more than Melky, but he shouldn’t prevent them from going after any of the guys above.

by Omar Little on Mar 13, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions  

I have no doubt

Cash has kicked the tires. But salary dumps don’t happen this time of the year (Cameron might be a dump, but Cash wanted the Brewers to kick in some cash on the pending free agent). We would have to give up something of value to get back any of those valuable players.
There are two things I’m sure of:
1) No one helps other teams, and absolutely no one wants to risk looking like they might be helping the Yankees. Yankees always pay more, either on the market or in trades (see Schilling, Santana).
2) The Yankees look like they’re in a weak position. We ‘need’ to upgrade, so other GMs are going to want even more in return.

"Have faith in the Yankees, my son. Think of the great DiMaggio."

by jscape2000 on Mar 14, 2009 9:09 AM EDT up reply actions  

Agreed.

However, it’s foolish for teams to cut off their nose to spite their face. Maybe Cashman might be willing to take more salary now that Rodriguez might be out, so it may be worth it to reopen the trade talks.

by Omar Little on Mar 14, 2009 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hold on,

Did you just offer Melky, Kennedy, and Veras for David DeJesus? did you just seriously do that?

Melky and a 2nd Tier pitching prospect is more than enough for DD.

by BigDanz2000 on Mar 14, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions  

...

You do realize that Melky sucks, and Ian Kennedy got hit pretty hard last season, right?

by Omar Little on Mar 14, 2009 12:14 PM EDT reply actions  

You do realize that Kennedy is 24 years old, right?

No reason to give up on him yet. He may or may not ever be a good major league pitcher – but it’s still way too early to make that determination now – especially for a guy like DeJesus who isn’t really a center fielder anymore.

by anaconda on Mar 14, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions  

But...

He did get hit really hard last season, killing his trade value, and yes it is too early to “give up” on him, but at this point it’s entirely realistic to believe that he may not ever recoup his trade value. If you can get a good major leaguer for him right now, then it’s obviously a worthwhile move. Just like trading Jose Tabata was worth it for Marte and Nady.

by Omar Little on Mar 14, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions  

Never trade anyone when his stock is way down

especially when he’s only 24 years old. They teach that in General Manager 101 class.

Besides, they wouldn’t get much for him anyways because his value is so low.

And Jose Tabata wasn’t the only guy in that deal. Karstens, Dan McCutchen, and Ross Ohlendorf were part of it as well.

by anaconda on Mar 14, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

Really?

Do you honestly he’ll do anything but suck in his future appearances? This is the AL East not the NL West, they should look to unload him before it’s too late. It’s either sell low now or DFA him eventually. He’s completely unsuited for the AL East. Furthermore, Tabata was the centerpiece of that deal. It’s not like any of those guys have a real future on an MLB roster.

by Omar Little on Mar 15, 2009 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ya think so?

There’s a chance both Karstens and Ohlendorf end up on the roster coming out of ST. In fact, Ohlendorf did nothing to hurt his chances yesterday by throwing four perfect innings against the Yanks. He has registered an 0.96 ERA so far this ST.

Whether they make the team out of ST or not, both of these guys will be on the Pirates’ roster at some point in 2009.

As far as Kennedy is concerned, I have no idea whether he’ll be a decent major league pitcher. But I’m not going to give up on him this early in his career after a grand total of twelve major league starts – four good performances and eight so-so to poor outings.

And you’re wiling to simply give this guy away for nothing? Sounds asinine to me.

His trade value is low and they wouldn’t get anything of value in return. So they might as well let him continue to progress in Scranton and build his value back up again.

He may be a decent back of the rotation starter or he may not. But the Yanks aren’t giving up on him that easily, nor should they.

by anaconda on Mar 15, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

...

When I say a real role, I guess I was thinking of being a regular on a team for three years or so. I guess I’m holding out hope for the Pirates sake that this doesn’t happen

Yeah, because making the team out of s/t means they’ll have a meaningful real future

The Kennedy point is kinda iffy, I’m willing to trade him for David DeJesus without thinking twice. I wouldn’t call him “nothing” you then go on to say that his trade value is low and can’t get anything out of him, yet this seems to clash with your earlier posts. I wouldn’t consider trading Ian Kennedy for a CF “giving up on him” Even if he does develop into a back of the rotation starter, you wouldn’t trade that for a CF? Really? With the resources that the Yankees have?

by Omar Little on Mar 16, 2009 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions  

Not exactly

DeJesus is not a regular center fielder. Like Damon, he can play out there on occasion – but he’s not a guy you would want out there everyday. He’s a corner outfielder and the Yanks have plenty of those already.

As far as Karstens and Ohlendorf are concerned, let me quote your exact words:

It’s not like any of those guys have a real future on an [sic] MLB roster.

Well, since it’s possible that one if not both could make the club out of ST, it’s obvious that they do have a future with the club.

We’ll see how the season shapes out – but the NL Central is not exactly a powerhouse and the Pirates are not exactly very good. It wouldn’t at all be a stretch to suggest both of these guys could find themselves permanent roster spots on that club.

My arguments on Kennedy don’t clash at all. My repeated argument is that his stock is low right now – which is certainly true – and probably wouldn’t net much value in return.

That doesn’t mean he can’t turn things around and become a decent major league pitcher. He does have upside even though he doesn’t have lights out dominating stuff. It’s just not wise to give up on the kid so early in his career as you’ve already done.

The right move is to keep him and see what happens this season. Let him continue to work on his game and progress in Scranton. That’s the best thing for him right now.

I bet he gets an opportunity to pitch a few games in the bigs this season. The Yankee starting 5 is not going to make every start because someone will go down.

by anaconda on Mar 16, 2009 12:58 AM EDT up reply actions  

Not a Regular CF?

DeJesus isn’t a regular CF? He had a bad year out there last season in a SSS, but he’s +5.5 over his career. Yeah, I don’t call making the team a “future with a club” I’d feel sorry for pirates fans if they become regulars.

I’m not “giving up” on Kennedy either, I want to trade him for a CF, and wish that they had traded him last season for something valuable now. The Yankees really shouldn’t be worried about the future so much as far as Kennedy is concerned, at best he’s a good back of the rotation starter…that should be enough for a team like the Yankees to keep from trading him.

Yes, someone will go down, that’s what Hughes/Coke/Giese/Aceves are there for.

by Omar Little on Mar 16, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

You would probably have to give up too much for Dejesus and he looks like he might be more suited to LF anyway.
Isnt Gardener going nuts in ST and hitting like .400?
CF is hardly a pressing need and not enough to trade young, good pitching.
The Yankees should focus on getting a versatile Infielder to spell A-Rod…one who’ll still have value when A-rod comes back.
And should probably look to trade Melky and one of either Nady or Swisher.

by Ohpityme on Mar 15, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions  

S/T stats

Remember when Bubba Crosby tore up s/t a while back? Yeah, me too. :(

CF is clearly a big enough need to trade young “good” pitching, like Ian Kennedy. ESPECIALLY WHEN RODRIGUEZ IS OUT FOR AT LEAST A MONTH. Furthermore, any position is worth trading “young good pitching” depending on what you get back.

Agreed.

Not one of Nady and Swisher, the odds of Damon and Matsui playing a full season aren’t really all that high, so it’d be good to keep the depth for this year.

by Omar Little on Mar 15, 2009 1:32 PM EDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Pinstripe Alley, an SB Nation blog about the 27-time - and reigning - World Champion New York Yankees.

Community Guidelines
Start posting about the Yankees »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Yankees_small
Top Five Best and Worst Moves of Brian Cashman's GM Career
Small
PANIC GUIDELINES
Cubanology-don_mattingly_small
Yankees Go Farming! Part 1: Pitching
Foxhound_small
Steinbrenner, from a fan

Recent FanPosts

Ghanafan03_741584gm-a_small
Lance Berkman trade analysis
Derek-jeter-1_small
Will Alex Rodriguez Catch Barry Bonds?
Baby3_small
Johnny Damon or Brett Gardner????? Did Cashman Finally make a good move
Derek-jeter-1_small
Appreciating Nick Swisher
Yankees_giants_small
trade deadline
Ghanafan03_741584gm-a_small
Dan Haren trade analysis
16344_1210687280650_1632781667_30538159_4147519_n_small
Minor League recap interest
Curtis_granderson--300x300_small
Minor League Recap: July 24th, 2010
Ale-nyy-insignia_small
Get Rid Of Michael Kay, Paul O'Neil and Al Leiter

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SPONSORS

SBNation.com Recent Stories

ST. LOUIS - MAY 18:  Ryan Ludwick #47 of the St. Louis Cardinals rounds third base after hitting a game-winning homerun against the Washington Nationals at Busch Stadium on May 18, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri.  The Cardinals beat the Nationals 3-2.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) +3 updates

Padres, Cardinals, Indians Complete Three-Way Trade Involving Ryan Ludwick, Jake Westbrook

SEATTLE - JULY 08:  Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees hits an RBI single in the ninth inning to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on July 8 2010 in Seattle Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) +15 updates

Yankees' 9th-Inning Win Completely Overshadowed By A-Rod's Ongoing Homer Drought

Kansas City Royals center fielder Rick Ankiel makes a diving catch on a ball hit by New York Yankees' Nick Swisher in the eighth inning of a Major League Baseball game Saturday, July 24, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in New York. The Royals won 7-4. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) +1 updates

At Last Minute, Braves Acquire Rick Ankiel, Kyle Farnsworth From Royals

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Mo_rivera_small Travis G

Ed_valentine_2_small Ed Valentine

Senior Writer

Dsc00073_small jscape2000

Contributing Writers

Small 3460kuri

39135485-59af19dbb26654095f910f34176af094_4ae8a81e-scaled_small Brandon C.

My-face_small Lord Duggan