Brandon C. favorite Hop Stop checked out the battle of New York: Mets vs. Yankees.
John Sickels of Minor League Ball recently profiled two Yankees prospects: Dellin Betances and Brandon Laird.
On Betances:
Betances posts outstanding K/IP and H/IP ratios, statistical testimony to the quality of his stuff. His walk rate is still higher than ideal, and he would benefit from time in Triple-A. If he continues to develop as expected, he would be ready for major league action in the second half of 2012.
Personally, I'm as excited about Betances as I am about Banuelos. Consider Betances the minor league version of Brett Gardner or David Robertson for me.
On Laird:
In the long run, Laird likely fits best as a platoon player with some defensive versatility, although he's still young enough to remedy his weaknesses and build on his strengths. He isn't a top prospect, but is the type of player who could leverage a well-timed hot streak into a spot on a major league roster, or make himself a valued trade component.
I'd still like to keep Laird, but he wouldn't be a deal breaker.
LA Times looked at how Babe Ruth played a part in the Trade Deadline.
Questions of the Week: If the Yankees could get Wandy Rodriguez for relatively little, as reported, would you want him? Would you rather the Yankees trade for a rental, a long term player, or no one?