NY YANKEES: Will Cano Go ? Early Injury Bug Bites

By The Big Ragu
Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

After having one of the worst post seasons that I've ever seen I expect Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano to have an MVP caliber type season in 2013. Last October  Cano went 3 for 40 hitting just .075 with four RBIs. I couldn't believe it last October and after just writing it I still can't believe it. 

      This past October the Yankees picked up Cano's $ 15 million dollar option for 2012 and why wouldn't they ? Other than the playoffs he had a fine statistical season. Last season Cano hit .313 with a career high 33 homeruns while knocking in 94 RBIs.  A 379 OBP, .550 SLG., .929 OPS  while collecting 196 hits. Good numbers again as usual.  

Robinson Cano

      Is Cano ready to carry this team for the next ten years ? I expect him to but up some huge numbers this season. Is Cano going to put up MVP numbers because he is 30 years old and coming into the prime of his career or is it because he's a free agent at the end of the season ? When Robbie arrived at spring training a lot of the talk was about Cano resigning. When asked about it Cano said " he wasn't worried about it or focused on it and he'll leave any negotiations to agent Scott Boris, spelt $cott Bori$.

     The Yankees have stated that Cano has been a great Yankee and they want him to remain a Yankee. Cano will most likely be the top free agent on the market after this season. One team that has been rumored to be interested in Cano and certainly has the money are the Los Angeles Dodgers. The word on the street is that Boris is seeking a ten year deal somewhere around $ 25 million per year. It's been said the Yankees are talking more like $ 175 million. This one is going to be tough. There's only a $ 50 million dollar difference. Chump change !! I hope they can meet somewhere in the middle. It's just that long ten year deal thing that worries me. Cano will be forty at the end of the deal. Seven years from now I would hate to see this end up being that all too familiar aging player making big money and not worth it. Oh no not again. 

     This spring there's been talk about the loss of power in this lineup and the possibility of Brett Gardner moving from left field back to center field. Well it looks as if both will happen at the start of the season. On Sunday five pitches into his first at bat outfielder Curtis Granderson got hit with a fastball from Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ fracturing his right forearm. The Grandyman is expected to miss ten weeks. Last season Granderson belted 43 homeruns so it looks like there will be a power outage to start off the season. 

     After hearing about the injury to Granderson free agent Johnny Damon made comments about returning to the Yankees. The Yankees response...." Thanks, but no thanks."

     Some have said give infielder / utility man Eduardo Nunez a shot in the outfield until Granderson comes back. We all know " Nunny" isn't the most gracious defensive player on the team but he sure can hit. On Sunday Nunez went 3 for 3 in a 4-3 loss against the Phillies. So far this spring he has been hitting the ball hard and busting it down the line on every ball. He seems determined to be on the Opening Day roster.

A ROD

     With third baseman Alex Rodriguez out rehabbing his hip his replacement Kevin Youkilis is out with a sore left oblique. Youkilis called it a cramp but the Yankees sat him down for precautionary reasons. 

     Right handed starting pitcher Phil Hughes is out with back spasms and is rehabbing at the Yankees Minor League complex. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Hughes "continues to progress. " Hughes should be throwing in about a week.

     Boy what a way to start the spring. Now for some good news. Relief pitchers Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson are both off to good starts. In their first outing of the spring against the Phillies Chamberlain and Robertson each threw one inning. Robertson walked one but didn't allow a hit. Chamberlain gave up one hit while striking out two.

Joe Girardi

     Another bright spot against the Phillies was 23 year old right handed pitcher Jose Ramirez. He threw two scoreless innings without giving up a hit while walking one. Joe Girardi was impressed by Ramirez's performance.  " A young man starting his first game here, seeing (Ryan) Howard and (Jimmy) Rollins, he threw strikes." Girardi said. " He did a nice job. he's got a live arm, a really good changeup, saw a good slider today. Good stuff."

     The 6' 6' 190 lb Ramirez is from Yaguate Dominican Republic and has been in the Yankees Minor League system for the past five seasons. During that span he has spent time in Tampa and Charleston. He's 24-26 with an ERA of 3.73. In 420 innings he has struck out 392 batters while walking 149 and has a WHIP of 1.274. The Yankees have him ranked 13th among their Top Twenty Prospects. In the second half of last season he made a big step forward with an ERA of 2.17. His best pitch is his fastball that has been clocked consistently at 95 mph. He throws a lot of ground balls, has an above average slider to go along with a good breaking ball. He also throws a changeup that has been steadily improving. He has cut down on his walks but he needs to have better command of his pitches on a consistent basis. Hey a young pitcher !! We'll keep an eye on him for sure !

     Well that's it for now. As we get deeper into spring training we'll look to see how Girardi cuts down his roster and which young players stick around trying to make the big club.

     Let's Go Yankees !! 

NY YANKEES: SPRING TRAINING UNDERWAY!

 By The Big Ragu

Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

During the first couple days of spring training most of the talk was about Alex Rodriguez and his alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. Also linked to the South Florida clinic is catcher Francisco Cervelli. Cervelli stated he went to the clinic just for consultation to find a fast solution to recover from a broken foot. A-Rod left Tampa and is headed back to New York to rehab his hip and blah blah blah !! To be honest with you I'm so tired of hearing all this talk about PEDs !! Let's get back to the game !!

CERVELLI

     Ahhh !! The smell of green grass, the crack of the bat, and the pop of a fastball pounding a catcher's mitt is one of my favorite times of the year. The other being Opening Day of course. Spring training has arrived and baseball is underway !!

     Derek Jeter arrived early ( as usual) to rehab his broken left ankle which suffered during last years ALCS. Another position player to arrive a little early is newly acquired third baseman Kevin Youkilis. " Youk " stirred the pot a little by saying he will always be a Red Sox but he did say he's looking forward to putting on the pinstripes and that he is fully committed to helping the Yankees win a World Series. I wanted the Yankees to find a younger third baseman but they didn't. Even though Youkilis was once a Red Sox and I didn't really agree with them signing him he's here, he's wearing the pinstripes so I'll cheer him on. I always liked his gritty style of play so as long as he produces I'm sure it will be easy for me and Yankees fans to accept him. Heck ! If we could except former Red Sox Wade Boggs and Roger Clemens it should be easy to welcome Youkilis to the Bronx. 

  

     The popular Andy Pettitte has returned for another year. The veteran turned down an invitation from Joe Torre to play for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Pettitte said he would have loved to pitch for his country but decided not to in order to stay focused on pitching for the Yankees. We'll keep an eye on the crafty veteran and hope father time doesn't catch up to him too fast. 

HAFNER

    Also returning from injury is the greatest closer ever Mariano Rivera. The 43 year old is returning from a torn ligament in his right knee which he suffered last year while shagging fly balls. Rivera threw a bullpen, took place in pitchers fielding drills and did some running. Mo was asked how he's feeling. " On a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. " He said, I feel good. I would say around 9 for sure." He also said he will continue to shag fly balls in the outfield before every game. I guess old habits are hard to break. Keep your fingers crossed.

     When it comes to this team I've always been a glass half full kind of guy but I'm very concerned about this year. I said in my last few blogs that the Yankees didn't do anything to improve this past off season. Don't get me wrong their not a terrible team there's just a lot of uncertainty. Everyone else in the AL East Division has gotten better. If the Yanks are going to make the playoffs I feel a lot has to go right. Staying healthy being the most important. Their going to need contributions from everybody. With A-Rod out in addition to not being the player he once was, Nick Swisher now in Cleveland, and first baseman Mark Teixeria saying in an interview he might be at the beginning of the down swing of his career this team is going to lack some power. They signed DH Travis Hafner to replace Raul Ibanez but what can we expect from Hafner ? Last season the injury prone 36 year old was with the Indians and the Rockies Triple-A  team where he had 229 at-bats with 12 homeruns and 35 RBIs. I hope he wins Comeback Player of the Year but I just don't see him contributing a whole lot. Sorry Haf. 

  

GRANDERSON

     Defensively I expect the team will to strong. Around the horn with A-Rod or Youk, Jeter, Cano and Tex the infield will be solid. With Curtis Granderson, the resigning of Ichiro, and Brett Gardner coming back from an elbow injury the Yankees will have one of the fastest outfields in all of baseball. 

     One position in question is catching. Right now it looks like the Yankees are going with Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart serving as his backup. Both are good defensive catchers but lack the offensive bat for an everyday catcher. With Russell Martin in Pittsburgh and Jorge Posada in camp as a guest instructor it's time the Yankees give one of their top prospects a chance to make the big club. I'm talking about Austin Romine. The Yankees are saying that Romine will begin the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. But the 24 year old Romine has other ideas. " Definitely, I don't want to go to Triple-A." Romine said. "I want to be on this team. I'm here to show them that I can do it and I'm here to earn it." Romine missed most of last season with a back injury. He said that he lost thirteen pounds in the off season and spent a lot of time core training. I hope this kid has a great spring. Let him make the club and catch two three days a week to get his feet wet. Let Cervelli be his backup. If Cervelli plays everyday his bat will be exposed, same goes for Stewart. No offense but these guys are not everyday catchers. If they make Romine start the year at Triple-A I hope he tears it up down there and the Yankees have no choice but to bring him up ! Give this kid a legitimate chance !! 

PETTITTE

     Pitching, pitching and more pitching. You can never have too much pitching. We've got CC Sabathia back after having some minor off season surgery. Nothing major just a little cleaning out of bone spurs in the left elbow. I expect a solid year from him again. Andy Pettitte is older.How will he hold up ? Can we expect the same from Hiroki Kuroda ? Last year Phil Hughes made some steps in the right direction with 16 wins. I expect him to continue moving forward. I would like to see him pitch a little more economically and pitch deeper into games.

     Not a bad top four in the starting rotation. Last off seasons trade of top prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle brought pitcher Micheal Pineda to the Yankees. But the righty was shut down in early spring to have shoulder surgery and was gone for the 2012 season. This spring Pineda did throw a 25 pitch bullpen session but it looks as if Pineda won't be ready until June. His shoulder is feeling fine. He has come to camp this spring 20 pounds lighter than last year. He's weighing in at 260 lbs. and has been throwing off a full mound. GM Brian Cashman has said he is " cautiously optimistic " about Pineda's progress. We shall see.

     One arm to keep an eye on is left-hander Cesar Cabral. The 24 year old almost made the club last spring before fracturing his elbow. Cabral was a Rule 5 Draft selection from the Red Sox by way of the Kansas City Royals. In 132 minor league appearances (all with Boston ) from 2006-2011 he had an ERA of 3.61. After just coming off surgery he could be pitching some minor league games in May. I don't know if he'll make the team this year but we'll keep an eye on him for the future. 

PHELPS

     That still leaves the fifth starting spot up for grabs. Getting an early look this spring is right-hander David Phelps. Phelps already threw to live batters the first week of camp. He threw thirty pitches when he faced Francisco Cervelli and Bobby Wilson. Last year Phelps was 4-4 with a 3.44 ERA in 33 appearances. Eleven of those appearances were as a starter.  

     Another pitcher fighting for a spot is Ivan Nova. Nova is looking to improve from last years second half slump. Last season Nova was 12-8 with a 5,02 ERA. He was left off last years playoff roster. I'm going to chalk up Novas year to the sophomore jinx. I look for Nova to be the number five starter and Phelps to be the long man out the bullpen and to make a spot start from time to time.     

     The New York Post is reporting that the Yankees have looked at 32 year old Chin-Ming Wang. According to the Post Wang threw a bullpen session at the home of Yankees pitching guru Billy Connors. Last year Wang was 2-3 with an ERA 6.68 in ten games with the Washington Nationals. If you remember Wang won 19 games each year with the Yanks in 2006 and 2007. Hmm ? Lighting in a bottle ? Maybe but I don't see anything happening with this one. 

GARDNER

    This years team isn't going to pound their way to victory. Their going to have to do the little things to win games. I expect a good defensive team. With an outfield of Gardner,Granderson and Ichiro they have speed. These three guys can run ! They should steal some bases to win games. In 2011 Gardner stole 49 bases and in 2010 47. Last year Ichiro swiped 29 bags. In the two previous seasons he stole 40 and 42.  It's Granderson who needs to cut down on the strikeouts get on base more and do some running. Last year he hit .232 with 195 strike outs !! Too many !! He had an OBP of .319 and only 10 stolen bases. Sure he hit 43 homeruns and had 105 RBIs but I'd rather have his season from 2011 when he hit .262 BA, 119 RBI, 41 HR .364 OBP, and 25 stolen bases. He did strike out 169 times that year but if he cuts down the Ks the other offensive numbers will go up. 

NFL PRO ZACH

     Like I said before their not a bad team. The division has gotten tougher and so has the American League. They have to stay healthy, pitch well, play good defense and hit in the clutch.That's not to much to ask is it ? Lol. Hit in the clutch, hmm ?  Seems I've heard that before. 

     Well that's it for now. Stay tuned for the arrival of position players. I'll take a look at who's hot and who's not. I'll see if any young players are opening any eyes with a chance to make the big club. 

     We finally have baseball back ! Let's Go Yankees !! 

Jeter Takes Ground Balls....A-Rod Takes PED's.....Oh Deer !!

 With the Yankees not doing much of anything so far this off season and pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in two weeks I couldn't decide what I wanted to write about. I thought I would do an article on the return of Captain Derek Jeter who is returning after breaking his ankle in game one of the ALCS against Detroit.

     On Monday Jeter took ground balls at the Yankees Minor League complex down in Tampa Florida. The 38-year old captain fielded about 55 grounders and also took batting practice. Jeter was asked if he would be ready for the April 1st Opening Day game against the Red Sox. Derek replied, " Why not ? I've always said I'll be ready for a long time. I told you it's fine now." I'm looking forward to his return.

     I also thought I would write something about third baseman Alex Rodriguez who is trying to come back from his second hip surgery. I figured it would just be a short story and wait for spring training to get under way to write about something with some substance. Boy was I wrong !

     It's being reported by the Miami New Times that Alex Rodriguez allegedly purchased performance enhancing drugs from Biogenesis of America an anti-aging clinic in south Florida. The Miami New Times is reporting that a former clinic employee gave them a list of player names who were using PED's that included human growth hormone, testosterone, and anabolic steroids. I've even heard radio reports saying that deer antler extract and some type of deer antler spray was also being taken. 

     Some other players being named on the list are Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez, Rangers Nelson Cruz, Blue Jays Melky Cabrera, and Bartolo Colon, Prior to this list coming out Cabrera and Colon have already been suspended 50 games for violating MLB's drug policy. Gonzalez has stated that he never used PED's and Cruz has yet to comment. NFL football star Ray Lewis is also being named on the list.

     After admitting his use of PED's in 2001-2003 while in Texas A-Rod has hired an attorney and is denying any involvement. The New Times reported that Rodriguez's name has shown up 16 times on clinic records and was still using right through last season. 

      I can sit here a babble on about he did use, stopped using, or is still using and that debate can go on until the cows come home but let's take a minute to see how this effects the Yankees as a team. 

      I've been saying they need to get younger especially at third base. They signed Kevin Youkilis to fill in for A-Rod. Reports indicated that after hip surgery on January 16th Rodriguez wouldn't be back until the All-Star break. Now the question is will he be back at all ? Will he be suspended ? The Yankees are saying that they wait and see what happens with Major League Baseball and it's investigation. We'll have to see how this one plays out.  

     The way I see it.Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner wants to cut payroll well guess what ? Looks like they will try to now. You can bet the farm that the Yankees will tell you the use of PED's is not the image they want to portray or it's against their morals but the fact of the matter is that this is their way out of a bad contract. Rodriguez is owed $ 114 million over the next five years. Nobody seems to know if there's anything in his contract about violating a drug policy but boy if there is, you can certainly look for the Yankees to dump him and not pay him. I don't have a problem with them not paying him or letting him go. He's not the player he once was. But then again who knows what he really was if he was using PED's the whole time. Either way he's older, breaking down, and costing them a ton of money. Okay so if they do let A-Rod go then what ? Where's the third baseman of the future ? Another reason why I've been screaming it's time this team gets younger !! Now they might have to get younger real quick. Stay tuned as the A-Rod saga continues.

     Spring training is set to get under way for pitchers and catchers in two weeks so stay tuned for updates and reports about who's hot and who's not. As usual I will have my glass half full but with the lack of moves the Yankees made this off season that glass might have a pin hole at the bottom of it ! I can't wait for the 2013 season to get under way !! I can smell the freshly cut grass, beer, and hot dogs already !!

     Let's Go Yankees !!  

NY YANKEES: 30 DAYS

Hey baseball fans and more importantly Yankees fans ! Today's theme is thirty days. Thirty days you ask ? Well it's been about thirty days since my last blog and pitchers and catchers report to spring training in about thirty days.

     I'm sorry to report that not much has changed in the past thirty days and the Yankees haven't done anything to improve this team during the off season. Every team seems to be making moves to improve their club. The Toronto Blue Jays have stacked up. Heck even the Red Sox made some moves. The Red Sox have a deal in place with catcher Mike Napoli but it's been at a stand still for a little while. The two sides are having trouble ironing out some terms of the contract.

    Wait !! Why am I talking about the Red Sox moves ? Let's talk about the moves the Yankees have made....Hmm let's see. Catcher Russell Martin signed with the Pirates. Outfielder Nick Swisher signed with the Cleveland Indians. I know in my last few blogs I said this team needs to get younger so if they were going to lose " Swish " and Martin I could leave with it as long as there were decent replacements. I said to get younger not get nothing !! Come on what are we doing here ? They resigned an older outfielder in Ichiro Suzuki. Okay I can live with it. They signed an older third baseman Kevin Youkilis to fill in for the injured Alex Rodriguez who is due to have hip surgery on January 16th, stay tuned for an update. Bang right there third base !! They should have found a young third baseman for now and the future. And yes I did have a suggestion in a previous blog. Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager. Check it out.

     In my last few blogs I was throwing Yankees GM Brian Cashman under the bus for not making any moves. It's becoming more apparent to me that owner Hal Steinbrenner desperately wants to cut payroll. Why ? To make more of a profit ? At first I would say yes. But if the team starts losing nobody will go to the games therefore profits will be the same. But if he can cut payroll for the next couple years the team will most likely still be competitive so tickets will still sell. Do you know where I'm going with this ? Lower payroll means higher profits which looks better on paper when it comes time to sell the team. That's right I said sell the team !! I hate to say it but I feel that's where this is headed. Is this a typical senario where the father George Steinbrenner busts his but for years building a billion dollar (evil) empire LOL and the kids who grew up with silver spoons in their mouths don't know what it's like to work for a living. It's to much pressure, it's to much work, waaaaaaaaa let's just sell it and kick back. Let's sell it so our kids kids can kick back. Owner Hal Steinbrenner says he's " committed to fielding an elite ball club" but I'll believe when I see it. 

    It's been a slow off season in Yankeeland so thanks for letting me blow off steam. I certainly hope the Steinbrenner boys don't sell the team but we'll have to wait and see. What I would like to see are some last minute moves to improve this club. Right now if you ask me to predict where the Yankees will finish in 2013 I'd say third place if their lucky. But once pitchers and catchers report next month I'll be waving my pinstripe pom poms excited about making another playoff run. ( I hope ).

     Come on back for any updates and a close look at spring training once it gets underway. Looking forward to another exciting 2013 season ! Let's go Yankees !! 

NY YANKEES: Cashman Goes 0 for 3, A-Rod Out

 Going into last Monday's Baseball Winter Meetings Yankees GM Brian Cashman had three main objectives. Find a catcher, an outfielder, and a third baseman. Well just like the Yankees couldn't hit in the playoffs Cashman took the collar striking out three times.  

       As the meetings got under way the Yankees announced that third baseman Alex Rodriguez will need hip surgery.

No date has been set to repair a tear in his left hip but it is expected that he could be out until June. Back in 2009 A-Rod had surgery on his right hip but this time it's the left. Maybe this was the reason why he did not hit with power for most of the regular season and couldn't make contact in the playoffs.

     So with A-Rod out and Eric Chavez signing with the Diamond-Backs what did Cashman do to replace them ? He made an offer to third baseman Kevin Youkilis. The Yankees offered the former Red Sox a one year deal worth $ 12 million dollars. Here we go again another offer to an older player.  Youkilis is a nice player but he's not the player he was a few years ago. Last year the 33 year old hit a combined .235 with 19 homeruns,60 RBIs for the Red Sox and White Sox. Even though he was a Red Sox I always liked his style of play. He's a " gamer. " That hard nose get the uniform dirty kind of guy. No offense to the man but I think he's in the latter stages of his career. The Indians have shown some interest in Youkilis also. There's even talk about acquiring the newest Yankee killer Mark Reynolds. Sorry Mark. No thank you too many strike outs for me.

     Come on Cashman ! Can we search for somebody younger ? I have a player you can look at. Why not try to make a deal with the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have a 25 year old third baseman by the name of Kyle Seager. Last season with Seattle he played in 155 games. He hit .259 with 23 home runs and 99 RBIs. In 594 at-bats he had an.315 OBP, .412 SLG, .727 OPS with 146 SO. Why not make a move for this kid ? Maybe the Mariners would deal the 6' 0" 195 lb. left handed hitting....did I say left handed hitting ? Should I repeat that ? The left handed hitting third baseman. They have another young third baseman (Vinnie Catricala) on their Triple-A team right behind Seager so maybe they'll deal him. Pretty soon Seager is going to be looking to sign a deal for some real money maybe Cashman should look into it. Tell this kid he's the future. He'll play everyday until A-Rod comes back. When Alex does come back make him the DH ninety percent of the time. Just a thought.

    The other hole that needs to be filled is the catching position. With Russell Martin signing a two year deal with Pirates and free agent Mike Napoli signing with Red Sox There's not much out there on the market so it looks like the Yankees with be going after 35 year old free agent catcher AJ Pierzynski. In my last blog I said the Yankees should give their catching prospect Austin Romine a shot so I'll avoid going down that road again right now.

     The Yankees have stated their trying to find an outfielder to replace Nick Swisher. Outfielder B.J. Upton has signed with the Atlanta Braves and Shane Victorino has also signed with the Red Sox. The younger Upton would have been a nice fit for me because he's a player with some speed and pop which would have been a decent fit for the Yanks. A nice fit but we all know that doesn't put fans in the seats.You want to know who does ? Josh Hamilton

     There's talk that the Yankees are playing the waiting game so the price for Hamilton will come down. I said in one of my previous blogs.Hamilton is a great player but he's getting older. The last thing the Yankees need is a big long term contract with an older player who could physically start breaking down. If they want to sign him three years max ! 

     Owner Hal Steinbrenner wants the payroll for 2014 to be at $ 189 million dollars. I read an article by Sports Illustrated writer Joe Posnanski that in 2009 the Yankees made $ 600 million dollars in revenue but spent $ 574 in total baseball operations. That leaves them a net of $ 26 million. Doesn't seem like a whole lot does it ? Profits must be down maybe that's why Cashman hasn't done a single thing so far this off season ! 

     I don't care what they make or what they spend. I'm a Yankees fan for life ! Let's start getting this team younger. This team is already showing signs of getting older. If this trend keeps up we could be looking at a playoff drought in a few years. Hey Mr. Steinbrenner do you know what could happen if there's a playoff drought ? Nobody will go to the games ! Seems to me if that happens revenue goes down. So if payroll and revenue go down together your profits will be the same. The only difference is the team will be lousy. But don't worry I'll still be a die hard fan watching and writing about it.

     Happy Holidays to all...The Big Ragu

NY YANKEES: Cashman Making Moves Or Writing Checks?

By The Big Ragu
Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

Every once in a while you might here me say the Yankees gave to much money to this player or why would they pay him that but you will never here me complain about how much money they spend as a team on players. 

     So far this off season there's not a whole lot going on other than the resigning of a few players. The Yankees have agreed to terms with pitchers Hiroki Kuroda, Andy Pettitte, and Mariano Rivera. 

Mariano Rivera

     Kuroda signed a one year deal for $ 15 million. Pettitte has decided to come back for another year. The 40 year old lefty resigned for $ 12 million plus award bonuses. All time saves leader Mariano Rivera will be returning for one " Mo " year. Ha ha get it ? The 43 year old Rivera is returning from a season ending knee injury and has signed a one year deal for $ 10 million dollars plus incentives. Also according to the New York Post outfielder Ichiro Suzuki wants to come back next year as a Yankee. 

Brian Cashman

      I know these are good signings that had to be done. I don't have a problem with the Yankees bringing these players back. The question I have is with the Baseball Winter meetings getting under way on Monday in Nashville, Tenn. what is Yankees GM Brian Cashman going to do there just write checks to older players ? Heck, I could do that and do it for a little less salary. Notice how I said " a little " not half. " Show me the money."  

     With all the talk about Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner wanting to cut payroll down to $ 189 million by 2014 Cashman has his work cut out for him. I think over the next couple of years we are really going to see what kind of baseball mind and general manager skills Brain Cashman has. 

      I look around at some small market teams like the Oakland A's and the Tampa Rays and all I see are young hungry competitive teams with players who are only going to get better. Every year the Rays compete with a low payroll.( $64 million last season).  

Billy Beane

     This past season the A's were a feisty fiery team with some pop in the lineup. Last season they had the second lowest payroll ( $55 million) in all of baseball. After their playoff loss to the Detroit Tigers I saw a team that was angry. A team that was determined to be back. The second lowest payroll in baseball with one less regular season win then the Yankees. It makes me wonder what if A's GM Billy Beane had a budget like Brian Cashman. Since Beane took over as GM in 1998 the A's have had only five season with a record below .500. During his tenure the team payroll was never more than $ 79 million with an average payroll during that span around $ 49 million. It makes me think where the A's would have finished this past season had they been able to spend a couple of more bucks on payroll. How do these small market low payroll teams do it ? Are their scouts better than most teams ? Do they work harder because they have to do more with less ? Every year these teams bring up good young players and compete. It's a shame that these teams don't generate enough cash to keep their players otherwise we would probably be talking about other teams having a dynasty.

      I know the Yankees make the playoffs every so I've got no reason to complain. I don't care how much money players make or how much money the Yankees spend. I'm just wonder what's around the corner. I've been saying it for a little while now this team needs to start getting younger. I don't see that happening. With quite a few older players with big contracts it's going to be difficult to trade those players and get young at the same time. Could a playoff drought be around the corner ?

       One thing Cashman certainly will be doing at the Winter Meetings is looking for a catcher. Former Yankees catcher Russell Martin has signed a two year $ 17 million dollar deal with the up and coming Pittsburgh Pirates. I say up and coming because the Bucs are a young team with some very good talented young players. 

     After the season the Yankees never even made an offer to Martin. So what was Cashman planning on doing ? Signing an older free agent catcher like Mike Napoli or AJ Pierzynski ? Here are their numbers from last season. Napoli, 31, .227 BA, 24 HR, 56 RBI, 125 strikeouts in 417 plate appearances. Pierzynski, 35, .278 BA, 27 HR, 77 RBI, 78 strikeouts in 520 plate appearances. Number wise I'll take Pierzynski. Age wise I'll take neither.

Bryce Harper

     The Yankees have some good young talent in the system like catchers Austin Romine and Gary Sanchez. Outfielders Tyler Austin, Mason Williams, Ramon Flores and Slade Heathcoat. Pitchers Ty Hensley and Manny Banuelos. Infielders Zolio Almonte, Angelo Gumbs and Dante Bichette Jr. As good as they might be most are at lower levels in the system and the Yankees feel their still a few years away. Why ? Here's an idea give catching prospect Austin Romine a chance to make the team. Cashman has said one of his top priorities is to replace outfielder Nick Swisher. Hey I've got another idea ! Give outfielder Tyler Austin a shot to make the big club the this spring ! Why are they Yankees always so afraid to give their young talent a chance ? Other teams do it...Hint hint...Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Stephen Strasburg. 

     Romine is the name I've been hearing about for a couple years well then give him a shot. Last season the 24 year old Romine began the year in the Gulf Coast League finished the year at Triple-A Scranton and had 19 at-bats with the Yankees last season. That's quite a progression I'd say. In 1760 minor league career at-bats he is hitting .278 with 43 home runs, 254 RBI, 102 2B, 138 BB, 308 SO, OBP. .333, SLG. .414, and an OPS. of .747. 

Tyler Austin

     Tyler Austin began last at Single-A Charleston and finished at Double-A Trenton. In his short two year minor league career the 21 year old has had 413 at-bats and is hitting .322 with 17 HR, 80 RBI 35 2B, 6 3B, 51 BB, 98 SO, OBP. .400, SLG. .559 with an OPS. of .960.

    This spring training give these two kids an honest chance to make the major league roster. I say give them plenty and I do mean plenty of at-bats this spring. I don't mean in the first week or two of spring training either. Let them stick around after teams start cutting down their rosters. Let the " A & A Boys " get a legitimate shot against major league pitchers. Let's see what they can do !!

    That's it for now stay tuned for an update on any hot stove news plus we'll how Cashman and the Yankees did at the Winter Meetings.

NY YANKEES: The Hot Stove from The Big Ragu

 By The Big Ragu

Staff Writer NFL PRO ZACH

So far this off season the only team with anything cooking on the stove are the Toronto Blue Jays. In a twelve player deal with the Miami Marlins the Jays have acquired shortstop Jose Reyes, pitchers Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, catcher John Buck, infielder/outfielder Emilio Bonifacio and cash considerations. In the mega deal the Marlins get infielders Yunel Escobar, Adeiny Hechavarria, pitcher Henderson Alvarez and catcher Jeff Mathis. If you ask me the Jays are doing more than just trying to compete in the AL East. I think their telling everyone we are making a run for the division title in 2013.

      So what are the Yankees planning on doing to combat the Blue Jays blockbuster move ? They haven't made any big loud moves like Toronto yet but they have added six players to the 40 man roster to protect them from next months Rule 5 Draft. 

      The biggest name added to the 40 man roster is top pitching prospect Manny Banuelos. The 21 year old Banuelos is returning from Tommy John surgery. Last season Banuelos missed pretty much the whole year with a sore left elbow. He was 0-2 with an ERA of 4.50 with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre before have surgery on October 4th. Currently he is rehabbing.

      The Yankees have also claimed right-hander Mickey Storey off waivers from the Astros. Storey was a 31st round draft pick for the A's and made his ML debut last year. In 26 relief appearances he had an ERA of 3.86. 

      They also added outfielder Ramon Flores. The 20 year old Flores hit .302 with six home runs, 39 RBIs in 131 games for Class-A Tampa.  

       Also added to the 40 man roster were right-handers Brett Marshall and Jose Ramirez. Marshall, 22, went 13-7 with a 3.52 ERA with Double-A Trenton. In 27 starts he lead the team in strikeouts with 127.

       The 22 year old Ramirez was in Tampa last season where he was 7-6 with a 3.19 ERA in 18 starts.

Manny Banuelos

       Nik Turley, 23, was 9-5 with an ERA of 2.89 with Tampa in 21 starts before being moved up to Trenton late last season. 

       Right-hander Dave Herndon elected for free agency rather than accept going to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. It's highly unlikely that any of these players will have an impact during the 2013 season.

        One name we might start hearing more of is Francisco Rondon. The 24 year old lefty elevated quickly through the system last season. He started in Tampa then climbed the ladder to Trenton and finished up at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 44 relief appearances he went a combined 5-0 with a 3.93 ERA and had one save. Could he be ready for the big leagues this coming season ? We'll see how he does during spring training. Maybe there's a chance he breaks north with the big club.

      The only thing they have done so far is resign right-handed pitcher Hiroki Kuroda to a one year deal worth $ 15 million plus incentives. Last season when they signed Kuroda I didn't like the deal but he did pitch well. Last season he was 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA so if he has the same kind of season he had last year the Yankees at the very least have added stability to the starting rotation.

Hiroki Kuroda

      The hot stove rumors are beginning to heat up. Some names out there are pitcher Zack Greinke, catcher Mike Napoli, outfielders BJ Upton and Josh Hamilton. Here's what I've heard. The Angels will most likely resign Greinke but the Texas Rangers have some interest. Upton will probably resign with Tampa.

      I heard the Yankees could be looking to sign Napoli if catcher Russell Martin signs elsewhere. Last season with Texas Napoli hit .227 with 24 home runs, 56 RBIs in 108 games. He had an OBP of .343 and OPS of .812 and in 417 at-bats he struck out 125 times. Defensively he's nowhere near the catcher Martin is. I hate to say it but here we go again. His power numbers are okay but it's all or nothing. I said it all last year and said it again in the playoffs. The Yankees can't depend on the long ball. We need more contact type hitters ! 

Cashman

      Home runs are the reason why the Josh Hamilton in pinstripes rumor is out there. The rumor in Texas was that Hamilton turned down a three year offer from the Rangers because he wanted a deal with more years on it. The Rangers are saying there was no such offer. I feel the Yankees should stay away from Hamilton and not sign him. Don't get me wrong he's a great player.  Hamilton is 31 years old. If the Yankees were to give him a long term deal they might be asking for trouble. He has spent some time on the disabled list the last couple of years and in five years the Yankees could end up stuck in another big money contract with an older player who is having trouble staying healthy. If I was the Yankees GM another thing I would do is put baseball aside and consider the well being of another person. Given the history of Hamilton's past substance abuse issues and the extra added temptations in New York the Yankees should first do what's best for the person not the team. Great player but I say don't sign him.

      I've been screaming the Yankees need to get younger. Well maybe they are we just haven't seen it on the field yet. The Yankees have signed Omar Luis Rodriguez a 19 year old left-handed pitcher from Cuba to a $ 4 million dollar minor league contract. According to Baseball America's Ben Balder Rodriguez is a very competitive pitcher with five pitches. His fastball averages between 86 and 93 mph and he has an average curveball. The 5' 11" 205 lb Cuban will also mix in a cutter and slider but scouts say his best  pitch is his change-up. Rodriguez was one of Cuba's latest top Junior and Youth National pitchers. In 2010 pitched at the 18U World Junior Championships in Ontario where he threw a complete game shutout against Team Canada striking out 10 batters. Later on in the tournament he beat Team USA tossing another complete game giving up ten hits, two walks, two runs while striking out five. I'll keep an eye out for him during spring training but it's likely he'll start the 2013 season at Class-A Charleston. 

Russell Martin

     On November 9th Major League Baseball's all time saves leader Mariano Rivera released a video on MLB.com making 25 pitches for " First Throw " to promote the New York Yankees fragrance and launch the Signature Limited Edition for the holidays.  Rivera said he's " feeling good about his overall progress." " Rehab has been great. It's been tough but at the same time, I'm seeing good results." Go slow Mo. 

     Other results I'd like to see are some off season moves to better this ball club. The pitching is fine. It's been fine for the last few years. It's the offense that's has struggled come playoff time. Less home runs more contact I say. Put the ball in the play !!

     Well that's it for now. I'll keep my eyes and ears open for any more hot stove rumors and keep you posted. Stay tuned !!

NY YANKEES: Time To Move On....Off Season Moves

Now that the heartache, anger, frustration, and disappointment is finally over it's time to forget about the 2012 Yankees AL Championship Series loss to the Detroit Tigers and move on.

     Not only do us Yankees fans have to move on but there's a possibility that some players may be moving on as well. Closer Rafael Soriano, pitcher Hiroki Kuroda, and outfielder Nick Swisher have each turned the Yankees one year offer of $ 13.3 million dollars.

     Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement teams can make one year qualifying offers for the average of the previous season's top 125 salaries. This year is $ 13.3 million to any impending free agent. If the player declines, he can still re-sign with his old team at a difference price. If a player rejects the qualifying offer and signs elsewhere, his former team will receive a compensation draft pick between the first and second rounds, determined by reverse order of winning percentage. Okay now that you understand the rules let's get to the players.

      After becoming the closer in mid May the 32 year Soriano saved 42 games in 46 chances this past season while posting an ERA of 2.26. According to Soriano's agent Scott Boras, Soriano will be looking for closer money even if he stays with Yankees as a setup man or signs as a closer somewhere else. 

     Kuroda, 37, who was 16-11 with an ERA of 3.32 will probably take the one year deal worth $ 13.3 million. Word is he wants a one year deal and it's a $ 3.3 million dollar increase from this past years salary. I threw Kuroda under the bus most of last season. Man was I wrong. My apologies to him. He pitched much better than I expected I say sign him. 

     Last season Swisher, 31, hit .272 with 24 homeruns. Since he has been here Swisher has been pretty consistent during the regular season. In his four years in New York he has a BA of .268 with 105 homeruns and 349 RBIs. But we all know it's what you do in October that matters. In his four post seasons with the Yankees Swisher has hit .162 with 4 homeruns and 7 RBIs.

     Are all three players playing hard ball with the Yankees ? Probably. It is expected that Soriano and Kuroda are going to have serious contract talks with the Yankees.

     If all three decide to sign elsewhere that would free up $ 39.9 million dollars for use in the free agent market this winter. Keep in mind though, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner would like to see his payroll stay under $ 189 million in 2014 to avoid paying MLB's luxury tax. Hey here's an idea. Younger players cost less. Want to lower the payroll ? Get younger !!  ? Seems like I've heard that somewhere before. 

     This past week Yankees GM Brian Cashman was in Indian Wells, California for the annual General Managers Meetings. The topic of conversation wasn't which top free agents are the Yankees interested in but are third baseman Alex Rodriguez and outfielder Curtis Granderson on the trading block. Cashman stated that neither were going to be traded. Cashman said, " We're not trading Alex Rodriguez. I have talked to every team in baseball, I have not offered Alex in any trade and you'll be able to confirm that with them." 

     Cashman also said, " I fully expect Curtis Granderson to be with us next year." " We picked up his option with the intention of having him here, so I expect that."

     The Yankees have made some early moves already this off season. On Tuesday they claimed two pitchers off waivers. Right-hander David Herdon from the Blue Jays and lefty Josh Spence from the Padres.

      This past June Herdon underwent Tommy John surgery. Over the past three season with the Phillies the 27 year old Herdon has made 97 appearances posting an ERA of 3.85. After claiming him off waivers in October Toronto released him eight days later. Before his injury he appeared in five games for the Phillies.

      In 2011 Spence had an ERA of 2.73 with 31 strike outs in 29 2/3 innings. Last season the 24 year old Australian had an ERA of 4.35 in 11 appearances. He played most of last season at Triple-A Tucson where he posted an ERA of 4.20 in 31 appearances.

Cashman

      The have also claimed off waivers Giants catcher Eli Whiteside. Whiteside, 33, spent most of last year at Triple-A Fresno hitting .224 with one homerun and 20 RBIs in 60 games. I don't get this move. They have Russell Martin, Chris Stewart, and Fransisco Cervelli. After being injured most of this past season Austine Romine is playing in the Arizona Fall League. Time to groom a young catcher. There's that word again !

      Not much to write home about with those early moves. Lightning in a bottle perhaps but we'll see. So let's get to the big guys !

      After going down in game one of the ALCS Derek Jeter had left ankle surgery on October 20th. The procedure was performed in Charlotte, N.C. by Dr. Robert Anderson and a complete recovery expected. The only bad thing about that is recovery could take four to five months. That puts the " Captain " back late for spring training. Jeter has always been a quick healer in the past but he's not 22 years old any more. The Yankees believe Dr. Anderson extended the comeback time frame therefore the Yankees are hoping Jeter will be ready for spring training. Hello ? There's no need to rush back. Just come back fully healed even if that means missing the beginning of the season. 

      On Thursday October 18th pitcher CC Sabathia underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his left elbow. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham. Alabama. All is well. Sabathia will be on a modified spring training routine. CC will be the Opening Day starter.

      Well that's it so far this off season. Not a whole lot to report. I'll keep you posted with any hot stove action so stay tuned !!