Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen

Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen


http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft08/insider/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3197734

By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Insider

Updated: January 16, 2008, 1:56 PM ET

The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft has come and gone. Now that we know who's staying and who's going, it's time for Scouts Inc.'s second mock draft. My first-round projection features 13 juniors, including No. 1 overall prospect Darren McFadden, who is not the No. 1 overall pick despite being far and away the best pro prospect available this year.

The top two picks in this version of the mock draft are defensive linemen and an offensive lineman comes in at No. 5 overall. Furthermore, those three are among a group of 12 linemen from both sides of the ball who project as first-rounders. Much will change between now and the draft in April, but here is how I see things shaking down at this early juncture:

Note: * denotes underclassman; ** denotes teams that will decide draft order by coin flip; *** denotes teams that could change position depending on playoff results

1. Miami Dolphins
Record: 1-15
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: MLB, OT, G, DT, CB, QB
Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey's dominant performance against Ohio State in the BCS title game was a not-so-subtle reminder of his rare abilities. The 6-foot-1, 310-pounder was back to his disruptive ways thanks to a nearly five-week layoff that allowed him to rest a nagging knee injury originally suffered on a cheap shot in the Auburn game. That said, Bill Parcells, the Dolphins new VP of football operations, will make decisions on coaches, schemes and veteran personnel between now and the draft that could steer the team in a different direction. Dorsey is strong enough to adjust to a 3-4 defensive scheme, but it wouldn't play to his strengths as a penetrating interior force. It wouldn't be cost effective for Miami to spend No. 1 money on an interior lineman in that defensive scheme, either, so OT Jake Long and DE Chris Long are also options. Stay tuned.

2. St. Louis Rams
Record: 3-13
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: CB, DE, G, OT, OLB
Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl OT Orlando Pace and the Rams' overall poor play along the offensive line this season make OT Jake Long a possibility with this pick. But assuming Pace returns to form in 2008, the Rams have a much bigger need along the interior of their offensive line, which can be addressed in free agency or in later rounds. Don't be surprised if St. Louis goes with the other Long here; Chris is not a prototypical edge rusher but is still a dominant playmaker with rare versatility and a motor that never quits. The Rams could solidify their defensive line for years to come by following 2007 first-round DT Adam Carriker with Long this season.

3. Atlanta Falcons**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This match is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. Ryan is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2008 class. In addition to solidifying the future of the all-important position for the Falcons, Ryan has the intangibles and character to help the franchise rebuild its tarnished image.

4. Oakland Raiders**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
Running back isn't quite a pressing need, but McFadden is a rare talent and an unbelievable value if he slips to the Raiders here. If the team isn't high on McFadden, though, Oakland could use this pick to fill a hole along the offensive or defensive lines. It should also be noted that the Raiders are financially strapped and will not want to dish out top-five money one year after selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the top overall pick. So, if McFadden is still on the board, don't count out the possibility of a blockbuster trade by owner Al Davis. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, an Arkansas alum, would certainly listen to offers.

5. Kansas City Chiefs**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DE, C, WR, CB
Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Quarterback is still a question mark, but the Chiefs' No. 1 priority this offseason should be solidifying their offensive front. Long is unquestionably the most dominant offensive lineman in the 2008 class and could help Kansas City achieve that goal in a hurry. He has the versatility to play either right or left tackle, and his combination of size, technique, athletic ability and a mean streak would improve the Chiefs' line almost immediately.

6. New York Jets
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB, G, OLB
Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE, Ohio State
This seems a bit high right now for Gholston, who flashes top-10 talent in many games (see: three sacks against Michigan) but disappears in too many others. Don't be surprised, however, if he works his way into the top-10 mix by the time April rolls around. Gholston is the best edge-rushing prospect in the class and we all know the premium NFL teams place on those players. He would be an excellent addition at rush linebacker for a Jets defense that is in need of some perimeter heat out of its 3-4 front.

7. New England Patriots (from 5-11 San Francisco)
Record: 16-0
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Patriots would like to inject some youth at inside linebacker, but there isn't a player at that position worth selecting this high now that James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) and Rey Maualuga (USC) are both returning to school next fall. The next priority is to find a replacement for CB Asante Samuel, a free agent who can't be franchised for a second consecutive year, and Jenkins is currently the top-rated cornerback in a weak 2008 crop. His combination of size, speed and athleticism is outstanding and his recognition skills improved each season. Jenkins also brings versatility to the table; he can play some safety and also chip in on returns.

8. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 5-11
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, QB, OLB, DE, OT
Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Baltimore hopes this pick puts an end to its seemingly endless search for a franchise quarterback. There's no such thing as a "can't-miss" prospect in the NFL draft, especially at quarterback, and although Brohm is hardly an exception to the rule, he does possess the size, accuracy, pocket presence, intelligence and work ethic to thrive at the next level.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT, DE, TE
Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Bengals have a big need for help along the interior of the defense and Ellis is a quick, tough and relentless defensive tackle. He has the potential to disrupt plays in the backfield with his explosive first step and can occupy blockers, which would make the Bengals' entire front seven better.

10. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB
Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry. Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback and defensive tackle are New Orleans' biggest need areas and Balmer is the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his potential.

11. Buffalo Bills
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: TE, CB, WR, LB, DT
Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, California
Jackson could join forces with former Cal teammate and current Bills RB Marshawn Lynch to give Buffalo one of the most exciting young offensive skill groups in the NFL. Jackson still has room to improve as a route-runner and he must get stronger in order to endure a 16-game NFL schedule. Much like Ted Ginn Jr. (No. 9 overall to Miami last season), however, Jackson's home run ability after the catch, on vertical routes and returning punts will be too tempting for a team with a top-15 draft pick to pass on.

12. Denver Broncos
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: OT, DT, S, MLB, G
Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State
Clady is still improving his strength but he possesses impressive feet to go along with his enormous wingspan and huge frame. He would be an ideal fit in Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB, OT
Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami
It would be tough to pass on a potential future franchise quarterback in Andre' Woodson, but I get the sense that coach John Fox is more worried about the immediate future. Instead of drafting a young signal-caller who will need time to develop, look for the Panthers to bring in veteran competition for Matt Moore, who showed some signs of potential late in the season. Drafting an end like Campbell, who could make an immediate contribution, seems more prudent for Fox; Mike Rucker is expected to retire and Julius Peppers disappeared in 2007.

14. Chicago Bears
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, G, RB
Projected pick: Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Teams will be concerned about Woodson's occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility, but he possesses the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the NFL. The Bears will likely consider themselves fortunate if Woodson falls to them at pick No. 14 overall, given the quarterback issues that have plagued the team in recent seasons.

15. Detroit Lions
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: OT, G, CB, S, DE
Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, CB, Kansas
The Lions will be selecting outside of the top 10 for the first time since 2001 and the trick is to find quality players this far down the line. The Lions' secondary is undermanned and would welcome the services of Talib; he is a versatile, fluid athlete with excellent size and ball skills. His elite athleticism was on display when returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown this season, and Talib also saw some snaps on offense.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 8-8
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: OLB, CB, TE, RB, DE
Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
The Cardinals have more pressing needs on the other side of the ball -- like defensive tackle and cornerback -- but there isn't a player available at either position who is as valuable as Stewart. He has the speed to provide a big-play element that is missing in the Cardinals' rushing attack while splitting carries with Edgerrin James early in his career. Stewart also could offer a boost as a kickoff returner.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 8-8
Scouts Inc.'s biggest needs: DE, WR, S, QB, TE
Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida
Believe it or not, Minnesota is still in the market for a pass-rushing defensive end despite investing recent back-to-back first-round picks in Kenechi Udeze (2004) and Erasmus James (2005). Harvey isn't quite as explosive as former teammate Jarvis Moss (first round to Denver last season), but he is more naturally athletic and if groomed properly should become a more complete player in the NFL.

Masterson's era was over 4.00 pitching both in portland and lancaster Rem

Well as for Neyer:

Quote:
Neyer grew up in the Midwest, moved to Kansas City in 1976 -- just in time for the Royals' first division title -- and has followed that club with (usually irrational) exuberance ever since.


Quote:
Rob Neyer is a senior writer at ESPN.com. He began his career with legendary baseball author (and now Red Sox executive) Bill James,


So, Grain of salt because I find him completely biased. He is a Yankee hater because of the (fantastic) rivalry between the Yanks and the Royals. All you younger guys have no idea how intense that used to be! The clips you have seen do not give justice to the intensity. You only know the Royals as a doormat. Late 70s early 80s they were a great team. So, Neyer is a product of that, thereby biased against the Yankees.

Montero's is too big for catcher?

Wins does count, groundball outs doesn't. Wang is overrated in fantasy baseball because he's one of the very few pitchers who is one of the top pitchers in the league, yet doesn't help quite that much in fantasy. Joba is considered overrated by them due to the fact that he's not going to throw 200 innings or even that close to it. Possibly the same reason why they consider Hughes overrated, but I'm not sure what the innings limit will be there.

iew this discussion in full-window mode, or bookmark it.

1.
Andrew — January 15, 2008 @ 10:38 pm

Phil above Clay, at this exact point in time, is stretching it a bit I think. I would not be surprised at all if both turn out to be better, but again, I would not be surprised either if Clay beats them all. No, he’s not a power pitcher, but Clay himself has two extremely nasty offspeed pitches. Now, I don’t know if one can really (or even wants to) command a curveball and a changeup at the same time, in the same game, so maybe that matter can be handled by others more knowledgable than I. But Buchholz has outstanding command of his pitches. Don’t sell him short just cuz he’s from Boston.
2.
EJ Fagan — January 15, 2008 @ 11:16 pm

The differences between Clay and Phil are minor if anything. I’d take Phil, but I’m invested in him. The important part:

Phil + Joba + Kennedy > Lester + Buch + Whomever.
3.
Ashish Skaria — January 15, 2008 @ 11:30 pm

EJ that’s an excellent point. The Yankees have the better depth and that in turn that will help them be more competitive.
4.
Billy — January 15, 2008 @ 11:33 pm

I’d take Phil as well. If you look at the minor league #’s they’re very similar. However, after all the interviews that Phil has given, plus the fact that he threw so well in his 2nd start, it gives me faith. He’s got great pure stuff, he challenges hitters. He can truly be a top of the line guy if his fastball gets back up there.

Buchholz is good and has good stuff, I’m not going to say he’s a slouch or anything. The only thing though is I wonder how hitters will respond once they’ve seen him a few more times. And when he does get smacked around for the first time, how does he rebound. Does he become scared and timid and stop throwing a certain pitch, etc.. that’s why I’ll take Hughes now, for his maturity and mental toughness.

And our big 3 is definitely better. I think Lester is completely overrated in terms of where people are ranking him. Some people seem to believe he’ll be an ace, I just don’t see that. Now if you want to make an argument that he can be a great #3 pitcher, I’ll definitely support that.
5.
Mike R. — January 15, 2008 @ 11:42 pm

I think it is a slight difference depending on what you are asking. I think that at this moment Buchholz is the better prospect. What I mean by this is that general opinions of scout and team execs are higher with Buch than with Phil. I also believe that Buchholz has more trade value right now than Phil.

If the question is “Who would you choose to have a better career?” I would select Hughes rather comfortably. He is years ahead of Buchholz in regards to development and better control is normally better for longer careers. Hughes has enough control to compensate for the inevitable loss of a few MPH while I am not convinced that Buchholz has that same control.

In summary. I’d rather have Buchholz right now, but I’d rather build a rotation around Hughes.
6.
dan — January 16, 2008 @ 1:10 am

I think that if, at this point, we are saying that Phil and Clay are about even, then we have to pick Phil. Whether we believe it or not, all of our views have been tainted by the post-injury Hughes that we saw in August, September, and briefly in October. The Phil Hughes we saw and use as part of the comparison to Clay is one that nibbled with a 91 mph fastball and a diminished curveball– not the one that challenged hitters with 94 mph heat and a devastating curve.
7.
Rich — January 16, 2008 @ 3:04 am

Yup, Phil’s rating has been diminished because of the hamstring and ankle injuries. He will regain his standing this season. It would be extremely short-sighted for the Yankees to trade him.
8.
Huuz — January 16, 2008 @ 10:42 am

can somebody explain to me the specific differences between “command” and “control”?
9.
Geno — January 16, 2008 @ 11:57 am

The pitcher who drills a guy between the numbers has command. When that batter doesn’t charge the mound, that’s control.
10.
EJ Fagan — January 16, 2008 @ 12:12 pm

Huuz - Very often, the words are interchangeable. Control usually refers specifically to the ability of a pitch to not walk batters. Command usually refers to the ability for a pitcher to spot a pitch where he wants it in tough counts.
11.
michael — January 16, 2008 @ 12:51 pm

Buchholtz is the more complete baseball player because he knows how to steal. Although he does get caught.

McShay's latest Mock Draft is up (Free Insider Preview so I'm not sure how long it's going to be freely available).

He has the Jets taking Gholston at 6 and the Pats taking Jenkins of USF at 7. FWIW, the coin flip between the Chiefs, Raiders, and Falcons hasn't happened yet so I'm not sure how much stock we can put into this. As the smoke clears, I'm starting to fancy the idea of a trade but, with this being the Pats, who knows what will happen.

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Jan 16, 2008 3:10 pm - Read: Five Under-the-Radar Prospects

...posted by Matthew Cerrone...

At NYFS, TJD explains why RHP Brant Rustich, RHP Dylan Owen, 2B Hector Pellot, OF Raul Reyes and RHP Phillips Orta are Five Under-the-Radar Prospects to Watch in 2008.

Of the bunch, only Rustich appeared on the team’s Top 10 Prospect List at Baseball America last November, during which they wrote…

“Healthy in pro ball, Rustich showed a premium fastball…He pitches inside to righthanders and uses his size well…His changeup shows flashes of being an average pitch…Control was a huge problem before and after his finger injury…His splitter was a plus pitch before he got hurt, but he hasn’t thrown it much since the injury…

“Rustich has enough stuff to start, but the Mets most likely will have him join Eddie Kunz on the fast track as a reliever. Rustich could jump to Double-A in 2008.”

Last November, MetsBlog’s Jordan Zakarin conducted a Q&A with Rustich, which you can read here, during which he had the following to say about his finger injury from 2008…

“Injuries are the toughest thing any athlete has to deal with. It’s far worse than failure. It was very hard on me when I go hurt, cause it was the first time in my life I had to sit out from any sport I’ve played…A finger injury is very significant…every pitch I throw leaves my middle finger. It basically effects everything when it comes to command. Coming back from a finger injury was more difficult than I anticipated. It was tough trying to perform in pain sometimes during my college year. I remember feeling like I let down my teammates when I couldn’t perform like I was capable of.”

In 10 relief appearances for Low-A Brooklyn last season, Rustich allowed just three runs, while striking out 10 batters and walking one through 12.2 innings pitche

Filip Bondy
Packer legend Vince Lombardi's saga begins in Brooklyn and ends in N.J.

Wednesday, January 16th 2008, 9:38 AM

Packers coach Vince Lombardi, who was once a Giant assistant, rides on the shoulders of tackle Forrest Gregg (l.) and guard Jerry Kramer after defeating the Oakland Raiders 33-14 in Super Bowl II.
Buried at Mount Olivet in Middletown, Lombardi is a part of Garden State lore. M. Roberts for News

Buried at Mount Olivet in Middletown, Lombardi is a part of Garden State lore.

There are miniature Green Bay mugs sitting atop Vince Lombardi's modest gravestone at Mount Olivet cemetery in Middletown, N.J. On the ground there is a contemplative photo of the great coach in his salad days, forever victorious, eternally a Packer.

He is laid out here alongside a narrow roadway in Section 30, across from some cherry trees, next to his wife Marie.

Somebody has contributed a Super Bowl XXXI flag to commemorate the latest Green Bay championship, over New England. And then there is a recent addition, placed neatly between the evergreen bushes: A $74.27 ticket stub from the Packer game at Giants Stadium last September.

If he were alive, Lombardi would no doubt be shocked by the price of that seat, while approving of the Packers' impressive victory that day. But then he also was an offensive coordinator for the Giants, and might have had mixed emotions about the upcoming NFC title game on Sunday.

Lombardi might even have given the Giants one of his more famous pep adages: "It's not whether you get kicked down, it's whether you get up."

You travel up and down New Jersey's biggest highways these days to find the heart and inspiration of the old-style Packers.

The great Lombardi quite literally rests not far from the Garden State Parkway and is a rest stop on the Turnpike.

And it is here that his legacy is both cherished and vaguely threatened.

He lived among us once, when he wasn't quite bigger than life, long before his death at 57 of intestinal cancer in 1970. Lombardi was raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, and flirted for years with the notion of becoming a priest. But then he became a teacher and football coach at St. Cecilia in Englewood, and the rest is the stuff of celebrity biography.

Lombardi captured five NFL titles, including the first two Super Bowls. He was rumpled and dignified at the same time, somehow. He became the personification of the American professional football coach, the first icon of his kind. He was more than a man. He became the embodiment of an entire profession.

"It's just a small gravestone, but we get a lot of people coming here, looking for it," said JoAnn Christopher, an office worker at the cemetery. "A lot of high school football coaches come to touch it. I don't know if it really helps, but they think it does."

It isn't just here in Middletown. There are little memories of Lombardi scattered all over the metropolitan area. Here at Fordham is where Lombardi studied so diligently for years. Outside Camp Alvernia on Long Island, a small metal sign marks where Lombardi practiced his own high school football.
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bob s Jan 16, 2008 7:58:01 AM Report Offensive Post
Lombardi, Landry, Belchick and others - Giants Organization sure had a huge impact on the NFL.

Lane Meyer Jan 16, 2008 10:27:47 AM Report Offensive Post
I wouldn't disagree bob s. Packer fans the world over appreciate Lombardi's contributions to the greatest franchise in pro sports. The Giants should recognize Lombardi in some way, perhaps a statue in front of Giants Stadium as a nod to both his accomplishments and his ties to the Giants. It wuld be a fitting tribute to this native New Yorker.

crosswave Jan 16, 2008 12:21:59 PM Report Offensive Post
FILIP BONDY - - YOU'RE THE COLUMNIST WHO WAS DEMANDING COUGHLIN BE FIRED. YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT FOOTBALL ! YOU HATE THE NYGIANTS. YOU CRITICIZED MR. MARA FOR PICKING COUGHLIN. YOU SIDED WITH TIKI THE BIG MOUTH / BAD TEAMMATE. THIS ARTICLE WAS INTENDED TO WRAP YOURSELF WITH LOMBARDI FEEL-GOOD .. YOU PHONEY ****. DAILY NEWS SHOULD PERMANENTLY CAN YOUR REAR END

ThePhantom Jan 16, 2008 12:47:00 PM Report Offensive Post
Great idea Lane Meyer - it's long overdue. When the new Giants Stadium opens for business in a few years there should be some type of Giants Hall of Fame in the building honoring the players, coaches, assistant coaches and naturally Wellington Mara. Even though Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry never were head coaches with the club, how could the Giants history be told without these two greats, and in Lombardi's case, a home grown great.

peachespeaches Jan 16, 2008 1:36:04 PM Report Offensive Post
I agree with cross wave. Filip bondy has been bashing the GMen all season and now he is just another annoying bandwagoneer. Who is going to argue with this article on behalf of Lombardi's achievements in New York? Those who beat children and small animals? Mr Bondy, please go hide until your predictions and assertions are actually on the mark and stop us from having to deal with your phony new -found respect for a real team!

Johan Santana Sweepstakes: Why the Yankees Are Smart to Say No

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/6547-MLB-New_York_Yankees-Johan_Santana_Sweepstakes_Why_the_Yankees_Are_Smart_to_Say_No-140108

by Jon Hanford (Contributor) 16 comments Filed Under: MLB, AL East, New York Yankees, Johan Santana



According to recent reports, the New York Yankees are unlikely to pursue two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana.

That new gives comfort to Yankee fans who strongly believe in the "Big Three" (Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy) as the future of the Yankees' starting rotation.

I'm one of those who would love to see the trio anchor a rotation like that of the 1971 Orioles, for whom all four starters won 20 games, and three out of four had sub-3.00 ERAs.

In fact, I have so much confidence in the "Big Three" that I'd pass up the chance to obtain the best pitcher in baseball.

"What it comes down to right now is giving up a lot [in a trade] and then having to do the big contract, as well," Hank Steinbrenner told the New York Daily News. "If [Santana] was just a free agent, we could just go ahead and do it."

But would adding Santana to the mix really help the Yankees?

I think not.

It's already been proven by the 2004 and 2005 Yankees teams that there's such a thing as too much talent. Superstar players have big egos that can affect team chemistry—i.e. Alex Rodriguez. For pitchers, moreover, it's hard for to deal with the pressure endemic to Yankee Stadium.

Take for instance Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson. Sure, they were both old when they came to the Bronx, but the increase in their ERAs was significantly greater than it had been in previous seasons. And when they left the Yankees, their ERAs went back down—Clemens from 3.91 to 2.98 and Johnson from 5.00 to 3.81.

Before the season starts, I don't expect to see Santana with the Yankees. But the trade deadline is another story.

If the other teams in the Santana race—the Red Sox, Angels and Mets—don't make a move before the season starts, the Yankees could be back in it come midsummer. Waiting until the deadline might also be in the best interest of the Twins, as Santana would help the club in the first and half of the season, and teams would be willing to ante up more out of desperation to make the playoffs.

But unless the Yankees go back on their word—which they have been known to do—don't expect to see Santana pitch against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium.

The rotation I expect to see on Opening Day 2008 is Chien-Ming Wang, Andy Pettitte, Mike Mussina, Phil Hughes, and Joba Chamberlain. Look for Kennedy to start the year in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.




Comments

1.
Reply to this Comment by shaun
from 1 day ago

i like the idea of the big three but we all know ny wants to win now and waiting along with the growing pains are something that the steinbrenners and yankees fans wont be patient enough to go through. a rotation of santana, chien-ming wang, pettitte, musina, and chamberlain give the yankees a very strong rotation and a team that will compete for the championship immediately.
2.
Reply to this Comment by dan
from 1 day ago

Sorry to disagree, but in actuality, Hughes's ballpark adjusted ERA is only about a tenth of a percent under Santana's. And Hughes's win ratio last season was actually higher. As mentioned in the article, its HARD to pitch in Yankee stadium, so dont expect Santana to bring his ERA with him should he make the trip to the Bronx. Given the astronomical total cost to the Yankees, I say no way should they make that trade. Wang and Pettitte, the Yankee ACES will play the best games of their careers in 2008. The kids will be awsome, BUT - look for MIKE MUSSINA to make huge contributions and be the pivotal difference maker that elevates the team solidly into a World Series contender. Mussina historically has shown a tendency to rebounds after "off years", and has thrown his best ball in 200 inning seasons. With all these rookies I expect Mike will have opportunity to get his innings count up, hit his groove, and return to all-star form.
3.
Reply to this Comment by Anonymous from 1 day ago

The Twins would get less at the deadline, because teams would only be getting him for half a year. I don't see Santana waiving his no-trade in the middle of the season and then negotiating with that one team on a long-term contract, not when he can get multiple teams in a legendary bidding war a few months later.
4.
Reply to this Comment by Paul
from 1 day ago

While I agree the Yankees should not pursue Santana, I do have some serious questions if the young trio is actually the real deal. I think Chamberlin is best fit for the pen.
Hughes worries me, he is showing some signs of being fragile. Kennedy hasn't shown me enough yet.

As far as the 71 O's go, that was a feat that you'll never see again, unless Boston gets Santana.
5.
Reply to this Comment by Paul
from 1 day ago

Word right now is joba may start in the BP again...which i hope he does...its alot harder to find a great closer then a great starter and without a closer we wouldnt win 4WS in the late 90s. I think joba should continue to set up for mo and then maybe next year have 2 closers depending on who is fresh and maybe in 2 years have mo set up for joba..that will be mos last year and we have him locked up so we can do that when he shows he is done. I trust wang pettitte huges kennddy and get one more guy to come up or obv play moose..who can also do long relief
1.
by Ben
from about 22 hours ago

"its a lot harder to find a great closer then a great starter". It would be difficult to find a statement so much further from the truth.
2.
by Paul
from about 21 hours ago

name me a good closer who u can rely on like Mo...EVER...there are a bunch of good pitchers..you have 4-5 rotation..u only get 1 closer and if he blows a game...thats that...look how many teams had leads in WS and u know about great collapses by a closer...closers are hard to find...at least one like we are looking for
3.
by Keith
from about 3 hours ago

I agree, there are only 30 closers in the Majors, many unreliable. There are at least 150 starters.
6.
Reply to this Comment by Scott
from 1 day ago

If the Yankees could, somehow, talk the Twins into taking Kennedy instead of Hughes, I don't see why they wouldn't make that trade. Pitching prospects are so hit-or-miss that we really have no idea what we're going to get out of Hughes or Kennedy, but it seems that Hughes is going to be the better pro pitcher, as of right now. If it turns out that Kennedy is a stud pitcher, then we just have to live with the fact that we traded him away for one of the better pitchers in the game right now. Seems fair enough.

But, I do think that trading for Santana is, also, a crapshoot. Who knows how the pressures of pitching in Yankee Stadium are going to effect him. He could end up like Clemens and Johnson, or even worse, Pavano!

I say do the trade, only if we can keep Hughes, and only give them Cabrera off our everyday roster. If they ask for more then that, we'll just have to let him go to Boston, and ride out the Boston World Series title era!
7.
Reply to this Comment by John
from 1 day ago

If I were the Yankees, I'd stay put.

I say this over and over again.....no one should bite on this deal...including the Red Sox and Mets

The price is way too high - even if he wins all of his starts!!!!
8.
Reply to this Comment by Matt
from about 24 hours ago

Clemens went to the National League and took steroids. Randy went to the National League as well and got hurt after half a season. I don't think that has anything to do with Yankee Stadium.
9.
Reply to this Comment by Steve
from about 23 hours ago

I agree with Matt about Randy and half of what he says about Clemens. Don't say he did steroids unless you have seen psychical proof (other than one man's words) that he is guilty.
10.
Reply to this Comment by Steve
from about 23 hours ago

I agree with Matt about Randy and half of what he says about Clemens. Don't say he did steroids unless you have seen psychical proof (other than one man's words) that he is guilty.

I'm with Jon. The Big Three look so much better to me for the future than Santana would look for us next season. Also, there is no way in hell I wanna give up Melky. I know his offense isn't as good as we all would like, however it isn't that bad and the kid has a canon.
11.
Reply to this Comment by Jon
from about 22 hours ago

Matt--
It appears that you did not read any of the Mitchell Report. According to Brian McNamee, Clemens used steroids in 1998, 2000, and 2001; none of those years were with the Astros. Also, it is not necessarily true that Clemens used steroids.
12.
Reply to this Comment by Anonymous from about 18 hours ago

If I were the Yankees, I'd make it crystal clear to Santana that we want him. We're just not going to give up any young talent. So sit tight for a year. Then you will be a free agent, and get a way bigger contract from us than you could get from anyone else now. So don't let the Twins trade you. As great as you are, you belong in pinstripes. As you know, we are the holy grail of baseball.
13.
Reply to this Comment by Jimson
from about 2 hours ago

While it's true that the Yankees shouldn't necessarily be willing to "give up the farm" for Johan right now, your article is almost entirely 100% shit.

I think it's pretty evident that Joba won't be traded, so let's just leave him out of this.

1. You might "believe" in Hughes & Kennedy, but the fact is they're unproven. They have potential, but neither of them has any chance of accomplishing what Johan already has - and he's in his prime. So talent has nothing to do with this. Johan is better now than either of those two will ever be. The only reason this hasn't happened yet is economics. If Hughes and/or Kennedy were say, 4 years into their career, the Yanks swap 'em both in a heartbeat. But they've got 5 years until they're eligible for free agency. Johan is signed for one more year. That's an enormous detail, if you understand shit about baseball economics. This has nothing whatsoever to do with talent.

2. "Would adding Santana to the mix help the Yankees? I think not."

OK You had to be fuckin' smoking crack when you wrote this. He's the best pitcher alive. He's in his prime. He's a lefty. He's a Hall of Famer. That was simply put, a stupid statement by you. Name one team that wouldn't be helped by adding Johan "to the mix".

3. Please provide evidence as to how Alex Rodriguez has damaged the Yankees team chemistry. Why would the Yankees re-sign such a clubhouse cancer to the largest contract they've ever handed out? It makes no sense. They could've let him walk and been cancer-free, according to you.

4. Like you said, Clemens and Johnson were old as dirt when they came to the Bronx. Then they went to a pitchers' league afterwards - of course their ERA's dipped in the National League. Clemens won a friggin' Cy Young as a Yankee, for Criss'sakes. And the Unit only threw 56 innings last year - nice sample size you're using there, bud.

5. Waiting until the trade deadline is the last thing that would be in the best interest of the Twins. Even if Santana is 15-0 with a 0.00 ERA at the time, the entire world knows he's not staying in the Twin Cities. Minnesota will not sign him to a long-term contract. They will have no leverage in any trade negotiations.

Do you The Yankees have similar type of program like The Red Sox' annual rookie development program ?

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/01/16/encouraging_prospects/

I'm bit of jealous that Redsox prospects are already working out together and having fun in Boston College Alumni Stadium meanwhile The Yankees prospects are doing nothing and relaxing. I would like to see Alan Horne, Jeff Marquez and rest of Yankees prospects working out together , building chemistry and getting stronger. This is the reason why I think Redsox replace The Yankees as model franchise in baseball. I'm bother by this.


Example- Top Redsox prospect Clay Buccholz


"He's had a really good winter. We tested him the other day. He went to the API [Athletes' Performance Institute] in Florida and he's been making gradual progress. He's up to 190 pounds and he looks as though he's grown an inch. Physically, he's put on some weight in his shoulders and his chest."

"My shoulder feels great," said Buchholz, who acknowledges he was very disappointed to learn he wouldn't be on the postseason roster. "I don't feel the fatigue anymore.

"I know what it's going to take for me to stay on the team this year. A lot of hard work and dedication goes into being prepared for 162 games, and that was my offseason this year, that was [what] I put all the dedication toward. I think I'm right at 191 [pounds] right now, actually. It's better than the 178 I was last year.


(Left to right) Red Sox pitchers Devern Hansack (blue outfit), Clay Buchholz, and outfielder Bubba Bell walk through the snow-covered field to get to the bubble door after lifting weights.


I think It's time for Yankees and development staff let their Yankees prospects experience what's it's like to play and pressure playing in NY...I think Yankees workout for their young prospects should be at St John University . What do you think

[quote]oday. The Red Sox have their top prospects report to Boston for a winter program. The program includes an autograph session with fans this afternoon at Fenway Park.

Fans make a $20 donation to charity and can get whatever they want signed by Clay Buchholz, Jed Lowrie and other top kids in their system.

Why don’t the Yankees do this? In a market like New York, it would be a great experience for the young players to get a feel for the city, the media and the fans for a few days.

I know this much: If the Yankees had Horne, Jose Tabata and Ian Kennedy signing autographs at the Stadium today, there would be people waiting.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 16th, 2008 at 1:00 pm by Peter Abraham.
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54 Responses to “Why don’t the Yankees do this?”

1. Larry January 16th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Good point Peter.

A way of exposing them to the Big Show and, more importantly, the fans who care about them and their success.

And for all these youngsters looking to make a good impression on the organization and coaching staff, this would seem like a bright move for them as well.
2. D-Lite January 16th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

Just don’t bring any laptops for Buchholz to sign
3. hughesian bias January 16th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

wow, you are absolutely right! it seems like nowadays everyone knows who dellin betances, carmen angelini, and jose tabata are. not only would it would a great event for fans to come out and show their support for the young players, it would raise money for charity as well.

why isn’t something like this organized?
4. RosterRooster January 16th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

I would be in. I really like Ian Kennedy, and ive been thinking about getting a jersey, but im nervous about a trade in the next 3 years. Whatddya think?
5. i miss bernie January 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm

RR
go for it! i wore my ron dayne GIANTS jersey on Sunday and it didnt seem to effect anything. My neighborhood philly fans still cursed at me just as much as whey would have if i were wearing my manning jersey.

i just told them to enjoy the Eagle’s game
6. pat January 16th, 2008 at 1:17 pm

I think alot of the knowledge of the kids has come from fans wanting to get to know what is on the farm more because the Yanks have shown a willingness to promote from within the past few years.
In the past, there was no use in getting emotionally invested in a player who was going to end up playing for another team before he made it to the big leagues.
The Internet hasn’t hurt either. :smile:
7. Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster) January 16th, 2008 at 1:18 pm

RosterRooster,

I would wait for some sort of multi-year deal before I invest in a Jersey. However, you could always buy the t-shirts. Even if they get traded you have a nice throw back t-shirt that didn’t cost nearly as much as the jersey.
8. Derek "The GIDP Machine" Jeter January 16th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

Anyone knows where The GIDP Machine has been working out this winter (if he’s working out at all)?
9. SJ44 January 16th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

Completely agree Pete.

Especially now that the Yankees seem so committed to developing more homegrown talent.
10. Stephen January 16th, 2008 at 1:23 pm

The Yankee’s PR department is sorely lacking. I suspect it’s due in part to the huge existing fanbase and 50,000+ average attendance…they feel they don’t need to spend time or money expanding the base.

The Red Sox have that Christmas event at Fenway every year and many other teams (Batimore?) has fan events with players in the offseason. Yet the Yankees only seem to interact with fans at paid appearances or charity dinners filled with rich donors. I wish it was different.
11. hmmm January 16th, 2008 at 1:24 pm

you are right Pete, this WOULD be awesome.

and yes, i would pay for it.
12. cc January 16th, 2008 at 1:25 pm

I think some distinction should be made between first, knowledge about the prospects, and second, speculation/hope based on that knowledge. The internet has definitely widened the scope for pseudo-experts, especially as it has also brought coverage of the major league level to the saturation point. Many people now talk about the prospects as if they’re sure things, based on others’ observation and research.
13. S.o.S.27 January 16th, 2008 at 1:26 pm

i miss bernie
January 16th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
RR
go for it! i wore my ron dayne GIANTS jersey on Sunday and it didnt seem to effect anything. My neighborhood philly fans still cursed at me just as much as whey would have if i were wearing my manning jersey.

i just told them to enjoy the Eagle’s game

You wouldnt happen to be the girl in a Mark Whalbergh movie? INVINCIBLE. Sounds like the same story only 30 years later.

Keep your Manning jersey. Peytons jersey is going to be worth ALOT OF MONEY one day.
14. saucy January 16th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

reasons NOT to do this:
-not wanting fans to get too attached to players that may get traded.
-it may possibly keep people from going to minor league games.

that’s all i can think of.
15. GRRRRRRRRR January 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm

With the internet giving so much more information of the farm system, it means that these players are different than just rumors that floated around. We read more about them and get to read some posts from people who do go and see the prospects play.

Funny, Torre probably knew less about the kids in the farmsystem than a lot of us do. And I am not a Torre basher.
16. S.o.S.27 January 16th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

Roster Rooster,
I say get a personalized jersey with your name on the back. It never fails or gets traded.
17. Rankings Anyone? January 16th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

[quote]
This article sites the Sox farm at #2 behind the Rays. Anyone know where the Yanks are ranked?
18. S.o.S.27 January 16th, 2008 at 1:31 pm

from the previous thread.
Can someone answer this question for me. Has Jeter always been slow going to his left? Or has it gradually happened through the years? The reason i ask is maybe shedding off some weight might make him more mobil. So the talks we have had about him moving to left,first or center are moot.
19. DW January 16th, 2008 at 1:38 pm

Does anyone else remember that the Yankees used to have a Fan Fest (I’m not sure the exact name) before the beginning of each season? I never got to go, but I remember hearing stories about how Girardi was there to sign autographs, and no one wanted to go up to him because he had just replaced Mike Stanley. I don’t know why they stopped doing those.
20. gayle January 16th, 2008 at 1:39 pm

This has been one my major complaints with the Yankees organization and their marketing efforts recently. Yes they have players visit hospitals, do food drives etc and these are all GREAT events but limited in terms of scope. In some respect I feel like the Yankees take the everyday fan somewhat for granted. The Mets along with MANY teams have the winter caravan where they bring players up North to get everyone excited for the season and there is a meet and greet or events available for ANYONE. The Phillies every year have photo day where you go on the field after the game and they set up velvet ropes where you stand behind and almost every player and coach walks behind them and you can take photos. These are the type of things from a marketing an PR point of view that really get the fans involved with the team and make the team part of the fabric of the city. The Yankees more and more seem to cater more to the specialized audience. Maybe they feel like they do not need to do these kinds of things as they are the esteemed Yankees but there are certain things they could do without looking lo fi
21. cc January 16th, 2008 at 1:43 pm

These are strange things to complain about. My priorities would be to have a winning team with reasonable ticket prices.
22. GRRRRRRRRR January 16th, 2008 at 1:46 pm

Rankings Anyone?
January 16th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
This article sites the Sox farm at #2 behind the Rays. Anyone know where the Yanks are ranked?

It all depends on what you read. The RS were ranked 9th and the Yankees were ranked 4th on a couple of farm system rankings that I have seen. The Rays weren’t ranked 1st on that list either.

The Saux are going to be getting a lot more benefit of the doubt rankings because of their success of late. No way do they have the second ranked farm though.
23. GRRRRRRRRR January 16th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

bic, if the Red Sox are an example of class, then I will be glad to be considered uncouth.
24. TurnTwo January 16th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

SOS, Jeter has always had more range to his right than to his left going up the middle.
25. CB January 16th, 2008 at 1:48 pm

I completely agree with Pete. The yankees have put a lot of resources into developing the system and there is tremendous interest among fans to follow the next generation of yankee players.

Perhaps the biggest opportunity the yankees are missing with their prospects is with the YES Network.

The Yankees should start broadcasting some of their minor league games on tape delay on YES or broadcast live on days the yankees are off. I think many people would be much more interested in watching a Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson play in trenton rather than another Yankeeography, etc.

Tape delay would work well with minor league games because the outcome of the game matters less than how the players play. If you find out Scranton lost 4-3 who cares really? What fans want to see is how Alan Horne pitched. Being able to get the box scores off the internet is great. But watching the prospects would be fun and another way the yankees could leverage the network.

Don’t know if it would be worth the investment but they wouldn’t need to have a full fledged TV crew there. Only a minimal set of cameras/ personnel to get the game taped. I think fans would more than understand that minor league TV coverage can’t be on par with the major league broadcast.

I also don’t know if it interferes with any agreements MLB has to broadcast minor league coverage through MILB.com.

Just a thought. I think people would have loved to see Joba and Kennedy moving through the minors last year.
26. Fernando Alejandro (Respect Jeter's Gangster) January 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm

He had trouble going to his left more so this year than in previous ones. I think the knee injury had something to do with it. Nonetheless, I still respect his gangster.
27. G. Love January 16th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

Pete,

I think Brandon Steiner would get in the way of this if it ever was proposed.

Before you know it, we’d be paying $150 for a Kei Igawa framed photo with a actual game used shard of glass from his killer shades and $200 for a Eric Duncan framed photo with some dirt he may have walked on preserved under glass.
28. Neil January 16th, 2008 at 1:52 pm

bic -

Time to get real. The Red Sox as an organization are Johnnie Come Latelys ….NYC wannabes. The Yankees have been doing public relations and charity work for years. Rather than work out at a college facility, there’s players NOW at the minor league complex in Tampa opposed to a tiny facility in Fort Myers smaller than the Green Sardine Can if that can be imagined.
29. TurnTwo January 16th, 2008 at 1:56 pm

CB, to me it would make perfect sense to take it to the next level.

I have to admit, most of the time i cant bear to watch the extra programming on YES minus the actual games. the CenterStages arent really intriguing, and like you said, how many times can you watch the same Yankeeography?

Maybe have a general ‘Around the League’ type highlights show that rivals Baseball Tonight on ESPN, and have another program dedicated to fantasy baseball analysis…

even if they dont tape delay the whole minor league game, I know MSG has a thing where they show Knicks and Rangers games in 60 minutes that packages all the most important plays of the game into a tight little package for fans to catch up on when they dont have the time to watch the whole thing.

RAB does prospect profiles, so how about an variation of something of this nature? Have a ‘draft class 2007′ show that follows the most recent draft class on their way through the system, kind of like in a reality format, with short interviews, player highlights…
30. i miss bernie January 16th, 2008 at 1:58 pm

i love that so much info about the minors is available and that it is becoming a big part of the yankees discussion. on the other hand, i cant believe how people have guys in A ball ticketed for the yankees lineup. the road to teh pros is littered with the eric duncan’s, jason lanes and brien taylors of the world, in fact there are more of them then there are of the melky’s and robbie cano’s.
pay attention to who’s down there, but dont count on there being a jose tabata day at yankee stadium just yet.
31. Yanksrule57 January 16th, 2008 at 2:00 pm

I think if you look at the history of baseball marketing, the teams that do these sort of things do them for a couple of reasons:
1. They spur interest in the team during the off season, keeping the “prodcut” in the minds of the consumer (fan) and creating a demand for tickets. It’s not a coincidence they do these things during the season ticket selling season.
2. For some teams the events have become an annual expected thing, kind of like your companies’ Christmas party.
3. Someone mentioned above that not all teams are drawing 50K fans each night and need to increase the fan base. Absolutley correct. I have the Direct TV package and am forced to watch out of market Yankee games on the local sports net channel. The other teams seem to have some kind of special promotion every night to try and draw additional fans.
What I don’t understand yet is if these promotions are working and that is why attendance is up more every year or is it that they can sell sponsorships to these events BECAUSE attendance is up and that causes buzz and even more people to want to attend (sorry for the run-on sentence).
32. Yanksrule57 January 16th, 2008 at 2:02 pm

that’s “product”

Pete, edit button please?
33. Peter Abraham January 16th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

Neil:

Are you actually suggesting that no Red Sox players are working out in Florida? C’mon, we expect more intelligence here.

This is not a Yankees-Sox thing. Cleveland, Philly, Baltimore … plenty of teams have winter prospect programs. I just think the Yankees should. I used the Red Sox as an example because there was a story in the Globe today.
34. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 2:04 pm

CB, YES does broadcast minor league games, fairly often. I’ve watch more than I can ever remember. In Staten Island games, they had Ed Randall doing games and more than a few times, Whitey Ford would stop by a do some TV work. I know that WWW.MILB.COM does TV and radio broadcasts, so I listen to the Scranton, Trenton and Staten Island games, and I get the Charleston games on the radio here in Savannah.
35. susan mullen January 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Boston does other things such as the Writers’ Series, very popular, and other promotional events. The Yankees need to start doing things like this yesterday. There’s no excuse. The organization and its fans have sustained negative consequences as a result of this detachment.
36. goirish772 January 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

Remember the days of the Yankee Fan Fest? They disappeared as soon as the Yankees had a +.500 record.
37. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 2:14 pm

As soon as they had a +.500 record? That would have been around 1920, right? Just after they got some guy named Ruth?
38. John in Ohio January 16th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

I wonder if Schilling shows up uninvited (”My invitation must’ve been lost in the mail”) and gives speeches … political and otherwise… to anyone he can flag down. He probably signs autographs with RED Sharpie.

I loathe Schilling.
39. i miss bernie January 16th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

gb7
yeah but i hear carl mays was a real cut up at the ‘19 horseless buggy-a-van!
40. cupaJOBA January 16th, 2008 at 2:25 pm

Pete - Since you’re around the stadium and I’m sure you know some of the PR people and whatnot, can you suggest this idea? Of course the fans could, but it would get lost in a sea of letters, ideas, etc.

Its a great cause for the fans, the charity and the players.
41. Mr G January 16th, 2008 at 2:27 pm

Would you rather they be in Florida, Hawaii, Arizona, the DR etc. playing and developing or in NY for PR?

If it doesn’t take away from what they could be doing to develop, fine. Otherwise, there are plenty of ways to keep up with their progress and learn about them. Besides, if they’re coming up through the system, Trenton and Scranton aren’t exactly on the other side of the moon.
42. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 2:28 pm

Jon Lieber just sign a 1 year 3.5 million dollar contract with the Cubs.
43. Gus G. January 16th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

Man, that would be awesome! It’s amazing more clubs haven’t done this.
44. CB January 16th, 2008 at 2:34 pm

Turn Two,

I like the idea of a 60 minute highlight show of the games. That alone would be an added plus. They would still need to tape most of the game - I think for many of the minor league games people would watch the whole thing. But a condensed highlight version would be great - much better than the usual YES offerrings.

GB7,

I believe that YES is currently only doing a few Staten Island games a year. I assume they cover staten island because its relatively easy for them to get out there a few times.

That’s nice, but I think interest in AA and AAA would be much higher. Even if they could get out to Trenton and cover some home games that would be great.

I know you can see games through MILB.com but if you are a team with an entire network to yourself I’d just think showing your own minor league games would have a number of benefits that would add together.

I’d rather they show games on the network.
45. jennifer- Hip Hip Jorge January 16th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

The line would be wrapped around the stadium a few times, and a lot of people would have gone home “sick” from work.
46. Clare January 16th, 2008 at 2:43 pm

When do you think Peter will stop defending Torre? (My vote is never).
First, he’s calling what no one actually said ridiculous. No one said that cash and torre didn’t talk. However Peter mentioned how often they talk during the season. SJ was talking about now.

Also no one said anything about Girardi ordering people to work out. People were speculating about why some players seem to be working out more this off season. I think it’s perfectly reasonable to suspect that having a new manager, with a reputation for being hardcore, might be a motivating factor.
Peter, if you have to defend Torre every time he’s criticized, how about addressing what people are actually saying, rather than creating strawmen to knock down?
47. TurnTwo January 16th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

I know locally CN8 (on the Comcast network in NJ) shows maybe 3-4 Trenton Thunder, and a couple other Eastern League games, a season. I guess that means they have some sort of broadcasting rights… but if its a Yankees affiliate, I dont see how the Yankees wouldnt have permission to show their own minor league team’s games.
48. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 2:48 pm

CB, they’ve done a few in both Scranton and Trenton, and in 2006 they did a few games from Columbus. The games are usually Monday night games. Like I mentioned MILB does televise games on the internet and the cost isn’t outragious. Somebody in the loop should drop the word to MLB about footing the bill for a regular and regionalized package on TV of minor league games. It would do quite well in places caught inbetween. Savannah draws a pretty decent nightly crowd. They do a lot of promoting, especially around here for the military with the Navy, Coast Guard and 35,000 troops stationed at FDt. Stewart, plus the National Guard. They do have radio broadcasts, but, no local access TV coverage.
49. CB January 16th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

TurnTwo,

The CN8 coverage of Trenton last year was great - but its only a few games.

The game they televised of Joba’s start in Trenton was fantastic. That was the point where you could really see how special he was.

Even all of his stats up to that point didn’t really show what he was like that game did.

After that telecast you could just see that major league hitters were not going to be able to make consistent contact on his fastball or slider.

Getting more of those glimpses of future yankees would be great.

I’m sure the yankees signed some small deal with CN8 to cover a few games. I’d guess they could switch them to yes if they wanted.
50. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

TurnTwo, part of the reason, I suppose that the Yanks can’t show more is because they don’t have ownership rights to the teams. I believe they own the Tampa and Staten Island teams, though.
51. pat January 16th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

The YES network would need to make individual deals with the minor league franchises. The Yankees own the rights to the players but I don’t think they have ownership in the minor league franchises.
52. TurnTwo January 16th, 2008 at 3:05 pm

isnt it then in the best interest of the minor league team ownership to take as much advantage as possible to their ties with the Yankees organization?

the trenton thunder was recently named the minor league franchise of the year, and they draw huge crowds, but doesnt it make sense to partner with YES to showcase “the Yankees of the Future” to a broader audience outside the general attendence on any given night? more exposure means more interest and more ticket sales, you would think anyway.

they have a great ballpark; i was there about 12 rows up from the Portland Sea Dogs dugout when Roger Clemens pitched against Clay Bucholtz.
53. Neil January 16th, 2008 at 3:13 pm

Well Peter, here’s some intelligence. Assuming this is a Yankee blog, it’s highly unlikely that Yankee fans make it a must see in checking what the Boston Globe has to say as a requirement.
New York newspapers (like the one you write for) provide the major portion of news that Yankee fans use as a source of information.
Covering the Yankees in spring training must see you knowledgeable in seeing what a tremendous fanbase the team has down there and elsewhere. There’s a multitude of appearances Yankee players make offseason both in New York and Tampa.
54. GreenBeret7 January 16th, 2008 at 3:19 pm

Turn-two, I don’t know how territorial broadcast rights would fit into the games, though. Like I said, I go to 25-30 games here in savannah and the same up in ZCharleston, but, watch a lot of the games on the internet, or, pick up radio streams, usually while watching the Yankee games, so I get my share. This year should be especially exciting with these kids coming down here.
[/quote][/quote]

Why don’t the Yankees do this?


http://yankees.lhblogs.com/2008/01/16/why-dont-the-yankees-do-this/#comments

This blog has been around for nearly two years now and what has surprised me most is how knowledgeable Yankee fans are about prospects.

Back in the day, before Baseball America and the whiz-bang interweb, prospects just suddenly showed up. There were rumors and sightings from people who actually went to minor-league games but that was it.

Now we have a generation of fans who not only know who Alan Horne is, they wonder whether he would be better off starting every five days for Scranton or pitching in relief in the majors. Any day now there should be a blog dedicated to the progress of Carmen Angelini.

The Yankees have a dozen stars and a $200 million payroll but many fans (and even some of us in the media) care about the kids.

So it was with great interest when I read this story in the Boston Globe today. The Red Sox have their top prospects report to Boston for a winter program. The program includes an autograph session with fans this afternoon at Fenway Park.

Fans make a $20 donation to charity and can get whatever they want signed by Clay Buchholz, Jed Lowrie and other top kids in their system.

Why don’t the Yankees do this? In a market like New York, it would be a great experience for the young players to get a feel for the city, the media and the fans for a few days.

I know this much: If the Yankees had Horne, Jose Tabata and Ian Kennedy signing autographs at the Stadium today, there would be people waiting.

This has been one my major complaints with the Yankees organization and their marketing efforts recently. Yes they have players visit hospitals, do food drives etc and these are all GREAT events but limited in terms of scope. In some respect I feel like the Yankees take the everyday fan somewhat for granted. The Mets along with MANY teams have the winter caravan where they bring players up North to get everyone excited for the season and there is a meet and greet or events available for ANYONE. The Phillies every year have photo day where you go on the field after the game and they set up velvet ropes where you stand behind and almost every player and coach walks behind them and you can take photos. These are the type of things from a marketing an PR point of view that really get the fans involved with the team and make the team part of the fabric of the city. The Yankees more and more seem to cater more to the specialized audience. Maybe they feel like they do not need to do these kinds of things as they are the esteemed Yankees but there are certain things they could do without looking lo fi

# susan mullen January 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm

Boston does other things such as the Writers’ Series, very popular, and other promotional events. The Yankees need to start doing things like this yesterday. There’s no excuse. The organization and its fans have sustained negative consequences as a result of this detachment.

I'm worried about Packers' defense is strong up front

The Packers' defensive line is a big reason why they have reached the NFC Championship Game, and at least some of the credit should go to the coaching staff for doing a tremendous job of rotating big bodies in and out of the game.

Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins start at defensive end and are a formidable duo. Kampman is one of the best defensive ends in the league and is headed to the Pro Bowl this season. He is a master technician who uses his hands extremely well and never gives up on a play. He runs well and gets off the ball low with explosiveness and power. Kampman is an exceptional two-way end and truly one of the best defensive players in the league today. Jenkins is heavy for a defensive end but is a fine all-around player. He is strong, quick and aggressive and has really come into his own this season. He shows great versatility and brings very good penetration as an interior rusher in passing situations.


Plus, pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who normally comes in on throwing downs, puts the Packers in a terrific position at defensive end. He impacts the game with his pure speed, array of pass-rush moves and lightning-quick first step. Gbaja-Biamila isn't able to handle the rigors of being an every-down player, but this rotation keeps him fresh, which gives the Packers the best results all around.

On the interior, DTs Ryan Pickett and Corey Williams are the starters and both are bigger players who clog up running lanes, show good quickness and get off the ball quickly when fresh. With the presence of Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell and Colin Cole, and Jenkins' ability to move inside, Pickett and Williams have stayed spry all season and still have a lot of excellent football ahead of them. Jolly and Cole are now on injured reserve, but few teams in the league have such a deep group of defensive tackles they can count on to play valuable snaps. Pickett can have stamina issues if left on the field too long, but that hasn't been a problem with the wealth of defensive talent that Green Bay had at its disposal this season. The depth inside isn't as good as it once was, but considering the Packers have only two more games at most, they are still in exceptional shape up front.

It is apparent that Green Bay's front office values defensive linemen a great deal. Without any massive needs on draft day in 2007, the Packers selected Harrell with the 16th overall selection. Harrell was widely regarded as a talented player and had a very good junior season but was coming off a major injury and wasn't able to properly show his abilities in his final season at Tennessee. Green Bay knew that he would be a project and this has more or less been a redshirt season for Harrell.

Whether or not Harrell develops into a productive lineman is anyone's guess at this point, but it goes to show that the Packers' philosophy is that you can never have enough talented defensive linemen. That philosophy is paying off and it wouldn't be shocking if Green Bay pulls the trigger on another talented defensive lineman early in the 2008 draft.

I'm worried about Packers' defense is strong up front group

The Packers' defensive line is a big reason why they I think have reached the NFC Championship Game, and at least some of the credit should go to the coaching staff for doing a tremendous job of rotating big bodies in and out of the game.

Aaron Kampman and Cullen Jenkins start at defensive end and are a formidable duo. Kampman is one of the best defensive ends in the league and is headed to the Pro Bowl this season. He is a master technician who uses his hands extremely well and never gives up on a play. He runs well and gets off the ball low with explosiveness and power. Kampman is an exceptional two-way end and truly one of the best defensive players in the league today. Jenkins is heavy for a defensive end but is a fine all-around player. He is strong, quick and aggressive and has really come into his own this season. He shows great versatility and brings very good penetration as an interior rusher in passing situations.


Plus, pass-rush specialist Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, who normally comes in on throwing downs, puts the Packers in a terrific position at defensive end. He impacts the game with his pure speed, array of pass-rush moves and lightning-quick first step. Gbaja-Biamila isn't able to handle the rigors of being an every-down player, but this rotation keeps him fresh, which gives the Packers the best results all around.

On the interior, DTs Ryan Pickett and Corey Williams are the starters and both are bigger players who clog up running lanes, show good quickness and get off the ball quickly when fresh. With the presence of Johnny Jolly, Justin Harrell and Colin Cole, and Jenkins' ability to move inside, Pickett and Williams have stayed spry all season and still have a lot of excellent football ahead of them. Jolly and Cole are now on injured reserve, but few teams in the league have such a deep group of defensive tackles they can count on to play valuable snaps. Pickett can have stamina issues if left on the field too long, but that hasn't been a problem with the wealth of defensive talent that Green Bay had at its disposal this season. The depth inside isn't as good as it once was, but considering the Packers have only two more games at most, they are still in exceptional shape up front.

It is apparent that Green Bay's front office values defensive linemen a great deal. Without any massive needs on draft day in 2007, the Packers selected Harrell with the 16th overall selection. Harrell was widely regarded as a talented player and had a very good junior season but was coming off a major injury and wasn't able to properly show his abilities in his final season at Tennessee. Green Bay knew that he would be a project and this has more or less been a redshirt season for Harrell.

Whether or not Harrell develops into a productive lineman is anyone's guess at this point, but it goes to show that the Packers' philosophy is that you can never have enough talented defensive linemen. That philosophy is paying off and it wouldn't be shocking if Green Bay pulls the trigger on another talented defensive lineman early in the 2008 draft.

ESPN Web
Chat with Baseball America's Jim Callis

http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=18837


Welcome to The Show! On Wednesday, Baseball America's Jim Callis will chat it up with SportsNation. Ask any question and he will try to answer - big leaguers, prospects, draft picks ... anything goes!

Send your questions now and join Jim on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET!

Baseball America Archives: Chats

Jeff (Minneapolis): A season after last year's draft, who now had the worst draft? Best draft? Who's dissapointed? Who's suprised?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Hi everyone, we'll get a slightly early start today . . . We're talking about the 2006 draft, right, if we're talking about a full season passing? The two drafts that look the best so far from 2006 are the Yankees with Joba Chamberlain and Ian Kennedy, and the Rays with Evan Longoria and Desmond Jennings. Bear in mind that it's still very early to judge the 2006 draft. The worst draft at this point looks like the White Sox, with Kyle McCulloch in the first round and nothing exciting afterward. We give letter grades to every draft for every team from 2003-06 -- which should arrive at our Durham headquarters tomorrow and stop shipping out immediately.

Dave S.: Hi Jim, Can't wait for the Handbook!!! Hope your coming to NY for a signing! Quick question could I have your thoughts on Billy Butler and Daric Barton this season? Do you feel each will get 500 ab's? Great chat as always.. Dave S......

SportsNation Jim Callis: No word on a Handbook tour like we did last year yet. Sorry I missed New York in 2007, but that date coincided with my son's 10th birthday . . . Both Butler and Barton should be everyday players in the majors. They both can hit and it's not like they have a lot of competition on their clubs.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ): Ok Mr. Callis, I got a bone to pick with you. Every week you?re kind enough to answer the general what will it take for the Mets to acquire Johan, and some set of Mets prospects is thrown out for you to comment on, to which you always reply the Mets prospects aren?t enough for Johan. However, this week, you were quoted as saying that ?If the Twins wanted to roll the dice, the Mets? offer could be the best deal. (Martinez?s) offensive potential is significant. (He?s) a special offensive player?he can do anything he wants offensively.? So let me ask you, is F-mart, C-Gomez, K Mulvey, D. Guerrra, and P Humber enough or too much to get Johan? How would that offer compare to the Sox and Yanks offers, assuming one of Ellsbury, Hughes or Lester is included? Oh, and go buy the 2008 handbook!

SportsNation Jim Callis: Wait a minute, Chris. I never said Martinez can do anything he wants offensively. In that article in the Boston Herald, I said the Mets' offer potential could be the best -- if it includes Martinez, Guerra and Gomez AND they all reach their potential. That's a big IF, because there's a significant gap between their present abilities and their ceilings. If someone wanted to gamble, that could be a big payoff. But you also could be left holding the bag if only one of those guys pans out as hoped. The problem with the Mets' packages is that Humber and Pelfrey have diminished value, Mulvey is interesting but not a frontline pitcher and their best players lack a lot of polish because they're so young. And yes, go buy the Handbook!

Rory(Sacramento): What kind of production do you expect out of the Yankees young pitchers this season?

SportsNation Jim Callis: It's hard not to like the pure talent of Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes, or the guile of Ian Kennedy. That said, I think expecting all three of those guys to be able to shoulder a full load as a starter in their first full major league seasons is a bit much. They'll all be good pitchers in time, but they may experience some growing pains this year.

Mike, Michigan: Jim, What kind of player does the Mariners Adam Jones skills translate to? He reminds me of Eric Davis in his prime.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Eric Davis in his prime was one of the very best players ever. I'd say Mike Cameron.

Ben (Centerville, OH): If Bruce starts the year in the bigs, what spot in the order should he hit at? The Reds need a guy to bat leadoff, could Bruce fill that role as a rookie?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No, he's more of a middle-of-the-order hitter. I bet they bat him fifth or sixth.

Mark, Milwaukee: How impressive of a feat is it that Jack Zduriencik won executive of the year as a non-GM? Also, he must really be looking forward to having 7 of the first 90 overall picks in the upcoming draft!

SportsNation Jim Callis: Very impressive. We've gotten a lot of positive feedback for giving that award to Jack Z, and it was well deserved. As well as the Brewers have drafted on his watch, they've never had extra picks. And yes, he's really looking forward to the 2008 draft.

Rory(Sacramento): So, I've seen a coupe of different writers who seem to prefer Joba Chamberlain over Clay Buchholz, like your colleague John Manuel and Jerry Crasnick, who recently did a piece on the subject. You on the other hand, prefer Buchholz. What is it that makes you prefer Buchholz?

SportsNation Jim Callis: It's really nitpicking -- there's no RIGHT answer at this point. I ranked them as the top two pitching prospects at the game, with Buchholz at No. 2 overall on my Top 50 and Joba at No. 3. I went with Buchholz because I think he has a better chance at holding up as a starter and he has a deeper repertoire. If you wanted to argue for Joba because his fastball and breaking ball are dominant pitches, that's defensible too.

Jason (Salem, OR): It seems there's a wide range of opinions on Lars Anderson. Some prospect gurus say he's a legit Top 20 type prospect while others are intrigued by his power potential but don't claim him to be a top notch prospect.

SportsNation Jim Callis: I'm obviously in the first camp, and probably am the biggest Anderson booster around. He didn't put up huge numbers last year in low Class A, so maybe that's why others aren't on the bandwagon. But he's an incredibly gifted hitter with a short, powerful, easy swing and he already drives the ball to the opposite field. When he starts pulling pitches, watch out. He's going to have a huge year this year at Lancaster's launching pad. He's also just 20.

Nils (Stamford): What's the hold up with the Alexei Ramirez signing? What would you say his ceiling is?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Just red tape, which often happens with signing Cuban players. The White Sox will get the deal done, though it will take some time. I think his ceiling is as a solid regular, not a star.

Chris (Portland, OR): "Eric Davis in his prime was one of the very best players ever." Excuse me?
you next week.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Go look at his 1986-89 numbers, and realize that he was missing 30 games a year with injuries and still averaging 30 homers and nearly 50 steals a year.

Frank (Chicago): Jim, you think Geovanny Soto is the real deal despite previous mediocre seasons in the minors? How does he size up against Suzuki, Salty and Towles???

SportsNation Jim Callis: That's a good question. He never really hit a whole lot, and then he led the minors in OPS. I think he's for real, though I don't think his bat is really that good. I'd rank those guys like this: Saltalamacchia, Soto, Towles, Suzuki.

Pete, Cincy, OH: How great was it? Playoff atmosphere, the frozen tundra, a snow storm, Packers down early-then come roaring back. This game will be permanently etched in your son's memory.

SportsNation Jim Callis: It was awesome and it wasn't even that cold. That game will be permanently etched in my memory too. Don't forget seeing Favre being Favre. Anyone who is an NFL fan should make the trek to Lambeau. If it's a snow game, all the better. Of course, my son wants to go back this weekend, but it's going to be a lot colder and tickets are going for four times as much. We'll be watching that one on TV.

Dante S Garfield,New Jersey: Great job as always Jim! Can I pick your brain on what you think the impact if any Luke Hochevar and Felix Pie will have on KC and Chi. this season? -Dante

SportsNation Jim Callis: I don't think either will have a huge season. Hochever got hit harder than expected in the minors last year and will need some time to adapt to the majors. I'm still not sure Pie's polished enough to hit as an everyday player, and I don't think Piniella will play him if he's not producing. If the Cubs trade for Brian Roberts, you could see a lot of Fukudome in center and DeRosa in right.

Jon (STL): So approximately when should I expect to receive the prospect handbook if it is already ordered?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Sometime next week.

Ian ( San Fran): If the decision to make the Santana trade was totally in Cashman's hands how would you see it playing out?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I suspect he'd hold onto his young players and not make the deal.

Kevin (FC): What would it take for the Rays to draft a HS player like Tim Beckham or Gerrit Cole over the frontrunning college guys like Pedro Alvarez, Aaron Crow, and Brian Matusz?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Picking No. 1, I think they'll take whoever they think the best player is, regardless of deomographic. So it would take Beckham or Cole establishing himself in that regard.

Ross (CA): Hey Jim, can I get your quick take on Nate Schierholtz? Seems there is a huge disagreement over his potential. I feel he is a potential solid regular in the majors.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Potential solid regular is fair. I think you could argue decent vs. solid regular. He can hit, won't be a star-level guy.

Erich (CT): What's your take on the Rolen-Glaus deal?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Makes sense for both clubs. I'd rather have Rolen, but can he stay healthy?

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA): Now that the A's have gutted their Big team and reloaded the farm system, and are still doing so, how do these kids look? How many of them will have an impact in 2008?

SportsNation Jim Callis: You may see Carlos Gonzalez and Gio Gonzalez in 2008, though they could use some time in Triple-A. Most of the guys they dealt for are a year or two away. Unless at least three out of the two Gonzalezes, Brett Anderson and Fautino de los Santos become good big league players, these trades won't help the A's in the long run. Haren and Swisher were good, young and affordable -- the type of guys you'd usually try to build around.

Mike (Charleston, SC): Jim, I've got a Braves question for you. What do you think about the Kotsay/Devine swap? Did the Braves cash out at the right time on Devine, or did they give up a potential closer for one year of a declining CF'er?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I'm not a huge Devine fan. That deal makes sense for both clubs. Kotsay still has to prove his health, but I like him more than Josh Anderson. Neither Devine nor Jamie Richmond is a top prospect, but they'll help the A's in the future more than Kotsay would have.

Bill Simmons (ESPN): Jim! Talk to me about how my Boston Red Sox will repeat next year.

SportsNation Jim Callis: This isn't really the Sports Guy, I'm sure, but on Jan. 16, the Red Sox still look like the best team in baseball to me. I'd put the Tigers second, the Indians third, the Yankees fourth and the Angels fifth.

Jason, Baltimore: Why does Troy Patton get more hype when I get the feeling Matt Albers is more highly regarded, at least by BA?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Not sure either of those is really true. Who's hyping Troy Patton--he's probably a No. 4 starter. Albers has a better arm but not the same polish. He has more potential but also more risk.

Cyrus (San Francisco, CA): Building on that, why have the A's not tried to unload Chavez? He's injury prone, getting older, and has fallen off offensively, plus he has their biggest salary number..

SportsNation Jim Callis: I'm sure they would if he could, but with at least another three years and $37 million remaining on his contract, he's not as desirable.

Drew (Charlotte, NC): Jim...who is the odd man/men out of the Brewers outfield with the acquisition of Mike Cameron?

SportsNation Jim Callis: They didn't bring back Geoff Jenkins, so they could move Bill Hall to 3B and Ryan Braun to LF. That would be a big defensive upgrade.

Ben (Centerville, OH): Will the Prospect Handbook be available at all national book stores (Barnes & Noble, Books & Co, etc..)?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes. That generally takes another month, though, for the books to work their way through the supply chain. But the Handbook will be distributed as usual by Simon & Schuster.

Roger Clemens, Guilty until Proven Innocent, Texas: Do you believe me Jim?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Nope, can't say that I do.

Andy (Dallas): Which of the Braves OF prospects will see Major League at-bats first Jones, Schafer, Heyward?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Brandon Jones. But I bet Jordan Schafer is Atlanta's regular CF in 2009, and I'll go out on a limb a little bit and say that Jason Heyward will be the best of that bunch.

Andy (Dangerous Durham): Hey Jim, always love the chats. Which lefty makes the bigs first Kershaw, Price, McGee

SportsNation Jim Callis: I think Kershaw, maybe even by midseason. Price should be up in September.

Pete, Norwalk CT: Is there any Edwardo Salcedo update?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I keep hearing that he has been massively overhyped and isn't worth his huge price tag, which is why he remains unsigned.

Brian (NJ): I am with you on the Eric Davis Comment. Would have been the first 40/40 guy or even 40/50 guy. Now my Questions. Would you even think to include Jay Bruce in a trade for Erik Bedard?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No, I would not. I like Erik Bedard but Jay Bruce is going to be a superstar.

Max, (NY, NY): Howdy Jim. I'm hearing talk that scouts are split and some prefer Jeff Marquez to Ian Kennedy. I've been hearing about Marquez for a little while but I haven't seen him pitch or heard a real scouting report on him. Power arm? Finesse guy? Deep repertoire? What does he project as, front end or back? Inquiring minds want to know.

SportsNation Jim Callis: I'd still give the edge to Kennedy because I think he pitches above his stuff, but Marquez has better stuff. His power sinker is a true plus pitch with good velo and movement, and his curveball and changeup are solid. I could see him as a No. 3 starter.
ee

Brian (Alexandria): Who has the highest ceiling of the following Nationals high school pitchers ... Willems, Smoker, or McGeary?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Willems probably has the highest ceiling because he has the best pure arm, but I'd take Smoker out of that trio. He has a deep repertoire, a lot of savvy and he's lefthanded.

Andrew (Palo Alto, CA): Seeing that 3 of the 4 teams drafting in front of them already have top prospects at 3rd base, what do you think the chances are that Pedro Alvarez falls to the Giants in the #5 slot?

SportsNation Jim Callis: That would surprise me. At the top of the draft, most teams ignore need and take the best player.

eric (nj): how much better is price than porcello?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Price is lefthanded and has a longer track record. In terms of pure stuff and ceiling, they're equals.

Ryan (Santa Ana, CA): Hi Jim, Angels shortstop this season... Eric Aybar or Maicer Izturis? who you got?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I believe more in Aybar. Don't forget about Brandon Wood, though.

Sam (Boston): Hi Jim. Don't you find it very fascinating that Clay Buchholz has such outstanding secondary pitches considering he only became a full-time pitcher two years ago? Also, can I get the Handbook at Barnes and Noble.

SportsNation Jim Callis: I do. When I first heard about him, as a two-way guy at Angelina (Texas) JC, his coach broke down his repertoire as great changeup, great curveball, easy plus fastball and oh yeah, the slider is a plus pitch at times too. And I remember thinking, "This sounds a bit unbelievable." But it was accurate. Yes on B&N, probably mid-February.

Rich (DC): Hi Jim? With Maybin and Ellsbury seemingly locked into MLB spots, who are the top CF prospects left in the minors?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Let's count Cameron Maybin in the majors too. I would go with Colby Rasmus (Cardinals), Andrew McCutchen (Pirates) and Jordan Schafer (Braves).

Dave (Arlington): Should their be any concerns about the musical chairs the Nats are playing with Chris Marrero's position? Drafted as a 3B, moved to LF because he was too slow, moved to 1B because he didn't take to LF. Is he a future DH?

SportsNation Jim Callis: It's not optimal, but I wouldn't be worried. He can play 1B.

Joe (Baltimore): Hey Jim, What are your thoughts on Brian Roberts to the Indians for Miller, Gutierrez & Barfield? Thanks

SportsNation Jim Callis: Why not just keep the prospects and play Asdrubal Cabrera or hope for a bounceback by Barfield?

Dan (Oakland, CA) : Do you see the Red Sox, or another team, giving up value like Lowrie, Masterson, and Crisp for Huston Street?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Those guys are mostly spare parts in Boston. But I'm not sure why Boston would thin out its upper-level depth to trade for a guy who would be a setup man for them.

Brad(NM): So basically you're saying A's fan have nothing to be excited about for the next few years and Beane is no longer the 'genius' he was made out to be?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Beane is one of the best GMs in baseball. But prospects aren't sure things, and there's still a lot of rebuilding to do. Especially when you consider that the A's haven't done a great job of bringing in talent via the draft or the international market in the last few years.

Doug (NY): You guys had Andrew Brackman as the Yanks #10 prospect. But in terms of ceiling, where would he be ranked?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 2, behind Joba.

Jeff (Minneapolis): Is Nick Blackburn legit now? He was nothing special coming through the minors, yet comes up with some amazing 40+ inning scoreless streak last year at AAA and is/was currently tearing up the AFL? What's his ceiling? Did he somehow just 'find it'?

SportsNation Jim Callis: He got in much better shape and his stuff picked up. He now has a plus sinker, plus cutter, solid changeup, average curveball. Not sure why he doesn't strike more guys out with that stuff, and it bothers me a little bit, but he does keep runs off the scoreboard.

Seymour, Brooklyn: Can you please explain why you think that even if the Yanks were to include Kennedy in their Johan package (along with Hughes, Melky etc.) that the Sox package led by Lester (with Coco etc.) would be better?

SportsNation Jim Callis: While Hughes would be the best player in those deals, Lester also has a chance to be pretty good. After that, I don't think there's much difference between what Cabrera and Crisp bring to a team, not much difference between Kennedy and Masterson -- and I think Jed Lowrie can be a solid big league regular. Those packages are close though. Substitute Ellsbury and another good prospect for Lester and Crisp, and I like that deal even more.

Dan (Oakland, CA) : Following up on your above comments about a possible Street trade... would it make more sense if they planned on moving papelbon to the starting rotation?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I guess, but that would be silly, wouldn't it? Who knows if his shoulder would hold up, and he's as much a lock as any closer in the game.

Tom (New York): hey Jim! Love you work. Who do you feel are the top 5 catching prospects in college baseball?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Well, I'll just crib from our College Top 100 Prospects list in the new Prospect Handbook -- did I mention that it will be out tomorrow? Top five: Florida State's Buster Posey, Arizona State's Petey Paramore, Texas' Preston Clark, North Carolina's Tim Federowicz and Stanford's Jason Castro.

Jonathan (Tampa, FL): Is the minor league trio of Wade Davis, Jake McGee, and David Price the best when talking about arms?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes. No other team has three pitching prospects of that caliber.

Derek (Fond Du Lac, WI): How high of a ceiling would you say Brewers P Manny Parra has?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 3 starter.

Doug (NY): Is Melancon truly going to be the Yanks closer in 2011 as you guys suggest, or since you can't predict trades/FA signings, he won the job by default?

SportsNation Jim Callis: More the latter. We don't predict trades and FA signings there. Those lineups are more to show how the minor leaguers stack up against the big leaguers currently in the system.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Let's go to the lightning round as I try to stave off my hunger . . .

Jonathan (Tampa, FL): Who is the Rays starting catcher in 2010? Dioner Navarro, John Jaso, Nevin Ashley, or a free agent?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Jaso.

Jason (Atlanta): Ian Kennedy or Troy Patton?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Kennedy.

Oscar, Sesame Street: So who do you got, Tulo or Hanley?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Because of the big difference in defense, Tulowitzki.

Dollar Bill (NY, NY): How much is the handbook?

SportsNation Jim Callis: $29.95.

Jeff (Minneapolis): Jason Kubel or Josh Hamilton (this year)?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Hamilton.

Rob, Baltimore: True of False: Houston regrets the Tejada trade.

SportsNation Jim Callis: True, they will.

Zach (Cincinnati): Top 5 in the top 100 prospects list..

SportsNation Jim Callis: My top five is Jay Bruce, Clay Buchholz, Joba Chamberlain, Evan Longoria, Clayton Kershaw.

Steve (NY): Subway or Quizno's?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Blimpie's!

Jim (Green Bay): Over/Under 40 saves for Eric Gagne?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. I'll take "well under."

Tony (Chi Town): When will we see Jack Bauer again?SportsNation Jim Callis: Not soon enough.

Paul (San Francisco): Will the handbook feature a BA consensus top 50 or top 100 list or will it just have a handful of individual analyst top 50s like last year?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Individual Top 50s from four of us -- we don't want to steal thunder from the official Top 100.

Jeff (Minneapolis): Hafner's 08 stats closer resemble his: 06 stats or 07 stats

SportsNation Jim Callis: 2006.

Eric(Lexington): Rasmus or Maybin longterm?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Rasmus. I think he'll hit more.

Bill (NE): Anyone stop the Patriots?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. I think they'll blow out the Chargers and beat the Packers by 10.

Bobby, NY: Super Bowl MVP is ____.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Tom Brady.

Alex (St. Louis): Aaron Poreda or Brett Anderson?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Brett Anderson, easily.

Eric(DC): Garza or Cain?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Cain.

Jeff (LA): Adam Miller or Chad Billingsley?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Billingsley.

Adam (OH): Dennis Dixon? Football or Baseball?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Football.

Kevin (Hoboken, NJ): Alonso or Smoak?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Smoak.

Bo (Honlulu, HI): Future closer: Santiago Casilla or Joey Devine?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Neither.

Brett (Kansas City): Dayton Moore claims that Billy Butler has more raw power that Alex Gordon. Do you believe him?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Yes.

Dan Syracuse, NY: Hideki Okajima 08' stats: a. below 3.00 ERA b. above 3.00 ERA

SportsNation Jim Callis: Above.

Chris (Hoboken, NJ): Jessica Alba's baby's father.. Jim Callis or the field? Don't think we didn't notice you went missing for two weeks after that news went public!

SportsNation Jim Callis: The field. Let's just say that after I fathered four kids -- all legitimate! -- steps have been taken and that baby is definitely not mine. Also, Jessica may be just a little out of my league. And, of course, I would never cheat on my lovely wife!

Eli (Toronto): Is Eli Manning ever going to be a Top 5 QB?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No.

Finn (Seattle, WA): Better Jack Bauer kill: Henderson or Meyers?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Meyers.

Chad: Manny Parra or Sean Gallagher?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Parra. That's close, though.

Luis ( venezuela ) : if you where a cubs exec, would you prefer pursuing roberts or bedard, i think the cubbies need another strong starter instead of trying to adquire roberts

SportsNation Jim Callis: Bedard.

Marcus (St. Louis): Jim, there have been rumblings that the Angels are pursuing Paul Konerko via trade. Do you think there are any legs to this rumor?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Maybe. The Angels wanted him as a free agent after 2005, though. But you guys also know how much I like Casey Kotchman.

Jeff (Minneapolis): Delmon Young or Chris Young?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Delmon.

Jason (Atlanta): Where would Scherzer rank as far as minors pitching prospects if he wasn't considered an injury risk?

SportsNation Jim Callis: He's a good prospect with a great arm. But my opinion more factors in that I think he's a reliever than I think he's an injury risk, though the two are related.

Jeff (LA): Chuck Lofgren or Scott Elbert?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Elbert, if healthy.

Andy (B-more): Is Wieters in the top 20 of all prospects?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 15 for me.

William (NY, NY): You don't see a difference between the 27-year old Crisp and the 22-year old Cabrera? The age (and salary gap) is huge.

SportsNation Jim Callis: Crisp is pretty inexpensive by MLB standards, he's a much better defender and I don't buy Cabrera ever becoming more than an average hitter. So in terms of what they bring to a club, no.

Erbe: Where would Laporta fall in your rankings

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 25.

Lao (Thailand): Hughes or Wang?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Hughes.

Bryan (Atlanta, GA): Where does Moustakas rank on your top 50?

SportsNation Jim Callis: No. 6.

Slew (Seattle): Asdrubal Cabrera's 2008?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Not as good as his 2007.

Jonathan (Tampa, FL): Who has the best hitting depth in the minors?

SportsNation Jim Callis: I'd have to look more closely, but initial thought is the Red Sox.

Doug (San Diego): Barton's power ceiling is how high?

SportsNation Jim Callis: Not very. I don't see him as more than a 15 HR guy. Daric Barton, I presume.

Jason (Atlanta): Better future...Bruce or Gordon? (considering Gordon's hype last year was similar to Bruce's this season)

SportsNation Jim Callis: Bruce.

SportsNation Jim Callis: I must go find food before I starve to death. S

WADA president: Baseball should transfer drug testing to independent group



http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3199742

MONTREAL -- The new president of the World Anti-Doping Agency criticized Major League Baseball on Wednesday, saying the sport was resisting George Mitchell's recommendation to transfer drug testing to an independent organization.

A day after the former Senate majority leader testified at a congressional hearing along with baseball commissioner Bud Selig and union head Donald Fehr, new WADA boss John Fahey blistered the sport for loopholes in its drug-testing program.

"Professional baseball's response to Sen. Mitchell's report is baffling," Fahey said in a statement. "To suggest that it might continue to keep its anti-doping testing program in-house ... is demeaning to Sen. Mitchell and the congressional committees who view doping as a serious threat to public health."

Fahey, who took over from Dick Pound on Jan. 1, also challenged baseball's policy on human growth hormone. Baseball has pledged to adopt any validated urine test but does not test blood. Baseball said there is no commercially available validated test for HGH.

"Equally reprehensible is their blatant disregard for the truth," Fahey said. "Contrary to what they have told Congress this week, there is a reliable test for HGH; the storing of blood is practical, in fact has been effectively in practice for some time in World Anti-Doping Code-compliant testing."

The WADA statement said commercial kits for HGH blood testing are in development and it offered to host a meeting between MLB and WADA experts. WADA also said that baseball should store blood for future testing.

Fahey claimed baseball and the players' union say they will complete negotiations on drug issues by March 1. Thus far, the sides have committed only to discussing Mitchell's recommendations that are subject to bargaining, which also includes a proposal to increase testing.

In addition, Fahey criticized the increase in exemptions granted to baseball players to use drugs for Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The total increased from 28 in 2006 to 103 last year, according to figures cited at the hearing.

Fahey cited that as a reason for shifting testing to an outside group.

"Accountability would ensure that no loopholes would exist to be exploited by management and players, such as the current system used to get around the amphetamines ban by making attention deficit disorder claims in order to have access to stimulants like Ritalin," he said. "By not wholly embracing Sen. Mitchell's recommendations, especially those regarding independent third-party testing and HGH testing, MLB and the MLBPA are essentially thumbing their nose at those who care about the integrity of the game and the millions of youth who are impacted by what the professionals do."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

Of course there are, but can't that be said for every one? The difference between the example you used and Marquez is, usually the scouting report on Marquez -- his level of potential is as of a number 3, or back end of the rotation. That's from any expert. Whether it be from Pinstripesplus, BA, or Prospectus.. on downwards. I've never heard anyone say that Marquez is a "filler" for a team, or on the other side of the spectrum, a number 1, or a stud. So the reports are all pretty consistent.

And btw, i've never heard any expert ever say Melky was going to hit that many homeruns. That's more than likely a poster from a message board. I'd value the experts opinion a little more than that of a homer Yankee fan.