Latest mock draft littered with juniors, linemen

http://pinstripespa.blogspot.com/

Chad really does an amazing job with his blog, and he gets great information about both the New York and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees. He got plenty of news today from an interview with Yankees farm director Mark Newman:

P.J. Pilittere will be the starting catcher for the S\WB Yankees to begin the season, and Francisco Cervelli will head to Trenton. Newman did not rule out a promotion for Cervelli at some point in 2008, and I think he'll be up by mid season.

Pilittere hit .261/.318/.336 last season for Double-A Trenton, and has apparently received much praise for his game calling ability and fundamentally sound defense.

Meanwhile, Newman was sort of vague when asked about the relief potential of some of Daniel McCutchen and and Heath Phillips. While he did not deny that McCutchen could be used in relief at some point, he mentioned that he will probably start the year in a starting rotation. Whether it is in Trenton or Scranton is still to be determined.

He also seemed to imply that Heath Phillips will be used in a relief role, and Newman seemed confident that the former White Sox prospect will be bullpen bound.

Other left hand options could be Chase Wright, Kei Igawa or Sean Henn. I'd go with Wright or Phillips.

Also, Newman does not think Bronson Sardinha will return to the Yankees organization.

That is pretty much the important stuff from Chad's Q&A session with Mark Newman. I'm pretty excited about the potential competitions for roster spots this year in spring training. It should be fun to watch players compete for a bullpen and bench spot.

Ht - Pinstripes PA

Pilettere to start in Triple-A, at least for now


http://emedia.thetimes-tribune.com/Blogs/SWBYankees/tabid/552/Default.aspx

With so many big league jobs up for grabs, especially in the bullpen, its way to early to know exactly what the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre roster will look like on opening day. But we already know the candidates.

Yankees farm director Mark Newman said this afternoon that the Yankees are satisfied with the minor league moves they've made. The team doesn't anticipate making anymore minor league moves, except for the possible addition of a veteran catcher to start in Triple-A, but that move might not happen until much closer to opening day.

"We'll see what happens during spring training," Newman said.

Here's Newman's take on a few minor league matters.

Who's catching in Triple-A?

Pilittere.jpg

For the time being, Newman's answer is simple:

"Right now it's Pilittere," he said.

P.J. Pilittere (left) hit .261 with two home runs and 16 doubles as Double-A Trenton's starting catcher last year, but he also helped the pitching staff to a league-leading 3.18 team ERA. For now, Pilittere is in line to be the Triple-A starter, but Newman didn't rule out signing a veteran catcher before the team breaks camp in Florida.

As for Francisco Cervelli, he's not on the Triple-A map. At least not yet.

"He would go to Double-A," Newman said. "He's an outstanding defender. You may see him at some point during the year."

Also forget about catcher Eladio Rodriguez, who was one of two players the Yankees signed out of the Israeli Baseball League. The other is an Australian outfielder. Newman said he's not sure where either player will start the year, but it won't be Triple-A.

"They shouldn't be on your radar yet," Newman said.

Rotation or bullpen for Dan McCutchen and Heath Phillips?

McCutchen.jpg

Hope you weren't expecting an answer to that question, because Newman left the door open to either possibility for both pitchers. The one that probably interests Yankees fans the most is Dan McCutchen (left), so we'll start with him. Although McCutchen's future may be in the bullpen, it seems more likely that he will at least begin this season as a starter. Newman didn't say whether it would be in Triple-A or Double-A.

"A lot of people in the organization think he’ll be a reliever at the big league level, and a good one," Newman said. "Typically those guys are starters for us. Odds are he’ll be starting at least at the beginning of the year.”

As for Phillips, I threw his name into a question about a group of potential Triple-A starters. I know I've asked Newman before, but I wanted to check with him again. Would Kei Igawa, Chase Wright or Heath Phillips be considered left-handed relief options?

"I would say Heath Phillips, certainly," Newman said.

Doesn't rule out Igawa or Wright going to the bullpen, but it also doesn't indicate the Yankees are leaning that way. Phillips, on the other hand, suddenly looks more like a bullpen candidate than a Triple-A starter.

What about the guys who didn't get invitations to big league camp?

Whelan.jpg

In this case I'm talking about Kevin Whelan and J.B. Cox.

I was surprised Whelan (left) wasn't on the list of non-roster invitees. He had a good year in Double-A, and there are plenty of minor league analysts saying Whelan could play a role in the big leagues sooner rather than later. I asked Newman whether Whelan was on track to start the season in Triple-A, but Newman didn't commit to it.

"He's in the mix," Newman said.

As for Cox, he's coming back from surgery, so it's not really surprising that his name wasn't on that list of 26 non-roster guys. Newman reiterated what he's said before about Cox coming to Triple-A.

“He won’t start the season there," Newman said. "But he could be there.”

Beyond catcher, are the Triple-A position players set?

Green.jpg

Depends on what you mean by set. The options are in place, it's a matter of deciding who makes the big league bench and who moves into the Triple-A lineup.

Nick Green (left) has an out in his contract that he can excercise if he doesn't make the major league club. There's no guarantee he'll use it, but there's also no guarantee he'll be open to a Triple-A assignment. If Green doesn't make the big league roster-- and either Cody Ransom, Alberto Gonzalez or Bernie Castro does -- the Yankees could be scrambling for another Triple-A infielder. For now, though, the team has the pieces in place to fill the big league utility job and still have a strong starting infield in Triple-A.

The outfield is in similar shape. Justin Christian and Brett Gardner will fill two of the Triple-A spots, with right field probably going to Jason Lane. Even if Lane makes the major league team, it seems he would have to beat out Shelley Duncan to do so, leaving Duncan as the Triple-A starter in right. Greg Porter is also a Triple-A outfield option.

If the Yankees need to round out the Triple-A roster, Newman said outfielder Matt Carson and infielder Carlos Mendoza -- each of whom was in Double-A last year -- could be Triple-A candidates. Ramiro Pena, he said, would have an outside shot at Triple-A.

One last thing, what about Bronson Sardinha?

"I don't think he'll be back," Newman said.

http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/archive/2008/01/16/nfc-championship-week-wednesday-practice-report.aspx


By Greg A. Bedard
Wednesday, Jan 16 2008, 12:33 PM

Green Bay - NFC championship week is here. Man, that's cool to just say. Not for any Packer-related reason. Just cool in general.

This is what went on inside the Hutson Center:

*
Everyone was in attendance at practice, however...
*
C Scott Wells practiced briefly and then watched from the sidelines before leaving after jog throughs. We'll monitor this. Jason Spitz moved to center and Tony Moll played right guard;
*
LB Nick Barnett left after jog throughs. Didn't appear injured;
*
DE Michael Montgomery seemed to be taking it easy but took part;
*
WR Koren Robinson (knee) took part sparingly and then left after jog throughs;
*
TE Bubba Franks (knee) went through jog throughs and then left for treatment;
*
CB Jarrett Bush still seems to be bothered by his calf strain. He was limping pretty good;
*
Speaking of limps, CB Will Blackmon practiced under the watchful eye of coach Mike McCarthy and ran with a distinct limp. He seemed to move better as he warmed up, but he's not 100 percent. He'll likely be watched throughout the week;
*
McCarthy got after the troops, specifically the offense line. On one running play, Daryn Colledge pass blocked and was immediately yanked for Allen Barbre. Colledge went back in on the next play.

http://www.giants.com/news/transcripts/story.asp?story_id=26582

Do you expect Sam Madison, Kevin Dockery, or any of the other injured players to practice today?

Madison is going to do individual and see where he goes from there. Who else do you want to know about? Dockery, no; (Kareem) McKenzie, yes; Aaron Ross, yes.

What about Plaxico Burress?

It depends on how he feels usually. That is the way it is. Today, at this point, no, but sometimes when we get up to the field he feels a little bit better and does a few things.

Will Aaron Ross have to wear a harness?

I think we are going to brace him, yes.

Can you talk about the challenges of going to play in the elements in Lambeau Field?

That is the first question. What we prefer to do really is to focus on the things that we can control. We have no way of controlling that, just as we didn’t when we went to Buffalo, just as we didn’t when we went to Chicago, so we will practice outside today and we will do whatever we think is necessary from that standpoint. We need to focus on the Green Bay Packers team, which is a very good football team.

Will you practice outside all week?

I will take it one day at a time.

How do you try to get to Brett Favre since he is so good against the pass rush?

He has done that all year, 19 sacks is all they have, he has 15 sacks against him for the entire season. They have done a real good job pass protecting and he does get rid of the ball very well. The only thing you can do, we have faced that the last two weeks, and you just have to keep coming. You have to keep coming and hoping that you have an opportunity to disrupt or get a hit on the quarterback. It may not be a sack, but you keep the pressure coming so that at the right time it is there.

How satisfying is it for you to see Eli playing like he has been?

Well, he has really taken control of the game, control of himself, control of the offense, if you will, and he has played very, very well. He has done the things we have had to do in order to win. He has performed in the pressure of a two-minute drill, he has performed in the green zone when he has had to with the clock being an enemy, so he has done the things necessary for us to win, and it is a great time for him to be playing that way, let’s put it that way.

Is there a sense that he has turned the proverbial corner in his career?

I am a one game at a time guy. I have always thought he has had a great career coming and for the last three years he has been the quarterback of a team that has gone to the playoffs. I just think that he keeps getting better and better, and that is an important thing for all of us.

An overall assessment of the Packers’ defense?

They are very good; they are very, very good. You can’t find an area…their third down defense is exceptional, and no team in the league has been over 50 percent on third down against them for an entire season. They are a stout front, their linebackers are very, very good, their corners are very aggressive players, the safety (Atari) Bigby is down in the front being physical, Al Harris is physical, so they are a very good team.

How timely has it been to get the kind of production you have been getting out of Steve Smith?

The question was asked about Steve and Steve had played and performed very well in preseason, then had an injury, performed very well during the course of the season and had an injury, so it is a matter of him getting back, getting back into a routine, being a part of the offense again, and again he played very well the other day. We had planned for him to be in that situation and he performed well and it was again, another plus for our team.

Did you see the kinds of things that Ryan Grant is doing now in the preseason?

We always thought Ryan Grant was a very good football player. The response to your question, Ryan performed and played very well during the preseason. We had a position, as anybody who scouts or knows football can relate to, that had five or six NFL football players and that was one of them, that was the position for us. Now you would like to have it everywhere, but that is not the case. This year in our training camp that was the case so we knew that there was no question that Ryan was a NFL player. We hadn’t seen the development in terms of a ball carrier but we had seen all the other things. He had done an outstanding job on special teams and when given the opportunity he had done well in all areas.

How did that trade come about? Did they ask for any running backs other than Grant?

No. You would have to ask Jerry (Reese). To my knowledge they wanted one guy.

What has it been like watching Eli Manning take all the criticism that he gets?

Not easy, not easy, but watching him handle it, that was very reassuring. He is very strong, he is the kind of guy that doesn’t have the valleys and stays away from the peaks as well. He handled it, I thought, very, very well. I am sure inside he was churning away, but on the outside he did very, very well with it and was a great example for everybody.

How satisfying has this season been for you personally?

You know, Bob, I am not going there. This is not about me, it is about our team, it is about the New York Giants, it is about our players and our coaches, and the challenge that you get each week in the National Football League and the attempt to lead your team successfully each time out. That is what this is all about, it is not about me.

What do you tell Eli about playing in the kind of weather that is forecast for Sunday?

The thing that I told him yesterday was that our team is not going to entertain a whole lot of questions or spend a lot of time talking about the weather. It is what it is. There is not a whole lot we can do about it; two teams have to play in it. We have been resilient in the weather, in all kinds of weather; we have gone from a wind chill factor in Buffalo that was very, very cold to Tampa for a playoff game. We have had those kinds of games and so I think we will perform very well whatever the weather is.

What about the contributions you have been getting from Amani Toomer in this postseason?

I sit behind Amani on the plane coming back and he is really wired, he is excited, and it is a great thing to see; him enjoying it. Strahan and him were back and forth across the aisle and really talking about our team and about the playoffs and it is really great to see those guys enjoying it as much as they are.

Are you enjoying it?

Every second. Can’t you tell?

With Kareem McKenzie having the ankle injury, are you having to help him more by lining a tight end next to him?

By protection, by formation, we do help when you have the great pass rushers on the outside on both sides, so some of that is all game plan regardless of whether a guy is 100 percent or not. We are playing against two or three good pass rushers again. Some things we will do, a lot of it just can be as much as another body spaced in there.

Talk about Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw complimenting each other?

They have complimented each other very well. Bradshaw, when utilized, has done very, very well, and the two of them create some problems for the defense because of the style in which they play. I think when we do use them both and we do use them in a capacity… the interesting thing is both of them can do a lot of things. Jacobs can catch the ball, Bradshaw can run inside, obviously Jacobs can run inside, so they both can do a little bit of what the other guy does so you are not restricted in any way in terms of play calling. You saw the four-minute aspect of the game in Tampa where Bradshaw was the four-minute back.

How much of the Vince Lombardi mystique was still prevalent when you were an assistant coach in Green Bay?

It is still there. You can’t miss the name. Lombardi Drive, there it is, you can’t miss it. The idea of coaching in Green Bay for me at that time as a young coach, having literally idolized Coach Lombardi all those years, I think my last year in college playing was ’67 and, of course, that was the heyday of the Packers teams. Everything that he did you hung on every word and read all the books and did all those kinds of things. There is no question that he is alive in Green Bay, there is no doubt about it, and it is always that way.

Do you have any memories of the Ice Bowl?

Yeah, the quarterback sneak.

Was your end in Green Bay a crossroads for you in your career?

The way it ended in Green Bay? That is a pretty boring story really. The great thing about it is that I ended up here.

Is it right that (Forrest) Gregg just left without telling his staff?

He just left. (That is a conversation) for another time.

Are you a believer in putting footballs in the freezer?

As much as I am putting the ball in the water and going out to the practice field, which you asked me the same question. I don’t think we are going to have the ball in the freezer, but we will get some work today. The wind is supposed to be around 10-12 and that is what it is supposed to be at game time.

What about going up against Brett Favre?

Great football player, still playing at a very, very high level. Obviously when he made the play the other day, the impromptu play to (Donald) Lee, it just brings back all the ideas of it doesn’t matter what chronological number you put it on, he is still very athletic and very difficult to contend with because he will move in the pocket. You put the tape on and you see him run the ball, you see him break out, he does whatever he has to do to help his team and what a tremendous example he is for all the young people.

Do you think Eli gained anything from playing against Favre earlier this season?

I think there is something for everybody, all of us, to gain when we watch him over the years. I remember when we went up there in ’04 and beat them when Kurt (Warner) was starting. Favre got hurt in the game, if you remember, came back in and threw a touchdown pass. I am not sure he remembered the touchdown pass.

Any new thoughts on the road winning streak?

Not any news ones. I hope you don’t ask me to repeat the one I have answered every week. I think it is just a matter of the grit, the determination, the character, the leadership, the toughness, and the mental toughness. In a lot of ways when we come out and we get booed, we are kind of interested in how high the volume of the boos are.

Is it worth looking at the tape of the game from earlier this season against them?

Yeah, it is. For sure, it always is. The individual matchups, all that type of stuff and it is good to compare where they were then and where they are now. Second week of the season but nevertheless.

What has to change from that game?

The fourth quarter. At the start of the fourth quarter it was 14-13. A lot happened that wasn’t very good for us in the fourth quarter.

Did you spend any time when you were in Green Bay studying the history of the Packers?

I read, as I said, the ‘When Pride Still Mattered’ book, the Maraniss book. That book says it all for me. I was aware of everything and occasionally you would spend some time with people that really knew, Carol Daniels had been Coach Lombardi’s secretary and she was still there at the time.

What about the success of this team being tied to the lack of penalties this season and the evolution of lowering the penalties?

Penalties lose games. I think there is an accountability, there is a responsibility, to each other. They happen; it is unfortunate but they do happen in the course of a game. They are very regrettable for the player that does get penalized because of the way he feels about not letting the other guys down, but the whole team concept has helped an awful lot in that area as well.

http://www.giants.com/news/transcripts/story.asp?story_id=26586

January 16, 2008

Q: Could you just tell us what attracted you guys originally to Ryan Grant. How did the trade transpire?

A: We have to give credit to our personnel department. We felt all along, particularly through training camp, that the Giants had a very healthy situation at the running back position. Ryan was one of the players that we tracked during that period of time. We were fortunate enough to trade for him after training camp.

Q: Could you go over your injury situation, if there is one?

A: We are extremely healthy. This is the healthiest that we have been all season. If there is someone you want to inquire about, I can tell you about. But we had a couple of guys that were limited today. But we are very healthy.

Q: Was Charles Woodson a full go?

A: I expect that Charles will go. He did not practice today. He went through the jog thru segments and then went to rehab.

Q: Is it more of the toe or the knee?

A: Just probably a combination of both; combination of both.

Q: What has changed about your team and the Giants since that game in the early part of the season?

A: A number of things. Starting with the offensive side of the ball, I think we are playing much better up front. We are running the football better. Ryan Grant is a big part of our success in the run game. Our perimeter group has been consistent throughout the year. And we are pleased with the way the quarterback is playing. Defensively, it has probably been our most consistent group out of all three areas, starting with our defensive line and when we are healthy in the back end we have put together a very good string of football games here down the stretch and special teams has improved all year.

Q: What about the Giants; what did you notice changing about them?

A: First of all, I respect, I like the way the Giants play. I think Tom Coughlin does an excellent job. I have always had a lot of respect for Tom. I like the way their offense and defensive line plays. They are very physical up front. The quarterback is playing better. They are running back by committee. They have veteran receivers that have big play potential. Their secondary I know has had some injuries, but they still come up and challenge you, and a big part of their success is their pressure packages. Their special teams are very good. Jeff Feagles does a great job with the ball location and the punting. It is a very well rounded football team.

Q: What do you see in the quarterback when you say the quarterback is playing better? What do you attribute that to?

A: Eli was hurt the first time we played them. And actually I thought played fairly well in that game in Week Two. And he is making plays. He is doing a great job of managing the football game; keeping them in favorable down and distance. And converting third downs. I thought he has been very smart and accurate with the football.

Q: Do you have the mindset, or does your team have the mindset, that cold weather is an advantage at Lambeau for you, especially given Brett’s record in it?

A: Definitely. Home field advantage is what we are focused on. I think it is an advantage for any football team. It is definitely going to be cold here Sunday. It doesn’t necessarily need to be that cold, but it is going to be cold. And we feel that is an advantage. But we are focused on the little things because we know at the end of the day that is what it comes down to; it’s playing smart, fundamentally-tough football.

Q: Other than being used to the cold, what is the secret to succeeding in cold weather?

A: The secret? There is no secret. Both teams have to go out in the weather and play. And that is my experience with it. Once again, it is going to come down to the fundamentals, doing the right things, staying focused and not letting the weather be a factor.

Q: What do you think makes Brett so effective, though, when the temperature dips?

A: Probably he is used to it and he has played in it more than his opponents. He has been playing for 17 years so his wealth of experience benefits us in a number of different situations and playing in bad weather is one of them.

Q: Do your receivers have an advantage having played in the weather over the Giants receivers?

A: Coming from New York, I’m sure they have had their share of windy days, particularly in the Meadowlands, and some cold weather games. So I don’t view it as a big advantage as opposed to someone coming from South Florida.

Q: Does the Lombardi mystique still exist in Green Bay?

A: I hope so. He is a big part of our history; the foundation of the Green Bay Packers, Curly Lambeau. We have an incredible history and tradition here. And it is really the responsibility of everybody in our organization today to uphold that tradition.

Q: There is talk about a contact extension for you. Are you in any way surprised at how well it has gone so quickly there for you?

A: Are you talking about our success on the field?

Q: Yeah.

A: I wouldn’t say I was surprised. I think we are on schedule. It is something that when we put this thing together we always planned on doing the things possible to put you in position to win championships. We have been fortunate with the players that we have drafted and brought in here; and really the development of our younger players from year one to two, in my view, is a big part of why we are here today because it has given us the ability to have depth and improve areas such as special teams, offensive line and some of the areas that needed improvement from last year.

Q: You are from Pittsburgh; there are a number of successful coaches and players from Pittsburgh. What do you think it is about that area that lends itself to producing so many good football people?

A: I think the one common thread between people from western Pennsylvania is the blue collar approach. They have a strong work ethic; doing things the right way, getting their hands dirty. I’m sure that has something to do with it.

Q: Ryan has had his share of adversity in the past. He cut his arm up in ’06 and such. Do you think that has helped him as far as developing and focusing and dealing with the pressures of starting?

A: I think it has definitely helped him because he has had adversity in his career. He is also coming from an organization that has a lot of success, that has a lot of history. So he was able to be around good football players and was in a good system. Just my experience with Ryan is he is a very mature young man. I know he is in his third year but this is really his first opportunity to play as a starter. I really like the way he handles his business on a daily basis. He is very consistent and a very hard worker. And he is definitely not taking his success for granted.

Q: Were you a little surprised, though, that a kid like that doesn’t let things get too big for him; the gravity of the playoff game and such?

A: Well, we are just in the beginning of this process. I thought he handled it very well going into the Seattle game. And he has another week of challenges ahead of him with all of the attention that he has received from his performance this past week. So I’m very impressed with how he has handled it so far.

Q: The announcers of the game gave you a lot of credit for going right back to him after the early miscues. Is that a reflection of how you feel about him or is that a reflection of your philosophy in general?

A: I think it is a reflection of how I feel about Ryan and the importance that he was involved in our game plan. He was obviously a big part of our game plan and I wasn’t at that time ready to just go away from it. I felt the first turnover was just one of those plays where I wrote it off as an anomaly. The second one was just poor technique. He had his pads too high. The conversation that I had with Edgar Bennett that I was comfortable moving on and I really didn’t think about pulling him at all. There was so much time left to play. The one positive aspect of his two turnovers is they happened so fast in the game.

Q: Obviously Favre’s talent speaks for itself. But how much does his passion for playing the game – how much does that elevate your team?

A: I think Brett’s passion is a big part of who he is both personally and professionally. He definitely exhibits that every time he takes the field. He is a very competitive person at practice and everybody knows what kind of competitor he is on Sundays. And I think it is something our players draw off of. And it is a great example for younger players that have come into this league. If you look at our first and second-year players, they are a little bit spoiled in a sense because of the success we have had so fast. But a big part of it is when you have individuals like Brett Favre out there leading the charge.

Q: Has he become more patient this year as a quarterback?

A: I think there is some truth to that. He is doing a very good job of managing our system. In fairness to him, everybody is talking about this year compared to other years. This is really his first opportunity to run a spread offense as much as we have in certain segments of our season. So I think there are some things schematically that he has been able to benefit from. But I am very pleased with his patience and his ability to manage some of the defensive looks that we get at the line of scrimmage.

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/01/16/much-ado-about-melky-2002/#comments

He’s only 23
- He’s already an above-average outfielder
- His stats compare well with Bernie’s
- We don’t need a 40-homer hitting center fielder

All of these points are valid, though they each have holes in them. Let’s go point-by-point.

He’s only 23

Since this is objective, there’s no denying it. The implication, though, is that he’ll improve over the next few years as he grows into his frame and continues to learn the game of baseball. It’s nice to assume that, but not every young player improves.

Take Melky’s most similar players through age 22. Yeah, it’d be superb to have him turn out like Chet Lemon, Harry Heilmann, or Roberto Clemente. Hell, I’d even sign up for Sixto Lezcano (a few well above-average years, average or above most others) or Max Carey (almost perfectly average).

But then you get guys like Rick Manning, who was good in his age 20 and 21 seasons, but completely sucked after that. Surely there were Indians fans back then saying “oh, he’s only 22, he’s going to improve.” And they saw him turn into a liability. Same with Cliff Heathcote. Solid first three seasons, and then off to the realm of mediocrity.

Just because a player is average when he’s young does not necessary mean that he’ll improve. As evidenced above, for every Chet Lemon there’s a Rick Manning. Melk could reasonably turn out to be either one, or he could split the difference. But in any event, his growth as a player is not guaranteed.

He’s already an above-average outfielder

If you’re talking strength and accuracy, I have no defense. We saw it constantly from Melky over the past two seasons. He’s got a cannon, and he can put the ball on button. Problem is, that’s not all there is to being a good center fielder.

Now, he’s young and decently speedy, so he can use that to make up for poor initial judgments on flyballs. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that come with this. Some day, his legs aren’t going to be what they once were. This could be because of injury or the natural tolls of age. But whatever it is, unless he learns to take better routes to flyballs, he’s not going to be a complete outfielder.

Melky ranked in the lower half of the league as a center fielder in Dave Pinto’s PMR. Now, this isn’t exact, nor is it all-telling. But it’s one measure that shows him getting to fewer balls, on average, than his peers. Even Zone Rating has him barely in the top-half of the AL, though he does look better when compared to the entire league.

In regards to defense, we often find ourselves trusting our eyes more than anything else. What I see with my eyes is a guy with decent range, but who rarely gets a good first step. He suffices in center for now, but unless he improves his skills at tracking flyballs, he’s going to become a liability out there one day. Thankfully, odds are that day doesn’t come for a while.

His stats compare well with Bernie’s

As you saw earlier this week, we we don’t buy into that logic very much. The game does extend beyond stats (hence the successes and failures of Melky’s most comparable list).

We’ve often mentioned the size difference between Bernie and Melky. Most places have this as three inches, though it’s probably closer to four. But in any regard, that’s not the issue. You can look to their swings as evidence of their dissimilarity.

This would be a whole ton easier if we had side-by-side animations of their swings, but suffice it to say that they’re not a whole ton a like. Bernie always had a short, compact swing. He had a sharp pivot on his back leg, and kind of threw the bat through the zone, a la Johnny Damon (though their swings aren’t comparable in many other ways). This is actually why Bernie declined so rapidly in his later years. He relied on his killer bat speed, for which he utilized his legs, abs, lower back, and arms. Once one of those cogs started to weaken, as they are wont to do when you’re over 30, his swing started to come apart.

Melky is frequently referred to as a “slap hitter,” mainly for his lack of power. To me, though, this moniker is well-deserved because of the way he swings his bat, not the result. To me, he looks all arms. He tosses the bat through the zone like Bernie and Damon, but he doesn’t utilize his core muscles as much as Bernie. Or at least that’s how it appears.

We don’t need a 40-homer hitting center fielder

Traditionally, center field is a defensive-minded position. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need heavy hitters in that position. For an example, we need to look no further than the Yankees dynasty. You know why the Yankees were able to succeed on offense during that time? They had heavy hitters in traditionally defensive-minded slots. Bernie in center, Derek at short, and Mariano Duncan (simply amazing in ‘96) and Chuck Knoblauch at second.

So when we had to skimp in other places, like when we had Chad Curtis in left field, we could handle the offensive drop-off. When you have well above average players at certain positions, it lessens the need for superstars at others. How did the Yanks win the World Series in ‘99 and ‘00 with such a below-average offensive third baseman? Because we had Jorge catching, Bernie in center, Derek at short, and Knobby at second. Then all you need are average players at the other positions, because you’re generating so much more offense compared to the rest of the league from the premium positions.

No, it’s not critical to have a slugging center fielder on a championship team. But it sure does help. Yeah, we have a well above average third baseman, which helps offset the lack of production from some other positions. But it’s then tougher to field a league-average first baseman and corner outfielders (relative to their positions).

By no means do I want Melky to fail. He’s a New York Yankee, and goddammit, I hope he turns into Bernie Williams times a hundred. But there’s a point where what I’m seeing doesn’t match up to the hype.

So I’m not writing him off. I’m just remaining very skeptical until my eyes see otherwise.

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/01/16/much-a...-2002/#comments

He’s only 23
- He’s already an above-average outfielder
- His stats compare well with Bernie’s
- We don’t need a 40-homer hitting center fielder

All of these points are valid, though they each have holes in them. Let’s go point-by-point.

He’s only 23

Since this is objective, there’s no denying it. The implication, though, is that he’ll improve over the next few years as he grows into his frame and continues to learn the game of baseball. It’s nice to assume that, but not every young player improves.

Take Melky’s most similar players through age 22. Yeah, it’d be superb to have him turn out like Chet Lemon, Harry Heilmann, or Roberto Clemente. Hell, I’d even sign up for Sixto Lezcano (a few well above-average years, average or above most others) or Max Carey (almost perfectly average).

But then you get guys like Rick Manning, who was good in his age 20 and 21 seasons, but completely sucked after that. Surely there were Indians fans back then saying “oh, he’s only 22, he’s going to improve.” And they saw him turn into a liability. Same with Cliff Heathcote. Solid first three seasons, and then off to the realm of mediocrity.

Just because a player is average when he’s young does not necessary mean that he’ll improve. As evidenced above, for every Chet Lemon there’s a Rick Manning. Melk could reasonably turn out to be either one, or he could split the difference. But in any event, his growth as a player is not guaranteed.

He’s already an above-average outfielder

If you’re talking strength and accuracy, I have no defense. We saw it constantly from Melky over the past two seasons. He’s got a cannon, and he can put the ball on button. Problem is, that’s not all there is to being a good center fielder.

Now, he’s young and decently speedy, so he can use that to make up for poor initial judgments on flyballs. However, there are plenty of pitfalls that come with this. Some day, his legs aren’t going to be what they once were. This could be because of injury or the natural tolls of age. But whatever it is, unless he learns to take better routes to flyballs, he’s not going to be a complete outfielder.

Melky ranked in the lower half of the league as a center fielder in Dave Pinto’s PMR. Now, this isn’t exact, nor is it all-telling. But it’s one measure that shows him getting to fewer balls, on average, than his peers. Even Zone Rating has him barely in the top-half of the AL, though he does look better when compared to the entire league.

In regards to defense, we often find ourselves trusting our eyes more than anything else. What I see with my eyes is a guy with decent range, but who rarely gets a good first step. He suffices in center for now, but unless he improves his skills at tracking flyballs, he’s going to become a liability out there one day. Thankfully, odds are that day doesn’t come for a while.

His stats compare well with Bernie’s

As you saw earlier this week, we we don’t buy into that logic very much. The game does extend beyond stats (hence the successes and failures of Melky’s most comparable list).

We’ve often mentioned the size difference between Bernie and Melky. Most places have this as three inches, though it’s probably closer to four. But in any regard, that’s not the issue. You can look to their swings as evidence of their dissimilarity.

This would be a whole ton easier if we had side-by-side animations of their swings, but suffice it to say that they’re not a whole ton a like. Bernie always had a short, compact swing. He had a sharp pivot on his back leg, and kind of threw the bat through the zone, a la Johnny Damon (though their swings aren’t comparable in many other ways). This is actually why Bernie declined so rapidly in his later years. He relied on his killer bat speed, for which he utilized his legs, abs, lower back, and arms. Once one of those cogs started to weaken, as they are wont to do when you’re over 30, his swing started to come apart.

Melky is frequently referred to as a “slap hitter,” mainly for his lack of power. To me, though, this moniker is well-deserved because of the way he swings his bat, not the result. To me, he looks all arms. He tosses the bat through the zone like Bernie and Damon, but he doesn’t utilize his core muscles as much as Bernie. Or at least that’s how it appears.

We don’t need a 40-homer hitting center fielder

Traditionally, center field is a defensive-minded position. However, that doesn’t mean that you don’t need heavy hitters in that position. For an example, we need to look no further than the Yankees dynasty. You know why the Yankees were able to succeed on offense during that time? They had heavy hitters in traditionally defensive-minded slots. Bernie in center, Derek at short, and Mariano Duncan (simply amazing in ‘96) and Chuck Knoblauch at second.

So when we had to skimp in other places, like when we had Chad Curtis in left field, we could handle the offensive drop-off. When you have well above average players at certain positions, it lessens the need for superstars at others. How did the Yanks win the World Series in ‘99 and ‘00 with such a below-average offensive third baseman? Because we had Jorge catching, Bernie in center, Derek at short, and Knobby at second. Then all you need are average players at the other positions, because you’re generating so much more offense compared to the rest of the league from the premium positions.

No, it’s not critical to have a slugging center fielder on a championship team. But it sure does help. Yeah, we have a well above average third baseman, which helps offset the lack of production from some other positions. But it’s then tougher to field a league-average first baseman and corner outfielders (relative to their positions).

By no means do I want Melky to fail. He’s a New York Yankee, and godd*mmit, I hope he turns into Bernie Williams times a hundred. But there’s a point where what I’m seeing doesn’t match up to the hype.

So I’m not writing him off. I’m just remaining very skeptical until my eyes see otherwise.

The Yankees remain in the mix, though some of their execs are apparently more interested than others. Senior VP Hank Steinbrenner has generally been a "yes'' vote, while GM Brian Cashman and general partner Hal Steinbrenner appear to be leaning toward a "no,'' although there is a sense among those in the know that even Hank may be "retreating,'' which means the Twins' chances of landing both young righthanders Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy as part of a package are surely nil.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the Mets' thinking says he "seriously doubts'' that team decision makers will include both their top outfield prospects -- 22-year-old Carlos Gomez and 19-year-old Fernando Martinez -- along with pitching prospects Deolis Guerra, 18; Phil Humber, 25; and Kevin Mulvey, 22. New York would give Minnesota one outfielder or the other, but not both.

The Mets, though, are said to want to limit their offer of an extension to Santana to five years, and an executive with another team wondered why Santana would approve a trade to a team that won't offer the six years he's thought to be seeking. Word is that Santana wants close to $150 million over six years, with perhaps $5 million coming in a signing bonus, to bring his 2008 salary in line with baseball's highest-paid pitchers -- Carlos Zambrano and Barry Zito.

If the Twins are convinced that none of the three Santana contenders will accede to their demands, they will have a tough call on their hands. Some execs from other teams say that any Yankee offer that includes Hughes is the best one, while others favor the Red Sox's package with Lester. But one National league exec said that the Twins would be better off taking the Mets' offer, assuming Minnesota can accept the idea of a longer-term rebuilding project after losing centerfielder Torii Hunter to free agency. That exec said that Guerra is a potential gem, a kid with tremendous upside.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/01/16/ap.okajima.ap/index.html?eref=si_mlb

Okajima- "It's great that Japanese fans will get to see the No. 1 team in the world," Okajima said. "It will be a great experience for me and the other players as well.

Two world series, The Redsox suddenly have become a number #1 team in the world not the Yankees?