Down on the Farm

[ChrisLDuncan]

Since they haven't gotten their fill from the Tony Womack trade, the Reds have now signed Yankee immortal (and fan favorite) Bubba Crosby! :D

Reds agree to deal with OF Bubba Crosby (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AkuBLr4TyVTSiDa304fqzTMW0bYF?slug=redscr osby&prov=st&type=lgns)

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He was a good 5th or 6th OF. I liked him

[Mattingly]

We haven't had a thread about the Yankee Farm system for quite awhile now. Might as well start now. Ee-i-ee-i-oo. (from Ol' McDonald had a Farm, to those of you who've never been kids). :D

Anything pertaining to this should be posted here.

Yankees hopefuls heat up AFL
Arizona Fall League provides platform for baby pinstripers (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051014&content_id=1249698&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

By Michael Echan / MLB.com

NEW YORK -- The New York Yankees are finally starting to see returns from some of their draft picks, especially a homegrown golden boy.

Eric Duncan is hitting the cover off the ball while learning a new position, and T.J. Beam and Steven White turned in strong outings on the mound. Here is a review of how the Yankees' prospects are faring with the Arizona Fall League's Grand Canyon Rafters:

T.J. Beam, RHP -- Beam was solid in his first two outings, working 3 2/3 scoreless innings without issuing a walk. The 6-foot-7 right-hander hit a bump in the road on Oct. 12 against the Peoria Saguaros, allowing seven runs -- two earned -- on seven hits over two innings.

Eric Duncan, 3B -- As frustrating as the Eastern League season was for the former first-round pick, the AFL has been just as rewarding for Duncan. The 20-year-old New Jersey native is batting .519 with five home runs and 13 RBIs in six games -- all while making the move to first base.

David Parrish, C -- The 26-year-old backstop had a rocky start to his AFL stay, but started to come around toward the end of the week. After going hitless in his first two games, Parrish launched a two-run homer on Oct. 11 against the Surprise Scorpions.

Bronson Sardinha, RF -- Sardinha has been steady in right field for the Rafters, collecting at least one hit in four of his first five games. His best performance came on Oct. 11, when he went 3-for-4 with a run scored against the Scorpions.

Matt Smith, LHP -- The Las Vegas native hasn't had much luck in the AFL. Smith allowed four runs over two innings on Oct. 5, then was lit up for seven runs while retiring only two batters on Oct. 10 against Surprise.

Steven White, RHP -- The big right-hander had mixed results during his first two outings. On Oct. 5, he gave up two runs over two innings against the Peoria Javelinas. Facing the Peoria Saguaros on Oct. 12, White worked four scoreless frames, yielding just a hit and two walks while fanning five.

Michael Echan is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[DoubleX]

Other than the news about Duncan, there doesn't seem much else of real promise to note.

[sandlot]

Anybody know if David Parrish is any relation to Lance Parrish?

[DoubleX]

Anybody know if David Parrish is any relation to Lance Parrish?

I think I remember hearing when he was drafted that he is Lance Parrish's son. He's already 26, and we haven't really seen him on the big league level. It's looking doubtful that he'll ever really contribute for the Yanks at the ML level. They have to start thinking about grooming an heir for Posada. Navarro would have been perfect. He's gone now, so I say try to pry Brian McCann from the Braves. That will be tough, but they do already have Johnny Estrada and another young catcher (can't remember his name, I think his last name is Pena though).

[Yankee Legend]

Ive heard the 1B on the Staten Island Yankees has some promise. I believe his name is Kyle Larson??? I live only 10 minutes from the ballpark so i see him play all the time.

[yankees-chick]

I like that the article on MLB said "yankees re-discover the farm system".

this may have been the first time steinbrenner has heard that he HAS a farm system...

maybe i'm just jealous of the mets (wright, jacobs, mileage...)

[pacewon]

Eric Duncan destroyed the Arizona Fall League. In 23 games, he hit .362 with a .423 OBP and .734 SLG. He had 9 doubles, a triple, and 8 homers. He hasn't played recently, however, and I'm concerned that he's injured, or maybe he was just sent home. Hopefully the latter.

[pacewon]

Never mind, Duncan was just sent home early. AFL is over.

*sigh of relief*

[Ravenlord]

honestly, i think Duncan is the only prospect who'd show up on most teams (read the top 12) teams prospect lists (as stated by Basbeall America). sorry if that ruffles anyone's feathers, but that's just how i feel (not that i think the Reds system is much/or any better).

[Dasperp]

Most Scouts seem to think Hughes is a very good prospect, though he is still young.

[pacewon]

honestly, i think Duncan is the only prospect who'd show up on most teams (read the top 12) teams prospect lists (as stated by Basbeall America). sorry if that ruffles anyone's feathers, but that's just how i feel (not that i think the Reds system is much/or any better).

No offense taken. Our system is not in the top 10 in baseball.

That being said, as Dasperp mentioned, most rank Hughes ahead of Duncan as far as Yankees prospects go.

[Mattingly]

Old McGeorgie had a Farm! E-I-E-I-O! :p

Thunder named nation's top organization
President's trophy goes to "Complete Baseball Franchise" among 160 teams (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20051122&content_id=1271297&vkey=pr_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

TRENTON, NJ -- The Trenton Thunder, Class AA Affiliate of the New York Yankees, was formally recognized by its governing body and the other 160 Minor Leagues teams in the United States and Canada as the Number One baseball organization in the nation.

Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL, announced that the Trenton Thunder has been awarded the John H. Johnson President's Trophy which is given annually to the most outstanding franchise in Minor League Baseball that best exemplifies the complete Minor League Baseball organization. The categories that are taken into consideration when selecting a winner for this award include contributions to the baseball industry, contributions to the community, long-term franchise stability, the financial success of the operation and overall promotion of the baseball industry. The President's Trophy will be presented at the annual Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas,TX next month.

With this latest honor the Thunder has become just the 10th team in Minor League Baseball history to win the three major team awards in Minor League Baseball: the Johnson Trophy, the Larry MacPhail Trophy for Outstanding Club Promotion (2003) and the Bob Frietas Award for Long-Term Success (1998, given by Baseball America). The Thunder has won the three awards in a span of eight years. Only two teams have won the three awards in a shorter time span: Buffalo (AAA) 1989-1992 and Reading (AA) 1999-2003.

"On behalf or our entire organization and Thunder family, I would like to thank Minor League Baseball for this outstanding award," said Thunder President and co-owner Joe Finley. "We are both honored and humbled by the receipt of this award and reminded that the most important part of the Thunder Family remains our fans and our community. We pledge to our fans and our community that we will honor our commitment to provide them with the experience they have come to expect as they pass through the gates of Waterfront Park."

The Thunder has consistently been one of the top organizations in all of Minor League Baseball since its inception twelve years ago. The Thunder has drawn over 400,000 fans in each of the last 11 seasons and welcomed its 5,000,000th fan in the history of the franchise this past season. Both of these are records for Minor League Baseball at the Double A level and below. The Trenton organization has also made a strong commitment to giving back to the community, as the club has raised $2.46-million worth of goods, services and monetary donations through its Grand Slam We Care Foundation. "To win all three of the awards that a Minor League team can earn in just 12 seasons really speaks volumes about the level of continued support we receive from our fans. We cannot thank the fans and community enough for believing in what we do and for spending their time with us," said Thunder General Manger Brad Taylor.

Taylor added," So much of the credit should also be given to our highly motivated staff for bringing an enthusiasm and a passion for what they do at the ballpark everyday. They continue to strive to make the Thunder entertainment experience, our community outreach initiatives and our presence as a partner in the local business community better than ever. It feels great to see all of our hard work get recognized as the best in the nation."

The Thunder are busy getting prepared for the 2006 season, which kicks off on Thursday, April 13th at Waterfront Park against the Connecticut Defenders (formerly the Norwich Navigators) at 7:05 PM with post game fireworks and a magnetic schedule giveaway courtesy of Verizon Super Pages. Full and half season tickets, group tickets and Mini Ticket Packages are currently available by calling the Trenton Thunder Ticket Office at (609) 394-3300 or by going online to www.trentonthunder.com.

[Coal Cracker]

I'm still rather unsure of why David Parrish is still appearing on prospect lists? He's not even that good. The only reason he is really even still in the organization is because of the complete lack of catching talent on all levels of the Minor League system.

Phil Hughes is going to be a good one. I really hope that the Yankees manage to hold on to him because he will be the best lefty to come out of the organization since Andy Pettitte. Though there's not much competition for that. :laugh

[TonyStarks]

I'm still rather unsure of why David Parrish is still appearing on prospect lists? He's not even that good. The only reason he is really even still in the organization is because of the complete lack of catching talent on all levels of the Minor League system.

Phil Hughes is going to be a good one. I really hope that the Yankees manage to hold on to him because he will be the best lefty to come out of the organization since Andy Pettitte. Though there's not much competition for that. :laugh

FYI:
Hughes is Righty, not a lefty.

[TonyStarks]

Anyone have any insight on any of these guys:

Phillip Hughes

Eric Duncan

Tyler Clippard

Chris Garcia

Tim Battle

Matt DeSalvo

Bron Sardinha

Anyone info besides what ESPN and Scouts says about them?
Anyone see any of them play?

I've seen Eric and Bronson play and I was impressed but that was only 2 game samples.

[Mattingly]

Well, let's see if any of our bumper crops are growin' properly? :D Let's see now, a little water, a little love, raise properly, and ... voilà!

If CFer Melky Cabrera becomes useful in 2007 or so, I'm wondering if we shouldn't just have Damon become a DH. :p

Cabrera getting playoff experience
Yankees prospect enjoying strong season with Las Aguilas (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060106&content_id=1292027&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

By Bryan Hoch / Special to MLB.com

With the Dominican Winter League schedule complete, Yankees outfield prospect Melky Cabrera is compiling playoff experience -- a trait that never hurts around the Bronx.

With Cabrera's Las Aguilas Cibaeñas leading the way toward the Dominican finals, the 21-year-old switch-hitter has contributed, driving in five runs and scoring four in eight games as his club plays through the league's round-robin tournament schedule.

The postseason follows a Dominican League regular season in which Cabrera batted .315 (35-for-111) with six doubles, two triples, 18 RBIs and seven stolen bases, posting a .376 on-base percentage in 40 games.

He walked 12 times and struck out 13 times, improving his ratios after working out 37 walks and striking out 87 times in 132 games with Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Columbus in 2005.

In 106 games with Trenton, Cabrera hit .275 with 10 home runs and 60 RBIs, stealing 11 bases and doubling 22 times. In 26 games with Columbus, Cabrera hit .248 with three homers, 17 RBIs and two steals.

Though he hasn't appeared in the playoffs, infielder Caonabo Cosme is also with Las Aguilas. In 14 games, Cosme, who played shortstop at Columbus in 62 games in 2005, batted .318 in 22 at-bats, scoring pair of runs and driving in one.

In 211 at-bats for the Clippers, Cosme hit .265 with six home runs and 24 RBIs. He also stole five bases, doubled 13 times and tripled once.

Rudy Guillen, who hit .260 in 100 games with Class A Tampa in 2005, played sparingly for Leones del Escogido this winter. Guillen had just 21 at-bats, posting a .273 average, and he has gone hitless in four playoff at-bats.

Guillen hit six homers, drove in 39 runs and stole 10 bases with Tampa this year, scoring 51 runs. In 28 games with Trenton, Guillen hit .257 (28-for-109) with two homers and eight RBIs.

Two pitchers from the Yankees' system are also honing their skills in the Dominican: Jorge De Paula and Elvys Quezada.

After having a successful winter ball showing, going 1-1 with a 3.29 ERA in seven appearances for Escogido, striking out 21 and walking six in 17 1/3 innings pitched, DePaula was roughed up in the playoffs.

In two postseason appearances spanning seven innings, DePaula allowed nine runs (eight earned) and 13 hits for a 10.29 ERA. The right-hander came back last year from Tommy John surgery to pitch 25 games in the Minors and three with the Yankees.

De Paula was 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 21 games (20 starts) with Columbus. He struck out 90 batters in 116 innings. In his three relief appearances with the Yankees, De Paula posted an 8.10 ERA in 6 2/3 innings.

Quezada appeared in four regular-season games for Las Aguilas, posting a 2.84 ERA in 6 1/3 innings, and has not pitched in the playoffs. Quezada has allowed nine hits and two walks, striking out five.

In 19 games (four starts) with Class A Tampa, Quezada went 4-1 with one save and a 5.94 ERA. Quezada also pitched 16 games (one start) for Class A Charleston, going 1-1 with a 1.95 ERA. In 79 1/3 innings for the two teams, Quezada struck out 87 batters.

Bryan Hoch is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[LilJeter]

Hughes (as I said earlier), lived right by me and I saw him pitch in high school a lot. One day a couple of scouts were radaring him, and he hit 97. Is that fast or is that fast? anywayz, he is throwing hard... but having trouble developing other pitches. The yankees want him to throw a change, curve, and keep his fastball. This is from his parents info ^.^

[Mattingly]

Speaking of Hughes:

BABY ROCKET DRAWS RAVES FROM GIAMBI (http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees/62364.htm)
February 24, 2006 -- TAMPA — Jason Giambi compared him to a Hall of Famer after seeing Phillip Hughes throw batting practice for eight minutes yesterday at Legends Field.
"He reminds me of Roger Clemens; that fastball is late," Giambi said after being one of four Yankees to face the 6-foot-5, 220-pound, 19-year-old right-hander. "I don't care what the radar gun says. He's got good stuff."

Hughes, the No. 1 pick two years ago, was startled to hear what Giambi had to say.

"That's quite a compliment," Hughes said. "[Clemens] has far more quality big-league years...
I wouldn't mind seeing this guy in spring training. Even if he doesn't make the squad, you can never have enough pitching. A stud rook will always be welcome.

[DoubleX]

He's only 19 and the consensus about him is that he's a stud in the making. Many comparisons have been made to Mark Prior, but of course that also the injury connotations (and I think Hughes did have troubles last year). The Yanks would be best served bringing him along slowly and not overworking him. Like I said, he's only 19, so there's plenty of time to develop him. Nevertheless, if he's dominating AA and AAA this year like he did A and AA last year, I would very much like to see the Yanks give him a shot during the season if some starters go down.

[Mattingly]

He's only 19 and the consensus about him is that he's a stud in the making. Many comparisons have been made to Mark Prior, but of course that also the injury connotations (and I think Hughes did have troubles last year). The Yanks would be best served bringing him along slowly and not overworking him. Like I said, he's only 19, so there's plenty of time to develop him. Nevertheless, if he's dominating AA and AAA this year like he did A and AA last year, I would very much like to see the Yanks give him a shot during the season if some starters go down.
I figure that Sturtze will make a few starts to fill in where needed.

Also, we've got guys like Wang and Small who could go to either the pen or the rotation. Don't forget, Al Leiter can do both also.

I think that the luxury of having swing guys should never be underestimated in the real world. With injury risks like Moose and Unit, we could never have enough of those.

I remember a few Octobers ago, we had both Pettitte and El Duque, and while Andy was healthier, El Duque was there "just in case". Right now, instead of having guys pitch when not at their best, we can take a few guys out of the pen.

5-man rotations are nice, but you'll always need a few guys who can go long for you in a game.

By all this, I'd say that if Hughes works out well in AAA, he could sip a few cups of Joe in September.

[Dasperp]

John Sickels just released his top 20 list for the Yankees on his website minorleagueball.com. Phil Hughes is rated as a B+, but Sickels said a full, healthy season next year will get him bumped up to an A- or A, he just wants to see him stay healthy for a full year. Tabata is also a B+, which is a damn good ranking for a 17 year old who just played his first professional season. Duncan was dropped to a B-, and Melky isn't even on the list, as Sickels thinks he just can't hit. Overall, the consensus seems to be that the system still sucks at the upper levels, but there's some high-ceiling talent at the low levels like Hughes, Tabata, Garcia, and Jackson.

[Mattingly]

With Derek, Alex, Bernie and Johnny at the WBC, the kids get a great shot! :D

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/2006/03/05/3ZJXgpxt.jpg
Yankees shortstop prospect Ramiro Pena makes
a throw to third after a diving stop against
Andy Phillips in an intersquad scrimmage this
spring. (Robert F. Bukaty/AP)

Missing starters give kids action
Pena, Vechionacci seeing time at shortstop, third base (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060305&content_id=1335940&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)
[center]* * *

"That's the upside," said manager Joe Torre. "It's an upside for these guys, because they're in big-league camp and actually getting at-bats and playing games. It can do nothing but help them."

With Jeter and A-Rod gone, two of the youngsters getting a look are shortstop Ramiro Pena and third baseman Marcos Vechionacci.

"These guys are worth keeping an eye on," Torre said. "Pena has some special tools. I think he's going to be a special player. ... Vechionacci knows how to play, too. You can see that."

Kevin Thompson and Melky Cabrera will also get some playing time in center field with Damon playing for Team USA.

[Mattingly]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/2006/03/05/BBtW6VAL.jpg
Reliever J.B. Cox was selected with the 63rd
pick in the 2005 First-Year Players Draft.
(Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Cox aiming to be Mo's heir apparent
Former Longhorns closer hopes to hook 'em early like Street (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060305&content_id=1336350&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)
TAMPA, Fla. -- When Huston Street left the University of Texas, he left very big shoes for J.B. Cox to fill.

All Cox did to replace his predecessor was set the College World Series record with nine saves, post a 2.52 ERA in the event and tie the school's single-season saves record.

Cox is now pitching in the Yankees' Minor League system, and some are projecting him as the eventual replacement for all-world closer Mariano Rivera.

And he thought Street's shoes were big.

The 21-year-old right-hander won't be counted on to take over for Rivera for at least a year or two -- if ever, that is -- but the mere idea of it seems so unreal to Cox, he seems uncomfortable even talking about it.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Cabrera will not be useful we already have 2 backup outfielders (williams and crosby) their was also a closer from AA whose name I can`t remember that looked very good and if farnsworth does not work out then he might be useful but Eric Duncan will be very important if he can adapt to 1st base better than most people believe since Jason Giambi is not a very good fielder

[DoubleX]

I'm thinking Kevin Thompson has a decent chance to make the team out of camp, at least by Yankee standards for farmhands are concerned. He's received a lot of action this spring and he's come through, plus he has very good speed. The Yankees will probably only carry 11 pitchers out of camp due to the injuries to Pavano and Small (and maybe Wright too), so Thompson could make it. The biggest hurdle will probably be Will Nieves. I'd like to see Nieves make the team as the backup catcher, but I don't believe in carrying three catchers. But Nieves is out of options so he might be given a shot out a camp.

[Mariano_Rivera]

I really think it would be nice if Ron Villone could regain his form at least to a degree because the media would not effect him (as some of you have noticed by now I am obsessed with the media's impact on the teams

[Mattingly]

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/images/2005/07/30/NtcEuwIG.jpg
Koyie Hill was claimed off waivers from
the Arizona Diamondbacks today.
(Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images)

Yankees claim C Koyie Hill off waivers from Arizona Diamondbacks (http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060406&content_id=1387048&vkey=news_nyy&fext=.jsp&c_id=nyy)

he New York Yankees announced today that they have claimed catcher Koyie Hill off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. With Tuesday's (4/4) outright of RHP Jorge DePaula to Triple-A Columbus, the Yankees' 40-man roster now stands at 40. A corresponding 25-man roster move will be made when Hill reports to the team in Anaheim.

Hill, 27, started 23 games at catcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005, batting .224 (17-for-76) with five doubles and six RBI as a starter. He has appeared in 50 Major League games with the Diamondbacks and the Los Angeles Dodgers and owns a .231 career batting average (27-for-117) with one home run and 12 RBI. He was acquired by the Diamondbacks from the Dodgers with LHP Bill Murphy and OF Reggie Abercrombie in exchange for OF Steve Finley and C Brent Mayne on July 31, 2004. Originally drafted by the Dodgers in 2000, Hill was designated for assignment by Arizona on April 2.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Mattingly]

http://minorleaguebaseball.com/images/2006/04/30/M4ETUKgN.jpg
Philip Hughes is Baseball America's top-ranked
prospect in the Yankees organization.
(Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Yanks promote Hughes to Trenton
Top prospect slated to make Eastern League debut Thursday (http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060430&content_id=65883&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp)
Former New York Yankees first-round draft pick Philip Hughes was promoted Sunday to the Double-A Trenton Thunder.

Hughes is slated to make his Eastern League debut on Thursday, when the Thunder host the Reading Phillies. The 19-year-old right-hander was 2-3 with a 1.80 ERA in five starts for Tampa in the Class A Advanced Florida State League.

Hughes allowed just 19 hits and two walks in 30 innings, striking out 30. FSL opponents batted just .187 against the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Georgia native. In his last outing on Friday, he gave up two runs on four hits over seven innings with a walk and six strikeouts in a 3-1 defeat to Dunedin.

The Yankees made Hughes the 23rd overall pick in the 2004 draft out of Foothill High School. A year later, in his first full professional season, he went 9-1 with a 2.19 ERA in 12 starts for Charleston of the South Atlantic League. The Yanks promoted him to Tampa, where he was 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA in five games (four starts).

Baseball America tabbed Hughes as the Yankees' No. 1 prospect entering the 2006 season. He attended his first Major League Spring Training earlier this year and went 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA in two games before he was reassigned.

[farmsystem]

I was looking at the Yankees minor league page and saw some interesting stats. First, Eric Duncan's numbers are horrible and he's put up unimpressive numbers up to now. Outside of Hughes the Yankees don't seem to have much in terms of good young starters. Rasner seems to be the only other good starter. Matt Smith seems like a decent lefty but Henn seems to have regressed.

[DoubleX]

I posted this in the Season thread, but why isn't Colter Bean on the big league roster yet? I don't understand why teams keep giving Scott Erickson a chance, the guy was done 6 or 7 seasons ago. Bean is tearing up AAA, he's earned his shot with the big league club.

I also think that Kevin Thompson should have been called up instead of Kevin Reese, since he has more upside, more speed, and more power, and could turn into a pleasant surprise. Whereas Reese is likely an end of the bench filler at best.

Eric Duncan is struggling mightily. At this point, he'd probably be better served by going to AA and getting his bearings there. He's still young enough that this does not have to be a major set back if handled properly.

[TonyStarks]

I posted this in the Season thread, but why isn't Colter Bean on the big league roster yet? I don't understand why teams keep giving Scott Erickson a chance, the guy was done 6 or 7 seasons ago. Bean is tearing up AAA, he's earned his shot with the big league club.

I also think that Kevin Thompson should have been called up instead of Kevin Reese, since he has more upside, more speed, and more power, and could turn into a pleasant surprise. Whereas Reese is likely an end of the bench filler at best.

Eric Duncan is struggling mightily. At this point, he'd probably be better served by going to AA and getting his bearings there. He's still young enough that this does not have to be a major set back if handled properly.

Amen! Why the hell are the Yanks rushing Duncan?
Let him take his licks in AA. He didn't have a good season @ AA last year, so why the hell did they promote him? He should have begun @ AA this season and hopefully he could have followed up his great Fall numbers here and build on that.

As for Colter and Thompson, I asked the same questions in another thread.
Why? Why do the Yanks and other teams waste their time with guys like Erickson and Cairo? Give a younger player a shot and you could be plesantly surprised. I don't understand the logic.


Colter Bean:
21.2 Innings ::: 2-0 Record ::: 12 Hits Allowed ::: 6 BBs ::: 26 Ks ::: 0.42 ERA ::: 0.99 WHP

Bean had a 3.01 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 71 2/3 IP for Triple-A Columbus last season.

[DoubleX]

Amen! Why the hell are the Yanks rushing Duncan?
Let him take his licks in AA. He didn't have a good season @ AA last year, so why the hell did they promote him? He should have begun @ AA this season and hopefully he could have followed up his great Fall numbers here and build on that.

Duncan tore up the Fall league last year, I think he won the league's MVP, so that might have to do with his acceleration to AAA, but you're right, he needs to master AA first.

[TonyStarks]

Duncan tore up the Fall league last year, I think he won the league's MVP, so that might have to do with his acceleration to AAA, but you're right, he needs to master AA first.

Yanks are gonna ruin him.
Also is he back to playing 3B now that Pena has moved into Colombus?
I think he may have had to move to 3B again so Pena could slide into 1B.

[DoubleX]

Yanks are gonna ruin him.
Also is he back to playing 3B now that Pena has moved into Colombus?
I think he may have had to move to 3B again so Pena could slide into 1B.

I don't know where he's been playing, but it would seem logical to have him stay at 1B since Rodriguez will be blocking that path for the foreseeable future.

[TonyStarks]

I don't know where he's been playing, but it would seem logical to have him stay at 1B since Rodriguez will be blocking that path for the foreseeable future.

That does sound logical, but don't the Yanks want Pena's glove @ 1B as a backup for Giambi for now? I thought that's why they picked him up.

[DoubleX]

That does sound logical, but don't the Yanks want Pena's glove @ 1B as a backup for Giambi for now? I thought that's why they picked him up.

Indeed, that's why the perfect answer is to send Duncan down to AA Trenton where he can play 1B full time and get up to speed on that level before tackling AAA.

[mikesty]

*SIGH* Yankee management makes me cringe AGAIN :(

1. Send down Erickson for Bean and/or Matt Smith

2. Send down Reese for Thompson. I think this will actually happen soon if Crosby has some sort of injury and they conclude thar Reese sucks. BERNIE won't be able to take it anymore - B. Williams should NOT be our everyday outfielder.

3. Give him a few weeks, but if Andy Philips can't break the damn Mendoza line, then send him back to AAA for Pena.. or just get Giambi back at first already. As another poster said, I'd rather have Giambino's stopping and catching ability than Philips throwing/playmaking ability.

[DoubleX]

Looks like Bubba Crosby may be headed to the DL, same with Shawn Chacon, who will at the very least, likely be missing Sunday's start. Here's a NY Daily News Article. (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/419104p-353939c.html)

Anyone know who will be replacing Chacon on Sunday? I'd like to see Proctor be given a shot. Hopefully Torre will not go with Erickson.

[TonyStarks]

Looks like Bubba Crosby may be headed to the DL, same with Shawn Chacon, who will at the very least, likely be missing Sunday's start. Here's a NY Daily News Article. (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/419104p-353939c.html)

Anyone know who will be replacing Chacon on Sunday? I'd like to see Proctor be given a shot. Hopefully Torre will not go with Erickson.

I think Small may get the start on Sunday unless Torre has a brilliant idea and tells us that Erickson's gonna start. :laugh

[Mattingly]

3-zip so far, and those hits just keep on comin'!
I think Small may get the start on Sunday unless Torre has a brilliant idea and tells us that Erickson's gonna start. :laugh
If all else fails, I'll find my way and do a little warmup this weekend. Who said I'm only good for the online stuff? :D

[TonyStarks]

3-zip so far, and those hits just keep on comin'!

If all else fails, I'll find my way and do a little warmup this weekend. Who said I'm only good for the online stuff? :D


Oh well...so much for that....3 Innings / 5 Runs! LOL :crazy
Retire already!!!

[callingit]

I saw Trenton play on Sunday. the future is not very bright. Phillip Hughes has been struggling and Trenton's best hitter is Shelly Duncan, a big first baseman who's batting about .240 with 10 homers. He went 3 for 5 Sunday with a homer, double and single (just missed a second homer-a little out in front), but he's already 27 and still in double-A.

Shawn Chacon started in his rehab assignment, went five not so impressive innings considering who he was pitching against, then left with a 5-3 lead. The bullpen promptly gave up the lead in the top of the sixth and lost the game in the ninth.

:hp

[TonyStarks]

Hughes has been struggling but remember, he's 19YO.
He did well during Spring Training and I expect good things out of him.

As for Duncan, I keep saying this. They have to send him back to AA before he loses all confidence and is ruined.

Shelly Duncan is not a very good player.
He doesn't make enough contact but when he does...My my my.
He's like a Rob Deer.

[callingit]

Rob Deer is a very good comparison. BTW, Eric Duncan was sent down to Trenton on Thursday.

[TonyStarks]

Rob Deer is a very good comparison. BTW, Eric Duncan was sent down to Trenton on Thursday.

That's good news. I just hope that Eric hasn't been ruined and knows this isn't a "demotion" per se....just a touch up refresher course.

[Mattingly]

Someone on another board said he was a year or two away. At least he's doing well in Trenton.

Hughes flirts with no-hitter (http://www.nj.com/thunder/times/index.ssf?/base/sports-0/1150268804198090.xml&coll=5)
TRENTON --Sometimes it's the veterans who lead a ball club, and then some days, the kids take over.

Like pitching phenom Philip Hughes.

The young Trenton pitcher was the story last night at Waterfront Park. In just his ninth Double-A start, the 19-year-old right-hander pitched seven one-hit shutout in nings, striking out eight, as the Thunder blanked the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 3-0. The Fisher Cats pulled off a triple play half- way through the game, but it wasn't enough to overcome Hughes.

Trenton drew first blood in the bottom of the fifth when Eric Dun can drew a lead-off walk, Justin Christian singled and Kevin Howard drove Duncan home. However, the Thunder were taken out of a big inning when catcher Omir San tos grounded to Fisher Cats third baseman Brad Hassey, playing close to the bag. Hassey was able to step on third and force Howard at second. The relay to first easily beat the slow-moving Santos. It was the first triple play involving the Thunder since July 1, 2002.

THUNDER 3 NEW HAMPSHIRE 0 Meanwhile, Hughes took a no-hitter into the top of the sixth before allowing a one- out double down the left field line by the Fisher Cats' Justin Singleton (son of Yankees announcer Ken Singleton). The home crowd of 4,923 gave Hughes a nice hand, but the youngster, temporarily rattled, walked the next batter. Second baseman Gabe Lopez saved him with a nice snare of a pop-up in short center field, and Hughes struck out the next batter.

[Mattingly]

Hopefully, we'll be able to see this guy in 2007. I wouldn't mind one bit. :)

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2006/06/26/sports/hughes190.jpg
Tom Mihalek for The New York Times
The Trenton Thunder's Phil
Hughes gave up one hit over
eight innings in a victory on
Friday, his last as a teenager.

Barely 20 Years Old, but Coming of Age Fast (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/26/sports/baseball/26hughes.html)
Phil Hughes had no big plans to celebrate the end of his teenage years Friday. He had finished a workday at Waterfront Park in Trenton, and the next day he would be 20 years old. Twenty years old and still a Yankee.

"It was hot tonight," Hughes said outside the clubhouse of the Class AA Trenton Thunder, after pitching eight one-hit innings to beat a team from Norwich, Conn. "I'm pretty gassed. I just want to get in bed."

Then Hughes, the youngest player in the Eastern League and the best prospect in the Yankees' farm system, thought of something else. "I'll probably talk to my mom for a while," he said.

Hughes's parents live in Santa Ana, Calif. He so adores California that he has a tattoo of a swallow on his back as a tribute to his old hometown, San Juan Capistrano, where swallows leave in the fall and return every spring.

Hughes will not be returning soon, at least not permanently. He recently purchased a condominium in Tampa, Fla., the city where Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and George Steinbrenner live. It is where Yankees go for the winter.

[TonyStarks]

On Hughes:

In his last four starts he is 2-1, 0.96 with 33 strikeouts in 28 innings

[DoubleX]

I keep reading that there are all these scouts from other teams watching Hughes every time he pitches. I really, really hope that the Yankees don't do something stupid and trade him, especially for a rental corner OFer like Carlos Lee or Alfonso Soriano. The only player I can rationalize giving Hughes up for is Dontrelle Willis, but I don't see that happening. But even then, I'd rather see Hughes, a potential home grown ace, given a shot to succeed with the team.

[TonyStarks]

I keep reading that there are all these scouts from other teams watching Hughes every time he pitches. I really, really hope that the Yankees don't do something stupid and trade him, especially for a rental corner OFer like Carlos Lee or Alfonso Soriano. The only player I can rationalize giving Hughes up for is Dontrelle Willis, but I don't see that happening. But even then, I'd rather see Hughes, a potential home grown ace, given a shot to succeed with the team.

Actually DX...I really like The D-Train. But unfortunately I just don't see him having the same success in the AL as he does in the NL.

I'm really skeptical of any NL pitcher coming over to the AL.

Also, I really do not want to see Hughes traded. I really want to see him come down to the Bronx one day and excelling.

I too hope that Cashman doesn't make any stupid trades involving him, Cano, or Wang. I really don't see a need for the Yanks going out to get an OFer.
If anything we need another Pitcher...not another bat.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Actually DX...I really like The D-Train. But unfortunately I just don't see him having the same success in the AL as he does in the NL.

I'm really skeptical of any NL pitcher coming over to the AL.

Also, I really do not want to see Hughes traded. I really want to see him come down to the Bronx one day and excelling.

I too hope that Cashman doesn't make any stupid trades involving him, Cano, or Wang. I really don't see a need for the Yanks going out to get an OFer.
If anything we need another Pitcher...not another bat.

I think I read somewhere in Newsday that Cashman has told the Nationals (Soriano) that Hughes is off limits. An outfielder is definitely not nesesary. The combo of Crosby, Cabrera, Williams can be picked up by the rest of the offense but Willis would be reasonable though not preferable.

[Mattingly]

I keep reading that there are all these scouts from other teams watching Hughes every time he pitches. I really, really hope that the Yankees don't do something stupid and trade him, especially for a rental corner OFer like Carlos Lee or Alfonso Soriano. The only player I can rationalize giving Hughes up for is Dontrelle Willis, but I don't see that happening. But even then, I'd rather see Hughes, a potential home grown ace, given a shot to succeed with the team.
To tell you the truth, there's not a single ballplayer I'd trade for Hughes. Not Santana, not Liriano, not Dontrelle, not anybody. Heck, we could've even use Pujols if we somehow snuck him away from the Cards (which is impossible), but not even him. Call me nuts, but call me faithful to the farm.

Eeee-Iiiiiiiii-Eeeeeeeee-Iiiiii-OOOOOOOOOO!

To think that the Yanks have one of the best prospects ever, then the guy gets traded for someone. That's pathetic, especially considering our bad luck with getting farm guys. Not a good likelihood when you win the division for several times straight.

Instead of instant performance being handed to you on a silver platter with these guys, the "win now" side says to get those superstars, but the fan in me says to be patient, watch him struggle, try keeping him off the DL, give him some easy teams like KC or TB, perhaps Pittsburgh or whoever in Interleague, then watch him grow.

If he succeeds, there will indeed be hope for the Yankee farm to produce quality pitchers. With the way Wang pitches, his devotion and dedication to keeping his team in the game, and especially the way he'd thrown his glove in disgust when he was asked to work the 9th after a shaky 8th inning, I'd *LOVE* nothing more than seeing the Yanks grow their own, rather than going about trading guys away.

It'll be a sad day in Yankeeland when a blue chipper everyone's asking for gets sent away. Alfonso Soriano is nice, but not only do I think he's unnecessary, it shouldn't require more than a mid level prospect or two to obtain him, considering his salary.

I still want Cano at 2B, so unless Matsui's not healing quickly, I think that other options should be explored.

[DoubleX]

Actually DX...I really like The D-Train. But unfortunately I just don't see him having the same success in the AL as he does in the NL.

I'm really skeptical of any NL pitcher coming over to the AL.

Also, I really do not want to see Hughes traded. I really want to see him come down to the Bronx one day and excelling.

I too hope that Cashman doesn't make any stupid trades involving him, Cano, or Wang. I really don't see a need for the Yanks going out to get an OFer.
If anything we need another Pitcher...not another bat.

I completely agree with you. I'm just saying that if the Yanks are going to be foolish and give up Hughes for someone, Dontrelle would be the most acceptable given that he is still so young and has so much talent. But like you, I'm skeptical of how his numbers will transfer to the AL. It's usually a rough ride for most pitchers coming over. Look at Josh Beckett, his ERA has ballooned this season (not to toot my own horn too much, but I told Boston fans that would happen). Dolphins Stadium is also a pretty friendly pitchers park, so not having that as him home stadium anymore could hurt his numbers as well.

[DoubleX]

To tell you the truth, there's not a single ballplayer I'd trade for Hughes. Not Santana, not Liriano, not Dontrelle, not anybody. Heck, we could've even use Pujols if we somehow snuck him away from the Cards (which is impossible), but not even him. Call me nuts, but call me faithful to the farm.

I think I'd probably trade Hughes in a heartbeat for Pujols. I'd probably do it for Liriano as well (I'm still kicking myself for not taking him in a fantasy league). I'd also have to think long and hard about the Santana deal. For some reason, I'd be worried about Santana's arm and it's ability to hold up over the longrun. Then again, Pedro's still going and most thought he'd be done by now, so I'd probably make the trade of Santana. Hughes has potential, but we know Santana is just about the best pitcher in the league, and he's still pretty young. But for Pujols, I'd trade Hughes in a second. Pujols is a tremendous talent.

[Mariano_Rivera]

I think I'd probably trade Hughes in a heartbeat for Pujols. I'd probably do it for Liriano as well (I'm still kicking myself for not taking him in a fantasy league). I'd also have to think long and hard about the Santana deal. For some reason, I'd be worried about Santana's arm and it's ability to hold up over the longrun. Then again, Pedro's still going and most thought he'd be done by now, so I'd probably make the trade of Santana. Hughes has potential, but we know Santana is just about the best pitcher in the league, and he's still pretty young. But for Pujols, I'd trade Hughes in a second. Pujols is a tremendous talent.


Liriano is the only reasonable offers for Highes mentioned. Santana will give you about 10 more years of work highes will give you 20. The Yankees really don`t need a big offensive player or another 1st baseman (though it would be an upgrade)

[DoubleX]

Liriano is the only reasonable offers for Highes mentioned. Santana will give you about 10 more years of work highes will give you 20. The Yankees really don`t need a big offensive player or another 1st baseman (though it would be an upgrade)

Where in the world are you getting 20 years from? So many things happen to pitchers all the time to derail their careers. Look at Mark Prior - he was can't miss and people all over baseball praised his mechanics as so smooth as to not cause him any troubles, but look at all the troubles he's had. Given all the injuries and other things that happen to young pitchers, I'd say that Hughes would be lucky in his career just to have the kind of success that Santana already has had (ERA+s of 148, 151, 182, and 153 over the last four years, that's pretty darn good). Santana is phenomenal and we know what he's phenomenal at the Major League level. Hughes is looking good, but Santana is still a safer bet at this point. He's only 27 too, so there is still plenty of good baseball ahead for Santana.

[Mattingly]

I think I'd probably trade Hughes in a heartbeat for Pujols. I'd probably do it for Liriano as well (I'm still kicking myself for not taking him in a fantasy league). I'd also have to think long and hard about the Santana deal. For some reason, I'd be worried about Santana's arm and it's ability to hold up over the longrun. Then again, Pedro's still going and most thought he'd be done by now, so I'd probably make the trade of Santana. Hughes has potential, but we know Santana is just about the best pitcher in the league, and he's still pretty young. But for Pujols, I'd trade Hughes in a second. Pujols is a tremendous talent.
Yeah, I know it's no contest. In fact, people strongly criticized Yankee fans when we'd longed for Soriano when we'd traded for Alex Rodriguez. Soriano had played professionally in Japan before us, so he's no more from the Yankee farm system than was a player obtained via trade as a minor leaguer.

The heart part of me wants to see Hughes no matter what. If the Cards were in fact drunk as the proverbial sailor and did something like this (I could see images of Babe Ruth's trade here), they'd be out of their minds and would want Cano, Wang and several years of draft picks as compensation.

Still, I want to see Phil Hughes start a game in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium as a Yankee. He's ours, in addition to Wang and Cano, and now Melky, he's our recent claim to fame that the Yankee farm system is not indeed dead upon arrival. I want that and I want it all, baby! :D

[DoubleX]

Yeah, I know it's no contest. In fact, people strongly criticized Yankee fans when we'd longed for Soriano when we'd traded for Alex Rodriguez. Soriano had played professionally in Japan before us, so he's no more from the Yankee farm system than was a player obtained via trade as a minor leaguer.

The heart part of me wants to see Hughes no matter what. If the Cards were in fact drunk as the proverbial sailor and did something like this (I could see images of Babe Ruth's trade here), they'd be out of their minds and would want Cano, Wang and several years of draft picks as compensation.

Still, I want to see Phil Hughes start a game in pinstripes at Yankee Stadium as a Yankee. He's ours, in addition to Wang and Cano, and now Melky, he's our recent claim to fame that the Yankee farm system is not indeed dead upon arrival. I want that and I want it all, baby! :D

With the way Hughes is going, I really wouldn't be surprised to see him given a shot later this year if someone in the rotation goes down. It'll almost definitely be premature, but it will be nice to see him.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Where in the world are you getting 20 years from? So many things happen to pitchers all the time to derail their careers. Look at Mark Prior - he was can't miss and people all over baseball praised his mechanics as so smooth as to not cause him any troubles, but look at all the troubles he's had. Given all the injuries and other things that happen to young pitchers, I'd say that Hughes would be lucky in his career just to have the kind of success that Santana already has had (ERA+s of 148, 151, 182, and 153 over the last four years, that's pretty darn good). Santana is phenomenal and we know what he's phenomenal at the Major League level. Hughes is looking good, but Santana is still a safer bet at this point. He's only 27 too, so there is still plenty of good baseball ahead for Santana.

best case scenario

[Mariano_Rivera]

With the way Hughes is going, I really wouldn't be surprised to see him given a shot later this year if someone in the rotation goes down. It'll almost definitely be premature, but it will be nice to see him.

Cashman ruled him out as pitching this year in an interview on Mike and the Maddog. Small would probably still be the replacement. The good thing about him being in AAA is that he won`t be horrible rusty when he is needed, check out his numbers they're fantastic. 7 IP, ERA below 3.00

[TonyStarks]

Trading Hughes?
For Pujols...that's a no-brainer. But a trade like that can only happen at the comfort of your own computer using Baseball Mogul or Inside the Park. LOL

I think I would part with Hughes for Liriano or Johann.
Of course the Hughes trade would only signal the initial offer and more would have to be offered.

Hughes has plenty of upside and is showing very good promise...but Liriano is already doing "it" at the Big League Level.

[Mattingly]

Trading Hughes?
For Pujols...that's a no-brainer. But a trade like that can only happen at the comfort of your own computer using Baseball Mogul or Inside the Park. LOL

I think I would part with Hughes for Liriano or Johann.
Of course the Hughes trade would only signal the initial offer and more would have to be offered.

Hughes has plenty of upside and is showing very good promise...but Liriano is already doing "it" at the Big League Level.
Well, my love for exagerration has caught up with me, so yes, you could somehow force my hand to sending Hughes away from Albert Pujols if asked nicely. :D ;) :p

Anyway, Liriano is dirt cheap. I wouldn't mind, but I'd still ask if they'd accept another package of players. The thought of both pitching here in 2007 seems a bit too intriguing.

[TonyStarks]

Well, my love for exagerration has caught up with me, so yes, you could somehow force my hand to sending Hughes away from Albert Pujols if asked nicely. :D ;) :p

Anyway, Liriano is dirt cheap. I wouldn't mind, but I'd still ask if they'd accept another package of players. The thought of both pitching here in 2007 seems a bit too intriguing.

Im sure that the Cards would need to twist your arm to take Pujols off their hands. :laugh

[DoubleX]

With Chacon struggling bigtime, Wright unable to go more than 5 IP, and Randy Johnson being inconsistent, I think it's time the Yankees gave Jorge DePaula another shot at the rotation. His minor league numbers are pretty good this year and he seems to be finally recovered from Tommy John surgery.

[Mattingly]

Im sure that the Cards would need to twist your arm to take Pujols off their hands. :laughMe, I'd only take that kinda deal if they threw in Chris Carpenter and Jim Edmonds also. In further news, one of the Yankee Mods here has gone bonkers, and it may not necessarily be XX. :D
With Chacon struggling bigtime, Wright unable to go more than 5 IP, and Randy Johnson being inconsistent, I think it's time the Yankees gave Jorge DePaula another shot at the rotation. His minor league numbers are pretty good this year and he seems to be finally recovered from Tommy John surgery.
Someone mentioned that Steve White may be ready to go. Right now, we cannot compete with this type of rotation. If all we can get is 2-4 innings, we could just as easily put Farnsworth into our rotation for the same results.

Right now, whether debated or not, Moose, Wang and Johnson must be feeling some pressure to perform and eat innings.

[TonyStarks]

I think it's time to send Chacon back to the bullpen and pitching in Mop ups or 6th innings until he can regain his form.

Jaret Wright...can do the same.

I'd give Kris Wilson a shot or two to earn a spot. He's having a good season down @ AAA.

I also wouldn't mind seeing JB Cox up. Since he's supposed to be the Heir to Mo...it'd be a good time to give him some innings.

[TonyStarks]

Has anyone noticed Brett Gardner?


Also.....When the hell is J.Brent Cox due for a visit to NY?
57.1 Innings
1.57 ERA
5 - 2 WL
0.96 WHIP
7.2 Ks/9

[Mariano_Rivera]

Kevin Reese is out for the season

[DoubleX]

Kevin Reese is out for the season

Really? What's his injury? At his age (28) and depending on his injury, this could mark the end of his career. I hope he's able to recover and battle back.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Really? What's his injury? At his age (28) and depending on his injury, this could mark the end of his career. I hope he's able to recover and battle back.

I think shoulder.

[sandlot]

At this point, I can't see a trade in the real world that makes any sense whatsoever. None. The team is in second, well in contention, and major talent is on the mend. Wright's been told by Guidry to throw his best stuff for six innings and let the other guys work, and that's just what he's doing lately, with pretty good results. Mussina is just terrific, Wang also. Johnson still eats up innings most of the time and is showing flashes of himself, and could have a good second half. What can you say about Mo? There are potentialy good arms in rehab and patiently working their way back. The offense has clubbed Chicago for 20 runs in two games, and actually bunted three consecutive times in a single inning. Can anyone with the records please tell us the last time any Yankee team did that? I nearly fainted.

The discipline and restraint being shown is admirable; let's hope it stays that way. If Cashman folds his cards and walks away from the table before the deadline, I'm totally behind him. This team and organization already has all it needs to win.

[TonyStarks]

ARod pulls out the whippin stick!!

3-1 Yanks!
Are Yanks gonna open the closet and bring out the brooms against the ChiSox?

ARod's march to 2000 is now.....T-Minus 5!!

[mikesty]

Hey! I think Bronson Sardinha got promoted to AAA. It looks like he went 1/4 in his first game. Congrats? Good news???

[Mariano_Rivera]

congrats to him.

[TonyStarks]

What were his numbers in AA?

And what's his position currently? Last I knew he played 3B, OF too.
I could have also sworn he was a catcher.

[Mariano_Rivera]

What were his numbers in AA?

And what's his position currently? Last I knew he played 3B, OF too.
I could have also sworn he was a catcher.

No idea. I only keep tabs on AAA pitchers with a few exceptions.

[TonyStarks]

Last Game: 5.0 3 0 0 1 9 2.57 - W (6-3)

5 Innings, 3 Hits, 1 BB, 9 K's.
Yanks have limited Hughes to only 5Innings per game, Max.

__

Duncan, Eric 1B ............ 4 1 3 2 .276 - HR (6)
3 for 4.

AVG seems to be going up.
Seems like the demotion did him some good.

[DoubleX]

Cashman, call up Jorge DePaula and give him a shot at the rotation!!!

[TonyStarks]

Got numbers for him??

[DoubleX]

Got numbers for him??

3-5, 2.70 ERA, 70 IP, 11 GS, 12 G, 35 K, 12 BB, 3 HR, .257 BAA.

The strikeout totals are uninspiring, but everything else looks pretty decent.

[TonyStarks]

3-5, 2.70 ERA, 70 IP, 11 GS, 12 G, 35 K, 12 BB, 3 HR, .257 BAA.

The strikeout totals are uninspiring, but everything else looks pretty decent.


Not to bad.
I'm all for giving him an honest shot over Chacon at this point.

[mikesty]

20 questions with Yankee outfield prospect Jose Tabata:

http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060725&content_id=109918&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

Jose Tabata is an 18-year-old outfield prospect in the Yankees organization. Signed by the Bronx Bombers in 2005 out of Venezuela, Tabata was ranked by Baseball America as the third-best prospect in the Yanks' farm system, behind only Phil Hughes and Eric Duncan. Last year, Tabata played for the Gulf Coast Yankees, hitting .314 with 22 steals in 44 games. This season, he is playing for the Charleston RiverDogs of the South Atlantic League, where he is hitting .303 with 95 hits and 15 steals in 84 games.

MiLB.com: You grew up in Venezuela. How old were you when you started playing baseball?

Jose Tabata: I was 5. We had leagues there just like Little League, so I started as soon as I was old enough.

MiLB.com: So at what point did you decide professional baseball was something you'd like to pursue?

JT: When I was about 15. I played in the league then and decided I wanted to look into the pros. The first time I came here was for baseball, so it was nice to come to a new place.

MiLB.com: How were you "discovered" by the Yankees, the team you signed with?

JT: I was seen by a scout who was down in Venezuela. He talked with me and my family and things went from there. The day I signed my contract my parents were the happiest people in the world.

MiLB.com: You were 17 when you signed and came to America for the first time. Did you heave any fears or doubts about coming to a new country by yourself?

JT: No, there were no nerves. My parents and I were just happy I was going to do what I wanted to do.

MiLB.com: What was one of the first things you did when you got here?

JT: I went to my hotel and hung out until it was time to meet my new teammates.

MiLB.com: How was the reception you received from your new teammates?

JT: It was nice. I couldn't speak any English back then, even now it's very limited, but they were all really nice and friendly.

MiLB.com: What was your friends' and family's reaction when you came home after your first season in the Minors?

JT: I'm one of the youngest people to travel out of Venezuela for something like this so there were a lot of surprise parties (laughs).

MiLB.com: Was the transition from Venezuelan life to American life difficult?

JT: Everyone said it would be hard to get used to but it wasn't, thank God. I just focused on baseball because that's what I was here for and that made it easier.

MiLB.com: Were you exposed to Major League Baseball while growing up in Venezuela?

JT: There were games on TV. I grew up loving Manny Ramirez.

MiLB.com: Your childhood hero was Manny and now you're a part of the Yankees, how does that feel?

JT: (Laughs) It's weird because I love Manny Ramirez, but I knew that if I played it would only be for the New York Yankees. I wouldn't even consider it.

MiLB.com: What advice are you giving to young guys -- here or in Venezuela -- trying to break into pro baseball?

JT: Keep the big picture in mind. Stay focused on your goals and always keep the big picture in your mind.

MiLB.com: What are you doing when you aren't playing baseball?

JT: I love playing basketball as much as baseball. If I was taller maybe I'd be in the NBA right now (laughs).

MiLB.com: What were some differences you noticed between American baseball and Venezuelan baseball?

JT: Over there I knew the players and was more comfortable with them. Here it's not as predictable, so it's harder to figure some things out, but the game itself is the same.

MiLB.com: What's the best part about playing here?

JT: The most important thing to me is being a team player. I'm not caught up with doing well all by myself; I have that team-mentality.

MiLB.com: Do you shy away from being in the public eye, or do you enjoy it?

JT: Oddly enough, although my English isn't that good, I like speaking in public. I enjoy being around fans or young children and getting to know people.

MiLB.com: What do you miss the most about home?

JT: My family. Being away from them is the toughest thing. They've never been here to visit me, but maybe someday when I'm in the big leagues. My mom's cooking, too.

MiLB.com: What's your favorite Minor League ballpark to play in?

JT: It's hard to pick a favorite when I've never seen anything like any of these nice parks in Venezuela. They're all so nice, nothing like at home.

MiLB.com: What big-league ballpark would you play in if you had the choice?

JT: Yankee Stadium, as a Yankee.

MiLB.com: So you mentioned you missed your mom's cooking, has there been any one American dish that's served a substitute?

JT: I love fast food. All of it, I don't have one place I always go to, but just all the fast-food places are great.

MiLB.com: Do you find yourself taking things you've learned playing here back home with you?

JT: I'm learning a lot of new tendencies here, but I usually go with what I grew up with. I don't think that'll ever change.

[TonyStarks]

I'm just posting some Updates on the Gems of the Farm:

Jose Tabata: 18YO - OF - R/R

05: 44 Games .314 AVG / 3 HR / 25 RBI 22:28 Steals
(All-Star) .382 OBP: .417 SLG : .799 OPS


06: 84 Games .303 / 5 HR / 51 RBI / 15:20 Steals
(Futures All Star) .383 OBP / .427 SLG / .809 OPS


_______________


Phillip Hughes: 20 - SP - R/R
06:
High A: 2-3 / 1.80 ERA / 30Inn / 30Ks / 2BB / 19 Hits Allowed / 6 ER
AA : 6-3 / 2.85 ERA / 82 Inn / 90K / 25 BB / 61 Hits / 26 ER
(Futures All Star)


_____

Eric Duncan: 22 - 1B/3B - L/R
06: AA: 43G .286 AVG / 10 HR / 26 RBI / 23BB/ 19K/ .383 OBP / .584 SLG / .968 OPS

[TonyStarks]

One of the premiere pitching matchups across the minors took place at Double-A Reading on Wednesday, as Phillies lefthander Gio Gonzalez went up against Yankees righthander Philip Hughes.

Gonzalez wound up on the winning side, as the Phillies downed Trenton 5-1, but Hughes was solid, allowing just two hits over five shutout innings and striking out eight.

"You can see why the Yankees didn't want to part with him in any kind of trade," Reading pitching coach Tom Filer said. "I saw him when he first got here (to Double-A) and he was just OK. But he was on a different level last night."

Hughes, the Yankees' first-rounder in 2004, hasn't lost since June 8--and has racked up 71 strikeouts in 51 innings since that outing. Since being promoted to the Eastern League, Hughes is now 6-3, 2.67 with a 106-28 strikeout ratio over 91 innings.

"He's on a hot streak right now and you could see it," Filer said. "He's got that easy, repeatable delivery and the ball just jumps out of his hand. He was 94 (mph) without even trying and sat at 93-94 all night. He was never in any kind of trouble."

[DoubleX]

I think Hughes has done enough to merit a September callup and some serious consideration for next season.

[TonyStarks]

I think Hughes has done enough to merit a September callup and some serious consideration for next season.


Are you crazy? We just got Lidle and Ponson!!!!

[Mattingly]

Tabata done for the year (http://www.minorleagueball.com/story/2006/8/6/93318/21478)

Tough news for the 17 year old prospect.Earlier in the season (April/May) he was hit on the thumb with a pitched ball and missed some time on the DL. In July at the Futures Game, he was hit on the same thumb in BP (i heard this secondhand but im pretty sure thats the story). He did not go on the DL though, and his line at the time was .321/.395/.454.

After coming back from the Futures game, he went 1-20 with 8 Ks, went back on the DL, came back on Friday, and reinjured the same thumb (now 1-26 with 10 Ks since the futures game). He's being shut down for the year and his final season numbers are .298/.377/.420. I dont think he had anything else to prove in low A ball, and would have been due for a promotion to Tampa if he hadnt gotten hit again (he was hitting almost .400 in his previous 15 games), but i'd rather they be safe with him and not push it.
I think Hughes has done enough to merit a September callup and some serious consideration for next season.
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&cid=567

He's only in AA right now. You call him up now, he'd likely get burned up quickly. I'd hate seeing him against Boston.

Heck, when Schilling came off the DL, they didn't put him up against the Yanks. First it was Pawtucket, then some scrub teams.

I think he should be here around June.

[DoubleX]

He's only in AA right now. You call him up now, he'd likely get burned up quickly. I'd hate seeing him against Boston.

Heck, when Schilling came off the DL, they didn't put him up against the Yanks. First it was Pawtucket, then some scrub teams.

I think he should be here around June.

It's not uncommon for players to leap from AA to the Majors, especially just for a September cameo. The team can expand to 40 players, so if it has a stud prospect like Phillips, might as well see how ready he is against ML competition so the team knows for next year and so he can get some experience. Last year, Melky came up from AA.

[Mariano_Rivera]

It's not uncommon for players to leap from AA to the Majors, especially just for a September cameo. The team can expand to 40 players, so if it has a stud prospect like Phillips, might as well see how ready he is against ML competition so the team knows for next year and so he can get some experience. Last year, Melky came up from AA.
Great points, all of them.

[mikesty]

I wonder if they will pull a Melky with Philip Hughes. You know, call him up to MLB, watch him stink, but demote him only to AAA and then call him back up next year and watch him own face :)

[Mariano_Rivera]

I wonder if they will pull a Melky with Philip Hughes. You know, call him up to MLB, watch him stink, but demote him only to AAA and then call him back up next year and watch him own face :)
I wouldn`t mind that :)

[TonyStarks]

I wouldn`t mind that :)

Nah.
I wouldn't want to do anything to mess with Hughes confidence.

If he gets a Sept call up...I'd limit him to 2-3 batters per inning.
So that not too much damage could be done.

[mikesty]

Damage?

Jeez, why coddle him so much? Are we trying to make him into the next Roger Clemens or the next Carl Pavano?

If he still does well they'll probably promote him to AAA, but no doubt he'll get a September 40-man call up. He'll pitch an inning or two of relief every so often. Regardless of getting rocked or not, he should go down to AAA.

I don't think it's as much "damaging" him as it is "humbling" him, if he gets rocked, that is.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Damage?

Jeez, why coddle him so much? Are we trying to make him into the next Roger Clemens or the next Carl Pavano?

If he still does well they'll probably promote him to AAA, but no doubt he'll get a September 40-man call up. He'll pitch an inning or two of relief every so often. Regardless of getting rocked or not, he should go down to AAA.

I don't think it's as much "damaging" him as it is "humbling" him, if he gets rocked, that is.
I agree. We might as well see what we got.

[TonyStarks]

Damage?

Jeez, why coddle him so much? Are we trying to make him into the next Roger Clemens or the next Carl Pavano?

If he still does well they'll probably promote him to AAA, but no doubt he'll get a September 40-man call up. He'll pitch an inning or two of relief every so often. Regardless of getting rocked or not, he should go down to AAA.

I don't think it's as much "damaging" him as it is "humbling" him, if he gets rocked, that is.

You baby sit the kid because you don't want him to be the next Rick Ankiel.
Once a pitcher loses his confidence he might as well pack his bags and get the hell out of dodge. Especially in the Bronx!

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Here is a nice article about Hughes. I found it on Yankees.com.

After striking out eight batters in just four innings on a recent summer night, the Yankees' most talented, most hyped and above all, most mature prospect since a pitcher named Andy Pettitte, emerged from the clubhouse for interviews.
He wore an oversized, floppy Trenton Thunder hat held on by a rubber band strapped under his chin.

Meet Philip Hughes, the power pitching prospect who had the Yankees uncharacteristically thinking about more than this season's playoffs when making deals at this year's trade deadline.

He may seem like a veteran, but Hughes unintentionally reminded reporters that he did just turn 20 a little more than a month ago. Judging by the buzz surrounding him, or the way he has pitched, one couldn't otherwise tell he's only in Double-A.

It appears that's where Hughes will be for the rest of the season. One thing is now known, Hughes won't in Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Milwaukee, despite swirling rumors that had him involved in several trade talks.

The understanding was that the Yankees could have had anybody on the trade market if Hughes was involved in the deal. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman passed until Hughes was out of it.

Hughes was too good to give up, and Cashman was willing to hold out to protect him.

"The Phillies got prospects in this deal, but there were certain guys that, at this point in time, I was unwilling to give up," Cashman said after acquiring Bobby Abreu on July 30.

Hughes' Double-A manager, Bill Masse, could then exhale. Even with Hughes all but off the market leading up to the deadline, Masse was still playing the role of a somewhat nervous general manager, although he tried not to show it.

"I wouldn't trade him for anyone in baseball," Masse said. "It would have to be something completely out of this world to trade him."

There has been some talk that the California resident wouldn't mind being part of the Red Sox, his favorite team as a child. Hughes' father grew up in Rhode Island and Hughes would go to games at Fenway Park during the summer.

"People always think I'm secretly rooting for the Red Sox or something," Hughes said with a laugh. "But that's not the case."

If Hughes has his way, he'll be with the Yankees for his entire career. But leading up to the deadline, the first-round draft choice in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft understood that baseball is a business. So he just went out and pitched.

More than his pinpoint low-90s fastball or up-and-coming curveball, it's that calm demeanor that has most impressed his coaches.

"This is a special, special kid," Masse said as if he were saying it for the first time, when in actuality he has repeated it over and over. "If any kid was made to pitch on the big stage it's this kid, just because of his makeup."

Hughes is 6-3 with a 2.67 ERA, and has 106 strikeouts in 91 innings this season at Trenton. Even with the scouts taking aim with their radar guns at Waterfront Park recently, Hughes still put on a show. He allowed one run in four innings while striking out eight and walking just one -- and he couldn't have looked more comfortable doing it.

"It's tough sometimes because there's always a little bit extra pressure on you to do well. But I kind of like it," Hughes said. "I can thrive off that pressure a little bit. If you can't handle the pressure and the high expectations in the Minor Leagues you're not going to do well in Yankee Stadium."

Cashman long ago ruled out the possibility that Hughes would take the Yankee Stadium mound this season. Trenton pitching coach Dave Eiland said Hughes is close to being ready, but he wouldn't recommend a promotion yet.

"Although if he had to, with his sheer ability, he probably could [throw the Majors this year]," Eiland added.

For now, the Yankees are sheltering Hughes' place in the organization and his precious arm. Hughes doesn't pitch more than five innings and usually tosses between 70 and 90 pitches.

Hughes is focusing on improving the command of his curveball and changeup, which Eiland feels is the only thing needed before Hughes is big-league ready. The power pitcher first learned the changeup in Spring Training, when he abandoned his slider.

"I feel like I'm a completely different pitcher than I was in high school," Hughes said.

Masse said he's seen vast improvements even since Hughes has been in Trenton. Still, even back in April during Spring Training, Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said Hughes had the best arm on the staff.

It was then that Jason Giambi compared Hughes to Roger Clemens, something Eiland said he could also see.

Hughes is most-often mentioned in the same sentence as Pettitte, the last Yankees player who had as much hype and composure as Hughes. But Pettitte was older by the time he dominated Double-A, and Masse said Pettitte pitched his way into more attention. Hughes has had it almost from the get-go.

While most coaches hate to make comparisons between players, or projections for how big a star prospects will be, Hughes' Trenton coaches don't seem to mind. They are that confident.

"There's going to be those comparisons, there's no way around it," Eiland said. "Any power-type guy, he's going to be compared to. But he doesn't try to be like anybody else. He just tries to be Phil Hughes."

Although he said it got repetitive, Hughes liked hearing his name on ESPN last month. He didn't shy away from comparisons and he heard all the rumors. He just didn't let it give him a big head -- figuratively.

Hughes literally does have a large head, inches wise. Before the game he was using a special device to stretch his hat out.

The floppy hat he donned afterwards was for comfort. When the cameras were turned off and the radar guns put to rest, Hughes was himself.

"I'm growing out of my old [hat]," Hughes said with a laugh. "I might need to showcase this guy."

He may pitch like Clemens, but Hughes is still a kid. One the Yankees aren't willing to let grow up outside of their home.

[TonyStarks]

Tyler Clippard, rhp, Yankees (Double-A Trenton): After his rough start, Clippard has pitched consistently well for Double-A Trenton, forming an excellent 1-2 punch with Philip Hughes. He's won six straight decisions and has 27 strikeouts in just 19 innings over his last three starts, giving him 146 in 140 innings overall.

[DoubleX]

Tyler Clippard, rhp, Yankees (Double-A Trenton): After his rough start, Clippard has pitched consistently well for Double-A Trenton, forming an excellent 1-2 punch with Philip Hughes. He's won six straight decisions and has 27 strikeouts in just 19 innings over his last three starts, giving him 146 in 140 innings overall.

How old is Clippard (I'm too lazy to go look it up myself right now :))?

[mikesty]

He'll be 22 in february.

[DoubleX]

He'll be 22 in february.

Nice, good to see another young arm with potential in the system. J.B. Cox seems to be doing well in Trenton as well. Who knows, perhaps the Yankees are a couple of years away from infusing a wave of talented youth onto their pitching staff.

[TonyStarks]

Nice, good to see another young arm with potential in the system. J.B. Cox seems to be doing well in Trenton as well. Who knows, perhaps the Yankees are a couple of years away from infusing a wave of talented youth onto their pitching staff.

I really hope that JBC gets a September call up!

[farmsystem]

Speaking of Tyler Clippard. I believe he pitched a no hitter for Trenton yesterday. The link is on minorleaguebaseball.com.

[TonyStarks]

FYI::
Tyler Clippard is 7-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 72 strikeouts in nine starts since June 29

Here is the story:

Tyler Clippard made history on Thursday, tossing the first no-hitter in team history as the Trenton Thunder blanked the Harrisburg Senators, 9-0, at Commerce Bank Park.
Clippard (10-10) struck out nine and walked four on the way to his seventh straight win.

"Surreal, it didn't settle in at first" were the 21-year-old right-hander's thoughts immediately after Richard Lane took a called third strike to end the game. "It is unbelievable, an unforgettable night, something I will always remember.

"You always kind of know you have something special going on, but you don't think it will come to fruition until the later innings. I really started to feel like it may happen when there were two outs in the eighth."

Clippard got some stellar defense to protect the first no-hitter in Trenton's 13-year history. With one out in the seventh inning, first baseman Randy Ruiz made a diving stop of Josh Whitesell's grounder and flipped to Clippard covering first.

The second defensive gem came two innings later, when center fielder Brett Gardner made a sliding catch on Kory Casto's deep fly ball.

Long before Gardner's catch, Clippard thought he had surrendered a homer to Casto in the first. But the ball died on the warning track and was caught. The Florida native said balls were not carrying all night, so he wasn't sure about Casto's blast in the ninth.

"I said, 'Oh, gosh, but I turned and saw (Gardner) had a great jump and was going to track it down, and I knew I may get (the no-hitter)."

Clippard took it from there as he retired Major League veteran Jose Vidro on a grounder to third and completed the gem by getting Lane to look at strike three. On April 11, Lane broke up the no-hit bid of Trenton's Steven White with one out in the eighth inning.

The 6-foot-4 righty has not lost since June 29 and has allowed 14 runs over his last 63 innings with 72 strikeout. He has evened his record after starting the season 2-9.

"I did make some changes to make my delivery more consistent and I also learned to slow the game down and throw my off-speed pitches for strikes, especially with runners on base and then execute those things during the game, which is what I did tonight," Clippard said of his turnaround.

The nine strikeouts against Harrisburg raised Clippard's season total to an Eastern League-leading 155. He needs 13 more to shatter the single-season team record.

Ruiz, who had two hits and scored twice, smacked a one-out double in the first to plate Gardner with the game's first run. The Thunder added two runs in the third as Felix Escalona ripped an RBI single and scored on Justin Christain's groundout.

The Thunder broke the game open with a three-run seventh as Eric Duncan, who had two hits and scored twice, slugged a two-out, two-run triple. He trotted home on Shelley Duncan's base hit.

Jason Brown added a bases-loaded triple in the ninth for Trenton (69-54), which pounded out 12 hits in support of Clippard.

Harrisburg (57-66) starter Justin Echols (5-8) allowed three runs on six hits, struck out seven and walked three over 4 2/3 innings.

Aside from White, highly touted prospect Phil Hughes also flirted with a no-hitter for Trenton on June 23. He held the Connecticut Defenders hitless until Derin McMains led off the eighth with a double.

Justin Duchscherer had come closest to the Thunder's first no-hitter. On May 11, 2001, he held the New Haven Ravens without a hit for 8 2/3 innings.

( http://minorleaguebaseball.com/app/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060818&content_id=119640&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp )

[TonyStarks]

Philips Hughes Update:

8-3 w/ 2.50 ERA
101Innings w/121 K's

Remember that Hughes has been put on a STRICT 5 Inning or 90 Pitch LIMIT by Cashman!



---

Bronson Sardinha

32 Games
.313 AVG
.378 OBP
5 HRs/ 22RBI

I like this kid, but he doesn't seem to have a Position.
I've seen him play 1B, 3B, OF.

--

Brett Gardner : CF

I really like what I've seen from this kid. He's 23 and his stock has been rising. I don't have all his numbers readily availble but he did master A+ pitching and has been doing a good job after his promotion.

[DoubleX]

I really hope that JBC gets a September call up!

I don't think that's going to happen. I think I read someplace that he's been added to Team USA for some tournament or something coming up.

[TonyStarks]

I don't think that's going to happen. I think I read someplace that he's been added to Team USA for some tournament or something coming up.


Greaaaaat. :ughh

[TonyStarks]

Baseball America has an article on T.Clippard:


Tyler's Clippard's tale of two seasons reached a climax on Thursday night.

The Yankees righthander threw the first no-hitter in Trenton Thunder history against Harrisburg, striking out nine while walking four.

The Thunder didn't give Clippard many anxious moments in their 9-0 loss. According to the Harrisburg Patriot-News, the only real threat to the no-hitter was Kory Casto's liner in the ninth, which center fielder Brent Gardner snagged on the run near the warning track.

It was just the latest in what has been a string of outstanding starts for Clippard, and quite a turnaround to his season. In his first taste of Double-A, Clippard seemed overmatched at times during the first couple of months of the season. He was 2-9, 5.69 in mid-June.

"Early in the season he'd miss high with his fastball a lot. (Pitching coach) Dave (Eiland) and him have worked on his mechanics to throw his fastball more on a downward plane," Trenton manager Billy Masse said. "He was getting in a lot of 2-0 and 3-1 counts early in the season. With an 88-89 mph fastball, 2-0 and 3-1 fastballs don't cut it."

Clippard now keeps the fastball down. And his newfound confidence to use his offspeed pitches in fastball counts has turned his year around.

"The big key with him is basically these last two months he's been able to throw any pitch at any count for strikes," Masse said. "His breaking ball and his changeup, he's been able to throw for strikes at any count, which has made his fastball that much better."

Clippard has gone 8-1, 1.77 with 99 strikeouts in 82 innings since mid-July. His stuff hasn't really changed over the past two months. He still sits at anywhere from 86-91 mph with his fastball, and he still features an above-average changeup, and a major league curveball, although his command may make the pitch play up a little bit.

"His curveball is a 50 (on the 20-to-80 scouting scale)," Masse said. "He knows how to locate it. When you can throw it for strikes and locate it out of the zone, all of a sudden that becomes a 60 curveball. The only other guy on our staff who can do that is Philip Hughes. The ability to throw it over the plate when he needs to and with more depth out of the zone (when he needs to) makes it an above-average pitch."

When Clippard is on, his biggest strength is his ability to keep hitters guessing. Masse said there have been times this year when he has no idea what Clippard is going to throw next.

"Sometimes he'll throw three fastballs by a guy, and the next time he'll throw three breaking balls down the middle because the guys waiting on a fastball," Masse said.

[Mariano_Rivera]

The Terrific Trio of the Future Yankees!!!!!! (In no order)
____________________________________
Chien Ming Wang

Philip Hughes

Tyler Clippard

:clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping :clapping

[mikesty]

Carlos Pena got released by the Yanks and signed by the BoSox .. called up today.

0-1 with a BB so far :D

[TonyStarks]

Carlos Pena got released by the Yanks and signed by the BoSox .. called up today.

0-1 with a BB so far :D

Oakland ruined the guy.

[Mattingly]

http://graphics10.nytimes.com/images/2006/08/26/nyregion/27base.xlarge1.jpg
Robert Stolarik for The New York Times
The Staten Island Yankees ready for action.

Los Muchachos del Verano (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/27/nyregion/thecity/27base.html)
ON a clear June evening at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island, a young pitcher named Francisco Castillo jogged in from the bullpen, his boyish features set in a businesslike expression. It was the second game of the season, and his team, the Staten Island Yankees, was down two runs in the fourth inning. Mr. Castillo, a 19-year-old from the Dominican Republic who had arrived just four days before, had been summoned to prevent further damage.

Watched by a crowd of about 6,500 — the largest he had ever pitched for — Mr. Castillo approached a ball lying on the mound, reached for it with his glove, missed and had to try again.

If the fumble was the result of nerves, that would have been entirely understandable. Mr. Castillo, a Spanish-speaking kid wearing braces on his teeth, was making his debut on the team, which is an entry-level club in the New York Yankees’ system. An excellent season here would bolster his chances of climbing to a higher rung on the minor-league ladder — and maybe, someday, even to Yankee Stadium, the shrine to baseball in the Bronx. A lackluster season, an injury or an unfavorable assessment from a coach could land him back on the sandlots of Baní, the dirt-poor city in the Dominican Republic where he was born and raised.

Behind him as he pitched in that game in June, the Manhattan skyline, visible across New York Harbor, shimmered in the fading sunlight beyond the outfield fence. The potential distractions were limitless.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Oakland ruined the guy.
Note to the GM's of baseball: Never sign a player that Billy Beane let get away unless it's because he can`t afford him.

[TonyStarks]

Phillip Hughes update:

He's currently Baseball America's Top Prospect on the Hot Sheet this week.

The second Bronx farmhand in as many weeks, so stop it with the Yankee-hater emails already. Hughes tossed five no-hit innings this week, lowering his August ERA to 0.72. Even working on a strict pitch count, Hughes is securing his case as the top pitcher in all the minors.

[TonyStarks]

Tyler Clippard:

Tyler Clippard, rhp, Double-A Trenton (Yankees): Clippard was No. 1 on this list a week ago on the heels of a no-hitter. He had two more solid outings last week (10 innings, three runs) and continues to recover from a disastrous start as he has won his last nine decisions.

[Dev518]

Who's that guy that yankees sined, he's like 6'7" and can throw like 98mph.

[Dev518]

Phillip Hughes update:

He's currently Baseball America's Top Prospect on the Hot Sheet this week.

The second Bronx farmhand in as many weeks, so stop it with the Yankee-hater emails already. Hughes tossed five no-hit innings this week, lowering his August ERA to 0.72. Even working on a strict pitch count, Hughes is securing his case as the top pitcher in all the minors.
He's also on the yankees 40 man roster so I'm hoping that we'll get to see him a few times this year. He only just turned 20 this year so I don't know if they'll actually bring him up.

[Mattingly]

Who's that guy that yankees sined, he's like 6'7" and can throw like 98mph.
Is he in R, A, AA or AAA?

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/minorleagues/team_index.jsp?c_id=nyy

[mikesty]

Is he in R, A, AA or AAA?

http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/minorleagues/team_index.jsp?c_id=nyy

MLB, I think he's talking about Kyle Farnsworth.

[Mattingly]

MLB, I think he's talking about Kyle Farnsworth.
Except that Kyle's listed at 6-4, not 6-7. I should've picked up on the 98mph heat.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6210

[mikesty]

I think he was just throwing out numbers .. but when Farnsworth was signed it was...

"Yeah I heard the yanks signed this huge guy who throws almost 100mph."

There's a reason he's called "Big Boy" :)

[TonyStarks]

For a third straight week, a Yankee leads the Hot Sheet--after righthander Tyler Clippard topped the list two weeks ago, Hughes climbed into the No. 1 spot and remains there again this time around. Though he's been limited by a strict pitch count since the all-star break, the 20-year-old has put up ridiculous numbers--the most stellar of which came in August when he finished the regular season 4-0, 0.60 with a 40-6 strikeout-walk ratio in 30 innings. Now, Hughes gets the ball in the opener of Trenton's postseason run tonight, facing Portland righthander Devern Hansack. On the season, Hughes finished 12-6, 2.16 in 146 innings between high Class A Tampa and the Thunder.

[TonyStarks]

With his strong finishing kick, Yankees righthander Philip Hughes has claimed the title as the best pitching prospect in the minor leagues. In a Double-A playoff start Wednesday night, he went six innings, allowing five hits and one walk while striking out 13. He didn’t allow more than two hits in any of his last seven starts, which is impressive even if tight pitch counts kept him from going more than five innings in any outing.

In his last eight starts, including his postseason effort, Hughes has gone 4-0, 0.90 with a 61-8 K-BB ratio, .127 opponent average and no homers allowed in 40 innings. If I were running the Yankees, I’d test him out in September and get him on the postseason roster.

How come Yankees outfielder Jose Tabata is considered a better prospect than Mets outfielder Fernando Martinez? Their numbers seem to be comparable, and Martinez spent a month in high Class A.

Harris Cohen
Brooklyn

I understand Jose Tabata has more of a track record, but he and Fernando Martinez seem to be following similar paths to the majors: signed by New York clubs, same age, same position, same level. Who has the bigger upside, and who is a safer bet to reach that potential?

Randy Arias
New York

Please compare the Jose Tabata and Fernando Martinez, both in present and future tools. Tabata gets more press right now, but who’s better?

Carlo Giustozzi
Limerick, Pa.
Along with Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, Martinez and Tabata were the most exciting players in the low Class A South Atlantic League this summer. That both Martinez and Tabata were just 17 only added to the intrigue surrounding them, and Martinez also was making his pro debut. Martinez hit .333/.389/.505 with five homers, 28 RBIs and seven steals in 45 games, while Tabata batted .298/.377/.420 with five homers, 51 RBIs and 15 steals in 86 contests.

Assistant editor Matt Meyers is working on our SAL Top 20 Prospects list, and he reports that very few scouts actually saw both Martinez and Tabata in action. That’s because Martinez missed a month each with wrist and knee injuries before spending August in the high Class A Florida State League, while Tabata sat out most of the last seven weeks with a bruised thumb. Matt did find one scout who caught both young stars, and he rated Tabata slightly ahead of Martinez because he offers more with the bat. Martinez is more athletic and has a better five-tool package, while Tabata projects as an above-average right fielder, offensively and defensively.

It’s really just a matter of preference, as there’s little to separate the two. Martinez has a little more ceiling, while Tabata is a little safer bet because we have more history to go on. Given my choice, I’d take Tabata, but that’s more of a gut feel based on the line drive he smoked against Philip Hughes in the Futures Game and his slightly longer track record.

[TonyStarks]

Is everyone aware that Torre is bringing Philip Hughes with the team through September and into the playoffs so he could watch fromt he bench?

I don't know if you guys remember the last time something like that happened? Buck Showalter brought two skinny kids along on the bench....Derek Jeter & Jorge Posada.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Is everyone aware that Torre is bringing Philip Hughes with the team through September and into the playoffs so he could watch fromt he bench?

I don't know if you guys remember the last time something like that happened? Buck Showalter brought two skinny kids along on the bench....Derek Jeter & Jorge Posada.
Yeah I am. That sounds great to me.

Who are these two players? Would they happen to be former All Stars?

[TonyStarks]

Yeah I am. That sounds great to me.

Who are these two players? Would they happen to be former All Stars?

The players were Posada and Jeter.
Buck wanted them to feel the Post Season atmosphere.

[DoubleX]

Is everyone aware that Torre is bringing Philip Hughes with the team through September and into the playoffs so he could watch fromt he bench?

I don't know if you guys remember the last time something like that happened? Buck Showalter brought two skinny kids along on the bench....Derek Jeter & Jorge Posada.

Sounds like a good idea. But with a few spots left on the active 40 man roster, would it really hurt to activate Hughes and give him some mopup duty, just to see how far along he is. Even if it's just 1 appearance and for a third of an inning, it's something, and it really couldn't hurt (unless he gets hurt).

[TonyStarks]

Sounds like a good idea. But with a few spots left on the active 40 man roster, would it really hurt to activate Hughes and give him some mopup duty, just to see how far along he is. Even if it's just 1 appearance and for a third of an inning, it's something, and it really couldn't hurt (unless he gets hurt).

Nah, he's not active. Torre just brought him along for the ride.
He's only there to take in the atmosphere and experience the whole Playoff run.

He's not activate and there's not intention on him being on the 40.

[DoubleX]

Nah, he's not active. Torre just brought him along for the ride.
He's only there to take in the atmosphere and experience the whole Playoff run.

He's not activate and there's not intention on him being on the 40.

I know, I'm saying that they should activate him given that they have some spots left. Might as well.

[TonyStarks]

I know, I'm saying that they should activate him given that they have some spots left. Might as well.

I don't know if I would risk that. :laugh
Well...maybe I'll let him face 1 hitter here and maybe there.

[DoubleX]

I don't know if I would risk that. :laugh
Well...maybe I'll let him face 1 hitter here and maybe there.

It really couldn't hurt, unless the rare chance happens that he gets injured throwing 10 pitches. It could happen, and the Yanks would probably really regret using him. But on the other hand, I think the team is being overly cautious with Hughes, and that could be to his detriment down the line. He's not building up stamina, either for games or the season, as they are keeping him to tight pitch counts. You know what you get when a young pitcher doesn't build up enough stamina - you get Josh Beckett and Rich Harden. There are certainly worse fates than that, but I have higher expectations for Hughes and do not want to worry about him being on the DL constantly (like Harden) and then unable to pitch effectively when being used regularly for the whole season (like Beckett this year).

[EvanAparra]

I think he should have been brought up. would have liked to have seen him at least once. :(

[Mariano_Rivera]

I want him to share the LM job this season with R. Johnson. he can get a few starts in September.

[NewYork NewYork]

People have compared Hughes to Peavy, Smoltz, Mussina, Oswalt, Schilling, ande even Clemens. BaseballProspectus' system thought VERY highly of him last year and projected him as most similar to Jake Peavy. With an even more dominating year it should be interesting to see who he's most similar to.

But realistically who do you think Hughes reminds you of, and who do you think he'll be similar to in the MLB?

And I hope to see him up sometime in July if he dominates AAA ball.

[TonyStarks]

I really like this kid....Damon...watch out!!
-----


This is from TopProspectAlert
10-20-06
Prospect of the Day
Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner has made a quick rise through the New York Yankees organization since being drafted in the third round of the 2005 draft.

The speedy centerfielder finished 2006 at Double-A Trenton after a fast start at Single-A Tampa. Gardner batted a combined .298 with no homeruns, 35 RBI's, 87 runs scored, and stole 58 bases.

While he does not possess much power, as a left handed hitter, Gardner uses his wheels to be a table setter for the rest of the lineup. Gardner is off to a good start in Arizona batting over .400 through the first eight games of the AFL season. Expect Gardner to either start the season back at Trenton, or to get a shot at Triple-A Scranton to begin 2007.

[TonyStarks]

Yankees in the TPA 2007 Top 100 Prospect List::::::


#3. Philip Hughes (20) Pitcher -- New York Yankees
Trenton (AA) 116IP 10-3 2.25ERA 138K
Tampa (High-A) 30IP 2-3 1.80ERA 30K



#20. Jose Tabata (18) Outfield -- New York Yankees
Charleston (Low-A) 86 Games .298 5HR 51RBI


#85. Tyler Clippard (22) Pitcher -- New York Yankees
Trenton (AA) 166.1IP 12-10 3.35ERA 175K

[DoubleX]

I really like this kid....Damon...watch out!!
-----


This is from TopProspectAlert
10-20-06
Prospect of the Day
Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner has made a quick rise through the New York Yankees organization since being drafted in the third round of the 2005 draft.

The speedy centerfielder finished 2006 at Double-A Trenton after a fast start at Single-A Tampa. Gardner batted a combined .298 with no homeruns, 35 RBI's, 87 runs scored, and stole 58 bases.

While he does not possess much power, as a left handed hitter, Gardner uses his wheels to be a table setter for the rest of the lineup. Gardner is off to a good start in Arizona batting over .400 through the first eight games of the AFL season. Expect Gardner to either start the season back at Trenton, or to get a shot at Triple-A Scranton to begin 2007.

How old is Gardner?

I'd like to see him develop some power.

[TonyStarks]

How old is Gardner?

I'd like to see him develop some power.


He's 23 right now.
He's an August child.


He just finished 3 yrs of College.
He's got 1.5 years in the Minors.
He was drafted last season in the 3rd Rd.

He quickly went from Lo A to Double ...like that!

[TheK]

He's 23 right now.
He's an August child.


He just finished 3 yrs of College.
He's got 1.5 years in the Minors.
He was drafted last season in the 3rd Rd.

He quickly went from Lo A to Double ...like that!

Would he fit into the Yankees idea of an outfielder? From what I've read on minor league websites, he doesn't have much HR power.

[TonyStarks]

Would he fit into the Yankees idea of an outfielder? From what I've read on minor league websites, he doesn't have much HR power.

He lacks HR Power? He's got speed, he gets on base and he plays a hell of a CF.

He could be a hell of a CFer if you ask me!

[DoubleX]

He lacks HR Power? He's got speed, he gets on base and he plays a hell of a CF.

He could be a hell of a CFer if you ask me!

Abreu's deal ends after next season, so perhaps we could be seeing a 2008 Yankee OF alignment of:

LF: Damon
CF: Gardner
RF: Cabrera
DH: Matsui

[TonyStarks]

Abreu's deal ends after next season, so perhaps we could be seeing a 2008 Yankee OF alignment of:

LF: Damon
CF: Gardner
RF: Cabrera
DH: Matsui


Ohhh...that looks promising!
But wait...because by then Vernon Wells is a FA and you know Yankee fans will be calling for him! :laugh

[DoubleX]

Ohhh...that looks promising!
But wait...because by then Vernon Wells is a FA and you know Yankee fans will be calling for him! :laugh

And then ripping him apart when he doesn't produce like Joe DiMaggio.

[TonyStarks]

And then ripping him apart when he doesn't produce like Joe DiMaggio.

I honestly think this kid is gonna be a good ball player.
He's hungry, he's got the tools (sans the power....so far).

[clipper]

I am surprised not seeing his name on the NY Fall/Winter leagues. (NY Yankee site) Is it to prevent an injury? Is he ready for a "shot" in the rotation this Spring? I really feel