1B Next Year (in 2007)

[DoubleX]

It's been a little quiet around here lately, so I thought I'd start a poll for 1B next year. I've listed the names that have been mentioned the most, including Mark Loretta who they're talking about on the Yankees Hot Stove Report on YES right now.

Also, I didn't leave an option for platoon, so just assume this is for the regular spot.

[Mariano_Rivera]

It's been a little quiet around here lately, so I thought I'd start a poll for 1B next year. I've listed the names that have been mentioned the most, including Mark Loretta who they're talking about on the Yankees Hot Stove Report on YES right now.

Also, I didn't leave an option for platoon, so just assume this is for the regular spot.

Personally I`d advocate a plattoon of Phillips/Phelps and Doug. I`ll vote Doug because we face more righties than lefties so he`d play more. Also he'd be my postseason starter (if we make it of course). Also Phillips or Phelps would have to fight for the other spot. Defense wins championship and DOug has that. We don`t need the offense from the other options available.

[mikesty]

Dougie Mintz, but give Philips, Phelps, Miranda etc a chance.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Dougie Mintz, but give Philips, Phelps, Miranda etc a chance.

No plattoon?

[clipper]

DX, I originally thought the Doug Minkavich (sp) was a great move. (Tony's post) Pick up Doug for one year and see how the other guys do. The more I thought about it - I like Brian's original plan. I want to see Andy Philips, Phelps, and Miranda compete for the spot. I don't want a rotation. The best player in Spring training starts. If he goes into a slump, mainly the bat, called up another. I know this is a risk but I didn't think Andy did that bad last year for his first year and I feel he will improve. Also, Miranda has a spot on the rotation so he definitely has a shot. I don't know anything about him and he is a complete unknown (even his age).

One problem, I am not overly confident one of these guys can develop into a 300 hitting, OBP, 1B.

Saying that I wouldn't be surprised to see Brian pick up Doug because I think he may be cheap. I like him better than Hilly.

I'm voting for Andy,

Clipper

[The Kid]

Lorreta will never go to the Yanks. He is too strong, unlike Damon.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Lorreta will never go to the Yanks. He is too strong, unlike Damon.

Some of your posts are becoming extremely annoying and belong in the Bitter Rivals Thread if anywhere. Lorreta spends one year in Boston, the Red Sox probably won`t retain him, and you say he's to loyal to the Red Sox to the Yankees as opposed to Damon who essentially blew open game 7 of that infamous 2004 ALCS

[clipper]

Some of your posts are becoming extremely annoying and belong in the Bitter Rivals Thread if anywhere. Lorreta spends one year in Boston, the Red Sox probably won`t retain him, and you say he's to loyal to the Red Sox to the Yankees as opposed to Damon who essentially blew open game 7 of that infamous 2004 ALCS


Ricky Ricky Ricky,

That's not a good game (or series) to bring up. Ask this pain who playing second base and loyalty.

I don't drink but that game was a Jack night. I am sooo glad Johnny is on our team (Johnny had nice article last week) leading off and is in CF.


Clipper

[Mariano_Rivera]

Ricky Ricky Ricky,

That's not a good game (or series) to bring up. Ask this pain who playing second base and loyalty.

I don't drink but that game was a Jack night. I am sooo glad Johnny is on our team (Johnny had nice article last week) leading off and is in CF.


Clipper

I`m just trying to amke the point that the idea that Lorreta is more loyal to the Sawx than Damon is completely preposterous.

[EvanAparra]

Loretta will go anywhere he gets money and playing time.

I voted for Phillips, I'd like to see what he could do with a full season.

[JordanDL3891]

I vote phillips, he deserves a shot - if we arent going to use him, he deserves to be delt to a team that needs a 1B, as he can do the job. Just send him to an NL team, though then again, he won't be a big threat. I dont see him batting any higher than 7th for most clubs.

[slugger33]

No Miranda on the list? Why not put people on there that they have actually signed? I put other, because I think Miranda will be great at first base.

[Mike27]

I voted Doug, but I'd love to see a platoon of Doug and Andy/Miranda/Phelps. The Yanks can take on another lefty hitter if you really think about it. There's not too many lefty starters, and there's only 4 (Bedard, Kazmir, Chacin, Lester) in the entire AL East, where the Yankees play the majority of their games. I'll take Dougs great glove for a decent bat.

[DoubleX]

No Miranda on the list? Why not put people on there that they have actually signed? I put other, because I think Miranda will be great at first base.

I thought about Miranda, but most things I've read have him starting the year at AA.

[Evangelion]

Mientkiewicz and Hillenbrand should get the job done, but there should be concern for Mientkiewicz's health, which New York currently looking into at the moment. New York seem set to settle with Mientkiewicz as their starting 1B next season with Giambi coming in occassionally to play 1B.

Hillenbrand more of a safer choice when discussing health, but overall, Mientkiewicz will be a major upgrade on the field at 1B over Giambi.

[DoubleX]

Mientkiewicz and Hillenbrand should get the job done, but there should be concern for Mientkiewicz's health, which New York currently looking into at the moment. New York seem set to settle with Mientkiewicz as their starting 1B next season with Giambi coming in occassionally to play 1B.

Hillenbrand more of a safer choice when discussing health, but overall, Mientkiewicz will be a major upgrade on the field at 1B over Giambi.

Mientkiewicz is great with the glove, but I don't think it's enough for me as there's only so much difference a good glove can make at 1B unless you're named Keith Hernandez (and even then it's limited). Mientkiewicz has been hitting like a middle infielder the past few years, and I just don't think having a good glove at 1B makes him worth it. I'd rather give Andy Phillips a shot. Granted, he's not as good defensively as Mientkiewicz but it won't really matter much given that we're talking about 1B. I'd rather see if Andy can hit given some sustained regular playing time.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Well I hear Andy LaRoche, but I don't like that one bit. Mark Loretta sure if we can get him, he's a solid player. But a platoon or Loretta would be my choice.

[KCGHOST]

The rest of the AL East will pick up Minky's salary if the Yanks go with him.

[DoubleX]

Well I hear Andy LaRoche, but I don't like that one bit. Mark Loretta sure if we can get him, he's a solid player. But a platoon or Loretta would be my choice.

What's wrong with Andy LaRoche? I'd take either LaRoche brother, depending on the trade of course.

[dmbfan]

To all of you Yankee fans-Don't be surprised if Phelps gets a lot of playing time at 1B. He has done well in the Minors and has a good glove (something the Yankees need at 1B and haven't really had since Tino left). Also, the Orioles didn't think that anyone would grab him in the Rule V Draft and were hoping that he would compete for the 1B job in Baltimore. (I know, the Orioles are not the Yankees). Seeing how the Yankees will have to keep Phelps one the 25-man roster, I believe that Torre will give me a fair shake in ST and during the season. Plus, if he struggles with the bat, the Yankee lineup is strong enough to hide him offensively.

[GotMelk?]

Move Matsui to first and start Melky in left.

[TonyStarks]

What's wrong with Andy LaRoche? I'd take either LaRoche brother, depending on the trade of course.

LaRoche would be traded to the Pirates I believe, to get Gonzalez.

[Mariano_Rivera]

To all of you Yankee fans-Don't be surprised if Phelps gets a lot of playing time at 1B. He has done well in the Minors and has a good glove (something the Yankees need at 1B and haven't really had since Tino left). Also, the Orioles didn't think that anyone would grab him in the Rule V Draft and were hoping that he would compete for the 1B job in Baltimore. (I know, the Orioles are not the Yankees). Seeing how the Yankees will have to keep Phelps one the 25-man roster, I believe that Torre will give me a fair shake in ST and during the season. Plus, if he struggles with the bat, the Yankee lineup is strong enough to hide him offensively.
Where do you get your information? Phelps is horrible defensively.

Tony you're right.

The most oiekly scenario now looks like a plattoon of Phelps or Phillips and Doug for his defense. The Yankees have lacked a good defensive 1B for many years now. Tino was the last starter to fit that qualification. How did that end up for the Yankees? I know Tino was an AS and much better offensively but run prevention wins championships and seeing as pitching is very expensive right now defense is the best way to helps run prevention.

[DoubleX]

LaRoche would be traded to the Pirates I believe, to get Gonzalez.

I know, but I'd like to have him on the Yankees. That's also Adam LaRoche. Andy is in the Dodgers organization and is a highly regarded 1B/3B prospect. I'd really take either. Adam really had a nice year for the Braves last year - .285, 32, 90, 133 OPS+. He'll be 27 next year so he should just be coming into his prime.

[clipper]

Move Matsui to first and start Melky in left.

GotMelk. I read Johnny told reporters (I think in the interview 2-3 weeks ago) would play 1B to help get Melky in the field (CF). This is just talk but the more I thought about it. I don't think it's not bad idea.

1B will be interesting.

(I just hope you don't have to change your treadname).

Clipper

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I'd say Andy Philips. And bring on Miranda later in the year to see what he can do.

[Spazz]

I don't claim to know much about the Yankees but I thought Jason Giambi was the current firstbaseman. Did he leave the team or something?

[Mariano_Rivera]

I don't claim to know much about the Yankees but I thought Jason Giambi was the current firstbaseman. Did he leave the team or something?

Giambi is horrible defensively and is barely physically capable of playing the field so Cashman (the GM) has said that he will be the full-time DH

[DoubleX]

GotMelk. I read Johnny told reporters (I think in the interview 2-3 weeks ago) would play 1B to help get Melky in the field (CF). This is just talk but the more I thought about it. I don't think it's not bad idea.

1B will be interesting.

(I just hope you don't have to change your treadname).

Clipper

I read something like that, but I think Damon said it was to get Bernie Williams playing time.

[Mariano_Rivera]

I read something like that, but I think Damon said it was to get Bernie Williams playing time.

I believe it was to get Cabrera playing time and Williams a roster spot. It isn`t a bad idea.

[Mattingly]

GotMelk. I read Johnny told reporters (I think in the interview 2-3 weeks ago) would play 1B to help get Melky in the field (CF). This is just talk but the more I thought about it. I don't think it's not bad idea.

1B will be interesting.

(I just hope you don't have to change your treadname).

Clipper
To me, I would rotate Damon and Matsui between CF, LF & 1B. See who can handle this, make the throw to 2B. Damon, who throws lefty, has a better chance of being a 1Bman if you believe in the years of Don Mattingly and Keith Hernandez, they both of the slick-fielding, lefty-throwing 1Bmen of the '80s and early '90s.

I'm not sure that Joe should rush Melky into CF right away. His arm seems suited for RF, but he had trouble in CF in 2005. In fact, he seemed to overrun almost everything, but had a great arm once he'd caught up to the ball.

Matsui played CF in Japan, and before we got Damon, he'd taken over CF when Bernie was on the DL. He should be able to handle that well.

I'd keep Melky primarily in LF before the break, then in the 2nd half, try him out in CF. A little CF in spring wouldn't hurt either.

Between Damon, Matsui and every now and then, some guy named Giambi, we may have a few choices at either 1B or DH.

Of the poll choices, I'd take Hilly or Mientkiewicz. Of course, because of that whole ball issue, Mient could get extra booing from the Red Sox fans whenever we play them. He'd also be the 2nd 2004 Red Sox on our team. Hilly, I think also came from their farm.

[Mariano_Rivera]

To me, I would rotate Damon and Matsui between CF, LF & 1B. See who can handle this, make the throw to 2B. Damon, who throws lefty, has a better chance of being a 1Bman if you believe in the years of Don Mattingly and Keith Hernandez, they both of the slick-fielding, lefty-throwing 1Bmen of the '80s and early '90s.

I'm not sure that Joe should rush Melky into CF right away. His arm seems suited for RF, but he had trouble in CF in 2005. In fact, he seemed to overrun almost everything, but had a great arm once he'd caught up to the ball.

Matsui played CF in Japan, and before we got Damon, he'd taken over CF when Bernie was on the DL. He should be able to handle that well.

I'd keep Melky primarily in LF before the break, then in the 2nd half, try him out in CF. A little CF in spring wouldn't hurt either.

Between Damon, Matsui and every now and then, some guy named Giambi, we may have a few choices at either 1B or DH.

Of the poll choices, I'd take Hilly or Mientkiewicz. Of course, because of that whole ball issue, Mient could get extra booing from the Red Sox fans whenever we play them. He'd also be the 2nd 2004 Red Sox on our team. Hilly, I think also came from their farm.

100% agreement except for Hillenrand but we can`t agree on everything :D

[Mattingly]

100% agreement except for Hillenrand but we can`t agree on everything :D
I'm actually surprised we could even agree on anything. :p

If not Hillenbrand, then who'd you prefer at 1B? Mient?

[Mariano_Rivera]

I'm actually surprised we could even agree on anything. :p

If not Hillenbrand, then who'd you prefer at 1B? Mient?

As I`ve said before I'd like a plattoon of Phillips and "he who's name cannot be spelled"

Phillips would also act as a back-up 1B/2B/3B removing the need for a utility man like Cairo and allowing for a plattoon and a return of Bernie. If Jeter went down A-Rod could move to SS and Phillips to 3B.

[TonyStarks]

Sorry guys..it's late and I'm to lazy to go through the whole thread......BUT

What about getting Aubrey Huff to play some 1B? I'm not sure what his glove @ 1B is like but I know that he can play 1B, 3B, LF, and RF and the guy can hit.

This could solve the 1B for a few years and I'm sure he'd come in on the cheap side of things.

Thoughts?

[Mattingly]

As I`ve said before I'd like a plattoon of Phillips and "he who's name cannot be spelled"

Phillips would also act as a back-up 1B/2B/3B removing the need for a utility man like Cairo and allowing for a plattoon and a return of Bernie. If Jeter went down A-Rod could move to SS and Phillips to 3B.
I've wondered how much the Yanks budgeted for a 1Bman in 2007. Must not be much, like in the $2-3m range (like I'll ever see anything like that over many years), but since Shea Hillenbrand just got $6.5m over 1 year, I don't see the Yanks matching this *AND* paying Giambi $20m or so to DH in his last 2 seasons.

As to the unpronounceable, you meant Doug Mientkiewicz? I've heard it a few times, seen it a few times, so I can even type this somehow. To me, it's an either/or situation. Neither can hit, both can field, but I'd take Mient over Phillips. Let Phillips play 1B/3B. If anything, if there's an injury, or if Giambi plays the first 6-7 innings, one plays 1B defensively, then we have room to switch. However, whether it's a LH & RH hitter platooning, which is traditional, or if one is a utility player while the other (Mient) is a specialist at one spot, that's the only way I could consider it.

If A-Rod still makes boo-boos when Moose pitches (hopefully, he'd have gotten past that somehow), then Philllips could play 3B. Heck, let A-Rod DH. Can't spook Moose much if they're not on the field at the same time.

If anything, I would've preferred Hillenbrand, but his price was a bit steeper than what I'd have wanted. Then again, I liked Olerud when he was here and Tony Clarke performed well above his means, as many Mets fans I know said he was no more than a journeyman when he was in Queens.

[Solair Wright]

I'm afraid with putting Jason Giambi at first. First off, he doesn't run well, so after six innings or after he gets a base hit in like the 6th or 7th inning, I would not be afraid to pinch run. At his age, I think it'd be best to ship Giambi to a team that needs a good left-handed batter, but he'll be limited to DH.

The last thing you need is a potential 30-40 home run guy going down with a torn ACL. Just don't let Giambi steal any bases, because he can't anymore.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Angels signed Hillenbrand so the Yankees can`t sign him yay :)

I was thinking does the signing of him make Kotchman dispensable? 3 way deal involving Johnson?

[monkey333]

Angels signed Hillenbrand so the Yankees can`t sign him yay :)

I was thinking does the signing of him make Kotchman dispensable? 3 way deal involving Johnson?
As posted in RJ's thread, I would love to get Kotchman and he does seem dispensable. He played sick last year and has seemingly fallen out of favor with the Angels. He's only 23, ripped up the minors, and could easily be our firstbaseman of the future. The Hillenbrand signing makes me even more optimistic.

[Mariano_Rivera]

As posted in RJ's thread, I would love to get Kotchman and he does seem dispensable. He played sick last year and has seemingly fallen out of favor with the Angels. He's only 23, ripped up the minors, and could easily be our firstbaseman of the future. The Hillenbrand signing makes me even more optimistic.

With Juan Rivera injured they should be coming into the season with this with Kotchman:

DH Shea Hillenbrand
C ?
1B Casey Kotchman
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Orlando Cabrera
3B Chone Figgins
RF Vladimir Guerrero
CF Gary Matthews Jr.
LF Garet Anderson

IF Maicer Izturis
4th OF ?
BC ?
1B Rob Quinlan

When Rivera comes back though he would move to DH forcing out Hillenbrand to 1B, that then forces Kotchman to either the minors or the backup 1B role and forcing Rob Quinlan into the minors. I don`t know if Kotchman can be sent down again either.

What about this? Yankees send Randy Johnson to the Diamondbacks for Chris Carter, and 1 or 2 other AA or A prospects, then the Yankees ship them off to the Angels for Casey Kotchman. Carter can play in AAA for one more year for the Angels and when Rob Quinlan leaves for FA next year then Carter can take over there, they also get another prospect or two. The Yankees save 16 million dollars and get a very nice young left-handed 1B, if neccesary then they can plattoon with Phillips. The D'Backs give up 1 or 2 low level prospects and Carter who is blocked by Connor Jackson, in return they get a big gate attraction and a pitcher who could do well in the NL if healthy. Actually, trading for Carter for Johnson (and maybe a little more from Arizona) has the same basic result for the Yankees and Diamondbacks but I think that Kotchman is a little more ML ready.

[DoubleX]

Here's what I'm starting to think. The Yankees should try to acquire Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks and he can play 1B. Andy Phillips would also stay on the team as the utility infielder. I know that sounds a little crazy, but the Yankees seem to like Phillips and they haven't yet signed a utility player. Phillps can play 1B, 2B, and 3B and can hit a little. Tracy can also play 3B, so he gives them some flexibility too, and Giambi can play passably enough in the field for a stretch if the team really needs it. So that leaves a backup for SS. Well unless, Jeter and A-Rod get hurt simultaneously, the Yankees already have a backup SS on the field and at least two options to replace A-Rod at 3B (Phillips and Tracy) and plenty of options at 1B (including Johnny Damon if the team is desperate).

[Mariano_Rivera]

Here's what I'm starting to think. The Yankees should try to acquire Chad Tracy from the Diamondbacks and he can play 1B. Andy Phillips would also stay on the team as the utility infielder. I know that sounds a little crazy, but the Yankees seem to like Phillips and they haven't yet signed a utility player. Phillps can play 1B, 2B, and 3B and can hit a little. Tracy can also play 3B, so he gives them some flexibility too, and Giambi can play passably enough in the field for a stretch if the team really needs it. So that leaves a backup for SS. Well unless, Jeter and A-Rod get hurt simultaneously, the Yankees already have a backup SS on the field and at least two options to replace A-Rod at 3B (Phillips and Tracy) and plenty of options at 1B (including Johnny Damon if the team is desperate).
I find Chris Carter to be more likely plus he's a lefty

[DoubleX]

I find Chris Carter to be more likely plus he's a lefty

Chad Tracy bats lefty.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Chad Tracy bats lefty.

Cool, but is he as realistic? I know they have other guys at 1B and 3B but they don`t have MLB experience.

[DoubleX]

Cool, but is he as realistic? I know they have other guys at 1B and 3B but they don`t have MLB experience.

I didn't think so, but others seemed to suggest it would make sense.

[Mariano_Rivera]

I didn't think so, but others seemed to suggest it would make sense.

:D Guess I should change my sig line :D

I`d take that deal easily but I didn`t think it was very realistic.

[Evangelion]

Chad Tracy become a 3B for Arizona with Conor Jackson coming up last season. Though, I bet Arizona just trying to take Johnson off the Yankees' hands and they asking for too much in return, I suspect MLB ready talent like Chad Tracy, would be New York would be asking for, which isn't going to happen. Brandon Lyon and a couple of prospects would do for a 43 year old Randy Johnson with back surgery just recently. I still find that type of deal foolish from Arizona's point of view.

Still, if New York got any deal, I thought they just take to get rid of Johnson, but I suppose they like his impressive 17 wins, because he's got nothing more than that. He's a over-priced number 4 pitcher. He's got a high win total, but was just awful while getting the wins, just like Marquis.

[DoubleX]

Still, if New York got any deal, I thought they just take to get rid of Johnson, but I suppose they like his impressive 17 wins, because he's got nothing more than that. He's a over-priced number 4 pitcher. He's got a high win total, but was just awful while getting the wins, just like Marquis.

I disagree. I think in the NL West and in a more relaxed and comfortable environment for Johnson, he could appear more dominant again. Look at what happened when Clemens went to the NL. He looked not much better than average at the end with the Yankees then went to the NL and dominated. I don't think Johnson will have quite such a turnaround, but I think going back to the NL will help him and he'll appear more dominant than he has been in the last few years.

[jeterMVP]

at least i'm not the only one who likes craig wilson :clapping

[Evangelion]

Roger Clemens did not just have back surgery and didn't fluke this badly around his final days in AL like Johnson. Johnson might return to a number 2 pitcher and a possible number 1, but a dominating pitcher like Clemens in NL? Clemens was a number 2-3 in his final days in AL. Johnson a number 4 to 5 currently, not to mention having back surgery.

Johnson would likely be the number 2 pitcher in Arizona behide Webb. I would put Johnson slight ahead of L. Hernandez, who just look like a declining pitcher last season.

Like I said, New York likely asking for far too much for a pitcher like Johnson.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Roger Clemens did not just have back surgery and didn't fluke this badly around his final days in AL like Johnson. Johnson might return to a number 2 pitcher and a possible number 1, but a dominating pitcher like Clemens in NL? Clemens was a number 2-3 in his final days in AL. Johnson a number 4 to 5 currently, not to mention having back surgery.

Johnson would likely be the number 2 pitcher in Arizona behide Webb. I would put Johnson slight ahead of L. Hernandez, who just look like a declining pitcher last season.

Like I said, New York likely asking for far too much for a pitcher like Johnson.

In reality Cash is probably just fishing aropund to see what he can get. He`ll probably just settle for a prospect or two.