Is Cashman's New Love for Pitching Prospects Hurting the Team?

[ChrisLDuncan]

Well there seems to be a wealth of RHP prospects in our system which I am estatic about...however there is a lack of other prospects of positions we may need to fill. I mean the Angels pretty much have a team of guys in their second year or less and in their farm, so I don't know if getting a huge wealth of pitching prospects for sacrificing position player prospects is the thing to do.

[KCGHOST]

It's awfully hard to argue against stockpiling pitchers. If the Yanks had had some decent home grown pitchers, instead of the mediocrities they paid big bucks for, the last five years they would have been far better off. Besides for the next two-three years all the positions are manned by all-star caliber players. Maybe Posada will collapse (catchers do that) or maybe you can unload Giambi on some unsuspecting fool to free up a slot or two.

[cmaff05]

If Cashman was stockpiling prospects that were relievers, I would agree with you. But he's stocking cost effective starting pitchers, the most valuable commodity in the game today.

And trading away Randy Johnson and his 88 ERA+ is helping the team more than hurting the team.

[DoubleX]

I think it's a great breath of fresh air to actually see the Yankees unload some expensive veterans for some good prospects. By collecting a large group of young pitchers you not only boost your chances of finding success with some of them, but you also give yourself some attractive trading chips and some leverage in trading discussions. In recent years, the Yankees best leverage was that they'd pick up the salary of the player. Now they can actually entice some teams with some of their prospects.

[Mattingly]

I don't think there's ever too much a thing as too much pitching. Everyone always needs southpaws and good relievers, but if we have a deep and talented team for years to come, I think that the 2008 and future teams will finally be lacking the annual parade of hired guns I've had a hard time rooting for.

Let's see where we'll need a position player on the big club for now:

C--Most definitely. Without Posada, we'd have paid even more, despite his high salary. I could've seen Ivan Rodriguez being a viable solution, however. As is, I didn't see anyone likely replacing him.

1B--If Giambi can be convinced to drop his no-trade sometime this season, I think that we could send him away for a few more prospects this July 31st. I won't hold my breath, but it would, along with a potential Unit trade, bring smiles to my face. :)

2B--Nope, Robby Cano's not going anywhere.

SS--Next! :D

3B--Unless Alex Rodriguez decides to take his "out clause" and retire, I seriously doubt he'll be going anywhere before 2010. He'll never make more money from anyone else, as neither the Yanks nor the Rangers--Bora$ likeliest targets--could afford this.

LF--Melky's there to stay and Matsui or Damon could also play there.

CF--Not with Damon or possibly Matsui or Melky in there.

RF--Possibly, as I won't guarantee you how long that Abreu will remain a Yankee.

So far, only the right side of the field looks like there's room. Until then, I say we stockpile the arms, letting the bats do their work.

[TonyStarks]

He's not hurting this team.

He's looking @ the big picture.
He's bringing in Starts also....not just a bunch of relievers.

Besides as most have already said...most of the Positions are filled for the for seeable future...with the exception being Catcher.

[monkey333]

Not at all. Remember the past few years with all the injuries how we had to scrounge up guys like Scott Erickson, Sidney Ponson, and Alan Embree? With the kind of depth and talent Ca$h is stockpiling. Then if we happen to struggle at a different position while holding onto the high ceiling/ talent guys we can trade other still valuable pitchers for position playing talent.



1B--If Giambi can be convinced to drop his no-trade sometime this season, I think that we could send him away for a few more prospects this July 31st. I won't hold my breath, but it would, along with a potential Unit trade, bring smiles to my face. :)
Why on earth would you want to get rid of Jason at the trade deadline(unless he's sucking that bad, which I don't see happening)? There's seemingly no available replacement for his sort of production, leaving a hole in the lineup. His fielding won't be hurting us if he DHs. And you're almost certainly not going to get equal value for him.

[Mike27]

I don't think that Cash is hurting this team 1 bit. I think this might be a sign of things to come though. The Boss is getting older and older, and once he's gone, I think it's his son in law (Steve Swindal?), is the most likely replacement. I don't expect to see him spending the money George has been spending over the last years, and I do believe The Boss has less influence on the team also. The player contracts, which won't get that much higher, but are still ridiculously high, are too much for teams to handle. With all these pitching prospects, and maybe 2-3 more coming from the RJ trade, we will have a cheap, young, talented rotation. We won't have to see any more Weavers, Johnsons, Pavanos, or Browns. We will have a team of homegrown fan favorites, like Andy Pettitte and Rivera. Maybe I'm being a bit too optimistic, but I love this team and their future :gt .

Also, about their prospect position players, I don't believe they are really a problem. Don't forget we do have Tabata and although he's really, really young, Jesus Montero has GREAT potential. He probably won't be a Catcher by the time he reaches the Majors (if he does), because of size and ability. Would make a decent fielding, Power hitting, 1B. I know alot of people have doubts about Eric Duncan also, but I still love this guy. I believe he will turn his career around and begin to find his stroke again. The position players are definitely not stacked, but they are far from bad. I'd like to see the Yanks draft a corner outfielder or infielder in the 1st round of next year's draft.

[Mariano_Rivera]

Prospects are prospects. Trade bait if we need it. Mattingly is right

[ShortStop]

Out hitting is fine the way it is.

1B, Yes we deffinitively need a defensive mind as Giambi is a liability at that. Philips is a mediocre hitter even though difensively skilled.

2B, Cano is a superstar in the making. If he gets better with the glove we would be set for at least 10 years. Second option Cairo is a decent all around infielder.

SS, Second in batting avg, second in MVP polls. Need say more?

3B, boy this is a tough one. Yes he had horrible numbers this year for a player his status that is and he is a terrible clutvh player so far but i truly believe that we have yet to see Alex at his best. Trading him would be dull. I mean the guy went from being the best short stop of all time to play 3 base just to be a yankee. He is an emotional guy. We the fans should emrace him. I hope Alex hits that big postseason home run nest year and once he gets out of the cage he'll unleash hell. Just mark my words.

RF, I love Bobby. he is not a home run guy anymore but he is such a smart hitter. he seems to love being a yankee so i'd give him what he wants to extend. Cabrera should learn a lot from him too.

CF, Johny Damon is unique. A player that not only is one of the best lead off hiters but his character always happy makes good to the team.

LF, Dunno but i personally believe Matsue is just not him after the injury. I really hope he comes back to be the same old Godzilla.

Starting pitchers.

Wang, i hated him the first year. he proved me wrong. The guy is awesome. He shous no mental breakdown and has that nasty sinker. I really hope he improves more and more even though he is already an established starter and our ace. Who would have thought he would lead this line up 1 year ago.

Mussina, a reliable starter that has his ups and downs. A nice 15 win guy but this postseason i had the feeling he entered empty. Age is getting to him.

Pettitte, He can start 0-10 for what i care. I know he will be ready in October. I just know. Welcome back Andy.

Igawa, blank

Pavano, who?

Johnson, cant wait to see him in a uniform, D'backs that is.

Hughes, yes please.

Clemens, he fooled us with that retirement, he is 45 years young but hell he is Roger Clemens...Please bring him in.

Mariano Rivera, To quote Ozzie Guillen in the all star game ''Calling Rivera to close a game has been my dream as a manager''

Fahrensworth, semidelusional even though he reaches 100 miles per hour. Hope he gets some confidence.

Proctor, i consider him the best surprise last year. He truly was the best set up 1 milion per season can buy.

Others worth mentioning, Humberto Sanchez will become a fan favorite. Mike Myers, why we signed him in the first place? Ron Villone, he is a nice 6 or 7 inning opption to have.

Joe Torre, thank you Joe and make sure Donnie is ready when ypu step down.

Here you have it my 5 cents. :gt

[monkey333]

LF, Dunno but i personally believe Matsue is just not him after the injury. I really hope he comes back to be the same old Godzilla. Como? He put up a line of .412/.484/1.092 in 51ABs when he came back in Sept. Seems fine.

Proctor, i consider him the best surprise last year. He truly was the best set up 1 milion per season can buy. Joel Zumaya disagrees.

Others worth mentioning, Humberto Sanchez will become a fan favorite. Mike Myers, why we signed him in the first place? He rapes lefties. Ron Villone, he is a nice 6 or 7 inning opption to have. Currently not on the team, it'd be better if he left and got us a sandwhich pick.

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