Yanks -Strengths/Weaknesses

[lilceas]

Let’s do a quick assessment of the Yanks 3 main Strengths and Weaknesses, from your prospective.

 

I'll start with my opinions:

 

Strengths:

 

- Rotation depth - With all the injuries last year we called upon Wang, Chacon and Small to step up big time. Now they can team up with the established starters and Joe can put the best 5 on the field. If one goes down, we're prepared to fill his place.

- Bullpen - We added a bunch of new guys and if Dotel can come back 100% by May, the former closer could prove to be an excellent 8th inning guy, with Farnsworth pitching the 7th. Sturtze, Villone, Myers and of course MO are also available. Small will probably start the season in the Pen.

- Our 2nd Year Guys - IMO, Wang and Cano are the real deal. I'm looking forward to a full season with these two.

 

Weaknesses or Concerns:

 

- #1 Starter - After blowing last years playoff game, I have no faith in Johnson going up against another teams top guy in a key situation.

- Damon - I hate him, I'm pissed we signed him and I’m worried that his production will drop since he already got paid. If he lives up to his potential, the Yanks lineup will be deadly.....if.

- Clutch Hitting - Down by 1, bottom of the ninth, game on the line....where's Scotty B, where's Paul O'Neill, Tino? The Yankees have failed in key spots over the past few years and since the lineup will be virtually the same (aside from Damon) I'm afraid they have not improved in this category. Also, can we manufacture runs and not always rely on the long ball. I think with three speedy guys (Cano, Damon, Jeter) hitting 9-1-2, we can improve here.

 

 

Thoughts, opinions.....have at it.

[mickeef2]

Hmmm... Disagree with you on just about everything.

 

Yeah, Wang may be the real deal, but look at the rest of the rotation. Question marks all around. Mussina's not getting younger, RJ looked very mortal last year (and though he did have a strong 2nd half, he blew the playoffs for them), Pavano's already hurting and Wright is Wright. Small figures to pitch out of the pen, from where he was much more hittable last year, and the rest of the pen, except for Mo, is nothing to write home about. They just signed Scott Erickson to a minor league deal. What does that tell you?

 

As for Damon, I think he'll have a great year and you'll be happy with him. But they didn't improve defensively out there at all, and that was their big problem last year. Matsui's a clutz, Sheff is a shell of his former self defensively.

 

The only thing I agree with you on is the clutch hitting. Jeter had an off year last year in this dept., but I think he'll bounce back. I think Giambi will be big in the clutch, too. But guys like ARod- that's his history, being small in the big spot.

[LorfTVP]

The Yankees strengths are as follows:

 

Lineup - This year the Yankees should surpass the Red Sox in terms of offense with All Stars at C, 1b, SS, 3b, LF, CF, and RF...basically every position except 2b. And **ahem** Bernie was an All Star. So everybody is or was an All Star. You have power up and down the lineup and even if you mistakenly lead off with Johnny Damon, your offense will still win games.

 

Starting Rotation Depth - I agree with you here, you have the depth...but there are problems which I will go over below.

 

Bullpen - The Yankees have the best closer in the game and a bullpen shored up by the likes of Farnsworth, Myers, and Villone. Farnsworth's mind in high pressure situations and big cities is in question though.

 

Weaknesses:

 

Bench Depth and DH - The Yankees bench is the weakest it has been in years and Bernie Williams, with his pity contract, isn't getting any younger.

 

Starting Rotation - While the depth is present, the ability is questionable. Randy Johnson, though he won't perform as badly as last year, still won't get back to where he was years ago. He is 42 years old and not getting any younger. Same for Mussina, he's getting older, and his stats have increased in the past years and it's not all because of the injuries. Wright and Pavano were busts as predicted and both are slightly above average pitchers who have shown flashes of brilliance but have been mediocre throughout most of their careers. Chacon won't dominate as he did last year for sure, for as soon as hitters get used to him and he realizes that he's in the offensive AL East. Wang, on the other hand, may be the second best starter on your staff and will perform solidly.

 

Age - Johnson, Giambi, Mussina, Williams, Posada, and Sheffield are all a year older now.

[lilceas]

Hmmm... Disagree with you on just about everything.

 

Yeah, Wang may be the real deal, but look at the rest of the rotation. Question marks all around. Mussina's not getting younger, RJ looked very mortal last year (and though he did have a strong 2nd half, he blew the playoffs for them), Pavano's already hurting and Wright is Wright. Small figures to pitch out of the pen, from where he was much more hittable last year, and the rest of the pen, except for Mo, is nothing to write home about. They just signed Scott Erickson to a minor league deal. What does that tell you?

 

As for Damon, I think he'll have a great year and you'll be happy with him. But they didn't improve defensively out there at all, and that was their big problem last year. Matsui's a clutz, Sheff is a shell of his former self defensively.

 

The only thing I agree with you on is the clutch hitting. Jeter had an off year last year in this dept., but I think he'll bounce back. I think Giambi will be big in the clutch, too. But guys like ARod- that's his history, being small in the big spot.

 

 

If you don't think we have starting pitching depth then your crazy. We have atleast 4 guys that will be very solid -Johnson, Moose, Chacon and Wang. The problem is we don't have a dominant starter. Depth means that we'll be able to handle 2/3's of the league and pile up wins. My concern is when the Yanks have to go against a good teams number 1, Schill, Santana, etc, there may be a problem.

 

My opinion of Damon is biased...I hate him and always will. If he produces, then so be it. If he doesn't, i'll hire a hit man.

 

I stand by the rest of my post.

[gateb]

If you don't think we have starting pitching depth then your crazy. We have atleast 4 guys that will be very solid -Johnson, Moose, Chacon and Wang. The problem is we don't have a dominant starter. Depth means that we'll be able to handle 2/3's of the league and pile up wins. My concern is when the Yanks have to go against a good teams number 1, Schill, Santana, etc, there may be a problem.

 

My opinion of Damon is bias...I hate him and always will. If he produces, then so be it. If he doesn't, i'll hire a hit man.

 

I stand by the rest of my post.

Nice to see fans like you who understand this Damon situation. Too bad Steinbrenner didn't have the same train of thought as you when he signed him

 

You guys certainly have starting depth but it was like a domino effect for them throughout the season. One good start by a guy like Randy and the next three or four had decent starts too. Same goes for others. And one guy gets hurt, then the other. They seem to fall more then one at a time.

 

You guys will have a fun season and if the Sox rotation stays healthy, then there are going to be some excellent hitting vs. pitching matchups that I'm looking forward to watching!

[njsmalls]

Let’s do a quick assessment of the Yanks 3 main Strengths and Weaknesses, from your prospective.

 

I'll start with my opinions:

 

Strengths:

 

- Rotation depth - With all the injuries last year we called upon Wang, Chacon and Small to step up big time. Now they can team up with the established starters and Joe can put the best 5 on the field. If one goes down, we're prepared to fill his place.

- Bullpen - We added a bunch of new guys and if Dotel can come back 100% by May, the former closer could prove to be an excellent 8th inning guy, with Farnsworth pitching the 7th. Sturtze, Villone, Myers and of course MO are also available. Small will probably start the season in the Pen.

- Our 2nd Year Guys - IMO, Wang and Cano are the real deal. I'm looking forward to a full season with these two.

 

Weaknesses or Concerns:

 

- #1 Starter - After blowing last years playoff game, I have no faith in Johnson going up against another teams top guy in a key situation.

- Damon - I hate him, I'm pissed we signed him and I’m worried that his production will drop since he already got paid. If he lives up to his potential, the Yanks lineup will be deadly.....if.

- Clutch Hitting - Down by 1, bottom of the ninth, game on the line....where's Scotty B, where's Paul O'Neill, Tino? The Yankees have failed in key spots over the past few years and since the lineup will be virtually the same (aside from Damon) I'm afraid they have not improved in this category. Also, can we manufacture runs and not always rely on the long ball. I think with three speedy guys (Cano, Damon, Jeter) hitting 9-1-2, we can improve here.

Thoughts, opinions.....have at it.

 

Paulie!

 

The Yankees have no heart...or balls.

 

 

 

 

I agree with your assesment on Damon...He'll bat .250 with 8 HRs and 30 RBI...

 

 

I'm real low on the Yankees now...except for Cano...I have a feeling he's going to be AWESOME! He did pretty well in the playoffs considering he was a rookie.

[gateb]

Weren't you the one who recentely predicted 103 wins and a choke in the playoffs? You always get me confused.

[Currency]

The only thing certain for the Yankees is that they'll score a lot of runs. That's that.

I love the Damon signing... his arm is weaker than Bernie, but he'll definitely cover more ground. If he leads off, than Jeter can go back to the 2nd spot where he had his best year.

I can see Yankee fans grumbling over his arm and I can see them comparing his fielding to Bernies.

I wanted Hideki Matsui to play CF and to sign some dude to play LF, but I don't run the Yankees...

 

Our pitching after Mariano Rivera is a big fat (?).

[Currency]

- Clutch Hitting - Down by 1, bottom of the ninth, game on the line....where's Scotty B, where's Paul O'Neill, Tino? The Yankees have failed in key spots over the past few years and since the lineup will be virtually the same (aside from Damon) I'm afraid they have not improved in this category. Also, can we manufacture runs and not always rely on the long ball. I think with three speedy guys (Cano, Damon, Jeter) hitting 9-1-2, we can improve here.

 

Cano a speedy guy? Are you sure you're talking about Robinson Cano?

The last thing he was known for as a player in the Minors and in his stint in the Majors was his speed.

Cano is not speedy. He's has at best an above average speed.

 

132 games with 1 stolen base and 3 CS. 4 attempts.

That stat says it all.

 

[lilceas]

Cano a speedy guy? Are you sure you're talking about Robinson Cano?

The last thing he was known for as a player in the Minors and in his stint in the Majors was his speed.

Cano is not speedy. He's has at best an above average speed.

 

132 games with 1 stolen base and 3 CS. 4 attempts.

That stat says it all.

 

 

Cano is not a base stealer, but he has good enough speed to make hit and runs effective. Damon has good speed and Jeter is widely considered the best base runner in the game. I like the fact that they hit back to back to back at the bottom to the top of the lineup.

 

BTW, I wish your sig didn't have that little black shadow on SJ's arm in the far left pic....

Edited February 18, 2006 by Lilceas

[njsmalls]

Weren't you the one who recentely predicted 103 wins and a choke in the playoffs? You always get me confused.

 

You're talking about me right? Because I predictied 101 wins...

 

 

...and a choke in the Playoffs...They'll lose to the Indians or something...

[mickeef2]

If you don't think we have starting pitching depth then your crazy. We have atleast 4 guys that will be very solid -Johnson, Moose, Chacon and Wang. The problem is we don't have a dominant starter.

 

I stand by the rest of my post.

 

Hey, I'm not saying you're wrong, and nobody knows what's really going to happen, but you kind of made my point for me. You don't have a dominant starter, and while Wang, Chacon, and Moose could all have great years, they could also fall apart and you wouldn't be surprised. It certainly ain't like going into the season with Clemens, Pettitte, a younger Moose, a younger Wells, etc.

[Ditto]

Strengths would be our hitting, bullpen, and infield defense. I’m hoping Jeter is still our #1 hitter because of his high OBP. Either way, I’m seeing 350 runs scored by the first 3 batters. The rest of the lineup merely has to hit their average, especially the aging Posada. Our bullpen, even losing Gordon, is better on paper. Time will tell.

 

Our main weaknesses are the starters and outfield defense. Chacon is the only sure thing. Johnson and Moose are older and iffy, although Moose is claiming a healthier arm. Wang and Small should pitch well enough to keep us in games. Pavano and Wright, ouch. I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see many shutouts or even one or two run games. Also, our pitching will not get much help from our outfielders.

 

Hoping for youth and defense in the OF, I was against the Damon signing, too. He should help our offense, and I disagree that he will dog it now that he has the money. He’s played hard since he’s been in the majors. He’s also a smart hitter, and I’m hoping that rubs off onto the rest of the lineup.

 

To me, our bench is an unknown entity, even Bernie.

[gateb]

It's almost definite that Damon will be leading off this season. Jeter will probably bat second. I think the x factor for this season for you guys is Giambi. If he can keep his stroke going that puts this lineup on another level.

[mickeef2]

It's almost definite that Damon will be leading off this season. Jeter will probably bat second. I think the x factor for this season for you guys is Giambi. If he can keep his stroke going that puts this lineup on another level.

 

By "stroke", you're obviously referring to the motion of his thumb pushing down on the hammer of a syringe filled with human growth hormone, correct?

[gateb]

By "stroke", you're obviously referring to the motion of his thumb pushing down on the hammer of a syringe filled with human growth hormone, correct?

Yeah, I was gonna throw that in there somewhere.

[Currency]

Our infield defense besides A-Rod and to a lesser extent Jeter is garbage.

I can now see the uninformed Yankee fans reply with "Cano is a good fielder."

 

Contrary to popular beliefs, Cano might be the dumbest fielder on the Yankees roster. His fielding skills are average and may even be below average. He does flash some leather now and then. Hopefully he has improved.

Our infield (w/Giambi) is average at best. The left side is good though.

 

...but what do I know, I only watch the Yankees in october.

[Ditto]

It's almost definite that Damon will be leading off this season. Jeter will probably bat second. I think the x factor for this season for you guys is Giambi. If he can keep his stroke going that puts this lineup on another level.

Why is that such a sure thing? Jeter's OBP is like 30 points above Damon's. Plus, I think Damon's ability to hit to all fields make him an ideal #2. Jeter has the habit of reaching out for pitches before the ball is even on it's way.

[Ditto]

Our infield defense besides A-Rod and to a lesser extent Jeter is garbage.

I can now see the uninformed Yankee fans reply with "Cano is a good fielder."

 

Contrary to popular beliefs, Cano might be the dumbest fielder on the Yankees roster. His fielding skills are average and may even be below average. He does flash some leather now and then. Hopefully he has improved.

Our infield (w/Giambi) is average at best. The left side is good though.

 

...but what do I know, I only watch the Yankees in october.

Our infield defense besides A-Rod? Christ, I can name at least 3 Yankees that put him to shame, Boyer, Nettles, and Boggs in his later days. Maybe, just maybe A-Rod is on a par with Pags.

 

Your assessment of Jeter and Cano is way off base for me to even get into, and Giambi, except his throws to second, is more than adequate, especially picking balls out of the dirt.

[Currency]

Our infield defense besides A-Rod? Christ, I can name at least 3 Yankees that put him to shame, Boyer, Nettles, and Boggs in his later days. Maybe, just maybe A-Rod is on a par with Pags.

 

Your assessment of Jeter and Cano is way off base for me to even get into, and Giambi, except his throws to second, is more than adequate, especially picking balls out of the dirt.

 

Are Boyer, Nettles and Boggs on the Yankees roster right now? So what's the point in comparing them?

 

Giambi is adequate? I hope you're not serious! There is a reason that we signed Tino Martinez out of his retirement, and it was for defensive replacement. We have a DH playing 1st base. All Giambi can do is scoop the ball with 0 agility. If Giambi was 'adequate,' then there would be no need for insuring him when it matters late in the game. You'll see the same this season when the Yankees bring in Andy Philips to replace him.

 

I've watched Cano in minors and majors and I came to the same conclusion as the Scouts. His fielding is average. His head gets in the way of his body and his range is nothing to write home about when you compare him to other 2nd basemen.

 

By the way, Cano can improve and he might, but right now he isn't good. He is at best an above average overall fielder.

 

If you think Cano is a good fielder, I don't blame you. NY Media has a way of overrating players.

 

By the way, calling the Yankee Bullpen a strength is not very smart assessment.

 

Edited February 20, 2006 by Currency

[mickeef2]

I have to agree with Currency that Giambi is a horrible defensive first baseman. He is lost on any play that involves the least bit of thought, and he's average at best in the agility dept.

[lilceas]

I have to agree with Currency that Giambi is a horrible defensive first baseman. He is lost on any play that involves the least bit of thought, and he's average at best in the agility dept.

 

 

I think that's pretty obvious...

 

His assesment of Cano on the other hand is strange. The kid is very good defensive first baseman, but he made tons of "rookie mistakes" last year that downgraded his overall season. If he concentrates more on fundamentals, he'll be very good.

[Currency]

Maybe I guess I am a bit harsh when it comes to judging Cano.

 

 

This is what happens when you come from a poor family who couldn't afford a baseball bat or a tennis ball to play baseball with.

 

[lilceas]

Maybe I guess I am a bit harsh when it comes to judging Cano.

 

 

This is what happens when you come from a poor family who couldn't afford a baseball bat or a tennis ball to play baseball with.

 

 

Broom handle and blue ball in my neighborhood.

[mickeef2]

I think that's pretty obvious...

 

Obviously not to everybody, otherwise we wouldn't be having the conversation.

 

His assesment of Cano on the other hand is strange. The kid is very good defensive first baseman, but he made tons of "rookie mistakes" last year that downgraded his overall season. If he concentrates more on fundamentals, he'll be very good.

 

I think Cano is a lot like Giambi (albeit more agile), actually, in that he can make the good "reaction" play, but is screwed anytime he has to think about it.