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MLB Trade Rumors: Jesus Montero and 8 Others Yankees Who Might Be Trade Bait

Posted by on 31 January 2011, 11:48 pm

It is no secret that the New York Yankees were hoping that there 2011 starting rotation would include the names of Cliff Lee and Andy Pettitte.

Moving forward, the Yankees have to fill the fourth and fifth spots, at least temporarily, until they make a trade for a legit arm before the July All-Star break.

Of course, this is contingent on a few factors:

Who is available?

Will A.J. Burnett right himself back to being a viable starter again?

What players are the Yankees willing to part with midseason?

And the biggest factor of all: Is the team is winning or losing?

No one can know for certain, but rumors are flying around about which players the Yankee will dangle in front of other teams.

Unlike in the past, the Yankees have talent down on the farm—in particular, a trio of catching prospects led by Yankees top prospect Jesus Montero.

This is a nice cushion to have a if the rotation needs a boost, as my bet is the Yankees make a go at King Felix again.

In no particular order, let’s look at Montero and eight other Yankee players rumored to be potential trade bait…that is if the price is right.

  1. Jesus Montero not only sits atop the Yankees prospect list but is also the top catcher in the minors. Scouts refer to Montero as having a “Mike Piazza” swing, but unfortunately Montero also struggles on defense like Piazza. At 6’5″, Montero’s days behind the plate could be numbered, as he has yet to prove he can catch every day. Still, his monster and mature bat is enough to make other teams drool. If the Yankees need another starter by midseason, Montero could command a nice return.
  2. What Montero lacks behind the plate, Austin Romine surely does not. Another top catching prospect throughout the minors, Romine doesn’t have the huge bat, but he is no slump either. Romine’s swing is improving nicely, and that should continue to improve over time. Romine is an everyday catcher with a strong throwing arm that can get out a ton of baserunners. With the Red Sox getting Carl Crawford, Romine’s arm might prove more valuable than Montero’s bat, but only time will tell.
  3. Gary Sanchez is the youngest of the Yankees’ stellar catching trio, and probably the most coveted. In 2009 the Yankees paid the then-16-year-old a record $3 million, and so far the money looks to be paying off. Sanchez has the best of both Montero’s bat and Romaine’s defense. Now, at age 18, Sanchez will play in his first full professional season either in Charleston (Low-A), as his age is too young for High-A Tampa just yet. Nothing is set in stone, but so far Sanchez is on the path to becoming superstar. It makes trading Montero a whole lot easier for the Yankees to swallow because of this kid’s potential. Continue reading ‘MLB Trade Rumors: Jesus Montero and 8 Others Yankees Who Might Be Trade Bait’ »

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MLB Hot Stove: New York Yankees Are Pitching With What They Got Not By Choice

Posted by on 22 December 2010, 2:32 am

It is no secret that the New York Yankees are winning the biggest losers contest by a landslide this off-season.

As they cross their fingers hoping Andy Pettitte sends word he wants to play, the waiting is making things look less hopeful.

GM Brian Cashman made it clear:

“He’s not in it. He’s told me not to rely on him, so I’m focusing on what he’s told us.”

Not great news….but let’s look at the situation for what it really is, as the Yankees head  into the New Year:

Off-Season Pitchers Who Passed:

  • Cliff Lee brought his talents back to the Phillies.
  • Zach Greinke wasn’t worth the price, as the Royals tacked on serious demands.
  • Veteran and member of the Yankee core-four, Andy Pettitte has turned into as subtle version of Brett Favre.
  • Felix Hernandez would rather stay on the Mariners than pitch in the Bronx, as the Yankees are in his no-trade list.
  • Marlins Josh Johnson was a long shot, but worth a try.

Outlook Heading Into New Year

The Yankees are not accustomed to leaving gaping holes open via rejection.

So, don’t think for a minute this was Plan B, as Brain Cashman had one plan and it was Cliff Lee.

Now it is look internally or bust to complete the gaping hole in their starting rotation. Continue reading ‘MLB Hot Stove: New York Yankees Are Pitching With What They Got Not By Choice’ »

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Player Profile: Andrew Brackman #64 P

Posted by on 5 March 2010, 6:52 pm

Pitcher Andrew Brackman stands at an enormous 6’10.

He was the Yankees 2007 first round draft pick out of NC State University.

Thus far, Brackman’s actions speak louder than his words (stats in baseball terms).

In his first two seasons, as well as coming off Tommy John surgery and an emergency appendicitis, Brackman has been rough on paper.

As a starter Brackman struggled with his mechanics and control, resembling that of a young Randy Johnson, aka ‘Big Unit’.

Johnson has talked of his early struggles on the mound due to his height, and that Brackman needs some more time to adjust.

Just like Johnson, Brackman’s move into the bullpen marked a substantial improvement. That is why Brackman’s stats do not provide accurate description of his future or ability.

No one knows if this even ‘Bigger Unit’ will ever fair like his predecessor, but he throws at 94-97 mph and that is big leagues level.

Now the question is can Brackman get the same control to match.

Brackman finished up in the minors showing significant improvement in the bullpen. He came into Spring Training weighing 230 pounds down from 270 a year back; and at the young age of 23, there are many reasons to hope for a big future.

Look for Brackman to come out of the Yankee bullpen, unlikely that anyone could miss him.

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