NFT: Yanks talk 3-16

Having a great spring. Torreyes goes.

In comment 13868791 Ryan in Albany said:

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Having a great spring. Torreyes goes.

That's my take as well... Wade replaces Torreyes. And, if not, Wade stays and someone else goes.

As an aside, if this team just get average/mediocre pitching from its starters, there's clearly enough bullpen, hitting and fielding to take this team at least into the playoffs.

He'll go to Scranton and keep working on his defense.

I think Torreyes remaining is a much better possibility than you guys allow.

Walker did not have a regular spring training and is still rusty. He will play a lot though. Andujar is sent down. Ells starts the season on the DL along with Frazier. Torreyes stays, at least to begin with.

would agree with Del on these projections. One other reason is that Wade can play 1b if Bird is hurt or needs a day

I will go further on my own in complete speculation. I think the spring Andujar, Frazier and Ellsbury had ( injuries for two and defense and not hitting breaking stuff for Andujar) limits some of Cashman's optionality of getting one more SP before the season starts.

I did not see enough of the games but I think that no minor league pitching prospect I am aware of rose up or down in short term "tradeability" evaluations.

Good spring so far for the starters and their health

will go too. Can't keep him here to sit. Let him play, force his way back.

but also can play any IF position and a little OF.

Is not going to be on the roster, not in a million years unless Drury gets hurt. Why waste a year on him? Wade is not only making the roster but is the starting second baseman, if you have been paying attention. Could he lose that job, sure, if he doesn't play well, but he will be the starting second baseman. Ellsbury is starting the year on the DL, that is another guess. So the roster will have Wade and either McKinney or Austin on it. The bench is Romine, Walker, Torreyes, and McKinney or Austin.

that we've signed Alex Cobb on the cheap.

Bench will probably be Romine, Ellsbury, Torreyes, and Wade/Walker. Wade will share 2B with Walker and be the super-sub. Even when he doesn't start, Wade can be used off the bench as a late inning defensive replacement/pinchrunner. Walker will also get a game here and there at 1B or 3B and be a valuable pinch hitter off the bench. Both Wade and Torreyes have options, so one or the other could ride the Scranton shuttle in favor of an extra pitcher if the team sees the need.

You guys put way, WAY too much stock into exhibition stats.

both Wade and Torreyes make final roster. Walker will back-up 1B, opening up even more at bats for both those guys. And Wade can play some OF too. With smaller benches these days, having guys like those two that can play a lot of positions is very important. Both can pinch run for our boppers late in games too.

Tyler Austin lost his chance at a roster spot when we signed Walker. And Andujar will be playing everyday in Scranton to start the season, not riding the pine in Bronx. It's not like we have any DH at bats for him either.

In comment 13868906 bceagle05 said:

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that we've signed Alex Cobb on the cheap.

Hell I�d be open to a 6 man rotation, but it would never happen

They're not giving Wade an opening day starting job after his abysmal showing at the plate last year. I'm not giving up on him by any means, but when you look as bad as he did in MLB last year, they aren't going to give him a starting job just because he looked good in a split squad game in Port St. Lucie. He's going to have to earn it, and I'm willing to bet the Yankees would rather he play every day in Scranton than ride the bench in the Bronx.


The bit about Walker being able to backup first base is about if/when Torres takes over the starting 2b job in the second half.

You are dead wrong, Wade is going to be the everyday second baseman to start the season. He hit .310 in triple A, when he played everyday, he proved he is not a very good reserve, that is why he is going to start. Plus he is a very good defensive player, Walker is below average. Plus Walker is behind, it can change, there is no doubt, he may eventually become the starter, but not at the outset, and if Wade performs well he may keep the job. Walker is a useful player from the bench, he plays three positions.

It's not going to keep Walker from starting.

The Yankees like Wade, but they've made it pretty clear that they like him as a utility player, not a future starter.

about the starting rotation. Gray had a couple of decent starts this spring, but 2017 Gray showed up yesterday with all the walks. Jury is still out on him being a strong #3 here in NY. Too much nibbling ala Hughes. Could lead to some issues, especially if Montomgery is up and down all year, and Severino has any lingering effects from the workload increase last season.

I am sure Cash will find someone on the cheap, or make a trade, but until then.

Can handle a reserve role, and understands that can change, Wade is 23, he needs and has earned a shot based on his triple A performance, not the exhibition games. The stock is put on triple A results, have you listened to Cashman? That is why we knew Andujar and Torres were going to start in triple A, if they were needed during the season, then you can call on them. Andujar played about 1/2 a season in triple A, Torres maybe 1/5, he got hurt.

Wade played the entire season in triple A, until he was called here to fill in, he was never given a shot because we were in the middle of a pennant race, and Torreyes was playing well, they Yanks understood this and that is why they are not judging him by that reserve role he was forced to play. But by his triple A numbers. Watch the kid, he is in great shape and made two sensational plays yesterday. His defense is a huge reason why he will get the start at the beginning of the season.

In comment 13868912 GiantJake said:

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Bench will probably be Romine, Ellsbury, Torreyes, and Wade/Walker. Wade will share 2B with Walker and be the super-sub. Even when he doesn't start, Wade can be used off the bench as a late inning defensive replacement/pinchrunner. Walker will also get a game here and there at 1B or 3B and be a valuable pinch hitter off the bench. Both Wade and Torreyes have options, so one or the other could ride the Scranton shuttle in favor of an extra pitcher if the team sees the need.

I think the bench will be Romine, Austin and Wade- with Ellsbury when healthy- and probably McKinney if Ellsbury needs to start the year on the DL.

Torreyes offers absolutely nothing beyond being a middle INF body. He can't PR or PH.

Wade and Walker cover that in spades- with Wade adding the ability to be a PR and possible PH from the left side. Walker would be an excellent PH on days he doesn't start. Austin can PH, play the corner OF, DH and backup 1B.

While Torreyes COULD be optioned to AAA, the better choice for both sides may be to simply let him go. The Yanks have a crowd at AAA with Torres and Andujar going down, along with Pederson and maybe Avelino already there.

Shouldn't take away ABs from the prospects at this point- especially since Torres and Andujar can easily be called up for any injury and likely outperform anything Torreyes can offer.

On opening day, then tell me I was right, I will do the same.

Will both get plenty of at bats and then as the season moves along the player who deserves to play will, that is baseball.

In comment 13869067 PaulN said:

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You are dead wrong, Wade is going to be the everyday second baseman to start the season. He hit .310 in triple A, when he played everyday, he proved he is not a very good reserve, that is why he is going to start. Plus he is a very good defensive player, Walker is below average. Plus Walker is behind, it can change, there is no doubt, he may eventually become the starter, but not at the outset, and if Wade performs well he may keep the job. Walker is a useful player from the bench, he plays three positions.

I think you misunderstand the Yanks plan going into the season. I think that Boone has been clear that he is going to play matchups and adjust the lineup- and positions- on a daily basis.

This is going to be a VERY different team than the one Girardi ran. I think it is highly unlikely that one INF (outside of Bird, who has limited defensive flexibility) is going to stay at one spot day after day.

I believe the more likely scenario will be that the players move around based on matchups, stadium, situations, etc. For example, one day, Walker will be at 2B, Didi at SS and Drury at 3B. Another day, we could see Walker at 1B, Wade at 2B. Another might have Drury at DH, Stanton in LF, Gardner gets an off-day, Walker goes to 3B, Wade to 2B.

The idea will be to put the best players in the spots needed that day, or what the numbers say will optimize their chances. Wade is going to get a lot of ABs all over the place. Walker is too. Eventually, Torres and Andujar will complicate things when they come up- but that if for another day.

would expect mid season June/July Torres is called up.

up with Clint Frazier? How�s he playing or not? I know he had a concussion but I have really not been paying attention to spring training. Absolutely going mad for the season to start.

They've made it pretty clear that they view him almost exclusively as a third baseman.

In comment 13869164 mattyblue said:

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up with Clint Frazier? How�s he playing or not? I know he had a concussion but I have really not been paying attention to spring training. Absolutely going mad for the season to start.

He's been sidelined with the concussion. Slow recovery, hasn't been able to resume workouts yet.

but I still hope they send him down.

I guess you missed when I said they both will get plenty of at bats, and I misunderstand nothing about the Yankee plan, what does happen as you also know, are the unexpected things like injuries and players having off seasons and others having career seasons. But the plan will be to get everyone as many at bats as possible.

But as I said, Tyler Wade will be the starting second baseman to start the season, that much I understand too.

Will stay where they are, if the Yankees have their way, but it is a long season. They would love an extra years of salary control and would love to see them at triple A for a season. But shit happens all the time.

I think we are really saying the same shit at this point. I think we both understand, the Wade starting thing is really the only difference in opinion, and that really can change fast, but Walker is starting out about 2-3 weeks behind too. Walker also is at that age where players do get injured more often.

Sevy, Tanaka, Sonny, C.C. , Monty

Kahnle, Warren, Shreeve, Green, Robertson, Betances, Chapman


Sanchez, Romine

Bird, Walker, Didi, Drury, Wade, Toe

Judge, Stanton, Gardy, Hicks, Ellsbury

----

Cessa, German, Andujar, Torres, Frazier all getting first dibs in call ups or Cessa, german and Frazier riding the shuttle a bit

To start the season

New York Yankees
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@Yankees
4m4 minutes ago
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The New York Yankees have acquired minor league RHP Luis Gil from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for OF Jake Cave.

We're still 2 weeks away.
Tyler Wade puts on show with glove in Yankees' win - ( New Window )

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With each passing day, it's looking more and more like impressive youngin' Tyler Wade is going to begin the season as the Yankees' starting second baseman. Book it. Wade is going to be the Yankees' starter at second when they open March 29 in Toronto even though he's a .155 hitter with 58 career at-bats as a big leaguer in 30 games last season. From reading the coaches-speak tealeaves, second base might be Wade's to lose until Yankees' No. 1 prospect Gleyber Torres becomes Major League ready, as a matter of fact. "Another one of those days where he just opens your eyes with the dynamic he brings," manager Aaron Boone said. "The range that he showed on the ball in the hole to his left, that's elite. The ball that's smoked up the middle from Harrison. That's not an easy play. He had to go to the ground to kind of create and he handled an in-between hop. "Then you go out there against one of the elite relievers in the game from the left side and (Rivero) throws one up at your face and (Wade) digs right back in there, sticks his nose in there and works a walk. That's a big-time at-bat. That's not easy to do. "He's a better player than I thought. I came in with some expectations and our organization thinks very highly of him. But getting to see him on a daily basis, what he does with his athleticism and his instincts has been impressive." Walker probably will get some starts at second, he'll play a little first when Greg Bird sits against tough lefties and he'll maybe play a little third for Brandon Drury against righties. "We'll try and get him in some games at second and third, which is what he did over on the minor league side (on Wednesday)," manager Aaron Boone said. "I think he played half at third, half at second. This is just another part of the puzzle where we slot the at-bats on a given day. (Friday) being at first, more a coincidence." It's also a billboard screaming, "WADE IS THE STARTER!" It wouldn't be surprising if Walker becomes the starter at second in time, but probably only if it's obvious that he should be there over Wade. "I weigh it all," Boone said. "I look at it as we have two really good players there that can impact our club in different ways. I think the versatility of both guys in different ways adds to our dynamic, hopefully."

Why Neil Walker is debuting for Yankees at 1st base instead of 2nd base - ( New Window )

In comment 13869887 Ryan in Albany said:

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New York Yankees ‏ Verified account @Yankees 4m4 minutes ago More The New York Yankees have acquired minor league RHP Luis Gil from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for OF Jake Cave.

Outstanding! They get another lottery ticket young P who doesn't have to even think of being protected in Rule 5 for at least 3 years.

In comment 13869956 rich in DC said:

Quote:

In comment 13869887 Ryan in Albany said: Quote: New York Yankees ‏ Verified account @Yankees 4m4 minutes ago More The New York Yankees have acquired minor league RHP Luis Gil from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for OF Jake Cave. Outstanding! They get another lottery ticket young P who doesn't have to even think of being protected in Rule 5 for at least 3 years.

Good for Cave too. Hope he makes the big team.

@BryanHoch
8m8 minutes ago
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The way Aaron Boone was speaking today, Tyler Wade has made this team. The only question is, will he be the Opening Day 2B?

.

Shohei Ohtani's pitching spring so far: 8 1/3 innings, 18 hits, 17 runs, 15 earned runs, 19 strikeouts, 3 walks, 4 HRs.

�He�s basically like a high school hitter because he�s never seen a good curveball,� the scout said. �He�s seen fastballs and changeups. And you�re asking a high school hitter to jump to the major leagues?�

The verdict is in on Shohei Ohtani's bat and it's not good - ( New Window )

There isn't any way top get Ohtani enough ABs in the minors to iron out his swing without giving up a lengthy period of his ML pitching.

Tricky. Maybe if his pitching continues to suck they get him a year in the minors, but is that sufficient?

hope the Yankees hold onto Clint Frazier. I really think he is going to beyond special. However with the OF log jam, he�s gotta be a big trade piece.

This is Gardners last year. If they think Frazier is a key player next year he won't be traded. Hicks probably isn't a long term player but that's probably Florial's spot in 2 years. LF could be Frazier next year.

In comment 13870314 arniefez said:

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Shohei Ohtani's pitching spring so far: 8 1/3 innings, 18 hits, 17 runs, 15 earned runs, 19 strikeouts, 3 walks, 4 HRs.

He may be the Aaron Judge of pitchers.

He either strikes you out or gives up a hit which may well be a homer.

for 19 year old RHP named Luis Gil.

Already posted I see...

Already posted I see...

might very well start at second on a platoon basis with walker. Problem is that Walker is a not that good a hitter from the right side. Walker might be insurance if Wade struggles and until Torres arrives. After that he can be moved.