Bryan Hoch
@BryanHoch
ICYMI: Miguel Andujar has been told to prepare for spring reps at 1B and LF in addition to 3B, Brian Cashman told the
@YESNetwork
yesterday.
8:54 AM · Jan 24, 2020·TweetDeck
It's been speculated a bunch on here. It's happening.
defined positions being phased out in more and more teams. As teams rely more on analytics to dictate where a player lines up from pitch to pitch, all they really need to do is have good reflexes and remember where to throw the ball.
My issue with Miggy is I have no confidence in his ability to throw the ball and his lateral movement isn't good.
I want to read that Frazier is going to start taking reps at 3B so he can get past the OF-wall yips that continue to plague him.
I lobbied for last spring, citing Knoblauch as precedent.
First base I'm somewhat more skeptical about. When first basemen throw the ball, there's usually a premium on precision.
If a potential DP ball winds up in left field, or a potential out at the plate sends the catcher scurrying to the backstop, it can change a game in a hurry.
Left fielders have to make throws, sure, but there's more margin for error, including more time for backups to get in position.
Not going to help his progress as a 3B. But he is never going to be very good 3B. And with Urshela playing 3B, you have to find ways to still get Andujar's bat in the line up. Minus an injury to Urshela, or Urshela reverting to his former MLB self before last year...then the only way is for Andujar to play multiple positions.
All players should learn multiple defensive positions Â
In this day and age, there is no reason for players NOT to learn multiple positions. All middle infielders should get reps at SS and 2B. All 3rd basemen should be given reps as 1B and corner outfielders. All catchers should be taking reps at 1B. There is no down side to players learning multiple positions. You never know when it could come in handy and players learn to see the game from a slightly different viewpoint.
Cashman's history is that he does not want a young player Â
He is literally the worst 3B in history. His bat is good not special. 328 OBP 1:4 BB ot K rate 130 OPS+. Those are good numbers but not nearly enough to to make up for his glove at 3B.
Gio is a GG 3B and his last year numbers were 355 OBP 1:3.5 BB to K rate and 133 OPS+. I think we all wonder if he can do it again but Gio 2019 was light years better than Andujar 2018 as an all around player
Andujar, Wade, and LeMahieu who play multiple positions will become a factor this season, even during the best seasons, how a teams everyday lineup looks at the end of the season looks vs the start of the season can be very different.
Estrada might be another piece that can play multiple infield positions. Adding another player to make a 26 man roster is large for a young player like Wade, Estrada, and even Frazier.
I am probably in the minority that I'm rooting hard for Andujar to win Â
the 3B job and lock it down for the next 10 years. I actually have more confidence in Andujar becoming a passable 3B than Urshela repeating his last year.
I was really impressed with Estrada, and off the year before being shot, plus all three Estrada, Wade, and LeMahieu are good defensive players. Wade is the player that I pick who is going to end up forcing his way into the lineup, this guy is a sensational defensive player, and he started to show what he can do at the plate up here, I think he is going to be very good this season, and if he is able to add some power to his game, watch out.
He is literally the worst 3B in history. His bat is good not special. 328 OBP 1:4 BB ot K rate 130 OPS+. Those are good numbers but not nearly enough to to make up for his glove at 3B.
Gio is a GG 3B and his last year numbers were 355 OBP 1:3.5 BB to K rate and 133 OPS+. I think we all wonder if he can do it again but Gio 2019 was light years better than Andujar 2018 as an all around player
He isn't even the worst Yankee third baseman . Apparently you weren't around for Mike Blowers, Rich McKinney, Jerry Kenney and half a dozen other stiffs whose names I've blocked out.
I suspect that the specific analysis would be the worse 3B since some of the new defensive metrics were applied.
He is really bad at defense. Simply a big gap on a championship level team.
Think he is a hard worker and a good Yankee and a potentially very good hitting solution for them as he makes contact, can hit elite pitching and doesn't strike out often. Rooting for him
On any of even the second tier teams, its all good. The Yankees have the willpower and the resources to want complete and flexible players. Lots of good pitchers and position players wont make the ML team over the next few years.
There is no reason for him to be playing third base as long as we have Ushela, DJ, Estrada or even Wade. Calling him the worst third baseman in history, though is a ridiculous over-statement.
There is no reason for him to be playing third base as long as we have Ushela, DJ, Estrada or even Wade. Calling him the worst third baseman in history, though is a ridiculous over-statement.
All in your lead-in (bad at defense): reason there may be no place for him on this team.
From River Avenue Blues ( Just one of the many places you can get analysis of Andujars defense)
"Yikes. The defensive stats hate Andujar. It’s a small sample size, of course. Truth be told we need several years of data before defensive numbers become reliable. The early returns are scary though. They rate Andujar as basically the worst defensive third baseman in the game today."
" Batted balls that are turned into outs 0-60% of the time around the league have been turned into an out 0% of the time by Andujar. Yikes.
That’s a long way of saying if you hit the ball at Andujar, he’s going to make the play. Hit the ball anything more than a step or two away from him in either direction, and he’s probably not going to make the play."
That's just one source. One. There are several other analysis and metrics out there to source.
So maybe its a good idea not to double down when you have an empty hand?
Horace was the best available player to root for back then
I remember when Roy White and Mel Stottlemyre actually gave the Yankees two guys who were better than league average (actually they were quite a bit better)
Plenty of players made themselves into good defenders Â
I am all for Andujar learning multiple positions, but assuming he is a finished product as a 3rd baseman is silly. Take Wade Boggs for example. He was a below-average fielder when his bat got him called up to the majors. He worked hard and eventually won two Gold Gloves!! Miguel Andujar hit 47 doubles and 27 HRs as a rookie. I would love to see what he can do at the plate when he figures it all out and learns to control the strike zone a little better. He has good hands and a strong arm. His problem is mostly footwork and finding a consistent arm slot. Coaching and hard work can help solve those issues.
Horace was the best available player to root for back then
I remember when Roy White and Mel Stottlemyre actually gave the Yankees two guys who were better than league average (actually they were quite a bit better)
The Yankees had some decent players in that time period as you said Mel, Roy, Fritz Peterson, Doc Medich...Used to see Roy White at 5 pm Mass at St Phillips in Clifton off season (was great the priest liked football and did a 20 minute mass to get back for the 2nd half of the 4 pm game.)
the 3B job and lock it down for the next 10 years. I actually have more confidence in Andujar becoming a passable 3B than Urshela repeating his last year.
I Agree with this. But, then I also want Frazier up and playing. I think I'd rather him than Gardner.
RE: Plenty of players made themselves into good defenders Â
I am all for Andujar learning multiple positions, but assuming he is a finished product as a 3rd baseman is silly. Take Wade Boggs for example. He was a below-average fielder when his bat got him called up to the majors. He worked hard and eventually won two Gold Gloves!! Miguel Andujar hit 47 doubles and 27 HRs as a rookie. I would love to see what he can do at the plate when he figures it all out and learns to control the strike zone a little better. He has good hands and a strong arm. His problem is mostly footwork and finding a consistent arm slot. Coaching and hard work can help solve those issues.
I Agree, especially when his biggest issues at 3B are coachable and ckrrectable. Let A-Rod stick by his side all spring.
RE: RE: I am probably in the minority that I'm rooting hard for Andujar to win Â
the 3B job and lock it down for the next 10 years. I actually have more confidence in Andujar becoming a passable 3B than Urshela repeating his last year.
I Agree with this. But, then I also want Frazier up and playing. I think I'd rather him than Gardner.
I still have hope for Frazier, but as it is now, Frazier cannot carry Gardner's jock in the field, so he is far to big a defensive liability and the step back from Gardner amplifies it.
Doc and Mel only played one year full year together Â
Houk's last year in 1973 before George ran him off. Mel was finished in 1974 after throwing about 275 innings a year for 9 straight years.
Medich was traded for Willie in one of the many genius trades Gabe Paul made to build Dynasty 1 for George before he screwed it up. Stick and Buck built Dynasty 2 which was even greater until George screwed that one up too. Cashman has been working on 3 for about 15 years so far. No luck yet.
As far as Frazier and Andujar go maybe you can hide a horrible glove in LF. Maybe. I think Frazier has a better chance of improving enough to be passable in LF. But I think the first match Cashman can find that he likes he's gone. He doesn't seem to fit with what Cashman wants off the field.
Andujar seems very well liked and I think Cashamn will keep giving him chances until he just can't live with his glove anymore or Stanton or Sanchez or both are hurt again and Andujar can DH. 26th man could help him stay as part time DH or he could start in AAA to play the field at 3B LF and 1B.
Yup.
My issue with Miggy is I have no confidence in his ability to throw the ball and his lateral movement isn't good.
I want to read that Frazier is going to start taking reps at 3B so he can get past the OF-wall yips that continue to plague him.
First base I'm somewhat more skeptical about. When first basemen throw the ball, there's usually a premium on precision.
If a potential DP ball winds up in left field, or a potential out at the plate sends the catcher scurrying to the backstop, it can change a game in a hurry.
Left fielders have to make throws, sure, but there's more margin for error, including more time for backups to get in position.
As a rookie Andujar played a full season and struck out less than 100 times. That's amazing, especially for a first year player.
The Yankee lineup has plenty of power, but also a lot of swing and miss.
Andujar is a crucial need on that offense and combined with DJLM, gives the Yankees to tough outs that make regular contact.
Andujar can be mostly the DH, and hopefully give days off to Gio, Stanton, and Luke when needed.
He is not a luxury. He is an important part of the 2020 Yankees.
Stanton was in his ninth season in the league when he was the main DH in 2018 and he was the youngest Cashman DH to date.
Every Cashman main DH other than Stanton/2018 has been over 30.
Stanton is over 30 now and couldn't stay healthy last year.
That's why Andujar is getting the glove instructions and, if history tells, he's going to need to find a position to stick.
Ask Jesus Montero.
Gio is a GG 3B and his last year numbers were 355 OBP 1:3.5 BB to K rate and 133 OPS+. I think we all wonder if he can do it again but Gio 2019 was light years better than Andujar 2018 as an all around player
Gio is a GG 3B and his last year numbers were 355 OBP 1:3.5 BB to K rate and 133 OPS+. I think we all wonder if he can do it again but Gio 2019 was light years better than Andujar 2018 as an all around player
I suspect that the specific analysis would be the worse 3B since some of the new defensive metrics were applied.
He is really bad at defense. Simply a big gap on a championship level team.
Think he is a hard worker and a good Yankee and a potentially very good hitting solution for them as he makes contact, can hit elite pitching and doesn't strike out often. Rooting for him
On any of even the second tier teams, its all good. The Yankees have the willpower and the resources to want complete and flexible players. Lots of good pitchers and position players wont make the ML team over the next few years.
These are not Horace Clarke's Yankees.
All in your lead-in (bad at defense): reason there may be no place for him on this team.
These are not Horace Clarke's Yankees.
Hey Horace was my man (until Thurman came up), let's not disparage him!
"Yikes. The defensive stats hate Andujar. It’s a small sample size, of course. Truth be told we need several years of data before defensive numbers become reliable. The early returns are scary though. They rate Andujar as basically the worst defensive third baseman in the game today."
" Batted balls that are turned into outs 0-60% of the time around the league have been turned into an out 0% of the time by Andujar. Yikes.
That’s a long way of saying if you hit the ball at Andujar, he’s going to make the play. Hit the ball anything more than a step or two away from him in either direction, and he’s probably not going to make the play."
That's just one source. One. There are several other analysis and metrics out there to source.
So maybe its a good idea not to double down when you have an empty hand?
I remember when Roy White and Mel Stottlemyre actually gave the Yankees two guys who were better than league average (actually they were quite a bit better)
Or is ok at a variety of positions.
Worth being patient with, but like Frazier, a very skewed profile of strengths and weaknesses.
Imo
I remember when Roy White and Mel Stottlemyre actually gave the Yankees two guys who were better than league average (actually they were quite a bit better)
The Yankees had some decent players in that time period as you said Mel, Roy, Fritz Peterson, Doc Medich...Used to see Roy White at 5 pm Mass at St Phillips in Clifton off season (was great the priest liked football and did a 20 minute mass to get back for the 2nd half of the 4 pm game.)
Yeah we rooted for the same guys.
Quote:
the 3B job and lock it down for the next 10 years. I actually have more confidence in Andujar becoming a passable 3B than Urshela repeating his last year.
I Agree with this. But, then I also want Frazier up and playing. I think I'd rather him than Gardner.
I still have hope for Frazier, but as it is now, Frazier cannot carry Gardner's jock in the field, so he is far to big a defensive liability and the step back from Gardner amplifies it.
Medich was traded for Willie in one of the many genius trades Gabe Paul made to build Dynasty 1 for George before he screwed it up. Stick and Buck built Dynasty 2 which was even greater until George screwed that one up too. Cashman has been working on 3 for about 15 years so far. No luck yet.
As far as Frazier and Andujar go maybe you can hide a horrible glove in LF. Maybe. I think Frazier has a better chance of improving enough to be passable in LF. But I think the first match Cashman can find that he likes he's gone. He doesn't seem to fit with what Cashman wants off the field.
Andujar seems very well liked and I think Cashamn will keep giving him chances until he just can't live with his glove anymore or Stanton or Sanchez or both are hurt again and Andujar can DH. 26th man could help him stay as part time DH or he could start in AAA to play the field at 3B LF and 1B.