December 17, 2006
At Least They Didn't Sign Mientkiewicz
The Yankees signed a Cuban defector as their new first baseman. I like his Cuban stats; he gets on base and hits for power. And if his age proves to be correct (23), he's still developing. Signing this player makes me feel better about a deal that would move Melky Cabrera, although I'd rather see them develop both.
Posted by David Pinto at
11:20 AM
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Supposedly he's really 25, not 23.
No chance that this guy breaks 2007 with the big club. He's nothing but a $500k/year flyer, which is pocket change for NY.
No mention that the Yanks have any big plans for him. Doug M, however, is still on the radar.
Dave - I just don't see this signing as having much impact on Melky's status. It appears that the Yanks are stockpiling 1Bmen in the hopes that one gives them a great reason to start in the field in '07. Given that Matsui/Damon/Abreu are on the other side of the hill, they will each get a shot at DH once a week or thereabouts. I think Melky will get his fair share of AB's as an often used 4th OF'er/late inning defensive replacement. Therefore, there will be little or no negative impact to his current trade value (unless of course his play recedes in '07). Melky is a popular player on this team and brings some youthful enthusiasm to their play. He also makes for a nice pinch runner should the need arise. Besides, is there a comparable 4th OF'er out their for the price who can step in if another major OF injury strikes in '07?
Of course, this all means that Giambi gets significant 1B time. Yes, he's a defensive albatross at 1B but can't this team absorb that kind of hit particuarly when his offensive numbers appear to be stronger when he plays the field?
Worst case scenario: one of the 1B's the Yanks have been stockpiling - Phillips/Phelps/Miranda, et al - wins the job convincingly pushing Giambi to DH full-time and limiting Melky's playing time. They could always seek an in-season trade to fill a need. I just wouldn't pull the trigger yet.
This fascination with Doug M confuses me. Apart from his defense, he has no other redeeming values. I don't quite see why the Yankees would want him to play 1B regularly, I don't think he's any better than a late inning defensive replacement. Plus, the Yankees have Andy Philips, who's a) cheaper b) defense isn't horrible and c) has more offensive upside than Doug will ever have.
Phillips grossly underachieved and is not exactly a prospect, although Douddie Fresh is a horrible move. Craig Wilson would have been great.