January 31, 2007
Rest for the Melk Man
The Yankees pulled Melky Cabrera from finishing the winter league season:
Cabrera played the last part of the winter league season in the Dominican Republic and participated in the playoffs, said Mark Newman, the Yankees' senior vice president of baseball operations.
"We've asked that he shut it down at this point. It's been a long year for him," Newman said Tuesday on a conference call to discuss the team's top prospects. "We thought he needed some rest."
I wonder if this means the Yankees are thinking of using him quite a bit this season. If his time was going to be limited to just fourth outfielder duties, you'd think New York would want him getting as much playing time as possible. The four outfielder rotation seems like a real possibility.
Posted by David Pinto at
11:03 AM
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The only regular action I could see him getting would be spelling Damon when he is in pain and giving Matsui and Abreu a half day off at DH. But those chances will be limited this year with Giambi occupying the spot full time. Other than that, it seems like pinch running and pinch hitting for the first baseman would be his only other opportunity.
I've read that the Yanks want to rest all 3 outfielders completely more often, but of course, any of the 3 could fill in at DH for Giambi, too, as who knows what sort of condition he'll be in this season. His power seemed to be diminishing last season. Maybe all his bad habits will catch up with him in 2007. And as for Melky, I'm sure he was thrilled to get that call from the Yankees, especially after the various trade rumors involving him over the winter. I love the kid but I still think his upside is limited. But of course, I'm hoping he surprises me.
Of course, another possibility is that this is a prelude to a trade. But like Jan, I hope it's the other explanation: that we'll be seeing Melky a lot in pinstripes this season.
They could be thinking of trading Melky, using Bernie as the fourth outfielder and giving him the send-off season he deserves. But this strategy only works if Jose Tabata is ready to go by 2008 - which is doubtful. And if they did trade Melky, the only trade that makes sense is for a young catching prospect who could replace Posada in a year or two. Either that, or as part of a package deal to the Twins for Santana next year.
Bernie as the 4th is a losers prop. Do you sign a 4th outfielder that cannot defend, no range or arm, cannot pinch run, and has limited power? It's just silly. Great career, he deserves a Bernie Day at the Stadium, not a fairwell tour around the AL. BTW, he got paid to play, no? Move on.
re: "the proper send-off season he deserves." Wasn't that last year? Every time he came up to bat he got a standing ovation.
Four outfielder rotation is a bad idea IMO. It's like having a 'closer by committee.' I just don't think it would work.
