WHY THE YANKEES LOST TO METS...WEIRD, RIGHT?

The Yankees played the Mets in Port St. Lucie today and it was a beautiful day...unless you were Ivan Nova who got hit hard. Nova gave up 5 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in just 2 2/3 innings. That's plain lousy but don't give up on Nova yet. Sometimes pitchers have bad ruts and to be honest, it's nothing to worry about, yet, it's April and it's not even Opening day.

You think Nova feels bad about today? Here's what he told reporters after the game... "This is the worst day of my life... I wasn't pitching right. I felt good today, but I couldn't throw my fastballs for strikes and I couldn't locate my pitches, and I don't feel good about it." That's the guy I want on my team!

So yeah, the Yankees lost 7-6 on a Mets walk-off. It happens and it's allowed to happen now...no one cares, unless your a Met's fan that hangs on any glimmer of hope.
Other highlights have to be Nick Swisher who cranked out a homer off Mike Pelfrey in the 4th inning.

David Phelps and DJ Mitchell relieved Nova and pitched 4 innings of 1 run ball. Mike Montgomery was pitching when Ike Davis cranked one out for the walk off win for the Mets. Game over 7-6. Read HERE. Oh well, but let's not get crazy.

Tomorrow is the last Spring training game before Opening Day. It's been announced that Andy Pettitte will pitch one inning tomorrow. That will be great to see.

It was also announced that Jorge Vazquez was released by the Yankees. We had written the other day in BYB YANKEE NUGGETS FOR SUNDAY that Vazquez either wanted to be called up by the Yankees or play somewhere else. Guess what, he won't be playing for the Yankees. The best of luck to Jorge Vazquez.

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BYB YANKEE NUGGETS FOR SUNDAY

Steve Pearce: The Yankees signed Pearce to a minor league deal with the Yanks. Pearce is a former Pittsburgh Pirate, a first baseman and outfielder. That report comes from Chad Jennings of LoHud, Read HERE. All this move does if give the Yankees alittle depth. Not sure it was even necessary but it happened and there you go.

Russell Branyan: Branyan was released by the Yankees, then re-signed to a minor league contract. Clearly this is a case where there was certain wording in the contract that needed to be reworked because he didn't do a thing this spring. Read about it HERE.

Jorge Vazquez: the big story involving Vazquez is that he has come forward to say that if the Yankees won't bring him up to the big team, he wants to play elsewhere rather than being stuck in the minors again. So, it's clear to me the Vazquez will probably be gone at some point soon. It just makes sense. Vazquez is a first baseman and the Yankees have Mark Teixeira, and behind Tex they have Eric Chavez, and Steve Pearce. See what I mean? If anything happen with Vazquez, we will tell you.

Clay Rapada: Clay and Cesar Cabral were competing for perhaps the second lefty in the Yankees bullpen this season, but things may have just gotten easier for Rapada as Cabral was hurt in the game against the Phillies and has a sore elbow. Read HERE. Not only that, it is now being reported that Cabral has a broken elbow, this according to Wally Matthews, HERE. I guess that's why it was sore. Anyway, if Rapada were to not get the spot he would have opted out of his contract rather than go to the minors. Now we just need to see what will happen once the final spots are filled. Good Luck Clay!

Kei Igawa: Our dear friend Kei Igawa is finished with his obligations with the New York Yankees and has gone back to Japan to sign with the Orix Buffaloes. He signed a 2 year contract, the deal is worth $2.5 million in American dollars. Read HERE. The best of luck to Kei Igawa, I feel like we barely knew you...maybe because it's true.

Softbank Hawks: Speaking of Japanese baseball, the Softbank Hawks have a brand new baseball ad out and it's pretty damn cool. I just wanted to share it with you. Enjoy this, I did:



If there are any other nuggets not worthy of an entire post, we'll bring them to you here at Bleeding Yankee Blue!

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WHY HUGHES HAS ACED THE SPRING TEST

Phil Hughes went 5 innings today and the Yankees won 5 -2. If the boss were alive, this would be considered a big deal, King George hated losing to the Tampa Bay Rays in any competition, so Phil Hughes did what the Boss would have loved…he pitched his guts out…spring or not, it didn’t matter.

Hughes only gave up 2 runs allowed 3 hits in his 5 frames. He threw 73 pitches. The game was tied 2-2 until the 9^th inning and that’s when the Yankees took the lead and won. Cole Garner had a ground-rule double. When Jorge Vazquez flied out, Garner advanced. Then Justin Maxwell hit a double scoring Garner. Gustavo Molina cranked out a two run homer after that. I’m sure he dedicated that one to Ivan Nova..I kid, I kid. (Read WHY IS NOVA BITCHING & MOANING? JUST PITCH! if you don't know what I'm talking about.)

Other highlights today go like this…Alex Rodriguez also hit a ground rule double earlier in the game. Cesar Cabral pitched 2 shutout innings and Andy Pettitte has been smiling from ear to ear the past 48 hours…he’s happy to be back and we’re happy he’s back.

Look, we all know it’s spring but this is where you lock it down. Phil Hughes has done what I suggested he should do, pitch perfectly in every appearance to land that 5^th spot role. Since Freddy Garcia got hit in the hand, I suggested that Hughes needed to be brilliant and he has been and that only helps Phil Hughes. Freddy is on his way back by the way, he will only miss one start and has been throwing but he hasn’t started since he got hit in the hand, but he will. Where he will land, be it the starting rotation or the pen or another team is yet to be seen…stay tuned for that.

But the Yankees won today and that makes Yankeeland happy.

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WHY I HAVE THE YANKEES SPRING TRAINING INVITES LIST

Just a quick note. Here's the list of the 27 guys invited to Spring Training. In this list they have invited 13 minor leaguers which is always fun to watch, as well as some of the guys they just signed like Manny Delcarmen, Bill Hall and Russell Branyan. Check it out... this is in no particular order:
DeWayne Wise: Wise is a terrific outfielder. He'll be a good asset to the Yankees outfield if he makes the Bigs again. The problem with Wise is he has a horrendous career average of .211 in 9 seasons.Russell Branyan: Great lefty power. He was signed yesterday, read HERE. He had 31 homers in 2009. With the Yankees short right field porch, this season could be fun for Branyan and the Yankees.

Manny Delcarmen: A former Red Sock but don't hold it against him. He could be helpful in the pen if he makes the big club. Read all about his signing HERE.Hideki Okajima: I've always like Okajima but it appears that batters have figured him out. In 5 years he has a career 3.11 ERA. Read about his signing HERE.

Doug Bernier: Bernier is an infielder that played for Scranton Wilkes Barre in 2011. He batted .237 last season with 13 doubles and 29 RBIs. He's 31.Manny Banuelos: What can we say about Banuelos other than we can't wait to see him again. I expect to see him up this season at some point. Read about him in THE GUMPTION OF MANNY BANUELOS.

Juan Cedeno: The New York Daily News has this on Cedeno: "has not pitched during the regular season in each of the last three seasons, appearing only in the Dominican Winter League. In 2011, he made 15 relief appearances with the Tigres de Licey and went 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA (8.2IP, 1ER)."

Matt Daley: We got Daley from the Colorado Rockies and he's played in the minors with them. He's 29 years old. In 92 games with the Rockies (MLB) he is 1-2 with a 4.71 ERA.
Colin Curtis: Colin is a solid outfielder and I expect to see him at some point this season. The Yankees are holding on to him believe it is my opinion they believe in him. He did have an injured shoulder in 2011, but in 2010 he has 11 hits in 59 at bats with 3 doubles and a home run.

Kyle Higashioka: Kyle was drafted in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft. He's a 21 year old catcher, one of many in the Yankees farm system.

Brett Marshall: The New York Daily News has this on Brett Marshall, "played the entire 2011 season with Single-A Tampa and went 9-7 with a 3.78 ERA (1401.IP, 59ER) in 27 games (26 starts)."
Jayson Nix: We wrote about Jayson Nix HERE when the Yankees signed him. Nix is an infielder who is better defensively than he is with his bat. Maybe he can be useful for the Yanks at some point this season.

Daniel Burawa: a 23 year old right handed pitcher with a lot of potential. Between Charleston and Tampa he was 5-4 with a 3.64 ERA.

Cole Garner: Garner was with the Colorado Rockies minor league system and has 76 home runs in 7 years in the minors. He has a career .286 AVG and is 27 year old outfielder.

Jose Gil: A catcher for the Yanks. The New York Daily News has this on the 25 year old catcher: "has appeared in 506 career minor league games, all in the Yankees organization, hitting .240 (405-for-1,691) with 98 doubles, 34 home runs and 224 RBI over 8 seasons."
Bill Hall: A strong second basemen and outfielder with some pop in his bat, I believe Bill Hall is a low risk pickup the Yankees will be thrilled to have signed down the stretch. Read about Hall HERE.

Adam Miller: We got Adam Miller this winter and he is a former Cleveland Indian. He's never gone pro. His minor league career with the Indians is 33-30 with a 3.71 ERA.
Gustavo Molina: Molina was helpful last season in the beginning of the year when we needed him. He is a solid catcher and a likable guy. Last year he batted .253 with 4 home runs and 21 RBIs for Scranton Wilkes Barre.


JR Murphy: Many expect big things from this kid, another catcher in the Yankees organization. He's only 20 and has a career .274 AVG. Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Mike O'Connor: O'Connor is a lefty pitcher from the Mets organization. I believe we'll see him this season to help out our lone lefty in the pen, Boone Logan. Read about Mike O'Connor HERE.Ryan Pope: The New York Daily News has this on Pope: "combined to go 2-3 with a 5.12 ERA (45.2IP, 26ER) in 40 combined relief appearances with Single-A Tampa, Double-A Trenton and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in 2011."

Gary Sanchez: BYB likes Sanchez but we don't care for his attitude and there has been plenty written about it. We just wrote a recent piece about Sanchez and you need to check it out HERE. In Charleston this year, he had 17 homers and 52 RBIs. There is no doubt he could be a star, but I'd prefer that he lose the attitude and become a team player.

Adam Warren: Warren was in Scranton the entire season and racked up a 3.60 ERA and a 6-8 record. He's only 24 and I will bet we see Warren at some point this season, even if it's brief.

Graham Stoneburner: The Daily News has this on the 24 year old righty pitcher: "owns a career 10-13 record with a 3.03 ERA (234.1IP, 79ER) in 45 combined minor league games in the Yankees organization since 2009. In 2011, he combined at three different levels (GCL, Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton) to go 1-5 with a 4.04 ERA (91.1IP, 41ER) in 18 games (16 starts)."

Jorge Vasquez: We love Vasquez and his bat and we believe he can do a lot of damage, but his strikeouts are incredibly high and we wonder at Bleeding Yankee Blue is there is a way for fix that. We wrote about Jorge back in December...read HERE.
Kevin Whelan: Whelan had 23 saves and a great 2.75 ERA in Scranton this season...that was in 45 appearances. He can improve but that's not bad, he's 28. We recently wrote about Whelan HERE.

Chase Whitley: The New York Daily News has this in Whitley: "has appeared in 72 combined career minor league games (one start) with the Yankees since 2010, going 7-7 with a 2.17 ERA (128.1IP, 31ER). In 2011, he went 3-5 with seven saves and a 2.47 ERA (91.0IP, 25ER) in 42 combined games at Single-A Tampa and Double-A Trenton."

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WHY JORGE VAZQUEZ COULD GET A SHOT AT DH

Now look, I’m all for testing the waters come Spring Training to find out internally who would perform as the best choice at DH. After all, the Yankees still want to save money and if they were to try and sign Johnny Damon for 1 year, he’d probably want around the same that he made last year with the Rays, alittle over $5 million. While that’s pennies to the Yankees, it’s still money they are trying to save. So, would they go a total other route and give power hitter Jorge Vazquez a shot? It could be fun, right?

Well, while Kevin Long believes that Jorge Vazquez wouldn't be more than a .200 hitting in the pros, Read HERE, it doesn't mean we can't get a look see come Spring Training right? There is one important concern with that though, and it’s simple thinking…the guy strikes out a hell of a lot. Remember all the concern over Carlos Pena striking out a lot? Read HERE. Same drill. The difference is this, we’d be paying Carlos Pena a ton more to strike out, Vazquez is our farm hand and maybe we can harness that power and lessen the K’s at a much much cheaper price. After all, these days it’s about the money and we need to do what we can to save. Look, the rotation may have changed since Friday the 13^th, but we need to look ahead to the days when guys like Matt Cain becomes available, don’t we? There is no rest… Cashman has to continue to figure out ways to be creative so the New York Yankees have the best guys on the field AND save money.

Look, I have no problem giving Jorge Vazquez a shot, but striking out a lot concerns me. But I guess it can’t all be bad, Reggie Jackson struck out a ton in his career and Mr. October’s in the Hall of Fame. Am I comparing Vasquez to Jackson? No, but I’m making a point, if the energy is harnessed correctly, Vazquez can become a cheap alternative and a success for the Yankees at DH…and if not for 2012, then beyond...and why not?

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WHERE IS JORGE VAZQUEZ?

During the season we spoke of a youngster the Yankees have that has enormous power and in their farm system right now. Jorge Vasquez made a name for himself in Spring Training last year and he played in Scranton-Wilkes Barre all season, kicking ass and taking names.

Vasquez can, in my opinion become a major league hitter, but there are 2 things wrong with Vasquez, he strikes out a lot and he plays a terrible field. Luckily, he’s young and those things could possibly be corrected. Here is his line last season in the minor leagues:

.262 AVG / 119 for 455 / 32 HR / 93 RBI / 166 K

Chad Jennings from LoHud spoke to Mark Newman, the Yankees Vice President of Baseball operations down in Tampa. Read it HERE. There were many names thrown around in his piece, but 2 stood out, Jorge Vazquez and Mark Prior. We’ll be writing up something on Mr. Prior soon.. you know how I love the guy.

Jennings ask Newman about a report that surfaced about Vasquez wanting to play in Japan. Read HERE. Newman responded “News to me…Still on my board…still under contract.”

I wonder if there’s any truth to the Japan report? I mean, Vasquez mashed the ball last year and maybe because of the gang we already have on the Yanks pro team, he feels like there’s no fit for him? After all, all the talk is constantly about Jesus Montero and Manny Banuelos. Look, I’m speculating, it’s not really fair, after all Newman confirmed it’s not true. There is no doubt though, I’d love to see Vasquez take some cuts in the majors in 2012, it could be fun, that’s all.

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WHY JESUS IS COMING TO YANKEELAND NOW

The Designated Hitter spot may be currently filled by Jorge Posada, but make no mistake about it, Jesus is coming, and many predict this week. This coming from Buster Olney and it makes sense if you think about it. This is August, and we are in a pennant race. You don't want to be calling Jesus Montero up in September to the big league stage with no rhythm enormous pressure and no chance to complete if he's not comfortable. No, you want him ready to go, giving him plenty of at bats so we have a chance to make the playoffs.

Montero has a big bat and as you know here on Bleeding Yankee Blue, we are huge Montero fans. Yes, at times, I express concern that maybe he isn't the Golden child that Yankee brass thinks he is. That being said, It's still exciting. We still back our guys and really look forward to seeing Montero on the big stage, especially with a shot at the playoffs.(In Photo: Jesus Montero)
I don't believe we will see Montero doing much catching this second half in the Bronx. Yes, he will catch on occasion, but for me, I believe his primary role will be DH. Just concentrating of getting at bats and hitting. Jorge Posada clearly hasn't done the job and sadly, it may be the end of that role for our hero. Posada is respected and loved by all of Yankeeland, but the fact of the matter is, it's August and his time has just about run out. Bringing Montero in will him to get familiar with the Big Stage hitting and allow him to shine at the plate. Posada must grin and bear it because it's time to bring in new blood.

In Scranton Wilkes Barre, Montero is currently batting .289, he has 11 home runs and 51 RBI's in 346 at bats. His OBP is .389 and his OPS is .789. Now. the home runs are only 11, but that's not the point of bringing up Montero. The Yankees want to see production, they want to give him as many at bats as they can and see how he handles the big leagues. (In Photo: Jorge Vazquez)
If they wanted home runs, they would have brought up someone like Jorge Vasquez up. Vazquez, by the way, is someone who I predict could also get a call up this year. Remember Vasquez? He was the kid who was cranking out homers all spring. Read WHY IT'S VAZQUEZ TIME from back in May. This season Vazquez is hitting .249 but the home runs are coming nicely for him...27, and 81 RBIs to boot. Both Jesus and Vazquez would be great assets to the Yankees, Montero as the DH, Vazquez as a bench hitter for sure.
(Photo: Getty)
With Jorge Posada just not hitting, it's time to pass the torch. Yes, it sucks to see one of our Yankee heroes be diminished to a late inning bat or mentor to the younger guys coming in, but in the back of his mind, Posada knows it's best for the Yankees, especially now. Poe's passion is still there, he just can't harness it the way he used to, so here's my suggestion to Jorge Posada...

Teach, guide and stay strong. You're still a New York Yankee, and we love you, but pass the torch to the new kid and show him the passion of the pinstripes like you've done so proudly for so many years.


Be sure to check out:
WHY THE YANKEE KIDS ARE GROWING UP
WHY IT'S CERVELLI'S END, MONTERO'S BEGINNING
WHY IT'S MONTERO'S TURN

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WHY IT'S VAZQUEZ TIME

Jorge Posada is our Designated Hitter, that is clear and no doubt he's trying to work out the kinks. But one thing is also very clear...time is ticking and if things don't get worked out in a timely matter for Posada, some youngsters will start breathing down his neck. Namely, Jorge Vazquez, a kid who made a name for himself in Spring Training and if he's given a shot in the majors, will open eyes for sure.

Jorge Vazquez is tearing it up in the minors right now. He has 16 homeruns and 41 RBIs, numbers we wish Jorge Posada would have by the All Star break. Vasquez is batting .303, has a .638 slugging percentage and a .971 OPS.(Photo: The Star Ledger)
Prediction, if Posada doesn't start producing, you will see Mr. Posada in a diminished role based on what he's done, or not done, this season. Yes, with transition comes comfort and if you can't get comfy, you may not deliver. Posada is there right now... like being in purgatory. He's not hitting consistently, yet, he's not in the cellar either, but he's damn close.
So what would happen if by July, Posada's still stinking up the joint? Well, look for the Yankees to make Posada a part time DH and sometime first baseman. This will keep Posada on the bench to pinch hit and "fill in" when needed as DH or first base once in a while. It will also give a kid like Vazquez an enormous shot to come up and live up to the buzz. Let Vazquez show everyone what baseball stories are made of, GAS... Glory, Ability and Strength. Oh yeah and change. Change of scenery. That's right. I said it. Sooner or later, something's got to give and we all love Jorge Posada but we don't love waiting. Change may be happening.

Sooner or later Ladies and Gentleman, we may need to turn the page on Posada, but to be honest, I was really hoping it didn't happen like this.

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WHY IT'S COMING TOGETHER

If we learned anything at all from last night's game, it's a few things:
AJ Burnett was able to let Michael Morse hit a home run off of him, but then reached back, shrugged it off and continued on his path to progress. He never fell apart, never broke down and gave credit where credit was due.

Of Michael Morse, he said: "He's a big boy with a big swing and he connected, I've got my job to do after that."

Next, I like what i'm seeing of Jesus Montero. He, I believe will in fact be the Backup catcher this season, at some point. I'm still not sure how they're going to handle Francisco Cervelli, but right now we're seeing what I said should happen, more eyes on Montero and more at bats for the young man. The more playing time this kid gets, the better he will be and the more people will rally behind him. Bottom line, the Yankees are never in a rush to bring up new talent, so I am still now sure how they are going to play the Jesus card by Opening day, but fair is fair and if he has a great spring, I believe they should at least give him a shot by Opening day in a backup role at least.
Jorge Vasquez is a freak of nature. He's not a good looking man and he looks huge at the plate and one thing I notice is, he knows his job... Kill the ball and hit home runs. I know his talent around first base defensively isn't that great. But damn his swing is magic. The ball travels forever and one of my BYB writers, Grant Cederquist said it best, Why NOT put him in a DH capacity for the Yanks? The power is there. It makes sense. By the way, you can read Grant's piece titled WHY NO TALK ABOUT JORGE VASQUEZ? and let us know if you agree.

Finally, and this is not a Yankee thought, it's a baseball thought. Who the hell is Michael Morse and how can we get him in pinstripes? Anyone see last night's game? I'm a sucker for homeruns and power and watching then soar out of a ball park. To me, it's part of what makes baseball so special. Morse is a monster at the plate and had a monster shot against AJ. I just want to say, I wish this guy well. He could have a future in the majors if he gets more at bats per year.Bottom line, Yanks are looking good. On paper, maybe the evil Red Sox have an advantage to some extent, but the way we've been pitchnig, the surprises we've seen with the bats, and defenisvely? My God, the Yanks will have a terrific 2011. I'd put them up against the gimpy Sox any day of the week, just you wait and see.

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WHY NO TALK ABOUT JORGE VAZQUEZ?

It's often said that if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. And Jorge Vazquez walks and quacks like a Major League level slugger.

As a young player in the professional leagues of Mexico, Jorge achieved nothing short of status as a young phenom. Just take a look at his numbers in 2005. In only 71 games he managed to hit 33 home runs and maintain a .379 batting average. Oh yeah, he also walked away with a cool 1.210 OPS. No big deal.

He burst onto the scene with AA Trenton in 2009, hitting .329 with 13 HRs in only 57 games. After an incredibly strong first 10 games of 2010 with the Trenton Thunder in which he hit .390, he was promoted to AAA in Scranton-Wilkes Barre. The jump from AA to AAA can often be a rough one, and his batting average dipped to .270, which is quite respectable when you consider the struggles Montero initially had as well.So the question is this: Why is Jorge Vazquez never mentioned? Do the scouts know something we don't? Do they not think he can handle the Major Leagues? Hitting 2 home runs in his first two Spring Training games and having one of the highest batting averages of anyone out there regardless of the team sure seems to say he can handle it.

His defense is often described as beyond questionable and there's little hope for him to make it as a first baseman. Luckily, the Yanks happen to play in the American League, you know, the league that has a position called Designated Hitter. It's currently occupied by the (sadly) soon to retire Jorge Posada. Yeah, it's that American League. Some would argue that as Jeter and A-Rod age, they too are going to need to fill the DH spot because they won't be able to handle defense, but I disagree. Rodriguez is practically a machine, he's not your average 35 year old ball player on the verge of collapse. With his newly rejuvenated youth, I could easily see him holding down the 3B position for a minimum of 5 more years. Jeter? Well, despite winning just a couple of Gold Gloves, his defense isn't bad, so I see no reason why we'd need to move him anywhere. One can only imagine how that'd go down with the fans. The fans want to see the face of the franchise end his career with a bang, they don't want to see him slowly fade into the DH spot while we sign some random guy off the Free Agent market or stick Nuñez out there.

Even in the case that either of them needs the DH spot, they won't be there for at least 2 or 3 years. Posada seems to only be around for 1 more year, leaving the DH spot open for a minimum of 1 year. Some have suggested Montero for that DH spot, but I see no way he won't end up the starting catcher by mid-season this year.

I think we should give Vazquez a shot. Many would disagree with me, I think he has a solid chance of breaking camp with the team next year and taking over DH duties. It makes sense. I mean hey, who else are we gonna put there? Joba?

By the way, here's another great piece about Vazquez as well. It's from the Star-Ledger.



--Grant Cederquist BYB Staff Writer



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WHY COMPETITION'S HEATING UP

"Stay healthy." --Eric Chavez

Don't look now, but Eric Chavez is back on track. Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman couldn't be happier about this guy. Chavez is hitting .364 this spring and the plan is, if he makes the team, he'll play 3rd base and 1st base when needed. Girardi says of Chavez: "He's swung the bat really well."

Meanwhile, another candidate is someone you've never heard of, Jorge Vasquez who's batting .583 this spring. Vasquez hit a home run in 2 games straight earlier this spring and Girardi said "He's definitely opening eyes." Vazquez has five RBIs and had 2 more in a double against the Nationals yesterday.
The upside for Chavez is his defense, he's a former Gold Glove winner. According to Billy Eppler, the Yankees' senior director of pro personnel, Vazquez has "Hands of Stone". Ultimately, if they are both hitting so hot this spring, fielding will be the deciding factor.

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