Giants To Play in Hall of Fame Game

The Giants have snagged a spot in the Hall of Fame game.   That means they will start camp a week early and have an extra game to install their new or massively tweaked offense.   This is a pretty cool deal for the Giants, since the HoF game often features two teams with new head coaches.  The players may not like the extra game, but under the new CBA they need as many legal reps as they can get.  

Today, Ben McAdoo had a conference call with the media.   He said getting back to fundamentals is job one.   Well fixing the OL couldn't be more fundamental.   Hopefully, between FA and the draft we'll have reliable starters and quality depth.   They literally cannot do enough to replenish the OL this offseason.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers will return to action tonight against the Blackhawks. Big assignment for Cam Talbot.  JT Miller will be in the lineup, and far as anyone knows so will Callahan and Girardi.  It's important for the Rangers to get a point and, if possible, an outright win.   They literally can't afford to struggle coming out of this break.   They've been practicing a bit, so we'll see if that helped.   Let's go, Rangers.

Dan Girardi Update

Earlier today, it was rumored that Dan Girardi and the Rangers were just a half a million apart on a new deal.   While that would be ideal, pot stirrer Boomer Esiason has dropped Sami Vatanan's name.   Now, Sami, as you know if currently a Duck and is one of the better prospects in the NHL.  A few days ago, I saw a piece that said the Ducks were interested in Girardi.   Vatanan as part of a package for Girardi would certainly work, but if the Rangers and Girardi are really 500K apart, why not just keep him?  He has played really well after a tough start, and locking him up would scotch guard them a bit against the possible loss of Staal, whether because of health or free agency.    We'll have to wait and see.  

St. Louis Asking for Trade to the Rangers

So, according to Dreger and others Martin St. Louis, who has a full NMC wants to be traded to the Rangers and only the Rangers.  Okay.  Aren't we all already sick of old players stopping by NYR on their way to to HoF?   I'd think so, but if we're going to make another one of these dopey deals,  we have to take much better advantage of MSL no movement deal, and low ball the hell out of Tampa.  Otherwise, don't make the deal.  The price I've hear of Callahan and Skjei is ridiculous.  Cally maybe, but trading Skjei would be as dumb for us to do as trading McDonagh was for the Habs to do.   No deal.  If we do that we are taking no advantage of MSL's NMC and wasting future core.    Pass on this unless it's a 1 for 1 or scrubs for MSL.

Yanks Sign Colombian Teen

The Yanks today continued their recommitment to IFA by signing 17 year old Colombian, Juan Escorcia.   He's a rhp who's just 5'11.   They were able to make it official because he's already 17.  Apparently he hits 90 on the gun. That's not freakish, but people should remember Clemens was throwing 88 in HS.  Of course that doesn't mean he'll get bigger and throw harder, but he might, and it's good to see the Yanks getting after it, though this was probably a low dollar deal, as this kid doesn't even have YouTube proof of his existence.

Rangers Recall JT Miller

Man, he must be getting friendly with the train conductors by this point.   Either he or Dorsett will probably dress Thursday unless something happens between now and then.   He's been great in the AHL this year, making plays, scoring and fighting.    I hope they plan to play him.

Knicks Signing Earl Clark

The Knicks are apparently finalizing a deal with 6'10" tweener Earl Clark.    That ought to solve everything.   They supposedly have interest in Jimmer, too, for whenever his buyout is finished.  Not sure what's been wrong with Jimmer, but Woodson probably wouldn't solve it.

Ranger Stuff

Cam Talbot will start the game Thursday against the Blackhawks.  Beyond that, Pat Leonard is reporting a palpable sense of discomfort over the fates of Girardi and Callahan.   For awhile, I have thought Girardi would be kept and Callahan would be traded.  Didn't like the MSL rumors of the past few days.   The Rangers have had an odorous habit of sometimes trading young for old, and it needn't be revived when the best thing they do as an organization is make draft picks.  They should be trying to accrue more picks in any deals they make --- and not surrender them.   Ideally, they would still get youth and picks for anyone they end up trading.   Also, if there really a palpable sense of anything but excitement in the Ranger locker room, they should get these situations resolved before they effect actual games.

Yankee Grapefruit League Has Begun

Yanks are currently playing Florida State.   They're up 2-0.   JR Murphy, now John Ryan Murphy doubled, then scored when FSU didn't cover home on a pop-out.   Brett Gardner and Kelly Johnson were the only regulars playing at the start, and everyone got replaced after 1 AB.  Vidal Nuno pitched  2 scoreless.    But, they're back.

NHL Roster Freeze Ends

It's been almost 20 minutes, and Ryan Callahan is still a Ranger.   Seriously, Boomer Esiason almost broke my twitter this weekend with his game of "I know something I won't tell you."   Pretty childish.   Anyway, though I still think they'll trade Callahan, I think it will be closer to the deadline.   Now watch me wake up on Pacific Time tomorrow and find that all hell has broken loose with the Ranger roster.    Let's just say, they better not be trading for old, and they better be getting back young pieces.  Btw, Cally's replacement, JT Miller got into another AHL fight yesterday...  Sandpaper, I tell ya!

Yanks Extend Gardner

In an example of how they should handle their own, the Yanks are apparently wrapping up a 4 year extension with super defender Brett Gardner.   The deal appears to have a 1 year option at the end of  it and will take him to age 36 or 37.   The Yanks should NEVER make a deal that goes past 36 or 37. He's still duplicative with Ellsbury, but those two can cover some ground in left and right.  I think the annual number is 12.5 in the deal so he'll still be pretty tradeable unless he gets hurt.     I wonder if the still would have signed Ellsbury if they knew something sane like this was possible with Gardy.

Yanks Sign Andrew Bailey

The Yanks have just come to terms with RHP Andrew Bailey.   Bailey, who will turn 30 in May, will join a Yankee bullpen that may or may not be in need of stabilization.  Perhaps he can help provide it.  And now Jacoby will know someone in the clubhouse.    Now let's see if they work on the infield.

This Week on the Blog 2/23-2/29

Should be yet another fun week on the Blog.

Rangers:  They will return with either 1 or two Gold Medalists.   They'll also have to hit the ice skating hard for the playoffs, and decide what to do about Callahan, Girardi and the other possible free agents.  They may also have to call up a kid to cover for MZA, though Dorsett may be well by Thursday.   Using Dorsett instead of one of the kids would shorten the talent level.  

Yankees:  They may continue to try to sign Almedys Diaz or trade for Nick Franklin or both.  At the same time they will continue training and begin playing games on Tuesday.  Let's hope there are no more injuries or health setbacks.

Giants:  As of today, it didn't sound like they think they'll lock up any of their own before FA Starts.  Meanwhile, even though the cap is going up to 132M, the Giants still need to find more room, because they require so many replacement players.  There were articles saying they wouldn't extend Eli, but that makes a ton of sense.

Knicks:  They've bought out Udrih and Metta World Peace.   What else can they do without really fixing anything?

Tyler Austin's Wrist Acts Up...Again

Tyler Austin, whom Brian Cashman referred to as an elite prospect before wrist troubles ruined his 2013 season, is out again with wrist problems.   You have to wonder, at this point, if wrist surgery would have saved time.   Tyler is a guy who still needs a lot of defensive reps, though, when healthy his bat should play anywhere they put him.   But he just hasn't been healthy and that's one of the reasons estimations of the Yanks farm have lessened.   So, get healthy, Tyler.  We need you.

Reese Speaks

Jerry Reese gave his annual combine presser this morning, and didn't really break any news.  He said he expected Tuck, Beason, Joseph and all the other potential FA's to hit free agency, so he's not forecasting any preemptive deals.    Meanwhile, John Clayton says the salary cap will rise to 132M up from 123M last season.   That should help the Giants who will need a plethora of new players.   Reese did indicate that there would be a lot of roster turnover.

Meanwhile, on the field, Zack Martin didn't run but looked good in the drills. Bitonio also looked good in the drills.  Lewan had a great day, but he's not on my board because he looks better in shorts than on tape and because of his off field stuff.   Yankey had a slow 40 and an average work out.  Also, with great workouts by Robinson and Lewan could Matthews be falling?  That would be cool.

On the TE side, Ebron and Amaro showed great speed for their respective sizes, though Ebron tweaked a hammy on his second run.  Troy Niklas didn't run.   What was with the ND guys not running today?

Knicks Buying out Metta and Udrih?

Wouldn't it have been cheaper to fire the coach?   Holy crap.  The Knicks are in the process of buying out two of what looked like their better buys from last summer.   Losing as the do, Coach Woodson just couldn't find time for them.  Bizarre.   But that's the team we root for.     What a wasted year.

Nick Franklin?

The Yanks are rumored to be talking to the Mariners about their deposed 2B Nick Franklin.  If the price is right, this would not be a bad move at all.  The kids is just 22 and can play.  Plus he has a bit of a stadium swing.  In fact, if he was on my team already, I wouldn't spend 240 on Cano.  Actually, even if he wasn't I wouldn't have given an over 30 player  a ten year deal.    It would be good if they could make this happen.

No word on Diaz yet.

Giants Give Coughlin Another Year

The Giants today did what they always do and gave an otherwise lame duck coach a one year extension.  This is fine and removes the cloud from over his head, while at the same time, not blocking the Giants from promoting one of the assistants if they they feel like making a move after this season.  All and all the smart thing to do.  If memory serves, he's won a SB each time he's been in this position with the Giants before.   So that's something to look forward to.

Giants and Tuck to Meet Today

If there is justice, this guy will finish his career as a Giant.   They can't pay for what he did over the last 6 games, though.  He'd been quiet for a couple of years before that.   Hopefully, they can work something out.   He was arguably the best player on the field in our last two Super Bowls.

Diaz and Despaigne Work out for Yanks

Cuban defectors, SS Almedys Garcia and RHP Odrisamer Despaigne are working out for the Yanks at their minor league complex in Tampa today.   I guess if they like what they see they will sign one or both of them.   Garcia has gotten more pub, I'd assume that's because he's the better prospect, but who knows?  It's been said that Garcia wants to sign by the weekend.   At this point, the remaining FA's whether foreign or domestic have to be feeling they should be in camp.

Knicks Stand Pat at the Deadline

The Knicks had to change going into the trade deadline.   The deadline came and went and they still have to change.  They don't have a coach who can win, a pg who can maximize the talent around him, or enough talent around Carmelo Anthony to get anywhere even with a real PG and coach.    They have two young players worth keeping in Hardaway and Tyler and nothing else.     This a franchise in meltdown and there won't be much more to say about them till July.

Yanks Among a Number of Teams Talking to Diaz

Today was the first day Cuban SS Almedys Diaz was allowed to sign with an MLB team.  There are reportedly 7 teams, including the Yankees, in the mix.   Scouting reports have varied on this guy, but if the Yanks are in it, they ought to win it.   Who knows how many games Jeter will be able to play without getting hurt, and it would be good to have someone ready, also, going forward as the Yanks best minor league SS's are just hoping to play low A this year and are thus, years away.  Go Yanks.

Giants To Meet with Joel Bitonio

Now this guy I like much more than the Lewan projections I was reading.   Bitonio played OLT at Nevada but can play all four spots, just like Pugh and some of the other guys I like for the Giants in the draft. I haven't seen his combine measurements yet, but I'm not worried.  He can run block really well and gets out on the second level, pulling and trapping with ease.  Doesn't get extended and can mirror and slide like a pro against the pass rush.   Like Pugh he's got surprisingly good feet.   We'll see how big he is later today, most likely.   But, he along with Zack Martin, and David Yankey are three of my favorites for the Giants and I like to see them get two from that group.

Giants Beware!

I like Mike Mayock.   I think he is often spot on in his analysis of tape and of the draft.  Because of this, my jaw dropped when he said the Giants should jump on Michigan LT Taylor Lewan in the first round of May's draft.   Now, I understand that Mayock talks to scouts and coaches as well as looking at tape, but in this case, I think he only listened to people and didn't perform his due diligence.   Simply put, Lewan is unimpressive on tape.   You'll see him take false steps, reach, fall down on the move, etc.  All the stuff you don't want to see on a first rounder's tape.   And he's not some physical powerhouse that you can coach up.  I mean, you might be able to coach him up, but I've seen Prince Shembo, an ND LB absolutely knock him around and he has maybe 60 pounds on Shembo.   So, he's no Jumbo Elliot.  And when you're not that physically impressive, you have to be technical smooth and sound.   No such luck with Lewan.  He unnecessarily grabs face masks on a fairly regular basis, and it costs his team.  He couldn't get away with that in the NFL.

Both Zack Martin and David Yankee have better game tape.  Heck, Nevada's Joel Bitonio, who may be a third rounder looks like a better bet on tape.    So I don't know what Mayock is thinking.

And if the tape isn't bad enough, because you love the Michigan brand, the kid has been implicated in  making threats against a female student who was either raped or assaulted by a friend of his, and also in the beating of a man outside an Arizona bar in November.  He hasn't been arrested, nor is he in jail, but two different people in two different states have picked him out as a bad guy.

We'll see what happens going forward, but the Giants should steer clear of this guy who is a bully off the field, but not on it.

Knicks at the Deadline

The Knicks have about 24 hours left to make a trade.  Of course, they could have all the time in the world but without assets there's nothing they could get done.  And they haven't even changed their coach yet, so you have to wonder if they're just tossing this year, altogether.  They play like they are.   Tyler and Hardaway Jr are about the only untouchables.  I'd keep Melo, too, unless his trade presented a quicker way to contend.   It's unlikely that it would.  Strangely, of the four teams we cover,  only our Rangers have been good at liquidating assets, having done really well for Gomez and reasonably well for Gaborik.   The Giants and Yanks tend to wait too long.   The Knicks have been horrible.   Glen Rice...

Yankees Open Full Camp

So, everyone is now at Yankee camp and the full team workouts are beginning today.   As expected, and indeed, scheduled, Derek Jeter addressed the media about his planned retirement.  Regarding his legacy he said that being a Yankee was enough for him.  That's what the all-time Yankee SS should say.   I actually think we'll see more of that going forward as we now have a generation of young players who grew up idolizing the Captain.

In tangential Yankee news Almedys Diaz is allowed to sign with an MLB team starting tomorrow.   Will it be the Yanks?  Who knows?

Zuccarello Breaks His Hand

During the Norway vs. Canada game,  Ranger forward Mats Zuccarello broke his hand. This could be  a four week injury and who knows how long it would then take to get him up to speed.  Fortunately, JT Miller is tearing up the AHL and Jesper Fast is also looking ready to help.   This is the tough part about this Olympic tourney -- MZA has been our best forward most nights and a key to our much improved power play.

Giants Begin Talks With Beason

The Giants have reportedly begun talks with their best LB, Jon Beason.   Over the years, I've noticed that by the time the Giants acknowledge something, they are usually a littler further down the track than where they are starting the story.  That would make some sense.  Hopefully, so will Beason's new deal.  He was productive, but those knees are scary.

McDonagh Scores

Ryan McDonagh was one of the goal scorers for the USA today.   His acquisition, while he was still a collegian, in the Gomez trade, will continue to go down as one of the the best deals Sather has made in his years of control.   If he's going to trade Ryan Callahan, he must, must, must, get a young future piece of core in the take back.   Since joining the Rangers, McD has become the very model of what the Rangers want on D, great skaters with speed and strength.   They drafted Brady Skjei because he reminded them of McD and they got John Moore in the Gaborik trade because he has some of the same qualities McD does.  If there are more guys like McD in this year's draft, they could take another.

Meanwhile, Hagelin got banged up in Switzerland's win.  Says he's going to keep playing, but that's the downside of the in season Olympics - you can get your guys hurt.  Hank was good again and we need him to stay hot when he gets back.

There was no news on the Cally or Girardi fronts this past week, and with nothing happening it's hard to predict something will this week.

This Week on the Blog 2/16-2/22

Should be another interesting week on the blog.


Yankees:  The rest of the team, including Ellsbury and Beltran are due in by the official start of camp on Wednesday.    Some interesting tidbits should come out of the workouts.  They could also opt to make a deal for an infielder at any time.   What's more, we could learn more about their international plan.

Giants:  Giants are still allowed to work on deals for their imminent free agents as well as rejigger their cap for the start of free agency.  So we could hear about a deal or two or nothing.

Rangers:  Nothing moved on the Girardi or Callahan fronts this past week according to their agents, but that could change this week, though no trades can be made till the Olympic freeze is over.  But that won't stop JT Miller and others who are pounding on the door, so maybe we'll do some prospect talk.

Knicks:  The Knicks must change.  That could start after the all star break, or as soon as Monday.

Should be fun.

Yanks' Banuelos Trying to Bounce Back

Manny Banuelos, whom Mariano Rivera once intimated was the best young pitcher he had ever seen, is healthy again and back in Yankee camp.  Manny will turn 23 shortly, and will be trying to catch on as the fifth starter or a reliever.  Neither event is really likely for the simple reason Manny has to be stretched out.  He still hasn't built up the innings to be counted on over a season, and jumping them to fast could lead to more injuries.  And using Manny in the major league pen would mean he still wouldn't be building up his innings.  The best bet for Manny is to go to AAA, build his innings and get back to being the dominant pitcher he was before his velo jumped, his command sunk and he got hurt.  Good to have him back, though, and no need to rush him.

Yankees: Pitchers and Catchers Report

Figure I've posted Tanaka enough, and CC and Pineda are both skinnier than the pictures of them I posses, so here's McCann.   A lot of Yankee fans are psyched about this guy.  While I hope he does well, and becomes the patient hitter he was early in his career, I still would have used JR Murphy and one of Cervelli or Romine to build the bridge to Gary Sanchez.   But that's me.  The big story will be Tanaka, and probably CC and Pineda.  Though if Phelps or Warren or Nuno set the world on fire, they could be.  I'll be interested to see if Betances can grab a spot in the bullpen or if any of the other young arms can.  And of course the competition between Cervelli, Murphy and Romine to back up McCann should be interesting. I hope Murphy wins. I'm tired of the other two. I believe Sanchez is also invited to big league camp, maybe he can flash.

The rest of camp opens next Wednesday, but a lot of the players are already there, so the new cycle should really get going. It was 10 years ago today that ARod to the Yanks broke...

Yanks Watch Almedys Diaz

The Yanks were reportedly on the scene for the workout by Cuban SS Almedys Diaz today.   He can't be signed till next Thursday. He's already 23 and will be 24 this year and I'm not sure whether or not he is covered under the ever changing international rules.  I don't believe Omar Luis counted against the pool. Opinions seem to vary on what Diaz is and his upside. He did OPS over .900 before defecting, so it seems like he might be able to hit a little over here. We'll see what the Yanks do.  They need to add young talent any way they and anywhere they can.

Yanks Gone Wild

Kylie McDaniel, over at Scout, is reporting that the Yankees have already committed 12M dollars to July 2 IFA targets including Dominican SS/3B Dermis Garcia. All of the ones he posted in his free article yesterday are position players http://sbb.scout.com/2/1375072.html, so while he's positing that another 8m in spending is on the way, we'd expect a lot of that to go into pitching. This is, of course, what the Yankees should have done all along, but, now they've waited so long that there will be penalties for doing it. They are all financial, though, so no loss of draft picks or anything. They lost enough of those already because they don't have the MLB ready high upside prospects they'll hope to develop out of these foreign kids.

I'd argue and did that they probably could have used JR Murphy and Cervelli and Romine this year instead of throwing money and a pick at McCann, but spilt milk is spilt milk. I hope they give Murphy reps at C and the corners in camp, because I'd rather have him on the team than Cervelli or Romine.  Btw, I'm  still surprised the Yanks haven't made a trade yet, with players like Cervelli, Nunez and even Gardy still around.  We'll see if they do.

I've also been told that the Yanks still expect to have a big draft -- and this is even though they don't pick till the third round or something. We'll see if there plan is to go big there, because those violations do come with pick penalties. But it's nice to see them finally throwing bigger money at the talent pipeline.  

Jeter Says 2014 is His Finale

Holy Crap.  Derek Jeter has spoken and says 2014 will be his final season.   And this will be the last vestige of the `90s dynasty, unless you count Girardi being the manager -- if he still is -- in 20015.  I think DJ might have played longer had he not lost so much time to injuries.  He had been ahead of Pete Rose's hits pace, but now he'd have to play much longer and he's in a good spot as it is.  So let's savor the last season of the all-time Yankee shortstop.   I hope they do whatever's possible to get him one more ring.  The best draft pick the Yankees ever made.

Tanaka Time

They are currently introducing Tanaka a the stadium and this feels big.  It's very reminiscent of the international flavor of the Matsui presser and the excitement is palpable.   He's a little thicker, and more solid than he appears in action.    And his 195K flight from Japan was awesome.   Let's hope he's as great as the hub-bub is.  Pitchers and Catchers officially report Friday, but most of them are already there.    This is getting pretty exciting -- but let's add an infielder.

Why Batman Vs. Superman Would Be 15 Seconds Long - Or Less

There's a lot of buzz in the media about a Warner Bros. project known as Batman vs. Superman.  Really?  It would be the shortest movie they ever made.   There's a meme around our half smart that Batman could somehow actually fight Superman or even beat Superman.  People who think so are stupid and here are some reasons why.

*Superman is a super humanoid from another planet, Batman is a millionaire in tights.

*Superman is, by court precedent (NP vs. Fawcett) the most powerful being in comics.  Batman is still just a millionaire in tights.

*Among Superman's many abilities is heat ray vision.  In less than 15 seconds he could focus that on Batman and kill him.

*Among Superman's many abilities is x-ray vision.  If he was cruel, and he is not, he could focus that on Batman and give him a slow agonizing death.

*Among Superman's many abilities is super cold breath.  He could literally freeze Batman to death in 15 seconds or less.

*Superman also has super speed.  And genii, that means that Superman could get to Batman and nullify him before he could even open his lead box full of kryptonite.

*Superman also has super strength, which combined with his super speed, could create a punch so massive and powerful it would kill Batman instantly.

*Superman could squeeze Batman to death.

*Superman could pull Batman's head off.

* Superman can also fly.  He could easily grab Batman by the cape and fly him up where Batman would suffocate.  

*Superman could also drop Batman from an unsurvivable height.

*Superman could also drop enormous and unsurvivable objects on Batman.

*Superman can also run or fly around Batman at such a rate that all air would leave Batman's body and he'd crumble like a an aluminum can in a vacuum tube.

*Superman could also just pick him up and throw him into the sun.

*In fact Batman only lives by Superman's grace.  It takes a massive conceit to think he brings anything to their punishment or that he could even land a punch or even a Bat-a-rang in a dust up with the Kryptonian.

*In short, there are dozens of irresistible ways that Superman can kill Batman.

And with Ben Affleck scheduled to play Batman in the purported project, Superman might just feel like it.

Yankees: The Big Enigma

The big question is who will be the Yankees #5 starter.  The big enigma is Michael Pineda, who is one of the candidates.   As you'll recall, Pineda was acquired from Seattle a little over two years ago with visions of a current #2 and future ace dancing around the Yankee FO's heads.  Turns out he had a bad shoulder, and, thus far hasn't thrown a pitch for the big league club.

He did; however, pitch a bit in the minors last year before being shutdown for no identifiable reason.  Early word out of Tampa is that he is in great shape (hearing that about CC, too) and could finally be ready to pitch for the Yanks.  That would be huge.  This is a guy who has shown signs of dominance before injury.  We'll have to see where his velo is.   Marchand and Matthews have it as 94/5, while it used to be 97 and higher.   We'll see if if can come all the way back, but 94/5 is something he can work with, hopefully, if that's all he ever recovers.

Speaking of 94/5 both Phelps and Warren have hit that in games, though they generally work a bit lower and will be in the mix for the 5th spot and long man roles.  Phelps and Warren were both pretty good college picks, and Phelps, especially has looked like someone who might have a good career was a starter, and might even be some NL teams' number 3 someday.   I don't think the Yanks would let him be a number three, but he sure has pitched with some poise so far.   Warren has had a little less, though has shown some innings of clarity.   I think he's most likely for long man of AAA.   I think #5 is really between Pineda and Phelps.   If Phelps or Pineda loses, they should actually go to AAA to stay stretched out in case one of the starters needs time off.   Warren would then be the long man.

I hope they don't try to turn any of them into short relievers after that worked so well with Hughes and Joba (rolls eyes).

Tanaka Has Landed

The Yanks will do one of those great Yankee Stadium pressers tomorrow to introduce Masahiro Tanaka to the press and the the fan base.   I haven't been this excited about a player intro since Tex, though that's fallen a little short, and haven't been this excited about a pitcher since Contreras, though that fell even shorter.   Don't get me wrong, I was excited about CC when he finally became a Yank, but I had argued the previous year that the Yanks should wait for CC instead of trading for Johan Santana.  So when CC finally arrived, I was relieved more than anything else.

Darrell Rasner, the ex-Yankee AAAA pitcher, was quoted in the paper today saying the Tanaka was strong, and that his stuff would play up because MLB mounds are so much harder than Japanese mounds, which he said, were essentially sand.   That was a tantalizing thought.   So I really can't wait to see how good this guy can be.

The comps we always here is to a younger Kuroda, but with a knockout split.   That's sort of a different package than Kuroda.  I don't think we'll have a real comp for a season or two.  We'll have to see where his K's, BB's and GB's are.  He didn't have a great K rate in Japan, but I think he will over here, since guys strike out more often.  We'll have to wait and see though.

I hope he can pitch effectively to both righties and lefties.  That was a bit of an adventure with El Duque for awhile (btw, El Duque is among my top 3 favorite Yankee starters that I have seen), so hopefully Tanaka will come prepared with a solution for each.

I do think Tanaka will drive attendance.  Not sure if it will be to Fernandomania or Nomomania levels, and I'm not really sure that sort of continued mania is possible in NYC.  Also, he'll have to dominate out of the gate to get it going, and the organization is definitely soft peddling that prospect.

And of course, attendance will be down unless CC,  Kuroda and Nova and whoever else is in the rotation can pitch well enough to make the Tanaka starts matter.   Yankee fans are not Cub fans, and they just won't show for a team that doesn't also show.  Having said that, at the new Stadium, they have always had some empty seats.  The Yanks would be thrilled if Tanaka or the team finally filled those.  

Later, I might write something about the #5 spot.

Yankees Farm: The Cupboard is Never Really Bare

Last year, because of injuries and regression, the Yankee farm system stalled, and fell down the rankings.   But, the truth is: so what?    Both prospect rankings and system rankings are unscientific and specious conversation themes and little else.  The Yankee farm will either produce Yankees or it won't.   In the past, I've seen 3 times when it was thought to be bare but still produced, Guidry, Mattingly, Cano and Chien Ming Wang.   That's four all stars, one likely Hall of Famer,  2 just misses and a valuable starter who was ruined by inter league.

So, even though we have righteously complained about player and pitcher development that has seen high end prospects flame out at or before the major league level, doesn't mean there aren't still some Yankees hiding in the wreckage.

I posted a picture of Dellin Betances because I think he will help this year, and also because I don't think I have a picture of Jose Pirela.   Meanwhile, Pirela went off this year in the Venezuelan league (which, btw, the Yanks weren't letting players participate in for a few years during Venezuelan unrest).   Though it doesn't get a lot of media attention, winter ball has and should play a big part in player development.    Stars, including Mariano Rivera have first revealed themselves there.   So don't necessarily poo poo Pirela for doing it in a foreign league.  When he was a teenager, his bat was always compared to Cano's, and it played like his this winter.    He could well be a surprise in camp.   Now, he doesn't have Cano's glove, but, remember, the Yanks won a couple of pennants with Soriano playing 2B, and he couldn't turn a DP to save his life.

Further, though some were hoping to see Newman and possibly even Damon Oppenheimer replaced, the Yanks opted to keep both in their jobs.  What they did change was a lot of the player development personnel below the two executives.   To wit, they added a miniro league stat guru, they added and OF and base running coordinator, they promoted the Charleston coaching staff to Tampa and replaced the Charleston coaches, added both domestic amateur and international scouts, and they brought back Trey Hillman.

Longtime readers of the blog know that I am a big fan of Trey Hillman and had wanted him to be the manager of the Yanks before Torre was even dismissed.    Both he and Gil Patterson were around the Yankee system when it was productive (just before Lin Garrett and George Steinbrenner turned the draft into non tool for a period of years).   Hillman will help.   He is simpatico with preaching plate discipline and how to be a Yankee.

Back to the cupboard talk, and, it's not just guys like Betances and Pirela and JR Murphy who could give the Yanks a boost from the farm this year.   Ronnie Mustelier and Adonis Garcia and Corben Joseph could, too.  Even JRam could, if they idiotically make him a reliever.

So, while the farm should benefit from the changes that were made this offseason, it's never too soon to expect some help from the farm, and maybe one, two or three of them might even turn out to be core.   Betances and Murphy sure have a chance, and Pirela deserves one.

This Week On The Blog 2/9-2/15

Interesting week on the blog coming right up.  Three of the teams will be busy, while the Rangers are off, but 7 of them will be playing in the Olympics.

Yankees:  The Yankees will introduce Tanaka and a Tuesday press event.  Then the pitchers and catchers who aren't already in Tampa will start reporting.  I could still see a trade happening, maybe around Valentine's Day.  And I still owe you a post on the prospects.

Giants:  The Giants have to continue their scouting, and do their salary cap and internal free agency work.  They have an enormous job to do this offseason, and it could start this week.

Knicks:  Knicks could dump Woodson this week.  It's also being reported that the Knicks are looking for a Rajon Rondo blockbuster.   Yikes.   I'm down with switching coaches, though.

Rangers:  The Rangers are off.  I think contracts can still be negotiated, but no trades can be made till after the Olympic break.

So all and all an interesting week, with the Knicks most apparently ready for an explosive move or two.    Have a great one!

Ranger Win by Way of Shootout

Richards had a big goal in the shootout, but was once again on the ice when the other team scored late in the third.  Tonight it just tied it, last night it lost the game for the Rangers.   Benoit Pouliot had two goals in regulation and Dan Giradi had the other, and Hank was good enough to make those hold up, but the guys in front of him weren't.    This was the last game before the Olympic break and the Rangers ended in on a sort of high note.   A win in regulation would have been better.  Meanwhile, no Callahan deal has been made either to keep him or trade him, so this could drag on.   We'll see.  The Rangers have really picked it up over the past 30 games or so, and that's got to be encouraging to the fan base.   Let's hope no one gets hurt in the Olympics.   Let's go, Rangers.

Rangers Tonight

The Rangers take on the Oilers tonight in their second to last game before the break.  And they've got to keep it going.   I think it might be Talbot tonight, and they've also got to get back to playing well in front of him, which they didn't last time.    Meanwhile, there's been no Callahan news, other than that he was back on the power play during practice this morning.  The PP itself has been kind of flat lately and it would be nice if that was straightened back out before the break.   Big game, must win.  Let's go, Rangers.

Woodson On The Way Out?

There are reports all over the web this morning asserting that Mike Woodson could be out as the Knicks coach by the NBA trade deadline.   Um, why wait?   It's not like they have to spend any time prying him off his seat or legally disentangling themselves from his contract.  So why is this being pushed into the future.   Losing to the Bucks, among other no shows this year should be reason enough.   There have been no consequences, so why should any be expected by the deadline?

Rangers Win!

Ryan Callahan had 2 goals and an assist, as the Rangers steamrolled the Avs tonight at the Garden.  They gave up just on goal, in the second, to make it 2-1, but then Stralman, my other trade piece, scored his first of the year within about a minute.  This Ranger team has been doing that lately -- answering, and they did it again tonight.  Then they had to kill off a 5-3 toward the end for the second and Hank and the kill were spectacular.   Brassard and Richards scored in the third to make in 5-1 and 4 in a row.   Huge win.  I'll remind you that the Rangers did have 3 days off between games, and Colorado did play last night, but a heck of a win.  

We'll see what happens with Callahan.  It's great that he had a big game, but that shouldn't cause the Rangers to add dollars or years.   Hopefully, it will make whoever he's traded to overpay.   It's already North of where I'd be comfortable.

Edmonton is next.  Let's go Rangers.

Callahan Wanted More?

Nothing has changed between Ryan Callahan and the Rangers thus far, but word seems to be that Callahan's original contract demand was closer to 7/49 than 7/42.    That's just a crazy starting point, and 6/36 would be a crazy compromise point for the Rangers.  Much as this would be emotionally difficult, the smart move is to trade him (assuming Sather can get a good deal).   He's just hurt too much and it seems AV doesn't have as much use for him as Torts did.    They can't pay a 3rd liner 6M per annum.   And they should even make a 5 year deal with a guy who gets hurt as much as Cally does.  Do they not remember Chris Drury?

Rangers Tonight

Congrats to Marc Staal, who just became a dad.    Meanwhile, he and the Rangers have too keep the effort up against the Avalanche tonight.  The Avs are among the teams that the Rangers have been scouting. Who knows if anything will happen trade wise before or after the game, they just have to focus on getting two more point and going into the Olympic bread on a high note.   Let's go, Rangers.

Farewell, Gravitas

Philip Seymour Hoffman very well might have been the greatest movie actor I've ever seen -- and  I've seen a shit-ton of movies.  His appearance in anything elevated it.  He was someone we were gonna believe when whoever he was playing said anything.   He had that presence.  He had gravitas.  Since we got punched yesterday, in thinking of PSH, I tried to think of other actors who've had what he'd been giving us.  I'm not really into comparing things, but I think I had to go back to Orson Wells and Charles Laughton to find anyone like Philip in that way.  Boom, you were with them. you wanted to see what their character would do.   Philip was like that.  The best movies aren't just good, they're fun.  He made them fun by making us believe and taking us along.   I think there are a lot of great actors right now Robert Downey Jr. is great, Matt Damon is, River Phoenix is, Amy Adams is , Jennifer Lawrence is, and there are others who or notably really good these days, too. We are lucky.  But we lost someone rare and irreplaceable yesterday, and movies are going to be less fun without him.

I haven't written much about pop culture on here in a few years, but this made me sad.   I'm grateful for what he gave.

Knicks Tonight

Iman Shumpert will be a game time decision as the Knicks travel to Milwaukee tonight.   Whether he can go or not, the rest of the guys have to play the full 48.   They're just not quite good enough to ease up, even with big leads.  Hardaway and Tyler have been impressive lately and must continue to evolve and not plateau or regress.   Still don't think it's the right coach.   But, go Knicks.

As the Cally Turns

The latest news is that Cally's agent has talked to one other club, but is working hard to keep the Rangers captain with the Rangers.     The belief seems to be that the Rangers are at 30 for 5 and Callahan wants 42 for 7.   I think the Rangers can't really afford to compromise here.  Giving Cally even 6 would haunt them as he breaks down and giving 6 million to a third line guy is already a little disturbing.

The priority here should be re-signing Girardi, who, after a shaky start in the new defense is once again playing like the machine we've known and loved.   Maybe he had an injury.   As I pointed out the Ranger system is long of forwards and short on high upside D's.   Keeping Girardi and trading Stralman is the way to go.

We'll see what happens.