A few notable performances from the last two days:
1) Joba Chamberlain seems to be rounding into form, allowing just one run on four hits and five K’s in 3.1 innings. Although he still needs to do some work in regard to finishing off batters and reducing his pitch count, he seems to be about ready to slot into the 5th starter role. He needs a few more starts to get stretched out to 100 pitches, at which point the Yankees will use him sparingly over the first month to conserve his innings.
2) Jonathan Albaladejo, who will be the subject of a longer post at some point tomorrow, continued his excellent spring with 1.2 scoreless innings. The Yankees are going to have a number of relievers who may not make the team despite having MLB experience as well as excellent springs, with Albie and Dave Robertson leading that pack.
3) Edwar Ramirez and Jose Veras both faltered a bit, but neither looked poor enough to loosen their grip on a bullpen spot. Mariano Rivera was his dominant self, needing 12 pitches to retire the side.
4) Kei Igawa ended his hopeless bid for a roster spot, allowing one run on 4 hits and 4 walks in 2.2 innings. Have a nice season in Scranton, Kei.
5) Austin Jackson is hitting .324 and slugging .588 in spring training. If Gardner and Cabrera both falter, we may see Jackson before the end of this season. He tripled today, and looks to be a very exciting player. The Yankees may actually be alright in center field.
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6 Responses to Chamberlain, A-Jax, and Albaladejo Impress, Igawa Falters
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TIQ IQ
A-Jax looks good in ST but, the bible says; “Don’t go by stats in ST or Sept. call-ups”, ain’t you got no learning’s?
Realistically, he is ok but, with a year in AAA under his belt, we would have a better look at just what he is made of. One must remember he is an athlete just learning to play baseball…I wouldn’t rush him, give him a full year.
Im going by the at bats that I have seen in conjunction with the numbers- he looks a lot more comfortable and disciplined at the plate than I expected.
The other impressive thing here is that he has picked up steam as ST has progressed. A-Jax is seemingly pised for a big development year.
I think he may be ready in 2010, if this is not just an aberration. By the trading deadline we should know more. I was all for leaving him in AAA for all of 2009/2010 but, with his showing so far I may have been pessimistic (which is new for me). He looks to be following the mold of Brett…slow start, fast catch-up. If both pan out, it would be one hell of an OF for 2010 and beyond. A-Jax is showing better then I had seen of him last year in the games I saw, so basically…I must agree with you but still have a show me attitude with A-Jax and Brett both.
First I hope Austin Jackson is brought up after the trade deadline. I want him up for August and don’t go saying he needs development time in AAA. If he is to have a role on the 2010 team he needs to learn how to be a major league player without the other September call ups around. He needs to experience the travel the expectations all of it and he needs to get past the wonder of it all as well.
Albaladejo should be in the pen over Veras. I care more about throwing strikes then uncontrollable great stuff.
I just love that Igawa walked in that run with the bases loaded. That makes up for his good spring because it proves he’s the same old Igawa. I would like it if some national league team thought otherwise though.