- Hiroki Kuroda had a shaky start for the Yankees this afternoon, though he retired the first three batters in a row, he proceeded to give up three hits and three runs after. The relievers were more impressive today, with Soriano, Logan, Warren, and Rapada each striking out two. On the offensive side, Nick Swisher and Jose Gil doubled, and Russell Martin stole a base. (Box Score)
- Due to construction on the Scranton at PNC Field, the Yankees’ triple A affiliate won’t have a home this season, and Mike Ashmore has the news that they’ll temporarily be called the Empire State Yankees. They couldn’t have picked a cooler name.
- Today, It’s About the Money profiled my sleeper pick this spring training, Zoilo Almonte. While Chalker believes the switch hitter’s floor is a 4th outfielder, he also believes we a good season could push him into the major league team’s right field next year.
- Rob Abruzzese found a quote from Hamels following his start this weekend, and the southpaw was impressed with how nice the fans were. Either some fans have learned their lesson after Cliff Lee, or Florida Yankee fans are different from New York Yankee fans.
- Over at Pinstripe Alley, Frank Campagnola ponders if CC Sabathia could be the best starter the Yankees have seen in 40 years. He’s certainly in the running, assuming he can stay healthy for the rest of his contract.
- Also, today’s workout! Speaking of workouts, Joba Chamberlain will begin to throw breaking balls this Saturday, and advance to throwing them on the mound. Throwing breaking balls is a big test on a pitcher’s arm, so hopefully we don’t see any bad news this weekend.
- In non-Yankee news, Yu Darvish made his debut today and scouts were very impressed. Eno Sarris at FanGraphs has the video and analysis for you.
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6 Responses to Nightly Links: Empire State Yankees, Sabathia, Chamberlain
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TIQ IQ
Thank you for the mentions of our blog from time to time on the nightly links. We appreciate it.
Of course, I read you guys everyday.
Almonte going from AA to NY Yankees right fielder in a year re-defines optimism for me!
I think it’s less optimism and more neccesity. Most people assume Swisher won’t be back, which makes sense considering he is in his 30′s, is probably going to get a 5 year offer from someone, and the Yankees are on a budget. If that’s the case a cheap right field option is going to be hard to find because the free agent market for RF next year is awful. If they don’t sign someone, and can’t find a cheap trade option, Almonte could become a real possibilty even if it’s an awful choice.
With the Yankees stretching to get under 189 million we are likely going to see positions filled with players that have no buisness starting for us, simply because they will be cheap. It’s sad but a likely outcome. For at least the next couple of years the Yankees won’t be able to run the team like they have for years, which means some positions are going to drag the team down.
More likely scenario: Nunee in RF where his speed and shotgun arm would actually be an upgrade, and either Z-Lo or some journeyman one-year rental as the 4th man.
God I hope not! Both Nunez and Zolio would be god awful options in RF, neither one has the offense to be able to hold down RF.
The worst possible outcome would be a declining Jeter leading off, Romine hitting 7th, Gardner hitting 8th, and Nunez or Zoilo Almonte hitting 9th. I think that offense would miss the playoffs without question, even with a good pitching staff.
I understand the reason behind cutting payroll, but at this point I almost guarantee we miss the playoffs for at least one year because of it.