Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Morneau Beats Jeet

The Yankee bashing continues as Justin Morneau takes the the 2006 MVP for the American League by a vote of 320 to 306 over the second place Derek Jeter. While Morneau had some impressive offensive numbers Derek was a more all around player. I have seen people arguing that if the Twins didn't have Justin they wouldn't have made the post season. Well, if Jeter went down the Yankees wouldn't have had a cake walk either. And besides this is the same argument that was used to justify MVP coming from losing teams. The MVP should be the best all around player. It can be argued that Jermaine Dye had a better year than Morneau.

If Jeter could win the Hank Aaron Award and the Silver Slugger, the hat trick should have all been locked up. All it took was one sixth place vote to do Jeter in. That vote was casted by Joe Cowley of the Sun Times. I ask any of you to name 5 players that deserved MVP before Jeter!! And why? Cowley was interviewed today by Mike and the Maddog, here is what he had to say to justify his vote. In all fairness to Morneau, he had a great year, but all around Jeter had a better one.

Derek may be #2 on the Yankees and #2 in the MVP voting but he is #1 in the eyes of the New York Fans.

Sunday, November 12, 2006

O-WRIGHT

Jarad Wright is once again with his mentor Leo Mazzone in Baltimore as the Yankees today traded the right handed disappointment for right handed reliever Chris Britton. The Yanks also send $4 Million to the Birds in the deal. Wright who seldom made it out of the 6th inning last season for the Yankees will be trying his luck in Baltimore. Jarad Wright pitched well down the stretch in 2006, going 6-2 after the All-Star break and 2-0 with a 2.95 ERA in three September starts. But his final start for New York came in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, when he was hit for four runs (three earned) in just 2 2/3 innings against the Tigers. The Yankees lost that game, 8-3, ending their postseason run much earlier than expected.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Reagan-Omics

Special Guest Blogger Kyle Reagan

"THE SHEFFIELD TRADE"

WOW!!!!...I'll be honest I had never heard of any of these guys two days ago...but the more I surf around the net here and read about this guy I am thrilled with what (Brian) Cash(man) pulled off. I don't think we can talk or project the other guys just yet- although both have been great so far in young careers...but Humberto Sanchez is THE goods.

The pundits are SHOCKED the Yankees were able to get him...Baseball America is now calling 'Hughes and Sanchez as maybe the top 1 and 2 pitching prospects in ALL of baseball.

"Gadzooks!!!

Doesn't hurt that when you add their ages (21 and 22) together they are still younger than Randy Johnson!!!!!!!!!!Great job, Cash...now, keep Humberto out of barroom fights!

Bronx kid...welcome home!

Check this out...the Tigers really didn;t want to trade this guy...but they are GOING FOR IT

This season Sanchez has had the breakout year that everyone has been waiting on. His potential has come to fruitition dominating the Arizona Fall League and dominating in his return to the AA Eastern League. He has had two starts in AAA and has kept up his blazing stuff blowing away International hitters. He is now knocking on the door of the big club.

AA Erie:
1.76 ERA 71.2 ip 47 h 17 R
14 ER 2 HR 27 BB 86 K


AAA Toledo:
0.71 ERA 12.2 IP 9 H 1 R
1 ER 0 HR 3 BB 12 K


As is visable from these numbers Humberto has continued to keep the ball in the yard BUT has thrown more strikes and has in turn dominated hitters. That improved control has also lowered the rate of hits given up. Likely due to the fact that he has been in great pitchers counts this season. Sanchez is now sitting at a 10.58 K/9ip with a 3.24 BB/9ip between AA and AAA. That is a good sign of things to come as K/BB is often a great indicator of future success.

So what does the future hold for Sanchez? The sky is really the limit. With his stuff and with him seemingly figuring it all out this season he could become an anchor on a pitching staff in the majors. Sanchez could also become a dominating bullpen arm, at this point though it seems he should get every shot at starting. There is a chance that Sanchez will be used as trade bait to help push the current club over the top. Part of me doubts that move given the fact that Dombrowski and the Tigers love power arms and Sanchez certainly fits the bill since a 92-94 mph sinker is almost unfair.

By the way...if Humberto is 230 pounds...I'm 165, RJPinstripes is 140 and Knux is a svelte 155.230, my behind...that dude is 270 if he's a pound! 6-6, 270- if pitching doesn't work out he can go replace (Jeremy) Shockey in the swamps (football Giants).

Sanchez has to pan out...Whelan better, and Claggett? well that would be nice...all in exchange for a future hall of famer.I like it at face value...time will tell, always does.