Poll Results: Few chose to watch MLB draft

The MLB draft doesn’t compare to the NFL’s or the NBA’s. It definitely has gained steam recently, but it’s not on the same level as the other two main sports. Fans corroborated that idea in my latest poll (see right).

I watched some, but it was hard to keep track of 50 rounds. Yes, 50. Here is a complete list of the Yankees’ 2011 draft picks, from Dante Bichette Jr. to Cody Stewart.

More info on Dante Bichette Jr.

The Yankees’ press release came in for Dante Bichette Jr. There are some good tidbits on Bichette in here, such as New York’s scouting projection, Little League World Series history and high school info.

“Dante is one of the guys in this draft we thought had an impact bat and the potential to hit for big power in the middle of the order,” said Damon Oppenheimer, Yankees Vice President of Amateur Scouting. “He’s someone with an advanced makeup and work ethic who possesses the desire and drive to be a special major leaguer.”

The right-handed batter was ranked by Baseball America as the 15^th-best overall player out of the state of Florida in this year’s draft. In 2005, Bichette participated in the Little League World Series with his Maitland, Fla. team.

The selection of Bichette marks the fourth straight year the Yankees have taken a high school player with their first selection in the First-Year Player Draft.

Dante Bichette Jr. not popular among Yankees bloggers & fans [Storify]

For the record, Dante Bichette Jr. is listed as a third baseman out of Orangewood Christian High School in Florida. The 18-year-old is 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds. See what several Yankees followers thought of the pick below.

Ambidextrous Yankees prospect Pat Venditte isn’t alone

Remember Pat Venditte? Check out ESPN Chicago for a video of Ryan Perez, an ambidextrous pitcher for Westminster Christian (via CC).

Perez can throw a fastball, changeup, cutter and curveball with both arms, and he's been clocked at 90 mph right-handed and 87 mph left-handed.

"To them, it's so weird," said Perez, whose father began teaching him to use both arms as a toddler. "To me, it's natural."

The question I have for both Perez and Venditte is this: Are you more valuable as an ambidextrous pitcher every game, or by saving one arm so you can pitch the next day? If the pitcher is good enough with both arms, then he becomes more valuable if he saves one arm so he can pitch more frequently. Am I right?

My plan for Jesus Montero in 2011

The Yankees have one of baseball’s top prospects in Jesus Montero, and this season is a pivotal part of his development. It’s the season that he’s expected to get major league playing time, but nobody knows how much he’ll get or whether he’ll start the year in Scranton or New York.

The plan for Montero will be made sometime toward the end of spring training, but we’re all getting anxious at this point and there’s no harm in thinking about how Montero’s season will play out now.

Before I get into my plan, I want to share what Brian Cashman said about Montero recently (my emphasis).

The minor leagues is (where you) work out your problems, and he’s certainly closing the gap. He’s not there yet, but he’s pretty damn close. We believe he’s better than some starting catchers, defensively, in the big leagues right now.

Keith Law’s Top 10 Yankees Prospects for 2011

ESPN’s Keith Law released his Top 100 prospects and Team-by-Team Top 10 Prospects today. Jesus Montero ranked as the fourth best prospect in all of baseball (first catcher), and Manny Banuelos ranked 12th (fourth pitcher).

Here are his top 10 Yankees prospects (h/t Jason@IIATMS)

1. Jesus Montero, C (4)
2. Manny Banuelos, LHP (12)
3. Gary Sanchez, C (68)
4. Dellin Betances, RHP (73)
5. Andrew Brackman, RHP (88)
6. Austin Romine, C
7. Graham Stoneburner, RHP
8. Slade Heathcott, OF
9. Hector Noesi, RHP
10. Adam Warren, RHP

Note how this list compares with Baseball America’s (they’re pretty similar).

Jesus Montero, Gary Sanchez, Manny Banuelos listed on MLB.com’s Top 50 prospects

In MLB.com’s Top 50 Prospects list for 2011, Jesus Montero ranked ninth, Gary Sanchez 32nd and Manny Banuelos 35th.

Montero is the top-ranked catcher on the list. Before the Yankees acquired Russell Martin, Montero was expected to assume the starting job in place of Jorge Posada. Now, he’ll likely have to work his way to the majors during the season.

Manny Banuelos scouting report

Jonathan Mayo gave a glowing scouting report for Manny Banuelos yesterday, listing him as the 10th best left-handed pitching prospect in baseball (my emphasis).

When Banuelos was forced out of action with appendicitis, he took the time and opportunity to focus on conditioning. The effects were noticeable when he returned, with more ticks on the fastball, for one thing. He commands it well, even though he's throwing it harder than he had previously. His other pitches -- a curve and changeup -- are also very good. All he really needs is experience and time to work on being able to throw all three consistently. He's only 20, and even if he's 5-foot-10, 155 pounds, he's got the stuff to be a front-line starter in the not-too-distant future.

Wow.

Ivan Nova struggling with the fifth inning

For some reason, the fifth inning has stumped Ivan Nova recently.

Keep in mind, six of those fifth-inning earned runs came in one start.

He’s 23 years old, which is not that young, and he didn’t have this problem in Triple-A.

I think he gets overconfident and loses his focus. And I don’t blame him!

He has quieted one of the best offenses in baseball, the Rays’, for the first four innings twice in a row! I’d be ecstatic and probably forget where I am.

But if I’m Joe Girardi, I continue to throw Nova into the fifth. If he doesn’t let him conquer his “fears” now, then when? Now is the best time, as a playoff berth is only a few wins away.

El Duque walks away … understandably!

I can’t believe this happened 10  days ago and I missed it, but I still need to alert you that Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez left Class AA Harrisburg where he was trying to work his way back to the majors with the Washington Nationals.

El Duque wanted to be a September call-up, but GM Mike Rizzo told him, “No.” That’s when he walked.

Sure, the Nationals probably have some young guns they want to test out before giving El Duque a shot. But guess what, he’s still got it at age 44!!!

Yup. He’s another ageless (literally) wonder. In 11 games and 15-2/3 IP, he’s allowed three earned runs (1.72 ERA, 0.96 WHIP).

Plus, he’s a crowd-pleaser.

So Cash, what are you waiting for?

Photo credit: Wknight94

Yankees news: Teixeira’s hot, Lilly, September call-ups

A few Yankees stories broke last night. Let’s jump right in:

• Mark Teixeira cranked his 30th homer last night, a three-run bomb to right, to lead the Yankees to a 9-3 win and sole possession of first place. Tex is five for his last six with two homers, four RBIs and five runs scored.
• The Yankees won the claim on Ted Lilly last night, the final time for waiver trades to be completed, but the Dodgers pulled him back. This makes you wonder how confident Brian Cashman is in the staff. If I’m in his position, I’m looking to nab Lilly too. A.J. Burnett surely is feeling the pressure.
• Via The Journal News, the first three Yankees’ September call-ups are Greg Golson, Chad Moeller and Jonathan Albaladejo (unofficially).

And for your entertainment, go ahead and click through to the seventh slide in this top 30 nicknames in MLB history slideshow (h/t Hot Clicks).

Is A-Rod’s DL stint a blessing in disguise?

How could the most expensive ballplayer make his team better by going on the DL? Alex Rodriguez was placed on the 15-day DL Saturday, but the Yankees haven’t lost once in 12 games with their star third baseman out of the lineup.

First, let’s take a closer look at those 12 games. There’s no way the Yankees could actually be a better team without a perennial All-Star, right?

Date	Opponent	Opponent Games Back	Opponent Starter ERA	Yankees Starter ERA	RS	RA
5/2	White Sox	6	5.30	1.44	12	3
5/28	Indians	10	3.69	2.70	8	2
6/11	Astros	10	3.18	2.46	4	3
6/12	Astros	11	5.60	5.43	9	3
6/13	Astros	11	6.32	3.11	9	5
6/15	Phillies	3.5	2.36	4.00	8	3
8/7	Red Sox	6	4.60	3.14	5	2
8/17	Tigers	11	3.77	3.12	6	2
8/18	Tigers	12	5.37	4.76	9	5
8/19	Tigers	12	5.76	3.90	11	5
8/21	Mariners	19.5	3.43	5.05	9	5
8/22	Mariners	20.5	4.57	3.02	10	0

The ERA stats may have something to do with it, but I think the biggest factor contributing to this odd streak of wins is the opponent. If you take the average of games behind the opposing team is in its division, it comes out to 11.04.

This is evidence that the Yankees aren’t necessarily a better team without A-Rod, but the teams they’ve faced haven’t been very challenging.

Of course, if you look at the Yankees upcoming schedule there aren’t many challenging teams. If he returns as soon as he’s eligible, he’ll miss five vs. Toronto, four vs. Oakland, three vs. the Chicago and he’s already missed two against the Mariners. The White Sox are the only team within five games of first place.

The Benefits of A-Rod’s Absence
Now we know the Yankees haven’t, and won’t be, facing a lot of competitive teams without A-Rod, let’s look at the bright side of his DL stint.

Super Nova Experiment: The only thing set in stone for Ivan Nova, the Yankees’ best starter in Triple-A this year, is he’ll make tonight’s start against the Blue Jays. After that, the plan for Nova is uncertain. Nova made one relief appearance for the Yanks earlier this year and I really liked what I saw. I love when the Yankees bring up new pitchers, and I’ll definitely be rooting for Nova tonight.

Cano’s MVP Chase: Robinson Cano isn’t the frontrunner for the MVP anymore with Miguel Cabrera and Josh Hamilton having the years they’re having. No matter what, Cano’s chances at the MVP Award are hurt because he plays for a team filled with All-Stars. Now that A-Rod is gone for a couple weeks, Cano will have a chance to prove he can put a team on his back. Yesterday’s game was a statement.

Grading Eduardo: Eduardo Nunez has started both games at third base since A-Rod went on the shelf, and he’s been solid in both. Nunez will likely stay on the 25-man roster through Aug. 31, meaning he’ll be eligible for the playoffs. If he proves his bat is worth having off the bench, he could possibly find himself a spot on the playoff roster. If not, at least the Yankees will have a better idea of what they’re getting from Nunez.

Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos scouting reports

MLB Fanhouse’s Frankie Piliere brings us scouting reports of two of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects: Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances. Coincidentally, Josh Norris of The Trentonian is reporting both have been promoted to Double-A.

Banuelos scouting report: Piliere gave the 19-year-old southpaw plenty of praise in his report. Most notably, he confirmed his sudden increase in velocity (from 90-92 last year, 93-96 this year). Piliere concludes the report saying, “If he can remain healthy and keep his shorter frame in check, he is a true front-of-the-rotation type pitcher.”

Betances scouting report: The major question with Betances is his health. Piliere wrote the sky is the limit for the 6-foot-8 right-hander as long as he can stay healthy. He throws mid-nineties with decent control, and Piliere compared him to Josh Beckett.

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This is obviously great news for the Yankees, as the organization is as strong as it has ever been from top to bottom. Just look at the Trention Thunder’s rotation, potentially, with these new additions:

1. Manny Banuelos
2. Dellin Betances
3. Hector Noesi
4. Andrew Brackman
5. Adam Warren

If you aren’t familiar with the Yankees’ prospects, Noesi and Brackman have had brilliant seasons thus far.

Consider this your mid-month Yankees minor league prospects report.

Harry Bright Featured Card of the Week

Harry Bright played 64 games for the Yankees in his career and was known more for his extensive minor league career — 14 different clubs, a near-.400 season and 1,752 career hits.

Bright played every position except pitcher and shortstop as a major leaguer, and played third base, right field and first base for the Yankees.

He had two at-bats in the 1963 World Series, but struck out both times.

NY-Penn League All-Star Game today

Are you in the Greater New York area? Are you looking for an enjoyable experience tonight? If you answered yes to both questions, head over to Richmond County Bank Ballpark in Staten Island tonight to see the New York-Penn League All-Star Game.

Check out this video package New York City’s local news station put together for the event. The stadium has prepared for this day for a couple years, so it’s sure to be a success.

I actually had a chance to cover this game as a credentialed blogger, but I couldn’t make it for work-related reasons.

Five members of the Staten Island Yankees were selected to the All-Star Game: Pitchers Mikey O’Brien, Preston Claiborne, and Chase Whitley, shortstop Jose Mojica and outfielder Eduardo Sosa.

For more information on the All-Star Game festivities, here’s part of the press release:

A home run derby, team autograph sessions, batting practice, memorabilia auctions, a cap giveaway and post-game fireworks will all be part of the full lineup of activities as the Staten Island Yankees host the New York-Penn League All-Star Game  at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark. 

For a ticket price of $16, fans will be treated to one of the greatest family values in sports this year. Gates open at 3:00pm to begin the day’s events.  For only $18 per ticket (in groups of 10 or more) fans can enjoy All-You-Can-Eat hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, soda, water and popcorn throughout the game. 

The best of the American League will take the field for batting practice followed by an autograph session. Next up, the best of the National League will take the field for batting practice and an autograph session where fans get their chance to meet the future stars of the MLB.  Fans will then be treated to a Home Run Derby starting at 5:45pm and first pitch is at 7:00pm. 

A limited edition Staten Island Yankees All-Star Game commemorative cap will be given away to all paid admissions and the 2009 New York Yankees World Series Trophy will be on display.

In addition to these pre-game activities, fans will be able to participate in three auctions. The first will involve the auctioning off of authentic New York Yankees signed memorabilia signed by such players as Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia and many more.  The second will see the All-Star jerseys auctioned right off the backs of the 2010 New York-Penn League All-Stars.  The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation will also auction off signed baseballs by former NYPL players currently in the major leagues.  The NYPL All-Star Game and a post-game fireworks show complete the night’s festivities.

The All-Star Game events begin with a VIP Meet and Greet Reception at the St. George Theatre on Monday, August 16^th at 6:00pm.  Seating is limited. Lucky fans in attendance will be the first to see the 2010 New York-Penn League All-Star Teams assembled together for the first time.  Fans will enjoy cocktails and dinner, provided by Centerplate, and a short program introducing the players and coaching staff.  The evening’s festivities will conclude with a musical tribute (by the Unexpected Boys) to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons featuring such unforgettable hits as Sherry, Walk Like a Man, Oh, What a Night, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and many more!  If you are interested in attending the All-Star VIP Reception please call Tom Conway at (718) 313-1308.

For those in the family that might not be the biggest baseball fan in the world, there will be plenty to do and see at the All-Star Game.  Mascot and fan favorite, Scooter, will be roaming the stadium with cohorts, Huck and Red, bringing smiles to kids of all ages.  There is also the Staten Island Advance Fun Zone out by left field with Tee-Ball, Skee-Ball, Face Painting, Moon Bounce, Speed Pitches, and more to add to the fun.  Just in case there may be a bit of energy left after all of that, kids can run the bases after the game, where Scooter will be there waiting to high-five them as they round third base.

Montero a hot topic after latest surge

Jesus Montero has made quite a stir on the Yankee blogosphere with his latest hitting tear for the Scranton Yanks. In his last three games, he has two homers, including a walk-off, five RBIs and nine hits.

The idea of a promotion to the bigs is being discussed on four of the biggest Yankees blogs:

• RAB: Posada’s achy shoulder could present a big problem
• IIATMS: Is it Time to Bring Up Montero?
• TYU: Stuck with Cervelli
• Was Watching: ‘Sado’s Shoulder Sore?

But perhaps the strongest advocator of calling up Montero came from a new blogger, Alex Taffet. He suggested the Yankees DFA Chad Gaudin to make room for Montero so he can be eligible for the postseason roster*. He argued Montero’s offensive upgrade over Francisco Cervelli outweighs Cervelli’s superior (but not by much) defense.

My Take:
Back in preseason, I predicted Montero would start 15 games this season. In order to do that, he’ll need to get called up pretty soon. I’ll stand by my prediction, and I expect he’ll be getting a phone call any day now — but not just because of my prediction.

Post All-Star break Montero is hitting .413/.473/.775 in 23 games. It seems he’s figured out Triple-A pitching and isn’t going to learn anything else there on the offensive end. I know, I know. It’s the defense that’s keeping him back. But I’ve been saying all along I think he’ll learn a ton about catching from the Yankees’ coaching staff (Joe Girardi and Tony Pena).

*To be eligible for the postseason roster, a player must be on the 25-man roster as of midnight on Aug. 31, or be on a MLB disabled list.

Piliere: Brackman making major progress

MLB Analyst and ex-scout Frankie Piliere had a chance to watch Andrew Brackman’s start last night in Trenton, and it seems he’s had a change of heart on the 24-year-old prospect.

Here’s the link to the full scouting report on Brackman, but stay here for a dumbed-down, quick recap.

Mechanics

• Using his 6-foot-10 frame, he’s releasing the ball closer to home than an average pitcher.
• He’s repeating his motion better than last year, but it’s not the same every time.
• Sometimes his arm comes around late, making it hard to stay on top of the baseball (resulting in high pitches).

Fastball

• Major improvement in velocity from last year. Averaged 94 mph, topped out at 97.
• Two-seamer had late life, needs to use it more.
• Needs to realize this is his most dominant pitch.

Curveball

• Inconsistent now, but Piliere believes Brackman will get a hang of it “eventually.” Grade: 7 (on 2-8 scale).
• A “true knee-buckler.” He uses his height to get an even bigger drop.

Changeup

• Averaged 85-88 mph, seemed comfortable throwing it.
• Induced lots of weak grounders.
• His biggest improvement, now considered a “complete three-pitch pitcher.”

Summary

• A new-found command in the strike zone.
• Easy-looking delivery.
• Top-of-the-rotation stuff.

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Brackman Link Dump

• Again, here’s the full report from Piliere at Fanhouse.
• Here’s the box score of the game he saw. The numbers aren’t nearly as good as the report.
• Brackman’s career statistics.
• Lastly, here’s Mike Ashmore’s report from last night’s game (with quotes from Brackman).

Brandon Laird impresses in Triple-A debut

This man is batting 1.000 in Triple-A.

His name is Brandon Laird. I spoke of him recently here on the blog. The post was about whether Chad Tracy was trapping Laird in Double-A. Well, a couple days after Tracy opted out of his contract, that question was answered as Laird got the call and had himself quite a debut for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

First AB: Solo homer to right
Second AB: Leadoff single
Third AB: Leadoff single, scored on Chad Huffman’s homer
Fourth AB: Two-out, solo homer to give his team the lead

Not. Too. Shabby.

Congrats to the 22-year-old, and check back here for more updates on this promising infielder.

When is it time to start freaking out about Berkman?

Not yet.

It’s only been two days! I admit, they were a pretty rough two days for Lance Berkman: 1-for-8 with a strikeout and a few sub-par defensive plays at first base yesterday.

But I have to stick up for this guy. At least for now.

He played 11 full seasons with the Astros, the team which drafted him in the 1st round of the 1997 amateur draft, played college ball at Rice University and was born and raised in Waco, Texas. He’s a lifelong Texan who will need a little bit of time getting acclimated in New York.

And that begins tonight, as he most likely will start as a DH tonight for the Yankees against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

If you don’t believe the “can’t handle the pressure of playing with the Yankees” card I just pulled, just read what he told a field of reporters after last night’s game:

“I told Andy (Pettitte) that several times over the past day and a half I’ve been about to burst into tears, literally,” Berkman said. “The emotion is incredible. I’ve never felt anything like it. It’s just weird. I’m thrilled to be here. This is a great opportunity…

It can fluster you a little bit. I’m sure a couple of weeks from now it won’t be a big deal, but at first there’s a lot of emotions, and there’s a lot of things that go through my mind. I’m dealing with it, and I think it will be great. I’m still excited about everything and wouldn’t change it, but it’s been a tough couple of days emotionally.”

I believe his words 100 percent — not a lot of players are that honest with the media — and I have a lot of respect for a guy who chose to continue his career outside his home state to pursue a championship. Check out the linked article above for more deep quotes from the Big Puma.

Then again, he did have a poor debut. So how long before I — and you — should start freaking out about the Berkman trade? Well, I don’t think I’ll ever be freaking out about this trade, unless Mark Melancon, the main piece of the trade from the Yankees side, becomes the next Mariano Rivera — highly doubtful.

If his slow start continues, for let’s say a couple more weeks, then I’ll push that he should be dropped in the order from the No. 2 spot. Some may have an even shorter leash on the aging slugger.

Lance Berkman likely to dawn pinstripes

Multiple reports swelled in around 4 p.m. today indicating the Yankees will net Astros switch-hitting first baseman/DH Lance Berkman before tomorrow’s trade deadline.

The deal isn’t final yet; money is still being discussed. The Yankees will be sending non-prospect minor leaguers in return, according to Ken Davidoff. I’d assume that means no Jesus Montero or Andrew Brackman.

The 34-year-old is definitely past his prime, but he’s still got a little life left in his bat. Here are his career stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.

One column to pay attention to is his OBP. Despite a major decline in BA, his OBP has remained quite high. Daily news reporter Jesse Spector compared Berkman to a switch-hitting Nick Johnson. Hard to disagree with that.

As far as I’m concerned, he fits perfectly into the lineup at the DH and can spell Mark Teixeira when necessary. I like the move, just as long as the Yankees don’t give away any minor leaguers whom I really like.